By: MARGARET GIBBONS, Times Herald Staff
10/09/2008
COURTHOUSE - The old bulletproof vests worn by Montgomery County (Sheriff's) deputies have a second life when they are replaced with new vests.
And that so-called second life also has the potential to save lives.
County Sheriff John P. Durante said he donates the old protective vests to the military.
They are primarily used as added protection under seats on military planes flying in war zones, according to Durante.
Durante explained that the vests have about a three-year shelf life when worn by the deputies; the department then replaces them.
Initially, he said, he had to pay for disposal of the old vests.
"I can't exactly throw them in the trash and have the bad guys getting them," he explained.
In discussing the situation with others in the law enforcement community following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the call up of the military for engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq, Durante said he subsequently learned the military could make use of them.
"It was a no-brainer," the sheriff said.
Durante's comments came during Tuesday's review by the county commissioners of his proposed 2009 budget.
Included in the proposed $5.26-million budget is an allocation of $17,000 for new protective vests.
Durante said that about one-third of his deputies get new vests on a rotating three-year schedule.
New-hires also get new vests rather than hand-me-downs because the vests are fitted to each deputy.
Each vest costs about $600 but the department receives reimbursement for about half of that cost, according to Durante.
Read Full Text/Comments
Friday, October 10, 2008
A "Vested" Interest
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sightings: XV
King James the Turd was sighted out and about on Tuesday at a fundraiser.
He was spotted standing off by himself for most of the night, as if people were afraid to even go near him. I wonder why?
Just ask the judge candidates...it's "The Matthews Effect"...and it's real enough to matter.
Poor Jimbo...I'll bet even Joe Hoeffel laughs at you behind your back!
Read Full Text/Comments
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tommy Freekin' Lasorda, Part II
Video taken (from the opposite angle) while I snapped photographs.
HT to Elizabeth's uncle for the video
Read Full Text/Comments
21st Birthday Wishes to A Friend
Happy 21st Birthday, Little Miss Republican:
Hippo birdy two ewes
Hippo birdy two ewes
Hippo birdy deer ewes
Hippo birdy two ewes
Read Full Text/Comments
I Missed It...
No, not the debate, silly...I missed my counter going over 15,000 hits.
When I started this blog on January 26th, 2008, I had no idea that I'd be doing this well.
All credit goes to you, my readers friends. Thanks for believing that a (former) "Kenzo" schlub like me could actually pull something like this off. That you continue reading speaks volumes and I will continue to do my part...I promise.
Always your humble blogger,
B.
Read Full Text/Comments
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Why I Missed the Debate Last Night
Tommy.
Freekin'
Lasorda!
Me, Tommy and Scraps
Tommy giving Scraps a lesson on how to get more power out of his swing...
Not too may 12 year olds get this kind of instruction for free.
Tommy was very interested in improving Scraps' technique
Although he looks like he's dead serious, Scraps was
busting..."Tommy Lasorda is giving me a hitting lesson!"
"[...] now, snap your wrists at the very second you make contact..."
HT to Warren's dad...thanks for making this happen!
Monday, October 6, 2008
King James "Jumps the Shark"
King James the Turd has finally gone off the deep end. J-Rex wrote an opinion piece that ran in the Times Herald, getting all "woo-wee" because the State ran out of money to fix the roads, leaving several Montco roads in serious levels of disrepair. KJIII thinks that Montco has the responsibility to, and can, fund the road projects that the state of confusion PA has left undone.
I quote:
We have a greater population than four states and are comparable to a fifth state. A big county requires big efforts. We have to find the essential funds to invest in our transportation system.and:
I know every problem can't be fixed, but there are strategic investments in our system that we can make.
We can partner with PennDOT to finish some projects they have put on the back burner, partner with municipalities to make critical improvements, partner with developers to close a funding gap so public and private sectors can address significant transportation improvements, and partner with SEPTA on station parking expansion, rider information and amenities, and key service initiatives.
If they come to the same conclusion as I have-that there is inadequate federal and state funding now and in the foreseeable future to address countywide needs-then they will also hopefully conclude that we are the collective "they," and it is time for all of us to work together to come up with solutions.
"[...] as the next responsible party, we in county government can become "they."With whose money, a$$hole?
What James Rex isn't telling you is that the democratic state yahoos, led by "Fast Eddie" Rendell, take the state highway funds year in and year out to bail out SEPTA. That leaves our roads and bridges in a serious state of disrepair. If SEPTA constantly needs bailing out, then there's something wrong with the structure of the company. Giving them money earmarked for roads is fine, until the roads they are supposed to travel become impassible.
K-J_Turd needs to get one thing straight...most of us will not, repeat, will not ever vote allow him to earmark money to fix that which should be the responsibility of the State of PA (this should have to appear as a referendum on the spring ballot, if he gets his way). No other county in the state underwrites PennDOT projects and I refuse to have my kids pay the bill in 10-15 years for some silly-assed idea this di*!weed may have dreamed up between his third and fourth Dewars...
I speculate that he's doing this for only one reason...to make his new BFF, Joe "Mr. Potato Head" Hoeffel look good. As a matter of fact, I'm beginning to wonder if this wasn't whispered in his ear by Joe Hoeffel, to impress "Spendell" for when Jimmy-boy finally flips?
Jim, do us all a favor...you look like, act like, walk like, and talk like a jackass...it's time to register democrat, Jim. Then you'll fit right in.
Read the Times Herald "opinion" column here.
Read Full Text/Comments
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Montgomery County's Tom Ellis Gets PPG Endorsment
Republican candidate for state treasurer, Tom Ellis, Has been endorsed by the Pittsburgh Post Gazette!
Ellis, one of Montgomery County's favorite sons, garnered the endorsement because (as we are all aware) he is the most qualified for the job. In a world where most news outlets endorse democrats, Tom's endorsement is a breath of fresh air.
We all know that a great job Tom did for Montco...he left us with a $90 million+ surplus and a AAA bond rating. Tom will work just as hard and harder as our next state treasurer.
Read the "Post Gazette article here.
And here is the rest of it.
Read Full Text/Comments
Saturday, October 4, 2008
MCRC Returns To The Sunnybrook!
There were people from all over the county there and the event was packed. Entertainment was by "Pierce Entertainment", who's mix of live singers and recorded music was nothing short of grand.
The food table was an international smorgasbord of appetizers: tortellini on skewers with 2 different sauces, a cheese platter with several cheese choices, Swedish meatballs with traditional "Swedish" sauce and Italian tomato sauce, Greek dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice, my personal favorite of the fare), tomato pie and pita wedges with hummus. I was quite satisfied with the 70 or 80 dolmas that I ate, along with trying everything on the table. The caterer, "The Food Muse" kept the table full for the entire night. It seemed like there was no end to the amount of food coming from the kitchen.
Republican Commissioner, Bruce Castor, was the "emcee" for the evening, and introduced the state house and senate delegation in attendance, along with the county row officers. Sheriff Durante was under the weather and sent Jim Saring, his IT manager, as his representative.
All in all, the evening looked to be a success. There were over 200 in attendance at any given time (people came and went during the evening), a testament to the hard work done by the area leaders who hosted the event.
Special kudos must be given to Gail Yoder, who worked tirelessly to make this event the success it was. Congratulations, Gail...I'm so looking forward to next years event. Keep up the good work!
B.
. Read Full Text/Comments
Friday, October 3, 2008
Sign Wars II
This is on Township Line Road, near Greenhill Lane, East Norriton Township. HT to JCS or snapping this pic for me.
Below is a photo taken by "littlemissrepublican", and is located at Wentz Road and Jolly Road:
Read Full Text/Comments
Thursday, October 2, 2008
A Blast From The Recent Past
I've been sitting on this story for a while...almost a month. I've been quite busy, and I needed to consult with counsel before I reported this to you.
On September 6th, I received an email from former Montgomery County controller, Eric Kretschman. Mr. Kretschman was concerned about a post I made back in April concerning some real estate dealing of his that were reported on by Margaret Gibbons (reporter extraordinaire for the Norristown Times Herald), which was based on an article from the Washington (DC) Post. (click here to see Ms. Gibbons article)
Mr. Kretschman has asked me to remove the post, and I quote: "...because it is completely inaccurate". He then goes on to tell me where I got my information (DUH!) and begins a several paragraph diatribe defending himself and his businesses to me.
To put the proverbial "icing on the cake", the last paragraph contains a veiled threat, should I not comply with his wishes:
"[...] my partner and I will be suing DC for libel, slander and a series of other complaints in October. I am fine if people want to say things about me, either true or untrue, but when they are untrue, they have to pay for it, as I guard my reputation closely."Well, well, well...your humble blogger finds himself in a quandry. Do I take the post down and make Mr. Kretschman happy, or, do I stand firm on the facts as they were presented in the Times Herald article that I cited? Hmmmm....
Well, I for one, love my Constitution, which reminds me that I have a First Amendment right to free speech. My statements in the post were inquisitive in nature-there is nothing slanderous in there, as they are "is Eric Kretschman a slumlord?" and "did he get any financing from Keegan Mortgage?"
Hardly accusatory, if you ask me. The post will remain. (click here to see the "questionable" post)
One final thought...Wasn't there a public official, a long time ago, who got caught up in something and stated, "I am not a crook"? Just throwing that one out there for you to ponder...
("...because it is completely inaccurate"-E. Kretschman, 9/06/08 email to your humble blogger).Click on the red link below to see Kretschman's email to me, in it's entirety.
Bill:
I am not sure I know you, but your blog contains an April 15, 2008 post about me which asks the question "am I a slumlord." And also if I get my mortgages from Keegan Mortgage, obviously a reference to Jim Matthews.
First, I'd kindly ask that you remove the post. Mainly because it is completely inaccurate. My business involves buying (usually very dilapidated) buildings and then renovating them and renting them to both blue and white collar workers. The basis of your post was a column by Peggy Gibbons who in turn got her "information" from a Washington Post article. That article was written because a 100-unit (not 85 unit) building of mine in DC burned down in March 2008. The cause of that fire is undetermined, but the city tried to insinuate that it was because of neglect, which was patently false. I had just spent $2 million in that building and the building was in wonderful condition. In fact, one of the major expenditures was on a life safety system that allowed every tenant to escape the fire without a single person dying or even sustaining an injury.
Just as a sidenote, the city has tried to sue me as a "slumlord" and a DC judge has tossed out virtually every charge claiming that the city was on a "fishing expedition" as opposed to having facts. In the course of the proceedings, 60% of the city inspectors were fired for being incompetent, which should tell you something.
It's funny, you strike me as a conservative (like I) on your blog, but you base a post on information from the liberal Washington Post and on information from Democratic city officials in DC who claimed point blank that their mission was to get rid of out-of-town landlords like myself...simply because we weren't from DC. DC is what this country will become under a truly Democratic regime...heavily taxed, subsidized, incompetent, bureaucratic, etc. The city didn't like us because we got rid of illegal aliens living in our buildings, rid the properties of drug dealers and prostitutes, etc. DC protects these people under the guise that they are "tenants." As an example, because in DC you cannot terminate tenant leases (they are tenants for life under rent regulations laws), we were stuck with a prostitute operating out of one of our units (this is a tenant we inherited). She and "her friends" vandalized the building and yet despite pleas by us for the police and AG's office to help, they decided to focus their efforts on some chipping paint in one of my halls. Great priorities.
On a final note, my partner and I will be suing DC for libel, slander and a series of other complaints in October. I am fine if people want to say things about me, either true or untrue, but when they are untrue, they have to pay for it, as I guard my reputation closely. Also, I received no mortgages from Keegan Mortgage for my apartment deals...they are too small for the size of deals we do...I have however, supported Jim financially in his campaigns, as I have Bruce Castor, Risa Ferman, MontcoPAC (Kerns), PA Future Fund (Asher), as well as candidates all across the county. In short, I have supported virtually every Republican that has asked me to support them. If that makes me a "Jim guy" than that's for others to judge.
Again, I'd kindly ask you to remove that post. Thank you.
Eric Kretschman Read Full Text/Comments
Virus Alert
HT to my mom, "Granny", for this virus alert.
Subject: Virus Alert
If you get an e-mail with "Nude Photos of Sarah Palin" in the subject line, do not open it. It might contain a virus.
ALSO
If you get an e-mail with "Nude Photos of Hillary Clinton" in the subject line, do not open it. It might contain nude photos of Hillary Clinton.
Read Full Text/Comments
Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot?, Part Deux
The McCain Campaign in PA has opened an office in Abington. Not really WTF news, right?
Here's the rub: They've appointed none other than K J the Turd sycophant and (worlds oldest) YR, Ed Boyd to run it.
(Here's the Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot) Boyd is a guy who was not elected overwhelming rejected by his committee, who has defended Jim Matthews back room deal with Joe Hoeffel and the Democrats, a guy who attacked MCRC Chairman Bob Kerns and MCRC Treasurer Robert Griffith the day after he was rejected by ATRO members as their chairman...THIS is the guy they appoint to run McCain HQ?
I have to share this exerpt from Boyd's blog (which I will not mention the name of), posted on or about the day he was defeated as chair of ATRO, attacking the MCRC chair and treasurer, and also Area leader, Jon Fox (emphasis, mine):
...While my official opponent was a straight-laced, upstanding gentleman who will do a better job than the outgoing chairman, he wasn't the one I was competing against.They've chosen a real class guy for this assignment.
The theme last night centered around three primary issues.
The first issue was fundraising. The new chair will do a better job than the exiting one. The former chair is now MCRC's new treasurer. It says something about the judgement (sic) of the new leadership at MCRC when they tap the resources of a proven failure. If ATRO needs money so desperately, it's because the old guard was miserably ineffective at the task. The good news - his days manipulating ATRO are over.
The second issue, as stated by one member to me last night, payback. Anger towards an individual I dared to support, years ago (Kretschman-ed.). Unfortunately, some voting members couldn't get beyond their issues with him. (No, they weren't talking about Jim)
The third issue, loyalty. Jon Fox taught me something about it over the last 5 months. Proving that while he expects it, he has no understanding of the concept himself.
I would have to seriously bring into question the hiring of Boyd, knowing his anti-Kerns background. Although I wouldn't expect MCRC to cooperate with them knowing that Kerns would have to eventually deal with this malcontent, we all know Bob isn't like that.
Oddly enough (but with my most sincere admiration), Kerns seems to be taking in stride–barreling forward and doing all he can to help elect McCain.
So, let's reiterate:
This guy ran against the current Abington GOP chairman, got trounced, attacked the MCRC chairman and treasurer and attacked Abington's Area Leader, Jon Fox. This is who they pick to run their Abington office? If the people making decisions for McCain in Montgomery County are anything like the people making decisions for him nationally, I now understand how a hero like McCain could be 15 points back in Pennsylvania and trailing nationally.
It's just plain wrong, to wit, I paraphrase Boyd, from his own blog:
It says something about the judgement of the leadership at McCain PA when they tap the resources of a proven failure.
Read Full Text/Comments
Hilarious Bill O'Reilly Spoof
Little Bill O'Reilly Tells It Like It Is
"...your dirty sex makes G-d send hurricanes..." Hilarious!
Read Full Text/Comments
Nancy Pelosi Pays Spouse With Campaign Funds
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has directed nearly $100,000 from her political action committee to her husband’s real estate and investment firm over the past decade, a practice of paying a spouse with political donations that she supported banning last year.
Read the rest at Reverse Vampyr, my compadre from Texas.
And here is the rest of it.
Read Full Text/Comments
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Sign Wars
Monday afternoon, I went out to run some errands. As I exited my driveway, I noticed this when I looked down the street:
While I admire the effort (as you can see, there's a serious lack of artistic ability and originality), I just couldn't see staring at this without some kind of retalia...er...well...visual response. Therefore, on Wednesday afternoon, I placed this on my lawn:
It's 8 feet long by 4 feet high. And, it's freeking beautiful!
As I drive around town, I'll be taking pictures of signs, home-made and otherwise. Here's one from Sandy Hill Road, in Plymouth Township:
If you see or have a display of signs in or about your home, township, borough, or just see something that catches your eye, snap a photo and send it to me. I'll post them as I get them and keep the "Sign Wars" going until election day.
B.
Read Full Text/Comments
Press Release From MCRC
GOP CHAIRMAN RESPONDS TO
DEMOCRAT CALL TO “PUT POLITICS ASIDE”
“Marcel Groen should follow his own advice.” Bob Kerns said.
Bob Kerns, Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee, today responded to Montgomery County Democratic Committee chairman Marcel Groen’s call to set aside partisan politics for the good of Montgomery County.
“I find it ironic that just days after Marcel Groen calls on the Republicans to set aside partisanship for the good of the county, he and Joe Hoeffel tap one of his lieutenants, Nancy Mortimer O’Brien, for an appointment to the Montgomery County Commission on Women and Families,” Kerns said.
O’Brien previously served as Area Leader for the Colonial Democrats under Groen as party chairman. She is a twice unsuccessful candidate in bitterly partisan campaigns for Colonial School Director. Her husband, John, was defeated for Montgomery County Treasurer by Garrett D. Page in 2003.
“As an Area Leader for the Colonial Democrats Nancy Mortimer O’Brien oversaw some of the nastiest most partisan elections in Whitemarsh, Plymouth and Conshohocken. If a Republican with a similar background was up for such an appointment, Joe Hoeffel and Marcel Groen would be screaming ‘patronage and cronyism’ from the courthouse roof,” Kerns said.
“It is time for Marcel Groen and Joe Hoeffel to stop talking about taking the politics out of Norristown and start actually taking the politics out of our courthouse. Groen and Hoeffel are overseeing the most partisan administration in Montgomery County’s history. The hypocrisy is unbelievable. Most political parties aspire to fulfill their campaign promises. Instead, Groen and Hoeffel seem to be trying to see how fast they can break them,” Kerns said.
“Marcel pays a lot of lip service to the idea of taking the politics out of county government. Marcel Groen should follow his own advice,” Kerns concluded.
Frustrated over the State Senate’s refusal to move forward the appointment of Montgomery County attorney Andrew Cantor, a Democrat, Groen issued a call last Friday for Kerns to help move the nomination forward. Kerns declined noting that the vacant seat was held by the late Toby Lynn Dickman, who passed away one year ago. Kerns said the replacement should be a Republican woman, since a Republican woman was elected to the 10-year post in 2001.
Read Full Text/Comments
RE: Vice Presidential Debate Moderator
I received this comment this morning. Feel free to bombard this woman with emails demanding they pull Gwen Ifill as moderator of this debate.
Wednesday's Child said...
I just emailed the Executive Commissioner for the debates and demanded they pull Ifill as moderator. Her name is Janet Brown, email address is jb@debates.org or you can call and raise hell with the commission at 202-872-1020.
It's time for another Boston Tea Party!
I've just sent the following email to Janet Brown...feel free to use it in part or as a whole:
Dear Ms. Brown.
I am writing to ask you to pull Gwen Ifill as moderator for the vice presidential debate.
Ms. Ifill has written a book touting the accomplishments of Barack Obama, scheduled to be released on election day. Having such a partisan person moderating a debate in what may just be the most important election in our country’s history is not only wrong, it’s akin to stacking the deck in favor of one candidate over another. It reeks of cheating.
Please do the right thing, in the spirit of fairness.
The world is watching, Ms. Brown. Bloggers are picking up on this story as I write this email...what will you do?
Sincerely,
Bill Shaw
writemarsh@gmail.com
writemarsh.blogspot.com
Three Seasons and the "Chill" of it All
When I bought my motorcycle back in June, I made myself and my wife, Karen, a promise that I would do my best to be a "three season rider".
Why, you may ask? Simply put, I promised that I would justify the cost of the bike by saving gasoline for as long as humanly possible, and besides, you all know by now that I love to ride.
One factor that was left out of the equation was this...How to dress warmly enough for those late autumn rides, where the wind chill dips into the 30 degree zone?
I thought that I would try to wear my hunting bibs, which are quilted and blaze orange...not only will I keep warm, but will be highly visible to drivers due to my superb "reflect-ability". Another suggestion was the purchase of leather chaps, which will at least block the biting wind and cold from penetrating my jeans and freezing my legs. (Visions of the Village People dancing in my head tell me that this is not going to be a viable option.)
I'll probably settle for a set of canvas coveralls, not unlike construction workers or loggers wear for cold weather...zippered legs to fit over your shoes, and a full zipper from the thigh to the neck. A full face helmet will finish the ensemble, to protect my big ears from frostbite. I won't win any beauty contest, but I will be warm.
I've already purchased gloves-gauntlet style with cuffs that extend over the ends of my sleeves. They are quite warm, as I've already had to use them...it is getting chilly, especially at 6 am on the ride home.
Years ago, when I was young and dumb, I had a motorcycle. I rode it all year round, in the rain, once in the snow (hence the "young and dumb"), and all I had was a leather jacket, a full face helmet, gloves, and a second pair of pants over my jeans. Young and dumb.
I plan to garage the bike when the first flurries fall from the sky, and probably will not ride until the spring thaw...but then again, if there's a really nice day, who knows? I know I'm not getting any younger, but...
B.
Read Full Text/Comments
Vice Presidential Debate Moderator, Gwen Ifill, Writing Pro-Obama Book
Now if this isn’t just plain peachy…
Gwen Ifill, the PBS reporter who’s show of disgust and disdain for Sarah Palin during her acceptance speech resulted in scores of complaints to PBS Ombudsman, Michael Getler, is moderating the Vice Presidential debate on Thursday. She’s also writing a pro-Obama book, “The Breakthrough,” scheduled for release on election day.
From WorldNetDaily:
Gwen Ifill, of the Public Broadcasting Service program called “Washington Week,” is promoting “The Breakthrough,” in which she argues the “Black political structure” of the civil rights movement is giving way to men and women who have benefited from those struggles over racial equality.
Ifill moderated the debate 4 years ago between John Edwards and Vice President Dick Cheney. It wasn’t pretty for Cheney, who also got treated with a bit of “attytood” by Ifill.
When cornered on her obvious looks of disgust while reporting on Palin from the convention, Ifill responded, “I assume there will always be critics and ( I ) just shut out the noise. It is surprisingly easy.
Again, WorldNetDaily reports:
Ifill, who also works with PBS’ “NewsHour,” is making preparations to moderate this week’s debate between the two candidates for vice president, and told BlackAmericaWeb.com that she thinks debates “are the best opportunity most voters have to see the candidates speaking to issues.”
She said she is concerned only about getting straight answers from candidates.
“You do your best to get candidates to answer your question. But I also trust the viewers to understand when questions are not answered and reach their own conclusions,” Ifill told BlackAmericaWeb.
“Four years ago, when neither John Edwards nor Dick Cheney proved capable of answering a question about the domestic epidemic of AIDS among African-American women, viewers flooded me with reaction,” she said.
She said she will make her own decisions about what questions to ask, and “the big questions matter.”
I guess the MSM already has this one in the bag for Biden…Sarah needs to be well versed on “African American” issues, among other things, if she wants to win this debate.
I can only begin to speculate on the lopsidedness of the questions that will be asked of the two candidates Thursday:
“Governor Palin, what do you think the U.S. government needs to do to quell the spread of AIDS in the lower grades in African American charter schools, and do you think that better school lunch programs will educate the children in a positive needle exchange program, or do we just give them bleach and how does this differ with the programs initiated in the Inuit community in your home state of Alaska? You have 30 seconds to respond.”
“Senator Biden…What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Take all the time you need, Senator.”
Read the entire WorldNetDaily article by clicking the link below:
VP debate moderator Ifill releasing pro-Obama book
Cross posted on PAWatercooler.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Writemarsh's Fables
HT to JD for this gem:
Government Barnyard
Once upon a time, on a farm in Virginia , there was a little red hen who scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered quite a few grains of wheat. She called all of her Democrat neighbors together and said, 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?'
'Not I,' said the cow
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Not I,' said the pig.
'Not I,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain. 'Who will help me reap my wheat?' asked the little red hen.
'Not I,' said the duck.
'Out of my classification,' said the pig.
' I 'd lose my seniority,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my unemployment compensation,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. At last it came time to bake the bread. 'Who will help me bake the bread?' asked the little red hen.
'That would be overtime for me,' said the cow.
'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck.
'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig.
'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose.
'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen.
She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, 'No, I shall eat all five loaves.'
'Excess profits!' cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi)
'Capitalist leech!' screamed the duck (Barbara Boxer)
'I demand equal rights!' yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson)
The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy)
And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.
Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, 'You must not be so greedy.'
'But I earned the bread,' said the little red hen.
'Exactly,' said Barack the farmer. 'That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants.But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.' And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, 'I am grateful, for now I truly understand.'
But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established. Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.
EPILOGUE:
Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs.
Hillary got $8 million for hers.
That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.
IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?
Read Full Text/Comments
Cradle Of Liberty Council, BSA to Have It's Day In Court
This story is of particular interest to me, as I am both a scout parent (Scraps is a First Class scout), and a troop committee member/mentor.
It looks like the Boy Scouts of America, Cradle of Liberty Chapter has the city of Philadelphia back in it's sights.
A judge has ruled that the lawsuit brought against the city does have Constitutional merit on First Amendment issues. The lawsuit was filed in Federal court this past May by Cradle of Liberty (COL), just prior to the city ordering the scouting organization to vacate the building that the scouts built and gave to the city, in return for rent of $1.00 a year.
The city, in it’s infinite wisdom, decided that because the boy scouts do not permit openly gay people in leadership positions, they have violated the city’s Fair Practices Ordinance. the outcome? Revoke the trust agreement and charge the COL full market value rent on a building that the Scouts GAVE TO THE CITY IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!
Egregious, no?
The City of Philadelphia is going to lose this case. Why? Because, Nutter cut funding to youth programs paid for by tax dollars. The scouts take no monies from the city to run their organization. By taking the headquarters, and/or charging an outrageous amount of rent to the COL, the city is effectively taking non-tax dollars away from a youth program that works. It would be in their best interests to let it go and continue their agreement with the COL as if nothing has happened.
As far as the COL being solely discriminatory? The City gives the Daughters of the American Revolution (a society that excludes those who cannot trace their lineage to the Revolutionary war) cheap rent for two Fairmount Park buildings to use as their headquarters. In the grand scheme of things, this, too is discrimination.
Click on the link below to read the latest from the Philadelphia Daily News on this developing story:
Court advances Boy Scouts suit against the city
Cross posted on PAWaterCooler
Read Full Text/Comments
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Joke
John McCain and Barack Obama somehow ended up at the same barbershop.
As they sat there, each being worked on by a different barber, not a word was spoken. The barbers were even afraid to start a conversation, for fear it would turn to politics.
As the barbers finished their shaves, the one who had Obama in his chair, reached for the aftershave. Obama was quick to stop him saying, 'No thanks, my wife Michelle will smell that and think I've been in a cathouse.
The second barber turned to McCain and said, 'How about you?' McCain replied, 'Go ahead, my wife doesn't know what the inside of a cathouse smells like.'
Read Full Text/Comments
Sarah Palin & Cheesesteaks...Whiz, Wid!
Palin Stumps At Cheesesteak Shop In Philadelphia
9/27/2008, 8:16 p.m. EDT
By PATRICK WALTERS
The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin takes her cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz and onions. (whiz, wid, not unlike your humble blogger)
The Republican vice presidential candidate made a brief campaign stop at Tony Luke's steak shop in South Philadelphia on Saturday evening. Wearing jeans and a beige raincoat, Palin greeted curious onlookers, signed autographs and posed for pictures before ordering two steaks to go.
"Sarah, your steak is ready," a cashier said over the loudspeaker a few minutes after she ordered.
As dozens of onlookers crowded around her, Palin headed back to the window to pick up the order. The cashier told her the order was on the house, so Palin tossed her cash into a donation jar outside the window. A smiling Palin signed autographs on scraps of paper at the window while she waited.
"Thank you so much for letting me stop in," she said before picking up the bags and heading back to her SUV with 14-year-old daughter Willow at her side.
Ordering cheesesteaks at a Philadelphia steak shop is a longtime tradition in the City of Brotherly Love, where the sandwich is a cultural icon.
Palin said she thinks Arizona Sen. John McCain was "awesome" and "absolutely on his game" in Friday night's presidential debate with Democratic Sen. Barack Obama. Both candidates have been campaigning heavily in Pennsylvania, expected to be a key battleground in the November election.
One undecided voter at Saturday's stop said she was charmed after a brief talk with Palin, and more inclined to vote for McCain. Shannon Sampere, 24, of Newark, Del., said she and Palin talked about good bakeries in the area, adding that she found her to be very down to earth.
"She's a very genuine person," Sampere said.
And here is the rest of it.
Read Full Text/Comments
Marcel Groen Asks Bob Kerns to Put Aside Partisan Politics
With the passing of Judge Toby Dickman last year, there has been a noticeable void in the Montgomery County Courthouse. The caseload isn't getting any smaller and with the courts already overburdened, there doesn't seem to be any solution other than waiting for the judicial elections next year.
That is, ruling out the Governor's choice for judge, Andrew B. Cantor, a democrat lawyer from Cheltenham.
Irony #1: Marcel Groen wants MCRC Chairman Bob Kerns to influence the Republican Senate Judiciary Committee to appoint Cantor to the bench, casting aside "partisan politics" to appoint "one of the best legal minds in the county".
Kerns stated that, in fact, Groen who is engaging in partisan politics by even suggesting that the appointment be a democrat, blessed by Rendell. Kerns believes that because Toby Dickman was one of only two women on the Montgomery County bench, that it is only fitting that her replacement be a woman...and a Republican woman (as was Dickman).
The GOP' recommendation was, based on exactly that criteria, Chief Deputy Solicitor, Carolyn T. Carluccio, who is the former chief public defender.
Kerns believes that the nomination of Cantor is directly related to his years of loyalty to the democratic party.
Irony #2: The mandatory reitrement age for county judges is 70 years old...Cantor is 69 years old and would have to step down sometime next year anyway.
Read more about this story in the Times Herald
. And here is the rest of it.
Read Full Text/Comments
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Obama Campaign Abuses First Amendment To Intimidate Foes
The Obama campaign and, most notably, St. Louis (MO) County Circuit Attorney Bob McCulloch are threatening lawsuits if people speak out against the übermessiah. Most notably, they have been intimidating TV station owners who run NRA based pro-gun, anti-Obama commercials. Didn't some guy do this back in the 1930's, in Germany? It sounds vaguely familiar...
From Protein Wisdom:
Mo. Gov. Blunt Statement on Obama Campaign’s Abusive Use of Missouri Law Enforcement
No mincing words here:
Gov. Matt Blunt today issued the following statement on news reports that have exposed plans by U.S. Senator Barack Obama to use Missouri law enforcement to threaten and intimidate his critics.
“St. Louis County Circuit Attorney Bob McCulloch, St. Louis City Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer, and Obama and the leader of his Missouri campaign Senator Claire McCaskill have attached the stench of police state tactics to the Obama-Biden campaign.
“What Senator Obama and his helpers are doing is scandalous beyond words, the party that claims to be the party of Thomas Jefferson is abusing the justice system and offices of public trust to silence political criticism with threats of prosecution and criminal punishment.
“This abuse of the law for intimidation insults the most sacred principles and ideals of Jefferson. I can think of nothing more offensive to Jefferson’s thinking than using the power of the state to deprive Americans of their civil rights. The only conceivable purpose of Messrs. McCulloch, Obama and the others is to frighten people away from expressing themselves, to chill free and open debate, to suppress support and donations to conservative organizations targeted by this anti-civil rights, to strangle criticism of Mr. Obama, to suppress ads about his support of higher taxes, and to choke out criticism on television, radio, the Internet, blogs, e-mail and daily conversation about the election.
“Barack Obama needs to grow up. Leftist blogs and others in the press constantly say false things about me and my family. Usually, we ignore false and scurrilous accusations because the purveyors have no credibility. When necessary, we refute them. Enlisting Missouri law enforcement to intimidate people and kill free debate is reminiscent of the Sedition Acts - not a free society.”
Needless to say, no one actually has to be prosecuted for this to work. Prosecution will be impossible anyway in most cases thanks to the First Amendment. The point isn’t to jail critics but merely to price the cost of prospective litigation into their decision on whether to publicly criticize The One. Add this to the threatening letters his lawyers sent to station managers over the NRA ads, the flash-mob smearing of David Freddoso, and the appeal to the Justice Department to prosecute the American Issues Project for its perfectly factual yet devastating Ayers ad. Oh, the fun we’ll have with a deep blue Congress and an Obama-run DOJ and FCC. He promised you a “new type of politics,” didn’t he?
And a new type of politics it will be, too! — not that old divisive kind of politics where one is constantly being sniped at by the so-called “loyal opposition,” but rather a new and harmonious politics of consensus and agreement, brought about by the stern and loving hand of those in government willing to do the hard work of putting an end to all this hate by legislating, intimidating, or hectoring into silence the unpatriotic ingrates who refuse to get with the orgy of love that is Obama’s America.
Because remember: Venezuela-type Utopias just don’t happen; first, you have to find someone who loves his country so much that he’s willing to take on the role of Chavez.
For the greater good. And, y’know — so his wife can finally be proud and all.
****
update: Obama’s campaign to unify America by keeping all messages the same continues apace:
A UMW spokeswoman says that the Obama campaign required the sign-and-banner ban [during an Obama rally]. That campaign tells us that the ban is for “security” reasons. But a spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, responsible for protecting presidential candidates, says that the service has no objection to signs at rallies, provided that no “part of the sign could be used as a weapon”–e.g., a heavy metal pole or a sharpened stick. Finally, the McCain campaign tells us, “We encourage people to make signs at our events.”
Maybe O! was afraid somebody would wave an American flag or something equally, you know, NASCAR-esque.
And like, how gauche is that?
Read Full Text/CommentsFriday, September 26, 2008
Live Blogging on the 'Cooler
Alex Charyna, editor of PA WaterCooler, challenged me to "live blog" the debate tonight. Check out Alex's synopsis here.
Here is the resulting post:
Right out of the chute, McCain looks and behaves quite collected, at ease. Obama looks uncomfortable and wooden.
McCain hits big on the first question, concerning the bail-out. Obama strings rhetoric as McCain gives facts and substance.
Obama is asked to direct a comment to McCain, he instead, speaks directly to the moderator.
Side note-Obama is wearing a flag pin-
“The truth is that right after 9/11 I had a pin,” Obama said. “Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we’re talking about the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security.
“I decided I won’t wear that pin on my chest,” he said in the interview. “Instead, I’m going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism.”
(ht to Alex for pointing that out to me)
McCain laments the use of earmarks as “a gateway drug”. Says that earmarks are one of the big spending issues that are out of control in government. He promises to veto earmarks ad naseum when he becomes president. Points out Obama’s ludicrous amount of earmarks.
Barry tells that he stopped taking earmarks for his home state. Of course! He hasn’t been in the senate chambers long enough this year to ask for any!
Obama states that earmarks aren’t the only problem…his $932 million in earmarks since he became senator would seem to me to be a big part of it.
The next question concerns their respective economic recovery plans…
For the record, McCain has never taken a dollar in earmarks for his home state of Arizona.
John Mentioned Barry’s definition of “rich” as it concerns the tax code…Barry comes back to say there are too many loopholes for the rich…I’d like to see what he paid last year in taxes!
They fence back and forth on tax breaks with nothing substantial to say.
Barry is putting forth the idea of energy independence, hybrid technology, keeping students viable in the world market, renewable energy sources, etc. Same old rhetoric we’ve been hearing from him, nothing new.
McCain is suggesting fiscal disciplint, cleaning the dead wood out of the governemnt agencies, from top to bottom, bottom to top. To essentially “scrub every agency of government”. He’s on fire!
Gaffe #1-Barry called McCain “Tom”
John is suggesting a spending freeze on everything except defense, veterans affairs, where Obama is for continuing funding education, McCain suggests that we can create jobs by building more nuclear power plants.
Gaffe #2: The moderator suggests that the next president will “rule” the United States.
Health Care, Health Care, Health Care…Obama wants to pay for it through (obviously) welth distribution through higher taxes…McCain says that the U.S.,government needs to stay out of the medical insurance business.
Obama Gaffe #2: He calls John “Jim”!
Obama says that McCain will be “business as usual”, McCain says I’m a maverick, and so is my running mate (props to SARAH!).
The next Question concerns the Iraq war maybe becoming another Viet Nam.
McCain states that the war, ans subsequent surge is and has worked, and we will, under Petraeus, succeed, and come home winners, successful.
Obama states he was “brave enough” to stand up in the senate and oppose the war…busting chops about the cost of freedom and safety. He forgets that we need to be safe. States that we haven’t used our military resources wisely in Iraq. What war is he watching?
McCain just busted Obama’s chops over his support of the troops, not visiting for over 900 days, never meeting with Petraeus…Barry’s face is priceless on the split screen.
McCain quips that Obama doesn’t know the difference between antactic and a strategy! Priceless. Barry is reduces to interrupting and stuttering. He looks bad!
Now Barry is backpedaling on his previous stand on the war…he stated that he was for funding a war with a forseeable end…I thought he was against funding the war?
Obama is constantly interrupting McCain…bad move, Barry!
McCain stated that Obama’s plan would “snatch defeat from the jaws of victory”…Great line!
On to Afganistan…Barry is all for additional troops in Afganistan, but that we also should tie the two together. So now he’s an expert on military ops?
He says we have to press the Afgan government, that they need to keep their people in line. (side note: he’s pronouncing Pakistan, Afganistan, etc. like he’s lived there..oops, he has)
McCain is not ready to commit troops to Pakistan-he says the tribe mentality is very hard for us to be able to align ourselves with…true that. says that as we do need to work on Pakistan, we need to leave the decisions to General Petraeus. Obama had stated that we need to invade Pakistan, McCain says :you don’t say that out loud!”. (Obama pronounces it “Pock-ee-stahn”)
(this ain’t easy…I now know how Alex felt when he live blogged the convention)
McCain’s record on national security issues, especially committing troops to combat, is stellar. McCain told the story of the mother of a service man killed in combat-she gave him her son’s bracelet and asked him to make sure that we win, that her son’s life wasn’t lost in vain. John rattled off the soldier’s name like it was his own…Barry looked at his wrist and said “I have a bracelet, too” (He had to look at his wrist to see the soldier’s name)
New question about the threat from Iran
McCain states that Iran having nukes will be a direct threat to Israel, and worries that there will be another Holocaust with a nuclear Iran.
He wants other countries to join with us to impose serious sacntions on Iran and can control the situation that way, if we work together. He goes on about the fact that Iran is supplying terrorists in Iraq with IED’s and such.
Obama says that the republican guard being a terrorist agency. Says that Iran’s strength has come from the war in Iraq. He claims that the policy (read war) of the last 8 years has been directly responsible for strengthening Iran.
Barry says sanctions will not work. By not talking to them, we’re not really punishing them, but strengthening them.
McCain says we should not have open dialogue with Iran, legitimizing their behavior. Reminds Barry that it worked when Reagan did it with the former USSR…and it worked. We don’t need no stinkin’ preconditions! Booyah!
Barry says: ‘but, but, but, but…” Claims he doesn’t necessarily not want preconditions…but it’s all Bush’s fault! Claims we need to sit down with our enemies and have a tea and krumpet party.
McCain says that he’s “not going to set the White House visitor’s schedule before he’s president…I don’t even have a seal yet”. Priceless jab!
Obama says preconditions mean preparation.
Russia
Obama sees them as a potential ally, although now they are percieved as a threat. Says we need to be tough with Russia, while allowing our “friends” to join NATO, if they meet the requirements. Claims that some of their nukes could find their way into the hands of al Qaeda…
McCain calls Obama naive for thinking that Russia and Georgia should both “back down from aggression” (I thought Georgia was defending their sovereign nation, not to mention the pipeline that runs through their land)
McCain supports allowing Georgia and Ukraine to join NATO…claims that the situation is difficult, but Russia should respect the borders of the other countries involved.
Obama just said that we should “forcefully object” to Russia’s resurgency…he copped that line from Demi Moore in “A Few Good Men”.
Alternative energy and economic recovery…McCain speaks, Obama interrupts…sheesh, what an amateur.
McCain upstages Barry on alternative energy, Barry gets flustered, interrupts, and says “let’s move on”. The sheer arrogance of this guy scares the bejeezus out of me (that he’s so close to maybe becoming president).
Are we going to be attacked again.
McCain states that we need to beef up security, especially along our borders.
Barry is reading from the democrat playbook, pointing our the Bush administrations foibles, no clear solution to offer.Quotes Ronald Reagan by saying that we need to once again become that “shining beacon on the hill”…this guy has never had an original thought, has he?
Barry equates alQaeda with borrowing money from China…whiskey-tango-foxtrot?
McCain delivers the coup de grace…says Obama lacks the experience in foreign affairs to the point that he still claims that the surge didn’t work, says he’ll take care of those who gave so much to keep the country safe, our veterans.
Obama says “my father came from Kenya” in the ’60’s…he came here for the American dream? he came here, got a free education and left his wife and son to pursue a career in Africa…some role model.
McCain gives a final statement that basically he’s the most qualified. I agree.
McCain-1, Barry-0
Alex, the next one’s all you, buddy!
Read Full Text/Comments
Straight Pull from the 'Cooler
I guess the rules only apply to Department Heads, employees, and hmmmmm....Bruce Castor?
HT to Alex from the PAWatercooler
Montco Travel Freeze September 25
Citing the current economic downturn, the Montgomery County commissioners have imposed a hiring freeze and ban on travel until at least the end of the year.
“I don’t think we are looking at any layoffs but each person working for the county is going to be more important each day that we go on because of restrictions in hiring,” Commissioners’ Chairman James R. Matthews said.
The county currently has a staff of 3,734 employees including 3,247 full-time employees and 487 part-time employees.
The commissioners also barred any overnight travel by employees and department heads.
The commissioners’ announcement comes on the heels of similar announcements by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Gov. Ed Rendell.
In unrelated news, Mayor Nutter and Commissioner Hoeffel are on their way to Atlanta for a three-day meeting is underway in Atlanta, GA where many of this region’s top civic leaders are hoping to learn how to duplicate the southern city’s successes and avoid its failures.
Uh-huh.
Read Full Text/Comments
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Obama Seeks To Take Down NRA Ad
The Obama campaign has written radio stations in Pennsylvania and Ohio, pressing them to refuse to air an ad from the National Rifle Association.
"This advertisement knowingly misleads your viewing audience about Senator Obama's position on the Second Amendment," says the letter from Obama general counsel Bob Bauer. "For the sake of both FCC licensing requirements and the public interest, your station should refuse to continue to air this advertisement."
The ad, "Hunter," conflates Obama's anti-gun stances of the 1990s with his current, more pro-gun, stand, and was chided for inaccuracy in The Washington Post, an item to which Bauer's letter refers.
NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam, who provided the letter, said it shows clear evidence that the ads are "hurting him," and stood by their substance. He also provided a copy of the NRA's own letter to the stations and memo disputing the Post story, after the jump. He also said the ad is running only in Pennsylvania at the moment.
(Click here to read the letter)
The bitter truth:
Read Full Text/Comments
