It's been another excellent day in comments. So far we have accepted 340 comments for just today's Posts. Yesterday's totals have risen to 428 comments. Most other Blogs get 10 to 15 comments a day, just to give you an idea of the difference.
I want to forewarn everyone once again, comments with all capitol letters are being rejected. So if you're complaining about not seeing your comments going up, now you know why. I did let a couple go up on the Mardela Marching Band Post because I knew these people were new to the Blogs and they probably weren't aware of the rules.
Anyhow, the more comments and discussion we receive, the more this Blog becomes more about you. The whole point of offering this service to everyone is to get people to participate and make a difference to our communities. The more you're involved and express your opinion, the more affective you become.
Mind you, you're keeping us VERY busy. Each comment has to be read and then we go through the process of putting them through or rejecting them. Yesterday, for example, we had at least 600 comments come through. We also put up 42 Posts for the day. Then there was the running around taking pictures, writing stories, going to meetings, fielding phone calls, it was one heck of a day. Actually, almost every day is like that any more but the time flies and when we get results like today's County Council decision or the one last week with the City Council and Urban Salisbury, it makes it all worth while.
So keep your comments coming Folks and we truly thank you for all the support you're giving Salisbury News.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Doing Business In Maryland
Hurlock Store to Close ...
These are hard words to type, but we have decided to survive the recent economic downturn that we will be closing the Maryland store. It will allow us to focus our energies and resources on the one shop and maintain our current level of service. The recent sales trends, slowing marine related business and the favorable business climate in DE (no sales tax and less paperwork) has all influenced this difficult decision. We hope that you will still remain customers of ours and make the extra effort it takes to travel to Millsboro. Our business remains strong, but can not currently support the infrastructure of two stores. We hope that someday we will be able to return to MD and be closer to our Maryland customers. The same friendly staff will consolidate at the DE store and we will remain "The Candy Store for Woodworkers."
These are hard words to type, but we have decided to survive the recent economic downturn that we will be closing the Maryland store. It will allow us to focus our energies and resources on the one shop and maintain our current level of service. The recent sales trends, slowing marine related business and the favorable business climate in DE (no sales tax and less paperwork) has all influenced this difficult decision. We hope that you will still remain customers of ours and make the extra effort it takes to travel to Millsboro. Our business remains strong, but can not currently support the infrastructure of two stores. We hope that someday we will be able to return to MD and be closer to our Maryland customers. The same friendly staff will consolidate at the DE store and we will remain "The Candy Store for Woodworkers."
Hebron Man Pleads Guilty To Abusing His Son
This morning, 55-year-old Michael Lee Owens plead guilty to Common Law Assault and was sentenced to 30 years suspend all but time served.
Ruark says the physical abuse began when the victim was only 12-years-old. Ruark says Owens physically abused his son between July 26, 1989 and March 31, 1991 at their home on Patriot Drive in Salisbury. Investigators say the sister of the victim testified, in a separate trial, that in one incident Owens had tied her brother “to a chair and beat him for about two hours” before she was forced to leave the room where she continued to hear her brother’s screams. The sister also testified of another incident in which Owens, the victim’s biological father, punched the victim in the face causing him to fall over a sofa with sustained physical injuries. The defendant admitted in a separate, but related case, that he had tied the victim to himself in a chair and struck him with a belt.
The victim died on April 26, 2007. However, in a suicide note, the victim explicitly references the physical abuse at the hands of his father.
State’s Attorney Davis Ruark says “This is a significant case because it shows that after many years, justice can still be obtained."
Ruark says the physical abuse began when the victim was only 12-years-old. Ruark says Owens physically abused his son between July 26, 1989 and March 31, 1991 at their home on Patriot Drive in Salisbury. Investigators say the sister of the victim testified, in a separate trial, that in one incident Owens had tied her brother “to a chair and beat him for about two hours” before she was forced to leave the room where she continued to hear her brother’s screams. The sister also testified of another incident in which Owens, the victim’s biological father, punched the victim in the face causing him to fall over a sofa with sustained physical injuries. The defendant admitted in a separate, but related case, that he had tied the victim to himself in a chair and struck him with a belt.
The victim died on April 26, 2007. However, in a suicide note, the victim explicitly references the physical abuse at the hands of his father.
State’s Attorney Davis Ruark says “This is a significant case because it shows that after many years, justice can still be obtained."
Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. On Defeated Legislative Bill 2009-5- "Agricultural Standards"
Statement of Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., Wicomico County Executive
May 5, 2009
Today marks the end of a long process in which hundreds of Wicomico County citizens became personally involved in finding the best way to preserve our farmland and keeping Wicomico County as the number one county for Agriculture in the State of Maryland. While sides were taken on how to achieve this, all agreed that agriculture must remain our prime industry and that our environment must be protected.
I salute all those who joined in the vigorous debate leading up to today’s Wicomico County Council vote. While the debate has been emotional and divisive, this has been an outstanding example of democracy in action. I also appreciate the countless hours spent by members of the council as they tried to find common ground while living up to the principles we all share as a community. While today may seem like a defeat to some, I believe great progress has been achieved that will lead to a more satisfactory conclusion that most, if not all, of our citizens will be able to embrace.
Having participated in a number of conversations leading to today’s vote, I am aware that we came very close to reaching a responsible compromise position before the council meeting. I want to build on the progress that has been made, believing as I do, that if we agree on the objectives, a way will appear to achieve our goals.
Accordingly, I shall shortly appoint a commission to pick up where the debate left off today. I shall urge them to build on the elements of the compromise measures that were placed on the table. A key part of this commission’s charge will be to propose the implementation of a valid agricultural land preservation program that will relieve our local farmers from some of the stress caused by rampant development…allowing them to maintain ownership of their property while gaining a fair measure of compensation for not pursuing the development option. I shall ask the commission to report back to me in August of this year in order to coordinate their findings with the adoption of a new county Comprehensive Plan as required by State law by October.
May 5, 2009
Today marks the end of a long process in which hundreds of Wicomico County citizens became personally involved in finding the best way to preserve our farmland and keeping Wicomico County as the number one county for Agriculture in the State of Maryland. While sides were taken on how to achieve this, all agreed that agriculture must remain our prime industry and that our environment must be protected.
I salute all those who joined in the vigorous debate leading up to today’s Wicomico County Council vote. While the debate has been emotional and divisive, this has been an outstanding example of democracy in action. I also appreciate the countless hours spent by members of the council as they tried to find common ground while living up to the principles we all share as a community. While today may seem like a defeat to some, I believe great progress has been achieved that will lead to a more satisfactory conclusion that most, if not all, of our citizens will be able to embrace.
Having participated in a number of conversations leading to today’s vote, I am aware that we came very close to reaching a responsible compromise position before the council meeting. I want to build on the progress that has been made, believing as I do, that if we agree on the objectives, a way will appear to achieve our goals.
Accordingly, I shall shortly appoint a commission to pick up where the debate left off today. I shall urge them to build on the elements of the compromise measures that were placed on the table. A key part of this commission’s charge will be to propose the implementation of a valid agricultural land preservation program that will relieve our local farmers from some of the stress caused by rampant development…allowing them to maintain ownership of their property while gaining a fair measure of compensation for not pursuing the development option. I shall ask the commission to report back to me in August of this year in order to coordinate their findings with the adoption of a new county Comprehensive Plan as required by State law by October.
Is Government Actually Starting To Listen?
In what seemed like yet another local shoe in, the Land Use Bill fell flat on its face value because it was flawed and our Public Officials heard "We The People."
Similar to the Gary Comegys vs Jim Ireton Mayoral election, the Blogs stepped in and put the message out there with our opinions and our elected officials listened.
It started with a Tractorcade. Local Farmers showed they were not going to sit on the Fire Escape any longer and watch the world go by. Instead, they took their Tractors off their Farms and made a visible statement. Voters in Salisbury did the same in the Mayoral Election.
More importantly, We The People are realizing there IS a place where their voices can be heard. There is a place where We The People can make a difference. Not long ago a Tea Party was put together in a matter of days and 500 people showed up in the pouring down rain because We The People will no longer sit on the fire escape and not participate in our government, local or national.
For too many years we sat still taking the punches while our so called government made choices for us and as you can all clearly see, our government has failed us miserably. In the past we had the Main Stream Media telling us what THEY wanted us to hear. Today we have the Blogs telling the other side and or the other story. Even more so, we're telling you things the MSM simply refuses to let you know.
I firmly believe because YOU and I now have a voice, We The People are being heard and our elected officials are starting to listen. WE are holding these elected officials accountable for the choices they make and today was yet another sound victory on a flawed bill that didn't serve ALL of us.
Is there a winner or loser in today's decision, I don't believe so. I believe this bill should have never received the attention it received and before Salisbury News ever came along, this thing would have passed with a very high chance NONE of you would have known about it until it was too late.
Do you know what you're NOT hearing today? Do you know what's far more important right now than this 2009-5 bill? THE COUNTY BUDGET! That's where our elected officials should be spending all of their time. We're in a crisis financially. The County has lost millions of dollars from the State and our elected officials need to sit down and crunch numbers similar to watching Apollo 13 trying to figure out how to make something from nothing and return home safely.
Now, will this bill go away, absolutely not. However, when it comes back to the table a lot of the pressure of other major topics will be behind the Council and cooler and calmer heads will work together to resolve this matter. As we pointed out in another Post yesterday, there just aren't enough cases in Wicomico County in the past 10+ years to warrant such a bill. It may come in time but today's vote should never have been so dramatic and pressing, dividing families and neighbors.
I watched County Council Members acting very similar to the Salisbury City Council and you know what Folks, it's time for more CHANGE on the County Council. Agree to disagree, that's one thing. However, it's another to start throwing out personal attacks and dividing those people in which we elected and trusted to speak for We The People. Don't go backwards. Respect one and other. Rather than winning or losing, remember that there are ways to make things work where all parties are happy and satisfied. We do it every single day in our marriages, why should you be any different.
Caption This Photo
In today's County Council Meeting on the rural land use bill, I captured this photo as John Cannon made the final vote to shoot the bill down. More to come....
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 Europe has 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! Your funeral will be sooner than you think!
John Hart
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 Europe has 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! Your funeral will be sooner than you think!
John Hart
Montana Governor Signs Revolutionary New Gun Law
The USA state of Montana has signed into power a revolutionary gun law. I mean REVOLUTIONARY.
The State of Montana has defied the federal government and their gun laws. This will prompt a showdown between the federal government and the State of Montana. The federal government fears citizens owning guns. They try to curtail what types of guns they can own. The gun control laws all have one common goal – confiscation of privately owned firearms.
Montana has gone beyond drawing a line in the sand. They have challenged the Federal Government. The fed now either takes them on and risks them saying the federal agents have no right to violate their state gun laws and arrest the federal agents that try to enforce the federal firearms acts. This will be a world-class event to watch. Montana could go to voting for secession from the union, which is really throwing the gauntlet in Obamas face. If the federal government does nothing they lose face. Gotta love it.
Read More Here: http://www.dailypaul.com/node/91996
The State of Montana has defied the federal government and their gun laws. This will prompt a showdown between the federal government and the State of Montana. The federal government fears citizens owning guns. They try to curtail what types of guns they can own. The gun control laws all have one common goal – confiscation of privately owned firearms.
Montana has gone beyond drawing a line in the sand. They have challenged the Federal Government. The fed now either takes them on and risks them saying the federal agents have no right to violate their state gun laws and arrest the federal agents that try to enforce the federal firearms acts. This will be a world-class event to watch. Montana could go to voting for secession from the union, which is really throwing the gauntlet in Obamas face. If the federal government does nothing they lose face. Gotta love it.
Read More Here: http://www.dailypaul.com/node/91996
A Salisbury Man Found Guilty Of Smashing His Neighbor’s Dog In The Head With A Shovel.
On May 4, 2009, a District Court judge found Jackie Perry, 59, Guilty of Animal Cruelty and sentenced him to 90 days in jail and ordered him to pay the dog’s hospital bill.
Assistant State’s Attorney Richard Brueckner says on March 18, 2009, Perry’s dog separated from his leash and entered the neighbor’s yard and began to play with the neighbor’s dog on Carrolton Avenue in Salisbury. Then, investigators says Perry walked into his neighbor’s yard, unprovoked, and smacked the dog on the head with a shovel. The badly injured dog was chained up on its property at the time of the incident. The officer on the scene said Perry inflicted unnecessary suffering on the adult Shar Pei breed named “Kong.” The incident resulted in permanent blindness of Kong’s left eye.
The National Humane Education Society urged the State’s Attorney’s Office to “pursue maximum justice allowable in this case because barbarous acts towards animals often lead to brutality to humans.” ASA Brueckner says yesterday’s sentence was the maximum penalty.
Assistant State’s Attorney Richard Brueckner says on March 18, 2009, Perry’s dog separated from his leash and entered the neighbor’s yard and began to play with the neighbor’s dog on Carrolton Avenue in Salisbury. Then, investigators says Perry walked into his neighbor’s yard, unprovoked, and smacked the dog on the head with a shovel. The badly injured dog was chained up on its property at the time of the incident. The officer on the scene said Perry inflicted unnecessary suffering on the adult Shar Pei breed named “Kong.” The incident resulted in permanent blindness of Kong’s left eye.
The National Humane Education Society urged the State’s Attorney’s Office to “pursue maximum justice allowable in this case because barbarous acts towards animals often lead to brutality to humans.” ASA Brueckner says yesterday’s sentence was the maximum penalty.
Attempted Murder Suspect In Custody
DATE & TIME: 05/05/2009 @ 1100 hours C C. CARD NUMBER: 0954004322
Suspect #1: Jumall Monique Judge, B/M DOB 02/04/1991
LOCATION: S. Division St. @ College Ave, Salisbury, Wicomico County, Maryland.
BRIEF RESUME:
On the above date and time, Maryland State Police conducted a traffic stop and found the driver of the vehicle to be driving on a suspended license. The trooper immediately identified the passenger Jumall Monique Judge, from a wanted poster for attempted 1st/2nd degree felony murder and numerous handgun charges. A wanted check through the Salisbury Barrack confirmed Judge’s wanted status. Troopers from the MSP Salisbury Barrack performed a felony traffic stop on the vehicle and took both driver and passenger into custody without incident. Both the driver and Judge were transported to Wicomico County Detention Center (WCDC) for face pending charges.
Early Morning Bus Crash Seriously Injures One
Magnolia – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating a crash that occurred this morning on Irish Hill Road at Peachtree Run involving a school bus and a vehicle.
The crash which was reported at 6:59 am has left a 17 year old Felton girl in serious condition at Kent General Hospital. Investigators learned a 2009 International School Bus, operated by Robert A. Upchurch, 49 of Magnolia, was traveling westbound on Irish Hill Road approaching Peachtree Run.
A 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, operated Niki J. Rains, 17 of Felton was stopped on Peachtree Run waiting to turn left to travel east on Irish Hill Rd. For an unknown reason, the Sunfire pulled out in front of the school bus resulting in the crash.
As a result, Ms. Rains, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Kent General Hospital. The operator of the school bus, Mr. Upchurch, was wearing a seatbelt and not injured. A sole passenger on the school bus, Mr. Upchurch’s 9 year old child, was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation. Alcohol is not a factor.
Note: The bus was owned by Hilton Bus Service and was scheduled to transport children to Postlewhait Middle School. However, no students were on board.
The crash which was reported at 6:59 am has left a 17 year old Felton girl in serious condition at Kent General Hospital. Investigators learned a 2009 International School Bus, operated by Robert A. Upchurch, 49 of Magnolia, was traveling westbound on Irish Hill Road approaching Peachtree Run.
A 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, operated Niki J. Rains, 17 of Felton was stopped on Peachtree Run waiting to turn left to travel east on Irish Hill Rd. For an unknown reason, the Sunfire pulled out in front of the school bus resulting in the crash.
As a result, Ms. Rains, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Kent General Hospital. The operator of the school bus, Mr. Upchurch, was wearing a seatbelt and not injured. A sole passenger on the school bus, Mr. Upchurch’s 9 year old child, was not injured.
The crash remains under investigation. Alcohol is not a factor.
Note: The bus was owned by Hilton Bus Service and was scheduled to transport children to Postlewhait Middle School. However, no students were on board.
Current Swine Flu Stats: U.S.
Alabama 4, Arizona 17, California 30, Colorado 7, Connecticut 2, Delaware 20, Florida 5, Idaho 1, Illinois 8, Indiana 3, Iowa 1, Kansas 2, Kentucky 1, Louisiana 14, Maine 1, Maryland 4, Massachusetts 6, Michigan 2, Minnesota 1, Missouri 1, Nebraska 1, Nevada 1, New Hampshire 1, New Jersey 7, New Mexico 1, New York 73, North Carolina 1, Ohio 3, Oregon 3, Pennsylvania 1, Rhode Island 1, South Carolina 15, Tennessee 1, Texas 41, Utah 1, Virginia 3 and Wisconsin 3.
St. Francis Preparatory, the New York City school whose pupils account for roughly 40 of the state's 73 confirmed cases, reopened Monday with visits by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and scores of reporters.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 286 cases in the United States, and 506 in Mexico, where the virus has killed 19.
As of Monday afternoon, the WHO has confirmed 1,003 cases of swine flu in all reporting locations. The WHO number is significantly lower than most estimates because it counts only those cases analyzed in its own laboratories.
Pelosi Confronts Justice
In a May 3rd editorial, the Washington Times opined:
"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is working to buffer lawmakers from federal investigators. This is a bad idea. Special legal protections for politicians encourage unethical conduct.
Irvin B. Nathan, general counsel of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Monday about establishing a protocol on how to handle "hopefully rare searches and electronic surveillance involving members of Congress." Mr. Nathan previously failed to negotiate such an agreement with the George W. Bush administration when Republicans controlled the House. His return to this effort isn't surprising given the number of congressional Democrats facing accusations of ethical misconduct.
Irvin B. Nathan, general counsel of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. on Monday about establishing a protocol on how to handle "hopefully rare searches and electronic surveillance involving members of Congress." Mr. Nathan previously failed to negotiate such an agreement with the George W. Bush administration when Republicans controlled the House. His return to this effort isn't surprising given the number of congressional Democrats facing accusations of ethical misconduct.
Democrats facing scrutiny include the chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania, for his close ties to the defense lobby firm PMA Group, which is under federal investigation; House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel of New York about a number of tax issues; Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. of Illinois over his reported effort to persuade ousted Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich to appoint him to fill President Obama's former Senate seat; and Rep. Jane Harman of California, who reportedly was taped in 2005 by the National Security Agency purportedly agreeing to help seek leniency for two accused Israeli spies in exchange for help in lobbying her appointment to chair the House Intelligence Committee. "
More here.
Pelosi Is At It Again
Please take a moment of your time to read what our legislators are attempting without your knowledge. It literally takes 2 minutes to respond using the red button at the bottom to send e-mails to your representatives as well as Pelosi.
I have seen nothing about this in the MSM but it will affect everyone who owns an older vehicle and cannot afford a new car payment. It will also cost more jobs in the auto repair and parts business as well as remove your freedom of choice as to what vehicle the government says you can drive.
The government wants to give stimulus money of up to $5000.00 to consumers to force them to turn in their older vehicles and buy newer ones that many cannot afford. I personally take issue with MY money being used to finance someone else’s decision to buy a vehicle they cannot afford. As with the housing mess, this will lead to more repos and a glut of unsalable used vehicles hitting the market then driving the value of the cars that responsible people have worked hard to pay for.
Please act now while you still can!! This is being forced through without public knowledge as we have seen many examples of in recent months.
“Cash for Clunkers” Limits Access to Affordable Used Vehicles for Low and Middle Income Families
BETHESDA, MD — April 15, 2009 — Cash for Clunkers would prematurely destroy vehicles and their valuable parts and components, denying more affordable used vehicles to millions of low and middle income families who cannot afford to purchase a new car even with a $3,000 to $5,000 government voucher.
“For families that cannot afford the price of a new vehicle even with a government voucher, the Cash for Clunkers program would limit their access to affordable transportation, a must for most working Americans,” said Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. “Cash for Clunkers may sound good at first, but when you take a closer look, it is clear that the Cash for Clunkers proposal will negatively impact car owners, wasting billions of taxpayer dollars.”Steven Levitt, a University of Chicago professor of economics and author of the best-seller Freakonomics, recently wrote about Cash for Clunkers on his New York Times blog: “It also seems to me that any effect on the demand for new cars would be extremely limited. People who drive clunkers are generally not in the market for new cars. Presumably their replacement car will be a used car. The increased demand for used cars will lead to higher prices for used cars, which will push some buyers towards a new car, but the likely impact on new cars would be small.”Congress and states have considered Cash for Clunkers proposals in the past and in many cases have decided against them. Many legislators have come to realize the unintended consequences of this program and that they are not a cost effective use of government money
.
“Providing incentives for individuals to purchase fuel efficient vehicles or to have their current vehicle maintained would be a better use of federal money,” continued Lowe. “The bottom line is that Cash for Clunkers is a bad idea and should be rejected by Congress.”
Administration Cash for Clunkers Proposal Bad for Consumers & EnvironmentTrade Association Cautions Against Creating Another Home Mortgage Debacle
BETHESDA, MD — March 30, 2009 — While the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) supports efforts by the Obama administration to help stabilize U.S. based vehicle manufacturers, the association cautions that the “Cash for Clunkers” proposal will harm the environment, negatively impact car owners, waste billions of taxpayer dollars and hurt the hundreds of thousands of vehicle service and repair businesses in America. Read More...
Opposition to “Cash for Clunkers” Programs to be Major Issue for 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit
BETHESDA, MD — February 19, 2009 — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has added the “Cash for Clunkers” issue to the agenda for the Aftermarket Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 11-12, in Washington, D.C.The “Cash for Clunkers” program that was removed from the Economic Stimulus package passed by Congress last week would have appropriated $16 billion in federal funds for car owners to trade in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used for the purchase of a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Although it was removed, congressional supporters have vowed to include the provision in another legislative vehicle, likely an energy bill that is slated for debate this spring. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who introduced S.AMDT.338 to the stimulus, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who wrote the “Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act” (S. 247), have been clear in their intent to obtain enactment of such a program in the 111th Congress. Read More...
“Cash for Clunkers” Amendment Withdrawn from Senate Stimulus Bill Victory for Consumers and Small Business Owners
BETHESDA, MD — February 6, 2009 — The “Cash for Clunkers” amendment to the United States Senate stimulus package was withdrawn from the bill on Thursday. The Cash for Clunkers program would have earmarked federal funds for car owners to trade-in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used to obtain newer, more fuel efficient vehicles. Read More...
“Cash for Clunkers” Program: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Plan to Scrap Older Vehicles Will Hurt Many Consumers
The Cash for Clunkers program being considered by Congress for inclusion in the economic stimulus package is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing, according Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. The Cash for Clunkers program would earmark federal funds for car owners to trade-in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used to obtain newer, more fuel efficient vehicles. On the surface the program may sound reasonable, but its consequences will create issues for those not fortunate enough to afford the cost of a new vehicle and would be a waste of taxpayer dollars. Read More...
THIS IS IMPORTANT! GO HERE TO READ MORE.
I have seen nothing about this in the MSM but it will affect everyone who owns an older vehicle and cannot afford a new car payment. It will also cost more jobs in the auto repair and parts business as well as remove your freedom of choice as to what vehicle the government says you can drive.
The government wants to give stimulus money of up to $5000.00 to consumers to force them to turn in their older vehicles and buy newer ones that many cannot afford. I personally take issue with MY money being used to finance someone else’s decision to buy a vehicle they cannot afford. As with the housing mess, this will lead to more repos and a glut of unsalable used vehicles hitting the market then driving the value of the cars that responsible people have worked hard to pay for.
Please act now while you still can!! This is being forced through without public knowledge as we have seen many examples of in recent months.
“Cash for Clunkers” Limits Access to Affordable Used Vehicles for Low and Middle Income Families
BETHESDA, MD — April 15, 2009 — Cash for Clunkers would prematurely destroy vehicles and their valuable parts and components, denying more affordable used vehicles to millions of low and middle income families who cannot afford to purchase a new car even with a $3,000 to $5,000 government voucher.
“For families that cannot afford the price of a new vehicle even with a government voucher, the Cash for Clunkers program would limit their access to affordable transportation, a must for most working Americans,” said Aaron Lowe, vice president of government affairs for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. “Cash for Clunkers may sound good at first, but when you take a closer look, it is clear that the Cash for Clunkers proposal will negatively impact car owners, wasting billions of taxpayer dollars.”Steven Levitt, a University of Chicago professor of economics and author of the best-seller Freakonomics, recently wrote about Cash for Clunkers on his New York Times blog: “It also seems to me that any effect on the demand for new cars would be extremely limited. People who drive clunkers are generally not in the market for new cars. Presumably their replacement car will be a used car. The increased demand for used cars will lead to higher prices for used cars, which will push some buyers towards a new car, but the likely impact on new cars would be small.”Congress and states have considered Cash for Clunkers proposals in the past and in many cases have decided against them. Many legislators have come to realize the unintended consequences of this program and that they are not a cost effective use of government money
.
“Providing incentives for individuals to purchase fuel efficient vehicles or to have their current vehicle maintained would be a better use of federal money,” continued Lowe. “The bottom line is that Cash for Clunkers is a bad idea and should be rejected by Congress.”
Administration Cash for Clunkers Proposal Bad for Consumers & EnvironmentTrade Association Cautions Against Creating Another Home Mortgage Debacle
BETHESDA, MD — March 30, 2009 — While the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) supports efforts by the Obama administration to help stabilize U.S. based vehicle manufacturers, the association cautions that the “Cash for Clunkers” proposal will harm the environment, negatively impact car owners, waste billions of taxpayer dollars and hurt the hundreds of thousands of vehicle service and repair businesses in America. Read More...
Opposition to “Cash for Clunkers” Programs to be Major Issue for 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit
BETHESDA, MD — February 19, 2009 — The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has added the “Cash for Clunkers” issue to the agenda for the Aftermarket Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 11-12, in Washington, D.C.The “Cash for Clunkers” program that was removed from the Economic Stimulus package passed by Congress last week would have appropriated $16 billion in federal funds for car owners to trade in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used for the purchase of a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Although it was removed, congressional supporters have vowed to include the provision in another legislative vehicle, likely an energy bill that is slated for debate this spring. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who introduced S.AMDT.338 to the stimulus, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who wrote the “Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act” (S. 247), have been clear in their intent to obtain enactment of such a program in the 111th Congress. Read More...
“Cash for Clunkers” Amendment Withdrawn from Senate Stimulus Bill Victory for Consumers and Small Business Owners
BETHESDA, MD — February 6, 2009 — The “Cash for Clunkers” amendment to the United States Senate stimulus package was withdrawn from the bill on Thursday. The Cash for Clunkers program would have earmarked federal funds for car owners to trade-in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used to obtain newer, more fuel efficient vehicles. Read More...
“Cash for Clunkers” Program: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Plan to Scrap Older Vehicles Will Hurt Many Consumers
The Cash for Clunkers program being considered by Congress for inclusion in the economic stimulus package is really a wolf in sheep’s clothing, according Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. The Cash for Clunkers program would earmark federal funds for car owners to trade-in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used to obtain newer, more fuel efficient vehicles. On the surface the program may sound reasonable, but its consequences will create issues for those not fortunate enough to afford the cost of a new vehicle and would be a waste of taxpayer dollars. Read More...
THIS IS IMPORTANT! GO HERE TO READ MORE.
Gordy Exxon May Have Water In Their Fuel?
Drivers find engine trouble after filling vehicles
Water in fuel from Valero refinery may be to blame
By EMILY RILEY • The News Journal • May 5, 2009
A quarter of a mile down the road, her car died.
"I tried to start my car, but the engine would turn over and cut out almost immediately," Yursha, 38, said.
She wasn't the only one.
Paula Epps, 36, of Middletown – another customer of the Exxon station on Del. 896 in Newark, where Yursha filled up – said her 2008 Honda Pilot now needs its fuel tank drained and fuel system flushed after a similar stall-out.
At least seven customers reported problems, said Bill Gordy, president of J. William Gordy Fuel Co. in Delmar, the Exxon station's fuel distributor.
Officials suspect a water leakage in fuel supplies could be the problem.
The manager of the Exxon, who declined to comment, provided customers with contact information for Gordy.
As a fuel distributor, Gordy purchases fuel from Exxon, which is processed at the Valero refinery in Delaware City, and distributes the product to Exxon gas stations.
Though he said he has yet to communicate with Valero, the focus of both
Exxon and Gordy is dealing with "inconvenienced customers," including footing the nearly $10,000 bill for towing and repairs.
"Exxon said that we should just take care of the customers now and they will handle the situation with Valero later," Gordy said.
He said the Valero refinery is accepting the fuel in question back at the terminal, an indication that Valero has agreed to acknowledge responsibility. Though the exact cause has yet to be determined, the company has already confirmed that there is no more water in any of the tanks at local gas stations, Valero spokesman Bill Day said.
Day said the company is investigating whether water entered fuel supplies within the Delaware City refinery or somewhere along the fuel's transportation system.
"It is highly unlikely that it occurred in the refinery," he said. "We're looking into whether the water was in the trucks that made deliveries to gas stations or in the gas terminal that pumps into the trucks. We want to find out where along that process water may have been introduced into the system and how it may have gotten there."
The State Of Maryland Is Broke
I just received word that a State Employee has been asked to pay out of their own pocket for a required Training Course the State would normally pay for. Mind you, they stated the State would reimburse this Employee for his expenses once the new Budget is passed but in the mean time State Employees will have to front the money. This is not a good sign Folks.
Parsonsburg Fire Department Has Issues
The following is a comment left late last night I thoght I'd turn into a Post.
"I have waited for so long for this information to become public without myself being the bearer of bad news. After being involved with this department and one of the most active members for over a decade, I am now ashamed to be a part of what was once a reputable department.
It is solely the decisions made by Chief Steve White that have put these untrained and most importantly inexperienced officers in place. The cold hard truth is that the current officers all lack in one field or another. Meaning the person may have ten years in the fire service but could not pass a ninth grade reading test and have no credible training other than firefighter I.
The other side is the person may have one year of active membership in the fire service as a whole, no other fire department experience and now hold a line officer position. Why? Because Steve feels comfortable with people that will not make decisions without his say so, therefore lacking in competency in mediating an emergency. Steve you better keep your cell phone on they may need to call you if a life saving decision has to be made.
And then you have members with a wealth of knowledge and training and no experience. There are so many variables when considering which of your personal should be leaders. I can quote Steve White on several occasions when he attempts to back his decisions on why he chose someone with a year in the department or someone who has absolutely no training. His words are always the same, I chose this person because he or she has good people skills. Well guess what Einstein, good people skills are not what saves lives in this line of work.
Honestly we have several qualified, over ten or so members that a have at least Fire I & II, Hazmat ops or higher, MFRI Pumps, Rescue Tech or equivalent, and EMT or Paramedic and a minimum of five years in the field experience. Meaning these trained personal have actually applied there training and done so proficiently. Unfortunately only one of these members have been appointed. That person would be Lt. J. Tyler. Other than that we are working under the guidance of people that are far from ready to make decisions concerning life and property and most importantly leading the ones under there command into an inferno.
I challenge any person from the public to ask the chief why these people are where they are and how they got there and do not except any round about answer. Ask for training records, ask yourself one question. If my family was involved in an automobile accident and were trapped in the car would the person in charge have the training to mediate the situation. Dont get me wrong, I like to gamble but not with my loved ones. We could think like the Deputy Chief Mark Rickards. Who responded with this when asked the same question. "I would hope someone else shows up with that training." Thats right lets hope that someone shows up with the knowledge of what to do instead of being prepared.
The truth is the trained individuals who are officer material and have been overlooked or removed from said office are turning there backs when the alarm sounds. It takes time to become cold hearted, to ignore the call for help after doing it for so long. But when your opinions and ideas no longer count and the feeling of being unwanted out weighs your decision to answer the call, it is time for change. Someone has to probe deeper into the actuality of this situation.
As a young man in the fire service the battle of pride between Parsonsburg and Salisbury was ongoing. After much thought and realization I have come to understand the difference between pride and ignorance. Salisbury has undergone many changes and experienced a lot of growing pains over the past decade. However one of the best outcomes was this, all line officers must meet or exceed the minimum requirements set forth by the department. Unfortunately Parsonsburg has no such requirements and any mutual aid company assisting them or requesting there help may very well get a one year unseasoned firefighter as the commanding officer.
How can anyone after reading this 100% factual disposition trust calling on the Parsonsburg Steve White Fire Department, and to those that call Steve White friend remember this. Steve White could sell ice to Eskimos. He is a very convincing man and when he speaks to those without fire department knowledge he could sell the world to them. Ask a few past deputy and assistant chiefs who have since left and moved on to other departments in the county there reasoning for leaving. The truth needs to be known to the public.
Now lets talk about another topic that only a few are informed. The paid Paramedic/Chief that appoints his own committee that oversees his benefits and pay scale. How can no one see the conflict of interest here, or is it such a thing that most are scared to discuss it. Lets think about this for a second, if you deny him a raise or grant one that is less than expected and later in the year ask him for something what might be the outcome? I know for a fact with the current administration he was given a six thousand dollar raise two years ago. Thank you tax payers for the new addition on my home.
And the fact that Steve approves and disapproves the points put in by each individual member that enables that person to vote at the end of the year, on thats right- his position as chief. Would it surprise you to know points have been passed for certain individuals involving medical training that pertains to both ems and nursing however these individuals are no longer ems providers and were lacking in that area for points needed to vote.
Lets put it all on the line, lets discuss a member who barely skated by with enough points to stay in and then voted in as president. To my recollection she signed a legal binding agreement that required her to complete and pass The WOR-WIC Community Colleges paramedic program and then render her services as a paramedic including direct patient care and transport to the hospital to the citizens of the community for no less than three years and a minimum of thirty six calls per year for that period. Notices have been sent for collection to those members who did not fulfill their obligation following the completion or failure of the program. My question is what steps have been taken towards this individual. Are we messing with the untouchables here? I thought the federal government broke up the last of the mafia in the late 90's. I can assure you she did not transport 36 patients to the hospital over the entire three year period. Show me the money!!
I hope that this inside view of the Parsonsburg Fire Dept. was informative, though lacking the other side of the story Im sure the individuals mentioned would love to answer these questions. And to those companies running with the burg be careful, trust only the ones that you know because the chances are the new guys are wearing the white shield and riding the front seat. If you would like to know more just ask, Im sure I got an answer, ENOUGH SAID!!"
"I have waited for so long for this information to become public without myself being the bearer of bad news. After being involved with this department and one of the most active members for over a decade, I am now ashamed to be a part of what was once a reputable department.
It is solely the decisions made by Chief Steve White that have put these untrained and most importantly inexperienced officers in place. The cold hard truth is that the current officers all lack in one field or another. Meaning the person may have ten years in the fire service but could not pass a ninth grade reading test and have no credible training other than firefighter I.
The other side is the person may have one year of active membership in the fire service as a whole, no other fire department experience and now hold a line officer position. Why? Because Steve feels comfortable with people that will not make decisions without his say so, therefore lacking in competency in mediating an emergency. Steve you better keep your cell phone on they may need to call you if a life saving decision has to be made.
And then you have members with a wealth of knowledge and training and no experience. There are so many variables when considering which of your personal should be leaders. I can quote Steve White on several occasions when he attempts to back his decisions on why he chose someone with a year in the department or someone who has absolutely no training. His words are always the same, I chose this person because he or she has good people skills. Well guess what Einstein, good people skills are not what saves lives in this line of work.
Honestly we have several qualified, over ten or so members that a have at least Fire I & II, Hazmat ops or higher, MFRI Pumps, Rescue Tech or equivalent, and EMT or Paramedic and a minimum of five years in the field experience. Meaning these trained personal have actually applied there training and done so proficiently. Unfortunately only one of these members have been appointed. That person would be Lt. J. Tyler. Other than that we are working under the guidance of people that are far from ready to make decisions concerning life and property and most importantly leading the ones under there command into an inferno.
I challenge any person from the public to ask the chief why these people are where they are and how they got there and do not except any round about answer. Ask for training records, ask yourself one question. If my family was involved in an automobile accident and were trapped in the car would the person in charge have the training to mediate the situation. Dont get me wrong, I like to gamble but not with my loved ones. We could think like the Deputy Chief Mark Rickards. Who responded with this when asked the same question. "I would hope someone else shows up with that training." Thats right lets hope that someone shows up with the knowledge of what to do instead of being prepared.
The truth is the trained individuals who are officer material and have been overlooked or removed from said office are turning there backs when the alarm sounds. It takes time to become cold hearted, to ignore the call for help after doing it for so long. But when your opinions and ideas no longer count and the feeling of being unwanted out weighs your decision to answer the call, it is time for change. Someone has to probe deeper into the actuality of this situation.
As a young man in the fire service the battle of pride between Parsonsburg and Salisbury was ongoing. After much thought and realization I have come to understand the difference between pride and ignorance. Salisbury has undergone many changes and experienced a lot of growing pains over the past decade. However one of the best outcomes was this, all line officers must meet or exceed the minimum requirements set forth by the department. Unfortunately Parsonsburg has no such requirements and any mutual aid company assisting them or requesting there help may very well get a one year unseasoned firefighter as the commanding officer.
How can anyone after reading this 100% factual disposition trust calling on the Parsonsburg Steve White Fire Department, and to those that call Steve White friend remember this. Steve White could sell ice to Eskimos. He is a very convincing man and when he speaks to those without fire department knowledge he could sell the world to them. Ask a few past deputy and assistant chiefs who have since left and moved on to other departments in the county there reasoning for leaving. The truth needs to be known to the public.
Now lets talk about another topic that only a few are informed. The paid Paramedic/Chief that appoints his own committee that oversees his benefits and pay scale. How can no one see the conflict of interest here, or is it such a thing that most are scared to discuss it. Lets think about this for a second, if you deny him a raise or grant one that is less than expected and later in the year ask him for something what might be the outcome? I know for a fact with the current administration he was given a six thousand dollar raise two years ago. Thank you tax payers for the new addition on my home.
And the fact that Steve approves and disapproves the points put in by each individual member that enables that person to vote at the end of the year, on thats right- his position as chief. Would it surprise you to know points have been passed for certain individuals involving medical training that pertains to both ems and nursing however these individuals are no longer ems providers and were lacking in that area for points needed to vote.
Lets put it all on the line, lets discuss a member who barely skated by with enough points to stay in and then voted in as president. To my recollection she signed a legal binding agreement that required her to complete and pass The WOR-WIC Community Colleges paramedic program and then render her services as a paramedic including direct patient care and transport to the hospital to the citizens of the community for no less than three years and a minimum of thirty six calls per year for that period. Notices have been sent for collection to those members who did not fulfill their obligation following the completion or failure of the program. My question is what steps have been taken towards this individual. Are we messing with the untouchables here? I thought the federal government broke up the last of the mafia in the late 90's. I can assure you she did not transport 36 patients to the hospital over the entire three year period. Show me the money!!
I hope that this inside view of the Parsonsburg Fire Dept. was informative, though lacking the other side of the story Im sure the individuals mentioned would love to answer these questions. And to those companies running with the burg be careful, trust only the ones that you know because the chances are the new guys are wearing the white shield and riding the front seat. If you would like to know more just ask, Im sure I got an answer, ENOUGH SAID!!"
Salisbury Fire Department At It Again!
"Hi Joe,
I have been reading your blog for several years now and have never commented on anything that you talk about. I thought that your commentary about the Salisbury Fire Department has been harsh at times. Now I know why....
Tonight at 9:20 pm, My husband and I were travelling south bound on US RT 13 at Peggy Neck Road in Somerset County when my husband made the statement that a police car had driven up behind of us in the fast lane. He moved over into the slow lane and the vehicle sped by. It was a Salisbury Fire Dept car with tag # LG 85125.
The vehicle was traveling well over the posted speed limit. The operator was driving in the fast lane and came up behind another vehicle pressing the driver to move to the slow lane like the police do when they are going somewhere in a hurry. The Fire Dept car then sped up again. We decided to follow in order see what the emergency was......The vehicle was traveling in excess of 75 mph. The operator made an abrupt turn onto UMES blvd where it accelerated again. The vehicle traveled onto the campus of UMES and then onto College Backbone rd where it entered the Eastern Region Training MFRI Facility. We followed the vehicle to the front door where the operator got out of the vehicle drinking a cup of coffee. We saw a number of people standing around in front of the door.
We were just wondering where the fire was ..................literally. What type of emergency negated high speed driving so far out of the Salisbury Fire Dept's jurisdiction?"
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted
WANTED Damian Showell
Black Male, 6-03 215
DOB 02/18/81 - 28
If you have see this man contact 410-548-4891
You Can't Fix Something You're Not Aware Of
Dear Mayor Ireton: If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Something needs to be done about the residential trash on the Downtown Plaza.I know Mr. Comegys and Mike Dunn discussed this years ago and assured everyone they would do something about it, nothing was done. I know Mr. Comegys said he'd make it a priority in the Urban Salisbury Forum while he ran for Mayor, yet nothing has been done and the problem hasn't even come up on the Council Agenda.
It's time to look at some of the simple solutions to the Downtown Plaza problems and it starts right here. "You Can't Fix Something You're Not Aware Of." Well, now you're aware of it and I'd ask that you and the City Council take this matter seriously.
Another Business On The Downtown Plaza Is Gone
Head Over Heels have closed their doors for good. Once a thriving business on the Downtown Plaza has now disappeared. For what it's worth, this is a shame. This business had the most traffic of any other business on the Downtown Plaza. I spoke with Adam Roop, (Roop Group) a few weeks ago and quite frankly they're considering moving away from the Downtown Plaza as well. Trash cans are still overflowing and it's time someone place this issue on the Council Agenda and tackle it head on. It can't take 15 years to come up with a solution.
Hopefully they're making headway with Urban Salisbury's Master Plan because if this keeps up there will be nothing left. Oh, if someone wants to try and make comments saying it's all the new Mayor's fault, I'll reject those comments because that's just bull. Don't even think of going there.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I'm just passing this thought along....
Have you ever wondered if the one dollar bills in your wallet/purse were ever in a stripper's butt crack?
If not, you're wondering now.
Have a nice day . :)
Have you ever wondered if the one dollar bills in your wallet/purse were ever in a stripper's butt crack?
If not, you're wondering now.
Have a nice day . :)
Bad Service From Salisbury Chili's
My husband and I went out to eat Sunday evening. We went to Chili's in Salisbury. The hostess said there would be a 20-25 minute wait. There were numerous tables vacant. One of the other customers asked why the tables were vacant and why they couldn't be seated. She explained that they didn't have enough kitchen staff to handle any more customers. Hey, there were plenty of customers. They are having a difficult time staying open and they seem to be doing themselves in. Why didn't the manager come in and fill the empty spaces? Believe me, if I have customers, I or someone else will be here to take care of them.
I don't intend on visiting their establishment again. I'll play it safe and go to a local restaurant that values me as a customer.
Director Of Wicomico Detention Center To Stay In Place During Federal Lawsuit
Last Friday we put up a Post referencing a federal lawsuit from William Harden against Wicomico County and WCDC Director Doug Devenyns.
According to Jim Fineran, Doug Devenyns will retain his position as Director and the County Executive has made the following statement.
"I have said before that I have never seen any evidence of any kind that would indicate that Director Devenyns has misbehaved in discharging his duties," said County Executive Rick Pollitt.
Cons Sentenced to Fishing in Brit Corrections Plan
Britain's thieves and criminals have been sent on fishing trips as part of 'intensive' community punishment. Young offenders spared jail for what are billed as 'tough' alternative sentences have also been learning to dig gardens, a report reveals.
Others have attended classes in which they have been taught skills such as how to claim the maximum in state benefits.
The learning activities are among 'penalties' imposed during trials of the £14million Intensive Alternatives to Custody system launched by Justice Secretary Jack Straw last year.
Under the scheme, criminals who might otherwise have been contemplating sentences of up to a year in jail attend courses, which Mr Straw described as 'a combination of unpaid work, electronic monitoring, behaviour programmes, mentoring and help with resettlement all under intensive supervision'.
However, a report for the Police Review journal found that judges took a different view of what the IAC scheme should offer to young criminals. Deputy District Judge Joanne Alderson, who sits in Derby where one of the trials is under way, said: 'This is not about giving criminals nice things to do, but it is important to show them how different life can be. more from the Daily Mail.
Others have attended classes in which they have been taught skills such as how to claim the maximum in state benefits.
The learning activities are among 'penalties' imposed during trials of the £14million Intensive Alternatives to Custody system launched by Justice Secretary Jack Straw last year.
Under the scheme, criminals who might otherwise have been contemplating sentences of up to a year in jail attend courses, which Mr Straw described as 'a combination of unpaid work, electronic monitoring, behaviour programmes, mentoring and help with resettlement all under intensive supervision'.
However, a report for the Police Review journal found that judges took a different view of what the IAC scheme should offer to young criminals. Deputy District Judge Joanne Alderson, who sits in Derby where one of the trials is under way, said: 'This is not about giving criminals nice things to do, but it is important to show them how different life can be. more from the Daily Mail.
Riding Lawnmower
Soon after my wife and I met, she mentioned how she really
Wished that she could afford a riding lawnmower.
She was a Single gal that worked all day and was often tired in the Evening when she got home from work.
So, being the handy sort of guy that I was,
I made her a riding lawnmower.
I guess I thought she would squeal with delight
And give me a big hug.
To this day I have never been able to understand Why women are so hard to please.
Wished that she could afford a riding lawnmower.
She was a Single gal that worked all day and was often tired in the Evening when she got home from work.
So, being the handy sort of guy that I was,
I made her a riding lawnmower.
I guess I thought she would squeal with delight
And give me a big hug.
To this day I have never been able to understand Why women are so hard to please.
