Obama's legislative record: 0 for 59

Sen. Barack Obama has introduced 59 bills during his short time in the U.S. Senate. How many of those bills became law? Zero. Nada. Zilch.

When it comes to legislative experience, it appears Sen. Obama is spinning his wheels.

Senator Obama's Priorities - WashingtonWatch.com

RNC: They Said It!

Sarah Palin is on the cover of Newsweek and Time magazines. Both magazines say the Democrats are running scared of Palin and need to attack her.

RNC: They Said It!

Watch 'Talking Politics' on PCN Sunday

"Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" will be shown Sunday at 6 p.m. as part of the Pennsylvania Cable Network's weekly "PA TALK RADIO" program.

Joining Phyrillas and Pincus from the WPAZ 1370 AM studios in Pottstown is Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr.

PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 78 in the Pottstown area, Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County and Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks and Lehigh counties.

Check you cable guide for the PCN channel in your area.

Democrats toss American flags in the trash

The story of the day (and one you probably won't hear much about in the liberal media) is a decision by the Democratic National Committee to toss thousands of American flags in the trash after the Dems left their convention in Denver last week.

The story appears to have originated from the Denver Post, which says that some of the flags were recovered from the trash and used at a Republican rally for Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin.

Read more about the Democrats trashing the flag at PAWaterCooler.com and WRITEMARSH!

At no point is throwing the American flag in the trash considered proper flag etiquette.

Even torn or tattered flags must be properly disposed at a "dignified flag burning ceremony."

Many veterans groups such as the American Legion or the VFW or Scouts hold regular ceremonies throughout the year to properly dispose of flags.

Can America Ask Anything of Immigrant Workers?

LPGA English Cave-In Begs Question: Can America Ask Anything of Immigrant Workers?

McCain draws bigger TV audience than Obama

Nielsen Media Research reports that 38.9 million people watched Sen. John McCain's Sept. 4 acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, outdrawing Sen. Barack Obama's Aug. 28 stadium speech by a half-million people.

Obama's speech in Denver was viewed by 38.4 million people, according to Nielsen, which tracks viewers on six commercial networks.

And this interesting nugget from The Associated Press:

With Sarah Palin's speech on Wednesday, more people watched the Republican convention this week than the Democrats the previous week.

The AP added audience estimates provided by the liberal-leaning Public Broadcasting System, claiming the audiences for each speech was a virtual tie.

PBS says 3.5 million people watched McCain's speech on PBS on Sept. 4, but the same network claims 4 million people watched Obama's speech on PBS on Aug. 28. Those numbers sound fishy.

If you add both the commercial networks and PBS numbers, each speech was viewed by an estimated 42.4 million.

Either way, it's a huge victory for the GOP. The liberal media left the Republican Party for dead during the primary races and has openly promoted an Obama presidency.

Despite the pro-Obama media, the American people will get the final say on the next president on Nov. 4.

Fraternal Order of Police endorses McCain

The Fraternal Order of Police, the nation's largest law enforcement union representing 327,000 members, has endorsed Sen. John McCain for president.

"The FOP carefully considered the records and the responses of both candidates and, in our evaluation, Senator McCain will provide greater leadership for our country and for our nation's law enforcement officers," said FOP President Chuck Canterbury. "We will be proud to stand behind him this November, and to stand with him for the next four years."

In a written statement, Canterbury cited Sen. McCain's strong support for the FOP's efforts to amend the Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act and pledged to work with the organization in crafting our nation's law enforcement policy.

From an FOP release:

"Senator John McCain is a proven leader with a clear record of support for the men and women who put their lives on the line -- just as he did -- to defend our communities and our nation," Canterbury said. "I am proud to offer the Senator our endorsement today and I look forward to working with the McCain Administration over the next four years."

For more on the endorsement, click on the link below:

Fraternal Order of Police Endorses McCain!!!

Voter registration deadline approaches in PA

With two months to go until the much-anticipated Nov. 4 presidential election, Pennsylvania residents are being reminded that several voter-registration deadlines are approaching.

Because turnout is expected to be high, registration forms should be returned to county elections officials as soon as possible to meet the deadlines.

Prepare Early for Fast-Approaching Voter Registration Deadline, Urges Secretary Cortes

Hanna could bring heavy rain, winds to PA

Some areas of Pennsylvania, especially the Philadelphia area, could experience flooding and wind damage from the remnants of Hurricane Hanna.

State emergency management officials are warning Pennsylvania residents to take precautions.

PEMA Urges Citizen Preparedness Ahead of Hanna, Other Tropical Storm Systems

The Adventures of Mr. Silly in Nonsenseland

The Letter to the Editor below dealing with out-of-control school spending was originally published in The Mercury. It deals with an affluent school district in Chester County, but I'm sure this sort of wasteful spending goes on in every corner of Pennsylvania.

The adventures of Mr. Silly

I recently read a book to my grandchildren about Mr. Silly who lives in Nonsenseland.

In Nonsenseland, everything is as silly as can be such as cars with square wheels, blue trees and other things that make absolutely no sense. I believe our world has evolved into Nonsenseland.

Last month an auction was held at the OJR Middle School to dispose of "surplus" equipment. While many of the items for sale were well used, I was appalled at the amount of perfectly serviceable and brand new equipment and supplies being sold. Many of the taxpayers in attendance expressed their disbelief very vocally.

There were hundreds of chairs sold, some of which had just been placed in the high school cafeteria but didn't suit "the decor" so they were sold since new ones had already been purchased. Many of the classroom chairs could have been moved to the new elementary school to be used by the 4th through 6th grade students. Likewise, most of the stainless steel kitchen equipment could have been used at the new elementary facility. Huge bags of sports balls, baseball bats, new softballs "in the wrappers" were also sold, plus a myriad of other equipment which is sure to be replaced with items more to the liking of those in charge.

The security staff has also been provided with two new 4 WD SUVs. That purchase would be practical if high speed, off-road pursuits are expected, but compact four door, four cylinder sedans would have been more cost effective and fuel efficient. I understand that our athletic field bulbs are 1500W each. We have approximately 366 lights for a total of 549,000 watts (yes, that's over half a million watts) being consumed when all of the lights are illuminated. As you are turning off your 60W bulbs to save electricity, you can appreciate how much energy is wasted when even a portion of these lights are illuminated long after events have concluded or when events are canceled due to inclement weather.

I believe that all economics, conservation and recycling programs in the curriculum should be terminated and replaced with comedy routines since the people in charge don't practice what they teach and the students need to be taught to laugh about the situation so they don't require professional counseling for depression when they become taxpayers.

Would it be too much to ask the people who use our tax dollars to have spending constraints, possibly relinquishing some of the things they deem necessary such as catered meals for administrative meetings, but can't be funded because of budget shortfalls, just as we taxpayers are forced to do daily? That would sound like the logical thing to do, but remember, we now live in Nonsenseland. How silly is that!

JIM FITCH
Bucktown

Media Birds of Prey

For more cartoons by Randy Bish, visit The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Web site.

'My country saved me'

The climax of John McCain's speech Thursday night was drowned out by applause and cheers. In my opinion, it was the most emotional appeal any candidate for president has ever made. Here is how Sen. McCain ended his speech:

I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.

If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than
yourself.

I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.

Fight for what's right for our country.

Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.

Fight for our children's future.

Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.

Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America. Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here.

We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from
history. We make history.

Thank you, and God Bless you.

When was Tom Ridge governor of NJ?

MSNBC, the low-rated, left-leaning cable news channel, bills itself as "The Place for Politics." It's the home of loudmouth windbags like Chris Matthews and Keith Olberman, the one-time sportscaster who has become a darling of the far-left with his foaming-at-the- mouth attacks on conservatives.

During MSNBC's Thursday night's Republican National Convention coverage, the network interviewed former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

How did "The Place for Politics" identify Ridge during the interview? The title under Ridge's name was: "Former Governor of N.J."

That says a lot about how much MSNBC knows about politics.

McCain pledges bipartisanship

One of the most compelling parts of Sen. John McCain's speech Thursday was his call to end the partisan bickering that has divided this country. McCain is clearly reaching out to independent voters and centrist Democrats. He promised to bring the best people he can find into his administration regardless of their political affiliation:

In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation makes its contribution to our greatness. The work that is ours to do is plainly before us. We don't need to search for it.

We need to change the way government does almost everything: from the way we protect our security to the way we compete in the world economy; from the way we respond to disasters to the way we fuel our transportation network; from the way we train our workers to the way we educate our children. All these functions of government were designed before the rise of the global economy, the information technology revolution and the end of the Cold War. We have to catch up to history, and we have to change the way we do business in Washington.

The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn't a cause, it's a symptom. It's what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.

Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again.

I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.

Instead of rejecting good ideas because we didn't think of them first, let's use the best ideas from both sides. Instead of fighting over who gets the credit, let's try sharing it. This amazing country can do anything we put our minds to. I will ask Democrats and Independents to serve with me.

And my administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.

We're going to finally start getting things done for the people who are counting on us, and I won't care who gets the credit.

McCain vs. Obama on energy

Sen. John McCain explained how his energy plan differs from that of Sen. Barack Obama during Thursday's Republican National Convention:

When I'm President, we're going to embark on the most ambitious national project in decades. We are going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much. We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we'll drill them now. We will build more nuclear power plants. We will develop clean coal technology. We will increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas. We will encourage the development and use of flex fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.

Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power. But Americans know better than that. We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet. It's an ambitious plan, but Americans are ambitious by nature, and we have faced greater challenges. It's time for us to show the world again how Americans lead.

This great national cause will create millions of new jobs, many in industries that will be the engine of our future prosperity; jobs that will be there when your children enter the workforce.

McCain vs. Obama on the economy

Sen. John McCain offered a clear difference between his economic policies and those of Sen. Barack Obama during Thursday's speech to the Republican National Convention:

I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.

My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.

Keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and create new jobs. Cutting the second highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas. Doubling the child tax exemption from $3500 to $7000 will improve the lives of millions of American families. Reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs will let you keep more of your own money to save, spend and invest as you see fit. Opening new markets and preparing workers to compete
in the world economy is essential to our future prosperity.

I know some of you have been left behind in the changing economy and it often seems your government hasn't even noticed. Government assistance for unemployed workers was designed for the economy of the 1950s. That's going to change on my watch. My opponent promises to bring back old jobs by wishing away the global economy. We're going to help workers who've lost a job that won't come back, find a new one that won't go away.

We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. For workers in industries that have been hard hit, we'll help make up part of the difference in wages between their old job and a temporary, lower paid one while they receive retraining that will help them find secure new employment at a decent wage.

John McCain on the future of the Republican Party

John McCain took control of the Republican Party during his speech Thursday and offered his vision of the party's future:

We're going to recover the people's trust by standing up again for the values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is going to get back to basics.

We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential from the boy whose descendents arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter of migrant workers. We're all God's children and we're all Americans.

We believe in low taxes; spending discipline, and open markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor.

We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods and communities.

We believe in a government that unleashes the creativity and initiative of Americans. Government that doesn't make your choices for you, but works to make sure you have more choices to make for yourself.

Sean Hannity to Address Values Voters Summit

Sean Hannity to Address Values Voters Summit

A run on moose meat

Newspaper: Turn Sarah Palin loose

The Wall Street Journal has some advice for Sen. John McCain: Turn Sarah Palin loose.

Palin's debut on the national stage is historic and the Republican Party should use her to its full advantage, the newspaper says.

"After a national political debut that ranks with Barack Obama's in 2004 and Ronald Reagan's in 1964, the Alaska Governor may be the future of the Republican Party," the newspaper writes.

From an editorial in today's edition:

We hope the campaign now resists any temptation to keep her under wraps. No doubt she will make mistakes on the stump, as everyone does, especially with an embarrassed press corps now looking for any what-is-the-capital-of-Laos-type mistake. But after this week, Mrs. Palin won't be easy to dismiss as too small for the job.

Read the full editorial, "Sarah Palin's Surge," at the newspaper's Web site.

State Capitol Roundup for September 5

Here's this week's State Capitol Roudup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147):

State Revenues Fall Short of Estimate, Generating Economic Concerns

The state Department of Revenue recently reported that General Fund revenues have fallen short of meeting monthly projections, as August collections were $117.5 million below estimates. Collectively, this puts the state $117.6 million below estimate for the current fiscal year following July's $80,000 shortfall. August marks the fourth time in the last six months the Commonwealth has missed its estimate by more than $100 million, and it highlights exactly why Republican lawmakers fought hard during budget negotiations earlier this year to control government spending and preserve the state's Rainy Day Fund. Although successful, it appears these efforts may not be enough, as Gov. Ed Rendell continues to press for expensive and poorly planned programs such as his health care proposal. House Republicans have instead been advocating a fiscally responsible plan to ensure access to quality, affordable health care. For more information on both initiatives, visit HealthCareForPAFamilies.com

Busy Hearing Schedule Closes Out Summer Recess for Legislature

A number of important issues are set to be discussed next week in a series of committee meetings. On Monday, the House Judiciary Committee will hear testimony expected to point toward a need for stronger penalties for drivers involved in hit-and-run fatalities. Existing law, which calls for a one-year mandatory minimum sentence, has effectively encouraged drunk drivers, who would otherwise face a three-year sentence, to leave accident scenes. The House Insurance Committee will also hold a hearing to gather information regarding merger plans for Highmark and Independence Blue Cross. Later in the week, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will meet to discuss the looming expiration of electricity rate caps and how price volatility will impact Pennsylvanians. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Committee Holds Hearing on GOP Health Care Proposals

The House Insurance Committee held hearings this week to discuss Republican-sponsored proposals to better market state health benefit programs to more uninsured individuals. House Bills 2123 and 2124, which are sponsored by Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), would allow insurance agents to directly market both the AdultBasic and Children's Health Insurance programs and receive commissions for doing so. While the vast majority of Pennsylvanians, as many as 92 percent, already receive some form of health care benefits, Republican lawmakers understand that more needs to be done to help those who are uninsured. Making certain that these individuals can pay for health care could lower the overall cost of health care-even for those who are already insured.

Indoor Smoking Ban to Take Effect

Starting on Thursday, Sept. 11, Pennsylvanians will no longer be permitted to smoke in public places due to a statewide ban that was passed last June. The new law bans smoking in most public places and workplaces. While office buildings, restaurants and theaters fall into the group of facilities where individuals will no longer be able to smoke, several exceptions are made in the law. Smoking will be permitted in up to 25 percent of a casino floor, in private memberships clubs that are at least 10 years old and whose officers vote to permit smoking, in private homes, in tobacco shops and manufacturing facilities, and in a number of small "mom and pop" taverns where food sales do not exceed 20 percent of total revenue. For more information, visit www.health.state.pa.us

Sarah Palin vs. The Media

37,000,000

The ratings are in and 37 million people watched Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin accept the GOP vice presidential nomination on Wednesday.

Was it just a week ago that the Democrats were crowing that 38 million people tuned in to see Barack Obama kick off his stadium tour? Almost as many people watched the GOP vice presidential nominee's speech.

And as for Joe Biden, Sarah Palin topped him by 5 million viewers. The numbers for McCain's Thursday speech aren't in yet.

The best speech of John McCain's life

The expectations were low. John McCain is not know for making speeches. But he delivered one of the most genuine appeals for national unity ever heard at a political convention. He looked presidential. He spoke presidential. Unlike his opponent, McCain didn't make any fairy tale promises. I can see McCain as the next president of the United States.

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by John McCain

Cindy McCain makes the case for John McCain

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks by Mrs. Cindy McCain

Remarks by Former PA Gov. Tom Ridge to 2008 Republican National Convention

2008 Republican National Convention Excerpts: Remarks by Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge

Palin: Advocate Needed for Special Needs Children

Governor Sarah Palin: White House Advocate Needed for Special Needs Children

RNC Launches New Web Site: 'NotYourAverageJoseph.com'

If you want to get to know the real Joe Biden, follow the link below:

RNC Launches New Web Site: 'NotYourAverageJoseph.com'

'What's So Special About Sarah?'

Daniel Henninger, the astute political observer for The Wall Street Journal, writes that Sarah Palin's appeal is growing beyond the Republican base -- a reality that scares the heck out of the Democratic Party and its allies in the liberal media.

From his column, "What's So Special About Sarah?" Henninger notes:

One can't subtract politics from a woman who is running for vice president, but Sarah Palin's manifest appeal at the moment is about something larger than retail politics. If it holds up, the Democrats have a problem.

The Sarah Palin story doesn't fit the standard liberal model the past 30 years of what defines a high-achieving woman. The impulse in acceptable political society to condescend to lovely, ebullient Sarah is palpable. If the TV commentators tried to sound any smarter dismissing her qualifications, their big brains would burst.

The Democrats are counting on all of those 18 million Hillary Clinton voters coming to Barack Obama's side. With Palin in the race, that assumption may not hold up. Henninger says Palin's appeal to women has the Democratic Party worried.

From his column:

For starters, a lot of women voters don't live in New York, Boston, L.A. or San Francisco. Maybe Sarah Palin from Wasilla is a lot closer to the way many women today see themselves than the standard feminist model. Gloria Steinem, one of the many mothers of that ideal, is 74. Sarah Palin is 44. Times change.

Many younger women didn't learn what it means to be an achieving woman from dormitory feminism. She didn't abandon her hometown for the big city. She stayed home, had babies, helped her snowmobiling husband with his commercial fishing business and with him, tried to assemble a life.

She got into politics in Wasilla with zero connections -- no famous father, no financing husband, no mentor, nothing. She got elected mayor. She got into politics to improve her community, not to launch herself on some career path she had figured out while in college.

Then came the interesting part. Under the standard model, you deploy your superb IQ to maneuver upward around the oppressors. Sarah Jock, learning her self-discipline in such weird pursuits as morning moose-hunts with her dad, ran at the system. Doing something few women and no males would do, she went after the men who run Alaska's inbred politics, the machine. And cleaned their clocks. The people elected her governor.

Karl Rove: Palin could be the difference in tight race

Karl Rove knows a little something about winning close elections.

Writing in The Wall Street Journal, the architect of George W. Bush's 2000 and 2004 victories says John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate just might put McCain over the top in what many predict will be another close election.

Rove writes:

Taking on Alaska's good-old-boy politics and beating the incumbent Republican governor might be seen as evidence of the political courage and independence voters are looking for this year. And with women more undecided than men, Mrs. Palin could add more than a point to Mr. McCain's total -- maybe two or three -- which could make the difference in a close contest.

The threat Mrs. Palin poses is why Mr. Obama's campaign has moved rapidly to disparage her record, and why left-wing bloggers have engaged in nonstop character smears against her and her family. Some in the press have aided and abetted this because they feel left out of the preannouncement vetting process. The danger for Democrats is twofold: in highlighting Mrs. Palin's inexperience, they may focus attention on Mr. Obama's; and the harsh attacks levied against Mrs. Palin could completely undermine the Obama promise of a "new politics." In the vice-presidential debate, Democrats must be concerned about Mr. Biden appearing bombastic and condescending -- which is almost a permanent state of mind for the Delaware senator -- while Mrs. Palin comes across as fresh, straight talking, nonpolitical and therefore appealing.

This will be history's shortest general-election campaign. The race is tight, so every new variable carries substantial risk and opportunity. So while the GOP vice-presidential pick is by far the more creative and bold, it is also the more dangerous.

But even if Mrs. Palin does well, as I believe she will, it is still Mr. McCain's performance in the next 61 days that will matter most. Sarah Palin can help advance the McCain reform narrative, but the hard work still rests squarely on the shoulders of John McCain. And that's exactly where the maverick and war hero wants it.

Read the full column at the newspaper's Web site.

Who says the media is biased?

Originally posted at Another Look at Investor's Business Daily with the following commentary:

Partisan Media? Naah: The fawning cover of Barack Obama and wife Michelle that graced Us Weekly's June 19 edition contrasts sharply with the current issue featuring GOP vice president pick Sarah Palin. With the media heavily biased toward the left, Republicans can expect more of the same. In the case of Us, publisher Jann Wenner has given $5,300 to the Obama campaign and is a longtime Democratic supporter. Wenner Media executive Mark Neschis, former TV czar in the Clinton White House, circulated the cover.

Newspaper: Revenue dip raises red flags for PA

I first wrote about the $117 million budget deficit Pennsylvania showed at the end of August last Friday, but it's worth reinforcing the red ink hemorrhaging from the 2008-09 Rendell budget. (See PA headed for a deficit?)

The Harrisburg Patriot-News has a story today that says Pennsylvania has failed to meet its monthly tax revenue projections three times since May.

If the trend continues (and there's no indication it won't), Pennsylvania faces three options: Reduce services, raid the state's Rainy Day Fund or raise taxes.

The problem? With the slowdown in the economy, Pennsylvania residents are spending less, which means the government is collecting less in tax revenues, says reporter Sharon Smith.

Since the start of the new fiscal year July 1, Pennsylvania consumers continued to drive less, buy fewer homes, drink and smoke less, work less and buy less in general, the August revenue collections showed, according to Smith.

From Smith's article:

"Is there something to worry about?" asked Joel Naroff, an economist with Commerce Bank. "Yes."

However, the Rendell administration has decided to adopt a "What me, worry?" attitude.

From Smith's article:

"The predictions are for an upswing in the economy in the third quarter, which begins in January," said Chuck Ardo, spokesman for Rendell, a Democrat. "We'll just have to wait and see. It's just too soon to cry wolf."

At what point will Rendell admit that his 2008-09 budget was built on a house of cards? When the budget deficit nears $1 billion?

Read the full article at the newspaper's Web site.

Columnist: America has found its Margaret Thatcher in Sarah Palin

John Fund, the brilliant political columnist for The Wall Street Journal, says the meteoric rise of Sarah Palin to the political spotlight is historic. It has also left the mainstream media in a tizzy because the elite media has had nothing to do with Palin's appeal to Americans. Despite the media's open rooting for Barack Obama as the next president, Palin has been embraced by the American electorate. The unprecedented assault on her by the liberal media has helped the Republican cause and could catapult the McCain-Palin ticket into the White House.

From Fund's column:

Twenty years after Ronald Reagan left office, Republicans who have long missed him may have found a future Margaret Thatcher. If John McCain wins, conservatives may find one of the most enduring accomplishments of his term will have been what he did before it started: helping to fill the Republican Party's future talent bench with such a fresh and compelling figure.

Sarah Palin is a conviction politician, a naturally compelling speaker and someone who can relate to her audience on very human terms. America has just learned why Mrs. Palin enjoys the highest approval ratings of any governor in America.

Liberal commentators glumly noted the thunderous applause in the convention hall last night. But they could do precious little to attack. Even Keith Olbermann, MSNBC's official attack dog, could muster only this as commentary on Mrs. Palin's performance: "People who like this sort of thing will find this ... the sort of thing they like."

Read the full column, "She Shoots, She Scores," at the newspaper's Web site.

On the radio Thursday, on TV Sunday

The Pennsylvania Cable Network will tape this week’s edition of "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas and Mike Pincus" for broadcast across the state as part of its weekly "PA Talk Radio" program.

The radio show can be heard live at 5 p.m. Thursday on WPAZ 1370 AM.

Joining Phyrillas and Pincus in the studio will be Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr.

The one-hour program will be televised Sunday at 6 p.m. on "PA Talk Radio" on PCN.

Call with comments or questions during the live broadcast at 610-326-4000.

You can also listen to the radio program online by going to www.1370WPAZ.com and clicking on the "live audio" button at the top of the page or you can listen to it at The Mercury Web site at www.pottsmerc.com

Check your local cable guide for the PCN channel near you.

Pa Democrats 'Animal House'

I received the illustration above in an e-mail. I just about fell off my chair laughing. I hope it reproduces well enough to do the same for you.

First Look: New Podium Assembled for John McCain's Acceptance Speech

It won't be anything like Barack Obama descending Mount Olympus to deliver a speech to us mere mortals in front of a Greek Temple, but the podium for John McCain's speech tonight will have a new look.

Does anyone even remember anything Obama said just a week ago?

Sarah Palin has stolen the spotlight from the Chosen One.

First Look: New Podium Assembled for John McCain's Acceptance Speech

Talk Radio Hosts Demand Reform of Immigration Policy Without Amnesty

I guess we'll find out how powerful talk radio is when 42 on-air personalities lobby Congress to deal with illegal immigration.

42 Talk Radio Hosts Come to Washington With Message for Congress and the Next Administration: Reform Immigration Policy Without Amnesty

Pennsylvania Launches New Web Site Offering Resources to Help Meet Long Term Living Needs

Pennsylvania is getting older. The state is trying to address the needs of an aging population.

Pennsylvania Launches New Web Site Offering Resources to Help Meet Long Term Living Needs

Pennsylvania cleans up state's largest tire dump

It took 21 years, but Pennsylvania officials have announced they've finally cleaned up the state's largest tire dump in Columbia County.

State's Largest Waste Tire Pile No More

Richard Viguerie: Now We Know Why Liberals Hate, Fear Sarah Palin

High praise from conservative icon Richard Viguerie: "Sarah Palin is the next Ronald Reagan"

Richard Viguerie: Now We Know Why Liberals Hate, Fear Sarah Palin

Remarks by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at 2008 Republican National Convention

A home run by Gov. Sarah Palin ... better than Barack Obama's speech last week.

Remarks by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin Vice Presidential Nominee to Address the 2008 Republican National Convention

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks by Rudy Giuliani

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks by GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele

A solid speech by a solid conservative.

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by GOPAC Chairman Michael Steele

Montco's Renee Amoore addresses 2008 Republican National Convention:

Montgomery County GOP activist Renee Amoore delivered an address to the 2008 Republican National Convention Wednesday.

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Renee Amoore

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks by Mitt Romney

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks by Mike Huckabee

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee

Excerpts: Remarks by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

In my humble opinion, Sarah Palin's speech to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday was better than the speech Barack Obama gave from the Greek Temple on Aug. 28.

2008 Republican National Convention Excerpts: Remarks by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

Why the far left is so afraid of Sarah Palin

The unprecedented attacks on the personal life of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin by the liberal media goes way beyond its overriding goal of getting Sen. Barack Obama elected president.

Palin is the antithesis of the media and political elite who control this country from Washington, D.C., and New York City.

"The Beltway class is in full-throated rebellion against a nondomesticated conservative who might pose a threat to their coronation of Barack Obama and the return of Camelot-on-the-Potomac," The Wall Street Journal writes in its editorial page today.

From the editorial:

What's really going on here is that the Beltway class can see how popular the Palin pick is with Republicans outside Washington, and especially with middle-class conservatives. As Richard Land, a leader with the Southern Baptist Convention, said Monday, John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin closed the "enthusiasm gap" between the two parties.

There is nothing more dangerous to entrenched Washington power than a populist conservative who looks unlikely to buy into Washington's creature comforts. Take a close look at Governor Palin's record on ethics and energy in Alaska, and it becomes clear what this Beltway outburst is actually about. The irony is that while Senator Obama is running on change, his acceptance speech made explicit that he's promising only more power and money for Washington. Sarah Palin's history of taking on the career politicians of a corrupt Alaskan GOP machine -- her own party -- shows that she's the more authentic change agent.

And here's the clincher:

"If Sarah Palin succeeds as a national candidate, she could help John McCain proceed to a reform Presidency," The Wall Street Journal writes. "Even if he loses while she does well, she could emerge as a major figure in GOP politics for years to come. This is why the media and political classes are so eager to discredit her. They can't let it happen."

RNC Restarts Biden Gaffe Clock

The chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee once again mixed up military "battalions" with "brigades." There's a big difference.

RNC Restarts Biden Gaffe Clock

The media pounces on Palin

I'm on a mailing list for Americans for Limited Government, a non-partisan group that believes government has gotten too powerful in 21st century America. The group rarely gets involved in political races, preferring to blame both Republicans and Democrats for the massive growth of government. But Americans for Limited Government is appalled at the unprecedented and viscous attacks by the left-wing medial on Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin and her family.

Here's the message that accompanied the cartoon above:

It is rare that we at ALG News are actually disgusted with the coverage of a political campaign, but the truth is, we have been positively appalled by the vicious attacks against the family of Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK), the GOP's vice-presidential nominee. So much so that ALG's award-winning cartoonist, William Warren, produced the following cartoon portraying a ravenous media feasting on the Palin family.

We believe that all fair-minded journalists were as shocked by some of the coverage as we were, and in that vein, we encourage you to republish and redistribute the cartoon. There are no royalties or restrictions involved.

Clearly, the attacks against Mrs. Palin and her family have gone far beyond the pale, and have no place in a mature discussion about the direction America is going in this year.

Sincerely,

Robert Romano
Editor
ALG News Bureau

Americans for Limited Government is a non-partisan, nationwide network committed to advancing free market reforms, private property rights and core American liberties. For more information on ALG, call 703-383-0880 or visit the group's Web site at www.GetLiberty.org

Richard Viguerie: The race is on to define Sarah Palin

Richard Viguerie: The Race is on to Define Sarah Palin; If Republicans Don't do it, Liberal Democrats Will

Joe Hoeffel steps in it again

Should the chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Elections be predicting a Barack Obama victory in the county on Nov. 4?

Does Joe Hoeffel know for sure that Obama will win his county? Does have any inside information?

Hoeffel, a Democrat who was elected county commissioner last November, was appointed chairman of the Board of Elections with the help of renegade Republican Jim Matthews.

Hoeffel made some remarks at the Democratic National Convention that could be construed as guaranteeing an Obama victory in Montgomery County, according to PolitickerPA.com.

At what point does Hoeffel take off his partisan Democratic worker hat and put on his elected public official hat?

Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Bob Kerns is calling for Hoeffel to step down as chairman of the Board of Elections.

Kerns told reporter Margaret Gibbons he believes it is inappropriate of Hoeffel to "guarantee an Obama win" and to proclaim that the GOP never again will have a majority of the voters in the county.

"Joe Hoeffel's rabid partisanship is unmatched in this county and it is wrong that he chairs our election board," Kerns told Gibbons.

"These are not the idle comments from an elected official; these are ominous remarks from the man who oversees elections in Montgomery County," Kerns said. "Voters of all parties should be leery of such bombast from someone who has an obligation to conduct fair and scandal-free elections."

Hoeffel does not deny making the remarks at the DNC but has no intention of stepping down, Gibbons reports.

Read the full story in today's edition of The Mercury.

Newspaper: Many watching PA school consolidation

One of the reasons Pennsylvania residents pay high property taxes is because the state has 501 school districts, each with high-paid administrators.

Some of the districts are too small to sustain themselves, but special interests (whether it be the high-paid administrators, the school board members themselves, the teachers or even parents) have blocked efforts to consolidate.

Two western Pennsylvania districts are attempting to merge, something that hasn't happened in Pennsylvania in 20 years.

All eyes are on the planned merger. If successful, it could open the floodgate to more consolidations.

From an editorial in today's edition of The Mercury:

If managed properly, mergers have strong positive possibilities for Pennsylvania schools. The goal is not to place more children together in a classroom, but rather to avoid the duplication of administration, building construction and support services.

Mergers also allow the possibility of more course offerings for students and the purchase and maintenance of more sophisticated technology and facilities than could be done in a smaller setting.

Sharing of resources, be it high-salaried personnel or high-priced equipment, can be cost-effective.

But, mergers of any entities are emotional and difficult to achieve. Knowing that, it is commendable that two rural districts are embarking on the experiment voluntarily.

Many in Pennsylvania will be watching their efforts.

Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.

210 businesses owe PA $6.3M in back taxes

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has added 26 more businesses on its tax delinquent list. A total of 210 firms owe Pennsylvania $6.3 million in taxes, according to Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf.

"These businesses collected taxes from their customers and employees and failed to send the money to the state," Wolf said in a press release. "I encourage taxpayers to visit the Revenue Department's Web site to see the list of delinquent businesses."

Among the 26 new delinquent taxpayers added to the list this month: KMB Concepts Inc., State College ($98,629.36); Castle Printing, McKeesport, Allegheny County ($35,264.88); ACT Truck & Trailor Inc., Mountain Top, Luzerne County ($36,435.49); Robert J. Evans, dba Seneca Lawn & Landscape, Seneca, Venango County ($25,256.04); PNL, dba American Home Glass Gallery, Lancaster ($9,112.15); Flourtown Bakery, Flourtown, Montgomery County ($7,406.60); and Fiesta the Party Company LLC, Bethlehem ($7,153.29).

The list now includes businesses that owe sales and/or employer withholding taxes, Wolf said.

Since the list debuted two years ago, 399 of the 609 businesses, or 65.5 percent, that have appeared on the tax delinquent list have been removed from the site because they paid taxes in full, committed to deferred payment plans or went out of business, Wolf said.

Businesses and individuals listed on the Web site are contacted by the department and given one final chance to make payment arrangements before appearing on the list, Wolf said.

The prospect of appearing on the list has helped convince delinquent taxpayers to pay $55.6 million and enter into deferred payment plans for an additional $19.9 million in previously unpaid taxes, Wolf said.

At least 21 other states, including Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia, use Internet lists to help collect unpaid taxes.

Other states have found that the threat of public exposure can be a successful tax collection incentive, Wolf said.

According to the Revenue Department, the 210 businesses on the PA Tax Delinquent List are from the following 39 counties (eight are out of state): Allegheny (18), Beaver (1), Berks (1), Blair (1), Bucks (12), Butler (1), Carbon (1), Centre (3), Chester (3), Clearfield (2), Cumberland (4), Dauphin (8), Delaware (12), Erie (3), Franklin (4), Greene (1), Indiana (1), Jefferson (2), Lackawanna (10), Lancaster (5), Lebanon (1), Lehigh (8), Luzerne (11), McKean (1), Monroe (5), Montgomery (13), Northampton (3), Perry (1), Philadelphia (45), Pike (1), Potter (2), Schuylkill (1), Snyder (2), Susquehanna (1), Venango (1), Washington (3), Westmoreland (3), and York (7).

The complete PA Tax Delinquent List is available at http://www.revenue.state.pa.us

A preview of Palin-Biden debate

Lieberman makes the case for Dems, independents to back McCain

Fred Thompson gave the best speech of the night Tuesday to the delegates of the Republican National Convention, but Sen. Joe Lieberman had the most important role of the evening: To convince Democrats and independents that John McCain should be the next president.

Lieberman, not the greatest speaker in the world, did a great job with a sincere call for an end to partisanship.

Lieberman, who served with both McCain and Barack Obama in the Senate gave an eyewitness account of McCain's accomplishments and Obama's rhetoric.

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman

Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson's speech to the 2008 Republican National Convention

Fred Thompson showed why he's the darling of conversavtives in a brilliant speech delivered to the Republican National Convention Tuesday evening.

Thompson made the case for John McCain as the most qualified candidate for president and also delivered several stinging attacks on Sen. Barack Obama.

2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson

Remarks by President Bush to the Republican National Convention

President Bush delivered his remarks to the Republican National Convention via satellite from the White House Tuesday. The speech served its purpose, but it's nothing to write home about.

Remarks by President Bush to the Republican National Convention

'Talking Politics' featured on PCN's 'PA Talk Radio'

The Pennsylvania Cable Network will tape this week’s edition of "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas and Mike Pincus" for broadcast across the state as part of its weekly "PA Talk Radio" program.

The radio show can be heard live at 5 p.m. Thursday on WPAZ 1370 AM.

Joining Phyrillas and Pincus in the studio will be Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr.

The one-hour program will be televised Sunday at 6 p.m. on "PA Talk Radio" on PCN.

Call with comments or questions during the live broadcast at 610-326-4000.

You can also listen to the radio program online by going to www.1370WPAZ.com and clicking on the "live audio" button at the top of the page or you can listen to it at The Mercury Web site at www.pottsmerc.com

Check your local cable guide for the PCN channel near you.

Grading Tuesday's RNC speakers

I watch the main speakers at Tuesday's Republican National Convention.
Here's how I would grade their speeches based on delivery and effectiveness:

First Lady Laura Bush - B
President Bush - C
Former Sen. Fred Thompson - A
Sen. Joe Lieberman - A

Best part of Thompson's speech:

"To deal with these challenges, the Democrats present a history-making nominee for president -- history-making in that he's the most liberal, most inexperienced nominee to ever run for president. Apparently they believe that he would match up well with the history-making, Democrat-controlled Congress -- history-making because it's the least accomplished and most unpopular Congress in our nation's history.

Together, they would take on these urgent challenges with protectionism, higher taxes and an even bigger bureaucracy and a Supreme Court that could be lost to liberalism for a generation.

This is not reform and it's certainly not change. It's basically the same old stuff they've been peddling for years.

America needs a president who understands the nature of the world we live in, a president who feels no need to apologize for the United States of America. We need a president who understands that you don't make citizens prosperous by making Washington richer -- and you don't -- and you don't lift an economic downturn by imposing one of the largest tax increases in American history."

Best part of Joe Lieberman's speech:

"Both presidential candidates this year talk about changing the culture of Washington, about breaking through the partisan gridlock and special interests that are poisoning our politics. But, my friends, only one of them has actually done it. Only one leader has shown the courage and the capability to rise above the smallness of our politics to get big things done for our country and our people. And that one is John S. McCain."

RNC Restarts Biden Gaffe Clock

RNC Restarts Biden Gaffe Clock

Will Palin's looks help or hurt her chances?

Good looks help men win elections, but it's a double-edged sword for women, says Liza Figueroa Kravinski, who created a documentary about beauty.

"When beautiful women reach a certain level in their careers, perceived competence becomes an issue," Figueroa Kravinski says. "Just listen to all the jokes you hear about her being a 'hottie.' How would you like a 'hottie' for a potential commander in chief?"

Interesting analysis. Nobody ever accused Hillary Clinton or Geraldine Ferraro of getting where they are on their looks. But why the double-standard for women? Can't we have a woman who is intelligent and attractive?

I for one have no problem with a "Hottie" as commander in chief, especially is she's as smart and accomplished as Gov. Sarah Palin.

Follow the link below to view the trailer for the film, "Beauty: In The Eyes of the Beheld."

Palin's Looks May Hurt or Help, Says Beauty Filmmaker

'Parent's Guide to Education Reform'

'Parent's Guide to Education Reform' Points the Way to Better Schools

PA could use a governor like Sarah Palin

I watched a speech Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gave Aug. 31 in Missouri and came away with one thought: Why can't she be governor of Pennsylvania?

In less than two years, Palin pushed through ethics reform, reduced government spending, cut taxes, created jobs and presides over a state with a healthy budget surplus.

She's the opposite of Gov. Ed Rendell, who in six years as governor has raised taxes, driven good jobs out of Pennsylvania, failed to keep numerous promises to cut taxes and presides over a state government riddled with corruption probes.

I especially liked this part of Palin's speech dealing with her philosophy of government.

"We want a government that is competent and dependable, that is free of corruption and self-dealing. We don't want a bigger government. We want a government that does a few big things and does them right. I came in as governor pledging major ethics reform ... and to end the culture of corruption in and around our capitol ... and to put the people first in the affairs of our government. Today, that ethics reform is the law of Alaska."

Chuck Norris on 'Puff, the Magic Obama!'

Chuck Norris, writing at Townhall.com, says Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention deserves an award "for the best over-the-top political spectacle of sight, sound, speech and pyrotechnics -- complete with superstar performances, "Braveheart"-like epic music, and an Olympic-sized fireworks show."

But in terms of substance, the speech left much to be desired.

Norris writes:

I realized months ago that Obama can get away with just about anything because all that too many Americans seem to care about are charisma and the term "change." It doesn't matter if Obama plagiarizes speeches, who his pastor and spiritual mentor was for 20 years, that he has the most liberal voting record in the Senate, that he refused to wear the American flag as a pin, that he didn't place his hand over his heart during the national anthem, that his wife just recently has become proud of her country, or that he is sympathetic to Muslim terrorist groups, etc. Even a decade ago, most people never could have imagined appointing such a person to be county supervisor, let alone the president of the United States.

Norris says it's time to look past the rhetoric and elect a president who is serious about tackling the nation's problems.

From his column:

It's time for America to wake up before it's too late! Bottom line: Obama's big-government solutions will cost us big money through increased taxes and increased national debt.

Read the full column at Townwall.com

Top economists on why McCain tax plan makes sense

Martin Feldstein is a professor of economics at Harvard University. John B. Taylor is a professor of economics at Stanford University. Both men are economic advisers to Sen. John McCain.

Writing in The Wall Street Journal, the economics professors say McCain's tax plan would "create jobs, increase wages and allow all Americans -- especially those in the hard-pressed middle class -- to keep more of what they earn. His plan achieves these goals in three important ways."

Feldstein and Taylor are also skeptical of Sen. Barack Obama's economic claims.

From their column:

Mr. Obama's claim to being a big tax cutter defies credibility. His assertion that he would cut taxes on 95% of families reflects his one-time $1,000 rebate payouts, and a variety of new government spending handed out through the tax system.

Mr. McCain, on the other hand, has been clear that he wants to preserve the favorable incentive effects of the existing low tax rates -- and to reduce taxes in other ways that will strengthen the economy, create jobs and help current taxpayers, including those without health insurance.

Read the full column at the newspaper's Web site.

Waiting for Biden to say something

16 die in PA crashes over Labor Day holiday

Not a good weekend for motorists in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Police said 16 people, including two operators of all-terrain vehicles, were killed in crashes investigated by State Police during the Labor Day holiday driving period.

That's twice as many as where killed over the same period in 2007.

From a release issued Monday by Acting State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski:

In addition to the 16 fatalities, 412 people were injured in the 789 crashes to which troopers responded during the period (Friday through Monday). Eleven of those who were killed were not wearing seat belts and four of the fatal crashes were alcohol-related.

Two ATV operators were killed Sunday when four ATVs collided in Cooper Township, Clearfield County. Three other people were seriously injured in that crash.

Three people were killed and 10 others were injured Sunday when a van went off I-380 and flipped over near Moscow, Lackawanna County. During the holiday driving period, troopers issued 6,371 speeding citations, arrested 334 for driving under the influence, cited 389 for failing to wear seat belts, and issued 55 citations for not securing children in child safety seats.

During last year's four-day Labor Day driving period, eight people were killed and 342 were injured in 739 crashes to which troopers responded. The crash numbers cover only those incidents investigated by state police and do not include statistics on crashes to which other law-enforcement agencies responded.

Republican National Committee: '...when I was a Senator...'

Republican National Committee: '...when I was a Senator...'

Gun control advocates target Sarah Palin

Apparently being a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association disqualifies someone for serving as vice president, says the Brady Campaign.

This is another attempt by the far left to take the spotlight away from Barack Obama's attempts to do away with the Second Amendment.

Questions for Sarah Palin

Dems holding voter edge in Montgomery County

Democrats continue to hold (and build on) their registration lead in Montgomery County, which had been solidly Republican for hundreds of years.

Democrats became the majority party in the county for the first time in modern history just prior to last April's primary elections, says reporter Margaret Gibbons.

The Dems how hold a 16,893 lead in registered voters over the GOP in Montgomery County, Gibbons says.

As of Aug. 27, 2008, the county now has 253,773 registered Democrats and 236,880 registered Republicans, Gibbons says.

Montgomery County Democratic Chairman Marcel L. Groen told Gibbons he expects the Democratic surge in registration to continue.

"I think the public is just unhappy with the Republican Party on both a national and local levels and that is reflected in the registration," Groen said. "We continue to offer good candidates both nationally and locally with whom the public can identify and whom the public believes is listening to their concerns and offering real solutions."

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor Jr., a Republican, said during a recent visit to "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" that Montgomery County is the key to winning Pennsylvania in the Nov. 4 election. (The radio show is on every Thursday from 5-6 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM)

That doesn't bode well for Republicans.

Read Gibbons' full story in The Norristown Times Herald.

Free tours of PA State Game Lands

PA Game Commission to Hold State Game Land Tours For Public

WashingtonWatch.com Weekly Update: Senator McCain's Priorities

WashingtonWatch.com Weekly Update: Senator McCain's Priorities

Republican National Convention Passes 2008 GOP Platform

The Democratic Party Platform reads like a fairy tale with all sorts of promises the Chosen One can't deliver.

For a dose of reality, check out the 2008 Republican Party Platform at the link below.

Republican National Convention Passes 2008 GOP Platform

Full Text Remarks of the 2008 Republican National Convention's Opening Day Now Available

The 2008 Republican National Convention was called to order on Monday.

If you were glued to Hurricane Gustav coverage on all the news outlets, you can read transcripts of all the speeches from Monday at the link below.

Full Text Remarks of the 2008 Republican National Convention's Opening Day Now Available