Lost Cat

Hi Joe.

I am really hoping that you can help me. My cat Spanky was lost in the Johnson Lake Community within the last two weeks. He is an inside/outside cat, and loves to be around people and other animals. He is approximately 3 years old, and is a fixed male cat. I have checked everywhere to no avail. I know the picture is not that great. Can you please ask your readers that if they have seen my Spanky, to contact me at 410-251-1066. Thank you so much!!! Anne

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 17, 2009, Detectives traveled to Tulsa, OK to serve an arrest warrant on Kyle Lee Theil, 31yoa of Joplin, MO. Theil is accused of committing Rape in the 2nd Degree and Assault in the 2nd Degree from an incident that reportedly occurred on or about March 25, 2006 at a residence in the 400 block of W College Ave. The suspect, at the time of the alleged crime, was a member of the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA. Theil was transported to Central Booking to await a bond review. #200600009579


Ruben William Jones, 69yoa of Salisbury, MD was arrested on November 17, 2009 for Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Officers were on patrol in the area of Delaware Ave and West Main St and observed Jones consuming an alcoholic beverage in violation of city ordinance. Jones was stopped and consented to a search of his person by the officers who located the contraband in his pants pocket. Jones was arrested and transported to Central Booking to await a bond review.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY BRINGS FY2010 SPENDING REDUCTIONS TO OVER $1 BILLION

Budget actions maintain Triple A bond rating; Protect public education, public safety, and jobs

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 18, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley introduced more than $360 million in budget actions before the Board of Public Works today, bringing total spending reductions for FY2010 thus far to over $1 billion. Today’s actions bring General Fund spending to $500 million less than it was three years ago, as Maryland continues to manage this national recession in a way that maintains the Triple A Bond rating and protects our core priorities of public education, public safety and jobs.

A complete list of budget actions is available here.

A summary of total budget actions is available here.

“These have not been easy decisions, but they have been necessary decisions to balance our State’s budget, and get our state through this recession more quickly and stronger than other states,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our citizens expect and deserve a government that works, and in spite of the most severe recession in a generation we’ve been working to reform our State government to make more efficient and effective.”

In the past three years, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has implemented $4.6 billion in budget cuts and spending reductions, including the elimination of more than 3,300 state positions.

Governor O’Malley once again held public education harmless in this round of budget cuts, noting Maryland’s nationally ranked number one public schools and the need to invest in our schools even in difficult times. General Fund support for K-12 education in FY2010 will exceed FY07 spending by almost $700 million.

Of the FY2010 budget actions, six of every ten dollars have come from reforming state agencies. Among today reductions were efforts to continue reforming our State government to make it more efficient and effective, including the suspension of non-essential vehicle purchases and reducing out-of-state travel for state employees. In addition, the State Highway Administration will reduce operating hours for five of 12 SHA-operated rest areas. An additional rest area will close during the winter months, and the rest area at US 219 at Keyser’s Ridge will close permanently.

Additionally, Governor O’Malley introduced $11 million in savings from efforts to ensure that only people who are eligible for Medicaid receive Medicaid services, and by scaling back unnecessary services; $500,000 in savings from negotiating lower prices with venders; and $3 million in savings from streamlining operations and consolidating functions across our government.

With today’s reductions, the O’Malley-Brown Administration maintains its commitment to fiscal responsibility by preserving the Rainy Day Fund at the mandated five percent of General Fund Revenues. Maryland remains one of only seven states to defend the coveted Triple A bond rating certified by all three bond rating agencies. In reaffirming this top ranked status, Standard & Poor’s wrote in October that Maryland “has proactively responded to [a] recent structural budget imbalance.” And the rating agency Fitch noted that “the state has taken prompt and repeated action to preserve operating balance….”

Be Aware Of Telephone Scams

The OCPD Public Affairs Office was recently informed of an attempted telephone scam involving an individual who claimed to work for Walmart. The person explained to the victim that they had won a large sum of money, as well as an all expense paid trip and all they had to do was give their credit card information to receive their price!! Luckily, the victim in this instance knew better then to fall for this attempted scam!! Here are a few great tips to assure that you do not fall for a telephone scam:

Recognize & Report Phone Fraud

Telemarketing fraud is a multi-billion dollar business in the United States. Every year, thousands of consumers lose as little as a few dollars to as much as their life savings to telephone con artists.
That’s why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) encourages you to be skeptical when you hear a phone solicitation and to be aware of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, a law that can help you protect yourself from abusive and deceptive telemarketers.

Unlike most other crimes, telemar­keting fraud requires one essential element: victim participation. We’re all potential targets, because fraud isn’t limited by race, ethnic back­ground, gender, age, education, or income. But, if you’re age 60 or older, you may be a special target for people who sell bogus products and services by phone. The best way to protect yourself is to know the dif­ferences between legitimate offers and fraudulent ones.

How Telemarketers Contact You Cold Calls. Operators may get your number from a telephone directory, a mailing list, or what fraudsters call a “sucker list.” Sucker lists contain information about people who have responded to previous telemarketing solicita­tions, like their name, phone number, and how much money they spent. The lists are bought and sold by promoters. They are invaluable to scam artists, who believe that consumers who have been deceived once are vulnerable to additional scams.

Direct Mail. You may get a letter or postcard saying you’ve won a prize or a contest. This often is a front for a scam. The instructions tell you to respond to the promot­er with certain information. If you do, you’ll be called by some­one who may use persuasive sales pitches, scare tactics, and false claims to deceive you and take your money.

Broadcast and Print Advertisements. You may place a call in response to a television, newspaper, or magazine advertise­ment. The fact that you initiate the call doesn’t mean the business is legitimate or that you should be less cautious about buying or investing on the phone.

The Hooks Prize Offers. You usually have to do something to get your “free” prize, like attend a sales presenta­tion, buy something, pay a fee, or give out a credit card number. But the prizes are worthless or overpriced.

Travel Packages. “Free” or “low cost” vacations can end up cost­ing a bundle in hidden costs. You may pay a high price for some part of the package — like hotel or airfare. The total cost may run two to three times more than what you’d expect to pay, or what you were led to believe. Some “bargain” vacations may never happen at all.

Investments. People lose millions of dollars each year to “get rich quick” schemes that promise high returns with little or no risk. These can include movies or cable television production deals, Internet gambling, rare coins, art, or other “investment opportunities.” The schemes vary, but one thing is consistent: Unscrupulous promoters of invest­ment fraud rely on the fact that investing may be complicated, and many people don’t research the investment process.

Charities. Con artists often push you for an immediate gift, but won’t send written information so you can check them out. They also may try to confuse you by using names that sound like well-known charitable organizations or even law enforcement agencies.

Reloading Scams. If you buy into any of the above scams, you’re likely to be called again by some­one promising to get your money back. Be careful not to lose more money to this common practice. Even law enforcement officials can’t guarantee they’ll recover your money.

Foreign Lotteries. Scam operators — often based in Canada — are using the telephone and direct mail to entice U.S. consumers to buy chances in high-stakes for­eign lotteries from as far away as Australia and Europe. These lot­tery solicitations violate U.S. law, which prohibits the cross-border sale or purchase of lottery tickets by phone or mail. And you may never see a ticket.

Medical Discounts. If you’re considering signing up for a medical discount plan, be aware of scam artists who are reportedly contacting seniors claiming to represent providers. All they really want is your personal information so they can commit financial fraud.

“Expiring” car warranties. Scammers find out what kind of car you drive, and when you bought it, so they can pitch overpriced — or worthless — extended car warranties.
REMEMBER THESE "TIP-OFF" PHRASES:

If you hear these — or similar — "lines" from a telephone salesperson, just say "no thank you," and hang up the phone.

"You've been specially selected to hear this offer."

"You'll get a wonderful free bonus if you buy our product."

"You've won one of five valuable prizes."

"You've won big money in a foreign lottery."

"You must send money right away."

"This investment is low risk and provides a higher return than you can get anywhere else."

"You have to make up your mind right away."

"You don't need to check our company with anyone"- including your family, lawyer, accountant, local Better Business Bureau, or consumer protection agency.

"We'll just put the shipping and handling charges on your credit card."

"You don't need any written information about our company or references."

How Can You Protect Yourself?
Don’t be pressured to make an immediate decision.
Don’t give your credit card, checking account, or Social Security number to unknown callers.
Don’t pay for something merely because you’ll get a “free gift.”
Get all information in writing before you agree to buy.
Check out a charity before you give. Ask how much of your donation actually goes to the charity. Ask that written informa­tion be sent to you so you can make an informed giving decision.
Don’t invest your money with an unknown caller who insists you make up your mind immediately.
If the offer is an investment, check with your state securities regulator to see if it’s properly registered.

Don’t send cash by messenger or overnight mail. If you use cash rather than a credit card in the transaction, you may lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges.

Make sure you know the per minute charge for any 900-num­ber call you make.
Don’t agree to any offer where you have to pay a “registration” or “shipping fee” to receive a prize or a gift. If you have to pay, it’s a purchase — not a prize or a gift.
Don’t confirm your account information over the phone or by email. Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They’re trying to get you to say “okay” so they can claim you approved a charge.

Check out unsolicited offers with the Better Business Bureau, local consumer protection agency, or state Attorney General’s office before you agree to send money.

Beware of offers to “help” you recover money you may have lost previously. Be wary of callers say­ing they are law enforcement officers who will help you get your money back “for a fee.”

Don’t be afraid to say “no thanks” and hang up the phone

If you don’t want a business to call you again, say so. If they call back, they’re breaking the law.

Salvation Army Overrun With Bell-Ringer Applicants

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Salvation Army in Grand Junction, Colo., says it has received 150 applications for 30 jobs that pay $8 an hour and often are filled by disabled residents or the homeless. KUSA-TV's Chris Vanderveen reports.

If you are not familiar as to how I got started with the Salvation Army, allow me a moment to explain. Last year I received word that Mr. Kenny Townsend, (convicted of stealing from the Wicomico County Landfill) was actually out ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. This was done through the Wicomico Detention Center Work Release Program.

I, (like many of you) was outraged. Here was a guy who had just participated in a huge theft scheme being paid to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. The reason for such was simply based on the fact that the Salvation Army could not get enough volunteers to help them with their campaign.

I knew that if I had exposed this on Salisbury News there was a good chance Warden Devanins would pull the plug on ANY Work Release people, so I committed to filling ALL of their spaces, should the Warden pull such a stunt. Well, that's exactly what happened. The Warden immediately eliminated ALL of their people from ringing the bells and I chose to fulfill my commitment and I started ringing the bells.

I then reached out through Salisbury News, (after learning they had a ton of open slots) and YOU came to the rescue. Last year you were able to volunteer so much that every location was filled and the local Salvation Army raised more money then they had ever raised in any given year than in the past 50 years. It was a glorious year and I was so fortunate to meet so many of you and put faces to so many names I hadn't seen before.

By volunteering, this allows that much more money to go towards helping the needy this year. Even if it's an hour, we need your help.

If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464). Thank you, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.

10-Year-Old Is Tasered By Officer In Arkansas

Police report calls it 'very, very brief' stun to get her into patrol car

OZARK, Ark. - Ozark Police Chief Jim Noggle says one of his officers used a Taser on a 10-year-old girl who was combative when the officer tried to get the girl into a patrol car to be taken to a youth shelter.

Noggle said Tuesday that officer Dustin Bradshaw went to the girl's home after her mother called police woman called police.

According to a report filed by Bradshaw on Thursday, the officer found the girl on the floor of the house screaming and crying. She refused to follow her mother's instructions and the mother told Bradshaw to use his Taser.

GO HERE to read more.

Kratovil Introduces AMERICA Works Act

Legislation will strengthen manufacturing in the United States and create jobs.

Washington, DC – This week, Rep. Frank Kratovil joined fellow freshman legislators Rep. Walt Minnick (ID), Rep. Debbie Halvorson (IL), and Rep. Bobby Bright (AL) in introducing H.R. 4072, the AMERICA Works Act.

The AMERICA (American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment and Collaboration Act) Works Act will help to develop and strengthen the technical workforce to attract advanced manufacturing enterprises to the United States in order to create good, middle-class jobs in smaller regional economies like those in Maryland’s First Congressional District.

“This bill will help train students for the jobs of the twenty-first century. They will be better prepared to enter emerging fields and have the skills associated with a more modern workforce,” said Rep. Kratovil. “When we train individuals and give them the tools they need to succeed not only do we give them a better shot at competing in the workforce but we give our entire economy a shot in the arm and produce an American workforce better prepared to compete in the globalized economy.”

“In tough economic times with high unemployment and the loss of jobs, it is difficult to focus on workforce skills development. In reality, we have no better time. True economic reform means not only righting our economic ship but also pursuing the strategies that will ensure we maintain our manufacturing competitiveness and provide the best possible pathways to employment in high quality, middle class jobs for all workers. We commend Congressman Kratovil and his colleagues for introducing this bill which will help ensure both new and transitioning workers have the education and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century manufacturing economy,” said Emily Stover DeRocco, President of the Manufacturing Institute and Senior Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers.

The legislation would direct the use of public funds for designated programs to prepare participants with the foundational skills necessary to obtain jobs and begin careers in the 21st century economy.

The public investment will focus on developing skills and industry recognized credentials for workers who need to improve or obtain employment, lost their job and need to return to the work force, recently separated from the military and are entering the civilian work force, moving off of unemployment or public assistance, and young people in search of their first job

Street Drugs Exposed Seminar 11/13 - 11/14 At The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

As a member of the professional dental community and the parent of an adolescent, I want to express how proud I am to have had Dr. Hal Crossley invited to the shore to educate so many professionals and parents about the 'ins and outs' and dangers of street drugs and their affects on our kids.

The efforts of the Eastern Shore Dental Society, especially those of Dr. Charles Brenner, Dr. Rick Dawson, Dr. Greg Allen and Dr. Donald Tilghman, to provide us with such a prestigious, informative and organized program made the event a huge success. Congratulations to all of them for a job well done!

"1776 Faith" Book By Phil Webster

Joe:

The following is an article about the book I have just recently published through Xulon Press entitled 1776 Faith:


If you have ever read or heard that the Founding Fathers were all deists and atheists, something inside told you that did not sound right. Phil Webster has researched the 25 volumes of Letters of the Delegates [of Continental Congress] 1774-1789 and 34 volumes of Journals of Continental Congress. His research has led to his new book, 1776 Faith: The Christian Worldview of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. His book 1776 Faith shows the Christian worldview of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, other Founders, the days of prayer for the country, the original state constitutions which had a place for God, instances of Divine Providence on the young nation, the Christian colleges of the era, the effect of the Great Awakening on the Founders and the Christian music of the era.

There will be a booksigning at Jack's Religious Gift Shop (Snow Hill Road in Salisbury, Maryland) on Saturday, Noivember 28, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Xulon Press http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781615794157

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/1776-Faith-Phil-Webster/dp/1615794158/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258556789&sr=1-1

Barnes and Noble http://search.barnesandnoble.com/1776-Faith/Phil-Webster/e/9781615794157/?itm=1&usri=1776+Faith

Books a Million http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781615794157?id=4585569694577


Phil Webster
Hebron, MD 21830

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Have you looked at the charts we've been providing for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign!

The slots are filling up and we're so proud to publish these updates with your company names on them for the next month and a half.

Bell Ringing starts in just TWO DAYS! That's right, this Friday many locations get started and we need your help Folks. In the past 50 years the Salvation Army had to pay Bell Ringers and this took away from the money they could use to help literally thousands of Families right here on the Eastern Shore.

This is worth repeating. I believe the Salvation Army feeds some 8,000 Families over Thanksgiving and Christmas. They also provide gifts for these same individuals and this year the list has grown even more. Times are very tough right now and with your help, your donated time, we can fulfill so many children's dreams of a gift under the tree for Christmas.

Not ONE single gift says Salvation Army on them. These gifts are picked up by the Parents and they children are told it was brought by Santa.

Please consider giving an hour of your time this year to volunteer and ring the bell at a convenient location to you. Believe me when I tell you, you'll enjoy that time more so than any other time throughout the Holidays.

If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464). Thank you, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.

POLLITT ABSENT AT WICOMICO COUNCIL’S BUDGET WORK SESSION

Yesterday the Wicomico County Council conducted a work session on Rick Pollitt’s proposed budget cuts but without the presence of the big guy, who called in sick. Very little was accomplished. It appears that the budget cuts will not be adopted until sometime after Thanksgiving and probably well afterwards.

At the meeting it became even clearer that Pollitt and his brain trust (Ted Shea and others) do not intend to eliminate any employee positions in the County’s budget – the concept to avoid that is to further reduce the reserve funds, instead. Several members of the Council are concerned about continuing to deplete the County’s “savings accounts” to address an endemic economic situation instead of adopting a long term solution. In less than six months, the County will be engaged in doing the next annual budget, but with even less reserve funds if Pollitt’s plan prevails.

You have to wonder if he is capable of appropriate action to balance the County’s current budget, much less future ones, unless the Council does it for him. But, given the current members, that may not happen now or then.

It’s no wonder that people are saying, with feeling, “DON’T TOUCH THE TAX CAP”.

TEMCO & Delmarva Power Wash Fine Companies To Work With

As mentioned last week, Code & Compliance suggested we consider removing the green stuff on the side of our building at 300 W./ Main Street in Downtown Salisbury. We made contact with TEMCO and they came in right away with Delmarva Power Wash and got the job done.

I just want to assure everyone that Joe Albero will do whatever it takes to do the right thing and I wanted to thank these two companies for not only doing a very fine job, I also want to thank them for getting the job done so quick.

I'm confident at this very moment that Mr. Stevenson is looking at this Post with a smile on his face knowing we have complied with their wishes. It must be noted by all, they did not write me up. They simply suggested it and because these companies were also working with the old Feldman's Building we were able to grant their wish.

Downtown 3rd Friday Event This Weekend

Have you attended one of these events yet? While it's a different approach to revitalizing and promoting the Downtown area, are there just a select group of people attending, or do you truly have an interest in attending?

I recently learned that the Director of Urban Salisbury was overheard stating a new Market was coming to Salisbury. Considering they are filing for Grants to improve the Downtown area, you'd think this would be a prime location to once again attempt to rebuild Downtown and spark some new interest.

However, when asked where Urban Salisbury planned to put this new Downtown Market they were shocked to hear their reply. They said, it's not going Downtown, we want it to survive.

Oh, yeah, this is where you insert foot in mouth.................

Joe Albero For Mayor Of Delmar?

Hardly! However, one woman told me last night her Husband wrote in Joe Albero for Mayor. Someone else wrote in Daffy Duck too.

Here's the deal though. In my opinion, last night's election said one thing, the citizens of Delmar are in fact looking for change. Tom McGuire did get 70 votes to Doug Niblet's 104 votes. Both men spent quite a bit of time knocking on doors and selling their ideas on Delmar's future.

While I firmly believe Tom McGuire is not what Delmar needs, a more stable candidate could have taken this race. I did call it, this was a record turn out for voters and I have to agree with both candidates, a 10% voter turn out absolutely sucks.

So what's the real problem with the Eastern Shore and the severely low voter turn out. Is it the fact that most everyone is sick and tired of the crooked politics?

Since we have the ability to write in here under anonymous, tell us why you didn't get out and vote. It doesn't have to be just Delmar residents doing so. We'd like to know what turns so many, (90%) off from your God Given Right to vote. Do 90% of the people out there hate our Military? Do they not recognize millions of brave men and women have fought and risked their lives to gift each and every one of you with the gift of voting.

Nevertheless, Congratulations to Doug Niblet.

Celibacy

Celibacy can be a choice in life or a condition imposed by circumstances.

While attending a Marriage Encounter weekend, Bob and his wife Patricia listened to the instructor declare, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other."

He addressed the men, "Can you name and describe your wife's favorite flower?" Bob leaned over, touched Patricia's arm gently and whispered, "It's Pillsbury All-Purpose, isn't it?"

And thus began Bob's life of celibacy.

Third Friday - Christmas Tree Lighting

SHA New Striping On Rt. 50 & Mill St.

Joe,

I was coming in to work this morning and couldn’t help but notice the SHA has re-striped Route 50 at Mill Street when they did the bridge repair this past weekend. They did such a fine job I wanted to send you a picture of their work.

Analysis: Obama's China Trip Shows Power Shifting

BEIJING

President Barack Obama's first visit to China underscored a shifting balance of power: two giants moving closer to being equals.

In this week's choreographed show of U.S.-Chinese good will, Obama's pledge to treat China as a trusted global partner won a return promise of shared effort on world troubles -- but not much else.

Standing stiffly together in the Great Hall of the People after a morning of talks, Obama and President Hu Jintao talked expansively Tuesday of common burdens and joint efforts on global warming, nuclear disarmament, the anemic economy and other big issues. They dealt coolly with differences over human rights and trade, leaving them out of public view or reserved for coded language.

Their first formal summit featured none of the rancor that spoiled many previous summits between the nations. If there was any pressure on Beijing to make immediate concessions, neither leader let on.

But Obama went into the meetings with a weaker hand than most past presidents. The battering that economic recession and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have given U.S. prestige is felt nowhere more keenly than in a China that is busily growing and accruing global clout.

"The U.S. has a lot to ask from China," said Xue Chen, a researcher on strategic affairs at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies. "On the other hand, the U.S. has little to offer China."

Obama's outreach here continued the type of pragmatic bridge-building he has used in Europe and the Middle East in hopes of earning goodwill that will produce payoffs down the road.

In China, though, the challenge is of a different magnitude. The Chinese government is America's biggest foreign creditor, with $800 billion of federal U.S. debt that gives it extraordinary power in the relationship. Its military buildup is rubbing up against America's influence in Asia. And Beijing feels the global recession, sparked by U.S. financial industry excesses, vindicates its authoritarian leadership.

GO HERE to read more.

Colorado Moves To Tax Medical Marijuana

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. on Tuesday directed the state's medical-marijuana dispensaries to pay sales tax and obtain retail-sales licenses, bringing the once-taboo product closer to mainstream respectability.
Colorado is now the second state, behind California, to tax and regulate medical-marijuana sales, a move that comes on the heels of the Obama administration's decision in October to leave enforcement of laws governing medical marijuana to the states.
The governor announced his decision after Colorado Attorney General John Suthers issued a statement Monday saying that medical marijuana is "tangible property that is generally subject to state sales tax." The opinion was issued in response to a query from Mr. Ritter, a Democrat.
Advocates of medical marijuana applauded the move in the hope that it would remove the social stigma attached to marijuana use and bring order and oversight to the fast-growing but still nascent business.
Todd Davis, president of Colorado Medical Marijuana, a referral and registration service, said the Obama administration's announcement pushed the industry into overdrive.
"It's amazing. [The dispensaries] are popping up everywhere," Mr. Davis said. "We're getting 25 calls a week with people wanting to start up a dispensary or become a caregiver. That's what alarmed all the politicians in Colorado - they threw this in our lap and we've got to find some form of regulation here."
Ritter spokesman Evan Dreyer said that some dispensaries were already paying sales tax, but the attorney general's opinion makes it clear that the practice needs to be uniform. Some pharmaceutical products are not subject to sales tax.
"The [attorney general's] opinion clears that up and the Department of Revenue will be sending a letter to the dispensaries to inform them of the opinion," Mr. Dreyer said.
Then there's the money. Adding medical marijuana to the list of taxable items is expected to boost revenue at a time when state finances are struggling.
Colorado has an estimated 100 "brick-and-mortar" dispensaries, namely those that operate from storefronts. At least 1,000 individuals are listed as medical-marijuana caregivers who deliver the product to patients and would be subject to the sales tax as well.
Mark Couch, legislative liaison for the Colorado Department of Revenue, said that the agency has reviewed the records of 60 dispensaries and found that 29 were paying sales tax.
Colorado Sen. Chris Romer, a Democrat, estimated that the state could collect up to $15 million a year on the sales, and that communities could collect an additional $45 million a year through city and county taxes, according to the Associated Press. Mr. Romer said he plans to introduce legislation in January that would require dispensaries to buy licenses and pay the state's 2.9 percent sales tax.
In California, an estimated $200 million in medical-marijuana sales are subject to the state sales tax of 8.25 percent, yielding about $16.5 million in revenue annually.
Some cities have jumped on the revenue bandwagon by adding municipal taxes. Earlier this year, Oakland approved a 1.8 percent city tax on medical cannabis sales. Denver also plans to collect a city sales tax on medical marijuana starting in December.
That's OK with Dale Gieringer, director of California's National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
"Now people have a place they can go where they're accountable, they employ people, they pay sales tax, they even pay health insurance," Mr. Gieringer said. "Contrary to the predictions of our opponents, the sky has not fallen."
Fourteen states have legalized medical marijuana, but California and Colorado are unique in their use of storefront dispensaries. Three other states - Maine, New Mexico and Rhode Island - are now moving to license providers, said Bruce Mirken, a spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project.
"Certainly California and Colorado are the only states where it's happening on a large scale," Mr. Mirken said.
The announcement drew little protest among state officials. Colorado voters approved medical-marijuana use in 2000 with the passage of Amendment 20.
"If we're going to follow the spirit of the voters who approved medical marijuana but did not legalize marijuana, then we have to recognize that it's a product with a medical purpose," said state Sen. Greg Brophy, a Republican.

From The Washington Times

Stock Futures Little Changed As Dollar Drops

Reports due on Consumer Price Index, housing starts and building permits

NEW YORK - Stock futures are little changed ahead of Wednesday's opening as investors await a new report on the housing market and the dollar resumed its slide.

Overseas, Asian markets declined while European markets were trading higher.

Investors are setting their sights on the housing sector, after retailers took center stage the past two days. A new report on housing starts and building permits is due to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.

GO HERE to read more.

What Health Care Reform Means For: Medicare Programs

Nov. 17: This post has been updated.

Using results from a questionnaire we did with American Public Media’s Public Insight Network, we’re looking at how the proposed health care reforms will actually affect people facing common health care coverage situations. This is the third in a series (Part 1, Part 2).

Medicare Advantage has been a major flash point in the health care reform debate, giving fodder to opponents of reform who say that Medicare would be cut to pay for the proposals. Our analysis of the impact of reforms on one very satisfied Medicare Advantage member finds the changes would be a loss for many seniors, but a win for taxpayers.

About Medicare Advantage: The elderly can participate either in traditional Medicare, which is administered by the government, or in Medicare Advantage, which subsidizes managed care plans administered by private insurance companies.

What health care reform could mean for Graydon Decamp…

Source

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On November 15, 2009 at approximately 9:52 pm Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to the Beauty Element Company on North Salisbury Boulevad for the report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival the officers met with employees of the business who advised that they had witnessed the below listed suspect destroy a window of the business with a large rock. The suspect did not take any property from the business. The witnesses advised that after breaking the window the suspect fled from the business, north on North Salisbury Boulevard. The suspect was located by the responding officers and identified by the witnesses.

ARRESTED: Brian Smalls Wallace, 42 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Fourth degree burglary
Attempted fourth degree burglary
Malicious destruction of property

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900040740

On November 16, 2009 at approximately 5:00 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police Department received a call to respond to a residence on the two hundred (200) block of Maryland Avenue for the report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival the officers met with an adult female victim who advised that she had become involved in a domestic argument with the below listed suspect. The argument escalated and resulted in the suspect striking the victim in the head and face several times causing an injury to the victim’s left eye. Upon arrest it was found that the suspect was also wanted on an outstanding Dorchester County arrest warrant for assault and a Dorchester County District Court Bench Warrant for failing to appear in court.

ARRESTED: Randolph Carlton Young, 47 years of age
Salisbury, Maryland

CHARGES: Second degree assault
Arrest Warrant – Second degree assault
Dorchester Co. District Court Bench Warrant-
Failure to appear in court

DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 200900040761/200900040762/200900040763

The Front Fell Off

Tilghman Against The People

Red Kettle Campaign - UPDATE

If you'd like to volunteer for a slot at any of the above locations please, send your request to ringabell4tsa@verizon.net or call Kettle Campaign Headquarters 410-749-RING (7464). Thank you, to all that have so generously volunteered their time to this worthwhile campaign.

Maryland State Police Berlin Barracks

Time: 11/18/2009 @ 0117 hours
Case #: 09-96-007827
Location: W/B Rt. 50 @ Golf Course Road, Ocean City, Worcester County, MD
Crime: Second degree assault, resisting arrest.
Victim: TFC. Hayman
Accused: Corey Patrice Johnson

Narrative: On above date and time, TFC. Hayman was assisting TPR. Choma with a DUI arrest. The passenger of the vehicle, Corey Johnson became belligerent and attempted to assault TFC. Hayman by trying to hit him. He attempted to place the suspect under arrest at which time she kicked him numerous times on the shine with high heel boots. The suspect was extremely intoxicated and was placed under arrest and charged with second degree assault and resisting arrest.
Disposition: Taken before the Worcester County Commissioner.

Time: 11/15/2009 @ 1954 hours
Case #: 0996-007775
Location: 11410 Maid At Arms Lane
Crime: Burglary
Victim: State of Maryland
Accused: UNKNOWN

Narrative: On above date and time the Maryland State Police Barrack “V” Berlin received a call from Alarm Engineering in reference to a residential Burglary Alarm at the above location.(The residence was vacant) Upon Troopers arrival they discovered that unknown suspects gained entry after breaking out a rear glass door to a lower level room. It was discovered that two flat screen televisions were removed along with other electronics. A Crime Scene Technician from Worcester County Bureau of Investigation responded to process the residence. Investigation continues.

Disposition: Case assigned to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation

Caption This Photo

Christmas With A Capital "C"

Editorial: From Copenhagen To Nopenhagen For Climate Treaty

In a major blow to the campaign against the presumed threat of global warming, world leaders acknowledge that a legally binding global treaty won't be approved at next month's 192-nation climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The concession Sunday significantly delays U.N. efforts to orchestrate a treaty to limit greenhouse gases to replace the Kyoto treaty, which expires in 2012. Nations like the United States and poorer nations share the blame for the missed deadline. Their concerns are similar to our own.

Developed nations are reluctant to limit domestic greenhouse gas emissions for fear of harming their already slumping economies. They also resist subsidizing poorer nations' efforts. Meanwhile, developing nations, like China and India, refuse to adopt restrictions unless wealthier nations like the U.S. compensate them for the cost.

This could be a long-term standoff. It's an understandably worldwide reluctance to commit what increasingly looked like economic suicide.

The proposed 20-percent greenhouse-gas reduction by 2020 would mean the U.S. returning to 1977 emission levels. That would "radically change both the U.S. economy and our personal lives," according to the National Center for Policy Analysis, a nonprofit organization of energy and environmental policy experts and scientists.

"Car and truck miles traveled would have to be reduced by one-third (or fuel efficiency improved by one-third, difficult to achieve in 10 years), which would seriously reduce travel and transportation, and likely force changes in automobile design that consumers would not like," the NCPA says. The amount of coal burned to create electricity would have to be cut in half without feasible alternatives to pick up the slack.

Such concerns so far block congressional efforts. Senators from industrial, carbon-emitting states are reluctant to impose regulations that will put their constituencies at an economic disadvantage.

"If we passed a bill that the rest of the world didn't follow," observed Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, "then Uncle Sam could soon become Uncle Sucker and export all of our jobs to China."

The House has passed greenhouse gas legislation, but a Senate bill is stalled. Backers concede it won't be approved this year as intended. Advocates hope to bring that bill to a vote in the spring, keeping as much distance as possible between the vote and November's congressional elections. Growing public skepticism and a slow-to-recover economy could threaten voter backlash.

The latest poll by Rasmussen Reports shows 47 percent of voters believe global warming is caused primarily by long-term planetary trends, not human activity. Thirty-seven percent say warming is manmade.

There is a potential complication. The Obama administration has readied the Environmental Protection Agency to enact Draconian greenhouse gas regulations without congressional approval, partly as leverage to force congressional action. Would the government move ahead administratively to show other countries that the U.S. is serious? Perhaps. But that still wouldn't satisfy developing nations' demands for financial compensation, and it could mean a public backlash against the White House, rather than to congressional candidates. Our hope is that these unwise, economy-dampening and freedom-restricting efforts remain stalled.

Source

The Fix

There recently was an article in the St. Petersburg Fl. Times. The Business
Section asked readers for ideas on: "How Would You Fix the Economy?"

I think this guy nailed it!

Dear Mr. President,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America 's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan. You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new American CAR. Forty million cars ordered - Auto Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage - Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes...

Mr. President, while you're at it, make Congress retire on Social Security and
Medicare. I'll bet both programs would be fixed pronto!

If you think this would work, please forward to everyone you know.

Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

To Purchase Photos Email Me At ksphoebus@gmail.com

New Political Cuss Word

Years ago when I sometimes used unsavory language, I often used the expression "Bull****."

As I grew up a bit and discovered it was not necessary to use such crude language, that

expression became "BS."

What did I really mean when I used those expressions? I meant that something was ridiculous, or idiotic or a half truth or just stupid. It covered any number of negative formats. The dictionary defines it as: nonsense; especially : foolish insolent talk...

I have decided that I no longer will use either of those expressions in the future. When I have a need to express such feelings, I will use the word "Pelosi." Let me use it in a sentence. "That's just a bunch of Pelosi.." I encourage you to do the same. It is such a nasty sounding word, it really packs a punch, we are no longer being vulgar, and it clearly expresses our feelings. If enough of us use it, perhaps the word could be entered into the dictionary. When on a ranch watch your step and don't step in Pelosi. It will get on the bottom of your boot and won't go away until next election. What a fitting and descriptive legacy for the Speaker of the House!


PASS IT ON TO AT LEAST 10,000,000 PEOPLE. DO NOT BREAK THIS CHAIN OR YOU WILL GET MORE PELOSI THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A BULL AT.

Especially if the "Barrack" hits the fan...

ALL EUROPEAN LIFE DIED IN AUSCHWITZ

The following is a copy of an article written by Spanish writer Sebastian Vilar Rodrigez and published in a Spanish newspaper on Jan. 15 2008. It doesn't take much imagination to extrapolate the message to the rest of Europe - and possibly to the rest of the world.


I walked down the street in Barcelona, and suddenly discovered a terrible truth - Europe died in Auschwitz.. We killed six million Jews and replaced them with 20 million Muslims. In Auschwitz we burned a culture, thought, creativity, talent. We destroyed the chosen people, truly chosen, because they produced great and wonderful people who changed the world.

The contribution of this people is felt in all areas of life: science, art, international trade, and above all, as the conscience of the world. These are the people we burned.

And under the pretense of tolerance, and because we wanted to prove to ourselves that we were cured of the disease of racism, we opened our gates to 20 million Muslims, who brought us stupidity and ignorance, religious extremism and lack of tolerance, crime and poverty, due to an unwillingness to work and support their families with pride.

They have blown up our trains and turned our beautiful Spanish cities into the third world, drowning in filth and crime.

Shut up in the apartments they receive free from the government, they plan the murder and destruction of their naive hosts.

And thus, in our misery, we have exchanged culture for fanatical hatred, creative skill for destructive skill, intelligence for backwardness and superstition.

We have exchanged the pursuit of peace of the Jews of Europe and their talent for for a better future for their children, their determined clinging to life because life is holy, for those who pursue death, for people consumed by the desire for death for themselves and others, for our children and theirs.

What a terrible mistake was made by miserable Europe.
***********************************

A lot of Americans have become so insulated from reality that they imagine America can suffer defeat without any inconvenience to themselves.

Absolutely No Profiling! Pause a moment, reflect back, and take the following multiple choice test.

These events are actual events from history. They really happened! Do you remember?


HERE'S THE TEST

1. 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by:
a. Superman
b. Jay Leno
c. Harry Potter
d. A Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40

2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by :
a. Olga Corbett
b. Sitting Bull
c. Arnold Schwarzenegger
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by:
a. Lost Norwegians
b. Elvis
c. A tour bus full of 80-year-old women
d . Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

4. During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by:
a. John Dillinger
b. The King of Sweden
c. The Boy Scouts
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by:
a. A pizza delivery boy
b. Pee Wee Herman
c. Geraldo Rivera
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by:
a. The Smurfs
b. Davey Jones
c. The Little Mermaid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

7. In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by:
a. Captain Kidd
b. Charles Lindberg
c. Mother Teresa
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

8. In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by:
a. Scooby Doo
b. The Tooth Fairy
c. The Sundance Kid
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by:
a. Richard Simmons
b. Grandma Moses
c. Michael Jordan
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

10. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by:
a. Mr. Rogers
b. Hillary Clinton, to distract attention from Wild Bill's women problems
c. The World Wrestling Federation
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

11. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take out the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers.
Thousands of people were killed by:
a. Bugs Bunny, Wiley E. Coyote, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd
b. The Supreme Court of Florida
c. Mr Bean
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

12. In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against:
a. Enron
b. The Lutheran Church
c. The NFL
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by:
a. Bonnie and Clyde
b. Captain Kangaroo
c. Billy Graham
d. Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

No, I really don't see a pattern here to justify profiling, do you? So, to ensure we Americans never offend anyone, particularly fanatics intent on killing us, airport security screeners will no longer be allowed to profile certain people.. They must conduct random searches of 80-year-old women, little kids, airline pilots with proper identification, secret agents who are members of the President's security detail, 85-year old Congressmen with metal hips, and Medal of Honor winner and former Governor Joe Foss, but leave Muslim Males between the ages 17 and 40 alone lest they be guilty of profiling.

Let's send this to as many people as we can so that the Gloria Aldreds and other dunder-headed attorneys along with Federal Justices that want to thwart common sense, feel ashamed of themselves -- if they have any such sense.

As the writer of the award winning story 'Forrest Gump' so aptly put it, 'Stupid is as stupid does.'

A Prescient 1948 Cartoon

Please take a moment and watch this as you think about our current situation...........

This was produced in 1948. This should be viewed by every AMERICAN... DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN...and every student in every school. This cartoon is true today!!!!!!!!

Click Here: 1948 CartoonNational Juggernaut: This Cartoon Seemed Far-Fetched In 1948

'Growing Concerns' About Racial, Ethnic and Language Disparities in Health Care??

The nation's physicians must now concern themselves not only with their patients' health, but also with their patients' "language access."

Qualified interpreters must be provided by the healthcare provider for patients who are deaf/hard of hearing and for those who do not speak English. That's the point of a new YouTube video produced by the Health and Human Services Department and The Joint Commission, an independent group that sets health care standards.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal funds. Therefore, failure to provide language access services for Limited English Proficient persons may be a form of discrimination on the basis of national origin, the Web site says.

Similarly, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities, requires health care organizations that receive federal funds to provide effective communication (such as sign language interpreters) for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires health care organizations to meet the same standards, regardless of whether the health care group receives federal funds.

HHS and The Joint Commission say they do not endorse one mode of interpreting over another. But they do note that interpreters must be accessible and effective in meeting the needs of patients and their families -- and they say the obligation to determine whether an interpreter is effective falls on health care providers.

More..

Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010 Coming To The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

The Legendary Performers and Rising Stars of the Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010 Perform at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center

(Salisbury, MD) This spring, legendary performers and rising stars will kick off the new decade as the Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010 brings a celebration filled with the very best in contemporary Gospel across the country. Presented by AEG Live, The Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010 kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 4 in Biloxi, MS, followed by major cities coast-to-coast. The tour will stop at Salisbury’s Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Saturday, March 13 at 3:00pm.

For nearly half a century, multiple Grammy and Dove award winner Bill Gaither has been a musical trailblazer. His reputation as a performer, songwriter, and mentor for newly-discovered artists is known world-wide. Despite the music industry’s current state of flux, Gaither’s beloved series of Homecoming CDs and DVDs continue to top the charts and attract an ever-increasing audience. Whether you are a brand new fan or a longtime lover of feel-good Gospel music, don’t miss this incredible concert experience.

"In times like these we must reflect on what is most important in our lives...faith, family and friends," explains Gaither. "I invite everyone to join me and my Homecoming Friends for an uplifting musical extravaganza filled with joy, laughter, good music and good memories."

The roster of Homecoming performers hitting the stage with Gaither includes: the Isaacs, Mark Lowry, Russ Taff, David Phelps, Lynda Randle, Michael English, Charlotte Ritchie, Buddy Greene, Gene McDonald, Gordon Mote, Kevin Williams and of course, The Gaither Vocal Band, featuring its all-star line-up of Gaither, Michael English, Mark Lowry, David Phelps and Wes Hampton. (Scheduled performers subject to change).

Tickets for the Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010 are on sale now at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 410-548-4911 or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue). Tickets range in price from $29.50 to $39.50 plus fees. Group discounts are available for ten or more.

Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010 is produced by AEG Live, a subsidiary of Anschutz Entertainment Group, one of the leading providers of live entertainment and sports in the world. AEG Live is dedicated to all aspects of live entertainment and multi-media production and is the world’s second largest concert promotion, special event and touring company.

DIVORCE VS... MURDER

A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, walked up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes,and said, "I would like to buy some cyanide."

The pharmacist asked, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?"

The lady replied, "I need it to poison my husband."

The pharmacist's eyes got big and he exclaimed, "Lord have mercy! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband. That's against the law! I'll lose my license!
They'll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!"

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife.

The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied,

"Well now, that's different. You didn't tell me you had a prescription."

DELMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASES

Incident: Drug Arrest
Location: Archid Dr., Delmar, MD
Date: November 16, 2009
Suspect/Arrested: Vince Kinley, W/M , 24 Y.O.A., Delmar, MD

On 11-16-09 at 7:55 PM an officer from the Delmar Police Department observed a white Ford Explorer exceeding the speed limit in the area of S. Bi-State Blvd. and E. Walnut St., Delmar, MD. The officer stopped the vehicle on Archid Dr., and driver was identified as Vince Kinley. The officer smelled an odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a quantity of Marijuana was located within the vehicle along with numerous prescription pills not prescribed to Kinley. Kinley was placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center.

Charges:
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of CDS Vicodin
Possession of CDS Oxycodone
Driving on Revoked License
Speeding

Incident: Theft
Location: Delmar Public Library, N. Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, DE
Date: November 17, 2009

On 11-17-09 at 6:12 PM officers of the Delmar Police Department responded to the Delmar Public Library in reference to a theft. Upon arrival officers met with an employee of the library. The employee advised that at approx. 6:11 PM a white male entered the library and took a large jug of money which was sitting on the floor by the front counter. The suspect then fled the library on foot with the jug of money. The employee advised the jug contained donations to the “Teddy Bear Fund”. The employee described the suspect as a white male in his 40’s with a brown mustache and gotee, with hair in a pony tail, who was wearing a light blue jean jacket (with a Harley Davidson insignia on back), and a red bandana worn on his head. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Delmar Police Department at 410-896-3131, or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

Employee Meeting

I would like to start by thanking you for attending this meeting, though it's not like you had much of a choice. After all, attendance was mandatory. I'm also glad many of you accepted my invitation to your family members to be here as well. I have a few remarks to make to all of you, and then we'll retire to the ballroom for a great lunch and some employee awards.

I felt that this meeting was important enough to close all 12 of our tire and automotive shops today so that you could be here. To reassure you, everybody is being paid for the day --- except me. Since our stores are closed we're making no money. That economic loss is mine to sustain. Carrington Automotive has 157 full time employees and around 30 additional part-timers. All of you are here. I thank you for that.

When you walked into this auditorium you were handed a rather thick 78-page document. Many of you have already taken a peek. You were probably surprised to see that it's my personal tax return for 2008. Those of you who are adept at reading these tax returns will see that last year my taxable income was $534,000.00. Now I'm sure this seems rather high to many of you. So ... let's talk about this tax return.

Carrington Automotive Enterprises is what we call a Sub-S - a Subchapter S corporation. The name comes from a particular part of our tax code. Sub-S status means that the income from all 12 of our stores is reported on my personal tax return. Businesses that report their income on the owner's personal tax return are referred to as "small businesses." So, you see now that this $534,000 is really the total taxable income - the total combined profit from all 12 of our stores. That works out to an average of a bit over $44,000 per store.

Why did I feel it important for you to see my actual 2008 tax return? Well, there's a lot of rhetoric being thrown around today about taxes, small businesses and rich people. To the people in charge in Washington right now I'm a wealthy American making over a half-million dollars a year. Most Americans would agree: I'm just another rich guy; after all ... I had over a half-million in income last year, right? In this room we know that the reality is that I'm a small business owner who runs 12 retail establishments and employs 187 people. Now here's something that shouldn't surprise you, but it will: Just under 100 percent ... make that 99.7 percent of all employers in this country are small businesses, just like ours.

Every one of these businesses reports their income on a personal income tax return. You need to understand that small businesses like ours are responsible for about 80 percent of all private sector jobs in this country, and about 70 percent of all jobs that have been created over the past year. You also need to know that when you hear some politician talking about rich people who earn over $200,000 or $500,000 a year, they're talking about the people who create the jobs.

The people who are now running the show in Washington have been talking for months about raising taxes on wealthy Americans. I already know that in two years my federal income taxes are going to go up by about 4.5 percent. That happens when Obama and the Democrats allow the Bush tax cuts to expire. When my taxes climb by 4.5 percent the Democrats will be on television saying that this really isn't a tax increase. They'll explain that the Bush tax cuts have expired .. nothing more. Here at Carrington we'll know that almost 5% has been taken right off of our bottom line. And that means it will be coming off your bottom line.

Numbers are boring, I know ... but let's talk a bit more about that $534,000. That's the money that was left last year from company revenues after I paid all of the salaries and expenses of running this business. Now I could have kept every penny of that for myself, but that would have left us with nothing to grow our business, to attract new customers and to hire new employees. You're aware that we've been talking about opening new stores in Virginia Beach and Newport News . To do that I will have to buy or lease property, construct a building and purchase inventory. I also have to hire additional people to work in those stores. These people wouldn't immediately be earning their pay. So, where do you think the money for all of this comes from? Right out of our profits .. right out of that $534,000. I need to advertise to bring customers in, especially in these tough times. Where do you think that money comes from? Oh sure, I can count it as an expense when I file my next income tax return .. but for right now that comes from either current revenues or last year's profits. Revenues right now aren't all that hot ... so do the math. A good effective advertising campaign might cost us more than $300,000.

Is this all starting to come together for you now?

Right now the Democrats are pushing a nationalized health care plan that, depending on who's doing the talking, will add anywhere from another two percent to an additional 4.6 percent to my taxes. If I add a few more stores, which I would like to do, and if the economy improves, my taxable income ... our business income ... could go over one million dollars! If that happens the Democrats have yet another tax waiting, another five percent plus! I've really lost track of all of the new government programs the Democrats and President Obama are proposing that they claim they will be able to finance with new taxes on what they call "wealthy Americans."

And while we're talking about health care, let me explain something else to you. I understand that possibly your biggest complaint with our company is that we don't provide you with health insurance. That is because as your employer I believe that it is my responsibility to provide you with a safe workplace and a fair wage and to do all that I can to preserve and grow this company that provides us all with income. I no more have a responsibility to provide you with health insurance than I do with life, auto or homeowner's insurance. As you know, I have periodically invited agents for health insurance companies here to provide you with information on private health insurance plans.

The Democrats are proposing to levy yet another tax against Carrington in the amount of 8 percent of my payroll as a penalty for not providing you with health insurance. You should know that if they do this I will be reducing every person's salary or hourly wage by that same 8 percent. This will not be done to put any more money in my pocket. It will be done to make sure that I don't suffer financially from the Democrat's efforts to place our healthcare under the control of the federal government. It is your health, not mine. It is your healthcare, not mine. These are your expenses, not mine. If you think I'm wrong about all this, I would sure love to hear your reasoning.

Try to understand what I'm telling you here. Those people that Obama and the Democrats call "wealthy Americans" are, in very large part, America 's small business owners. I'm one of them. You have the evidence, and surely you don't think that the owner of a bunch of tire stores is anything special. That $534,000 figure on my income tax return puts me squarely in Democrat crosshairs when it comes to tax increases.

Let's be clear about this ... crystal clear. Any federal tax increase on me is going to cost you money, not me. Any new taxes on Carrington Automotive will be new taxes that you, or the people I don't hire to staff the new stores I won't be building, will be paying. Do you understand what I'm telling you? You've heard about things rolling downhill, right? Fine ... then you need to know that taxes, like that other stuff, roll downhill. Now you and I may understand that you are not among those that the Democrats call "wealthy Americans," but when this "tax the rich" thing comes down you are going to be standing at the bottom of the mud slide, if you get my drift. That's life in the big city, my friends ... where elections have consequences.

You know our economy is very weak right now. I've pledged to get us through this without layoffs or cuts in your wages and benefits. It's too bad the politicians can't get us through this without attacking our profits. To insure our survival I have to take a substantial portion of that $534,000 and set it aside for unexpected expenses and a worsening economy. Trouble is, the government is eyeing that money too ... and they have the guns. If they want it, they can take it.

I don't want to make this too long. There's a great lunch waiting for us all. But you need to understand what's happening here. I've worked hard for 23 years to create this business. There were many years where I couldn't take a penny in income because every dollar was being dedicated to expanding the business. There were tough times when it took every dollar of revenues to replenish our inventory and cover your paychecks. During those times I earned nothing. If you want to see those tax returns, just let me know.

OK ... I know I'm repeating myself here. I don't hire stupid people, and you are probably getting it now. So let me just ramble for a few more minutes.Most Americans don't realize that when the Democrats talk about raising taxes on people making more than $250 thousand a year, they're talking about raising taxes on small businesses. The U.S. Treasury Department says that six out of every ten individuals in this country with incomes of more than $280,000 are actually small business owners. About one-half of the income in this country that would be subject to these increased taxes is from small businesses like ours. Depending on how many of these wonderful new taxes the Democrats manage to pass, this company could see its tax burden increase by as much as $60,000. Perhaps more.

I know a lot of you voted for President Obama. A lot of you voted for Democrats across the board. Whether you voted out of support for some specific policies, or because you liked his slogans, you need to learn one very valuable lesson from this election. Elections have consequences. You might have thought it would be cool to have a president who looks like you; or a president who is young, has a buff body, and speaks eloquently when there's a teleprompter in the neighborhood. Maybe you liked his promises to tax the rich. Maybe you believed his promise not to raise taxes on people earning less than a certain amount. Maybe you actually bought into his promise to cut taxes on millions of Americans who actually don't pay income taxes in the first place. Whatever the reason .. your vote had consequences; and here they are.

Bottom line? I'm not taking this hit alone. As soon as the Democrats manage to get their tax increases on the books, I'm going to take steps to make sure that my family isn't affected. When you own the business, that is what you're allowed to do. I built this business over a period of 23 years, and I'm not going to see my family suffer because we have a president and a congress who think that wealth is distributed rather than earned. Any additional taxes, of whatever description, that President Obama and the Democrats inflict on this business will come straight out of any funds I have set aside for expansion or pay and benefit increases. Any plans I might have had to hire additional employees for new stores will be put aside. Any plans for raises for the people I now have working for me will be shelved. Year-end bonuses might well be eliminated. That may sound rough, but that's the reality.

You're going to continue to hear a lot of anti-wealth rhetoric out there from the media and from the left. You can chose to believe what you wish …. but when it comes to Carrington Automotive you will know the truth. The books are open to any of you at any time. I have nothing to hide. I would hope that other small business owners out there would hold meetings like this one, but I know it won't happen that often. One of the lessons to be learned here is that taxes ... all taxes ... and all regulatory costs that are placed on businesses anywhere in this country, will eventually be passed right on down to individuals; individuals such as yourself. This hasn't been about admonishing anyone and it hasn't been about issuing threats. This is part of the education you should have received in the government schools, but didn't. Class is now dismissed.

Citizens Police Academy Announcement

The Delaware State Police is currently seeking applicants who wish to be a part of the 2009 – 2010 Citizens Police Academy here in New Castle County.

Those who attend will have an opportunity to hear presentations regarding a variety of DSP’s special units and investigative divisions. The classes will be held on seven consecutive Tuesday nights and will begin December 22nd. The location will primarily be at Troop 2 in Glasgow; however, field trips are scheduled to other DSP locations.

Senior Cpl Jeff Whitmarsh says, “The CPA is a terrific way for our citizens to learn more about the Delaware State Police. Also, those interested in a career in law enforcement have found this program helpful in determining if policing is for them.”

Seating is limited, thus anyone who would like to participate should send an email indicating their interest to DSP_PIO@state.de.us. Those without internet access can contact Jeff Whitmarsh during regular business hours at 302.598.5188.

Your Good Deed For Today

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL - WITH YOUR HELP

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.
How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.
This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's.
Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

Tea Partiers Brutally Beaten By Pro-Amnesty Group

Shocking! Illegal immigration protesters attacked, pushed into traffic.