Some Predictions

Predictions for 2014

*The GOP will maintain control of the US House though their numbers will be smaller.
           
*My Congressman Charlie Dent will win re-election if he has an opponent.
      He made quite an name for himself during the Republican led government shut down.  You may           remember he was one of the few Republicans to speak out against it. Of course, he supported every vote that led to it but once it actually occurred he opposed it.  I had hoped that he would take that fame and become a leader but it appears he has settled once again into back bench status.  But, he is such a nice guy.

*The Democrats will maintain control of the US Senate at about the same level they have now.
     
*Kentucky senior Senator and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell will lose.
       He will survive the right wing attack during the primary but he will be bruised and bloodied.  His Democratic opponent has run and won state wide, she is from a respected political family and she is raising big bucks.  He is going to throw everything at her but he is trailing in the polls and for someone with his power trailing in polls even early polls is not a good sign (for him).

*People will bitch and moan about Artsquest, Musikfest and Jeff Parks.

*Sarah Palin will continue to make pronouncements that have no substance and show no clear understanding of the issues.

*Oprah Winfrey will try to keep in the headlines by pretending to be a victim of some perceived slight.

*Northampton County will implode under the pressure of Tea Bagger madness.  The County Council will get bogged down in such important issues as Sharia Law, Alien Invasions from Planet Claire, Border Security and getting the United States out from under the burdens of UN Regulations.

*The Governors of Florida, Maine and Pennsylvania will lose their re-election bids. Even the ever loyal Republicans can only put up with so much embarrassing incompetence.

*Donald Trump will continue to make a fool of himself on Twitter.

*A prominent and popular professional male athlete will come out as gay thus opening up the floodgates with more famous people announcing their true selves to the public.  The love that once dared not speak it's name will become the love that will not shut up.  And, that is a good thing.

*The sounds of Cher singing "If I could turn back time" will be heard almost daily in Bethlehem City Hall. Thus requiring City council to step up and become the incubator of new ideas, economic development and sensible growth.

*A convention of the Snob Voter Party will be held at the Bethlehem Brew Works, it's Elite Central Committee will caucus at Tapas on Main and it's homo influenced think tank will salon at The Hotel Bethlehem Tap Room.

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Palin Says She is Not a Racist and More

The half term former Governor of Alaska who somehow thinks she has all the answers to the nations problems even though she has not done anything other than get rich over the last five years has made another "I am not a racist" racially charged comment.

The insufferably dumb Sister Sarah has compared the national debt to slavery because it is all the Black President's fault. Even though study after study has shown that the debt is always larger under Republican Presidents than it is under Democratic Presidents.


In other news she is opening her let's make money off of nothing tour in our community on Tuesday.  I am going to welcome her by doing the thing she hates.

I am going to ignore her!

What would you do if Sarah Palin brings her lack of substance to your area?

Locals, what are you going to do to welcome this national embarrassment to our home turf?

Ted Cruz Lies or Thinks We are Stupid

I guess he thinks we are stupid!


Texas Senator and hate monger  Canadian born Tea Party Teddy Cruz said that he opposed the government shut down.  He blamed the President and the Democrats for not negotiating with the Republicans.  Of course to the Cuban/Canadian negotiations means the Democrats doing what the GOP wants.

I don't know who Cruz is fooling but a lot of us were watching very closely and we know who was responsible for the government shut down.

Perhaps he really is as delusional as he appears nightly on the news.

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NY GOP Comes Begging to Trump

I don't get peoples interest in Donald Trump and why some folks want the TV "Star" to run for high government office.


Now the New York State Republican party is pleading with Mr. Trump  to run against current Governor Andrew Cuomo.  What is it about Trump that some people thinks qualifies him for either President or Governor?  What has he done or accomplished in his life?

He's been married 3 times and has cheated on his wives and humiliated them each in the process.  So he is clearly not stable nor his he respectful of women.

He is a bully always threatening people, calling them names and starting pathetic and petty public fights. He clearly does not have the temperament do deal with the intricacies of foreign policy or Democrats in the legislature.

How many times have he and or his company filed for bankruptcy?  So he is clearly not that great of businessman.

There are two reason why Trump will not actually run for office.

1. He could not face the humiliation of a defeat.  He knows not only a campaign would ruin his brand but a loss will destroy it.

2. He will have to disclose how much he is really worthy and what his sources of income are.  What if he is not worth as much as he says he is?  What if he is just a paper tiger and living off the largess of his investors?   He would have to give up his lucrative contract with NBC in order to run and perhaps he can't afford to give up a job that pays.

My guess is that Trump will not run.

A Small Sample of The Week in GOP Crazy

Florida GOP Representative  likens lesbian mothers to drug abusers.
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Dr. Ben Carson  says The Affordable Care Act is worse thing to happen to this country since slavery
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Pastor Grifter  (Pat Robertson) compares transgender people to his castrated horse

Not to be outdone by himself Rev. Robertson says that AIDS is a result of polio vaccine.
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And the king of the crazies Little Ricky Santorum  drops some hints that he is still willing to be our President


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Michelle Bachman, Jesus and The Devil

Minnesota Republican Congresswoman Michelle Bachman is either a liar or just a lunatic but either way it is still appalling how much attention the main stream media pays attention to her.  All this attention does is fatten her wallet and encourages her.

Her statements and actions become more and more outrageous as she gets closer to the end of her final term in the Congress.  Now, she is accusing the President of The United States of funding terrorists.  Is her insanity so deep that she is confusing Barack Obama with Ronald Reagan, has her warped mind gone back in time?

But, fear not because she is not all that bothered by the news the Barack/Ronald Obama/Reagan is giving arms to terrorists because it is a sign that the end days are coming. Jesus is on his way back to town and he is pissed.

I hope Fox News or MSNBC has a camera focused on the well dressed yet crazy woman from Minnesota in case Jesus does return.

I imagine it going something like this.

Jesus takes one look at her, checks his tablet and says

"Oh no Girlfriend you are NOT coming with me, you are going to stay right here where you are"

She looks around confused and begins to speak but Jesus raises his hand and continues

"See all those Gay people over there; they have voted you off Revelation Island, I have discussed the issue with my father and even he is convinced that you are beyond redemption."

The Congresswoman falls to her knees and begins to pray but Jesus says

"Who exactly are you praying to, I am standing right here?"

There is a ruckus to his right and out of the black clouds walks Dick Cheney and he says "She was praying to me"

Jesus just shakes his head and says "Dick you are such a little devil, Where's Liz?"

Liz Cheney appears from the dark smoke reaches down and pulls Mrs. Bachman to her feet and says "I am taking you to the promise land" 

Michelle with tears in her eyes walks through the black clouds, when she arrives on the other side she sees a sign.

Welcome to Iraq

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PA Governor; Dead Man Walking

The Daily Kos handicaps  next years governor races across the country.

"Dead Man Walking"  Is how they describe Pennsylvania's astoundingly awful Governor Tom Corbett.


I have not always loved this commonwealth's governors but they have all been very smart and by and large capable.  And, then there is Tom Corbett who is in over his head,out of his league and astonishingly incompetent.

After last weeks comparing gay relationships to incest a comment that was meant to smooth over some bigoted remarks by the attorneys he hired to "defend traditional marriage" was so far out there there that I now truly believe the 46th Governor of Pennsylvania is not very bright.

Maybe all the pandering to the extreme right wing has made his brain mush or maybe the fact that when he was Attorney General he ignored the evidence against Jerry Sandusky really just proves he is either not very bright or incompetent or maybe both.

Either way Tom Corbett may very well be the worst Governor Pennsylvania has ever had.

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What Does it Say About Us? The NYC Opera Closing

This may not be the final scene  but it is the beginning of the final act for The New York City Opera.

The spokesman for the board announced “Today, the board and management will begin the necessary financial and operational steps to wind down the company including initiating the Chapter 11 process.”


I know that I seem obsessed over this story but it really does distress and sadden me.  

The New York City Opera closing, the contents of the Detroit Art Institute may be put on the chopping block, orchestras across the country are closing or cutting back, libraries limiting hours of operations, small museums closing, arts in the schools being cut, preforming arts centers being sold and turned into retail or residential spaces and community theaters are darkened.


What does it say about a nation that does not care about it's arts and culture or appreciates the contributions the creative classes offer to the local community and society at large?  

What does it say about us as a people if art means nothing, if New York City can't support two excellent opera companies?  

Who are we as a people if libraries close and we are not disturbed by it?  

What does it say about our society if we don't care if our PBS/NPR stations struggle, cut back or close?

One of this nations great opera company is shuttered and one of this nations great repositories of fine art may close to solve the problems of a mismanaged and neglected city and so few people either notice or worse yet even care.

But, a Kardashian gets knocked up by an ego maniacal and delusion pop/rap star and this country notices and many of care a great deal. 

What does it say about us? 
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Not Much GOP Love For Ted Cruz

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker is critical of Ted Cruz .


Could this be the beginning of the end of Ted Cruz?  Demagogues have come and gone in American politics but they don't usually have public critics within their own party this soon into their fame arch.  Joe McCarthy lasted a few more years than this.
 

With Senators Bob Corker, Tom Coburn, John McCain and even Lindsey Graham coming out against Cruz's antics could his influence already be waning?  Even the loathsome Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has decided to stand up to Cruz.


McConnell has a teabagger opponent in the primary next year even though throughout the Obama Presidency he has lurched further and further to the racist right in order to avoid a primary fight.  Since this has failed he has decided to be a statesman and has refused to support Teddy C and his wackjob supporters attempt to bring this nations government to its knees.

When Ted Cruz gets blamed for the government shutdown and then blamed for the default a few weeks later how much longer will his words matter?  How much time after these event occur will he become more irrelevant than Sarah Palin & Michelle Bachman?


But, he will always have the support of the racist tea baggers and perhaps that and his government salary for the next four years will keep he and his family from starving.

Politely Asking to Not Commit Mass Murder

Howard Schultz, Chairman of Starbucks announced that  guns will no longer be welcome inside or at the outside seating of the coffee house.  Mr. Schultz has not banned guns he has just asked politely that people not bring them into his stores.

Perhaps gun control advocates having been going about this issue all wrong.

Maybe if we just ask politely for people to not walk into movie theaters, classrooms, military bases and houses of worship with guns and start slaughtering people they just won't.

That way everybody is happy.  Psychotics like Wayne La Pierre will no longer look like lunatics on television and liberals can continue to be polite and care about making the world a better place.

Since the existing gun laws don't seem to be working let's just not try to improve them and just politely ask people not to commit mass murder.

Sounds like an effective plan to me.

Whose with me on this one?

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Crazy talk: A lot from Bachman & A little from Dawkins

The crazy that is Michele Bachman  says "if we cry out to God" Hillary Clinton can be stopped from becoming President.


Michele Bachman is 9 months away from an indictment and 24 months away from prison.  So if she is going to cry out to to God maybe she should do it on behalf of her own ridiculous ass.

And 

Noted biologist and author Richard Dawkins "a little mild Pedophilia  does not cause lasting harm". This is a perfect example of smart people thinking that everything that comes out of their mouth is a pearl of wisdom.  Word of advice to Mr. Dawkins - use a filter - Think before speaking. 

Detroit Institute of Art - When Art & Culture Does Not Matter

In yet another potentially cultural tragedy the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) which is owned by the city of Detroit  may be forced to sell off some of it's collections.

We all know Detroit is broke and this could be a way to get the city back into the black.  The DIA has brought in folks from Christie's to evaluate the situation. If the museum sells just 40 of it's most prized possessions it could bring $2.5 billion to a city $18 million in debt.

There is an international museum rule that forbids the asset of a publicly owned museum from being used to pay for other public expenses.  In fact museums are only allowed to sell works of art if they are going to use the funds to improve their collections.  I am not sure how this can be enforced or what the repercussions will be for the City of Detroit or the DIA if the sale moves forward.

From a financial point of view it seems like a no brainer and a fairly easy quick fix to the problems that have beset the once great city of Detroit.  I would think most of the art in the museum was donated or gifted by a citizen or foundation. Can a museum sell a gift?  Should a museum sell a gift?  These are but two of the ethical questions involved in such a transaction.

If the Detroit is allowed to or does sell off enough of the collection to pay the debt it will solve the most urgent problem but it will do nothing to fix the fundamental issues that are at the core of Detroit's downfall. The debt is paid; now how does that fix what Detroit need to do to move forward?  Will the schools get better?  Will the middle class move back into the city?  Will the roads get fixed?  Will the street lights start working again?  I doubt it.  So then where does that leave the city?

The bigger question is what does it say about the nation and our current culture when New York can't sustain an opera company as interesting and exciting as City Opera and the people managing the bankruptcy of Detroit are so cavalier about the true value of art?

What has happened to this country that once used art and culture to help pull itself out of the great depression?

What has happened to this country that used to think big?

What has happened to this country that used to dream?

Why did we allow conservatives to make this country smaller and more narrow?

Why did we let the conservatives diminish our capacity for greatness?

A great nation needs art, music, dance and theater.  A great nation needs culture.
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A Tragic Opera Story

The City Opera of New York which has tried to bring opera to the people  for the past 70 years is in danger of cancelling the rest of this season and all of the next season. If they do not raise $20 Million by the end of the year it could very well be the end for this beloved New York Institution.

The City Opera is the smaller of the two opera companies that occupy space at Lincoln Center and it has always struggled in the shadow of the mighty Metropolitan Opera.  The theater is not as big, the stars are not as big and production values are not as big but they are in no way inferior.  The City Opera has been where the great stars of opera make their American debuts and has proven to be a great training ground for the likes of Beverly Sills and Renee Fleming just to name two.

I have seen Madame Butterfly performed by both companies and quite frankly I thought the woman cast as Butterfly was better at The City Opera. But, that really means nothing other than to try to make myself come off as an opera snob. I do love opera but I am hardly an expert.

The City Opera in many countries would be consider the premier opera and in fact it is world class.  It is astonishing to me that New York cannot sustain two brilliant opera companies.

If The City Opera of New York is forced to close it will be a very sad day for the arts & culture for not only New York but for all of us.  And, for those who could only enjoy opera at a fairly reasonable price tag. .
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Gov. Corbett's Pandering Cost Taxpayers....A Lot

Attention taxpayers of Pennsylvania the worst Governor in the long history of this Commonwealth Tom Corbett is spending $400 an hour for the lead attorney & $325 an hour for each of his many associates to defend discrimination.


Yes, the pandering to the extreme right that Corbett is so clumsy at is costing those of us fortunate to live in King Charles's gift to William Penn is going to cost us a lot of money.

I wonder how many teachers could have been re-hired?

Could a bridge have been fixed?

How many potholes on route 78 could have been filled?

Any of the Democrats are better than Tom Corbett.

We can do better Pennsylvania!

***** Note to WETM - Pennsylvania is not a Northwestern state.  #justsayin

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Another Weak Argument From a Darling of The Right

Trying to tell a narrative not based on the facts or the truth is something Dana Perino is really good at.  You may remember Ms. Perino as one of the best story tellers George W. Bush had on his staff.

For the record the words "Under God" were not part of the original pledge and I would think that Ms. Perino would know this . If she does not then what does that say about her knowledge of this nation's history? It is more likely she does know it and since the facts do not matter to her employer why should they matter to her.

And, really how lame, childish and tired is "They can go live somewhere else".  It is the great fall back line for conservatives when they really don't have a strong argument and they know it.  I mean really Dana; is that the best you could come up with?

The Future of Bethlehem Concerns 80 Year old Couple

At this years Bethlehem's Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony City Councilman Bob Donchez the winner of the Democratic Primary for Mayor was a no show.  I don't know of any politician who misses a Memorial Day event but Bob Donchez did.

Just this past Monday I attended Bethlehem's Labor Day parade, twice.  It is so small that I was able to walk a few blocks and catch it again. Bethlehem Mayor & County Executive candidate John Callahan was there front and center, most of the City Council members and Democratic candidates for City and County Council were marching along side the party's biggest ally, organized labor.  Even a Superior Court Judge, a Palmer Township supervisor, and someone who ran for City Council in Allentown were there. 

But, I did not see Democratic nominee for Mayor Bob Donchez in the parade.  I sent a text message to someone who was walking with the elected officials to confirm that I did not see Mr. Donchez and it was confirmed; he was not there.  

I do not know why Bob Donchez chose not to attend these two events.  I can't read his mind nor can I look into his heart to figure out why the next Mayor of Bethlehem would choose not to honor this nation's war dead nor why would the Democratic nominee for Mayor of Bethlehem choose not to support the Steelworker's union during their annual parade.

Were the parade routes too long?  Did he have some other pressing family issue to attend to?  Did he forget that these holidays were significant to large sections of the public?  Does he think because he has a clear path to the Office of Mayor he did not have be among the people?  Was he so embarrassed by his primary campaign that he could not face the public without the protection of the rules of decorum of a council meeting?

Or, does he just not care?

I have no idea really.

Is this what we have to look forward to for the next four years?   An absent Mayor.

My 80 year old parents can't believe this vibrant and exciting city is about to turnover it's leadership from John Callahan to Bob Donchez.  Even they are worried about the city not moving forward.

I wish the voters of Bethlehem had somewhere else to turn 

I Review Books I Won't Read

My review of the top selling non-fiction books (according to Publishers Weekly) I have not read and probably will not read.

#1 - "The Liberty Amendments" by Mark Levin - Extreme right wing radio talk show shouter interprets some of the Bill of Rights and explains how his radical conservative opinion will save this nation.

#2 - "Happy Happy Happy" by Phil Robertson (with someone else doing all the real writing) Explains his interesting life as a Duck Commander.  I have no idea what a Duck Commander is.  But apparently a lot of people do and they are buying this book.  But, I have to wonder are they reading it?

#3 - "Zealot" by Reza Aslan.  A new biography of Jesus. Remember when the Fox News religion reporter ask the Muslim Aslan what qualified him to write a book about Jesus.  Despite the fact that Mr. Aslan is an eminent scholar and well really really smart.  - This one I am thinking about reading.

#4 - "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg.  The COO of Facebook gives advice to women and their careers. This raised some eyebrows when it was first published

#5 - "The Duck Commander Family" By Willie & Korie Robertson (with someone else doing the actual writing)  See #2 and really who bloody cares?

#6 -"Exposed: The Secret Life of Jody Arias" by Jane Velez-Mitchell.  A book about the trial of the century. I don't care and neither should you

#7 - "Lawrence in Arabia" by Scott Anderson. How the modern Middle East was formed.  If I didn't have such massive ADD/ADHD I would buy this but I know I will never finish it.

#8 - "This Town" by Mark Leibovich.  NYT Magazine writer takes on the culture of DC.  I'll wait for the paperback

#9 - "The Butler: A Witness to history by Will Haygood. Do I need to tell you about his one?  The book the movie that is giving Oprah her Oscar buzz is based on.

#10- "The Synchonicity Key" By David Wilcock. The author tries to use history and science to explain that everything that happens is related and influences everything else.  Who knew?

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Good News Bad News About Lindsey Graham

There is good news and bad news in the race to oust Sen. Lindsey Graham .

The good news the very annoying, grandstanding, whiny, easy to criticize but offers no real suggestions Senior Senator from South Carolina could be out of the Senate.

The bad news is a Democrat has no chance in the race so the real election is in the primary and Sen. Graham is being challenged by people to his right and somewhat extremely to his right so the nation could be worse off as a result.

Sen. Graham has on occasion been a reasonable voice in the Republican party and has on occasion reached out to the other side in the name of compromise. None of the people running to his right appears to be so inclined.

Of his three opponents the most interesting is Nancy Mace, she owns a PR firm and has never run for office but is well known though out the state because she was the first to gender integrate and the first woman to graduate from The Citadel.  Which of course she turned into a book deal .

The race is already very nasty and should be great fun to watch.

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Joe Miller - Still Handsome Still Crazy

Alaskan GOP Senate loser Joe Miller is back in the news.

Remember when he lost to a write in candidate even though the very powerful Sarah Palin supported him with are her heart and soul.

Oh now wait Sarah has no soul so no wonder he lost.

Anyway, he is back in it for another shot at the US Senate (remember when the Senate was a majority of dignified, thoughtful leaders) and he has not tempered his hate or his crazy. He is linking our President to...............THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD!

The thoughtful Mr. Miller has joined the other brilliant Republican statesmen Allen West and the Crown Prince of the crazy haters Louie Gohmert of Texas in pushing this story line.

I just wish I did not think Joe Miller was so handsome because then I could ignore him.

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Tossed Out By A Chattanooga Congregation

The "Pastor" of Ridgedale Church of Christ in Chattanooga has ordered an entire family; mom, dad, aunt, uncle and cousins from the congregation unless the publicly renounce their own daughter, niece and cousin because she is a LESBIAN.  They all committed the horrible sin of attending their family member's wedding to her female partner.

This "Pastor" is not a Christian and the people who support him are not Christians.

They are a mockery of the teaching of Jesus Christ and they are bad people.  They are in for a super big surprise when they get to heaven and they see people who neither think link them nor look like them.

What if they don't make it to heaven because they are so hateful?

Where will they go? Where will they spend all of eternity?

If I believed there was a hell it would be my first suggestion but since I do not maybe they will just be stuck behind the velvet rope watching while the rest of us go through the VIP entrance to Roxy. (I may be slightly dating myself with that but so be it)

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