# Monday, September 26 is Rock the Capitol Day in Harrisburg, PA **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [September 19, 2005, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297 "2005-09-19T01:09:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/1 "2005-09-19T01:09:57Z")
A reminder to those who’ve followed the saga of the 2AM excessive raises our legislators bestowed on themselves, a week from tomorrow is the day to let them know that we’re tired of getting screwed during the night without a kiss, a cuddle, or even a backrub. Many of them remain unrepentant, including House Speaker John Perzel (R-Phila) who said a lawmaker’s base salary of $81K plus a raise is not unreasonable when compared with the $50 to $60K immigrant workers earn milking cows in Lancaster County. According to the PA Farm Bureau, the average milker makes $18,700 per year on a 40 hour week, and some earn greater than $30K with overtime. Lancaster dairy cows, when asked to comment, said, “Moo-the-fuh??” Today’s Patriot News revealed some new reports of excess at the top, including reasons why the judicial branch may be reluctant to reign in the legislative branch- they’re side by side at the slop table. Chief Justice Cappy wants us to understand that it’s reasonable for him to expense almost $37K back to the taxpayers, on top of his $176,800 salary, including $781.92 for three meals over two days. Don’t know how much he eats, but that’s a month’s worth of chow with money in hand remaining at my house. 😕 To read more, go to [this article](http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/112703522729280.xml&coll=1), and [Pat Carroll’s column](http://www.pennlive.com/columns/patriotnews/carroll/index.ssf?/base/columnists/112703526429280.xml&coll=1). The official website is [www.rockthecapital.org](http://www.rockthecapital.org) Yeah, I know it’s misspelled, but it’s not my site. Hope to see you a week from Monday. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Corrado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a88e4f/32.png) [@John\_Corrado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Corrado)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/2 "2005-09-19T12:46:35Z")
[Pedant mode] Actually, I don’t think it’s misspelled. My understanding is that “Capital” is used for state capitals, and “Capitol” is only used for Washington D.C. But then, I’m from D.C., so I may be biased. [/Pedant mode] Anyways- go kick ass and take names. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/3 "2005-09-19T12:49:47Z")
Capital is the city, capitol is the building. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/4 "2005-09-19T16:37:05Z")
If Airman and I can make it, we’ll be there. I’d love to see the fireworks. Robin ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2005, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/5 "2005-09-19T23:39:48Z")
Any idea of where we can find out when each of these jokers is up for re-election? CapnPitt Location: Held hostage by the pay-raising Costa brothers ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/6 "2005-09-20T03:39:38Z")
> [@CapnPitt](#): > > Any idea of where we can find out when each of these jokers is up for re-election? > > CapnPitt > Location: Held hostage by the pay-raising Costa brothers Start with [www.PAcleansweep.com](http://www.PAcleansweep.com) From their website: > [@](#): > > In 2006, all 203 members of the House of Representatives and 25 of our 50 Senators must face re-election. With your help, we can give them all a run for their money by seeking out qualified candidates - in non-partisan fashion - to challenge the incumbents in both the Primary and General elections. IIRC at least a few of the state judges are up for retention votes this November. Hoping to see **MsRobyn, Airman** and other PA dopers there. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/7 "2005-09-20T03:41:52Z")
I’m working that night but if I plan ahead (ha!) I think I can make it there for a good part of the festivities. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/8 "2005-09-20T04:04:18Z")
Is there really a 25-foot pig outside the capitol? ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/9 "2005-09-20T04:11:01Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Is there really a 25-foot pig outside the capitol? If not, there should be. If minor league baseball ever comes to York, the team should be named in honor of the state legislative and judicial branches-The Harrisburg Hogs. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/10 "2005-09-20T04:18:30Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Is there really a 25-foot pig outside the capitol? [This article (with pic)](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05263/574522.stm) claims it’s a 20-foot pig. It’s red. I hope they’ve drawn the line at street puppets. IMHO they really make a demonstration look tacky. ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/11 "2005-09-20T04:37:36Z")
> [@danceswithcats](#): > > Start with [www.PAcleansweep.com](http://www.PAcleansweep.com) From their website: > > IIRC at least a few of the state judges are up for retention votes this November. > > Hoping to see **MsRobyn, Airman** and other PA dopers there. thanks **dances**. I won’t be making the trip out, but please post how the protest goes. ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/12 "2005-09-20T06:11:56Z")
After some more rooting, [here is the pig with a pic](http://www.thewgalchannel.com/news/4991541/detail.html). ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/13 "2005-09-20T06:16:28Z")
Thanks **Squink**. The picture in your link is much better. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/14 "2005-09-20T13:30:43Z")
What the heck is this? As much as I favor unelecting most politicians, isn’t this the second thread in recent weeks promoting this purely local cause? I am if the understanding that the SDMB isn’t generally to be used to promote one’s pet issue. That is, not without administrative approval—and then, only sparingly. ---
**Author:** ![Enderw24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ba9def/32.png) [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/15 "2005-09-20T14:10:55Z")
Here’s what I find surprising: Assuming each senator and representative gave themselves a $20,000 increase, that’s a total of 5 million dollars. Divided by the current PA population of 12 million and that’s 40 cents per person across the board. Meanwhile, the Alaskan bridge to nowhere costs $233 million and, at around 295 million people in the US that’s approximately 80 cents per person. I won’t bother calculating the number of taxpayers of each population. But in terms of total dollars, number of population taxed, and cost per person, the bridge to nowhere is higher. Now, I’m not saying 5 mil is chump change. Nor am I saying you don’t have a right to be upset over this. Indeed you do and I think this kind of government spending is obscene. I’m only commenting that there seems to be a much larger campaign to deal with the first problem rather than the second, despite how much larger the second is as compared to the first. ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/16 "2005-09-20T15:02:21Z")
**UncleBeer** , I’m pretty sure the “Report Post” button is there if you want to use it. Other than that, why make a comment that isn’t germane to the OP? ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/17 "2005-09-20T15:05:17Z")
I lived in Harrisburg for a year-and-a-half, and absolutely nothing happened. I feel like I’m missing all the excitement. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/18 "2005-09-20T15:08:50Z")
'Cuz I’m a dick? Or maybe, just maybe, rather than bother the mods, I thought perhaps somebody in this thread could answer the question? ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/19 "2005-09-20T16:55:00Z")
> [@CapnPitt](#): > > **UncleBeer** , I’m pretty sure the “Report Post” button is there if you want to use it. Other than that, why make a comment that isn’t germane to the OP? To be fair to **Unc** , the [SDMB rules](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/rules.php?) _may_ be germane to the OP. Of course, it helps, if one is going to play Emeritus Mod (what former mods do in lieu of Junior Modding), to _accurately cite_ the rules a poster may be infringing on, rather than giving everyone a misguided idea of what the rules are. And thereby, a misguided idea of how one might keep from breaking them. Let me quote: > [@](#): > > Do not post spam, including but not limited to advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, solicitations, or other messages primarily intended to promote a cause, venture, organization, event (except Straight Dope-related events), website, or other entity or activity, whether or not money is involved. We allow exceptions for worthy causes (in our sole opinion) if you obtain prior permission from a moderator or administrator. I’ve read this passage a few times, and it seems to take on a different meaning each time, so I won’t even go into what I think it might mean; I’d surely get it wrong. But if I wanted to know if/how this rule applies to the OP, I’d ask an admin, rather than a Mod Emeritus. Especially because “pet” issues or “local” causes don’t seem to have much to do with what the rule says, no matter how you slice it. ---
**Author:** ![CapnPitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/edb3f5/32.png) [@CapnPitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CapnPitt)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2005, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297/20 "2005-09-20T17:07:17Z")
> [@UncleBeer](#): > > 'Cuz I’m a dick? Or maybe, just maybe, rather than bother the mods, I thought perhaps somebody in this thread could answer the question? Well, I appreciate your honesty. Anyhoo, again, **danceswithcats** I’m sorry I can’t make it, but make my voice heard please. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monday-september-26-is-rock-the-capitol-day-in-harrisburg-pa/322297.md?page=2)