Respect is a Two Way Street

~ Joe Mercer

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and honored the soldiers who died during the Civil War. Immediately after the war, citizens from both the North and South began to set aside days to decorate soldiers graves with flowers and flags to show their appreciation to these soldiers.  Over the years the day became known as Memorial Day in which we reflect and remember all US soldiers who have answered the call to duty, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ronald Reagan stated “The site before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.”  Over the years all of our Presidents have paid homage by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The marble tomb is inscribed HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

I recently heard that President Obama has decided he is too busy to participate in the ceremonies at Arlington Cemetery.  If it were not for those soldiers that fought in the Civil War he would have never had the opportunity to become the president.  Many people felt that it was a tremendous event that we have named our first black president.  It would be the ultimate tribute for the soldiers to have a black president place a wreath at the Tomb to acknowledge these brave men who gave their lives.  What does Mr. Obama do?  He turns his back to those soldiers and goes on about his own life.  The President has the responsibility to set an example to the youth in America and he will fail tremendously if he chooses not to participate in this tradition.  I have been told that we should respect the President whether we agree with his beliefs or not.  My reply is RESPECT IS A TWO WAY STREET.

Grave Misdirection of the "Conservative" Republican Party!

~ Jan Mills

Letter to the Hollidaysburg School Board

~ Joe Mercer

You all are reviewing the fate of many homeowners and businesses in the Hollidaysburg School District.  My wife and I have decided to start spending our personal time coming to the school board meetings because we do not like what we have been hearing.  Your job is to provide the best education to the students of this community at the lowest possible cost.  I have my concern that the tax payers may not be getting a fair return on their investment

You are going through the process of reviewing the budget.  Can anyone of you tell me the operating cost of the administration building?  Why is it necessary to have this building?  Is there is no room in any of the schools to set up these offices.  When was the last time any of you toured all the schools?  Why do you have the meetings in this building?  There is no room for the public and what seats are there are very uncomfortable.  Is the reason for having the meeting in that building to make it uncomfortable to the public, so they don’t come back to future meetings?  Have the taxpayers not paid for top quality auditoriums but the board elects not to use them? How many other items are the taxpayer paying for that the schools are not using?  Has enrollment not declined over the past 25 years but the size of the schools increased?  In my mind you could eliminate the administration building and reduce operating costs immediately.  At the same time you could allow for more of the public to attend these meetings by using one of the auditoriums.

The newest concern with this budget is the rising costs between the retirement of the teachers and operating costs.  Dr. Gallagher stated in the last meeting that you must look ahead in deciding on this budget.  Where you looking ahead when you decided to spend 35 million dollars on a new Gym?  I sat through a meeting where a music teacher was asking for more money for dehumidifiers for pianos, are the schools not climate controlled?  The school district needs to operate within its means just as the citizens must do within their own personal budgets.  Instead of always resorting to increasing the cost to the community, should you not be looking a little harder at making cuts with unemployment at 9.9%.  I have yet to hear anything about a wage freeze for even just one year.  Folks in the private sector are lucky to sill have gainful employment, let alone a pay increase.  At this time of financial crisis is it not important that the families have the financial capabilities to support their families?  After all it’s for the benefit of the children to make cuts now, is it not?

Let’s review the teacher’s wages and retirement.  I would recommend this school board become pro active and review the quantity of teachers and follow the model of Bishop Guilfoyle.  They realized they will need to cut two teachers positions. Why, because they cannot just pick the pockets of the tax payers.  Remember Dr Gallagher indicated that you must look ahead and the trend of student enrollment is declining.  The common statement for the schools is “it is for the children”.  If the school teachers feel that passionate for this noble cause, then the teachers should do what many in the private sector have already done.  The company I am employed with for an example, the employees took a two day per month pay cut but still worked those days so we did not have to lay anyone off.  Many companies took rolling one week layoffs through out the year during this down turn in business.  As for the teachers retirement let me get this straight the plan is to raise property taxes on the private sector to make up for the losses in the teachers retirement due to the stock market decline and lack of planning of the folks in Harrisburg.  Is anyone bailing out the private sectors retirement?   Many people have lost large portions of their retirement in 401k’s and IRA’s.  The teachers should have the same retirement options as the private sector.  They should endure the same risks and rewards as the private sector.

 I will close my statements that you THE SCHOOL BOARD have passed an increase 8 out of the past 11 years.  Businesses are leaving this state due to the overwhelming tax burdens.  Electric bills are going to double in January and the people just do not have room in their budgets for more money going to the schools.  Economics lesson 101- Less business opportunities equal less employment opportunities which in turn will develop into less people paying taxes within this community.  As you continue to increase the taxes more people AND BUSINESSES will leave the district reducing the tax base.  Should you really be considering passing a tax increase at this time?

The Hijacking of Primary Elections 
by Lois Kaneshiki

I used to say that if you wait until the General Election in November, you are too late. The real contest is in the Primary, where the political parties, which are similar to private clubs, elect their candidates. Now I am going to assert that if you wait until the Primary Election, you may be too late already.

The Primary Election is where the party voters select their candidates by secret ballot. That’s democracy, right? Well, it would be if that was what was truly happening. In reality our Primaries, the most important of all elections, are being hijacked as we speak by party leaders and other deal-makers before the party voters even get a chance to hear the candidates and learn what they stand for.

Candidates are quietly traveling around Pennsylvania, meeting with party leaders, asking for endorsements. Do you think they are asking the party leaders to endorse them based on the fact they, the candidates, are going to do the best job to protect our freedoms and promote principles of justice? If only we could be the little bugs on the wall that our party leaders seem to think we are to hear what was said during those meetings….

In February, the Republican State Committee will vote whether or not to endorse our statewide candidates. Most likely they will vote “yes.” Before that, county leaders will meet in regional caucuses and do the same. After they vote Yes to endorse, then they will go ahead to endorse the Annointed Ones for whom we, the party soldiers, are expected to fall in line and get busy putting out yard signs, passing out literature, and do other assorted grub work.

So what’s the problem?

The problem is that the Primary process is being manipulated and hijacked before the party voters get to vote. By endorsing candidates, they are unnecessarily influencing the outcome of an election that is supposed to be decided by the voters. Do we really need to be told who to vote for? What happened to good old-fashioned political debate and discourse and freedom of choice?
In fact, why have a Primary Election at all? If the party leaders “know best,’ why not skip the Primary Election altogether and save the taxpayers a truckload of money? I mean, they already told us who to vote for, right?
Do you get the feeling that someone out there doesn’t want you to choose your elected officials? Do you get the feeling that the process is corrupted from top to bottom? Well, I do.

How We Change It

In May, all the state party committee members and most of the county committee members will be re-elected. The county committees will elect their Chairmen shortly after the election. So this is what you do:
1. Concerned voters should run for a spot for their county committee seats. You can obtain a nomination petition on Feb. 16 at the county Elections Office.
2. Before you vote for your Chair, you ask him if he will pledge to vote NO on any questions regarding endorsing candidates. If he does not pledge NO, you vote for someone who will pledge YES.
3. Before you vote for any state committee members, ask them how they will vote on endorsements. If you cannot reach them or can’t get an answer, don’t vote for them.
4. Find people to run for state committee positions who pledge to vote NO on endorsing candidates.

If we can’t take back our Primary Elections and let the electorate choose their candidates, we will never get the candidates we want in the General Election. Period.

Mandatory Healthcare

~Valerie Bowers

I am already involved in a mandatory healthcare, called medicare.  This is not a choice. It is mandatory and taken from both my pay and my social security check, before I get either.

On top of that, is the mandatory social security that I paid for and still pay for because I work.  Social security again is taxed by the IRS.

Neither of these programs apparently is working.  When social security was started we were told that our money was safe, it was not.

Can we really trust the government with another mandatory program?

9-1-where?

~ Paul Stauffer Altoona, PA

I recently received my new 911 address.  It makes no sense.  I live just past 20th Ave. on North 5th Street which would cause me to expect my address to be 20** North 5th Street.

Instead my address is 17** North 5th.  I entered my new address in to MapQuest.com, Google Maps and Bing Maps all indicated that my house was located just past 17th Ave. on North 5th St.

I called the 911 coordinators office and I was told that they didn’t use the standard system for assigning addresses.  They started at the city line and numbered the plots in order away from the city.  One of my neighbors told me about his encounter with the 911 survey worker who couldn’t read a map.  The survey worker was pointing at properties on the map and making incorrect identifications.

I have a friend who lives just out side of Bellwood at the end of a Bellwood street.  His old address was an RD number for Tyrone since that is the post office that handles his mail.  Now he as a street address but they still have him listed in Tyrone, PA.

I thought the purpose of the new 911 map was to eliminate confusing RD numbers and replace them with addresses that describe the physical location of the residence or business.  Under the old RD system UPS could never find my address (even though I have my RD and Box number in large characters on the end of my deck).  UPS always delivered my packages to one of my neighbors.  Now under the new system they will be delivering my packages 3 blocks down the street.

Even worse what happen when an EMS vehicle is sent to the wrong location?  My aging mother lives in my home.  What happens when she needs an ambulance and it arrives at an address three blocks down the street?  What about my friends in Bellwood?  Will their barn burn down while the Tyrone fire company is dispatched to a street address in Tyrone?

Does something need to be done about this?

We need pork in Harrisburg

~Valerie Bowers

Anyone know where the famous pig that visited Harrisburg went?

I think I saw it in D.C. when the Congress (in the voters time of need) voted to give themselves an increase for 'office' expenses.  The tea parties need that pig.  Most of these offices are manned by family and girlfriends of the elected.  So it was an underhanded way to give themselves a raise.  Get that dang pig out of moth balls and put him to work.

The White House

~Joe Mercer

To whom it may concern,

It has been brought to my attention and I did verify on the White House website that we Americans should turn in any person speaking in opposition of Health Care Reform Bill.

Upon hearing this I felt it is of my civil duty that I should not put another citizen in the uncomfortable position of turning me in.  I will turn myself in to where ever you should see fit to be either publically or privately flogged.  What ever is my punishment I will not surrender my right to freedom of speech.

I find it appalling that the White House feels they have the right to stop “The Peoples” freedom of speech.  I also have the right to voice that opinion.  This Tyranny must stop now.  I also know we cannot as citizens have the right of freedom pulled from beneath our feet.  This decision of the White House is a Direct Violation of my freedom of speech.  We also cannot afford to allow the government to bully us by threatening to put us on a watch list for practicing the freedom of speech that our Fore Fathers and fellow citizens fought for.

I have worked full time since the age of 17 years old.  I am now 45 years young and willing to protect my children’s rights.  During all of those years and through my hard work and dedication I have managed to work my way through the ranks and always have been able to provide health care for my family.  This health care plan has allowed for the coverage of my children and emergency medical issues to be paid. Yes, I do have to pay for portions of my health care now but I also understand that my employer can not afford to carry the entire cost burden along with providing an opportunity to earn a fair wage to support my family. I am happy with my health care the way it is and you can and will leave it alone.

If you are wondering why I wish for the government not to get involved with my health care, just review your track record.  I have paid into Social Insecurity since the age of 17 and it is failing at the pace that I will never receive a benefit from it.  The Medicare program is a bust and the U S Postal service is running in the red and is unreliable.

If you feel health care is a right then start with enforcing “The Peoples” right to the First Amendment, before moving on to creating other rights.   May I ask you if it is a right to have heath care and the government must provide that right, then it is also our Second Amendment right to bare arms and should you not provide a side arm for all.  I must inform you I have never had the financial capability to purchase a gun.  Seeing that the government must provide heath care because it is a right, then should you not provide me with a government issued side arm?

 Please contact me at (814) 696-5685 for where I am to report for my public flogging. Also please ship my government issued side arm via UPS because I don’t want the Post Office to lose the package.  My address is below and no it is not a fake address my street name is ACORN even though it says Hickory Lane at the end of the street.  It was changed by local government to make 911 more efficient.  Now if there is an emergency they will not find Acorn Lane.  Another fine example of what governments can do.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Joseph P. Mercer

122 Acorn Lane

Duncansville, PA 16635

Catholic Leadership Support - MIA

~ Jimmi Malarky, Altoona PA

     Bishop Joseph Adamec and the priests of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese were conspicuously absent from last night’s candle light vigil in support of National Health Care. That didn’t stop area Catholics from showing up. The church needs to show some moral leadership, or at the very least bother to show up. They seem content enough to wring their hands over declining attendance at mass. Who needs mass when Jesus isn’t there, but instead is in the small crowd of Catholics that actually cared enough about his word to take action last evening? Jesus didn’t tell us that he’d be at mass on time Sunday morning. He said “Come, follow me”. And, of course, that includes following him to the parking lot of the Cracker Barrel, if that’s where he goes. The Bishop apparently preferred to stay away. He didn’t even bother to issue a statement of support for the vigil. If Jesus wants an audience with Adamec, I guess he will need to call for an appointment at the mansion like the rest of us.



      The Logan Twp police later informed the crowd that management of adjoining businesses requested the crowd be dispersed because they didn’t want their business to be hurt by the presence of the protesters. Remember that when you next dine out or book a hotel room. They didn’t care enough about the plight of the working poor to allow you to stand in their parking lot. That seems odd. Local employers enthusiastically make use of so many of those workers (at close to minimum wage, with few or no benefits).

 Health Scare Dance

~ Joe Mercer

I invested one hour of my time to learn more details on the Health Care reform.  All I took from this hour was the President inherited the poor economy which he made it a point to tell us four times.

The entire object of this press conference was to communicate details of Government Health Care Reform.  I saw a dance around issues and never got a return on investment of my time.  The following points will back my point of view.

The President claimed that the government program will allow for Insurance if you change jobs or lose your job.  COBRA law allows you to continue insurance between jobs or if you lose your job.  No gain there!

The President stated that it will provide the most effective care not the most expensive care.  What in the world does that mean?

He started the speech indicating that the game of politics is being played to prevent this reform.  This President has the luxury of having the majority of the House and Senate being the Democratic Party.  When questioned about having the majority and cornered on the playing politics card, he began to back peddle and played the fear mongering ploy of his opposing party.  Who’s playing politics now?

He indicated that we cannot continue to go to one specialist and have tests and then go to another specialist and have tests, his quote was “we cannot afford to continue to do this”.  Does this mean we cannot get second opinions under this reform?  Many lives were saved and unnecessary procedures were prevented by getting second opinions.

Two questions were raised that he never answered directly.  Why the President and Congress will continue on the special federal medical coverage program and not use this reform program if it is so good.  He gave a lame answer that he has a Doctor following him around 24/7.  The second question was do you guarantee that a person will not be refused a procedure if deemed necessary?  His answer was he could not guarantee this because not all procedures are necessary.  So I guess the government knows better than your doctor what procedures you need.

I believe it is time for all of us to contact our representatives and express the concern that if they do not wish to share the facts of this new reform, then they do not have our permission to vote for it.  If they decide to make a back room deal on Health Care Reform then we will exercise our disapproval at election time.

Mr. President you applied for the job when you entered the race as a candidate.  You were awarded the job when elected.  You accepted the job on inauguration day.  Could you please leave the campaign trail and start performing the duties you were hired to do.  If you cannot handle the job then get out of the way and let someone who can handle the job take over.

Mr. President please do not try a sales job after your term, you are not good at it!

Permission Requested for Death

~ Chaz Smith

      It’s that time of year again- Altoona Area School District is requesting permission for my child’s death due to their negligence.

      At the end of each school year, Pleasant Valley Elementary School holds a carnival for the students.  A major attraction is several large inflatable rides which are brought in and set up outdoors by Windswept Promotions, Inc.  A release is sent to parents which must be signed, unaltered, for children to participate in this activity.  If the release is not signed, children must sit inside for half a day while their classmates frolic.  Among other things, this release asks a parent to not hold the school, school district, or the vendor liable for a child’s death due to negligence, mistake, or failure to supervise.

      The inflatable rides vary from year to year, but have included slides, and bounce houses. I understand one ride, a model of the sinking Titanic, requires the child to climb 30 feet up to slide down the deck of the ship.  An internet search reveals that people have been injured or killed on this ride in the past, either from falling over the side, or from the ride tipping over or collapsing due to improper setup or operator training.

      I believe it is unreasonable to request any parent to sign such a release for an activity that takes place on school grounds during the school day.  If this activity is appropriate for the children, no release should be required.  If a release of such extreme nature is required, then I would submit that the activity should not be promoted by the school.

      The school puts parents in an awkward position requiring them to sign a release for any injury or death for an activity which is promoted to the kids. Students look forward to spending half of a school day playing on these rides.   Try telling your kids that they will have to sit inside and supposedly be given work to do while their friends play for several hours outdoors on these monster fun machines.  Because the event takes place during the school day, parents are not allowed to be present to supervise.  As such we are asked to trust that the school will supervise and keep our kids safe, but yet are required to sign a release that if they don’t supervise our kids, and as a result they die, that we have no recourse.

      Perhaps the school should either concentrate its efforts on educating our children, or on providing activities for which parents are not required to give permission for their kid's death.

                                                                                      Tea Parties

                                                                                   ~ Gail Nevitt

      I was very impressed and pleased with the number of people who attended the Tea Parties across the country. Apparently the President is also impressed.  He came out the following day with a hundred million dollar cut to the budget. The problem is the hundred million is only 1/35,000 of the debt.  The hundred million will not begin to pay the interest on the ten trillion dollar debt. It is estimated that it will take eight hundred and six billion to pay the interest in ten years.  Adding to our debt, one out of every fifteen students in our public schools are children of illegal aliens who have to be taught English before they can begin their schooling.  They are given housing, medical, food stamps and welfare or social security.  Their social security exceeds that of most citizens who have worked and paid into the system.  The National Health care he wants to force on us will help bankrupt the country and has never worked in any country it has been tried.  Talk to the Canadians who come here for health care because they are unable to get adequate care in their country.

       I worry about a President who goes over seas and trashes the United States while trying to build his image.  He shakes hands with and accepts a book that blames America for all the problems of the western hemisphere, from a dictator who hates our country.  He bows to the Saudi King and calls America arrogant. He has a photo op with the military in Iraq, but only those who voted for him were allowed there. Understandable when he has cut our military budget and caused the CIA to release information that has weakened our country.  I’m not sure why he wanted to become president of, seemingly in his opinion, a despicable country he has to apologize for.

       I’m troubled that most of the emphasis seems to be on the economy.  I fear unless we address the moral free fall this country is in, the economy will not matter.  A bankrupt society cannot survive.  We have a radical left wing President who is determined to do away with all morality, i.e. legalize all abortions, far left social agenda & fetal stem cell research which has never been proven to work.

       Last but definitely not least:  Does the prospect of a Civilian Army, equally equipped and funded as our military, scare you?   This is certainly not for the terrorists because we no longer have terrorists.  It can’t be for the illegal aliens because we welcome and fund them.  The logical conclusion is it must be for the radical right winged extremists.  People who have a different opinion then the present administration. The people who were threatened by Homeland Security the night before the Tea Parties.

       Please, find your local, state or national Tea Party and get involved. Time is short.  Look at what they have accomplished in just a few short months.
 

Blair County Tea Party

By John Kasun

America is presently facing one of the most dangerous times in its history. However the threats are not coming from outside the country but from within. Our politicians are raping the country and destroying its future. It is not the Republicans or the Democrats or former President Bush or President Obama who alone are at fault. All are equally guilty but sharing that guilt are the citizens of this country who have permitted it to happen by allowing the politicians, from both parties, to rein unchecked.

Our country is presently in a weaken economic state in part due to improper government interference in the housing and credit markets demanding that people who did not qualify be given loans and mortgages they could not repay. Over the past several years when questions were raised about these unwise practices the government responded that all was well.

America’s once proud and powerful manufacturing base was forced off-shore by excessive federal regulation and the second highest tax rate in the world. The government has chosen to ignore protecting our borders allowing a flood of illegal immigrants to spill across our southern border who have become a drain on our social services and who in many ways have rights denied average American citizens.

In addition to not protecting its citizens politicians are obsessed with wasteful spending and pork barrel politics. While the average taxpayer struggles to make their personal financial ends meet politicians can’t seem to find enough stupid things to spend money on. Now their answer to our financial problems is more spending. While I agree that some financial stimulation can be beneficial the government spent almost one trillion dollars on the original TARP bail out and now admits they do not know where the money went. They gave bail-outs to AIG without guidelines or checks and balances and were outraged when they found the money was used for bonuses and payments to foreign banks. Was it not their responsibility to oversee these taxpayer funds? Now they say much more money will be needed, possibility another 2 trillion dollars. This money will be borrowed and the burden of repayment placed on the shoulders of the taxpayer.

Politicians and government produce no products and generate no income. Their only access to money is what they first take from the taxpayer. With the present wasteful and unregulated spending on local, state and national levels we are heading for much much higher taxes and possible bankruptcy as a nation.

Life is not a game of chance; it is a game of choice. It is time for the taxpayers of this country to choose to demand an end to wasteful spending and for the government to live within its income just as we the taxpayer must do. Increased and wasteful spending means higher taxes which mean less of our hard earned money for our families.

Make a choice for your future, your family’s future and the future of the country. Join your fellow taxpayer at the Tea Party, (Taxed Enough Already Party), to be held at the Blair County Courthouse on April 15th from 12 noon to 2pm. Stop by even for a few minutes if possible and turn on your headlights and porch lights on that day to demonstrate your support and concern.

Show the politicians we have had enough of their irresponsible spending and higher taxes and while we are at it lets show them the door at the next election.

 Faith Base Appointee Bully or Coward

~ Joe Mercer

The newly appointed Harry Knox shows he is either a coward or a bully for Barack Obama.  He recently called Pope Benedict XVI a liar because Pope Benedict said that condoms are not the answer to HIV/AIDS.  The Popes point was that the distribution of condoms has coincided with a gradual increase in HIV/AIDS.  Knox also labeled the Knights of Columbus as “foot soldiers of an army of oppression”.  He then slammed the Catholic Church when it decided a few years ago to ban homosexual candidates for the priesthood.

My question is this, why does Mr. Knox only attack the Catholics and not include the Islamic faith?  The Islamic religion also stands against homosexuality.  Could it be that he knows that the Catholic belief is to turn the other cheek and not act out in violence against an aggressor?  In his eyes does this make Catholics vulnerable and an easy target?  Is this the safe road to take?  Or could it very well be that Mr. Knox has a fear that a Muslim extremist may slice his throat if he included the Islamic faith in his comments?

The Knights of Columbus is not an army of oppression.  The organization was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and the needy.  Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. The Knights of Columbus are a non-partisan organization and belong to a variety of political parties.  They do take a strong interest in certain critical issues that affect the most fundamental values as Catholic Christians.  The Knights belief of the culture of life and a civilization of love promotes the pursuit of uniting to help others.

Mr. Knox is an embarrassment to this Great Nation and should look unto himself when using the term “Liar”.

Dave Shannon and Boscovs

~ Darren Smith

I was very dissappointed by the comments made by Dave Shannon on Friday regarding the Boscov's loan.  Dave said he could not see how Boscov's could ask the state for a loan and then turn around and purchase advertising in the Altoona Mirror . Does Dave not understand the fundamentals of retail? Advertising is a necessary evil. Yes it is expensive, but it is also very effective. I would think he would understand this since he works in radio and the bulk of his pay probably comes from advertising revenue. He seems to have a real hatred for Boscov's. Is it just because thay asked the state for a loan? His anger should be pointed toward the politicians who started the loan process, not Boscov's, they were simply taking advantage of a state program that happened to be there when they needed it most. Dave then proceeded to say that Boscov's  merchandise was over priced, yet in the following page in the Altoona Mirror Macy's had some of the same items at higher prices.  Has he ever stepped into a Boscov's store? I have purchased everything from eyeglasses to golf clubs from Boscov's all at very low prices.  I know Dave would like to see Boscov's fail just to say I told you so, but that will only leave the tax payers on the hook for the money. So come on Dave,  get on board and throw your support behind Boscov's  so they can survive and pay us back.

P.S. I find it funny that Dave does not have a problem with Smith Transport driving around all those fancy rigs after all the money they have received in grants over the years!

Klepto-Civics: U.S.A., B.B.R.

~ John McGinnis

Most of us learned civics in grade school and high school.  We learned that governments are instituted by citizens to make secure their lives and liberty. Government's chief task, therefore, is the protection of property and the eradication of trespass by force and fraud.  We learned further in civics that America has a federalist government where local governments handle local matters, state governments handle state-wide matters, and the national government is limited only to  those things that the state and local governments cannot handle.  These national powers are few and are clearly specified in the Constitution of the United States of America. To emphasize the limits of the national government, the Founders completed the Bill of Rights with the 10th Amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

So we learned way back when.  But where were Bill Shuster and Rick Geist and so many others in our local, state, and national governments when those lessons were taught?  Despite swearing oaths to uphold the Constitution, Shuster and Geist and the other kleptocrats quite proudly proclaim that government is the opposite of what we learned.

Some will claim that they are realists just doing their best in a bad system to keep us from getting a worse deal than we're already getting. That's small consolation for their complicity in the hijacking of government as our servant and its transformation into our master. It's completely wrongheaded thinking and inimical to the principles on which our Republic was founded.

Suppose, for example, you were running a business and hired a security guard to prevent theft.  Suppose further the security guard is a complete incompetent at preventing theft. (Think of the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz trying to shoo away the crows.)  But it turns out the guard is very good at walking around town and stealing from other businesses (Think of Tony Soprano.)  As his employer, would you be pleased that by stealing, the security guard is covering some portion (perhaps only a very small portion) of the theft that he was hired to stop?  Would it be okay with you if he brought more back than was stolen from you?  I'm guessing your answer, if you have any sense of decency and morality whatsoever, would be, "No, it's not okay. I hired this guy to protect my property, not to steal from others to cover my losses and his incompetence."

But in the klepto-civics classroom, this is all okay.  Brazenly, the kleptocrats use their own incompetence in legitimate government as a pretext to exercise their skill in the illegitimate use of power.  Then they offer up their incompetence and broken oaths as a reason to vote for them.  And they feign surprise and anger when the cost of government goes up; but what else can it do when government is endlessly involved in stealing from one American to give to another? 

That so many people across the nation, as well as in our own area, are willing to vote for such corruption is worse than a sorrowful commentary on our country. It is evidence that America is going the way of Detroit and Wall Street­-B.B.R., broken beyond repair.

 Taxation With out Representation

~ Joe Mercer

Is this a time for “Change”?  Here we are the two months into a new year with a new administration and new cabinet of thieves. Let’s see we are out of the gate with unethical tax cheats posing as leaders.  Congress is bound and determined to lengthen the time of this recession with the 750 BILLION dollar stimulus package that reeks of bacon.  This Porky bill was passed it will become a tax burden not only to this generation but probably on to our children and grandchildren.

Of coarse Executive and Congressional officials have no concern of taxes, they just don’t pay them.  If we don’t pay our taxes we get hit with interest and if we are lucky they will attach our wages. Apparently our new government officials are treated differently.  Why do I say this?  Look at Turbo Tax Tim Geithner the new Secretary of the Treasury and Tax Angle Rangel, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the federal tax code.  Don’t you think these two should know the tax code?  Turbo Tim did not pay some back taxes due to statute of limitations.  Tax Angle Rangel still has not paid his back taxes and for some reason you don’t hear anything about this.  These two unethical people were treated differently than the average citizen for not paying taxes.  The unethical Tom Daschle had his hopes dashed to be heading the Health and Human Services when he was caught not claiming a driver and car as income which was provided as part of his salary package.  This brings to my mind a statement from a favorite movie “The Patriot”.  Why should I consider trading one tyrant three thousand miles away for three thousand tyrants one mile away”.  This statement was made when they were debating whether they should declare Independence.  I now say we need to put an end to the tyrants from Washington and remove them from office.  Our Speaker of the house does not even know the population of the United States.  As she stated on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 “five hundred million workers per month are filing for unemployment.  The last time I checked the total US population was around three hundred and five million.  Apparently the illegal alien problem is much worse than I thought.  The most alarming thought is that this person is third in line to the White House!

I guess “Change” is happening.  Government officials are now above the law and no longer are treated the same as the peasant community.  The corruption will only get worse until the peasants wake up and remove these thieves from office.  I am writing this to remind everyone that the people we put into Washington are to represent us not for us to serve them.

Have Americans Lost Their Freedom?

~ Joe Mercer

To answer this question we must first look at the definition of freedom which is as follows: “the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint”, “exemption from external control, interference, regulation”, “general exemption or immunity”. Now let’s peal back the layers of the onion.

“The state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.” Is Government restraining where tobacco can be used? Is the Government restraining the amount of trans fats and sodium in foods? Does the Government limit the amount of money you can put into your retirement account knowing that Social Insecurity was squandered by them?

“Exemption from external control, interference, regulation.” Is government discussing the need for a fairness doctrine? Is government controlling wages and salaries of businesses? Is government setting regulations that render the company you work for to be so uncompetitive that your company moves manufacturing out of the country? Is government legislation pending to serialize ammunition which will increase the cost, making it unaffordable for the common working man?

“General exemption or immunity.” Is government controlling your wealth through excessive taxation? Do the Government taxes on gasoline per gallon exceed the profit earned by the oil companies? Does the government deter people from saving money because they tax the interest they earn?

To borrow a quote from the late President Ronald Regan “Government is not the solution to our problem Government is the problem”! As long as Americans continue to drone in front of the television watching Dancing with the Stars and allow government thieves to steal our freedom we will be a socialist country before you know it. You make the call are Americans still free?

Field of Dreams
~ Joe Mercer

If the county officials would focus on inviting manufacturing back to the Altoona area instead of play grounds and ball fields maybe we would not be in the situation we are in today.

I moved back to this area and just laughed when I saw the county backed the idea of this ball field.  But to see that the county put the tax payers liability on the hook until 2056 took me from laughing to depression.

The state spent millions of dollars to build the I99 corridor claiming it will bring new business opportunities to this area.  The children of Blair County, after completion of education, leave this area to find a career.  We have the resource of a well respected college in the city of Altoona and we subsidize that education through taxes just for these students to move to other states.  Should we not focus on the investments we have already spent on those brilliant minds and attract new industries to this area?  Should we not offer tax relief to new industries to work through the start up costs of a new plant? We sat and watched the SKF building destroyed instead of finding a manufacturer to occupy that building.  The philosophy we will convert our city, county, state or country to a service community is just plain irresponsible.  You generate capital by producing goods to support the service industry.

State Ballpark Funds Protect County Taxpayer

~ Terry Tomassetti, Blair County Commissioner

The recent feature article in the Altoona Mirror on the use of state funds for the new field at Blair County Ballpark provided a good summary on a topic important to all taxpayers, particularly in these difficult economic times where federal bailouts and spending are reaching new heights. Unfortunately in reporting my comments, the reporter did not include the very first and very important reason I stated for my support of this funding. This was the protection of the Blair County taxpayer.

Without this funding, Blair County taxpayers could very well have been required to pay additional taxes to fix the field under the terms of the existing lease with Lakemont Partnership. With a field replacement cost of $1.3 million, each county taxpayer could have had their real estate taxes raised by 2.6 mills to cover this expense. That would be an approximate 10% increase in the taxes that each of us already pays to the County, something that none of us wants, particularly in these tough times.

Because of the funding requirements for the original ballpark construction project 10 years ago, it was necessary for the County to be a tenant of Lakemont Partnership whose principal is Ralph Albarano. Under the terms of this lease which incidentally has an expiration year of 2056 (yes, that's right, 2056!), the County has a duty to repair and maintain the ballpark and to pay annual rent in excess of $50,000 per year. Although still liable for these obligations under the lease even to this date, the County included the same obligations in its lease to the ballclub using the field which was originally the Lozinak group and later the Greenberg group. As long as there was a ballclub and a lease in place, the County was essentially protected from these expenses.

Unfortunately, problems arose this past year. First, Curve officials informed us last summer that the poor drainage system rendered the field essentially useless in bad weather. In fact, you may recall that two consecutive games were canceled last year only because prior days' rain could not be drained from the field. If not fixed in the Fall, it would threaten the 2009 season. Secondly, the original 10-year lease with the ball team now operated by the Greenberg group would expire in March of this year and they had not exercised their option to renew by the Spring 2008 deadline in the lease. Although their non-renewal kept the pressure on for securing state funding, it left the County in a very dangerous situation. We may not have a tenant at the ball field come this Spring, we would not have a usable ballfield and we would be responsible for the repairs and even the rent. Securing this state money solved all these problems and protected our taxpayers.

There was also a very important second reason for supporting the state funding of the ballfield reconstruction. The County continues to suffer from unfunded mandates and unfulfilled promises from our state government with respect to financial support. For example, over the past three years, the State has failed to meet its statutory duty to contribute to the salary of our District Attorney. This alone has cost County taxpayers in excess of $200,000. Almost 20 years ago, the State was required to fund our court system. Needless to say, this funding has also not been provided, producing literally a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars over the years. Therefore, I see the State funds for the new field as an opportunity to recapture money that I believe the State owes the Blair County taxpayers for the numerous obligations to us that the State continuously fails to meet.

As we move forward, please be assured that the County will no longer be a party to the leasing arrangement between the Lozinak family who are the new owners and Lakemont Partnership. Liability for repair and rent should not and will not be an obligation of the County henceforth.

Misplaced Compassion

~ Kimberly Mercer

Recently the President issued an executive order to close our military prison in Gitmo and ban the useof waterboarding during interrogation. Some on the left claim the prisoners were being treated inhumanely and that waterboarding is torture. Even though I strongly disagree with both of these arguments, I might be able to understand their position if they were more consistent in their thinking.

In most cases, the people whining about Gitmo are the same people that do not seem to have a problem with killing an innocent child in the womb. Where are all the bleeding hearts when it comes to abortion? Where’s the outrage about the Freedom of Choice Act that the President said he supports and will sign into law? If this hideous bill becomes law, abortion will become an entitlement the government must fund and promote. It will force every state to allow partial-birth abortions and strip parents of their right to be involved in their minor daughter’s abortion decision.

Had we not murdered millions of innocent babies in this country we just might have the cure for cancer or AIDS. And I wonder how many entrepreneurs have been slaughtered. Maybe social security wouldn’t be on the verge of bankruptcy if we had more taxpayers.

If you care about the rights of the unborn, please call your Senators and Representatives and urge them to vote no on FOCA. Simply put, it is murder. Some will argue; but I wonder what else do you call the taking of one’s life?

 Promises of No Bipartisanship

~ Joe Mercer

Our “new” President sent a “new” message last night of no bipartisanship from the “new” administration.  That’s a heck of a “change”.   I seriously believe his comment of I inherited the debt was arrogant and condescending.  Mr. President you just spent more money in thirty days of your Administration and contributed more to the national debt than any of the Presidents that has ever served prior to you.

You claimed you “do not support big government” last night but you stated about one week ago “only Government can solve this problem”.  Mr. President what really is your true belief.  Are you governing by polls and swaying by the winds of “change”.  Is this what you meant by change?

You indicated that the stimulus has “no Ear Marks”.  What kind of fools do you believe the American people are?  Stating there is no ear marks in this bill is like stating there are no tax cheats in Washington.

So we are not going to see a tax increase if we are making less than $250,000.00 per year.  That could be a true comment but if you increase the taxes on business those taxes will be passed on the American people in the purchase price of products.  So you given a couple of bucks to the middle class to only have them pay more for items they will need to survive.

Consider this concept Mr. President, cut spending now.  When the middle class has less money coming in they cut spending, sometimes on the necessities to survive.  Can I ask is there anyone in Washington that has any knowledge of economics?

Mr. President you have compared yourself to several former Presidents but lets stick to the concept of “change and hope” and carve your own way into history instead of riding on others coat tails.

What Mr. Lincoln Would Say Today
 

~ Joe Mercer

     Eleven score and thirteen years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

     Now we are engaged in a great “change” in government philosophy, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great indifference of that philosophy. We have come to dedicate freedom and capitalism to a mere memory, as a final resting place for those who gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should remember this.

     But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this memory. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled in our history, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, and Iraq. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated to memory to the unfinished work which they who fought in these wars have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall recall the concept of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

     We now see a government that takes away those freedoms fought for by many great men and women. We have Congressmen who no longer represent the people and changing this nation from a capitalist system to a socialist system. We have Congressional members indicating they always had governed by independent thoughts as stated by Mr. Specter of Pennsylvania. Mr. Specter lost the concept he is a representative of the great state of Pennsylvania. We must remember that all men were created equally and remind those members of congress this. We need to correct the course of government to get it back to the hands of the people.

     Do not forget the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Remind your representatives what they were put into office for.

This email was forwarded to us by Duncansville's Police Chief, James Ott, and was written by Patrolman Chuck Handerhan of the South Fayette Township. PA Police.  The officer he mentions at the start was killed in the line of duty February 13th, 2009 (www.odmp.org/reflections.php)

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Where is the national news media? Where is Newsweek, Time, 20/20, Oprah, The Today Show, Good Morning America? As I sit here and field phone calls from other police officers around the state, I begin to scan the Officer Down Memorial Page and read newspapers from around the country. I read about drug dealers being kidnapped and murdered in Baltimore...drug related murders in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit, Cleveland, Camden, Youngstown Etc...Etc..Etc. 

When I open my Pittsburgh morning newspaper, I find a one paragraph blurb about the murder of Police Officer John Pawlowski, 25, husband and soon to be father. I wonder, where are the mainstream news chronicles? Where are the nationally syndicated talk shows and news magazines? Every time there is an increase in the murder rate of drug dealers, criminals or gang bangers, I see, “investigative reports," "Breaking News," "Paradise Lost," " A year on the Killing Streets." 

Over the past two years, the State of Pennsylvania and especially the City of Philadelphia, has witnessed an alarming trend. The inline of duty death rate of police officers has increased at a rate faster than any other state in the nation. Last year Pennsylvania was in the top three states for police officers killed in the line of duty and so far this year, we are tied with Texas and California for first. When nationally the inline of duty deaths dropped from 2007-2008, Pennsylvania increased from two to eight deaths.
The City of Philadelphia Police Department has had eight police officers killed in the line of duty from May 8, 2006, to date. Philadelphia is losing an officer, in the line of duty, once every 4 months. The State of Pennsylvania has lost fifteen police officers, over the same period of time, an average of one every 2 months. 

I write this not in rage or bitterness, only to make the media and public aware of the true-life danger that is ever increasing on the streets of our Commonwealth. Every time I hear the news story or read the article about "Police Misconduct, Excessive force, Motorist Beaten or Tased," I reread these statistics. The stats do not lie. Police officers are in harms way in Pennsylvania and around the country. It is not paranoia it is real life. I say to all brother and sister police officers, stay aware and stay alive. 

So, the next time a police officer stops you, answers the unknown trouble, 911 hang up, suspicious person, shots fired in the area, burglar alarm or domestic call, Put yourself in their shoes. No, I don't think you are a criminal, I do not know you. Yes, keep your hands out of your pockets or on the steering wheel. If he or she is not the warm and fuzzy police officer you see on television, understand that we are here to protect and serve but we all want to go home at the end of our tour. We are in harms way. 

All Stay Safe, 

Ptlm.Chuck Handerhan
South Fayette Township PD
Pipe Sgt. Pittsburgh Police E.S.
Pipes and Drums 

Keep the families of our Fallen in your Prayers: 

May 8, 2006
Sgt.Gary F.Skerski-Philadelphia PD 

August 6, 2006
PO Scott Alan Wertz-Reading PD 

November 9, 2006
Investigator David Michael Petzold-Upper Saucon Township Police Department 

August 19, 2007
PO Walter T. Barklay-Philadelphia PD 

November 1, 2007
PO Charles Cassidy-Philadelphia PD 

May 3, 2008
Sgt.Stephen Liczbinshi-Philadelphia PD 

September 5, 2008
PO Isabel Nazario-Philadelphia PD 

September 14, 2008
Sgt.Michael C.Weingald Jr.-Latimore Township PD 

September 23, 2008
Sgt.Patrick McDonald-Philadelphia 

October 21, 2008
PO David Tome-Northern York County Regional PD 

November 4, 2008
PO Nathaniel Burnfield-South Strabane Township PD 

November 17, 2008
Sgt. Timothy Simpson-Philadelphia PD

November 19, 2008
SA Samuel Hicks-FBI Pittsburgh 

January 29, 2009
PO Chris Jones-Middletown Township PD 

February 13, 2009
PO John Pawlowski-Philadelphia PD

A Few Thoughts...

~ Valeria Bowers

I want to answer the last letter to the editor.   I question not that she did not abort the fetus but that she had them put into her body.  For the rest of us to pay for? I dont think that is ethical nor morally right of her.

Now for my other gripe.  If obama was in any way shape or form caring about the fools that voted in the last election, he would put price freezes in place.  Then perhaps we could afford to spend enough money to get the economy back in shape.

Ethics

~ Joe Franco

     I find it amazing that people question the ethics of a woman having 8 children, but feel it would have been her own choice, and we could not question her ethics, if she had aborted all or some of the children. It seems a woman's right to choose may only apply to abortion. What hypocrites!

 Spending or Jobs?

~ Cindy Lamont

     I thought the purpose of this huge stimulus package was to develop roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure projects that would  put people to work quickly. The WSJ analysis concluded that only 12 percent of the spending package is related to job creation. That is truly unacceptable. Stimulus is not using taxpayer money to help people convert to digital TV, increase the budgets of our national parks, or build up the assets of ACORN.

     I do not want the government gambling with my hard earned money. Congress should not get a large check for their pet projects. The propposed stimulus package  has a divided focus. We need defined solutions. I think it is folly to just wantonly print money and throw it about..  This package fails to provide immediate impact to halt job loss or improve the housing industry or force change in our banking industry... OUR money should never be spent on corrupt contracting and procurement practices, bonuses or a projects that benefit those entities that have supported some politician.  I also believe that tax cuts are a good idea and they should not be exclusive to income, If I work and pay taxes I should be able to keep more of my hard earned money.

     I also want substantial accountability to Pelosi’s grandiose plan.  There should be penalties in place if these taxpayer funds are used inappropriately? I also want to someone to  to expose the bad laws previously passed by congress that allowed for the risky and irresponsible investments made by over-leveraged bank. I want to believe that someone will control the blatant corporate greed on Wall Street. They should not be paid  their bonuses and golden parachutes with my tax dollars.

     What does all the spending projects in this bill say about the ethics of our leaders? Are they just abusing their power by grabbing for that bigger piece of "Obama Pie"?

     These challenges are too great to be overshadowed by such selfishness and lack of good judgment.  We all need to should stand up and say ENOUGH! Our politicians need to focus on how they can really stimulate the economy and do so without having us, the taxpayers smell the BACON sizzling in the pan.

Does anyone remember the fairy tale about the goose that laid the golden egg?

~ Valeria Bowers (Altoona, PA)

     The USA was the goose and NAFTA was the guy that decided to eat the goose. But, the government and the free loaders that live off the handouts helped it along the way.   They set it up like a house of cards and whoops, the wind called NAFTA just blew it all down.

     We are now trillions of dollars in debt trying to fix the mess.  The problem is finding the right mechenic to fix it.  All those corporations the government is spending all that money to not fix , started as mom and pop businesses, back when a mom and pop buiness could support a family and grow.  Now, the government makes more money than the owners do for their labors. So why bother to become a self-employed person?  Now that there is no one paying taxes,  where is the government going to get the revenue to pay back the trillions of dollars? 

     In order to spend a dollar you need to earn 3.  One for the feds, one for the state, one for local...whoops, nothing left for you.

Dang!  The goose is long gone.

                            An Open Letter to Senator Casey

                                                                        Thad Cunningham
                                                                         Duncansville, PA

Senator Casey:

This evening I observed your recent remarks regarding energy, particularly oil, on the evening news. The fact that the U.S. consumes more energy than the rest of the world is directly related to our contributions to the world. We deserve the lifestyle that we live and I resent the fact that you seem to believe that we should regress our lifestyle; particularly when you participate actively in it. Capitalism produces innovation. Innovation requires energy. Without reward, there would be no innovation.

Domestic drilling is more than just an exercise in common sense, it is an absolute necessity. In the next few months the temperatures will begin to fall and prices at the pump will be a secondary concern to home heating oil and natural gas prices. Electric prices are also doomed to multiply. As an American, I believe that our generations of sacrifice have lead us to the prosperity that we now enjoy. I have no intention of idly sitting by while those of you on the left destroy our lifestyle and offer no viable solutions. My SUV, ATV and RV will remain in use. Most of us work above and beyond to maintain the lifestyle that has been carried to us on the backs of previous generations. My late grandfather was a purple heart recipient in World War II and I'm sure he would not stand for the descending steps that our government is now taking with no logical explanation. There is fuel and it is accessible. It is imperative that you and your colleagues use the power that has been temporarily granted to you to preserve our lives, and to allow us to preserve our lifestyle. Please do not forget that the primary reason for the existence of your position, and those above you, is to protect the lives and property of your constituents.

As usual, the free market is the solution to the problem. Unchain them to access the resources that are at their fingertips. The free market is diligently working toward "alternative fuels" and when they are viable, they will also become profitable, hence widely available. In the mean time, wind, solar, nuclear and, most immediately, oil are the bridge. All should be allowed to exist without government subsidy or excessive regulation.

Please allow us, the citizens, to maintain the lifestyle that we have fought for generations to obtain. Those in the world who do not yet have this lifestyle will appreciate it more after they have earned it, as we have. There is no place for entitlement domestically or internationally. I urge you to allow the market and charity to fulfill the voids that they were intended by our forefathers to fill. Artificially expanding the government in an attempt to satisfy these voids is counterproductive. Energy is only one example of this but currently it is the most imperative.

            Senator Casey Does Not Want To Take Away Your SUV

                                                Nicholas Caminiti
                                                     Altoona, PA

I have not posted a letter on this blog for quite some time now, but when I read the open letter to Senator Bob Casey I felt a need to write.

First, we live in America and no one is going to take away your SUV, ATV, ABC, XYZ…

Second, if you want to dish out fifty to one hundred dollars a week on gas I am sure Bob Casey and the rest of America will not stop you.

Third, last I recall the money hungry corrupt CEO’s are what is taking the SUV off the market. GM has announced the shutdown of 20% of its factories all of which are SUV’s.

Free enterprise can only achieve new fuel innovations with the consent and push from its government. When we wanted to go to the moon we didn’t ask for private investors to support a space mission. We created NASA and funded a project that successfully achieved our goal. If we rely on the private sector then we will have drilled more oil and paid more money for gas then any of us will have ever dreamed. Until the government actually puts forth bills that curb the green house gasses and create programs to find an alternative fuel, we will all be stuck paying the high price of gas. So, I would not be concerned with the words of politicians who constantly lecture for a new form of fuel, there will be more drilling and more CO2 let in the air to please all who can afford to drive there Hummers and extended cab trucks. I can assure you that Bob Casey does not want to raise the price of gas because he is a liberal and wants to see the middle class suffer. Right now the environment is a popular issue and if a politician wants to be re-elected you bet your RV he is going to talk about new futuristic fuel. And lets be frank until we actually see something being produced besides ethanol and hydrogen fuel cells, gas will be here to stay.


If you want to throw political attacks on someone go after the big oil companies around the world. Go after the people who killed the electric car in California. They are the ones who are making out with all of our money. It is they who constantly speculate what our next oil price will be, it is they who play with numbers and send the stock market out of control while the rest of us fight among ourselves about fuel, and it is they who watch from above while the rest of us develop lung and skin cancer. What the inconvenient truth is to the matter, and what no one wants to say out loud is, that until lobbyist are watched more carefully, the Senate and House will do nothing about alternative fuels.

Friday Mornings

11-11:45