The Underemployment Rate Is 17.3 Percent.

Since the recession began in December 2007, Congress has passed two stimulus packages ($168 billion in February 2008 and $787 billion in February 2009), and last month the House passed a $154 billion jobs bill. The economy has been growing for more than six months. Yet job creation is sluggish.

Today's unemployment rate is 10 percent; the underemployment rate—the unemployed, plus those employed part time, plus those discouraged persons who have stopped looking for jobs—is 17.3 percent. Almost 40 percent of the unemployed have been so for seven months or more—which is not surprising: Congress continues to extend eligibility for unemployment benefits, apparently oblivious to the truth that when you subsidize something you get more of it.

There is no precedent for what the nation might be beginning to experience—a torpid recovery from a steep recession. Since World War II, the average growth rate in the first four quarters after a recession ended has been 6.6 percent, and then 4.3 percent for the subsequent five years. In 1982, the unemployment rate reached 10.8 percent; in 1983, the average quarterly growth was a sizzling 7.6 percent.

Today, Americans are still paying down their debts that fueled consumption between 2001 and 2007. Nevertheless, household debt is still 30 percent above what it was a decade ago, so deleveraging has a long way to go. And 23 percent of homeowners with mortgages are still underwater—the value of their houses is less than the amount owed on the mortgages.

The residential-real-estate sector triggered the recession, which now may bring a convulsion in commercial real estate. A quarter of a trillion dollars of loans must be rolled over in each of the next few years. Megan McArdle, business editor of The Atlantic, explains why many of these loans will go bad:

"Take a property that was worth $100 million in 2007, when it was financed with a four-year, $70 million mortgage. That's a reasonably conservative 70 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. But if the building is worth only $70 million when it's time to roll the loan over, keeping the LTV at 70 percent means that the owners can now borrow only $49 million, and have to come up with tens of millions to pay off the original loan. Worse, as the markets tighten, lenders tend to want to see a lower LTV in the deals they finance."

GO HERE to read more.

TOMORROW’S TV SCHEDULE – FIRST HERE, THEN THERE

Tuesday offers a political smorgasbord for Wicomico County, starting with the County Council meeting beginning at 10 AM (on PAC-14), and if you do not get that you can always go in person. We may hear why $500 (if shipping is included) trash cans are now a necessity in the courthouse, along with special cherry furniture that cost many thousands more. And maybe Rick Pollitt will tell us why land across the street from the Civic Center is worth much more than the sites that are on the market at the Centre at Salisbury, which is an operating shopping center not a former one that has been vacant for years. And some folks would like to know why all that parking space is really needed.

Then, during the afternoon and evening we can watch what happens tomorrow in the election to fill the seat in the US Senate formerly held by the late Teddy ("the swimmer") Kennedy that his family claims as theirs to control for a liberal agenda. Let’s hope that it becomes "the People’s seat" once again, filled by Scott Brown.

These two different events may have something in common – as harbingers of change. See the preceding posts today about these matters.

What a difference a year can make!

Peace Of Mind

Joe, I know that this doesn't belong here but, like always, my emails that I send to you bounce back for some reason.

I just wanted to mention something I saw tonight. I was grocery shopping at the Food Lion on Tilghman Rd and Rt 50 tonight and notice something rather comforting standing at the front of the store; it was an officer in tactical uniform. I believe it was a State Trooper, but I can't be completely sure since I do not know what MSP's tactical uniforms exactly look like.

I was in the grocery store for about a half hour and the officer maintained his post at the front of the store from the time I entered through to the time I left. Now, I can't be sure that he was on duty or maybe simply waiting for his wife or some one to show up to do some shopping, but I thought that it would be something worth mentioning. The fact is, whether on duty or not, he had a presence in the grocery store tonight. Presence certainly does make a difference on citizens' sense of security and deterring criminal activity.

My question to you Joe, is do you know if MSP officers are doing this type of detailed patrol or was this just some officer making an off duty presence? Either way, it is truly great, but I think that the MSP should be praised if they are truly trying to do certain things to reduce crime.

From The Crowd That Preaches 'Tolerance..'

Chai Feldblum, the Georgetown University law professor nominated by President Obama to serve on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has written that society should “not tolerate” any “private beliefs,” including religious beliefs, that may negatively affect homosexual “equality.”

Feldblum, whose nomination was advanced in a closed session of the Senate Health Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on December 12, published an article entitled “Moral Conflict and Liberty: Gay Rights and Religion” in the Brooklyn Law Review in 2006.

“Just as we do not tolerate private racial beliefs that adversely affect African-Americans in the commercial arena, even if such beliefs are based on religious views, we should similarly not tolerate private beliefs about sexual orientation and gender identity that adversely affect LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] people,” the Georgetown law professor argued.

Read more..

Whatever It Takes To Win.

The specter of Minnesota's bitterly contested election contest between Al Franken and Norm Coleman now hangs over the special election in Massachusetts, with Republicans and conservative pundits warning that anything less than a clear-cut victory for GOP challenger Scott Brown over Democrat Martha Coakley risks a "stolen election."

Brown appears to be surging. Increasingly desperate in the campaign's waning days to save their supermajority in Congress, Democrats are doing everything they possibly can to keep the seat.

Several Obama advisers have told Democratic Party officials in recent days that the administration expects Coakley is likely to lose the election Tuesday, CNN White House correspondent Ed Henry reported.

John Fund, the election expert, author, and Wall Street Journal online commentator, told Newsmax that Brown probably has to win by at least 20,000 votes to avoid "the margin of litigation."

Republicans are crowding the blogosphere with fears that a close election could trigger the same type of recount process that saw former GOP Sen. Norm Coleman's lead over then-challenger Al Franken steadily evaporate in Minnesota.

"Actual vote stealing will occur" on Tuesday, Fund told Newsmax. But he expects it will be reduced "because ACORN is discredited and adrift and there are serious anti-fraud efforts being mounted."

Several icons of the left appear to be signaling to Massachusetts voters that voter fraud would be justifiable...

More from Newsmax..

Maybe Our Own Government Should Learn To Trust Us Too!

As many of you know, Obama truly ticked me off when he became REACTIVE by sending $100,000,000.00 to Haiti without trusting the American people would step up to the plate, as we always do.

Other Countries throughout our history know we're a very loving, caring and giving America. However, the Haitian Government is a very corrupt group who couldn't care less about their own people.

A few years ago, Americans quickly learned that our very own government flat out screwed the people of New Orleans and surrounding counties and states because rather than being PROACTIVE, we've proven we too are REACTIVE no matter who the President is. We learned that the Red Cross would take our donations for Katrina and say, you know what, we've given enough, let's use millions of this money elsewhere.

I guess it really doesn't matter where in the world you go, corruption is just about everywhere. In most recent history Obama's team of experts lost $500,000,000.00 in stimulus money, yet Americans didn't scream at the top of their lungs they wanted someone to be held accountable for where a half a billions dollars disappeared to.

Now we've got phone companies telling us the money you donate today won't get to those in need for a good 3 months. Yeah, this is America, the greatest Country on earth.

One thing you can't put a price tag on is WISDOM. I just wonder how many times Americans will get screwed by others to remember just what WISDOM actually is. You see, to me, WISDOM stepped in within minutes after I heard of the earthquake and I thought, here we go again. Another disaster in the world, I wonder how many will be smart this time and actually sit tight with their wallets and wait to be assured their good hard earned money will actually make it to those in need.

Then we get to hear President Obama already fixed that for us. He's going to take $100,000,000.00 of our hard earned money, (probably FOUND in their spare stimulus account) and send it off to Haiti. Now let's see, what good did that actually do for those in need. Oh, that's right, NOTHING! It was nice to see that Obama reacted faster than Bush did but in the end it made the same amount of difference for those suffering, NOTHING.

Perhaps President Obama has learned a little something from us Americans. We immediately stepped up to the plate and started making our own donations not stolen from us and we proved to the rest of the world that Americans have hearts of gold. We didn't need our President to prove that for us.

Now what does that say about our leadership. It tells me, (at least) that we have a government that is too liberal to actually be accountable for our own financial state of mind as well as well being. God Forbid we see two or three more disasters like this again in the near future and guess what, we're tapped out, period.

While some of the younger generations are more care free, just charge it, (kind of people) they do not realize how desperate we are right now financially as a country because they have been raised on borrowing. Obama is clearly one of them. I guess you actually have to be out there earning a real living any more these days to actually understand what real financial accountability is any more.

Look, its not all about Obama, he's just our current President and target. I'm firmly against our leadership throwing $100,000,000.00 out there as if it was fifty cents! Agree with me or not, we're failing as a country Folks and that's all there is to it. We are losing power so damn fast we can't see straight any more.

While I'm sad for all the lives lost to this disaster in Haiti, US Government money is NOT the answer. We are so close to our very own destruction, how many of you have asked how the victims of Katrina are doing today. Yeah, not many at all. We've become a completely reactive country because our government shows us that's how things should be done. Oh, God Forbid they're actually WRONG. The proof I am right is the FACT that almost a billion American Dollars have been donated that fast by the American people.

Mr. Obama, why don't YOU and your people sit back and take a lesson from us Americans and trust US for once. Let US show you how we can actually handle these disasters without your help. YOU have spent enough of OUR money over the past year, HOW'S IT WORKING FOR US!!!!!!!

A hundred years ago Haiti and others would have simply dealt with their disasters, just as Americans had to deal with our own. The day they start raising the American Flag on their soil is the day we need YOU to send them a check. Until then, let us do our own thing and you start worrying about our own soil before we're forced to raise a Chinese Flag here before we know it.

While I've got your attention, God Forbid the people of Massachusetts actually vote from their hearts too. No, instead our President has to brainwash those citizens by running commercials suggesting their party is better. You know what Folks, I'm this close to giving up.

Harris Campaign Releases Memo On New Rankings For MD's First District

ANNAPOLIS--The Andy Harris for Congress campaign today released a memo from the campaign to staff, donors and volunteers. The memo details the latest Congressional rankings by the Washington Post's "The Fix" column. The rankings listed Maryland's First Congressional District as the fifth most competitive district in the country and Harris as the third likely pick-up opportunity for Republicans. Harris is ranked as the most likely Republican challenger to defeat a Democratic incumbent. The column cites voter discontent as the one of the main reasons for the difficult climate for many Democrats currently in Congress.

The memo to Harris' staff, volunteers and donors is as follows:

MEMORANDUM

To: Andy Harris for Congress campaign staff, volunteers, and donors

From: Tommy Hopper, Consultant
The Hopper Company

Date: January 18, 2010

RE: Campaign Update: Washington Post's "The Fix" lists Andy Harris as most likely Republican in the country to defeat Democratic incumbent


__________________________________________________________________________________

State Senator Andy Harris, M.D., has been named the most likely Republican challenger to defeat a Democratic incumbent member of Congress in the midterm elections in November, according to the Washington Post's "The Fix" column. The column can be found here and ranks Maryland's First Congressional District as the fifth most competitive district in the country and the third most likely Republican pick up opportunity in the 2010 midterm elections.

The latest Congressional rankings enforce the momentum Andy Harris is building through a strong organization, fundraising, and grassroots support. The campaign has received the endorsement of nearly all elected Republicans from the General Assembly that represent parts of the district and the only two Republican county executives in Maryland. The campaign's fundraising support is overwhelmingly from Maryland voters and smaller donors.

In addition, the close race for the U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts is further proof that American voters do not support the direction Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are taking the country in and that widespread voter discontent is being seen in even the bluest of blue states. The race between Republican State Senator Scott Brown and Democrat Attorney General Martha Coakley has dramatically tightened, with the most recent poll results released from a Democratic polling firm putting Brown ahead by five points. The race has become a referendum on Congressional leaders, forcing Democrats to resort to last ditch efforts and typical smear campaign tactics. The race has implications for Maryland's First Congressional District and the likelihood of an electoral revolt against the policies coming out of Washington which are being rejected even in liberal bastions like Massachusetts.

Andy Harris' background as a doctor, U.S. Naval officer, and conservative elected official is favored among voters in the district, particularly when matched up against a Democrat that has voted with his party's liberal leadership in Congress 85 percent of the time, according to our campaign's latest internal poll. Harris' positions like having doctors and patients making health care decisions instead of Washington bureaucrats, job creation through incentives to small businesses rather than tax increases on job creators and eliminating wasteful Washington spending and trillion dollar federal deficits is what voters in Maryland's First District want.

These factors have clearly aided Harris' surge in the rankings of likely Republican pick up opportunities in November.

While the campaign is well-ahead of our early projections, this should re-energize an already motivated base of Republican, Independent, and moderate to conservative Democratic voters in the District. Our focus must remain on building our campaign structure and reaching out to every voter in Maryland's First District. Communicating Andy Harris' qualifications and commitments to the issues that concern voters most must remain a priority.

Anatomy Of A Meltdown

Anatomy of a Meltdown
by Victor Davis Hanson
NRO’s The Corner

Many saw Obama's polls dropping for a variety of reasons, and can anticipate what's next. People took the candidate at his word of bipartisanship, fiscal seriousness, and centrism, and from day one got instead shady Cabinet nominations of tax cheats and lobbyists, indifference to congressional corruption as symbolized by Rangel and Dodd, a whiny monotony of "Bush did it" for a year, a 1,000-page healthcare monstrosity, fiscal insanity, serial appeasement of enemies with conscious neglect of old allies, and on and on. No hope, less change.

And when the polls showed that almost the entire Obama agenda — more stimuli, more new government programs, statist healthcare, cap-and-trade to come, no gas/oil/nuclear promotion, apologetic foreign policy, "comprehensive" immigration reform as envisioned by the La Razistas — was unpopular and polling poorly, congressional Democrats, for much of the summer and fall, sighed something like, "Oh, no matter, the rock-star president's ratings are still untouchable and he can come in here and by osmosis put me over the top."

But not now. The former celebrity Obama has lost that luster, point-by-point over a year, bleeding by a thousand small cuts until he nears 40 percent approval. In themselves, the bad jokes like the flippant remark about the Special Olympics, the lunatic appointments like Anita Dunn and Van Jones, the serial untruths about airing the healthcare debate on C-SPAN or shunning lobbyists, the phony deadlines on Gitmo and the Iranians, the bribing of senators with hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayers' funds, the bowing, the snubbing of the British, the use of the race card against tea-party critics, the Skip Gates mess, the Orwellian NEA business, constant fluff photos ops, but rare real press conferences — all that in the aggregate brought Obama to his present state.

And now the question is not whether the president's charisma can save his unpopular agenda, but rather whether the president's growing unpopularity makes things even worse. This takes place, of course, in a landscape of 10 percent unemployment, a nearly $2 trillion debt, and rising energy prices. Somehow more deficits and subsidized wind and solar won't be winning issues.

An obvious prediction: The upcoming show trial of KSM, cap-and-trade, and amnesty are not winning issues — and will have to be Gitmoized or they will threaten to destroy the Democratic party for years.

Finally, how ironic — Obama was elected as a reaction to Bush's mistakes of deficit spending and big-ticket new entitlements that nullified his otherwise effective anti-terrorism war; instead, he took what people liked about Bush and ridiculed them, while trumping Bush's spending that had turned so many off.

Boehner: 'End Of Obama Agenda'

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) predicted “the end of the Obama agenda” if health care reform does not pass — and he says Massachusetts can help usher in this demise by supporting Republican Scott Brown.

"If this health care reform bill doesn't pass, it is the end of the Obama agenda," Boehner told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham on Monday morning. "It's pretty clear that they're going to use every trick imaginable ... to shove this down the throats of the American people."

Boehner, who has contributed to Brown’s campaign, said he is hopeful for a victory Tuesday in the traditional Democratic stronghold but wary that congressional leadership will push the health care bill regardless of the electoral results.

On the eve of the special election, Boehner called Brown a "great candidate with a real chance to win," yet the minority leader was in lockstep with his party's message when he framed the election as more of a repudiation of the Democrats than a statement on the candidate himself.

"I have no doubt that the people of Massachusetts are looking at this race as a way to send Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama a message to stop this spending," Boehner said. "We can continue to put pressure on them, exploit those differences and bring this bill down.

GO HERE to read more.

Words Of Wisdom. Author Unknown.

"The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the presidency. It will be easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails us. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."

Obama Stars In Last-Minute Ad

Footage of President Barack Obama's appearance in Boston on Sunday is being used in a forthcoming television ad for Massachusetts Senate candidate Martha Coakley, Democratic officials said.

Administration officials are largely pessimistic about her chances against the insurgent Republican, Scott Brown. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters on Air Force One as they returned from Boston on Sunday: "I said this on Friday when I was asked, and I'll say it on Sunday on the ride home — we think Martha Coakley is going to win this race."

GO HERE to read more.

Victim Suffers Broken Nose Following Domestic Dispute

Location:
25000 block of Kings Drive Millsboro

DATE and TIME:
Saturday January 17, 2010 5:30 P.M.

Victim(s):
Female-40 of Millsboro
Female-15 of Millsboro
Male-38 of Millsboro

Defendant(s):
Thomas Liszewski-47, 25000 block of Kings Drive Millsboro

Charge(s):
Assault 2nd degree
2 counts Reckless Endangering 2nd degree
Endangering the Welfare of a Child
2 counts of Offensive Touching

Bond Information:
$10,000 secured bond remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute

Resume:

Delaware State Police Sunday January 17, 2010 investigated a domestic assault in the 25000 of Kings Drive Millsboro, Delaware.

State Police discovered the assault occurred when Thomas Liszewski awoke at his residence and suspected the 40 year old victim and 38 year old victim as being involved in inappropriate activity. Liszewski threw an end table at the 40 year old victim striking her in the nose. An additional scuffle occurred between Liszewski and the 38 year old male. Also in the residence at the time of the altercation was a 15 year old Millsboro girl who attempted to break up the scuffle.

The male victim and 15 year old girl were not injured however the 40 year old female victim was transported to Beebe Medical Center where she was treated for a broken nose. Liszewski also suffered a hip injury during the fight and also received treatment at Beebe Medical Center. After being released from Beebe Liszewski was arrested on the above listed charges. Liszewski then was committed to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $10,000 secured bond.

Property Owner Offers $25,000.00 REWARD For The Preston Morehouse Murder In Hebron

This is the image of Preston Morehouse who was recently killed in Hebron, Maryland. The investigation is still under way and the Maryland State Police are searching for witnesses to this crime. GO HERE for more details.

UPDATE: I have just been informed the property owner is offering a $25,000.00 REWARD in this case. If you have ANY information that could lead to the arrest of the individual that murdered this young man, please contact Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

CRONY CAPITALISM BY JOHN STOSSEL

If this video isn't a shocker, GO HERE to read this article and video. The Obama Administration is starting to get exposed more and more, day by day. President Obama, "You've Been Blogged."

Wicomico County Circuit Court Purchases $500.00 Trash Cans

Last Friday we posted this article stating there was going to be some serious fireworks at Tuesday's Wicomico County Council Meeting.

Being a man of my word, I assured my source that I would not express what was about to come this Tuesday but in today's Daily Times article, they exposed the trash cans, yet they were a bit off. They claimed the trash cans were $407.00 each, yet they didn't include the shipping and handling, ($89.00 each) which brings the total to almost $500.00 each.

During these harsh economic times, spending almost $500.00 a piece for several 33 gallon trash cans, (bronze in color) with flip lids is more than just a bit excessive. In fact, the Auditor stated this was an abuse and red flagged it to County Officials.

Tuesday's County Council Meeting should be quite interesting as taxpayers want answers.

MARYLAND HELPING TO REPATRIATE CITIZENS RETURNING FROM DEVISTATION IN HAITI

REISTERSTOWN, MD (January 18, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley has asked the appropriate State agencies to coordinate repatriation of United States citizens returning from Haiti. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the work of several state and local departments with federal officials, led by the Maryland Department of Human Resources, which is the primary state organization in repatriation efforts.

State agencies assisted with the repatriation of about two dozen citizens in the early morning hours Sunday at Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County. While federal agencies processed the necessary official paperwork, state agencies coordinated the logistics of finding temporary lodging or assisting the returnees with getting to commercial flights at area airports.

“In our One Maryland, there is no such thing as a spare American. It is our obligation to assist any way we can with the repatriation of citizens who have experienced such tragedy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I have asked all appropriate state agencies to do what is necessary to ensure a comfortable and expeditious transition back to the United States for those citizens returning through our State.”

There is no firm schedule for when and where American citizens in Haiti will be sent home. Maryland will work with those arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport or any other facility in the state of Maryland.

Maryland last assisted with the repatriation of American Citizens in 2006 when thousands returned to BWI in the wake of the deadly civil war in Lebanon.

What's Up With This?

Joe,

I guess the people are finally tired of being victims. As you've noted many times on the blog, people will continue to be victims until they learn to defend themselves.

Well, this....

http://restoretheconstitution.wordpress.com/about/#comment-80

Looks like the people have had enough of the government telling them what to do and not to do.

This event will be held on 4/19/2010. This date is significant because it is the date that the first shot was fired when the british tried to disarm colonists.

Brooke Mulford Update

More Sleepless nights!

Brooke's blood pressure dropping was an issue again Friday night but instead of keeping her awake all night like I did Thurs night we just woke her up for each blood pressure check (about every half an hour). Sat night she did great and did not have to be woken up at all. Her BP was low but they were comfortable with it at least. Tonight they are once again running low and even waking her up isn't doing the trick. She is getting a 2nd bolus of fluid at the moment but as usual it doesn't seem to be working. If she has to get a 3rd bolus and it doesn't work we might be headed to the PICU. She is doing very well during the days (just some minor mood swings) it's just these crazy nights she has. The antibody infusion for this round round ended tonight and we are scheduled to be discharged tomorrow but we shall see. I usually count on being here at least one extra day! Please pray that her blood pressure comes up.

I met the sweetest little boy today who was just diagnosed with NB Christmas Eve. I feel like everytime we come here I am meeting another new NB family. For something so rare you wouldn't know it by spending a day here at CHOP. Last wed when Brooke was having her MIBG scan there were 13 MIBG's scheduled for that day (that is all neuroblastoma). It breaks my heart every time. No one should have to fight this battle... especially children. Please pray for all the little warriors...

God Bless,
Amy

White House Looks At Passing Health Care Without New Senate Vote If GOP Wins In Massachusetts

A panicky White House and Democratic allies scrambled Sunday for a plan to salvage their hard-fought health care package in case a Republican wins Tuesday's Senate race in Massachusetts, which would enable the GOP to block further Senate action.

The likeliest scenario would require persuading House Democrats to accept a bill the Senate passed last month, despite their objections to several parts.

Aides consulted Sunday amid fears that Republican Scott Brown will defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in the special election to fill the late Edward M. Kennedy's seat. A Brown win would give the GOP 41 Senate votes, enough to filibuster and block final passage of the House-Senate compromise on health care now being crafted.

Read more..

Brown Up By 5 In New Poll

Republican Scott Brown now leads Democrat Martha Coakley by five points in the race to fill the vacant Massachusetts Senate seat, according to a poll released Monday.Public Policy Polling found that Brown is favored by 20 percent of Bay State voters who voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and that the majority who plan to vote in the election oppose the Democratic health care plan.

Brown is ahead 51 percent to 46 percent in the poll, with big support among the state's unenrolled, or independent voters, who favor him over Coakley by 64 to 32 percent.

Read more..

I HAVE A DREAM

There is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today...

Martin Luther King, Jr.
August 28, 1963. Washington, D.C.

MSP Berlin Barracks DUI Press Release

TONY PATRICK DEVEREAUX OCEAN PINES, MD 1/10/2010 7:43 PM 49 US RTE 50 @ GOLF COURSE RD NO

MARY DITRICH BERLIN, MD 1/11/2010 5:02 PM 27 MD RTE 589 @ CATHEL RD YES

LISA MARIE FLYNN BERLIN, MD 1/13/2010 9:46 AM 45 US RTE 50 @ MD RTE 818 NO

KAREN RAE MAIER FINKSBURG, MD 1/16/2010 1:22 AM 23 ELLIOTTS STORE @ MD RTE 611 NO

MICHAEL VANN OLSON BERLIN, MD 1/16/2010 2:50 AM 24 US RTE 50 @ RIDDLE LANE NO

BRIAN A. CHAPMAN BALTIMORE, MD 1/16/2010 7:29 PM 50 GOLF COURSE RD @ MD RTE 707 NO

JOEL HANEY OCEAN CITY, MD 1/16/2010 12:32 AM 54 GOLF COURSE RD @ MD RTE 708 NO

COURTNEY BRITTINGHAM MILLSBORO, DE 1/17/2010 2:53 AM 26 MD RTE 113 @ PEERLESS RD NO

POLLITT SAYS NO TAX INCREASE “DURING THIS RECESSION”

Have you noticed the silence on this since this blog broke the story that certain Wicomico County officials, including the “public information officer” were actively encouraging a “grassroots movement” to promote higher property taxes in Wicomico County? This past week that silence was broken, and not just by the news that $3.5 Million in available county funds have been found to spend on roads.

In a public statement Rick Pollitt announced that he has no plan to raise the tax rate to generate more revenue “during this recession”. He was speaking in regard to the recent reduced property values in tax assessments, which reflect and are based upon the declining sales prices of property during the past several years. Under the “revenue tax cap” it may possible to actually raise the tax rate to some extent as long as the total tax revenue does not exceed the “cap”.

Although Pollitt did not specifically rule out asking for a tax increase in the budget to be adopted this spring, it can be predicted that he won’t ask the Council to do so because both he and the Council members must stand for reelection in the fall if they want to continue in office. No doubt he has already ordered Fineran and others in the administration to stop trying to organize a movement to “kill the cap”.

But what if this were not an election year – and what about future years? The property value assessments are likely to continue to decrease for at least 1-2 more years, which could result in a possible tax rate increase even greater than this coming year.

There has been no permanent reduction in non-essential services or employees, such as parks and recreation and the public information officer. And future spending by the County proposed by Pollitt is still in an expanding mode – for instance the plan to purchase another 10 acres for parking at the Civic Center in the capital improvement plan that he recently issued. You do the math!

NRA News: UN Doomsday Treaty With Ginny Simone

The Walls For Mike Dunn Keep Crumbling Down

Word has reached SBYNews that former city council president Mike Dunn has been removed from Salisbury University's Neighborhood Relations Board. Dunn was the co-chair of the organization tasked with improving university-neighborhood relationships by finding answers to issues that create friction between the two.

Dunn's ousting follows previously reported behavior at a December meeting that participants described as "rude", "outrageously aggressive" and "personally offensive". Dunn was reportedly engaged in dressing down other meeting participants as he allegedly supported unhealthy landlord activities in a loud, red-faced rant that defied the efforts of other members to calm it.

Dunn wore a baseball cap throughout the entire meeting, even as a moment of silence was offered by the rest of the members to a recently deceased SU student.

Many had previously questioned Dunn's placement as co-chair of the group, even his qualifications as a member. He does not live in the city. Nor is he technically a bona fide employee of the university.

The replacement for Dunn as co-chair is said to be Salisbury City Administrator John Pick.

One member, in an SBYNews phone interview said, " There were actually some neighborhood people who didn't come to the meetings just because he'd be there. His way of getting things done wasn't getting anything done. A lot of people found him so abrasive and contrary that he stood in the way of positive action. I don't think anybody (on the board) is going to miss him."

MSNBC Talk Host: 'I'd Cheat To Keep These Bastards Out..'

MSNBC television and syndicated radio host Ed Schultz declared that he would stuff the ballot box in Massachusetts if he could to prevent Republican Scott Brown from upsetting Democrat Martha Coakley in the race to fill the state's Senate seat formerly held by Edward M. Kennedy.

Whatever it takes to keep "the bastards" out of power.

"I tell you what, if I lived in Massachusetts I'd try to vote 10 times," said Schultz on his Friday radio show. "I don't know if they'd let me or not, but I'd try to. Yeah, that's right. I'd cheat to keep these bastards out. I would. 'Cause that's exactly what they are."

Noel Sheppard of Newsbusters.com quipped, "Who says there's liberal bias in the media?"

Sheppard also points out that Schultz's comments came on the same day fellow MSNBC host Chris Matthews lamented that Democrat operatives couldn't "buy" enough votes in Massachusetts to ensure Coakley's victory:

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Hundreds of Md. Heart Patients Receive Unnecessary Implants

Last year, St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson, Md., celebrated the placement of its 100,000th coronary stent since 1980. But maybe the hospital has been a little too busy: According to an internal investigation reported by The Baltimore Sun, 369 of those stents were apparently implanted in the arteries of patients who didn't need them.

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Text Message Donations For Haiti May Be Delayed Up To 3 Months

Its quick, easy and convenient to donate to relief efforts for Haiti earthquake victims by sending a text message, but not such a great idea if you want to be sure that your donations reach people and organizations in need before sometime in April.

Mobile carriers don't actually submit your donation to the charity until after you've paid your bill. Experts agree that the donations will take at least one billing cycle for pledges to reach their destination.

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Homeowners Say Banks Not Following Rules For Loan Modifications

Nathan Reynolds is something of an expert on the government’s foreclosure prevention program. A mortgage broker who’s worked in the Chicago area since 1998, he’s seen both his business and his home’s value plummet in the past few years. After receiving his own trial loan modification from JPMorgan Chase, he’s helped others apply for modifications through the program on his own time.

But in November, after Reynolds had made trial loan payments for seven months, Chase told him his mortgage would not be permanently modified. Chase had determined that his personal financial troubles were only temporary — because Reynolds had expressed optimism that the administration’s policies might rescue the housing market, boosting his income.

That’s not a legitimate reason for a loan servicer to deny someone’s modification, according to the Treasury Department’s guidelines for the program. And Reynolds’ experience — along with the cases of two other homeowners examined by ProPublica, shows how servicers have created unnecessary hurdles that, in some instances, violate the loan program’s rules.

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Today's Wildlife Photo By Scott Phoebus

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In Mass., Recording an Arrest May Get You Arrested

Civil libertarians have pitted themselves against Massachusetts police in a battle over citizens' right to record on-duty police officers, reports the New England Center for Investigative Reporting. The police are abusing a state surveillance law, they say, and thwarting accountability.

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Is Sex Work Or Pleasure

A U.S. Marine Colonel was about to start the morning briefing to his staff. While waiting for the coffee machine to finish its brewing, the colonel decided to pose a question to all assembled.

He explained that his wife had been a bit frisky the night before and he failed to get his usual amount of sound sleep. He posed the question of just how much of sex was "work" and how much of it was "pleasure?" A Major chimed in with 75-25% in favor of work.

A Captain said it was 50-50%.

A lieutenant responded with 25-75% in favor of pleasure, depending upon his state of inebriation at the time.

There being no consensus, the colonel turned to the PFC who was in charge of making the coffee. What was HIS opinion?

Without any hesitation, the young PFC responded, "Sir, it has to be 100% pleasure."

The colonel was surprised and, as you might guess, asked why?

"Well, sir, if there was any work involved, the officers would have me doing it for them."

The room fell silent.

God Bless the enlisted man.

The Dash Movie

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people from around the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day continue to watch it as a result of people passing it along.

The movie has been more successful than could ever have been imagined. More importantly, however, it has inspired many, many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?'

I hope you enjoy this 180 second movie and share it with all those who are close to you.

GO HERE

Why Men Shouldn't Write Advice Columns

Two Democrats On An Escalator

Haiti Aid Hampered By Violence, Desperation

U.S. officials appealed for patience Sunday as delays continued in distributing desperately needed aid for survivors of last week's earthquake in Haiti, saying that violence and looting have impeded rescue operations.

Responding to criticism that supplies and medical assistance are not reaching Haitians who need them quickly enough, U.S. military and civilian officials insisted they are doing all they can, including clearing transit routes and finding other means for delivery.

"We are trying to dramatically expand the in-country distribution network," said Rajiv Shah, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). "We now need to expand alternate routes, including port-sea access."

Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, deputy commander of U.S. Southern Command who was in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, during Tuesday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake and heads the relief effort, said the U.S. military "is relying principally on aviation off the carrier the USS Carl Vinson" because of the airport's limited operability.

"We are going to be here as long as we are needed," Gen. Keen said on CNN, adding that one of the challenges in the coming days will be the security situation.

"There are increasing incidents of violence," he said on Fox News. "We are looking at that very closely. We do need, obviously, a safe and secure environment to continue and do the best we can with the humanitarian assistance."

In Port-au-Prince, prayers of thanksgiving and cries for help rose from a roofless cathedral and the huddled homeless Sunday, the Associated Press reported.

"The government is a joke. The U.N. is a joke," Jacqueline Thermiti, 71, said as she lay in the dust with dozens of dying elderly outside their collapsed nursing home near the airport.

Pregnant women gave birth in the streets. The injured arrived in wheelbarrows and on people's backs at hurriedly erected field hospitals. Authorities warned of looting and violence. In downtown Port-au-Prince, where people set bonfires to burn uncollected bodies, gunfire rang out and bands of machete-wielding young men, their faces covered with bandanas, roamed the streets.

Cabinet minister Carol Joseph told Agence France-Presse that the government had declared a state of emergency and a period of mourning until at least the end of the month. Mr. Joseph also said 70,000 bodies have been buried in mass graves across the country.

More from The Washington Times.