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Monday, June 21, 2021
EXCLUSIVE: Philly DA Candidate Peruto Tells All!
This exclusive chat with Philadelphia District Attorney candidate Charles "Chuck" Peruto is a real eye-opener. The noted defense attorney shared all with Christine Flowers and I last night. Here are some of the highlights:
- Peruto says he has long thought of seeking the DA's post and the last four years of DA Larry Krasner convinced him that he had to make this race on behalf of a city that he obviously loves.
- Peruto reveals the most important thing that he learned from his legendary father who was one of the city's best known and most fearless courtroom gladiators.
- He names some of his heroes -- legendary Philadelphia legal figures who, like his dad. were bigger than life.
- He tells us why he was not surprised that Carlos Vega did not best Krasner in the recent Democrat primary.
- Peruto gives us a very frank assessment of Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. He pulls no punches!
- He reveals his deepest concerns about the future of the city and why he thinks this election could be a real turning point one way or another.
- He tells us what worries him most about the campaign he's about to embark upon.
- Peruto anticipates what Krasner's strategy may be for the fall and tell us why Krasner may be thinking this way.
- He predicts how his campaign may fare in the African-American community and tells us how he's reaching out to other racial and ethnic groups.
- And, he gives us his view on legalized marijuana and a host of other hot topics.
Sunday, June 20, 2021
The Ten Most Important Things Dad Taught Me
| A very old photo of my dad standing lovingly alongside his own father. |
My father was not a man to lecture. His "words" were contained in his everyday actions -- in the daily example he set. As I watched him, day-by-day, over decades, here's what he taught me:
1. Seize the day. Don't wait. Don't delay. Get an early start and get about your business.
2. Stay informed. Pay attention to what's happening in the world because cause one way or another it's gonna impact you and your family. Remain alert.
3. Smile. Put a smile on your face before you head out the door. It will make you feel better and encourage others as well.
4. Don't make enemies. Try to be nice to everybody. You never no who you're gonna need.
5. Don't be intimidated. You're not better than anybody else but no one is necessarily better than you, either. Don't be bullied or intimidated. Fight back, if necessary.
6. Give it your best. No matter how small the job may be, do your very best every time. And take pride in everything you accomplish.
7. Work hard. There's honor and dignity in hard work iteslf. The fine job you do will speak louder than any plaudit.
8. Keep your word. Loyalty is a priceless commodity. Don't broker it.
9. Don't give up. Hold true to your beliefs. Fight on, no matter what!
10. Look forward. Don't lament what might have been. Tomorrow is a new day.
And one more: Always look your best. It bespeaks self respect that sets an example for others.
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Celebrate Juneteenth, But Keep It In Context!
In fact, I taught inner city fifth graders in Camden about Juneteenth more than 50 years ago in my first job out of college as I worked as an elementary school teacher. I taught Black history before most people even knew what it was. And I was proud and honored to do it. Later, as Communications Director for the Philadelphia Bar Association I helped launch the Association's first-ever annual observance of Juneteenth. Once again, it was a joy to be part of this.
I am a bit concerned, however, about the way Juneteenth has been weaponized by Democrats and is being used to misinform and indoctrinate others. That's why we've tried to set the historical record straight here. The Republican Party was founded to end slavery. The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, freed the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation. The earliest African-Americans elected to federal office were Republicans and it's Republicans who fought for the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution abolishing slavery and the many civil rights laws which followed. None of this would have been possible without Republicans. That is the legacy of the Republican Party. BTW: It's also fitting to note that in the very Republican state of Texas, Juneteenth has been a state holiday for more than 40 years.
Finally, we're also concerned that the new holiday is called Juneteenth National Independence Day. We worry that it might be confused with or, for some people, actually supplant our real Independence Day also known as the Fourth of July. Sadly, the possibility now exists that we will have two separate "independence" days -- one on the 19th of June for African-Americans and one on July 4th for everybody else. That would be a real tragedy and would further divide our nation. July 4th is America's Independence Day -- a day for all Americans of every race, creed and color to celebrate. Diluting that day would represent a great disservice to freedom, democracy and our shared national heritage.
Words To Contemplate On A Busy Weekend . . .
Today's fascinating Gospel . . .
Jesus said to his disciples:
“No one can serve two masters.
He will either hate one and love the other,
or be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink,
or about your body, what you will wear.
Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds in the sky;
they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns,
yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are not you more important than they?
Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?
Why are you anxious about clothes?
Learn from the way the wild flowers grow.
They do not work or spin.
But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was clothed like one of them.
If God so clothes the grass of the field,
which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow,
will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’
or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’
All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.
Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
Wanna Talk History? OK, Let's Talk HISTORY!
Republicans championed abolition -- and continued to champion freedom for al for generations to come. In Fact, the GOP was founded as an anti-slavery party (with Abe Lincoln at the helm) while democrats ushered in the Jim Crow era and later acquiesced to rampant segregation. And this continued for at least a century! No wonder they want o rewrite history and weaponize Juneteenth! But we know better!
Friday, June 18, 2021
OMG! NJ Congressman Bares It All -- ALMOST!
From our friend Matt Rooney at Save Jersey (reprinted with permission) . . .
Some things you can’t unsee, Save Jerseyans.
On Thursday, a fellow member of Congress shared Zoom video of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D, N.J.-10) during a virtual House hearing appearing to wear little more than boxers and a Captain American t-shirt.
It’s a sign of the times to be sure; I’ve worn SHORTS, not boxer shorts, during many a Zoom since last March, but I’m also not a member of Congress.
His attire was only the half of it. The video posted by Beth Van Duyne, a Texas Republican, shows Payne standing and then lingering in full view of his web camera, apparently oblivious that his formidable belly and blue-striped boxer shorts were hanging out for all the world to see with precious little left to the imagination.
Don’t eat before watching:
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