Last time I attended a meeting of Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice, I won a fruit basket. But after my latest post about our LV Tea Party, I'll probably be pelted with tomatoes. If you see me, pretend you don't know me.They're hosting a candidates' night tonight (6 PM) at the Scottish Rite Center (1544 Hamilton Street in Allentown). Here's a breakdown of tonight's illuminati:
Sam Rohrer-candidate for governor: This is a a Bob Jones University grad who actually told a Chester County judge that nobody needs a license to drive unless he's a commercial truck driver. That's precisely the same argument used by The Posse Comitatus, which believes no legitimate form of government exists above the county level; and the sovereign citizen movement, which argues citizens are only subject to common or constitutional law.
Mat Benol - Congressional wannabe: Mat has recently filed a Petition with the Supreme Court, demanding them to lay the smackdown on the federal government for exceeding the 17 specific powers they are granted. He also argues that any aid to "illegal immigrants constitutes harboring a fugitive and is a criminal act." So look out, Emergency Room nurses! You're going to the hoosegow. You'll never believe this, but the Supremes returned Mat's petition. He overruled them and refiled it.
Jake Towne - another Congressional wannabe: I wonder how all the vets in the audience will feel when Jake tells them that we are bogged down in an "unconstitutional war of aggression" in Afghanistan or that we are a "military empire" with "imperial" tendencies. He predicts our defeat in Afghanistan. Maybe he'll forget.
Kim Schmidtner - Queen of the LV Tea Party: She holds her current position by Divine Right but is nevertheless one of tonight's featured speakers, and in her capacity as Queen of the Tea Party. This is no nonpartisan gathering. You won't see Joe Brennan or John Callahan dropping by or even the more centrist Republicans. Her public appearance with this PAC is a tacit endorsement of conservatives and rejection of everyone else. That's political activity.
I'll say this much for Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice. They sure knew who to invite on April Fools' Day. These are the people who force centrist Republicans to the right, just as Moveon forces centrist Democrats to the left. The net result is more extremism, instead of people who are willing to work together.
Bernie -
ReplyDeleteOver the last few days, you've advocated democracy and letting the people decide in several of your posts.
It would seem that this event allows people an opportunity to hear (first-hand) certain candidates for office, as well as a spokesperson for the Tea Party group. If these people are as terrible as you say, I would think that the event would be doing those in attendance a service by letting them hear those speakers first hand.
As I'm sure your post is motivated by your support of Charlie Dent, it's also worth noting that Dent had previously addressed Conservative Voice members (via telephone link) at a prior meeting.
I'm sure you're not advocating that people be silenced. Why not let those in attendance ("the people") decide about those speaking, instead of trying to influence their opinions ahead of time?
Your not concerned about too much democracy, are you?
Gee Bernie I was sure you would love our lineup of small government conservative speakers. It is a free event and all are welcome. The Gilbert’s will be kicking the event off, if you haven’t seen this talented family sing and perform this is your chance. They are great.
ReplyDeleteScott Armstrong
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the new “working together” template has been set by the Democrats. They have changed the rules.
Scott Armstrong
Three cheers for community activism!
ReplyDeleteIn defense of Jake Towne (good lord, i never thought i'd hear myself say that...):
ReplyDeleteI'm a vet.
and we are an imperialist power.
Bernie, 7:19 A.M. Bulletin
ReplyDeleteJoe Sestak and Pat Toomey just on Fox News.
At the Scottish Rite Center? They picked a secret hideaway for foreigners that refuse to assimilate into our American culture? Besides, Scots have universal healthcare. They are jealous of our freedom. I prefer you refer to it as the "Freedom Rite Center" for the time being or as long as this event runs.
ReplyDeleteHello Bernie,
ReplyDeleteYour blog has been recommended to us as a interviewee's favorite blog!
We would like to do an interview with you about your blog for Blog Interviewer. We'd like to give you the opportunity to give us some insight on the "person behind the blog."
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Question #1 for Bernie:
ReplyDeleteIf you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Please show all work.
"I'm sure you're not advocating that people be silenced. Why not let those in attendance ("the people") decide about those speaking, instead of trying to influence their opinions ahead of time?"
ReplyDeleteWhat bullshit this is. You have no interest in democracy or letting the people speak. Corbett was not invited. Nor was Dent or Karen Beyer. And from what I hear, the people will not be allowed to ask questions.
It's wingnut night.
(But the Gilberts are a great group of singers) .
"I'm a vet.
ReplyDeleteand we are an imperialist power"
I'm a cvet and I agree we have those tendencies at times. Byt noeother you nor I would be welcome advocating those viws before a group of conservatives.
Bernie O'Hare said:
ReplyDelete"What bullshit this is. You have no interest in democracy or letting the people speak. Corbett was not invited. Nor was Dent or Karen Beyer. And from what I hear, the people will not be allowed to ask questions."
********************************
Bernie -
Callahan won't be speaking either.
Perhaps you confuse this with a campaign debate. It's not, nor is it a Republican event. It's an event for conservatives with conservative speakers put together by a conservative political action committee.
As posted earlier, Dent addressed members at an earlier meeting (via telephone) and may well address the group in person on a future date.
If Dent, Corbett, Beyer or any other politician wants to address the group, they should request to do so.
That said, a CONSERVATIVE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE should be able to pick its own speakers. This is still America, isn't it? Or should the group allow others to choose who speaks at their events? Perhaps Conservative Voice should be able to choose the speakers at the Democrat convention in 2012.
At this point, however, it doesn't appear that you even have enough information to make the claim that ANYONE has even been denied the opportunity to speak by Conservative Voice.
Making accusations without the facts - now that's bullshit.
Bernie -
ReplyDeleteWere you teasing us when you said the Linden St. bridge was open?
Well, we just tried to go on it at 10:30 Thursday morning and it is closed--workers and sawhorses
everywhere.
What's up?
The Republican Party is splitting up, not good for them. I read today how Palin, that wackjob Focus on the Family guy, Rove, are distancing themselves from the RNC and donating to other conservative groups because of the lesbian stripper scandal thing. Bad news for the elephants. This is one more fraction splitting off into conservative extremism... ironically at the same time, the Dems seem to be uniting. The night healthcare passed, the DNC received over $1,000,000 in unsolicited donations. Looks like teh REpublicans are herding cats now instead of the Dems for once.
ReplyDeleteAt least the Ringling Bros circus parade isn't interrupting their meeting like it did their big march in Washington. Two circuses clashing...pretty funny...watch here
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pilG7PCV448
Off topic: The latest "Adventure Allentown" guide to parks, recreation and special events includes a nearly-half page box highlighting upcoming events at the Hamilton St. Brew Works (p. 9). Some are community-affiliated (the library's storytime hour) but most are just promotions for the bar. The Brew Works at the golf course has its own box on another page -- that's fine since it's on the municipal golf course -- but why the free advertising for the downtown Brew Works in a publication one must assume is taxpayer-financed?
ReplyDeleteBelow, an exchange from an interview with the mayor from another blog (http://bloggingdottie.blogspot.com/2009/02/our-interview-with-allentown-mayor-ed.html):
Anonymous said...
Mayor Pawlowski, you have been given much scrutiny and criticism in our local blogosphere (founded or unfounded I don't know) regarding the Allentown Brew Works and your "political relationship" with the owners of the Brew Works. In short, you are routinely accused of playing favorites with the Brew Works and that the Allentown Brew Works is the beneficiary of "special favors" no other businesses in Allentown are getting, to paraphrase the arguments. Please explain the City's side of the A-Town Brew Works story.
A. The Fegley family has a significant personal investment in the future of Allentown, and I am proud to help them succeed and grateful for their support of my efforts to revitalize our downtown. That said, there have been no “special favors” granted to the Brew Works or any other individual or business in the City of Allentown. I will work and do work with all individuals and businesses that bring such positive attitudes and attributes to our efforts. Not all have been successful, but we shall continue to seek out the enterprises and entrepreneurs that recognize the opportunities Allentown has to offer. And yes, I will continue to publically promote their investments whenever and wherever I can as a way of encouraging others to also invest in the city.
"(Towne) predicts our defeat in Afghanistan."
ReplyDeleteWhat a weak snark. Are you or Charlie predicting victory? And, pray tell, what the hell will victory look like? Neither of you experts has a clue. And don't insult all vets by assuming they favor the mounting death toll in this quagmire. Vets have served this country for the freedom to share a variety of political opinions.
"Perhaps you confuse this with a campaign debate. It's not, nor is it a Republican event. It's an event for conservatives with conservative speakers put together by a conservative political action committee."
ReplyDeleteYes, it is an exclusive event and that is more or less is myt point in response to the first anonymous commenter, who stated "Your [sic]not concerned about too much democracy, are you?"
"Were you teasing us when you said the Linden St. bridge was open?"
ReplyDeleteThat would be a bad April Fool's joke. I am told today is the day.
"At the Scottish Rite Center? They picked a secret hideaway for foreigners that refuse to assimilate into our American culture?"
ReplyDeleteAll I'll say is last time I was there, Fat Bastard tried to eat me. In the background, I heard mel Gibson shouting, "Freedom!"
I've always thought kilts curious. When Scots bend over you can see their balls, just like Nancy Pelosi.
ReplyDeleteI went there at 6:30 and the place was empty. Was it cancelled or moved?
ReplyDeleteStill waiting on an answer about what government benefit programs the teabaggers take or don't take.
ReplyDeleteI have to believe that at least the officers would not accept the Soviet Social inspired Social Security or Medicare or disability, please say it ain't so.
By the way how are the Obama joker signs coming. Power to the People, I mean Power to the Right People!!
Chris, It started around 6:20 at the Scottish Rite Center. I know the first time I went there I was at the cathedral and mixed up.
ReplyDelete8:43 -
ReplyDeleteOh, come now Gimmecrat.
If they'll refund all the SS and Medicare taxes I and my employers have paid to date, I'll gladly opt out. But they won't do that, because the needy loser bastards like you can only survive by government ponzi schemes like those programs.
They can't give back what they've taken and already promised to your kind, can they?
How would they keep your purchased vote if they did?
8:55,
ReplyDeletePrinciple knows no bounds! If you truly believe in your cause, opt out now. Don't make lame excuses of what you have payed in. I never use I-78, so I guess i should form a group and demand my money back that was spent on the road. Your 18th century take on life is sweet if not naive.
Over the decades true believers were willing to forfeit their wealth their property and even their lives for what they believed in. You folks sacrifice all your free time carrying anti-Obama and anti-Democrat signs.
Burn you government checks and you might get noticed.
Thomas Paine, Rosa Parks you are not.
Sarcastic anger is no substitute for real Principle.
Anon said: "Making accusations without the facts - now that's bullshit."
ReplyDeleteBernie -
That was me. Sorry for the language. I was trying to throw your words back at you, but I've regretted using the language since I wrote it.
I think we can have discussions (even heated) without going down that road. I'll do better in the future.
No problem. I don't consider that a personal attack.
ReplyDelete