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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

2 more Pa. ironworkers plead in union intimidation case

2 more Pa. ironworkers plead in intimidation case - abc27 WHTM

Pentagon Wastes More Than $100M On Unnecessary Vehicles In Just One Year

Pentagon Wastes More Than $100M On Unnecessary Vehicles In Just One Year

CDC Confirms First Ebola Case Diagnosed in the United States

CDC Confirms First Ebola Case Diagnosed in the United States

White House Security Breach


Weird. Liberals fear Hillary won't raise taxes on the rich

James Pethokoukis: Weird. Liberals fear Hillary won't raise taxes on the rich

Lament of a fed-up Democratic voter

Salena Zito: Lament of the fed-up voter

Obama throws CIA under the bus for rise of ISIS

Editorial: The rise of ISIS: Obama's bus

Cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal to give commencement speech at Goddard College in Vermont

If you need further proof that college students are indoctrinated by liberal professors, look no further than Goddard College in Vermont, where the students selected a convicted cop killer to deliver their commencement speech. What exactly will the graduates learn? How to kill a police officer and manipulate the legal system to avoid the death penalty, as Abu-Jamal has done?

Mumia Abu-Jamal to give college commencement speech

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Congress Funds Islamists Overseas, Ignores Jihadists in America

Congress Funds Islamists Overseas, Ignores Jihadists in America

Weekly GOP Address: Obama, Democrats Crushing The American Dream

A Dangerous World


An embarrassing legacy: Eric Holder departs

An embarrassing legacy: Eric Holder departs

Stop Pa. Senate Bill 444: It turns the people's right to know into government's right to hide

Stop Pa. Senate Bill 444: It turns the people's right to know into government's right to hide

The race for governor: How Tom Corbett would address 3 pressing Pennsylvania issues

The race for governor: How Tom Corbett would address 3 pressing Pennsylvania issues

Enrollment falls again at Pennsylvania's state-owned universities

Colleges and universities may be pricing themselves out-of-business.

From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Enrollment at Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities declined for a
fourth consecutive year, slipping 1.5 percent to an estimated 110,600
students, after peaking at nearly 119,500 in 2010, preliminary reports
show.
Enrollment falls again at Pennsylvania's state-owned universities

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Survey: Record Share of Americans Have Never Married

Pew Research: Record Share of Americans Have Never Married

Hey, Barack: The 1980s Called ...


Jay Carney's Pinocchio Problem

It's hard to tell the truth when your claim to fame is as a professional liar.

It appears former Obama spokesman Jay Carney spent so much time lying for a living that he can no longer tell what the truth is now that he's working for CNN. 

Jay Carney's Pinocchio Problem | CNS News

Republicans poised to win most House seats since 1946

Republicans poised to win most House seats since 1946 | WashingtonExaminer.com

The liberal religion of 'tolerance'

Paul Kengor: The liberal religion of 'tolerance' | Human Events

Qualified GOP candidates abound for election in 2016

Donald Lambro: Qualified GOP candidates abound for election in '16 | Human Events

The Worst of Eric Holder

Sudden Jihad Syndrome in Okla. halted by law-abiding gun owner

John Hayward: Sudden Jihad Syndrome in Oklahama halted by law-abiding gun owner | Human Events

Alien Nation: Illegals blow off immigration hearings

Alien Nation: Illegals blow off immigration hearings, truth concealed from American public | Human Events

Friday, September 26, 2014

Pennsylvania: Don't Vote For A (Tom) Wolf in Sheep Clothing

Guest Column: Our Budget Woes Not Going Away

By Congressman Joe Pitts


The United States government has a debt problem. Last year, we had a big fight in Washington over how to deal with that. It wasn’t a productive debate. It did not end in a long-term solution.

There hasn’t been quite as much talk about the budget in Washington, but the dirty dishes of debt keep piling up. Arguing and shutting down the government won’t fix the problem. It’s going to require compromise to get a solution, courage to pass legislation and then perseverance to make sure it is held to.

First, let’s look at the problem again. Right now, our national debt is over $17.7 trillion, an increase of $7 trillion from 2008. By the end of this year, federal debt held by the public will reach 74 percent of our annual GDP. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that it will climb to 111 percent by 2039. That would be unsustainable.

Those are big numbers, but they have a real impact. Last year, we paid $221 billion in interest on the debt. In ten years, annual interest rates could quadruple. Wouldn’t we rather spend those billions of dollars on something worthwhile? Money spent on interest doesn’t help anyone and hurts our economy and job growth.

The reality is that debt payments will be growing at the exact same time that important programs like Medicare and Social Security will be facing funding crises. Every dollar spent on keeping our creditors at bay is a dollar less for critical medical care and support for older Americans.

The trust fund for Medicare’s hospital insurance program will be depleted by 2030. That means that if we do nothing, hospitals could get a 15 percent cut to reimbursements in a single year. Inevitably, it would make getting care at a hospital more expensive and more difficult.

The Social Security trust fund is currently projected to be depleted just three years later. By current law, there would be an instant 20 percent cut to payments to seniors. Imagine trying to shop or pay the bills with that much cut out of your budget? That could be what millions of seniors are facing in less than 20 years.

The best way to tackle debt is economic growth, but that’s been a problem here in the United States also. Since the economic downturn, annual growth has only been at 1.1 percent and even the optimistic projection of the Congressional Budget Office says that over the next ten years it could average 2.5 percent. That is just barely enough to create jobs for the millions of Americans entering the marketplace every year.

It’s not that Americans aren’t paying a lot of taxes. In fact, the federal government has been collecting record amounts of revenue in the past few years. Government spending, however, is up. Federal spending averaged around 20 percent of the economy for much of the past 40 years. But now for the last four years, that has increased to 22.8 percent. Small numbers here make a big difference, especially since government revenue as a percentage of the economy is basically unchanged. Spending has grown tremendously, tax revenue has not.

Last year, after fighting to the point where Democrats and Republicans couldn’t keep the government open, we effectively declared a truce and passed a budget agreement for 2014 and 2015. I supported this agreement, knowing that more argument wasn’t going to solve the problem.

We’ve had relative budget peace in Washington this year, but the problem is far from solved. This is not an easy problem to solve, and it is going to require a far more civil discourse then we saw in 2013.

Next year, no matter who wins out in the elections, Congress will have to create a new budget. It is my hope that we can make real progress on moving back to a balanced budget and away from massive deficits. Ignoring the problem longer, only makes cleaning it up harder and more painful. 

U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

The Very First Climate Change Summit


Pa. newspaper: Millionaire Democrat Tom Wolf losing on tax issue

Even The Philadelphia Inquirer, which endorses Democrats 99% of the time, is having a hard time believing millionaire Democrat Tom Wolf's scheme to "tax the rich" to get Pennsylvania out of its fiscal woes. Tom Wolf is an empty suit.

Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial: Doubting Thomas

Bill Cosby on college and the economics of 'regular people'

Bill Cosby on college and the economics of 'regular people'

Milton Friedman explains why the Great Recession happened

Milton Friedman explains why the Great Recession happened

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Obama Now A Wartime President

Bill O'Reilly: A Wartime President

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Education top priority for Pa. voters, poll shows

Education top priority for Pa. voters, poll shows

Democrat Tom Wolf Is An Empty Suit

Electronic health records mandated by Obamacare aren't saving money or time

Electronic health records aren't saving money or time | Human Events

Your tax dollars at work: Pa. state employees exchange porn emails

AG: State police chief, DEP secretary among those receiving porn emails

Embarrassing facts haunt global warming march

Embarrassing facts haunt global warming march | Human Events

PA changes welfare agency's name to avoid stigma of collecting welfare

Pennsylvania will continue to pay out $10 billion a year in welfare claims, but the money will no longer becoming from the Department of Public Welfare. To avoid the stigma of the world "welfare," the agency is now known as the Department of Human Services. George Orwell would be proud.

Corbett signs bill to change welfare agency's name - abc27 WHTM

Obama at UN: Back to Iraq


Attorney General Eric 'Contempt of Congress' Holder resigns

Attorney General Eric Holder resigns | Human Events

Union thugs plead guilty to sabotage, arson

2 Ironworkers plead guilty to sabotage, arson

Friday, September 19, 2014

Firing Up The Democratic Base


Editorial: These 3 Pa. groups want to keep you in the dark about what government is doing

Editorial: These 3 organizations want to keep you in the dark about what government is doing - LancasterOnline: Editorials

Lancaster County teacher sues Pa.'s largest teachers' union

Lancaster County teacher sues state's largest teachers' union - LancasterOnline: Local News

Lawsuit challenges Pa. teachers' union on dues contributions

Suit challenges teachers' union on dues contributions

'Bridge-gate' ends, not with a bang, but a whimper

What will the far-left kooks at MSNBC cover now? With all the real scandals in the Obama administration, the looney liberals at the low-ranted news network have obsessed for months over the phony scandal involving NJ Gov. Chris Christie.

'Bridge-gate' ends, not with a bang, but a whimper | Human Events

Top US General: Half the Iraqi army is useless, and the other half needs work

Half the Iraqi army is useless, and the other half needs work | Human Events

What Obama Meant By 'No Boots on the Ground'


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Liberal Media Bias 101: NBC Gives News Christie Innocent In Bridgegate Scandal 38 Seconds

Double Standard: NBC Gives News Christie Innocent In Bridgegate Scandal 38 Secs; Spent Nearly 5 Mins When Story Broke

Census: Real household income peaked in 20th century

Census: Real household income peaked in 20th century | Mobile Washington Examiner

Opinion: Democrat Ed Rendell shares blame for current Pa. pension crisis

Opinion: In governor’s race, voters should note how pensions came to be under-funded - Op-Ed - Business570 - Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Obama Confronts Evil, Reluctantly

Bill O'Reilly: Confronting Evil, Reluctantly

Pew: Wide Gap in What Conservatives, Liberals Teach Children

Nothing too surprising in a new Pew Research survey on what conservatives and liberals say is important to teach children.

Judging from how morally bankrupt our society has become these days, it's clear the the liberal influence in public education and mass media has corrupted an entire generation of Americans.

From the new report:
People who express consistently conservative political attitudes
across a range of issues are more likely than other ideological groups
to rate teaching religious faith as especially important – and the least
likely to say the same about teaching tolerance.
By contrast, people with consistent liberal opinions stand out for
the high priority they give to teaching tolerance – and the low priority
they attach to teaching religious faith and obedience.
Teaching the Children: Sharp Ideological Differences, Some Common Ground

Public-employee Compensation vs. Private-employee Compensation

Public-employee Compensation vs. Private-employee Compensation

Everyone Hates Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Everyone Hates Debbie

Democrat Tom Wolf's 'big lie' on Pa. schools funding has been 'exposed'

21st Annual Highway Report's State-by-State Results

Pennsylvania roads, highways and bridges are in pitiful shape (but you already know that if you drive around the state.)

From Reason Foundation:




Los Angeles (September 18, 2014) - Pennsylvania ranks 41st in the nation in overall highway performance and cost-effectiveness in the latest Annual Highway Report by Reason Foundation. Pennsylvania ranked 40th in the previous report.

Pennsylvania's highways rank 34th in fatality rate, 48th in the percentage of deficient bridges, 20th in rural Interstate pavement condition, 23 rd in urban Interstate pavement condition and 33rd in urban Interstate congestion.

On spending, Pennsylvania ranks 26th in total disbursements per mile and 24th in administrative disbursements per mile.

Pennsylvania's best rankings are rural Interstate pavement condition (20th), capital-bridge disbursements per mile (21st) and urban Interstate pavement condition (23rd).

Pennsylvania's worst rankings are narrow rural arterial lanes (50th) and deficient bridges (48th).

Pennsylvania's state-controlled highway mileage makes it the 5th largest system in the country.

Pennsylvania's Complete Results

Overall Rank in 2012: 41st
Overall Rank in 2011: 40th
Overall Rank in 2009: 39th

Performance by Category in 2012

Total Disbursements per Mile 26

Capital and Bridge Disbursement per Mile 21

Maintenance Disbursements per Mile 34

Administrative Disbursements per Mile 24

Rural Interstate Pavement Condition 20

Rural Arterial Pavement Condition 24

Urban Interstate Pavement Condition 23

Urban Interstate Congestion 33

Deficient Bridges 48

Fatality Rate 34

Narrow Rural Arterial Lanes 50

Overall Performance 41

http://reason.org/studies/show/21st-annual-highway-report-states

21st Annual Highway Report's State-by-State Results

Watch Out For The Cloud


Ryan Costello Challenges Opponent to Friendly Political Wager on Sunday’s Philadelphia-Washington Football Game

From the Ryan Costello for Congress campaign:
 
Costello Challenges Opponent to Friendly Political Wager
on Sunday’s Philadelphia-Washington Football Game

Costello also picks up endorsement of former Eagle Jon Runyan

WEST CHSTER, PA – Ryan Costello, the Republican candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 6th District, challenged his opponent to a friendly political wager on Sunday's Philadelphia Eagles-Washington game.  On the line: Costello – who lives and works in Pennsylvania -- would deliver a case of craft beer from Pennsylvania’s Victory Brewing to his opponent if the Eagles lose while Trivedi – who lives and works primarily in Washington, DC -- would owe Costello a case of DC Brau if Washington loses.

In addition, Costello announced today that he picked up the endorsement of former Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan, who played in Philadelphia from 2002 to 2008.  Runyan is currently a Member of Congress representing New Jersey’s 3rd District. 

“I am proud to endorse Ryan Costello for Congress,” said Runyan.  “Ryan will fight for his district.  He has a record of working in a bipartisan manner to get things done. Ryan has balanced budgets, held the line on taxes and worked to preserve open space for families and farms.”

As far as this weekend’s Philadelphia-Washington match-up, Costello extended the offer of a friendly political wager in an email to Trivedi this afternoon.  The e-mail reads:

Dear Manan:

Although we are entering the final few weeks of campaign season, the NFL football season is just getting underway. I thought it might be a refreshing break to make a friendly political wager on this weekend's upcoming Eagles-Washington game. 

As someone who has lived and worked in the Philadelphia area my entire life, I am a die-hard Eagles fan. I am so confident in an Eagles victory that if -- by some stroke of bad luck -- Washington beats Philadelphia, I will bring a case of Pennsylvania's own Victory Beer -- made a few miles from my home in Chester County-- to your campaign office.

Conversely, I know that you own a home in the heart of Washington and your filings with the Clerk of the House of Representatives show you earned 95 percent of your income last year -- and 100 percent this year -- from DC hospitals and health consulting firms.  Heck, your main employer, the Washington Hospital Center, was the longtime "official hospital” of Washington’s NFL team and lists you on their website as a doctor of internal medicine. 

So, if your Washington team loses, you would owe me a case of a craft beer from Washington, DC, such as DC Brau or Capitol City Brewing.

Cheers!  And may the best team (the Eagles) win!

E-A-G-L-E-S!  Eagles!

Sincerely,

Ryan Costello

The Obamacare medical device tax: An abject failure

Editorial: The medical device tax: An abject failure

Andrew Klavan: Is ISIS Islamic?

Networks Black Out Coverage of Benghazi Hearings

Networks Black Out Coverage of Benghazi Hearings

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Trust in Mass Media Returns to All-Time Low

Thanks primarily to liberal media bias, trust of the mainstream media has reached record lows, according to a new Gallup poll.

Trust in Mass Media Returns to All-Time Low

The Real Obama Strategy Against ISIS


Few Consumers Trust Companies to Keep Online Info Safe

Few Consumers Trust Companies to Keep Online Info Safe

Gallup: Trust In Mainstream Media Returns To Record Low

Gallup: Trust In Mainstream Media Returns To Record Low | Truth Revolt

Survey: 69% of Americans Support Using U.S. Troops to Stop Iran From Getting Nukes

Survey: 69 Percent of Americans Support Using U.S. Troops to Prevent Iran From Getting Nukes

Tom Wolf's 'Big Lie' Exposed

Newspaper: Wolf claim Corbett cut Pa. education spending is spin

Education-funding issues heat up Pa. governor's race

Bill Knows The Real Hillary Clinton


Networks Ignore Government Report That ObamaCare Plans Cover Abortions

Networks Ignore Government Report That ObamaCare Plans Cover Abortions

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Pregnant Pa. teacher had sex with student, 14

Bucks DA: Teacher had sex with student, 14

Radical Obama nominee faulted over Abu-Jamal case withdraws

Nominee faulted over Abu-Jamal case withdraws

Property tax reform bill clears PA Senate committee

Tax reform bill clears state senate committee - Times Leader - timesleader.com

PA State Rep. Marcy Toepel Honored by NFIB with Guardian of Small Business Award

PA State Rep. Marcy Toepel - Toepel Honored by NFIB with Guardian of Small Business Award

PA State Rep. Mark Gillen Congratulates Grassroots Activists for Senate Committee Approval of Property Tax Independence Act

PA State Rep. Mark Gillen - Gillen Congratulates Grassroots Activists for Senate Committee Approval of Property Tax Independence Act

NRA Endorses Tom Corbett for PA Governor

No real surprise here. Tom Corbett is a former two-term attorney general in Pennsylvania and as governor, signed the state's Castle Doctrine law. Millionaire Democrat Tom Wolf supports gun control. This just in from the National Rifle Association:

Fairfax, Va. – On behalf of our five million members across the country, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to endorse Tom Corbett for Governor in Pennsylvania.

Based on his support of and commitment to the Second Amendment, Corbett has earned an "A" rating from the NRA-PVF in the 2014 general election.  An "A" rating is reserved for a solidly pro-gun candidate who has supported the NRA’s position on issues of importance to gun owners and sportsmen.

"Tom Corbett has stood up to the gun control crowd and protected our Second Amendment freedoms in Pennsylvania," said Chris W. Cox, chairman of the NRA-PVF. "As Governor, he signed into law 'Castle Doctrine' legislation expanding protection to law-abiding citizens for self-defense.  Prior to that, when he served as Attorney General, Tom tripled the number of right-to-carry reciprocity agreements with other states allowing Pennsylvanians to better protect themselves and their families while traveling outside the Keystone state."

Gov. Corbett has a proven record supporting our fundamental, individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms. He believes hunting is a valuable tool for wildlife management, a positive use of natural resources, and an American tradition that teaches young people responsibility and respect for the outdoors.  In addition, Corbett signed pro-gun "friend of the court" briefs in the landmark Heller and McDonald cases asserting that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right for all law-abiding Americans.

"We can continue to count on Tom Corbett to stand up for our constitutional freedoms in Pennsylvania," added Cox. "On behalf of the NRA's five million members, I want to thank Tom for his steadfast support of the Second Amendment and urge all NRA members, gun owners and sportsmen in Pennsylvania to vote Tom Corbett for Governor on November 4."

Nancy Pelosi: The End Is Near


Bill would allow Pa. school employees to carry guns

Bill would let Pa. school employees carry guns - WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg - Top Stories

Monday, September 15, 2014

Emails Reveal Obama EPA Imposing 'Progressive National Policy'

Emails Reveal EPA Imposing 'Progressive National Policy'

'God' Replaced With 'Peace' In Pledge of Allegiance at Wisconsin school

'God' Replaced With 'Peace' In Pledge of Allegiance at Madison, Wisconsin High School | RedState

Report: Hillary Clinton Confidants Part of Operation to 'Separate' Damaging Benghazi Docs

Report: Hillary Clinton Confidants Part of Operation to 'Separate' Damaging Benghazi Docs

More Obama Magic


Dems Trying To Salvage Campaign By Running Against Obama

Dem Senate Candidate Alison Lundergan Grimes New Campaign Ad: 'I Am Not Barack Obama'…

The Queen Of The Dirty Tricksters: Hillary Clinton

BEN SHAPIRO: The Queen Of The Dirty Tricksters | Truth Revolt

Hillary Clinton Pretends To Grill Steak That Had Already Been Pre-Cooked For Her…

Hillary Clinton Pretends To Grill Steak That Had Already Been Pre-Cooked For Her…

'Pass the Trash' bill backed by Toomey calls for more scrutiny of teachers

Bill backed by Sen. Toomey calls for more scrutiny of teachers

A bad omen for Democrats


Pa. Congressional races tilt to Republicans

Pa. races' GOP tilt could be sign for U.S. House

Pa. Teacher Sexts 14-Year-Old Then Gives Her Money for Plan B Morning After Pill

Teacher Sexts 14-Year-Old Then Gives Her Money for Plan B Morning After Pill

115,000 people set to lose Obamacare

115,000 people set to lose Obamacare | WashingtonExaminer.com

PA Senate Finance Committee to Vote on Property Tax Bill

An Important Call To Action From the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition:

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 16, at 11:00 AM the Senate Finance Committee will meet to vote on SB 76, the Property Tax Independence Act.

We need to show massive support SB 76, so please call AND email EVERY Senator on the Finance Committee NOW to request their vote in committee.  In all contacts, please be respectful and non-threatening.  You have until 11 AM tomorrow to get this done. Contact information is below.

Sen. John Blake

Sen. Patrick Browne

Sen. Mike Brubaker

Sen. John Eichelberger

Sen. Stewart Greenleaf
sgreenleaf@ pasen.gov

Sen. Scott Hutchinson

Sen. Joseph Scarnati
(717) 787-7084
FAX: (717) 772-2755

Sen. Matt Smith
(717) 787-5839
FAX: (717) 772-4437

Sen. Rob Teplitz
(717) 787-6801
FAX: (717) 783-3722

Sen. Patricia Vance
(717) 787-8524
FAX: (717) 772-0576

Sen. John Wozniak
(717) 787-5400
FAX: (717) 772-0573

772,000 Americans tell the FCC: 'Do not regulate the Internet'

772,000 Americans tell the FCC— 'do not regulate the internet' | Human Events

Ryan Costello Launches First TV Ad in Pa. 6th Dist. Congressional Race

Sunday, September 14, 2014

The Last Time Obama Made Sense


Obama's America: 56% Say They Are 'Falling Behind' Financially

Views of Job Market Tick Up, No Rise in Economic Optimism

Unhinged Nancy Pelosi: 'Civilization in Jeopardy' if GOP Wins Senate

Chicken Little Pelosi: 'Civilization in Jeopardy' if GOP Wins Senate | Truth Revolt

The divide over ordaining women

The divide over ordaining women

Survey: Growing Concern About Rise of Islamic Extremism

Barack Obama may have his head stuck in the sand when it comes to the growing threat from Islamic extremism, but 6 in 10 Americans (62%) are "very concerned about the rise of Islamic extremism around the world, which is the largest share dating back to 2007," according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
Growing Concern about Rise of Islamic Extremism at Home and Abroad

Friday, September 12, 2014

Guest Column: Threats to our Freedom Remain

Threats to our Freedom Remain
By Congressman Joe Pitts

Like many other Americans, I’ll never forget where I was on September 11, 2001. I saw firsthand the damage to the Pentagon, passing plumes of black smoke rising as I drove to the Capitol on that morning.

These horrific attacks, which killed over 3,000 innocent people, were sudden, and jolted the country out of a decade of relative calm after the downfall of communism.

Thirteen years later, our country, which in the previous century defeated totalitarians called fascists and ones called communists, continues to face the specter of totalitarians around the world, some using the Muslim faith as their pretext.

We have sacrificed greatly since then. As the world’s indispensable nation, to whom all free peoples look for hope, we have borne the heavy weight of the responsibility that comes with prosperity and power. It is neither a coincidence nor an accident, that the United States is the top target of terrorists: the very greatness of America, the success of our model of self-governing free people, is offensive to them.

Evidence coming out of Iraq and Syria, sad to say, confirms this. Minority groups are being driven by the hundred-thousand into exile or relentlessly pursued for extermination by the so-called “Islamic State,” or ISIL, which controls a territory the size of the United Kingdom. ISIL is well-funded, well-armed, and well-manned.

ISIL began as al-Qaeda in Iraq, but after ISIL refused orders from al-Qaeda Central to stop killing so many Syrian civilians, Bin Laden’s former group publicly renounced ties to ISIL on February 3. ISIL simply has no respect for human life, and no respect for economic or religious liberty, as they continue to remorselessly kill children, political dissidents, apostates, and religious dissenters by the thousands.

ISIL threatens our homeland. They have murdered two Americans, recruited hundreds of Americans, and, according to Francis Taylor of the Department of Homeland Security, ISIL supporters are plotting to sneak through our vulnerable southern border. In June, a jihadist social media posting showed a picture, with a dated, handwritten note, in Chicago and Washington reading, “we are in your cities.”

The President has rightly taken action against ISIL, authorizing airstrikes in Northern Iraq to prevent an outright genocide of the Yazidi people. I share his goal to “degrade and ultimately destroy” ISIL, and I am prepared to work with him to protect the American people and American interests.

The attacks thirteen years ago and the stark reality in today’s Middle East remind us also of the many blessings we enjoy in this country. Though Republicans and Democrats have our differences, we are both committed to this country, and we believe that our ideas will help our fellow Americans. It is more exciting of a headline, I know, to report on bickering and backbiting, but the reality is that we do work together on a variety of issues all the time.

I was pleased to speak recently at a conference entitled “In Defense of Christians” with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Reps. Darrell Issa, Brad Sherman, Chris Smith, Kerry Bentiviolio, and Dan Lipinski. Though we may not agree on absolutely everything, we stand together for the protection of the inalienable human rights for innocent civilians and minorities around the world.

We cannot count on these or any threats to freedom to go away: they won’t. As Ronald Reagan put it in 1961, at the height of the Cold War, “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it and then hand it to them with the well thought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same.” It might be tempting to pull back from the world stage and hope that freedom’s enemies will leave us alone, but we know that they will not.

As we mark this solemn anniversary of this mass murder, may we stand together once again, as we did in those dark hours thirteen years ago, and recommit ourselves to the principles that make this nation exceptional.
         
###

US Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

Constitutional Law Expert: Obama's Declaration Of War Unconstitutional

Constitutional Law Expert: Obama's Declaration Of War Unconstitutional | Truth Revolt

In Case You Missed Obama's Speech ...


Foley family says they were threatened by Obama Administration

Foley family says they were threatened by Obama Administration | Human Events

Obama assembles non-coalition to fight not-war against ISIS

John Hayward: Obama assembles non-coalition to fight not-war against ISIS | Human Events

NFL player who makes millions leaves 20-cent tip at restaurant

It's been a bad week for the NFL's image.

Eagles' McCoy offers his 2 cents on 20-cent tip

Obama Caught On Tape In Elevator


Unhinged Chris Matthews: Dick Cheney 'Created al-Qaeda,' 'Created ISIS'

Chris Matthews Comes Unglued: Evil Dick Cheney 'Created al-Qaeda,' 'Created ISIS'

ABC, NBC Skip Foley Mom Bashing 'Appalling' Obama Response

ABC, NBC Skip Foley Mom Bashing 'Appalling' Obama Response

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Home foreclosures reveal cruelty of Pa.'s property tax system for funding schools

Columnist Gene Haverlak: Home foreclosures in NEPA reveal cruelty of state’s property tax system for funding schools - Times Leader - timesleader.com

On the eve of another 9/11: Vigilance, America

On the eve of another 9/11: Vigilance, America

Diversity? 93% of Democratic Senate or Governor Candidates Are White

93% of Democratic Senate or Governor Candidates Are White | RedState

Didn't Barack Obama Declare the War on Terror Over?

Didn't Barack Obama Declare the War on Terror Over? | RedState

Sept. 13 National Remembrance Day of aborted babies

Sept. 13 National Remembrance Day of aborted babies | Human Events

Students Unaware of 9/11 Anniversary, But Able to Name Celebrities In Nude Photo Scandal



This is a result of liberal dominance of America's public education system: A generation of idiots ...

Students Unaware Of 9/11 Anniversary, But Able To Name Celebrities In Nude Photo Scandal

Eric Metaxas to speak at Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown

Coventry Christian School is holding its annual Founders Dinner on October 11, 2014. The keynote speaker will be best-selling author Eric Metaxas, best known for his biographies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Wilberforce.

Metaxas has written several other books and is now producing a movie in Germany about the life of German martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed by the Nazis during World War II.

Metaxas' more recent book is "Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness" which features mini-biographies of  seven prominent men of faith, including George Washington, Jackie Robinson, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Pope John Paul II and Chuck Colson.

The book details their lives and how faith played an important role in their achievements.

For more information about the dinner, go to http://www.coventrychristian.com/founders2014.html

The speaker at last year's sold-out Founders Diner was Dr. Ben Carson.

Newspaper: Burden of proof is on Tom Wolf regarding Delaware tax loophole

Burden of proof is on Wolf regarding Delaware loophole - Editorials - lancasteronline.com

Haunted: Obama's been wrong on foreign policy for five years

Tom Wolf Wants A PA Marriage Penalty

Tears over property taxes in Pennsylvania

Tears over taxes in Luzerne County Court Emotions run high at property auction hearings - Times Leader - timesleader.com

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Obama Hits a New Low for Leadership, Most Americans Say He Divides Nation

Most Americans believe President Obama "has done more to divide than to unite the country."

Some other highlights from a new Washington Post/ABC News poll:

Barack Obama’s rating for strong leadership has dropped to a new low in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, hammered by criticism of his work on international crises and a stalled domestic agenda alike.

Obama Hits a New Low for Leadership, With Criticism on ISIS & Immigration Alike

Media Won't Cover Obama's Bad Poll Numbers

All of the major television networks commission polls on a regular basis, but when it comes to Obama's sinking job approval numbers, the networks won't even report on their own polls.

Media Won't Cover Obama's Bad Poll Numbers

Obama's spin vs. reality on economy

Ralph R. Reiland: Obama's spin vs. reality

$676K Grant Will Boost Pottstown-Boyertown Passenger Rail Service

PA State Rep. David Maloney - Maloney and Mensch Announce Funding for Regional Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust Project

PA Gov. Tom Corbett calls out Democratic opponent for 'billion dollar lie'

Analysis: Politics trump Obama promises on immigration

Analysis: Politics trump promises on immigration | Reading Eagle - AP

Newspaper: Corbett Medicaid expansion a 'substantial victory' for Pa.'s poor

Editorial: A healthy compromise

Editorial: Why are drunk drivers still on Pa. roads?

On the road again

The Obama Doctrine


Fact Check: Obama fumbles 'JV team'

Obama fumbles 'JV team' question

Cost to Educate Young Illegal Immigrants Estimated At $761M

Cost to Educate Young Illegal Immigrants Estimated At $761M

Monday, September 08, 2014

Atheists Urge Americans To Boycott Pledge Of Allegiance Until 'Under God' Is Removed

Atheist Group Urging Americans To Boycott Pledge Of Allegiance Until 'Under God' Is Removed | Truth Revolt

Labor unions funnel $1.6M into Tom Wolf gubernatorial campaign

AP analysis: Top donors in gubernatorial campaign - abc27 WHTM

Study: Pretty much everything government touches is failing right now

Study: Pretty much everything government touches is failing right now

Andrew Klavan: Whatever Leftists Say, It's Opposite Day!

Obama now wants $5B to fight 'JV team' ISIS

Obama pushes $5 billion counterterrorism fund to fight ISIS | TheHill

Simple Choice


New challenges for Obamacare's second year

New challenges for O-Care's second year | TheHill

Philadelphia Magazine: Tom Wolf’s political résumé is a bit thin

You'll learn more about millionaire Democrat Tom Wolf from this one article in Philadelphia Magazine than you have from all the so-called coverage in the past year from the pro-Democratic press in Pennsylvania. Some highlights from Steve Volk's profile of  Wolf, who is likely to become Pennsylvania's next governor if polls are to be believed. Volk writes that Wolf is not the Forrest Gump he's made out to be in those folksy television commercials.

Some highlights from the article:

"The result is that Pennsylvania may be led by a governor we’ve only just met, the electoral equivalent of setting up house after the first dinner date."

"He’s rich, yes, but he’s no tycoon. His $10 million contribution to his own campaign included $4.5 million acquired through a personal loan."

"In truth, Wolf is much more than the folksy two-dimensional character his ads make him out to be. He is amiable, yes, but he’s also the ambitious and calculating scion of a proud and powerful family,
 
"Still, compared to most other gubernatorial candidates, Wolf’s political résumé is a bit thin."

On whether he purchased his brief tenure as Ed Rendell's revenue secretary by making a huge donation to Rendell's campaign: "When I asked Wolf about the discrepancies between his campaign narrative and Rendell’s earlier recollection of events, he waved them away, saying, "Uhh, I don't remember."

"The answer seems like a dodge, as if Wolf would prefer to pretend he was called to duty rather than acknowledge that he methodically built a CV for a future gubernatorial campaign. But there’s a trail suggesting Wolf is a lot more calculating than he lets on. He donated more than $250,000 to Rendell’s campaigns between 2002 and 2006. Rendell has acknowledged in the past that a big donation buys you a meeting (Wolf and his wife have donated more than $1.6 million to various state and county candidates since 1998), so it could be argued that Wolf didn’t just purchase this last primary election; he also sank some cash into his application for a position in Rendell’s cabinet."

"Wolf could hardly have mounted a credible run in 2010 against the backdrop of the smoking ruin of the Wolf Organization, a company bankrupted by a loan taken out largely to pay him."

Tom Wolf Profile: Perfect Stranger | Philadelphia Magazine

Barack Obama as 'The Gambler'


Democrat Al Boscov contributes $150K to Gov. Tom Corbett campaign in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania governor’s race, a minimum $10,000 given by most donors | Reading Eagle - NEWS

Berks County Patriots ask Lt. Gov. Cawley how they can help deliver GOP victory

Berks County Patriots ask Lt. Gov. Cawley how they can help deliver GOP victory | Reading Eagle - NEWS

Lieutenant governor stumps for Corbett in Berks

Lieutenant governor stumps for Corbett in Berks | Reading Eagle - NEWS

Sunday, September 07, 2014

Networks Haven't Covered IRS Scandal Since July

Networks Refuse to Cover Dual IRS Developments; Haven't Covered IRS Since July

Mitt Romney Slams Obama Over ISIS

Mitt Romney Slams Obama Over ISIS: 'Too Busy On The Golf Course To Pick Up The Phone'

NBC's Chuck Todd Hits Obama From Left On Amnesty Delay

Todd Hits Obama From Left On Amnesty Delay: What Do You Say To Person Who's Going To Be Deported?

Obama Leading From Behind


Despite tougher Pa. DUI laws, many repeat offenders stay on the road

Despite tougher Pa. DUI laws, many repeat offenders stay on the road

Pennsylvania lawmakers: Working hard or hardly working?

Eric Heyl takes a look at the light work schedule for Pennsylvania legislators, who draw a base salary of $83,000 for what they consider a "full-time" occupation, but the amount of time these lawmakers spend in Harrisburg makes you wonder if they're getting paid too much for part-time work.

Pennsylvania lawmakers have every reason to relax

Obama's foreign policy: Speak softly and carry no stick

Donald Lambro: Obama's foreign policy: Speak softly and carry no stick | Human Events

Friday, September 05, 2014

Obama's August jobs report: Where are the jobs? Where is the wage growth?

James Pethokoukis: The anemic August jobs report: Where are the jobs? Where is the wage growth?

GUEST COLUMN: Falling Through the Cracks in Obamacare

By Elizabeth Stelle and John R. Bouder
Guest columnists


Mark Ferkler is a Delaware County resident in his mid-thirties. He’s healthy, gainfully employed, and now, thanks to Obamacare, is newly uninsured. Yes, you read that right — uninsured.

Despite the president’s promise to lower insurance costs, as Mark found out, the Affordable Care Act often isn’t affordable at all.

Mark is a Democrat and believes health coverage should be accessible to everyone. But he’s faced with a dilemma: “I was dropped from my health insurance that was $150 a month and my boss paid half of it ... Now I would have to pay over $340 a month as a single person, and I just can’t afford it!”

Simply keeping up with his current expenses can be a challenge for Mark. Absorbing a more than 400 percent increase in cost for a service he rarely — if ever — uses is just too much for him to swallow.

Mark’s reaction to Obamacare’s personal toll is hardly unique. The latest monthly health care poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation shows the law’s popularity is plummeting. Nationwide, 53 percent now view Obamacare unfavorably — the highest number yet recorded by this poll and worse even than after the disastrous launch of Healthcare.gov.

Why, after the public has finally had a chance to benefit from the president’s signature legislation, are people turning against it?

Solutions from Washington, D.C., notoriously come with strings attached.

While subsidies are available for many, Mark says he doesn’t qualify for help. “Apparently I make too much money, and yet I can barely pay my bills as it is. I would certainly have to change my entire lifestyle to have insurance. It’s just so hard to justify when I haven’t been to a doctor once in the last 10 years.”

This dilemma is common among so-called “young invincibles” stuck subsidizing older adults under Obamacare’s community rating scheme. Left with a choice between huge premium bills or no insurance coverage, Mark reluctantly chose the latter.

“It saddens me,” he says. “Not only do I not have insurance, but I’ll have to pay a fine as well!”
A major reason for skyrocketing premiums is Obamacare’s mandated coverage for services many will never use — even if they do get severely ill.

William Cinfici from Berks County was happy with his health insurance but received a cancellation letter this year. New plans offered to him —a single, childless man — required coverage for maternity and pediatric care at a steep jump in price.

William was appalled by the patronizing mandates, saying, “They are taking my freedom away — punishing me for being responsible and saving for care.”

William also notes that higher premiums for irrelevant coverage take discretionary income out of his pocket — with real consequences: “I’ll have to postpone some things, probably deferring maintenance around my house. It’s less I’ll be spending in the local economy. You can call it a negative stimulus.”

While Mark and William were happy with their previous coverage, most would agree that Pennsylvania and the nation needed health care reform before Obamacare was passed.
But reform that’s more expensive and less flexible isn’t the answer.

Thankfully, there are options that can actually bring about Obamacare’s promises of affordability, accessibility, and better quality care, but the solution doesn’t lie in more government intrusion.

Mark’s insurance premium could be more affordable if his employer was allowed to contribute tax-free dollars to a selected individual plan. It would be cheaper still if the federal government didn’t dictate coverage mandates — many that William may never use — like coverage for labor and delivery.

Further, state lawmakers can ease waiting times and improve the quality of care by encouraging more physicians to locate in Pennsylvania through House Bill 1760 — which gives doctors liability protection if they volunteer to help the neediest among us at free clinics.

And Senate Bill 1063 would allow nurse practitioners to run their own practices, as they currently can in 17 other states, improving patient accessibility.

Mark Ferkler, William Cinfici, and millions more deserve real health care solutions that don’t punish them for working hard and staying healthy. They deserve more than fines and broken promises. Cost-saving solutions are out there for those falling through the cracks, but they won’t be found in the Affordable Care Act.

# # #

Elizabeth Stelle and John R. Bouder are policy analysts at the Commonwealth Foundation (CommonwealthFoundation.org), Pennsylvania’s free-market think tank based in Harrisburg.

Gov't liquor monopoly brings in $2.2 billion in Pa.

LCB posts record sales of more than $2.2 billion

Labor force drops by more than 7M under Obama

Sessions: Twice as Many People Left the Labor Force as Found Jobs in August

Even Hell Doesn't Want Them


Obama Admin Released 169 Illegal Aliens Convicted of 'Homicide-Related' Crimes

ICE Released 169 Illegal Aliens Convicted of 'Homicide-Related' Crimes | CNS News

Record 92.2M Not in Labor Force; Participation Rate Matches 36-Year Low

Record 92,269,000 Not in Labor Force; Participation Rate Matches 36-Year Low | CNS News

Urban Institute: PA state pension plans get poor rating

From Debra Erdley of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pennsylvania's state employee pension plan is one of the three worst in the nation, a study by the Urban Institute claims.

Urban Institute: PA state pension plans get poor rating

Graph Shows How $15 Minimum Wage Affects Your Big Mac Price

Graph Shows How $15 Minimum Wage Affects Your Big Mac Price | Truth Revolt

President Obama Is A Coward

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Taxpayers buy 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and other audio books for Pa. senators

In case you were wondering how your tax dollars are being spent in Harrisburg, here's an interesting report. And keep in mind that all 203 members of the Pennsylvania House and half of the members in the 50-seat state Senate are up for reelection on Nov. 4. You may want to give incumbents more time for reading by sending them home permanently.

Taxpayers buy 'Fifty Shades of Grey' and other audio books for Pa. senate - abc27 WHTM

Obama Calls For ISIS To Be 'Destroyed' . . . Five Minutes Later Says ISIS a 'Manageable Problem'

The biggest terrorist threat facing the US since Sept. 11, 2001, and Obama still doesn't have a strategy to deal with ISIS.

Obama Calls For ISIS To Be "Destroyed" . . . Five Minutes Later Says ISIS A "Manageable Problem"…

Newspaper: Harrisburg escapades: Come clean

Harrisburg escapades: Come clean

No Strategy Yet


Lawyer leading inquiry into whether PA AG Kane's office leaked grand jury information

Montco lawyer leading inquiry into whether Kane's office leaked grand jury information

Columnist: Pennsylvania really needs your $14,500

Heyl: Pennsylvania really needs your $14,500

Newspaper: Low gas prices vindicate Gov. Tom Corbett's transportation-funding strategy

Our Opinion: Low gas prices vindicate Gov. Tom Corbett’s transportation-funding strategy - Times Leader - timesleader.com

GUEST COLUMN: Executing journalists a savage, futile act

By Gene Policinski
Guest columnist

When will these ISIS terrorist thugs realize that the phrase “U.S. journalist” concerns geography, not political science?

Killing journalists from this county does get you headlines, but history tells us that it’s an ignorant, tragic and foolish belief to think that the government of the United States will change geo-political directions because journalists die.

Clearly, those who Tuesday killed journalist Steven Sotloff — and who killed photojournalist James Foley on August 19 — are as ignorant or deliberately dismissive of how a free press functions as they are brutal in their methods of gaining the world’s attention.

Journalists from a nation with a free press do not control the news. They do not make the news. And they do not collaborate with, nor are they controlled by, those who do. Here’s a headline from the real world: There is no direct line between the Pentagon, White House and any news organization in America where policy is set or strategy is determined.

For more often, the press in America — whether reporting domestically or from other nations — is seen as a counterweight to official statements by U.S. government officials, and a watchdog on whether the nation’s leaders are doing what they say they are doing.

Yes, at times, the U.S. press wrongly has taken government at its word: The failure to fully pursue what turned out to be unsupported claims of “weapons of mass destruction” still echoes today. But more often, journalists operating under the shield of the First Amendment have been seen as critics or even opponents of what the nation’s political leaders recommend or the course being pursued.

Famously, a U.S. press reporting freely from Vietnam is blamed by some as a reason “America lost the war.” Reports from journalists on the scene called into question information from U.S. military briefings and enemy body counts. The famed “credibility gap” that plagued several administrations was rooted in the difference between what high White House officials said about the progress of that war and what the nation on a daily basis read in newspapers and saw on TV.

It’s difficult to think of an important public issue on which there is not some American journalist asking the difficult questions or challenging official accounts, which makes the fate of Foley and of Sotloff — who disappeared while reporting from Syria in 2013 — as senseless as it is tragic.

If ISIS was serious about changing American public opinion, it would not do so with tactics that will simply harden public support for U.S. military strikes against it. We need look no further than the most serious terrorist strike against America, on Sept. 11, 2001. American policies in the Middle East hardened amidst a surge in patriotism and increased public sentiment for a military response against those who carried out the attack.

A sad irony also follows both deaths. Neither Foley nor Sotloff’s work focused on the political or military aspects of whatever ISIS wants from the Obama administration. Each was focused — and perhaps more vulnerable to the abduction that put them in ultimate harm’s way — by reporting directly on the “people” angles of the Syrian civil war and other conflict in the region.

About a week ago, Sotloff’s mother, Shirley Sotloff, made a video plea to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi not to kill her son. In it, she said, “Steven is a journalist who traveled to the Middle East to cover the suffering of Muslims at the hands of tyrants. Steven is a loyal and generous son, brother and grandson,” she said. “He is an honorable man and has always tried to help the weak.”

In the most recent video, the terrorist speaking to the camera said, “I’m back Obama and I’m back because of your arrogant foreign policy towards the Islamic State, because of your insistence in continuing your bombings. Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.” A third captive journalist, a British citizen, was shown at the end of the Sotloff video, with warning of a third execution.

Yes, Sotloff apparently was forced in the video, just prior to his death as was Foley, to recite a statement questioning U.S. involvement in Iraq. But that recitation does not politicize his work as a journalist nor in any way justify his senseless execution. And with many news organizations declining to show the most recent video, as they did with one of the Foley murder — the desired policy impact is even more remote.

The only real message — so cruelly delivered not by the news media but these online merchants of deaths — is one of futility and shame on those who composed the statements, held the cameras, posted the videos and wielded the knives.

Gene Policinski is chief operating officer of the Newseum Institute and senior vice president of the Institute’s First Amendment Center. He can be reached at gpolicinski@newseum.org