RAJ BLOG

All Eyes on Raj

2006-11-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

From Sepia Mutiny:

Raj Peter Bhakta (R)- As you may recall SM interviewed Bhakta (a Congressional candidate) earlier this year.

Bhakta is the son of Indian and Irish immigrants who has made the elimination of Section 8 public housing and erection of a border fence his central tenets.

To Tom Ellis, the Republican chairman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, he’s “a breath of fresh air,” a young candidate with ideas and panache who is recognizable to Ellis’ teenage daughters. Bhakta says he’s a reformer - even President Bush is a target - for honest government and fiscal responsibility.

Daily News: For $400?

2006-11-07T13:02:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Daily News recounts family victimization.

A father and his three trembling children stood together, looking down the barrel of a gun.

Two menancing thugs delivered their ultimatum: "Give us the money, or we'll shoot."

This terrifying scene was not a typical holdup, playing out late at night on the corner of a city street. It was taking place in the front bedroom of a home in Kensington Saturday morning, and the assailants were looking for more than spare change.

When it was finally over, police said a woman had been raped, a repairman had been shot, a family had been left forever scarred - and the crooks were on the run after targeting the wrong people.

A Candidate in Pennsylvania

2006-11-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

From Chennai Online News Service:

Yet at the national level there is interest in Pennsylvania where a maverick 31-year-old Raj Peter Bhakta is on the Republican ticket trying to unseat a Democratic incumbent.

Bhakta has made news not only by being a star in Donald Trump's reality show 'The Apprentice' but also in his seeking to prove the point that America's borders are pretty lax when it comes to enforcement.

Bhakta recently made news--riding an elephant and along with a mariarchi band-- crossing a point in the Rio Grande without being hauled up by enforcement officers. Bhakta is a Republican novice with tough immigration credentials trying to make it on November 7.

Inquirer: Seeking Peril

2006-11-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Inquirer depicts gang epidemic

They call themselves the Lemon Crew, the Scorpions, Tiny Rascals and 60 Lansdowne Crips, and there are dozens of others, laying claim to blocks and neighborhoods across the city.

They are Philadelphia's gangs, and some are extraordinarily violent, contributing to the surge in shootings and murders engulfing the city.

While officials debate the scope of the situation or even the definition of a gang, U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan is certain.

"There is a gang problem," Meehan said.

Daily News: "This Used to be Such A Lovely Neighborhood"

2006-11-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Daily News details robbery, rape.

Two thugs are on the lam after a vicious home invasion in Kensington Saturday, cops said.

The creeps didn't even bother to wait till dark. They attacked in broad daylight.

According to Sgt. Francis Erickson, of the police Special Victims Unit, two men entered a house on Wishart Street near E about 10 a.m.

"There was a female upstairs and she heard males threatening her husband downstairs and demanding money," Erickson said.

"One of the males then came upstairs, demanded money from the woman and then forced her into a bedroom and raped her."

DNA World Showcases Raj

2006-11-05T20:40:00.000-05:00

From DNA World:

In the neighbouring state of Pennsylvania, 30-year-old Raj Peter Bhakta is fighting to represent the 13th District. In what is easily one of the most bizarre PR campaigns, Bhakta rode an elephant (the Republican Party symbol) on the US-Mexico border to highlight the illegal immigration issue. That was in October. Since then, though, he has highlighted other issues in his campaign. “We need sensible immigration reform,” he says. “I support additional funding for border enforcement as well as efforts to attract the best and the brightest from around the world.”

Congratulations Notre Dame (8-1)

2006-11-05T20:35:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame defeats North Carolina 45-26.

Notre Dame keeps winning -- just not as impressively as many expect.

Brady Quinn threw for a season-high 346 yards and four touchdowns and the 11th-ranked Fighting Irish beat North Carolina 45-26 on Saturday.

Philly.com: Hitman Hunt

2006-11-02T17:30:00.000-05:00

From Philly.com:

Philadelphia police are seeking the public's help in finding a 19-year-old "hired gun" wanted in two drug-related killings.

Chief of Detectives Joseph Fox said Malik Collins should be considered armed and "extremely dangerous" and should not be approached.

Without offering any specifics, Fox indicated that there was a certain urgency to getting Collins off the street now.

He said a manhunt also involving state and federal law enforcement officials was under way to find Collins, whose last known address was 3014 W. Thompson St. in Brewerytown.

Collins is wanted in two fatal shootings. The first, in October 2005, left one man dead on the 1200 block of 29th Street. The second, in June, left one man dead and two others wounded on the 1600 block of Wingohocking Street in Nicetown.

He also is a suspect in a number of other shootings, Fox said.

Police ask that anyone who sees Collins call 911, and that anyone with information about his whereabouts call the Homicide Squad at 215-686-3334.

“I Like to Keep an Eye on Things”

2006-11-02T17:25:00.000-05:00

Northeast Times profiles vigilant tenet.

Michael Hatch admits that he has a bit of a wild streak in his persona, but he’s not crazy enough to think he’s immune from the crooks that prowl Northeast Philadelphia.

Hatch has never held an official law enforcement job, but in the last few years he’s become a regular Joe Friday in his Bustleton neighborhood.

The 54-year-old has helped authorities nab a wagon full of thieves, burglars, vandals and assorted scofflaws in and around his Roosevelt Boulevard apartment building, thanks to his astute observation skills and his personal investment in security equipment.

Hatch has bought and installed eight closed-circuit cameras around his apartment. Last month, the devices helped him make his biggest bust to date — he led police to two men who allegedly burglarized his building.

He doesn’t like to take too much credit for the pinch, however. He prefers to thank the guys who actually have been supplying the cash for all of the security equipment through the years.

"The people who destroy my property pay for my cameras," Hatch said in the wake of the recent break-in.

The incident occurred on Oct. 6, shortly after 5 a.m. Hatch, an early riser, had already been up for about a half-hour and was eating breakfast at his computer.

At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary on the two video screens that he uses to monitor the exterior images picked up by his security cameras.

But things changed in a hurry.

"A couple of guys started walking up the driveway and walked in (the building) like they live here. And the door was unlocked," Hatch said.

Normally, the exterior door to the two-story building is accessible only to residents and guests that they allow to enter the premises. Each apartment also has an interior entrance, but residents also keep belongings in the basement in designated storage spaces.

The basement door is intentionally left unlocked and open, although the individual storage units have locks on them.

Hatch was suspicious of the two visitors from the start. They didn’t look familiar and, he figured, it was awfully early for one of his neighbors to be getting any company.

"I thought they might be going upstairs, but I didn’t hear them going up the steps," he said.

Instead, all was quiet. Yet his cameras didn’t pick up anybody leaving the building. The only feasible explanation, then, was that they had gone into the basement.

"I waited a few minutes until they got comfortable, then I went downstairs," Hatch said.

Some might consider him foolish or even a bit crazy for even considering confronting the invaders. But he grabbed a knife for defense and went anyway.

The basement door, the one usually propped open, was conspicuously shut — which Hatch took as another sign that the men were up to no good.

When he opened the door and poked his head into the room, the men almost jumped through the ceiling.

"I said, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ And they said ‘Hi’ too," Hatch said. "Then I went back upstairs and called police. They stayed. I guess they figured that everything was OK."

When police arrived, the men gave an excuse that they were "waiting for a ride," Hatch said. "So the police gave them a ride down to the (7th) district."

Several of the storage stalls in the basement appeared to have been breached, with wooden boards pried from their doors and chicken-wire fencing pushed to the side.

Items belonging to building residents had been stacked near the exit, including toolboxes and a surfboard. Hatch gave a witness statement to police investigators.

"I showed them (my) cameras and told them to let (the suspects) know that they walked in on eight cameras, let them know they should go back to burglary school," Hatch said.

The apartment dweller is getting pretty used to the whole police routine by now.

He first moved there about six years ago, while recovering from a major auto crash that nearly cost him his life. He started getting into security or "spy" equipment after someone vandalized his van.

"My brother-in-law, he has a house and cameras on it. That’s where I picked it up," Hatch said.

"I had my van parked across the street. I woke up one morning and the window was broken. I was new here. From that, I got one camera."

A few months later, his investment paid dividends.

At the time, Hatch was selling a car that was parked outside the building. A teenager and his buddies showed up one day and asked him about the vehicle.

But while one youth did the talking, a couple of others seemed more interested in an old Jaguar that Hatch owned at the time.

That night, Hatch woke up to noise from Roosevelt Boulevard and discovered that someone had ripped the hood ornament from the Jag. Hatch went back to his security tape and saw that the same group of kids had returned and done the damage.

Using contact information provided by the one teen, he tracked down the others, contacted their parents and eventually got them to pay for the damage, under his threat of reporting the incident to police.

"I got seven-hundred fifty dollars out of them," he said.

Another time, Hatch saw a man "poking around" the building. That night, the man returned and tried to enter the building through the back door.

"He said he was trying to stay warm," said Hatch, who called police to get rid of the guy, but didn’t follow up with his complaint in court.

Yet another time, Hatch claims, he helped stop a potential road-rage incident on the Boulevard when he told an angry and armed motorist who had stopped in the middle of the street that cameras were watching his every move.

The devices benefit his neighbors, too. Besides looking out for his fellow apartment dwellers, he can keep an eye on the busy parking lot of a nearby restaurant. He has called police to report car break-ins there.

Over the years, Hatch figures he’s spent well over $1,000 on surveillance equipment at places like Radio Shack and local "spy" shops. The devices have dropped in price significantly in that time, primarily because the technology has become more commonplace, he said.

Though some renters might think it should be the landlord’s responsibility to install needed security measures, Hatch is a firm believer in taking responsibility for one’s own security.

"When you move in, you put up your own stuff," he said.

The cameras not only help him protect his property; they also give him peace of mind.

"I’d never live without them now," Hatch said. "I like to keep an eye on things. You get used to it."

“With Their Heads Held High”

2006-11-02T17:14:00.000-05:00

Northeast Times highlights criminal rehabilitation.

For 20 years, the Redirection Center Inc. has been helping those in recovery in the Frankford community. As the lead organization of the Frankford Reentry Pilot Project, the center hosted a recent meeting of advisory board members at its headquarters at 1926 Margaret St.

A consortium of organizations and city agencies is working together to improve the community by assisting ex-offenders from the 19124 ZIP code and their families. The mission is to help the former inmates restore their lives and thus reduce the high rate of those who return to crime and life behind bars.

According to spokesman Ray Perry, the ex-offenders typically serve between four and 23 months at the Philadelphia Industrial Corrections Center on State Road for misdemeanor crimes such as possessing drugs or using them.

"We don’t deal with heavy offenders, not felony crimes, not murder or sex offenses," Perry said, discussing the kinds of ex-inmates who don’t qualify for the re-entry program.

A social worker behind the city’s prison walls chooses the ex-offenders likely to be good candidates for the program.

"We prefer they have three months left on their sentence, so we can mentor them and start to get things in order, so that when they come to us, we’ve already done a job search and they can get right to work," Perry said, adding that program participants are mentored for another nine months.

The project already has placed roughly 10 people in jobs. There are two recent ex-offenders — a man and a woman — who are out of jail and enrolled in the program and doing well so far, according to Perry.

The woman, Denise, stood and introduced herself to the Frankford Reentry Advisory Board members during the recent meeting at the Redirection Center Inc., putting a face to the project for those in attendance.

Board members are representatives of community-based organizations that provide services to ex-offenders. Those services include vocational training and help with finding housing.

The president and vice presidents of Pioneers International Inc. spoke to the roughly 30 board members about their training program, called ServSafe Certification, for ex-offenders trying to build a life outside of prison.

The program offers national food-handling certification to those who complete the eight-week course, which also includes life-skills training, basic computer training and job placement with restaurants, catering companies, food service companies, hotels, nursing homes or hospitals. State law requires that at least one employee of any food-handling institution be ServSafe certified.

Richard Green, president of Pioneers International, said there is much merit in the program.

"We want to bring our program to this community," Green said. "It will give (graduates) the edge that a lot of people don’t have. They can come in with their heads held high, not coming into a situation where someone is doing them a favor."

While the organization is bringing the program to Frankford through the Reentry Pilot Project, free classes will be held at Pioneers headquarters, 1315 Walnut St., Suite 500, starting in early December.

Each consecutive eight-week class will accommodate a maximum of 20 students. Those classes are filling fast, with an extensive waiting list, said vice president James Marshall.

Pioneers International expects to train at least 100 people in the first year of the program.

"In most cases, a job is there waiting for them. It’s an industry with plenty of opportunity," Green said.

The classes, he explained, are ideal for those who have the "entrepreneurial spirit but are doing it the wrong way."

"They can take that kind of energy and apply it in the right way, turn their life around, and become model citizens," Green said.

Classes also can be coordinated for those in the recovery process or taking medications as part of treatment.

Pioneers is also recruiting non-profit organizations for community-service outreach as part of a welfare-to-work initiative. Clients would work 20 hours per week, for free, for four weeks. Organizations can have as many workers as needed during that educational period, with a case manager checking their attendance daily.

For more information about either program, call 215-732-2991.

In addition to aiding ex-offenders, the re-entry project provides outreach to the families and the children of those in the program.

According to the Rev. Richard Smith, a prevention effort is being started to take a group of youngsters on a retreat in the mountains, along with hosting free hip-hop concerts for young people between 12 and 24 years of age.

"Statistics tell us that there is a six-percent chance that ex-offenders’ children will also be offenders," Smith said.

Dr. Victoria Yancey, special representative for community relations and faith-based initiatives for the School District of Philadelphia, also invited board members to "surround our arms around children that are wanting and needing," at an anti-violence summit from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Benjamin Franklin High School, 550 N. Broad St.

“The Whole Neighborhood is Going Down"

2006-10-31T15:09:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Inquirer discusses another Northeast murder

A clerk in a small East Frankford grocery store who was known to give free milk to mothers or let customers slide when they came up short was gunned down during a robbery yesterday morning when he refused to give up cash from the register, police said.

The victim, Julio Brito, 51, of the 2000 block of Orthodox Street, was taken to Frankford Hospital-Torresdale Campus, where he was pronounced dead shortly after the shooting, officials said.

Mohammed Alkurdi, owner of Abby Auto Sale, next to the grocery store, said he heard screaming when he ran to the store and found his friend on the floor.

"I witnessed the last five seconds of his life," Alkurdi said. "We tried to save him but could do nothing."

You Gotta Believe

2006-10-30T18:28:00.000-05:00

India E-News spotlights Raj.

The spotlight, however, is on five prominent Indian Americans -- Republicans Bobby Jindal and Raj Bhakta; Democrats Ajinderpal Singh Sekhon and Jay Goyal; and independent Neeraj Nigam.

Bhakta, a Republican hopeful, may pull off a shocker against incumbent Allyson Schwartz in Pennsylvania, according to News India Times, an ethnic Indian newspaper.

Raj, Schwartz Respond

2006-10-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

Norristown Times Herald reprints questions and answers.

The following are responses, in their own words, to five questions that The Times Herald posed to the candidates in the 13th congressional district, Allyson Y. Schwartz and Raj Bhakta.

Philly.com: Dead Doing His Job

2006-10-30T18:19:00.000-05:00

Philly.com reports grocery store homicide.

A clerk in a small East Frankford grocery store who was known to give free milk to moms or let customers slide when they came up short was gunned down during a robbery yesterday morning when he refused to give up cash from the register, police said.

"Every time someone didn't have money for food or milk, he would just give it to you. And he never asked for anything back," said Lisa Diaz, 23, who lives behind Aurelia's Food Market at Torresdale Avenue and Orthodox Street and had been in the store a half-hour before the robbery.

Philly.com: Philadelphia Violent Sunday

2006-10-30T18:14:00.000-05:00

Philly.com chronicles bloody afternoon.

Just in time for Halloween, Philadelphia was treated to another dose of blood and gore over the weekend, bringing the city's homicide rate to a staggering 332.

Meanwhile, three other people were critically injured in violence in the city yesterday.

Daily News: Fourteen & Violent

2006-10-30T18:10:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Daily News documents rapist’s arrest.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with armed robbery, attempted rape, kidnapping and other offenses in connection with the alleged assault of a 16-year-old girl in South Philadelphia, police said.

The boy, whose name was withheld because of his age, was apprehended at a relative's home about 3 a.m. Saturday, investigators with the Special Victims Unit said.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume XC

2006-10-29T15:10:00.000-05:00

Dowbrigade News reprints Raj on the border.

Eagles Still Seeking Fifth Win

2006-10-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

Eagles oppose Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Philadelphia Eagles better hope Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars isn't close in the fourth quarter.

Looking to shake their propensity for losing close games, the Eagles host the Jaguars in an interconference game.

The Eagles' three losses this season all have come on the game's final play, including in each of the last two weeks on field goals as time expired. Their four wins have been by double digits.

“We Have to Have A Fresh Perspective”

2006-10-29T01:19:00.000-05:00

Lansdale Reporter narrates candidate forum.

Incumbent Democrat U.S. Representative Allyson Schwartz is running for a second term in the 13th District against Republican Raj Peter Bhakta.

The 13th District includes Northeast Philadelphia and the majority of Montgomery County.

Friday night the two candidates presented their views at Foulkeways‚ a retirement community in Lower Gwynedd.

Schwartz spoke first with Bhakta presenting second; the candidates were on the stage one at a time.

Each had five minutes to give an opening statement‚ about a half hour to answer the same questions from the audience‚ and five minutes to close.

Daily News: Double Victims

2006-10-29T01:12:00.000-05:00

Philadelphia Daily News depicts sexual assaults.

He crept up behind his prey, in one instance wielding a pocket knife and in the other possibly a gun, cops said.

He then robbed his unsuspecting victims, sexually assaulted one and tried to sexually assault the other.

Cops say this sleazy thug may be only 16 years old.

Congratulations Notre Dame (7-1)

2006-10-29T01:02:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame defeats Navy 38-14.

Brady Quinn enjoyed an afternoon that would have satisfied almost every quarterback in the nation, especially one with a shot at winning the Heisman Trophy.

Quinn accounted for four touchdowns and No. 11 Notre Dame amassed a season-high 471 yards Saturday in a 38-14 victory over Navy, the Fighting Irish's 43rd consecutive win in the series.

Congratulations Boston College (7-1)

2006-10-29T00:58:00.000-04:00

Raj’s alma mater defeats Buffalo 41-0.

With a drenching rain, gusting winds and lowly Buffalo visiting town, it was the perfect time for Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan to sit one out.

In his place, more mobile -- and healthier -- backup Chris Crane slopped through Buffalo-like weather on Saturday to run for two touchdowns and throw for another while leading No. 18 Boston College to a 41-0 victory over the Bulls.

Congratulations Penn State (6-3)

2006-10-29T00:44:00.000-04:00

Penn State defeats Purdue 12-0.

Tony Hunt ran for 142 yards and Penn State earned its first shutout in four years with a 12-0 win over Purdue on Saturday.

Hunt scored the game's only touchdown in the fourth quarter and helped the Nittany Lions respond to coach Joe Paterno's criticism after they gained just 40 yards rushing the previous week against Illinois. Penn State (6-3, 4-2) held the ball for 35 minutes and finished with 422 total yards.

It's Pretty Clear We Are in Trouble Folks

2006-10-27T14:30:00.000-04:00

First In Blog supports Raj.

Now Raj is a neighborhood guy from N.E. Philly and aside from being on "The Apprentice" he's famous for the whole bow tie thing. His opponent is a bigtime liberal Allyson Schwartz. She's done nothing while presiding over the demise of N.E. Philadelphia, one of the last nice places to live in this city. So on election day we all need to get out there and vote. It's never been more important folks.

Daily News: "One of Those Cases That Pulls at Your Heart"

2006-10-27T14:26:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Daily News describes common occurrence.

David Anthony Sanders walked out of a West Philly watering hole Sunday, took a few steps into the brisk autumn night and was promptly blasted by a barrage of bullets.

An unknown triggerman opened fire on Sanders, a single father with five young kids. When the smoke cleared, cops said, Sanders' body had been riddled with 14 entrance and exit wounds.

An hour after he crumpled to the cold, hard street, Sanders, 31, died at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Sanders' children, who enjoyed the luxury of having a dad who cared for them around the clock, are now faced with growing up fatherless. His mother has the grim task today of burying her second-youngest child. And homicide detectives are once again trying to solve a senseless slaying without the aid of witnesses who are willing to come forward.

"I Seek to Recommit That”

2006-10-26T15:24:00.000-04:00

Glenside News contrasts Raj, Schwartz.

Raj Peter Bhakta, 30, describes himself as a "Theodore Roosevelt Republican" who cares about the environment.

In an interview last week, Bhakta said he intends to "shake things up" in Washington. His own party has lost its direction, he said, and he intends to restore it.

"The Republican Party has lost its commitment to small government and clean government," he said. "I seek to recommit that. The Democrats are no better. It's just been the party of 'no.' That's not good enough."

Philly.com: "It Is Suspicious”

2006-10-26T15:18:00.000-04:00

Philly.com details nursing home homicide.

How did a 92-year-old man end up dead with a knife stuck in his chest inside a Rhawnhurst old- folks home yesterday?

Police didn't have the answer to the mystery last night, and it seemed no one else did either.

A home-health-care worker found the bloodstained resident on the floor of his ninth-floor apartment in the Samuel Tabas House on Strahle Street near Horrocks at about 9:30 a.m., police said.

The unidentified man had at least one gash in his chest and two small wounds on his body, police said.

Philly.com: Teenage Victim

2006-10-26T15:14:00.000-04:00

From Philly.com:

Philadelphia police are investigating a fatal shooting early this morning that left a South Philadelphia man dead.

Antonio Johnson, 19, of the 600 block of Jackson Street, was found about 2:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Cantrell Street, several blocks from his home, police said. He had gunshot wounds to the chest.

Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene by medics a short time later. Police said they had no suspects or motive. Police are asking that anyone with information about the shooting contact homicide investigators at 215-696-3334.

Northeast Times: Sixty-One Minutes

2006-10-25T23:32:00.000-04:00

From the Northeast Times:

Philadelphia police are hunting for two gunmen involved in separate Frankford shootings early Sunday morning that claimed the life of one man and injured two other people.

The fatal incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on the 2000 block of Margaret St. According to police, an unknown suspect shot 27-year-old Anthony Nelson, of nearby Orthodox Street, numerous times in the torso during an argument.

A 27-year-old woman who accompanied Nelson was also shot. Her identity has not been released. She was wounded in the shoulder and listed in stable condition at Hahnemann University Hospital.

About one hour earlier, on the 1300 block of Unity St., a 17-year-old male was wounded critically outside of a sweet sixteen party at the Unity Club.

Investigators believe that the victim, whose identity was not released because he is a minor, may not have been the intended target, but instead was struck while intervening in an incident involving his cousin, said Capt. Jack McGinnis of Northeast Detectives.

The gunfire erupted at 12:59 a.m. as people gathered outside the club. The shooter may have attended the party earlier in the night before he was ejected following a dispute, McGinnis said.

The victim was wounded once in the stomach and admitted in critical condition to Frankford Hospital-Torresdale, where he underwent emergency surgery.

Northeast Times Highlights Philly’s Five Most Wanted

2006-10-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

From the Northeast Times:

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Northeast Detectives Division has released its latest monthly Five Most Wanted list. The suspects named on the wanted list include:

Davoev Amza, 27, address unknown, for attempted murder and related charges.

On Sept. 11, 2005, at about 12:30 a.m., Amza allegedly stabbed another man twice in the stomach outside of the Paradise restaurant, 8336 Bustleton Ave. According to the victim and a witness, the suspect was arguing with another man, when the victim approached them and intervened. The suspect then allegedly turned on the victim.

Amza is considered armed and dangerous. He is white, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Timothy Devlin, 27, of the 8000 block of Fairview St., for multiple counts of robbery, theft, assault, unlawful restraint and related crimes.

On Dec. 29, 2004, at about 2:20 a.m., Devlin allegedly robbed the 7-Eleven store at 7901 Frankford Ave. using an unknown object in his jacket pocket to simulate a weapon. Devlin allegedly forced a cashier to the rear of the store, emptied the register and fled southbound on Frankford Avenue.

On Aug. 15, 2005, Devlin allegedly robbed the 7-Eleven at 6919 Torresdale Ave. at knifepoint. He took about $200 and fled on a bicycle northbound on Torresdale Avenue, police said.

Devlin is considered armed and dangerous. He is white, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has red or auburn hair and blue eyes.

Terry Tajiddin Mott III, 28, of the 1600 block of Titan St., for attempted murder, assault, weapons crimes and related offenses.

On July 3, 2005, at about 8:30 p.m., Mott allegedly shot his brother in the foot as the men were riding in a car on the 2100 block of Wakeling St.

Mott is considered armed and dangerous. He is black. No further physical description is available.

William Richardson, 30, of the 1900 block of E. Willard St., for burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, terroristic threats, assault and related offenses.

On Sept. 1, at about 8:35 a.m., Richardson allegedly broke into the Oxford Circle home of an ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend and assaulted both of them, as well as a neighbor who attempted to aid the two other victims. The suspect fled the area in a white car driven by an unknown person.

Richardson is white, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He has brown hair, hazel eyes and tattoos on his right forearm and left wrist.

Jennifer Robertson, 28, address unknown, for robbery and two bench warrants.

On June 4 at about 9 p.m., Robertson allegedly exited a vehicle on the 3700 block of Mechanicsville Place, approached a female pedestrian and, after asking to borrow a cell telephone, snatched the victim’s purse. The suspect then fled in the vehicle, which was driven by an unknown male.

Robertson is white, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 135 pounds. She has red or auburn hair and green eyes.

Philly.com: 75 Years Dead

2006-10-25T15:55:00.000-04:00

From Philly.com:

An elderly man was found stabbed to death in his Northeast Philadelphia apartment early this morning, police said.

The man, who had not been identified, was believed to be about 75 years old and was pronounced dead shortly before 10 a.m. in his apartment in the 2100 block of Strahle Street, in the Rhawnhurst section of the city, near Pennypack Park, police said. He was discovered by his nurse.

Authorities did not discuss a motive or whether there were any suspects, saying only that the case was actively under investigation.

The victim is among 329 people killed in the city this year, an 8 percent increase over the same period last year, when 306 people were killed during the same time period.

Inquirer: "Football Pads Don't Stop Bullets”

2006-10-24T14:52:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Inquirer chronicles football fallout

A clear Sunday morning in Burholme Park. Two teams of eager 5- and 6-year-olds gathered around learning to play football.

Instead, they received a lesson in life's ugliness: a coach and father fighting over a child's playing time, an angry loser wielding a .357 Magnum at a pee-wee football game.

The blowup between adults at the children's game occurred around 10:30 a.m. at the park in the 7300 block of Central Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. Henwood and police gave the following version of events:

Parent Wayne Derkotch, 40, began arguing with the coach of the Northeast Outlaws because he felt his son wasn't getting enough playing time. The argument escalated into a physical fight. Derkotch pulled a .357 Magnum revolver from his waistband, an action witnessed by others at the game.

Daily News: Another “Never Again”

2006-10-24T14:49:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Daily News discusses youth football incident.

Here's what kids feel when parents misbehave at a game: embarrassment, disappointment, anger and fear, according to a 2001 survey of 3,000 children by Sports Illustrated for Kids. If Derkotch's finger had slipped on the trigger, we'd have to add "horror" to the list, too.

That's what the children at a Massachusetts ice rink felt in 2000, when single father Michael Costin got into a brutal fight with another parent who didn't like how Costin was supervising youth-hockey drills at the neighborhood ice rink. Costin died of brain injuries, the parent went to prison and the entire country vowed, "Never again!"

But, "a month later, a nearly identical incident happened somewhere else," says Fred Engh, president of the Florida-based National Alliance for Youth Sports, author of Why Johnny Hates Sports: Why Organized Youth Sports Are Failing Our Children and What We Can Do About It. "Nothing has changed."

Phillyburbs.com: Deliberate & Planned

2006-10-24T14:46:00.000-04:00

Phillyburbs.com recounts Northeast robbery.

Two masked men robbed a northeast Philadelphia bank of several hundred thousand dollars, the biggest bank robbery in recent city history, the FBI said.

Investigators declined to say how much was taken from the PNC Bank on Monday, but FBI spokeswoman Jerri Williams said it was much more than the $250,000 taken in a large heist two years ago.

Things You Should Know Blog Links The O’Reilly Factor Video

2006-10-23T16:48:00.000-04:00

Things You Should Know Blog addresses Raj on the border.

One of his strongest platform ideas is strengthening the border patrol, to eliminate influx of illegal immigrants swimming across the Rio Grande (well, the Rio Grande isn’t too “grande” anymore. so it’s more like they wade, or hop).

To shed more light on the problem, Raj went down to Brownsville, TX, and demonstrated how easy it is to hang around the border without anyone noticing. Watch this clip from a recent appearance on the Bill O’Reilly Show to see the Circus he brought in.

Philly.com: Philadelphia Response

2006-10-23T16:39:00.000-04:00

From Philly.com:

A father who pulled a gun on a Pee-Wee football coach was arrested yesterday in the Northeast, police said.

The two had been arguing over the father wanting more playing time for his child, when the father, Wayne Derkotch, 40, produced a firearm, police said.

The incident took place about 10:30 a.m. in the 7300 block of Central Avenue.

Derkotch was charged with aggravated assault.

A Week at One

2006-10-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, Raj Blog VTH retained Townhall.com’s number one ranking. Sunday was our tenth consecutive day in the top ten.

Eagles Seek Fifth Win

2006-10-22T15:40:00.000-04:00

Eagles oppose Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Donovan McNabb does not have fond memories of his last two outings against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McNabb tries to end his struggles against the Buccaneers when he leads the Philadelphia Eagles into Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.

Six Days At #1

2006-10-22T01:28:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, Raj Blog VTH retained Townhall.com’s number one ranking. Saturday was our ninth consecutive day in the top ten.

Congratulations Boston College (6-1)

2006-10-22T00:20:00.000-04:00

Raj’s alma mater defeats Florida State 24-19.

Although he battled leg cramps for much of the game, Boston College's DeJuan Tribble was ready when it counted.

Tribble's 36-yard interception return for a touchdown capped a 21-point second quarter Saturday and the 22nd-ranked Eagles held off Florida State 24-19.

"I knew they were going to try to get to their big target, Greg Carr," said Tribble, who picked off Florida State's Drew Weatherford to give his team a 21-10 halftime lead. "It was sweet."

Congratulations Notre Dame (6-1)

2006-10-22T00:17:00.000-04:00

Notre Dame defeats UCLA 20-17.

Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija added another chapter to Notre Dame's storied history.

This great finish did more than just contribute another memory to the lore of the Golden Domers, however. It also kept alive the Bowl Championship Series hopes of the 10th-ranked Fighting Irish.

Quinn, under pressure all day by a relentless UCLA defense, completed three straight passes in the final 62 seconds, capped by a 45-yard TD pass to Samardzija, to lead the Irish to a 20-17 come-from-behind victory over the Bruins on Saturday.

Congratulations Penn State (5-3)

2006-10-22T00:05:00.000-04:00

Penn State defeats Illinois 26-12.

Cornerback Tony Davis scored on a 6-yard fumble return, Anthony Scirrotto had two interceptions and returned an onside kick for a touchdown and Penn State overcame Illinois' ground game to defeat the Illini 26-12 Saturday.

Daily News: Smiling Killer Captured

2006-10-21T19:04:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Daily News describes Hector Maldonado’s arrest.

When Hector Maldonado shot and killed a man in a Port Richmond diner this summer, police said, he flashed a smile as he walked away from his bloodied victim.

But Maldonado couldn't manage even a smirk early Thursday morning, when he was captured in a North Philly apartment by a gaggle of cops and U.S. marshals.

Maldonado, 20, a convicted felon with a record of aggravated assaults, was wanted in the murder of Cesar Reyes, 32, a father of four and a local entrepreneur, inside the Aramingo Diner on July 30.

Inquirer: Fence Forgone

2006-10-21T18:51:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Inquirer reports “a great day for freedom.”

A controversial security plan that called for construction of a permanent six-foot-high wrought-iron fence through Independence Square has been largely scuttled by the National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park.

At a news conference yesterday at Independence Visitor Center, new Park Service director Mary A. Bomar said the fence would give way to "less intrusive" security measures.

Five Days At #1

2006-10-20T22:12:00.000-04:00

On Friday, Raj Blog VTH retained Townhall.com’s number one ranking. Friday was our eighth consecutive day in the top ten.

Raj on the Border (The Complete Video Story)

2006-10-20T11:52:00.001-04:00

Raj on Headline News (with Glenn Beck)

Raj on FOX’s The O’Reilly Factor (with Bill O’Reilly)

Raj on FOX’s The Big Story (with John Gibson)

Raj on MSNBC (with Rita Cosby)

Raj & Elephants on Parade

"We Have No Border Security"

2006-10-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Northeast News Gleaner depicts Raj on the border.

What does one do when others are ignoring an undeniable reality, when they are, as the old English idiom states, ignoring the "elephant in the room?"

For congressional hopeful and former reality TV star Raj Bhakta, the answer was to obtain some real elephants, and not only that, but a mariachi band as well.

Blogs For Condi Links Glenn Beck Video

2006-10-20T11:35:00.000-04:00

Blogs For Condi rebroadcasts Raj’s interview with Headline News’ Glenn Beck.

Glenn Beck of Headline News interviews Raj Bhakta about his exploits on the border.

Blogs For Condi Links The O’Reilly Factor Video

2006-10-20T11:28:00.000-04:00

Blogs For Condi chronicles Raj’s interview with Fox’s Bill O’Reilly.

Bill O'Reilly interviews congressional candidate Raj Bhakta about his trip to Texas and what he encountered there.

Philly.com: Anonymously Dead

2006-10-20T11:16:00.000-04:00

Philly.com details 324th murder.

The year's homicide toll in Philadelphia rose to 324 this morning with a fatal shooting in the Spring Garden section, authorities said.

Police found an unidentified man with gunshot wounds at 18th and Wallace Streets shortly after midnight. The victim had been shot multiple times in the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:16 a.m.

No arrests were made and no motive was known, police said.

Still Number One

2006-10-19T23:12:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, Raj Blog VTH retained Townhall.com’s number one ranking. Thursday was our seventh consecutive day in the top ten.

MikeJanitch.com Links MSNBC Video

2006-10-19T20:56:00.000-04:00

Mike Janitch recounts Raj’s demonstration.

Pennsylvania Republican candidate for Congress, Raj Peter Bhakta, showed what an absolute farce border security is---- by riding an elephant across the Rio Grande - with a mariachi band! (see his MSNBC interview here.)

He wasn't stopped, or busted... even though the mariachi band was playing full force, and the elephant walked about 1mph.

If they can get 10 guys with instruments, and an elephant across... terrorists can get themselves, guns, and a nuke across! Ridiculous!

Sure It's A Stunt, But Stunts Matter

2006-10-19T15:48:00.000-04:00

National Review lauds Raj’s illustration.

I wish I'd thought of this. Pennsylvania Republican congressional candidate Raj Peter Bhakta, demonstrated what a joke border security is by riding an elephant across the Rio Grande — with a mariachi band! (see his Fox News interview here.) Sure it's a stunt, but stunts matter, like the College Republican affirmative-action bake sales or Horowitz's "reparations are racist" ads. The Left has been better than us at political theater for a long time; maybe we're starting to catch up.

Raj Deserves Support

2006-10-19T15:44:00.000-04:00

From the Alarming News Blog:

Raj Batka, who was on the show Apprentice and is running for Congress in Pennsylvania, crossed the American border with Mexico on an elephant, with a Mariachi band, and no one stopped him. Watch the video, wow.

Raj is having a fundraiser in NY on Saturday, October 21st. View the evite here and donate money to this guy. He deserves it after an eye-opening stunt like that.

Republicans Could Be Following This Guy’s Lead

2006-10-19T15:39:00.000-04:00

Say Anything Blog discusses Raj on the border.

You know, Republicans could be following this guy’s lead and campaigning hard on border security except that their past performance on the issue has been wishy-washy, at best.

I guarantee you that if Republicans, as a party, had taken a hard line on border security starting a year and a half ago the current election scene would be very, very different.

The Whole Enchilada Blog Highlights Raj on the Border

2006-10-19T15:36:00.000-04:00

The Whole Enchilada Blog excerpts Raj on the border.

A Time For Action

2006-10-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

On Sept. 17, people around the world gathered in a show of support for international intervention to end the genocide in Darfur. More than 200,000 people have been murdered by Sudanese government supported militias as the world watches.

On Sept. 26, people from around the region gathered in a show of support for legislation to end the proliferation of guns on the streets of Philadelphia. More than 300 people have been murdered in Philadelphia this year as the city watches.

After the Rwandan genocide, the world said never again. After young Faheem Thomas-Childs was killed, Philadelphians said enough is enough.

I commend Mothers in Charge and Men United for their persistent efforts to end gun violence in the city. The show of force during the rally in Harrisburg hopefully will be the inducement needed to spur the elected officials into action.

But what about the rest of us?

Where is the righteous indignation, the fervor, the moral outrage that our safety and very lives have been reduced to collateral damage by our fellow citizens who are fighting a losing battle to stand on corners that they don't own and sell harmful substances to our neighbors? Gun legislation can only take us so far.

We have lost our moral compass. There are those among us who have no hope or vision for the future. Children roam the streets at all hours, parents are physically or emotionally absent.

We lack the values that are fundamental to being both personally and socially responsible. As children are shot in the streets, people sell and wear shirts that proclaim "Don't Snitch." People are no longer ashamed of having criminal records.

Legislation will not solve the fundamental problem in both Philadelphia and Darfur, the loss of each individual's spiritual compass. Now that we have given our elected officials the charge, what are WE going to do in our own way to stop the violence? In Sudan and in Philadelphia, the time for diplomatic talks has come to an end.

The time for action is NOW.

Sonya Springer, Philadelphia

Raj on Glenn Beck

2006-10-18T21:20:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Raj discussed border security with Headline News’ Glenn Beck. Below is a transcript:

Beck: Now, former "Apprentice" contestant and current Pennsylvania candidate Raj Bhakta. Raj, how did this -- how did this idea come to you?

Bhakta: Glenn, it came to me after watching a guy literally come under the official U.S./Mexico international bridge in Brownsville, Texas. I was there. The guy came right under the nose of U.S. security. I figured if this guy can get across right here, only getting caught, in fact, as a result of having given him chase, you could probably get an elephant across. You could probably get an elephant and a mariachi band across. For that matter you could probably get Osama bin laden dressed as Osama bin Laden across.

Beck: Now, you actually chased the guy?

Bhakta: Yes, absolutely. Absolutely.

Beck: Got to love that! Don`t think we have anybody else in Congress doing that.

Bhakta: We need more people. People of action in Congress.

Beck: Do you think -- you`re a Republican?

Bhakta: I am.

Beck: Do you think that the border issue the way it`s been handled by the Republicans is just going to end up being the death of them?

Bhakta: Well, I think it`s clearly, sadly, political corruption on both sides. Overwhelmingly Republicans and Democrats agree that something needs to be done. You know this. But the Democrats are addicted to the notion that minority votes are Democratic votes and Republicans, due to the ties with small business, want to keep the border open for cheap labor. But the tragedy here is that we`ve gone and spent nearly a trillion dollars in the name of national security, gone into Iraq, gone into Afghanistan, passed the Patriot Act, created the Homeland Security Department, untold treasure and lives and fortune, and I can carry on like this on the border, and people come across right under the bridge. It`s a joke.

Beck: All right. So, Raj, honestly, you know, I -- there`s -- I think we are facing some of the most critical elections of our country`s history in the next few elections. This -- this one coming up is very important. I`ve been on the radio program just saying, please look into all of these candidates to make sure that they`re not jokes. Here you are, a game show contestant. Tell me -- tell me your stance on Iran. What do you think of these guys?

Bhakta: Clearly, I think nuclear proliferation is the biggest threat to civilization going forward. It needs to be the policy of the United States, with respect to Iran and North Korea, to bring the maximum -- maximum leverage possible upon them. Now, the point here is I think the war in Iraq has shown the limitations of American unilateral power. We`re stretched out very thinly. So we need diplomacy here. We need to work with the French and the Europeans. It`s not easy to work with the French. We know this. But we`ve got to.

Beck: Right. We`re going to France. You know what? I almost want to put you in Congress just to see you pull that one off.

Bhakta: Yes.

Beck: Raj, thank you very much.

Bhakta: Take care, sir.

Beck: Best of luck to you.

We Remain #1

2006-10-18T21:09:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, Raj Blog VTH retained Townhall.com’s number one ranking. Wednesday was our sixth consecutive day in the top ten.

"It’s Ten Times Worse Than You Can Imagine"

2006-10-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

From the Northeast Times:

Raj Bhakta suspected that security at the U.S.-Mexican border was lax.

So, the Republican congressional candidate traveled to Brownsville, Texas, last week to see for himself.

On the first day of his trip, he saw a shirtless Mexican man crossing the Rio Grande into the United States. He chased the man, who was ultimately apprehended.

The next day, to show the absence of security, he hired three elephants and a six-piece mariachi band to stand at the border crossing. He rode one of the elephants for a while. The crowd was there for two hours.

So, how much attention did they attract from security?

"Nada," said Bhakta, who was wearing an American flag bow tie.

The candidate did get plenty of national television exposure, including an appearance on The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News.

Bhakta said the stunt would be funny if the issue of border security were not so serious.

"It’s all fun and games until a terrorist gets across the border," he said.

Bhakta, who is challenging freshman Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13th dist.), calls the security "a joke."

"It’s ten times worse than you can imagine," he said. "We have old ladies with blue hair strip searched at airports, but we have elephants going across the border and not getting stopped."

Bhakta believes Congress and President George W. Bush are callous and out of touch on the issue. He wants Congress to take a field trip to Brownsville.

If elected, he would support high-tech surveillance and increased border patrols at high-traffic areas.

I’D VOTE FOR THIS GENTLEMAN

2006-10-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

StiknStein Blog commends Raj’s demonstration.

When asked how he planned to get his army of 38,000 men, 8,000 cavalry and 37 war elephants across the Alps, Hannibal was said to have replied……
” WE WILL FIND A WAY….OR MAKE ONE.”

Sure it’s a stunt…….But If I lived in Pennsylvania…………I’D VOTE FOR THIS GENTLEMAN….Is he serious about Border Control?……We’ll see……He’s new blood……Can’t be worse than what we’ve got!

Save the GOP Blog Highlights Raj on the Border

2006-10-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

From Save the GOP:

Raj, of “Apprentice” fame, has effectively demonstrated the joke that our southern border has become.

Net World Blog Concurs with Raj

2006-10-18T12:32:00.000-04:00

Net World Blog analyzes Raj on the border.

He started in Texas, and was going South across the border, he didn't cross the border, they just splashed around. Granted, he could have easily done so, he demonstrated it took an hour or so before anyone showed up to deal with an Elephant and a band at the border, but the story is being sold that this guy crossed and immigration didn't catch him.

More to the point, though, was what Mr Bhakta was trying to illustrate, as it says on his site:

Both the Democrat and Republican parties are ignoring America’s border security crisis. Republicans don’t want to anger big business and stop the flow of cheap labor, while Democrats don’t want to turn away potential voters. Astoundingly, five years after 9/11, we do not have an immigration policy to meet our security needs.

And that's a serious problem. In the past, other stunts have been done to show the problems with border security, including where a fake "WMD" was smuggled across the border twice, although being clearly marked with biohazard and radioactive symbols. Something seriously needs to be done, and the first party to step up to the plate on this will hit a grand slam.

We Have A Real Problem

2006-10-18T12:29:00.000-04:00

My Republican Blog laments border security.

At almost any other time I would find this hillarious, but something tragic must have happened to my sense-of-humor because I don't find it the least bit amusing now. We have a real problem here in Texas and elsewhere. The Canadian border is a problem too, but are we hearing anything about it? If we are, please let me know because I'm not hearing anything about it. It's comparable to hearing from moderate Muslims; the silence is deafening! If only it were merely elephants who are illegally crossing our borders!

The Wrong Response

2006-10-18T12:24:00.000-04:00

Seaspook’s Rants showcases Raj on the border.

Please take note. It doesn't matter what or who crosses the border illegally, but when it's an enviornmental issue (elephants entering a quarantined area), the USDA was all over this incident.

We’re Still Number One

2006-10-17T23:52:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, Raj Blog VTH retained Townhall.com’s number one ranking. Tuesday was our fifth consecutive day in the top ten.

We’re Number One

2006-10-17T23:24:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Raj Blog VTH became Townhall.com’s number one ranked blog. Currently, the website of record hosts 5,774 blogs. Monday was our fourth consecutive day in the top ten.

Katie Favazza Supports Raj

2006-10-17T19:22:00.000-04:00

From her Elocutio Blog:

If you think border security is a joke, you have got to see this. Raj is officially my new hero (even if his blog is doing better than mine for the time being). He's no stranger to Townhall and I highly encourage you all to learn more about him and do anything you can to help his campaign. Bloggers: that means you!

Townhall’s Josue Spotlights Raj

2006-10-17T19:08:00.000-04:00

From Josue’s Blog:

Raj is on Fox News talking about his Elephant ride across the Rio Grande!! You got to watch this!! Check out his blog right here on Townhall.com.

There Simply is no Border Security

2006-10-17T18:57:00.000-04:00

Red Sky Brothers Blog lauds Raj’s example.

I encourage everyone to go to Raj Bhakta’s campaign homepage and view the video on the left side of the header. Mr. Bhakta has succeeded in combining humor with a sad reality. Not only does it include his crossing of the Rio Grande on the back of an elephant, accompanied by a six piece mariachi band, with nary a border guard in site, he also films an illegal intruder swimming across the river directly under the US border crossing.

Folks, the political debates in congress are simply smoke and mirrors, meant to passify public outcry without actually doing anything of real substance whatsoever. There simply is no border security.

Expressions of Liberty Applauds Raj

2006-10-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

Expressions of Liberty discusses Raj’s demonstration.

I have to applaud the stunt as it did a good job of attracting attention to him and the Federal Government’s unwillingness to protect the American people. It is stunts like his which will keep as well as our vote against those willing to trade the security of the United States for one reason or another which can by grace of God win the issue for us.

I am not a strong supporter of Mr. Bhakta, but his courageous move gets my backing.

Jokers to the Right Acclaims Raj on the Border

2006-10-17T18:51:00.000-04:00

Jokers to the Right Blog hails Raj’s illustration.

That is one of the great campaign stunts in modern politics! The end of the article allows Bhakta to make his point as well as an amusing sentence:

“If I can get an elephant led by a mariachi band into this country, I think Osama bin Laden could get across with all the weapons of mass destruction he could get into this country,” Bhakta said.

We Must Stop the Violence

2006-10-17T18:41:00.000-04:00

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

It seems easy to be outraged at politicians and the police for focusing on the wrong things (like smoking bans and leases for Boy Scouts) to avoid enforcing laws and allowing guns to be bought so easily, and at educators for not teaching children enough for them to succeed.

It's even easy to express disdain for those who won't come forward with information that could take drugs, guns and killers off the street.

But only "we" can stop the violence and create an atmosphere in which responsibility, accountability and success are equal parts of an equation aimed at eliminating violence, ignorance and poverty. Instead of placing blame and pointing fingers, how about we all take that on? We are all in this together - suburbs and city. This isn't "us vs. them" - we're all affected.

What that looks like is reaching out and getting personally involved in making a difference. In the spirit of "It takes a village," become that village. Non-parents, parents and grandparents can form alliances with business and law-enforcement to open a dialogue of change - not one of where to place blame, but of what can work.

For example, build and fund centers that provide safe places for children to play and have fun (maybe get a good meal). Perhaps we could create workshops aimed at a new model of communication - one that creates a dialogue about a future that people can and want to step into rather than the current model that seems shaped toward blame.

There are dozens of organizations and agencies dedicated to everything from peace in the world, to education, to health and wellness, and more. Many need money; more need volunteers. There may even be jobs to be created or filled. Everyone needs to shift the energy and focus from anger, self-right- eousness and blame, to putting forth the energy and effort that shifts attitudes from resignation and cynicism to "we can make this work."

No one of us is as smart or as strong as all of us. In addition to asking politicians, police and teachers what they are going to do about the situation, ask yourself: What are you willing to do to create a future that works for everyone?

Dana Wickes, Glen Mills

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXVIX

2006-10-17T17:25:00.000-04:00

WXJJ-TV (North Carolina) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXVIII

2006-10-17T17:23:00.000-04:00

KETV-TV (Nebraska) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXVII

2006-10-17T17:21:00.000-04:00

WPXI-TV (Pennsylvania) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXVI

2006-10-17T17:18:00.000-04:00

WFTV-TV (Florida) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXV

2006-10-17T17:17:00.000-04:00

KIRO-TV (Washington) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXIV

2006-10-17T17:15:00.000-04:00

WDIV-TV (Michigan) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXIII

2006-10-17T17:13:00.000-04:00

KCCI-TV (Iowa) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXII

2006-10-17T17:11:00.000-04:00

KJAC (Pennsylvania) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXXI

2006-10-17T17:09:00.000-04:00

WTVU (California) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXX

2006-10-17T17:07:00.000-04:00

WTOV (Ohio) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXVIX

2006-10-17T17:06:00.000-04:00

Kansas City Channel.com (Missouri) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXVIII

2006-10-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

WNBC (New York) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXVII

2006-10-17T17:02:00.000-04:00

FoxReno.com (Nevada) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXVI

2006-10-17T16:57:00.000-04:00

Newsnet5.com (Ohio) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXV

2006-10-17T16:55:00.000-04:00

WSOC-TV (North Carolina) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXIV

2006-10-17T16:53:00.000-04:00

WSB-TV (Georgia) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXIII

2006-10-17T16:52:00.000-04:00

KFOX-TV (Texas) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj on the Border Republished – Volume LXXII

2006-10-17T16:45:00.000-04:00

WHIO-TV (Ohio) reprints Raj on the border.

Raj's Interview with the Evening Bulletin

2006-10-16T19:09:00.000-04:00

Below is Raj’s interview with the Evening Bulletin. The interview was published on Monday.

I must confess that I did not believe Raj Bhakta was a serious candidate for Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. I thought the only reason he was the Republican candidate was for much the same reason Arianna Huffington was a candidate for governor of California - publicity.

However, after speaking with him, I learned my preconceived notions were incorrect.

Bhakta impressed me as genuine, intelligent, articulate, with an infectious enthusiasm, and very creative. This last characteristic is important, as creativity is something that certainly has been lacking in Congress - from both parties - for years.

There were three issues I asked Bhakta to address - matters that I felt would help contrast him with the incumbent, Allyson Schwartz. These issues were medical malpractice reform, immigration and the Iraq war. His answers provide a precise demarcation between him and Schwartz. They will help voters better decide for whom to vote.

EB: What do you think should be done about medical malpractice and tort reform?

Bhakta: There is no question - it is irrefutable - that litigation costs drive up the cost of medical care and are driving doctors out of practice. In Pennsylvania, doctors are leaving because it is becoming too expensive to practice because of frivolous lawsuits.

Trial lawyers are profiting not because they are correcting an injustice, they are fleecing the system. Something has to be done to limit these unwarranted awards.

It is no secret that Congresswoman Schwartz will not do it because she is indebted to the trial lawyers. Last year, she received $700,000 in contributions from them. This is a tremendous amount of money from a special interest group.

I think there has to be a cap on what the lawyers receive. There cannot be incentives to bring fraudulent lawsuits as there are now. I would vote to eliminate junk lawsuits that cause skyrocketing health care costs and force doctors to leave the Commonwealth. I also want to introduce meaningful market-based reform.

EB: You are the son of legal immigrants. You have your own personal experiences to bring to the table when speaking about immigration. What would you do about illegal immigration?

Bhakta: First, I would secure the borders; that is the number one priority. These people have broken the law. There are people who are waiting 10 years to become citizens. People who waited like my parents did. Why should other people cut in line in front of them?

Second, I would present a program to illegal immigrants that offers them permanent worker visas. But they cannot become citizens and get the full benefit of social services that citizens get.

EB: The courts have ruled that illegal immigrants can get social services now. How can you prevent that?

Bhakta: I'm not talking about emergency room care or something like that. I'm talking specifically about Medicare and Social Security.

EB: Many politicians like the idea that illegal immigrants contribute to the social security system with bogus numbers. This way, the government keeps the money without paying it out.

Bhakta: Exempt them from social security taxes and payments. This is where I am different than anybody else on this issue. I do not want the American taxpayer to have to pay social services for them. If illegal aliens, who are being given a chance to get legal permanent worker visas, think this is unjust, they can always leave and go back where they came from.

EB: What incentive is there for illegal immigrants to follow your proposed law or any law for that matter? We've already said that we cannot deport them. Just recently, NYC Mayor Bloomberg said many businesses survive only by illegal immigrants doing jobs that Americans will not do for the wages they are paid.

Bhakta: That's true. Many businesses would close. Many illegal immigrants are hardworking people who only want to make a better life for themselves and their families. There is no sense deporting them.

EB: Aren't you contradicting yourself then? If these businesses would close, then you can't deport them. If you can't deport them, then they don't have to follow the law. So I repeat, what incentive is there for illegal aliens to follow the law?

Bhakta: Well, here is the thing. They can be deported and we can bring in other workers, say from India for example - who will pay for the chance - to come here and work. This way, not only do we solve the problem of illegal immigrants who refuse to follow the law, we can bring in legal immigrants and earn revenue for the government besides.

This way, businesses will continue to function. The loss of workers that they got from illegal immigrants won't matter. The illegal immigrants now have an incentive to follow the law because there will be consequences if they don't, the government can bring in legal workers on worker visas so we don't have to worry about terrorists streaming across our borders, and the government can earn revenue to pay for the costs.

EB: What about the war in Iraq? What should we do?

Bhakta: I am very familiar with that part of the world. Promoting democracy is a noble goal. However, I do not think that the American people have the will to make the sacrifices necessary to do accomplish that.

Proud to Vote for Raj

2006-10-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

Tom Shakely & Friends chronicles Raj’s illustration.

Raj Bhakta, the congressional candidate whom I endorsed last spring against opponent Allyson Schwartz, has been making national headlines and appearing on major media recently. Why? Because he decided to prove how easy it really is to cross back and forth on the U.S./Mexico Border…by riding an elephant with a mariachi band in tow.

Bhakta is a candidate I earnestly admire, and whom I’m proud to say I’m voting for this November. I live in his district, the 13th, in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is the right man to represent Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia because he knows that positive, concrete changes need to happen.

Bloggers Coalition Recognizes Raj

2006-10-16T19:00:00.000-04:00

Coalition Against Illegal Immigration cross posts Raj on the Border.

If It Wasn’t So Hopeless…

2006-10-16T18:53:00.000-04:00

Our Red Republic links Raj on the border.

Congressional Candidate Raj Bhakta showed the world what a joke our border security is by bringing three elephants and a mariachi band to the border unmolested. Watch the hilarious video of how easy it is to break into our country. Afterwards, you can go ahead and cry because the situation is hopeless. I honestly did not think the situation was this bad.

Clayton Cramer Applauds Raj

2006-10-16T18:50:00.000-04:00

Clayton Cramer showcases Raj on the border.

It sounds like if there were no elephants involved, the Border Patrol wouldn't have done anything at all.

Raj Demonstration: Pure Awesome

2006-10-16T18:47:00.000-04:00

Mere Rhetoric mentions Raj on the Border.

Beyond Borders Blog Special Report

2006-10-16T18:45:00.000-04:00

Beyond Borders Blog reprints Raj on the Border.

The Absurd Report Quotes Raj

2006-10-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

From The Absurd Report:

A new poll, using neutral language, finds intense voter concern over immigration in 14 tight congressional races. The surveys were conducted by the polling company inc. for the Center for Immigration Studies.

Related

“If I can get an elephant led by a mariachi band into this country, I think Osama bin Laden could get across with all the weapons of mass destruction …” –Raj Peter Bhakta

An Outstandingly Frustrating Reality

2006-10-16T18:34:00.000-04:00

My Newz ‘n Ideas Blog cross posts Raj on the Border.