Wagner calls for end of bonuses in state government

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner must be running for something again.

Recently re-elected to another four-year term as Auditor General, Wagner must have his sights set on running for governor or U.S. Senator in 2010 because he puts out more press releases than even the current governor.

Today, Wagner is appalled at the $854,000 in bonuses paid out by the agency that handles the retirement funds for Pennsylvania's teachers. The system showed $1.8 billion in investment losses so far this year, but is still handing out bonus money.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, Troubled at PSERS' Bonuses, Renews Call for Elimination of Bonuses in State Government

What's so special about the Kennedys?

Do we have a democracy or a monarchy in this country?

What's so special about the Kennedys? Why do they feel entitled to another Senate seat?

Conservative icon Richard Viguerie makes the case against the appointment of Caroline Kennedy to the soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat held by Hillary Clinton.

Despite all the problems facing this country, "the political establishment is putting forth, as a U.S. Senator from New York, a person whose qualification is her last name," Viguerie said.

Viguerie, chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, said there are more qualified candidates to pick from.

"How about a successful business person, or someone else who has shown the ability to run a large, complex organization and bring projects in on time and under budget?" Viguerie asks. "How about someone who has challenged the political orthodoxy on important issues, and won? How about someone who has some significant qualifications for the job, other than being born into the right family?"

Read the full comments by Viguerie at the link below:

Richard Viguerie: In Dangerous Times, New York Needs a Real U.S. Senator

Taking the 'paper' out of 'newspaper'

Not a good sign for the newspaper industry.

The American Society of Newspaper Editors, founded in 1922, wants to change its name by dropping "paper" from "Newspaper."

The group says it's a reflection of the times and would encourage membership from online-only news Web sites.

ASNE Proposes Taking 'Paper' Out of Name, Other Significant Changes to Bylaws

Capitol South - Hot Air Edition

$100,000 statue scrapped for $952 by thieves

You have to shake your head at the monumental stupidity and/or greed of some people.

A brass statue stolen from a religious shrine in Berks County was chopped up by the thieves, who sold the pieces as scrap metal for $952.

The estimated value of the statue is $100,000.

The statue originally stood in the Hall of Justice in Sao Paulo Brazil, and was cast in the 1930s, according to the Padre Pio center's Web site, http://padrepio.org

Read more about this travesty in The Pottstown Mercury.

Global warming hoax continues

The Associated Press is the latest news organization to buy into the global warming propaganda.

From an editorial in Investor's Business Daily that questions why the AP is ignoring the facts to push the Al Gore-inspired hysteria about climate change:

The temperature at Denver International Airport dropped to 18 below zero on Sunday, breaking the previous record of 14 below set in 1901. White Sulphur Springs, Mont., reported 29 below to the National Weather Service, breaking the record of 17 below set in 1922. Meanwhile, ice storms ravage the Northeast and the upper Midwest.

This is not a local phenomenon. Hong Kong had the second-longest cold spell since 1885. Cold in northern Vietnam destroyed 40% of the rice crop and killed 33,000 head of livestock. The British Parliament debated climate change as London experienced the first October snow since 1934.

Presumably this has all been reported by the Associated Press. But according to a weekend AP report, this is all an illusion and "2008 is on a pace to be a slightly cooler year in a steadily rising temperature trend line." Rather than being "evidence of some kind of cooling trend, it actually illustrates how fast the world is warming." Oh.

The report, which includes no comments from any skeptic, says global warming "is a ticking time-bomb that President-elect Obama can't avoid." It warns "warming is accelerating. Time is running out, and Obama knows it." Especially if he relies on AP wire reports.

Problem is, nature didn't get the memo. Geophysicist David Deming found that for the first time since the 18th century, in the days before SUVs, Alaskan glaciers grew this year instead of retreating. Fairbanks had its fourth coldest October in 104 years of records.

U.S. Geological Survey glaciologist Bruce Molnia reported: "On the Juneau Icefield, there was still 20 feet of new snow on the surface of the Taku Glacier in late July." It was the worst summer he'd seen in two decades.

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

Report Shows Lawsuit Abuse Still Widespread

Report Shows Lawsuit Abuse Still Widespread

National Parent Organization Applauds Selection of Arne Duncan as U.S. Education Secretary

National Parent Organization Applauds Selection of Arne Duncan as U.S. Education Secretary

Naughty or nice?

Recession-Induced Child Poverty to Cost U.S. $1.7 Trillion in Economic Loss

Recession-Induced Child Poverty to Cost U.S. $1.7 Trillion in Economic Loss

Stay married, go to church for the kids' sake

New Survey Shows Children Have Fewer Problems When They Live in Intact Married Families That Worship Weekly

What's Latin for ripping off taxpayers?

On top of their very generous $76,000-a-year salary and their gold-plated benefits package, members of the Pennsylvania Legislature are entitled to $158 every time they show up for work in Harrisburg.

The $158 per-diem payment is supposed to cover food and other expenses of traveling to their jobs. You know, just like your boss treats you to lunch every day or just pays you a bonus for showing up.

Brad Bumstead examines the per-diem scam as part of the overall Bonusgate corruption investigation in his latest column for The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

From his column:

Since I've been covering the Capitol -- starting in 1983 -- lawmakers of both parties have been ripping off taxpayers by claiming the full per diem while also charging the state for pricey dinners. Sometimes, the caucus or chief clerk's office would provide dinner at the Capitol while legislators were in session.

The Maverick Steak House was the favorite watering hole for years until it burned down. Vissagio's, an Italian eatery, was also a regular spot. Tavern on the Hill has been a more recent favorite. There's no doubt whatsoever that many collected per diems while also charging the state for fancy dinners.

It's double-dipping.

Sometimes, leaders would put the arm on a lobbyist and take a half-dozen members along for a free meal, all the while collecting the full per diem.

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

He put the rat in Democrat

The Auto Bailout, a Retiree Tax Break, and the Blagojevich-Obama Connection

WashingtonWatch.com Update: The Auto Bailout, a Retiree Tax Break, and the Blagojevich-Obama Connection

Remarks by President Bush to the Troops

Remarks by President Bush to the Troops

A helping hand from you Uncle Eddie

Governor Rendell Announces Three New Steps to Help Pennsylvanians in Need

It's official: Obama wins Pennsylvania

Sorry Hillary Clinton fans. Barack Obama wins Pennsylvania's 21 delegates.

56th Pennsylvania Electoral College Selects Obama for President

When people stop looking at car crashes

Media Coverage of Car Crashes May be a Health Hazard, Studies in NSC's Journal of Safety Research Conclude

'SNL' segment makes fun of blind people

Making fun of Republicans in general and Sarah Palin in particular is one thing. But making fun of the governor of New York, who is legally blind, is a low blow even for a lame show like "Saturday Nigh Live."

National Federation of the Blind Comments on Saturday Night Live Segment

A Tooned In Christmas Greeting

Alan MacBain is a talented cartoonist from the Collegeville, Pa., area who has won several awards for political cartoons published in The Mercury.

Every December, he comes up with an original Christmas story that he illustrates and sents out as his greeting card.

If you were one of the lucky people on Alan's mailing list, you know what I'm talking about. This year, everyone gets a treat. Alan has placed his latest work, "In Spite of Myself: A Christmas greeting," online.

Check it out at The Mercury's Web site.

11 examples of 'change' you can believe in

This Letter to the Editor originally published in The Pottstown Mercury comes from a Berks County resident. He lists 11 changes he'd like to see in the way our government is run. I agree with all 11. Review the letter yourself and decide if these are the kind of changes we all can agree on.

Real changes Americans want to see in their government

So, you want change? The political message this year has been all about "change." Here are a few changes that I believe all Americans want:

1) Limit the Congress from serving more than two terms. That is all that presidents are allowed. This would eliminate the "old-boy network" that is now established.

2) Stop Congress from voting for their own raises. Can you do that?

3) Stop paying these "lawmakers" their full salary after serving only one term. The working American people are lucky to get 20 percent of their salary at retirement after working somewhere for 35 years, but these "lawmakers" get 100 percent of their salary for the rest of their lives.

4) Make every government worker, including Congress, pay into the Social Security system. Congress has their own "security" plan which the average American is not privileged to. If they had to spend some of their own money, they might be really interested in making Social Security and Medicare solvent.

5) Stop handing out aid to illegal aliens. If they did, then Medicaid and the food stamp program would have enough money to really take care of our aged and poor.

6) Stop allowing babies born to illegal aliens in these United States to automatically become U.S. citizens entitled to all citizens benefits.

7) Stop bailing out mortgage companies and banks that gave out loans to people who they knew could not afford to pay (subprime & ARMs). These financial institutions then sold them to Wall Street to bundle and resell to other investors and now they are asking the working American to pay for it out of his/her labor.

8) Regulate and curtail the credit card industry to cease excessive usury to place their customers in deeper debt. This will be the next 'bubble' to burst.

9) Stop all unnecessary spending to other nations until our country is secure and our infrastructure, needy, and elderly are taken care of. After all, these elderly people are the ones who sacrificed through many wars to insure that our freedoms would allow suggestions, such as these, to appear in any publication without reprimand.

10) Disconnect all lobbyists from having any influence in the matters of our government.

11) Restrict the IRS from confiscating the American workers' personal income by taxing that income and using it to pay for bad decisions made by private corporations.

"I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." — Winston Churchill

"A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul." — George Bernard Shaw

"In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of citizens to give to the other." — Voltaire

"The only difference between the IRS and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin —Mark Twain

JERRY CROWLEY
Boyertown

State Capitol Roundup for December 12

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

Mid-Year Budget Briefing Highlights Fiscal Concerns

With state revenues currently $658 million below estimates, the Commonwealth's budget shortfall for the year is now projected to be about $1.6 billion. While the Rendell administration pins its hopes on a $450 million federal bailout, House Republicans are calling for cuts to under-performing programs and a responsible budget for the upcoming year that does not increase state spending. When pressed on the issue by House Republican Leader Sam Smith, even Gov. Ed. Rendell acknowledged that the budget for the next fiscal year must be, at maximum, a zero growth budget. Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Mario J. Civera Jr. (R-Upper Darby) and other House Republicans see the budget crisis as an opportunity to pare down the budget to core funding needs and re-evaluate programs that are not working. The House Republican Caucus has led the charge in this respect, reducing its own appropriation by more than $7 million in each of the last three budgets.

$75 Million Tax Credit to Hollywood Producers Under Fire

Noting the state's dismal fiscal situation and ongoing economic challenges throughout the nation, Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) is calling upon the governor to re-evaluate the Film Tax Credit, which, at $75 million, is the largest tax credit appropriation in the 2007-08 budget. According to a report prepared by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), the state has awarded nearly $75 million in tax credits for the current fiscal year and has only generated $18 million in return. Marsico has introduced bills to repeal the Film Tax Credit in the past, and has promised to re-introduce legislation when the House reconvenes in January.

Deadline for Changes to Medicare Coverage Nears; Counseling Services Available

Medicare beneficiaries are running out of time to make changes to Medicare coverage for 2009 as the Dec. 31 deadline approaches. For individuals who have questions about making changes to their coverage, the APPRISE Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program might be helpful. APPRISE is a free service provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and is designed to provide Medicare beneficiaries with free and impartial information and assistance with Medicare benefits, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap policies, Medicare prescription benefits, long-term care insurance and programs that can save individuals money on their health care expenses. APPRISE can also help individuals with various paperwork, such as filing a claim or appealing an existing claim. For more information, individuals can visit RepMensch.com or call APPRISE, toll free, at 800-783-7067.

Guest column: Trouble with a Capital 'D'

By Tony Perkins
Family Research Council

It's been two years since Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) pronouncement that Democrats would make this "the most honest, ethical, and open Congress in history."

So far, she and her colleagues have yet to make good on that promise, and there is absolutely no indication that liberals will lead a revival of integrity anytime soon. Corruption has spun its web in America's highest halls of power, entangling both parties and bringing unprecedented disgrace to the nation's elect.

The parade of allegations has wound its way through the offices of Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.), Rep. John Murtha (D-Penn.), and, more recently, Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who received a $40,000 campaign contribution from Fannie Mae during an alleged relationship with one of its executives.

This week, the attention turned to Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) for potentially inventing tax loopholes for wealthy oil companies.

The Democrats' trouble is even trickling down to eye-popping state scandals.

Following former Gov. Eliot Spitzer (N.Y.) down the path to public humiliation is current Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D), the object of outrage after allegations that he tried to "sell" Sen. Barack Obama's vacant senate seat.

Although Obama's transition leader John Podesta insisted weeks ago that Obama was launching a new "Transparency Policy" for his administration, we have yet to see evidence of it.

While investigators say Obama hasn't been implicated in the criminal probe, the next President has been surprisingly mum on questions about Blagojevich and their relationship.

As Americans cast a weary eye toward their leaders, Obama's party owes the American people the candor they promised-if, for no other reason, than to make good on his guarantee of "change."

If Democrats seek to expand government, perhaps they should first earn our trust with the authority they have. With more power comes more corruption. Considering the latest public betrayals, the argument for limited government has never been stronger.

For more about Family Research Council, visit the group's Web site, http://www.frc.org/

Survey: PA among most corrupt states

USA Today reviewed Department of Justice statistics and came up with a ranking of the most corrupt states based on the number of public corruption convictions the federal government has won from 1998 through 2007.

Pennsylvania is among the Top 12 most corrupt states, according to the newspaper.

Check out the story and see a color-coded map of the U.S. based on the number of convicted public officials at the newspaper's Web site.

Did you know Blagojevich was a Democrat?

During an appearance on The O'Reilly Factor, Bernard Goldberg, the former CBS reporter who wrote the book on liberal media bias, said only one of the three TV networks mentioned Illinois Gov. Ron Blagojevich's party affiliation on the day the indictment was announced.

The next morning, none of the three morning news shows on the networks mentioned he was a Democrat, Goldberg says.

I noted in an earlier post that left-leaning CNN and MSNBC failed to mention that Blagojevich was a Democrat.

Liberal media bias? You betcha!

At least 14 people want to be next PA governor

The hot political rumor in Pennsylvania this week has Congressman Jim Gerlach, R-6th Dist., mulling a run for governor after Ed Rendell leaves in 2010.

Gerlach is the 14th name (7 Republicans and 7 Democrats) that pundits have mentioned as possible candidates. Looking over the list, you can scratch half the names off as not serious contenders.

For the full list, check out, "Gerlach considering run for governor in 2010," in today's edition of The Pottstown Mercury.

RNC: Questions About Blagojevich Scandal Unanswered

He hasn't even been sworn into office yet, but President-Elect Barack Obama is knee-deep in the growing corruption scandal involving his political ally, Ron Blagojevich, the governor of Illinois.

How about an independent prosecutor to investigate Obama's ties to the scandal? What's Kenneth Starr doing these days?

RNC: What We Don't Know

'What the U.S. Economy Needs is an Enema!'

A Florida businessman has sent President Bush, President-Elect Obama and other politicians an open letter on how to stimulate the economy and put Americans back to work.

I don't know if I'd use the "enema" description, but his ideas are as good as anything coming out of Washington, D.C., these days.

Read the letter by Jeno Paulucci, founder of the Michelina's frozen entree company, at the link below.

Jeno F. Paulucci: What the U.S. Economy Needs Is an Enema!

205 firms owe PA $6.5M in back taxes

The state has published a new list of delinquent businesses, adding 17 new firms.

Businesses on Pennsylvania's Tax Delinquent List Now Owe $6.5 Million in State Levies

Berks extends pay freeze for elected officials

Berks County taxpayers received an early Christmas present from the county commissioners -- well, two of them, anyway.

The commissioners voted 2-1 to keep the salaries of elected row officers the same through 2014. Now we'll find out the true meaning of "public servant."

That means the county sheriff, coroner, prothonotary, treasurer, recorder of deeds, controller, register of wills and clerk of courts will have to get by on a measly $78,566 a year.

The county commissioners themselves will not see an increase above their current $90,260 salary (already among the highest in the state.) The commissioners' chairman gets paid $92,991.

From a story in the Reading Eagle:

State law requires county commissioners to set annual salaries for 11 of the county's 12 elected county officials in the year prior to a county election.

The exception is the district attorney, whose salary is set by the state.

A previous board voted two years ago to freeze salaries at 2008 levels through 2011.

The commissioners extended that freeze at their meeting Wednesday.

Voting in favor of extending the wage freeze were Republican Christian Y. Leinbach and Democrat Kevin S. Barnhardt. Both were elected to the three-member board in 2007.

The lone no vote came from Commissioners' Chairman Mark C. Scott, who wanted to include COLA increases for the county officials in 2012 and 2013.

Read the full story by reporter Mary Young at the newspaper's Web site.

Catholic Schools Contribute $19.8 Billion Annually to Nation

Catholic Schools Contribute $19.8 Billion Annually to Nation

On the wrong side of the law

One in Every 31 U.S. Adults Were in Prison or Jail or on Probation or Parole in 2007

Obama Mad-Lib

Coach facing sex assault charges posts love notes to teen victim

I'm no lawyer, but when you've already been charged with aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and corruption of a minor, you might want to avoid having contact with your alleged victim.

But 38-year-old Pottstown-area private volleyball coach accused of having sex with a teenage girl allegedly professed his love to the girl in Internet posts, defying a court order while free on bail, according to The Pottstown Mercury.

Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney James Zoll alleged the coach contacted the Norristown girl on Nov. 30 and Dec. 4 through Facebook, an online social networking site, according to reporter Carl Hessler Jr.

From Hessler's story:

"The nature of these communications suggests that this defendant is obsessed with (the girl)," Zoll alleged in court papers that seek an emergency bail revocation hearing.

"Within these communications, the defendant repeatedly states that he loves her, that the two of them were perfect together…" Zoll alleged.

Zoll said the communications violate the bail restrictions that District Court Judge John J. Durkin placed on Gordon. At the time bail was set, Durkin ordered Gordon to have "no contact whatsoever" with the girl until the case was resolved.

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

Is Rendell serious about state's fiscal mess?

Matthew J. Brouillette tees off on Gov. Ed Rendell's spending priorities and questions whether the governor is taking the state's fiscal crisis seriously.

Writing in The Philadelphia Inquirer, Brouillette, who heads The Commonwealth Foundation in Harrisburg, says "Gov. Rendell has been treating people like pawns to be used for political leverage in pursuit of his agenda."

While the state is facing a $1.6 billion budget deficit, Rendell continues to fund questionable programs.

Among these is tax credits for Hollywood filmmakers, including Kevin Smith, who made the film "Zack and Miri Make A Porno" using $5 million courtesy of Pennsylvania taxpayers.

Is that the best use of state funds?

From Brouilette's column:

It's inappropriate spending that could be going to vital government functions or the paychecks of working Pennsylvanians. But the governor has deemed other "priorities" more important than families' budgets.

Although the governor argues that there are economic benefits to transferring income from one taxpayer to another, at least one of his grant programs has been an abysmal failure. According to his administration's own data, the $75 million Film Tax Credit - enacted in 2007 after lobbying by former state Rep. Mike Veon (D., Beaver), who was later indicted - has not produced any measurable economic benefit.

Meanwhile, "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" - a (barely) R-rated flick replete with raunch, as the title suggests - received about $5 million in tax credits. Another filmmaker who received a subsidy admitted he would make movies in Pennsylvania without subsidies or tax credits.

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

Columnist: Who's Dirty Now?

Michelle Malkin has some fun in her latest column with the "Corruptocrats," formerly known as Democrats.

The massive corruption scandal unfolding in President-Elect Barack Obama's backyard has turned the spotlight on political corruption back on the Democrats, silencing Nancy Pelosi and her promise to "drain the swamp" in Washington, D.C.

From Malkin's column:

Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi can stop clucking now.

For the last three years, Democratic leaders cheered GOP ethics woes. Dean accused Republicans of making "their culture of corruption the norm." Pelosi touted cleanliness as a liberal virtue.

But with the eye-popping pay-for-play and bribery case against Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich topping a year of nationwide Democratic scandals, the corruption chickens are coming home to roost.

Read the full column at the Investor's Business Daily Web site.

Top Five Disaster Responses of 2008

Where would we be without the American Red Cross? Just ask the people who lived through these disasters:

1) Hurricane Dolly
2) Hurricane Gustav
3) Hurricane Ike
4) Midwest Flooding
5) Indiana Tornadoes

Red Cross Announces Top Five Disaster Responses of 2008

Libertarian Party marks 37th year

America's third largest political party turns 37 today. I've actually met three living-breathing Libertarian Party members (and I share many of their views about the role of government.)

From a press release issued by the Libertarian Party to mark the occasion:

"Since we began in 1971, we've elected hundreds of Libertarians to public office across the country," says Libertarian Party National Chairman William Redpath. "These Libertarians make a significant impact on their community, and serve as a testament to the values of the Libertarian Party. As more and more Americans look for an alternative to Republicans and Democrats, our numbers continue to grow. Until Republicans and Democrats significantly reduce the size and power of government, the Libertarian Party will be there fighting for smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom."

The party was founded Dec. 11, 1971 in Colorado Springs, CO as an alternative to Republicans and Democrats. The Libertarian Party seeks to restore the vision of government held by our Founding Fathers, and divest government of the powers not granted to it by the Constitution.

The platform of the Libertarian Party can be found here: http://www.lp.org/platform

A list of frequently asked questions can be found here: http://www.lp.org/faq

The Libertarian Party is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

RNC Chairman: Obama 'less than forthcoming' on Blagojevich ties

RNC Chairman Responds to President-Elect Obama's Comments Regarding Governor Blagojevich

Consumer group lists top 'Corporate Scrooges'

Worst CEOs of the Dismal Year of 2008: 'Corporate Scrooges' Named by Co-Op America

Blue Lights Honor America's Law Enforcement Officers This Holiday Season

Blue Lights Honor America's Law Enforcement Officers This Holiday Season

On the radio today

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

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

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

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

GOP chairman: 'A lot of fight left in us'

What a difference a month makes.

Left for dead following the Obama landslide on Nov. 4, the Republican Party has rebounded with impressive wins in the Georgia U.S. Senate race and two Louisiana Congressional contests, where Democrats were favored.

Without Obama at the top of the ticket or millions in campaign cash, Democrats don't seem so invincible.

Outgoing Republican National Committee Chairman Robert M. (Mike) Duncan said the GOP can build on recent victories to revive the party's electoral fortunes.

"The Republican Party can win at every level," Duncan says in a new op-ed column.

Duncan writes:

While November was certainly a challenging time for our party, we have been reminded in December that we know how to win races. As a party – we continue to improve our mastery of the blocking and tackling of politics – and remain committed to learning and passing on what we learn to operatives and officials in the states. We will continue to harness new technologies and leverage operative strategies that allow us to refine our approach, and improve upon our efficiency and effectiveness. For all those who were counting out the Grand Old Party, keep counting because we still have a lot of fight left in us, and both Georgia and Louisiana serve as reminders of what we can accomplish when we work together and remain committed to our principles.

Read the full column at Townhall.com

Zogby Poll: Obama's Success Depends on Honesty, Integrity and Principled Leadership

Zogby Poll: Obama's Success Depends on Honesty, Integrity and Principled Leadership

How to fix our broken election system

I don't know about you, but I'm not happy with the way things went on Nov. 4.

Not just that the wrong person was elected president, but all those questions about ACORN voter registration fraud, confusing ballots, lost ballots, long lines, etc.

A conference featuring state election officials, policymakers and experts, "Voting in America," has been convened by the Pew Center on the States.

The panelists have come up with concrete suggestions to improve the way America holds elections.

Follow the link below to read more:

Leading State Officials Urge Reforms to Voting System

Recycle those old political signs

If you're like me and have a stack of old political lawn signs sitting in a corner of the basement, somebody can take them off your hands and put them to good use.

A group called Walk and Bike Berks County is collecting used lawn signs and plans to recycle them.

From a post at the group's Web site:

Do you have used yard signs and posts sitting in your garage or basement? Are they in fair to good condition? Then we would love to have them.

Donate them to WalkBikeBerks today! Call 610-779-9702 to speak to our President, Michele Barrett.

Rather than filling our landfill with used yard signs, allow us to recycle them.

We need whatever you have -- political campaigns, yard sale, real estate, or advertisements -- no matter the message or design, we can use your yard signs now. We will spray paint the signs and use them to promote our own campaigns* -- BIKE TO WORK (May) and INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY (October).

Thank you for your generosity.

Dear Santa

Citizen activist Bill McIntyre, a Camp Hill, Pa., resident best known for his open letters to Pennsylvania elected officials, has decided to go right to the top this time. He's writing to Santa Claus.

To: Santa Claus
North Pole
Subject: Merry Christmas!

Dear Santa Claus,

Last year I wrote you requesting three items: True government reform in Pennsylvania, an Open Records law and the repeal of Act 44 although there was much more I could have requested. I didn't want to be greedy like some in our state government. You were able to grant one request of an open records law and I want to thank you for it.

Time will tell if it was well constructed or poorly put together. It goes into effect next month. Our governor has been playing with it and I just hope he doesn't break it before we get our chance to use it.

I've watched and listened to the many boys and girls who make up our three branches of government in Pennsylvania. Some, Santa, are still very bad and they will write in an attempt to fool you. They get many gifts from the taxpayers and seldom give a gift in return. They think only of themselves.

We do have many good girls and boys who are trying to change things here in Harrisburg. The problem is they are outnumbered by the bad ones.

We can't place all the blame on the bad ones as they were sent here by the voters. I hope you have a list of the voters who returned them to office for they shouldn't get gifts either, not even coal in their stockings.

As you may be aware, the economy has not performed well this year. As usual, our governor and state legislature overreached when passing the budget in July. They had visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. The economy rapidly turned those plums into prunes.

Many good boys and girls have been laid off and are looking for work this Christmas. It is difficult to enjoy and celebrate the season when you’re unemployed. Edward Langley, the artist once said – "What this country (state) needs are more unemployed politicians." Maybe then they would see what it is like out here in the "real world" and be satisfied with what we give to them.

Please visit the good politicians and ignore the bad ones this year. That would help balance your budget in these difficult times. It might even help with our future budgets.

Thank you for considering my request,

Bill McIntyre
Looking forward to your visit

CC: All the good and bad government officials
All the friends of responsible government

Newspaper: Eliminate patronage jobs to save money

With local, county and state governments struggling to balance their budgets, everyone is looking for ways to save a few dollars.

The Intelligencer of Doylestown has an easy way for Bucks County taxpayers to save $40,000 a year -- eliminate the two elected jury commissioners.

The same concept could be applied to all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties.

From an editorial in The Intelligencer:

For years, we've been harping on the fact that the county employs two elected jury commissioners, one Republican and one Democrat, to do virtually nothing. The cost for each of the patronage positions is over $19,600 a year in salary, plus benefits. These two positions are holdovers from the days when jury commissioners actually had to compile lists of potential jurors manually. Now, that task is done faster and more efficiently by computers.

So like the guys who once had to go out each evening and light all the gas lamps by hand, jury commissioners have been made obsolete by technology. Yet every year the county budget includes a line item for jury commissioner funding. Why?

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

Blog Spotlight -- Without Objection

I'd like to direct your attention to a new blog I discovered this week.

Beyond Objection was launched the day Barack Obama was elected president by two young conservatives, Michael Morrison and Israel Riley, from the Philadelphia area.

Morrison and Riley say they are "fed up with the impact of liberalism on their communities" and wanted to "create a platform and venue where they could present their views and opinions for the world to see."

I've been checking out their blog daily and it's worth the visit. I suggest you bookmark Without Objection and check it frequently for a refreshing view of politics.

150,000 Visitors

My site counter has recorded 233,000 pages views and 150,000 unique visitors in the past two years. Thanks for visiting. Come back again.

Without Newspapers

Fascinating forum held at the National Press Club about the possibility of major newspapers going under.

What would your community look like without a newspaper?

Where would you get your information? From television or radio or the Internet?

Would it surprise you to know that those mediums get most of their information from newspapers?

"What would you be willing to do as citizens in order to get information with ink?" asked Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter Institute.

"Would you be able to think of news gathering not as some highly profitable venture, but as a public utility?" Clark continued. "I think that more and more power will go unchecked in communities when the watchdog is euthanized."

Who is going to uncover government corruption? That part-time blogger down the street?

Read more at the link below:

Possibility of Cities Without Newspapers Raises Questions of Where People Will Get News and What They Will Pay For

RNC Chairman calls on President-Elect Obama to disclose communication concerning Gov. Blagojevich

RNC Chairman Calls on President-Elect Obama to Disclose Communication Concerning Governor Blagojevich

Obama's ties to Gov. Blagojevich

RNC: (Democrats) Obama Induces Labor

A wake-up call for Pa. taxpayers

I like this letter originally published in The Pottstown Mercury from a Montgomery County resident who believes the recent COLA pay increase for state officials is the latest example of "public servants" fleecing taxpayers.

Wake-up call: Pennsylvania elected officials stealing us blind

When are the citizens of Pennsylvania going to wise up and realize that their elected representatives are stealing them blind? This is not a partisan problem. Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty.

Effective Dec. 1, our Harrisburg Democrat and Republican hogs started receiving a cost-of-living raise in excess of a minimum of $2,152 per person. It is granted to them yearly without question.

We are told that even though the state government is in deficit these raises must go through. They can't be stopped because it is law.

It is shameless in these times when their constituents are losing jobs and the economy is approaching bottom that these entitled swine have no qualms of filling their pockets.

How can they with all their perks and benefits look a struggling family, a single parent or senior living on Social Security, in the face? They need a wake-up call. People are living day-to-day with great uncertainty and worriment of how they are going to make it. As the hogs are gorging themselves at their holiday parties at our expense, I can hear the echoes of "Let them eat cake" abounding.

State Rep. Rep. Barbara McIlvanie Smith (D-156) is supposed to introduce a bill calling for the recall of this COLA law when the Legislature comes back in 2009.

I urge all Pennsylvania newspapers to follow the introduction of this bill and all Pennsylvania citizens to contact their elected representatives and tell them to support it.

Let us let the entitled elitists know we are not cake-eating peasants. Begin to read and vote the person not the party.

BILL MADARA
Gilbertsville

What are we teaching our children?

Bush should pardon Ramos and Compean

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

Obama Breaks Another Promise

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

Rod Blagojevich is a DEMOCRAT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poor OPEC

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

Obama caught in another lie

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

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

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

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

'Talking Politics' with state Sen. John Rafferty

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

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

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

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

535 Jobs We'd Like To Lose

Check out www.FacesOfLawsuitAbuse.org

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

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

So much for bragging about public education.

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

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

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

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

Six in 10 Pennsylvania High School Students Fail State Science Test

How Pa. can avoid 'property-tax hell'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'The Top 10 Stories You Missed in 2008'

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

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

1. The Surge in Afghanistan Starts Early

2. Colombian Coca Production Increases

3. The Next Darfur Heats Up

4. The United States Helps India Build a Missile Shield

5. Russia Makes a Play for Africa

Read more at the magazine's Web site.

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

Manufactured Health Insurance Crisis?

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

Rendell Predicts $1.6B Budget Deficit

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

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

Governor Rendell Outlines Plan to Close Budget Shortfall

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

Start Printing More Money

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

Fick to lead Berks County GOP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toxic Schools

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

Newspaper: Reduce size of PA Legislature

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

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

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

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

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

State Capitol Roundup

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

Continued Tax Revenue Shortfalls Point to Worsening Budget Deficit

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

Legislation Aims for Stronger Veteran Presence on Civil Service Commission

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

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Draws Closer

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

Newspaper: Taxpayers are suckers

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

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

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

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

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

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