Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Where Does McGinty Stand On Vets' Issues?
Following Hillary Clinton’s recent claim that the VA hospital crisis has “not been as widespread as it has been made out to be," the Republican Party of Pennsylvania is asking Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Katie McGinty for her position.
McGinty, who has already contributed $2,700 to the Hillary for America political action committee this cycle, “has yet to take a position on veterans’ issues.”
“Does Katie McGinty believe that the VA hospital crisis was not as ‘widespread as it has been made out to be?’” Sweeney asked. “As Pennsylvania’s veterans look for answers regarding the VA hospital crisis, Katie McGinty has chosen to remain silent. If she believed these scandals at VA hospitals around the country were important, wouldn’t she have spoken up by now?
“Katie McGinty may embrace a strategy of silence as a candidate, but that won’t work in the United States Senate. Perhaps Katie McGinty realizes that sharing Hillary Clinton’s dismissive views about our veterans’ health care concerns does not match up with Pennsylvania’s values.
“It’s time for Katie McGinty to stop hiding behind the D.C. Democratic establishment and start sharing her views with Pennsylvanians.”
Did Kenney Use 'W' Word At Italian-American Event?
Philadelphia is such a closed-minded, one-party town that Democrat mayoral nominee Jim Kenney is already being called the "mayor-elect."
Kenney has only nominal opposition in the next Tuesday's election to succeed popular Mayor Michael Nutter and he's been going around town making appearances before various groups in a sort of pre-victory lap.
Last week Kenney spoke to a luncheon of the city's Justinian Society of Italian-American lawyers and, though we weren't present at the event, we're told that in a manner of speaking Kenney used the 'W' word, and we don't mean "whatever . . . "
No, we mean W as in w-o-p!
In fact, we hear that Kenney specifically spelled out the word (letter by letter) explaining to his audience that it was used in a derogatory sense against Italian-Americans but actually meant "without papers." Well, Kenney doesn't know what he's talking about. According to Merriam-Webster, wop's first known use was in the United States in 1908. The dictionary is unambiguous that it originates from a southern Italian dialect term guappo, meaning thug, derived from the Spanish term guapo, meaning handsome, via dialectical French, meaning ruffian or pimp. It also has roots in the Latin vappa, meaning wine gone flat. It has nothing to do with immigration papers or documentation of any sort. It's an ethnic slur, pure and simple -- a slur just as vile as the "n" word.
Mind you, this history would hardly be news to learned Italian-American lawyers in the city and their friends and families. They certainly need no lecture on the journey that they and their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents have traveled. They know full well how hard it was for Italians of certain generations to get into college and law school and then find jobs as lawyers and/or start their own law firms.
The discrimination and the struggle have been well-documented.
Anyway, we're told that, mixing anecdotes and off-the-cuff bromides, Kenney then attempted to link his own story as an Irish-American to the Italian-American experience, partially using that as an argument for immigration reform today and a more welcoming approach toward undocumented immigrants (aka illegal aliens).
Memo to Kenney: You don't have to resurrect vicious ethnic slurs (whose meaning you do not understand and which should have been shelved years ago) to make your point.
Remember: In instances in which they came from elsewhere, our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents came to this nation legally. They assimilated; they sought no handouts or special consideration; they disdained victimhood, then and now; they learned English; they embraced the culture and the American Dream and they succeeded against all odds without bitterness or ill-will toward those who would have held them back. Strengthened by faith and family, theirs is a story of remarkable triumph. In many cases, they are that much more keenly aware of their history precisely because they have surmounted it.
In a million different ways they've earned the right to call themselves Americans -- and that's the one label they're still proudest of as well as the one you're well-advised to stick to going forward.
Kenney has only nominal opposition in the next Tuesday's election to succeed popular Mayor Michael Nutter and he's been going around town making appearances before various groups in a sort of pre-victory lap.
Last week Kenney spoke to a luncheon of the city's Justinian Society of Italian-American lawyers and, though we weren't present at the event, we're told that in a manner of speaking Kenney used the 'W' word, and we don't mean "whatever . . . "
No, we mean W as in w-o-p!
In fact, we hear that Kenney specifically spelled out the word (letter by letter) explaining to his audience that it was used in a derogatory sense against Italian-Americans but actually meant "without papers." Well, Kenney doesn't know what he's talking about. According to Merriam-Webster, wop's first known use was in the United States in 1908. The dictionary is unambiguous that it originates from a southern Italian dialect term guappo, meaning thug, derived from the Spanish term guapo, meaning handsome, via dialectical French, meaning ruffian or pimp. It also has roots in the Latin vappa, meaning wine gone flat. It has nothing to do with immigration papers or documentation of any sort. It's an ethnic slur, pure and simple -- a slur just as vile as the "n" word.
Mind you, this history would hardly be news to learned Italian-American lawyers in the city and their friends and families. They certainly need no lecture on the journey that they and their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents have traveled. They know full well how hard it was for Italians of certain generations to get into college and law school and then find jobs as lawyers and/or start their own law firms.
The discrimination and the struggle have been well-documented.
Anyway, we're told that, mixing anecdotes and off-the-cuff bromides, Kenney then attempted to link his own story as an Irish-American to the Italian-American experience, partially using that as an argument for immigration reform today and a more welcoming approach toward undocumented immigrants (aka illegal aliens).
Memo to Kenney: You don't have to resurrect vicious ethnic slurs (whose meaning you do not understand and which should have been shelved years ago) to make your point.
Remember: In instances in which they came from elsewhere, our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents came to this nation legally. They assimilated; they sought no handouts or special consideration; they disdained victimhood, then and now; they learned English; they embraced the culture and the American Dream and they succeeded against all odds without bitterness or ill-will toward those who would have held them back. Strengthened by faith and family, theirs is a story of remarkable triumph. In many cases, they are that much more keenly aware of their history precisely because they have surmounted it.
In a million different ways they've earned the right to call themselves Americans -- and that's the one label they're still proudest of as well as the one you're well-advised to stick to going forward.
Christie Signs Bucco Bill For Disabled Vets
Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) to create a state contract set-aside program for disabled veterans to help them grow their businesses.
The Senator’s law, formerly S-1353, requires contracting agencies to establish a goal of setting aside at least 3 percent of their contracts for disabled veterans who independently own at least 51 percent of a business operating in New Jersey. This includes bidding for contracts to complete construction projects, provide goods, equipment or various services.
“Recent reports reveal more than 6 percent of New Jersey veterans are unemployed – that’s higher than the national average,” said Senator Bucco. “This law creates economic opportunities for disabled veterans, we are recognizing their service and sacrifice while helping them contribute to our state’s growing economy and enhancing innovation in New Jersey.”
Contracting agencies will be required to meet with the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission on an annual basis to develop a plan and ensure that the agencies are working to meet established goals to help disabled veterans find economic success.
The program will be administered by the Office of Small business Assistance in the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission. This law takes effect immediately.
Pope Reiterates Determination To Rein In Curia
| The Holy Father has written a letter to Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin regarding various issues that have arisen during the process of reforming the structures of the Roman Curia. The following is the full text of the letter: “While the process of reform of various structures of the Roman Curia, to which the Council of Cardinals I instituted on 28 September 2013 is dedicating its attention, is continuing in accordance with the established programme, it is necessary to note that certain problems have emerged in the meantime, in relation to which I intend to take prompt action. I wish first to state that the current period of transition is not a time of vacatio legis. Therefore, I confirm that the Apostolic Constitution “Pastor bonus” and subsequent amendments thereto remain in full force, along with the General Regulations of the Roman Curia. Since compliance with the common rules is necessary both to guarantee the orderly conduct of work in the Roman Curia and in the institutions connected to the Holy See, and to ensure equitable treatment of employees and collaborators, also in economic terms, I order that the provisions in the aforementioned documents, as well as in the Regulations for lay staff of the Holy See and Vatican City State and the Regulations of the independent Commission for the evaluation of the recruitment of lay staff in the Apostolic See, be scrupulously observed. Accordingly, all staff hiring and transfers must be carried out within the limits established by staffing plans, excluding any other criterion, with the nulla osta of the Secretariat of State and in compliance with the prescribed procedures, including reference to the established parameters for remuneration. The above, to the extent compatible with their Regulations, is valid also for the Governorate of Vatican City State and the dependent Institutions of the Apostolic See, although not expressly indicated in the Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus, with the exception of the Institute for the Works of Religion. I therefore request, Your Eminence, that the provisions I have mentioned be brought to the attention of all the Superiors of the Dicasteries, the Offices and Bodies of the Roman Curia, as well as the Commissions, Committees and connected Institutions, as well as the Governorate, highlighting in particular the aspects requiring special attention, and that supervision of compliance be exercised. I thank you for your collaboration and, in communion of intentions and prayer, I cordially greet you in the Lord”. |
Parish To Dedicate New Community Center, Gym
Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald, who oversees Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will preside over a blessing and dedication of a new Parish Community Center and Gymnasium at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Warminster (Bucks County). Over 900 guests are expected to attend the blessing and dedication.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Nativity of Our Lord Parish
1:00 p.m. (Blessing and Dedication)
605 West Street Road
Warminster, PA 18974 (Bucks County)
The Community Center and Gymnasium will host a variety of parish and school events and activities including a growing parish Senior Citizens Group, a student Performing Arts Club and various CYO sports activities, as well as, provide a gathering space for large events and fundraisers held by the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP), the Home and School Association and other parish affiliated groups.
The construction of the new facility was made possible through a capital campaign the parish began in March 2014. This is the 4th major construction project that has been undertaken by the parish, since its founding in 1956.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Nativity of Our Lord Parish
1:00 p.m. (Blessing and Dedication)
605 West Street Road
Warminster, PA 18974 (Bucks County)
The Community Center and Gymnasium will host a variety of parish and school events and activities including a growing parish Senior Citizens Group, a student Performing Arts Club and various CYO sports activities, as well as, provide a gathering space for large events and fundraisers held by the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP), the Home and School Association and other parish affiliated groups.
The construction of the new facility was made possible through a capital campaign the parish began in March 2014. This is the 4th major construction project that has been undertaken by the parish, since its founding in 1956.
About Those Upcoming Pennsylvania Elections . . . .
|
Here's a special message from Philadelphia's election watchdog group. The Committee of Seventy:
We're a week away from the November 3 election, and although our elections are not as competitive as we'd like, there's plenty you can do to positively impact Philadelphia in the week leading up to the vote, including:
1.) Help us better understand your voting experience: When Seventy was organized in 1904, our primary goal was to protect and improve the voting process. We've come a long way since, then but we still need to look for irregularities and ways to improve the experience of voting. When we field calls on our 877-SEVENTY voter assistance hotline, it's often difficult to separate fact from fiction. For that reason, for the first time we're asking for your help in filling out a short survey to give us a sense of your own voting experience, good, bad, or ugly. We'll update you closer to election-day, but for now, here's the link we hope you'll use AFTER you vote. The survey will take no more than 2 minutes, and it will help Seventy shape its election education programs for 2016.
2.) Spread the word: We're going to share information with you over the coming days on the upcoming elections, including background on all the candidates and ballot questions and what you need to know when you go to your polling place. Help us spread the word by sharing this info with your friends and family. One easy way to do that is by using the tool created by our partner, Crowdpac, which makes all of Seventy's research on candidates, their positions, endorsements, and where their support comes from accessible in a simple format. We're also excited that you can create your own ballot which you can use to guide your voting or share with your friends and family, which beats guessing or depending on a party ballot. We hope you'll try it.
3.) Support Seventy: Seventy is entirely funded by charitable contributions, which helps us stay independent as an advocate for better politics and better government. Please consider supporting our work with a donation during this election season so we can keep working to improve Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
We're looking forward to keeping you updated through this election season, and thanks again for your interest and support of Seventy,
David Thornburgh
The Committee of Seventy
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)