I got an interesting e-mail this morning from Tim Potts, who runs Democracy Rising, a good-government advocacy group. Here’s the part that really grabbed me:

Reality Check

851 – Days since the Pay Raise of 2005.

1 – Law enacted to improve government integrity.

0 – Best-in-America laws enacted.

There’s a great question there that speaks to our legislators’ motivations. When they enact laws, why aren’t they striving to be “Best-in-America”? Who are the folks who are holding things up in Harrisburg?  read more »

Today, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ran an editorial assailing U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan for putting “thought” on trial. As a rule, The Trib and I find little we agree upon, but in this case they’re right on the money.

USA Buchanan is putting a mentally ill woman on trial for publishing often lewd, but fictional stories about sexual abuse of children. She also writes about murder and other horrific acts committed against children. The woman in question, Karen Fletcher, claims this is therapy for childhood sexual abuse committed against her. Mary Beth Buchanan claims it’s a crime.  read more »

I’m not a big fan of Sam Bennett. Frankly, I haven’t seen her be very successful at much of anything she’s had a go at lately, but I will support her campaign for Congress.

Despite multiple attempts, she has yet to appeal to enough voters to win elective office. And Properties of Merit? The only thing I’ve heard about this organization is Bennett’s highly inflated salary. Even the media can’t seem to figure out what Properties of Merit is all about. But don’t worry, it’s going statewide.  read more »

Here’s what I’d like to know. What are we waiting for at this point? The media and government officials have been quick to place blame on each other, to apologize to the furloughed workers, and to tell us that they are approaching a deal.

But what are the sticking points? Rendell gave up everything he wanted (to my understanding) and yet we’re still waiting. Citizens and taxpayers deserve to know what they’re waiting for here.

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Governor Rendell recently told his state police drivers that he “didn’t want them exceeding 80mph unless there was a real exigent circumstance.” So what does Eddy consider an exigent circumstance?

First, any sort of 2 for 1 special at Dunkin’ Donuts automatically qualifies. Or Pat’s. Or Geno’s. Obvi.

If there’s a big check to hand to a local community – totally exigent.

CBK chasing him down the ‘Pike yelling “Double Indemnity!” – super, super exigent.

Eagles game. Again, obvi.

The Speaker’s Reform Commission Report being released. Too exigent for words.

The PA Policy Blog continues to impress me with their in-depth, cogent analysis of issues facing Pennsylvania. Today they’re tackling wage issues and business decision-making, using as an example Circuit City’s recent decision to lay off higher-paid workers:

...Circuit City’s wage management initiative is an example of what we at the Pennsylvania Policy Blog call “low-road” management. Low-road management responds to competitive pressures by slashing costs through cuts in wages and employee benefits. In the short term, wage cuts can aid a company’s bottom line, at least long enough to impress the Wall Street analysts who will then bid up the price of the company’s stock.  read more »