Saturday, May 31, 2014
Obama trades 5 Gitmo Taliban for US POW in Afghanistan
Paging Carrie Mathison. Has anybody in the Obama Administration seen the first season of "Homeland"? I'd keep a close eye on Sgt. Bowe S. Bergdahl if I were you.
Bergdahl freed; Obama trades 5 Gitmo Taliban for Idaho paratrooper | Human Events
Bergdahl freed; Obama trades 5 Gitmo Taliban for Idaho paratrooper | Human Events
Friday, May 30, 2014
Congressman Jim Gerlach statement on VA Secretary Shinseki's resignation
"General Shinseki clearly understands the importance of having leaders who are accountable, and I believe he made the appropriate decision to resign. We are grateful for his tremendous valor while serving in Vietnam and thank him for his dedicated career of service to our country. While a change in personnel at the VA certainly is necessary given the inexcusable delays in providing medical care to our veterans and deceptive manipulation of records, there also must be a fundamental change in the culture at the VA. That change can occur only if the President demonstrates leadership and insists that everyone at the VA be accountable to our veterans, their families and taxpayers.
I know that the vast majority of VA employees are dedicated to serving veterans and their families and work hard every day to do just that. But without serious reforms throughout the VA system, the exemplary efforts of the majority will be overshadowed by those who game the system and put their self-interests ahead of the interests of our veterans. In the House, my colleagues and I already have acted on several fronts to ensure that our veterans have access to the high-quality medical care they've earned and to give the VA Secretary the flexibility all managers need to fire those who are not doing their job before they destroy the morale of competent co-workers and cause harm to our veterans. I am hopeful the leaders of the U.S. Senate and the President will join with us in these efforts."
Obama Propaganda Minister Jay Carney Steps Down
Shinseki, Carney resign | Human Events
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Columnist: A desperate president spews bitterness, pessimism
You wanted hope and change? You picked the wrong man in Barack Obama.
JOSEPH CURL: A desperate president spews bitterness, pessimism - Washington Times
JOSEPH CURL: A desperate president spews bitterness, pessimism - Washington Times
Pentagon memo outlines Obama plan to use the military against US citizens
Our worst fears about the Constitutionally-challenged Obama regime are
true. Check out this story in the Washington Times about a recently
uncovered directive that would allow Obama to use the military against
his domestic enemies, which is 50% of the citizens of this country.
Inside the Ring: Directive outlines Obamas plan to use the military against citizens - Washington Times
Inside the Ring: Directive outlines Obamas plan to use the military against citizens - Washington Times
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Poll finds seniors shunning Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett
Here's some free advice for Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett: Embrace property tax reform to win a second term as governor. It's the No. issue facing Pennsylvania seniors (and the rest of us) but none of the candidates for governor will back HB/SB 76 to eliminate school property taxes.
Robert Morris poll finds seniors shunning Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett
Robert Morris poll finds seniors shunning Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Columnist: Democrat Allyson Schwartz is a cry baby
You know Allyson Schwartz has gone off the deep end when the ultra-liberal Democrat publicly blamed her embarrassing loss in the Pennsylvania governor's race to sexism. More likely it was the fact that Schwartz's rabid support of abortion-on-demand and Obamacare is out-of-synch with mainstream voters.
Stu Bykofsky, a liberal columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News calls Schwartz a cry baby. Read the full column at the link below.
Cry baby
Stu Bykofsky, a liberal columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News calls Schwartz a cry baby. Read the full column at the link below.
Cry baby
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Have you seen these missing children?
National Missing Children's Day is Sunday, May 25.
PHOTOS: Have you seen these missing children? - Pottstown Mercury Media Center
PHOTOS: Have you seen these missing children? - Pottstown Mercury Media Center
Friday, May 23, 2014
Naked man arrested outside White House
No, it wasn't Joe Biden. We have photographic evidence that Biden was in Cyprus at the time of the incident.
Naked man arrested outside White House | TheHill
Naked man arrested outside White House | TheHill
Democrats try to run out the clock on the VA scandal
Have you noticed that Democrats never want to get the bottom of
incompetence or corruption in the Obama administration? All they want to
do is sweep scandals under the rug. It's time to drain the swamp in
Washington, D.C. Vote out every Democrat on the ballot this November.
Democrats try to run out the clock on the VA scandal | Human Events
incompetence or corruption in the Obama administration? All they want to
do is sweep scandals under the rug. It's time to drain the swamp in
Washington, D.C. Vote out every Democrat on the ballot this November.
Democrats try to run out the clock on the VA scandal | Human Events
1 Million Page Views at Tony Phyrillas on Politics
Did I mention that my site counter has recorded 1 million page views? Thanks for checking out the blog. It took 8 years to reach 1 million. Let's try to get to 2 million in less time, OK?
Thursday, May 22, 2014
NH Professor Admits He Helped Write Common Core To End White Privilege
As many of us suspected all along, Common Core is another idiotic attempt at social engineering by clueless liberals.
New Hampshire Professor Admits He Helped Write Common Core To End White Privilege « Pat Dollard
New Hampshire Professor Admits He Helped Write Common Core To End White Privilege « Pat Dollard
Columnist: PA Gov. Tom Corbett just won reelection
An interesting column by John Featherman in The Philadelphia Inquirer, the state's largest (and most liberal) newspaper about the changing fortunes of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.
Without wedge social issues such as gay marriage, voter ID and abortion, Democrats have nothing to run on in November.
Tom Wolf is a former Rendell Administration official and Rendell left the state a fiscal mess before Corbett stepped in to clean things up.
The state's economy is on the rebound under Republican Corbett, so why would anyone want to go back to the Rendell days of high taxes and growing deficits?
Featherman predicts a close race because Democrats hold a large advantage in voter registration numbers, but still believes Corbett will win a second term.
Tom Corbett just won reelection
Without wedge social issues such as gay marriage, voter ID and abortion, Democrats have nothing to run on in November.
Tom Wolf is a former Rendell Administration official and Rendell left the state a fiscal mess before Corbett stepped in to clean things up.
The state's economy is on the rebound under Republican Corbett, so why would anyone want to go back to the Rendell days of high taxes and growing deficits?
Featherman predicts a close race because Democrats hold a large advantage in voter registration numbers, but still believes Corbett will win a second term.
The
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.99
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.99
The
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.
The
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.99
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.99
The
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.99
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.99
The
Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.9
Read the full column at the link below: Democrats look great on paper, and the polls have been with them. Up
until now, things have been so good that it was literally their election
to lose.
And guess what?
They will do the impossible.
They will lose it, thanks to a big assist from a strategy employed by the greatest boxer of all time exactly 40 years ago.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/U-TURN/Tom-Corbett-just-won-reelection.html#ZEkkJ2oRu0eYWKwZ.9
Tom Corbett just won reelection
1,000,000 Page Views
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
How will Tom Wolf get the Philly vote out in November?
Tom Wolf doesn't stand a chance against Gov. Tom Corbett without a heavy turnout of Philly and Pittsburgh voters but he's got nothing in common with voters on either side of the state.
GOP group on Pa. Democrat Tom Wolf: 'A job-killing liberal with a lousy record on economic growth'
The Republican Governors Association issued the following
statement on the outcome of Tuesday night's Pennsylvania gubernatorial primary
election:
"Governor Tom Corbett was elected to put Pennsylvania back on the right track, and that's exactly what he has done in his first term in Harrisburg," said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. "By implementing pro-growth, pro-jobs policies for the Commonwealth, Governor Corbett has revived Pennsylvania's economy, rekindled job creation and restored fiscal discipline in state government. These accomplishments are the result of promises Governor Corbett made to voters and kept, and Pennsylvania needs four more years of that kind of real progress. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Governor Corbett's re-election campaign.""This race for governor presents voters with a stark choice between Governor Corbett, a leader and a reformer, and Tom Wolf, a job-killing liberal with a lousy record on economic growth," said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. "During his previous stint in state government, Wolf fought to raise taxes and unemployment surged, and there's little reason to believe he would bring anything different to the table this time around. Pennsylvania's future depends on more reform, more jobs and more economic growth, outcomes that simply aren’t achieved when a liberal, tax-and-spend Democrat like Wolf takes the reins. Tom Wolf is too extreme for Pennsylvania."
999,000 Page Views
My site counter has recorded 999,000 Page Views from 503,000 Unique Visitors to Tony Phyrillas on Politics. Closing in on the 1 million milestone. Thanks for checking out the blog ... and come back again.
Activist Judge Overturns Pa. Gay Marriage Ban
The 1996 law banning same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania was constitutional for the past 18 years, but today an unelected activist judge decides it's not. What's the point of having a Legislature and a Governor enact and sign laws if unelected judges can pick and choose which laws we follow?
Gay marriage ban falls in Pennsylvania | TheHill
Gay marriage ban falls in Pennsylvania | TheHill
Monday, May 19, 2014
Christian-themed films top $200M at box-office
"Heaven Is For Real" has grossed $82.2 million, "God's Not Dead" has grossed $58.9 million and "Son of God" has grossed $59.6 million.
Liberal Hollywood won't admit it, but audiences have spoken: Qualify faith-based films will draw paying customers.
PS - The anti-Christian "Noah" is not even close to making back its $125 million production costs.
How 'Godzilla' defied the experts to blow away the box office
Mediocre reviews failed to deter movie-goers from rushing to the opening of "Godzilla" over the weekend. The film took in $93.2 million in the domestic box office, coupled with $103 million overseas. That's the second-best opening of 2014, just behind "Captain America:Winter Soldier," which opened with $95 million.
$93 million No. 1 debut at the box office this weekend. That, coupled with the $103 million it took in from overseas,
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/movies/How-Godzilla-defied-the-experts-and-tracking-to-blow-away-the-box-office.html#HQ4FPtY1j1c7qP1q.99
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/movies/How-Godzilla-defied-the-experts-and-tracking-to-blow-away-the-box-office.html#HQ4FPtY1j1c7qP1q.99
$93 million No. 1 debut at the box office this weekend. That, coupled with the $103 million it took in from overseas,
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/movies/How-Godzilla-defied-the-experts-and-tracking-to-blow-away-the-box-office.html#HQ4FPtY1j1c7qP1q.99
How 'Godzilla' defied the experts and tracking to blow away the box office
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/entertainment/movies/How-Godzilla-defied-the-experts-and-tracking-to-blow-away-the-box-office.html#HQ4FPtY1j1c7qP1q.99
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
REP. JOE PITTS: Benghazi Questions We Need Answered
Guest columnist
Some things are clear about what happened in Benghazi, Libya the night of September 11, 2012: terrorists broke into the American consulate complex, lit buildings on fire, killed the American ambassador, and also killed three other American security personnel.
Despite investigations by multiple Congressional committees on both the House and Senate side of the Capitol, there are still many unanswered questions. Because there is so much still cloaked in mystery, and because the Obama administration has withheld critical documents related to the incident, the House recently acted to set up a select committee to investigate the attacks themselves and the administration’s response both in the press and behind the scenes.
That committee will be led by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), who was a federal prosecutor and now serves on both the Judiciary Committee and the Oversight and Investigations Committee. He knows the law, he knows how to collect evidence and he knows how to execute subpoena authority.
At the press conference following the announcement of his appointment, Gowdy clearly laid out the questions that the House needs to have answered about Benghazi.
First, why was Ambassador Chris Stevens in Benghazi on September 11, 2012? We know that terrorists revere this day and that they will always seek to replicate the success of the 2001 attacks. It is a day that al Qaeda and their admirers will always use to stir up trouble and to lash out at Americans.
The consulate at Benghazi was far from secure. Following the fall of Gadhafi, the city was essentially lawless, with warlords wielding all the power. Interspersed with Libyan revolutionaries were Islamist fighters, many with al Qaeda connections.
at leads to Gowdy’s second question: why were we the last western organization with a presence in Benghazi? In the months preceding the attack, there were 20 violent incidents targeting westerners. The British shut down their consulate in Benghazi in June of 2012. A rocket attack on the Red Cross led that group to pull out also.
Third, why did requests for additional security in Libya go unheeded? Several times before the attack, the ambassador requested additional personnel. But there was actually a decrease in military presence leading up to September 11.
Fourth, why were there no military assets deployed during what ended up being a seven and a half hour siege? Military commanders have stated publicly that it would have taken time to configure and deploy planes or strike teams, but there seemed to be no thought for how long the situation may have gone on. Benghazi could have easily turned into a long-term siege or hostage situation that might have gone on for days. There seemed to be no long-term thinking at play.
Next, why did the President not reach out to allies who may have had assets available? We have many friends in the region, and while they may not have been instantly ready to respond, they may still have been ready faster than American forces.
Finally, why was U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice picked to represent the administration on five separate Sunday morning politics programs? Rice had no responsibility for the gathering of intelligence or the military response. She was not responsible for diplomatic security and was not a superior to Ambassador Stevens.
She went out onto these shows with talking points that clearly contradicted what actually happened. All manner of intelligence showed this to be a terrorist attack and yet she portrayed it again and again as a protest gone wrong.
For many months now, I have supported the forming of a select committee. Speaker John Boehner came to this conclusion recently after e-mails withheld by the White House came to light after a Freedom of Information Act request by the group Judicial Watch. These are e-mails that should have been given to the House based on earlier subpoenas.
We don’t really know what other information has been withheld. The unanswered questions are substantive. I trust that my colleagues on the committee will let the evidence be their guide, but they must have the access that Congressional investigators deserve.
Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District in parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.
Obama Releases 36,000 Criminal Illegals Awaiting Deportation
These are not petty criminals that Obama has turned loose on American streets.
According to Department of Homeland Security, the 36,007 individuals released represented nearly 88,000 convictions, including:
According to Department of Homeland Security, the 36,007 individuals released represented nearly 88,000 convictions, including:
- 193 homicide convictions
- 426 sexual assault convictions
- 303 kidnapping convictions
- 1,075 aggravated assault convictions
- 1,160 stolen vehicle convictions
- 9,187 dangerous drug convictions
- 16,070 drunk or drugged driving convictions
- 303 flight escape convictions
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
GOP: Eva Longoria group a front for Dems
RNC Hispanic media communications director Izzy Santa challenged leaders of the Latino Victory Project to prove the RNC wrong.
GOP: Longoria group a front for Dems | TheHill
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
Former Obama Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner: White House Told Me To Lie
Is there anyone in the Obama administration who isn't a habitual liar?
Tim Geithner: White House Told Me To Lie | Truth Revolt
Tim Geithner: White House Told Me To Lie | Truth Revolt
Taxpayers lose $474M for 4 failed Obamacare exchanges
Too bad the $474 million Obama and the Democrats flushed down the drain didn't go to provide health care for those who truly needed it.
$474M for 4 failed Obamacare exchanges
$474M for 4 failed Obamacare exchanges
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Friday, May 09, 2014
Thursday, May 08, 2014
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Guest Column: Severance Tax Benefits the Powerful at Citizen's Expense
By Gordon Tomb
Guest columnist
Washington County farmer Shawn Georgetti was living paycheck to paycheck before the Marcellus Shale boom. Thanks to a natural gas lease, he’s finally been able to upgrade his 30-year-old equipment. “It’s a lot more fun to farm [now],” Shawn said. But a new severance tax on natural gas could put an artificial cap on thousands more stories like Shawn’s.
How? Every dollar sent to Harrisburg under a new tax prevents investments in equipment and exploration, hiring employees, and paying royalties to landowners. Make no mistake — some wells will not be drilled, property owners will lose royalty money, and people will lose jobs when money is diverted from producing gas to filling government coffers.
Those alleging that the gas industry does not contribute its “fair share” ignore $1.8 billion in state and local taxes paid in the last two years, $600 million in impact fees collected in the last three years, and billions paid to landowners in lease and royalty payments. In fact, a 5 percent severance tax, if it had been in place in 2011 and 2012, would have generated less money than the current impact fee.
Pennsylvania’s overall business climate, with the 10th highest tax burden in the nation, already squeezes drillers. We have the highest effective corporate income tax in the world — a tax that gas-producing states like Texas and Wyoming don’t even have at the state level.
Shale gas is found across the country and around the globe. Drillers can go elsewhere — and they know it.
The Fraser Institute’s Global Petroleum Survey 2013 dropped Pennsylvania down 24 spots — to 58th — in terms of investment attractiveness. Among the states ranked ahead of Pennsylvania are Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Ohio. In other words, we are losing our competitive edge.
Keeping the industry in Pennsylvania should be a priority.
In addition to the billions in royalties paid to landowners and farmers like Shawn Georgetti, the natural gas boom has benefited all Pennsylvanians with cheaper energy. Low natural gas prices helped poor families with a $10 billion-per-year reduction in utility bills, according to a Mercator Energy analysis.
The industry’s positive effect on the state’s economy is seen in the more than 240,000 people employed in Marcellus Shale-related industries in 2013, as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
So, if millions of Pennsylvania families benefit from gas drilling and the industry already pays taxes common to every other business, who is pushing for yet another tax hike?
Answer: Powerful government union CEOs dependent on making big government even bigger.
Calls for new taxes on the gas industry have come from organizations such as the CLEAR Coalition and the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center — both funded by government unions like the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Ironically, government unions’ campaign to target the gas industry and increase government spending works against the interest of private union workers employed in the gas fields and hundreds of supporting businesses.
“The shale became a lifesaver and a lifeline for a lot of working families,” said Dennis Martire of the Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) in an Associated Press report. Pipeline work in Pennsylvania and West Virginia increased from 400,000 hours in 2008 to 5.7 million in 2012, according to LIUNA, which represents workers in the construction trades.
Those proposing new taxes on the natural gas industry to spend more on schools, pay pension liabilities, or expand welfare programs act as though robbing Peter to pay Paul somehow makes everyone better off. Whether the “Peters” are farmers or pipe fitters, welders or waitresses, or simply consumers of gas and electricity, they will be made poorer by a severance tax.
Marcellus Shale development has improved the lives of millions. It would be wrong for a money-hungry government to undermine this gift of nature and free enterprise and leave farmers like Shawn Georgetti stuck in the past.
Guest columnist
Washington County farmer Shawn Georgetti was living paycheck to paycheck before the Marcellus Shale boom. Thanks to a natural gas lease, he’s finally been able to upgrade his 30-year-old equipment. “It’s a lot more fun to farm [now],” Shawn said. But a new severance tax on natural gas could put an artificial cap on thousands more stories like Shawn’s.
How? Every dollar sent to Harrisburg under a new tax prevents investments in equipment and exploration, hiring employees, and paying royalties to landowners. Make no mistake — some wells will not be drilled, property owners will lose royalty money, and people will lose jobs when money is diverted from producing gas to filling government coffers.
Those alleging that the gas industry does not contribute its “fair share” ignore $1.8 billion in state and local taxes paid in the last two years, $600 million in impact fees collected in the last three years, and billions paid to landowners in lease and royalty payments. In fact, a 5 percent severance tax, if it had been in place in 2011 and 2012, would have generated less money than the current impact fee.
Pennsylvania’s overall business climate, with the 10th highest tax burden in the nation, already squeezes drillers. We have the highest effective corporate income tax in the world — a tax that gas-producing states like Texas and Wyoming don’t even have at the state level.
Shale gas is found across the country and around the globe. Drillers can go elsewhere — and they know it.
The Fraser Institute’s Global Petroleum Survey 2013 dropped Pennsylvania down 24 spots — to 58th — in terms of investment attractiveness. Among the states ranked ahead of Pennsylvania are Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Ohio. In other words, we are losing our competitive edge.
Keeping the industry in Pennsylvania should be a priority.
In addition to the billions in royalties paid to landowners and farmers like Shawn Georgetti, the natural gas boom has benefited all Pennsylvanians with cheaper energy. Low natural gas prices helped poor families with a $10 billion-per-year reduction in utility bills, according to a Mercator Energy analysis.
The industry’s positive effect on the state’s economy is seen in the more than 240,000 people employed in Marcellus Shale-related industries in 2013, as reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
So, if millions of Pennsylvania families benefit from gas drilling and the industry already pays taxes common to every other business, who is pushing for yet another tax hike?
Answer: Powerful government union CEOs dependent on making big government even bigger.
Calls for new taxes on the gas industry have come from organizations such as the CLEAR Coalition and the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center — both funded by government unions like the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Ironically, government unions’ campaign to target the gas industry and increase government spending works against the interest of private union workers employed in the gas fields and hundreds of supporting businesses.
“The shale became a lifesaver and a lifeline for a lot of working families,” said Dennis Martire of the Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) in an Associated Press report. Pipeline work in Pennsylvania and West Virginia increased from 400,000 hours in 2008 to 5.7 million in 2012, according to LIUNA, which represents workers in the construction trades.
Those proposing new taxes on the natural gas industry to spend more on schools, pay pension liabilities, or expand welfare programs act as though robbing Peter to pay Paul somehow makes everyone better off. Whether the “Peters” are farmers or pipe fitters, welders or waitresses, or simply consumers of gas and electricity, they will be made poorer by a severance tax.
Marcellus Shale development has improved the lives of millions. It would be wrong for a money-hungry government to undermine this gift of nature and free enterprise and leave farmers like Shawn Georgetti stuck in the past.
# # #
Gordon Tomb is a senior fellow for the Commonwealth Foundation (CommonwealthFoundation.org), Pennsylvania’s free market think tank.
Liberal columnist: Democrat Tom Wolf is a lightweight
Karen Heller bleeds liberal blue, but the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist questions Democratic front-runner Tom Wolf's qualifications for Pennsylvania governor.
From her latest column:
From her latest column:
After two meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm
not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and
serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and
serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
After two meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm
not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and
serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.9
not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and
serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.9
After two meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
After two meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm
not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and
serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
not convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and
serving a couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
But
a good candidate does not necessarily make a good governor. After two
meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm not
convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and serving a
couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
a good candidate does not necessarily make a good governor. After two
meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm not
convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and serving a
couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
But
a good candidate does not necessarily make a good governor. After two
meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm not
convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and serving a
couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
Nice guy, but is that enough to be governor?
a good candidate does not necessarily make a good governor. After two
meetings with Wolf and watching him in candidate forums, I'm not
convinced that running a cabinet company with 250 employees and serving a
couple of years as revenue secretary (largely a collection and
enforcement agency) are qualifications enough for the job.
It's a fallacy that being an owner and boss, answerable to a few
people and concerned with profit and loss, is adequate training for the
state's top policy job. You need to be an effective negotiator and
politician, hire a terrific staff, and manage well.
Wolf seems a nice and thoughtful man, but, as a former boss often remarked, "Nice is not enough."
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140504_Nice_guy__but_is_that_enough_to_be_governor_.html#UpzSydIXgp9Orqtq.99
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Guest columnist: Benghazi answers long overdue
Guest columnist
The recent release of 41 documents related to the White
House’s handling of the terror attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi,
Libya and murder of four brave public servants should open everyone’s
eyes to the fact that the families of the victims and the public have
waited too long for answers.
For most of the 603 days since the Sept. 11, 2012 attack, the White House has been trying to make questions about Benghazi and the U.S. response to the attack go away by spinning the media and stonewalling Congress.
Even though Congress has issued subpoena after subpoena for
information about the White House’s response to the attack, it took a
Freedom of Information Act request filed last summer by Judicial Watch
to pry critical documents loose from this Administration.
Among the 41 documents released in late April was an email exchange
between the President’s national security team, senior White House
advisors and Obama campaign operatives that makes it clear the White
House deliberately misled the public about the reason al-Qaida
affiliates targeted our consulate.
Specifically, an email from Deputy National Security Advisor Ben
Rhodes that was shared with White House Press Secretary Jay Carney,
Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer and Obama’s 2008 campaign manager
David Plouffe showed the White House was most concerned about protecting
the President’s re-election chances.
In the email, Rhodes advised U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Susan Rice to make it clear that the attack resulted from protests
“rooted in an Internet video, and not a broader failure of policy.”
That’s exactly what Ambassador Rice did some 36 hours later when she hit the Sunday talk show circuit, unleashing a vigorous defense of the Administration and tamping down any notion that the attack contradicted the President’s campaign boasts that al-Qaida was “on the run.”
As The Weekly Standard noted, the Administration was adamant that
Ambassador Rice’s talking points and public response were based solely
on information available at that time and assessments provided by the
intelligence community. We know now that’s not true.
But here’s the bigger problem. We don’t know if there’s more information that was given to the American people that wasn’t true.
The fact that it took a Freedom of Information Act request from a
private organization and a subsequent court order to unearth emails
revealing the political motives behind the Administration’s
misinformation campaign speaks volumes about the White House’s refusal
to level with the public more than 600 days after four Americans were
killed in an pre-meditated assault on the 11th anniversary of the
September 11, 2001 terror attacks.
The release of these 41 documents also demonstrates that the House
needs to get serious about its responsibility to exercise thorough and
effective oversight on matters as important as this.
If an American diplomat and the three Marines in his security detail had been murdered in Washington instead of Benghazi, you can bet there would have been a national blue ribbon panel commissioned the next day to get to the bottom of the attack.
For more than a year, I have been among a group of House members
calling for a Select House Committee that can focus exclusively on
getting answers the public deserves.
Now that we know the White House has sidestepped subpoenas from the
House Government Oversight Committee, the need for a Select Committee is
greater than ever.
So I applaud House Speaker John Boehner for announcing that he will
form a Select Committee to try and get to the bottom of the Benghazi
attack.
The time for political theater and schemes to divert public attention from this grave issue is over.
The families of the victims of the Benghazi attack, the public and
Congress have put up with that for 603 days, and that’s downright
shameful.
Congressman Jim Gerlach is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 6th District, which includes parts of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery counties, and is a member of the House Ways & Means Committee.
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Monday, May 05, 2014
EDITORIAL: Harry Reid should lead, not attack and distract
The Las Vegas Review-Journal is tired of Harry Reid's antics. Voters can fire this clown as Senate majority leader by voting out every Democrat on the ballot this November.
EDITORIAL: Harry Reid should lead, not attack and distract
EDITORIAL: Harry Reid should lead, not attack and distract
Saturday, May 03, 2014
Friday, May 02, 2014
Slot Revenues Drop At Most Pennsylvania Casinos
Pennsylvania Slot Machine Revenue Figures for April Released on Gaming Control Board Web Site (via PR Newswire)HARRISBURG, Pa., May 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported today on its web site that the collective slot machine revenue produced at the 12 casinos during April dropped 3.6% compared to the same month last…
Pennsylvania Marks Wine Week 2014 With Festivals
Pennsylvania Marks Wine Week 2014 with Wine Festivals in Pittsburgh, Hershey and Philadelphia (via PR Newswire)HARRISBURG, Pa., May 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, PLCB, announced Wine Week 2014 celebrations will begin with the Pittsburgh Wine Festival on Thursday, May 8, followed by Vintage & Vineyards: The Hershey…
PA Education Dept. Releases 2014-15 Act 1 Referendum Exceptions Report
Department of Education Releases 2014-15 Act 1 Referendum Exceptions Report (via PR Newswire)HARRISBURG, Pa., May 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education today released the Report on Referendum Exceptions for School Year 2014-15, which provides detailed information on the number of Pennsylvania school districts…
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Pennsylvania tax collections down, sending state into deeper shortfall
After disappointing April tax revenue collections, Pennsylvania is facing a projected $1 billion shortfall for the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30.
The money simply isn't there, so if Democrat is elected governor, expect massive tax hikes to feed the spending frenzy a liberal governor would bring to Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania tax collections down, sending state into deeper shortfall | WashingtonExaminer.com
The money simply isn't there, so if Democrat is elected governor, expect massive tax hikes to feed the spending frenzy a liberal governor would bring to Harrisburg.
Pennsylvania tax collections down, sending state into deeper shortfall | WashingtonExaminer.com
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