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