One year before William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1681, Betsy Ross's great-grandfather, Andrew Griscom, a Quaker carpenter, had already emigrated from England to New Jersey.

Andrew was successful at his trade. He was also of firm Quaker belief, and he was inspired to move to Philadelphia to become an early participant in Penn's "holy experiment." He purchased 495 acres of land in the Spring Garden section north of the city of Philadelphia (the section would later be incorporated as part of the city), and received a plot of land within the city proper.

Griscom's son and grandson both became respected carpenters as well. Both have their names inscribed on a wall at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, home of the oldest trade organization in the country.
Griscom's grandson Samuel helped build the bell tower at the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall). He married Rebecca James who was a member of a prominent Quaker merchant family. It was not unusual for people in those days to have many children, so it is only somewhat surprising to learn that they had 17!

Elizabeth Griscom — also called Betsy, their eighth child and a fourth-generation American, was born on January 1, 1752.

Betsy went to a Friends (Quaker) public school. For eight hours a day she was taught reading, writing, and received instruction in a trade — probably sewing. After completing her schooling, Betsy's father apprenticed her to a local upholsterer. Today we think

Dear John,

Thank you for contacting me with your views on health care reform. I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

For years, patients, employers, and health care providers have been urging their representatives to tackle the problems in our health care system. And, without action, our health care costs have kept climbing each year?"forcing more employers to drop coverage for their workers, increasing the number of uninsured Americans who can't afford coverage, and leading hardworking families to file bankruptcy when faced with the unexpected. The one thing everyone has agreed on is the need for reforms that improve care and hold down costs. Over the past year, as Congress debated

While we should still be telling our friends and neighbors why this bill was such a raw deal for Hoosiers, it's time to put our words into action. We must work harder than ever to defeat those in Congress who voted in support of this bill.
Rep. Joe Donnelly was for this bill, then he was against it, and at the last minute yesterday he voted for it.
Rep. Baron Hill has played the same game at every step in the process: Pretend to have concerns and then ultimately vote for the bill.
Rep. Brad Ellsworth, who will be running for U.S. Senate this fall, tried to hide from the public as much as possible and avoided taking a stance for as long as he could. He, too, voted to pass this bill multiple times.
And we all know that Reps. Andre Carson and Pete Visclosky are reliable liberal votes for the Obama and Pelosi agenda.
The Indiana Republican Party is committed to defeating all of them in November.
Murray Clark
Chairman
Indiana Republican Party

Rep. Ellsworth to Support Health Overhaul
By the Associated Press
3/19/2010

Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth said Friday he will vote for the health care overhaul bill and was swayed to support the contentious legislation in part because it maintains restrictions on federal funding for abortion.

The conservative Democrat from southern Indiana said in a statement that he believes that the proposed $940 billion health bill will benefit Indiana residents by reducing medical costs and improving access to affordable health insurance.

Ellsworth, who opposes abortion, said the bill meets his principles and upholds the current policy of no federal funding for elective abortions.

"After months of meetings and conversations with thousands of Hoosiers, health care experts and pro-life advocates, I am confident supporting health care reform is the right decision for Hoosiers," he said.

The two-term congressman, who is running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Evan Bayh, had been under pressure from groups on both sides of the health care debate as the vote nears.

Fellow Democratic Reps. Joe Donnelly and Baron Hill are now the only ones among Indiana's nine congressmen who are undecided on the bill. All four Republican congressmen oppose the measure, which the U.S. House is expected to consider Sunday.

Opponents of the health care plan mounted protests this week against the proposal, including protests outside Donnelley's and Ellsworth state offices.

On Monday, a "Kill the bill" rally hosted by the Indianapolis Tea Party drew U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., and a large, vocal crowd to the Indiana Statehouse's south lawn. Pence, the third-ranking Republican in the House, told the gathering that the health care bill would bring a "government takeover of health care" and "job-killing taxes."

Ellsworth said in his statement that he was frustrated by what he called "all the political games" that arose during the long debate on President Barack Obama's push for Congress to overhaul the nation's health care system.

"Unfortunately, many in both parties made snap judgments on whether or not they would support this bill based on politics, not policy," he said.

"I needed to answer only one question when deciding whether to support this reform: Will this bill benefit Hoosiers? Put simply, in my core I know it does."

He said the bill would reduce costs, improve access to affordable health insurance options, cover pre-existing conditions "and does not add one penny to the deficit."

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Dear Mr. Stanczak:
 
Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform.  I appreciate hearing your thoughts and understand your concerns.  
 
The rising cost of health care has highlighted the critical need for health care reform.  Many individuals and families are unable to receive vital health services under the

Dear John,

Thank you for expressing your views on the health care reform legislation recently approved by the House of Representatives. I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

When I came to Congress, I pledged to work with my colleagues from both parties to change the status quo on major issues and start solving Americans' problems. For too long, Americans had

Dear John,

Thank you for contacting me to voice your views on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454. I appreciate your comments and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

The House recently passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454. The primary focus of

Dear Mr. Stanczak:
Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform.  I appreciate hearing your thoughts and

Well fellow Americans, here you have it...Change that you can not only believe in, but be afraid of as well!
You have admitted c.o.m.m.u.n.i.s.t.s advising

Brad.Ellsworth@mail.house.gov

Dear John,
 
Thank you for contacting me to voice your concern about health care reform.  I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to

He said it was hard watching his Grandmother recently. She didn't have to wait for any kind of medical treatment. How hard will it be

The marketplace will move to energy efficiency without using a tax penalty system to artificially get us there before it is time.

The reason that we are not in an economy fueled by wind, solar, geo-thermal, electric, hydro, etc is that those things are not viable alternatives yet. And nuclear is a political hot potato.

By passing cap and trade government is forcing adoption of very costly energy sources before they are competitive.

The result will be a huge direct increase in the cost of living from energy costs and indirectly from the inflation affect it will have on ALL goods produced and shipped in this country.

And net job creation?

I suspect not, but if yes at what cost?

Government is screwing with our lives too much with the proposed experiments they are toying with. There had better be significant bi-partisan support of major policy changes or don’t enact them.

The House passed this by a whisker – given the effect on real people’s lives that is not good enough.

Government is hiding behind invented reasons to justify tax increases and government growth. For example, man’s contribution to climate change is a fraud calculated to justify social change and economic control and advantage to insiders. The real motives are rooted in a preference for a totalitarian, socialist government instead of free enterprise and capitalism.

This Obama is no good, and was born in KENYA .

C COYLE

Jackson a Pop Icon With Troubled Life....obama ought to know....he's also an icon with a troubled wife.....couldn't resist, sorry.

Seriously though, how low we've sunk...do you think that reporters would have asked President Bush (a real President) what he thought of poor little Michael? ....

How racist of the media....

why should obama have an opinion,

cuz he's half black?

BTW....few know that Michael actually taught Barry how to "Moonwalk".....yup, Barry does his "slip and slide backwards glide" everytime he's asked a serious question....he's smoother than Michael ever was.....votes "present" and then "glides".

but folks i heard something today, that turned my stomach. Obam's spokesman came out and said that Obama feels for the Jackson family, and the fans, now thats fine and dandy, if you do it for all, BUT NOT ONCE DID I HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT THE ED McMANN, OR FARRAH FAWCETT" FAMILY, AS THEY PASSED THIS WEEK AS WELL. SO i am sorry to say, that this Obama is not only KILLING AMERICA AS WE KNOW IT, but he is a RACIST We need somehow to get him out of office, along this the rest , that are lining their POCKETS WITH OUR MONEY.

we need CHANGE but not what OBAMA IS doing.

C.COYLE

Dear John,

Thank you for contacting me to voice your opinions on health care reform.  I appreciate your comments, and I welcome this opportunity to share my thoughts.

While the medical care provided by American doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals is the envy of the world, too often the skyrocketing cost of health insurance stands between working Americans and the state of the art care they deserve.  In fact, over the past decade, the cost of an average family health plan has more than doubled, leaving many American families under-insured and others with no health insurance of any kind.  Federal and state programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide access to health coverage for seniors and other groups, but they can't begin to address the growing need for help.  That means tens of millions of struggling middle class Americans are being forced to live in constant fear of losing their home or going bankrupt if a family member gets sick.  As these Americans delay essential care and try to get by without necessary medications, they get increasingly unhealthy-increasing the costs for everyone in the end. 

As you may know, health care costs for employers have also skyrocketed since 2000, forcing many small businesses to shift the growing cost of their insurance programs to their employees or eliminating their health plans altogether. Even after shifting away some of these increased costs, American businesses are forced to spend more per hour on health care than their competitors in other advanced countries-making American products and services less competitive.  That's one reason why America's 27 million small business owners cite rising health insurance costs as their number one concern-above fuel costs, taxes, and the economy.

Under the status quo, these problems are getting worse instead of better. Since the beginning of the current recession in late 2007, an additional 2.4 million workers and their families have lost health coverage due to layoffs and benefit cuts.  Meanwhile, 87 million Americans were without health insurance for all or part of 2007 or 2008.  When these uninsured Americans end up in emergency clinics and the hospital, everyone's costs go up.  In fact, family health insurance premiums cost $1,100 more per year just to compensate for care provided to folks without health care coverage.

That's why Hoosiers like you have asked me to focus my efforts on solving the problem, and that's what I plan to work toward this year.  Fortunately, the American people sent a message to Washington in the last election that they want to see real change in the way the system works.  I look forward to working in Congress to make the serious reforms that will ensure every single American has access to quality health care.  That means preventing insurance companies from denying coverage to a cancer patient who recently lost his job. That means leaving health care decisions in the hands of doctors and patients. That means helping struggling middle class Americans without access to affordable insurance find a plan that provides good care at a price they can pay.  That means changing federal health programs to stop paying doctors and hospitals based solely on how many tests they run and start rewarding positive results.  While the House and Senate develop their plans for this reform, I will be focused on ensuring access to quality health care, containing the growth in health care costs, maintaining Hoosiers' access to the doctor they choose, and protecting taxpayers from vague promises that will increase the debt down the road.  And as Congress debates the details of every proposal, please be assured I will listen to your thoughts and evaluate legislation on their merits.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your views with me.  If you would like to learn more about my positions on issues important to you or receive regular updates on developments in Congress, please visit my Online Office at www.ellsworth.house.gov and sign up for my e-Newsletter.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth

(This is an interesting letter but it never addressed my questions or at least it doesn't seem to address what I wrote to him; I guess I'l have to go back and read what I sent to see if it could have been misunderstood.

On the other hand he did answer which is better than the last guy in this office.

" tens of millions of struggling middle class Americans are being forced to live in constant fear of losing their home or going bankrupt if a family member gets sick." this statement seems to be a problem that people, or at least Washington, wants fixed but because it is this same people who caused the problem is it wise to let them have control to fix the problem?

"the medical care provided by American doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals is the envy of the world". This is true so why does the government feel the need to change it and follow the Medicare and the Medicade programs that are always short of money because they are run by the United States government. A sure way to insure that health care in the United States will fail is to put the bureaucrats in charge of it.

"Fortunately, the American people sent a message to Washington in the last election that they want to see real change in the way the system works."

The American people wanted change but I really doubt that they wanted to follow Europe into socialism. So far the only change that the people have seen is waste of the tax money by the trillions, an attempt to socialize our best in the world health care, an attempt to convert our country from Christianity to any thing else as long as it is not Christian and socialize all of our businesses and money.

John R. Stanczak)

Dear Friend,

Recently, I wrote to you about the significant waste that is occurring in the current defense contracting process. Last year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) looked into 96 major defense projects and found cost overruns that totaled $296 billion. This waste drains important resources away from programs and missions that are critical to our national defense. That’s why I wanted to update you on some recent efforts to reform the process and ensure our tax dollars are used effectively to provide our war fighters with the most advanced equipment and weapons available.

This week, the House approved the Weapons Acquisition System reform Through Enhancing Technical Knowledge and Oversight (WASTE TKO) Act. The legislation provides strict oversight and accountability measures in the early development stage of major weapons acquisitions. Specifically, it requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to track the cost growth and schedule changes that happen before Milestone B, the point in the process when systems development starts.  This is critical because 75% of costs are locked in as weapons systems emerge from the development stage.      

The bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to designate an official to serve as DoD’s expert on assessing our acquisition programs. Often, there is conflicting information on the effectiveness of these programs; this individual will provide DoD and Congress with unbiased evaluations of how successful or unsuccessful our acquisitions programs are.

While this bill is an important first step, there is more work to be done to eliminate waste in Washington. The bipartisan Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform, of which I am a member, will continue to examine the acquisition process to identify the root causes of waste in the system and to make recommendations to Congress on additional improvements going forward.

In these challenging times, when we have limited resources to accomplish our national goals, it’s critical that we make every dollar count. I hope these efforts will reduce government waste and ensure the United States remains the strongest, most advanced military force in the world.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth

Dear Friend,

Over the last 65 years, the GI Bill has been an American success story; providing millions of our veterans with the chance to go to college and pursue the American Dream. To build on this success, Congress recently updated the GI Bill to address the needs and concerns of today’s returning veterans. I was glad to support these improvements, and I’m happy to report that the Department of Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for the new educational benefits.

The new GI Bill for the 21st Century covers 100 percent of the tuition costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school. Previously, benefits only covered about 70 percent of the cost of a public college education or 30 percent of a private college education.

In addition, returning veterans are eligible for a stipend to cover housing, books and other related expenses. Benefits will cover educational expenses incurred on or after August 1, 2009.
 
To learn more or apply online, please visit: www.gibill.va.gov.

The GI Bill for the 21st Century renews our commitment to the newest generation of America’s veterans by providing those who want to transition into civilian life with the educational and training opportunities they need to succeed. But the program is only helpful to those who know about it, so I encourage you to share this email with anyone who might find it useful.

Sincerely,
Brad Ellsworth

Dear Friend,

Recently, I have heard from many constituents who are concerned about the unfair practices of some credit card companies. Families, who are already struggling to get by in the current economic climate, are being hit with hidden fees and rising interest rates.

In 2008 alone, credit card companies collected $19 billion in penalty fees.

These additional financial burdens are the last thing Hoosiers need, so I was glad to support legislation to bring them some relief.

The Credit Cardholder’s Bill of Rights, H.R. 627, makes some important changes to the rules governing the credit card industry and provides critical protections to consumers.

Specifically, the bill prevents credit card companies from raising interest rates on the existing balances of cardholders making their payments on time. Those who are at least 30 days late in paying their bills would not receive these protections.

Companies would also be required to provide 45 days notice of all interest rate increases or new fees and mail all billing statements 21 calendar days before their due date.

In addition, the bill ends the practice of credit card companies charging consumers interest on debt that has already been paid on time, and prohibits them from charging customers fees for paying their bills.

           These common sense changes will protect responsible consumers from unfair fees and unexpected rate increases. I hope the Senate will pass this important legislation soon.

Sincerely,
Brad Ellsworth

With so many Hoosier struggling to meet the rising cost of gas, groceries, health care and other necessities, I wanted to remind retirees, disabled veterans, and low-wage workers that there is still time to claim your economic stimulus rebate if you haven’t already done so. Unfortunately, many folks who are

WASHINGTON - In another push to deal with soaring gas prices, President Bush on Monday will lift an executive ban on offshore drilling that his stood since his father was president. But the move, by itself, will do nothing unless Congress acts as well.

The president plans to officially lift the ban and then explain his actions in a Rose Garden statement, White House press secretary Dana Perino said.

There are two prohibitions on offshore drilling, one imposed by Congress and another by executive order signed by former President Bush in 1990. The current president, trying to ease market tensions and boost supply, called last month for Congress to lift its prohibition before he did so himself.

But Perino said Bush no longer wants to wait. She pinned blame on the leaders of the Democratic Congress, noting that no action has been taken on this issue.

"They haven't even held a single hearing," Perino said. "So we are going to move forward, and hopefully that will spur action by the Congress."

Asked if Bush's action alone will lead to more oil drilling, Perino said, "In terms of allowing more exploration to go forward? No, it does not."

The president, in his final months of office, has responded to record gas-prices with a series of proposals, including more oil exploration. None would have immediate impact on prices at the pump, according to White House officials, who say there is no quick fix. But starting action now would help, they say.

Bush's proposal echoes a call by Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, to open the Continental Shelf for exploration.

Congressional Democrats have rejected the push to lift the drilling moratorium, accusing the president of hoping the U.S. can drill its way out a problem.

Bush says offshore drilling could yield up to 18 billion barrels of oil over time, although it would take years for production to start. Bush also says offshore drilling would take pressure off prices over time. In addition, the president has proposed opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling, lifting restrictions on oil shale leasing in the Green River Basin of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming and easing the regulatory process to expand oil refining capacity.

Congressional Democrats, joined by some GOP lawmakers from coastal states, have opposed lifting the prohibition that has barred energy companies from waters along both the East and West coasts and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. A succession of presidents, from Bush's father — George H.W. Bush — to Bill Clinton, have sided against drilling in these waters, as has Congress each year for 27 years. Their goal has to been to protect beaches and coastal states' tourism economies.

JENNY PETER
city editor

Eighth Dist. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Evansville, said he is against suspending the federal excise tax on gasoline this summer, saying doing so would take dollars away from much-needed improvements to federal and state highway systems.

Instead, he would like to see Congress continue to explore renewable energies like wind, solar, nuclear and clean-coal technology, such as Duke Energy's coal-gasification plan being built in Edwardsport.

"We have to look at all the tools in our box," he said. "We've all been just sitting on our hands here. We should have been addressing this problem since the 1970s, when we had the