The DJIA is up nearly 400pts as I post this.Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Why Hasn't the Price of Gas, Diesel, and Fuel Oil Dropped?
Now that the populace has their attention focused on the failed bailout, I'd like to ask a few open questions of not just our incumbent politicians but also of those seeking to unseat them.
The price of crude oil has fallen approximately 32% from its all time high. It closed yesterday at $96. per barrel. The price of gas has fallen just 12%. Why is that? What are you going to do about it?
Wall Street may be in a downward spiral now, but it will recover. What has me concerned, and should have everybody concerned, is the cost of energy is hitting those with the least, the hardest. Where is that so called Democratic Leadership that cares so much about the poor and middle class? Here in the Northeast, I think that there are going to be many families that aren't going to be able to heat their homes and afford gas to drive to work. What are their options going to be? Do one and not the other? Do neither and feed their families?
The solution, sure as shit, is not Barry's "Windfall Tax" plan. Companies will just pass that cost on. In particular, I am asking the 15-20 people from house.gov and senate.gov that read this site each and every day. I am asking specifically for Paul Kanjorski, Chris Carney, Lou Barletta, Chris Hackett, Bob Casey, and Arlen Specter to give us all some answers!!
The price of crude oil has fallen approximately 32% from its all time high. It closed yesterday at $96. per barrel. The price of gas has fallen just 12%. Why is that? What are you going to do about it?
Wall Street may be in a downward spiral now, but it will recover. What has me concerned, and should have everybody concerned, is the cost of energy is hitting those with the least, the hardest. Where is that so called Democratic Leadership that cares so much about the poor and middle class? Here in the Northeast, I think that there are going to be many families that aren't going to be able to heat their homes and afford gas to drive to work. What are their options going to be? Do one and not the other? Do neither and feed their families?
The solution, sure as shit, is not Barry's "Windfall Tax" plan. Companies will just pass that cost on. In particular, I am asking the 15-20 people from house.gov and senate.gov that read this site each and every day. I am asking specifically for Paul Kanjorski, Chris Carney, Lou Barletta, Chris Hackett, Bob Casey, and Arlen Specter to give us all some answers!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Bailout is Voted Down, See How Congress Voted!!!!!
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll674.xml
Want to see our your represenative voted? Click the link!!!
Kanjorski voted aye
Carney voted no
The only suprise there is that Carney voted against Pelosi.
Want to see our your represenative voted? Click the link!!!
Kanjorski voted aye
Carney voted no
The only suprise there is that Carney voted against Pelosi.
A $700 Billion Bailout or the Lid to Pandora's Box?
In a true bi-partisan fashion, our elected leaders from both parties have come together to make perhaps, the biggest mistake in the history of our country. George Bush, Nancy Pelosi, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, Paul Kanjorski, Arlen Specter, John McCain, Barack Obama, and all of the rest have come together to make this bailout. Care to guess what the end result will be?
Our government will expand exponentially. Our government will now be in the business of bailing out failing and failed businesses. Do any of you realise what it means when the government nationalizes businesses?
Our government should not be in the private sector. Our government is set up to be inefficient. Inefficient businesses are doomed to failure. Our government never comes in under budget. Do you know why? Each and every part of the operation of our government is given a budget at the start of their fiscal year. Do you know what happens if that department has a surplus? Yep, they cut that department's budget. Am I the only one that sees something fundamentally wrong with that? They are encouraging those departments to do whatever it takes to spend their budgets. I have a novel idea, why not give each and every person in the departments that come in under budget a bonus. Who knows, maybe they all will start cutting frivolous spending. I point this out so that you can see why our government has zero business in the private sector. It is impossible to run a business with that model. In today's economy a biz that isn't lean and mean is whithering or dead.
By the way, for all the lefties out there, what did your elected heroes do fo the so called common man with this bailout??? I bet you got it in one!!!!!!!!!
Our government will expand exponentially. Our government will now be in the business of bailing out failing and failed businesses. Do any of you realise what it means when the government nationalizes businesses?
Our government should not be in the private sector. Our government is set up to be inefficient. Inefficient businesses are doomed to failure. Our government never comes in under budget. Do you know why? Each and every part of the operation of our government is given a budget at the start of their fiscal year. Do you know what happens if that department has a surplus? Yep, they cut that department's budget. Am I the only one that sees something fundamentally wrong with that? They are encouraging those departments to do whatever it takes to spend their budgets. I have a novel idea, why not give each and every person in the departments that come in under budget a bonus. Who knows, maybe they all will start cutting frivolous spending. I point this out so that you can see why our government has zero business in the private sector. It is impossible to run a business with that model. In today's economy a biz that isn't lean and mean is whithering or dead.
By the way, for all the lefties out there, what did your elected heroes do fo the so called common man with this bailout??? I bet you got it in one!!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Lou Barletta on the Current Bailout Plan
Give Wall Street more of a workout, not a bailout!!
Barletta says current plan not tough enough!
HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta issued the following statement about the ongoing economic crisis:
“The current plans on the table in Washington do not accomplish the goals I set out in my statement on Wednesday.
“There is a need for government intervention to correct this problem. However, I am not seeing anything that would strip away the golden parachutes for failing executives. There is no mandated investigative commission to get to the cause of the problem. Finally, the current plan appears to be more of a gift rather than a loan with strict requirements.
“Congress is about to reward financial institutions that think nothing of charging citizens exorbitant penalties for late payments, increasing interest rates for individuals with poor credit, and foreclosing on homes. Those institutions would receive a get-out-of-jail free card with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. These financial institutions are getting far better treatment than they give to their consumers.
“If we are going to fix this problem, we need to give Wall Street more of a workout than a bailout. Congress needs to do more to hold these companies accountable and to learn why they failed to stop the crisis."
“Republicans and Democrats in Washington continue to point fingers at each other and hold press conferences, but the problem remains. This is not acceptable to the American people.”
Barletta says current plan not tough enough!
HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta issued the following statement about the ongoing economic crisis:
“The current plans on the table in Washington do not accomplish the goals I set out in my statement on Wednesday.
“There is a need for government intervention to correct this problem. However, I am not seeing anything that would strip away the golden parachutes for failing executives. There is no mandated investigative commission to get to the cause of the problem. Finally, the current plan appears to be more of a gift rather than a loan with strict requirements.
“Congress is about to reward financial institutions that think nothing of charging citizens exorbitant penalties for late payments, increasing interest rates for individuals with poor credit, and foreclosing on homes. Those institutions would receive a get-out-of-jail free card with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. These financial institutions are getting far better treatment than they give to their consumers.
“If we are going to fix this problem, we need to give Wall Street more of a workout than a bailout. Congress needs to do more to hold these companies accountable and to learn why they failed to stop the crisis."
“Republicans and Democrats in Washington continue to point fingers at each other and hold press conferences, but the problem remains. This is not acceptable to the American people.”
The Day After Obama Wins
Don't blame me, Dave Chapeele wrote it and starred in it. It is his fault. It is funny as hell.
545 People by Charlie Reese- Everybody should read this!!!
545 PEOPLE By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.They, and they alone, have the power.They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits?Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.They, and they alone, have the power.They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Committee Meeting at Mark's Pub
A group of local bloggers and commenters got together last night to do our part to bail out the malt beverage industry. I'd say we did our part! It is always interesting to get together with other political junkies and shoot the shit. There were only two Republicans in the mix but the other side was well represented. These guys that were there aren't flaming leftist farktards. They are a pretty cool group of rational thinkers that can carry on a conversation without going off their rockers. I want to say thank you for a great night out to these guys. In no particular order; Gort42, Forrest Gump, Pope George Ringo, PJ the Web Lefty, NEPAlibwatch, and Another Monkey. If I missed anybody, forgive me the Lager was going down quicker than Monica Lewinski in the Oval Office.
We did a poll of the various elections of who we thought would win. It will be interesting to see if we actually called them right.
The Results:
President- McCain
Pa 10Th- Carney
Pa 11Th- Barletta
I can't wait for the next meeting and I hope more of the crew can attend.
We did a poll of the various elections of who we thought would win. It will be interesting to see if we actually called them right.
The Results:
President- McCain
Pa 10Th- Carney
Pa 11Th- Barletta
I can't wait for the next meeting and I hope more of the crew can attend.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Lou Barletta's Statement About the Economic Crisis
HAZLETON – Hazleton Mayor and Congressional candidate Lou Barletta issued the following statement on the current economic crisis.
“As I’ve traveled throughout the 11th Congressional District, meeting with the good people of northeastern Pennsylvania in recent days, the current economic crisis and the irresponsible actions that led to it are often the first things people mention to me.
“The politicians in Washington, D.C., and candidates all over the country have been falling over themselves to place blame on others and to take credit for any possible solutions. I refuse to follow their example. We need real leadership and calm heads, not press conferences and empty rhetoric.
“This nation is facing a crisis that has rocked our economic core and may in fact change the future of the American economy. As someone who started a small business and turned it into an industry leader, and as a mayor who inherited a financial crisis, I understand the need to make tough decisions and work with others to fix a crisis.
“I don’t claim to have all the answers and I do not have the benefit of Congressional hearings and a full-time research staff, but here are some of my commonsense thoughts on the crisis:
1. This crisis is not unique to one political party. Americans from all ideologies and political affiliations are feeling the crunch. We need to stop pointing fingers and start working toward solutions. Republicans and Democrats share the blame and they can share in the satisfaction of helping us out of the problem if they set aside ambition for cooperation.
2. Members of Congress need to stay in session and do their job. I realize that there is a desire to adjourn next week, but after a five-week summer break, I believe they should continue to work until an effective, sustainable plan is passed.
3. Congress should not rush to judgment. We often hear the rhetoric that the administration rushed us into war. Congress should not be pressured into making rash decisions.
4. The federal government should act to avoid any escalation in the crisis. However, any proposed ‘bailout’ should have strong requirements. The executives from companies that will benefit from federal assistance should be required to take a salary reduction. Any bonus packages due to these executives should be frozen until all federal relief funds are paid back to the taxpayers.
5. An independent commission should be established to review the actions that brought our nation to this point. Who had oversight over these industries? What legislation – or lack of legislation –precipitated these events?
6. New ethics rules should be passed to ensure members of Congress do not have their judgment clouded by campaign donations. Whether or not pay-for-play antics may have led to this crisis can be debated. But when Republican and Democrat members of Congress on oversight committees take large amounts of money from these companies and then ask the taxpayers to give huge amounts of money to the same companies to bail them out, it raises very serious questions.
“We need to restore faith in the American economy and American dollar around the world. We need to show the world that America is coming back. That the American people have the resolve missing in some of our leadership, and we will make the changes necessary to get our economy back on track.”
“As I’ve traveled throughout the 11th Congressional District, meeting with the good people of northeastern Pennsylvania in recent days, the current economic crisis and the irresponsible actions that led to it are often the first things people mention to me.
“The politicians in Washington, D.C., and candidates all over the country have been falling over themselves to place blame on others and to take credit for any possible solutions. I refuse to follow their example. We need real leadership and calm heads, not press conferences and empty rhetoric.
“This nation is facing a crisis that has rocked our economic core and may in fact change the future of the American economy. As someone who started a small business and turned it into an industry leader, and as a mayor who inherited a financial crisis, I understand the need to make tough decisions and work with others to fix a crisis.
“I don’t claim to have all the answers and I do not have the benefit of Congressional hearings and a full-time research staff, but here are some of my commonsense thoughts on the crisis:
1. This crisis is not unique to one political party. Americans from all ideologies and political affiliations are feeling the crunch. We need to stop pointing fingers and start working toward solutions. Republicans and Democrats share the blame and they can share in the satisfaction of helping us out of the problem if they set aside ambition for cooperation.
2. Members of Congress need to stay in session and do their job. I realize that there is a desire to adjourn next week, but after a five-week summer break, I believe they should continue to work until an effective, sustainable plan is passed.
3. Congress should not rush to judgment. We often hear the rhetoric that the administration rushed us into war. Congress should not be pressured into making rash decisions.
4. The federal government should act to avoid any escalation in the crisis. However, any proposed ‘bailout’ should have strong requirements. The executives from companies that will benefit from federal assistance should be required to take a salary reduction. Any bonus packages due to these executives should be frozen until all federal relief funds are paid back to the taxpayers.
5. An independent commission should be established to review the actions that brought our nation to this point. Who had oversight over these industries? What legislation – or lack of legislation –precipitated these events?
6. New ethics rules should be passed to ensure members of Congress do not have their judgment clouded by campaign donations. Whether or not pay-for-play antics may have led to this crisis can be debated. But when Republican and Democrat members of Congress on oversight committees take large amounts of money from these companies and then ask the taxpayers to give huge amounts of money to the same companies to bail them out, it raises very serious questions.
“We need to restore faith in the American economy and American dollar around the world. We need to show the world that America is coming back. That the American people have the resolve missing in some of our leadership, and we will make the changes necessary to get our economy back on track.”
Welfare and Random Urine Tests
From my little sister, thanks Mary!!!!
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass, doing drugs, while I work. Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I can find absolutely no fault in the logic of this. Can you?
Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass, doing drugs, while I work. Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I can find absolutely no fault in the logic of this. Can you?
The Mortgage Meltdown and Proposed Bailout
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeownership/toc.html
The grand plan that started, encouraged, and literally caused the current problems in the economy. Read the article!!! I don't care if you are democrat, republican, leftie, rightie, moderate, or a moonbat. Educate yourself before you start spouting rhetorical bullshit like Kevin Lynn.
While the policies that led to this crisis are clearly spelled out in the article, I want to go a step further. Specifically, those policies led to a new breed of financial derivative called Credit Default Swaps. Google the term yourself so I don't have to write for an hour to explain it. You see, the loans to people that should never have got them is the catalyst. Greed by derivatives traders was the implosive device. Now, the government wants to step in and bail them out, and that is wrong.
The size of the problem before add ons(bailing people out of mortgages they can't afford, etc.) is about $250 billion. While a staggering number, it is not nearly large enough to tank our economy. Not by a long shot. The real question that needs asked is why the gov. thinks it should be in the mortgage business. Why is it the taxpayer's responsibility to bail out those companies? Why is it the taxpayers responsibility to bail out people that bought houses they couldn't afford? People that should never have been loaned money in the first place? The answer to all is the government and the taxpayers should mind their own business and let the chips fall where they may. People get foreclosed on all the time. Businesses fail all the time. Market corrections happen all the time. This is nothing new and this bailout will do nothing to stop those things from happening.
The grand plan that started, encouraged, and literally caused the current problems in the economy. Read the article!!! I don't care if you are democrat, republican, leftie, rightie, moderate, or a moonbat. Educate yourself before you start spouting rhetorical bullshit like Kevin Lynn.
While the policies that led to this crisis are clearly spelled out in the article, I want to go a step further. Specifically, those policies led to a new breed of financial derivative called Credit Default Swaps. Google the term yourself so I don't have to write for an hour to explain it. You see, the loans to people that should never have got them is the catalyst. Greed by derivatives traders was the implosive device. Now, the government wants to step in and bail them out, and that is wrong.
The size of the problem before add ons(bailing people out of mortgages they can't afford, etc.) is about $250 billion. While a staggering number, it is not nearly large enough to tank our economy. Not by a long shot. The real question that needs asked is why the gov. thinks it should be in the mortgage business. Why is it the taxpayer's responsibility to bail out those companies? Why is it the taxpayers responsibility to bail out people that bought houses they couldn't afford? People that should never have been loaned money in the first place? The answer to all is the government and the taxpayers should mind their own business and let the chips fall where they may. People get foreclosed on all the time. Businesses fail all the time. Market corrections happen all the time. This is nothing new and this bailout will do nothing to stop those things from happening.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Democrats and the Mortgage Meltdown
Being in the financial sector myself, let me tell you all a truism. People with bad credit have bad credit for a reason; They don't pay their bills!! It is not rocket science to figure that out. There are many reasons why somebody can have bad credit. Be it job loss, medical issues, bad spending habits, or just not giving a crap about paying your debts. When the big bad bankers were forced to loosen their credit standards to facilitate Clinton's community Wet dream, what did people think would happen? Now, we all will have to pay for it. Actually not all of us, just those in the top 50% income bracket. That same group of people that not only pay for everything else in America, but also tend to have the best credit scores.Press Release from Lou Barletta for Congress
Tonight: Kanjorski and Rangel rake in campaign cash as financial crisis continues
HAZLETON – How much would you pay to lobby Congressmen Paul Kanjorski and Charlie Rangel?
If you have an extra $5,000 that you haven’t spent on gasoline or aren’t saving for home heating oil, you can join both embattled congressmen at a high-dollar fundraiser tonight at a ritzy Washington, D.C., restaurant.
And if your retirement and investment portfolios haven’t been demolished by the current financial crisis, $5,000 will get you on the host list for tonight’s event.
That’s a small price to pay for Washington special interest groups and lobbyists who want access to two ethically challenged U.S. congressmen just a few blocks from the Capitol dome.
“After 24 years in Washington, Paul Kanjorski is desperately out of touch with the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. Rather than solve the many, many problems facing this country today and working to make the lives of his constituents easier, Mr. Kanjorski is asking lobbyists and Washington, D.C., special interest groups to join him at an exclusive, expensive party,” said Vince Galko, campaign manager for Hazleton Mayor and 11th Congressional District candidate Lou Barletta. “Mr. Kanjorski has taken almost $3 million from the subprime mortgage, financial, real estate, and insurance industries – the very people he’s supposed to regulate. When you look at the recent destruction of the housing market and the subprime mortgage industry, and you see the instability in our stock market and financial industry, it’s obvious who Mr. Kanjorski really represents – the Washington, D.C., special interests who contribute to his campaign.”
That loyal service by Kanjorski has paid off. The National Association of Realtors, for example, recently bought more advertising to keep their ally Paul Kanjorski in Washington – now spending almost $1 million in radio and television ads and direct mail campaigns to support him. (“Realtors going big early in 2008,” The Hill, Sept. 22, 2008)
Last week, Kanjorski voted against a House Ethics Commission investigation into allegations of tax evasion and other impropriety by Rangel, who has contributed $14,000 to Kanjorski during this election cycle. (“Rangel donated to Carney, Kanjorski,” Times Leader, Sept. 18)
“We can’t change Washington unless we change the people we send there. Fortunately for the hardworking people of northeastern Pennsylvania, change is less than six weeks away,” Mayor Barletta said.
###
Lou Barletta for Congress
8 West Broad Street, Suite 100
Hazleton, PA 18201
HAZLETON – How much would you pay to lobby Congressmen Paul Kanjorski and Charlie Rangel?
If you have an extra $5,000 that you haven’t spent on gasoline or aren’t saving for home heating oil, you can join both embattled congressmen at a high-dollar fundraiser tonight at a ritzy Washington, D.C., restaurant.
And if your retirement and investment portfolios haven’t been demolished by the current financial crisis, $5,000 will get you on the host list for tonight’s event.
That’s a small price to pay for Washington special interest groups and lobbyists who want access to two ethically challenged U.S. congressmen just a few blocks from the Capitol dome.
“After 24 years in Washington, Paul Kanjorski is desperately out of touch with the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. Rather than solve the many, many problems facing this country today and working to make the lives of his constituents easier, Mr. Kanjorski is asking lobbyists and Washington, D.C., special interest groups to join him at an exclusive, expensive party,” said Vince Galko, campaign manager for Hazleton Mayor and 11th Congressional District candidate Lou Barletta. “Mr. Kanjorski has taken almost $3 million from the subprime mortgage, financial, real estate, and insurance industries – the very people he’s supposed to regulate. When you look at the recent destruction of the housing market and the subprime mortgage industry, and you see the instability in our stock market and financial industry, it’s obvious who Mr. Kanjorski really represents – the Washington, D.C., special interests who contribute to his campaign.”
That loyal service by Kanjorski has paid off. The National Association of Realtors, for example, recently bought more advertising to keep their ally Paul Kanjorski in Washington – now spending almost $1 million in radio and television ads and direct mail campaigns to support him. (“Realtors going big early in 2008,” The Hill, Sept. 22, 2008)
Last week, Kanjorski voted against a House Ethics Commission investigation into allegations of tax evasion and other impropriety by Rangel, who has contributed $14,000 to Kanjorski during this election cycle. (“Rangel donated to Carney, Kanjorski,” Times Leader, Sept. 18)
“We can’t change Washington unless we change the people we send there. Fortunately for the hardworking people of northeastern Pennsylvania, change is less than six weeks away,” Mayor Barletta said.
###
Lou Barletta for Congress
8 West Broad Street, Suite 100
Hazleton, PA 18201
Obama Gives a Mean Shoe Shine
They say losing political candidates usually go back to the job they are most qualified for. Here is our buddy Barry doing what he is most qualified for!!!!!Update 10-17-08. As this image continues to draw hundreds of views per day, I invite all to vote in the poll for a more accurate sampling! http://zenspoliticalrants.blogspot.com/
Monday, September 22, 2008
Who and what caused this financial meltdown
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aSKSoiNbnQY0
Please read the article. It explains in as close to layman's terms as possible who and what caused the mortgage crisis and financial coolapse and who tried to stop it. It is obviously from Bloomberg and not a disreputable rag.
Please read the article. It explains in as close to layman's terms as possible who and what caused the mortgage crisis and financial coolapse and who tried to stop it. It is obviously from Bloomberg and not a disreputable rag.
An Interesting Collection of Updates in Pa 11th Congressional District
PA-11 CLIPS
20-21-22 Sep 2008
WITH BARLETTA OR KANJORSKI MENTIONED
The Hill
Realtors PAC continues to spend big, adds two GOPers
The political action committee for the National Association of Realtors continues to have a big early presence in individual congressional races, spending more than $1.3 million last week on two Republicans and one Democrat.
…
The PAC also spent another $60,000 on radio ads and $220,000 on direct mail for Kanjorski, who is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the House in his matchup against Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta (R).
The Realtors have now spent $890,000 total on Kanjorski. That investment is second only to the $990,000 the PAC spent in April and May on failed New Mexico GOP congressional candidate Monty Newman, who is a realtor.
…
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/realtors-pac-continues-to-spend-big-adds-two-gopers-2008-09-21.html
Scranton Times
Kanjorski defends financial oversight record
As a member of a key House banking subcommittee, Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski had a ringside seat as the nation’s banking system cascaded into a crisis that’s threatening the American economy.Lou Barletta, the Republican Hazleton mayor challenging Mr. Kanjorski for his 10th District seat, charges the congressman sat idly by while it all unraveled because of $2.7 million in campaign contributions from banking, real estate and insurance industry political action committees and executives.“This is the classic case of the fox watching the henhouse, Paul Kanjorski watching over the henhouse,” Mr. Barletta said.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/sc_times_trib.20080921.a.pg10.tt21kanjorski_s1.1959105_top3.txt
Also in the Citizens’ Voice
Barletta accuses Kanjorski of sitting idly while problem unfolded
http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/wb_voice.20080921.a.pg1.cv21cdkanjorski_s1.1961078_top3.txt
And here
Here is a partial list of legislation and actions that U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski has taken to ensure the health of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, combat predatory lending and improve mortgage markets, according to his office.
http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/wb_voice.20080921.a.pg15.cv21cdkanjorski2_s1.1961105_loc.txt
And in the Standard-Speaker
Barletta calls Kanjorski’s role into question
http://standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/hz_standspeak.20080921.a.pg1.hz21_ttkanjorski_s1.1961205_top5.txt
FINANCIAL FALLOUT
The financial earthquake that shook Wall Street last week has created an aftermath in Northeast Pennsylvania, impacting a project to draw New York and New Jersey financial firms to the region.Before officials at large financial firms such as Bear Sterns and Lehman Brothers were drowning in red ink, they probably heard a pitch from Wall Street West officials. U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-11, used his position on a powerful House committee to get audiences with key financial world players and urged them to consider locating operations to Northeast Pennsylvania.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/business/sc_times_trib.20080921.h.pg1.tt21wallstreet_s1.1955987_bus.txt
Wall Street West gained, then lost, steam
The Wall Street West movement has involved everyone from on-the-ground economic developers to state and federal officials.If the project’s birth could be traced to a single moment it would probably be the April 2003 phone call U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-11, made to James Cummings of Penn’s Northeast.Mr. Kanjorski was the ranking Democrat on a key financial subcommittee, and Mr. Cummings was the top economic development marketer for the five-county region.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/business/sc_times_trib.20080921.h.pg2.tt21history_s1.1956324_bus.txt
Vast corruption dilutes pressure
(Editorial)
Rep. Charles Rangel of New York recently came under substantial public pressure to resign his position as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Rangel acknowledged, after several news stories reported, that he had failed to pay about $75,000 in taxes on revenue from an offshore income property that he owns, and that he has potentially inappropriate stakes in a number of rent-controlled apartments in his Harlem district.The tax issue is particularly troublesome because the Ways and Means Committee is Congress’ chief tax-writing committee. Citizens reasonably should be able to expect that the chairman of that committee pays his own taxes in full.Mr. Rangel decided not to resign, however, because he came under virtually no pressure from his congressional colleagues on either side of the aisle. The reason — pervasive corruption makes Mr. Rangel difficult to isolate as a target.Given that this is a congressional and presidential election year, one would think that Mr. Rangel’s situation would inspire a rollicking political debate about congressional ethics. But it has not developed because the ethical quagmire is so broad and deep.
House Republicans grumbled but did not express outrage because several of their own former committee chairmen and veteran representatives are under ethics or criminal investigations.The reach is very long. As reported by The New York Times, Rep. Paul Kanjorski planned to go ahead with a Washington fundraiser with Mr. Rangel as the featured guest. Mr. Kanjorski isn’t worried about his political ties to Mr. Rangel. Instead, he has pointed out that his Republican opponent, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, accepted a contribution in the past from Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, who is under indictment for allegedly failing to report substantial gifts from political supporters.So, on it goes. It is difficult to drive reform when pervasive corruption denies either party a platform to produce it.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/editorial/sc_times_trib.20080921.d.pg3.tt21edit2_s1.1957420_edi.txt
Barletta upset of Kanjorski could force Doherty’s hand
(Roderick Random column)
We might find out in just a few months how much Chris Doherty loves being mayor.With a long-rumored interest in running for Congress, Scranton’s top dog might have a tough decision if U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski loses his re-election bid.Congress or mayor?The possibility of Mr. Kanjorski losing was reinforced this week with the release of a Franklin & Marshall College/Times-Shamrock Newspapers poll showing he trailed Republican challenger Lou Barletta 44 to 35 percent among 547 registered voters.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/20/editorial/roderick/sc_times_trib.20080920.a.pg13.tt20roderick_s1.1942036_rod.txt
Citizens’ Voice
Kanjorski: ‘This is meltdown’
The cost of a proposed federal bailout of the nation’s lending system could be as much as $1 trillion, U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski said, even greater than the “hundreds of billions of dollars” estimate that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson issued Friday.
http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/09/20/news/wb_voice.20080920.t.pg4.cv20cdbailout_s1.1959752_top4.txt
Times Leader
Kanjo changes support of oil drilling bills
U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski Tuesday night voted against an energy bill he co-sponsored and praised earlier this summer. He then voted for a bill that includes provisions he had opposed.
Kanjorski signed on as a co-sponsor of House Resolution 6709, a bipartisan bill called the National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act, on July 3. The bill, which would have lifted the ban on offshore drilling, had broad bipartisan support and Kanjorski was one of its 138 co-sponsors.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Kanjo_changes_support_of_oil_drilling_bills_09-20-2008.html
Kanjo 7th in money received
U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, has received $96,000 in campaign donations from mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since 1989 – ranking him seventh among all members of Congress who received donations from the two firms.
The rankings were compiled by Capital Eye, a division of OpenSecrets.org, which describes itself as nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, and “the nation’s premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy.”
The U.S. government recently took control of the two government-sponsored enterprises that have donated $4.8 million to current members of Congress – 57 percent of the recipients being Democrats.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Kanjo_7th_in_money_received_09-21-2008.html
PRIDE & TEARS
HAZLETON – Children could be heard screaming “I want my daddy” through their tears. But they weren’t the only ones crying.
Moms, sisters, girlfriends and wives also broke into sobs Saturday morning as 83 soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2nd Squadron of the 104th Regiment boarded two charter buses to travel to Fort Indiantown Gap to begin training in preparation for a January deployment to Iraq.
…
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta was on hand to meet with soldiers before their departure.
“We are so proud of them and that they are going to serve in the manner that they are. To see their families here I felt it was important to let them know that the people of Hazleton will be with them while they are gone,” said Barletta, a Republican, who will be facing Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski of Nanticoke in the November election for the 11th District seat.
Kanjorski, who is chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee, stayed in Washington D.C. over the weekend to help draft legislation during the nation’s economic crisis. But he did commend the troops for their service. “As they leave today to fulfill their military duties, they have mine and the American people’s full support. I hope that our mission in Iraq will soon come to an end and that our troops come home safely to their families.”
http://www.timesleader.com/news/PRIDE__amp__TEARS_09-21-2008.html
Standard-Speaker
‘Prepared to serve’
Pvt. Matthew Williams was one of the first Pennsylvania Army National guardsmen in line to pick up his military-issued weapon Saturday morning.Like others from the 88-member National Guard unit based at the Hazleton Armory, Williams signed in, picked up his rifle, and thus began the first leg of a deployment that will eventually take him to Iraq.
…
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta spoke during a deployment ceremony held in the troop’s honor. He told guardsmen that the area will continue to offer both its support and prayers.“For generations, great men and women from the Greater Hazleton area have stood up and proudly served in the United States military. They served with distinction, bringing honor to themselves and their community,” he said. “Today, you join their ranks — and we couldn’t be more proud of you.”
…
http://standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/hz_standspeak.20080921.a.pg1.hz21_deployment_s1.1960932_top2.txt
Press Enterprise
30 Seconds
There are seven council members in Shickshinny Borough six are elected Democrats. Where is Kanjorski. Where is Bigus. Why no campaign signs. All you see are Boback signs in the Borough. The Chairman for the Democrat party is not doing the job on this.
Lower Luzerne County
Man, e-mail
Dear Editor, Can you tell me why there has been so little (or no) media coverage of the Kanjorski scandal? I saw a NBC program about a month ago where he funneled 10.1 Million dollars to a sham company run by his family. They declared bankruptcy 2 years after they opened their doors. No product. I would love to see who was on the payroll How can that be legal? Why isn't Barletta and company running ads on that subject? Why isn't the local media after Kanjorski for an explanation? Mr Sachetti ... will you breach this subject with Kanjorski? Is there any hope? This election - the only real change that can happen is by throwing out everyone who is currently in office.
SadnMad, e-mail
Salem Township Man
(Most newspapers in Kanjorski's district have been writing about the Cornerstone scandal since 2002. We were doing our job; you apparently were not paying attention.)
I am a supporter of Lou Barletta. Kanjorski's supporters must really be feeling the pressure from Lou when they feel the need to remove Lou's signs from the side of Route 11. This makes them a crook, just like Kanjorski himself.
Salem Township man
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Scranton Times
Losing groundEditor: I read with great amazement about the decision of Scranton Zoning Board to deny an exception for a Latino dance studio. We still divide and prohibit the joining of cultures in this city.It is a great master plan that community leaders undertook years ago to get rid of the Afro-American community by clearing away all that involved their neighborhood and promising a safer, cleaner and well-constructed area. Now that is to be purchased and done away with eventually. It is an end of black and biracial historical culture — all in the name of education. Not one political and/or community leader spoke up on behalf of the neighborhood; those of us who do fight to hang on to this area are labeled anti-education. I wonder who will fight for the old Scranton Tech High School when it is sold behind closed doors, as was the field next to it.Perhaps part of the funds raised by the sales should be invested in the teaching of respect for all cultural communities in this city.Political leaders across this city and county should keep in mind that the number of Latino residents is growing rapidly and they may need their votes some day. What can you tell them you have done for them and their neighborhood except to insult and belittle them?The 1960s are over. It is time to grow up and catch up with the rest of the world. Let the Barletta Syndrome end in Scranton. Perhaps that is why we are noted as a “dying city,” because we have not yet learned how to live!REV. KATHRYN SIMMONSFLORENCE-MIDTOWN CRIME WATCHSCRANTON
Times Leader
Look what GOP has done for nation
Remember when the Republicans controlled every branch of federal government from 2000 to 2006?
They controlled the U.S. House, the Senate, the White House (with President Bush), and seven of nine Supreme Court justices were Republican-chosen. They controlled every federal committee, department and agency.
I vividly remember how they took advantage of this first-time, 100 percent, total control for those six consecutive years. They came through like they always promised they would if they had the majority, and they banned abortion, overturned Roe vs. Wade, outlawed gay marriage, outlawed flag-burning, balanced the budget, opened up offshore drilling, initiated school vouchers and stopped illegal immigration.
God bless the Republicans for having that six-year period to do what they always promised Republican voters. But it gets better!
We can do all these things again. With Republicans John McCain, Chris Hackett and Lou Barletta.
Dan Spak Yatesville
Pocono Record
Kanjorski ought to debate in Monroe
Editor, the Record:
Kudos to the Pocono Record for bringing to light the fact that Congressman Kanjorski refuses to debate Mayor Barletta here in Monroe County. Kanjorski claims he is too busy, yet he has time to walk around Stroud Fest for several hours looking for friendly faces. Where is the outrage from other area institutions such as the League of Women Voters, WNEP TV and East Stroudsburg University, to name a few? Monroe County with its population of 165,000 people deserves better. To Congressman Kanjorski, I say, "Debate here. Debate now."
TOM GEFFERS
Canadensis
BLOGS
Could Republicans take a House seat?
21 hours ago by Austin Cassidy The survey, conducted by Franklin & Marshall College, shows Hazleton Mayor and Republican nominee Lou Barletta with 44% to Congressman Kanjorski’s 35%. Unfortunately, Barletta’s gain won’t be nearly enough to off-set the 20 or 30 House ...Conservative Pulse - http://conservativepulse.com/home
Paul Kanjorski supported Predatory Lending
21 Sep 2008 by McGruff The Hazleton Standard Speaker features an article in its Sunday edition- Barletta calls Kanjorski’s role into question . Paul Kanjorski's congressional office issued an eight page timeline of the congressman's record "to regulate Fannie ...Sights on Pennsylvania - http://sightsonpennsylvania.blogspot.com/[ More results from Sights on Pennsylvania ]
Vote a Conservative Congress - Lou Bartletta (R PA-11)
20 Sep 2008 by gregjaye Lou Barletta is one of the key candidates for Congress this year. He will fight to secure the nation's borders. This is especially important, since Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) is retiring from Congress after this year. Lou Barletta, is the ...A Good Choice . . . - http://agoodchoice.blogspot.com/
Pa-11: Kanjorski Trails In Yet Another Poll
20 Sep 2008 by admin Still, with three polls showing Barletta leading (albeit, two of them were Barletta internals) and no other polls to inform us otherwise, it’s getting increasingly difficult to give Kanjorski the benefit of the doubt here. ...Politics - Sharpy News - http://sharpynews.com/politics
House Race Tracker
20 Sep 2008 by jonathangodfrey Barletta 47. 4.9, -5. PA-15 D+2, Sam Bennett (D). $354000. Work What Dent Seems to Want. Charlie Dent (R-Inc). $687000. Broken Promises. Polling Unavailable. TX-07 R+16, Michael Skelly (D). $1050000. Keeping Faith On Top ...House Race Polling - http://houseracepolling.wordpress.com
Lou Barletta endorsed by NRA
19 Sep 2008 by Zen HAZLETON – US Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta will receive the endorsement of at least two national gun rights groups at 12:30 pm on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Mainville Sportsman Club, Fire Hall Lane (just off Route ...Political Rants - http://zenspoliticalrants.blogspot.com/
Source of the Financial Crisis: Government Interference on Behalf ...
5 hours ago by John Kanjorski of Pennsylvania, said they will oppose any attempt to make the regulator less independent from Treasury or to move business oversight out of HUD. Kanjorski said he was surprised by the White House position, given that the bill ...Verum Serum - http://www.verumserum.com
Independent Expenditure Round-up: 9/15-21
13 hours ago by James L. PA-11, Kanjorski, DCCC, $22583, $281503. PA-11, Kanjorski, NARPAC, $272276, $847308. TX-23, Rodriguez, DCCC, $13014, $37336. VA-11, Open, DCCC, $47796, $151399. Total Blue, $3042193, $6594734. Total Red, $1039430, $1039430 ...Swing State Project - http://www.swingstateproject.com/ - References
We Must Stop This
21 hours ago by Sensei Schutte The PAC also spent another $60000 on radio ads and $220000 on direct mail for Kanjorski, who is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the House in his matchup against Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta (R). ...BORN ANGRY - http://senseitim.blogspot.com/
Sorry, wrong number
19 Sep 2008 by D.B. Echo Do you plan to vote for Lou Barletta or Paul Kanjorski? Me: Kanjorski. Her: OK, in the upcoming election, which of these subjects will influence your decision? (I don't remember all the items, but it was a list of five, including the ...Another Monkey - http://anothermonkey.blogspot.com/
Obama's Love Affair with Fannie Mae
19 Sep 2008 by George Dienhart The short answer is Obama, Clinton, Dodd, Kanjorski and Kerry. These powerful Washington insiders acted to protect their own interests- and the interests of a major campaign contributor. The Bush plan never came to be. ...illinoisreview - http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/
QUOTES OF THE DAY
“This is meltdown. Even in 1929 we never had a meltdown. This could actually cause the failure of the republic. How do we know how people would respond to this?”
Paul Kanjorski, speaking in the Citizens’ Voice. He mentions “republic” so many times, he might actually be a republican!
GO MAYOR LOU!!!!!!!
20-21-22 Sep 2008
WITH BARLETTA OR KANJORSKI MENTIONED
The Hill
Realtors PAC continues to spend big, adds two GOPers
The political action committee for the National Association of Realtors continues to have a big early presence in individual congressional races, spending more than $1.3 million last week on two Republicans and one Democrat.
…
The PAC also spent another $60,000 on radio ads and $220,000 on direct mail for Kanjorski, who is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the House in his matchup against Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta (R).
The Realtors have now spent $890,000 total on Kanjorski. That investment is second only to the $990,000 the PAC spent in April and May on failed New Mexico GOP congressional candidate Monty Newman, who is a realtor.
…
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/realtors-pac-continues-to-spend-big-adds-two-gopers-2008-09-21.html
Scranton Times
Kanjorski defends financial oversight record
As a member of a key House banking subcommittee, Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski had a ringside seat as the nation’s banking system cascaded into a crisis that’s threatening the American economy.Lou Barletta, the Republican Hazleton mayor challenging Mr. Kanjorski for his 10th District seat, charges the congressman sat idly by while it all unraveled because of $2.7 million in campaign contributions from banking, real estate and insurance industry political action committees and executives.“This is the classic case of the fox watching the henhouse, Paul Kanjorski watching over the henhouse,” Mr. Barletta said.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/sc_times_trib.20080921.a.pg10.tt21kanjorski_s1.1959105_top3.txt
Also in the Citizens’ Voice
Barletta accuses Kanjorski of sitting idly while problem unfolded
http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/wb_voice.20080921.a.pg1.cv21cdkanjorski_s1.1961078_top3.txt
And here
Here is a partial list of legislation and actions that U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski has taken to ensure the health of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, combat predatory lending and improve mortgage markets, according to his office.
http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/09/21/news/wb_voice.20080921.a.pg15.cv21cdkanjorski2_s1.1961105_loc.txt
And in the Standard-Speaker
Barletta calls Kanjorski’s role into question
http://standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/hz_standspeak.20080921.a.pg1.hz21_ttkanjorski_s1.1961205_top5.txt
FINANCIAL FALLOUT
The financial earthquake that shook Wall Street last week has created an aftermath in Northeast Pennsylvania, impacting a project to draw New York and New Jersey financial firms to the region.Before officials at large financial firms such as Bear Sterns and Lehman Brothers were drowning in red ink, they probably heard a pitch from Wall Street West officials. U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-11, used his position on a powerful House committee to get audiences with key financial world players and urged them to consider locating operations to Northeast Pennsylvania.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/business/sc_times_trib.20080921.h.pg1.tt21wallstreet_s1.1955987_bus.txt
Wall Street West gained, then lost, steam
The Wall Street West movement has involved everyone from on-the-ground economic developers to state and federal officials.If the project’s birth could be traced to a single moment it would probably be the April 2003 phone call U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-11, made to James Cummings of Penn’s Northeast.Mr. Kanjorski was the ranking Democrat on a key financial subcommittee, and Mr. Cummings was the top economic development marketer for the five-county region.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/business/sc_times_trib.20080921.h.pg2.tt21history_s1.1956324_bus.txt
Vast corruption dilutes pressure
(Editorial)
Rep. Charles Rangel of New York recently came under substantial public pressure to resign his position as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Rangel acknowledged, after several news stories reported, that he had failed to pay about $75,000 in taxes on revenue from an offshore income property that he owns, and that he has potentially inappropriate stakes in a number of rent-controlled apartments in his Harlem district.The tax issue is particularly troublesome because the Ways and Means Committee is Congress’ chief tax-writing committee. Citizens reasonably should be able to expect that the chairman of that committee pays his own taxes in full.Mr. Rangel decided not to resign, however, because he came under virtually no pressure from his congressional colleagues on either side of the aisle. The reason — pervasive corruption makes Mr. Rangel difficult to isolate as a target.Given that this is a congressional and presidential election year, one would think that Mr. Rangel’s situation would inspire a rollicking political debate about congressional ethics. But it has not developed because the ethical quagmire is so broad and deep.
House Republicans grumbled but did not express outrage because several of their own former committee chairmen and veteran representatives are under ethics or criminal investigations.The reach is very long. As reported by The New York Times, Rep. Paul Kanjorski planned to go ahead with a Washington fundraiser with Mr. Rangel as the featured guest. Mr. Kanjorski isn’t worried about his political ties to Mr. Rangel. Instead, he has pointed out that his Republican opponent, Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta, accepted a contribution in the past from Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, who is under indictment for allegedly failing to report substantial gifts from political supporters.So, on it goes. It is difficult to drive reform when pervasive corruption denies either party a platform to produce it.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/21/editorial/sc_times_trib.20080921.d.pg3.tt21edit2_s1.1957420_edi.txt
Barletta upset of Kanjorski could force Doherty’s hand
(Roderick Random column)
We might find out in just a few months how much Chris Doherty loves being mayor.With a long-rumored interest in running for Congress, Scranton’s top dog might have a tough decision if U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski loses his re-election bid.Congress or mayor?The possibility of Mr. Kanjorski losing was reinforced this week with the release of a Franklin & Marshall College/Times-Shamrock Newspapers poll showing he trailed Republican challenger Lou Barletta 44 to 35 percent among 547 registered voters.
http://scrantontimes.com/articles/2008/09/20/editorial/roderick/sc_times_trib.20080920.a.pg13.tt20roderick_s1.1942036_rod.txt
Citizens’ Voice
Kanjorski: ‘This is meltdown’
The cost of a proposed federal bailout of the nation’s lending system could be as much as $1 trillion, U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski said, even greater than the “hundreds of billions of dollars” estimate that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson issued Friday.
http://citizensvoice.com/articles/2008/09/20/news/wb_voice.20080920.t.pg4.cv20cdbailout_s1.1959752_top4.txt
Times Leader
Kanjo changes support of oil drilling bills
U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski Tuesday night voted against an energy bill he co-sponsored and praised earlier this summer. He then voted for a bill that includes provisions he had opposed.
Kanjorski signed on as a co-sponsor of House Resolution 6709, a bipartisan bill called the National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act, on July 3. The bill, which would have lifted the ban on offshore drilling, had broad bipartisan support and Kanjorski was one of its 138 co-sponsors.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Kanjo_changes_support_of_oil_drilling_bills_09-20-2008.html
Kanjo 7th in money received
U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, has received $96,000 in campaign donations from mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since 1989 – ranking him seventh among all members of Congress who received donations from the two firms.
The rankings were compiled by Capital Eye, a division of OpenSecrets.org, which describes itself as nonpartisan, independent and nonprofit, and “the nation’s premier research group tracking money in U.S. politics and its effect on elections and public policy.”
The U.S. government recently took control of the two government-sponsored enterprises that have donated $4.8 million to current members of Congress – 57 percent of the recipients being Democrats.
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Kanjo_7th_in_money_received_09-21-2008.html
PRIDE & TEARS
HAZLETON – Children could be heard screaming “I want my daddy” through their tears. But they weren’t the only ones crying.
Moms, sisters, girlfriends and wives also broke into sobs Saturday morning as 83 soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2nd Squadron of the 104th Regiment boarded two charter buses to travel to Fort Indiantown Gap to begin training in preparation for a January deployment to Iraq.
…
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta was on hand to meet with soldiers before their departure.
“We are so proud of them and that they are going to serve in the manner that they are. To see their families here I felt it was important to let them know that the people of Hazleton will be with them while they are gone,” said Barletta, a Republican, who will be facing Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski of Nanticoke in the November election for the 11th District seat.
Kanjorski, who is chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee, stayed in Washington D.C. over the weekend to help draft legislation during the nation’s economic crisis. But he did commend the troops for their service. “As they leave today to fulfill their military duties, they have mine and the American people’s full support. I hope that our mission in Iraq will soon come to an end and that our troops come home safely to their families.”
http://www.timesleader.com/news/PRIDE__amp__TEARS_09-21-2008.html
Standard-Speaker
‘Prepared to serve’
Pvt. Matthew Williams was one of the first Pennsylvania Army National guardsmen in line to pick up his military-issued weapon Saturday morning.Like others from the 88-member National Guard unit based at the Hazleton Armory, Williams signed in, picked up his rifle, and thus began the first leg of a deployment that will eventually take him to Iraq.
…
Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta spoke during a deployment ceremony held in the troop’s honor. He told guardsmen that the area will continue to offer both its support and prayers.“For generations, great men and women from the Greater Hazleton area have stood up and proudly served in the United States military. They served with distinction, bringing honor to themselves and their community,” he said. “Today, you join their ranks — and we couldn’t be more proud of you.”
…
http://standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/09/22/news/hz_standspeak.20080921.a.pg1.hz21_deployment_s1.1960932_top2.txt
Press Enterprise
30 Seconds
There are seven council members in Shickshinny Borough six are elected Democrats. Where is Kanjorski. Where is Bigus. Why no campaign signs. All you see are Boback signs in the Borough. The Chairman for the Democrat party is not doing the job on this.
Lower Luzerne County
Man, e-mail
Dear Editor, Can you tell me why there has been so little (or no) media coverage of the Kanjorski scandal? I saw a NBC program about a month ago where he funneled 10.1 Million dollars to a sham company run by his family. They declared bankruptcy 2 years after they opened their doors. No product. I would love to see who was on the payroll How can that be legal? Why isn't Barletta and company running ads on that subject? Why isn't the local media after Kanjorski for an explanation? Mr Sachetti ... will you breach this subject with Kanjorski? Is there any hope? This election - the only real change that can happen is by throwing out everyone who is currently in office.
SadnMad, e-mail
Salem Township Man
(Most newspapers in Kanjorski's district have been writing about the Cornerstone scandal since 2002. We were doing our job; you apparently were not paying attention.)
I am a supporter of Lou Barletta. Kanjorski's supporters must really be feeling the pressure from Lou when they feel the need to remove Lou's signs from the side of Route 11. This makes them a crook, just like Kanjorski himself.
Salem Township man
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Scranton Times
Losing groundEditor: I read with great amazement about the decision of Scranton Zoning Board to deny an exception for a Latino dance studio. We still divide and prohibit the joining of cultures in this city.It is a great master plan that community leaders undertook years ago to get rid of the Afro-American community by clearing away all that involved their neighborhood and promising a safer, cleaner and well-constructed area. Now that is to be purchased and done away with eventually. It is an end of black and biracial historical culture — all in the name of education. Not one political and/or community leader spoke up on behalf of the neighborhood; those of us who do fight to hang on to this area are labeled anti-education. I wonder who will fight for the old Scranton Tech High School when it is sold behind closed doors, as was the field next to it.Perhaps part of the funds raised by the sales should be invested in the teaching of respect for all cultural communities in this city.Political leaders across this city and county should keep in mind that the number of Latino residents is growing rapidly and they may need their votes some day. What can you tell them you have done for them and their neighborhood except to insult and belittle them?The 1960s are over. It is time to grow up and catch up with the rest of the world. Let the Barletta Syndrome end in Scranton. Perhaps that is why we are noted as a “dying city,” because we have not yet learned how to live!REV. KATHRYN SIMMONSFLORENCE-MIDTOWN CRIME WATCHSCRANTON
Times Leader
Look what GOP has done for nation
Remember when the Republicans controlled every branch of federal government from 2000 to 2006?
They controlled the U.S. House, the Senate, the White House (with President Bush), and seven of nine Supreme Court justices were Republican-chosen. They controlled every federal committee, department and agency.
I vividly remember how they took advantage of this first-time, 100 percent, total control for those six consecutive years. They came through like they always promised they would if they had the majority, and they banned abortion, overturned Roe vs. Wade, outlawed gay marriage, outlawed flag-burning, balanced the budget, opened up offshore drilling, initiated school vouchers and stopped illegal immigration.
God bless the Republicans for having that six-year period to do what they always promised Republican voters. But it gets better!
We can do all these things again. With Republicans John McCain, Chris Hackett and Lou Barletta.
Dan Spak Yatesville
Pocono Record
Kanjorski ought to debate in Monroe
Editor, the Record:
Kudos to the Pocono Record for bringing to light the fact that Congressman Kanjorski refuses to debate Mayor Barletta here in Monroe County. Kanjorski claims he is too busy, yet he has time to walk around Stroud Fest for several hours looking for friendly faces. Where is the outrage from other area institutions such as the League of Women Voters, WNEP TV and East Stroudsburg University, to name a few? Monroe County with its population of 165,000 people deserves better. To Congressman Kanjorski, I say, "Debate here. Debate now."
TOM GEFFERS
Canadensis
BLOGS
Could Republicans take a House seat?
21 hours ago by Austin Cassidy The survey, conducted by Franklin & Marshall College, shows Hazleton Mayor and Republican nominee Lou Barletta with 44% to Congressman Kanjorski’s 35%. Unfortunately, Barletta’s gain won’t be nearly enough to off-set the 20 or 30 House ...Conservative Pulse - http://conservativepulse.com/home
Paul Kanjorski supported Predatory Lending
21 Sep 2008 by McGruff The Hazleton Standard Speaker features an article in its Sunday edition- Barletta calls Kanjorski’s role into question . Paul Kanjorski's congressional office issued an eight page timeline of the congressman's record "to regulate Fannie ...Sights on Pennsylvania - http://sightsonpennsylvania.blogspot.com/[ More results from Sights on Pennsylvania ]
Vote a Conservative Congress - Lou Bartletta (R PA-11)
20 Sep 2008 by gregjaye Lou Barletta is one of the key candidates for Congress this year. He will fight to secure the nation's borders. This is especially important, since Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO) is retiring from Congress after this year. Lou Barletta, is the ...A Good Choice . . . - http://agoodchoice.blogspot.com/
Pa-11: Kanjorski Trails In Yet Another Poll
20 Sep 2008 by admin Still, with three polls showing Barletta leading (albeit, two of them were Barletta internals) and no other polls to inform us otherwise, it’s getting increasingly difficult to give Kanjorski the benefit of the doubt here. ...Politics - Sharpy News - http://sharpynews.com/politics
House Race Tracker
20 Sep 2008 by jonathangodfrey Barletta 47. 4.9, -5. PA-15 D+2, Sam Bennett (D). $354000. Work What Dent Seems to Want. Charlie Dent (R-Inc). $687000. Broken Promises. Polling Unavailable. TX-07 R+16, Michael Skelly (D). $1050000. Keeping Faith On Top ...House Race Polling - http://houseracepolling.wordpress.com
Lou Barletta endorsed by NRA
19 Sep 2008 by Zen HAZLETON – US Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta will receive the endorsement of at least two national gun rights groups at 12:30 pm on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Mainville Sportsman Club, Fire Hall Lane (just off Route ...Political Rants - http://zenspoliticalrants.blogspot.com/
Source of the Financial Crisis: Government Interference on Behalf ...
5 hours ago by John Kanjorski of Pennsylvania, said they will oppose any attempt to make the regulator less independent from Treasury or to move business oversight out of HUD. Kanjorski said he was surprised by the White House position, given that the bill ...Verum Serum - http://www.verumserum.com
Independent Expenditure Round-up: 9/15-21
13 hours ago by James L. PA-11, Kanjorski, DCCC, $22583, $281503. PA-11, Kanjorski, NARPAC, $272276, $847308. TX-23, Rodriguez, DCCC, $13014, $37336. VA-11, Open, DCCC, $47796, $151399. Total Blue, $3042193, $6594734. Total Red, $1039430, $1039430 ...Swing State Project - http://www.swingstateproject.com/ - References
We Must Stop This
21 hours ago by Sensei Schutte The PAC also spent another $60000 on radio ads and $220000 on direct mail for Kanjorski, who is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the House in his matchup against Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta (R). ...BORN ANGRY - http://senseitim.blogspot.com/
Sorry, wrong number
19 Sep 2008 by D.B. Echo Do you plan to vote for Lou Barletta or Paul Kanjorski? Me: Kanjorski. Her: OK, in the upcoming election, which of these subjects will influence your decision? (I don't remember all the items, but it was a list of five, including the ...Another Monkey - http://anothermonkey.blogspot.com/
Obama's Love Affair with Fannie Mae
19 Sep 2008 by George Dienhart The short answer is Obama, Clinton, Dodd, Kanjorski and Kerry. These powerful Washington insiders acted to protect their own interests- and the interests of a major campaign contributor. The Bush plan never came to be. ...illinoisreview - http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/
QUOTES OF THE DAY
“This is meltdown. Even in 1929 we never had a meltdown. This could actually cause the failure of the republic. How do we know how people would respond to this?”
Paul Kanjorski, speaking in the Citizens’ Voice. He mentions “republic” so many times, he might actually be a republican!
GO MAYOR LOU!!!!!!!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Lou Barletta Receives an 'A' rating from NRA
Barletta receives ‘A’ rating from NRA, to be endorsed by Gun Owners of America and Firearm Owners Against Crime
FOR SCHEDULING ONLY
HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta will receive the endorsement of at least two national gun rights groups at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Mainville Sportsman Club, Fire Hall Lane (just off Route 339).
Representatives from several leading pro-Second Amendment groups will be in attendance at a “day at the range” with Mayor Barletta.
The media is invited to attend, and Mayor Barletta will be available to answer questions.
ENDORSEMENT OF LOU BARLETTA BY NATIONAL GUN RIGHTS GROUPS
WHERE: Mainville Sportsman Club, Fire Hall Lane, Mainville, Columbia County
WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
HOW TO GET THERE: Take Interstate 80 to the Mainville/Route 339 Exit. Follow signs for Mainville (from Eastbound I-80, turn right; from Westbound I-80, turn left). Follow Route 339 into Mainville. At the T intersection, turn left. Fire Hall Lane is on the left about a quarter-mile to a half-mile down on the left. Follow the road beyond the pavement on the dirt road.
FOR SCHEDULING ONLY
HAZLETON – U.S. Congressional candidate Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta will receive the endorsement of at least two national gun rights groups at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Mainville Sportsman Club, Fire Hall Lane (just off Route 339).
Representatives from several leading pro-Second Amendment groups will be in attendance at a “day at the range” with Mayor Barletta.
The media is invited to attend, and Mayor Barletta will be available to answer questions.
ENDORSEMENT OF LOU BARLETTA BY NATIONAL GUN RIGHTS GROUPS
WHERE: Mainville Sportsman Club, Fire Hall Lane, Mainville, Columbia County
WHEN: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
HOW TO GET THERE: Take Interstate 80 to the Mainville/Route 339 Exit. Follow signs for Mainville (from Eastbound I-80, turn right; from Westbound I-80, turn left). Follow Route 339 into Mainville. At the T intersection, turn left. Fire Hall Lane is on the left about a quarter-mile to a half-mile down on the left. Follow the road beyond the pavement on the dirt road.
Obama is wrong about taxes and everything else
For all the Obamanatics that believe rich people don't pay taxes. The top 25% of wage earners are paying a staggering 86% of the tax burden. The bottom 50% are paying the enormous sum of 3%. yep, those rich bastards are sure getting over.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Obama Joke
Barack Obama was seated next to a little girl on an airplane. He turned to her and said, "Let's talk. I've heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers. The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and said to the Obama, "What would you like to talk about" 'Oh I don't know said the Obama, "How about what changes I should make to America And he smiles. 'OK, she said. "That could be an interesting topic. But let me Ask you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same stuff - grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do suppose that is? Obama, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence, thinks about it and says, "Hmmm, I have no idea." To which the little girl replies, "Do you really feel qualified to "change America " when you don't know shit?
Thanks Greg!!!!!!!!
Thanks Greg!!!!!!!!
Obama's Economic Plan
Also known as Robin Hood Economics. It has worked so well everywhere else in the world that Obama wants to try it here. Maybe he should talk to the leader of the USSR. Oh that's right there isn't a USSR any more. For a Harvard Grad, he isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, is he?
PBS has a Sarah Palin Poll
http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html
They are asking in this poll if Sarah Palin is qualified to be vice president. Click the link and click yes. The loony left has already been clicking in like the mad dogs they are. let's stop them!!!
Thanks Randy.
They are asking in this poll if Sarah Palin is qualified to be vice president. Click the link and click yes. The loony left has already been clicking in like the mad dogs they are. let's stop them!!!
Thanks Randy.
Greg Skrepenak and Luzerne County Reassessment
Greg wants to be your hero. He wants to stop the reassessment. Does anybody actually believe he is doing this because he thinks it's right? I doubt it. The reason he is doing it is he hopes that the voters of Luzerne County will forget all of the genuinely horrible things he has done and re-elect him.
In no particular order, here are a few.
1. leased the juvie center for $58,000,000. when the county could have owned it for $9,000,000.
2. countless no bid contracts that illegally enriched his friends.
3.Sam Hyder, do I need to say more?
4. The debit card scandal.
People of Luzerne County, haven't you had enough of this type of politician? Give him the boot. Who knows, maybe the local republican Party can field a viable candidate to fill Scrap's seat.
In no particular order, here are a few.
1. leased the juvie center for $58,000,000. when the county could have owned it for $9,000,000.
2. countless no bid contracts that illegally enriched his friends.
3.Sam Hyder, do I need to say more?
4. The debit card scandal.
People of Luzerne County, haven't you had enough of this type of politician? Give him the boot. Who knows, maybe the local republican Party can field a viable candidate to fill Scrap's seat.
Sarah Palin for Vice President
Who Am I?
I am under 45 years old,
I love the outdoors,
I hunt,
I am a Republican reformer,
I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,
I have many children,
I have a spot on the national ticket as vice president with less than two years in the governor's office.
Did you guess?
I am Teddy Roosevelt, in 1900.
SURPRISE......
I am under 45 years old,
I love the outdoors,
I hunt,
I am a Republican reformer,
I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,
I have many children,
I have a spot on the national ticket as vice president with less than two years in the governor's office.
Did you guess?
I am Teddy Roosevelt, in 1900.
SURPRISE......
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
House Approves Offshore Drilling
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9386V6OF&show_article=1&catnum=0
There's only one tiny catch. They will only allow drilling where there is no oil. I haven't found an updated link to see how Kanjorski and Carney voted but will post it asap.
The House is in Democrat control and this is what they do to help their constituents??? Vote them all out!!!!!!!!!!!
Update: Kanjorski and Carney both voted for it!!! They need to go home and stay there. Vote them out!!!
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=596&chamber=H&congress=1102&state=pa
There's only one tiny catch. They will only allow drilling where there is no oil. I haven't found an updated link to see how Kanjorski and Carney voted but will post it asap.
The House is in Democrat control and this is what they do to help their constituents??? Vote them all out!!!!!!!!!!!
Update: Kanjorski and Carney both voted for it!!! They need to go home and stay there. Vote them out!!!
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=596&chamber=H&congress=1102&state=pa
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
McCain and Obama at the barbershop
Mccain and a Obama were sitting in the Barbershop. They were both just getting finished with their shaves, when the barbers reached for some after-shave to slap on their faces. Obama shouted, 'Hey, don't put that stuff on me! My wife will think I've been in a whorehouse!' McCain turned to his barber and said, 'Go ahead and put it on me. My wife doesn't know what the inside of a whorehouse smells like.'
I've seen the 9th level of hell
Today has got to go down in my history as one of the most irritating ever. My smart phone broke after just 3 months. As a smart consumer, I went back to the store I got it from, cough, Verizon, hack, to get it exchanged for a new one. They were great about the exchange. They were great about everything, right up until it came time to migrate the data from the broken unit to the new one. The genius tech support guy erased all of my contacts. Permanently deleted with no hope of recovery!!! I only had about 400 names and numbers in there and only in there. The phone came with Microsoft Active Sync. I know it sounds hard to believe, but it didn't work with the phone they sold me. They have an online back-up service as well. Guess what? That doesn't work with the phone they sold me either. I wish I'd gone with Cingular!!!!!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Guest Post from Kar
Double standard?
The “main stream” media is drooling at the prospect of probing every nook & cranny of Sarah Palin’s past political life hoping to glean something/anything that will torpedo her candidacy. This idea that she has to have foreign policy experience to be considered for the vice-presidency would be amusing if it wasn’t so hypocritical.
Palin is a governor, Bill Clinton was a governor, George W. Bush was a governor, Ronald Reagan was a governor, Jimmy Carter was a governor, it is safe to say that few, if any, governors have foreign policy experience. It’s not in the job description. Palin is being held to a standard higher than that being demanded from Barack Obama and Obama is running for President, just what foreign policy experience does he possess?
Joe Biden for all his blather is a 2 time failed candidate for the presidential nomination of his own party. He has twice offered himself to democratic voters, and twice they rejected him. His foreign policy experience is what exactly? Thirty-six years as a Senator? Serving on the foreign relations committee? Many will remember Joe’s whole-hearted endorsement of the evidence presented by this administration prior to the Iraq invasion. Only after it became evident that there were no WMD did he and others abandon ship and start up with the non-sense that they had been deceived…now that’s leadership.
Oh and this is the same Joe Biden who wanted to partition Iraq.What a disaster that would have been, get all the feuding factions concentrated in separate areas and watch the fun begin. This is the same Joe Biden who claimed that the surge would not, could not, work. He went as far as suggesting that General Petraeus was “dead flat wrong”. Well check again Joe, the surge is working; no amount of twisting or manipulating the facts can change that, so Biden and a whole bunch of foreign policy “experts” were wrong.
Oh and another thing Sarah Palin’s ideas and views are her own, and while she may not agree with McCain on everything, she understands that McCain is at the top of the ticket, and she will work vigorously to win this election.
Joe Biden? Well he does have a history of “borrowing” the words of others. Heck for all we know he may not have ever had an original idea or thought… I’m just sayin’.
None of this matters to the “unbiased” main stream media, they will poke & prod around Sarah Palin’s past to determine if she rises to the high standard that they only apply to republican candidates.
Give us all a break.
The “main stream” media is drooling at the prospect of probing every nook & cranny of Sarah Palin’s past political life hoping to glean something/anything that will torpedo her candidacy. This idea that she has to have foreign policy experience to be considered for the vice-presidency would be amusing if it wasn’t so hypocritical.
Palin is a governor, Bill Clinton was a governor, George W. Bush was a governor, Ronald Reagan was a governor, Jimmy Carter was a governor, it is safe to say that few, if any, governors have foreign policy experience. It’s not in the job description. Palin is being held to a standard higher than that being demanded from Barack Obama and Obama is running for President, just what foreign policy experience does he possess?
Joe Biden for all his blather is a 2 time failed candidate for the presidential nomination of his own party. He has twice offered himself to democratic voters, and twice they rejected him. His foreign policy experience is what exactly? Thirty-six years as a Senator? Serving on the foreign relations committee? Many will remember Joe’s whole-hearted endorsement of the evidence presented by this administration prior to the Iraq invasion. Only after it became evident that there were no WMD did he and others abandon ship and start up with the non-sense that they had been deceived…now that’s leadership.
Oh and this is the same Joe Biden who wanted to partition Iraq.What a disaster that would have been, get all the feuding factions concentrated in separate areas and watch the fun begin. This is the same Joe Biden who claimed that the surge would not, could not, work. He went as far as suggesting that General Petraeus was “dead flat wrong”. Well check again Joe, the surge is working; no amount of twisting or manipulating the facts can change that, so Biden and a whole bunch of foreign policy “experts” were wrong.
Oh and another thing Sarah Palin’s ideas and views are her own, and while she may not agree with McCain on everything, she understands that McCain is at the top of the ticket, and she will work vigorously to win this election.
Joe Biden? Well he does have a history of “borrowing” the words of others. Heck for all we know he may not have ever had an original idea or thought… I’m just sayin’.
None of this matters to the “unbiased” main stream media, they will poke & prod around Sarah Palin’s past to determine if she rises to the high standard that they only apply to republican candidates.
Give us all a break.
Devastating Video, Obama talks about job Ayers gave him
With a nod to moonbattery.com. This video should be mandatory viewing. Watch as Obama tries to explain yet another very dubious relationship.
Obama's Liberal Promises, Tinfoil hats, and Stupid Voters
While out having a beer at the local pub, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation among some "progressives". I was the only conservative in the bar and certainly the only republican. I held my tongue for most of the hour or so that I was there. Listening to such idiotic banter may have been detrimental to my mental health. You can just imagine what they were talking about. Bush is responsible for everything from A.I.D.S. to Hurricane Ike. They went further with their tinfoil hattery and said that McCain is secretly going to be Bush's puppet while president. Even through this mindless shit, did I stay my tongue. When they started with the whole we gotta vote for the guy that will do something for us is when I felt compelled to interject. I asked them what happened to J.F.K.'s ideal of asking not what your country can do for you but to ask what you can do for your country? Are you ready for it? The response was that the republican party is controlled by the rich and is keeping the average man down. That ever since Nixon, the military industrial complex has controlled everything, including their wages and that's why they can't get ahead. Well, boy howdy, did I throw a rock at a hornet's nest then. I called bullshit. I asked how many of them went to college to better their job options. I asked how many of them work 2 or 3 jobs if their primary job isn't getting it done. I then asked how many poor people ever gave them a job. I asked how much of raise they can expect when Obama taxes the crap out of companies. I asked how many new jobs and positions will be created when the cost of doing business skyrockets. I asked how many companies would just move off shore to avoid crippling taxes. as you can imagine they became upset. Fortunately, I am a big guy with a reputation for being more than willing to "defend" myself so no violence broke out. I am hoping they were upset from hearing the truth. The fact is, I was more upset than they were. Why you ask? Because we let people that fooking stupid vote!!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Obama's Gun Control Position
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Barack_Obama#Gun_control
As a gun owner, I did my homework long ago on Obama's lengthy history of battling gun owner's rights. He supports banning the sale and manufacture of handguns. He supports banning all assault weapons. He supports mandatory waiting periods. He supports banning all concealed carry except by law enforcement. He has never met or heard of a gun grabbing law that he wasn't for!!!! I hear many people talk about how much this cornhole is just like John Q. Public. The fact of the matter is, he is as far from mainstream America as it is possible to get. Do you people still want to vote for him????????
As a gun owner, I did my homework long ago on Obama's lengthy history of battling gun owner's rights. He supports banning the sale and manufacture of handguns. He supports banning all assault weapons. He supports mandatory waiting periods. He supports banning all concealed carry except by law enforcement. He has never met or heard of a gun grabbing law that he wasn't for!!!! I hear many people talk about how much this cornhole is just like John Q. Public. The fact of the matter is, he is as far from mainstream America as it is possible to get. Do you people still want to vote for him????????
USS William Jefferson Clinton
US Navy welcomes the USS Bill Clinton Sunday, July 2, 2006 Vancouver , BC . Headed for Seattle, WA., the US Navy welcomed the latest member of its fleet today. The USS William Jefferson Clinton (CVS1) set sail today from its home port of Vancouver , BC. The ship is the first of its kind in the Navy and is a standing legacy to President Bill Clinton 'for his foresight in military budget cuts' and his conduct while president. The ship is constructed nearly entirely from recycled aluminum and is completely solar powered with a top speed of 5 knots. It boasts an arsenal comprised of one (unarmed) F14 Tomcat or one (unarmed) F18 Hornet aircraft which, although they cannot be launched or captured on the 100 foot flight deck, form a very menacing presence. As a standing order there are no firearms allowed on board. The 20 person crew is completely diversified, including members of all races, creeds, sex, and sexual orientation. This crew, like the crew aboard the USS Jimmy Carter, is specially trained to avoid conflicts and appease any and all enemies of the United States at all costs.! An onboard Type One DNC Universal Translator can send out messages of apology in any language to anyone who may find America offensive. The number of apologies are limitless and though some may seem hollow and disingenuous, the Navy advises all apologies will sound very sincere. The ship's purpose is not defined so much as a unit of national defense, but instead in times of conflict, the USS Clinton has orders to seek refuge in Canada. The ship may be positioned near the Democratic National Party Headquarters for photo-ops. The Clin-toons Should be very proud.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Obama and Biden Sitting in a tree, T-A-N-K-I-N-G!!
It isn't just Obama's gaffes that are sending his campaign straight down the toilet. His outstanding (from my point of view) running mate, Joe Biden, is pitching in and doing his part. Can you possibly imagine the monumental stupidity it takes to ask a man in a wheel chair to stand up? Good old Joe went a bit further though. He announced to the world that Hillary was a better choice for the Veep slot. I can understand his utter lack of confidence in himself. After all, he is a raving drunk and has a mouth that he just can't keep shut. To both of these cornwads I say, " Keep up the good work!!".Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Obama Denies He Meant Anything Sexist About Palin
I don't want to spook anybody, but Obama claims he wasn't talking about Sarah Palin with his classless lipstick remark. Like many on the left, it seems like it is always monkey see, monkey do with Obama. I am certainly not chucking any spears at straw huts with this post. Who knows, maybe Obama missed his nappy time. Anything is possible. I just don't believe it. Let's call a spade a spade!! We all knew who he meant to insult with his witless pun. I know Palin must be dancing a jig as more and more women flock to support her because of the leftist attacks.
How it must gall Obama to go from the front runner to the darkie horse! The coons have certainly tipped over his trash cans this time. I don't know how he will recover from this gaffe. Not only has he gotten a black eye over this, but a fat lip too. He can't afford to be lazy now. He is really going to have to work to overcome the stink he has generated.
If Obama's remarks are fine then there are no racist overtones in this post. I hope you all can see what I did there. Racism sucks just as much as sexism and misogyny.
How it must gall Obama to go from the front runner to the darkie horse! The coons have certainly tipped over his trash cans this time. I don't know how he will recover from this gaffe. Not only has he gotten a black eye over this, but a fat lip too. He can't afford to be lazy now. He is really going to have to work to overcome the stink he has generated.
If Obama's remarks are fine then there are no racist overtones in this post. I hope you all can see what I did there. Racism sucks just as much as sexism and misogyny.
An Absolute must read!!!!
http://www.moonbattery.com/archives/2008/09/as_dems_send_in.html#comments
The loony left has begun their full on assault of Sarah Palin. The above story from Moonbattery has it all. Click linky, read linky.
The loony left has begun their full on assault of Sarah Palin. The above story from Moonbattery has it all. Click linky, read linky.
Obama the Human Gaffe Generator
Proving yet again that he is unable to read the writing on the wall, Obama has called Sarah Palin a pig. The more crass the attacks the left launches the more their own stank sticks to them. He hasn't even apologized. Ladies and gentlemen, even though it's only Wednesday, we have our Douchebag of the Week. Congrats Obama, keep up the good work!!!!!
A converstion with my sister about Obama and the Insanity of his plans
What I wrote about democracy falling is based on a quote I once read and can't recall the source. We were talking in general about the economy and the following e mails came about.
What I wrote to my sister:
I wrote a piece after having a long talk with a friend. He has a liquid net worth of over $230 million. He feels that our country will fall within our lifetime. Unfortunately, I think he is right. When the populace continues to vote in leaders that promise more and more out of the treasury to them, democracy always fails. When that happens, it is replaced by a dictatorship. Our citizens, and especially democrat voters are on this path. Not one single media outlet has condemned Obama for his windfall profits tax and the bribe of $1000. for your vote. This is the path that destroys America. Robin Hood was a great story but is a shitty economic plan.
Her respone:
It sure looks that way. I am so tired of people thinking that the gov't and those of us who work for everything we have are responsible for saving their sorry carcasses every time they hiccup. Why is it that people can't or don't think they should have to be responsible for themselves? It infuriates me when I hear things like...well they don't have money for food and you see them driving a Denali and have a 50" plasma and Bose surround sound and expensive jewelry. I say...sell you stuff and you will have money for food. It is about priorities. If you can't spend your money wisely it isn't my problem to support your families basic needs. We spend a lot of money on our child. Not in toys or electronics but on tutoring and medical stuff that isn't covered by insurance to give him a better future. However, when money is tight...and it is rather frequently, we don't expect someone else to buy us food. We eat mac and cheese and hot dogs or something else cheap. What is wrong with people!!!??!!
Ok I ranted for today. I feel much better now!!! LOL
See we really are related!!!
By the way, when I asked her if she minded if I posted this, her response:
LOL Feel free. I hate bleeding heart liberals that don't earn a dime of their own money but have absolutely no issue taking mine.
What I wrote to my sister:
I wrote a piece after having a long talk with a friend. He has a liquid net worth of over $230 million. He feels that our country will fall within our lifetime. Unfortunately, I think he is right. When the populace continues to vote in leaders that promise more and more out of the treasury to them, democracy always fails. When that happens, it is replaced by a dictatorship. Our citizens, and especially democrat voters are on this path. Not one single media outlet has condemned Obama for his windfall profits tax and the bribe of $1000. for your vote. This is the path that destroys America. Robin Hood was a great story but is a shitty economic plan.
Her respone:
It sure looks that way. I am so tired of people thinking that the gov't and those of us who work for everything we have are responsible for saving their sorry carcasses every time they hiccup. Why is it that people can't or don't think they should have to be responsible for themselves? It infuriates me when I hear things like...well they don't have money for food and you see them driving a Denali and have a 50" plasma and Bose surround sound and expensive jewelry. I say...sell you stuff and you will have money for food. It is about priorities. If you can't spend your money wisely it isn't my problem to support your families basic needs. We spend a lot of money on our child. Not in toys or electronics but on tutoring and medical stuff that isn't covered by insurance to give him a better future. However, when money is tight...and it is rather frequently, we don't expect someone else to buy us food. We eat mac and cheese and hot dogs or something else cheap. What is wrong with people!!!??!!
Ok I ranted for today. I feel much better now!!! LOL
See we really are related!!!
By the way, when I asked her if she minded if I posted this, her response:
LOL Feel free. I hate bleeding heart liberals that don't earn a dime of their own money but have absolutely no issue taking mine.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
New Obama Campaign Photo and Bumper Sticker
Realizing that his campaign is on the skids and that his attacks against Palin have backfired miserably, Obama goes for a new look. Personally, I doubt very much that his makeover will help him garner the Irish-American vote. I do like his new bumper sticker though.
Capital Punishment and a Questionable Judge
George Banks, convicted mass murderer, gets another pass from a judge that will likely be removed from the bench and even more likely be indicted. Judge Conahan found Banks to be incompetent to be executed. After two decades of being coached, I am pretty sure you can teach a rock how to be declared mentally incompetent.
I still remember the smug look on Banks's face when he was arrested. There has never been any doubt that he is guilty. This is the glaring problem of capital punishment. This asshat's execution has been delayed for what feels like forever. The argument from the pro-baby death/anti-death penalty crowd has always been that it costs more to execute a killer than it does to keep them behind bars for life. The Banks situation may in fact prove their point. The legal fees that amass from keeping killers alive is what they are talking about. The question I have is why do we as a society allow it?
I still remember the smug look on Banks's face when he was arrested. There has never been any doubt that he is guilty. This is the glaring problem of capital punishment. This asshat's execution has been delayed for what feels like forever. The argument from the pro-baby death/anti-death penalty crowd has always been that it costs more to execute a killer than it does to keep them behind bars for life. The Banks situation may in fact prove their point. The legal fees that amass from keeping killers alive is what they are talking about. The question I have is why do we as a society allow it?
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Drunk: Joe Biden drunk singing gaffe Obama vice president
As found on Moonbattery.com. They found it, I think everybody needs to see it. Dems. actually want this clown a heartbeat away from being president?????
Latest USA Today Gallup Poll Results. McCain up by 10
http://www.pollingreport.com/wh08gen.htm
Click the link. The story will be in USA Today tomorrow. I trust the link as it came from that bastion of liberal lunacy, Daily Kos. Suck it libs.
Click the link. The story will be in USA Today tomorrow. I trust the link as it came from that bastion of liberal lunacy, Daily Kos. Suck it libs.
Paul Kanjorski is a Hypocrite
In today's Times Leader good old Kanjo has said he is with President Bush regarding the Fannie and Freddie bail outs. According to Obama's and Kanjo's ads, anybody that agrees with anything Bush says is evil and deserves to be flogged. I don't understand Kanjo, does this mean you don't deserve anybody's vote because you are siding with Bush?? You may want to consider pulling your current ads off the tube, dumb ass.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Obama in Duryea
I caught part of his speech and I have a question. He stated that part of his education plan was to pay teachers more. He went on to say that he will lower the cost of education. How?????
Diddy Blog 16 Talks On Mc'Cain Sayin He Buggin The Fuck Out
Borat Obama's most famous spokesperson makes a racist pitch on Obama's behalf. Loaded with profanity and even more loaded with stupidity. This ladies and gentlemen, is our Douchebag of the Week!!!!!!!!
Obama Conspiracy
Obama just can't help himself. He continues to surround himself with pillars of the community (NOT). His most famous spokesperson to date has got to be P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, or Pee Douchey, whatever he calls himself these days. I wasn't going to post the incredibly racist video that Poofy, Puffy, Douchey put out to denounce Sarah Palin but I think I just may have to.John McCain's Speech
I think he did a great job. I can't wait for the debates. I wish they would have a debate with absolutely no teleprompters or ear pieces. I think we have all seen the video of just how good a speaker Barack "Mr. Eloquence" Obama is when he doesn't have them. If you haven't seen it, let me know and I'll post it.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Some great political cartoons
Most of these were borrowed from http://scottthong.wordpress.com also know as Burning Hot. It's a great site, check it out.
Dogs are smarter than liberals!!!
Have you ever heard that a dog "knows" when an earthquake is about to hit? Have you ever heard that a dog can "sense" when a tornado is stirring up, even 20 miles away? Do you remember hearing that before the December tsunami struck Southeast Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed?
Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire? Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away? I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth. And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.
Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right .. . when impending doom is upon us . . they'll always try to warn us.... !!
Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire? Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away? I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth. And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance.
Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right .. . when impending doom is upon us . . they'll always try to warn us.... !!
Sarah Palin, The RNC, and Borat Obama
Last night each and every speaker did an excellent job!! If you don't think the democrats aren't running scared, just take a look at the volume and variety of attacks from Obama's camp coming out in the media. They are throwing a heaping ton of shit at the wall and hoping some of it sticks. Fortunately, the backlash they are going to get from it will be tremendous. Their sheer desperation is something I find hysterical. They actually went the route of women should be home in the kitchen in several media outlets. Nothing like alienating women voters. They have made their strongest presence in a presidential campaign ever this year. I don't know who thought that plan up for Obama but I like the way he or she thinks. Keep up the good work!!!
Rudy, whom I've never been a big fan of, probably gave the strongest argument of why Obama should not be president. But then again, he was only quoting Obama's running mate, Joe Biden. That might have been a little plagiarism Rudy. Jeebus Jumping Jehoshaphat, when even your running mate thinks you're the wrong man for the job you know you have a problem.
I cannot possibly understand why so many have fallen under Obama's spell. He is nothing more than an empty shell and a less than one trick pony. Platitudes are great but they do not qualify as leadership. Encouraging class warfare is not leadership. Trying to buy votes with Robin Hood economics is not leadership. Surrounding yourself with the likes of Rezko ,Wright, Sharpton, and Farrakhan is not leadership, it is in fact, a glaring look at your character Obama. How does a man like Obama look in the mirror every day?
Rudy, whom I've never been a big fan of, probably gave the strongest argument of why Obama should not be president. But then again, he was only quoting Obama's running mate, Joe Biden. That might have been a little plagiarism Rudy. Jeebus Jumping Jehoshaphat, when even your running mate thinks you're the wrong man for the job you know you have a problem.
I cannot possibly understand why so many have fallen under Obama's spell. He is nothing more than an empty shell and a less than one trick pony. Platitudes are great but they do not qualify as leadership. Encouraging class warfare is not leadership. Trying to buy votes with Robin Hood economics is not leadership. Surrounding yourself with the likes of Rezko ,Wright, Sharpton, and Farrakhan is not leadership, it is in fact, a glaring look at your character Obama. How does a man like Obama look in the mirror every day?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) addresses the RNC
Joe Lieberman doing what he does best. telling the truth whether his party wants to hear it or not. The far left loonies must really love him now!!!!
Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson at RNC
Fred Thompson's speech last night. Even my wife loved it and she isn't into politics.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Obama 08 Made for the Media
Perhaps the truest cartoon I have ever seen. In the media's eyes, this jug-eared jerk can do no wrong. He claims he visited 57 or 58 states and in how many media outlets did you hear about it? He sees fallen heroes at a campaign stop. Did you read about it or see it on the news? He claims his grandfather liberated Auschwitz, same deal. He slips and slides about abortion. He voted to allow life birth abortions. This is when the baby is born but they let it die on the table. When asked about his stance his answer was that it was above his pay grade to know when life begins. To this, I have just 2 comments. 1. I'm pretty sure a newly born, crying baby is alive and 2. You are running for the highest pay grade office in the country. You cannot use that lame ass dodge to answer legitimate questions.In stark contrast, take a look at how the media covers McCain/Palin. Palin's 17 year old daughter is pregnant. What does the media do? Drag her into the center of the stage. This kid could've done the easy thing and taken the Obama solution but didn't. She is going to have the baby. Does this mean it's fair for the Obamanatics and the media to attack her? I sure don't think so. As a matter of fact, they should leave this kid out of it. She isn't running for office, her mother is.
The media is now making a deal out of a mother of 5 hitting the campaign trail. Just a question, what did you think she should do? Stay home in the kitchen? Isn't that antithetical to what the media has been bashing McCain with? I mean after all, how many times has the story been put out that Mac is against equal pay? against women's rights?
These just a few examples. The only people in America that don't think Obama is getting a free ride from the media are the farthest left lunatic fringe.
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