Same 'O' plan as before

http://www.politickermd.com/kennethburns/3684/same-o-plan

Myself along with every other commentator whether they are liberal or conservative has been accused once or twice of not reading what the other guy is standing for. We are often accused of either drinking the same Kool-Aid as the people we agree with most of the time or having a daily talking points fax which we receive to make sure that the daily spin machine is running smoothly.

Well, let me assure you that today, I will be talking about "The Blueprint for Change" that presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is currently trying to sell America on. So far, he seems to be doing a good job as salesman because the latest poll numbers has Obama edging out McCain. I have downloaded and read the document from front to back ... and I am still not convinced that he is the right person for the job.

Obama's plans and promises are nothing more than tax code hocus pocus and replays of promises that I heard from other political candidates on both sides of the aisle. Although I admit, this plan has a splash of liberalism with a dash of socialism light on the side. I do realize that the government is about to bailout a lot of rich people right now. I am not really all that cool with it either because the economic mess is really the fault of our love of de-regulation in the 90s. But now to the task at hand...

The blueprint includes universal healthcare, which was first proposed in the 90s. Under the Obama plan he will "make available a new national health plan so all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, can buy affordable health coverage" similar to the plan available to members of congress. I have to be honest with you. Whenever I smell government getting involved with something that private industry can do better (provided that the screws are put to them), I get nervous because it will cost money AND it will be a big bureaucracy. I think we have enough of those.

Another universal idea being proposed is universal pre-school. He is proposing a "Zero to Five" plan "to provide critical young support to young children and their parents." The emphasis will be placed on early care and education for infants preparing them to be ready for kindergarten. Obama will create grants to help states move to voluntary, universal pre-school. Again, my problem is that it will be government-run and more bureaucracy.

Another problem I have with the blueprint for change is the idea to reform No Child Left Behind. While I am all for teachers not having to teach to a test, I am totally against what he is proposing as far as recruiting teachers. While I don't think it's fair to give college students a free ride just by checking a box (I believe they will have to earn it like everyone else,) Obama does not offer any ideas to hold teachers accountable for not doing their job. Having a master teacher mentor a new teacher is all well in good, but mentoring can only go so far.

Then there is the number of tax cuts and credits that Obama is willing to pay out. He has yet to offer a plan on how to pay for all of this other than last month where he said that taxes would be going up for you if you make over a certain amount (I believe it's $150,000 if memory serves correctly.) Among the tax credits, Obama is proposing a "Making Work Pay" tax credit where you can earn up to $500 per person ($1000 per working family) as a way to restore fairness to the tax code. He says that this would eliminate income taxes for 10 million Americans. Let's be real, $500 is not a lot these days, let alone a $1000. I doubt that 10 million Americans will see such a break.

Obama is also proposing to:

• create a 10 percent universal mortgage credit to provide tax relief to homeowners who do not itemize.
• eliminate all income taxation of seniors making less than $50,000 a year.
• expand the child and dependent care tax credit
• establish a $4000 tax credit in exchange for 100 hours of public service a year

The above tax proposals are all well and good, but this is tax code hocus pocus. It will look good on paper (and I don't mean our paychecks) but I believe that the status quo will continue.

In addition to the fiscal voodoo, I am also unimpressed with other initiatives he has promised. I have heard many Democrats (and some Republicans) promise the following items before and failed to deliver on the goods:

• Strengthen Civil Rights Enforcement
• Eliminate Sentencing Disparities
• Guaranteed Paid Sick Days
• Ending Health Care Disparities
• Invest in clean energy
• Fix NAFTA to make it work for America
• Improve our Immigration System

Bring our troops home from Iraq. This one came in recent memory because that was the promise sold by the Democrats two years ago.

As I stated earlier, I agree with Sen. Obama about No Child Left Behind pushing teachers to teach to a test. I also agree with him that we should have pushed people to service after 9/11 instead of pushing to them to shop. His competitor, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), also expressed that point as well.

Getting past the lofty promises and talking points from both sides, I look at the character. For me, Senator Obama does not really have that much of a character. He does not share my values. I know that is not a shock for many of you, but keep in mind, I liked BILL Clinton when he was president. Clinton may have creeped and lied under oath about said act, but he had enough integrity to go on national television and apologize.

Now keep in mind, I cannot do justice to Obama's 65-page document in this space. The purpose today was to point out highlights that stuck out to me and to share what I thought about them. I did read the entire document and find that the plan for change has been proposed in the years prior to this election. Hope and change is nothing new, only the person delivering it.

P. Kenneth Burns is a broadcaster and journalist who blogs at Maryland Politics Today and blog.kennyburns.com. His email is kenny@kennyburns.com.

This Just In

Joe,

"It is 5:45 p.m. and I just passed Chief See enroute to Salisbury with his entire family in the Salisbury Fire Chief car. That's right, I just passed him and his family on Mt. Hermon Road.

I was going to turn around and take a photograph, but, I decided to not waste my time.

What a frigging joke. All at the taxpayers expense with gasoline at $3.50/gallon."

My View

I have a strong feeling this Post will be long but I'll do my best not to be as verbose as Michael.

Let's talk about this 700 Billion Dollar Bailout YOU and I are paying for. For years I have been preaching about this economy, or should I say, FALSE economy. Years ago it was the dot com companies screwing Americans in the Stock Market, barely being regulated by the Federal Government. I said it years ago back in the Clinton days, Clinton spent billions upon billions of our money into the Stock Market, creating this false hope that everything referencing the Computer Industry was a win/win for any investor. Yeah, there were some risks but while our own Government was buying into the marketplace, our Government knew we'd take the bait and try to ride the wave of making millions.

However, when the Government had made enough, they bailed out and the next thing we knew the market was crashing. The saddest part was, we had Aunt's, Uncle's, Grandparents and so forth invested in 401K's also riding the wave of good hope and when it crashed they lost almost everything, as did standard investors.

Then came the Real Estate BS Market. Homes that were $140,000.00 homes are now on the market for $350,000.00 to $400,000.00. WHY? Because interest rates dropped so low, everyone could afford it. Another false hope presented to you by our Federal Government. As we hear and see neighbors, friends and families losing their dreams to foreclosure, we blame the economy.

Auto Manufacturers came out with 0% interest rates on vehicles and our very own Government gave us incentives to purchase BIG trucks and SUV's and the entire Country went out and bought bigger and better. Now let me ask you who YOU think knew the cost of fuel was going to rise as much as it has before YOU knew about it?

I could go on and on about what "I" saw and I will say that I shared this with many close friends over the past 10 years now, (perhaps longer) but what really gets me, (and I believe it should outrage you) is how our very own Government thinks that they can just step up to the plate ands say, we need to save all those SOB's that screwed everyone for all those years by coming through with a 700 Billion Dollar Bailout!

Was OUR Government there for all of YOU when you were losing your home to foreclosure? Are they there for you when you go to the pumps and fill up that SUV you can't get rid of? When, on God's Green Earth are Americans going to finally say, enough is enough?

I for one have paid out millions upon millions of dollars in taxes over the time I have been "qualified" to do so. I took risks and I saw this tidal wave coming and I secured my investments, I was lucky. Others took major risks like Warfield & Glick in the hopes of walking away with mega millions. Could I have gotten on board with the pie in the sky deals over the past 10 years? Absolutely. However, I was too smart to fall for that BS and the old simple phrase, "it's too good to be true" would always come to mind and I stayed away from it.

However, how secure am I? You know, I just don't know the answer to that question. You see, I believe that they sucked most people into the Stock Market and then they let the bottom drop out. Then came the Real Estate Market and vehicles and most Americans fell for it again and our Government knew we were getting close to spending almost everything we had, so what's left? Well, if you follow history and the great depression, we're there Folks. They have stripped most Americans of everything we had left and now they're tapping into us with a 700 Billion Dollar Credit Card.

Foreign Companies are buying up failing American Companies and just like the City of Salisbury, we have Politicians running this Country that have no clue how to run a business. We have Idiots like like Chief See wanting to purchase a $800,000.00 Fire Boat, yet we're so screwed even locally it doesn't matter.

Folks, we need 100+ Andy Harris' in Congress because this has to stop. Are you that stupid that you'll vote for a guy like Kratovil when he has NO EXPERIENCE? The time is now to appreciate the fact that a man like Andy Harris is WILLING to run for Congress to represent all of US. Will you vote for a guy like Comegys and know we're going to simply have the same old crap we've been dealing with in years past?

Like this Blog or not, it's a voice for the people and even the local Government, Mayor Barrie Tilghman and Police Chief Webster have done everything they can do to shut down the voice of the people. Think about this. If my pockets weren't as deep as they are, they would have won. If YOU weren't visiting here every day and voicing your opinion to our Posts, they would have won.

It's time to stand up for everything you've worked for and believed in within the Unites States of America. From local Government to National, Enough is Enough! I personally do not believe in bailing out the same companies that screwed this economy to start with. Let the chips fall where they may and lets hit rock bottom, (if we must) and lets rebuild America. However, this time, let's do so using our heads. I didn't want this Post to be about Harris & Kratovil but come on Folks, what are you thinking? Are you really going to vote for a man, (Kratovil) with NO EXPERIENCE and NO HISTORY? It's elections just like this one that will change the scope of America. Andy Harris is our answer to a better economy and growth.

The $700 Billion Bailout is a complete crock of sh!t and it must be stopped. I'll close with this. Almost every one of you can remember what it's like to go to a closing for a mortgage on a home. The process takes months and they dig into everything you've ever done in your past. Our Government wants to pull $700 Billion out of a hat and simply tell us this is what they need, without time to research the fine details, yet we're squirming left and right just to get a mortgage on a home?

I for one have had enough and this is where I am heard. Now it's your turn.

My Presidential Point Of View

Boy are we screwed either way, like it or not!

OK, let's looks at reality here Folks. I know we're not supposed to traditionally put things on the line like I'm about to do but reality is reality.

Let's say Obama wins the Presidential Race. Then let's say some nut job Idiot bumps him off. What are we left with, Joe Biden! PLEASE! Biden as President? I don't even have to go any further on this one.

Now, let's say McCain wins, has a heart attack or stroke and dies in Office. Hell, let's even say some nut job Idiot shoots him and kills him, what the heck. Palin as President? PLEASE!

I don't care what you say, we're screwed. And who have we been screwed by? The Republican and Democratic Leaders gave us THIS to choose from?

I don't know about you but this is a no brainer when it comes to looking ahead as a business person. I do NOT like the odds either way, PERIOD! So now we're supposed to settle for what we have and simply do the best with what we have.

Jesus people, is this what we've become as Americans! Are we that stupid? The answer is, YES WE ARE!

There, for all those people who think I have a strong hold on one party or the other, you're wrong. We're in the worst economy this Country has ever been faced with and these are our choices!

Where's Ross Perot when you need him most? I'll bet if Oprah ran for President she'd win, that's how stupid Americans have become.

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On September 18, 2008 at approximately 11:32 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by below listed suspect # 1 for traffic violations on Parsons Road. A records check of suspect # 1 revealed that he was driving without a license. A check of the vehicle revealed an amount of suspected marijuana and suspected cocaine in the possession of suspect # 2.

ARRESTED #1: Vaughn Michael Williams, 27 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Driving without a license

ARRESTED #2: Ashleigh Nicole Hunter, 22 years of age Dagsboro, Delaware

CHARGES:
Possession of marijuana
Possession of cocaine
Possession of CDS/paraphernalia

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200800035203

On September 20, 2008 at approximately 7:12 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the area of Naylor and Brown St. for the report of a sexual assault. Upon arrival to the area, the officers located the below listed suspect who was detained in the area by witnesses. Upon meeting with the female victim, it was learned that the suspect had approached the victim from behind as she walked in the area of Brown Street. The suspect grabbed the victim, drug the victim around the side of a building, then attempted to sexually assault the victim. The victim screamed, which gained the attention of nearby witnesses who intervened and detained the suspect until the arrival of the officers. Upon arrest, the suspect was also found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant for sexually assaulting a juvenile known to the suspect, and on an outstanding District Court Bench Warrant for failing to follow conditions of probation.

ARRESTED: Darren Demitros Hudson, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Attempted first degree rape
Fourth degree sex offense
First and second degree assault
Kidnapping
Third and fourth degree sex offense
False imprisonment
Reckless Endangerment
Outstanding warrant:
First and second degree rape
1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree sex offense
Sex abuse
First and second degree assault
District Court Bench Warrant
Failure to follow conditions of probation

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800035412, 200800035443, 200800035415

On September 20, 2008 at approximately 1:55 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the one hundred block of First St. for the report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, the officers met with the below listed suspect who advised that she had stabbed the victim during a domestic altercation. The suspect advised that she was involved in the altercation with the suspect, then obtained a kitchen knife from the residence which was used to stab the victim. The victim was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment and is in stable condition.

ARRESTED: Ursula Antoinette Jackson, 35 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Reckless endangerment

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800034143

On September 20, 2008 at approximately 11:54 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Brew River restaurant for the report of a disturbance at the outside bar. Upon arrival, the officer met with security personnel who were involved in an altercation with below listed suspect # 1. As the officers took suspect # 1 into custody for assaulting the business personnel, suspects # 2, # 3, and # 4 became involved in the disturbance and were also placed under arrest.

ARRESTED #1: Marcus Dean Miciotto, 22 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault (2 counts) Disorderly conduct

ARRESTED #2: Wilbur Lee Butler, III, 19 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED #3: Otis Todd Hopkins, Jr., 24 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

ARRESTED # 4: Marilyn Eliza Butler, 42 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES (#2,#3,#4):
Disorderly conduct
Failure to obey a lawful order

DISPOSITION: All suspects released to Central Booking CC # 200800035520

The PAC-14 Debate Continues

At 10AM on Friday, September 26th, the "partners" of PAC-14 will hold another meeting.  The current board members have supposedly been invited.  The important point is that this group should not even be meeting.  According to the Wicomico County Attorney (in conjunction with the Salisbury City Attorney), the board of directors is the governing body of PAC-14.

Unfortunately, the representatives of Salisbury University (including board chair Betty Crockett) have refused to call board meetings or even acknowledge the board's existence.  Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt has assured the public that the meeting on Friday will be open to the public and that he continues to support the current structure.

What should be done?  Since the meeting is scheduled for Friday morning it should be televised on PAC-14 so that a maximum number of citizens will be able to see how their elected officials behave.  Will it?  We'll have to wait and see.  Read More ...

New Communication method?

Over the last few months the Mayor has gone from texting Gary answers to questions to now the old fashioned note passing during council meetings. Last night at the meeting i saw Gary look up and snapped this picture and low and behold i caught a glipse of the voice he hears in his head.

Bad Hair Day?

I hope these photos don't destroy the image of that fine Beauty Salon located on the Downtown Plaza because last night these three women looked like they had just rolled out of bed.

I know, let's hire beauticians for all Council Members so that they can look respectable for all televised Council Meetings? Nah, it won't help anyway. Chalk it up to a bad hair day. We've all had one of those. Especially when we're on Television, right?

HARRIS: KRATOVIL's ENERGY PLAN FAILS MARYLAND

With the price of oil jumping over $15 a barrel yesterday, State Senator Andy Harris M.D. once again charged that his opponent's energy plan lacked common sense for the people of Maryland.

"Frank Kratovil's plan may work in San Francisco," said Harris, "but it will not work in large portions of Maryland, including the Eastern Shore, where you cannot ride a bicycle to a mass transit station." (Harris is referencing a WYPR interview in which Kratovil said mass transit was an answer to the rising energy costs)

Harris said he favors a comprehensive energy plan that would expand domestic exploration of oil and natural gas, encourage more conservation, and develop the next generation of alternative energy technology. He said omitting any one of those components would be a major impediment to making America energy independent.

"We have to drill for the energy and gas that we have," said Harris. "Kratovil's opposition to drilling is the type of blind loyalty to Nancy Pelosi and politically correct liberalism that Marylanders cannot afford."

Kratovil would allow drilling only in the areas currently permitted for drilling, large portions of which are non-productive for energy resources.

"Drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf can be done safely and far off the shore.
Beach goers and vacationers will never even know the exploration is taking place," said Harris.

Pelosi adjourned the Congress in August for summer vacation without even allowing a vote on the issue of drilling. Last week, under strong political pressure from outraged Americans who were paying nearly $4.00 per gallon for gasoline, Pelosi allowed a vote on a sham drilling bill that does not provide any incentive for states to allow drilling off their coast.

"This issue is far too important to the future well-being of hard working Maryland families for Frank Kratovil or anyone else to sacrifice that well being on the altar of liberal dogma," concluded Harris.

The 55' Long Crack

Will it ever end?

How Congress Is Voting

September 22, 2008
In this MegaVote for Maryland's 1st Congressional District:

Recent Congressional Votes -

Senate: National Defense Authorization Act
House: Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act
House: National Capital Security and Safety Act
House: Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act
House: No Child Left Inside Act of 2008
Upcoming Congressional Bills -

Senate: Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008
House: Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2008
House: Making continuing appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2009

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recent Senate Votes
National Defense Authorization Act - Vote Passed (88-8, 4 Not Voting)

The Senate passed this bill that authorizes defense spending, including a 3.9% pay raise for those serving in the military.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Benjamin Cardin voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

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Recent House Votes
Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act - Vote Passed (236-189, 9 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill that seeks to reduce foreign oil dependence and enhance national security through clean and renewable alternative technologies.

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

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National Capital Security and Safety Act - Vote Passed (266-152, 1 Present, 14 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill to require the District of Columbia Council to widen the rights of gun ownership to its residents.

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest voted NO......send e-mail or see bio

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Commodity Markets Transparency and Accountability Act - Vote Passed (283-133, 17 Not Voting)

The House passed a bill requiring the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to subject the overseas trading of US energy and agricultural commodities to the same regulations and reporting requirements which domestic trades are subjected.

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

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No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 - Vote Passed (293-109, 31 Not Voting)

This bill to improve environmental education programs passed the House on Thursday.

Rep. Wayne Gilchrest voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

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Upcoming Votes
Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008 - H.R.6049

The Senate is scheduled to take up this bill to extend temporary tax provisions that expired at the end of 2007.

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Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2008 - H.R.5244

The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to establish fair and transparent practices relating to the extension of credit.

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Making continuing appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2009 - H.J.Res.____

The House is also likely to work on a continuing resolution to fund government operations for fiscal year 2009.

Sign up HERE if you'd like to get on the mailing list on how Congress Voted.

Get In The Program

Are you interested in advertising in the Fight Program for the Showtime/Fernando Guerrero Fight? This Program will go down in history as one of the greatest events to ever reach Salisbury and the Eastern Shore.

If you're interested in advertising, contact Mr. Hal Chernoff at 410-430-6687. The deadline is September 27th and many ads so far are wishing Fernando good luck. Prices are as follows Full page $250 Half $150, Quarter page $100 and business Card $75.

There is a Pep Rally on Wednesday Oct 1st at Parkside on the track .
Fernando has been invited to say a few words . The event will be from 6:00pm -
800:pm

Still lots of good seats as the Civic center opens up new areas of
seating.

This Is Your Last Chance

LAST OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OPPOSITION/CONCERNS RE: HEBRON'S
MEGA-DEVELOPMENT!!!!!


Time to Rally the Troops--Final public hearing on the ill-conceived
"Waller Landing" mega-development in Hebron (1400 residential units and
approx. 450,000 sq. ft. commercial space--ON WHAT IS PRESENTLY OPEN
FIELDS).

....and Hebron has ZERO (0) WATER/SEWER CAPACITY.


Thursday, October 25, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at West Side Primary in Hebron.

Please make every possible effort to attend AND SPEAK in opposition.
Taxpayers of Hebron--this is your last chance to speak out.


It does no good to discuss the plan after it has been approved.

He Said, She Said. Who's More Professional?

The following e-mail messages were between Cd Lewis, (possible Candidate for Delegate in 2010) and Susan Parker at the Daily Times. One interesting thing I caught was how the Daily Times had printed a letter to the editor that was not an original and was circulating around the Internet, yet they didn't check their facts and sources. Anyhow, the messages go as follows........

"I must say, reading some of the responses to McQueen's article, I am more than upset you did not print mine. One printed last Friday was an email that has been circulating and some guy just put his name on it, yet you ask me for my sources. I will just use my sources and wboc and wmdt from now on. maybe they can print some real ideas and letters and not just the same partisan junk.

CdLewis
Libertarian
In MD 2010

Susan Parker Daily Times Responds........

What I think you really mean is that you wish I'd used yours FIRST??? Yours is still in the lineup, unless you want me to remove it. I can only run three or four letters a day, usually, and I'm getting a backlog already. Are you assuming I decided not to run it at all? If you want me to NOT run it, please let me know.

Sorry. I forwarded that to one close friend and my wife. The decision
is yours. One response printed Friday was not original at all, it was pasted in. Those are the things more upsetting to me. I do not play games, no time. i am married, four kids and three small businesses, with roles at my church and part of a few community organizations. I use my time to the best of my ability. Have a great day.

CdLewis
Libertarian
In MD 2010

Susan Parker Daily Times Responds.........

Forwarding my e-mail to friends with that kind of note is playing games and makes me think you are not serious material for any kind of state office, no matter how smart or well-educated you are. It was supposed to be between you and me, that is a given unless permission is given to share. I don't really care how many businesses you own or how you use your time. I am not on the email list that the letter you refer to came from, and it hadn't shown up yet in any of my sources for fake letters. I will pass it on to colleagues all over the country so they will know. They do the same when they find out. I'm sorry to be the one who got caught this time.

Quickly, my wife is my treasurer and my close friend is my campaign manger. They are pat of my campaign. if you doubt my seriousness about running, look in the history of wicomico county politics. My name is in the history books as far a an independent in 1998.

CdLewis
Libertarian
In MD 2010

Susan Parker Responds..........

I do not doubt your seriousness about running. I recall that you ran in
1998. What I now doubt is your trustworthiness and your ability to serve in such a serious role if you resort to such childish antics. I'm sorry, but you have lost my respect. I will not be providing you with any more fodder for such sharing. Feel free to share this if you wish. I will print your letter and I will, as I always have, acknowledge your e-mails, but I no longer trust you and I see you as schoolboyish in attitude.

If you don't think anyone else should read it, why would you put in email?
Do you think I didn't tell a few people I was writing a letter to the
editor? The Libertarian party knew everything I was printing. As far as
me being childish, that remark seems rather ironic.

CdLewis
Libertarian
In MD 2010

the lewis for 2010 campaign"

Chalk Drawings

CONGRATULATIONS ON HB 356

"Joe:

As you already probably know, I've been monitoring virtually all Maryland House and Senate Bills for each of the past 4 legislative sessions.

As an officer of a taxpayer's advocacy group here in Wicomico, one of my jobs is to keep our Board of Directors informed concerning legislative bills that may adversely impact our County or adjacent county's taxpayers. We now have several satellite County affiliate groups in both Worcester, Talbot, and Queen Anne's Counties that we now exchange information with.

Since the Liquor Board controversy erupted in Wicomico, I though I might shed some light on our adjacent county Liquor legislation activity - Worcester .

Here is a copy of a communiqué I sent to one of our satellite affiliates when we first learned about the substantial increase in borrowing limits for the Worcester County Liquor Board. Their borrowing authority increased dramatically from $3,000,000 dollars to $5,000,000 dollars pursuant to HB 91 of the 2005 legislative session.
Unfortunately, HB 91 passed. But not all was lost in the battle. Fortunately, I was able to alert the Worcester County Retailers Association and they led a drive to defeat the other proposed Liquor bill - HB 356.

It is interesting to note that the other companion Liquor legislative piece - HB 356 - would have dramatically changed the current buying habits for Worcester County by eliminating the middle man or licensed wine wholesaler or nonresident dealer. At the 11th hour we were able to alert the local Worcester County Retailers Association whereby I was informed that they were not even aware that the HB had been sponsored.

I think this information will 'bend the ears' on quite a few of SBYnews readers and serve to enlighten the reading audience."

Question of the Day, Tue 9/23

This week (9/21 - 9/27) is also National Keep Kids Creative Week.

Kids? How old are they? Do you have a crafts station for them? Do you promote creativeness in your children? Have you found a hidden child creative talent in your child?

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On September 16, 2008 at approximately 10:30 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect for an assault that took place on September 5, 2008 on Main Street. On that date, the suspect was identified as the subject that sprayed a victim with pepper spray after the victim was knocked from his bicycle by a vehicle operated by a friend of the suspect.

ARRESTED: 15 year old juvenile Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
First degree assault-accessory
Second degree assault
Possession of a chemical device with intent to injure

DISPOSITION: Released to Parent CC # 200800033405

On September 17, 2008 at approximately 12:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect following the investigation of three (3) burglaries that occurred on May 23, 2008. On that date, the suspect and an accomplice broke into the Burger King on Naylor Mill Road, and the Popeyes Restaurant and Kentucky Fried Chicken Restaurants on South Salisbury Boulevard.

At each location, the suspect and the accomplice broke into the business, causing damage to the business and took U.S. Currency.

ARRESTED: Justin William Walters, 29 years of age Glen Burnie, Maryland

CHARGES:
Second degree burglary (3 counts)
Theft (4 counts)
Conspiracy (6 counts)
Fourth degree burglary

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800018128

On September 17, 2008 at approximately 7:22 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect for a controlled dangerous substance transaction. Officers observed the transaction, involving the suspect, in the parking lot of a local business then stopped the suspect. The suspected controlled dangerous substance was recovered and found to be fake.

ARRESTED: Deborah Jane Forbes, 46 years of age Eden, Maryland

CHARGES: Purchase of a non controlled substance believed to be a controlled dangerous substance

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800035041

On September 18, 2008 at approximately 10:32 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department arrested the below listed suspect for two (2) thefts of wallets and the use of credit cards contained within the wallets. The investigation of this incident revealed that the below listed suspect was involved in the thefts of two (2) wallets from shopping carts at a local grocery store. The suspect then took credit cards from the wallets and utilized the credit cards to make purchases at several local department stores.

ARRESTED: Jamie Marie Cary, 25 years of age Fenwick Island, Delaware

CHARGES: Twenty-nine (29) separate counts of credit card and theft offenses

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800020257, 200800025560

On September 18, 2008 at approximately 11:40 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department responded to a local pharmacy in reference to an internal theft. Upon arrival, the officers were advised by pharmacy management that the below listed suspect, an employee, had taken a quantity of prescription medication from the store without authorization or payment. The prescription medication was not recovered.

ARRESTED: Sarah Danielle Kennedy, 26 years of age Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES:
Theft (over $ 500)
Theft scheme

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking CC # 200800035109

On September 18, 2008 at approximately 1:39 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Sears Department store for the report of two (2) shoplifters. Upon arrival, the officers were advised by store security that the below listed suspects had been observed by store employees exiting the store with clothing items without making payment. The clothing was recovered.

ARRESTED #1: Michelle Elizabeth Baier, 37 years of age Selbyville, Delaware
ARRESTED #2: Lenora Middleton, 36 years of age Selbyville, Delaware

CHARGES (both):
Theft scheme (under $ 500)

Theft (under $ 100)

DISPOSITION: Both released to Central Booking CC # 200800035115

Elementary School Lunches

"I received a call from my daughter today. She is a 1st year, 2nd grade teacher
in Fayetteville, NC. She said that one of her students was stopped in the lunch
line today and given a bag with a peanut butter sandwich in it. They were told
that their parents had not paid their lunch bill and that this was all they
could have for lunch today. When my daughter saw this happen, (she eats lunch
with her students everyday in the cafeteria) she said that the little boys face
just fell and he was so upset and no good the rest of the day to learn and
neither was she. She comforted the little boy and did pay for the his lunch
herself, but was reprimanded for it. She is not allowed to do that and she is
not allowed to know the status of any childs debit with the cafeteria. The lady
that had to give the boy that peanut butter sandwich said she had 27 students
that she had to do that to today and it was killing her. Had my daughter been
able to know about the situation, she could have tried to contact the parents
and get it resolved with them also. What in the world is happening today? I
don't care why the parents didn't pay, I don't care what the reasoning is, but
damn it, we as Americans can ride around in our fancy cars, live in our fancy
houses, even the government is bailing out the corporate businesses with CEO's
making millions and 27 kids today in just one elementary school in this country
had to feel ashamed and embarrassed because they have parents that could not
afford it or didn't bother to pay their lunch bill or turn in their free lunch
application. I really don't give two craps about the parents, but that child is
our future and we better start looking out for these kids.

Thanks Joe,
Very Very Sad Mom"

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