RockTheCapital.org

Dear Friends,

Independence Day is celebrated on the Fourth of July. It should actually be celebrated today, two days earlier, on July 2nd. It was July 2, 1776 the Second Continental Congress voted and approved a Resolution of Independence in a closed session declaring our independence from Great Britain. Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on July 2, 1776.

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Congress then debated and revised the wording that explained the Declaration of Independence, finally approving it on the 4th of July. Thomas Jefferson was its principal author in a committee of five. It’s ironic that 50 years later both Jefferson and John Adams died the same day; July 4, 1826. They were the only two signers that would become President of the United States.

The subject is correct. Dependence Day came much later in our history and today is celebrated daily by untold millions of legals and illegals across our country. It has no defined birth date, but grew as governments grew. In the early days of our country, people took care of those in need; not government. Family, friends, neighbors, their churches and related organizations looked out for those in need. Government’s role was to keep the peace, defend and secure our communities and country.

Today we have vast millions looking to government to solve all their problems and government is encouraging them to do so. We have generations of professional welfare recipients that pass their knowledge of the system and avoiding responsibility down to their children and grandchildren. When and where did we go wrong? How did we fail?

Being an admirer of Thomas Jefferson and often quoting him, I do so again. He has said: “The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”

He has also stated: “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

Is our state and federal governments too large? Just look to Harrisburg and the largest fulltime and most expensive state legislature of all the 50 states. Look to Washington and our national debt. We’re drowning in red ink. Then, three months ago, they slapped us with more; ObamaCare! Socialism is a nasty word and doesn’t work. I rest my case.

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Bill McIntyre

Planning to celebrate the 2nd and the 4th of July!

CC: Federal and State Government Officials

June 19, 2010

To:  Friends of Responsible Government

Subject:  Father’s Day

Dear Friends,

In 55 countries around the world, Father’s Day is celebrated tomorrow; the third Sunday of June.  It is believed the first U.S. Father’s Day was celebrated June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington.  Listening to a sermon in church in 1909 honoring Mother’s Day; Sonora Smart Dodd felt fathers should also be honored.  It became a permanent national holiday in 1972 when signed into law by President Richard Nixon.

Mother’s Day had an early beginning in 1870 when Julia Ward Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation” in reaction to the Civil War.  She held the feminist belief that “women had a responsibility to shape their societies at the political level.”  It was and is still celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May.  In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made it official by signing it into law.

Mother’s Day was a well respected holiday where Father’s Day was, for many years, made fun of.  I recall years ago comedians saying something like – “Father’s Day; the third Sunday of June?  No way!  Father’s Day was nine months before the birth of the baby.  Now that’s the REAL Father’s Day!”  Sadly, to this day, some fathers really believe that.  All we need is to look around and see the number of mothers raising her children alone.

As a father of four and grandfather of twelve, I plan to spend and enjoy the day with my wife and all of my family.  I promised them I would not think of, or discuss the problems with our federal and state government’s problems on Father’s Day tomorrow!  No promise was made for today.

On a federal level, we’re ignoring our Founding Fathers and the Republic they founded.  We’re ignoring the Constitution they crafted to unite and guide the states.  When finally exiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1787; Benjamin Franklin was asked by the anxious crowd - “What have we got?”  He replied – “A Republic; if you can keep it.”  We are in great danger of losing it; if we haven’t already.
 
In Pennsylvania, our legislature is the largest and most expensive of all 50 states.  We have many excellent legislators serving the citizens honorably.  Sadly, we also have the other kind.  We have legislators and staffers presently serving time in prison; others about to serve time.

There are others indicted and awaiting trial and/or sentencing.  We have legislators presently being investigated by our Attorney General, the FBI and the IRS.  Many of them will not have a good Father’s Day.  I will and hope you will also!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Bill McIntyre

Father and Grandfather

CC:  Federal & State Government Officials
 

May 29, 2010

To:  All in my address book

Dear Recipients,

Memorial Day; a day governments and many businesses, except for essential services, shut down to observe and celebrate the occasion with a three day weekend.  It wasn’t always this way.   Let us never forget the purpose of the day that began as Decoration Day (DD) and known today as Memorial Day by Federal law in 1967.  

It is reported that the first observance of DD was held in Waterloo, NY, May 5, 1866, led by its distinguished citizen General John Murray.  It began as an observance to honor the Union soldiers who died fighting in the Civil War.  We now pay tribute to all of our military who died while serving our country.  

On May 5, 1868, Gen. Murray’s friend, Gen. John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the veteran’s organization Grand Army of the Republic, issued a proclamation that Decoration Day be observed nationwide.  The date of May 30th was set for DD to be observed as it was not the anniversary of a battle.  This was changed to the last Monday in May by Congress on June 28, 1968 to provide a three day weekend.  The law took effect in 1971.  

Many southern states at first refused to celebrate as few Union soldiers were buried in the south and they still held some hostility towards the Union Army.  One exception was in Columbus, Mississippi where in its cemetery both Union and Confederate soldiers were buried.  Eventually all Civil War soldiers of the north and south were included.

But; the very first DD was held in Charleston, SC May 1, 1865, in a ceremony that was largely forgotten.  Yale Professor David W. Blight discovered writings of a Union soldier in a Harvard University library.  Prof. Blight, with help, found an article in the Charleston Daily Courier dated May 2, 1865 with the headline “Martyrs of the Race Course.”

The Washington Race Course in Charleston, prior to the war, was where the wealthy and influential gathered.  During the war it was converted into a prison camp for captured Union soldiers. It was there that 257 soldiers died due to malnutrition and exposure and were buried in shallow mass graves. 

Two dozen black men in April 1865, former slaves who referred to themselves as “Friends of the Martyrs” and the “Patriotic Association of Colored Men,” built a 10’ fence and dug 257 graves in the track’s infield; then buried each solider individually.  

On May 1, 1865, they gave the fallen a proper funeral and termed it Decoration Day.  It was reported that nearly 10,000 former slaves participated along with 2,800 black school children and they were joined by several Union regiments.  The exercise began at 9:00 AM with the reading of a Psalm.  They then sang a hymn and prayed.  With each carrying flowers, they formed a procession strewing flowers on the graves as they passed by singing ‘John Brown’s Body,’ followed with ‘The Star Spangled Banner,’ ‘America’ and ‘Rally Round the Flag.’

In a solemn salute, the Union regiments marched around the graves.  Everyone enjoyed a picnic that lasted until dusk.  It was truly a wonderful tribute by former slaves for some of the soldiers who died for their emancipation.  Sadly, many in power today either do not know or have chosen to ignore history, our history.  Have all of those who have died for our freedoms that we honor on Memorial Day, died in vain?  I pray not!  May God bless them and the United States of America!  Freedom is not free, nor guaranteed.  It must be fought for to get and to keep.  Enjoy the weekend!            

Willing to fight,  

Bill McIntyre
 

                                                                                                March 22, 2010

 

To:  Friends of Responsible Government

 

                                                                                                Subject:  It’s Time                              

 

Dear Friends,

 

The legislative pay raise at 2:00 AM of July 7, 2005 opened our eyes to a state government out of control.  The following year’s election saw over 50 legislators replaced with “reformers.”  Some elected in 2006 were true reformers.  Unfortunately, the majority of reformers soon became conformers and grabbed all the goodies and perks available to them.  We, the taxpayers, are not much better off in 2010 than we were in 2005.

 

True reform has not happened.  State spending remains out of control.  For seven years we haven’t balanced a budget on time.  We’re deep in debt and continue to outspend our income.  Twenty five sitting and former legislators and staffers indicted for illegal bonus fraud.  One former senator is in jail for misusing state money.  It’s time to correct the incorrect.  

 

The pay raise and the way it was done changed my life.  I knew then we must change “business as usual” in Harrisburg.  It also changed a friend of 40 years who represented Cumberland County, 88th Legislative District in the PA House for 8 years, John Kennedy.  John knew in the 80’s when he served that change was needed then; more so today.  The time has come.

 

John founded Kennedy Railroad Builders in 1965 in Harrisburg.  Upon my moving to the area in 1970, I had the privilege of meeting John.  I was impressed with his accomplishments then; more so today.  John has the means and time to do anything he wants to in retirement.  But instead, he has decided to again work towards reforming our government; this time as Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania.

 

Lately, my letters on reform have been sparse.  It doesn’t mean I’ve lost interest, far from it.  I recently spent much time calling, driving, walking and meeting with others.  I’ve been obtaining signatures on nomination petitions for John and two other reform candidates.  We were successful in getting all three on May’s primary ballot.

 

Why would I spend so much time, effort and yes, money (donations) to get someone elected?  Why would I write a letter like this?  I believe in John and his abilities to get things done.  John has proven himself as a reformer.  Although qualified to receive retirement and lifetime medical benefits from the state; he refused to accept them.  On June 19, 1987 he signed a Declination of Membership in the State Retirement Fund refusing benefits upon leaving office.  How many others leaving the legislature have done that, or would?

 

There’s an old saying – “Put your money where your mouth is.”  I’ve a big mouth and a thinner wallet since the pay grab.  I consider it money not spent, but invested in a better government for Pennsylvania and our citizens.

 

If you feel we need reform in Harrisburg, you don’t have to walk, knock on doors, attend meetings, or obtain signatures.  Since getting John’s message out across the state requires money; you could help with a donation of any amount.  If so inclined; make your personal check payable to: Taxpayers For Kennedy and mail to P.O. Box 3117, Shiremanstown, PA  17011.  Your donation would be greatly appreciated by me, John and every taxpayer in our state!  I invite you to visit John’s website:  www.kennedyforlg.com.

 

                                                                                                Thank you for your consideration!

 

                                                                                                Bill McIntyre

                                                                                                Trying to help a friend help Pennsylvania

CC:  Print & Broadcast Media
 

Dear Senators & Representatives,

 

Thank you for discontinuing the printing and distribution of your annual calendars and the savings it’ll provide for the state!  It’s a small step in conserving precious tax dollars; but it is an important step in the right direction.  This action will save the state approximately $150,000 a year.

To assist you in your conservation efforts; I’ve another idea on how to save money and help plug our budget deficit.  Maybe you could look into the more expensive item of per diems.  In two months alone, last July and August (when you should have been home), your collective billing to the state’s treasury exceeded $532,000.  It’s difficult to get an exact figure as you have a several month grace period to seek reimbursement.  This should be corrected.

Having traveled extensively in sales, public relations and management for several national companies prior to retiring in 1995, I had to submit my expense accounts either weekly or bi-weekly.  Receipts had to be provided for my actual expenses.  Payment was prompt and corporate accounting was current.

No one, when traveling on government or corporate business, should have to pay out of pocket their incurred expenses.  You have every right to request reimbursement of your expenses, actual expenses.  Per diems are a form of additional (non-taxable) income for some of you.

As of October 1, 2009 your per diems went from $158.00 to $163.00 a day to cover meals and lodging.  Last November I ran a survey (attached) of some of the over 100 hotels and motels in the Harrisburg area.  At $179.00 a night and paying for breakfast, I would not be staying at the Hilton Harrisburg Hotel.  You’ll note there are better buys with breakfast included.

By now those of you who overnight probably have a favorite, reasonable location to stay.  If not, north of the Governor’s Mansion on N. Front Street is a Days Inn; $67.00 plus tax a night with breakfast included is a possibility, among others.  At the current per diem rate of $163.00, this gives you roughly $90.00 for lunch and dinner.  Sometimes you’re provided both by the leadership or a lobbyist and can pocket the $90.00 tax free.

I know that some, possibly many of you do not accept per diems but submit actual expenses.  Again, THANK YOU!  One senator stays in a location where breakfast and dinner is provided.  For 35 days of overnights, the senator’s actual expenses were $2,083 (less than $60.00 per day).  Had per diems been requested, $5,500 would have been paid.  The senator saved the taxpayers $3,417.  Good job!  It can be done.  It should be done.

It’s time we run government like we do our homes and businesses.  When funds are low we reduce our expenditures.  There are expenses that cannot be reduced; but as we learned with the calendars, there are areas to save money – like the elimination of per diems for another savings.  Prompt payment of actual expenses would free up many thousands of needed dollars to reduce our deficits.  Thank you for your consideration!

 
Just thinking,

 

Bill McIntyre
Always willing to make a suggestion

 

CC:  Friends of Responsible Government

 

January 7, 2010

 

To:  Friends of Responsible Government

 

Dear Friends,

An army of dissenters and activists was formed all across Pennsylvania the morning of July 7, 2005.  It was no different following the morning of Pearl Harbor, 12/7/41 and the WorldTrade Center, 9/11/01.   Except in 2005, only the citizens of Pennsylvania were attacked by our leaders in Harrisburg.   They approved the pay raise and unvouchered expense bombs; then retreated to their homes with their ill-gotten gains.

Again we face an invasion of our state’s treasury in the form of Bonusgate.  Millions of dollars were illegally given to state employees for political activities on state’s time and dime.  We’re learning just how deep corruption exists under the dome of our state capitol.  We’ve many good legislators attempting to do their jobs, but are prevented by their leadership of instituting true government reform.  

The power to change “business as usual” lies in the hands of the “old guard,” those who have the seniority in leadership positions.  It’s been 4 ½ years since the pay raise fiasco and all we’ve gotten is repeal of the pay raise (except for the judiciary) and an average open records law, which is better than nothing.  Reform remains a swear word to the leadership in government.

Reinforcements are on the way.  The cavalry has arrived to bolster the army of activists fighting for reform in the form of a state constitutional convention.  The Pennsylvania Bar Association News, in its January 4, 2010 edition has the lead headline that reads:  “PBA House of Delegates Approves Formation of Internal State Constitutional Revision Review Commission.”

The first paragraph reads – “The PBA House of Delegates has adopted a proposed recommendation detailing the formation of a PBA commission to study the need for state constitutional revision.  The House took action on the recommendation during its Dec. 4 meeting in Harrisburg.  Earlier in the week, the PBA Board of Governors unanimously approved the proposal.”

The 2nd and 3rd sentences of the 3rd paragraph reads – “The commission will consider the review of areas such as legislative reapportionment, local government, public education, structure of the General Assembly, taxation and the uniformity clause.   Upon a two-thirds vote of its members, the commission may consider additional areas of the constitution it deems appropriate for review.”

Can this be the beginning of true government reform in Pennsylvania?  Our government either cannot or will not reform itself.  After all, why change a good thing (for themselves!)?  Maybe, just maybe this is the prescription the doctor ordered for the good citizens and taxpayers of Pennsylvania who are sick of “business as usual” in Harrisburg!

 

 

A recovering reformer,

 

Bill McIntyre

Who is feeling much better already!   Thanks, PBA!

 

 

CC:  Executive, Legislative & Judicial Branches of PA Government

         Pennsylvania Bar Association, P.O. Box 186, Harrisburg, PA  17108-0186
 

December 23, 2009

 

Dear Friends,

What is Christmas without a tree; a Christmas tree?  For many hundreds of years, the early Christians celebrated the birth of Christ without one.  The tradition of bringing an evergreen tree into the home began over a thousand years ago with the pagan Vikings.

During the harsh Scandinavian winters centuries ago, many people and livestock succumbed to the severe weather.  The evergreen tree, that continued to thrive during these harsh conditions, gave hope to the Vikings.  They would cut the trees and bring them indoors during the winter to remind them winter will pass and a new growing season would again begin in the warmth of spring weather.

In many areas, the trees were used in their pagan religious services.  Eventually the custom spread across Europe and into Christian celebrations.  There are many legends concerning the origin of the Christmas tree.  The most popular legend began with a former Catholic priest; Martin Luther (1483-1546 AD), leader of the Protestant Reformation.

It is said that one Christmas Eve he was walking through the woods near Riga, Latvia and observed the beauty of the stars shining through the branches of the fir trees.  He cut a small one down and brought it home to his family.  As the legend goes; Luther then placed candles on the branches.  He explained the lit candles represented Jesus Christ who was “the light of the world.”  Luther further explained the tree was a symbol of Christianity; not only of Christmas.

Shortly thereafter, Christians began decorating their trees with fruit, cookies, pretzels and the like.  These customs were brought to the new world by German settlers in the 1700’s.  In 1856, U.S. President Franklin Pierce was the first to celebrate Christmas with a tree in the White House.  President Theodore Roosevelt expressed concern for the fir trees survival as so many were being cut down for Christmas.

Some companies, when hearing of Roosevelt’s concern for the trees, began manufacturing artificial Christmas trees.  It would take many years for that concept to take root; but in 1991 artificial trees outsold the real variety and continue to do so today.

In 1923 President Calvin Coolidge lit a tree and officially designated it as the National Christmas Tree on the south lawn of the White House.  This ceremony has taken place every year since, with the exception of the 1942 – 1944 wartime blackout years.  Today, over 80% of the homes across America have a Christmas tree.

Regardless of your beliefs, or no belief at all, this is truly a season to rejoice, celebrate, and hope for “Peace on earth; Good will towards men!”  2010 will be here soon enough and we can air our differences in the New Year.  Until then, enjoy this Holiday Season and many more beyond!

 

An OLD friend,
                                                                                                Bill McIntyre

Who’ll enjoy a Merry Christmas with friends and family

 

CC:  Executive, Legislative & Judicial Branches of PA Government

Dear Friends,
 
What headline will appear on tomorrow’s front page of the Harrisburg Patriot-News?
 
Yesterday’s (12/4) edition featured the lead headline by Charles Thompson:   “DeWeese, Revenue chief invited to testify.”   First paragraph reads:  “State Revenue Secretary Steve Stetler and House Democratic Whip William DeWeese have been invited to testify before a grand jury examining whether state money and resources were misused for political campaigns, sources familiar with the investigation said.”
 
Today’s edition, another front page headline by Charles Thompson appeared that read:  “Eachus invited for testimony, report says.”   First paragraph reads:  “House Majority Leader Todd Eachus is among those who received a letter this week inviting him to testify before a grand jury investigating whether state money and resources were misused for political purposes, according to published reports.”
 
Tomorrow?  It has become a waiting game here in Harrisburg as to when the next shoe will drop.  Our state and its leadership has become a laughing stock for people across the nation.  We, the residents of Pennsylvania do not find any humor in the corruption that has, still and will continue to exist in our Capitol.
 
Our government is simply too large, too expensive and unresponsive to the corruption within it.  I don’t mean to infer everyone is tainted as we’ve many good legislators; just not enough of them to affect the needed changes.  Remember the pay raise of 2005?  It was reversed only after much pressure from us, the citizens.   You’ll recall thousands signed petitions, made phone calls and wrote letters.  It can be done again.
 
But how?  Tim Potts of Democracy Rising PA just might have the answer; but it will require your help.  If you agree that change is needed in Harrisburg, all you need to do is to sign his petition.  Both my wife and I have already done so.  Being computer illiterate, I’m unable to put a link in this letter for your convenience.
 
All you need to do is to go to the website -  democracyrisingpa.com.  Click on the first Democracy Rising Pennsylvania and the Home page will appear.  In the right column you’ll note the heading “It’s Our Turn!”  Just below that you’ll see – “Click here for the petition to have a referendum next November.”  It’s self explanatory.  Remember the pay raise fiasco?  Petitions worked then.  They can do so again!  See Thomas Jefferson’s quote below!  We’ve been silent for far too long!
 
I thank Tim for all he has done, is doing and will do to help bring a better and more responsible government to Pennsylvania and we, the citizens!  Tim has sacrificed much.  The least we can do is sign his petition and pray for its success.  Harrisburg needs help.  It is the season to do just that.
 
Thank You!
 
Bill McIntyre
Wishing you the season’s very best!

By Bill McIntyre

 

I begin with a short history of Thanksgiving Day.  It was somewhere between September 21 and November 11 in 1621 that the Plymouth Colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast to celebrate their good harvest and good fortune in the New Land.  Historians tell us the only two items known for sure on the menu were venison and wild foul.  The feast lasted for three days.

In 1623, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer.  This day was changed to one of thanksgiving as, during a period of drought, the rains came during the prayer session.  The custom of annually celebrating thanksgiving after the harvest gradually prevailed in New England.

It was during the American Revolution that the Continental Congress suggested the custom of thanksgiving be adopted nationally.  In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln set aside one day, the last Thursday in November, to give thanks for our many blessings.  In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday in November.

All of us have much to be thankful for.  I am thankful that I was able to get out of bed this morning feeling well; knowing I’ve been given another day.  I am thankful for all of you, my family, my friends, and my faith.  I am thankful that we live in the greatest country on earth.

I am especially thankful to our Governor and General Assembly for the pay raise and the rescinding of the same.  They did all of us a favor by their actions.  It opened our eyes to the many changes needed in our government.  Thanksgiving Day in 2006 will have seen some of those changes.

Normally I would have more to say regarding our state government, but in the spirit of the holiday season, I will refrain from doing so.  God knows; they have heard plenty from many of us and will continue to do so.  I believe they got the message we’re watching and we don’t like what we see.

So, may I extend my best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day this Thursday!  Do not let it end there but be thankful for every day and challenge you’re given in life.  All that may read this are blessed with so much to be thankful for.

 

Enjoy your day and life,

Bill McIntyre

Who enjoys every day

Dear Friends,

I’ve often wondered if those legislators who voted for the pay raise back in July 7, 2005 at 2:00 AM ever regretted their vote.  The November 2006 election saw 55 new members of the House and Senate sworn into office on January 2007.  Most of those ran on the “reform the legislature” ticket.  Democrats took a slim lead in the House which led to the ouster of then Speaker John Perzel.

Sadly, many of those “reformers” just blended into the system content to maintain the status quo.  They were content to drive state cars, collect their salary, perks and per diems.  Life was good.  We did elect some good ones who are still trying to change “business as usual” in Harrisburg; but sadly, they are the minority.

This week I’ve started three letters that eventually will be completed and sent.  It seems like every time I began one letter, news of another scandal erupted from our beautiful capitol.  It appears some serving in the legislature didn’t learn anything from the pay grab of 2005 and the subsequent public uproar and scrutiny it created.