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Monday, February 23, 2009

With us or against us!

That is the mentality around here and that is what is wrong around here. As a "Come Here" I bring some different insight that I would like to share. I love this area, I chose to raise my family here but this place will NEVER be better as long as a few in charge continue with this mentality. They are no better than those that sit in front of their computer commenting and criticizing others that do not agree with them.

For me the final straw was the public flogging a local business received for supporting a local candidate. I may be conservative but my lawyer is a liberal, my accountant is a Libertarian, my best friend was head of the local Obama campaign, my husband is a registered Republican, I swear my dentist is a Socialist, the list goes on. I could care less that the place where I buy my tires is supporting a candidate that I would not vote for.

I go to Burnett White Tires because I truly like Dawn Tilghman and her company. She is a wonderful businesswoman, she is involved in this community and she genuinely cares about this area. When I brought my sons car in to get tires, I saw the campaign sign. My first thought was she is gutsy too.

Watching local politics from the sidelines, it is just plain ugly. No substance just attacks. This blog and many others are sometimes no better. Nothing is ever achieved. Everyone has their own agenda and refuse to listen to the opposing side. I have experienced this first hand. I have seen people threatened and slandered all in the name of politics. Whatever happened to truth, honor and agreeing to disagree?

Slandering individuals just because you don't agree with them is truly the crime here. It serves no purpose except to bring this city down even further.

I KNOW there will always be opposing sides, of course. Salisbury needs to raise the bar; it is in the gutter right now. My contributions are to be the voice of reason and attempt to raise the bar. I love this area but I am tired, like so many, of where we are going.

Next topic: More support for Salisbury University and their students!

54 comments:

  1. Usually, With. More information about this particular topic might be useful.

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  2. The reason that I usually do not use my name when posting a comment is that this government has been know to retaliate against opposition. I work in the city and cannot take a chance that the city will treat me and my company WORSE than they already are. When we get fairness restored then we won't be afraid to say what we want and not be ostrasized for it.
    Meanwhile, it's anonymous.
    BTW, this is still part of America, isn't it?

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  3. I'm amazed to see this posted here. This blog site is one of the worst offenders of what you speak. It's an ugly practice.

    It's like the renaissance Catholics trying to strengthen their church with an inquisition... just creates more problems than it solves.

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  4. Sorry 12:10, this was more of an intro as to why i jumped into the fray.

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  5. This blog can be a little tough on people posting comments. I know a girl who made an innocent comment on here last week and got blasted severely for it. She was just astonished by the lack of professionalism. She tried to defend her comment and her last post wasn't even put on the site. She told me she will never post on here again and I don't blame her. Atleast she had the guts to use her name, most people don't. Kudos to you, L. Caruso, for this great post. Welcome.

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  6. 12:28 Need balance. Surprised SbyNews agreed. They are not editing me either. Little guys deserve a voice.

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  7. Now Doug, you knew I wouldn't post that comment. If you want to remove the curse words I'll be happy to put it through. Come on now, you know better than that. Seems to me your twin got the better of you this time. LOL

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  8. 12:31, I think I know the "innocent comment" you mean. I think the author misread what people were attacking, which was not her.

    That happens sometimes with these things in writing, especially when you can't tell which comment is being responded to. (That's why I use the timestamp to "address" the "person.")

    Sometimes people think the next comment up is a response to theirs when the response is to a comment 6 back. On a hot topic, you can have many people commenting at once, so the order looks weird once they are posted.

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  9. Dawn has always treated me and the company i work for in a very professional manor and has helped us out of some tight places when we needed them the most. I am speaking on my behalf and not for the company. Dawn is a great person and has a great staff working for her. I cannot remember her ever talking politics to me in all the years i have known her. Most of the time we talk motorcycles or boats and never politics. She does not vote in city elections so what the heck is the problem. She was asked if someone could put up a sign and she said yes. That does not make her side with anyone more than the other. Like i said she does not vote in salisbury. I will continue to support her and her business as long as i can because of what she does for us and my family. Dont let them get you down Dawn. You are way better than that.
    Walt

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  10. Just a few suggestions that may help you in the near future:
    1. get another lawyer
    2. get a new best friend
    3. find another dentist
    4. listen to your husband
    and last but not least , tires
    are much cheaper at Sams or Walmart.

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  11. Anon 12:10

    At the blogs front page, you will see a search box up at the top.
    Type in Burnett White and it will give you all posts with that name in it.

    I am glad to see this post today actually.

    It is a free country and people should be able to support whoever they want.

    As a business owner, however, I choose NOT to put out any political signs of any kind merely because of the backlash it could create, not just for me but for my business.

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  12. There is hope for Joe yet. Welcome L. Caruso. Your post is absolutely on the opposite side of the spectrum, greatly appreciated.

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  13. Mam let me start by saying that Im not scared to voice my opinion on this blogg or in front of anyone. I believe what I say to be truth, am I always right? of course not, no-one is. You said "everyone has their own agenda and refuse to listen to the opposing side". I have no agenda other than to seek the truth, I never have. You also go on to say that "Salisbury is in the gutter right now". Your not from here and you werent born here yet you insult my hometown. Salisbury is not in the gutter, we have elected officials that have run the city into the ground with their agendas and lack of governing skills, but this town and the people that have called it home all their lives are still standing. Were tough like that here on the Shore. I personaly have tryed to stay away from the racist and just plain stupid comments that some people leave on this site. The people who comment with some degree of brains and maturity I have listened to and some have argued their points so good that I have accepted their viewpoint to be part truth and adapted it to mine. You also said "whatever happened to truth, honor and agreeing to disagree", as for the agreeing to disagree I do that all the time hear, if the other people choose not to go that route than I simply stop on that particular post. Truth and Honor, now your in my world. I found the truth about myself in my Mirror of Life. Once I reconized the truth of my life and started living daily to stay with that truth I achieved my own personal honor. Trust me when I tell you that there this is no person, no event, and certainly no Blogg that would or could ever make me diminish my HONOR. Making broad statements about the commenters on this blogg tends to link us all into some sort of group, forgive me but I take offense to that. Welcome to the blogg.

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  14. Agree absolutely anon 1258. "political correctness" has brought about the destruction of this country. Call a spade a spade and get accused of racism. Desire to keep some of what you work hard for and not give it to some lazy person and you are a racist. Draw a cartoon featuring a chimp and you are racist. But hang an effigy of Sarah Palin from a roof in Holywood and it is "art" Racism is a cottage industry for the Jesse Jacksons and Al Sharptons. Oh yeah, thats right "We are cowards" If Eric Holder come say it to my face and we will se who is a coward.Why the double standard then L. Caruso??

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  15. Uh... Chuck Cook was the head of the local Obama campaign.

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  16. It is the right of any business or resident to support whomever they choose. When I had a store in town it looked like campaign headquarters with all the signs I had in my front window. Did I experience a decrease in business? Yes, I did, but I held strong to my beliefs that it is what is most important to me. No different than when the woman came in the store and demanded I remove a Nativity scene from a counter top. I did remove it and replaced it with a much larger one. The difference being this time I placed it in the front window for all to see not only those that entered the store. I'm not one to allow others to tell me what I will and won't do, it's that simple. I bow to no human being.

    Businesses and residences have the right to put signs out, it's their choice. We as consumers have the right to choose where we spend our money. If I am provided good customer service, a fair price and a quality product I couldn't care less what you have in front of your business. I'm not going there to check out the landscaping I'm going there for the product, service and quality offered. Did any of you stop talking to your friends who put signs out and supported an opposing politician in the national election? I certainly didn't, it's their right. It's called FREEDOM OF CHOICE.

    Think for yourself, make your own decisions, they are yours to make. To many in today's society are worried about being politically correct or going with the flow because it's easier than thinking for themselves. Stand on your own, at least you'll retain your self respect.

    After reading this you might ask if I support Comegys? NO! Do I support local owned businesses? Absolutely. Going to Sams and Walmart for some things is fine, I like to save a buck like everyone else but I also like to know my money, at least most of it, stays where I live.

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  17. The shore and its residents have never been kind to "come heres" or their ideas. Im a come here as well(I cant wait to be a "not here anymore") and the closed minds per capita here is astonishing. If you bring any new ideas you are trying to "change the way of life" here. When you do criticize anything the locals' typical comment is, "If you dont like it then leave". Instead of embracing the chance that another perspective will improve things you are immediately deemed a hater and are told to leave. Let me be the first to say that the "way of life" here is pathetic. Unless ppl start to realize that the old way doesnt work and to listen to others things will only get worse. Crime for a city this size is laughable. To compare crime stats to previous years is only a way to settle and say, "it was the same last yr". A great way to never improve.

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  18. I agree with 12:58-tires are just too expensive at BW....I have bought them there in the past and I can get a better deal elsewhere but I do have to say the staff there has always been very professional and friendly.Nevertheless it is almost suicidal for any business to endorse candidates,especially controversial ones.

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  19. 12:58 - I enjoyed that, Thank you!
    I shop at Walmart and Sams but I support our local businesses whenever I have an opportunity.

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  20. Doug, Nice to meet you. Hate to ruin a good argument but my husband is from here. His entire family still lives here. They agree w/ me. I apologize, did not mean to imply Salisbury is a gutter, I stated the bar (the level) is in the gutter and we need to raise it. I love Salisbury.

    Sounds like we are in agreement on many things. Refreshing. Thank you.

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  21. Pleasures mine Mam.

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  22. anonymous 1:36,

    That's probably a great topic for a Post. This Cowboy vs Indian mentality here on the Eastern Shore is just a joke.

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  23. 1:17 I don't understand the double standard question. Believe or not I agree w/ your substance, just not the delivery. Hate political correctness, appreciate politeness. Not a lecture, I am just giving my view as to why things are such a mess.

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  24. Citygoer: You clearly don't hang out with the right people! LOL My friends are a wonderful mix bag of come heres, been heres that came back, from heres, etc. Everyone can bring something to the table.

    As stated in my post that is the problem for around here.

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  25. Joe 1:36 - Here we go! We know it is a problem in many small towns. Question is what can we do to change it?

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  26. "Unless ppl start to realize that the old way doesnt work and to listen to others things will only get worse"

    To which "old way" are you referring?

    I don't think our forefathers did too bad a job.

    If it wasn't for their sacrifices, we'd all be speaking German.

    This modern evolution and tendency to forget the "old ways," are exactly the reasons the bar has been lowered.

    In fact, the bar height was established based on past performance.

    You can keep your new, improved societal design.

    I'll stick with worked for my elders.

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  27. 12:58 LOL

    I also agree that this area is opposed to change. I do however see that this area realy comes down on people that propose change or challenge to good ole boy network. I have stood up to that network and have paid the price with my career choice. A old NY'er told me what he sees here is that there is not ability to walk across the street and get a better job, people are used to "taking it" and have no better options. I for one have moved away and came back deciding to still fight for a better area. I do see I would be better off if I moved to a bigger area. I hope that the new leadership in the city Mayor and a county ex that is willing to work for the better. We really need to think of the future for this area, for future business, we need to advance in the ability to draw tech jobs

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  28. 2:36,

    Do you mean the "good ol' days", when black people couldn't vote, women were routinely discriminated against in the work force, and there were separate pools for black and white people? I get a little tired of people glorifying the past, as if there weren't significant problems back then. I would take America of 2009, with all of its problems, over America of 1950 any day.

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  29. The difference between the 'born here' and 'came here' people on the shore, especially in Salisbury? The real, honest truth is that the born here locals have a mean streak that runs awfully deep. I have lived literally all over the country, and was raised in the largest cities in the country. I moved here 10 years ago. Until then, I had never experienced the kind of political pettiness or just plain rudeness as I have from the locals in Salisbury. I don't know why it is, but I personally think that's the real reason the area never improves - everyone is ready for a fight, and everyone jumps at every chance to just be nasty to each other. There is so much infighting, nothing will ever change it. And now that there are blogs where people can post nasty comments and attacks 24/7, it's even worse.

    I used to attend the council meetings and was involved with several of the non-profits trying to turn things around. I gave up after about 8 years here and now just avoid the local politics completely and try to avoid any controversial conversations with locals. I work outside of the county, keep my kids out of the public schools, drive to Delaware for my lawyer, mechanic, and doctor, stay away from the alumni functions thrown by the colleges I attended, and my family as a whole just keeps to ourselves. It's just not worth the attacks, and everyone gets too wrapped up in hating each other to do anything about any of the problems, anyway.

    There are some lovely, friendly, inviting communities on the Eastern Shore as a whole, but Salisbury is not one of them, and never will be.

    -Anon because I know someone would actually harass me at the grocery store for suggesting people try to be nicer to each other.

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  30. 3:33 I hear ya loud and clear. I have a very dear friend who sounds just like you. Attacks and no solutions. She just got burnt out. That is why this mentality must stop.

    From these comments you are not alone.

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  31. L. Caruso, welcome aboard.....I see alot of complaints from "come here's" in this post. I'm a born here, 50yrs now, 5 generations worth.
    Most everyone hates good ole boy networks including me. The worst of those networks aren't made up of true born here blood. This city and area hasnt always been like it is now, perhaps influence change by alot of come heres?
    Those of you stating about how nasty some residents are when approched head on with change you beleive to be the better.....consider yourself, where you grew up, before you moved. What if someone moved to your town/neighborhood and started trying to force some change there? How would you feel? Lets say your put'n on a real nice get-together and I show up...and begin to tell you how your doin it all wrong...your decor stinks and such..... I dought you'd still be welcoming with open arms....
    And then some would ask....if this change was such a hot thing where you came from....why the heck did you leave?

    hipboots

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  32. hipboots,

    That was just a stupid comment, really.

    The people that make the most changes are voted into Office. If they're not from here, that's your problem.

    I really don't believe that decent people come to a new Town and treat others the way you have just come off. If they do, well, get back on your bicycle and ride on back to your trailer and widdle yourself a new half moon on the outhouse door. Just kidding.

    Seriously though, you make it sound as if every come here is rude and out of line. How do you think the American Indians felt? You can't close out the come here's. The progress has been going on for far too many years to try and shut a door now. I have an idea for you. Somerset County is looking for a few more good white men. Hitch that thing up, put some air back in those tires and transport that home to another property down there. I mean, Frank Kratovil is from the Eastern Shore, right??????

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  33. On the contrary, a lot has been accomplished. For instance, it has brought you to this blog to write your very intelligent opinion. That is a good thing. Others write, intelligently or not, but the point is we can communicate - and we can do it anonymously. Why? Because everyone knows it is very dangerous to communicate out in the open. We no longer enjoy the freedom of speech. A person can dissapear for things said in the public. Criticizing even local politicians is very dangerous if not for your health or well-being, then, it is dangerous for your reputation. Anonymous comments on the local blog - yes, this is America now!

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  34. Whoa Joe! I know what you are saying but enough with "attack mode" my dear. I didn’t think hipboots comment was stupid. Must be some history there. I first stated “Come Here’s”, knowing full well I would receive those comments. As you stated, you “thought it would make a great post”.

    Again easy to blame, point fingers and get nasty. Truth on both sides. That is why I wanted to be a contributor. I know most of the “players”, as you do, truth on both sides.

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  35. 5:19 Sad but true again! We can't let them win. That is their plan.

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  36. 5:19 I think it makes you a sissy and a coward to hide behind anything. I wont.

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  37. I really think that the reason most people relocate to our Shore is because they want a better quality of life. They see our laidback style of living and want a piece of it. It’s nice to go to a store and have the people that work there actually care about you and really try and help you find what ever you’re looking for. Before you know it, they’re talking about their family, their job and the Town. Nobody in the checkout line complains because the line is moving to slow. You leave the store and have several conversations with some of the shoppers while you’re walking to your car. It makes you feel like you’re part of a family, not just a resident.
    That’s the way it was when I returned to the Shore for the second time. I have never been treated like a “come here”, why!! Because I took the time to become part of the Community. I didn’t come here to change anything. I came here to enjoy what the people that were born here built. I happened to like their lifestyle. Stop trying to change things because you miss certain things you left behind when you came here. Learn to accept what’s here. You talk about crime; there was very little crime around here. If somebody got out of line it was taken care of. NOW, we have all kinds of crime, it’s beginning to look like Baltimore, Philadelphia, Richmond and Washington. The crime is high because of the elements that follow the growth. In the past everybody looked out for their neighbor. Now nobody talks to their neighbor. As long as it doesn’t bother me, I’m not going to get involved. Just like the big City right.
    I don’t care if you are a “come here”, “born here” or a “returned here.” we all have to work together to make this our home. Don’t try and change anything. Try and improve on what’s already here. The LOCALS believe in family and friends. They want to see activities for their children. They want to see their children have a chance to get a good education. They’d like to see employment and wages grow. Gee sounds like the same thing everybody wants. Looks like we all have something in common. Now you have a starting point, so make the commitment to join the Eastern Shore family or make plans to leave. It’s your choice. Just stop complaining!!!

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  38. Did any of the founding fathers sign annon?

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  39. 1) I can't believe Joe allowed your post. The heat from the anti's must be getting to him.

    2) Doug Wilkerson, you of all people shouldn't be allowed to post your opinion. You are a blowhard that has done absolutely nothing for this community. You are an uneducated leech on society.

    3) Most of the posters are racist on this blog. I am sickened by the stuff that went on, especially w/ the inauguration. And I find it appalling that Joe would allow people to rally against a business just because a campaign sign was placed there.

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  40. 6;56 Thats your opinion and your entitled to it. I dont know what to say to you or even if I should. What exactly did I say that you disagreed with? Ive done nothing for this community, I have a lot of people who would disagree with you. A leech on society huh, that one Im going to let go, for now. Look in your Mirror and tell me what you see. I like what I see in my Mirror so much sometimes I dont want to leave. Why are you so mad? Talk to me and perhaps we can meet in the middle, my hand is extended...

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  41. jessie hayes - not surprised, not shocked.

    For once someone agrees with you, #3?

    Don't know about #1, I guess you found it annoying that you agree?

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  42. "The crime is high because of the elements that follow the growth."

    In one sentence you laid bare the awful truth of this so called "change."

    I love how these "city" people complain that we're the backward ones.

    They think being from the big city makes them sooo much more "worldly" than us knuckle dragging Eastern Shore people.

    Truth is those cities are so screwed up they bust arse outta there to find a more peaceful, tranquil life.

    Who could blame them?

    The problem is when they get here, they try to make it resemble the place they left.

    We kind of like it the way it is.


    Please do us natives a favor and go back to your cities.

    You've done enough damage here.

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  43. Ya'll sound like those fool's at WCDC.

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  44. This is why America is the way it is!

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  45. Your already working, with me to boot. Its probably all down hill from here. Maybe the heading should say "FOR US".

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  46. Jessie Hayes, I don't think Joe is feeling the heat from the anti-Alberos. He's been opening the blog up more and more. Two Sentz is here and he's very different from Joe.

    I agree that were a lot of horrific things from the national campaign and inauguration. As an independent, as a human being, it was a real turnoff. I stayed away from the blog for awhile because of it and recently returned. For the record, Joe, I can't believe you posted some of what you did because you just don't seem like the kind of person who believes a lot of that stuff. You may be kind of conservative, but don't seem like the Rush Limbaugh type.

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  47. In response to those who wonder why people come here at all, and who wish the 'come here' folks would leave -

    I came here to attend graduate school, got married, had kids, and am finishing an additional degree. That's how some people end up here - they come for the small schools with some specific programs that aren't offered just anywhere.

    As for why these people stay once they get their education - well, you're right. There isn't much reason. The place only gets worse and worse and the locals only draw more and more obvious lines between themselves and the people who move here and try to support their businesses, or attend the local colleges, or work in the community.

    I, for one, have heard it loud and clear, and will finish my degree and move my family back to one of the big bad cities from which I came - where I knew my neighbors, took part in the heated but friendly local politics, taught in the tough, challenged, but honorable schools, and was appreciated for patronizing the local businesses in my neighborhood. Salisbury doesn't want us educated types settling here, anyway. Might change things, or want to pretty it up or somethin'.

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  48. Jessie,

    If you think for a minute that I actually believe a LOT of what I put up, you're wrong. However, many people provide me with information that is important to them. My job is to get people talking. You'll see me pop in here and there when I see things getting too far out of hand. Nevertheless, during the elections, truthfully, there was simply far more Obama stuff coming in than McCain and I even encouraged some of the Obama people to send me stuff about McCain. However, they simply didn't. It is what it is.

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  49. "my best friend was head of the local Obama campaign"

    Your best friend is Chuck Cook? That's funny, because he's one of my best friends, and I've never heard of you.

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  50. champs1 - you need to reread, I didn't state Salisbury. And even though it is true, I was trying to make a point.

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  51. Ms. Caruso,

    I don't need to re-read anything. Given the context of your article, it is apparent to the reader that you are talking about Salisbury. I think you should re-read it and and clarify what you're trying to say.

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  52. Anon 7:54. Thanks for proving my statement.

    Locals here can be very nasty, but I've found some to be extremely friendly and very helpful. It will always be the us vs. them mentality here. The locals hate progress and the come heres want it. Never will the two meet.

    I want to know what grocery store helps you find what you're looking for and where the cashier says, "thanks" or talks about your town. Probably in Ocean Pines or another retirement community. I love it when ppl make blanket statements like that. Wow, how ignorance is bliss.

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