Members of the Worcester County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 50 read the article written in the Coast Dispatch regarding Joel Todd, Beau Oglesby, and the endorsement made by the Lodge. It should be noted that Mr. Todd wrote a letter to the FOP Lodge 50 asking for their endorsement of his candidacy for the office of State’s Attorney of Worcester County. He also asked members of the Lodge to encourage the other lodge members to endorse him. After much time and discussion, a decision was made to endorse Beau Oglesby for the Office of State’s Attorney. A quorum was present at that meeting for that vote. That vote
resulted in a unanimous decision to endorse Beau Oglesby.
For Mr. Todd to dismiss the endorsement as meaningless is concerning to many in law enforcement because Mr. Todd sought the endorsement with vigor. Mr. Todd seems to overlook that all three Fraternal Order of Police lodges in Worcester County have endorsed Beau Oglesby for States Attorney. That is a very large
representation of Worcester County Law Enforcement who no longer wishes to see Mr. Todd continue as Worcester County State’s Attorney.
Respectfully,
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 50 members
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, October 31, 2010
An Open Letter From Beau Oglesby
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
As we approach Election Day with growing excitement, I am once again reminded why this County is in such desperate need of new ideas, fresh perspectives, and tempered patience from its State’s Attorney. This year the voters have been plagued with endless negative advertising, vicious attacks, and attempts at outright deception. While I have been deeply saddened and disappointed by the candidates and elected officials who have chosen to engage in this type of distasteful politics, I am delighted and proud of both our campaign and its supporters for remaining true to our commitment to raise the level of genuine discussion in Worcester County.
At a time when our County deserves effective, honest, and trustworthy leadership from its State’s Attorney, Joel Todd continues to focus his attention on why you should not vote for me instead of why you should vote for him. The sixteen year incumbent has gone to great lengths, and spent a lot of money to mischaracterize the truth; yet despite his actions to the contrary, I remain resolved to running a positive campaign because I believe the voters of Worcester County deserve honest discussion – not desperation. I refuse to participate in betrayals of public trust through the use of deceptive mailers, scare tactics, fraudulent endorsements, and shameless lies.
As Election Day draws nearer, some will resort to “gutter” politics. However, people can see beyond such transparent tactics. Tempered silence is the true measure of a person’s dignity. Let’s show Joel Todd and the “would be” leaders of this County that the days of broken promises, misdirection, and insincerity are over. Help bring the better angels of our consciences to the forefronts of our ballots. Show through your vote that the High Road is the ONLY road. On Nov. 2nd a vote for me is a vote for civility - one that loudly rejects the politics of yesterday.
Beau Oglesby
The Daily Times Does It Again!
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20101030/OPINION01/10300358/1014/OPINION/Times-Endorsements--Mathies-could-be-first-African-American-member
MY Response: Daily Times you make me sick with your Racist comment about Mr. Mathies. If you want to endorse someone that is fine with me. BUT to say you endorse someone because he is black and would better serve the "Minority" district is a JOKE! Van Muir has poured his heart and soul into Somerset County living their all his life. Maybe you haven't done your job right and knowing who Van Muir is. Ask any minority in the community or even Mr. Kirkland Hall about Van Muir. Maybe it's because you have never been behind the scenes years ago and even now on how Mr. Muir has been there and helped the "Minority" community. He as help the kids in little league, helped those who didn't have a meal, helped those who needed health care, and given his time in other ways you do not know about. Mr. Muir has supported the kids in the Greenwood and Princess Anne area all his life. He cares about all kids no matter of their race, religion or creed. That goes for adults as well.
I challenge NAACP President Mr. Hall to say a bad thing about Mr. Muir. I have grown up with Mr. Hall and he too has been good to me and my family. I have seen first hand Mr. Hall and Mr. Muir work together with the "Minority" community. To tell everyone to vote for Mr. Mathies because he will make a difference because he will be the first "BLACK"/"Minority" man to me is totally a racial statement and I hope Mr. Muir will contact his lawyer and challenge you. But knowing Mr. Muir that will never happen. It's crap statements that you all write that makes you all look so stupid and ignorant. Comments like that continues to show that "RACE" is the issue and it should not be. Mr. Hall can attest to that. Isn't that what the NAACP fights for. If the citizens what to vote for Mr. Mathies then do so because he has the experience and knowledge to lead Somerset County in the right direction. I say Mr. Van Muir has more experience, knowledge and has been proven to help the "Minority" community.
Mr. Muir is a full time citizen of Somerset County all his life and has been married to the same wonderful lady for over 40 years. He has given to Somerset County all his entire life and wants to continue to pour his sincere offerings to the citizens NO MATTER WHAT Color, religion, or creed. That is what is needed in Somerset County. If a Purple, Blue, or Green person has the experience then vote them in..But not because of their race and the daily times thinks "Now is the Time". That is a load of crap and any person should realize that who has a heart and is tired of the Race Card to being played." I expect the Daily Times apologize to to Van Muir for their comments!!" It was totally wrong!!!
Rush Limbaugh: Vote Fraud Essential To Democrats
Rush Limbaugh put some sunlight on yet another scheme to interfere in America's ability to self-govern by left-wing billionaire George Soros. Rush points out that even a small influx of cash into your state Secretary of State race can make a huge difference. Something to ponder.
RUSH LIMBAUGH, HOST: Let me illustrate for you just how essential vote fraud is to the Democrat Party. George Soros sank a lot of money into a project called the Secretary of State Project, starting in 2006. Have you ever heard of the Secretary of State Project? The Secretary of State Project had a goal, and the goal was to put as many Democrats into the offices of secretary of state in the states as possible because they're the ones who adjudicate all of the vote fraud cases. They are the ones who count the votes. The secretary of state. The secretary of state, in all of the states, is the guy or the woman who decide on claims of voter fraud.
This is how we got Al Franken as a Senator from Minnesota. A Democrat secretary of state determined the vote count, how it was going to happen, when it was gonna stop, what votes were valid and what votes weren't. You know where they got the idea for this? They got the idea for the Secretary of State Project shortly after the 2004 election when a bunch of Democrats thought they lost Ohio, thought that John Kerry lost Ohio because of Ken Blackwell, who was the Republican secretary of state in Ohio. Now, the haughty Kerry (who once served in Vietnam) lost Ohio by 55,000 votes, and they're running around saying, "Man, if he'd-a had those 55,000 votes, why, we'd-a won! We'd-a won! We'd-a won the election in 2004."
Keep reading-- he's on the right track.
(An interesting article from Thursday, 10/28: Nevada Secretary Of State Says No Evidence Of Vote Fraud )
RUSH LIMBAUGH, HOST: Let me illustrate for you just how essential vote fraud is to the Democrat Party. George Soros sank a lot of money into a project called the Secretary of State Project, starting in 2006. Have you ever heard of the Secretary of State Project? The Secretary of State Project had a goal, and the goal was to put as many Democrats into the offices of secretary of state in the states as possible because they're the ones who adjudicate all of the vote fraud cases. They are the ones who count the votes. The secretary of state. The secretary of state, in all of the states, is the guy or the woman who decide on claims of voter fraud.
This is how we got Al Franken as a Senator from Minnesota. A Democrat secretary of state determined the vote count, how it was going to happen, when it was gonna stop, what votes were valid and what votes weren't. You know where they got the idea for this? They got the idea for the Secretary of State Project shortly after the 2004 election when a bunch of Democrats thought they lost Ohio, thought that John Kerry lost Ohio because of Ken Blackwell, who was the Republican secretary of state in Ohio. Now, the haughty Kerry (who once served in Vietnam) lost Ohio by 55,000 votes, and they're running around saying, "Man, if he'd-a had those 55,000 votes, why, we'd-a won! We'd-a won! We'd-a won the election in 2004."
Keep reading-- he's on the right track.
(An interesting article from Thursday, 10/28: Nevada Secretary Of State Says No Evidence Of Vote Fraud )
Only 2 Days Left
We have spent the last 18 months traveling this district and talking to Marylanders of all stripes. It has been an amazing experience, and I am honored that you are willing to support me in this drive.
Early voting has now ended and we are only days away from Election Day – all of our hard work is about to pay off.
The media is seeing our momentum, and we have received a lot of very favorable press coverage lately – you can view it on my website. Also, Larry Sabato, a nationally renowned political handicapper, has predicted that we will win this race. You can view his analysis here.
While I am confident that we will be celebrating victory on Election Night, we are taking nothing for granted and there is still a lot of work to be done. Your support of this campaign has never been more crucial than it is right now. Please do the three things below to support this campaign:
VOTE - Early voting has now ended. If you didn’t vote early, please click here to find your polling location.
TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN - This campaign has always been about the people of this district, and I need you to talk to your friends and neighbors about why you support me. Please make the time to talk to your friends and loved ones about why it is vitally important for them to support our campaign.
MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION - We are still in the process of buying radio and TV ads, and every extra dollar will go directly towards reaching every voter we can with our message of commonsense conservative principles in Washington DC.
Your donation of $50, $100, $500 or even $1,000 will go directly to keeping our ads on the air through Election Day.
We have come a long way, but the final home stretch is the most important – and we cannot let up in these final days.
Thank you for all you have done for this campaign and for this country.
Andy Harris, M.D.
Pusey Receives Endorsement From The Dispatch
Snow Hill, MD – Yesterday, House of Delegates Candidate, Marty Pusey, was endorsed by the Ocean City Dispatch! In their endorsement of Marty the Dispatch stated, "It’s been decades since this district has elected a Republican to this seat, and we think Pusey should be it." Marty’s supporters agree! You can view the endorsement from the Dispatch at www.mdcoastdispatch.com/article.php?cid=35&id=9895".
Pusey said today, "I am honored to be endorsed by the Dispatch. I have been working hard to show the voters that I am serious about bringing Maryland and the Eastern Shore to the front of the line. I have put out three pointed plans – one about the economy, one about farming and one about jobs – and I urge every voter to take a few minutes to review these plans. I am the only candidate who has come up with real solutions to the real problems that we all are facing in Maryland and on the Eastern Shore."
Marty believes the voters have a right to see what she plans to do in Annapolis before they send her there. She wants them making their decision based on her plans and ideas not just glossy pictures and catchy phrases and that's why she has created Real Solutions for Real Problems.
Marty encourages all voters to read and study her Real Solutions for Real Problems regarding jobs on the Lower Shore, which can be viewed at http://www.electmartypusey.com/. Marty encourages all voters to get in touch with her directly at 410-603-0855 to discuss her Real Solutions for the Real Problems facing Maryland.
Pusey said today, "I am honored to be endorsed by the Dispatch. I have been working hard to show the voters that I am serious about bringing Maryland and the Eastern Shore to the front of the line. I have put out three pointed plans – one about the economy, one about farming and one about jobs – and I urge every voter to take a few minutes to review these plans. I am the only candidate who has come up with real solutions to the real problems that we all are facing in Maryland and on the Eastern Shore."
Marty believes the voters have a right to see what she plans to do in Annapolis before they send her there. She wants them making their decision based on her plans and ideas not just glossy pictures and catchy phrases and that's why she has created Real Solutions for Real Problems.
Marty encourages all voters to read and study her Real Solutions for Real Problems regarding jobs on the Lower Shore, which can be viewed at http://www.electmartypusey.com/. Marty encourages all voters to get in touch with her directly at 410-603-0855 to discuss her Real Solutions for the Real Problems facing Maryland.
Washington Times Endorses Andy Harris
“While Mr. Kratovil has been careful to avoid being linked to the liberal agenda of President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, it's a tough sell,” said the Washington Times endorsement. “Mr. Kratovil voted for the so-called stimulus package, which wasted $814 billion in taxpayer funds to create a handful of make-work jobs. He voted for the "cap-and-trade" bill that would raise taxes on the cost of energy. Although he voted against Obamacare, Mr. Kratovil refuses to commit to its repeal. Dr. Harris understands that the Obama-Pelosi-Hoyer agenda threatens to pull the plug on America's long-term health.”
“The Washington Times knows this country is on the wrong track and I am honored the Times trusts me to bring fiscal responsibility back to Congress,” said Andy Harris. “In Washington I will never vote to raise taxes, I will fight to repeal healthcare reform, and I will work to balance the budget.”
Election Of November 2, 2010?
Let's take a stand!!!!
November 2, 2010
Borders: Closed...
Language: English only!
Culture: Constitution, Bill of Rights
and the BIBLE!
Drug free: Make a drug screening mandatory
for anyone on welfare and/or food stamps!
Mandatory political term limits!
The people vote on politicians pay raises!
NOVEMBER 2, 2010 IS COMING
"""CHANGE"""
We THE PEOPLE are coming...
A Statement From Wicomico County States Attorney Davis Ruark
I am deeply disturbed by those who have chosen to bring the Vincent family, and most particularly Jill Vincent, into a political campaign and to use Sam's death as a political tool. Over the past several weeks I have had several personal conversations with Jill and well as multiple e-mail exchanges. I will not share the e nature of our communications, which were very open and helpful to both of us, but I can unequivocally state that at no time did Jill give any indication whatsoever that she had in the past or ever would in the future support Seth Mitchel for State's Attorney. Jill wants nothing more than to grieve and to heal. I find it appalling that anyone would attempt in any fashion to use Jill Vincent as a pawn in a political game.
During the forty years that Sam Vincet and I knew each other and further over twenty-five years that we worked together, there was never a time when Sam or I even remotely considered that Seth Mitchell would be able to handle the position of State's Attorney for Wicomico County.
Please let Jill Vincent heal and pursue the pathway to a normal life. She is not a political tool.
Davis R. Ruark
Carl And Tina Vincent Respond To Daily Times Letter By Kathy Wieland
Both Sam’s co-workers in law enforcement and the State’s Attorney’s office along with the Vincent family without hesitation support Matt Maciarello for State’s Attorney.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The Difference Between Seth Mitchell And Davis Ruark
Joe Albero says... At least Davis doesn't have to walk around with a name tag on his lapel because no one knows who he is. Trust me Seth, if they cared about you, you wouldn't have to promote who you are. If your button said DUNCE instead people in the room would go, Oh, Yeah, I Know Who You Are.
By the way Seth, even I don't have to wear a name tag for people to know who I am.
Lost Dog UPDATE
Our dog is missing, and we know that you have had great success reuniting families with their pets.
Our dog, Yoda, escaped from the yard late afternoon yesterday the 29th. He is a miniature pit bull mix who is white and will be easy to spot because he only has one eye (he lost his eye when he was a puppy and used in a dog fighting ring - we adopted him when he was a little guy) We live in the South Kaywood neighborhood on Crawford Drive and can be reached at 410-251-5195 and appreciate any news about Yoda.
Thanks so much!
Heather Collins
The Daily Times Endorsement Process
The Daily Times Fails To Offer And Educated/Informed Endorsement Once Again
Well, that's just not the case with Beau Oglesby. It should be clearly understood, Beau was never asked to do an interview either. They never did a video interview with Beau and the Editors never called him to ask him about his platform in any way, shape or form.
Now I'd like to think that the Daily Times doesn't have an agenda and I'd like to be fair but after a few of these endorsements I think its only fair that YOU the public get to know that while the Daily Times is SHORT STAFFED, the screw ups continue and it could be at the expense of numerous candidates.
Now you're more than welcome to go HERE or HERE to watch Beau's interviews on Salisbury News. Unfortunately his opponent Joel Todd refused to do an interview with the scary Salisbury News.
Everybody and their Brother has endorsed Beau Oglesby. Every FOP, heck, if that doesn't tell you alone the position of Law Enforcement and the Court System and how disgusted they are with Joel Todd, I just don't know what else to tell you. No disrespect towards Mr. Todd, it is what it is and the people in his industry have clearly spoken.
For the Daily Times to take the position they have is just beyond me. They are slipping faster than we had thought. This is NOT about the DT's having a difference of opinion over Salisbury News. Come on Folks, Todd was caught sending out multiple mailers stating certain people supported or endorsed him when they absolutely did not. Then he went and threw his Wife under the bus over the whole thing. This is about influencing your readers on how the masses/citizens feel or support certain candidates. Its about delivering facts, platforms, experience and intent.
Just look at Seth Mitchell's campaign, hence the letter from the Vincent Family above this post. If these two people can't be straight up as States Attorneys, how can the DT's endorse them? Oh, that's right, this is the Eastern Shore where people are supposed to be so stupid, they pay for a newspaper that misleads them because their cult followers will do what they say. I DON'T THINK SO, NOT ANY MORE, ANYWAY.
With Salisbury News on the prowl, the Good Old Boy System is disappearing very quickly. We have provided candidate interviews on video to allow you the opportunity to make your own educated choices. When we respectfully offered our endorsements we did so with YOUR best interests in mind, NOT special interests instead.
I think it's a shame how the DT's has handled themselves and I certainly hope the voters show them that the Eastern Shore people are much smarter these days because they are better informed and they're not going to follow the cult way of thinking any more. Vote Beau Oglesby for Worcester States Attorney and Matt Maciarello for Wicomico County States Attorney. THEY DON'T LIE!
By the way, it didn't cost you $ .75 cents to read the TRUTH again today.
Hedgecock: Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas
Midnight robo-calls, “free food” at Harry Reid “voter turnout events,” unions offering “gift cards” to Reid voters, touch-screen voting machines refusing to register votes cast for Sharron Angle—it’s election season in Nevada!
We are witnessing the desperate end of a campaign to save a Senator so out of touch that his reaction to unemployment rise from 4.4% to 15% during his “leadership” as Majority Leader of the Senate was to say, “But for me, there would have been a worldwide depression.”
Reid spent millions in a tsunami of TV and radio ads over the last five months depicting Republican challenger Sharron Angle as a nut not to be trusted with the important work of the U.S. Senate.
Reid’s loathsome negative campaign failed because the real Sharron Angle proved to be an experienced, capable former teacher and state legislator who happened to still believe in a Constitutional federal government and a free-market economy. Angle dared to question the trillions in new debt, the failed stimulus package, and the lies surrounding Obamacare.
Reid’s union allies then began a force-fed campaign to get unionized workers to vote for Reid. Postal workers’ union leaders took “time off” (at full pay) to work in Reid’s campaign. SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members filled the halls when unpopular President Obama came to town to raise money for Harry. (Note that White House political director Patrick Gaspard is a former lobbyist for SEIU.)
A “Republicans for Reid” committee sprang up, consisting of “Republicans” who hated Angle for her steadfast refusal as a state legislator to vote for tax increases. These “Republicans” simply increased support for Angle by reminding Nevada voters and taxpayers that her no tax-increase-pledge in this campaign wasn’t just rhetoric; it was her record.
Then the machines started voting for Reid. Early Nevada voter Joyce Ferrara in Boulder City (Clark County) found that her touch-screen voting machine had come up snake eyes: The machine had already voted for Harry Reid. Her husband and several other voters experienced the same thing at the same time in their polling places.
Other early voters complained that every time they selected Sharron Angle, the machine showed Harry Reid as their selection.
Clark County Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax said there was no fraud, but that the machines were sensitive to touch and that the voters must have misvoted inadvertently.
Could there be another explanation?
SEIU donated over $44 Million to Democrats in this election cycle. It is committed to the re-election of Harry Reid. SEIU also gave over $500,000 to “Patriot Majority PAC” which has spent over $1.3 Million in ads slamming Sharron Angle.
SEIU represents certain employees of Clark County government under a labor contract that Harry’s son, Rory (a Clark County Commissioner), voted to approve. Page 75 (Appendix A) of the labor contract lists “voting machine technicians” as represented by SEIU. Will anyone “watch the watchers?” Probably the Department of Justice won’t: After Holder’s DOJ dismissed the New Black Panther Party voting rights violation case, a containment signaling that only Republicans could commit such crimes, the DOJ is silent on voter-fraud cases that seem to favor only Democrat candidates, and that are springing up like weeds as we get closer to the election.
Here’s another problem. Last weekend, armed with voter lists provided by the Orange County (CA) Registrar of Voters, I walked through a neighborhood in Fullerton, California for challenger Van Tran, who is seeking to replace incumbent Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.
At one door, a Hispanic man said he could not vote because he was “not a citizen.” When asked about two other residents at the same address listed as voters, he confirmed that they also were not citizens.
California, Nevada, and scores of other states do not require identification to vote. Most states do not even require identification to register to vote.
By contrast, voters in Mexico must prove they are citizens to register to vote. Mexican voters are issued a special voter I.D. with picture and fingerprint. At the polls, Mexican voters are required to show the card; they are fingerprinted on the spot, and the fingerprints must match before they can vote.More from Human Events
[Roger Hedgecock is a nationally-syndicated radio talk host.]
We are witnessing the desperate end of a campaign to save a Senator so out of touch that his reaction to unemployment rise from 4.4% to 15% during his “leadership” as Majority Leader of the Senate was to say, “But for me, there would have been a worldwide depression.”
Reid spent millions in a tsunami of TV and radio ads over the last five months depicting Republican challenger Sharron Angle as a nut not to be trusted with the important work of the U.S. Senate.
Reid’s loathsome negative campaign failed because the real Sharron Angle proved to be an experienced, capable former teacher and state legislator who happened to still believe in a Constitutional federal government and a free-market economy. Angle dared to question the trillions in new debt, the failed stimulus package, and the lies surrounding Obamacare.
Reid’s union allies then began a force-fed campaign to get unionized workers to vote for Reid. Postal workers’ union leaders took “time off” (at full pay) to work in Reid’s campaign. SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members filled the halls when unpopular President Obama came to town to raise money for Harry. (Note that White House political director Patrick Gaspard is a former lobbyist for SEIU.)
A “Republicans for Reid” committee sprang up, consisting of “Republicans” who hated Angle for her steadfast refusal as a state legislator to vote for tax increases. These “Republicans” simply increased support for Angle by reminding Nevada voters and taxpayers that her no tax-increase-pledge in this campaign wasn’t just rhetoric; it was her record.
Then the machines started voting for Reid. Early Nevada voter Joyce Ferrara in Boulder City (Clark County) found that her touch-screen voting machine had come up snake eyes: The machine had already voted for Harry Reid. Her husband and several other voters experienced the same thing at the same time in their polling places.
Other early voters complained that every time they selected Sharron Angle, the machine showed Harry Reid as their selection.
Clark County Registrar of Voters Larry Lomax said there was no fraud, but that the machines were sensitive to touch and that the voters must have misvoted inadvertently.
Could there be another explanation?
SEIU donated over $44 Million to Democrats in this election cycle. It is committed to the re-election of Harry Reid. SEIU also gave over $500,000 to “Patriot Majority PAC” which has spent over $1.3 Million in ads slamming Sharron Angle.
SEIU represents certain employees of Clark County government under a labor contract that Harry’s son, Rory (a Clark County Commissioner), voted to approve. Page 75 (Appendix A) of the labor contract lists “voting machine technicians” as represented by SEIU. Will anyone “watch the watchers?” Probably the Department of Justice won’t: After Holder’s DOJ dismissed the New Black Panther Party voting rights violation case, a containment signaling that only Republicans could commit such crimes, the DOJ is silent on voter-fraud cases that seem to favor only Democrat candidates, and that are springing up like weeds as we get closer to the election.
Here’s another problem. Last weekend, armed with voter lists provided by the Orange County (CA) Registrar of Voters, I walked through a neighborhood in Fullerton, California for challenger Van Tran, who is seeking to replace incumbent Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.
At one door, a Hispanic man said he could not vote because he was “not a citizen.” When asked about two other residents at the same address listed as voters, he confirmed that they also were not citizens.
California, Nevada, and scores of other states do not require identification to vote. Most states do not even require identification to register to vote.
By contrast, voters in Mexico must prove they are citizens to register to vote. Mexican voters are issued a special voter I.D. with picture and fingerprint. At the polls, Mexican voters are required to show the card; they are fingerprinted on the spot, and the fingerprints must match before they can vote.More from Human Events
[Roger Hedgecock is a nationally-syndicated radio talk host.]
How America Can Stand By Arizona
(By AZ State Sen. Russell Pearce)
I knew Arizona’s SB 1070 would be controversial when I introduced it, but I did not expect the national immigration debate to revolve around a state law.
While the anti-American open-borders Left attack me and the law as “racist,” “nativist” and their other empty smear words, the vast majority of the people of Arizona and America support the law.
Naturally, politicians of both parties on the state and local level are trying to jump on the bandwagon as the election approaches.
On the state level, dozens of gubernatorial and attorney general candidates are campaigning to enact SB 1070-style legislation. Even Democrats like Georgia’s Roy Barnes say they’d sign such a bill. Of course a politician’s promise isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
Even if they would in fact sign the bill, they must also pledge to fight the Obama Administration and its far-left buddies like the ACLU and Mexican American Legal Defense Fund who are sure to file lawsuits and do whatever they can to block implementation of the law.
On the federal level, just saying “I support SB 1070” is even emptier without any commitment to fight the open-borders agenda of the Obama Administration and the courts.
Any Senate candidate who supports SB 1070 needs to guarantee that they will vote against any activist judge. Any RINO who voted for a board member of “Latino Justice” (which filed an amicus brief against SB 1070) like Sonia Sotomayor knew how she would vote on immigration cases.
Additionally there is legislation that can affect the legal challenges against SB 1070.
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez’s Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 would try to nullify every single state and local law that fights illegal immigration. Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez’s CIR ASAP Act with over 100 Democratic co-sponsors does the same thing.
Menendez’s bill also restricts the 287(g) program to allow state and local law enforcement to enter into formal agreements with federal immigration authorities to fight illegal immigration. Gutierrez’s bill completely repeals it.
287(g) is a useful program, but it is unfortunately viewed by many as a permission slip that must be granted by the federal government to allow states and localities to enforce immigration law. Former INS Commissioners Doris Meissner and James W. Ziglar wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post claiming that SB 1070 is unconstitutional because it goes beyond what is permitted by 287(g).
Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano restricted the agreement so that it can only be used to enforce the law against illegal aliens who also commit other crimes, and unfortunately many local law enforcement agencies stopped pursuing the law.
When Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio cracked down on illegal immigration without getting permission from Obama, they threatened to revoke his 287(g) status. When Sheriff Joe refused to balk, they filed suit against him with a frivolous civil rights claim.
The truth is that Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act explicitly acknowledges that states have the inherit authority to enforce immigration law stating:
"Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an agreement … in order for any officer of a state … to communicate with the [secretary of Homeland Security] regarding the immigration status of any individual … or otherwise to cooperate with the [secretary] in the identification, apprehension, detention, or removal of aliens not lawfully present in the United States."
Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal [CLEAR] Act further clarifies the states’ rights over immigration by “reaffirming the existing inherent authority of states … to investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States … for the purposes of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States in the course of carrying out routine duties. This state authority has never been displaced or preempted by Congress.”
I’m flattered that my law has become a litmus test on immigration, but I hate to see Democrats and RINOs pretend to defend it to win votes. In Arizona a number of vulnerable Democratic congressmen including Representatives Gabrielle Giffords and Ann Kirkpatrick tried to sound tough by opposing the federal lawsuit with much fanfare. Yet these same Democrats opposed SB 1070 initially, and they refuse to defend Arizona’s right to enforce the law.
Instead, they simply demand that the federal government take action (i.e. amnesty.) Needless to say, they have not co-sponsored the CLEAR Act.
With friends like these, SB 1070 does not need enemies. Any candidate or politician on the federal level who claims to support SB 1070 needs to put their money where their mouth is. This means supporting the CLEAR Act and acknowledging a state’s inherent right to enforce the law, opposing activist judges, and demanding that the federal government enforce all laws.
Of course the federal government needs to enforce its own laws and secure the border. But until they do, the least we can ask of them is not to interfere with states that care about the rule of law.
(Source-- Human Events)
[State Senator Russell Pearce represents Arizona's 18th Legislative District. He is the author and sponsor of SB 1070.]
I knew Arizona’s SB 1070 would be controversial when I introduced it, but I did not expect the national immigration debate to revolve around a state law.
While the anti-American open-borders Left attack me and the law as “racist,” “nativist” and their other empty smear words, the vast majority of the people of Arizona and America support the law.
Naturally, politicians of both parties on the state and local level are trying to jump on the bandwagon as the election approaches.
On the state level, dozens of gubernatorial and attorney general candidates are campaigning to enact SB 1070-style legislation. Even Democrats like Georgia’s Roy Barnes say they’d sign such a bill. Of course a politician’s promise isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
Even if they would in fact sign the bill, they must also pledge to fight the Obama Administration and its far-left buddies like the ACLU and Mexican American Legal Defense Fund who are sure to file lawsuits and do whatever they can to block implementation of the law.
On the federal level, just saying “I support SB 1070” is even emptier without any commitment to fight the open-borders agenda of the Obama Administration and the courts.
Any Senate candidate who supports SB 1070 needs to guarantee that they will vote against any activist judge. Any RINO who voted for a board member of “Latino Justice” (which filed an amicus brief against SB 1070) like Sonia Sotomayor knew how she would vote on immigration cases.
Additionally there is legislation that can affect the legal challenges against SB 1070.
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez’s Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 would try to nullify every single state and local law that fights illegal immigration. Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez’s CIR ASAP Act with over 100 Democratic co-sponsors does the same thing.
Menendez’s bill also restricts the 287(g) program to allow state and local law enforcement to enter into formal agreements with federal immigration authorities to fight illegal immigration. Gutierrez’s bill completely repeals it.
287(g) is a useful program, but it is unfortunately viewed by many as a permission slip that must be granted by the federal government to allow states and localities to enforce immigration law. Former INS Commissioners Doris Meissner and James W. Ziglar wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post claiming that SB 1070 is unconstitutional because it goes beyond what is permitted by 287(g).
Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano restricted the agreement so that it can only be used to enforce the law against illegal aliens who also commit other crimes, and unfortunately many local law enforcement agencies stopped pursuing the law.
When Maricopa County, Ariz., Sheriff Joe Arpaio cracked down on illegal immigration without getting permission from Obama, they threatened to revoke his 287(g) status. When Sheriff Joe refused to balk, they filed suit against him with a frivolous civil rights claim.
The truth is that Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act explicitly acknowledges that states have the inherit authority to enforce immigration law stating:
"Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an agreement … in order for any officer of a state … to communicate with the [secretary of Homeland Security] regarding the immigration status of any individual … or otherwise to cooperate with the [secretary] in the identification, apprehension, detention, or removal of aliens not lawfully present in the United States."
Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s Clear Law Enforcement for Criminal Alien Removal [CLEAR] Act further clarifies the states’ rights over immigration by “reaffirming the existing inherent authority of states … to investigate, identify, apprehend, arrest, detain, or transfer to federal custody aliens in the United States … for the purposes of assisting in the enforcement of the immigration laws of the United States in the course of carrying out routine duties. This state authority has never been displaced or preempted by Congress.”
I’m flattered that my law has become a litmus test on immigration, but I hate to see Democrats and RINOs pretend to defend it to win votes. In Arizona a number of vulnerable Democratic congressmen including Representatives Gabrielle Giffords and Ann Kirkpatrick tried to sound tough by opposing the federal lawsuit with much fanfare. Yet these same Democrats opposed SB 1070 initially, and they refuse to defend Arizona’s right to enforce the law.
Instead, they simply demand that the federal government take action (i.e. amnesty.) Needless to say, they have not co-sponsored the CLEAR Act.
With friends like these, SB 1070 does not need enemies. Any candidate or politician on the federal level who claims to support SB 1070 needs to put their money where their mouth is. This means supporting the CLEAR Act and acknowledging a state’s inherent right to enforce the law, opposing activist judges, and demanding that the federal government enforce all laws.
Of course the federal government needs to enforce its own laws and secure the border. But until they do, the least we can ask of them is not to interfere with states that care about the rule of law.
(Source-- Human Events)
[State Senator Russell Pearce represents Arizona's 18th Legislative District. He is the author and sponsor of SB 1070.]
Union 'Card Check' Smokescreen For Lame Duck Pension Bailout
Big Labor is pouring money into two Democratic U.S. Senate races, attempting to secure a union pension bailout during a lame duck session of Congress.
As previously reported on HUMAN EVENTS, new Federal Accounting Standards Board rules set to take effect on Dec. 15 threaten to shake up unions and the businesses entangled in multi-employer union pension plans that have been mismanaged and underfunded well before the 2008 financial upheaval. The economic downturn has only exacerbated the problem.
Recent reports show hundreds of thousands of dollars in union cash pouring into races for Democratic Senate candidates Michael Bennet and Joe Manchin. Both have publicly backed away from their support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), more commonly known as “card check,” which would, among other things, ban secret-ballot voting for workplace unionization.
Big Labor long ago warned it wouldn’t support any candidate who failed to toe the line. Yet the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has spent more than $1.2 million in Colorado alone attacking Bennet’s opponent Ken Buck.
Unions such as the Communications Workers of America and the United Mine Workers Union are also pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Manchin race in West Virginia.
Why the reversal?
“What the labor board is planning to do is not known publicly so you only interpret what they’re planning to do by certain comments from different board members,” said former NLRB member John Raudabaugh.
He points to one speech in particular from NLRB member Mark Gaston Pearce on Oct. 21 at Suffolk University Law School, where Pearce admitted his desire to make the unionization voting period “as brief as possible.”
Pearce also described as “intriguing” the five- to ten-day Canadian voting system.
The current average is 38 days including the initial administrative time to process the petition and notify the employer and to hold hearings on differing issues, including eligibility.
Raudabaugh warns that the reduced voting period would allow unions to organize in secret for weeks or months and spring last-minute elections on unknowing employers, especially when no “agitated state” to spur on unionization exists. Most of these employers run smaller businesses without a legal department of their own, so they do not necessarily know the rules.
This lends itself to a situation where employees are only hearing one side of the unionization story.
“Unlike a vote for elected office, a vote to certify a union may affect your life for the remainder of your working days,” said Brett McMahon, spokesman for the Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade organization. “Isn’t it just logical that the decision should be made on all information available?”
The activist nature of the Obama NLRB is exemplified by former Service Employees International Union lawyer and board member Craig Becker, who has to date refused to recuse himself from two different decisions on cases he was actively involved in as a union lawyer. This puts Becker in the absurd position of judging his own legal briefs to render a decision.
These two changes at NLRB would make card-check passage much less pressing for Big Labor, whose priority is a bailout of underwater union pensions while they’re still able to afford to make payments to retirees.
As with all Ponzi schemes, they need a new influx of cash to prop up the system, and union leaders believe they have found a way to put these private union pensions on the backs of taxpayers.
The likelihood of passage of the bailout through the Senate depends largely on the outcome of the three special elections to fill the remainder of the terms of the late Sen. Robert Byrd and former Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The victors in these three races will be seated for the lame duck session.
Legislation from Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) is all geared up and ready to go. The Casey bill would put a new line item into the budget, creating a new government fund to perpetuate a permanent avenue for the bailout of private union pensions.
The Democrat-led lame duck session is slated to begin Nov. 15, namely after the elections but before the non-special election members are sworn in on Jan. 3 of next year.
If he wins the West Virginia special election, Manchin would offer a key vote favoring Big Labor in support of a Senate union pension bailout. Regardless of the election outcome in Colorado, Bennet would participate in the lame duck session.
More details>>
As previously reported on HUMAN EVENTS, new Federal Accounting Standards Board rules set to take effect on Dec. 15 threaten to shake up unions and the businesses entangled in multi-employer union pension plans that have been mismanaged and underfunded well before the 2008 financial upheaval. The economic downturn has only exacerbated the problem.
Recent reports show hundreds of thousands of dollars in union cash pouring into races for Democratic Senate candidates Michael Bennet and Joe Manchin. Both have publicly backed away from their support of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), more commonly known as “card check,” which would, among other things, ban secret-ballot voting for workplace unionization.
Big Labor long ago warned it wouldn’t support any candidate who failed to toe the line. Yet the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) has spent more than $1.2 million in Colorado alone attacking Bennet’s opponent Ken Buck.
Unions such as the Communications Workers of America and the United Mine Workers Union are also pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the Manchin race in West Virginia.
Why the reversal?
“What the labor board is planning to do is not known publicly so you only interpret what they’re planning to do by certain comments from different board members,” said former NLRB member John Raudabaugh.
He points to one speech in particular from NLRB member Mark Gaston Pearce on Oct. 21 at Suffolk University Law School, where Pearce admitted his desire to make the unionization voting period “as brief as possible.”
Pearce also described as “intriguing” the five- to ten-day Canadian voting system.
The current average is 38 days including the initial administrative time to process the petition and notify the employer and to hold hearings on differing issues, including eligibility.
Raudabaugh warns that the reduced voting period would allow unions to organize in secret for weeks or months and spring last-minute elections on unknowing employers, especially when no “agitated state” to spur on unionization exists. Most of these employers run smaller businesses without a legal department of their own, so they do not necessarily know the rules.
This lends itself to a situation where employees are only hearing one side of the unionization story.
“Unlike a vote for elected office, a vote to certify a union may affect your life for the remainder of your working days,” said Brett McMahon, spokesman for the Associated Builders and Contractors, a trade organization. “Isn’t it just logical that the decision should be made on all information available?”
The activist nature of the Obama NLRB is exemplified by former Service Employees International Union lawyer and board member Craig Becker, who has to date refused to recuse himself from two different decisions on cases he was actively involved in as a union lawyer. This puts Becker in the absurd position of judging his own legal briefs to render a decision.
These two changes at NLRB would make card-check passage much less pressing for Big Labor, whose priority is a bailout of underwater union pensions while they’re still able to afford to make payments to retirees.
As with all Ponzi schemes, they need a new influx of cash to prop up the system, and union leaders believe they have found a way to put these private union pensions on the backs of taxpayers.
The likelihood of passage of the bailout through the Senate depends largely on the outcome of the three special elections to fill the remainder of the terms of the late Sen. Robert Byrd and former Sens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The victors in these three races will be seated for the lame duck session.
Legislation from Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) is all geared up and ready to go. The Casey bill would put a new line item into the budget, creating a new government fund to perpetuate a permanent avenue for the bailout of private union pensions.
The Democrat-led lame duck session is slated to begin Nov. 15, namely after the elections but before the non-special election members are sworn in on Jan. 3 of next year.
If he wins the West Virginia special election, Manchin would offer a key vote favoring Big Labor in support of a Senate union pension bailout. Regardless of the election outcome in Colorado, Bennet would participate in the lame duck session.
More details>>
Today, The Living Dead Rule!
Our Halloween Eve selections:
Le Queloune (The Clown)After a lifetime of making people laugh, what's a newly zombified clown to do?
You'll never look at Legos the same way again.
When your home and family are threatened by zombies,
take these Government-recommended steps.
Night of the Living Dead
The 1968 classic."They're coming to get you, Barbara!"
Edward D. Wood, Jr.'s 1959 off-the-wall classic,
called by some "The Worst Movie of All Time".
Bela Lugosi's last film appearance, notable
in that he was already three years in the grave when the film was made.
of Wood's career and personality around the time of Plan 9 From Outer Space. Martin Laundau
won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a morphine-riddled
and commercially washed-up Lugosi.
"Pull the string! Pull the string! ")
*******************************************
Still didn't get your fill of Zombies?
Visit this site for a listing of most, if not all Living Dead movies, many of them found
in the Public Domain.
Happy Halloween!
Closing Argument: RNC Chairman Michael Steele
"As of last week, the RNC has contacted voters by phone and or knocking - 35 million people. 35 million people are now revved up and ready to go to the polls."I asked about the Democrats' talk about a superior ground game come election day - with unions and other liberal groups moving voters to the polls. And that prompts a quick response from Steele, "Talk is cheap. Meet me on the playground on Tuesday. See you at the polls on Tuesday and then tell me how good your ground game is. Watch the turnout. Watch what we'll do. And then we'll talk."
Steele didn't talk numbers but said after visiting more than 40 states, 130 cities and more than 15 thousand miles, he's convinced polls across the country are underestimating Republican turnout. He predicts surprise Republican pick-ups in blue states in the northeast and far west. "When you peel it back, you look and you see there's an energy there that just courses through the campaigns. It's not something that folks are going around and tabulating, but it's there."
On the job he's holding now: "I love it," Steele says. "It's been fun, despite all the nitpicking and the backbiting and the craziness at the RNC."
Is Steele looking for vindication Tuesday? "Oh no. This is a team sport, as much as you have folks on the team who don't want to play with you. I get that. What really matter is that, for the party, we reposition ourselves. And the vindication will be a Republican Congress. The vindication will be Republican governors and state legislatures and the opportunity to lead again and to do better than we did before."
And with that - Steele was back on the big red "Fire Pelosi" bus bound for city number 130-something... Rolling on to Tuesday.
Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/10/29/closing-argument-rnc-chairman-michael-steele?test=latestnews#ixzz13qVd59sg
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
Halloween
This used to be a holiday second only to Christmas to children of my generation. I can well remember “Trick or Treating” in the neighborhood where I now live. My home base was on the corner of Church and Truitt Streets. We always headed east toward East Salisbury School. The treats were better and we didn’t have to venture through the “tough” section near Naylor Street. Yes, it was not wise to go there even 60 years ago. When we went to the movies on Saturday afternoon, we walked quickly and purposefully.
The treats were bountiful on the streets I walked. We used to start off with a standard brown grocery bag. They hadn’t invented those fancy cloth pumpkins with a handle yet. I always had to go back home and get another bag because the first one was full. We never worried about tainted candy, razor blades in apples or anything that would hurt us. And Mom never checked our “stash” for objectionable objects. We had enough candy and other goodies to last a week. People would bake cookies especially for Halloween and wrap them neatly in waxed paper. We never liked it when somebody, with all good intentions, would drop an apple in our bag and crush the cookies. I will always remember this house on the corner of Saratoga Street and Phillips Avenue. They used to give out quarters. Now, remember that in the 1950’s, a quarter was a lot of money. In fact, you could buy five candy bars with a quarter.
Since my birthday was October 30, I always got a nice costume as a birthday present. Since most grade schools only went to the 6th grade, I got to enjoy Halloween for the two extra years at St. Francis. During my last year at St. Francis, 1956, I represented the school for a Halloween party on WBOC-TV. I dressed up as an old lady and really put a lot in that costume. Of course, all the other kids were at least two years younger than I was and when I won the first prize, they gave me a plastic train, something I had outgrown several years ago. But, I had the same enthusiasm as the man in the “Christmas Story” movie when he won the “leg lamp”. I had won FIRST PRIZE.
Nowadays, several organizations put on a Halloween party for the children and their efforts are rewarded by the shrieking children throughout the evening.
I used to sit at home waiting for the Trick or Treaters to come around, but I just turn my lights out now. Out of the 35 or 40 who came to the door toward the end, I might have known two. The rest were “bussed” in, and some didn’t even bother to wear a costume. They just stuck a bag in your face and expected you to fill it.
A recent good memory is the year my son, Mike, was too old to go out with the younger children. We dressed him up as a scarecrow and had him sit on a bale of hay in the front yard. He would scare the bejeebers out of the Trick or Treaters when they came to the door, and we really had some laughs with that gimmick.
I think door-to-door Trick or Treating is a thing of the past. We were unfettered and free to gather as much booty as we could carry home. The gaiety of the old Halloweens when the neighbor was filled with little gremlins I knew is something I will always miss.
Israel Offering Millions of Dollars to Relocate African Illegals
Jerusalem is ready to renew its offer to pay millions of dollars to any African or Western country willing to absorb the influx of migrants attempting to infiltrate Israel, a senior official said on Wednesday.
During deliberations with his political-security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Foreign Ministry to renew its contacts with Western and African states to see if any would be willing to take in these migrant workers.
Netanyahu also ordered the defense establishment to begin immediate construction of a barrier on the Egyptian border and said he expected a report on the matter within a month. The works were due to start in July, but following disagreements on budgeting have been delayed by over three months.
The premier also said that alternatives needed to be found to reduce the flow of infiltrators before the barrier was in place.
The barrier is meant to prevent Islamic militants, drug dealers, African migrants and other asylum seekers from entering Israel from Egypt. At least 1,000 people enter the country illegally from Egypt each month, according to Israeli estimates.
"The problem of illegal infiltrators in the south presents a threat to the Jewish and democratic character of Israel," said Netanyahu. "I want to see actual results of the beginning of a barrier on the ground within the coming weeks. In four weeks, the cabinet will be meeting again and will hear the defense establishment's report on the matter."
"The urgency of this problem requires close and focused treatment," he added.
The Foreign Ministry has already held a round of talks on the matter with a number of states with whom Israel has diplomatic relations, but has not yet received a sufficient response to the request. Even those states willing to take in migrant workers are not prepared to absorb the numbers of people presented by Israel.
More here
During deliberations with his political-security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Foreign Ministry to renew its contacts with Western and African states to see if any would be willing to take in these migrant workers.
Netanyahu also ordered the defense establishment to begin immediate construction of a barrier on the Egyptian border and said he expected a report on the matter within a month. The works were due to start in July, but following disagreements on budgeting have been delayed by over three months.
The premier also said that alternatives needed to be found to reduce the flow of infiltrators before the barrier was in place.
The barrier is meant to prevent Islamic militants, drug dealers, African migrants and other asylum seekers from entering Israel from Egypt. At least 1,000 people enter the country illegally from Egypt each month, according to Israeli estimates.
"The problem of illegal infiltrators in the south presents a threat to the Jewish and democratic character of Israel," said Netanyahu. "I want to see actual results of the beginning of a barrier on the ground within the coming weeks. In four weeks, the cabinet will be meeting again and will hear the defense establishment's report on the matter."
"The urgency of this problem requires close and focused treatment," he added.
The Foreign Ministry has already held a round of talks on the matter with a number of states with whom Israel has diplomatic relations, but has not yet received a sufficient response to the request. Even those states willing to take in migrant workers are not prepared to absorb the numbers of people presented by Israel.
More here
Justice Dept. Tried to Hide Officials' Role In Panther Lawsuit Dismissal
The Justice Department has tried to hide the extensive involvement of high-level political officials in the dismissal of a controversial voter-intimidation lawsuit against members of the New Black Panther Party, a federal commission concluded in a draft report.
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights said the department's reversal in the case indicates that its Civil Rights Division is failing to protect white voters and is "at war with its core mission of guaranteeing equal protection [under] the laws for all Americans.''
The Justice Department denied the allegations in the report, based on the commission's year-long investigation into the Obama administration's handling of the 2008 incident. The Bush administration had filed the lawsuit against members of the New Black Panther Party, but the Obama Justice Department dismissed most of the case.
"The department makes enforcement decisions based on the merits, not the race, gender or ethnicity of any party involved,'' said spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler. "We are committed to comprehensive and vigorous enforcement of the federal laws that prohibit voter intimidation.''
The 131-page report is the latest fallout from the case's dismissal, which triggered outrage from conservatives and congressional Republicans, two internal Justice Department inquiries and the commission investigation.
The commission, controlled by a bloc of conservative and libertarian members, is scheduled to vote on the report Friday. A draft copy was posted Thursday on the Web site TPMMuckraker.
The commission's draft report said the "repeated attempts to obscure" the involvement of political appointees in the dismissal "raise questions about what the Department is trying to hide. ''
The report accuses the department of stonewalling the investigation. Schmaler disputed that, saying it provided more than 4,000 pages of documents. More here
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights said the department's reversal in the case indicates that its Civil Rights Division is failing to protect white voters and is "at war with its core mission of guaranteeing equal protection [under] the laws for all Americans.''
The Justice Department denied the allegations in the report, based on the commission's year-long investigation into the Obama administration's handling of the 2008 incident. The Bush administration had filed the lawsuit against members of the New Black Panther Party, but the Obama Justice Department dismissed most of the case.
"The department makes enforcement decisions based on the merits, not the race, gender or ethnicity of any party involved,'' said spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler. "We are committed to comprehensive and vigorous enforcement of the federal laws that prohibit voter intimidation.''
The 131-page report is the latest fallout from the case's dismissal, which triggered outrage from conservatives and congressional Republicans, two internal Justice Department inquiries and the commission investigation.
The commission, controlled by a bloc of conservative and libertarian members, is scheduled to vote on the report Friday. A draft copy was posted Thursday on the Web site TPMMuckraker.
The commission's draft report said the "repeated attempts to obscure" the involvement of political appointees in the dismissal "raise questions about what the Department is trying to hide. ''
The report accuses the department of stonewalling the investigation. Schmaler disputed that, saying it provided more than 4,000 pages of documents. More here
Read This News Site And They Will Hunt You Down And Sue You
The North Country Gazette, an online-only publication based in Chestertown, NY, wants you to know that reading their site without a subscription is serious business. How serious? Well, if you read more than one page on the site without a subscription, the site owner claims that she will use your IP address to track you down and sue you.
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4-Year Old Can Be Sued, Judge Rules
A judge has ruled that a suit can be brought against a 4-year old who mowed down an 87-year old lady with her bike.
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Andy Harris Receives “Honorary Tax Fighter” Award
“I have never voted for a tax increase and I never will,” said Andy Harris. "The path Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats have led our country down has resulted in nothing but reckless government spending, waste, and now tax hikes for everyone. The NTLC works hard to ensure Americans can keep their hard-earned income and not give the reins for spending over to fiscally irresponsible politicians."
“We reserve this honorary award for those candidates whose commitment to restraint of government spending and taxation is absolutely clear from their public statements, actions and pledges," said NTLC Committee President, Lewis K. Uhler.
The National Tax Limitation Committee has been at work since 1975. They are one of the longest standing and strategically oriented pro-taxpayer/entrepreneur organizations in America.
6 Towns In America Where You Can Get Free Land
There's still such a thing as homesteading in America. Here's 6 cities where they're giving away free land:
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Millsboro Man Shot During Domestic Incident
Location: Residence in the 30000 block of Conaway Road, Millsboro, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday, October 29, 2010 at 7:20 p.m.
Victim: 53 year old Millsboro man
Suspect: Joshua Niblett, 28, Millsboro, DE
Resume: Delaware State Police detectives are investigating a domestic related shooting that occurred early this evening in Millsboro.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. this evening as troopers were called to a residence in the 30000 block of Conaway Road in reference to a shooting. Upon their arrival troopers determined that a 53 year old female resident and her 53 year old husband had been involved in a domestic altercation that had turned physical. Joshua Niblett, 28, who also lives at the same address and is the son of the female, heard the commotion from the altercation and attempted to intercede. At some point a weapon described as a 45 caliber handgun was produced. A struggle for the weapon then ensued between Joshua Niblett and the 53 year old victim and a shot was discharged, striking the victim in the abdomen. After the shooting, Niblett left the residence with the gun and was apprehended by responding troopers a short distance away from the residence without incident. The male victim was flown from the scene by helicopter to the Christiana Hospital where he has been admitted in stable condition. The 53 year old female was not injured.
At this point the incident is still under investigation and charges are pending.
One Police Officer Dead, One Injured After Car Crash
WASHINGTON -- A D.C. police officer has died in the line of duty early Saturday morning following a car crash.
Police say two officers were responding to a call when their cruiser was involved in a single-car accident close to the intersection of Howard Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.
Other officers were called to the scene around 3 a.m.
GO HERE to read more.
Police say two officers were responding to a call when their cruiser was involved in a single-car accident close to the intersection of Howard Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.
Other officers were called to the scene around 3 a.m.
GO HERE to read more.
IRISH TALKING CLOCK
After closing time at the bar, a drunk was proudly showing off his new apartment to a couple of his friends. He led the way to his bedroom where there was a big brass gong and a mallet.
'What's that big brass gong?' one of the guests asked.
'It's not a gong. It's a talking clock,' the drunk replied.
'A talking clock? Seriously?' asked his astonished friend.
'YUP, it is' replied the drunk.
'How's it work?' the friend asked, squinting at it.
'Watch,' the drunk replied. He picked up the mallet, gave the gong an ear-shattering pound and stepped back.
The three stood looking at one another for a moment.......
Suddenly, someone on the other side of the wall screamed, 'You butthole! It's THREE-FIFTEEN in the MORNING!'
October Notes From The Wicomico County Board Of Education
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its Oct. 12 monthly meeting:
Moment of Silence
Observed a moment of silence for the late Linda Mable Washington, a Wicomico High School food service worker.
Public Comments
Heard comments from a parent with concerns about the Magnet Program selection process. Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen said the High Performing Learners advisory committee would meet on Oct. 14 to review what has taken place since the last meeting, including the 2010 selection process, and look at the work that needs to be done now. A Q&A on the Magnet Program and High Performing Learners has been prepared for the committee and the website. Board members asked that public comments and questions on Magnet be considered and responses given in a timely manner.
Superintendent’s Report
Heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen that:
The process of writing an action plan for allocating Wicomico’s nearly $3.1 million in Race to the Top (RTTT) funding is continuing, and that RTTT will mean a change to measuring student growth rather than performance on set measures, with teachers evaluated partially on the growth their students make.
The 2010 Adequate Yearly Progress information is out and available on the website and at mdk12.org. In accordance with federal regulations, Wicomico will redirect approximately $400,000 in Title I funding to professional development.
A recent Maryland State Department of Education audit of the school system was a success.
Westside Primary and Pittsville Elementary and Middle were named Maryland Character Education Schools.
Several hundred people attended a Gang Awareness Training event held at James M. Bennett high in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention.
Sherri Harkins of Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary has been honored as the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year.
Wicomico will use the $825,645 it receives from the Education Jobs Fund Program to focus on prekindergarten teachers and class size preservation.
Planning for the Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget is under way, with planning not just for next year but for several years out with continued difficult budget times ahead.
The Family Portal is open for the 2010-11 school year. So far, 1,017 people have signed up to view their student’s school information online. Sign-in information must be obtained by visiting the student’s school.
The school system anticipates more meetings in the near future as improvements to the Onley/Bateman intersection move forward. The city of Salisbury now has the money from the state for the project. The improvements are needed so that as the construction on the Bennett site nears completion, as either the planned 17 buses or 300+ staff cars and other cars must use Onley Road. Board member Ronald O. Willey emphasized the importance of the situation being resolved as quickly as possible.
The Northwestern Elementary HVAC project was approved by the State to receive Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) funding. This approval allows the school system to collect donations of approximately $12,000 based upon commitment letters received from private sector contributors. The QZAB funding with help fund a portion of the long delayed HVAC project at the school.
The system has a $70,000 Connections grant for services to persistently disruptive and violent students, and will collaborate with Sojourner-Douglass College to use space at its facility. The Board will see a Memorandum of Understanding for the arrangement soon.
Meetings continue with the bus contractors with work on issues including insurance, indemnification, breach of contracts, Ombudsman, and “equal to or greater than.”
A committee will work on making sure that all eligible families are aware of the Delmar One-Time Choice.
The school system’s Central Office crisis plan is being updated, and crisis plan training is taking place throughout the system.
Campbell-Jones cultural competency workshops are taking place and are open to Board members.
Highlighted events in October include the Up with People concert sponsored by the Wicomico County Board of Education (Oct. 12) and the Delmarvacade of Bands (Oct. 16); board members also congratulated Wicomico Teacher of the Year Lisa King of Delmar Elementary, who represented Wicomico at the Oct. 8 Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala. In November, look for Election Day (Nov. 2; schools and Central Office closed, please remember to vote), the next STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Saturday on Nov. 13 for students in grades 4/5 and 6/7/8, and American Education Week (Nov. 14-20).
Contact the school system by e-mail at comments@wcboe.org or leave a voicemail message at 410-677-5251. Visit www.wcboe.org for videos, news and more.
Bennett Middle School Design
Approved the design development for the Bennett Middle School replacement project, for submission to the state. Wicomico is requesting $13 million for its first construction funding request to the State for the project. The school system will also seek $15 million in county funding this year. If the state and county provide the construction funding that is being requested, the earliest start date for construction would be spring 2012, with occupancy in summer 2015. The State will pay 87 percent of the eligible construction costs if the project receives LEED Silver Certification and is approved for funding in FY2012. Board member Robin Holloway said the school system should prepare talking points to ensure the need for the project is well understood and well publicized.
Contract Modifications
Approved a $151,817.14 construction contract modification for Whiting-Turner on the James M. Bennett High replacement project for changes to the project, and a $105,323.46 A/E contract modification for Becker Morgan Group for adjustments to the project’s size and scope.
Negotiating Teams
Approved the members of the 2010-11 Board Negotiations Teams for Unit I, Unit II, and Units III and IV.
PTA Officers
Received for information the list of school PTA officers for 2010-11.
Persons in Charge
Held for further attention and a future vote the 2010-11 list of Persons in Charge in schools in the absence of the principal and assistant principal(s).
School Faculty Representatives
Approved the 2010-11 list of School Faculty Representatives.
Bid Awards
Awarded the contract for Stopware PassagePoint EDU Software for all schools and the Central Office to Identicard Systems Worldwide as the low responsive and responsible bidder. The five-year ownership cost for the system is $57,620. A uniform, comprehensive system is needed for the safety and security of school buildings, said Cathy Townsend, Supervisor of Safe Schools.
Awarded the contract for roof repair crew price to Peninsula Roofing as the primary vendor and Potteiger-Raintree as the secondary vendor as the low responsive and responsible bidders. The contract is for small-scale roof repair projects as needed.
Year-End Audit Reports
Approved the Audit Reports as submitted for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010. Audit documents included the school system’s first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which will be posted on the website to provide information about school funding and spending to the community. Of note this year is that auditor did not identify any deficiencies through the audit, and School Activities Fund audits, which last year yielded numerous recommendations and only one clean audit, this year improved to 13 clean audits and very few recommendations for the remaining schools.
Monthly Reports
Approved the monthly report on personnel matters for certificated employees and budget transfers, and received for information the monthly personnel matters report on classified employees and the monthly update on grant proposals.
Moment of Silence
Observed a moment of silence for the late Linda Mable Washington, a Wicomico High School food service worker.
Public Comments
Heard comments from a parent with concerns about the Magnet Program selection process. Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen said the High Performing Learners advisory committee would meet on Oct. 14 to review what has taken place since the last meeting, including the 2010 selection process, and look at the work that needs to be done now. A Q&A on the Magnet Program and High Performing Learners has been prepared for the committee and the website. Board members asked that public comments and questions on Magnet be considered and responses given in a timely manner.
Superintendent’s Report
Heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen that:
The process of writing an action plan for allocating Wicomico’s nearly $3.1 million in Race to the Top (RTTT) funding is continuing, and that RTTT will mean a change to measuring student growth rather than performance on set measures, with teachers evaluated partially on the growth their students make.
The 2010 Adequate Yearly Progress information is out and available on the website and at mdk12.org. In accordance with federal regulations, Wicomico will redirect approximately $400,000 in Title I funding to professional development.
A recent Maryland State Department of Education audit of the school system was a success.
Westside Primary and Pittsville Elementary and Middle were named Maryland Character Education Schools.
Several hundred people attended a Gang Awareness Training event held at James M. Bennett high in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention.
Sherri Harkins of Pittsville Elementary and Middle and Willards Elementary has been honored as the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year.
Wicomico will use the $825,645 it receives from the Education Jobs Fund Program to focus on prekindergarten teachers and class size preservation.
Planning for the Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget is under way, with planning not just for next year but for several years out with continued difficult budget times ahead.
The Family Portal is open for the 2010-11 school year. So far, 1,017 people have signed up to view their student’s school information online. Sign-in information must be obtained by visiting the student’s school.
The school system anticipates more meetings in the near future as improvements to the Onley/Bateman intersection move forward. The city of Salisbury now has the money from the state for the project. The improvements are needed so that as the construction on the Bennett site nears completion, as either the planned 17 buses or 300+ staff cars and other cars must use Onley Road. Board member Ronald O. Willey emphasized the importance of the situation being resolved as quickly as possible.
The Northwestern Elementary HVAC project was approved by the State to receive Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) funding. This approval allows the school system to collect donations of approximately $12,000 based upon commitment letters received from private sector contributors. The QZAB funding with help fund a portion of the long delayed HVAC project at the school.
The system has a $70,000 Connections grant for services to persistently disruptive and violent students, and will collaborate with Sojourner-Douglass College to use space at its facility. The Board will see a Memorandum of Understanding for the arrangement soon.
Meetings continue with the bus contractors with work on issues including insurance, indemnification, breach of contracts, Ombudsman, and “equal to or greater than.”
A committee will work on making sure that all eligible families are aware of the Delmar One-Time Choice.
The school system’s Central Office crisis plan is being updated, and crisis plan training is taking place throughout the system.
Campbell-Jones cultural competency workshops are taking place and are open to Board members.
Highlighted events in October include the Up with People concert sponsored by the Wicomico County Board of Education (Oct. 12) and the Delmarvacade of Bands (Oct. 16); board members also congratulated Wicomico Teacher of the Year Lisa King of Delmar Elementary, who represented Wicomico at the Oct. 8 Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala. In November, look for Election Day (Nov. 2; schools and Central Office closed, please remember to vote), the next STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Saturday on Nov. 13 for students in grades 4/5 and 6/7/8, and American Education Week (Nov. 14-20).
Contact the school system by e-mail at comments@wcboe.org or leave a voicemail message at 410-677-5251. Visit www.wcboe.org for videos, news and more.
Bennett Middle School Design
Approved the design development for the Bennett Middle School replacement project, for submission to the state. Wicomico is requesting $13 million for its first construction funding request to the State for the project. The school system will also seek $15 million in county funding this year. If the state and county provide the construction funding that is being requested, the earliest start date for construction would be spring 2012, with occupancy in summer 2015. The State will pay 87 percent of the eligible construction costs if the project receives LEED Silver Certification and is approved for funding in FY2012. Board member Robin Holloway said the school system should prepare talking points to ensure the need for the project is well understood and well publicized.
Contract Modifications
Approved a $151,817.14 construction contract modification for Whiting-Turner on the James M. Bennett High replacement project for changes to the project, and a $105,323.46 A/E contract modification for Becker Morgan Group for adjustments to the project’s size and scope.
Negotiating Teams
Approved the members of the 2010-11 Board Negotiations Teams for Unit I, Unit II, and Units III and IV.
PTA Officers
Received for information the list of school PTA officers for 2010-11.
Persons in Charge
Held for further attention and a future vote the 2010-11 list of Persons in Charge in schools in the absence of the principal and assistant principal(s).
School Faculty Representatives
Approved the 2010-11 list of School Faculty Representatives.
Bid Awards
Awarded the contract for Stopware PassagePoint EDU Software for all schools and the Central Office to Identicard Systems Worldwide as the low responsive and responsible bidder. The five-year ownership cost for the system is $57,620. A uniform, comprehensive system is needed for the safety and security of school buildings, said Cathy Townsend, Supervisor of Safe Schools.
Awarded the contract for roof repair crew price to Peninsula Roofing as the primary vendor and Potteiger-Raintree as the secondary vendor as the low responsive and responsible bidders. The contract is for small-scale roof repair projects as needed.
Year-End Audit Reports
Approved the Audit Reports as submitted for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010. Audit documents included the school system’s first Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), which will be posted on the website to provide information about school funding and spending to the community. Of note this year is that auditor did not identify any deficiencies through the audit, and School Activities Fund audits, which last year yielded numerous recommendations and only one clean audit, this year improved to 13 clean audits and very few recommendations for the remaining schools.
Monthly Reports
Approved the monthly report on personnel matters for certificated employees and budget transfers, and received for information the monthly personnel matters report on classified employees and the monthly update on grant proposals.
Friday, October 29, 2010
The 2010 Maryland Liberty Scorecard Is OUT!
Just in time for the 2010 general election, the 2010 Maryland Liberty Scorecard is out. Before you vote, see how your legislators voted on key issues that affect our individual and corporate liberty.
If you’re from the Eastern Shore, chances are you’re pretty well represented. Delegates like Mike Smigiel (R-36), Addie Eckardt (R-37B), and Jeannie Haddaway (R-37B) are all stars when it comes to supporting liberty; ditto senators EJ Pipkin, Rich Colburn and Lowell Stoltzfus. Sadly, those of us on the Lower Shore don’t fair quite as well. With Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus (R-38) retiring, the liberty record of delegates Jim Mathias (D-38B) and Norm Conway (D-38B) are cause for worry. Del. Rudy Cane (D-37A) is no champion of liberty but has a better record than either Conway or Mathias.
Fortunately, the election is just around the corner. In addition to re-electing great legislators like Sen. Alex Mooney (R-3), Sen. EJ Pipkin (R-36), Sen. Richard Colburn (R-37), along with Smigiel, Eckardt, and Haddaway, we have a chance to elect great people like Michael James in 38, Mike McDermott and Marty Pusey in 38-B, Dustin Mills in 37-A, Justin Ready in 5-A, Chris Shank in 2, and a host of others.
For those of us who want Maryland to once again be the FREE STATE, this election is crucial! Check out BOTH the 2010 Liberty Scorecard as well as the 2009 Liberty Scorecard. Know who you are voting for!
from Delmarva Dealings