An endorsement for Joe Sestack

As the PA Democratic party appears ready to endorse Arlen Specter for US Senate, I feel compelled to speak out against that decision.

Simply put, I just cannot stomach voting for Arlen Specter.  Let's take a look at the great "career" Arlen claims to have had.  First, and this should not be forgotten, is that Arlen came up with the fantastic single bullet theory for the Kennedy assassination.  We should have known then that Arlen just wasnt quite right - or that he had an understanding of basic physics that is still about 50 years ahead of his time; I am opting for the former.

Following that, Arlen's next lowlight was excoriating Anita Hill on national TV - a move that not only embarrassed a young woman, but brought the nation Scalia's lap-dog, Clarence Thomas.  Nothing like getting 2 votes in one for every conservative issue in front of the supreme court.

During the Bush administration, Arlen the "democrat" voted with Bush over 2000 times, support the war, support the TARP plan, and supported the deregulation of the financial industry that brought us the current financial situation.

Then, what did this upstanding Democrat do?  He switched parties because he might lose an election?  No integrity, no loyalty to party, just political expedience over values.

Finally, it was Arlen Specter that chaired the judiciary committee that confirmed Roberts and Alito, the duo that undid campaign finance law and is poised to destroy women's rights.

Joe Sestack is an actual Democrat.  As a congressman he support Democratic values.  He favors healthcare for all, bank regulation, opportunity for small business, and the appointment of non-activist judges to the Court.  He is the right choice for PA.

Arlen Specter is not a Democrat.  He is a vulture - trying to pick on the Democrats because his Republican experience got spoiled.  Arlen does not share Democratic values, and his votes will continue to do damage to Democrat positions long after this election.

Introducing Buster

From time to time I may mention, either on twitter or on the blog, that I am hanging out with Buster, so I thought I should give him a proper introduction.  This is Buster:

He is a one-year old "Jug", which is a mix of Pug and Jack Russell Terrier, and yes, he has the very active Jack Russell personality.  He is a rescue from the Montgomery County SPCA, and has been with us for about 2 months.  Buster also recently enjoyed his first snow:

Term Limits for Philly City Council

Wilson Goode Jr. introduced a very interesting piece of legislation yesterday seeking to impose term limited on members of Philadelphia City Council.  The bill would limit future electees to 3 consecutive 4 year terms (12 years), and allow current members to be elected twice more.  Already, the bill has met staunch opposition from current members who opine that elections are term limits - if they were doing a poor job they would lose.

I am in favor of Goode's bill for the simple reason that in Philadelphia its naive to think that the electorate can impose term limits.  With city politics still dominated by the smoke filled backroom, and old boys club deal making, its extremely difficult for progressive candidates to even get on a ballot, let alone raise enough money or support to unseat an incumbent.  Imposing term limits in a city like Philadelphia will allow more good people to get involved in the political process; it will open the door to fresh ideas, new blood and vigorous debate.  Yes, some very good public servants will see their careers cut short as a result of the term limit, but overall passage of term limits will serve as a good first step to breaking Philly away from the Chicago style of politics.