tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post4051176992190109803..comments2023-12-24T05:26:48.861-05:00Comments on The Pittsburgh Comet: The Zappalas: Influence, Big Business, Exploitation and Vulgar SilenceBram Reichbaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-88266388570019136292009-04-06T09:13:00.000-04:002009-04-06T09:13:00.000-04:00Anono 10:00 here, despite the fact I stand bby my ...Anono 10:00 here, despite the fact I stand bby my previous ccontentions, I appreciate the well-balanced response.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-20631540897063526292009-04-05T23:36:00.000-04:002009-04-05T23:36:00.000-04:00I note your exceptions, Anon 10:00. I'll respond o...I note your exceptions, Anon 10:00. I'll respond only to your allegation of "selected quoting"; I certainly made selections with the intent of being concise and illustrative, but also to be accurate. There is not much of anything in those pieces, nor elsewhere I have noticed when it comes to the swaptions / waste management / detention facilities in question, that would fall in the balancing / exculpatory category. It all does look pretty bad to me. Everyone is absolutely encouraged to read through those very lengthy documents.<BR/><BR/>This doesn't have to be the last or the best word on the matter; in fact it better be neither nor.<BR/><BR/>As to your opinion that it's all political, frankly Dowd and Ravenstahl have little to do with this -- except Ravenstahl was clearly raised in and has taken to this Pittsburghian / Pennsylvanian public-private habitat whereas Pat Dowd, though possibly no angel, is coming in fresh of this. For more on why I think that might be important, see here:<BR/><BR/>http://pittsblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/not-born-here.htmlBram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-16538509844921695702009-04-05T22:00:00.000-04:002009-04-05T22:00:00.000-04:00This is nothing more than a political hit-piece fu...This is nothing more than a political hit-piece full of poorly researched innuendo and half-truths. Unfortunately no better than than than the obviously planted dreck found on the blogs of Hoagie and other pittsburgh bloggers who try in vain to dupe their reading public into believing they are some sort of unbiased political commentators. The problem from my vantage point is that Pittsburgh Comet, while opinionated, has usually done a better job of walking that line by presenting a fairly accurate picture to its readers. A little more digging and a little less selective quoting, and perhaps this article might lead to an intelligent discussion of issues facing our region. As it is, both Dowd and Ravensthal care only about their political aspirations and nothing more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-32821467030938631382009-04-05T15:36:00.000-04:002009-04-05T15:36:00.000-04:00Sorry for my ignorance on this, but what is an "un...Sorry for my ignorance on this, but what is an "unconfirmed pollster"? Or a confirmed pollster, for that matter. I am not familiar with that phrase.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-52037023858534661092009-04-05T01:10:00.000-04:002009-04-05T01:10:00.000-04:00Jeez, Infinonymous, would you like to add those na...Jeez, Infinonymous, would you like to add those names? Because I don't know them.<BR/><BR/>I'd almost rather keep the focus on GZ and MM, but go right ahead and inform us.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-28567278813715360682009-04-05T00:50:00.000-04:002009-04-05T00:50:00.000-04:00Why no mention of names associated with substandar...Why no mention of names associated with substandard management of public pension accounts?<BR/><BR/>Are you going soft on us?Infinonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02523717432084762839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-74867038145547341942009-04-05T00:23:00.000-04:002009-04-05T00:23:00.000-04:00Oh, here come the lap dog of the mayor to tell us ...Oh, here come the lap dog of the mayor to tell us all how it is...<BR/><BR/>How fitting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-38003285173687799702009-04-04T21:31:00.000-04:002009-04-04T21:31:00.000-04:00What does Mayor Ravenstahl have to do with Blagoje...What does Mayor Ravenstahl have to do with Blagojevich? Nothing at all. Someone can have an unconfirmed pollster that someone else has.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-78344807368443451532009-04-04T20:23:00.000-04:002009-04-04T20:23:00.000-04:00Yep. Luke is talking advice from this guy...During...Yep. Luke is talking advice from this guy...<BR/><BR/><I>During the first call cited in the Blagojevich complaint that included Yang, on Nov. 7, the governor told Harris and Yang, "I want to make money." He said he'd take a cabinet post or the Change to Win job in return for Jarrett's appointment.<BR/><BR/>Yang also participated in a Nov. 12 call where the formation of nonprofit organization was discussed, with the hope that Blagojevich could hold a high-paying position. Yang suggested the union job would lead to less questions and scrutiny for Obama, the complaint states.<BR/><BR/>"Advisor B stated that he likes the ... idea, but liked the Change to Win option better because, according to Advisor B, from the President-elect's perspective, there would be fewer 'fingerprints' on the President-elect's involvement with Change to Win," the complaint says.<BR/><BR/>Yang noted that Change to Win already has a revenue stream, meaning Blagojevich "won't have stories in four years that they bought you off."</I>Surprised?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-9546974291493437302009-04-04T19:14:00.000-04:002009-04-04T19:14:00.000-04:00wasn't this all on the Burg Report last year?hopel...wasn't this all on the Burg Report last year?<BR/><BR/>hopeless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-57019044896461728452009-04-04T19:12:00.000-04:002009-04-04T19:12:00.000-04:00http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/22/democra...http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/22/democratic-consultant-named-advisor-b-blagojevich-tapes/<BR/>yep Fred Yang is Lukes pollsterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-42675044586250117112009-04-04T19:05:00.000-04:002009-04-04T19:05:00.000-04:00Mayor Ravenstahl keeps lots of good advisors aroun...Mayor Ravenstahl keeps lots of good advisors around him. They (Eddie Gratton, John Verbanac,Charlie Zappala, Bill Lieberman, Greg Zappala)keep the Steelerstahl machinery humming.<BR/><BR/>and his pollster is Fred Yang.<BR/><BR/>YANG WAS REFERRED TO by the FBI AS "ADVISOR B" 16 TIMES IN THE COMPLAINT AGAINST BLAGOJEVICH AND TOOK PART IN FIVE PHONE CALLS WITH THE IMPEACHED GOVERNOR DURING DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAYS THE GOVERNOR COULD BENEFIT FROM MAKING THE APPOINTMENT FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SENATE SEAT.<BR/><BR/>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/22/frederick-yang-top-democr_n_160205.html<BR/> <BR/>see <BR/>He even gets advice from national scumbag deal makers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-10369268039596938222009-04-04T18:36:00.000-04:002009-04-04T18:36:00.000-04:00while we are connecting dotsBramEdward Gratton is ...while we are connecting dots<BR/>Bram<BR/><BR/>Edward Gratton is a major fund raiser for Mayor Luke (and finance guy for the Allegheny County Dem Party).<BR/><BR/>John Verbanac (Charlie Zappala's best friend and former Santorum flunkie) is Mayor Luke's chief political advisor as well as another money guy.<BR/><BR/>If the PG or Trib would like a Pulitzer prize before they fold there is one hell of a story to be told. But, not likely. Blog on Bram.<BR/><BR/><BR/>--a former Luke team memberAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-24216235744863836432009-04-04T16:31:00.000-04:002009-04-04T16:31:00.000-04:00Anal-mouse said..."Yes, enlightening. I still thin...Anal-mouse said...<BR/><BR/>"Yes, enlightening. I still think you need an editor, but good job Bram. Thanks."<BR/><BR/>I just so happen to know of an editor that is looking for different job...<BR/><BR/>If hired he'd acknowledge backhanded compliment with own.<BR/><BR/>"You sound like Doug Shields, Anal-Mouse!"<BR/><BR/>monkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-48256984112311107842009-04-04T16:21:00.000-04:002009-04-04T16:21:00.000-04:00Holy Cow!monkHoly Cow!<BR/><BR/>monkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-71168000497083335802009-04-03T18:45:00.000-04:002009-04-03T18:45:00.000-04:00The above was MH, I typed the word verification in...The above was MH, I typed the word verification in the name box. Oops.MHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-83028136875824086312009-04-03T18:39:00.000-04:002009-04-03T18:39:00.000-04:00Some of your readers have Sicilian ancestors and a...Some of your readers have Sicilian ancestors and are Catholic and are law abiding (basically). I don't take it personally because with enemies like this, who needs to worry.aduslinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-72307123941319979042009-04-03T17:25:00.000-04:002009-04-03T17:25:00.000-04:00Well, I forgot Mark and Ed. Real people. Thanks ...Well, I forgot Mark and Ed. Real people. Thanks for chiming in, guys.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-76632466534877510532009-04-03T16:10:00.000-04:002009-04-03T16:10:00.000-04:00Anon 3:52 - All future comments of a similar natur...<B>Anon 3:52</B> - All future comments of a similar nature -- off-topic, ugly amd provocative ethnic insinuation -- will be deleted.<BR/><BR/>"Mon Dawn"'s comment, while very much out of line for these reasons, will remain accessable. Mr. Ference did seem to identify himself very clearly, which is important in this situation as readers so far had only anonymously chimed in with appreciation or new data (though I appreciate these readers as well very much).<BR/><BR/>The specific invitation for readers to search for <I>"Mike Ference Zappala"</I> is bold. Wish I had time to do that now.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-4877449743502490112009-04-03T15:52:00.000-04:002009-04-03T15:52:00.000-04:00ZzZzZzZI love how Bram leaves ethnic talk up here ...ZzZzZzZ<BR/><BR/>I love how Bram leaves ethnic talk up here in the comments.<BR/><BR/>It really lowers this blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-4614323821346075672009-04-03T15:04:00.000-04:002009-04-03T15:04:00.000-04:00Mon Dawn- Thank you for your comment, but let's p...<B>Mon Dawn</B>- Thank you for your comment, but let's please keep the ethnic insinuations to a minimum.Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-27619729054397444362009-04-03T13:23:00.000-04:002009-04-03T13:23:00.000-04:00Nice job on the article. I've written it beofre an...Nice job on the article. I've written it beofre and I'll write it again, the Zappala's are Sicilian scumbags. They have done more to detroy this country, like so many other Sicilian scumbags. They are the terrorists. With all due respect to the victims and their families, what happened on 911 is nothing compared to what the Mafia has done to destroy this country. Take a look at the corruption in PA, many are Italian, most are Catholics and all are democrats.<BR/>Come and get get me scumbags.<BR/>Mike Ference, aka The Mon Dawn<BR/>817 Worthington Avenue<BR/>Clairton, PA 15025<BR/>P.S. You will not defeat these bastards until you show them you have no fear of the mob. To read more of my posts google Mike Ference ZappalaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-26694476770478184292009-04-03T12:21:00.000-04:002009-04-03T12:21:00.000-04:00More interesting connections can be found hereMore interesting connections can be found <A HREF="http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/rowanwolf/2009/03/high-crime---and-profit---in-j.php?ref=reccafe" REL="nofollow">here</A>ConnectingTheDotsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-61996557156473669112009-04-03T11:56:00.000-04:002009-04-03T11:56:00.000-04:00I suppose one more tiny, obvious dot would be here...I suppose one more tiny, obvious dot would be here:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09071/955196-100.stm" REL="nofollow">http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09071/955196-100.stm</A><BR/><BR/><I>Mr. Zappala said that his office would not charge the club with involuntary manslaughter because the death was more likely caused by the cocaine than the solvent.<BR/><BR/>But, he added, the club has been "put on notice" to not sell the solvents anymore.</I><BR/><BR/>If Club Pittsburgh was "put on notice", presumably something about selling that solvent for recreational inhalation and providing the Club's patrons with a safe harbor for using it as such is illegal. Even if involuntary manslaughter charges in regards to Mr. Pettway are properly not-in-play here, is that the <I>only charge</I> which might have been brought against them? The Club was marketing the product brazenly for some time.<BR/><BR/>I hope I get let off with a similar warning if I ever am discovered to be doing something so deadly irresponsible.<BR/><BR/><B>Anon 9:49</B> - Yes, please! Is there anyone specific you'd like to recommend?Bram Reichbaumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620172942925293407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1588280325775325323.post-18604141798073767852009-04-03T10:47:00.000-04:002009-04-03T10:47:00.000-04:00Good stuff Bram, keep digging, there's more...way ...Good stuff Bram, keep digging, there's more...way more. Keep connecting the dots.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com