A vote in the U.S. House of Representatives today has put Puerto Rico one step closer on a path to becoming the nation's 51st state.
The House passed H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, on a 223-169 vote. Now the Senate will take up the measure.
Puerto Ricans have voted against statehood three times since 1967, preferring their present status as an independent commonwealth in association with the U.S. Under H.R. 2499, Puerto Ricans will vote on the issue of statehood yet again.
The last statehood vote, or plebiscite, held on Dec. 13, 1998, failed to yield a majority vote on any of the five options: enhanced commonwealth (0.29 percent), statehood (46.4 percent), independence (2.5 percent), free association (0.06 percent) and none of the above (50.3 percent).
Puerto Rico's current commonwealth status allows the 4 million mostly Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans to benefit from the protection of the U.S., but they are not required to pay federal income taxes on income they earn from island sources. However, they do pay federal payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare. They currently do not vote in presidential elections and have non-voting representation in Congress.
According to the General Accounting Office, half of all Puerto Ricans would qualify for food stamps and federal assistance under statehood.
"So Democrats are drawn to the prospect of a constituency likely to elect more Democrats to Congress," wrote Eddie Garcia, member of the National Advisory Board of ProEnglish in a column published by the New York Post.
In a recent commentary published by Roll Call, Roberto G. DePosada, former president of the Latino Coalition and senior adviser to the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, explained why he believes Puerto Rican politicians are rallying behind statehood.
"Why would Puerto Rican statehood leaders use such strong-arm tactics to force their way into the Union?" he asked. "One reason is that Puerto Rico's government is deeply in debt and its economy is weighed down by a bloated public employment sector. Its PNP-led government is desperate. It recently had to furlough 30,000 government workers, and it hopes for a bailout from the U.S. Treasury that it could not hope to get as a commonwealth."
Read more about it here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Neighbor Shoots Out Burglary Suspect’s Car Tire
Location: Bethel Road, Millsboro, Sussex County, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday April 27, 2010 11:30 a.m.
Suspects: Brad Donaway, 30, 8700 block Gumboro Road, MD
Resume:
Delaware State Police have arrested a 30 year-old Maryland man after he broke in a house and had his tire shot out by a neighbor.
Donaway turned himself into troopers on Tuesday after his car tire was shot out and he fled back to Maryland. The incident started around 11:30 in the morning when a neighbor observed activity in the house next door. The concerned neighbor called the victim to make sure no one was supposed to be home. When the homeowner said “no” the neighbor retrieved a gun and went next door.
The neighbor confronted Donaway and told him to get out of the house. Donaway then entered his vehicle and was attempting to drive off when the neighbor fired a round on the suspect’s left front tire. Donaway continued to flee and headed back to Maryland.
Troopers were able to make contact with Donaway and he returned to Delaware to turn himself in.
State troopers would like to remind the public not to confront any suspect during a crime. State Police Sergeant Brian Conlin says “By immediately calling 911 and being the best witness possible provides police with invaluable information and keeps the Good Samaritan out of harm’s way.”
Donaway was charged with Burglary 2nd and Possession of Burglary Tools. He was committed to the Department of Correction in default of $10,500 bail.
Owner & Puppy Reunited!!!!!
OK...update, a lady called me this afternoon saying she had 7 puppies and when the kids went out to check this morning one puppy was missing..I forwarded her a picture of the puppy and she said it was hers!! So the owner was located!
Her neighbor actually took my number over to her and told her about the blog. She actually is actually looking for homes for the others if anyone is interested just let me know. The puppy is 1/2 jack russel and I believe 1/2 sneaky neighbor dog which she seems to think is a larger type brown dog, probably a lab. Either way, after my sitter spent the day with this cutie she is considering keeping her.
Thanks Joe for posting my story as soon as she told me she found it, I immediately thought of you and putting her pic on your blog and thanks to everyone who reads this daily and helps everyone out!!
Carrie
Harrison Ford To Green Critics: ‘I’ll Walk Everywhere When They Walk Everywhere’
Actor, environmental activist and pilot Harrison Ford, who owns seven airplanes, told his environmental critics that he will "start walking everywhere when they start walking everywhere.” Ford spoke on Capitol Hill Tuesday at an event sponsored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Ford spoke on Capitol Hill on Tuesday about general aviation at an event sponsored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In light of criticism Ford has received from envrionmentalists about his use of airplanes, CNSNews.com asked him if his environmental activism coupled with his flying was a “contradiction.”
Ford is one of the chairmen of Conservation International and has done an advertisement for the environmentalist group Team Earth. In commenting on his seven planes, Ford told CNSNews.com: “I only fly one of them at a time..”
More here
Frank Kratovil To Vote YES On Puerto Rico
Now don't get your panties all in a twist here. Last night at the AFP Meeting this vote was brought up and everyone seemed to be all upset about it. However, the people at the AFP Meeting were absolutely wrong and clueless.
The vote today is a NON BINDING process and doesn't automatically help or make Puerto Rico a State. In fact, this has happened numerous times in the past.
What has happened or may be happening is the simple fact that today's vote will allow the citizens of Puerto Rick the opportunity for a choice.
1. They can become a Commonwealth
2. They can become independent
3. They can become a new State within the United States.
Now, like I said, they have had these options in the past and not once did THEY choose to become a new State. So don't get all twisted up about this, it's NOT what others are trying to make you believe.
Also remember that Puerto Rico has been a part of the US territory for Lord knows how long. They fight in our wars, so if they want to become a new State, so be it. Of course that's just my own personal opinion.
Anyhow, Kratovil has yet to vote on it but when his vote comes up today he will vote YES.
The vote today is a NON BINDING process and doesn't automatically help or make Puerto Rico a State. In fact, this has happened numerous times in the past.
What has happened or may be happening is the simple fact that today's vote will allow the citizens of Puerto Rick the opportunity for a choice.
1. They can become a Commonwealth
2. They can become independent
3. They can become a new State within the United States.
Now, like I said, they have had these options in the past and not once did THEY choose to become a new State. So don't get all twisted up about this, it's NOT what others are trying to make you believe.
Also remember that Puerto Rico has been a part of the US territory for Lord knows how long. They fight in our wars, so if they want to become a new State, so be it. Of course that's just my own personal opinion.
Anyhow, Kratovil has yet to vote on it but when his vote comes up today he will vote YES.
Update On Found Poodle
Joe,I just found out the most tragic news. The dog's owner is an elderly gentleman who was about 91 years old. He lived alone and evidently passed away. I was able to track him down as the owner after speaking to the police. I think my wife and I will be keeping this dog as it is so loving.
Troopers Search For Suspects Involved In Copper Thefts From Irrigation Systems
Location: Sussex County, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: March and April 2010
Suspects: Unknown
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a rash of copper wire thefts from farm irrigation equipment.
Between March and April 2010, troopers have investigated approximately 24 incidents involving the removal of copper from farm irrigation systems. The thefts involve the removal of 200 to 1,000 feet of large copper wire from large industrial irrigation systems located throughout Sussex County.
The thefts appear to be occurring at night.
State police investigators are searching for evidence and are asking for the publics help. Anyone that may have any information as to the identity of the suspects is asked to call Troop 4 in Georgetown by dialing 302-856-5850. If anyone sees trucks or people hanging around farms or irrigation systems at night, they are ask to call the “911” immediately. Troopers advise not to approve the individuals and if possible try and obtain a “tag” number. All information will be kept confidential.
Callers may also call Delaware Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.
Date of Occurrence: March and April 2010
Suspects: Unknown
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a rash of copper wire thefts from farm irrigation equipment.
Between March and April 2010, troopers have investigated approximately 24 incidents involving the removal of copper from farm irrigation systems. The thefts involve the removal of 200 to 1,000 feet of large copper wire from large industrial irrigation systems located throughout Sussex County.
The thefts appear to be occurring at night.
State police investigators are searching for evidence and are asking for the publics help. Anyone that may have any information as to the identity of the suspects is asked to call Troop 4 in Georgetown by dialing 302-856-5850. If anyone sees trucks or people hanging around farms or irrigation systems at night, they are ask to call the “911” immediately. Troopers advise not to approve the individuals and if possible try and obtain a “tag” number. All information will be kept confidential.
Callers may also call Delaware Crime Stoppers and remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at http://www.tipsubmit.com/.
Post Office Releasing Shelter Animal Stamps
Part of campaign to encourage pet adoptions; set of 10 goes on sale Friday
WASHINGTON - The post office is holding out a friendly paw to dogs, and cats too.
A new set of 10 first-class stamps featuring cheerful dogs and cats will go on sale nationwide on Friday, designed to promote adoption of animals from shelters.
The 44-cent stamps are part of a "Stamps to the Rescue" campaign, not only to encourage pet adoptions but also raising funds to buy food for animals in shelters.
GO HERE to read more.
Porn Police Look Into Deputies' E-mails
The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
PRAYERS FOR MAN SET ON FIRE David Mould doesn't own much, but he shares the possessions he manages to scrape together. His friends describe him as the kind of guy who protected other homeless people, but last weekend, Mould needed protection. He suffered significant burns over 25 percent to 35 percent of his body early Saturday, Fredericksburg police spokeswoman Natatia Bledsoe said. (Fredericksburg.com)
MASSAGE PARLOR BUST After a six-month investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office's Vice-Narcotics Unit deputies shut down a Potomac Falls business that allegedly was operating an unlicensed massage parlor. The owner and eight others face criminal charges. The business, Green Therapy in the Cascades Marketplace, was raided during the execution of search warrant Tuesday night. (Leesburg Today)
GO HERE to read more.
PRAYERS FOR MAN SET ON FIRE David Mould doesn't own much, but he shares the possessions he manages to scrape together. His friends describe him as the kind of guy who protected other homeless people, but last weekend, Mould needed protection. He suffered significant burns over 25 percent to 35 percent of his body early Saturday, Fredericksburg police spokeswoman Natatia Bledsoe said. (Fredericksburg.com)
MASSAGE PARLOR BUST After a six-month investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office's Vice-Narcotics Unit deputies shut down a Potomac Falls business that allegedly was operating an unlicensed massage parlor. The owner and eight others face criminal charges. The business, Green Therapy in the Cascades Marketplace, was raided during the execution of search warrant Tuesday night. (Leesburg Today)
GO HERE to read more.
Help For Laurel Family Coming From As Far As Southern New Jersey
The other night Salisbury News broke the story on the Laurel, DE. Family whos home had exploded.
Today, people are coming to Salisbury News from a Website in Southern New Jersey. What A Great Country We Live In!
If you would like to donate items to the family in Laurel, DE that suffered a tragedy in which their home exploded and they lost pretty much everything they own, click on the link below for all the information. Thanks in advance! (this is not spam)
Is Mayor Ireton About To Start A War?
Last weekend I attended the opening ceremony of the Salisbury Festival. They went through all the dignitaries names and when the name Ivan Barkley came up the crowd simply went nuts.I have had the liberty of speaking to many Salisbury Police Officers over the past few months and each and every one of them talked about how great their jobs are now that Chief Webster has been removed and Ivan Barkley is in charge. Morale has never been higher in the SPD.
The chatter recently about Mayor Ireton not hiring a new Fire Chief in more than a year speaks volume towards his leadership, or the lack thereof. However, even though they have a fully qualified man, (Larry Dodd) who has a Masters Degree and is fully qualified even more so than those who have applied, Mayor Ireton refuses to make a decision because he's been told the Firefighters won't support Larry Dodd.
Well, for what it's worth Folks, since when does the Leader of a community led around like a puppet on a string by his Employees? If Larry Dodd is qualified, yet not fully supported by the Firefighters, HIRE HIM, You Idiot! Everyone knows there needs to be a TON of changes in the SFD and it needs to be done NOW!
That being said, the word on the street by some very reliable sources are claiming its just a matter of time before Jim Ireton announces he wants Ernie Leatherbury in as the new Police Chief of the Salisbury Police Department.
I have known Ernie for many years now and I can't pat that guy enough on the back. Not only as a good man but is a great Cop. His dedication and loyalty falls slightly short of Sheriff Mike Lewis. That being said, he does a fantastic job for the MD State Police and has always swayed away from ever revealing he has any interest in becoming the Chief of the SPD.
The chatter, however, over the past several months is that Jim Ireton wants him in as the Chief of Police and now we're hearing something might actually be in the works.
All that being said, Ivan Barkley, (to me) is like Rocky Balboa. He's the underdog who has risen up to the top because he's EARNED it. Ivan has told me several times that if they offer the position as a permanent position he'd be honored to take it. If Jim hires someone else he'd still be happy to serve the SPD.
One has to seriously wonder just what would happen if Ernie was hired to replace Ivan. When I mentioned this to several Officers they replied, we already have enough State Police Officers running departments in this County. Hence Mike Lewis, (WCSO) Ernie Leatherbury, (MSP) and Mike Phillips with the Fruitland Police Department.
The SPD Officers want Ivan to lead them and that's all there is to it. So why is it Mayor Jim Ireton is listening to Firefighters as to who they want, yet he's not listening to the Police Officers on what they want.
One thing is for sure, Ireton is completely unpredictable and you have to wonder just who's pulling those strings on that puppet? How about we let the Mayor know who the CITIZENS want for their Chief of Police and see how well he listens to those who hired him.
Would you like to see veteran Ivan Barkley or Ernie Leatherbury as the next Chief of the Salisbury Police Department?
Puerto Rico Democracy Act – Legislation Biased In Favor Of Statehood
According to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the House will vote on H.R. 2499, the Puerto Rico Democracy Act, later this week. The legislation provides Puerto Rico a two stage voting process and makes some non-resident Puerto Ricans eligible to vote on Puerto Rican statehood. This legislation has rigged the process in favor of making Puerto Rico the 51st state and is not a fair way to force statehood on a Commonwealth whose people may not want it. Furthermore, this may be an expensive proposition for the American people who are already on the hook for approximately $12.9 trillion in national debt.
This bill attempts to rig the voting process and denies the American people a real say on the issue of whether they want to allow Puerto Rico to be granted statehood. The fact of the matter is that Puerto Ricans have rejected statehood numerous times and this bill seems to have been written in a way to fast track statehood without a majority of Puerto Ricans favoring the idea. Furthermore, the people of the United States should be allowed a vote on whether they want to admit Puerto Rico as a new state. If the people of Puerto Rico can vote, the people of the United States should have a vote.
The legislation contains many questionable provisions. First, the legislation sets up a voting process rigged for success. The legislation sets up a preliminary vote and the voters are given two options. If a majority of Puerto Ricans vote in favor of changing the status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to “a different political status,” then a second vote would be scheduled to poll voters on the following three options:
“Independence: Puerto Rico should become fully independent from the United States;”
“Sovereignty in Association with the United States: Puerto Rico and the United States should form a political association between sovereign nations that will not be subject to the Territorial Clause of the United States Constitution;” and,
“Statehood: Puerto Rico should be admitted as a State of the Union.”
Clearly, a plurality of the people of Puerto Rico could vote for “Statehood” without a majority of the people voting ever supporting the idea. The people of Puerto Rico have rejected statehood three times and it seems that this vote is set up to allow a simply plurality of the people to carry the day.
GO HERE to read more.
FOUND PUPPY
Good morning, Joe.
Wanted to post this picture of a small puppy that my sitter found this morning on the way to my house. She found him on Waller Road between Spring Hill Road and Hickory Mill road. She was right around the white rancher that has the tall 2story addition on it. She is black with white paw and white spot under her neck on her chest...looks to be fed ok and was very scared and sweet as she can be!! If no one claims her my sitter is going to keep her. You can contact me if you know anything.
Carrie 410-713-2839
Thank you!
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
On April 28, 2010, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team with the assistance of the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force and the Pocomoke Police Department executed a search and seizure warrant at a residence in Pocomoke, Maryland. This search and seizure warrant was the result of an eight month cocaine distribution investigation which focused on an individual identified as Jeremy Dashawn Moore, age 29, of Pocomoke, Maryland. During this investigation Jeremy Dashawn Moore was indicted by a Worcester County Grand Jury on the following counts:
Possession of Cocaine – 5 Counts
Possession with intent to distribute Cocaine – 5 Counts
Distribution of Cocaine – 5 Counts
Jeremy Dashawn Moore was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 bond. This investigation is still ongoing.
Facebook Security Problem
I received this from a military contractor that specializes in computer security:
A recent Facebook change is "Instant Personalization," which gives other
websites (Yelp, Pandora, and Microsoft Docs, at the moment) personal
information from your Facebook profile as soon as you visit their pages.
Even if you opt out of Instant Personalization, your friends can leak
information about you unless you block each application individually.
According to a 24 April ZDNET security blog entry, 1.5 million Facebook
accounts have been compromised and offered for sale. This might be a good
time to change your Facebook password, doing so from a confirmed malware-free host.
Info on this:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=6304
http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/how-opt-out-facebook-s-instant-personalization
http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/facebook-further-reduces-control-over-personal-information
A recent Facebook change is "Instant Personalization," which gives other
websites (Yelp, Pandora, and Microsoft Docs, at the moment) personal
information from your Facebook profile as soon as you visit their pages.
Even if you opt out of Instant Personalization, your friends can leak
information about you unless you block each application individually.
According to a 24 April ZDNET security blog entry, 1.5 million Facebook
accounts have been compromised and offered for sale. This might be a good
time to change your Facebook password, doing so from a confirmed malware-free host.
Info on this:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=6304
http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/how-opt-out-facebook-s-instant-personalization
http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/04/facebook-further-reduces-control-over-personal-information
Closing Arguements Today For SU Professor Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student
Closing arguments are going on right now in a case where a SU Professor is accused of sexually assaulting a student. However, this isn't just any female student. This student is blind.
We'll do our best to deliver the courts decision some time later today.
DOES IRETON’S LIBRARY SITE PROPOSAL VIOLATE PUBLIC TRUST?
At the risk of being misled by the Daily Times – and not for the first time – it seems that Mr. Ireton wants the City to, in essence, give one or more pieces of City land to the County library for a new location. The sale price, according to the article, would not go into the City’s treasury to furnish additional revenue that Ireton claims in this recent budget proposal is much needed to fund operations that have been curtailed for lack of money. Instead, it states that under the proposal “the $750,000 in acquisition funding is put into escrow and reinvested into the project.”
In other words, the City would be donating the land to the County library by giving the purchase money back.
The library is for the entire County, but City residents would, in effect bear a larger part of the cost of the new facility than other County residents. And aren’t there laws that require the City to dispose of its property for cash in hand, and not in escrow for others to use?
The scheme also seems inconsistent with the City’s longstanding request that City residents should have a lower rate (“tax differential”) on their County property taxes because of the benefits that the City provides – roads, etc. -- at no cost to the County.
Mr. Ireton’s proposal raises even more profound issues than those involving the best location for a new library and whether one should be built at this time.
In other words, the City would be donating the land to the County library by giving the purchase money back.
The library is for the entire County, but City residents would, in effect bear a larger part of the cost of the new facility than other County residents. And aren’t there laws that require the City to dispose of its property for cash in hand, and not in escrow for others to use?
The scheme also seems inconsistent with the City’s longstanding request that City residents should have a lower rate (“tax differential”) on their County property taxes because of the benefits that the City provides – roads, etc. -- at no cost to the County.
Mr. Ireton’s proposal raises even more profound issues than those involving the best location for a new library and whether one should be built at this time.
Top Secret
Air Force General: Mr. President, we've just invented an invisibility cloak for Air Force One.
Obama: Really?
General: That's right, sir. Will you be going along on its maiden flight?
Obama: Wouldn't miss it for the world.
General: Have a good trip, sir.
Councilwoman Terry Cohen Rescues Beagle
This morning I received a really cool phone call from Councilwoman Terry Cohen. She had been outside when a 12 year old Beagle cam across her property. She called the animal over to her and it came right to her.
She checked his collar and found a tag but the phone number was partially scratched off. This didn't stop her though. She made 10 phone calls before she finally hit the right number.
One SU Student had lost the dog and they were reunited this morning. Great Work Terry!
Conclusive Proof The Economy On The Eastern Shore Is Down
Sales are down so low at Home Depot in Salisbury, they're cutting payroll hours by 130 hours this week.
Employees do not know what next week is going to bring. Clearly everything we're reading across the nation is simply BS. Oh, you could argue things are better elsewhere but as I have stated many times in the past, look at the empty buildings.
Last night at the AFP Meeting a question was asked, how many people have seen pay increases while our local government employees are getting pay raises. Many people shouted, WE'VE RECEIVED DECREASES.
Female Teacher Faces Sex-Abuse Charges
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Adorable Kuwaiti Pups Up For Adoption
Twenty dogs that were rescued overseas are now looking for a loving home in our area.
The pups survived a deadly fire at an animal shelter in Kuwait last month. It was the country's only animal shelter. Forty animals perished in that fire, but 60 survived. Of those that made it, 40 were adopted in Kuwait, and the remaining 20 were brought to the Washington Animal Rescue League.
“This is not our first international rescue,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, the League’s CEO. “We’ve saved dogs from Canada on two occasions in the past. But these dogs have traveled farther than any others to get here. We are glad to offer these refugees from the other side of the world the services of our medical center, behavior and training department, and uniquely designed shelter. And we’ll find them the great homes they need and deserve.”
GO HERE to read more.
8 Ways To Outsmart Your Allergies
Itchy eyes and sneezing aren't just for springtime
Think allergies end in April or May? Guess again.
Those sneezy, itchy-eyed, congested months can last well into late fall, as different trees, then grasses and, finally, weeds bombard the air with pollen. If that weren't irritating enough, outdoor mold starts to release airborne spores starting in summer and continuing through fall, which can cause further irritation. In fact, reactions to mold (fungi that thrive in warm, moist, humid climates both outdoors and in) as well as ragweed may be even more of a problem in certain parts of the country this summer because of heavier-than-usual rainfall.
If you're sneezing like crazy, here's how to stay outside, active, and virtually symptom free — all allergy season long.
1. Rethink your exercise plan.
You breathe harder and suck in more air when you're exercising than when you're, say, watching TV.
GO HERE to read more.
Think allergies end in April or May? Guess again.
Those sneezy, itchy-eyed, congested months can last well into late fall, as different trees, then grasses and, finally, weeds bombard the air with pollen. If that weren't irritating enough, outdoor mold starts to release airborne spores starting in summer and continuing through fall, which can cause further irritation. In fact, reactions to mold (fungi that thrive in warm, moist, humid climates both outdoors and in) as well as ragweed may be even more of a problem in certain parts of the country this summer because of heavier-than-usual rainfall.
If you're sneezing like crazy, here's how to stay outside, active, and virtually symptom free — all allergy season long.
1. Rethink your exercise plan.
You breathe harder and suck in more air when you're exercising than when you're, say, watching TV.
GO HERE to read more.
Yard Sales Anyone?
If anyone has a yard sale they would like to advertise for free right here, please email all of your info to me, SunnyInOC, at atlanticjw@aol.com.
It's FREE!!!!
Please have all requests in today for tomorrow morning's post.
Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email. Many thanks!
It's FREE!!!!
Please have all requests in today for tomorrow morning's post.
Please type "yard sale" in the subject of your email. Many thanks!
The Newest Joe Albero Fan!!
Camryn Makayla Greer born 04/28/2010 at 6pm. 7lbs 1oz 19" longMother: Melissa Greer
Father: Malaki Greer
Congratulations Greer Family!!!!!!
FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO VISIT, READ TO FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADERS
FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO VISIT, READ TO FOURTH AND FFIFTH GRADERS AT HAZELWOOD ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL
First Lady to Kick Off Scholastic Summer Literacy Campaign
Annapolis, MD (April 29, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley tomorrow will visit with fourth and fifth graders at Hazelwood Elementary/Middle School and will kick off a summer literacy campaign. During her visit, First Lady O’Malley will read the first chapter of Ruby and the Booker Boys by Derrick Barnes, and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley.
For the second consecutive year, First Lady Katie O’Malley will join other Gubernatorial spouses across the nation and sign on as a “Reading Ambassador,” to help spread the important message about reading books over the summer. In support of their role as Reading Ambassadors, Scholastic has donated 250 books to fourth and fifth grade students in each of the First Spouses’ states for the children to take home and read this summer. Ruby and the Booker Boys was one of many books donated by Scholastic.
First Lady to Kick Off Scholastic Summer Literacy Campaign
Annapolis, MD (April 29, 2010) – First Lady Katie O’Malley tomorrow will visit with fourth and fifth graders at Hazelwood Elementary/Middle School and will kick off a summer literacy campaign. During her visit, First Lady O’Malley will read the first chapter of Ruby and the Booker Boys by Derrick Barnes, and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley.
For the second consecutive year, First Lady Katie O’Malley will join other Gubernatorial spouses across the nation and sign on as a “Reading Ambassador,” to help spread the important message about reading books over the summer. In support of their role as Reading Ambassadors, Scholastic has donated 250 books to fourth and fifth grade students in each of the First Spouses’ states for the children to take home and read this summer. Ruby and the Booker Boys was one of many books donated by Scholastic.
Beautiful Nature Photo
Hey Joe!
I was driving home 2 days ago after a portrait session in Assateague Island and on the way home I stopped and got this little gift from Ol' Mother Nature. It was a nice moment and I was the only one there to see it. Anyway, thought I would share it with everyone if I could. Keep up the good work Joe!
Andrew Nock
Andrew Nock Photography
AFP Makes Fabulous Changes
WOW, talk about a complete 180! Last night I attended the Wicomico County AFP Meeting and was blown away with the changes Julie & Joe made in just a matter of weeks. The meeting flowed perfectly, they had a fantastic speaker, Mike McDermott Mayor of Pocomoke and Candidate for the House of Delegates, crowd participation was organized and quite frankly it was one of the best meetings I've been to in a very long time.
No Police Officers are needed for this meeting as one person pointed out the City Council pays an Officer overtime pay to sit in their meetings because Council Members are afraid of the Public.
Mike McDermott is running against Norm Conway for State Delegate and as always he had the entire audience in the palm of his hands. I have never seen Mike speak anywhere where he didn't completely capture every one's attention because he's a man of faith, a man you can believe in and a man you can trust. Click on his name above and visit his Website. This is a man you want representing us on the Eastern Shore.
I personally hope he wins but as Mike said to his children, all I can do is try. I want to do what is right and if I win I will represent you with core interests. The very same core interests you want here on the Eastern Shore.
Joe Collins gave a great presentation that was also well organized and Julie Brewington was at the top of her game last night delivering messages in order and asking others to help step up and participate with the AFP.
There were probably a dozen new people who attended last night's meeting and they had to extend the seating area into the next room because the crowd was so large. Visitors included Democrats, Republicans and Independents. So no matter who you are, consider attending these AFP Meetings yourself and see what all the talk is about. No one got up and walked out and everyone got to say whatever was on their mind at the end.
Kudos to Julie Brewington and Joe Collins.
3-Hour Rule Ready To Become Reality
The pros, cons and complications of the DOT-imposed regulations
The clock is ticking on the three-hour rule.
Starting Thursday, air travelers will get something they’ve never had before: regulatory protection against tarmac delays of three hours or longer. Whether that’s good, bad or unnecessary is a matter of opinion, but it already looks like the new rules will offer both more and less than many people have bargained for.
Big fines for bad performanceAnnounced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) last December, the new rule runs 81 pages and seeks to enhance airline passenger protections on several fronts. It takes effect April 29.
GO HERE to read more.
The clock is ticking on the three-hour rule.
Starting Thursday, air travelers will get something they’ve never had before: regulatory protection against tarmac delays of three hours or longer. Whether that’s good, bad or unnecessary is a matter of opinion, but it already looks like the new rules will offer both more and less than many people have bargained for.
Big fines for bad performanceAnnounced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) last December, the new rule runs 81 pages and seeks to enhance airline passenger protections on several fronts. It takes effect April 29.
GO HERE to read more.
Best-Mannered Teacher In Wicomico County
Best-mannered teacher finalists named
Four teachers from Wicomico County have been named finalists for the Best-Mannered Teacher Award the 2009-2010 school year.
The finalists were announced by Ann Wiseman, director of the Eastern Shore Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions. The teachers were nominated by students in the cotillion class as best exemplifying the etiquette and manners that they were learning in their local cotillion classes every month.
The teacher finalists include two from Salisbury Middle School, Rebekah Badaki and Ronald Dyda, plus Debbie Traum of St. Frances de Sales School; and Deana Williams of Bennett Middle School. The winner of the Best-Mannered Teacher Award, one of the above, will be announced at the Eastern Shore Chapter’s Grand Spring Ball being held on Friday, April 30, in Salisbury.
Ann Wiseman, director of the Eastern Shore Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions, said, “The students in our program were excited about being part of the selection process. They wanted to honor teachers who exemplify the etiquette and manners being taught in our program.”
Those receiving the awards were nominated by Junior Cotillion students who wrote an essay about a teacher in their school who met the criteria including their positive characteristics, how the teacher shows courtesy and respect for students, and why the person is a good role model. According to Mrs. Wiseman, “These special teachers are those who treated the students with respect and instilled a love of learning which will continue to have a positive effect on the students’ performance throughout their school years.”
Mrs. Badaki is completing her 10th year of teaching social studies at Salisbury Middle School and currently working on an education administration graduate degree at Salisbury University. Mr. Dyda has been a math teacher at Salisbury Middle School for 10 years and co-chairs the school’s student leadership group, Lead Out Loud.
Mrs. Williams, a 13-year teacher of reading and language arts at Bennett Middle School, graduated from SU in 1997 and received her reading specialist certification from there in 2002. The fourth finalist, Mrs. Traum, has been a fifth-grade teacher at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School for 10 years. Also a graduate of SU, she is currently attending Wilmington University’s graduate education program.
In commenting on the awards program, Dr. John Fredericksen, Wicomico County Superintendent of Schools, said, “Junior Cotillion provides young people with the opportunity to learn formal manners while young and to enjoy the benefits these behaviors can provide for a lifetime. The young people also have fun getting together in new surroundings and enjoying music, conversation, and dancing.” He added, “We’re proud of our young people who seek this opportunity, and we’re just as proud of the teachers whom these students have identified as having the best manners. These teachers are setting a wonderful example for our students.”
The National League of Junior Cotillions is an etiquette and social dance training program which involves thousands of young people nationwide. Students learn the customs and courtesies that will serve them for a lifetime. Topics covered include table manners, writing thank notes, and responding to formal invitations, and many other social skills, including the basics of ballroom dancing. Most importantly, the students learn to feel comfortable in social situations.
For more information about the Eastern Shore Cotillion classes, call (410) 341-0065.
US Says No To Indigenous Rights
The US, the self-proclaimed protector of human rights, has failed to vote in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Speaking to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) at the UN, Kenneth Deer, the representative of US and Canada Mohawk Indians, said that Washington had refrained from recognizing the UN declaration on indigenous rights.
Deer described the conditions of the Indians living in the US and Canada as catastrophic, saying that they enjoy the minimum life requirements.
He reiterated that despite living in a wealthy country, the Canadian Indians challenge unemployment, poverty and lack of healthcare and shelter.
Deer, who was speaking to IRNA on the sidelines of the Ninth Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, added that now Canada is mulling to reconsider its vote on indigenous rights. But, he said, Washington has not moved to review its decision.
On Sept. 13, 2007 the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to protect their lands and resources, and to maintain their unique cultures and traditions.
About 370 million indigenous people live in the world. The US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that are home to the world's major indigenous population have so far rejected to vote in favor of the UN rights declaration.
Source
D.C. Delegate Laments-- No Affirmative Action Quota For The Supreme Court
President Barack Obama is unlikely to name an African-American to the U.S. Supreme Court to fill the seat of retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, and perhaps at all during his presidency, a black lawmaker who briefed the Congressional Black Caucus on judicial nominations said Wednesday.
“We’re not sure this president is ever going to nominate another African- American to the court,” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) said.
“He’s African-American. We’ve got someone who proposes to be African-American on the court,” Norton said, referring to the court’s lone black member, Justice Clarence Thomas, whose votes against affirmative action and other policies important to the black community have angered liberal African-Americans.
“We’re not sure this president is ever going to nominate another African- American to the court,” Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) said.
“He’s African-American. We’ve got someone who proposes to be African-American on the court,” Norton said, referring to the court’s lone black member, Justice Clarence Thomas, whose votes against affirmative action and other policies important to the black community have angered liberal African-Americans.
Illegal Immigrants Plan To Leave Over Arizona Law
Many of the cars that once stopped in the Home Depot parking lot to pick up day laborers to hang drywall or do landscaping now just drive on by.
Arizona's sweeping immigration bill allows police to arrest illegal immigrant day laborers seeking work on the street or anyone trying to hire them. It won't take effect until summer but it is already having an effect on the state's underground economy.
"Nobody wants to pick us up," Julio Loyola Diaz says in Spanish as he and dozens of other men wait under the shade of palo verde trees and lean against a low brick wall outside the east Phoenix home improvement store.
Many day laborers like Diaz say they will leave Arizona because of the law, which also makes it a crime to be in the U.S. illegally and directs police to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they are illegal immigrants.
Supporters of the law hope it creates jobs for thousands of Americans.
"We want to drive day labor away," says Republican Rep. John Kavanagh, one of the law's sponsors.
An estimated 100,000 illegal immigrants have left Arizona in the past two years as it cracked down on illegal immigration and its economy was especially hard hit by the Great Recession. A Department of Homeland Security report on illegal immigrants estimates Arizona's illegal immigrant population peaked in 2008 at 560,000, and a year later dipped to 460,000.
The law's supporters hope the departure of illegal immigrants will help dismantle part of the underground economy here and create jobs for thousands of legal residents in a state with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate.
Kavanagh says day labor is generally off the books, and that deprives the state of much-needed tax dollars. "We'll never eliminate it, just like laws against street prostitution," he says. "But we can greatly reduce the prevalence."
Arizona's sweeping immigration bill allows police to arrest illegal immigrant day laborers seeking work on the street or anyone trying to hire them. It won't take effect until summer but it is already having an effect on the state's underground economy.
"Nobody wants to pick us up," Julio Loyola Diaz says in Spanish as he and dozens of other men wait under the shade of palo verde trees and lean against a low brick wall outside the east Phoenix home improvement store.
Many day laborers like Diaz say they will leave Arizona because of the law, which also makes it a crime to be in the U.S. illegally and directs police to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they are illegal immigrants.
Supporters of the law hope it creates jobs for thousands of Americans.
"We want to drive day labor away," says Republican Rep. John Kavanagh, one of the law's sponsors.
An estimated 100,000 illegal immigrants have left Arizona in the past two years as it cracked down on illegal immigration and its economy was especially hard hit by the Great Recession. A Department of Homeland Security report on illegal immigrants estimates Arizona's illegal immigrant population peaked in 2008 at 560,000, and a year later dipped to 460,000.
The law's supporters hope the departure of illegal immigrants will help dismantle part of the underground economy here and create jobs for thousands of legal residents in a state with a 9.6 percent unemployment rate.
Kavanagh says day labor is generally off the books, and that deprives the state of much-needed tax dollars. "We'll never eliminate it, just like laws against street prostitution," he says. "But we can greatly reduce the prevalence."
Uncle Steny: Arizona Immigration Enforcement Law ‘Inconsistent’ With Civil Lib Erties
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said that Arizona’s new immigration enforcement law was “inconsistent” with American legal traditions and civil liberties. Hoyer said that such active enforcement policies should not be included in upcoming federal immigration reform.
“I think that the law that was passed was a law that is very inconsistent with our past practices in America where we don’t go around asking people for I.D. cards,” Hoyer said at his weekly press briefing.
Hoyer said that he favored “comprehensive” reform of the nation’s immigration system, saying that such reform must include a secure border and comprehensive reform.
“We need to keep the borders secure,” Hoyer said. “We cannot have porous borders. We cannot have people coming into the United States of America when they’re not authorized to do so. We can’t do that from a national security standpoint and we can’t do that from a public policy standpoint [either].
“In part what the people of Arizona are saying is that the Feds haven’t done their job. I think they’re right, the Feds haven’t done their job,” he said.
A Beautiful Message Sent In From Sarah Foxwell's Mother, Jennifer Foxwell
The Awakening
(Author unknown)
A time comes in your life when you finally get…when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out…ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying and blaming and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.
This is your awakening.
You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to magically appear over the next horizon.
You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you…and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.
You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are…and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself…and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.
Your stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you – or didn’t do for you – and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.
You learn that people don’t always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and everything isn’t always about you.
So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself…and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.
You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties…and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.
You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.
You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.
You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for you next fix.
You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.
You learn that you don’t know everything, it’s not you job to save the world and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.
Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.
You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.
You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.
You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drinking more water, and take more time to exercise.
You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.
More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.
You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms.
You learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.
You learn that life isn’t always fair, you don’t always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people…and you lean not to always take it personally.
You learn that nobody’s punishing you and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.
You lean that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.
You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.
Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than you heart’s desire.
You make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.
You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.
Finally, with courage in you heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.
Tell O'Malley You Support Defense Of Dwelling Bill
MD SENATE BILL 411 CASTLE DOCTRINE PASSED!
Govenor O'Malley Could Sign Defense of Dwelling & Civil Immunity May 4, 2010
Will Governor O'Malley Sign This Bill??????
Tell Him of Your Support
Bill gives legal right to use force in defending your home from illegal trespass and protects against civil charges that may result.
Passed but not yet signed.
The governor signs bills on May 4 and May 20.
Call Govenor O'Malley and tell him of your support.
1-800-811-8336 1-410-974-3901
email: http://www.gov.state.md.us/
To read entire bill: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/sb/sbo411f.pdf
Relay For Life Event
As you can see from the attached flyer, we are trying something new to the Eastern Shore - a Quarter Auction. Players purchase a paddle with a number for $5 each and when a item comes up for bid that they are interested in, they throw a quarter in a bucket, hold their paddle up and then numbers are drawn until there is a winner. We have at least 35 different "lots" up for bid which include gift certificates, gardening basket, candles, cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, scrapbooking, knitting and crocheting, jewelry, perfumes and home decor items. We'll also have lots of door prizes, a 50/50 and a raffle for a handmade purse and a beautiful bracelet donated by Bailey Jewelers. The Westover Moose Lodge will have their kitchen open and be selling a variety of food items. It should be a fun event - something that has not been done around here before and for a very worthy cause!
Vovak Campaigns For Montgomery County To Legalize Marijuana
Vovak campaigns for Montgomery County to legalize marijuana
According to The Daily Caller, Montgomery County, Maryland is ranked as the second most liberal county in America; however, if a 38-year-old Republican is elected as County Executive, it will probably surpass San Francisco for the top notch. Daniel "The Whig Man" Vovak, of Bethesda, will run for Montgomery County Executive against Isaiah Leggett, 66, a Democrat in his first controversial term. Vovak, a ghostwriter and screenplay writer, says he wants to legalize marijuana and grow it on county farms and gardens. It's the latest idea proposed to help the county close a $1 billion budget gap in one of America's richest counties, where not a single elected Republican lives.
Public officials are promoting many options to raise revenue, most which involve tax increases and worker furloughs. Leggett (D) has proposed an alcohol tax, more than doubling the energy tax, raising cell phone rates by another dollar a month, an EMS fee, and increasing the gas tax.
Confronting that logic, MCGEO President Gino Renne has said Leggett has an "obvious lack of vision." Meanwhile, Montgomery County Planning Chairman Royce Hanson believes Leggett is proposing "bad public policy and management" when trying to consolidate the county's police department with park police, under the bogus claim of saving $2 million a year. Additionally, Councilman Roger Berliner has proposed a carbon tax that will raise millions from only one factory: Mirant. Ironically, Council President Nancy Floreen has not recommended any major tax increases or cuts.
Vovak says, "If Councilman Knapp (D-Germantown) believes Montgomery County will make $2 million a year by opening liquor stores on Sunday, imagine what can be charged for user fees for growing marijuana and reselling it. I am approaching this idea purely because it is a county moneymaker, though, as I have no intention of using marijuana after it becomes legal. For the record, I've never used marijuana or any illegal drug and only have used prescription drugs for brief illnesses. In
fact, I've never even smoked a cigarette, though I do smoke an occasional cigar or tobacco pipe."
The marijuana topic is currently on the minds of elected officials throughout the country. In April, Maryland Senate Bill 627 to legalize medical marijuana passed in committee, making it the fifteenth State to do so. In Washington, D.C., medical marijuana use was supported with a unanimous vote by the city council just a week ago. In Philadelphia this month, officials made major steps to decriminalize marijuana, believing prosecuting it is a waste of time for policemen and courts. In
November, California state-wide voters will decide if recreational marijuana should be legal.
Moreover, on April 20, tens of thousands of Americans openly smoked marijuana in public parks.
Vovak says, "It is inevitable that many jurisdictions within the United States will legalize marijuana.
If our county is ahead of the curve on legalization, then we will also be ahead of the financial curve on making a profit for our county government. I want the headquarters of America's largest marijuana businesses to be in Montgomery County, Maryland, like the equivalent of Phillip Morris and R. J. Reynolds. New county funding sources will come from selling permits to marijuana farmers then taxing county-authorized resellers and establishing a national distribution chain."
Vovak added, "In 1992, when then-Governor Bill Clinton declared he experimented with marijuana, it ended a taboo for candidates. Nearly two decades later, I'm proposing this idea because Montgomery County's Republicans and Democrats are educated enough to know legalizing marijuana is smart fiscal politics, especially when our county is a billion in debt and furloughing 6,000 county workers for two-week intervals."
Vovak is open to voter commentary, believing marijuana should be regulated under the Department of Liquor Control and parents should self-impose marijuana rules for their children. An avid gardener, Vovak says he will require a permit for growing marijuana for household use and an expensive permit for resale use. To build state-wide agricultural support, Vovak says he will contact the highest ranking elected official in each county and begin a task force to grow marijuana as a legal herb in Maryland.
Maryland's nickname, the "Free State," was created by Hamilton Owens, editor of the Baltimore Sun.
In 1923, Congressman William Upshaw, a Prohibition supporter, denounced Maryland as a traitor to the Union for its defiant -- and continued -- support of alcohol. Owens wrote an editorial entitled "The Maryland Free State," arguing it was worthy of Maryland to secede from the Union rather than prohibit the sale of liquor. Vovak believes Maryland's historic national leadership for encouraging alcohol sales proves the State's population is full of national leaders -- rather than followers -- on new ideas.
"What' are Leggett and Council's stances on marijuana?" asks Vovak.
According to The Daily Caller, Montgomery County, Maryland is ranked as the second most liberal county in America; however, if a 38-year-old Republican is elected as County Executive, it will probably surpass San Francisco for the top notch. Daniel "The Whig Man" Vovak, of Bethesda, will run for Montgomery County Executive against Isaiah Leggett, 66, a Democrat in his first controversial term. Vovak, a ghostwriter and screenplay writer, says he wants to legalize marijuana and grow it on county farms and gardens. It's the latest idea proposed to help the county close a $1 billion budget gap in one of America's richest counties, where not a single elected Republican lives.
Public officials are promoting many options to raise revenue, most which involve tax increases and worker furloughs. Leggett (D) has proposed an alcohol tax, more than doubling the energy tax, raising cell phone rates by another dollar a month, an EMS fee, and increasing the gas tax.
Confronting that logic, MCGEO President Gino Renne has said Leggett has an "obvious lack of vision." Meanwhile, Montgomery County Planning Chairman Royce Hanson believes Leggett is proposing "bad public policy and management" when trying to consolidate the county's police department with park police, under the bogus claim of saving $2 million a year. Additionally, Councilman Roger Berliner has proposed a carbon tax that will raise millions from only one factory: Mirant. Ironically, Council President Nancy Floreen has not recommended any major tax increases or cuts.
Vovak says, "If Councilman Knapp (D-Germantown) believes Montgomery County will make $2 million a year by opening liquor stores on Sunday, imagine what can be charged for user fees for growing marijuana and reselling it. I am approaching this idea purely because it is a county moneymaker, though, as I have no intention of using marijuana after it becomes legal. For the record, I've never used marijuana or any illegal drug and only have used prescription drugs for brief illnesses. In
fact, I've never even smoked a cigarette, though I do smoke an occasional cigar or tobacco pipe."
The marijuana topic is currently on the minds of elected officials throughout the country. In April, Maryland Senate Bill 627 to legalize medical marijuana passed in committee, making it the fifteenth State to do so. In Washington, D.C., medical marijuana use was supported with a unanimous vote by the city council just a week ago. In Philadelphia this month, officials made major steps to decriminalize marijuana, believing prosecuting it is a waste of time for policemen and courts. In
November, California state-wide voters will decide if recreational marijuana should be legal.
Moreover, on April 20, tens of thousands of Americans openly smoked marijuana in public parks.
Vovak says, "It is inevitable that many jurisdictions within the United States will legalize marijuana.
If our county is ahead of the curve on legalization, then we will also be ahead of the financial curve on making a profit for our county government. I want the headquarters of America's largest marijuana businesses to be in Montgomery County, Maryland, like the equivalent of Phillip Morris and R. J. Reynolds. New county funding sources will come from selling permits to marijuana farmers then taxing county-authorized resellers and establishing a national distribution chain."
Vovak added, "In 1992, when then-Governor Bill Clinton declared he experimented with marijuana, it ended a taboo for candidates. Nearly two decades later, I'm proposing this idea because Montgomery County's Republicans and Democrats are educated enough to know legalizing marijuana is smart fiscal politics, especially when our county is a billion in debt and furloughing 6,000 county workers for two-week intervals."
Vovak is open to voter commentary, believing marijuana should be regulated under the Department of Liquor Control and parents should self-impose marijuana rules for their children. An avid gardener, Vovak says he will require a permit for growing marijuana for household use and an expensive permit for resale use. To build state-wide agricultural support, Vovak says he will contact the highest ranking elected official in each county and begin a task force to grow marijuana as a legal herb in Maryland.
Maryland's nickname, the "Free State," was created by Hamilton Owens, editor of the Baltimore Sun.
In 1923, Congressman William Upshaw, a Prohibition supporter, denounced Maryland as a traitor to the Union for its defiant -- and continued -- support of alcohol. Owens wrote an editorial entitled "The Maryland Free State," arguing it was worthy of Maryland to secede from the Union rather than prohibit the sale of liquor. Vovak believes Maryland's historic national leadership for encouraging alcohol sales proves the State's population is full of national leaders -- rather than followers -- on new ideas.
"What' are Leggett and Council's stances on marijuana?" asks Vovak.
The Bus Tour Was A Huge Success
Last weekend, I embarked on a 12-stop bus tour of the entire First Congressional District. We stopped in each county in the district, talking to folks in Ocean Pines, Salisbury, Princess Anne, Cambridge, Easton, Denton, Chester, Chestertown, Severna Park, Perry Hall, Forest Hill, and Elkton. It was a great opportunity to step out from behind the sound-bites that seem to dominate so much of a political campaign and talk to folks about what issues are important to them.
On this trip I talked to hundreds of Marylanders and I heard them loud and clear--they've had enough of the Obama/Pelosi agenda.
Many folks feel the American Dream is slipping away and that Democrats in Congress are doing nothing to keep that from happening. People have told me that they want a representative that will stand up against the Democrats and their policies.
Nancy Pelosi has told us repeatedly that the policies she forces on the American people will not increase our National Debt. Those of us who work for a living know that the only way to spend more money without going into debt is to increase the money coming in. In government, this only means raising taxes, and I can promise you that is not an acceptable option. I will not stand by and pass the burden on to our children and grandchildren.
I am the only candidate in this campaign who has a proven record of fiscal conservatism. I have fought for smaller government and lower taxes in the Maryland Senate, and I will take that fight straight to Nancy Pelosi's front door.
The people of this district have had enough - and it is time that they fight back. Please consider making a financial contribution to our campaign. Our message is strong - but we need your help to make sure that the voters of this district know about it.
I am also asking my supporters to forward this message to all of their conservative friends - please let your friends know about my message of true fiscal conservatism.
Thank you for your support.
Andy Harris
Andy Harris
Uncle Sam's Plantation
This is one of the very best comments on the present situation that I have seen! If a white person had written it, it would be considered extremely racial, but since Star Parker is black and admittedly a product of the "welfare state," it is acknowledged as a person speaking from experience. I hope that it gets widely circulated.
Back on Uncle Sam's plantation
Star Parker - Syndicated Columnist
Six years ago I wrote a book called Uncle Sam's Plantation . I wrote the book to tell my own story of what I saw living inside the welfare state and my own transformation out of it.
I said in that book that indeed there are two Americas -- a poor America on socialism and a wealthy America on capitalism.
I talked about government programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS), Emergency Assistance to Needy Families with Children (EANF), Section 8 Housing, and Food Stamps.
A vast sea of perhaps well-intentioned government programs, all initially set into motion in the 1960s by Democrats, that were going to lift the nation's poor out of poverty.
A benevolent Uncle Sam welcomed mostly poor black Americans onto the government plantation. Those who accepted the invitation switched mindsets from "How do I take care of myself?" to "What do I have to do to stay on the plantation?"
Instead of solving economic problems, government welfare socialism created monstrous moral and spiritual problems -- the kind of problems that are inevitable when individuals turn responsibility for their lives over to others.
The legacy of American socialism is our blighted inner cities, dysfunctional inner city schools, and broken black families.
Through God's grace, I found my way out. It was then that I understood what freedom meant and how great this country is.
I had the privilege of working on welfare reform in 1996 which was passed by a Republican controlled Congress.
I thought we were on the road to moving socialism out of our poor black communities and replacing it with wealth-producing American capitalism.
But, incredibly, we are now going in the opposite direction.
Instead of poor America on socialism becoming more like rich American on capitalism, rich America on capitalism is becoming like poor America on socialism.
Uncle Sam has welcomed our banks onto the plantation and they have said, "Thank you, Suh."
Now, instead of thinking about what creative things need to be done to serve customers, they are thinking about what they have to tell Massah in order to get their cash.
There is some kind of irony that this is all happening under our first black president on the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
Worse, socialism seems to be the element of our new young president. And maybe even more troubling, our corporate executives seem happy to move onto the plantation.
In an op-Ed on the opinion page of the Washington Post, Mr. Obama is clear that the goal of his trillion dollar spending plan is much more than short term economic stimulus.
"This plan is more than a prescription for short-term spending -- it's a strategy for America 's long-term growth and opportunity in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and education."
Perhaps more incredibly, Obama seems to think that government taking over an economy is a new idea. Or that massive growth in government can take place "with unprecedented transparency and accountability."
Yes, sir, we heard it from Jimmy Carter when he created the Department of Energy, the Synfuels Corporation, and the Department of Education.
Or how about the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 -- The War on Poverty -- which President Johnson said "...does not merely expand old programs or improve what is already being done. It charts a new course. It strikes at the causes, not just the consequences of poverty."
Trillions of dollars later, black poverty is the same. But black families are not, with triple the incidence of single-parent homes and out-of-wedlock births.
It's not complicated. Americans can accept Barack Obama's invitation to move onto the plantation. Or they can choose personal responsibility and freedom.
Does anyone really need to think about what the choice should be?
"The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."
TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN!
Back on Uncle Sam's plantation
Star Parker - Syndicated Columnist
Six years ago I wrote a book called Uncle Sam's Plantation . I wrote the book to tell my own story of what I saw living inside the welfare state and my own transformation out of it.
I said in that book that indeed there are two Americas -- a poor America on socialism and a wealthy America on capitalism.
I talked about government programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS), Emergency Assistance to Needy Families with Children (EANF), Section 8 Housing, and Food Stamps.
A vast sea of perhaps well-intentioned government programs, all initially set into motion in the 1960s by Democrats, that were going to lift the nation's poor out of poverty.
A benevolent Uncle Sam welcomed mostly poor black Americans onto the government plantation. Those who accepted the invitation switched mindsets from "How do I take care of myself?" to "What do I have to do to stay on the plantation?"
Instead of solving economic problems, government welfare socialism created monstrous moral and spiritual problems -- the kind of problems that are inevitable when individuals turn responsibility for their lives over to others.
The legacy of American socialism is our blighted inner cities, dysfunctional inner city schools, and broken black families.
Through God's grace, I found my way out. It was then that I understood what freedom meant and how great this country is.
I had the privilege of working on welfare reform in 1996 which was passed by a Republican controlled Congress.
I thought we were on the road to moving socialism out of our poor black communities and replacing it with wealth-producing American capitalism.
But, incredibly, we are now going in the opposite direction.
Instead of poor America on socialism becoming more like rich American on capitalism, rich America on capitalism is becoming like poor America on socialism.
Uncle Sam has welcomed our banks onto the plantation and they have said, "Thank you, Suh."
Now, instead of thinking about what creative things need to be done to serve customers, they are thinking about what they have to tell Massah in order to get their cash.
There is some kind of irony that this is all happening under our first black president on the 200th anniversary of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.
Worse, socialism seems to be the element of our new young president. And maybe even more troubling, our corporate executives seem happy to move onto the plantation.
In an op-Ed on the opinion page of the Washington Post, Mr. Obama is clear that the goal of his trillion dollar spending plan is much more than short term economic stimulus.
"This plan is more than a prescription for short-term spending -- it's a strategy for America 's long-term growth and opportunity in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and education."
Perhaps more incredibly, Obama seems to think that government taking over an economy is a new idea. Or that massive growth in government can take place "with unprecedented transparency and accountability."
Yes, sir, we heard it from Jimmy Carter when he created the Department of Energy, the Synfuels Corporation, and the Department of Education.
Or how about the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 -- The War on Poverty -- which President Johnson said "...does not merely expand old programs or improve what is already being done. It charts a new course. It strikes at the causes, not just the consequences of poverty."
Trillions of dollars later, black poverty is the same. But black families are not, with triple the incidence of single-parent homes and out-of-wedlock births.
It's not complicated. Americans can accept Barack Obama's invitation to move onto the plantation. Or they can choose personal responsibility and freedom.
Does anyone really need to think about what the choice should be?
"The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money."
TRUER WORDS WERE NEVER SPOKEN!
HOWARD DRUM SHOW
You will love this little 4 yr. old guy!
He is so talented and watch his facial expressions
Immigration Reform Cost Calculator
Cost of 2007 immigration overhaul bill
Cost: $29,597,000,000
The 2007 immigration bill died in the Senate. A new immigration overhaul bill could be modeled on that bill. The 2007 bill would have given a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country and would have expanded the number of legal immigrants allowed into the U.S. In 2007, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007, as amended, would have increased federal spending by almost $30 billion over a five-year period (FY2008-2012). CBO estimated that implementing the bill would have increased mandatory spending by about $10 billion over a five-year period - most of those outlays would have been for refundable income tax credits and Medicaid. The bill would also have increased discretionary spending by about $20 billion over a five-year period - mostly for law enforcement grants to state and local governments; additional government employees; detention facilities; and an employment verification system.
Calculator: http://www.foxnews.com/topics/us/immigration/immigration-overhaul.htm
‘Our Common Defense' Addresses Illegal Immigration, Energy And Appeasement
Wargotz on the Air. ‘Our Common Defense' addresses Illegal Immigration, Energy and Appeasement.
Eric Wargotz, an elected member of the Queens Anne's County Board of Commissioners and a candidate for US Senate from Maryland released the first of the campaign's, "Eric on the Issues" radio ads, which will begin airing on talk radio stations around the state. Wargotz, a physician, is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by four term incumbent Senator, Barbara Mikulski.
In the spot titled, "Our Common Defense," Wargotz takes issue with Washington 's handling of illegal immigration. "While illegal immigrants flood across our borders, Washington holds the door," he says. To address the problem, he plans to, "crackdown on employers who hire illegals and attract them across the border like a magnet."
Wargotz says our energy needs are being held hostage to terrorist nations, while, " Washington sacrifices our liberty in the name of public safety." He pledges to support policies which make use of our natural resources here at home to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Commissioner Wargotz concludes by saying that he, "will not coddle terrorists with civilian trials, while Washington wallows in political correctness and the policies of appeasement."
The spot, which begins airing tomorrow, is the first in a series designed to highlight the cornerstones of the campaign. In the coming weeks, health care, the economy and the environment will also be addressed.
More information can be found on the campaign website at Wargotz.com.
Eric Wargotz, an elected member of the Queens Anne's County Board of Commissioners and a candidate for US Senate from Maryland released the first of the campaign's, "Eric on the Issues" radio ads, which will begin airing on talk radio stations around the state. Wargotz, a physician, is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by four term incumbent Senator, Barbara Mikulski.
In the spot titled, "Our Common Defense," Wargotz takes issue with Washington 's handling of illegal immigration. "While illegal immigrants flood across our borders, Washington holds the door," he says. To address the problem, he plans to, "crackdown on employers who hire illegals and attract them across the border like a magnet."
Wargotz says our energy needs are being held hostage to terrorist nations, while, " Washington sacrifices our liberty in the name of public safety." He pledges to support policies which make use of our natural resources here at home to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
Commissioner Wargotz concludes by saying that he, "will not coddle terrorists with civilian trials, while Washington wallows in political correctness and the policies of appeasement."
The spot, which begins airing tomorrow, is the first in a series designed to highlight the cornerstones of the campaign. In the coming weeks, health care, the economy and the environment will also be addressed.
More information can be found on the campaign website at Wargotz.com.
City Council Work Session Agenda - May 3, 2010
WORK SESSION AGENDA
- - - - - - - - - - -
MAY 3, 2010
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
4:30 p.m. Creation of a special assessment district for Harbor Pointe sidewalks – Teresa Gardner/Paul Wilber
5:00 p.m. Onley Road/Bateman Street/S. Division Street Intersection – Teresa Gardner/
Paul Wilber
5:30 p.m. Quarterly financial reports – Pam Oland
6:00 p.m. Ordinance amending Chapter 15.24 of the Salisbury Municipal Code relating
to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals – Tom Stevenson
6:30 p.m. Follow-up discussion – text amendment amending Section 17.76.020.B of the
Salisbury Municipal Code to add a church as a use permitted by special exception – Jack Lenox
7:00 p.m. Fire Service Agreement Renewal – John Pick
7:30 p.m. Cable Television Franchise Renewal – John Pick
8:00 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
- - - - - - - - - - -
MAY 3, 2010
CONFERENCE ROOM 306
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
4:30 p.m. Creation of a special assessment district for Harbor Pointe sidewalks – Teresa Gardner/Paul Wilber
5:00 p.m. Onley Road/Bateman Street/S. Division Street Intersection – Teresa Gardner/
Paul Wilber
5:30 p.m. Quarterly financial reports – Pam Oland
6:00 p.m. Ordinance amending Chapter 15.24 of the Salisbury Municipal Code relating
to the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals – Tom Stevenson
6:30 p.m. Follow-up discussion – text amendment amending Section 17.76.020.B of the
Salisbury Municipal Code to add a church as a use permitted by special exception – Jack Lenox
7:00 p.m. Fire Service Agreement Renewal – John Pick
7:30 p.m. Cable Television Franchise Renewal – John Pick
8:00 p.m. General discussion/upcoming agendas
Explore The Past And The Outdoors At Pemberton Historical Park
Visit Pemberton Historical Park on Saturday, May 1 from 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. and experience a Civil War Encampment. The Union 7th Maryland Company A will be providing a living history demonstration with displays of period weapons, troop movement and maneuvers. Donations will be accepted to support PHP educational programs.
On Friday, May 7 at 7:30 P.M., join Pemberton Historical Park for a Cracklin’ Campfire. Celebrate the end of the week Pemberton Park style with friends and family and enjoy storytelling, jokes, skits and sticky s’mores! Stick around for a Night Hike at 9:00 P.M. through Pemberton forest. Explore the park with a Park Naturalist for foxes, bats, flying squirrels and more. These programs are $6 per person or $18 for a family of four and are free for Members of Pemberton Historical Park.
On Saturday, May 8 at 11:00 A.M., join Pemberton staff for a Tiny Tykes Hike. Explore the world around you and delve into the lives of snakes! Learn all about these unique creatures with hiking, crafts, stories and more. This program is $6 per person or free for Members of Pemberton Historical Park and is for children ages 2-4.
Pemberton Historical Park is located at 5561 Plantation Lane in Salisbury, MD. For more information, please contact Kerri Liming at (410)860-2447 or email pembertonpark@wicomicocounty.org.
On Friday, May 7 at 7:30 P.M., join Pemberton Historical Park for a Cracklin’ Campfire. Celebrate the end of the week Pemberton Park style with friends and family and enjoy storytelling, jokes, skits and sticky s’mores! Stick around for a Night Hike at 9:00 P.M. through Pemberton forest. Explore the park with a Park Naturalist for foxes, bats, flying squirrels and more. These programs are $6 per person or $18 for a family of four and are free for Members of Pemberton Historical Park.
On Saturday, May 8 at 11:00 A.M., join Pemberton staff for a Tiny Tykes Hike. Explore the world around you and delve into the lives of snakes! Learn all about these unique creatures with hiking, crafts, stories and more. This program is $6 per person or free for Members of Pemberton Historical Park and is for children ages 2-4.
Pemberton Historical Park is located at 5561 Plantation Lane in Salisbury, MD. For more information, please contact Kerri Liming at (410)860-2447 or email pembertonpark@wicomicocounty.org.
Delaware Bike Summit
Cyclists clip in and once again ''pedal'' the message about the Delaware Bike Summit
Dover -- For the second year in a row, a group of state officials and cycling enthusiasts will spend next week rolling across Delaware visiting communities and explaining why people should attend the upcoming Delaware Bike Summit.
The ''rolling press conference,'' is starting Monday morning in Bethany Beach and will end Friday afternoon at the Wilmington Grand Opera House, the site of the summit.
''We did this last year, and it was very successful,'' said Amy Wilburn, director of Delaware Bicycle Council. ''By actually visiting the towns, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to each community. If we are truly going to make Delaware more bicycle friendly, then all of the communities must work together.''
Scheduled for May 21 at Wilmington's Baby Grand Opera House, the Bike Summit is one-day conference featuring speakers from Delaware and across the country, who will discuss the methods that work and do not work in the effort to make a community more bicycle friendly.
The committee planning the Bike Summit is made up of officials from The Delaware Bicycle Council, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Wilmington Area Planning Council, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, White Clay Bicycle Club and Sussex Cyclists and Bike Delaware.
''I am excited that for the second year in a row, the Bike Summit won't cost the taxpayers any money,'' Wilburn said. ''The committee raised enough money through individual and corporate donations to completely underwrite the costs.''
Dover -- For the second year in a row, a group of state officials and cycling enthusiasts will spend next week rolling across Delaware visiting communities and explaining why people should attend the upcoming Delaware Bike Summit.
The ''rolling press conference,'' is starting Monday morning in Bethany Beach and will end Friday afternoon at the Wilmington Grand Opera House, the site of the summit.
''We did this last year, and it was very successful,'' said Amy Wilburn, director of Delaware Bicycle Council. ''By actually visiting the towns, we are able to demonstrate our commitment to each community. If we are truly going to make Delaware more bicycle friendly, then all of the communities must work together.''
Scheduled for May 21 at Wilmington's Baby Grand Opera House, the Bike Summit is one-day conference featuring speakers from Delaware and across the country, who will discuss the methods that work and do not work in the effort to make a community more bicycle friendly.
The committee planning the Bike Summit is made up of officials from The Delaware Bicycle Council, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Wilmington Area Planning Council, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization, White Clay Bicycle Club and Sussex Cyclists and Bike Delaware.
''I am excited that for the second year in a row, the Bike Summit won't cost the taxpayers any money,'' Wilburn said. ''The committee raised enough money through individual and corporate donations to completely underwrite the costs.''
Coast Guard: New Oil Leak In Gulf Of Mexico
Officials say 5,000 barrels a day estimated to be leaking
NEW ORLEANS - Five times more oil a day than previously believed is spewing into the Gulf of Mexico from a blown-out well of a sunken drilling rig, the Coast Guard said Wednesday, an estimate the oil company trying to contain the massive spill disputes.
A new leak was discovered in the pipes a mile below the ocean's surface. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry said National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration experts now estimate that 5,000 barrels a day of oil are spilling into the gulf. Officials had estimated the leak for days at 1,000 barrels a day.
The news came hours after crews tried a test burn on the massive spill to try to slow it from reaching the U.S. shoreline.
GO HERE to read more.
NEW ORLEANS - Five times more oil a day than previously believed is spewing into the Gulf of Mexico from a blown-out well of a sunken drilling rig, the Coast Guard said Wednesday, an estimate the oil company trying to contain the massive spill disputes.
A new leak was discovered in the pipes a mile below the ocean's surface. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry said National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration experts now estimate that 5,000 barrels a day of oil are spilling into the gulf. Officials had estimated the leak for days at 1,000 barrels a day.
The news came hours after crews tried a test burn on the massive spill to try to slow it from reaching the U.S. shoreline.
GO HERE to read more.
Troopers Investigate Apparent Suicide In Newark
Location: Rear property of Etta J. Wilson School, 14 Forge Road, Newark, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at 2:15 p.m.
Involved party: male subject in his late 40’s residing in the Newark area
Resume: At approximately 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, Troopers were called to Etta James School in Newark for an apparent suicide on school property.
This investigation revealed that several school children were on the school’s playground when the students noticed a subject in a tree on the western perimeter of the property- about 50-75 yards away.
One of the students told a school custodian. The custodian looked toward the tree and immediately recognized the person was hanging and lifeless. Cpl/2 Jeff Whitmarsh says, “This custodian actually played the incident off to the benefit of the children, and acted as if it was just some inanimate object they had seen. He then cleared the playground without hesitation and contacted school officials, placing the school on lockdown. Our belief is that the custodian minimized the impact this incident could have had on these students. The school’s administration also acted swiftly, taking quick action”
The deceased subject has been turned over to the State Medical Examiners Office.
No foul play is suspected.
School officials advise counseling will be made available to the children.
Date of Occurrence: Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at 2:15 p.m.
Involved party: male subject in his late 40’s residing in the Newark area
Resume: At approximately 2:15 p.m. this afternoon, Troopers were called to Etta James School in Newark for an apparent suicide on school property.
This investigation revealed that several school children were on the school’s playground when the students noticed a subject in a tree on the western perimeter of the property- about 50-75 yards away.
One of the students told a school custodian. The custodian looked toward the tree and immediately recognized the person was hanging and lifeless. Cpl/2 Jeff Whitmarsh says, “This custodian actually played the incident off to the benefit of the children, and acted as if it was just some inanimate object they had seen. He then cleared the playground without hesitation and contacted school officials, placing the school on lockdown. Our belief is that the custodian minimized the impact this incident could have had on these students. The school’s administration also acted swiftly, taking quick action”
The deceased subject has been turned over to the State Medical Examiners Office.
No foul play is suspected.
School officials advise counseling will be made available to the children.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Officer stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The Officer squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Officer waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, Officer,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Officer,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The Officer squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Officer waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, Officer,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~
SHOREBIRDS SCORE LATE RUN TO SQUEEZE PAST TOURISTS, 5-4
James Brandhorst Earns First Win
Asheville, N.C. – The Delmarva Shorebirds defeated the Asheville Tourists 5-4 in the series opener at McCormick Field on Wednesday night. Mikey Planeta and Ty Kelly each notched three hits.
The Tourists plated the game’s first run in the third. Eliezer Mesa opened the frame with a double. After Tony Butler issued three straight walks, Joe Sanders hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Avery Barnes.
Asheville plated two more runs in the fourth. Jared Clark connected on a two-run double that scored Joey Wong and Mesa.
The Shorebirds fought back in the sixth inning. Ty Kelly led off with a double. Following a walk to Tyler Kolodny, Planeta hit a single to score Kelly. Two batters later, Gary Helmick hit a two-run double to left field to tie the score at 3-3.
The ‘Birds took the lead in the seventh. Rosa delivered a double up the left field line. Then, T.J. Baxter placed a sacrifice bunt to advance Rosa to third. He came into score on a wild pitch to give the ‘Birds a 4-3 lead.
Asheville scored the equalizer in the eighth inning. Nathan Hines hit a one out double. Then, on a base hit into center field by Jose Gonzalez, Hines scored as Planeta sailed the throw home to the backstop.
In the ninth, the Shorebirds regained the lead. Baxter reached on an error by shortstop Joe Scott. He moved to third on a perfectly executed hit and run by Ty Kelly. Baxter scored on a soft flare in the infield by Tyler Stampone.
James Brandhorst earned the win in 1.2 innings pitched. He allowed two hits and no runs. Nick Haughian pitched the middle portion of the game. In 3.1 innings pitched, he allowed only three hits and no earned runs. Tony Butler went four innings in a starting role for the ‘Birds
The Shorebirds play game two of the series on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.
Asheville, N.C. – The Delmarva Shorebirds defeated the Asheville Tourists 5-4 in the series opener at McCormick Field on Wednesday night. Mikey Planeta and Ty Kelly each notched three hits.
The Tourists plated the game’s first run in the third. Eliezer Mesa opened the frame with a double. After Tony Butler issued three straight walks, Joe Sanders hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Avery Barnes.
Asheville plated two more runs in the fourth. Jared Clark connected on a two-run double that scored Joey Wong and Mesa.
The Shorebirds fought back in the sixth inning. Ty Kelly led off with a double. Following a walk to Tyler Kolodny, Planeta hit a single to score Kelly. Two batters later, Gary Helmick hit a two-run double to left field to tie the score at 3-3.
The ‘Birds took the lead in the seventh. Rosa delivered a double up the left field line. Then, T.J. Baxter placed a sacrifice bunt to advance Rosa to third. He came into score on a wild pitch to give the ‘Birds a 4-3 lead.
Asheville scored the equalizer in the eighth inning. Nathan Hines hit a one out double. Then, on a base hit into center field by Jose Gonzalez, Hines scored as Planeta sailed the throw home to the backstop.
In the ninth, the Shorebirds regained the lead. Baxter reached on an error by shortstop Joe Scott. He moved to third on a perfectly executed hit and run by Ty Kelly. Baxter scored on a soft flare in the infield by Tyler Stampone.
James Brandhorst earned the win in 1.2 innings pitched. He allowed two hits and no runs. Nick Haughian pitched the middle portion of the game. In 3.1 innings pitched, he allowed only three hits and no earned runs. Tony Butler went four innings in a starting role for the ‘Birds
The Shorebirds play game two of the series on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m.