“This Experiment Called Democracy”

As 2012 comes to an end and the dawn of 2013 is upon us, let's remember the things that affected us as individuals and as a nation. There were monumental events we will remember for years to come including the loss of one of the greatest singers of any generation, Whitney Houston, the tragedy of gunning down of 27 people including 20 beautiful little children inside a school in Newtown, Connecticut, and the destruction of homes and communities by Hurricane Sandy. There was Mitt Romney who believed that 47% of the citizenry was not worthy of consideration, or the mandate to reelect President Obama. We were galvanized by one political party's vehement hatred of President Obama, women, gays/lesbians, minorities and senior citizens, veterans, and the disabled. However, throughout these turbulent times, the citizenry rose to rebuild our bruised spirits and a fractured nation.

Consequently, this experiment called "democracy" was tested to its core in 2012 and the wear and tear is beginning to show. If 2013 becomes a carbon copy of 2012, then the 232 year experiment we call democracy will be cast into great doubt as far as its successful continuation.

I want to wish you a Happy, Healthy and Productive 2013.

 

 

 

Anthony Johnson

"A Fictional Character"

You are a coward in the highest order. In the darkness that has engulfed the Republic and its citizenry, you slither about spewing vitriol, and for what? At a time when most Americans are still coping with the unfathomable living nightmare that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut, you justify the killings because GOD was taken out of school?

There are times like this that the infinitely stupid should be silent. You, Mr. Huckabee, should have exercised that right. You are not a man! You are a nameless, fictional "Boogey Man" that hides under the bed that older siblings tell their younger siblings to be afraid of. You are the waste that humans release. You are not evil, because history has shown that there is "intelligence" in many that perpetrate the unthinkable, and you most certainly have proven that you are not intelligent. What you are is a petty, heartless, insignificant virus. It is my hope that the antibiotic of compassion and human decency will eradicate your kind.

Forgiveness is reserved for those that merit it. However, there can be no forgiveness for the fictional character that you are.

Anthony Johnson

 

 

* Thank you, Terri Willmott and Bonnie Kaye for your assistance

Two Angry Caucasian Men

Over the last two-weeks the citizenry in the Republic have had the opportunity to hear the economic and social plan of Team Romney/Ryan. Unfortunately, with just 17 days left they’ve offered nothing but a phantom plan, lies and arrogance. I cannot remember when I’ve witnessed two very angry Caucasian men who aspire to be president and vice president but neither one possess effective leadership for America during these tumultuous times. I see two very angry Caucasian men who combined, think 87% of the citizenry are irresponsible, lazy, welfare degenerates and two very angry Caucasian men who believe women cannot make decisions without the guidance of men.   

 

As November 6, 2012 is fast approaching, the people have a decision to make: Choose Two very angry men with no plan, questionable ethics and an incoherent, and shady political record or a president who has been calm and steady at the wheel in guiding the Republic during these torrid times.

 

I wish I could say that the decision is clear but alas, some in the citizenry think two very angry men would be the better choice.

 

 

 

Anthony P. Johnson

"Painfully Clear"‏

It is painfully clear that Mitt Romney cannot lead the Republic or its citizenry to social and economic prosperity and therefore, his dream of becoming president will most likely not come to fruition. Mr. Romney is a chameleon--and not even an effective one. It is unquestionably clear that Mr. Romney will say and do anything to get elected. Mitt Romney has gone from a somewhat affable man to a sneaky and conniving snake oil salesman where the town’s folk shut their doors, windows and turn-off the lights until he has faded from view as he goes to another town to pander whatever it is he's selling.

Mr. Romney has started a tradition where presidential candidates who call themselves Republicans (he didn't get the memo that the Republican Party is gone) are so inept and down right ignorant that they think the "Big Bang Theory" is an adult movie staring Ron Jeremy.

In the end, Mr. Romney never understood the complexity and the multi- layers of the Republic and its citizenry. He is a one dimensional figure who believes that 47% of the population is a bunch of lazy, welfare degenerates. This ideology is very dangerous to the nation and Mr. Romney in one word--is dangerous.


Anthony P. Johnson

"Worst of the Worst"

Now that the Tea Party National Convention (TPNC) has concluded (thankfully), let us turn our attention to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte North Carolina. I just witnessed the "worst" political convention in modern history; a convention that was deceptive, angry, combative and oozing with cartoon characters so bad that I longed for my Saturday morning line-up of "Muppet Babies" and "Thundar the Barbarian.”

During the pointless and vague diatribes during the convention, someone forgot to tell “wanna-be-Tony Soprano,” Gov. Christie that this was the 2012 presidential convention. During the remainder of his fifteen minutes of political fame he spent 1800 words out of 2600 words giving his acceptance speech for the 2016 presidential nomination. Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney's speeches were baseless, fact-less, tasteless and of all things, they lacked any logical intelligence. Marco Rubio looked as if someone had an invisible firearm pointed in his back as he searched for the words to present Mr. Romney as a legitimate contender. But, of all the flat, cheap, dish watery rhetoric spewed for four days, the most perplexing was given by Clint Eastwood. I was speechless (and that's saying a lot) at Mr. Eastwood's Charles Manson like behavior. This was the same man that gave the "Lincoln-esque" speech about why the auto bailout was the right thing to do during half-time of this year’s Super Bowl. Now, he is reduced to giving threatening gestures--at a chair, mind you, like a school bully threatening to beat up a kid @ 3:00pm.

Moving forward, we will now turn our attention to the Democratic National Convention where President Obama and those who will speak about taking the Republic in a new direction of economic prosperity will undoubtedly do a better job than the cast and crew of a poor man's version of "Animal House," right? Right!

 

 

 

Anthony P. Johnson

 

“From Whence You Came”

You simply don’t get it. You are a vociferous liar and even though you’ve been caught in your constant lies you continue them with no shame whatsoever. You cannot be serious that we take your seriously, but unfortunately you are. You don’t really think you’ll win do you? How could you win when you are allergic to honesty and integrity?

Like so many others that are infecting our government, you too have no right to sit at that table and dictate policy for the nation. You are a fraud, a deceiver and a snake oil salesman. You betray your own ideas and compromise your morals with perfect regularity. You stand for nothing and yet, you stand for anything that will satisfy the populace. You are hollow, arrogant and misguided. Go home from whence you came and never again darken the steps of the Republic.

Anthony P. Johnson

"Calling You Out."

Let me be clear to Mitt the "Spineless" Romney and the rest of the Tea Party and its supporters: Calling African Americans lazy and welfare degenerates to win elections will not aid you.
 
The fact of the matter is just as many other ethnicities in the Republic receive public assistance. But what YOU, the citizens are allowing to come into your homes are these racists, bigots and fear mongers calling themselves journalists and manipulating you into thinking that African Americans are destroying America.
 
Do not be misguided and DO NOT BELIEVE IT!

Anthony P. Johnson

“Keep Asking…Why‏?”

Many will say the penalty was too severe. They will say Joe Paterno didn't know that assistant coach and family friend, Jerry Sandusky was molesting children. They'll say this was bigger than Joe Paterno.

For me, Joe Paterno was to Penn State what George Washington was to the young Republic. Of course we know that Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton and Franklin, just to name a few, were equally instrumental to Washington in the formation of the United States. And so, the same must be said of Coach Paterno's bosses who also actively participated in the vile cover-up. They too must be held accountable for the unspeakable acts of child abuse.

To think Joe Paterno didn't know about Sandusky's perverted dark side would be like saying Mitt Romney simply misplaced his tax returns. Although Sandusky is in prison for the rest of his life, and the NCAA handed Penn State a severe and well deserved punishment that would have made Ivan the Terrible say, "damn,” the question that still remains is, “Why was the perpetration of mental and sexual abuse on all of these children able to be carried out for more than a decade?”

Removing a statue, taking away past victories, stripping scholarships, bowl games and imprisoning a life-long pedophilia should not be the end of this heinous chapter. There are still too many questions unanswered. We must continue to ask "why" and until we obtain the truth, keep asking—“Why?"

 Anthony P. Johnson

“Obamacare Now Belongs to the Ages”

Not Bill Clinton, not LBJ and not even Theodore Roosevelt, the man that got the conversation started about ensuring healthcare for every American; none of these former leaders could get it done. President Obama achieved a great milestone in his presidency that will secure his place as one of the "greatest" presidents in U.S. history when the United States Supreme Court upheld his landmark healthcare legislation on June 28, 2012. Whatever criticisms one may have about President Obama, many of those criticisms are unjustified; he achieved what many believed to be the unthinkable and did it during a time in the Republic that many of our elected officials made the very word healthcare a diseased manifestation.

Death panels, socialized, fascist, communist, Nazi healthcare some of the terms that cable news personalities, elected officials and even “Skree Rock” from 30th Street used to attack President Obama’s healthcare bill. The Tea Party was confident that once “Obama Cares” reached the United States Supreme Court it would be struck down faster than you could say “Newt for President.” But it didn’t turn out that way. It turned out that Chief Justice Roberts sided with the minority and with his vote President Obama’s legislation won 5-4.

The healthcare legislation now belongs to the ages. The United States Supreme Court upheld the legislation and other than cry foul and chant “Repeal ObamaCare,” there is nothing more Mr. Romney and the Tea Party can do. For the record, the “Citizen’s United” decision upheld by the highest court in the land ranks with “Dred Scott” as two of the “worst “made by the SCOTUS. Although “ObamaCare” does not balance the scale of those two decisions, as my friend Germaine Kornegay said, “This decision benefits all Americans.” I completely agree.

 Anthony P. Johnson

"A Referendum On Our Resolve and Tenacity"

I am befuddled! After all that the citizens in the Republic know about Mitt Romney, there are many in the country that prefers him over President Obama. I'm amazed that the 2012 presidential election is going to be so close.

I am an educated individual and like so many other citizens, I have more than one job to supplement my income, but is President Obama to blame for this and will Mr. Romney somehow make it all better for me and the other 98%? 

The Republic experienced an economic depression in the 1930's and during that crisis, the citizens reelected Roosevelt three times because they believed he could and he did guide them through it. The voters at the time didn't choose panic over substance and despite a whopping 25% unemployment rate in the country; the citizenry remained steadfast and was later rewarded with a booming economy. President Obama is not Franklin Roosevelt, but he's definitely not Ronald Reagan or George W. Bush either. This didn't happen overnight. It took 8 years for the economy to erode faster than Donald Trump's toupees' and we expect President Obama to fix it in 4 years? The entire Justice League couldn't accomplish this task. We must stay the course. Did we not learn anything when President Jimmy Carter was tossed out for Reagan despite the fact that it was Reagan's pal, Gerald Ford and Nixon that kept the nation in an economic recession? Instead of asking "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago, you should ask, "will you be better with Mr. Romney?

Like all former presidents, President Obama has his flaws, but he has handled the affairs of the nation very well up to this point during his more than three years at the helm. And Romney? He failed at creating jobs as a governor and as a Bain executive, he has a Ph.D. in indecisiveness and he is completely out of step with the needs of the middle class, working poor and poor citizenry. And yet, if the 2012 presidential election was held today--Romney might win.

This presidential election is a referendum on our resolve and tenacity to be vigilant during this time of hardship. On one side is the incumbent who needs us to keep moving forward to weather this storm of economic turmoil and reach the valley of economic prosperity. While on the other end of the spectrum is the presumptive presidential candidate who wants us to panic and press the restart button.



"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic."

Anthony P. Johnson

The Religious Right Empire Strikes

Many on the left have written that the long life of the Religious Right has come to an end. If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard this, I’d be able to pay off the national debt--twice. The Religious Right in America is lavishly funded and politically well connected. While the men who lead the fundamentalist Christian political movement hold different opinions about theology, they share a deep and abiding hostility to the separation of church and state. They seek to inject religion into public schools, obtain taxpayer funding for religious schools and other ministries, roll back reproductive choice and deny civil rights to the gay and lesbian community.

Public opinion on the matter of equality for gays and lesbians is rapidly changing and that change is a huge part of Republican support for civil unions in the Republic than has ever existed before. There are those that believe, like GOP attorney Mario Nicholais of “Coloradans for Freedom“, that this is one of several issues on which the GOP must modernize its platform or risk permanently marginalizing itself as attitudes from generation to generation have evolved. But the Religious Right, a powerful force, doesn't agree, and are fighting moderation--regardless of the consequences.

Religious Right politicians cut programs for the poor, reduce scholarships for students, and protect tax breaks for the rich—even as they claim allegiance to a gospel of love. They are usually eager to meld church and state, but when it comes to economics, they deny this historical context: biblical culture treated religion and politics as one. The Bible does not make caring for the poor a purely voluntary, individual responsibility, as Republicans claim. In fact, priests were activist lawgivers; society, church and government were integral, and the Temple imposed taxes for the public good as a mandate, not as a voluntary option.

The Religious Right make up about 32% of the former Republican Party (the party was laid to rest by the Tea Party in 2010) and yet their influence is overwhelming because the one reason that drives the majority of elected officials to bow way below the equator to the wealthy minority is MONEY. From 2009-2011 the Religious Right raised more than three-quarters of a billion dollars and they achieve this annually, the bulk of it is tax-exempt.

With that type of influence and how easy it is for them to "pimp" a politician, you need not wonder why the Religious Right is here to stay.

“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson

A Fragile Foundation

There are some in the Republic that say they are fiscally responsible and steadfast on having a limited government. So, why are they trying to block President Obama's legislation regarding same sex marriage, when in fact, President Obama has NOT proposed ANY legislation on same sex marriage? Isn't it interesting that all these elected officials from the Tea Party are attempting to “increase” government while spending billions of dollars to define abortion, contraception and what constitutes marriage? They’re taking a page from their hero, Ronald Reagan, who once stated “Government was the problem”; but, he went on to increase government spending to record levels. What we’re hearing is rhetoric that they don't believe.

When legislators strip the middle class and poor of what little resources they do have, ban compassionate people from feeding the homeless, cut funding for education while increasing funding for the construction of new prisons, allow Wall Street to devour people's life savings and look the other way while companies destroy the food and medicine and the environment with the stroke of a pen, you begin to understand the seriousness of this conundrum.

What have we become? Instead of moving forward and creating a better society, we resemble barbarians savagely attacking women, gays, lesbians, and minorities, the homeless and religious beliefs. It was my teaching that we were to evolve as a species, but at this moment we have sunken to a level just above crud and the stuff stuck on the side of our eyes when awakened from a long sleep. We are an apathetic society quickly eroding an already fragile foundation that keeps the Republic from falling over. Instead of ensuring that we don’t repeat the darkness of our past, we’re creating a future with frightening similarity.

Greed, apathy, bigotry and hate are attempting to crash the gates of compassion, wisdom, love and humility, while placing the Republic in the history books as a once great nation but no more and the evolution of humanity--regressing expeditiously.



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”


Anthony P. Johnson

Respectfully Agree-to-Respectfully Disagree

What I love about being a citizen of the Republic is we have so many opinions and although we may not always agree, we can respectfully disagree. Some of us don't agree with same sex-marriage and some of us do. With that being said, there is no War on Marriage--there has never been a War on Marriage. Unfortunately, there are some in the Republic that attack same sex-marriage by stoking the embers of vile and hatred rhetoric hoping that the rest of us will join them in embracing the darker angels within. But let us not fall prey, hold steadfast and continue to respectfully agree to respectfully disagree.

“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson

"The Curious Case of Mitt Romney"

Mitt Romney has been called up from the major league political bullpen to unite the party and capture the presidency for the Tea Party (Republican Party is dead), but it might have been better to call Sarah Palin from the political minors leagues to challenge President Obama.

Mr. Romney is one of the most disingenuous, convoluted presidential candidates since Adlai Stevenson. The only difference between the two is Stevenson received the former Democratic nod twice. No matter how many times Romney portrays himself as identifying with the middle class, working poor and poor American; it’s just not genuine. It’s like the KKK trying to convince us that they are a civil rights group.

Mr. Romney lies like the very word will soon be extinct. I know some of you will say all politicians lie, but Romney is so bad at it that if President Nixon were alive he'd probably tell him to just stop! Romney, Nixon would say, is an embarrassment to the great political liars of all time. We all know about the Etch-A-Sketch debacle, but in reality his top adviser was in essence saying, "Americans are stupid and can barely remember what they did 20-minutes ago," so Romney will change his lies to, “I believe in Planned Parenthood, women are great and taking their birth control pills is wrong" and the people will believe him.

Mr. Romney says he knows how to create jobs. Really? As governor of Massachusetts the state ranked 47th out of the 50 states in job creation. As a Bain executive, he and his friends made millions while gutting companies as thousands of Americans became jobless with such ferocity that Charles Darwin would have been amazed. Since he announced that he would be running for president, Romney has not given an iota of a plan that would create jobs. He called Paul Ryan’s budget plan “Marvelous." Perhaps it’s because Ryan’s plan resembles the same playbook he used when he was at Bain; gut, strip, and take from those who are in need. Ryan’s plan is so bad Reagan would be offended by it. But that’s another story.

Mitt Romney as president would be a nightmare for foreign policy as he would disregard any sound advice from the Republic’s European allies. He says President Obama is trying to govern like the European nations. In addition, Romney, like the rest of his Tea Party supporters want wars so bad with Iran and North Korea that they can barely keep their glee of the possibility at bay. Do you think Mr. Romney would send any of his sons to fight in those wars? Yeah! Neither do I. President Obama studied and talked extensively with experts on foreign policy. Who is Romney speaking with? John "Bomb, Bomb Iran" McCain.

I’ve stated on several occasions that Mr. Romney is “woefully unqualified” to be President of the Republic and there are mounds of evidence to prove it. The most important evidence though, is that Mitt Romney is un-American.

When elected officials and want-to-be presidents put money in off-shore accounts so they don’t have to pay taxes and/or attack middle class, working poor and poor citizens it is un-American and those that partake in such activities have absolutely no place at the seat of the Republic's government.

Mitt Romney was called to be the Tea Party’s presidential hopeful and unite the party. By the end of November 6, 2012, he will be sent to the political minors leagues…with Sara Palin.



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”


Anthony P. Johnson for State Representative 180th District, 2012

“The Bonds of Ignorance, Apathy, Bigotry and Racism”

As a resident, I speak with other residents of different ethnicities in the 180th District everyday. Yes, contrary to urban myth, there are many different ethnicities in the district. But if you read some of the threads of the other candidates’ supporters; they talk as if the 180th District is 100% Latino American. What I also know is that many of the Latino residents in the district are very uncomfortable with such talk because they do not share such divisive rhetoric.

This type of talk is very disturbing because it doesn’t unite a community that has consistently been betrayed by some of its elected officials; it merely strengthens the bonds of ignorance, apathy, bigotry and racism. Folks, there are African Americans, Irish Americans, Italian Americans, French speaking Americans and Asian Americans just to name a few, that make-up the district. Are they not supposed to expect elected officials from the 180th District to represent their needs, or do their concerns not matter?

In some of the threads I’ve read, “Cruz and Ramos have done a lot for Puerto Ricans” or “Cruz and Ramos have done very little for Puerto Ricans.” Whether that is true or not, my question is this: What has State Representative Angel Cruz or Jonathan Ramos done for “all ethnicities” residing in the 180th District? Are Mr. Cruz and Mr. Ramos campaigning to represent only one group in the community? Do Mr. Cruz and Mr. Ramos represent the entire 180th District or just certain wards, and ultimately, their own interests? Think about it.

As your next State Representative, I plan to bring prosperity to all the residents of the diverse 180th District that has been betrayed over and over again; still they hope for a better future. My goal is to reward them for their unflinching hope.



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative180th District, 2012

OPEN LETTER TO JONATHAN RAMOS

Dear Mr. Ramos,

In an effort to educate and inform the voters of the 180th district, we reached out to the local media and local news outlets on March 6, 2012 to inform them that we are interested in holding at least 1 (one) 2 (two) hour community forum to discuss the issues pertaining to the residents of the 180th district in which we would appreciate the participation of 180th district candidate Jonathan Ramos and the incumbent State Representative, Angel Cruz.

If the rumor is true that a certain newspaper planned and held a debate between yourself and Mr. Cruz without the thought of extending an invitation to the Johnson candidacy and it was discovered that this newspaper provided Mr. Cruz's camp with the debate questions in advance and not yours; I assure you, that will not take place with our debate. The debate will center on one area: The residents of the 180th District and the resources and programs they so richly deserve, and which candidate is prepared on the first day in office to achieve it.

What we are interested in is a discussion using a question/answer format by the residents and any and all 2012 candidates for state rep. in the 180th district. As one of the three candidates, I will be including an explanation of my "Vision" Plan for the residents of the district if elected to the State Rep. seat.

Possible topics for discussion:
1. Education
2. Crime
3. overty
4. Unemployment
5. Services for Youth, Families and Senior citizens
6. Transparency/Community Outreach/Resident Involvement
7. Other, as relevant.

Possible Dates:
We are seeking sponsors as well as venues for this event to be held in the 42nd Ward near G. Street & Wyoming Ave. Why this location? To also draw attention to this area which requires a directional street light because every day crossing and driving has become a haven for accidents and near fatalities.

If interested, please contact:

"Friends of Anthony P. Johnson for State Rep. 180- 2012"
647 E. Raymond St.
Philadelphia, PA 19120
Email:
campaign@apj2012.com

Phone:
215-715-0355

or
Email:
johnsonanthony99@hotmail.com


Sincerely,

Anthony P. Johnson for State Rep., PA 180

“A VOTE FOR JONATHAN RAMOS IS A VOTE FOR ANGEL CRUZ”

The residents of the 180th District must not continue to vote for Angel Cruz, the incumbent State Representative from the 180th District or Jonathan Ramos who has lost to him on two occasions. The 2010 election declared Angel Cruz a winner over Ramos by a mere 124 votes. Anyone would have demanded a recount and followed through until the end. Mr. Ramos chose not to, perhaps because of his dealings with Renee Tartaglione. In addition, Mr. Ramos has shown that he also doesn’t have the integrity to win by merit against Angel Cruz, so Mr. Ramos resorts to illegal acts instead.

Fact: Mr. Ramos, as you will remember in 2010, was involved in attempting to unseat Angel Cruz by cheating. He received resources from Ms. Renee Tartaglione, a city worker which she and Mr. Ramos knew was "highly inappropriate." Tartaglione would eventually resign from her post. Ramos rode off into the sunset not to be heard of again, until now, 30 days before the 2012 primary election.

Further, Jonathan Ramos has done absolutely nothing for the residents in the 180th District. You can bet the farm that the only time you know Jonathan Ramos resides in the 180th District is during election time; which is every two years.

In essence, a vote for Jonathan Ramos is a vote for Angel Cruz.

It would be an honor to represent the 180th District as state representative, but I will not sacrifice my integrity, honor and self-worth to do so.



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012

“Will Not Live to See Adulthood”

My heart is full like so many other citizens in the Republic over the brazen murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. Originally, I didn’t want to write about Trayvon, because like him, there are so many of our youth murdered that I simply didn’t think my heart could take another child never seeing adulthood; but, here I am doing just that. Trayvon Martin didn’t have to die. The police should have been allowed to do their job and if that had happened, he would have gone home and maybe the next time we heard the name Trayvon it might have been Trayvon, Ph.D., senator Trayvon or President Trayvon of the Republic.

Unfortunately, an overzealous neighborhood watch captain thumbed his nose at law enforcement and took matters into his own hands murdering an unarmed and frightened child that was in possession of only a bag of Skittles and a bottle of ice tea. However, when law enforcement did get involved, they let the perpetrator of this ghastly crime go home-case closed. How can this be? Have we become so apathetic about African American teens that when they are murdered it is somehow their fault, that violence is part of their nature and follows them wherever they go? No. No! That’s not intelligent. Trayvon was a good kid and not the “good kid” that has a rap sheet longer than the Eiffel Tower. He was a good kid, pure and simple.

We are in the midst of a generation of youth that is bitter and apathetic about society because they simply believe there is no justice for them. Alas, the murder of Trayvon is feeding their apathy. The individual that pulled the trigger believes without a doubt that he did the right thing and he is not alone, because there are some citizens in the Republic that share his belief system. But ask yourself; if your child or children were murdered wouldn’t you want every iota of the details that led to it? Doesn’t the Martin Family deserve all the details that led to the death of their child?

No matter what happens now, Trayvon Martin will never come home to his parents, family or friends that love him. But what we can do as a civilized society is demand justice for his senseless death and bring some closure to a heart wrenching chapter that has galvanized and awakened the citizenry to a harsh reality—due to rampant violence and the knee jerk reaction to shoot first, many of our children will not live to see adulthood.


Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012

OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER

Honorable Michael Nutter
City Hall
Office of the Mayor
Room 215
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Sir,

Enacting a law preventing religious, social and civic groups from serving food to the homeless outside makes no sense. Mr. Mayor, you said, “It’s because it’s a matter of public health and safety.” Huh? So, if the homeless are served inside, the public safety and health issue is now addressed? Really, Mr. Mayor?

You’ve also stated you want to bring the homeless inside for a safe and healthy meal. Again, I’m perplexed. Could the same unidentified vans roll up in the back of the building, take the food inside and serve meals that are not nutritious and safe? Are you saying as long as the meals are in the building being served they are somehow more nutritious and safe? Mr. Mayor, how many of the homeless that have been served by these “unidentified vans” have taken ill or have died from eating the foods that are handed out?

You’ve also missed the fact that the food that is provided to the homeless outside are from churches, social and civic groups that publically acknowledge who they are. You also underestimate the intelligence of a homeless vet, a homeless family or homeless teens because truth be told; they are not going to just accept food without first identifying who the charitable giver is. Shame on you, Mr. Mayor.

Finally, what if those who serve the homeless do not possess a building to serve? Are you going to start providing buildings for those individuals with a charitable and giving spirit that serve the homeless? Mr. Mayor, what is the true reason you want you to stop caring and compassionate people from serving food to the homeless outside? Are you embarrassed by the record number of Philadelphians that are homeless? Does it bother you that many of those receiving food outside are not all homeless and in fact, for some, that is the only meal that they and their families will receive?

This is wrong Mr. Mayor. Completely and utterly wrong, sir.


Sincerely,

Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012

Why Shouldn't the People Vote for Cruz? Part 1

Some would say it’s easy for me to criticize State Representative Angel Cruz because he is an incumbent. He's been state rep. since 2000, and has defeated all challengers. I'm sure the career politician knows that criticisms come with the territory. So, let's begin.

1) Mr. Cruz is a co-sponsor of HB934: Legislation that in essence suppresses the vote. This legislation hearkens back to the pre-Civil Rights Movement that even state Republicans in Harrisburg crossed party lines denouncing this draconian law. Why support legislation that strips citizens’ right to vote? Well, in the 2010 primary for state rep. there were a total of about 12,000 votes shared between Mr. Cruz and challenger Jonathan Ramos. This was a very small turnout considering that more than 55,000 residents; 70 percent Democrats resided in the 180th District. In that primary Mr. Cruz won--by 124 votes. Mr. Ramos rightfully requested a recount--then shockingly, withdrew it. I guess that was too close for comfort for Mr. Cruz. In 2012 I guess the goal is to suppress the vote for the residents in the 180th District keep the primary close and the incumbent will win. Don't bet on it.

2) According to Russ Diamond, "Young Philly Politics", "after being pressed in 2005 over his admittance to never having read the PA State Constitution, Mr. Cruz closed the argument by declaring his true priority in Harrisburg - qualifying for full retirement benefits." Mr. Cruz has been in office for 12 years- it is time to send him off to collect his unearned pension.

3) In 2008, State Representative Angel Cruz introduced (H.B. 2185) "Syringe-Exchange Program Limitation Act" in the State Legislature that would ban needle exchange programs from operating within 500 feet of a residence or school.

According to the Drug Policy Alliance, 34% of reported HIV infections are among intravenous drug users and their sexual partners. Needle exchange programs have the possibility of reducing infection rates drastically, and are a needed component of the fight against HIV and AIDS.

I believe increased police patrol around sites and participation by neighborhood associations would help to curtail these problems. We must focus on ways to curtail residents’ quality of life concerns, but we should not use a blanket approach from Harrisburg that will tie our hands with this important tool in our fight against HIV/AIDS.

4) Mr. Cruz also opposes the legislation that would make English the official language in Pennsylvania. Good. That is something we both agree on. Unfortunately, Representative Cruz has done very little to empower the Latino population in the 180th District. Further, there are other ethnic residents that he is supposed to represent: African American, Vietnamese, Korean, Italian and other ethnicities in the 180th District--but he doesn’t. A state representative is supposed to serve the “entire district.”

As an elected official you don’t get to pick and choose what ethnicity you will and will not service. I don’t remember Mr. Cruz campaigning to represent some of the population. Is there little wonder why the voter turnout is so low in the 180th District?
Consequently, how do these pieces of legislation that State Rep. Cruz supports create jobs, reduce crime, repair the education system or create after school and senior citizen programs in the 180th District?


They don't! They simply don't!

End of Part 1.


"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic"

Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th District, 2012

"Are You Really Shocked?"

When Rush Limbaugh called Ms. Fluke a slut, he was calling every female a slut including his own mother. You see, men that casually call women sluts, whores, bitches and "FemiNazis" or any other derogatory term, as Limbaugh also termed women, secretly believe that their mothers are also the aforementioned. He'll do anything for ratings and there are no words that can describe his putrid behavior. Limbaugh is an American embarrassment and he lacks all virtues of integrity, compassion and common decency. We know what Limbaugh represents but the truth is, we always knew. So, are we truly surprised at his recent comments? However, we've reached our limits with him the way a parent's patience evaporates after a child refuses to stop banging the pots or doesn’t clean their room.

Unfortunately, Limbaugh will continue to stay employed at Clear Channel because despite his toxic, stupid and simple-minded rhetoric and the fact advertisers are abandoning him faster than Newt Gingrich abandon wives, Limbaugh has a huge following of people that share his ignorance. This was not the first time Limbaugh has made comments that have caused the ire of the citizenry and unfortunately, it will not be his last.


"Progressives will bring balance to the Republic"

Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, 180th Legislative District

”A Very Dangerous Man to the Republic”

I felt bad for CNN’s John King as moderator during some of the Tea Party Presidential debates. As moderator, he became the personal whipping magnet for former disgraced Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. Gingrich could not effectively debate with his weak and vacillating counter parts so he with assistance from the audience turned his attention to King with his offensive rants which were both pathetic and disturbing.

Newt Gingrich is a bitter, angry and misguided man. The other Tea Party candidates are woefully unqualified; not only do they have an ineffective domestic plan, but their version of a foreign country is Wyoming and their foreign policy plan is to bomb Iran. However, Newt Gingrich is the worst of the bunch; he has neither a plan nor a clue how to govern effectively. What Gingrich uses to get by is bigotry, hate, fear and bullying. Perhaps, for a time, these tactics will work on the human species; but eventually, when choosing a leader, Gingrich and his ideology, as well as the rest of the Tea Party presidential candidates, must be relegated to the children’s table.

Citizens of the republic must stop supporting individuals that are less than mediocre and who spew down right, stewed to perfection hate. Supporting any of the Tea Party candidates is a wasted vote, but voting for Newt Gingrich would be disastrous. Gingrich is divisive, irrational, dishonest and deeply corrupt and voting for him would be like voting for Joseph McCarthy. Newt Gingrich…”A very dangerous man to the Republic, indeed.”



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson for State Representative, 180th District-2012

“A Great District and Republic‏”

For three-weeks I personally knocked on more than 500 doors and spoke with more than 1,000 residents in the 180th District and although some of the residents could not sign my petitions for political affiliations, we all share the same theme; the 180th District is badly broken and sorely lacking basic resources. As a Human Service professional who is dedicated to changing the quality of life for the people in this community, I will effectively obtain the resources to create a thriving 180th District.

We are a great community and nation, but we can and we must do better. Democracy isn't free and it does not come cheap. We are a community of one--however, we are multifaceted--spiritually, ethnically and culturally.

Now is our time to reshape the 180th District and the Republic into a community and a nation that constantly seeks justice and a basic level of human dignity for all. It is for this reason that we are determined to vanquish injustice, political corruption, and unethical business practices; these are the culprits that have destroyed great communities and nations over the millennium. We must not be added to the list of the fallen. For if we fail to hold steadfast to our integrity, the 180th District will continue to “limp” along and the Republic will continue to dissipate.


“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson for State Representative, 180th District-2012

“Leadership That Will Lead the Residents of the 180th District”

As I travel throughout the 180th District, there is a deep-seeded distrust of elected officials that are supposed to represent the community. As I speak with fellow residents about the "Vision" Plan that I want to implement in the district, they ask, "Anthony, are you going to be like them." When I answer them, I mean it; “Absolutely not!” I am enjoying canvassing the 180th District, knocking on doors and talking to the residents because they speak from the heart and they know what they want in a leader.

What I love most about my travels is the fact that the citizens in the 180th District are concerned and compassionate for the entire community. Of course they want to protect and provide for their families, but they also care about their neighbor’s family and the family several blocks away. In essence, if you're from the 180th District; you are "family". For so long there have been many empty promises, hype, cheap gimmicks and political corruption from those that were running for office and those who have been elected who were supposed to represent us—the citizens of the 180th District.

The 2012 election for state representative of the 180th District isn’t about me, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Lozada or anyone else. This election is about the residents and the entire community of the 180th District and rewarding them for their patience while they have been ignored for far too long. It is time for all of the residents in the community, our “family”, to be treated fairly—and if elected as your next leader, I plan to do just that.



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson, Candidate for State Rep. 180th District-2012

“Time Will Reveal‏”

Some polls have Mitt Romney beating President Obama in the Presidential election if he wins the Tea Party nomination. But upon further review, those polls show that some people view Romney as liberal as President Obama based solely upon Romney's views and legislation on health care, abortion and same sex marriage rights in the 90's. However, the Romney of the 21st century is far from the moderate Republican he pretended to be back then.

Today, Romney changes his political views the way Newt Gingrich changes wives. Further, America is getting a heavy dose of Romney in this presidential cycle and it is apparent that Romney doesn't create jobs. In fact, he outsources them and closes the doors of American companies that benefit the poor and middle class citizenry, all the while getting rich doing it. Do you see why he wanted the auto industry to go bankrupt? Like a snake oil salesman, Romney would have participated in the bankruptcy process to collect millions while gutting one of the industry's that paved the way for the Republic to become a global leader some 100 years ago. That is the Romney shtick.

To the media covering this election season: Be objective in reporting on the candidates who desire to be President of the Republic and keep in mind that they are not applying for a job at the Piggly Wiggly. Americans need to know everything about the candidates. Be truthful in revealing who the candidates are, because at this moment you have the attention of the citizenry. If you fail like many of the current crop of elected officials, your credibility as well will cease to resonate with the people.



“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”

Anthony P. Johnson
Candidate for State Rep., 180th District, PA- 2012

“Not the Smartest Person in the Room…or Anywhere Else”

Rick Santorum is the new golden boy of the Tea Party (Republican Party is dead), but just like his predecessors, i.e. Bachmann, Cain, Newt and Perry, Santorum, he is "fatally flawed."

The two time senator from Pennsylvania is a proven bigot, racist and homophobic charlatan. He’s also been a bold faced liar. Flashback to the start of the “War of Lies” that got the Republic involved in the war with Iraq, it was Rick Santorum that held a press conference to tell America that WMD's were discovered in Iraq. This was a lie so profound that even Bush and Cheney were stupefied. Clearly, Santorum didn't get the Cheney/Bush memo: “We're not supposed to ever find WMD's, moron.”

Santorum's comment in Iowa about not giving black people welfare benefits was Santorum’s way of being…well, Santorum. We've had this debate back in the 90's that just as many Caucasians receive food stamp assistance as Santorum called us, "Black people" do. This is nothing more than the classic and pathetic case of trying to cause racial division and derision among the citizenry.

Mr. Santorum's philosophy on abortion, gays and lesbians is Fascism in the highest order. He wants to take the right of a woman to choose what she does with her body, and if she decides on an abortion; under his delusional leadership she'd suffer severe penalties. His hatred of gays and lesbians is so psychotic that it makes Pat Robertson's view of the same population seem tame.

In 1994, as a legislative intern in Harrisburg, Pa I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Santorum and my lasting impression of the man was and still is: “Not the smartest person in the room or in a one-seat vehicle.” Santorum is a woefully dangerous man to the Republic and allowing him to be Commander-in-Chief would be like giving an arsonist a can of lighter fluid and a book matches, and telling them, “Now don’t start any fires.”

Santorum cannot be President of the Republic. He must not be President of the Republic.




“Progressives will bring balance to the Republic”
Anthony P. Johnson