Is there anything John Morgan does not attack?

John Morgan, what a hypocrite in action. Here is a man who attacks the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America , etc because their “policies” do not meet the needs of John or his views of what is right or wrong. But John, then why do I have to accept your way of life? John, this is my Country as well and you and your friends are not the only Democrats.

John, your constant attacks on party officials, incumbents and normal, run-of-the-mill Democrats will no longer be tolerated without some sort of retort by people like me. For a long time you have had free ride to say whatever that twisted mind of yours could come up with. Your actions are hurting the Democrat Party, attacking innocent people, misrepresenting facts and downright spreading lies. I will work non-stop to expose your misrepresentations.

A perfect example of your behavior is how you carefully tiptoed around the issue regarding Rep Bill DeWeese. Thankfully the media coverage has covered what you have conveniently avoided: especially details that are exposing the dealings of Bill DeWeese and his senior staff. You have avoided having to admit that Tom Caltagirone was right about DeWeese in January. But see, that is easy to understand, it does not serve your purpose, John. Your loyalty is to a man who could not even get close to winning as a third-party candidate and used a technical loophole to sneak on the ballot and slide into office as a West Reading councilman. Now Mike Morrill is facing a serious review of not only his failures to file a committee and reports properly, but the word in Harrisburg circles is that this case has attracted the attention of some questionable reports from Morrill’s run for Governor.


Come on John, where is your entry on that story? Instead you bring up ridiculous charges that were reviewed by people well-versed in Election Finance law and found your characterizations to be erroneous and another perfect example of you twisting information to suit your purpose.

You attack our military forces when in reality they are not responsible for the war. You think it is funny to attack the military when John, I am sure you have never served a day in uniform. I know many veterans and trust me I certainly do not want you to speak for any of those veterans. They deserve a real spokesperson who actually has worn a uniform. You wouldn't know sacrifice if it bit you in your behind.


John, you are a weak man and better come after people with more then rumor, lies and innuendos. Berks County is running out of patience with your shenanigans and I certainly am going to expose your nonsense. So, you keep being your negative, malicious self and I will happily be here ready to expose your lies, involvement with others that have axes to grind, and most of all your unwillingness to see anyone else opinions over your own.

I will expose your hatred of the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, and any other organization that does not meet your standards (including forwarding your opinions to leaders of those organizations and others). See John, I am sure that your lawyer told you that while you are entitled to your opinion, when you publish it in a public format it becomes available to all. The funny thing about your standards, John, it is about your preferences. But you see this great Country we live in was founded by men who were a lot smarter then you ever will be. They understood that the US Constitution was a living, breathing document and was designed to protect the masses from the lunatic fringe, like you, who believe their ways or sexual preferences should determine matters for all. John, you are wrong and there are many Berks Countians who are sick of hearing your constant diatribes.

You see John, it is this simple…your 15 minutes are up!

Respectfully, I am…
S. Dogood

Thank you and I am back from holiday...

To my Honorable fellow Berks Countians,

Okay, when I decided to start writing this blog I really anticipated that I would appeal to a select group of people involved in the political spectrum of Berks County. However the response to my blog entries has been overwhelming. I went away for a few days and came back to find emails from a variety of people from all walks of life either asking what I was going to cover next or giving me ideas what to blog about next. I thank you for making me feel so welcomed. I promise you more interesting blogs are coming.

Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood

Another example of "the truth will set you free"

Damian Carabello, who regularly posts as dc93 on the blogs written by the nefarious character, John Morgan, as well as the Reading Eagle blog, once again does not have all his facts straight. It seems that they again decided to write blog entries before they know the truth.

In yesterday's PA House Judiciary Committee meeting, Chairman Tom Caltagirone took a courageous stand for his constituents. Knowing that he would take a hit from the NRA, Tom Caltagirone had the intestinal fortitude to vote in support of two house bills that the NRA had launched a full-force blitz against in the days prior to the meeting. Another bill was tabled to protect it from defeat so that amendments could be brought forward to possibly garner the necessary votes from Western PA Democrats and Eastern PA Republicans in the future.

See, that is called compromise and leadership, something that Damian and John do not understand. While I personally do not agree with Mr. Caltagirone on these bills, he once again earned my respect. Leadership can be a lonely business, but Mr. Caltagirone showed once again why he will lead in any situation when necessary.

To Mr. Caltagirone's critics, such as Damian and John, your attacks are undignified and irresponsible. Matter of fact, your recent attacks should warrant a lawsuit from Mr. Caltagirone. I also believe it is necessary to include Kirk Wentzel, who I understand works for a local major realty company and routinely posts on John's blog with less than diginified posts. See, these gentlemen want to attack others for what they (John, Damian and Kirk) think people are doing wrong but yet they are above approach for their childish attacks. They call people names, they put out erroneous facts, or they take cheap shots, but yet they want to cry when they are put to the coals by people who are outraged by their behavior.

The latest attack was a disgusting post full of inaccuracies. It was a complete show of disrespect to a woman killed by her husband in an act of rage. Most politically astute people knew Sonia Medina, and the characterization of her relationship with Mr. Caltagirone was maligned by John in his blog.

Mrs. Medina and Mr. Caltagirone were close friends, with Mr. Caltagirone being the Godfather to her children and Best Man at their wedding. Now, does that sound like a relationship based on fear, or a relationship based on respect? Please get your facts straight before you decide you want to make such a false and libelous statement.

Respectable people do not enjoin debate by using personal attacks, they discuss issues with respect and civility towards their opponent. To those that want to discuss issues, and debate those issues, with Mr. Caltagirone and people such as myself; your intelligent debate is welcomed and respected.

Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood

The Dogood Award of the Week

Once a week I intend on profiling a man or woman, who to me have demonstrated what I believe is a commitment to the ideals of civility, community responsibility, cooperative spirit and courage. So I launch the Dogood Award. There are a lot of people I was thinking of for my first choice, but I kept coming down to one individual, Mel Fishburn, President of the Berks County Building Trades Council.

Here is a man who consistently goes out of his way to help his union brethren, the community at large, political leaders and our communities. I understand from various sources outside the political world that Mel and the Trades are always available to assist no matter what the call. Mel has quietly demonstrated his resolve on various issues affecting the Trades by working hard to address issues pertaining to the building trades unions. He is effective in reaching out to local, state and federal political leaders to express the support for or opposition to legislation that would affect his members. Mel, and the men and women that comprise the trades, are recognized by both sides of the aisle for being effective, organized and efficient. Make no bones about it, under Mel's guidance; the trades have become a formidable tool in the political landscape of Berks County.

But with all that being said, Mel Fishburn is a quiet man who goes about his business and does not seek recognition for what he or his organization has done. In many discussions with Republican and Democrats alike, most refer to him being the individual that they know they can call on and he will give them a straight answer, whether it what they want to hear the answer or not. He is not cocky or rude, but yet his support and the support of the Trades is of utmost importance to the political players of Berks County.

Mel Fishburn is the type of Union leader we need to be a voice for the Working Families of Berks County. If you meet Mel, you will quickly realize that you are dealing with a very professional man with a great deal of intelligence, strength, conviction, charisma and wit. His Union members recognize him as honest and forthwith and know that with him in their corner, they have someone who will fight for them until the end. It is a perfect example of either working together or we will fail on our own.

The Trades clear and broad support, without any reservation, for the Democrats who have been elected to serve our County, such as Jim Bucci, Judy Schwank, Denny Hess and Kevin Barnhardt, demonstrates the level they are willing to go for the candidates they support. You can also clearly see their support of state and federal political leaders as well, by the strong support and endorsements they have given Tom Caltagirone, Dante Santoni and Tim Holden.

For all those reasons, I am honored and privileged to award my first weekly Dogood Award to Mel Fishburn, President of the Berks County Building Trades Council. Mel, please keep up the great work for our Community.

Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood

To error is human, to forgive is divine...

Well, even I, Silence Dogood, make rush to judgements that may or may not be warranted. It seems that I offended Mr. Daniel Sauder, in comments left on http://www.kurtspeak.blogspot.com/. Mr. Sauder has responded to me wondering why I referred to him in less than cordial fashion on a blog written by Kurt Bellman, former Elections Director of Berks County.

I have only met Mr. Sauder on a few occasions and while his dedication to get Democrats elected in admirable: the way and people he has associated with are not. I will not impugn Mr. Sauder, but I do direct my comments to what I have seen of his actions and his associations. Mr. Sauder seems to be a decent man with a lot of drive in his belly and that is to be commended. If we had more people with his spirit, the Democrats would have had some real victories in this past election.

Mr. Sauder works as a paralegal, so I have been told, for Merv Heller's law firm, which is one of the most conservative law firms in Berks County. Mr. Sauder has been involved in a couple of campaigns since arriving on the scene, but I will give you an example of how this man has been warped by those he associates within the Party structure. Mr. Sauder is a liberal Democrat and there is nothing wrong with that, unless he lets others lead him to a point where he becomes irrelevant.

Mr. Sauder, with his energy, should concentrate on electing Democrats to office whether they are liberal or moderate, but unfortunately due to his closeness to Mike Morrill, John Morgan and others, he is quickly becoming known as their "go-to-boy" to do their bidding. Here is what I recommend to Mr. Sauder: start thinking for your self and put that energy in building the Party and our candidates, versus looking at ways to tear it apart. Just because I do not agree with you on every issue does not make you wrong and me right, or vice versa. We may not agree 100% on every issue, but we certainly do agree on more issues then our Republican colleagues. Stop complaining about Tom Caltagirone, as we have seen in the last few weeks, he was right about Bill DeWeese. And for God's sake, the Democrats do own the majority!

Your attitude, which is surprising considering who you work for professionally, has damaged your credibility with those of us who would be more than willing to work with you for the good of our Party. We need new blood, but not at the cost of civility, teamwork and striving towards our goal, which is electing Democrats over Republicans. And Mr. Sauder, please learn that just because Democrats "work" with Republicans and vice versa, does not mean that they are placating or being subservient: it may just be that they are working together to accomplish a goal that may be better then nothing at all!

With that said Mr. Sauder, I would work with you if you learned some key concepts, like teamwork and civility. Go and speak to Bill Evans or Tim Smith or Darlington Hoopes or Leroy Gensemer and learn from them! They were fighting for the Democratic Party for along time and while you may not agree with them on the issues, you will find that you can not help but respect their abilities and devotion to our Party. Mr. Sauder, I will apologize for using a derogatory term to describe you, for that makes me no better than the behavior of another blogger.

However, I stand firm on my analysis of your behavior since arriving in our Party. While I will credit you for helping Fred Sheeler win his campaign (with $40,000 of his own money), I know of a young man in our Party who has consistently won campaigns for the Democratic Party, while working to build the Party and not focusing on the political leanings. While he has exacerbated some because of his blunt words and demeanor, this man has won campaigns. And at times, it may have been candidates that he would have rather not worked for, but did so for the good of our Party. I also have seen him take campaigns, knowing they could not be won and worked them as if they were salvageable victories and won. In the end, he knew it was about the Party and keeping people organized and spirited.

Mr. Sauder, the people you have been associating with, are about tearing things apart and attempting to look like a knight on a white horse coming to save our Party. It is called political opportunism. I can not help but illustrate this point by pointing out your "managing" of Mike Morrill's campaign against Rep. Caltagirone. I offer that Mr. Sauder, if you called and met with Rep. Caltagirone or Bill Evans or even, Tim Smith: you would find that they would be willing to have you involved and work with you quite freely. But, alas, I have a feeling my words will fall on deaf ears and you will continue to be a part of the destruction of our Party by a few, instead of a building of our Party by a majority.

And, it is a quite simple behavioral attitude you have, that as a younger man you believe you can make a name for yourself by attacking the perceived "old guard" instead of working with them. Many have made that mistake and I respectfully ask that you reach out to one of the gentlemen above. People like you, Mr. Sauder, and want to work with you: you need to make the calls. You may be surprised at the response you receive.

I can only hope to be in error, but only time will tell. I hope the gentleman will replace the revolutionary, for while this Country was found on the winds of revolution, it has survived by civility and compromise which you have demonstrated little respect for, or knowledge of, in your actions to this point in time.

Respectfully, I am...

S. Dogood

Judy, love her or hate her... she will be missed!

Every once in a while you come across a politician who absolutely makes you believe that their real interests is in the people they have been elected to represent. Judy Schwank is one of those people. But lately a sleazy blogger has attacked her and her record of service to our community. I have emailed Judy and asked her to give us a farewell message before she leaves and sort of respond to this attack. I hope that she will oblige my request. I have been a loyal supporter of hers since she came on the scene and I hope she will do us this one last request.

When she came on the scene she was one of those people you just knew where she was coming from and what she was all about. Coming from the agricultural background, Judy understood the needs of creating jobs while maintaining our agricultural heritage. The labor movement welcomed her with open arms and she enjoyed a warm relationship with them during her time as our Commissioner. She consistently was on the forefront of fighting to help rebuild the City of Reading but she did not forget the small borough and townships that make Berks County so great. When it came to working families and seniors, you could trust Judy to make the right decision. When legislators in Harrisburg or Washington needed a push on issues to help the lower and middle class, Judy fought hard and did not back down.

When Judy came upon a tough vote, knowing that she would face the music from people not thrilled with her decision, she had the courage to stand and take the fire. Her message was simple - treat people with respect, hear their thoughts and at all times, exhibit a level of professionalism.

In our Party, despite the asinine assertions of some off- the-wall blogger, Judy was warmly received and respected by all factions, liberal or moderate. She helped elect Democrats, moderate or liberal, it did not matter: she was there. She knew the art of compromise, but yet she could stand firm when she felt her decision was in the best interests of the people of Berks County. If you look at her record of service there are many highlights that could be listed, but I think the election results speak for themselves. The people of Berks County, across Party lines and Demographics, believed in her and voted for her, easily making her the highest vote getter in General and Primary!

So, let's look at the attack on her record.

"Judy is responsible for losing the majority." Wrong. The only person who is responsible for that is the outgoing Commissioner, Mr. Gajewski.

When your ego is so driven that your friends become your enemies, your days are numbered. People who had supported Gajewski in his first successful run for Commissioner, were taken back by his constant attacks on anyone who did not "kiss the hand of the Emperor". History is full of elected leaders who consistently forgot where they came from and who put them there and we know form the history books what happen to them.

Now that he has lost, Gajewski and his blogging cohort need to place blame on anyone other then Gajewski himself. Gajewski routinely, as evidenced by the letters uploaded to another Pennsylvania blog, chastised people for conspiring against him. He was even sent a letter from the Reading Eagle stating that they would no longer tolerate his abusiveness towards their writers. That is what cost Gajewski his race - his ego and paranoia - not Judy Schwank!

I believe Judy Schwank would have continued serving Berks County, but the thought of four more years with Tom Gajewski was enough to give the 10,000 Friends opportunity another look. If Kevin Barnhardt, who I will cover in a later story, was your candidate after the Primary instead of Gajewski, the Demoracts maintain the majority. It was that simple.

The nefarious blogger who attacks her record and blames her for the loss of the majority does not see the proverbial forest through the trees. Gajewski's behavior and lack of professionalism, combined with working with the likes of the blogger, is what cost Mr. Gajewski his election.

But, alas, I have digressed from my original intent to showcase the class and courage of our Commissioner, Judy Schwank. Whether you loved her or hated her, Judy was respected and that, despite the pitiful attempts to derail her legacy by the supposedly-disabled blogger, will always remain as a testimony of her love for Berks County. We all will miss her infectious attitude of "let's get it done", but we wish her well in her new endeavors.

Respectfully, I am...

S. Dogood

Why a new blog on Berks County Politics?

After having enough misinformation being spread by a sleazy blog, I felt it was necessary to express opinion on Berks County politics from a moderate Democrat point of view. This blog will give the internet savy Berks Countians the opportunity to hear from a Democrat who believes in support of our Working Families and Labor Unions, our Seniors, our Children and our Military, while a strong conservative belief in God, Country and Family.

I will not add to outlandish rumours and innuendos: let the far-left bloggers play that game. Instead, this blog will be an avenue for anyone to refute the lies, expose the truths and bring real substantiated facts forward for public discussion. That is right, I will not allow unsubstantiated attacks or innuendo go unanswered. If you are attacked on another Berks County blog, my blog is your opportunity to have your voice heard without responding through your attacker. I will give you the freedom to respond directly to those who attack you. I will not allow the known bloggers in this county to post on this site. They have their own forum - this is yours!

I believe that there is a level of compromise and civility in politics. In Berks County, thanks to a few lunatics, we forgot the art of compromise and working together for the common good of all Berks Countians. It takes courage to stand up in the face of such ugly attacks that have been prevalent on so many other blogs in Berks County. This blog will do just that: stand up and refute these heinous attacks.

This will be about the political world in Berks County and what is happening within that community. It will show who is about working together and who is only out for their own self-interests.It will expose the extremes on both sides of the aisle and verociously attack those who believe that their way is the only way.

Now, since they have decided to use the internet without any respect for peoples' lives and families, this blog will be the opportunity to use their own weapon against them. They started the fight, I am just leveling the playing field. Let them attack me, I am sure they will...

Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood