History Repeats

'Politicking at its worst' on energy bill

A veteran Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania exposes the sham energy bill being pushed by Democrats in Congress to fool voters long enough to get past the November elections.

From an op-ed published in The Mercury by U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts:

In an effort to quell the public's increasingly loud call for action on the issue, (Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats) have offered up a piece of legislation that represents election year politicking at its worst. This bill, which was railroaded through the House, allows for offshore drilling — something that has become increasingly popular in opinion polls with the high price of gas. But it would also make the exploration contingent on states' approval while barring states from sharing the revenue. This provision nearly ensures no oil exploration would happen.

In fact, this provision would keep more offshore exploration off limits than if Congress simply allowed the current ban to expire on Oct. 1.

Read the full column, "A 'no-energy' energy bill thanks to Democrat," at the newspaper's Web site.

Sarah Palin Derangement Syndrome

I like this Letter to the Editor originally published in The Mercury. It's clear that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has connected to the American public like no other politician since Ronald Reagan.

The writer believes the far left has come down with a bad case of Sarah Palin Derangement Syndrome.

Palin is a threat to the far left

It seems that some angry liberals and most of the mainstream media now have an acute case of Sarah Palin Derangement Syndrome.

She is such a threat to the angry left agenda they have to make the statements like she is not qualified to be vice president, yet ironically she has more executive experience than Barack Obama.

They have attacked her in every which way imaginable not even sparing her young.

The Obama campaign is stunned and does not know how to deal with this self-proclaimed hockey mom, which raises the question: How would an Obama administration deal with real threats to this country?

They cannot understand why she is so appealing to so many Americans regardless of their political affiliation. She has energized many now to start looking at the real issues of this election instead of the prepared soaring speeches.

She's appealing because she is a self-made successful leader starting from the PTA in her hometown to where she is now, governor of one of our most important states.

She is a true American woman and all the juvenile attacks on her will never discredit her. We connect with her because we see women like her every day running businesses, volunteering or working in our schools, churches and in every aspect of our community, while also taking care of their families.

She will make a great American vice president but we have to give her a chance to serve. If Pennsylvania supports her in the upcoming election, she'll have that chance.

DON READ

Pottstown

The return of Michael Dukakis

To me, Barack Obama is the second coming of Jimmy Carter, but Christopher Hitchens, writing at Slate.com, compares Obama to another far left Democratic presidential nominee, Michael Dukakis.

From Hitchens' column:

Why is Obama so vapid and hesitant and gutless? Why, to put it another way, does he risk going into political history as a dusky Dukakis? Well, after the self-imposed Jeremiah Wright nightmare, he can't afford any more militancy, or militant-sounding stuff, even if it might be justified. His other problems are self-inflicted or party-inflicted as well. He couldn't have picked a gifted Democratic woman as his running mate, because he couldn't have chosen a female who wasn't the ever-present Sen. Clinton, and so he handed the free gift of doing so to his Republican opponent (whose own choice has set up a screech from the liberals like nothing I have heard since the nomination of Clarence Thomas). So the unquantifiable yet important "atmospherics" of politics, with all their little X factors, belong at present to the other team.

Read the full column, "Is Obama Another Dukakis?" at Slate.com

(HT to Stop The ACLU)

Taxpayers' group backs Fuhs for 11th Senate District

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayers Associations has endorsed Republican Steve Fuhs for Pennsylvania's 11th state Senatorial District.

The seat has been held by Democrat Mike O'Pake for the past 30 years.

In making its endorsement, the PCTA noted Fuhs' "unequivocal support for the enactment of Pennsylvania House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act, pending legislation that would abolish school property taxes for all Pennsylvania homeowners and restructure a crumbling, antiquated education finance system," according to the group's press release.

"For 30 years the residents of Berks County have been deceived time and again by phony, unsound property tax relief schemes and false promises of property tax reform," said David Baldinger, PCTA spokesperson and the administrator of the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition. "Steve Fuhs has taken a definitive stance on this vital issue with his pledge to work for the passage of House Bill 1275, legislation that will at last give legitimate, sustainable relief to the homeowners of Pennsylvania through total school property tax elimination."

Rebecca Heller of the Patriot's Voice, a PCTA member group, added: "We need more people like Steve Fuhs who are willing to run against the incumbent group who have promised much and done nothing. The Patriot's Voice wishes Steve Fuhs much success in his bid to unseat the District 11 incumbent Senator."

Berks County PCTA member groups who contributed to the endorsement of Fuhs include the Brandywine Heights Taxpayers Association and Oley Concerned Citizens.

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayers Associations is an alliance of 30 grassroots taxpayer advocacy groups from across Pennsylvania that is dedicated to equitable education funding reform thought the enactment of House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination.

Fuhs is currently serving on the Reading City Council. For more about his campaign for state Senate, visit his Web site, http://fuhsforpa.homestead.com/

Montco orders hiring freeze, ban on travel

The slumping economy has prompted the Montgomery County Commissioners to impose an immediate hiring freeze and ban travel by county employees until the end of the year.

"I don't think we are looking at any layoffs but each person working for the county is going to be more important each day that we go on because of restrictions in hiring," Commissioners' Chairman James R. Matthews told reporter Margaret Gibbons.

The county currently has a staff of 3,734 employees including 3,247 full time employees and 487 part-time employees, Gibbons says. The commissioners also barred any overnight travel by employees and department heads, Gibbons says.

Pennsylvania ordered a hiring freeze and travel ban last week. Gov. Ed Rendell also directed his Cabinet departments to cut expenses by 4.25 percent.

Read Gibbons's full story in The Norristown Times-Herald.

Uncle Sam has your back

Lt. Gov. Knoll misses first Senate session in 6 years

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll was not at the podium as the Pennsylvania Senate reconvened today.

It's the first time in six years that Knoll has missed a Senate session. One of her main duties as lieutenant governor is to preside over the Senate.

Knoll, 77, is undergoing cancer treatment. She disclosed her illness over the summer, but was at the podium when the Senate opened its fall session on Sept. 15.

"As I have stated recently, I am looking forward to a productive fall legislative session and my continuing support of the governor's agenda," Knoll said in a statement issued by her office.

Knoll said she is heeding the advice of her doctors, family members and colleagues to
continue her recovery from cancer treatments at home until she regains her
strength, according to her office.

She said her goal has not changed, which is full recovery and a return to the ambitious schedule she has maintained since taking office in 2003.

She plans to follow Senate proceedings by television and to conduct other official duties from the Lieutenant Governor's residence in Indiantown Gap.

For more in Knoll, visit her Web site at http://www.ltgovernor.state.pa.us

Business group backs Gokey for 130th state House

The Political Action Committee of the Pennsylvania Business Council has endorsed Dick Gokey in his bid for 130th state House District.

Gokey, a Republican who serves as an Amity Township Supervisor, is attempting to unseat first-term state Rep. David Kessler, a Democrat.

"Having spent the last 21 years as the owner of a construction company, Dick Gokey knows first-hand the challenges that face the business community," said David W. Patti, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Business Council, in announcing the endorsement. "Not only does Dick Gokey recognize those challenges, he supports pro-business policies that will improve the economy and create jobs in the 130th District as well as the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

Here's more from the council's endorsement:

Among Gokey's pro-business positions are support of a lower Corporate Net Income (CNI) tax, support for changing the calculation of the CNI to a formula based on sales only, and uncapping the Net Operating Loss carry-forward. Gokey is also supportive of the Fair Share Act and caps on non-economic damages as means to address lawsuit abuse in the state.

A free market thinker, Gokey believes that the Pennsylvania business community is over regulated, which in turn impedes economic growth. Gokey also recognizes that government intervention is not the answer to rising health care costs and that instead, the free market should be allowed to work in reducing the cost of care.

Owning a business that requires workers to have a specific skill-set, Gokey is also an ardent supporter of creating effective training programs that would allow students to become industry certified in a technical field during their high school education and post-graduation.

"Not only does Gokey have the right pro-business philosophy; he has already practiced what he preaches. As an Amity Township Supervisor, Dick Gokey has consistently fought to keep taxes low. He has worked hard to bring economic development to his community.

The PEG Political Action Committee supports candidates for office with financial contributions, campaign consulting, and grassroots action. The PEG PAC seeks to elect candidates for office who offer the best capacity to create and sustain a better Pennsylvania. PEG PAC supports candidates who are best for the business community without regard to political party membership.

The 130th House District covers most of eastern and southern Berks County, including Amity Township, Birdsboro, Boyertown, Colebrookdale Township, Douglass Townshp, Earl Township, Exeter Township (Precincts 1, 3, 6, 7, 8); Fleetwood, Oley Township, Pike Township, Rockland Township, Ruscombmanor Township and Union Township.

For more about Gokey, visit his campaign Web site, http://gokeyforpa.com/

Leave the campaign buttons at home on Election Day

If you show up at the polls on Nov. 4 sporting a T-shirt, hat or button supporting your favorite candidate, you will be asked to remove or cover up the item, says the man in charge of conducting elections in Montgomery County.

"It's pretty clear, under the state Election Code, that no electioneering is permitted in the polling place," Montgomery County Voter Services Director Joseph R. Passarella told The Mercury, explaining his department solicitor's take on the situation. "There really is no gray area here."

Passarella's comments were backed by the three elected county commissioners, who also serve on the county board of elections.

The county's position differs from a recent ruling by state officials, who issued a letter to all 67 Pennsylvania counties at the behest of the American Civil Liberties Union, the far left advocacy group.

Passarella emphasized the state department's opinion is advisory only. Under the law, counties are responsible for regulating their polling places, he said.

So leave the campaign buttons at home on Election Day.

If you don't comply with the rules, constables will be on hand to assist you in removing the campaign paraphernalia.

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

The Cost of the Bailout: $2,000 Per Person

The Democrats and Republicans in Washington just reached into your wallet, purse or bank account and lifted $6,500. That's how much each American family will pay to bail out Wall Street, according to WashingtonWatch.com

If you would like to continue bailing out millionaires who make bad decisions, keep re-electing your local Congressman.

Nothing will change in Washington until the majority of the idiots who populate Congress are fired.

Changing the president is a symbolic act every four years, but it's Congress that keeps screwing things up and handing us the bill.

Forget about what party your member of Congress belongs to. All incumbents go us into this mess. Vote them all out.

The Cost of the Bailout: $2,000 Per Person - WashingtonWatch.com

Catch 'Journalists Roundtable' on Sunday

The Pennsylvania Cable Network's "Journalist Roundtable" program has a Pottstown flavor this week.

The one-hour program was taped at The Mercury and features city editor Tony Phyrillas and reporter Evan Brandt. Also on the panel is Phil Heron, editor of The Delaware County Daily & Sunday Times.

"Journalists Roundtable" is shown Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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

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

Rendell, ACLU tampering with Pa. election?

The Rendell Administration and the ACLU are working to give Barack Obama an advantage on Election Day in Pennsylvania.

Rendell recently had one of his cabinet appointees send a letter to the state's counties saying that it's OK for voters to wear clothing or buttons showing their support for a candidate (presumably Obama) at the polls on Election Day.

Two things wrong with that position. State law prohibits "passive electioneering" and the state cannot impose its will on Pennsylvania counties, which are in charge of running their own elections.

Each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties can choose to enforce the existing ban on "passive electioneering" but Rendell and the ACLU are trying to confuse people and promote the Obama campaign.

That's a sign of how desperate the Democrats are getting about Pennsylvania, which could decide the 2008 presidential race. Why does the Rendell/ACLU position help Obama? Many of Obama's supporters are first-time voters or college kids who may not be familiar with voting laws. They are more likely to come dressed up in their Obama paraphernalia.

Pennsylvania Republicans are going to court to get a ruling on the existing state law, but that move isn't really necessary. It's up to individual counties to enforce the law, which means elections officials can force people to remove Obama campaign buttons or T-shirts or hats before they are allowed to enter a polling site.

From a Philadelphia Inquirer story:

"We strongly believe Pennsylvanians should be able to look to the polling place as a safe harbor, free of any type of electioneering, without any outside influences," Robert Gleason, chairman of the state Republican Party, said at a Capitol news conference.

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

And if you see any "passive electioneering" at your polling site, make sure you contact county officials right away.

Tickets available for McCain-Palin visit to PA

This just in from the Craig Williams for Congress Campaign regarding a scheduled visit to Delaware County by Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Monday.

DREXEL HILL – Craig Williams said today that Monday's planned visit to Media, Delaware County, by Republican Presidential candidate Senator John McCain and his running mate, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, has energized voters. His campaign headquarters has been flooded with local residents wanting tickets for the rally, as well as offering to volunteer for both the McCain and William campaign.

"The suburbs -- specifically Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery Counties -- are going to be key battlegrounds in this Presidential campaign," said Craig Williams, the Republican candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. "If John McCain and Sarah Palin win Pennsylvania, it is virtually assured that they will be the next President and Vice President of the United States. And if he wins Pennsylvania, it will be largely because of the results here in Delaware County."

"Ever since John McCain chose Governor Palin to be his running mate, we have seen a huge increase in interest from voters and the public, not just in the Presidential race, but in my Congressional race as well," said Williams. "She has really resonated with voters. People see a lot of themselves in her, and they know that she is going to fight for them in Washington. She is going to be a true voice for the middle class because she’s one of us. Sarah and I see the political landscape the same: it is time that government serves the people rather than serving the players inside of government."

Williams said that this will be the first time he has met with Sarah Palin again since she was selected by Sen. McCain to serve as his running mate. He has had the opportunity to get to know Palin over the years and first met her during her run for Governor of Alaska when his brother worked on her campaign. Most recently, he sat down with her for a meeting during her visit in July to Philadelphia for the National Governor's Association meeting. A few days later he held a joint press conference with Palin during his visit to Alaska to promote increased domestic oil exploration on the North Slope.

"I think suburban voters – men and women alike – see a lot of themselves in Sarah. This is a woman who identifies with the needs of working-class families, who was involved in her own kids' education as a member of the PTA, who went and sat at her kids’ sports games. She’s like us. She's middle-class America, and she brings those views of the average American to the job of government. She bucked the Republican Party leaders in Alaska over ethics and corruption issues. She cut waste out of the government budget. And she went after oil executives and companies who were not recovering oil on the land they leased from the state government. She’s a straight shooter who stands up for what she believes is right.

"If voters are sick and tired of politics as usual and the status quo, then they need to elect Sen. McCain, Governor Palin, and Craig Williams. We are going to make a great team in combating corruption and cleaning up Washington, DC," said Williams.

John McCain and Sarah Palin will be appearing in Media this Monday, September 22nd, at the Delaware County Courthouse. Gates to the event are scheduled to open at 2:30 p.m. and the program is expected to commence at 4:30 p.m. Local residents can pick up tickets for the event at the Pennsylvania Victory office in Drexel Hill, PA, located at 5035 Township Line Road. Tickets will be distributed all weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the Delaware County Republican Party Headquarters in Media. Individuals with questions can call 610-789-7077 for more information.

(That's Craig Williams with Gov. Palin in a photo taken during a visit to Alaska over the summer.)

Is that Barack Obama or Herbert Hoover?

"... mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again ..."

Barack Obama is sounding more and more like Herbert Hoover, according to one of the nation's leading business newspapers, Investor's Business Daily.

The Obama campaign is using Wall Street's woes as a new rationale for its massive tax increases and protectionism. The last president to take that approach helped cause the Great Depression, the newspaper says in an editorial.

From the IBD editorial:

Not unlike Bill Clinton campaigning in 1992, Sen. Obama promises a middle-class tax cut at the expense of the rich.

But it was less than a month after his inauguration in 1993 that President Clinton, intent on so much new government "investment," gave a televised Oval Office address to the nation announcing that instead of a middle-class tax cut there would be a middle-class tax hike, "because the deficit has increased so much beyond my earlier estimates."

With Clinton expenditure plans in the 1992 campaign dwarfed now by Obama's — Obama would add more than $343 billion in annual spending according to the National Taxpayers Union — his vows of middle-class tax cuts should be scrutinized carefully.

Hoover more than doubled the top marginal income tax rate and signed into law the Smoot-Hawley act, raising tariffs to record levels the summer after the 1929 stock market crash.

Massive new taxes and the abandonment of global economic freedom sold as "patriotism" is not only an outrage; it's a huge danger to an economy that has enough troubles already.

Read the full editorial, "Obama Dusts Off Hoover Playbook," at the newspaper's Web site.

Call to strip 2014 Olympics from Russia gains support

Four Pennsylvania members of Congress are among the first to sign a Congressional resolution calling for Olympic officials to pull the 2014 Winter Olympic Games from Russia as punishment for Russia's recent invasion of its tiny neighbor, Georgia.

U.S. Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Bill Shuster (R-PA), the co-chairs of the House Georgia Caucus, introduced a Congressional resolution Friday calling on the International Olympic Committee to strip Russia of the 2014 Winter Olympics, scheduled for Sochi, Russia.

"Russia's invasion of the sovereign, democratic nation of Georgia gives the global community serious pause," Rep. Shuster said in a written statement. "Russia's belligerent interference in dealing with regional disputes and the inner-workings of its close neighbors proves that it is not a worthy host for the Olympic Games."

The Congressional delegations wants the International Olympic Committee to move immediately to designate a new host city for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

In addition to Schwartz and Shuster, the resolution has support from Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Rep. Joe Pitts R-PA.

Other members of Congress who have signed the resolution as of Friday include Thaddeus McCotter, Scott Garrett, Steve King, Phil Gingrey, Artur Davis and Daniel Lipinski.

Click here to read the full No Russian Olympics in 2014 Resolution (H.Con Res. 421)

Beware of Democrats bearing gifts

State Capitol Roundup for Sept. 19

Here's this week's State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147th District.

House Leaders Plan to Closely Monitor PA Budget, Economy

In light of recent efforts by the Rendell Administration to curtail state spending, House Republicans are calling for a bi-partisan effort to monitor the state's fiscal health and the resulting impact on the General Fund budget. Throughout budget negotiations, House Republicans repeatedly voiced concerns relative to increased state spending in the face of a possible economic down-turn. Recently released information from the Department of Revenue shows that August tax collections were $117.5 million below projections. The administration has since called for spending cuts amounting to some $200 million and a statewide hiring freeze for approximately 5,000 state jobs. Rep. Mario Civera (R-Delaware), Republican chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, has already called upon his counterparts to participate in regular meetings to assess the state's fiscal status and determine if it is necessary to make adjustments to the budget. Democrat Chairman Evans agreed to the meetings. With such an agreement in place, lawmakers remain guardedly optimistic that the state can safely weather the economic storm.

Dubious Severance Package to Former Gaming Board Director Suspended

The generous severance arrangement between former Gaming Board Executive Director Anne Neeb and existing Gaming Board officials has been temporarily suspended according to the state Department of Treasury. Numerous House Republicans, who have repeatedly questioned the legality of the agreement, hailed the decision to have the attorney general's office review the arrangement as a victory. Under the terms of her contract, Neeb was set to receive only four month's worth of her $180,000 salary. However, according to an eight-page "separation agreement" Neeb was to receive a salary continuation of $15,000 per month through Sept. 6 (a total of $60,000), medical benefits through September, and a lump sum payment of $60,000.

House Approves Legislation Making Revisions to State Dog Laws

The House voted to overhaul existing laws surrounding the treatment of dogs in the Commonwealth this week, approving two proposals that are before the state Senate for consideration. House Bill 2525 makes several changes to how dog kennels are operated. If enacted, the new law would require that kenneled dogs be given significantly larger cages with solid bottoms, access to exercise areas outdoors, annual visits to the veterinarian and limit cage stacking. Several amendments designed to protect law-abiding breeders from being disproportionately affected by the new laws were blocked during debate. House Bill 2532, which requires that surgical procedures such as debarking and tail-docking be performed only by a veterinarian, also received unanimous approval.

Chester County GOP improves Web site

The Republican Committee of Chester County has launched a redesigned Web site for Chester County voters, according to the West Chester Daily Local News.

The Web site, called Chester County's Online Republican Headquarters, contains video clips of political issues, a national news feed from GOP.com, Chester County Republican news, a listing of upcoming Republican Party events and a list of Republican candidates running for office in 2008, the newspaper says.

Volunteers can also aid the Republican Committee by registering for events and making donations to the Republican Party, the newspaper says.

The Web site, www.republicanccc.com, also contains a listing of polling places and information on registering to vote, the newspaper says.

And here's something interesting: A blog, Eye On The Media, takes a look at the coverage by reporters and editors of political issues affecting Chester County voters, according to the newspaper.

Award-winning Alpacas in Berks

Congratulations to my brother and sister-in-law for bringing home a bunch of ribbons at various Alpaca competitions this year throughout Pennsylvania.

If you're into alpacas, check out Summerwind Farm Alpacas at www.summerwindalpacas.com

Obama's Tax Hikes Are 'Idiotic, Not Patriotic'

RightChange.com, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization "dedicated to helping Americans break through politicians' spin surrounding complex policy issues" has some choice words for Sen. Joe Biden's recent comments that patriotic Americans should pay more in taxes.

"The economy is weak. Our financial markets are in crisis. Small businesses, families and individual investors are watching their accounts dwindle and the best policy proposal from Senators Obama and Biden is to take more money from them?, RightChange.com Executive Director Tim Pittman said in a written statement.

"Increasing taxes on millions of Americans when our economy is struggling isn't patriotic, it's idiotic. You don't have to have a Ph.D. to understand that. This is the wrong time for tax increases; this is wrong policy for millions of workers and small businesses; and, it's the wrong type of change for America.

Pittman continues: Respected economists and think tanks have clearly said that Sen. Obama's tax hikes would raise tax rates on many American small businesses up to 62 percent -- a rate higher than Wal-Mart, reduce the after-tax wages of more than 10 million workers by an average of $5,650, and, with the elimination of the Social Security earnings cap, hit 97,065 carpenters, 110,908 police officers, 254,992 nurses, 208,562 postsecondary teachers and 237,000 dentists with yet another government bill.

"Is this really the change we need?" Pittman asks.

RightChange.com urges Senator Biden to support lower, not higher, taxes on American families.

For more information, visit http://www.rightchange.com

'Crippled liberal thinking'

Excellent letter published in the West Chester Daily Local News about the hysterical left's attacks on Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. The writer dissects the far left's illogical thinking over the abortion issue. It appears the only qualification a woman should have to run for office, at least if you listen to the left, is that she has had an abortion.

A stretch of logic

On Sept. 1, you published a letter regarding Sarah Palin from Valerie Anne Mahgoul. I can't imagine a more clear demonstration of crippled liberal thinking than was exposed in that brief letter concluding Palin is an untrustworthy gambler based on her decision to have a child at age 44. Mahgoul opens with an effort to provide herself cover by noting she has a disabled child of her own. My sympathy is with her as she struggles with that difficult burden, but it has little bearing on her point or the life of Palin's Down syndrome baby.

The letter drips with condescension. I presume the reference to "professional woman" is to make a distinction between Palin and those huddled masses unfamiliar with family planning. "Responsible decisions regarding reproduction" is apparently not to be confused with actually wanting another child, or recognition that some people find contraception morally offensive or even that contraception sometimes fails.

Making sure we are aware that this baby is the Palins' fifth indicates the writer's attitude about "responsible" as much as does her concern about the odds of Down syndrome.

To then ascribe the birth of this wanted and loved baby as an indicator of a gambling mentality incompatible with governance is a stretch of logic suitable for someone who has contributed to the campaigns of Ed Rendell, Joe Sestak and who was a recipient of a disbursement from the Hillary campaign.

Greg Leibel
Exton

Cure found for Obamamania

Check out this posting at HumanEvents.com about how Barack Obama's economic plans would sink the United States into another Great Depression.

From the Web site:

"If you find yourself believing that 'we are the ones we’ve been waiting for', or that 'this is the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow'…the chances are that you are suffering from a severe case of Obamamania," writes The Economist in this weeks print edition and they say they have the cure -- it's David Freddoso’s new book "The Case Against Barack Obama."

Read "The Economist Offers a Cure for Obamamania" at HumanEvents.com

American Energy Freedom Day is Oct. 1

Tired of Congress doing nothing to move the United States toward energy independence?

Do something about it. Start sending a clear message to the Democrats who control Congress that they will be out of a job come Nov. 4 if they don't get serious about this country's energy needs.

From an op-ed piece by a couple of lawmakers who are pushing for energy independence:

In just two weeks, on Oct. 1, Americans could be celebrating American Energy Freedom Day. That's the day the bans on oil shale and offshore drilling for oil and natural gas in America will expire.

Right off American shores there are reserves estimated to hold over 20 billion barrels of oil and 97 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. And in the west, oil shale is estimated to be between 800 billion and 2 trillion barrels of oil -- that is more than three times the proven oil reserves in Saudi Arabia alone.

So-called "compromise" legislation being considered in Congress would increase energy taxes and only open up a fraction of these vast reserves, while permanently banning nearly 80% of our energy resources offshore. It would be irrational in a national energy crisis to create any new ban on American energy, and that's why the best solution is for Congress to allow the current bans to expire on Oct. 1.

Read "Dawn of Energy Independence?" by Rep. Jeb Hensarling and Sen. Jim DeMint at HumanEvents.com

125,000 visitors

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Obama's ties to financial crisis

A new McCain ad out points out that key Obama advisers had a hand in the current financial crisis. Do we really want to put these people in charge of the economy after what they've done. Read more in The Wall Street Journal.

Did you also notice that Sen. Barack Obama was one of the biggest recipients of campaign contributions from the failed financial institutions? Was that money donated to Obama to look the other way?

Once again, the Obama rhetoric doesn't match the reality.

Also check out this release from the Republican National Committee about Obama's closest advisers and their role in the financial mess.

Citizens' group: Obama's Tax Hikes = Patriotism?

There really are two Americas. The one inhabited by elitists like Barack Obama and his Hollywood friends and the one where working people are struggling every day to put food on the table.

ATR: Obama's Tax Hikes = Patriotism?

Quote of the Day

"I believe that Barack Obama, with MoveOn.org and Nancy Pelosi and Howard Dean, has taken the Democratic Party — and they will continue to — too far to the left. I'm not comfortable there."

— Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a top Hillary Rodham Clinton fundraiser and member of the Democratic National Committee who announced her support for Sen. John McCain for president.

Obama flirts with Fascism

He's been called a socialist. He's been labeled a communist. But Barack Obama may best be described as a fascist.

A must-read editorial in today's Washington Times about the disturbing way the Barack Obama campaign responds to criticism.

From the editorial exposing the Obama Action Wire, a high-tech use of organized goons to harass or intimidate opposition to The Chosen One:

Here's how it works. A message goes out over Barack Obama's Web site with the names, phone numbers and e-mails of editors and producers foolish enough to host Obama critics. With Mr. Obama's extensive digital following, and his extensive fund-raising and contact lists, shutting up the Democratic nominee's critics with a fraction of Mr. Obama's millions of supporters is relatively simple. The digital legions plug phone lines, crash servers and intimidate the advertisers of these media outlets. This must be another instance of the "new" politics that Mr. Obama frequently talks about.

If you think this can't be happening in 21st century America, you better get yourself a copy of the best-selling book, "Liberal Fascism" and its companion blog by Jonah Goldberg.

Read the full editorial -- The new 'digital brownshirts' -- at the newspaper's Web site.

HT to SAVE THE GOP Also check out commentary about this disturbing trend at Ace of Spades HQ

Lawmakers want to re-open Rendell's red-ink budget

State Rep. Sam Rohrer (R-Berks), State Sen. John Eichelberger (R-Blair) and House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) today called on Gov. Ed Rendell and the Legislature to re-open "and make substantial spending reductions" to balance the state's $28.3 billion 2008-09 General Fund budget.

The lawmakers were joined by Commonwealth Foundation President Matthew Brouillette and several other economic experts at a Harrisburg press conference.

Below a press release issued this afternoon by Rohrer:

"On July 4, 2008, I joined in the debate on the House floor against final passage of the 2008-09 state budget based on the following projections that were ultimately dismissed by Majority Leader DeWeese, House Majority Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans and several others as premature and pessimistic:

1. The $28.3 billion spending plan that was approved by the General Assembly on Independence Day is effectively unconstitutional because it is demonstrably out of balance ignoring clear financial data and accurate economic forecasts.

2. This year's budget is problematic because it will predictably force the legislature to completely defund the Commonwealth's already largely depleted $740 million Rainy Day Fund next year with no justifiable emergency or fiscally responsible reason for doing so.

3. This year's budget is fiscally out of balance because without dispute the roughly 4 percent spending increase is more than twice the rate of actual revenue growth (1.7 percent) over the previous 12 months.

4. Spending in this year's budget is built on the extremely flawed assumption of nearly 4 percent economic growth over the next twelve months, when at best economic experts are predicting no more than 2 percent.

5. While there may be no broad-based new tax increases or fees in this year's budget, next year Pennsylvania taxpayers, at minimum, could be asked to foot the bill for a $600 to $900 million budgetary shortfall.

6. Even statements from Senate Democrat Appropriations staff and the Senate Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman place the deficit at between $800 million and $2 billion!

"Nearly 80 days later, a dramatic $117.5 million August 2008 revenue shortfall and an unprecedented, yet absolutely insufficient executive order from the governor for state agencies to reduce spending by just $200 million, absolutely nothing has changed about the projections I presented except they are now our state's rapidly approaching economic reality.

"With all due to respect to yesterday's pledge on the House floor from both the Democrat and Republican Appropriations chairmen to 'meet and monitor revenue levels on a monthly basis,' the time for talking is past. The time for action and specific spending reductions is now.

"Immediately re-opening the budget and realistically re-organizing our fiscal priorities is critical to allow both the legislature and the governor the ability to direct where these specific cuts need to occur. It will also allow state government agencies ample time to adjust to the inevitable line item and government service reductions that must occur now rather than later to avoid saddling our children and grandchildren with insurmountable debt for decades to come.

"Again, time and immediate action are of the essence. The legislature and executive branch responsible for crafting and adopting this Rainy Day fund-raiding, tax increase-guaranteed spending plan must take the responsibility for balancing the unbalanced budget they enacted on July 4 today, rather than sitting idly by and allowing the next legislature to take the fall when next summer's billion dollar tax increase becomes unavoidable."

Obama, Biden found lacking

I like this Letter to the Editor originally published in the West Chester Daily Local News. The writer argues that Obama's inexperience is showing when he refers to decade-old problems as "new" challenges for the nation. The writer also takes a swipe at Washington insider Joe Biden, who has little to show for his 30 years in the Senate, except for a trunk-load of special interest cash.

What's so new?

Sen. Obama has recently and continually outlined what he considers to be "new" challenges to the United States and to the world. Among those "new" challenges, Obama cites the following: 1) strife in the Middle East (there has been strife throughout this region since before the Crusades and dates to at least as early as Babylon -- curiously located in what is now Iraq!); 2) the price of fuel and the dependence on foreign oil (where was he in the 1970s when I was paying then-unheard-of prices for gasoline and waiting in line to get my ration! Oh yeah, he was probably asleep in the back seat of his grandparents' car while they waited in line on their odd or even day!); 3) an unpopular war (OK, someone had to tell him about Vietnam, somewhere along the way! I served in the Vietnam War -- when he was only 6 years old -- and I can personally attest to the palpable unpleasantness displayed to our troops when we returned home to the U.S.); 4) the economy/mortgage crisis (does he not remember the savings and loan/mortgage crisis of the 1980s? He was certainly old enough by then to have been cognizant of, at least, some economic matters -- history is repeating itself on this point!).

Merely based upon what Sen. Obama considers to be "new" in the world, I've reached the conclusion that he does not have nearly the breadth nor the depth of knowledge of American history, world history, economic history or political history to avoid the repetition of the same! He demonstrably lacks the knowledge and experience to be president of the United States and commander in chief -- or, for that matter, to fill any political leadership role, in my opinion.

Then, there is Sen. Joe Biden. We in southeastern Pennsylvania are very familiar with Biden. Here is a man who has spent virtually his entire adult life in the U.S. Senate. Is this where he learned to identify with the common folk? Is this were he experienced how the rest of us live and what affects our lives? However, I do agree with Sen. Biden on one point (I never thought that I'd see myself write that!) and that is that Barack Obama is not qualified to be president!

Robert F. McRae
West Chester

'Will Democrats Ever Recover From Obama?'

Ernest Christian, an attorney and a former deputy assistant secretary of the Treasury in the Ford administration, says the Democratic Party has proven (once again) that it is unfit to lead the nation by picking an inexperienced and unskilled candidate as its presidential nominee.

Writing in Investor's Business Daily, Christian argues:

The Barack Obama they are peddling is a media-created virtual person endowed by his creators with characteristics that do not represent the real Barack Obama. Millions of people are being duped.

The fictional Barack Obama may win the election in November, but if he does, it will be the real Barack Obama who will occupy the White House and exercise nearly untrammeled power over the lives and livelihoods of 300 million Americans. Therein lies the enormity of the trick the Democrats are playing on the American people.

Why should Americans of African heritage invest their hopes, dreams and identities in a Chicago pol with an unsavory past replete with radicals, racketeers and racists, a borderline Marxist agenda and a doubtful attitude toward America — and with whom they have nothing in common other than skin color?

How many Reagan Democrats want a left-wing collectivist in the White House, especially one who has no respect for them and their values? Even "liberals" do not actually like to pay high taxes or want the economic pie to be made smaller.

And nobody looks forward to a more authoritarian government. Who, for example, wants a government bureaucrat telling them which doctors to use, what medical care they can receive and when?

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

Stick 'Em Up

Take the Barack Obama Test

The conclusion: Obama and I -- We just disagree

I stumbled across a Web site designed to help voters figure out if Barack Obama is their kind of president.

I decided to take the test to see how far apart Barack Obama and I are on the major issues of the day.

I answered 52 questions and the computer matched my responses to positions Barack Obama has taken on issues.

Turns out I disagree with Obama on 49 of 52 questions. I'm surprised there are three things Obama and I agree on.

To take the Barack Obama Test yourself, visit www.barackobamatest.com

Top Democratic fundraiser backs McCain

What is going on here? A top Democratic Party fundraiser who raised more than $100,000 for Hillary Clinton, has been making the rounds on news shows announcing she will help raise money for Sen. John McCain.

Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a member of the Democratic National Committee (at least for now) said she plans to vote for the McCain/Palin team. She says Barack Obama is an elitist who doesn't represent the best interests of the Democratic Party.

Lynn Forester de Rothschild: "I believe that Barack Obama, with MoveOn.org and Nancy Pelosi and Howard Dean, has taken the Democratic Party — and they will continue to — too far to the left. I'm not comfortable there."

Read more about Forester de Rothschild's conversion at OneNewsNow.com (HT to Gunservatively!)

And as long as we're talking about unbelievable things, SAVE THE GOP says that ABC, the very liberal network, has exposed a false campaign ad by Barack Obama on immigration.

Next thing you know, Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews will admit they're on the Obama payroll.

'Barack Obama wants to dig a deeper hole'

Daniel Henninger, writing in The Wall Street Journal, says Sen. John McCain is missing an opportunity to use his running mate more effectively in light of the recent financial meltdown on Wall Street.

Henninger says Sen. Barack Obama will hammer away at the Republican ticket on economic issues, but it's Obama's economic policies that would sink this country further into a fiscal abyss.

From Henninger's column:

The problem isn't standard political corruption. The problem is that the $2.8 trillion federal budget is a vast ocean of Beltway pilot fish feeding off scraps from the whale -- lawyers, lobbyists, ex-Members of Congress. No one runs the Sea of Washington. It's too big, too deep.

Barack Obama wants to dig a deeper hole. John McCain should ask the American people if they want this to go on, because it's nonsense to vote for government to do "more" and then whine when it doesn't work or degrades into sweetheart-deal hell.

Henninger has some sound advice for McCain:

Unfocused "reform" rhetoric from Mr. McCain isn't enough. The public has been there, heard that. Sen. McCain should talk about what he knows -- fat Fannie and Freddie, farm-bill bloat, the ethanol subsidy fiasco, the federal procurement mess. Show people Gov. Palin's 18 single-spaced pages of 2007 vetoes. Then identify Congress's bipartisan supporters of the Legislative Line-Item Veto Act and ask the voters' support. Appear with GOP congressman from Sarah's new generation who want to help -- Eric Cantor of Virginia, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Kevin McCarthy of California. There are others.

Promise to spend the first two years on this historic political reform effort, and if a Democratic Congress laughs, promise to barnstorm in 2010 for a Congress willing to act, from any party.

Read the full column, "Will McCain Waste Palin?" at the newspaper's Web site.

Media double standard on Sarah Palin

Excellent Letter to the Editor in today's edition of The Mercury from a reader who has voted for both Democratic and Republican candidates. The point is that voters should carefully consider the merits of each presidential ticket and not be led by the nose by the pro-Obama media.

Don't fall for the media's double standard on Palin

I read Donna Brazile's piece on Sarah Palin in The Mercury on Sept. 6. Mostly it is was very fair and balanced. What I was appalled at, again, was the last part about "can college-educated voters embrace her." There we go, only "uneducated people" will vote for someone like her. Check it out, even many college educated people don't believe in partial birth abortion (and the reason I bring that up is that's the main reason many women's groups aren't upset over how the press has treated this woman's family).

Many everyday Americans have sat around the kitchen table wishing a real person, like most of us, would come along. Here she is! Let's see what's a big question on her: She fired someone who would not check out allegations against a state trooper (her brother-in-law). There are 400 pages on this trooper over a number of years. He threatened to kill his father-in-law if he got a lawyer for his daughter's divorce; he drank beer in his patrol car while on duty. Check it out. The man who was fired said, "She the governor did what was right." Isn't it funny how the press can't wait to show police beating someone and when the governor tries to get one of the loose cannons off the force, they're up in arms? And yes, I believe the majority of police are decent people; we have many in our family.

I understand Alaska is being overrun with reporters seeing what they can get on her. Fair enough. Are any reporters running to Chicago to check out the papers on Ayres, the terrorist, to see how much, other than casually, Obama had ties to him? No, because they don't care. Anyone checking further on Resko's ties to Obama? No. Anyone checking on the Public Allies group that Obama founded in 1992 — check their thoughts out — to see if they are just another volunteer group? Nope. Anyone go and check what dates Obama sat in that racist church to see if he heard the Reverend's views? Nope! America get on your computers and check things out.

And by the way, George Bush is not running for president. Is anyone equating Obama with this do-nothing, 14 percent approval rating Congress? No. In Obama's speech in Europe he apologized for America, and he's ashamed we don't speak French. Maybe while he was over there he should have gone to see the graves of thousand of Americans who gave their lives to help the French. We are a downright mean country! Who has given more lives and money to other countries?

I have voted both Democratic and Republican - so, no, I'm not just a one-party person. And I'm not a racist as former Pres. Carter accuses people who are not for Obama. Believe me, every day I wish my candidate, Lynn Swann, was our governor.

Be very careful, middle America has finally got someone they can identify with — you know us gun toting, Bible readers. Make some lists, pros and cons. Be informed on your own — the press does not give you the truth. Their candidate is Obama and they will not investigate him.

God Bless America.

PAT HENNING
Limerick

Catch me on radio, TV today

For those who just can't get enough of me, this is your lucky day. You can listen to me on the radio and watch me on TV today.

At 5 p.m., you can tune in to the the weekly broadcast of "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" on WPAZ 1370 AM. The program can also be heard at www.1370wpaz.com and www.pottsmerc.com

This week's topic will be election preparations and deadlines. The head of the Montgomery County Voters Services Bureau will be our guest for the hour. You can call the station during the live broadcast at 610-326-4000.

At 8 p.m., I will be a panelist on "Journalists Roundtable" on the Pennsylvania Cable Network. This week's show was taped at The Mercury in Pottstown. The other members of the panel are Evan Brandt, reporter for The Mercury, and Phil Herron, editor of the Delaware County Daily Times.

"Journalists Roundtable" will be shown again Sunday at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Setting the Record Straight On Candidates' Immigration Positions

Immigration isn't the key issue many thought it would be in the 2008 presidential race, but a group called the Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity Institute says only John McCain kept his word on immigration reform.

Setting the Record Straight On Candidates' Immigration Positions

RNC: Friend Updates Added to 'BarackBook'

RNC: Friend Updates Added to 'BarackBook'

1-866-OUR-VOTE

As Key Voting Deadlines Approach, Major Nonpartisan Voter Protection Coalition Launches 2008 General Election Efforts

RNC Launches Biden Earmark Clock

RNC Launches Biden Earmark Clock

SEPTA to Offer Free Evening Regional Rail Travel This Weekend

If you have nothing better to do this weekend, you can ride a SEPTA train for free.

SEPTA to Offer Free Evening Regional Rail Travel This Weekend

Setting the Record Straight On Candidates' Immigration Positions

The Hispanic Alliance for Prosperity Institute says "while Senators John McCain and Barack Obama both have expressed their
support for the doomed bipartisan immigration reform compromise that Congress rejected this Session, only one candidate remained true to his
commitment -- John McCain."

Setting the Record Straight On Candidates' Immigration Positions

Take The Barack Obama Test

The conclusion: Obama and I -- We just disagree

I stumbled across a Web site designed to help voters figure out if Barack Obama is their kind of president.

I decided to take the test to see how far apart Barack Obama and I are on the major issues of the day.

I answered 52 questions and the computer matched my responses to positions Barack Obama has taken on issues.

Turns out I disagree with Obama on 49 of 52 questions. I'm surprised there are three things Obama and I agree on.

To take the Barack Obama test yourself, visit http://www.barackobamatest.com/

'Journalists Roundtable' returns to Pottstown

The popular "Journalists Roundtable" public affairs program on the Pennsylvania Cable Network is coming to you from Pottstown this week.

The one-hour program hosted by Bill Bova is shown Thursdays at 8 p.m. on cable systems throughout Pennsylvania. The program will repeat Sunday at 5 p.m. and again at 11 p.m.

The panel for the Sept. 18 program will be Tony Phyrillas, city editor/political columnist for The Mercury in Pottstown; Phil Heron, editor of the The Delaware County Daily Times; and Evan Brandt, reporter for The Mercury.

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

Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area.

A letter from Gen. David Petraeus

The Delaware County Daily Times has an interesting editorial today that incorporates a letter to his troops from Gen. David Petraeus, who was promoted to take charge of Central Command.

Here is the text of Petraeus' letter:

"To the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and civilians of Multi-National Force-Iraq:

"It has been the greatest of privileges to have been your commander for the past 19 months. During that time, we and our civilian and Iraqi partners have been engaged in an exceedingly complex, difficult, and important task. And in the face of numerous challenges, we and our partners have helped bring new hope to a country that was besieged by extremists and engulfed in sectarian violence.

"When I took command of Multi-National Force-Iraq in February 2007, I noted that the situation in Iraq was hard but not hopeless. You have proven that assessment to be correct. Indeed, your great work, sacrifice, courage, and skill have helped to reverse a downward spiral toward civil war and to wrest the initiative from the enemies of the new Iraq.

"Together, Iraqi and Coalition forces have faced determined, adaptable, and barbaric enemies. You and our Iraqi partners have taken the fight to them, and you have taken away their sanctuaries and safe havens. You have helped secure the Iraqi people and have enabled, and capitalized on, their rejection of extremism. You have also supported the Iraqi Security Forces as they have grown in number and capability and as they have increasingly shouldered more of the responsibility for security in their country.

"You have not just secured the Iraqi people, you have served them, as well. By helping establish local governance, supporting reconstruction efforts, assisting with revitalization of local businesses, fostering local reconciliation, and conducting a host of other non-kinetic activities, you have contributed significantly to the communities in which you have operated. Indeed, you have been builders and diplomats as well as guardians and warriors.

"The progress achieved has been hard-earned. There have been many tough days along the way, and we have suffered tragic losses. Indeed, nothing in Iraq has been anything but hard. But you have been more than equal to every task.

"Your accomplishments have, in fact, been the stuff of history. Each of you should be proud of what has been achieved and of the contributions you continue to make. Although our tasks in Iraq are far from complete and hard work and tough fights lie ahead, you have helped bring about remarkable improvements.

"Your new commander is precisely the right man for the job. Gen. Ray Odierno played a central role in the progress achieved during the surge. He brings tremendous skill, experience, and understanding as he returns to Iraq for a third tour and takes the helm of MNF-I just seven months after relinquishing command of MultiNational Corps-Iraq. I have total confidence in him, and I will do all that I can as the commander of Central Command to help him, MNF-I, and our Iraqi partners to achieve the important goals that we all share for the new Iraq.

"Thank you for your magnificent work here in the 'Land of the Two Rivers.' And thank you for your sacrifices - and for those of your families - during this crucial phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am honored to have soldiered with you in this critical endeavor.

"With great respect and all best wishes,

David H. Petraeus
General, United States Army
Commanding Officer,
Multi-National Force-Iraq"

To read the full editorial, check out the newspaper's Web site.

Legislative Priorities

Obama Goes Hollywood

While Americans are worried about the economy in light of this week's Wall Street meltdown, Sen. Barack Obama took time off to spend an evening with his kind of people: Hollywood's rich and famous.

This is an e-mail sent out by the Republican Party with highlights of Barack Obama's Hollywood Adventure:

Hollywood’s rich & famous “snapped pictures with their cell phones and Blackberrys,” “Ms. Streisand ran through bits of a few songs, but did not sing entire numbers,” and celebrities dined on “salad with goat cheese, roasted potatoes, filet of beef and asparagus, apple crisp and chocolate lava cake” at last night’s Beverly Hills fundraiser for Barack Obama….

What they’re saying…

“Obama noted some of the nervousness among donors, and suggested that there was no shortage of advice coming his way from politically charged industry creative types. … Among those present were Leonardo DiCaprio, Jodie Foster, Tobey Maguire, Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Larry David, Jamie Lee Curtis, Barry Meyer, Chris Albrecht, Bruce Cohen, Ari Emanuel, Jim Wiatt, Peter Chernin, Darren Star, Bob Daly, Skip Brittenham, Skip Paul, Joe Calabrese, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, Eric Paquette and Jessica Postigo, Clarence Avant, Kelly Meyer, David Geffen and Steven Spielberg. Even in that crowd, the well-heeled donors snapped pictures with their cell phones and Blackberrys….” – Variety, 9/17/08

“Barbra Streisand sings and the Obama campaign cash register ka-chings. … A slew of A-list stars attended, including Jodie Foster, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Rock, Tobey Maguire and Will Ferrell.” – New York Daily News, 9/17/08

“Ms. Streisand ran through bits of a few songs, but did not sing entire numbers. Her performance was closed to reporters. … Among the celebrities in his audiences were: Will Farrell, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis and Jodi Foster, Chris Rock and Dennis Haysbert, who portrayed the first African-American U.S. president on the TV series “24.” Mr. Obama took pains to highlight his economic concerns.” – New York Times, 7/17/08

“Hollywood A-listers paid big bucks to see Sen. Barack Obama at a Beverly Hills dinner on Tuesday night, where Obama focused his remarks on easing Democrats’ jitters about the close race ahead. … Attendees at the $28,500-per person dinner included Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Tobey McGuire, Leonardo diCaprio and Jodi Foster.” – Wall Street Journal, 7/17/08

“It was clear why Barack Obama's campaign barred television crews from a Beverly Hills mansion at twilight Tuesday as the Democratic presidential nominee mingled with movie stars on a giant terrace overlooking Los Angeles. The cocktail reception was part of Obama's biggest night of Hollywood fundraising so far, an evening capped with a live performance by Barbra Streisand at the Regent Beverly Wilshire.” - LA Times, 9/17/08

“The night was split into two glitzy events, a reception and dinner costing $28,500 each at the Greystone Mansion, followed by entertainment by Streisand at the nearby Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. It was a day of contrasts for Obama.” – Associated Press, 7/16/08

“Just as Barack Obama would seem to be regaining his footing in the battle for the middle class … the Democrat was returning to the haunts of some Hollywood allies whose association hasn't always served him that well: Streisand and company.” – Chicago Tribune, 7/17/08

“Many a film scene has been shot at the Greystone Mansion in Los Angeles, Calif., where a 55-room Tudor mansion tonight beckoned Hollywood glitterati to contribute $28,500 per person to the Democratic National Committee/Obama for America joint Victory Fund. … Film buffs might also recognize the manse from "What Women Want," "The Witches of Eastwick," "The Big Lebowski," "Death Becomes Her, and "Batman & Robin," among others. And it was here that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. Arrived shortly before 7 pm Pacific for a fund-raising reception and dinner -- salad with goat cheese, roasted potatoes, filet of beef and asparagus, apple crisp and chocolate lava cake. … Around 800 people -- including Sarah Silverman, Ron Howard, Magic Johnson, and Pierce Brosnan -- were there, eaching paying $2,500 to the Obama Victory Fund.” – ABC News, 7/17/08

'Talking Politics' on radio Thursday

Montgomery County Voter Services Director Joseph R. Passarella will be the guest on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" Thursday at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

Passarella will be available to answer any questions about registration deadlines and the voting process during the live, one-hour radio program.

You can call the station at 610-326-4000.

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

Columnist: Obama can't cite a single accomplishment

Thomas Sowell, writing at Investor's Business Daily, says Emperor Barack Obama Has No Clothes. In other words, never has someone with so few credentials or achievements gotten so close to becoming president of the United States.

From Sowell's column:

Barack Obama is truly a phenomenon of our time. Here is a presidential candidate who cannot cite a single serious accomplishment over his entire career — that is, besides advancing his own career with rhetoric.

He has a rhetorical answer for everything. Those of us who talk about the threat of Iran are just engaging in "the politics of fear" according to Obama, something to distract us from "the real issues," such as raising taxes and handing out largesse with the proceeds.

Read the full column, "What Does Obama Have To Offer Aside From Smooth Talk And Adoring Crowds?" at the newspaper's Web site.

Newspaper: Time running out for Legislature to act

The Pottstown Mercury laments the fact that the Pennsylvania Legislature is spending the previous few days left on its 2008 calendar debating revisions in the state's dog laws when so many more pressing issues are being ignored.

One of the biggest issues on the back burner is property tax reform, the newspaper says.

From The Mercury editorial:

What has not made the list of legislative highlights is tax reform.

On July 3, Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks, filed a Discharge Resolution signed by 26 fellow lawmakers to have House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act, released from committee and sent to the House floor for debate and an up-or-down vote.

A majority vote of the House on the resolution is needed to force the bill out of committee, and taxpayer activists have been urging citizens to write to their legislators and ask them to approve the resolution.

Taxpayer groups are also urging a vote on House Bill 1299, which calls for a constitutional amendment to forever abolish property taxes as a method for funding public education. Since this is a constitutional amendment, it must be passed by two succeeding sessions of the General Assembly.

Many are still working for tax reform in Pennsylvania, but the majority of legislators are still not getting the message.

Protecting animals from cruelty, helping control malpractice costs, getting an ethics refresher course are all important issues, but with the end of the session approaching, this Legislature could take one historic action that would matter.

Reforming the system of funding schools by abolishing the property tax should be Job One for this Legislature in its waning session. There are just a few days left to make that happen.

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

Rep. Kessler wastes taxpayer money

The letter to the editor below was originally published in The Mercury. It exposes the common practice of incumbents using taxpayer dollars to promote their re-election by appearing in "Public Service Announcements," where are no more than glorified campaign ads.

Kessler wastes our tax money

At what point do public service announcements in the form of television commercials, mailings, e-mail and phone calls become political advertising?

When does “walk around money” in the form of grants to local organizations become an attempt to buy votes?

In an election year, I realize this blatant use of taxpayer money is par for the course, but state Rep. David Kessler, D-130th Dist., has taken this practice to new heights or, should I say, lows.

I have seen Rep. Kessler on television in the last two weeks more than most actors and recently

I picked up a copy of a local newspaper and there he was again, handing out big cardboard checks to Exeter and Oley townships. By the way, isn’t Oley where Kessler is also a township supervisor?

Rep. Kessler owes it to all his constituents to explain how much his Public Service Announcements (PSAs) cost taxpayers. With all the money he spent on PSAs and “walk around money,” why didn’t he give us more in property tax relief?

DAVID L. MOORE SR.
Douglassville

Rendell orders budget cuts, hiring freeze

Less than three months after signing a record $28.3 billion General Fund budget that critics said would sink the state into red ink, Gov. Ed Rendell has ordered a series of measures to prevent a fiscal collapse.

Rendell ordered most state agencies to reduce spending by 4.25 percent and eliminate all out-of-state travel. He also imposed a hiring freeze, leaving about 5,000 vacant state jobs unfilled. State agencies that provide public safety, health and education services will have to make smaller cuts, Rendell said.

The cost-cutting measures are expected to save the state about $200 million by the end of the current fiscal year, Rendell said.

The fiscal year runs from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. The state started noticing problems almost as soon as the fiscal year began. August tax collection revenues fell short of projections by $117 million. (The state actually missed its revenue projections in three of the last six months.) With the national economy in a downturn, the state could running in the red for months.

Critics warned that the state would run a deficit of up to $1 billion for the 2008-09 fiscal year, but the Legislature overwhelmingly approved Rendell's budget and the governor signed the massive spending plan in July. (Only 33 lawmakers -- 32 Republicans and 1 Democrat -- in the 253-member General Assembly voted against Rendell's bloated budget.)

After the budget was passed, one leading newspaper, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, editorialized that every lawmaker who supported the spending plan should be thrown out of office in November.

State Rep. Sam Rohrer wrote an op-ed column in July criticizing the Rendell budget: 'Rendell-a-nomics' will lead to massive tax hike next year Also check out this July 3 post: Surprise: Pa. facing $1B budget deficit and this post from July 5: Questions remain about PA budget

Don't be surprised if Rendell comes back asking for a tax hike after the November election.

Read more about Rendell's about-face on state spending at the link below.

PA Governor Rendell Announces Plan to Maintain Balanced Budget Despite National Economic Slowdown

Health officials: Raw milk may have sickened 3 in Montco

Three Montgomery County residents have been stricken with a bacterial infection that may be linked to raw milk produced and sold at a Bucks County farm, according county and state health officials.

But the owner of the farm denies that any milk product it produced was the source of contamination.

Acting on the recommendation of the state Department of Agriculture, the Hendricks Farm and Dairy of Telford has voluntarily suspended the sale of raw milk until laboratory results of milk samples gathered last week are complete, state Agriculture Department press secretary Chris Ryder told reporter Margaret Gibbons.

The completed test results should be available today, Ryder said.

From Gibbons' story:

The farm issued a statement on its Web site that said, "HF & D is very concerned by the health issues some families have suffered from recently."

"We are willingly complying with the commonwealth's recommended temporary discontinuation of fluid raw milk sales. We continue to comply with all regulations and guidelines and we remain optimistic that we will be exonerated when the test results become available Tuesday. At this time, there is no conclusive evidence. Our track record and history consist of stellar test results and we have never had a positive pathogen test in our 7-year history."

Tests performed last week by the company's normal laboratory did not indicate any problems, according to the Web site.

The farm sells some 600 gallons of raw, unpasteurized milk a week to more than 300 families, according to the Web site.

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

California's In-State Tuition Policy for Illegal Aliens Is Unconstitutional, Rules State Appeals Court

This could be a major blow to the millions of illegal aliens in the United States collecting welfare benefits, free health care and a free public education.

California's In-State Tuition Policy for Illegal Aliens Is Unconstitutional, Rules State Appeals Court

Blunt: Cloak-and-Dagger Sham of an Energy Bill

Blunt: Cloak-and-Dagger Sham of an Energy Bill No Chance of Becoming Law

Alaska Legislators Sue to Stop McCarthy-Style Inquisition of Gov. Sarah Palin

The so-called "Troopergate" investigation against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is nothing more than a political witch-hunt orchestrated by partisan opponents, according to a lawsuit filed by Alaska lawmakers and citizens to stop the investigation.

"The partisan actions ... have tainted the investigation beyond the appearance of impartiality required under the Alaska Constitution," said attorney Kevin Clarkson, of the firm Brena, Bell, & Clarkson.

Follow the link below to read the full lawsuit.

Alaska Legislators Sue to Stop McCarthy-Style Inquisition of Gov. Palin and Others

Baby Boy Biden & Friend

Cops: Postal worker stole from birthday cards

A letter carrier who delivered mail in Delaware County was fired after authorities discovered he was allegedly stealing money and gift cards out of birthday cards, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.

Brian Richard Evans, 24, is facing hundreds of charges, including 286 counts of receiving stolen property in connection with the alleged thefts, says reporter Cindy Scharr.

Evans used the money he allegedly stole to support a drug habit, authorities said.

From Scharr's story:

The former mail carrier was caught back in July stealing mail he was entrusted to have delivered, according to the affidavit of probable cause written by Cpl. Christopher Kennedy and Patrolman John Rafter.

Norwood Postmaster Thomas Eckenrode and Special Agent Maria Bankhead, of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, contacted borough police on July 30 about the thefts.
Eckenrode told investigators he had received several complaints about missing mail.

In response, he and federal agents set up surveillance and planted marked envelopes.
Investigators caught Evens on surveillance tape using two of the marked gift cards at the Target Store in Springfield, the affidavit states.

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

Reformer Curt Schroder 'gets a pass'

Curt Schroder, who has served in the state Legislature since 1995, has rubbed the Harrisburg establishment the wrong way in recent years, but he hasn't suffered any political consequences, says Daily Local News columnist Jim Callahan.

Schroder, a Republican who represents the 155th House District in Chester County, did not face a primary opponent and won't have to worry about re-election on Nov. 4 since the Democratic Party couldn't find anyone to run against him.

That's surprising since Schroder was one of the "gang of six" who led a revolt against House Speaker John Perzel in January 2007, denying Perzel another term as leader of the state House.

Perzel has been known to fund candidates to run against people who cross him, regardless of their party affiliation.

Fed up with abuses of power and the direction of the House under Perzel, Schroder and five other Republicans wanted change, Callahan writes.

The GOP revolt (and a similar uprising against Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese) left the Speaker's post in the hands of Dennis O'Brien, a little-known Philadelphia Republican who was elected House Speaker mostly by Democrats.

O'Brien promised to usher in "The Year of Reform," but very little was accomplished in that area during his tenure.

"We've made progress, but no, I'm not completely satisfied," Schroder told Callahan.

Read the rest of the column, "A political rarity: Schoeder gets a pass," at the newspaper's Web site.

Wall Street Journal: Surviving the Panic

For another clear-headed perspective on this week's bad economic news from Wall Street, check out today's editorial in The Wall Street Journal.

Despite dire predictions by Sen. Barack Obama that we're headed for another Great Depression, the newspaper writes:

The immediate priority is to calm markets and prevent a crash, and to do so it helps to recall how we got here. We are not living through some "crisis of capitalism," unless policy blunders make it so. Nor is this largely the fault of the Bush Administration, as Barack Obama claims, or of some lack of regulation, as John McCain asserts. These politically convenient riffs do nothing to reassure the public.

The current panic is the ugly aftermath of the credit mania that took flight in the middle years of this decade. As students of economic historian Charles Kindleberger know ("Panics, Manias, and Crashes"), financial manias throughout history have shared one trait: the excessive expansion of credit. This bubble was no different.

Read the full editorial, "Surviving the Panic," at the WSJ's Web site.