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Friday, February 3, 2012
Has Obama Awakened A Sleeping Giant?
Peggy Noonan has a superb column in the Wall Street Journal about an Obama decision that may in fact cost the president the election.
Noonan believes that Obama may have awakened a sleeping giant -- a giant that is 30 million voters strong, about 27 percent of the electorate.
This is a huge voting block and one that some people believe has previously been all too docile. But Noonan's betting they sure as hell won't fall for Obama's latest affront and his slippery attempts to wiggle out of it.
Here's an excerpt from the column:
President Obama just may have lost the election.Click here to read the entire column.
The president signed off on a Health and Human Services ruling that says under ObamaCare Catholic institutions—including charities, hospitals and schools—will be required by law, for the first time ever, to provide and pay for insurance coverage that includes contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization procedures. If they do not, they will face ruinous fines in the millions of dollars. Or they can always go out of business.
In other words, the Catholic Church was told this week that its institutions can't be Catholic anymore.
I invite you to imagine the moment we are living in without the church's charities, hospitals and schools. And if you know anything about those organizations, you know it is a fantasy that they can afford millions in fines.
There was no reason to make this ruling—none. Except ideology.. . .
The ruling asks the church to abandon Catholic principles and beliefs; it is an abridgement of the First Amendment; it is not acceptable.
Fight Obama's Assault On Catholic Values, Institutions
Once again, Catholic values are under attack.
Now, the Obama administration is out to force all insurance companies to cover artificial contraception, sterilization and related counseling services without any co-pay.
There will be no exemption for religious organizations like Catholic Charities under the guidelines proposed by the Health and Human Services Department, lead by pro-abortion “Catholic” Kathleen Sebelius.
We urge you to join CatholicVote.org in opposing this effort to deny the conscience rights of employers and healthcare providers who believe that contraception and sterilization undermine the health of women, families, and their unborn children. NOTE: This is an urgent issue! To date, 145 Catholic bishops throughout the nation have spoken out against this outrageous affront to religious liberty.
ACTION: Call Kathleen Sebelius at: (202) 690–7000 or send her an email at: Kathleen.Sebelius@hhs.gov
Tell her to respect religious liberty. Tell her the government shouldn't force every insurance plan in the country to cover birth control.
Susan G. Komen Disappoints By Caving to Pressure
By now, we're all hearing the news. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest grassroots campaign for breast cancer awareness, has reversed its decision on Planned Parenthood and will continue to fund their programs.
It's a disgrace. I'm very disappointed.
I've admired the work of Susan G. Komen for a long time. For years, I've participated in the Race for the Cure. And while I personally didn't agree with their funding of Planned Parenthood, I begrudgingly understood that you needed to "fish where the fish are," and help the underserved where they lived.
But they don't just live at Planned Parenthood. Komen provides grants to a multitude of organizations that help the poor and needy in a variety of communities. The funding Komen did provide to Planned Parenthood was a small fraction of the funds they receive for mammograms. Planned Parenthood is not the only fish in the ocean, and there are other, more appropriate organizations that could use the money. There are organizations that target poor African American women, the Asian community that shun doctors, Hispanic organizations that break the language barrier. Komen really didn't need Planned Parenthood to get the job done.
When Komen decided to cut ties, I felt they were taking a moral stand. That they no longer wanted an affiliation with an organization with a very dubious past and a current shady underbelly. That the fight against breast cancer was stronger without Planned Parenthood.
But it seems that doing what they felt, and what many people still feel, is the right thing, was too hard. And they changed their mind.
And now Komen no longer stands for a promise between sisters over 30 years ago. They stand for nothing.
For God's sake! If you want to stand for what you believe, then do it! Don't cave after days of pressure. Dissenters always scream the loudest. If you believe it's worth doing, it's worth fighting for.
Unless it's easier to cave under the pressure of obnoxious liberal bullies. Then doing the right thing goes flying out the window.
About All That Finger Waving . . .
Hat Tip: Mark Levin
So, let's get this straight: Apparently it's NOT okay for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to wave her finger at President Obama.
That's a "no-no!"
BUT, it is okay for Obama to wave his finger at anyone he wants, including Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. And Obama also slapped the table and scolded Speaker of the House John Boehner and accorded Congressman Paul Ryan the same sort of treatment at a budget round table.
And these are just a few examples of President Obama's ill temper, bad manners and disrespect for others.
But the dominant media won't remind you of these less-than-stellar presidential moments. Oh, no . . . they only want to dwell on their own take on the Brewer incident.
How quickly they forget!
Sphere: Related Content
NJ Governor's Mansion To 'Go Red' Tonight
In recognition of National Wear Red Day today, February 3, New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie announced that Drumthwacket, the Governor’s official residence, will be illuminated in red tonight and for the entire month of February to help bring greater awareness to the growing issue of heart disease in women.
While heart disease and heart attacks are usually associated with men, the fact is more women die of cardiovascular disease than from the four other major causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
“National Wear Red Day is an opportunity to empower, inform and protect the heart health of our mothers, daughters, friends and acquaintances,” said First Lady Mary Pat Christie. “Heart disease claims the life of one woman every minute. That’s why it’s so critical to shine a light on this issue so that every woman can identify cardiovascular risk factors, take action to improve overall heart health and save lives.”
Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot; stroke and TIA (transient ischemic attack) occurs when a blood vessel feeding the brain gets clogged or bursts.
According to the American Heart Association, less than 50 percent of all women are aware of what are considered healthy levels for cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right health choices for their hearts.
“The Go Red for Women campaign helps raise awareness so that women can make vital lifestyle changes that lead to longer, healthier lives," added Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. “Heart disease can affect women at any age, so it is important that women take steps, like maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and avoiding tobacco use to keep their heart healthy.”
American Heart Association Facts:
· Cardiovascular disease (CVD) kills 480,000 women a year
· Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 single killer of women over age 25
· Sixty-four percent of women who died suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms
· Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death for American women, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term disabilitySphere: Related Content
Runyan: Congress Must Act For Job Growth
A special message from Congressman Jon Runyan:
The United States of America is in the midst of one of the worst economic crises the nation has seen in the last century. Our unemployment has remained above 8% for the last 35 months...nearly 3 years. And while there are some indications that the economy is starting to improve, there is still a vast amount of work to be done to ensure the kind of recovery we need to get Americans back to work.
In an effort to help jump start the economy, and provide an environment for businesses to create jobs, the House of Representatives has passed more than 27 separate pieces of legislation that are aimed at creating jobs. THESE BILLS WERE PASSED WITH BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT. This includes H.R. 1070, the Small Company Capital Formation Act, which helps small businesses obtain access to the capital that is vital to their success and growth.
Congress is also working to end the excessive regulations that are forcing businesses to close or stopping them from expanding. The House passed H.R. 527, the Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act. This bill would eliminate red tape that prevents small businesses from growing.
The defense industry employs more residents of New Jersey's 3rd district than any other private sector business. This is why I was so honored to be appointed to the bi-partisan House Armed Services Committee Panel on Business Challenges within the Defense Industry, otherwise known as the Defense Business Panel. The panel's jurisdiction is to provide oversight of the current defense business environment and to identify contractor or regulatory issues facing the defense industry.
In December I hosted a panel discussion in Mt. Laurel with local small businesses that work closely with the Department of Defense. The discussion brought up many challenges that these small business owners face on a daily basis. I look forward to continuing my work with this panel so that we can help these businesses thrive so they can create the jobs New Jersey workers need.
There is still a long road ahead until we reach a true economic recovery. Congress must work together on a bi-partisan basis to pass common sense legislation that will promote economic expansion and job growth. This is the only way the United States will be able to end the trend of high unemployment and poor economic performance.
Christie Video: 'I Say It, I Mean It, I Do It'
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie laying it on the line at one of his most recent Town Hall meetings (before the usual packed house) in the Garden State.
THIS is why he remains the most compelling public figure in America.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Philly Panel Will Explore Immigration, February 9
A group of leading scholars will explore the shared and distinct experiences of Italians, Jews, Koreans, and other immigrant groups as they pursue the American Dream during Getting Ahead: Immigrants, Business, and Ethnic Identity . The panel at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia on Thursday, February 9 at 6:30 pm will be moderated by Dr. Beth Wenger, NMAJH historian and professor of history and director of the Jewish Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Panelists include:
Dr. Hasia Diner, Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History; Director of the Goldstein Goren Center for American Jewish History, New York University
Jennifer Lee, Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine; Visiting Scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation (2011-12)
Diane Vecchio, Professor of History, Furman University
Reception to follow.
Presented in partnership by the Museum and the University of Pennsylvania's Jewish Studies Program, this discussion will explore and draw connections between key themes of the American Jewish experience and broader dimensions of American history and culture.
The program is supported by the Arlene and Stanley Ginsburg Family Foundation.
The program is free for Museum members and $8 for non-members.
To purchase tickets to this and other events online, please click here.
O'Toole: Christie's Court Picks 'Exceptionally Qualified'
The following is from New Jersey State Senator Kevin O'Toole, concerning Governor Chris Christie's nominees to the New Jersey Supreme Court:
The appointment of Justices to the Supreme Court of New Jersey is one of the most important duties afforded to the Governor under our Constitution. The men and women called to serve as members of our State’s highest judicial body must grapple with the most significant disputes arising from laws in a variety of areas, ranging from criminal justice to corporate governance. Rightfully, the qualifications of any attorney nominated to sit on the Supreme Court should be carefully scrutinized. In the case of Governor Christie’s two recent nominees, Bruce Harris and Phillip Kwon, that study reveals the backgrounds of extremely well qualified candidates whose experience is entirely consistent with the past and present Justices of the Supreme Court, all of whom enjoyed swift and strong Senatorial support.
Phillip Kwon has admirably dedicated nearly his entire career to various positions in public service within New Jersey. A graduate of Georgetown University and Rutgers Law School, Mr. Kwon has worked over the last decade for the State’s Attorney General and the United States Attorney’s Office as the lead trial prosecutor in matters such as narcotics trafficking, gang violence, and public corruption. He has served with distinction as a manager of dozens of federal prosecutors and thousands of state attorneys, earning the accolades of colleagues and adversaries. As both a private attorney and a judicial law clerk, he has experience in the same variety of civil matters that will occupy the Supreme Court’s docket in the years to come.
Mr. Harris has achieved the rare distinction of combining a successful career as an attorney at two of the State’s most prestigious private firms, with nearly eight years of elected public service. A magna cum lade graduate of Amherst College, Mr. Harris also holds an M.B.A, with honors, from Boston University and a law degree from Yale. In legal practice that spanned nearly two decades, Mr. Harris personally negotiated a wide array of financial transactions, in both the public and private sector, valued in excess of $8 billion. His legal advice and representation ranged from matters involving environmental projects, health care facilities, and public libraries, to assisted living homes, nonprofits, and residences for the disabled. Simultaneously, Mr. Harris volunteered his time with a host of local charities, including the Chatham Environmental Commission, the Chatham Historic Preservation Commission, and as a Trustee of the Foundation of the UMDNJ and New Jersey Health Foundation. He also combined his legal practice with nearly eight years of elected service, first as a member of the Chatham Borough Council and now as Chatham’s Mayor.
Notably, the backgrounds of both of these candidates are highly similar to the experiences and qualifications of our current and past Justices, all of whom received quick approval by the Legislature. Like Justice LaVecchia, who was confirmed within four days, Mr. Kwon is a graduate of Rutgers Law School. Mr. Harris not only has a legal degree, but also holds a Masters in Business Administration, which he obtained in 1979. Similar to Justice Rabner, who was confirmed within 17 days, Mr. Kwon clerked in the U.S. District Court, and held leadership positions in the Office of the United States Attorney. Both Justices Rabner and Patterson garnered experience at the Office of the Attorney General, as has Mr. Kwon, who has been with the Office since 2010. Three of the five current justices have extensive legal experience in private practice, as do both Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwon. Like all members of the court, Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwon have worked in prominent New Jersey law firms. Nor will Mr. Harris become the first elected Mayor and Councilman to sit on the Court, as Justice Daniel O’Hern served as both Mayor and Councilman of Red Bank before his service as a Justice.
Moreover, the confirmation of both Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwon will restore much-needed political balance to the high court. By unwritten rule, Governors have maintained a political party affiliation split on the New Jersey Supreme Court, with no more than four Justices of the Governor’s party serving at the same time. Since 1947, however, the implementation of that “tradition” has produced a Republican majority a mere five times compared with nineteen Democratic majorities. Governor Christie’s appointments will honor the real intent of the compromise by creating a true party balance comprised of three registered Republicans (Hoens, Patterson, Harris), two registered Democrats (Rabner, Albin), and two unaffiliated Justices (LaVecchia, Kwon).
The Constitution does not permit indefinite, or even lengthy, vacancies on the Supreme Court. While the power of appointment and re-appointment rests solely with the Governor, the Senate holds the privilege of providing advice and consent of all persons asked to serve the people as members of the Court. The Governor’s selection of these two exceptionally qualified candidates, whose backgrounds are substantially similar to the attorneys who have served our State with distinction, will allow the Senate to move swiftly to publicly consider the temperament of these nominees in fulfillment of our Constitutional duty.
Elmo To Celebrate Birthday At Please Touch Museum
The loveable red monster Elmo, in town preparing Philadelphia for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” at Liacouras Center (March 15-18) will celebrate his birthday in a special way at the Please Touch Museum with local children. The event will take place tomorrow, February 3 at 11 a.m. at the museum in Fairmount Park.
After a book reading, children gathered for the celebration will sing “Happy Birthday” to Sesame Street Live’s most popular fuzzy friend.
Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” is a high-energy musical that will transport audiences to far away places using the power of imagination. In the show, Elmo dances to the rhythm of the African rainforest while his friends meet an octopus who has the blues and captain the high seas. This story of adventure and fun teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere.
Please Touch Museum® at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing learning opportunities through play. Recognized locally and nationally as one of the best children’s museums, Please Touch is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. -5 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free. For more information, please call 215-581-3181, or visit our web site at www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Tickets for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” at Liacouras Center from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18 are available exclusively through ComcastTIX online at ComcastTIX.com/elmo, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.
New Jersey 'Comeback' Fueled By New Investment
Today’s announcement from two airline companies that they are investing $36 million into new facilities at Newark Liberty International Airport shows corporate confidence in the strength of the New Jersey Comeback, said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.
Leading up to the 2014 Super Bowl at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, companies have committed $70 million in private investments at Newark Liberty.
“The commitment these companies have made to New Jersey is just more evidence that our efforts to attract, retain and grow jobs in New Jersey is working,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “And today’s announcement highlights that by working together, the public and private sectors can help generate jobs and opportunity for our state’s workforce.”
United Airlines signed a new 25-year lease on a three-acre parcel for the development and operation of a new wide-body aircraft maintenance hangar. The company plans to invest at least $25 million in the hangar project, which is expected to create 210 jobs and generate $12 million in wages and $52 million in economic activity.
Signature Flight Support extended its lease at Newark Liberty and will invest $11 million for a new passenger terminal and ramp renovations. The project is expected to create 80 jobs and generate $4 million in wages and $19.5 million in economic activity.
Last year, Host Hotels & Resorts, owner of the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, committed $34 million in capacity and infrastructure improvements at the hotel.
United’s new hangar will accommodate the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Built largely of light-weight composite materials, the “super-efficient” airplane uses 20 percent less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes, according aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
“Newark Liberty is vitally important to New Jersey’s economy. For many companies, establishing operations close to an airport that can take executives to nearly any city in the world is critical,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Without question, Newark Liberty is a vital asset to the state’s economy, and today’s investment makes Newark Liberty even more valuable to the business community.”
According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, about 24,000 people are employed at Newark Liberty, which contributes about $19 billion in economic activity to the region, including more than $6.8 billion in wages and salaries. About 141,000 jobs are derived from airport activity.
During the Christie Administration’s first two years, New Jersey added about 60,000 new private sector jobs and attracted scores of companies. In fact, 2011 was the best private sector job growth year in New Jersey since 2000, according to Rutgers University economist Joseph Seneca.
Sphere: Related Content
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Ad Campaign Boosts New Jersey Comeback
Sen. Allen Remains Committed To NJ Anti-Bullying Law
New Jersey State Senator Diane Allen (R- Burlington), co-prime sponsor of New Jersey's landmark Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act (ABBRA), says she is committed to making any legislative fixes necessary to preserve the legislation in light of the laws rejection by the State Council on Local Mandates.
"The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act is absolutely the correct response to increased incidences of bullying in our schools," says Allen. "While I disagree strongly with the Council's rejection of the law, the Legislature needs to fix the law in accordance with the Council's findings in order to preserve this important legal protection for children."
Senator Allen has spoken with Governor Christie and Senate President Sweeney, and is working with a bi-partisan group of legislators to begin crafting a remedy that will address the Council on Local Mandates' basis for rejection.
"Given the emotional and physical scars being inflicted on children by this behavior- sometimes with truly tragic consequences- we cannot afford to go without a comprehensive and compulsory response to bullying in the public school system," Allen said. "I have already spoken personally with the Governor and the Senate President, and it is my hope we can soon put forth legislation to address perceived deficiencies in the law so that ABBRA may continue to protect children without interruption."
Governor Welcomes African-American History Month
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie released the following statement today in recognition of National African American History Month, which is observed during February.
“I’m proud that each February New Jerseyans explore the continued accomplishments of our thriving African American community and pay tribute to the trailblazing achievements that have shaped our state’s diversity and history.
“I encourage all New Jerseyans to join me in honoring the many contributions made by African Americans throughout our state and our nation. The lessons we learn by studying their experiences provide a powerful example to all New Jersey residents, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or gender.”
Governor Christie also proclaimed February as “Black History Month” throughout New Jersey
Sphere: Related Content
Christie Hails New Atlantic City Tourism Plan
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued the following statement concerning the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority’s approval of its Tourism District Master Plan, a blueprint to guide Atlantic City’s revitalization:
“A successful, vibrant Atlantic City is vital to the economic growth of both the regional and state economies. Exactly one year to the day of signing landmark legislation that established the Atlantic City Tourism District, we now have an ambitious, visionary road map that will transform Atlantic City and lead its comeback.
“The steep challenges faced by the tourism and gaming industries in Atlantic City have been a long time in the making and will not be fixed overnight. But with this plan and the reforms already enacted, we are finally making meaningful progress to turn around the city, grow the economy and create sustainable jobs. I thank the CRDA Board Chairman James Kehoe, Executive Director John Palmieri, Deputy Executive Director Susan Ney Thompson, and the CRDA Board for their hard work in crafting this plan to revitalize Atlantic City.”
Soul Train's Don Cornelius Dead At 75; Suicide?
The Soul Train has now really come to the end of the line.
Don Cornelius, the producer and television host who created the landmark dance show was found shot dead in his Los Angeles home early this morning in what appears to be a suicide, the Los Angeles Police Department and the county coroner’s office said.
Cornelius was 75.
What's With Gingrich And All His 'Grand' Ideas?
Is Newt Gingrich the wave of the future or just the flavor of the month?
I'm not quite sure.
But I do know this: Sometimes when I listen to Gingrich I have to scratch my head and wonder: "What the heck is he thinking? Does this guy's ego know no bounds whatsoever?"
This man has compared himself to . . . .
Click here to read the rest of my column in today's Philadelphia Daily News.
Sphere: Related Content
Dog Safety Vest: World's Cutest Dog Stays Safe
The world's cutest dog is wearing a bright safety vest when he ventures through the woods these days. This is to make sure that hunters don't mistake him for fair game.
Of course, he looks great no matter how you dress him.
And we're assured he will stay safe.Sphere: Related Content
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