News with the Sunday News–

Like anyone interested in local politics I always make sure to read the Lancaster Sunday News.  Political Animals, the pre-eminent political column in Lancaster, this week concentrated on John Murphy, Independent candidate for the 16th Congressional seat now occupied by Joe Pitts. 

I’ve met Murphy twice now and my opinion hasn’t changed.  What a mouth and what arrogance.  There’s a difference between being opinionated and being just plain rude and ignorant. 

Take for instance this quote from the column: “It’s pretty hard to be in pursuit of happiness if you’re sick and stupid,” he said.  What was he commenting on?   The fact that special interest money prevents affordable healthcare and college tuition.  Uh okay.  Great way to garner support. 

He’s not an anti-semite either.  At least that’s what he claims in this comment: ”He also slammed the influence of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which contributes to both parties and, Murphy contended, contributes to blocking Middle East peace by preventing criticism of Israel’s policies.”  Here is what he has to say about the above: “I try to explain to people this has nothing to do with Jews. It has everything to do with the Zionist government in Israel.”  Sure–right–gotcha even though I am sick and stupid I’m not blind. 

Murphy also blew off Bruce Slater, resulting in these lines in the newspaper:  “Murphy shrugs off the Democrats, though. The way the 16th has been gerrymandered, he said, Democrats have no chance of winning.”  Hey Lancaster I think we were just insulted! 

Now my thoughts.  Don’t count Slater out, he pulled over 6500 votes more than Pitts in the primary, indicating someone is taking him seriously.  Don’t count Pitts out either; he’s managed to get re-elected over and over because he is someone who “doesn’t make waves”. 

Murphy may think he comes off like a maverick, but the fact is he is a 62 year old guy who doesn’t have a real clue.  He appears not to be very respected in Chester County and Lancaster doesn’t really know him which is just as well.  Lancaster loves them some Joe and people here know politics.  That doesn’t mean Joe will win but I’d rather see him than this guy.  

The Democrats will challenge his petitions?  I think maybe the Republicans will be right there too.  The fact is any candidate who will dress in a chicken suit to get attention because the Chester County Rotary chose to ignore him is someone who appears to lack the ability to get creative in the way someone wanting to be a Congressman should be.   Whether you’re rich or poor when you’re running for office you need to display some class.

Murphy has some interesting ideas but his plans sound an awful lot like communism to me.  Universal healthcare–it’s worked so great in other countries especially for the chronically ill.  Publically funded candidates campaigns–so my tax dollars go to support anybody who wants to run for office–excuse me? NO

My personal favorite proposal–fully government funded education.  By the feds no less.  Take it from the states and make it all free.  Harvard, Yale, Princeton who cares!   They can’t even keep a decent Department of Education and they’re supposed to control all education in the entire US?  What about standards, how would this be regulated?  Who cares!  Food fight!

I’m sure he got permission from all the organizations and cartoonists whose work he used on his campaign website.  That would include the things he altered–which is copyright infringement I think.  Better look into that.  Wait Murphy probably thinks he has a right to take other peoples work without permission.  No John that would be a communist country not the US.

I respect the work of the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition.  This is a great group with very valid issues.  Pennsylvania is back in the stone ages when it comes to their election process and the way they treat candidates.  I do think however, that Mr. Murphy is a poor representative of this worthy cause.