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.
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