Sam Rohrer writes to Barack Obama

An Open Letter to the President

Dear Mr. President,

I write to you as one elected official to another on behalf of average American citizens. We listen to your words and measure them carefully. With hope, we watch your actions. We then look to history and compare the events of our day with the events of yesterday. We look to our Founders and read carefully their intellectual discourses and their moral debate. They ultimately concluded that the actions of the king were best described as tyranny, because they could not be honestly described any other way. Having come to such a serious and reasoned conclusion, their path was charted—unknown as to its outcome — but certain as to its demand upon them. Mr. President, we are doing what Americans have done before.

Many of your words, at face value, inspire and offer some level of hope. This is why many Americans cast their vote for you. Yet, now that you are in office, your actions are inspiring fear and distrust. At nearly every level, Americans, regardless of political party, are being forced to walk down the same road our Founders were forced to walk – questioning, analyzing, and looking deep within their souls. The similarities between the past and the present are amazing. If you desire to test the American people's resolve and challenge their patience, you are accomplishing your goal. You know what is happening within the hearts and minds of the average American. That is why state legislatures are offering and passing resolutions, re-affirming the 10th Amendment and state sovereignty issue. That is why the Tea Party movement is growing by the day and is attended by rich and poor alike. That is why you and Congress are hearing from the American public in record numbers on an increasing range of major issues including the bail-out, the stimulus plan, "cap and tax," and government intrusion into health care.

Your speech sounds sensitive to the economic and emotional needs so heavy on our people. Yet, your continued references to being guided by the "Rule of Law" (our Founders knew this meant God’s Higher Law and the Highest Law of the Land – the Constitution) are hollow and disingenuous. Your recent speech in front of the original Constitution of the United States of America in the National Archives makes it all so clear that your words mean nothing. Your agenda and you yourself appear to be that "rule of law" – effectively setting aside all Constitutional constraints. It's unfortunate that I must be so direct, but you are leaving the American people with very few options.

Mr. President, it is clear by your speech and actions that your oath to the Constitution is not binding to you and, therefore, is a broken oath. On many fronts, so much of significance has happened in such a short time. You (and the Congress) are overriding state sovereignty and encouraging the states into unsustainable programs through Stimulus Funds: this will force them to beg you and the elite in Washington for help when the funding runs out. Your policies are destroying the wealth of hard-working Americans by plunging this nation into inescapable debt to our enemies and by justifying the disastrous printing of trillions in fiat money. What you and the Federal Reserve do not destroy immediately by exploding our debt, will be completely devoured by the ensuing hyper-inflation. What an insidious way for you and Congress to spend what you do not have by robbing it from every hard-working American who has responsibly worked and saved!

You have violated historic contract law by choosing who wins and who loses, while Chrysler and General Motors is eviscerated and turned into 'Government Motors'. You have thumbed your nose at the 'Balance of Power', so carefully conceived and implemented by our Founders, by appointing unaccountable "Czars" to function as your direct emissaries over fundamental areas of public policy, thereby blatantly by-passing the checks and balances of Congressional oversight. You pursue special interest agendas motivated by the faddish science of "Global Warming" or "Climate Change", or whatever it will be called next. In the 'cap and tax' plan, you justify the biggest tax assault on the American people ever conceived. Yet, you boldly assure the American people that it will cost them nothing, since only the "polluters" will pay. But, in the process you will destroy thousands of truly sustainable jobs (in exchange for temporary "green" jobs – like insulating buildings and re-caulking windows). Bringing America to its knees in financial dependence, in energy dependence, and a gutted manufacturing sector is sadly what’s happening. It appears that in reality, the "Change" you promised is just your personal change—clearly not what the American people so desperately hoped for.

So Mr. President, these things that I and the American people have come to observe and conclude are bringing this nation to a point closer each day that resembles the circumstances that forced the hearts, the minds and then the hands of our Founders. As we quickly approach the remembering of Independence Day – July 4, 2009, please remember that as you make your choices, so must we. May you and all the American people reread the Declaration of Independence – very carefully. Identify the principles they clearly stated and then apply them to today. Feel the intensity of the letter sent to the King. Understand the careful steps they undertook to make the moral case for freedom and independence in the context of the history of mankind. Note in particular the foundational precepts woven into paragraph two, written as much for the benefit of Americans yet unknown and unborn as it was a message to King George. As the President who holds the highest elected position in both honor and responsibility in this Republic, place yourself in the position of the King, look in the mirror, and then look across this great land at the faces of our great people and listen to their pleas. The King didn’t know for sure all that Declaration Letter would mean for him, but I am certain that he knew he had ignited the will and passion of a freedom-loving people for which only time would prove the outcome.

So it is today. Now, we have the Constitution against which to compare the words and actions of those in public office. The people, Mr. President, are awaking. They are realigning their priorities, purifying their motivations, and galvanizing their wills. Their freedom and their families are what they love and, thankfully, what they will defend. As to what comes next, I cannot say. I do know that another Declaration Letter is not necessary since this country already belongs to us. Our freedom and this republic are already ours. It is the return of freedom they demand. It is nothing less than the adherence to the Constitution and to the oath we have both taken that they demand. We, continuing to carefully note and compare as our Founders did, are also coming to serious and reasoned conclusions. Our path is charted – unknown perhaps as to its ultimate outcome – but certain as to its demand upon us.

From all those who love their Freedom,

State Representative Sam Rohrer
District 128 – Berks County

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rep. Pitts: FDA Wrong Agency to Regulate Tobacco

FDA Wrong Agency to Regulate Tobacco

By Congressman Joe Pitts

I have had a number of constituents ask me about a recent vote I cast against legislation (H.R. 1256) to mandate the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulate tobacco sales. As someone who has always been anti-smoking, I can understand how that vote may be confusing, however, I believe it was the right vote.

The most important fact to remember in this debate is that the FDA’s job is to make sure the food and medicine we consume is safe. Tobacco is not safe at all, which makes the FDA the wrong agency to regulate it. Under this bill, for the first time ever, the FDA would approve a product that we know kills people.

The FDA is already overwhelmed with its current responsibilities. Putting more on its plate would be doing a disservice to the consumers the FDA is meant to protect. Over the past several years, the Energy and Commerce Committee, of which I am a member, has held numerous hearings where witnesses have testified and members of the Committee have stated that the FDA is not properly carrying out its current responsibilities.

In 2007, the Chairman of the Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Bart Stupak (D-MI), remarked that “the FDA continues to use 20th century tools and resources to address 21st century regulatory challenges,” and noting the FDA’s “current system is woefully inadequate.”

Also in 2007, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), the author of the tobacco legislation and current Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee stated, “the warning signs are clear: FDA is an agency in crisis.”

On October 3, 2007, FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, submitted testimony to the Health Subcommittee, on which I sit, stating: “FDA shares the goal of H.R. 1108 (the bill number in the previous Congress), the ‘Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act,’ – to reduce tobacco use in this country. We agree with the need to address this significant public health problem. But we have concerns with the bill’s proposed means to achieve those objectives.”

Dr. von Eschenbach then outlined three primary objections to the bill. First, the bill could undermine the public health role of FDA. Second, the many aspects of the bill may be extremely difficult for FDA to implement. And third, a significant concern about the ability to carry out the new mandate with the resources provided under the bill.

It is also worth noting that the nation’s largest cigarette maker, Philip Morris, not only supports the bill—they wrote it. This should make everyone suspicious of how effective the plan will be in reducing smoking.

I want to reduce smoking. In fact, when we considered the bill in committee, I voted for an amendment that would have given FDA the authority to ban all nicotine—the addictive substance in tobacco. Nearly all of the supporters of the bill voted against it.

I especially want to protect our children from harmful and dangerous tobacco products, and that is why I cosponsored H.R. 1432. This bill would strengthen the very successful and effective federal-state tobacco control partnership, known as the Synar Program, which works to increase the compliance rate of preventing tobacco sales to minors.

It is estimated that nearly 21 percent of all U.S. adults (approximately 45.1 million people) are cigarette smokers. In addition to the prevalence of tobacco use in the adult population, 23 percent of U.S. high school students are cigarette smokers, and about 1,140 persons younger than 18 years of age begin smoking each day. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in this country, responsible for approximately 438,000 deaths per year. It is clear that we must take action to stem this public health crisis; however, there is no magic bullet, and, while it is critical that we do something, we must do the right thing. I simply do not believe that FDA regulation of tobacco is the right thing to do. While H.R. 1432 does not go as far as I would like, it puts us on the right track.

If the advocates of H.R. 1256 had really wanted to reduce smoking, they could have supported the amendment that would have allowed the FDA to ban cigarettes. Instead, we have allowed the largest tobacco company to write a bill that will require an already overburdened FDA to regulate and approve a product that is known to kill people. In this light, I think a no vote was the right vote.

Congressman Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District in Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Independence Day

A message from William Warren:

The Fourth of July is a day that is usually a time when families get together for sunshine hot dogs, fun, and fireworks. Every American regardless of race, sex, income, and political party celebrates the day that the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, spurring the start of the American Revolution.

Like many other national holidays, the meaning can often be lost in the festivities. And so it is up to each of us to, in the words of Jefferson, "Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty."

The American system of government, with the Founding Father's emphasis on "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," has inspired almost every country in the world to rise up and take control of their own destiny. Constitutional Republics have spread throughout Europe, and just this year fellow freedom fighters as far away as Iran and as near to us as Honduras are standing up for their own independence much like our Founding Fathers did more than two centuries ago.

This is America's lasting legacy. Before 1776, only two Constitutional Republics even attempted to bring any form of freedom and liberty to mankind: The Greek and Roman Empires. But the people of these great nations became apathetic, not realizing, as John F. Kennedy wisely warned, "Complacency is the jailer of freedom."

So, while the Fourth of July has become a day of festivities (celebrating if nothing else, a day by the pool or at the beach), what Americans really are observing is the fact that a relative handful of courageous citizens lit a flame of liberty and installed a form of government that has governed over unprecedented prosperity and individual liberty. And even today, "the glow from that fire can truly light the world."

Fourth of July Queen crowned in Pottstown

One of the best Fourth of July celebrations anywhere in the country takes place every year in Pottstown. Situated on the western end of Montgomery County, the borough carries on some wonderful traditions, but none rival the Fourth of July festivities.

The money to put on the event every year comes largely though community donations. The Mercury publicizes the names of everyone who gives to the cause and does feature stories on many of the volunteers who organize the celebration.

One of the biggest fundraisers is the annual Fourth of July Homecoming Queen competition, where students from area high schools vie to raise the most money. The winning contestent (and the school) have bragging rights for the year, not to mention a front-page article in The Mercury.

The 2009 Fourth of July Homecoming Queen was crowned Friday evening at the start of the two-day celebration.

The 4th of July Homecoming Queens raised more than $12,500 - which is triple the amount normally raised by in the Queens competition.

Pictured above, left to right: Bridget Yerger, of St. Pius X High School; Eva Magazu, of Owen J. Roberts High School; Gabrielle Schurr, of Pottsgrove High School (and the 2009 July 4th Homecoming Queen); and Tiara Reddick, of Pottstown High School.

The Saturday and Sunday editions of The Mercury will have full coverage of the two-day event. You can also find out more at www.pottstownjuly4th.org

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Release the hounds!

Chavez, Castro & Obama

Check out this editorial in The Washington Examiner.

The Obama Stimulus Swindle

DEP Accepting Comments on Stormwater Permit Revisions

DEP Accepting Comments on Stormwater Permit Revisions

Pennsylvania Offers a Host Of 'You Will Only Find it Here' Opportunities This Summer

Pennsylvania Offers a Host Of 'You Will Only Find it Here' Opportunities This Summer

Randall Terry to Make 12 City Tour to Mobilize Opposition to Sotomayor

Randall Terry to Make 12 City Tour to Mobilize Opposition to Sotomayor

Six months into the Obama recession ...

U.S. unemployment reached 9.5 percent in June, a 26-year high, according to the Labor Department, and Barack Obama is "deeply concerned."

He should be. He promised unemployment would top at 8 percent and start to decline if Congress agreed to his massive spending proposals. Just another in a string of broken promise by Obama.

Employers slashed 467,000 jobs in June, obviously not getting the memo from Obama and his sycophants in the media that things are turning around.

From The Associated Press:

Many economists predict the jobless rate will hit 10 percent this year, and keep rising into next year, before falling back.

All told, 14.7 million people were unemployed in June.

If laid-off workers who have given up looking for new jobs or have settled for part-time work are included, the unemployment rate would have been 16.5 percent in June, the highest on records dating to 1994.

Since the recession began in December 2007, the economy has lost a net total of 6.5 million jobs.

Some 3 million jobs have been lost since Obama took office.

The $1 trillion "stimulus" bill he signed in February to put Americans back to work has been a total failure.

His nationalization of banks, insurance companies and auto manufacturers has done little to restore faith in the U.S. economy.

His $1.9 trillion energy tax (cap and trade) will kill tens of thousands more U.S. jobs.

And then you have Obamacare, the government-run health system that will add trillions of dollars in debt.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

77 legislators sign 'No Tax' pledge

The list is growing. Some 77 members of the Pennsylvania Legislature have signed a "No Tax" pledge sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation. That's up from 57 who were on the list yesterday. Review the full list here.

The magic number to defeat Gov. Ed Rendell's plan to raise the state income tax by $4.5 billion is 128. If 102 House members and 26 Senate members agree not to raise taxes, Pennsylvania families and businesses will be spared.

So far, 30 Republican members of the Senate are on record as opposing a tax increase. But the real battle is in the House, where Democrats hold a 104-99 majority. At least three Democrats have to vote against Rendell's tax hike, but more than the minimum should stand with Pennsylvania taxpayers.

If your state House member is not on the list, contact them today and find out why they want to raise your taxes. There's a complete list of lawmakers posted at http://pleasenomoretaxes.org, where you can also sign an online petition opposing a tax increase.

Truck-Involved Fatality Rate Declines 12 Percent in 2008

Truck-Involved Fatality Rate Declines 12 Percent in 2008

'Talking Politics' on the radio today

Pennsylvania's budget stalemate will be among the topics of discussion on "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM

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

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

Rendell looking for a 'Judas'

From the Whispers column in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

NO JUDAS HERE. How badly does Gov. Ed Rendell want to raise the state personal income tax by 16 percent?

Badly enough to court the Blue Dog Democrats in the state House Democratic Caucus. If the name sounds familiar, it's because it was lifted from a similar band of conservative Democrats in Congress.

Rep. Nick Kotik of Coraopolis, the leader of the Blue Dog Dems, said Rendell has made "overtures" to talk to the group about supporting his tax hike proposal.

Kotik vowed not to be swayed by the long tradition of governors and legislative leaders buying tax votes with special grants known as WAMs and pet projects for lawmakers' districts.

"Thirty pieces of silver isn't going to do it," he said.

Read more at the newspaper's Web site.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

But Enough About Obama

Scarnati: Rendell 'misrepresenting the facts'

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati has called on Gov. Ed Rendell to end "public scare tactics" and begin sincere negotiations on a 2009-10 state budget.

From a press release issued Wednesday by Scarnati:

"In order to sell something that is not in the best interest of Pennsylvanians, which is a massive increase in the personal income tax, the Governor has come to his final option…threatening a doomsday scenario in the Commonwealth," Scarnati said. "However, if we are to get to the point of significant progress on this budget, the Governor must be forthright with his information to the public."

Scarnati noted several examples of the Governor scaring and misinforming the public, including statements that state parks will close, hospitals will shut down, and most recently that 800 troopers will be laid off if the Senate Republican version of the budget is enacted. These accusations by the Governor have all proven inaccurate.

"In fact, at a recent hearing of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, a representative of the Pennsylvania State Police alluded to the fact that the Governor's comments were a bit of sensationalism, and no trooper has ever been laid off as a result of budget shortfall," Scarnati stated.

After viewing a videotape in which the Governor also said the Senate GOP budget would result in untracked sex offenders, State Police Deputy Commissioner Jon Kurtz said, "That is sensationalizing. Those are all political statements that are being made for a purpose."

Senator John Rafferty, Chairman of the Committee, and other senators asked why the state could not simply shift the funding formula to use more money from the Motor License Fund. They pointed out that there is no statutory requirement that the percentages remain at their current ratio of 73-27, which is the percentage of Motor License Fund to General Fund.

Scarnati stated, "This is not a time when we should be creating panic or misrepresenting the facts. The Governor needs to realize that the people of Pennsylvania cannot afford a tax increase and that they will not be led down the road of false representations.

"I continue to hear the Governor comment on how the numbers will drive the process and quite frankly, I agree," Scarnati added. "The numbers I see for a tax increase are zero votes in the Senate Republican caucus and I am not sure he has the required number of votes in the House of Representatives to pass his tax increase budget. Those are the real numbers that drive this process.

"At this point the full House has yet to vote on the Governor's tax increase budget or consider our proposal, Senate Bill 850, which cuts spending and includes no new taxes," Scarnati concluded. "In the meantime I respectfully request that the Governor stick to the real facts and not scare the citizens of the Commonwealth with information that is far from reality."

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Audio Bibles For American Troops

Audio Bibles For American Troops

$3,250,000,000

Pennsylvania finished with a $3.25 billion budget deficit for the 2008-09 fiscal year ending June 30, according to the Department of Revenue, which released estimated final tax revenue numbers Wednesday.

The state collected $2.3 billion in General Fund revenue in June, $415.3 million, or 15.5 percent, less than anticipated, according to Secretary of Revenue Stephen H. Stetler

Fiscal year 2008-09 General Fund collections totaled $25.5 billion, which is $3.25 billion, or 11.3 percent, below estimate, Stetler said.

Tax revenues, which were in the red for all 12 months of the past fiscal year, were down significantly in almost every category in June.

From a Pennsylvania Department of Revenue release:

Sales tax receipts totaled $675.6 million for June, which was $67.6 million below estimate. Sales tax collections for the fiscal year totaled $8.1 billion, which is $595.3 million, or 6.8 percent, less than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in June was $818.4 million, which was $207.1 million below estimate. This brought fiscal year PIT collections to $10.2 billion, which is $1.3 billion, or 11.2 percent, below estimate.

June corporation tax revenue of $411.6 million was $82.2 million below estimate. Fiscal year corporation tax collections totaled $4.8 billion, which is $613.9 million, or 11.3 percent, below estimate.

Other General Fund revenue figures for the month included $67.7 million in inheritance tax, $10.6 million below estimate, bringing the fiscal year total to $772.2 million, which is $105 million below estimate.

Realty transfer tax was $27.1 million for June, bringing the total to $294.5 million for the fiscal year, which is $117 million less than anticipated.

Other General Fund revenue including cigarette, malt beverage and liquor taxes totaled $101.3 million for the month, $5 million below estimate, bringing the fiscal year total to $1.1 billion, which is $26.2 million below estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $155.9 million for the month, $30.9 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $235.2 million, which is $506.4 million below estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $161.7 million for the month, $38.6 million below estimate. Fiscal year collections for the fund totaled $2.6 billion, which is $175.8 million, or 6.4 percent, below estimate.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Budget deadline? What budget deadline?

The first day of the new fiscal year for Pennsylvania, July 1, 2009, came and went and the state is operating without a budget. Don't fret. It's not like we haven't been down this road before. Ed Rendell has missed the budget deadline every year since taking over as governor in 2003.

But there is something different about this year. Rendell is a lame duck and we are in the middle of the worst recession since World War II. Rendell has squandered most of his political capital on broken promises (property tax relief, business revitalization, health insurance for all, jobs).

Despite increasing General Fund spending by $8 billion since 2003 -- twice the rate of inflation -- Rendell's big government, tax-and-spend agenda has been a monumental failure.

Pennsylvania is much worse off today than it was when Rendell took over as governor. From a recent post at The Commonwealth Foundation's POLICY BLOG on the state's business climate:

Only 40 states have a better business climate than Pennsylvania

Forbes has issued its latest report on "The Best States for Business". Pennsylvania ranks 41st. Amazingly, despite Governor Rendell's "investments" in our economy, that represents a drop of two spots since last year.

Here are more recent rankings of Pennsylvania's economic and business climate:

* The Tax Foundation State and Local Tax Burden - 11th (50 is best)
* Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council Business Tax Index 2008 - 28 (1 is best)
* Pacific Research Institute State Tort Liability Rankings - 45th (1 is best).
* Beacon Hill Institute State Competitiveness Report 2007 - 34th (1 is best)
* ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index - 44th on Economic Performance; 37th for Economic Outlook (1 is best)
* Alliance for Worker Freedom Index of Worker Freedom - F (Tied for worst)
* Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council Policy Environment for Entrepreneurship. - 24th (1 is best)
* The Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index - 27th (1 is best).
* CEO Magazine Best States to do Business - 37th (1 is best)

There's no reason for the Republican-controlled Senate to give into Rendell this year. Rendell's way is a dead-end. Incredibly, Rendell wants to increase state spending by $1 billion for the 2009-10 fiscal year even thought he just finished the last fiscal year with a $3.2 billion deficit.

Hey, Ed: The first rule of holes -- When you're in a hole, stop digging!

The only compromise on the table is for Rendell to accept the balanced budget adopted by the Senate last month. It calls for no tax increases and a decrease in state spending. In other words, Pennsylvania government must live within its means for the first time since Rendell became governor.

For more on the state's fiscal crisis, check out "Lawmakers miss deadline for state budget" in The Philadelphia Inquirer and John Baer's column in the Philadelphia Daily News, "When it comes to a state budget, we're king-less"

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

The Meltdown

The global warming hoax is melting right before our eyes.

You won't hear about it in the mainstream media because they're in on the swindle, but take a look at these interesting developments:

Item: EPA Internal Report Skeptical of 'Global Warming'

The report was suppressed before Congress voted 219-212 to pass a global warming tax. How many votes would have changed if Obama had not hidden the report from fellow Democrats in Congress?

Item: Gore Sued For Global Warming Fraud

Yes, that would Nobel Prize-winning idiot Al Gore, the man who has profited the most from the global warming swindle.

Also check out the Thursday Wrap: Climate-Change Edition at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Web site.

Rendell caught in another lie?

Gov. Ed Rendell wants to raise your taxes ... again.

In order to drum up support for a $4.5 billion tax hike over the next three years, Rendell, aka Chicken Little, has been predicting the sky will fall over Pennsylvania if he doesn't get his way.

An early scare tactic about school boards having to raise your property taxes if the state doesn't raise your income taxes first has been exposed as a sham.

Funding for education has risen every year under Rendell and will go up again under a balanced budget adopted by the Republican-controlled Senate.

Another scare tactic was the closing of state parks if Rendell doesn't get his way, but that won't happen as the state's fiscal year ends today. Parks can remain open all summer under current funding levels.

Rendell's latest scare tactic is his best one yet. Rendell is now saying that he will have to eliminate 800 Pennsylvania state troopers -- that's 1 in 5 -- if he doesn't get his tax increase.

Columnist John Baer of the Philadelphia Daily News tried to get to the truth of Gov. Chicken Little's latest doom-and-gloom prediction, but didn't have much luck.

From Baer's latest column:

The administration says that the GOP would toss 800 troopers off the 4,400-member force, giving evildoers, drunken drivers and child-molesters free reign over Pennsylvania.

"The Senate's plan is reckless if not criminal," Rendell said in a recent statement. And at a news conference Friday, he said: "The only way to meet that [GOP budget] is with 800 layoffs."

Republicans say that Ed's dead wrong and using scare tactics to sell his plan to hike the personal-income tax (which Republicans oppose) to raise another $1.5 billion for the state.

"It's shameful," Republican Senate President Joe Scarnati said on statewide TV last week. "When you're selling snake oil, you really need to up the hype."

Rendell says that Republicans put 1,720 communities (83 in the four counties surrounding Philly) with part- or full-time State Police coverage at risk.

Senate GOP Leader Dominic Pileggi says that Rendell's read on this is "based on either a misunderstanding or a deliberate evasion" of facts.

But the facts aren't easy to find.

Especially when the governor is working overtime to fool everyone.

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

Also check out this Associated Press story on the GOP disputing Rendell's claims about state trooper layoffs.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Congressman Pitts Endorses Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate

Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) has endorsed Pat Toomey for the United States Senate and released the following statement:

"Pat Toomey is the right candidate. No one else comes close.

"I worked with Pat in Congress for six years. He is one of the smartest people I've ever known. He's also one of the most caring and passionate people I've served with. A lot of politicians have lost credibility in recent years. Pat Toomey isn't one of them. Pat has good ideas that he actually believes in, and he will work hard to make people's lives better.

"Pat Toomey is a bona fide fiscal conservative at a time when Washington desperately needs more of them. Pat knows where jobs and prosperity come from, and he knows they don’t come from Washington.

"Pat has strong convictions, but they are convictions with bipartisan appeal. Pat proved during his three terms in Congress that he has the ability to inspire Democrats and Republicans alike.

"Pat Toomey is going to win this race. He is principled, thoughtful, caring, and qualified."

For more on Toomey's bid for a U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania, visit his campaign Web site, www.toomeyforsenate.com

Congressman Shuster Endorses Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate

Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-09) has endorsed Pat Toomey for the United States Senate and released the following statement:

"For as long as I have known Pat Toomey, he has been a reliable and steadfast supporter of limited government, lower taxes and personal freedom. These are bedrock conservative principles that I know resonate with my constituents in central and western Pennsylvania and will carry throughout the state.

In the face of record unemployment and a faltering economy, congressional Democrats continue to be more interested in passing job killing cap and trade legislation, anti-worker card check legislation and government run rationed healthcare than they are with improving the economic security of Pennsylvania's families.

The people of Pennsylvania are starting to realize that government bailouts, giveaways and suffocating debt aren't going to rebuild America's economy. We need a return to smart governing and we need to put the brakes on out of control spending. Pat Toomey can bring about this change and return our nation to the path of growth and opportunity. That is why I am proud to endorse Pat Toomey for the United States Senate."

For more on Toomey's bid for a U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania, visit his campaign Web site, www.toomeyforsenate.com

Cardinal Rigali Protests Move to Fund Abortion in District of Columbia

Cardinal Rigali Protests Move to Fund Abortion in District of Columbia

'Cash For Clunkers' Organizations Warn of Online Scams

'Cash For Clunkers' Organizations Warn of Online Scams

Toomey applauds Democrats for standing with taxpayers

U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey is reaching across the aisle to extend a pat on the back to four Democratic members of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation for their recent vote against the cap and trade bill.

The climate change tax bill passed the House by a 219-212 margin, with 44 Democrats voting against it.

Toomey commended Democratic Reps. Jason Altmire (PA-04); Chris Carney (PA-10); Tim Holden (PA-17); and Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-03) for "joining the bipartisan opposition to the cap-and-trade bill that promises to raise taxes and destroy American jobs."

More from a Toomey press release:

"Along with 40 other Democrats, these Pennsylvania Democrats had the courage to stand up to one-party rule in Washington," Toomey said. "They understand that protecting the environment is an important goal, but they are not willing to sacrifice American prosperity and hardworking taxpayers in the process. It is a shame Rep. Joe Sestak (PA-07) couldn't muster up the same courage. Instead, he voted to support Nancy Pelosi's extreme agenda. The question is, will Senator Specter choose the same path?"

"Only a couple of weeks ago, Senator Specter argued in support of maintaining balance in Washington in order to protect the country from extremism," said Toomey Communications Director Nachama Soloveichik. "He told The Hill newspaper that 'The United States desperately needs a two-party system.' But now that he has joined the Democratic Party, he seems intent on marching in lockstep with his new party in order to avoid a Democratic primary, even if it means throwing hardworking Americans under the bus. Senator Specter has the chance to prove he is serious about bringing balance to Washington — will he have the courage to do it?"

For more on Toomey's bid for a U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania, visit his campaign Web site, www.toomeyforsenate.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Global Warming Meltdown

Investor's Business Daily has another terrific editorial about the global warming hoax and how so many Democratic members of Congress fell for it in supporting the energy tax bill last week.

The newspaper also says the eight Republican members of Congress who gave Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama a victory should be ousted in 2010.

From the editorial:

A switch of four Republican votes would have defeated Waxman-Markey, the Democrats' global warming legislation. But like the Clinton Btu tax, the bill could die in the Senate and turn the House over to the GOP.

Early in the Clinton administration, the House passed by an almost identical 219-213 vote the infamous Btu tax — a levy on each unit of energy consumed. The tax would have been assessed on the energy content of all fossil fuels as measured in Btu, or British thermal units.It died in the Senate and was used as a campaign issue as the GOP regained control of the House for the first time in 40 years.

Far from being morose, the GOP mood after Friday's vote was almost giddy. "On the floor, it felt like we won," said Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma. After the final gavel fell, Republicans were chanting, "Btu, Btu."

"A lot of Democrat members got burned on that vote," (House GOP Leader John) Boehner said. Something tells us they, and eight Republicans, may get burned on this one too.

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

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

The Obama Doctrine

Hyperinflation Nation Surpasses 25,000 Views in 36 Hours

Hyperinflation Nation Surpasses 25,000 Views in 36 Hours

Two New TV Stations to Broadcast Lottery Drawings Beginning July 1

Two New TV Stations to Broadcast Lottery Drawings Beginning July 1

Sign the Please, No More Taxes! Petition

The Commonwealth Foundation is gathering signatures at its
PleaseNoMoreTaxes.org asking Gov. Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania Legislature to give Pennsylvania families and businesses a break by not raising the state income tax.

Gov. Ed Rendell's hypocrisy on taxes

Tax everyone but the guy behind the tree

By Nathan A. Benefield

Gov. Ed Rendell's hypocrisy on tax policy is on full display this budget season. While Rendell is demanding higher taxes on individuals and most businesses, he is also working to preserve the Film Tax Credit for his Hollywood buddies. He argues that without this credit, filmmakers would flee Pennsylvania (even though most filmmakers don't receive the credit, and film production has barely increased since the tax credit was enacted).

Apparently, Rendell thinks higher taxes are harmful to film executives, but everyone else can live with government taking a bigger bite of their paycheck.

Gov. Rendell's recent proposal to raise taxes on wages during the recession reveals just how out of touch he is. Defending his proposed 16 percent hike in Pennsylvania's income tax, Rendell called a Commonwealth Foundation estimate of 24,000 private sector jobs lost from his tax plan "ludicrous." Rendell questions not only the projected number of lost jobs, but suggests that businesses and individuals can simply pay higher taxes and maintain their expenditures.

To understand the baneful effect of Rendell's tax scheme, consider one of his favorite rhetorical flourishes: the personal income tax hike, he says, would cost the average household a couple of cups of coffee at Wawa each week. But if millions of Pennsylvanians give up two cups of coffee each week, how many Wawa stores will need to reduce benefits, lay off workers, freeze hiring or even close altogether?

Or consider small businesses, which Rendell claims won't lay off workers for a tax increase of $500, or $1,000, or even $5,000 per year. Perhaps not, but those businesses will cut costs somewhere — maybe they won't buy a fax machine or a new printer they were planning on. Maybe a law firm would cut back on the charts they use in court. While these business have not laid off their own workers, their cost-cutting would pinch workers at the print shop in the neighborhood, which sells fax machines and copiers and produces charts for law firms. The ripple effect of extracting $1.5 billion of Pennsylvania's economy will reach far and wide.

Gov. Rendell argues we can "afford" a tax increase because Pennsylvania has the "2nd lowest" flat rate, or top rate, of states with income taxes. Once again, Rendell's rhetoric distorts reality. Nine states have no income tax, or only assess it on interest and dividends (not coincidently, these states have the strongest economic growth). Most states have lower rates on the first few thousand dollars of income. Most have personal exemptions, marriage and child deductions, and other credits or deductions that lower their overall tax burden. And most states have no local tax income taxes, like Pennsylvania does.

In reality, Pennsylvania ranks 16th highest in state and local income taxes. More importantly, Pennsylvania's overall tax burden is even higher, 11th highest in the country, to be precise. Rendell's latest proposal would only further hinder our economic competitiveness.

But the income tax hike is not Rendell's only job-killing proposal, just his latest. He has proposed: increasing the cigarette tax, which falls disproportionately on the poor; a tax on smokeless tobacco, which would hurt small Pennsylvania tobacco farmers; and a new tax on natural gas extraction, potentially killing an emerging industry. Rendell even wants a 2 percent tax on insurance premiums, because apparently, he doesn't think health insurance is expensive enough.

Rendell also wants to cancel the scheduled reduction in the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax (CSFT), and increase the tax retroactively. Yet in 2006, Rendell said the CSFT "hits Pennsylvania businesses — particularly manufacturers — hard" and a reduction was critical to our economic competitiveness.

Unfortunately for Pennsylvanians, Rendell is more than willing to sign job-crushing tax hikes if doing so means more money for him to spend. Unless of course, that tax hike would fall on his political allies.

Nathan A. Benefield is director of policy research with the Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org), an independent, nonprofit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg.

Governor Rendell Announces Loan Programs to Help State Employees Through Budget Impasse

Governor Rendell Announces Loan Programs to Help State Employees Through Budget Impasse

Barack Obama: Biggest Mistake Ever?

It's a shame we can't cast a vote of no confidence against the Obama Administration. Six months into the era of "hope and change," we've gotten "despair and more of the same."

More than 3 million Americans have lost their jobs since Obama took office, bringing the nation's unemployment rate to nearly 10 percent.

Gas prices are creeping toward $3.00 per gallon.

The trillion-dollar "stimulus" bill turned out to be what many predicted: A Democratic Party pork bill to reward the special interests who helped get them elected.

The government has taken over the banks, the car companies and now wants to run the health care system.

If Cap and Trade passes the Senate, electricity rates will skyrocket.

And what about the price of potatoes? Yes, potatoes.

That's what tipped off Mark Cour at the Circumlocution for Dummies blog that something is terribly wrong with America in the age of Obama.

From Circumlocution:

I'm not sure if anyone other than myself noticed, but the price of practically everything you may set out to purchase has escalated of late. Escalated and then some, I’d say. On Friday I paid $6.99 for a 10-pound bag of potatoes. That same bag of spuds would have set me back for $2.99 as little as a year ago.

And as I was exiting the supermarket with my overpriced veggies in hand, I passed a guy wearing a T-shirt with that “Yes we can” bit emblazoned on it. And after a quick mumble to myself, I thought, Yes we can? Yes we can, what?

Exactly what are we doing?

It get much better. It's one of the best commentaries I've read anywhere about the current state of affairs in this country.

Read the full post, "Yes we can, what?," at Circumlocution for Dummies

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Top 10 Reasons You Know You're on Obamacare

'Can we in good conscience ask our citizens to sacrifice more to satisfy the state's growing appetite?'

State Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks, made the following comments at a PACT with PA Press Conference in Harrisburg regarding the move by Gov. Rendell and House Democrats to raise taxes for Pennsylvania families and business owners:

No Tax Increases: In simple terms, this is the most basic and distinctive Sound Budget principle. Ultimately, the adherence to this principle will define the difference between living within our means and respecting those who pay the taxes by spending only what we have OR laying down an additional burden on our already taxpayers and business because we are afraid to bring spending into line.
States all across this nation are grappling with this very principle. Which is better they are asking – reducing spending even though it is difficult OR raise taxes regardless of the burden it places on our people and our economy.

Another question is this: Can we really afford to raise taxes? What will be the impact on our taxpayers – our small businesses- our struggling economy – on jobs? If taxes are raised, can the honestly be called "temporary?" What is the likelihood of any tax being sunsetted? Is an increase in the PIT that would "only" add $15 or$20/ month really that much as the Governor has said? Should we be concerned? These are all great questions and they must be openly discussed, not twisted and spun to try and convince the public that what they know to be poison is really medicine.

Well if we look at history, this legislature hasn't done so well in regard to this principle. In 1991 we were faced with a $1 billion deficit—but instead of cutting back on spending, taxes were raised $3 billion - $ 1 Billion in needed revenue, $2 Billion to “buy” the votes. That $2Billion/yr has resulted in taxpayers losing over $35 Billion dollars. You see raising taxes is VERY expensive.

In fact, this legislature has resorted to raising taxes in every previous recession (1983, 1991, and 2003). Today, we’re facing a $3 billion+ deficit from just this current year with the need to address in this budget an equivalent of around $7Billion. Does anyone think we can afford to raise taxes without absolutely destroying our economy and breaking the backs of our taxpayers? So history doesn't look to good. Now is the time to learn from history, consider the negative impact of the previous tax increases and live within available revenues.

As to negative impact of a broad based PIT or SUT tax - Raising taxes will take more money out of our economy at a time when we can least afford it. A couple of reasons why an increase in either of these taxes is deplorable: The revenue is not predictable since revenues are falling and increase of 1% point for PIT for example really means a 30% increase in PIT. But since people are losing their jobs, being forced to accept 10%-20% reductions in pay, working 4 days instead of 5, etc. no one really knows what an increase of 1% point will generate; Secondly, people are already tapped out. With people’s pensions reduced or wiped out, property taxes climbing and incomes dropping, thousands of families are seeing their savings destroyed and foreclosures staring them in the face. They can NOT afford any more taxes particularly when all other living expenses are increasing. Raising taxes not is not only economically destructive it is the height of insensitivity and simple in my opinion, immoral.

Just a couple of facts: Fact 1: Tax Freedom Day, or the day where Americans stop working to pay taxes and start working for themselves, fell on April 13th. Pennsylvanians work a full 103 days, or three and a half months, to pay federal, state and income taxes. During 2009, you and I will pay more in taxes than we spend on food, clothing, and housing combined.

Fact 2: Pennsylvanians in particular shoulder a heavy burden: with the 11th high state and local tax burden in the country, Pennsylvanians pay on average $13,000 PER PERSON (not wage-earner) in taxes. In 2008-2009, our Pennsylvania state and local governments spent $10,000 for every man, woman, and child.

Fact 3: Raising the PIT as the Governor wants to do will destroy jobs: According to the PA State Tax Analysis Modeling Program, or PA-STAMP, a 1% increase in personal income tax would result in a net loss of 47,633 jobs next year.

Can we in good conscience ask our citizens to sacrifice more and more to satisfy the state's growing appetite. Let's take a page from their book, acknowledge the difficulties that our citizens are facing even today, and resolve to live within our means.

Sotomayor Supreme Smackdown

The Supreme Court today overturned a lower court ruling written by Judge Sonia Sotomayor establishing racial quotas in a case involving New Haven, Conn., firefighters.

The top court ruled 5-4 that racial quotas are unconstitutional and sent the case back to the appeals court.

The ruling shows clearly what an intellectual lightweight Sotomayor is and also exposes her lack of basic understanding of the U.S. Constitution. That might explain why Barack Obama picked her for the court. Peas in a Pod.

Sotomayor will still get confirmed by the intellectual lightweights in the U.S. Senate, but at least the pretense of her qualification for the Supreme Court is no longer in question.

We now understand she was nominated because she's a Hispanic woman ... and not the most qualified person for the job. Isn't that filling a racial quota?

The problem with liberals is that they're stuck in the 1960s and 1970s. Time has passed them by.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Biggest June box office debut ever

Despite mediocre reviews, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" topped the box office this weekend with an estimated $112.0 million, bringing its five-day haul to $201.2 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com

We have a certified blockbuster on our hands, a film that should end up as one of the top moneymakers of all time. The first "Transformers" film made $319 million domestically in its entire 2007 run.

From BoxOfficeMojo.com:

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, JUNE 26-28, 2009

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

1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$112.0 million | 4,234 | $201.2 million | 1

2. The Proposal (Buena Vista)
$18.5 million | 3,058 | $69.1 million | 2

3. The Hangover (Warner Bros.)
$17.2 million | 3,525 | $183.2 million | 4

4. Up (Buena Vista)
$13.0 million | 3,487 | $250.2 million | 5

5. My Sister's Keeper (Warner Bros.)
$12.0 million | 2,606 | $12.0 million | 1

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Governor Rendell Signs Bills to Protect Homeowners From Mortgage Fraud

Governor Rendell Signs Bills to Protect Homeowners From Mortgage Fraud

FRC Launches Stop Kevin Jennings Campaign

FRC Launches Stop Kevin Jennings Campaign

Americans acknowledge need for more energy, but underestimate role of oil, natural gas, survey shows

Americans acknowledge need for more energy, but underestimate role of oil, natural gas, survey shows

Stop the Rendell tax hike

Can your family afford a state income tax increase right now? If not, you must make your voice heard in Harrisburg, where Gov. Ed Rendell and his doormat Democrats in the House are planning to raise the state income by 16 percent to cover the $3.2 billion budget deficit they ran up in the past year.

If you're tired of sending your paycheck to Harrisburg, if you're tired of uncontrolled spending by professional politicians, you need to send a message to your state House member that you will vote them out in 2010 if they vote to raise your taxes in 2009.

Find out more at StopPATaxHike.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

State Capitol Roundup

Here's the latest edition of State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147:

House Republicans Unveil StopPATaxHike.com, Press for Budget Progress

While Gov. Ed Rendell continues to push for higher income taxes, House Republicans have unveiled a new Web site for taxpayers to voice their opinions on the plan. StopPATaxHike.com allows visitors to sign a petition against the tax increase, as well as make both written and video comments on the proposal. Thousands of Pennsylvanians have already signed up, supporting Republican claims that now is not the time to be taking more money out of the pockets of already struggling taxpayers, and that it is time to cut spending and force government to live within its means. The end of the current fiscal year and the deadline for a balanced budget is June 30. For the latest state budget news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

GOP Wants Stronger Gaming Laws Before Industry Expansion Considered

With some lawmakers calling for an expansion of the state's gaming industry to generate new revenue, House Republicans say the first priority must be reform of the current gaming law. While praising a Senate-passed reform measure, the lawmakers say additional changes are needed. Those changes include: prohibiting convicted felons from being employed in the gaming industry, making the license application process more transparent, and granting the Attorney General or Pennsylvania State Police the authority to enforce the state's gaming laws. The Senate bill is expected to be considered in the House in the near future, at which time House Republicans will offer their amendments. For the latest legislative news, visit PAHouseGOP.com

Republican Tax Amnesty Proposal Could Raise an Extra $100 Million

Legislation sponsored by Rep. John C. Bear (R-Lancaster) to create a one-time tax amnesty program in Pennsylvania could bring in at least $100 million worth of delinquent taxes. Under the bill, a 90-day tax amnesty would be declared during the 2009-10 fiscal year. All penalties would be waived if the person or business filing for amnesty pays all back taxes in full or enters into an approved payment plan. Applicants for previous amnesty periods would not be eligible, nor would filers be able to apply for future amnesty programs. New Jersey recently reported that its own tax amnesty program brought in at least $400 million in back taxes, and could generate as much as $700 million in total revenue after all tax filings at the program deadline are counted. House Bill 1627 has received bipartisan support and currently has 52 co-sponsors. It has been referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration.

Lawmakers Gather to Promote Online Transparency Database

Lawmakers, led by Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), this week announced their support for an online accountability and transparency database like that proposed in House Bill 1460. The legislation, sponsored by Christiana, would create the Pennsylvania Web Accountability, Transparency and Contract Hub (PennWATCH) to organize information about state spending and government-awarded contracts. The proposal is part of a wider effort by House Republicans to restore the public's faith in government after allegations of pay-to-play relationships between the Rendell administration and several campaign donors who later received lucrative, no-bid contracts for work. For details, visit PAHouseGOP.com, and click on "government reform."

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Obama's silence

Obama can be stopped

All the propaganda. All the back room deals. All the pork amendments to buy votes.

And all Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi could get was a 219-212 margin to pass the cap and trade energy tax in the House?

Don't be surprised if the $1.9 trillion global warming tax fails in the Senate.

A 7-vote margin in the overwhelmingly Democratic House? That's pathetic. A total of 44 Demcorats voted against cap and trade! It took 8 GOP House members to pass it.

It's not looking good for Obamacare or other future Obama spending sprees.

House Democrats are beginning to worry about their re-election chances in 2010 as the Obama recession continues, unemployment is reaching record levels and the unprecedented debt Obama has piled on the U.S. takes its toll.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

8 Republicans betray American taxpayers

Democrats control the House of Representatives by a 255-178 majority, but Nancy Pelosi could barely muster enough votes to pass the $1.9 trillion cap and trade energy tax.

In fact, the Democrats didn't have enough votes until 8 Republicans crossed over to support the largest tax increase in U.S. history.

Michelle Malkin has the names and photos of the 8 turncoat Republicans who sold out the U.S. taxpayer to appease the global warming fanatics. Here are the names:

Mary Bono Mack (R-CA)
Mike Castle (R-DE)
Mark Kirk (R-IL)
Leonard Lance (R-NJ)
Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ)
John McHugh (R-NY)
Dave Reichert (R-WA)
Chris Smith (R-NJ)

Electricity rates (and all energy costs) will skyrocket for American families and businesses if the cap and trade bill passes the Senate. Barack Obama has already vowed to sign the tax increase into law.

Read Malkin's full post, "The 8 cap-and-tax Republicans…and the 44 Democrats who voted no" at her blog.

And be sure to remember their names when they're up for re-election in 2010.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

GOP: Where are the jobs Obama promised?

FAIR's Response to Sen. Charles Schumer's Seven Point Plan for So-Called 'Comprehensive Immigration Reform'

FAIR's Response to Sen. Charles Schumer's Seven Point Plan for So-Called 'Comprehensive Immigration Reform'

Oxymoron: Temporary Tax

This letter from a Chester County resident originally published in The Mercury gets right to the point about the tax hike proposals being pushed by Gov. Ed Rendell and House Democrats. You should send something similar to your state representative, especialy if he's a Democrat.

No tax is ever 'temporary'

An open letter to state Rep. Paul Drucker, 157th District:

Consider yourself lucky. You have a job. Unlike many citizens of Pennsylvania who are unemployed and senior citizens who have seen their life's savings disappear in the last two years, you don't have to curtail your spending.

Now Gov. Rendell wants another temporary tax on the books, like other temporary taxes to never go away.

Remember, your job is only temporary too. It'll be easier for voters to vote you out of office than it will be for elected officials to remove a temporary tax. Keep that in mind when you cast your vote.

EDGAR A. NARATIL
Phoenixville

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS