House Health Care Debate Live Blog

It's a beautiful Sunday, but if you're nutz like me, you'll be checking in on the House health care debate today. Will it pass as expected, or will it fall apart under the withering criticism it is sure to receive this afternoon? The fur starts flying around 1 PM, and I'll be following on C-Span. Feel free to join in.

Procedure: Democrats appear to have (thankfully) dropped "deem and pass." There will be three major votes: First, the Rule, which will determine the debate process and number of amendments; Second, the Senate Bill; and Third, the reconciliation package. The magic number is 216.

C-Span Links: Flash Player and Windows Media Player.
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10:43 PM: The House is voting now, but the debate is over and we know this is going to pass. So after nearly ten hours, I've had enough.

10:20 PM: Speaker Pelosi takes the stage. We tonight will make history for our country and progress for the American people. We will honor the vows of our founders. This legislation will lead to healthier lives. It is an American proposal that honors the traditions of our country. We would not be here tonight without the extraordinary leadership and vision of President Obama.

This legislation tonight, if I had one word to describe, would be opportunity. This legislation will unleash tremendous entrepreneurial power. You can change jobs without worrying that you lose health insurance.

The present health insurance system is unsustainable and is bankrupting the country. The best action we can take is to pass health care reform. The best way to create jobs is to pass health care reform.

32 million more Americans will have insurance and current insurance holders will be protected from higher costs. This bill will create millions of jobs while saving $1.3 trillion.

When it comes to health care, all politics is personal. It's personal for women, and after we pass this bill, being a woman will no longer be a pre-existing condition. It's personal for seniors and for families who are forced into bankruptcy or unable to afford health insurance.

She notes there may be no Republican votes, but there are 200 Republican amendments.

10:09 PM: Minority Leader John Boehner said that we should be working together, If you like the health plan you have, you can keep it? No, you can't. In this economy, with this unemployment, is this really the time to raise taxes and create more government. Won't cuts to Medicare really weaken that program? Was this Bill done openly, with transparency and accountability, without back room deals. Have you read the Bill? Hell no, you haven't. If we vote to defy the will of the American people, we should at least stand ansd announce our votes, one at a time. Boehner asks the Speaker to grant his request for a call of the roll. The speaker calls it a rhetorical question and then says it will by electronic vote.

Boehner said the process is broken, the institution is broken, and that's why the bill is flawed. Americans ask Congress to slow down, not spend money we don't have, it instead focus on jobs. What they see is one political party closing out another from what should be a national solution.

Shame on us. Shame on this body.

This is the people's House, and the moment a majority forgets that, they start writing themselves a ticket to minority status.

10:00 PM: "The Chair is not obligated to inform members of the rules of the House. ... The Chair does not respond to hypothetical questions." (Sounds like Callahan!)

9:51 PM: Republican Whip Eric Cantor notes health care is a "very personal issue," but this overhaul will have a huge impact on everyone. The President has refused to listen, but we hear the American people. This government must stop raising taxes on small businesses and families, but this "trillion dollar overhaul" will do the opposite. Families and patients should have the freedom to choose their own doctors, but this trillion dollar overhaul will begin to take it away. It is the latest part of an agenda to seize more control over our economy and lives. "Listen to the people and vote No to this legislation"

9:30 PM: Clymer calls this a "defining moment in our nation's history," and recites the 700th anecdote of the night. The reform included in this bill will decrease our deficit. It will also create 80,000 jobs. "This is the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century."

9:24 PM: "Only in Washington, DC, can you say you're going to spend a trillion dollars and save the taxpayers money." ... "The American people don't want a government takeover of health care." ... "This really is about freedom." ... "We can reform health care by giving people more choices, not more government."

9:15 PM: Rep. Paul Ryan states that "There's a lot wrong with this bill. It is full of gimmicks and hidden mandates." He calls the philosophy behind this bill "paternalistic" and "condescending." "We have seen this movie before and we know how it ends." ... "On this issue, more than any other issue we have seen here, the American people are engaged."

9:10 PM: Dem. George Miller notes America has waited 100 years for health reform. Never again will Americans have to worry about losing health insurance if they lose their job. This will also make college more affordable. "We can side with America's families ... or we can side with insurance companies and the banks."

9:05 PM: Though the debate has gone on 17 months, Republicans complain the bill is being rammed through. - Democrat Gwen Moore.

9:03 PM: "There exists one simple truth, and that truth is that the current system is unsustainable." (NY Congressman)

9:00 PM: A commenter notes that Rep. Ruben Hinojosa(D-TX) "reminded me of the SNL character the Indian Stand up Comic."

8:40 PM: Dr. Tom Price (Georgia) notes health care is a "moral endeavor," but this bill is bad for patients. It will destroy the trust between patient and doctor. "We trust patients and families. They trust government." ... "The bipartisan vote on this bill is a No."

8:30 PM: Things are beginning to get a bit testy.

7:50 PM: Embattled Congressman Charlie Rangle, under ethical clouds, said he's privileged to be a part of this legislation. "Thank God, I'm on the right side." (Hmmm).

7:44 PM: "You may be getting your pre-natal care from turbo tax," huffs one Republican upset that the Bill provides for between 17 and 18 thousand new IRS auditors.

7:11 PM: John Dingel, whose father slammed the gavel when Medicare was adopted, noted this legislation will expand health care to an additional 32 million Americans. "It gives Americans the same health care that we here in Congress have." ... "It is the patient's bill of rights on steroids."

7:05 PM: Thirty-eight states have said they will sue to challenge the constitutionality of the unfunded mandates in this measure. Nathan Deal, who is leaving the House to become Governor of Georgia, just pledged he will join them.

6:50 PM: Majority leader Steny Hoyer characterizes opposition to health care reform as a "campaign of fear", but notes that a "healthy America is a stronger America." He notes Republicans had called Medicare "brazen socialism" and social security the "lash of the dictator."

6:30 PM: House OKs the Rule in a 224-206 vote, well beyond the 216 votes needed.

5:40 PM: David Dreier, ranking member of the Rules Committee, argues a $1.2 trillion billion with job-killing tax increases and 18,000 new IRS agents is unnecessary. He'd rather expand health savings accounts, pooling to deal with pre-existing conditions, allow purchases across state lines and adopt meaningful lawsuit reform. But Rules Chair Louise Slaughter contends that a vote against this Bill is a vote for insurance companies. Right now, a vote to suspend the rules is being tabulated.

5:21 PM: About a gazillion "I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my remarks in opposition to this flawed health care bill" requests. When debate is limited, I guess that's the only way.

4:28 PM: After killing the second point of order, the House is now debating the Rule.

4:13 PM: Pro-lifer Bart Stupak announces he's now supporting the package, based on a promise from Obama to issue an Executive Order prohibiting what is authorized under the Bill. Undecided House Democrats like Kathy Dahlkemper are joining him. (Obama's proposed Exec. Order is here).

Turn out the lights, the party's over.

3:35 PM: Louise Slaughter and David Dreier begin mixing it up, accompanied by cheers and jeers from other House members, pounding of the gavel, etc. It's like Northampton County Council! NYTimes reports that Republican House members are flirting with the protesters outside and are waving their own "Don't tread on me" flags from a second-floor balcony. (Barney Frank may have mooned them). Jesse Jackson, Jr., who is acting as Speaker, sure has his hands full.

3:12 PM: Point of Order made that Bill is packed with earmarks, called bribes, in violation of the earmark identification rule. Louise Slaughter claims necessary documentation has been filed.

2:47 PM: Vote on the Point of Order that resolution violates unfunded mandates law. Fails 228-195.

2:39 PM (Sheila Jackson Lee): She brings up Teddie Kennedy and John Kennedy, too.

(Nobody brings up Bobby).

2:33 PM (Patrick Kennedy): The late Edward Kennedy's heart and soul are in this bill. "Healthcare is not only a civil right, it is a moral obligation."

2:20 PM: House has finally introduced the Rule. Congressman Barney Frank reports someone shouting "Kill the Bill!" from the gallery was carted away by cops as House Republicans actually cheered the disruptor. He called them a "bunch of clowns."

"This Bill is the mother of all unfunded mandates."

Anonymous Blogging Under Fire

Dent Condemns "Health Reform" Tax on Pacemakers and Wheelchairs

That's right. To help pay for the health care reform bill being "deemed" through the House tomorrow, a 2.3 % medical device excise tax is just one of 19 brand new taxes being imposed. The med-tech industry is already hampered by a lack of start-up money and and mountains pf red tape before a new medical device can be approved. Now, to add misery to woe, they'll be shelling out $20 billion over the next ten years.

This new tax will eventually be passed along to us, increasing our health care costs.

So much for reform.

LV Congressman Charlie Dent, joined by Reps. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), and Erik Paulsen (R-MN), has proposed an amendment to eliminate this excise tax, which will obviously harm American innovation and cost people jobs.

Dent today told the House Rules Committee that the current bill "will have a detrimental impact on the people of the 15th District of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania and neighboring New Jersey are home to many employers who lead the world in medical innovation by designing and manufacturing lifesaving equipment. They also provide good jobs for the families in my district.”

According to a Dent news release, companies in his district - like Olympus, OraSure, and Bethlehem–based B. Braun Inc. - will be badly affected. Braun alone will lose $23 million, which is 79 percent of the company’s current research and development investment.

“It’s not just the company itself that suffers,” Congressman Dent said. “The impact of these revenues will imperil jobs; curtail advanced research and innovation; reduce purchasing from Pennsylvania vendors; and hamper investment in capital equipment. The ripple effect on our economy and on working families will be far greater than the sum of the tax. And ultimately, patients will see increased costs as a result.”

Congressman Dent reiterated his opposition to the health care legislation both for its harmful policies and the unfair procedure by which it’s being forced through Congress.

“This is a tax on innovation, patients and the economy,” Congressman Dent said. “As the Wall Street Journal noted, this provision will ‘tax health care to subsidize people to buy health care that new taxes and regulation make more expensive.’ My constituents understand this paradox."

Pa. Congressional Delegation May Vote Against House Health Bill

Pennsylvania's 18-member Congressional delegation are poised to reject the health insurance reform package being considered in the House tomorrow. According to The Washington Post, nine members are already definite Nos, including all Republicans and Democrats Jason Altmire and Tim Holden. Three Democrats remain undecided.

Contributions from the health industry appear to have had no impact on the thinking of individual Congressmen. For example, Alyson Schwartz is the largest recipient of health industry contributions ($1.1MM), and supports the reform. But Jim Gerlach, who has received almost as much ($1 MM), is a No.

Altmire, Jason D PA-4: He was opposed last November and is opposed now. He reports $610,035 in health industry contributions. 8.60% of his district (western Pa.) is uninsured. Angry steelworkers are today staging a sit-in at Altmire's Aliquippa office.

Brady, Robert A. D PA-1: He was a Yes in November and now. He reports $133,650 in health industry contributions. 18.20% of his district (Philly) is uninsured.

Carney, Christopher P. D PA-10: He was a Yes in November but is undecided now. He reports $226,560 in health industry contributions. 11.80% of his district (northeast Pa) is uninsured. Update: Carney is now a Yes.

Dahlkemper, Kathleen A. D PA-3: She was a Yes in November but is undecided now. She reports $80,160 in health industry contributions. 11.40% of her district (northwest Pa) is uninsured. She's been subjected to a TV ad by health bill opponents that questions whether reforms will interfere with cancer research. She's recently lost both of her parents to cancer.

Dent, Charles W. R PA-15: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $561,609 in health industry contributions. 10.20% of his district (Lehigh Valley) is uninsured.

Doyle, Michael F. D PA-14: He was a Yes in November but is undecided now. He reports $377,040 in health industry contributions. 11.70% of his district (southwest Pa) is uninsured. (According to CNN, he is now a Yes).

Fattah, Chaka D PA-2: He was a Yes in November and now. He reports $230,600 in health industry contributions. 14.30% of his district (Philly) is uninsured.

Gerlach, James R PA-6: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $1,046,298 in health industry contributions. 7.90% of his district (Berks-Chester-Lehigh-Montgomery) is uninsured.

Holden, Tim D PA-17: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. he reports $418,653 in health industry contributions. 10.40% of his district (central Pa, including state capitol) is uninsured. He has condemned the "political trickery" of deem and pass.

Kanjorski, Paul E. D PA-11: He was a Yes in November and now. He reports $298,980 in health industry contributions. 11.70% of his district (coal regions) is uninsured. Update: According to The Hill, Kanjorski is now undecided because a student loan bill he dislikes has been tied into this bill.

Murphy, Patrick J. D PA-8: He was a Yes in November and now. He reports $403,703 in health industry contributions. 6.90% of his district (mostly Bucks) is uninsured.

Murphy, Timothy R PA-18: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $933,900 in health industry contributions. 7.60% of his district (western Pa) is uninsured.

Pitts, Joseph R. R PA-16: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $628,555 in health industry contributions. 14.50% of his district (southeast Pa, just west of Philly) is uninsured.

Platts, Todd R PA-19: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $42,200 in health industry contributions. 9.60% of his district (Adams-York-Cumberland) is uninsured.

Schwartz, Allyson Y. D PA-13: She was a Yes in November and now. She reports $1,192,608 in health industry contributions. 9.60% of her district (eastern Montgomery and NE Philly) is uninsured.

Sestak, Joe D PA-7: He was a Yes in November and now. He reports $286,353 in health industry contributions. 7.30% of his district (Delaware County) is uninsured.

Shuster, William R PA-9: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $167,855 in health industry contributions. 13.30% of his district (middle Pa) is uninsured.

Thompson, Glenn R PA-5: He was opposed in November and is opposed now. He reports $96,649 in health industry contributions. 11.40% of his district (middle Pa) is uninsured.

Dent Pressures Callahan to Take a Stand

As of 3:00 PM today, over 300 people had tried to contact John Callahan’s campaign office at 610-625-3880. Reason? To ask if Callahan is ever going to take a stand on Pelosicare. He's been silent about the health care debate embroiling this country for months, choosing instead to talk about the architecture at the Sands Casino.

Make that 301 people. I just called myself. Nobody answered the phone, and Callahan's voicemail is full.

In a telephone news conference yesterday, Congressman Charlie Dent blasted Callahan's "political cowardice," which is very much like the political cowardice we've seen from House Democrats employ with the Slaughter rule.

Dent's congressional campaign is making the public aware of Callahan's dodgebill antics.

“Basically, we’ve been contacting voters across the 15th District asking them to try and do something that no one else has been able to do – pin Callahan to a position on whether he supports Nancy Pelosi’s health care bill,” said Shawn Millan, Dent’s campaign manager.

Phone calls and emails to thousands of voters across the 15th District are going out, urging them to call Callahan and ask him one simple question.

“It’s ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” said Representative Dent. “Would John Callahan vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the Pelosi health care bill? It’s a simple question – one that he must answer,” Dent explained.

Just yesterday, Dent characterized health care legislation may as the biggest federal issue facing this generation. President Barack Obama says that his Presidency rests on the passage of Nancy Pelosi’s health bill. Meanwhile, most Americans reject both the bill and the tactics being used to force its passage. But Callahan? He must be getting his nails done.

Smart politics? He's refusing to to show leadership or state a position on a pivotal issue. That's smart? Maybe if you're Sam Bennett.

“He either lacks the knowledge or courage to take a definitive position,” Congressman Dent has opined.

Congressman Dent believes that if done correctly and in a bipartisan manner health insurance reform could be a boon to the nation, but done incorrectly and forced upon the people of America it will damage our country, economy, and the quality of our health care.

He prefers an incremental approach.

“The time for parsing one’s words, equivocating and fence-sitting is over. It’s time for John Callahan to decide, ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ and state his position,” concluded Dent.

Angle Runs Statue of Liberty Play on Lamont McClure

It was pretty clear after Wednesday's Finance Committee meeting that Northampton County Exec John Stoffa's proposed storage space lease was in trouble. The County needs room to store bed parts and other items for Gracedale, but the state has warned that they are hazards if stored all over the nursing home. So Stoffa negotiated a 5 year lease with 181 Whitfield Corporation at $1,850 per month for 3,150 sq ft.

John Cusick suggested moving the voting machines from Gracedale to Easton's Milides building, and using that for storage. Tom Dietrich, Barb Thierry and Bruce Gilbert wondered why the County couldn't just throw up a pole building at Gracedale, which would save money in the long run.

Last night, when it was time to vote on the lease, these four Council members voted No. Rev. Dowd, Ann McHale and Peg Ferraro all voted Yes.

The last two to vote were Lamont McClure and Ron Angle.

McClure passed, wanting to make sure he voted opposite the way Angle did, and it was up to the Bulldog. Angle had told me before the meeting he supported this lease, although he felt the County needs a more permanent solution to storage. But on the dais, he pondered, rubbed his forehead, then voted No. McClure voted Yes.

At this point, Angle quickly changed his vote to Yes, noting that council members can change their votes so long as they do it right away, and Stoffa's lease was approved, 5-4.

Angle also wrangled a promise from Stoffa to come up with a permanent storage plan on County property within the next six months.

Stoffa gets his lease to solve a temporary space problem. Council members concerned about rental costs get a commitment from the Exec for permanent storage at a County-owned building, and within the next six months. McClure's attempt to muck things up blows up in his face, as usual.

Angle, who has participated in or attended 5,000 public meetings, ran a play, and it worked. After the meeting, he called it his Statue of Liberty play.

Billy Givens Honored By Northampton County Council

For the third time, the widow of a former county worker was at last night's Northampton County Council meeting. She thinks she got a raw deal on her medical benefits and her husband's pension. On two previous occasions, then President Ann McHale encouraged her rants well beyond the ordinary five minutes, even though Council is powerless to help her. This widow broke down in tears on her first trip to the podium. During her second speech, she screamed at County Exec John Stoffa, who sat quietly.

That must have been music to Ann McHale's ears.

Before last night's meeting, the widow complained about where I was sitting because it obstructed her view. I'll have to start carrying a "Wide Load" sign. But she perked up when she saw McHale. "She's a nice lady. She really hates John Stoffa."

Last night, the widow had pictures.

Sometimes, courtesy of the floor can get goofy, although these are real people who are entitled to be heard. es.

At last night's meeting, former "Courtesy of the Floor" regular was honored posthumously for his years of dedication to Northampton County. Orator. Essayist. Pioneer blogger. Gadfly. Bon vivant.

Billy Givens.

Billy's beautiful wife, Kathy Parker, accompanied by her lovely daughters, accepted both the award and a kiss from Council President Ron Angle. Billy's cartoonist, Nancy Marshall, was also on hand, along with about five family friends.

Angle told Kathy that most people will grumble about government, but sit glued to their television at night. "People like Billy Givens are far and few between." Angle referred to Billy as one of his personal heroes and "one of the most marvelous orators" he ever heard. He "fought for what he believed in."

In heaven right now, Billy is probably giving Wayne Grube the bird.

Former Obama Team Leader Has Given Up All Hope For Change

Jacob Oberholtzer is a former Obama team leader here in the Lehigh Valley, but is disgusted by what he has seen. Here's what he has to say.

In 2008, I was a Team Leader for then Senator Obama in both the PA democratic Primary and in the General Election. During that primary, the President campaigned against insurance mandates very strongly. It was a talking point on the key difference between Senator Obama and Senator Clinton in that race. I should know. For six weeks, I talked about this issue on phones and at people’s doors. He also campaigned on transparency and open government. After this Health Care debate, I can say I feel betrayed, and I no longer am a supporter of this President, outside the respect I have for the Office.

The main part of the plan that candidate Obama ran on, was a voluntary government plan, which later became known as the Public Option, to offer citizens an alternative to the private Insurance market.

I will let candidate Obama speak for himself on this issue.

OBAMA: "Let’s break down what she really means by a mandate. What’s meant by a mandate is that the government is forcing people to buy health insurance and so she’s (Senator Clinton) suggesting a parent is not going to buy health insurance for themselves if they can afford it. Now, my belief is that most parents will choose to get health care for themselves and we make it affordable."

Here’s my concern. If you haven’t made it affordable, how are you going to enforce a mandate? I mean, if a mandate were the solution, we could use that to solve homelessness. We could simply mandate everybody to buy a house. The reason they don’t buy a house is they don’t have the money. And so, our focus has been on reducing costs, making housing available. I am confident if people have a chance to buy high-quality health care that is affordable, they will do so. That’s what our plan does and nobody disputes that.

The plan people got, includes Senator Clinton’s mandates and John McCain’s taxes on employer benefits. These are two positions candidate Obama opposed, and two positions that propelled him to the White House in 2008.

Here are the problems with the bill being considered.

First, every major cost control measure in this bill has been stripped out. Drug re-importation, the Public Option and rate regulatory committees have been gutted out of the reconciliation bill even though these are basic cost control techniques. The administration was silent as this was happening. If they objected, they did not do so publicly or put any pressure on the members of their own party.

What was left was an 80% cap on the Medical loss ratio for Insurance Companies. However, if underlying costs increase, the insurance can increase as long as they are paying out 80% for medical services. It hasn’t addressed cost, just the amount the middleman can take. The middleman is only a third of this problem we face.

The second major problem of this bill is that the rre-existing condition denial and rescission ban do not go into effect until 2013. All the sad stories President Obama would tell over the past 12 months about people suffering, and the bill waits 3 years to address them. Kind of disgusting and disingenuous when you think about it, if people are really dying because of these provisions.

The third major problem with this bill, that while revenue begins being collected to pay for the Insurance exchange through taxes in 2011, no major expansion of coverage occurs until 2014.

Page 7 of the CBO estimate has the table for decrease in the number of uninsured Americans. There is no decrease till 2014, when the number of uninsured declines an estimated 19 million.

Some of the taxes start immediately and benefits do not get paid till 2014. This is what is known as a simple accounting gimmick. The CBO scores what they are given.

Fourth, I urge you to check what is called a Cadillac plan. You may be surprised to find that what you believe is very basic insurance at your work, because of the premium outlays your employer pays and the benefits you receive, are “Cadillac.” Chances are you have made sacrifices in the form of less wages or salary for that benefit. If you are part of organized labor, you have made concessions in your contract. There is a reason why Richard Trumka of the AFL-CIO had to be summoned to the White House last night. You are getting taxed more to get the CBO score where they want it, and they needed to prevent him from bolting. A lot of people are about to have another Obama pledge broken on them - no increase in taxes if they make under $250,000 a year.

Lastly, this process from the beginning has been full of Cheney and Bush-like behavior from the Obama administration, from the bait and switch on the Public Option to the private meetings with Insurance, Pharma, and Private Hospital executives.

The Public Option went from a must have in July of 2009, to a nice to have in August of 2009, to not that necessary in the President’s speech in September. Backroom deals were made. Martha Coakley was having fundraisers with Insurance executives a week before her sound defeat in Massachusetts. They have talked out of both sides of their mouth consistently on this.

In the last two weeks of this awful debate, I read news reports, of Senator Dick Durbin, one of the so called liberals in the Senate, whipping votes against the Public Option for the reconciliation bill. The fix has been in. In the meantime, the White House is telling Public Option supporters if they get the votes, Obama will sign it.

The President and the Democratic Party sold out their supporters to private care interests and now will be subsidizing them with taxpayer funds collected by the force of the law, using the IRS. The Obama administration has been more nasty to people like Dennis Kucinich and the progressive caucus who advocated for stronger reforms than they were to people like Blanche Lincoln, Joe Lieberman, and Evan Bayh, who advocated for less.

I remind people, this debate is going on, after the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. The Democratic Party and the President have made no progress in correcting the systematic problems we had, other than to throw money at the problem. The unemployment and state and federal deficit numbers speak for themselves. No solutions have been passed to prevent another financial crisis and the players involved, were all given new gambling money.

In 2008, the theme was Hope and Change. I have given up all hope for change after watching this administration and this party’s behavior in 2009-2010. This should be a wake-up call for everyone who voted for Change.

LANTA Mourns 13 Year-Old Easton Boy Fatally Struck By Bus

At LANTA's web page, a small candle flickers for Robert Mitchell, the 13 year-old boy who lost his life yesterday when his out-of-control bike slammed into the front right corner of a LANTA bus traveling along Easton's Northampton Street.

LANTA's Board Chairman, Fred Williams, and Executive Director Armando V. Greco were at last night's Northampton County Council meeting to present a new transportation plan. But before doing so, Chairman Fred Williams said this:

"Our thoughts and our prayers go out for this young boy, his parents and his family, and also the driver who was involved in this tragic event. It's a difficult time for all the people that are involved. But on behalf of the board of directors, the drivers, the staff of LANTA, we all mourn the loss of this young man and his tragic event."

The Anti-Semite & the Rabbi

According to many of the anonymous comments posted here, Northampton County Bulldog Ron Angle is a notorious anti-Semite with swastikas littered all over his house. How ironic that he would be the first County Council President to invite a rabbi to start off last night's Council meeting with a prayer.

I believe the rabbi was Isaac Yagod, who worships at Bethlehem's Beth Avraham. I can't be certain because he left before I had a chance to talk with him. His message, and not his name, got everyone's attention.

Instead of praying, like most clerics do, he spoke of justice. He noted it is the foundation of the Ten Commandments and that without it, there an be no real religion or government. He then gave his blessings and hoped each council member could find a way to be just.

After the meeting, Executive John Stoffa noted that "justice" is one of the words in Northampton County's seal. The other word is "mercy."

How to Make Friends and Influence People, by Abe Atiyeh

Abe Atiyeh, referred to by Bill White as Allentown's Rajah of Rezoning, failed to impress a West Easton crowd on Wednesday night, when he pitched a drug treatment and work release center at Chipman Mills on Wednesday night. The Express Times' Colin McEvoy tells the tale. It includes a Mayor who may have been impressed by the tax dollars this would generate, but was turned off by Atiyeh's salesmanship, which usually consists of threats to sue everyone.

"This is a damn good town, and you made some remarks that hit me in the gut because I'm a longtime resident."

Julian Natisin must hace felt that way, too. One of the Lehigh Valley's most accomplished biathletes, is a West Easton resident. I got to know him during my running days, when I'd chug along the trails near West Easton. He'd blur by, faster than the Roadrunner. Beep. Beep. Every now and then, on his way back, he'd slow down and we'd talk.

He dropped me a line about Wednesday night's meeting, and gave me permission to share it with you.

"Hi Bernie,

Julian Natisin, don't know if you remember me from running. You missed a complete air biscuit from your good buddy Abe Atiyeh. What a douche. He might be a 'good developer' but he needs public speaking lessons. He tried to sell W. Easton on his treatment center last night. First thing he did was offer to buy everybody's house that circles his project. Classy touch. Then he kept rambling on with the same 3 lines over and over. Even his lawyer was rolling his eyes.

"Then he threaten to sue the borough. Needless to say, Redneck-Polack-Slovak-Ukranians' don't take threats weakly. It should be interesting. You should come to the next meeting. Ron Angle was there last night. I don't think we are going to get bullied into taking it although I don't feel threatened by it if it is what his lawyer said it will be and it's in writing. But I do like one thing his lawyer said. 'You have something we want and you should try to squeeze every dime
out of us if we want to build.' C-ya, Julian"

Julian, I'll see you at the next meeting.

The Tragedy of a Young Life Lost in Easton

His name was Robert Mitchell.

Dent: Slaughter Rule an Act of "Political Cowardice"

In a telephone news conference with LV Congressman Charlie Dent this morning, he denounced the Slaughter rule, which Speaker Pelosi is considering for a controversial health insurance reform package affecting 16th of the nation's economy. It's a procedural sleight of hand under which House members will vote on some fixes to the Senate bill, and then deem the bill passed. Its purpose is to give Democratic House members "plausible deniability," Dent said.

Congressman Dent called this "deem and pass" an "arrogant manipulation of our legislative process in order to shelter their members from casting a straight up-or-down vote." He noted that the Capitol switchboard is jammed with angry calls from people who compare the process to cheating. "They are using procedure to avoid discussing policy," Dent said, referring to the tactic as an act of "political cowardice."

Somehow, GOP leaders have forced a floor vote today on rejecting the Slaughter rule, although Dent candidly admitted it will likely fail.

As of this moment, the Lehigh Valley's elected Representative in Congress still has not seen the actual reconciliation language that he will be asked to vote on by week's end? He has not yet seen the latest CBO numbers on cost, which were just released.

But he made clear that he opposes the package being foisted on the House because it will raise income taxes by a half trillion dollars, will slash Medicare by a half trillion dollars and result in an average $2300 tax increase. "This is not the reform people want," Dent added.

So does Dent prefer the status quo? No. He prefers an incremental approach to health care insurance reform, dealing with separate issues like malpractice, and pre-existing conditions.

Speaking of political cowardice, Dent also had some harsh words for his opponent John Callahan, who has yet to take a position on health insurance reform, which Dent called "the most consequential piece of legislation in our generation."

"He is hiding. No more hiding behind his campaign manager," Dent noted, adding that "leaders lead" while Callahan is a "follower of Nancy Pelosi."

Dent then paid a rare compliment to former opponent Sam Bennett, pointing out that she at least took positions on the issues.

"That worked out well for her, didn't it?" zinged Morning Call reporter Scott Kraus.

Dent then told a story about a meeting with LV auto dealers a few weeks ago, who are losing millions as a result of the recession. Senatorial candidate Pat Toomey was there, and addressed their concerns. But when it was Callahan's turn to speak, he was unwilling to discuss their concerns or any other national issue. He instead spoke about the architecture at the Sands Casino.

Looks like Callahan would fit right in with Pelosi. Is that what you want?

Update: Virginia AG Ken Cuccinelli has just told Speaker Pelosi that the “deem and pass,” or “self-executing rule” procedure is unconstitutional. Virgina has already passed a law prohibiting the federal government from imposing an individual mandate on Virginia citizens.
Update #2: As predicted by Congressman Dent this morning, an anti-Slaughter Rule resolution has been narrowly defeated in the House, 222-203. Twenty-eight Democrats joined every Republican in voting against this procedural manever.

St Paddy's Day: Northampton County Style

Northampton County Courthouse had a few interesting visitors yesterday. I tried posting this at midnight, but like an idiot, set the videos for private viewing only. I've fixed that, and here are the visitors in all their Irish glory.


This Civil Division employee is convinced his new outfit makes him a babe magnet.


The real babe magnet, of course is 88 year-old Dick Benner, who was our Voting Registrar back in the day. "I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in," he said. Women were throwing themselves at him, but they were only after his lucky charms.


The last entrant, Controller Steve Barron, isn't even Irish. But hey, it gives him a chance to show off his legs. He wouldn't let me look up his skirt.

Northampton County's New Council is Paying Attention

Seven of nine Council members.

That's how many showed up for yesterday's combined meeting of Northampton County Council's personnel and finance committees. Peg Ferraro, who was recently hospitalized, was unable to make it. I hope she's doing well. Lamont McClure was absent, as usual.

After about an hour, it dawned on me that this new Council, with three brand new members, is taking its job very seriously. County Executive John Stoffa is more relaxed and willing to share opinions. Council Prez Angle and Stoffa enjoy tormenting each other, but are basically on the same side. Council is wary of spending any money.

It's been a good start.

Council busily reviewed a proposed bridge easement over Fry's Run, trying to get a little more money than the $11,000 offered. A report about new Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds prompted them to make sure that all municipalities get notice of their availability. Barb Thierry closely questioned a $305,000 no-bid contract for additions to the camera system at the jail. "It's a lot of money and they know they have no competition." A proposed new food vendor at the jail was treated skeptically by John Cusick. "Those are the people you got rid of in the first place."

Cusick also wanted to talk about the County's contract with Iron Mountain for archives, questioning whether renewals should be approved by Council. That prompted the rest of them to clamor for a separate archives building.

"How big should it be?" asked Stoffa. "Everybody wants a building. Do you start with a little building and then add on?" Stoffa told Council that the state is studying the County's archive needs at no cost, and will have a report within a month. Some members of the Stoffa administration have advocated storing as much information as possible on the hard drives of computers, which are much smaller than temperature and humidity controlled buildings.

Council also complained about leasing storage space for Gracedale supplies. "We have 100 acres up there," commented Cusick, who said it should be cheaper in the long run to just build a new storage facility.

The final item discussed was the swaption, adopted during the Reibman era in 2003 for a quick $1.9 million. In return, the County gave Merrill Lynch the right to insist next year that the County refinance its $111 million bond at a variable interest rate. One way to minimize the cost is to refund about $10 million of the bond now, which could somehow end up saving the County $4.5 million. Angle suggested it might be cheaper to just take out a short-term loan, and Barb Thierry wondered about taking some money from the general fund.

Whatever is done, it has to be done soon. Council member Bruce Gilbert, a banker, warned that interest rates should start climbing in the next quarter.

"It was a good meeting," John Stoffa smiled, on his way out of the star chamber.

Obviously, this Council is no rubber stamp, but the acrimony that went on over the past four years seems to be winding down.

That's bad news for me, so I'll just make shit up.

The Allentown Watchdog Reports

He may have lost his bid for Allentown City Council, but Lou Hershman's interest in Queen City government is as keen as ever. After last night's meeting, he called to tell me what happened.

First, Allentown Attorney and former Lehigh County Comm'r Joseph Maher told City Council that its recently enacted cell phone ban is illegal. He'll represent anyone who is cited free of charge, and will sue the City for damages while he was at it.

He may very well be right, but I should note that Maher was rated "unqualified" by the Lehigh County Bar Association when he ran for judge. He was fired by the Karoly Law Offices in 2007 for failing to file a pleading, and his suit for unemployment compensation was chucked. He also lost out on a civil rights claim after his 2005 arrest for some kind of encounter with his wife. On the bright side, Morning Call sourpuss Paul Carpenter seems to like him.

Second, City Council may be convening a "Special Meeting" to discuss the legality of its decision to raise the annual City Rental Unit Registration/License Fee, from $11 to $75.

I'm sure Allentown City Solicitors will tell their bosses whatever they want to hear.

Update: LVPoliblog attended last night's City Council meeting. In addition, City Council VP Michael Donovan has a report about changes he is proposing to the parking ordinance, as well as an effort he is organizing, to persuade the state to do something about loud mufflers and what he calls "boom boom" cars. God, I didn't think my car was that loud. By the way, Michael, congrats on being granted tenure.

Controller Meg Holland: Bethlehem Needs to Improve Collections

Have you ever read a Controller's report? Even when a massive fraud scheme is being described, I nod off after about three pages. I can't help it. I'm a Democrat.

Fortunately for me, Bethlehem Controller Meg Holland's was very succinct in noting that the Christmas City is too lax in collecting money owed. Through the simple expedient of a document called the "second notice," she was able to bring in $136,000 in just one week.

I'm very familiar with second notices myself. I get them all the time.

Here's what Holland told Bethlehem City Council.

Over the past few weeks my department has reviewed the City’s outstanding miscellaneous accounts receivable balances. Based on the review, I determined that each department completes its own billing and most departments did not complete any re-billing for outstanding balances. Several of the miscellaneous accounts receivable balances were outstanding for over 90 days and some for over a year. In one week with re-billing, we were able to collect approximately $136,000 to date of the outstanding miscellaneous accounts receivable, that would have otherwise gone uncollected.

The problem with miscellaneous accounts receivable was brought to my attention when I was given a contract renewal to sign for a towing company. To my dismay the same towing company had not paid the City for 2009 towing, therefore I held the contract renewal and informed the vendor that I would not sign the renewal until their unpaid balance was brought current.

My department is in the process of instituting collection and re-billing procedures for all departments to alleviate the problem from happening in the future.

Bill White to Callahan: Man Up, Dude

Ron Angle Files Appeal in Will Controversy Over Father's Estate

Ron Angle has lynched a few weeks ago on this blog as a result of a will controversy concerning his father's estate. Register of Wills Dorothy Cole preferred a Will offered by his Florida sister-in-law over a more recent will offered by the Northampton County Bulldog. That set off a firestorm from all the usual Anglephobes, who were sure his criminal prosecution was imminent.

When the Will offered by Angle was returned to him, a politically inspired crowd insisted he destroyed the evidence to avoid prosecution. An appeal was out of the question. Angle is too cowardly, they said. Bethlehem lawyer Janet Jackson even tried Angle in the newspaper, claiming he cleaned out the estate.

Ron's son was vilified. Ron's wife was accused of perjury.

Well, Janet Jackson must be on tour, because she's filed no papers. But Angle's appeal was filed yesterday. He wants the Court to honor the Will his father prepared, not the writing offered by a woman who skipped his father's funeral.

Gee, if he forged that Will and then burned it to keep the DA at bay, then what the hell is this appeal about? Could it be that the politically motivated lynch mob got it wrong?

Congressman Dent: Where's the Sunshine?

You might not like LV Congressman Charlie Dent's view on health insurance reform, or his support of our troops in Afghanistan. But whether you are from the right or the left end of the political spectrum, you have to support his transparency and accountability.

He supports a bipartisan resolution requiring legislation and conference reports to be posted on the Internet for at least 72 hours before they receive a vote on the House floor. Last year, he conducted 29 town halls. In October, he demanded cameras in the powerful Rules Committee. "[W]e have seen 300-page amendments offered to the Rules Committee in the middle of the night and key policy proposals rejected on a straight party-line vote without thorough consideration. Sunlight will be a powerful disinfectant against these practices.” In December, he followed that up with a resolution demanding cameras in the powerful Ways and Means Committee. In January, he demanded that any health insurance compromise be conducted openly, instead of behind closed doors.

Now, as House Democrats keep trying to foist an unpopular health care bill on an unwilling public with convoluted procedural tricks like the Slaughter Rule, Dent has renewed his call for transparency and accountability in Louise Slaughter's powerful Rules Committee.

“The Rules Committee will be the first committee to review reconciliation policy that will have significant and long-lasting effects on the lives of the American people and our economy,” Congressman Dent said in a news release issued today. “Moreover, the actions of the Rules Committee will be a major factor in determining the outcome of this process. Recent reports have indicated that Chairwoman Slaughter will attempt to craft a procedural rule in the Committee that would, in effect, allow the Senate health care legislation to pass without even a direct up or down vote. The American people deserve to see what their elected representatives are doing behind the closed doors of the Rules Committee.”

“The Speaker has plainly warned the American public 'we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it' – a view of the democratic process I find reprehensible,” Congressman Dent said. “The Speaker and her allies are bending the rules to the point, I believe, they may be broken, all because she lacks the votes to pass this legislation honestly. House leadership has broken faith with the American people, and I hope to begin restoring that faith by shedding sunlight on these shadowy procedures.”

How about a flip cam? I've got two.