What Osama Bin Laden might look like today

A face only a mother could love.

The U.S. government has released new photos of Osama Bin Laden ... or at least what Bin Laden would look like in the 10 years since the last photo of him was made public. (That's the photo at the bottom.)

The new photos have been digitally updated to reflect Bin Laden's age and whether he may have trimmed his facial hair.

And don't forget there is a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Bin Laden.

From The Associated Press:

The U.S. State Department has updated its 1998 file photo of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, digitally altering it to account for a decade of age and possible changes in his facial hair.

There is a $25 million bounty on bin Laden's head for the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Tanzania and Kenya. Bin Laden is now 52. And he is believed to be hiding in the lawless Pakistan frontier bordering Afghanistan, though his exact whereabouts have been unknown since late 2001, when he and a small contingent of body guards walked out of the Tora Bora mountains, evading air strikes and U.S. special forces and Afghan militias,

The photos and bounty on bin Laden and 41 others wanted for terrorism are on the State Department's Web site, www.rewardsforjustice.net

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Weekly GOP Address

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rendell Double Standard?

Gov. Ed Rendell has publicly stated that he wants state Rep. Mario Civera, a Republican from Delaware County, to resign his state House seat because he was elected to the the Delaware County Council last November.

Rendell doesn't think an elected official can serve two masters.

But Rendell has never said a word about state Rep. David Kessler, a Berks County Democrat who continues to serve on the Oley Board of Supervisors even after being elected to the House in 2006.

Is it fair for Kessler to hold a local office at the expense of the rest of the communities in the 130th House District?

Kessler brags on his Web site that he is currently serving his 15th year as a township supervisor in Oley, and is the board's chairman. How much power does one man need? There's nobody in Oley available to serve as a township supervisor if Kessler steps down?

There's no law that says a member of the state Legislature cannot hold two elected posts. But maybe there should be.

Why the double standard, Guv?

See my earlier post, Rendell throws Civera under the bus

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rep. Yudichak: Term limits for leadership

The time is right for leadership term limits

By State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne

Pennsylvanians demand and deserve a better, more responsive state government. Recent reforms, a new open records law and the creation of an independent fiscal office will have a positive impact on the operation of the General Assembly, and I was proud to support these measures. Meaningful reform on other important issues like campaign finance rules, legislative reapportionment and a legislative surplus fund that just topped $200 million continue to come up short.

In 2007, when the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform was tasked with bringing transparency and accountability to state government, I proposed a term limit on the length of time a legislator could serve in a single leadership position to eight years. The editorial board of the Harrisburg Patriot-News recently called the idea "a good step toward changing the culture in the Legislature." I agree, and I believe the time has come for term limits on legislative leadership positions.

Government reform is difficult in Pennsylvania. The diverse nature of our beautiful Commonwealth from Philadelphia to Jefferson County makes consensus building on any issue a challenge. The primary reason reform eludes us, however, is the ever-expanding power of legislative leaders who control every step of the legislative process and every dime of the substantial financial resources appropriated for the administration of the legislature.

Many members of the Speakers Reform Commission agreed there should be some type of term limit for leadership positions, but the committee failed to garner the super majority needed to adopt the new rule.

As I noted in my remarks to the commission, the principles of our democratic government tell us concentrated power cannot go unchecked. It must be balanced and accountable if the public good is to be served.

By limiting the tenure of leadership posts, we will make the General Assembly more accountable and will empower committee chairman, rank-and-file members and, most of all, every Pennsylvania citizen with a stronger voice in how state government does business.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Harry Reid: I Have A Dream

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Trouble for Patrick Murphy, Tim Holden

Charlie Cook, a highly respected and non-partisan political analyst, has moved two more Pennsylvania Congressional seats from the Democrats' "Safe Column" to "Likely D" -- an indication of how difficult 2010 will be for incumbent Democrats thanks to the missteps of Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

The latest incumbent Democrats on shaky ground are Patrick Murphy and Tim Holden. That brings the total number of Pennsylvania Congressional Democrats who are vulnerable in 2010 to 7, according to The Cook Political Report:

PA-3 Kathy Dahlkemper
PA-4 Jason Altmire
PA-8 Patrick Murphy
PA-10 Chris Carney
PA-11 Paul Kanjorski
PA-12 John Murtha
PA-17 Tim Holden

Republicans could retake a half-dozen Pennsylvania seats after poor showings in the 2006 and 2008 election cycles.

Key excerpts from The Cook Political Report:

PA-08 Patrick Murphy Solid D to Likely D

In bad years, parties find that tamping down problem districts is a lot like playing whack-a-mole. Democrats weren't counting on having to spend much time thinking about this seat in 2010, but former one-term GOP Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick's bid makes this district a new concern for Democrats. The 2006 race between Murphy and Fitzpatrick was one of the closest in the country: Iraq War veteran Murphy unseated Fitzpatrick by less than a percentage point in this suburban Bucks County district. Now, Republican leaders have succeeded in convincing Fitzpatrick, who is apparently healthy after a bout with cancer, to make a comeback…Murphy is a solid fundraiser with $624,000 in the bank, while Fitzpatrick must start from scratch. But the current state of affairs for Democrats in Pennsylvania means this rematch should only become more competitive.

PA-17 Tim Holden Solid D to Likely D

At the outset of the decade, Republican redistricting had caused some to leave Holden for dead. Instead, Holden has rather impressively made a happy home out of this GOP-leaning district…But now, GOP state Sen. Dave Argall, who shares Holden's Schuykill County base, is entering the race. Holden begins the race with a large reservoir of goodwill. In 2008, he took 64 percent of the vote while President Obama took just 48 percent here…But Holden has never had to run for reelection in this district in such a challenging environment.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Sleeping With The Enemy

What does the news division of a major television network do when it learns that one of its reporters is sleeping with an Obama official? Nothing. The reporter can continue to cover her beat even though it may involve a conflict of interest. No hint of liberal media bias here, folks. Just because ABC News financial reporter Bianna Golodryga is romantically involved with Peter Orszag, the head of the Obama's Office of Management and Budget, doesn't mean she can't continue to cover economic issues for the network. There's nothing to see here. Move along. Case closed.

From The New York Observer:

Earlier this year, Bianna Golodryga, a lissome 31-year-old financial reporter for ABC News, attended that reliable magnet for trouble that is the White House Correspondents Dinner in D.C., where she sat next to Peter Orszag, the 41-year-old, suspiciously hairlined head of the Office of Management and Budget and a top economic adviser to the president. Soon, they were dating. When things eventually got serious, Ms. Golodryga informed her bosses of the budding romance. According to ABC News spokesperson Jeffrey Schneider, ABC News executives, including president David Westin and standards chief Kerry Smith, immediately huddled up to discuss the development, decided there was no drastic cause for concern and agreed to keep an eye on the situation. Months passed, and eventually, on Dec. 29, the network seemingly put its seal of approval on the relationship when Ms. Golodryga appeared on Good Morning America and announced her engagement to Mr. Orszag.

Read the full story, "OMB Chief's Broadcast Babe, Bianna, Will Keep Her Beat at ABC," here.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Club for Growth: Repeal Obamacare

Obamacare is still being negotiated behind closed doors by Congressional Democrats, but the conservative Club for Growth is already working on a campaign to repeal the so-called health-care reform bill.

The group has launched a Web site called "Repeal It!" that gives elected officials, candidates and voters an opportunity to sign a pledge to work toward repealing

From Chris Chocola President, Club for Growth:

"I believe it is no longer enough for economic conservatives to just oppose the Democrats' health care takeover - we must pledge to Repeal It! if it ever becomes law. Specifically, we want economic conservatives like you to sign this pledge before ObamaCare ever becomes law - to define the upcoming mid-term elections and to send a clear and important message that even if the Democrats pass their bill, this fight is not over. We fought ObamaCare in 2009, and we will fight it in 2010, and we will be ready to repeal it in 2011. The next phase in the fight to defeat ObamaCare begins today!"

Within hours of the site going live, 14 lawmakers, 25 candidates (including Steve Welch, who is seeking the GOP nod for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District) and nearly 1,400 voters have signed the pledge.

Check out www.repealit.org for more information.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Liberal fascism on the rise

'Aggressive' Coakley aide knocks down scribe

Club for Growth campaign to repeal Obamacare

Obamacare is still being negotiated behind closed doors by Congressional Democrats, but the conservative Club for Growth is already working on a campaign to repeal the so-called health-care reform bill.

The group has launched a Web site called "Repeal It!" that gives elected officials, candidates and voters an opportunity to sign a pledge to work toward repealing

From Chris Chocola President, Club for Growth:

"I believe it is no longer enough for economic conservatives to just oppose the Democrats' health care takeover - we must pledge to Repeal It! if it ever becomes law. Specifically, we want economic conservatives like you to sign this pledge before ObamaCare ever becomes law - to define the upcoming mid-term elections and to send a clear and important message that even if the Democrats pass their bill, this fight is not over. We fought ObamaCare in 2009, and we will fight it in 2010, and we will be ready to repeal it in 2011. The next phase in the fight to defeat ObamaCare begins today!"

Within hours of the site going live, 14 lawmakers, 25 candidates (including Steve Welch, who is seeking the GOP nod for Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District) and nearly 1,400 voters have signed the pledge.

Check out www.repealit.org for more information.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Coming Attractions: 'Obamatar'

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Actuaries Recommend Change to 'Cadillac Plan' Tax Structure

Actuaries Recommend Change to 'Cadillac Plan' Tax Structure

American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers 'Seedlings For Schools' Program

Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers 'Seedlings For Schools' Program

'State Pension Funds Fall Off a Cliff'

State employee pension systems are facing severe shortfalls, and these growing liabilities threaten to drive many states deeper into the red, according to "State Pension Funds Fall Off a Cliff," a new 50 state study co-authored by Dr. Barry Poulson of the University of Colorado and Dr. Arthur P. Hall of the University of Kansas.

The report, published by the American Legislative Exchange Council, the nation's largest individual membership association of state legislators, shows that as of 2006, states have accumulated nearly $360 billion in unfunded pension obligations.

The problem has gotten much over the past three years as politicians on both sides of the aisle have stuck their head in the sand instead of dealing with the ticking time bomb.

Pennsylvania is among the states that has swept the pension issue under the rug, especially over the past seven years under Gov. Ed Rendell. The ALEC report says Pennsylvania had $14.4 billion in unfunded pension liabilities on top of $8.8 billion in state debt. And keep in mind that these are 2006 figures.

Follow the link below for more information and a link to download the full report.

Pension Crisis Threatens Financial Health of States

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Further evidence Obama 'stimulus' is a bust

A comprehensive examination of "stimulus" spending on infrastructure has revealed "no effect" on unemployment, providing further evidence that the "stimulus" package Democrats rushed through Congress in February 2009 was nothing more than a massive pork-barrel spending spree.

From a report by Matt Apuzzo and Brett J. Blackledge of The Associated Press:

A federal spending surge of more than $20 billion for roads and bridges in President Barack Obama's first stimulus has had no effect on local unemployment rates, raising questions about his argument for billions more to address an "urgent need to accelerate job growth."

An Associated Press analysis of stimulus spending found that it didn't matter if a lot of money was spent on highways or none at all: Local unemployment rates rose and fell regardless. And the stimulus spending only barely helped the beleaguered construction industry, the analysis showed.

With the nation's unemployment rate at 10 percent and expected to rise, Obama wants a second stimulus bill from Congress including billions of additional dollars for roads and bridges — projects the president says are "at the heart of our effort to accelerate job growth."

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood defended the administration's recovery program Monday, writing on his blog that "DOT-administered stimulus spending is the only thing propping up the transportation construction industry."

Road spending would total nearly $28 billion of the Jobs for Main Street Act, a $75 billion second stimulus to help lower the unemployment rate and improve the dismal job market for construction workers. The Senate is expected to consider the House-approved bill this month.

But AP's analysis, which was reviewed by independent economists at five universities, showed the strategy of pumping transportation money into counties hasn't affected local unemployment rates so far.

"There seems to me to be very little evidence that it's making a difference," said Todd Steen, an economics professor at Hope College in Michigan who reviewed the AP analysis.

And there's concern about relying on transportation spending a second time.

"My bottom line is, I'd be skeptical about putting too much more money into a second stimulus until we've seen broader effects from the first stimulus," said Aaron Jackson, a Bentley University economist who also reviewed AP's analysis.

Read the full story here.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

Punxsutawney Phil to 'Text' His Groundhog Day Prediction

Punxsutawney Phil to 'Text' His Groundhog Day Prediction

FRC to Host Lecture on Why the Health Care Bills Are Unconstitutional

FRC to Host Lecture on Why the Health Care Bills Are Unconstitutional

Video: Patients Rights

Vote for 'Porker of the Year'

Citizens Against Government Waste (the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government) has released its list of nominees for 2009 Porker of the Year.

The six finalists were chosen by CAGW staff from among 12 worthy Porkers of the Month for 2009, and voters are free to pick anyone else they believe deserves this dubious achievement award.

You can vote online at www.cagw.org/porkeroftheyear/

"Porker of the Month" and "Porker of the Year" are dubious honors given to lawmakers, government officials, and political candidates who have shown a blatant disregard for the interests of taxpayers, according to CAGW.

The candidates are:

-- Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.) - Named July's Porker, Rep. Carnahan was caught on videotape by a vigilant citizen blogger at a town hall meeting held in St. Louis where he grossly misrepresented the costs associated with the controversial healthcare reforms bills under consideration in Congress.

-- Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) - Named August's Porker, Rep. Abercrombie ranked first in earmarks in the House in fiscal year (FY) 2009 with 44 projects worth $256.8 million; he routinely abuses an already-stretched Pentagon budget to reward favored contractors and supports funding a wasteful and unnecessary alternate engine for the Joint Strike Fighter.

-- House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) - Named March's Porker, Chairman Frank had expressed outrage over reports that insurance giant and TARP recipient AIG had distributed millions in bonuses to its executives. The Chairman has made ample contributions to the nation's current economic meltdown, spending years defending the activities of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and once telling The New York Times that the companies were not facing "any kind of financial crisis."

-- Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) - Named October's Porker, the four-term Texas senator claims to be a fiscal conservative, but requested 149 projects worth $1.6 billion for authorization and appropriations bills for fiscal year 2010, exemplifying the tiresome hypocrisy of some members of Congress who claim the badge of fiscal conservatism while continuing to abscond with billions of dollars in pork.

-- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood - Named January's Porker, the then newly-minted Transportation Secretary and long-time porker in the House was about to preside over the distribution of tens of billions of tax dollars for transportation projects in the stimulus package passed in February, 2009.

-- Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) - Named June's Porker, Rep. Waters provoked a tussle with House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) over her intention to obtain an earmark for the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, a facility within the Los Angeles school system, reminding taxpayers that members of Congress still have not banned the practice naming projects after themselves.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Liberal Nutjob Alert

Olbermann's Sick Obsession | NewsBusters.org

Poll: New Low For Obama

A real shocker in the latest CBS Poll:

President Obama's job approval rating has fallen to 46 percent, according to a new CBS News poll.

That rating is Mr. Obama's lowest yet in CBS News polling, and the poll marks the first time his approval rating has fallen below the 50 percent mark. Forty-one percent now say they disapprove of Mr. Obama's performance as president.

In last month's CBS News poll, 50 percent of Americans approved of how the president was handling his job, while thirty-nine percent disapproved.

CBS is a charter member of the Obama Media and it must pain Katie Couric and the rest of the far-left ideologues to report on the poll.

Read more about Obama's declining poll numbers here.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Chamber President: Obama Bad For Business

The head of the nation's largest business advocacy group, Tom Donohue, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has said publicly what most Americans have already figured out: Obama is bad for business.

And unless the Obama/Pelosi/Reid agenda is stopped. more Americans will be out of a job.

From POLITICO:

Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue gave a scathing assessment of the Obama administration’s business agenda on Tuesday — and delivered a clear threat to Democrats running for election in 2010.

"We are not in presidential politics," said Donohue. "But we're going to be in a lot of politics in the House and the Senate and the judicial politics in this country."

Donohue criticized proposals to reform health care, overhaul the financial system and cap the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, saying the Democratic agenda will undermine private industry and eliminate jobs.

"Congress, the administration and the states must recognize that our weak economy simply could not sustain all the new taxes, regulations and mandates now under consideration," said Donohue. "It's a sure-fire recipe for double-dip recession, or worse."

Read the full story at the link below:

Chamber chief attacks Obama agenda - Lisa Lerer - POLITICO.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Harry Reid shows his true colors

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Rep. Joe Pitts: Saying 'Yes' in 2010

Saying "Yes" in 2010

By Congressman Joe Pitts

Democratic Congressional leadership and liberal activists spent a lot of effort last year trying to tarnish Congressional Republicans as they "Party of No." With Democrats holding significant majorities in both the House and Senate, it would be very easy just to merely oppose every bill, but I can tell you that we are working hard to offer positive solutions and alternatives.

In 2010, both my colleagues and I will continue to introduce amendments to strengthen bills brought up by the majority and bipartisan legislation that both sides can agree on. Here are just a few bills that I have introduced or supported that I believe we can all agree on.

Currently, the House and Senate are negotiating a healthcare reform bill which will contain billions of dollars in new taxes and billions of dollars in cuts to Medicare. What it won't contain is a common sense proposal that both Democrats and Republicans support — allowing small businesses to group together to buy health insurance.

At the beginning of this year, I introduced the Small Business CHOICE Act, H.R. 859, with the Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). This bill would make it cheaper and easier for small businesses to provide health insurance for their employees by giving them the same economy of scale as large companies. Allowing small businesses to negotiate for health insurance collectively would not require more taxes or regulations, but would save money and increase coverage.

Also, individuals and companies across the country are working to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and offices. You may have read in the local paper about companies installing new "green" roofs.

A green roof can be a big investment, but it pays off over time. I’m one of the original sponsors of a bipartisan bill that gives a tax break to businesses that install a green roof, the Green Roofing Efficiency Tax Act, H.R. 426. We have the support of 31 Democrats and Republicans, and I hope that this year we will see this bill signed into law.

While increasing efficiency is one way to decrease our reliance on foreign fossil fuels, we will still need to develop new electrical generation to power our growing nation. Nuclear power is safe and clean, but it has been decades since we built a new reactor. Government red tape has made new construction difficult, and we need to streamline our permitting process without sacrificing safety.

I introduced the bipartisan SAFE Nuclear Act, H.R. 3448, last summer to spur the construction of new reactors at existing nuclear power plants. Plants that meet certain criteria could be certified in two years. My bill doesn't cut corners on safety, but it does provide a clear path to encourage development.

The level of education directly affects our national prosperity, and if we want to compete in the 21st century global economy, we must ensure that our schools have the right resources. I think that we spend too much on bureaucrats in Washington that try to interfere with decisions best left up to states and local school boards. This week I am reintroducing the Dollars to the Classroom Act to guarantee that 95 cents of each federal education dollar will be spent in the classroom and not in Washington.

Finally, I've recently been spending time touring food banks in the 16th Congressional District. I've met wonderful staffers and volunteers who work hard to ensure that needy families in our community have healthy meals.

To encourage donations during this time of need, I've become a cosponsor of the School Food Recovery Act, H.R. 1403. This bill directs schools participating in the federal school lunch program to donate surplus food to local food banks and charitable organizations. We need to make sure that nothing goes to waste, and I believe that this bill is an excellent way to increase donations across the country.

Just like any election year, there's going to be a lot of politics and partisanship. I don't think that that should prevent us from working together to pass bills that will make our country stronger, cleaner, and more charitable. I'm going to continue looking for new bipartisan ideas and offering constructive criticism. I hope that this year there will be many bills to which both parties can say "yes."

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

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Coakley Support for Senate Health Bill Risks 22,000 High-Paying Massachusetts Jobs

Coakley Support for Senate Health Bill Risks 22,000 High-Paying Massachusetts Jobs

Americans for Responsible Health Care Launch Ad Campaign in Massachusetts Senate Special Election Campaign

Americans for Responsible Health Care Launch Ad Campaign in Massachusetts Senate Special Election Campaign

The Uncivil Rachel Maddow

The Uncivil Rachel Maddow | NewsBusters.org

37-year-old lawyer adds 'judge' title

A 37-year-old lawyer says it will take some time to get used to being called "judge" after she was sworn in as a Magisterial District Justice for the Collegeville area.

From a profile of Catheen Kelly Rebar by Carl Hessler Jr. of The Mercury:

LOWER PROVIDENCE — Cathleen Kelly Rebar said it was "surreal" when people addressed her as judge as she filled the district court post once held by retired District Judge Benjamin R. Crahalla.

"When people say, 'judge,' I'm looking behind me to see if Judge Crahalla is still there," quipped Rebar, whose first day on the job was Jan. 4. "I'm still not used to it yet. It's surreal."

Rebar, 37, of Eagleville, ascended to the post during last May's primary election, defeating Collegeville lawyer Martin P. Dorminy and Teresa "Terrie" Stagliano, a Collegeville area businesswoman and council member, winning both the Republican and Democratic nominations for the post.

The new justice presides over cases from the areas of Collegeville, Trappe, Lower Providence and parts of Upper Providence.

Rebar, a 1998 Villanova University School of Law graduate who worked as a prosecutor before going into private practice, said her first week on the job was exciting and busy, presiding over civil hearings, approving search warrants and conducting video arraignments. Rebar, who said the post embodies everything she wants to do in public service, said she looks forward to the challenges ahead.

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

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Nearly 50,000 Vaccinated at 2-Day H1N1 Clinics; Pennsylvania Department of Health Continues Vaccination Efforts

Nearly 50,000 Vaccinated at 2-Day H1N1 Clinics; Pennsylvania Department of Health Continues Vaccination Efforts

Double Standard

CNSNews.com - Double Standard

Posted using ShareThis

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Perfect March: Sarah Palin and Fox News

This is going to drive the far-left nut jobs at MSNBC and CNN over the edge.

From Jon Friedman at MarketWatch:

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Already entrenched as No. 1 in the cable-television news wars, Fox News Channel on Monday hired Sarah Palin as a contributor and strengthened itself further.

The arrangement, reported in the New York Times, has the potential of playing out as a big win for both parties. Read blog item about Palin signing with Fox.

For Fox, the addition gives its conservative political base one more reason to tune in, as Palin is the darling of many sectors of the Republican Party. Fox has surged far ahead of rivals CNN and MSNBC), so it isn't necessarily fretting about losing its sizable advantage in the ratings. But it's always good business to give the people what they want, and they can't get enough of Palin.

Palin, for her part, now has an opportunity to appear as an expert commentator on political and family issues. This enables her to stay in the public eye prior to the 2012 presidential election.

Sarah Palin, Fox: looks like a winner Jon Friedman's Media Web - MarketWatch

Posted using ShareThis

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

10 Dumb Things Harry Reid Has Said

Only 10? Well, these are 10 things Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid has said in public.

From POLITICO:

Harry Reid's comments about Barack Obama as a "light-skinned" African-American with "no Negro dialect" are hardly the first to land him in hot water.

The Senate majority leader has a habit of speaking his mind, which can be a dangerous thing for a politician — especially for one who tends to say what he means in the bluntest way possible.

Follow the link below to read the 10 dumbest things Harry Reid has said publicly:

Reid's greatest gaffes - Martin Kady II - POLITICO.com

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Former 9/11 Commission Co-Chairs: 'There is still work to be done'

In Case You Missed It: Former 9/11 Commission Co-Chairs Lee Hamilton and Tom Kean in USA Today

How Is Al Gore Surviving This Winter?

Ross Kaminsky is wondering where the global warming alarmists are hiding as most of the planet is gripped by a record cold winter.

From his latest column at HumanEvents.com:

After the climate hoaxers and extortionists quietly slunk home after their utter failure in Copenhagen, one might have expected a barrage of "the end is nigh" press releases by Al Gore and friends, explaining how the refusal of governments to kneecap their economies will lead to us all being slowly convection baked to death in a never-ending trend of man-made global warming.

But apparently the alarmists have gone into hibernation…perhaps because world-wide record breaking cold would expose errors so great that even the "mainstream" news would have to call them out as full of (much needed) hot air.

As often seems to happen around big "global warming events," Copenhagen was hit with extremely cold weather during the "climate conference," including a blizzard on December 17…in a country which hasn't had a white Christmas since 1995. In a bit of "God must have a sense of humor" irony, the cold weather followed President Obama home, dumping record snowfalls in and around Washington, D.C. two days later.

Read the full column at the link below:

Global Warmists' Mouths Frozen Shut - HUMAN EVENTS

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Kate Gosselin Has A New Look

The new issue of People magazine features a new look for reality TV star (and Berks County resident) Kate Gosselin. The makeover reportedly took 20 hours and cost $7,000. Below is a more familiar look for Gosselin from a previous People cover.



Read more at the makeover at New York Daily News.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Reinforcements are coming

The latest from Camp Hill resident Bill McIntyre:

To: Friends of Responsible Government
Subject: Reinforcements

Dear Friends,

An army of dissenters and activists was formed all across Pennsylvania the morning of July 7, 2005. It was no different following the morning of Pearl Harbor, 12/7/41 and the World Trade Center, 9/11/01. Except in 2005, only the citizens of Pennsylvania were attacked by our leaders in Harrisburg. They approved the pay raise and unvouchered expense bombs; then retreated to their homes with their ill-gotten gains.

Again we face an invasion of our state’s treasury in the form of Bonusgate. Millions of dollars were illegally given to state employees for political activities on state’s time and dime. We’re learning just how deep corruption exists under the dome of our state capitol. We’ve many good legislators attempting to do their jobs, but are prevented by their leadership of instituting true government reform.

The power to change "business as usual" lies in the hands of the "old guard," those who have the seniority in leadership positions. It's been 4½ years since the pay raise fiasco and all we've gotten is repeal of the pay raise (except for the judiciary) and an average open records law, which is better than nothing. Reform remains a swear word to the leadership in government.

Reinforcements are on the way. The cavalry has arrived to bolster the army of activists fighting for reform in the form of a state constitutional convention. The Pennsylvania Bar Association News, in its January 4, 2010 edition has the lead headline that reads: "PBA House of Delegates Approves Formation of Internal State Constitutional Revision Review Commission."

The first paragraph reads – "The PBA House of Delegates has adopted a proposed recommendation detailing the formation of a PBA commission to study the need for state constitutional revision. The House took action on the recommendation during its Dec. 4 meeting in Harrisburg. Earlier in the week, the PBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the proposal."

The 2nd and 3rd sentences of the 3rd paragraph reads – "The commission will consider the review of areas such as legislative reapportionment, local government, public education, structure of the General Assembly, taxation and the uniformity clause. Upon a two-thirds vote of its members, the commission may consider additional areas of the constitution it deems appropriate for review."

Can this be the beginning of true government reform in Pennsylvania? Our government either cannot or will not reform itself. After all, why change a good thing (for themselves!)? Maybe, just maybe this is the prescription the doctor ordered for the good citizens and taxpayers of Pennsylvania who are sick of "business as usual" in Harrisburg!

A recovering reformer,
Bill McIntyre
Who is feeling much better already! Thanks, PBA!

CC: Executive, Legislative & Judicial Branches of PA Government
Pennsylvania Bar Association, P.O. Box 186, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0186

"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." - Thomas Jefferson

Originally posted at

TONY PHYRILLAS

Rep. Pete King delivers Weekly GOP Address

Rep. Pete King (R-NY) delivers the Weekly Republican Address, focusing on the war on terrorism and the Obama Administration's anemic response to growing threats by Islamic fanatics. Rep. King:

"We are a nation at war, and we should act like it. We need to pull together, remain vigilant, and send a clear signal both to our friends and our enemies that this government will stop at nothing to protect our homeland. That's how America sets an example for the world."

Scott Brown has a big future ahead

Regardless of what happens in the special election to replace the late Ted Kennedy, remember the name Scott Brown. He's got a big future ahead in politics. Watch this interview and see if you agree.



Visit Brown's Web site at http://www.brownforussenate.com/

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Fire Michael Steele

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Reid apologizes for 'Negro' remark

Is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid a racist? He sure sounds like one. But he's a Democrat and a liberal. He gets a free pass.

Reid apologizes for 'Negro' remark - Manu Raju and David Rogers - POLITICO.com

Start Worrying About Global Cooling

Most of the world is in a deep freeze and the Global Warming Clowns are still at it. You see, when it's cold -- I mean record cold; the coldest winter in 30 years -- that has nothing to do with Global Warming. Just like when there's an active hurricane season, it's because of Global Warming, but when there are no hurricanes, it has nothing to do with Global Warming. Just follow the logic ... and drink more of that Kool Aid mixed up by Al Gore and his Disciples.

Cold Can't Shake Global Warming Faith of ABC's Blakemore | NewsBusters.org

Killion Out of Lieutenant Governor Race

State Rep. Tom Killion, a Republican who represents parts of Delaware and Chester counties, announced Friday he is dropping out of the race for Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor.

Killion said a statewide campaign would make it difficult to remain focused on the difficult budget challenges facing Pennsylvania.

From his withdrawal announcement: "Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to meet with residents from throughout the state," said Killion. "Voters are extremely concerned about the state's economy, job creation, and particularly the potential for another drawn out budget process in 2010. I feel that I can best serve the people of Pennsylvania from within the legislature, working to ensure state government remains fiscally responsible and fighting efforts to raise taxes on working families."

"In the coming months, I will work hard to help elect Attorney General Tom Corbett the next Governor of Pennsylvania," said Killion. "We need someone with Corbett’s integrity in the Governor’s office to help lead our state out of the recession, stand up to the corruption in Harrisburg, begin the process of creating new jobs, and address the concerns of working men and women."

"I look forward to the opportunity to work with Tom Corbett -- from within the legislature -- to address these and the many other issues facing Pennsylvania" said Killion, who also announced that he will seek re-election to his House seat representing the voters of the 168th Legislative District.

Killion has represented the residents of the 168th District since 2003, following a special election to fill the seat of former Speaker of the House Matt Ryan. He serves in the House as Deputy Republican Whip and is a member of the Appropriations Committee, Urban Affairs Committee and Insurance Committee.

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

Jack Cafferty: 'Just Another Lie Told for Political Expediency'

PA Gaming Control Board Renews Slots License For Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

PA Gaming Control Board Renews Slots License For Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course

Gerlach to seek re-election to Congress

A day after he announced he was dropping out of the race for Pennsylvania governor, Republican Congressman Jim Gerlach says he will seek re-election to Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District seat, which Gerlach has held since 2003.

From a press release issued Friday afternoon by the Jim Gerlach for Congress Committee:

"Less than 24 hours ago, I announced that I was ending my campaign to become Pennsylvania's next governor and would continue working hard each day serving the public. Almost immediately, hundreds of concerned constituents and long-time supporters made phone calls and sent e-mails urging me to consider running for Congress again and offering to help in any way they could to keep me in this seat. I am extremely humbled by the response and grateful for the outpouring of kindness and encouragement. The overwhelming response let me know that the best way to continue serving the public is by protecting taxpayers and fighting for our families. And it has reinforced the decision I have made - after exhaustive deliberation with my extremely supportive wife, Karen and our children -- to seek another term representing the great people of the 6th Congressional District.

"Seeking re-election to the 6th Congressional District rather than running for governor will change my position on the ballot. However, my principles remain the same. I am committed to helping families keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, giving small businesses the freedom they need to create jobs and remain competitive and making sure the government lives within its means and works for the people.

"These are the same principles that guided me as a state lawmaker working with Gov. Tom Ridge to trim waste from the Pennsylvania budget and to pass historic Welfare reform legislation, which empowered millions of Pennsylvanians to cash paychecks rather than collect welfare checks. These are the same principles that guided me as a member of Congress to support tax cuts that have saved the average Pennsylvania family more than $2,000 per year and helped make prescription drugs more affordable for our seniors. And these are the same principles that guided me in 2009 when I stood up to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and voted against the largest spending increase in our history, a misguided cap-and-trade bill that jeopardizes thousands of Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs and a health care scheme that would give the federal government unprecedented control over the daily lives of consumers, doctors and employers. I am energized, and will continue to be the best public servant I can be.

"I truly believe that I represent the best chance for Republicans to not only hold this seat, but play a major role in regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. I have held this seat in the face of fiercely competitive elections in which opponents and liberal interest groups have spent millions against me in the worst political environments for Republicans in a generation. This year, taxpayers certainly have a lot on the line if Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are allowed to pursue their agenda of higher taxes and infinitely expanding government and wasteful spending. I am determined to make sure that does not happen and look forward to the campaign ahead and continued support of the voters."

Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS

What 1,000 Pounds of Butter Looks Like

A sculpture made from nearly 1,000 pounds of butter that pays tribute to dairy farm families was unveiled today at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, which will open Jan. 9. For more photos and more information about the Farm Show, follow the link below:

Huge Butter Sculpture Pays Tribute to PA Dairy Farm Families, Industry

Mark Steyn: The Joke's On Us

Mark Steyn offers a scathing review of the Obama Administrations pitiful response to terrorist threats in a new column at National Review.

"The Pantybomber wasn't the big joke. We are," Steyn writes.

Read the full column at the link below.

The Joke's on Us by Mark Steyn on National Review Online

2009 Costliest Year Ever for Bank Failures

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will sustain losses exceeding $36 billion owing to the 140 banks that failed in 2009, according to a new report issued by the Meridian Group of Companies.

By comparison, those losses will eclipse the total dollar amount of the losses the FDIC incurred during the six years spanning 1987 through 1992 (inclusive), when 1,049 banks failed at a total cost to the FDIC of $29.6 billion, the Meridian Group says.

Be sure to thank Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats for the wonderful job they've done with the U.S. economy.

2009 Costliest Year Ever for Bank Failures