What are we teaching our children?

Bush should pardon Ramos and Compean

Ramos and Compean Day of Support Has Record Number of Grassroots Americans Calling for a Commutation

Obama Breaks Another Promise

Obama Will Allow Fortune 500 Firms to Receive Federal Small Business Contracts

Rod Blagojevich is a DEMOCRAT!

I was flipping through the news channels Tuesday night and today to get a sense of the coverage of the arrest of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

I was mildly surprised that all the networks and cable news channels devoted so much coverage of the corruption scandal. But the one thing I noticed is that almost every news outfit failed to mention that Blagojevich is a DEMOCRAT!

If he was a Republican, you better believe that his party affiliation would have been mentioned prominently. That's the way the left-wing media operates. Republicans bad. Democrats good. When Democrats go bad, ignore their political connections.

I was also disappointed (but not surprised) that the mainstream media downplayed Blagojevich's long association with President-elect Barack Obama.

'There's Still Time to Save America From Becoming One Big Chicago'

Isn't Barack Obama from Chicago? Isn't he a longtime political ally of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich? Just asking. I think we should appoint a special prosecutor today. Why wait until Obama is sworn in?

I have a feeling we are going to witness the most corrupt administration since Richard Nixon left the White House when Obama takes office. And bringing in all those ethically-challenged members of the Clinton administration isn't going to help matters.

Richard Viguerie on Rod Blagojevich: 'There's Still Time to Save America From Becoming One Big Chicago'

Poor OPEC

Platts Survey: November OPEC Oil Output Fell to 31 Million Barrels Per Day

Obama caught in another lie

It's not a big thing in the grand scheme of things. I'm sure Barack Obama has told bigger lies, but all these little white lies add up to a serious character flaw.

The latest news about The Chosen One has to do with his smoking habit. Obama promised he would stop smoking. He told people he had stopped smoking.

Turns out it was all lies. He never quit. He continues to smoke. He will continue to smoke in the White House.

Check out what a few fellow bloggers have to say about Obama's latest misadventures with the truth: Obama Smokes - and Lies About It and OBAMA SMOKES! What Will the Children Think!?

'Talking Politics' with state Sen. John Rafferty

State Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr., R-44th Dist., will be the guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" Thursday at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

Rafferty, who represents portions of Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, will discuss the state's fiscal woes, the recent controversy of the Legislative pay raise and his goals for the coming legislative session.

Listeners can call the program at 610-326-4000.

The program is simulcast at www.1370wpaz.com and www.pottsmerc.com

535 Jobs We'd Like To Lose

Check out www.FacesOfLawsuitAbuse.org

New Jersey Girl Sued by Bicyclist Featured in National Campaign Against Abusive Lawsuits

6 in 10 Pa. high school students fail state science test

So much for bragging about public education.

Almost every press release from Gov. Ed Rendell, regardless of the topic, concludes with the following statement: "The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses."

The latest news about test scores for Pennsylvania high school doesn't say much about a "first-rate" education system.

Despite billions of dollars poured into public education since Rendell took office, Pennsylvania students continue to score poorly in standardized testing.

And did I mention that Pennsylvania teachers are among the highest paid in the country? And did you know that Pennsylvania leads the nation in teacher strikes?

Six in 10 Pennsylvania High School Students Fail State Science Test

How Pa. can avoid 'property-tax hell'

The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article on how high property taxes have turned the Buffalo, N.Y., region into "property-tax hell."

Pennsylvania should learn a lesson from its neighbors to the north.

From the article by Steve H. Hanke and Stephen J.K. Walters:

When every U.S. county is ranked according to its average property-tax bill as a percent of home values, nine of the worst 10 are in upstate New York.

All housing markets are local and local government policies can have an enormous impact on property values. Higher property tax rates, for example, inevitably send home values downward. Why? A $6,000 tax bill adds $500 to a monthly mortgage, and simultaneously reduces the amount a buyer would be willing or able to pay for a home. Cut the tax bill and you help struggling homeowners hold onto their houses. And lower taxes allow would-be buyers to spend more for homes.

High property taxes also discourage investment in new homes. Builders won't build where property taxes drive buyers away.

The problem of heavy property taxes crushing fragile upstate economies has not gone unnoticed, just unsolved. A special Commission on Property Tax Relief, supported by Democrat Gov. David Paterson, recommended in August that local property tax increases be capped at 4% annually or 1.2 times the inflation rate -- whichever is less.

That wouldn't have cut taxes, but it would have moved New York toward a less oppressive tax system. And for a moment, it seemed that the idea might even take off when the state Senate passed a tax-cap bill earlier this year. But the state Assembly voted instead to raise marginal tax rates on incomes above $1 million and use the proceeds to pay for property tax relief for low-income homeowners. That standoff all but killed tax reform.

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

Did you catch the part about how property taxes can add up to $500 on monthly mortgage payments? Looking for a way to stimulate the housing market and rebuild the economy? Eliminate property taxes!!!

To learn more about efforts to eliminate property taxes in Pennsylvania, check out the Web site of the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition.

'The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008'

I like to pride myself on staying well informed about what's going on in the world, but I have to admit, some of the stories profiled in Foreign Policy magazine took me by surprise.

The latest issue features "The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008," including:

1. The Surge in Afghanistan Starts Early

2. Colombian Coca Production Increases

3. The Next Darfur Heats Up

4. The United States Helps India Build a Missile Shield

5. Russia Makes a Play for Africa

Read more at the magazine's Web site.

And somebody should consider sending Secretary of State nominee Hillary Clinton a gift subscription to Foreign Policy magazine.

Manufactured Health Insurance Crisis?

Average Americans Without Health Insurance Are Young and Healthy With Above Average Incomes

Rendell Predicts $1.6B Budget Deficit

Amazing when Gov. Ed Rendell signed the $28.3 billion General Fund budget back in July he had no inkling that it would sink the state into a huge fiscal hole.

The red ink is flowing to the tune of $658 million so far and is expected to top $1.6 billion by the end of the fiscal year in June 2009.

Governor Rendell Outlines Plan to Close Budget Shortfall

For more on Rendell's budget shenanigans, check out "Rendell's wicked game" by Matthew J. Brouillette posted at the Capital Domes blog on the Central Penn Business Journal Web site.

Start Printing More Money

Bailouts Cost More Than All U.S. Wars and Many Big Programs Combined

Fick to lead Berks County GOP

The revolving door keeps spinning at the Berks County Republican Committee.

For the third time in as many years, a new chairman will lead the Berks County GOP faithful.

Reading lawyer Andrew F. Fick is the new party chairman, replacing Mark Gillen, who held the post for a little more than a year.

The 41-year-old Spring Township resident told the Reading Eagle he will emphasize party unity and rebuilding the party's grassroots network.

Larry Medaglia Jr., a former GOP chairman, told the newspaper that Fick will re-energize the party:

"He is able to recognize that problems are not solved from the top to the bottom but are solved from the bottom up," Medaglia said.

Fick said his goals include to help fill 228 committee vacancies in Berks and to review and update the party's Web site, berks.mygopsite.com.

The Berks County Republican Committee is actually in better shape than its counterparts in neighboring counties like Chester and Montgomery.

While the Berks GOP hasn't been able to score many significant victories against entrenched Democrats, it has held its own while neighboring counties have lost the registration race to Democrats.

Poor showings by Republican candidates in Chester and Montgomery counties also led to the Democrats taking back the majority in the state House after 12 years of GOP control.

Fick's biggest challenge will be to attract younger people to get involved in the party. Typical party gatherings are a sea of gray with most members in attendance in their 60s and 70s.

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

Toxic Schools

If Your Child Says School Makes Him Sick - He Might Be Right

Newspaper: Reduce size of PA Legislature

The Pottstown Mercury is the latest newspaper to address the ill-advised pay raise members of the Pennsylvania Legislature gave themselves on Dec. 1.

But the newspaper goes further and says giving back the pay raise is not enough.

A permanent reduction in the number of lawmakers and corresponding savings to taxpayers is in order, according to an editorial in the newspaper.

"The excess and high cost of the Pennsylvania Legislature puts a severe strain on state finances and thus, taxpayers," the newspaper says. "Everyone else is being forced to do more with less. It's time that happens in Harrisburg, too."

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

State Capitol Roundup

Here's the latest State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch (R-147th):

Continued Tax Revenue Shortfalls Point to Worsening Budget Deficit

For the seventh consecutive month, Pennsylvania's General Fund revenue collections have failed to live up to initial projections. The shortfall for November totaled $93 million, bringing the year-to-date deficit to $657.9 million. House Republicans are pointing to these figures as the latest evidence that state spending has grown to unsustainable levels, while highlighting internal measures undertaken in the last 5 years to trim caucus expenditures. Better use of existing staff, policy and procedural audits as well as the increased use of cutting edge technology have helped to "cut the fat," and resulted in approximately $20 million in savings to taxpayers since 2004. According to the governor, the state's budget deficit could reach at least $2 billion, leading GOP lawmakers to call for cuts to under-performing state programs instead of burdensome and harmful tax increases.

Legislation Aims for Stronger Veteran Presence on Civil Service Commission

House Republican proposals to ensure Pennsylvania veterans receive appropriate consideration for civil service jobs are receiving renewed interest following a recent report by the Auditor General. Reps. Russ Fairchild (R-Snyder/Union) and Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) have both authored legislation to give veterans a louder voice on the State Civil Service Commission. The Fairchild measure would create an Office of Veteran Advocate to represent veterans, while Marsico's proposal would require at least one veteran to serve on the commission. The report highlighted an 18 percent unemployment rate for veterans returning from service and showed that as many as 569 civil service employment positions were filled without considering eligible, qualified veterans. With the legislative session complete, Fairchild and Marsico have pledged to re-introduce their bills in January.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Draws Closer

The Dec. 31 deadline to file applications for the Department of Revenue's Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program is quickly approaching. Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue have indicated more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians have received rebates this year and expect that an additional 140,000 eligible residents throughout the Commonwealth have yet to apply. PTRR participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2007. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. For additional information, visit Mensch's Web site at RepMensch.com

Newspaper: Taxpayers are suckers

Where is the public outcry over the growing pension scandal involving the retirement funds of state workers in Pennsylvania?

That's what the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wants to know.

From an editorial pointing out that taxpayers will end up getting stuck with the bill for reckless investments:

Despite warning flags -- heck, these folks had foghorns blasting in their ears -- the geniuses at the state pension fund six years ago decided to park billions of dollars in a very risky hedge fund. Long story short -- the pension system by next year will be on the hook for $2.5 billion to cover its high-fee bad bets.

How unfortunate for those poor state retirees, right? Nope, not at all. That's because under state law, benefits can't be reduced. Taxpayers, who already fund the pension system, could be tapped for this chapter of multibillion-dollar recklessness.

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

Newt Gingrich Challenges National Security Community

Gingrich Challenges the National Security Community to Make Real Change

Obama Credibility Problem

Obama Struggles to Explain Drop of Windfall Profits Tax for Oil and Gas Industry

Wating for oil companies to ask for a bailout

Remember a few months ago when gasoline was $4 a gallon and the price of everything else we buy went up because of rising fuel prices?

How come prices haven't come down now that gas is below $2 a gallon?

I'm still paying more for a cup of coffee than I was a few months ago. I remember convenience stores announcing they had to add a surcharge to the price of coffee because of rising gas prices. Why didn't the surcharge come down?

My grocery bill hasn't gone down since the summer when food prices began to skyrocket. What gives?

With some experts forecasting that the price of gas will continue to tumble, will we see Big Oil head to Congress asking for help?

From The Christian Science Monitor:

What the price drop does mean is that some oil-patch wildcatters have packed up their drill bits as the rush for new domestic exploration has cooled since summer.

"Six months ago everything was roses, and nobody in this business had any inkling that oil prices would decline virtually $100 a barrel," says Alex Mills, president of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. Now, he says, "some people have already pulled back on their drilling programs."

No doubt, profits for Big Oil will tumble from this year's record highs. And because of the tightening credit market, many producers – majors and independents – will shut down drilling rigs and trim production in the year ahead.

Read "Oil industry adjusts to lower prices" at The Christian Science Monitor Web site.

What if Obama is disqualified?

The inauguration plans are moving forward, but will the Supreme Court disqualify President-elect Barack Obama?

The controversy over where Obama was born has been been around for months, kept alive by bloggers, e-mail chains and talk radio. Now it's getting serious.

From a press release issued by We The People Foundation:

On Monday, December 8, 2008, at 1:30 pm, the We The People Foundation will conduct a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.

The licensed attorneys who initiated lawsuits in PA (Philip Berg), NJ (Leo Donofrio) and CA (Orly Taitz), challenging Mr. Obama's legal eligibility to hold the Office of President of the United States, will briefly summarize the facts, legal arguments and status of their cases. They will answer questions from the press.

Prior to the start of the conference, at 10 am, the Supreme Court of the United States is expected to announce whether it will consider applications from these attorneys who have asked the Court to delay the proceedings of the Electoral College pending a determination of the underlying constitutional question - the meaning of the "natural born citizen" clause of Article II of the Constitution and its application to Mr. Obama.

Robert Schulz will briefly discuss Mr. Obama's response to the publication of his Open Letter in the Chicago Tribune on Monday and Wednesday of this week. For the reasons given in the Open Letter, Schulz asked Mr. Obama to: (1) immediately authorize Hawaiian officials to provide a team of forensic scientists access to his original ("vault") birth certificate and (2) arrange for the delivery of other documents needed to conclusively establish Obama's citizenship status. Mr. Schulz will answer questions from the press.

"Under our Constitution, no one is eligible to assume the Office of the President unless he or she is a 'natural born citizen,'" said Bob Schulz, Chairman of the Foundation. "To date, Mr. Obama has refused all requests to release his original birth certificate or other documents that would definitively establish his citizenship status and thus his constitutional eligibility."

The Open Letter to Mr. Obama summarizes the evidence against Mr. Obama and the adverse consequences that would befall the Nation should he assume the Office of the President as a usurper.

"Should the state members of the Electoral College cast their votes for Mr. Obama in the face of such overwhelming evidence, and without verification of Mr. Obama's eligibility, they would be committing treason to the Constitution," said Schulz.

Catch up on all the background at We The People Foundation

Depending on far the case goes, should we be preparing for President Joe Biden?

Activists ask Argall to pay back taxpayers

State Rep. David Argall was a leader of the House Republican Caucus when then-Speaker John Perzel pushed for the infamous middle-of-the-night pay raise in July 2005. Argall dutifully followed along and voted for the pay raise and also took the money as unvouchered expenses. Thanks mostly to pressure by reform groups, newspaper editorialists and bloggers, the pay raise was repealed. After the repeal vote, many lawmakers paid back the money. But not Argall.

Now Republican Argall wants to move to the state Senate, where the 29th District seat held by the late Jim Rhoades is vacant. Argall is the front-runner in the race, but before Argall moves to the Senate, a group of reformers want him to pay back the pay raise money and "per diem" money that Argall may or may not have been entitled to.

Below is a letter sent by five prominent citizen reformers.

Dear Rep. Argall,

It has been widely reported that you are seeking to the fill the late Sen. Jim Rhoades' vacant seat.

Before pursuing your newest political endeavor, however, we implore you to repay to the taxpayers the tens of thousands of dollars you owe them for: 1) tax-free, supplemental "per diem" money you've collected in excess of your actual expenses for food and lodging; and 2) the money you collected from the repealed pay raise of 2005.

With regard to the per diem money: a thorough review of official records from the House Chief Clerk's office indicates that, from 2005 to 2007 alone, you collected more than $48,000 in per diem money for food and lodging expenses that were incurred on approximately 420 separate business days in Harrisburg. That averages out to a per diem payment to you of $115 per day. This money of course was collected above and beyond your base salary of more than $100,000, and in addition to the money you collected for transportation expenses.

As you know, you and your fellow legislators have made it such that you don't even have to provide receipts for, or documentation of, your actual expenses for food and lodging. Therefore, it is difficult to calculate precisely how much tax-free, supplemental per diem money you collected above and beyond those expenses.

This much we know, however: in 2007, the average resident in Schuylkill County was living on $41.93 per day, and the average resident in Berks County on $49.43 per day – for housing costs, health care, food, transportation, utilities, etc. (United States Census Bureau). On average, you collected $113 a day in tax-free, supplemental income, - just for food and lodging – which is more than double what your constituents had to live on for all the costs of life.

We also know that it is only 78 miles from your Lake Hautto home to the Capitol (a drive of 1 hour and 28 minutes), which means you are often able to drive home from the Capitol after a session day or nonvoting business day, and not need taxpayer-funded lodging.

Further, we know that oftentimes during session days, representatives are usually provided with catered meals out of leadership accounts, or lobbyists simply pick up the tab – further driving down your actual expenses for which you collected per diem money.

Concluding our first item on per diems: given that your average per diem check for food and lodging expenses in 2007 ($113) was more than double what your constituents had to live on for all the expenses of life that year ($45, when averaging between Schuylkill and Berks counties' residents), and multiplying the differential ($68) by the number of days for which you collected a per diem in 2007 (149), we believe you overcharged the taxpayers by $10,000 (rounding down), just for calendar year 2007. We believe this figure to be a conservative estimate given that it does not factor in the abovementioned free meals provided to you from leadership accounts and lobbyists. Furthermore, if we were to multiply your years in the House (24) by the excess per diem money collected for each year, we'd likely compute an amount well over $100,000 in tax-free, supplemental income owed to the taxpayers (after adjusting for inflation). Again, this is a very conservative estimate.

Regarding the second item mentioned above – the 2005 pay raise money: according to news reports in the Morning Call, you collected $7,000 in so-called "unvouchered expense" money from a 2005 pay raise that was not only repealed, but ruled unconstitutional. Many legislators never collected a penny of this illicit raise. Of those that did collect, the overwhelming majority paid the money back, either upon its repeal, or upon its being ruled unconstitutional. Indeed, the man who once walked in the very large shoes you aspire to fill – Sen. James Rhoades – did the honorable thing and paid back every single cent.

You've stubbornly refused paying back the pay raise money, citing the fact that you gave it to charity, which in your belief should excuse you from reimbursing the taxpayers. We would remind you that in American jurisprudence, giving ill-gotten gains to charity is never an acceptable defense. To say it in other words, someone who robs a bank could never tell the judge he gave the money to charity, and expect to get off the hook.

Our first appeal is to your sense of integrity: Giving back the rather large sum of money you owe the taxpayers is simply the right thing to do.

Our second appeal is to your sense for fiscal need: the Commonwealth is presently staring at a budget deficit that experts predict will reach anywhere from $1 billion to $2 billion. We are likely facing a combination of tax increases and painful cuts in vital state services and programs. What a shame it would be, for instance, if we had to cut $100,000 for library services, when you alone owe the taxpayers at least that much in excess per diem money and unconstitutional, unvouchered expenses. Combined with like amounts owed by your colleagues, the figure grows exponentially.

Failing our first two appeals, our final appeal is to the political sense for which you are famous. It would simply be political suicide to seek an open state Senate seat when you owe a very large sum of money to the taxpayers for unvouchered expenses and excess, tax-free per diem money. This is akin to expecting to be granted approval for a mortgage with deficiencies in your credit history, something your constituents are painfully aware of during these rough economic times.

We look forward to receiving word from you in the very near future that you have decided to do right by the taxpayers you seek to represent in Senate by paying back your unvouchered expenses and excess, tax-free per diem money.

Sincerely,
Eric Epstein
Rock the Capital
Gene Stilp
Taxpayers & Ratepayers United
Russ Diamond
PA Clean Sweep
Tim Potts
Democracy Rising
Dennis Baylor
PA Accountability Project

School choice works

Charter High Schools are 5% of High Schools Nationwide, But 18% of the Top 100 High Schools, According to U.S. News and World Report Survey

This is not change

The Associated Press is reporting today that Hillary Clinton plans to hire so-called "Clinton loyalists" to run the State Department.

I could swear Barack Obama won the election on a promise of change. So what are we getting? How about more of the same Washington insiders.

Reporter Matthew Lee says Clinton is planning to surround herself with "a cast of die-hard loyalists and veterans of her husband's administration."

From Lee's story:

For her team of foreign policy experts, the nation's third female secretary of state is expected to draw heavily from the staff of the first, Madeleine Albright, who was an early supporter of Clinton's unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

And to deal with internal Obama administration affairs, State Department bureaucratic politics and media pressures, the former first lady appears set to tap current Senate aides and former White House "Hillaryland" stalwarts, whose reputation for insularity and staunch protectiveness has already set off anxiety among career foreign service officers.

Lee says among key staff positions, Clinton is considering her 2008 presidential campaign manager Maggie Williams, attorney Cheryl Mills, personal assistant Huma Abedin, current senior adviser and spokesman Philippe Reines and Clinton's chief of staff when she was first lady, Melanne Verveer.

All retreads. Welcome to the third Clinton Administration.

From Lee's story: "All are known to be fiercely loyal. The prospect of their imminent arrival in Foggy Bottom has been a hot topic of nervous corridor conversation among many in the professional diplomatic corps who fear they will be frozen out of positions of influence."

No Class

Up in smoke

The Pottstown Mercury says in an editorial today that the Pennsylvania's three-month smoking ban is already full of loopholes. Adding more would defeat the purpose of the law. And why are public sector employees so special that they should be exempt from the law?

From the editorial:

THORNS to administrators of Pennsylvania's 14 state-owned universities who are proposing to relax parts of a nearly 3-month-old outdoor campus smoking ban. State System of Higher Education spokesman Kenn Marshall says the system is proposing the changes following recent discussions with employee unions that have opposed the ban. Marshall says the system may allow employees to smoke inside their cars with the windows up and on sidewalks along public roads that pass through the campuses. He says the system is also considering providing receptacles for cigarette butts on the campus perimeters. The outdoor ban was enacted to comply with the new statewide indoor smoking ban. The smoking ban adopted in Pennsylvania already has enough loopholes without suggestions to weaken it even further.

PennDOT Invites Comment on Public Participation Plan

PennDOT Invites Comment on Public Participation Plan

Rendells Invite Public to Visit Governor's Residence During Holiday Season

Governor Rendell, First Lady Invite Public to Visit Governor's Residence During Holiday Season

Columnist: Rendell exposes 'singlism' bias

Gail Collins, writing in The New York Times, says Gov. Ed Rendell's remarks about Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano having "no life" because she is unmarried and has no children, is another example of "singlism," a bias directed mostly toward women.

Condoleezza Rice is another example of a woman who lives for her job, Collins notes. She also mentions Ralph Nader as the token male political figure who does not have family responsibilities.

From her column:

But it's unmarried women at the top who often wind up portrayed as vestal virgins who live only to serve their chief executive. (Condoleezza Rice's public image is so extreme that people must be wondering if she plans to immolate herself on the White House lawn during the inauguration.) Instead of being celebrated for their achievements, they wind up regarded as slightly fanatic.

And single women comprise between 43 percent and 51 percent of the adult women in the country, depending on how you count. They are universally regarded as folks with time on their hands, and thus the most likely recruits for taking care of aged parents, adjusting their schedules to accommodate their married friends and working overtime. "Employers ask you to cover for everyone else," said Bella DePaulo, the author of "Singled Out."

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

The GOP Comeback Plan

Robert M. "Mike" Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, has written an op-ed on his vision for a GOP comeback.

Follow the link below to read Duncan's comments:

RNC Chair Discloses Comeback Plan

Conservatives Invite Obama to Join Unified Effort Against Islamist Terror

Conservative Leaders Invite President-elect Obama to Forge Unified Effort on Combating Islamist Terror

Your right to celebrate Christmas

The American Center for Law and Justice, the sane alternative to the far-left ACLU, has updated its Christmas Resource Center with the latest legal updates on your rights to celebrate Christmas.

The center was created in response to militant atheists who have attempted in recent years to ban public celebrations or even acknowledgement of Christmas.

The Web site includes sample letters to send to school districts, local and county governments and public venues on the legality of Christmas displays and your rights to express your religious beliefs.

Reform group: Here's $313M in fat to trim from PA spending

Gov. Ed Rendell has spent months going over the state budget and has come up with $439 million in proposed cuts to stem the massive red ink pouring from the 2008-09 General Fund budget.

The current budget deficit has already topped $658 million in just the first five months of the fiscal year. Projections have the deficit reaching $2 billion by the end of the fiscal year in June 2009.

At a recent press conference the governor asked for help in finding more cuts.

Eric Epstein, coordinator of RocktheCapital.org, a Harrisburg-based reform group, has answered the call. Epstein has released a list of $313 million that can be cut in state spending without impacting Pennsylvania residents.

Among the cuts:

Liquidate non-lapsing, leadership accounts $241.5 million

Eliminate Public Service Announcements by lawmakers: $1.35 million in annual savings

Reduce PHEAA funding by the amount spent on "lobbying fees": $1 million

For the full list, click here. Also visit RocktheCapital.org for more on the group's efforts to reform state government.

Rendell numbers still don't add up

Gov. Ed Rendell has found another $128 million to cut from his bloated budget, bringing the total amount of cuts identified by the governor to $439 million.

But the budget deficit has already topped $658 million in just five months and will probably reach $2 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

It's time to put away the scalpel and take out the hatchet.

Governor Rendell Says Another $128 Million in Cuts Will Help Fill Budget Gap

Obama Drops Campaign Promise to End Contracting Abuses

Obama Drops Campaign Promise to End Contracting Abuses

Report Recommends New Measures to Recruit and Prepare the Next Generation of Public Charter School Leadership

Report Recommends New Measures to Recruit and Prepare the Next Generation of Public Charter School Leadership

'Talking Politics' returns Thursday

After a one-week hiatus, "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" returns to WPAZ 1370 AM Thursday at 5 p.m.

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

If you can't pick up the radio signal, the one-hour program is simulcast at www.1370wpaz.com and www.pottsmerc.com

Karl Rove Defends Bush Legacy

Some outfit called The Rosenkranz Foundation held a symposium on the premise that "Bush 43 is the worst president of the last 50 years."

I guess they didn't include Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton in that mix.

And what about Lyndon Johnson, who led the country through the Vietnam War. You remember that little Democratic Party-led adventure that cost 58,156 American lives, don't you?

Karl Rove Defends Bush Legacy on Manhattan's Upper West Side

Auditor General Will Give Back Raise

It's the season of giving as more Pennsylvania politicians decide to give back the Dec. 1 pay raise they received.

Auditor General Jack Wagner is also urging the Legislature to impose a two-year moratorium on cost-of-living increases.

Why stop at two years? How about a permanent ban on COLAs for "public servants"?

Here's the press release from Wagner's office:

HARRISBURG -- Saying it was a responsibility of the state's independent fiscal watchdog to speak out on important issues regarding the state budget, Auditor General Jack Wagner today called on the General Assembly to impose a 2-year moratorium on cost-of-living pay increases for state officials to help shrink Pennsylvania's widening budget deficit.

"I believe it's the fiscally prudent thing to do in these very difficult financial times," Wagner said.

Wagner said he would ask the General Assembly to make a two-year COLA freeze its first act of business when it returns to session in January. Employees of the legislative, judicial and executive branches received a 2.8 percent cost-of-living raise on Monday. Pennsylvania is facing a budget deficit of up to $2 billion for the 2008-09 fiscal year.

Regardless of the General Assembly's decision, Wagner said, he would give back his 2.8 percent raise by either writing a check to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or donating the money to a social services agency that is dependent on state funds.

Back for More? Nothing Says Change Like Washington Insider Bill Richardson

Republican National Committee: Back for More? Nothing Says Change Like Scandal Prone Washington Insider Bill Richardson Back In The Cabinet

Official: Questions About Safety of PA Schools

Auditor General Jack Wagner Says Dept. of Education's Administration of Safe School Activities is Lacking

Newspaper: Trim Legislature to save money

Pennsylvania has run up a $658 million budget deficit in the first five months of the current fiscal year. Estimates are the deficit will hit $2 billion by next spring.

Gov. Rendell has found $300 million in cuts from departments under his control, but $300 million isn't going to make much of a dent in a $2 budget shortfall.

Unlike the federal government, which can just print more money, Pennsylvania is bound by its Constitution to balance its budget each year. So more cuts in spending and a possible tax hike are being discussed, although raising taxes during a recession is not very appetizing.

Where can we save money?

At least one newspaper has suggested we lay off members of the Pennsylvania Legislature, the most expensive state legislature in the country, with 253 elected members and 3,000 staffers costing taxpayers $300 million a year.

From an editorial in the Reading Eagle:

With the commonwealth facing a fiscal-year deficit that some in state government have pegged at between $1 billion and $2 billion, officials are looking for ways to trim the budget while still providing the services that Pennsylvania needs.

If the number of senators and representatives were reduced by as much as half, the state could save $10 million or more just on salaries.

Yes, $10 million is a mere drop in the bucket when talking about a deficit that could be 100 or 200 times that amount. But to paraphrase the late Sen. Everett Dirksen, an Illinois Republican, $1 million here, $10 million there, and pretty soon we’re talking about some real savings for the taxpayers.

According to the Economy League report, the commonwealth has the second-largest number of legislators at 253, trailing only New Hampshire, with 424. But New Hampshire has a true citizens Legislature, with each lawmaker receiving only $200 a day for a limited number of days per year.

Compare that with the base salary of slightly more than $76,163, (the salary is $78,315 as of Dec. 1) which is boosted by perks such as extra salary for leadership positions and extremely generous health insurance and retirement packages.

As a result of just the legislators’ base salaries, the Pennsylvania taxpayers are on the hook for $19.3 million every year. Much larger states in terms of population — California and New York, for example — pay far less for their lawmakers even though their lawmakers receive higher salaries.

Indeed, the combination of the pay, the perks and the number of lawmakers in Pennsylvania make it one of the most expensive legislatures in the nation.

Read the full editorial, "To trim the budget, trim the Legislature," at the newspaper's Web site.

I've made three offers in the past two years to give up my state legislators in an effort to save money, but I haven't had any takers yet. Check out my previous posts: $1.2 million per legislator and Disband the Pennsylvania Legislature and Take my legislators, please

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Democrats say the stupidest things

Two of the best-known Democratic politicians have come down with foot-in-mouth disease and no, Vice President-elect Joe Biden was not one of them.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell on President-elect Barack Obama's pick for secretary of Homeland Security: Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is "perfect for that job. Because for that job, you have to have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19-20 hours a day to it."

Napolitano, a second-term governor, former state attorney general and former U.S. attorney, has never been married and has no children, according to The Associated Press.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid commenting on tourists who visit Washington, D.C., at the dedication for the $621 million Capitol Visitors Center: "My staff tells me not to say this, but I'm going to say it anyway," said Reid in his remarks. "In the summer because of the heat and high humidity, you could literally smell the tourists coming into the Capitol. It may be descriptive but it's true."

What Obama means by change

PA has a new lieutenant governor

Republican state Sen. Joseph B. Scarnati III was sworn in today as the 31st lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, replacing Democrat Catherine Baker Knoll, who died of cancer on Nov. 12 at the age of 78.

Because of a flaw in the state Constitution, Scarnati will hold two key positions in state government. He will continue to serve as president pro tempore of the state Senate while completing the final two years of Knoll's term as lieutenant governor.

Even though he's doing two jobs, Scarnati will collect one salary. He has chosen the lieutenant governor's salary because it's higher. As of Dec. 1, when the annual COLA increase kicked in, the lieutenant governor is paid $142,924 while the senate pro tempore is paid $122,254.

The Associated Press reported that Scarnati's swearing-in ceremony in the Senate chamber was witnessed by Gov. Ed Rendell and a few dozen family members and Senate officials. However, no news photographers, tape recorders or television cameras were allowed in, according to the wire service.

Odd isn't it? I guess Rendell couldn't bear the thought of having a Republican serving as his lieutenant governor.

Newspaper: Wrong time to cut library funding

With state and municipal budgets on the brink, politicians are looking at areas to cut. One of the most popular targets is funding for public libraries.

Cutting back support for public libraries is the worst thing to do during tough economic times because people tend to use libraries more, according to an editorial in The Pottstown Mercury.

From the editorial:

The irony of the proposed cuts made necessary by a tough economy is that this current financial climate has placed library services in greater demand.

Families that cannot afford computers at home take their children for homework and school research. People who are laid off use the online resources at the library to look for jobs. The argument that a public library merely duplicates what is available in schools fails to take into account the hours and public access that are available at a public library.

And, there is only one public library in the Pottstown area to serve the entire region.

Those making the decisions to cut library funding must remember that not everyone has those luxuries, and the services provided are necessities for people to find jobs and further their education.

Libraries are not just for fun, and providing stable funding to keep the Pottstown Public Library open is necessary for the well-being of people in the borough and surrounding areas.

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

Think tank releases 'Memos to Obama'

Heritage 'Memos to Obama' Seek Points of Agreement on Policy

The bear won this contest

Pennsylvania Game Commission: Bear Attack 'Wrong Place At Wrong Time'

Homeschooling Law Resource Guide

Homeschooling Law Resource Guide - Released by the Education Law Association

Left wing takeover denied?

With Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss taking an early lead Tuesday in Georgia's U.S. Senate runoff and comedian Al Franken fading in Minnesota, it appears the takeover of U.S. government by Democrats has been forestalled.

The Senate should remain a 58-42 Democratic majority, two shy of the magic 60 the Democrats needed to have a filibuster-proof majority, essentially turning to the U.S. into one-party state.

With 44 percent of precincts reporting, Chambliss had 61 percent of the vote to Democrat Jim Martin's 39 percent. And Franken is losing ground in the recount election as his Republican opponent, incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, appears to have held on to his seat.

Can't anyone balance a budget?

According to Gov. Ed Rendell, chairman of the National Governors Association, 41 of the 50 states face serious budget deficits.

The governors of 40 states met today in Philadelphia with President-elect Barack Obama to push for federal funding of $136 billion worth of infrastructure projects.

Where will the money come from? Don't count on those Obama tax cuts he promised before the election. In fact, you might be paying more in taxes next year. I guess that's what Obama meant by change. You'll have less change in your pocket.

Governor Rendell Hosts Meeting of Nation's Governors With President-Elect Barack Obama

Worker coalition opposes move to end secret union ballots

The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace has launched a new advertising campaign to highlight the economic impact of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a Democratic Party-sponsored plan to force unions on American companies.

"The Employee Free Choice Act is a job-killer that will add more instability to our economy," Brian Worth of the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace said in a written release. "Protecting worker privacy and giving employers contract flexibility are especially critical given the current fiscal challenges our country faces."

For more on the campaign to save American jobs, follow the link below.

Coalition for a Democratic Workplace Launches New Print Advertising Campaign Against Anti-Worker Employee Free Choice Act

Capitol South

A few lawmakers promise to donate raises to charity

The spirit of the holiday season has touched a couple members of the Pennsylvania Legislature who have told a newspaper they will donate their Dec. 1 pay raise to charity.

Bless their hearts.

According to reporter Vicky Thomas, at least two members of the Delaware County legislative delegation will give their $2,152 increases to charity.

From Thomas' story:

Nick Miccarelli of Ridley Park, Republican representative-elect for the 162nd District, told the newspaper he plans to give his bonus to local organizations since refusing the increase is not an option.

Miccarelli said he hasn't decided which charities will get the donation, but plans to direct the money to food banks in his district.

"It's so bad out there right now. Everyone is hurting ... it's time for legislators to say, hey, we're in this fight with you and we’re going to cut the fat," he said.

State Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, said he plans to donate his increase to the Salvation Army/Daily Times Merry Christmas Fund, which he also did with his 2006 increase.

"It's a difficult time for everybody. This helps people down on their luck and shows effort on my part as a public official to do my part in belt-tightening," Lentz said.

Delaware County has four state Senators and 11 state Representatives. I know the newspaper couldn't reach all 15 lawmakers, but I'm wondering how many of them (besides Miccarelli and Lentz) are planning to give the raises to charity or pocket the $2,152.

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

Survey: Majority of Americans want bailout for everyday folks

A new survey conducted by Consumer Reports finds that 56 percent of Americans believe the government isn't doing enough to help the average citizen during the current recession.

Memo to Barack Obama: Start printing more money.

The odd thing about this survey is that 87 percent of those polled believe the government needs to do more to reduce the national debt.

How people square reducing the national debt and handing out trillions of dollars in government bailout money is beyond me.

It shows a basic ignorance on the part of most Americans of fundamental economic principles. It also shows that people tend to want a handout for themselves but not the guy next to them.

Follow the link below to read more survey results:

Consumer Reports Survey: 56 Percent of Americans Think U.S. Needs to Help Citizens More in Tough Economy

No surprise here

Michael Phelps Named 2008 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

'Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus -- if you're in the Pennsylvania state Legislature'

Citizen activist Bill McIntyre quoted in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a story about efforts to repeal the annual COLA pay raise for Pennsylvania lawmakers:

"This Capitol is one of the most expensive places in Pennsylvania," Mr. McIntyre complained. "It really gets my ire up. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus -- if you're in the Pennsylvania state Legislature."

Reporter Tom Barnes says McIntyre has joined a small group of fellow fed-up Pennsylvania taxpayers (Gene Stilp of Taxpayers and Ratepayers United, Dick Schirato of Pennsylvania Citizens for Legislator Accountability and Dennis Baylor of the Pennsylvania Accountability Project) to support a bill by state Rep. Barbara McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester County, to repeal the annual pay raise.

Since 1995, Pennsylvania legislators, the governor and his cabinet, and judges have received an annual pay raise on Dec. 1.

With so many Pennsylvania residents losing their jobs and homeowners struggling to pay their property taxes, it's unseemly for some of the highest paid "public servants" in the country to receive automatic pay raises every year.

From Barnes' story:

Ms. McIlvaine Smith, who will start her second term in January, unveiled her anti-COLA bill last week. It's inappropriate for officeholders and others to take raises, she said, because the state faces a 2008-09 revenue shortfall that could reach $2 billion.

"Our constituents are losing their jobs and everyone is struggling to pay their bills," she said. "Thousands will not see their salaries or wages increased in the coming year, so why should we?"

The 2.8 percent salary increase for legislators will hike rank-and-file pay to $78,315, with top leaders as high as $122,000.

Read more about the effort to repeal the COLA program at the newspaper's Web site.

No COLA for you

Also check out the editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about the COLA for Pennsylvania legislators.

Obama breaks another promise

Most economists agreed it was a bad idea, but it got Barack Obama political mileage.

The far left followers of The Chosen One aren't going to like this one bit but it appears Obama has broken yet another promise to the people who got him elected.

Obama Drops Windfall Profits Tax for Oil and Gas Industry

PA budget deficit at $658 million

Gov. Ed Rendell must be running out of fingers to plug the leaks in the budget dike he and Pennsylvania legislators created this year.

Just five months into the current fiscal year, officials are reporting a $658 million deficit in the state's General Fund budget. If the current trend continues, the state would be facing a deficit of $2 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

Acting Revenue Secretary Stephen H. Stetler reported Monday that Pennsylvania collected $1.6 billion in General Fund revenue in November -- $93.1 million, or 5.4 percent, less than anticipated.

It is the fifth month in a row the state took in less than it spent.

Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $9 billion, which is $657.9 million, or 6.8 percent, below estimate, according to Stetler.

"In light of the economic downturn that is affecting state revenues across the nation, Gov. Rendell asked staff to identify additional spending cuts on top of the $311 million identified in September," Budget Secretary Mary Soderberg said in a written statement, adding that Pennsylvania is weathering the "economic storm better than many states."

The tax revenue news is bad across the board.

From the monthly recap of tax revenues released by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue:

Sales tax receipts totaled $648.3 million for November, $24.7 million below estimate. Sales tax collections, year-to-date, total $3.6 billion, which is $115.8 million, or 3.1 percent, less than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in November was $765.1 million, $4.2 million below estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $3.8 billion, which is $76.6 million, or 2 percent, below estimate.

November corporation tax revenue of $51.2 million was $28.6 million below estimate. Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $815.7 million, which is $149.5 million, or 15.5 percent, below estimate.

Other General Fund revenue figures for the month included $60.3 million in inheritance tax, $1.8 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $330.6 million, which is $24.3 million below estimate.

Realty transfer tax was $24.3 million for November, $4.3 million below estimate, bringing the total to $157.2 million for the year, which is $27.7 million less than anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue including cigarette, malt beverage and liquor taxes totaled $93.7 million for the month, $2 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $443.7 million, which is $10.8 million below estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled -$2.1 million for the month, $27.6 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to -$124 million, which is $253.3 million below estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $256.9 million for the month, $43.2 million below estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund total $1 billion, which is $112.5 million, or 9.8 percent, below estimate.

Republican lawmakers, including Mike Turzai, Curt Schroder and Sam Rohrer warned Rendell and their colleagues during the budget debate in June and July that the $28.3 billion General Fund budget would lead to massive deficits.

The water level is rising

Court ruling should spark property tax debate

When it comes to assessing property taxes, most, if not all, of Pennsylvania's 67 counties are in violation of the state Constitution. That's the gist of a court ruling in Washington County that could have chilling implications across Pennsylvania.

From an editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

The summary judgment by Washington County President Judge Debbie O'Dell Seneca to reassess that county's real estate reaffirms that the uniformity of taxation clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution must not be ignored.

On Tuesday, Judge Seneca gave the county's three commissioners a grace period of about 10 months to begin Washington's first real estate reassessment since 1985. And they won't even have to do that should the Pennsylvania General Assembly or state Supreme Court decide to revamp reassessment laws.

The state Supreme Court should simply rule that Article VIII, Section 1 of the state Constitution ("All taxes shall be uniform, upon the same class of subjects, within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax ...") means what it says.

County officials across Pennsylvania resist regular reassessments because they are expensive and could lead to anger on the part of voters, something politicians want to avoid at all costs to save their own necks.

But that doesn't change the fact that Pennsylvania's antiquated system of property tax assessments needs a major overhaul.

The Washington County ruling is a wake-up call to the Pennsylvania Legislature, which has failed to address the property tax mess for more than 30 years.

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

Read more about the effort to eliminate property taxes at the Web site of the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition.

Group urges states to oppose pro-abortion act

The abortion-on-demand industry will push President-elect Obama and Congressional Democrats early next year to enact the "Freedom of Choice Act."

Learn more about the far left's pro-abortion agenda at the Americans United for Life Web site.

Americans United for Life Urges State Legislatures to Oppose Federal Power Grab: Provides Model Resolution Denouncing Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)

Newspaper: Greedy lawmakers should reject pay raise

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review could not resist commenting on the Dec. 1 cost-of-living increase for Pennsylvania elected and appointed officials at the very same time the state is drowning in red ink.

From the newspaper editorial:

You see, next year's state budget shortfall is expected to range from $1 billion to $2 billion. This, in a commonwealth that budgets $332 million on a Legislature whose rank-and-file members next year will pull down nearly $78,300.

Some lawmakers agree that this is the wrong time for a COLA. But they are reluctant to write checks to the state for the amount of their raises because of tax implications. Oh, the hardship!

If lawmakers are at all sincere in their concern for what's fair, they would cut out the COLAs permanently as their first order of business in the new year and submit all future raises for public approval

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

Write your own caption

GOP should thank Barack Obama

It's time to send a gift basket to President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama's pick of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to head the Department of Homeland Security means a Republican will move into the governor's office next year.

Under the state's constitution, the next in line if a governor leaves office in Arizona is the Secretary of State. That would be Jan Brewer, a Republican.

Napolitano is expected to step down as governor in late January or early February after the U.S. Senate confirms her cabinet nomination.

So Barack Obama managed to do what voters were not able to: Return the Arizona governor's seat to Republican control.

Napolitano, 51, is serving her second four-year term as governor of Arizona. Brewer, 64, has been involved in politics most of her life and served more than two decades in the Arizona state legislature.

It's not clear whether Brewer would want a full term as governor, but the GOP should have the advantage in taking back the governor's seat in 2010.

Paroles are back on in Pennsylvania

Responding to criticism about violent offenders being released on parole, Pennsylvania officials will tweak some procedures.

Among them is a mandatory curfew for violent offenders on parole. I feel safer already.

Independent Review Validates Pennsylvania's Parole Procedures, Suggests Improvements

9 Killed, 321 Injured In Holiday Traffic Crashes Across Pennsylvania

Holiday travel was supposed to be down this year because of the slumping economy, but about the same number of people were killed or injured on Pennsylvania highways over the Thanksgiving holiday, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

9 Killed, 321 Injured In Holiday Traffic Crashes Across Pennsylvania

State officials looking for federal bailout

Gov. Edward G. Rendell, speaking on behalf of the National Governors Association, wants the federal government to come to the rescue of states that overspent their budgets.

What's wrong with this picture?

You spent more than you took in and now want Washington, which has been spending more than it takes in for 100 years, to come to your rescue.

I say fire them all. Every governor that put his or her state in the red and every member of Congress.

Governors, Legislators Update Current State Fiscal Conditions, Push for Economic Recovery Package from Congress, President-elect

Like it never happened

Never mind that Barack Obama spent more than a year ridiculing Hillary Clinton's foreign policy credentials.

Sen. Clinton is the most qualified person Obama could find to run the State Department.

In case you need a refresher course on some of the things Obama said about Clinton's lack of foreign policy experience, click on the link below:

RNC: Clinton vs. Obama on Foreign Policy