Liverpool ponder route to Madrid amid volcanic ash cloud travel chaos | Football | guardian.co.uk: "Liverpool ponder route to Madrid amid volcanic ash cloud travel chaos"
Monday, April 19, 2010
Liverpool ponder route to Madrid amid volcanic ash cloud travel chaos | Football | guardian.co.uk
Would hate to be a travel agent or team manager these days for a football team (soccer) in Eurpope.
Teacher Tenure and Performance Pay in Florida
Teacher Tenure and Performance Pay in Florida - Walt Gardner's Reality Check - Education Week Gov. Charlie Crist's veto on Apr. 15 of a bill that would have eliminated tenure for public school teachers in Florida and linked their pay to student performance on standardized tests was seen as a bellwether. But the issues raised are far from dead. As a result, this is a propitious time to take a closer look at three lessons that emerge from the state's experience
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Happy Patriots Day
On Monday we celebrate Patriots Day, especially in Boston.
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Fw: Great Pittsburgh Non-Profits Seeking Adult Summer Workers
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From: RFlanag@aol.com
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 19:12:57 EDT
To: <RFlanag@aol.com>
Subject: Great Pittsburgh Non-Profits Seeking Adult Summer Workers
Phone: (412) 362-8580 Fax: (412) 441-6918
It's tough finding quality employment for the summer. At the same time, organizations are having a hard time finding quality candidates to consider for job openings.
Check out eastendworks.com, an innovative, new website that lets you browse dozens of job openings at more than 15 organizations in
Questions? Contact Bill or Nicole at 412-362-8580. If you are an organization with your own job openings to post, let us know. It's free and easy!
Job seekers--- move on this opportunity now!
Rick Flanagan
Manager,
log on now to eastendworks.com
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Steve Jobs bans all apps from iPhone (or thereabouts) • The Register
Steve Jobs bans all apps from iPhone (or thereabouts) • The Register: "Steve Jobs bans all apps from iPhone (or thereabouts)
Alert Print Post commentCode translation verboten. Whatever that means"
"Wisdom begins with calling a thing by its proper name."
"Wisdom begins with calling a thing by its proper name."
- Ancient Chinese Proverb
Friday, April 16, 2010
Invisible Empire: Ignore it at Your Children's Peril
by Regan Straley
Yesterday, April 15, Tax Day here in the U.S.A., saw the release of "Invisible Empire: A New World Order Defined," the latest film by young cinematographer Jason Bermas, who was responsible for "Fabled Enemies" and what is perhaps the most virally successful documentary in YouTube history, "Loose Change." That film explored the myriad, and to this day, unanswered questions surrounding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. "Invisible Empire" delves even deeper, sifting through mountains of official and mainstream media sources to support the possibility that the U.S. and the nations of the European Union are really being run by a shadow government consisting of an exclusive core network of financial, corporate, military, and intelligence elite.
What's more, the film contends that the elite-owned corporate media--represented by major TV news and entertainment outlets, leading "independent" newspapers like The New York Times and Washington Post, and the thousands of daily hometown rags owned by a handful of corporate chains--has for decades been promoting a vapid celebrity- and sports-obsessed culture in order to distract us from this fact. In addition, the mass media has used both its journalistic and entertainment output to foster the public's incremental acceptance of a uniform, regimented, global, and permanent war-based economy. That all sounds like a mouthful, and the prospect of having to absorb such a colossal thesis makes "American Idol" seem even more puzzlingly attractive as an alternative. Nevertheless, whether you agree with him or not, Bermas actually manages to corral this sprawling hypothesis into a coherent message that should be comprehensible to anyone who regards themselves as
at least as smart as a fifth-grader.
[Before I go any further, I just stepped outside to partake in one of my vices, and saw nine doe run across my backyard, cross the road, line up in single file, and, one by one, leap over a fence and into the woods. Cool, and real. Unlike the faces and noises on my TV.]
"Invisible Empire" is available for purchase on a high-quality DVD containing 30 minutes of additional material, but can be viewed for now in six lower-quality YouTube segments. The first two parts amount to a primer on the history of the New World Order, the world events that can be attributed to it, and the financial, corporate, and government elite who have been pushing for it since before World War I.
While these introductory segments do confirm the existence of the New World Order in the actual words of those who fund and philosophize for it as an alternative to national sovereignty, they remain rather light on empirical data and seem to be mainly devoted to attracting and holding the interest of the average uninitiated viewer. Creaky old shadow government watchers like me, who cut their teeth on the Iran-Contra affair, will find them somewhat redundant and boring. Those who are determined not to believe any of it before even watching the documentary will use the skin-deep projections of the first two parts as an excuse to abort the viewing experience and discredit the entire film among family, friends, and coworkers.
That would be a shame. Because it's in Part 3 that Bermas suddenly, even jarringly, opens up the turbos, presenting his audience with media clip after media clip of NWO proponents exposing their own ignoble intentions, and official document after official document confirming that the adoption of their dubious goals is well underway in America and throughout the entire geopolitical arena. And whatever else you think of Bermas's ideas, you cannot accuse him of an ideological or political motivation. This film is equally damning of both our Democratic and Republican leadership, and draws no distinction between what the media likes to call "liberals" and "conservatives." Apart from their divisive and manipulative rhetoric, there are no substantial differences in the policies they ultimately pursue.
As a whole, "Invisible Empire" does a fairly effective job of supporting its central premise: what most of us think we know about how the world operates is a pathetic and suicidal fantasy, and that those institutions that publicly present themselves as "our government" are not at all what we've been led to believe. So, love it, hate it. Let it motivate you to further research, or dismiss it as wacky conspiracy theorism. If you choose, let it drive you faster and further into the protective arms of "American Idol." But ignore it at your own, your children's, and their children's risk.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Cycle races in the region
This year I want to get my head around the realm of cycle races in the area. Are there any readers of this blog who can give me a tutorial? I need some hand holding.
This is what we are talking about.
2010 BAR Season Is Upon Us As you are aware from my various emails that the PCA is more than the PA road and track BAR but they are an important part of this association and what we do for our membership. The 2010 PA BAR season is here with two races with rich history and challenging courses. Saturday features the SoYoCo Circuit Race (http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10274) followed by the 23rd, yes 23rd, running of the Lower Providence Spring Classic Criterium (http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10354). Two great events to kick off the PA BAR series which has became the focus for many a riders season. I'll be there is khaki and blue as the chief referee so stop by the start/finish to say hello. Road Race Calendar Changes The official PA road racing calendar is on the PCA web site (http://www.pacycling.org/calendar/). There have been some changes to races originally scheduled for the next several weeks so please take a moment to look at April and May's events. Thanks Battenkill and Paris Roubaix Monday is a busy day for me at work but I always take a few moments to look at the past weekends race results for PA, NJ, etc. and in Europe. I was keenly interested in seeing where the PA riders finished in Battenkill on Saturday. My good friend Chris Johnson placed 18th in the P-1 race. Andy Munas (Dynaflo), who I race with at the track, took a well placed 9th in the M2 race. Robin Carpenter (Young Medalists/Team Dual Temp) and Zack Noonan (Young Medalists/Team Dual Temp) were in the top 5 for JB 17-18 and strong man Scott Haverstick (ERA Cycling) took the win in the 60+ race. After scanning those results I happened to take a look at what happened in the 122.4 KM Paris – Roubaix Junior race that took place on April 11th. More amazing than US rider Lawson Craddock 3rd place was the rider in 20th place, PA's own Juan Carmona (Breinigsville) who rides domestically for Young Medalists/Team Dual Temp. Wow! Hats off to Juan and May Britt whose work withthe juniors in PA has prepared them to be not only successful in local, regional and national races but as you can see internationally as well. 2010 PCA Junior Race Series The first race in the 2010 PCA Junior Race Series is the Lower Providence Spring Classic Criterium and a reminder to all juniors that double BAR points will be awarded and riders cannot ride up in age groups. Good luck and thanks to Gwen, May Britt, Nathan, and Shippensburg University Cycling for making the series happen. 2010 PA Track BAR This week I will formalize the rules and regulations for the 2010 PA Track BAR series which opens on Tuesday May 25th. The BAR has been expanded in 2010 to include masters who race on Saturday and I will finalize any changes with respect to the series and pass them on to Ben Miller (VPCC) and PCA Track Coordinator Rick Miller (QCW Cycling) for review. Road Racing in April Saturday – April 17th SoYoCo Circuit Race (Thru-It-All Racing, Gretna Bikes, Lupine Lighting Systems)***** PA BAR Race ***** - M1-2-3, M3-4, M4-5, Women Open, and 45+http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10274 Sunday – April 18th Lower Providence Spring Classic Criterium (TalkSoft Cycling Team p/b Pabst Blue Ribbon)***** PA BAR Race ***** - P-1-2-3, M3-4, M4, M5, W1-2-3, W4, Juniors (all age groups), 45+, 55+, and Special Event Racehttp://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10354 Mingo Creek Spring Road Race Series (Trek of Pittsburgh) - M1-2-3, M4-5, Women and 45+http://trekofpgh.com/articles/2010-mingo-creek-spring-road-race-series-pg198.htm PICC 2010 Spring Training Series-Fairview (Presque Isle Cycling Club)http://www.picycling.org/events.html Saturday – April 24th Farmersville Road Race (PRO-AM Cycling) – M4, U19 (M4), 45+, 55+, M5, U19 (M5), W3-4, U19 (W3-4), M2-3, U19 (M2-3), and 35+http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=10054 PICC 2010 Spring Training Series-Northeast (Presque Isle Cycling Club)http://www.picycling.org/events.html Sunday – April 25th Mingo Creek Spring Road Race Series (Trek of Pittsburgh) - M1-2-3, M4-5, Women and 45+http://trekofpgh.com/articles/2010-mingo-creek-spring-road-race-series-pg198.htm Final Thoughts Lower Providence has traditionally served as the opener for the PA criterium series and I for one look forward to catching up with many in the PCA family as the race draws the top riders in the region (PA, NJ, DE). I've raced LPC in the past with a top 20 result in the 35+ race being my best result eons ago. Now I view the race from an official's perspective and have a great crew supporting me this Sunday. Best of luck for those racing this weekend and see you on Sunday! Thanks for supporting cycling in PA and ride safe! David H. MitchellHershey Cancer Institute – GPOA - CannondalePresident - Pennsylvania Cycling Association (www.pacycling.org)215-284-2339pcapres07@verizon.net
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Western PA Black Political Assembly will host a political Candidates forum featuring candidates
Time: April 24, 2010 from 1pm to 4pm
Location: Schenley High School @ Reizenstein
Organized By: Western Pennsylvania Black Politicl Assembly
Western PA Black Political Assembly will host a political Candidates forum featuring candidates for the following office:
Governor - Lt Governor US Senate and the 19 Dist. Representative.
Doors open at 12 noon. Become an informed voter, come out and learn what these candidates are all about.
Ask question to see where they stand on issues that effect the Black community.
Co-hosting this forum :
B-PEP the Black Political Empowerment Project
The Alleghenians LTD
Zeta Phi Beta Sorsrity
A Phillip Randolph Institute
The Institute of the Black World
Location: Schenley High School @ Reizenstein
Organized By: Western Pennsylvania Black Politicl Assembly
Western PA Black Political Assembly will host a political Candidates forum featuring candidates for the following office:
Governor - Lt Governor US Senate and the 19 Dist. Representative.
Doors open at 12 noon. Become an informed voter, come out and learn what these candidates are all about.
Ask question to see where they stand on issues that effect the Black community.
Co-hosting this forum :
B-PEP the Black Political Empowerment Project
The Alleghenians LTD
Zeta Phi Beta Sorsrity
A Phillip Randolph Institute
The Institute of the Black World
Swimming Downhill
Swimming Downhill
Finis has a new blog. Nice.
But while there I saw the link to Brian Goodell's page.
This was when I got into swimming!
Later, in 1980, I coached with a team in Boston, at Harvard, where Bobby Hackett swam, BGSC. I saw these guys swim a few times at NCAA Championships too.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh we fight the fight that says swimming is going downhill, as in a dying sport. Hardly. In the city schools, swimming isn't what it should be. But, in the other schools in the city, beyond PPS, and just outside the city, swimming is doing very well. Oakland Cathoic has a state championship swim team. It is in the city too!
If swimmers in the city swam downhill, then the sport of swimming would be going strong.
Link to Brian's site.
Finis has a new blog. Nice.
But while there I saw the link to Brian Goodell's page.
This was when I got into swimming!
Brian Goodell: Gold Medal Winner from Rachel Pradhan on Vimeo.
Later, in 1980, I coached with a team in Boston, at Harvard, where Bobby Hackett swam, BGSC. I saw these guys swim a few times at NCAA Championships too.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh we fight the fight that says swimming is going downhill, as in a dying sport. Hardly. In the city schools, swimming isn't what it should be. But, in the other schools in the city, beyond PPS, and just outside the city, swimming is doing very well. Oakland Cathoic has a state championship swim team. It is in the city too!
If swimmers in the city swam downhill, then the sport of swimming would be going strong.
Link to Brian's site.
Tea Party and Olive Branch
From:Subject: [MoveOnPgh] ~ Peace Activists Extend an Olive Branch to the Tea Party to Talk about War
Instead of fighting against each other, people of all political parties should work together, fighting the corporations, for what is most important to us all:
Stop endless wars and militarism
Stop the bankers and Wall Street from robbing the people
Stop corporate control of our government
Stop election fraud
Stop the Federal Reserve from charging taxpayers interest on money they create out of nothing
Peace Activists Extend an Olive Branch to the Tea Party to Talk about War | Take Action | AlterNet
Tea Partiers who are furious at government spending and soaring deficits should take a hard look at what is the biggest sinkhole of our tax dollars: Pentagon spending.
On Tax Day, Tea Party members from around the country will descend on the nation's capitol to "protest big government and support lower taxes, less government and more freedom." CODEPINK, a women-led peace group advocating an end to war and militarism, will be sending some representatives to begin a dialogue. While we come from the opposite end of the political spectrum and don't support the goals and tactics of the Tea Party, there is an area where we are seeking common ground, i.e. endless wars and militarism.
As Tea Partiers express their anger at out-of-control government spending and soaring deficits, we will ask them to take a hard look at what is, by far, the biggest sinkhole of our tax dollars: Pentagon spending. With the Obama administration proposing the largest military budget ever, topping $700 billion not including war supplementals, the U.S. government is now spending almost as much on the military as the rest of the world combined.
Perhaps the Tea Party and peace folks--unlikely allies--can agree that one way to shrink big government is to rein in military spending. Here are some questions to get the conversation going:
At the Southern Republican Leadership Conference on April 10, Cong. Ron Paul -- who has a great following within the Tea Party -- chided both conservatives and liberals for their profligate spending on foreign military bases, occupations and maintaining an empire. "We're running out of money," he warned. "All empires end for financial reasons, and that is what the markets are telling us today. We can do better with peace than with war." Do you agree with Congressman Paul on this?
Every taxpayer has already spent, on average, a staggering $7,367 for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (costofwar.com). Obama is now sending another 30,000 troops to Afghanistan, with a price tag of one million dollars per soldier per year. Opposition to these wars ranges from liberal Cong. Dennis Kucinich and conservative Tea Party leader Sheriff Richard Mack. During a Congressional vote to end the war in Afghanistan that was defeated but got bipartisan support, Rep. Dennis Kucinich said, "Nearly 1000 U.S. soldiers have died. And for what? Hundreds of billions spent. And for what? To make Afghanistan safe for crooks, drug dealers and crony capitalism?" Do you think Congress should turn off the war spigot and bring out troops home?
The Cold War has been over for 20 years, yet the U.S. government maintains 800-plus bases around the world with troops stationed in 148 countries and 11 territories. Conservative commentator Pat Buchanan asks, "How we can justify borrowing hundreds of billions yearly from Europe, Japan and the Gulf states -- to defend Europe, Japan and the Arab Gulf states? Is it not absurd to borrow hundreds of billions annually from China -- to defend Asia from China?" Should we begin to dismantle this global web of bases?
Far and away the largest recipient of US foreign aid is Israel, a wealthy country that gets $3 billion a year from Uncle Sam with no strings attached and no accountability. We also give the repressive Egyptian government over a billion dollars a year to buy their support for a Middle East peace plan that is going nowhere. Are you in favor of continuing this taxpayer largesse to Israel and Egypt?
An area where Pentagon spending has mushroomed is the payment of private security contractors. While many soldiers who risk their lives for their country struggle to support their families, private security company employees can pocket as much as $1,000 a day. High pay for contract workers in war zones burdens taxpayers and saps military morale. Moreover, military officers in the field have said contractors often operate like "cowboys," using unnecessary and excessive force that has undermined our reputation overseas. Cong. Jan Schakowsky introduced the Stop Outsourcing Security Act that would phase out private security contractors in war zones. Do you support that?
Experts on the left and the right say we could cut our military budget by 25%, including closing foreign bases, winding down the wars, and ending obsolete weapons systems, without jeopardizing our security. Do you agree? If we could make significant cuts to the military budget, how should those funds be reallocated? To pay down the debt? Increase security at home? Rebuild our infrastructure? Stimulate the economy through tax breaks?
We are not naive to think that it would be easy for the Tea Party and the peace movement to work together. Our core values are different. We have had our battles in the past. We would certainly part ways in terms of how to redirect Pentagon funds, with progressives wanting more government investment in healthcare, jobs, clean energy and education--which is exactly what the Tea Party opposes.
But building peace means reaching out to the other side and trying to find common ground even with those people whose beliefs contradict so many of our own. If the Tea Party is really against runaway government spending, then certainly we can work together to cut a slice out of the military pork that is bankrupting our nation. In extending the olive branch to talk about war, the conversation can hopefully be enlightening on other issues as well, such as banks run amok and undue corporate control of our government.
Who knows what kind of potent brew could emerge when folks on the left and the right--both alienated by a two-party system that doesn't meet our needs--sit down for tea?
Mark Crowley's LTE @ North Shore Under River Tunnel
I had a LTE in my local weekly (Plum) today (4/15/2010) about Pittsburgh's North Shore Connector. We've discussed this disaster in Libertarian Pittsburgh posts long ago, but a local field trip article encouraged me to write. I'm glad they printed it, but I didn't like their editing. Here's the LTE as-submitted with the omitted parts in [bold].
Mark
Plum Advance Leader
Connector a symbol for poor government spending
April 15, 2010
Dear Editor:
While there's merit exposing students to engineering projects ("Plum High School students go underground for a look at Connector", Karen Zapf, 4/1/2010), there's a cruel irony in that [April 1st] piece.
The Connector, an admirable engineering accomplishment, is a classic example of a misguided, wasteful use of public money.
Politicians from Tom Murphy to Rick Santorum to Ed Rendell promoted it. Costs increased from $363 million in 2003 to $552 million today. It consumed limited resources, denying better uses. ["Even Governor Rendell eventually admitted, "I guess you've got to finish it, but it's a tragic mistake."]
Other tragic mistakes -- insane wars, punishing success with taxes, rewarding failure with bailouts, and buying votes with walking-around money, federal earmarks and entitlements -- have far costlier consequences.
State and local governments are $3 trillion in debt. The national debt tops $12 trillion. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans' benefits and federal pension obligations exceed $100 trillion. The dollar's value fell 10% in the past 12 months and is going down.
The cruel irony is that when those students stood in that hole beneath the Allegheny River, it was an inescapable metaphor for the hole in which their generation was placed.
Mark Crowley, Plum
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Fwd: Steel-City Stonewall Democrats
Click on the name of an endorsed or recommended candidate to find out
more about their campaign and volunteering.
more about their campaign and volunteering.
Pittsburgh, PA - For Immediate Release – SCSD 2010 Pennsylvania
Primary Endorsement Results
Steel-City Stonewall Democrats ("SCSD") held its annual Endorsement
Event on March 28th at the Hyde Park restaurant on the Northside of
Pittsburgh. In attendance were over 100 members and candidates, making
for an electric atmosphere throughout the day. "This year Steel-City
had more candidates competing for its endorsement than ever before,
which shows a growing commitment by candidates in this region of the
Commonwealth to provide equality for all Pennsylvanians," said SCSD
President Dana Elmendorf.
At the event members were able to vote for endorsements in statewide
and local races. Candidates who were Strongly Endorsed by the club
are: Arlen Specter for U.S. Senate, Mike Doyle for U.S. House of
Representatives in the 14th Congressional District, Dan Connolly for
U.S. House of Representatives in the 18th Congressional District, and
Jonathan A. Saidel for Lt. Governor. Wayne Fontana was Strongly
Endorsed for the Pennsylvania Senate's 42nd District. In Pennsylvania
House races, Strongly Endorsed Candidates are Dan Frankel in the 23rd
District, Chelsa Wagner in the 22nd, and Jake Wheatley in the 19th.
Other candidates under consideration did not achieve a clear majority
of the support from voting members, but were top vote-getters in their
respective races, so those candidates receive a designation of
Recommended from the club.
Mark Purcell is Recommended for the State House in the 20th District.
In the race for the Governor's office, vote was tied between Joe
Hoeffel and Dan Onorato, each receiving an equal number of votes.
During his speech, Joe Hoeffel cited his steadfast support for issues
such as marriage equality and his commitment to a woman's right to
choose. Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County executive stood by his
record of advancing LGBT rights locally, including the passage of the
County Human Relations ordinance.
"Because the voting membership decides whom to endorse, the SCSD board
of Directors will let stand the tie vote, with both Hoeffel and
Onorato Recommended in the May Primary," commented Janis Williams, a
Political Committee volunteer.
"The Steel-City Stonewall Democrats would like to thank its members
and volunteers and all of the Candidates who sought our endorsement
for making this year's event a great success. Special thanks to SCSD
members: Janis Williams for volunteering to manage the endorsement
event, Chris Eckles for volunteering to set up the sound equipment and
Thomas Waters for videoing the candidates. As an organization we are
always thrilled when we can continue to bring more people into the
political process. To that end, we would like to remind everyone who
participated in this event to vote in the Primary on May 18, 2010."
###
Per official procedures of the organization, Candidates will receive a
"Strong Endorsement" if they receive 50%+1 of the vote of the
membership in attendance. We will also acknowledge with a "Recommended
Endorsement" those candidates who, while not making the 50%+1
threshold, were top vote getters in their respective races. This
allows members to offer endorsements in races with multiple candidates
seeking the endorsement.
Click the link below for videos, raw numbers, & pics from the
Endorsement Gathering:
http://stonewalldemocrats.org/steel-city/node/1053
Completed questionnaires from all the above the candidates are posted
in the news archive of www.steel-city.org
To become a member of Steel-City Stonewall Democrats and National
Stonewall Democrats, click the link below:
http://stonewalldemocrats.org/steel-city/contribute
________________________________
April 19th 2010 is the LAST day to register vote in time for the May
18th, 2010 Pennsylvania Primary
Click the link below to register to vote
http://www.votespa.com/portal/server.pt/community/register_to_vote/13518
________________________________
And last but not least:
Joanne Bostjanick & Lee Marcuzzi cordially invite you to their 3rd
Annual Desserts For Democrats
April 25th, 2 - 4 PM
Come and enjoy great deserts,
rub elbows with gay friendly candidates
and have a lovely afternoon.
1343 Sharps Hill Road
Pittsburgh PA 15215
For more info click the link to the Facebook page below:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114962591851676&ref=mf
Fw: Greens & Libertarians Condemn Decision in PA Ballot Access Lawsuit
This is big news. When I stood for office I went to Harrisburg and to court. I had a first hand account of the bonusgate slime from my PA senator, Wayne Fontana, and the guy wearing a robe. My fight put me on very thin ice and I had to be prudent.
This needs to be fixed. Our democratic process is frail. This is a major key to our salvation of a state.
This needs to be fixed. Our democratic process is frail. This is a major key to our salvation of a state.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
From: media-relations@lppa.org
Date: Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:32:34 -0500
To: <mark@rauterkus.com>
Subject: Greens & Libs Condemn Decision in Ballot Access Lawsuit
April 15, 2010
Attention: News Editor
For Immediate Release
Contact:
I.K. Samways, Green Party of PA Chair, 412-215-9161, isamways@aol.com
Steve Baker, Green Party of PA, 717-845-8697 OR 717-755-1463, thebeaker@pa.net
Doug Leard, Libertarian Party of PA Media Relations, Media-Relations@lppa.org
Michael Robertson, Libertarian Party of PA Chair, 1-800-R-RIGHTS, chair@lppa.org
Greens & Libs Condemn Decision in Ballot Access Lawsuit
• Green Party, Libertarian Party, and Constitution Party filed federal lawsuit to challenge discriminatory provisions and enforcement of ballot access laws
• Judge, a former state court judge, concludes that other state court judges are not to blame for Pennsylvania’s ballot access woes
GREEN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA
http://www.gpofpa.org
LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA
http://www.lppa.org
The Green Party of Pennsylvania and the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania condemned a decision by federal Judge Lawrence Stengel last week. Stengel concluded that the lawsuit, brought by the Green, Constitution, and Libertarian Parties of Pennsylvania, targeted the wrong plaintiffs, and thus threw out the case.
Stengel ruled that the plaintiffs lack standing to challenge the Pennsylvania system of using courts to determine if petitions are valid, and assessing court costs against candidates whose petitions are deemed not to have enough signatures. In recent years, these costs have amounted to over $80,000 for the "crime" of trying to run for public office.
The lawsuit, Constitution Party v. Cortes, was filed in May, on behalf of the alternative parties by the Center for Competitive Democracy (CCD), a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) legal advocacy group. The suit, filed in federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, challenged the constitutionality of the Pennsylvania Election Code provisions that authorize courts to order candidates to pay litigation costs and fees to private parties who challenge their nomination papers. In recent years, these fees have amounted to more $80,000 for the crime of doing no more than trying to run for public office.
Due to the courts’ role in fining candidates, which is not required by Pennsylvania law, the lawsuit specifically listed State Court Judges as the plaintiffs in the case. And because the lawsuit targeted State Court Judges, it was filed in federal court to avoid a conflict of interest. However, last week, federal court Judge Stengel did not agree with this line of thinking and threw out the case due to the plaintiff’s “lack of standing.”
Judge Stengel refused to comment on the other two issues in the case. One issue was the systematic refusal of the Pennsylvania Department of Elections to tally write-ins. A closely related issue is that many counties in Pennsylvania don’t count and report any write-ins. The other unmentioned issue in the decision is the 15% registration threshold for a party to be fully ballot-qualified.
Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania Chair Michael Robertson noted "It is clear from this ruling that federal courts cannot be relied upon to uphold the integrity of the electoral process any more than the Commonwealth courts. It is truly a shame when our troops are sent to foreign lands to secure choices for foreign voters that our citizens do not enjoy."
Sadly, this is yet another defeat in a long-line of attempts by Pennsylvania’s alternative parties to seek justice in the electoral arena. “Everyone knows Pennsylvania’s ballot access laws are discriminatory to alternative political parties. The laws are made by the Democrats and Republicans in the state assembly, and then enforced by other Democrats and Republicans in the courts. There is no incentive for anyone currently in power to change the rules to allow people out of power to more easily challenge their authority. The situation is outrageous,” said Steve Baker, Green Party member of York County. “The Pennsylvania Constitution states that ‘Pennsylvania Elections shall be free and equal,’ yet the partisan courts won’t acknowledge even their own framework of law.”
Marakay Rogers, the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor, remarked “Once again, the voters of Pennsylvania are being insulted by court rulings that prevent them from having a real choice of candidates as other states give their voters. The two old parties that dominate Pennsylvania's legislature and courts are only providing us with the illusion of a free vote when all parties' candidates are not given equal opportunities to make it to the ballot."
Despite this set-back, Greens and Libertarians vowed to keep fighting. “We will continue to fight these horrible laws in the courts and in the legislature,” said GPPA Steering Committee Member Bob Small. “Luckily, we can also look to the Voters’ Choice Act to bring about some sanity to ballot access in Pennsylvania.” Both parties are members of the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition.
The Voters’ Choice Act, or SB 252, was introduced by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), last year. The bill would equalize ballot access across all parties, not just the Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, the bill has been sitting in committee for over a year, with little indication that it will be passed before the end of the year.
Stated Allegheny County Libertarian Mark Crowley, “With about 10 million age-eligible Pennsylvania voters, about 7 million registered as Democrat or Republican, only one-half typically vote. That means 6.5 million of the 10 million consistently reject the major party choices. No wonder such an uninspiring and unpopular minority needs court decisions like this to protect its incumbency."
Said 2006 Green Party Senate Candidate Carl Romanelli, “Until people get angry about the erosion of their most fundamental right – the right to vote for the candidate of their choice – we will continue to see candidates restricted from the ballot. I don’t know anyone who thinks that our politicians are doing a good job at fixing our most pressing problems. If we have any hope at fixing our economy, our schools, or our environment, we’ll need to elect new people with new ideas to Harrisburg.”
SEE ALSO
PA Ballot Access Coalition
http://www.paballotaccess.org
Greens Call Press Conference for the Start of Veon Trial to Address Pennsylvania’s Culture of Corruption, February 2010
http://www.gpofpa.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=285
Romanelli Asks Obama for Beer Summit, September 2009
http://www.gpofpa.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=251
Green Party joins Ballot Access lawsuit, June 2009
http://www.gpofpa.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=230
GPPA Reacts to Charges Against Luzerne Judge, February 2009
http://www.gpofpa.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=209
Green Party decries “Bonusgate”, July 2008
http://www.gpofpa.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=155
Sunday at 1 pm and more at 3 pm. Be there to get in the right gear.
The tribute to Dennis Brutus and Howard Zinn is this coming Sunday, April 18 at 1 PM at the PITT Graduate School of Public Health's auditorium. Celeste Taylor will be one of the speakers reflecting on the lives of these great teachers.
Both Celeste and Dennis are co-founders of the Pittsburgh Anti Sweatshop Community Alliance.
Immediately following this event, the Freedom School will host a workshop, open to ALL STUDENTS and ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS, about the struggle for Human Rights in the global apparel industry. For more information about the Freedom School - contact Alex at 1-570-269-9589.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Both Celeste and Dennis are co-founders of the Pittsburgh Anti Sweatshop Community Alliance.
Immediately following this event, the Freedom School will host a workshop, open to ALL STUDENTS and ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS, about the struggle for Human Rights in the global apparel industry. For more information about the Freedom School - contact Alex at 1-570-269-9589.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
School Reform turns its attention to sports and athletics in Pittsburgh Public Schools
Now, it seems, PPS and Mr. Lopez (with the support of Mark Roosevelt) are looking with a reformer's eye at sports and athletics. Yes. This has been a request of mine for years.
Mr. Lopez is the PPS reform guy. He is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. He works with all 6-12 and 9-12 schools.Plus, he has been named as the Title IX compliance officer for PPS.
Mr. Lopez called an all sports coaches meeting on March 22, 2010. Here is most of what he had to say.
Same movie, different web host:
Update with some notes from at the event:
Business as usual is not acceptable. That's a great quote from Mr. Lopez. I hope that can be the theme for the reform and the determination to make changes.
The role of the boosters needs to be defined. But same too for the athlete, parents, and community. The community is often a missing part of the forumula. And, what too of the role of the taxpayers?
Team talk is hot now too. Everything is done in teams. Group projects are part of school grades. Corporate teams fill the landscape. Let's use a team approach to govern and organize sports in the city too then. Teams are essential in life today, and they must be part of the management process in team sports. How original is that?
Mr. Lopez likes sports because it provides an opportunity for the students to relate in a new construct. They learn new skills in new settings with new relationships. He needs to blurt out the soulful definition of sports:
Sports are games of time, space and relationship.
Coaches are to be a model of commitment. Commitment is frail here. Mr. Lopez talked about teams and coaches calling off too many practices -- even up to one per week. Skipping practices isn't good. Attendance can be a huge thrust for the overhaul.
The biggest practice skip reason for us this past season was the snow delays and cancelled days of school -- by the district. We could not hold practice when the snow days came. No morning practice on every two hour delay. A few times I was in the car headed to AM Swim practice and the district called off the practice. Institutional hurdles hurt our teams commitment this season.
Tuesday of this week, there was no swimming at Allderdice. Those who had a pool permit had to change plans at 2:30 pm for that evening. Swim pool closings are typical. The killer is the commitment on the part of PPS when it comes to facilities.
As a school principal, Mr. Lopez would 'beat the trees' and recruit kids out to the school's track team. Interesting. Beating on the kids to participate is a valued operation -- unless this happens outside of the school itself and then it is a recruiting violation. Talk to someone at the church, playground, on the bus or elsewhere and then the coach can get sanctions and taken off the job. The recruitment elements are a puzzle.
The basketball teams at the middle school level had very few times to prepare for their games this season. Frankly, there was a lot of concern about how long all the middle school seasons are. They are very short. It is impossible to get a training effect in only a few short weeks. It is impossible to get the skills taught, practices, perfected and train the kids too.
The lack of participation and depth of teams at the high school levels is because of the short seasons with the middle school teams. The kids don't get hooked into the sport and understand what it means to train and be a team.
A few are worried about how the teams and fans are always kept apart from one another. The fans from one team can't mix with the fans of the other school. What's up with that? If we can't learn to play well with others in PPS Sports, how can we expect anything otherwise in the neighborhoods?
Mr. Lopez is the PPS reform guy. He is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. He works with all 6-12 and 9-12 schools.Plus, he has been named as the Title IX compliance officer for PPS.
Mr. Lopez called an all sports coaches meeting on March 22, 2010. Here is most of what he had to say.
Same movie, different web host:
Update with some notes from at the event:
Business as usual is not acceptable. That's a great quote from Mr. Lopez. I hope that can be the theme for the reform and the determination to make changes.
The role of the boosters needs to be defined. But same too for the athlete, parents, and community. The community is often a missing part of the forumula. And, what too of the role of the taxpayers?
Team talk is hot now too. Everything is done in teams. Group projects are part of school grades. Corporate teams fill the landscape. Let's use a team approach to govern and organize sports in the city too then. Teams are essential in life today, and they must be part of the management process in team sports. How original is that?
Mr. Lopez likes sports because it provides an opportunity for the students to relate in a new construct. They learn new skills in new settings with new relationships. He needs to blurt out the soulful definition of sports:
Sports are games of time, space and relationship.
Coaches are to be a model of commitment. Commitment is frail here. Mr. Lopez talked about teams and coaches calling off too many practices -- even up to one per week. Skipping practices isn't good. Attendance can be a huge thrust for the overhaul.
The biggest practice skip reason for us this past season was the snow delays and cancelled days of school -- by the district. We could not hold practice when the snow days came. No morning practice on every two hour delay. A few times I was in the car headed to AM Swim practice and the district called off the practice. Institutional hurdles hurt our teams commitment this season.
Tuesday of this week, there was no swimming at Allderdice. Those who had a pool permit had to change plans at 2:30 pm for that evening. Swim pool closings are typical. The killer is the commitment on the part of PPS when it comes to facilities.
As a school principal, Mr. Lopez would 'beat the trees' and recruit kids out to the school's track team. Interesting. Beating on the kids to participate is a valued operation -- unless this happens outside of the school itself and then it is a recruiting violation. Talk to someone at the church, playground, on the bus or elsewhere and then the coach can get sanctions and taken off the job. The recruitment elements are a puzzle.
The basketball teams at the middle school level had very few times to prepare for their games this season. Frankly, there was a lot of concern about how long all the middle school seasons are. They are very short. It is impossible to get a training effect in only a few short weeks. It is impossible to get the skills taught, practices, perfected and train the kids too.
The lack of participation and depth of teams at the high school levels is because of the short seasons with the middle school teams. The kids don't get hooked into the sport and understand what it means to train and be a team.
A few are worried about how the teams and fans are always kept apart from one another. The fans from one team can't mix with the fans of the other school. What's up with that? If we can't learn to play well with others in PPS Sports, how can we expect anything otherwise in the neighborhoods?
Sports in a Concept Map
Click image for a larger view.
The map is not 'complete' in that it isn't perfect. Some sports are missing. What needs to change? Log in and click to insert your comments.
TOM CORBETT MUST RESIGN
I'm fine with a Corbett resignation. I'd also like to see the Orie folks resign as well as Dan Onorato. If you are running for office, step down and run. Or, step down and defend yourself from charges. Then if you win, run again, if you must.
To many think it takes life-long politicians to govern in our democracy. That's a load of crap. Good people can step into office and do the job for a term or two -- and then move back into the private sector.
To many think it takes life-long politicians to govern in our democracy. That's a load of crap. Good people can step into office and do the job for a term or two -- and then move back into the private sector.
Friend:
The Office of Attorney General is one of the most important offices in all of government. The Attorney General, as the chief law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth, is responsible for the safety and security of all of the residents of Pennsylvania. The Attorney General has the power to file criminal and civil charges that can end a person's life, lock someone in prison away from family and friends, and impose penalties that can eradicate a life's savings.
It is therefore incumbent upon the Attorney General to not only impartially prosecute the laws of the Commonwealth, it is vital that he avoid even the appearance of bias.
In the last few weeks Attorney General Tom Corbett has come under almost daily criticism for appearing to be using the Office of Attorney General for political gain. Among the criticism are the following:
Corbett has politicized the Office of Attorney General by joining in a highly partisan lawsuit to repeal the recently passed federal healthcare reform legislation. Corbett agreed to join the lawsuit before the bill was even written, meaning he made his decision before reading the legislation.
Questions have been raised about the appearance of selective prosecution of legislators who may have used their legislative staff and offices to run political campaigns. Corbett has pursued the prosecution of mostly Democrats in what has become known as the "Bonusgate Scandal." Recently, it has been reported that Corbett's office did not investigate allegations against Republican State Senator Jane Orie.
Corbett's campaign staff has admitted that they had been planning to file their suit against the healthcare reform legislation even before he had read the bill, sending out a fundraising mailing in February saying that he is "leading the fight" against "government-run socialized medicine."1,2
Corbett has been accused of using his office and staff for his campaign for governor-the same charges he has brought against mostly Democratic lawmakers. 3
Keystone Progress filed a Right to Know request on March 26 seeking correspondence between the Office of Attorney General and outside entities, seeking to determine if there were political motives behind the Corbett's decision to join the lawsuit against healthcare reform. To date the AG's office has not provided that information. 4
When there are so many concerns being raised it puts the integrity of the Office of Attorney General in serious question. The Attorney General's judgment and actions cannot be doubted. His performance must be beyond reproach. That is why so many attorneys general, including Virginia Republican Bob McDonnell and New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte, have resigned when seeking a higher office.
After taking all of these factors into consideration, we have come to the conclusion that it is time for Mr. Corbett to resign as Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The people of the Commonwealth need to trust that the justice system will work impartially, but the clouds of doubt and suspicion that are engulfing Mr. Corbett are raising too many doubts.
We therefore urge Mr. Corbett to resign immediately. Click here to sign our petition, telling Attorney General Corbett to resign. www.corbettmustresign.com
Signed,
Michael Morrill
for Keystone Progress
We are not alone in our questions about the recent actions of Attorney General Corbett.
The DuBois, PA Courier-Express has called Corbett's anti-healthcare suit "grandstanding," "specious," and "showboating with taxpayer money."5
The Chambersburg Public Opinion said that the "accusations of hypocrisy warrant investigation."6
The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial board says his lawsuit "clearly looks like a political ploy and a waste of state tax dollars."7
The York Daily Record said "his [Corbett's] decision to join a lawsuit seeking to undo the recently passed health care reform package looks a lot like using state resources to make political hay."8
The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News editorial board declared that "Corbett has gone too far" by joining the anti-reform lawsuit.9
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that even some Corbett loyalists are questioning his motives. "'He's not representing the people of Pennsylvania, he's representing the Republican Party," said Ruth Kahn of Warminster." Kahn is described as a "former Corbett supporter."10
1 Philadelphia Daily News, April 2, 2010 http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/cityhall/Election_2010_Serendipity_In_The_Mail_For_Tom_Corbett.html
2Philadelphia Daily News, March 31, 2010 http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/89580282.html
3York Daily Record, March 27, 2010 http://www.ydr.com/ci_14770694
4PA2010.com, March 26, 2010 http://www.pa2010.com/2010/03/liberal-group-wants-information-on-corbett-health-care-suit-rendell-says-drop-it/?utm_source=PA2010.com+First+Read+Opt-In+List&utm_campaign=364b81ed86-The+First+Read+3/29&utm_medium=email
5Courier-Express, March 27, 2010 http://www.leader-vindicator.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20419132&BRD=2758&PAG=461&dept_id=572980&rfi=6
6Chambersburg Public Opinion, http://www.publicopiniononline.com/ci_14773094?source=most_viewed
7Philadelphia Inquirer, March 25, 2010 http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/89095067.html
8York Daily Record, March 26, 2010 http://www.ydr.com/ci_14764186
9Patriot-News, March 26, 2010 http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/03/out_of_bounds_attorney_general.html
10Philadelphia Inquirer, March 28, 2010 http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/89343487.html
Robert Morris to cut its Downtown location. For sale.
Robert Morris is expanding on its Moon campus. Blasting off its downtown satalite building.
So, who can buy that building?
Duquesne University is the first natural buyer. It could take the building and turn it into a sports dorm for the baseball team. Woops. Duquesne just cut the baseball team.
A charter school, such as City High, could buy the building.
A Pittsburgh Public School could open up downtown in that building. We don't have any elementary schools downtown.
A CTE (Career and Technical Education) school is needed. Perhaps it could go there. CTE is the modern lingo for Vo Tech. But, we've already got Connelley just up the hill. A downtown based CTE would be much easier to get to than the others being proposed in different sections of the city. The present PPS plan being hatched has CTE students spending half the day in their regular high schools for the reading and writting parts. Then the specialized classes would be in other schools. That requires a mid-day bus trip from one location to the other.
Mid-day bussing of high school students isn't ideal in the slightest. But, if you must move them -- send them to a central location, such as Downtown.
PPS still needs a home for its public prep school so kids have an option to attend a 13th grade. But, before the public prep school option can find it home, it needs to find other supporters about the overall concept. But I could see this as a great use. Rather than going to RMU or CCAC and needing to take remedial classes as a freshmen, some of the PPS kids could opt to take a 'gap year-ish' course of study at the downtown campus. They'd get hard academic classes, (AP or IB), and really prepare so that the next year they'd hit college with some credits and a much better chance of success. But the real value of the 13th year was to include it as part of the IB High School so that advanced kids in 11th and 12 grades could also sit in class with those in the 13th grade option. Doing a different 13th year, or public prep building would be expensive. Having an infusion of kids in existing courses with existing students and teachers would be without much cost at all.
Or, Google could buy the building. Google Pittsburgh's headquarters could be there. We'll put a lawn chair out for you to save the parking spot.
Robert Morris puts its center Downtown up for sale Robert Morris puts its center Downtown up for sale
Thursday, April 15, 2010
By Bill Schackner, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Robert Morris University plans to sell its signature but under-utilized Downtown classroom center so it can devote more resources to its residential Moon campus and develop online programs and new locations more attractive to nontraditional students.
The eight-story building at 600 Fifth Ave. that has carried the Robert Morris name for half a century will be listed on the market as soon as this week, university President Gregory G. Dell'Omo confirmed late Wednesday.
So, who can buy that building?
Duquesne University is the first natural buyer. It could take the building and turn it into a sports dorm for the baseball team. Woops. Duquesne just cut the baseball team.
A charter school, such as City High, could buy the building.
A Pittsburgh Public School could open up downtown in that building. We don't have any elementary schools downtown.
A CTE (Career and Technical Education) school is needed. Perhaps it could go there. CTE is the modern lingo for Vo Tech. But, we've already got Connelley just up the hill. A downtown based CTE would be much easier to get to than the others being proposed in different sections of the city. The present PPS plan being hatched has CTE students spending half the day in their regular high schools for the reading and writting parts. Then the specialized classes would be in other schools. That requires a mid-day bus trip from one location to the other.
Mid-day bussing of high school students isn't ideal in the slightest. But, if you must move them -- send them to a central location, such as Downtown.
PPS still needs a home for its public prep school so kids have an option to attend a 13th grade. But, before the public prep school option can find it home, it needs to find other supporters about the overall concept. But I could see this as a great use. Rather than going to RMU or CCAC and needing to take remedial classes as a freshmen, some of the PPS kids could opt to take a 'gap year-ish' course of study at the downtown campus. They'd get hard academic classes, (AP or IB), and really prepare so that the next year they'd hit college with some credits and a much better chance of success. But the real value of the 13th year was to include it as part of the IB High School so that advanced kids in 11th and 12 grades could also sit in class with those in the 13th grade option. Doing a different 13th year, or public prep building would be expensive. Having an infusion of kids in existing courses with existing students and teachers would be without much cost at all.
Or, Google could buy the building. Google Pittsburgh's headquarters could be there. We'll put a lawn chair out for you to save the parking spot.
Call to action: For All Patriots and Liberty Loving Pennsylvanians,
I’ve been informed by a very reliable individual that if we want to prohibit Real ID in Pennsylvania, and protect our privacy from an intrusive Federal government, we need to send hundreds if not thousands of letters to our individual Representatives and Senators and to the leadership in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in our Commonwealth Capitol. Otherwise, the bills may very likely die in committee.
Therefore, I am writing this correspondence asking for your assistance in mailing a letter, sending an e-mail and making phone calls to Harrisburg to the Leadership in both the House and the Senate. I’ll provide a link to the key Senators and Representatives which contain their e-mails, mailing addresses and phone numbers. Time is running out. The legislature will again be engrossed in the budget process in the near future.
In addition, I’m providing (6) short letters/emails for both Senators and Representatives from which you can pick and choose to include in your letter and e-mail to our elected officials. Or, you may write you own, or cut and paste as you wish. Please copy your own Senator or Representative on your correspondence.
I’ll include this email as an attachment. Let’s spread it far and wide.
If you remember last year, our legislators passed the puppy-mill statute. The bill flew through both the House and Senate when the emails, letters, and calls flooded the Capitol. I hate to say it, but that’s what it will take to prohibit Real ID in Pennsylvania and stop PennDOT from capturing biometric data on us.
I know you are onboard and will take action.
Yours in Liberty,
Jim Compton
P.S. The Pennsylvania Legislature will return to Harrisburg on 19 April 2010, the same day citizens will delivered the Articles of Freedom to their elected officials.
*********************************************************************
The Senate leadership includes:
Senator Jake Corman - Chair of the Appropriations Committee where Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 sit.
Senate Box 203034
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3034
Phone: (717) 787-1377
E-mail address: jcorman@pasen.gov
Senator Dominic Pileggi - Appropriations Committee, ex-officio Address:
Senate Box 203009
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3009
Phone: (717) 787-4712
E-mail: dpileggi@pasen.gov
Senator Joseph B. Scarnati III - President Pro Tempore and Member ex-officio of all Standing Committees
Senate Box 203025
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3025
Phone: (717) 787-7084
E-Mail: jscarnati@pasen.gov
The House Leadership includes:
Representative Lawrence H. Curry – Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee where House Bills 1443 and 1752 sit. (Prohibits Real ID and prevents government agencies from collecting biometric data when we have done nothing wrong)
26B East Wing
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2154
Phone: (717) 783-1079
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=154
Representative Joseph F. Markoesek - Chair of the Transportation Committee where House Bill 1867 which protects privacy of data on our driver’s license.
314 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202025
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2025
Phone: (717) 783-1012
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=25
Representative Todd E. Eachus – Majority Leader
110 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202116
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2116
Phone: (717) 787-2229
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=116
Representative Mark B. Cohen - Majority Whip
6001 North 5th Street
Second Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (215) 924-0895
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=202
*******************************************************
Dear Senator _____________,
I understand the Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 are in the Appropriations Committee and expect those bills to be sent to the Senator Floor for passage. Passage of these bills will ensure our right to privacy.
The Real ID Act of 20005 is unconstitutional. It violates our right to privacy, subjects us to identity thief, and violates the religious freedom clause of our Declaration of Rights. PennDOT has been implementing benchmarks of Real ID and it must stop. Protect our privacy!
*******************************************************
Dear Senator _________________
Let’s pass Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623. Our federal government is out of control and we expect our state elected officials to stand up to the federal government and just say NO, not in Pennsylvania. We also expect our privacy to be upheld.
The Real ID Act violates the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In Printz v. United States (95-1478), 521 U.S. 898 (1997), the Supreme Court stated: “We held in New York that Congress cannot compel the States to enact or enforce a federal regulatory program. Today we hold that Congress cannot circumvent that prohibition by conscripting the State's officers directly. The Federal Government may neither issue directives requiring the States to address particular problems, nor command the States' officers, or those of their political subdivisions, to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program. It matters not whether policymaking is involved, and no case by case weighing of the burdens or benefits is necessary; such commands are fundamentally incompatible with our constitutional system of dual sovereignty.
The federal government cannot compel PennDOT officials to implement Real ID and capture biometric data on citizens who have done nothing worthy of being treated as criminals.
*********************************************************
Dear Senator _________________
The Real ID Act of 2005 violates our right to privacy. It is a slap in the face of freedom. It was concocted the same time as the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America published its report to Leaders in 2005. In the reported section titled, Biometrics and secure documentation vision, they stated, “We will devise a single, integrated global enrollment program for North American trusted traveler programs within the next 36 months.”
That program for the US is the Real ID Act of 2005. Real ID was to be fully implemented by May 2008, but was delayed until December 2009, and has now been extended until May of 2011. However, PennDOT is implementing benchmarks of Real ID to include capturing biometric data for facial recognition software and including our Social Security Numbers in their unsecured database along with our name, address, and date of birth.
Let’s get Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 out to the Appropriation Committee and passed on the Senate Floor.
*********************************************************
Dear Senator _________________,
Fourteen states have passed statutes prohibiting implementation of the Real ID Act of 2005 in their states. Why haven’t we joined them? We all know that Real ID is a violation of the United States and the Pennsylvania Constitutions.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…. [First Amendment United States Constitution].
The right of the people to be secure in their persons … against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated… [Fourth Amendment United States Constitution].
The people shall be secure in their persons… [Article I, Section8, Pennsylvania Constitution].
No human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience… [Article I, Section 3, Pennsylvania Constitution].
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. [Tenth Amendment, United States Constitution]
Let’s get Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 out of the Appropriations Committee and to the Senate Floor to protect our rights to privacy. PennDOT is currently subjecting us to identity theft and that needs to stop now.
****************************************************
Dear Senator _____________________
We, the citizens of this Commonwealth, expect our elected officials to uphold their oath of office. Our Declaration of Rights as described in Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution is to be protected at all cost. [Section 25]
The Real ID Act of 2005, along with PennDOT, violates our God given Rights to privacy and religious freedoms.
Let’s get Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 out of the Appropriations Committee. These bills cost the state nothing, in fact, the result in passing these bills will reduce PennDOT’s operating expenses.
In addition, just because PennDOT thinks implementing benchmarks of Real ID will make their job easier, it does not give them the right to violate our rights. They must work within the limits addressed in the Declaration of Rights.
**************************************************************
Dear Senator ________________________
The Real ID Act of 2005 is a violation of fundamental law, i.e., the US and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Constitutions. It violates our religious freedom, our right to privacy, the Tenth Amendment, and subjects us to identity theft.
In the very first Supreme Court Decision, Marbury v. Madison, Judge Marshall stated as the opinion of the Court,
“It is also not entirely unworthy of observation that, in declaring what shall be the supreme law of the land, the Constitution itself is first mentioned, and not the laws of the United States generally, but those only which shall be made in pursuance of the Constitution, have that rank.”
“Thus, the particular phraseology of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written Constitutions, that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.”
Fourteen states have already passed statutes prohibiting Real ID in their states due to its unconstitutional mandates.
Any argument that the Legislature has to have someone determine if the Real ID Act of 2005 is constitutional is absurd. As the first Supreme Court stated”, … that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.”, it becomes clear that everyone is responsible for reading the Constitution and ensuring that statutes adhere to it. The Real ID Act of 2005 does not.
Let’s get Senate Bills, 621, 623, and 623 out of the Appropriations Committee and passed to stop Homeland Security and PennDOT from violating our God given rights.
Dear Representative ________________________
The Real ID Act of 2005 is a violation of fundamental law, i.e., the US and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Constitutions. It violates our religious freedom, our right to privacy, the Tenth Amendment, and subjects us to identity theft.
In the very first Supreme Court Decision, Marbury v. Madison, Judge Marshall stated as the opinion of the Court,
“It is also not entirely unworthy of observation that, in declaring what shall be the supreme law of the land, the Constitution itself is first mentioned, and not the laws of the United States generally, but those only which shall be made in pursuance of the Constitution, have that rank.”
“Thus, the particular phraseology of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written Constitutions, that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.”
Fourteen states have already passed statutes prohibiting Real ID in their states due to its unconstitutional mandates.
Any argument that the Legislature has to have someone determine whether or not the Real ID Act of 2005 is constitutional is absurd. As the first Supreme Court stated”, … that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument,” it becomes clear that everyone is responsible for reading the Constitution and ensuring that statutes adhere to it. The Real ID Act of 2005 does not.
Let’s get House Bills 1443 and 1752 out of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and House Bill 1867 out of the Transportation Committee and onto the House Floor and passed to stop Homeland Security and PennDOT from violating our God given rights to privacy.
Therefore, I am writing this correspondence asking for your assistance in mailing a letter, sending an e-mail and making phone calls to Harrisburg to the Leadership in both the House and the Senate. I’ll provide a link to the key Senators and Representatives which contain their e-mails, mailing addresses and phone numbers. Time is running out. The legislature will again be engrossed in the budget process in the near future.
In addition, I’m providing (6) short letters/emails for both Senators and Representatives from which you can pick and choose to include in your letter and e-mail to our elected officials. Or, you may write you own, or cut and paste as you wish. Please copy your own Senator or Representative on your correspondence.
I’ll include this email as an attachment. Let’s spread it far and wide.
If you remember last year, our legislators passed the puppy-mill statute. The bill flew through both the House and Senate when the emails, letters, and calls flooded the Capitol. I hate to say it, but that’s what it will take to prohibit Real ID in Pennsylvania and stop PennDOT from capturing biometric data on us.
I know you are onboard and will take action.
Yours in Liberty,
Jim Compton
P.S. The Pennsylvania Legislature will return to Harrisburg on 19 April 2010, the same day citizens will delivered the Articles of Freedom to their elected officials.
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The Senate leadership includes:
Senator Jake Corman - Chair of the Appropriations Committee where Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 sit.
Senate Box 203034
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3034
Phone: (717) 787-1377
E-mail address: jcorman@pasen.gov
Senator Dominic Pileggi - Appropriations Committee, ex-officio Address:
Senate Box 203009
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3009
Phone: (717) 787-4712
E-mail: dpileggi@pasen.gov
Senator Joseph B. Scarnati III - President Pro Tempore and Member ex-officio of all Standing Committees
Senate Box 203025
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3025
Phone: (717) 787-7084
E-Mail: jscarnati@pasen.gov
The House Leadership includes:
Representative Lawrence H. Curry – Chair of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee where House Bills 1443 and 1752 sit. (Prohibits Real ID and prevents government agencies from collecting biometric data when we have done nothing wrong)
26B East Wing
PO Box 202154
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2154
Phone: (717) 783-1079
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=154
Representative Joseph F. Markoesek - Chair of the Transportation Committee where House Bill 1867 which protects privacy of data on our driver’s license.
314 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202025
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2025
Phone: (717) 783-1012
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=25
Representative Todd E. Eachus – Majority Leader
110 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202116
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2116
Phone: (717) 787-2229
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=116
Representative Mark B. Cohen - Majority Whip
6001 North 5th Street
Second Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Phone: (215) 924-0895
E-mail: http://www.pahouse.com/contact/viaLDPC.asp?district=202
*******************************************************
Dear Senator _____________,
I understand the Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 are in the Appropriations Committee and expect those bills to be sent to the Senator Floor for passage. Passage of these bills will ensure our right to privacy.
The Real ID Act of 20005 is unconstitutional. It violates our right to privacy, subjects us to identity thief, and violates the religious freedom clause of our Declaration of Rights. PennDOT has been implementing benchmarks of Real ID and it must stop. Protect our privacy!
*******************************************************
Dear Senator _________________
Let’s pass Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623. Our federal government is out of control and we expect our state elected officials to stand up to the federal government and just say NO, not in Pennsylvania. We also expect our privacy to be upheld.
The Real ID Act violates the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In Printz v. United States (95-1478), 521 U.S. 898 (1997), the Supreme Court stated: “We held in New York that Congress cannot compel the States to enact or enforce a federal regulatory program. Today we hold that Congress cannot circumvent that prohibition by conscripting the State's officers directly. The Federal Government may neither issue directives requiring the States to address particular problems, nor command the States' officers, or those of their political subdivisions, to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program. It matters not whether policymaking is involved, and no case by case weighing of the burdens or benefits is necessary; such commands are fundamentally incompatible with our constitutional system of dual sovereignty.
The federal government cannot compel PennDOT officials to implement Real ID and capture biometric data on citizens who have done nothing worthy of being treated as criminals.
*********************************************************
Dear Senator _________________
The Real ID Act of 2005 violates our right to privacy. It is a slap in the face of freedom. It was concocted the same time as the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America published its report to Leaders in 2005. In the reported section titled, Biometrics and secure documentation vision, they stated, “We will devise a single, integrated global enrollment program for North American trusted traveler programs within the next 36 months.”
That program for the US is the Real ID Act of 2005. Real ID was to be fully implemented by May 2008, but was delayed until December 2009, and has now been extended until May of 2011. However, PennDOT is implementing benchmarks of Real ID to include capturing biometric data for facial recognition software and including our Social Security Numbers in their unsecured database along with our name, address, and date of birth.
Let’s get Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 out to the Appropriation Committee and passed on the Senate Floor.
*********************************************************
Dear Senator _________________,
Fourteen states have passed statutes prohibiting implementation of the Real ID Act of 2005 in their states. Why haven’t we joined them? We all know that Real ID is a violation of the United States and the Pennsylvania Constitutions.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…. [First Amendment United States Constitution].
The right of the people to be secure in their persons … against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated… [Fourth Amendment United States Constitution].
The people shall be secure in their persons… [Article I, Section8, Pennsylvania Constitution].
No human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience… [Article I, Section 3, Pennsylvania Constitution].
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. [Tenth Amendment, United States Constitution]
Let’s get Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 out of the Appropriations Committee and to the Senate Floor to protect our rights to privacy. PennDOT is currently subjecting us to identity theft and that needs to stop now.
****************************************************
Dear Senator _____________________
We, the citizens of this Commonwealth, expect our elected officials to uphold their oath of office. Our Declaration of Rights as described in Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution is to be protected at all cost. [Section 25]
The Real ID Act of 2005, along with PennDOT, violates our God given Rights to privacy and religious freedoms.
Let’s get Senate Bills 621, 622, and 623 out of the Appropriations Committee. These bills cost the state nothing, in fact, the result in passing these bills will reduce PennDOT’s operating expenses.
In addition, just because PennDOT thinks implementing benchmarks of Real ID will make their job easier, it does not give them the right to violate our rights. They must work within the limits addressed in the Declaration of Rights.
**************************************************************
Dear Senator ________________________
The Real ID Act of 2005 is a violation of fundamental law, i.e., the US and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Constitutions. It violates our religious freedom, our right to privacy, the Tenth Amendment, and subjects us to identity theft.
In the very first Supreme Court Decision, Marbury v. Madison, Judge Marshall stated as the opinion of the Court,
“It is also not entirely unworthy of observation that, in declaring what shall be the supreme law of the land, the Constitution itself is first mentioned, and not the laws of the United States generally, but those only which shall be made in pursuance of the Constitution, have that rank.”
“Thus, the particular phraseology of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written Constitutions, that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.”
Fourteen states have already passed statutes prohibiting Real ID in their states due to its unconstitutional mandates.
Any argument that the Legislature has to have someone determine if the Real ID Act of 2005 is constitutional is absurd. As the first Supreme Court stated”, … that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.”, it becomes clear that everyone is responsible for reading the Constitution and ensuring that statutes adhere to it. The Real ID Act of 2005 does not.
Let’s get Senate Bills, 621, 623, and 623 out of the Appropriations Committee and passed to stop Homeland Security and PennDOT from violating our God given rights.
Dear Representative ________________________
The Real ID Act of 2005 is a violation of fundamental law, i.e., the US and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Constitutions. It violates our religious freedom, our right to privacy, the Tenth Amendment, and subjects us to identity theft.
In the very first Supreme Court Decision, Marbury v. Madison, Judge Marshall stated as the opinion of the Court,
“It is also not entirely unworthy of observation that, in declaring what shall be the supreme law of the land, the Constitution itself is first mentioned, and not the laws of the United States generally, but those only which shall be made in pursuance of the Constitution, have that rank.”
“Thus, the particular phraseology of the Constitution of the United States confirms and strengthens the principle, supposed to be essential to all written Constitutions, that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument.”
Fourteen states have already passed statutes prohibiting Real ID in their states due to its unconstitutional mandates.
Any argument that the Legislature has to have someone determine whether or not the Real ID Act of 2005 is constitutional is absurd. As the first Supreme Court stated”, … that a law repugnant to the Constitution is void, and that courts, as well as other departments, are bound by that instrument,” it becomes clear that everyone is responsible for reading the Constitution and ensuring that statutes adhere to it. The Real ID Act of 2005 does not.
Let’s get House Bills 1443 and 1752 out of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and House Bill 1867 out of the Transportation Committee and onto the House Floor and passed to stop Homeland Security and PennDOT from violating our God given rights to privacy.
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