PAtownhall.com
Pennsylvania's Marketplace of Ideas
Pennsylvania's Marketplace of Ideas
PAtownhall.com
Pennsylvania's Marketplace of Ideas
Pennsylvania's Marketplace of Ideas
Fri, August 08, 2008by Chris Freind
Bob Asher's Outlook for the GOP
(Last in a three part series with John McCain's Pennsylvania chairman)
TB: Why did the Republicans ... [View Full Article]
Wed, August 06, 2008by Chris Freind
Over the weekend, Barack Obama held his first stateside press conference since being elected Chancellor of Germany. As usual, generalities abounded about the need for "change" and how more government ... [View Full Article]
Wed, August 06, 2008by Chris Freind
(First in a three part interview with John McCain's statewide chairman. Read Part two under Friendly Fire.)
Many call him the Godfather of Pennsylvania GOP ... [View Full Article]
Wed, August 06, 2008by Chris Freind
McCain's Statewide Chairman Speaks
Part Two of a Three-Part Series
TB: You are the statewide chairman of the John McCain campaign. What does your role entail? ... [View Full Article]
Thu, July 31, 2008by Chris Freind
The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a resolution apologizing to black Americans for slavery and the racial injustice of Jim Crow laws. As with most things Congress does, this action is ... [View Full Article]
Thu, July 31, 2008by Chris Freind
A city council committee in the People's Republic of Los Angeles has issued its latest decree, unanimously endorsing a plan that would ban any additional fast-food restaurants from opening in South ... [View Full Article]
Tue, July 29, 2008by Chris Freind
Well, they did it again. The bureaucrats at the Food and Drug Administration, which should be re-named the Federal Destruction Administration, have embarked on yet another mission to wipe out an ... [View Full Article]
Fri, July 18, 2008by Chris Freind
If there's one thing you have to give Philadelphia's leaders credit for achieving, it's consistency. Under the "leadership" of every mayor and city council going back decades, the city has ... [View Full Article]
Fri, July 18, 2008by Chris Freind
There he goes again! Jesse Jackson has once more shown his true talent as a comedian. By providing us with priceless material, via an open microphone, his recent words about Barack Obama were above ... [View Full Article]
Mon, July 14, 2008by Chris Freind
The surprise resignation of U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan this week left many political observers scratching their heads. Questions abound surrounding Meehan' timing, especially since he is widely ... [View Full Article]
Mon, July 14, 2008by Chris Freind
I want to be a government bureaucrat. Where else can you be so incompetent without any repercussions?
Take the ongoing saga surrounding the salmonella outbreak, ... [View Full Article]
Fri, July 11, 2008by Chris Freind
Recently I had the distinct displeasure of attending the Philadelphia FBI Office's "Meet The Press Day". Actually, it was nauseating.
I had to sit next to ... [View Full Article]
Thu, July 10, 2008by Chris Freind
Oilman billionaire T. Boone Pickens has taken the moral high road, sounding the alarm that America's security is being severely jeopardized by our dependence on foreign oil. His solution? Invest in ... [View Full Article]
Thu, July 03, 2008by Chris Freind
As the Fourth of July approaches, we will observe the typical festivities surrounding our Independence Day, from backyard barbeques to fireworks to ceremonies honoring those who fought for our ... [View Full Article]
Wed, July 02, 2008by Chris Freind
Well, it's official. Gerry and Kate McCann have become the Ramseys of Europe. Just as the Christmastime murder of six year old JonBenet Ramsey went officially unsolved, it appears that resolving ... [View Full Article]
Wed, July 02, 2008by Chris Freind
I will be labeled uncaring, cruel and uncompassionate. Critics will claim that my feelings would be different if I experienced the same situation as those on whom I am "turning my back". They will ... [View Full Article]
Wed, July 02, 2008by Chris Freind
In a stunning move, even for Philadelphia's standards, the city's School District continues its refusal to allow the City Controller access to audit a significant portion of its multi-million dollar ... [View Full Article]
Thu, June 19, 2008by Chris Freind
Isn't it great to see that Congress has finally gotten its priorities in order? After addressing so many "pressing" issues, such as whether Roger Clemens used steroids when they weren't ... [View Full Article]
Wed, June 18, 2008by Chris Freind
"There's been a tremendous amount of debate on the issue, but smoke free legislation can save lives." So stated Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter after the state senate passed a statewide ... [View Full Article]
Fri, June 13, 2008by Chris Freind
What do President Bush, John McCain and Barack Obama have in common? They can all dance the Washington two-step with the best of them. All three talk the talk when it comes to reigning in wasteful ... [View Full Article]
Fri, June 06, 2008by Chris Freind
Is the Marple Newtown School District in Delaware County on the verge of bankruptcy? It's a fair question, considering its no-tolerance policy toward God in the public schools. If the ... [View Full Article]
Fri, June 06, 2008by Chris Freind
"With friends like these, who needs enemies?"
In light of the tell-all book authored by former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, that phrase sums it up ... [View Full Article]
Fri, May 16, 2008by Chris Freind
In the real world, scoring 34% on a test would be a colossal failure. But for the school district of Philadelphia, that score is viewed as passing with flying colors. They must be using the ... [View Full Article]
Tue, May 13, 2008by Chris Freind
The folks at PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) have once again shown they are one duck liver short of foie gras. Their latest stunt is demanding the suspension of Eight Belles' ... [View Full Article]
Tue, May 13, 2008by Chris Freind
Our politicians have finally hit the bottom of the barrel. At a time when Americans need concrete answers for fixing the economy and getting the country back on track, our "leaders" are still ... [View Full Article]
Thu, May 01, 2008by Chris Freind
Let's take Senator John McCain down Memory Lane. In 1989, former Klan leader David Duke beat an incumbent Republican to win a seat in the Louisiana legislature. The surprise wasn't that Duke won, ... [View Full Article]
Tue, April 29, 2008by Chris Freind
I am not a wealthy man, but I have recently acquired twenty two "domiciles" throughout Philadelphia. My real estate prowess has afforded me a unique opportunity to make a tangible ... [View Full Article]
Mon, April 28, 2008by Chris Freind
We are a nation at war---a war that has dragged on far too long. Once and for all, it is high time to punt political correctness and destroy the enemy that has been dogging us for years. Victory ... [View Full Article]
Wed, April 02, 2008by Chris Freind
Vacationing in Florida, it seems fitting to rain Freindly Fire on the one of the most pressing issues of the day. This being the Sunshine State, that might be hanging chads, the never-ending debate ... [View Full Article]
Wed, April 02, 2008by Chris Freind
What kind of person deliberately walks away from hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of dollars, and, at the same time, welcomes a criminal trial in which he himself is a defendant, even though ... [View Full Article]
Wed, March 19, 2008by Chris Freind
Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews has been a fixture in Republican politics for three decades. From his days as a local committeeman to his Lieutenant Governor campaign as Lynn Swann's ... [View Full Article]
Thu, March 13, 2008by Chris Freind
The Democratic Party has redefined "irony". And that irony is becoming a nightmare.
First, there is the Democratic National Committee's insane decision to ... [View Full Article]
Tue, March 04, 2008by Peg Luksik
In this election year, many are working to advance a conservative fiscal agenda, but do not even want to mention social conservatism. They claim to simultaneously be fiscal conservatives and social ... [View Full Article]
Thu, February 28, 2008by Chris Freind
In the wake of City Council's defeat of a proposal to waive Philadelphia's residency requirement for those seeking to work for the city, here's a new marketing campaign for the city:
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Fri, February 22, 2008by Chris Freind
No one who lived through The Great Depression called it The Great Depression. That designation wouldn't come until years later.
In the same vein, I wonder if we ... [View Full Article]
Fri, February 15, 2008by Chris Freind
My first reaction was to ask Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, where he bought his happy pills. After all, this is the man who just called for Islamic Sharia law to be implemented in ... [View Full Article]
Thu, February 14, 2008by Chris Freind
Here we go again.
Congress is conducting yet another circus, this time looking into allegations of steroid use by baseball superstar Roger Clemens.
View Full Article]
Wed, February 13, 2008by Chris Freind
I'm not very swift. I guess that's why I'm in the media.
But something came up this week which is an absolute no-brainer. It's one of those rare issue with no gray ... [View Full Article]
Wed, February 06, 2008by Chris Freind
For all who relish the thought of a Democratic White House next January, one word is in order: beware.
If John McCain captures the White House, it certainly won't be ... [View Full Article]
Tue, February 05, 2008by Chris Freind
I love soccer. I coach it. I watch it. I played it.
I just don't want to pay for it.
But that's exactly what we're doing. ... [View Full Article]
Mon, February 04, 2008by Chris Freind
I was lucky enough last Monday to be in the Capitol, watching President Bush deliver his last State of the Union message. Seeing virtually the entire United States government in one room is truly a ... [View Full Article]
Wed, January 30, 2008by Chris Freind
Freindly Fire recently interviewed U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in his Capitol office. The following is the last in a three part series with the longest serving Senator in the history of ... [View Full Article]
Mon, January 28, 2008by Chris Freind
Freindly Fire recently interviewed U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in his Capitol office. The following is the second in a three part series with the longest serving Senator in the history of ... [View Full Article]
Fri, January 25, 2008by Chris Freind
Above everything else, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter is a survivor. The longest serving Senator in the history of Pennsylvania, he has weathered bruising challenges from both the Right and the Left. A ... [View Full Article]
Thu, January 24, 2008by Chris Freind
Up until the 1930's, the majority of blacks were Republican, proud to be in the Party of Lincoln. In fact, the national anthem of the NAACP, Lift Every Voice and Sing, was written by a black ... [View Full Article]
Thu, January 17, 2008by Chris Freind
OK, let's get it right out in the open. Freindly Fire is prepared to eat crow.
Never one to mince words, this column buried Senator John McCain back in July:
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Wed, January 16, 2008by Chris Freind
Corzine is the Worst Kind of Liberal
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine just proposed a massive toll hike on many of the Garden State's highways. Why? To control the ... [View Full Article]
Fri, January 11, 2008by Chris Freind
Pop-Quiz: What percentage of Americans know the difference in the health care policies of Oback Barama and Hillary Clinton?
How about just two distinctions ... [View Full Article]
Tue, January 08, 2008by Chris Freind
Upon analyzing the candidacy and subsequent victory of incoming Democratic Mayor Michael Nutter, a veteran political observer remarked: "If Michael Nutter lived in Chester County, he'd be a ... [View Full Article]
Mon, January 07, 2008by Chris Freind
"There cannot be peace without justice". So said the Raila Odinga, opposition leader in Kenya. His point has merit, of course, since a quarter million people have been displaced and over ... [View Full Article]
Mon, December 31, 2007by Chris Freind
It's that time of year again when Freindly Fire heaps praise upon those most deserving. You probably aren't going to find these winners on the lists of the mainstream media, though, since all of them ... [View Full Article]
Fri, December 28, 2007by Chris Freind
Some tasks are really tough. With so many idiots in politics, sports, entertainment, and the news, it's not easy to decide who should make Freindly Fire's coveted Loser List. But here goes:
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Mon, December 24, 2007by Chris Freind
Wouldn't it be great if our leaders would simply do the right thing, free from hidden agendas and focus groups? If that sounds like common sense, remember the words of Voltaire: "Common sense is ... [View Full Article]
Thu, December 20, 2007by Chris Freind
In a stunning move, even for Pennsylvania politics, Montgomery County Republican Commissioner Jim Matthews has forged an alliance with minority Democratic Commissioner Joe Hoeffel to share power, ... [View Full Article]
Wed, December 19, 2007by Chris Freind
So Geno's Steaks owner Joey Vento finally had his day in court last Friday. Why? To defend himself against a discrimination complaint filed by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations. You ... [View Full Article]
Mon, December 17, 2007by Chris Freind
When Barack Obama becomes President, his first Executive Order should be to open up investigations of cocaine use by George Bush (and himself) and marijuana use by Bill Clinton. After all, why not ... [View Full Article]
Thu, December 13, 2007by Chris Freind
Is the "Pork Chop" Mascot Racist? Is Santa Claus Sexist?
While seated in a restaurant next to a man, his daughter and three small grandchildren, I ... [View Full Article]
Wed, December 12, 2007by Chris Freind
If you're asking about that ringing sound in your ears, it's not Christmas bells. Instead, it's the sound of al-Qaida laughing hysterically at how inept America's "leaders" are in dealing ... [View Full Article]
Mon, December 10, 2007by Chris Freind
He is Republican, pro-defense and hawkish on the War. He is also an unabashed Christian, although his particular sect is one that is viewed with suspicion and prejudice. Oh, and he's running for ... [View Full Article]
Wed, December 05, 2007by Chris Freind
Editor's Note: Beginning today Chris Freind's column Freindly Fire will become a regular feature on www.patownhall.com.
Don Imus is back on the radio. Or ... [View Full Article]