I think I'll take a part of my day tomorrow and drive around and take pictures of as many residential back roads as possible.
By then we should have a pretty good idea of just how responsible Dr. Fredericksen is being toward taxpayers and children.
I somehow get the feeling he's not going to like what he sees and perhaps realize he should have taken a ride himself to see just how serious things still are in the County.
Now mind you, these kids do have to get back to school sooner than later, so let's see what tomorrow brings.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tell Dr. Fredericksen How You Feel
If you took time to post here, send Dr. Frederickson an email and let him know how you feel.
A Comment Worthy Of A Post
"Joe...
I am a school administrator and I am concerned not only for the students being transported to school tomorrow but my staff as well. Although I understand the need to have students back in school and back into routine, I do not believe that going tomorrow is a good decision. I hope Dr. Fredericksen and the BOE changes their decision."
I am a school administrator and I am concerned not only for the students being transported to school tomorrow but my staff as well. Although I understand the need to have students back in school and back into routine, I do not believe that going tomorrow is a good decision. I hope Dr. Fredericksen and the BOE changes their decision."
Secret Joint Raid Captures Taliban's Top Commander
The Taliban's top military commander was captured several days ago in Karachi, Pakistan, in a secret joint operation by Pakistani and American intelligence forces, according to American government officials.
The commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, is an Afghan described by American officials as the most significant Taliban figure to be detained since the American-led war in Afghanistan started more than eight years ago. He ranks second in influence only to Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban's founder, and was a close associate of Osama bin Laden before the Sept. 11 attacks.
Mullah Baradar has been in Pakistani custody for several days, with American and Pakistani intelligence officials both taking part in interrogations, according to the officials.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/world/asia/16intel.html?emc=na
My Proposal To State Senator Andy Harris Tonight
Folks, I called Senator Andy Harris tonight and offered an idea I came up with today in which he seemed very excited about.
I proposed legislation that offers Farmers discounts on their taxes whereas if they are asked by the Governor to plow roads in their district they would achieve such relief on their taxes.
Lord knows the Farmers could use the break and considering they already have sufficient equipment to do the job, doesn't it make more sense in the financial condition Maryland is in right now to not have to pay out of pocket for work that is clearly too overwhelming for them to do on their own.
Mind you, I am NOT stating they have not done the best they can with what they have. I'm simply stating that I believe it's a win/win for the Farmers and the State.
I have been told that they will be discussing this idea tonight and we may hear something very soon on this idea.
I was thinking about it the other day. IF we had to depend, (in my area, mind you) on Farmers to get out there early enough to actually make a difference in certain communities like Rockawalkin or Spring Hill Roads, (as an example) I firmly believe the conditions would be absolutely normal and NOT like they are today.
We'll see what happens. To the Farmers out there, do you like this idea?
I proposed legislation that offers Farmers discounts on their taxes whereas if they are asked by the Governor to plow roads in their district they would achieve such relief on their taxes.
Lord knows the Farmers could use the break and considering they already have sufficient equipment to do the job, doesn't it make more sense in the financial condition Maryland is in right now to not have to pay out of pocket for work that is clearly too overwhelming for them to do on their own.
Mind you, I am NOT stating they have not done the best they can with what they have. I'm simply stating that I believe it's a win/win for the Farmers and the State.
I have been told that they will be discussing this idea tonight and we may hear something very soon on this idea.
I was thinking about it the other day. IF we had to depend, (in my area, mind you) on Farmers to get out there early enough to actually make a difference in certain communities like Rockawalkin or Spring Hill Roads, (as an example) I firmly believe the conditions would be absolutely normal and NOT like they are today.
We'll see what happens. To the Farmers out there, do you like this idea?
Pictures I Took Today IN Wicomico County
Again, this is Rockawalkin Road and Spring Hill Road. Send in your pictures if you have them Folks. These are NOT conditions I believe are safe enough to ask our children to attend school.
Mind you, I understand the frustration of some commenters saying they, (the children) have been off long enough. However, safety should be priority #1 here and I truly believe after traveling down many different roads in Wicomico County today that is just isn't safe, period.
Our Grandson goes to Delmar Elementary, yet he lives in Delaware. I will personally drive him to school tomorrow and pick him up. I also believe ALL buses should NOT be on the roads and IF parents choose to deliver their child to school, that's one thing. If they cannot, the students should be excused until the County gets this mess under control. Just my opinion but I look forward to reading yours.
Is Fredericksen Blind, Or Just Mislead?
Joe,
I had to go down these two back roads close to dark and could not believe that the roads have not been cleared. Most of Powell School Road is still nothing but ice. Sorry the pictures are not that good but I still think it tells the story. I would not want my children standing on the side of these roads waiting for a bus.
And They Expect Buses To Run Safely Tomorrow?
Camden Ave.....
Traffic's backing up on Camden due to a propane truck being stuck on ice...a truck is on it's way to help the propane truck.
Traffic's backing up on Camden due to a propane truck being stuck on ice...a truck is on it's way to help the propane truck.
Delmar Elementary 2 Hours Late, HOWEVER........
Delmar Elementary will open 2 hours late. However, those children living in Delaware and attending Delmar Elementary are EXCUSED for the way as buses will NOT be running on the Delaware.
That being said, IF you would like to bring your child to School 2 hours late you may do so.
That being said, IF you would like to bring your child to School 2 hours late you may do so.
Schools Closed In Delaware Tomorrow
Even though road conditions are better in Delaware, the State chose to keep Schools closed as they feel conditions are nowhere near safe enough.
Indiana's Bayh Announces Retirement From Senate
Sen. Evan Bayh, Indiana Democrat, stunned the political world Monday by announcing he will not seek re-election this year, leaving open a seat Republicans will have a good chance of winning and underscoring just how poisonous the atmosphere in Washington has become.
The moderate lawmaker becomes the third Democratic senator to give up his seat in the last couple of months, a move that is bound to ignite hopes among Republicans and fears among Democrats that the Senate could change hands in November's elections. Currently Democrats have 57 seats, Republicans 41, with two independents allied with the majority.
Mr. Bayh said rampant partisanship has made Washington unworkable and is chasing him from Congress.
GO HERE to read more.
Wicomico County Schools To Open 2 Hours Late Tomorrow
For what it's worth, Schools will open 2 hours late. Now I personally think they're nowhere near ready to do so but I'm sure enough Parents have had just about enough of their kids being stuck at home.
A Quarter Of Stroke Patients Die Within A Year
Huge study of 10,000 stroke patients reveals scary statistics
WASHINGTON - One in four people who have a stroke will likely die within one year from any cause and 8 percent who have a stroke will have another one soon, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
The risks were higher for African-Americans compared to whites and increased with age and the number of other ailments stroke patients had, the researchers wrote in the journal Neurology.
Dr Wuwei Feng of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and colleagues studied records of 10,399 hospital patients in the state who had a stroke in 2002.
GO HERE to read more.
The Market Street Inn Gets A 5 Star Rating
For all you folks looking for a meal fit for a King and Queen, let me recommend the Market Street Inn. I know most of you locals are well aware of the fine dining experience you'll have while eating there but for those of you that haven't tried it yet, you don't know what your missing.
I took my lovely Bride there last night for Valentines Day/Our Anniversary and I can honestly say that we have NEVER experienced a better dinner! It was to die for. I had the rib eye entree and Jennifer had the scallops and we were both in heaven. By the time we were done with the 4 course meal we were both pleasantly stuffed.
Not only did they deliver a fabulous meal for two but they had a beautiful tropical flower arrangement from Kitty's florist there for us to take home too.
Words cannot express our appreciation for the fine dining and generosity received from the Downtown Merchants and especially Rob and his Staff at the Market Street Inn. We both gave it a 5 star rating, can you give it anymore, because if you can we would!
A Huge Thank You To Our Member-Owners And Employees
GREENWOOD--By 2:30 a.m. on Friday, February 12, Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) was pleased to report that all outages which occurred as a result of back-to-back snow storms, had been restored. At the height of the storms, over 23,000 members were without power.
DEC would like to thank its member-owners for their patience and understanding and DEC also wishes to pass along a big thank you to all DEC employees who worked tirelessly to assist our members.
Service restoration efforts were performed with over 165 linemen with 92 pieces of equipment. We thank the crews from Utility Lines Construction, Asplundh, Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation in Jacksonville, N.C., Choptank Electric Cooperative in Denton, MD and A & N Electric Cooperative in Tasley, VA for assisting DEC crews in the wake of these storms. They did a remarkable job in the face of a very large task.
Finally, we thank the Delaware Department of Transportation, 17 farmers and 5 contractors who were willing to plow the roads ahead of our crews. Without their effort, restoration of power would have been further delayed by the poor road conditions during and after the storms.
“Our people never forgot that our first priority is to keep the lights on,” said Bill Andrew, President & CEO, Delaware Electric Cooperative. “And once again they did a remarkable job of living up to that commitment to our members.”
State Senator Andy Harris Press Release
State Senator Andy Harris Introduces Legislation to End Special Pensions for Elected Officials, Deny Pensions to Convicted Legislators
Legislation would aid state's long-term fiscal health by moving to a defined benefit system
ANNAPOLIS—State Senator Andy Harris today introduced legislation that would overhaul the public pension plans for elected officials in the General Assembly, which is separate and more generous than the state public employees' plan, by moving from a "defined benefit" to a "defined contribution" plan. The legislation is projected to save the state taxpayers approximately $750,000 a year. It would bring legislators' pensions in line with what the majority of Marylanders receive from private employers. Maryland's current public pension system is actuarially unsound to the tune of $32 billion, with a current deficit of $2 billion.
Elected officials' pensions have received significant attention in recent months with public outcries on the pension benefits (which are defined benefit plans) that Baltimore County Councilman Vincent Gardina will receive after five terms as a part-time county councilmember and the $83,000 a year pension that disgraced former Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon will receive following her guilty judgment in court by a city jury on embezzlement charges.
The legislation would set up a pension plan for legislators similar to what most private employers offer through 401k plans. It will be offered as an amendment to the Compensation Commission legislation for pay raises for public officials. A second amendment would deny pension benefits to any legislator convicted of a felony committed during their term in office.
"Marylanders have been disgusted lately with what they rightfully see as golden parachutes for elected officials, even when they've been convicted of a crime," Harris said. "This legislation would begin to treat elected officials just like the constituents they serve and provide significant cost-savings for taxpayers in the process. One need only look to our own underfunded state employee pension system, or to the American auto industry to see that 'defined benefit' plans have a disastrous effect on long-term viability and fiscal health. Changing to a defined contribution plan is the right thing to do and will provide pensions for elected officials that are no more generous than what most hard-working Marylander taxpayers receive when they retire. I urge my colleagues to get behind this legislation that will help the Maryland General Assembly start getting Maryland's fiscal house in order by getting its own pension plan in order. As elected officials, we need to provide good leadership in a time when the public's trust in their public officials is at an all time low."
Retired Handicapped Servicewoman No Longer Snowed In
I received a message from a local Adult Daycare of a woman who was snowed in and wheel chair bound. Fortunately she has a motorized wheel chair but I have to tell you Folks, what a pleasure it was meeting this fine American and what an honor it was to GIVE BACK. She's retired from the military service and located here to Salisbury a few years ago. Considering her physical condition, she hasn't been able to get out and meet many people. Again, this is one of the reasons I continued to ask others, if you see a neighbors home still snowed in, lend a helping hand as everyone has a story.
In this case, I wish I could have been there sooner but fortunately she didn't need to leave the house until appointments this week. By now the white snow left on the ground has now melted and she can get to and from wherever she needs.
Have you checked your neighborhood for signs of people not able to get in and out?
Good Neighbors
Joe,
Just wanted to share a nice story from this morning…our driveway is very long and we were constantly getting stuck every time we tried to get out yesterday. Our neighbor, that we do not know very well said he would be over this morning to plow our driveway. Well, this morning came and he stuck to his word and came to plow even though 2 of his chicken houses collapsed from the snow this morning which were both full of chickens. I could not believe when I heard he had all this going on but he still came over and then would not take any money. When people do nice things I love to share….His name is Mike Evans from Delmar, De and he owns Jobsite Pumping….if anybody needs pumping from a good ole boy please call him. In Maryland 410-352-5108, Delaware 302-875-0441, or his website www.Jobsitepumping.com
I never like to see a good deed go unnoticed!
Thanks,
Pam Price
Delmar
Just wanted to share a nice story from this morning…our driveway is very long and we were constantly getting stuck every time we tried to get out yesterday. Our neighbor, that we do not know very well said he would be over this morning to plow our driveway. Well, this morning came and he stuck to his word and came to plow even though 2 of his chicken houses collapsed from the snow this morning which were both full of chickens. I could not believe when I heard he had all this going on but he still came over and then would not take any money. When people do nice things I love to share….His name is Mike Evans from Delmar, De and he owns Jobsite Pumping….if anybody needs pumping from a good ole boy please call him. In Maryland 410-352-5108, Delaware 302-875-0441, or his website www.Jobsitepumping.com
I never like to see a good deed go unnoticed!
Thanks,
Pam Price
Delmar
A Big Thank You!!
Joe, you and Bruce were here twice last week to clear the snow from my ramp so that I could get out of the house. This morning I was supposed to go for test but discovered I couldn't get out due to the ice/snow that had slid off the roof which was now blocking my only way out of the house. Fruitland Councilman, Richard Tull is here now breaking up this ice. A big thank you to you and Bruce for all of your work last week...a special thank you to Councilman Tull for coming to my aide today.
Kimmie
Kimmie
Please Don't Snow Any More ;-)
Hi Joe,
In church this morning I was talking to an elderly lady who uses a walker..her daughter took her home with her during the last storm and now she can't return home because of her driveway full of snow. Its not a long driveway...but if you are still able to go out and use your snow blower,or know someone who will help her, I'd appreciate it...and I know she would as well. I told her that I would email you to ask...Her name is Naomi and she lives at XXX XOXO St., Salisbury... just so her daughter can get her to the back door. She really wants to return home..
Thanks
Vicki,
Please let Naomi know she can now return home. However, she'll be short one small area rug.
Who would have ever thought someone would have a rug in the middle of the driveway but my snow blower found it and ate it up. So much so, it broke the bolts and I'll bring it back to Bob's Auto Repair and he'll have it fixed in no time. Folks, Bob has been doing ALL of the repairs on this snow blower for free. He knows what Bruce Hunter and I have been doing for the elderly and handicapped and without hesitation he has been there to get us back together immediately.
Remember Folks, if you know of someone who has the same situation, don't hesitate to ask. I received this message last night and went out today to get the job done. Fortunately the rug thing didn't happen until the very end and I was able to clear the way for them to get in and out.
In church this morning I was talking to an elderly lady who uses a walker..her daughter took her home with her during the last storm and now she can't return home because of her driveway full of snow. Its not a long driveway...but if you are still able to go out and use your snow blower,or know someone who will help her, I'd appreciate it...and I know she would as well. I told her that I would email you to ask...Her name is Naomi and she lives at XXX XOXO St., Salisbury... just so her daughter can get her to the back door. She really wants to return home..
Thanks
Vicki,
Please let Naomi know she can now return home. However, she'll be short one small area rug.
Who would have ever thought someone would have a rug in the middle of the driveway but my snow blower found it and ate it up. So much so, it broke the bolts and I'll bring it back to Bob's Auto Repair and he'll have it fixed in no time. Folks, Bob has been doing ALL of the repairs on this snow blower for free. He knows what Bruce Hunter and I have been doing for the elderly and handicapped and without hesitation he has been there to get us back together immediately.
Remember Folks, if you know of someone who has the same situation, don't hesitate to ask. I received this message last night and went out today to get the job done. Fortunately the rug thing didn't happen until the very end and I was able to clear the way for them to get in and out.
DISTRICT 38 B DELEGATES TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETINGS
As part of an ongoing effort to keep in touch with community needs, Delegate James Mathias &
Delegate Norman Conway will hold town meetings through February with the goal of helping them make informed decisions during the 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly.
“The 427th Session of the General Assembly is now underway and there are many measures up for consideration such as balancing the State Budget and bills that target sexual predators,” Conway said.
“These town meetings will be an opportunity to share any concerns you may have with your Delegates.”
Conway & Mathias are looking forward to hearing about issues important to the citizens of Worcester & Wicomico Counties. The pair held similar town meetings at the beginning of 2009, and they both want to encourage all their constituents to attend again this year. They hope citizens will take the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns with the Delegates, as well as learn what the 2010 General Assembly will involve.
“Although the weather has been challenging recently, we want to thank everyone, in Pocomoke and
Snow Hill, who came out for the meetings.” Mathias went on to say, “There’s been frank conversation about issues concerning our district and state. We all recognize the strong assets we have on the Eastern Shore.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Berlin & Salisbury on Saturday, February 20, 2010.”
Those who are unable to attend the meetings can Contact Mathias and Conway directly. Their district office numbers are listed below.
The following town meetings have been scheduled:
Sat., Feb. 20, 11-12:30pm Salisbury – Wicomico Public Library
Sat., Feb. 20, 3-4:30pm Town Hall of Berlin
For more information call:
District Office, Delegate Conway – 410 543 9060
District Office, Delegate Mathias – 410 352 3096
Delegate Norman Conway will hold town meetings through February with the goal of helping them make informed decisions during the 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly.
“The 427th Session of the General Assembly is now underway and there are many measures up for consideration such as balancing the State Budget and bills that target sexual predators,” Conway said.
“These town meetings will be an opportunity to share any concerns you may have with your Delegates.”
Conway & Mathias are looking forward to hearing about issues important to the citizens of Worcester & Wicomico Counties. The pair held similar town meetings at the beginning of 2009, and they both want to encourage all their constituents to attend again this year. They hope citizens will take the opportunity to share their opinions and concerns with the Delegates, as well as learn what the 2010 General Assembly will involve.
“Although the weather has been challenging recently, we want to thank everyone, in Pocomoke and
Snow Hill, who came out for the meetings.” Mathias went on to say, “There’s been frank conversation about issues concerning our district and state. We all recognize the strong assets we have on the Eastern Shore.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Berlin & Salisbury on Saturday, February 20, 2010.”
Those who are unable to attend the meetings can Contact Mathias and Conway directly. Their district office numbers are listed below.
The following town meetings have been scheduled:
Sat., Feb. 20, 11-12:30pm Salisbury – Wicomico Public Library
Sat., Feb. 20, 3-4:30pm Town Hall of Berlin
For more information call:
District Office, Delegate Conway – 410 543 9060
District Office, Delegate Mathias – 410 352 3096
Cost Of Illegals In Harford County
Go to this link to see estimates of what it costs your counties:
http://www.helpsavemaryland.com/index.php/Cost%20by%20County
Illegal Immigration Costs Harford County Residents a total of $60,184,528.00 Per Year
BEL AIR/Harford County:
Help Save Maryland (HSM)
calculates that the cost of illegal immigration to Harford County taxpayers will be over :60 Million dollars
($60,184,528.00)
This amount is the cost of public education, emergency healthcare and incarceration for illegal aliens. HSM bases its calculations on recent information provided by the Maryland Department of Planning and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).
"Our citizens should be outraged," said Darlinda Ruzek, the HSM coordinator for Harford County. "Given the difficult economic situation many Harford County taxpayers find themselves in, what household can afford to pay $790.00 each year to support people who are living here illegally?"
HSM's calculations do not include the cost of other social services provided by the County, like day laborer centers and non-emergency health clinics. Nor do they include the value of state and county grants and contracts paid to organizations that serve a predominantly illegal clientele, such as CASA de Maryland, Identity Inc., Catholic Charities, Centro Familia and the Latino Economic Development Corporation.
"And we didn't even begin to try to estimate the economic losses, and pain and suffering that will be inflicted upon Harford County residents next year due to the growing crime, gang violence, housing code violations and traffic accidents caused by illegal aliens," said Brad Botwin, Director of Help Save Maryland. "If we had, the cost would be much, much higher."
Help Save Maryland is a grass-roots, multi-ethnic, non-partisan citizens' organization opposed to the use of tax dollars on programs and services for illegal aliens in Maryland. It has members in 23 counties & Baltimore City.
For more information, visit www.helpsavemaryland.com
http://www.helpsavemaryland.com/index.php/Cost%20by%20County
Illegal Immigration Costs Harford County Residents a total of $60,184,528.00 Per Year
BEL AIR/Harford County:
Help Save Maryland (HSM)
calculates that the cost of illegal immigration to Harford County taxpayers will be over :60 Million dollars
($60,184,528.00)
This amount is the cost of public education, emergency healthcare and incarceration for illegal aliens. HSM bases its calculations on recent information provided by the Maryland Department of Planning and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).
"Our citizens should be outraged," said Darlinda Ruzek, the HSM coordinator for Harford County. "Given the difficult economic situation many Harford County taxpayers find themselves in, what household can afford to pay $790.00 each year to support people who are living here illegally?"
HSM's calculations do not include the cost of other social services provided by the County, like day laborer centers and non-emergency health clinics. Nor do they include the value of state and county grants and contracts paid to organizations that serve a predominantly illegal clientele, such as CASA de Maryland, Identity Inc., Catholic Charities, Centro Familia and the Latino Economic Development Corporation.
"And we didn't even begin to try to estimate the economic losses, and pain and suffering that will be inflicted upon Harford County residents next year due to the growing crime, gang violence, housing code violations and traffic accidents caused by illegal aliens," said Brad Botwin, Director of Help Save Maryland. "If we had, the cost would be much, much higher."
Help Save Maryland is a grass-roots, multi-ethnic, non-partisan citizens' organization opposed to the use of tax dollars on programs and services for illegal aliens in Maryland. It has members in 23 counties & Baltimore City.
For more information, visit www.helpsavemaryland.com
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO INTRODUCE EDUCATION REFORM LEGISLATION
Reforms come as Maryland prepares to apply for federal Race to the Top funding
Maryland tops nation as number one public school system, first in the nation for advance placement achievement for second straight year
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 15, 2010) – On the heels of the College Board’s release of its annual report ranking Maryland #1 in the nation for Advance Placement scores for a second straight year and Education Week Magazine’s second straight #1 ranking for Maryland public schools, Governor Martin O’Malley today will introduce legislation to further reform Maryland schools as State education leaders prepare to apply for federal “Race to the Top” funding.
“In Maryland, we strongly believe that the education of our students must be a priority, and that’s something we’re proud of,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is more important now than ever that we continue to protect our investments in education, so that every student has the opportunities that strong academic preparation can provide. This legislation aims to sustain and build upon the real progress we’ve made for every student and every school in Maryland, making Maryland even more competitive both nationally and throughout the world.”
Governor O’Malley’s Education Reform Act of 2010 accelerates efforts to improve Maryland’s public school system, named the nation’s number one public school system by Education Week Magazine for the second straight year, through series of measures that advance Maryland’s ongoing reform efforts and make the State even more competitive for federal Race to the Top Funds.
The College Board’s report recently revealed that the percentage of Maryland seniors who earned a score of three or higher on one or more AP exams reached 24.8 percent in 2009, the highest percentage in the nation for the second straight year and 1.4 percentage points better than 2008, according to the College Board’s “Annual AP Report to the Nation.” A score of three or better is considered “college mastery level” on the AP exams, and many higher education institutions award college credit for high school students scoring in that range. Maryland also ranked first in the nation in the percentage of graduating seniors who had taken an AP exam. The State became the first in history to have 40 percent of its seniors—23,293 students—take at least one AP test.
The Governor’s Education Reform Act of 2010 includes reforms in the following major categories:
Teacher Tenure
Currently, a teacher is eligible for tenure after a two-year probationary period. If the teacher does not meet the requirements for tenure after two years, he or she is assigned a mentor during a third year of teaching and re-evaluated for tenure after that year.
This bill extends the period before a teacher is eligible for tenure from two years to three years. This is the same length of time required by at least 33 other states.
To promote teacher effectiveness, the bill also provides for additional mentoring and professional development for non-tenured teachers who need additional support.
Student Growth in Evaluations
As set forth in the federal Race to the Top guidelines, the Education Reform Act of 2010 requires that student growth data be a significant factor in the evaluations of teachers and principals. However, because of the complex factors that affect student performance, the bill also requires that other factors be considered as well.
The State Board of Education will establish a framework to help guide the implementation of these requirements at the local level. Schools systems that participate in the State’s Race to the Top application may be subject to additional requirements regarding student growth data.
Differentiated Pay
State law already authorizes differentiated pay programs to attract highly effective teachers and principals to low-performing schools or hard to staff subjects. Under the Education Reform Act of 2010, the State would provide additional stipends to teachers and principals in the lowest achieving five percent of Title I schools in improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Implementation of this stipend program is contingent upon Maryland’s receipt of Race to the Top funds.
Each school system that participates in the State’s Race to the Top application will be required to develop a plan that includes strategies to promote the equitable distribution of teachers and or principals across their districts, including their high-poverty and/or high-minority schools as well as hard to staff subjects and specialty areas.
“Maryland has long been a leader in education reform, and this legislation lays the groundwork for continued progress,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “This proposal would provide for more support for new teachers, and allow for improved assessment of our educational process. The overall goal in this legislative package is to improve student learning, which is always the right thing to do.”
The Governor convened a Race to the Top Executive Steering Committee to guide the development of Maryland’s Race to the Top proposal. The Steering Committee is dedicated to pursuing a reform agenda that will secure the continued long-term success and achievement of Maryland’s Public Schools in a manner that embraces input from all of the key stakeholders. The Steering Committee includes representatives from business, public and private higher education institutions, parents, teachers, administrators, local superintendents, local boards of education, the State Board of Education, the State Department of Education, and the Governor’s Office.
The introduction of the Education Reform Act of 2010 is just the latest action in a comprehensive effort to promote education reform. Last month, Governor O’Malley introduced legislation to integrate the State’s multiple educational and workforce data systems in a seamless longitudinal data system. This system would allow decision-makers and researchers to track the progress of students as they move from elementary school through secondary and higher education and into the workforce. Because the system can link the data for students, teachers, principals, and educator preparation programs, it becomes a critical tool for analyzing progress, trends, and best practices, and for identifying the key leverage points for education reform.
While the federal government has been promoting statewide data systems through Race to the Top during the last year, Maryland has been building its longitudinal system for more than four years. The Governor’s legislation is designed to accelerate the development of the system by creating mechanisms for the inclusion of higher education workforce data.
Governor O’Malley also introduced legislation to make funding for the Higher Education Investment Fund from corporate tax revenues permanent and to establish a Tuition Stabilization Account in the Fund in order to establish a more predictable, affordable tuition policy and avoid large tuition increases in the future. The Higher Education Investment Fund was created under the O’Malley-Brown Administration to help stabilize tuition and make college more affordable for Maryland’s working families.
Maryland tops nation as number one public school system, first in the nation for advance placement achievement for second straight year
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 15, 2010) – On the heels of the College Board’s release of its annual report ranking Maryland #1 in the nation for Advance Placement scores for a second straight year and Education Week Magazine’s second straight #1 ranking for Maryland public schools, Governor Martin O’Malley today will introduce legislation to further reform Maryland schools as State education leaders prepare to apply for federal “Race to the Top” funding.
“In Maryland, we strongly believe that the education of our students must be a priority, and that’s something we’re proud of,” said Governor O’Malley. “It is more important now than ever that we continue to protect our investments in education, so that every student has the opportunities that strong academic preparation can provide. This legislation aims to sustain and build upon the real progress we’ve made for every student and every school in Maryland, making Maryland even more competitive both nationally and throughout the world.”
Governor O’Malley’s Education Reform Act of 2010 accelerates efforts to improve Maryland’s public school system, named the nation’s number one public school system by Education Week Magazine for the second straight year, through series of measures that advance Maryland’s ongoing reform efforts and make the State even more competitive for federal Race to the Top Funds.
The College Board’s report recently revealed that the percentage of Maryland seniors who earned a score of three or higher on one or more AP exams reached 24.8 percent in 2009, the highest percentage in the nation for the second straight year and 1.4 percentage points better than 2008, according to the College Board’s “Annual AP Report to the Nation.” A score of three or better is considered “college mastery level” on the AP exams, and many higher education institutions award college credit for high school students scoring in that range. Maryland also ranked first in the nation in the percentage of graduating seniors who had taken an AP exam. The State became the first in history to have 40 percent of its seniors—23,293 students—take at least one AP test.
The Governor’s Education Reform Act of 2010 includes reforms in the following major categories:
Teacher Tenure
Currently, a teacher is eligible for tenure after a two-year probationary period. If the teacher does not meet the requirements for tenure after two years, he or she is assigned a mentor during a third year of teaching and re-evaluated for tenure after that year.
This bill extends the period before a teacher is eligible for tenure from two years to three years. This is the same length of time required by at least 33 other states.
To promote teacher effectiveness, the bill also provides for additional mentoring and professional development for non-tenured teachers who need additional support.
Student Growth in Evaluations
As set forth in the federal Race to the Top guidelines, the Education Reform Act of 2010 requires that student growth data be a significant factor in the evaluations of teachers and principals. However, because of the complex factors that affect student performance, the bill also requires that other factors be considered as well.
The State Board of Education will establish a framework to help guide the implementation of these requirements at the local level. Schools systems that participate in the State’s Race to the Top application may be subject to additional requirements regarding student growth data.
Differentiated Pay
State law already authorizes differentiated pay programs to attract highly effective teachers and principals to low-performing schools or hard to staff subjects. Under the Education Reform Act of 2010, the State would provide additional stipends to teachers and principals in the lowest achieving five percent of Title I schools in improvement, corrective action, or restructuring. Implementation of this stipend program is contingent upon Maryland’s receipt of Race to the Top funds.
Each school system that participates in the State’s Race to the Top application will be required to develop a plan that includes strategies to promote the equitable distribution of teachers and or principals across their districts, including their high-poverty and/or high-minority schools as well as hard to staff subjects and specialty areas.
“Maryland has long been a leader in education reform, and this legislation lays the groundwork for continued progress,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “This proposal would provide for more support for new teachers, and allow for improved assessment of our educational process. The overall goal in this legislative package is to improve student learning, which is always the right thing to do.”
The Governor convened a Race to the Top Executive Steering Committee to guide the development of Maryland’s Race to the Top proposal. The Steering Committee is dedicated to pursuing a reform agenda that will secure the continued long-term success and achievement of Maryland’s Public Schools in a manner that embraces input from all of the key stakeholders. The Steering Committee includes representatives from business, public and private higher education institutions, parents, teachers, administrators, local superintendents, local boards of education, the State Board of Education, the State Department of Education, and the Governor’s Office.
The introduction of the Education Reform Act of 2010 is just the latest action in a comprehensive effort to promote education reform. Last month, Governor O’Malley introduced legislation to integrate the State’s multiple educational and workforce data systems in a seamless longitudinal data system. This system would allow decision-makers and researchers to track the progress of students as they move from elementary school through secondary and higher education and into the workforce. Because the system can link the data for students, teachers, principals, and educator preparation programs, it becomes a critical tool for analyzing progress, trends, and best practices, and for identifying the key leverage points for education reform.
While the federal government has been promoting statewide data systems through Race to the Top during the last year, Maryland has been building its longitudinal system for more than four years. The Governor’s legislation is designed to accelerate the development of the system by creating mechanisms for the inclusion of higher education workforce data.
Governor O’Malley also introduced legislation to make funding for the Higher Education Investment Fund from corporate tax revenues permanent and to establish a Tuition Stabilization Account in the Fund in order to establish a more predictable, affordable tuition policy and avoid large tuition increases in the future. The Higher Education Investment Fund was created under the O’Malley-Brown Administration to help stabilize tuition and make college more affordable for Maryland’s working families.
Public Works Causes Flooding At Parker Place
During the last storm, the City of Salisbury Public Works piled snow from the Plaza Parking Lot directly up against the building at Parker Place. Once it started melting the snow/water started filling up the basement and caused quite an unexpected mess.
We Don't Need No Stinkin Snow Emergency Route, Right?
If you happen to travel down South Blvd, especially in the evening, be very careful. You see, the selfish people that can't seem to understand and or read the sign above stating Snow Emergency Route don't have a clue what that means. Not only are the shoulders of the road gone from packed snow, these people are parking in the street making it extremely difficult to get by. God Forbid you have to slam on your brakes to come to a stop on the ICE.
Then there are those other fools who not only park in the street, they park in front of a fire hydrant, because their property will never catch on fire, nor will their neighbors, right?
Come on people, use some common sense and start following the law. Might I add, I strongly urge the Salisbury Police department to start ticketing these people and slap them with the hefty fines they deserve.
What do all of you think, am I going overboard on this?
A Little More Snow, Anyone?
A couple of inches of snow used to throw panic into the hearts of most Washingtonians -- but no more.Sure, there's a chance of snow in the forecast today, but after three major winter storms in our recent past, this will be a cakewalk. Right?
Let's hope so. At least this one is happening on a holiday.
GO HERE to read more.
View Of San Francisco Bay From A Blimp
If you had to pay for a flight it would have been $495 per seat.
At least with this one you can look at it again, and again and again. Fabulous. Enjoy.
http://home.comcast.net/~bzee1b/Zeppelin/Zeppelin.html
A Real Life Story I Thought I'd Share
Click on image to enlarge.Pool & Billiard Magazine
Because of my offer, Cisero Murphy was in fact inducted into the Billiard Hall of Fame.
THE CIVIC CENTER SHOW MUST GO ON!
During this past weekend I learned that the parking lot at the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center was plowed, as well as the parking area they use across the street, just a day or so after the last snowfall. At that time many roads in the County were untouched, and some have remained only barely passable even yesterday. If the County did the plowing at the Civic Center or paid someone to do it, then something is really out of whack. The residents are more important than the entertainment show they had there.
The County Council should ask Rick Pollitt about this situation. And they owe a thank you to all those farmers and other people with equipment who helped get friends, neighbors and sometimes complete strangers out and about during the past 4 or 5 days when the County was unable to do the work.
HEBRON STRIKES OUT IN WICOMICO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
Last week Judge Donald Davis really embarrassed the town officials in Hebron and their legal advisor from the western shore by killing the town’s purported rezoning of the “Waller Landing” property on Route 50 and Porter Mill Road. He found numerous errors in the procedures used to change the zoning of the 400 acre tract that could have resulted in over a thousand homes being built there if the town can ever enlarge and upgrade its water and sewer treatment plants. Local residents repeatedly warned the town officials that they were violating the law in their rezoning, and the Judge agreed with them.
This situation is similar, in general to the rezoning of the old Salisbury Mall site that was killed by the Circuit Court several years ago after the City of Salisbury under Barrie Tilghman spent thousands of dollars in fees for the benefit of a developer from Baltimore, but in Hebron the developer from Wilmington has covered some or most of the cost. Elected officials and developers need to learn that zoning is not a game where the persons with the most money always gets what they want.
This situation is similar, in general to the rezoning of the old Salisbury Mall site that was killed by the Circuit Court several years ago after the City of Salisbury under Barrie Tilghman spent thousands of dollars in fees for the benefit of a developer from Baltimore, but in Hebron the developer from Wilmington has covered some or most of the cost. Elected officials and developers need to learn that zoning is not a game where the persons with the most money always gets what they want.
100 Lawmakers Reject Big Brother Health-care Takeover
Nearly 100 lawmakers have signed a formal Declaration of Health Care Independence to reject an unconstitutional Washington takeover of American health care – and now one representative is challenging Americans to deliver it to Congress and the White House to hold them accountable to the people.
Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., drafted and formally unveiled the Declaration of Health Care Independence Jan. 27. The declaration is a commitment to protect the rights of the American people to make their own health decisions, reduce bureaucratic red-tape, decrease intergenerational debt and implement 10 common-sense principles for future health-care reform.
Bachmann presents the following 10 points of agreement in her declaration:
We, therefore, the People and Representatives of the United States of America, do solemnly Publish and Declare that health care reform, as a matter of principle, must:
* Protect as inviolate the vital doctor-patient relationship;
* Reject any addition to the crushing national debt heaped upon all Americans;
* Improve, rather than diminish, the quality of care that Americans enjoy;
* Be negotiated publicly, transparently, with genuine accountability and oversight;
* Treat private citizens at least as well as political officials;
* Protect taxpayers from funding of abortion and abortion coverage;
* Reject all new mandates on patients, employers, individuals or states;
* Prohibit expansion of taxpayer-funded health care to those unlawfully present in the United States;
* Guarantee Equal Protection under the law and the Constitution;
* Empower, rather than limit, an open and accessible marketplace of health care choice and opportunity.
Deficit To Explode With Obama’s Spending Plans Even With Recovery
It's bad enough that Greece's debt problems have rattled global financial markets. In the world's largest economic and military power, there's a far more serious debt dilemma.
For the U.S., the crushing weight of its debt threatens to overwhelm everything the federal government does, even in the short-term, best-case financial scenario — a full recovery and a return to prerecession employment levels.
The government already has made so many promises to so many expanding "mandatory" programs. Just keeping these commitments, without major changes in taxing and spending, will lead to deficits that cannot be sustained.
Take Social Security, Medicare and other benefits. Add in interest payments on a national debt that now exceeds $12.3 trillion. It all will gobble up 80 percent of all federal revenues by 2020, government economists project.
That doesn't leave room for much else. What's left is the entire rest of the government, including military and homeland security spending, which has been protected and nurtured by the White House and Congress, regardless of the party in power.
The U.S. debt crisis also raises the question of how long the world's leading power can remain its largest borrower.
Moody's Investors Service recently warned that Washington's credit rating could be in jeopardy if the nation's finances didn't improve.
More
For the U.S., the crushing weight of its debt threatens to overwhelm everything the federal government does, even in the short-term, best-case financial scenario — a full recovery and a return to prerecession employment levels.
The government already has made so many promises to so many expanding "mandatory" programs. Just keeping these commitments, without major changes in taxing and spending, will lead to deficits that cannot be sustained.
Take Social Security, Medicare and other benefits. Add in interest payments on a national debt that now exceeds $12.3 trillion. It all will gobble up 80 percent of all federal revenues by 2020, government economists project.
That doesn't leave room for much else. What's left is the entire rest of the government, including military and homeland security spending, which has been protected and nurtured by the White House and Congress, regardless of the party in power.
The U.S. debt crisis also raises the question of how long the world's leading power can remain its largest borrower.
Moody's Investors Service recently warned that Washington's credit rating could be in jeopardy if the nation's finances didn't improve.
More
The Constitutional Right To Own And Bear Arms Remains Under Assault.
By THE WASHINGTON TIMES
The gun grabbers are at it again in Maryland. Next month, the state's House Judiciary Committee will initiate hearings on legislation forcing firearms enthusiasts to register with the state government before they can exercise their Second Amendment rights.
The plan, drafted by Delegate Samuel I. Rosenberg, Baltimore Democrat, and Sen. Brian E. Frosh, Montgomery County Democrat, would mandate that citizens carry a special license while conducting any number of routine transactions involving a gun.
To obtain a gun license, a person must fill out a long application form, attend a comprehensive firearms safety course, pay a nonrefundable fee to the state and wait 30 days for the completion of a criminal background check. If all items are processed properly, the Maryland State Police would drop the license in the mail.
It would become a crime to go to a gun range and rent a firearm for a little target shooting without this license in hand. Out-of-state visitors who might want to keep up their skills while on vacation would be out of luck under the proposal because they would not even be allowed to apply for a state gun license.
The bill would make it a crime on par with murder, kidnapping, rape and extortion for a private party to sell his own gun to someone who has no license. It also would give police the authority to seize the e-mail, cell phone and other records of anyone merely suspected of selling or renting a gun in Maryland without a license. This is an extreme reaction to conduct that is perfectly legal in most states and should be a constitutional right anywhere in the Land of the Free.
It's obvious that Mr. Rosenberg and Mr. Frosh are not really interested in stopping criminals from obtaining weapons. Instead, this misguided proposal plainly is designed to harass legitimate gun owners with bureaucracy and paperwork until they simply give up on the idea of exercising their legal rights. Readers should let the measure's proponents know what they think. Mr. Frosh is available at 301/ 858-3102, brian.frosh@senate.state.md.us, and Mr. Rosenberg can be reached at 301/858-3179, samuel.rosenberg@ house.state.md.us.
Phillip Morris Between Mt Hermon
Phillip Morris between mt hermon & 50... Theres not even 1 lane clear...
SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
(Times shown for agenda items are estimates only)
9:30 a.m. Impact fees – Jack Lenox
[part of the discussion may be held in closed session to consult with legal counsel
as permitted under the Annotated Code of Maryland Section 10-508(a)(7)]
10:45 a.m. Amendment to subdivision regulations pertaining to bonding and plat recordation with respect to Construction Improvements Plan approval – Teresa Gardner
11:15 a.m. Budget amendment - lease/purchase vehicles – Pam Oland
11:45 a.m. Quarterly financials – Pam Oland
12:15 p.m. Follow-up on financial policies – John Pick
12:40 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
12:45 p.m. Adjourn
Pancake Dinner At St Andrews
A Pancake Supper will be held this Tuesday, Feb. 16th from 4-7 pm at St Andrews Church , 400 E Vine St , Salisbury, MD
God Created Maryland
God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day..
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it.. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that
one?"
"That's Maryland , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains. The people from Maryland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance..."
God smiled, "Right next to Maryland is Washington , DC . Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
He inquired, "Where have you been?"
God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."
Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet," replied God, and I've put life on it.. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test Balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all things."
God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The Archangel , impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land area and said, "What's that
one?"
"That's Maryland , the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful mountains, rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills, and plains. The people from Maryland are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent, and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance..."
God smiled, "Right next to Maryland is Washington , DC . Wait till you see the idiots I put there."
Somerset Commisioners Spend With NO Money And NO Questions Asked
EMPTY Pauper Burial Account Used Again to Subsidize Funeral
But Somerset Commissioners Fail to Ask Full Price
Somerset County Commissioners in a vote of 3-1 approved spending $250.00 from an EMPTY pauper burial account without knowledge of the full price charged by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
County Adminstrator Sam Boston said just over $500.00 was owed Bennie Smith after much was covered by donations, but Boston did not know what the full price of the funeral had been.
The Bennie Smith Funeral Home made the request for financial assistance after a portion on Ms. Handy's bill remained unpaid. Hilda Handy of Mt. Vernon died December 19, 2009.
Commissioner Vice President Rex Simpkins, of Mount Vernon, made the motion to approve payment. This passed 3-1 with President Mike McCready the lone opposition since the original cost of the funeral was not provided.
The Commissioners made no effort to obtain cost documents or reschedule request until documents were provided. Commissioner Jim Ring had left the meeting prior to this discussion. The request from Bennie Smith should have been reserved until adeqate documents were provided as to the full cost of the Handy funeral. There was no need to rush this approval since the request was incomplete.
Regardless of the expenditure, the Commissioners seem to have little regard for the taxpayers' money. There may be a legitimate need for a pauper burial account, but the Commissioners must require full documenation before spending our money. It is inexcusable to not have knowledge of the full cost and still award the funds. President Mike McCready made the correct decision since Bennie Smith failed to provide the full cost of the Handy funeral.
With declining revenues, all government agencies would be wise to curtail expenditures and carefully review budget items if the cost is hundreds, thousands, or millions. The reckless spending of the past must be over. The citizens are vigliant and expect fiscal responsibility.
Full story in Crisfield-Somerset County Times, February10, 2010
page 10
But Somerset Commissioners Fail to Ask Full Price
Somerset County Commissioners in a vote of 3-1 approved spending $250.00 from an EMPTY pauper burial account without knowledge of the full price charged by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.
County Adminstrator Sam Boston said just over $500.00 was owed Bennie Smith after much was covered by donations, but Boston did not know what the full price of the funeral had been.
The Bennie Smith Funeral Home made the request for financial assistance after a portion on Ms. Handy's bill remained unpaid. Hilda Handy of Mt. Vernon died December 19, 2009.
Commissioner Vice President Rex Simpkins, of Mount Vernon, made the motion to approve payment. This passed 3-1 with President Mike McCready the lone opposition since the original cost of the funeral was not provided.
The Commissioners made no effort to obtain cost documents or reschedule request until documents were provided. Commissioner Jim Ring had left the meeting prior to this discussion. The request from Bennie Smith should have been reserved until adeqate documents were provided as to the full cost of the Handy funeral. There was no need to rush this approval since the request was incomplete.
Regardless of the expenditure, the Commissioners seem to have little regard for the taxpayers' money. There may be a legitimate need for a pauper burial account, but the Commissioners must require full documenation before spending our money. It is inexcusable to not have knowledge of the full cost and still award the funds. President Mike McCready made the correct decision since Bennie Smith failed to provide the full cost of the Handy funeral.
With declining revenues, all government agencies would be wise to curtail expenditures and carefully review budget items if the cost is hundreds, thousands, or millions. The reckless spending of the past must be over. The citizens are vigliant and expect fiscal responsibility.
Full story in Crisfield-Somerset County Times, February10, 2010
page 10
You Have To See This!
POPCORN (This will blow your mind).probably already has.
This is enlightening!!!
This is probably what it does to our brain cells - like putting your head in a microwave.
Check this out! And we're supposed to believe that cell phones are safe?
Click on the word 'POPCORN' below and watch.
This is probably what it does to our brain cells - like putting your head in a microwave.
Check this out! And we're supposed to believe that cell phones are safe?
Click on the word 'POPCORN' below and watch.
We're All On Welfare Now
David Freddoso: Barofsky's warning: We're all on welfare now
By: David Freddoso Online Opinion EditorFebruary 11, 2010
When Inspector General Neil Barofsky, testified before Congress late last month, he received ample coverage for highlighting the incompetence of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner in his work bailing out AIG.
Barofsky's outspokenness on the failures of the Troubled Asset Relief Program he oversees and the increased risk it has created, has won him praise from politicians in both parties.
"He probably feels it's his responsibility to sound the alarm as long and as loud as he can," says Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J.
Lost in the AIG headlines was another urgent warning contained inhis new report . An entire section details the federal government's extensive efforts to reinflate the sagging housing bubble. Although Barofsky draws no staggering conclusions, the facts he presents are staggering all on their own -- especially if you're a homeowner.
If you watched with alarm as the government took over General Motors and Chrysler, and as Democrats tried to increase government's role in the health care industry, you should be scared to death by Barofsky's discussion of the mortgage markets.
The unspoken, bottom line: The federal government has already nationalized the housing industry. We're not just talking about Uncle Sam providing a few subsidies, or even taking over a few of the big players, as they have in the auto industry. This is a complete takeover. Every new mortgage today is a government mortgage.
Over the last two years, government mortgage and mortgage-backed holdings have grown on net by nearly $1 trillion. Private investors and institutions have shed more than $1.5 trillion -- through foreclosure losses, pay downs, and by selling to government.
The effective result is a government-run housing market. Barofsky reports that right now, the government is responsible for about 100 percent of all new mortgage activity. You read that correctly. To put it in his own words:
"According to Federal Reserve net borrowings data, the federal government and the organizations it backs now guarantee or issue almost all net new borrowings for mortgages and MBS."
The accompanying graph, from page 109 of Barofsky's report, shows that this is uncharted territory. Not even the savings and loan scandal of the early 1990s put all current and potential homeowners at Uncle Sam's mercy as today's situation has.
If not for government underwriters (such as Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs) and bundlers of mortgage-backed securities (such as Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie Mae), there might not have been a single house sold in this country last year. Or at least, none would have sold at anything like the allegedly depressed prices that homeowners were getting.
These numbers reflect the situation of the 2009 mortgage market: Unless you could afford 20 percent up front, the government was the only show in town. Even if you have a private mortgage, the price at which you can sell your home is being kept artificially high by the government's trillion-dollar commitment.
Barofsky's report warns homeowners that government is actively reinflating the housing bubble: "Supporting home prices is an explicit policy goal of the government," he accurately notes.
He does not draw the obvious conclusion: The government's assistance in the housing market now is less about giving us a soft landing than it is about having us furiously flap our arms to stay aloft.
As a result, we're all on welfare now -- not just helped out by a few homeowner tax breaks, as in the past, but completely, utterly dependent on a trillion-dollar government commitment lasting forever. And we're all in peril if for any reason we lose a handout that most of us never asked for.
David Freddoso is The Examiner's online opinion editor. He can be reached at dfreddoso@dcexaminer.com.