"Trailer fire in Laurel DE right now. Looks like 10 fire trucks."
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, August 31, 2009
This Just In, Trailer Fire In Laurel
"Trailer fire in Laurel DE right now. Looks like 10 fire trucks."
Felton Man Faces Marijuana Manufacturing Charge
Update Additional Person Arrested in Marijuana Case
Defendant:
Jessica A Payne-25 100 block of Dutchman Drive Felton, Delaware
Charge(s):
Manufacture of Non narcotic (Marijuana)
Maintaining a Building for Keeping Controlled Substances
Conspiracy 2nd degree
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana
Bond Information:
Currently in custody bond information is not currently available. See attached photo of Payne above.
Location: 100 block of Dutchman Drive Felton, Delaware
DATE and TIME: Monday August 31st, 2009, 11:33 A.M.
Defendant(s):
Michael D. Moore-22, 100 block of Dutchman Drive Felton, Delaware
Charge(s):
Manufacture of Non narcotic (Marijuana)
Maintaining a Building for Keeping Controlled Substances
Conspiracy 2nd degree
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana
Bail Information:
$6,100.00 unsecured bond
$5,000 cash bail Violation of Probation
On Monday August 31, 2009 Harrington Police Department and Delaware State Police conducted a joint investigation into criminal activity. Harrington Police was currently investigating Michael M. Moore in a burglary investigation.
As a result of a search of Moore’s residence Delaware State Police located three 4 foot marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia (rolling papers, smoking pipe made from a pill bottle and a magazine guide, “How to Grow Hydroponics’ Marijuana”)
Moore was subsequently arrested by State Police for the above listed charges. Moore having been a probationer was violated for these criminal activities.
Please contact Harrington Police Department for charges related to their investigation.
Hurricane Stronger, Heads For Mexico's Los Cabos
LOS CABOS, Mexico – Extremely dangerous and strengthening Hurricane Jimena roared toward Mexico's resort-studded Baja California Peninsula on Monday, prompting emergency workers to set up makeshift shelters and chasing away an international finance conference.
Jimena, just short of Category 5 status — the top danger rating for a hurricane — could rake the harsh desert region fringed with picturesque beaches and fishing villages as a major storm by Tuesday evening, forecasters said.
On Monday afternoon, workers at the Cabo San Lucas marina nailed sheets of plywood on storefront windows while fishermen secured their boats. Hotels and restaurants gathered up umbrellas, tables, chairs, and anything else that might be blown away.
At least 10,000 families will be evacuated from potential flood zones, said local Civil Protection Director Francisco Cota. He said 60 shelters would be set up.
After official hurricane warnings were broadcast, organizers of an international financial meeting scheduled for Cabo San Lucas this week decided to move their conference — including more than 170 representatives from 54 countries — to Mexico City.
GO HERE to read more.
Jimena, just short of Category 5 status — the top danger rating for a hurricane — could rake the harsh desert region fringed with picturesque beaches and fishing villages as a major storm by Tuesday evening, forecasters said.
On Monday afternoon, workers at the Cabo San Lucas marina nailed sheets of plywood on storefront windows while fishermen secured their boats. Hotels and restaurants gathered up umbrellas, tables, chairs, and anything else that might be blown away.
At least 10,000 families will be evacuated from potential flood zones, said local Civil Protection Director Francisco Cota. He said 60 shelters would be set up.
After official hurricane warnings were broadcast, organizers of an international financial meeting scheduled for Cabo San Lucas this week decided to move their conference — including more than 170 representatives from 54 countries — to Mexico City.
GO HERE to read more.
Salisbury Home Depot Hurting Bad!
In a conversation with a Contractor friend of mine this morning we were informed that many of the employees at the Salisbury Home Depot are now in fear of losing their jobs.
In fact, one employee expressed how they only have ONE delivery scheduled for this entire week! That's Not Good! Usually you get on a waiting list and cross your fingers your appliance or lumber delivery will arrive when they say it will.
Now, times have completely changed. While Salisbury News delivers some MSM National Stories telling you new home sales are up by this or that, we do so in the hopes that many of you will simply come back saying, BS! Fortunately many of you aren't buying it either but it doesn't take much for a news source to make contact with one of the employees at Home depot or Lowe's to get the TRUTH about what's really going on.
Our Country is in deep trouble Folks. You can read in print or watch on television what the MSM/Government wants you to believe but any general conversation with a respectable Realtor will expose how things really are. Besides the fact that the City of Salisbury hasn't had a new building permit within the City for almost a year now. The County has very few as well, so stories like this coming from Home Depot are ones that really tell you how things really are.
Yeah, maybe they are building some new homes in Atlanta, but they aren't doing so in Wicomico County. Let me close with this. I expressed to the very same person who called me this morning about Home Depot being slow, the fact that my greatest concern, (this was stated two or three years ago) was what would happen if these big box companies folded? I stated that my concerns wasn't just for places like WalMart, Home Depot and Lowe's, my biggest concern was, what will we do if the Banks started folding as well.
Unfortunately, I was correct on all ends. YOU just don't see what we're truly up against, as Obama keeps printing money. It was bad enough when we had 0% interest rates and I was screaming then. Now we have a President and a Congress printing money and we're probably a minus -30% interest rate.
I told you in the past and I'll repeat it once again, they will take every single penny from you until you lose just about everything. Then they'll come back again and take even more. Cash for Clunkers was just ONE way they took from you AGAIN. Millions of Americans fell for that BS program and spent close to whatever they had left or borrowed what they really couldn't afford. Oh, wait a minute, they're not done with you yet. Go out and buy some new appliances too. You know, the ones you don't need but they're willing to give you cash back on your purchase. DEE, DEE, DEEEE!
Enjoy it while you got it because while they're calling this the "Great Recessions," it's much bigger than the Great Depression ever was.
Someone Is Attempting To Clean Up Feldman's
After our Post referencing Feldman's being condemned once again, someone has chosen to do something about the mess in and around that building.
Mr. Miller, the former owner was nowhere to be seen, so my guess is that the Bank has taken the recent notice from Code & Compliance seriously and are doing what they can to at least tidy up the place.
The Daily Times, (aka sbynews on Twitter) put up an article today, after they saw we had already been on top of it last week. I guess they believe their readers don't come to the real and original sbynews.com but tens of thousands of readers have made the transition as they know they'll get the scoop days in advance here than they would waiting for the ink to dry two days later.
Hopefully we'll be able to provide an update as to where things stand with the City on this building. In the mean time, you should hear another update, (on average) in about two days in the print version of sbynews called The Daily Times.
Morning Bank Robbery Investigation Underway
Location: Artisans Bank, 1124 Pulaski Highway, Glendale Plaza, Bear, Delaware, New Castle County
Date of Occurrence: Monday, August 31, 2009, at 9:11 a.m.
Suspect(s): Four subjects in custody at Delaware State Police Troop 2
Resume: Detectives from the Delaware State Police Robbery Squad at Troop 2 are currently investigating a bank robbery which occurred this morning in Bear.
At approximately 9:11 a.m., Troopers were called for a robbery report at the Artisans Bank in Glendale Plaza. Preliminary reports indicated four subjects robbed this location and fled eastbound on Route 40. A short time later, officers from the New Castle County Police Department intercepted the vehicle at the Route 13 / 40 split in New Castle.
The suspects were taken into custody without incident and are currently at Troop 2 in Glasgow where this investigation is ongoing.
A more complete release will be provided later this afternoon.
Feds Consider New Prison Sites In MD. & NC
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (AP) - The Federal Bureau of Prisons is considering a new privately owned and operated facility on Maryland's Eastern Shore to keep up with demand for bed space.
Officials are looking at putting the facility for about 1,380 low-security prisoners from the Washington area in Princess Anne. The other site being considered is in Winton, N.C.
The proposed Princess Anne-area facility will be discussed at a series of public meetings this week, including Tuesday's meeting of the Somerset County Commissioners.
Source
Officials are looking at putting the facility for about 1,380 low-security prisoners from the Washington area in Princess Anne. The other site being considered is in Winton, N.C.
The proposed Princess Anne-area facility will be discussed at a series of public meetings this week, including Tuesday's meeting of the Somerset County Commissioners.
Source
Magnolia Fugitive Arrested On Burglary And Unlawful Sexual Contact
Location of Incident: Unit block of North Main Street Magnolia, Delaware
DATE and TIME: Sunday August 30, 2009, 3:00 P.M.
Victim(s):
26 year old female Magnolia, Delaware State Police
26 year old male Magnolia, Delaware
Defendant(s): Ricardo S. Cruz-44, 100 block of Flint Drive, Magnolia, Delaware.
Charge(s):
Burglary 2nd degree
Unlawful Sexual Contact 3rd degree
Terroristic Threatening
Criminal Impersonation
Offensive Touching
Bail Information:
$45,000 cash bail
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
Delaware State Police on Sunday August 30, 2009 investigated a burglary complaint on the unit block of North Main Street Magnolia, Delaware. The incident occurred at 3:00 P.M. when Ricardo S. Cruz went to this residence allegedly to purchase a bicycle. The 26 year old female victim answered the door and was familiar with Cruz. Cruz was asked to come back later at which time he began to make inappropriate comments and sexual advances.
The female victim later went outside to see if Cruz had left the area and found him standing in the back yard exposing himself in an inappropriate manner. Cruz once again followed the victim to her residence touching her in an unlawful manner. The victim yelled at the suspect to leave, at which time Cruz fled from the residence.
The 26 year old male contacted Cruz about the incident and was verbally threatened.
State Police initially were given the name of “poppy” however after obtaining additional details about the suspect learned his true name as being Ricardo S. Cruz. Upon contacting Cruz on Flint Drive at his residence he provided the false name of Juan Martinez. Troopers conducted a fingerprint analysis of Cruz’s prints and were able to positively obtain his true identity.
Cruz was taken into custody and arrested for the above listed offenses. Cruz also was wanted on two charges dating back to January 1, 1998. These charges are:
Unlawful Sexual Intercourse 1st degree
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Cruz in 1998 is alleged to have committed an inappropriate act with a female victim who was 10 at the time of the crime. Cruz was indicted on these charges and has been on the run since his indictment. This incident occurred in Lincoln, Delaware.
Cruz was remanded to the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.
Caring For Senior Zoo Citizens Getting Trickier
As creatures enjoy longer lives, unknowns about health care multiply
Even as a youngster, Rollie looked older and wiser than his years. His white mustache sprouted longer by the month, until it flamed from his cheeks like a German kaiser's.
In the last few years, though, the tribulations of age — not just the appearance of it — have begun catching up with Rollie. His keepers are reminded each time they get a look past the Emperor Tamarin's flowing whiskers and into his jaws.
The tiny monkey, used to crunching away on raw sweet potato, has surrendered all but six of his 32 teeth to the toll of time.
At 17, Rollie — a resident of Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo — is a senior citizen of his species. In the Amazon he almost certainly would never have made it this long.
In captivity, he's got plenty of company.
The Golden Years have arrived at the nation's zoos and aquariums, taking veterinarians and keepers, along with their animals, into a zone of unknowns.
Do female gorillas, living in to their 40s and 50s, experience menopause?
Can an aging lemur suffer from dementia?
GO HERE to read more.
A Story That Will Break Your Heart
In Phoenix, Arizona, a 26-year-old mother stared down at her 6 year old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia.
Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination.
Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible.
The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true.
She took her son's hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted
to be once you grew up ? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life ?'
Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.'
Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true..'
Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met
Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix .
She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.
Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards !
And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.'
'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast.'
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck.
Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven.
There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls.
He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the local news program.
Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed
in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and
asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.
The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor ?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire ?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room ?'
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window --------
16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room !!
With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him.
With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?'
'Billy, you are, and The Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.'
He closed his eyes one last time.
True Story (verified at http://www.snopes.com/glurge/fireman.asp
Although her heart was filled with sadness, she also had a strong feeling of determination.
Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up and fulfill all his dreams. Now that was no longer possible.
The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true.
She took her son's hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted
to be once you grew up ? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life ?'
Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grew up.'
Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true..'
Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met
Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big as Phoenix .
She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine.
Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards !
And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.'
'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast.'
Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck.
Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven.
There were three fire calls in Phoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls.
He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, and even the fire chief's car.
He was also videotaped for the local news program.
Having his dream come true, with all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible.
One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed
in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone, began to call the family members to the hospital.
Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and
asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition.
The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor ?
When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire ?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room ?'
About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window --------
16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room !!
With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him.
With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?'
'Billy, you are, and The Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said.
With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and the angels have been singing.'
He closed his eyes one last time.
True Story (verified at http://www.snopes.com/glurge/fireman.asp
WHAT HAPPENED 70 YEARS AGO TOMORROW?
World War II began – specifically, Germany invaded Poland – on September 1, 1939. Two days later both England and France declared war on Germany, but neither committed significant forces to oppose the Nazis, and within a month Poland was occupied and partitioned between Germany and Russia. The latter invaded Poland on September 17. In August, 1939 Germany and Russia had concluded a publicly announced pact as well as a secret agreement to partition Poland between them.
The German campaign was the first substantial application of attack by mechanized armor and aircraft that became known as “Blitzkrieg.” Although Poland had a sizeable army, it was organized and equipped in an antiquated manner, having few mechanized forces. The failure of Britain and France to act promptly may have been decisive. France had a very large army, but it took no significant action until mid-September because of the need to fully prepare, including bringing heavy artillery out of storage.
For some months after the occupation of Poland, a so-called “phony war” prevailed. In October 1939 Hitler made a peace offer, which was quickly rejected, after which he decided to invade France promptly. But, due to the weather and other factors the war on the Western Front did not occur until 1940 – first the occupation of Norway and Denmark in April, then the attack on Holland, Belgium and France in May. Italy entered the war in June, 1940. The invasion of Britain, first scheduled for later in 1940, was postponed when Germany’s attempt to knock out the RAF (“The Battle of Britain”) was unsuccessful.
Following military action in North Africa, East Africa, the Balkan States and Crete, the German forces invaded Russia on June 21, 1941. Less than six months later, but more than two years after start of the war, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaya and Burma.
The event that ultimately resulted in much of the world order as we know it began 70 years ago. Who out there can remember hearing the news about the invasion and partitioning of Poland?
The German campaign was the first substantial application of attack by mechanized armor and aircraft that became known as “Blitzkrieg.” Although Poland had a sizeable army, it was organized and equipped in an antiquated manner, having few mechanized forces. The failure of Britain and France to act promptly may have been decisive. France had a very large army, but it took no significant action until mid-September because of the need to fully prepare, including bringing heavy artillery out of storage.
For some months after the occupation of Poland, a so-called “phony war” prevailed. In October 1939 Hitler made a peace offer, which was quickly rejected, after which he decided to invade France promptly. But, due to the weather and other factors the war on the Western Front did not occur until 1940 – first the occupation of Norway and Denmark in April, then the attack on Holland, Belgium and France in May. Italy entered the war in June, 1940. The invasion of Britain, first scheduled for later in 1940, was postponed when Germany’s attempt to knock out the RAF (“The Battle of Britain”) was unsuccessful.
Following military action in North Africa, East Africa, the Balkan States and Crete, the German forces invaded Russia on June 21, 1941. Less than six months later, but more than two years after start of the war, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Malaya and Burma.
The event that ultimately resulted in much of the world order as we know it began 70 years ago. Who out there can remember hearing the news about the invasion and partitioning of Poland?
A Night "Out" At The Salisbury City Council
What a night ! For those of you who may be curious about what I planned to say.
PREFACE
I had three questions that had surfaced by natural evolution. Partly spurred by receiving a copy of the Crime Task Force "Crime Survey" with directions to return your thoughts to the Mayor, and partly as a result of having had lots of time to ponder each and every detail of my Aug. 6, 2008 "incident" - and specifically, here it is a whole year later. I know in my heart that NO ONE wished an event of this sort to happen and certainly NO ONE could have expected it. But it did happen. It happened in the privacy of my home. And it changed my life.
PREFACE
I had three questions that had surfaced by natural evolution. Partly spurred by receiving a copy of the Crime Task Force "Crime Survey" with directions to return your thoughts to the Mayor, and partly as a result of having had lots of time to ponder each and every detail of my Aug. 6, 2008 "incident" - and specifically, here it is a whole year later. I know in my heart that NO ONE wished an event of this sort to happen and certainly NO ONE could have expected it. But it did happen. It happened in the privacy of my home. And it changed my life.
Despite many months of intensive counseling/therapy, the assistance of Crime Victims Resources and Life Crisis Center, the crime incident changed the way I focus on job related tasks and general day-to-day tasks. I am trying to re-gain my confidences, overcome my fears in the hope that I can return to the personal, professional and financial lifestyle I knew prior to August 6, 2008.
I made a public crime presentation on 8-06-09 to mark the one year. The purpose was two-fold. First, it helped me cross a threshold emotionally - because I "could" talk about it. My therapist/counselor thought it would be good. And it was. Secondly, it addresses the increasing crimes that plague our community, further reduce home values, impact business and our daily lives and offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, seek answers and help get a grip on crime.
The public was invited. I sent Mayor Ireton an e-mail invite three weeks in advance. I checked with our community President about 4 weeks in advance just to run the idea by her because (as I stated to her verbatim) "the last thing I wanted to do was over-step the Mayor". City Council members were invited and emails were sent out to crime task force groups.
A small group of concerned citizens assembled at the GOB "plaza" and I was relieved to see a few familiar faces. Mark McIver of Crime Solvers was on hand and added some new positive information that will hopefully benefit the citizens of Salisbury. But neither the Mayor nor police were in attendance. Had they attended I felt certain their in-put would have rounded out the commentary - lifted the clouds on issues or bolstered confidences about life in Salisbury. But they didn’t. The only council member I spotted was Councilwoman Teri Cohen, with her children. She listened politely. Others sought her opinion.
So, I pondered on the feedback and remarks of that day and it dawned on me that perhaps there is a right and a wrong way to find answers to my questions. How would I know if I didn’t ask? I loosely sketched out 3 simple questions preceded by a friendly approach to the audience. that I thought IF they could be answered, one way or the other - even if they couldn’t - at least myself and everyone else would know what is or isn’t proper protocol; and, if there is no known policy or procedure, my thought was to suggest that Mayor Ireton and police representatives could work together to establish such policy or procedure.
A NIGHT "OUT" ,,,,,
I arrived around 5:40 and signed the guest log for the public forum. I included my name and address. After the Council business agenda was complete Council President Smith called folks to speak as part of the public forum. The first two speakers (Mr. Trader and Mr. Meagher)introduced themselves and did not provide an address. President Smith called me next although she had trouble pronouncing my name. As I approached the podium I stated the correct pronunciation of my name. I was just beginning to greet the council and guests when Mrs. Smith’s gavel pounded louder and louder while she shouted for my address. Having been a victim of crime, in my home, I was not about to send my address across the TV waves so I reminded Mrs. Smith that my address was on the sign-in sheet and I believed she could read my writing.
Some how, for some unknown reason, Mrs. Smith did not want me to be heard. Apparently, Smith and perhaps Mayor Ireton were afraid of what I "might" say. I cannot figure this out. This is the second time I have addressed the City Council. I recall the first time was in August 08 at the behest of my community association. Yes, come to think of it, Mrs. Smith was gruff and rude to me then. Council likes to keep comments to a 3 to 5 minute maximum. Does everyone else know this? Until recently, I did not. I am not originally from Salisbury. I have resided here less than three years, so I do not know a lot of people. Yet, strangers greet me on the street and say how rude Ms. Smith has been to me.
I liked the idea that you could actually walk around town and talk to the Mayor. I thought our elected officials were interested in what the citizens thought. The police wanted us to be more involved in watching and protecting our neighborhoods. Ane help was only a call away.
This is America , home of free speech. I was part of a "public" forum. I followed the only procedure I knew by signing it. I was called to the podium.
I was cut off by Council Pres. Smith because I would not recite my address. I was silenced. I was removed. What is this place called Salisbury?"
MYSTERY SOLVED - ANN'S INTENDED COMMENTS...
My "intended" comments were:
(1) to begin by complimenting the Mayor for including crime among the top issues of his political campaign platform and (2) to thank him and the crime task force for compiling the Crime Survey - it was a very pro-active and big step towards addressing crime for a Mayor of only 4 months. That survey really made me think ..... The be-all and the end-all of what I wished to accomplish is to have some procedures or policy made public so everyone, including myself, would know what to expect and how to approach certain situations. So I was about to ask:
1. Who has access to or has authority to approve access, to a Police Report? Who made some of my personal information public? What is the "privacy" rule?
I have been asking for a copy of my Police Report for a year. I am told I cannot look at it. However, some non-police folks are repeating facts of my case that could only have come from my private report.
2. Explain the proper police procedure (or policy) for pursuing a suspect? Shouldn’t immediacy and urgency be a part of procedure? The two officers responding to my incident at 6:30 AM failed to pursue my attacker for 8 hours despite the fact that a neighbor followed the attacker and knew exactly where he was hiding. I.e.,
The lack of police responsiveness has allowed the attacker to remain free on the streets of Salisbury for the last year. Please explain the police procedure related to pursuing suspects and what is considered "timely". Is this written somewhere? or am I being un-fair to expect an answer that is one other than "I don’t know"?
3. Is it policy to use traffic equipment to provide surveillance of private citizens gathering in the plaza? I am told that on 8/6/09 police traffic cameras were diverted from traffic to me during my presentation in the GOB plaza. I received an email with a photo of on-lookers who were identified with names above their heads and personal comments added about them?
TO QUELL ANY MISCONCEPTIONS...
After being gaveled-out of the Council Chambers, the Mayor did not apologize to me. He chastised me saying ..."he is fed up with my issue and cannot provide me with 24/7 attention". Since I have never asked nor expected such attention, I was shocked. Detective Mitchell stood in the hallway while Mayor Ireton told me "I should get some help. He also said he had a letter that is coming to me and that I will be getting it soon. Beyond that, I was embarrassed, shocked and enraged that I was ejected from a Council meeting.... on television.
The Mayor’s letter arrived August 27th.
To quote "the report filed by the SPD indicates immediate action taken on your behalf, pursuit of the individual involved and proper handling of the scene for evidence. The report contains a log that details all of your contacts to the SPD regarding the individual implicated in this case, and its response."
Joe, I can tell you, there are many un-truths in the above statement,
Last year Jim Ireton approved of my appearance before the City Council, this year he publicly berated me. Smith closed down the forum and left the room. The Mayor was irate and invited me to speak with him in the hallway. A detective was asked to escort me OUT of the Chamber room.
I am told that Smith & "some" Council members were AFRAID of what I might say. Although I don’t subscribe to the Daily Times, I am told that Chief Webster has been in the news lately and that crime continues. While, I have never attacked the Police Chief, I do question why his officers failed to pursue the attacker in a timely manner. And, I question why I cannot obtain a copy of my Police Report.
Albeit, my intentions on the evening of August 24th were NOT to embarrass the Mayor or to place him under an ugly light in any way....
I made a public crime presentation on 8-06-09 to mark the one year. The purpose was two-fold. First, it helped me cross a threshold emotionally - because I "could" talk about it. My therapist/counselor thought it would be good. And it was. Secondly, it addresses the increasing crimes that plague our community, further reduce home values, impact business and our daily lives and offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, seek answers and help get a grip on crime.
The public was invited. I sent Mayor Ireton an e-mail invite three weeks in advance. I checked with our community President about 4 weeks in advance just to run the idea by her because (as I stated to her verbatim) "the last thing I wanted to do was over-step the Mayor". City Council members were invited and emails were sent out to crime task force groups.
A small group of concerned citizens assembled at the GOB "plaza" and I was relieved to see a few familiar faces. Mark McIver of Crime Solvers was on hand and added some new positive information that will hopefully benefit the citizens of Salisbury. But neither the Mayor nor police were in attendance. Had they attended I felt certain their in-put would have rounded out the commentary - lifted the clouds on issues or bolstered confidences about life in Salisbury. But they didn’t. The only council member I spotted was Councilwoman Teri Cohen, with her children. She listened politely. Others sought her opinion.
So, I pondered on the feedback and remarks of that day and it dawned on me that perhaps there is a right and a wrong way to find answers to my questions. How would I know if I didn’t ask? I loosely sketched out 3 simple questions preceded by a friendly approach to the audience. that I thought IF they could be answered, one way or the other - even if they couldn’t - at least myself and everyone else would know what is or isn’t proper protocol; and, if there is no known policy or procedure, my thought was to suggest that Mayor Ireton and police representatives could work together to establish such policy or procedure.
A NIGHT "OUT" ,,,,,
I arrived around 5:40 and signed the guest log for the public forum. I included my name and address. After the Council business agenda was complete Council President Smith called folks to speak as part of the public forum. The first two speakers (Mr. Trader and Mr. Meagher)introduced themselves and did not provide an address. President Smith called me next although she had trouble pronouncing my name. As I approached the podium I stated the correct pronunciation of my name. I was just beginning to greet the council and guests when Mrs. Smith’s gavel pounded louder and louder while she shouted for my address. Having been a victim of crime, in my home, I was not about to send my address across the TV waves so I reminded Mrs. Smith that my address was on the sign-in sheet and I believed she could read my writing.
Some how, for some unknown reason, Mrs. Smith did not want me to be heard. Apparently, Smith and perhaps Mayor Ireton were afraid of what I "might" say. I cannot figure this out. This is the second time I have addressed the City Council. I recall the first time was in August 08 at the behest of my community association. Yes, come to think of it, Mrs. Smith was gruff and rude to me then. Council likes to keep comments to a 3 to 5 minute maximum. Does everyone else know this? Until recently, I did not. I am not originally from Salisbury. I have resided here less than three years, so I do not know a lot of people. Yet, strangers greet me on the street and say how rude Ms. Smith has been to me.
I liked the idea that you could actually walk around town and talk to the Mayor. I thought our elected officials were interested in what the citizens thought. The police wanted us to be more involved in watching and protecting our neighborhoods. Ane help was only a call away.
This is America , home of free speech. I was part of a "public" forum. I followed the only procedure I knew by signing it. I was called to the podium.
I was cut off by Council Pres. Smith because I would not recite my address. I was silenced. I was removed. What is this place called Salisbury?"
MYSTERY SOLVED - ANN'S INTENDED COMMENTS...
My "intended" comments were:
(1) to begin by complimenting the Mayor for including crime among the top issues of his political campaign platform and (2) to thank him and the crime task force for compiling the Crime Survey - it was a very pro-active and big step towards addressing crime for a Mayor of only 4 months. That survey really made me think ..... The be-all and the end-all of what I wished to accomplish is to have some procedures or policy made public so everyone, including myself, would know what to expect and how to approach certain situations. So I was about to ask:
1. Who has access to or has authority to approve access, to a Police Report? Who made some of my personal information public? What is the "privacy" rule?
I have been asking for a copy of my Police Report for a year. I am told I cannot look at it. However, some non-police folks are repeating facts of my case that could only have come from my private report.
2. Explain the proper police procedure (or policy) for pursuing a suspect? Shouldn’t immediacy and urgency be a part of procedure? The two officers responding to my incident at 6:30 AM failed to pursue my attacker for 8 hours despite the fact that a neighbor followed the attacker and knew exactly where he was hiding. I.e.,
The lack of police responsiveness has allowed the attacker to remain free on the streets of Salisbury for the last year. Please explain the police procedure related to pursuing suspects and what is considered "timely". Is this written somewhere? or am I being un-fair to expect an answer that is one other than "I don’t know"?
3. Is it policy to use traffic equipment to provide surveillance of private citizens gathering in the plaza? I am told that on 8/6/09 police traffic cameras were diverted from traffic to me during my presentation in the GOB plaza. I received an email with a photo of on-lookers who were identified with names above their heads and personal comments added about them?
TO QUELL ANY MISCONCEPTIONS...
After being gaveled-out of the Council Chambers, the Mayor did not apologize to me. He chastised me saying ..."he is fed up with my issue and cannot provide me with 24/7 attention". Since I have never asked nor expected such attention, I was shocked. Detective Mitchell stood in the hallway while Mayor Ireton told me "I should get some help. He also said he had a letter that is coming to me and that I will be getting it soon. Beyond that, I was embarrassed, shocked and enraged that I was ejected from a Council meeting.... on television.
The Mayor’s letter arrived August 27th.
To quote "the report filed by the SPD indicates immediate action taken on your behalf, pursuit of the individual involved and proper handling of the scene for evidence. The report contains a log that details all of your contacts to the SPD regarding the individual implicated in this case, and its response."
Joe, I can tell you, there are many un-truths in the above statement,
Last year Jim Ireton approved of my appearance before the City Council, this year he publicly berated me. Smith closed down the forum and left the room. The Mayor was irate and invited me to speak with him in the hallway. A detective was asked to escort me OUT of the Chamber room.
I am told that Smith & "some" Council members were AFRAID of what I might say. Although I don’t subscribe to the Daily Times, I am told that Chief Webster has been in the news lately and that crime continues. While, I have never attacked the Police Chief, I do question why his officers failed to pursue the attacker in a timely manner. And, I question why I cannot obtain a copy of my Police Report.
Albeit, my intentions on the evening of August 24th were NOT to embarrass the Mayor or to place him under an ugly light in any way....
Fool me Once. Fool me Twice....you know the rest.. and "when" is the "next" council meeting?
PS: Really, all I wanted to know is
Who has access to my PRIVATE information?
What is police procedure as to following a suspect (sense of immediacy?)
Why was I videotaped by police cameras during my presentation and why were the guests
photographed, labeled and named?
What is policy/procedure regarding any of these things?
PS: Really, all I wanted to know is
Who has access to my PRIVATE information?
What is police procedure as to following a suspect (sense of immediacy?)
Why was I videotaped by police cameras during my presentation and why were the guests
photographed, labeled and named?
What is policy/procedure regarding any of these things?
Maryland State Police Berlin DUI Log
Week Of 08/23/2009 Thru 08/30/2009
Name Hometown Date Time Age Location of Arrest Accident Yes or No?
Elizabeth D. Bennett Columbia, MD 8/25/2009 12:34 AM 36 NB US Rte. 113 @ US Rte. 50 N
Juvenile Berlin, MD 8/25/2009 1:34 AM 16 Worcester County Maryland Y
Mason Lane McGlothan Selbyville, DE 8/28/2009 12:08 AM 33 MD Rte. 589 @ Cathel Road N
Matthew Brex Morrow Ocean City, MD 8/28/2009 2:27 AM 24 NB MD 611 @ Old Bridge Road N
Walter T. Rettig Ocean City, MD 8/28/2009 8:34 PM 48 Elm St @ MD Rte. 707 N
David Cody Elrod Baltimore, MD 8/28/2009 1:00 AM 26 WB MD Rte. 90 @ US Rte. 113 Y
Charles Edward Dodson Baltimore, MD 8/29/2009 2:20 AM 37 Friendship Road at US Rte. 50 N
Judith Ann Hughes Philidelphia, PA 8/30/2009 2:57 AM 57 US Rte. 50 EB @ Golf Course Road N
Darryl N. Jenkins Philidelphia, PA 8/30/2009 5:30 AM 51 US Rte. 50 @ Baltimore Avenue N
Delaware State Police Investigate Pedestrian Fatality
Location: US 113, 1/8 mile North of SR 16 west of Ellendale
DATE and TIME: Monday August 31, 2009, 2:21 A.M.
Suspect(s): N/A
Victim(s): Shomeeka Lamb-29 Milford, Delaware
Operator: Darnell A. Mitchell-33, 600 block Dover Street Salisbury, Maryland
Vehicle(s): 2005 International Tractor Trailer (works for Mountaire)
Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit early Monday morning responded to a pedestrian fatality just north of Ellendale, Delaware. The crash occurred on US 113 approximately an 1/8 of a mile north of SR 16 around 2:21 A.M.
Police have learned that a 2005 Mountaire International Tractor trailer was traveling in the right northbound lane of US 113 when it is believed that the victim 29 year old Shomeeka A Lamb walked into the right lane of travel and path of the tractor trailer. Lamb died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. The roadway was closed for approximately 4 hours while Troopers conducted their investigation.
Delaware State Police are continuing there investigation into what Lamb was doing in the area and why she walked into traffic. Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance if they have any information regarding this crash. The public is asked to contact Troop 7 at 302-644-5020 with any information which could help with the investigation.
No charges have been filed against Darnell A. Mitchell.
Delaware State Police are continuing there investigation into what Lamb was doing in the area and why she walked into traffic. Delaware State Police are asking for the public’s assistance if they have any information regarding this crash. The public is asked to contact Troop 7 at 302-644-5020 with any information which could help with the investigation.
No charges have been filed against Darnell A. Mitchell.
ASK REP. FRANK KRATOVIL TO CO-SPONSOR H.R. 1868
ASK REP. FRANK KRATOVIL TO CO-SPONSOR H.R. 1868
LIMITS ANCHOR BABIES FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS
The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009 (H.R. 1868) would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make it more difficult for children born in the U.S. to gain citizenship.
Under the Birthright Citizenship bill, introduced by Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), a person born in the United States, in order to gain citizenship, must have at least one parent who is:
* a U.S. citizen or national
* a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States; or
* an alien performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Ask Kratovil to CO-SPONSOR H.R. 1868
Call his D. C. office at (202) 225-5311
Centerville (443) 262-9136
Salisbury (410) 334-3072
E-mail form through: kratovil.house.gov
Feel the heat, see the light
LIMITS ANCHOR BABIES FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS
The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009 (H.R. 1868) would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make it more difficult for children born in the U.S. to gain citizenship.
Under the Birthright Citizenship bill, introduced by Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), a person born in the United States, in order to gain citizenship, must have at least one parent who is:
* a U.S. citizen or national
* a lawful permanent resident alien whose residence is in the United States; or
* an alien performing active service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Ask Kratovil to CO-SPONSOR H.R. 1868
Call his D. C. office at (202) 225-5311
Centerville (443) 262-9136
Salisbury (410) 334-3072
E-mail form through: kratovil.house.gov
Feel the heat, see the light
Oil Below $71 As Stocks Sink, Recovery Questioned
VIENNA
Oil prices fell to near $71 a barrel Monday as China's stock market tumbled and commodities investors questioned whether the U.S. economy can recover strongly in the second half.
Sinking Asian stock markets were led by a 6.7 percent fall in China's benchmark. Oil investors often look to stock markets as a barometer of sentiment about the economy.
German and French markets were also down, and Wall Street appeared set for a lower open. The London Stock Exchange was closed for a public holiday.
Benchmark crude for October delivery was down $1.81 to $70.93 a barrel in afternoon European electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract Friday added 25 cents to settle at $72.74 after tumbling from near $75 earlier in the week.
Oil has traded near $70 a barrel for most of the last few months as investors struggle to gauge how robust the U.S. recovery will be. Crude has tried and failed several times, including last week, to break through the $75 level.
"Oil looks a little tired," said Christoffer Moltke-Leth, head of sales for Saxo Capital Markets in Singapore. "We're seeing an economic recovery, but that's already been built into the price."
The U.S. economy will likely have to grow at least 2 percent in the third quarter to enthuse traders and push the oil price past $75, Moltke-Leth said.
GO HERE to read more.
A Doctors Take On Health Care - Very Interesting
The below letter is written by Zane Pollard MD (pediatric ophthalmologist in Atlanta who works at St. Joseph 's Hospital) regarding the proposed healthcare bill that the current administration is trying to pass.
His words really bring home the massive impact of this proposed plan.
Friends:
I have been sitting quietly on the sidelines watching all of this national debate on healthcare. It is time for me to bring some clarity to the table as your friend by explaining many of the problems from the aspect of a doctor.
First off, the government has involved very few of us physicians in the healthcare debate.. While the American Medical Association has come out in favor of the plan, it is vital to remember that the AMA only represents 17% of the American physician workforce.
I have taken care of Medicaid patients for 35 years while representing the only pediatric ophthalmology group left in Atlanta , Georgia that accepts Medicaid. Why is this?
For example, in the past 6 months I have cared for three young children on Medicaid who had corneal ulcers. This is a potentially blinding situation because if the cornea perforates from the infection, almost surely blindness will occur. In all three cases the antibiotic needed for the eradication of the infection was not on the approved Medicaid list. Each time I was told to fax Medicaid for the approval forms which I did. Within 48 hours, the form came back to me which was mailed in immediately via fax and I was told that I would have my answer in 10 days. Of course by then each child would have been blind in the eye. Each time the request came back denied. All three times I personally provided the antibiotic for each patient which was not on the Medicaid approved list. Get the point? Rationing of care.
Over the past 35 years, I have cared for over 1000 children born with congenital cataracts. In older children, the vision is rehabilitated with an intra ocular lens. In newborns we use contact lenses which are very expensive. It takes Medicaid over one year to approve a contact lens post cataract surgery. By that time a successful anatomical operation is wasted as the child will be close to blind from a lack of focusing for so long a period of time. Again, extreme rationing. Solution--I have a foundation here in Atlanta , supported 100% by private funds, which supplies all of these contact lenses for my Medicaid and illegal immigrants children for free. Again, waiting for the government would be disastrous.
Last week I had a lady bring her child to me. They are Americans but live in Sweden as the father has a job with a big corporation. The child had the onset of double vision 3 months ago and has been unable to function normally because of this. They are people of means but are waiting 8 months to see the ophthalmologist in Sweden . Then if the child needed surgery, they would be put on a 6 month waiting list. She called me and I saw her that day. It turned out that the child had accommodative esotropia (crossing of the eyes treated with glasses that correct for farsightedness) and responded to glasses within 4 days - no surgery was needed. Again, rationing of care.
Last month, I operated on a 70 year old lady with double vision present for 3 years. She responded quite nicely to her surgery and now is symptom free. I also operated on a 69 year old judge with vertical double vision. His surgery went very well and now he is happy as a lark. I have been told--but of course there is no healthcare bill that has been passed yet-- that these 2 people, because of their age, would have been denied surgery and just told to wear a patch over one eye to alleviate the symptoms of double vision. Obviously cheaper than surgery.
I spent two year in the US Navy during the Vietnam war and was well treated by the military. There was tremendous rationing of care and we were told specifically what things the military personnel and their dependents could have and which things they could not have. While in Vietnam , my wife Nancy got sick and got essentially no care at the Naval Hospital in Oakland , California. She went home and went to her family's private internist in Beverly Hills . While it was expensive, she received an immediate work up. Again, rationing of care.
For those of you who are over 65, this bill in its present form might be lethal for you. People in England over 59 cannot receive stents for their coronary arteries. The government wants to mimic the British plan. For those of you younger, it will still mean restriction of the care that you and your children receive.
While 99% of physicians went into medicine because of the love of medicine, and the challenge of helping our fellow man, economics are still important. My rent goes up 2% each year and the salaries of my employees goes up 2% each year. Twenty years ago, ophthalmologists were paid $1800 for a cataract surgery and today $500. This is a 73% decrease in our fees. I do not know of many jobs in America that have seen this lowering of fees.
But there is more to the story that just the lower fees. When I came to Atlanta , there was a well known ophthalmologist that charged $2500 for a cataract surgery, as he felt the was the best. He had a terrific reputation and in fact, I had my mother's bilateral cataracts operated on by him with a wonderful result. She is now 94 and has 20/20 vision in both eyes. People would pay him $2500 fee. However then the government came in and said that any doctor that does Medicare work cannot accept more than the going rate (now $500) or he or she would be severely fined. This put an end to his charging $2500. The government said it was illegal to accept more than the government allowed rate. What I am driving at is that those of you well off will not be able to go to the head of the line under this new healthcare plan just because you have money as no physician will be willing to go against the law to treat you.
I am a pediatric ophthalmologist and trained for 10 years post college to become a pediatric ophthalmologist (add two years of my service in the Navy and that comes to 12 years).A neurosurgeon spends 14 years post college and if he or she has to do the military that would be 16 years. I am not entitled to make what a neurosurgeon makes, but the new plan calls for all physicians to make the same amount of payment. I assure you that medical students will not go into neurosurgery and we will have a tremendous shortage of neurosurgeons. Already the top neurosurgeon at my hospital who is in good health, and only 52 years old, has just quit because he can't stand working with the government anymore.. Forty-nine percent of children under the age of 16 in the state of Georgia are on Medicaid so he felt he just could not stand working with the bureaucracy anymore.
We are being lied to about the uninsured. They are getting care. I operate on at least 2 illegal immigrants each month who pay me nothing and the children's hospital at which I operate charges them nothing also. This is true not only on Atlanta , but of every community in America .
The bottom line is that I urge all of you to contact your congresswomen and congressmen and senators to defeat this bill. I promise you that you will not like rationing of your own health.
Furthermore, how can you trust a physician that works under these conditions knowing that he is controlled by the state? I certainly could not trust any doctor that would work under these draconian conditions.
One last thing, with this new healthcare plan there will be a tremendous shortage of physicians. It has been estimated that approximately 5% of the current physician work force will quit under this new system. Also it is estimated that another 5% shortage will occur because of decreased men and women wanting to go into medicine.
Zane Pollard , MD
His words really bring home the massive impact of this proposed plan.
Friends:
I have been sitting quietly on the sidelines watching all of this national debate on healthcare. It is time for me to bring some clarity to the table as your friend by explaining many of the problems from the aspect of a doctor.
First off, the government has involved very few of us physicians in the healthcare debate.. While the American Medical Association has come out in favor of the plan, it is vital to remember that the AMA only represents 17% of the American physician workforce.
I have taken care of Medicaid patients for 35 years while representing the only pediatric ophthalmology group left in Atlanta , Georgia that accepts Medicaid. Why is this?
For example, in the past 6 months I have cared for three young children on Medicaid who had corneal ulcers. This is a potentially blinding situation because if the cornea perforates from the infection, almost surely blindness will occur. In all three cases the antibiotic needed for the eradication of the infection was not on the approved Medicaid list. Each time I was told to fax Medicaid for the approval forms which I did. Within 48 hours, the form came back to me which was mailed in immediately via fax and I was told that I would have my answer in 10 days. Of course by then each child would have been blind in the eye. Each time the request came back denied. All three times I personally provided the antibiotic for each patient which was not on the Medicaid approved list. Get the point? Rationing of care.
Over the past 35 years, I have cared for over 1000 children born with congenital cataracts. In older children, the vision is rehabilitated with an intra ocular lens. In newborns we use contact lenses which are very expensive. It takes Medicaid over one year to approve a contact lens post cataract surgery. By that time a successful anatomical operation is wasted as the child will be close to blind from a lack of focusing for so long a period of time. Again, extreme rationing. Solution--I have a foundation here in Atlanta , supported 100% by private funds, which supplies all of these contact lenses for my Medicaid and illegal immigrants children for free. Again, waiting for the government would be disastrous.
Last week I had a lady bring her child to me. They are Americans but live in Sweden as the father has a job with a big corporation. The child had the onset of double vision 3 months ago and has been unable to function normally because of this. They are people of means but are waiting 8 months to see the ophthalmologist in Sweden . Then if the child needed surgery, they would be put on a 6 month waiting list. She called me and I saw her that day. It turned out that the child had accommodative esotropia (crossing of the eyes treated with glasses that correct for farsightedness) and responded to glasses within 4 days - no surgery was needed. Again, rationing of care.
Last month, I operated on a 70 year old lady with double vision present for 3 years. She responded quite nicely to her surgery and now is symptom free. I also operated on a 69 year old judge with vertical double vision. His surgery went very well and now he is happy as a lark. I have been told--but of course there is no healthcare bill that has been passed yet-- that these 2 people, because of their age, would have been denied surgery and just told to wear a patch over one eye to alleviate the symptoms of double vision. Obviously cheaper than surgery.
I spent two year in the US Navy during the Vietnam war and was well treated by the military. There was tremendous rationing of care and we were told specifically what things the military personnel and their dependents could have and which things they could not have. While in Vietnam , my wife Nancy got sick and got essentially no care at the Naval Hospital in Oakland , California. She went home and went to her family's private internist in Beverly Hills . While it was expensive, she received an immediate work up. Again, rationing of care.
For those of you who are over 65, this bill in its present form might be lethal for you. People in England over 59 cannot receive stents for their coronary arteries. The government wants to mimic the British plan. For those of you younger, it will still mean restriction of the care that you and your children receive.
While 99% of physicians went into medicine because of the love of medicine, and the challenge of helping our fellow man, economics are still important. My rent goes up 2% each year and the salaries of my employees goes up 2% each year. Twenty years ago, ophthalmologists were paid $1800 for a cataract surgery and today $500. This is a 73% decrease in our fees. I do not know of many jobs in America that have seen this lowering of fees.
But there is more to the story that just the lower fees. When I came to Atlanta , there was a well known ophthalmologist that charged $2500 for a cataract surgery, as he felt the was the best. He had a terrific reputation and in fact, I had my mother's bilateral cataracts operated on by him with a wonderful result. She is now 94 and has 20/20 vision in both eyes. People would pay him $2500 fee. However then the government came in and said that any doctor that does Medicare work cannot accept more than the going rate (now $500) or he or she would be severely fined. This put an end to his charging $2500. The government said it was illegal to accept more than the government allowed rate. What I am driving at is that those of you well off will not be able to go to the head of the line under this new healthcare plan just because you have money as no physician will be willing to go against the law to treat you.
I am a pediatric ophthalmologist and trained for 10 years post college to become a pediatric ophthalmologist (add two years of my service in the Navy and that comes to 12 years).A neurosurgeon spends 14 years post college and if he or she has to do the military that would be 16 years. I am not entitled to make what a neurosurgeon makes, but the new plan calls for all physicians to make the same amount of payment. I assure you that medical students will not go into neurosurgery and we will have a tremendous shortage of neurosurgeons. Already the top neurosurgeon at my hospital who is in good health, and only 52 years old, has just quit because he can't stand working with the government anymore.. Forty-nine percent of children under the age of 16 in the state of Georgia are on Medicaid so he felt he just could not stand working with the bureaucracy anymore.
We are being lied to about the uninsured. They are getting care. I operate on at least 2 illegal immigrants each month who pay me nothing and the children's hospital at which I operate charges them nothing also. This is true not only on Atlanta , but of every community in America .
The bottom line is that I urge all of you to contact your congresswomen and congressmen and senators to defeat this bill. I promise you that you will not like rationing of your own health.
Furthermore, how can you trust a physician that works under these conditions knowing that he is controlled by the state? I certainly could not trust any doctor that would work under these draconian conditions.
One last thing, with this new healthcare plan there will be a tremendous shortage of physicians. It has been estimated that approximately 5% of the current physician work force will quit under this new system. Also it is estimated that another 5% shortage will occur because of decreased men and women wanting to go into medicine.
Zane Pollard , MD
Female Charged With Burglarizing Lancaster Pike Laundromat
Location: Lancaster Laundromat, 3604 Lancaster Pike Wilmington DE 19805
Date of Occurrence: Sunday, August 30th, 2009 at 5:00 a.m.
Suspect(s): Katia R. Moody, 29, of Silver Springs Apartments, Wilmington, Delaware
Resume: In the early morning hours of Sunday the 30th, Troopers were called to the Lancaster Laundromat for a report of an alarm activation. Officers arrived on the scene and found evidence of forced entry. An inspection of the interior of the business revealed a burglary suspect had made their way inside, opened the register and stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
A check of the surveillance video system revealed a black female had used a brick to break open the front glass window which allowed her entry.
Armed with the suspect’s description, officers began to scour the area and developed a possible suspect living in a nearby apartment complex. The bandit was identified as Katia Moody. Troopers responded to her residence and positively linked her to the crime.
Ms. Moody was transported back to Troop 6 where she was charged with Burglary (felony), Criminal Mischief (misdemeanor) and Theft (misdemeanor). She was released from custody on a $1,750.00 unsecured bond.
The Obama-ACORN Anti Gun Conspiracy
ACORN -- the Association of Community Organizations for Reform -- a publicly funded national organization is using your tax dollars to actively interfere with the Second Amendment exercise of gun rights in New Jersey and elsewhere.
ACORN went public with its gun control activism when it intervened in an unsuccessful attempt to defend Jersey City, New Jersey, a hot bed of anti-gun rights extremists, to disarm its citizens with a local gun control ordinance. ACORN pushed for stronger local gun restrictions that were already struck down by the New Jersey state court as a violation of state law.
Obama and ACORN's interest is in disarming law-abiding citizens.
It is an outrage that this group has intervened to defend an anti-gun ordinance that has already been declared illegal by the court. So long as ACORN accepts one penny of public funding, the organization should remain absolutely neutral on social issues, political campaigns and especially legal actions defending the right to keep and bear arms.
For the past few election cycles ACORN has clearly grown more partisan toward the radical political Left. ACORN'S PAC, in fact, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president, even though their tax-exempt status prohibits endorsement of political candidates. That's hardly surprising since he used to serve as their legal counsel and he taught the group about community organizing. ACORN and Obama are lockstep in seeking to destroy our Second Amendment rights.
We call upon the FBI to expand the scope of its ACORN investigation and focus on the group's involvement in the Jersey City case.
We support Ohio Congressman John Boehner's request that the White House immediately block all federal funding of ACORN activities until this group's questionable activities are fully investigated. We want to know how they are paying for attorneys, and why Seton Hall's Center for Social Justice and the Public Interest Law Center are providing legal assistance to ACORN for this effort.
ACORN has, since 1998, received an estimated $31 million in government funding. Yes, Obama knows a great deal about ACORN and its role in the bailout mess. He is a central figure in the left-wing ACORN exploitation of financial institutions to pressure them to make high risk loans. The very same left-wing ACORN that was sued for voter fraud in our last presidential election.
Fax NOW - STOP ACORN TAXPAYER FUNDING
Click Here to Pull ACORN Funding and Expand the FBI Investigation
Obama's presidential campaign paid more than $800,000 to a front of ACORN, currently under investigation in a dozen States for voter registration fraud and bribery schemes, for "get-out-the-vote-efforts";
Obama co-sponsored legislation called the "Helping Families Save their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007"-- that was supported by ACORN and protects them from prosecution and any responsibility for causing the largest financial crisis since The Great Depression.
"Bad enough that ACORN is implicated in fraudulent activities in several states, but now an ACORN chapter in the Garden State is working against the ability of New Jersey gun owners to exercise a constitutionally protected individual civil right to own a handgun," said former NYPD detective, Sid Frances.
This is still the United States, not a socialist gulag. Public money should not be given to private organizations which then turn around and utilize that funding to usurp the electoral process and erode constitutionally guaranteed civil rights.
The fact that the federal government would even consider using ACORN as part of its 2010 Census to disenfranchise gun rights supporters is cause for Americans to be very concerned.
All that seems to be on the minds of Anti-Gun Obama and at the offices of gun control extremists is figuring out how to invade your privacy to erode and eventually destroy the right, and the means, of self-defense.
Fax NOW - STOP ACORN TAXPAYER FUNDING
Click Here to Pull ACORN Funding and Expand the FBI Investigation
Like all other threats against our freedoms, we must rise and cut off all federal funding to ACORN.
In order to stop Obama and his fellow gun-grabbers-we need to let the Congress know with thousands of faxes telling them to stop ACORN and leave guns alone.
Americans like you who understand what our Founding Fathers envisioned for our nation...and who are willing to fight to defend our Constitution and for what it stands.
So please, help the Second Amendment Foundation and me defeat those who wish to gut and trash the United States Constitution.
Help me flood the U.S. Senate with a sea of FAXES big enough to drown each and every Senator willing to vote away the Second Amendment.
Please, send your Donation and FAX TODAY!
Fax NOW - STOP ACORN TAXPAYER FUNDING
Click Here to Pull ACORN Funding and Expand the FBI Investigation
Keep calling your Senators today, toll free numbers include 1-877-851-6437 and 1-866-220-0044 , or call toll 1-202-225-3121 AND REGISTER YOU'RE OUTRAGE at ongoing efforts to take guns away!
CALL PRESIDENT Obama, 202-456-1111 and 202-456-1414 expressing your disdain and ABSOLUTE REJECTION of ACORN and their efforts to BAN GUNS.
DO NOT BE SILENCED - MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
NOTE: We need TENS OF THOUSANDS of faxes and PHONE CALLS and EMAILS delivered to ALL Senators right away!
Yes, together we can preserve the Constitutional rights our Founding Fathers intended our people to have forever.
For more information about SAF go to http://www.saf.org/
Thank you. I know I can count on you.
Sincerely yours,
Alan M. Gottlieb
Founder
Second Amendment Foundation
ACORN went public with its gun control activism when it intervened in an unsuccessful attempt to defend Jersey City, New Jersey, a hot bed of anti-gun rights extremists, to disarm its citizens with a local gun control ordinance. ACORN pushed for stronger local gun restrictions that were already struck down by the New Jersey state court as a violation of state law.
Obama and ACORN's interest is in disarming law-abiding citizens.
It is an outrage that this group has intervened to defend an anti-gun ordinance that has already been declared illegal by the court. So long as ACORN accepts one penny of public funding, the organization should remain absolutely neutral on social issues, political campaigns and especially legal actions defending the right to keep and bear arms.
For the past few election cycles ACORN has clearly grown more partisan toward the radical political Left. ACORN'S PAC, in fact, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president, even though their tax-exempt status prohibits endorsement of political candidates. That's hardly surprising since he used to serve as their legal counsel and he taught the group about community organizing. ACORN and Obama are lockstep in seeking to destroy our Second Amendment rights.
We call upon the FBI to expand the scope of its ACORN investigation and focus on the group's involvement in the Jersey City case.
We support Ohio Congressman John Boehner's request that the White House immediately block all federal funding of ACORN activities until this group's questionable activities are fully investigated. We want to know how they are paying for attorneys, and why Seton Hall's Center for Social Justice and the Public Interest Law Center are providing legal assistance to ACORN for this effort.
ACORN has, since 1998, received an estimated $31 million in government funding. Yes, Obama knows a great deal about ACORN and its role in the bailout mess. He is a central figure in the left-wing ACORN exploitation of financial institutions to pressure them to make high risk loans. The very same left-wing ACORN that was sued for voter fraud in our last presidential election.
Fax NOW - STOP ACORN TAXPAYER FUNDING
Click Here to Pull ACORN Funding and Expand the FBI Investigation
Obama's presidential campaign paid more than $800,000 to a front of ACORN, currently under investigation in a dozen States for voter registration fraud and bribery schemes, for "get-out-the-vote-efforts";
Obama co-sponsored legislation called the "Helping Families Save their Homes in Bankruptcy Act of 2007"-- that was supported by ACORN and protects them from prosecution and any responsibility for causing the largest financial crisis since The Great Depression.
"Bad enough that ACORN is implicated in fraudulent activities in several states, but now an ACORN chapter in the Garden State is working against the ability of New Jersey gun owners to exercise a constitutionally protected individual civil right to own a handgun," said former NYPD detective, Sid Frances.
This is still the United States, not a socialist gulag. Public money should not be given to private organizations which then turn around and utilize that funding to usurp the electoral process and erode constitutionally guaranteed civil rights.
The fact that the federal government would even consider using ACORN as part of its 2010 Census to disenfranchise gun rights supporters is cause for Americans to be very concerned.
All that seems to be on the minds of Anti-Gun Obama and at the offices of gun control extremists is figuring out how to invade your privacy to erode and eventually destroy the right, and the means, of self-defense.
Fax NOW - STOP ACORN TAXPAYER FUNDING
Click Here to Pull ACORN Funding and Expand the FBI Investigation
Like all other threats against our freedoms, we must rise and cut off all federal funding to ACORN.
In order to stop Obama and his fellow gun-grabbers-we need to let the Congress know with thousands of faxes telling them to stop ACORN and leave guns alone.
Americans like you who understand what our Founding Fathers envisioned for our nation...and who are willing to fight to defend our Constitution and for what it stands.
So please, help the Second Amendment Foundation and me defeat those who wish to gut and trash the United States Constitution.
Help me flood the U.S. Senate with a sea of FAXES big enough to drown each and every Senator willing to vote away the Second Amendment.
Please, send your Donation and FAX TODAY!
Fax NOW - STOP ACORN TAXPAYER FUNDING
Click Here to Pull ACORN Funding and Expand the FBI Investigation
Keep calling your Senators today, toll free numbers include 1-877-851-6437 and 1-866-220-0044 , or call toll 1-202-225-3121 AND REGISTER YOU'RE OUTRAGE at ongoing efforts to take guns away!
CALL PRESIDENT Obama, 202-456-1111 and 202-456-1414 expressing your disdain and ABSOLUTE REJECTION of ACORN and their efforts to BAN GUNS.
DO NOT BE SILENCED - MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!
NOTE: We need TENS OF THOUSANDS of faxes and PHONE CALLS and EMAILS delivered to ALL Senators right away!
Yes, together we can preserve the Constitutional rights our Founding Fathers intended our people to have forever.
For more information about SAF go to http://www.saf.org/
Thank you. I know I can count on you.
Sincerely yours,
Alan M. Gottlieb
Founder
Second Amendment Foundation
'Take That Thing Off Your Head'
ROTC student suspended for telling Muslim to respect flag, remove hijab
Maybe it's because her dad served in the U.S. Marines ... or because her high school mascot is a fierce-looking eagle ... or because she plans to enlist in the Army next summer after graduation to defend her country ... whatever the reason, when Heather Lawrence saw a fellow student refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and recite it with the class, the 16-year-old Junior ROTC member saw a teachable moment and took it.
And for that, she's been suspended five days.
Lawrence's troubles with administrators at Springstead High School in Spring Hill, Fla., began last Wednesday when she noticed a female Muslim student refusing to participate in the Pledge. The student was wearing a hijab, the traditional Muslim headscarf.
Later in the day, Lawrence encountered the student between periods and told her she should stand for the pledge, reported Hernando Today.
GO HERE to read more.
Officer Does Not Like anti-Obama Poster: "It Ain't [America] No More, OK?"
PRO OBAMA COP
This is a video of a black cop shaking down a white guy who simply has an anti-Obama sign. At the end of the video, the white guy asks if this is America and the black cop replies " it ain't no more."
We are all in a heap of trouble if this sort of crap creeps into the rank and file of law enforcement. Watch this video to the end then count to 10 to keep your blood pressure down.
Daytime Break Inn's At Cottages At Riverhouse On Pemberton Drive
Hello Mr. Albero:
My name is XXXX YYYYY and my mother is a senior citizen and resident of the Cottages at Riverhouse on Pemberton Drive. Saturday and Sunday there has been daylight break-ins at two of the residence there. I know that you report crimes in the Salisbury area so this is why I am sending this email to you. I also am a resident of Salisbury living on XXX Drive. Thank you for your time and I enjoy reading your daily blog.
My name is XXXX YYYYY and my mother is a senior citizen and resident of the Cottages at Riverhouse on Pemberton Drive. Saturday and Sunday there has been daylight break-ins at two of the residence there. I know that you report crimes in the Salisbury area so this is why I am sending this email to you. I also am a resident of Salisbury living on XXX Drive. Thank you for your time and I enjoy reading your daily blog.
How Do You Know When You've Finally Beat Out The Competition?
You know it just as soon as someone like The Daily Times takes your name in the hopes of drawing in hits anywhere they can get them.
You can click on this image and clearly see the Daily Times has taken sbynews on Twitter and are using it to their advantage.
I told you Folks, they're nothing any more and they'll now do anything to try to catch up.
The ONLY time they'll be successful is when they actually report news and information and not manufacture news. Mind you, they have some great Reporters and had some great ones in the past but they too quickly grew tired of the spin and twist upper management put into their stories and quickly ran as fast as they could. My guess would be, because they were serious about their profession and weren't into it for just the paycheck.
Nevertheless, this is clear evidence that the Daily Times has hit an all time low. Some would say it's a complement and maybe it is. However, the time is near when they will feel a sudden deflation in business and they will only have to look to Salisbury News to realize where all of their business went.
SBYNEWS has arrived!
Don't Text Message While Driving!!!!!!
WARNING: This may not be a video in which you want to watch at work. However, it is a message of reality, one in which I believe should be seen by all drivers.
Now this is an effective Public Service Announcement and it certainly went on for a long time. But will people actually get the message? Pun intended.
A Letter To The Editor
Passing the Buck
During the presidential campaign and early on during his tenure as president, Barack Obama declared his administration would not look backward and investigate the CIA’s activities (during the Bush Administration) in its interrogation of proven or suspected Islamic terrorists.
Just last week, after Eric Holder, his attorney general, launched such an investigation after all, Obama stated he had nothing to do with Holder’s decision. Obama stated he has no influence over his attorney general.
Barack Obama is not telling the truth or he is unwilling to face it. He knows he has power over his attorney general. According to the Constitution, the president is the chief law enforcement officer of the land. Barack Obama has always known this, otherwise he never would have made the declaration that there would be no investigation.
Obama is unwilling to take responsibility for Holder’s behavior. Obama is acting like a full fledged coward. We need a strong president, not a weak coward!
During the presidential campaign and early on during his tenure as president, Barack Obama declared his administration would not look backward and investigate the CIA’s activities (during the Bush Administration) in its interrogation of proven or suspected Islamic terrorists.
Just last week, after Eric Holder, his attorney general, launched such an investigation after all, Obama stated he had nothing to do with Holder’s decision. Obama stated he has no influence over his attorney general.
Barack Obama is not telling the truth or he is unwilling to face it. He knows he has power over his attorney general. According to the Constitution, the president is the chief law enforcement officer of the land. Barack Obama has always known this, otherwise he never would have made the declaration that there would be no investigation.
Obama is unwilling to take responsibility for Holder’s behavior. Obama is acting like a full fledged coward. We need a strong president, not a weak coward!
Law Enforcement And Military Personnel REFUSE To Disarm Americans Part II
I've recently learned of a significant number of law enforcement officers and active military personnel from across the country are pledging an oath in an organization called Oath Keepers. These officers pledge to flatly refuse to disarm Americans and......well see for yourself.....
Law Enforcement And Military Personnel REFUSE To Disarm Americans Part I of II
Keeper Sheriff Richard Mack interview after Oath Keepers muster on Lexington Green, April 19,2009.
Congress Once Contained American Patriots
Believe it or not, congress was once made up almost entirely of American patriots. On December 8, 1941 congress passed a declaration of war against Japan. The vote was 388 to 1. The one person voting against it was never re-elected. The entire legislation was comprised of two short paragraphs. There was no doubt as to its meaning and the only speech was from the President. No one later said, "I voted for it before I voted against it." No one claimed the President was lying. If special interests existed, they had no input.
In the ensuing, almost, 68 years it now takes over 1,000 pages to write legislation that is nowhere near as important. We argue over the meaning of each paragraph. Liberals accuse opponents as misrepresenting the meaning and intent. Conservatives bemoan the meaning and intent. Both are probably equally right and wrong because congress now writes deliberately confusing legislation and blame it on the other guys.
Yes, I am saying that most members of today's congress are not American patriots. They are simply people trying to maintain their jobs and power. The sooner voters realize they should not be voting for labels or defending the guy they voted for, but instead insist on electing people that are American patriots, working for the common good, the sooner we can claim to be part of the greatest generation.
Joel Brandes
In the ensuing, almost, 68 years it now takes over 1,000 pages to write legislation that is nowhere near as important. We argue over the meaning of each paragraph. Liberals accuse opponents as misrepresenting the meaning and intent. Conservatives bemoan the meaning and intent. Both are probably equally right and wrong because congress now writes deliberately confusing legislation and blame it on the other guys.
Yes, I am saying that most members of today's congress are not American patriots. They are simply people trying to maintain their jobs and power. The sooner voters realize they should not be voting for labels or defending the guy they voted for, but instead insist on electing people that are American patriots, working for the common good, the sooner we can claim to be part of the greatest generation.
Joel Brandes
A 6 Month Evaluation Of The Obama Presidency
One of Bob Oster's CEO friends wrote this. Bob respects him highly. (For those on this list who don't know Bob: he was CFO of Oracle when it went public, also CFO of Syntex, and holds a Ph.D. in economics from Berkeley. Since 1987, he has been an angel investor and private VC. He is on the Board of Overseers at the Hoover Institution.)
A 6 Month Evaluation of the Obama Presidency
In November 2008 I wrote out my evaluation of the Obama candidacy and what it might mean to America. I filed this away, but sent it to family members and a few close friends and associates just so I’d be accountable for my real time observations. It’s now been 6 months since Obama’s inauguration. (In the business world, this is typically when a first job review would occur; so, I made a note to myself to revisit his performance on the 6-month anniversary.) Thus, I now commit to filing my mid-year evaluation of our new President. As well, I’ve put in the file (but not forwarded to anyone) a separate “background check” — the one the press should’ve done on the Obama candidacy prior to presenting him to the American public — in case this is ever of relevance as things unfold.
As concerned as I was by Obama’s candidacy when I wrote out my November pre-election reservations, truth be known, I didn’t much like McCain either. At the time, I still had hopes that Obama might “govern from the center.” Six months into it, however, I can say that he’s been considerably worse than my worst fears. Thus, I’m updating my evaluation — this time with the fervent hope that by the year-end I can be genuinely more optimistic.
I’ve concluded that not only was Barack Obama too inexperienced to be President, but he also appears to be incompetent as an executive, more-than-just-politician-level-dishonest and a bit of a narcissist (if not a fascist). He seems to have little understanding of American history, her dreams, or her tremendous potential for risk-taking, self-correction and innovation. He and Michelle have turned out to be quintessential Ivy League “Oppression Studies majors” with (carefully concealed) “attitudes.” Obama seems, above all, to be a Community Organizer with shakedown credentials and extraordinary speaking ability.
All of this should have been clear -- had we simply done serious background checks. (The following 4 items, at least, should have been clear to voters:
1. His surrogate father figure was Frank Marshall Davis, an avowed Communist.
2. Barack served as a committed trainer for Community Activist and Marxist Saul Alinsky.
3. He sat for nearly 2 decades at the feet of Jeremiah Wright, an angry, anti-American “Black Liberation Theologist”.
4. His first autobiography, Dreams from My Father, was almost certainly ghost-written by William Ayers, a Vietnam-era domestic terrorist. [This last assertion has now been supported by careful analysis of syntax, spelling and common errors].) If these unusual threads (standing alone) are discounted to the point of not being disqualifiers, those evaluating Barack Obama might have considered that he’d never
i) held a job in the private sector,
ii) managed a payroll,
iii) led a turnaround or
iv) held any sort of executive position.
But, none of this mattered in the fall of 2008. After 6 months, I’m left wondering if power brokers on the Far Left of American politics aren’t pinching themselves at their success in creating a fictitious character the press ushered to market in a Bush-weary and "politically correct" America.
In his second (!) autobiography, The Audacity of Hope, Obama recognizes the advantage of his tabula rasa “creation” when he writes, “I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their own views.”
And, project we did! Thus, the former Barry Soetoro of Honolulu, Jakarta, Mombasa, Occidental, Columbia, Harvard and the mean streets of Chicago moved at light speed from being the first-term senator nobody had ever heard of to President of the United States. In the process, despite numerous efforts, no one has yet seen his birth certificate, his college transcripts, his application to Occidental (likely as a “foreign student”?), or the passport he used to travel in 1981 to Pakistan with buddy Wahid Hamid (likely an Indonesian one?).
For some reason, the Obama campaign has, so far, spent $750,000.00 keeping these records out of public view. So, it’s easy to wonder -- if they supported Obama’s putative CV(resume) -- why not make them available and put to rest all suspicions about provenance, training and politics?
My growing hunch is that there’s virtually no paper trail because the Obama biography has been largely a fabrication. There -- I’ve said what increasing numbers of people must be thinking, but are afraid to voice. But, whether or not Obama is more than a cleverly-marketed fiction, and whatever one thinks of his history, one thing is clear. He finally does have a record to evaluate. And, it’s not a confidence-inspiring one from my standpoint.
At best, Obama is an attractive symbol for America and a compelling communicator; but he’s
1.. Not an executive. He’s shown an utter inability to focus, to set priorities and to consider 2nd and 3rd order or long-term consequences to his actions. Lack of focus on priorities is fatal as a CEO; (but, maybe less so for a political leader?)
2.. Not a steward or fiduciary for America. Obama clearly does not see his primary job as one of overseeing the security and well-being of America during his tenure as its Chief Executive. He’s not only unwilling to stand up for America, but he also regularly seems to go out of his way to apologize for her history. This makes it apparent that he believes his most important job is to change America into what he and Michelle think it shouldhave been had we not suffered the Founders’ flawed vision.
At worst, Obama’s aims seem truly radical (if stealth); his methods pure Alinsky; and his success derivative of obfuscating the truth, creating crises, and rushing changes into law that no one can possibly absorb under artificial deadlines — all aimed at limiting private property rights, changing the Constitution and forever altering our free market system.
For those who consider Obama’s training and background irrelevant, they can now evaluate him as a Commander-in-Chief and CEO from what he’s done over his first 6 months.
Among many other things, these evidences have come in the form of:
1.. A $787B “stimulus” package (sold as preventing a “crisis from becoming catastrophe”)
2.. The failure to focus on addressing the banking crisis as “Job One”
3.. The migration of TARP funds to non-banking concerns, viz., auto industry
4.. Announcing tax increases in the middle of a recession
5.. Failure to identify projects to fund job creation (Thus, <10% of stimulus yet spent)
6.. Announcing that there would be “no pork” or “earmarks” in the “stimulus” package in order to get it passed without review when there were nearly 10,000 buried in the unread bill (including a $9B high-speed rail line to Las Vegas for Harry Reid)
7.. Bailouts of the banking and auto industries
8.. The appointment of a 31-year-old to manage the recreation of the auto companies
9.. The exalting of union claims above those of bondholders (violating a 200+ year history of contract law/property rights)
10.. The appointment of 34 unvetted “czars” -- creating more than in the House of Romanov between 1762 and 1917!
11.. The failure to appoint a Cabinet of tax-paying, competent Americans (reason for the move to the Czar system of administration?)
12.. The appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court despite an apparent lack of qualifications and judicial temperament,
13.. The dark-of-night passage of “Cap and Trade” legislation (300-page-long addendum inserted at 3AM the morning of the vote in the House)
14.. The high pressure tactics to rush through a budget-busting $1.6T takeover of healthcare.
15.. Phony “townhall” meetings with a fake cross-section of Americans selling Obamacare on ABC.
16.. “Lying” about budget deficits — projecting 4% GDP growth by year-end.
17.. “Lying” about job losses — projecting that if Congress would just ram through the “stimulus” that job losses could be halted at 8% (currently on their way to 10% and rising).
18.. “Lying” about the costs of nationalized healthcare -- (just as when politicians projected Medicare’s cost in 1990 to be $3 billion, its actual cost turned out in 1990 to $98 billion — 30 times as much)
19.. "Lying" that new entitlement programs will provide lower costs, better care, no significant tax increases, more competition (as government joins the fray!?) and keeping current private options. Claiming “free” healthcare will make America more competitive is baffling. Everyone knows the above are lies; but no one seems ready to call them out.
20.. Forcing the “stimulus” package on states to impinge on their “States Rights”
21.. Failing to support the freedom-loving citizens in Honduras and Iran (and instead, giving comfort to their dictators) to say nothing of his ineffectiveness with North Korea and anti-Israeli pronouncements.
22.. Allocating $4B of “stimulus” funds to ACORN, the HIS voter fraud thugs.
23.. Seeking to push through Union Card Check, the so-called “Fairness Doctrine,” and threats to take away 2nd amendment rights (see Eric Holder), etc.
24.. Moving the heretofore non-partisan census into the Whitehouse under the direction of Rahm Emanuel.
Whatever one thinks of the results, the process of getting to them should bother all Americans. In the Obama (Mayor Daley?) style of governing, it’s not clear that Congress — who can’t possibly process thoughtfully the blizzard of legislation — really serves any useful purpose other than to provide Politburo-style cover. Not only does Congress no longer debate legislation, but Obama has effectively circumvented its oversight of the executive branch by his appointment of czars.
In contrast to the direction Obama is taking us all, the Economist recently pointed out that 53% of all of the jobs created in the U.S. were created in one state last year: Texas (the most free market of all State economies and the “last best hope” for secession). Meanwhile, in California, -- as a perfect preview to “Obama’s America” -- job losses are already well into double digits, the state faces a $25B budget deficit and is closing down services and considering bankruptcy.
I cannot predict what will happen to Obama’s popularity, as people wake up to the size and intractability of the deficits he’s promoting, the unavailability of credit for small businesses, or the increased tax rates on energy and payrolls provoking a continuing loss of jobs as small businesses shed employees due to skyrocketing costs.
But, is bad economic news bad for Obama? Sadly, the answer, if one studies the Alinsky formula for bloodless revolution, is “Heck no!” Indeed, high unemployment is necessary for the Obama Redistribution Plan. According to Alinsky, only with high unemployment will people look to the government for help (and then become dependent), allowing government to gain control over the factors of productions. If one considers that the Alinsky manual might be Obama’s “playbook,” one can’t help but want to evaluate how closely it’s being followed.
Thus, in evaluating Obama’s performance, it’s probably worth noting (for the 6-month record) the key elements of the Alinsky formula. Written in 1971 by Chicago Organizer, Saul Alinsky, under the title of Rules for Radicals, this manual for effective change became Young Barack Obama’s “bible.” David Alinsky, son the author said of our new President: “Barack Obama patterned himself after the Saul Alinsky model in everything he has done since arriving in South Chicago.”
Alinsky clearly stated its purpose: “Any revolutionary change must be preceded by a passive, affirmative, non-challenging attitude toward change among the mass of our people. They must feel so frustrated, so defeated, so lost, so futureless in the prevailing system that they are willing to let go of the past and change the future. This acceptance is the reformation essential to any revolution.”
A 6 Month Evaluation of the Obama Presidency
In November 2008 I wrote out my evaluation of the Obama candidacy and what it might mean to America. I filed this away, but sent it to family members and a few close friends and associates just so I’d be accountable for my real time observations. It’s now been 6 months since Obama’s inauguration. (In the business world, this is typically when a first job review would occur; so, I made a note to myself to revisit his performance on the 6-month anniversary.) Thus, I now commit to filing my mid-year evaluation of our new President. As well, I’ve put in the file (but not forwarded to anyone) a separate “background check” — the one the press should’ve done on the Obama candidacy prior to presenting him to the American public — in case this is ever of relevance as things unfold.
As concerned as I was by Obama’s candidacy when I wrote out my November pre-election reservations, truth be known, I didn’t much like McCain either. At the time, I still had hopes that Obama might “govern from the center.” Six months into it, however, I can say that he’s been considerably worse than my worst fears. Thus, I’m updating my evaluation — this time with the fervent hope that by the year-end I can be genuinely more optimistic.
I’ve concluded that not only was Barack Obama too inexperienced to be President, but he also appears to be incompetent as an executive, more-than-just-politician-level-dishonest and a bit of a narcissist (if not a fascist). He seems to have little understanding of American history, her dreams, or her tremendous potential for risk-taking, self-correction and innovation. He and Michelle have turned out to be quintessential Ivy League “Oppression Studies majors” with (carefully concealed) “attitudes.” Obama seems, above all, to be a Community Organizer with shakedown credentials and extraordinary speaking ability.
All of this should have been clear -- had we simply done serious background checks. (The following 4 items, at least, should have been clear to voters:
1. His surrogate father figure was Frank Marshall Davis, an avowed Communist.
2. Barack served as a committed trainer for Community Activist and Marxist Saul Alinsky.
3. He sat for nearly 2 decades at the feet of Jeremiah Wright, an angry, anti-American “Black Liberation Theologist”.
4. His first autobiography, Dreams from My Father, was almost certainly ghost-written by William Ayers, a Vietnam-era domestic terrorist. [This last assertion has now been supported by careful analysis of syntax, spelling and common errors].) If these unusual threads (standing alone) are discounted to the point of not being disqualifiers, those evaluating Barack Obama might have considered that he’d never
i) held a job in the private sector,
ii) managed a payroll,
iii) led a turnaround or
iv) held any sort of executive position.
But, none of this mattered in the fall of 2008. After 6 months, I’m left wondering if power brokers on the Far Left of American politics aren’t pinching themselves at their success in creating a fictitious character the press ushered to market in a Bush-weary and "politically correct" America.
In his second (!) autobiography, The Audacity of Hope, Obama recognizes the advantage of his tabula rasa “creation” when he writes, “I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their own views.”
And, project we did! Thus, the former Barry Soetoro of Honolulu, Jakarta, Mombasa, Occidental, Columbia, Harvard and the mean streets of Chicago moved at light speed from being the first-term senator nobody had ever heard of to President of the United States. In the process, despite numerous efforts, no one has yet seen his birth certificate, his college transcripts, his application to Occidental (likely as a “foreign student”?), or the passport he used to travel in 1981 to Pakistan with buddy Wahid Hamid (likely an Indonesian one?).
For some reason, the Obama campaign has, so far, spent $750,000.00 keeping these records out of public view. So, it’s easy to wonder -- if they supported Obama’s putative CV(resume) -- why not make them available and put to rest all suspicions about provenance, training and politics?
My growing hunch is that there’s virtually no paper trail because the Obama biography has been largely a fabrication. There -- I’ve said what increasing numbers of people must be thinking, but are afraid to voice. But, whether or not Obama is more than a cleverly-marketed fiction, and whatever one thinks of his history, one thing is clear. He finally does have a record to evaluate. And, it’s not a confidence-inspiring one from my standpoint.
At best, Obama is an attractive symbol for America and a compelling communicator; but he’s
1.. Not an executive. He’s shown an utter inability to focus, to set priorities and to consider 2nd and 3rd order or long-term consequences to his actions. Lack of focus on priorities is fatal as a CEO; (but, maybe less so for a political leader?)
2.. Not a steward or fiduciary for America. Obama clearly does not see his primary job as one of overseeing the security and well-being of America during his tenure as its Chief Executive. He’s not only unwilling to stand up for America, but he also regularly seems to go out of his way to apologize for her history. This makes it apparent that he believes his most important job is to change America into what he and Michelle think it shouldhave been had we not suffered the Founders’ flawed vision.
At worst, Obama’s aims seem truly radical (if stealth); his methods pure Alinsky; and his success derivative of obfuscating the truth, creating crises, and rushing changes into law that no one can possibly absorb under artificial deadlines — all aimed at limiting private property rights, changing the Constitution and forever altering our free market system.
For those who consider Obama’s training and background irrelevant, they can now evaluate him as a Commander-in-Chief and CEO from what he’s done over his first 6 months.
Among many other things, these evidences have come in the form of:
1.. A $787B “stimulus” package (sold as preventing a “crisis from becoming catastrophe”)
2.. The failure to focus on addressing the banking crisis as “Job One”
3.. The migration of TARP funds to non-banking concerns, viz., auto industry
4.. Announcing tax increases in the middle of a recession
5.. Failure to identify projects to fund job creation (Thus, <10% of stimulus yet spent)
6.. Announcing that there would be “no pork” or “earmarks” in the “stimulus” package in order to get it passed without review when there were nearly 10,000 buried in the unread bill (including a $9B high-speed rail line to Las Vegas for Harry Reid)
7.. Bailouts of the banking and auto industries
8.. The appointment of a 31-year-old to manage the recreation of the auto companies
9.. The exalting of union claims above those of bondholders (violating a 200+ year history of contract law/property rights)
10.. The appointment of 34 unvetted “czars” -- creating more than in the House of Romanov between 1762 and 1917!
11.. The failure to appoint a Cabinet of tax-paying, competent Americans (reason for the move to the Czar system of administration?)
12.. The appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court despite an apparent lack of qualifications and judicial temperament,
13.. The dark-of-night passage of “Cap and Trade” legislation (300-page-long addendum inserted at 3AM the morning of the vote in the House)
14.. The high pressure tactics to rush through a budget-busting $1.6T takeover of healthcare.
15.. Phony “townhall” meetings with a fake cross-section of Americans selling Obamacare on ABC.
16.. “Lying” about budget deficits — projecting 4% GDP growth by year-end.
17.. “Lying” about job losses — projecting that if Congress would just ram through the “stimulus” that job losses could be halted at 8% (currently on their way to 10% and rising).
18.. “Lying” about the costs of nationalized healthcare -- (just as when politicians projected Medicare’s cost in 1990 to be $3 billion, its actual cost turned out in 1990 to $98 billion — 30 times as much)
19.. "Lying" that new entitlement programs will provide lower costs, better care, no significant tax increases, more competition (as government joins the fray!?) and keeping current private options. Claiming “free” healthcare will make America more competitive is baffling. Everyone knows the above are lies; but no one seems ready to call them out.
20.. Forcing the “stimulus” package on states to impinge on their “States Rights”
21.. Failing to support the freedom-loving citizens in Honduras and Iran (and instead, giving comfort to their dictators) to say nothing of his ineffectiveness with North Korea and anti-Israeli pronouncements.
22.. Allocating $4B of “stimulus” funds to ACORN, the HIS voter fraud thugs.
23.. Seeking to push through Union Card Check, the so-called “Fairness Doctrine,” and threats to take away 2nd amendment rights (see Eric Holder), etc.
24.. Moving the heretofore non-partisan census into the Whitehouse under the direction of Rahm Emanuel.
Whatever one thinks of the results, the process of getting to them should bother all Americans. In the Obama (Mayor Daley?) style of governing, it’s not clear that Congress — who can’t possibly process thoughtfully the blizzard of legislation — really serves any useful purpose other than to provide Politburo-style cover. Not only does Congress no longer debate legislation, but Obama has effectively circumvented its oversight of the executive branch by his appointment of czars.
In contrast to the direction Obama is taking us all, the Economist recently pointed out that 53% of all of the jobs created in the U.S. were created in one state last year: Texas (the most free market of all State economies and the “last best hope” for secession). Meanwhile, in California, -- as a perfect preview to “Obama’s America” -- job losses are already well into double digits, the state faces a $25B budget deficit and is closing down services and considering bankruptcy.
I cannot predict what will happen to Obama’s popularity, as people wake up to the size and intractability of the deficits he’s promoting, the unavailability of credit for small businesses, or the increased tax rates on energy and payrolls provoking a continuing loss of jobs as small businesses shed employees due to skyrocketing costs.
But, is bad economic news bad for Obama? Sadly, the answer, if one studies the Alinsky formula for bloodless revolution, is “Heck no!” Indeed, high unemployment is necessary for the Obama Redistribution Plan. According to Alinsky, only with high unemployment will people look to the government for help (and then become dependent), allowing government to gain control over the factors of productions. If one considers that the Alinsky manual might be Obama’s “playbook,” one can’t help but want to evaluate how closely it’s being followed.
Thus, in evaluating Obama’s performance, it’s probably worth noting (for the 6-month record) the key elements of the Alinsky formula. Written in 1971 by Chicago Organizer, Saul Alinsky, under the title of Rules for Radicals, this manual for effective change became Young Barack Obama’s “bible.” David Alinsky, son the author said of our new President: “Barack Obama patterned himself after the Saul Alinsky model in everything he has done since arriving in South Chicago.”
Alinsky clearly stated its purpose: “Any revolutionary change must be preceded by a passive, affirmative, non-challenging attitude toward change among the mass of our people. They must feel so frustrated, so defeated, so lost, so futureless in the prevailing system that they are willing to let go of the past and change the future. This acceptance is the reformation essential to any revolution.”
Little Johnny's At It Again
A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, 'Everyone who thinks they're stupid, stand up!' After a few seconds, Little Johnny stood up. The teacher said, 'Do you think you're stupid, Little Johnny?' 'No, ma'am, but I hate to see you standing there all by yourself!'
* * * * * * * * * * *
Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face. 'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked. 'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue. 'What's the matter?' asked Little Johnny. 'Giving up?'
* * * * * * * * * * *
The math teacher saw that little Johnny wasn't paying attention in class. She called on him and said,
'Johnny! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?' Little Johnny quickly replied, 'NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!'
* * * * * * * * * * *
Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. 'Yes,' said the policeman. 'The detectives want very badly to capture him.'Little Johnny asked, 'Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture ?'
* * * * * * * * * * *
Little Johnny attended a horse auction with his father. He watched as his father moved from horse to horse, running his hands up and down the horse's legs and rump, and chest. After a few minutes, Johnny asked, 'Dad, why are you doing that?' His father replied, 'Because when I'm buying horses,I have to make sure that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy. Johnny, looking worried, said, 'Dad, I think the UPS guy wants to buy Mom .'
* * * * * * * * * * *
Little Johnny watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face. 'Why do you do that, mommy?' he asked. 'To make myself beautiful,' said his mother, who then began removing the cream with a tissue. 'What's the matter?' asked Little Johnny. 'Giving up?'
* * * * * * * * * * *
The math teacher saw that little Johnny wasn't paying attention in class. She called on him and said,
'Johnny! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?' Little Johnny quickly replied, 'NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network!'
* * * * * * * * * * *
Little Johnny's kindergarten class was on a field trip to their local police station where they saw pictures tacked to a bulletin board of the 10 most wanted criminals. One of the youngsters pointed to a picture and asked if it really was the photo of a wanted person. 'Yes,' said the policeman. 'The detectives want very badly to capture him.'Little Johnny asked, 'Why didn't you keep him when you took his picture ?'
* * * * * * * * * * *
Little Johnny attended a horse auction with his father. He watched as his father moved from horse to horse, running his hands up and down the horse's legs and rump, and chest. After a few minutes, Johnny asked, 'Dad, why are you doing that?' His father replied, 'Because when I'm buying horses,I have to make sure that they are healthy and in good shape before I buy. Johnny, looking worried, said, 'Dad, I think the UPS guy wants to buy Mom .'
Animal Health Lab To Cease Operation
Centreville laboratory to close after 70 years of service to community
ANNAPOLIS The Maryland Department of Agriculture is closing three of its five animal health laboratories, including one in Centreville, which has had a state animal health lab for 70 years.
The animal health labs in Oakland and College Park also will close, while the labs in Salisbury and Frederick will remain open. An Aug. 26 news release from MDA said ongoing budget shortfalls and a long-term evaluation of its services led to the agency's decision to consolidate its animal health field and lab services. The Frederick facility will specialize in livestock diagnostics and the Salisbury facility will continue to focus on poultry work. MDA will start phasing out the Centreville, College Park and Oakland labs on Sept. 8, and all three facilities will be closed by Oct. 1.
Source
ANNAPOLIS The Maryland Department of Agriculture is closing three of its five animal health laboratories, including one in Centreville, which has had a state animal health lab for 70 years.
The animal health labs in Oakland and College Park also will close, while the labs in Salisbury and Frederick will remain open. An Aug. 26 news release from MDA said ongoing budget shortfalls and a long-term evaluation of its services led to the agency's decision to consolidate its animal health field and lab services. The Frederick facility will specialize in livestock diagnostics and the Salisbury facility will continue to focus on poultry work. MDA will start phasing out the Centreville, College Park and Oakland labs on Sept. 8, and all three facilities will be closed by Oct. 1.
Source
FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE
1. "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." T. Jefferson
2. "Those who trade liberty for security have neither." John Adams
3. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
4. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
5. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
6. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
7. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.
8. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
9. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
10. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
11. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
12. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights Reserved.
13. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
14. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you NOT understand?
15. Guns have only two enemies; rust and politicians.
16. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
17. The First American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
The Second American Revolution is happening because of it and many other lost rights.....
2. "Those who trade liberty for security have neither." John Adams
3. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
4. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
5. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
6. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
7. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for.
8. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
9. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
10. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
11. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
12. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights Reserved.
13. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
14. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you NOT understand?
15. Guns have only two enemies; rust and politicians.
16. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
17. The First American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.
The Second American Revolution is happening because of it and many other lost rights.....
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
THE SALISBURY MARYLAND KENNEL CLUB INVITES YOU AND YOUR WELL-MANNERED DOG TO ATTEND
(Children are to be accompanied by an adult.)
Sept. 12th from 10:00 until 4:00 p.m.
K-9 FESTIVITIES AT SMKC’S AIR CONDITIONED TRAINING CENTER
31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY
(Children are to be accompanied by an adult.)
Sept. 12th from 10:00 until 4:00 p.m.
K-9 FESTIVITIES AT SMKC’S AIR CONDITIONED TRAINING CENTER
31663 WINTERPLACE PARKWAY
Vendors with exciting products, including great food
Meet the Breeds/Find the right dog for you
Obedience/Agility/Rally/Dancing With Your Dog demonstrations
AKC Safety Around Dogs demonstrations
Veterinary & Grooming tips regarding proper care of your dog
Humane Society of Wicomico County adoption & services information
Canine Good Citizen Testing (CGC) – Dogs must be at least
6 months - $10. per dog
Home Again Microchip Clinic - $25. per dog
Meet the Breeds/Find the right dog for you
Obedience/Agility/Rally/Dancing With Your Dog demonstrations
AKC Safety Around Dogs demonstrations
Veterinary & Grooming tips regarding proper care of your dog
Humane Society of Wicomico County adoption & services information
Canine Good Citizen Testing (CGC) – Dogs must be at least
6 months - $10. per dog
Home Again Microchip Clinic - $25. per dog
Colonel Coupe To Promote Lt Colonel And 2 Majors
Colonel Coupe to Promote Lt Colonel and 2 Majors
Location: WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY DOVER CAMPUS ON ROUTE 13, DOVER, Kent, DE
Date of Occurrence: MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009 AT 0900 HOURS.
Colonel Robert M. Coupe will promote a Deputy Superintendant and two majors to his Executive Staff. Colonel Coupe will also promote four lieutenants to the rank of captain, three sergeants to the rank of lieutenant and 7 troopers to the rank of sergeants.
Governor Jack Markell, State Prosecutor Richard Andrews and the Honorable Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Lewis D. Schiliro will deliver remarks at the ceremony.
The following is a list of promotees:
LIEUTENANT COLONEL
PAIGE, JAMES
MAJOR
HUDSON, MONROE B. JR.
MCQUEEN, NATHANIEL
CAPTAIN
BAILEY, ALICE j.
HUKILL, MELISSA j.
LAYFIELD, RODNEY m.
ZEBLEY, MELISSA a.
LIEUTENANT
Bushweller, Joshua A.
Crotty, William D.
Hall, Daniel H.
SERGEANT
Disilvestro, Mentino M.
Laird, John J. Jr.
Mitchell, Ryan J.
Parks, Daniel J.
Taylor, Matthew J.
Windish, Gerald Jr.
Youngblood, Tracy L.
Location: WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY DOVER CAMPUS ON ROUTE 13, DOVER, Kent, DE
Date of Occurrence: MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009 AT 0900 HOURS.
Colonel Robert M. Coupe will promote a Deputy Superintendant and two majors to his Executive Staff. Colonel Coupe will also promote four lieutenants to the rank of captain, three sergeants to the rank of lieutenant and 7 troopers to the rank of sergeants.
Governor Jack Markell, State Prosecutor Richard Andrews and the Honorable Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Lewis D. Schiliro will deliver remarks at the ceremony.
The following is a list of promotees:
LIEUTENANT COLONEL
PAIGE, JAMES
MAJOR
HUDSON, MONROE B. JR.
MCQUEEN, NATHANIEL
CAPTAIN
BAILEY, ALICE j.
HUKILL, MELISSA j.
LAYFIELD, RODNEY m.
ZEBLEY, MELISSA a.
LIEUTENANT
Bushweller, Joshua A.
Crotty, William D.
Hall, Daniel H.
SERGEANT
Disilvestro, Mentino M.
Laird, John J. Jr.
Mitchell, Ryan J.
Parks, Daniel J.
Taylor, Matthew J.
Windish, Gerald Jr.
Youngblood, Tracy L.
Brooike Mulford Update
Days +7 & +8 Post Transplant
Friday 8/28 Day +7:
The good news, Brooke has an ANC of 40 which means that her cells from the transplant are starting to engraft. The bad news, she spiked a fever of 101.8. They took blood cultures to make sure that it is not a line infection (in her central line) and as of 24 hours nothing has grown in the cultures (they also do a 48 hour culture so please pray that nothing grows).
Brooke slept pretty much the entire day. She was only awake for about 10 minutes of Aunt Cheryl & Cassidy’s visit and didn’t even have the energy to play with Miss Sarah! I don’t think through the entire past 9 months that I have ever seen her feel so bad. Inside her mouth is awful looking (red & raw), she is just vomiting constantly, I think her entire body is hurting and she just doesn’t have an ounce of energy. I can’t even put into words how difficult it is to watch my baby going through all of this.
Saturday 8/29 Day +8:
This morning her counts indicated that she needed another platelet transfusion. She had a lot of blood in her vomit again and Grammy noticed purplish spots on her hands/wrists & top of her feet which the nurse & the resident both said was Petechiae and was caused by her low platelet count. Brooke seemed to be doing better for a couple hours in the early afternoon and even got out of bed and played on the mat on the floor. I had a wonderful visit with a great old friend, Linda. We walked across the street from the hospital to have lunch together and catch up.
God Bless,
Amy
P.S. – I would like to wish Susan Smith the best of luck with the Ironman Triathalon she is competing in Sunday (8/30) in Louisville, KY. Susan had a purple Neuroblastoma ribbon airbrushed on her arm and has pictures of Brooke on her bike to motivate her to persevere through the pain & struggles of the race! Maybe when she crosses the finish line she can do Brooke’s Cancer Dance! Go get ‘em Susan our prayers are with you!
Anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, click on the link below to see Brooke doing her Cancer Dance. It was videoed at Grammy’s house the night before she was admitted for her 1st Stem Cell Transplant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DpSSZC4rZE
57% Of Americans Would Like To Replace Entire Congress
If they could vote to keep or replace the entire Congress, just 25% of voters nationwide would keep the current batch of legislators.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% would vote to replace the entire Congress and start all over again. Eighteen percent (18%) are not sure how they would vote.
Overall, these numbers are little changed since last October. When Congress was passing the unpopular $700-billion bailout plan in the heat of a presidential campaign and a seeming financial industry meltdown, 59% wanted to throw them all out. At that time, just 17% wanted to keep them.
There has been a bit of a partisan shift since last fall. With Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress, it's not surprising to find that the number of Democrats who would vote to keep the entire Congress has grown from 25% last fall to 43% today. In fact, a modest plurality of Democrats would now vote to keep the legislators. Last fall, a plurality of Democrats were ready to throw them all out.
While Democrats have become more supportive of the legislators, voters not affiliated with either major party have moved in the opposite direction. Today, 70% of those not affiliated with either major party would vote to replace all of the elected politicians in the House and Senate. That's up from 62% last year.
Republicans, not surprisingly, overwhelmingly support replacing everyone in the Congress. Their views have not changed. But Republican voters are disenchanted with their team as much as the Congress itself: 69% of GOP Voters say Republicans in Congress are out of touch with the party base.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) now believe that members of Congress are overpaid. That's up 10 percentage points from last October. Just five percent (5%) think their Congress member is paid too little. Thirty percent (30%) think the pay is about right.
One reason for this attitude may be that most voters say they understand the health care legislation better than Congress. Just 22% think the legislature has a good understanding of the issue. Three-out-of-four (74%) trust their own economic judgment more than Congress.
Just 14% give Congress good or excellent review for their overall performance, while only 16% believe it’s Very Likely that Congress will address the most important problems facing our nation. Seventy-five percent (75%) say members of Congress are more interested in their own careers than they are in helping people. On the brighter side, just 37% say most in Congress have extramarital affairs.
Fifty-nine percent (59%) of Americans believe that when members of Congress meet with regulators and other government officials, they do so to help their friends and hurt their political opponents. Most believe that's why politicians are able to solicit contributions from business leaders. Most, however, say it's generally a good investment because political donors get more than their money's worth. Fifty-seven percent (57%) of American adults say political donors get more than their money back in terms of favors from members of Congress.
Despite these reviews, more than 90% of Congress routinely gets reelected every two years. It's a shock when any incumbent loses. One explanation for this phenomenon frequently heard in Washington, D.C. is that “people hate Congress but love their own congressman.
Voters have a different perspective, and 50% say 'rigged' election rules explain high reelection rate for Congress.
When the Constitution was written, the nation's founders expected that there would be a 50% turnover in the House of Representatives every election cycle. That was the experience they witnessed in state legislatures at the time (and most of the state legislatures offered just one-year terms). For well over 100 years after the Constitution was adopted, the turnover averaged in the 50% range as expected.
In the 20th century, turnover began to decline. As power and prestige flowed to Washington during the New Deal era, fewer and fewer members of Congress wanted to leave. In 1968, congressional turnover fell to single digits for the first time ever, and it has remained very low ever since.
Give Till It Hurts!
A driver is stuck in a traffic jam going into downtown Chicago . Nothing Is Moving north or south. Suddenly a man knocks on his window.
The driver rolls down his window and asks, 'What happened, what's the hold Up?'
'Terrorists have kidnapped Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton,Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Rosie O'Donnell, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. They are asking for a $10 Million ransom. Otherwise, they are going to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We are going from car to car, taking up a collection.'
The driver asks, 'On average, how much is everyone giving?'
'About a gallon'
The driver rolls down his window and asks, 'What happened, what's the hold Up?'
'Terrorists have kidnapped Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton,Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Rosie O'Donnell, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. They are asking for a $10 Million ransom. Otherwise, they are going to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We are going from car to car, taking up a collection.'
The driver asks, 'On average, how much is everyone giving?'
'About a gallon'
Mark Lloyd, New Czar, Attacks Conservative Radio By Proposing 100% Tax On Operating Costs
FCC’s Chief Diversity Officer Wants Private Broadcasters to Pay a Sum Equal to Their Total Operating Costs to Fund Public Broadcasting
By Matt Cover
Mark Lloyd, newly appointed Chief Diversity Officer of the Federal Communications Commission, has called for making private broadcasting companies pay licensing fees equal to their total operating costs to allow public broadcasting outlets to spend the same on their operations as the private companies do.
Lloyd presented the idea in his 2006 book, Prologue to a Farce: Communications and Democracy in America, published by the University of Illinois Press.
Lloyd’s hope is to dramatically upgrade and revamp the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through new funding drawn from private broadcasters.
The CPB is a non-profit entity that was created by Congress and that currently receives hundreds of millions of dollars in federal subsidies each year. In fiscal 2009, it is receiving an appropriation of $400 million.
“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) must be reformed along democratic lines and funded on a substantial level,” Lloyd wrote in his book.
“Federal and regional broadcast operations and local stations should be funded at levels commensurate with or above those spending levels at which commercial operations are funded,” Lloyd wrote. “This funding should come from license fees charged to commercial broadcasters. Funding should not come from congressional appropriations. Sponsorship should be prohibited at all public broadcasters.”
Along with this money, Lloyd would regulate much of the programming on these stations to make sure they focused on “diverse views” and government activities.
“Local public broadcasters and regional and national communications operations should be required to encourage and broadcast diverse views and programs,” wrote Lloyd. “These programs should include coverage of all local, state and federal government meetings, as well as daily news and public issues programming.
“In addition, educational programs for children and adults, and diverse, independent personal and cultural expression should be encouraged,” he wrote.
Dennis Wharton, Executive Vice President of Media Relations at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) told CNSNews.com that his organization, which represents radio and television broadcasters, supports public broadcasting, but that that support should come from the public in general not broadcasters alone.
“NAB supports federal funding for public broadcasting,” said Wharton. “However, we would oppose efforts to fund public broadcasting through fees assessed against free and local broadcasters who are experiencing the worst advertising recession in 50 years.”
Lloyd wrote Prologue to a Farce while a senior fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress. In that capacity, he co-authored the 2007 report The Structural Imbalance of Political Talk Radio, which concluded that 91% of talk radio programming is conservative and 9% is “progressive.”
The report argued that large corporate broadcasting networks had driven liberals off the radio, and that diversity of ownership would increase diversity of broadcasting voices.
Source
By Matt Cover
Mark Lloyd, newly appointed Chief Diversity Officer of the Federal Communications Commission, has called for making private broadcasting companies pay licensing fees equal to their total operating costs to allow public broadcasting outlets to spend the same on their operations as the private companies do.
Lloyd presented the idea in his 2006 book, Prologue to a Farce: Communications and Democracy in America, published by the University of Illinois Press.
Lloyd’s hope is to dramatically upgrade and revamp the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through new funding drawn from private broadcasters.
The CPB is a non-profit entity that was created by Congress and that currently receives hundreds of millions of dollars in federal subsidies each year. In fiscal 2009, it is receiving an appropriation of $400 million.
“The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) must be reformed along democratic lines and funded on a substantial level,” Lloyd wrote in his book.
“Federal and regional broadcast operations and local stations should be funded at levels commensurate with or above those spending levels at which commercial operations are funded,” Lloyd wrote. “This funding should come from license fees charged to commercial broadcasters. Funding should not come from congressional appropriations. Sponsorship should be prohibited at all public broadcasters.”
Along with this money, Lloyd would regulate much of the programming on these stations to make sure they focused on “diverse views” and government activities.
“Local public broadcasters and regional and national communications operations should be required to encourage and broadcast diverse views and programs,” wrote Lloyd. “These programs should include coverage of all local, state and federal government meetings, as well as daily news and public issues programming.
“In addition, educational programs for children and adults, and diverse, independent personal and cultural expression should be encouraged,” he wrote.
Dennis Wharton, Executive Vice President of Media Relations at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) told CNSNews.com that his organization, which represents radio and television broadcasters, supports public broadcasting, but that that support should come from the public in general not broadcasters alone.
“NAB supports federal funding for public broadcasting,” said Wharton. “However, we would oppose efforts to fund public broadcasting through fees assessed against free and local broadcasters who are experiencing the worst advertising recession in 50 years.”
Lloyd wrote Prologue to a Farce while a senior fellow at the liberal Center for American Progress. In that capacity, he co-authored the 2007 report The Structural Imbalance of Political Talk Radio, which concluded that 91% of talk radio programming is conservative and 9% is “progressive.”
The report argued that large corporate broadcasting networks had driven liberals off the radio, and that diversity of ownership would increase diversity of broadcasting voices.
Source