November 24, 2009

How Inconvenient, huh Al?

The Wall Street Journal summarizes the tone and meaning of over 3,000 emails among the world's "leading scientists" on the subject of Global Warming.

In short, they suppressed evidence, stifled debate, and stole research money.

Why do you think the "Green Job Czar", NBC's "green week", hybrids, recycling, open space, Al Gore's purposely misleading propaganda movie, and the pending Bait and Switch (Cap and Trade) bill in Congress have relevance?

If the general public is snookered into thinking the world will end if we don't act to stop global warming now, they will blindly hand over their soveriegnty to America's newest tyrants - environmental socialists.

They are seeking the destruction of the evil Big-Oil-based economy which propelled the U.S. to world leader. This is why extremist like Van Jones were placed by Obama administration, to oversee green job creation in an effort to "give them the wealth!!"

This was a planned effort by all those involved. They now know time is short if they are to be successful in pushing thru Cap and Trade. Desperation will lead to further aggression.

H/T Tony Phyrillas

November 20, 2009

Message to PAGOP, Go Right!!

Here's a great article by Lisa Mossie (Bluftooni/PAWaterCooler) on why conservatism and GOP success isn't just a national need; the formula works locally too.

Lisa points out, when the state and local GOP stray from conservative candidates because of a fear of "extremist" labels being assigned to them, they lose. A fractured party working against its own, carries the same result.

Case in point, East Norriton GOP was fractured and they lost. Abington, on the other hand was united; we had a much better evening.

The local GOP better realize this for next November.

November 17, 2009

A Tribute to Ellen Bard

Former State Representative Ellen Bard passed away back on October 28th. This video, courtesy of Tom Kirk at Abington News and Views is a wonderful tribute to Abington's former servant.

video


Josh Shapiro will be hosting a presentation of a Condolence Resolution to honor Ellen's life and service to the Abington and Upper Dublin communities. The event is open to the public and will be held Monday, December 7th at 1pm at the Capital.

November 16, 2009

It's Been a Pleasure Watching You, B-West


It was Brian Westbrook's kick return for a touchdown against the Giants on October 9th, 2003 which marked the pivot point for the current Eagles franchise success. The outcome of most every game in the 6 years since has been determined based on Westbrook's success.

No, B-West hasn't retired, but for his health's sake he should seriously consider it.

Brian, not Donovan McNabb, was the one positive and reliable aspect of the Eagles offense during his tenure. His talent as a running back, wideout, and kick returner, was matched only by his intelligence for the game. Not too surprising, the Villanova grad seemed destined to be an overachiever.

It's truly been a pleasure watching you play Brian - the best running back in Eagles history.

October 28, 2009

Phillies Strong-arm Game One from Yanks


The Phillies dominated game one against the Yankees on the strength of 2 Chase Utley home runs and a brilliant pitching performance by Cliff Lee. Lee went the distance, shutting down the vaunted Yankee lineup. Lee also pitched in a couple key defensive plays, one a matter-of-fact pop out which showed exactly how relaxed the defending champs are.

No signs of rust from the Phillies; no sign of being intimidated by the city that never stops talking.

It wasn't a surprise to Phillies Nation, but perhaps Yankees fans - not to mention much of the baseball world and Vegas odds-makers - now realize this isn't the series they thought it was.

October 27, 2009

Abington School Board Debate - at what price?

Here's video from the Abington School Board debate. It's a not-so-funny look into the focus of the candidates who are responsible for the education of our kids and at what costs.

The incumbent Democrats, Ray McGarry, Jeff Bates, and Barry Stupine don't know off the top of their heads what they pay the Abington School District's Superintendent, they estimate it at $240k plus benefits.

But the challengers, Joe Denelsbeck specifically, are fully informed.



video courtesy of Tom Kirk and AlexC

October 24, 2009

Obama's America - Coke, no Pepsi

Courtesy of Politico. H/T Bucks Right.

Now, that's comedy.

October 22, 2009

Abington School Board, the Debate

I would have posted this last night, but the Phillies were a much-needed distraction. More voters and less political operatives, from both sides, might have made this event worthwhile, but again the Phillies were a distraction.

Barry Stupine wore a Phillies uniform and while we disagree on a few major issues, even I wasn't offended by what some may have thought was distasteful dress for someone in such a position, on such a stage.

Joe Dennelsbeck was obviously the focus of the debate. Not just by his incumbent opposition, but seemingly according to plan on his part. After all, one must find a way to stir things up and rattle your opponent, if you are the underdog.

Jeff Bates unfortunately took the bait and appeared less than calm, cool, or collected. His opening statement got cut short by the clock and he was noticeably shocked, spending much of the evening complaining about the rules of the debate, or the lack of enforcement thereof. It really didn't matter what else he said last night, the constant whining was an unprofessional distraction and quite frankly, surprising. Bates' reaction made Denneslbeck's "rule violations" look effective, even if it was over the top.

But it just wasn't during the debate that Bates seemed agitated. After the audience was long gone, Jeff approached me to let me know he saw the camera I was holding - like it was some kind of secret he discovered. He failed of course to realize the Abington News and Views television camera nearby which recorded much of the proceedings. Clearly, this campaign is getting to Mr. Bates.

Steve Kalinoski, for the most part, let the others squabble while trying to stay above it all. He praised the district for a few of the programs they currently run, but also pointed out his desire to see Abington do more in addressing students with special needs. But after mentioning he never wrote letters to the editor about the school board, comments which were the focus of attacks from all three incumbent members, Ray McGarry was sure to remind Kalinoski that his name was indeed on one. Typically, the lawyer pounced on the opportunity. Dennelsbeck and Kalinoski submitted a joint article in the Times Chronicle/Glenside News earlier in the campaign.

Given the flack I have leveled toward Ray McGarry over the last couple years, at least he was approachable when the debate was finished. I met his lovely wife and we had a good discussion about a few issues on my mind. One I will cover in my next post.

Adam Share is the newcomer to the township, and to the Abington political scene. He represented himself much like Kalinoski did, seeming uninterested in entering the heated debate between the others. But Share also didn't seem to have a firm grip on what the issues are in Abington; simply riding the 'we are great' train.

Brad Werden was unable to attend for personal reasons.

The incumbents want us all to feel everything is fine and dandy in the Abington School District. They have received awards from organizations they feel are official experts on school competency, they are cutting taxes this year, and they care about making sure the students are firmly aware global warming is an issue of significance.

The challengers think the school's administration is leading the agenda while the current school board follows; they say it should be the other way around. While they agree there has been tax cuts this year, they point out it came on the heels of increases totaling 38% over the last 8 years. Sadly, they also buy into the global warming hoax.

Not one of the participants knew the value of the services Dr. Amy Sichel, Abington's Superintendent, provided. When asked by an audience member what Sichel made when you combine salary, bonus, and benefits, and what the annual costs to the district will be after she retires, no one had an answer. McGarry could only estimate the salary at $240,000 plus.

While I don't think anyone would expect the challengers to know the number off the top of their head, the gentlemen who hold the office currently better know - they sign the budget every year.

It kinda proves what Dennelsbeck and Kalinoski were trying hard to point out - the current Abington School Board is not leading; they are being led.

Speaking of leaders...according to the clock in the right column of this blog, it has been 588 days and counting since the President of the United States paid his $21,000 overdue bill to the Abington Township Police Department for security provided during his two campaign stops to our town last year. A bill that McGarry, Bates and Stupine assured us would be paid.