PA launches Web Site to commemorate 150th Anniversary of Civil War

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission today unveiled plans for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, including the launch of www.PACivilWar150.com

The Commission also announced a full slate of special events and traveling exhibits "highlighting the state's paramount role in the war."

Pennsylvania Civil War 150 is a unified, statewide alliance that will attract visitors and enrich their experience county by county through remarkable programming for the sesquicentennial commemoration, according to a Commission press release.

"While many of the great battles of the Civil War were epic in nature, the story of this war in Pennsylvania is much more than just tactics and strategy," said Barbara Franco, executive director of PHMC. "The Civil War also is the story of individual soldiers and of women and children struggling to survive in small towns and family farms all across the state and of African Americans working to abolish slavery and join the United States Colored Troops."

More highlights from PA Civil War 150 launch event in Harrisburg:

· PACivilWar150.com, a dynamic Web site that unlocks the incredible personal stories of Pennsylvanians both on the battlefield and at the home front, the vast Civil War collections of the state's museums and historical societies, and the state’s numerous heritage tourism attractions and trip-planning resources.

· Pennsylvania Civil War Road Show, a traveling museum experience based in a 53-foot tractor trailer that will bring interactive exhibits and unique programming to all 67 counties in the state from 2011 to 2015. The Road Show will encourage residents and organizations in each locality to share their stories and artifacts in conjunction with the traveling exhibition.

· Additional initiatives include a digitization project under the direction of Penn State University that aims to unearth and organize Civil War collections in an online format to preserve primary source materials and make them accessible to the public and to scholars. The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh also will coordinate the publication of two books: Pennsylvania Civil War in Photographs, a collection of rarely seen photos from the Civil War era, and Pennsylvania African Americans in the Civil War Era, an account of the African American experience during the same time period.

For more information, visit www.PACivilWar150.com

Obama's Gitmo Blame Game

Of course, it's never Obama's fault, but why did he mess with Gitmo in the first place? To appease the far-left in his party.

See related article at POLITICO

Inspector General: Treasury Secretary Forced Banks to Surrender Ownership Interest to Government

Fascism is alive in the United States as the government continues to nationalize key industries and employers.

From CNSNews.com:

In a new report, Neil Barofsky, the special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), reveals that then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and key federal regulators forced the nation's nine largest financial institutions to take billions in taxpayer bailout dollars in October 2008, threatening that if the banks refused, the government would take their stock shares anyway.

CNSNews.com - Inspector General: Treasury Secretary Forced Banks to Surrender Ownership Interest to Government

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Pennsylvania DCNR Rangers Switch to Lead-Free Ammunition

Pennsylvania DCNR Rangers Switch to Lead-Free Ammunition

Trust Washington with your life?

Gold tops $1,040 an ounce

And the Obama Administration keeps printing worthless paper money.

Gold Hits All-Time Nominal High! What's Next?

National Call Congress Day

From Patients First:

On Tuesday, October 6th, Patients First is sponsoring a National Call Congress Day to send our legislators a simple message: "Hands Off My Health Care!"

This is your chance to explain why we cannot afford any bill that puts Washington between you and your doctor. Call Congress and tell them: "Hands Off My Health Care."

Find out more about the campaign at http://www.joinpatientsfirst.com/

I thought there was a hiring freeze in PA

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Names Naomi Wyatt as Senior Deputy Chief of

75% of Americans Plan on Working as Long as They Can

75% of Americans Plan on Working as Long as They Can

A final word on Roman Polanski?

Video: Women's Voices in the Health Care Debate

TheRealArlenSpecter.com debuts today

I'm not in the habit of promoting left-wing Web sites, but this one is worth checking out.

Learn About The Real Arlen Specter (TheRealArlenSpecter.com) debuts today with reminders from the Joe Sestak campaign that Arlen Specter is a political opportunist who doesn't stand for anything.

Check out the site at http://www.therealspecter2010.com/

Your best bet in 2010 is Pat Toomey, the real Republican running for U.S. Senate.

Latest TV reality show

So far, only 7 PA Congressmen support '72 Hour' rule

The Democratic majority in Congress continues to reject calls to actually read bills before voting on them.

From Robert Romano of the NetRight Nation Blog:

If a growing number of House members that signed a discharge petition for H. Res. 554 have their way, every single bill in Congress will be held for least 72 business hours Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) prior to passage for a mandatory review by each house.

The discharge petition initiated by Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR2) has obtained 182 signatures, including the bill's sponsor, Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA3). Walden did so on the same day the Senate Finance Committee explicitly voted against allowing 72 hours to review ObamaCare once it was finally written.

Only 7 of Pennsylvania's 19 House members have signed the petition: Reps. Charlie Dent, Bill Shuster, Glenn Thompson, Todd Platts, Joe Pitts, Jim Gerlach and Tim Murphy. All 7 are Republicans.

What about your member of Congress? What are they hiding? Why do they want to rush through votes before anyone has a chance to read the bill?

For a complete list of the members of Congress who signed the petition, click here.

Video: Obama's Shadow Gov't

Pennsylvania Applies for $3.1 Billion for High-Speed Rail Projects

Pennsylvania Applies for $3.1 Billion for High-Speed Rail Projects

Safe School 'Czar' Kevin Jennings Backpedals on Ignoring Child Molestation

Safe School 'Czar' Kevin Jennings Backpedals on Ignoring Child Molestation - Told Boy 'Use A Condom'

Americans United for Life on New Pew Poll Results Showing Dramatic Drop in Support for Abortion

Americans United for Life Responds to New Pew Poll Results Showing Dramatic Drop in Support for Abortion

Video: Great Followers in History

This is a very effective political ad for a Republican candidate in Connecticut. It should be used throughout the country in the 2010 campaign against the doormat Democrats who follow Nancy Pelosi.

Bumsted column: 'Adopt a legislator'

Brad Bumsted, the outstanding state capitol reporter for The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has been writing a lot lately about the costly "per diems" being collected by Pennsylvania legislators as they work to pass a state budget.

In addition to their regular salary, state lawmakers collect a $158 daily allowance for showing up in Harrisburg and with the state budget impasse going on for three months, lawmakers have been raking in the bucks.

From a new column by Bumsted:

Even when they are not voting on the House floor, most state legislators collect per diems worth $158 for food and lodging.

Those per diems may be for committee hearings, when they are summoned by the speaker or caucus leader, or just for staying an extra day in Harrisburg and working in their offices.

Some of them spent a lot of days in their offices over the past few months.

House and Senate members of both parties, about 170 in all, racked up $532,000 in per diems in July and August during the first two months of the ongoing budget impasse. It's money taxpayers would not have had to shell out if the budget had been completed on July 1, as required by law. And that's a conservative figure because some lawmakers didn't submit their per diems yet.

The situation is growing out of control now that Gov. Ed Rendell wants the Legislature to stay in Harrisburg until a budget is passed.

That prompted Bumstead to consider alternatives to "per diems," including the possibility of Pennsylvania taxpayers taking in lawmakers "like signing up for a foreign exchange student."

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

Addicted State Legislators

PA voter registration deadline is today

Time is running out to register for the Nov. 3 General Election in Pennsylvania.

While there's no national races, you can pick the next Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice and decide who runs various local, school board and county offices, including Common Pleas Court judges.

Today is the last day to register. Follow the link below for more information.

Voter Registration Deadline Is Oct. 5 for November Election

Vereb Gambling Reform Measure Passes House

Rep. Mike Vereb, R-150th Dist., released the following statement regarding the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' unanimous passage of his proposal to reform background checks of members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board:

"Tonight we had the opportunity to fix a major flaw in the original gaming law concerning the conduct of background checks. If we are going to expand Pennsylvania's gaming industry to include table games, we need to make sure that reforms are put in place so that past mistakes are not repeated. It is important for background investigations to be conducted by trained law enforcement professionals. Moving background investigations of the four highest executive positions on the board to the Pennsylvania State Police will ensure a more thorough vetting process. My legislation also puts more integrity into the process by banning any direction or communication between the investigators and the board or its employees regarding an open background investigation.

"The need for reform is by no means over; however, my legislation is a good first step. I applaud my House colleagues for taking the initial step toward gaming reform. I have been pushing for gaming reform since I first came to the House in 2007. I look forward to continuing to work with House members from both sides of the aisle in continuing to fix Pennsylvania's fractured gaming law."

Vereb's amendment, which was inserted into Senate Bill 711, mandates that background checks of potential board members, including the four highest executive positions, be conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Originally posted at THE CENTRIST

Pennsylvania DEP Accepting Applications for Environmental Education Grants

Pennsylvania DEP Accepting Applications for Environmental Education Grants

Welfare Office Consolidation

Department of Public Welfare Announces Consolidation of Philadelphia Area County Assistance Offices

Poll: More Than Half of Americans Surveyed Are Not Worried About Swine Flu

Poll: More Than Half of Americans Surveyed Are Not Worried About Swine Flu

Top Senate Democrat Won't Read Health Bill

Let's give Sen. Thomas Carper, D-DE, an "A" for honesty for admitting nobody in Congress actually reads the bill they vote for, but an "F" for doing the job his constituents sent him to Washington to do.

Carper told CNSNews.com that he does not "expect" to read the actual legislative language of the committee's health care bill because it is "confusing" and that anyone who claims they are going to read it and understand it is fooling people.

"I don't expect to actually read the legislative language because reading the legislative language is among the more confusing things I’ve ever read in my life," Carper told CNSNews.com

Read the full story at the link below:

CNSNews.com - Finance Committee Democrat Won’t Read Text of Health Bill, Says Anyone Who Claims They’ll Understand It 'Is Trying to Pull the Wool Over Our Eyes'

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New definition of PATHETIC

Execution of Juvenile in Iran Scheduled for Monday, Amnesty International Says

Execution of Juvenile in Iran Scheduled for Monday, Amnesty International Says

Respect Life and the Truth on Respect Life Sunday

Respect Life and the Truth on Respect Life Sunday

Rendell: Budget Deal is Still Close

How many times will Ed Rendell say we're close to a budget deal before people stop believing him entirely? We've been "close" to a budget deal for three months now.

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell: Budget Deal is Still Close, Despite House Changes to Revenue Proposal

George Will on Obama's failed Olympics quest

'Zombieland' tops weekend box office

We must be getting close to Halloween.

"Zombieland" topped the box office this weekend with an estimated $25.0 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com

The low-budget horror/comedy Woody Harrelson was a surprise hit with audiences, knocking "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" out of the No. slot it held the past two weekends.

Also of note: Michael Moore's much-hyped "Capitalism: A Love Story" went into wide-release this weekend but grossed just $4.8 million to finish in 7th place. The film has made a disappointing $5.2 million in two weeks.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, OCTOBER 2-4, 2009

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Zombieland (Sony / Columbia)
$25.0 million | 3,036 | $25.0 million | 1

2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Sony / Columbia)
$16.7 million | 2,977 | $82.4 million | 3

3. Toy Story / Toy Story 2 (3D) (Buena Vista)
$12.5 million | 1,745 | $12.5 million | 1

4. The Invention of Lying (Warner Bros.)
$7.4 million | 1,707 | $7.4 million | 1

5. Surrogates (Buena Vista)
$7.3 million | 2,951 | $26.4 million | 2

Libertarians denounce PA budget process

The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania doesn't have a voice in the Pennsylvania Legislature, but party officials want to say loud and clear they disapprove of the way Democrats and Republicans are handling the state's finances.

From a statement issued by Doug Leard, head of media relations for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania on behalf of party Chairman Michael Robertson:

Last year, Pennsylvania general fund tax revenues fell below $25,000,000,000. Our representatives in Harrisburg ignored the revenue shortage and spent over $28,000,000,000. Instead of facing reality for the upcoming year and joining taxpayers in tightening their fiscal belts, our representatives have proposed a general fund 2010 budget of $27,950,000,000.

To make matters worse, while most "budget" references are to the general fund portion of the budget, state government's total operating budget exceeds $61,000,000,000.

Where will the money come from? Increased taxes for one. The most recent budget plan retroactively increases the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax (CSFT) – the tax which Governor Rendell had said was the most harmful to the Pennsylvania economy In addition, we would be charged a sales tax for admission to performing arts programs (such as music concerts and theaters) and other cultural venues (such as museums, parks and zoos). Smokers will also pay an additional tax for cigarettes.

But, these taxes will not be enough to meet Harrisburg's hunger for spending. So, Governor Rendell and legislators appear to be counting on federal bailout dollars and may exhaust Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund to delay facing economic reality until next year.

Media Relations Chair, Doug Leard, stated "Harrisburg's approach to belt tightening is like the man who comes home from work and tell his wife 'Times are tough at work – no bonus this year and 10% pay cuts across the board. Boy, it’s hot today. Let's put in a pool.'"

Based on recent budget proposals, The Commonwealth Foundation, an independent, non-profit research and educational institute, projects a budget deficit of $846,000,000 next year that will grow to $14,400,000,000 in 2012 as federal stimulus money disappears and pension obligations for Pennsylvania's School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) come due.

The Libertarian Party denounces both the Republicans and Democrats along with their bankrupt vision of spending, taxing and regulating Pennsylvania into even deeper hardship. If voters want to escape from this budgetary death spiral, the only option is Libertarian Party candidates for the General Assembly. After all, the status quo has proven yet again to be no choice at all.

For more information about the Libertarian Party, visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org

'Tell Harrisburg to get their greedy hands out of our wallets'

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

"During the town hall meetings I held this week with constituents, one message was clear: 'Tell Harrisburg to get their greedy hands out of our wallets.' This Halloween trick or tax plan has no treat for taxpayers and should be rejected."

-- Rep. Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh), the Republican vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, in response to A tax measure advanced by House Democrats on Friday.

96 bank failures since Obama took office

News Item: Federal regulators close Mich. bank; 96th failure in '09

In case you haven't been following the news, Barack Hussein Obama has been president of the United States over the past nine months. That same time period corresponds with federal regulators shutting down 96 banks.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has coughed up billions of dollars in deposit insurance to cover the debts of failed banks in 2009.

By comparison, just 26 banks failed in all of 2008 when Republican George W. Bush was president. In 2007, also under Bush, just 3 U.S. banks failed. Ahh, the good old days.

Industry analysts predict that another 150 to 200 banks will fail. Keep that in mind next time the Obama media tells you the recession is over.

Debt Slave

Reichley blasts tax increases supported by Democrats, governor

Rep. Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh), the Republican vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to his "No" vote on a tax measure advanced by House Democrats:

"The tax bill offered today points to the erosion of the budget deal tenuously cobbled together two weeks ago by the governor, House Democrats, Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats. I opposed that tax proposal as did the House Republican Caucus because it proposed a 20 percent tax on small games of chance that charitable organizations use as fundraisers, and it imposes a 6 percent sales tax on tickets for the arts, museums and performances. There was an outcry against these taxes, so the House Democrats devised their own tax bill.

"I opposed those tax increases and must stand against the new batch taxes proposed today, which includes a 30 percent tax on cigars, cigarillos and smokeless tobacco that could jeopardize 8,100 jobs in the Lehigh Valley in the cigar-making industry. Those businesses could move to Florida if this tax is enacted.

"In the last 24 hours, House Democrats have retreated from this deal and also choose to institute a severance tax on drilling in the Marcellus Shale area, which was not a part of the three-caucus agreement, and is likely a deal-killer.

"House Republicans continue to oppose new taxes and support a no-tax budget that spends $500 million less than the $28 billion three-caucus deal. House Bill 1943 spends $27.5 billion and does not increase taxes yet adequately funds education, veterans, social services and hospitals.

"During the town hall meetings I held this week with constituents, one message was clear: 'Tell Harrisburg to get their greedy hands out of our wallets.' This Halloween trick or tax plan has no treat for taxpayers and should be rejected."

House Dems vote to raise taxes by $2B

This is what happens when Pennsylvania legislators stay up past their bed time.

In a late-night vote Friday, House Democrats pushed through a Tax Reform Code bill that increases taxes on Pennsylvanians by nearly $2 billion.

The measure passed by a 103-98 margin, with all House Republicans except Dennis O'Brien voting "No." Two western Pennsylvania Democrats -- John Pallone and Joseph Petrarca -- also voted "No."

House Republicans were quick to criticize their tax-happy colleagues who supported House Bill 1531. From state Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146:

"Raising taxes during a recession is a disaster waiting to happen, and this bill would raise an additional $1 billion in taxes. Taxes strangle growth and will only keep the Commonwealth from a full economic recovery. These taxes are the antithesis of what is needed to create jobs, increase personal income for our hard-working families and boost consumer confidence.

"This bill is another blow for education, the supposed budget priority of our governor. Not only was all funding for education vetoed from Senate Bill 850 in August, but now the Democrats are trying to reduce funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC). This tax credit allows businesses to contribute to educational programs, including non-public schools, that are not provided for in our state budget. Non-public students are already going without textbooks because of this administration, and now they are going to have to make due with even less.

"The House Republicans have put forth a responsible and balanced budget proposal, in House Bill 1943, that would not negatively impact our economy, as this bill certainly will. I am hopeful that when this bill fails in the Senate, the fiscally sound House Republican plan will finally be considered."

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations and Appointments

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations and Appointments

Rep. Schroder: Democrats rush to pass gambling expansion

State Rep. Curt Schroder, R-155th Dist., chided House Democrats Friday for pushing through expansion of table games without "needed safeguards."

Schroder, the Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said committee members were given less than 24 hours today to consider a 97-page amendment to Senate Bill 711 that will introduce table games in Pennsylvania casinos and dramatically expand gambling in the Commonwealth.

Attempts by Schroder to suspend a vote on the measure for one day to give committee members a chance to read the legislation failed on a party-line vote.

"There has been a stench surrounding passage of Act 71 of 2004, which originally brought slots and gaming to Pennsylvania," said Schroder. "That stench has never been cleared out of this Capitol building. One of the big reasons for that stench was the process that was used to pass Act 71 -- this was same process that was employed today."

More from a Schroder press release:

When SB 711 arrived in the House, it made reforms to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) and its procedures. However, today's amendment inserted table games, eliminated some reforms and ignored the most needed reform. Gone is language preventing members of the PGCB, who make about $150,000 annually, to receive outside income. Absent was language to put responsibility for gaming background investigations in the hands of the Pennsylvania State Police or state attorney general. Republicans said history demonstrates that investigative authority should not be left to the PGCB.

The Democrat majority argued that it was necessary for SB 711 to pass out of committee today to enable the state to make up to $200 million in projected gaming revenues this year. Schroder and his Republican colleagues countered that Pennsylvania should pass a budget that lives within its means and within existing revenues.

"Governor Ed Rendell said he would not approve table games until all casinos are up and operating," said Schroder. "The governor also said he would not sign legislation to expand gambling before gaming reforms were made. The governor has reversed position in response to his self-created budget crisis."

Senate Bill 711 was moved out of committee on a 14-11 party-line vote. The measure now goes to the full House for consideration.

Another budget fiasco next year?

Secret Budget Agreement Repeats Mistakes, Prolongs Pain, says Rep. Schroder

Rep. Curt Schroder (R-155) issued a press release late Friday stating that it appears Gov. Ed Rendell and certain House and Senate leaders are repeating the mistakes in the tentative state budget agreement that got Pennsylvania in the financial mess it is in now.

From Schroder's release:

"This budget does not solve our problems," said Schroder. "It increases spending, relies on one-time revenues and taxes businesses and citizens at a time they can least afford it. Passage of this budget will ensure another budget fiasco next year."

On Sept. 18, Gov. Ed Rendell and three of the four legislative caucuses reached a tentative $27.9 billion state budget agreement without the participation of the House Republicans, who several weeks ago, put forth their own $27.5 billion plan. The Republican plan cut spending below last year's level, did not raise taxes, covered essential government services, provided increased funding for education and preserved the state's Rainy Day Fund. Further, the plan was balanced and sustainable, but House Democrats, who hold the majority and therefore the control in the House, refused to consider it. Instead, House Republicans were left out of the budget process.

"Three months into the new fiscal year, Pennsylvania is the only state without a budget, and the budget being proposed calls for increased spending in a down economy. Ironically, it is awash in walking-around-money or WAMs," said Schroder. "This budget proposal cuts funding for libraries, social services and education. To include grants for legislators' pet projects is an affront to every group getting its funding slashed. It taxes museums, concerts and other cultural events, cigarettes and small games of chance. It expands gambling and drains the Rainy Day Fund, which leaves us without money to cover essential services should we come up short again next year.

"The most disturbing thing is the stealth, secretive way this deal was reached. We will be asked to vote on this deal within days, yet we have not seen the line-item details," said Schroder. "As I see it, the proposed budget will only serve to prolong the pain being experienced by Pennsylvania citizens, and it offers little hope for economic recovery anytime soon," he said.

Video: No Guarantee

The agony of Obama's defeat

Good story at POLITICO.com about Obama's latest blunder: Failure to bring the 2016 Olympics to his hometown of Chicago. Even Democrats are piling on Obama on this one.

The agony of Obama's defeat - Josh Gerstein - POLITICO.com

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500 greet Glenn Beck in Chester County

More than 500 people stood in line for a chance to meet Glenn Beck and get his signature on his new book. Oh yeah, 8 liberal protesters also showed up.

From an article in The West Chester Daily Local News:

The book signing that conservative television and radio host Glenn Beck held at the Barnes & Noble on Wednesday evening attracted throngs of outspoken fans.

An hour before the signing started, nearly 500 stood in a line that wrapped around the bookstore and continued all the way down one of the blocks of Main Street at Exton.

As they waited, they praised Beck, echoed his criticisms of liberals and President Obama, and added some of their own.

"I'm tired of big government, high taxes, politicians stabbing me in the back, a media that lies, Nancy Pelosi calling us maniacs; I'm tired of being told evolution is the only way to think, because there are other ways; I'm tired of government-run education, of homeschoolers being mocked," said Jonathan C. Reber Sr., of East Lampeter Township, Lancaster County. "You want me to keep going?"

Read more at the link below:

The Daily Local News : Serving Chester County

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Video: Where Are The Jobs?

Pelosi still pushing failed stimulus

Pelosi Statement on September Jobs Report

No recession at PA casinos

Pennsylvania's nine casinos generated $172,845,995 in gross revenue in September 2009 compared to $133,115,452 in September 2008 when seven casinos were in operation, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Taxes in September, based on the 55% rate, were $95,068,077, an average of $3.16 million per day returned to Pennsylvania taxpayers, the board says. The casinos collectively retained $77,786,918 of the gross revenue for the month, the board says.

For a breakdown of revenues by casino, click on the link below:

PA Casinos Show Nearly 30 Percent Revenue Increase for September

Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities Fall Sharply during Third Quarter of 2009

Line-of-duty deaths down 7% this year, on pace to break five-decade low, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities Fall Sharply during Third Quarter of 2009

When Is Rape Not Rape?

Many in the entertainment industry have flocked to Roman Polanski's defense, questioning whether the act was strictly rape or not and pointing to the amount of time that has passed since the case, possible judicial misconduct, and the fact that the girl, now in her forties, would prefer that the case simply go away, according to Wake Forest University Law Professor Shannon Gilreath.

But where is the outrage in the media and entertainment industry for the victim, asks Gilreath.

Read her full statement at the link below:

When Is Rape Not Rape?

Rep. Pitts on rising unemployment

The Department of Labor announced this morning that unemployment has risen to 9.8 percent with an additional 263,000 Americans losing jobs in the month of September.

U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts, who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, issued the following statement:

"This morning's announcement shows that even more American families are struggling to find work. This recession is not over and Congress should focus on job creation.

"The stimulus act passed earlier this year has utterly failed to hold back unemployment. Few American businesses were truly stimulated by this act, leading many employers to make the difficult decision to cut payroll.

"Washington cannot create wealth. We need to reinvigorate our private sector, but unfortunately current priorities on Capitol Hill could lead to an increased tax burden on businesses that already have razor-thin margins making it harder for them to hire."

Rep. Vereb to Host Third Annual Senior Expo

Rep. Mike Vereb, R-150th Dist., invites local senior citizens to his third annual senior expo on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

From a press release issued by Vereb's office:

"Last year we had a record turnout to my annual senior expo, and I'm hopeful even more residents will come this year," Vereb said. "This is a great opportunity for local seniors to obtain a wealth of information on programs and resources that are available to them. I look forward to discussing issues important to seniors with my constituents."

A special guest speaker will be on hand to discuss veterans' health care issues.

Seniors will be able to obtain information on programs available to them from the following organizations: Klein Bus Trips, Spring-Ford Community Education Program, Waddell & Reed, Verizon Wireless, Bayada Nurses, Home Helpers and Direct Link, Independence Blue Cross, the Senior Adult Activity Center of Montgomery County, Montgomery County Historical Society, Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services, Family Services, the Office of the Attorney General, Senior Resource Guide, SEPTA, TRANSNET, the American Cancer Society, LIHEAP, AARP, Elmwood Park Zoo, Montgomery County Cultural Center, Merle Norman Cosmetics, the Philadelphia Veterans Association, Visiting Angels, Silver Sneakers and more.

The expo will take place at the IBEW Local 380 building, 3900 Ridge Pike in Collegeville. This event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and is free for all who attend. Complimentary light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Vereb's district office at 610-409-2615.

PA GOP: Pennsylvania's Democrat House of Hypocrisy

Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason released the following statement in response to a press release sent out by Democrat members of the state House of Representatives touting their letter to Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation that called for an investigation into the activities of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, or ACORN:

"Democrats in the state House have taken hypocrisy to a new and dangerous level," Gleason said. "Just weeks after voting to support state funding for ACORN, Democrat state Reps. Tony DeLuca, Dom Costa and Bryan Barbin are now publicly calling on Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation to investigate this corrupt organization. This letter was no doubt a measure taken to calm down their constituents, who are upset that their elected officials voted to support a group that has clearly been misusing precious taxpayer resources.

"In these troubled economic times, when everyone is working to stretch our dollars as far as we can, the public deserves to know that the Democrat Party is willing to knowingly send our tax dollars to this corrupt organization. The recent videos depicting ACORN counseling people involved in criminal activities is deplorable. It is mind-boggling to me that, even with mounting video evidence piling up against this corrupt organization, every Democrat member of the state House still voted to send precious taxpayer dollars to fund the activities of this corrupt organization."

"ACORN has been exposed as a corrupt organization that should not be receiving federal or state funds under any circumstances."

Castor tabbed to replace Hoeffel

With Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel a no-show for the meeting, Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr., a Republican, was voted chairman of the county Board of Elections on Thursday.

Castor was nominated by commissioners chairman James R. Matthews, while Prothonotary Mark Levy nominated Matthews, who refused the nomination. Levy abstained from the vote, so Castor and Matthews cast the only votes.

Matthews was voted vice chairman of the Board of Elections.

Hoeffel resigned as chairman because he is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor of Pennsylvania in 2010.

Castor tabbed to replace Hoeffel - The Times Herald News: Norristown, PA and Montgomery County (timesherald.com)

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Chicago Olympics 2016 ... or Bust

So much for the world embracing America in the age of Obama. Not even Michelle Obama or the great and powerful Oprah could salvage the failed bid to bring the Olympics back to the U.S. And was it really worth the tens of millions of dollars to fly Air Force One to Europe to lobby for the Olympics?

Unemployment rate reaches 9.8%

The Obama recession continues as the U.S. unemployment reached 9.8 percent in September.

It's the highest unemployment rate since June 1983, according to The Associated Press.

The Obama/Pelosi "stimulus" package, approved in February, has been a bust, with more than 15.1 million Americans out of work - 3 million more than when Obama took office.

From The Associated Press:

The Labor Department said Friday that the economy lost a net total of 263,000 jobs last month, from a downwardly revised 201,000 in August. That's worse than Wall Street economists' expectations of 180,000 job losses, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

The unemployment rate rose from 9.7 percent in August, matching expectations.

If laid-off workers who have settled for part-time work or have given up looking for new jobs are included, the unemployment rate rose to 17 percent, the highest on records dating from 1994.

All told, 15.1 million Americans are now out of work, the department said. And 7.2 million jobs have been eliminated since the recession began in December 2007.

The department said 571,000 of the unemployed dropped out of the work force last month, presumably out of frustration over the lack of jobs. That sent the participation rate, or the percentage of the population either working or looking for work, to a 23-year low.

The unemployment rate would have topped 10 percent if the labor force hadn't shrank.

Older, laid-off workers are dropping out and requesting Social Security at a faster-than-expected pace, according to government officials. The Social Security Administration said earlier this week that applications for retirement benefits are 23 percent higher than last year, while disability claims have risen by about 20 percent.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rendell, Legislature keep digging a deeper hole for PA

The first rule of holes: When you're in one, stop digging.

While Gov. Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania Legislature are still trying to figure out what to do about last year's $3.25 billion budget deficit, Pennsylvania is facing another financial disaster for 2009-10.

Revenue collections for the first three months of the new fiscal year have fallen short of projections. That's a fancy way of saying Pennsylvania is headed for another fiscal crisis -- even while elected officials struggle to get the state out of the mess they created last year.

Pennsylvania collected $2.1 billion in General Fund revenue in September, which was $118.6 million, or 5.5 percent, less than anticipated, according to Revenue Secretary Stephen H. Stetler. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $5.3 billion, which is $140.6 million, or 2.6 percent, below estimate, Stetler reported.

Tax revenues from the state's two biggest sources of income fell short for the third consecutive month of the new fiscal year, adding to the 12-month decline in the 2008-09 fiscal year.

From the Department of Revenue's September Collection Report:

Sales tax receipts totaled $633.4 million for September, $38.8 million below estimate. Year-to-date sales tax collections total $2 billion, which is $52.2 million, or 2.5 percent, less than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in September was $835.4 million, $69.5 million below estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $2.2 billion, which is $97.9 million, or 4.3 percent, below estimate.

The only bright spot is September's corporation tax revenue collections of $403.9 million, which was $5.6 million above estimate. Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $541.4 million, which is $7.3 million, or 1.4 percent, above estimate.

More from the Revenue Department:

Other General Fund revenue figures for the month included $59.1 million in inheritance tax, $3.4 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $181.6 million, which is $6.1 million below estimate.

Realty transfer tax was $23.5 million for September, $1.5 million below estimate, bringing the total to $82.2 million for the year, which is $3.7 million less than anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage and liquor taxes totaled $85.4 million for the month, $7.2 million below estimate and bringing the year-to-date total to $259.4 million, which is $1.2 million above estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $9.8 million for the month, $3.7 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $52.1 million, which is $10.8 million above estimate.

Click on the link below to view the full September report:

Revenue Department Releases September Collections

Millionaire Filmmaker Michael Moore: 'Capitalism Did Nothing For Me'

Liberal hypocrisy at its finest. You have to be an idiot to listen to anything Michael Moore has to say.

CNSNews.com - Millionaire Filmmaker Michael Moore: 'Capitalism Did Nothing For Me'

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Rendell: All Legislators Should Remain in Harrisburg Until Final Budget is Passed

It's only a matter of time before Gov. Rendell starts taking hostages. Click on the link below to read his letter to legislators.

Governor Rendell: All Legislators Should Remain in Harrisburg Until Final Budget is Passed

DHS Report Shows that 90 Percent of U.S. Borders Are Not 'Effectively Controlled'

DHS Report Shows that 90 Percent of U.S. Borders Are Not 'Effectively Controlled'

Pennsylvania Auditor General Faults Oversight of Older Adult Daily Living Centers

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner Finds Weaknesses in Oversight of Older Adult Daily Living Centers

Kerry-Boxer is Bait-And-Switch Scam

Democrats are no longer calling it "Cap-and-Trade," but it remains the biggest energy tax in U.S. history.

Kerry-Boxer is Bait-And-Switch Scam, Says American Council for Affordable and Reliable Energy

Proposed Medicare Changes Will Increase Costs to Government, Decrease Options

Proposed Medicare Changes Will Increase Costs to Government, Decrease Options

'You do not need special training to know child molestation is wrong'

FRC Calls on Kevin Jennings to Resign

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Proclaims October as Cyber Security Awareness Month

Not sure I trust the gambling lobby

Four of Pennsylvania's largest casinos sent a letter to each member of the Pennsylvania Legislature Thursday urging them to support Senate Bill 1033 to legalize table games at the state's slots parlors.

The gambling industry supports the $10 million one-time licensing fee and 12% tax rate proposed in SB 1033, which is supposed to help with the state's current fiscal crisis.

It wasn't too long ago that Gov. Ed Rendell, the chief proponent of legalized gambling in Pennsylvania, promised that approval of slots would subtantially reduce property taxes for Pennsylvania residents. That was in 2004. We're in 2009 and property taxes are at an all-time high.

I don't trust Rendell or any of his promises. And I'm not buying the gambling industry's figures either.

A copy of the letter can be viewed at the link below.

Casinos Across State Join in Support of '10/12' For Table Games

Gov. Rick Perry Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge on Thursday, providing a written commitment to Texas taxpayers to "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes."

Too bad we can't get Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to support a similar measure.

Gov. Rick Perry Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge

Online Photo Tribute Honors America's Law Enforcement Heroes

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Launches Online Photo Tribute

Pew Research: Support For Abortion Slips

While Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi continue to push a far-left agenda, the rest of the nation appears to be moving to the right.

Abortion has been the hot-button issue separating conservatives and liberals for decades. A new Pew Research Center poll finds that fewer Americans express support for abortion than in previous years.

Another notable finding:

One of the largest declines in support for legal abortion has occurred among white, non-Hispanic Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly. Substantial change has also occurred among Democratic men (with support for legal abortion down nine points) but not among Democratic women.

The far left is losing one of its major wedge issues.

Pew Research Poll: Support For Abortion Slips

Most Significant Change to Pennsylvania's WIC Program in 35 Years

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Announces New, Healthier Food Choices Available Through WIC

New Report Focuses on Teacher Pay, Pensions and Reform Proposals

Good luck getting any of these reforms past the teachers' unions.

Teacher Compensation Reform Needed to Keep American Public Schools Competitive

United Way Launches Flu Emergency Web site

United Way Launches Flu Emergency Web site: Helps Public Locate H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Shots

Warning to Motorists: Fall Is Peak Season for Deer-Vehicle Collisions

Warning to Motorists: Fall Is Peak Season for Deer-Vehicle Collisions

The Communist State Building

'Talking Politics' on the radio today

Tune in to "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

Topics will include Pennsylvania's unraveling budget agreement and the special election win by state Rep. Bob Mench.

You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.

If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com'