Labor Day

“Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.” -Abraham Lincoln

Imagine what a freak out FOX News and talk radio would have if our Democratic President said that today.

In this day when Unions are vilified and under assault by not just the business interests but who have convinced working people to ask "why do those people have benefits and workplace protections" instead of asking "why don't I?" The debate shifted from basic economic and fairness issues to distractions about abortion and other cultural issues such as gay marriage used as a wedge that also got people to buy into an economic agenda that is destroying the middle class. Read What's the Matter with Kansas?

After the last election Republican Governor's and state legislatures decided to go after public sector employee bargaining rights and to make it harded to vote despite never bringing up either issue during their election campaigns. The most attention was paid to Wisconsin but the same thing is going on in Pennsylvania.

I'm sick and tired of people that diss government workers. Did you ever think why the DMV is such a pain and the waits are long? Not enough workers to take care of the customers. A long wait at a SSA office? Not enough workers to take care of the customers. These people work their tails offs.

The poinyheaded bureaucrats in Washington DC that George Wallace ran against in 1968 and 1972 has become some sort of mantra for our lawmakers and GOP Presidential candidates today.

Labor day past

I piciked this up from the NEPA Libertarian Face book page of all places



Labor Day
by Kathy Kerr on Monday, September 5, 2011 at 10:35am.

I am old enough to remember when Labor Day was a celebration of the American worker, when being able to organize in a union meant a better living. Union was not a dirty word then, as it so often now conjures up thoughts of rigid work rules, excessive benefits and an impediment to profitability. To listen to the stories of the original "brothers" (there were no "sisters") following their American dream. Being a Teamster when it meant driving mule or draft horse teams of six, of my uncle starting the Stationary Engineers in Cleveland with his fists, my late brother starting a local chapter of the AFL-CIO. Sparkies in the IBEW, the Pipefitters and Millwrights, UAW guys off the line from Ford in Cleveland (the home of the kick-butt 351 engine). Uncle Bocky having the record for a big "pour" in the steel plant along the Cuyahoga River (yes, the infamous "Burning River"). To all those founders so long ago who were beaten with bats and pipes, shot at or shot dead . . . you are remembered this Labor Day. You built the great American middle class, made the melting pot work and instilled a hard work/hard nosed ethic in your families. Having oil-stained, callused hands was not shameful but a source of pride of giving an honest day's work for an honest dollar. This is almost extinct now, a little more than 100 years later.

.

Colege Football Saturday

Penn State beat Cupcake U 41-7 today as expected. The defense was solid giving up a late touchdown when the 3rd and 4th team players were on the field. The running game clicked with Silas Redd getting his 2nd 100 yard game and 2 touchdowns and the fullbacks pounded it inside when they needed to. They didn't have to throw often but I thought Matt McGloin looked a lot better than Rob Bolden when they did. Paterno doesn't like to play 2 QB's and I think McGloin will be the starter the rest of the year. The kicking game was a problem with Evan Lewis missing 2 field goals an a extra point and had some week kickoffs. Freshman Sam Ficken kicked the last PAT and may get a chance going forward.

Auburn came storming back to beat Utah State 42-38. I remember when Utah State came into Happy Valley in the the 70's and knocked off the Lions. Next weeks opponent Alabama took care of business beating the Akron Zips (love the nickname) 48-7. PSU will be a big underdog against Alabama next week and I'm not optimistic but that's why you play the games, anything can happen.

In baseball news the Phillies are 42 games over .500 for the first time in history with the best record in MLB. The pitching has been great all year as expected and now the bats are heating up. Having the best record doesn't always translate to success in the post season (Seatle Mariners) but it doesn't hurt.

Chris Carney unlikely to run again

Disclaimer: I have not talked with Chris since before the last election. I tried calling the last cell phone number I had for him but it said it was disconnected or I couldn't read my own handwritting and dialed the wrong number. So Chris, If your still reading the blog of a long time supporter please get in touch and set me straight. With that said, this is speculation.

I don't think that former Congressman Chris Carney will be running in the 10th or 11th CD this coming election. I know many of us want him to run and have floated the idea. In an iterview with Borys in July he teased that he was considering it.

Two things make another campaign unlikely for Carney.

The first is redisctricing. We may not know until January what the new Congressional districts will look like. It's probably to the GOP's advantage to wait to the last minute since they have the most seats to defend and give time for their voter suppression effort to make it's way through the courts. At this point we don't know what district Susqehanna County will be in. Not that should disqualify him from running in either district as the Constitution only requires that you be resident of the same state. But not living in the district is frowned upon.

The second is he now has a pretty good job in Virginia.


Former Lawmaker Lands Defense Contracting Job

Update: This is a good follow up from Politics in NEPA pointing out that Carney has not raised much money since the last election and rehashes the points I just made.

Barletta and Marino back Cantor's response to Hurricaine Irene

A few days ago I asked Lou Barletta's press guy if our Congressman agreed with Republican Majority Eric Cantor stance that whatever bills the federal government racks up paying for the recovery efforts will have to be offset with spending cuts elsewhere.


He didn't get back to me and that hurt my feelings but Barletta did answer the question when asked by our local press.


Irene victims about to face budget storm

In the article Barletta spews off about some foreign aid program that costs $42 million that he thinks should be cut. What the hell has that to do with a hurricane that has caused billions in damage when people need help yesterday? Tom Marino said “Everything is on the table; we need to downsize the government.”

Maybe they should listen to this guy


GOP Gov. Christie Slams Cantor's Idea to Negotiate Hurricane Aid


“You’re going to turn it into a fiasco like that debt-limit thing where you’re fighting with each other for eight or nine weeks and you expect the citizens of my state to wait? They’re not gonna wait, and I’m going to fight to make sure that they don’t,” Christie said putting the Tea Party-driven House on notice that its slash and gut politics will not be tolerated.


Funfest

I got this press release from Lou:


U.S. Rep. Barletta secures U.S. Navy flyover for Funfest parade on Sept. 11

So there is enough money in the budget for a flyover but not enough to help out the folks in the back mountain who don't have power or water.

What a failure as a Congressman. When we had Dan Flood and Kanjo in the House the response would have been immediate.

Luzerne County Young Democrats

Our local YD chapter will be meeting tonight at

Rodano's Pizza
53 Public Sq
Wilkes-Barre, PA

starting at 7PM


At the meeting The Luzerne County Young Democrats will be electing officers, endorsing the Democratic slate of candidates, and launching the new Luzerne County Young Democrats website.

A new website, woo hoo.

According to their Facebook event page a few candidates will also be attending including 11th CD candidate Bill Vinsko, Common Pleas hopefulls Jennifer Rogers and Molly Hanlon Mirabito plus county council nominee Jane Waitkus. I think that all Luzerne Democratric county candidates and those running for municipal offices would do themselves a favor by showing up. These kids give you enthusiasm and boots on the ground.

Many moons ago I was an officer in the Young Dems of Luzerne County organized by Bob Caruso who had the ear of State Senator Marty Murray who gave us office space and some money. The group fizzled out and I went off to see the world courtesy of the US Air Force.

This incarnation is much stronger with my local Plains committeeman Tom Shibula at the helm. He replaced some guy in the last election that I never met although he lives a few doors away. The VP Tony Thomas is the son of a HS classmate who used to comment regularly on this site. Herself is another officer of the the LCYD who inspired this post.

Luzerne County Dems finally have a website

Hey Gort! We just wanted to introduce you to our party's new website and Facebook page!


The LCDC recently launched our website, which we're all really proud of it. Chairwoman Kathy Kane and the entire Committee were very supportive of the effort and voted for the project unanimously. 2nd Dist. Chair Casey Evans is serving as the site's Webmaster. It will move the Luzerne County Democratic Party into a 21st century media environment and we'll be more competitive than ever before: both online and on the streets!


The website can be found here: http://luzernedems.com/meet-us


Our party's Facebook page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Luzerne-County-Democratic-Party/217974844886953

It's hard to believe that our local donkeys didn't get with the program until now. Our local elephants have been on the web for a few years now.

Luzerne County Republican Party

and on Facebook

It's hard to predict what is going to happen in the upcoming county council races after all the corruption mostly Democratic office holders have been implicated in. But this is an overwhelming Democratic county and they should win a majority on the newfangled council with the GOP putting a few candidates over the top. Who knows, the Libertarians or an independent may grab 1 or 2 of the 11 seats up for grabs.

Paying for Irene

Many people are saying that Hurricaine Irene was less than advertised. Tell that to the families of the people who were killed or suffered significant property damage. Our neck of the woods was spared major damage for the most part although Harveys Lake and Wyoming County and points north took some hard hits. I kept getting updates from Congressman Lou Barletta's office yesterday about his tour of the damage and alerting me to his press availabilities.


Good morning. Representative Barletta is touring flood damage in the 11th District today.There will be media availability with Rep. Barletta at The Shawnee Inn, River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, at noon.

Barletta media availability

Rep. Barletta will be at the Luzerne County EMA building on River Street, Wilkes-Barre, at about 3 p.m. to talk to the media about Hurricane Irene damage

He put out a statement earlier

HAZLETON – U.S. Representative Lou Barletta, PA-11, issued the following statement in the wake of Hurricane Irene, which impacted all five counties of his congressional district:

I want to extend my condolences to the families of those who were killed here in Northeastern Pennsylvania during this storm. They and their families will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Many parts of the 11th Congressional District have felt the impact of Hurricane Irene’s strong winds and heavy rain. Thousands of people are without power, and some will remain that way for days. Some cannot access roads or bridges. Some have seen personal property destroyed, while others are still threatened with the loss of their property.

My office has received – and will continue to receive – updates and briefings from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, and other federal and state agencies in order to ensure the safety of the residents of the 11th Congressional District.

I will work with those agencies to make sure the federal government provides the appropriate response to this natural disaster. I will tour storm-damaged areas starting Monday morning so I can see first-hand the damage caused by Hurricane Irene, and will relay my observations and concerns at the federal level.

Sunday evening, Governor Tom Corbett asked President Obama to make a Presidential Disaster Declaration for several Pennsylvania counties, including Monroe County. Based on the firsthand reports I received from Monroe County officials, I fully support that declaration, and I will send a letter of support for that declaration to the president
Rep. Barletta will be at the Luzerne County EMA building on River Street, Wilkes-Barre, at about 3 p.m. to talk to the media about Hurricane Irene damage.


Lou Barletta is doing what he is supposed to do but getting help for the people who suffered damage may be tough to get.

Hurricane Irene relief funding sets up budget fight


Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate has declined to predict how much recovery efforts from Hurricane Irene will cost, but with widespread damage along the East Coast, it could run well into the billions. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said Monday that whatever bills the federal government racks up paying for the recovery efforts will have to be offset with spending cuts elsewhere.


I'm all for Congress establishing a permanent disaster fund but they haven't done it so you have to deal with the latest storm.

Steve Benen says it better than I

And in case this story isn’t quite mind-numbing enough, also note that FEMA has been forced to temporarily suspend “some payments to rebuild roads, schools and other structures destroyed during spring tornadoes in Joplin, Mo., and Southern states and other recent natural disasters” in order to respond to Hurricane Irene.

That this is happening in the wealthiest nation in the world, simply because the Republican Party has been taken over by charlatans and fools, is a national disgrace.

For all of our differences over party, ideology, and creed, we know that when disaster strikes and our neighbors face a genuine emergency, America responds. We don’t ask what’s in it for us; we don’t weigh the political considerations; we don’t pause to ponder the larger ideological implications.

We act. It’s who we are; it’s what we do.

Or it was, right up until Americans elected a radicalized House majority.


I have asked Barletta's spokesman if he agrees with Cantor. I await his response.

Rick Santorum in Moutaintop tomorrow

Some of my friends in the Luzerne County GOP are excited that Rick Santorum will have a news conference at their golf tournament tomorrow.


MOUNTAINTOP, PA – Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum will be speaking to a group of Luzerne County Republicans Monday, August 29 at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Course in Mountaintop. Sen. Santorum will be making himself available to media at 3:30pm and speaking to the County GOP at around 4:00pm. Media is also invited to hear Sen. Santorum’s remarks to the GOP. This will be Santorum’s first campaign visit to Pennsylvania following his strong showing in the Ames straw poll. Sen. Santorum finished fourth in the Iowa straw poll despite begin outspent by his opponents ten to one. He is hoping to carry this momentum into the fall campaign season and continue to gain support and increases in poll numbers.

Senator Santorum Returns Home With Momentum

Yeah he finished the top of the also rans

Some people in PA will still not forgive his endosement of Arlen Specter in 2002.


There is a rumor that he will drop by Mountain Freeze for a dairy treat afterward

Update: Due to Sunday's inclement weather the Luzerne County GOP Golf Tournament has been postponed.
Rick Santorum's media availability has been moved to 5:45pm in the parking lot of Arcaro and Gennell's restaraunt in Old Forge.

You Tube weekend

Wasteful government spending

PITTSTON TWP. – For the first time, an armed sheriff’s deputy will be posted at the screener checkpoint at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on a routine basis starting Oct. 1...The deputies will be from both Luzerne and Lackawanna counties and are being paid through a federal grant.

So the Federal government is going to pay the airport for a short period of time to put armed guards in a facility that to the best of my memory has never had a serious criminal incident.
The federal government will reimburse the airport $170,800 through Sept. 30, 2012. I have no knowledge of any threat to the place and I seriously doubt that there are any. I'm not sure what law or when it was passed authorizes this waste of money.

Maybe some airports may require this level of security but I don't think our's does. You can't defend against every imagined target but since 09/11/01 the reflex has been to try to. A one size fits all approach to security leads to waste with money going to Avoca instead of JFK or Dulles where it would be better spent.

Some people think the place is a good place to sleep.

I nominate the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Airport at Avoca, Pennsylvania, for your BEST list. It's clean, modern, well- guarded, and always empty (Nobody goes there)"

This reminds me of a few years ago when I tried to see the liberty bell. We are less free than 10 years ago. Not because of the terrorist but the because of the government's reaction to them.


The terrorist have won.

Oh great, more guns

Mike Lacey for Luzerne County Council

From the inbox:


Libertarians Tap Mike Lacey
Pick NEPA Tea Party Leader for Luzerne County Council Slot

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.—Today the Libertarian Party submitted election paperwork naming Mike Lacey as the Party’s replacement for Betsy Summers as one of its candidates for Luzerne County Council. Lacey, a local businessman, Republican, and co-founder of the NEPA Tea Party, is throwing his hat into the ring as a Libertarian in an unprecedented move according to Lou Jasikoff, Chair for the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. The opening came about as Ms. Summers recently qualified to run for both Luzerne County Council and Mayor of Wilkes-Barre. Ms. Summers is running to become the Mayor of Wilkes-Barre which left an opening on the Libertarian ticket for Luzerne County Council.
.

“Having served on the 2001 home rule study commission, and currently serving on the transition sub-committee for ethics, I looked for a replacement candidate that I could trust to serve the citizens of Luzerne County as I would. Mike Lacey is exactly the kind of individual needed to help make the new Home Rule Charter work. I am secure in the knowledge he will be a watchdog for the community and am honored to have such a principled individual as my replacement. Mike Lacey has my full endorsement,” said Betsy Summers.
.

“This race is not about party, it is a race about principle. I intend to be a true voice for the people, not the establishment. The time has come for all of us to put party politics aside and do what is best for our communities and country. I want to thank the Libertarian Party for this opportunity to help bring an end to the “good old boy” network that has become so pervasive in our local political system. It is imperative that we stop the corruption, nepotism and cronyism,” added Lacey.
.

Jasikoff added, “Libertarians have been running as Republicans and Democrats throughout the country for years. This might be the first time in history that a Republican is running as a Libertarian and times are truly changing. I am reminded of a Mark Twain quote, “In the beginning of a change, the Patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a Patriot.”

Rick Santorum wants your money

From Dan Hirschhorn in Politico

Rick Santorum fundraising in Pennsylvania

Rick Santorum is embarking on a three-day fundraising blitz across Pennsylvania next week...Santorum will start Monday Aug. 29 with events in Philadelphia, the wealthy Montgomery County suburbs, the Lehigh Valley and the Scranton region. He’ll be joined at the latter event by freshman Rep. Lou Barletta, whose top adviser is a longtime Santorum confidant.

He is building on the momentum of his 4th place showing in the Iowa straw poll and his 3rd place finish in his backyard.

Rick and Lou together again, good times.

East coast earthquake

I can cross that one off the list. I remarked to Mrs. G not long ago that one of the extreme natural phenomenons I hadn't experienced was an earthquake. The Agnes flood and a few others, tornadoes in Nebraska, Hurricane Gloria and many blizzards but not an earth shaker.

I was sitting at the kitchen table writing out some checks when I heard the tea kettle rattling and the light over my head swaying. At first I thought it was the wind as the window was open but then I noticed that the table was shaking. At that point the light bulb lit up, holly shit we're having an earthquake. Thankfully, no one was injured and the damage is minor.

Earthquakes are rare around here but if you live long enough you can expect to see just about anything. So what"s next, Volcanic eruptions on the culm banks or a Tsunami on the Susquehanna?


Mark was not impressed and decided to take a cheap shot at government workers The Great (non) Quake of '11

Dana is blaming Al Gore I think we just had an earthquake here

Maria posted a Carol King video that other sights are also doing Song of the Day

Bernie had a cigarette Did the Earth Move For You, Too?

Carl says Lady Gaga and Bono have teamed up for a benefit telethon for the earthquake ravaged East Coast EARTHQUAKE!

Valley Scanner has a video of the event Wilkes-Barre Earthquake Footage

Ames, Iowa looking over it's shoulder

With all the attention on the Iowa straw poll my friend Dave Baloga decided to get a head start and organized his own.


At the Jonathan Balaster Memorial Summer Picnic on Aug.13th, 2011 we conducted a straw poll of potential (age 18 or older) voters and the results were compiled before anyone had known the Iowa straw poll results. There were 120 attendees and many children. It was a mixed political attendance with the majority Republicans, many Independents and an unknown number of Democrats.


The results of the Luzerne County GOP straw poll:

Rick Perry – 23 votes
Michelle Bachman – 15 votes
Rick Santorum – 12 votes
Mitt Romney – 11 votes
Newt Gingrich – 7 votes
Herman Cain – 7 votes
Ron Paul – 3 votes
Sarah Palin – 2 votes
Tim Pawlenty – 1 vote
.

I know this is a small sample but people who go to these events are the hard core Republicans who actually work in campaigns. I'm surprised that Santorum only got 12 out of 77 votes. Maybe they're still mad at him for endorsing Arlen Specter.


Ames, Shmames – Rick Perry Wins Luzerne GOP Straw Poll

Michelle Bachman wins the Iowa straw poll

I know I'm late to this as I was on vacation.

My prediction that Lady Gaga fans would put him over the top did Tim Pawlenty in. Such a shame as he was the only Republican candidate in the field that I actually met. He seemed less crazy then the rest of them.

Ron Paul came in second but he is the Rodney Dangerfield of the race


Ron Paul Gets No Respect

Michelle Bachman was the winner

(pic via Froth Slosh B'Gosh)

The dog had a good vacation

Our big worry going on vacation this year was how will our toddler act on the way and after we got there. Mrs. G's mother counseled against taking him because she thinks he is too bold and not ready to travel yet. I think the real reason is that she didn't want to be separated from her dog for a whole week.

I'm very happy to report that Quincy was a very good dog. He was great in the car there and back despite the delays that turned a 4 hour drive into a 6 hour frustrating journey. After we got to the beach the fun began with a walk at Lake Gerar then a parade down Rehoboth Avenue with people making a fuss over him. We repeated that everyday. Not that he was that interested in people after going to the park.

Also, me and Mrs. G made new friends and had a great time despite getting rained on all the time.




More photos at this link

Another view

A guest post, I timed this to publish while we are in Deleware.



THEY CRUCIFIED A GREAT MAN ON THURSDAY
AND WE WONDER WHY OUR STREETS AREN’T SAFE ANYMORE!!!
A Message by Mean Old Man

I’m fit to be tied that the commie justice department railroaded one of the finest young judges that Luzerne County ever produced, the honorable Mark Ciavarella.

All Mr. Ciavarella did was to give some young juvenile delinquent punks the hard knocks they deserved for terrorizing and plundering old folks like myself. Of course, no young punk would ever consider playing any of their spoiled rotten games on me and my missus as I would counter it with a few sprays of buckshot from my trusty Remington and then a little love and affection from my prize bulldog Titus.

Kids today have it too easy, especially criminal kids! After Judges Ciavarella and Conahan were laid victims in a kangaroo court all the prissy liberals (including the one who runs this site) were wondering why the crime rates in their neighborhoods were going up. Morons!!!! With the loss of these two great men I am reminded of what happened when we turned our backs on some other great patriots such as George W. Bush and our sainted Sen. Santorum (see you in the White House soon, Rick!). And for all the liberals who scream the praises of the present occupant of the White House let me tell ya one thing: When G.W. was President, we had a AAA credit rating and now we’re down to AA----see what I mean!!!!!

Instead of shipping poor Mr. Ciavarella off to a gulag they should be giving him a medal.

When I stroll up to the Wal Mart or the mini mart I always see these young punks with their pornographic tattoos and nose rings and clothes too big to fit them.
The hang out asking for money expecting something for nothing. What do you expect from a generation raised by smelly hippies???!!!! Damn!!!!!
And they don’t even have the respect to hold the door open for a lady or an elderly person either.

In my day we had respect for our elders and we didn’t give ‘em no lip either. I remember one time my mom took me on a trip to the city. We were heading into Isaac Long’s off the square and I let the door slam in a young woman’s face. Hell, I was just a kid what did I know? Anyway, when Pops came home from a hard day at the coal mines that evening Mom told him about what I did at the dinner table. Ol’ Pops shouted so loud it would make the devil himself shiver. He then proceeded to take my plate of Potato soup and fling it onto my face. On top of that he gave me a shiner in my left eye. I don’t know what hurt more, the pain of the hot soup on my face or the swelling of my eye. It was horrible, excruciating and humiliating—and you know what? I loved it!!! Because then I knew two things< that Pops and mom loved me and that a kid oughta know his place!!!! It’s a lesson I never forgot. God, I miss my parents a lot.

Kids today rule the parents and that’s why our country’s falling apart. But the commie who runs this site won’t tell you that. HE’s been against Mr. Ciavarella , Conahan and our Sainted Sen. Santorum (whom he shows doctored porn photos of) all along. And one more thing: he says he is off to the beach. MY FOOT!!!!!

I bet he’s either off to Peking to get together with the Commies and help plan the next credit downgrade that is all their fault.
NO doubt he pulled out all of his stocks a few weeks ago because commies always keep each other informed.

So, Gort have fun in Peking (sorry, the beach); tell all your fellow travelers to make sure they don’t forget to send the President a birthday card. As for me, I’ll be sitting here in my easy chair, smoking a Lucky and hoisting a Steg and toasting Judge Ciavarella while listening to the sounds of Pearl Bailey singing “Brother Can You Spare a Dime?”

TO hell with your vacation, To hell with your readers, and to hell with Judge Kosik!!!!!!!

I HATE YOU ALL!!!

You Tube weekend

Yhe big question tonight is who will win the Iowa straw poll. My bet is Lady Gaga fans will put Tim Pawleny over the top.


Can You Guess Tim Pawlenty’s Favorite Lady Gaga Song?

Off to the beach

Off to Rehoboth for a week. This will be Quincy's first road trip and he is all excited. He still hasn't paid me his share of the house rent yet, deadbeat.

If anything newsworthy happens let me know in the comments. While we are at the beach the only TV we watch is the weather channel and baseball. No news, no internet and no newspapers.

28 years for Ciavarella

CV:
A defiant Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. was sentenced to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $965,000 in restitution this morning after reading a statement to the court in which he denied trading "kids for cash."

"Those three words made me the personification of evil. They made me the devil. They made me the anti-Christ. They made me toxic," Ciavarella told U.S. District Judge Edwin M. Kosik.


He is evil as is the other Juvie brother Michael Conahan. I was surprised by the sentence
since they previously were willing to cop a plea for 7 years in jail. I was expecting something like twice that time. Al Flora will appeal it but Scootch is headed to jail until that is sorted out.

This video of the mother of one of the kids that got sold up the river by on the Times Leader website expresses the anger that many of us feel although we can never feel the pain of losing her son.


"You ruined my fucking life."

Riots in London

Dipsy and the other Teletubbies are trying to restore order

The B Ark

To Infini-Tea And Beyond: 'Tea Party In Space' Aims To Stop NASA's 'Socialism'


Andrew L. Gasser launched Tea Party In Space in June as a way to "bring fiscal responsibility" into the space program, he told TPM Tuesday. He called the group, which was formed in conjunction with the South Florida Tea Party, the first "issue-specific" tea party in the country.

Gasser explained that the group aims to bring the free markets into the space program, because right now, he say, there is only the government -- which amounts to socialism. "It is socialism when you have the government coming down and saying, 'this is what we want to build, and this is how we want you to build it,'" he said.



Get your tea in zero G


The TEA Party's core values are just what America's space endeavors need right now in this volatile economy. NASA is being forced to fund programs that are behind schedule and ridiculously over budget. It's time to ask: 'how much is enough?' Both NASA, and the American taxpayer deserve a better plan and that's what our platform provides.

I have some news for Mr. Gasser. NASA is being privatized


Privatization of the Space Industry


The problem with the government funded space administration is that it is government funded. While private firms are free to spend exorbitant amounts of investor’s money, sometimes resulting in bankruptcy, they are allowed to take risks that are very unprofitable in the short term that are very profitable in the long term. NASA has to meet the standard of the government, which means they have to regularly and routinely show that they are needed and are valuable to America’s interests

The Shuttle program has ended and NASA is now funding scientific missions that are decided by, um, scientists. Not that teabagers care about science since global warming can't be true because it still snows in the winter.

The Apollo program paid many dividends in addition to putting a man on the moon

Apollo spinoff

I love this from John Cole at Balloon Juice. The headline and the comment.

Tea Party Plans Free Market Colonization of Uranus

Maybe we can get all these guys together, shoot them into outer space where they can do less damage. Plus, if they have their way, the rockets will be made by the lowest bidder, and I am ok with that.


Or put them on the B Ark. In the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy the most useless people were put on a spaceship fleeing a dying planet who then reecked havoc on an unsuspecting Earth. Much like what is happening to the United States today.

42

Remembering Jonathan Balaster

This Saturday friends of Jonathon will get together at

Lakeside Skillet Deck and Ballroom
279 Lakeside Drive
Harveys Lake, Pennsylvania

Starting at 5PM

The details are on the Luzerne County Republican Party website you can also check it out at this Facebook event page

Jonathan Balester Memorial Family Picnic

Unfortunately we won't be able to attend because we will be at the beach that day. My fondest memory of Jonathan was mediating a dispute he had with a Luzerne County elected official who mistakenly accused him of dredging up some unfavorable information about him. They kissed and made up after I proved to the elected official that he wasn't the source because another blogger found it in public records. Jonathan was very forgiving and gracious as anyone who calls themselves a Christian should be.

The disturbing thing is that the police have not made an arrest in this case. Jonathan was the victim of a violent murder and the person (s) who did it is/are still walking around.

His family is offering a reward for information.

2nd reward offered for info linked to man’s killing

The S&P downgrade, so what

My friends on the right seem to cheering the S&P downgrade of US debt to AA saying it's the death knell of the Obama presidency. They ignore the reports assertion that


"Compared with previous projections, our revised base case scenario now assumes that the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, due to expire by the end of 2012, remain in place. We have changed our assumption on this because the majority of Republicans in Congress continue to resist any measure that would raise revenues, a position we believe Congress reinforced by passing the act."
The Lu Lac Political Letter

So they dropped the credit rating of the United States Government because Republicans won't agree to raise taxes to cut the deficit and Republicans cheer. Why do these people hate America?

The S&P has some credibility problems that the Treasury pointed out.

Just the Facts: S&P's $2 Trillion Mistake

The reaction of the markets was to buy more US Treasury bonds and sell off stocks, go figure that out teabaggers. I wish someone would lend me money at 2.3% for 10 years.

The deficit is a long term problem but the immediate problem in that people don't have jobs.

Apostate Bush underling explains


The Downgrade Rally

The bond market has reacted to the S&P downgrade of US debt with a big rally in US Treasuries. As I write, the US government can borrow money for 10 years at about 2.3% and for 2 years at under one quarter of a point. The market wants to buy, buy, buy US debt.

What the market wants to sell are stocks: ie, claims on the future earnings of private-sector companies.

In other words, the market is saying: We fear recession and deflation. The Washington consensus is that we need to fight debt and inflation. It’s utterly upside down, utterly perverse.

I don't agree with David Frum and Andrew Sullivan about everything but respect that they are open minded. A quality sorely missing in American politics today.

A side note: I put in buy orders for 2 stocks that I like if the price falls far enough. I'm an optimist who believes in American Exceptialism and believes the stocks I buy today will be worth more 10 years from now.

Local reaction has been a bit over the top:

See you at the thrift store


The Lu Lac Political Letter


McGruff

You Tube weekend

INXS was a rainout at Pocono Downs.

They played 4 songs before the skies opened up.

Suicde Blonde and Devil Inside

Navel Gazing and Blogroll Maintenance

When I took this site off line a few months ago I got many requests to put it up again just because people liked using my blogroll to keep up with our local scribes. You didn't care what I had to say but I had the shortcuts.

I added 2 new blogs to the sidebar and deleted some dead links.



THIS JUST IN

is a blog written by former local news guy Kevin Jordan who briefly ran the Luzerne County Elections Bureau.

Posts from the Fringe

is the musings of my friend James O'Meara, Sr. who is running for Plains Township Commissioner.

Kevin will be happy that I fixed the link to The Valley Scanner so you get his latest post. I replaced the link to The Dave Madeira Show with a link to his daily screed Under the Liberty Tree. Sorry pal you are only getting one link.

Michelle is back. She stopped updating her blog a few years ago and went all a Twitter. We now have some updates on


mhryvnak.net

Idiot Watch

N.M. Mayor & Dem Rep Candidate: I Was Drunk When I Signed Contracts


Mexico border town mayor and congressional candidate Martin Resendiz was drunk when he signed nine contracts with a California company that is now suing the city for $1 million, according to a deposition in the case.

“The day I signed . I had way too much to drink. It was after 5 p.m. and I signed it (the contracts) and I didn’t know what I was signing,” Sunland Park, N.M., Mayor Martin Resendiz wrote in response to questions from lawyers for the architectural design firm Synthesis+. “My sister had to pick me up.”

According to the Mayor a few execs of the company got him shitfaced then he signed the contracts and a city councilman who was there (who was also blasted) backs up his story. The company disputes his version of events. Resendiz was in the running for the Democratic nomination to take on GOP Congessman Steve Pearce

Patte's Sports Bar loses liquor license

Maybe


According to the TL Pat Patte's license has not been renewed but he can appeal the decision and will almost certainly will. I predict that the place will keep it's license even if he loses the appeal by selling the place, on paper anyway, to one of his kids.


To refresh your memories Pat is serving 3 years probation for running a gambling operation out of the place and avoided having the business seized by the Feds by paying a $100,000 fine. As I pointed out earlier it was one of the worst kept secrets for years that you could place a friendly wager on a sporting event at Patte's among other North End bars in Wilkes-Barre. When I was a kid I got an education about the meaning of the point spread in the place.


You can but a lottery ticket a few blocks away or spend your unemployment check 2 miles to the north at the Mohegan Sun but you can't wager that the Patriots will beat the Dolphins by 3.

If you go there on a Monday night you can enjoy a great meal and my friend Jim Dougherty will direct you to the Men's room.


Patte's changed over the years going from a corner bar into a hangout for the local political elite.


I even ran into this guy on election eve in November 2010 at Patte's

Taxes are the price we pay for civilisation

102 Things NOT To Do If You Hate Taxes

There are more if you click the link

So, you’re a Republican that hates taxes? Well, since you do not like taxes or government, please kindly do the following

1. Do not use Medicare.
2. Do not use Social Security
3. Do not become a member of the US military, who are paid with tax dollars.
4. Do not ask the National Guard to help you after a disaster.
8. Do not drive on any paved road, highway, and interstate or drive on any bridge.
12. Do not live in areas with clean air.
13. Do not drink clean water.
14. Do not visit National Parks.
15. Do not visit public museums, zoos, and monuments.
16. Do not eat or use FDA inspected food and medicines.

26. Do not use cures that were discovered by labs using federal dollars.
27. Do not fly on federally regulated airplanes.
28. Do not use any product that can trace its development back to NASA.
29. Do not watch the weather provided by the National Weather Service.
30. Do not listen to severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service.
.
33. Do not use the internet, which was developed by the military.
.
36. Do not ask for FEMA assistance when everything you own gets wiped out by disaster.
37. Do not ask the military to defend your life and home in the event of a foreign invasion.
44. Do not buy any product that is protected from poisons, toxins, etc…by the Consumer Protection Agency.
45. Do not save your money in a bank that is FDIC insured.

52. Do not ask for help from the FBI, S.W.A.T, the bomb squad, Homeland Security, State troopers, etc…
56. Do not visit the National Archives.
57. Do not visit Presidential Libraries.
58. Do not use airports that are secured by the federal government.

71. Do not let the Coast Guard save you from drowning when your boat capsizes at sea.


77. Do not hunt or camp on federal land.
81. Do not whine when someone copies your work and sells it as their own. Government enforces copyright laws.


86. Do not apply for a passport to travel outside of the United States.
92. Do not move to any other developed nation, because the taxes are much higher.
94. Do not use money printed by the US Treasury.
95. Do not complain when millions more illegal immigrants cross the border because there are no more border patrol agents.


The fact is, we pay for the lifestyle we expect. Without taxes, our lifestyles would be totally different and much harder. America would be a third world country. The less we pay, the less we get in return. Americans pay less taxes today since 1958 and is ranked 32nd out of 34 of the top tax paying countries.

Lost it

I just wrote a long post about the debt ceiling. But it didn't publish. Aaargh

The Debt Ceilings is raised

The Republicans have been pretty good at playing this game. Last December they threatened a shutdown of the federal government and this time they were willing to crash the world economy unless they got everything they wanted.

Rick Santorum for President

My favorite Republican Presidential candidate had a disappointing fundraising second quarter pulling in just $582,347 with only $ 229,114 cash on hand. He is in single digits in most national polls and even trails Michelle Bachman and Mitt Romney in the latest Pennsylvania poll.

To top up his coffers he has decided to pick a fight with gay sex columnist Dan Savage sending out a fundraising email about his now famous google bomb that will lead you to this site. If you do a search for Santorum it's still the top result. This reminds me of when some magazine did a story on the 10 dumbest members of Congress and one of them called a news conference the next day to deny it.

If you don't want to follow the links I will provide a summary. In an interview in 2003 Rick Santorum said


he didn't believe in a right to privacy regarding sexual acts between adults. "If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery. You have the right to anything."

When the Associated Press asked, "So if somebody is homosexual, you would argue that they should not have sex?" Santorum replied, "In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality. That's not to pick on homosexuality. It's not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be."

Savage responded by adding his definition of Santorum

Function: noun
1. The frothy mixture of lube and fecal matter that is sometimes the by-product of anal sex.

2. Former Senator Rick Santorum

Savage is now threatening to redifine Rick

A question for Big Dan and the rest of you. Shall I use the ice cream cone pic instead of the powder blue suit for future posts?

Patrick Murphy for Attorney General

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy is running for Pennsylvania Attorney General. I'm a bit disappointed that he is not trying to regain the PA 8th District seat that he exchanged with Mike Fitzpatrick but I think he would be a good AG.


He went to King's College here in Wilkes-Barre and if I remember right he was the President of his class who had the honor of introducing President Bill Clinton in the gym after the Prez inspected the latest flood damage. Kanjo got Clinton to visit the area and I still remember seeing Air Force One on the tarmac at Avoca.




Murphy was a Captain in the 82nd Airborne and a JAG in Iraq. After he was elected to Congress he led the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the discriminatory policy that prevented gay men and women from serving openly in the military. I was in the military in the 1970's and we knew who was gay but didn't give a shit. All that mattered was if you could do your job.

He will be a tough but fair prosecutor unlike the last guy who had the job who only prosecuted Democrats for campaign violations but not Republicans for doing the same thing. .

Murphy has a lot of local support

Patrick Murphy has picked up the support of some big names in Luzerne County Democratic politics.

At a fundraiser tonight in Wilkes-Barre, Murphy will be joined by Congressman Paul Kanjorski, Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton, and State Representatives Michael Carroll, Phyllis Mundy and Eddie Day Pashinski.


His Website is

Patrick Murphy Attorney General

Kanjo is such a tease

Former Congressman Paul Kanjorski's interview with the TL last week has the local chattering classes all a twitter. When asked if he would run again he kept the door open.


He gave answers such as, “I can’t say yes or no;” “I can honestly say I haven’t given it any thought,” and “I’m enjoying the fresh air.”

PittstonPolitics jumped all over it even before the TL story was published. Joe also threw out a few other names of people who may or may not be contimplating a run against Lou Barletta depending on what the district will look like after redistricing. I think Luzerne County DA Jackie Mo is a long shot and Wilkes-Barre legal guy Bill Vinsko is already in.

The most intriging name in the mix is former 10th District Congressman Chris Carney depending if our salons in Harisburg try to make the district more Republican friendly by including Susquehanna County in the 11th. Technically Carney can run in the 11th even if he doesn't live in the district as the Constitution only requires that a member of Congress shall live in the same state modled after the British Parliment. It's rarely done but anything is possible. My first choice for this seat would be former state rep Kevin Blaum but that's just me. Eddie Day Pashinski and Phyllis Mundy would also be good candidates.


Back to Kanjo. Mrs G just told me she would always vote for him but I think he should write his book. He had many accomplishments that he can proudly point to but it's time to move on. But then again, anything is possible.

Barletta sent out a fundraising email yesterday about this news. It said:

Querido amigo -

Ayer por la tarde, Pennsylvania medios de comunicación comenzaron a informar que el ex congresista Paul Kanjorski - que usted me ayudó a vencer en 2010 - "está considerando lanzar su sombrero en el anillo para el asiento que estaba perdido" (PoliticsPA.com).

Todos recordamos Kanjorski de "grandes éxitos", ya sea llamando a dólares de los contribuyentes "dinero gratis" o votar por un paquete de un billón de dólares de estímulo que no produjo los empleos que necesitamos o empujar Obamacare. Lo importante es que no podemos volver a los mismos políticos que nos metieron en este lío.

El informe señala los medios de comunicación, "el dinero será un elemento clave en esta carrera y estoy seguro de Kanjo todavía tiene un poco guardados." Es cierto, si se decide a un reto para mí en 2012, Kanjorski se gastan millones para cubrir por encima de su registro y inducir a error a los electores sobre la mía.

Tenga la seguridad, voy a luchar fuerte contra Kanjorski, pero necesito tu ayuda para hacerlo. Una primera contribución a mi campaña ahora pagará grandes dividendos en el largo plazo.

Gracias por su continuo apoyo.

Atentamente,

Lou Barletta

Front Row

We just spent a couple of days in Philadelphia and had a good time as usual. We had dinner at Donnelly's on South St. near Penn's landing as we always do but skipped running around town because it was just too damn hot. I like it hot but even I have my limits.

The highlight of our stay was the Phillies game on Friday night that the fightin's won 3-1 with Cole Hamels going 8 innings striking out 10. We were not in the front row but pretty darn close. The down side was the heat. The last time I remembering sweating so much while doing nothing was when I was in basic training in Texas many moons ago. It was so hot I couldn't even drink any beer and the vendors were selling bottles of water for the low, low price of $4.25 a bottle. According to the Phillie's website there are 20 water fountains in the park but I couldn't locate any of them. 20 fountains for 45,000 people? To top it off one of the elevators in the Holiday Inn next to the stadium where we always stay was out of action just like every other time we have been there and our room was on the 10th floor.

Anyway, these were the best seats I have ever had for a Phillie's game and despite the heat we still had a great time. I'm a lot like Elwood P Dowd.

Bill Vinsko for Congress

From the inbox:


BILL VINSKO TAKES FIRST STEP TOWARDS CONGRESSIONAL RUN
Vinsko, Lifelong Resident of the 11th Congressional District,
Vows a Common-Sense Campaign in 2012


Wilkes-Barre, PA- July 21- Bill Vinsko has taken the first step necessary to be the Democratic nominee for the United States Congress by forwarding the required paperwork to the Federal Election Commission. Vinsko would face Republican Congressman Lou Barletta in the 11th Congressional District.

“People in our communities have told me that common sense and practical values of Northeast Pennsylvania are absent in Washington” said Vinsko. “I remember fighting hard as a student at King’s College for what is now the Arena at Casey Plaza. The entire community worked hard to voice their opinions, make sure they were heard and found a way to get it done. We can do that again, and I am ready and committed to lead the fight against the right-wing extremists we currently have in Congress, who are supporting radical cuts to Medicare, Social Security and Education. It is time to renew our passion and band together to create jobs for our future, to give paychecks to our people, and preserve our word to our seniors and veterans by keeping Medicare and Social Security strong.”

Bill has a history of helping create jobs in Northeast Pennsylvania. As an attorney, Bill and his brother, Brian, formed Vinsko and Associates, a full-service law firm handling real estate, estate planning, business and municipal law. Additionally, Bill is the President and Chairman of the Board of VPharm, Inc., a local pharmacy serving nursing homes and assisted living facilities, designed to help fill the needs of local senior citizens, who are able to obtain prescription drug medication a reasonable costs, without foregoing good service. During a down economy, Bill and his family have managed to expand their businesses to now employ over 30 local residents.

Vinsko has hired nationally prominent political strategists Snyder Pickerill Media Group as media consultant and The Strategy Group as campaign advisors. Snyder Pickerill has worked on competitive campaigns throughout the country from State House and State Senate races through contests for the U.S. House and Senate. The Strategy Group has advised multiple Presidential Candidates, as well as various other high profile campaigns across the country. Kyle Donahue has been named campaign manager.

Vinsko intends to formally announce his campaign in the next few weeks. Please join Bill and help achieve these goals for Northeast Pennsylvania. Visit the campaign website at http://www.billvinsko.com/ to join the cause.

Bill Vinsko was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre PA. †He worked during his years at Bishop Hoban High School as a janitor and concessions clerk at the FM†Kirby Center. † Also at that time, Bill met his future wife, Paula VanFossen, as the two worked together as on-air personalities for†Froggy 101 - a local radio station, under the names "I.B. Green" and "Cricket" respectively. Bill continued working full time while†attending Kings College, Wilkes-Barre. Their children Mercedes, Will, and Margaret Marie are the fourth generation of Vinskos to be raised in Northeast Pennsylvania. His parents, Bill and Joan, currently live in Wilkes-Barre.

Bill Vinsko became one of the first students at Penn State University history to earn a Masters Degree in Public Administration and his Law Degree from and Dickinson School of Law at the†same time. Upon returning to Wilkes-Barre he became the youngest person to ever serve as Assistant City Attorney for his hometown. Several years later he founded Vinsko and Associates to represent area residents in their real estate transactions, estate planning other legal needs. †His wife, Paula, has been the business manager of the firm since its inception.

Vinsko is deeply active in his community, having volunteered for the local United Way, the Luzerne County Mental Health/Mental†Retardation Program, and St. Nicholas Church Parish Council. †He has†won local leadership awards and recognition for his volunteer work on behalf of his community from the Rotary Club International and the Volunteer Action Center of the Wyoming Valley. Law and Politics Magazine has named Vinsko a “Super Lawyer Rising Star,”†every year since 2005, including this year, 2011.

Steve Flood RIP

1. 
   
   
   My very first post about local politics was my disapointment that Steve Flood wasn't reelected. Before that I was writing about baseball so we will keep up the mix.
   
   I wrote this at the time:
   
   
   Watchdog Goes Down
   The powers that be in Luzerne county win again. Steve Flood Lost the Controllers race to the party favorite. The reasons they did not like him are the reasons I did. We need rabble rousers and bomb throwers. I even miss Fred Williams radio show on WILK. I did not agree with him on many things, but I like the way he stirred the pot. Steve was good at asking questions and just saying no. The way this county has been run during my lifetime I found him to be way overdue. When I lived in other areas I described m y hometown as a place that never got over the great depression, the best redevelopment project was the Agnes flood and the political reforms of the 1890's have yet to hit. Sadly, not much has changed.
   

Well, because of Steve Flood many things have changed. Just after he was elected as Contoller I met him at a wedding of some Mrs. G reletive. He got me to support Ed Rendell over Bob Casey for Governor although I was going there anyway. We had a great fundraiser in Plains.

30 people have been inticted or convicted in Luzerne County because he went to the FBI over the 20 year Juvie Center lease. After he was defeated for reelection the new controller dropped the whole thing

My fence needs to be painted

Maybe I should hire this guy who is down on his luck


WILKES-BARRE – Former Luzerne County judge Mark Ciavarella is painting for a living these days. On Thursday, Ciavarella was painting a porch at 313 McLean St. owned by Bob Kadluboski, owner of City Wide Towing.

Cupcake, as Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton affectionately calls him, has been in the news lately for engaging in his favorite pastime of disrupting city council meetings complaining about his competitor LAG Towing suggesting some sort of corrupt bargain. Kadluboski is a civic minded person who has taken time out of his busy crime fighting schedule to be a such thorn in the side of W-B city council that they are considering changing the rules about public comments at their meetings.

I have to commend Mr. Kadluboski for giving a convicted criminal a way to make a living while he awaits sentencing.

For some reason this reminds me of a book I recently read


"I Heard You Paint Houses"

It's not about the deficit

The Democrats have offered a deal that Bob Dole and Howard Baker could never have dreamed of. John Boehner seemed to want to go for it but his caucus won't go for it because it involves some tax increases. So it now looks like the Republicans are going to blow up the government and possibly the world economy because they can't accept a deal that favors them. The GOP doesn't want to balance the budget they want to destroy the government. How stupid are these people?

Baseball

One of the great joys of our national pastime is every once in while you see something that you have never seen before. The home plate umpire just tossed the Florida Marlins catcher for aurging balls and strikes. The rookie Phillies pitcher just won a game 1-0.

Independent's Day

I've always had a soft spot for people who decide to run for office as minor party candidate or an independent. It's a big hill to climb and they almost always fail but I'm always heartened by their dedication to the democratic process despite the history.

Local Libertarian chairman Lou Jasikoff sent me a couple of emails this last week about petition drives for Libertarians, Greens, obscure 3rd parties and true independents trying to get enough signatures to get on the ballot for various offices. Pennsylvania has one of the worst laws in the country regarding 3rd party access, just ask Carl Romanelli who is still dealing with the fallout over his doomed effort to be a US Senator. Taking all that money from the head of Blackwater didn't help.

I'm glad to see that our local Lib's and Green's are trying to get people on the ballot for local offices and are working together. But they are still shooting for the Moon trying to get Marakay Rogers and Mark Kaisoglus on the ballot for the appellate Judge's spots.



Locally I think that Libertarian Tim Mullen has good shot as being an alternative to the Dem's and Rep's for Luzerne County Council. He gathered a bunch of signatures for his run in his run for state rep against Mundy and Goldsworthy but that didn't translate into votes. Still he got 15% which just may work that into a winning campaign this time.


Shane Novak wants to be the Green Party candidate Luzerne County Council. There should be more.

We all know Charlie Hatchko who is running as an American Independence Party candidate. Bible Buck is quick to quote the scriptures but I have to ask is he a member of Popular Front or the People's Front. Splitter.

For those of you that have beating me up in the comments I have a request. Send me links to the candidates websites and Facebook fan pages

Of course, I always welcome guest posts.