Tag Archive for 'Democrats'

Spin City (Yup, it’s at the local level, too!)

Published on July 29, 2010 in Fresh Brew. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

I was very disappointed to see a large political ad printed in the Johnstown’s Tribune-Democrat on July 25th citing a blog article I wrote back in May called “He Isn’t One of Us (Tim Burns)… You’re Right!“.  The ad’s author clearly misunderstood and contorted my article’s message and unfairly blasted both Tim Burns and myself, personally, as well as Tim Burns’ political campaign here in the 12th congressional district of Western Pennsylvania.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised as this is politics, right?  Well, I will admit I was absolutely shocked my article (and the intent of my article) were taken out of context in such an extreme manner and then seemingly used to vilify both myself and Mr. Burns.  How disconcerting!

In my rebuttal of this unfortunate attack ad on both Mr. Burns and my article, I immediately responded to theTribune-Democrat’s editorial section with the following comments (I anticipate it will be printed in the editorial section of the weekend paper).  I’m not able to print a large quarter page ad like my counterpart did (I don’t have the monetary resources, unfortunately), but to use the same words as my counterpart… I “will not be silenced.”

He Isn’t One of Us! (Part II)

In response to a recent political ad printed on July 25th citing my blog article “He Isn’t One of Us! “, I would like to clarify my comments and the intent of this article I posted online in May. Please visit my blog for the full article: http://www.dawnrager.com/blog/?p=1106.

I don’t believe I disrespected our area’s workers. I repeatedly complimented this area for its diligence and hard-work ethic. I have no issues with our hard-working defense industry, health care, law enforcement officers, teachers, and other public sector and non-public sector workers. I was referring to the types of work available here, not the workers personally. We’ve become increasingly dependent on government “pork” while private businesses have been left out of the economic equation (since they don’t have the financial or political backing to acquire contracts). What will happen when these contracts and funding are unavailable? Friends of mine, who work in the defense industry, are equally as concerned.

In closing, regardless of where Tim Burns’ former business was located, he grew up in this area. He knows the ropes. Finally, Tim Burns did not outsource jobs; the outsourcing of his company’s jobs happened after he sold his business. How can we continually blame him for something that happened “after the fact?”

If you want more of the same “good ole boy” politics, then vote for yet another career politician, Mr. Critz. If you want a fresh start with a proven successful business perspective for everyone, then Tim Burns is your candidate.

The original blog article I wrote was not intended to attack workers, personally, here in the 12th congressional district, and there is no such indication of this in my writing. I was not putting down our hardworking men and women who work in the defense industry, health care, law enforcement, education, steel industry, or any other public or non-public environment.   Just for the record, my husband is a skilled welder/fabricator and I am very proud of his work accomplishments!   Friends, my article was about the kinds of work available here in relation to our overall job outlook.   That’s it.  Nothing more.

Our current job and employment environment highly favor the public sector and government-contracted work, while the non-public and private business sector are dwindling here because they do not have the monetary or political backing to adequately compete for and acquire big contracts.   We are not especially welcoming to private businesses that wish to start-up here, either.  In essence, we’ve aligned all of our ducks in a row for governmental projects and grants while inadvertently discouraging small business growth and now, we’ve backed ourselves into a difficult corner.  On one hand, we want those government contracts (or “pork”) to continue to come through for us so we can sustain ourselves here (it’s our life support), but in doing so, we encourage even MORE dependence on these contracts and still do little to promote job growth elsewhere.  It’s a vicious cycle of dependence which will be increasingly difficult for us to break from — especially as more small businesses (in the private sector) pack up and leave for good.   The truly unfortunate thing is we’ve allowed ourselves to get backed into this corner; we continually re-elected politicians who secured “big money” in Washington for us (and they promised us this would be good for us and the area), but we seemingly didn’t think much about the consequences or “the big picture.”   The consequences of this, now, reach far more than just economics and jobs; it’s about government control and oversight in yet another aspect of our personal lives.  This is a growing concern for many of us who, ultimately, want “less government” involvement and oversight in our daily lives and decisions.  For many here, the government has a hand in how they’ll pay their bills and put food on their tables (with both unemployment on one end of the spectrum and contracted “pork” on the other).

*SOME of the companies, who have opened facilities here (I’m being specific here with my wording so my words and intentions are not misconstrued and I’m wrongly accused of speaking on behalf of ALL companies), regularly use “transplants” from other facilities across the country to fill vacancies here, so residents of this area are overlooked for employment opportunities.  Who, then, are truly benefiting from these contracts?  We have many willing and able hard workers here in this district who can fill these positions with on-the-job training, when necessary.

As a mother of young children and a wife of a blue collar steel worker, I understand that we all work and do what we have to do so we can provide for ourselves and our families.  Once again, my initial article was not designed to degrade ANY KIND OF WORKER, in any way, and it is simply irresponsible to suggest otherwise.  Anyone who knows me would tell you that I have the highest respect for our public workers and many of my family, extended family, and friends are, in fact, public servants or workers contracted through the government.  Many of them also share the same concerns I’ve shared with you above.

I do hope we can continue to talk and have fruitful, honest conversations about these very important issues which affect us all — without all the unnecessary drama of taking things out of context and attacking individuals personally.  We have far more important issues to overcome TOGETHER (unemployment, health care reform, etc.) than waste our time jabbing at each other and “muddying the waters” from the real issues at hand.  We must be responsible in our words and what we say (especially about others) if we wish to show a young generation what it means to have integrity, as well.  It would also be refreshing if we could have these open discussions without worrying about increased sensitivity, either, and just talk frankly and honestly (without having to worry about political correctness and having to overemphasize words with bold and big letters so ideas and concepts aren’t wrongly quoted.).  We need to all just step back and take a deep breath, folks.  The upcoming mid-term elections aren’t just about Democrats and Republicans.  Rather, the upcoming mid-term elections are about us as Americans — and the future of our children and grandchildren.  As responsible Americans and parents, we need to research and take the time to really get to know our candidates and honestly evaluate — in a non-emotional way — our needs in the 12th congressional district.   Lastly, we need to forgo the political and personal attack machine we’ve become so accustomed to (and often listen to).   Let’s agree to disagree, but let’s do it with integrity, honesty, and responsibility.   I’m in… Are you?

“He isn’t one of us” (Tim Burns)… You’re right!

Published on May 24, 2010 in Fresh Brew. 5 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

I’m absolutely mystified I’m hearing that some (who didn’t vote for Tim Burns on May 18th) chose to NOT vote for him because he IS a successful businessman.  What?!  This doesn’t make a bit of sense to me; however, this seems to be the overall theme today — If you’ve worked hard and made something of yourself, you’ll be penalized and condemned for it.  It’s as plain and simple as that.

We all know that the Democrats target and seemingly advocate for the “regular working man,” but why have we allowed the media and Washington to continually portray Republicans as the money-hungry, “all for special interests” type?   As I’ve said before, we’re wrongly generalizing an entire group of people based on a few bad apples, and let’s face it — there are “bad apples” on both sides of the political fence, friends.  I, for one, prefer to have a leader who will challenge me and encourage me to be more than I am — not just prolong our government-funded contracts or “life support” here.  But see that’s the difference.  When you’re challenged and encouraged, something is expected in return (on our part)… and that’s why it’s just so much easier to pick the candidate who will deliver FOR US and TO US (not EQUIP US to do for ourselves).  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to just exist here on “life support” any longer; I want TO LIVE and PROSPER!  The Democratic way seems to be more of the same “We’ll take care of you” attitude, while Tim Burns and the Republican idea is “We’ll help to equip you for better days.”  Do you just want to exist (more of the same here)?  Or do you want a more promising future for you and your family?  It’s time we face the truth, friends, and it’s time we admit that our apathy and conformance to the political “establishment” here has put us in this dire position.  Enough!

We have become a nation who regularly puts down and condemns those who work hard (from the ground up) to get where they are today.  Somehow, we’ve been led to believe these hardworking people have somehow “cheated the system” or have had things “handed to them.”  Yes, this may be true for some — but not all.

The Obama administration is determined to “spread the wealth” which may sound great to some, but what does it really mean?!  This radical, socialist concept will negatively level the playing field for us on so many immeasurable levels.  In regards to a worldly view, we’re already not fairing well for many reasons and just recently, President Obama wrongly implied we are no more great than the other countries of this world.  What?!  More disturbing yet — this week, a leader of another country stood on the floor of Congress and put down our governing policies (and our country) with a standing ovation from our own elected officials.  Very disturbing indeed!

For us locally here in the States, leveling the playing field or “spreading the wealth” will provide little to NO INCENTIVE for our future generations to work hard and make something of themselves.  If we’re going to completely level the playing fields for all, we really don’t have to do anything on OUR END, do we?  We just have to simply exist.  That’s it.  For some who already rely on welfare and the government, this is like another guaranteed paid vacation, but for the rest of us, it will be another slap in the face for our hard work and dedication.  It promises even more deductions from our already overly-taxed paychecks.  I don’t know about you, but I want to keep the money I make AND EARN!  I’m trying to raise a family, too.  As someone who regularly participates in community service opportunities and donates my time and money, I feel I already do what I need to do (as a responsible citizen).  What (and how much) I choose to donate and give is between myself and God — not the government.

Why try to encourage our children to do well and be the best they can be?  If we cease to reward individuals for their hard work (with promotions, wage/salary increases, and just the joy of knowing you’ve reached your personal, professional, and financial goals), the average and perhaps lazy “Joe Smoe” can virtually DO NOTHING and get the same as the rest of us.  In that case, why would the hardworking citizens continue to work hard and give THEIR BEST?!  Our hard work ethic will simply become extinct.  Without some kind of drive, goal(s), or the simple joys associated with rewarded accomplishments, we will fail (on so many levels).  If you don’t believe me, you need to study the history of the Soviet Union, friends.

When I hear people from this area tell me they didn’t vote for Tim Burns because they feel he “wasn’t one of us” and “he’s a snobby millionaire,” I get extremely frustrated (and alarmed).  I DO AGREE that “Tim isn’t one of us” from the standpoint he’s a very hardworking individual with courage and a fire in his heart which MANY OF US, unfortunately, LACK.  Tim Burns started his own business in the basement of his home, persevered, and he hired 400 employees for a very successful venture.  Tim represents the true American dream, and to hold his success against him is just plain inexcusable.  Tim had the drive and the courage to do something many of the rest of us could not (or would not).  He took a chance, worked hard, and succeeded.  To twist it into something else is completely inappropriate and it shows how sad we’ve become as a people and nation when we bitterly put down someone (like Tim) because WE simply just didn’t have what it takes to “get it done” (like him).  Shame on us.

Western Pennsylvania was once driven by a hardworking middle class of blue-collar, industrial workers and immigrants who gave their blood, sweat, and tears to make this area great.  At one time, we were one of the most successful steel production areas of the country and the world!  Somehow, we’ve exchanged our hardworking history and mentality for the “gimme” attitude and we’ve allowed the spirit of the American Dream to die within our hearts here.  Somehow, we’ve been led to believe that WE CAN’T do better (and this is from the very Democratic officials who have “ruled” this area for so long).  We’ve built our own brick walls separating us from success, and we’ve become almost completely dependent on government-funded contracts for our primary existence.  Now, we are at the mercy of Washington and other citizen’s tax monies (and the people of western Pennsylvania are looked down upon because of this, and so we’ve become known as the area of “pork privilege”).  Shame on us.  I often wonder what our hard-working ancestors and immigrants would say if they could see us now…?!   Somehow I just don’t believe they would be pleased to know they worked so hard for us so we would become so dependent on someone else — the government.

Thank God Tim Burns “isn’t one of us” in regards to how we think and respond to life’s circumstances.  Thank God Tim Burns has demonstrated what WE CAN DO with the right attitude, hard work, and perseverance.  We have the power to make this area great again, and we have a proven leader, Tim Burns, who can help us to realize our best here.  But we have to be willing to take a chance, work hard, and stop this “What can he (the government) do FOR ME?” attitude.  Rather, we need to ask ourselves what WE CAN DO for western Pennsylvania, friends!  Perhaps WE HAVE become an area which is comfortable taking hand-outs… I hope and pray not, but time will tell.  For those who insist May 18th’s election was about local issues and not national, that may be true — for you.  If that’s the case, I challenge you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture because it truly is bigger than just western Pennsylvania, friends.  The upcoming mid-term elections are important BOTH locally and nationally; it’s about stopping this extremely liberal government from destroying the essential foundations of our country:  faith, freedom, and the American Dream.

Don’t forget: The Obama administration is now in hot water for reportedly offering Representative Joe Sestak (Democrat, PA) a fancy job had he dropped out of the Democratic primary (Joe Sestak declined and recently bumped out long-time Senator and White House favorite, Arlen Specter.).  Is this “politics as usual” stuff something you want “more of the same” of?!  The corruption continues on, folks!  The Democratic party will continue to “eat their own” to preserve their power and influence.  How can they be “looking out for us” or “the working man” when they’re clearly looking out for themselves FIRST?!  Wake up, dear friends!

Help us to turn things around this November (It’s not too late)… Vote for someone who has proven his leadership and business sense.  Vote for someone who believes the American Dream still lives here and WE CAN do it without the government’s assistance.  Vote for INTEGRITY and HONESTY (It truly starts here, friends.).  Vote for Tim Burns in November.