Call the SPCA

Cal the SPCA. The Society to Prevent Clean Animals that is. Actually Quincy is the easiest dog to give  a bath.  The last 2 acted like they were going to be murdered.

Labor Day at Kirby Park

I'll be joining my brothers and sisters tomorrow. I'm sure many Democratic politicians will make an appearance.

solidarność

Barletta on Syria

WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s call for Congressional approval for military action in Syria:

“I applaud President Obama for agreeing that it is imperative that he consult with and receive the authority of Congress before taking military action against the Assad regime in Syria.  America is at its strongest when proper channels are followed and the nation speaks with one voice. 

“I look forward to examining the case the president said he would lay out, including important intelligence involving the use of chemical weapons in Syria.  I am also interested in hearing what overriding American national security interests are at stake to make it appropriate to engage in military strikes.

“There are many concerns involved in the debate.  Rogue nations have threatened to attack Israel in retaliation for any American action.  There is also the very real fear that Al Qaeda is heavily involved with the rebel forces which would seemingly benefit from our intervention.  Finally, it is troublesome that even our closest ally, Great Britain, has rejected participation through a vote of its Parliament. 

“I will take all of these factors into account as I determine whether I will vote to authorize the use of force in Syria.”  

No war in Syria

The President just asked Congress to approve a strike on Syria. I hope they say no.

For once the GOP can obstruct him on something that matters to the country and not just to the yahoo's.

Rob McCord for Governor

It looks like I have a bit of a scoop and didn't realize it. State Treasurer Rob McCord is running for Governor although he hasn't made an official announcement yet. McCord was at Yuddy's picnic yesterday and looked and sounded like a Guv candidate. KP picked up on a subtle change to his website today.

More pics at my FB page

Yuddy Picnic

.

Michelle Bednar and John Yudichak

My second favorite PA State Senator had an event at the PAV in Plains Twp. today. What a turnout! You couldn't find a parking space in the lot. There had to be a least 500 people who came and went.

2 statewide candidates showed up. Mark Smith is running for Lt. Gov and Rob McCord looking to take the place of Gov. Corbett.  I think McCord just got into this thing. Lot's of locals pressing for votes Eddie Day and Mike Carrol looking to next year. It looked like every Democratic candidate for County Council was in attendance. Eileen Sorokas , Kick Hefron, Mike Giamber, Renee Ciaruffoli-Taffera

I reminded them all that we have Blogfest coming up September 27th.

More pics at this link

Another great Blogfest

Bednar and Cartwright

A big thank you to Gene Rooney and Deborah for the great service for Blogfest tonight at Rooney's Irish Pub. Gene is selling the place but we may continue at the same location in the Fall. A full report tomorrow.

Lt. Gov Candidates Mark Smith and Brad Koplinski

Pictures on FB.

Blogfest this Friday

 

Blogfest-2013 Spring Edition

Northeastern Pennsylvania Bloggers will be hosting the 7th semi-annual Blogfest at Rooney's Irish Pub, Friday April 19th, 67 S. Main St., Pittston, PA 18704 starting at 6PM. This is an informal gathering of bloggers, candidates for office, elected officials and anyone interested in politics or blogging. There is no charge for admission.

Since it's inception 3 years ago Blogfest has been described as the best political event of the season. No speeches are allowed and the rule is agree to disagree but don't be disagreeable. Many local and statewide candidates will be attending.

Walter Griffith for Controller

From the inbox:

Walter L. Griffith, Jr. announces candidacy for a second term as Luzerne County Controller.

Dear County-Wide Neighbors and Friends:

I hereby announce that I shall be seeking a second term as your Luzerne County Controller.

When I announced in 2009 that I was going to be a candidate for the office of county controller, I made a promise to all taxpayers that I would represent their best interests as an independent monitor of the county’s fiscal activities.  I also promised, when need be, to challenge government officials’ funding proposals, to share questionable activities publically and to complete audits in a timely manner in order to maintain the integrity of the county’s revenue and disbursement processes.

You, the citizens of Luzerne County, spoke “loud and clear” in 2009 that you wanted an independent and candid overseer as Luzerne County Controller and elected me to work for you for the next four years.

The results of your confidence have been noteworthy!  In regard to monetary matters in general, accountability has been markedly improved.  Specifically, overpayment of contracts have been curtailed, a policy for the fueling of the county fleet of vehicles has been instituted, and employees being paid double for services provided has ceased.

As I undertake this election initiative and thereby seek your ongoing trust and support to continue as Luzerne County Controller, please be responsive to requests for your signatures in support of my May 2013 candidacy, and to the extent you are able, please contribute to my campaign fund (details to be announced) in order for me to address all the requirements and expectations of the election process for me to remain in your service.

I am so very proud to have been given the opportunity to represent you, the residents of Luzerne County, during this four year term and look forward to your expressed confidence in me this May to remain your Luzerne County Controller.

Respectfully and appreciatively,

WALTER L. GRIFFITH, Jr.

From Walter's website:

The ability of Walter L Griffith Jr to be an effective County Controller was the thought process when Commissioner Steven A Urban endorsed Walter L Griffith Jr for County Controller in 2009. Steven A Urban was the Luzerne County Commissioner and stated ” Walter Griffith would be an effective County Watchdog”

Single Payer

Green Party of Pennsylvania applauds State Senator James Ferlo and Healthcare 4 All PA for persistence regarding state-based Single Payer Legislation.

 

Pittsburgh-area legislator to introduce Family and Business Healthcare Security bill in current legislative session, while Healthcare 4 All releases results of Economic Impact Study. 

 

            The Green Party of Pennsylvania extends its sincere gratitude to Senator James Ferlo of Pittsburgh for his continued work toward a state-based single payer plan.  During past legislative sessions Senator Ferlo has been the lead legislator in the Pennsylvania Senate on this issue.  The Greens also extend congratulations and appreciation to the non-profit organization, Healthcare 4 All PA, which has worked tirelessly to help Pennsylvanians on a path to meaningful and civilized health coverage.  In recent years Healthcare 4 All PA has provided information on the savings single payer offers Pennsylvania municipalities and school districts.  Many in the organization have also requested the Pennsylvania Legislature fund a study to determine the impact on the entire state economy, a request that was ignored.  So the group, through its own funding, commissioned an Economic Impact Study, conducted by Professor Gerald Friedman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.  The results, released last week, are significant in the savings for individuals, government and business.  In all, Pennsylvania would save $17 billion yearly in health related expenditures, while providing full and comprehensive coverage to all Pennsylvanians.

 

            “The Green Party stands in solidarity with those working towards state sponsored single payer health care legislation.  We are often critical of politicians for doing wrong, but, Senator Ferlo is right in this case and we support his efforts.  We encourage both houses of the General Assembly to work quickly to pass this legislation.  Health Care for All Pa's Economic Impact Study proves the economic benefit.  In fact, passage of this legislation would provide real economic stimulus for the Commonwealth,” said Green Party Chair, Jay Sweeney.

 

            “Various forms of single payer exist in dozens of countries around the world.  It is time for Pennsylvanians to have that same healthcare security.  If passed, single payer healthcare would be the most significant anti-poverty legislation ever passed here.  Also, Pennsylvania workers would have more flexibility in employment, since health coverage would not be linked to specific employers,” suggested Katrina Brabham , Chair, Alleghany County Green Party.

 

            If passed, single payer would create a system in which a Pennsylvania Healthcare Trust will be the administrator of an all-inclusive health insurance.  The plan would provide coverage that includes medical care, prescription coverage, emergency transport, long-term care, addiction treatment, mental health, physical therapy, dental, vision and more.  The cost would be a 3% tax of income ($30 on every $1,000 earned) for those with income, and a 10% tax on gross payroll as the employer contribution.  In addition, state and federal funds used for medical purposes in Pennsylvania, would also go into the trust fund. Study available at www.Healthcare4allpa.org

 

 “The model is effective, and quite simple to understand.  Currently our state wastes tremendous amounts of money on administration, while for-profit insurance companies cash in on complex rules that often deny needed coverage to its policyholders.  A single payer plan has one risk pool of 13 million Pennsylvanians, with one administrator.  As opposed to the current private insurance system with dozens of companies, offering hundreds of plans; none of which are as complete single payer coverage.  Such comprehensive coverage is not available now, at any price,” said Green Party Steering Committee member, Carl Romanelli.

 

Among findings of Economic Impact Study:

 

If enacted, the Pennsylvania Health Plan would save $33 billion dollars in 2014, allowing for coverage of all Pennsylvanians while still netting $17 billion in savings over current costs.

 

The 3% tax on an individual’s income would provide a lower premium cost for more than 80% of Pennsylvania citizens.

 

Plan would have no additional premiums, deductibles or co-payments.

 

Plan would save local government and school districts 40 to 60% of current costs; more for municipalities or school districts with health insurance pension obligations.

 

Plan would create 120,000 to 200,000 new jobs.

 

Plan would allow patients access to doctors and hospitals of their choice, as opposed to the restrictive limitations placed on individuals by for-profit insurance.

 

Healthcare costs would be controlled and more predictable and prescription drugs could be purchased in larger quantities, thereby saving significantly over current practices.

 

Plan would put Pennsylvania on a path to sustainable healthcare for the future.  For example, during the past 20 years Pennsylvania healthcare costs have risen by $60 billion dollars.  However, the area of most pronounced growth has been in billing and administration, as opposed to actual improvements in healthcare.

Eileen Sorokas for Luzerne County Council

From the inbox:

Eileen (Pipech) Sorokas of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre, announces her candidacy for Luzerne County Council.  She was born and raised in the Wilkes-Barre Area, graduated from Saint Joseph's Parochial Grade School, Wilkes-Barre Township High School, and Luzerne County Community College. Also, she attended the United Way Union Counseling Program and night classes at Kings College to advance her degree. Eileen is retired from the ILGWU and is in the process of rebuilding a farm in Hunlock Creek, where she raises farm animals and plants seasonal crops.

    She stays active in various charitable organizations being a member of the Huber Breaker Society(Ashley), AM-VETS Ladies Auxiliary Post 189(Greater Pittston Area), and the Rose Tucker Senior Center(Nanticoke). Eileen has been involved in Governmental functions on the local, state and federal levels, serving on the Democratic State Committee, Democratic National Convention and numerous political campaigns.

   "I am running for Luzerne County Council as a concerned citizen and taxpayer, to be a voice for all the residents of Luzerne County. I want to bring back dignity and respect to Luzerne County Residents. My Vision is to hear residents say, What a great place Luzerne County is to work and live." "Accordingly, I will strive for honest, responsive, and dependable government. One that understands and serves the needs of the public, which includes, holding the line on taxes and watching how our tax dollars are being spent. Furthermore, I will be accountable only to the residents of Luzerne County. "

YouTube Weekend

via TMB:

I'm surprised Big Dan didn't pick up on this.

The Death Star was an inside job

 

Stop the Sequester

Blogger stuff

Adding Inside the Gulch to the blogroll but I'm not adding it to NEPA Blogs. because it's an aggregation of links to like minded thinking but has no original content from local people. Hopefully that will change in the near future as recent past Prez of the Luzerne County Young Republicans  Bob Zaruta is a founder of the site. Right now it looks like a Drudge wannabe with a touch of Glenn Beck gold hawking.

In more important news  

Today Is the 10th Anniversary of Friday Cat Blogging

which led to 

 Thursday Night Basset Blogging

 

Please RSVP for Blogfest on April 19th 

 

YouTube Weekend

Papal edition

The election of the first Pope from the New World is a big deal and is getting good press because  the guy took the bus to work. But there are questions about his role in the torture of 2 priests.

Whenever I hear about any Pope I'm reminded of a couple of songs I first heard on the Dr. Dimento radio show.

Congrats to Pope Frank

The Vatican Rag by Tom Lehrer







 



 David Peel

Kathy Dobash for Luzerne County Council.

From the inbox:

Kathy Dobash, 53, of Hazleton is pleased to announce her candidacy for Luzerne County Council. She is the daughter of the late Edward J. and Marie E. (Potter) Dobash. Her father was a WWII veteran. Dobash is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University.

She has worked as an Art Educator and Therapeutic Staff Support Worker.  

 

Currently Dobash is employed in the private sector as an inventory specialist and continues with her artistic endeavors. 

 

" I have attended the majority of Luzerne County Council meetings. I believe in full and open transparency. All decisions made by the new Luzerne County Council must be open and above board. The county council cannot tend to personal agendas backed by inflated egos with giant political objectives. Luzerne County must heal first to move forward in the restoration of trust.

 

While taking calls on the hot line during the  flood crisis I received callers who were evacuated.  They returned to devastation and expressed anger about the waste and greed in our government.  I believe the public realizes the Luzerne County Home Rule Charter does not contain consequences when it is not followed.  It must be more than a super-sized school board. It will take time to build trust.  Amendments can be made to improve Luzerne County government.  Steps must be taken to ensure elected officials follow the Charter.  Raising taxes is not an option.  I will work to not raise taxes and pay down the debt.  We must look for the waste in all departments and branches of government.  I invite the Judicial Branch to work with Luzerne County Council to achieve that goal."

 

Kathy Dobash

GDAC get together

Scott Cannon put together a great event at the River Street Jazz Cafe in Plains that attracted about 100 people. There was an auction of artwork and a raffle of of baskets and one of them was won by Mrs. G. She is thrilled. We will be listening to the Beatles for the next week.

A few candidates for the upcoming election showed up. Michele Bednar is running for Controller and was circulating petitions. Steve Urban is also  is running but that is a big secret. Eileen Sorokas is running for Luzerne County Council and told me that she has already filed. Independent Rick Williams was a bit iffy but it sounds like he running again. 

It was great to meet and dance with Dallas Twp. sup Liz Martin and Harvey's Lake Miche'lle Boice.

Things I learned tonight;

W-B Area School Board will have plenty of candidates but Luzerne County Council will not.

Christine Katsock is running for reelection but Lynn Evans is not. Genaway  and a couple Thomas and Evans are in. Cafferfy from Plains is a candidate.

We will see Wednesday.

Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition get together Sunday

Meet the candidate

 

 

 

 

 Jim O'Meara is running for school board and has a kickoff event.

 

 

From the Facebook event page:

I'm kicking my campaign off at Norm's on Monday, March 4 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
I am inviting anyone interested in voting for change on the Wilkes-Barre Area School Board to join me and learn how you can help support my campaign. Everyone is welcome. It's a "big tent" event. There's nothing I'd like better than to see Republicans, Democrats, Independents and Third Party voters all on hand to talk about bringing change to a district that needs it badly.

 

 

Norm's Pizza & Eatery

275 N Sherman St, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702

Guns make us all safer or shoot a beer out

TO HELL WITH GUN CONTROL!!!!!

A Message of Tolerance by Mean Old Man

 Well, it seems to happen every couple of years and here we go again. Once again, the puny commie liberals are trying to take away my constitutional right to bear arms. Why should I be surprised?? Damn!!!!! After the school shooting a few months ago all of the hippie, flower power, Chairman Mao worshipping heathens came out of their closets (following their success on the gay marriage issue) and figured they could really soak their agenda on good God-Fearing, patriotic Americans like me. No doubt, the shooting up there in Connecticut was a tragedy, but does anyone think like me, that maybe if some of the teachers were packing (and maybe some of the older students, too) there would have been a different result??? That clown who did the evil deed would have been pushing up daisies before he got a single shot into anyone! But, of course, it’s all the fault of the proud gun owners of America. There’s nothing more fun than growing up toting a gun. 


My old man gave me my first gun when I was 6……a fine .22 caliber mini rifle. Gee, it was fun taking that out and picking off woodchucks and rabbits that were getting into Mom’s garden. And, I learned gun responsibility too. 

One time I shot a little off target when trying to down a squirrel and the bullet went straight into the living room window, barely missing Pops (who was having his traditional bottle [s] of Ballantine). The bullet directly blew apart Pops brew as the bottle shattered all over the wall as well as the beer. I can still recall the beating Pops gave me, not particularly, because I nearly killed him, but because I wasted a good bottle of beer on a count of my carelessness. Sometimes I can still feel the shiners he gave me on both eyes on that afternoon. But after that, I always aimed with good focus and never forgot the wonderful lesson Pops taught me. For the rest of my life, I could never hoist a bottle of Ballantine beer out of guilt. My preference is a cold Stegmaier. Good ol’ Pops…..he was one in a million. What a great guy…..I miss him a lot

. But now we are raising kids to be such wussies that we won’t even allow them to enjoy a toy gun. I mean, what is wrong with a two, or a three year old toting a plastic tommy gun???? Not only is it good masculine fun, but great preparation for when you get older (around 6 or 8) and can handle the real deal. 

Of course, my dumb grandson’s idea of a good toy is some dumb puppet or sissy doll. I don’t get it. And we wonder why this nation’s goin’ down the tubes!!!!! So, all you commies who want to ban firearms just remember there’s a thing called the fifth amendment to the constitution, or the first or third (I’m not sure which one but it’s there!!) that protects the rights of real Americans like me and my buddies Creep, Gummo and Skeets. 

After all, we fought the big war for you all to be free to act like pansies. Take that!!!! As for me, tonight I’ll spend some time at the Legion with those heroes, then I’ll come back to my home, sit back and pop open a Gold Medal Steg, puff on a few Lucky’s and watch the great Richard Boone, a real actor (to hell with Ben Affleck) in Have Gun Will Travel. Now there’s a show!!!! 

I hate you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!