“…often the good suffer, and often the wicked prosper, and one hardly knows which of those is the more annoying.” Bertrand Russell
OnStar and Your Government
Glenn Beck described several, less-known, features of “OnStar,” an electronic safety feature in new GM vehicles. On Star calls the cops if your air bags inflate, it will call an ambulance, or unlock your door if needed.
According to Beck, On Star has been scrupulous: their contract is with individual owners, not with government agencies. BUT: On Star has the technical ability to slow, then stop your engine or to deflate your tires. The federal government now manages GM and your On Star vehicle could be only a phone call away from them.
Watch for news items in which On Star halted a vehicle fleeing police pursuit.
According to Beck, Toyota has a stream of customers who are adamant that On Star – or an equivalent -NOT be part of their vehicle…
ACORN & Federal Oversight Role
Lou Flanagan passes credit to Theresa Garcia for this item. From the Republican Committee on Financial Services:
“WASHINGTON – During consideration of H.R. 3126, legislation to establish a Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee voted to pass an amendment offered by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) that will make ACORN eligible to play a role in setting regulations for financial institutions.”
ACORN Funding in PA
“State Rep. Steve Barrar, R-160, of Upper Chichester, recently won a skirmish in his long running battle against the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) when the House voted 157-42 for an amendment to the state’s Fiscal Code blocking funds for nonprofit organizations of legally rocky stature.
“‘This is a victory for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers, who deserve to know that their hard-earned dollars are being used appropriately,’ said Barrar in a release. ‘I applaud my colleagues who voted in favor of this amendment. This was a vote for greater fiscal responsibility in these trying economic times.’ “
http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009/10/20/news/doc4add2b6676803889404241.txt
Also: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/242883
And from Oct 13th: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS190501+13-Oct-2009+PRN20091013
“Cats” Needs Research on the PA Legislature
The members are listed and easily found on the Internet. So, too, are contributors.
There is, however, a more important organization beyond party affiliations: that is the emergent networks of “best friends” and “collaborators” who approve each other’s projects and budgets while sometimes benefiting voters and sometimes betraying them.
The research could be complex: Committee assignments, funds collected, votes taken, income channeled into “walking around money” … all reflect the flow of information and money. And the trails will move vertically – between chambers and between chamber members and federal contacts.
It could also be relatively simple if you happen to pick the one thing – money – common to all participants.
These people are NOT “making money for nothing”: Dollar swaps, gerrymandered districts, and length of service, once revealed, become tracks in the snow.
Peggy Noonan: It’s Not BO But What He Does…
Noonan here does a “mom” thing: “I love you but not what you do.” Obama, as does every child more than eight years old, chose to take on the Office of President and, when younger, chose his preachers, teachers, allies, ghost writers, and “czars.” The problem with Obama really is his personality.
“President Obama, in office a month longer than Bush was when 9/11 hit, now owns his presidency. Does he know it? He too stands on rubble, figuratively speaking—a collapsed economy, high and growing unemployment, two wars. Everyone knows what he’s standing on. You can almost see the smoke rising around him. He’s got a bullhorn in his hand every day…. The problem isn’t his personality, it’s his policies.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704224004574489530713762884.html
“Policy Perils: Why Global Warming Policies Are More Dangerous than Global Warming Itself”
Thanks Lou,
“American Heritage production, lengthy and heavy on facts and testimony by scientists. Worth watching and sharing with others. It should result in a lot of stammering and squirming by those who have been innocently misled by the Religion of Global Warming.”
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid13746676001?bctid=33334489001
Roofing an Old Bar: “George Crossed the River and Captured Linfield”
“We can get a grant…”
The amounts are trivial compared to spending by McCain or Obama. They are, however, significant because they are local and symptoms of a cancer, an attitude that it’s good for incumbents to spend other people’s money, even on a bar where nothing but gossip and drunkenness happened for the 250 years since George – when he wasn’t scheming or gossiping – ate, dumped, and slept there.
“…the Parker Ford Tavern Roof project is $39,391.56 over the original estimated project budget. This brings the total cost of the roof and cornice restoration project for the tavern and its kitchen wing to a grand total of $245,426.56. (emph added, jb) The explanation for these additional costs includes tree removal, additional administrative costs not conveyed in the report we received and the two change orders to rebuild the west chimney and repair framing approved by Chairman Funk and Vice-Chair McNeil.”
http://informedeastvincentresidents.blogspot.com/
Get a Head Check!
“LONG-term mobile phone users could face a higher risk of developing cancer in later life, according to a decade-long study.
“The report, to be published later this year, has reportedly found that heavy mobile use is linked to brain tumours.”
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/135974/Mobile-use-is-linked-to-brain-tumours
BO Cancels Copenhagen
Maybe someone read him my column…or, more likely, Copenhagen cancelled itself…
“President Obama will almost certainly not travel to the Copenhagen climate change summit in December and may instead use his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech to set out US environmental goals, The Times has learnt.
“With healthcare reform clogging his domestic agenda and no prospect of a comprehensive climate treaty in Copenhagen, (emph. added, jb) Mr Obama may disappoint campaigners and foreign leaders, including Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband, who have urged him to attend to boost the hopes of a breakthrough.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6888165.ece
“Out of Touch” Republicans … Still
Sometimes you do better when you do nothing….
“A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 73% think Republicans in Congress have lost touch with GOP voters from throughout the nation. Twelve percent (12%) are undecided.
These numbers are basically unchanged from a survey in late April.”
Kim Strassel, WSJ: Business Fights Back
Jonah Goldberg discussed the easy alliances that unfold between “big” government, and “big” businesses. “Big” religion and “big” unions can also make deals that appear to help but actually instill controls on their members. Further, the larger organizations have resources to meet government rules and to enhance them. It happened in Germany, it happens here.
Not everyone, so far, is going along peacefully.
“One thing I can tell you: They can go out and chase me and chase the Chamber and put stuff in the newspaper. It only . . . drives more and more support. . . . You think we are going to blink because a couple of people are out shooting at us? Tell ‘em to put their damn helmets on.”
Them’s fighting words, all the more so when delivered in the feisty, New York accent of U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue. “
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704224004574489341293483878.html
Also: Goldberg, Jonah (2007) Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning. NY: Doubleday.
Mark Steyn: “Mr. Tough Guy”
“Benjamin Disraeli’s most famous advice to aspiring politicians was: ‘Never complain and never explain.’ For the greatest orator of our time, a man who makes Churchill, Lincoln, and Henry V at Agincourt look like first-round rejects on Orating with the Stars, Barack Obama seems to have pretty much given up on the explaining side. He tried it with health care with speech after speech after exclusive interview for months on end and the more he explained the more unpopular the whole racket got. So he declared that the time for explaining is over, and it’s time to sign on or else.
“Meanwhile, to take the other half of the Disraeli equation, Obama and his officials and their beleaguered band of surrogates never stop complaining.”
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MmZhNDExNGE3YWQwZDZmZDg2ZTBhNGFjNTQ5MWRiZjQ=
Tehran does last-minute nuclear stall
“President Obama’s policy of diplomatic engagement with Iran is close to collapse as Tehran backtracks on a crucial deal aimed at cutting its stockpiles of nuclear fuel.”
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6888029.ece
Local Election Squeeks: mouse
“… we have received information that the Parker Ford Tavern Roof project is $39,391.56 over the original estimated project budget. This brings the total cost of the roof and cornice restoration project for the tavern and its kitchen wing to a grand total of $245,426.56. The explanation for these additional costs include tree removal, additional administrative costs not conveyed in the report we received and the two change orders to rebuild the west chimney and repair framing approved by Chairman Funk and Vice-Chair McNeil.”
http://informedeastvincentresidents.blogspot.com/
Meetings/Announcements
10/27/09, 6:30 P.M.: Souderton 9-12ers Monthly Meeting
Hennings Market, 290 Main St, Harleysville, PA 19438. 215-256-9533. Over by the buffet area there are stairs to go up…after you get to the top of the stairs, we’ll be at the end near the TV and couches. Bring a friend or two! Questions or idea : please email Vanessa_levy@hotmail.com.
“October 28, 2009 Delaware County Patriots Meeting, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
At the Media Inn. Paula Stiles (pjstiles@verizon.net)
November 11th, 7 P.M., West Chester Tea Party
Call Lisa (484-995-1540) by 10:00 to check. Site to be announced. Deborah Hughes (debdcpatriot@comcast.net).
November 14, 2009 Taxpayers March on Harrisburg
“The recent Pennsylvania budget fiasco illustrates that Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve better stewards of public monies. Years of unfulfilled promises and irresponsible spending have brought Pennsylvania to its current fiscally precarious condition. In times of economic hardship, everyday citizens have shown the ability to adapt by tightening their belts and making responsible choices. We expect our lawmakers in the state house to do the same. Hundreds of citizens will be at the capitol to make their voices heard.”
Meet at City Island at 1:00 P.M. Then march from the parking lot to the Capital and rally at 2:30–5 P.M. Pennsylvania Tea Parties. Keynote speaker, Dick Armey, Chairman, Freedom Works and other speakers will be featured upon confirmation. FOR BUS INFORMATION IN DELAWARE COUNTY – E-MAIL: DELCOBUS@DELCOPATRIOTS.COM, PHONE: 484-995-1540, (ask for Lisa).
Recurring Events
Sheepdogs Every Saturday
Brave guys and gals with flags and big signs rally in West Chester on the Courthouse lawn, from 11 – noon. Strongly recommended! RichDavis53@comcast.net
King of Prussia: Every Saturday with Lou Flanagan
Mall Blvd & Route 202: Noon-2 P.M., 2-4 P.M. Bring signs, water, hats, and your best thumbs-up. Lou Flanagan (louis@apo146.com)
Exton: Every Saturday
Intersection of Routes 30 & 100. 12:30–3 P.M. Bring flags, bring signs, bring hats, bring water. RichDavis53@comcast.net
Every Monday
Chadds Ford: Intersection of 202, 1, & 322, 4–6 P.M. Signs wait for you! Carl Namiotka, carlnamapex@comcast.net
Save the Date
December 12th 2009, “Season of Unity” Christmas Party
KoP FIREHALL. Room for 200. (170 Allendale Road). 7 pm until 11 pm for dinner (please bring a dish), cash bar (non-alcoholic beverages included) and music (liberal bashing allowed!) $10 per person. KarinStocking@msn.com Please send your $10.00 per person to: Paula Stiles, 444 Cardigan Terrace E., West Chester, PA 19380. Make check payable to her. ALSO, please put the names of everyone who you are paying for in a small note with your check. Please include a phone number and e-mail address. Let her know that you received the invitation from Karin.
“‘This is a victory for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers, who deserve to know that their hard-earned dollars are being used appropriately,’ said Barrar in a release. ‘I applaud my colleagues who voted in favor of this amendment. This was a vote for greater fiscal responsibility in these trying economic times.’ “
These numbers are basically unchanged from a survey in late April.”
“Meanwhile, to take the other half of the Disraeli equation, Obama and his officials and their beleaguered band of surrogates never stop complaining.”
Hennings Market, 290 Main St, Harleysville, PA 19438. 215-256-9533. Over by the buffet area there are stairs to go up…after you get to the top of the stairs, we’ll be at the end near the TV and couches. Bring a friend or two! Questions or idea : please email Vanessa_levy@hotmail.com.