Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Give PA voters a say on school taxes
Why are school property taxes so high in Pennsylvania?
Nathan Benefield of The Commonwealth Foundation has a theory:
Read the full column at the link below:
Give voters a say on school taxes - pottsmerc.com
Nathan Benefield of The Commonwealth Foundation has a theory:
Every state in the nation limits the ability of school boards to raise property taxes. Eleven states don't give school boards taxing authority; 36 states require voter referendum on school budgets, property tax increases or all bond issues; and three states without referenda place a cap on school taxes. Pennsylvania counts among those with a referendum requirement — but our law is a toothless tiger that has become "referendum in name only."The ideal solution would be the elimination of school property taxes in Pennsylvania. Short of that, the voters should get the final say on taxes.
Read the full column at the link below:
Give voters a say on school taxes - pottsmerc.com
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Take that, Al Gore
Best comment from today's Sound Off column in The Mercury:
We are fortunate to have lived through a 30-year spell of unusually agreeable weather and now they get hysterical over every weather event. Like our ancient ancestors we superstitiously believe that our behavior is responsible for bad weather. If you think we are a bunch of weak-minded fools, you are correct.
Columnist finds a conservative in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Daily News columnist Stu Bykofsky does a half-decent job of profiling conservative blogger Aaron Proctor, whose Philly Decline blog focuses on the one-party rule (Democrats, of course) that has destroyed one of America's great cities.
Check out the article at the newspaper's website.
And check out Proctor's blog at Philly Decline.
Check out the article at the newspaper's website.
And check out Proctor's blog at Philly Decline.
CBO: Obama Stimulus Almost Doubled U.S. Debt
What do you get when you double the U.S. debt but fail to create the jobs you promised? One-term in office.
From The Washington Examiner:
From The Washington Examiner:
A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) finds that President Obama's economic stimulus program helped nearly double U.S. debt.Read the full story here.
The 2011 Long-Term Budget Outlook, released Wednesday morning, reports that the "the combination of automatic budgetary responses" and Obama's stimulus "had a profound impact on the federal budget." According to CBO projections, before Obama's stimulus became law, federal debt equaled 36 percent of GDP and was projected to decline slightly over the next few years. Instead, thanks in large part to the stimulus, debt reached 62 percent of GDP by 2010.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Poll: Americans Believe Reporters Push Liberal Agenda
For all those reporters out there pretending they're not putting a liberal spin in their coverage, the American public is on to you.
From Rasmussen Reports:
From Rasmussen Reports:
Voters still think most reporters are politically biased and tend to view them as more liberal than they are.46% Say Average Reporter Is More Liberal Than They Are
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 67% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that most reporters, when covering a politician campaign, try to help the candidate they want to win. Only 21% think most reporters put the emphasis instead on trying to offer unbiased coverage. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure.
A plurality (46%) of voters continues to feel that the average reporter is more liberal than they are. Eighteen percent (18%) say the average reporter is more conservative than they are, while 22% think their views are about the same. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided.
Tom Quigley vs. Bernard Hopkins
It's crunch time in Harrisburg as the Pennsylvania Legislature works to meet the June 30 deadline for completing the 2010-11 budget, but there's always down time in the Legislature as the rank-and-file members wait for direction from the leadership.
During a break, State Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist., mugs for the camera with Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins, who was visiting the state Capitol this week.
Hopkins, a Philadelphia native, was honored by the House and Senate for his boxing achievements and community activities. The 46-year-old boxing legend recently won the WBC Light Heavyweight World Championship, becoming the oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title.
Obama in Pittsburgh: One Year Later
The Republican Party of Pennsylvania released a web video today called "One Year Later" regarding President Obama's visit to Pittsburgh.
PA GOP Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following statement:
"Nearly one year ago, President Obama spoke at Carnegie Mellon University to defend his administration's poor handling of the economy. We took to the streets and found that with high unemployment and gas at nearly $4 a gallon, Pittsburgh residents don't believe that the economy has gone in right direction since President Obama took office. It's becoming clearer every day: President Obama can't keep his job if millions of Americans continue to lose theirs," Chairman Rob Gleason said.According to a poll conducted in June of 2011 by Pennsylvania-based Susquehanna Polling and Research, 48% of Pennsylvania voters disapprove of the job that President Obama is doing versus only 41% who approve. 50% believe that it's time to give a new person a chance, versus only 44% who say that Obama should be reelected.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Columnist: Obama's foolish legal approach to Libya
Liberal columnist Ruth Marcus of The Washington Post calls out Obama on his illegal war in Libya.
Obama's foolish legal approach to Libya - pottsmerc.com
Obama's foolish legal approach to Libya - pottsmerc.com
Julia Hearthway confirmed as PA Labor Secretary
Pottstown attorney Julia K. Hearthway has been confirmed by the state Senate as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
See earlier story about Hearthway's nomination in The Mercury.
Governor Corbett Announces Senate Confirmations
See earlier story about Hearthway's nomination in The Mercury.
Governor Corbett Announces Senate Confirmations
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Under Obama, U.S. Casualty Rate in Afghanistan Increased 5-Fold
The state-run Obama media remains silent.
Under Obama, U.S. Casualty Rate in Afghanistan Increased 5-Fold | CNSnews.com
Under Obama, U.S. Casualty Rate in Afghanistan Increased 5-Fold | CNSnews.com
Sen. Toomey's Judiciary Committee Testimony
Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced three nominees for the federal bench in Pennsylvania today at their Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. Sen. Toomey was joined by Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in welcoming Robert D. Mariani, nominee for U.S. district judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and Cathy Bissoon and Mark R. Hornack, nominees for U.S. district judges for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Quigley Bill Gets Tough on Retail Theft
The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Tom Quigley that would grade repeat violations of retail theft with greater severity for individuals who have completed an Accelerated Rehabilitation Program (ARD).The Republican lawmaker said the legislation was prompted by repeated arrests for retail theft at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, which is part of his 146th Legislative District.
"The ARD program is valuable for individuals who made a one-time mistake, but completion of the program should still be considered as a first offense if an offender shows repeated contempt for the law," Quigley said in a press release. "Retail theft is not a victimless crime. Businesses lose billions of dollars annually to retail theft, and it’s the paying customers who absorb those costs."
Quigley said his legislation is in reaction to the case of Commonwealth v. Graeff, in which the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that because the definition of second offense in the retail theft statute did not include participation in ARD, a subsequent offense must be considered another first offense.
House Bill 1603 would correct this multiple first offense loophole, allowing prosecutors to charge defendants who participated in ARD but continue to break Pennsylvania’s retail theft law with a second-degree misdemeanor, Quigley said.
Quigley noted that this is consistent with how Pennsylvania treats DUI offenses, where second and subsequent offenses recognize completion of ARD as a first offense.
Limerick Township Police Chief William J. Albany supports Quigley's bill.
"This is an important bill that closes a loophole in the law which allows second-time retail theft offenders to receive a more lenient sentence reserved for first-time offenders," Albany said. "I would like to thank Rep. Quigley for the expeditious manner in which he addressed this issue after it was brought to his attention by Limerick Township police detectives."
The bill now goes before the full House for debate and consideration, according to Quigley.
Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance
A dedication to the NBC staffer who decided to edit the words "under God, indivisible" out of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Dick Morris Poll: Perry Weak in GOP Field
Considering he's not even an announced candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry scored higher than Tim Pawlenty, Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman in this poll.
The Dick Morris Poll: Perry Weak in GOP Field
The Dick Morris Poll: Perry Weak in GOP Field
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Misery Index Under Obama Worst In Nearly 30 Years
How's this for change? Living in Barack Obama's America is a miserable experience for most Americans. Economic conditions under Obama are the worst in 28 years, according to economists. So much for Obama's promise of hope.
How Miserable? Index Says the Worst in 28 Years - CNBC
How Miserable? Index Says the Worst in 28 Years - CNBC
Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) Deliver Weekly GOP Address on Free Trade
While Barack Obama continues to push his failed job-killing agenda, Congressional Republicans are baking pro-jobs, pro-growth policies.
Friday, June 17, 2011
68,000 visitors to THE CENTRIST
My site counter has recorded 68,000 unique visitors. Thanks for checking out THE CENTRIST ... and come back again.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Obama Blames ATM's For Current Unemployment
The Kool-Aid drinkers on the far left keep insisting Barack Obama is the smartest guy in the room, but every time he opens his mouth, you have to wonder if he's playing with a full deck.
Columnist: Higher taxes coming if Obama gets his way
Be prepared to pay higher taxes if Barack Obama wins a second term, says John A. Sparks, dean of the Calderwood School of Arts & Letters at Grove City College, Grove City, Pa.
Higher taxes coming if Obama gets his way - pottsmerc.com
Higher taxes coming if Obama gets his way - pottsmerc.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Poll: PA Voters Support Natural Gas Drilling By 2-1 Margin
Check out the latest Quinnipiac University Poll results on a variety of Pennsylvania issues here.
How's That Hope and Change Working Out for Obama Supporters?
How's this for karma?Chad Stafko, writing at American Thinker, says Obama's policies have hurt the people who helped get him elected: African-Americans, College/Young Professionals and Low Income Families.
Will they support Obama in 2012 even though a vote for Obama is a vote against their own economic interests?
Stafko writes:
Barack Obama benefited from strong support among a number of demographic groups during his 2008 presidential campaign. In an economic sense, after two-and-a-half years of his presidency, those same groups which showed him the greatest support have suffered disproportionately more than others in the United States. Three Groups: African-Americans, College/Young Professionals, and Low Income Families. All have seen disproportionately more economic challenges than the general population during Obama's term in office. If the economy is their top issue, then they cannot support the man who has made their lives worse since he took office.Read the full article at the link below:
Articles: How's That Hope and Change Working Out for Obama Supporters?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Obama Laughs About Miserable Job Numbers
There's nothing funny about 20 million Americans being out-of-work, including the 3 million who lost their jobs since Barack Obama took office.
Follow the link below to watch a video of President Obama cracking a joke about the nation's unemployed.
Obama Laughs About Miserable Job Numbers - HUMAN EVENTS
Follow the link below to watch a video of President Obama cracking a joke about the nation's unemployed.
Obama Laughs About Miserable Job Numbers - HUMAN EVENTS
Rep. Joe Pitts: Obama policies cost U.S. jobs
Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Pitts says Obama's anti-business policies are preventing U.S. firms from hiring.
From a recent op-ed:
Obama policies cost U.S. jobs - pottsmerc.com
From a recent op-ed:
Anyone who has owned or managed a business knows how many questions need to be answered before creating a new job. Do you really need another person, or can present employees become more productive? Will there be qualified applicants? How much time will it take to sort through all the resumes? Can the business afford to hire right now?Read the full column at the link below:
Before looking to hire new employees, a business owner has to be confident that the search will be worth the time and effort. The more uncertainties in the process, the more risky it will be to hire.
Unfortunately, now is a very risky time to hire. The May jobs report showed a net gain of only 54,000 jobs. Because of more Americans starting to look for a job, unemployment climbed to 9.1 percent.
Most recessions since the Great Depression have been followed by a rapid period of job growth. This time though we haven't seen that type of recovery. Last year's "Recovery Summer" never materialized, and this summer isn't shaping up to be much better.
Government stimulus has failed to hold down unemployment or create the conditions for a recovery. In fact, the increase in government debt contributes to economic uncertainty. Accounting for interest, the stimulus bill cost the government more than $1 trillion. Almost every dime of that money has been spent, but unemployment has barely budged.
Obama policies cost U.S. jobs - pottsmerc.com
Columnist: Obama borrowing $58,000 per second
George F. Will: A government borrowing $58,000 a second cannot afford Obama's policy of Stimulus Forever, and there is this problem with TAA at any level: It is unjust to treat some workers as more entitled than others to protection from the vicissitudes of economic dynamism.
Appease and entitle - pottsmerc.com
Appease and entitle - pottsmerc.com
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Rep. Jim Gerlach: Fix Medicare now to avoid breakdown
Medicare is expected to run out of money in 9 years, but Democrats continue to play political games intead of sitting down with Republicans to fix the program.
Congressman Jim Gerlach recaps how Republicans plan to save Medicare in this op-ed.
Fix Medicare now to avoid breakdown - pottsmerc.com
Congressman Jim Gerlach recaps how Republicans plan to save Medicare in this op-ed.
Fix Medicare now to avoid breakdown - pottsmerc.com
Columnist: How Obama is killing jobs
George F. Will does a nice job of summing up the failed Obama administration so far:
Appease and entitle - pottsmerc.com
President Obama is sacrificing economic growth and job creation in order to placate organized labor. And as the crisis of the welfare state deepens, he is trying to enlarge the entitlement system and exacerbate the entitlement mentality.Read the full column at the link below:
A government borrowing $58,000 a second cannot afford Obama's policy of Stimulus Forever, and there is this problem with TAA at any level: It is unjust to treat some workers as more entitled than others to protection from the vicissitudes of economic dynamism.
Appease and entitle - pottsmerc.com
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Newspaper: End strikes by Pennsylvania teachers
Pennsylvania is No. 1 in the nation in teacher strikes. Republican state lawmakers have introduced a bill to outlaw strikes, just as 37 other states have already done.
The Scranton Times-Tribune is the latest newspaper to support the legislation.
Editorial: End strikes by teachers, level field Bills propose incentives to achieve contracts - Opinion - The Times-Tribune
Also check out Stop Teacher Strikes in Pennsylvania for more information.
The Scranton Times-Tribune is the latest newspaper to support the legislation.
Editorial: End strikes by teachers, level field Bills propose incentives to achieve contracts - Opinion - The Times-Tribune
Also check out Stop Teacher Strikes in Pennsylvania for more information.
Area lawmakers oppose Route 422 tolling
Five Republican members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives whose districts border Route 422 say they will oppose any efforts to turn the highway into a toll road between Pottstown and King of Prussia.
The lawmakers said the tolling plan introduced by Democrat Joe Hoeffel will do little to ease traffic congestion on Route 422 but will force more traffic onto local roads.
Area lawmakers oppose Route 422 tolling (video) - pottsmerc.com
The lawmakers said the tolling plan introduced by Democrat Joe Hoeffel will do little to ease traffic congestion on Route 422 but will force more traffic onto local roads.
Area lawmakers oppose Route 422 tolling (video) - pottsmerc.com
Columnist: Democrats Stealing the Election of 2012
If you can't win an election fair-and-square, just steal it.
The Obama Justice Department bolsters an organized effort to register illegals, felons and the dead as Democratic voters, says columnist Roger Hedgecock.
Stealing the Election of 2012 - HUMAN EVENTS
The Obama Justice Department bolsters an organized effort to register illegals, felons and the dead as Democratic voters, says columnist Roger Hedgecock.
Stealing the Election of 2012 - HUMAN EVENTS
Thursday, June 09, 2011
SE PA Lawmakers Oppose Route 422 Tolls
Five state representatives from legislative districts along Route 422 in Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties held a press conference Thursday afternoon along the busy highway to announce their opposition to a proposal to toll the four-lane highway. The lawmakers said the tolls would force traffic onto local roads and there is no guarantee that passenger rail service would ever be built to ease congestion on Route 422. The Republican lawmakers expressing opposition to the plan being pushed by Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, include Reps. Tom Quigley, Mike Vereb, Warren Kampf, Marcy Toepel and David Maloney.
PA Sen. John Rafferty: Tolling Route 422 is 'premature'
The man who will have a lot to say about whether Route 422 in Southeastern Pennsylvania ever becomes a toll road says any talk of tolling the highway is "premature."Sen. John Rafferty Jr. (R-Montgomery), chairman of the powerful State Senate Transportation Committee, released the following statement Thursday regarding recent news accounts that Route 422 was being considered as a future toll road:
"There is no legislation pending in either the House or the Senate calling for the tolling of any specific roadways in Pennsylvania. And any thoughts or considerations of implementing tolling on any specific roads in the state to generate transportation funding are wholly premature. As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I have no plans to move anything adding tolling to Route 422 or any state roadway. In fact, we are currently in a holding pattern until the Governor's Transportation Funding Advisory Committee (TFAC) makes it recommendations later this summer. Even after that report is delivered, the Committee's recommendations are just suggested courses of action, not proposals that would necessarily become law."Rafferty's 44th State Senate District includes many of the communities along the Route 422 corridor in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties and it's unlikely any plan to toll Route 422 will gain traction without his support.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Lawmakers to respond to Route 422 tolling proposal
Four Southeastern Pennsylvania state legislators will hold a press conference Thursday to discuss the proposed tolling of Route 422.The feasibility study by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission supports a plan to toll the roadway between Pottstown and King of Prussia despite widespread opposition from area residents and lawmakers.
Four members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Montgomery and Chester counties will weigh in on the report's findings during a 2 p.m. press conference at the 422 Business Center in Oaks.
Participating in the event are Reps. Warren Kampf (R-Chester/Montgomery), Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) and Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery).
All four have expressed reservations in the past about tolling Route 422.
For more about the tolling plan, check out this recent article in The Mercury.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Experts back Sarah Palin’s historical account
Score one for Sarah Palin. Historians back her account of Paul Revere's ride despute ridicule from the Mainstream Media, which got it wrong ... again.
Experts back Sarah Palin’s historical account
Experts back Sarah Palin’s historical account
Route 422 tolling plan outlined to state panel
Tolling makes sense for some roads. Route 422 between Pottstown and King of Prussia is not one of them.
Route 422 tolling plan outlined to state panel - pottsmerc.com
Route 422 tolling plan outlined to state panel - pottsmerc.com
Monday, June 06, 2011
Democratic stategist: Obama faces 'very rough' election without job growth
Democratic strategist James Carville says Obama's mishandling of the economy has created a 'humanitarian crisis' for the nation's growing unemployed. How's that for a ringing endorsement for 2012?
Carville: Obama faces 'very rough' election without job growth - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
Carville: Obama faces 'very rough' election without job growth - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Pa. schools hold more than $3B in reserve funds
Why are Pennsylvania school districts holding on to $3 billiion at the same time most districts are raising property taxes to make up for cuts in state funding?
Pa. schools hold more than $3B in reserve funds - pottsmerc.com
Pa. schools hold more than $3B in reserve funds - pottsmerc.com
Newspaper: U.S. Jobs Hole Just Got Deeper
Barack Obama's failed economic policies continue to kill U.S. jobs, according to one of the nation's leading business publications.
From Investor's Business Daily:
U.S. Jobs Hole Just Got Deeper - Investors.com
From Investor's Business Daily:
Two years into a "recovery," the unemployment rate leaps to 9.1% and just 54,000 new jobs are created. Is this just "bumps on the road to recovery," as the White House insists, or something more dangerous?Read the full editorial at the link below:
U.S. Jobs Hole Just Got Deeper - Investors.com
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Friday, June 03, 2011
3 more chances to watch Tony Phyrillas on Pennsylvania Cable Network
This week's edition of "Journalists Roundtable," the popular political commentary program on the Pennsylvania Cable Network, is coming to you from the offices of The Mercury in Pottstown.The one-hour program airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. and again on Sundays at 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., as well as Mondays at 10 a.m.
The show is hosted by Bill Bova. This week's guests are Tony Phyrillas, City Editor/Political Columnist for The Mercury; and John Aberle of WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.
PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County, Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks/Lehigh counties and Comcast Channel 186 in the Pottstown area.
Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area or check www.pcntv.com
U.S. Unemployment Climbs to 9.1%
The U.S. Department of Labor released the May jobs report Friday showing unemployment climbing to 9.1 percent. So much for the stimulus. So much for the bailouts. So much for deficit spending. So much for the socialist policies.
The Obama Recession continues into its third year.
Pennsylvania Congressman Rep. Joe Pitts issued the following statement:
"Millions of Americans are looking for jobs, but are finding few new opportunities. Today's jobs report is more evidence that the economic policies of this administration have failed. Trillions of dollars in government spending had an insignificant effect on employment and nearly doubled the national debt in less than three years.
Last November, the American people called for a new direction. House Republicans have energetically proposed solutions to empower job creators: reducing energy prices, cutting government red tape and reforming a burdensome tax code. We need the Senate and the President to work together with us on these jobs bills. Getting Americans working again has to be Washington's first priority."
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Catch Tony Phyrillas on 'Journalists Roundtable'
This week's edition of "Journalists Roundtable," the popular political commentary program on the Pennsylvania Cable Network, is coming to you from the offices of The Mercury in Pottstown.The one-hour program airs Thursdays at 8 PM and re-airs Sundays at 5 PM and 11 PM as well as Mondays at 10 AM. The show is hosted by Bill Bova.
The panel includes Tony Phyrillas, city editor/political columnist for The Mercury, and John Aberle of WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.
PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County, Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks/Lehigh counties and Comcast Channel 186 in the Pottstown area.
Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area or check the PCN website.
PA 'surplus' grows to $540 million
Although the state is saddled with a $4 billion debt left by former Gov. Ed Rendell, Pennsylvania has collected $540 million than anticipated with one more month to go in the current fiscal year.
Democrats want to spend the so-called "surplus" although they still haven't come up with a plan to cover the fiscal hole Rendell left behind.
Revenue Department Releases May Collections
Democrats want to spend the so-called "surplus" although they still haven't come up with a plan to cover the fiscal hole Rendell left behind.
Revenue Department Releases May Collections
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