Froth Slosh B'Gosh

Orie Resigns, Accusations From Melvin's Camp

Jane Orie, facing sentancing following her felony and misdemenor convictions, resigned from the Pennsylvania Senate yesterday.

Meanwhile, her sister, accused Pennsylvania State Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie-Melvin, is claiming through her attorney that Allegheny County DA Zappala is engaged in a political vendetta against the Orie family.

And to that, I say, "So what?"  I don't have a clue if Zappala has a vendetta against the Ories or not, but the fact of the matter is, a grand jury found enough evidence to warrant charges.  If the evidence isn't there, no charges would be forthcoming.

Bottom line, if you have political enemies, be they real or perceived, its not a good idea to provide them with ammunition they can use against you.

Angel On Video??

Pizza man claims he's captured the image of an angel.

Word is spreading about the angelic surveillance video. A group of nuns from a nearby convent stopped over to view the image Friday night.

It's called "pareidolia," but there really is no convincing people who believe in the supernatural of that.

Orie-Melvin Charged

State Supreme Court Justice faces charges in the Orie Affair.  Looks like she's charged with four felony and five misdemeanor counts.  The criminal complaint against her is here. 

The charges include three counts of theft of services, two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of official oppression and one count each of criminal conspiracy to commit theft of services and misapplication of entrusted property of government.

The grand jury's presentment is here, and it sounds like working for the Orie sisters was a nightmare.

 Its good that she's stepping aside (although not resigning her seat) until the case is resolved.  So as it stands, we now have one Orie convicted and awaiting sentencing, another awaiting trial, and now a third facing charges.   

Adventures In Voting

SO I was asked for a photo ID at the polls yesterday. On principle, I refused. I was handed a notice stating that I would be required to show a photo ID in November, and it listed the acceptable forms of ID. Interestingly, my government issued voter ID card isn't acceptable (no photo). What I also found interesting was that I could refuse to show photo ID and still be able to cast a provisional ballot. I'd then have to go to the elections office at the county courthouse within six days and show one of the approved forms of ID, or affirm that I am who I say I am in order to have my ballot counted. Say what?? Affirm?? What exactly does that mean? Lets go to Dictionary.com:
af·firm
   [uh-furm] Show IPA

verb (used with object)
1.
to state or assert positively; maintain as true: to affirm one's loyalty to one's country; He affirmed that all was well.

2.
to confirm or ratify: The appellate court affirmed the judgment of the lower court.

3.
to assert solemnly: He affirmed his innocence.

4.
to express agreement with or commitment to; uphold; support: to affirm human rights.

verb (used without object)
5.
Law .
a.
to state something solemnly before a court or magistrate, but without oath.

b.
to ratify and accept a voidable transaction.

c.
(of an appellate court) to determine that the action of the lower court shall stand.

Oh my! No photo ID required! Now isn't affirming our identity what we've been doing all along when we sign the voter card at the polls? Why is it necessary to make this affirmation at the courthouse before a bureaucrat who likely doesn't know me, but I can't make this affirmation at the polls, where all the poll workers know me? What is this law supposed to prevent anyway? The only thing I can't think of is to prevent someone from impersonating another at the polls, a situation that rarely, if ever, happens. SO, other than throwing a roadblock before people who don't have the appropriate ID, what, exactly, is the point?

Also Too, Al Gore Is Fat

It appears that in some quarters, the possibility of snow in April is unprecedented. Therefore, global warming is a hoax. This is what happens when you confuse weather with climate.

Faugh A Ballagh!!

Last ones, I promise!

Ahhh, the reenactors reward!  All the lasses love a man in a smelly wool uniform!  Of course, if these young ladies had any idea at all of the reputation these lads have, they wouldn't be standing so close!

I Still Have A Few More Of These

Even MORE St. Patrick's Day Pictures!

Orie Guilty On 15 Counts, Aquitted On Ten

Looks like someone is headed to the Big House.

An Allegheny County jury convicted state Sen. Jane Orie today of 14 of the 24 counts in her public corruption trial and acquitted the McCandless Republican of others after five days of deliberation.

The jury found Ms. Orie guilty of multiple counts of theft of services, conflict of interest, ethics violations, tampering with evidence and forgery, and a single count of conspiracy.

Ms. Orie was found not guilty of counts of perjury, obstruction of justice and election code violations. The jury also found her not guilty on counts related to her sister, state Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.

The guilty verdicts jeopardize her seat in Harrisburg and her state pension.

I still have to wonder if there is anyone in Harrisburg who isn't corrupt.