Another Democrat Lie and Another Anti-Choice Position

Well, The Democrats are distorting the truth once again.

They, along with President Obama, keep declaring that you "can keep your private coverage if you choose".

Sounds like the Government will only offer another alternative, right? Wrong. They are lying.

But first, how will private companies compete with the Government? Look at Medicare and Medicaid. Big Government advocates - socialists - keep declaring that these programs are "more efficient" and have "less overhead". Of course they do. Because the Government can MANDATE what they pay to health providers. Typically, they do not reimburse the full costs of services provided to program participants. They only pay around 80%.

So if you own a restaurant and the Government provides "Foodicare" and it costs you $20 to provide a meal, the government bureaucrats will send you a reimbursement check for $16.

Ever wonder why you hear about $10 aspirins? Wonder why private health insurance rates go up? Because health providers - doctors, nurses, hospitals, etc. - have to make up the difference with those who fail to pay the bills - Big Government.

How can private insurance companies or health providers compete against that kind of power? Yet President Obama and other Big Government advocates say, with a straight face, that they are only offering another "choice" for the free market.

But, to the lie.

The Health Care Bill must be rushed through in the next two weeks. Why? Because we will find many other gems like the Big Lie. On page 16 of a 1,018 monstrosity is the following clause:

"Except as provided in this paragraph, the individual health insurance issuer offering such coverage does not enroll any individual in such coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day" of the year the legislation becomes law.

This is in the section titled "Protecting The Choice To Keep Current Coverage" and a subsection called "Limitation On New Enrollment". This means that you can keep your current coverage. But if you ever lose it, or wish to change your provider or change jobs, YOU CANNOT ENROLL in private insurance nor can they sign up any new customers once this bill becomes law. You must participate in the government program!!!!!

Another subtle play on words by politicians. It ain't exactly a lie, but it ain't telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth either. And while Democrats are so pro-choice on one particular issue they oppose school choice and health care choice. See, in these issues, the Democrat Politicians think they have every right to impose their values upon you.

It is like a child caught with cookie crumbs on his shirt. "Johnny, did you eat some of the cookies?" "No, mommy, I didn't eat cookies." The child is fully justified in his mind because he didn't eat "cookies", he only ate one cookie. Such is the mental gymnastics of far too many politicians and, particularly in this instance, it is a disgusting display of dishonesty in the most massive expansion of government in our history.

Here is an article detailing more in Investors Business Daily:
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=482329

Someone Takes Action!

John Brinson and the Lehigh Valley Tax Limitation Committee ran ads on WAEB about the Pennsylvania Budget fight.

This was a response to the SEIU ads that asked for continued funding of programs. Of course, they do not want to face layoffs of any state employees who belong to their union, so their position is simple. Soak the taxpayers for their benefit.

Thank John Brinson for leading this public opinion fight.

Contributions (not tax deductible) can be sent to:

Lehigh Valley Tax Limitation Committee
Box 734
Allentown, PA 18105

Who are the Taxing Politicians?

Commonwealth Foundation launched a "Yes we Can!" effort about the PA budget. It asks PA legislators to sign on to the agreement.

The premise is simple: "We can balance the budget, protect the public safety and human services, and educate our children without raising taxes."

Many politicians, most Dems and too many R's, play a game. If any spending is cut, we will have to open the jails, eliminate police and fire personnel and shut down schools. Of course, as we all know, 100% of all spending is in these areas, right? There is no waste. No programs of lesser priorities. No 'handouts' to friends and political allies. No duplicate programs that accomplish little to none of what they are supposed to do. Right?

If we cut government at all, the entire free world will immediately collapse!

Here is a rundown:

NO Democrats have signed in either the Senate or the House. 75% of Republican members of the House have signed and 30% of the Republicans in the Senate.

(Supposed contender against Pat Toomey for the Senate primary Jane Orie has NOT signed on - which explains why Republican "leaders" might be courting her to run - they LOVE BIG GOVERNMENT.)

Here is a list for Lehigh & Northampton Counties: (note: This list is updated daily so check here)

Have signed -

Senator Pat Browne (R)
Representative Gary Day (R)
Representative Doug Reichley (R)

Have NOT signed -

Senator Rob Wonderling (R) - note: stepping down, but can't he sign anyway?
Representative Craig Dally (R)
Representative Karen Beyer (R)
Representative Julie Harhart (R)
Representative Joe Brennan (D)
Representative Steve Samuelson (D)
Representative Rich Grucela (D)
Representative Jen Mann (D)
Representative Robert Freeman (D)

A poor showing for area legislators! Contact them and tell them to be fiscally responsible! And contact them all especially if you know people in their district. And, much like Paul Revere, spread the word - "The Taxers are coming, the Taxers are coming!"

(NOTE: You can also sign the petition here.)

A Big Government Republican?

I often use the term "Big Government Republican". Why? Well, the political handlers have attempted to portray the divisions in the GOP as one between social "extremists" and social moderates.

From all that I have seen and heard, this is a lie. The battle is between fiscal conservatives who support limited government principles and those, who tend to be tied to government, who support Big Government.

How is that defined?

• Supporting new or increases in taxes.
• Supporting expansions of government without regard to costs.
• Increasing public debt.
• Reliance on borrowed money to 'balance the books'.

I will start providing specific examples of Big Government Republicans.

One might be former Speaker of the PA House of Representatives, Dennis O'Brien. The airwaves are hot with rumors that he and about 8 or 9 other GOP members of the House might support tax hikes to deal with the current budget problems.

You MUST contact his office and let him know that this is an unacceptable position for a member of the Republican Party. Sure, we will be called "purists" by the failing leadership of the GOP, but so what. When principles are at stake, I don't mind being a "purist".

It does not matter if you are in his district or not. He is a leader in the House which means he influences other members who may be in your district. Also, his vote will directly affect you by raising taxes! Also, these hypocritical Republicans are killing the party by presenting a mixed message.

Here is contact info for Dennis O'Brien:

dobrien@pahousegop.com
Harrisburg Office: 717-787-5689
Local Office: 215-632-5150

Tea Partys Continue...

The Tea Party protests have been mocked by liberal elites.

The political class hates the movement. According to a Rasmussen poll, 81% of the political class had an unfavorable view of the protests. Only 13% had a "somewhat favorable" view while NONE had a "very favorable view". 60% had a "very unfavorable" view. The political class includes Republican politicians, staffers, lobbyists, consultants, government benificiaries, etc.

Significantly, "one in four adults... personally know someone who attended a tea party protest"! In the world of political influence, this is a solid foundation for a movement.

Something is happening. While far too many have been busy working and raising families, there was an assumption that politicians on 'our' side (either one) were doing the right things while the 'other guys' were the problem. It seems more and more Americans are coming to a simple realization - maybe most politicians are the problem.

Similar protests started the last time we had an out of touch aristocracy with high taxes.

In March of 1765, British Parliament passed the "Stamp Act" to help pay for the costs of the Seven Years War - or the French and Indian War as it was called in the colonies. This act placed taxes on documents and other items. Some examples:

For every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, on which shall be ingrossed, written or printed, any declaration, plea, replication, rejoinder, demurrer, or other pleading, or any copy thereof, in any court of law within the British colonies and plantations in America, a stamp duty of three pence...

For every pack of such cards, the sum of one shilling.

And for every pair of such dice, the sum of ten shillings...

And for and upon every paper, commonly called a pamphlet, and upon every news paper, containing publick news, intelligence, or occurrences, which shall be printed, dispersed, and made publick (a variety of taxes were listed based on the size of the paper)...

For every skin or piece of vellum or parchment, or sheet or piece of paper, on which shall be ingrossed, written, or printed, any licence, appointment, or admission of any counsellor, solicitor, attorney, advocate, or proctor, to practice in any court, or of any notary within the said colonies and plantations, a stamp duty of ten pounds...

To place these in some perspective, here are some food costs for Philadelphia in 1765:

A bushel of corn was 3.01 shillings - today it is $3.38.

A bushel of wheat was 4.70 shillings - today it is $5.50.

Of course, prices vary widely, but these should provide some idea of the taxation. And, in colonial times, a Pound was made up of 20 shillings and each shilling was 12 pence.

So a three pence tax would be, roughly, $0.10.

The fee to pay for a Bar Admission document, would be $23.00.

The 'vice taxes' would be cards - $1.15, a pair of dice - $11.50.

Taxes today are significantly higher and we pay them for virtually everything we buy or even do! Yet, this was too much for the colonists, who were probably made of sterner stuff and a bit more principled.

Patrick Henry led a protest movement in the Virginia House of Burgesses. A mere 39 delegates passed five resolutions which included the following:

Resolved, that the taxation of the people by themselves, or by persons chosen by themselves to represent them, who can only know what taxes the people are able to bear, or the easiest method of raising them, and must themselves be affected by every tax laid on the people, is the only security against a burdensome taxation, and the distinguishing characteristic of British freedom, without which the ancient constitution cannot exist.

The colony of Massachusetts convened the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. These citizens, without official government authority, met in New York City with delegates of nine colonies.

The King relented and repealed the Stamp Act. However, the Townshend Acts were implemented in 1767 which enacted a tax on unprinted paper. The government also 'socialized' the tea industry by declaring that the nearly bankrupt East India Tea Company would be the only authorized seller of tea in the colonies. This, of course, led to the initial tea party, held in Boston Harbor.

The government increased its pressure upon the colonists and especially the minority who continued to protest and resist authoritarian actions. These culminated in the Boston Massacre in 1770. In 1772 the Committee of Correspondence was formed among the colonies which led to the formation of the Continental Congress. As tensions grew, the British government moved to seize guns from the dangerous colonists which led to a firefight at Lexington and Concord - the 'shot heard around the world'. The, rest as they say, is history.

Small groups with seemingly trivial concerns, often called 'naysayers', can change the world.

Here are some links to some Tea Party videos:

July 3rd, Easton
http://wfmz.com/view/?id=1223655

July 4th, Independence Mall, State Representative Curt Schroder (155th)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ0yElAU8bU

July 4th, Bushy Run Battlefield Park (A battle during the French & Indian War!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFiCX_J1jk4

Specter is Done

There was an effort in Lehigh County to censure Senator Specter for his vote on the Stimulus Bill. Some argued that it wasn't a good idea. Some argued that it might cause Specter to leave the party, which would make it hard for Pat Toomey to win an election against Specter as a Democrat.

Of course, I argued against these ludicrous positions. Now the poll numbers are proving the point that I predicted.

As I stated right away, "However, he will not win a Democrat primary."

While many in the GOP worried about the political implications of what was happening, the reality was obvious. Which seems to be something that many political handlers and others seem to fail to grasp.

Apparently, according to a recent poll, only 28% of voters think that Specter deserves to be re-elected to the Senate.

How often will the GOP political handlers be proven wrong for the grassroots to say, 'hey, you don't know what you are talking about?"

As I said, Specter will not win the Democrat primary. In fact, I will now predict that he will not even run for the position. He will retire. But, if he runs, he will lose.

And there is a danger. Too many Republicans have followed the "Specter Strategy". Which is, appease the Liberals and assume that the Republicans will vote for a Republican "no matter what". Well, if the GOP political geniuses won't wake up yet, they better. The GOP base, and many Independents and even enough Democrats actually believe in principles of limited government.

But I am not a political handler who claims to be a political guru. I merely use common sense.

WANTED: GOP CAP & TAX 8

The real problem with these eight is that they allowed Democrats in tough districts to vote against Cap & Trade. If these so-called Republicans had voted against the bill, it would have been defeated. Unless, Pelosi and her armtwisters convinced more Democrats to vote for the bill - which would have put their seats in jeopardy in 2010.

Which is more pragmatic? Standing on principle and putting more Dems in trouble in the next election cycle? Or appeasing liberals? And if they are in tough districts themselves, then they, and the GOP, should be educating the voters that global warming stopped in 1998 and that man-made carbon emissions have virtually little to no impact on global warming. Which has been proven by SCIENCE, not CONSENSUS.

That is where the GOP constantly fails - to educate the public and shifting public opinion.

Boehner Shows Some Backbone

One of the frustrations of the GOP grassroots is the almost total abdication of any leadership based on principles.

I watched House Minority Leaders John Boehner on Friday. It was uplifting. He demanded, and won the right, to take as much time as he needed to point out all the concerns with the 300 page amendment to the Cap & Tax bill - which was delivered at 3 a.m. that same morning.

Such is the sloppy process of government under Democrat leadership.

And a number of the provisions in this bill are unbelievable.

I would like to thank my friends at Conservative Allies of PA for supplying these links. You can watch the floor speech from Minority Leader Boehner:

JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jbMzaQZ_G4
JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPbSV3ykRuI
JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1lC4u8NLoc
JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSKIeH69Dcs
JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT5SDV00Duc
JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChoEI3ioRnE
JOHN BOEHNER SLAPS DOWN WAXMAN - PART 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r3QLvBWAYk

Cap & Trade Farce

The Cap & Trade fiasco narrowly passed in the House with a 7 vote margin. Eight Republicans voted for this travesty while 42 Democrats used common sense and opposed the bill. These Republicans need to go. Am I being a "purist"? Yes. I oppose socialist solutions to mythical problems that will create more economic problems. So should all Republicans.

Even candidate Obama admitted that electricity prices "would necessarily skyrocket".

And in typical Democrat fashion, a 300 page amendment was dropped off at 3 in the morning.

Give credit to Minority Leader John Boehner who paged through the document and raised all the questions he had about what was in the legislation. As he stated, (paraphrase) "If you are gonna drop off a 300 page amendment at three in the morning, the American public has a right to know what is in it before we vote on it."

Some of the items -

It establishes a federal housing code to conform with California's environmentally restrictive code. (Why do Democrats want to be more like California? Aren't they bankrupt and rapidly declining as a state?)

It mandates that municipalities have inspectors to comply with the above provision. Of course, this is another unfunded mandate.

It mandates that you cannot sell your house until it complies with this new code.

It establishes more welfare to offset much higher energy costs for welfare recipients. Of course, the middle class will suffer these higher energy costs. So the middle class will pay more in energy costs AND more to supply additional welfare benefits.

But let's look at the big picture. Global warming has been the greatest hype ever.

Temperature data used to justify the alarm has been debunked numerous times. Why? Thermometers were placed over asphalt which, as any child who walks with barefeet knows, gets quite hot in the sun. Thermometers were also found near a.c. vents (which emit heat to the outside) and in other areas that did not represent true ambient temperature.

A 2007 NASA report debunks the claim that man-made global warming is causing the great Arctic meltdown. Their conclusion? Arctic ice goes through a decades long cycle which causes the ice pack to expand and contract. This reminds me of the great ozone hole scare of the 80's. Remember that one? The "deniers" were attacked when they said that the ozone hole goes through cycles as well.

NASA also announced that that sun is a primary cause of any warming - imagine that - and that Mars also experienced global warming. Can't wait to buy a Martian SUV. As the sun goes through its normal cycles, it has an impact on the planets. Wow! Now that's radical. Here is another article about the radical concept that the sun might warm the planet.

And more and more meterologists are admitting that global warming has halted for the last decade and that global COOLING has started. Almost 32,000 American scientists have signed a petition that "there is no convincing scientific evidence" of man-made global warming. Here is a detailed blog about the flaws of the UN IPCC reports.

And last, the greenies declare that this is a jobs bill. If so, why do they have provisions to provide healthcare benefits for those who become unemployed as a result of this legislation? Spain just embarked on a similar jobs program. The result was 2.2 jobs lost for every green job that was created. And each job created only cost about $800,000! Only in politics is such incompetence tolerated. Instead of 'creating' jobs, why not just hand out $8,000 each to 100 people? Here is an analysis from the Heritage Foundation.

Who are the Republican Eight who will hopefully be Specterized soon? And if they face a primary challenge, you might want to send a few dollars to their opponents.

Bono Mack (CA-45th)

Castle (DE)

Kirk (IL-10th)

Reichert (WA-8th)

Lance (NJ-7th)

LoBiondo (NJ-2nd)

McHugh (NY-23rd)

Smith, C. (NJ-4th)

Who in the PA delegation voted for this monstrosity?

Brady (D) 1st

Kanjorski (D) 11th

Doyle (D) 14th

Fattah (D) 2nd

P. Murphy (D) 8th

Murtha (D) 12th

Schwartz (D) 13th

Sestak (D) 7th

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan to Congressman Dent's man Millan: Your guy is a Hypocrite

The dust hasn't settled on Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan's 2009 mayoral race, and will not until October at the earliest. Come on, he is a stone cold lock, and we all know it.

So our very own Vice President, Joe Biden (D-Unofficial part time Scranton Wilkes Barre homeboy) called to ask John Callahan to challenge Charlie Dent.

Hey, if the second in command to the commander in chief calls, you have to listen, right?

I could care less right now about the dynamics involved, what has my attention is Congressman Dent's man Shawn Millan telling John he should drop out of the mayoral race if he is running for Congress.

I like Shawn. I like that every time Congressman Dent has a conference call concerning Veterans affairs I get a call inviting me to participate. I just want to say that up front.

But John Callahan has a point, in telling Shawn Millan to shut up. Charlie ran for State Senator while still a State Representative. Charlie Dent also ran for Pat Toomey's Congressional seat while still halfway through his Senate term. Callahan's jab is a fair one.

I hope that John decides to run. He will get serious financial support that will rival Charlie Dent's, and have the backing of the Obama team. The Lehigh Valley will be treated to political bloodsport unseen for decades. Think of John Callahan as William Wallace leading his forces against the British. Political blood will spill, and this time Wallace might win in November 2010