Back in December Terry Moran-Besecker reported in the Times Leader that the Secret Service completed its intial investigation into the Luzerne County Debit Card probe. The I-Team is reporting it has information that no charges will be filed in that case. While the government acknowledges mismanagement on this issue it appears the actions do not give rise to criminal charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kosik-Whitaker stated back then that the investigative report would more than likely not be released if no charges are filed.
This ending belies the importance of your vote at election time. Put the right people in and you won't have this type of misuse happening under their noses. Poor judgment by the electorate is just as bad as poor judgement by the elected.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Obama- Explain This Professor's View
A Professor's View of Obama
HISTORY ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF.
SOMETHING OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS IS HAPPENING
By XXX XXXX
Professor of History, Midwest College
I am a student of history. Professionally. I have written 15 books in six languages, and have studied it all my life. I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into sharper focus.
Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten - fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back. Why?
We learn that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has 'loaned' two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom, or why, or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September. Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of 'we the people', who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
A very scary read.
HISTORY ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF.
SOMETHING OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS IS HAPPENING
By XXX XXXX
Professor of History, Midwest College
I am a student of history. Professionally. I have written 15 books in six languages, and have studied it all my life. I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into sharper focus.
Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten - fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back. Why?
We learn that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has 'loaned' two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom, or why, or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September. Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of 'we the people', who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
A very scary read.
Open Response To The Standard Speaker Editorial Department
Editors- Who Is In Charge Of These Editorials? I want to comment on this editorial that appeared in today's paper. It is titled "Move would help shift away from taxing property."
Folks, you can read it for yourselves. The question I have centers on the premise for the article. If you want to replace one tax for the other, why aren't you asking the legislature to reduce its size so that no matter what tax it won't be such a burden on the taxpayers? Pensions, healthcare premiums, car payments, per diem, office space rentals, light, heat, office staff...ohhh I could go on and on. Get them off our backs first before asking us to pay a tax...Sheeezzze... Any lightbulbs needed down there????
Rendell's proposal doesn't make sense when he refuses to address the problems inherent with our government in Harrisburg. Before he asks for more money from us why doesn't he reduce the money he needs, again, from us???
Folks, you can read it for yourselves. The question I have centers on the premise for the article. If you want to replace one tax for the other, why aren't you asking the legislature to reduce its size so that no matter what tax it won't be such a burden on the taxpayers? Pensions, healthcare premiums, car payments, per diem, office space rentals, light, heat, office staff...ohhh I could go on and on. Get them off our backs first before asking us to pay a tax...Sheeezzze... Any lightbulbs needed down there????
Rendell's proposal doesn't make sense when he refuses to address the problems inherent with our government in Harrisburg. Before he asks for more money from us why doesn't he reduce the money he needs, again, from us???
Southern Luzerne Political Action Committee- Meet The Candidates
The Southern Luzerne PAC will hold a Meet The Candidates For Hazleton City Council night on Monday, May 11, 2009 from 5:30-7:30P.M. at the Elk's Lodge in Hazleton. The Lodge is located at 635 E. Broad St. Food and Refreshments will be served. Come out to meet and greet Lenny Brenner, Karen Cabell, and Jim Perry.
Tickets are on sale for $20.00. This event is the kick-off for the SLPAC that will be hosting several events during this electoral season.
Tickets are on sale for $20.00. This event is the kick-off for the SLPAC that will be hosting several events during this electoral season.
Rendell Vs. Ridge- Mano A Mano
Newsweek makes an interesting case that Rendell really wants Specter's seat. What if the Dems figured out if they courted Arlen to switch in the end Rendell could run for his seat? Arlen,,,not as sharp as you used to be. Did you ever take notice how the Dems court the Hispanic community but aren't pushing them for Senate?????
Then there's Rendell, whose personal ties to Specter are extensive, but who also has a political stake in seeing him hold his seat in Pennsylvania. Rendell once worked for Specter and regards him as something of a mentor; they're friends. For Rendell, a gregarious, ambitious politician, a Senate seat would cap his career as a former mayor and popular two-term governor. Those who know Rendell say he really wants the seat that Specter holds
Whatever Rendell did to get Specter to this point, their political futures are now inextricably bound together. And if there's any politician you want on your side in a knife fight, it's Rendell. He is the closest thing to a ward boss in Pennsylvania. He can clear the field for Specter, gin up the enthusiastic support and help raise the kind of money Specter will need. And then, in due time, it will be Rendell's turn.
Eleanor Clift..there is that little matter of a $3 billion dollar deficit Ed created...Ohh that's right it is probably George Bush's fault...Pendejos.
Then there's Rendell, whose personal ties to Specter are extensive, but who also has a political stake in seeing him hold his seat in Pennsylvania. Rendell once worked for Specter and regards him as something of a mentor; they're friends. For Rendell, a gregarious, ambitious politician, a Senate seat would cap his career as a former mayor and popular two-term governor. Those who know Rendell say he really wants the seat that Specter holds
Whatever Rendell did to get Specter to this point, their political futures are now inextricably bound together. And if there's any politician you want on your side in a knife fight, it's Rendell. He is the closest thing to a ward boss in Pennsylvania. He can clear the field for Specter, gin up the enthusiastic support and help raise the kind of money Specter will need. And then, in due time, it will be Rendell's turn.
Eleanor Clift..there is that little matter of a $3 billion dollar deficit Ed created...Ohh that's right it is probably George Bush's fault...Pendejos.
Stress Tests or Keep Us Out Of A Mess Mandate?
Report: Bank Of America Needs $33.9 Billion
At Least 3 Banks Pass Stress Tests
The stress tests were designed to see how the large banks and finance companies would fare if the economy worsens. Analysts expect about half the companies will be asked to raise capital.
The truth of the matter is that the government is earning interest off of the money lent to these institutions and they don't want to stop. At what point will the banks tell them they don't want to be unwilling participants in a "spread the wealth" scheme?
At Least 3 Banks Pass Stress Tests
The stress tests were designed to see how the large banks and finance companies would fare if the economy worsens. Analysts expect about half the companies will be asked to raise capital.
The truth of the matter is that the government is earning interest off of the money lent to these institutions and they don't want to stop. At what point will the banks tell them they don't want to be unwilling participants in a "spread the wealth" scheme?
Obama- WE NEED CHANGE- Enter Arlen Specter
On the heals of my last post Rep. Joseph Sestak is making it known to ABC news that he is not happy with Arlen Specter jumping to the front of the food line.
"I really was taken [aback] by the Democratic political Washington establishment saying, here's your candidate, Pennsylvania," he added. "I thought, when I came here, and when President Obama came here, we weren't for an establishment -- we're for change."
Sestak, of course, was talking about his possibility to seek the Democratic nomination for Senate next year. Since it takes a pile of money to run any viable candidate would have to make a choice soon.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday reiterated the president's support for Specter, even if Sestak or others challenge him in a primary.
"I think the president was pretty clear on this. Senator Specter has his full support and he'll do what -- what's necessary to see him re-elected," Gibbs said.
Now there's a real bull crap statement. I keep telling people you can buy an Obama on QVC. Its a package that is readily available. He tells a good story but none of it is close to reality.
Take a look at this opinion piece in the Philadephia Inquirer. It is right on the money about Specter, George Bush, and the crap the Democrats have been pushing about the Republican party.
The GOP establishment didn't push Specter aside; the voters did. In the weeks leading up to Specter's defection, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, heartily endorsed him. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's PAC gave $10,000 to Specter's campaign.
The "big tent" approach has not always served Republicans well. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint's comment about preferring 30 senators who believe in conservative principles to 60 who don't has gotten a lot attention. Sophisticates chortle about his naiveté.
But how well have nontraditional Republicans worked out for the party lately? There have been some successes, such as Rudy Giuliani. But there have also been failures.
For instance, Tom McClintock had the audacity to challenge the "moderate" Arnold Schwarzenegger for California's governorship in 2003. McClintock was an actual conservative with 20 years of political experience. But the GOP establishment threw its full force behind Schwarzenegger for the same reasons it supported Specter.
And how has that worked out? The California Republican Party - not to mention the state itself - is in far worse shape than it was in 2003. Take that and apply it to George W. Bush. If, in 2004, Republicans had jumped off the bus and Bush had been defeated by John Kerry, do you think the GOP would be in worse shape today? Neither do I.
I am sick and tired of hearing Kevin and Nancy on WILK in the morning talk about the Republicans. How is Pennsylvania fairing out with Rendell as governor? Answer- $2.6 billion deficit on its way to $3 billion overnight. How did Luzerne County fair out under Democratic Judges and Commissioners? Answer- 2 down and one to go.
The Democrats are driving that holier than though message but there are people watching and waiting.
"I really was taken [aback] by the Democratic political Washington establishment saying, here's your candidate, Pennsylvania," he added. "I thought, when I came here, and when President Obama came here, we weren't for an establishment -- we're for change."
Sestak, of course, was talking about his possibility to seek the Democratic nomination for Senate next year. Since it takes a pile of money to run any viable candidate would have to make a choice soon.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday reiterated the president's support for Specter, even if Sestak or others challenge him in a primary.
"I think the president was pretty clear on this. Senator Specter has his full support and he'll do what -- what's necessary to see him re-elected," Gibbs said.
Now there's a real bull crap statement. I keep telling people you can buy an Obama on QVC. Its a package that is readily available. He tells a good story but none of it is close to reality.
Take a look at this opinion piece in the Philadephia Inquirer. It is right on the money about Specter, George Bush, and the crap the Democrats have been pushing about the Republican party.
The GOP establishment didn't push Specter aside; the voters did. In the weeks leading up to Specter's defection, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, heartily endorsed him. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's PAC gave $10,000 to Specter's campaign.
The "big tent" approach has not always served Republicans well. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint's comment about preferring 30 senators who believe in conservative principles to 60 who don't has gotten a lot attention. Sophisticates chortle about his naiveté.
But how well have nontraditional Republicans worked out for the party lately? There have been some successes, such as Rudy Giuliani. But there have also been failures.
For instance, Tom McClintock had the audacity to challenge the "moderate" Arnold Schwarzenegger for California's governorship in 2003. McClintock was an actual conservative with 20 years of political experience. But the GOP establishment threw its full force behind Schwarzenegger for the same reasons it supported Specter.
And how has that worked out? The California Republican Party - not to mention the state itself - is in far worse shape than it was in 2003. Take that and apply it to George W. Bush. If, in 2004, Republicans had jumped off the bus and Bush had been defeated by John Kerry, do you think the GOP would be in worse shape today? Neither do I.
I am sick and tired of hearing Kevin and Nancy on WILK in the morning talk about the Republicans. How is Pennsylvania fairing out with Rendell as governor? Answer- $2.6 billion deficit on its way to $3 billion overnight. How did Luzerne County fair out under Democratic Judges and Commissioners? Answer- 2 down and one to go.
The Democrats are driving that holier than though message but there are people watching and waiting.
Monday, May 4, 2009
If Republicans Reach The Ridge Will Arlen Become A Spectator?
ABC News' David Chalian reports that Arlen Specter made a wise choice by switching to the Democratic Party according to a Quinnipiac University poll.
Newly-minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter would whip old Republican rival Pat Toomey 53 - 33 percent if the 2010 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race were held today, but if popular former Gov. Tom Ridge becomes the Republican candidate, he trails Specter by just 46 - 43 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Independent voters, who back Sen. Specter over Toomey 45 - 36 percent, switch to Ridge 47 - 37 percent if he becomes a candidate. The former Republican Governor also gets 14 percent of the Democratic vote, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.
"A former Republican Senator running as a Democrat against a popular former Republican governor seeking to make a political comeback would be a battle royal in Pennsylvania," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Gov. Tom Ridge is probably the only political figure in Pennsylvania who could give Sen. Arlen Specter a run for his money. But even if he gets a strong challenge from a Republican, Specter is still better off for having changed parties because he seemed headed to certain defeat had he stayed a Republican and faced Toomey in a primary.
Newly-minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter would whip old Republican rival Pat Toomey 53 - 33 percent if the 2010 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race were held today, but if popular former Gov. Tom Ridge becomes the Republican candidate, he trails Specter by just 46 - 43 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Independent voters, who back Sen. Specter over Toomey 45 - 36 percent, switch to Ridge 47 - 37 percent if he becomes a candidate. The former Republican Governor also gets 14 percent of the Democratic vote, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.
"A former Republican Senator running as a Democrat against a popular former Republican governor seeking to make a political comeback would be a battle royal in Pennsylvania," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Gov. Tom Ridge is probably the only political figure in Pennsylvania who could give Sen. Arlen Specter a run for his money. But even if he gets a strong challenge from a Republican, Specter is still better off for having changed parties because he seemed headed to certain defeat had he stayed a Republican and faced Toomey in a primary.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sophistry
I was listening to talk radio two evenings ago. Michael Smerconish labeled Barack Obama as a sophist. Here is the meaning.
In modern usage, sophism, sophist, and sophistry are derogatory terms, due the influence of many philosophers in the past (sophism and platonism were enemy schools).
A sophism is taken as a specious argument used for deceiving someone. It might be crafted to seem logical while actually being wrong, or it might use difficult words and complicated sentences to intimidate the audience into agreeing, or it might appeal to the audience's prejudices and emotions rather than logic, i.e. raising doubts towards the one asserting, rather than his assertion. The goal of a sophism is often to make the audience believe the writer or speaker to be smarter than he or she actually is, e.g., accusing another of sophistry for using persuasion techniques. An argument Ad Hominem is an example of Sophistry.
A sophist is a user of sophisms, i.e., an insincere person trying to confuse or deceive people. A sophist tries to persuade the audience while paying little attention to whether his argument is logical and factual.
Sophistry means making heavy use of sophisms. The word may be applied to a particular text or speech riddled with sophisms.
In modern usage, sophism, sophist, and sophistry are derogatory terms, due the influence of many philosophers in the past (sophism and platonism were enemy schools).
A sophism is taken as a specious argument used for deceiving someone. It might be crafted to seem logical while actually being wrong, or it might use difficult words and complicated sentences to intimidate the audience into agreeing, or it might appeal to the audience's prejudices and emotions rather than logic, i.e. raising doubts towards the one asserting, rather than his assertion. The goal of a sophism is often to make the audience believe the writer or speaker to be smarter than he or she actually is, e.g., accusing another of sophistry for using persuasion techniques. An argument Ad Hominem is an example of Sophistry.
A sophist is a user of sophisms, i.e., an insincere person trying to confuse or deceive people. A sophist tries to persuade the audience while paying little attention to whether his argument is logical and factual.
Sophistry means making heavy use of sophisms. The word may be applied to a particular text or speech riddled with sophisms.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Has The FBI Visited Hazleton?
I_Team member Joe Holden at WBRE reported that a court case involving the Hazleton Area School District in a real estate deal was turned over to the FBI for review. The case was heard before former Judge Mark Ciavarella.
Did Hazleton area overpay for land? Some board members said they were hosed after the case came before ex-judge Mark Ciavarella.
The sale of this track and field complex is still stirring controversy, three years after it was settled in Ciavarella's courtroom.
Some school board members were bowled over by the judge's decision. Now their concerns have been turned over to federal authorities. Bob Childs of the Hazleton Area School Board said, “We've contacted the line out there, the telephone line, that says if you want a case reviewed, we say yeah this is one we want to have reviewed. That was a nuts verdict.”
According to my sources the FBI already visited the District Administration building concerning this case. But those same sources tell me they are coming back for more. The Damatos are not commenting. Stay tuned.
Did Hazleton area overpay for land? Some board members said they were hosed after the case came before ex-judge Mark Ciavarella.
The sale of this track and field complex is still stirring controversy, three years after it was settled in Ciavarella's courtroom.
Some school board members were bowled over by the judge's decision. Now their concerns have been turned over to federal authorities. Bob Childs of the Hazleton Area School Board said, “We've contacted the line out there, the telephone line, that says if you want a case reviewed, we say yeah this is one we want to have reviewed. That was a nuts verdict.”
According to my sources the FBI already visited the District Administration building concerning this case. But those same sources tell me they are coming back for more. The Damatos are not commenting. Stay tuned.
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