Student Walkout Helps Scott Armstrong's School Board Candidacy

As only he can, Allentown School Director Scott Armstrong has spoken out strongly against the student walkout planned for today. On Michael Molovinsky's blog, he called it a "lesson in anger and hate" put on by "an adult charlatan protest leader." He's one of the very few who has been willing to dip his toes into the pool, as most candidates have steered clear of the issue. I believe the backlash over this walkout might just get him re-elected.

Armstrong, a Republican in a heavily Democratic School District, is seeking one of five seats available on the Board. The other candidates include Ce-Ce Gerlach, Bob Smith, Charlie Thiel, Audrey Mathison, Elizabeth Martinez and Mark Smith. Gerlach, Thiel and Bob Smith won nominations in both primaries. Martinez and Mathison also won the Democratic primary, while Armstrong and Mark Smith won the Republican primary.

Ce Ce Gerlach, though a hard-core Democrat, has distanced herself from Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski and his wealthy friends. She has chosen instead to run a real grass roots campaign and should win easily. Bob Smith, the current school board president, is quite popular in Allentown and should eke out a victory as well.

Thiel, Mathison and Martinez are nothing more than Pawlowski puppets, but the money spigot has been turned off, thanks to the federal investigation.

Ordinarily, I'd say that Armstrong's brash style would work hard against him. But so far as I can tell, he is the only school director willing to stand up to the mob, which may very well be instigated by charter school proponents as well as by a few misguided demagogues. I think people will appreciate that, and perhaps enough to re-elect Armstrong.

By the way, this job pays nothing. I have no idea why anyone would want it.

Armstrong: Thanks For Nothing

My favorite conservative, Scott Armstrong, shares his insight into the death of democracy in Allentown.

Yesterday Republican Voters in Allentown faced a largely empty ballot: no candidate for mayor, not a single candidate for any of the four city council positions and, in my district, no candidate for county commissioner. The only Republicans on the ballot were to be found in the cross filed school board race. Only three of these candidates were truly Republicans, the rest were cross filed Democrats. These Republican candidates were left high and dry by the local Republican committee and its chair, Wayne Woodman. As they had arranged funding to do a mailer to super D’s the only assistance they requested of the Lehigh County Republican Committee was a letter to Republican super voters that would identify who the actual Republicans were. Earlier this year a facilitator arranged a meeting between Wayne Woodman and me to discuss this effort. At that meeting, he made a commitment to assist with exactly such a letter. In spite of reminders and outreach to the facilitator, that assistance never came. Without any guidance, most Allentown Republicans were left to guess who the real Republicans on the ballot were. The unfortunate result was that two Democrats won positions on the Republican ballot and a very capable conservative Latino lost.

One would think promoting conservative Latino candidates would be a priority in Allentown and Lehigh County. Apparently, it isn’t and the result is another missed opportunity to broaden the base into an important minority community.

Armstrong: Allentown's Children Deserve Better

Message to ASD Parents

The Allentown School District is facing very difficult times. Less federal funding, almost flat state funding and dramatically increasing employee related costs have compromised our financial situation. This is not a one year problem; unless something changes, the same troubling dynamic could be in place for the next few years.

In spite of the lost revenues and increased costs, the Allentown School District, like every other PA school district, is mandated by the state to produce a balanced budget. The board has only three avenues to achieve the balance and close the projected 20 million dollar budget gap, raise taxes, cut expenses and spend down the reserve fund. In spite of the hardship that will be imposed on the district’s homeowners, taxes will have to be raised by the maximum allowed by the state. Since, however, the budget cannot be balanced with just a tax increase, the board has directed the administration to produce a plan to reduce spending. The resulting cost reduction plan calls for the furloughing of 140 district employees. With the combination of tax increases and employee furloughs we are closer to balance, but the district may be forced to spend some of the vital reserve fund. That is the extent of the problem.

These cuts will negatively impact the quality of education your child receives. Although the district and the school board are striving to preserve and even improve education in the ASD, it is important that you understand the board of directors does not have the ways or means necessary to provide a better alternative. The best we can do is to draw up similarly depressing plans which include tax increases, employee furloughs and spending down the reserve fund. Therefore, concerned parents may want to contact both their state and federal representatives. Urge these leaders to assist Pennsylvania’s 4th largest school district in its mission to provide a quality education to some of the state’s poorest children. The district needs legislative relief from the exploding costs of public pensions, employee benefits, and prevailing wage mandates, just to name a few. Any additional funds could also offset potential cuts in all day kindergarten and Arts programming.

Remember, public education should be the nation’s number one anti-poverty program. It will be this area’s poorest children who will be harmed the most if much needed assistance isn’t received by the state and federal government. Certainly, Allentown’s children deserve better than this.

Blogger's Note: In addition to being my favorite conservative writer, Scott Armstrong is an Allentown School Director.

Armstrong: Republicans Must Speak Truth to Power

Allentown conservative Scott Armstrong is at again, with another pithy little essay about Republicans. Here's what he says:

Over the years, the term “speak truth to power” has been used by different groups, causes and movements to promote change and/or challenge oppressive authority. Although Liberals believe they have exclusive rights to this phrase it is time for the Republican Party to take it up and use it as a battle cry against the unethical union of the main stream media and the Democratic Party. This pernicious alliance presents opinion as news and propaganda as reporting to achieve and consolidate power. Together they have become a powerful, almost unstoppable force in the country. Left unchecked and unchallenged, there is little doubt they will sweep aside the remaining vestiges of the founders’ small government, personal responsibility vision of America. In its place they will finalize a European-style high tax, low growth, big government, caretaker bureaucracy.

Time is running out for the Republicans. They must find an effective means to communicate to the American people the value of their small government beliefs and the very real dangers posed by the alliance of the press and a political party. Republicans must once and for all understand that a media aligned against them cannot be accommodated and must be treated as adversaries. Average Americans must understand the partisan press is doing a disservice to the profession, the truth, and the public. To prevail, Republicans must confront the media Democratic Party axis; they must speak the truth to power now.

Personally, I think it's time for Republicans to do a little more listening and a little less speaking.

Thanks to Pensions, Allentown School District Facing $40 Million Deficit

Allentown School Director Scott Armstrong, a conservative, never shies away from controversy. But liberal or conservative, we all need to pay attention to him when he rings the alarm about the pension crisis in the Allentown School District.

"What has happened to public education? Why has providing a basic education become so expensive? This is the question facing the Allentown School district as it moves toward the finalization of its budget for the next school year.

"Budget projections indicate in that five short years, with an annual 4% school property tax increase, the district will face a $40 million dollar deficit on a budget of approximately $275 million. What exactly is causing this becomes clear when one studies the numbers. While the district's operating and debt service expenses rise at a rate that roughly matches inflation, the cost of personnel skyrockets. Although a portion of this is due to the escalating costs of health care, the real culprit lies in the retirement benefits paid by the school district on behalf of its covered employees. The reason this increase is so great is because the retirement benefits are in the form of a defined benefit program.

"Defined benefit plans are the most expensive type of retirement program there is. The amount of the retirement benefit remains constant once the employee has retired and is based on payment options and the expected life of the employee at retirement. At one time the standard of pension plans, defined benefit plans are becoming obsolete because of the inherent high cost of the guaranteed payout.

"Much more common today are defined contribution plans. This is a once and done contribution and does not lock the employer in to guaranteeing income after retirement. The standard of the Public Schools Employee Retirement System is the defined benefit program. While this type of benefit is very rare in almost every other economic sector it remains the standard in the public school system? Why?

"Our state and local elected officials are clearly the guilty parties, as they have mandated these benefits not only for themselves but also for the teachers working in the Pennsylvania public school system. The current crisis, which results from their largesse, is a matter that must be dealt with quickly and directly. In the ASD, no reasonable amount of tax increases and staffing cuts can bridge the yawning gap between revenue and expenditures that the fixed pension benefit is imposing on the school district.

"Clearly the state needs to take action. The governor’s office and house and senate leaders need to provide legislative relief from the threat posed to the state’s public school system by defined benefit programs. In addition, public school employees need to become realistic about their expectations for retirement in the current financially challenged and tumultuous economic environment, which experts agree could last into the foreseeable future."

Armstrong: Allentown's Frankenstein Monster

Scott Armstrong 

When I posted a Scott Armstrong essay is September, there were numerous complaints like this - "And here is the challenge to Bernie: Stop publish nonsense like this from Scott Armstrong if he cannot produce a commentary with some substance. Just refuse to publish it." So I will respond to this challenge by publishing another Scott Armstrong essay. His last epistle, by the way, generated 83 comments, good and bad.

This one's about Allentown, and I pretty much agree with him.

For years now Allentown’s Democratic voters have chosen party allegiance over common sense at the ballot box. In 2005 they promoted to mayor a key player in a failed administration and since, have repeatedly elected and re-elected proven incompetents to city council. Meanwhile, they voted out of office every Republican-- including by all accounts, Allentown’s best city council person in memory, Tom Burke--and failed to support well qualified and capable Allentownians for city positions just because of party affiliation. Their straight party voting has produced a city controlled by a party machine under the thumb of a Democratic mayor and his Democratic cohorts on council. Every city bureau, agency, commission, and board is also populated by Democratic team players; all stand ready to receive and act on orders from the top. For good measure, the local press and media dominated as well by Democrats, routinely reports favorably on all this. This is how Allentown works, or more precisely, doesn’t work for the greater good. The latest example of this is the mayor’s plan to sell the city’s water works to pay off poorly thought out public sector pension obligations. This plan is so bad a few current and former Democratic elected officials are aghast. In a desperate attempt to stop the sale they are sounding the alarm and expecting a result. The monster they had a hand in creating is running amuck, bent on the fiscal destruction of the city, and despite their plea, the public pays no heed. After all, why should the citizenry be aroused? Aren’t the good guys in charge? Weren’t all the threats to the city removed when the Republican Tom Burke was thrown out of office?

The old adage of “you reap what you sow” is coming home to roost. Allentown’s Democratic voters and Democratic civic leaders have all had a hand in creating the monster that is the Pawlowski Administration. Presently, the wiser ones, aroused, are shocked by the destruction it/he is leveling on the city. How unfortunate it is for them to comprehend that their campaign to vilify those who could have stopped the monster was all too successful. Their call to action now falls on deaf ears.

Armstrong: The Case Against Obama's Marxist World View

Allentown conservative Scott Armstrong is known for his strong opinions. As you might have guessed, he opposes what he calls Obama's Marxist world view.

In the race for re-election, team Obama portrays itself as the champion of the “middle class”. Average Americans more concerned with daily activities like holding a job and paying bills might mistake this rhetoric as a heartfelt concern for their plight as hard working folk just trying to get by. However, the truth is starkly different and becomes clear if one takes into account Barack Obama’s Marxist world view. According to this perspective the middle class is the 21st century’s proletariat; in other words, this is a class of people who must be protected against the exploitive nature of the capitalist system.

The American left/Democratic Party’s intent is to equalize economic opportunity and outcome. Their ultimate goal is for everyone (excepting themselves as leadership) to be middle class/equally poor. They would achieve this by wealth redistribution. Confiscatory taxes on achievers would be used to fund increased government programs, benefits, services… for the proletariat/middle class. In a nutshell, this is European style socialism. Although the continent is in the process of imploding as a result of these same policies, the Democrats and the president are true believers and are prepared to take the USA down the same road to ruin.

Clever politicians can hoodwink a beleaguered populace with well spun rhetoric. American’s workers would be well advised to keep this in mind when they hear the president’s siren song of protecting their middle class interests. They need to understand that the president does not view them as middle class in the American sense, i.e. as people working hard to make a better life for themselves and their children, but as proletarians who cannot save themselves or improve their own lives without government help.

Obama’s wish is to replace our free market/ capitalist system with what Marxists call a dictatorship of the proletariat, in other words, the state/government control. Sadly, history informs us that workers/proletariats in a Marxist system are mere wards of the state. Conversely, Americans have a robust history of profiting and advancing on the opportunity and desire to determine their own destiny. This tenet of the American way is foreign to Obama and the Democratic leadership. They simply don’t believe it. They see government as the solution to every problem while it is America’s history to see government as the problem.

Teachers' Union: “So What?” to 85% Increase In ASD Spending

From Allentown School District Director Scott Armstrong: "The true nature and agenda of the ASD teachers’ union leadership was on display at the April 19th ASD finance meeting when Frank Nickischer of the teacher’s union responded with a 'so what?' to my expressed concern that spending in the district had increased by 85% in the past decade. The comment was part of an ongoing dialogue over a cost saving plan that would facilitate increased time for math studies by combining social studies and language arts. In an ideal world there would be unlimited funds to do it all. Unfortunately that is not the world we live in and those charged with the task of governing cannot make responsible decisions based on desire but must work within the confines of what is fiscally responsible. Clearly the teachers' union doesn’t get it and one can draw the logical conclusion that they expect the taxpayers to pony up endlessly to pay for their failing field of dreams which is in short modern public education.

Scott Armstrong: Why I am for Mitt Romney

Allentown's Scott Armstrong, the conservative that local liberals love to hate, explains why he supports Mitt Romney for President.

Putting social issues at the forefront of the presidential campaign is a dream come true for President Obama and the Democrats. Too many voters will, even for a moment, buy into the fabricated lie that Republicans want, for instance, make contraceptives illegal. Whether the public buys this argument in the end or not is less important than the valuable time and energy Republicans will have to invest denying it. In other words, we play defense. That's not a winning strategy.

Rick Santorum will not play down or finesse any of his social conservative positions. That is how he is and I respect him for that. However, the press, for their own purposes, will zero in on this. If Rick is our nominee the media will turn the general election into a contest over social issues such as woman's right to choose, gay marriage, and religious totalitarianism. This will allow them to put the frightening growth of government, massive deficits, Obama Care, and the crumbling economy on the back burner.

I believe changing the subject is the media/Democratic game plan. It isn't a guarantee of victory but it is their best shot. Romney's business and gubernatorial background will not afford them this desire. In my opinion, our priority should be the certain electoral defeat of President Obama. Romney is the best candidate for that mission.

Armstrong: Allentown Plans Bike Lanes on Linden, Turner Streets

The following message comes from Allentown's Scott Armstrong:

Fellow West Park Residents:

It was recently brought to my attention that unbeknownst to us the city has for some time has been considering putting bike lanes on both Linden and Turner Streets. Several variations are being considered, but two of the options call for restricting both streets to single lanes or removing parking from one side of both streets to accommodate the bike lanes. Restricting traffic on these through streets would result in massive back-ups in the morning and at school dismissals. The loss of parking from one side of Linden and Turner between 15th and 17th would result in the elimination of around 90 parking spaces. This is a very serious matter that requires our immediate concern and attention. Don’t hope that the city will act in our best interests. This is our neighborhood and it is up to us to voice our opinion on a plan that would be sure to impact all of us significantly. Please note this link for the proposal on the city website and the meeting time below.

Wednesday, October 26
7:00pm – 8:30pm
Allentown Public Library • Presentation of final design concept

Bobby Gunther Walsh, Local Conservative Blowtorch

My favorite conservative, Scott Armstrong, is at it again. Agree or disagree, he's an excellent writer. But I agree with this one, which takes aim at WAEB-790's Bobby Gunther Walsh, and his Unholy Alliance with the Gang of Four.

"Valley conservatives have for years tuned into WAEB’s Bobby Gunther Walsh’s morning show for its entertaining mixture of news, sports, weather, and Bobby’s political commentary. Recently, however, the broadcast has taken an ugly turn by becoming an attack machine with a mission to destroy Republican County Commissioner Dean Browning. This effort was spawned by the slate of four candidates who remain outraged that Dean wouldn’t buckle to the pressure applied by the Chair of the Lehigh County Republican Committee to send back Democratic County Executive Don Cunningham’s 2011 budget calling for a 16% tax increase.

"Rather than lead to tax reduction, that effort was designed to embarrass the Democrat executive. After much consideration Commissioner Browning decided he wanted no part of it. In spite of his conservative record and credentials the slate of four and the leader of the Republican Committee have labeled Browning a heretic and have enlisted and lathered up the local conservative blowtorch to do their dirty work. What was once an enjoyable show, now resembles an inquisition with Gunther, Mazziotti, Ott, Najarian, Scheller and Ott acting as accusers, judges and jury, demanding the head of apostate Browning.

"Recently, the accusations have taken on a personal tone with questions such as “Where did he get all the money for the mailers?” “Why does he want the job so bad?” “What will he get out of it?” I think we all know that these questions are meant to imply that Dean Browning is corrupt. Nothing could be further from the truth. Republicans are used to this sort of slander coming from the left. Apparently, some from our side have chosen to adopt the same tactic. It is disgraceful."

Armstrong: Recovery Summer or Season of Deception?

Lehigh Valley conservative and Allentown Commentator publisher, Scott Armstrong, is at it again. In an Independence Day mini-essay, he shares his iconoclastic views.

Is Allentown a microcosm of the nation? Consider this; Mayor Ed Pawlowski’s fiscal shenanigans of reckless spending, increased debt and bureaucratic expansion have driven Allentown to the point of fiscal insolvency; now, President Barack Obama in a short eighteen months threatens to do the same to the nation through similar actions. Both leaders have exhibited a similar penchant for dismissing criticism and discrediting critics, and both also share the calamitous combination of hubris and incompetence. Now, in the heat of the summer we see Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski and President Barack Obama attempting to deceive their electorates by spinning the canard that the dire circumstances confronting the city and the nation would be worse if it were not for them. The audacity of these claims serves to demonstrate Ed and Barack’s contempt for the public’s intellect. While plebeians are left to stare nervously into the abyss of another economic downturn many are coming to the realization that their emperors wear no clothes.

Both leaders, however, continue to maintain a supreme belief in themselves in spite of economic forecasts that show little reason for confidence. They and their dwindling number of true believers are the only ones who would believe the deception of “HOPE.” Ed Pawlowski has in all likelihood damaged Allentown past the point of any real salvation; now, the other politician who hails from the windy city is doing the same to the nation. Proud of their achievement and accumulated power both men expect the public to buy the bilge of a “Recovery Summer.”

Armstrong Reacts to Health Care Summit

The William F. Buckley of the Lehigh Valley, Scott Armstrong, reacts strongly to President Obama's Health Care Summit:

To all of my fellow conservatives who hold the opinion that there is no difference between the politicians that make up our two major political parties today’s Health Care Summit meeting at Blair House demonstrated the opposite is true. One party’s elected officials stand ready to flout public opinion, senate rules and their own previous stands against reconciliation to force through an unpopular bill that could radically affect the health care of every citizen and one sixth of the nation’s economy. The other party’s health care solutions keep in mind the rights of private enterprise and personal liberty. One party’s elected officials arrogantly presume to know what is best for us. They believe that the state should be empowered to intrude, for the greater good (?), on the liberties of the individual. This party seeks a one size fits all solution to the very complex and very personal issue of health care and it wants it right now. The other party seeks a deliberate pace and process for any reform.

The Democratic Party, under the leadership of President Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi is the real threat that we conservatives must unite to defeat. Their sins pale the wanton spending indiscretions and general fecklessness of the Republican Party. Failure to acknowledge this imperative will serve to enable the enemies of the constitution. I don’t think that is a course any conservative can choose in good conscience.

Ignore Scott Armstrong?

That's right, folks. I've referred to this Allentown curmudgeon many times, but now I'm telling you to ignore him. At least for the next few days. Someone has hacked into his email, is impersonating him, and sending out pleas for money like this:

I am in a hurry writing you this note, I hope this message doesn't surprise you ? And it's very urgent. I could barely think straight at this point.You are the only person i could reach at this moment, and i hope you will come to my assistance and need, because something very terrible is happening to me now, i need a favor from you and i will be glad if you can help me out, I had a trip to the UNITED KINGDOM on a mission.I am presently in Sheffield and I'm having
some difficulties. I misplaced my bag on my way to the hotel where other valuable things were kept along with my INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT, unfortunately for me all my money got stolen and my cell phone if not i would have called my home.I feel so ashamed because i am so stranded and idle. Deeply in pains.I will be happy if you can help me with a loan of $1,800 to pay my hotel bills and also to return back home. I will refund the money to you as soon as I get back home and i don't mind to pay you back in double.I have spoken to the Embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively, I'm currently having limited access to emails for now, I am so confused.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Best Regard, Scott

Armstrong: Allentown's Incredible, Shrinking Business Base

Last time I posted a Scott Armstrong essay, I came close to being lynched. But close is not enough. We're both still alive. So it is my pleasure to post yet another ditty, which is also published in The Allentown Commentator.

Yesterday, on my way into the building where my eye doctor has his business, I noticed a large sign indicating that the commercial property was "for sale." Between the many tests the doctor and I chatted and he told me that he and many others on the block were "getting out." This doctor has been on the 1300 block of Hamilton street for many years and the building has long been customized to suit his needs exactly. Yet he feels compelled to relocate outside the city limits. This decision to vacate the location where he has conducted business for many years is no small thing. It will be a costly and impractical move for him and his clientele. Yet, clearly, he has concluded that he has no choice. Last year our family dermatologist left the medical building on the 1600 block of Liberty Street for a location in Hellertown.

Forget the rose colored lies being spun by the administration and its collaborators; this exodus of businesses to areas outside of the Queen City tells the real story of ineptitude, corruption and the loss of hope and faith that the city can ever be turned around. Those who can, are getting out. Soon all who will be left are those who refuse to leave and the many who can't. Meanwhile our mayor has given us a new slogan, "City Without Limits." What is that supposed to mean?

Blogger's Note: Blogger comments enabled.

Armstrong: A-town Community Groups Elect Pawlowski Toadie

My Favorite Allentown conservative, Scott Armstrong, has just blasted Ernie Atiyeh's election as bossman of Allentown's neighborhood groups. Here's his jeremiad.

Not so long ago when Allentown's community groups consisted of independent, altruistic residents who involved themselves in the city's civic affairs in order to advance the greater good, the Presidents' Council was an important vehicle of that expression. That was then, this is now. How far the level of intellect and involvement in community organizations has declined in Allentown was apparent last night when the city's biggest stooge, Ernie Atiyeh was elected by fellow "community leaders" to be the new president of the "Presidents' Council."

I could reminisce for many pages the instances when Ernie went to extraordinary lengths to publicly and shamelessly please and laud administration officials. Kissing the butt of anyone and everyone in a position of power in Allentown was and remains his specialty. Ed must be pleased as punch to have this lackey at his beck and call, ready to fetch and heel on command.

Yes, not so long ago the idea that this person would be voted into this position was incomprehensible. But that was then and this is now. Well done Ed, well done city Democrats. Your mission is complete, your control is now total.

Being & Nothingness in Allentown

Allentown's favorite conservative, Scott Armstrong, publishes The Allentown Commentator and is a contributor at Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice. His latest essay about The Queen City ties in nicely with the observations of an Allentown business owner, which you can read above.

Isn't Allentown a strange place? What sane person could understand or comprehend the day to day insanity of both the governed and the governors of this once splendid city? For instance, isn't it curious how the mayor perceives a mandate from his re-election last November even though he had no real opposition? Who or what did Ed Pawlowski defeat in that "great" victory? What message of mandate can be drawn from the dismal few who showed up to vote? The real truth is that the election served only to demonstrated a truly sad state of the city. The acquiescence to the corruption of one party rule is Ed`s crowning achievement.

There was a time not so long ago when Allentown's society was vibrant, involved and filled with discourse and debate. Then Allentown was in a state of "being". It was alive, it had a future, it was going somewhere. Along the way, certain agents and controllers who thought they knew best decided civic disagreement and debate was against the city's best interests. They took the steps they believed necessary to spare Allentown of any and all alternative points of views. The result is what it is. What sane person can deny the obvious: that instead of speeding the city towards improvement Ed has brought it to total and utter ruin.

Clearly the city is now moribund and yet the mayor expects his ridiculous rhetoric to rally the corpse. If the former divinity student should pull off this miracle it would be an amazing feat. However I think we all recognize that removing the life from something is the far simpler act. Ed and his cohorts have so far managed only the facile acts of ruination and in so doing have taken the city far from promise. They have instead plunged the city into its current state of nothingness. It will be difficult to get residents fired up over that.

Armstrong: Are Allentown Dems Stuck on Stupid?

Northampton County Republicans had a clean sweep in Tuesday's County Council races. Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham, a Democrat, was nearly defeated. It was a bad day for Democrats. Unless you live in Allentown.

Scott Armstrong, who publishes Allentown Commentator, has kindly agreed to permit me to share his frustration with you.

"On Tuesday New Jersey's Democrats displayed enough intelligence not to re-elect their Democrat governor who was by all accounts a proven failure. On the same day Allentown's Democrat voters failed to demonstrate even a modicum of sense by re-electing proven incompetents precisely because they are Democrats. The lesson here is that New Jersey Democrats are clearly brighter than Allentown's.

"How bad is that? New Jersey is the laugh line of jokes. Now the nation's laughing stock looks brilliant compared to the Queen City. The intriguing question now is: do Allentown's Democrats have enough intellectual sophistication to be aware of their own stupidity? As one who lives amongst them I would say the answer is no. They seem to exist in a sort of stupor where the apparent and the everyday fail to effect their thinking or point of view. While these Democrats demonstrate the mental faculties to do a variety of tasks such as drive cars, go to work, and get their children to school they continually fail to understand that they are undermining their own existence every election day.

"Before last Tuesday the word was that if New Jersey Democrats were dumb enough to re-elected Corzine they would get what they deserve. If Allentown's Democrats had any brains they would have done as their New Jersey neighbors and adjusted their voting to accommodate better governance. Perhaps too dull witted to notice that the bell tolls for them, Allentown's Democrats continue to go about their business as usual, still oblivious to the obvious."

Obama's New Government Guardian Angel Program

Scott Armstrong is one busy Allentown activist. In addition to his job and family responsibilities, he publishes The Allentown Commentator and blogs at the recently launched Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice. His services are always in high demand, mostly because he is one of very few Lehigh Valley conservatives who actually knows how to read and write. His well-chosen words, often dripping with sarcasm, have ignited more than a few fires on this blog.

Many of you consider him a rabid partisan, but I'll let you in on a little secret. His beautiful wife, like beautiful me, voted for beautiful Obama. She'd rather listen to "All Things Considered" than Rush Limbaugh. She even made Scott move his Glenn Beck statue to their back yard. Worst of all, she's French.

Scott's latest essay is an examination of Obama's new Government Guardian Angel Program. I told him last night that after I post this, I'm moving into the bunker.

The administration plans to move forward shortly with a bold new plan that will deal simultaneously with both the unemployment problem and the so called “Tea party” protesters. Anonymous White House insiders say the proposal will provide funding to employ Democrat activists who will provide mentoring and guidance to Americans who have demonstrated a misunderstanding of the president’s message of Hope and Change. These misguided people have been identified through various channels including surveillance photos and informants and clearly need to have their values and energies redirected. It will be the duty of their new “Government Guardian Angel” to see that they understand clearly and quickly that service, faith and obedience to the government are essential to their future well being. According to reports these “angels” will be granted sweeping powers and discretionary authority over their charges.

Based on the 2008 election results government economists believe this program could supply jobs for as many as fifty million people in time but warn the program could take months or even years to get fully operational. In addition, some of those targeted for “government angels” will come into compliance with acceptable thoughts and practices more quickly than others. This will add a variable to potential employment possibilities. Still the administration sees this program as a win-win for the nation. With one single effort we can end unemployment, dissent and discord. Hope will triumph when the nations sings in a single unified voice, it will be a happy day for America.

Armstrong to Peanutville: Told You So

If not the most unpopular person in Allentown, Scott Armstrong is certainly among the top ten. Posting one of his laments is almost always guaranteed to produce a few personal insults. But like it or not, Armstrong was right all along about Allentown's sinking financial ship. He was right to ridicule Mayor Ed Pawlowski's smoke and mirror power point presentations. He was right to criticize a city newspaper, although in recent months, The Morning Call has drawn public attention to Peanutville's growing deficit and the pay-to-play practices of its governing elite.

"Allentown’s financial situation has become so alarmingly apparent that even the Morning Call and the city controller have expressed public concern. Although the problem has been in the making for the past eight years the news that the city could face a nine million dollar budget shortfall this year seems to have come as a surprise to those who should have been the public’s watchdogs. How unfortunate.

"For the Cassandras whose vain attempts to warn of the pending disaster brought them only ridicule and scorn from the elite there is little satisfaction in this vindication. Those who put faith in elected leaders and partisanship above the evident truth of facts and figures should now be ashamed and contrite. Will they be? Of course not."