Letter to Linda Lane, PPS Superintendent, concerning some age-old issues at Obama Swimming

Letter dated November 7, 2012 to PPS superintendent.

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Sports in New York now.

Yesterday at a public meeting with 60 people gathered to learn and support a new fitness venture of the United Way of Allegheny County, I made a statement about the Pittsburgh Marathon.

There had been some nice hype and props given to the three pro teams in town, #Steelers, #Pirates, #Penguins, as well as the #Pitt basketball teams.

I said, "The pro teams are great, but the Pittsburgh Marathon people are fantastic, and to me, with the Liberty Mile have helped as a resource 100-times more than the others."

Mark Rauterkus Should the NYC Marathon be held this Sunday? I think it should turn into a fitness run for any interested. Stopping an unofficial jog is impossible and would take more resources to stop than holding it for real. But the masses should be asked to come back for the official race in 3 weeks. Lend a hand until then, or at least get out if the way.

Mark Rauterkus Likewise, the Steelers at NY Giants NFL game presents a big problem. If possible, I'd have been trying to move that game to State College, Syracuse, or perhaps to Pittsburgh.

Fwd: Get Out The Vote Rally and Concert

Nice event below, but, I would much rather go and have others attend the City League Football Championships at South Side Cupples Stadium at 1 pm kickoff and 11 am pre game tailgate at our house.

Mark Rauterkus

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP)

GET OUT THE VOTE RALLY AND CONCERT "GET OUT THE VOTE RALLY & CONCERT SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2012" Several community entities have come together to host the 'GET OUT THE VOTE NON-PARTISAN RALLY & FREE MUSICAL CONCERT", scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2012, with doors opening at 12:30 pm and the event concluding at 4 pm in the Hillman Auditorium at the Hill House Association, 1835 Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh's historic Hill District. The event is aimed at encouraging and inspiring voter turnout for the crucial Tuesday, November 6 Presidential Election.   Featured artists include Artistree, Pittsburgh's own Yolanda Barber who recently performed magnificently in NBC's "The Voice", pianist Donna Davis, 'Destiny of Faith" musicians, Davey Jones, 'Chip' Jones and Leonard Johnson, III, gospel vocalist Beverly Bowie-Taylor, "United For Christ Praise Team", "Walk By Faith", vocalist Flo Wilson Of The Old School Band, and vocalist Rev. Brian Wright. The Corvette Club expects to have ten to fifteen cars in front of the Hill House beginning at 12 noon on Saturday. This effort is aimed at helping to instill a community-wide commitment to the "OCCUPY THE POLLS - The CAMPAIGN FOR VICTORY" movement in the Pittsburgh region, originally suggested by the Black Political Empowerment Project. Talk Magazine founder Luther J. Sewell, who is helping to coordinate the event, has stated that the Black voter turnout in 2008 was 62% in Pittsburgh, but he'd like to see a turnout of at least 70%. The event is being coordinated by B-PEP, Champion Enterprises, Talk Magazine and the W. PA Black Political Assembly. 'MAJOR SPONSORS' for this GOTV Rally and Concert include A Plus Schools, the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP), Brotha Ash Productions, The New Pittsburgh Courier, the Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc., the A. Philip Randolph Institute, Soul Pitt, Talk Magazine, and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Urban Media. 'CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS' include The Rankin Pittsburgh Women's Business Association, Restoration Church, Brenda Tate, and the W. PA Black Political Assembly. 'DONORS' include The Alleghenians, Ltd., Inc. and Champion Enterprises. Scheduled speakers who will bring inspirational remarks throughout the afternoon include Esther L. Bush of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, former Pittsburgh Steeler great Robin Cole, Rev. Glenn Grayson, pastor, Wesley Center A.M.E. Zion Church and Presiding Elder for the A.M.E. Zion Church, Pittsburgh District, Anna Hollis of Amachi Pittsburgh, Bishop Loran Mann, Khari Mosley of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, E. Richard Phipps of the W. PA Black Political Assembly, Luther J. Sewell, Editor & Publisher of Talk Magazine, Rev. Tom Smith, pastor, Monumental Baptist Church and Co-convener, W. PA Black Political Assembly, Tim Stevens, Chairman & CEO of the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP), Celeste Taylor, B-PEP Voting Rights Community Organizer, Rev. Dr. David Thornton, pastor, Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church and former Vice President of the PA Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN), Rev. Samuel Ware, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Monroeville and representative of the Pittsburgh District of the A.M.E. Church. For information call 412-823-4007 or 412-758-7898. GOTV CONCERT INFORMATION

The Black Political Empowerment Project(B-PEP) | C/O The Hill House Center | 1835 Centre Avenue | Pittsburgh | PA | 15219

Iran and the USA, history.

Fwd: Three Positions Have Opened

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

Three Positions Have Opened Up
PLEASE SHARE OUT

1) Employment Outreach Coordinator
2) After School Site Coordinator
3) After School Support Staff
* Job Descriptions Attached



Employment Outreach Coordinator

EASTSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD EMPLOYMENT CENTER

Pittsburgh CONNECTS, 5321 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 – 412-362-8580



Title: Employment Outreach Coordinator

Reports to: Managing Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-time

Salary: $30,000 to $34,000

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Rflanag@aol.com.



Job Summary

Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center (ENEC) serves as a regional
resource center for job seekers that primarily reside or work in the
Garfield, East Liberty and Lawrenceville communities, and manages the
employment component of the Garfield Pittsburgh CONNECTS Computer Lab.
Pittsburgh CONNECTS serves to expand broadband access across
Pittsburgh, and has a four-fold focus on technology, health,
education, and employment. Both ENEC and Pittsburgh CONNECTS labs host
multiple programs each month, and operate as drop-in centers for the
community. On average over 250 people utilize our services each month.

The Employment Outreach Coordinator role is a dynamic and diverse
position providing support for the ENEC to implement the employment
component of the Pittsburgh CONNECTS lab. Working primarily in the
ENEC employment lab, the associate will assist clients with computer
use and employment resources. Additionally, this position includes
managing and organizing recruitment and marketing efforts for each of
the initiatives. In participation with the East End Works, the
associate will also assist clients in three satellite employment/tech
center sites located in the Pittsburgh area. Recruitment efforts
include both social media and outreach work in the community.

The Employment Outreach Associate must be a highly motivated,
independent person who has a passion for community engagement, the
will to push an agenda, and the expertise to effectively perform this
multi-faceted position. The associate will be responsible for the
following:





• Manage recruiting and marketing campaigns for ENEC and
Lab events and classes, including planning and developing recruitment
strategies in the community.



• Provide daily assistance with clients utilizing the
drop-in lab around employment resources and computer literacy;



• Assist clients with resume building, online job search
and online applications



• Network with regional leaders and local businesses to
secure new employment opportunities



• Utilize and update our powerful database system for
clients and employers ;



• Performs any and all other duties assigned for which
the employee is qualified and physically able to perform, with or
without reasonable accommodation.





What it takes to be a Community Outreach Associate:



• Must have at least a bachelor's degree and be
comfortable using computer and internet technology; experience with
marketing preferred;



• Proven experience with grassroots organizing and
recruitment preferred.



• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with ever
shifting priorities.



• Excellent writing skills, highly organized, and the
ability to easily maintain paper and electronic files;



• Strong listening and verbal communication skills,
exceptional interpersonal skills and a customer service background;



• 3-5 years experience in social services or employment services;



• Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Microsoft
Word, PowerPoint, and Excel); Strong internet navigation skills;



• Current (or ability to quickly receive) Act 33/34 clearances



• Valid Driver's License and proof of car insurance.



________________________________________________________________________



Bloomfield Garfield Corporation

5321 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

(Office 412-441-9833)



21st Century Community Learning Center--Pittsburgh LEARNS Afterschool Program



Title: Afterschool Site Coordinator

Status: Part-time

Compensation: $13- !5/hour, varies with experience

Location: Pittsburgh Woolslair and Pittsburgh Arsenal K-5

Application Process: Send resume and cover letter to Rflanag@aol.com



Job Summary:

This position will implement age and grade appropriate Language Arts
and Math lessons for kindergarten through fifth grade students.



The Coordinator will ensure successful implementation of all
objectives and ensure that outcomes are achieved and reported back in
a timely manner. This will require staff, among other duties, to
collect and be accountable for daily, weekly, quarterly, and yearly
student data. Staff will also attend weekly meetings with Education
Director of Neighborhood Learning Alliance, as well as state, national
and quarterly conferences or trainings deemed necessary by the PA
Department of Education and/or Neighborhood Learning Alliance.

Responsibilities:

· Supervise staff, ensuring appropriate practices in child
guidance, supervision and teaching

· Implement afterschool lessons plans aligned with school day;
remediate identified needs

· Develop/maintain relations with school principal/teachers;
Ensure continuity between school and program

· Develop/implement weekly program schedule, including
enrichment activities

· Monitor and report on overall program performance

· Play an active role in promoting parental engagement

· Ensure academic software and websites are being utilized to
enhance student academic lessons

· Maintain database of student information

· Administer and score pre, mid, and post student assessments

· Track daily attendance

· Collect student report cards and standardized assessments
from school district

· Attend Advisory Committee and PSCC meetings

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field preferred

· Teaching experience

· Experience in a community based afterschool program setting

· Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances (or ability to obtain them)

· Technology skills

· Willingness to work during afterschool hours

· Personal transportation

· Must be available – 2:30PM to 6:30PM, Monday through Friday,
and some school day hours.

· Commitment – 20-25 hours per week



_______________________________________________________________________



Bloomfield Garfield Corporation

5321 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

(Office 412-441-9833)







21st Century Community Learning Center--Pittsburgh LEARNS Afterschool Program



Title: Afterschool Program Support Staff

Status: Part-time

Compensation: $8 to $10/hour, varies with experience

Location: Pittsburgh Woolslair and Pittsburgh Arsenal K-5

Application Process: Send resume and cover letter to Rflanag@aoL.com



Job Description:

During scheduled work time, all afterschool program staff are responsible for:



· Assisting in delivery of reading, math and character
education for kindergarten through fifth grade students

· Helping Pittsburgh LEARNS participants improve their grades
and become proficient in reading and math

· Understanding and supporting school day curriculum

· Continuously attending to children's academic and social
needs during scheduled work hours

· Assisting with homework, snack, and recreational periods

· Attending and supervising students on field trips as scheduled

· Meeting with parents as instructed

· Maintaining a clean, safe program space

· Additional duties as assigned



Ideal Candidate will have:

· Experience in tutoring elementary age students

· High expectations for struggling learners

· Genuine love of children

· Good record keeping

· Previous experience leading groups

· Computer skills (Microsoft Office and the Internet)

· An education degree or currently pursuing an education
degree, preferred

· Some experience preparing and delivering academic lessons, preferred



Requirements:

· Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances (or ability to obtain them),
preference given to those with active clearances

· Participation in continuous professional development
opportunities, some of which fall on mornings, evenings and/or
weekends, throughout the year

· Availability Monday through Friday, 3pm – 6: 30 pm

Helicopter Parents

In the article that follows, Brianna Meiers -- a blogger perhaps best known for her contributions to online psychology education information -- discusses the resurgence of "helicopter parenting," and how even though parental hovering can look beneficial in the early years, the results once kids hit college are often quite undesirable. Brianna's insights add to conversations about pushing kids to succeed that have happened on these pages before.

As Kids Shuffle from Schools to Sports, Many Wonder if All This Attention is Actually Hurting Them

In recent years, the demand for higher education paired with a culture of increased job insecurity have led many parents to become greatly involved in the academic and professional success of their children. While these so-called "helicopter parents" insist their methods are merely indicative of a supportive, close-knit family dynamic, psychologists and educational leaders warn that over-parenting can stunt child development and produce young men and women with no sense of independence or social connectivity.

Helicopter parents are so named because they seemingly "hover" over their children. They confer with teachers and school administrators about grades and classroom performance; take an active involvement in sports and other extracurricular activities; and are generally very attuned to their child's educational experiences – and difficulties. Helicopter parenting is not a new concept, as the term was first coined in the 1960s. In recent years, however, many higher learning institutions have noted unusually heavy involvement among parents of college students. They contact professors about less-than-adequate grades, phone administrators when problems arise with living accommodations, and otherwise act as advocates for their adult offspring. And while college faculty members are often apprehensive – if not downright cynical – about the helicopter parenting style, the movement has generated a substantial amount of public support.

In an article titled "In Defense of Helicopter Parents," Dr. Thomas Plante of Psychology Today noted that involved parents are a valuable asset to school districts that are forced to tackle massive budget cuts. These mothers and fathers assist with extracurricular activities, allow fundraisers in their homes and otherwise support their child's educational institution. He also writes that parents have long been encouraged to take an active role in their child's educational development. Helicopter parenting may just be a direct result of this perceived obligation. College Parents of America President James Boyle told Education.com that overparenting is a rational response to high dropout rates among today's college students. While roughly 2 million men and women are enrolled at higher learning institutions, about one third of them will leave before receiving a degree. He also argues that complaints directed at helicopter parents are somewhat exaggerated, since the responsibilities of attending class, choosing a major and finding a career still fall on the shoulders of students.

Support for helicopter parenting was bolstered by a recent study conducted by the National Survey of Student Engagement. According to The Washington Post, this study found that students with helicopter parents were more engaged with their learning materials and reported a more satisfactory college experience than their counterparts with less involved mothers and fathers. Furthermore, they were more apt to engage in discussions with professors, participate in extracurricular activities and excel in fields such as writing and critical thinking. "Compared with their counterparts, children of helicopter parents were more satisfied with every aspect of their college experience," said Indiana University Professor George D. Kuh, who led the study.

However, many experts warn about the downsides of helicopter parenting – namely, adult children who have a hard time adjusting to college life without mom and dad to guide them. In 2010, MSNBC News contributor Rachel Rettner reported a study that found helicopter parents have a very detrimental effect on their child's personality development. Researchers surveyed 300 college freshmen; those with overbearing parents (usually mothers) said that they were "less open to new actions and ideas, as well as more vulnerable, anxious and self-conscious," in comparison to their peers whose parents were less involved.

In July 2012, Daily Mail Online contributor Tamara Cohen reported that helicoptering often leads to negative consequences for parents, as well. A survey of American mothers found that "intensive mothering" was linked to high rates of mental health issues. Women who struggled with sharing parental responsibilities reported low degrees of "satisfaction with life," while those who were continually challenged by the prospect of parenting – so much so that they enlisted in the help of a child specialist – reported relatively high levels of stress and chronic depression. The study's authors noted that "intensive mothering" is often a byproduct of the common misconception that overparenting leads to successful children. "[Intensive parents] may think that it makes them better mothers, so they are willing to sacrifice their own mental health to enhance their children's cognitive, social and emotional outcomes," they wrote. "In reality, intensive parenting may have the opposite effect on children from what parents intend."

In September 2012, Lewis & Clark College President Barry Glassner wrote in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that parents can use "constructive engagement" to remain involved in their collegiate child's life without being too overbearing. College is a tenuous time for young people, and they require the support and encouragement of their parents. However, this period of their lives also has the potential to build valuable skills, such as independent thinking and creative problem solving, that can be diminished if parents hover too closely. "College is a time when parents can grant their children the precious opportunity to take responsibility as they develop into independent young men and women, fully prepared to be productive and engaged citizens," Glassner wrote. "Parents can help by gently pushing their children to embrace complexity and diversity and to stretch the limits of their comfort zones."

Naturally, when students encounter obstacles or personal crises, parents should nurture and counsel their children in order to restore their self-confidence. However, mothers and fathers need not resort to helicoptering in order to effectively handle the situation. If a student receives poor grades, his or her overbearing parents might place an angry phone call to their child's teacher or principal. However, a much more constructive approach might be a sit-down meeting with the teacher to discuss areas of improvement, followed by a discussion of  options such as tutoring or supplementary education with the child. If a college student struggles with a difficult roommate, parents should refrain from demanding a change in living accommodations. Instead, they should encourage the child to resolve the conflict on his or her own, meeting independently with a housing officer if the situation becomes intolerable. By offering parental support when needed – and encouraging children to solve their own problems the rest of the time – parents can do their part to ensure their offspring develop into well-rounded, fully functioning adults.

While no one disputes that helicopter parents have the best interests of their children in mind, many have warned that too much interest can lead to long-term problems. Achieving the balance between supportive and hands-off is difficult for many parents – but studies have found that this approach produces adults who are independent, self-confident and able to succeed academically and professionally.

--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Fwd: What's America's Role in the World?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Ryan Nichols" <ryan.nichols@heritage.org>
Date: Oct 24, 2012 12:42 AM
Subject: What's America's Role in the World?
To: "Mark Rauterkus" <mark@rauterkus.com>

To ensure email delivery directly to your inbox, please add newsletters@heritage.org to your address book now. If you're having trouble viewing this message, please view it online.

What is America's Role in the World? Last night at the final presidential debate of 2012 the two nominees squared off on foreign policy. Heritage scholar Marion Smith answers one of the most fundamental questions in the debate in his essay entitled "What is America's Role in the World?" The short answer is that our nation must protect American interests and advance economic freedom around the globe by practicing diplomacy & free-trade. Ted Bromund goes into far more detail in his Foundry post explaining Heritage's stance on foreign policy.  Presidential Debate Recap A team of Heritage experts analyzed the remarks each candidate made and issued rapid responses to a wide variety of debate topics in this recap on the Foundry. Each expert's comments link to sources if you'd like to explore the topics more thoroughly. More Details Emerge About the Disaster in Benghazi As expected the candidates sparred over the details of what happened on 9/11 in Benghazi, Libya. We now know that on July 9 Ambassador Stevens requested 13 additional security staff and was denied. Read about what else was discovered in Helle Dale's Foundry post. Foreign Policy Ties Directly to Domestic Prosperity In order to maintain a strong military and diplomatic presence around the world our nation's finances must be in order. The federal government's debt now amounts to $51,000 for each new baby that is born. The child pictured below has mom's eyes, dad's hair, and Obama's debt. Read and share the plan to cut spending, restore prosperity, & adequately fund defense at SavingTheDream.org. Veterans Explain Devastation of Military Budget Cuts  Even before the $1 trillion in defense budget cuts were proposed there were already military readiness problems. Watch several veterans explain the threats to our armed forces in the America at Risk video series. Off on an Important Tangent: Education The debate took an interesting turn when the candidates spoke about education. The truth is that today only half of education jobs are held by teachers and administrative excess kills meaningful reforms. Read Lindsey Burke's report on education spending. Educating Tomorrow's Policy Leaders Today Do you know a young person who would enjoying working in DC with top conservative scholars in the battle of ideas? Heritage's prestigious internship program is accepting applications for spring interns until Nov. 1st, so please encourage college students and recent grads to apply. Upcoming Events Heritage Annual Joseph Story Lecture featuring remarks by The Honorable Anthony Kennedy, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States -- View Webcast Live Online      Wed., Oct. 24  5:30 PM ET Acton Institute Annual Dinner       Grand Rapids, MI     Wed., Oct. 24 FreedomWorks FreePAC           Chicago, IL                Friday, Oct. 26 Feel free to share the images and information in these e-mails (or online at Heritage.org) in communications on Facebook, Twitter, and letters to the editor. About The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400

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Jon tells how to vote in his newsletter and shares some poetry

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jon Robison
Date: Friday, October 19, 2012
Subject: ROBISON POLITICAL NEWSLETTER 2012'mhardie@ura.org'
To: jon@jonrobison.org

Jonathan and Mary Robison

154 N. Bellefield Ave. #66, Pittsburgh, PA  15213

412-683-0237 jon@jonrobison.org  www.jonrob'alan.smith@mail.house.gov?'ison.org

October 14, 2012

 

Robison Political Newsletter

 

Testing…  Testing…

 

            As the Nov. 6 election looms, it might be good to re-read President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.  Consider the beginning of his speech: "... a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.  We are now ... testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure."    '... testing …'

            'Liberty' and 'equality' are not mandates handed down in books or on stone tablets.  President Lincoln called them 'propositions'.  Liberty and equality are being tested by events in Lincoln's era and in ours.  Let us share some specifics.

Our fundamental election processes are being distorted by astronomical amounts of money, facilitated by the Supreme Court's Citizens Union decision.  It seems as if we moving from "One person, one vote" to "One dollar, one vote".

Everyone's equal right to vote is threatened, in Pennsylvania and other stares, by the voter ID legislation, which will hinder the handicapped, the poor, the elderly, and anybody without a PA drivers' license.  We're glad the Pennsylvania courts put enforcement on hold until after the Presidential election.

The lesbian and gay communities want equal rights, such as the freedom to marry.  People are coming out, and testing whether they have the freedom to be themselves.

Reproductive rights as a liberty issue has spiritual as well as political difficulties.  Much has been said on this.  We both have thought about the question.  (Mary is a pro-choice Catholic.)  If you have qualms about a woman's right to decide, please consider the alternatives.  Who should decide?  We also remind people that abortion did not begin when the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade.  The President's policies, especially on health care, probably prevent more abortions than any hostile laws.

The rights of immigrants, people from other lands, are under attack. Remember that this country was built by immigrants, and that until the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882 most were undocumented.  Only the Native Americans have good cause to complain about being overrun by foreigners imposing an alien culture, and they know it's too late.

Entitlement programs are being attacked.  These programs ensure that everyone has the essentials of life.  That is why they are entitlement programs -  because we are all entitled to live decently.  The programs being cut are foundation stones of equality in our society.

The attack on unions threatens the existence of the middle class.  When the frontier was closed and free land was gone, most folk would have had little wealth and power in our country without unions.  Unions created the middle class in America.  Before the laws passed when Franklin Roosevelt was President, people had no legal protection if they tried to start a union. 

The gap between rich and poor is increasing.  This growing inequality is not only unjust and immoral.  It is a danger to our country's  stability.

            There are other issues, such as environmental protection, consumer protection, prisons, and peace.  But fundamentally, this election is a test of liberty and equality in our country.

"We are taking our country back."  So said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention on Aug. 28.  Who are 'we'?  'We' is the cohort of white, straight, prosperous, Christian men of European ancestry who historically held the most of the power and control   (Just look at Congress.)   People like Gov. Christie seem to believe that they have the right to run the country, as if they were somehow the majority.  Now they perceive their dominance diminishing.  They fear that this election is their last chance to reassert themselves before demographics redistributes power and control permanently.  This perception may account for the bitterness in the opposition to President Obama.  Our country is more polarized than any industrialized democracy since Germany in the 1920's.   

Have confidence in our country.  This is a rich nation, and it belongs to all of us.  Our wealth is more than gold or iron or coal.  It is the diversity of our people.  As our diversity grows, our wealth increases.  Let us not be frightened into foolish attempts to repress our differences.

Please help preserve our nation, "… conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."   We respectfully request that traditional Republicans and genuine conservatives vote to re-elect President Barack Obama.

Testing …  Testing …

Let us go from philosophy to politics.  Before we discuss specific candidates, we wish to make an explanation and a couple of apologies.

 

First we want to APOLOGIZE to anyone distressed that all the candidates we are supporting are Democrats.  We never before endorsed the straight Democratic ticket.  Our obligation to you is to give you our honest opinion.  (Most Democratic leaders have given up telling us to be 'loyal' to the party.)  We are sorry this issue of our newsletter is so partisan.

            We also apologize if you missed the primary newsletter.  We simply ran out of time to send the regular mail copies.

 

What did you do to deserve this addition to your mailbox or e-mail in box?

This is the Robison political newsletter.  It is sent free in advance of the primary and general elections to about 2,000 people by e-mail and bulk mail. 

            How did we get your name?  Some people have been on our list for years.  Some requested the newsletter.  Jon gets some names of presumably sympathetic people at meetings.  Frankly, in some cases we're not sure.  Of course, if you want off our list, please tell us.  Please also contact us with any corrections.  We try to keep our list corrected.  Please tell us if you prefer that we send this to a different e-mail address.

If you receive this by mail or otherwise, and have an e-mail address we can use, please tell us. This saves us money on postage and printing.  E-mail gets you the newsletter a few days earlier. In addition, our bulk mailing is limited to four pages. We can add additional information to an e-mail.  Recently we have appended to the e-mail some of the poetry which I, Jon, wrote. You might consider this a plus.

We will be happy to add any names to the list, preferably with their e-mail address.  Some people find the newsletter interesting and even useful, especially about races which receive less media coverage.  Some of our friends contribute to help support the newsletter, and we are grateful.  (If you would like to help with the costs, you are invited to send a check to Robison Political Action Committee, 154 N. Bellefield Ave., #66, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.) 

Please forward or give copies of this to any interested friends.  The newsletter also will be up on our website.

            Of course, we welcome any comments, criticism, and questions.

 

Finally we come to the candidates. 

For President of the United States and Vice President, Barack OBAMA and Joe BIDEN.  We could discuss at length economics, jobs, environmental protection, peace, Congressional gridlock, and other issues.  But you have doubtless heard all you want on these problems, and perhaps more.

President Obama and his opponent both want more jobs and a stronger economy.  Obama points to progress, despite obstruction from the Republican dominated House, which would not even extend the Violence Against Women Act after it passed the Senate with bi-partisan support on a  68 –to 31 vote.  Romney says that he will increase employment without public investment in infrastructure such as roads and bridges, public transportation, and education.  He says that he won't cut social security or health care.  He wants to extend Bush's tax cuts for the rich.  He would reduce the debt without cutting the military budget, even though we have enough nuclear weapons to kill every human on earth ten times over.  Either he does not want us to know how he would do all this or he himself doesn't know.

 

            For the U.S. Senate, with some reluctance we support the re-election of Bob Casey.  He is a mainstream Democrat on economic issues and strongly pro-union. He has always been hostile to a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion, although he's not as extreme on that as his father, Governor Casey.  His Republican opponent is even more anti-choice and offers Tea Party rhetoric on health care, unions, etc.
           

For Pennsylvania Attorney General former Lackawanna County prosecutor Kathleen Kane is an easy choice, on the web at www.kathleengkane.com.  Kane said the state Attorney General should have stood up against the voter ID law recently mostly suspended by Commonwealth Court until next year.  She also criticized the now-shelved proposal that would have mandated an invasive ultrasound before abortions.

            For state Auditor General, we support Atty. Eugene DePASQUALE, State Representative from York.  He is a solid liberal Democrat and a feminist and a friend of ours, you can click on www.eugene4pa.com.  He was born and raised in Pittsburgh and is the grandson the late Pittsburgh City Council President Eugene 'Jeep' DePasquale, a traditional old-time Oakland Democrat.  We were eventually friendly with 'Jeep' although we had some sharp disagreements on social issues and on party loyalty.
            For State Treasurer, we support the incumbent, Rob McCORD, a successful businessperson.  His website is www.robmccord.com.

 

            For Congress, the 14^th is basically the Pittsburgh District.  Our own Mike DOYLE has almost nominal opposition.   He is a hard worker and a real fighter, especially on economic justice issues.  He is good on the rights of the lgbt communities.  His position is mixed on abortion, although he solidly supports Planned Parenthood.  We think that he is following the path of his predecessor, Bill Coyne, who started out as a typical organization Democrat of Irish heritage, and gracefully evolved into a supporter of every woman's right to decide. We consider him a friend and are happy to support him.  .

            In the 12^th District, to the north and east of Pittsburgh, reapportionment resulted in a primary contest, and Congressman Mark S. Critz defeated another incumbent Democrat, Jason Altmire.  Critz is a strong union supporter, good on economic issues.  We don't care for his positions on social issues, particularly reproductive rights.  We recommend a vote for him because we need a Democratic, progressive majority in the House of Representatives.
            In the 18^th Congressional District, Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi seems to be a strong underdog

--
--
Ta.
 
 
Mark Rauterkus       Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com    
PPS Summer Dreamers' Swim and Water Polo Camp Head Coach
Pittsburgh Combined Water Polo Team

http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
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Role of the Principal in Schools

A 12 minute video from the National Federation of High School Athletics.



I do not like the "be scared" approach as that often leads to "do nothing" outcomes.

I love the words, commitment, professional and devoted time and energy.

Red Cross Swim Certifications, FWIW

This could be the most boring blog post ever.

But, getting onto the Red Cross site and all the certifications into the right database record has been a challenge. http://www.InstructorsCorner.org.

I still have one more bit of red tape to slay with my associated organizations.

PIIN event. Please Come Thursday

From: Yinzercation <comment-reply@wordpress.com>

YinzerThing posted: "What are you doing Thursday evening? If you care about public education in Pittsburgh, I hope you will bet at the PIIN Public Action Meeting. Over 1,200 people will be there, including a veritable who's who roster of local leaders and politicians, all c" New post on Yinzercation Please Come Thursday by YinzerThing What are you doing Thursday evening? If you care about public education in Pittsburgh, I hope you will bet at the PIIN Public Action Meeting. Over 1,200 people will be there, including a veritable who's who roster of local leaders and politicians, all coming together to commit to action on four issues: education, transit, the clean rivers campaign, and voter turnout. Yinzercation has been asked to help represent the voice of parents and the community on the key issue of public education. PIIN is the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Action Network, a coalition of Pittsburgh area congregations and community organizations that have been working together in a powerful way for the past twelve years. On the issue of education at the community meeting, PIIN will be "seeking a commitment from Dr. Linda Lane, Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent, and Nina Esposito-Visgitis, President of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, to continue to work with PIIN and our partners to achieve equity for all of our students." [PIIN Public Action Meeting invite] I have had a number of conversations with PIIN organizers and volunteers over the past few weeks and I've been particularly impressed with the way that they understand the big picture. Just like our grassroots movement, they are focused on the issue of equity – and see the connection to funding cuts as well as state and federal level policies that have colluded in this attack on public education. I particularly appreciate their call to education advocates for this public action meeting, which states that equity "can only be achieved with a partnership of parents, community, administration and teachers." Real community engagement is too often missing in the education world. And PIIN has deep roots in communities – including many of our African-American neighborhoods – where meaningful engagement is absolutely essential. All of us in the Yinzercation family have been asked to sit together towards the front in a special reserved section so that we can stand as a group when asked to support education. Many of us education advocates are already active in Pittsburgh area congregations and community organizations that will be sending delegations to the public meeting: if you wish to sit with Yinzercation to show a strong united front for public education, please leave a note on our Facebook call-to-action post so we know how many folks are coming. This is an excellent way to send a strong message to other community leaders that the grassroots will play a vital role in this battle for our schools. Join us Thursday at Rodef Shalom (4905 Fifth Avenue / 15213). The doors open at 6:15PM, and the program begins promptly at 7PM. It will be an empowering evening. YinzerThing | October 16, 2012 at 9:09 am | Categories: advocacy event: Take Action!, Public Education | URL: http://wp.me/p288Ox-kZ Comment    See all comments