Fw: Policy Brief: Millage Hike Will Tax Property Owners and Patience

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From: "allegheny institute for public policy" <allegheny_institute_for_public_p@mail.vresp.com>

Date: Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:20:15 +0000

To: <mark04@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: "allegheny institute for public policy" <reply-d26c5e8f27-46436d4024-fc2b@u.cts.vresp.com>

Subject: Policy Brief: Millage Hike Will Tax Property Owners and Patience

	Policy Brief (Volume 11, Number 63)
		Millage Hike Will Tax Property Owners and Patience      (December 7, 2011)--On December 6th, Allegheny County Council voted to increase property taxes by 1 mill, or 21 percent, resulting in a new millage for property owners of 5.69 mills. Sadly, but predictably,   this action is consistent with the disconcerting pattern of recent years wherein the Council passes illegal legislation that gets overturned in court.     Under normal circumstances when there is no reassessment pending, a property tax increase by County Council is subject only to the Home Rule Charter language of Article VII, Section 4c which requires “an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the seated members [of Council]”.  Last night’s vote was eleven to four along partisan lines and evidently there will not be a veto from the County Executive.     But in the current situation Act 71 of 2005 takes away the power of the County to boost property taxes by 21 percent without approval of the court. Signed into law by Governor Rendell in November of 2005, it requires that in a reassessment year Allegheny County and its municipalities (school districts are subject to the subsequent Act 1 requirements) change millage rates by an amount that will hold property tax revenue at the previous year’s level. After establishing the revenue neutral millage, the taxing body is permitted, “by a separate and specific vote” to increase its millage rate to a level which it brings in up to 5 percent above what it collected the previous year.    Whereas prior to 2005 the County and its taxing bodies were able to take 105 percent of the previous year’s revenue in a reassessment year, Act 71 mandates that 105 percent comes in a two-step process.  If the County or other taxing bodies want a higher than five percent rise, they must petition the court of common pleas.  The Act says the court can approve an increase based “upon good cause shown” by the petitioning taxing body.    Remarks made by the primary sponsor of the law from the floor of the House on September 27th, 2005, distill the statute’s intent:   “We make our locally elected officials accountable. No longer can they do the backdoor tax increases with the assessments.  They are going to be held accountable by making separate votes for tax increases if they see those are fit…and if they want to make their case to court, that certainly is a public way that they are going to have to justify raising taxes beyond that 5 percent”   In the seventh year after adoption, Act 71 appears to be headed for its first court test.    Using 2011 assessment numbers and the current 4.69 mill tax rate, the County projects $294 million in property taxes—$274 million after homestead exemptions and refunds.  With the reassessment proceeding towards implementation in 2012, the County will have to adjust its millage to keep tax collections level with 2011. It would then be permitted to take a separate vote to increase taxes to take in 5 percent above that revenue neutral amount, an amount of roughly $14.0 million.  If the County chooses to go after more revenue, it would take the approval of a judge.  As to what case the County would make to argue it would have a “good cause” to implement an additional tax increase is anyone’s guess, but it is a safe assumption that the reason it would point to would be state and Federal cuts in funding.  They might win that case, but it would no doubt drag on as parties filed briefs and debated the case.  The 21 percent increase, if allowed to go into effect, would boost revenues by about $60 million.   What is Council thinking?  It seems clear that the majority who voted for the tax hike are heavily influenced by the thinking from the incoming County Executive, who formerly served on Council and spent time as Council president.     Do they believe the reassessment is not happening? For most people that would be extremely hard to do since new assessment notices are scheduled to be mailed to property owners in the Pittsburgh Public School District (the City of Pittsburgh and Mt. Oliver) in two weeks’ time—something Council has no power to stop.  And that creates a real problem for Council because there is no conceivable legal way the City will have new assessments for 2012 but the rest of the County will not.   The new assessments going out on December 19th will require the City to go through steps mandated by Act 71 to hold revenue neutral from 2011 and then to vote for a tax hike of up to 5 percent in a separate vote if they choose to raise taxes. That has to be done very soon in order for tax bills to go out in January. It seems the County Council and the Executive-elect are planning to set aside the new City and Pittsburgh School tax bills in the new year by retroactively rescinding the new assessment numbers for Pittsburgh and Mt. Oliver. Taxpayers and City Council would be overwhelmed by uncertainty and confusion. The City and Schools would have to take out tax anticipation loans, which is the primary reason Judge Wettick ordered the City assessments to be completed first. A rescission of the new City assessments by the County would obviously run dramatically afoul of the Judge’s orders.   Are they taking the arrogant stance that Act 71 does not apply and that the County can ignore it?  The Executive-elect has argued that the County can raise taxes now for 2012 and if there is a reassessment, the revenue neutral calculation would be based on 2011 revenue raised by 21 percent. But that is a ludicrous argument. To be revenue neutral compared to the 2011 collection can only mean revenue neutral relative to the actual amount of 2011 revenue, not the 2011 level artificially raised after the fact by applying a retroactive tax hike. Thus, the incoming Executive’s argument is likely to be unpersuasive when a judge hears it. The authors of Act 71 cannot possibly have envisioned the language of the bill being so tortured and misused.   Does Council believe the Supreme Court will overturn its decision on the base year? The Supreme Court deliberated long and hard over its ruling and heard all the arguments that could have been raised by County attorneys. Their decision will almost certainly not be revisited. A revision of a Court decision in such a short period is extraordinarily rare—if it has in fact ever happened.   Moreover, the incoming Executive’s reading of the Supreme Court ruling is in error when he argues the Court should have tossed out base year assessments for all counties. The Court ruled only that the base year as applied in Allegheny County violated the uniformity clause and that it could not set aside another county’s base year system unless or until there was a convincing legal challenge in such a county showing the uniformity clause was being violated.   Incredibly, the incoming Executive is now arguing that the courts should not have the power to force the County to do something its elected officials and the majority of voters do not want and therefore, the County is within its rights to ignore the courts. One wonders if he believes the rights of the minority as contained in and protected by the Constitution of Pennsylvania can be trampled on any time the majority decides they are not interested in minority rights or the court rulings that uphold those rights. The correct position for an elected official is to honor one’s oath to obey, defend and protect the Constitution and obey the laws of the state and court decisions based on those laws.  It is honorable to work on changing the Constitution and the laws following prescribed processes if that is the will of the majority but until that happens the Constitution as written is the controlling legal document. Abandoning that principle is to abandon the rule of law, on which our entire societal and economic structures depend.   Does Council think the General Assembly will intervene? The Legislature adopted the concept of the base year assessment and it will have to change that law. Up to this point there has been virtually no appetite in the Legislature to reform the state’s assessment and property taxation laws to bring the Commonwealth into the 20th century. It would seem unlikely they are about to undo the base year statute any time soon.  No doubt they should for a number of reasons, but it is a political firestorm waiting to happen and few wished to get burned.  So, for now it is more comfortable to let the courts do the work.   And if the Executive-elect expects the Legislature to write a bill setting aside the Supreme Court ruling he will be disappointed. There is little or no prospect that the Legislature will write such a bill. Such an act would create a constitutional crisis in the state by destroying the balance and separation of power of the three branches of government.   As matters now stand, the Council’s tax hike is almost certainly headed to court. Indeed, it would be useful for the Judge to issue an injunction against the County’s tax increase pending the completion of the reassessment on the grounds that it will create enormous confusion and delays in a process that has already dragged on for years and has perpetuated the inequities in the assessment errors that have been in place for a decade. One can only imagine the turmoil if the Executive-elect follows through on his pledge to refuse to certify and mail out the new assessments even though new assessments are available and the County is under a Supreme Court order to do so. Will the judge hold the Executive in contempt and have him arrested?   One thing is sure, Allegheny County is about to witness property tax chaos if the Council raises the millage rate by 21 percent and refuses to carry out the Supreme Court’s order to reassess. Jake Haulk, Ph.D., President Eric Montarti, Senior Policy Analyst If you wish to support our efforts please consider becoming a donor to the Allegheny Institute.The Allegheny Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible.Please mail your contribution to: The Allegheny Institute 305 Mt. Lebanon Boulevard Suite 208 Pittsburgh, PA15234   For more on this topic click here Link to Allegheny Institute Website Forward this Brief to a friend
	Tel: (412) 440-0079 Fax: (412) 440-0085 Email: aipp@alleghenyinstitute.org

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Fw: Summit Against Racism-Save the Date

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From: "Maddock Family" <maddock6@verizon.net>

Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:58:59 -0500

To: Tim Stevens<tim.stevens2@hotmail.com>

Subject: Summit Against Racism-Save the Date

      The Black and White Reunion's

14th Annual Summit Against Racism - Saturday, January 21, 2012
8:30am-3pm, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

 

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

The Summit will offer inspiring speakers spanning different generations, skill building techniques for our justice movements, strengthening the programs of the Black and White Reunion such as the Jonny Gammage Scholarship, plus supporting other anti-racism work in our region.

Registration:  Adults:  $25.00, including breakfast and lunch; $10.00 for under 18 and limited income.

 

1.             Current Workshops being discussed:

a.                  
The meaning of the "Occupy Movement"? The focus will be the Occupy Movement's relationship to racism.     http://www.occupypittsburgh.org/ 

b.             "The Image of Women"

c.             "Implementing the Coalition Against Violence Strategies for Change"  -   

d.             "Four New Policies for Police Reform have been passed in Pittsburgh – How do we Assure Success?"  "What does justice for Jonny Gammage and Jordan Miles look like?"

e.             City League/WPIAL – A Case for Integrating Athletics in Western Pennsylvania.

f.                    Showing the Nate Smith "What Does Trouble Mean" movie again for those who have not seen it in a separate room.  Continuing the struggle for more minority labor participation on government funded construction sites in Western Pennsylvania.  The discussion of reactions to the film and the relevance of it today could follow the showing of the film.  http://www.natesmithmovie.com/

Other possible Workshops:  "The Prison Industrial Complex" & "Land Tenure & Race"

Next meeting:  Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6 pm, East Liberty Presbyterian Church

The Black and White Reunion is looking for volunteers to help out with this event.  Please contact blackandwhite_reunion(at)yahoo.com orTim Stevens, 412-758-7898, Bob Maddock, 412-322-9275

http://www.blackandwhitereunion.org/

Cyber Monday (and beyond) Buying Guide

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From: "DefectiveByDesign.org" <info@defectivebydesign.org>

Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:49:02 -0500

To: <mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: "DefectiveByDesign.org" <info@defectivebydesign.org>

Subject: [DBD] Cyber Monday (and beyond) Buying Guide

Thinking of doing some holiday shopping? We hope that when purchasing for loved ones and friends, you'll consider avoiding companies and products designed to restrict freedom, and instead support companies and organizations that defend (or at least respect) freedom.

Before you click the links in any of the "Cyber Monday" mails you've been inundated with today, please see our 2011 Holiday Buying guide for the best and worst gifts this season.

• www.defectivebydesign.org/holiday

We will be updating our guide throughout the holiday season, so come back every now and then to see new tips and suggestions.

You can help us update our holiday buying guide by emailing suggestions to info@defectivebydesign.org.

Happy Holidays,
Josh, Matt, John, and Richard

P.S. You can still see last year's guide for additional helpful information at www.defectivebydesign.org/nobuyguide.

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Fw: Stop Indefinite Military Detention of US Citizens

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From: Dave Nalle <chairman@rlc.org>

Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:04:41 -0800

To: <mark.rauterkus@gmail.com>

Subject: RLC Action Alert: Stop Indefinite Military Detention of US Citizens

Act Now to Stop Another Attack on Your Rights

Don't Give the Military the Power to Detain US Citizens Indefnitely

 

 They're at it again. The Senate is about to pass a bill which will take away more of our most fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed rights in the name of the ever expanding security state. We think it's time to tell them "NO" and take action to protect those rights.

If the new Defense Authorization bill passes it will actually authorize the military will to arrest US Citizens within the United States and hold them indefinitely without charge or trial in military prisons or try them before military courts without the protections guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

Within a couple of days the U.S. Senate will vote on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (NDAA) which was written and passed through committee in secret. It includes two sections which would change laws on military detention to authorize the military to imprison almost anyone without due process of law or any respect for their civil liberties, including Americans in foreign countries and those living in the United States. Those detained by the military under this law could be held indefinitely without charge or trial and they could end up in military courts instead of civilian courts.

The NDAA is almost certain to pass with strong bipartisan support. We don't have the votes to stop it, though some RLC endorsees like Sen. Rand Paul oppose many sections of the bill. It is likely that it will hit the Senate floor in the next few days with the backing of powerful Republicans like John McCain, who authored this unconstitutional expansion of military authority, who will be pushing to pass it without revision.

You may think that this sort of insane legislation which totally undermines our Constitutionally protected rights can't be real. You may find it hard to believe that most Republicans are supporting it. You may not think this could happen in your America. Yet this outrage is entirely real. I urge you to read the contents of S.1867 (PDF), particularly sections 1031 and 1032, and see for yourself.

While the RLC also objects to other aspects of this bill, we probably can't stop the entire bill from passing, but there is at least a way to oppose these particularly horrendous provisions and get them removed from the bill. Senator Mark Udall has offered an amendment (#1107) which would strike sections 1031 and 1032 and protect our rights.

Please urge your Senators to protect our rights and the Constitution and oppose sections 1031 and 1032 of the Defense Authorization bill by voting for the Udall Amendment.

You can do this by using the email form on our website.

If you're as concerned as I am about the direction our country is going and want to change our government by electing Republicans who value liberty and won't sell out our rights in the name of security, please take this opportunity to donate to the RLC or at least renew your membership.

Thank you for standing up for liberty.

 

Dave Nalle

Chairman, Republican Liberty Caucus

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Fw: What Cuts?

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From: "Ron Paul " <ron.paul@ronpaul2012.com>

Date: Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:37:15 -0800

To: Liberty Activist<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: ron.paul@ronpaul2012.com

Subject: What Cuts?

Dear Liberty Activist, If you missed Tuesday night’s debate on CNN, there’s something you need to know. All seven of my opponents stood up on stage and applauded Big Government - asked for more of it, in fact. So your choice is clear. With just over five weeks left until voters begin going to the polls, if you want a President who will FIGHT for less government and lower spending, then I must ask for your support right away. You see, Newt Gingrich – who previously warned of the dangers of the Patriot Act - now wants it expanded. He wants amnesty, too – to keep American citizens footing the bill for government services for illegal immigrants. The others were falling all over themselves to launch more undeclared TRILLION-dollar wars on Iran, or perhaps Pakistan, or maybe even Syria. Of course, they all want more military spending, even though we’re already spending almost one TRILLION dollars per year – an amount nearly equal to what the entire rest of the world spends! But that certainly hasn’t stopped the chicken-little stories from my opponents about supposed “defense cuts”! Even Mitt Romney tried to pull the wool over our eyes. I set him straight.  NOTHING is being cut in Washington.  PERIOD. Believe me, I’ve tried! All Congress is arguing about is how much to increase spending. But when hundreds of billions of dollars just aren’t “enough” for my opponents’ favorite agencies, their answer is to howl in pain. Liberty Activist, isn’t this the game the liberals play? I guess we’ve learned to expect as much over the years from them. But isn’t it downright disgusting when Republican candidates for President stoop to that level? After all, we’re over $15 TRILLION in debt. When are my opponents going to get serious? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s lacking in these debates so far – seriousness. And that’s why the establishment of BOTH parties is so scared of me. You see, they know I am serious about balancing the budget in three years. They know I will cut ONE TRILLION in spending my first year. And they know NONE of their sacred cows are safe.  If we don’t need it or can’t afford it, it doesn’t matter what department of government we’re talking about. Sure, the establishment will scream and holler that we need MORE money to keep our country safe. But the simple fact is, if we had a constitutional foreign policy – and if we stopped nation-building and policing the world - our nation would be much safer and spend much LESS money at the same time. Our troops understand that fact. That’s why I’ve received more money from members of the military than all of my Republican opponents COMBINED. But sadly, my establishment opponents just don’t seem to get it. They want more spending, more government, and more debt. You and I both know we can’t afford politics as usual any longer. You and I both know maintaining the big spending, Big Government status quo will only lead to our nation’s ruin. But I’m the ONE candidate who is serious about fixing our problems. I’m the ONE candidate who will change our foreign policy to strengthen our national defense while ending these wars. I’m the ONE candidate who will fight to end welfare to illegal immigrants AND secure our border. And I’m the ONE candidate who will take power BACK from government, not scream to give more to it. But I must be able to count on your generous financial support if I’m going to win the Republican nomination. My campaign is in crunch time right now. As I mentioned, it’s just over five weeks until voters start going to the caucuses and polls to begin selecting the next Republican nominee for President. In these final weeks, my campaign is launching an all-out voter contact blitz with TV ads, direct mail, and boots on the ground in both Iowa and New Hampshire. With polls showing me statistically tied for first in Iowa and clearly in second in New Hampshire, you and I must make our big push right now. So please make your most generous contribution TODAY to my campaign. Whatever you can give, I’ll put to IMMEDIATE use getting my message of liberty to the voters. We’re so close.  I believe the time is right, and you and I have the message to win. So please make your most generous contribution TODAY! Together, we can Restore America Now! For Liberty, Ron Paul P.S. Every one of my opponents during Tuesday night’s debate was demanding more government. Some are even falsely claiming military spending is being cut! But the only thing being debated in Washington, D.C. right now is how fast spending will increase! I’m the only candidate in this race who is serious about cutting spending.  And if we don’t need it or can’t afford it, it doesn’t matter what department it’s in. But with just over five weeks left until voters begin going to the polls, I must be able to count on your financial support if I’m going to win the Republican nomination for President. So please contribute whatever you are able TODAY! Paid for by Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee www.ronpaul2012.com

Fw: How Will We Answer Them?

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From: "John Tate" <john_tate@ronpaul2012.com>

Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:54:18 -0800

To: Liberty Activist<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: john_tate@ronpaul2012.com

Subject: How Will We Answer Them?

Dear Liberty Activist, After last night's debate, The Drudge Report ran with the headline "Paul's Time to Rise?"  Frankly, the answer to that question is up to us. I hope Dr. Paul can count on you to make your most generous contribution toward our efforts right away. Since Ron Paul announced he was running, this campaign has been working hard to put the Champion of the Constitution in the White House. Thanks to your support, we've bypassed the media blackout by sending millions of pieces of direct mail, making thousands of phone calls, running top-notch ads, installing seasoned professionals in key primary and caucus states, and doing everything else we can to take Dr. Paul's message directly to the American people. Now, the moment we have been building toward is here. Recent polls have revealed Ron Paul to be in a statistical tie for first place in Iowa and solidly in second place in New Hampshire. Every day, our campaign is adding more supporters, as staff and volunteers reach out to their family, friends, and neighbors about Ron Paul’s unmatched record of consistent conservative leadership. Last night's debate once again showcased why so many Americans are sending Ron Paul to the front of the race. It's clear he is the only candidate who understands the true nature of the threats facing America and recognizes how deeply our debt crisis threatens our national security, our economic future, and the kind of country we will leave to our kids and grandkids. It's also clear that Ron Paul is the only candidate with the proven track record of addressing these challenges with the solutions found in freedom. As the other candidates voiced their support for more out-of-control spending on nation-building boondoggles and attacking our civil liberties through the misnamed "Patriot" Act, Ron Paul stood for a common-sense national defense that will leave our country strong, secure, and respected. With the establishment on their side, you can be sure the other candidates will continue to spread their views far and wide. But how strongly our campaign can respond to their attacks and continue to contact millions of Americans with the truth about Dr. Paul's message depends on you. Please make your most generous contribution right away. What we have accomplished so far has rocked the political establishment. They thought for sure that their blackout would leave us discouraged and out of the running. Instead, it's only further fueled our determination to win. Undecided voters and those previously supporting other candidates are now taking a deeper look at Ron Paul, and it's critical we have every resource necessary to reach as many of them as possible. We know Ron Paul is the only one with a serious plan to cut spending by $1 TRILLION in the first year of his presidency and deliver a fully balanced budget by year three. We know Ron Paul is the only one who understands how the Federal Reserve has destroyed our economy and who will put a stop to its outrageous, secretive actions. We know Ron Paul is the one who enjoys the most support from active duty servicemen and women – more, in fact, than all of his opponents combined! We know Ron Paul is the man this country needs to return to prosperity. But now many are wondering if this is his time. If voters are finally ready for the message of freedom. And if we can rise to the challenge and do what it takes to put Ron Paul in the White House. How history will record that we answered those questions depends on the actions we're willing to take today. Please, click here to contribute whatever you are able to the Ron Paul campaign. Every dollar – whether $1,000, $100, or $10 – will go toward finishing this race in victory! I hope Ron Paul can count on you today. For Liberty, John Tate Campaign Manager P.S. Ron Paul is on the rise, and now undecided voters and those who previously supported other candidates are taking a deeper look at our campaign. Many are asking if this movement can rise to the challenge and seize on our momentum. How history will record we answered them depends on the actions we're willing to take today. Please, click here to donate whatever you are able so we can continue to reach millions of Americans with Ron Paul's message of freedom and WIN this race! Paid for by Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee www.ronpaul2012.com

Fwd: True Patriots

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Tate
Date: Tuesday, November 22, 2011



Dear Liberty Activist,

I could hardly believe what I was hearing.

It all started with Newt Gingrich's flip-flop on the so-called "Patriot" Act.

In the past, Newt Gingrich has admitted just how dangerous this bill is – but during tonight's debate, Speaker Gingrich took it as an opportunity to go on the attack.

Liberty Activist, these attacks are going to keep coming.

There's no way around it.

That's why I'm hoping I can count on your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY.

The truth is, our country is over $15 TRILLION in debt - but EVERY Republican candidate but one during tonight's debate was champing at the bit to launch another trillion-dollar war . . .

On Iran perhaps.  Or maybe Pakistan.  Or even Syria.

Will their "war at any cost" madness ever end?

But perhaps the most maddening thing is the constant attacks on Ron Paul by his establishment opponents.  Why?

***  For fighting for the pro-AMERICAN, pro-troop, pro-taxpayer foreign policy advocated by the Founding Fathers;

***  For speaking out against policing the world and nation-building;

***  For admitting the so-called "Patriot" Act is unpatriotic;

***  For DEMANDING our federal government follow the Constitution by getting proper congressional authorization before going to war;

***  For saying that if we must go to war, we should go with all the necessary tools for victory, win it, and COME HOME;

***  For daring to state that the federal government's targeting and killing of United States citizens without trial is ILLEGAL.

To most Americans, this is all common sense.

To our troops, it's the message they've been longing to hear.

Why else would Ron Paul have received more contributions than President Obama and all other Republican candidates for President COMBINED?

But to Ron Paul's establishment opponents, it's an opportunity to discredit the one candidate who advocates a strong national defense and a constitutional foreign policy.

And the truth is, I expect the attacks to come like never before.

Just consider the polls we've seen over the past several days.

Ron Paul is now clearly in second place in New Hampshire, and he is statistically tied for the lead in Iowa.

On the Sunday morning shows, much of the talk was about how Ron Paul was a real threat to win Iowa – and how he has now moved into the top tier.

The truth is, Ron Paul has been in the top tier for months - but it's just now that the establishment is realizing it.

That's why I expect Ron Paul to be attacked like never before in the coming weeks.

It's up to you and me to make sure we have the funds necessary to FIGHT BACK.

So can I count on you for your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY?

Whether it's $100, $50, $25, or even $5, every single dollar will help our campaign recruit more volunteers, reach millions of more voters, and ensure the success of our get-out-the-vote strategy on Election Day.

I know the campaign has asked a lot of you already this year.

And I know these are tough times for every American.

I also know that every dollar folks like you have given to this campaign thus far has been in the hopes that you and I would reach this moment.

But you and I both know the attacks are going to keep on coming just like they came tonight.

We MUST be prepared and ready to seize victory no matter what.

So please, make your most generous contribution TODAY!

Victory is within reach.

For Liberty,



John Tate
Campaign Manager

P.S. Once again, tonight's debate showcased that Ron Paul is the only Republican candidate advocating a strong national defense and a constitutional foreign policy.

But now that polls show Ron Paul statistically tied for first in Iowa and clearly in second in New Hampshire, the SMEARS are only going to keep coming.

So can I count on you for your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY?

Whatever you can do will make a tremendous difference and help ensure we can get Dr. Paul's message to millions of more Americans as we march toward victory!


Http://www.ronpaul2012.com

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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Today's practice group, minus GE.

Fwd: Benched for being a girl

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shelby Knox, Change.org
 
Tell North Carolina schools: Let girls like Mina Johnson play football.

Mina Johnson is the first girl to play football for Southampton Academy in Virginia -- and she's a starter who racked up four sacks in a single game earlier this year. 

But despite her talent, Mina was forced to sit out two games this football season because of a backwards rule: She wasn't allowed to play because she's a girl.

Football teams two rival schools threatened to forfeit their games against Southampton's Raiders if Mina played. Both teams are part of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, a conference that doesn't allow girls to play on boy's teams -- even if no equivalent team exists for girls.

Adrienne Smith and her teammates on the U.S. National Tackle Football team were appalled when they heard Mina's story. That's why they started a petition on Change.org demanding the conference change its policy to comply with Title IX and allow any capable girl to play football. Click here to sign their petition.

While boys still outnumber girls in high school sports, Title IX has helped level the playing field dramatically over the past 40 years. Researchers studying the regulation's impact have shown that girls who participate in sports are more active, do better in school, and go to college in higher numbers than girls who don't play sports. It's hard to imagine any school or conference would want to roll back that progress. 

If enough people join Adrienne's campaign protesting the unfair treatment Mina received, the conference will have to change its policy -- allowing Mina to play against its teams next year, and making sports more accessible for girls across North Carolina. 

According to her coach, Mina is "an example for the team of how to hustle and work hard." It's time for the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association to support female student athletes like Mina, and let them play. Sign Adrienne's petition to keep the pressure on the conference:

http://www.change.org/petitions/north-carolina-independent-schools-athletic-association-honor-title-ix-and-allow-mina-johnson-to-play-football-at-her-school

Thanks for being a change-maker,

- Shelby and the Change.org team

P.S. People are taking action on important issues using Change.org everyday.

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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: [Project-Censored-L] The Global Occupy Movement Challenges the Transnational Corporate Class

---------- Forwarded message ----------

by Peter Phillips

The international concentration of wealth and military power is
endangering not only the personal freedoms and life chances of
billions of people, but the potentiality for life on earth to simply
exist. The US-NATO military-industrial-media empire operates in
support of transnational corporations and the central banks primarily
as the enforcer of International Monetary Fund/World Bank's fiscal
policies and the protector of transnational capital flow. The
combination of empire enforcers—both public and private military/police
—in partnership with the private owners of production and capital's
need for constant growth and profits, is resulting in a tragic decline
of humanity into a freedomless state of global corporate facism.

We are not going to reform the empire of destruction globally through
corrupt capital protecting legislative bodies controlled by
millionaires and corporate money. We are not going to change the
propaganda messages of corporate media—as they are deeply embedded in
the destructive empire of power. Corporate media (singular) is the
information control wing of the global power structure inside the
transnational corporate class of the one percent. The corporate media
systematically censors news stories that challenge the propaganda of
empire. Specific mythologies of empire  are that we live in a
democratic societies with fair elections, that governments are
primarily transparent and seek to protect the public, that evil lurks
in the world waiting to challenge our freedoms, we fight fairly and
morally while the others are evil terrorists, governments would never
do anything to harm their own citizens, wealth trickles down, we all
trying to be green  and capitalism will save us. Occupy challenges
these myths of empire as  lies and propaganda.

The time is for the Occupy democracy movement  to build our own news,
and our own systems of decision making from the bottom up. We no
longer need a majority to make change inside the empire. We need only
active informed populations in the 10-20% range of society to initiate
change producing social movements of resistance and non-cooperation
with empire.

Individually and collectively we can disconnect from employment that
supports the empire of destruction, we can keep our work instead with
community-based efforts at local sustainability, economic development,
and caring. We can shop and bank locally and never enter the Wal
Mart's of empire. We can organize for resistance to counter the
billions of dollars a year spent by the military to lie our children
into serving the empire of destruction. We can turn off the corporate
media filled with its propaganda and lies and seek our own sources of
news from with democracy movements worldwide.

Power to the people

_______________________________________________
Project-Censored-L mailing list
Project-Censored-L@lists.sonoma.edu
https://mailman.sonoma.edu/mailman/listinfo/project-censored-l

-------
Note from Mark Rauterkus:
Now come out and support Ron Paul!


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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

Fw: Surging

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

---

From: "Rand Paul" <rand_paul@ronpaul2012.com>

Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:32:49 -0800

To: Liberty Activist<mark@rauterkus.com>

ReplyTo: rand_paul@ronpaul2012.com

Subject: Surging

Dear Liberty Activist, It’s working. Your generosity during my dad’s money bombs... his campaign’s TV ads... The millions of pieces of direct mail that’s been sent to voters throughout the country ... The hard work of folks just like you on the campaign’s critical Phone From Home program... It’s all paying off. Another poll in Iowa just came out confirming Ron Paul in second place – and within the margin of error of FIRST. And in New Hampshire, he’s now solidly in second place – 6% ahead of his nearest opponent. Despite the media’s best efforts, my dad’s campaign is now surging in key early states. But with just over six weeks until the voters begin to go to the polls to select the Republican nominee, it’s crunch time for the campaign. And two critical actions I will describe in just a moment could make the difference between defeat on election night - or an historic victory that would rock the Washington, D.C. political establishment like never before. Can I count on you to help?  I hope I can.   As he told you from the beginning, my dad is in this to WIN. Of course, he knew he’d never get a big break in the national media like some of his opponents. That's should be no surprise.  I’ve never met a single defender of constitutionally limited government who counts the establishment media as a friend! So from the beginning, Ron Paul’s campaign’s strategy has been to bypass the media and bring his message straight to the voters. But it’s one thing to put together a winning strategy on paper. It’s quite another to be able to constantly depend on true Patriots like you to dig deep to pay for his constant campaigning, mail, email, TV ads, and all the rest. My dad’s supporters are truly incredible.  And all of his campaign’s success is only possible because of your support. The great news is, thanks to your help, my dad's message of liberty is resonating like never before. After years of Big Government, big spending, “politics-as-usual” policies from BOTH parties, Americans are ready for a return to limited government, free markets, sound money, and individual liberty. And they know Ron Paul is the only candidate who: ***  Predicted the current economic crisis years in advance and led the fight to prevent it - even as others running in this race were cheering on the disastrous government bailouts that have only dug us deeper into debt. ***  Possesses a consistent conservative record of standing up for the Constitution - even when it means voting alone. ***  Receives more donations from active duty military than all his Republican opponents combined! ***  Has a detailed plan to cut ONE TRILLION dollars from the federal budget in the first year of his presidency and deliver a fully balanced budget by year three. Now, the only question is, can you and I keep up this surge?    Can we capitalize on it?    Can we truly shake the establishment to its core? Absolutely. But only with your help.  Here’s what you can do: First, please contribute what you can right away. Whether it’s $100, $50, $25, or even $5, every single dollar will help my dad’s campaign recruit more volunteers, reach millions of more voters, and ensure the success of their get-out-the-vote strategy on Election Day. I know the campaign has asked a lot of his supporters already this year.    I also know these are tough times for every American.    But I also know that every dollar folks like you have given to my dad’s campaign thus far has been in the hopes that you and I would reach this moment. So please help Ron Paul’s campaign capitalize on their surge. Second, if you haven’t yet signed up for the campaign’s Phone From Home program, please click HERE to do so right away. Next to contributing financially, there is absolutely nothing you can do to help Ron Paul more. You can talk directly to voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada from your own home and on your own time.  It’s incredibly easy. All you have to do is log in and read a script.  You don’t even have to dial the phone numbers. I can’t emphasize this enough: your contribution and your participation in the campaign’s Phone From Home program could very well make the difference on Election Night. But most importantly, your action right now could make the difference for our country’s future. That’s what my dad’s campaign is all about. With your help, I’m confident we can Restore America Now. For Liberty,   Rand Paul   P.S.  My dad's surge in the polls in Iowa has just been confirmed, and another poll in New Hampshire shows him clearly in second place – 6% ahead of his nearest opponent. I’m counting on you to help Ron Paul capitalize on this momentum. First, please donate whatever you are able right away. Every dollar - whether it's $100 or $5 - will go toward the campaign’s efforts to directly reach millions of more voters. Second, if you haven't yet done so, please sign up for the Phone From Home program so you can help the campaign turn out the vote in Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada - all from the comfort of your own home. Paid for by Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee www.ronpaul2012.com

What if.... Ron Paul can win.

Pittsburgh School Officials Warn Parents Of 'Fake Caller ID' Cell Phone App - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh

Good news story. There is no place for this application on any kid's cell phone. Thanks Principal!

Pittsburgh School Officials Warn Parents Of 'Fake Caller ID' Cell Phone App - News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh School Officials Warn Parents Of 'Fake Caller ID' Cell Phone App

Fun, Networking, Giving Thanks While Celebrating

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <RFlanag@aol.com>

FINAL CHANCE TO RSVP---

Fun, Networking, Giving Thanks While Celebrating

(Agenda Below)

 

Please join us on Wednesday, November 16, in celebrating the agencies and individuals that provide guidance and support for youth entering the workforce. These leaders have made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young adults through strategic public-private sector collaboration, dedication, and hard work.

 

The event will begin with a light breakfast and networking opportunities, and then conclude with short program presentations. We will be out by 9:30 am.

Date: Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Time: 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. (Light Breakfast and Networking)
          8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (Welcome and Program Presentations)
Location: West Penn Hospital Wintergarden Conference Room (Room adjacent to main cafeteria), 4800 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

If you plan to attend, please RSVP as soon as possible to Nov16celebration@aol.com or 412-323-4078.

We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

 

Richard Flanagan

Bloomfield Garfield Corporation

Office 412-441-9833


Pittsburgh Youth Workforce Event Sponsoring Agencies:
Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, Boys and Girls Club of Western PA, Pittsburgh Public Schools—Start On Success Program, Hill House Association, Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc., Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center, Goodwill of Southwestern PA, Student Conservation Association, Inc., Neighborhood Learning Alliance, Life's Work of Western

 

 

 

EVENT AGENDA:

 

 

Celebrating Youth Workforce Development Agenda

 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011   8:00AM – 9: 30AM

West Penn Hospital Wintergarden Conference Room

4800 Friendship Avenue. Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Join us for a celebration of the agencies and individuals that provide guidance and support for youth entering the workforce, and a recognition of leaders that have made a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young adults through strategic public-private sector collaboration, dedication, and hard work.

 

8:00AM – 8:30AM         Guest arrive, network, and enjoy a light breakfast

 

 

8:30AM – 8:40AM         Rick Flanagan, Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation:

                                                                                                                - Welcoming by Kathleen McKenzie, WPAHS

                                                                                                                - Overview/Purpose of Event

 

 

8:40AM – 8:50AM         Dr. Terri Henderson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania:

                                                                                                                - Explanation of Workforce System

 

 

8:50AM – 9:20AM         Two-minute success stories:
                                                                                                                - Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation
                                                                                                                - Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
                                                                                                                - Pittsburgh Public Schools Start On Success
                                                                                                                - Communities In School

                                                                                                                - Student Conservation Association. Inc

                                                                                                                - Neighborhood Learning Alliance
                                                                                                                - Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

                                                                                                                - Hill House Association
                                                                                                                - PHASE 4 Learning Center, Inc
                                                                                                                - Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center

 

9:20AM – 9:30AM         Tony Bell, Hill House Association:

                                                                                                         - Recognition of joint accomplishment
                                                                                                             - Next steps

 

Sponsoring Agencies:  Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation; Boys & Girls of Western PA; Pittsburgh Public Schools, Start On Success Program; Hill House Association; Phase 4 Learning Center, Inc; Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center; Goodwill of Southwestern PA; Student Conservation Association, Inc; Neighborhood Learning Alliance.

                       

Here is the latest photo of my house and neighborhood

Winning!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7wuHFBUVAM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Fwd: What a Joke

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Tate
Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Subject: What a Joke
To: Liberty Activist <mark@rauterkus.com>




Dear Liberty Activist,

90 seconds.

That's how much of the first hour of tonight's GOP debate was given to Ron Paul.  90 measly seconds out of 3,600 seconds.

The remaining 3,510 seconds were spent with the other major candidates:

** Declaring their desire to start wars in Iran, Pakistan, and Syria;

** Rehashing their support for torture;

** Agreeing that President Obama has the right to unilaterally assassinate an American citizen without a court conviction;

** Explaining their plans to continue nation-building, policing, and occupying countries across the globe.

It literally made me sick watching the mainstream media once again silence the one sane voice in this election.  The one dissenter to a decade of unchecked war.  The one candidate who stands for true defense and actual constitutional government.

Ron Paul was silenced, in perhaps the most important debate of the cycle.

You have to ask yourself why.

I think I know the answer.  Both parties have perpetuated the foreign policy that is bankrupting our nation and tearing apart the world.

Both parties have started wars without proper congressional authorization.

Both parties have fabricated reasons for war.

Both parties' outrageous spending has taken us to the brink of disaster.

And if the other candidates on the stage tonight are to be believed, then there is only one candidate who would break the globalists' stranglehold over our foreign policy, our Treasury, and the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors in the armed forces.

Ron Paul could change history.  He could save our great nation from its own devastating policies of the past 10 years.

If his voice could be heard.

The media has once again BLACKED OUT Ron Paul.

Will you let it stand??

After almost two days, our Veterans Day Weekend Money Bomb has raised $758,977.

No doubt, that is a powerful total.

But it is not enough.  I have met with our accountants and media team, and we have determined we must raise an additional $500,000 in the next 24 hours to be able to run the ads and mail the letters we need in the next 10 days.



I know $500,000 more is a lot to ask.

But you just saw what we are up against.

The policies of unlimited war, torture, and bankruptcy were given 3,510 seconds to be heard in one televised hour of tonight's foreign policy debate.

Ron Paul was given 90 seconds.

Peace was ignored.  A sane national defense policy was shut out.

Rational spending and our Constitution were thrown out the window.

Only you can help make this right.

We can complain all we want, but the reality is this: the other side wins this debate - and their foreign policy carries the day - unless Ron Paul can break through.

As Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton said in a press release issued immediately after the debate, "CBS News, in their arrogance, may think they can choose the next President.  Fortunately, the people of Iowa, New Hampshire, and across America get to vote and not the media elites."

But Ron Paul needs you to help him reach those voters and WIN this race.

Can I count on you tonight?

Can Ron count on you over the next 24 hours?

Please help us fight back by clicking HERE right now to donate.

I hope you are as fed up and outraged as I am. 

If you are, you will redouble your efforts to help Ron succeed on a night where the establishment did its best to shut out a veteran, a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the leading spokesman for a strong national defense.


For Liberty,



John Tate
Campaign Manager

P.S. Ron Paul only received 90 seconds out of an entire televised hour of tonight's foreign policy debate to stand up for his common-sense views that would keep our nation safe and strong.

I'm sick and tired of media elites thinking they can control the election by deciding who the American people get to hear.

Our campaign is ready to strike back by taking Dr. Paul's message directly to the voters, but we need your help immediately to raise $500,000 in the next 24 hours to run more ads and mail more letters setting the record straight.

Please, if you're as angry as I am right now about the media's arrogance, click here to donate right away to the Veterans Day Weekend Money Bomb.










Paid for by Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

www.ronpaul2012.com

This message was intended for: mark@rauterkus.com
You were added to the system May 24, 2011. For more information
click here.
Update your preferences | Unsubscribe




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Ta.

 

 

Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com      http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com

http://FixPA.wikia.com

http://CLOH.wikia.com

412 298 3432 = cell

New Cycling Races Announced for 2012 Saturday - a Racing Series

From: Chris Popovic

For those of you that missed the 2012 ACA Awards Banquet, the night was filled with fun, food, some great costumes and a few surprise announcements. I'd like to highlight one of those items that will bring more racing to the Bud Harris Cycling Track in 2012.

ACA Member, ABRA Founder and all-around cycling guy J.R. Petsko has agreed to assist the ACA in expanding our race schedule in 2012. J.R. will be running the ACA Saturday racing series that will include a minimum of ten (10) racing dates during our 22 week season. As many of you know, J.R. is the master of soul-crushing, yet fun race courses. The ACA is proud to have J.R.'s excitement and leadership with us as we go forward into our 41st of promoting bicycle racing in Western PA.

J.R. will be running five (5), count 'em five (5) individual race classes for the 10 race Saturday series. Race classes are:

• Race 1 - Juniors
• Race 2 - Men Cat 5
• Race 3 - Women Open
• Race 4 - Men 3/4
• Race 5 - Men 1/2/3

Additional details on the 10 Race Saturday Series are as follows:

• All races will be run independently. There will be no mixing of Juniors, Women, etc., unless of course the rider's license allows them to race in the respective class.
• Dates for the races are set on Saturdays from April to September. Get these on your race calendars now: 4/14, 5/12, 5/19, 6/2, 6/9, 6/30, 7/14, 8/4, 8/18, 9/1
• Races will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday morning through noon. Registration will be earlier of course.
• Race length and specific class times will vary depending upon weather, attendance, etc.
• Race formats will be left up to J.R. We're sure he'll get to express his devious side in coming up with interesting deviations on the standard 'round and 'round format.
• There will be a season pass available.
• Series Winners WILL earn an ABRA series Champion jersey plus other cash and prizes.
• Payout at each race depends on reg #'s for that day.
• Race costs will be similar to the ACA format or as close as we can budget.
• We are looking for officials and volunteers to help support the Saturday series. Please contact J.R. (jrpetsko@gmail.com) or myself (chrispopovic@gmail.com) if interested.
  

Note that we are still planning on repeating past Saturday events such as new rider clinics, women-specific clinics, a 100 lap race and others on the remaining Saturdays. Those races will be announced early next year.

Thank you J.R. for stepping in to help expand our series. 2012 is going to be a great year for racing in Western PA.

Chris Popovic, 2012 ACA President