Above Average Jane

Brief Book Review: A Table in the Presence

2009-11-12T00:05:00.003-05:00

Cash, Lt. Carey H. A Table in the Presence. Nashville, TN: 2004.

There are a number of first person accounts of the Iraq War in print, but this one is unusual as the author is a chaplain. Cash was with the First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, which he describes as:

“Our unit was the first ground combat force to cross the line of departure into Iraq, saw the first man killed in action at the hands of enemy gunmen, and fought what many believe to have been the most decisive battle in the taking of Baghdad (xi-xii).

I had not given much thought to chaplains and how they might serve in active combat. They are not allowed to carry a weapon and so a “religious program specialist” is assigned to them to help with administrative matters and also serves as a bodyguard and sometimes driver.

The book is written in chronological order, with flashbacks thrown in to provide some background on the author or other people mentioned in the book. As one might expect of a chaplain, Lt. Cash throws in Bible verses and spiritual allusions. He talks about the religious beliefs of the men he serves with, and recounts events that he considers miraculous. This is not to say that he glosses over the grim details of war. His regiment saw heavy fire and he does not spare anything in his descriptions of what happened. Here is one of the less action-packed passages (195):

The blast caused the vehicle’s Halon fire retardant system to engage, pouring noxious chemical fumes into the lungs of the shell-shocked marines. Choking, gasping for air, vomiting, they crawled up and out of the hatch, falling on the ground, oblivious to the continual enemy fire around them. They didn’t care – they had to breathe.

A couple of days earlier, someone had been smoking and had inadvertently set off the Halon system, emptying its bladder of over half of its supply of fire retardant. Horton recalled later that, if the providential smoking mistake had never happened, some of those Marines would never have made it out of the compartment before choking or being suffocated.

Just then a burning Iraqi troop carrier exploded, sending shrapnel and debris all over the Marines who by now were positioning themselves to kick down the front door and storm the mosque. Lance Corporal Benjamin Wetzel took a piece to the face, leaving a burning hole in his jaw. He found on, not realizing that his face was smoking.

He also writes touchingly of the men, one searching for a photo of his wife that had fallen off the dash of his vehicle, the regret of past misdeeds, and the worries of going into battle. In answer to the question of why some live and some die he offers the contrast between Daniel, who was protected in the lion’s den, and Stephen, the first recorded Christian martyr. He writes:

Daniel and Stephen both remained true to their calling; both walked faithfully no matter the cost. For one, that calling would be affirmed through the power of divine protection. For the other, it would be illuminated through the heroism of sacrifice. (p. 241).

His descriptions of the landscape and of the Iraqi people are also interesting. In one vignette he tries to find the gestures to indicate that he wants to meet the children of an Iraqi man who is helping them, and then shows the man a photo of his own family.

The day to day aspects of his job, having communion with limited equipment, using a lowered truck tailgate as a staging area, counseling soldiers, leading prayers, and providing appropriate spiritual guidance to those of other faiths, are included.

I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it those who enjoy first person accounts of the war.

A current Pennsylvania candidate served with Cash, but I wanted to have a separate post on the book itself, and a second post on mentions of the candidate, so, stay tuned ...

Veterans Day Remarks from PA Officials

2009-11-11T23:56:00.002-05:00

The inbox was overflowing today with Veterans Day press releases.

Congressman Patrick Murphy held a Veterans Day event in Washington Crossing Park, but I don't have any details on it yet.

Joe Sestak, currently the 7th district congressman and candidate for senate, has a video message for Veterans Day.

Doug Pike, one of the Democratic candidates for the 6th congressional district, has this to say:

"Today, I salute every veteran who has served. The commitment to serve and sacrifice for our safety deserves our admiration and praise every day, but today is special and I encourage everyone to thank a veteran today for service to our nation."

"I want to say a special thanks to my dad for serving our nation as a Marine Corps pilot in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His service continues to be an inspiration to me and our family."

Jack Wagner, one of the Democrats running for governor sent this statement:

In honor of Veterans Day, I salute and thank the brave men and women who have served in the military, past and present. These outstanding citizens make the ultimate sacrifice by putting their lives on the line to protect our freedoms in this great country.

As a Vietnam combat veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps, I share with you our motto – "Semper Fidelis," or "Always Faithful." We owe our everlasting and unwavering gratitude, loyalty, and dedication to the servicemen and women who faithfully serve with dignity and honor.

Today, and every day, please take the time to remember those who have fallen in combat, honor those who currently serve, and take care of those who have returned from combat.

Thank you veterans.

President's Remarks on Veterans Day

2009-11-11T23:54:00.002-05:00

From the inbox:

Thank you, Secretary Shinseki, for the generous introduction -- more importantly, the extraordinary bravery in service to our country, both on and off the battlefield. I want to thank our outstanding Vice President, Joe Biden, and his wonderful wife, Dr. Jill Biden, for being here today. We want to thank the Bidens for their son, Beau's, service as well; we're glad he just got back from Iraq.

We want to say a special word of thanks to Brigadier General Karl Horst, who's the Commander of the Military District of Washington, for being here, and for your lifetime of distinguished service to our nation. To Gene Crayton, president of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, thank you for being here. And to all the veterans’ service organizations for the extraordinary work, day in, day out on behalf of our nation's heroes.

To the members of our armed forces and the veterans who are here today: I am deeply honored and humbled to spend Veterans Day with you in this sacred place where generations of heroes have come to rest -- and generations of Americans have come to show their gratitude.

There are many honors and responsibilities that come with this job. But none is more profound than serving as Commander-in-Chief. Yesterday, I visited the troops at Fort Hood. We gathered in remembrance of those we recently lost. We paid tribute to the lives they led. And there was something that I saw in them; something that I see in the eyes of every soldier and sailor, airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman that I have had the privilege to meet in this country and around the world -- and that thing is determination.

In this time of war, we gather here mindful that the generation serving today already deserves a place alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices that they have made. In an era where so many acted only in pursuit of narrow self-interest, they've chosen the opposite. They chose to serve the cause that is greater than self; many even after they knew they'd be sent into harm's way. And for the better part of a decade, they have endured tour after tour in distant and difficult places; they have protected us from danger; and they have given others the opportunity for a better life.

So to all of them -- to our veterans, to the fallen, and to their families -- there is no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice.

This is a place where it is impossible not to be moved by that sacrifice. But even as we gather here this morning, people are gathering all across America, not only to express thanks of a grateful nation, but to tell stories that demand to be told. They're stories of wars whose names have come to define eras; battles that echo throughout history. They're stories of patriots who sacrificed in pursuit of a more perfect union: of a grandfather who marched across Europe; of a friend who fought in Vietnam; of a sister who served in Iraq. They're the stories of generations of Americans who left home barely more than boys and girls, became men and women, and returned home heroes.

And when these Americans who had dedicated their lives to defending this country came home, many settled on a life of service, choosing to make their entire lives a tour of duty. Many chose to live a quiet life, trading one uniform and set of responsibilities for another -- doctor, engineer, teacher, mom, dad. They bought homes, raised families, built businesses. They built the greatest middle class that the world has ever known. Some put away their medals, stayed humble about their service, and moved on. Some, carrying shrapnel and scars, found that they couldn't.

We call this a holiday. But for many veterans, it's another day of memories that drive them to live their lives each day as best as they possibly can. For our troops, it is another day in harm's way. For their families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one, and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, it is another day of slow and arduous recovery. And in this national cemetery, it is another day when grief remains fresh. So while it is important and proper that we mark this day, it is far more important we spend all our days determined to keep the promises that we've made to all who answer this country's call.

Carved into the marble behind me are the words of our first Commander-in-Chief: "When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen." Just as the contributions that our servicemen and women make to this nation don't end when they take off their uniform, neither do our obligations to them. And when we fulfill those obligations, we aren't just keeping faith with our veterans; we are keeping faith with the ideals of service and sacrifice upon which this republic was founded.

If we're honest with ourselves, we'll admit that there have been times where we as a nation have betrayed that sacred trust. Our Vietnam veterans served with great honor. They often came home greeted not with gratitude or support, but with condemnation and neglect. That's something that will never happen again. To them and to all who have served, in every battle, in every war, we say that it's never too late to say thank you. We honor your service. We are forever grateful. And just as you have not forgotten your missing comrades, neither, ever, will we. Our servicemen and women have been doing right by America for generations. And as long as I am Commander-in-Chief, America's going to do right by them.

That is my message to all veterans today. That is my message to all who serve in harm's way. To the husbands and wives back home doing the parenting of two. To the parents who watch their sons and daughters go off to war, and the children who wonder when mom and dad is coming home. To all our wounded warriors, and to the families who laid a loved one to rest. America will not let you down. We will take care of our own.

And to those who are serving in far-flung places today, when your tour ends, when you see our flag, when you touch our soil, you will be home in an America that is forever here for you just as you've been there for us. That is my promise -- our nation's promise -- to you.

Ninety-one years ago today, the battlefields of Europe fell quiet as World War I came to a close. But we don't mark this day each year as a celebration of victory, as proud of that victory as we are. We mark this day as a celebration of those who made victory possible. It's a day we keep in our minds the brave men and women of this young nation -- generations of them -- who above all else believed in and fought for a set of ideals. Because they did, our country still stands; our founding principles still shine; nations around the world that once knew nothing but fear now know the blessings of freedom.

That is why we fight -- in hopes of a day when we no longer need to. And that is why we gather at these solemn remembrances and reminders of war -- to recommit ourselves to the hard work of peace.

There will be a day before long when this generation of servicemen and women step out of uniform. They will build families and lives of their own. God willing, they will grow old. And someday, their children, and their children's children, will gather here to honor them.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Schwartz Holds Veterans Expo

2009-11-11T23:47:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow, Thursday, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-13) will hold a veterans resources expo. More than 20 national and local organizations will be represented. The event will be held form 10 a.m. to noon, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Orleans Technical Institute, 2770 Red Lion Road, Philadelphia

Two Political Announcements Tomorrow

2009-11-11T23:36:00.002-05:00

Writing tomorrow's news today! Two notable political announcements are slated for Thursday.

State Rep Bryan Lentz (D-151) is planning to kick off his campaign for the 7th congressional district seat. According to the press release:

Lentz is already winning strong support for his candidacy even before his announcement. He has raised more than $250,000, earned the endorsements of 70+ elected and local Democratic officials as well as the Delaware County AFL-CIO. Lentz defeated a 28-year incumbent in 2006 to earn a seat in the PA House of Representatives and in 2008, voters overwhelmingly reelected him.

Lentz is a good guy and I wish him all the best in the campaign.

Meanwhile, current 7th district congressman Joe Sestak, who is running for the senate, also has an event scheduled tomorrow (given his manic schedule there are probably several, but this is the only one I know about). From his press release:

Former Democratic U.S. Senate nominee and a Women's Way founder Lynn Yeakel will endorse Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Joe Sestak on Thursday at the ACORN Club in Philadelphia. She will join other women leaders and supporters to help kick-off Women for Sestak. Lynn is a leader in the Democratic party who has championed equal rights for women, serving as Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1994-2000 and as president and chief executive of the first and largest women's funding federation. At the event, Lynn will join Joe in calling for a new generation of leaders for Pennsylvania, particularly in the U.S. Senate, who will help shape the policies that ensure equal opportunities for success for young men and young women alike.

"I've known Joe for four years and he has the character and integrity to represent our party and our Commonwealth in Washington," said Lynn. "As one of Joe's constituents, I can attest to his exceptional dedication to his work as a Representative, both in Washington and Pennsylvania."

A Philly Blog Returns

2009-11-11T23:29:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite Philadelphia blogs had been hiatus but appears to be back in business again. A warm welcome to America's Hometown, americashometown.blogspot.com

A Cease Fire Update

2009-11-11T23:21:00.002-05:00

CeaseFire PA would like us to know that all 12 of the PA mayors on the ballot who are in favor of reporting lost or stolen guns won.

In other news, the city of Braddock has become the 15th community in the commonwealth to pass gun legislation:

Braddock Borough Council last night voted unanimously to pass a law requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to the police. With this action, Braddock joins forces with a growing group of 15 Pennsylvania cities and towns that have passed this commonsense reform to help police target individuals who buy handguns to sell to criminals and minors.

By a 6-to-0 vote, Braddock Council passed the lost or stolen firearms reporting ordinance at its regular meeting. Under the ordinance, firearms owners will have 72 hours to report a lost or stolen gun to the police after they have discovered it missing. Penalties include a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. The law applies to handguns and other short-barreled guns - not to shotguns or hunting rifles.

Braddock Council Vice President Matthew Thomas said, “We really need this reform in Braddock and I’m glad we are starting to pay attention to the problem of illegal firearms, because most crimes in Braddock are committed using illegally obtained handguns.”

Braddock joins Wilkinsburg, Clairton, Homestead, West Homestead, Munhall, Pittsburgh, Erie, Oxford, Allentown, Reading, Pottsville, Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg in passing lost or stolen handgun reporting ordinances into law in recent months. These communities represent a broad, geographically diverse cross-section of Pennsylvania cities and towns that collectively represent over 2 million Pennsylvanians. The statewide movement toward reasonable handgun reform is growing every day and includes mayors, city councils, police chiefs, faith leaders, and citizens across the Commonwealth who have joined together to support this reasonable reform and urge legislators to address the epidemic of illegal handguns in our communities.

A Quick Look at Gail Conner

2009-11-11T00:28:00.002-05:00

Today Gail Conner announced her candidacy for the 7th congressional district, joining State Rep. Bryan Lentz (who formally kicks off his campaign this Thursday) and Teresa Touey on the Democratic ballot for the open seat now held by Joe Sestak. Her campaign announcement can be found on her campaign website: www.conner4congress.com (another site, www.gailmconner.com seems to be primarily devoted to her book, Healing Parties, which is not political but focuses on her life philosophy).

Conner is a lawyer, specializing in environment law and real estate law. She also founded, owns and runs a company called G & C Environmental Services. The campaign site lists her participation in state advisory boards relating to environmental concerns. She was an Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention last summer in Denver.

Ten years ago she described her business in this way:

The Newtown Square, Pennsylvania-based company provides environmental engineering and industrial hygiene services to commercial, governmental, industrial, municipal and institutional organizations.

Before a building can be remodeled or major construction performed, Conner and her 10 employees go in and assess for dangerous chemicals such as lead and asbestos, estimate the contamination and then recommend companies to do the cleanup. Oftentimes, her firm will go in where larger environmental firms have proved ineffective, correct the problem and then teach the client how to implement the new solution. (Hayes)

Her book, Healing Parties is summarized as:

This book has an underlying message of healing through reconciliation, and is a roadmap for those who are blessed to live in the 21st century. Indeed, Gail provides a message of emotional freedom for all of us - regardless of race, creed, color, economic status, or how you or your ancestors arrived upon this land that we love and cherish.
Gail shares her surprising coping mechanisms for handling life's challenges during desegregation in the rural south and the role it played in her future. Thus, Healing Parties was born and has merged her past and her future. She hopes that her unique experiences will encourage you to successfully manage the challenges in your life.

Conner has not held elective office before. Nor does she have a long record of political contributions, at least at a level that show up on reports. She donated to Obama and to one state level candidate; those are the only two donations I can find, though there may be others.

Conner’s work for Obama did bring her into contact with the local community and she has (or does?) have a nonprofit called Garden of Dreams, though I’m not sure what the organization’s mission was (is?). However, her business does 90% of its business outside of Pennsylvania (Hayes) which means she may not be able to count on her professional network for campaign donations. One of her in state jobs was at the Philadelphia airport (Burton), which may imply some political connections. More recently, even with her work for Obama, she was sometimes at odds with the state party, as witnessed by her comments on getting tickets for the inauguration:

Of course it wasn't cheap, and Conner bemoaned the price and lack of help from the state Democratic Party. Conner got her ticket by virtue of being a delegate, though it was just the one, and for the standing-room-only section in the back, at that.

"It's been like that in Pennsylvania -- if you worked for Obama, you got left out," said Conner, who ran the Small Business for Obama portion of the campaign in Pennsylvania, as well as outreach for numerous colleges and townships. (Rose)

Her interaction with the Small Business Administration has been mixed. In 1998, in Black Enterprise she said:

Nonetheless, Conner says other organizations did take her to task. "Our greatest challenge came from our local Small Business Association, 11 says Conner of the SBA office in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. "We would have been a $20 million company by now without the obstacles they put in the way. They steered contracts towards a distinct few firms, while discrediting my company. We [black people] end up fighting each other over the crumbs, and then it's the other ethnic groups who end up profiting from the benefits." (Hayes)

The next year, in 1999, the SBA changed the way small businesses were certified

As a small-business owner seeking federal government contracts, Gail Conner was bothered that some businesses were allowed to simply sign a form saying they were ``disadvantaged'' businesses. She had chosen instead to receive an 8(a) designation through a Small Business Administration program, which meant paperwork, verification, and working through the agency for bids - not just her word.

But starting July 1, self-certification will no longer be an option. And companies that had been self-certified as disadvantaged will have to apply for the designation when bidding on federal contracts. (Briggs)

Whether Conner can activate a donor network and cultivate a grassroots base remains to be seen, but her entrance into the congressional race does shake things up a bit. Her environmental background is intriguing and would be very valuable in Washington, if she can get there.

Sources:

Briggs, Rosland, "SBA to certify 'disadvanted' small companies," Inquirer Jan 11, 1999

Burton, Cynthia, "N.J. firm to aid city in blight project," Inquirer, July 17, 2001

Hayes, Cassanda, "Business dynamos," Black Enterprise, August 1998

Rose, Alex, "A lucky few will get to attend festivities," Delaware County Daily Times, January 14, 2009

Hoeffel Conference Call and Campaign Website

2009-11-09T23:40:00.002-05:00

Joe Hoeffel, former state representative, former congressman, current Montgomery County Commissioner, and candidate for governor, has unveiled a new campaign website, www.joehoeffel2010.com.

Here are my rough notes from the call. I apologize in advance for any errors or misconceptions. Many of Hoeffel's policy statements are spelled out on the campaign site.

On the call Hoeffel made some introductory remarks: Last summer he was alarmed that there wasn't a progressive candidate in the governor's race, and also though there should be a candidate from southeastern PA. The state deserves two parties, and the Democrats need to stay socially liberal. Make investments in people and our future. See state continue to increase support for public schools. Strong proponent of economic development and using gov money to attract private investment. Expand health care coverage, excited by US House vote over weekend. Public option essential. Government has an incredibly important role to play in fighting discrimination, only govt can lead that effort effectively. fight racial discrimination, gender, ethnic, and other areas, like poor children from underfunded schools, poor and young women in reproductive freedom, people in love who want to marry regardless of their gender. The Democrats needs a fighter who can uphold progressive banner against Republicans and also someone who can bring us together after election, build coalitions across party lines, city/suburb, get past divisive hyper partisanship. That’s why I’ve jumped in this race.

Q: Many elected officials don't support progressive goals

JH: The governor has to understand that the legislature is a co-equal branch of govt, build partnerships and relationships. Ed Rendell does a great job fighting for a progressive agenda, but JH actually likes legislators, used to be one. Being a state legislator is not easy. Budget fight embarrassing for everyone, hope all understand we can’t keep doing this. Hopeful as next governor can build relationships.

Q: Many states budgets are propped up by stimulus. What will happen in PA after the stimulus money is gone

JH: stabilize budget and reform tax structure. We have a regressive, flat income tax. will fight for graduated state income tax. The corporate taxes should be fairly applied. We have the highest corporate income tax in the US, 9.5 % but many don’t pay anywhere near that. We would raise more revenue if all paid about 5%, equity within corporate world.

Q: On what issues are you more progressive than other Democratic gubernatorial candidates?

JH: strongly pro-choice, trust women to make the right decision, some competitors disagree, favor marriage equality for everyone, govt needs to fight discrimination, challenge facing state is all about the jobs, economic development, health care, schools, treat people fairly

Campaign staff: Joe really wants to tackle the hard issues, some others might be in the right place but not talking about them or not have a track record.

Q: money and lobbyists in H’burg.

JH: There should be limits on what people can give, as in federal campaigns. Likes public finance of elections, full disclosure for lobbyists, disclose gifts. If elected executive staff can't accept gifts. However, the role of lobbyists to communicate & educate important

Q: Marcellus shale

JH: increase DEP to deal with challenges of natural gas drilling, extraction tax, fees in licensing to fund environmental protection. Currently we don’t have facilities to clean water, enforce clean water act,

Q: alternate energy industry in PA?

JH: when at DCED tried to entice Western European alt energy companies to come here. they are ahead of us in alternate energy. We should develop and train, “clean and green” energy corp to train low income young people to weatherize homes, take a holistic approach to government, take jobs, into older towns, as done in Montgomery County, make sure state programs coordinate with open space, env protect, econ and transportation

Q: philly schools

JH: sent kids to Abington public schools, wife a school nurse. Part of the challenge is to properly fund the formula, focus on public neighborhood schools. Charter schools are okay but shouldn’t get an unfair advantage, don’t have to follow all the rules and regulations that public schools do, some are doing great work. Not in favor of vouchers. School principals get more authority. Supported No child Left Behind because of increased testing and funding to pay for tutors for those who need remedial help. NCLB not implemented as funding not there. All for testing kids but must be investment in remedial programs.

More of these calls are planned as the campaign progresses.

Bucks Winery Goes Green

2009-11-09T23:38:00.001-05:00

From the inbox:

State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero, D-Bucks, announced today that Crossing Vineyards and Winery has been awarded a $21,093 Small Business Energy Efficiency grant by the state Department of Environmental Protection for its progressive efforts in energy savings.

Santarsiero said the grant funds will be used for a geothermal heating system, insulation and lighting to conserve energy.

"Geothermal systems are the most environmentally responsible heating systems available today," Santarsiero said. "Their high efficiency helps reduce the requirement for utilities to burn fossil fuels, which in turn decreases carbon dioxide emissions to the environment."

Santarsiero said Crossing Vineyards is on the forefront of energy-saving technology. In recent years, the winery has installed solar panels, which he said save 12.5 barrels of oil per year and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 8,600 pounds a year.

With a goal to be completely off the electric grid in five or fewer years, the winery is consistent with the goal of legislation co-sponsored by Santarsiero (H.B. 80), which would increase Tier I requirements in Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards beginning in 2014 to 18 percent by 2024. Tier I requirements delineate the proportion of electricity that electric distribution companies must purchase from renewable sources such as wind and solar.

Sestak on Natural Gas Drilling

2009-11-09T23:32:00.003-05:00

Congressman Joe Sestak, currently running for senate, sent out a press release on the environmental problems associated with natural gas drilling. Here is an excerpt:

In light of recent Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) findings across the state, which have revealed harmful contamination of drinking and bathing water by oil and gas companies, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Congressman Joe Sestak is renewing his push for Congress to immediately pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act, which he co-sponsored in the House of Representatives (HR 2766).

Drinking water throughout the state has been found to be contaminated in cases linked to gas drilling in at least seven counties. Pennsylvania oil and gas wells now produce nine million gallons of wastewater a day and will produce an estimated 19 million gallons per day by 2011 at the current pace, according to DEP estimates. Joe, who is among the 37 co-sponsors of the bill, sees this crisis in Pennsylvania as a wake up call for Congress to take action.

"If Pennsylvanians can't trust their own drinking water, then they should at least be able to trust their representatives in Congress to hold these companies accountable to fix the problem," Joe said. "This problem isn't new, but what's getting old is how long it takes for our government to respond. The bill I am advocating will repeal the Bush-era measure, know as the 'Haliburton exemption,' which allows oil and gas companies to bypass restrictions and inject potentially dangerous chemicals into our drinking water. What we need now is more leadership for Pennsylvania in Congress."

This past summer, the DEP investigated drilling areas in Western Pennsylvanians along the Monongahela River, after seeing contamination levels rapidly rising. More recently in Wayne County, Dimock Township residents fell victim to contaminated drinking and bathing water at the hands of Texas-based Cabit Oil & Gas, which was found to have gas wells seeping combustible levels of methane into a local aquifer for almost a year, according to The Wayne Independent. Just this past week, the DEP issued a 23-page order for corrective actions to eliminate a "slew" of environmental violations in Dimock, fining the company $120,000, adding to a previous $56,000 fine just months earlier, for three toxic chemical spills.

Among the companies engaged in "hydro-fracking" is Halliburton, noteworthy for being awarded no-bid contracts by the Bush Administration for reconstruction efforts in Iraq amidst allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse.

White House Veterans Initiative

2009-11-09T23:17:00.001-05:00

From the inbox:

Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans. This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch. The Initiative underscores to federal agencies the importance of recruiting and training veterans, aims to increase the employment of veterans within the Executive Branch, and helps recently hired veterans adjust to service in a civilian capacity.

“Honoring our sacred trust with America’s veterans means doing all we can to help them find work when they come home so they never feel as if the American Dream they fought to defend is out of reach for them and their families,” said President Obama. “But this initiative is about more than repaying our debt for their courageous service and selfless sacrifice. It’s also about continuing to fill the ranks of federal employees with men and women who possess the skills, dedication, and sense of duty that Americans deserve from their public servants. And few embody those qualities like our nation’s veterans.”

The Executive Order creates an interagency Council on Veterans Employment that will advise the President and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the veterans’ employment initiative. The Council will be chaired by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. OPM Director John Berry will serve as the Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the Council.

“Veterans have shown unmatched dedication to public service,” said Secretary Shinseki. “They offer leadership and technical skills that are in high demand, whether in the public or private workforce. Not only does this initiative present an opportunity for Veterans to serve their Nation once again, the Nation will benefit from the education and training Veterans received in the Armed Forces. I am looking forward to working with Secretary Solis and Director Berry to achieve the objectives of this initiative across the federal government.”

“Veterans are an important part of our nation’s past, present and future. They deserve our full support as they reintegrate into the civilian workforce,” said Secretary Solis, “In signing this Executive Order, President Obama underscores his Administration’s commitment to our military men and women, and keeps us squarely on the path to achieving the goal of good jobs for everyone.”

“President Obama strongly believes in honoring the service of our veterans and he sees this initiative as an opportunity to put some real muscle behind that promise,” said Director Berry. “The strong sense of patriotism and public service held by members of our armed forces doesn’t leave them when they exit from active duty. It benefits our government to seize this opportunity to utilize their skills and dedication to service. The Veterans Employment Initiative will help our federal agencies identify qualified veterans, clarify the hiring process for veterans seeking employment with the federal government, and help our veterans adjust to civilian life once they are hired.”

The Order also establishes a Veterans Employment Program office within most federal agencies. These offices will be responsible for helping veterans identify employment opportunities within those federal agencies, providing feedback to veterans about their employment application status, and helping veterans recently employed by these agencies adjust to civilian life and a workplace culture often different than military service.

In addition, the Office of Personnel Management will issue a government-wide strategic plan that will focus on creating leadership commitment and an infrastructure in each agency to promote continued skills development and employment success for veterans. The strategic plan will also include marketing strategies aimed at agency hiring managers as well as veterans and transitioning service members.

“This Executive Order reflects the shared commitment across the Obama administration to hiring American veterans,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Veterans play a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to protect the nation, which is why we have pledged to grow our veteran workforce to more than 50,000 Department-wide by 2012.”

At the end of Fiscal Year 2008, there were approximately 480,000 veterans working within the federal government.

For more information, visit: www.fedshirevets.gov

An Assortment of PA Rep's Statements on Health Care Bill

2009-11-08T21:36:00.002-05:00

The inbox overflowed with statements on the House health care bill that passed late Saturday night. Here they are, for your perusal.

Allyson Schwartz (D-13):

In an historic vote to improve health care in America, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA-13) joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives tonight to pass H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act.

“Health care reform is both a moral and economic imperative,” U.S. Rep. Schwartz said. “Americans have been waiting decades for access to affordable, meaningful health care, and tonight’s historic vote moved us closer than ever before to this goal. This legislation builds on what works, and improves what doesn’t in our health care system. It ensures that we will provide nearly every American with access to affordable, quality health care coverage. It improves delivery of care and will lead to better health outcomes for all Americans. And, this bill contains the rapidly rising costs of health care - critical to America’s economic strength in a global economy.”

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, one of three committees of jurisdiction over health care policy, Schwartz played a significant role in drafting this important piece of legislation. Schwartz was outspoken in working to ensure that the legislation made best use of America’s tremendous assets of innovation, competition and public -private choices.

Schwartz took a lead role in ensuring key provisions, based on earlier pieces of legislation she wrote, were in the final bill.

· Ensuring that insurance companies would no longer be permitted to exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions;
· Increasing transparency in insurance paperwork and requiring that coverage be explained in plain language;
· Allowing young people, up to the age of 27, to remain on their parents’ health insurance plans;
· Increasing the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and physician assistants through new scholarship and loan repayment programs and a new focus on preventive care in medical education;
· Incentivizing care coordination for patients with chronic conditions to improve health outcomes and reduce preventable hospital admissions;
· Eliminating co-payments for prevention and primary care for Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance beneficiaries; and
· Providing new access to life-saving vaccines for seniors who rely on Medicare.

Schwartz also fought to ensure that as we encourage greater efficiencies and quality in America’s hospitals, we make certain that policies affecting hospitals take into account the unique teaching, research and innovation missions of Philadelphia’s hospitals. She also worked to advance provisions to assist small businesses with tax credits. In her role as vice chair of the House Budget Committee, Schwartz worked to ensure that the House bill was fully paid for, now and into the future.

“We know that the status quo is unaffordable and unsustainable. Passing health care reform benefits all of us: families, seniors, businesses, and our nation,” said Schwartz.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act

If you have insurance, this bill:

* Keeps your insurance company from denying you care or coverage – or charging you more – because of diabetes, heart disease or any other “pre-existing condition.”
* Gives you peace of mind that you won’t lose coverage if you lose your job, move, or change jobs.
* Prevents insurance companies from dropping you because you get “too sick.”
* Covers preventive care with no co-pays or deductibles.
* Limits out-of-pocket expenses your insurance company can make you pay.

If you don’t have insurance, this bill:

* Lets you comparison shop for a quality, affordable health plan through a new health insurance exchange or marketplace.
* Offers you low group rates even for individual coverage.
* Helps lower your premiums with affordability credits for those who need help paying.
* Prevents any insurance company from denying you coverage for heart disease, diabetes or another “pre-existing condition.”
* Extends coverage for young Americans, allowing them to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans up to their 27th birthday if they choose.
* Includes a public health insurance option to compete on a level playing field with private insurers.

For our seniors, this bill:

* Strengthens Medicare, extending its solvency for years to come.
* Improves access to your doctor.
* Lowers Medicare drug prices by beginning to close the coverage gap or “donut hole” immediately.
* Reduces inefficiencies and program costs to help Medicare remain solvent without cutting benefits.
* Improves coordination and increases the quality of care for seniors with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.

Paul Kanjorski (D-11)

Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) provided the following statement explaining his vote for H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act. The House passed the bill today by a vote of 220-215. Once the Senate has completed action on its own bill, it is expected that a conference committee of representatives from each body will negotiate compromise legislation which will need to be adopted by the House and the Senate before reaching the President’s desk for signature.

“The House has taken an important first step today to improve the affordability and accessibility of health care. While today’s health care legislation is not perfect, action to address this important issue is absolutely necessary. If we do nothing to reform health care, health care costs are expected to double over the next ten years, just as they have over the last ten years.

“Insured Americans pay on average $500 per year just to administer health insurance, more than double the administrative costs paid in any other country which has a government-run health care system. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that $91 billion a year is wasted on excessive insurance administrative costs.

“Because about 60% of all Americans under the age of 65 receive insurance through their employers, much of this waste is burdening American companies. American companies competing in the global economy cannot afford this economic disadvantage. The bill we voted on today attempts to reduce the costs of insurance to employers and employees by providing greater competition among insurers. According to a study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a family of four would save $1,260 in annual health insurance premiums once this bill is enacted.

“It is estimated that 96% of all Americans will have access to affordable health insurance under this bill. While I believe that caring for our fellow citizens is a moral imperative, it also makes economic sense to have as many people covered by insurance as possible. Families USA estimates that every insured American family pays over $1000 per year in premiums just to cover the medical expenses of the uninsured, who obtain urgently needed health care through inefficient means such as visits to hospital emergency rooms. As we face the threat of pandemics such as the current swine flu, it is in the best interest of all of our health to make sure that sick people are treated quickly and affordably so that infectious diseases are not spread.

“While there are many detailed provisions in this complex legislation, it is important to note what the bill does not do. The only effect it will have on senior citizens who rely on Medicare is it will reduce their out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, as noted by AARP in its recent endorsement of the bill. The bill does not use tax dollars to pay for abortions. It does not require our smallest businesses to pay for insurance coverage for their employees. It will not result in the federal government controlling the delivery of health care; in fact, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that only six million Americans will choose to enroll in the government-sponsored insurance plan, the so-called “public option.” It does not add to the federal deficit. CBO estimates that the bill will reduce the deficit by $109 billion over the first ten years.

“Finally, I want to praise the House leadership for including in this bill a provision which will help to fund the education of the next generation of doctors, some of whom I hope will be educated by our region’s own medical college.

“We all share the goal of keeping American citizens healthy in the most humane and efficient means possible. I believe this bill is a reasonable first step toward reaching this goal.”

Joe Sestak (D-07)

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Congressman Joe Sestak, who has been fighting for health care reform since he entered Congress as a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) sub-committee, issued the following statement in honor of tonight's passage of the historic Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962):

"Today, I proudly voted to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act (AHCAA). This legislation will ensure access to affordable, quality health care for all Americans -- while making health insurance more affordable for individuals and small businesses that currently have it -- by establishing a fair, competitive marketplace for health insurance. It no longer allows insurance companies to make life and death decisions in who gets what health coverage. It provides these benefits while reducing the federal deficit by $109 billion over the next ten years and extending the solvency of the Medicare program.

"As a 31 year Navy Veteran, I went to Congress to ensure that everyone has the same quality health care treatment as my daughter had just a few years ago under the government's TRICARE program when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 4. This is why I requested to sit on two health sub-committees, why I worked to pass health insurance reform out of the Education and Labor Committee, why I have held numerous town halls and summits over the past three years to listen and to explain the benefits of this effort, including the public option, and why I am honored to have had the opportunity to vote for the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Today, we are a significant step closer to achieving this critical goal."

"More than 40 million American citizens currently lack insurance, and 14,000 more individuals are added to that tally every day. Every year, the uninsured and the underinsured cost our economy as much as $160 billion in lost productivity and without action, health care costs will consume fully 1/3 of our economic output by 2040. This is one of the rare instances where the morally right course of action is also an economic necessity."

Patrick Murphy (D-08)

Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D, 8th-District) announced his support of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. After careful consideration of the bill and having met with and listened to thousands of constituents, doctors, patients, and health care providers, Congressman Murphy decided to vote in favor of the bill in order to improve access to coverage for middle-class families, strengthen Medicare for seniors, and get the United States’ spiraling health care spending under control and on a deficit-reducing path. H.R. 3962, which has been endorsed by the AARP, the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well nearly 300 other organizations, will make critical and long-overdue improvements to the nation’s health insurance system.

Congressman Murphy has been guided by 8th District constituents’ experiences within the health insurance system- small business owners struggling to do right by their employees in the face of skyrocketing health care costs; Bucks County residents denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions such as pregnancy, asthma, high blood pressure, and cancer; seniors failing to make ends meet and lacking access to vital prescription drugs as they fall into the Medicare Part D “donut hole” every year.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act addresses these issues by extending tax credits to middle class families and small businesses to make health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible, ending denials of coverage for pre-existing conditions and ensuring that consumers who already have coverage cannot be kicked off their plan for becoming “too expensive,” and closing the “donut hole”. Reform would end insurance companies’ abusive practices, putting Americans- not insurance company CEOs- back in the driver’s seat. As the American Medical Association (AMA) said in their endorsement, reform “empowers patient and physician decision making”.

In addition to closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole,” H.R. 3962 will strengthen and improve benefits for seniors. Seniors will have access to lower-cost prescription drugs, as the government will now be allowed to negotiate directly with manufacturers to get better deals on medications. Additionally, Medicare beneficiaries will have access to free preventive care services to help them stay healthy and active. The AARP cited these provisions as some of the key factors in their endorsement of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, stating “with confidence that [H.R. 3962] meets those goals with improved benefits for people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage.”

Importantly, the House health insurance reform bill also cracks down on Medicare fraud that drains nearly $60 billion in taxpayer money from the system each year. It includes a bipartisan bill Congressman Murphy introduced with the former head of the RNC, then-Senator Mel Martinez . The IMPROVE Act will close a major loophole that allows for billions of dollars in Medicare fraud each year. This legislation finally gives law enforcement the tools they need to track down scammers and protect taxpayer dollars.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is deficit-reducing, a condition that Congressman Murphy, as a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, stressed was critical to his support for any health insurance reform measures. In fact, according to the independent Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 3962 reduces the deficit by $129 billion. Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and other industry groups, who will see millions of new customers under this legislation, are contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to pay for insurance reform.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act will improve the quality of care for hundreds of thousands of Bucks County residents, and will ensure that families, seniors, and small business owners no longer struggle with skyrocketing health care costs, or live with the fear that a loved one may be kicked of their insurance at any time,” said Congressman Murphy. “We know that the status quo is simply unsustainable, and I’m proud to stand for long-overdue, deficit-reducing insurance reform that protects middle-class families, improves access, increases choice and competition, and does right by all Americans.”

H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, has been endorsed by the AARP, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, as well 300 other organizations.

Bonus: Comments from Pres. Obama

Good afternoon, everybody. I just want to say a few words about two milestones that have passed in the last few hours that represent encouraging progress for our country.

The first was the historic vote the House took last night on health insurance reform. For years we've been told that this couldn't be done. After all, neither chamber of Congress has been able to pass a comprehensive health insurance reform bill for generations. But last night the House proved differently.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable options for those who don't; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and our government, while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. It is legislation that is fully paid for and it will reduce our long-term federal deficit.

Given the heated and often misleading rhetoric surrounding this legislation I know that this was a courageous vote for many members of Congress, and I'm grateful to them and for the rest of their colleagues for taking us this far. But more importantly, so are the millions of Americans whose lives will change when we achieve insurance reform -- families with preexisting conditions who will finally have insurance coverage; parents who will be protected from annual and lifetime limits that can force them to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs for a child's illness; small businesses that will finally be able to cover their employees; and working folks who will finally be able to afford health insurance for the very first time.

Americans like Katie Gibson, a cancer survivor from Bozeman, Montana, who shared her story with me this summer. Because of a medical condition Katie's insurance policy was suddenly revoked when she needed it most, even though she was paying her premiums. I called Katie this morning and I told her that when the bill that passed last night becomes law we'll be able to protect Americans just like her from the kinds of insurance company abuses she had to endure. And I told her that it was because of her willingness to share her story and the extraordinary activism that she and people like her all across the country displayed -- not just this year, but over the last several years -- that we are finally this close to getting reform done.

Their lives are what's at stake in this debate, and moments like this are why they sent us here -- to finally meet the challenges that Washington has put off for decades; to make their lives better and this nation stronger; to move America forward. That's what the House did last night when it brought us closer than we have ever been to comprehensive health insurance reform in America.

Now it falls on the United States Senate to take the baton and bring this effort to the finish line on behalf of the American people. And I'm absolutely confident that they will. I'm equally convinced that on the day that we gather here at the White House and I sign comprehensive health insurance reform legislation into law, they'll be able to join their House colleagues and say that this was their finest moment in public service -- the moment we delivered change we promised to the American people and did something to leave this country stronger than we found it.

The second development I want to mention is a significant breakthrough in Iraq, where Iraq's parliament has approved a new election law that paves the way for national elections early next year. This is an important milestone as the Iraqi people continue to take responsibility for their future.

I want to congratulate Iraq's leaders for reaching this agreement. Their flexibility and commitment to their country sends an important signal to the world about Iraq's democracy and national unity. And I look forward to prompt approval of this law by Iraq's Presidency Council.

Iraq has known many challenges, and in the past several weeks we've seen that there are still those who would kill innocent men, women and children to deny the Iraqi people the future they deserve. Today's step forward is another reminder that these enemies of the Iraqi people will fail.

The United States will continue to stand with Iraq as a strong partner and as a friend. Tough challenges remain and I'm sure that there will be difficult days to come. But this agreement advances the political progress that can bring lasting peace and unity to Iraq, and allow for the orderly and responsible transition of American combat troops out of Iraq by next September.

So I want to congratulate our troops and civilians who are serving so capably in Iraq, and I want to congratulate the Iraqi people who have taken an important step forward in pursuit of a better future.

There's much more work to be done, but with today's news we're continuing to move in the right direction as we continue to look forward to Iraqi elections early next year.

Thank you very much.

A Remark on a Movie Review

2009-11-08T21:20:00.004-05:00

Something caught my eye in Saturday's Inquirer. Dave Hiltbrand's review of "the Box," ("Press button, make movie die"), ends with this sentence:

[Cameron] Diaz and [james] Marsden don't make a very convincing couple, either. Though they're roughly the same age, his boyish face makes him look like he could be her little brother.

If they didn't have good on screen chemistry, that's one thing, but if we're going to start critiquing movies because one romantic lead looks old enough to be the other's older sibling, well, I have a long list movies to complain about. Goose. Gander. All that.

A Word on Kitchen Gadgets

2009-11-07T21:16:00.003-05:00

One of the most popular posts on this blog is one written in April, 2007, on the foodstamp challenge (trying to live on what people receive in foodstamps). My post pointed out that it would be easier for me to live off that amount than it would be for people who actually receive foodstamps. One of the reasons for this is the kitchen equipment I have -- storage for bulk purchases, various cooking options (microwave, stove, etc.), and the ability to store leftovers safely.

The wisebread blog has an interesting list of "four sort-of small kitchen gadgets that equal big savings." Yahoo! green has a list of "five kitchen gadgets that save you money adn time."

There is some overlap between the two lists -- each recommends a bread machine and a slow cooker. You can use less expensive, tougher, cuts of meat in a slow cooker, which taste wonderful when the food is done. I have one of these and let me assure you there is nothing quite like a quiet weekend day with the whole house smelling of beef stew or barley soup or something. There's also nothing like coming home from a day at work and walking into a house that smells the same.

Households in financial trouble could do worse than trying to pick up some of these items on sale or in second hand shops. Those with friends or relatives who are feeling a pinch might use these lists for holiday shopping.

Nagle Wins Spot on Radnor Township

2009-11-06T21:47:00.001-05:00

Long time friend of the blog John Nagle won a seat on the board of commissioners for Radnor Township. Many congratulations, John, and thanks for all the tea, sympathy, and tips over the years.

Implementing Green Infrastructure

2009-11-05T23:05:00.002-05:00

I'm delayed in noting the release of a new report, "Implementing Green Infrastructure: Developing a Winning Strategy to Fund Philadelphia's Ambitious Visions,” commissioned by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and prepared by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, that examines funding sources for green infrastructure.

An executive summary of the lengthy full report is available. The report notes the number of plans previously produced that outline goals but were never implemented. While many of the proposed strategies are common sense (promote external partnerships), it also provides some excellent public relations concepts, such as promoting the benefits of open space. That sounds cliched but I've done some volunteer work in this area, done some reading on it, and still found new ideas.

Those who work in planning, development, real estate, sustainability, and related areas, as well as those who simply have an interest in the city, should take a look at it. It might also be handy to print out and refer to when developing activist game plans.

Obama on AARP and AMA

2009-11-05T22:47:00.003-05:00

From the inbox, remarks from Pres. Obama:

I am extraordinarily pleased and grateful to learn that the AARP and the American Medical Association are both supporting the health insurance reform bill that will soon come up to a vote in the House of Representatives.

When it comes to the AARP, this is no small endorsement. For more than 50 years, they have been a leader in the fight to reduce the cost of health care and expand coverage for our senior citizens. They are a non-partisan organization, and their board made their decision to endorse only after a careful, intensive, objective scrutiny of this bill. They're endorsing this bill because they know it will strengthen Medicare, not jeopardize it. They know it will protect the benefits our seniors receive, not cut them. So I want everybody to remember that the next time you hear the same tired arguments to the contrary from the insurance companies and their lobbyists. And remember this endorsement the next time you see a bunch of misleading ads on television.

The AARP knows this bill will make health care more affordable. They know it will make coverage more secure. They know it's a good deal for our seniors. And that's why we're thrilled that they're standing up for this effort.

The same is true for the doctors and medical professionals who are supporting this bill today. These are men and women who know our health care system best and have been watching this debate closely. They would not be supporting it if they really believed that it would lead to government bureaucrats making decisions that are best left to doctors. They would not be with us if they believed that reform would in any way damage the critical and sacred doctor-patient relationship.

Instead, they're supporting reform because they've seen firsthand what's broken about our health care system. They've seen what happens when patients can't get the care they need because some insurance company has decided to drop their coverage or water it down. They've seen what happens when a patient is forced to pay out-of-pocket costs of thousands of dollars that she doesn't have to get the treatment she desperately needs. They've seen what happens when patients don't come in for regular check-ups or screenings because either their insurance company doesn't cover them or they can't afford health insurance in the first place. And they've seen far, far too much of their time spent filling out forms and haggling with insurance company bureaucrats.

So the doctors of America know what needs to be fixed about our health care system. They know that health insurance reform would go a long way toward doing that.

We are closer to passing this reform than ever before. And now that the doctors and medical professionals of America are standing with us; now that the organizations charged with looking out for the interests of seniors are standing with us, we are even closer.

I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA, and pass this reform for hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it. Thank you.

A Good PA Reporter Moves On

2009-11-05T22:32:00.002-05:00

From www.twitter.com/capitol_ideas:

Dept. of Full Disclosure: Our D.C. colleague, Josh Drobnyk, has moved on to become press guy for Rep. Chris Carney, D-10th. Godspeed, Josh.

I've read Josh's blog, Pennsylvania Avenue, since it's inception, and many of his Morning Call newspaper stories as well. He was accurate, approachable, and fair. His work will be missed and Carney is fortunate to have him.

On a less serious note, Drobnyk was once on a panel that was televised. His name was listed as Drobnyx, which struck me as having a pixie-ish look to it.

Best of luck to him as he shifts to the other side of the table. Hopefully the Morning Call will hire another DC correspondent. Philadelphia is poorer for not having a DC reporter from one of the major papers.

Regional EPA Administrator Announced

2009-11-05T17:56:00.000-05:00

From the inbox:

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Shawn M. Garvin to be the agency’s new Regional Administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region (Region 3). This region encompasses Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

"I look forward to working closely with Shawn on the range of urgent environmental issues we face, in region 3 and across the nation," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "At this moment of great challenge and even greater opportunity, I'm thrilled that Shawn will be part of our leadership team at EPA. He will certainly play an instrumental role in our agency's mission to protect our health and the environment."

Regional Administrators for the EPA are responsible for managing the agency’s regional activities. They promote state and local environmental protection efforts and serve as a liaison to state and local government officials. EPA’s Regional Administrators will be tasked with making sure that EPA's efforts to address the environmental crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of law, and transparency.

Shawn M. Garvin has worked for EPA Region 3 for more than 10 years and currently serves as EPA Region 3’s Senior State and Congressional Liaison. In that position he serves as the primary contact to Congressional delegations and state and local officials throughout the region. He joined EPA in 1997, serving as Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator. Prior to that, Garvin worked for then-Senator Joe Biden and County Executive Dennis Greenhouse. Garvin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.

Women's Day of Action for Health Reform

2009-11-04T23:26:00.002-05:00

A couple of things showed up in the inbox relating to women's health and health insurance reform. One is that today is Women's Day of Action for Health Reform. According to the press release:

As we mark Women’s Day of Action for Health Reform, we must remember that while individuals of both genders will benefit from health care reform, there are a few essential changes needed to provide women with appropriate healthcare:.

* An End to Gender Rating – In the individual insurance market, many states allow insurance companies to calculate premiums based on characteristics such as existing health problems, age, and gender. In particular, women are often charged higher premiums than men during their reproductive years. For example, holding other factors constant, a 22-year-old woman can be charged one and a half times the premium rate of a 22-year-old man.

* An End to Discrimination Based on “Pre-Existing Conditions” – A pre-existing condition can be any medical condition that existed before an individual applies for a new health insurance policy. In 45 states, it is legal for insurance companies to discriminate against people purchasing health insurance based on pre-existing conditions (which can include hay fever and asthma). Some insurance companies even consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition and will not provide coverage for a woman who is pregnant. In eight states, being a survivor of domestic violence is considered a pre-existing condition.

* An End to Coverage Excluding Services Used Only By Women – A recent survey by the National Women’s Law Center found that the vast majority of individual market health insurance policies did not cover maternity care. In 2009, only 13 percent of the health plans available to a 30-year-old woman across the country provide maternity coverage. One insurance company even told Peggy Robertson after she had a doctor-ordered C-section that she would have to get sterilized in order to keep her coverage.

If you would like more information our friends at ivillage have posted a video of First Lady Michelle Obama talking about women and health care and another video of Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius answering questions on the subject.

Supreme Court Fundraising

2009-11-04T22:48:00.001-05:00

From the inbox yesterday:

PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2009) – Today is Election Day in Pennsylvania. The top of the ballot features a contest to fill one vacancy on the state Supreme Court. The candidates are Democrat Jack Panella and Republican Joan Orie Melvin.

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) has been tracking the data via the candidates’ mandatory campaign finance reports filed with the State Department. The results are of concern to court watchers, especially in light of public opinion polls that show the public is concerned that justice is for sale to the biggest campaign contributor.

The previous record was set by current Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery in 2007; he raised $2,340,350.78 (including $25,374.87 leftover from a 2005 campaign) in a four way race for two seats on the Supreme Court. 2007 set several records: each candidate raised over one million dollars, and the total was a new Pennsylvania record: $7,846,478.

Combining campaign contributions as of October 19, 2009 (the end of the most recent reporting period) with a confirmed $500,000 donation that came into Panella’s campaign just after the reporting cycle, the Panella campaign has already raised $2,350,633.20. PMC Executive Director Lynn A. Marks noted, “We were surprised when we did the math -- Jack Panella broke previous campaign fundraising records in advance of Election Day, and the candidates can still raise money through the end of the year.”

All figures used in this press release include in kind contributions made to a candidate’s campaign.

As of her most recent campaign finance report, Orie Melvin has raised $733,948.
The campaigns’ final reports will be due February 1, 2010. PMC expects that the final fundraising numbers for both campaigns will rise significantly.

As Marks noted, “This is troubling, because the money comes from lawyers, law firms, unions, and businesses who frequently litigate in the state courts. These are not the types of records Pennsylvania should be proud of. But when you elect judges in partisan contests, the elections become more expensive, not less so.”

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to promote the reform of Pennsylvania’s judicial system. www.pmconline.org.

Family Announcement from Rep. Patrick Murphy

2009-11-04T22:43:00.002-05:00

An arrival on Monday:

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA, 8th District) issued the following statement today on the birth of his son:

“Jenni, Maggie and I couldn’t be happier to welcome John Martin 'Jack' Murphy to the family this morning. Jack was born at 9:15 AM, weighing in at 7 lbs, 14 ounces and 21 inches long. He's in the neonatal unit right now, and we’re thankful to the nurses and doctors at Lower Bucks Hospital for taking good care of him. Jenni did great and is resting comfortably. Please keep the little guy in your prayers.

“Jack is named for his grandfather, Jack Murphy, a Vietnam-era enlisted Navy Veteran, and great-grandfather Henry Martin, a U.S. Navy captain who served in World War II. We’re thrilled that he’s here- and although he's named after two Navy men, he'll be joining me in cheering for Army over Navy in Philly in a couple weeks and for the Phillies tonight.”

Stack of Clippings, Mostly Business

2009-11-04T22:26:00.002-05:00

Like everyone else, I'm sorting through the stack of things that accumulated during the buildup to the election and the immediate aftermath.

Here is a group of clippings and news stories that caught my eye but didn't make it to the blog until now:

According to Bob Fernandez in the 10/27 Inky, "Delaware plugged in to new-era 'green' cars," luxury carmaker Fisker will start assembling their electric-hybrid Karma cars at an old GM plant in Wilmington.

From the 10/19 WSJ, "The answer is blowing in ... Iowa," by Yuliya Chernova: "And many are adding new wind capability at a faster clip. The top three during the second quarter of this year: Missouri increased its wind capacity by 90%, though it is still just 19th by total installed; Pennsylvania expanded capacity 28%; and South Dakota 21%."

I would point those who say a gov't health care option would ruin competition to "Big hospital players poised to win," by Dinah Wisenberg Brin in the 10/21 WSJ: "Investor-owned hospital operators are positioned to gain market share from smaller, nonprofit competitors struggling with tight credit markets, investment losses and diminished endowments."

Classic horror film "Dawn of the Dea," by filmed in Monroeville, PA. Who knew? (WSJ 10/22 "Despite all the corpses milling around, things are quite lively at this mall," by Kris Maher)

From the 10/22 WSJ, "States invest more in energy efficiency," by Rebecca Smith, "Four states -- Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware -- recently approved programs calling for utilities to set energy savings goals."

Unofficial Election Results

2009-11-04T06:41:00.003-05:00

A morning round up of races I had followed. Numbers are unofficial but from state and county websites.

State Supreme Court:

Joan Orie Melvin

State Superior Court

Judy Olson
Sallie Mundy
Paula Ott
Anne Lazarus (by 4,000 or so votes)

State Commonwealth Court

Patricia McCollough
Kevin Brobson

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas

Linda Cartisano

Bucks County District Attorney

David Heckler

Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas

Carolyn Carluccio
Lois Murphy
Garrett Page
Wendy Demchick-Alloy
Gary Silow
Kelly Wall
Patricia Coonahan