Written by Roberta Biros

On Thursday, January 22, 2008, I published a blog post titled What is a Conservative to Do When They Find Themselves Without a Party?. If you have not read it, I would suggest that you do so when time permits.

The crux of my story is that I am an energetic, opinionated, and conservative woman that has made countless attempts to become involved with the Republican Party in Mercer County Pennsylvania. Every attempt has failed. My most recent attempt left me beaten and battered, but NOT down for the count (I’m far too bull-headed for that). Instead of “licking my wounds”, I openly expressed my opinions about “my situation” to all of you. I didn’t think much of it, I just figured that it would make me feel better, but in the process I hoped that my message would be noticed by other locals who have experienced similar problems. Perhaps we could all get together to form a “support group” of sorts.

Well, to my surprise, the topic (and the candid way that I described my situation) seems to have caught the attention of many across Mercer County and the State of Pennsylvania.

Upon publishing my post, comments began to pour in almost immediately. Some of the comments were public using the comment feature of my Blog Post [you can read those comments HERE]. Other comments were posted as new blog posts on other conservative news forums. And, many comments were received to my personal email account through the invitation that I added at the end of my original story.

What was the message that was conveyed in EVERY SINGLE ONE of the comments that I’ve received? You Are Not Alone.

It seems that the problem that I’ve experienced is a common one. Many of you have been following my post watching as my soap opera unfolded before your eyes. You were waiting to see how things “panned out” for this particular conservative. When you saw the final result of my “efforts to conform”, your hearts sunk in knowing that the same problems continue to plague the Grand Old Party for all of “us”.

I received many comments from folks right here in Mercer County. The comments and concerns all lead back to the GOP Leadership in Mercer (or lack thereof). Many of you stated concerns for your anonymity as a fear of backlash and retribution looms over your head. Good Lord! . . . the problems that we have with our Party are even worse than I had imagined!

I then received comments from people throughout the State of Pennsylvania. It seems that the problems that we are experiencing are not limited to our fine, rural County. No, the problems of the GOP seem to be more far reaching than that.

So what are we to do? Well, it has already begun. Concerned conservatives that have found themselves disenfranchised from the Party have already begun to organize. “Super Secret” meetings with “Super Secret Handshakes” have been happening in back rooms across the State for months (or longer). It is a concentrated underground movement of conservatives who want to take the Republican Party back. They are talking (on the “down low”, of course), they are plotting and scheming and planning. They are uniting for the good of the Party. They all have one goal in mind . . . take the Party away from the self-serving and self-centered bullies who have outstayed their welcome.

The message? “Re-build, Re-unite, and Re-juvenate the Re-publican Party!”

What is the plan . . . exactly? Hmmmm. Only time will tell. Besides, to tell would take all of the fun out of it.

What I CAN tell you is this . . . I’m still fielding comments and conversations from like-thinking conservatives. I’m gathering names and contact information as well as various opinions. So . . .

If you are a “Mercer County Conservative” who has found themselves shunned by the Mercer County Republican Party, email me to open a dialog.

If you are a “Mercer County Conservative” who is currently involved with the Mercer GOP but has concerns about its future, email me to open a dialog.

If you are a “Mercer County Conservative” who is interested in running for an elected office, but the Mercer GOP is not embracing you, email me. I can provide you with contact information for responsible party members that can help.

If you are a Pennsylvania Conservative who is experiencing similar problems in your County, email me. Perhaps by working together we can affect change state-wide.

I realize the sensitive nature of this topic, so all communications will be held in the strictest of confidence.

As always, just my opinion.

~Roberta Biros, Mercer County Conservatives

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Elections have consequences #1343566

US President Barack Obama’s offer to talk to Iran shows that America’s policy of “domination” has failed, the government spokesman said on Saturday.

“This request means Western ideology has become passive, that capitalist thought and the system of domination have failed,” Gholam Hossein Elham was quoted as saying by the Mehr news agency.

“Negotiation is secondary, the main issue is that there is no way but for (the United States) to change,” he added.

That’s what “we” voted for. That’s what we’re gonna get.

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I’ve posted at length regarding Senator Bob Robbins recent comments regarding his Virgin Islands “networking trip”. If you haven’t been following the story, you can read all of the past posts HERE (listed in reverse chronological order, of course).

My posts have been one part of the discussion. Stories and editorials in the Sharon Herald have been a second part of the discussion. The third part of the discussion have been the numerous public postings to the Herald Forum (you can READ those conversations HERE).

I posted a response in that Forum today, and I thought that my comments were worth repeating here for all of you . . . my loyal readers.

The comment was in response to quote made by a Forum contributor that goes by the name of “Lifetime”. It also includes a reference to a comment made by contributor “wilma4bng”. Here is my post . . . just for the record:

Originally posted by Lifetime:
Just admit…. you don’t like the GOP
You just don’t like PA Sen. Bob Robbins

Response by Roberta in Mercer:
Like “wilma4bng”, I, too, am a Republican (17 years for me). The term “Republican” does not define me, though. There are many flavors of Republicans. I, therefore, define myself as a Conservative. I specifically support Conservative values, and my record shows it. Whether you agree with me or not on “conservatism” is not the issue.

Unlike some “Mercer County Republicans”, I’m honest in my opinions. If I see a Republican (or Democrat for that matter) doing something commendable, I make a point to commend them. If, however, I witness a Republican (or Democrat) demonstrate not-so-commendable actions, I point it out too. I call a “spade a spade”, so to speak.

To say “you don’t like the GOP” is interesting. It is true that I don’t like some things that the GOP does . . . especially locally. I find that I disagree with their actions often, so perhaps it is fair to say that “I don’t like them” if you are talking in broad terms.

To say that “you just don’t like PA Sen. Bob Robbins”, is simply unfair. I don’t even know PA Sen. Bob Robbins. I could not, therefore, have a reason to like to dislike him . . . personally. I do, however, disagree with things that he has done politically. When he presents himself proudly as a “so-called” Republican, he makes all of US (“Republicans”) look bad when he does stupid things, and WE (“Republicans”) get blamed for his stupidity.

In my personal opinion, I do not consider Senator Robbins a “Conservative” . . . he is far from it, actually. If you look at the Senator’s voting record, you will find that he does not vote in a Conservative manner often (I could say “rarely”). When asked questions (like this issue about the Virgin Islands), he does not present himself as though he is concerned with voter opinion or public image. He presents himself as though he is simply concerned with “Bob Robbins”. I find that troubling. I find it terribly troubling in a Senator that is supposed to be representing the welfare and well-being of the people of the 50th District. Does that mean that “I don’t like him”? No . . . it simply means that I don’t like him as our State Senator. I don’t like the way that he represents US (the people of Mercer County) . . . all of US (from Mercer County). If we remind him that we “don’t like his behavior”, perhaps he could change or attempt to improve. If he cannot change (or simply refuses to change), then perhaps he should step aside and allow someone else to take over his position as “public servant”.

This is NOT personal. This is an issue of an individual’s ability to LEAD and SERVE. I simply think that Senator Bob Robbins is doing both poorly.

Just my opinion.

Do I have some personal dislike (or should I say it . . . “hate”) for the Senator? Absolutely not.
I am simply providing comments and commentary that the Senator (and the people of Mercer County and the State of Pennsylvania) can read at their leisure. Everyone who reads my comments has the FREEDOM to make up their own minds on this issue.

If you think that I’m simply speaking the truth . . . thank you.

If you just hate me no matter what I say . . . please don’t bother reading my opinions any more (you have the FREEDOM to NOT read my comments).

If you’d care to comment, I welcome your thoughts through my moderated “comment” feature HERE. I will publish your comments . . . even if they disagree with my own. I will not, however, publish your comments if you are rude or improper in any way, shape, or form.

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The weather has been horrible up on the mountain so my wife and I retreated down to Baltimore where the Winter Restaurant Week is in full swing. It’s a pretty good marketing device. Top restaurants throughout Charm City are offering limited menus for reasonable prices. It’s a good opportunity to visit places you wouldn’t normally go and to sample their offerings and not spend too much. We did this a few months ago and enjoyed it, so once again we have been restaurant hopping.

So far we have sampled the Brewers Art [good food but loud and crowded]; the Rusty Scupper [not bad, but not particularly good -- standard tourist fare]; the Capital Grille [good steak and seafood, a business crowd] Bistro 300 at the Hyatt [not good at all]; Meli’s in Fells Point [superb, everything was perfect, great pastries]; the Lebanese Taverna in Harbor East [good khofti and the best pita bread anywhere]; and the Black Olive, also in Fells Point [great ambience, excellent seafood, especially the crabcakes]. Tonight we are going out again but I don’t know where. My wife will let me know when and where to go. And then back to Pennsylvania where we will be starving ourselves for at least a week.

What all this means is that I don’t have much in the way of new Pennsylvania pictures to post, but here are some I took in on the road and in Baltimore instead. Think of it as an advertisement for a nice little trip those of you still stuck up in the frozen tundra might consder taking.

The frozen Susquehanna. Brrrrrr.

The Inner Harbor — a view from the Rusty Scupper.

Snowcapped sentinels outside the Capital Grille.

Inside the National Aquarium — Whale Bones

Also inside the Aquarium — “You Lookin’ At Me?”

Finally, over at Harbor East, a memorial to the fallen — Polish officers exterminated by Stalin at the outset of World War II. A reminder that there are far more important things in this world than restaurant week.

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Kudos to Alexander Burns at Politico. He reported on the Steele nomination without playing the race card. At least a few people in the media have some shreds of integrity. Read his account here.

Regarding the oreo cookie incident. Liberals say it didn’t happen and that Steele made it up in a clumsy attempt to play the race card. Steele and his supporters say it did. I wasn’t there and can’t say, but I know who I believe. More disturbing is the fact that during Steele’s unsuccessful race for the Senate against Ben Cardin Democrat operatives stole his Social Security number and used it to access private credit information in an attempt to smear him.

If anything Steele’s career shows that Democrats will lie, cheat and steal, in fact will do anything to win.

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Hmm.

Boscov’s Department Stores reported the largest December profit ever made by the company. Between Dec. 4 and 31, the chain made $26 million, company officials said. Boscov’s is still awaiting $35 million in loans the state is trying to arrange to help the 39-store chain regain solid footing.

Well, it’s almost like they only need to borrow $9 million from the state.

Tip to Skye @ MidnightBlue who adds…

I don’t want to accuse Boscov’s owners of fanning economic fears to foist an unnecessary Boscov Bailout on unsuspecting Pennsylvania taxpayers…or do I?

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Oddly enough, none of those “media outlets” ever bring up the NAACP throwing Oreo cookies at him when he campaigned!

Hmmmm,….

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Alright! The Republican Party has replied to eight years Democrat insanity and hate with an intelligent, thoughtful, charitable, conservative man who is exactly what we need right now. Now that’s change I can believe in!

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No truer words could be said these days:

“It’s time for something completely different, and we’re gonna bring it to them,” he said. “Get ready, baby. It’s time to turn it on.”

Steele said he would work to build the party to an unprecedented level and warned: “For those of you who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked down.”

A foot to the floor and another up Obama’s a**!!

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Democratic State Representative Rich Grucela, despite initial reports to the contrary, has opted out of running for Northampton County Executive.

My “well placed source” that earlier told me he was definitely in, told me later that he was out, but I was asked not to do a post on it just yet.

Local Lehigh Valley Blogger Bernie O’Hare broke the story today and put a little egg on my face in the process.

Also, in the race for Lehigh County Commissioner District 1, former County Commissioner Marc Grammes and Lynn Township Supervisor David Najarian have both signaled that they do not intend to run.

Former State House Candidate and Republican County Committeeman Allen Cerullo is leaning towards running.

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My former Lieutenant Governor, Michael Steele, was today elected Chairman of the NRC. He is an excellent choice to be the public face of the Republican Party. He is bright, personable, articulate, media savvy, and well-respected within the Party. But, in these supposedly “post-racial” times the punditry place primary emphasis on only one characteristic of this multi-faceted individual — the color of his skin.

CNN reports: Steele Becomes First African-American RNC Chairman. [here]

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Members of the Republican National Committee elected their first-ever African-American party chief on Friday, choosing former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele to chair the organization after six tumultuous rounds of voting. [here]

Ben Smith leads off with: Michael Steele makes history as the first black chairman of the Republican National Committee…. [here]

Wonkette leads with this nonsense: Congratulations to Michael Steele, who finally beat out that actual Confederate slaveowning plantation owner to become the first African-American President of the United States! [here] I have no idea what they are talking about, but the racial obsession is blatant.

AP:

Michael Steele becomes first black RNC chairman

WASHINGTON – The Republican Party chose the first black national chairman in its history Friday, just shy of three months after the nation elected a Democrat as the first African-American president.

NPR:

Leaders of the fractured and demoralized national Republican Party on Friday turned to a charismatic, nationally recognized African-American to lead it into the future.

The Chicago Tribune:

GOP elects first African-American party chairman

By Peter Wallsten |Washington Bureau

8:50 PM CST, January 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — Republican officials voted Friday to elect their first black national party chairman, a response in part to election defeats that have left the party’s base more white and Southern at a time when the country is growing more diverse.

Carlos Slim’s New York Times:

Republicans Choose First Black Party Chairman

By ADAM NAGOURNEY

Published: January 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was elected the chairman of the Republican National Committee on Friday as the party chose its first African-American leader in a vote that signaled a desire by Republican leaders to put a new face on an embattled party.

BBC News leads with

Change has come to the Republican Party. To the top of it, at least.

For the first time in the Republicans’ history (and for only the second time in the history of America’s two major parties) an African American has been elected party chairman.

It goes on and on and on. This obsession with skin color is more than bizarre. It’s demented. And such heightened racial sensitivity is nothing less than systematic racism. That’s right — racism. the people who wrote these stories and the editors who approved them are blatantly proclaiming the fact that they are racists. Future American historians will have a great time tracing the development of this cultural deformity but for now it is enough to note the prevalence of racist themes in the mainstream and liberal media.

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MICHAEL STEELE HAS WON!

Reaganism is far from dead. It NEVER was. We just need more and more leaders that get it!

That is why conservative groups are springing up all across Pennsylvania. I am compiling a list of all I have been in contact with. I would not be surprised if the number approaches fifty.

I hope the liberal extremist Republicans jump on board. Or, please, move to the back of the tent. And if you are a liberal extremist Republican legislator, please, abstain from voting a bit more often.

We have A LOT of work to do to repair the damage wrought by the “move to the Left” crowd.

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After multiple ballots and maneuvering today, the RNC elected a new chair. (Don’t know who yet, waiting for the announcement.)

The previous RNC Chair was running, Mike Duncan, but he dropped out after multiple ballots. This is a good sign as another establishment leader who has led the GOP to its rapid decline was forced to bow out.

Michael Steele and Katon Dawson were the front runners with Ken Blackwell and a few others still in the race…

Read more about the implications of either choice.

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Voting takes place today for the chairman of the Republican National Committee.

It takes 85 votes to win.

First Ballot: Duncan 52, Steele 46, Dawson 28, Anuzis 22, Blackwell 20

Update: Second Ballot: Duncan 48, Steel 48, Dawson 29, Anuzis 24, Blackwell 19

Update: Third ballot: Steele 51, Duncan 44, Dawson 34, Anuzis 24, Blackwell 15.

I don’t know what the rules are for knocking people out, but you know the Steele folks are probably laying down some pressure on Blackwell’s voters.

Update: Break for recess and politicking. The ballroom is rumored to be booked for 5pm for a wedding. So they need to get things done.

Update: Duncan out!

Update: Fourth ballot: Dawson 62, Steele 60, Anuzis 31, Blackwell 15

Dawson surges on Duncan’s free electors. How ’bout that.

Update: Blackwell drops out, is supporting Steele. If all of Blackwells votes go to Steele, that makes Anuzis the kingmaker.

Update: Fifth ballot: Steele 79 Dawson 69 Anuzis 20

Update:: Steele elected with 91 votes on the sixth ballot. Dawson with 71.

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Written by Roberta Biros

I usually choose my blog topics based on recent news stories, but today I’m writing “By Request”.

I receive comments and suggestions often. I even received an interesting “list” of topics via my Comment feature today [read the suggestions HERE].

I have a growing list of topics on which I’d like to eventually research and report. Today’s topic, however, was a request  made only last night, but I felt it worthy of my attention as it is an important and timely topic of interest . . . the upcoming proposed State Budget for 2009-2010.

As I understand it, Governor Rendell plans on revealing his 2009-2010 Budget next week (February 4, 2009). I’m personally counting the days. This is a very important story that we should ALL watch closely (I know I will be). Last year’s budget put Pennsylvania in a $2 billion hole that seems to be getting deeper. Everyone is aware of the financial problems of our government (at the County, State, and National level), but I ask the question “Who is REALLY doing something about it?”

Last year, the bloated 2008-2009 State Budget passed overwhelmingly 170 – 32. So, who was trying to “do something” about our fiscal problems then? In my opinion, the only people in Harrisburg that truly earned their paychecks last year were the 32 Legislators who voted AGAINST that Budget. Who were they? Well allow me to list them for you (in order by District Number):

Rep. Bradley Roae
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe
Rep. Michele Brooks
Rep. Timothy Hennessey
Rep. Mike Turzai
Rep. Thomas Creighton
Rep. John Maher
Rep. Keith Gillespie
Rep. Scott Hutchinson
Rep. Kathy Rapp
Rep. Jerry Stern
Rep. Michael Fleck
Rep. Russell Fairchild
Rep. Rob Kauffman
Rep. Todd Rock
Rep. Dan Moul
Rep. Scott Perry
Rep. Ronald Miller
Rep. Stanley Saylor
Rep. Rosemarie Swanger
Rep. Karen Boback
Rep. Samuel Rohrer
Rep. Jim Cox
Rep. Michael Peifer
Rep. Paul Clymer
Rep. Bob Mensch
Rep. Curt Schroder
Rep. Carl Manz
Rep. Steven Nickol
Rep. Kathy Manderino (the Lone Democrat in the group)
Rep. Beverly Mackereth
Rep. William Gabig

Make note of each and every name on this list. THESE are the brave people in Harrisburg who had the intestinal fortitude to vote NAY on last year’s so-called “Budget”.

Points of interest for those of us interested in the Mercer County (and surrounding) area?

ON THE LIST:
Representative Michele Brooks (R-17)
Representative Brad Roae (R-6) from neighboring Crawford County

ABSENT FROM THE LIST:
Representative Dick Stevenson (R-8)
Representative Mark Longietti (D-7)

If you are a “detail junkie” like me and you’d care to read the entire text of the Legislation (all 207 pages of it), CLICK HERE to download the PDF.

Some of you may be of the opinion that “it is just a Budget” . . . “you have to pass something”. Well, I beg to differ with you. I am the fiscal steward of my home and business. We have a very strict “Budget” in our household. According to “responsible fiscal procedures”, our Budget is balanced. We force ourselves to live within our means. We do not plan our Budget based on borrowing money to make ends meet. The same should hold true for the Government . . . at EVERY level.

So, I wait with great anticipation to see what Governor Rendell has up his sleeve in the soon-to-be released 2009-2010 State Budget. There has been much discussion of ways to cut costs, but will those cost cutting measures actually make their way to paper? And if the Governor’s budget suggestions are again “bloated”, will there still be brave fiscal stewards willing to protect our best interests in Harrisburg? I’m counting on it.

As always, just my opinion.
~Roberta Biros, Mercer County Conservatives

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Now that Joe Hoeffel has put himself out there as the unofficial arbiter of county commissioner ethics, it would seem to me that he’d have to be extra, super-duper careful about using County time for personal business.  I thought of this last night while watching a re-run of “The Office” (the best comedy on T.V.) last night, in which Jim attempts to bring Dwight down by timing him with a stopwatch every time Dwight uses company time for personal business. 

In the clip below, I imagine Bruce Castor in the role of Jim.  Jim Matthews is the clueless Andy and the part of Joe Hoeffel is played by Dwight Shrute.

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Yet another reason to hold our heads high here in Southeast Pennsylvania….

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The Wachovia Center was sold out!

The winner of Wing Bowl 17, John “Super Squibb” Squibb of Berlin, New Jersey tossed back 203 wings over three rounds.

The 23-year-old wing eating champion went home with a Mini Cooper, a $7,500 diamond ring and a crown decorated with miniature chickens. [and severe hearburn and looming diarrhea. ed]

Of course, the competition would not have been complete without the help of the scantily clad, sometimes naked, “Wingettes.” Their job was to keep the competitors eating while cheering them on and entertaining the crowd.

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Dude, you are President of the United States. 53% of this country worships your every utterance. They think you are the Messiah. You are enjoying 70% approval ratings.

And you are fighting with a talk radio host?

Really?

“You can’t just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done,” President Obama told House Republicans during stimulus negotiations on Friday. Limbaugh has encouraged Republicans to oppose the stimulus plan because it would give Democrats an electoral advantage by creating new jobs. He’s also said he wants President Obama to fail.

On the radio Monday, Limbaugh said Obama wished the same for him.

“He’s obviously more frightened of me than he is Mitch McConnell. He’s more frightened of me, then he is of say, John Boehner, which doesn’t say much about our party,” Limbaugh said.

Limbaugh today planned to unveil his own bipartisan plan to “resolve the fight over the stimulus package.”

“I think Obama wants me to fail,” Limbaugh said. “President Obama, by telling you and the elected Republicans in Washington to not listen to me because I am not how things get done in Washington, he has said that he wants me to fail.

President Obama, Rush Limbaugh is not an elected official. His job is to entertain and inform. He measures success by ratings and he gets ratings by sparking controversy. You, Mr. President, have just upped Rush Limbaugh’s clout amongst conservatives by simply acknowledging him as a threat. Not only is every cable news show looking for Rush as a guest, but his ratings are going to go through the roof.

I think that most ordinary people could figure out that if you are the leader of the free world, you don’t acknowledge that a talk show host with an already overblown ego and a microphone has it within his power to defeat your agenda. I think most ordinary folks would figure out that the best policy regarding radio talk show hosts is the one that every single one of Obama’s predecessors has employed: ignore him. This is stuff you learn in elementary school. Of course, Obama is supposedly the smartest man in the world, so maybe he skipped elementary school and missed this lesson on common sense.

Cross posted at Bluftooni

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