Thursday, February 28, 2013

Dems want more money spent to clear up voter ID confusion in Pa.

Pennsylvania Democrats don't seem to have much faith in the low-information voters who make up their party. They want to spend more taxpayer money to tell Democrats they don't have to show voter ID at the polls.

Dems want more money spent to clear up voter ID confusion in Pa.

Susquehanna County in Pa. votes to defy any gun restrictions

Susquehanna County votes to defy any gun restrictions - News - Citizens' Voice

UN Report Reaffirms Religious Freedom Violations in Turkish-occupied Cyprus

UN Special Rapporteur Issues Report on Freedom of Religion in Cyprus

Why Bob Woodward's Fight With The White House Matters to You

Why Bob Woodward's Fight With The White House Matters to You - NationalJournal.com

Obama Admits Spending Problem


Bob Woodward claims White House threatened him

I recall another president threatening Bob Woodward. It didn't work out so well for the Nixon White House, either. I applaud Mr. Woodward for taking on the state-run media who believe their job is to protect Barack Obama.

Woodward claims White House threatened him - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

White House claims it did not approve release of illegal immigrants

White House says it didn't approve release of illegal immigrants - The Hill

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Democratic Congressman Ellison explodes on Fox News, calls Sean Hannity 'worst excuse for a journalist'

Rep. Ellison explodes on Fox News, calls Sean Hannity 'worst excuse for a journalist'

Dr. Ben Carson to speak at CPAC 2013

Dr. Ben Carson to speak at CPAC 2013 | Human Events

National Black Chamber of Commerce CEO: Obama policies are 'borderline Communist'

National Black Chamber of Commerce CEO: Obama policies are 'borderline Communist' | Human Events

Obama has failed to fill key government watchdog posts

So much for Obama's promises of transparency.

Obama has failed to fill key government watchdog posts - Human Events

Inhofe-Toomey sequester alternative takes shape

Inhofe-Toomey sequester alternative takes shape - Human Events

Bob Woodward and the 'madness' of Obama

Bob Woodward and the 'madness' of Obama | Human Events

Poll: Pa. Voters Disapprove Obamacare by 60% to 27% Margin

SP&R Poll: PA Voters Disapprove Obamacare

Red Ink Express


Homeland Security official retires after illegals are freed

Homeland Security official retires after illegals are freed

Albright College International Film Series Events for March

Albright College International Film Series Events for March

Government Accountability Office says Obamacare may add 62 trillion dimes to deficit

Examiner Editorial: Government Accountability Office says Obamacare may add 62 trillion dimes to deficit | WashingtonExaminer.com

Obama group selling White House access to rich donors, says watchdog

Obama group selling White House access to rich donors, says watchdog - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Editorial: First lady's Oscar appearance a step too far

You know you've overstayed your welcome when liberal newspapers are taking pot shots at you.

From the very left-of-center Delaware County Daily Times in Pennsylvania:
If anyone else is wondering what first lady Michelle Obama was doing Sunday night presenting the Academy Award for best picture via remote from the White House, join the club.
In a country as divided as ours, such reminders further divide instead of unite.
Sometimes staying out of the spotlight is the smartest thing an actor or a politician can do.
Editorial: First lady's Oscar appearance a step too far - delcotimes.com

Why 'Lincoln' Was Snubbed By Oscars


Prices at pump fueling dismay

How's that hope and change working out for you at the gas pump? The U.S. average per gallon of regular unleaded hit $3.78 on Friday, and worse news is likely on the way.
 
Prices at pump fueling dismay

10 Governors Setting a Fiscal Example for Washington

10 Governors Setting a Fiscal Example for Washington | Human Events

Obama’s Paycheck Exempted from ‘Sequester’

Obama's Paycheck Exempted from 'Sequester' | CNS News

Monday, February 25, 2013

Bob Woodward: Obama moving the goal posts on sequester deal

Bob Woodward, whose latest book, "The Price of Politics," examines the 2011 negotiations between President Obama and Speaker John Boehner on a "grand bargain" to cut the deficit, reform the tax code and curtail entitlements, exposes Barack Obama's treacherous and deceitful motives as the deadline for the sequester that Obama himself imposed approaches:
So when the president asks that a substitute for the sequester include not just spending cuts but also new revenue, he is moving the goal posts. His call for a balanced approach is reasonable, and he makes a strong case that those in the top income brackets could and should pay more. But that was not the deal he made.
Bob Woodward: Obama moving the goal posts on sequester deal

Rep. Joe Pitts: Despite record deficits, Obama keeps promising free lunch

Rep. Joe Pitts: Despite record deficits, Obama keeps promising free lunch

Bob Woodward: Sequestration was Obama's idea from the start

Bob Woodward tells the story of sequestration | Human Events

Debunker: President Says Deficit Was Cut by $2.5 Trillion. Really?

Debunker: President Says Deficit Was Cut by $2.5 Trillion. Really?

Friday, February 22, 2013

Who you calling a wuss, Ed Rendell?

Gil Spencer does a nice job of tearing apart Ed Rendell's "liberal logic" about government needing to spend more money. Hasn't his pal Obama done enough spending over the past four years?

And how did Rendell leave Pennsylvania better after eight years as governor?

Despite pushing through one of the biggest tax hikes in the state's history and ushering casino gambling, Rendell squandered billions of dollars in new revenue and failed to address most of the state's biggest problems.

Rendell also left office with a $4 billion deficit. So watch who you're calling a wuss, Fast Eddie.

Gil Spencer: Rendell says government has gone soft - delcotimes.com

Nat Hentoff: Obama’s illegal drone war: We’ve lost who were are

Nat Hentoff: Obama’s illegal drone war: We’ve lost who were are

Joe Biden: Buy A Shotgun!


The Obamacare war on marriage

The Obamacare war on marriage - Human Events

American Crossroads: We need more Marco Rubios

American Crossroads: We need more Marco Rubios - Human Events

Chester County Republicans seek strength in unity

Chesco Republicans seek strength in unity

Thorns to Pa. Attorney General Kathleen Kane

From the editorial pages of The Pottstown Mercury:
THORNS to Pennsylvania’s new attorney general Kathleen Kane for holding a press conference and then refusing to answer questions about a contract to privatize management of the state Lottery. According to a report at PhiladelphiaCBSlocal.com by reporter Tony Romeo, Kane refused to take questions after declaring that a contract to privatize management of the Lottery, negotiated by Gov. Tom Corbett violated the state constitution. Reporters were told to submit questions via e-mail to be answered later. Franklin and Marshall College political analyst Terry Madonna says the move was unusual, Romeo reported. Romeo quoted Madonna: “Public officials owe it to the citizens of the state to hold press availabilities to answer questions from the press particularly when they render important decisions with huge implications, fiscal, as well as political.” We wholeheartedly agree. 
Roses for Pottsgrove GED program at Rolling Hills

Senator Graham: Obama Has Killed 4,700 People With Drones

Senator Graham: America Has Killed 4,700 People With Drones - The Atlantic

Why the Minimum Wage doesn't Work


Editorial: Tougher penalties needed for willful violation of public rights by elected officials

Penalties needed for willful violation of public rights (2/21/13)

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Rep. Allyson Schwartz earns 'F' grade on economic freedom

When it comes to economic freedom, two Pennsylvania members of Congress earned "F" grades in the latest report card issued by Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania.

Reps. Chaka Fattah and Allyson Schwartz, both Philadelphia-area Democratic members of Congress, received failing grades from the group.

Both are career politicians in predominantly Democratic districts. Both have supported Barack Obama's failed economic policies over the past four years and both cast yes votes for Obamacare.

Schwartz is planning to run for Pennsylvania governor in 2014 despite being pro-abotion and  anti-Second Amendment ... and having voted for every tax increase proposed by the Obama administration.

AFP has also launched an interactive online version of its congressional key vote scorecard, which includes AFP key votes from the past three congresses and will be the scorecard’s online home moving forward.  AFP ranks members of Congress on their votes for economic freedom. 

AFP’s new scorecard website is online at: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/scorecard.

Simplifying Government: Pennsylvania's Pension System

Delusional Obama Added $6T to Debt, Claims He Cut Deficit $2.5T

Having Added Record $5.9T to Debt, Obama Claims He's Cut Deficit $2.5T | CNS News

Law enforcement backs Carmody for Chester County judge

Carmody receives endorsements for judgeship

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

30 Major News Organizations Linked to George Soros

Over 30 Major News Organizations Linked to George Soros | Media Research Center

Debate co-chair: 'Mistake' to have Candy Crowley moderate presidential debate

Debate co-chair: 'Mistake' to have Candy Crowley moderate presidential debate

Payoff: Obama aides land cushy media jobs

Payoff: Obama aides land cushy media jobs | WashingtonExaminer.com

How Muslim proselytizing creeps into public schools

FRANK GAFFNEY: How Muslim proselytizing creeps into public schools - Washington Times

Sen. Schwank: Survey results support municipal police coverage

Sen. Schwank: Survey results support municipal police coverage - bctv.org - News for Berks County and Reading, Pa: Government

What we learned at the Sierra Club protest in Washington D.C.

Media notices that Obama is very good at manipulating them

When liberals start writing stories "Obama, the Puppet Master," you know the slobbering love affair between the MSM and Obama is on the ropes.

Media notices that Obama is very good at manipulating them | Human Events

Thomas Sowell: National defense or bloated pensions for gov't workers?

Thomas Sowell: Guns and pensions - Human Events

New Pennsylvania AG Kane Shuts Off Reporters At First Big Press Event

New Pennsylvania AG Shuts Off Reporters At First Big Press Event « CBS Philly

Money chase by Obama circle ripe for corruption, say government watchdogs

Money chase by Obama circle ripe for corruption, say government watchdogs - The Hill

State Sen. Bob Mensch: Pa. faces public pension crisis

Democrats and their union allies are trying to block pension reform in Pennsylvania even though the pension funds for state workers and teachers are $41 billion in the red. The Democrats' plan of ignoring the problem hasn't worked out too well so far.

State Sen. Bob Mensch: Pa. faces public pension crisis

Monday, February 18, 2013

PJTV: The Left Thinks Chris Dorner is a Superhero

Mark Twain on low-information Obama supporters


"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read." ― Mark Twain

The Obama Bankruptcy Curse Strikes Again!

Jeannie DeAngelis, writing at American Thinker, on the way Barack Obama is flushing your tax dollars down the toilet:
To date, approximately 34 Obama-backed green energy companies have gone bankrupt, the most well-known being Solyndra.
 The Obama Bankruptcy Curse Strikes Again!

Sen. Marco Rubio raises $100,000 selling water bottles

Rubio raises $100,000 selling water bottles

How much would you pay to hear Hillary Clinton speak?


Hillary Clinton to join speaking circuit - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Sarah Palin to address CPAC 2013

Former Gov. Palin to address CPAC 2013 - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Obama Phone Lady: 'Obama Lied'

Homeland Security Now Armed With Enough Ammo for 24 Year Long Iraq War

The Obama Regime has been stockpiling ammunition for years, to the point where most private gun owners and even some police departments can no longer buy ammunition. What do you suppose Obama is planning to do with all that ammo?

Homeland Security Now Armed With Enough Ammo for 24 Year Long Iraq War | Human Events

Employers will figure out ways to dodge Obamacare, costing more jobs

JASON MILLER: Employers will figure out ways to dodge Obamacare - Washington Times

Analysts put costs to implement Obama's State of the Union policies at $83B

Analysts put costs to implement Obama's State of the Union policies at $83 billion - Washington Times

Weekly GOP Address: Devastating cuts in Obama's sequester


Local police departments running out of ammunition

Bull market for bullets

Top 10 State of the Union lowlights

Top 10 SOTU lowlights - Human Events

Top 10 State of the Union lowlights

Top 10 SOTU lowlights - Human Events

Friday, February 15, 2013

Pa. voter ID law won’t be enforced in May primary

All of this could have been avoided had Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille not sided with 3 Democrats on the court to block the Voter ID law. Castille faces a retention vote this year. VOTE NO!

Pa. voter ID law won’t be enforced in May primary

Terence Farrell: Meeting Pa. transportation needs now and in the future

Terence Farrell: Meeting Pa. transportation needs now and in the future

Report: Pa. criminals owe $2.2 billion to victims, state, courts

Report: Pa. criminals owe $2.2 billion to victims, state, courts

Priorities: Obama says he'd get rid of the penny

We have 25 million Americans looking for work, we have a $16 trillion national debt, we had no economic growth for the last quarter of 2012, we have U.S. troops engage in combat in a half-dozen countries, we have a national takeover of health care that will hurt millions ... and what is Obama talking about? Let's get rid of the penny. This is what you get when low-information voters go the polls.

Making cents: Obama says he'd get rid of the penny

25 things the MSM refuses to discuss

25 things the MSM refuses to discuss | RedState

Obama Re-Nominates Unconstitutional 'Recess' Appointees to the NLRB

Audacity of a Provocateur: Obama Re-Nominates Unconstitutional ‘Recess’ Appointees to the NLRB | RedState

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Blame It On Global Warming


Rep. J. Randy Forbes: America's new government-imposed religion

Welcome to Obama's vision of America:
The tide has turned, and we have begun to see the emergence of a state-created orthodoxy. It deems support for traditional marriage unacceptable. It discredits those who believe that life begins at conception. It disfavors their faith — held for centuries by their predecessors — and creates a regulatory framework to prevent them from fully participating in the public square.
When the government says, “You can believe whatever you want, but you will be penalized if you exercise those beliefs,” we have entered dangerous territory. We cannot allow a religious litmus test to determine who may participate in American life. We must defend the Constitution not only in form, but also in effect.
That is how Va. Congressman Randy Forbes sees Obama's war against people of faith. The the rest of this powerful op-ed in The Washington Times: 

FORBES: America's new government-imposed religion - Washington Times

Todd Starnes: Welcoming illegals into the People's House

Todd Starnes: Welcoming illegals into the People's House - Human Events

Toomey: Reject Hagel for Defense Secretary

Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey is the latest lawmaker to openly criticize controversial Obama Secretary of Defense nominee Chuck Hagel, saying he will oppose Hagel's confirmation.

Pat Toomey issued the following statement on Thursday:
"I appreciate and respect Sen. Hagel’s service to our country – both as an Army noncommissioned officer in Vietnam and as a member of Congress.  Nevertheless, I have deep concerns about Sen. Hagel’s attitude toward our national security relationship with Israel, and his approach toward dealing with Iran and various terrorist organizations including Hezbollah. Also, his poor performance during the Senate confirmation hearings and lack of transparency in providing information to the Armed Services Committee raise serious questions about Sen. Hagel’s ability to manage the Pentagon."
"I met with Sen. Hagel in my office and closely watched his responses to my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee.  Specifically, I've sought explanations regarding his opposition to Iran sanctions and his statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  His remarks seem inconsistent to me and are troubling. His earlier positions on Iran were inconsistent with administration policy, and I am troubled by what appears to be a nomination conversion on this and other issues."

"The president deserves considerable latitude on appointing members of his cabinet and I have typically supported those nominees including those with whom I have significant policy disagreements.  But Sen. Hagel's shifting positions, questionable performance during the Senate confirmation process and disturbing record on some of the most important national security issues of the day concern me."

"In light of these concerns, I will not vote to move to his nomination forward."

Michael Barone: Obama operating above law

Michael Barone: Operating above law - Human Events

Social Security chief: Program fraying from neglect by Obama, Congress

Social Security head: Program fraying from neglect

Fort Hood victims betrayed by Obama

Debra Saunders: Treatment of the Fort Hood victims - Human Events

What recovery?

Puzder: What recovery? - Human Events

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Diana West: Another attempt to silence critics of Islam

Diana West: Another attempt to silence critics of Islam

The Obama Phone Lady Wakes Up

Associated Press calls out Obama on 6 major lies he told during State of the Union

FACT CHECK: Obama's overreaching in State of Union speech

We have an idiot problem


150,000 Page Views to THE CENTRIST

My site counter has recorded 150,000 Page Views as of today. Thanks for checking out THE CENTRIST ... and come back again.

Obama State of Union speech flunks AP Fact Check

FACT CHECK: Obama’s overreaching in State of Union speech

NRA ad: Obama gun proposals would lead to ‘confiscation’


Paul Ryan: Obama delusional on debt

Ryan: Obama delusional on debt - The Hill's On The Money

Obama: 57 Vacation Days Since Vowing He 'Will Not Rest Until Anyone' Can Find A GOOD Job

Obama: 57 Vacation Days Since Vowing He 'Will Not Rest Until Anyone' Can Find A GOOD Job | CNS News

Dr Ben Carson Tells Hannity Why He Spoke Out Against Obama's Policies To Obama's Face


Rand Paul Tea Party Response to State of the Union 2013


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Sen. Marco Rubio delivers GOP response to State of the Union


Rubio Delivers Republican Address to the Nation in Spanish


Washington Post falls for hoax report that Sarah Palin will work for al-Jazeera

The liberal media hates Sarah Palin so much, they can easily be fooled when they have a chance to run something negative about Palin.

Washington Post falls for hoax report that Sarah Palin will work for al-Jazeera | Human Events

Shovel ready: Obama's big infrastructure myth

Harsanyi: Shovel ready: Obama's big infrastructure myth

A billion dollars in Obamaphone fraud?

A billion dollars in Obamaphone fraud? | Human Events

Middle class empowerment to define Rubio speech

Middle class empowerment to define Rubio speech - Human Events

Remember this when Hillary runs in 2016


The unemployment rate for government workers is 4.2%. Private sector workers: 8.6%

James Pethokoukis does an excellent job examining the failure of Obamanomics. While Obama's policies have killed millions of private-sector jobs, he continues to pad government rolls.

The unemployment rate for government workers is 4.2%. Private sector workers: 8.6%

Monday, February 11, 2013

Report: Navy SEAL kills Osama bin Laden, loses health care

This is how Obama rewards our nation's heroes.

Report: Navy SEAL kills Osama bin Laden, loses health care - Kevin Cirilli - POLITICO.com

Obamanomics: Worst 5 Years Since the Great Depression

Worst Five Years Since the Great Depression

Lawmaker invites Ted Nugent to Obama's State of the Union address

Lawmaker invites Ted Nugent to Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday - The Hill's In The Know

Poll: Deficit Reduction Rises on Public's Agenda

Deficit Reduction Rises on Public's Agenda for Obama's Second Term

CNN anchorwoman gets a failing mark in climate science

CNN anchorwoman gets a failing mark in climate science

Weekly GOP Address: Obama Blocks 'America's Energy Future'


Federal Reserve's Holdings of U.S. Gov't Debt Up 257% Under Obama

Fed’s Holdings of U.S. Gov't Debt Hit Record $1,696,691,000,000; Up 257% Under Obama | CNS News

Amazing how liberals have been struck deaf, dumb and blind in the face of Obama's illegal acts

Obama lawyers' memo sets out case in which US citizens can be killed

Turkish troops have occupied the nation of Cyprus for 39 years

Island frozen in time as invader hangs on

Friday, February 08, 2013

Dr. Benjamin Carson's Amazing Speech Directed at Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast

Must-see video: Dr. Ben Carson schools Obama on debt, tax reform

Report: Obama to cut U.S. nuclear arsenal by one-third

Now that Obama has made the world so much safer, and is safely re-elected to a second term, he can show some flexibility to our many friends across the globe (Iran, North Korea, Russia) and reduce the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Heckavu job, Barack.

Report: White House set to cut nuclear arsenal by one-third - The Hill's DEFCON Hill

Video: So God Made A Liberal...

Montco D.A. Risa Ferman to donate raise to charity

Kudos to Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, who will donate three years of pay raises the state neglected to send her because of bureaucratic snafu to charity. A good example other elected officials should follow.

Montco D.A. to donate raise to charity

Sen. Rand Paul: Trust but verify on immigration reform

Sen. Rand Paul: Trust but verify on immigration reform - Washington Times

Obamacare Snake Oil


Pa. blocks online gun permits

Pennsylvania's new Democratic attorney general isn't wasting any time kowtowing to the liberal agenda of big-city mayors like Philadelphia's Michael Nutter.

Pa. blocks online gun permits

Nathan A. Benefield: Lawmakers must protect taxpayers' interests

Nathan A. Benefield: Lawmakers must protect taxpayers' interests

Panetta: Obama Absent Night of Benghazi

Panetta: Obama Absent Night of Benghazi

Congressman Pat Meehan: Cyber attacks a growing threat to U.S.

Congressman Pat Meehan: Cyber attacks a growing threat to U.S.

Thursday, February 07, 2013

'Obama AWOL when Americans killed'

How many different stories has the Obama administration told about the Benghazi massacre?

'Obama AWOL when Americans killed'

Grover Norquist: Reagan vs. Obama: The record

Grover Norquist: Reagan vs. Obama: The record - Human Events

Chris Christie: Obama Flood Insurance Program A ‘Disgrace’

Is the honeymoon over for Chris Christie and Barack Obama? I guess helping re-elect Obama wasn't the smartest thing Chris Christie has ever done.

Chris Christie: Fed Flood Insurance Program A 'Disgrace' « CBS Philly

Crossroads ad mocks Ashley Judd as ‘radical Hollywood liberal’

The Hypocrisy of Obama


Living the good life off of government benefits

Welcome to Barack Obama's America. Why work when you can live well off of government handouts?

Reporter Chris Papst of a local CBS affiliate in Pennsylvania recently did this scathing report on the massive growth of government assistance:
Our family would be eligible for $14,976 in free day care, another $13,400 for Head Start and Early Head Start, $7,148 in housing vouchers, $6,500 for weatherization projects, $400 to pay heating bills, $480 a year for a cell phone, with an extra $230 for a land line, and $182 in free legal advice.

The family would get more than $6,028 in food assistance and another $6,045 in medical assistance. The mother is eligible for $5,500 in Pell Grants for school with an additional $12,000 for the Education Opportunity Grant; SMART Grant; and TEACH Grant.

Our family would also get $6,800 in tax credits, and $1,900 in withholding would be returned.

Add it up and this family can get $81,589 in free assistance.

“This isn’t the American dream,” commented Matt Brouillette of the Commonwealth Foundation.

Matt Brouillette is with the Commonwealth Foundation, a government watchdog group which emphasizes a safety net, not a safety hammock.
Living the good life off of government benefits

Cheated: Sham Education for Minority Students in Dem-Run Philadelphia

Cheated: Sham Education for Minority Students in Dem-Run Philadelphia

Friday, February 01, 2013

'Extremely sophisticated' hackers hit Twitter, access thousands of accounts

'Extremely sophisticated' hackers hit Twitter, access thousands of accounts - The Hill's Hillicon Valley

Gov. Corbett ends 2012 with $3.5 million war chest

His term doesn't end until 2014, but Pennsylvania Republican Gov. Tom Corbett already has a big advantage over any potential Democratic challengers. Corbett is sitting on a $3.5 million war chest and hasn't really started fundraising yet for a possible second term.

Gov. Corbett ends 2012 with $3.5 million war chest

Pain at the pump: Gas price spike is highest in two years

Have you noticed the spike in prices at the gas pump? The cost of a gallon of gas has gone up 13 cents in the past two weeks. Thanks again to all you low-information voters who re-elected Barack Obama so we can keep paying those high gas prices.

Pain at the pump: Gas price jump highest in two years

Romney campaign donated $90K to Red Cross after election

And how much did Obama or Biden donate? Zilch. Nada. Zero. Zippo. Thanks again all you Obama Zombies for four more years of failure.

Romney campaign donated $90K to Red Cross after election - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Obama retreats on birth control mandate

Obama retreats on birth control mandate for faith groups

Fair and Balanced?


Obama Admin advice for confronting mass shooters: Scissors

The Obama administration has some helpful advice in case a gunman enters your place of employment or a public building: Arm yourself with scissors. Thanks again all you low-information voters for re-electing this dunce.

DHS advice for confronting mass shooters: Scissors

Obama backtracks on abortion mandate

Obama offers faith groups new birth control rule

Thorns to Pa. state pension official for raise

From the editorial page of The Pottstown Mercury:
THORNS to the State Employees Retirement System board for giving a substantial raise to the chief investment officer at a time when the pension system has put local and state finances in jeopardy. The SERS board recently awarded CIO Anthony Clark a $20,001 increase, from $250,016 to $270,017, while the state is facing an unfunded pension liability of $41 billion. State treasurer Rob McCord, who is a member of the board, revealed the raise in a press release in which he announced his objection to it. “At a time when the state is struggling to find a way to meet its future obligations to retirees, this is a bad decision on both a symbolic and a financial level,” McCord said. We couldn’t agree more. 
Roses to Natural Lands Trust; thorns to state pension official for raise

Mayor Ed Koch, a liberal with sanity, dies at 88

Mayor Ed Koch, who saved New York City in the 1970s, and a man who once referred himself as a liberal with sanity, has died.

Ed Koch Dead: Former New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch Was 88 | Video - ABC News