Michelle Malkin reports Murtha is behind 48 to 35 in the latest poll. Just like Kanjorsk who refused to appear in the Poconos with Lou Barletta before the NAACP Murtha likes cancelling debates.
Murtha and Kanjorski will enjoy their cruise together.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Kanjorski and Murtha Finding Political Life Difficult These Days.
Let's address those pundits who predict a Democratic Red Tide sweep. Remember Kanjo's buddy John Murtha who was instrumental in helping secure funds for the failed Cornerstone Technologies.
Michelle Malkin reports Murtha is behind 48 to 35 in the latest poll. Just like Kanjorsk who refused to appear in the Poconos with Lou Barletta before the NAACP Murtha likes cancelling debates.
Murtha and Kanjorski will enjoy their cruise together.
Michelle Malkin reports Murtha is behind 48 to 35 in the latest poll. Just like Kanjorsk who refused to appear in the Poconos with Lou Barletta before the NAACP Murtha likes cancelling debates.
Murtha and Kanjorski will enjoy their cruise together.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Barletta-Kanjorski Debate and Entitlement
I attended the Barletta Kanjorski debate last evening. I waited until today to write about the experience. First, it made me proud to be an American and witness our election process. The audience represented both sides of the aisle but kept their partisan acolades to themselves at the request of the moderator.
When Bill Kelly did his "State of Pennsylvania" show on January 31st he asked Chris Carney, Tim Holden, and Paul Kanjorski whether they would come back in the fall to debate their opponents. Paul Kanjorski spoke first and asked Bill Kelly "Did you say 180 debates"? As we now know Kanjorski only agreed to one. I talked to Bill after the show. He told me at the time he had no idea WVIA would be hosting the only debate of the election. I must say that Bill and the entire staff at WVIA were nothing short of the great professionals we all know them to be.
Many issues were discussed during the debate which I had my wife record on our DVR. The following account compiles the information from that recording.
Lou Barletta won the toss and chose to make the opening statement. He thanked WVIA and Paul Kanjorski for hosting and participating in the debate. What you didn't see off camera was Kanjorski's refusal to acknowledge Barletta like most gentlemen do. October 29th represents the anniversary of Mary Grace and Lou Barletta's wedding. He acknowledged that celebration. He talked about events that led him into the national spotlight but made the case that while illegal immigration was that issue it could have been any issue. He talked about going to Washington looking for help. I remember that trip. Washington provided education but no dollars to ramp up the police department. Hazleton was left to figure that out for themselves. That situation is similar to what Luzerne County is doing by asking the state for assistance with its budget problems.
He highlighted the crisises Americans are facing today. And that folks is where I am going with this post. I am amazed at the conclusions I read on other blogs about who is going to do what for us. Do you honestly believe that the energy crisis, the healthcare crisis, the mortgage crisis, the college affordability crisis, the Medicare crisis, and the crisis where each raise in Social Security is more than offset by Medicare premiums-A, B and D will be solved by those that are presently in Washington, Republican or Democrat? DemaRepubagogues want selfish longevity, not what is right for Americans.
Is the American public asking to change America OR are we saying we want the American vote to change Washington? It is a line Barletta used during the debate but it highlights the frustration Joe the Plumber, Pat the Hairdresser, Tony the Mechanic, Julio the grocery owner, or Jim the factory worker has with American politics.
If you really study the rhetoric coming out of Washington here is what is said for consumption. It's the Republicans. It's the Democrats. Folks these are intelligent people wagging the dog hoping we will buy it hook line and sinker.
I read how much money Paul Kanjorski brought into this district. I am disappointed that the patch town political ideology still prevails in sections. They are willing to "forgive" a Congressman that steered and continues to steer money to his family because they "think" he also brought some for them. They are willing to "forgive" a Presidential candidate who has ties to not only a known terrorist but to the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Think folks, think. When was the last time you ever heard those alliances uttered about a Presidential candidate?
It is a fact that Chris Carney, a Democrat, brought three times the amount of money back to his district this past year than Paul Kanjorski. He did that with a Republican President and a Republican Senate. Do you know that history has a way of repeating itself? Paul Kanjorski was elected in 1984 under a Republican President, Ronald Reagan, and a Republican controlled Senate 55-45. Yet, I will see this argument used against Lou Barletta in predicting a red tide sweep of Washington. Balderdash.
Lou made himself known on the national scene. I would say he will do the same in Washington but he is already known there. He doesn't have to make alliances; they already exist. He received 90% of the vote for Mayor last year. Not only did he do that he received a 2 to 1 ratio on the primary write-in on the Democratic side to shut out a contender. The fact that most of you know about Lou just demonstrates his ability to make himself heard. This district won't have to start over for every new beginning means some other beginnings end. Ask Frank Harrison.
Kanjorski has a relect in the polls that never surpassed 40%. The "Is it time for a change?" question has polled consistently over 50%. Lou Barletta has lead all credible polls by as high as 9%. Yes, quick, run. Point out the "undecideds". For you see that qestion has already been answered. A heavy Democratic district means people owe others for their jobs, their kids' jobs, or some sort of favor. But not all of us are Charmaine Bieda. Paul Kanjorsk did not try to get each one of us $10 million dollars. So the allegiances only go so far. But like Joe the Plumber initially they are not willing to tell a stranger on the other end of a phone how they will vote.
In the end the most common statement I hear traveling this entire district, and believe me I have, is "He has been there long enough." Kanjorski lost this election but only after he sacrificed his integrity for condescending entitlement.
When Bill Kelly did his "State of Pennsylvania" show on January 31st he asked Chris Carney, Tim Holden, and Paul Kanjorski whether they would come back in the fall to debate their opponents. Paul Kanjorski spoke first and asked Bill Kelly "Did you say 180 debates"? As we now know Kanjorski only agreed to one. I talked to Bill after the show. He told me at the time he had no idea WVIA would be hosting the only debate of the election. I must say that Bill and the entire staff at WVIA were nothing short of the great professionals we all know them to be.
Many issues were discussed during the debate which I had my wife record on our DVR. The following account compiles the information from that recording.
Lou Barletta won the toss and chose to make the opening statement. He thanked WVIA and Paul Kanjorski for hosting and participating in the debate. What you didn't see off camera was Kanjorski's refusal to acknowledge Barletta like most gentlemen do. October 29th represents the anniversary of Mary Grace and Lou Barletta's wedding. He acknowledged that celebration. He talked about events that led him into the national spotlight but made the case that while illegal immigration was that issue it could have been any issue. He talked about going to Washington looking for help. I remember that trip. Washington provided education but no dollars to ramp up the police department. Hazleton was left to figure that out for themselves. That situation is similar to what Luzerne County is doing by asking the state for assistance with its budget problems.
He highlighted the crisises Americans are facing today. And that folks is where I am going with this post. I am amazed at the conclusions I read on other blogs about who is going to do what for us. Do you honestly believe that the energy crisis, the healthcare crisis, the mortgage crisis, the college affordability crisis, the Medicare crisis, and the crisis where each raise in Social Security is more than offset by Medicare premiums-A, B and D will be solved by those that are presently in Washington, Republican or Democrat? DemaRepubagogues want selfish longevity, not what is right for Americans.
Is the American public asking to change America OR are we saying we want the American vote to change Washington? It is a line Barletta used during the debate but it highlights the frustration Joe the Plumber, Pat the Hairdresser, Tony the Mechanic, Julio the grocery owner, or Jim the factory worker has with American politics.
If you really study the rhetoric coming out of Washington here is what is said for consumption. It's the Republicans. It's the Democrats. Folks these are intelligent people wagging the dog hoping we will buy it hook line and sinker.
I read how much money Paul Kanjorski brought into this district. I am disappointed that the patch town political ideology still prevails in sections. They are willing to "forgive" a Congressman that steered and continues to steer money to his family because they "think" he also brought some for them. They are willing to "forgive" a Presidential candidate who has ties to not only a known terrorist but to the Palestinian Liberation Organization. Think folks, think. When was the last time you ever heard those alliances uttered about a Presidential candidate?
It is a fact that Chris Carney, a Democrat, brought three times the amount of money back to his district this past year than Paul Kanjorski. He did that with a Republican President and a Republican Senate. Do you know that history has a way of repeating itself? Paul Kanjorski was elected in 1984 under a Republican President, Ronald Reagan, and a Republican controlled Senate 55-45. Yet, I will see this argument used against Lou Barletta in predicting a red tide sweep of Washington. Balderdash.
Lou made himself known on the national scene. I would say he will do the same in Washington but he is already known there. He doesn't have to make alliances; they already exist. He received 90% of the vote for Mayor last year. Not only did he do that he received a 2 to 1 ratio on the primary write-in on the Democratic side to shut out a contender. The fact that most of you know about Lou just demonstrates his ability to make himself heard. This district won't have to start over for every new beginning means some other beginnings end. Ask Frank Harrison.
Kanjorski has a relect in the polls that never surpassed 40%. The "Is it time for a change?" question has polled consistently over 50%. Lou Barletta has lead all credible polls by as high as 9%. Yes, quick, run. Point out the "undecideds". For you see that qestion has already been answered. A heavy Democratic district means people owe others for their jobs, their kids' jobs, or some sort of favor. But not all of us are Charmaine Bieda. Paul Kanjorsk did not try to get each one of us $10 million dollars. So the allegiances only go so far. But like Joe the Plumber initially they are not willing to tell a stranger on the other end of a phone how they will vote.
In the end the most common statement I hear traveling this entire district, and believe me I have, is "He has been there long enough." Kanjorski lost this election but only after he sacrificed his integrity for condescending entitlement.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Paul Kanjorski You OWE Lou Barletta and The DeAngelo Brothers An Apology
This editorial appeared in today's edition of the Standard Speaker in Hazleton. It is pretty much self-eplanatory. Ed Pane has the highest regard of the community.
Editor,
I have always refrained from commenting on political matters. However, the recent Paul Kanjorski commercial in which he has attempted to cast Lou Barletta as a friend of drug dealers is so inaccurate that I must respond. This letter is written with the authorization of the Serento Gardens Board of Directors.
At the outset, let me say that I like Paul Kanjorski and consider him a friend. He spoke at our Agency’s 30th anniversary dinner. He has been to my home. Paul has supported Serento Gardens and all drug education and treatment initiatives whenever I’ve called on him. I like and respect the man.
But this isn’t about Paul, the man. This is about an ad he should have never “approved.” There is not a word of truth in the message, that Lou Barletta, and Paul and Neil DeAngelo are bad men, dangerous men; drug dealing men who should never be trusted. They are fine men and deserve everyone’s respect.
I am the president and CEO of Hazleton Area’s largest substance abuse treatment and education center. Each year we touch tens of thousands of lives. A lot of our work would not be possible without the aid of Lou Barletta, and Paul and Neil DeAngelo, the targets of this ad. Beyond my upset at the ad’s inaccuracy is my hurt for three people who are among the strongest advocates for substance abuse prevention, education and treatment I know. Even more than that, the injury inflicted on their families, especially their children was nothing short of cruel and is utterly inexcusable.Imagine being one of their children and hearing that about your father who you know is a good person. Imagine being one of those children, going to school and hearing your friends. An apology is in order.
This is politics at its absolute worst and its ugliest. The ad is unconscionable.
Lou Barletta helped start the Hazleton Area Drug Free Task Force while still a councilman, 10 years ago. He championed a municipal ordinance that forced every store selling drug paraphernalia to get the items off their shelves or face a fine. He helped the Task Force take that resolution to every municipality in the Hazleton Area and with his encouragement all passed it.Today there isn’t an item associated with the use of illegal drugs on any store shelf in the Hazleton area. If I have a substance abuse related concern, I have but to pick up the phone and Lou is there with the full support of his administration.
Neil and Paul DeAngelo? Let me tell you something about both. Both made a mistake many years ago and both paid for it. No problem leaves a person where it finds him, either he is better or worse because of it. Both became better men and are examples of the good that becomes possible when people turn their lives around.
Today, DeAngelo Brothers Inc. is the presenting sponsor of the Hazleton Area’s largest drug free event, “Seasons Change.” They opened their hearts, their entire company and wallets to an event dedicated to drug prevention so no child ever walks down the road they did so many years ago. hey are community heroes, and business leaders providing employment and support for other local businesses. They started a Fortune 500 company.
I said at the outset, I know and like Paul Kanjorski. However, I am angry and disappointed with what his he has done and the inaccurate picture he’s attempted to paint of three fine individuals.
Edward A. Pane, MBA, President and CEO,
Serento Gardens, Hazleton
Editor,
I have always refrained from commenting on political matters. However, the recent Paul Kanjorski commercial in which he has attempted to cast Lou Barletta as a friend of drug dealers is so inaccurate that I must respond. This letter is written with the authorization of the Serento Gardens Board of Directors.
At the outset, let me say that I like Paul Kanjorski and consider him a friend. He spoke at our Agency’s 30th anniversary dinner. He has been to my home. Paul has supported Serento Gardens and all drug education and treatment initiatives whenever I’ve called on him. I like and respect the man.
But this isn’t about Paul, the man. This is about an ad he should have never “approved.” There is not a word of truth in the message, that Lou Barletta, and Paul and Neil DeAngelo are bad men, dangerous men; drug dealing men who should never be trusted. They are fine men and deserve everyone’s respect.
I am the president and CEO of Hazleton Area’s largest substance abuse treatment and education center. Each year we touch tens of thousands of lives. A lot of our work would not be possible without the aid of Lou Barletta, and Paul and Neil DeAngelo, the targets of this ad. Beyond my upset at the ad’s inaccuracy is my hurt for three people who are among the strongest advocates for substance abuse prevention, education and treatment I know. Even more than that, the injury inflicted on their families, especially their children was nothing short of cruel and is utterly inexcusable.Imagine being one of their children and hearing that about your father who you know is a good person. Imagine being one of those children, going to school and hearing your friends. An apology is in order.
This is politics at its absolute worst and its ugliest. The ad is unconscionable.
Lou Barletta helped start the Hazleton Area Drug Free Task Force while still a councilman, 10 years ago. He championed a municipal ordinance that forced every store selling drug paraphernalia to get the items off their shelves or face a fine. He helped the Task Force take that resolution to every municipality in the Hazleton Area and with his encouragement all passed it.Today there isn’t an item associated with the use of illegal drugs on any store shelf in the Hazleton area. If I have a substance abuse related concern, I have but to pick up the phone and Lou is there with the full support of his administration.
Neil and Paul DeAngelo? Let me tell you something about both. Both made a mistake many years ago and both paid for it. No problem leaves a person where it finds him, either he is better or worse because of it. Both became better men and are examples of the good that becomes possible when people turn their lives around.
Today, DeAngelo Brothers Inc. is the presenting sponsor of the Hazleton Area’s largest drug free event, “Seasons Change.” They opened their hearts, their entire company and wallets to an event dedicated to drug prevention so no child ever walks down the road they did so many years ago. hey are community heroes, and business leaders providing employment and support for other local businesses. They started a Fortune 500 company.
I said at the outset, I know and like Paul Kanjorski. However, I am angry and disappointed with what his he has done and the inaccurate picture he’s attempted to paint of three fine individuals.
Edward A. Pane, MBA, President and CEO,
Serento Gardens, Hazleton
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Kanjorski's Camp Telling Media Team America Ad Is Untrue
Paul Kanjorski's campaign is attacking Team America's ad. Kanjorski et al claim he voted against amnesty and the content of the radio ad is wrong.
Kanjorski needs a memory check. In 1986 the Immigration Reform and Control Act was passed by a vote of 238-173. If one were to visit this site referencing an article from the New American published in June, 2006 one would see that Paul Kanjorski voted "YES" on this bill that gave amnesty to 2.7 million illegal aliens. "The enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) dramatically eroded border control not only by granting citizenship to millions of illegal immigrants but by encouraging millions more to enter into the United States illegally in the hope that they too would eventually receive legal status."
Kanjorski is listed as voting for the IRCA amnesty bill in the book “Anatomy of a Public Policy: The Reform of Contemporary American Immigration Law,” which was written by Michael C. LeMay and published in September 1994. Kanjorski’s vote is listed in Appendix B: The Roll Call Votes Enacting IRCA. LeMay was professor and chairman of the Department of Political Science and director of the National Security Studies Program at California State University, San Bernardino.
A local blogger, Gort42, posed the question about illegal immigration to Paul Kanjorski in 2006. Kanjorski admitted he voted for amnesty of illegal aliens: "In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act with my support."
In his own press release Kanjorski issues the following statement "I have consistently supported legislation to secure our borders and enforce our current federal immigration laws."
Team America documented the contents of the radio ad on their website. NumbersUSA gives Paul Kanjorski a D+ career rating on illegal immigration issues. On the subject to "Reduce Enticement For Illegal Immigration" he received an F-.
This article explains the unintended consequence regarding amnesty. "This particular hot insight, found in a report entitled "Understanding the Future of Californians' Fertility: The Role of Immigrants”: amnesties have unexpected repercussions that echo for years. It turns out that the 1986 amnesty for illegals set off a big baby boom among its beneficiaries - inevitably worsening the subsequent crowding in schools and emergency rooms."
When Paul Kanjorski claims to be solid against illegal immigration it only takes a review of his record to determine it isn't supported by the facts. Borys was wrong when he stated"On illegal immigration, Kanjorski, Barletta agree".
Captain Renault is among those who feel illegal immigration is off the radar screen for now. I ask the question- Do you talk about your mortgage payment or do you think about it to yourself? Ask the question about illegal immigration in your neighborhood and see what type of response you get. If illegal immigration wasn't an issue why did the media point out that illegals started going home when our economy started to tank?
The American Thinker wrote on the Center For Immigration Studies report with some interesting highlights. I want you to keep in mind that MS13 IS IN HAZLETON.
"# Transnational immigrant gangs have been spreading rapidly and sprouting in suburban and rural areas where communities are not always equipped to deal with them.
# A very large share of immigrant gang members are illegal aliens and removable aliens. Federal sources estimate that 60 to 90 percent of the members of MS-13, the most notorious immigrant gang, are illegal aliens. In one jurisdiction studied, Northern Virginia, 30 to 40 percent of the gang task force case load were removable aliens.
# MS-13 activity was found in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
# The immigrant gangsters arrested were a significant menace to the public. About 80 percent had committed serious crimes in addition to their immigration violations and 40 percent were violent criminals.
# While immigration law enforcement is a federal responsibility, ICE cannot do the job effectively without assistance from state and local law enforcement, particularly when it comes to immigrant gangs."
Gordan Hanson conlcuded the following statements in his paper "The Economic Logic of Illegal Immigration.
"In the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986,Congress voted to increase enforcement without creating a mechanism for the continued legal inflow of low skilled labor. Under steady pressure from business, immigration authorities ultimately gutted or redirected IRCA’s major enforcement provisions. The end result was that illegal labor has continued to find a way into the country. As Congress again wrestles with immigration reform, one would hope that it will pay heed to the failures of IRCA by designing a framework that allows for the dynamic participation of legal immigrant workers in the U.S. economy. Otherwise, the United States is likely to find itself with even larger illegal populations in the very near future."
The Right Wing Whiz Kid may be onto something regarding this race. However I feel the NRA may have shot itself in the foot.
This issue will come back to the forefront. The Presidential candidates are not that far apart in their positions. McCain will LET it happen and Obama will MAKE it happen. Opponents to allowing undocumented law breakers and the problems inherent with having to support a fluctuating population of unknowns will once again be highlighted and addressed. Do you want Lou Barletta or Paul Kanjorski making the decisions?
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Kanjorski's Forgotten Tax Issues
You can increase the size and use the scroll bars to easily view this flyer from the 2002 election.
Paul Kanjorski Will Sell You A Set of Encyclopedias
Paul Kanjorski admitted to "stretching the facts" in an attempt to win an election. Ed Mitchell's strategy to attack Lou Barletta over healthcare is a perfect example. His salted distortion of Lou Barletta's position begs correction.
I attended a seminar on Friday. One of the lecturers was talking about Medicare. Here is her analogy to demonstrate what is wrong with government run programs.
"I sell encyclopedias. I come to your house, knock on your door, and tell you that I have a set of encyclopedias that cost $500.00. You tell me that you can't afford them and close the door.
I come back the next day to your house, knock on your door, and tell you that I have a set of encyclopedias that cost $500.00. Only this time I tell you that the government will pay for the set of encyclopedias. You know you are going to say "if the government is willing to pay sure I will take them."
How many people on medical assistance go to emergency rooms for routine medical condtitions, the common cold for example? It is a fact that people are acutely aware to cost but the government hasn't figured out that out. Look at the price of Lasik surgery as an example. When the consumer shops around competition works the way it was designed. Its price has declined over the last several years.
With government and insurance companies setting the reimbursement rates for physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers why does the price go up each year? It isn't due to a rate increase. Reimbursement rates have declined. Where is the money going? More and more people are using the service because they don't have to pay the full rate.
Here is what happened to the Medicare program. When it was first proposed the scope of coverage was limited. It also assumed that retirees wouldn't live that into their 90's. Along the way coverage was expanded. Liver transplants are now covered which is no cheap procedure. Read Lou Barletta's comments from the Pocono Record.
"I remain opposed to government-run universal health care, which is the question I was answering in the quote my opponent has taken out of context in this ad," Barletta said in a written statement Monday. "The federal government is the main culprit for the current financial, energy and health care crises. Do we really want to give it more control? Besides, if we think there is an illegal immigration problem now, just try to control the border once we announce free health care for everyone."
But Barletta says he supports current government health programs, such as the Veterans Administration program covering those who served in the U.S. armed forces.
"I remain a staunch supporter of veterans and the VA health care system," he wrote. "Just last week I was endorsed by the National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition."
Kanjorski said during an appearance Monday in East Stroudsburg, "I don't do the ads," and he wasn't familiar with the specific ad content. But he defended the ad's assertion that Barletta is opposed to government health care programs of any kind.
"He's taking the philosophical position he wants the government out of health care," Kanjorski said. "Then any health care business the government's in, you're saying you're against it." - If that isn't stretching the facts then I missed something.
Paul, be honest with the people. You are an attorney. Well I guess I just contradicted myself. From your ad- "I am Paul Kanjorski and I approve this message." You really want to tell the people you aren't familiar with its content. Have at it but I don't think that record will play in a CD player.
If you don't know the difference between government funded programs and government actually in the business of healthcare then you need to vacate your congressional space.
Universal healthcare is wrong for this country for many reasons. I know people think that everyone should be entitled to healthcare, something I not opposed to but know that what is being said and what it actually means are two different things. Its my business. Universal healthcare would NOT mean the same healtcare options for all. There would be elitist healthcare and entry level healthcare; no different than what is happening today.
Paul, tell the people about your triple bypass surgery. You went to Boston for the procecdure at Brigham and Women's Hospital. You recouperated at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Most people I know have to recoup at home. Their insurance will not pay for a rehab stay.
I attended a seminar on Friday. One of the lecturers was talking about Medicare. Here is her analogy to demonstrate what is wrong with government run programs.
"I sell encyclopedias. I come to your house, knock on your door, and tell you that I have a set of encyclopedias that cost $500.00. You tell me that you can't afford them and close the door.
I come back the next day to your house, knock on your door, and tell you that I have a set of encyclopedias that cost $500.00. Only this time I tell you that the government will pay for the set of encyclopedias. You know you are going to say "if the government is willing to pay sure I will take them."
How many people on medical assistance go to emergency rooms for routine medical condtitions, the common cold for example? It is a fact that people are acutely aware to cost but the government hasn't figured out that out. Look at the price of Lasik surgery as an example. When the consumer shops around competition works the way it was designed. Its price has declined over the last several years.
With government and insurance companies setting the reimbursement rates for physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers why does the price go up each year? It isn't due to a rate increase. Reimbursement rates have declined. Where is the money going? More and more people are using the service because they don't have to pay the full rate.
Here is what happened to the Medicare program. When it was first proposed the scope of coverage was limited. It also assumed that retirees wouldn't live that into their 90's. Along the way coverage was expanded. Liver transplants are now covered which is no cheap procedure. Read Lou Barletta's comments from the Pocono Record.
"I remain opposed to government-run universal health care, which is the question I was answering in the quote my opponent has taken out of context in this ad," Barletta said in a written statement Monday. "The federal government is the main culprit for the current financial, energy and health care crises. Do we really want to give it more control? Besides, if we think there is an illegal immigration problem now, just try to control the border once we announce free health care for everyone."
But Barletta says he supports current government health programs, such as the Veterans Administration program covering those who served in the U.S. armed forces.
"I remain a staunch supporter of veterans and the VA health care system," he wrote. "Just last week I was endorsed by the National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition."
Kanjorski said during an appearance Monday in East Stroudsburg, "I don't do the ads," and he wasn't familiar with the specific ad content. But he defended the ad's assertion that Barletta is opposed to government health care programs of any kind.
"He's taking the philosophical position he wants the government out of health care," Kanjorski said. "Then any health care business the government's in, you're saying you're against it." - If that isn't stretching the facts then I missed something.
Paul, be honest with the people. You are an attorney. Well I guess I just contradicted myself. From your ad- "I am Paul Kanjorski and I approve this message." You really want to tell the people you aren't familiar with its content. Have at it but I don't think that record will play in a CD player.
If you don't know the difference between government funded programs and government actually in the business of healthcare then you need to vacate your congressional space.
Universal healthcare is wrong for this country for many reasons. I know people think that everyone should be entitled to healthcare, something I not opposed to but know that what is being said and what it actually means are two different things. Its my business. Universal healthcare would NOT mean the same healtcare options for all. There would be elitist healthcare and entry level healthcare; no different than what is happening today.
Paul, tell the people about your triple bypass surgery. You went to Boston for the procecdure at Brigham and Women's Hospital. You recouperated at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Most people I know have to recoup at home. Their insurance will not pay for a rehab stay.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Kanjorski Voted Against Medicare Part D For Seniors
If you listen to the "Affordable Medicine" commmercial aired by Paul Kanjorski he states that a Bush law prevented the government from negotiating the price(rebate) of prescription medications from drug manufacturers for Medicare Part D plans.
First Truth: Yes the law did that.
First Part Left Out: Prices are negotiated. The companies that are marketing the Medicare Part D plans like BlueRX, AARP, Community Care RX, Amerihealth, etc. negotiate rebates from the drug manufacturers on those medications. If the government negotiated the price(rebate) not all medications would be covered by the program. Manufacturers give rebates because a plan choses one medication over another. For example, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium, and Aciphex all work the same way. The makers of Prevacid would give a rebate if the plan chooses their medication over the rest. That would mean patients who get relief from Aciphex or Nexium would have to pay a higher or full price if they wanted the medication because of the rebate agreement on Prevacid.
Second False Statement: The ad goes on to state that "Kanjorski voted so seniors could buy affordable medicine."
Second Truth: Folks, Paul Kanjorski VOTED AGAINST Medicare Part D for seniors. You see, the same law that Kanjorski says prevented negotiation is the law that created Medicare Part D for seniors. It was called the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003(MMA). The MMA passed by a vote of 216 to 215. If one other Congressman voted like Paul Kanjorski seniors probably would not have a benefit today.
If you read this press release from his office he admits voting against Medicare Part D. " Congressman Kanjorski voted against the Medicare Prescription Drug bill in 2003."
His vote against Medicare Part D also meant that the PACE program in Pennsylvania would not be saving money because the PACE + Medicare Part D legislation would be a non-event.
Now I understand why the person did the Dueling Kanjo commercial. Paul Kanjorski, why would you mislead seniors about your vote against their prescription benefit?
First Truth: Yes the law did that.
First Part Left Out: Prices are negotiated. The companies that are marketing the Medicare Part D plans like BlueRX, AARP, Community Care RX, Amerihealth, etc. negotiate rebates from the drug manufacturers on those medications. If the government negotiated the price(rebate) not all medications would be covered by the program. Manufacturers give rebates because a plan choses one medication over another. For example, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Nexium, and Aciphex all work the same way. The makers of Prevacid would give a rebate if the plan chooses their medication over the rest. That would mean patients who get relief from Aciphex or Nexium would have to pay a higher or full price if they wanted the medication because of the rebate agreement on Prevacid.
Second False Statement: The ad goes on to state that "Kanjorski voted so seniors could buy affordable medicine."
Second Truth: Folks, Paul Kanjorski VOTED AGAINST Medicare Part D for seniors. You see, the same law that Kanjorski says prevented negotiation is the law that created Medicare Part D for seniors. It was called the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003(MMA). The MMA passed by a vote of 216 to 215. If one other Congressman voted like Paul Kanjorski seniors probably would not have a benefit today.
If you read this press release from his office he admits voting against Medicare Part D. " Congressman Kanjorski voted against the Medicare Prescription Drug bill in 2003."
His vote against Medicare Part D also meant that the PACE program in Pennsylvania would not be saving money because the PACE + Medicare Part D legislation would be a non-event.
Now I understand why the person did the Dueling Kanjo commercial. Paul Kanjorski, why would you mislead seniors about your vote against their prescription benefit?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Kanjorski's False Issues and Smear Tactics Part 2
Kanjorski recently aired a new ad first viewed on WNEP-TV 16 making some claims that are blatantly false. The ad concerns the sale of Interstate Road Marking Corporation to DeAngelo Brothers Inc.(DBI), a corporation.
The ad asks the question "Would you sell you company for millions to a company owned by people once entangled in a cocaine distribution ring?" The ad has Lou Barletta's picture with the statement "Lou Barletta Did" under it.
First False Statement. Lou Barletta never owned Interstate Road Marking Corporation(IRM). IRM was owned by Lou Barletta's wife, MaryGrace, as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise(WBE). One of the requirements for ownership include "the distribution of risks and profits must substantiate that the minorities and/or women applying for certification really own the business." As I stated, Lou Barletta never owned any part of IRM. His capacity in the company was an employee. The last time I checked Mary Grace Barletta is not running for office.
Earlier in the year Kanjorski's camp tried to say that MaryGrace was treasurer of Interstate Road Marking. An error on the part of the Department of State mistakenly listed MaryGrace as treasurer. As you can see from the link that error has been corrected.
Second False Statement: It should also be pointed out that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled there never was any "cocaine ring" as alleged in the ad. "This evidence demonstrates that Belletiere on one occasion sold drugs to Forte in a deal also involving the DeAngelo brothers. It does not show that Belletiere exerted leadership, control or influence over Forte or the DeAngelo brothers on this or any other occasion, or that these people were "answerable" to Belletiere in any way. The offense was a simply buyer/seller drug transaction. "The evidence, however, clearly shows that Belletiere made a series of unrelated drug sales to these people that constituted separate offenses for purposes of section 3B1.1(a). None of the buyers were "led" or "organized" by, nor "answerable" to, the defendant."
Later in the ad it states "Barlettas receive up to $100,000 a year from DBI."
Third Misleading Statement. This statement is know as lying by ommission. "One lies by omission by omitting an important fact, deliberately leaving another person with a misconception." The money received by the Barlettas is rent for the physical location and property where the IRM operations are located in Hazleton. The Barlettas still own the property but Mary Grace sold HER business to DBI.
As an incidental to that property, the Barletta's donated a portion of their holdings to the Helping Hands Society so the organization could build a playground for special needs children.
The ad goes on to state "And his campaign still takes thousands from the company's owners."
Paul, let's talk about IRM vs. Cornerstone Technologies. Since the purchase of IRM by DBI the company has added 3 new offices and 90 employees. When Cornerstone received almost $10 million dollars from the taxpayers of the United States we are still looking for 2 pumps,all the money is GONE and so are the employees' jobs. One employee, Marian Mazurkiewicz, is listed as a creditor with a loss of $600,000.00.
You say you did nothing wrong. You violated the public trust. As a lawyer I would expect your response. As a citizen I loath it.
The ad asks the question "Would you sell you company for millions to a company owned by people once entangled in a cocaine distribution ring?" The ad has Lou Barletta's picture with the statement "Lou Barletta Did" under it.
First False Statement. Lou Barletta never owned Interstate Road Marking Corporation(IRM). IRM was owned by Lou Barletta's wife, MaryGrace, as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise(WBE). One of the requirements for ownership include "the distribution of risks and profits must substantiate that the minorities and/or women applying for certification really own the business." As I stated, Lou Barletta never owned any part of IRM. His capacity in the company was an employee. The last time I checked Mary Grace Barletta is not running for office.
Earlier in the year Kanjorski's camp tried to say that MaryGrace was treasurer of Interstate Road Marking. An error on the part of the Department of State mistakenly listed MaryGrace as treasurer. As you can see from the link that error has been corrected.
Second False Statement: It should also be pointed out that the Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled there never was any "cocaine ring" as alleged in the ad. "This evidence demonstrates that Belletiere on one occasion sold drugs to Forte in a deal also involving the DeAngelo brothers. It does not show that Belletiere exerted leadership, control or influence over Forte or the DeAngelo brothers on this or any other occasion, or that these people were "answerable" to Belletiere in any way. The offense was a simply buyer/seller drug transaction. "The evidence, however, clearly shows that Belletiere made a series of unrelated drug sales to these people that constituted separate offenses for purposes of section 3B1.1(a). None of the buyers were "led" or "organized" by, nor "answerable" to, the defendant."
Later in the ad it states "Barlettas receive up to $100,000 a year from DBI."
Third Misleading Statement. This statement is know as lying by ommission. "One lies by omission by omitting an important fact, deliberately leaving another person with a misconception." The money received by the Barlettas is rent for the physical location and property where the IRM operations are located in Hazleton. The Barlettas still own the property but Mary Grace sold HER business to DBI.
As an incidental to that property, the Barletta's donated a portion of their holdings to the Helping Hands Society so the organization could build a playground for special needs children.
The ad goes on to state "And his campaign still takes thousands from the company's owners."
Paul, let's talk about IRM vs. Cornerstone Technologies. Since the purchase of IRM by DBI the company has added 3 new offices and 90 employees. When Cornerstone received almost $10 million dollars from the taxpayers of the United States we are still looking for 2 pumps,all the money is GONE and so are the employees' jobs. One employee, Marian Mazurkiewicz, is listed as a creditor with a loss of $600,000.00.
You say you did nothing wrong. You violated the public trust. As a lawyer I would expect your response. As a citizen I loath it.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Kanjorski's False Issues and Smear Tactics Part 1
First Truth About Waste At Dredge Site
"Wood and metal found at a proposed amphitheater site being reclaimed by Hazleton Creek Properties belongs in a landfill for construction and demolition waste, a state inspector told the company.
After finding more than 100 tons of unpermitted material at the site in Hazleton last week, an inspector told the company to remove it, Mark Carmon of the state Department of Environmental Protection said.
By Tuesday, a railcar returned the wood and metal to New Jersey, Carmon said."
Second Truth About Waste
"Earlier this month, DEP issued a formal violation notice to Hazleton Creek for unloading unauthorized waste at the site. Inspectors found eight to 10 piles of wood, brick, mortar and scrap metal that had been unloaded from rail cars."
Listen to Kanjorski's commercial alleging that "Lou Barletta is pocketing campaign contributions from developers dumping contaminated Philadelphia sludge in Hazleton. Waste so polluted and unauthorized the state issued a violation for unloading it at the site."
How is wood and metal polluted waste? It is construction waste, plain and simple. The violation was unloading unathorized debris in the form of wood and metal. It wasn't spread at the site. It was quarantined and then removed.
Now lets address the "Contaminated Philadelphia Sludge"??: DEP Approves Hazleton Creek’s Use of Regulated Fill at Mine Reclamation Site "The Department of Environmental Protection has approved Hazleton Creek Properties LLC’s general permit to use regulated fill for construction activities at a land reclamation project in Hazleton, Luzerne County.
“The company’s proposal meets DEP’s strict regulations and includes conditions to ensure the safe and effective use of this material in construction,” DEP Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin said."
The site-specific general permit authorizes Hazleton Creek Properties to use regulated fill, including dredged material, in access road construction, rail infrastructure construction, utility relocation and permitted facility construction, and as use for sub-base for future parking areas that also will serve as a cap on old landfill areas.
Regulated fill is soil, rock, stone, dredged material, used asphalt, historic fill and brick, block or concrete from construction and demolition activities."
Another press release on the subject.
So I ask the questions, Paul why didn't you tell the truth and why did you smear William Rinaldi, his employees, and his business?? You didn' t only lose your image; you lost your moral values.
"Wood and metal found at a proposed amphitheater site being reclaimed by Hazleton Creek Properties belongs in a landfill for construction and demolition waste, a state inspector told the company.
After finding more than 100 tons of unpermitted material at the site in Hazleton last week, an inspector told the company to remove it, Mark Carmon of the state Department of Environmental Protection said.
By Tuesday, a railcar returned the wood and metal to New Jersey, Carmon said."
Second Truth About Waste
"Earlier this month, DEP issued a formal violation notice to Hazleton Creek for unloading unauthorized waste at the site. Inspectors found eight to 10 piles of wood, brick, mortar and scrap metal that had been unloaded from rail cars."
Listen to Kanjorski's commercial alleging that "Lou Barletta is pocketing campaign contributions from developers dumping contaminated Philadelphia sludge in Hazleton. Waste so polluted and unauthorized the state issued a violation for unloading it at the site."
How is wood and metal polluted waste? It is construction waste, plain and simple. The violation was unloading unathorized debris in the form of wood and metal. It wasn't spread at the site. It was quarantined and then removed.
Now lets address the "Contaminated Philadelphia Sludge"??: DEP Approves Hazleton Creek’s Use of Regulated Fill at Mine Reclamation Site "The Department of Environmental Protection has approved Hazleton Creek Properties LLC’s general permit to use regulated fill for construction activities at a land reclamation project in Hazleton, Luzerne County.
“The company’s proposal meets DEP’s strict regulations and includes conditions to ensure the safe and effective use of this material in construction,” DEP Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin said."
The site-specific general permit authorizes Hazleton Creek Properties to use regulated fill, including dredged material, in access road construction, rail infrastructure construction, utility relocation and permitted facility construction, and as use for sub-base for future parking areas that also will serve as a cap on old landfill areas.
Regulated fill is soil, rock, stone, dredged material, used asphalt, historic fill and brick, block or concrete from construction and demolition activities."
Another press release on the subject.
So I ask the questions, Paul why didn't you tell the truth and why did you smear William Rinaldi, his employees, and his business?? You didn' t only lose your image; you lost your moral values.
More Desperate Tactics From The Kanjorski Campaign
What we are witnessing in the Pennsylvania 11th Congressional District race are two campaigns; Lou Barletta with a steadfast strategy and Kanjorski so desperate he has exited the tracks of honor and taken a path of destructive smears that transcend the journey into "hate politics." They are referred to as the "Vice" of campaign tactics salted with distortions and innuendos. Desperate campaigns do the most desperate acts. Some campaigns are dirty but Kanjorski decided to take it to “dirtier.”
Paul Kanjorski decided to change the focus from the issues that should decide this election to false issues, smear tactics and misleading political cutouts that omit important facts. Kanjorski is concerned because he cannot justify his congressional actions to the people of the 11th District, the Failout representing the most recent dementia of judgment. Kanjorski lacks the character to say no to Ed Mitchell, his media advisor when he starts the false smears. Smear campaigns are the last effort of failing political campaigns.
The polls are correct. Kanjorski is struggling to find traction in the political landscape so he is forced to rely on sleazy, despicable campaign tactics just so as to stay competitive. Expect anything from Ed Mitchell because Paul Kanjorski does not have the character to say no. The people of the 11th district deserve character and honor, not deceit and deception. Lou Barletta had the guts to stand up for what he believes in no matter how you feel about his positions. He took on a federal judge, Harrisburg, and Washington to help his community.
The public should erupt into total condemnation of Can-jorski’s tactics because no bad tactics are ever needed for a good cause. There is no surprise in the path Ed Mitchell has chosen since they follow a pattern witnessed in prior elections. What I find horrible is the aim for which he is employing such tactics, namely to get a person re-elected to the Congress of the United States. Paul Can-Jorski may think he appreciates but really doesn't understand the honor it means to be a member of Congress. He would put this election above the commercials.
Winning this campaign is now totally out of Kanjorski’s own hands. His erratic actions during this campaign are the foundation of his defeat. We teach our children that winning isn’t everything because it is not that you won or lost, it is how you played the game. Evidently Paul Can-jorski decided he is in a game of gutterball.
My next post will address the specifics of my allegations with proof that Can-jorski’s ads are false and misleading. Remember, Paul, I am on the inside, and that is a terrible place to be for the person who is on the outside.
Paul Kanjorski decided to change the focus from the issues that should decide this election to false issues, smear tactics and misleading political cutouts that omit important facts. Kanjorski is concerned because he cannot justify his congressional actions to the people of the 11th District, the Failout representing the most recent dementia of judgment. Kanjorski lacks the character to say no to Ed Mitchell, his media advisor when he starts the false smears. Smear campaigns are the last effort of failing political campaigns.
The polls are correct. Kanjorski is struggling to find traction in the political landscape so he is forced to rely on sleazy, despicable campaign tactics just so as to stay competitive. Expect anything from Ed Mitchell because Paul Kanjorski does not have the character to say no. The people of the 11th district deserve character and honor, not deceit and deception. Lou Barletta had the guts to stand up for what he believes in no matter how you feel about his positions. He took on a federal judge, Harrisburg, and Washington to help his community.
The public should erupt into total condemnation of Can-jorski’s tactics because no bad tactics are ever needed for a good cause. There is no surprise in the path Ed Mitchell has chosen since they follow a pattern witnessed in prior elections. What I find horrible is the aim for which he is employing such tactics, namely to get a person re-elected to the Congress of the United States. Paul Can-Jorski may think he appreciates but really doesn't understand the honor it means to be a member of Congress. He would put this election above the commercials.
Winning this campaign is now totally out of Kanjorski’s own hands. His erratic actions during this campaign are the foundation of his defeat. We teach our children that winning isn’t everything because it is not that you won or lost, it is how you played the game. Evidently Paul Can-jorski decided he is in a game of gutterball.
My next post will address the specifics of my allegations with proof that Can-jorski’s ads are false and misleading. Remember, Paul, I am on the inside, and that is a terrible place to be for the person who is on the outside.
Paul Kanjorski Should Concede This Election Now
The Voter Survey Service wrote that Lou Barletta may be the best positioned GOP candidate in the nation on June 17, 2008.
"In the poll, Lou’s image in the district is nothing short of excellent – a 59 to 13 ratio in positive to negative name ID, which really shows how much people admire and respect him since he stood up for his small, coal mining town of Hazleton (of which he has been their mayor for years) and passed the anti-immigration ordinance he believes is critical to help stop the bleeding in his crime-invested, cash and service-strapped city. In the poll, only 39% believe Kanjorski deserves reelection, while 45% say it’s time to give a new person a chance, and Lou holds a 5-point 47/42 lead over Kanjorski if the election were held today. Clearly this drives home the point that Lou is “in the hunt”.
If you look at this image from a Times Leader article on October 8, 2008 you will see how Barletta's chances have improved since that analysis.
"The poll, conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, shows Kanjorski’s negatives reaching all-time highs while his “re-elect” numbers reach new depths."
It is a fact that Paul Kanjorski has trailed Lou Barletta in every poll since the primary results, notwithstanding those bogus DCCC polls where they hid the data from the public.
Paul Kanjorski has chosen the extrememly negative route calling Lou Barletta a liar. The Kanjorski campaign is courting at least once lawsuit over the content of its commercial talking about toxic waste. The media has been contacted to take the commercial down due to its blatant false content. Another lawsuit is looming over the content of the latest aired commercial. Anyone who knows politics knows these are acts of desperation that precede defeat.
Paul Kanjorski and Company, in selfishness, are ruining the reputation of large employers in his district to win an election. He admits "stretching the facts" over Iraq and now has stooped to a new low. He is affecting families, friends, and business relationships by throwing moral dignity to the wind. How can he claim to be for working families and protection of their jobs when he is attacking over 1500 employees involved in these ads? How can he talk about family values when he is affecting each and every member of these families? Kanjorski only concerned himslef with the owners of the companies involved without caring about the fallout to their workers.
Paul, you should do the honorable thing for once and concede you lost this election. You should apologize to each and every family affected by your commercials.
"In the poll, Lou’s image in the district is nothing short of excellent – a 59 to 13 ratio in positive to negative name ID, which really shows how much people admire and respect him since he stood up for his small, coal mining town of Hazleton (of which he has been their mayor for years) and passed the anti-immigration ordinance he believes is critical to help stop the bleeding in his crime-invested, cash and service-strapped city. In the poll, only 39% believe Kanjorski deserves reelection, while 45% say it’s time to give a new person a chance, and Lou holds a 5-point 47/42 lead over Kanjorski if the election were held today. Clearly this drives home the point that Lou is “in the hunt”.
If you look at this image from a Times Leader article on October 8, 2008 you will see how Barletta's chances have improved since that analysis.
"The poll, conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, shows Kanjorski’s negatives reaching all-time highs while his “re-elect” numbers reach new depths."
It is a fact that Paul Kanjorski has trailed Lou Barletta in every poll since the primary results, notwithstanding those bogus DCCC polls where they hid the data from the public.
Paul Kanjorski has chosen the extrememly negative route calling Lou Barletta a liar. The Kanjorski campaign is courting at least once lawsuit over the content of its commercial talking about toxic waste. The media has been contacted to take the commercial down due to its blatant false content. Another lawsuit is looming over the content of the latest aired commercial. Anyone who knows politics knows these are acts of desperation that precede defeat.
Paul Kanjorski and Company, in selfishness, are ruining the reputation of large employers in his district to win an election. He admits "stretching the facts" over Iraq and now has stooped to a new low. He is affecting families, friends, and business relationships by throwing moral dignity to the wind. How can he claim to be for working families and protection of their jobs when he is attacking over 1500 employees involved in these ads? How can he talk about family values when he is affecting each and every member of these families? Kanjorski only concerned himslef with the owners of the companies involved without caring about the fallout to their workers.
Paul, you should do the honorable thing for once and concede you lost this election. You should apologize to each and every family affected by your commercials.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Dueling Kanjos
This blog has been educating people about Paul Kanjorski's ever changing positions. He is worse than a weather vane in a hurricane. Here is something for your viewing pleasure.
Paul Kanjorski Disrepects Veterans
In this town hall meeting held in Ashley last year a veteran was pleading with Paul Kanjorski over his problems receiving benefits and helping veterans in general. What does Paul Kanjorski do? He takes a phone call from the White House. You will see his Chief of Staff, Karen Feathers interrupt the Congressman while NOT listening to a veteran. It is very clear to me that Paul Kanjorski supports President Bush and jumps to the phone any time he receives a call from George W.
If you check into history Paul Kanjorski makes another false claim to helping veterans. The VA hospital in Wilkes Barre was never on a list to be closed. Yet, Paul lies to veterans when he states he fought to keep it open.
If you check into history Paul Kanjorski makes another false claim to helping veterans. The VA hospital in Wilkes Barre was never on a list to be closed. Yet, Paul lies to veterans when he states he fought to keep it open.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Kanjorski's Lies About Privatization Of Social Security
In this briefing paper from the Economic Policy Institute the author talks about George Bush's proposal to redirect A SMALL PORTION of a worker's payroll tax for Social Security into private accounts. " Under the Bush proposal, workers would be able to divert part of their Social Security payroll tax, reportedly two percentage points, into private accounts." This proposal created a Voluntary Retirement Account. Under this arrangement the worker would have a choice of five diversified, low-cost mutual funds to contribute to.
After retirement, these workers would receive smaller Social Security benefits because it is expected that some of their retirement income would come from these funds. If you want to read a truthful Q & A on the subject click here.
That proposal meant that individual workers would VOLUNTARILY be allowed to divert their payroll taxes to individually owned accounts, similar to their IRAs or 401(k) programs. There would be a "lockbox" that would really work, a Trust Fund that could never be raided.
Paul Kanjorski would have the world believe that George Bush wanted to eliminate the Social Security Administration and privatize its operations. Folks, that isn't stretching the facts, that is lying to the American people. The constituents of Pennsylvania's 11th district deserve better.
What George Bush and Congress did do that Kanjorski won't own up to is force you and me to work extra years to pay for raiding the Social Security Trust Fund to the tune of $4 trillion dollars. That single act reduced the number of retirement years we will collect Social Security and spend in retirement. A higher normal retirement age means that 35-year-old workers in 2002 would have to work an additional six or seven years before they could receive full retirement benefits or retire early with substantially reduced annual benefits. Benefits at age 62 would be paid at 70% of full retirement. As you waited additional months to retire after 62 the benefit would increase based on a sliding scale.
Paul Kanjorski and Congress reduced our retirement benefits! He has the gall to talk about the privatization issue while he is picking our Social Security pockets each and every day. Raising the retirement age was part of the proposal to let people keep a small portion of their Social Security tax payments. Social Security would have been invested in financial assets not government promises to raise future taxes.
Paul Kanjorski is not telling you is the real Social Security story. The tax you and I pay into the Social Security system goes to pay benefits to people on Social Security today. It does not go into an account that pays us when WE retire.
His ad that states privatization would have hurt seniors due to the current market crash is an out and out lie. The proposal to privatize a small portion of the Social Security tax payment would affect young workers, not present retirees. If you were 35 in 2002 you cannot retire and receive a full benefit until you are 67. We would have to know how the market would be in 2034 to predict how it would affect those accounts that would only represent part of your benefit at retirement. Keep in mind that the proposal would not let a person put all of the Social Security tax into a private account.
Present retiree payments are the obligation of the federal government and must be paid even if it means raising taxes. However, this statement from the American Federation of Seniors is a fact. "If we don't redesign the system, Congress will have to cut benefits, raise taxes, or both." To me, that is why Paul Kanjorski must go. He is incapable of thinking; he is incapable of governing; he is incapable of telling the truth.
Paul Kanjorski, STOP SCARING SENIORS. You are psychologically affecting our parents and our grandparents. PRIVATIZATION IS A DEAD PROPOSAL! Let it die in peace.
After retirement, these workers would receive smaller Social Security benefits because it is expected that some of their retirement income would come from these funds. If you want to read a truthful Q & A on the subject click here.
That proposal meant that individual workers would VOLUNTARILY be allowed to divert their payroll taxes to individually owned accounts, similar to their IRAs or 401(k) programs. There would be a "lockbox" that would really work, a Trust Fund that could never be raided.
Paul Kanjorski would have the world believe that George Bush wanted to eliminate the Social Security Administration and privatize its operations. Folks, that isn't stretching the facts, that is lying to the American people. The constituents of Pennsylvania's 11th district deserve better.
What George Bush and Congress did do that Kanjorski won't own up to is force you and me to work extra years to pay for raiding the Social Security Trust Fund to the tune of $4 trillion dollars. That single act reduced the number of retirement years we will collect Social Security and spend in retirement. A higher normal retirement age means that 35-year-old workers in 2002 would have to work an additional six or seven years before they could receive full retirement benefits or retire early with substantially reduced annual benefits. Benefits at age 62 would be paid at 70% of full retirement. As you waited additional months to retire after 62 the benefit would increase based on a sliding scale.
Paul Kanjorski and Congress reduced our retirement benefits! He has the gall to talk about the privatization issue while he is picking our Social Security pockets each and every day. Raising the retirement age was part of the proposal to let people keep a small portion of their Social Security tax payments. Social Security would have been invested in financial assets not government promises to raise future taxes.
Paul Kanjorski is not telling you is the real Social Security story. The tax you and I pay into the Social Security system goes to pay benefits to people on Social Security today. It does not go into an account that pays us when WE retire.
His ad that states privatization would have hurt seniors due to the current market crash is an out and out lie. The proposal to privatize a small portion of the Social Security tax payment would affect young workers, not present retirees. If you were 35 in 2002 you cannot retire and receive a full benefit until you are 67. We would have to know how the market would be in 2034 to predict how it would affect those accounts that would only represent part of your benefit at retirement. Keep in mind that the proposal would not let a person put all of the Social Security tax into a private account.
Present retiree payments are the obligation of the federal government and must be paid even if it means raising taxes. However, this statement from the American Federation of Seniors is a fact. "If we don't redesign the system, Congress will have to cut benefits, raise taxes, or both." To me, that is why Paul Kanjorski must go. He is incapable of thinking; he is incapable of governing; he is incapable of telling the truth.
Paul Kanjorski, STOP SCARING SENIORS. You are psychologically affecting our parents and our grandparents. PRIVATIZATION IS A DEAD PROPOSAL! Let it die in peace.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Murtha Rats Out Kanjorski On Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
The folks over at The Weekly Standard wrote this story on John Murtha's Freddie/Fannie Distortions. "(I)t's worth looking at the rest of his recent interview to get a sense of how he views the credit crunch. Here's how Murtha describes how we got into this financial mess:
Six months ago they said to me... Paul Kanjorski - who's on the Banking Committee said 'Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac aren't going to make it. A hundred banks are going to go bankrupt.' I said 'well what the hell are we doing about it? What do you mean?' I could hardly believe that. Finally the president kept saying things are all right. Well the president has no credibility. When he says something nobody believes that.
And so finally Bernanke and Paulson came over. Scared the hell out of us. I mean, scared us... made us... convinced us that we had to do something. And of course they sent a 3 pages thing over -- an open door."
JSchmidt of Brookfield, CT asks these questions of Kanjorski. "Murtha paints a picture that does not reflect reality. He is either foolish or dishonest--or both.And what of Kanjorski? Murtha says that Kanjorski knew 6 months ago that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were going under. That was well before the severity of the problem became fully apparent.Where were Kanjorski's warnings, and call for an immediate response?- None"
This information is consistent with Jim Lehrer's interview with Paul Kanjorski:
REP. PAUL KANJORSKI (D), Pennsylvania: Well, of course, I'm on the committee of jurisdiction, so I've been watching...
JIM LEHRER: The Financial Services Committee.
REP. PAUL KANJORSKI: That's right. I've been watching this disaster, if you will, unfold for probably two years now, and particularly since last August -- not this immediate past August, but the August before that, when the subprime mortgage problem was created.
In the meantime nobody told Barney Frank. On July 14,2008 he is quoted as saying "I think this is a case where Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are fundamentally sound."
Paul Kanjorski, may I ask a few questions? What do I do now? When will stocks come back? When will I see my 401(k) rise? Can I still retire? What's next for home prices? Is my job safe? Can I count on my money fund? Will my taxes shoot up? You found a solution for your corporate friends now how about homeowners.
Six months ago they said to me... Paul Kanjorski - who's on the Banking Committee said 'Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac aren't going to make it. A hundred banks are going to go bankrupt.' I said 'well what the hell are we doing about it? What do you mean?' I could hardly believe that. Finally the president kept saying things are all right. Well the president has no credibility. When he says something nobody believes that.
And so finally Bernanke and Paulson came over. Scared the hell out of us. I mean, scared us... made us... convinced us that we had to do something. And of course they sent a 3 pages thing over -- an open door."
JSchmidt of Brookfield, CT asks these questions of Kanjorski. "Murtha paints a picture that does not reflect reality. He is either foolish or dishonest--or both.And what of Kanjorski? Murtha says that Kanjorski knew 6 months ago that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were going under. That was well before the severity of the problem became fully apparent.Where were Kanjorski's warnings, and call for an immediate response?- None"
This information is consistent with Jim Lehrer's interview with Paul Kanjorski:
REP. PAUL KANJORSKI (D), Pennsylvania: Well, of course, I'm on the committee of jurisdiction, so I've been watching...
JIM LEHRER: The Financial Services Committee.
REP. PAUL KANJORSKI: That's right. I've been watching this disaster, if you will, unfold for probably two years now, and particularly since last August -- not this immediate past August, but the August before that, when the subprime mortgage problem was created.
In the meantime nobody told Barney Frank. On July 14,2008 he is quoted as saying "I think this is a case where Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are fundamentally sound."
Paul Kanjorski, may I ask a few questions? What do I do now? When will stocks come back? When will I see my 401(k) rise? Can I still retire? What's next for home prices? Is my job safe? Can I count on my money fund? Will my taxes shoot up? You found a solution for your corporate friends now how about homeowners.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Kanjorski Snubbed NAACP and East Stroudsburg Over Flyer
In the ultimate display of pathiological narcissm Paul Kanjorski ingored a meeting with the students of East Stroudsburg Univeristy as well as memebers of the Monroe County NAACP chapter. According to a press release from the Barletta camp "Months ago, the Monroe County Chapter of the NAACP invited both candidates to debate. Mayor Barletta accepted. Mr. Kanjorski strung the organizers along for weeks until finally declining. Then at the last minute, Paul Kanjorski said he will come to the event, but he will not debate Lou Barletta – even though they will both be at the same location at the same time. Instead, Mr. Kanjorski would only appear if there was no debate and he did not have to take the stage with Lou Barletta."
According to sources close to the Pocono Record Kanjorski felt slighted because his picture wasn't in a flyer promoting the event. Of course that information takes us back to the preceding paragraph. He was on, then he was off, then he was on.
From the Pocono Record- (NAACP Chapter President) [Byrd says there is a simple explanation for why the original event promotional material included Barletta’s picture but not Kanjorski’s. Byrd said at the time the original flyer was produced, Kanjorski said he wouldn’t be there.
“There were two flyers,” Byrd said. “After the first flyer, they said, ‘Oh yes, we’re coming.’ Then we changed it.”
Kanjorski changed his mind again Wednesday, cancelling his appearance at ESU in favor of attending two events for Obama workers. The Obama events, also attended by Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., wasn’t made known to Kanjorski until Wednesday morning, Benson said.]
It was reported in the Pocono Record a day earlier that [Kanjorski campaign spokesman Joe Werner called Kanjorski's appearance Wednesday a "soft yes" subject to changing Congressional schedules.] I don't know about you but I Googled "soft yes" and the only thing I could find was a review of Rossignol Soft 1 ski boots. The rating was appropriate though- Soft Yes, lacks performance.
The forum was free to the public. That might really be why Kanjorski didn't show up. He only talks to people who pay him to listen like the National Association of Realtors PAC, the Credit Unions Legislative Action Committee, oh what the heck if you want to read them all click here. Of course a complete disclosure would be remiss if I did not include the Citizen For Action Committee PAC contributions. Gentlemen start your engines Mr. Mattioli is in the house. Did anyone bother to tell him Kanjo will be leaving the House?
Remember Paul Kanjorski does not apologize to anyone.
According to sources close to the Pocono Record Kanjorski felt slighted because his picture wasn't in a flyer promoting the event. Of course that information takes us back to the preceding paragraph. He was on, then he was off, then he was on.
From the Pocono Record- (NAACP Chapter President) [Byrd says there is a simple explanation for why the original event promotional material included Barletta’s picture but not Kanjorski’s. Byrd said at the time the original flyer was produced, Kanjorski said he wouldn’t be there.
“There were two flyers,” Byrd said. “After the first flyer, they said, ‘Oh yes, we’re coming.’ Then we changed it.”
Kanjorski changed his mind again Wednesday, cancelling his appearance at ESU in favor of attending two events for Obama workers. The Obama events, also attended by Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., wasn’t made known to Kanjorski until Wednesday morning, Benson said.]
It was reported in the Pocono Record a day earlier that [Kanjorski campaign spokesman Joe Werner called Kanjorski's appearance Wednesday a "soft yes" subject to changing Congressional schedules.] I don't know about you but I Googled "soft yes" and the only thing I could find was a review of Rossignol Soft 1 ski boots. The rating was appropriate though- Soft Yes, lacks performance.
The forum was free to the public. That might really be why Kanjorski didn't show up. He only talks to people who pay him to listen like the National Association of Realtors PAC, the Credit Unions Legislative Action Committee, oh what the heck if you want to read them all click here. Of course a complete disclosure would be remiss if I did not include the Citizen For Action Committee PAC contributions. Gentlemen start your engines Mr. Mattioli is in the house. Did anyone bother to tell him Kanjo will be leaving the House?
Remember Paul Kanjorski does not apologize to anyone.
Paul Kanjorski Is Afraid To Face Lou Barletta
In today's edition of the Pocono Record it is reporting that Paul Kanjorski skipped out on a scheduled forum sponsored by the Monroe County NAACP and the ESU chapter of the American Democracy Project. My peer over at Political Rants posted a press release yesterday from Lou Barletta's campaign. The release asked the question "Why is Paul Kanjorski afraid of Lou Barletta?" An event organizer said that Kanjorski cancelled his appearance as a protest to that letter, not Zen's post but the letter itself.
"The congressman is going to be attending an event (Wednesday night) with Sen. (Bob) Casey," Kanjorski campaign manager Joe Werner said when questioned by a reporter. "It was a last-minute conflict. Evidently the people of Monroe County, and in particular the students at East Stroudsburg University, don't mean enough to Paul Kanjorski. Senator Bob Casey was more important. Life is about choices and Paul Kanjorski made his, albeit a bad one.
"It's not a matter of avoidance," Werner said when pressed for an explanation. Read the letter at Zen's Political Rants and judge for yourselves.
Werner didn't explain to the audience the reason for Kanjorski's absence. Event moderator Ron Byrd, who is NAACP chapter vice president, noted the lack of an explanation and cut off Werner's presentation.
"The congressman should have been here to make his own speech so your time is up," Byrd told him. "You said you wanted to make a statement and what you've done is make a campaign speech."
First Paul Kanjorski made sure he bailed out his financial friends then he made sure he bailed on the people of Monroe County.
A poster on the Pocono Record's comments on the story had this to say about the event. "I had the pleasure of attending this "debate" last night at ESU. Nice turnout and pretty informative to me. Though I am a Democrat, I came away very impressed with Lou Barletta. I thank the NAACP and ESU Democracy Project for organizing this meeting. I for one left out knowing that for the first time in my life, I will cross party lines and vote for a Republican. I have compared the candidates and in my heart I know LOU BARLETTA is the best candidate for us at this time. And though I am a big Obama supporter, I will make sure all 3000 people on my email list know what happened last night and what a wonderful candidate Lou Barletta is. I was super impressed!!!"
"The congressman is going to be attending an event (Wednesday night) with Sen. (Bob) Casey," Kanjorski campaign manager Joe Werner said when questioned by a reporter. "It was a last-minute conflict. Evidently the people of Monroe County, and in particular the students at East Stroudsburg University, don't mean enough to Paul Kanjorski. Senator Bob Casey was more important. Life is about choices and Paul Kanjorski made his, albeit a bad one.
"It's not a matter of avoidance," Werner said when pressed for an explanation. Read the letter at Zen's Political Rants and judge for yourselves.
Werner didn't explain to the audience the reason for Kanjorski's absence. Event moderator Ron Byrd, who is NAACP chapter vice president, noted the lack of an explanation and cut off Werner's presentation.
"The congressman should have been here to make his own speech so your time is up," Byrd told him. "You said you wanted to make a statement and what you've done is make a campaign speech."
First Paul Kanjorski made sure he bailed out his financial friends then he made sure he bailed on the people of Monroe County.
A poster on the Pocono Record's comments on the story had this to say about the event. "I had the pleasure of attending this "debate" last night at ESU. Nice turnout and pretty informative to me. Though I am a Democrat, I came away very impressed with Lou Barletta. I thank the NAACP and ESU Democracy Project for organizing this meeting. I for one left out knowing that for the first time in my life, I will cross party lines and vote for a Republican. I have compared the candidates and in my heart I know LOU BARLETTA is the best candidate for us at this time. And though I am a big Obama supporter, I will make sure all 3000 people on my email list know what happened last night and what a wonderful candidate Lou Barletta is. I was super impressed!!!"
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Kanjorski Stuck At 35% Re-elect
In a new Franklin and Marshall poll Paul Kanjorski is stuck in the mud at 35% re-elect. The poll shows Barletta leads 40-35 even though the new poll has a larger Democrat sample size than normal.
Kanjorski negatives are still fatally low for a 24 year incumbent and 4 months and $4million dollars of ads have not done much to change the dynamic of this race.
Vince Galko, Campaign Manager for Lou Barletta has this to say:
“This is very encouraging news for the people of Northeast PA. Mr. Kanjorski is being rejected by two thirds of the voters in the 11th Congressional District. Lou Barletta will continue to work hard to earn every vote.
Despite what Kanjorski says, he has been at or under 35% for nearly four months. He and his friends have spent $4million attacking Lou Barletta since June. The voters identify with Lou Barletta and they are embarrassed by Mr. Kanjorski’s record. If the Kanjorski campaign spins any harder they may strike oil. Nevertheless, this will be a close race and we are not letting up one bit.”
Ed Micthell and Paul Kanjorski have been trying to convince America that Lou Barletta's polls are not accurate. On October 10, 2008 Mitchell and Kanjorski had their goons at the DCCC released a poll claiming Kanjo was up by 8 percentage points.
Life is a Highway will have meaning in this campaign. Lets move on the media highway from the Times Leader over to the Scranton Times Tribune where Borys Krawczeniuk (pronounced CROUCH-enyook, that's why we just call him "Borys")writes "The Borys Blog." Read this post dated June 16, 2008. The post wasn't flattering to Lou Barletta but one would expect that from the left wing Tribune. However, there was one statement in the post that is germane to this article- "As a matter of policy, Mr. Mitchell never releases any details of Mr. Kanjorski's polls." Right on Ed. But the DCCC will do your dirty work for you.
The public has had enough of Porky Kanjorski and Ed Mitchell. Their antics have planted the seeds of implosion. And the crops are coming home.
The exorbitant amount of money being spent on Kanjorski's behalf by the DCCC and PACS demonstrates that to Mitchell and Kanjorski it's all about money buying the office; nothing about who may be the better person to represent us.
Kanjorski negatives are still fatally low for a 24 year incumbent and 4 months and $4million dollars of ads have not done much to change the dynamic of this race.
Vince Galko, Campaign Manager for Lou Barletta has this to say:
“This is very encouraging news for the people of Northeast PA. Mr. Kanjorski is being rejected by two thirds of the voters in the 11th Congressional District. Lou Barletta will continue to work hard to earn every vote.
Despite what Kanjorski says, he has been at or under 35% for nearly four months. He and his friends have spent $4million attacking Lou Barletta since June. The voters identify with Lou Barletta and they are embarrassed by Mr. Kanjorski’s record. If the Kanjorski campaign spins any harder they may strike oil. Nevertheless, this will be a close race and we are not letting up one bit.”
Ed Micthell and Paul Kanjorski have been trying to convince America that Lou Barletta's polls are not accurate. On October 10, 2008 Mitchell and Kanjorski had their goons at the DCCC released a poll claiming Kanjo was up by 8 percentage points.
Life is a Highway will have meaning in this campaign. Lets move on the media highway from the Times Leader over to the Scranton Times Tribune where Borys Krawczeniuk (pronounced CROUCH-enyook, that's why we just call him "Borys")writes "The Borys Blog." Read this post dated June 16, 2008. The post wasn't flattering to Lou Barletta but one would expect that from the left wing Tribune. However, there was one statement in the post that is germane to this article- "As a matter of policy, Mr. Mitchell never releases any details of Mr. Kanjorski's polls." Right on Ed. But the DCCC will do your dirty work for you.
The public has had enough of Porky Kanjorski and Ed Mitchell. Their antics have planted the seeds of implosion. And the crops are coming home.
The exorbitant amount of money being spent on Kanjorski's behalf by the DCCC and PACS demonstrates that to Mitchell and Kanjorski it's all about money buying the office; nothing about who may be the better person to represent us.
Paul Kanorski Acknowledges Doing Favors For Credit Unions' PAC Money
Life is a Highway published by the Pennsylvania Credit Unions Association issued this notice to its Members in November 2007.
"Association Offers Debt Purchasing Services
No matter how effective your collections department, all credit unions have charged-off loans that may be impossible to recover. By converting these accounts into cash, your credit union receives an immediate source of revenue. Selling charged-off accounts also frees up your collections staff, allowing them to focus on those loans with a greater likelihood of recovery.
Debt purchasers are typically interested in very large portfolios. Recently the Association teamed with Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc., Scranton, to provide debt purchasing services to all Pennsylvania credit unions. While Commonwealth Financial Systems does purchase individual portfolios, all member credit unions will have the opportunity to sell charged-off loan portfolios during offering periods throughout the year.
To help credit unions better understand Debt Purchasing Services from Commonwealth Financial Systems, the Association is hosting a free, no-obligation webinar featuring Peter Kanjorski, Portfolio Acquisition Manager, Commonwealth Financial Systems. This webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27, and repeated at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29. To register for this webinar, please provide your name, credit union, and preferred e-mail address to Liz Longenecker at Liz.Longenecker@pcua.coop no later than November 26. For additional information on Debt Purchasing Services, contact your Association Account Executive or e-mail productinfo@pcua.coop."
The Credit Union National Association published this article about the 2006 election cycle. It highlights the political activities of John Kebles, the President and CEO of Choice One Community FCU. "John got his start with credit unions in 1977 as a part-time volunteer treasurer of a newly organized credit union. This opened the door, and his eyes, to the wonderful world of credit unions. He is very active in the credit union world, serving as: Board Chairman (2001-2003) of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association; currently serves as Chairman of their GAC/PAC committee."
It goes on to state "However, in 1998 John realized the importance of becoming involved at the national level with the introduction of HR 1151. It was during this time he got to know Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D- PA-11). Ever since the fight for HR 1151, John has been on the front lines of Rep. Kanjorski’s re- election campaigns. John has hosted fundraisers, done door-to-door campaigning and manned phone banks, in addition to donating personal funds, all to help get Kanjorski re-elected. As John likes to say, “You have to walk the walk and talk the talk.” All this campaigning for Rep. Kanjorski has paid off – they have developed a close personal, as well as professional, relationship (and the Congressman even pays when they go out to lunch)! Kanjorski refers to John as his advisor; he will call John to discuss all kinds of issues, not just credit union ones. He considers John a direct contact to the credit union movement and with good reason. John’s credit union, Choice One, has a corner in their office with photos of Kanjorski’s involvement with credit unions. They keep it updated, which is easy to do since the Congressman stops by the credit union at least twice a year and spends time interacting with the members in the lobby. He also recently attended the grand opening of a new branch. John was so pleased when Kanjorski, during his speech at one of the GAC’s, used their friendship as an example of how to become politically involved. He pointed out political activism is not just about favors, but about long-term, lasting relationships."
This article illustrates the favors Paul Kanjorski does for credit unions, not his constituents. "New movement in the House of Representatives on the Credit Union Regulatory Act (CURIA) — driven by recent hearings and a growing cosponsorship list —has now been matched on the Senate side. Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)— have introduced a similar version, ensuring that credit union concerns will be part of the debate on regulatory relief for financial institutions in both chambers of Congress.
In addition, a new House bill — the Credit Union Regulatory Relief Act, or CURRA — has been introduced. The measure contains the same provisions as CURIA minus the major ones opposed by banks — specifically, raising the cap on member business loans, creating a risk-based capital system for CUs, and toughening voting requirements for CUs converting tomutual savings banks. By stripping those provisions, the bill may have a better chance of passage, according to Representative Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and the bill’s sponsor."
CULAC The PAC of Credit Union National Association donates heavily to Paul Kanjorski. He also has received money from the Pennsylvania Credit Union Legislative Action Committee
Keep in mind this hypocrite is the same Paul Kanjorski who was quoted as saying "Mr. Kanjorski said the contributions are from groups trying to curry favor with him. But they don’t influence the way he does his job, he said."
"Association Offers Debt Purchasing Services
No matter how effective your collections department, all credit unions have charged-off loans that may be impossible to recover. By converting these accounts into cash, your credit union receives an immediate source of revenue. Selling charged-off accounts also frees up your collections staff, allowing them to focus on those loans with a greater likelihood of recovery.
Debt purchasers are typically interested in very large portfolios. Recently the Association teamed with Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc., Scranton, to provide debt purchasing services to all Pennsylvania credit unions. While Commonwealth Financial Systems does purchase individual portfolios, all member credit unions will have the opportunity to sell charged-off loan portfolios during offering periods throughout the year.
To help credit unions better understand Debt Purchasing Services from Commonwealth Financial Systems, the Association is hosting a free, no-obligation webinar featuring Peter Kanjorski, Portfolio Acquisition Manager, Commonwealth Financial Systems. This webinar will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27, and repeated at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 29. To register for this webinar, please provide your name, credit union, and preferred e-mail address to Liz Longenecker at Liz.Longenecker@pcua.coop no later than November 26. For additional information on Debt Purchasing Services, contact your Association Account Executive or e-mail productinfo@pcua.coop."
The Credit Union National Association published this article about the 2006 election cycle. It highlights the political activities of John Kebles, the President and CEO of Choice One Community FCU. "John got his start with credit unions in 1977 as a part-time volunteer treasurer of a newly organized credit union. This opened the door, and his eyes, to the wonderful world of credit unions. He is very active in the credit union world, serving as: Board Chairman (2001-2003) of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association; currently serves as Chairman of their GAC/PAC committee."
It goes on to state "However, in 1998 John realized the importance of becoming involved at the national level with the introduction of HR 1151. It was during this time he got to know Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D- PA-11). Ever since the fight for HR 1151, John has been on the front lines of Rep. Kanjorski’s re- election campaigns. John has hosted fundraisers, done door-to-door campaigning and manned phone banks, in addition to donating personal funds, all to help get Kanjorski re-elected. As John likes to say, “You have to walk the walk and talk the talk.” All this campaigning for Rep. Kanjorski has paid off – they have developed a close personal, as well as professional, relationship (and the Congressman even pays when they go out to lunch)! Kanjorski refers to John as his advisor; he will call John to discuss all kinds of issues, not just credit union ones. He considers John a direct contact to the credit union movement and with good reason. John’s credit union, Choice One, has a corner in their office with photos of Kanjorski’s involvement with credit unions. They keep it updated, which is easy to do since the Congressman stops by the credit union at least twice a year and spends time interacting with the members in the lobby. He also recently attended the grand opening of a new branch. John was so pleased when Kanjorski, during his speech at one of the GAC’s, used their friendship as an example of how to become politically involved. He pointed out political activism is not just about favors, but about long-term, lasting relationships."
This article illustrates the favors Paul Kanjorski does for credit unions, not his constituents. "New movement in the House of Representatives on the Credit Union Regulatory Act (CURIA) — driven by recent hearings and a growing cosponsorship list —has now been matched on the Senate side. Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)— have introduced a similar version, ensuring that credit union concerns will be part of the debate on regulatory relief for financial institutions in both chambers of Congress.
In addition, a new House bill — the Credit Union Regulatory Relief Act, or CURRA — has been introduced. The measure contains the same provisions as CURIA minus the major ones opposed by banks — specifically, raising the cap on member business loans, creating a risk-based capital system for CUs, and toughening voting requirements for CUs converting tomutual savings banks. By stripping those provisions, the bill may have a better chance of passage, according to Representative Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and the bill’s sponsor."
CULAC The PAC of Credit Union National Association donates heavily to Paul Kanjorski. He also has received money from the Pennsylvania Credit Union Legislative Action Committee
Keep in mind this hypocrite is the same Paul Kanjorski who was quoted as saying "Mr. Kanjorski said the contributions are from groups trying to curry favor with him. But they don’t influence the way he does his job, he said."
Paul Kanjorski, Commonwealth Financial Systems, Peter Kanjorski And Money
I feel like starting this entry off like a Tale From Gilligans Island. Although its a story of which came first the chicken or the egg.
There's a company out in Hyperspace called Commonwealth Financial Systems. It has a division called the Northeast Credit and Collections agency. It was originally purchased by John Kotula in 2001 as part of Commonwealth Financial Systems, also founded in 2001.
According to its website "NCC is the area’s premier collection agency having served clients in Northeastern Pennsylvania for over 25 years. NCC services a diversified account base consisting of Debt Purchasers, Financial, Retail, Commercial, Government and Medical Clients."
Peter KanjorskI lists himself as Portfolio Acquisition Manager. Accordng to this article that appeared in the Northeast Business Journal June 1, 2005 "The big growth area for companies like NCC is debt buying, as opposed to merely acting as a third-party collection agency paid on a contingency basis. Debt buying allows companies to purchase debt - sometimes for pennies on the dollar. Any money recouped, therefore, belongs to the collector."
Basically this organization makes big money off people who run into financial trouble by buying their debt from credit card companies, banks, etc. for pennies on the dollar then chase you down to pay it back and keep it.
According to City Data principals from Commonwealth Financial Systems have themsleves listed as donors to the ACPAC, a political action committee.
Mr. Edwin Abrahamsen (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $1000 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Patricia Cobb (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Richard P Conaboy, Jr. (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
William Conaboy (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Mr. Dennis Corvo (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Lawerence Moran (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Joseph Nasser (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Vincent Scarpetta, Jr. (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Richard P Conaboy, (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 07/31/07
John Kotula (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $2500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 08/01/07
According to ACPAC filings they contributed $2,500.00 to Paul Kanjorski on 2/29/2008. An article in Collector of March 2007 lists these words from ACPAC-ACA "ACPAC provides the support needed to carry out a successful government affairs strategy." "ACPAC is nonpartisan and supports federal candidates and officials with varying backgrounds and beliefs. However, each candidate must show a commitment to ACAs legislative agenda through a voting record on relevant legislation or prior related experience." I guess these statements mean "as long as you scratch my back I will scratch yours."
In that same Northeast Business Journal article execs from NCC are quoted as saying the Fair Debt Collection Protections Act(FDCPA) changed the way they performed their collections. According to bankruptcylawnetwork.com "Debt collection complaints to the Federal Trade Commission have increased six-fold over the past eight years, from about 15,000 in 1999 to about 90,000 in 2006."
The folks at Metroplex Credit Solutions in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Oct 19, 2007 posted this assessment of the FDCPA. "Destructive high cost credit products that would have been criminal in 1977 are now legal and even widespread. Deceptive and abusive practices by creditors are often designed deliberately to lead consumers into default." It goes on to state "In a dramatic example, the FTC”…charged that as much as 80 percent of the money that a company called CAMCO collects comes from consumers who never owed the original debt in the first place.”
I bring this problem up due to this post. An even more damning indictment of Commonwealth Financial Systems can be found at LawCash.com where it states Commonwealth Financial has a class action suit against it for violations of the FDCPA- .Consumer Sues Commonwealth Financial for Violations of FDCPA. More cases can be found here and here. The Complaints Board makes this assertion- NCC,A Division Of Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. suspected of fraudulent practices.
Paul Kanjorski has a clever way of supporting laws that hurt the consumer but leads his constituents to believe his actions are pro consumer. Look at this assessment of the Ney-Kanjorski bill from the Center For Responsible Lending as proof. The title of the article says it all "Letting Predatory Lending Back Out of Its Cage: Officials Warn About Federal Bill- Officials Caution That Ney-Kanjorski Bill Would Roll Back State Protections."
There's a company out in Hyperspace called Commonwealth Financial Systems. It has a division called the Northeast Credit and Collections agency. It was originally purchased by John Kotula in 2001 as part of Commonwealth Financial Systems, also founded in 2001.
According to its website "NCC is the area’s premier collection agency having served clients in Northeastern Pennsylvania for over 25 years. NCC services a diversified account base consisting of Debt Purchasers, Financial, Retail, Commercial, Government and Medical Clients."
Peter KanjorskI lists himself as Portfolio Acquisition Manager. Accordng to this article that appeared in the Northeast Business Journal June 1, 2005 "The big growth area for companies like NCC is debt buying, as opposed to merely acting as a third-party collection agency paid on a contingency basis. Debt buying allows companies to purchase debt - sometimes for pennies on the dollar. Any money recouped, therefore, belongs to the collector."
Basically this organization makes big money off people who run into financial trouble by buying their debt from credit card companies, banks, etc. for pennies on the dollar then chase you down to pay it back and keep it.
According to City Data principals from Commonwealth Financial Systems have themsleves listed as donors to the ACPAC, a political action committee.
Mr. Edwin Abrahamsen (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $1000 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Patricia Cobb (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Richard P Conaboy, Jr. (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
William Conaboy (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Mr. Dennis Corvo (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Lawerence Moran (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Joseph Nasser (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Vincent Scarpetta, Jr. (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 06/11/07
Richard P Conaboy, (Zip code: 18504) $500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 07/31/07
John Kotula (Commonwealth Financial Systems Inc.), (Zip code: 18504) $2500 to ACPAC ACA INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE on 08/01/07
According to ACPAC filings they contributed $2,500.00 to Paul Kanjorski on 2/29/2008. An article in Collector of March 2007 lists these words from ACPAC-ACA "ACPAC provides the support needed to carry out a successful government affairs strategy." "ACPAC is nonpartisan and supports federal candidates and officials with varying backgrounds and beliefs. However, each candidate must show a commitment to ACAs legislative agenda through a voting record on relevant legislation or prior related experience." I guess these statements mean "as long as you scratch my back I will scratch yours."
In that same Northeast Business Journal article execs from NCC are quoted as saying the Fair Debt Collection Protections Act(FDCPA) changed the way they performed their collections. According to bankruptcylawnetwork.com "Debt collection complaints to the Federal Trade Commission have increased six-fold over the past eight years, from about 15,000 in 1999 to about 90,000 in 2006."
The folks at Metroplex Credit Solutions in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Oct 19, 2007 posted this assessment of the FDCPA. "Destructive high cost credit products that would have been criminal in 1977 are now legal and even widespread. Deceptive and abusive practices by creditors are often designed deliberately to lead consumers into default." It goes on to state "In a dramatic example, the FTC”…charged that as much as 80 percent of the money that a company called CAMCO collects comes from consumers who never owed the original debt in the first place.”
I bring this problem up due to this post. An even more damning indictment of Commonwealth Financial Systems can be found at LawCash.com where it states Commonwealth Financial has a class action suit against it for violations of the FDCPA- .Consumer Sues Commonwealth Financial for Violations of FDCPA. More cases can be found here and here. The Complaints Board makes this assertion- NCC,A Division Of Commonwealth Financial Systems, Inc. suspected of fraudulent practices.
Paul Kanjorski has a clever way of supporting laws that hurt the consumer but leads his constituents to believe his actions are pro consumer. Look at this assessment of the Ney-Kanjorski bill from the Center For Responsible Lending as proof. The title of the article says it all "Letting Predatory Lending Back Out of Its Cage: Officials Warn About Federal Bill- Officials Caution That Ney-Kanjorski Bill Would Roll Back State Protections."
Monday, October 13, 2008
Barletta Raised Over $1 Million in Contributions
Over a week ago there was speculation that Lou Barletta was in financial trouble according to a story in the Citizen's Voice.
In his typical Russian style propaganda Ed Mitchell was quoted in the article- "The spokesman for Barletta’s opponent, Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, said the Barletta campaign’s denial of money troubles doesn’t ring true.
“Usually, when a campaign starts buying day to day, they’re having money troubles. You can spin it any way you want,” Kanjorski spokesman Ed Mitchell said."
According to an article that appeared today in PolictickerPA "The Congressional campaign of Republican Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta says it has now raised over $1 million."
While it may be true that Kanjorski will raise more money most of it will come from lobbyists and PACS that he owes favors or has performed favors. Google the Community Choice in Real Estate Act. You will get your answer why the National Association of Realtors have paid over $900,000.00 for Kanjorski mailings and television ads. In addition the association paid for a trip to Miami.
But there is real story in this situation that is not being covered. The Community Choice in Real Estate Act has been proposed every session since 2001 and NEVER PASSED! Paul Kanjorski and Ed Mitchell have been touting the influence and power that comes with being in Washington for 24 years. Evidently its not enough to get once simple act passed. Kanjorski should hang his head in shame for not delivering victory to the NAR. Of course one would think that the NAR would have a Plan B by now rather than keeping a dead horse in the barn.
In his typical Russian style propaganda Ed Mitchell was quoted in the article- "The spokesman for Barletta’s opponent, Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, said the Barletta campaign’s denial of money troubles doesn’t ring true.
“Usually, when a campaign starts buying day to day, they’re having money troubles. You can spin it any way you want,” Kanjorski spokesman Ed Mitchell said."
According to an article that appeared today in PolictickerPA "The Congressional campaign of Republican Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta says it has now raised over $1 million."
While it may be true that Kanjorski will raise more money most of it will come from lobbyists and PACS that he owes favors or has performed favors. Google the Community Choice in Real Estate Act. You will get your answer why the National Association of Realtors have paid over $900,000.00 for Kanjorski mailings and television ads. In addition the association paid for a trip to Miami.
But there is real story in this situation that is not being covered. The Community Choice in Real Estate Act has been proposed every session since 2001 and NEVER PASSED! Paul Kanjorski and Ed Mitchell have been touting the influence and power that comes with being in Washington for 24 years. Evidently its not enough to get once simple act passed. Kanjorski should hang his head in shame for not delivering victory to the NAR. Of course one would think that the NAR would have a Plan B by now rather than keeping a dead horse in the barn.
National Public Radio Reports Kanjorski In Trouble
In its All Things Considered Show for October 13, 2008 National Public Radio is reporting Paul Kanjorski is in trouble in the 11th Congressional District in Pennsylvania. As soon as the radio broadcast becomes available on their website I will link to it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Kanjorski Chose Partisanship Over Constituents
Representative Peter DeFazio(D-Oregon) has some tough words for Paul Kanjorski, Nancy Pelosi, and other fellow Democrats over the Failout program. One of the untold stories in this crisis is the value of assets. Non-performing loans due to an accounting rule are valued at ZERO in the banking industry. In all reality these loans have fair market value but that has been stripped according to this rule. In the video you will hear Rep. DeFazio talk about this problem. Rather than give Secretary Paulson carte blanche to buy whatever assets he deems necessary in this Failout program the low cost/no cost approach would have bypassed that rule to allow the banks to fairly value these loans which would provide them with the liquidity they need to secure more money to lend. But then again what would a person from Northeast PA know about money and banking. Put it this way. I still have my home and my money which is more than I can say for all of the failed financial institutions like Bear Sterns, AIG, Wachovia, etc.
If Congress had listened to Rep. DeFazio we would be in $700 billion. Paul Kanjorski's vote was one of partisanship, not one that considered what type of tax money it takes to pay back $700 billion. Each and every man, woman, and child in this country owes $2,333.00 on th principal not counting the interest that will be paid over the years. Paul Kanjorski signed all of us up for a loan without doing a credit check. Isn't that typical of a man who says its FREE MONEY?
BTW Paul, did NEPIRC inspect Cornerstone Technologies? Exactly what equipment do you think they found there on inspection? Don't worry I am saving that matter for another post. In the meantime think about it. It may come back to you. It came back to them.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Kanjorski Has Lost His Edge
Pennsylvania’s 11th District
New Rating: No Clear Favorite
Old Rating: Leans Democratic
Moving this Democratic-held district to No Clear Favorite from Leans Democratic is an exception to the general trend that House races are moving in the Democrats’ direction. Independent surveys show a competitive race between Kanjorski and Republican Lou Barletta, the mayor of the northeastern Pennsylvania city of Hazleton.
This is a rematch of a 2002 race that Kanjorski won by 14 percentage points, in a district that includes Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. But Barletta is more prominent now, largely because his vigorous activism against illegal immigration has given him fairly high name recognition for a non-incumbent and appears to be peeling away some of the Democratic support long enjoyed by Kanjorski, who was first elected in 1984.
One independent survey released Sept. 17 showed Barletta leading Kanjorski, 44 percent to 35 percent, and McCain running even with Obama in a district that is ancestrally Democratic but culturally conservative. Later that day, the DCCC responded with a Democratic poll that said Kanjorski was ahead, 48 percent to 39 percent. The DCCC said that the poll showed that Kanjorski had a “strong lead,” though it didn’t release the results of any poll questions beyond two that cast Kanjorski in a better light than Barletta.
Kanjorski has a huge campaign treasury, but the DCCC’s continued heavy spending in Pennsylvania’s 11th — it reported putting more than half a million dollars into independent expenditures through Oct. 6 — is a clear indication that Democratic officials really think Kanjorski is in trouble.
New Rating: No Clear Favorite
Old Rating: Leans Democratic
Moving this Democratic-held district to No Clear Favorite from Leans Democratic is an exception to the general trend that House races are moving in the Democrats’ direction. Independent surveys show a competitive race between Kanjorski and Republican Lou Barletta, the mayor of the northeastern Pennsylvania city of Hazleton.
This is a rematch of a 2002 race that Kanjorski won by 14 percentage points, in a district that includes Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. But Barletta is more prominent now, largely because his vigorous activism against illegal immigration has given him fairly high name recognition for a non-incumbent and appears to be peeling away some of the Democratic support long enjoyed by Kanjorski, who was first elected in 1984.
One independent survey released Sept. 17 showed Barletta leading Kanjorski, 44 percent to 35 percent, and McCain running even with Obama in a district that is ancestrally Democratic but culturally conservative. Later that day, the DCCC responded with a Democratic poll that said Kanjorski was ahead, 48 percent to 39 percent. The DCCC said that the poll showed that Kanjorski had a “strong lead,” though it didn’t release the results of any poll questions beyond two that cast Kanjorski in a better light than Barletta.
Kanjorski has a huge campaign treasury, but the DCCC’s continued heavy spending in Pennsylvania’s 11th — it reported putting more than half a million dollars into independent expenditures through Oct. 6 — is a clear indication that Democratic officials really think Kanjorski is in trouble.
Sarah Palin Exhonerated on Troopergate
Read the report and Finding Number Two- "Governor Palin's firing of Commissioner Monegan was a proper and lawful exercise of her constitutional and statutory authority to hire and fire executive branch department heads." The rest of the report is nice fodder for maintaining the liquidity of the malt beverage industry.
Kanjorski Failed To Act on the Impending Mortgage Crisis
In a press release found on Paul Kanjorski's Congressional website he admits that there were mortgage problems in the Poconos since 2001. "Since the initial disclosure in 2001 of a disturbing pattern of home foreclosures and mortgage problems in Monroe County, allegations of abusive business practices have continued to grow."
The date of this press release is August 3, 2004. "We must not only take steps at the state level to address the foreclosure problems in the Poconos, but we must also work at the federal level to prevent similar situations elsewhere in the future."
"Congressman Kanjorski is now working with his colleagues to develop bipartisan legislation to improve consumer mortgage protections and better regulate lending practices."
Congressman Paul Kanjorski why did you sit idly by as this crisis developed? You claim to be a 24 year incumbent that can get things done. Why did it take the biggest financial crisis of the century to have Washington decide "Houston we have a problem"? If your tenure bestows stature and presence where is it? You had plenty of time to formulate a well thought out plan to address this problem before it became an emotionally stressful event for all of America. The traumatic change to peoples' lives over this avoidable situation demonstrates the immediate need to remove you from office. The emergency was not the financial crisis. The emergency is the need to remove you and all of your colleagues in Washington who failed the American people.
How can you honestly face the America and tell them that you were working toward a solution? That is plain balderdash. At least people enjoyed watching Barnum and Bailey's three ring circus. "Though this be madness, yet there is method in't."-Hamlet You watched and watched by your own admission as people lost their homes. A political system that expects failure doesn't try very hard to produce anything else.
President Truman once said "The President gets a lot of hot potatoes from every direction and a man who can't handle them has no business on the job." Paul Kanjorski, you have no business trying to represent the 11th district because you couldn't get a handle on this problem before it spinned totally out of control. You have demonstrated that real financial problems are your pons asinorum. You would have us drink from the cup of neglect and oblivion.
"How do you know that the sky is falling?" asked Turkey Lurkey George Bush.
"I saw it with my eyes, I heard it with my ears, and a bit of it fell on my head," said Chicken Little Paul Kanjorski. "But I did nothing about it. However I did blame it on you."
A quote from Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA) "We scoured the halls of Congress because we wanted to join up with somebody else who's thought about these issues and who's come up with some ideas, and we kept coming up empty," Paul, you are one of those who is running on empty.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Barack Obama and Bill Ayers- "I don't regret setting bombs I feel we didn't do enough"
Bill Ayers made that statement in the New York Times September 11, 2001. The son of the judge mentioned in this video appeared on WILK's Steve Corbett show yesterday.
Kanjorski Told Us Fannie and Freddie Weren't Failing In July
7/11/08: Kanjorski Reacts to Fannie and Freddie Share Losses
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, released the following statement on his reaction to recent turmoil in the stock prices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
"We must not over react to the recent drops in Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's stock prices. It is important to have contingency plans in the works, but the two government sponsored enterprises are not failing. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight has assured me that it is working to ensure the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both companies continue to have sufficient capital and liquidity, as I understand.
WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises, released the following statement on his reaction to recent turmoil in the stock prices of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
"We must not over react to the recent drops in Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's stock prices. It is important to have contingency plans in the works, but the two government sponsored enterprises are not failing. The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight has assured me that it is working to ensure the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both companies continue to have sufficient capital and liquidity, as I understand.
Kanjorski Voted For $700 Billion Dollars Then He Said The Bailout Won't Work
According to an article in the Pocono Record Dated October 9, 2008 Paul Kanjorsk states the "Failout" he proposed and voted yes will not work. He voted to spend $700 Billion dollars of taxpayers' money and then has the gall to tell us it won't work. He also tell us Congressional hearings are a joke. These are Paul Kanjorski's own words.
[Kanjorski was asked how and when we will know if the bailout (massive infusions of cash to prop up ailing financial institutions and ensure that businesses and individuals are able to borrow money) is a success.
"I think we already know," Kanjorski said during a meeting with the Pocono Record editorial board. "It's not going to work. It's so contagious into Europe and Asia now."
"Basically congressional hearings are theater and stage," he said. "We use it to gather information we already know. But it's not a problem-solving process."]
Ed Mitchell and Paul Kanjorski attempts to attack and smear Lou Barletta's position over the "Failout" program really demonstrate the desperate moves they are making this late in the campaign to rescue Kanjorski's reputation. Ed Mitchell offered claims that Lou flip-flopped on supporting the Failout. Let's examine the facts.
This quote is from the Pocono Record dated December 14, 2007
"The Bush Administration’s plan calling for the mortgage industry itself to stem the tide of rising home foreclosures has won praise from Congressman Paul Kanjorski, D-11, who opposes a government bailout." Then Paul Kanjorski comes up and votes for a government bailout plan. BTW Isn't this the same person who is accusing Lou Barletta of supporting George Bush and his policies?
Here is the link on Lou Barletta's position as far as the bailout goes: You can see that he supported government efforts to "continue to work until an effective, sustainable plan is passed." Also "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?" The independent commission as well as item 6 were not part of the legislation. He is not against the bailout per se, but the specific lack of a meaningful plan. Even Paul Kanjorski is quoted saying "It's not going to work. I back this paragraph up with this link to Barletta's press release after the plan was announced. “The current plans on the table in Washington do not accomplish the goals I set out in my statement on Wednesday."
Should we not expect meaningful hearings rather than theatre and stage?
To me all of these facts point to Paul Kanjorski and Ed Mitchell being disingenuous with the voters, once again stretching the facts to win an election.
[Kanjorski was asked how and when we will know if the bailout (massive infusions of cash to prop up ailing financial institutions and ensure that businesses and individuals are able to borrow money) is a success.
"I think we already know," Kanjorski said during a meeting with the Pocono Record editorial board. "It's not going to work. It's so contagious into Europe and Asia now."
"Basically congressional hearings are theater and stage," he said. "We use it to gather information we already know. But it's not a problem-solving process."]
Ed Mitchell and Paul Kanjorski attempts to attack and smear Lou Barletta's position over the "Failout" program really demonstrate the desperate moves they are making this late in the campaign to rescue Kanjorski's reputation. Ed Mitchell offered claims that Lou flip-flopped on supporting the Failout. Let's examine the facts.
This quote is from the Pocono Record dated December 14, 2007
"The Bush Administration’s plan calling for the mortgage industry itself to stem the tide of rising home foreclosures has won praise from Congressman Paul Kanjorski, D-11, who opposes a government bailout." Then Paul Kanjorski comes up and votes for a government bailout plan. BTW Isn't this the same person who is accusing Lou Barletta of supporting George Bush and his policies?
Here is the link on Lou Barletta's position as far as the bailout goes: You can see that he supported government efforts to "continue to work until an effective, sustainable plan is passed." Also "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?" The independent commission as well as item 6 were not part of the legislation. He is not against the bailout per se, but the specific lack of a meaningful plan. Even Paul Kanjorski is quoted saying "It's not going to work. I back this paragraph up with this link to Barletta's press release after the plan was announced. “The current plans on the table in Washington do not accomplish the goals I set out in my statement on Wednesday."
Should we not expect meaningful hearings rather than theatre and stage?
To me all of these facts point to Paul Kanjorski and Ed Mitchell being disingenuous with the voters, once again stretching the facts to win an election.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Paul Kanjorski Gave Them $85 Billion -AIG Execs Party On Our Money
According to an article by Brian Ross of ABC News, the ink wasn't dry on the "Failout" plan approved by Paul Kanjorski, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, and Gregory Meeks known as the Beating 5 (due to the beating the American public is taking over providing this failout)before the generous executives over at AIG spent $440,000.00 on a retreat that included pedicures and manicures. "(E)xecutives of the giant AIG insurance company headed for a week-long retreat at a luxury resort and spa, the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, California, Congressional investigators revealed today." Room rates generally hover around $1,000.00 per night.
Some thoughts come to mind-gluttony, ravenousness, voracity, avarice, greediness, unaldutlerated audacity, and self-indulgence. Joe Six Pack's thoughts on the matter were vengeance, retribution, reckoning, and justice. Foghorn Leghorn would say that these boys are more mixed up than feathers in a whirlwind. These executives have clouded their senses of acquisition and enslavement to ever more material pleasures, the attendant power, and a need to store up surplus gratification at the expense of hard working Americans. Our reaction to the news starting to filter out of Washington should be a tsuanami of epic proportions.
Washington needs to have an epiphany that the American public has limits of toleration. Richard Fuld, former CEO of Lehman Brothers, getting his lights knocked out symbolizes that limit. Both Fuld and the execs at AIG are shameless in their actions.
If you really want to see why the Failout was so important visit rightcoast for an excellent post for contribution figures obtained from OpenSecrets.
Some thoughts come to mind-gluttony, ravenousness, voracity, avarice, greediness, unaldutlerated audacity, and self-indulgence. Joe Six Pack's thoughts on the matter were vengeance, retribution, reckoning, and justice. Foghorn Leghorn would say that these boys are more mixed up than feathers in a whirlwind. These executives have clouded their senses of acquisition and enslavement to ever more material pleasures, the attendant power, and a need to store up surplus gratification at the expense of hard working Americans. Our reaction to the news starting to filter out of Washington should be a tsuanami of epic proportions.
Washington needs to have an epiphany that the American public has limits of toleration. Richard Fuld, former CEO of Lehman Brothers, getting his lights knocked out symbolizes that limit. Both Fuld and the execs at AIG are shameless in their actions.
If you really want to see why the Failout was so important visit rightcoast for an excellent post for contribution figures obtained from OpenSecrets.
Tell Washington You Had Enough
From Divided We Fail:
If you had enough tell the world that you’re tired of partisan gridlock with a free Divided We Fail bumper sticker!
We elected our leaders in Washington to work for us. But while you're worried about your 401k, social security, pension, or other investment, Washington is playing the blame game.
We're declaring loud and clear that the American people have had enough. We're pledging to vote only for candidates who will work across the aisle to deliver answers for the American people, and who are clear and specific about their plans. Want to join us? Get your bumper sticker today!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Paul Kanjorski loves Lehman Brothers
During hearings into the financial crisis on Captial Hill it was revealed that Richard Fuld, former CEO of the now defunct Lehman Brothers defended the $484 million dollars he received in salary, bonus, and stock options since 2000. The poor slug owns a mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut, an ocean front estate on Jupiter Island, Florida, a ski chalet in Idaho, and a Manhattan apartment. With the collapse of Lehman Brothers he wants us to feel for him because his fortune has dwindled to a mere $350 million. Remember Paul Kanjorski who was in such a hurry to get that "Failout" passed in Congress.
According to OpenSecrets.org Paul Kanjorski received $4,000.00 from the Lehman Brothers PAC alone this year. In 2004 Kanjorski received a token $1,000.00 donation. How much influence do you think they were trying to buy this year?
At the same time Lehman Brothers was asking for a "failout" from Washington three top executives were trying to walk away with $20 million in departure compensation. These actions occured four days before the firm filed for bankruptcy.
It amazes me how the Democratic party keeps talking about greedy executives and villifying the Republicans in the process. It appears those greedy executives are supporting the Democrats including Paul Kanjorski. So I guess to Paul they can't be all that bad. But lets not forget to the average Joe Six Pack they have rightfully earned the title "greedy."
People are going to get laid off from work, the economy is tanking as we speak, and all Paul can do is say "That's right. I've been watching this disaster, if you will, unfold for probably two years now, and particularly since last August -- not this immediate past August, but the August before that, when the subprime mortgage problem was created." Paul, you should do the honorable thing and resign to save yourself the embarassment of being a 24 year incumbent who had his head handed to him on a silver platter engraved with names like Lehman Brothers, New Century Financial, AIG, and Bear Sterns. After all you did say you "watched" didn't you? And you honestly don't believe this problem only started two years ago?
Mr. Kanjorski, you are incapable of thinking, incapable of governing, and incapable of telling the truth. You did admit to stretching the facts to win an election. Its good to see you haven't changed your stripes.
According to OpenSecrets.org Paul Kanjorski received $4,000.00 from the Lehman Brothers PAC alone this year. In 2004 Kanjorski received a token $1,000.00 donation. How much influence do you think they were trying to buy this year?
At the same time Lehman Brothers was asking for a "failout" from Washington three top executives were trying to walk away with $20 million in departure compensation. These actions occured four days before the firm filed for bankruptcy.
It amazes me how the Democratic party keeps talking about greedy executives and villifying the Republicans in the process. It appears those greedy executives are supporting the Democrats including Paul Kanjorski. So I guess to Paul they can't be all that bad. But lets not forget to the average Joe Six Pack they have rightfully earned the title "greedy."
People are going to get laid off from work, the economy is tanking as we speak, and all Paul can do is say "That's right. I've been watching this disaster, if you will, unfold for probably two years now, and particularly since last August -- not this immediate past August, but the August before that, when the subprime mortgage problem was created." Paul, you should do the honorable thing and resign to save yourself the embarassment of being a 24 year incumbent who had his head handed to him on a silver platter engraved with names like Lehman Brothers, New Century Financial, AIG, and Bear Sterns. After all you did say you "watched" didn't you? And you honestly don't believe this problem only started two years ago?
Mr. Kanjorski, you are incapable of thinking, incapable of governing, and incapable of telling the truth. You did admit to stretching the facts to win an election. Its good to see you haven't changed your stripes.
Shocking Video Unearthed Show Paul Kanjorski and his fellow Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam
This shocking video posted by NakedEmperorNews on YouTube shows Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis. You can see Paul Kanjorski at the hearing sitting next to Maxine Waters as the camera pans around to focus on her as she speaks. As I wrote before, Paul Kanjorski misled the public about his true efforts to reform Fannie and Freddie. This episode should be called the Fannie, Paulie, Freddie MAC hour.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Kanjorski Protected Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
In response to the present financial fisaco Paul Kanjorski released a list contaning the legislative attempts and actions he took to ensure the financial stability and health of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government sponsored enterprises(GSEs) where oversight fell directly under his subcommittee. In a September 21, 2008 article by Borys Krawczeniuk of the Scranton Times Tribune Kanjorski defended his financial oversight record.
A release from his office is quoted “From the very start, Congressman Kanjorski calls for a strong, independent regulator that has the resources needed to get the job done,” the timeline says. “More than two dozen ... hearings follow in the next several years and legislation begins to move forward afer the identification of accounting problems at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.”
It goes on to blame President George Bush and a Repbulican Congress for ignoring his efforts. The problem with Paul Kanjorski is that he is incapable of thinking, incapable of governing, and incapable of telling the truth.
On the very same day the folks over at gatewaypundit published an article titled "Bush Called For Reform of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac 17 Times in 2008 Alone... Dems Ignored Warnings ."
It states "For many years the President and his Administration have not only warned of the systemic consequences of financial turmoil at a housing government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) but also put forward thoughtful plans to reduce the risk that either Freddie Mac would encounter such difficulties. President Bush publicly called for GSE reform 17 times in 2008 alone before Congress acted. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded, as the President's repeated attempts to reform the supervision of these entities were thwarted by the legislative maneuvering of those who emphatically denied there were problems. The White House released this list of attempts by President Bush to reform Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac since he took office in 2001.Unfortunately, Congress did not act on the president's warnings:"
If you click on the link for that article you can read President Bush's attempts that seem to refute Paul Kanjorski's asssertions at feeble attempts to straighten out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. After all Paul did take their PAC money but tried to tell the American public it doesn't influence the way he does his job. Paul, so why did you take their money?????
A release from his office is quoted “From the very start, Congressman Kanjorski calls for a strong, independent regulator that has the resources needed to get the job done,” the timeline says. “More than two dozen ... hearings follow in the next several years and legislation begins to move forward afer the identification of accounting problems at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.”
It goes on to blame President George Bush and a Repbulican Congress for ignoring his efforts. The problem with Paul Kanjorski is that he is incapable of thinking, incapable of governing, and incapable of telling the truth.
On the very same day the folks over at gatewaypundit published an article titled "Bush Called For Reform of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac 17 Times in 2008 Alone... Dems Ignored Warnings ."
It states "For many years the President and his Administration have not only warned of the systemic consequences of financial turmoil at a housing government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) but also put forward thoughtful plans to reduce the risk that either Freddie Mac would encounter such difficulties. President Bush publicly called for GSE reform 17 times in 2008 alone before Congress acted. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded, as the President's repeated attempts to reform the supervision of these entities were thwarted by the legislative maneuvering of those who emphatically denied there were problems. The White House released this list of attempts by President Bush to reform Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac since he took office in 2001.Unfortunately, Congress did not act on the president's warnings:"
If you click on the link for that article you can read President Bush's attempts that seem to refute Paul Kanjorski's asssertions at feeble attempts to straighten out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. After all Paul did take their PAC money but tried to tell the American public it doesn't influence the way he does his job. Paul, so why did you take their money?????
Update on Addie Polk
Fannie Mae is forgiving the mortgage debt of 90-year old Addie Polk who shot herself in the chest as sheriff's deputies attempted to evict her. Fannie Mae bought Addie's mortgage from bank(cro)rupt Countrywide Financial last June and proceeded to foreclose on Addie.
Fannie Mae's CEO received a 7% pay increase to $13.4 million while the company posted $2.1 billion in losses in 2007. He had nothing to worry about. Paul Kanjorski and his cronies came to the rescue. Way to go Paulie, you just so generous with our money. After all "it is free money."
Fannie Mae's CEO received a 7% pay increase to $13.4 million while the company posted $2.1 billion in losses in 2007. He had nothing to worry about. Paul Kanjorski and his cronies came to the rescue. Way to go Paulie, you just so generous with our money. After all "it is free money."
Friday, October 3, 2008
Paul Kanjorski Aids Foreclosure on 90 Year Old Woman
Country Wide and Fannie Mae have contributed millions to Paul Kanjorski. He wants to get re-elected. All this woman wanted was her home. Paul Kanjorski voted to bailout Fannie Mae today. Who in Washington is going to bailout Addie Polk?! It's a 101 year old home for Gosh Sake with a 90 year old woman in it.
A moratorium on all Fannie Mae foreclosures should be instituted immediately. The American taxpayer was forced through taxation without representation to guarantee their loans with this bailout. The governement should use the golden parachute money to help the Addie Polks in this country. If you cut the Fannie Mae CEO pay to $1 million per year 248 Addie Polks' homes would be saved.
Paul, stop taking the special interests money and unfortunate situations like this will not occur. Of course he is beholding to Fannie Mae so what are the chances the CEO is going to have to suffer like Addie Polk?
The following story is found at the link on CNN.
10/03/2008(CNN)-A 90-year-old Akron, Ohio, woman who shot herself as sheriff's deputies tried to evict her from her foreclosed home became a symbol of the nation's home mortgage crisis Friday.
Addie Polk is being treated at Akron General Medical Center after shooting herself at least twice in the upper body Wednesday afternoon, her city councilman said.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, mentioned Polk on the House floor Friday during debate over the latest economic rescue proposal.
"This bill does nothing for the Addie Polks of the world," Kucinich said after telling her story. "This bill fails to address the fact that millions of homeowners are facing foreclosure, are facing the loss of their home. This bill will take care of Wall Street, and the market may go up for a few days, but democracy is going downhill."
Neighbor Robert Dillon, 62, used a ladder to enter a second-story bathroom window of Polk's home after he and the deputies heard loud noises inside, Dillon said.
"I was calling her name as I went in, and she wasn't responding," he said.
He found her lying on a bed, and he could see she was breathing. He also noticed a long-barreled handgun on the bed, but thought she just had it there for protection. He touched her on the shoulder.
"Then she kind of moved toward me a little and I saw that blood, and I said, 'Oh, no. Miss Polk musta done shot herself,' " Dillon said.
He hurried downstairs and let the deputies in. He said they told him they found Polk's car keys, pocketbook and life insurance policy laid out neatly where they could be found, suggesting she intended to kill herself.
"There's a lot of people like Miss Polk right now. That's the sad thing about it," said Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville, who had met Polk before and rushed to the scene when contacted by police. "They might not be as old as her, some could be as old as her. This is just a major problem."
In 2004, Polk took out a 30-year, 6.375 percent mortgage for $45,620 with a Countrywide Home Loan office in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The same day, she also took out an $11,380 line of credit.
Over the next couple of years Polk missed payments on the 101-year-old home, which she and her late husband purchased in 1970. In 2007, Fannie Mae assumed the mortgage and later filed for foreclosure.
Deputies had tried to serve Polk's eviction notice more than 30 times before Wednesday's incident, Sommerville said. She never came to the door, but the notes the deputies left would always disappear, so they knew she was inside and ambulatory, he said.
The city is creating programs to help people keep their homes, Sommerville said.
"But what do you do when there's just so many people out there and the economy is in the shape that it's in?"
Many businesses and individuals have called since Wednesday offering to help Polk, Sommerville said.
"We're going to do an evaluation to see what's best for her," he said. "If she's strong enough and can go home, I think we should work with her to where she goes back home. If not, we need to find another place for her to live where she won't have to worry about this ever again."
For his part, Dillon hopes his neighbor of 38 years can return to her home.
"She loves that house," he said. "I hope they can get her back in. That would make me feel better because I don't know what they're going to put in there once she leaves."
He said the neighborhood is declining because so many people have lost their homes.
"There's a lot of vacant houses around here. ... Now I'm going to have a house on my left and a house on my right, vacant," he said. "That don't make me feel good, because we were good neighbors, we trusted each other, and we looked out for each other.
"This neighborhood is shot, to me, from what it used to be," he added.
"When I moved here, if it were like it is now, I would have never moved here. But it was a nice neighborhood....
"I'll just tough it out. I'm too old to start thinking about buying another house."
Sommerville said that by the time people call for help with an impending foreclosure, it's usually too late.
"I'm glad it's not too late for Miss Polk, because she could have taken her life," Sommerville said. "Miss Polk will probably end up on her feet. But I'm not sure if anybody else will."
A moratorium on all Fannie Mae foreclosures should be instituted immediately. The American taxpayer was forced through taxation without representation to guarantee their loans with this bailout. The governement should use the golden parachute money to help the Addie Polks in this country. If you cut the Fannie Mae CEO pay to $1 million per year 248 Addie Polks' homes would be saved.
Paul, stop taking the special interests money and unfortunate situations like this will not occur. Of course he is beholding to Fannie Mae so what are the chances the CEO is going to have to suffer like Addie Polk?
The following story is found at the link on CNN.
10/03/2008(CNN)-A 90-year-old Akron, Ohio, woman who shot herself as sheriff's deputies tried to evict her from her foreclosed home became a symbol of the nation's home mortgage crisis Friday.
Addie Polk is being treated at Akron General Medical Center after shooting herself at least twice in the upper body Wednesday afternoon, her city councilman said.
U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, mentioned Polk on the House floor Friday during debate over the latest economic rescue proposal.
"This bill does nothing for the Addie Polks of the world," Kucinich said after telling her story. "This bill fails to address the fact that millions of homeowners are facing foreclosure, are facing the loss of their home. This bill will take care of Wall Street, and the market may go up for a few days, but democracy is going downhill."
Neighbor Robert Dillon, 62, used a ladder to enter a second-story bathroom window of Polk's home after he and the deputies heard loud noises inside, Dillon said.
"I was calling her name as I went in, and she wasn't responding," he said.
He found her lying on a bed, and he could see she was breathing. He also noticed a long-barreled handgun on the bed, but thought she just had it there for protection. He touched her on the shoulder.
"Then she kind of moved toward me a little and I saw that blood, and I said, 'Oh, no. Miss Polk musta done shot herself,' " Dillon said.
He hurried downstairs and let the deputies in. He said they told him they found Polk's car keys, pocketbook and life insurance policy laid out neatly where they could be found, suggesting she intended to kill herself.
"There's a lot of people like Miss Polk right now. That's the sad thing about it," said Akron City Council President Marco Sommerville, who had met Polk before and rushed to the scene when contacted by police. "They might not be as old as her, some could be as old as her. This is just a major problem."
In 2004, Polk took out a 30-year, 6.375 percent mortgage for $45,620 with a Countrywide Home Loan office in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. The same day, she also took out an $11,380 line of credit.
Over the next couple of years Polk missed payments on the 101-year-old home, which she and her late husband purchased in 1970. In 2007, Fannie Mae assumed the mortgage and later filed for foreclosure.
Deputies had tried to serve Polk's eviction notice more than 30 times before Wednesday's incident, Sommerville said. She never came to the door, but the notes the deputies left would always disappear, so they knew she was inside and ambulatory, he said.
The city is creating programs to help people keep their homes, Sommerville said.
"But what do you do when there's just so many people out there and the economy is in the shape that it's in?"
Many businesses and individuals have called since Wednesday offering to help Polk, Sommerville said.
"We're going to do an evaluation to see what's best for her," he said. "If she's strong enough and can go home, I think we should work with her to where she goes back home. If not, we need to find another place for her to live where she won't have to worry about this ever again."
For his part, Dillon hopes his neighbor of 38 years can return to her home.
"She loves that house," he said. "I hope they can get her back in. That would make me feel better because I don't know what they're going to put in there once she leaves."
He said the neighborhood is declining because so many people have lost their homes.
"There's a lot of vacant houses around here. ... Now I'm going to have a house on my left and a house on my right, vacant," he said. "That don't make me feel good, because we were good neighbors, we trusted each other, and we looked out for each other.
"This neighborhood is shot, to me, from what it used to be," he added.
"When I moved here, if it were like it is now, I would have never moved here. But it was a nice neighborhood....
"I'll just tough it out. I'm too old to start thinking about buying another house."
Sommerville said that by the time people call for help with an impending foreclosure, it's usually too late.
"I'm glad it's not too late for Miss Polk, because she could have taken her life," Sommerville said. "Miss Polk will probably end up on her feet. But I'm not sure if anybody else will."
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