I & R Is Needed In New Jersey

By Harold V. Kane, Monroe Township

On Sunday, August 8 the Home News Tribune published a point-counterpoint between Assemblypersons Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) and Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen). The topic was Citizen-Generated Laws, essentially Initiative and Referendum. Mr. O’Scanlon is a proponent and Ms. Weinberg is an opponent. Ms. Weinberg’s position is that the unwashed rabble will make changes to the government that the ruling political class will not like. Ms. Weinberg points to California and all of the problems caused by I&R.

The citizens of California made two monumental changes to their public sector and their elected officials. In 1978 they passed the famous Proposition 13 which limited property taxes to 1% of the most recent sale price. If a citizen was a World War II veteran, who passed through or was stationed in California and returned after the war and bought a house on the GI bill for $10,000, saw his property taxes drop from somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 to $100. If that veteran is still in that house, his property tax is still $100. Did this reduction in property taxes affect California’s public sector? Like you can’t believe!

Suddenly, municipalities and counties had their revenue substantially cut. California was forced to reduce expenditures across the board, jobs were cut, and other taxes were raised. But despite the whining by California’s public sector, the state survived and prospered as millions of dollars were now being spent by the citizens on goods and services or being saved in banks that could lend the money to fuel economic growth.

In the end Proposition 13 began an economic boom that was unparalleled in the history of the state.

In 1990 the citizens again decided to take action as they felt that the state legislature was more interested in their own careers, and special interests, rather than doing what was best for the state. This time Proposition 140 imposed term limits on the state legislature. Members of the California Assembly are limited to three two year terms and the California Senate to two four year terms. It is a lifetime limit. This is what Ms. Weinberg fears most, that the careerism that Democrats love so much, would end.

Ms. Weinberg says that California has made mistakes with I&R. Was it a mistake to abolish bi-lingual education (1998) and move public education to English-immersion?

In 2006 the California legislature passed the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32) that severely limits economic growth with the goal of preserving the environment. Some areas of the California central valley have unemployment rates approaching 40% due to this law. However, the citizens of California have seen the mistake made by the legislators and have a referendum scheduled for November 2 which suspends the Global Warming Solutions Act until unemployment is below 5.5% for four quarters. Based upon the current state of the economy it could be many years before the Global Warming Solutions Act is re-activated.

The citizens’ right to make public policy is as old as the colonies when town councils would convene with all of the citizens present. Some small, rural towns still do this. If a decision made by a town turned out to be not correct, then the town would reconvene and make appropriate changes. I&R is a town meeting on a macro scale.

Mr. O’Scanlon is correct. I&R is needed in New Jersey. Ms. Weinberg appears to be afraid of democracy. The American experiment in democracy can be a messy business at times. However, no one has developed a better system than we have. I&R will make our New Jersey democracy that much better.

www.hackettandkane2010.org

Vitale And Coughlin Use Legislative Stationery For Political Purposes

By Art Gallagher

State Senator Joseph Vitale and Assemblyman Craig Coughlin, both Democrats from Middlesex County's 19th legislative district, have distributed a "Dear Friends" letter on legislative stationery that is strongly critical of Governor Christie, Republican State Legislators and Congressman Leonard Lance, while praising Congressmen Frank Pallone and Albio Sires.

The 19th legislative district is comprised of parts of 6th, 13th and 7th congressional districts which are represented by Pallone, Sires and Lance respectively.

The letter, a copy of which can be downloaded here, is critical of Christie for vetoing the "Millionaires tax extension" and the GOP legislators for not voting to override Christie's veto. The so called Millionaires tax enacted under Governor Corzine expired in December 2009. Christie's veto was not of an extension, but of a new tax.

Vitale and Coughlin tell their "Dear Friends" that they are not getting there Homestead Property Tax Rebates because Christie vetoed the tax and that he took "$1200 out of the pockets of 500,000 middle class residents."

They conclude their letter by sharing the "good news" that their friends who hit the Medicare "Donut Hole" will receive a $250 check thanks to Pallone's and Sires's votes in favor of ObamaCare. "Congressman Lance, on the other hand voted against mailing seniors and disabled the $250 Medicare 'Donut Hole' checks," they said at the end of the "good news" paragraph.

The State Ethics Commission expressly prohibits the use of Official Stationary to promote a candidate for political office. That line has been crossed in this letter by the comments on Pallone, Sires and Lance, each of whom is currently running for reelection.

Additionally, the Ethics Commission prohibits using Official Stationary to express a personal opinion on a matter not related to one's official duties. While this is more of a grey area, the letter is clearly opinion, as the facts are wrong on the Millionaires tax "extension" and there is no guarantee that had the previous Democratic legislature and Governor Corzine extended the tax, that the revenue from it would have funded rebates.

Vitale and Coughlin should be severely reprimanded for the political nature of this letter and compelled to reimburse the taxpayers for the cost of printing and postage.

Pallone Must Have Missed The Conference Call....

....Or Maybe He Just Knows Best


Phoney Palloney complained on facebook and twitter yesterday that "over 95% of House R's signed a petition to repeal new health care benefits that save u money, & ensure you have care."

Frank must have missed the Democratic conference call on Thursday were the new health care message was put forth for the election campaign:

Don't talk about costs. Use transition or bridge language to meet the public where they are and relax their defenses.

You're supposed to twit this Frank:

"The law isn't perfect but it does good things and helps many people. Now we'll work to improve it."

Ben Smith at Politico reports:

Key White House allies are dramatically shifting their attempts to defend health care legislation, abandoning claims that it will reduce costs and deficit and instead stressing a promise to "improve it."

The messaging shift was circulated this afternoon on a conference call and PowerPoint presentation organized by Families USA — one of the central groups in the push for the initial legislation. The call was led by a staffer for the Herndon Alliance, which includes leading labor groups and other health care allies. It was based on polling from three top Democratic pollsters: John Anzalone, Celinda Lake and Stan Greenberg.

The confidential presentation, available in full here and provided to POLITICO by a source on the call, suggests that Democrats are acknowledging the failure of their predictions that the health care legislation would grow more popular after its passage, as its benefits became clear and rhetoric cooled. Instead, the presentation is designed to win over a skeptical public, and to defend the legislation — and in particular the individual mandate — from a push for repeal.

The presentation concedes that groups typically supportive of Democratic causes — people under 40, non-college-educated women and Hispanic voters — have not been won over by the plan. Indeed, it stresses repeatedly that many are unaware that the legislation has passed, an astonishing shortcoming in the White House's all-out communications effort.

Read the full piece here.

Will Frank heed the message of the high priced pollsters and adjust his message? Or, will he do what he did at his Town Hall meeting in Red Bank last August and insist that he is right on health care reform, despite his constituents strong objections and now despite even his own fellow Democrats conceding that the bill is deeply flawed?

Airport Plaza Under Consideration As Set For Reality TV Series

Vic Scudiery bills his Airport Plaza retail and office center in Hazlet as Monmouth County's Best Kept Secret. If things break right for Vic and his tenants on Route 36, his new tag line will be America's Best Known Strip Mall.


A television production crew has been dropping in on the retail establishments over the last couple of weeks. This afternoon, MMM went over to see if Snooki and The Situation are coming to Hazlet.

Upon arriving we noticed a camera crew entering Lighthouse Cigars. Then we met Diane, the owner of JAM Apparel and her son AJ who answered a few questions about the production.



Finally we ran into Becky Hayes, the casting director of the production. Becky asked that what not reveal the name of the production company and wouldn't say which cable network was considering the project. She did say that Airport Plaza was one of several strip malls that were under consideration for a documentary TV series that would "profile the passion and individuality of small businesses." Her crew has been visiting the shopping center to produce a "test tape" which will be used in the selection process.

Becky's company has produced an Emmy award winning production for Showtime as well as shows for the History Channel, MTV, VH1 and The Cartoon Network. One strip mall will be selected for this show by early October.

Good luck Airport Plaza!

Republican Candidate for Congress and Highlands Mayor, Anna Little, Issues Statement on the Proposed Mosque at Ground Zero

Highlands, NJ- Sometimes you come across an issue and the important question to ask isn’t whether it is legal or illegal, but whether it is right or wrong.

As Mayor of Highlands and the Republican nominee for Congress in the 6th District, where we suffered the loss of hundreds of our family and friends because of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, my position is that the building of a mosque so close to ground zero where thousands of Americans lost their lives, is entirely inappropriate.

Additionally, there are many questions surrounding the funding of the mosque that should be answered before the ‘legal’ question is settled. With so many fanatical groups across the globe supporting extreme anti-American views which often lead to violence, this question should be among the first answered before any ground is broken.

Anna’s Army to canvass Middlesex Boro this Saturday

It’s full steam ahead in Northern Middlesex County

Highlands, NJ—With the tally after four weeks standing at just shy of 18,000 voters who have been directly contacted by a volunteer for Republican nominee for Congress Anna Little, Anna’s Army will easily break the 20,000 barrier this Saturday, August 21st in Middlesex Boro. The rally point this week is Middlesex High School, located at 300 Kennedy Drive, off of Rt. 28, directly across the street from McDonalds in Middlesex, NJ. Volunteers will gather from 8:30-10:30am before fanning out across Middlesex to deliver the message that voters have a legitimate choice this year other than 22-year Progressive spendthrift incumbent, Frank Pallone.

Members of the Press and the general public are invited to attend and document this historic campaign. Anna Little will be present and will address the rally between 8:30 and 10:30.

Evil Physicists in Iran and in Washington

By Abram N. Spanel

Russia has committed to load uranium fuel into Iran’s Bushehr reactor. This final step to turning Iran into a nuclear nation is scheduled to take place this coming Saturday, August 21.

Most of the world realizes the extreme danger that Iran poses to global security. Iran's Ahmandinijad has repeatedly said that he intends to acquire nuclear weapons for offensive military purposes. Procuring nuclear weapons will enable Iran to achieve its almost daily declared aim of annihilating Israel as well as launching devastating nuclear attacks on Europe.

In early June 2010, 12 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted to impose sanctions on Iran. At the G-8 Summit in Toronto in late June 2010, a unanimous vote was cast which called for the full implementation of Resolution 1929 which authorizes fresh sanctions against Iran to rein in its nuclear program.

While the civilized world is to be commended for imposing such sanctions on Iran, there are a few holdouts such as North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Rush Holt.

Rush Holt's press release regarding the House of Representatives voting to impose sanctions on Iran in late June stated, "The United States does not deny Iran’s lawful right to peacefully explore technologies for nuclear power." This is politician talk for “I support Iran’s bid to go nuclear,” and is akin to praising Josef Mengele for his research on the human anatomy.

Rush Holt cannot constantly boast of his being a physicist and also feign that he is ignorant of the carnage that nuclear weapons can inflict. There is nevertheless a silver-lining in the cloud: If Rush Holt wasn’t busy gorging on lobbyist money to fund his re-election bid, he would already be over in Iran, volunteering his talents as a physicist to put the final touches on Iran’s nuclear weapons programs.

MMM Welcomes Abram N. Spanel

MMM welcomes yet another blogger writing about Rush Holt under a non de plume.

The real Abarm Nathaniel Spanel, 1901-1985, was a U.S. industrialist, inventor and philanthropist. Spanel was the founder of one of the biggest corset and brassiere companies in the U.S. and an inventor who held more than 2,000 patents. He was probably best known, however, for the editorials he wrote as paid advertisements in scores of newspapers all over the country for more than 40 years. In them, he offered his opinions on world affairs, with particular emphasis on matters affecting the State of Israel, whose cause he championed.

Spanel owned Drumthwacket from 1941 through 1966 when he sold it to the State of New Jersey with the intent that it be used as the official residence of the Governor.

Our Spanel is a Mercer County business person who intends to be as prolific as the real Spanel was. "Abram's" first post will appear tomorrow morning.

Chris Smith: It would be "deeply religious" to build the mosque elsewhere

From The Hill.com

A Republican who is an outspoken proponent of religious freedom said the controversial Islamic center in New York City should be built “an appropriate distance away” from Ground Zero.

Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J) told the Hill Wednesday it would be “wise, prudent and deeply religious” of the center to reconsider its plans. He said the Sept. 11 hijackers “perverted Islam” by claiming to carry out the attacks in the name of Allah, but said the feelings of victims’ families cannot be ignored.

“It’s a juxtaposition that reignites and reopens wounds for the survivors of those who died,” Smith said.

“While [the Islamic center developers] can do it — it’s legal — they shouldn’t do it,” he added.

Smith cited his interactions with victims’ families to explain his opposition to the Islamic center’s location. One of his staffers lost her husband in the Sept. 11 attacks, and he developed close relationships with several widows who camped out in his office several years ago to lobby for the 9/11 Commission.

Smith's remarks are the most reasoned and thoughtful I have seen to date.

Heard On The River Too

A source close to former Governor Corzine thinks it is "highly unlikely" that Corzine will be moving into the Dawkins estate in Rumson.

Corzine is getting married to a woman who lives in the 60’s in Manhattan who is a fixture on the Hamptons scene.

I couldn't imagine her slumming it in NJ. Corzine himself doesn’t like to slum it in NJ.

There's that, and the fact that he couldn't stomach Scott Sipprelle being his congressman.

Quinnipiac: NJ Approves of Christie, Divided On Obama

By Art Gallagher

A Quinnipiac poll released this morning indicates that a majority of New Jersey voters approve of the job that Governor Chris Christie is doing. The same poll indicated that for the first time since his inauguration, President Barack Obama does not enjoy majority approval in New Jersey.

Christie's job approval rating is positive 51%-36%. Obama's is 49%-49%.

Count me among those who strongly approve of Christie's performance, despite Paul Mulshine's attempt to put my support of the Governor in the past tense.

I'm very disappointed with Christie stance on the Ground Zero mosque. I strongly approve of Howard Dean's position and Senator Harry Reid's position on the mosque. That doesn't mean I don't support Christie or that Dean and Reid have suddenly become conservative.

I am pleased to see politicians from "both teams" coming out against the location of the Cordoba House mosque. It increases the likelihood that it won't be built in Lower Manhattan.

For those who do not want the mosque to be an issue in this fall's congressional elections there is an easy solution. Arrange for the "moderate" Muslim developer to take NY Governor Patterson up on his land swap proposal before Labor Day.

Back to the poll. Christie's numbers and Obama's numbers are an indication that there is a real potential for New Jersey's House of Representatives delegation to be a GOP majority delegation in the next congress for the first time since the 88th Congress which was elected in 1962. The GOP need three seats.

Runyan, Sipprelle and Little can win. Christie can make it happen.

Rush Holt Is No Friend Of Israel

By Fred Lehlbach

By now, most have heard about Rush Holt's "J Street problem", which has been written about by others, and reproduced on More Monmouth Musings. But even more disturbing than his support of the "self-loathing" J Street crew is the cumulative effect of Junior's statements, votes and positions in opposition to Israel.

After review, it is mind-boggling that any Jew would support Junior. In the 12th District, the wholesale loss of Jewish support could indeed sink Junior in his attempt at re-election.

The question of support for Israel will become extraordinarily relevant within days, when the question of whether Israel will receive U.S. support in its act of self-defense in bombing Iran's nuclear reactor will be a national topic of discussion. Previous administrations have supported Israel's right to pre-emptive self-defense, as well they should.

The current administration: Not Likely.

Junior: Not Bloody Likely.

On January 9 and 12, 2009, Junior gave some remarkable comments on the subject of Israeli self-defense. On January 9, 2009, under the guise of "Supporting the State of Israel" he had entered into the Congressional Record:

"...extremism incubates in societies afflicted with poverty, hopelessness, and humiliation...we must lift up all of those trapped in these conditions. It is...necessary that we continue to assist moderate Palestinians and strengthen governments that are committed to securing a lasting peace with Israel...we need to get the Israelis to make the daily welfare of ordinary Palestinians one of the principal criteria for any negotiations"

Putting aside for a moment that Junior has boiled down the mid-east conflict to social welfare and class warfare, Junior has telegraphed his true feelings: it's Israel's fault!

These words were spoken shortly after Israel defended itself after suffering for over a year as 3000 rockets were fired upon it from Gaza.

Three days later, speaking in East Brunswick, Junior "warned" an audience of 600 Jews, including Israeli Deputy Counsel Benjamin Krasna, that Israel's self-defense would only weaken its international position. He used the phrase "cycles of violence" over and over to argue that Israel had to be the one to lay down arms in order for peace to break out.

Does anyone doubt the absolute veracity of the old saying: If the Arabs laid down their weapons today there would be peace in the Middle East, and if Israel laid down her weapons--Israel would cease to exist? Junior apparently does.

As a result of Israel defending herself against the rocket attacks originating in Gaza, the United Nations came out with a terribly biased report blaming Israel for the conflict in Gaza. The "Goldstone" report was used to castigate Israel internationally, despite its writer being an outspoken critic of Israel and its distortion or ignoring of the facts. When the House of Representatives voted to condemn the Goldstone Report, Junior, who rarely misses an opportunity to vote, missed a vote. What was more important than standing up for Israel? Being with Jon Corzine on Election night, 2009.

In January of this year, Junior was one of 54 extremists, er...Congressmen, to sign a letter of support for Hamas. Even the mainstream media referred to him as “One of Hamas’ 54 Congressmen”.

Last year, after traveling to Gaza with Representative Keith Ellison, America's first Muslim Congressman, Junior called for the easing of restrictions on border access. Yes, Junior, you are known by the company you keep.

Junior was the ONLY member of New Jersey's Congressional delegation to not co-sponsor a Bill calling for tougher sanctions on Iran for its ongoing nuclear program.

Junior's actions can not be coincidental. Managing to show a complete lack of understanding of the Middle East and Israel's security needs while at the same time managing to actively work against Israel's standing in the international community can not be a coincidence.

Worse, he pays lip service to his Jewish constituents, convincing many of them that he is on their side.

The gig is up, Junior. You are no friend of Israel.

Phoney Palloney Shows Up in Edison for publicity stunt

A first-hand account by Michael Iurilli

There was a women’s health fair today at Middlesex County College from 9am-12pm. An email had gone out telling the TEA-parties that the event was happening, that Frank would be there, and asking for people to go and try to talk to Frank on healthcare related questions, because he’s hiding from his constituents. I arrived at 9:00, with my mother, and sister, and found about 75 people there. Without disturbing anyone, the three of us quietly took seats at a table to wait to see when (of IF) Frank would arrive. Looking around, I saw there were about a dozen groups, including the congressional glaucoma caucus providing eye exams and glaucoma screenings, the cancer institute of NJ, the HealthCare institute of NJ, the Family Support Center, the AHA, the American Diabetes assoc., St. Peters Hospital (a ‘pro-life’ Catholic hospital), Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, the Lupus Foundation, and others, some of which were providing glucose tests, blood pressure tests, information on osteoporosis and its prevention, and stroke awareness and prevention. Frank even had a table for his Congressional office, run by staff. I picked up a booklet titled ‘End of Life – Helping With Comfort and Care’. I was disturbed by the order of the title – comfort before care. It reminded me of Obama’s comments about just giving granny pain meds, instead of care. A quick scan of the table of contents confirms the order of importance to the author: Providing comfort comes before finding care.

The event was advertised as a HealthCare Institute of NJ event, with Frank as a "featured guest". They must not have gotten the memo that it was really a Frank campaign event, because at about 9:15 we were approached by an event administrator and the Chief of Police, and asked why we were here. They must have seen the sign that my mother carried, which said "Hey Frank, I have special needs too!" We were informed that the congressman's office had reserved the location through proper channels, and that if we were there to protest, we would have to do so outside. We responded that we were there to ask the congressman a question, and inquired as to when he was scheduled to arrive. We were told he should be arriving at approximately 9:45. After telling us again that protesting must be done outside, they wandered off, but stayed within line of sight to make sure we didn’t cause trouble (like a visually impaired 50 year old woman, her 26 year old son and 19 year old daughter would cause trouble).

At 9:30, I wandered past the tables, and asked one of the ladies manning Frank’s congressional table when he was scheduled to arrive. She said that she didn’t know, and that she didn’t know his schedule. He arrived at about 10:00, and he talked with some of the patrons at their tables. I guided my mom over to him so she could ask her question, while I set up my phone to try and record the exchange. (Unfortunately, the memory card in my phone got jostled – causing it to not read properly, and not record). While we were waiting for him to finish talking with 2 ladies at a table who were fawning over him “I watch you on CSPANN and CNN”, and “you look so good on TV”, and “we’re all supporting you”, my mom overheard some of the conversations at a nearby table. One lady visiting the table that provided blood pressure and glucose tests was saying “I don’t really need to be checked, I saw my doctor last week, and I’m taking my meds”. -- Well, if that’s the case, why are you here wasting the nurses’ time, and using the equipment for unneeded medical care? Let someone else who hasn’t been to see their doctor and needs the tests done see the nurse and get tested. --

When it was our turn, my mom asked him “why should I trust you, when you won’t take the health insurance you’re trying to force on me”? His response was “that’s not true, I will be using the same insurance”. She obviously didn’t believe him, as she has read about what’s going on with the health care bill and its implications. She told him that she was from Canada, and knew first-hand how bad the healthcare system was there, and asked why we would want a system like Canada’s or Europe’s. He responded that the bill wasn’t a government takeover, or a single payer system, and that it didn’t even include the public option “which [he] would have liked to see”. He said that we need to force “more competition among companies, while providing a base coverage for everyone”, because some people don’t have all types of coverage. She responded to that by saying that she wanted to choose whether to carry coverage for a certain type of procedure or not.

He told us that we “shouldn’t listen to the insurance companies, because they’re only trying to make a buck”, and that “the insurance companies will lie to you”, to which she replied “and I’m sure you would too”. She also mentioned that she was disturbed by the bill because it would cover abortions, which he said was untrue, because the law prevented money from being spent in that manner. She asked him how he knew that, and if he had read the bill, and he said “of course I read the bill, I wrote it”.

I then asked my question about why I should be forced to pay for health care? His response to that was the only totally true thing he said in our conversation. He said “without the young and healthy, and the wealthy paying into the system, it is unsustainable”. Well DUH! I then asked “why should I be forced to spend my money on healthcare – which I (up to now) could CHOOSE not to carry, especially if I want to save for a down-payment on a house, or save to buy an engagement/wedding ring. The bill even allows you to go to the IRS and withholding my tax return to pay for it”, and he repeated his previous response about the “healthy and wealthy needing to pay, to balance the expenses for all, otherwise the costs would continue to rise for everyone, which is what’s happening now.”

At this point, his aide came up to him and said he needed to move on. I guess they didn’t want to hear from those that disagree with him, and don’t think that he knows what’s best for us. Instead, they want to hear from those who will suck up to him, and fawn over him. So, reviewing what we learned about the event, He paid for the space. He brought a photographer (with a compact body/model camera). He had a table. And he had people there to fawn over him. Overall, I think it shows he’s all for shills who’ll make him look/feel good, not the voters who actually have a real opinion.

Litttle Smacks Pallone On Womens Health

Congressional Candidate Anna Little says Pallone's Stance on Healthcare Tells the Real Story


Highlands, NJ, August 18: Frank Pallone will be speaking about women’s health today at Middlesex County College, but given his vote to nationalize health care doctors and conscientious citizens have indicated that Pallone is less than qualified to speak on women’s health.

The controversy over women’s health and the effects of government-controlled health care began last November when the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force discouraged women between the ages of forty and forty-nine from receiving routine mammograms, claiming the overall benefit proved small. The report ignored the effects early screenings have in saving patients' lives.

Though only recommendations, the guidelines were interpreted as the first step towards health care rationing. Representative Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, confirmed that, “the guidelines that came out this week by the Preventive Services Task Force have a direct link to what would be offered if the House and the Senate bills were to go into law." Pallone, proud author of H.R. 3200, has been outspoken in his support of nationalizing health care.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mammography-recommendations-form-government-rationing-critics/story?id=9150471&page=1

Dr. Alieta Eck, a practitioner of internal medicine in Piscataway, NJ, concurs: "Once the government is in control of our health care, patients will be looked upon as groups of people rather than as individuals. If a thousand mammograms yields only one case of breast cancer, the government decision-makers might say that mammograms are not worth the money and remove them from the list of approved tests. The best research and innovation in cancer care is performed here in the United States, something that will surely decline if the government takes over."

The debate has heated now that the FDA has rescinded its recommendation for the drug Avastin as an option for breast cancer patients. Its report is based on the drug’s expense as compared to its ability to extend a patient’s life. Highlands Mayor Anna Little, Republican nominee for the people’s 6th District seat stated, "I believe that the patient should be able to choose her form of treatment, in private consultation with her doctor, without worrying whether the government views it as necessary or economical.”

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/7948878/US-breast-cancer-drug-decision-marks-start-of-death-panels.html

Heard On The River

A well placed rumor monger tells MMM that former Governor Jon Corzine in in negotiations to buy the palatial Rumson estate on the Navesink of General and Mrs. Peter Dawkins.

The Dawkins estate has been on the market since March for $29.9 million. Corzine has reportedly offered $19 million.

More Pallone Open House Videos

Phoney Palloney twittered that his Long Branch Open House ended at 12:30am. As if that was a good thing! He said on twitter, "This is what the Cong Recess is for- so that I can hear from my constituents. Lots of good input."

Here are some videos of constituents who started waiting to speak one on one to Pallone between 4PM and 6PM the day before he ended his Open House:

Ron is an attorney. He came to talk to the congressman about how the economy is impacting his practice and his clients. He was waiting in the heat and humidity for about an hour before I talked to him. I don't know how long he waited to talk to Pallone.



Clarence Webster accompanied his daughter to the open house to speak to the congressman. She and her brother both work at Fort Monmouth. They've been transferred to Aberdeen, Maryland. Their employer, the federal government, promised them relocation assistance including assistance with the sale of their New Jersey homes. Based upon those representations they bought homes in Maryland. Now their employer is not coming through on its end of the deal. Clarence's kids are struggling to pay mortgages on two homes each.

Clarence said his is an Independent voter who will never vote for a Democrat again.



This woman waited for almost two hours in the heat before she gave up. She came to talk to Pallone about one of the Cuban 5 who is incarcerated for espionage and is very sick. She doesn't want the alleged spy to die in jail.



Maureen Nevin says she is the Voice of Asbury Park. She's been seeking Pallone's help for years over a complaint she has with the FCC. Evidently the FCC shut down her radio station twice. She thinks she might have better luck with Pallone now because of his significant opposition in the upcoming election.



Joyce Grant is also from Asbury Park. She's opposed to a proposed ocean front development. She says Pallone doesn't respond to her emails on the matter, but she believes in him and will be voting for him in November. Think he'll start acknowledging her emails?



Patience is a virtue but Sister Eleanor got tired of waiting for Pallone. Sister is a member of the Franciscan Action Network. She's had great difficulty in getting Pallone's attention in Washington, which is why she came out on Monday. She wanted to talk to the congressman about immigration reform and climate change.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Christie Punts On The Ground Zero Mosque. Throws A Block For Pallone

By Art Gallagher

Governor Chris Christie copped out on Monday when he declined to take a position on the building of the Cordoba House mosque at Ground Zero.

His point, that we cannot paint all of Islam with a jihadist brush, is true. Certainly there are some who are opposed to the location of the mosque that are doing that. However, the thoughtful opposition, which I believe is the majority, is not doing that.

It is legal for the mosque to be built at Ground Zero. No one is disputing that.

It is also wrong. It is insensitive, not only to the families of the those who perished on 9-11. It is insensitive to our nation that has not yet recovered from the attack. It sends the wrong message. A message that will last for hundreds of years.

Building a mosque at Ground Zero is akin to building a memorial to Japanese Emperor Hirohito at Pearl Harbor.

That Mayor Bloomberg and the powers that be in New York City are approving of such a travesty is a testament to how soft and politically correct we've become as a nation.

That the Freedom Tower is not built yet on the eve of the ninth anniversary of 9-11 and that the location for the mosque is even available is a testament to how inept we've become as a nation. It is a testament to our leadership vacuum.

This is not a matter of painting all of Islam with a radical brush, as Christie said. It is not only a matter of being sensitive to the families of the victims. It is a matter of American pride.

That President Obama is citing the Constitution in supporting the mosque is laughable given how he has trampled our founding document since his inauguration. That he declines to weigh in on the "wisdom" of building the mosque at Ground Zero is a failure of leadership.

Christie's remarks are either a failure of leadership or an enormous error in judgement.

Christie said the mosque should not be a "political football." He chastised the president, and national leaders of both parties for using it as such. It is not a political football. Mammograms were a political football in last years gubernatorial campaign. Those opposed to the mosque, the majority of Americans, are not distorting an issue for political gain any more than President Reagan was when he said, "Mr. Gorbachev, take down that wall!"

It is not a political football. It is a matter of moral clarity, national pride and leadership.

It is legal for the mosque to be built at Ground Zero. The only way to stop it, and it must be stopped, is through political pressure and public opinion.

Every candidate and elected official should be asked to take a position. That's how poltical pressure works. There should be economic pressure too. Our proud citizenry should stand up and say NO. Workers, union or non-union, should refuse to work on the project. Vendors should refuse to sell materials. Lawyers and bankers should refuse to work on it. Those who do work on it should be boycotted, chastised and ruined.

Supporting the Cordoba House at Ground Zero should more politically and socially unacceptable than using the N word.

Other than public pressure to stop the mosque, the only other way to stop it is to put the Port Authority in charge. They've done a good job stopping the Freedom Tower so far.

So far the political fail out of Christie's punt, is that he gave cowardly cover to Congressman Frank Pallone. Appearing on Fox and Friends this morning, Pallone referenced Christie's remarks as his justification for declining to take a position on the Cordoba House mosque at Ground Zero.

How putrid is that? Pallone, who used Chrisite's Deferred Prosecution Agreements while U.S. Attorney as a political football last year while Governor Corzine's campaign chairman, is declining to take a position on an issue that deeply impacts the residents of his district who lost so many on 9-11 and who view Lower Manhattan from our shore, because Christie said the issue shouldn't be a political football.

In his remarks on Monday Christie said, "We have to bring people together." His right. 60% of America is opposed to the mosque at Ground Zero. That's more together than America is on most issues.

America is crying out for leaders with the fortitude and moral clarity to stand up to the PC pantie wastes who would allow a mosque on that hallowed ground for the next 100+ years. That's the kind of leadership that will bring us together.

Holt Derides His Constituents. This Constituent Pushes Back

By David Wanetick, Princeton, NJ

Rush Holt never tires of deriding the many thousands of his constituents who work for financial services firms. Holt depicts anyone who works--or has worked for--a financial firm as a con artist or greedy exploiter of the working class. In his shallow analysis of complicated economic issues, he clings to the convenient notions of populism and collective responsibility. In his view, all financial professionals (and only financial professionals) are responsible for the nation's economic ills.

Let me add some dimensionality to Holt's warped notion of greed.

One of Holt's constituents is a man that I know and will refer to as Bob.

Bob logs many long hours working and commuting to his investment banking job in New York City. He does make a nice living. In his younger years, he wanted to amass a great fortune. Now, he justs wants to support his family, provide his children with a solid education, and save enough for a comfortable retirement.

Bob is just the type of constituent that Rush Holt relentlessly vilifies as a fat cat investment banker.

Let me also tell you what Bob does when he is not pursuing his business deals. Bob is a volunteer fireman. As such, Bob has served his community heroically for some seven years.

He has received no compensation for his volunteerism. On the contrary, his serving as a volunteer fireman has resulted in him losing out on lucrative business deals.

On the weekends that he is "on call" and goes on an outing with his family, he and his wife drive separate cars. Just in case he gets an emergency call.

When those calls come in, Bob selflessly responds without a moment's hesitation. There is no calculation as to what personal gains may be derived from his responding to calls. While he has not experienced any serious injuries, he takes enormous risks every time he responds to fires.

The contrasts between Bob and Rush Holt couldn't be greater.

Bob pays his taxes. Rush Holt unflaggingly votes to assess his constituents with increasingly confiscatory taxes.

Bob serves his local community. Holt is spending most of the remaining months of the election season outside of the district, courting funding from special interest groups.

There is no political calculation in Bob's community service. Rush Holt is all about political calculation for advancing his political career. He will rip a microphone out the hand of a constituent who disagees with his fiscal promiscuity and lean on banks to forgive mortgages of his supporters (as he boasted about doing in his May 21, 2010 email to constituents).

We are far better served by Bob than Rush Holt.

Pallone Shows Up In Long Branch!

So we were told. We didn't see him. Neither did many of the people who were waiting on line in the heat and humidity to meet him one on one.

Pallone twittered that he met with lots of organization reps. Mentioned legislation to improve veterans benefits, particularly for the disabled. He said he met "lots" of people with personal concerns and answered seniors questions about hcr (health care reform?) and medicare.

Here is some of what he missed:

The Tea Party Groups were out in the sun:



This nice lady doesn't like the Tea Party. She thinks they are dishonoring her relatives who fought in the Revolutionary War. She came to ask Pallone to save the horses out west from being slaughtered to feed people in Europe.



Who does she think Pallone is? Eli Wallach or Montgomery Clift?



This young woman from the neighborhood came to see why people were protesting the funeral home next door to Pallone's office:



Most of the folks we talked to didn't wait to talk to their Congressman. This fellow put his name on the list and said he was coming back later:



Harold was quite surprised by the gender make up of the Tea Party protesters:



Ken, retired from Fort Monmouth, didn't get to see the congressman but left some information for him. Ken had quite a bit to say on a variety of issues:



Harold Cooper has a high regard for Pallone and his family, yet he thinks Frank and Mr. Rangel, have both been in office too long:



More tomorrow.

Intelligent Thoughts On The Economy, Unemployment and Presidential Politics

We heard from former Governor Corzine over the weekend.

This Wall Street CEO makes a lot more sense. Read Mickey Gooch's Beside The Point at the Two River Times.