Posts by author: Tom Borthwick

Observation: With the church in Flordia set to burn Korans on 9/11, we’re sending a clear signal to the world — that Americans are bigoted and hateful. Now, you and I know that’s not the case and this is a fringe minority and we know it’s barbaric and disgusting and that, really, it isn’t a reflection on anybody but the doers. Sadly, Muslims in the Middle East just see Americans burning Korans. The “churchgoers” that are sponsoring us make us all look bad and generals are warning that this will bring harm to our troops. While I’m never a fan of that George Bush “criticizing me gives succor to our enemies” meme, it’s one thing to be critical of an administration and another to burn holy books. It’s a deliberately provocative and hateful act. And they are supposed to be doing this in the name of Jesus.

Observation: Redistricting hangs in the balance. It seems undemocratic when you think about it. I mean, instead of voters choosing their leaders, leaders choose their voters. And it looks like Republicans will be making those choices. Even worse.

Observation: The Susquehanna River is still bubbling with methane from gas drillers and the environmental degradation they perpetuate. Pretty soon, it’ll catch fire.

Observation: I’m back teaching the little ones (juniors and seniors are still little to me). Expect posting to be more prone to spelling errors (I post over lunch on my iPhone if I have time) and also expect the posting flow to decrease. I’m adjuncting at night, so posting after school will be harder as well. Gotta pay the bills! Once I’m in a rhythm/routine, all will be back to relative normalcy, I promise.

Over a century ago, with the Labor Movement in full swing, working clamoring to be treated fairly – a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work – the forces of the status quo fought back.

We’re taught about events like the Pullman Strike in 1894, when the President of the United States, Grove Cleveland, ordered the military to end the strike.  Thirteen workers were murdered and fifty-seven were wounded, all because they wanted a fair shake.  We learn of the Pinkertons, employed by companies to make sure unionists stayed in line.

Later, in the McCarthy era, unions, a product of socialism, were seen as allies of the Communism that our government, in its paranoia, propagandized against.  Yet another era of victimization and demonization set in for organized labor.

Many still remember Reagan and the Air Traffic Controllers.  He simply brushed them off and destroyed them in one fell swoop, refusing to negotiate in good faith and dealing a major blow to all unions.

Many may know, and many may not, that workers died for their rights in the early days of the movement, that companies used force to accomplish their anti-worker agenda.  Violence and outright murder were legitimate tactics for the business-owners who wanted to go on exploiting their workers unchecked.

Now, the war against workers has evolved.  Rather than physically suppress activists, how, companies asked themselves, can we break their movement?  As Jack London outlined in the ever-relevant book, The Iron Heel, large capitalists, as he called them, had a realization: make the laws business-friendly.  Sure, workers could have their rights, as outlined by the law, but laws could be amended and in the century since the Labor Movement was in its heyday, business interests have succeeded.  London’s imagining of their plan was simple: buy politicians who alter law.  If the courts disagree, buy off the courts.  He gave us this warning 100 years ago, with the union movement in America at its strongest.

Now, companies can simply move to other countries where labor can be exploited.  Outsourcing is somehow a legitimate business practice, boosting the bottom line and shareholder profits at the expense of the working class.

Union membership has been on a steady decline for decades, slowly chipped away at by laws that provide for declining relevance.

In Animal Farm, by George Orwell, the Pigs in charge propose the construction of a windmill.  That windmill was supposed to reduce the workweek to three days.  The animals of the farm would use technology to enrich their lives.  Instead, the Pigs kept the workday the same and simply boosted production, selling the excess for profit.  Technology, instead of making the lives of citizens easier or more meaningful, now puts the jobs at risk in the name of profit.

I’m a union-man from a union family.  I belong to a teachers’ union.  My father was a union steward.  My uncle is the Vice President of a major police union.  Another uncle is in a pipe-fitters union.  And the list goes on.

Unions fight for decent wages, a fair treatment by employers.  It’s not all that unreasonable to the average person.  It is, however, a dangerous threat to mega CEO salaries and the bottom line.  A strong middle class is a strong America and strong unions are an integral part of that.

I don’t know what the answer to the decline is, or how to fight back, I just know that something needs to be done to ensure a viable working class.

For those concerned about Marcellus Shale drilling, which all of us should be given the methane welling up in the Susquehanna, the poisoned well-water of families in Susquehanna, and on and on, then Paul Kanjorski is the man to vote for.

The League of Conservation Voters gave Kanjorski a perfect score last year.  That means he voted for the environment 100% of the time.

If elected, Kanjorski would continue that trend and protect our region’s environment, something it sorely needs from elected officials.  It’s an easy choice for November, I’d say.

On a related note, Republican Lou Barletta has claimed that he isn’t responsible for his city’s unemployment.  Hmm…  So what exactly is he saying he’s done as Mayor of Hazleton?  Nothing?  This would be laughable if he weren’t running for a promotion.  He won’t be responsible for his votes in Congress, too, I guess.  The gas drillers who donate to him will be.

Observation: I saw a great quote posted on the Susquehanna River Sentinel, a blog following the destruction of our region by gas drillers.  It comes from Jacques Cousteau, “Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

Observation: Obama is calling for more infrastructure spending.  This is good, because it’s guaranteed to create jobs and to strengthen our country with tangible projects that last.  He could’ve been more ambitious, but it’s a step in the right direction.  Republicans have already announced their opposition.  Big surprise.   The biggest positive is the creation of a new Infrastructure Bank.  It would presumably be run by the Federal Government.  I like state-run banks, they are absent the profit motive and can lend at lower rates, which is better for small businesses.

A very talented friend of mine, Dawn Leas, recently had her ability as a poet recognized by Finishing Line Press, which will be publishing her chapbook,  I Know When To Keep Quiet,

From a bio of Dawn:

Dawn Leas moved to NEPA when she was 12 and swore she would leave for college and never look back. In a strange, cosmic twist of fate, she ended up attending the University of Scranton where she studied Communications and English. Almost 30 years later she still calls it home and has fallen in love with the area, its landscape, culture, people and its determination to survive and redefine itself.

With the official release date of the book right around the corner (October 30th), Leas is thrilled to be standing on the threshold of her first publication in which Scranton plays a major role. She is even happier that she made the decision to stay in the area all those years ago to raise her family, to work (she currently teaches 8th grade English at Wyoming Seminary) and to have the opportunity to witness the vibrant work of the area’s artists… performing, visual and written.

As for the chapbook itself, here is an excellent description:

A drunken night. Living in a hospital room. A tornado drill. First love. I Know When to Keep Quiet shouts quietly about religion, addiction, coming of age while moving away from, in and toward the connections of relationships. At times it tiptoes and at others plods through family dynamics, fears, dreams, awakenings that are spread across the terrains of working class New Jersey, the mysterious allure of New Orleans, the weight of dry heat in Texas and the deep roots of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Exploring who am I and where do I come from the poems question the need for a sense of rootedness, of home, of identity in a young family on the move. They speak within themselves and to each other about place and how it affects those who move through it.

I asked Dawn to send over a poem of hers that exemplifies her elegant style, and she sent over Ashes, a poem which I’ve seen her read publicly more than once.  It’s one of my favorites.

Ashes

My father was a volcano
spewing lava that night,
tables became timber –
curtains fell, walls crumbled.

My mother was a hummingbird
darting between him and us
wings humming false promises
that evaporated in the heat.

In the next room, my sister and I shared
a double bed like we had shared
our mother’s womb, a tangle of legs
and arms, her thumping heart close to mine.
A sliver of light sliced our room
as Mother appeared, then disappeared again.

I folded my arms and blinked
like “I Dream of Jeannie.”

In the morning, we tiptoed over rocky
landscape, washed our hands in ashes.
We waited.

Dawn’s book is available for purchase, just follow this link.  Scroll down and it’ll be in the second column on the left.  I’m happy to highlight local artists who’ve gone onto success and more than happy to support a talented friend.

Observation: An exciting announcement is in the works!  A new contributor will be joining the site very soon.  My original intent for the site was to have contributors join me in covering and commenting on politics in NEPA.  I really only have two major ideological concerns: social liberalism (i.e. gay people are people too) and a vehement support of the working class.  Those two ideas are the foundations of my outlook.  I support politicians whom I believe will be fair to everybody in terms of civil rights and I support politicians whom I believe will enact policies that will help working middle and lower class families.  You know, the people that need it.  The new contributor, who will be introduced soon, will be a general commenter, much like I am, with particular focuses on the Carbondale area and on issues facing the disabled (much like I focus on Scranton and education).  On that note, I’m always willing to open the site up to more contributors!

Observation: A Republican Teabagger Senate candidate in Delaware is running an anti-masturbation campaign.  Obviously, that’s an important issue that concerns us all.  Keystone Progress, in covering this, hilariously opened up by saying, “This rubs me the wrong way.”  Ha!

Observation: At La Festa Italiana last night, I have to say, I was disappointed that more political figures weren’t there.  The only one making the rounds that I saw was John Blake.  Dan Onorato won’t be coming, which is a mistake, but he should’ve had people handing out literature.  Same with Joe Sestak.  This is a poor ground game and it makes me sad.  They need to be smarter than this or they are going to lose.

Observation: The Scranton Times used the word “paean” in a headline today.  The word refers to a triumphant song, usually celebrating someone or something.  I’m pretty impressed that the Times stepped up the reading threshold.

Great roundup from Sestak’s people about why Toomey is a disaster.  As always, this is well-sourced.

The Pennsylvania Senate Race:
Us vs. Them
Sept. 4, 2010

This week, Pennsylvania Senate candidate Joe Sestak released his first ad of the general election, revealing the starkest difference to date of him and his opponent. In the ad, Wall Street’s Congressman Toomey revealed his outrageous proposal to eliminate all corporate taxes by raising them on working families.

Joe Sestak Hits Campaign Trail to Discuss Plan to Put Pennsylvania Families First

“Similarities superficial in Pa. Senate contest”
►    “Mr. Sestak pulled his hybrid car up to a church on a North Philadelphia street corner that was once known as “Crack Lane” and “Cocaine Alley.” It was the first stop on a “Jobs and Opportunities” tour … Mr. Sestak called community leaders there to discuss a report showing that only 28 percent of the city’s black males earn high school diplomas. He called for more accountability in city schools, including in early education, teacher training and vocational training programs.” [Washington Times, 8/30/10]

“Sestak touts small businesses in West Philly”
►    “Sestak says to help the country and small businesses grow and thrive, it’s important to encourage small business lending, and strengthen small business programs targeting women, veterans and minorities. ‘Philadelphia’s at its lowest employment in modern history and it’s because of small businesses,” he says.  “We have less small businesses today than we had 30 years ago.  They create 80% of all jobs.  If there is now a time when we could come together in Washington D.C. and say where should we focus?  It’s in small businesses!’” [WHYY, 8/31/10]

“Sestak campaigns at Grange Fair”
►    “Sestak literally ran from person to person shaking hands, trying to keep up with the rest of the parade while ringing off greetings like “Hello I’m Joe Sestak, a former Navy sailor running for U.S. Senate” or, when he shook the hands of children, “Hi, I’m just a boring congressman … After the parade, Sestak highlighted what he said was his commitment to higher education. Sestak said he voted to expand Pell Grants for college students by $63 billion, but said Toomey had voted against expansions in education spending.” [Daily Collegian, 9/3/10]

Congressman Toomey Wants Zero Corporate Taxes as Middle Class Struggles

“Us vs. Them in Sestak Ad” – “In fact, former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey loves corporations so much he thinks they shouldn’t pay any taxes, the ad says, showing a clip of Toomey advocating elimination of the corporate tax during an interview with CNBC in 2007.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 8/31/10, ]

“Sestak goes after Toomey’s anti-tax stance in new ad” – “Toomey’s suggestion about eliminating corporate taxes would have been popular with Club for Growth supporters, the anti-tax group he once led. But it gives Democrats more ammunition in their effort to tie him to Wall Street.”[The Hill, 8/31/10]

“A bit of context” – “Toomey clearly supports the elimination of corporate taxes, with no ambiguity.” [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 8/31/10,

"WGAL: True" - WGAL put U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak's new ad against Congressman Toomey "through the 'News 8 Ad Watch Truth Meter' [and] found it’s true.” [WGAL, 8/31/10]

“Pat Toomey thinks corporations shouldn’t pay any taxes” – “We gave the Toomey camp the opportunity to say the candidate opposes zero corporate taxation, but the campaign did not do so.” [PolitiFact, 9/1/10]

I received an e-mail yesterday from one Nick Falvo, who claims that he is the one Tom “Meltdown” Marino yelled at in the now infamous “What Kind of Welfare You On?” YouTube video.

In addition to yelling at voters/protestors about their employment status, before the camera rolled, Marino, according to Falvo, called all the protestors losers.  Nice.  Falvo is a Marine Corp veteran and has more integrity than the Marino campaign accused him of having.  It’s understandable that he would want to defend himself.

Falvo gave me permission to print this, so here you are:

I think I can shed some light as to why the length of the video and what exactly was said. I was the gentleman that Marino was yelling at. I was there to protest because Toomey wants to privatize Social Security which effectively means giving it to Wall Street to invest in derivatives. So if you think Social Security is a scam, you would be against what Toomey wants to do; if you think Social Security is a legitimate social service, you would ALSO be against what Toomey wants to do.

Be that as it may, when Marino first came out of the Toomey Rally, which I was surprised to see him at, I yelled “Hey Casino Marino, can you tell us the truth about your ties to DeNaples? Why won’t you do an interview and come clean?” Marino then walked north along the building to engage those of us protesting telling us to go home and that we were just a bunch of losers. I have many witnesses to that. That initial conversation would not have been able to have been recorded due to him just leaving the building and the acoustics would not allow for the audio recording to be clear. The video that everyone has seen takes place after Marino walks back towards the main entrance and then sees the camera and decides to yell “what do you do for a living” what you don’t hear is my answer to him due to him shouting while I was answering. Then I respond to his Welfare question as loudly as I can “what do YOU do for a living?” knowing full well he was until recently on the DeNaples payroll & has picked up sleeze ball mob connected clients in Florida & New York.

I read in the paper and online that Marino’s campaign director, who I have personally met on several occasions, released a statement saying that I was “making derogatory comments regarding Mr. Marino and his family in front of children.” The children in question were Pat Toomey’s kids who were in his little mobile home with his wife at the time of the altercation and calling him Casino Marino is far from derogatory.

I am a veteran of the Marine Corps Reserve and make a living as a freelance video editor, videographer, photographer, and producer. I also own my own events and entertainment company. I work with various non-profits in Lycoming County and am an avid kayaker and fisherman.

Not only was I offended by Tom Marino’s questioning if I had a job or if I was on welfare, I am offended by his campaign manager’s response and the lies that were told about the event. Tom Marino’s words regarding veterans has been offensive. His words regarding Carney hiding behind his wife’s illness is offensive as someone who’s mother dealt with cancer.

Sincerely,

N. Falvo

In case you haven’t seen the video, here’s the Republican, Tom “Meltdown” Marino, who wants to represent you (unless you’re a woman, veteran, senior citizen, small child, voter, or protestor):

That’s not the only problem Marino is having.  He claimed to have gotten written permission from the Department of Justice to be used as a reference for the DeNaples family.  The issue of DeNaples is irrelevant (although lots of people like to throw “Casino” Marino around, I prefer “Meltdown” Marino), what is relevant is whether or not this permission actually occurred.  The DoJ has not confirmed it.  And they will not.  Which very well may mean that they did not and Marino lied.  If that’s the case, that sounds like it would either be criminal or against DoJ policy.  It’s one thing to be somebody’s reference, but when you’re a US Attorney, things get murky.

WILK’s Steve Corbett is asking people to copy and e-mail a column he wrote on the issue to the DoJ.  We’ll see if Justice decides to comment.  I’m guessing not.

What that means, though, is that Marino will continue to walk the lines of ambiguity when it comes to his integrity.

A group called One Nation Working Together is going to hold a rally at the National Mall on October 2 of this year.  That’s the day of the Pages & Places Book Festival in Scranton, so I won’t be able to attend, but this is a rally of and for the unemployed.

This seems to me to be far more noble, maybe even more honorable, then Glenn Beck’s “Restoring Honor” self-aggrandizement fest.  Thousands of unemployed people marching on Washington demanding jobs is Depression-era activism.  And FDR gave us the WPA and CCC.  Instead of incensed upper-income yokels (polls show many Tea Partiers are white and upper middle class), we’ll get people who actually need help from the government, people who don’t want it to be torn down, people who want it, instead, to build the working people up, as it should.

From their website, “This movement includes human and civil rights organizations, unions and trade associations, nonprofit organizations, youth and student groups, religious and other faith groups, educational, peace, environmental, and ethnic associations, and any other groups and individuals who are committed to pulling our country back together now.”

That sounds like something anybody can get behind.  A stark contrast to the Beck crowd.  I doubt local Teabaggers will be heading to Washington to support job growth.  It’s not full of enough demagoguery and supplication to pseudo-prophets.

Observation: Chuck Norris is championing a new campaign called Trigger the Vote.  I love how gun violence and the suggestion of it is a legitimate campaign tactic on the right.

Observation: If you want a loud (at least in terms of the typewriters) local blogger-type punditish person, go visit Big Dan’s Big Blog. I love reading and it’s on my daily list (all the blogs on my blogroll are).  http://bigdanblogger.blogspot.com/

Observation: I’m about a quarter of the way through the book American Taliban, which examines parallels between right wing American ideology and Taliban ideology: violent rhetoric, sexual repression, suppression of homosexuality, aversion of women’s rights, desire for theocratic rule, and on and on.  It’s pretty scary to think about, although it makes sense that extremists would have similar outlooks.  It’s just odd that those two groups hate each other as much as they do when they have so much in common.

Observations: Republicans have said that if they win big in November and take over Congress, their plan is to start impeaching Democrats, including Obama, and repealing all legislation that was passed since Obama got in office.  How is this a plan?  Take us back to where we were when the crisis started?  Do they want this country to become third world?  Yes, they do.  If it’ll mean tax cuts for the rich and breaks for corporations, absolutely.

Observation: My grandmother keeps talking about how this country needs another Roosevelt.  Agreed.

Observation: Dan Onorato, who needs to beat Tom Corbett, will not be here for La Festa.  That’s a mistake.  Especially for an Italian.  Remember when that rabid animal, Zell Miller, came to La Festa?  Ah, the good old days.

Observation: It’s absurd that somebody has to campaign for County Coroner.  With Joe Brennan’s retirement, the County should consider making the Coroner’s position an appointed one.  What sense does voting for this job even make?  How competitive can this race get?  Are people really going to pay a lot of attention to who gives autopsies?

Observation: Today is La Festa Italiana in Scranton.  Go there!

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is endorsing Republican Tom Marino in the 10^th Congressional District.

It makes a lot of sense.  Huckabee, in his wisdom granted a pardon to a repeat violent offender, who then murdered somebody as soon as he got out.  Huckabee said he was trying to be like Christ and forgive.  That’s nice, but when somebody keeps committing violent crimes, maybe the merciful thing to do is keep them in prison.  That fatally poor judgment tarnished his reputation.

Which is a perfect segue into his endorsement of Tom Marino.  Marino has the worst judgment of any politician I’ve ever seen.  Carney spent time with his wife during breast cancer surgery.  Marino criticized him for it.  Carney went to serve his country in the Naval Reserve, Marino criticized him for it.  Marino said Social Security needs to be eliminated.  More recently, he flipped out on a voter who asked a question.  Marino has officially lost his mind.  Women, veterans, the elderly, and voters.  Who needs them?  Not Marino, evidently.

Now he’s got Huckabee.  I’m sure that’ll help.

Oh, and anti-abortion groups are going after Carney for his health care vote.  The Health Care bill doesn’t provide money for abortions, that’s a myth.  It’s nice that they’re using myths to attack Carney.  Next week, the Unicorns for Jesus PAC will undoubtedly endorse Marino and attack Carney for supporting Lord Voldemort.  And when Carney responds that he actually supported Harry Potter, they’ll accuse him of endorsing witchcraft.  I feel another satirical release coming on!

The Tiki Bar at the Waldorf is pretty popular for summer outings and yesterday was the setting for an absolutely jammed event for Paul Kanjorski.  I arrived on time (it started at 6) and noticed that there were a ton of union people there in visibly union attire.  Unions are always a good sign (the last vestige of a strong middle class, a class I happen to like and wish would grow).

Nobody was playing volleyball up there this time around, but a few were on horseshoes.  As usual, the view of the valley was impressive.  As was the food.  Mmm…  Penne a la vodka.

So, let’s do the run down:  I had a nice conversation with Mike Washo, who I’ve always worked for and feel is one of the most sincere and honest guys in politics.  Rumored County Controller candidate Gary DiBileo and actually County Controller Ken McDowell were making the rounds.  Also from the County, Treasurer Ed Karpovich.  I heard a Carbon County Commissioner announced, but didn’t get the name and realized I don’t know the names of any commissioners outside Lackawanna-Luzerne in NEPA.  Tim Lynady and Nathan Barrett were there representing Minooka.  Rosemary Boland of the Scranton Federation of Teachers and Lisa Barrett from PSEA (whom I came with) represented educators.  State Representatives Ken Smith and Kevin Murphy both came and stayed for a while.  Former County Democratic Chairman Jerry Notariani came out, as did Scranton School Director Tom Gilbride and Scranton City Councilman John Loscombe.  Loscombe’s attendance was mandatory, given the wave of anger directed at Team Evans over Pat Rogan’s support of Lou Barletta.  I also saw Scranton Times political guru Borys meandering about, but didn’t get a chance to introduce myself.

As per the usual, I’m sure I missed people.  There was no particularly crazy drama, minus one of Kanjo’s field organizers amusingly introduced himself to me three times, then apologized when I informed him of this, saying, “I just met 400 people, sorry.”  Thankfully my ego is solid enough that I didn’t feel too insignificant.  On that note, I do like Kanjo’s field team and know they are very capable.  I think Kanjo will have a better ground game than Barletta, which he absolutely needs if he’s going to win.

Kanjo’s speech, near the end of the night, was your typical Kanjo-fair – that is, he gets genuinely riled up.  He talked about constant Republican obstruction and opposition to everything – even the recent bill to help 9/11 first responders (Rep. Weiner famously and rightfully went insane over this on the House floor).  He talked about his record, bringing millions into the region during his time in Congress.  The place was so packed, though, it was too loud for me to catch it all.  I was happy watching the body language, like I said, riled up.  Every so often I heard a “Dammit!” and “Hell!” and “Dammit to Hell!” out of him.  I appreciate candor.

A lot of those in attendance were unfamiliar faces to me.  When you go to enough of these things, like I do, everybody starts to look the same, so I gauge success, often, based on unfamiliarity.  Between that and the numbers in attendance, I’d say Kanjo still has a lot of support.  Hopefully it’s enough to keep him in there.  As long as he keeps highlighting his record, and highlighting Lou’s, then he’s got a chance of overcoming this anti-incumbent climate.

We can file this one in the Irony Drawer.

Yesterday, I received a Lou Barletta press release dated August 31^st and boy, it’s full of some fun stuff!  Barletta, that’s Lou Barletta, Republican running against Paul Kanjorski.  Yup, Barletta criticized Kanjorski for the district’s unemployment.  While, of course, Kanjo has a part to play in the region’s unemployment, Barletta has ZERO business criticizing anybody over unemployment.  Hazleton is over 15%!  That’s the worst in the state!  And you know what, if you take Hazleton out of the equation, Lou Barletta’s Hazleton, then maybe NEPA wouldn’t have the worst unemployment.

I guess Kanjo’s team can reply, “Thanks for helping us clinch the title!”  Although maybe it’s not quite so exciting as that.  Kanjorksi has presided over 10% unemployment in a recession, Barletta 15%.  Who is better for jobs, again?

Statistics expose 26-year incumbent’s failed economic policies

August 31st

Hazleton, PA – The unemployment rate in Paul Kanjorski’s congressional district is now the highest in the entire state of Pennsylvania, continuing to show that the 26-year incumbent’s failed economic policies are destroying our regional economy and costing area residents thousands of jobs.

Kanjorski’s district has “significantly higher unemployment” than the state and the national average, according to the Scranton Times. In the same article, a professor of economics stated, “Being the worst in the state doesn’t speak well of our economy.” (8/31/10)

It also doesn’t speak well of Kanjorski’s economic policies.

The regional unemployment rate is now the highest in Pennsylvania at 10.4 percent – a number that has seen “a fairly steady ascent from 8.8 percent in July 2009,” according to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader (8/31/10). That mirrors Kanjorski’s lock-step votes for the government takeover of health care and the destructive energy tax known as cap and trade.

“The official unemployment data provides irrefutable proof that Kanjorski’s actions have severely hurt our region. It’s no wonder he is afraid to meet the people of his district face-to-face at public town meetings. Kanjorski and Nancy Pelosi promised us that if they passed the $800 billion stimulus bill, unemployment wouldn’t go above 8 percent. Clearly, that was a lie, and both our unemployment rate and national debt continue to rise. Kanjorski’s reckless vote to take over our health care system directly cost the jobs of at least 100 Sallie Mae employees in Hanover Township. Many other Kanjorski votes – for cap and trade, to raise taxes and fees 150 times – have cost thousands of other jobs right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Shawn Kelly, spokesman for the campaign of Lou Barletta. “At the end of the day, Kanjorski only cares about one job – his.”

Observation: I just had a great meeting with Rep. Ken Smith about WFTE (the community radio station that’s working on opening in Scranton).  Given that I hammered him in the primary over the near weekly reports from the Times on him, it’s pretty gracious that he agreed to sit down with me to talk.  Then he was gracious in the meeting, pointing out that the Times doesn’t always print the full story (I hear this from every office holder these days) and he explained quite a bit about the situation with his taxes, loans, and business.  I’m impressed that he took a critic head on.  And liked the organization I was speaking on behalf of.  It takes a lot to do that, and I respect the man for it.

Observation: I just got back from Anthology Books (where I went post-Smith) and picked up a copy of Markos Moulitsas’s new book, The American Taliban: How War, Sex, Sin, and Power Bind Jihadists and the Radical Right.  Aside from liking long subtitles, Markis is responsible for founding and running DailyKos, which I enjoy reading every day.  The reviews of this book have been pretty scathing (which is probably good for sales) because it compares Taliban and Islamic Extremist values to right wingers.  Maybe people are thinking NIMBY, but there are a lot of valid comparisons.  I’ll report back when I’m done reading.

Observation: Republicans are touting their “Young Guns” – a new generation of conservative leaders.   So, what? They’ll shoot us when they get in there?  I can understand liking guns, but being one?  That’s a bit much.

Observation: Republicans keep saying cut taxes while simultaneously saying to pay down the deficit.  Logic.

Observation: Despite universal fear of The Great Brown Horde, crime is down along the border and the amount of undocumented immigrants getting into the country has dropped dramatically under Obama.

Observation: According to the blog Susquehanna River Sentinel, which monitors the environmental degradation caused by fracking, the Susquehanna River is bubbling gas.  Farewell, Mother Nature.  http://srs444.blogspot.com/

Observation: Barack Obama’s popularity is still more than double that of Congressional Republicans and Democrats.  Now, he’ll be stumping for Joe Sestak next month.  Good idea, especially since it’s Philadelphia.  The vast majority of the state’s Democratic voters are from Philly.  If Philly turns out big, Sestak wins big.

Observation: Condolences to Mayor Doherty and the entire Doherty family after the passing of his mother.

Observation: Drill, Baby, Drill!

Observation: Okay, don’t drill.  Stop drilling.  Use renewable resources please.  I’m tired of explosions, injuries, deaths, and oil spills.  Most people don’t like that kind of thing, even if it makes money for the already super-rich.

Observation: Lou Barletta’s Anti-Brown crusade has spread into Kingston, which has one or two minorities in the whole town.  Hat tip to Gort for pointing this out.  Evidently, a Councilman there wants to pass an English-Only ordinance.  That has already been declared Unconstitutional.  And, on top of that, Americans are allowed to know languages other than English.  Puerto Ricans are Americans.  They speak Spanish.

Observation: Democrats are filing suit with Fox News.  Why?  Fox donated to Republican candidates.  Why the hell does a NEWS organization donate a political party?  Bias?  Naw, not that.  Fair and balanced.

Observation: Stephen Hawking, the Einstein of today, has come out and said, fascinatingly enough, that the Universe does not need God to have been created.

Tom Corbett, the Republican who wants to be our next governor, would be a DISASTER for NEPA in particular.  I’ve pointed out the flaws of this man at every opportunity, but the latest and greatest straight-up threat to NEPA is that Tom Corbett favors VOLUNTARY DRILLING STANDARDS in Marcellus Shale.  It’s bad enough that he doesn’t want to tax drillers.  Now he’s saying they can do whatever kind of safety they feel like.  That’s right, according to Corbett, it’s not the government’s job to make sure drinking water is safe.  According to Corbett, corporations are sweet, kind entities that will do what’s right no matter how much it costs them.

This is either naivety, or he was bought out.  Look at his campaign finance reports and the answer is clear.  Hint: It’s $360,000 that they’ve given him.  Okay, it’s not a hint.  I’m putting it out there.

Do not vote for this Tom Corbett.  NEPA cannot afford it.

Vote Dan Onorato, 2010.  He’s against poisoned water.

This is not a satirical joke.  Pat Toomey, the Republican running for Senate against Joe Sestak, wants ZERO corporate taxes.  It’s on video.  On the record.  Established.  There is no escape.  This man loves business.  In fact, I caught him French-kissing business behind the bleachers yesterday.

Here is a release from Sestak full of juicy links that expose this raunchy love-affair:

MEDIA, Pa – After two days spent trying to hide his position on eliminating taxes for Wall Street banks and Big Oil, Congressman Toomey will not deny his support for zero corporate taxes, even at the expense of Pennsylvania’s working families. After approaching the Toomey campaign directly about the issue yesterday, PolitiFact reported, “We gave the Toomey camp the opportunity to say the candidate opposes zero corporate taxation, but the campaign did not do so.” The Toomey campaign is willing to go to such lengths to disguise his record that it calls Congressman Toomey’s own plan — which he has argued for on national television and in his own book — “impractical” and “an intellectual exercise.” They must realize how much harm his proposal would do to the middle class to benefit his special-interest friends. 

If corporate tax rates were to be eliminated altogether, it would add more than $225 billion to the debt every year, over $9 billion annually from Pennsylvania alone. Corporations already dodge their full tax liability through loopholes, credits and tax havens.

Exxon Mobil, GE and Bank of America made $52 billion combined in pre-tax income last year but did not pay a single penny in corporate income tax to the U.S. government.

In fact, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reported that 61 percent of U.S. corporations reported tax liabilities of less than 5 percent of their total income in 2000 though the official corporate income tax rate is 35 percent.

There has been a steep decline in the amount of tax that is actually paid by corporations. The rate fell from a high of 39.8 percent in 1943 to a low of 7.4 percent in 2003.

Though Chevron and Ford made a combined $21.5 billion, they paid their taxes at a rate of only 1 percent.

“We need to ensure that our American businesses stay competitive, but we cannot allow large multinational corporations that reap billions in profits to shortchange the middle class and small businesses trying to stay competitive,” said Joe. “Congressman Toomey’s conclusion that America has the second-highest corporate tax rate in the world is based on the faulty premise that they pay anything near that. If he claims to be on the side of working families, he should think about their interests over corporate interests.”


“Last week, Congressman Toomey was trying to disguise his position on privatizing Social Security even though he was on record 36 times supporting it,” said Sestak campaign spokesman Jonathon Dworkin. “Now, he is trying to hide his position on eliminating taxes for big banks and oil companies at the expense of the middle class. Somehow, Congressman Toomey believes he can run a campaign of deception and does not think Pennsylvanians will hold him accountable for what he has said and done.”

And here is another Sestak release with some more Toomey Fun Facts!

Taxes: The Toomey Record & Priorities

In his appearance on CNBC, Congressman Toomey made it clear that he wants to “eliminate corporate taxes altogether.” He leaves out that he would increase revenue by raising taxes on working families. Congressman Toomey has supported two tax proposals with one thing in common; they cut taxes for oil companies and Wall Street by raising them for the rest of us.

Under a Flat Tax like Toomey proposes, CEOs at big banks would pay nothing on their Wall Street earnings, while 95% of workers would see a tax hike of almost $3,000. [Citizens for Tax Justice, 2/19/10]
Under Toomey’s national sales tax proposal, taxes on BP and Bank of America would be completely eliminated, but middle class Americans would have to pay a tax of at least 30% on everything they do, including buying groceries and clothing, visiting the doctor and getting medicine.  [Annenberg Public Policy Center, 5/31/07]
Congressman Toomey voted for every Bush tax proposal in Congress to benefit the wealthiest few

Toomey voted for President Bush’s tax cuts, more than 50 percent of which went to the richest 1 percent of Americans. [HR 1836, Vote 149, 5/26/01; HR 2, Vote 225, 5/23/03]
An exhaustive study based on analysis of tax records and census data by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) showed that tax rates for middle-income earners edged up in 2004, while rates for people at the very top continued to decline. The study reinforced the fact that the Bush tax cuts offered the biggest benefits by far to people at the very top. [New York Times, 1/8/07]
These tax breaks for the wealthy are the number one contributor to the deficits we face today

The Congressman Toomey-George W. Bush tax cuts remain the single largest cause of America’s structural deficit today. The Bush administration inherited budget surpluses from the Clinton administration. What turned these into deficits, even before the recession?  According to the CBO, the Bush tax cuts are by far the largest cause and have added up to $2.3 trillion over 10 years.  [Washington Post, 8/02/10]
Congressman Toomey is fighting to protect another $700 billion in tax cuts for the ultra rich

Today Congressman Toomey is fighting to make permanent President Bush’s 2003 high-income tax cuts  – which will add another $700 billion  to the deficit – despite the fact that the CBO recently concluded that doing so would be the least effective of 11 options to stimulate growth and job creation. [AP, 8/2/2010; CBO, 7/26/10]

Scranton City Councilman Pat Rogan is a fellow West Sider and we share a lot of mutual friends.  I like the man.  I don’t like the politics.  It’s nice that that can still go on in this particularly hypercharged rhetorical climate.

In any case, why I disagree with Rogan’s endorsement of Barletta, which has been making the rounds in political circles, is why I disagree with anybody supporting Barletta: “Boohoo” Lou is misguided on illegal immigration, he has ruined his city’s finances for a full decade, and his economic philosophy is of the Republican school, i.e. cut taxes for the rich, let corporations do what they want, and the little guy can go to hell.

The controversy, though, is that Pat Rogan is a Democrat supporting a Republican.  Honestly, but how is this unexpected or scandalous?  Sure, I’m a Democrat and I’ll vote for a Democrat before anything else because 99% of the time it’s better than the alternative.  Maybe even 100% of the time.  Probably 100% of the time.  Definitely, I mean.  But still.  Rogan ran on an anti-illegal immigration platform.  He supported Barletta actively in 2002 and 2006 against Kanjorski.  I don’t get why it’s news.  It’s consistent.  He ran as a Republican the first time! People who voted for Pat knew what they were getting, he wasn’t hiding anything.  This didn’t surprise me.  Why did it surprise and/or anger others?

This is news anyway, because PA2010, one of the big statewide blogs, picked up on his endorsement.  This means we can probably expect Kanjorski to trot out Republican endorsements.

So, sure, I disagree with him, just like I disagree with every Barletta supporter.  And actually, the wording in the release, that “our country is heading in a very dangerous direction” seems a tad too fearmongerish to me.  On top of that, if that’s the case, the Republican party is not the one to dig us out of any hole.  The only ones with the ladders who can climb out are the super-rich.  And the ladders are gold plated and poor-people proof.

In any case, here is his release:

Scranton Councilman Pat Rogan Endorses Lou Barletta for Congress

Today, Pat Rogan, a Democratic member of the Scranton City Council, publicly endorsed U.S. Congressional candidate Lou Barletta.

“I admire the way Lou Barletta fought for his city and for what he believes in, and that’s why I am endorsing Lou today.  Now more than ever, we need to look at the person, not the party, and Lou Barletta is the best person to represent the people of Scranton in the U.S. Congress,” Rogan said. “This isn’t the time to simply vote a straight-party ticket on Nov. 2. I encourage the people of Scranton to look beyond the party label and at Lou Barletta’s policies and his record and his opponent’s policies and his record. There are very clear differences that make Lou Barletta the best choice for Scranton.

“Our country is heading in a very dangerous direction, and Lou Barletta will help get us back on the right path. I’m proud to offer my public endorsement of Lou Barletta for Congress, and I encourage other elected Democrats to join me,” Rogan added.

In an article posted over at Doherty Deceit, I saw that nine towns in Massachusetts have gone after the Catholic Church on property taxes.  Empty or abandoned or non-religious buildings owned by the diocese in the Boston-area are pretty common.  Declining attendance, closure and consolidation of parishes and parochial schools, along with financial problems due to sex scandal payouts have all affected the Boston Diocese.

Scranton isn’t far different, except that it’s smaller.  Holy Cross in Bellvue is now off the rolls, owned by businessman Bob Bolus.  I’m sure there are many unused properties in the diocese that remain off the tax rolls.  They should be removed from the tax rolls to generate revenue.  If I’m not mistaken, in New York City, the Catholic Church owns more property in Manhattan than any other organization.  That’s a lot of valuable property that doesn’t generate tax dollars.

Sure, religious organizations utilize city services, but are tax exempt.  No problem.  But owning property that isn’t used for its tax-exempt purpose isn’t good for cash-strapped municipalities.  Again, I don’t know the number of properties that fall into this category, but I’m willing to bet there are a few.  The city of Scranton, along with any local municipalities in need of money, really, should take a look at this.  I know it’s unpopular to say, “Hey, Church, give us money,” but it’s fair.

Observation: Tom Marino has demanded nine debates with Congressman Chris Carney.  He’s called for them before, so calling for them again may be damage control after he alienated women, veterans, the elderly, small children, and then most recently, voters in general.  I suppose he just wants to ask Chris Carney what kind of welfare he’s on.  Maybe Marino will pull a Glenn Beck and start weeping.  Actually, he’ll probably just start frothing at the mouth as he tries to scream “liberal” and “Obama” and “Pelosi” at the top of his lungs.

Observation: I’m 27.  I love history and read about the past pretty voraciously.  But it’s strange to contemplate the emotions tied to an event that happened when I wasn’t alive.  It’s one thing to read about the first Moon landing.  How did that feel for people, though?  I saw a reference to the Fall of Saigon on Coal Region Voice.  I wonder how that felt to Americans after the disaster that was Vietnam.  And now, with combat operations over in Iraq, I’m not sure how I feel about it.  Probably because 50,000 troops will still be there.

Observation: A Conservative Republican Senator from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, lost to a Teabagger.  This is welcome news for the Democrat in the race, McAdams, because he’s within striking distance now.  Dear Republicans, please keep doing this.

Observation: Meghan McCain released a book called “Dirty, Sexy Politics.”  Being John McCain’s daughter made her career.  She is more reasonable than most Republicans.  But I don’t like that she gets taken seriously because of her father.  What makes her better than Bristol Palin?

Observation: Okay, I made the calls and figured out the scoop on the suspended principal at McNichols yesterday.  I should just start posting this stuff.  I could’ve beaten the paper to it.  Dammit!

Observation: The new elementary school going up in West Side needs a name.  Scranton had the first school in the country named after JFK.  Why not be the first school in the country named after Joe Biden?  Yeah, yeah, people went nuts last time I suggested it.  I like for our city to be precedent-setting, and he’s an extraordinarily accomplished native son.  Sounds like a good formula.  If not, then I’m for Hillary Clinton!

Observation: The Republican Governor’s Association, which spends money to elect Republican Governors (if you couldn’t figure that out), got hit with a $2 million fine.  HA!

Observation: I’m tired of BP commercials.  Feel good music and a soft tone of voice won’t make me forgive or forget.

Observation: The Obama Administration is considering a new nationwide infrastructure program.  Is this a new WPA?  Finally, the government spending money directly on things that benefit the country!  It’ll employ people, pump money into the economy, and we’ll have tangible results!  Why did we do this sooner?

Observation: The annual incomes of the bottom 90% of wage owners has stayed the same since 1973.  This is disgusting.

Observation: Jesus, yes, the Bible Jesus, took a whip to money-changers.  He wasn’t a fan of bankers and moneylenders and all that.  He used physical violence against them.  Jesus did this.  It’s in the Bible.  Why doesn’t the evangelical right do that?  You know, in Jesus name.  Amen.  (I’m not joking, Jesus had the right idea.  He would’ve been anti-bailout.)

Observation: ECTV has promised, but failed to deliver, online videos of programming, including Council meetings.  As such, many people don’t see them.  I’m included.  I don’t have cable, or satellite, or any of that.  So, I would LIKE to watch the new SAPA programming that they’ll be putting on, but since they haven’t bothered fulfilling their obligation (probably because there is no written agreement with the city), I can’t.

Observation: I just saw a commercial (I’m at my grandmother’s visiting, I told you I have no TV!) with minorities pleading that the government not raise taxes on the oil industry.  …