Obama doesn't know anyone

Democrat charged in hacking of Sarah Palin's e-mail

The son of a Tennessee Democratic Party official is facing a federal indictment for hacking into Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's e-mail account.

Just another example of the dirty tricks Democrats are using during this election cycle.

If convicted, David C. Kernell faces up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

Read more about the charges at the link below.

Tennessee Man Indicted for Alleged Hack of Governor Sarah Palin's E-Mail Account

Voter fraud in Wisconsin

When it rains, it pours. More shenanigans involving voter fraud, the Democrats and the party's allies. This time it's in Wisconsin.

Felon Accused of Voting Violations

Former top aide fingers DeWeese

The election isn't until Nov. 4, 2008, but the political career of Pennsylvania House Democratic Majority Leader Bill DeWeese may have come to an end on Oct. 9, 2008.

The answer to the question, "What did Bill DeWeese know and when did he know it?" has been answered in a courtroom.

Michael Manzo, DeWeese's former chief of staff, one of 12 Democrats facing criminal charges in the Bonusgate investigation, testified in court today that DeWeese knew about the diversion of tax dollars to pay state workers doing political work on behalf of the Democratic Caucus.

DeWeese is not one of the 12 facing charges and has repeatedly denied knowing that millions of dollars in taxpayer funds were being used for political purposes.

It strains credulity to believe that DeWeese's chief of staff and his right-hand-man, former state Rep. Mike Veon, hatched the scheme to steal the 2006 House elections without DeWeese knowing about it.

DeWeese's opponent on Nov. 4 is reform candidate Greg Hopkins.

Several prominent Democrats in the House have already called for DeWeese to resign. Today's court testimony won't make it any easier for DeWeese to hang on to power.

The "Bonusgate" scheme involved paying legislative staffers state funds for working on political campaigns.

In addition to helping the Democrats regain control of the state House for the first time in 12 years, the staffers also worked on state time to have Ralph Nader knocked off the Pennsylvania ballot in 2004. That may have helped John Kerry win Pennsylvania.

Read more at PolitickerPA.com

Gerlach earns an 'A' for support of veterans

It's report card for members of Congress.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has released its 2008 Congressional Report Card, rating members of Congress on their support of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) earned an "A" from the group, his campaign reports today.

"IAVA Action's 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). "From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America's newest generation of heroes. Over the last two years, Congressman Gerlach has demonstrated that he is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.IAVA Action is proud to give Congressman Gerlach an A and would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues."

From a press release issued by Jim Gerlach For Congress:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.

"Congressman Gerlach is proud of his record of supporting the brave men and women courageously protecting our freedom on the battlefield and treating them with tremendous dignity and respect when they return home," said Mark Campbell, Gerlach political director. "He looks forward to continue working on behalf of veterans and their families."

Gerlach also has been endorsed by the National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition and Veterans' Vision.

To read more about the IAVA Report Card, visit the group's Web site.

Voter fraud in Ohio

The Democratic Party intends to steal the 2008 presidential election. Follow the link below on what one of its surrogate groups, ACORN, has been up to in Ohio.

BOE Questions Suspicious Voter Registration Cards

Voter Fraud 101

The Democratic Party and its left-wing allies, such as ACORN, have mastered the art of voter fraud.

This time, it's in Connecticut, one of dozens of states investigating massive voter fraud on behalf of the Democratic Party.

RNC: ACORN's Voter Registrations Questioned, From Connecticut Post

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

McCain 'did not do what he needed to do'

Richard Viguerie, the chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, wasn't impressed with Sen. John McCain's performance at Tuesday's debate.

"Too much of the debate was about John McCain, about his record and his service to the country," Viguerie said. "That's important, but we've heard that before. He should have focused on a clear theme, explaining what a victory by liberal Democrats would mean in terms of weaker defense, activist judges, higher taxes, and a greater government burden on average
Americans."

Richard Viguerie: McCain Failed To Nationalize Election, Did Not Do What He Needed To Do

'ACORN Office in Vegas Raided in Voter-Fraud Probe'

The Democratic Party strategy for winning the 2008 presidential race is becoming clearer. If we can't win it fair and square, we'll steal the election.

No more repeat of John Kerry, Al Gore, Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter, George McGovern.

If we have to get illegal aliens, the homeless and dead people to the poll, we're prepared to do it.

For more on the Democrats "Win At All Costs" strategy, follow the link below.

RNC: 'ACORN Office in Vegas Raided in Voter-Fraud Probe,' From Associated Press

Obama caught in another lie

When Barack Obama says he's going to cut taxes for "95 percent of Americans," he really means he's going to raise taxes for most of the Middle Class and small business owners.

When Barack Obama says he's going to end the war in Iraq, he's really saying he's going to expand the war in Afghanistan and into Pakistan.

When Barack Obama says he's going to solve the energy crisis in 10 years, he's really saying he will raise taxes on most forms of energy, including gasoline and electricity while his energy czar, Al Gore, figures out how to save polar bears.

You get the picture. The man has been known to tell a lie or two.

When Barack Obama says his government-run health care program will lower the cost of health insurance, he's really saying you'll not only end up paying more for health care, you'll have to wait in line to see a doctor like they do in Canada and Europe.

James C. Capretta, writing at National Review Online, says it's Obama's health-care plan that will push people out of the job-based coverage they now have. That means more Americans will lose health coverage and be forced into government-run programs if Obama gets his way.

From Capretta's column:

In recent days, Barack Obama and Joe Biden have been throwing stones at the health care plan of Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Coinciding with new TV ads being aired in battleground states, the Democratic ticket is trying to alarm voters with claims that the McCain plan would force higher costs onto some households and unravel job-based insurance.

Both of these criticisms are demonstrably not true of the McCain plan. But they are true of Obama’s own plan. Independent estimates show an Obama-like scheme would push tens of millions of workers and their families out of employer-sponsored insurance — and the workers would be powerless to stop it.

Read the full column, "Obama's Glass House," at National Review Online.

Fooling voters on Election Day

Columnist Thomas Sowell laments the fact that so many American voters are planning to walk into the voting booth with blinders on.

They simply don't know or don't want to hear the truth about Barack Obama.

Obama will raise taxes on the middle class and small businesses, sending the U.S. economy deeper into recession. Obama will increase government spending by $1 trillion and use the money for left-wing, social engineering projects. Obama will weaken our military readiness, inviting another terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

But people just run around shouting out "change" and ignore Obama's radical views on most issues.

From Sowell's column:

Facts don't matter much politically if they are not reported.

The media alone are not alone in keeping the facts from the public. Republicans, for reasons unknown, don't seem to know what it is to counter-attack. They deserve to lose.

But the country does not deserve to be put in the hands of a glib and cocky know-it-all, who has accomplished absolutely nothing beyond the advancement of his own career with rhetoric, and who has for years allied himself with a succession of people who have openly expressed their hatred of America.

Read the full column by clicking here.

You can read more Sowell columns at http://www.tsowell.com/

Prediction: Phils in 6 against Dodgers

Since I correctly predicted that the Phillies would win the NLDS against the Brewers in four games, I'm going to predict that the Phillies will take the NLCS against the Dodgers in 6 games. (Just between us, I see a Phillies-Red Sox World Series).

Obama tied to illegal campaign contributions

The Republican National Committee has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that Democrat Barack Obama's presidential campaign has received illegal contributions from foreigners.

U.S. law prohibits campaign donations from foreign nationals, but the Obama campaign has willingly accepted millions of dollars in illegal donations. Some of the contributions came from Middle Eastern countries.

The FEC will probably fine Obama for accepting the illegal contributions, but the commission moves so slowly that any punitive action will probably be taken after the Nov. 4 election.

Obama may end up being president at that point.

Read more at the link below.

RNC Files FEC Complaint Against Obama Campaign

Obama on economics: Sending an arsonist to put out the fire

Columnist Diana West can't figure out why so many Americans believe Barack Obama as more capable of dealing with the current economic crisis when Obama had a lot to do with causing the mess in the first place.

"The fact is, if American citizens become too widely acquainted with the fact that race-based social engineering virtually created the sub-prime mortgage industry that has transformed the U.S. economy into The Titanic, Obama will sink in the polls," West writes. "That's because race-based social engineering is what Obama both advanced as a so-called community organizer, and later funded as an official of Chicago's Woods Fund, where he served alongside unrepentant terrorist and political ally William Ayers — another phantom political fact citizens now pondering their presidential votes are not supposed to consider."

Relying on Obama to deal with the economy is the same as sending in an arsonist to put the fire he started, West argues.

Read her full column in today's edition of The Mercury.

Read the fine print

Democrats up to their old tricks

A rash of campaign sign thefts has been reported in Berks and Chester counties. And this is a shocker. Most of the stolen signs were supporting Republican candidates. I wonder who the prime suspects are.

Make sure you report sign thefts to your local police department. It's clear Democrats can't be shamed into respecting other people's property. Maybe a few arrests will get them to stop stealing signs. This letter to the editor published in The Mercury sums it up pretty well.

Stealing lawn signs is a crime

It's election time again and citizens are expressing their first-amendment rights via yard signs. Unfortunately, some fellow citizens cruise around after dark and steal or destroy these signs. They apparently believe the Constitution is wrong-headed. They feel they have the right to steal personal property, to trespass, to harass, to annoy.

Perhaps these small-minded people don't realize that they are breaking the law and can be arrested and prosecuted. Now they know. Be forewarned!

PAX RIDDLE
Phoenixville

Say it ain't so, Joe

The two best assessments of Joe Biden's performance at last week's vice presidential debate can be found on the editorial pages of Investor's Business Daily and The Wall Street Journal.

Both newspapers chronicled dozes of mistatements, half-truths and outright lies by Biden during the 90-minute debate.

Of course, the corrupt liberal media covered up Biden's lies.

"It's hard choosing the worst in last Thursday's vice presidential debate: Sen. Joe Biden's continual untruths, his certitude in delivering them, or the free pass he got all night long," writes Investor's Business Daily.

If you can handle the truth, check out "Truthless Joe" at the IBD Web site.

From the Wall Street Journal:

We think the word "lie" is overused in politics today, having become a favorite of the blogosphere and at the New York Times. So we won't say Mr. Biden was deliberately making events up when he made these and other false statements. Perhaps he merely misspoke. In any case, Mrs. Palin may not know as much about the world as Mr. Biden does, but at least most of what she knows is true.

Check out "Biden's Fantasy World" at the WSJ Web site.

Don't spend the Obama tax cut just yet

William McGurn, writing in The Wall Street Journal, cautions American taxpayers from getting too excited about the Barack Obama "middle-class tax cut."

It wasn't too long ago that another Democratic politician promised to cut taxes if you elect him, but when Bill Clinton took office, he raised taxes for most Americans.

From McGurn's column:

In an October presidential debate, then-Gov. Clinton laid out the marginal-rate increase he wanted and some of his plans for the revenue that would be brought in. He followed with a pledge:

"Now, I'll tell you this," he said. "I will not raise taxes on the middle class to pay for these programs. If the money does not come in there to pay for these programs, we will cut other government spending, or we will slow down the phase-in of the programs."

Mr. Clinton, of course, won that election. And as the inauguration approached, he began backtracking from his promise. At a Jan. 14, 1993, press conference in New Hampshire, he claimed that it was the media that had played up a middle-class tax cut, not him. A month later, he announced his actual plan before a joint session of Congress.

On page one of the New York Times, the paper described the fate of the middle-class tax cut this way: "Families earning as little as $20,000 a year -- members of the 'forgotten middle class' whose taxes he promised during his campaign to cut -- will also be asked to send more dollars to Washington under the President's plan."

In some ways, we are today reliving the campaign of 1992. As in 1992, the Democrat is promising a middle-class tax cut. As in 1992, the Democrat is hammering the Republican as a tool of the rich. And as in 1992, the Republican doesn't seem to have an answer.

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

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Republican National Committee: Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

PA drowning in sea of red ink under Rendell

State Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks, a frequent critic of massive state spending under Gov. Ed Rendell, says time is running out to re-open Pennsylvania's red-ink budget to avoid a potential tax increase next year.

With only three scheduled session days remaining before the Legislature takes another break to campaign for the November elections, Rohrer cited a recent Pennsylvania Revenue Department report that shows September revenue collections were $160 million lower than anticipated. It was the third straight month the state spent more than it took in and there are still nine months to go in the current fiscal year.

The red ink means the governor and Legislature must re-open the $28.3 billion General Fund budget for 2008-09, Rohrer says.

"When I called for a zero-growth budget throughout the entire budget negotiations, and again when I called for the immediate re-opening of the out-of-balance budget just a few weeks ago, I did so based on the grounds that the out-of-control spending would need to be checked," Rohrer said in a written statement. "The recent release of September revenue collection numbers has confirmed my arguments for no new taxes, no new spending and no new borrowing yet again."

Rohrer said the state budget signed by Gov. Rendell is "effectively unconstitutional" because it "deliberately ignored clear economic predictions about the level of revenue that would be available to the Commonwealth."

Rohrer said he is not surprised by the September numbers "and neither should any of my colleagues or the governor."

Rohrer also said that tapping into the state's Rainy Day Fund to address any future budget deficit is illegal because the budget crisis was anticipated by state officials.

"Under these circumstances, draining the Rainy Day Fund is not an option," Rohrer said. "This fund is clearly reserved for unanticipated emergencies. If the governor continues to spend recklessly, we will certainly have an ever larger fiscal emergency on our hands, but it certainly will not be unanticipated."

The Associated Press reports that Pennsylvania is now facing a budgetary shortfall of up to $1.3 billion. Some lawmakers project a $2.5 billion deficit by 2010, which also happens to be Rendell's last year in office.

State spending has increased by nearly $8 billion since Rendell became governor in 2003.

Rohrer said Rendell's recent call for a hiring freeze, ban on out-of-state travel and reduced spending by state agencies is not enough.

"Now it is beyond absolutely clear that Gov. Rendell's arbitrary cost cutting in several departments was inadequate and short-sighted," Rohrer said. "Now is definitely the time for drastic spending reductions, rather than more lame duck excuses which will only lead to further inaction."

Rohrer said the state must re-open the budget and allow for legislative and public input to create a fiscally responsible, balanced, zero-growth state budget.

"With ever-increasing fuel and food prices, not to mention Pennsylvania's unaddressed school property tax crisis, even considering raising taxes or borrowing against the tax dollars of future generations is absolutely unconscionable," Rohrer said.

The danger Barack Obama poses

Mark Alexander, writing at PatriotPost.us, paints a frightening scenario of a Barack Obama presidency, plunging the United States toward a socialist or communist society espoused by Obama himself.

"The prospect of an Obama presidency, supported by a legislative branch controlled by like-minded liberals, and only the slightest conservative margin in the judicial branch, poses a greater risk to American liberty than any domestic enemy in our nation's great history," Alexander writes.

From his column:

The problem is that Obama and his ilk believe they are not bound by the plain language of our Constitution, adhering instead to the errant notion of a "Living Constitution," which they have adulterated by judicial diktat to comport with their worldview. In his view, we should be "One nation under Obama."

What informs Barack Hussein Obama's worldview first and foremost?

Obama is the consummate "useful idiot," a socialist who believes not only that the will of the people should be subject to that of the state, but, likewise, the economy should be state controlled through taxation and regulation.

Obama insists that our economy is "out of balance," and our tax policies "badly skewed." To resolve this, he says we need a "tax policy making sure that everybody benefits, fair distribution, a restoration of balance in our tax code, money allocated fairly..."

"Fair distribution"? By this, of course, he means "redistribution."

Further, Obama asserts that free enterprise is nothing more than "Social Darwinism, every man or woman for him or herself ... tempting idea, because it doesn't require much thought or ingenuity."

Free enterprise "doesn't require much thought or ingenuity"? Only in the mind of a lifelong adherent of socialist doctrine could such an absurdly un-American assertion originate.

Obama's economic plan represents a maturation of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's class-warfare decree: "Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle."

Read the rest of "Comrade Barack Hussein Obama," at PatriotPost.us

So much for the bailout

The Dow Jones industrial average plunged more than 700 points today, falling below 10,000 for the first time in four years.

Can we get Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to the microphone to explain why the $700 billion bailout plan they pushed through Congress on Friday pushed Wall Street over the ledge today?

Pelosi, Reid and the Democratic majorities in Congress have to be swept out on Nov. 4 or this country is headed into a prolonged and painful recession. George W. Bush will be gone in January. Voters also need to send Pelosi, Reid & Co. packing.

Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Pitts voted against the bailout bill, The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

From Pitts:

"This week, Congress had an opportunity to try again to do this correctly. Instead, the Senate sent the House a bill full of tax breaks for special interests, unrelated provisions, and only minor improvements. Instead of earning more votes by improving the bill, the Senate bill bought votes by adding "sweeteners." The crisis we are facing is real. However, in this country I believe market problems should be addressed with market-based solutions. This bill is a big-government approach that increases the federal debt limit to $11.3 trillion, in order to create a quick fix. It gives unprecedented power to the federal bureaucracy. There are no reforms in this bill to correct the mistakes that caused this crisis. It does not address the basic problem. It does not adequately protect the taxpayer.

For a thorough explanation of his vote and what the real problem is with the U.S. economy, follow this link to a memo Pitts released.

The Obama Media

School district embraces 'caviar lifestyle'

This is a terrific Letter to the Editor originally published in The Mercury exposing the wasteful spending of a Chester County school district.

The letter-writer is talking about the Owen J. Roberts School District, but I bet you can find similar examples of wasteful spending in your local school district. It's so easy to spend someone else's money.

The lack of accountability on the part of school administrators is appalling. Of course, the real culprits are the elected school board members who rubber-stamp everything school administrators want.

A 'caviar lifestyle' at taxpayer expense

I think I've been completely off-base about the wasteful spending in the Owen J. Roberts School District. It's incomprehensible that these highly educated people would use our tax dollars in such a disrespectful manner. The money that they're wasting has to come from a source other than tax dollars, otherwise, it would be nothing more than a blatant abuse of power.

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Several months ago, after a severe thunderstorm, I witnessed a beautiful rainbow which, from my vantage point, terminated at the OJR Administration Building. If folklore holds true, there should be a pot of gold somewhere in that building and I believe that's where they're getting the money to fund their irresponsible spending, not our tax dollars.

I read with interest an article in the Aug. 28 edition of The Mercury regarding parental complaints about school supplies the children needed to provide for themselves. Superintendent Myra Forrest stated at the Aug. 25 board meeting that student supplies would not be ordered because of "budget constraints." Since a child's job is being a student, and hopefully a good one, I have no problem with them providing some of their own supplies, or the tools to do their job.

If the budget is really so tight, why do we continue to supply laptop computers to the teachers? Wouldn't a computer be considered a tool of the trade to a teacher? Most of the professionals I know personally supply the tools required to perform their daily tasks.

Also in these days of "budget constraints," why was a catered luncheon given at taxpayer expense for approximately 120 staff members on Aug. 27? The menu, as I remember, consisted of assorted wraps, smoked turkey breast, sliced ham, roast beef, honey mustard chicken salad, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, olives, homemade rolls and croissants, potato chips, fresh fruit salad, veggie parmesan pasta salad, assorted pastry slices, soda, coffee and bottled water. I found that this luncheon cost approximately $1,500, although the district price may have been slightly less, since they are such good customers, spending thousands of dollars per year on catering.

I'm sure there are senior citizens, struggling to pay their taxes, who would love to be invited to a catered luncheon rather than eating "Meals On Wheels." It's amazing that money can be found for parties, but not for pencils. I believe the main reason this irresponsible behavior is perpetuated is that most of the OJR administrators live outside the district and don't contribute one penny to the system from which they drain assets.

Our new "Wildcat TV" could be an excellent informational source for us taxpayers. Since every good TV station has investigative reporters, we could designate one student to check on my "pot of gold" theory and one to follow the administrators on their daily routines to report on how our tax dollars are used or abused. Realistically, I have my doubts about the "pot of gold" theory so unfortunately that returns us to the abuse of power theory. A TV exposée such as this needs a catchy title to "hook" the viewers so considering how some of our tax dollars have been misused, we could title this segment, "Wildcats Gone Wild! Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless!"

I believe it's time to ask the superintendent to return our checkbook and bid her farewell, since it has become obvious that our cornbread community can't begin to support her caviar lifestyle.

Stay tuned!

JIM FITCH
Bucktown

Confusion in the Obama-Biden camp

Stan Huskey, writing in Norristown Times Herald, wants to remind the Obama-Biden ticket that George W. Bush is not on the Nov. 4 ballot, no matter how many times the Democrats want to pretend John McCain is George Bush.

The tiresome comparisons to Bush is Exhibit A on how bankrupt of ideas the Obama-Biden ticket has come up with on why they deserve to win.

From his column:

Someone, somewhere, please tell Joe Biden that John McCain is not running against George Bush.

Please.

I didn't have a counter in my hand Thursday while watching the vice presidential candidates debate, but I bet it would have reached its limits on the number of times Biden referred to Bush's policies.

We get it for Pete's sake. Your best strategy is to make voters think if they vote for McCain they'll be getting four more years of President Bush.

In the now immortal words of Sarah Palin, "Say it ain't so, Joe."

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

The world loves Obama

Another poll released today says the world wants Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States.

They just love Obama in Indonesia and Finland and Mexico and Russia (17 countries that participated in the survey.)

If the world thinks so highly of Barack Obama, they can have him.

Obama is Heavy Favorite in First Reader's Digest Global Presidential Poll; Magazine Offers World View on American Presidential Election

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Republican National Committee: Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Karl Rove offers some last-minute advice for McCain-Palin

The man who helped get George W. Bush elected president in 2000 and 2004 has some advice on how John McCain can pull out the 2008 election.

Writing in the new issue of Newsweek magazine, Karl Rove says McCain can still win this race, but he has to go on the attack against a flawed candidate in Barack Obama.

McCain and Sarah Palin face an uphill battle, but they still have time to turn this race around, Rove writes.

"Economic woes, war and the natural desire of Americans to give the other side a chance (after eight years with one party in the White House) should mean a big edge for Obama and Biden," Rove writes. "But the race is tight, no candidate can get above 50 percent for more than a day or two, and it is likely to stay close right to the end."

Despite polls showing Obama pulling ahead, many Americans still have doubts about Obama, Rove says. McCain and Palin have to keep reminding voters about Obama's numerous character flaws and his disastrous policies, Rove says.

From his column:

McCain-Palin must deepen those doubts by pounding away on questions about Obama's character, judgment and values. Drawing on Obama's own record and statements, they need to paint him as a big spender, class warrior and cultural elitist; they need to say he's never worked across party lines or gotten his hands dirty solving big issues. But the duo must also give voters reasons to support them. They must crystallize a positive, forward-looking vision so people who see Obama as unqualified have something to hang on to. It can't be a laundry list of positions. McCain-Palin must offer a narrative about what they will do to help America see better days, especially on kitchen-table concerns.

McCain must launch these themes in the two remaining debates. Knockouts are welcome but unlikely and unnecessary. Introducing a theme and sticking to it day after day worked this past July, when McCain successfully depicted Obama as a celebrity taken with his own press notices. The GOP nominee did it right in the first debate when his assaults were formal and indirect ("Senator Obama has the most liberal voting record …") while Obama was personal and direct ("John, 10 days ago you said …").

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

McCain-Palin coming to PA Wednesday

Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin are scheduled to campaign at a Road to Victory Rally Wednesday at Lehigh University in Bethlehem.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

For more details or information on obtaining free tickets for the event, click here.

It's not a black or white issue

Check out this video on YouTube of a very talented black entertainer making a convincing argument of why blacks should vote for John McCain.

Here's the link.

34 women videotaped by 'Peeping Tom Landlord'

At least 34 tenants, described as "attractive women in their 20s and 30s," were videotaped by their landlord, who authorities said installed hidden cameras in the bedrooms and bathrooms of apartment units he ranted to the women in Norristown.

The Montgomery County District Attorney continues to build a case against the "Peeping Tom Landlord" as more women come forward, District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said at a press conference.

From reporter Margaret Gibbons:

Thomas Daley, 45, of the 1000 block of Spring City Road, Phoenixville, was re-arrested Friday on a myriad of charges reflecting his alleged video voyeurism of all 34 victims following a two-week investigation after his initial arrest last month.

Daley was arraigned before District Judge Francis Lawrence on 34 charges of invasion of privacy, 2,000 charges of criminal use of communication facility, 14 wiretap law violations, two charges of tampering with evidence and two burglary charges.

Daley, who owns apartments at 566 Stanbridge Street as well as 1405, 1407 and 1409 Green Valley Road in Norristown, was returned to the Montgomery County prison in lieu of $1 million bail.

Having waived his preliminary hearing on the charges, Daley's next court appearance will be at his formal arraignment on Dec. 3 at the Montgomery County Courthouse.

At the press conference, Ferman displayed boxes of electronic equipment that authorities claim Daley used for his secret audio and video recordings of his tenants, Gibbons writes.

The equipment included 32 cameras, 14 of which were equipped with an audio component, that Daley allegedly used to spy on his tenants during their most private moments, according to Gibbons.

More from Gibbon's story:

Ferman said Daley allegedly has been spying on his tenants private activities "for his own sexual gratification" for about 20 years.

Authorities have found "thousands of hours of recordings using every generation of technology over the last 20 years," said Ferman.

Read the full story at The Mercury's Web site.

'An American Carol' earns $3.8M at box office

Despite a near total blackout of reviews and press coverage in the mainstream media, "An American Carol" finished in the Top 10 of the weekend's box office, earning $3,810,000 since opening Oct. 3.

The parody of left-wing nuts like Michael Moore and Rosie O'Donnell, finished ahead of such mainstream Hollywood releases as "Flash of Genius," which took in $2.3 million, and "Blindness," which took in 2 million.

"An American Carol" opened in 1,639 theaters. Compare that to 3,215 for the mind-numbingly bad "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," which topped the weekend box office.

I didn't get a chance to see "An American Carol" yet, but two fellow Pennsylvania bloggers did see it. See what PAWaterCooler and Midnight Blue have to say about the movie.

130,000 visitors

Another week, another milestone.

My site counter has recorded 130,000 unique visitors and 198,700 page views since it was installed at the beginning of 2007.

I know I have a long way to go to catch up to some more established blogs, but considering there are more than 50 million blogs on the Internet, it's a wonder anyone finds your blog at all.

Thanks for visiting.

These nuts don't fall far from Obama

It's getting harder for ACORN, the left-wing organization working to steal the 2008 election for Barack Obama, to hide.

There's even a Web site devoted to exposing the underhanded ways ACORN is using to register the homeless, illegal aliens and convicts on behalf of the Obama campaign.

ACORN stands for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. We all know who the most famous "community organizer" in America is, don't we?

In addition to voter fraud, ACORN has been right smack in the middle of the current financial collapse by forcing banks and mortgage firms to issue bad loans to people who should never have been qualified for mortgages in the first place.

Check out more at http://stopacorn.org/

Barack Obama in 35 words or less

Is Barack Obama qualified to be president?

Karl Rove, writing in Newsweek, sums up the experience of the Democratic Party nominee for president in 35 words:

"Barack Obama has less than half a term in the Senate, where he's proposed little, accomplished less and spent virtually every day campaigning—as if being on the trail is a principal qualification for president."

McCain opens Berks County office

With 30 days to go before the Nov. 4 election, the McCain Campaign opened a Berks County headquarters Saturday afternoon.

Berks County GOP Chairman Mark Gillen was on hand to open the headquarters at 5001 Perkiomen Ave. (Route 422 west) in Exeter Township.

The grand opening celebration ran from 3 to 5 p.m., with a steady stream visitors stopping by to pick up campaign signs, bumper stickers and literature for the McCain/Palin ticket as well as other GOP candidates, including Congressman Jim Gerlach, Steve Fuhs, running for the 11th state Senate District, and Dick Gokey, a candidate for the 130th state House District.

Gillen said the office will be staffed seven-days-a-week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Election Day.

Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to stop by the office to sign up.

During a pep talk to volunteers, Gillen predicted McCain will surprise conventional wisdom (and the polls) by winning the presidency.

Gillen also announced that the Berks County office has free tickets to attend a Road to Victory Rally with John McCain and Sarah Palin scheduled for Lehigh Univeristy in Bethlehem on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Doors open 10:30 a.m.

Several GOP volunteers also discussed a growing problem of campaign sign thefts in Berks and Chester counties.

Berks Republicans are also promoting the party's annual "Berks GOP Newsmaker Dinner," scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, at The Inn at Reading. The speaker hasn't been announced yet, but the entertainment will include country star Pat Garrett singing his tribute to Sarah Palin, "Moose Shootin' Mama."

Anyone interested in attending the dinner can call 610-374-1100.

For more about the Berks GOP, visit the party's Web site, http://berks.mygopsite.com/

How and Why the Federal Government Created the Mortgage Meltdown

If you're looking for vilains in the current financial meltdown, look to the Clinton and Bush administrations and to everyone who served in Congress over the past decade.

If you want to clean up the mess in Washington, you have to vote out every incumbent member of Congress on Nov. 4. Doesn't matter if they're Democrats or Republicans. Vote out the incumbents ... or be prepared to keep cleaning up the mess they create by reaching deeper into your own wallet.

How and Why the Federal Government Created the Mortgage Meltdown

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook' Says Republican National Committee

Obama and ACORN Fact Sheet

Barack Obama and the Democratic Party are working feverishly to steal the 2008 election. Their biggest ally is ACORN, a corrupt left-wing voter fraud machine.

The connection between Obama and ACORN is well documented. Follow the link below for more.

RNC: Obama & Acorn Fact Sheet

'The corrupt power-hungry left-wing politicians in Washington'

Who's to blame for the financial collapse?

Richard Viguerie, chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, has the answer: "The corrupt power-hungry left-wing politicians in Washington."

Viguerie says Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin missed an opportunity Thursday to lay the blame square on Washington's feet, specifically, the Democrats who control Congress.

From Viguerie's analysis of Palin's debate performance:

"You could have turned the presidential election around for the GOP if you had correctly said that America's financial crisis has been caused primarily by the corrupt power-hungry left-wing politicians in Washington, D.C. A culture of corruption has enveloped our politics."

Read his full statement at the link below:

Richard Viguerie to Governor Palin: Washington, D.C. is the Problem - Not Wall Street

Newspaper: Palin won the debate

Who won Thursday's vice presidential debate? Sarah Palin, of course.

From today's editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Palin offered a potent debating combination. She was well prepared, at ease, folksy and, at times, full of moxie. She shot and scored early and often -- especially noting how Democrats failed to understand the coming train wreck of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and how Democrat wealth redistribution is anything but the "fairness" that Biden insists.

So, who "won"? Clearly, it was Sarah Palin -- not because she exceeded very weak expectations but because she showed she's quite qualified to be not only vice president but president, too. And that should be a major boost for a GOP ticket exactly when it needs it.

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

The candidate of fear

'Palin has what it takes'

Republican National Committee Chairman Robert Duncan on Gov. Sarah Palin's debate performance:

"Going up against Joe Biden, one of the Senate's most experienced debaters, Palin clearly demonstrated she has what it takes to be our country's next vice president. She brought to light Barack Obama's tax-raising and surge-opposing record, putting Biden on defense on nearly every issue brought forth tonight.

Read the full statement at the link below:

RNC Chairman Duncan Responds to Vice Presidential Debate

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Republican National Committee: Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Voter registration deadline is Oct. 6

If you want to help decide the future direction of your state and country, you have to be a registered voter.

The deadline to register for the Nov. 4 election is Monday, Oct. 6.

From an editorial in The Mercury:

There are many opinions about the upcoming election and many reasons to vote. But, there is only one opportunity, and Pennsylvania voters can not exercise that opportunity unless they are registered.

Monday is the deadline. Don't miss your chance.

Read the full editorial, which includes information on how residents of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties can register, visit the newspaper's Web site.

PA Agriculture Department Revokes License of Lehigh County Kennel

PA Agriculture Department Revokes License of Lehigh County Kennel

Want to see McCain rap?

If you need a little chuckle, check out a video of a computer animated John McCain doing a rap song at www.mediacurves.com

Montco catches 'Phillies Phever'

From Montgomery County Courthouse reporter Margaret Gibbons:

No, aliens from another galaxy have not landed in Norristown.

Montgomery County just has a good case of Phillies Phever.

Montgomery County Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews and President Judge Richard J. Hodgson, the first to experience the symptoms, directed that the county courthouse and dome be bathed in Phillies red and white lighting at night during the playoffs’ run by the "hometown" National Eastern Division champions.

The pair also is encouraging county government and court employees to wear their Phillies gear or even something just red on game days.

Separate Rhetoric and Reality on Wall Street Bailout

There's still something not right about trusting Congress to solve a problem it created.

"Congress sat idly by, and allowed this crisis to happen while telling us that there was no problem. Now, they're scrambling to ram a fix through and calling themselves 'reformers.'" said Tim Pittman, executive director of RightChange.com. "This disaster is just another version of the same old Washington story. 'I was for the bailout -- before I was against it.'"

Read more below:

New RightChange.com Ads Seek to Separate Rhetoric and Reality on Wall Street Bailout

Bailout Bill Language Could Prompt Billions in Abuse

The Wall Street fat cats and the politicians they lead around by the nose will make out like bandits with the bailout plan. And guess who gets stuck with the bill?

The only way to get out of this mess is to vote out every incumbent member of Congress on Nov. 4.

Read more at the link below:

Bailout Bill Language Could Prompt Billions in Abuse

Service Employees Union Blasts Rendell Hiring Freeze

Big Labor is turning on Gov. Ed Rendell.

Specifically, the Service Employees International Union doesn't like the governor's recent hiring freeze, leaving some 5,000 state jobs vacant.

Government jobs has always been the trump card for tax-and-spend liberals like Rendell. Democrats who can't deliver government jobs don't have much else to offer.

But the good times are over for Rendell, who has increased state spending by nearly $8 billion since taking office in 2003.

Pennsylvania has run up a $281 million budget deficit in just the first three months of the 2008-09 fiscal year. If the trend continues, the state is facing a $1 billion deficit. The only way to make up the shortfall is to cut services (and jobs) or raise taxes.

Follow the link below to read the union's "sky-is-falling" press release about the hiring freeze:

Service Employees Union Blasts Rendell Hiring Freeze

State-by-State Report Card: Where You Live Matters When You're Seriously Ill

Pennsylvania earned a "C" on the national report card.

Where You Live Matters When You're Seriously Ill; State-by-State Report Card Shows Midwest Leads, South Lags

Updates Added To 'NotYourAverageJoseph.com'

Republican National Committee: Updates Added To 'NotYourAverageJoseph.com'

Newspaper: Reform begins on Election Day

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has concluded that the only way to reform Harrisburg is the clean house in the Pennsylvania Legislature. Voters can accomplish that task on Nov. 4.

Pennsylvania voters, angry over the middle-of-the-night legislative pay raise in 2005, replaced 55 incumbents in 2006. So far this year, 27 incumbents have retired or lost their re-election bids in the primary, but real change can occur on Nov. 4 when 104 incumbents face opposition on the ballot.

Pennsylvania voters can put the fear of God into the Harrisburg political elite by throwing out scores of incumbents.

From the Tribune-Review editorial:

Why do Pennsylvania's leading lawmakers treat their constituents with such disdain? More to the point, how much more mistreatment are the people prepared to take?

In the twilight of yet another legislative session, for which so many spent so much to accomplish so little, bills to expand state transparency and promote better governance fade ever so deliberately into the haze that is Harrisburg.

For this inaction some Senate leaders blame an obstinate House. House Republicans slam the Democrat leadership. And the House leadership argues that it was the Senate that canned a lame-duck session -- which has been an excuse for all manner of mischief.

Funny how all the gibber-jabber about good government -- even for a fully warranted constitutional convention -- arises in the 11th hour when there was abundant opportunity for reforms this year, beginning with the state's overblown $28.2 billion budget.

Reform begins by pitching them on Nov. 4.

Read the full editorial, "Reforming Harrisburg: Throw 'em out" at the newspaper's Web site.

'Talking Politics' with Stephen Fuhs

Stephen Fuhs, a reform candidate for state Senate, will be the guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas and Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

You can join the conversation by calling the station at 610-326-4000.

Fuhs is a Reading City Councilman attempting to unseat state Sen. Mike O'Pake in Berk County's 11th Senate District.

"Talking Politics" can also be heard online at http://www.1370wpaz.com/ and http://www.pottsmerc.com/

Pork spending inside bailout bill

They just can't help themselves.

Stuffed inside the $700 billion financial bailout approved by the Democratic-controlled Senate is $1.7 billion worth of pork spending, according to the New York Post.

"Congressional deal-brookers yesterday slopped a mess of pork into the $700 billion financial rescue bill passed by the Senate last night - including a tax break for makers of kids' wooden arrows - in a bid to lure reluctant lawmakers into voting for the package," the newspaper says.

From an article by Daphne Retter:

"This is how Washington works," said Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a Washington research group. "A big pot of pork is their recipe for final passage."

The special provisions include tax breaks for:

* Manufacturers of kids' wooden arrows - $6 million.
* Puerto Rican and Virgin Is- lands rum producers - $192 million.
* Wool research.
* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.

Another measure inserted into the bill appears to be a bald-faced bid aimed at winning the support of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who voted against the original version when it went down in flames in the House on Monday.

That provision - a $223 million package of tax benefits for fishermen and others whose livelihoods suffered as a result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill - has been the subject of fervent lobbying by Alaska's congressional delegation.

Read the full story and an editorial criticizing Congressional pork in today's edition of the newspaper.

Not ready to lead

An excellent Letter to the Editor originally published in The Mercury from a Montgomery County resident who isn't ready to turn over the presidency to the least experienced candidate ever to seek the White House.

Sen. Barack Obama is not ready to be commander-in-chief

This is one of the most important elections this country has faced in a very long time. So much is at stake.

Sen. Barack Obama frightens me with his incessant, "This is the greatest nation on earth but ..." comments. For example, he has compared the U.S. to China and of course, we came up short in his opinion. "Did you see Beijing?" Yes, we saw it Sen. Obama, the smog, political prisoners, slave labor, child labor, forced abortions, and earthquakes where 70,000 people are killed and 400,000 injured because of the poor safety standards. Is that the change he wants here?

When Russia invaded Georgia, it took him three days to come up with a coherent statement. His first thought though was to blame the U.S. for not setting a "better example." Then after realizing the blunder he makes another one by suggesting that we go to the Security Council in the U.N. He didn't know that Russia has veto power? Scary!

At the conclusion of the debate he stated, "I don't think any of us can say that our standing in the world now, the way children around the world look at the United States, is the same." How can he know how children around the world see us? Does he not see how many people from around the world still long to come to the United States? Of course not, he only sees the negative because that is his perspective of the U.S.

What makes him ready to be commander- in-chief? Here are his words, "Part of what we need to do, what the next president has to do — and this is part of our judgment, this is part of how we are going to keep America safe — is to send a message to the world that we are going to invest in issues like education, we are going to invest in issues that relate to how ordinary people are able to live our, their dreams." So his plan to keep us safe is to invest in education and social programs while promising to cut the military to shreds? I suppose that if everyone had an affordable college education and government-run health care, Al-Qaida wouldn't be hell bent on our destruction.

This man is not ready to be commander-in-chief! At this crucial time, we cannot afford to take a chance on a president who doesn't believe fully in the goodness and greatness of our country.

MARY DEMENO
Limerick

Politics 'is not a spectator sport'

Political columnist and commentator Mark Shields spoke at The Hill School in Pottstown this week. One of the topics he touched on was tonight's vice presidential debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin.

Here's what Shields had to say:

Perhaps infused with this optimism, Shields acknowledged that politicians can be "venal, self-centered and short-sighted," but also noted that "it is not a spectator sport" and told the students it is the responsibility of everyday citizens to make politics something more.

Part of that responsibility is to watch the debates, including tonight's debate between the vice presidential candidates, Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden, he said.

"The debates are the only time you will see both candidates on the same stage at the same time, answering the same questions," he said.

They also give voters a sense of who the candidates are and how they will react, a sense that is not conveyed in sound bites or attack ads.

He said Palin has an advantage in tonight's debate in that her much-lampooned interviews with CBS Anchor Katie Couric "were cause for alarm by Republicans" and as a result, "the bar of expectation is pretty low for her in this debate."

Shields echoed the conventional wisdom that Palin had been "obviously over-rehearsed" for the Couric interviews and too filled with talking points by handlers. As a result, she lost her "authenticity. If she doesn't know the answer, she should say so. Americans will accept that."

As for Biden, Shields said he must be careful not to seem condescending to Palin and not spend time correcting her. "He has to remind himself that he is running against John McCain," Shields said.

He must also curb his tendency to be verbose, Shields said. "The definition of eternity is Joe Biden being interviewed by Chris Matthews," he joked.

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

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Republican National Committee: Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

The company Obama keeps

Check out this new video ad about Barack Obama's close ties to some very questionable characters.

First Phils playoff win in 15 years

Do you know how long I've been waiting for this day?

The Philadelphia Phillies won their first post-season game since October 1993, beating the Milwaukee Brewers, 3-1, before a sell-out crowd at home.

Cole Hamels pitched eight shutout innings, giving up just 2 hits and striking out 9 before yielding to closer Brad Lidge, who made the game interesting. Lidge ended up striking out the side in the 9th inning, but gave up a run to the Brewers.

The last time the Phil won a post-season game was Oct. 21, 1993, taking Game 5 of the World Series over the Blue Jays. We won't talk about what happened in Game 6. Curse you, Mitch Williams!

The Phils and Brewers play again Thursday at 6:07 p.m.

New Political Website - TubetheVote.com

New Political Website - TubetheVote.com - Provides Unbiased Look at Presidential Candidates and Campaigns, Empowers Voters To Decide 'Truth' for Themselves

'The Stupid Party'

Richard Viguerie has some thoughts on the growing Gwen Ifill controversy, calling it an "obvious conflict of interest," but Viguerie reserves most of the criticism toward the Republican Party for signing off on Ifill as moderator of the vice presidential debate.

From a written statement issued by the chairman of ConservativeHQ.com:

"Imagine if one of the officials at Super Bowl earlier this year had had a book coming out on Super Bowl Sunday entitled Dynasty: The Age of the New England Patriots. Can you imagine the New York Giants agreeing to that? But then, the New York Giants are a lot smarter than Republicans."

While it doesn't excuse Ifill's bias, Viguerie says the Republican Party knew on July 21 that Ifill was planning to release a pro-Obama book, but did not object when the debate moderators were announced on Aug. 5.

"How could the negotiators have signed off on a liberal moderator who has a book coming out on Inauguration Day heralding the 'Age of Obama'?" Viguerie asks.

Follow the link below to read Viguerie's full statement:

Richard Viguerie: Selection of Gwen Ifill Again Shows That GOP is 'The Stupid Party'

Liberal Media Bias 101

PBS anchor Gwen Ifill is the scheduled moderator of Thursday's vice presidential debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin.

Gwen Ifill has written a book about Sen. Barack Obama.

If the Obama/Biden ticket wins in November, Ifill could have a best seller on her hands.

If the Obama/Biden ticket loses, nobody will buy her book.

So who do you think Gwen Ifill will be rooting for to win the election? Will she throw softball questions at Joe Biden? Will she go on the attack against Palin?

Why is such an obvious partisan moderating the debate?

Columnist Michelle Malkin is wondering that too.

From Malkin's column posted at the Investor's Business Daily Web site:

Nonpartisan my foot.

Random House, her publisher, is already busy hyping the book with YouTube clips of Ifill heaping praise on her subjects, including Obama and Obama-endorsing Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick. The official promo for the book gushes:

"In 'The Breakthrough,' veteran journalist Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama's stunning presidential campaign and introducing the emerging young African-American politicians forging a bold new path to political power.

"Drawing on interviews with power brokers like Sen. Obama, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vernon Jordan, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and many others, as well as her own razor-sharp observations and analysis of such issues as generational conflict and the 'black enough' conundrum, Ifill shows why this is a pivotal moment in American history."

Ifill and her publisher are banking on an Obama-Biden win to buoy her book sales. The moderator expected to treat both sides fairly has grandiosely declared this the "Age of Obama." Can you imagine a right-leaning journalist writing a book about the "stunning" McCain campaign and its "bold" path to reform timed for release on Inauguration Day — and then expecting a slot as a moderator for the nation's sole vice presidential debate?

Yeah, I just registered 6.4 on the Snicker Richter Scale too.

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

Boo!

How would you like one of these guys showing up on your doorstep on Halloween? Some people say that the most popular Halloween mask is a good indicator of who will win the White House in November, but I do recall that John Kerry masks were flying off the shelf in 2004.

Schizophrenic Democrats

I was driving near my house the other day and saw an Obama lawn sign. Nothing odd about that. I live in a heavily Democratic area. Right next to the Obama sign was a campaign sign for Mike O'Pake for Pennsylvania Senate.

I can understand the desire to send an outsider to Washington, but why would the same person support support a state lawmaker who has been in office for 40 years?

Why support somebody who has been embroiled in the Harrisburg culture for four decades when the majority of Pennsylvanians believe the state Legislature is not doing a good job?

This kind of schizophrenic behavior on the part of Democrats has always puzzled me. If you truly believe in change, why settle for more of the same in state government?

O'Pake is seeking another four-year term representing Berks County's 11th state Senatorial District and is touting his experience. His opponent, Steve Fuhs, is running on a reform platform as a Harrisburg outsider.

If would make more sense for Obama supporters to also back Fuhs if they truly believe in change. Anyone care to explain what goes on inside the liberal mind?

Move over Fido - 'Lady' and 'Bear' most popular names for dogs

The American Kennel Club has released its annual list of the most popular male/female dog names.

Follow the link below to read the Top 20 in each category.

'Lady' and 'Bear' Most 'Pup'ular Names for Dogs

King James I

Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews has been acting "odd" ever since the November 2006 election. Although he was elected on a Republican ticket headed by Bruce L. Castor Jr., Matthews made a power-sharing deal with Democrat Joe Hoeffel and turned over much control of county government to Hoeffel.

Despite being shunned by Republican Party officials and scolded by voters, Matthews continues along his merry way helping to destroy the once-dominant Republican Party.

Now comes this gem from veteran Montgomery County reporter Margaret Gibbons

Someone should tell Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews that he was elected commissioner, not monarch. During one of Matthews's ongoing dust-ups with fellow Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., Matthews said that county Solicitor Barry M. Miller, Matthews's good bud, "works for me. I appoint him." Whatever happened to government of the people, by the people and for the people?

Read her full column at the Norristown Times Herald Web site.

Bipartisanship under Nancy Pelosi

Obama + ACORN = Voter Fraud

The ties between Sen. Barack Obama and ACORN, a far-left advocacy group that is under investigation for voter fraud in a dozen states, keep growing.

Barack Obama wasn't just the second-largest recipient of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac political contributions, says Investor's Business Daily. He was also the senator from ACORN, the activist leader for risky "affirmative action" loans, the newspaper says.

From an editorial in today's edition of IBD:

Despite efforts to blame the rescue bill's failure on the GOP, it should be remembered that 95 Democrats — some 40% of the Democratic Caucus — withheld support. Obama himself also deserves blame — not only for the bill's failure, but also for the crisis it was designed to solve.

As the New York Times reports, "Aides to Mr. Obama said he had not directly reached out to try to sway any House Democrats who opposed the measure." Is the reason the fact that the slush fund for ACORN in the original bill, siphoning off 20% of any future profits for such activist groups, was trimmed from the tree?

Obama, who once represented ACORN in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois, was hired by the group to train its community organizers and staff in the methods and tactics of the late Saul Alinsky. ACORN would stage in-your-face protests in bank lobbies, drive-through lanes and even at bank managers' homes to get them to issue risky loans in the inner city or face charges of racism.

In the early 1990s, reports Stanley Kurtz, senior fellow at the Ethics and Policy Center, Obama was personally recruited by Chicago's ACORN to run training sessions in "direct action." That's the euphemism for the techniques used under the cover of the federal Community Reinvestment Act to intimidate financial institutions into giving what have been called "Ninja" loans — no income, no job, no assets — to people who couldn't afford them.

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

Also check out the editorial about ACORN in today's edition of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

And if need more proof that Obama is up to his neck in the bailout mess, read "ACORN, Obama, and the Mortgage Mess" by Mona Charen at RealClear Politics.

Stop Internet Predators Awareness Week

Child Safety Coalition Announces Stop Internet Predators Awareness Week

'Obama Spend-O-Meter' debuts

RNC Launches 'Obama Spend-O-Meter'

Barack Obama 'Fight The Smears' Web site Guilty of Own Smear Campaign

Most Powerful 527 Ad of the 2008 Presidential Campaign to Be Unleashed Today in Pennsylvania and Michigan; Ad Also Proves That Barack Obama's 'Fight The Smears' Website Is Guilty of Their Own Smear Campaign, Claiming the Ad Would Never Air and Was a 'Scam'

Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'

Republican National Committee: Friend Update Added to 'BarackBook'