Thursday, December 31, 2015
1,545,000 Page Views
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NBC Skips Planned Parenthood Videos, Clinton E-Mail/Foundation Scandals in Year in Review
What does it say about a television network that ignores two of the biggest news events of 2015 in its year-in-review segment?
NBC’s Today Skips Planned Parenthood Videos, Clinton E-Mail/Foundation Scandals in Year in Review
NBC’s Today Skips Planned Parenthood Videos, Clinton E-Mail/Foundation Scandals in Year in Review
Year-End Awards: The 'What Difference Does It Make?' Award, for Denying Hillary's Scandals
Still not convinced of the widespread liberal bias in the news media?
Year-End Awards: The 'What Difference Does It Make?' Award, for Denying Hillary's Scandals
Year-End Awards: The 'What Difference Does It Make?' Award, for Denying Hillary's Scandals
Donald Be Gone: New Google Chrome App Removes Trump From Your Internet
Personally, I'd like to erase the last 7 disastrous years under Obama.
Donald Be Gone: New Google Chrome App Removes Trump From Your Internet | Truth Revolt
Donald Be Gone: New Google Chrome App Removes Trump From Your Internet | Truth Revolt
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Gov. Wolf vetoes no-tax-hike Republican budget for third time
Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said Tuesday he will use his line-item veto power on the $30.8 billion, no-tax-hike budget passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. So the big question today is why didn't Wolf do this on July 1 when the first budget was sent to him by the Legislature? The answer: Wolf wants to spend billions more on liberal programs and raise taxes on working Pennsylvania families so he held the budget hostage for the past six months in the hopes of forcing the Legislature to raise taxes.
His ploy didn't work. So here we are - six months into the new fiscal year - without a budget, thanks to Wolf and his far-left staffers who want to spend more than the state takes in and pay back the labor unions that put Wolf into office last year.
There's a great quote in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review from Republican House Majority Leader Dave Reed, putting the Wolf budget fiasco in perspective: “While I am appreciative that the Governor will finally release some of his hostages and send some of the monies out to our schools and human service programs; it is disturbing to realize that his partial veto is reflective of his demand for a higher sales or income tax to spend even more money."
Gov. Wolf vetoes Republican budget, will release funds for schools
His ploy didn't work. So here we are - six months into the new fiscal year - without a budget, thanks to Wolf and his far-left staffers who want to spend more than the state takes in and pay back the labor unions that put Wolf into office last year.
There's a great quote in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review from Republican House Majority Leader Dave Reed, putting the Wolf budget fiasco in perspective: “While I am appreciative that the Governor will finally release some of his hostages and send some of the monies out to our schools and human service programs; it is disturbing to realize that his partial veto is reflective of his demand for a higher sales or income tax to spend even more money."
Gov. Wolf vetoes Republican budget, will release funds for schools
Monday, December 28, 2015
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Obama's 'hope and change' now is hopelessness and stagnation
From a new column by Antony Davies & James R. Harrigan recapping the failed Obama years:
Obama's 'hope and change' now is hopelessness and stagnationA sober reflection of the past seven years shows that, across the country, change largely has been for the worse and hope is in pretty short supply.The hope disappeared down the hole of governmental regulation.
1,450,000 Page Views
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'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' becomes fastest movie to reach $1 billion
In less than two weeks, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" has become the second highest-grossing film of 2015 and the 15th highest-grossing film of all time.
I saw 'The Force Awakens' over the weekend. It was good but not as good as I expected considering the resources J.J. Abrams had at his disposal. It's much better than the three George Lucas prequels but I still think "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back" were better.
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' becomes fastest movie to reach $1 billion
Friday, December 25, 2015
Thursday, December 24, 2015
44% of Democrats Support Accepting Refugees from Fake City in 'Aladdin' Movie
These are the same people who voted for Obama - twice - and are planning to vote for Hillary ...
44% of Democrats Support Accepting Refugees from Fake City in 'Aladdin' Movie | Truth Revolt
44% of Democrats Support Accepting Refugees from Fake City in 'Aladdin' Movie | Truth Revolt
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
FACT CHECK: Clinton Campaign Still Lying About ISIS and Trump
When it comes to Hillary Clinton, never let the facts stand in the way of a good political lie. It's been her entire career in politics so why stop now?
FACT CHECK: Clinton Campaign Still Lying About ISIS and Trump | Frontpage Mag
FACT CHECK: Clinton Campaign Still Lying About ISIS and Trump | Frontpage Mag
GOP Grinches Set Up Massive Pre-Christmas Tax Hike in Pa.
Twenty-one Republicans in the Pennsylvania House joined with Democrats this week to set up a massive tax hike (up to $1.8 billion?) right before Christmas. Who are these Grinches? The watchdog group Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania has a list on its website. You can contact them now to remind them you will remember their names on the 2016 ballot.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Placemats for intellectual doormats at Harvard
From The (Pittsburgh) Tribune-Review:
The garbage that passes for critical thinking on some college campuses now is being served up on a festive holiday placemat, courtesy of Harvard, for freshmen to bring home and share with their families.Editorial: Placemats for intellectual doormats at Harvard
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
REP: JOE PITTS: Social media is a new front in war on terror
Terrorism, and Islamic terrorism in particular, has continually proven to be a global threat. In regions as far apart and as diverse as Beirut, Paris, and San Bernadino, ISIS and their sympathizers have used the technology and weaponry of civilization against civilization.
In London, a man stabbed a stranger on the Tube, shouting “this is for Syria!” The bloody aftermath was caught on a harrowing cell phone video that is now circulating on the internet.
Massive terrorism-related arrests have taken place in Brussels, Australia, and Geneva. A soccer game in Germany was evacuated due to credible terrorist threats.
According to the CIA, ISIS terrorists are present in at least 30 countries. The FBI has over 900 open ISIS-related investigations in the United States and has made some 50 arrests just in 2015. Militant groups in 20 different countries, including the notorious kidnappers Boko Haram of Nigeria, have sworn allegiance to ISIS.
Terrorists in Brussels have been proven to have made contact with ISIS leaders in Syria. The San Bernadino murderers appear to have met on an online dating website, and posted pro-ISIS propaganda on Facebook just before conducting their attacks. Terrorist plots to kill police officers in Boston and behead a blogger in Texas have been discovered by means of their social media footprint. A total of some 300 Twitter accounts based in the United States have been found to be run by terrorists.
According to research done at George Washington University, terrorist suspects recruited by ISIS in the United States tend to be younger than previous terrorist suspects, and tend to be converts to Islam. Teenage boys and girls in Mississippi, Minneapolis, and the Denver suburbs have been arrested in connection with ISIS.
In a chilling development just this week, the FBI arrested 19-year old Jabil Ameer Aziz from Harrisburg for aiding ISIS propaganda on 57 different Twitter accounts.
Part of how terrorism has gone global has been through advances in communications technology. Social media have opened up new channels of communication around our world, allowing anyone anywhere to speak to virtually anyone else anywhere almost immediately. As with any technology, this new capability can be used either for good or for evil.
While many people have used these new tools for good, terrorist groups like ISIS have been highly effective in recruiting sympathizers and cooperators around the world through social media. It is even possible that they have used online video games — through PlayStation — to communicate encrypted information. This encryption problem poses a serious challenge to our counterterrorism efforts, and Congress will have the responsibility of solving it.
No one publicizes ISIS’ murders as widely as ISIS does, posting on the internet videos of beheadings, burnings, and shootings of their enemies. ISIS is so evil that it actively recruits new terrorists all over the world using these internet videos.
We are an open society, and rightly proud to be one. But while terrorists hate the freedom of the West, they exploit it against us.
The task before our leaders is to keep our people safe, but we must not give up our freedom in order to protect it. We must hold fast to the inalienable rights and liberties of which the American people have always been jealous, and of which our enemies are so contemptuous.
These concerns are why this week, the House passed legislation that would require the President to report to
Congress on the extent of terrorist use of social media, as well as on a strategy to enhance the exchange of information between the government and social media companies so as to disrupt the terrorist recruitment networks.
The House also passed legislation introduced by Democratic Rep. Norma Torres to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and maintain an assessment of maritime cybersecurity. This bill would also require the sharing of information between Maritime Security Advisory Committees.
Earlier this year, the House passed cybersecurity reform legislation, with President Obama’s support, that would require the Director of National Intelligence to create procedures for sharing imminent threat information with the private sector, and allowing private sector entities to share cyber threat indicators or defensive measures against cyber threats.
These bills constitute neither the beginning nor the end of our efforts to combat terrorists, but they are the next step. We will continue to fight ISIS and any other threat to our safety until they are no more — whether in theater or on the Internet.
U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District in parts of Chester, Berks and Lancaster counties.
In London, a man stabbed a stranger on the Tube, shouting “this is for Syria!” The bloody aftermath was caught on a harrowing cell phone video that is now circulating on the internet.
Massive terrorism-related arrests have taken place in Brussels, Australia, and Geneva. A soccer game in Germany was evacuated due to credible terrorist threats.
According to the CIA, ISIS terrorists are present in at least 30 countries. The FBI has over 900 open ISIS-related investigations in the United States and has made some 50 arrests just in 2015. Militant groups in 20 different countries, including the notorious kidnappers Boko Haram of Nigeria, have sworn allegiance to ISIS.
Terrorists in Brussels have been proven to have made contact with ISIS leaders in Syria. The San Bernadino murderers appear to have met on an online dating website, and posted pro-ISIS propaganda on Facebook just before conducting their attacks. Terrorist plots to kill police officers in Boston and behead a blogger in Texas have been discovered by means of their social media footprint. A total of some 300 Twitter accounts based in the United States have been found to be run by terrorists.
According to research done at George Washington University, terrorist suspects recruited by ISIS in the United States tend to be younger than previous terrorist suspects, and tend to be converts to Islam. Teenage boys and girls in Mississippi, Minneapolis, and the Denver suburbs have been arrested in connection with ISIS.
In a chilling development just this week, the FBI arrested 19-year old Jabil Ameer Aziz from Harrisburg for aiding ISIS propaganda on 57 different Twitter accounts.
Part of how terrorism has gone global has been through advances in communications technology. Social media have opened up new channels of communication around our world, allowing anyone anywhere to speak to virtually anyone else anywhere almost immediately. As with any technology, this new capability can be used either for good or for evil.
While many people have used these new tools for good, terrorist groups like ISIS have been highly effective in recruiting sympathizers and cooperators around the world through social media. It is even possible that they have used online video games — through PlayStation — to communicate encrypted information. This encryption problem poses a serious challenge to our counterterrorism efforts, and Congress will have the responsibility of solving it.
No one publicizes ISIS’ murders as widely as ISIS does, posting on the internet videos of beheadings, burnings, and shootings of their enemies. ISIS is so evil that it actively recruits new terrorists all over the world using these internet videos.
We are an open society, and rightly proud to be one. But while terrorists hate the freedom of the West, they exploit it against us.
The task before our leaders is to keep our people safe, but we must not give up our freedom in order to protect it. We must hold fast to the inalienable rights and liberties of which the American people have always been jealous, and of which our enemies are so contemptuous.
These concerns are why this week, the House passed legislation that would require the President to report to
Congress on the extent of terrorist use of social media, as well as on a strategy to enhance the exchange of information between the government and social media companies so as to disrupt the terrorist recruitment networks.
The House also passed legislation introduced by Democratic Rep. Norma Torres to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and maintain an assessment of maritime cybersecurity. This bill would also require the sharing of information between Maritime Security Advisory Committees.
Earlier this year, the House passed cybersecurity reform legislation, with President Obama’s support, that would require the Director of National Intelligence to create procedures for sharing imminent threat information with the private sector, and allowing private sector entities to share cyber threat indicators or defensive measures against cyber threats.
These bills constitute neither the beginning nor the end of our efforts to combat terrorists, but they are the next step. We will continue to fight ISIS and any other threat to our safety until they are no more — whether in theater or on the Internet.
U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional District in parts of Chester, Berks and Lancaster counties.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Monday, December 14, 2015
Sunday, December 13, 2015
1,525,000 Page Views
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The left's war on religion
A must-read new column by Salena Zito:
American leftists have made a religion out of government; they were angry, not because people called for appeals to a higher being, but because it was to God — not government.Salena Zito: The left's war on religion
The left does not want Americans to lift up victims in prayer because it wants us to seek solace in public policy. Left-wing politicians think religion is an opiate for the masses, and they want to take the rabble off that drug.
It was no accident that this outburst of liberal anger included both guns and religion. The modern urban-coastal left believes guns and religion are totems for fools.
Even many liberal religious leaders have use for prayer only when it does not get in the way of liberal secular political aims.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Friday, December 11, 2015
Trust in Government to Protect Against Terrorism Slumps to New Low
After all the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil on Obama's watch, you'd have to be a fool (or a Democrat) to believe Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton can keep us safe.
Trust in Government to Protect Against Terrorism Slumps to New Low
Trust in Government to Protect Against Terrorism Slumps to New Low
Former Gitmo Prisoner Now al Qaeda Leader in Yemen
Obama keeps sending reinforcements to America's enemies ...
Former Gitmo Prisoner Now al Qaeda Leader in Yemen | Truth Revolt
Former Gitmo Prisoner Now al Qaeda Leader in Yemen | Truth Revolt
Report: Obama Told NSC, FBI to 'Downplay' Terrorist Angle of San Bernardino Attack
Does this surprise anyone? Obama has been aiding and abetting the enemy for the pat 7 years.
Report: Obama Told NSC, FBI to 'Downplay' Terrorist Angle of San Bernardino Attack | Truth Revolt
Report: Obama Told NSC, FBI to 'Downplay' Terrorist Angle of San Bernardino Attack | Truth Revolt
Thursday, December 10, 2015
The Death of the American Middle Class
Interesting that the death of the American Middle Class should happen on Barack Obama's watch. His seven years of failed economic policies may have been the final nail in the coffin:
After more than four decades of serving as the nation’s economicPew Research Center: The American Middle Class Is Losing Ground
majority, the American middle class is now matched in number by those in
the economic tiers above and below it. In early 2015, 120.8 million
adults were in middle-income households, compared with 121.3 million in
lower- and upper-income households combined, a demographic shift that
could signal a tipping point, according to a new Pew Research Center
analysis of government data.
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
PA Senate moves toward removing Attorney General Kathleen Kane
The days may be numbered for indicted Pennsylvania AG Kathleen Kane.
Senate moves toward removing Attorney General Kathleen Kane
Senate moves toward removing Attorney General Kathleen Kane
Meet the Farooks: The Modern Jihad Family
Front Page Magazine asks: How did this anything-but-moderate family not attract any law enforcement attention?
Meet the Farooks: The Modern Jihad Family | Frontpage Mag
Meet the Farooks: The Modern Jihad Family | Frontpage Mag
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Alfred, Lord Tennyson's famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," was published in England on December 9, 1854 - 161 years ago today. The actual Charge of the Light Brigade took place on October 25, 1854, during the Crimean War when an English brigade of 600 men charged heavily-fortified Russian army positions in the Battle of Balaclava in what is present-day Ukraine. The British were armed with lances and sabres and were cut to pieces by Russian artillery.
The
"Charge of the Light Brigade" took place on Oct. 25, 1854,
during the Crimean War as
an English brigade of 600 men charged the Russian army in the Battle of
Balaclava (Ukraine), suffering heavy losses. The event is memorialized
by this famous poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson - See more at:
http://tonyphyrillas.blogspot.com/search?q=Brigade#sthash.O4EPb0FJ.dpuf
The
"Charge of the Light Brigade" took place on Oct. 25, 1854,
during the Crimean War as
an English brigade of 600 men charged the Russian army in the Battle of
Balaclava (Ukraine), suffering heavy losses. The event is memorialized
by this famous poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson - See more at:
http://tonyphyrillas.blogspot.com/search?q=Brigade#sthash.O4EPb0FJ.dpuf
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!” he said.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!”
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Someone had blundered.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volleyed and thundered;
Stormed at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flashed all their sabres bare,
Flashed as they turned in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wondered.
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right through the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reeled from the sabre stroke
Shattered and sundered.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volleyed and thundered;
Stormed at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell.
They that had fought so well
Came through the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
Tuesday, December 08, 2015
1,520,000 Page Views
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Wolf Budget 'Framework' Looks Even Worse Than Predicted
Republican legislators will pay dearly in the 2016 election cycle if they give in to tax-and-spend liberal Tom Wolf.
Commonwealth Foundation: With Details, Wolf Budget 'Framework' Looks Even Worse
Commonwealth Foundation: With Details, Wolf Budget 'Framework' Looks Even Worse
Monday, December 07, 2015
Sunday, December 06, 2015
Saturday, December 05, 2015
Friday, December 04, 2015
Poll: 60% in Pa. oppose bringing Syrian refugees to state
How out-of-touch is Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf with the people of Pennsylvania?
A new Harper Polling survey finds just 29% of Keystone State residents support the Obama/Wolf plan to relocate Syrian refugees in Pennsylvania.
The poll found 60% of residents oppose the plan.
For more polling results, click here.
A new Harper Polling survey finds just 29% of Keystone State residents support the Obama/Wolf plan to relocate Syrian refugees in Pennsylvania.
The poll found 60% of residents oppose the plan.
For more polling results, click here.
Thursday, December 03, 2015
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
Who will lead the Montgomery County GOP?
Veteran Montgomery County Courthouse reporter Margaret Gibbons ponders who will be the next chairman or chairwoman of the Republican Party in Montgomery County, once a GOP stronghold in Pennsylvania that has fallen into Democratic control in recent years.
Just how bad have things gotten for Republicans in this large and wealthy county? Look no further than the November General Election debacle.
From Gibbons' column:
Margaret Gibbons: Who will lead the Montgomery County GOP? - The Intelligencer: Margaret Gibbons | Montgomery County politics | Courthouse
Just how bad have things gotten for Republicans in this large and wealthy county? Look no further than the November General Election debacle.
From Gibbons' column:
Democrats for the first time captured all competitively elected county posts with GOPer Joe Gale running an independent campaign to defeat one of the leadership's endorsed candidates in the primary election and defeating their remaining endorsed candidate this month for the minority seat on the board of commissioners.
It's going to take someone with superhuman powers to straighten out this mess.
Margaret Gibbons: Who will lead the Montgomery County GOP? - The Intelligencer: Margaret Gibbons | Montgomery County politics | Courthouse
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Donald Trump Headlines Luncheon For PA GOP Bigwigs
'Donald Trump is a successful and dynamic businessman and we are excited to hear about his vision for the future of our country," Gleason said in a statement posted on the PA GOP's website Wednesday. "The importance of Pennsylvania to the presidential campaign is clear and Donald Trump addressing Pennsylvania Republicans puts us in the middle of the national stage."
If you don't have a ticket for the luncheon, you're pretty much out of luck in hearing what Trump will have to say. Following tradition, the Commonwealth Club Luncheon will be closed to the press, Gleason said.
By the way, the event is being held in New York City, one of those head-scratching decisions by Pennsylvania's political elites who gather outside Pennsylvania for big party events every year.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Democrats kill bill to eliminate Pa. property taxes
Republican State Sen. David Argall, the sponsor of the Property Tax
Independence Act, apologized to Pennsylvania taxpayers Monday after the bill was defeated by a single vote cast by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, a Democrat who serves as president of the Senate. The vote by Senators was 24-24 in the 50-member chamber. (One of the co-sponsors of Senate Bill 76 missed the vote (and there's a vacancy in a western Pennsylvania Senate seat that will be filled later this week.)
From reporter Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "We owe the taxpayers of Pennsylvania a sincere apology," Argall said. The apology is needed for "forcing schools since 1834 to rely on the unfair, archaic property tax," Argall said. "We can eliminate this hated tax" It hits senior citizens on fixed incomes hardest, Argall argued.
Pennsylvania Senate defeats tax overhaul plan
From reporter Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "We owe the taxpayers of Pennsylvania a sincere apology," Argall said. The apology is needed for "forcing schools since 1834 to rely on the unfair, archaic property tax," Argall said. "We can eliminate this hated tax" It hits senior citizens on fixed incomes hardest, Argall argued.
Pennsylvania Senate defeats tax overhaul plan
Monday, November 23, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
AP: Clinton Debate Gun Claims Unsupported by Facts
Hillary Clinton just makes up stuff as she goes along ...
AP: Clinton Debate Gun Claims Unsupported by Facts
AP: Clinton Debate Gun Claims Unsupported by Facts
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
1,500,000 Page Views
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Monday, November 16, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Obama VA Paid $142M in Bonuses for 2014 Despite Fake Wait List Scandal
Incompetence and negligence are always rewarded under the Obama Regime.
VA Paid $142M in Bonuses for 2014 Despite Fake Wait List Scandal
VA Paid $142M in Bonuses for 2014 Despite Fake Wait List Scandal
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Monday, November 09, 2015
Friday, November 06, 2015
Guest Column: A New Way Forward For Conservatives
By Lowman S. Henry
There is an old saying that battle plans are effective until the fighting starts. That is true in politics. Once the campaign actually begins anything can — and usually does — happen. This explains why establishment favorite Jeb Bush is being over-run by Donald Trump and a socialist senator from a small state is giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money.
At this stage of the presidential race in 2008 conventional wisdom held that the General Election match-up would be a contest between Hillary Clinton and Rudy Guliani. Four years ago, Herman Cain held a commanding lead in the polls to take on incumbent Barack Obama. Clinton, Guliani and Cain all failed to win their party’s nomination.
Trump and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders would appear at first glance to have absolutely nothing in common. Trump is the embodiment of free enterprise having made billions in real estate and other ventures; Sanders is an avowed socialist. But there is a common thread: each has tapped into the deep tide of discontent with the malaise that has engulfed both our domestic economy and foreign policy. To be sure Trump and Sanders prescribe diametrically opposite solutions, but the feelings of discontent run strong on both the Left and the Right.
The challenge for Republicans, and especially for conservatives, is to present a path forward that will be both realistic, yet appeal to the nation’s desire — as Trump puts it — to make America great again. The only certainty is that the old approach has failed. Milquetoast nominees like Mitt Romney and John McCain spouting establishment rhetoric inspired nobody and resulted in the ideologically driven presidency of Barack Obama.
Conservatives are viewed by many voters as heartless money grubbers willing only to cut spending and kick the “lesser of these” to the streets. But a new approach is emerging, with a presidential candidate and a think tank president leading the way. In their own way, they have laid the ideological groundwork for a message that more accurately reflects the conservative heart.
“The Conservative Heart” is a new book by Arthur C. Brooks who is President of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. The stated purpose of the book is to challenge “the liberal monopoly on fairness and compassion.” And Brooks does just that by explaining how free enterprise and conservative solutions have lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system known to man.
Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and 2012 GOP Presidential runner-up is known primarily for his outspoken positions on social issues. But, it is on economic issues where Santorum actually may have the most impact. He too has written a book, “Blue Collar Conservatives,” in which he argues that conservatives must talk about the “blue-jeaned” worker as well as the CEO. Santorum argues: “Conservatives give the impression they are unconcerned about the millions of hurting and vulnerable Americans” and concludes “Our country needs opportunities for all not just the financiers on the East Coast or the high-tech tycoons on the West.”
All of this, according to Brooks means we must change the focus from the Left on equalizing the “finish line” to placing emphasis on “making the starting line more equal for the vulnerable by improving education, expanding the opportunity to work, and increasing access to entrepreneurship.” And for him, that includes fighting “cronyism that favors powerful interests and keeps the little guy down.”
Powerful interests, of course, abound in both political parties. But they are small in number compared to the “blue collar conservatives” to which both Santorum and Brooks argue the GOP must appeal. It would be a bold new approach and a departure from the past. But having lost the last two presidential elections, for conservatives and for Republicans a departure from the past would be a good thing.
Lowman S. Henry is chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His email address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
There is an old saying that battle plans are effective until the fighting starts. That is true in politics. Once the campaign actually begins anything can — and usually does — happen. This explains why establishment favorite Jeb Bush is being over-run by Donald Trump and a socialist senator from a small state is giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money.
At this stage of the presidential race in 2008 conventional wisdom held that the General Election match-up would be a contest between Hillary Clinton and Rudy Guliani. Four years ago, Herman Cain held a commanding lead in the polls to take on incumbent Barack Obama. Clinton, Guliani and Cain all failed to win their party’s nomination.
Trump and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders would appear at first glance to have absolutely nothing in common. Trump is the embodiment of free enterprise having made billions in real estate and other ventures; Sanders is an avowed socialist. But there is a common thread: each has tapped into the deep tide of discontent with the malaise that has engulfed both our domestic economy and foreign policy. To be sure Trump and Sanders prescribe diametrically opposite solutions, but the feelings of discontent run strong on both the Left and the Right.
The challenge for Republicans, and especially for conservatives, is to present a path forward that will be both realistic, yet appeal to the nation’s desire — as Trump puts it — to make America great again. The only certainty is that the old approach has failed. Milquetoast nominees like Mitt Romney and John McCain spouting establishment rhetoric inspired nobody and resulted in the ideologically driven presidency of Barack Obama.
Conservatives are viewed by many voters as heartless money grubbers willing only to cut spending and kick the “lesser of these” to the streets. But a new approach is emerging, with a presidential candidate and a think tank president leading the way. In their own way, they have laid the ideological groundwork for a message that more accurately reflects the conservative heart.
“The Conservative Heart” is a new book by Arthur C. Brooks who is President of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. The stated purpose of the book is to challenge “the liberal monopoly on fairness and compassion.” And Brooks does just that by explaining how free enterprise and conservative solutions have lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system known to man.
Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and 2012 GOP Presidential runner-up is known primarily for his outspoken positions on social issues. But, it is on economic issues where Santorum actually may have the most impact. He too has written a book, “Blue Collar Conservatives,” in which he argues that conservatives must talk about the “blue-jeaned” worker as well as the CEO. Santorum argues: “Conservatives give the impression they are unconcerned about the millions of hurting and vulnerable Americans” and concludes “Our country needs opportunities for all not just the financiers on the East Coast or the high-tech tycoons on the West.”
All of this, according to Brooks means we must change the focus from the Left on equalizing the “finish line” to placing emphasis on “making the starting line more equal for the vulnerable by improving education, expanding the opportunity to work, and increasing access to entrepreneurship.” And for him, that includes fighting “cronyism that favors powerful interests and keeps the little guy down.”
Powerful interests, of course, abound in both political parties. But they are small in number compared to the “blue collar conservatives” to which both Santorum and Brooks argue the GOP must appeal. It would be a bold new approach and a departure from the past. But having lost the last two presidential elections, for conservatives and for Republicans a departure from the past would be a good thing.
Lowman S. Henry is chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His email address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016
A fixture in Congress since 1997, Republican Joe Pitts has announced he will not seek re-election to the House in 2016. Pitts, 76, has been consistently ranked among the most conservative members of Congress since he went to Washington. In recent years, he has won re-election to his 16th District House seat representing parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties by wide margins. The district is a GOP stronghold and should remain in Republican control if the party can find a well-known name to run next year.
Although he's leaving Congress, Pitts said he plans to stay active, intending to focus on human rights around the world.
"As a person of faith, and a follower of Jesus, I believe that we are called to pursue justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves," Pitts said. "I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom, both domestic and international, as well as on matters of culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Reagan, Chuck Colson, as well as great legislators like the 18th Century Member of the British Parliament William Wilberforce, and former colleagues like Henry Hyde, Frank Wolf, and Tony Hall."
Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016
Although he's leaving Congress, Pitts said he plans to stay active, intending to focus on human rights around the world.
"As a person of faith, and a follower of Jesus, I believe that we are called to pursue justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves," Pitts said. "I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom, both domestic and international, as well as on matters of culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Reagan, Chuck Colson, as well as great legislators like the 18th Century Member of the British Parliament William Wilberforce, and former colleagues like Henry Hyde, Frank Wolf, and Tony Hall."
Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016
Thursday, November 05, 2015
Voters send a message to Tom 'Taxman' Wolf
Republicans picked up another seat in the Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday, giving the GOP a 31-19 majority. There's a reason Pennsylvania voters elected larger Republican majorities in both the state House and Senate - they're tired of big government in Harrisburg. But liberal Democrat Tom Wolf apparently still hasn't gotten the message. Another bad legislative election cycle for Democrats - like the ones they had in 2012 and 2014 - and Republicans will have enough votes to override any of Wolf's vetoes.
Republicans pad majority in Pennsylvania Senate with victory
Republicans pad majority in Pennsylvania Senate with victory
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Unions, trial lawyers buy control of PA Supreme Court
Millions of dollars in campaign contributions by Philadelphia trial lawyers and labor unions have purchased three Democratic seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, giving Dems a 5-2 majority on the court.
Donations from lawyers, labor fuel wins for Dems in Pa. Supreme Court race
Donations from lawyers, labor fuel wins for Dems in Pa. Supreme Court race
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
Campaign sign confusion at Berks County polling site
Voters who pulled up to the Exeter Community Library today to cast ballots may have been scratching their heads as they walked into the building. Voters were greeted by campaign signs asking them to support Mark Gillen for State Representative. The problem? Mark Gillen's name isn't on the ballot. State representatives are elected in even-numbered years in Pennsylvania. Last time I checked my calendar, it's 2015. My theory is that somebody working for the Berks County Republican Committee who was tasked with bringing campaign signs to polling sites went a little too far into the warehouse and scooped up Gillen For State Rep signs by mistake.
How illegal aliens destroy your vote
Columnist Walter Williams exposes the Democratic Party's voter fraud machine in his latest column:
Voter ID laws have been challenged because liberal Democrats deem them racist. I guess that's because they see blacks as being incapable of acquiring some kind of government-issued identification.
Walter Williams: How illegal aliens destroy your voteInteresting enough is the fact that I've never heard of a challenge to other ID requirements as racist, such as those: to board a plane, open a charge account, have lab work done or cash a welfare check. Since liberal Democrats only challenge legal procedures to promote ballot-box integrity, the conclusion one reaches is that they are for vote fraud prevalent in many Democrat-controlled cities.
Monday, November 02, 2015
Sunday, November 01, 2015
The Kathleen Kane mess: Bring in the Justice Department
Did Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane or her agents run a Watergate-like 'plumbers' operation in 2013? The Pittsburgh Tribune Review wants to know.
The Kathleen Kane mess: Bring in the Justice Department
The Kathleen Kane mess: Bring in the Justice Department
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Audit: Obamacare Exchange Enrolled Hundreds Of Dead People in Medicaid
Liberal logic: If Democrats can vote after they die, they can also receive government-paid health care.
Audit: Obamacare Exchange Enrolled Hundreds Of Dead People in Medicaid | Truth Revolt
Audit: Obamacare Exchange Enrolled Hundreds Of Dead People in Medicaid | Truth Revolt
Thursday, October 29, 2015
It's The Economy, Stupid CNBC!
From Bill O'Reilly's latest column:
Bill O'Reilly: It's The Economy, Stupid CNBC!
Let's get this straight. On Wednesday morning a new national poll revealed that 54% of Americans rate the economy as 'poor.' That's after nearly seven years of Barack Obama's big government solutions. Republicans, of course, are especially gloomy about the economy.Read the full column at the link below:
That was Wednesday morning, teeing things up for CNBC, the self-described 'world leader in business news.' Surely the moderators would flood the zone with substantive questions about the U.S. economy.
Instead, Becky Quick quizzed Marco Rubio about his 'lack of bookkeeping skills,' Carl Quintanilla posed questions about homosexuality and fantasy football, and the astonishingly incompetent John Harwood expressed doubt about Donald Trump's 'moral authority.'
Bill O'Reilly: It's The Economy, Stupid CNBC!
Qualifications not needed for many row offices in Pennsylvania
What is a prothonotary anyway, and why are voters in Pennsylvania counties asked to elect one every four years?
Qualifications not needed for many row offices in Pennsylvania
Qualifications not needed for many row offices in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's spending during budget impasse hits $27 billion
Pennsylvania government is an auto-pilot. Even though the state does not have an approved budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, somehow it managed to spend $27 billion.
Pennsylvania's spending during budget impasse hits $27 billion
Pennsylvania's spending during budget impasse hits $27 billion
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Students Forced to Deny God or Fail Assignment
Liberal fascism is on the march in our public schools.
Students Forced to Deny God or Fail Assignment | Truth Revolt
Students Forced to Deny God or Fail Assignment | Truth Revolt
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Majority of College Students 'Intimidated' to Share Beliefs
The rise of liberal fascism on American college campuses is appalling.
Majority of Republican, Democratic College Students 'Intimidated' to Share Beliefs
Majority of Republican, Democratic College Students 'Intimidated' to Share Beliefs
Further Proof Democrats Are The Party Of The Rich
The 1% Elites in D.C., NYC areas are fueling Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Top 10 ZIP Codes Contributing To Hillary Are Not 'Everyday America'
Top 10 ZIP Codes Contributing To Hillary Are Not 'Everyday America'
Monday, October 26, 2015
1,480,000 Page Views
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Friday, October 23, 2015
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
1,475,000 Page Views
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