We are planning another strategy meeting for 2 pm next Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Panerra on the Boulevard of the Allies. The next board hearing is January 14 and we would like to coordinate some talking points and strategy.
Tentative topics:
1. Schenley building, status of current information regarding repair costs and extent
2. Schenley population: IB/IS, neighborhood, freshman class, segregation
3. High school reform: Think it through before committing further funds.
We are going to try to come up with a list of questions/concerns that we would like to have answered. The board hearings give us the opportunity to express our concerns but they do not give us any means to get answers to these questiosn or concerns. If you are unable to join us on Sunday, there are several ways to stay involved. Check out the telephone conference info listed below, send an email to me with questions/concerns and I will add to our list, write to your school board member expressing your thoughts, sign up to speak and the next hearing, write a letter to the editor. Most important: STAY INFORMED. Change is constant; know how it will affect you and your child(ren).
amy moore
(her phone # zapped by blog owner)
TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9, 10 PM. DETAILS BELOW:
You are invited to a telephone conference call to ponder the possibilities of Schenley High School and School District Reform. Parents are gathering to organize efforts and insights. This TalkShoe.com "talkcast" uses either a telephone OR a computer (or both).
Topics include Schools in Pittsburgh. Parents and community members, get a grip on the proposed changes. Join the fellow parents who have been gathering to talk about the Pgh Public Schools on global basis. Politics, School Reform, Action-plans for Activists are fair game. We are NOT interested in individual concerns about specific kids. Rather, focus on the community, the schools, the agenda!
Meet at 10 pm (eastern) on WED, Jan 9, 2008. The meeting will conclude by 11 pm. After the conversation, the recorded conversation is available for download as a podcast.
No need to pay anything or RSVP. Just show up.
Host: Mark Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com
Talkcast ID: 3177
Date: Wed, January 9, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST
How to participate:
Call in:
1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 3177 # (Talkcast ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN
Join from your computer:
1. Become a TalkShoe member
2. Download and install TalkShoe Live client
3. Click here to join the Talkcast
This is our first meeting with this forum / technology. Now is the time to join and be stronger advocates for the sake of the kids in the city.
Monday, January 07, 2008
More planning meetings about schools -- Sunday at 2 pm -- and my TalkShoe.com conference call on WED at 10 pm
Messages from the front lines of the PRESIDENTIAL race: First up, Ron Paul
In Iowa, many hundreds of volunteers worked day and night for our campaign. College kids took their Christmas vacations in the snow for freedom. Thousands of people donated to make it all possible. We had many phone calls, brochures, mailings, advertising. Revolutionaries from all over the country sent handwritten letters to every voter, and despite national media attacks and censorship, we got more than 10% of the vote. We also soundly beat a certain ex-mayor who started off the first debate by attacking a pro-American foreign policy and the explanatory doctrine of "blowback," the CIA's term for foreign intervention that causes trouble for us in return. The Golden Rule applies to nations as well as to individuals.
And speaking of debates, FOX blocked my participation in its last New Hampshire debate, but I think that hurt FOX more than us. We had a terrifically successful townhall meeting at the same time, and Jay Leno invited me on the Tonight Show again to discuss it. Many members of our movement were galvanized to overcome the bias, including me!
In our Iowa campaign, since it was a caucus, we were dealing with party activists for the most part, not the people. And some of the activists were very unhappy to hear our views, trying to scream them down! Others thought that peace violates Christianity. But New Hampshire is another story. There is a state and a people tailor-made for us. Live Free! Then there are Michigan, South Carolina, and Super Tuesday and its nearly 20 primaries. Frankly, we need $23 million more to have a chance of beating the establishment candidates.
I am working hard for our ideas, as I know you are. The attacks and even smears will increase as we do better. But they will not defeat our ideas. They cannot defeat out ideas. At this moment of urgency for America, with spending, taxes, spying, inflation, and wars out of control and threatening all we love, let us rededicate ourselves to freedom, prosperity, and peace. Already, I owe you all my thanks. Join me in this great endeavor in New Hampshire and beyond. Please make your most generous donation now: https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate
Sincerely,
Ron
See the comments for a rant from a supporter about some other supporter.
I just wrote to the volunteer, "Please don't fight one temper tantrum with another. Hit em between the eyes, but with class.
Record high -- and I'm not talking about city council
Go Ohio State!
My first son loves two football teams. In the college ranks, he pulls for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the NFL, he pulls for the New England Patriots. This is a good week for him.
My second son and I are going to ride our bikes to swim practice tonight. It is so warm. Will be great. And, his team won the geography bee in his classroom today. At the end of Friday, there was a two-team show-down / overtime. The winning answer had something to do with a lake in a North American country -- and the video image I uploaded today to this blog (scroll lower) shows Grant, in CANDADA, ringing the bell after a day of swimming in a lake in ONTARIO.
It is easier to win the Geography Bee when you've traveled the world. Perspectives.
To my friends now in New Hampshire -- safe travels home.
The image below says "IOWA" in the sign. But, it might as well be Pittsburgh City Council -- today -- as the Dems took the oath of office.
I heard the word 'freedom' once in all the speeches. Ricky Burgess gets the prize. I heard 'free elections' one other time, from Doug Shields. The word "liberty" was not mentioned at all.
My first son loves two football teams. In the college ranks, he pulls for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the NFL, he pulls for the New England Patriots. This is a good week for him.
My second son and I are going to ride our bikes to swim practice tonight. It is so warm. Will be great. And, his team won the geography bee in his classroom today. At the end of Friday, there was a two-team show-down / overtime. The winning answer had something to do with a lake in a North American country -- and the video image I uploaded today to this blog (scroll lower) shows Grant, in CANDADA, ringing the bell after a day of swimming in a lake in ONTARIO.
It is easier to win the Geography Bee when you've traveled the world. Perspectives.
To my friends now in New Hampshire -- safe travels home.
The image below says "IOWA" in the sign. But, it might as well be Pittsburgh City Council -- today -- as the Dems took the oath of office.
I heard the word 'freedom' once in all the speeches. Ricky Burgess gets the prize. I heard 'free elections' one other time, from Doug Shields. The word "liberty" was not mentioned at all.
A+ Schools calls for the avoidance of a teacher strike
Join A+ Schools in urging the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers to resolve the issues related to the teacher’s contract in a way that avoids a strike and ensures that education our children progresses without interruption.That is one approach. Another action point -- join our telephone conversation on WEDNESDAY night at 10 pm to talk about schools. We'll talk about this as well.
We expect all parties will do whatever is required to ensure that kids are never used as a bargaining chip, and that all negotiations will be conducted in a way that reflects compassion and commitment to the future of our city’s students.
What you can do:
* Call or email John Tarka, President of the PFT and Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent of PPS to urge them resolve the contract issues without a strike. You can leave a message – it still has an impact.
1. John Tarka: john_tarka@pft400.org or 412 431-5900
2. Mark Roosevelt: mroosevelt1@pghboe.net or 412 622-3600
* Send a letter to the editor of the Post Gazette and Tribune Review– urging both sides to find a resolution to the contract. letters@post-gazette.com and opinion@tribweb.com.
* Send a post card to both leaders! A+ Schools has produced post cards that can be signed and mailed to both leaders. If you would like these post cards please contact us at info@aplusschools.org or 412 258-2660. If you would like to help distribute post cards please let us know that as well.
Let our leaders hear from you!
I didn't hear A+ Schools Board Member Michael Lamb say that he was going to resign from the A+ Board now that he is a city employee who is charged, by the city charter, to do independent audits of the school district.
City may limit campaign donations. Great. Peduto lurches ahead again
Ring the bell for change. Come and get it.
This is good news. It is the lead story in the Post-Gazette.
Now, with the state court's recent decision, Bill Peduto does NOT have an excuse for ongoing delays to the discussion about this topic.
I'm able to beat up a bit on Bill Peduto because he didn't do what I felt he should have done in the past. He fumbled. An important conversation was started -- but -- he didn't have the follow-through to give it full consideration as it deserved. I'll get this rant out of my system and then we can move along.
First off, Philly should NOT be the tail that wags the dog. What Philly does is up to them. They can prove a negative, or fight a specific negative with the courts. But, that is just one element as to what could be done.
Awareness, education, politics, and discussion on our elections are critical. I want to settle differences without going to the courts. Judges never provide the best solutions. And, most of all, I want to settle differences without the need of going to the streets. Aggression and violence are not desired.
Our democracy is frail.
When people ignore serious problems and refuse to meet, act, discuss, and work on those serious problems -- and use a court case at the other end of the state as an excuse, then I'm disappointed.
Now, the log jam is broken.
Will another 'threat' or 'bump in the road' send this Peduto initiative back into the bunker for another two years?
The video is a blast from the past. The speaker is S.B., head of the League of Women Voters. She is speaking at a public hearing that I called after Bill Peduto introduced the first campaign finance reform bill, a few years ago.
Will the next campaign cycle wait while these matters get sorted? New rules are on the horizon -- and that means that the old rules are still in play. So, will there be a gold rush for candidates and campaigns now -- because of the lack of restrictions?
Pittsburgh politicians take $10,000 checks.
Pittsburgh is corrupt.
Pittsburgh is famous for back-room deals.
The political landscape in Pittsburgh needs a lot of help. Doing nothing, as the case lingered, harms our public life and cripples the hope for open, honest public service for the region's citizens.
Now let me take a few deep breaths and I'll get to the history of what was done, what could be done, and where Pittsburgh needs to go in the weeks ahead.
Bill Peduto -- run like the wind. You can streak if you wish. But, thankfully, you don't need to. The P-G is putting this story, this time, above the fold and on the front page as the lead story.
 | A bell to start the new year on Grant Street. View Video |
This is good news. It is the lead story in the Post-Gazette.
City may limit campaign donations City may limit campaign donationsThe State Supreme Court was NOT a road-block. Bill Peduto was.
State Supreme Court ruling clears the way
Now, with the state court's recent decision, Bill Peduto does NOT have an excuse for ongoing delays to the discussion about this topic.
I'm able to beat up a bit on Bill Peduto because he didn't do what I felt he should have done in the past. He fumbled. An important conversation was started -- but -- he didn't have the follow-through to give it full consideration as it deserved. I'll get this rant out of my system and then we can move along.
First off, Philly should NOT be the tail that wags the dog. What Philly does is up to them. They can prove a negative, or fight a specific negative with the courts. But, that is just one element as to what could be done.
Awareness, education, politics, and discussion on our elections are critical. I want to settle differences without going to the courts. Judges never provide the best solutions. And, most of all, I want to settle differences without the need of going to the streets. Aggression and violence are not desired.
Our democracy is frail.
When people ignore serious problems and refuse to meet, act, discuss, and work on those serious problems -- and use a court case at the other end of the state as an excuse, then I'm disappointed.
Now, the log jam is broken.
Will another 'threat' or 'bump in the road' send this Peduto initiative back into the bunker for another two years?
The video is a blast from the past. The speaker is S.B., head of the League of Women Voters. She is speaking at a public hearing that I called after Bill Peduto introduced the first campaign finance reform bill, a few years ago.
 | League of Women Voters - you got to start somewhere. Agree with Mark. View Video |
Will the next campaign cycle wait while these matters get sorted? New rules are on the horizon -- and that means that the old rules are still in play. So, will there be a gold rush for candidates and campaigns now -- because of the lack of restrictions?
Pittsburgh politicians take $10,000 checks.
Pittsburgh is corrupt.
Pittsburgh is famous for back-room deals.
The political landscape in Pittsburgh needs a lot of help. Doing nothing, as the case lingered, harms our public life and cripples the hope for open, honest public service for the region's citizens.
Now let me take a few deep breaths and I'll get to the history of what was done, what could be done, and where Pittsburgh needs to go in the weeks ahead.
Bill Peduto -- run like the wind. You can streak if you wish. But, thankfully, you don't need to. The P-G is putting this story, this time, above the fold and on the front page as the lead story.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Why Lisa Bennington is abandoning Harrisburg
Brian O'N of the P-G wrote in the Sunday paper about Lisa Bennington, presently on the PA House. She represents parts of Pittsburgh.
Seats change. Terms end. Life marches on.
I posted in that thread mentioned at the Burgh Report. My opinions are reposted here, too:
Three cheers for L.B. (woops, had better be more specific) -- Lisa Bennington -- for doing a term in the state house and getting out.
I love term limits.
I love the concept of a citizen legislature.
I love that she got into the fray and can walk away.
That's P-O-W-E-R.
Yes, there is something more to her decision. It is called 'life.' The political realm is nearly life-less -- like a pond covered with scum.
I wish the OVERLORDS, as well as a cadre of others in office, would leave town as easily and with such grace as well.
I'd suggest that all terms in city gov. posts under any type of "OVERLORD" status (Act 47, ICA, etc.) be cut in half and be paid 50% less.
Why Lisa Bennington is abandoning Harrisburg Maybe Harrisburg is not the place for anyone who already has a fulfilling career, as our statehouse demands an acceptance of accomplishing not very much. That leaves an open seat in a district straddling the Allegheny River, ...Lisa is going to retire from the state assembly. She will NOT leave an open seat. When her term is finished, another will fill it.
Seats change. Terms end. Life marches on.
I posted in that thread mentioned at the Burgh Report. My opinions are reposted here, too:
Three cheers for L.B. (woops, had better be more specific) -- Lisa Bennington -- for doing a term in the state house and getting out.
I love term limits.
I love the concept of a citizen legislature.
I love that she got into the fray and can walk away.
That's P-O-W-E-R.
Yes, there is something more to her decision. It is called 'life.' The political realm is nearly life-less -- like a pond covered with scum.
I wish the OVERLORDS, as well as a cadre of others in office, would leave town as easily and with such grace as well.
I'd suggest that all terms in city gov. posts under any type of "OVERLORD" status (Act 47, ICA, etc.) be cut in half and be paid 50% less.
Newsmax.com - Fox Under Fire for Excluding Ron Paul
Newsmax.com - Fox Under Fire for Excluding Ron Paul This past Thursday, the Manchester Union Leader, New Hampshire's major newspaper, published a front-page editorial blasting news organizations that do not invite all candidates to their forums.
One hour LIVE web interview with Ron Paul from NH -- tonight!
Tonight on local New Hampshire television and simulcast on our website at http://www.ronpaul2008.com/snippets/127/manchester-townhall/ , Ron Paul will take questions from an audience of undecided voters in the Granite State.
With the New Hampshire primary just two days away, Dr. Paul will bring his message of liberty and constitutional government directly to the people-real questions, real answers, as fair and balanced as politics gets.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
5:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Manchester, New Hampshire
LIVE at http://www.ronpaul2008.com/snippets/127/manchester-townhall/
With the New Hampshire primary just two days away, Dr. Paul will bring his message of liberty and constitutional government directly to the people-real questions, real answers, as fair and balanced as politics gets.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
5:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Manchester, New Hampshire
LIVE at http://www.ronpaul2008.com
Fox Loses GOP Debate Support
FOX News is pond scum. David Rhodes, vice president of Fox News, is like Wayne Fontana to me.
The entire article:
Saturday, January 5, 2008 3:11 PM
The New Hampshire Republican Party dropped their affiliation with a Republican debate sponsored by Fox News tomorrow night because they have limited the number of candidates that can participate, according to a report in Boston.com.
"The first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary serves a national purpose by giving all candidates an equal opportunity on a level playing field," said Republican chair Fergus Cullen. "Only in New Hampshire do lesser known, lesser funded underdogs have a fighting chance to establish themselves as national figures."
The Fox debate is excluding Texas Congressman Ron Paul even though he polls higher in New Hampshire and has raised significantly more money, and is campaigning more in New Hampshire than Fred Thompson who is invited.
"We look forward to presenting a substantive forum which will serve as the first program of its kind this election season," David Rhodes, vice president of Fox News, said in a statement.
The other GOP candidates should not go to the debate without Ron Paul.
And, Ron Paul should show up at the debate anyway. But, you know, I think Ron Paul has better things to do in NH -- and that's hang out with the guys at the Liberty Fest.
One of the other bloggers had two words of advice for Ron Paul: "Show up."
I agree.
Furthermore, the motivation to the other candidates to get Ron Paul onto the stage with them is to get the good karma. There is a very small chance that Ron Paul could eventually bolt from the GOP rank and run for president as an Independent. If Ron Paul runs as an Independent, all Republican hopes for 2008 are down the drain.
Here is another bit of advice for FOX News. If I'm the network / news executive, I'd fire the moderator and put RON PAUL in his place. Have Ron Paul ask the questions. Have Ron Paul do the follow up.
They say that there isn't room in the pop up camper that Fox News uses as a studio. Make room. Subtract the journalist. Fox won't be doing real news anyway without the full field represented.
Live Free or Die. Fox News, and all who work there, and all who have invested money into that corporation, must be prepared for the worst. To crumble is ugly. Fox News is dead to me. The stench is sure to hit the eastern states shortly.
Newsmax.com - Fox Loses GOP Debate Support Fox Loses GOP Debate Support
The entire article:
Saturday, January 5, 2008 3:11 PM
The New Hampshire Republican Party dropped their affiliation with a Republican debate sponsored by Fox News tomorrow night because they have limited the number of candidates that can participate, according to a report in Boston.com.
"The first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary serves a national purpose by giving all candidates an equal opportunity on a level playing field," said Republican chair Fergus Cullen. "Only in New Hampshire do lesser known, lesser funded underdogs have a fighting chance to establish themselves as national figures."
The Fox debate is excluding Texas Congressman Ron Paul even though he polls higher in New Hampshire and has raised significantly more money, and is campaigning more in New Hampshire than Fred Thompson who is invited.
"We look forward to presenting a substantive forum which will serve as the first program of its kind this election season," David Rhodes, vice president of Fox News, said in a statement.
The other GOP candidates should not go to the debate without Ron Paul.
And, Ron Paul should show up at the debate anyway. But, you know, I think Ron Paul has better things to do in NH -- and that's hang out with the guys at the Liberty Fest.
One of the other bloggers had two words of advice for Ron Paul: "Show up."
I agree.
Furthermore, the motivation to the other candidates to get Ron Paul onto the stage with them is to get the good karma. There is a very small chance that Ron Paul could eventually bolt from the GOP rank and run for president as an Independent. If Ron Paul runs as an Independent, all Republican hopes for 2008 are down the drain.
Here is another bit of advice for FOX News. If I'm the network / news executive, I'd fire the moderator and put RON PAUL in his place. Have Ron Paul ask the questions. Have Ron Paul do the follow up.
They say that there isn't room in the pop up camper that Fox News uses as a studio. Make room. Subtract the journalist. Fox won't be doing real news anyway without the full field represented.
Live Free or Die. Fox News, and all who work there, and all who have invested money into that corporation, must be prepared for the worst. To crumble is ugly. Fox News is dead to me. The stench is sure to hit the eastern states shortly.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
It is bad when the presidential debates on ABC, without audience clapping, makes for better entertainment than the NFL playoff game
The 4th quarter of the game arrived as and the presidential debates ended. Perhaps the Steelers can turn up the heat and make it a good night for the home team.
By the way, Ron Paul did very well, again.
We could use that official from the Subway commercial to make another appearance.
By the way, Ron Paul did very well, again.
We could use that official from the Subway commercial to make another appearance.
[412] Happy New Year -- now let's get back to some serious community work.
My email blasts -- after a 2-month vacation -- have returned.
[412] Happy New Year -- now let's get back to some serious community work. [412] Happy New Year -- now let's get back to some serious community work.Click there to read from the archives.
Talking about our Pgh Public Schools -- Invite: 10 pm on WED, Jan 9 via TalkShoe.com
You are invited to a telephone conference call to ponder the possibilities of Schenley High School and School District Reform. Parents are gathering to organize efforts and insights. This TalkShoe.com "talkcast" uses either a telephone OR a computer (or both).
Topics include Schools in Pittsburgh. Parents and community members, get a grip on the proposed changes. Join the fellow parents who have been gathering to talk about the Pgh Public Schools on global basis. Politics, School Reform, Action-plans for Activists are fair game. We are NOT interested in individual concerns about specific kids. Rather, focus on the community, the schools, the agenda!
Meet at 10 pm (eastern) on WED, Jan 9, 2008. The meeting will conclude by 11 pm. After the conversation, the recorded conversation is available for download as a podcast.
No need to pay anything or RSVP. Just show up.
Host: Mark Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com
Talkcast ID: 3177
Date: Wed, January 9, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST
How to participate:
Call in:
- Dial: (724) 444-7444
- Enter: 3177 # (Talkcast ID)
- Enter: 1 # or your PIN
Rudy G Floats Dick Cheney For Vice President Again
Think Progress -- Rudy Floats Dick Cheney For Vice President Again Rudy Floats Dick Cheney For Vice President Again
In an event in New Hampshire last night, Rudy Giuliani suggested that — if he were to be elected president — he would like to choose someone like Dick Cheney to be his Vice President.
The Onion:
In an event in New Hampshire last night, Rudy Giuliani suggested that — if he were to be elected president — he would like to choose someone like Dick Cheney to be his Vice President.
The Onion:
Giuliani To Run For President Of 9/11 | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "'Sure, he has no foreign or national policy experience, and both his personal life and political career are riddled with scandal,' said Hammond. 'But in the key area of having been on TV on 9/11, the other candidates simply cannot match him. And as we saw in 2004, that's what matters most to voters in this post-9/11 world.'"
Friday, January 04, 2008
Dear New Hampshire,
My name is Mark Rauterkus. I am a swim coach in Pittsburgh, PA. I have been
married for 17 years and have two children. I have never supported a presidential candidate before with such a letter to those outside my state. I have decided to back Dr. Ron Paul for president, a 10-term Republican congressman and here's why:
1. In Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted to raise taxes.
2. He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
3. He has been married to the same woman for 50 years.
4. He served in the Military as a flight surgeon.
5. He is the ONLY candidate in either party who is a Medical Doctor.
6. He strongly support of civil liberties.
7. He views that individuals should be self-RESPONSIBLE.
8. He is consistently named the "Taxpayer's Best Friend".
9. He is the only candidate who unfailingly supports the constitution.
10. He is a former member of the Libertarian Party.
11. He is experienced in standing against the tide and sticking to his principles with an honest devotion like none other.
12. He is prudent with finances.
13. He is a gentleman and 'down to earth.'
14. He is never going to tax the internet.
15. He is riding the wave of a grass-roots revolution as a candidate that understand the people are upset with business as usual in Washington D.C.
16. He understands that working for peace is going to be hard as America's image to many around the world is in poor condition. Ron Paul can fix the outlook of the USA for fellow Americans as well as for those who we deal with internationally.
17. He is a swim dad. One of Dr. Paul's kids was a nationally ranked butterfly swimmer!
18. He is an ex-college athlete and swimmer himself.
19. He grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, my hometown.
20. He won political elections in the past, as a member of US Congress for 10 terms, but needing to beat both Republican challengers, opposition candidates and incumbents many times. He has proven he can win elections.
21. He is not a media darling and is running with good success despite the unbalanced coverage he has received.
22. He is from an entrepreneurial family. The guy worked as a 'milk man.'
23. He is smart as he went to Gettysburg College and then to Duke for grad (medical) school.
24. He understands economics, currency, money supply, inflation, and debt.
25. He has a lot of YouTube videos and support from others on the web, see sites such as http://RonPaulMedia.com. Just Google Ron Paul!
26. He is able to raise money as a candidate from tons of fellow citizens, like me, who want to expand liberties and freedom.
I would love to hear what you think of Dr. Paul. Please email me
your thoughts to: Mark@Rauterkus.com
Very truly yours,
Mark Rauterkus
412 298 3432
married for 17 years and have two children. I have never supported a presidential candidate before with such a letter to those outside my state. I have decided to back Dr. Ron Paul for president, a 10-term Republican congressman and here's why:
1. In Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted to raise taxes.
2. He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
3. He has been married to the same woman for 50 years.
4. He served in the Military as a flight surgeon.
5. He is the ONLY candidate in either party who is a Medical Doctor.
6. He strongly support of civil liberties.
7. He views that individuals should be self-RESPONSIBLE.
8. He is consistently named the "Taxpayer's Best Friend".
9. He is the only candidate who unfailingly supports the constitution.
10. He is a former member of the Libertarian Party.
11. He is experienced in standing against the tide and sticking to his principles with an honest devotion like none other.
12. He is prudent with finances.
13. He is a gentleman and 'down to earth.'
14. He is never going to tax the internet.
15. He is riding the wave of a grass-roots revolution as a candidate that understand the people are upset with business as usual in Washington D.C.
16. He understands that working for peace is going to be hard as America's image to many around the world is in poor condition. Ron Paul can fix the outlook of the USA for fellow Americans as well as for those who we deal with internationally.
17. He is a swim dad. One of Dr. Paul's kids was a nationally ranked butterfly swimmer!
18. He is an ex-college athlete and swimmer himself.
19. He grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, my hometown.
20. He won political elections in the past, as a member of US Congress for 10 terms, but needing to beat both Republican challengers, opposition candidates and incumbents many times. He has proven he can win elections.
21. He is not a media darling and is running with good success despite the unbalanced coverage he has received.
22. He is from an entrepreneurial family. The guy worked as a 'milk man.'
23. He is smart as he went to Gettysburg College and then to Duke for grad (medical) school.
24. He understands economics, currency, money supply, inflation, and debt.
25. He has a lot of YouTube videos and support from others on the web, see sites such as http://RonPaulMedia.com. Just Google Ron Paul!
26. He is able to raise money as a candidate from tons of fellow citizens, like me, who want to expand liberties and freedom.
I would love to hear what you think of Dr. Paul. Please email me
your thoughts to: Mark@Rauterkus.com
Very truly yours,
Mark Rauterkus
412 298 3432
In my political dreamworld, RON PAUL gets attacked on all sides by neo-cons in Feb and March
Over a 2PJ's blog, I posted a playbook for the primary season that navigates Ron Paul to a victory in the months to come. Reasoning and motivations are put out to kick around.
Tip: Kick the reasons, not the shins.
The Richardson supporters of Iowa could have been "Indies" except for one fleeting moment.
What Dem candidate is MOST against the war in Iraq? Richardson? Of course, D.K. too. But D.K. even released his supporters pre Jan 3.
What political party is MOST against the war in Iraq? Not Rs (with the exception of one candidate). Not Ds even. But the Indies -- especially the subset of Is, like me, the Libertarians.
Generally, those that don't vote - or had not voted - are more "I" than "D."
Anyone can participate in the primary voting in many states, including Iowa, by showing up and making a declaration that s/he is now (for that moment) a "D" or a "R."
Lots of Indies participated in the events of Iowa on Jan 3 by saying that they wanted to be a "D". Opt in to the D side -- No wait. No fuss. No worries.
Many were in the D ranks on Jan 3 in Iowa to insure that HILLARY didn't win.
Richardson's folks, mostly, got skunked in the first round -- by not reaching a level of 15%. (Weird Iowa D rules.) They were then 'free' to go elsewhere -- on the D side.
Richardson's support was beyond 2% in the first vote -- but -- that was NOT part of the final score.
Many of the freelance voters in Iowa went to the D side on Jan 3, handing Hillary 3rd place. Voters are victors.
If Hillary is kept in check and kept out of the winner's slot, and if Richardson and D.K. are kept far from the pack -- then the free radical voters will show up to work against the neo-cons.
The upside potential for Ron Paul is great.
In the states with the most repressive voting ways (like here in PA) -- that spur of the moment capacity is diminished.
Finally, the Richardson and Obama supporters in Iowa that depend upon farm subsidies -- were happy campers in the D caucus, even if they were strongly against the war.
Ron Paul doesn't like gov handouts -- even to farmers. So, he had a tough road to hoe (pun intended) in the cornbelt / bio heartland.
My hope is for more 40-40-20 D party results with Hillar in a distant 3rd and Richardson and D.K. on the sidelines soon.
In the R race, I want all the neo-cons to stay in and self destruct / self absorb -- landing blows at each other.
Then they'll all need to turn against RON PAUL in Feb and March.
PS: Sorry if I got a "IF was/were typo" mixed in the rushed ranting above.
Tip: Kick the reasons, not the shins.
The Richardson supporters of Iowa could have been "Indies" except for one fleeting moment.
What Dem candidate is MOST against the war in Iraq? Richardson? Of course, D.K. too. But D.K. even released his supporters pre Jan 3.
What political party is MOST against the war in Iraq? Not Rs (with the exception of one candidate). Not Ds even. But the Indies -- especially the subset of Is, like me, the Libertarians.
Generally, those that don't vote - or had not voted - are more "I" than "D."
Anyone can participate in the primary voting in many states, including Iowa, by showing up and making a declaration that s/he is now (for that moment) a "D" or a "R."
Lots of Indies participated in the events of Iowa on Jan 3 by saying that they wanted to be a "D". Opt in to the D side -- No wait. No fuss. No worries.
Many were in the D ranks on Jan 3 in Iowa to insure that HILLARY didn't win.
Richardson's folks, mostly, got skunked in the first round -- by not reaching a level of 15%. (Weird Iowa D rules.) They were then 'free' to go elsewhere -- on the D side.
Richardson's support was beyond 2% in the first vote -- but -- that was NOT part of the final score.
Many of the freelance voters in Iowa went to the D side on Jan 3, handing Hillary 3rd place. Voters are victors.
If Hillary is kept in check and kept out of the winner's slot, and if Richardson and D.K. are kept far from the pack -- then the free radical voters will show up to work against the neo-cons.
The upside potential for Ron Paul is great.
In the states with the most repressive voting ways (like here in PA) -- that spur of the moment capacity is diminished.
Finally, the Richardson and Obama supporters in Iowa that depend upon farm subsidies -- were happy campers in the D caucus, even if they were strongly against the war.
Ron Paul doesn't like gov handouts -- even to farmers. So, he had a tough road to hoe (pun intended) in the cornbelt / bio heartland.
My hope is for more 40-40-20 D party results with Hillar in a distant 3rd and Richardson and D.K. on the sidelines soon.
In the R race, I want all the neo-cons to stay in and self destruct / self absorb -- landing blows at each other.
Then they'll all need to turn against RON PAUL in Feb and March.
PS: Sorry if I got a "IF was/were typo" mixed in the rushed ranting above.
Subscribe to my calendar. And, send in your events.
Another option, get your own Google Calendar. Then you can put your events in your own calendar. But, then let me know about your calendar and I'll embed it within mine. It is easy to put all your events on this calendar, or just copy each event with two or three clicks.
Revelations: City, County and Pens Propose No C, No B, and No A for Historic Hill District
Revelations: City, County and Pens Propose No C, No B, and No A for Historic Hill District Similarly, they pledge their support for a new YMCA in the 2100 block of Centre Avenue, and offer to help win state money toward its development.
Yes, that's right. The YMCA that is not even a member of One Hill, the one organization that is nationwide, already in the middle of a capital campaign and, you guessed it---not what the community asked for. The community asked for a recreation center that would be for the elderly and youth---like the Kingsley Center in East Liberty. Maybe, just maybe, the YMCA could come close to that but it still means that the community cannot control the kinds of programs, services and recreation in the community, not necessarily shaped or defined by an overarching, national organization with its own agenda and priorities.
Reach out to squash the REAL ID in PA -- please
PA Senate bill 1220 (SB 1220, P.N. 1673), opposing the REAL ID, was referred to the Communications and Technology Committee on December 27, 2007 and is now posted on the PA's legislative bill site. It is a much stronger rejection of the federal REAL ID than its counterpart, HB 1351, in the PA House.
Your action is needed to encourage support of this bill!
The full text of the bill can be found here:
Name: The "REAL ID and Biometric and Economic Privacy Act"
Web Link
The bill is thankfully short and shows no tolerance for the 2005 federal Real ID Act. It rejects the Real ID and even rejects other laws and regulations that would put compromise economic privacy. Here is its operative wording for Sections 3, 4 and 5 respectively:
** "Neither the Governor nor the Department of Transportation or any other Commonwealth agency shall participate in the compliance of any provision of the REAL
ID Act of 2005."
** "Neither the Governor nor the Department of Transportation or any other Commonwealth agency shall participate in the compliance with any Federal law, regulation or policy that would compromise the economic privacy or biometric data of any resident of this Commonwealth."
** "Either the Governor or the Attorney General may file an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge the constitutionality or legality of the REAL ID Act of 2005."
This bill needs additional sponsors and support to ensure it is adopted without amendment. Please contact your state senators, particularly if they are committee members, and encourage their support of this bill. Thank them if they are already a sponsor.
Current sponsors of the bill are:
FOLMER, KITCHEN, ROBBINS, REGOLA, FUMO, MELLOW,
ERICKSON, C. WILLIAMS, FERLO, WASHINGTON,
ORIE, BOSCOLA,LAVALLE, HUGHES AND EARLL.
Five of these sponsors are Committee members:
Constance Williams, D-17, Minority Chair; Edwin Erickson, R-26; Bob Regola, R-39; Vincent Fumo, D-1; and Leanna Washington, D-17
Remaining Committee members are:
Robert Wonderling, Chairman, R-24; John Gordner, Vice-Chair, R-27; Lisa Baker, R-20; John Eichelberger, R-30; John Wozniak D-35; and Joseph Scarnati, President Pro Tempore & ex-officio member of all committees, R-25.
You can find your legislator by zip code or county by using the "Find Members By" box in the upper right of the page at this link:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/index.cfm
The PA Senate will be back in session on January 14, 2008, so let them know what you think.
Additional information on the REAL ID Act of 2005 can be found in Sen. Folmer's press release on the topic:
http://www.senatorfolmer.com/press-2007/1107/111407.htm
Letting your federal representatives know what you think of the REAL ID would also be a good idea.
Thank you for taking the time to help limit government expansion and protect the rights of the citizens!
In Liberty, Michael J. "Mik" Robertson, Chair, Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania
Text of Dan Onorato's speech on Jan 3, 2008, day 1 of second term
Download the original attachment
Pittsburgh Laurels & Lances - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "To Dan Onorato. Speaking of the drink tax, the Allegheny County chief executive didn't mention the new levy -- or the new $2 daily rental-car tax -- during his second inaugural on Wednesday. 'I didn't think it needed to be mentioned because it's mentioned every day of the week,' he said. The real reason more likely is that he knows what an oxymoron it is to promote higher taxes out of one side of his mouth while touting the need to be 'competitive' out of the other side.
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