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
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 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
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
Friday, February 24, 2012
”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
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
Friday, February 17, 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
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
Monday, February 6, 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
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
Wednesday, January 11, 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
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
Thursday, January 5, 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
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
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