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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

ARE YOU READY TO WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO THE FERNANDO GUERRERO FIGHT?


Here's your question.

What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, and has a bed but never sleeps??????

The first person to answer this question correctly wins 2 FREE Tickets to the Fernando Guerrero Fight Feb. 6th.

Remember, you must send in your answer with your full name. Good Luck Everyone!!!!!!

Breaking News, Man Shot In Salisbury

Moments ago a man was shot at 504 Delaware Avenue. More to come......

UPDATE: The victim is dead. They just called in the Medical Examiner.

CRIME IS DOWN, just remember that!

Shopping Center Collapses In Princess Anne

The new Shopping Center on the corner of Somerset Ave and UMES Blvd. (822) collapsed around 5:00 this evening. It was a new structure under roof and about to the plywood stage when high winds and rain brought the structure down. I'm told no one was there so no one was hurt but they have been signing up businesses to leases for that location and they'll go back to ground zero and start all over again. Fortunately no one was injured and tomorrow is another day.

Top British Politician Vows To Open Secret UFO Files

British Conservative Party leader David Cameron vowed Tuesday that if he were to be elected Prime Minister, he would bring an end to the era of government secrecy over UFOs and extraterrestrial activity.

Learn more here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,484157,00.html

More Stray Pics @ Humane Society

If you're missing one of your best friends, you can now come to Salisbury News and hopefully find them on line here. These just came into the Humane Society. Call them right away. 410-749-7603




Beagle/Pug X: tan/white, Male, about 1yr old found at Pratt Rd. Salisbury. Kennel B-7

Beagle X: Brown/White, Female, about 8 Months old, Found on Levin Dashiell Rd. Salisbury. Kennel A-7

Jack Russell Terriers: Tan/White, Male, Adult Both found on Pine St. in Delmar
White/Black, Female, Adult. Kennel A-4

Bob Dennis Makes A Very Powerful Comment

BobDennis has left a new comment on your post "MORE On Somerset County":

The bs doesn't just stop with the Somerset County Commissioners.

I have personal knowledge that a handicapped young lady was sexually assaulted while on her way home from the Somerset County Developmental Center. The bus she was on is operated by the center and provides transportation to and from the center for the clients. A report was filed with the state police and a medical examination was completed and determined that some type of violation had occurred.

A peace order was issued to keep the accused and victim apart. The victim's mother continually stayed in contact with the court system to find out when a trial date would be set for the case. Seems that the day the trial was conducted, there had been no notification to the mother so that she and the victim may attend. The accused and representatives of the Developmental Center were however contacted and did appear in court. As a result of the mother and victim not appearing in court the case was dismissed.

When the State's Attorney was contacted by the victim's mother, he stated he had made a miatake based on information he had received from the center. Today she did receive a notice from the court to appear in court and state why the peace order should continue. I have heard that certain people have connections in the county with those in power. Sadly that seems to be quite true. God willing the victim's day will come.

Somerset County/Sam Boston

"Dear sir,

I have been reading your articles on the appointment of Sam Boston as county administrator with great interest. The number of comments has been a very good indicator of how much interest there is in the county about "business as usual."

As a member of the Somerset County Democratic Central Committee, I'd like to correct some of the information that has been posted on your blog. Dana Boston is not a member of our central committee. He was disqualified because he is also the lawyer for the Somerset County Board of Elections. The members as of this date are myself (Chris Parks), Ken Ballard, Les Tyler, James East and Robert McCready.

Our committee will be making a recommendation to the governor concerning Mr. Boston's replacement on the county commission, but the governor will have the final say. I have served with these gentlemen for 2 and 1/2 years, and I can tell you for a fact that all of our recommendation to governor concerning appointments in Somerset County have been based on who we believe to be most qualified.

I am not related to Mr. Boston, Mr. Powell, or any members of the county commissioners, nor would I tolerate any nepotism concerning our appointments. I was not appointed to the committee by anyone in the county government, but was elected by the people of this county. It is always their interest I have in mind when making decisions.

Sincerely

Chris Parks"

MORE On Somerset County


OK, Sam Boston is related to another Commissioner, Rex Simpkins. All in the family? The fundamental question is, how is this gent qualified to run a $50 million business? For that matter or fact, who in Somerset County has the background, education or experience to run a business of this magnitude? As one writer provided, "he's a nice man", so?

OK, let's go to another Somerset County "Good Old Boy" example. Recently, the State, Somerset County and City of Crisfield coordinated to follow State legislation to form a "Somers Cove Marina Commission". This Commission was to be headed by an "Executive Director", and accordingly, the position was advertised for prospective candidates. Cut to the chase. the "selected" candidate, over others with current, profit and loss and marina expertise, was non other than a local "Somerset County Good Old Boy". Yes, the "chosen one" has a Doctorate in Education, but does not own a boat, perhaps never has, has no experience in retail operations - let alone Marina operations, and has been on the $60K annual salary job for one month without any recognizable return to the new Marina Commission Board. Just another case of the "Good Old Boy" network in Somerset County "taking care of their own".

And while we're on it, why is the Somerset County Tourism office open daily in Crisfield this time of year when absolutely no one travels to Crisfield unless they have to?

Moving on.....

Ken Ballard of Somerset County has an existing "School Bus" operation with the Somerset County Schools. He was and is the NAACP President for the County for several years. A "Somerset County Schools" citizen's Committee went to Ballard in 2002 for assistance in reversing a Somerset County Board of Education decision to close Crisfield High School, that would have required all County high school students to be bused to Washington High in Princess Anne.

Think about this decision's ramifications for high school students on Smith Island: wake up at 4:30 AM, shower, shave, dress, have breakfast and walk to the Island Dock to jump the "School Boat" to Crisfield at 5:15 AM. Arrive at the Crisfield City Dock at 6:15 AM,, and board a County School bus to be transported to Washington High to make 7:30 AM classes,, only to be repeated in the PM. By the way, what are the provisions for any student in extra curricular activities, and what if the "ice breaker" isn't there early enough to lead the school boat to Crisfield? Note, we taxpayers pay our school administrations to come up with such novel ideas as these!

Ken Ballard, President of the Somerset County NAACP, did nothing to assist in reversing the Somerset Board of Education's decision to close Crisfield High School, a school comprising 40% blacks and 60% white and additional minorities. Why. Ballard had school buses working for the school system and didn't want to "buck" the Board for fear of losing his contracts with the Board of Education. Once again, it's the "Good Old Boy" network in Somerset, a County of 50% blacks and 50% whites and other minorities. Ken Ballard is a USAF veteran, but does not represent the ethical and integrity standards of the uniform. His decisions, based on practical experience, are based upon his personal gain - thus, how can he faithfully lead the NAACP with this "personal bias"?

Word on the street is that the Somerset County Commissioners are looking to appoint Ken Ballard to the replace Commissioner Sam Boston on the Somerset County Board of Commissioners. Not only is Ken Ballard the wrong person to be appointed based on qualifications, experience, background and recent run ins with the law, but, he does not represent anyone in the County other than his personal gain! So, what does this say of the current Somerset County Commissioners who would select for appoint a man of this caliber. Certainly, a County of 50% black and 50% white and other minorities must have a Board of County Commissioners that well represents the makeup of the County's 25,000 citizens, and the five white dudes comprising the County Board doesn't cut it - and neither does adding Ken Ballard to that Board.

Is there anything else you'd like me to look into?

Stimulus Bill Letter To The Editor

"Joe,

People need to call their representatives today asking them to hold up voting on the stimulus bill in Congress without a public hearing. Four days notice is not enough time to read this bill and most of it offers no relief to us in 2009. Just more government spending and a politician's wish list."

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

"With a gross income of some $36 million dollars a year, the residential rental industry here is huge. (8000 homes/apartments/etc. x 75% x $500/month x 12 month(most likely a very low figure.) Taking the basic rent at $750 per month per unit, the number could be as high as $54 million. Yes, dollars. And this doesn't speak to the students who are ponying up $500 apiece to live in a single unit, which might take the number to better than $70 million. Yes, dollars.

When the Dream Team ran, it was rumored that SAPOA visited each one of the candidates (Dunn, Comegys, Cathcart) and told them that they'd never have to lift a finger to fundraise. The recent election, in which SAPOA (courtesy of Richard Insley, a premier member of the group) sent letters to renters (mainly students) that demonized those running against the mayor's picks (Comegys, Adkins, etc.) serves to remind us how powerful (and self-serving) SAPOA is. A review of the donation listings for those candidates, compared to the publicity they bought (signs, radio, flyers, mailings, etc.) indicates that at least one of them spent far in excess of what he took in. Nowhere in the listings do we see "in kind" donations to those candidates, so we have to assume that much of the money to purchase this volume of advertising was provided off the books, under the table, on the sly.
It'll be the same story this election, too. There is no way to adequately measure the number of signs a less than upright candidate puts out, nor how much he actually spent on radio, tv, or whatever, and there is no regulatory agency here (Election Board? - Yeah, right.) to ensure that one candidate doesn't cheat in this manner.

This effort to unseat the Barrie Tilghman machine (Gary Comegys, Shanie Shields and Louise Smith) will have to be a grassroots effort. Everyone who knows that the time has to be right now to change the tone of our local government to one that is fiscally conservative, infrastructure maintaining, business friendly and citizen centered is now or not within the next two years, or four years, for that matter. Another four years of profligate spending, currying favor with businesses that don't return a dime to the community (but, instead, suck off of it) and lying about everything that is a shortcoming in our government is not only frightening, it's a path to destruction. So would it be if Gary Comegys became mayor, and if a Tilghman/Comegys patsy were appointed to fill his council seat.

The grassroots effort has to come from each of us who know that the change has to come. Each of us has to bring ten, twenty, fifty others to the polls to right this wrong; others who know that the vote can be manipulated by the likes of SAPOA and Barrie and Gary's other cronies, who don't really give a damn about really changing this town to bring it to be all that it can be, unless, of course, it means money in their own pockets.

Okay. I'm done."

The Placement Of Candidate Signs In Question






I had received numerous calls as to the questionable placement of Mayoral Candidate Signs for Gary Comegys so I thought I'd take a ride to where people were concerned most.

One major area was Beaglin Park Road or the new Northeast Collector Road. Clearly there were signs just about everywhere along the bike path and not far off the road actually. I would have to guess that this is City property and probably not too ethical.

Then there's one that flat out disturbed me to no end. Remember that retaining wall I complained so much about. You know, the one where the City is footing the bill to build back a retaining wall that the property owner took down and the land isn't owned by the City. Nevertheless, they approved that spending and I believe I even said back when I posted the article about it that we'd wait and see who's Campaign Signs would end up there after this vote.

Well, there you have it Folks, right on Isabella Street. NO, I am not attacking Mr. Comegys. He may not even know these signs are placed where they are and this may be completely legitimate. Let the comments begin.

2 Lost Dogs Found Their Owner



Remember the other day when we posted these two dogs found over at Pohanka? They have returned home and their owners couldn't be happier.
If you're trying to access the Wicomico Humane Society via their Website, it's down due to some technical difficulties.
On a final note. The Humane Society normally has a pretty difficult time adopting out adult cats but fortunately their connection on the Western Shore has come through and took 25 adult cats and lowering their inventory down to a mere 11 younger cats. Looks like the word is spreading everywhere and the Angels are coming from all around to rescue these incredible animals. All Good News!

SALISBURY'S GOT A MAYORAL HORSERACE -- PLACE YOUR BET (UPDATED)

A comment received earlier this week has prompted this headline. Betting may (and should) be done by contributing to your chosen candidate and/or working for his campaign; information for doing so is on their websites, as follows (alphabetical order):

BOB CALDWELL: http://www.electbobcaldwell.com/
GARY COMEGYS: http://www.garycomegys.com/
JIM IRETON: http://jimireton.com/donate.html
MIKE DELLA PENNA: http://www.greatlifestories.com/life_story/in_the_beginning/michael_della_penna_iii/770_1.html

THE HORSES ARE NOW ON THE TRACK, AND THE STAKES HAVE NEVER BEEN HIGHER!

Iranian leader demands US apology


First let me offer a little background on US-Iranian relations. Please read this before you say "They blew up the WTC, they ALL hate us, ALL Muslims are bad", because the plain truth is that they aren't all bad. Most in the Islamic world, even most people in Iran envy the U.S. and our freedom, technology, and way of life. The young people especially have internet, iPods, and like western culture and wish to come to the U.S. It's only the radical extremist few that want to destroy us, themselves, and all humanity. The following is a quick summary of why we have beef w/ Iran written by Two Sentz contributor Chuck:

In 1954, the US funded and aided a coup to overthrow the democratically elected Mossadeqh government in Iran. This was due to the government deciding to nationalize the BP fields and pipelines in Iran, which would have cost British Petroleum BILLION$ in revenue. So, with help from the CIA, the coup was successful, and Shah (King) Reza was installed as absolute ruler.

From 1954 until 1979, the Shah brutalized the Iranian people, and held onto power (with generous military and economic aid from the US) with an iron fist.

Then, in 1979, The Ayatollah (who had been in exile by the Shah), with overwhelming popular support, staged a revolution, and took the American embassy (and everyone in it as hostages).

The Islamic Revolution of Iran, and the rise of the Ayatollah, was a direct response to American involvement in Iranian affairs. We supported and backed a brutal dictator, and the people of Iran HATED us because of it.

Now, why did we do it? 1.) To protect and preserve BP's profits in the Iranian oil fields 2.) To maintain a 'friendly' Iranian government that would provide a buffer against Soviet Russia to the North.

That's the history of Iran, and why they hate us. It's not for 'our freedoms' or because they're hot headed Muslims, or some other such bull. Think about it. What if the roles were reversed? How would you feel it Iran funded and supplied arms to a coup attempt to overthrow the US government, and then supported a puppet for 25 years? Would you support a revolution to overthrow him? Would you be angry at Iran for injecting themselves and their interests in our internal affairs?

Now, hopefully, you have a better understanding of Iran, and why we need to talk to them, and stop saber rattling. Especially considering the fact that there is a large moderate faction in Iran that is eager to normalize relations with us.

Hopefully that served to educate some of you and you can cool your temper on your hot-headed comments. Iran has heard Obama's call and their President has responded with this:

Iran's president has responded to an overture by the new US president by demanding an apology for past US "crimes" committed against Iran.

"Those who speak of change must apologise to the Iranian people and try to repair their past crimes," he said.

The Iranian president welcomed the possibility of US change, but said: "When they say 'we want to make changes', change can happen in two ways".

"First is a fundamental and effective change... The second ... is a change of tactics. It is very clear that, if the meaning of change is the second one, this will soon be revealed," he said.

"If someone wants to talk with us in the language that [George W] Bush used... even if he uses new words, our response will be the same that we gave to Bush during the past years".

Relations between Washington and Tehran reached new lows in recent years over attempts by the US and its allies in the United Nations to curtail Iran's nuclear programme over fears it is trying to build nuclear weapons.

So where does that leave things? Well, at least the response from Iran was speedy and more positive than negative in my opinion. But should Obama apologize to Ahmadinejad for events that took place which neither of he nor Ahmadinejad were involved in bringing about? I don't think so. But neither side should ignore the facts of the matter either. If the real goal of the U.S. is peace with other nations then this is yet another step in the right direction. No one is suggesting turning a blind eye to what Iran does, just simply starting a dialogue and creating an atmosphere that can help reverse the deteriorating coarse of relations. As the saying goes: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."
Again, from Chuck:

Here's how Obama handles this:
Don't talk to Ahmadinejad. He's a puppet, anyway. Talk directly to the REAL power in Iran, the Ayatollah. Hold talks with him, and you show the Iranian people that America knows where the power lies (thus illustrating to them how they are NOT a true Democracy), and you completely disregard the crazy bigot who can't take a crap without asking the Ayatollah, anyway.

From Melanie:

Here's a good place to start: let women work again. We've seen this time and time again: one of the best ways to improve a country is to let women go to school, get an education, and get a job. Until that happens, there's little hope for real, substantive change.


Do YOU Believe?


Today's Chuckle

You are on the bus when you suddenly realize ... you need to fart.
The music is really loud, so you time your farts with the beat. After
a couple of songs, you start to feel better as you approach your stop.
As you are leaving the bus, people are really staring you down, and
that's when you remember: you've been listening to your ipod

Would You Live On A Street With This Name?


Cassandra Shie, AOL


Would you live on Butt Hole Road or Psycho Path? These were a just couple of the names you'll came across from both AOL users and other sources. (Street names were then verified via MapQuest.)

Take a look at this gallery HERE and see what other unique names there are out there.

Prison vs Work

New Cook County Correctional Center, Chicago , Illinois
(I guess if I ever break the law, I'd better do it in Illinois ! Homeless people should have it so good!)

Once again the taxpayer gets stung.

It also shows that in most cases the quality of life for prisoners has improved considerably from what you might expect. And I always thought prison was for punishment.!!!!! Just in case you ever get these two environments mixed up, this
comparison chart should make things a little bit clearer:

@PRISON You spend most of your time in a 10X10 cell

@ WORK You spend most of yourtime ina 6X6cubicle

@ PRISON You get three fully paid for meals a day

@ WORK You get a break for one meal, andyou have to pay for it

@ PRISON For good behavior, you get time off

@ WORK For good behavior, you get more work

@ PRISON The guard locks and unlocks all the doors for you

@ WORK You must carry a security cardand open all the doors yourself

@ PRISON You can watch TV and play games

@ WORK You could get fired for watching TV and playing games

@ PRISON You get your own toilet

@ WORK You have to share the toilet with people who pee on the seat

@ PRISON They allow your family and friends to visit

@ WORK You aren't even supposed to speakto your family

@ PRISON All expenses are paid by the taxpayers with no work required on your part

@ WORK You must pay all your expenses to go to work, and they deduct taxes from your salary to pay for prisoners

@ PRISON You spend most of your life inside bars wanting to get out

@ WORK You spend most of your time wanting to get out and go inside bars

@ PRISON You must deal with sadistic wardens

@ WORK They are called 'managers'

THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS

It would appear that the Illinois Politicians are building for their future retirement.

A Mother Rescues Her Child




White Middle Class Construction Workers Need Not Apply



I'm just a little curious...does everyone realize that our current infrastructure was built by highly skilled iron workers and masons?
These bridges would not have lasted this long had they been built by un-skilled workers!
Additionally, if we are going to rebuild the infrastructure, are we going fire up Bethlehem Steele and all the factories in the 'Rust Belt' to supply American Steel, American Screws and Rivets, and American Concrete to all of these projects.
If we are going to spend the money on rebuilding Americas infrastructure, then it better be done with American made products!

How Much Will This Cost The Taxpayers?

"Joe, how much is this going to cost the City of Salisbury Tax Payers.

Bubba, Jim, Bob, What are your thoughts on this?

From: David See dsee@ci.salisbury.md.us

January 27, 2009 9:47:28 AM
Subject: VCOS Board Meeting

All –

The Salisbury Fire Department will host the next regular Board of Directors meeting of the International Association of Fire Chief’s Volunteer & Combination Officer Section on February 6-7, 2009. A tour of the new fire station will be conducted on Friday (6th) at 5 p.m. followed by a “meet and greet” from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The board meeting will be held on Saturday (7th) at Fire Headquarters from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The new facility is located at 325 Cypress Street. All VCOS members as well as local and regional fire service leaders and members are invited to attend. If you plan to attend the Friday evening event kindly notify Mrs. Martha Townsend by telephone at 410.548.3120 or by email at mtownsend@ci.salisbury.md.us.


Please forward this information to all of your email contacts.

Thanks.


David B. See
Chief of the Department
City of Salisbury Fire Department
325 Cypress Street
Salisbury, Maryland 21801
410.548.3120
410.548.3121 (FAX)

www.salisburyfd.com
International Association of Fire Chiefs www.iafc.org
Volunteer and Combination Officers Section www.vcos.org
Maryland Fire Chiefs Association www.mdchief.org

What Significance Will YOUR Dash Make on the World???

John Kerry Is Now A Saint

On a Saturday afternoon, in Washington, D. C., Senator John Kerry's campaign manager visited the Cardinal of the Catholic cathedral.

He told the Cardinal that John Kerry would be attending the next day's sermon, and he asked if the Cardinal would kindly point out Kerry to the congregation and say a few words that would include calling Kerry a saint.

The Cardinal replied, "No. I don't really like the man, and there are issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over certain of Kerry's views." Kerry's manager then said, "Look. I'll write a check here and now for a donation of $100,000 to your church if you'll just tell the congregation you see Kerry as a saint." The Cardinal thought about it and said, "Well, the church can use the money, so I'll work your request into tomorrow's sermon." As Kerry's campaign manager promised, Senator Kerry appeared for the Sunday sermon and seated himself prominently at the edge of the main isle.

And, during the sermon, as promised, the Cardinal pointed out that Senator Kerry was present.

Then the Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation -- "While Senator Kerry's presence is probably an honor to some, he is not my favorite person. Some of his views are contrary to=2 0those of the church, and he tends to flip-flop on many other views. John Kerry is a petty, self-absorbed hypocrite, a thumb sucker, and a nit-wit. John Kerry is also a serial liar, a cheat, and a thief. John Kerry is the worst example of a Catholic I have ever personally witnessed. He turned on his buddies in Vietnam. He wrote a book and portrayed himself in the best light when he was a traitor to his fellow servicemen. He has lied about his military record and had the gall to put himself in for a medal (including one that does not even exist).

He married for money and is using it to lie to the American people. He also has a reputation for shirking his senatorial obligations both here, in Washington, and in Massachusetts. He simply is not to be trusted."

The Cardinal completed his view of Kerry with, "But, when compared to Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator Kerry is a saint."

Carl Eller Convicted Of Assault On A Police Officer


Former Minnesota Vikings Football Player Carl Eller was convicted of an assault on a Police Officer on Monday. The 67-year-old was convicted of two misdemeanors that came from a clash with Minneapolis Police Officers back in April.

Eller was pulled over for a suspect drunk driving and he assaulted and threatened Police Officers.

THE GEOGRAPHY OF A WOMAN

Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa , half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally beautiful!

Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe, well developed and open to trade, especially for someone with cash.

Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain, very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

Between 36 a nd 40, a woman is like Greece, gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to visit.

Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great Britain, with a glorious and all conquering past.

Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel, has been through war and doesn't make the same mistakes twice, takes care of business.

Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada, self-preserving but open to meeting new people.

After 70, she becomes like Tibet, wildly beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages...only those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for spiritual knowledge visit there.


THE GEOGRAPHY OF A MAN

Between 1 and 90, a man is like Iran, ruled by nuts....

A Letter To The Editor

"Joe:

I have noticed a covered corvette that seems to stay in the downtown parking garage. Its by the elevator on the market street side. Its been there for months and does not seem to move. Which one of Barrie’s friends is getting free covered storage?"

A British View

The Daily Mail (UK) wrote this editorial about Obama on 1/6/2009. (confirmation, Google "London Daily Mail Obama's Victory")
Obama's Victory--A British view

A victory for the hysterical Oprah Winfrey, the mad racist preacher Jeremiah Wright, the US mainstream media who abandoned any sense of objectivity long ago, Europeans who despise America largely because they depend on her, comics who claim to be dangerous and fearless but would not dare attack genuinely powerful special interest groups. A victory for Obama-worshippers everywhere. A victory for the cult of the cult. A man who has done little with his life but has written about his achievements as if he had found the cure for cancer in between winning a marathon and building a nuclear reactor with his teeth. Victory for style over substance, hyperbole over history, rabble-raising over reality.

A victory for Hollywood , the most dysfunctional community in the world. Victory for Streisand, Spielberg, Soros, Moore, and Sarandon. Victory for those who prefer welfare to will and interference to independence. For those who settle for group think and herd mentality rather than those who fight for individual initiative and the right to be out of step with meager political fashion.

Victory for a man who is no friend of freedom. He and his people have already stated that media has to be controlled so as to be balanced, without realizing the extraordinary irony within that statement. Like most liberal zealots, the Obama worshippers constantly speak of Fox and Limbaugh, when the vast bulk of television stations and newspapers are drastically liberal and anti-conservative. Senior Democrat Chuck Schumer said that just as pornography should be censored, so should talk radio. In other words, one of the few free and open means of popular expression may well be cornered and beaten by bullies who even in triumph cannot tolerate any criticism and opposition. A victory for those who believe the state is better qualified to raise children than the family, for those who prefer teachers' unions to teaching and for those who are naively convinced that if the West is sufficiently weak towards its enemies, war and terror will dissolve as quickly as the tears on the face of a leftist celebrity. A victory for social democracy even after most of Europehas come to the painful conclusion that social democracy leads to mediocrity, failure, unemployment, inflation, higher taxes and economic stagnation. A victory for intrusive lawyers, banal sentimentalists, social extremists and urban snobs.

Congratulations America !

Classified Ads

We already have some items set up to go for this Saturday's Classified Ads. If you have items you'd like to sell for FREE, e-mail them to, alberobutzo@wmconnect.com and we'll get them up for this Saturday morning. We will post one photo per item so don't waste your time as they are first come first served in that order.

Enjoy The Philadelphia Flower Show On A Wicomico Recreation Bus Trip


(Salisbury, MD) Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism is hosting a bus trip to the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show on Friday, March 6. With the theme “Bella Italia,” this year’s flower show will feature flower displays, vendors, operatic performances, strolling musicians and costumed Italian actors reminiscent of those found in the piazzas of Italy.

The bus will depart from the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (500 Glen Ave. Salisbury, MD) at 9:00am and begin its return trip from Philadelphia at 6:30pm. The per person cost, which includes transportation and admission to the Philadelphia Flower Show is $62. For those not interested in this year’s flower show, a transportation only option is also available for $40.

For more information or to register please contact Karen McInturff at 410-548-4900 ext. 113 or email kmcinturff@wicomicocounty.org. If you would like to learn about other upcoming programs offered by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism sign up for email alerts at www.wicomicorecandparks.org.

2 FREE Tickets To The Fernando Fight On ESPN 2 Today


Salisbury News will be giving away another pair of tickets some time today, so stay tuned. You never know when so you better be ready.

Obama to Islamic World: "Americans are not your enemy"


CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - President Barack Obama chose an Arabic satellite TV network for his first formal television interview as president, part of a concerted effort to repair relations with the Muslim world that were damaged under the previous administration.

Obama cited his Muslim background and relatives, practically a taboo issue during the U.S. presidential campaign, and said in the interview, which aired Tuesday, that one of his main tasks was to communicate to Muslims "that the Americans are not your enemy."

The interview on the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya news channel aired as Obama's new envoy to the region, former Sen. George J. Mitchell, arrived in Egypt on Tuesday for a visit that will also take him to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Obama said the U.S. had made mistakes in the past but "that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that."

Obama condemned Iran's threats against Israel, pursuit of nuclear weapons and support of terrorist organizations, but said "it is important for us to be willing to talk to Iran, to express very clearly where our differences are, but where there are potential avenues for progress."

In contrast to the enthusiastic reception Obama's victory has garnered around the world, the Arab world has been much more cautious about the new U.S. president—with most people skeptical that American policy in the region will change substantially.

Obama's choice of Al-Arabiya network, which is owned by a Saudi businessman, follows the lead of the Bush administration, which gave several presidential interviews to that news channel.

Hady Amr, director of the Brookings Doha Center, an arm of the U.S. think-tank in the Qatari capital, described decision to make the first presidential interview with an Arabic news network as "stunning."

"President Obama has made it absolutely clear ... that a central priority will be repairing America's relations with the Muslim world," he said. "If that's his objective, I'd say he's been hitting home run after home run."

In the interview, Obama called for a new partnership with the Muslim world "based on mutual respect and mutual interest."

This appeal does seem to have struck a chord among many Muslims.
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