Friday, April 30, 2010

Can we get Chris Christie to move to Pennsylvania?

The Philadelphia Inquirer recaps the first 100 days of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's administration. The newspaper says supporters and foes alike give Christie high marks for helping turn around New Jersey after the disastrous four years of Democrat Jon Corzine.

Pennsylvania needs a Christie in the governor's mansion to straighten out the mess Democrat Ed Rendell has made over the past eight years. Forget about the four Democratic candidates. Three of them are Rendell clones and the fourth, moderate Jack Wagner, doesn't have a chance of winning his party's nomination because liberals control the primary selection process.

That leaves the Republican contest between Tom Corbett and Sam Rohrer.

Can Corbett or Rohrer match Christie's ability to work with the legislature to push sweeping reform measures and clean up the culture of corruption left by their predecessor?

From the story by Inquirer staffer Adrienne Lu:
At its heart, Gov. Christie's guiding philosophy boils down to simple supply-side economics: reduce taxes and cut red tape to create more jobs and wealth.

The Republican governor has spent his first 100 days in office doggedly hewing to that principle, come what may.

Since his inauguration on Jan. 19, Christie has brawled with one of the state's most powerful unions, temporarily suspended property-tax rebates, proposed a $29.3 billion budget while facing a projected shortfall of about $10.7 billion, chopped state aid to schools and municipalities by more than $1.2 billion, and worked with the Legislature to pass changes to public employees pension and benefits.

How Christie's approach will play out over the rest of his time as governor and whether it will be good for the state remains to be seen. But political observers and lawmakers of both parties say there is no question the former U.S. attorney has succeeded in setting the agenda in Trenton.

"I think it's been a staggering 100 days where the governor has begun a transformation of the public culture of the state," said Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R., Monmouth), a friend of Christie's.

Conservatives around the country are paying close attention. Washington Post columnist George F. Will recently named Christie "the nation's most interesting governor." Rush Limbaugh declared he loved him. Opinion writers from the Wall Street Journal, the Weekly Standard, and the National Review have chimed in with praise.
Read the Inquirer's story on Christie at the newspaper's Web site.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Video: Veterans defend Sestak



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Pro-abortion Activist Scorned?

Hell Hath No Fury Like a Pro-abortion Activist Scorned? | NewsBusters.org

Obama's Salary Cap

From Investor's Business Daily:
In voicing his feelings Wednesday about earned wealth, President Obama shone a bright light into the thought recesses of the far left. And what a dark and ugly place it can be.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

Obama's Salary Cap - Investors.com

The Love Boat



See related editorial, "Another U.N. outrage: The Haiti debacle," at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Web site.

Throw this bum out of Congress!

Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, a four-term incumbent from Arizona's 7th Congressional District, has called for an economic boycott of his own state because he favors amnesty for illegal aliens and opposes the state's recent crackdown on illegals. Who does Grijalva represent? Certainly not the people of Arizona, who want to protect their borders. It's time to send Grijalva packing.

Boycotting Arizona - Investors.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Republican Liberty Caucus endorses 4 candidates in Pennsylvania

The National Board of the Republican Liberty Caucus voted unanimously to endorse four candidates running for office in Pennsylvania.

The candidates, referred to by the Caucus as "advocates for liberty" are Pat Toomey (running for U.S. Senate), Pat Sellers (seeking the 6th District Congressional seat), Doug Walters (running for 93rd state House District) and Sam Rohrer (seeking the GOP nomination for Pennsylvania governor).

(Doug Walters is one of four Republicans on the May 18 ballot for the York County House seat currently held by Republican state Rep. Ron Miller, who is seeking re-election.)

From a Republican Liberty Caucus press release:
Republican Liberty Caucus National Chairman Dave Nalle observed that “These candidates represent the best the Republican Party has to offer. They believe in the traditional GOP values of individual liberty and limited government and will bring desperately needed integrity back to our government. We urge voters to go to the polls in the primary and elect all of these candidates to send a clear message to Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama that we demand accountable government, protection of our rights and fiscal responsibility."

This is a year when Liberty Republicans are becoming a major force in elections all over the country. The goal of the Republican Liberty Caucus is to elect at least five Senators and at least 25 Congressmen who are truly dedicated to the principles of small government, free enterprise and individual liberty. With a core of newly elected, principled representatives in Washington we can swing the debate away from the big government status quo and towards putting the best interests of the people first.

In 1774 John Adams wrote that the revolution had been completed "in the minds of the people" before conflict ever broke out, and we believe that a similar revolution in attitude is taking place in the United States today. The people are no longer content to sit idly by and accept the dictates of out of control government. We are demanding better service and real accountability, and if we do not get it we will keep voting complacent and unresponsive office holders out until they get the message.
Founded in 1991, the Republican Liberty Caucus exists to promote individual liberty, limited government, and free enterprise within the Republican Party. To find out more, visit www.rlc.org

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

The $10 Trillion Climate Fraud - Investors.com

From Investor's Business Daily:
While senators froth over Goldman Sachs and derivatives, a climate trading scheme being run out of the Chicago Climate Exchange would make Bernie Madoff blush. Its trail leads to the White House.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

The $10 Trillion Climate Fraud - Investors.com

Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Governor Rendell Announces Nominations, Appointments

Report: PA College Credit Transfer System Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Accessible

Report: PA College Credit Transfer System Makes Higher Education More Affordable, Accessible

CCRKBA Supports Legislation to Correct Onerous D.C. Gun Laws

CCRKBA Supports Legislation to Correct Onerous D.C. Gun Laws

Rep. Eric Cantor: It Is Not the Same GOP

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor says the Republican Party learned its lessons after defeats in 2006 and 2008.

From an op-ed posted at Big Government:
America is a nation at a crossroads, and it is up to each of us to determine what kind of country we want to be. We must not leave our children a country more in debt and worse off than we found it, and I believe it is one of the biggest moral obligations of our time to act now to put a stop to what is happening in Washington. That means listening to the American people. It means spending less and saving more. It means pushing common-sense solutions that serve the national interest, not the special interests. And it means ensuring that our children have the same opportunity to achieve that we were given.

I am under no illusions – both parties have helped to create a debt that everyone knows is dangerously high. But only one of them is going to keep going down that path and taking our country with it. The other has learned its lesson and has reformed itself.
Read the full column at the link below:

It Is Not the Same GOP

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Newspaper: Dan Onorato is bad for business

Dan Onorato's hometown newspaper says don't buy those slick TV ads that depict the Democratic candidate for governor as "business friendly." The reality is far from what Onorato is selling.

Onorato & business - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Obama Administration Report is a Devastating Critique of ObamaCare

Obama Administration Report is a Devastating Critique of ObamaCare

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

More Where That Came From



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Sam Rohrer endorses Maloney in 130th State House Race

Sam Rohrer is probably the most popular political figure in Berks County right now so when he decides to endorse a fellow Republican for the 130th state House District, it could tip the race to David M. Maloney.

Two Republicans - Maloney and Tammy Gore - are seeking the GOP nomination on May 18 to run against two-term incumbent Democrat David Kessler, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

From the Maloney for State Representative campaign:
Gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer has endorsed David M. Maloney's run for the state house. Maloney's campaign made the announcement Wednesday. Maloney is a candidate for the 130th State Legislative Seat in Berks County.

Sam Rohrer said "David Maloney is a man I will be able to count on to help me in the state house when I am governor. We will have a tremendous amount of work to do, difficult decisions to make on many important issues. I will be very glad to have David in my corner in Harrisburg."

Maloney said "Sam's endorsement means a great deal to me. I have come to know and respect Sam Rohrer over the years and I truly believe Sam is the right man to be our next governor." Maloney is a self employed carpenter and home remodeler. He is a former Oley Valley School Board member living in Pike Township, Berks County. "Sam's agenda for Pennsylvania is exactly what we need. Sam Rohrer's defense of the family, life, and freedom will be my model as a legislator."

Maloney and Rohrer agree that the keys to economic recovery in Pennsylvania are removing government roadblocks to job creation, reducing the cost of state government and the elimination of school property taxes.

When asked about Republican chances of success in November, Maloney said "Right now, we have momentum on our side here in Pennsylvania. We have strong candidates led by Sam Rohrer. For me personally, I have the energy and the volunteers and the organization behind me to win back the 130th seat, and at the same time I will do whatever I can to help Sam Rohrer become the next governor of Pennsylvania."
Former state Rep. Dennis Leh, who held the 130th House District seat for 20 years, is also backing Maloney and is serving as Maloney's campaign chairman.

For more information about Maloney, visit his campaign Web site, http://www.maloneyforpahouse.com/

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Crowd at Kutztown University cheers Rohrer in bid for governor

Don't be surprised if Sam Rohrer beats party-backed Tom Corbett in Berks County in the Republican primary on May 18. Unfortunately, there are 66 other counties voting that day and Corbett should win the nomination. But Corbett can't match the enthusiasm Rohrer draws everywhere he speaks. Hint: Corbett needs to tap into Rohrer's base if he wants to be the next governor of Pennsylvania.

Crowd at Kutztown University cheers Rohrer in bid for governor

Video: The True Cost of Obamacare



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

PLCB Recognizes Pennsylvania Students for Educating Peers about Healthy Alternatives to Underage Drinking

PLCB Recognizes Pennsylvania Students for Educating Peers about Healthy Alternatives to Underage Drinking

New post at The Real Tom Corbett blog

With the May 18 primary less than four weeks away, the anonymous Web site, The Real Tom Corbett, is stepping up its campaign to bring out "the facts" about GOP front-runner Tom Corbett.

Check out the latest article, "Hypocrisy," here.

Corbett's opponent is state Rep. Sam Rohrer.

Campaign for Working Families targets Specter, Dahlkemper

Arlen Specter's Senate seat from Pennsylvania and a Congressional seat held by a first-term Democrat from the Keystone State are on Gary Bauer's hit list.

"The American people did not get change they could believe in," said Bauer, the former presidential candidate, and chairman of the Campaign for Working Families. "They got massive tax increases, gluttonous expansion of the federal government and unprecedented takeovers of business and industry. The Democrats' assault against the ideals of smaller government, free enterprise and traditional values must end. Campaign for Working Families is prepared to commit $2 million to restore balance and common sense to Congress."

Gary Bauer to Target 22 House and Three Senate Seats; 'The Assault On Free Enterprise and Traditional Values Must End'

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Video: Which Party is Arlen Specter?



From the National Republican Senatorial Committee

Happy Anniversary, Senator Specter!

One Year After Rushing Into The Arms Of Washington Democrats, Specter’s Lack Of Principle Catches Up With Him
WASHINGTON – One year after U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) displayed his shocking lack of principle by fleeing the Republican Party and rushing into the arms of President Barack Obama and Democrat Senate Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), the politically-expedient Senator from Pennsylvania is facing one of the most challenging reelection battles of his career.

Specter's switch – which was driven by perceived political benefits in the face of a daunting challenge from fiscally-responsible former U.S. Representative Pat Toomey (R-PA) – has ironically resulted in a brutal Democrat primary against U.S. Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA).

In an effort to build his liberal credibility with his new party leaders, Specter eagerly embraced President Obama's unpopular economic agenda in Washington – including bragging that he was the critical 60th vote to pass the deeply unpopular and costly health spending bill.

"Unfortunately for Pennsylvanians, the only thing consistent about Arlen Specter is that he will always put his own political preservation before the people in his state," said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokeswoman Amber Marchand. "If he makes it to the General Election, there's no doubt that Specter will be held accountable for his shocking lack of principle when voters elect Pat Toomey to the U.S. Senate."

PA State Police: CRASH Enforcement Effort Removes 219 Trucks from Service

PA State Police: CRASH Enforcement Effort Removes 219 Trucks from Service

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Columnist: Race Card Overplayed by Liberals

From a terrific new column by Salena Zito on the constant use of the race card by liberals when anyone objects to Obama's policies:
Racism also often is cited by Washington insiders as the reason for the downward trajectory of Obama's public approval.

Yet racism has nothing to do with Obama's falling numbers -- or, for that matter, those of Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, who also is black.

Both men were given the benefit of the doubt when elected to their positions. Only now, after having an opportunity to witness their behavior and performance, have people decided they don't approve of the jobs Obama and Steele are doing.

Racists never would have given either man an opportunity to begin with. Americans' dissatisfaction with both men and their performance has more to do with these individuals than with their skin color.

The real story for both Obama and Steele is the same as that for many high-profile (and usually white) politicians. They began with high expectations and then their approval ratings fell over time, as people got to know them.
Read the full column at the link below:

Race card overplayed - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Originally poste at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rep. Quigley to host forum on special-ed policies

State Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) will lead a hearing of the House Republican Policy Committee in its examination of special education policies in Pennsylvania's public schools.

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, at the Spring-Ford Area School District’s Ninth Grade Center, located at 400 Lewis Road in Royersford.

From a press release issued by Quigley:

"Special education is a vital service our public schools provide, and we have to be sure we are providing those services effectively," said Quigley. "During these difficult economic times, we must also continue to ensure that we are allocating every public dollar to its maximum potential."

The committee will hear testimony during this public hearing from:
· Dr. Marsha R. Hurda, superintendent of the Spring-Ford Area School District.

· Pam Bateson, director of special education and student services of the Pottstown School District.

· Linda Adams, business director of the Pottstown School District.

· Jerry Oleksiak, treasurer of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

· Andrew E. Faust, Esq. of Sweet, Stevens, Williams and Katz LLP, representing the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
For more information about the hearing, call Quigley's office at 610-326-9563 or visit PAGOPPolicy.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Drowning Pool joins Wounded Warrior Project to Raise Awareness for Injured Service Members

Drowning Pool joins Wounded Warrior Project to Raise Awareness for Injured Service Members

Auto Dealers Tell Senators: 'Wall Street Reform Bill Hurts Consumers, Local Dealerships and Economic Recovery'

Auto Dealers Tell Senators: 'Wall Street Reform Bill Hurts Consumers, Local Dealerships and Economic Recovery'

Monday, April 26, 2010

GOP candidates for 130th state House District square off

Two Republican challengers for the GOP nomination to run in the 130th state House District recently squared off in a League of Women Voters forum shown on Berks Community Television (BCTV).

If you missed the debate between Tammy Gore and David L. Maloney, you can watch a recording of the 30-minute program.

The winner of the May 18 primary will face Democratic incumbent Rep. David Kessler, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The 130th District covers most of eastern Berks County.

Watch the forum at the BCTV Web site.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

'America: The Story of Us'



Did you catch "America: The Story of Us" on the History Channel Sunday night? It was the two-hour premiere, covering the arrival of the first settlers to American shores through the War of Independence. The series will run for 12 hours.

I'm a history buff, especially American history and I learned things I never knew before about the early days of the nation.

The premiere episode was fantastic and I highly recommend catching it in rerun and watching the rest of the series.

For more on the program, check out the History Channel Web site.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Another Reason Not To Trust Government

As if you needed another reason to mistrust the government ... turns the feds have deliberately underestimated the number of elderly Americans to cover up shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare. And this was happening before Obamacare.

From "Staying Older Longer," a blog post at Caregiving by Richard Peck:
What is the impact on Social Security and Medicare now that people are living longer lives?

It's common knowledge that people these days are living longer than ever, with life expectancy approaching 80 years of age (especially for women), and over-85-year-olds being the fastest growing segment of our population for some time now. Now a new study by the prestigious MacArthur Foundation says that we ain't seen nothing yet — that the mid-21st century is going to see men and women routinely living into their late 80s and early 90s, respectively, and 100-year-olds numbering nearly 2 million!

The MacArthur researchers, a blue-ribbon panel of well-known geriatricians and policy analysts, say that federal government agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Census Bureau, are underestimating Americans' longevity rates by some 3 to 8 years. The MacArthur panel maintains that advances in medical science and understanding of human health will develop more rapidly during the 21st century than they did in the latter half of the 20th century. Not only high-tech genetic manipulation and medical research, but increased emphasis on common sense calorie restriction and insulin control will pay off in longer, healthier lives, they predict.

Obviously a good thing, right? Yes, indeed, if you're among those likely to survive into this Golden Era. From the standpoint of society at-large, though, this might be a different story, and a scary one at that.
Read the full post here.

Also check out, "New Research Predicts Longer Life Expectancy for Americans, Higher Outlays for Medicare and Social Security," at The MacArthur Foundation Web site.

(H/T "Increased longevity has its price" by Kathleen Martin, posted at The Mercury)

Originally posted by TONY PHYRILLAS

Major Republican PAC Endorses Former Marine Paul Crespo for Congress

Major Republican PAC Endorses Former Marine Paul Crespo for Congress

The $3,700 Dime

From Investor's Business Daily:
Candidate Obama repeatedly vowed that those earning under $250,000 "will not see any of your taxes increase one single dime." Will he veto the $3,700 tax hike Congress is considering for 30 million Americans?
The $3,700 Dime - Investors.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Governor Rendell Nominates Thomas E. Gluck as Secretary of Education

Governor Rendell Nominates Thomas E. Gluck as Secretary of Education

Poll: 52% of PA Residents Disapprove of Ed Rendell

From a new Rasmussen Reports poll:
Forty-seven percent (47%) of likely voters in Pennsylvania now approve of the job Ed Rendell is doing as governor.

Slightly more than half (52%), however, disapprove of how the Democrat is doing his job, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state. These figures include 16% who strongly approve and 31% who strongly disapprove.

The latest findings show little change from last month, but the number of voters who approve of Rendell's job performance as governor is down six points from early June 2009 when 53% felt that way. At that time, 46% disapproved of his performance.

Perhaps it's no surprise that 70% of GOP voters disapprove of his job performance, while 66% like the job the governor is doing. But 65% of voters not affiliated with either party disapprove, too.
Read more poll results at the link below:

47% in Pennsylvania Approve of Governor, 52% Disapprove

Posted using ShareThis

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Sebelius Admits Admin Has No Clue on Obamacare Costs

Incredible! Obama Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius admits she's clueless on how much Obamacare will cost! See for yourself on video at the link below.

Breitbart.tv » ObamaCare: Sebelius Admits Admin Has No Clue How Much ‘High Risk Pools’ Will Cost

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Survey: 1 in 4 TV meteorologists say global warming is a scam

It's amazing how little coverage this study received by the corrupt mainstream media.

A George Mason University survey of 571 television meteorologists found that 1 in 4 (or 27%) agreed with the statement that "global warming is a scam." Another 21% say
they don't know yet if global warming is happening.

Only one third of TV weathercasters believe that there is a scientific consensus on climate change, the survey found.

These are people who earn their living studying weather patterns and climate.

Read the full 24-page survey here.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

10 Questions to Ask When Looking for Financial Advice

PA Department of Banking: Office of Financial Education Offers Consumers 10 Questions to Ask When Looking for Financial Advice

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Weekly GOP Address: No More Bailouts



In the Weekly Republican Address, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison warns about Democrats' financial regulation bill not stopping future bailouts.

Sen. Hutchison says, "Republicans are working to ensure the bill would forbid any future bailouts of Wall Street banks.... The Democrats pushed a bill through the Senate Banking Committee that does not stop future bailouts. Republicans have been attacked for speaking out against it and asking for bipartisan negotiations before allowing the bill to be debated on the Senate floor. But to be clear, we will stand firm against a partisan bill that exposes ordinary taxpayers to future bailouts or favors big companies over community banks across America. The tactics the Democratic leadership used to pass the health care bill must not be repeated."

She adds, "The fact is a growing number of experts on both sides of the ideological spectrum are coming to see what Republicans have been saying all along: the Financial Regulation Bill contains serious flaws. We believe this bill can be fixed, with a sincere bipartisan solution."

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Summing up Obama in 87 words

"He has, inside of a year, destroyed our alliances, abandoned our allies, nationalized banks, insurance companies, and the automotive business, and rammed communist healthcare down our collective throats. He has bankrupted this country and stolen the wealth of our nation and our children. He has embraced Islamic anti-semitism, sanctioned the Islamic bomb of the Iranian mullahcracy, handed Russia Eastern Europe on a plate, thrown away our nuclear advantage, and despised us for our superiority. And then contemptuously told us to thank him and kiss his marxist ass."

-- Pamela Geller
Atlas Shrugs

(H/T Warning Signs)

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

ACORN's Bertha Lewis blows her top

Fmr ACORN head calls Tea Parties "bowel movement" and claims "they're coming after you" | Washington Examiner

Video: Glenn Beck shows up liberal twit Joe Klein



Obama stooge Joe Klein was crying the other day about the Obama Regime being referred as the Obama Regime. To wit, Glenn Beck points out that the far left used the word "regime" to describe the Bush Administration 6,500 times.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Where is Ed Rendell on 'Worst Governors' list?

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a non-profit legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their actions, has released a report on the nation's "most incompetent and unethical governors."

CREW's Worst Governors report provides in-depth analyses of "11 elected officials who have pushed their states' best interests aside in favor of their supporters, families, political parties and bank accounts," according to a CREW press release.

CREW also launched a Web site, www.WorstGovernors.org, which offers concise summaries of each governor's offenses and links to their full profiles and exhibits.

I just have one question: Why isn't Ed Rendell's name on the list of the 11 worst governors in the U.S.?

Here is CREW's list of the 11 worst governors in alphabetical order:
-- Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS);
-- Gov. Donald Carcieri (R-RI);
-- Gov. Jim Gibbons (R-NV);
-- Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA);
-- Gov. David Paterson (D-NY);
-- Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA);
-- Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX);
-- Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM);
-- Gov. Mike Rounds (R-SD);
-- Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC); and
-- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA)
More from CREW:
CREW's report also includes the Worst Governors Index, a Harper's Index-style compendium of statistics from the report.

Highlights include Gov. Perdue's $2,400 private plane ride to a NASCAR race 30 miles away, Gov. Gibbons' 867 state-billed text messages sent to his "alleged" mistress over six weeks in 2007, and Gov. Perry's minimum 17 former aides-turned-lobbyists.

CREW's executive director, Melanie Sloan, said today, "From Gov. Jindal's hundreds of campaign-contributing state appointees to Gov. Paterson's efforts to pressure a domestic violence victim to stay silent - CREW's Worst Governors report leaves you wondering if these really are the people best equipped to handle the complicated problems faced across the nation."

Sloan continued, "There has been a great deal of focus on the ethics of Congress over the past few years, but CREW's report shows that state governments are not immune to ethics problems. Too often -- whether in Washington, D.C. or in South Dakota -- our country's political leaders are more focused on what's best for the favored few, rather than on improving the lives of Americans."
Click here to visit WorstGovernors.org

Click here to read CREW's full 40-page Worst Governors report in PDF Format

Click here to read CREW's Worst Governors Index in PDF Format

For more information about CREW, visit www.citizensforethics.org

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Pennsylvania DEP Announces Winners of 2010 Environmental Excellence Awards

Pennsylvania DEP Announces Winners of 2010 Environmental Excellence Awards

Don Bates Jr. Rides with Freedom Posse Through Indiana to Deliver Conservative Message

Don Bates Jr. Rides with Freedom Posse Through Indiana to Deliver Conservative Message

New PennDOT Website Offers Ways to 'Green' Your Commute

New PennDOT Website Offers Ways to 'Green' Your Commute

CQ Politics: Gerlach, Dent opponents loaded with cash

Greg Giroux, writing at CQ Politics, compiles a Top 10 List of Best-Funded House Challengers, including the Democratic challengers to Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA-6th) and Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15th).

Here's what Giroux has to say about the well-funded challengers:
Doug Pike (D-Pa.), $1.2 million. Pike, a former editorial writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer, has put in nearly $1.1 million of his own money. He'll square off against Rep. Jim Gerlach in the fall, provided he first beats physician Manan Trivedi in a Democratic primary. Gerlach has a relatively low cash-on-hand total ($336,000) because he announced only in January that he would seek re-election after waging a months-long campaign for governor that stalled.

John Callahan (D-Pa.), $831,000. Callahan is the mayor of Bethlehem, one of the population centers of Pennsylvania's 15th district, where Rep. Charlie Dent ($825,000) is seeking a fourth term.
Check out the full list at CQ Politics

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Video: The end of religious freedom on America?



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Is Facebook creating a temptation generation?

From a fascinating new column by Mel Layos in The Christian Science Monitor on the appeal of Facebook:
The temptation to let others know how happy or sad we feel, and more important, the numerous supportive messages we'll receive from our "friends," is an exercise in deferred gratification that we all lose on a daily basis. And who's to blame us? With its complicated algorithms and formulas, Facebook takes the legwork out of friendship. Do you know Bob? Why not send a friend request to his girlfriend Jane? You haven't talked to Lee in a while. Maybe you should send him a message.

Why go through the trouble of going out and cultivating one new friendship when Facebook lets you meet and befriend hundreds in less time than it takes to watch an episode of "Jersey Shore"?

Every day many people do choose the hundreds of online friends over that one real friend. And what's truly sad is what we're teaching our nation's younger, more impressionable generation. Those born after 1990 have never known a world without the Internet, and it's clear they're fully ingrained in the culture of "right now."
Read the full column at the link below:

Is Facebook creating a temptation generation? / The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Tea Party Goal: Return to Reaganism

An interesting perspective on the Tea Party movement by CNBC's Larry Kudlow:
As I read this Contract, Tea Partyers are reminding all of us of the need for the Constitution to protect our freedoms. They're calling for a renewal of constitutional values, including — first and foremost — a return to constitutional limits on government.

The Tea Partyers who responded to this poll are demanding a rebirth of the consent of the governed. The government works for us, we don't work for it.

All this makes me think of President Reagan, who never quite succeeded in gaining a constitutional amendment for a balanced budget, or for limits on spending, or for a two-thirds congressional majority for any new tax hikes. But throughout his presidency, and for many years before, the Gipper argued for constitutional limits on government, especially government spending.

And now this message is being echoed perfectly in the tea-party Contract From America. In effect, it picks up where Reagan left off.

The Tea Partyers, whom I call free-market populists, desire a return to Reaganism. In particular, their demands for a balanced budget (third plank), for restoring fiscal responsibility (fifth plank), for ending massive government spending (sixth plank), and for stopping the pork (ninth plank) all underscore the populist revolt against runaway government spending, and therefore runaway government power.
Read the full column at the link below:

Tea Party Goal: Restore Limits Of Constitution - Investors.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

We Are All Tea Party Members Now!

A new polls find 4 out of 5 Americans mistrust the federal government.

So much for the "fringe" right-wing protesters that the lunatic fringe on the left and its media allies keep talking about.

The Tea Party Movement is Democracy in action.

Pew poll: Rage against government - Tim Alberta - POLITICO.com

Differing WSJ v. AP Headlines and Opening Paragraphs on Chrysler's Losses Expose Obvious AP Bias

Differing WSJ v. AP Headlines and Opening Paragraphs on Chrysler's Losses Expose Obvious AP Bias | NewsBusters.org

Corbett, Rohrer differ on Constitution





The two Republicans running for Pennsylvania governor, state Rep. Sam Rohrer and Attorney General Tom Corbett, have different interpretations on what the Constitution means. Check out these two videos and decide for yourself. Corbett is the lawyer, but Rohrer appears to have a much better understanding of the Constitution.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Pennsylvania Game Commissioners Adopts 2010-11 Seasons and Bag Limits

Pennsylvania Game Commissioners Adopts 2010-11 Seasons and Bag Limits

Catholic Charities USA Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Catholic Charities USA Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Pennsylvania Intercity Passenger, Freight Rail Plan Finalized

Pennsylvania Intercity Passenger, Freight Rail Plan Finalized

Is Washington Bankrupting America?

From the group Public Notice, an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit organization dedicated to providing the facts and insights on the affects public policy has on American's financial well being:
* Over the last 10 years, federal government spending per household increased by 40%
* Over the last 10 years, federal government debt per household increased by almost 70%
* In 10 years, interest payments on the debt will more than quadruple
* In 10 years, interest payments on the debt plus autopilot programs (like Social Security and Medicare) will consume 90 cents of every federal dollar
Can anyone relate to $106 trillion? Who understands what that means to their personal financial future? Not many. Yet, if you breakdown this number so that people can see that our national debt equals the income of every American, nine times over, or that paying this unfunded promise would require selling every home in the U.S. five times, people begin to understand just how bad the problem really is.

Government spending is unsustainable! Washington must be held accountable.

For more on the group's effort click on the link below:

Is Washington Bankrupting America?

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rasmussen Poll: Corbett, Onorato will vie for PA governor


Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania isn't until May 18, but Rasmussen Reports says Attorney General Tom Corbett, a Republican, and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, a Democrat, will likely emerge as their respective party nominees.

From Rasmussen Reports:
State Attorney General Tom Corbett earns nearly 50% support again this month in Pennsylvania's race for governor, while only one of his Democratic opponents seems to be gaining any traction.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters in the Keystone State finds Corbett with 45% to 49% of the vote depending on his opponent, but this marks no change from last month. In February, his best showing to date, the Republican picked up over 50% support in two of the three match-ups.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato is the one Democrat who appears to be gaining some ground. Corbett now gets 45% of the vote to Onorato's 36%. Eight percent (8%) like another candidate, and 11% are undecided. A month ago, Corbett led Onorato 46% to 29%, but he posted a two-to-one lead – 52% to 26% - over the Democrat in February.

Corbett holds a 49% to 29% lead over former Congressman Joe Hoeffel, who, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, views himself as the only true liberal among the Democratic candidates. Given this match-up, 11% prefer some other candidate, and 11% more are undecided. This race is virtually unchanged over the past two surveys.

The Republican picks up 48% support if State Auditor Jack Wagner is his Democratic opponent. Wagner earns 27% of the vote, a six-point drop from last month when he was Corbett's strongest foe. Eleven percent (11%) favor another candidate. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. But in February, Corbett led Wagner 49% to 28%.
Read more about the poll at Rasmussen Reports.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

ClimateGate's Mann Demands 'Hide the Decline' Video Be Removed From YouTube

ClimateGate's Mann Demands 'Hide the Decline' Video Be Removed From YouTube | NewsBusters.org

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Rotten Egg



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

'Day of reckoning' for Pennsylvania public pension plans

From a story by Debra Erdley on the underhanded tactics of Harrisburg politicians:
Pennsylvania increased benefits for state and school employees and lawmakers in 2001, added a cost-of-living raise for retirees in 2002, and then reduced contributions to the funds and spread costs out over a decade to soften the blow of market declines.

Pennsylvania State Education Association spokesman Wythe Keever said 1998 was the last year contributions covered the state's and school districts' shares of the full costs of benefits Pennsylvania's school employees earned that year. He blames projected steep cost increases on that, rather than the benefit boost or market decline.

"What we are saying and continue to say is, our members have done what they were supposed to do. They contributed on average 7.3 percent of their salaries to provide pension funding. The General Assembly needs to understand that the decade of underfunding has created a debt that's now due," Keever said.
Read the full story at the link below:

'Day of reckoning' expected for Pennsylvania public pension plans - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Specter targets 'No Show Joe' Sestak



I feel sorry for Democratic primary voters picking a candidate for one of Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate seat.

They have to choose between Joe Sestak, one of the worst members of Congress, and a Republican retread in Arlen Specter.

My advice: Skip the primary or write in Pat Toomey's name.

Check out the new Web site No Show Joe at http://www.noshowjoe.org/

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Today Ignores Pew Poll on Less Trusted Government

Between the cooking segments and bashing Sarah Palin, there's hardly any time left for news on the "Today" show.

Today Ignores Pew Poll on Less Trusted Government, Publicizes Pew Results on Teen Texting Instead | NewsBusters.org

Veterans Employment Act of 2010 Answers American Legion's Call for Action

Veterans Employment Act of 2010 Answers American Legion's Call for Action

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations, Appointments

Governor Rendell Announces Confirmations, Nominations, Appointments

Sam Rohrer Challenges Tom Corbett's Statements on the Constitution

Pro-Life PAC targets 3 Congressional Dems from PA



Family Research Council Action PAC is planning to spend $500,000 to target the districts of 20 Democratic incumbents who voted for President Obama's abortion-funding health care bill.

Among the Democrats the AFC Action PAC wants to defeat as part of its "20 in '10" campaign are two Pennsylvania freshmen -- Rep. Chris Carney (PA's 10th Dist.) and Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (PA's 3rd Dist.) -- and veteran Rep. Paul Kanjorski (PA's 11th Dist.)

All three supported Obamacare despite widespread opposition to the bill from their constituents.

"There are good reasons why organizations like ours decided to go the extra mile and create a political action committee as another arrow in its quiver," said Connie Mackey, president of FRC Action PAC. "The thousands of families that we represent are more energized than ever to replace these so-called 'pro-life' Democrats who voted for a health care bill that for the first time in three decades uses taxpayer funds for abortion on demand.

For a complete list of the 20 Democrats the FRC Action PAC has targeted, click on the link below:

FRC Action PAC Announces Twenty Target Congressional Races for 2010

You can support the campaign to remove the 20 Democrats who voted to fund abortion with your tax dollars at the FRC Action PAC Web site.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

National Press Club Decries Police Raid of Virginia Student Newspaper Office

National Press Club Decries Police Raid of Virginia Student Newspaper Office

Monday, April 19, 2010

Pew poll: Rage against government

Pew poll: Rage against government - Tim Alberta - POLITICO.com

MSNBC Rejects Ad Calling for Repeal of Obamacare



What does it say when a struggling network turns down revenue because the message doesn't conform to its political bias?

MSNBC Rejects Revere America TV Ad

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Advance America Declares That 'America Deserves a Raise'

Advance America Declares That 'America Deserves a Raise'

Happy Patriots Day



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Barbour: Tea party violence a 'crock'

Barbour: Tea party violence a 'crock' - Andy Barr - POLITICO.com

NYT: Obama's Economic Team Already Calculating VAT Revenue

NYT: Obama's Economic Team Already Calculating VAT Revenue

Video: We Will Never Say Thank You



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Pennsylvania State Police: 148 Trucks Placed Out of Service Through Enforcement Effort

Pennsylvania State Police: 148 Trucks Placed Out of Service Through Enforcement Effort

190 Banks Have Failed So Far Under Obama

In a sure sign the Obama Recession is far from over, eight more U.S. were forced to shut their doors by federal regulators in the past week, bringing the total number of bank failures for 2010 to 50.

During Barack Obama's first full year in office last year, 140 banks failed - the highest number of failures in 28 years. You'll recall that the savings and loan crisis was in full swing in 1992.

During George W. Bush's last two years in office, a total of just 28 banks failed.

The failures last year cost the FDIC's insurance fund more than $30 billion, according to The Associated Press.

For the record, 25 banks failed in 2008 and just three in 2007.

FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair told the wire service that the number of bank failures will peak in 2010 and be slightly more than in 2009.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

JFK vs. BAM



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Tea Partiers to Obama: Thanks For What?

Taking a shot at the growing Tea Party movement, Barack Obama wants you to thank him for the 25 tax hikes he has signed into law so far.

Investor's Business Daily sees things differently:
The president can belittle people all he wants. That's his prerogative. But he ignores Tea Partyers at his own political peril. They will not go away or be mollified by the usual prevarications.

Democrats ridicule Tea Party followers as yahoos, racists and illiterates, a mob willing to be led. They are anything but. Indeed, they have shown their seriousness by putting out their own "Contract From America."

It's a common sense document, proposing 10 concrete steps to bring sanity back to our government and make it accountable once again. Sadly, the mainstream media won't cover it. But if you're interested, go to www.thecontract.org, and see if you don't agree.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

Thanks For What? - Investors.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

National Day of Prayer Court Ruling an 'Act of Supreme Arrogance'

FRC's Tony Perkins Calls National Day of Prayer Court Ruling an Act of Supreme Arrogance

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Video: Our Troubling Tax System



Video: Our Troubling Tax System | NewsBusters.org

StopFraud.gov launches

The Obama Administration today announced the launch of StopFraud.gov, billed as a "one-stop shop for the American people to learn how to protect themselves from fraud and to report it wherever - and however - it occurs."

I'd like to report Barack Obama for swindling the American people over the past 15 months.

The Real Dan Onorato

Nobody knows the real Dan Onorato, the leading Democratic contender for Pennsylvania governor, like his hometown newspapers.

Onorato's 'record' - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Also check out Dan's Land Of Make Believe, an anti-Onorato blog that launched in March.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Rendell House of Cards Collapsing

It's been a bad April so far for Gov. Ed Rendell.

Earlier this month, the Obama Administration rejected Rendell's plan to toll Interstate 80, sending state transportation funding into a tailspin.

When Rendell signed Act 44 into law in 2007, he was counting on revenue from I-80 tolls to fund a good portion of the state's transportation needs. Without the tolls, the state comes up at least $472 million short in its transportation budget, which means hundreds of needed road and bridge projects won't get done.

Funding for mass transit will also come up short without the toll revenues.

This is what happens when Rendell plays a shell game with state funding.

"For the past three years, the Commonwealth has put all its eggs in the tolling basket and disregarded other options for funding highways and transit," Congressman Glenn Thompson, R-PA-5, told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Thanks to Act 44, the Turnpike Commission is up to its eyeballs in debt because of the borrowing done based on the premise that I-80 would be tolled."

Now comes word that another Rendell fiscal scheme is unraveling.

Rendell's 2009-10 budget, which was approved 101 days late by the Legislature, was "balanced" partly by raiding a special account used to defray physicians' cost of malpractice insurance.

Rendell "borrowed" $800 million from the so-called M-Care fund to "balance" his General Fund budget, which was passed primarily along party votes with Democrats rubber-stamping Rendell's phony numbers.

But a Commonwealth Court panel ruled 4-1 Thursday that Rendell was wrong to take the money from the M-Care fund and has to put it back.

Rendell's budget is already $700 million in the red with three months left in the fiscal year. Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman, a Republican, says the state will end up with at least a $1 billion deficit by June 30 if the current tax tax collection trends continue.

The 2008-09 General Fund budget ended up $3.25 billion in the red so Rendell will be leaving office having run up more than $4 billion deficit spending. Heckuva job, Ed.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Happy Tax Day!



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

How Fast Is Harrisburg Spending Your Money?

How fast is Harrisburg spending your money? So fast, it will make your head spin.

From PleaseNoMoreTaxes.org:
Pennsylvania state government is spending $65,857,000,000 of YOUR money this fiscal year at a clip of

* $180,430,000 per day.
* $7,520,000 per hour.
* $2,088 per second.
Check out PleaseNoMoreTaxes.org, a site created by The Commonwealth Foundation, to find out where your money is going, sign a petition to end the madness (and see how you can get a free bumper sticker, too).

From POLICY BLOG:
Federal, state, and local taxes consume about 28% of the income earned by Pennsylvania residents, in the aggregate. This represents 103 days - meaning Pennsylvanians worked from January 1 until April 13 to earn enough money to pay their tax bill. Pennsylvania has the 11th latest Tax Freedom Day in the country.

If you think your taxes are high enough, request a bumper sticker with the rallying cry PLEASE NO MORE TAXES!

Pennsylvania support of Obama wanes

Pennsylvania support of Obama wanes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Meet Tony Phyrillas Friday at MCCC

Tony Phyrillas, The Mercury's award-winning political columnist and blogger, will be the featured speaker at the Fifth Annual Healthy Lifestyles Expo Friday, April 16, at Montgomery County Community College, 101 College Drive, Pottstown.

Phyrillas, pictured here with state Rep. Tom Quigley, will be taking part in a Q-and-A from 11 a.m.-11.:45 a.m., followed immediately by a free lunch.

The Expo, co-sponsored by state Rep. Quigley, Montgomery County Community College, the TriCounty Community Network and The Mercury, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Other Expo highlights include caricatures by Alan MacBain, Pipper The Clown, musical performances by the Pottstown Middle School Woodwinds Ensemble and Pottstown High School Show Choir, as well as five $100 cash drawings.

All programs, health screenings, demonstrations and entertainment are free to the public. A special section in The Mercury will list all the events as well as the full calendar of events.

Crappy Poll Numbers



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Two Days Left to Mail Back 2010 Census Forms

Two Days Left to Mail Back 2010 Census Forms

Freedom Posse - National Campaign to Elect a Conservative Majority in U.S. Senate Begins in Indiana

Freedom Posse - National Campaign to Elect a Conservative Majority in U.S. Senate Begins in Indiana

Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

PennDOT Announces Work Zone Awareness Week

PennDOT Announces Work Zone Awareness Week; Urges Motorists to be Cautious Year-Round

Study Shows Bystander Use of AEDs Saves Lives

Study Shows Bystander Use of AEDs Saves Lives

Video: Your Taxes, Their Spending



From GOP.gov:
In just over a year, Democrats in Washington have proposed trillions of dollars in new taxes on American Families -- and passed hundreds of billions in new taxes to pay for their government takeover of our health care. These new taxes affect you and your family -- every day.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Poll: Support for Repeal of Obamacare at 58%

More and more Americans want a second opinion on Obamacare. And those government death panels haven't even started their work yet.

From Rasmussen Reports:
Three weeks after Congress passed its new national health care plan, support for repeal of the measure has risen four points to 58%. That includes 50% of U.S. voters who strongly favor repeal.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters nationwide finds 38% still oppose repeal, including 32% who strongly oppose it.

For the previous two weeks following passage of the controversial plan, 54% of voters have favored repeal and 42% have opposed it.

But only 38% of voters think it is even somewhat likely that the health care bill will be repealed. Fifty-one percent (51%) see repeal as unlikely. Those figures include 11% who say it’s very likely to be repealed and 18% who say repeal is not at all likely.

Still, 52% believe the health care plan will be bad for the country. Thirty-nine percent (39%) think it will be good for the country, and one percent (1%) more say it will have no impact. These numbers have changed little since the March 21 House vote to pass the health care bill.
Read more poll results at Rasmussen Reports.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

PJTV Covers Tax Day Tea Parties and Tea Party Crashers

PJTV Covers Tax Day Tea Parties and Tea Party Crashers

Monday is Deadline to Register to Vote in Pennsylvania's May Primary

Monday is Deadline to Register to Vote in Pennsylvania's May Primary

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Pat Meehan marks Tax Freedom Day



From the Meehan for Congress campaign:
DREXEL HILL, PA – Former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan, a candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, held an event yesterday to mark Tax Freedom Day, the day on which Pennsylvanians have met their federal, state, and local tax burden for the year. Tax Freedom Day in Pennsylvania falls four days later than the national average of April 9, ranking Pennsylvania as the 11th highest tax burden in the nation.

"While the fact that the first 103 days of the year were spent paying the cost of taxes is certainly sobering, my major concern is that this date does not take into account the growing budget deficit and national debt," said Meehan

"My opponent Bryan Lentz was unwilling to hold the line on spending and taxes as a state legislator. Just last year, Lentz voted for a state budget that would have increased state spending by $1 billion and raised taxes on Pennsylvanian residents and businesses in already difficult economic times."

"In order to prevent huge tax increases in the future, we need to implement fiscal responsibility in Washington, DC now. I support a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution for the federal government because I recognize that our elected officials in Washington are incapable or unwilling to make the tough budget decisions that are necessary."
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rep. Pitts: Sensibly Limiting Spending

Sensibly Limiting Spending

By U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts

Speaking in Dallas this week, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke gave a stern warning about the fiscal direction of our government: "Unless we as a nation demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, in the longer run we will have neither financial stability nor healthy economic growth."

Bernanke further argues that a credible plan to reduce long-term deficits could help boost the economy. Stabilizing the federal budget would enhance investor's confidence in the United States thereby reducing interest rates we pay on the national debt and attracting business investment.

But how do we achieve fiscal responsibility? Despite some claims by the President and Democratic leadership, the recent health care reform was anything but responsible. Instead of securing Medicare and Social Security, the bill created a new entitlement that will expand government spending and deficits.

Because of the relative strength of our economy even during these tough times interest rates on government borrowing have remained low. This situation will not last much longer with Moody's Investors Service recently warning that the U.S. could be downgraded from our current AAA bond rating. As government borrowing becomes more expensive, debt payments will crowd out other spending priorities including healthcare and national defense.

There is a strong temptation for legislators to increase spending. Deficits have gone up under both Republicans and Democrats. For a long time, I have been concerned that we are spending too much and, during the Bush years, I voted against almost two-thirds of the appropriations bills considered in the House.

Many Americans have long called for a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. However, the easiest way to balance budgets is to raise taxes — something that would be bad for families and bad for the economy. I recently joined as a cosponsor of a better idea — a Spending Limit Amendment that would hold federal government spending to one-fifth of the U.S. economy.

Our average government spending since the end of World War II has stayed around 20 percent of gross domestic product. This level of spending allows for consistent economic growth in the private sector, as we have seen for the last six decades.
We are currently on a path for government spending to account for over 40 percent of the total economy. This level of spending would require more than doubling the level of taxation. Clearly, this would hold back our dynamic economy and future job growth.
Amending the Constitution to restrain the size of government is not a new idea. In fact, Thomas Jefferson himself wished that such an amendment could be used for "the reduction of the administration of our government."

There will certainly be economic and military crises that our country will be forced to confront in the future. The Spending Limit Amendment allows for budget restrictions to be suspended with the agreement of two-thirds of the House and Senate or a declaration of war.

It is not a quick or easy process. As you may remember, amendments to the Constitution require passage by two-thirds of both the House and Senate and ratification by three quarters of the states. It could be years before such an amendment is in place.

I don't think we should wait around for passage of an amendment to get our fiscal house back in order. Indeed, the longer we wait to strengthen and secure Social Security and Medicare, the more difficult it will be.

Douglas Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office, calls our present fiscal situation "unsustainable" and that our problems "cannot be solved with minor tinkering." Limiting our federal government to sustainable spending will take significant will by the American people and bipartisan cooperation between elected officials.

Further down the road, I believe that establishing a spending limit through Constitutional amendment will force Congress to deal with budget problems before they become budget crises. Even now on the brink of losing our AAA bond rating, Congress is growing the federal government rather than attacking the deficit. A Spending Limit Amendment would ensure that Congress does not look to our children and grandchildren to bailout our present spending spree.

U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District in parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Pennsylvania Dental Association Applauds General Assembly for Passing Dental Assistant Bill

Pennsylvania Dental Association Applauds General Assembly for Passing Dental Assistant Bill

Family Research Council Fellow to Join Panel Discussion at Pennsylvania Leadership Conference

Family Research Council Fellow to Join Panel Discussion at Pennsylvania Leadership Conference

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Endorses the Usual Suspects

For what it's worth, the state's largest labor union has announced its endorsements for Pennsylvania Lt. Governor, Pennsylvania Senate and Pennsylvania House in the May 18 Primary.

All but one of the 28 endorsements went to a Democrat, which shows how serious labor unions take endorsements. The endorsement of Republican incumbent state Rep. Karen D. Beyer in the 131st state House District makes you wonder if the union is trying to get rid of Beyer. Union endorsements usually go to candidates who support government spending and higher taxes. I'm not sure Beyer wants voters to know the AFL-CIO is behind her.

Read the full list of endorsements at the link below:

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Endorses Jonathan Saidel for Lieutenant Governor and State Legislative Candidates for May 18th Primary

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Bozell Column: Tea Parties vs. Hard-Left Protests

Bozell Column: Tea Parties vs. Hard-Left Protests | NewsBusters.org

Thanks Hugo!



Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS