Blogger's Note:Opinions Online is a regular Saturday feature. If you'd like to express your opinion on any topic, click on the Opinions Online button on my left sidebar. You can also call 385-325-2564. In addition to these submissions, I am taking some comments from throughout the week and re-publishing them here.
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really excited that Julie Harhart is retiring (according to the Morning Call),looking forward to see fresh new ideas in 183rd district in 2017.... Interesting that Molovinsky is now a Republican
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Bernie, You wrote several articles about Bethlehem's prolonged attempt to fire drunk-driving cop Richard Hoffman. Why the silence now that the city has finally succeeded in firing Hoffman?
Blogger's Reply: The City has not succeeded. Hoffman was ordered re-instated, precisely as I predicted. But he is required first to complete a "fitness for duty" evaluation. That has not happened yet, according to the City.
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Happy New Year
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StuckinEastin: While the last few months have been ALL about the horrible doings in Allentown, and a bit about Bethlehem and the Martin Tower travesty; It seems that the the destruction of Easton has slipped by those in the know. When the fog clears, let us hope that the FBI glances a bit to the East and noses around a bit in the circle area and just maybe, a little bit in the West Ward and South Third street...
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Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
Local Government TV
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Saturday, January 02, 2016
42 comments:
You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.
We're all human but expect politicians, lawyers and cops to be honest when serving the everyday citizen.
ReplyDeleteRemember , Mayor Pawlowski has not been charged with any crimes. This is still just supposition on the part of his enemies.
ReplyDeleteAnd when he does get charged the apologists will continue their obnoxious love fest. Looking the other way when people commit crimes (or worse taunting those with the integrity to speak up) is equally as wrong as committing the crimes.
Deleteover the years, my registration has gone back and forth between independent and Republican. in pennsylvania, independents are excluded from having a say in the primaries, except for ballot questions. I will also note that an independent has not been elected to the state house since the early 1930's.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-bethlehem-drunken-cop-reinstatement-tossed-20151218-story.html
ReplyDeleteHoffman is done.
Some speculate when Harhart made the decision not to run for reelection. I suspect her hand was forced immediately after the general election. GOP Chair Heydt was quoted as "reasonably sure it was coming (Harhart retirement)" and that Sen Scavello "would not let a staffer run against an incumbent" Cindy Miller registered her domain on 11/13 and Grammes got active in late Nov. Rep Harhart was not even given the courtesy to make the announcement herself.
ReplyDeleteYou are simply adding a link I already provided. He is far from done. The assertion was that Bethlehem "finally succeeded in firing Hoffman," and that is false. Like any cop who is reinstated, he must undergo a fitness fir duty evaluation. Hoffman has failed to do that. This could be because the City will never consider him fir for duty, no matter what he does, a result of a misunderstanding, or Hoffman may in fact be unfit for duty. But he has not been fired.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteA comment from the Blog mentor has been deleted. Carry on your hate party somewhere else, please. This is for the grown ups.
ReplyDeleteMolivinsky is both philosophically wise and politically pragmatic. Rs are a big tent these days. Moderate Democrats and Libertarian Independents are coming in every day. It's why such a unsightly food fight is taking place from the top of the national ticket to local races, where tea party types are riling up the establishment wing. While they'll likely remain out of the White House, Republicans occupy more local and state offices than at any time in history. One's philosophical views are open to more consideration, and one's electoral hopes have a better chance of success in today's Republican party. Democrats have gathered on the far left and there's no room for moderate, dissenting opinions. The days of Scoop Jackson and Daniel Patrick Moynahan are gone. Democrats have ceded the big tent to Republicans.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that Hoffman fits in quite well with the band of committee minded inept misfits currently attempting to run bedlam into ruin. Oh well, only 2 more years left for the indecisive puppet mayor and the barefoot, foul mouthed (thank you for my job, Lisa)pretend dced.
ReplyDeleteStill no answers on why the Hirko tax was kept, why there have been 2 tax increases in two years and why fees are constantly raised will some get 6% pay raises and others up to $12,000 a year.
Seems this so called administration is lapping it up at the trough, fattening their already bloated pensions while the little people get to pay for it. Oh, but thanks for the smoke detector.
This entry was posted last night:
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Anonymous said...
Happy New Year
Bernie, speaking of Allentown and all its issues. I have a major concern. I finally drove over the American Parkway bridge. It is a nice span and I am glad it is finished but there is a problem. It is not lit very well and there is no median strip separating traffic. At night it can be a bit dodgy when crossing.
This may be seen as OT but I think it needs to be addressed and I wanted to also warn your readers.
6:17 PM American Parkway warrants your concerns. Someone else here wrote about it the week it opened. Dark long stretches of roadway tempt speeding. Why don't you contact your state representative and ask for a median strip to be installed?
Hard to tell the relative strength of either national political party. I am CONVINCED there is great disappointment with representatives of BOTH parties. Evidence is growing stronger, more citizens would like to wipe away the dysfunction in Washington and will begin to cast aside incumbents.
ReplyDeleteThis continual reference to T.E.A. Party is a little out of date. What we see in America today is a less formal 'Enough is Enough' movement. I support that.
Our traditional two major parties are running scared and resorting to desperate measures. Unfortunately, to win, one must be labeled as one of these two groups, even though each has failed us.
Watch how many of the slugs now in office spend 2016 trying to look like something they're not. The establishment Republicans will lead the deception. It's already begun.
Fred Windish
" R's are a big tent these days...."
ReplyDeleteLOL!!!!!
The lack of transparency by both the administration and council in Bethlehem cast a terrible cloud over this once bright shinning star. Hopefully new members of council will try to shed some light on what really goes on inside of 10 E. Church St. Citizens are beginning to demonstrate their displeasure with runaway taxes, inflated pay increases,lack of accomplishment and the hidden processes of the administration. I am confident that the citizens will force positive and effective changes to the quagmire of deception and mediocracy that exists now.
ReplyDeleteBernie,
ReplyDeleteMay I please ask you for a favor? A picture is worth a 1000 words (or more in some cases.) Please post a picture of Ed DisGrace with the notation for everyone to describe what they are seeing. That would be the most interesting thread ever! Please, please, please!
Humpback whales are no showing up in Hawaii this season as they usually do. Perhaps they are protesting yet another Obama vacation
ReplyDeleteHumpback whales are obviously racist.
ReplyDeleteobama's last day - 1/20/17
ReplyDelete@7:09
ReplyDeleteIt must to tough to be the Blog Mentor, Bernie.
The poor guy sits there all alone writing fake comments from invented "friends" on his hate blog hoping that one day a real person with a real name (other than the daughter-beating BGW) will take him seriously and give him the time of day. And then Jim Martin's case is proceeding successfully, so he's got to worry what he's going to lose. And then the poor BMs got to worry that someone is going to expose his DUI history. Wouldn't look good for an "anti-DUI crusader" would it?
Maybe he deserves a little pity, Bernie.
859..Rs are a "big tent"? Maybe it was a circus reference. I have to say that responsible Rs are looking more like blue dog dems every day. The sensible ones understand that slogans and monikers never solved a problem.
ReplyDelete@9:09 has nailed it.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the hundreds hoping for more Ed DisGrace.
Please
Please
Please
If we could get rid of Labor Unions poverty would definitely disappear.
ReplyDeleteHillary Clinton cares about the poor.
ReplyDeletePredictions for 2016
ReplyDeleteHillary Clinton will float along until the "emails iceberg" finally hits her. After all, how can someone be this reckless with government information and not pay a price?
Hillary's troubles will bring VP Biden into the race. He will be selected by super delegates desperately looking for anyone who can run. Biden will add Senator Kean of Virginia to run with him.
The GOP primaries will not produce a candidate with a majority of supporters. Therefore, we will have a brokered convention, a good old fashioned meeting that actually determines something.
Mitt Romney will come back as a unity candidate. He will pick Senator Rubio as VP and the GOP will have another RR ticket. (Remember Romney-Ryan in 2012?) Romney will make an effort to woo Hispanics this time and that will improve his chances.
In November, It's Romney by a nose over Biden in a photo finish.
Allentown police don't want to sound unappreciative, but officials say the overwhelming number of volunteers who have joined in the search for a missing 5-year-old boy are getting in the way of the investigation.
ReplyDelete"Hillary Clinton will float along until the "emails iceberg" finally hits her. After all, how can someone be this reckless with government information and not pay a price?"
ReplyDeleteNonsense. She did what others before her did, and there is zero evidence that there was a security breach.
"" R's are a big tent these days...."
ReplyDeleteLOL!!!!!"
Democrats have lost 70 Congressional seats and 900+ state legislative seats during the Obama administration. That's 900+. It's not a typo.
http://www.politifact.com/punditfact/statements/2015/jan/25/cokie-roberts/have-democrats-lost-900-seats-state-legislatures-o/
I can't wait until Groundhog day arrives.
ReplyDelete6:39 -
ReplyDeleteThis is the VERY reason why many Democrats still remaining in office are about to spend 2016 trying to sound more Conservative. Many Republicans, too!
Politics today is less about the 'folks back home.' Today is all about REMAINING IN OFFICE. These 'career-first' leopards really CAN change their spots, as needed!
In a few days, the Republicans are going to put up a meaningless effort to eliminate Obamacare and support of Planned Parenthood. But, there's a problem. Most of these weasels already voted to fund these programs throughout the year!
The bill they will now pass is FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. Compare your representative's upcoming vote with how he voted just 2 weeks ago!
Don't fall for this nonsense!
Fred Windish
Tea Baggers rule!
ReplyDeleteI have read constantly in the media that Bill Clinton's sexual escapades are either (it's just sex), that was of course in 1998 when he was first caught with Monica Lewinski. Now, it has changed that "that there is no need to re-litigate Bill's indiscretions".
ReplyDeleteWell the truth is that with Hillary saying she's bringing Bill into the campaign (and one has to wonder why the "smartest woman in the world" needs help from her husband, as if she can't campaign without him),l that means that when Donald Trump says, "Ok Fine, let's talk about Bill", the Media understands that Trump is about to change the game and make this about Hillary's involvement in the cover-ups of Bill's treatment of women. Starting with Juanita Broderick, Monica Lewinsky, the other half-dozen or so before this latest escapade with underage girls on Orgy Island.
I would really not be surprised if Trump got several of the women together to speak about Hillary intimidated and bullied them.
This is the game changer that the media fears. Believe me this is the calm before the storm.
I know you will probably delete this post again, because it is not pro Hillary but facts are facts, sorry.
I am deleting you be your comments don't really have anything to do with the online opinions. If you want to weigh in on Clinton and all her sins, submit a comment to Opinions Online and it will appear as part of next week's blog. Then you can have at it. I really do give a lot of leeway, but practically none of the comments belong here. I don't really give a shit that you are a Hillary hater. But if it is such a stupid move on her part to bring her husband into the campaign, you should welcome it.
ReplyDeleteHillary Clinton is an abominable choice for an American president. The Democrats REALLY need to come up with someone better. Hillary's ethics and performance record are not befitting such office, to say the least. But, she IS the anointed winner in the eyes of the DNC, media, and all steadfast 'Democrat or Nothing' voters.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, there HAS to be a better Democratic choice out there. I think Biden would be a stronger candidate. Actually, I think Biden will eventually return to the fold, and would make a better president if elected.
My question is this, discounting the historic novelty of becoming our nation's first female president, what makes Hillary Clinton a great pick for president?
I sure don't see Clinton's appeal. Can anyone help me, and others, understand what Clinton brings to the table that others do not?
Fred Windish
Haven't seen her used in any ISIS recruitment videos, for one thing.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather vote for the candidate ISIS uses in their videos. Having the right enemies is telling. There's a reason ISIS supports Hillary.
ReplyDeleteISIS is using Trump to recruit terrorists and to justify what they do.
ReplyDeleteMr. O'Hare
ReplyDeleteISIS is going to hate us no matter what is said about them by anyone.
BOH SAYS... "ISIS is using Trump to recruit terrorists and to justify what they do".
ReplyDeleteLOL are you freaking serious? Who told you that Hillary Clinton , the GOP establishment or Obama? Maybe you heard that line at one of you fund raising parties for some of the local criminals in our local city govts.
I guess ISIS used Trumps words at Fort Hood, Paris, California, Sept 11,2001, USS Cole, and every other single terrorist attack in the world. You have no clue what this country and the free world is up against with these animals when you or any politician makes ridiculous comment like yours and Hillary's.
I guess ISIS used Trumps words to behead two Syrian priests while they recited the Lords prayer with their rosary beads in their hands.
If more people in this country got to see ISIS in action beheading people, throwing gas on people in cages and lighting it on fore, as well as their child sex slave trade with little girls and boys as young as 3 years old, you might wake up. Maybe the ISIS child sex slave menu might change your mind about how this group and these animals operate. Playing nice and trying to uses anything to justify their recruiting and or actions is dangerous.
It has to do with their ideology regardless of what is said about them by Trump, Obama, Clinton or you and I. They despise the west. they despise opposing views.
Yes and Gitmo was also a recruiting tool right?
Do a little research on the fanatics /radicalized whack jobs from this religion. This religion has been at war with the USA since the days of the very beginning of this countries existence 240 years ago. I guess Jefferson, was also a recruiting tool right BOH?
Enough with the Trump is a recruiting tool.
What did they use to recruit over the last 7 years? Trump, Hillary, Obama, Holland, Cameron ? I think not. They hate freedom They despise liberty and anyone who does not practice religion as they do.
You are smarter than that Mr. O' Hare and I know you are a fan of history. Please do a little research about the Barbary pirates . The Barbary pirates operated off the coast of North Africa as far back as the time of the Crusades.
As far as I know Trump , Obama, Clinton, or any of us were not around back in the late 1790's and early 1800's. Who or what was the excuse for their recruiting back then? Stop making excuses for these sub humans and justifying their so called recruiting tools. They need no tools. What they thrive on is weak American and Free world leadership . To spin it any other way is not being honest.
If at any time you want some of the video with the atrocities , totally unedited, let me know. I do not enjoy these videos, but use them to show people what we are up against. In fact BOH, many of these full videos are also available on line from reputable sources.
http://history1800s.about.com/od/americanwars/tp/barbarywars.htm
I am relying on mainstream news accounts, not your goofy histories or anonymous rants. ISIS is using Trump to recruit new terrorists by pointing to him as an example of what is wrong with us. I am not going to include links bc you can easily find multiple stories on Google.
ReplyDelete" sure don't see Clinton's appeal. Can anyone help me, and others, understand what Clinton brings to the table that others do not?"
ReplyDeleteFred. I don't think she brings a lot to the table. However, she is not batshit crazy. That is the problem with Trump. Cruz, and Carson and one of them will probably get the Republican nomination. So yes, even with Hillary
Clinton as the nominee the Republican base has found a way to screw that up.
Bernie
ReplyDeleteInteresting White writes about Rep. Simmons as a 23-year-old changed his mind five years later and that's criminal? Meanwhile Schlossberg acts dishonestly and not a word. White doesn't fool anyone.