I recently received my taxpayer funded propaganda from our state representative, Bill DeWeese. The opening piece states:
“Homeowners across Pennsylvania will see property tax cuts this year, which are made possible by proceeds from the state’s successful gaming industry, a proposal that was shepherded though the legislature by Rep. Bill DeWeese”.
This sentence, alone, gives the 50th District three reasons why DeWeese should no longer have his stronghold over all of Pennsylvania.
One. We will not see property tax cuts this year. I also recently received my real estate tax notice from the borough of Brownsville. It’s not there.
Two. I wish I could feel good about getting tax relief funded from the poor and elderly who are gambling away their dollars that will fund the (alleged) $1 billion in tax relief. That $1 billion is just a fraction of what Pennsylvanian’s have to lose in front of the slot machine. Anyone with an ounce of compassion should find this repulsive.
Three. Someone, somewhere must understand that gambling expansion doesn’t come with an associated cost for infrastructure, increased crime, bankruptcy, social programs, more administration and a host of other costs. The cost of legalized gambling in PA will likely exceed $500 million. Anyone with an ounce of common sense should find gambling funded tax relief ludicrous.
So, I’m committing to donate all tax relief to any candidate or organization who will actively seek to oppose and repeal legalized gambling in PA. I hope you will do the same.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Common Good
Some folks have asked about my voting preferences in the upcoming election. This election has revealed that my politics are best aligned with 18th century Federalism. I'm in good company but unfortunately, guys like John Adams have been dead for quite some time. I find myself in the 2008 Presidential election without anyone I can support. I completed a few of the on-line matching tests; they reveal that I have less than a 50% match on the issues with any candidate. At the bottom of the spectrum, I have an 8% match with Barack and Hillary.
I’m an unapologetic federalist, capitalist and catholic. The current candidates are pretty far from those ideals and lean towards non-federalism, socialism and secularism.
Unfortunately, I see (and have felt the effects of) those destructive forces, socialist policy, abortion on demand, the absence of moral conviction, corruption and the despair that this brings to families of our community. The idea that government can bring hope is repugnant to me. Liberty gives us hope. And dare I say, suffering gives us hope. Liberty is risky, audacious and bold. Hope is impotent apart from the love of God (Romans 5).
Tax cuts do not bear hope. More jobs, more health care, more handouts will not bear hope. Socialism has not, and never will bear hope.
Government exists for the common good. The common good preached from the pulpit of politics in 2008 has tempo, it has a cadence but it lacks substance. Even worse, it is a lie. The common good is not universal health care, it is not social security, and it is not a lower unemployment rate and job security.
Addressing the question “Should we have universal health care?” is the wrong question. The questions to answer include “How do we treat the most vulnerable of our nation?” and “What is the appropriate role of government? Of community? Of the church?”
Common Good or Commonweal. There is work to discern the Common Good and this was the hard work of the great minds that formed our government and framed our constitution.
There is much to say on this issue but I will leave you with one thought. Our candidates for President believe that government is the common good and not that government exists to secure the common good. And that is a fundamental departure from the framers.
For more on The Common Good, I commend this research paper: The Notion of Common Good in Early American Thought.
I’m an unapologetic federalist, capitalist and catholic. The current candidates are pretty far from those ideals and lean towards non-federalism, socialism and secularism.
Unfortunately, I see (and have felt the effects of) those destructive forces, socialist policy, abortion on demand, the absence of moral conviction, corruption and the despair that this brings to families of our community. The idea that government can bring hope is repugnant to me. Liberty gives us hope. And dare I say, suffering gives us hope. Liberty is risky, audacious and bold. Hope is impotent apart from the love of God (Romans 5).
Tax cuts do not bear hope. More jobs, more health care, more handouts will not bear hope. Socialism has not, and never will bear hope.
Government exists for the common good. The common good preached from the pulpit of politics in 2008 has tempo, it has a cadence but it lacks substance. Even worse, it is a lie. The common good is not universal health care, it is not social security, and it is not a lower unemployment rate and job security.
Addressing the question “Should we have universal health care?” is the wrong question. The questions to answer include “How do we treat the most vulnerable of our nation?” and “What is the appropriate role of government? Of community? Of the church?”
Common Good or Commonweal. There is work to discern the Common Good and this was the hard work of the great minds that formed our government and framed our constitution.
There is much to say on this issue but I will leave you with one thought. Our candidates for President believe that government is the common good and not that government exists to secure the common good. And that is a fundamental departure from the framers.
For more on The Common Good, I commend this research paper: The Notion of Common Good in Early American Thought.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Below is an email I received from the Huckabee campaign. I'm posting this here only because I strongly believe that such a debate would be healthy for the election process. Please follow the links and "sign" the petition by posting a comment on the site.
On Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 10:43 PM, Governor Mike Huckabeewrote:
Will you co-sign my letter to John McCain asking him to consider a Lincoln-Douglas debate before the March 4 primary?
You can find the letter here.
Now that the race for the Republican nomination is down to just two candidates, I believe this is the time for a real discussion about our vision for the future of this great country. I believe a Lincoln Douglas-style debate so that voters can better understand our views on critical issues such as health care, education, energy independence, terrorism and national security is just what we need.
Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have had recent opportunities to underscore the differences in their positions. It seems only fitting to me that Republican primary voters are offered the same.
So please co-sign my letter to John McCain and ask your friends and family to do so as well.
With deep gratitude,
Attention: You can also contribute by mail for the February Challenge, click here to print the form.
Huckabee for President, Inc.124 W. CapitolSuite 1200Little Rock, AR 72201United States
Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Corporations, foreign nationals without green cards, federal contractors, and minors (under 18 years of age) are prohibited from contributing. The maximum contribution per individual is $2,300 per election. Therefore, a couple may contribute up to $4,600 per election. Multi-candidate PACs may contribute up to $5,000 per election. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in an election cycle.
Paid for by Huckabee for President, Inc. http://www.mikehuckabee.com/
On Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 10:43 PM, Governor Mike Huckabee
Will you co-sign my letter to John McCain asking him to consider a Lincoln-Douglas debate before the March 4 primary?
You can find the letter here.
Now that the race for the Republican nomination is down to just two candidates, I believe this is the time for a real discussion about our vision for the future of this great country. I believe a Lincoln Douglas-style debate so that voters can better understand our views on critical issues such as health care, education, energy independence, terrorism and national security is just what we need.
Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have had recent opportunities to underscore the differences in their positions. It seems only fitting to me that Republican primary voters are offered the same.
So please co-sign my letter to John McCain and ask your friends and family to do so as well.
With deep gratitude,
Attention: You can also contribute by mail for the February Challenge, click here to print the form.
Huckabee for President, Inc.124 W. CapitolSuite 1200Little Rock, AR 72201United States
Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Corporations, foreign nationals without green cards, federal contractors, and minors (under 18 years of age) are prohibited from contributing. The maximum contribution per individual is $2,300 per election. Therefore, a couple may contribute up to $4,600 per election. Multi-candidate PACs may contribute up to $5,000 per election. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in an election cycle.
Paid for by Huckabee for President, Inc. http://www.mikehuckabee.com/
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
A Slow Tragedy
This morning was like most winter mornings in Brownsville: a cool winter air, overcast skies and quiet save the song of the birds. It was pleasant as I spent a few minutes outside with my dog and a cup of coffee.
Through the yard though, was a reminder of the events of last evening. Large pieces of ash were spread through the grass.
Around 11 last night, I heard a sharp popping sound from just outside. It sounded closer to a gunshot than a fire cracker and got my attention. It was the persistence of the fire whistles that got me off my feet. It sometimes seems daily when our volunteer fire departments are called to duty but this was clearly multiple alarms.
I looked from the back of the house and noticed the fire trucks coming from across the river; confirming more than one department was called. As I scanned to see where they were going, I noticed the smoke billowing over our neighbor’s house. Four doors down, the house was on fire. Here is an article about the fire.
Through the yard though, was a reminder of the events of last evening. Large pieces of ash were spread through the grass.
Around 11 last night, I heard a sharp popping sound from just outside. It sounded closer to a gunshot than a fire cracker and got my attention. It was the persistence of the fire whistles that got me off my feet. It sometimes seems daily when our volunteer fire departments are called to duty but this was clearly multiple alarms.
I looked from the back of the house and noticed the fire trucks coming from across the river; confirming more than one department was called. As I scanned to see where they were going, I noticed the smoke billowing over our neighbor’s house. Four doors down, the house was on fire. Here is an article about the fire.
Every neighbor was on the street, twenty firemen were on the call, multiple trucks, the police and anyone who saw or heard came to see. People spoke of the bravery of the fireman, their sense of duty, some cried at the loss of the property and the lives that were changed. Thank God that no one was home and no life was lost.
As I walked through the yard this morning, it struck me that you may never hear of a great tragedy in Brownsville. I hope that is true. But we are living a slow tragedy of lost possession, lost lives and lost hope. Last night, that loss was abrupt and with one family. More often it is eroded over a long time in many families. Brownsville is a slow tragedy.
It is not without hope. There are many who claim victory in Brownsville. Not because of any one effort, any single person, or any new initiative that will "change" Brownsville. Victory is claimed by those who love and obey God and run the agonizing race in this mission field we call Brownsville. Hope does not disappoint.
Romans 5: 3-5
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Archbishop of Sharia Law
This is a post that requires some work. If you read the links, I suspect you will be more informed than the majority of Americans.
What do the statements of a relatively obscure and impotent Bishop some 3500 miles away have to do with us? Do the statements of Archbishop Rowan Williams impact our lives?
To set the stage, I encourage you to read the works of a godly and thought provoking Anglican priest: John Donne. For Whom the Bell Tolls. The entire poem resonates here but the specific line that hits the mark…
The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all.
Now, there is much controversy as well as confusion about the statements of Rowan Williams.
The controversy stems from his statement that Sharia law is inevitable in the United Kingdom. The confusion stems from his masterful deconstruction of the English language and ability to control the argument through owning the language. A friend pointed to another godly Anglican: C.S. Lewis’ work That Hideous Strength that illustrates this.
What did the Archbishop say, specifically, that caused the stir… “and you're words are that the application of Sharia in certain circumstances if we want to achieve this cohesion and take seriously peoples' religion seems unavoidable?” The entire text.
There are four questions that jump to mind for me.
What is Sharia law?
In short, Sharia law is a legal framework that regulates both public and private aspects of life. See Wikipedia for some detail.
Is Sharia law compatible with a democratic government?
There appears to be some debate on this issue. Rowan Williams helps fuel this. Read the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Wikipedia entry.
There is also some scholarly study that discusses the incompatibility of the Enlightenment and Sharia that is worth reading.
There are two other sites that you may want to consider.
Top 10 Reasons why Sharia is Bad for All Societies by the American Thinker provides some documented research that is compelling but requires some thought and consideration before accepting wholesale.
No to Political Islam appears to be a site and organization of Muslims who are simply opposed to Political Islam. From their site
“We oppose Political Islam and its agenda of hatred and oppression, and its illegitimate pursuit of the most barbaric interpretation of Sharia law. We seek a future in which all people, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims, can enjoy the benefits of equality, democracy, human rights, freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression.”
Really, what is the Archbishop’s agenda?
I’ve read a number of news reports and blogs. It seems like the answer to this question falls into one of six categories
- He desires the destruction of the Anglican Church
- He desires the destruction of England
- He is trying to help us think of ways to work towards unity
- He was simply initiating a healthy debate or a “thoughtful intervention”
- He is absolutely brilliant
- He is just plain stupid
Finally, what does this have to do with me?
Archbishop William’s statements discredit the Anglican Church, and hence, the Catholic church. His actions belong to all.
At best, his clumsy attempt for “thoughtful intervention” continues to erode the credibility and voice of the church; it’s manifestation of absolute morality, truth and beauty; it’s light in this dark place.
That is something we all should be concerned with.
At a time when Christian men, women and children are dying for their faith; some at the hands of Muslim extremists and because of Sharia law… the Archbishop of Canterbury chooses to support that which is killing our brothers and sisters.
We should be more than concerned. We should grieve and we should act.
“any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Archbishop Rowan Williams should step down.
Revelation 12:11
What do the statements of a relatively obscure and impotent Bishop some 3500 miles away have to do with us? Do the statements of Archbishop Rowan Williams impact our lives?
To set the stage, I encourage you to read the works of a godly and thought provoking Anglican priest: John Donne. For Whom the Bell Tolls. The entire poem resonates here but the specific line that hits the mark…
The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all.
Now, there is much controversy as well as confusion about the statements of Rowan Williams.
The controversy stems from his statement that Sharia law is inevitable in the United Kingdom. The confusion stems from his masterful deconstruction of the English language and ability to control the argument through owning the language. A friend pointed to another godly Anglican: C.S. Lewis’ work That Hideous Strength that illustrates this.
What did the Archbishop say, specifically, that caused the stir… “and you're words are that the application of Sharia in certain circumstances if we want to achieve this cohesion and take seriously peoples' religion seems unavoidable?” The entire text.
There are four questions that jump to mind for me.
What is Sharia law?
In short, Sharia law is a legal framework that regulates both public and private aspects of life. See Wikipedia for some detail.
Is Sharia law compatible with a democratic government?
There appears to be some debate on this issue. Rowan Williams helps fuel this. Read the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Wikipedia entry.
There is also some scholarly study that discusses the incompatibility of the Enlightenment and Sharia that is worth reading.
There are two other sites that you may want to consider.
Top 10 Reasons why Sharia is Bad for All Societies by the American Thinker provides some documented research that is compelling but requires some thought and consideration before accepting wholesale.
No to Political Islam appears to be a site and organization of Muslims who are simply opposed to Political Islam. From their site
“We oppose Political Islam and its agenda of hatred and oppression, and its illegitimate pursuit of the most barbaric interpretation of Sharia law. We seek a future in which all people, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims, can enjoy the benefits of equality, democracy, human rights, freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression.”
Really, what is the Archbishop’s agenda?
I’ve read a number of news reports and blogs. It seems like the answer to this question falls into one of six categories
- He desires the destruction of the Anglican Church
- He desires the destruction of England
- He is trying to help us think of ways to work towards unity
- He was simply initiating a healthy debate or a “thoughtful intervention”
- He is absolutely brilliant
- He is just plain stupid
Finally, what does this have to do with me?
Archbishop William’s statements discredit the Anglican Church, and hence, the Catholic church. His actions belong to all.
At best, his clumsy attempt for “thoughtful intervention” continues to erode the credibility and voice of the church; it’s manifestation of absolute morality, truth and beauty; it’s light in this dark place.
That is something we all should be concerned with.
At a time when Christian men, women and children are dying for their faith; some at the hands of Muslim extremists and because of Sharia law… the Archbishop of Canterbury chooses to support that which is killing our brothers and sisters.
We should be more than concerned. We should grieve and we should act.
“any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Archbishop Rowan Williams should step down.
Revelation 12:11
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Bill DeWeese is a Proponent of Gambling Expansion
In the spring of 2006, I took the opportunity to testify before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. I was the only person who testified against a casino in Fayette County. There is much to say about gambling expansion in PA, its ill effects and the corruption it cultivates. I will leave that for another post.
I learned much through this experience. One of the profound lessons occurred just after I completed my testimony. A notable community leader leaned over and thanked me for my testimony and courage. He then went on to say that gambling will destroy our community. This very individual, earlier that morning, stood up to promote a casino, the need for jobs, and to sing the praises of the family and politicians who were going to make this happen. The reality (or his reality) was that he couldn’t speak against a family (the Hardy family) or the politicians that give grants and funds to his organization. Some folks call that politics; some call it compromise or a lack of conviction. I say it is a lack of character… or worse.
Below is a copy of a guest commentary the local paper was gracious to print just after the hearing. I am putting it here, now, as Bill DeWeese is a proponent of gambling expansion. In fact, not soon after the slots legislation went into effect, Bill DeWeese began to lobby for table games. Bill DeWeese must be stopped.
I endured an act of government on May 2. Nemacolin Woodlands, LLC, presented their plan for a casino in Fayette County to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Local officials, community groups and individuals had the opportunity to respond and provide testimony for the board’s consideration.
I heard about the epidemic of poverty, joblessness and hopelessness from our local government and business leaders. What I learned is that we are blinded by desperation, that we collectively lack vision and have lost the ability to critically think about our futures.
The management team of Nemacolin Woodlands deserves tremendous credit for building a world-class facility. The vision, creativity, amenities and customer service are superb; the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing strategy and new concepts or initiatives is absent.
A casino cannot produce sufficient revenue or profit in the hills of Fayette County.
Ms. Magerko, I implore you to apply the carpenter’s maxim of “measure twice, cut once.”
Find an independent and unbiased entity to review or reconstruct the business case for a casino at your resort. Look at gambling participation rates, expected share of wallet and disposable income in the target area – as well as with your current customer base. You will find that this analysis demonstrates a failed plan.
Hope is not a strategy. Even more unbelievable than the belief that “this will work” is the rationale “we need a casino because Fayette County is among the poorest in the state.”
A casino will bring prosperity? Who does the state lottery target? Who is the target customer of a slot parlor? The poor. It was numbing and saddening to hear testimony from our local government and business leaders who believe the best way to help the poor is provide opportunities to gamble away what little we have, Gambling is referred to as a regressive tax as it targets those with less means and not more.
I listened to county Commissioner Vince Vicites parrot the exact testimony of the applicant; describing job creation, revenue sharing tax revenue and the like. As an elected official, Mr. Vicites, take a step away from the talking points and the podium and think for yourself and your constituency. Please, please, please don’t simply regurgitate information that was handed to you.
Similar to Mr. Vicites, I consistently heard others state that they “feel” this is a good idea. What happened to the facts? John Adams once took a very unpopular position prior to the Revolutionary War of defending a British soldier who was incited to fire upon a crowd of colonialists. In his trial, he said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
A casino will produce benefits; but can those benefits be produced without costs? There is always a cost side to any business equation. Only in government can we forget this. The costs of a casino are great: crime, bankruptcy, social services, abused dollars, suicide, government regulation, increased taxes and corruption are common costs in casinos with casinos.
In dollar terms, these costs will likely grow to $30 million a year for our county. The casino doesn’t pay for these things… you do.
If you desire to stand up for the addicted, the poor, and the oppressed and demonstrate your love to your neighbor and kindness to the needy, please let the Gaming Commission know your opinion and please let the Hardys know your position.
And here is the post script. In November of the same year, Nemacolin spokesman Jeff Nobers said that despite the resort's enthusiasm to enter the gambling field from the onset, continued study of projected costs and revenues dimmed the appeal. Nemacolin withdrew their application. For the entire article see this Post Gazette link.
My hope is that Bill DeWeese withdraws his bid for re-election. For the good of Brownsville, District 50 and Pennsylvania.
I learned much through this experience. One of the profound lessons occurred just after I completed my testimony. A notable community leader leaned over and thanked me for my testimony and courage. He then went on to say that gambling will destroy our community. This very individual, earlier that morning, stood up to promote a casino, the need for jobs, and to sing the praises of the family and politicians who were going to make this happen. The reality (or his reality) was that he couldn’t speak against a family (the Hardy family) or the politicians that give grants and funds to his organization. Some folks call that politics; some call it compromise or a lack of conviction. I say it is a lack of character… or worse.
Below is a copy of a guest commentary the local paper was gracious to print just after the hearing. I am putting it here, now, as Bill DeWeese is a proponent of gambling expansion. In fact, not soon after the slots legislation went into effect, Bill DeWeese began to lobby for table games. Bill DeWeese must be stopped.
I endured an act of government on May 2. Nemacolin Woodlands, LLC, presented their plan for a casino in Fayette County to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Local officials, community groups and individuals had the opportunity to respond and provide testimony for the board’s consideration.
I heard about the epidemic of poverty, joblessness and hopelessness from our local government and business leaders. What I learned is that we are blinded by desperation, that we collectively lack vision and have lost the ability to critically think about our futures.
The management team of Nemacolin Woodlands deserves tremendous credit for building a world-class facility. The vision, creativity, amenities and customer service are superb; the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing strategy and new concepts or initiatives is absent.
A casino cannot produce sufficient revenue or profit in the hills of Fayette County.
Ms. Magerko, I implore you to apply the carpenter’s maxim of “measure twice, cut once.”
Find an independent and unbiased entity to review or reconstruct the business case for a casino at your resort. Look at gambling participation rates, expected share of wallet and disposable income in the target area – as well as with your current customer base. You will find that this analysis demonstrates a failed plan.
Hope is not a strategy. Even more unbelievable than the belief that “this will work” is the rationale “we need a casino because Fayette County is among the poorest in the state.”
A casino will bring prosperity? Who does the state lottery target? Who is the target customer of a slot parlor? The poor. It was numbing and saddening to hear testimony from our local government and business leaders who believe the best way to help the poor is provide opportunities to gamble away what little we have, Gambling is referred to as a regressive tax as it targets those with less means and not more.
I listened to county Commissioner Vince Vicites parrot the exact testimony of the applicant; describing job creation, revenue sharing tax revenue and the like. As an elected official, Mr. Vicites, take a step away from the talking points and the podium and think for yourself and your constituency. Please, please, please don’t simply regurgitate information that was handed to you.
Similar to Mr. Vicites, I consistently heard others state that they “feel” this is a good idea. What happened to the facts? John Adams once took a very unpopular position prior to the Revolutionary War of defending a British soldier who was incited to fire upon a crowd of colonialists. In his trial, he said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”
A casino will produce benefits; but can those benefits be produced without costs? There is always a cost side to any business equation. Only in government can we forget this. The costs of a casino are great: crime, bankruptcy, social services, abused dollars, suicide, government regulation, increased taxes and corruption are common costs in casinos with casinos.
In dollar terms, these costs will likely grow to $30 million a year for our county. The casino doesn’t pay for these things… you do.
If you desire to stand up for the addicted, the poor, and the oppressed and demonstrate your love to your neighbor and kindness to the needy, please let the Gaming Commission know your opinion and please let the Hardys know your position.
And here is the post script. In November of the same year, Nemacolin spokesman Jeff Nobers said that despite the resort's enthusiasm to enter the gambling field from the onset, continued study of projected costs and revenues dimmed the appeal. Nemacolin withdrew their application. For the entire article see this Post Gazette link.
My hope is that Bill DeWeese withdraws his bid for re-election. For the good of Brownsville, District 50 and Pennsylvania.
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