This was a great article that really captures what it's like to live in Pennsylvania. What the author missed, though, is what really brings Pennsylvanians together: their local politics. PA is relatively unique in having very strong municipal governments. The more than 2,000 cities, boroughs, and townships have a lot more governing power than the counties. The 500 or so school districts, likewise, have a lot of power.

The result is very easy access for citizens to relatively powerful elected officials. I don't know if this strong local governmental power causes the political attitudes featured in this article, but strong local politics could explain the conservative and middle-of-the-road approach here.

Lufbery:

This was a great article that really captures what it's like to live in Pennsylvania. What the author missed, though, is what really brings Pennsylvanians together: their corrupt local politics.

I think you forgot a word there so I fixed that for you. Although - you'd have to extend it to the state level as well. What brings Pennsylvanians together most often is our outrage at our state government's institance at late night sneaky pay raises, illegal bonuses and pretty much everything else that happens in Harrisburg.

But yeah - I agree - the article is pretty accurate in describing the situation here.

And yet we still returned most of the those scoundrels back to office after the sneaky pay raise scandal!

Sorry sore point with me. Had too many arguments with people who had the "My rep is awesome, but everyone else in the General Assembly needs to go" mentality.

After the pay raise and now the bonus scandal, I assume Deweese has compromising photos on every elected official and everyone in his district for him to keep not only his office, but his position of power.

I am the man featured in this story. I dispute some of the "facts" reported within it.

First and foremost, the author characterizes the events at Haditha as a "massacre". Though he and the rest of the media elite may see the events that way, the fact on the ground tell a far different story. Much to the chagrin of members of the media elite, and more importantly Congressman Murtha, the Marines who were accused of the "massacre" were found completely innocent of all wrong doing. They were "Guilty" of fighting for journalists right to spout lies at home (i.e. our freedoms).

Despite this fact, NO ONE in the Democratic Party (Including Murtha) has ever issued them an apology. So let me do so on their behalf: I'm sorry that this moron and his cronies in the media have slandered you and the marines you are serving with.

Secondly, I was fully aware of who my congressman was. I relayed that information to the author, telling him that Jason Altmayer (my congressman) was less offensive, since he was pro-troops, pro-life, pro-gun, and is against gay marriage.

As usual, the intent was to cast those who do not support Barack Obama as racist, hayseed rednecks who are nothing more than angry white males with an ax to grind.

The truth is that the Democratic Party has left my father. Instead of Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, and the late Bob Casey, we are left with Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, and Barack Obama.

But don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. Soon will discover if we are racist in Pennsylvania. Depending on how the vote turns out.

Good for you Jason, for setting the record straight. The author obviously only heard what he wanted to ..... Let's just hope you don't get investigated like Joe the Plummer for voicing your opinion. Say goodbye to freedoms if you vote Obama!