Tuesday, May 31, 2011

'Limousine liberals? Number of government-owned limos has soared under Obama'

Democrats really are "Limousine Liberals."

So what if 15 million Americans are out of work? So what if 1 in 7 Americans are on food stamps? So what if home foreclosures are at record levels? So what if poverty levels have reached a new high under the Obama regime?

The liberal elite are still riding in style.

A new report by the non-partisan Center for Public Integrity says the Obama Administration has nearly doubled the number of limos for the political class in Washington compared to the last year of the Bush Administration.

From the report:
According to General Services Administration data, the number of limousines in the federal fleet increased from 238 in fiscal 2008, the last year of the George W. Bush administration, to 412 in 2010. Much of the 73 percent increase — 111 of the 174 additional limos — took place in fiscal 2009, more than eight months of which corresponded with Obama's first year in office.
Read the full report "Limousine liberals? Number of government-owned limos has soared under Obama" here.

Statewide Giant Hogweed Eradication Program to Continue this Summer in PA

Statewide Giant Hogweed Eradication Program to Continue this Summer

US Labor Department publishes revised list of products made with forced or indentured child labor

US Labor Department publishes revised list of products made with forced or indentured child labor

Gerlach votes to reject Obama debt limit increase

U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach, who represents Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, issued the following statement on Monday night's vote by the House of Representatives to reject a request from President Obama to raise the debt limit to $16.7 trillion without any reduction in federal spending:
"When your national debt is $14.3 trillion, increasing the debt limit without demanding a change in Washington's spending habits would be irresponsible. This vote acknowledges that constituents in my district and across the country have said enough is enough. They want honest leadership and a responsible plan for substantial spending cuts. This legislation would have kept us on the unsustainable path toward deeper debt and unrestrained deficit spending.

After years of spending sprees, our $14.3 trillion national debt is as large as our entire economy. This huge debt burden rattles the confidence of small business owners and investors and extinguishes opportunity for current and future generations. The federal government is borrowing more than 40 cents of every dollar it spends right now. Tonight, we let everyone know Washington cannot get away with that kind of reckless spending and that Congress will resist any attempt to raise the debt limit without real solutions for controlling spending."
The bill to raise the debt limit (H.R. 1954) failed when just 97 members of the House voted for it while 318 members voted against it. The federal debt has risen by more than $3 trillion since Obama took office.

Hey, Obama, 'What's Your Plan for Medicare?'

Majority of Americans Do Not Trust President Obama or His Economic Advisors to Handle Budget Deficit

Majority of Americans Do Not Trust President Obama or His Economic Advisors to Handle Budget Deficit

13 Die in Pennsylvania Crashes Over Memorial Day Holiday

13 Die in Crashes Investigated by State Police During Holiday Weekend

VIDEO: ObamaCare, The Miracle Cure For All That Ails You

Rep. Joe Pitts: Obamacare fails to curb costs

Obamacare fails to curb costs - pottsmerc.com

Friday, May 27, 2011

Don't Americans have the Right to Economic Freedom?

Government Concedes: Pastor Can Pray in Jesus' Name on Memorial Day

Government Concedes: Pastor Can Pray in Jesus' Name on Memorial Day; Federal Judge Rules That Government May Not Discriminate Against Religious Speech

Columnist: Unholy alliance dominates the school funding process

Unholy alliance dominates the school funding process - phillyBurbs.com

Obama Needs More Time

Unemployment may drop to 7% by 2016

Mandatory Recount Ordered in PA Democratic Commonwealth Court Primary Election

Mandatory Recount Ordered in Democratic Commonwealth Court Primary Election

Gov. Corbett Signs Bill Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Signs Bill Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient

Pennsylvania State Prison Inmates Returned from Michigan

Pennsylvania State Prison Inmates Returned from Michigan

Pennsylvania Lottery: Cash 5 Ticket Worth Nearly $1.5 Million Sold in Montgomery County

Pennsylvania Lottery: Cash 5 Ticket Worth Nearly $1.5 Million Sold in Montgomery County

Liberalism is a Mental Disorder

Catch Tony Phyrillas on radio Saturday

If you're near a radio or a computer Saturday at 11 a.m., catch me on the John Aberle show on WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.

Catch Tony Phyrillas on radio - pottsmerc.com

Sen. Mensch promises to kill quarry bill

Sen. Mensch promises to kill quarry bill - pottsmerc.com

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Supreme Court Finds No Federal Conflict with Arizona Laws Protecting Legal Workers

Supreme Court Finds No Federal Conflict with Arizona Laws Protecting Legal Workers

Rep. Connie Mack: The Next Step Will Be Boycotting CITGO

Mack: The Next Step Will Be Boycotting CITGO

2010 Census: Nation's Hispanic Population Grew Four Times Faster Than Total U.S. Population

2010 Census Shows Nation's Hispanic Population Grew Four Times Faster Than Total U.S. Population

Students First Commends Sam Rohrer and Americans for Prosperity

Students First Commends Sam Rohrer and Americans for Prosperity for Recognizing the Urgency in Protecting Pennsylvania's Most Vulnerable Children

PA Auditor General: Keep public notices in newspapers

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, the state's top elected Democrat, on efforts by the state Legislature to change the law requiring government bodies to publish legal notices in newspapers
House Bill 633, if enacted, would be another setback in making government more open and accountable to the public. Citizens interested in reviewing public notices would have to visit multiple websites to obtain the information they are seeking. This is not convenient and will decrease, rather than increase, bidding competition. In short, it's a bad deal for taxpayers.
Read Wagner's full op-ed at the link below:

Auditor general: Keep public notices in newspapers - The York Daily Record

Columnist: Obama Skirts Rule of Law to Reward Pals, Punish Enemies

How's this for hope and change? Big labor and campaign donors are exempt from Obamacare regulations.

Michael Barone: Obama Skirts Rule of Law to Reward Pals, Punish Enemies - HUMAN EVENTS

Catch Tony Phyrillas on radio

Tony Phyrillas will be the guest on Life Unedited with John Aberle Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon on WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.

Phyrillas will discuss a variety of state and national political issues including the Obama presidency, the GOP field for 2012, the state budget and property tax relief.

If you can't pick up the radio station's signal, Aberle's program is simulcast live online at www.WCHE1520.com

Sen. Pat Toomey: How to balance the federal budget

How to balance the federal budget - pottsmerc.com

Elected official: Public notices in newspapers keep us informed

Public notices in newspapers keep us informed - pottsmerc.com

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

MSNBC Suspends Ed Schultz After He Calls Laura Ingraham a ‘Right-Wing Slut’

First Keith Olbermann, now Ed Schultz. There must be something in the Kool-Aid over at MSNBC.

MSNBC Suspends Ed Schultz After He Calls Laura Ingraham a 'Right-Wing Slut'

NewsBusted 5/24/11

68,000 visitors to THE CENTRIST

My site counter has recorded 68,000 unique visitors to THE CENTRIST. Thanks for checking out the blog ... and come back again.

You call this pension reform?

Phony pension reform under former Gov. Ed Rendell will end up costing Pennsylvania property owners for many years to come.

Pension reform needed before funding crisis - pottsmerc.com

CBS Omits Party ID of Blagojevich, Emanuel in Trial Brief; ABC, NBC Punt

CBS Omits Party ID of Blagojevich, Emanuel in Trial Brief; ABC, NBC Punt

Awkward moment in Obama's toast to the Queen

Casinos Owe PA Taxpayers $64 Million

Treasurer McCord Proposes Plan to Repay $63.9 Million in Loans from Property Tax Relief Reserve Fund

Governor Corbett Issues Flag Orders to Honor Fallen Franklin County Soldier, Observe Memorial Day

Governor Corbett Issues Flag Orders to Honor Fallen Franklin County Soldier, Observe Memorial Day

Welfare Fraud In Pennsylvania

Office of Inspector General Announces April Welfare Fraud Adjudications

Fox pushes back on Rendell's 'impartiality' dig

POLITICO: Fox pushes back on Rendell's 'impartiality' dig - On Media - Fox pushes back on Rendell's 'impartiality' dig

President Obama Has No Idea What Year It Is

Is this the same Barack Obama who said he visited all 57 states?

President Obama Has No Idea What Year It Is

Busting Gas Price Myths

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Rep. Quigley Supports House Budget

Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) released the following statement regarding his support of the $27.3 billion General Fund budget for 2011-12 passed today by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives:
"I am very pleased that we are on schedule to pass a punctual and balanced budget, which will meet the Commonwealth’s responsibilities and sensibly allocate our limited resources. Our economy is still in a state of recovery and we have no reserve funds, so it is important for us to budget with caution and restraint. This budget proposal is reflective of the revenue we have on hand now and what we can realistically expect to collect next year.

"One aspect of this budget I am particularly supportive of is its restoration of some of the funds cut from basic and higher education. We were able to achieve this by rooting out fraud and waste in our welfare system. I believe this approach is in line with the priorities of most Pennsylvanians and appropriately represents the concerns of our citizens. Schools, however, must continue to seek out cost reductions, and the state must constantly look to streamline programs and increase efficiencies.

"This vote does not signify the end of the budget process. The legislation will now go before the Senate for its revisions, and negotiations will be ongoing. The final budget bill could still look very different, but I am hopeful it will be a plan that sets Pennsylvania back on the path to prosperity."
The House Republican budget plan was approved 109-92, primarily along party lines. House Bill 1485 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Ed Rendell's Convenient Spin

Ed Rendell's Convenient Spin: Bashes Fox News Now After Praising 'Very Balanced' Network in 2008

Taxpayers pay for propaganda sent by U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz

Letters: Angry over U.S. Rep. Schwartz's newsletter - thereporteronline.com

All public sector employees in New Jersey will have to live in-state

All public sector employees in New Jersey will have to live in-state

Gallup: 61% Say All or Most Abortions Should Be Illegal

Gallup: 61 Percent Say All or Most Abortions Should Be Illegal | CNSnews.com

Obama Regime Appoints New Deputy Minister of Propaganda

Regime Appoints New Deputy Minister of Propaganda

If Obamacare is so great, why are its biggest supporters seeking waivers?

More Obama allies get waivers from costly Obamacare mandates | Hans Bader | Opinion Zone | Washington Examiner

FRC, 15 Members of Congress File Brief in Utah's Cert Petition Defending Public Display of Crosses

FRC, 15 Members of Congress File Brief in Utah's Cert Petition Defending Public Display of Crosses

Report Documents Preventable Pedestrian Deaths, Ranks Most Dangerous Metro Areas

Report Documents Preventable Pedestrian Deaths, Ranks Most Dangerous Metro Areas

FBI Data Proves Anti-Gunners Wrong On Crime, says CCRKBA

FBI Data Proves Anti-Gunners Wrong On Crime, says CCRKBA

The Home Depot Foundation Commits $1 Million to the Immediate Relief and Long-Term Rebuilding Efforts in Joplin, Mo.

The Home Depot Foundation Commits $1 Million to the Immediate Relief and Long-Term Rebuilding Efforts in Joplin, Mo.

GAO: Billions in stimulus contracts went to tax delinquents

Not only did the $862 billion Obama "stimulus" fail to create the jobs Democrats promised, but we now learn that billions of taxpayer handouts went to companies that failed to pay their taxes. How's that for change?

GAO: Billions in stimulus contracts went to tax delinquents - The Hill's On The Money

Governor Corbett's Nominee for Attorney General Confirmed by Senate

Pennsylvania has its first female Attorney General.

Governor Corbett's Nominee for Attorney General Confirmed by Senate

Monday, May 23, 2011

Keeping Your Kids Safe From....Teachers Who Pray?

Democrats' Medicare plan bankrupts 25% of all hospitals by 2030

Democrats' Medicare plan bankrupts 25% of all hospitals by 2030 | Conn Carroll | Beltway Confidential | Washington Examiner

'Transparent' Obama Administration Holds More 'Listen Only' Events

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Launches Fraud Tip Line

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Launches Fraud Tip Line

State Museum of Pennsylvania Announces June Programming

State Museum of Pennsylvania Announces June Programming

Tim Pawlenty - A Time for Truth

The Pawlenty Presidential Announcement

The Pawlenty Announcement - HUMAN EVENTS

Poll: Mitt Romney Leads Republican Pack

Mitt Romney Leads Republican Pack, but One-Quarter of Republicans Not Sure Who Their Primary Pick Would Be

Editor: Keeping notices in print is important for public right to know

Keeping notices in print is important for public right to know - pottsmerc.com

Friday, May 20, 2011

NewsBusted 5/20/11

Your daily dose of liberal media bias

NYT Set Up Obama's Speech by Pitting 'Unyielding' Netanyahu vs. 'Reasonable' Palestinians

Mainstream Media Finally Acknowledging College Bubble

Mainstream Media Finally Acknowledging College Bubble

Consumer Watchdog slams ObamaCare secrecy

Health Reform Rate Review Rules Keep Too Much Data Secret to Prevent Unreasonable Rate Hikes, Says Consumer Watchdog

JunkScience.com asks Google to Denounce Web Search Censorship

JunkScience.com asks Google to Denounce Web Search Censorship

Newspaper: How Obama Wasted $787 Billion

From Investor's Business Daily:
On top of the other failures of President Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan you can now add this: It didn't even fulfill the simple promise of creating more highway jobs and improving roadways.
Read the full editorial at the link below:

A Shovel-Empty Waste Of $787 Billion - Investors.com

World Jewish Congress: Obama is the first sitting US president to endorse 1967 lines

World Jewish Congress: Obama is the first sitting US president to endorse 1967 lines

Lawsuit Reveals Iran's Direct Involvement in 9/11 Plot

9/11 Lawsuit Reveals Iran's Direct Involvement in 9/11 Plot

Lawsuit Reveals Iran's Direct Involvement in 9/11 Plot

9/11 Lawsuit Reveals Iran's Direct Involvement in 9/11 Plot

Governor Corbett Announces Nominations to Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Governor Corbett Announces Nominations to Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Rep. David Maloney on HB 633

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Obama Handed First Judicial Confirmation Defeat in Goodwin Liu - HUMAN EVENTS

Obama Handed First Judicial Confirmation Defeat in Goodwin Liu - HUMAN EVENTS

Networks Skip Coverage of Obamacare Waivers for Wealthy Pelosi Liberals

MRC.org - Media Research Center: Networks Skip Coverage of Obamacare Waivers for Wealthy Pelosi Liberals

ACLJ Calls Defeat of Liu Nomination 'Victory for the Rule of Law'

ACLJ Calls Defeat of Liu Nomination "Victory for the Rule of Law"

ACLJ Calls President Obama's Remarks Against Israel Damaging, While Rewarding Hamas, a Terrorist Group

ACLJ Calls President Obama's Remarks Against Israel Damaging, While Rewarding Hamas, a Terrorist Group

Poll: Half of Americans Unlikely to Re-Elect Obama

President Obama's Job Rating Unchanged Since Early May, but Half of Americans Unlikely to Vote to Re-Elect Him

U.S. Senate Rejects Far Left, Unqualified Federal Judicial Nominee

U.S. Senate Rejects Far Left, Unqualified Federal Judicial Nominee

Pennsylvania Unemployment Drops to 7.5%

Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: April 2011

Pennsylvania, Wisconsin Have Federal Courts With Highest Vacancy Rates

Pennsylvania And Wisconsin Have Federal Courts With Highest Vacancy Rates; Across Country, 9.9% Of Federal Judicial Posts Are Vacant

Record Number of Pennsylvania Taxpayers File Electronically

Record Number of Pennsylvania Taxpayers File Electronically

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Forbes Ranks World's Most Powerful Celebrities

The World's Most Powerful Celebrities: Lady Gaga Knocks Oprah From No. 1 Spot

Hollywood liberals display usual hypocrisy

Don't you just love it when the Hollywood liberal elite who are trying to sell you on "green" products move into these huge mansions that require all sorts of power to operate?

From a post at Big Hollywood by Ezra Dulis:
It's been almost half a decade since An Inconvenient Truth came out. I'm no scientist, but the fact that I can count the number of true climate change alarmists who have actually scaled down their standard of living (even though they still work in one of the most unnecessary wasteful industries in the country) on one hand is all I need to know about that documentary's warnings. Note to Jenn: since neither you nor your peers are exemplifying a real solution for global climate catastrophe, does it really make sense to move to a city that will become the Ground Zero of rising ocean levels?
Read the full post at the link below:

Jennifer Aniston's Green Streak Continues With a New $5 Million Penthouse

Eruption of Mediocrity

The American Redneck Society Announces the Formation of the Redneck Political Alliance

The American Redneck Society Announces the Formation of the Redneck Political Alliance

Poll: Confidence in Congress, Supreme Court Drops Again

Confidence in Congress and Supreme Court Drops to Lowest Level in Many Years

Pennsylvania's Hiking Week to Showcase State's Trails, Walkways

Pennsylvania's Hiking Week to Showcase State's Trails, Walkways

PA Governor Corbett Leaves Hospital

PA Governor Corbett Leaves Hospital

Eileen Behr wins nod for Montco Sheriff

The biggest contest in Montgomery County Tuesday was the race for the Republican nomination for Sheriff.

The endorsed candidate, Eileen Whalon Behr, who was nominated as interim sheriff by Gov. Tom Corbett, faced a challenge from Robert J. Durante, another law enforcement veteran.

In this case, the party backing proved decisive.

Behr, 54, of Lafayette Hill, who recently retired as Whitemarsh police chief, garnered 21,158 votes while Durante, 58, of Norristown, captured 9,685 votes with 96 percent of precincts reporting, according to unofficial election results.

Behr, who has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years, is the heavy favorite to become the first female elected sheriff in Montgomery County history.

She was not taking anything for granted Tuesday when she spoke to Mercury reporter Carl Hessler Jr.

"It's only step one. We still have a long way to go to November," Behr said at a celebration at Montgomery County Republican headquarters. "I'm very grateful for all the people who came out to support me."

Behr's opponent in the November general election will be Democrat William A. Holt Jr., 65, of Abington, a former detective sergeant with the Abington Police Department.

The winner of the November contest will succeed longtime Sheriff John P. Durante, who died last year from a heart attack at age 60.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tea Party Attacks Gingrich, Romney, R.I.N.O.'s

Tea Party Attacks Gingrich, Romney, R.I.N.O.'s

Obamacare = Corruption

Liberal elites like Nancy Pelosi get the benefits while the American taxpayer gets the shaft. It's the Obama way.

From The Daily Caller:
Of the 204 new Obamacare waivers President Barack Obama's administration approved in April, 38 are for fancy eateries, hip nightclubs and decadent hotels in House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's Northern California district.

That's in addition to the 27 new waivers for health care or drug companies and the 31 new union waivers Obama's Department of Health and Human Services approved.

Pelosi's district secured almost 20 percent of the latest issuance of waivers nationwide, and the companies that won them didn’t have much in common with companies throughout the rest of the country that have received Obamacare waivers.

Other common waiver recipients were labor union chapters, large corporations, financial firms and local governments. But Pelosi's district's waivers are the first major examples of luxurious, gourmet restaurants and hotels getting a year-long pass from Obamacare.
Health Care Law | San Francisco | Nancy Pelosi | The Daily Caller

PennDOT Urges Young Drivers to Keep Prom, Graduation Season from Ending in Tragedy

PennDOT Urges Young Drivers to Keep Prom, Graduation Season from Ending in Tragedy

PA State Museum Fossil Discovery Confirmed as New Dinosaur

PA State Museum Fossil Discovery Confirmed as New Dinosaur

Majorities Think Some Online Companies Are Too Powerful

Majorities Think Some Online Companies Are Too Powerful

Monday, May 16, 2011

PA lawmakers urged to pay more for health insurance

Lawmakers urged to pay more for health insurance - phillyBurbs.com : The Intelligencer

Famous Last Words

SEN. TOOMEY ON REACHING THE DEBT LIMIT

As the federal government hit its debt limit of $14.294 trillion today, U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) is calling on the Obama Administration to "get serious about cutting spending, reducing our deficits and putting our country on a fiscally responsible path."

From a Toomey press release:
"Instead of offering ideas for cutting spending and enacting serious spending reforms, the administration has been engaging in scare tactics in an attempt to convince Congress to raise the debt limit without significant conditions attached. But the most irresponsible thing we can do is simply kick the can down the road and continue with business in usual in Washington. I have introduced legislation to make sure the United States will not default on our national debt. If the administration was truly concerned about defaulting on our debt, it would support the Full Faith and Credit Act which prioritizes paying the interest on our debt to avoid default. Now is the time for the administration and Congress to put aside the hyperbole and have an adult conversation about putting our country on a sustainable fiscal path."

ACLJ Urges Appeals Court to Reinstate Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of ObamaCare

ACLJ Urges Appeals Court to Reinstate Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of ObamaCare

GOP Chairman: Tell the White House We're Running on Empty

Reince Priebus: Tell the White House We're Running on Empty - HUMAN EVENTS

Americans' Economic Concerns Reach Two-Year High

Americans' Economic Concerns Reach Two-Year High

POLITICO-GW Battleground Poll Finds Majority of Americans Feel Osama bin Laden's Death Will Not Affect Their Vote

POLITICO-GW Battleground Poll Finds Majority of Americans Feel Osama bin Laden's Death Will Not Affect Their Vote

The Power of Words

AAA Asks Congress to Support Right to Repair Act

AAA Asks Congress to Support Right to Repair Act

Governor Corbett Recuperating After Successful Surgery

Governor Corbett Recuperating After Successful Surgery

Pennsylvania State Archives to Host Open House on May 23

Pennsylvania State Archives to Host Open House on May 23

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Debt Ceiling

Saturday, May 14, 2011

HHS approves 200 more new Obamacare waivers

HHS approves 200 more new healthcare reform waivers - The Hill's Healthwatch

Top 10 Most Obnoxious Hollywood Liberals

Human Events Names The Top 10 Most Obnoxious Hollywood Liberals

Weekly Republican Address: Increase American energy production to lower gas prices

Mark Zuckerberg has a man-crush on Barack Obama

AWKWARD: Facebook CEO's Interview with Human Events - HUMAN EVENTS

'College Conspiracy' debunks higher education myths

Colleges Deceiving Public with Myths and Hoaxes, Says NIA

Jan Brewer on Obama: Anybody With a Brain Knows Border Is Not Secure

Satellite Images Display Extreme Mississippi River Flooding from Space

Satellite Images Display Extreme Mississippi River Flooding from Space

Rep. Joe Pitts: Dems Play Politics With Dangerous Waste

Playing Politics With Dangerous Waste

By Congressman Joe Pitts

Imagine if we could take the most dangerous waste in the world and ship it by rocket into the sun. While the costs of doing this would be prohibitive, in the coming century we may be able to bring the sun to the waste. Scientists are working on fusion reactors and high-powered lasers that in the future may be able to obliterate nuclear waste. Highly radioactive material would be broken down into a harmless soup of sub-atomic particles.

Unfortunately, our present reality is this: 65,000 metric tons of commercial spent nuclear fuel. This is stored at 75 sites in 33 states and it increases by 2,000 metric tons every year. Eleven of these sites are located in Pennsylvania or adjoining states.

Most of this spent fuel is kept in secure pools to keep the waste cool. When space in the pools run out, waste is transferred to dry casks and monitored closely. Both of these solutions are meant to be temporary.

For over five decades, the federal government has recognized that the best long-term solution to storing waste would be deep beneath the earth inside a stable mountain. In the early 1980s, after years of half-hearted attempts, the federal government set out to determine the best location for a national nuclear waste repository.

At the same time, operators of nuclear power plants were required to contribute to a federal government fund to pay for the design and construction of the repository. The government has collected $25 billion in fees. While the plant operators pay these fees, the fees contribute to higher energy bills for consumers.

After years of investigation and analysis, Yucca Mountain in the Nevada desert was selected as the site for the repository. At this time, $15 billion was spent evaluating the site and applying for the license. Despite billions already spent, the Department of Energy, at the direction of President Obama, shut down the project.

Just last week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released their report on the Obama administration decision to shut down Yucca Mountain and the repercussions it will have on how we store nuclear waste. The report clearly stated: "The Department of Energy's decision to terminate the Yucca Mountain repository program was made for policy reasons, not technical or safety reasons."

The Majority Leader of the Senate and close Obama-ally, Harry Reid (D-NV), has long opposed the project. This is despite support for the repository among his constituents living closest to the facility. Obama bowed to pressure from Reid and even appointed a long-time Reid staffer to serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The GAO report reveals the hasty shut down of the project. While contractors working on Yucca Mountain said that they would need two years to properly shut things down, they were given four months. Staff on the Yucca Mountain project could have been retained to work on another long-term solution, but instead they were given six months to find a new job. Offices were closed down; furniture, construction equipment, and scientific equipment were sold off as soon as possible.

Upon shutting down the project, the President called for a new "blue-ribbon" panel to consider what to do with waste. They can consider every option—except using Yucca Mountain.

Unfortunately, we may now also lack the funding to ever build an alternative. With $15 billion spent on nothing, the remaining $10 billion will not be enough to locate and study a new site. This is further complicated by the fact that some nuclear plants will be decommissioned in the coming years. These plants will stop paying fees and, by law, the government will own the waste.

In ancient times, armies would destroy a city and then sow salt in order to symbolize that it should never be rebuilt. The Department of Energy has attempted to sow salt at Yucca Mountain. The GAO concluded that the way Yucca Mountain was hastily closed down would make it difficult to restart.

Unfortunately, we can't wait for science fiction to solve our nuclear waste problem. While it may be difficult to restart, Yucca Mountain is a much safer alternative than letting waste reside all across the country. Let's not let politics trump science and sense.

Rep. Joe Pitts is a Republican who represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Poll: 76% of Americans Against Raising Debt Ceiling

76% of Americans Against Raising Debt Ceiling Under Current Conditions

Why Nobody Can Trust The Mainstream Media - MUST WATCH!

Concord Coalition Urges Lawmakers to Heed Warnings on Social Security, Medicare

Concord Coalition Urges Lawmakers to Heed Warnings in Trustees' Report as They Consider Budget Plans

Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett Announces Appointments

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Announces Appointments

Governor Corbett Requests Federal Aid for Cumberland County Flood Victims

Governor Corbett Requests Federal Aid for Cumberland County Flood Victims

Newspaper: The Obama Administration's Big Oil Lie

The Administration's Big Oil Lie - Investors.com

Newspaper: Americans Have Hit The Ceiling Over Debt

Editorial: Public Reaches Its Own Limit - Investors.com

Your daily dose of liberal media bias

The Subtlety of a Sledge Hammer: MSNBC Doubles Down on Liberal Advocacy with New 'Lean Forward' Spots

The Gut Stops Here

Governor Corbett Signs Two Senate Bills

Governor Corbett Signs Two Senate Bills

Popular Vote for President Gains Support In Pennsylvania

Popular Vote for President Gains Support In Pennsylvania

FRC Commends Signing of Indiana Law Defunding Planned Parenthood

FRC Commends Signing of Indiana Law Defunding Planned Parenthood

Note to readers

A note to my blog followers: Blogger, which hosts a half-dozen of my blogs, crashed Thursday afternoon. It came back today, but everything I posted for the past three days is gone, so if you click on a link and you can't get the story or video or cartoon, my apologies.

Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett to Undergo Back Surgery on May 16

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett to Undergo Back Surgery on May 16

Teens and the Media: Television is Dead and Facebook is Irresistible

Teens and the Media: Television is Dead and Facebook is Irresistible

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Associated Press is shilling for Obama's re-election

You know The New York Times, The Washington Post, and ABC, CBS and NBC are run by liberals for liberals, but The Associated Press provides national news coverage for every newspaper, radio and television station and online website in the country.

When the AP openly campaigns for Barack Obama, our democracy is in serious trouble.

Here's the latest example of how the wire service is working on behalf of candidate Obama by conducting a skewed poll to make Obama look better.

Latest AP Poll Sample Skews to Democrats by 17 Points - By Jim Geraghty - The Campaign Spot - National Review Online

Social Security Millionaires

We keep hearing about how Social Security is going bankrupt and how Medicare is draining the federal budget, but here's an interesting perspective on the government's two biggest entitlement programs from John Cogan, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and a professor of public policy at Stanford University.

From an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal:
Typical retired couples will collect $1 million or more in Social Security and Medicare. This is more than they paid in, and the cost will fall on today's workers.

The existence of so many million-dollar couples is not the result of elected officials carefully weighing the needs of senior citizens against the financial ability of younger workers to meet these needs. Rather, it is the result of decades of separate legislative actions by both political parties to liberalize retirement and health-care benefits, the sum total of which no one has bothered to calculate.

Social Security and Medicare were the result of natural human impulses to create safety-net programs to prevent poverty in old age and to help needy senior citizens with their medical bills. But the programs are flawed.
Read the full article at the newspaper's website.

Many States Fail to Measure Performance of Transportation Dollars

Many States Fail to Measure Performance of Transportation Dollars

FRC Praises Armed Services Committee for Upholding Defense of Marriage Act, Religious Liberty

FRC Praises Armed Services Committee for Upholding Defense of Marriage Act, Religious Liberty

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Gasoline Is Too Damn High

Berks legislator keeps up fight for property tax reform

Berks legislator keeps up fight for property tax reform - pottsmerc.com

Newspaper: Spending Is The Problem



Investor's Business Daily cuts through the spin and gives a fresh perspective on the federal government's biggest problem: Spending money it doesn't have.

From an article by IBD's John Merline:
And the Bush tax cuts aren't to blame for the massive fiscal hole that opened up over the past three years. That was partly due to the unavoidable recession-caused drop in revenues. But the big driver was the massive increase in federal spending, which reached an astonishing 25% of GDP between 2009 and 2011.

In fact, according to IBD's analysis, even if Clinton-era tax rates had remained in effect during the recession — an unrealistic assumption — the country still would have added more than $1.5 trillion in debt because of all that extra spending.

And even with Clinton-era rates in effect over the next decade (higher than even Obama proposes), the U.S. would still be more than $6 trillion deeper in debt, based on current spending projections.

Budget forecasts also make it clear that the debt monster cannot be slayed without taking on so-called entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. All the spending growth relative to GDP over the next decade comes from entitlements, and by 2030 those three programs will eat up more than 17% of the economy.

But Obama's debt plan leaves the programs largely untouched. And while the plan by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., tackles Medicare and Medicaid spending, it doesn't address Social Security.
Read the full analysis at the newspaper's website:

Soaring Spending Spurs Deficits - Investors.com

Prepaid Cards for Unemployed Workers: Who Holds the Winning Hand?

Prepaid Cards for Unemployed Workers: Who Holds the Winning Hand?

New Book Investigates Northeast Pennsylvania: A Hotbed of Political Scandal

New Book Investigates Northeast Pennsylvania: A Hotbed of Political Scandal

PennDOT: Intelligent Transportation System Coming to Northwest Pennsylvania Interstates

PennDOT: Intelligent Transportation System Coming to Northwest Pennsylvania Interstates

Free or Reduced Admission and Special Programs at Art Museums on May 18

Free or Reduced Admission and Special Programs at Art Museums Across North America

Monday, May 09, 2011

Facebook's Zuckerberg Says The Age of Privacy is Over

Facebook's Zuckerberg Says The Age of Privacy is Over

Consumer Watchdog: Do Not Track Online One Step Closer To National Right Thanks To Senator Rockefeller

Consumer Watchdog: Do Not Track Online One Step Closer To National Right Thanks To Senator Rockefeller

Economists, Tea Party Jab Boehner and Ryan on Debt Ceiling

Economists, Tea Party Jab Boehner and Ryan on Debt Ceiling

Talking about Natural Gas Taxes in PA

Your daily dose of liberal media bias

Krugman Lies and Distorts History to Blame Recession and Budget Deficits on Bush

KRIV-TV (FOX 26 Houston) Buckles Under Public Exposure

KRIV-TV (FOX 26 Houston) Buckles Under Public Exposure

America's College Bubble Next to Burst, Says NIA

America's College Bubble Next to Burst, Says NIA

You call this property tax relief?

I hope you're sitting down for this one.

Pennsylvania officials announced today that the average homeowner will see a $200 reduction in their school property taxes this year from the state's gambling revenues.

That's a far cry from the "substantial" property tax relief former Gov. Ed Rendell promised when he signed the bill in 2004 to legalize casino gaming in Pennsylvania.

School District Property Tax Reduction Allocations Now Available

Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

Blame the Democrats for skyrocketing gas prices

Blame the Democrats for skyrocketing gas prices - pottsmerc.com

Santorum on nation's rising unemployment rate:

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum issued the following statement regarding release of monthly employment data:
"After two-and-a-half years of President Obama's failed big government agenda, we learned today that unemployment is again on the rise - now at an unacceptable 9%. Rather than continuing down the failed path of intrusive stimulus and mandates that have done nothing but explode our deficit, we need to reduce the tax and regulatory burdens that are hindering individual freedom, and allow the American entrepreneur to flourish on their own merits rather than having the government pick and choose who wins and who loses. That is the tried and true prescription for economic growth, and it is time for the President to believe in the American people again."

What the GOP can learn from Canada's Conservatives

What the GOP can learn from Canada's Conservatives | Michael Barone | Politics | Washington Examiner

Friday, May 06, 2011

CEOs Rank Best, Worst States for Business

Pennsylvania ranks near the bottom.

CEOs Rank Best, Worst States for Business

The Pakistani Hillbillies

Top 10 reasons to blame Democrats for soaring gasoline prices

Top 10 reasons to blame Democrats for soaring gasoline prices

Volunteers of America Releases Report on Aging

Volunteers of America Releases Report on Aging

Reason-Rupe Poll: 96% Fear Federal Debt

PA Announces $172M Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects

PA DCED Secretary Announces $172 Million Investment in Water Infrastructure Projects in 51 Counties

Governor Corbett Announces Recent Nominations, Appointments

Governor Corbett Announces Recent Nominations, Appointments

The 'Hope and Change' Sticky Note Campaign

Money, Money, Money

Uncle Sam’s Latest Line of Credit: $1,888,174,000,000.00 Spent Out of $1,900,000,000,000.00 | CNSnews.com

PA Department of Health Advisory: Possible Measles Exposures in Bucks, Lancaster Counties

PA Department of Health Advisory: Possible Measles Exposures in Bucks, Lancaster Counties

ACLJ & 74 Members of Congress Urge Appeals Court To Uphold Decision Declaring ObamaCare Unconstitutional in Florida Challenge

ACLJ & 74 Members of Congress Urge Appeals Court To Uphold Decision Declaring ObamaCare Unconstitutional in Florida Challenge

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

David Letterman - Top Ten Final Words of Osama bin Laden

Cutting the Debt Is Important to 96 Percent of Americans and 74 Percent Want a Government Spending Cap

Cutting the Debt Is Important to 96 Percent of Americans and 74 Percent Want a Government Spending Cap

Conservative Group Blasts President for Gratuitous Self-Congratulation

Conservative Group Blasts President for Gratuitous Self-Congratulation

PA Game Commission Announces Distribution of $18 Million From Recent Gas Lease Actions

Game Commission Announces Distribution of $18 Million From Recent Gas Lease Actions

Governor Corbett Announces Additional Cabinet Confirmations

Governor Corbett Announces Additional Cabinet Confirmations

Gallup: 89% of Americans Credit Military for Finding, Killing Bin Laden - 35% Credit Obama

Gallup: 89% of Americans Credit Military for Finding, Killing Bin Laden - 35% Credit Obama | CNSnews.com

X Marks The Spot



Time magazine is releasing a special issue on the death of Osama bin Laden, scheduled to hit newsstands on Thursday, May 5, 2011.

Here's a bit of trivia: This is the fourth time a Time cover featured a red "X" over the face of a deceased person. The others? Adolf Hitler on May 7, 1945, Saddam Hussein on April 21, 2003, and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi on June 19, 2006.

NewsBusted 5/3/11

9 Ways Inflation is Crushing America

9 Ways Inflation is Crushing America - Fed and Bernanke, Take Note! | InvestorPlace

Poll: Only 1 In 4 Believe U.S. Headed In Right Direction

Only One In Four Citizens Believes Country Headed In Right Direction, Per Franklin & Marshall College Poll With Hearst Television

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Urges Small-Business Leaders to Back Budget, Proposed Reforms

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Urges Small-Business Leaders to Back Budget, Proposed Reforms

Little Bounce For Obama From Osama Death

Newsweek / Daily Beast Poll Reveals American Voters Unaffected by President's bin Laden Victory

USAID Commemorates World Press Freedom Day

USAID Commemorates World Press Freedom Day

ACLJ: Osama bin Laden's Death: Victory For War on Terror -- America's Commitment to Justice Never Ending

ACLJ: Osama bin Laden's Death: Victory For War on Terror -- America's Commitment to Justice Never Ending

Liberal media already declares Obama winner of 2012 election

It took less than 24 hours after the death of Osama Bin Laden for the liberal media to politicize the military action that killed the terrorist leaders.

CNN and MSNBC, as well as the three networks, couldn't resist proclaiming the re-election of Barack Obama to a second term thanks to the handiwork of the Navy Seals.

But we might still want to hold an election in 2012 despite the left-wing media anointing Obama as president-for-life.

George H.W. Bush enjoyed a 90% approval rating after the Gulf War, but he lost his bid for re-election to Bill Clinton because of the failing economy and breaking his "Read My Lips: No New Taxes" pledge.

The economy is in far worse shape thanks to Obama's incompetence and when the euphoria of Osama Bin Laden's death fades, Americans will still be paying $50 every time they fill up their gas tanks, millions will still be out of work and inflation will crush the middle class.

American Islamic Congress Statement on Osama Bin Laden's Death

American Islamic Congress Statement on Osama Bin Laden's Death

Governor Corbett Comments on Death of Osama bin Laden

Governor Corbett Comments on Death of Osama bin Laden

Pentagon Memorial Fund Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden

Pentagon Memorial Fund Statement on Death of Osama bin Laden

Monday, May 02, 2011

WITH AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER CLOSED, THE STORY OF 9/11 IS NOT OVER

WITH AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER CLOSED, THE STORY OF 9/11 IS NOT OVER

Victory 05/1/11

CAIR Welcomes Elimination of Osama Bin Laden

CAIR Welcomes Elimination of Osama Bin Laden

George W. Bush - 9/11 Bullhorn Speech

Columnist: Bin Laden Between The Eyes

Well-put John Hayward: "The world's pre-eminent mad dog is finally put down."

Bin Laden Between The Eyes - HUMAN EVENTS

Sen. Vitter asks why the U.S. is sending money to Brazil for oil

David Vitter | Brazil | Oil | The Daily Caller

Norah O'Donnell | Typo Obama Shot and Killed

Norah O'Donnell | Typo Obama Shot and Killed | Osama Bin Laden | The Daily Caller

Rep. King: Obama, Bush deserve credit for bin Laden

Rep. King: Obama, Bush deserve credit for bin Laden - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room

Hey Mr Taliban - Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide