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Saturday, February 20, 2010
Could The Remains Found Be Those Of Christine Sheddy
I have spoken to several law enforcement officials today in reference to the case we posted earlier tonight.
My first tip off this morning was when I got a call asking if I had a contact number for the Parents. When I received a second similar call it became pretty clear something was up.
Although no positive identification has been made as of yet, we're fairly confident they have found who they were looking for.
A comment came in earlier saying, "Well they flew to Tenn. to speak with the guy in prison that used to work at River house and was associated with Christine, and then when they get back they find remains. Looks pretty cut and dry." I asked about this with one official and their reply was, MSP Cold Case and Homicide Units do great work.
To become more familiar with this case you can look at several HERE on SBYNews.
We certainly hope we can put this case to rest and I'm sure we'll have some kind of confirmation soon.
Troopers Looking To Identify Subject Of Missing Person Investigation
Location: Bethany Beach Shore Stop, SR 26, Bethany Beach, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday February 10, 2010 at approximately 4 a.m.
Resume:
Troopers are trying to identify a man so that may question him for any information pertaining to the missing person investigation involving Greg Forte.
This subject pictured below was in the Bethany Beach Shore Stop located SR 26 on February 10 around 4 a.m. The man stated he broke down in Fenwick Island and was returning from Walmart. He was described as a white male in his 40's wearing tan coveralls, black jacket and black knit cap.
Troopers are seeking him for questioning with regards to missing person Greg Forte.
Anyone who may have any information concerning the identity of the pictured subject is asked to contact the state police at Troop 4 by dialing (302) 856-5850 ext 208.
Victims Identified In Fiery Crash
Resume:
Delaware State Police have Identified the Two Victims of an Early Morning Crash.
Troopers have identified the driver of the Buick struck early this morning as Erin M. Giles, 26, Wilmington and her passenger Maren Johansen, 25, also of Wilmington. Both women died at the scene after their car burst into flames.
The investigation is still ongoing and no charges have been filed at this time.
TODAY'S TOWN HALL MEETING
Today's meeting featured Worcester and Wicomico County State Delegates Norman Conway and Jim Mathias, Jr. The meeting was held at the Wicomico County library whereby I counted 21 people in attendance.
Keynote speakers included local blogging celebrities, Joe Albero - http://www.sbynews.blogspot.com/, Julie Brewington - http://www.rightcoastconseravtive.blogspot.com/, Michael Swartz - http://www.monoblogue.us/, and GA Harrison - http://www.delmarvadealings.com/.
First off I would like to thank both of the Delegates for holding their joint annual meeting. As I expected - the State of our sagging local economy dominated the agenda for the 1 -1/2 hour session. Delegate Norm Conway stated that as of July 1, 2010 the Board of Estimates had reduced the State budget revenue projections by more than 1 billion dollars. Our current projected budget is now at funding levels not seen since FY 2007 - 13 Billion dollars. Delegate Mathias also went on record as being opposed to a projected increase in the gas tax.
Topics discussed included the following:
1. Maryland's anti-business climate and the current state of our local area businesses - loss of key manufacturing jobs - (auto, housing, agriculture)
2. Poultry industry - chicken house construction and issuance of building permits
3. Education - Governor has not cut and has held the current level on spending
4. High unemployment rate - Statewide rate is at 7.5% and Worcester Co. 16.2% - (State unemployment benefit extensions from 26 weeks to 33 weeks - and then federal kicking-in for an additional 22 weeks)
5. Dramatic unemployment insurance contribution rate increases for Maryland employers to help make-up for depleted reserves.
6. Death penalty legislation
7. Proposed gas tax increases to help fortify the transportation trust fund.
8. Wicomico County Civic Center
9. Maryland's Renewable Energy Policy - or lack thereof
10. CASA - allowing issuance of drivers license for illegal aliens
Highlights of the meeting included considerable discussion surrounding the recent loss of Sarah Foxwell and specifically relating to the positions of these two elected officials regarding the Death Penalty. Both - Conway and Mathias - went on record for being in support of the Death Penalty whereby a hearing is scheduled to be held on the legislative initiative this Tuesday in Annapolis.
Other highlights included in-depth discussion on the Wicomico County Youth and Civic Center's recent land acquisition whereby it was revealed that the County may be contemplating additional land purchases in excess of the recently approved 5 acre acquisition. Additionally, there was considerable discussion regarding State and County land acquisitions for large tracts of land to accomodate the expansion of Salisbury University even despite our sagging economy.
As for myself and being in the renewable energy business - I expressed my concern regarding Maryland's lack of a comprehensive energy policy - specifically solar and wind.
Bottom line - I was really impressed by the degree of conviction, testimony, and political knowledge brought-on by the blogging community. I'll say one thing for these people - they are definately 'engaged' in the political arena.
Delaware State Police Investigating Fiery Crash
Location: DE Rt 7, Limestone Road, north of Arundel Drive, Pike Creek, New Castle County , DE
Date of Occurrence: Saturday, February 20, 2010 at approximately 1:14 a.m.
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a three vehicle crash that resulted in the death of two females.
The crash happened early this morning after 1 o’clock in the morning when a 2001 Buick Century was traveling north on De Rt 7 north of Arundel Drive at the same time a 2009 Toyota Yaris and a 1996 Ford Mustang were traveling south approaching the Buick.
The Mustang sideswiped the Toyota prior to it entering the northbound lanes where it struck the Buick’s left front. After the impact between the two vehicles the Buick burst into flames. The driver and a female passenger were trapped inside and died as a result of the crash.
The driver of the Mustang, a 17 year-old girl from Milltown, was taken to Christiana Hospital with multiple lower leg fractures. The operator of the Toyota was identified as Ihab Ibrahim, 35, of Wilmington was not injured.
Alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor in the crash. Everyone was wearing seat belts with the exception of the 17 year-old driver.
Both occupants of the Buick were burned beyond recognition and investigators are unable to make a positive identification. The crash is still under investigation.
Date of Occurrence: Saturday, February 20, 2010 at approximately 1:14 a.m.
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a three vehicle crash that resulted in the death of two females.
The crash happened early this morning after 1 o’clock in the morning when a 2001 Buick Century was traveling north on De Rt 7 north of Arundel Drive at the same time a 2009 Toyota Yaris and a 1996 Ford Mustang were traveling south approaching the Buick.
The Mustang sideswiped the Toyota prior to it entering the northbound lanes where it struck the Buick’s left front. After the impact between the two vehicles the Buick burst into flames. The driver and a female passenger were trapped inside and died as a result of the crash.
The driver of the Mustang, a 17 year-old girl from Milltown, was taken to Christiana Hospital with multiple lower leg fractures. The operator of the Toyota was identified as Ihab Ibrahim, 35, of Wilmington was not injured.
Alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor in the crash. Everyone was wearing seat belts with the exception of the 17 year-old driver.
Both occupants of the Buick were burned beyond recognition and investigators are unable to make a positive identification. The crash is still under investigation.
Human Skeletal Remains Recovered
DATE & TIME: February 19, 2010 at 10:00 Am
Case # CBI# 10-0000116
LOCATION: E. Market Street Snow hill, Worcester County MD
CRIME: Human Skeletal Remains Recovered
VICTIM: Unknown
NARRATIVE:
On February 19, 2010 The Worcester Co. Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is comprised of criminal investigators from the Maryland State Police, Worcester County Sheriff’s Department and Berlin Police Department, developed information on the location of possible human remains located at East Market Street Snow Hill Maryland.
From information learned, Investigators from CBI, assisted by MSP Homicide Unit and MSP Crime Lab actively pursued the area of interest. After several hours of searching, human skeletal remains were unearthed.
On Friday, February 19, 2010 the Worcester County’s Forensic Investigator for the office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office – (OCME) responded to the scene and examined the remains of the deceased. The Forensic Investigator advised the deceased remains would be transported to the OCME’s office for autopsy.
The investigation is continuing.
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE: Detective Alex Kagan, (WCBI)
Supervisor’s: Sgt. H. Scott Brent, and Sgt. Van Muir (WCBI)
Case # CBI# 10-0000116
LOCATION: E. Market Street Snow hill, Worcester County MD
CRIME: Human Skeletal Remains Recovered
VICTIM: Unknown
NARRATIVE:
On February 19, 2010 The Worcester Co. Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is comprised of criminal investigators from the Maryland State Police, Worcester County Sheriff’s Department and Berlin Police Department, developed information on the location of possible human remains located at East Market Street Snow Hill Maryland.
From information learned, Investigators from CBI, assisted by MSP Homicide Unit and MSP Crime Lab actively pursued the area of interest. After several hours of searching, human skeletal remains were unearthed.
On Friday, February 19, 2010 the Worcester County’s Forensic Investigator for the office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office – (OCME) responded to the scene and examined the remains of the deceased. The Forensic Investigator advised the deceased remains would be transported to the OCME’s office for autopsy.
The investigation is continuing.
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE: Detective Alex Kagan, (WCBI)
Supervisor’s: Sgt. H. Scott Brent, and Sgt. Van Muir (WCBI)
A Comment Absolutely Worthy Of A Post
Joe:
The snow has been removed via efforts from career and volunteer personnel alike. The issue could and should have been taken care of prior to this thread, but it wasn't and that is "our" fault.
As a side note however, the SFD has been inundated with calls and had an extreme call volume both during the recent storms and subsequent days following the storms. At this time, I do not have the exact number and apologize for not having the data to back up my statement, but I have recently been tasked with attempting to compile rough statistics on just that as well as costs to the department in order to make an attempt to recoup some of the capitol outlay from MEMA. I have not yet finished that task as the criteria continue to change from the State and it has been difficult to figure out exactly what they (State) want. I can tell you it has been difficult to keep up with the service need from both a career and volunteer standpoint. The numbers are quite high.
In any event, we have had a couple of days since the call volume dropped and gave the department an opportunity to clear the snow in question. To be honest, I doubt it crossed too many people's minds secondary to the amount of work that has been done recently and the ownership for that is our own.
However, for those who wish to continue to call us "lazy" and say we do nothing but sit around and watch TV all the time and wait for calls...I challenge ANYONE to come work with my shift for a 24 hour operational period and tell me that same thing after doing so. We do take time during any given shift to relax when the opportunity presents, but that is rare. All that "sleep" that some of your commenter's claim we get is most certainly a fallacy. Anyone taking me up on my offer to spend a tour with us will certainly discover that in a hurry.
In fact, I encourage my crew to get some rest between the hours of 7pm and 11pm if they can as I know they will be out running calls throughout the night. I imagine that most civilians would rather have a fresh firefighter or EMS provider taking care of their emergency vs. one who has been working continually for 20 hours. I doubt most folks can fathom exactly what we do unless they've done it themselves.
The career members have certainly worked hard over the last few weeks but so have many of the volunteers. It is true that some certainly work harder than others, but that is on both sides of the coin also and all should not be judged by the actions of a few...
In any event, A/C Bryan Records' shift, along with the help of some volunteer personnel, cleared the snow and the sidewalks are now passable as they should be. We SHOULD be setting the example as stated by some of your viewers and will certainly attempt to do much better in the future to that regard. Despite what some folks on this site may think, we are human also and make mistakes. I assure you that a mistake is what has occurred...an oversight on our part. We certainly aren't perfect and will learn from this mistake.
However, perhaps some of your viewers could make an attempt to come join our ranks and help to be a part of the solution to a perceived problem. That would perhaps give them a better perspective on exactly what we do rather than sit at home and gripe about what we don't.
In any event, the issue has been addresses and we have noted a weakness that will be addressed in the future.
Thanks for the space...
Respectfully,
Jim Gladwell
Editors Note:
Mr. Gladwell,
I applaud you and the rest of the career/volunteer Firefighters for doing what you have done. For what it's worth, before I contacted the Mayor I had my snow blower in my truck and truthfully was going to go up there myself and get it done. With the snow blower I would have been there 20 to 30 minutes and could have saved everyone the manpower. However, I made some phone calls to certain Council Members and they strongly suggested I call the Mayor in fear of possibly getting hurt while doing so. Now, between all of us, if I would have been hurt doing so, that would be my problem, I don't work like others who take advantage of such situations.
Now mind you, you guys/gals aren't Seniors or disabled but I do respect and understand your predicament. I had heard you were quite busy, hence my original offer to just get it done myself. Quite frankly, the Wicomico Public Library STILL has snow and ice outside their facility that hasn't been cleaned up, as of an hour ago. So don't feel singled out as I will produce photos of that as well and yes, I did point this out to the Mayor this morning while we were at a meeting there today.
To ALL of you at the SFD, if you need my services at any time, (I'm not joining the FD but I do encourage others to do so) I'd be more than happy and willing to do so. Thanks for clearing the way. Joe
Involuntary Manslaughter
INCIDENT: Involuntary Manslaughter
DATE: February 20, 2010
LOCATION: 1500 Block S. Division Street, Salisbury, MD 21804
NARRATIVE: On February 20, 2010 at 0223 hours the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Received a call indicating an individual had been run over at a residence in the 1500 block of S. Division St. Initial responding Deputies located an individual trapped beneath a vehicle and Salisbury Fire and EMS was activated. The individual was transported to PRMC where he was pronounced dead.
The victim and suspect are familiar with each other and had been involved in an argument earlier. Alcohol was a contributing factor as well. As the suspect was attempting to leave the address she believed her vehicle became stuck on snow. She returned to the residence to solicit help and when she returned to the vehicle she discovered the victim beneath her vehicle. A call to 911 was immediately placed and emergency response was initiated.
The victim is identified as Jeremiah Parkhurst W/M 28 YOA of the 1500 Block of S. Division St.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776
SUSPECTS: Parkhurst, Erin 28 yoa W/F
1500 Block S. Division St.
Salisbury, MD 21804
CHARGES: Involuntary Manslaughter
Homicide by Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
DWI and other related traffic offenses
DISPOSITION: Held on Bond
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE TFC Elzey
RELEASTING AUTHORITY Sergeant David Owens
MSP Wicomico Bureau of Investigation
DATE: February 20, 2010 TIME: 1033 hours
Wicomico Bureau of Investigation
DATE: February 20, 2010
LOCATION: 1500 Block S. Division Street, Salisbury, MD 21804
NARRATIVE: On February 20, 2010 at 0223 hours the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Received a call indicating an individual had been run over at a residence in the 1500 block of S. Division St. Initial responding Deputies located an individual trapped beneath a vehicle and Salisbury Fire and EMS was activated. The individual was transported to PRMC where he was pronounced dead.
The victim and suspect are familiar with each other and had been involved in an argument earlier. Alcohol was a contributing factor as well. As the suspect was attempting to leave the address she believed her vehicle became stuck on snow. She returned to the residence to solicit help and when she returned to the vehicle she discovered the victim beneath her vehicle. A call to 911 was immediately placed and emergency response was initiated.
The victim is identified as Jeremiah Parkhurst W/M 28 YOA of the 1500 Block of S. Division St.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation at 410-548-4898 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776
SUSPECTS: Parkhurst, Erin 28 yoa W/F
1500 Block S. Division St.
Salisbury, MD 21804
CHARGES: Involuntary Manslaughter
Homicide by Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
DWI and other related traffic offenses
DISPOSITION: Held on Bond
INVESTIGATING DETECTIVE TFC Elzey
RELEASTING AUTHORITY Sergeant David Owens
MSP Wicomico Bureau of Investigation
DATE: February 20, 2010 TIME: 1033 hours
Wicomico Bureau of Investigation
Federal Aid Programs For Maryland Disaster Recovery
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Maryland.
Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:
Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:
Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:
Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
President Declares Major Disaster For Maryland
President Declares Major Disaster For Maryland
Release Date: February 19, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-015
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Craig Fugate today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Maryland to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of December 18-20, 2009.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, and Queen Anne’s counties.
Assistance is also available to the state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.
Regis Leo Phelan has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Phelan said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Release Date: February 19, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-015
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Craig Fugate today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Maryland to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a severe winter storm and snowstorm during the period of December 18-20, 2009.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures in Baltimore, Caroline, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, and Queen Anne’s counties.
Assistance is also available to the state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or proximate to the incident period.
Regis Leo Phelan has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Phelan said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
Mrs. Herold’s School
Back in 1916, a Mrs. Herold started a school of her own in Salisbury, Maryland. This was in an era when the county school system had already been established and education was offered to everyone for free. Mrs. Herold had different ideas. She was ahead of her time in starting a private “for pay” school. Now there are many options.
Her private school offered grades from kindergarten through elementary and offered “high school preparation classes”. It was a private school and tuition was required of the attendees. The financial end of the school provided her with an income and insured that the students would get a better than average education. By the parents paying, they made sure they got their money’s worth and the children’s noses were certainly kept to the grindstone. Mrs. Herold had only the finest teachers. Bertha Adkins, a prominent Republican, taught there for a time. When the school closed down in the late 1940’s, she went on to become the Undersecretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Eisenhower.
Many of Salisbury’s leading citizens passed through Mrs. Herold’s School. Some are still around to tell tales of their school days. When Mrs. Herold passed, it became a home again. Stanton Adkins, of E. S. Adkins, and his wife, Ellen, lived there when they were first married. They lived on the first floor and an apartment was made out of the second floor and rented. The house has since been restored to a single family residence. Mr. Adkins was related to Mrs. Herold on his mother’s side of the family.
One of the students was a local named Jack Elderdice. One day when he was in kindergarten, he showed up at his home farther up N. Division St. When his mother inquired why he was home he informed her that he had “excaped”. I’m sure he thought it was much more of an accomplishment than did his mother.
The house that once was Mrs. Herold’s School at 325 N. Division St. is presently for sale by Long & Foster Realtors. I’m sure that a ‘’walk through” can be arranged by contacting Loudell Insley at Long & Foster. It would be interesting to see what a private school of the past looked like. And since she attended the residence at the end of its use as a school, she could point out where everything used to be.
Back in 1916, a Mrs. Herold started a school of her own in Salisbury, Maryland. This was in an era when the county school system had already been established and education was offered to everyone for free. Mrs. Herold had different ideas. She was ahead of her time in starting a private “for pay” school. Now there are many options.
Her private school offered grades from kindergarten through elementary and offered “high school preparation classes”. It was a private school and tuition was required of the attendees. The financial end of the school provided her with an income and insured that the students would get a better than average education. By the parents paying, they made sure they got their money’s worth and the children’s noses were certainly kept to the grindstone. Mrs. Herold had only the finest teachers. Bertha Adkins, a prominent Republican, taught there for a time. When the school closed down in the late 1940’s, she went on to become the Undersecretary of Health, Education and Welfare under President Eisenhower.
Many of Salisbury’s leading citizens passed through Mrs. Herold’s School. Some are still around to tell tales of their school days. When Mrs. Herold passed, it became a home again. Stanton Adkins, of E. S. Adkins, and his wife, Ellen, lived there when they were first married. They lived on the first floor and an apartment was made out of the second floor and rented. The house has since been restored to a single family residence. Mr. Adkins was related to Mrs. Herold on his mother’s side of the family.
One of the students was a local named Jack Elderdice. One day when he was in kindergarten, he showed up at his home farther up N. Division St. When his mother inquired why he was home he informed her that he had “excaped”. I’m sure he thought it was much more of an accomplishment than did his mother.
The house that once was Mrs. Herold’s School at 325 N. Division St. is presently for sale by Long & Foster Realtors. I’m sure that a ‘’walk through” can be arranged by contacting Loudell Insley at Long & Foster. It would be interesting to see what a private school of the past looked like. And since she attended the residence at the end of its use as a school, she could point out where everything used to be.
The Exploding U.S. Debt
Congress shows no signs of waking up to the threat of our debt and foreign creditors dumping their holdings.
IBD Editorials
Fiscal Leg Irons
Public Debt: After repeated warnings from government finance officials around the world, the exploding U.S. debt has suddenly become a major issue for foreign buyers. Maybe it's time we paid attention, too.
Worried about having too much U.S. debt on their books, a number of countries are cutting their holdings of American government and corporate bonds.
According to the U.S. Treasury, foreign holdings of T-bills plunged $53 billion in December — a record. More than $34 billion of it was dumped by China, which fell to No. 2 among holders of U.S. debt. Regaining the top spot was Japan, with $768.8 billion. All told, foreigners hold $2.37 trillion of U.S. government securities.
One month does not a long-term trend make. Yet, it's worrisome that as the U.S. is printing record amounts of new debt, the main buyers are showing a lack of appetite for what we're serving .
In recent months, Chinese officials have made it clear they're concerned about the size of their U.S. debt portfolio and wanted to shrink it. They're doing that now, with a vengeance. Others are doing the same, though not on the same scale.
But isn't it just a lot of accounting, moving dollars from one national ledger to the other? In a sense, yes. But remember: When we sell our debt, the interest is determined by the demand for that debt. When demand is low, issuers have to offer higher interest rates to lure buyers. That's starting to happen now.
Our supply of debt threatens to overwhelm the demand for it. In the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. could add as much as $13 trillion to its debt load — an unparalleled expansion, roughly equal to a year of our current GDP.
With this year's deficit expected to come in at $1.56 trillion and next year's at $1.4 trillion, the debt is piling up fast. We never worried too much about it, as long as it stayed a minor part of the U.S. economy. Some debt can even be healthy.
But in recent years, our debt-to-GDP ratio has exploded. Today, it's 94% of GDP, up from 83% in 2009 and a little bit more than 60% two years ago. By 2020, it will be well over 100%, according to government estimates. And it will soon take over our budget.
If foreigners ever decide en masse they don't want to hold U.S. debts — kind of like beleaguered Greece today — the U.S. economy would suffer from rising interest rates, a plunging currency and rampant inflation. We'd survive, but not without a lot of pain.
IBD Editorials
Fiscal Leg Irons
Public Debt: After repeated warnings from government finance officials around the world, the exploding U.S. debt has suddenly become a major issue for foreign buyers. Maybe it's time we paid attention, too.
Worried about having too much U.S. debt on their books, a number of countries are cutting their holdings of American government and corporate bonds.
According to the U.S. Treasury, foreign holdings of T-bills plunged $53 billion in December — a record. More than $34 billion of it was dumped by China, which fell to No. 2 among holders of U.S. debt. Regaining the top spot was Japan, with $768.8 billion. All told, foreigners hold $2.37 trillion of U.S. government securities.
One month does not a long-term trend make. Yet, it's worrisome that as the U.S. is printing record amounts of new debt, the main buyers are showing a lack of appetite for what we're serving .
In recent months, Chinese officials have made it clear they're concerned about the size of their U.S. debt portfolio and wanted to shrink it. They're doing that now, with a vengeance. Others are doing the same, though not on the same scale.
But isn't it just a lot of accounting, moving dollars from one national ledger to the other? In a sense, yes. But remember: When we sell our debt, the interest is determined by the demand for that debt. When demand is low, issuers have to offer higher interest rates to lure buyers. That's starting to happen now.
Our supply of debt threatens to overwhelm the demand for it. In the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. could add as much as $13 trillion to its debt load — an unparalleled expansion, roughly equal to a year of our current GDP.
With this year's deficit expected to come in at $1.56 trillion and next year's at $1.4 trillion, the debt is piling up fast. We never worried too much about it, as long as it stayed a minor part of the U.S. economy. Some debt can even be healthy.
But in recent years, our debt-to-GDP ratio has exploded. Today, it's 94% of GDP, up from 83% in 2009 and a little bit more than 60% two years ago. By 2020, it will be well over 100%, according to government estimates. And it will soon take over our budget.
If foreigners ever decide en masse they don't want to hold U.S. debts — kind of like beleaguered Greece today — the U.S. economy would suffer from rising interest rates, a plunging currency and rampant inflation. We'd survive, but not without a lot of pain.
Be Thankful
This kinda puts a lot of things into perspective....
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it." Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind.
The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have!... Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret.
Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling… And even more beautiful, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
Catch yourself when you start complaining about what you don’t have. Remember, where there is life, there is hope.
If after reading this email you really felt touched and you liked the story, I suggest you share it.
Remember, this email could change someone’s life..
Enjoy your day with a heart of gratitude.
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"
The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it." Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind.
The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?
Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have!... Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.
When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret.
Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling… And even more beautiful, knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!
Catch yourself when you start complaining about what you don’t have. Remember, where there is life, there is hope.
If after reading this email you really felt touched and you liked the story, I suggest you share it.
Remember, this email could change someone’s life..
Enjoy your day with a heart of gratitude.
Ducks In Heaven
Three
women die together in an
accident
And
go to heaven.
When
they get there, St. Peter
says,
'We
only have one rule here in
heaven:
Don't
step on the ducks!'
So they enter
heaven, and sure enough,
There
are ducks all over the place.
It
is almost impossible not to step on a
duck,
And
although they try their best to avoid
them,
The
first woman accidentally steps on
one..
Along comes St. Peter with the
ugliest man she ever saw.
St.
Peter chains them together and
says,
'Your
punishment for stepping on a duck is
to
Spend
eternity chained to this ugly
man!'
The
next day,
The
second woman steps accidentally on a
duck
And
along comes St. Peter,
Who
doesn't miss a thing.
With
him is another extremely ugly
man.
He
chains them together
With
the same admonishment as for the first
woman.
The third woman has observed
all this and,
Not
wanting to be chained
For
all eternity to an ugly man, is
very,
VERY
careful where she steps.
She
manages to go months
Without
stepping on any ducks,
But
One
day St.Peter comes up to her
With
the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes
on
....
Very tall, long eyelashes,
muscular.
St.
Peter chains them together without saying a
word.
The happy woman
says,
'I
wonder what I did to deserve
being
Chained
to you for all of eternity?'
The
guy says,
'I
don't know about you,
But
I stepped on
a
Duck.
women die together in an
accident
And
go to heaven.
When
they get there, St. Peter
says,
'We
only have one rule here in
heaven:
Don't
step on the ducks!'
So they enter
heaven, and sure enough,
There
are ducks all over the place.
It
is almost impossible not to step on a
duck,
And
although they try their best to avoid
them,
The
first woman accidentally steps on
one..
Along comes St. Peter with the
ugliest man she ever saw.
St.
Peter chains them together and
says,
'Your
punishment for stepping on a duck is
to
Spend
eternity chained to this ugly
man!'
The
next day,
The
second woman steps accidentally on a
duck
And
along comes St. Peter,
Who
doesn't miss a thing.
With
him is another extremely ugly
man.
He
chains them together
With
the same admonishment as for the first
woman.
The third woman has observed
all this and,
Not
wanting to be chained
For
all eternity to an ugly man, is
very,
VERY
careful where she steps.
She
manages to go months
Without
stepping on any ducks,
But
One
day St.Peter comes up to her
With
the most handsome man she has ever laid eyes
on
....
Very tall, long eyelashes,
muscular.
St.
Peter chains them together without saying a
word.
The happy woman
says,
'I
wonder what I did to deserve
being
Chained
to you for all of eternity?'
The
guy says,
'I
don't know about you,
But
I stepped on
a
Duck.
PUBLIC NOTICE
What I Want In A Man
What I Want In a Man, Original List
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)
1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3.. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off the couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Breathing.
2. Doesn't miss the toilet.
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)
1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3.. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off the couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Breathing.
2. Doesn't miss the toilet.