Obama: "Some of My Best Friends are Jewish"

A fellow Whitemarsh committeeman, turned me on th this guy. Great writer with great insight.

Obama vs. McCain on the Middle East

by Daniel Pipes
Jerusalem Post
June 5, 2008

With the Democratic Party primaries over, American voters can focus on issues of political substance. For instance: How do the two leading candidates for U.S. president differ in their approach to Israel and related topics? Parallel interviews with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, who spoke in early May with Democrat Barack Obama and in late May with Republican John McCain, offer some important insights.

John McCain and Barack Obama, in close discussion.
Asked roughly the same set of questions, they went off in opposite directions. Obama used the interview to convince readers of his pro-Israel and pro-Jewish bona fides. He thrice reiterated his support for Israel: "the idea of a secure Jewish state is a fundamentally just idea, and a necessary idea"; "the need to preserve a Jewish state that is secure is … a just idea and one that should be supported here in the United States and around the world"; and "You will not see, under my presidency, any slackening in commitment to Israel's security."

Obama then detailed his support within four specifically Jewish contexts.

* Personal development: "when I think about the Zionist idea, I think about how my feelings about Israel were shaped as a young man—as a child, in fact. I had a camp counselor when I was in sixth grade who was Jewish-American but who had spent time in Israel."

* Political career: "When I started organizing, the two fellow organizers in Chicago were Jews, and I was attacked for associating with them. So I've been in the foxhole with my Jewish friends."

* Ideas: "I always joke that my intellectual formation was through Jewish scholars and writers, even though I didn't know it at the time. Whether it was theologians or Philip Roth who helped shape my sensibility, or some of the more popular writers like Leon Uris."

* Philosophy: "My staff teases me sometimes about anguishing over moral questions. I think I learned that partly from Jewish thought, that your actions have consequences and that they matter and that we have moral imperatives."

(read: "Some of my best friends are Jewish" What a creep!-B.)

In contrast, McCain felt no need to establish his Zionism nor his pro-Jewish credentials. Taking them as a given, he used his interview to raise practical policy issues, particularly the threat from Iran. For example, asked about the justness of Zionism, he replied that "it's remarkable that Zionism has been in the middle of wars and great trials and it has held fast to the ideals of democracy and social justice and human rights," then went on: "I think that the State of Israel remains under significant threat from terrorist organizations as well as the continued advocacy of the Iranians to wipe Israel off the map." Again referring to Iran, McCain committed himself "to never allowing another Holocaust." He referred to the threatened destruction of Israel as having "profound national security consequences" for the United States and he stressed that Tehran sponsors terrorist organizations intent "on the destruction of the United States of America."

A second difference concerns the importance of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Obama presented it as an "open wound" and an "open sore" that infects "all of our foreign policy." In particular, he said, its lack of resolution "provides an excuse for anti-American militant jihadists to engage in inexcusable actions." Asked about Obama's statement, McCain slammed the idea that radical Islam results mainly from the Arab-Israeli confrontation: "I don't think the conflict is a sore. I think it's a national security challenge." Were the Israeli-Palestinian issue resolved tomorrow, he pointedly continued, "we would still face the enormous threat of radical Islamic extremism."

Finally, the two disagree on the import of Israelis continuing to live on the West Bank. Obama placed great emphasis on the topic, commenting that if their numbers continue to grow, "we're going to be stuck in the same status quo that we've been stuck in for decades now." McCain acknowledged this as a major issue but quickly changed the topic to the Hamas campaign of shelling Sderot, the besieged Israeli town that he personally visited in March, and whose predicament he explicitly compares to the mainland United States coming under attack from one of its borders.

Goldberg's twin interviews underscore two facts. First, major-party candidates for the U.S. presidency must still pay homage to warm American ties to Israel, no matter how, as in Obama's case, dramatically this may contradict their previously-held views. Second, whereas McCain is secure on the topic, Obama worries about winning the pro-Israel vote. And here is the rest of it. Read Full Text/Comments

Barack Obama on Gun Issues

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that I am an avid outdoorsman and passionate about gun issues. I am a Life Member of the NRA and subscribe to several gun-related forums, such as G.O.A (Gun Owners of America) and PFOA (Pennsylvania Firearms Owners Association). I believe that the Second Amendment not only protects our right to keep and bear arms, but also secures for us the guaranteed freedoms laid out in the U.S. Constitution. The idea that our government may, in the future become more restrictive and tyrrannical is the very reason the second amendment was conceived...to give "we the people" the means to overthrow and replace an oppressive government.

A great friend of mine likes to put quotes on his emails. They are both interesting and insightful and always make me think...especially today. The quote for today is:

"Ideas are far more powerful than guns. We don't allow our enemies to have guns, why should we allow them to have ideas?"
-Joseph Stalin

What I immediately thought was this...if, by some oddball chance, Obama is our next president, how would he be judged on gun issues? The link below gives us but a small view of what Barack Obama really is all about.

Be prepared to lose both your guns and the ability to think for yourselves if Obama prevails in November.

http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Gun_Control.htm


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State Targets Growing Feral Swine Population

This story is of particular interest to me, as my father, son and I discussed planning a "pig hunt" in South Carolina next year. Maybe we can hone our swine tracking skills right here in PA before we get crackin' in the Carolinas.

By Celanie Polanick
VALLEY NEWS DISPATCH
Sunday, June 8, 2008

When feral pigs are first born, they may seem cute and harmless -- soft little creatures about the size of a small loaf of banana bread.

But by the time they're full grown, they can reach the size of a bathtub and weigh up to several hundred pounds, and instead of being cute, they're aggressive, destructive and predatory, said Randy Pilarcik, a game officer for Southern Butler County with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Feral swine are wild pigs. Many of them aren't native to Pennsylvania, and can destroy farmland, prey on small animals and spread disease among livestock.

While the southern half of the country battles a more severe infestation with feral swine, Pennsylvania's game authorities are waging a smaller war.

Along with coyotes and other invasive species, feral pigs are a drain on their habitats and a nuisance to farmers.

Thanks to a state game commission decree last month, they are a delicious new target for hunters in 64 out of 67 counties. (Click on link to read the rest)

While releasing any species of pig into the wild is already against state law, the game commission's recent decree makes it legal for any licensed hunter in those counties to take unlimited wild pigs, all year long, said Jerry Feaser, a spokesman for the state game commission.

"The effort here is eradication," Feaser said. "These feral swine do not belong in Pennsylvania's wilds."

Butler's pig population

Butler County is one of only three in the state -- along with Bedford and Cambria -- where hunters are not supposed to shoot the beasts while state-sanctioned trapping is going on.

Trapping is the most effective way to reduce targeted feral swine populations, because it keeps them from spreading to new areas, said the state game commission's executive director, Carl G. Roe, in the text of the state decree.

Trapping -- for permitted trappers working through the U.S. and Pennsylvania departments of Agriculture -- will occur from the close of the flintlock muzzleloading season in mid-January to the beginning of spring gobbler season, and from the end of spring gobbler season until the beginning of archery deer season.

If funding for the trapping initiatives falls through, state game officials may consider lifting protection in the remaining three counties too, Roe said.

However, for now, Butler County's feral pig population is only about a dozen, and they're concentrated in the northern end of the county, Pilarcik said.

Local farmers say they're plagued more by coyotes and ground-hogs.

Harold Foertsch, who owns a farm in Jefferson Township, said his 350 acres of soybeans attract ground-hogs, but he hasn't had any problems with feral swine.

But if he or any other Butler County farmers did see one, they wouldn't have to call a licensed trapper unless it was trapping season -- "incidental taking" of feral swine is permitted outside of trapping seasons in those counties.

Any person who kills a feral swine must report it to their Game Commission Region Office within 24 hours.

While the swine may be wild and full of germs, they are safe to eat if proper hunting hygiene practices are followed, and swine meat is popular with hunters, Feaser said.

"They've killed them, had them butchered and reported back to us that they're actually very good," he said.

A European meal

Feral pigs are a free meal many years in the making.

Genetically, they hail from Eastern Europe -- many of them were Russian boars, or razorbacks, who found their way to the states as the chattel of hunting enthusiasts.

"Many of the species that are feral swine in Pennsylvania are not from long-term bred livestock, they're from Eurasian wild boar stock, those that were brought over for hunting preserves," Feaser said. "That's the primary source of feral swine in the wild."

Pennsylvania's infestation with the animals is fairly recent. Their populations have been growing over the past few decades, when increasing numbers of the European hybrids were joined by other pigs who "got out through the fence, or under the fence, but were never attempted to be retrieved," Feaser said.

Some of those were farm pigs, and, more recently, pets -- but any pig that wanders into the wild becomes feral before long.

Hog wild (or not)

Brandon Turano, 21, of Lower Burrell was driving home with family on Garvers Ferry Road in Allegheny Township when he spotted a round, dark, four-legged animal sauntering along the side of the road.

The creature was "kind of bald-ish," with black hair, and stood about two feet tall, he said.

"It didn't seem like a wild boar," Turano said. "It seemed domestic. It was real slow, enjoying itself, walking real calm. My sister was freaking out," Turano said. "She said, 'Should we call 911?' I was like, 'I don't know if it's that kind of emergency.'"

In the end, they did call police to come bring home the bacon -- which turned out to be someone's pet, an Allegheny Township police dispatcher said.

But after a few weeks longer in the wild, it would have become something else entirely.

From pink to predatory

Within as few as 30 days, domesticated pet pigs -- or those of the farmyard variety -- can turn feral, which leads to some interesting changes, Feaser said.

Their hair becomes darker and coarser; their tusks, often filed down on the farm, begin to grow out; they begin to forage and attack small animals, "even so much as fawns," Feaser said. "They will out-compete wildlife for available food sources, they are able and capable of disrupting ground-nesting birds and eating their eggs"

They love to dig under the ground for tubers and the roots of vegetables, tearing up farmers' fields and ripping whole corn stalks out of the ground, said Mark O'Neill, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

"These animals can be very destructive," O'Neill said. "In some areas, we have heard that they are moving in packs and they can rip up and destroy a good patch of farm land in a very short amount of time."

If they come in contact with livestock, they also can spread diseases and parasites including brucellosis, trichinosis and pseudorabies to farmers' pigs and pose a health risk to other species, he said.

That's why the campaign to get rid of them is a good idea -- and why, in most of the state, there's no limits to the hunting season, O'Neill said.

"When you see a feral swine on your farm, ripping apart your crops, you can go out and shoot him." Read Full Text/Comments

CASTOR TOURS BARNES FOUNDATION COLLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR MEETING WITH FRIENDS OF BARNES

The Montgomery County Commissioner is “overwhelmed” by the collection.

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr. accepted an invitation extended by Lower Merion Commissioner Lance Rogers to tour the Barnes Foundation collection on Sunday, June 8th.

“I was certain the Barnes was an asset to our county and was important to the residents of Lower Merion before. Now that I have seen the collection in person I must say my resolve has been strengthened to do everything in my power to see that the Barnes collection remains in Montgomery County where Dr. Barnes intended it to be.” said Castor.

“It was Lance who called me and suggested I tour the Barnes and see for myself what a treasure we would be allowing to leave our county. I was overwhelmed. I will strenuously argue that we should do all in our power to keep the Barnes in this county. I hope my colleagues see things the same way” Castor said.

The Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas ruled on May 15 that the county lacked standing in the fight to keep the priceless collection of artwork in the county. Castor has urged his colleagues to appeal the court decision prior to the June 16th deadline. Over Castor’s strenuous objection his fellow commissioners allowed the deadline to file for reconsideration to pass.

The County Commissioners will meet with representatives from the Friends of the Barnes foundation tomorrow.

The Barnes Foundation was established by Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to "promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts." Located in a twelve-acre arboretum, the Foundation is home to one of the world's largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, with extensive holdings by Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir and Modigliani, as well as important examples of African sculpture. The Gallery and Arboretum are open to the public.

Contact:
Bruce L. Castor, Jr. 610-278-3028
Lance Rogers 610-649-1880

(end of release)

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DEMOCRATS BRINGING PHILADELPHIA STYLE PAY-TO-PLAY POLITICS TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Robert J. Kerns 610-279-9300

DEMOCRATS BRINGING PHILADELPHIA STYLE PAY-TO-PLAY POLITICS TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY

GOP Chairman calls on County Controller to fire her solicitor for improper fundraising efforts.

Montgomery County Republican Committee (MCRC) Chairman Robert Kerns today called on the Montgomery County Democratic Committee to stop unethical fundraising efforts.

“Following Joe Hoeffel’s lead, The Democrats have put a “for sale” sign on our county court house. It’s reprehensible” Kerns said.

Kerns released a letter received by Whitpain GOP Municipal Chairman and MCRC Executive Committee member Brian Miles from Sean Kilkenny.

Kilkenny, who serves as the appointed solicitor to County Controller Diane Morgan, a Democrat, identified himself as Chair of the Democratic Party’s annual golf outing to be held in July.

Kilkenny’s letter implored Miles to serve as a Host to the golf outing with varying financial commitments ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.

The letter was faxed to Miles’ place of employment, Gambone Development Company in East Norriton, and identified Miles’ employer in the address line.

“I have spent my entire adult life working on behalf of the Montgomery County Republican Committee. I’ve never contributed money to a Democrat and I’m baffled as to what list the Democrats are using to solicit funds.” Miles said.

It is unlawful to utilize campaign finance reports filed by candidates or committees for the purpose of identifying and soliciting donors.

Kerns said the most disturbing aspects of the solicitation are the implication that by contributing, donors will gain access to Democrat elected officials in the local, county, state and Federal government.

Kilkenny’s letter reads “As your business is quite active in Montgomery County municipalities, it is my belief that the opportunity to be seen in such a prominent role at the Event will help spur interest in (and introduction to) the growing list of municipalities which have become, or are becoming, Democratic controlled in Montgomery County”.

The letter goes on to list twelve municipalities, many of which Kilkenny’s firm serves as solicitor since those municipalities elected Democrat majorities on local boards and commissions.

“This is unabashed influence peddling by the solicitor to the county’s chief financial watchdog, Controller Diane Morgan. If Republicans had ever done anything like this Joe Hoeffel and the Democrats would have been the first ones screaming foul from the courthouse steps” said Kerns.

“Kilkenny’s letter confirms the worst fears of many county residents: The Democrats are bringing Philadelphia-style pay-to-play politics to Montgomery County.” Kerns said.

“Joe Hoeffel and his Democrat cronies have put their integrity up for sale to the highest bidder. The ethical conduct of government is not a partisan issue. It is an issue that concerns every citizen who lives or works in Montgomery County.” Kerns said.

“I call on Diane Morgan to fire Sean Kilkenny and I call on the Democratic Party to remove him from any fundraising capacity in their organization. The restoration of trust and faith in our government, a government in which both parties have an investment, must trump any political chits Mr. Kilkenny may have piled up over the years. It’s time for the Democrats to do the right thing.” said Kerns.

Brian P. Miles is chairman of the Whitpain Township Republican Committee. He has worked on behalf of Montgomery County Republican candidates since 1994. In 2007 he served as a senior advisor to the Matthews/Castor countywide Republican campaign. He is an Executive Committee member of the Montgomery County Republican Committee. He is the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management for Gambone Development Company in East Norriton.

Robert J. Kerns is the Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee. He was elected on May 8, 2008. Kerns is the principal in the firm of Kerns, Pearlstine, Onorato and Hladik in Lansdale, PA. He served as solicitor of Montgomery County in the Mele/Hoeffel/Fox administration. In 2007 he served as finance chairman for the Matthews/Castor countywide Republican campaign. (end press release)



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The Philadelphia Inquirer the latest Victim of "The Matthews Effect"?

In an article published in Friday's Evening Bulletin, they seem to have found another victim of "The Matthews Effect".

The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News have missed a June 1st payment of interest on $85 million in loans. Click here to read the article.

In case anybody has forgotten, the "Inky" had endorsed King James the Turd back in October (PA Watercooler posted a summary of the article).

Once again, the Matthews supporters find him/her/themselves in the garbage pail of life.

Thanks to BG for the tip!

B.


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****UPDATE**** Victims of "The Matthews Effect" Thus Far

Victims of the Matthews Effect...so far:

Ken Davis, prime architect (along with Bob Asher) of Matthews' "Deal" to overturn the will of the voters, enact the Democrat agenda, and put Joe Hoeffel in charge of county government, ousted as MCRC Chair. Replaced by Castor ally Bob Kerns.

Lee Falgout, ardent Matthews supporter, defeated for 13th congressional endorsement and ousted as Municipal Leader in Upper Moreland. Replaced by new Castor supporter Kathy Rusch. Castor ally, Marina Kats, gets the nod in the 13th.

Jim Vlahos, another ardent Matthews supporter, forced out of MCRC chairman's race when published reports called him "the Matthews candidate" in the race. Ousted as Area 2 leader. Replaced by Castor supporter Gail Yoder.

Ed Boyd, vocal (both in writing and orally) Matthews apologist and blogger crushed in bid to become Abington Municipal Leader. Replaced by Castor supporter Bob Adshead.

Bill Bryers, defender of Matthews to this day, ousted as Municipal Leader in Upper Dublin.

My advice to any remaining Matthews supporters is this...RUN!.

Run as fast as you can and as far as you can to get away from the "jinx" associating with him brings. Read the above list again and ask yourself: Do I want my name at the bottom of this list come November?

Finally, take this into consideration...have you heard Tom Ellis ever defend King James the Turd since he decided to run for state treasurer? No. Even Tom was thrown under the bus to make Matthews look good to his new, liberal friend, Prince Joe the Spud Dome.

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The Matthews Effect, Again.

A trusted source tells me that the "Matthews Effect" has claimed yet another victim:

"Another Matthews supporter was ousted last evening at the reorganization meeting of the Upper Dublin Republican Committee. Bill Bryers (the worst Municipal Chairman ever!) probably didn't run again because he could not find one person to nominate him. He didn't hold meetings (probably 3 meetings in 3 years), never had an agenda and spent all of the money."

Once, it's an incident...twice, maybe a coincidence. The fact that it keeps happening, over and over, leads me to believe that this is a phenomenon that will keep perpetuating itself, until there are no more Matthews supporters left.

Hey, a guy can dream, cant he?

And here is the rest of it. Read Full Text/Comments

Moron...I mean, More On Rendell

Rendell's Testimony: He Would Consider Lying Under Oath
By: Bradley Vasoli, The Bulletin

Philadelphia - Gov. Ed Rendell (D) said in a federal deposition on Jan. 2, 2002 that if asked under oath about a hypothetical instance of adultery on his part, he might not answer honestly, The Bulletin has learned.

Mr. Rendell was then a gubernatorial candidate responding to lawyers for Don and Teri Adams about events that transpired on Oct. 2, 1998, when the brother and sister protested a Philadelphia visit by Bill Clinton in anticipation of the president's impeachment. Members of the Teamsters union assaulted the two that evening.

Mr. and Miss Adams received civil recompense for the actions of the Teamsters in March. Mr. Rendell was initially named as a defendant in the Adams' lawsuit; they alleged that, as mayor at the time, he encouraged Teamsters Local 115 to have two of its female members press assault charges against Mr. Adams. On July 8, 1999, Mr. Adams was found not guilty.

Five teamsters, meanwhile, pled guilty to charges of assault and received probation for their aggression against the Adamses.

Larry Klayman, an attorney from the D.C.-based nonprofit Judicial Watch, began asking the future governor about the nature of the perjury allegation against President Clinton in 1998 in order to contend that any visit by a president likely to face impeachment charges would raise security risks. The deposition took place at Esquire Deposition Services in Philadelphia. (Click link to read more):

Mr. Rendell registered his view that the "impeachment was a joke. I thought it was probably the biggest taint of the American constitutional history that we've had."

"Well, quite - quite apart from the impeachment was the fact that the President lied under oath," Mr. Klayman replied. "Did you consider that to be a joke?"

"Gosh, probably as a prosecutor," Mr. Rendell answered, "I'm used to people lying under oath. And, you know, if - if I cheated on my wife and was asked about it under oath, I might lie about it too."

"What others kinds of things warrant lying under oath besides cheating on your wife?" Mr. Klayman then asked.

Mr. Rendell's attorney Peter Winebrake objected. "It's irrelevant," he said. "Don't answer it."

Such was not the only moment of note during Mr. Rendell's testimony. At a continuation of it on Jun. 15, 2002, Miss Adams recalls the former mayor was perceptibly angry because he was, by her understanding, forced to return early from a fundraising trip in California.

"He came into the room displaying a temper," she said, "banging on the conference table and complaining to Mr. Klayman that this lawsuit was a waste of his time, saying, 'Let's go or I'm walking out.'"

She describes Mr. Rendell's demeanor oscillating "from one of anger to one of laughter, as he and his legal cohorts began mocking Mr. Klayman and our suit in general."

"If this had happened to you and your wife, you wouldn't think it so funny," she recalled Mr. Adams saying to the ex-mayor at that point.

She said Mr. Rendell responded by raising his arm, clenching his fist and proceeding to lunge at him, at which point Mr. Winebrake stepped between them to prevent physical contact.

Mr. Rendell's office did not choose to comment.

Bradley Vasoli can be reached at bvasoli@thebulletin
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"Fast Eddie" Rendell Flip-Flops on Clinton as VeeP

Alex C. at PA Watercooler reported earlier (Rendell: Not Hillary) that Rendell, just yesterday, said that Hillary would not be a great choice for VeeP, as she would be constantly upstaging Obama. Today, (after what was probably a serious spanking by the DNC) "Cheesteak Ed" flip-flopped and said she would make an "excellent choice" .

From the Inquirer:

Rendell: Clinton ‘an excellent choice’ for vice president

By Angela Couloumbis and Joelle Farrell
INQUIRER STAFF WRITERS

She will, she won't . . . she will?

Gov. Rendell reversed himself today and concluded that, yes, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will definitely make a good candidate for the number-two spot on the Democratic presidential ticket with Sen. Barack Obama.

"She is, in my judgment, an excellent choice," Rendell told reporters during a stop today in Ridley Township.

And with that, the governor backed away from the rather blunt statements he made less than 24 hours earlier.

In an interview yesterday with NY1 News in New York, the governor had this to say when asked to offer his thoughts on the question of Clinton's future:

"Generally, a lot of politicians don't like to put somebody like that on the ticket," he said. "You know, rule one for the vice president is make sure you never upstage the president, right? . . . Hillary Clinton in some ways couldn't help but upstage, even if she was trying not to."

He then brought former President Bill Clinton into the conversation.

"The Obama campaign would have to make strict rules . . . about what President Clinton could and could not do during the campaign," Rendell said.

Although the governor is well known for speaking his mind - whether it gets him into trouble or not - his comments about Clinton yesterday came as a surprise.

He has been one of the New York senator's biggest cheerleaders in her bid for the White House. In the weeks leading up to Pennsylvania's April 22 primary, he was by her side at almost every campaign stop she made. And he was instrumental in coordinating her efforts in the state.

And in past interviews, Rendell has said repeatedly that he would "love" to see a Democratic ticket with Clinton and Obama.

But that was before Obama won the number of delegates needed to be nominated at the party's convention in Denver in August.

Clinton is expected to concede Saturday and throw her support behind the Illinois senator. But earlier this week, for the first time, she made it clear that she would consider the vice-presidential spot on the ticket.

Today in Delaware County to promote an energy plan now before the legislature, Rendell said picking a vice-presidential running mate should be based on two factors: who can best help you win and is that person ready to be president?

"I don't think anybody who watched Hillary Clinton over the last six months can think she's anything but ready to be president," he said.

Of all the names he's heard rumored for the vice presidential slot, Rendell added, Clinton is in the best position to help Obama garner the most votes in the fall.

"Is it absolutely necessary that she's on the ticket for us to win? No," the governor said. "Can Sen. Obama carry states like Pennsylvania without Sen. Clinton being on the ticket? Yes, but it will require her rolling up her sleeves and doing the work for him, whether she's on the ticket or not."

In the last two days, there has been almost nonstop debate over the viability of an Obama-Clinton ticket - a dream ticket for many Democrats.

Rendell said today that Clinton will have to decide whether she truly wants the number-two spot.

For instance, the governor said, he has long believed that he would not make a good vice presidential candidate, if only because he's been his own boss since he was elected Philadelphia's district attorney three decades ago.

Rendell's name has been bandied about as a potential vice presidential nominee, and every time he has shot down the rumor, insisting he will finish his gubernatorial term in 2011, and only after that consider a position in Washington.

"It would be very hard for me to take that role," Rendell said of the vice presidency today.

Ultimately, the governor said, he believes that Obama and Clinton need to sit down, "person to person, no staffs, no advisers, and just see if it's something they both want."

And if they don't click?

"You can't leverage the president of the United States to make you vice president," he said. "It's like, you know, an arranged marriage. It doesn't work." (Click link to read more):
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More On The Barnes Foundation

I've received a few comments on my post:

Castor/Hoeffel Treated Like Mushrooms About Barnes Decision...

Feeling that they are worthy of their own post, I have included them below and added my rebuttal to the last, anonymous post:

Lisa said...

Barnes' wishes were very clear; the moving of the Barnes Foundation is a political move by the Philadelphia Art Museum to drum visitors to the museum. It is an outrage that his trust is being broken for greed.

Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect one's wishes to be carried out in perpetuity after one's death. But unrealistic or not, anyone who wishes to put their property in a trust should be paying close attention to the Barnes case.

June 4, 2008 8:34 PM

Anonymous said...

While I don't disagree with the intent and that the trust should be "forever", I find it hard that money should be spent fighting a move that in the end benefits the culture of all.

In the end tens of millions more people will get to see the paintings in a recreated atmosphere they were meant to be - european gallery with the art hanging from floor to ceiling on all walls - in a recreated museum on the Parkway.

I also find it hard that in Castor's time as DA we couldn't get standing. If he knows how there is a way, why wasn't it done in 2004? Why spend a dime more on this? We need to pave roads, fight crime and end poverty, not make an elite museum that is losing money stay in its current location on principal.

June 5, 2008 4:36 PM

My Rebuttal:

Bill Shaw said...

"anonymous", I would have to disagree with your sentiments.

Imagine working hard all of your life, setting a trust up for your children and your grandchildren, only to have some judge decide that your wishes weren't important enough to uphold.

Then imagine him taking your amassed fortune, which you already bequeathed to your family, and giving it to another family.

Is this right? Is this fair? No, it isn't.

What Judge Ott's decision does, and I'm sure it was unintentional on his part, is makes a loophole for any and all "trusts" set up for a specific purpose subject to the discretion of any and all common pleas courts to decide the disposition.

Before we just blindly lay down and accept this outcome,we better ask ourselves this question...is this what we want for ourselves and our children and grandchildren's future?

One more point to ponder...Would you want the Statue of Liberty or the Liberty Bell moved to a more convenient location in our country, just to make it more feasible for a greater number of people to enjoy it? The Barnes is/was a private collection, shared by a very special man. Leave it where it belongs, in the home he had built specifically for it. His memory deserves, at the very least, this much.

B.

disregard this link: Read Full Text/Comments

Rick Monday, American Hero

HT to BC for sending this to me:

The Greatest Play Ever in Major League Baseball!

The final quote of the video shows how much class this guy has:

"From time to time people ask...are you upset because you spent 19 seasons in the Major Leagues and you're known, primarily, for stopping two people from burning the flag...if that's all you're known for, it's not a bad thing at all. I think it solidified the thought process of hundreds of thousands of people that represented this country in fine fashion. Many of them lost their lives". (Rick Monday, L.A. Dodgers Sportscaster and Former MLB player)

(Don't click, the link-I gotta try something else...hehe!)

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It Ain't Over Yet...

...because the fat lady in the tailored pant-suits hasn't sung yet.

One thing boggles my mind about this democratic primary...If Dope-Bama has it all tied up, why not send him a message, all of you Hildebeast fans–mount a write-in campaign for her in the fall.

You get the peace of mind in knowing that you didn't vote for teh inexperienced junior senator from Illinois.

Just a suggestion...(sigh)

Have a pleasant day.

B.
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Mortar Fires Up Durante

Mortar Round found

Montco Sheriff issues warning after second scare
By CARL HESSLER Jr., For The Times Herald

COURTHOUSE — Another “fishy” mortar round, apparently found on a New Jersey beach, caused a stir at the Narberth police station on Monday.

A woman appeared with the questionable World War II-era 60 mm mortar round at the police station about 11 a.m. after she reportedly discovered it while digging in her yard, according to authorities.

Authorities determined the mortar round was “live.”

“These munitions are extremely dangerous. Their explosive weight will do damage in a 300 yard circumference. These munitions, or mortar shells, are equivalent to three sticks of dynamite,” Montgomery County Sheriff John P. Durante said during a news conference where he warned the public.

“Dropping them can set them off. Riding in a car can set them off, or burying them,” Durante added.

The Narberth incident, which resulted in the police station being evacuated until bomb experts could safely remove the device from the premises and detonate it, marks the second time in 10 days that county authorities have responded to such findings. (read more after the jump):

On May 23, members of the Sheriff’s Bomb Disposal Unit recovered a live mortar shell from the backyard of an Upper Dublin home and had to detonate it.

“These, we understand, are being recovered at the Jersey Shore on the beaches of Long Island for the last three years or so. These munitions were probably disposed of at sea,” Durante explained. “Our speculation is that they were souvenirs found and brought home. We believe these things were taken innocently, there was no intent for any criminal purpose other than to say, ‘I have a souvenir.’”

Durante explained there is no way for the common citizen to determine if the devices are safe simply by looking at them.

“I am reaching out to the public to ask anyone that brought one of these home within the last three years to notify us,” Durante added. “Do not touch them, stay away from them. All explosives are dangerous.”

Durante, who was joined at the news conference by Captain Charles P. DiSanto and Deputy Kraig Klass, commander of the sheriff’s Bomb Disposal Unit, said residents who have or discover such devices should call their local police, who will then summon the bomb squad to remove the devices.

“For the sake of your neighbors and family, please do contact the police so we can disarm them in a safe fashion,” Durante said. “This is a potentially dangerous situation.”

At the news conference, Durante showed photographs of the mortar shell and showed the media how it was detonated. Durante said he called a news conference “in the interest of public safety” to alert Delaware Valley area residents against the dangers of picking up such mortar rounds as souvenirs on beaches and taking them home.

During Monday’s incident, the local woman, who authorities did not identify, showed up at the Narberth police station about 11 a.m. with the mortar shell and announced her finding. The station was immediately evacuated.

“This could have had very, very sad consequences,” Durante said.

During the May 23 incident, the Upper Dublin homeowner reported that her son-in-law was aboard a fishing boat off Barnegat Light in New Jersey two years ago when a mortar was dredged. The man brought the shell home for his son, according to Durante.

The mortar shell set in a garage until this year when the homeowner had a family member bury it, according to Durante.

However, after reading news reports about World War II-vintage munitions surfacing in the sand of New Jersey beaches, the woman grew concerned and notified authorities, who summoned the bomb disposal experts.

Officials said the mortar was “live.” It was transported to an undisclosed site and detonated, authorities said.

“Both of these devices had their firing pins in them. If they were dropped and the springs released the firing pin they would have exploded,” said Durante, referring to the devices found in Upper Dublin and Narberth.

Police in Upper Dublin and Narberth investigated the incidents.
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Philadelphia Gun Law Challenge–Split Decision

The case pending in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court on whether or not to allow Philadelphia City Council to enforce their own gun laws has met with a split decision by Common Pleas Judge Jane Cutler-Greenspan.

Judge Cutler-Greenspan shot down the city's attempt to limit gun purchases to one per month, citing that the state already had provisions for preventing "straw purchases". She also struck down the assault weapons provision, deferring to a PA Supreme Court Decision from 1996, (in summary):

Ortiz v. Commonwealth, - Pa. - (1996)
In this case the Penn. supreme court strikes down local bans on "assault weapons" in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The court decides that the state has preempted the area of possession of firearms, and that the preemption is legitimate, as it concerns a matter of statewide concern. The court decides it is a matter of statewide concern because the Pa. constitution protects the right to possess firearms statewide, and does not permit abridgement of the right in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. (Click here to read the court decision, in toto.)

And:

Greenspan gave city officials a consolation prize by declining to strike down three other laws on procedural grounds, indicating that the NRA and other plaintiffs did not have legal standing to challenge those laws.

During hearings, Greenspan indicated that she agreed with the NRA's position that superceding state laws prevent the city from regulating guns in any way.

The three laws Greenspan allowed to stand allow judges to remove guns from people declared to be a risk to themselves or others, prevent people subject to protection-from-abuse orders from owning guns, and require gun owners to report the loss or theft of a gun to police within 24 hours. (Article by Andrew Maykuth, Inquirer staff writer).

The court's decision to allow the other three provisions to stand was procedural, based solely on the fact that the NRA could not file lawsuit as they did not have legal standing to challenge the laws.

Expect this to be challenged at the Supreme Court level.

And so it continues...

B.


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Castor/Hoeffel Treated Like Mushrooms About Barnes Decision...

...you know, kept in the dark and fed bullsh*t.

Castor: I Was Not Consulted About The Barnes Case
By: Jeff Cobb , For The Bulletin

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor (R) says he was not consulted about the county's decision not to appeal a court ruling regarding the Barnes Foundation.

Last week, The Bulletin reported the commissioners would not appeal a May 15 ruling by Montgomery County Orphans Court rejecting their request to reopen a case from 2004 that had granted the Barnes permission to move. Judge Stanley Ott ruled that neither the county, nor co-petitioner the Friends of the Barnes Foundation, a citizens group, had legal standing.

The county had 30 days to appeal, and Wednesday its decision had been relayed by County Solicitor Carolyn Carluccio. She told The Bulletin that she had been clearly informed by commissioner chairman James R. Matthews (R), who in turn spoke for the commissioners.

According to Mr. Matthews yesterday, however, it was simply a mistake.

"I think she made an assumption," Mr. Matthews said. "I don't normally speak without having a majority opinion behind me."

Ms. Carluccio could not be reached for comment.

Yesterday, Mr. Matthews said he still doubts the county will appeal. He said taxpayers might have to pay for sanctions if the judge takes issue with a request for reconsideration without the county doing more to establish standing.

Ms. Carluccio said last week she felt strongly that the county should have been granted standing, but the commissioners had made their decision.

But this was news to Commissioners Castor and Joe Hoeffel (D).

"I was stunned to read in Thursday's Bulletin that the deputy county solicitor was directed to cease efforts to keep the Barnes in the county by Chairman Matthews. He never discussed it with me," Mr. Castor said in a press release.

Continuing, he said, "My phone has been ringing off the hook from upset residents of Lower Merion who are outraged over this apparent about face. I am equally distressed that this decision is being represented as though the commissioners discussed it. We most certainly did not, despite having an extended meeting together on Wednesday. Commissioner Matthews never raised this issue at any meeting in which I was present."

Yesterday, Mr. Castor went on to say Mr. Matthews spoke on the Barnes topic for him and Mr. Hoeffel presumptuously.

"He doesn't have the authority to do so, but he thinks he does," Mr. Castor said. "We are supposed to make important governmental decisions in a public meeting. ... I don't know what Commissioner Matthews' rationale for not going forward was."

Likewise, Mr. Hoeffel said his reading about Mr. Matthews' statement came as news. While saying he does not think the county's chances are good, he said the issue needed to be properly discussed.

"The three of us have not talked about it and made an official position," Mr. Hoeffel said, "I got an e-mail from Bruce [Castor] today saying that he thinks this is something we should appeal."

"I'm flat out opposed to dropping the legal appeals if there are any remedies available to us," Mr. Castor said. "Based on what I know I think that there are."

Mr. Castor said he was guided by desire to abide by his constituents' will, and out of concern for legal precedents that could deter others from future donations or establishment of trusts.

Mr. Castor said Dr. Albert C. Barnes had entrusted his collection very specifically to reside forever in Montgomery County. His concern was for a potential chilling effect the confidence by potential donors based on how this case plays out.

Mr. Matthews said however unless some new arguments can be presented establishing standing, his vote is to quit while they are ahead.

He said he had been the first of the three to pioneer and champion the Barnes case, and keeping with tradition, "Pioneers get the first arrow." (Whiskey–Tango–Foxtrot does that mean?)

Jeff Cobb can be reached at jeffjcobb@yahoo.com.


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Castor Urges County to Continue Barnes Fight

By MARGARET GIBBONS, Times Herald Staff

COURTHOUSE — Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. Monday called on his fellow commissioners to continue the legal battle to keep the renowned Barnes art collection in Lower Merion.

Castor said that, as a candidate for commissioner last year, he pledged to do everything legally possible to keep the approximate $6-billion’s worth of Impressionist art from moving to a new, but not yet built, museum in Philadelphia.

“I will remain true to my commitment and urge my colleagues to continue exhausting all legal remedies to keep the Barnes in Montgomery County,” said Castor, a lawyer.

Castor’s comments came on the heels of a report that Commissioners Chairman James R. Matthews has directed the county solicitor’s office not to further pursue the matter following last month’s unfavorable ruling by Montgomery County Orphans’ Court Judge Stanley R. Ott.

Ott in that ruling rejected petitions by the county and the grassroots Friends of the Barnes to intervene and reopen litigation that previously cleared the way for the move.

Matthews could not be reached for comment Monday. (Click on link below to see more)


Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel III said that, while the commissioners did not discuss the issue, “I am not inclined to appeal.”

County Chief Deputy Solicitor Carolyn T. Carluccio, who represented the county in the petition to intervene, has told others that the county likely would not win on an appeal, according to Hoeffel.

“I am concerned that if we appeal and the court determines our appeal frivolous, we could be open to financial sanctions and I don’t want taxpayers to have to pay,” said Hoeffel.

However, he added, he is willing to sit down with Castor and the Friends to further discuss the matter.

The Barnes museum, which owns artwork that includes paintings by Matisse, Renoir and Cézanne, is located in Lower Merion on property owned by the late Dr. Albert C. Barnes.

Struggling financially, the Barnes Foundation went to the county court in 2002 to get approval to relocate the art collection to a new gallery to be built in Philadelphia to make the museum more economically viable.

Court approval, which was subsequently given in 2004 after protracted litigation, was necessary because Barnes, in his will, specifically stipulated that the collection remain in place.

Recognizing the importance of retaining the collection in the county, the county commissioners last year made an offer to take out a $50-million tax exempt loan to purchase the Barnes land and museums. Under that proposal, the Barnes Foundation could invest that money at a higher rate of interest, using these earnings to pay the county a yearly rental fee equal to the county’s debt service on the bond issue.

Also, other earnings from the invested $50 million could serve as an endowment against which the foundation could borrow if necessary.

This proposal coupled with relaxed visitor regulations established by the township and grants that would be available if the museum were designated as a national historic site would eliminate any financial need for the move, according to the county and Friends group.

The Foundation and trustees rejected what they termed as these “beyond 11th hour” proposals.

Relying on the court’s 2004 decision, the Foundation has secured the funding it needs for the move as well as a $50-million endowment. Also, it has negotiated a 99-year lease with the city for the art gallery and commissioned an architect to design the gallery, he said.

Margaret Gibbons can be reached at mgibbons@timesherald.com or 610-272-2501 ext. 216.
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Joe Hoeffel Gets Lap Dance?

An anonymous source has provided me with a photo of Joe "Mr. Potato Head" Hoeffel getting a lap dance in an undisclosed location in Philadelphia.

Actually, it's from a blog called "Philly Chit Chat" and it seems that the ladies from his old office were sorry to see him go. I, for one, welcome the idea of him going back, and as soon as humanly possible.

Read more here:

http://www.phillychitchat.com/2008/01/joe-hoeffel-leaves-our-office-to-take.html

*************UPDATE*************

A retouched photo just came into my possession which explains quite a lot about the defecation of King James:

Disclaimer: This is not an actual photograph, but, an artist's (and I use the term
very loosely) depiction of an event which never, ever happened.

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Hey, Bo Diddley....

Rock pioneer Bo Diddley dies at age 79

By RON WORD – 4 hours ago

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79.

Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.

The legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and received a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards. In recent years he also played for the elder President Bush and President Clinton.

Diddley appreciated the honors he received, "but it didn't put no figures in my checkbook."

"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," he quipped.

Click here to see the rest of the article.



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Gay Marriage Ban Qualifies for California Ballot

By LISA LEFF,
Associated Press Writer

An initiative that would again outlaw gay marriage in California has qualified for the November ballot, the Secretary of State announced Monday.

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen said a random check of signatures submitted by the measure's sponsors showed that they had gathered enough names for it to be put to voters.

The measure would amend the state constitution to "provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

If approved by a majority of voters on Nov. 4, the amendment would overturn the recent California Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in the state. It is similar to gay marriage bans that have been adopted in 26 other states.

In response to the court's May 15 ruling, California public health officials already have amended marriage license applications to read "Party A" and "Party B" instead of bride and groom. Local officials have been told to start issuing the revised licenses to same-sex couples on June 17.

Gay men and lesbians would still be able to get married between then and the election, even with the initiative pending, unless the court agrees to stay its decision until after Nov. 4, as the amendment's sponsors have requested.

If the marriages proceed during the next five months, it is unclear whether they would be nullified if the amendment passes. Some legal scholars have said the state Supreme Court might get called on again to settle that question.

To qualify for the ballot, the measure needed 694,354 petition signatures, an amount equal to 8 percent of the votes cast during the last governor's race.

Proponents submitted 1,120,801 signatures in late April, and county clerks determined the measure qualified by verifying the validity of 3 percent of the signatures they received, according to Bowen.

Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press

I'm sure that flights to California, from all over the U.S., will increase starting June 16th. I hope that those who flock to CA to get "married" will not be disappointed when their marriages are nullified after the vote in November.

B.

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