Many people just don't get what the meaning of the Bill of Rights actually means. Do not touch these inalienable rights, government. that's why the flag desegration amendment should have gone down, and it did.
Flag amendment fails by single vote; more bills aimed at conservatives expected
By The Associated PressWednesday, June 28, 2006
WASHINGTON (AP) - The narrow defeat of a proposal to ban flag desecration marks the second time in a month Senate Republicans have lost bids to amend the Constitution in ways designed to inspire social conservatives to vote in the midterm elections.
The 66-34 tally on the flag amendment Tuesday was one less than the two-thirds, or 67 votes, required to send it to the states for ratification. The House cleared the two-thirds threshold last year, 286-130.
Sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the amendment read: "The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States."
A proposed amendment earlier this month to ban gay marriage suffered a more decisive defeat, killed on a test vote. ...
The flag amendment's cliffhanger defeat a week before Independence Day represented Congress' response to Supreme Court rulings in 1989 and 1990 that burning and other desecration of the flag are protected as free speech by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
Senate supporters said the flag amounts to a national monument in cloth that represents freedom and the sacrifice of American troops.
"Countless men and women have died defending that flag," said Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., closing two days of debate. "It is but a small humble act for us to defend it."
Opponents said the amendment would violate the First Amendment right to free speech. And some Democrats complained that majority Republicans were exploiting people's patriotism for political advantage.
"Our country's unique because our dissidents have a voice," said Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, a World War II veteran who lost an arm in the war and was decorated with the Medal of Honor.
"While I take offense at disrespect to the flag," he said, "I nonetheless believe it is my continued duty as a veteran, as an American citizen, and as a United States senator to defend the constitutional right of protesters to use the flag in nonviolent speech."
Among possible presidential contenders in 2008, six voted yes: Democrat Evan Bayh of Indiana and Republicans George Allen of Virginia, Sam Brownback of Kansas, Frist, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, and John McCain of Arizona. Five, all Democrats, voted no: Joseph Biden of Delaware, Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, Russell Feingold of Wisconsin, John Kerry of Massachusetts.
The Senate also rejected an alternative put forward by assistant Democratic leader Dick Durbin of Illinois. It would have made it against the law to damage the flag on federal land or with the intent of breaching the peace or intimidation. It also would have prohibited unapproved demonstrations at military funerals.
The House meanwhile passed by voice vote a measure that would bar condominium and homeowner associations from restricting how the flag can be displayed.
Sponsored by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., the resolution would prohibit those groups from preventing residents from displaying an American flag on their own property. The Senate is considering whether to bring up the measure this year. ...
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/election/s_459851.html
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Behind the coverage of Haditha
The My Lai Lie Behind the coverage of Haditha.
by Fred Barnes, for the Editors 07/03/2006, Volume 011, Issue 40 Weekly Standard
THE MEDIA COVERAGE of the killing of 24 Iraqis at Haditha has given rich new definition to the phrase "rush to judgment." The coverage, plus the reaction of antiwar politicians like Democratic representative John Murtha, amounts to a public verdict of guilty, rendered against a handful of Marines, before an investigation of the bloody incident is completed or a trial (if there is one) held.
An egregious example was MSNBC host Chris Matthews's interview with Murtha on May 17. Asked to "draw us a picture of what happened in Haditha," the congressman said he'd tell "exactly" what occurred. "One Marine was killed and the Marines just said we're going to take care. They don't know who the enemy is. The pressure was too much on them, so they went into houses and they actually killed civilians."
"Was this My Lai?" Matthews interjected, referring to the slaughter of more than 300 civilians by American soldiers in Vietnam in 1968. "Was this a case of--when you say cold blood, Congressman, a lot of people think you're basically saying you have got some civilians sitting in a room [or] out in a field and they're executed."
"That's exactly what happened," Murtha replied.
Murtha, of course, doesn't really know if the Haditha civilians were killed in cold blood. There's no way he could know. He's been briefed by Marine Commandant Michael Hagee, but so have other key members of Congress. Republican Duncan Hunter, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, talked to Hagee and did not conclude either
that the case was all but closed or that 24 Iraqis had indeed been executed. Murtha, an ex-Marine, claims to have other Marine sources, but it's doubtful any of them were in Haditha on November 19, 2005, the day of the killings. So Murtha is winging it--and in a particularly shameful way.
But Murtha's accusation is only the worst example of prejudicing the case against the Marines. There are others...
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/362mlvrd.asp
by Fred Barnes, for the Editors 07/03/2006, Volume 011, Issue 40 Weekly Standard
THE MEDIA COVERAGE of the killing of 24 Iraqis at Haditha has given rich new definition to the phrase "rush to judgment." The coverage, plus the reaction of antiwar politicians like Democratic representative John Murtha, amounts to a public verdict of guilty, rendered against a handful of Marines, before an investigation of the bloody incident is completed or a trial (if there is one) held.
An egregious example was MSNBC host Chris Matthews's interview with Murtha on May 17. Asked to "draw us a picture of what happened in Haditha," the congressman said he'd tell "exactly" what occurred. "One Marine was killed and the Marines just said we're going to take care. They don't know who the enemy is. The pressure was too much on them, so they went into houses and they actually killed civilians."
"Was this My Lai?" Matthews interjected, referring to the slaughter of more than 300 civilians by American soldiers in Vietnam in 1968. "Was this a case of--when you say cold blood, Congressman, a lot of people think you're basically saying you have got some civilians sitting in a room [or] out in a field and they're executed."
"That's exactly what happened," Murtha replied.
Murtha, of course, doesn't really know if the Haditha civilians were killed in cold blood. There's no way he could know. He's been briefed by Marine Commandant Michael Hagee, but so have other key members of Congress. Republican Duncan Hunter, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, talked to Hagee and did not conclude either
that the case was all but closed or that 24 Iraqis had indeed been executed. Murtha, an ex-Marine, claims to have other Marine sources, but it's doubtful any of them were in Haditha on November 19, 2005, the day of the killings. So Murtha is winging it--and in a particularly shameful way.
But Murtha's accusation is only the worst example of prejudicing the case against the Marines. There are others...
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/362mlvrd.asp
Saturday, June 24, 2006
PA evenly split whether to retain state legislators come November
The media continues to be amazingly slow - the results are split, people, split evenly.
The headline should have read: Pay raise issue shows voters equally engaged and apathetic.
The lead should've read: The legislative pay raise that ignited a political back-yard fire in PA nearly a year ago reveals voters evenly matched on whether to retain or dismiss their district lawmakers seeking support for their re-elections.
Pay raise still important to voters, poll shows
By The Associated PressThursday, June 22, 2006
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The legislative pay raise that ignited a political wildfire in Pennsylvania nearly a year ago remains important to many voters as lawmakers seek support for their re-election, a poll released Thursday shows.
The Quinnipiac University poll, which also reaffirmed Gov. Ed Rendell's huge lead over Republican challenger Lynn Swann, showed respondents were evenly divided on whether they would vote to oust lawmakers who voted for the raise.
The survey showed respondents evenly split — 46 percent on each side — when asked whether they would vote against their own legislators just because they voted for the pay raise. Democrats were slightly more inclined than Republicans to do so, the poll found.
In western and central Pennsylvania, home to 14 of the 17 incumbents who were defeated in a remarkable rout in the May primary, the poll showed the pay-raise votes to be more influential than in the eastern third of the state.
Those results had to be weighed against another finding: 57 percent of the respondents statewide did not remember how their representatives and senators had voted on the pay raise.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/election/s_459103.html
The headline should have read: Pay raise issue shows voters equally engaged and apathetic.
The lead should've read: The legislative pay raise that ignited a political back-yard fire in PA nearly a year ago reveals voters evenly matched on whether to retain or dismiss their district lawmakers seeking support for their re-elections.
Pay raise still important to voters, poll shows
By The Associated PressThursday, June 22, 2006
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The legislative pay raise that ignited a political wildfire in Pennsylvania nearly a year ago remains important to many voters as lawmakers seek support for their re-election, a poll released Thursday shows.
The Quinnipiac University poll, which also reaffirmed Gov. Ed Rendell's huge lead over Republican challenger Lynn Swann, showed respondents were evenly divided on whether they would vote to oust lawmakers who voted for the raise.
The survey showed respondents evenly split — 46 percent on each side — when asked whether they would vote against their own legislators just because they voted for the pay raise. Democrats were slightly more inclined than Republicans to do so, the poll found.
In western and central Pennsylvania, home to 14 of the 17 incumbents who were defeated in a remarkable rout in the May primary, the poll showed the pay-raise votes to be more influential than in the eastern third of the state.
Those results had to be weighed against another finding: 57 percent of the respondents statewide did not remember how their representatives and senators had voted on the pay raise.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/election/s_459103.html
What is wrong?
Yet again, another measure that does an end run around the PA Constitution's Article 8 Uniformity of Taxation clause. It all sounds good because the poor poorly performing schools are gonna get some of the pickings.
Meanwhile, tax credits nicely bypass:
Taxation of Corporations Section 6.The power to tax corporations and corporate property shall not be surrendered or suspended by any contract or grant to which the Commonwealth shall be a party.
Swann details his program for boosting education in Pa.
He would double the corporate tax credit and channel more money to poorly performing schools.
By Dan Hardy
Inquirer Staff Writer
Lynn Swann, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, yesterday laid out his education platform in the most detailed fashion so far, pledging to double funding for the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and to earmark the additional money for low-achieving schools.
The popular program, which became law in 2001, allows companies to receive tax credits for most of their contributions to nonprofit Educational Improvement Organizations, scholarships and pre-kindergarten programs. Swann proposed increasing it from $49 million to $98 million.
Nearly 2,300 companies have given more than $200 million to the program, which funds scholarships to 30,000 children a year across Pennsylvania, according to state officials. Much of the money goes to religious and other private schools and their students.
The Educational Improvement Organizations that receive funds include both existing nonprofit educational groups and new ones set up specifically to funnel corporate contributions to school programs.
Swann described his education proposal in a speech at the Union League in Philadelphia and in a statement issued afterward.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/14881246.htm
More Items
Eliminate government-funded education!
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=26807
The Gilded Age of Home Schooling
How public school teachers and administrators are really paid
http://www.thechampion.org/
Lessons From Privately Managed Schools
Meanwhile, tax credits nicely bypass:
Taxation of Corporations Section 6.The power to tax corporations and corporate property shall not be surrendered or suspended by any contract or grant to which the Commonwealth shall be a party.
Swann details his program for boosting education in Pa.
He would double the corporate tax credit and channel more money to poorly performing schools.
By Dan Hardy
Inquirer Staff Writer
Lynn Swann, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, yesterday laid out his education platform in the most detailed fashion so far, pledging to double funding for the state's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program and to earmark the additional money for low-achieving schools.
The popular program, which became law in 2001, allows companies to receive tax credits for most of their contributions to nonprofit Educational Improvement Organizations, scholarships and pre-kindergarten programs. Swann proposed increasing it from $49 million to $98 million.
Nearly 2,300 companies have given more than $200 million to the program, which funds scholarships to 30,000 children a year across Pennsylvania, according to state officials. Much of the money goes to religious and other private schools and their students.
The Educational Improvement Organizations that receive funds include both existing nonprofit educational groups and new ones set up specifically to funnel corporate contributions to school programs.
Swann described his education proposal in a speech at the Union League in Philadelphia and in a statement issued afterward.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/14881246.htm
More Items
Eliminate government-funded education!
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=26807
The Gilded Age of Home Schooling
How public school teachers and administrators are really paid
http://www.thechampion.org/
Lessons From Privately Managed Schools
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Only 20 percent voter backlash turnout in Primary
OK already. There was backlash at the polls on May 16. Republican backlash over Republican incumbents who veered from Republican principles. Geesh. The media would love for that to be spun into some great widespread call for revolution across the state. Truth is, the Democrats weren't buying it, no matter how hard the media pressed.
There was also, despite the media fueling the furor over the payraise, only a 20 percent turnout across the state, according to some accounts.
Put it all in perspective. The media is bloodthirsty for change in Harrisburg. Come November, let's watch how many people turn out to vote, and how many new voters register to vote.
Media credited with fueling backlash over pay raises
By David M. BrownTRIBUNE-REVIEWThursday, May 18, 2006
When Jennifer Hill Ertmer, 61, of Grassflat, Clearfield County, first heard that the Legislature had voted itself a hefty pay raise last year, she was fuming mad.
"I stewed for a good month," Ertmer said, adding that not many of her neighbors in the tiny coal mining village seemed as perturbed at the time. She figured the issue would blow over without much of a public fuss.
But Ertmer -- an avid reader of on-line newspapers -- soon realized that many other Pennsylvanians also were upset over the late-night salary hike. A member of PACleanSweep, the anti-incumbent group, Ertmer says the media deserves "mega credit" for the voter backlash that toppled two top Senate leaders and 15 other incumbents in Tuesday's primary election, according to unofficial results.
"The media put it all into perspective," Ertmer said Wednesday.
Experts agree.
The news media had the most significant role it's played in modern state history, because, in both electronic and print, there was no let-up," said Jerry Shuster, a political communications professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
"The media provided an outlet for voters to get involved and stay informed," he said.
Al Neri, editor of The Insider, a statewide political newspaper, said the anti-pay raise movement also was fueled by activity on the Internet, which created "an outlet for people to vent themselves."
"It was a convergence of old media and new media, all focused on the one topic for a prolonged period," Neri said.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has received a number of awards for reporting on the pay raise issue, including first place in the state Associated Press Managing Editors Awards for investigative reporting and public service, and the state Society of Professional Journalists' Spotlight Award.
The last time Pennsylvanians experienced such intense media scrutiny of state government centered on scandals during the second term of Gov. Milton Shapp in the late 1970s.
"That was another prolonged spotlight on Harrisburg that took a toll on incumbents," Neri said.
The high number of incumbent legislators defeated -- about a dozen in 1978 and 14 in 1980 -- wasn't tied to backlashes to pay raise votes per se. The races in 1978 did involve the issue of creating a compensation commission. But by and large, both cycles were a reaction by voters to widespread corruption in the Shapp administration, analysts say.
Indictments and convictions at the time mostly involved executive branch employees. But the perception that corruption was rampant in government spilled over to legislators.
There was also, despite the media fueling the furor over the payraise, only a 20 percent turnout across the state, according to some accounts.
Put it all in perspective. The media is bloodthirsty for change in Harrisburg. Come November, let's watch how many people turn out to vote, and how many new voters register to vote.
Media credited with fueling backlash over pay raises
By David M. BrownTRIBUNE-REVIEWThursday, May 18, 2006
When Jennifer Hill Ertmer, 61, of Grassflat, Clearfield County, first heard that the Legislature had voted itself a hefty pay raise last year, she was fuming mad.
"I stewed for a good month," Ertmer said, adding that not many of her neighbors in the tiny coal mining village seemed as perturbed at the time. She figured the issue would blow over without much of a public fuss.
But Ertmer -- an avid reader of on-line newspapers -- soon realized that many other Pennsylvanians also were upset over the late-night salary hike. A member of PACleanSweep, the anti-incumbent group, Ertmer says the media deserves "mega credit" for the voter backlash that toppled two top Senate leaders and 15 other incumbents in Tuesday's primary election, according to unofficial results.
"The media put it all into perspective," Ertmer said Wednesday.
Experts agree.
The news media had the most significant role it's played in modern state history, because, in both electronic and print, there was no let-up," said Jerry Shuster, a political communications professor at the University of Pittsburgh.
"The media provided an outlet for voters to get involved and stay informed," he said.
Al Neri, editor of The Insider, a statewide political newspaper, said the anti-pay raise movement also was fueled by activity on the Internet, which created "an outlet for people to vent themselves."
"It was a convergence of old media and new media, all focused on the one topic for a prolonged period," Neri said.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has received a number of awards for reporting on the pay raise issue, including first place in the state Associated Press Managing Editors Awards for investigative reporting and public service, and the state Society of Professional Journalists' Spotlight Award.
The last time Pennsylvanians experienced such intense media scrutiny of state government centered on scandals during the second term of Gov. Milton Shapp in the late 1970s.
"That was another prolonged spotlight on Harrisburg that took a toll on incumbents," Neri said.
The high number of incumbent legislators defeated -- about a dozen in 1978 and 14 in 1980 -- wasn't tied to backlashes to pay raise votes per se. The races in 1978 did involve the issue of creating a compensation commission. But by and large, both cycles were a reaction by voters to widespread corruption in the Shapp administration, analysts say.
Indictments and convictions at the time mostly involved executive branch employees. But the perception that corruption was rampant in government spilled over to legislators.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Swann Choice Stubborn Miscue?
Over at the swannblog news faces...
Just when it looked like Swann could do no disappointingly worse than choose former PA Governor Tom Ridge, who heralded in the unconstitutional tax giveaways for fortune 500 companies (Keystone Opportunity Zones) as honorary statewide campaign manager, whatever, Swann adds chief counsel for Jubilirer as a member of his team?
Around here, that isn't going to sit well with the voters who care what just happened in the May 16 Primary election. Though the Primary Election only saw some 20 percent voter turnout of registered voters, and although the Democrats didn't oust their incumbents (only 3) in large numbers, Republicans who ousted Senate Pro Tem Robert Jubilirer bigtime at the polls are hunkering down for more changes in Harrisburg's incumbents.
In November, even if they have to go with a Third-Party (some could vote Constitutional Party), or with Independent candidate, Russ Diamond, or mount a write-in campaign for Bill Scranton, who was ignored for that state Republican Committee chairmanship, Republicans will do so rather than support the 'Establishment" candidate they perceive Swann to be.
Think they were angered when Swann publicly established he endorsed Jubilirer prior to the Primary?
They're about to go ballistic now.
Swann is likely at 60 percent margin to push them way too far away from him by these kinds of selections.
New faces at Camp Swann
Team 88 has some new members, with Drew Crompton joining the Swann campaign and working out of Harrisburg as Deputy Campaign Manager for Policy and Randy Robinson working out of Philly as Deputy Campaign Manager for Outreach.
Crompton has worked for the outgoing Senate Pro Tem Bob Jubelirer’s office for the past dozen years as Jubelirer’s chief counsel, handling such key issues as medical malpractice, lobbyist disclosure, and, of course, property tax reform. He knows the ropes and he knows the issues, and he’ll give the campaign experience and gravitas.
Robinson, who created Philadelphia’s Robinson & Brown consulting in Philadelphia, worked most recently as the political director for Political Director for the Transport Workers Union Local 234 in Philly. He will work with Pennsylvania’s minority communities.
The additions look to be very solid and precisely in the areas on which the campaign needs to work. ..
Items of Interest
For news and commentary also see, Monday, June 05, 2006, Penn Patriot (referring to P-P though I strongly disagree with their unquestioning support of a general PA Constitutional Convention and they still support Rick Santorum who was among those who supported an unconstituional federal Terry Shiavo act)
If you want a reform message hire more campaign staffers and make sure they are Harrisburg insiders?
http://pennpatriot.blogspot.com/
Minuteman: When GOP Insiders Attack ...And when Republican voters went to the polls on May 16 to oust 14 Republican legislators, including the two most powerful GOP leaders in the state Senate (Chip Brightbill and Robert Jubelirer), they were sending a clear message to the good-old-boy Republican network that voters are tired of business-as-usual in Harrisburg...
http://pennpatriot.blogspot.com/
Why isn't P-P as outraged over similar actions of Rick Santorum - good-old-boy Republican network - he's a part of that in Washington, DCeit.
Surely, there's a Third-Party candidate Pennsylvania Republicans can vote for other than Santorum, and they can mount a write-in campaign for PA Senator in place of voting for Santorum.
What has Santorum done to show he's part of the good-old-boy Republican network?
First thing he did was support Arlen Specter for PA Senator over Pat Toomey.
Just when it looked like Swann could do no disappointingly worse than choose former PA Governor Tom Ridge, who heralded in the unconstitutional tax giveaways for fortune 500 companies (Keystone Opportunity Zones) as honorary statewide campaign manager, whatever, Swann adds chief counsel for Jubilirer as a member of his team?
Around here, that isn't going to sit well with the voters who care what just happened in the May 16 Primary election. Though the Primary Election only saw some 20 percent voter turnout of registered voters, and although the Democrats didn't oust their incumbents (only 3) in large numbers, Republicans who ousted Senate Pro Tem Robert Jubilirer bigtime at the polls are hunkering down for more changes in Harrisburg's incumbents.
In November, even if they have to go with a Third-Party (some could vote Constitutional Party), or with Independent candidate, Russ Diamond, or mount a write-in campaign for Bill Scranton, who was ignored for that state Republican Committee chairmanship, Republicans will do so rather than support the 'Establishment" candidate they perceive Swann to be.
Think they were angered when Swann publicly established he endorsed Jubilirer prior to the Primary?
They're about to go ballistic now.
Swann is likely at 60 percent margin to push them way too far away from him by these kinds of selections.
New faces at Camp Swann
Team 88 has some new members, with Drew Crompton joining the Swann campaign and working out of Harrisburg as Deputy Campaign Manager for Policy and Randy Robinson working out of Philly as Deputy Campaign Manager for Outreach.
Crompton has worked for the outgoing Senate Pro Tem Bob Jubelirer’s office for the past dozen years as Jubelirer’s chief counsel, handling such key issues as medical malpractice, lobbyist disclosure, and, of course, property tax reform. He knows the ropes and he knows the issues, and he’ll give the campaign experience and gravitas.
Robinson, who created Philadelphia’s Robinson & Brown consulting in Philadelphia, worked most recently as the political director for Political Director for the Transport Workers Union Local 234 in Philly. He will work with Pennsylvania’s minority communities.
The additions look to be very solid and precisely in the areas on which the campaign needs to work. ..
Items of Interest
For news and commentary also see, Monday, June 05, 2006, Penn Patriot (referring to P-P though I strongly disagree with their unquestioning support of a general PA Constitutional Convention and they still support Rick Santorum who was among those who supported an unconstituional federal Terry Shiavo act)
If you want a reform message hire more campaign staffers and make sure they are Harrisburg insiders?
http://pennpatriot.blogspot.com/
Minuteman: When GOP Insiders Attack ...And when Republican voters went to the polls on May 16 to oust 14 Republican legislators, including the two most powerful GOP leaders in the state Senate (Chip Brightbill and Robert Jubelirer), they were sending a clear message to the good-old-boy Republican network that voters are tired of business-as-usual in Harrisburg...
http://pennpatriot.blogspot.com/
Why isn't P-P as outraged over similar actions of Rick Santorum - good-old-boy Republican network - he's a part of that in Washington, DCeit.
Surely, there's a Third-Party candidate Pennsylvania Republicans can vote for other than Santorum, and they can mount a write-in campaign for PA Senator in place of voting for Santorum.
What has Santorum done to show he's part of the good-old-boy Republican network?
First thing he did was support Arlen Specter for PA Senator over Pat Toomey.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Pair Proposes National Political Party "Unity" Ticket Virtual Convention
Mix and Match the two-majority parties, or an Independent party and one or the other of the two-majority political parties, that's the proposal of a team of former advisors to former Presidents of the United States.
C-Span 7:45am - Doug Bailey & Gerald Rafshoon, Unity ’08 Founders Council, Members
Well now, I would applaud the Unity08's efforts to form a third-party on a national level. But I can't.
I strongly do not accept the idea of combining the two-majority parties together into a unity party.
- the political philosophies of the Republicans and Democrats are supposed to be different, and in many respects they are, but unfortunately there is a growing faction of the Republican Party in power in DC that has twisted basic Republican ideals to the point of non-recognition.
Should that faction of the Republican Party join with a faction of the Democrat Party into a Unity Party, and gain a foothold in a Third-Party, the United States is doomed to more intrusion on individual rights and trampling on the U.S. Constitution.
A clear Third-Party choice is needed on the national level, and states must open up the political election process to include a way for other parties to have ballot access. (This can be done statutorially, and does not necessitate a PA Constitutional Convention).
The clear Third-Party choice should be one founded upon individual rights and the inherent and natural rights guaranteed by our Constitution, and should clearly proclaim the United States is a republic, not a democracy.
It's just too bad that this unity08 group is offering to combine the two-majority parties.
Otherwise, I'd pull for them. I can't. Beware.
1-877-UNITY-08
Guests on C-Span's Washington Journal
Geral Rafshoon, former communications director to President Carter
Doug Bailey, former media advisor to President Gerald Ford
unity08.com
They are about taking our country back, says Bailey. They are going to organize online for volunteer delegates and hold a nominating convention online for candidates for President of the United States.
Caller suggested they should take a cue from American Idol...
Bailey said they are going to have a virtual convention hall, and have a convention, and attempt to put the ticket onto the ballot. The parties of every state make it difficult. They have lawyers in every state researching ballot access laws. Currently, they have campaign coordination on about 70 college/university campuses.
They will have an online election for the Presidential "Unity" Party candidates...
C-Span 7:45am - Doug Bailey & Gerald Rafshoon, Unity ’08 Founders Council, Members
Well now, I would applaud the Unity08's efforts to form a third-party on a national level. But I can't.
I strongly do not accept the idea of combining the two-majority parties together into a unity party.
- the political philosophies of the Republicans and Democrats are supposed to be different, and in many respects they are, but unfortunately there is a growing faction of the Republican Party in power in DC that has twisted basic Republican ideals to the point of non-recognition.
Should that faction of the Republican Party join with a faction of the Democrat Party into a Unity Party, and gain a foothold in a Third-Party, the United States is doomed to more intrusion on individual rights and trampling on the U.S. Constitution.
A clear Third-Party choice is needed on the national level, and states must open up the political election process to include a way for other parties to have ballot access. (This can be done statutorially, and does not necessitate a PA Constitutional Convention).
The clear Third-Party choice should be one founded upon individual rights and the inherent and natural rights guaranteed by our Constitution, and should clearly proclaim the United States is a republic, not a democracy.
It's just too bad that this unity08 group is offering to combine the two-majority parties.
Otherwise, I'd pull for them. I can't. Beware.
1-877-UNITY-08
Guests on C-Span's Washington Journal
Geral Rafshoon, former communications director to President Carter
Doug Bailey, former media advisor to President Gerald Ford
unity08.com
They are about taking our country back, says Bailey. They are going to organize online for volunteer delegates and hold a nominating convention online for candidates for President of the United States.
Caller suggested they should take a cue from American Idol...
Bailey said they are going to have a virtual convention hall, and have a convention, and attempt to put the ticket onto the ballot. The parties of every state make it difficult. They have lawyers in every state researching ballot access laws. Currently, they have campaign coordination on about 70 college/university campuses.
They will have an online election for the Presidential "Unity" Party candidates...
We’re a movement to take our country back from polarizing politics. In 2008, we’ll select and elect a Unity Ticket to the White House— one Democrat, one Republican, in whatever order, or independents committed to a Unity team. We want you to join us - and you don't have to leave your party to do it.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Changes in state Senate leadership looming
Tuesday, May 30, 2006By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- When Republican senators return to the Capitol on June 5, you'll hear a lot of public discussion about the new state budget and measures to reduce property taxes.
A third subject also will be on the agenda, but you won't hear anything about it aired in public: Who will lead the Republican caucus for the 2007-08 term, which begins Dec. 1?
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06150/694160-179.stm
The call to order's amid chaos
By Brad BumstedSTATE CAPITOL REPORTERFriday, June 2, 2006
HARRISBURG -- In the aftermath of last month's earthquake at the polls and continuing tremors in the General Assembly, the Legislature returns to session next week facing considerable chaos.
It's the first time they will be back in Harrisburg since the May 16 primary rocked the Capitol and claimed 17 careers, including the Senate's top two Republicans -- Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer, of Altoona, and Senate Majority Leader David "Chip" Brightbill, of Lebanon County.
Then the FBI stunned the state political establishment Wednesday by arresting two aides in an investigation that appears to target a top Democrat, Sen. Vincent Fumo, of Philadelphia.
A potential GOP uprising against House leaders is brewing because of unrest among conservatives over last year's pay raise fiasco and the loss of 11 incumbents in the primary.
Behind the scenes, lobbyists, staffers and other Capitol observers are asking: Can the Republican-controlled Legislature govern when the leaders gavel in on Monday?
"It's a mess," said Jack Treadway, chairman of the political science department at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Berks County, who questions whether the Republican Party is "capable of coming together on anything right now."
The General Assembly faces several challenges, including the sweeping property tax relief that has eluded it for three decades, passage of a $24 billion state budget and deciding how to carve up a state surplus that Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell claims exceeds $700 million.
Lawmakers are "coming back to a dramatically changed political landscape than the one they left a month ago," said Chris Borick, director of the Public Opinion Institute at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Lehigh County. "We're seeing a degree of instability and uncertainty that hasn't been seen in some time."
Some analysts compare today's political climate to that of the late 1970s when numerous lawmakers were embroiled in scandals during the administration of then-Gov. Milton Shapp, a Democrat.
"There's obviously been a series of earthquakes," said Ted Hershberg, professor of public policy and history at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
These events, compounded by Rendell's high-profile re-election bid against Republican challenger Lynn Swann, might stall action on key legislation, but there could be a long-range benefit for the public, Hershberg said.
"There's a lot of shaking up that's been going on, but I think that's all to the good," Hershberg said. For too long, "politics in Harrisburg has been much too cozy. In my classes, students ask, 'Is it like this everywhere?' Things accepted in Pennsylvania would not be tolerated in states like Wisconsin or Minnesota," where there are strong reform traditions.
"If the Legislature takes from this that they want good government and good public policy, then all of this will have been worthwhile," Hershberg said. ..
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_456396.html
Tuesday, May 30, 2006By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- When Republican senators return to the Capitol on June 5, you'll hear a lot of public discussion about the new state budget and measures to reduce property taxes.
A third subject also will be on the agenda, but you won't hear anything about it aired in public: Who will lead the Republican caucus for the 2007-08 term, which begins Dec. 1?
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06150/694160-179.stm
The call to order's amid chaos
By Brad BumstedSTATE CAPITOL REPORTERFriday, June 2, 2006
HARRISBURG -- In the aftermath of last month's earthquake at the polls and continuing tremors in the General Assembly, the Legislature returns to session next week facing considerable chaos.
It's the first time they will be back in Harrisburg since the May 16 primary rocked the Capitol and claimed 17 careers, including the Senate's top two Republicans -- Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer, of Altoona, and Senate Majority Leader David "Chip" Brightbill, of Lebanon County.
Then the FBI stunned the state political establishment Wednesday by arresting two aides in an investigation that appears to target a top Democrat, Sen. Vincent Fumo, of Philadelphia.
A potential GOP uprising against House leaders is brewing because of unrest among conservatives over last year's pay raise fiasco and the loss of 11 incumbents in the primary.
Behind the scenes, lobbyists, staffers and other Capitol observers are asking: Can the Republican-controlled Legislature govern when the leaders gavel in on Monday?
"It's a mess," said Jack Treadway, chairman of the political science department at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in Berks County, who questions whether the Republican Party is "capable of coming together on anything right now."
The General Assembly faces several challenges, including the sweeping property tax relief that has eluded it for three decades, passage of a $24 billion state budget and deciding how to carve up a state surplus that Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell claims exceeds $700 million.
Lawmakers are "coming back to a dramatically changed political landscape than the one they left a month ago," said Chris Borick, director of the Public Opinion Institute at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Lehigh County. "We're seeing a degree of instability and uncertainty that hasn't been seen in some time."
Some analysts compare today's political climate to that of the late 1970s when numerous lawmakers were embroiled in scandals during the administration of then-Gov. Milton Shapp, a Democrat.
"There's obviously been a series of earthquakes," said Ted Hershberg, professor of public policy and history at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
These events, compounded by Rendell's high-profile re-election bid against Republican challenger Lynn Swann, might stall action on key legislation, but there could be a long-range benefit for the public, Hershberg said.
"There's a lot of shaking up that's been going on, but I think that's all to the good," Hershberg said. For too long, "politics in Harrisburg has been much too cozy. In my classes, students ask, 'Is it like this everywhere?' Things accepted in Pennsylvania would not be tolerated in states like Wisconsin or Minnesota," where there are strong reform traditions.
"If the Legislature takes from this that they want good government and good public policy, then all of this will have been worthwhile," Hershberg said. ..
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_456396.html
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Minnesota has more illegal immigrants than any other state.
Need one-stop identity document that would go a long way to solving illegal alien, uh illegal immigration situation, says Governor Tim Pawlenty (R)on Fox n Friends.
Can't have an illegal system that is justified by that is cheaper... we have the rule of law here in this country... if the illegal system is justified by that argument, it's cheaper, then we shouldn't prosecute drug dealing...
Interesting
Russ Diamond posting...
...I encourage you to read Article I, Section 1 of the PA Constitution. Then let's discuss what it really means...
http://www.pennlive.com/forums/capitol/
Need one-stop identity document that would go a long way to solving illegal alien, uh illegal immigration situation, says Governor Tim Pawlenty (R)on Fox n Friends.
Can't have an illegal system that is justified by that is cheaper... we have the rule of law here in this country... if the illegal system is justified by that argument, it's cheaper, then we shouldn't prosecute drug dealing...
Interesting
Russ Diamond posting...
...I encourage you to read Article I, Section 1 of the PA Constitution. Then let's discuss what it really means...
http://www.pennlive.com/forums/capitol/
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