A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Democratic Forum in Johnstown PA!

Critz tries to move away from Obama --- front page headline by Johnstown Tribune-Democrat - 12/09/16

The 12th Congressional District in Pennsylvania used to be represented by the late John P. Murtha who had been in office since the early '70's. Because of the far reaching clout he had, he earned the dubious label of being "King of Pork!" Millions and millions of dollars rolled into Johnstown PA as he gained power and influence in office. In fact he held a higher status than Almighty God Himself through much of the 12th Congressional District. One of the "projects" he arranged to get was an 8 million dollar radar system at the Johnstown airport. Only problem was they had no one to operate it, so it sat unused for a long time until someone began to make an issue of it (wasted gov't money, you know) and then the hunt was on to try to find an operator.

Big John made an unexpected exit from this life due to complications following some surgery. Mark Critz was a high ranking member of his staff and decided he wanted the seat formerly held by his boss. He won in the special election.

Now Critz has to try and retain his seat this November in the U.S. Congress but certain things as advocated by Mr. Obama and the Democratic party are not acceptable to Congressman Critz and a number of his constituents! So as the headline clearly suggests, he is trying to put some distance between him and the president as well as the party.

Mr. Obama has clearly declared war on coal and numerous small signs in our area are being posted which draw attention to this "war" and that it is time for the president to be shown the exit and denial of a second term! This region is known among other things as being a coal mining region with a long history of involvement in the industry. And those signs calling for Obama's defeat are not just being posted on the lawns of Republicans, which are greatly outnumbered in the 12th district anyway.

But there are other issues Mr. Critz has to deal with in which the Democratic party has literally shot itself in the foot so far as many constituents in the 12th district are concerned. This is a district that is made up of a lot of Roman Catholics and various Orthodox groups, which means there is a very, very strong pro-life sentiment and that is demonstrated each January as many bus loads of persons go from this region to the March for Life in Washington DC. The Democratic party platform is pro-abortion, although the deceptive term "pro-choice" is often used in connection with the issue of destroying unborn children! And there is no room left for doubt that Mr. Obama and his wife are strong supporters of abortion, even late term if necessary -- for them there is no difference in terms of time, since you are only dealing with a mass of cells, tissue and blood, are you not? So Mr. Critz has made it a point to stress in his ads that he is pro-life!

Finally, the 12th Congressional District has a large segment of the population that is into hunting. Both male and female hunters take to the woods each year as evidenced by pictures printed each deer season. Some young females who have just been legally able to hunt have brought down some impressive buck deer. But the present administration in DC is moving more and more toward an anti-gun stance, and appears to be sympathetic to the United Nations' campaign on the control of small arms -- interpret that to literally mean eventual confiscation! The ads put out by Mr. Critz and his supporters also stress that he is "pro-gun," which is something you most definitely will not see in Mr. Obama's ad campaign!

Perhaps the best picture in this situation is that of a big worm on a very hot skillet -- you know who the worm is, don't you? His name happens to be Mark Critz who is striving to be John P. Murtha incarnate in the United States Congress in Washington DC!

"Look, the princes of Israel: each one has used his power to shed blood in you. In you they have made light of father and mother; in your midst they have oppressed the stranger; in you they have mistreated the fatherless and the widow. You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. In you are men who slander to cause bloodshed; in you are those who eat on the mountains; in your midst they commit lewdness. In you men uncover their fathers' nakedness; in you they violate women who are set apart during their impurity. One commits abomination with his neighbor's wife; another lewdly defiles his daughter-in-law; and another in you violates his sister, his father's daughter. In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase; you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten Me," says the Lord GOD. "Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst." --- Ezekiel 22:6-13

Coming Out of the Woodwork in Johnstown PA!

February 22, 2010 – News report stated that Joyce Murtha, widow of Congressman John Murtha, has announced that she will not seek to fill the unexpired term of her late husband, thus ending much speculation that she run for the position in the special election to be held in the future.

Yes, it is happening according to an old familiar expression – they are indeed coming out of the woodwork! And who might that be? Didn’t you know? A bunch of individuals want to occupy the seat in the House of Representatives which had been held for many years by the late congressman, John P. Murtha. The geographical territory involved is the 12th Congressional District in south central PA in which the city of Johnstown is located. Johnstown was Murtha’s hometown and could be considered as having been his major base of operations outside of Washington DC during his congressional career. The evidence of that is clear from observing his name prominently displayed everywhere in the area!

Before John Murtha was placed in the ground, speculation, with a lot of help from the local media, was running at a white hot pitch regarding Mrs. Joyce Murtha seeking the congressional seat once held by her late husband. The way some of the local talking heads were handling the issue, Mrs. Murtha was already occupying the office!

Then came announcement after announcement by persons in both political parties of their intention to seek the office. One, former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel , expressed his desire to run but qualified it by saying if Mrs. Murtha decided to run, he would drop out and support her.

Then came the statement as given by Mrs. Murtha that she would not seek the position. This was sort of like opening the floodgates and now it is almost as though just about everyone and his brother are throwing their hats in the ring!

As noted in an earlier post, no matter who wins the election on this, Johnstown will not be the recipient of millions of dollars, especially defense related, as was the case with John Murtha over the years. But there is one thing that is rather certain – whoever gets the coveted seat of the 12th District will in time be transformed into a typical politician. There may be a lot of rhetoric during campaigning that seems to sound so good, but in Washington DC the priority is to march in lockstep to the philosophy, “To get along, go along!”

There are two things that indicate that the U.S. Congress is in desperate need of a major overhaul. First, what the members have over time “voted” for themselves in terms of salary, perks, health and retirement benefits. You’ll never find anything comparable in the private sector.

Second, because of the way special interest groups are organized and the influence they have, the curse of lobbying has grown like a cancer over the years. Highly paid lobbyists (some are former members of the U.S. Congress) are able to bring pressure to bear upon elected officials that we private citizens will never be able to do.

With Congress’ approval rating extremely low so far as citizens are concerned, the best solution would be to totally outlaw all organized lobbying and vote ALL incumbents out of office for a few years. Along with that, have the citizens vote on what the salaries will be along with all the other benefits. The intent here would be to have those salaries and “perks” reflect more closely the average of salaries and benefits earned by the constituents these officials claim to represent at the federal level!

So, in a matter of weeks someone new from the 12th Congressional District in Pennsylvania will enter the halls of the U. S. Congress and in time will be just one of the “good old” boys’ and girls’ club in D.C! The glaring difference will be that the rookie will not be able to get hold of the millions of dollars that “Big John” Murtha did – at least for a few years anyway!

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? even cry out to You, "Violence!" And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds…….Woe to him who builds a town with bloodshed, who establishes a city by iniquity! --- Habakkuk 1:2-4; 2:12

What Will Johnstown PA Do Now?

Congressman John Murtha died on February 8, 2010 as a result of complications following gall bladder surgery. His funeral and burial are taking place today, February 16, 2010 in Johnstown PA, his hometown.

If you want to see something that far exceeds a 3-ring circus, you need to come to Johnstown PA within the next few weeks. There will be a scramble such as has not been witnessed in a long time as the Democrats attempt to retain control of the seat held by the late Congressman John P. Murtha. Understandably the Republicans will be determined to wrest that congressional seat away from the Democrats. Even the "anointed one" who occupies the residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. will be deeply concerned, and without a doubt will exercise whatever influence he can so that his party retains the seat.

But at least one thing will be much different than it has been for years for Johnstown. There will be no Murtha in Congress to turn on the financial faucets and aim them in the direction of his district, and Johnstown in particular. Speculation is that Mrs. John Murtha may seek the position. If she does, and she gets to fill out the term of her late husband, she will still be a rookie representative -- the power and clout simply won't exist as it did while "Big John" held the office!

This thing could get real ugly as it runs its course. But the fact remains, no matter who occupies the seat once held by John P. Murtha for many years, things will not be the same in Johnstown in years to come!

More details on this issue at Circuit Rider's Range at What Will Johnstown PA Do Now?

And a PS - the above photo is not intended to show disrespect, but rather reality -- Murtha held a status that was quite similar to that of a deity -- a god who could do just about everything when it came to getting money channeled into his district -- he sometimes was referred to as the "King of Pork!" Another way of viewing him was that he was the big Santa to Johnstown PA and its surrounding area!

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Continues to Strive to Set Record for Notoriety!

Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them. Isaiah 1:23

Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. Ezekiel 22:27

For some of us in Pennsylvania, it came as no surprise that Senator Arlen Specter is switching his party affiliation. A number of us PA residents have known for a long time that Arlen was in reality a closet Democrat. He will fit right in with the Obama crowd without any hindrances. He will support Obama’s pro-abortion agenda and the ongoing destruction of the unborn at all stages of development – from the early weeks to full term. And Arlen was one of three turn-coat “Republicans” supporting the grotesque stimulus bill. Those 2 females from Maine ought to follow Specter’s lead in this matter, and remove their masks for the sake of citizens who have failed to see them as they really are!


And then there is Representative John Murtha who represents the district in which Johnstown PA is located. Local news reports recently indicated that Johnstown may become the “poster child” of pork barrel spending due to Murtha’s manipulating tactics which have resulted in millions and millions of dollars being channeled into the Johnstown area over the years. One interesting project is a radar system at the airport which bears his name. It cost a few million dollars but has never been used – it just sits there, rusting away!

But ask the locals about this Washington DC “pork” landing in Johnstown over time and it is practically unanimous – Big John has done many good things by bringing all that government money into the area and no person should question that. You see, John Murtha holds a status that is at least equal to Almighty God in the Johnstown area – and just maybe in some cases, there are those who hold John Murtha in even higher esteem than God Himself!

In the race for setting a record for notoriety, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is ahead by at least a length or more! There are some of us, however, that feel it isn’t fair that we are saddled with the likes of a Specter or a Murtha and the other 49 states don’t have a taste of them – then the other states would know what we have to endure – maybe a trade could be worked out for a while!

But in spite of having such representation as Specter and Murtha over the years, there is good news which must always be kept in mind – it won’t go on much longer like it is now. The day is coming when all politicians will be removed from office. In fact every nation in the world will be impacted by this dramatic change in governing authority – Jesus Christ is scheduled to return to this world to take full control – He declared that He has all authority in heaven and on earth and promised He would come back. We don’t know the precise time when that will be – His word (and warning) was to watch and be ready, which implies that we are to live and work in anticipation of His return at any possible time. At least a few of us hope that it would be within the next 24 hours – to say the least, it will be a most dramatic change as to how things are done in the world when it comes to government!

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. --- Revelation 20:11-15

Big John Controversy Continues in PA's 12th District!

In tough economic times, John Murtha has been fighting for us. He has one of the strongest records in Congress on job creation and retention, and his work has resulted in nearly 20,000 new jobs and billions of dollars in economic development for Western Pennslyvania --- statement from campaign literature sent to residents of the 12th Congressional District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on October 28, 2008 by Murtha for Congress Committee

Local news is saturated with political ads, including an overdose of John Murtha's bid to continue to hold his seat in the U.S. Congress. Letters to the editor of our local paper are bound to keep the editor moving at high speed in order to keep up -- all of us in the 12th District have determined by this time for which candidate we will cast our votes. Not one to stay out of the fray -- especially this one -- I sent an email message to the editor and staff of our local paper and a copy of that to our local TV station, WJAC TV in Johnstown. So here it is -- in case you are confused as to which candidate will get my vote, let me know -- I don't mind telling you on this one! By the way, the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat has endorsed Murtha for reelection -- for a lot of us who are residents in the 12th District, that did not come as an earth-shaking surprise!

Robin, Chip and Staff Members at the Tribune-Democrat:

The fact that John Murtha has stirred up bitter controversy in recent months is legitimate cause for questioning his reelection as congressional representative from the 12th District.

Two things involved here -- his growing arrogance over recent years and the very nature of what has sparked the controversies.

His careless and unfounded allegations about certain Marines being cold-blooded killers of innocent people and his references to constituents in his district and beyond as being "racists" and "rednecks" are more recent examples of that arrogance on display. He is a disgrace to the uniform he once wore, and I am not the only ex-Marine who feels that way.

He competes for the title of "#1 Porker" in the U.S. Congress and at last report is the most likely title holder in that department! Of course this is why he is so popular in one sense -- money talks and it provides guaranteed job security in Congress when you have a lot of power and clout -- Big John knows this very well.

But that leads to another question -- what will he and his fellow co-conspirator "porkers" do when the money is gone? They are doing absolutely nothing to reign in the mounting national debt. The "clock" I have on my blog at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com is moving toward 10 1/2 trillion dollars -- the few people with common sense (and that certainly doesn't include politicians) quickly conclude that this cannot continue much longer before disaster of unprecedented proportions strikes this republic!

Yes, John Murtha will likely be elected in spite of his arrogance, irresponsible statements made and irresponsible action on his part to further contribute to the mounting national debt.

John could walk in Central Park, step in doggy doo-doo, wipe it off with a paper towel and then wipe it across the faces of his constituents and they would still reelect him -- strange, strange world, is it not? Well, all of his constituents except for at least one. I have never voted for John Murtha from the time he first sought to fill the seat of his deceased predecessor back in the mid 70's until now and I never will.

Still contending at www.crrange.com, blogging at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com and warning at www.crrange.com/USACoffin.html

Clayton D. Harriger, Pastor, Gipsy Christian Church at http://www.crrange.com/gipsy.html
Former Sgt. United States Marine Corps
Non-affiliated registered voter in Cambria County
and Guest Editor at the Tribune-Democrat in September 2008 -- an underserved privilege for which I am very grateful.

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. --- Psalm 2:1-4

Big John Has Gone and Done It Again!

Murtha remark debated…Rep apologizes; reaction mixed --- Johnstown Tribune-Democrat front page headline – October 17, 2008

Big John Murtha, infamous congressman from south central Pennsylvania, just can’t control that mouth of his under just about any circumstance – it seems to be a major problem of getting the brain and mouth in sync at the same time. Perhaps that is a unique disease that is prevalent in the nation’s Capitol!

Some time back he went on public record lashing out at certain Marines, accusing them of killing innocent women and children and labeled them as “cold blooded killers.” At this point in time 7 of the 8 have been exonerated of all charges leveled against them. The case of the 8th Marine is on hold for the time being. Big John did not go out of his way in making apology for his loose cannon mouth in this matter.

Now that same mouth recently fired off a barrage again which involves us who reside in his district and beyond in western Pennsylvania. We are now “racists” and by implication, will show our prejudices by voting against Barack Obama on election day in November.

As an aside, I admit I will be voting against B. O. on election day, but not because his skin color is much darker than mine – but mainly due to the undisputed fact that he is dedicated to perpetuating the ongoing practice of mutilating and murdering thousands of unborn children each week of the year in a nation that makes the hypocritical claim that every person should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! He has opposed efforts to preserve even the lives of those few late term infants who miraculously survive an abortion attempt – just let them lie there until they die is B. O.’s approach to these circumstances.

Big John attempted some kind of “apology” but as reported by the Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown, the reaction to what he said is mixed. WJAC-TV, the local television station, conducted a poll on this issue and that was “mixed” with a number of persons indicating they were not offended by what he said.

John Murtha holds a position in the Johnstown and Cambria County area which can be compared to that of deity – in fact, God is probably at best second in position and perhaps quite a few rungs lower than John on the ladder of prestige.

He has brought millions of dollars into his district from the coffers of the U. S Treasury Department. He is at the top of the list when it comes to earmarks and tapping into tax dollars for whatever reason which will somehow benefit the district which he represents. This will help guarantee that his job is rather secure. Since his election to the U. S. Congress in the mid 70’s there have been opponents who have tried to unseat him, but to no avail.

Murtha is at a place where he can do about anything he wants, say anything he wants, even if it is a bold-faced lie, and still hold his position without any serious challenge..

Dyed-in-the-wool Democratic loyalty in the Johnstown and Cambria County area is such that if the Devil himself were running on the Democratic ticket and the people knew for real that it was the Devil running on the ticket, they would vote for him anyway – if the Devil is a Democrat running for office, it’s OK and it’s right! But then, there are some Republicans that are of about the same mind when it comes to blind loyalty as well – if the Devil ran on the Republican ticket, he would get their vote without question.

But as I have said previously on my web site and blog, there is reason to be excited and hopeful – the day is coming when all politicians and government leaders all over the world will be out of a job – no desperate speculation, but fact! The evidence? Take a look at Good News! A Day Coming in Which All Politicians Will Be Removed from Office! -- use reverse feature on your web browser to return to this place.

Oh yes, a parting question – John Murtha is up for reelection in November – anybody want to guess what I will do when I see his name on the ballot – will he get the “X” or will it be somebody else?

And do not assume that because I said I would vote against B. O. that I will be voting for John McCain -- there will be other names on the ballot for the office of president -- you ARE aware of that, are you not? None of us is obligated to select one of two major party nominees in a presidential election!

This was written by a non-affiliated registered voter living in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to Me, ' 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'" --- Psalm 2:1-9

A Pot Calling the Kettle Black -- D.C. Style!

"I've served with seven presidents. When they come in, they all make mistakes. They all get older...." --- part of press release on John Murtha stating that John McCain is too old to be president, April 17, 2008

Putting big feet into big mouths seems to be a natural with politicans -- it's more common than we realize -- B. O. did it recently in regard to remarks about people in the small towns of Pennsylvania.

Now Big John Murtha who represents a portion of south central PA, including the city of Johnstown, in the U. S. Congress has declared John McCain to be too old to be president of the United States! These words come from a man whose age must be affecting serious thinking on his part due to the fact that Big John is older than McCain!

Says Murtha -- "Let me tell you something, it's no old man's job." That is interesting coming from one who has given no indication that he is going to step down from his position due to age -- he is about 4 years older than McCain!

I have the misfortune of living in Murtha's district, and have communicated with him from time to time. His replies are always typical of a politician -- lots of talk but no real substance on whatever the issue may be.

Murtha is notorious for the practice of "ear-marking" when it comes to spending the tax money we have paid to the federal government -- designatiing millions of dollars here and there within the boundaries of his district with much of it related to defense contracts of some sort. In fact, Big John qualifies for title of "King of All Ear-Markers!"

One of the urgent needs is for Route 219 to be made into a 4-lane highway north from the Ebensburg area to the New York border. What has Murtha done? Well, he was present at the opening of a very short 4-lane extension which is just west of Ebensburg and proceeds north from Rt. 422. They even put a sign along this extension, naming it the John Murtha Highway -- it was but a short time when someone shot the sign full of holes!

But down in the Johnstown area, it appears that God plays second fiddle to Big John in the minds of a lot of Democrats! So, how long will he keep his seat in Congress? It is likely he is very selective on the age issue - he is quick with the lip as to who is too old to be president, but no comment on what the age limit should be to members of the U. S. Congress!

Aren't these pot and kettle episodes exciting, and each one gets better as time passes!

This has been written by a non-affiliated registered voter in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. And I am Clayton D. Harriger and I approved this message!

"Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain." --- Ezekiel 22:27

Big John Corrupted? Surely You Jest!

"Threatening a House member for criticizing earmarks. That's a clear violation of House ethics." --- Melanie Sloan, Executive Director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington DC

John Murtha is my congressman in Washington DC. I am not proud of that fact, but we in the Johnstown area of central Pennsylvania have had this "ball & chain" type of politician dragging us down for over 3 decades!

I have written personal letters to him on numerous occasions concerning various issues. And he has usually responded. When I do get a letter from him it is as is the case with politicians who have held office far too long -- a lot of words without any real substance and exhibiting the unusual ability to straddle the fence. I have found that a number of church leaders can do about the same thing!

Big John grabbed national headlines some time back by advocating the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. Needless to say, he doesn't rank high on Bush's book of people to admire and like.

In his district Big John holds a position that puts him higher than Almighty God Himself in the minds of a lot of people! And likely some would go to Big John first with their request for help rather than to God. Seems he has an open spigot in his district which runs to the U. S. Treasury! So this recent release of details about his being corrupted and abuse of his power will not go down well with a lot of people in his district and especially Johnstown where his name appears on buildings all over the place.

The report from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) mentions not only the theat Murtha made to a fellow House member, but also noted he had more earmarks (money for projects in his home district) than anyone else. He is also cited for the abuse of his position on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and allegations that by doing so such actions benefitted the lobbying firm of a former long-term staff staff member.

So, should anyone really be surprised?

Always remember, very few people can handle power and/or wealth responsibly. Big John Murtha of Johnstown PA certainly demonstrates the reality of that. And it's not just true in government, but also in the corporate world and within the church with its many institutions!

Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, to the oppressing city! She has not obeyed His voice, she has not received correction; she has not trusted in the LORD, she has not drawn near to her God. Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave not a bone till morning. Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. --- Zephaniah 3:1-4