The Real Heroes in America

Nancy Pelosi and the rest of her supporters don't hold a candle to these American Heroes.

One of the Biggest Alpha Hotels on The Planet

Frank Mocks Health Reform Protesters, Bachmann

Alpha Hotel Rep. Barney Frank took a swipe at Rep. Michele Bachmann for organizing a rally to protest the Democrats' health care plan.

Democracy or Mockery???

MoveOn Threatens to Push Primary Opponents to Dems Voting Against Health Plan

Moveon.org has reportedly raised $3,578,117 in contributions to fund primary challenges against 'any Democratic senator who blocks an up-or-down vote on health care reform with a public option,' according to an e-mail sent to group members on Thursday.

Has Obama Been Disingenuous With America

FOXNews.com
- November 06, 2009
AMA's Endorsement of House Health Care Bill Sparks Internal Uprising

Some AMA members are outraged that the group's trustees made the endorsement without the formal approval of the organization's House of Delegates.

Elected Officials- The Public Said NO!

FBI questioned former stadium authority chairman about Cordaro and concessions BY JOE MCDONALD (STAFF WRITER) Published: November 6, 2009 Times-Tribune

Lackawanna County agrees to keep prison vendor's public records secret and approves new contract By Charles Schillinger (Staff Writer) Published: November 7, 2009 Times-Tribune

Election results in question after voting machine glitch discovered BY BORYS KRAWCZENIUK (STAFF WRITER) Published: November 6, 2009 Scranton Times

Didn't the public makes its point correctly on Tuesday??

LaGrotta claims innocence in scandal (Bonusgate)The book is Mr. LaGrotta's description of what happens when power, ambition, arrogance and poor choices collide in a politically charged capital city.

And to those who say Republican wins in this area were a fluke

Republican wins may mark big change in Westmoreland County By Rich Cholodofsky Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

BTW,,pssstt...look for Bonusgate indictments anyday now and look for quite a few...not only R's ....

More Mellow Arrogance And Entitlement

Times Tribune Photo
While discussing certain politicians with a former Hazleton Area School Board member I was searching for the right description of their arrogant actions. Where is Steven Segal when you need him?

One local council member complained when he found out that he was losing his health insurance paid for by taxpayers including those that don't have health insurance. Term- Just More Entitlement

A state legislator will not listen to you when you talk to him. He already "knows everything" and WILL TELL YOU that even though you are the person with the degree in the area of knowledge his four year political science degree makes him an authority on everything. Term- Narcissistic Entitlement

A senator can pay himself an exhorbitant amount of rent and dismisses the situation as "No harm, No foul." In today's Times Tribune BORYS KRAWCZENIUK sheds light on Senator Mellow's campaign practice to routinely write checks to "cash".

Over the past nine years, state Senate Minority Leader Robert J. Mellow's chief campaign committee paid more than $188,000 in checks made out to "cash," without disclosing who received the money and, in many cases, exactly what the money was used for - despite a state election law that specifically calls for complete disclosure.

"The payments to cash" - an issue not unique to the Archbald Democrat, although his committee has issued by far the most checks to "cash" of any committee statewide - raise questions about the state's ability and interest in enforcing the state campaign finance law, as well as in whose pockets contributions ultimately wind up.


The cavalier attitude on the part of the Department of State as well as his campaign workers just demonstrates the type of insulation that politicians feel they have in the power of incumbency.

SOP is not surprised at the questionable ethics involved in these situations. There are no shocking revelations here. What is missing are core family values taught at an early age.

How many times did our parents tell us our actions are wrong? Their observations didn't mean, as children, we need to go to jail or be arrested.(Even Ciavarella found that out the hard way.) It just meant we needed to correct our behaviors.

Mellow's answer to his rental circumstances was "I did nothing wrong." When Todd Eachus is asked about Bonusgate he keeps telling people he "did nothing wrong" despite court filings that prove otherwise.

Power corrupts absolutely. We use the term power broker. The real power brokers are the voters but they just don't get it.

According to Rasmussen Reportsthe latest national telephone survey shows that 83% now view government ethics and corruption as very important, placing it just ahead of the economy on a list of 10 key electoral issues regularly tracked..

This is the first time since October 2007 that voters have rated ethics and corruption as more important than the economy. Voters viewed the two issues evenly in November and December 2007 before placing a higher priority on the economy starting in January 2008.

Last month, 86% of voters said economic issues were very important while 80% saw government ethics that way.

The new findings come at a time when 43% of voters say the president is doing a poor job addressing government ethics and reducing corruption, up five points from early September and the highest level measured since he took office. Forty percent (40%) now give the president good or excellent ratings on his handling of the issue.

Make sure you go the polls this coming Tuesday and exercise your right to rid corruption. SOP is not surprised by this statement in the Rasmussen Report. While Republicans and voters not affiliated with either party rank ethics and corruption as the most important issue, Democrats put health care at the top of the list.

Health care is an important issue but you won't get the right bill with the right provisions if you don't deal with ethics and corruption. Remember that promise Obama made regarding lobbyists in November, 2007, "lobbyists won't find a job in my White House". It didn't take much time for his rule to reach reality for him to break that promise. He changed the name from White House to Open House with noted celebreties and lobbyists given access.

It is no wonder that politicians like Eachus and Mellow snub their noses at the constituency. Power equals privilege. Tuesday teach politicians that the privilege only starts if the voters allow it.

Are the Democrats Really Serious????

Tucked away in the Healthcare Reform bill is a little diamond for trial lawywers who make a living suing healthcare professionals. Nancy Pelosi "blew" a kiss to trial lawyers by inserting language that would prevent states from enacting tort reform.

Section 2531, entitled “Medical Liability Alternatives,” establishes an incentive program for states to adopt and implement alternatives to medical liability litigation. [But]…… a state is not eligible for the incentive payments if that state puts a law on the books that limits attorneys’ fees or imposes caps on damages.

That language is in the bill despite what the Washington Post had to say on the matter.

“Lawmakers could save as much as $54 billion over the next decade by imposing an array of new limits on medical malpractice lawsuits, congressional budget analysts said today — a substantial sum that could help cover the cost of President Obama’s overhaul of the nation’s health system. New research shows that legal reforms would not only lower malpractice insurance premiums for medical providers, but would also spur providers to save money by ordering fewer tests and procedures aimed primarily at defending their decisions in court, Douglas Elmendorf, director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, wrote in a letter to Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).”

What's all the fuss about anyway? According to this article on ABCnews.com her healthcare REFORM bill it is estimated that only 2% of those under 65 would sign up for a public option.

The underwhelming statistic is raising questions about whether the government plan will be the iron-fisted competitor that private insurers warn will shut them down or a niche operator that becomes a haven for patients with health insurance horror stories.

Some experts are wondering if lawmakers have wasted too much time arguing about the public plan, giving short shrift to basics such as ensuring that new coverage will be affordable.

"The public option is a significant issue, but its place in the debate is completely out of proportion to its actual importance to consumers," said Drew Altman, president of the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. "It has sucked all the oxygen out of the room and diverted attention from bread-and-butter consumer issues, such as affordable coverage and comprehensive benefits."

McClellan calls Gadinski's Accusations "Bogus"

That should have been the headline in today's Standard Speaker article about Hazleton Creek Properties.

In its latest "Chicken Little" attack on Hazleton Creek Properties efforts to rid our landscape of a mine scarred area a bogus claim of pH alteration is highlighted by Geologist Robert Gadinski. To the general public Gadinski's claims seem credible but trust me on this one, this report is nothing more than political hype as evidenced by the last sentence in the Standard Speaker article.

Bob, let's have a frank discussion on chemistry, soil pH, bicarbonates, salts..ohh you remeber this course don't you?


This information comes from the International Plant Nutrition Institute.

Seasonal variation in soil test results is real…and has been recognized by soil scientists for more than four decades. Sizeable fluctuations in soil test levels can occur seasonally (monthly) and are associated with changes in soil temperature and moisture, soil microbial activity, crop residue decomposition, clay mineralogy, and nutrient cycling. Shallow soil samples (0 to 2, or 0 to 4 in.) may be more susceptible to seasonal fluctuations in test results than samples collected from deeper depths.
How much variation can be expected across seasons, within a year?

Soil pH—can vary as much as ,U>0.5 to 1 pH units on poorly buffered soils, especially on the coarser textured soils. Soil pH is usually lower in dry periods and higher in wet conditions.

Extractable soil phosphorus—-may be more stable than soil pH and extractable potassium in the majority of soils. Under prolonged flooding, phosphorus associated with iron complexes can be released. When soils dry, phosphorus can be bound tightly in iron and aluminum complexes, which lowers availability to plants. Seasonal variation can be as much as 10 to 20 pounds per acre or 5 to 10 parts per million (ppm).

Extractable soil potassium—-can be affected by soil freezing and thawing, and wide variations in soil moisture. Under very dry conditions, and upon freezing, certain clay minerals can release potassium from their mineral structure. Upon re-wetting, the potassium may be bound in the clay structure. In some high clay soils, the seasonal variation can be as much as 20 to 50 pounds per acre, or 10 to 25 ppm. Older, more highly weathered soils, most often found in the southern states, may be less likely to show strong seasonal variations in extractable potassium levels. Yet, seasonal variation in extractable potassium in sandy soils can be large.

Extractable soil sulfate and nitrate—are affected by microbial activity. Release of ammonium and nitrate-nitrogen and sulfate-sulfur from organic matter slows in dry soils. Existing nitrate levels can decline when soils are saturated for extended periods, especially during warm weather. Unlike nitrate, sulfate-sulfur is not prone to atmospheric losses during saturated conditions. Soil nitrate and sulfate levels can vary more than two-fold seasonally.

One can also view this article from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Seasonal Variability of Soil pH
Seasonal changes in soil moisture, temperature, microbial activity, and plant growth can cause soil pH to vary. The interaction of the above factors and their effect on pH are not entirely understood. The seasonal effect is a result of the loss, formation, or accretion of salts during the various times of the year (Thomas, 1996). Salt concentration fluctuates as the soil wets and dries. As the soil dries, salt concentration increases, soluble cations replace exchangeable hydronium (i.e., H30+) or aluminum ions, and the solution becomes more acid. Seasonal changes in temperature affect the solubility of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water and the solution acidity. Carbon dioxide is more soluble at cool temperatures and makes the soil more acid (carbonic acid). Conversely, CO2 is less soluble in warm seasons, but microbial respiration produces more CO2, so the net effect on pH is variable. Seasonal differences in the amount of carbonate and bicarbonate ions in solution result in variable pH.

"Everything Mr. Gadinski claimed here is erroneous, untrue and an absolute misrepresentation of the facts," McClellan said/

We could also go back to fourth grade science on sesonal variaton on water pH.

So, what does pH mean for water? Basically, the pH value determines whether water is hard or soft. The pH of pure water is 7. Gadinski is telling you that the pH of the water rose to 6.9. Well the next tenth of a rise is 7.

The normal range for pH in surface water systems is 6.5 to 8.5 and for groundwater systems 6 to 8.5.

Although the report mentions the presence of arsenic one must look at the original level in the first place.

What SUFFER and CAUSE are missing is the need to fill the darn hole in and now.

William Amesbury- High Maintenance Magistrate

In today's Times Leader there is a story about the cost of renting offices for magistrates in Luzerne County. While the story focused on a rental in Hazleton it failed to zero in on a candidate for Judge in Luzerne County. In fact the cost of this rental exceeded the one in Hazleton.

As if we didn't have enough with the juvenile scandal this article lists William Amesbury's office rental cost at $80,000.00 per year. To be fair Martin Kane was over $5,000.00 higher at $85,800.00 per year but look at the rest.

William Amesbury, $80,000;

• Martin Kane, $85,800;

• Fred Pierantoni, $12,000;

• Paul Roberts, $12,000;

• Andrew Barilla, $12,000;

• Joseph Carmody, $12,000;

• Joseph Halesey, $30,200;

• Donald Whittaker, $12,000;

• John Hasay, $27,432;

• Daniel O’Donnell, $27,000;

• Thomas Sharkey, $19,392;

• Gerald Feissner, $14,000;

• Ronald Swank, $21,000;

• Michael Dotzel, $32,000;

• Diana Malast, $15,800;

• James Tupper, $29,000

How do magistrates justify such a disparity? How can Amesbury make a plea to the people to vote for him as judge when he appears to forget about the voters when it comes to his own "digs"? He acknowledged the public’s faith in the judicial system has been severely tarnished and must be restored by making the government more open and transparent.

Bill, welcome to transparency. Amesbury has acknowledge accepting donations from people involved in the FBI corruption probe. He donated two of the three donations to charity. The third donation was from Kim Mericle, who is the wife of Robert Mericle. He said he took her donation because she has been a longtime friend of 35 years and she did not have any dealings with her husband’s business. Obviously Kim wasn't part of the probe but her husband pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal.

Mr. Amesbury, and to all the judicial candidates as well as those seeking retention, you should pay special attention to your Supreme Court justices. SOP is not alleging any kickbacks or paybacks on the parts of any candidate. However, it seems the message is still not resonating with all the candidates.

Ciavarella, who is awaiting trial on racketeering charges, broke the law by taking kickbacks from the operator of two for-profit juvenile detention centers and ignored court rules by failing to fully inform juveniles who appeared before him of their right to legal counsel, the court concluded in a unanimous nine-page opinion.

The violations were so egregious that even juveniles sentenced to other centers and those who had legal counsel deserve to have their records cleared, according to the court.

"Given the extent of the taint, this court simply cannot have confidence that any juvenile matter adjudicated by Ciavarella during this period was tried in a fair and impartial matter," the court wrote.

Keep your relationships clean. It is up to you to go the extra mile if you want the voters to begin the healing process towards trust in your judicial proceedings. Arrogance or a cavalier attitude toward the restoring process will only keep the wounds fresh and deep.

To be clear SOP is not a Tina Gartley fan although she will be a winner. Her close association to Commissioner MaryAnn Petrilla who, in our opinion, is getting a "free ride" in the Luzerne County probe, is not acceptable. Petrilla was Controller during that period and even the media seems to be gentle about her role.

Supreme Court Vacates Juvenile Convictions Back To 2003

Times Leader Photo
According to a Times Leader article out of Harrisburg Pennsylvania's Highest Court has vacated all of the juvenile cases heard before disgraced ex-Judge Mark Ciavarella since 2003. Its order also disallows retrial of all the cases but a handful.

In issuing the ruling, the high court said it agreed with Grim's assessment that Ciavarella had shown a "complete disregard for the constitutional rights of juveniles who appeared before him."

"We conclude that the record supports Judge Grim's determination that Ciavarella knew he was violating both the law and the procedural rules promulgated by this court applicable when adjudicating the merits of juvenile cases without the knowing, intelligent and voluntary waiver of counsel by the juveniles," the court wrote.

Grim had also recommended that Luzerne County District Attorney's office be barred from retrying all but a handful of cases based on the double jeopardy statute, a constitutional prohibition against trying a person twice for the same crime. Grim based that recommendation on his finding that Ciavarella engaged in intentional conduct meant to deprive juveniles of their rights. That triggered the double jeopardy statute, he said.

The Supreme Court agreed with Grim that the vast majority of cases cannot be retried, but declined to adopt Grim's reasoning regarding the double jeopardy statute. The court instead said it was granting that relief solely "in the interest of justice."

SOP believes this order is far reaching and Judges in Pennsylvania should take note. In reading the court's order it is an indictment of actions by a judge that would introduce an element of prejudice by a judge.

The transcripts reveal a disturbing lack of fundamental process, inimical to any system of justice, and made even more grievous since these matters involved juveniles.

During the hearing conducted by President Judge Platt in Joseph v. The Scranton Times, 19 MM 2009, Ciavarella admitted under oath that he had received payments from Robert Powell, a co-owner of the PA Child Care and Western PA Child Care facilities, and from Robert K. Mericle, the developer who constructed the juvenile facilities, during the period of time that Ciavarella was presiding over juvenile matters in Luzerne County. It is a matter of record that Ciavarella routinely committed juveniles to one or another of these facilities. It is also a matter of record that Ciavarella failed to disclose his ties to Powell, much less the financial benefits he received in connection with the facilities to which he routinely committed Luzerne County juveniles. Ciavarella’s admission that he received these payments, and that he failed to disclose his financial interests arising from the development of the juvenile facilities, thoroughly undermines the integrity of all juvenile proceedings before Ciavarella. Whether or not a juvenile was represented by counsel, and whether or not a juvenile was committed to one of the facilities which secretly funneled money to Ciavarella and Conahan, this Court cannot have any confidence that Ciavarella decided any Luzerne County juvenile case fairly and impartially while he labored under the
specter of his self-interested dealings with the facilities.

At a federal hearing yesterday Mark Ciavarella had "No comment." FINALLY!