Join Jim Tedisco, Fight the ITax

Help Jim Tedisco, Assembly Minority Leader, to fight back in New York State, against the new proposed ITax. Don't take my word for it, check out his new YouTube video (something new itself from Jim Tedisco, I believe).

http://www.stoptheitax.com/



Just think of this...if you live in New York State, how far do you think the government will go to keep taxing you until either they get all the money they "need" or until they force enough people to leave? If you DON'T live in New York and this passes, how soon do you think this will pass to other states?

RE: A little early for anti-Obama cartoons

This is another letter that I recently had published, this one in the Daily Gazette.  The opinion piece that I am referring to can be found on their website, http://www.dailygazette.com to see what Ms. Baker's opinion was and you can see below for my response to her article...

---

To: 'opinion@dailygazette.com'
Subject: Opinion submission RE: A little early for anti-Obama cartoons

Regarding Mary Baker's 12/1 opinion that it is a little early for anti-Obama cartoons, I ask her this question:  Isn't it a little early for Mr. Obama to try to run this country?  After all, you state that Obama has not even got into office yet.  That is true.  In fact, he will not take office for another month and a half (January 20th). 

 

Believe it or not, people will find fault with Obama's policies.  He didn't get 100% of the vote, so there's some people out there that do disagree with him.  Barack Obama promises "change" to help get this country back on track.  Some of us don't want to be part of his plan, whether we want to or not. 

 

I ask this question, except for the attacks on 9/11, what was the problem in the country under the Bush administration when the Republicans controlled Congress?  The major problems that we are facing as a country right now have been under a fully Democrat-controlled Congress. 

 

If we need to wait for him to get into office before we "start picking on the guy," then why doesn't he just lay back for the next month and a half and allow the country to run as it should...under the final days of the Bush administration?

Big Three need to steer clear of Congress

This is a copy of the article that I have recently had published in the Times Union.

 

Big Three need to steer clear of Congress

 

Paul Finnegan’s recent letter (Big Three should steer toward future, 12/4/08) stated that “instead of asking the CEOs if they “jet pooled” to a meeting in Washington, they should have focused on the real issue.”  He goes on to say that the real issue is that Congress needs to know how the Big Three are going to reorganize and decide to fix their companies before they get the “free” money from Congress. 

 

The first thing that needs to be looked at is the fact that Congress has no right to take taxpayer money and give it to whoever they want.  There’s an old document that most people have either forgot about or decided is now useless.  It’s the Constitution of the United States, which is what our country has been based on since it’s signing in September 1789.  If you review this document, in Article One, Section Eight, it gives 16 specific powers, then states that Congress has the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers.”  Upon review of these 16 powers, there is nothing in there which would state that it is Congress’s job to help by handing money to anyone for any reason. 

If the Big 3 need money, maybe they should do what they have done on several instances in the past.  There’s a reason that their stock is traded on the stock market, because they offered partial ownership in their company and someone wanted to buy it.  Maybe it’s time to see if anyone else wants to buy partial ownership by offering a new amount of stock into the market.  What people don’t realize is that the company makes no money off of the trading of it’s stock on the market.  Instead, it is only from the initial offering of the stock on the free market that brings the company money.  Let the Big 3 offer new stock to bring in their money and let the people who have confidence in them buy it.  It’s worked before, it’ll work again.  It’s the free market.

 

Bedford Falls Bailout...2008

I received this from a member of a conservative group that I'm part of.  Thought it to be a little ironic.  Let's go in our "way back machine" and see how Bedford Falls 2008 would handle the situation George Bailey had years ago...

 

http://plainbluntpolitics.blogspot.com/2008/12/bailout-george-bailey.html
 

(The only thing I changed down below is changing "XMAS" to the true meaning of the season...CHRISTMAS. 

Monday, December 15, 2008

BAILOUT GEORGE BAILEY!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I was enjoying my annual viewing of, Its A Wonderful Life and something struck me. First let me say I own a DVD version of this movie first, because I purely love the movie, and second, I refuse to watch it on NBC with unlimited commercial interruption, and the entire NBC prime time lineup, telling us how much they love the film. The fact that it is a universally conservative film makes it even more sickening, when the liberal prime time stars rave about how much they love it. I wonder if it crosses their minds, this is a pro life film, Quote from Clarence: You see George, you really had a wonderful life! Don't you see what a mistake it was to just throw it away? There is no way the abortion on demand, NBC prime time star, who just told me how much they love this movie, could have seen it, with a line like that in it!!! There goes her NARAL membership!!

Now back to the title of the post, later in the film Uncle Billy loses the $8,000 bank deposit, and George is in trouble with the bank examiner. Keep in mind George and Billy didn't run the place into the ground and grab their large bonuses, and hit the street leaving the stock holders with the empty bag. Not at all, Uncle Billy left it in the rolled up newspaper, he gave back to Old Man Potter, after having a battle of words with him. Uncle Billy honestly misplaced the money, its as simple as that!!! Because of it George is going to jail for theft. WHAT?!!! Where is the bailout money when George needs it?!! If George goes out of business everyone in Bedford Falls will have to crawl to Potter for money. I would say George is too big to fail wouldn't you?
How can George be arrested for innocently losing money he was in charge of? Why didn't the government just print up some money for him so he wouldn't be in trouble?

Here in lies the difference between the world our grand parents lived in back then, and the way things are now. If you were in a position of trust back then, you payed for the betrayal of that trust, even if it was an honest mistake. The reason for that thinking was to promote caution with the people entrusted with the basic welfare of the people of the community, to get them to be prudent in their actions, and their decisions. When they exercised that prudence they were rewarded, with the prosperity they had helped the rest of the community earn. When the rest of the community failed they shared in that failure. That's Leadership!!!

So we will need to have a remake of Its A Wonderful Life, in it George will take over the old building in loan his father founded, negotiate a lucrative salary, with stock options at a guaranteed price. The company must pay that price, no matter what the current value of the stock is when George takes the option. He will then proceed to give out loans to the people of Bedford Falls, at 105% of value of their over inflated homes, the homes are over inflated in value, because the local government cant afford the decreased income, caused by deflated property values. Deflated property values caused by Sam Wainwright taking his plastics factory, with its high paying jobs to China. Meanwhile the remaining industries are receiving large economic incentives to move to Bedford Falls. They are bringing in illegal immigrants, that drive the wage base down so low, that no one can afford to pay for a mortgage. The resulting social services burden caused by jobs that don't pay benefits anymore, has bankrupted Bedford Falls, the housing market collapses, George cashes in his stock options, then negotiates a deal with the Mayor of Bedford Falls, to buy the building and loan, with yet to be collected tax dollars, that the children of Bedford Falls and their children will have to pay. George says he had nothing to do with the failure of the building and loan,during testimony in front a committee hearing, with the Bedford Falls City Council. Then he grabs Mary and they move to Dubai, or a tropical island they find at a bargain price.

ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE!! he says

MERRY  CHRISTMAS!!!

 

YOU WILL ALWAYS GET THE PLAIN BLUNT OF IT FROM: PLAIN BLUNT POLITCS.COM 

http://plainbluntpolitics.blogspot.com/

What's the New Deal?

Here's an e-mail that I received from Grassfire.Org regarding Mr.
Obama's plans for the country once he is brought into office.

-----Original Message-----
From: Grassfire.org [mailto:alert@grassfire.net]
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 6:06 PM
Subject: Obama announces massive government programs

From the Desk of:
Steve Elliott, President, Grassfire.org Alliance

Over the weekend, President-elect Barack Obama launched his solution to
America's economic struggles...

More and more government spending!

More bailouts. Hundreds of billions for "New Deal" style public works
projects. Billions and billions more for schools. Billions and billions
to make federal buildings "green." Even though our federal deficit is at
$10 trillion and growing, Obama says "we can't worry in the short term
about the deficit."

+ + Stop Obama's march to socialism

As many analysts have predicted, Barack Obama will use the economic
struggles to orchestrate the largest expansion of government power in
history!

And all this government money will come with strings attached that
ultimately limit our freedoms. Decisions like the kind of car you can
drive, your home mortgage and the light bulbs in your house will be made
by politicians and bureaucrats!

+ + Help me Resist Obama

A few weeks ago Grassfire launched a national "Join The Resistance"
campaign to unite grassroots Americans in a patriotic, resilient,
conservative resistance to Obama's far-left agenda.

We now have over 260,000 citizens joined together. But we must grow by
hundreds of thousands to be ready for what Obama will unleash on Day
One.

Please go here to Join the Resistance:

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=14238&RID=14993784

Thank you so much for taking a stand.

Steve Elliott, President
Grassfire.org

P.S. We just received our 48-page resource, "Living in an Obama Nation,"
back from the printer. If you have not yet requested your copy or would
like more information (including a sneak peek inside the booklet and the
list of 21 topics we've covered), go here:

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?U=14236&CID=111&RID=14993784

+ + + + +
Grassfire.org Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)4 issues advocacy
organization dedicated to equipping our 1.5 million-strong network of
grassroots conservatives with the tools that give you a real impact on
the key issues of our day. Gifts to Grassfire.org are not tax
deductible.

+ + Comments? Questions?

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?U=14237&CID=111&RID=14993784

-------------------------------------------

This is from a blog that I follow.  Thought I would pass this along as it might be of interest.

 

 

---

From: Bar Of Integrity [mailto:noreply@onlinequickblog.com]
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:15 AM
Subject: New Entry at Bar Of Integrity

	Bar Of Integrity published a new entry entitled "New Zawahiri message addresses Obama election?" on 11/19/2008 10:14:29 AM, written by CalperniaUSA. New Zawahiri message addresses Obama election? Laura Mansfield has translated a new message from Dr. Ayman al Zawahiri.  The audio can be downloaded from her site. In the Name of Allah, and all Praise is due to Allah, and Prayers and Peace on the Messenger of Allah and on his family, Companions and allies. Muslim brothers everywhere: Peace be upon you and the Mercy of Allah and His blessings. As for what comes after: Barack Obama has won the presidency of the United States of America, and on this occasion, I would like to send several messages. First, a message of congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the American people's admission of defeat in Iraq. Although the evidence of America's defeat in Iraq appeared years ago, Bush and his administration continued to be stubborn and deny the brilliant midday sun. If Bush has achieved anything, it is in his transfer of America's disaster and predicament to his successor. But the American people, by electing Obama, declared its anxiety and apprehension about the future towards which the policy of the likes of Bush is leading it, and so it decided to support someone calling for withdrawal from Iraq. The second of these messages is to the new president of the United States. I tell him: you have reached the position of president, and a heavy legacy of failure and crimes awaits you. A failure in Iraq to which you have admitted, and a failure in Afghanistan to which the commanders of your army have admitted. The other thing to which I want to bring your attention is that what you've announced about how you're going to reach an understanding with Iran and pull your troops out of Iraq to send them to Afghanistan is a policy which was destined for failure before it was born. It appears that you don't know anything about the Muslim Ummah and its history, and the fate of the traitors who cooperated with the invaders against it, and don't know anything about the history of Afghanistan and its free and defiant Muslim people. And if you still want to be stubborn about America's failure in Afghanistan, then remember the fate of Bush and Pervez Musharraf, and the fate of the Soviets and British before them. And be aware that the dogs of Afghanistan have found the flesh of your soldiers to be delicious, so send thousands after thousands to them. As for the crimes of America which await you, it appears that you continue to be captive to the same criminal American mentality towards the world and towards the Muslims. The Muslim Ummah received with extreme bitterness your hypocritical statements to and stances towards Israel, which confirmed to the Ummah that you have chosen a stance of hostility to Islam and Muslims. You represent the direct opposite of honorable black Americans like Malik al-Shabazz, or Malcolm X (may Allah have mercy on him). You were born to a Muslim father, but you chose to stand in the ranks of the enemies of the Muslims, and pray the prayer of the Jews, although you claim to be Christian, in order to climb the rungs of leadership in America. And so you promised to back Israel, and you threatened to strike the tribal regions in Pakistan, and to send thousands more troops to Afghanistan, in order for the crimes of the American Crusade in it to continue. And last Monday, your aircraft killed 40 Afghan Muslims at a wedding party in Kandahar. As for Malik al-Shabazz (may Allah have mercy on him), he was born to a black pastor killed by white bigots, but Allah favored him with guidance to Islam, and so he prided himself on his fraternity with the Muslims, and he condemned the crimes of the Crusader West against the weak and oppressed, and he declared his support for peoples resisting American occupation, and he spoke about the worldwide revolution against the Western power structure. That's why it wasn't strange that Malik al-Shabazz (may Allah have mercy on him) was killed, while you have climbed the rungs of the presidency to take over the leadership of the greatest criminal force in the history of mankind and the leadership of the most violent Crusade ever against the Muslims. And in you and in Colin Powell, Rice and your likes, the words of Malcolm X (may Allah have mercy on him) concerning "House Negroes" are confirmed. You also must appreciate, as you take over the presidency of America during its Crusade against Islam and Muslims, that you are neither facing individuals nor organizations, but are facing a Jihadi awakening and renaissance which is shaking the pillars of the entire Islamic world; and this is the fact which you and your government and country refuse to recognize and pretend not to see. As for the third message, it is to the Muslim Ummah. I tell it: America, the criminal, trespassing Crusader, continues to be the same as ever, so we must continue to harm it, in order for it to come to its senses, because its criminal, expansionist Crusader project in your lands has only been neutralized by the sacrifices of your sons, the Mujahideen. This, then, is the path, so stick to it. As for the fourth message, it is to the lions of Islam, the Mujahideen. I tell them: may Allah reward you in the best way for your historic heroics, which have ruined America's plans and rendered its projects ineffective. So be firm and resolute. Your enemy's stagger has begun, so don't stop hitting him. And I say to my brothers the Mujahideen in Iraq in general and the Islamic State of Iraq in particular, and to its Amir, the towering mountain Abu 'Umar al-Baghdadi: your enemy has admitted defeat, and the forthcoming stage is expected to be dominated by conspiracies and betrayals in order to cover the American withdrawal, so you must persevere, for victory is in an hour of perseverance. And I tell my brothers, the lions of Islam in Somalia: rejoice in victory and conquest. America is gathering its wounds in Iraq, and Ethiopia is looking for a way out, and for this reason, the stage of conspiracies and machinations has begun. So hold tightly to the truth for which you have given your lives, and don't put down your weapons before the Mujahid state of Islam and Tawheed has been set up in Somalia. And I tell all Mujahideen everywhere: the Hubal of the age has begun to falter and recede, and Allah has granted you success and honored you by making you the most important cause of that, so be resolute on the path of Jihad until you meet your Lord while He is pleased with you. And my fifth message is to all the world's weak and oppressed. I tell them: America has put on a new face, but its heart full of hate, mind drowning in greed, and spirit which spreads evil, murder, repression and despotism continue to be the same as always. And the Mujahideen of Islam, by the grace of Allah, continue to be the spearhead of the resistance against it to restrain it from injustice, aggression and arrogance. As for my final message, it is to the American people. I tell it: you incurred defeat and losses from the foolish actions of Bush and his gang, and at the same time, Shaykh Usama bin Ladin (may Allah preserve him) sent you a message to withdraw from the lands of the Muslims and refrain from stealing their treasures and interfering in their affairs. So choose for yourself whatever you like, and bear the consequences of your choice, and as you judge, you will be judged. And our final prayer is that all praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and may Allah send prayers and peace on our Master Muhammad and his family and Companions. Permalink: blog.barofintegrity.us/2008/11/19/new-zawahiri-message-addresses-obama-election.aspx Comment on this entry. Subscribe to future comments on this entry. Unsubscribe from this blog This is an automated message.

The road to socialism

Bailout for GM?  What's next?

 

There is talk in Congress at this time that the next round of bailouts for business across America may be on it's way.  Well, the next business that is "too important to let it fail," is GM, General Motors.  Now, I won't say that GM is a small business.  It may have been at one time, but because of the free market, GM has grown to be such a large corporation and so successful in years past.  Well, who knows how much is about to be spent by Congress to bail them out next, but here's a list of other companies (and this is not a full list), if counted by the number of people employed by the company, who would be more important than GM:

 

GE

AT&T

IBM

Target

Sears

Wal-Mart

McDonald's

 

So, if we bailed out the banks and next we bail out big manufacturing (or big auto, if you prefer), what's next?  Well, it looks like it could be big retail, big phone or big burger.  How much will be spent on our behalf?  How  much can this country afford to continue down this path to socialism?

 

Fight back.  Tell Congress not to bail out big auto and let the free market take care of itself.

 

Call your member of the Senate and the House.  Call the Capital Switchboard at 202-224-3121. 

Daily Gazette, please explain your coverage...

To whom it may concern,

 

Good morning.  As a person who goes to the newsstand to buy your newspaper on a regular basis, I'm starting to wonder a bit about your coverage.  Now, maybe it's because of one thing or another, but Mr. Lamendola's coverage at some points is OK, while at other points is very lackluster. 

 

In today's newspaper, on the front page, we have the article regarding Mr. Paul Tonko's success in running for Congress, beating out Republican candidate Mr. James Buhrmaster.  Now, the part that I find interesting on this is that this article not only states that Mr. Tonko has won the election, but gives specifics as to the amount that he won by, specifically, a vote of 44,814 to 29,218.  This is very good that we can get answers to such big questions such as this so quickly. 

 

The part that is quite concerning is that the same reporter, Mr. Lamendola, can't even sit in a room where a vote is being taken between less than 20 people to get us an actual vote?  I go back to the vote by the Schenectady County Legislature, who recently voted in another tax increase on the residents of Schenectady County, trying to get Schenectady back into the top 10 taxed counties in the nation.  We only slipped out of this "honor" as some of the localities in the area have recently re-evaluated property values. 

 

I don't know Mr. Lamendola's reason for falling short on this, but for the newspaper that is "The locally owned voice of the Capital Region," as well as the official newspaper of many (if not all) the localities throughout Schenectady County, you would think that you would be able to get the full vote on a story that affects so many of the people who are subscribed to and/or buy your publication at the newsstand daily. 

 

If Mr. Lamendola can't do the job, would you please find someone that will?

 

Thanks,

 

Kevin March

163 Princetown Road

Rotterdam, NY 12306

518-847-6897

 

cc: Daily Gazette

cc: Michael V. Lamendola

cc: http://www.rotterdamrepublican.blogspot.com

cc: http://www.schenectadytoday.com

cc: RotterdamNY.Info

 

One final request before the election

Well, there's less than 24 hours until the election is up and running, less than 36 hours until we will have the results.

 

I just wanted to remind people that personally, I am voting for John McCain because he is the one of the 2 of the major party candidates that are still in the race.  The reason that I will not vote for a third party candidate (i.e. Bob Barr) is that with the way that the election for president is set up in the United States, it does not truly give a chance for a third party candidate to be elected to the Presidency.

 

Also, did you know (and you can go out and do your own research to verify this...) that Congressman Ron Paul did come on to "The Wilkow Majority," hosted by Andrew Wilkow on Sirius Patriot (channel 144) last week and stated that he liked the health care policy of John McCain.  I don't remember (and don't currently have access) to the rest of the conversation that these 2 gentlemen had, however, I believe that Mr. Paul himself will be voting for Mr. McCain.  If you truly believe this is not the case, please give his office a call tonight and/or tomorrow and let us know otherwise.  The phone number that you can reach his office in Washington D.C. is 202-224-3121.  Just ask for Congressman Paul's office and they will forward you to his office.

 

If you think that voting for a third party to show that you don't agree with the 2 main party's candidates, then I cannot be held responsible for the outcome of this coming election, and I hope that you will review the options and think about what your vote could really mean.  Even look back into history and see what voting for a third party candidate has done in the past (again, I bring up H. Ross Perot in the 1990's).

 

 

God Bless America!

 

(now, get out and vote)

 

Kevin March

How's Iraq going???

Video by Iraq war veteran Joe Cook on the election     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

TEXT of video:

“Dear Mr Obama ,

Having spent 12 months in the Iraq theater, I can promise you this was not a mistake.

I’ve witnessed first hand the many sacrifices made for the people of Iraq. Those sacrifices were not mistakes.

The Iraqi people are just like us. They want the chance to live in a secure world, free from tyranny, free from terrorism, free to prosper, free to raise their children and pass on a future.

Are they better of today than they were in 2002? You bet!

I’ve seen many men sacrifices their lives for the Iraqi people.

They died for a purpose, not a mistake. They died giving hope. They died promoting freedom.

Do you rescue a fireman just as he is about to save a child?

When you call the Iraqi war a mistake you disrespect the service and the sacrifice of everyone who has died promoting freedom.

Freedom carries with it a price.

Because you do not understand nor appreciate these principles, sir, I am support Senator John McCain for President.

He, too, made a huge sacrifice promoting freedom. Because he understands a fundamental truth...Freedom is always worth the price.”

 

The day we lose our will to fight…is the day we lose our freedom.

Schenectady County Government Must “Cut Here, Cut Now” by Brad Littlefield

This is a letter that was posted to here. This is a letter from Brad Littlefield regarding the latest proposed budget increase in Schenectady County of almost 13%.

Posting a Letter to the Editor that I submitted to the Daily Gazette and SchenectadyToday.com today. I'm sure that there are those who will disagree with my expressed opinions. Regardless, it is posted below for your consideration. I would encourage all to contact their government representatives and the media to express your opinions.

Schenectady County Government Must “Cut Here, Cut Now”

I am writing in response to the article “Schenectady County Budget proposal cuts jobs, services. Average homeowner would pay $125 more” that appeared in the October 13th edition of the Daily Gazette and a subsequent story that reported on legislation that was proposed by County Legislator Gary Hughes.

At the October Legislative meeting, Mr. Hughes proposed Resolution 164-08, that urges the Governor and the State Legislature to enact legislation that requires the state to assume the full cost for the non-federal share of the Medicaid Program and Resolution 165-08 that urges the Governor and the State Legislature to increase the income taxes paid by those earning over $1,000,000 rather than pass the cost of state programs to “seniors and working families” through property taxes. At a time when the New York State government is faced with a reported 2009 budget deficit of $6.4B and Governor Paterson is calling for $500M in Medicaid cuts and decreases in local aid, Mr. Hughes and his fellow Legislators should be focused on identifying tangible and achievable cost savings at the county level that will close the 2009 budget deficit of $10M, not engaged in political grandstanding by proposing legislation that has no likelihood of being considered.

Hughes’ proposed Resolution 165-08 espouses the redistribution of wealth and plays on the class envy that some have for those who have achieved goals in life and accumulated more wealth than they. The proposal is consistent with the philosophy of Communist Karl Marx who populated the slogan “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”. While it may elicit support from those who blame our nation’s woes on the rich, rather than on the corruption and ineptitude of government, it does nothing to address the fiscal challenges faced by county residents.

Schenectady County has the 12th highest county taxes in the nation. Responsible elected officials must enact an austerity budget that reduces the size, the cost and the power of county government. Our elected representatives must consider the elimination or consolidation of non-essential county services (e.g., Camp Kosiur), forging collaborative procurement agreements between the county and surrounding local municipalities and their vendors to purchase good and services at lower cost, privatization of county facilities and services, and suspending capital improvement projects.

At a time when the county residents are struggling to keep their homes, pay for heating fuel and energy, and buy food for themselves and their families, the adoption of a county annual budget that results in a tax increase is irresponsible and exhibits a callous disregard for the constituents who our elected “leaders” were elected to serve.

Brad Littlefield
Delanson, NY

Bailout Bill fails miserably

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard it this afternoon, the free market lives.  Congratulations, America, there are enough of the 435 people sitting in the House of Representatives down in Washington D.C. that do actually believe in a free market.  They don't believe that Communism is needed to help the economics of the United States stand strong. 

 

The $70 Billion bailout has been voted down this afternoon by a vote of 228 nay, 205 yay. 

 

While the stock market is feeling the ramifications of this at the moment, believe me when I say that I believe in the long run, this is a good thing.  Let it ride out, let the market settle down.  This was a major pothole that we just got through and the base of the free market will handle this. 

 

The only problem I see with this being voted down is that the Democrats who wanted to get this to pass have now decided that they are going to stick around and work on trying to get this figured out and "fix" the economy...something they have no right nor responsibility to do. 

 

Congress has no right, per the Constitution of the United States of America, as signed 219 years, 12 days ago, and amended several times since.

 

My thanks go out to the Blue Dog Democrats and Conservative Republicans who helped to vote this piece of Communism down.

 

Today, America lives on.

 

God Bless America!

Another story not covered by the Daily Gazette - Biden received 5 deferments before being declared medically ineligible

I just wanted to post this here to show that I have been questioning the Daily Gazette and Judy Patrick, the Managing Editor on why they have not covered both sides of stories dealing with the upcoming Presidential election. As you can see below, on September 2nd, I supplied a story to Ms. Patrick regarding Joe Biden and the way that he worked around having to serve his country.

I have had no correspondence with Ms. Patrick since she originally sent me the e-mail regarding the fact that the links timed out as below. (For her privacy, I have removed Ms. Patrick's e-mail address from this correspondence, however, I'm sure that you can get in contact with her or someone else at the Gazette by using the e-mail address that I originally sent my question to, news@dailygazette.net)

-----Original Message-----
From: March, Kevin
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 2:30 PM
To: 'Judy Patrick'
Subject: RE: Re: Fwd: A question regarding Presidential coverage

Ms. Patrick,

Since sending this back to you with what I believe are fully functional links, I have neither seen this in the Daily Gazette, nor have I received any correspondence from you regarding the possible publishing of this article. Could you please advise what the current status of this article for the Daily Gazette are?

It has now been a full week since I sent this to you originally, correcting the link the following day. Although it has been this length of time, this is still quite a pertinent story, as the election is not until November 4th, 56 days from now.

I hope to hear from you again soon, or see this article published in the Daily Gazette.

Thanks,

Kevin March

-----Original Message-----
From: March, Kevin
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:40 AM
To: 'Judy Patrick'
Subject: RE: Re: Fwd: A question regarding Presidential coverage

Ms. Patrick,
While I was home last night, I went and tried the link and it did work. Here's another copy of the exact link, http://www.courant.com/news/politics/ats-ap-cvn-biden-vietnamaug31,0,2934547.story. If this link does not work, can I suggest that you go to http://www.rotterdamny.info and search for Obama. There is a link regarding Obama / Biden running for the office of President where one person has copied this article to with the working link.
Thanks,

Kevin March

-----Original Message-----
From: Judy Patrick
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 3:48 PM
To: March, Kevin
Subject: Fwd: Re: Fwd: A question regarding Presidential coverage

Kevin,
The links you sent have timed out.
Judy Patrick
Managing editor
The Gazette Newspapers
Schenectady NY 12301

-----Original Message-----
From: "News Department" <news@dailygazette.net>
To: 'Judy Patrick'
Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:04 -0400
Subject: Fwd: A question regarding Presidential coverage

-----Original Message-----
From: "March, Kevin"
To: <news@dailygazette.com>
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 13:49:53 -0500
Subject: A question regarding Presidential coverage

I just have a question regarding the coverage of the upcoming Presidential election in your newspaper. I see that today, in the lower left-hand corner of the Capital Region edition of your newspaper, you have the story today titled "Palin reveals news on family, Unwed daughter, 17, is pregnant," by Liz Sidoty from the Associated Press.

What I find mysteriously missing from your newspaper over the past few days is the article which was in the AP regarding the service record (or lack thereof) of Vice Presidential nominee, Joe Biden. Could you please explain why this story and others like it would not be published in your newspaper?

Upon speaking to one of your reporters some time ago, they told me that the Daily Gazette gets is national news (generally Section A of your newspaper) directly from the Associated Press. I hope that you will take the time and space in your newspaper at the earliest convenience to publish the following article, found at this link -
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/ats-ap-cvn-biden-vietnamaug31,0,2934547.story
<http://www.courant.com/news/politics/ats-ap-cvn-biden-vietnamaug31,0,2934547.story> .

If one Vice Presidential nominee should have this aired in your newspaper, shouldn't both?

I hope to hear from you and/or see that you will publish this story and/or others such as this, showing all sides of the story. I find this missing from almost all of the media and hope that the Gazette will be a difference in this field, making it an outstanding paper that is wanted by many more customers for its views of all the news, not a slanted view from one side.

This is one main reason that you see a declination in general numbers of newspaper subscriptions around the country, including in the capital region. The full story can be found on the internet, but needs to be searched out. We should be able to get the full story from the Daily Gazette also.


Respectfully,

Kevin March


________________________________

Biden received 5 deferments before being declared medically ineligible
for Vietnam

By RANDALL CHASE | Associated Press Writer
1:32 PM EDT, August 31, 2008

DOVER, Del. (AP) _ Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden received five student draft deferments during the Vietnam War, the same number of deferments received by Vice President private Cheney, and later was disqualified from service because of asthma as a teenager.

Officials with Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's campaign released Biden's Selective Service records at the request of The Associated Press. Less detailed records were available from a National Archives facility in Philadelphia.

According to the documents, Biden, 65, received several deferments while he was an undergraduate at the University of Delaware and later as a law student at Syracuse University. A month after undergoing a physical
exam in April 1968, Biden received a Selective Service classification of 1-Y, meaning he was available for service only in the event of national emergency.

"As a result of a physical exam on April 5, 1968, Joe Biden was classified 1-Y and disqualified from service because of asthma as a teenager," said David Wade, a campaign spokesman.

In "Promises to Keep," a memoir that was published last year and became an instant best-seller after he was tapped as Obama's running mate, Biden never mentions his asthma, recounting an active childhood, work as a lifeguard and football exploits in high school.

The Obama campaign pointed to media interviews from 1987, when Biden was making his first bid for the presidency, that mention his asthma.

Military service and questions about which presidential ticket would be stronger on national security are intertwined in the presidential race. Republican John McCain, a former Navy pilot who spent 5½ years in a Vietnamese prison, has argued that he has stronger background to be commander in chief. Democratic nominee Barack Obama counters that McCain would continue a wrong-headed foreign policy from the Bush administration.

Biden has had extensive experience with national security issues in the Senate. McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, has been Alaska governor for two years and before that was a small-town mayor.

Biden's five student deferments equal the number given to Vice President private Cheney, who has been quoted as saying he had "other priorities" than military service in the 1960s.

According to records AP obtained from the National Archives, Biden registered Feb. 15, 1961, with the Selective Service, when he was an 18-year-old student at Archmere Academy in Wilmington. The archives documents do not include any information about his classification or physical exam.

Documents provided by the Obama campaign indicate Biden received a classification questionnaire in October 1963, when he was enrolled at the University of Delaware, and received his first 2-S student deferment a month later. Additional deferments were granted in roughly 12-month intervals, the last coming in January 1968, shortly before he graduated from law school at Syracuse University.

Then in April 1968, when he was 25, Biden was disqualified from service due to asthma.

A response from George Amedore...I'm NOT impressed.

First, here's a link to the blog post of my original post on Monday.

Letter to George Amedore

Well, first, I want to give a short story on how I got the reply to this letter. Yesterday, I received an e-mail from Holly Van Schaik regarding an upcoming fundraiser for Mr. Amedore at 4:06 PM.

Next, I advised Ms. Van Schaik (via a reply e-mail at 4:12PM) that I would not be attending. I also believe that I advised her that I would not be voting for Mr. Amedore, since I never received a reply to the e-mail that I sent him some time ago.

I do appreciate the tone that is used by Mr. Amedore in his reply e-mail which came quickly at 4:58 and here is the text of that e-mail. While I sincerely disagree with almost every point he made, he did so civilly.

September 9, 2008

Kevin March

Dear Kevin,

It has come to my attention that a piece of correspondence went unanswered from my office on July 31, 2008. This oversight was by no means a slight against you or the matters that you addressed in your letter. In fact, I would like to address some of the points with you now.

Providing health insurance is one of the costliest factors limiting our families and businesses owners. Many hardworking families and business owners benefit from opportunities like Child Health Plus. It has the potential to free small businesses and start-ups from bearing the costs associated with health care and they have been vocal about such measures. In addition, the expansion will be partially funded through an increase in family contribution levels for the program based upon income level.

Other factors that contribute to the heavy burden on individuals and businesses are Medicaid fraud, workers compensation premiums and rules, frivolous lawsuits, high regulations and hidden fees. It is inevitable that New York State will spend money, but we do not have to do so irresponsibly. Forcing someone to comply with a mandate is very different than providing an opportunity.

As an aside, I was unsure whether your use of “Chips” was an acronym you were using for Child Health Plus or a reference to state aid for roads, which is something we need, and would be willing to discuss with you at a later time.

As you are aware, many issues do not hit the front page in the media or the public until a crisis is imminent. I have been very vocal about the Ton Mile Tax on truckers, gas taxes, wasteful spending and ever increasing Thruway tolls throughout the entire legislative session. It took that time to gain increased traction in the Assembly and gain the favor of the public. Many worthy initiatives take time, despite their relative and pragmatic simplicity. These and other burdensome taxes will continue to be on my agenda in the coming years as we fight to change Albany from within.

Lastly, I would like to comment on the Metroplex legislation. The advancements made in downtown Schenectady have been truly remarkable. However, I do believe that if the city had a friendlier business climate, these changes would have occurred without outside intervention. Regardless, the final legislation came by reaching a compromise, which required greater transparency and adherence to ethical guidelines. The presence of Metroplex has helped to expand the tax base in Schenectady and attract new jobs; these are important factors to future tax cuts. It is my hope that this organization will not be needed in the future, and I will continue to press leaders to produce an environment that is suitable to free-market development.

Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support and diligent adherence to the principles of Conservatism. In a broken system that requires citizens to go to their government for what they need, great conservative ideas become stifled by intervention. It is my hope that we can continue to break down these barriers and allow for businesses and citizens to make choices based on their needs and desires, not those required by government.

I look forward to continuing this dialogue in the future and exchanging our ideas, hopes, and dreams for our community.

Sincerely,

George Amedore

I'd like to know a few things.

First of all, I'd like to ask Mr. Amedore, who runs a company who builds houses across the Capital Region how many of his employees he expects to be covered by Child Health Plus. It doesn't matter where the funding comes from, in part, as the majority of the whole is actually coming from the pocket of every taxpayer across the state. Yes, some of the money for this comes from the people who are part of the plan, but the majority of this is still coming directly from the taxpayers pockets. Part of the money that is taken out of every paycheck you get and part of everything that you buy that includes sales tax and fees. I do realize that there are always "other factors," but these are things that, until we get rid of these programs once and for all (and let the free market actually take care of things), these "other factors" will always cause us more money. You sell your houses on the free market, let health insurance also be on the free market. Allow people to keep their money to spend it as they see fit on the free market. If they want health care, they will make sure they get it. If not, they have no one to blame but themselves.

Secondly, this paragraph really threw me for a loop.

As an aside, I was unsure whether your use of “Chips” was an acronym you were using for Child Health Plus or a reference to state aid for roads, which is something we need, and would be willing to discuss with you at a later time.

If you're approving programs expansion and you don't know what these programs are called, then maybe, before approving multiple million dollar additions per year to programs, you should FULLY learn about them. While I would be interested in finding out Mr. Amedore's ideas as far as state aid on roads, this was in no way part of my questioning.

On the issues that Mr. Amedore states "do not hit the front page," then maybe Mr. Amedore could take up an idea that other legislators, such as Greg Ball from downstate have, making sure that these things are updated in a timely manner on his web page, allowing concerned residents to know that even though he has no results, at least they know what he's TRYING to do for them...instead of coming back at election time saying "I got all these government programs approved for you, but here's where I'm trying to cut the bottom line."

Next, we have "Metroplex legislation." Now, for anyone that doesn't know, the Schenectady Metroplex is an organization "established in 1998 to enhance the long-term economic vitality and
quality of life in Schenectady County." Essentially, it is a Communist organization which redistributes money which it collects from anyone that buys anything that is able to have sales tax collected on it so that it can be spent on a "pet project (my words, no one elses). We have seen Metroplex buy property for almost nothing and turn around and sell it again. Worst of all must be for some of the businesses that are not able to receive the Metroplex funding for one reason or another. We already had one coffee shop that was denied for some reason as far as getting funding to start up downtown. The owner of that shop has since closed up shop and moved south...permanently. Actually, what I would say are the bad parts are this...you have people who may not work in the area who do spend money in the area. This money may be actually given to a competitor of the person's employer. The person coming to spend their money has no choice where the money goes, but they are in effect giving money to the competitor. Then, there's the businesses that collect the money to be handed over to competitors. Just ask the movie theaters in the county (Scotia and Rotterdam Square are two that I can think of off the top of my head). They collect sales tax on each and every sale they make. Every ticket, every soda, every candy, every popcorn. Then, they get the sheer joy of sending this money to the Metroplex...to fund the Bowtie Cinemas...a competitor located right on the strip in downtown Schenectady. I'm sure there's plenty of other examples that we could come up with if given the time.

I'd like Mr. Amedore to know that the same effect could be felt of handing the money to these companies from the Metroplex (and felt more in the community) if the taxes that are holding these businesses down could just be cut. The County raises taxes because sales tax revenue is down...after they raised it another percent some time ago. Less tax revenue from a higher tax rate...something Schenectady County can't figure out. Well, when you're shaving money off the top to hand to companies, that could be PART of the reason, don't you think?

As a reply to Mr. Amedore's paragraph regarding "Conservatism,"

Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support and diligent adherence to the principles of Conservatism. In a broken system that requires citizens to go to their government for what they need, great conservative ideas become stifled by intervention. It is my hope that we can continue to break down these barriers and allow for businesses and citizens to make choices based on their needs and desires, not those required by government.

I say this...Mr. Amedore, in a broken system that requires citizens to go to their goverment for what they need, by giving these government programs, YOU ARE THE BUILDER OF THOSE BARRIERS THAT YOU PROFESS TO BE TRYING TO REMOVE. True Conservatism is removing these barriers / taxes / fees FROM the people, not adding these additional requirements ONTO them.

If these are what you bring as your proof of Conservatism, then Conservative you are not.

Opinion: Still being deceived by Metroplex - Still no Big House - Still no audit results

Found this interesting opinion piece over at Schenectadytoday.com

Opinion: Still being deceived by Metroplex - Still no Big House - Still no audit results
September 8, 2008 11:27 am – 11:27 am
Regarding an earlier story here (Metroplex and the Big House Blunder - Deceit and Dining Out) we’ve decided it’s time for an update.


In a statement by Ray Gillen on May 1, 2008 to the Daily Gazette, the Chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Agency said:

One bright note amid the disappointing news is the response from other business owners. Retailers — not restaurateurs — are eager to move into the building, according to Gillen.

“We’ve had tremendous interest from other retailers,” said Gillen, who thinks a retail establishment would be far better for downtown than yet another restaurant.

“We love restaurants, but we need other kinds of retailers. We want to diversify the retail mix,” he said.

… The response has been promising. One prospective tenant even brought in a construction crew last weekend to determine how much it would cost to install the counters and other furniture needed for his store, Gillen said. He added that Waite has set a reasonable rate — $12 to $15 per square foot — and has finished the interiorwork.

Now, six months later, there’s still newspaper covering the windows and there’s no signs of activity on the media forgotten project that has cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars

The Financial Report of Metroplex, for December 31, 2006 and 2005 indicate that through December 31, 2006, the Authority had approved $350,000 in grants, a loan of $1,100,000 at 0% interest and “related expense” of $100,000 for the project. The loan is repayable over a 15-year period (25-year amortization) due in monthly installments of $3,667, matures 15 years from completion of the project, with a ballon payment for the remaining balance.

Stephen Waite and Ray Gillen have missed countless “grand opening” anticipated dates for 411 State Street - and it appears that we’ll be closing out the year without so much as a peep from local media about this fleecing of taxpayer monies. The last report by major media in this area was from Greg Floyd on WRGB on April 25th - not a followup peep from that network either. When I contacted Floyd I was told it wasn’t “newsworthy right now”. The Gazette has refused to address this issue, in fact no major media outlet is touching this political hot bed.

The taxpayers of Schenectady have been deceived - our tax dollars have been used to finance a project that has no indications of making any progress - and when contacted for a comment, nobody at Metroplex would respond, nor apparently provide any tours of the “nearly completed” building (as Gillen/Waite describe it).

The Audit of Metroplex was supposed to have been completed, and results released. That has not happened yet - according to the New York State Comptroller’s Website even though it was announced on April 3, 2008.

The comptroller plans to examine Metroplex’s operations from Jan. 1, 2006, to Dec. 31, 2007. The period covers some of Metroplex’s major investments when it distributed millions in loans and grants toward the construction of the Hampton Inn and the Bowtie Cinema, as well as provided grants to the Downtown Schenectady Improvement District and the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District.
Spokesman Bill Reynolds of the State Comptroller’s Office said the audit could take several months.

No audit results. No “Big House” opening. Why is there no transparency in this progress? Why is there no media outrage? Where’s the general public knocking on the doors of their county legislators and state representatives?

A letter to Mr. George Amedore, sent July 31st, with no response.

The following is the text of an e-mail that I sent to George Amedore, the Republican who was voted into office in a special election last July.

Anyone who believes that Mr. Amedore is in Albany to change things might be asking the same questions I have.

The following is exactly what I sent to Mr. Amedore with the subtraction of my own personal e-mail address and my home address.

(see more comments after the letter)

From: KEVIN MARCH
Subject: I'm confused, Mr. Amedore
To: AmedoreG@assembly.state.ny.us
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 3:46 PM

Mr. Amedore,

I realize that you have been in your position for almost a year and will, I assume, be running for re-election this coming November. I was one who pushed quite strongly for you during your election campaign, including going out on Election Day knocking on doors and putting up doorhangers. I pushed for you for several reasons. Some of these reasons are as follows: We're overtaxed, gas prices were high, and you were supposedly for lower taxes throughout the state, as well as smaller government.

Now, that being said, I am quite confused with some of the things that you have done since you have been in office. I received a mailer at home, which stated that you helped to increase coverage for children's health insurance through Child Health Plus (Chips). Wouldn't it be smarter and better for your constituents, the taxpayers of Schenectady and Montgomery Counties, if they could keep this money in their pockets to spend on their own health insurance?

Also, I realize that only since Mid-May, the Republicans were pushing for a gas tax holiday starting on Memorial Day. Now, while I realize that Governor Paterson is against this as he stated that he thinks that "Big Oil" would just take the extra profits, I would have thought this would be something that you would have been pushing for before you got to 10 months into your position. Now, I realize that we may not be able to get the taxes fully removed from this for ANY time this summer, so isn't it about time to see if there are ways that we could bring down some of the taxes on this, such as fees that are charged per tanker or per gallon, other than the sales tax, hence reducing the price per gallon to the end customer?

Then there's the Schenectady Metroplex that you, Mr. Tedisco and Mr. Farley all stated that you are supporting the "home-rule" on this issue. The Schenectady Metroplex, a group that taxes money from citizens and visitors of Schenectady County and redistributes them to local businesses. I can only think of one word that this group can be described as...Communism. I cannot see where anyone who considers themselves a conservative could even think of voting for something that is this far from their base of cutting taxes and relieving the taxpayers of the burden.

Living in one of the top 10 taxed counties in the United States of America, I thought that we were getting someone into office that would help to reduce some of that burden.

I would like to know, with this type of track record over the past year, what would be the good reason for me to vote for you in your re-election this November? I don't think that I see any difference in how any of these votes would have gone if we had an elected Democrat in the office? What reason could you give me for not (for the first time in my life) voting for a Democrat when it comes time for the election? Maybe I should let others make the decision and decide when I go in to vote, not pick a selection under the Assembly District column, essentially letting the rest of the district's decide who they think is best?

Now is the time to start making changes to this, turn around what has been happening. Whether what you (and your constituents) want to happen actually is approved not, at least it would show that you are voting with your conscience. Maybe it’s time to start with cutting some of the programs that you have approved in your short tenure in office.

A confused taxpayer,

Kevin March

To this date, I have not received a response. I have, however, received a sign to place on my lawn for the upcoming election. Attached to it (since they just dropped it off while I wasn't home), was a note with Mr. Amedore's letterhead stating that he had a record that I put up a sign for him last year and he was hoping he could count on my support again this year.

The fact is, if I wanted one up, I still have the same signs left from last year still sitting in my garage. I have actually decided that I will put up the sign at the speed of government. That is, I will wait after the receipt of an answer that I agree with one day for every day it takes his office to respond. Since I originally sent the letter to Mr. Amedore on July 31st and have not yet received an answer, that brings the date that I would put up the sign currently to October 17th. That would give him 18 days from today (September 26th) to have any chance of having the sign up, even on election day.

I don't really even know if I can bring myself to put it up at this point. Maybe I'll just wait until after the primaries tomorrow to find out who the Democratic nominee is and contact him for a sign. Don't be surprised if you see it on my lawn. I'm SURE it would surprise some people, especially those who know my political ideology.

How's your "6 in '06" doing?

I was just thinking back today to the last national elections. A group of Democrats who were running for positions in the House of Representatives were making some big promises. They called it their "6 in '06."

From the Democrats own website:
http://www.democrats.org/agenda.html

In 2006, the Democratic Party promised to address six important issues in Congress. Now that Democrats are back in charge in the U.S