Tri-State Counties
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on April 20, 2008 - 10:03am.
Ok, I wasn't going to say any more after I suggested semi tongue in cheek that she should pick her your Barbies and go home. Now I am feeling not so tongue in cheek.
Lisa Paolino is NO Anne Dicker. And we should demand better in female candidates for elected office. Voters in this area in the appropriate districts should say YES to female candidates like Philadelphian Anne Dicker, and NO to female candidates like Lisa Paolino from Delaware County. And it is my legal right under the First Amendment to say that.
Lisa, I have seen your faux ballot, and I have seen your ethically challenged car wash coupons. I have read the comments posted by your enthusiasts posted on other blogs around the area/region...does like attract like?
Everyone in the greater Philadelphia area has seen where you feel the need to bully a blogger over First Amendment Rights with one lawyer, and then turn around and claim your phony ballots are you exercising your First Amendment Rights?
I generally don't curse, it goes against my grain, but may I slip in a simple WTF?
Why? Because of the sheer contemplation of it all. Lisa Paolino, do you seriously believe you can play by a different set of rules? Do you NOT see what you are doing is wrong? Do you NOT see how you are giving female candidates for public office a really bad name? How can you describe yourself as a strong, independent female candidate? Whining and dirty tricks make you strong?
And then you write a new press release/blog post on your blog claiming that the boys are being "mean" to you? That you are being "bullied"? Honey, get yourself to a spa for a little rest cure. You have lost it. And can it be said you should just stop this garbage before people start calling you "Almost PMS Nutty" instead of Almost Famous?
And here is an excerpt of this post that just sounds like more whining:
Lisa Paolino For State Senate: Lisa Paolino Victim of Lance Rogers and Montco GOP Machine Continued Bullying and School Boy Harassment
Taking my campaign to court is just another example of the campaign of “harassment” Lance Rogers has run against me...shame on Lance for running a totally negative campaign. Both he and his handlers like to use school boy bullying techniques against women.I am a strong Independent female candidate who will stand up for what is honorable.....And the bottom line is no candidate was ever endorsed by the Delaware County Republican Party – no endorsement meeting was ever held. Meeting separately, the Radnor Republican Committee unanimously endorsed me.....My entire campaign has been about my record of achievement as Radnor Commissioner and about the new look I will bring to Harrisburg as our next State Senator.
On Election Day, my supporters and I will be out in force telling voters about my campaign for change....I want to thank my many supporters and volunteers, and now it's on to victory on Tuesday!
Honey, you need to stop. And the voters of the 17th Senate District should be smart enough to see that you are NOT the best choice. As I took a stand for cutie Gerlach against PMS Lois Murphy, I am suggesting the same course of action here. Pennsylvania Deserves Better. Lisa Isn't It. Of course, now that I have said my piece so to speak, I will reserve the right to revisit my opnions in the general election. I plan on observing this 17th Senate race all the way through, no matter who the candidates end up being.
Some of my other sources of contemplation of the opinion to which I am legally entitled under the First Amendment include:
DelcoTimes:Judge rules in Rogers’ favor in 17th Senate race
Republican candidate gets injunction prohibiting opponent from distributing sample ballots.
By Kathleen Carey kcarey@delcotimes.com
MEDIA — Delaware County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Joseph P. Cronin Jr. granted the Republican candidate for the 17th District Lance Rogers a preliminary injunction prohibiting his contender Lisa Paolino from distributing sample ballots.
Cronin made his decision Saturday after a two-hour, 12-minute hearing into the issue that will impact Paolino’s ability to hand out ballots on the primary election Tuesday.
“The question will come down to the fact whether he’s the endorsed candidate or not,” Cronin said of Rogers.
Rogers, the endorsed Republican candidate, was seeking both a preliminary and mandatory injunction barring Paolino, also a Republican, from distributing ballots and Cronin solely ruled on the preliminary matter, which, in effect, stunted her from distributing sample ballots to voters entering the polls. He said the mandatory ruling would have to be decided at a later unscheduled date.
...At issue was the similarity in the green ballot that Paolino was distributing and the white and blue ballot circulated by the Delaware County Republican Finance Committee.
After the judge made his ruling, Guy Paolino, who was representing Lisa Paolino, said, “We respect what the court says.”
Rogers’ attorney, Robert Kerns, said, “Overall, both in Montgomery County and here, it was an attempt to deceive the voters and to turn attention from the endorsed candidate.”
Rogers said he was disheartened by Lisa Paolino.
“That is the ultimate form of deception,” he said. “We want a level playing field. We just want a fair election.”
Lisa Paolino was not present at the proceedings.
However, her campaign issued a statement that read, “Taking my campaign to court is just another example of a campaign of harassment Lance Rogers has run against me.
Judge blocks a candidate's 'official' GOP sample ballot
By Derrick Nunnally
Inquirer Staff Writer
An acrimonious Republican Senate primary turned litigious yesterday with a fight over endorsement claims on mass-mailed sample ballots.
Pea-green "Official Republican Ballot" forms mailed by Pennsylvania Senate candidate Lisa Paolino list two choices in the 17th District Senate primary: Paolino and "not endorsed."
The ballots, which arrived in Montgomery County mailboxes yesterday, bore a substantial resemblance to the Montgomery County Republican Committee's pea-green "Official Republican Ballot" - which lists Lance Rogers as the endorsed candidate and Paolino not at all.
In the Norristown courthouse yesterday afternoon, Rogers and attorney Robert Kerns - who is unopposed in a May 8 election to lead the county Republican committee - persuaded Common Pleas Court Judge Richard J. Hodgson to block Paolino's campaign from mailing the sample ballots.
He ordered that all unsent ballots be seized and ruled that no more be made. The judge said the ballots looked so much like the Montgomery County Republican endorsement ballot that confusion was inevitable.
"Any voter reading this would think that she's the endorsed Republican in Montgomery County," Hodgson said.
I also have checked out a cute little bulletin board called Haverford Blog
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on April 14, 2008 - 1:31pm.
Her Alter Ego Has a "Clear Message" For Harrisburg:
Is Lisa Paolino is Confused?
Honestly, there I was minding my own business having a latte with my CPA (well, have to get those taxes done), and the pink cellie (Come on now would you expect it to be green?) rang. It was a phone call asking me if I was "Almost Famous", and ready for more "change".
(Of course I told the caller, I already was famous, and I was "the pretty blogger")
Apparently, this girl power candidate has a new television ad running on Conservative TV Land (I don't subscribe or watch, sorry)...it says that her opponent, that cutie Lance Rogers is confused.
How so? Well apparently it is very confusing to Ms. Paolino that Mr. Rogers (sans cardigan and puppets) was an Independent for a while? Who cares?
I have to say that I think it is Ms. Paolino who seems to be more confused than not....after all, that endorsement from a group I do watch the PA Women's Campaign Fund? I am pro choice, and this intimates that so is this candidate? Really? Once again, all I say is this, and if there is one thing that bothers me more then a crusty old dude in a judicial or clerical robe trying to tell women what to do with regard to personal choice, it's wondering if a female candidate is really pro-choice or just pretending?
Men are never clear on this topic - and since they don't bear children I pretty much ignore them anyway. But female candidates? Female candidates have to be abundantly clear on their pro-LIFE AND pro-CHOICE positions, because face it, if you aren't a woman, you really don't get this argument do you? And while I have never believed that this personal choice issue belongs in political campaigns, since this candidate opened Pandora's Box and accepted this endorsement, where does she stand? How many pro choice candidates have any of you ever seen to come out of a Catholic College?
I find that more confusing then a mere political party switch....honestly, I have been told she used that tired old logic on her local race last time - apparently the man who ran against her in Radnor Township had a political change of heart and had the nerve to become a Democrat?! Oh how shocking! Stop the presses! That is soooooooooo newsy and sooooo not a reason to vote for someone!!!
Look, I will agree with Ms. Paolino that Harrisburg is a mess, but is she the solution? Could she be just part of what is wrong in politics today?
Female politicians have a tougher go of it then male counterparts, but you have to do more than be petty and overdone to get female voters to pay attention in a positive manner, correct? Can it be said right now that this candidate just looks like another female candidate that can't get along with men? Remember how far that didn't get Perpetual-Bad-Hair-Day-Lois?
And ohhh....that Almost Famous article? Check out the comments....that Chief John Fallon has written a little comment...very telling.
Ok, well, it's too nice to stay inside. I am off for a walk around Rittenhouse Square and a little shoe shopping....at least I can admit I am frivolous, right? (But then again, I also know I'm fabulous!)
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on April 10, 2008 - 9:19am.
Ohhh la la ! This is front page news for me! Well Karl and other esteemed PhillyFuture Citizen Editors, it appears you are correct: media does look at stories and opinions posted here. Case in point? The ever so fabulous moi has gotten her first media blog mention...in a puff piece for the Lois of 2008, the don't- hate-me-because-I-am-beautifully-calculating candidate for PA State Senate in the 17th District, Lisa let-me-kiss your-babies Paolino. Can we entertain the possibility that as a candidate, or even as a social "light", she just might be NOCD? [Translation? Not Our Class, Darling]
While I am thrilled at the mention, I have to say cosmetic enhancements are not enough for the average voter (except to scare them)...well maybe in parts of Delaware County it's de rigueur, as I hear well, Radnor is different? In Radnor, if they dislike a politician, I hear they only whisper it because there is an ordinance and potential public stoning if you aren't all happy to be conforming to the norm?
And then in Radnor, where this babe comes from, there seem to be a lot of people who find her silly? Look at the photos? Seriously? Just look at very posed photos, very unnatural as if a role was being played in a bad Lifetime made for TV movie? And what CityPaper doesn't get is I have no problem with a feminine dressing female candidate who is pretty (those old men we look at grow tiresome after all), but this candidate, well she takes "done" to a new level doesn't she? She looks too posed, too coiffed, and those suits? Get that gal a new stylist! She appears to have the ability to wear clothes well, and well, she needs to be visited by Tim Gunn.
And then there are all the questions....why is it she thinks people should vote for a candidate that hails from a township that had a law for a while that resulted in non-resident accident victims being charged?
Seriously:
WPVI 6 ABC: Radnor Law Burning Accident Victims 1/29/07
January 29, 2007 -- Officials in Radnor Township say they're just trying to do right by their own taxpayers, but visitors may feel like unwelcome guests in the process. It's a local law that's raising some eyebrows.
It's bad enough when you have an accident. But if it happens in Radnor Township, it may cost you more than you ever thought possible.
"It's wrong for me... wrong for anyone to have to pay for this," said Mark Harbison. Harbison calls it highway robbery. He got into a minor fender bender on a stretch of Sproul Road a few months ago. He says a police officer came by, saw no one was hurt, and left minutes later.
The accident was bad enough, but in November a bill arrived at Harbison's house. He owes Radnor Police 333 dollars for responding to the accident....Harbison lives in Haverford Township.
And then there was that thing I remember reading about massages and lots of take home vehicles for Radnor Township employees? And this is a responsible use of taxpayer money? Who knew? I wish I could get a massage as part of my perks, eh? And then there was this other thing that I Googled (I got my latte early and had a good google after I had a good giggle), and I have to know: are there issues in this upper crust section of Delco when it comes to open government? And then there is this blog thing that comes up every time I do a google: Open Discussion on Paolino's Campaign 4 PA Senate ---- is this written by an ex or something? It's very telling in it's own sad way. And what about that whole school flap?
My humble apologies to this candidate, but you all drew attention to moi and my silly banter and candidate chatter, so I have had to put away the silliness and seriously take a peek at this gal, don't I?
What of the unanswered questions surrounding a fireman the latest upset that I referenced yesterday? What of all the Internet whining I have seen and am still choosing not to promote? Is this candidate the new Lois? And what's up with the Obamaesque You Tube Ad? And then there was that other thing, the endorsement from a group I do watch the PA Women's Campaign Fund? I am pro choice, and this intimates that so is this candidate? Really? All I say is this, and if there is one thing that bothers me more then a crusty old dude in a judicial or clerical robe trying to tell women what to do with regard to personal choice, it's wondering if a female candidate is really pro-choice or just pretending?
Men are never clear on this topic - and since they don't bear children I pretty much ignore them anyway. But female candidates? Female candidates have to be abundantly clear on their pro-LIFE AND pro-CHOICE positions, because face it, if you aren't a woman, you really don't get this argument do you? And while I have never believed that this personal choice issue belongs in political campaigns, since this candidate opened Pandora's Box and accepted this endorsement, where does she stand? Did the CityPaper ask that hard question?
So CityPaper, you are correct when you state that fabulously delicious ones like moi don't dig "She takes heat for not looking or dressing the part. The blogs gripe about her spike heels and her Vaseline lens photos (see the blog by "Her Alter Ego" at phillyfuture.org). The boys' club doesn't seem to think she can pull off running for state Senate....In the end, however, good looks and flash may not really matter (strange but true). " ...I am just not a big believer in retouched photos that look so juvaderm-y and botox-y, k? I like to see real faces, complete with the lines life gives you. (Lauren Becall and Lauren Hutton come to mind)
And Lisa, let moi be crystal clear with regard to the quote from CityPaper that says "Yet here I am," says Paolino. "Maybe they don't like my shoes but I think the real problem is that I do my job and I do it well, high heels and all." ....as you well know high heels can be an asset in many industries, but it doesn't make them any less tacky. I have heard they are especially nice when working a pole?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I thank everything holy that I do not have to vote in this election. Because it doesn't have anything to do with "Boys' Clubs", "issues", "and life long Republican" (Gosh, all in all, if you were running as a Republican this year would you brag about that?). Can this be said this is a campaign about spin? And I have no problem with spin, just admit it. But from a female perspective? Can it be considered if you have to tell someone you meet that you are "the pretty one", it makes a woman look ever so slightly insecure?
And besides, have y'all checked out that Lance Rogers? He's a hottie in the definition of Jim Gerlach cute. (And you all who read my blog know how cute I think Jim is :<) )
Sigh.... buying tickets to no profit events, doesn't make you a socialite, does it? And running as an independent? Define independent? Would that be as in unendorsed? Because if she were truly independent,that would be fine, but she doesn't sound like a rebel does she? Doesn't she just sound like an IAP?
CityPaper, I still looooove you, and sooooo loooooove the mention, buy honestly? Puffy isn't why I read you. And as for falling for wily women? Ahh, well, it sets feminism back some...LOL. Also a hoot? Ressurecting the one hit wonder Mr. "Maniac" Man? Ok. Well if that is where your taste in music is, I suppose....what's next? Reintroducing ripped sweatshits and pumps as an outfit? Well, I guess Flashdance is retro now?
Here is the CityPaper article, I am off to Yoga...politics is so stressful
Almost Famous
A local music biz vet runs for office ... as a Republican?
by A.D. Amorosi
Published: Apr 9, 2008
...Where the campaign trail becomes the champagne trail, that's where you'll find Lisa Paolino.
That's not to say the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners vice president/5th Ward commissioner, who's running in the Republican primary for the 17th District state Senate seat as an "Independent Republican," isn't pressing flesh at malls and bus stations. She just happens to be as much about the penthouse as she is the pavement — a candidate you'd run into at a Bryn Mawr Film Institute gala with Ben Kingsley or the opening of the 17th Philadelphia Film Festival at Brasserie Perrier.
At 6 a.m. last Thursday, Paolino was kissing babies at Radnor's train station. That night she was at the pre-PFF bash being introduced to Perez Hilton.
"Wasn't he a nice guy?" asked Paolino, who was adorned in a black cocktail dress.....That, an agenda of regional reform, and a good pair of heels, which the fortysomething mother of two wears well, thank you. In fact, when I first met Paolino, she introduced herself as "the pretty candidate."
"Did I really?" asks Paolino in astonishment. "I don't normally introduce my-self that way. But it got your attention."
....Paolino's a lifelong Republican who graduated from Villanova, served as vice president of operations and marketing for Mace Securities.....She doesn't care about getting beat up by the old boys, either.
She takes heat for not looking or dressing the part. The blogs gripe about her spike heels and her Vaseline lens photos (see the blog by "Her Alter Ego" at phillyfuture.org). The boys' club doesn't seem to think she can pull off running for state Senate.
"Yet here I am," says Paolino. "Maybe they don't like my shoes but I think the real problem is that I do my job and I do it well, high heels and all."
In the end, however, good looks and flash may not really matter (strange but true).
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on April 9, 2008 - 7:17am.
Ohhh wow, worse than a bad mani-pedi or tacky shoes: showing disrespect to a firefighter. Tsk, tsk, tsk...apparently money doesn't buy sense and there is a Fire Chief in Suburbia upset about their image being used without permission in widely distributed campaign literature....it appears it's not a simple case of being in a public place when a photog snaps a little photo, apparently this is a really big deal to firefighters because it involves an image taken at a 9/11 ceremony, which to firefighters is somewhat sacrosant.
So, will Candidate Paolino respond to this firefighter? Will she comply with his request? Will this affect the votes of all firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders within what is this, the 17th Senatorial District?
Wow...so, here is the link to the blog that broke the story:
Did Lisa Paolino misrepresent support from fire fighters?
And oh, by the way, there is an imaged copy of the letter available as well, so if this candidate gets her skirts in a twist, she needs to address this issue with the author of the letter, who has a right to his opinion. And if that letter is released to the public, it must be pretty important to the author, eh?
Here is a brief excerpt of the letter:
"I have proudly served as a volunteer firefighter for 36 years. I have served as the Chief of the Penn Wynne-Overbrook Hill Fire Company for the last 7. As Chief, it has been my honor to lead a group of dedicated men and women who selflessly serve their community. Perhaps for a politician like you, the event memorialized in the photograph you hijacked was unmemorable. For me it was not. This image was taken at a memorial for the 343 firefighters whom lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It is truly heartbreaking that a politician would exploit this national tragedy to advance her political ambitions -- all for a good "photo op". Your conduct tells me all I need to know about your lack of respect and lack of understanding of the daily sacrifices made by volunteer firefighters, police, paramedics, and other first responders. Your campaign literature says what you want us to believe, but your conduct, in politicizing this memorial, has shown me the truth about you. You are unworthy of our support."
Would all you sweet darlings like to read this letter?
Letter from The Chief Page 1
Letter from the Chief Page 2
Submitted by mgnade on March 25, 2008 - 12:31pm.
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on March 23, 2008 - 10:04am.
Now I have been sitting quietly minding my own business and blog surfing when all of a sudden I am assailed with Campaign 2008.
The Pennsylvania 17th State Senate District race for one is quite interesting. First of all, let's just look at it realistically: this is Daylin Country, and given the national sentiment over Republicans, cute Jim Gerlach might hang on, but that will probably be it over there in that area.
Daylin Leach is the current State Representative, and except for faux housewives who sit at home baking brownies and outing him about a silly blog in between spraying the bed sheets with lavender water and being enviromentally friendly while driving the Escalade around town, it seems to me as an outside observer that his constituents like him well enough.
Well now, the conservative blogs (and I am not linking them go Google them yourselves) seem to be agog over the two Republican choices to fill Connie Williams' seat. One is this cute guy named Lance Rogers. Now he's like Jim Gerlach cute....well...not quite as cute, but you get the picture. The other candidate is this "done" (as in have we had a little work done?) babe from Delco named Lisa Paolino. Be afraid, be very, very afraid as this woman has the Internet full of soft focused, overly coiffed and made up glam shots,and why is that?
And best yet? She moves a petite foot (she just looks little on the web in photos I have seen) and she issues a press release. You know "Lisa eats lunch, people marvel". That sort of thing...oh yes...she raised a few sheckels, she issued a press release. She got more signatures on her nominating petition, wasn't endorsed, claims she is independent, and still...she issues a press release...she's some kind of politician from Radnor - the place all my Main Line friends say tries to be more Main Line then Delco but never quite makes it and the rest of Delco mocks it as a result? And well, they also tell me Radnor isn't the friendliest place except for the shopping district? Can Radnor be described as Stepford for Delco Republicans who do better?
(Oh I know, I know, the mob will be at me for that comment, but what do I know, I only go out that way occasionally for a massage and to patronize a couple of clothing boutiques out a little farther then there. I would stop for a bite to eat, but other than a few coffee shops, it all seems to be one big pub with burgers and fries, or is that not true?)
So last time I truly mocked a politician it was Lois Murphy, well this is a similar situation, except is this candidate as intellegent as Lois Murphy, or merely better accessorized?
All I know is this: she's better put together then Lois Murphy (not hard to do), but doesn't sound any better. Why can't female candidates be strong independent women who don't whine? Kind of like Michelle Obama - she rocks. (and yes I know she isn't running, but can it be said when we vote for President of the United States of America to an extent we vote on a package? Like with Hillary, we get Bill again; with McCain we get matching leather and stiff up dos?)
So anyway, I am glad I don't live or vote in the 17th State Senate District, because as a woman I am embarassed. And the You Tube ad just takes the cake. Why not just change the candidate's name? Change indeed.
I will be providing no hyperlinks on this post. Go forth and Google. I don't like what I am seeing, so I do not want to be the reason this candidate sends out a press release titled "Lisa's website gets more hits".
Seriously, this election season is underwhelming. And can't Republicans field any female candidates who are at least interesting? Guess not. They are either like this, or oddly mummified like McCain's wife who is so Nightmare Barbie in bad leather, how can we all stand it?
Ugh. Jackie O be glad you aren't around to see these women....
This is my opinion, so get over it.
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Submitted by SaveArdmoreCoalition on February 20, 2008 - 1:25pm.
One of our members decided to self publish a book of photographs she took of old houses that she likes...no, she's not Albert, he is a master photographer....but if you are an old house junkie, check it out:
 these old houses By carla joy zambelli  Book Preview
Submitted by SaveArdmoreCoalition on February 20, 2008 - 1:01pm.
A SAC friend sent us this link to a blog from the other side of Montgomery County. Now, this is a blog that is much more conservative in nature, but good for this blogger for putting questions out there (whether or not they are your cup of tea as representative of your individual political perspectives), as it is part of the process of ordinary citizens trying to make an educated decision for themselves based upon their personal beliefs. These questions are courtesy of Writemarsh - and again whether or not you agree with the positions of this blog is not the point of posting, the point is here is another case of citizens getting involved in their community and putting it out there. Candidates should always try to answer questions posed by citizens. And they should do so honestly and forthrightly, leaving fluff and spin at the door. Tick, tock candidates, this blogger says he is giving you a week to answer. We will follow this to see what happens...the residency question in particular is interesting, but should a candidate be declared undeserving if they aren't a "lifer"?
We will also note an eminent domain question, and to that we would add "what would you do to close the eminent domain loophole in the updated legislation Ed Rendell signed within the recent past?"
And...."Should Ardmore remain legally blighted when eminent domain has been defeated, is not being used, and the area in question is not blighted?"
And we would also ask "Do you support PA HB 904 and why, or if you do NOT support it, why?"
We would also ask "How do you feel about the First Amendment of The Constitution?"
We would also ask "Where are you specifically on affordable and moderate housing in inner ring suburbs struggling to survive?".
We would also ask "What can you specifically do to improve our transist system and antiquated infrastructure?"
We would also ask "What you do specifically to help small and independent business owners?"
We would also ask "What specific solutions do you have to the issues that plague us with regard to affordable healthcare?"
And we have more questions than that, but we will wait a while...this is this blogger's parade....
Candidate Questionnaire
I've been pretty hard on one of our local senatorial candidates, but I think it's time to level the playing field.
Submitted by SaveArdmoreCoalition on February 11, 2008 - 2:08pm.
PA H.B. 904 would allow a temporary development moratorium in YOUR Community. Call YOUR elected representatives in PA today! We feel that this is an election issue for Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvania communities that should not be buried. This thing has been languishing in Appropriations since early December, 2007!
As previously mentioned on several occasions, including here, there is a piece of legislation languishing in Harrisburg that is as crucially important as the eminent domain legislation was. If this legislation is NOT an election issue, it should be. This is legislation that would be beneficial to any community in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that feels it needs to hit a pause button on development.
Contrary to what certain lobbying factions in Pennsylvania like the Pennsylvania Builders Association want citizens to believe, PA HB 904 is bi-partisan legislation that allows communities under the gun to take a breath, and take a second look at development issues that plague them. It also allows developers to take a second look and can it be said it could perhaps give them the time they need to go back into the community and get a better project together that all can live with?
Submitted by SaveArdmoreCoalition on February 3, 2008 - 12:54pm.
We are ready to retch over an AP story we just read - as you know out of curiousity we follow real estate and mortgage stories out there so we stay current.
Even more disturbing? This AP article is about people who abandon their pets when they abandon their homes one step ahead of the foreclosure man. This article is profoundly disturbing, and people who do this should get their asses thrown in jail. Our pets depend on us, they are part of our families. They aren't furry accessories to be discarded...
Foreclosures Lead to Abandoned Animals
By EVELYN NIEVES – 4 days ago
The house was ravaged — its floors ripped, walls busted and lights smashed by owners who trashed their home before a bank foreclosed on it. Hidden in the wreckage was an abandoned member of the family: a starving pit bull.
The dog found by workers was too far gone to save — another example of how pets are becoming the newest victims of the nation's mortgage crisis as homeowners leave animals behind when they can no longer afford their property.
Pets "are getting dumped all over," said Traci Jennings, president of the Humane Society of Stanislaus County in northern California. "Farmers are finding dogs dumped on their grazing grounds, while house cats are showing up in wild cat colonies."
....The abandoned pets are overwhelming animal shelters and drawing fury from bloggers, especially as photos of emaciated animals circulate on the Internet.
The first people to enter an abandoned house, such as property inspectors and real estate brokers, have discovered dogs tied to trees in backyards, cats in garages, and turtles, rabbits and lizards in children's bedrooms.
No one keeps track of the numbers of abandoned pets, but anecdotal evidence suggests that forsaken animals are becoming a problem wherever foreclosures are climbing...
and
Hidden victims of mortgage crisis: Pets/Owners abandoning their dogs and cats after foreclosure
related video
Please support animal rescue and no kill shelters. We suggest Main Line Animal Rescue. Support them, support your SPCA, support breed specific rescue...
Another story all shoud read is A mortgage crisis that didn't have to be
By Gail MarksJarvis Chicago Tribune:
"It's not a pretty picture, and it didn't have to come to this.
The worst housing slump since World War II is showing no sign of abating. Manufacturing activity is hinting at recession. Employment is weakening. The stock market has fallen dramatically. The mistakes banks and brokers made with mortgage-related bonds have left a lingering credit crunch, or a reluctance by lenders to make affordable loans to consumers and businesses.
Investors have gone into the new year with a dreary attitude, and Wall Street analysts are warning investors to be careful.
"Batten down the hatches," Lehman Bros. Holdings Inc. economist Michelle Meyer said in a recent report.
Meyer estimates that the housing mess, which set off the economy's problems, is only half over, and that home prices will be down at least 15 percent when they hit bottom in 2009.....As early as 1999 to 2000, consumer advocates were tracking what Keest calls a "foreclosure crisis," in which one in four homeowners were unable to handle payments.
"The industry wouldn't listen," she said."
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on January 31, 2008 - 2:56pm.
Are dogs possessions or members of the family? Do puppy lemon laws mean anything?
Look, this topic of irresponsible dog breeding, dog hoarding, pet abuse is a topic that makes me sick to my stomach. A long time ago, I put up a post called "ANOTHER PA Dog Breeder violates Puppy Lemon Laws....". The post has stayed a bit active...recently, someone claiming to be the breeder in question has posted comments. I have no problem with that, but her lawyers might as it puts her ever so out there...in the comments, whomever this person is said they would replace "defective" puppies?
Dogs are not shoes they are members of our families, so ...to some people what was suggested is fine, but to others, that is like trading in a defective child. And that leads me to an interesting question: what do these breeders do with "defective" puppies that people return? Where do unwanted puppies go?
So anyway, I found the following on the web:
January 29, 2008
Bullie Pups R Us case still pending
I've received quite a few comments and e-mails about the status of the Pennsylvania Attorney General's lawsuit against Bullie Pups R Us and its owner Traci Murai.
My entry on English bulldogs hitting the AKC top 10 breeds is what stirred the pot on this issue.
I had been trying to get a comment from Attorney General Tom Corbett's office for about two weeks and finally got some information today.
According to Nils Frederiksen, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, the Bullie Pups R Us lawsuit is an ongoing civil case. The Reading Eagle had published a story when the case was filed, back in April of 2006
Reading Eagle Paws Blog
Press: The Attorney General's Press Office - Pennsylvania Office ...
Better Business Bureau Reliability Report
Kennel Shut Down For Selling Sick Bulldogs
Thoughts on Paws: April 2006 Archives
PetAbuse.com
Classified Ad Online
Reading Eagle Paws Blog
next day pets ad
bulldogs from russia
Is this the breeder website? BulliePupsRUs Legal Info
NOTE: OFFERS FOR SALE ARE NOT VALID TO RESIDENTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Refund/Cancellation policy
NO REFUNDS in part or in full will be given for ANY reason. ONLY full credit for another puppy will be given for any and all reasons.
If you are unhappy with your puppy for any reason that is not covered under the contract, and that we feel is valid, we will possibly work with you on getting a second puppy at a siginifigant discount. We review each case individually and retain the right to refuse a discount for another puppy at any given time.
Additional important links... Please check to see if your state has a Puppy Lemon Law.
Currently 11 states throughout the USA have Puppy Lemon Laws. Know your rights!
Is this breeder now only selling OUTSIDE of the Commonwealth of PA? Do the people buying these dogs know that probably invalidates at least some of their rights under puppy lemon laws? (I am not a lawyer, but a lawyer told me possibly "yes") If you breed good dogs, why all the random registries? (non AKC)
www.bulliepupsrus.com/forsale
redorbit.com: amity kennel is sued by state
dog channel
news story (related)
k9 stud
k9stud
Publication:Reading Eagle; Date:Mar 14, 2007; Section:Berks & Beyond; Page Number:B3
Police log
District judges
(All information was obtained through records in the Berks County Courthouse.)
Before Victor M. Frederick IV: Cases waived into court:
Traci Murai, 36, of the 300 block of West Morlatten Road, Amity Township, forgery and tampering with records.
awarenessday.org
bulliepupsrusattorneygeneral.blogspot.com
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on January 27, 2008 - 12:41pm.
Alrighty now, let the games begin. Someone sent me a press release sent out by someone seeking a PA State Senate Seat - Connie Williams seat to be precise. Now, I don't do this for a living, don't vote in this district, am just amused...Whatever...enjoy
Paolino Announces Candidacy for 17th District State Senate Race
Also found a blog here.
I always look at female candidates, but don't know a thing about this one...
Submitted by Her Alter Ego on January 14, 2008 - 1:04pm.
Well, it doesn't do my wannabe fashionista-political pundit wannabe status any good that I am now the poster child for the "R" word...yes faithful followers, I have been silent because of my increasing frustration at being a fashion statement for Recession and I am damn angry about it. When I last blogged, really, I wrote a post called "now what". I am still asking the same boring question. And I still haven't found a job.
AP: Odds Are Growing for Economic Recession
By JEANNINE AVERSA – 1 day ago
The unemployment rate leaps to a two-year high, record numbers of people are forced from their homes and Wall Street nose-dives again. Such is the fallout from a housing meltdown that threatens to slingshot the country into a recession.
The big economic question these days is whether the weakening economy will survive the strains or collapse under them.
The odds have grown that the economy will slip into a recession. At the beginning of last year, many economists put that chance at less than 1-in-3; now an increasing number says it has climbed to around 50-50. Goldman Sachs, the biggest investment bank on Wall Street even thinks a recession is inevitable this year.
First let me thank George W. Bush. You ruined what previous to this country? A baseball team and oil company or whatever? So that wasn't enough and daddy bought you poliitcal office and others made the mistake of thinking you were at least half the man your father was? Dude, you can't even hold a candle to your parents.
So here it is January. I am still out of work. I am interviewing, but unless I want to work minimum wage, in the Philadelphia area it just ain't happening...however, soon I might not have a choice and my college educated ass could be reduced to minimum wage - then I will officially join the ranks of the working poor instead of just skirting it as I now do. I have new found respect for those who really struggle to make ends meet. I don't know how all of you do this all the time and I believe you how tough it is out there, because I'm right here with you now....
I haven't posted in a while. Why? Well this being out of work crap is depressing and saps my creative energy. It was damn hard getting through the holidays and silly as it sounds, I also resent having to think twice about pampering myself with a new pair or shoes, or even a manicure. Ok, well I can do my own nails if I have to, but shoes? I'm a girl. Shoes are a necessity. Like chocolate, but I digress.
I have plastered every job website with moi. I have called in some of my markers and favors, and will continue to do so. One of the ironies is I can't even count how many other freakin' people I helped get a job who don't know my name right now. Which brings me to another fun fact of unemployment: becoming a social pariah due to change in economic status. Screw all of them for that, too. So like you are only my friend if I have a kicky job? What if I do decide to get that minimum wage job at Target? Will you avert your eyes, cover half your face like you need blinders and scuttle across the floor like a damn cockroach if I catch you and your pretentious ass in the low budget fashion aisles of Target? HAH!
And what of the loverly former co-workers? People I spent too many years to count with? You know all those lovely folks I contributed hundreds of dollars towards on holiday gifts, countless bridal/baby showers, divorce celebrations, birthdays, retirements? Occasionally I hear from one or two...but then even that gets on the last proverbial nerve when I hear of people like ones who qualify for village idiot status who should lose their jobs, but don't. And then there are the ones with whom potential employers for me have to telephone for references because they are in positions of authority. How about not hesitating when someone calls for a basic reference unless you want someone to sue your ass some day?
Going on job interviews is like going on blind dates. Only trickier. Everyone knows someone somewhere. You have these monster interviews that take hours. And then? Then they don't follow up with you. Forget about rejections or offers, how about plain old ordinary basic Miss Manners follow-up? I send my thank you notes and do my follow up, would it kill you people interviewing me and other poor slobs out there to follow the freak up?
Am I angry at this point? Oh yeah. Adding to the frustration level? The resume expert. Ahem, you are charged with the task of reinventing moi on paper. Newsflash: I can write and spell better than you. I also make fewer grammatical and other errors.
And then there are the people calling in the middle of the day to solicit funds for wannabe political candidates. When you are home, you inadvertantly take these calls - because some of them don't come up with the candidate's name on caller i.d. and what if it is a potential job offer and you miss the call? So you answer and it is some slob with a questionable command of the english language asking you the unemployed to pledge money to a candidate. And they all sound alike. They are all promising change, yet not one of them can tell you what defines change and what change means to me other than another fool in the White House lying to me? Yeah, well campaign person - I am out of work and you all should be paying me to listen to your bull.
Phew. Now I feel better. Only truly? I don't. I worry about everything. I don't sleep. All I want is a job that I can live with. And oh yes, I actually do need benefits - yes - a lot of jobs want to do a wiggle out of benefits - even professional jobs.
We are in a sorry state in this country. And yes, I am the poster child for recession. And recession is happening. And we have no one to blame but ourselves I suppose. But that doesn't mean it makes paying the PECO bill any easier.
Seriously, I might be mouthy but I am smart, hard working, well educated, and passably attractive. I look good on paper because I have worked really hard. So why is it people like me who have worked really hard end up like this? Would life have been easier if I was a self serving, duplicitious, sneaky slacker? Can I get a do over?
Nah. Never mind. I might be unemployed but at least I can look myself in the eye in the mirror every day.
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