Defeat is blow for Obama; bill would have added over $30 billion to deficit
WASHINGTON - Republicans on Thursday defeated Democrats' showcase election-year jobs bill, including an extension of weekly unemployment benefits for millions of people out of work more than six months.
The 57-41 vote fell three votes short of the 60 required to crack a GOP filibuster, delivering a major blow to President Barack Obama and Democrats facing big losses of House and Senate seats in the fall election.
The rejected bill would have provided $16 billion in new aid to states, preserving the jobs of thousands of state and local government workers and providing what White House officials called an insurance policy against a double-dip recession. It included dozens of tax breaks sought by business lobbyists and tax increases on domestically produced oil and on investment fund managers.
GO HERE to read more.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wicomico County States Attorney Race Is About To Get VERY Interesting
As we all know, Davis Ruark and Sam Vincent are going to face each other in this upcoming election.
HOWEVER, Salisbury News has come to learn of TWO more candidates expected to jump into the race. One Republican and one Democrat.
This is not only going to get very interesting, it's going to become a battle.
Tryout Cancelled
Joe,
If possible, could you publish that our Upper 90 tryouts have been cancelled tonight due to extreme heat index and projected thunderstorms in the area. Sunday will be the next tryout. Thanks!
If possible, could you publish that our Upper 90 tryouts have been cancelled tonight due to extreme heat index and projected thunderstorms in the area. Sunday will be the next tryout. Thanks!
A/C System To Cost Taxpayers More Than $300,000.00
Because Wicomico County allegedly opted not to do their routine maintenance program this summer, the system failed and it may cost taxpayers more than (or around) $300,000.00 to replace.
Maybe the City should reconsider getting a REAL price for the old Fire Station 16 and help the County out with the bills on the building. Remember Folks, no matter what is said and done, City Taxpayers will be liable for 1/2 of this expense. The City nor the County can afford this bill.
Just how hot will it get in the GOB?
Maybe the City should reconsider getting a REAL price for the old Fire Station 16 and help the County out with the bills on the building. Remember Folks, no matter what is said and done, City Taxpayers will be liable for 1/2 of this expense. The City nor the County can afford this bill.
Just how hot will it get in the GOB?
Numbers Skyrocket On Salisbury News Today
First let me thank all of our new visitors today for stopping by. We hope you enjoy the information we provide.
AFP Members from around the Country are drowning Salisbury News today as our numbers have already broken a record day. There's more to come Folks.
Princes Speak Openly About Their Mother
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
In a candid interview, Harry and William wonder what their mother, Princess Diana, would be like today.
A Comment Worthy Of A Post
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Further Thoughts On AFP & Tea Party":
This may all be true but there is much more to it. What happens after all the shouting and yelling, and carrying signs does nothing? I'm being serious. What happens when we go to the ballots and we vote and the new people behave the same as the ones we vote out? It means nothing has changed. It means that those who promised to listen to "We the People" won't listen. What happens then? What happens when the next election puts more people in office who usurp our constitution even more?
This is why people are tired of going to tea parties and showing up to AFP meetings. They are tired of all of their efforts being wasted.
You do realize that the yelling and carrying signs at tea parties is not the end, right? But that's where most people stop. This reinforces the will of the Government to continue to ignore the collective voice of the people. People are afraid to stand up to their government to the extent necessary to get things done.
After the next election, when nothing changes, most of those who really want to reinstate our Constitution as the law of the land will give up and go back to their daily grind, while complaining about how bad things are getting.
But a small percentage (what was that figure you gave Joe? 3%?) will continue to prepare for the inevitable. They prepare for the next logical step after elections and diplomacy fails. Some of the 3% will be those who hoped to bring about change by joining tea parties and AFP's across the country. Some will be those who knew that joining those groups would be a lesson in futility. Instead they band together in "different" kind of groups. Groups of patriots who are much the same as the patriots of the American Revolution. Men and women.
Everyday they gather supplies. They budget part of their paychecks for non-perishable foods, ammunition, weapons, vests, helmets, molle gear, and clothing. The train on the weekends. They study the IRA and learn the unique skills they developed. They hone their marksmanship skills and learn to survive with not much more than God gave them. They work with electronics and communications. They learn the soft spots on newer sophisticated armor from other networks across the country made up of current military members who are also members of the "Oath Keepers". They work diligently to continue developing what is being called the "underground" where they can barter and eat and sleep. The underground provides intelligence. The underground is made up of members of every walk of life. There are doctors, medics, military, police, firefighters, bankers - you name it. They are willing to provide a safe haven for those patriots willing to put it all on the line for freedom. Even here in Delaware there are groups who are satisfied with their current abilities and stand at the ready for what we know is inevitable. It is time to choose sides and be ready. Will you be on the side of tyranny? Or will you be on the side of those who will restore the freedoms and liberties that have been systematically taken away?
If Israel Goes Down, We All Go Down
[The following op-ed by José María Aznar, the former Prime Minister of Spain, originally appeared in The London Times.]
For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion. In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organized a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.
In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.
Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.
Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbors using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathizers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.
Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment’s peace.
For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.
The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfillment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.
The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.
Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our over-dependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down. To defend Israel’s right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.
Read the rest of this excellent analysis
For far too long now it has been unfashionable in Europe to speak up for Israel. In the wake of the recent incident on board a ship full of anti-Israeli activists in the Mediterranean, it is hard to think of a more unpopular cause to champion. In an ideal world, the assault by Israeli commandos on the Mavi Marmara would not have ended up with nine dead and a score wounded. In an ideal world, the soldiers would have been peacefully welcomed on to the ship. In an ideal world, no state, let alone a recent ally of Israel such as Turkey, would have sponsored and organized a flotilla whose sole purpose was to create an impossible situation for Israel: making it choose between giving up its security policy and the naval blockade, or risking the wrath of the world.
In our dealings with Israel, we must blow away the red mists of anger that too often cloud our judgment. A reasonable and balanced approach should encapsulate the following realities: first, the state of Israel was created by a decision of the UN. Its legitimacy, therefore, should not be in question. Israel is a nation with deeply rooted democratic institutions. It is a dynamic and open society that has repeatedly excelled in culture, science and technology.
Second, owing to its roots, history, and values, Israel is a fully fledged Western nation. Indeed, it is a normal Western nation, but one confronted by abnormal circumstances.
Uniquely in the West, it is the only democracy whose very existence has been questioned since its inception. In the first instance, it was attacked by its neighbors using the conventional weapons of war. Then it faced terrorism culminating in wave after wave of suicide attacks. Now, at the behest of radical Islamists and their sympathizers, it faces a campaign of delegitimisation through international law and diplomacy.
Sixty-two years after its creation, Israel is still fighting for its very survival. Punished with missiles raining from north and south, threatened with destruction by an Iran aiming to acquire nuclear weapons and pressed upon by friend and foe, Israel, it seems, is never to have a moment’s peace.
For years, the focus of Western attention has understandably been on the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. But if Israel is in danger today and the whole region is slipping towards a worryingly problematic future, it is not due to the lack of understanding between the parties on how to solve this conflict. The parameters of any prospective peace agreement are clear, however difficult it may seem for the two sides to make the final push for a settlement.
The real threats to regional stability, however, are to be found in the rise of a radical Islamism which sees Israel’s destruction as the fulfillment of its religious destiny and, simultaneously in the case of Iran, as an expression of its ambitions for regional hegemony. Both phenomena are threats that affect not only Israel, but also the wider West and the world at large.
The core of the problem lies in the ambiguous and often erroneous manner in which too many Western countries are now reacting to this situation. It is easy to blame Israel for all the evils in the Middle East. Some even act and talk as if a new understanding with the Muslim world could be achieved if only we were prepared to sacrifice the Jewish state on the altar. This would be folly.
Israel is our first line of defense in a turbulent region that is constantly at risk of descending into chaos; a region vital to our energy security owing to our over-dependence on Middle Eastern oil; a region that forms the front line in the fight against extremism. If Israel goes down, we all go down. To defend Israel’s right to exist in peace, within secure borders, requires a degree of moral and strategic clarity that too often seems to have disappeared in Europe. The United States shows worrying signs of heading in the same direction.
Read the rest of this excellent analysis
BREAKING NEWS!
Von Siggers has filed in Annpolis today to run against Delegate Rudy Cane. More in a moment.
PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR VIOLENT SUSPECTS AT-LARGE
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO JOIN FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE,
SIGN ORDER ESTABLISHING PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR VIOLENT SUSPECTS AT-LARGE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 24, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence Sheridan, John A. "Rodney" Bartlett, president of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, and members of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police tomorrow, to sign an Executive Order establishing the Blue Alert, a public alert system designed to capture suspects at large following violent incidents against police officers.
During the 2010 Maryland legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Blue Alert, providing a system for the rapid dissemination of information to assist in locating and apprehending an offender, suspected of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer, whose disappearances poses a serious threat. Governor O’Malley’s Executive Order will immediately enact this legislation, rather than the original enactment date of October 1.
SIGN ORDER ESTABLISHING PUBLIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR VIOLENT SUSPECTS AT-LARGE
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 24, 2010) – Governor Martin O’Malley will join Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Terrence Sheridan, John A. "Rodney" Bartlett, president of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police, and members of the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police tomorrow, to sign an Executive Order establishing the Blue Alert, a public alert system designed to capture suspects at large following violent incidents against police officers.
During the 2010 Maryland legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Blue Alert, providing a system for the rapid dissemination of information to assist in locating and apprehending an offender, suspected of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer, whose disappearances poses a serious threat. Governor O’Malley’s Executive Order will immediately enact this legislation, rather than the original enactment date of October 1.
Ehrlich Aide Investigates Mystery Campaign Supporter
The Bob Ehrlich campaign is attempting to discover the identity of a mystery supporter whose commitment to Bob Ehrlich could be a “game changer” in the race for Governor of Maryland.
Ehrlich Press Secretary Andy Barth used reporting skills from his earlier career as a TV reporter in an effort to discover who met with Ehrlich in a secret meeting last week.
A video showing Barth’s effort to learn the supporter’s identity can be seen today by clicking here.
The identity of the supporter isn’t yet nailed down to the high standards demanded by the Ehrlich campaign. However, another video with Bob Ehrlich and his supporter is expected to surface soon
Ehrlich Press Secretary Andy Barth used reporting skills from his earlier career as a TV reporter in an effort to discover who met with Ehrlich in a secret meeting last week.
A video showing Barth’s effort to learn the supporter’s identity can be seen today by clicking here.
The identity of the supporter isn’t yet nailed down to the high standards demanded by the Ehrlich campaign. However, another video with Bob Ehrlich and his supporter is expected to surface soon
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 6/24 vs. Lakewood
PREVIEW: Following three days off for the all-star break, the Shorebirds open the second half with five games against the BlueClaws. The Shorebirds also opened the second half in 2009 against the BlueClaws. The two teams will meet 19 times in the second half of the season.
SECOND HALF HISTORY: Here are the Shorebirds records in the second half since 2005: 30-37 (2009), 40-30 (2008), 34-35 (2007), 27-42 (2006), 42-27 (2005), 34-35 (2004). The ‘Birds won the second half crown in 2005. The ‘Birds are one game over .500 since the 2004 season in the second half (207-206).
6 OF 7 TO END HALF: The Shorebirds won six of their final seven games at Perdue Stadium to end the first half of the season. The six-game winning streak was their longest of the season. The ‘Birds outscored the opposition 29-17 during the stretch.
THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).
ALL-STAR: The 51st All-Star Game finished in a 5-5 tie in 10-innings on Tuesday night. Brian Conley went 0-1 with a walk, Garabez Rosa went 0-2 while Jesse Beal was pinned with a blown save in an inning of work. He allowed two hits and a run.
MORELAND NAMED SAL PITCHER OF THE WEEK: Kenny Moreland was named the SAL Pitcher of the Week for the final week of the first half. He went 2-0 with a flawless 0.00 ERA. His signature start was an eight-inning gem against Lexington on June 19. He allowed only two hits.
POPE’S STREAK STOPPED: On the last day of the first half, Kieron Pope had his season best 12-game hit streak snapped with an 0-for-5 day. His average peaked at .361 during the stretch but he dropped down to .337.
STAMPONE’S DOUBLE’S STRING: The Meadowbrook, Pa. native has several streaks going heading into the second half. He takes a five-game hit streak, four-game doubles streak and a three-game RBI string into game one against Lakewood. Stampone had five hits (four doubles) and six RBIs against the Legends. A six-game hitting streak would be a season high for Stampone. His career long hit streak is seven, accomplished last season with the GCL Orioles (August 5-16).
JUNE AT HOME: The Shorebirds are 9-2 at home in the month of June at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds nine of the final ten games at home to end the half.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: Ty Kelly walked seven times in the four-game series against Lexington. He ranks second on the team in walks with 33. Kelly has only fanned 34 times.
3-FOR-19: Rosa finished the first half of the season 3-for-19 at the plate. His batting average has dipped to .263, the lowest it has been since April 12.
FIVE MAN ROTATION: The Shorebirds will open the second half in a five man rotation: Luis Noel, Nathan Moreau, Kenny Moreland, Jesse and Bobby Bundy. Matt Hobgood is expected to join the rotation.
FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES: T.J. Baxter has scored a run in five consecutive games (6 total). His on-base percentage has gone from .321 to .349 during the stretch. His batting average from .239 to .259 during the same stretch.
10 K IN LAST 18: Steve Bumbry struck out in 10 of his final 18 at-bats in the first half of the season. Bumbry has fanned a season high 84 times. Only Anthony Hewitt of the Lakewood BlueClaws has struck out more times (87) in the league.
ON PACE FOR RECORD: Brian Conley walked 50 times in the first half of the season, second in the SAL. He is on pace to break the Shorebirds single-season record for walks of 97, set in 1997 by Tim DeCines.
SIX STRAIGHT WINS: Shorebirds starters won six straight games between June 14 and June 19. Kenny Moreland won games on both ends of the stretch.
SECOND HALF HISTORY: Here are the Shorebirds records in the second half since 2005: 30-37 (2009), 40-30 (2008), 34-35 (2007), 27-42 (2006), 42-27 (2005), 34-35 (2004). The ‘Birds won the second half crown in 2005. The ‘Birds are one game over .500 since the 2004 season in the second half (207-206).
6 OF 7 TO END HALF: The Shorebirds won six of their final seven games at Perdue Stadium to end the first half of the season. The six-game winning streak was their longest of the season. The ‘Birds outscored the opposition 29-17 during the stretch.
THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).
ALL-STAR: The 51st All-Star Game finished in a 5-5 tie in 10-innings on Tuesday night. Brian Conley went 0-1 with a walk, Garabez Rosa went 0-2 while Jesse Beal was pinned with a blown save in an inning of work. He allowed two hits and a run.
MORELAND NAMED SAL PITCHER OF THE WEEK: Kenny Moreland was named the SAL Pitcher of the Week for the final week of the first half. He went 2-0 with a flawless 0.00 ERA. His signature start was an eight-inning gem against Lexington on June 19. He allowed only two hits.
POPE’S STREAK STOPPED: On the last day of the first half, Kieron Pope had his season best 12-game hit streak snapped with an 0-for-5 day. His average peaked at .361 during the stretch but he dropped down to .337.
STAMPONE’S DOUBLE’S STRING: The Meadowbrook, Pa. native has several streaks going heading into the second half. He takes a five-game hit streak, four-game doubles streak and a three-game RBI string into game one against Lakewood. Stampone had five hits (four doubles) and six RBIs against the Legends. A six-game hitting streak would be a season high for Stampone. His career long hit streak is seven, accomplished last season with the GCL Orioles (August 5-16).
JUNE AT HOME: The Shorebirds are 9-2 at home in the month of June at Perdue Stadium. The Shorebirds nine of the final ten games at home to end the half.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE: Ty Kelly walked seven times in the four-game series against Lexington. He ranks second on the team in walks with 33. Kelly has only fanned 34 times.
3-FOR-19: Rosa finished the first half of the season 3-for-19 at the plate. His batting average has dipped to .263, the lowest it has been since April 12.
FIVE MAN ROTATION: The Shorebirds will open the second half in a five man rotation: Luis Noel, Nathan Moreau, Kenny Moreland, Jesse and Bobby Bundy. Matt Hobgood is expected to join the rotation.
FIVE STRAIGHT GAMES: T.J. Baxter has scored a run in five consecutive games (6 total). His on-base percentage has gone from .321 to .349 during the stretch. His batting average from .239 to .259 during the same stretch.
10 K IN LAST 18: Steve Bumbry struck out in 10 of his final 18 at-bats in the first half of the season. Bumbry has fanned a season high 84 times. Only Anthony Hewitt of the Lakewood BlueClaws has struck out more times (87) in the league.
ON PACE FOR RECORD: Brian Conley walked 50 times in the first half of the season, second in the SAL. He is on pace to break the Shorebirds single-season record for walks of 97, set in 1997 by Tim DeCines.
SIX STRAIGHT WINS: Shorebirds starters won six straight games between June 14 and June 19. Kenny Moreland won games on both ends of the stretch.
Belgian Cops Raid Offices Of Retired Archbishop
Sweep was part of investigation into child sex abuse in Catholic Church
BRUSSELS - Police raided the home and office of the recently retired archbishop of Belgium on Thursday, carrying off documents and a personal computer as part of an investigation into the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests, officials said.
Police and prosecutors would not say whether former Archbishop Godfried Danneels was suspected of abuse himself or simply had records pertaining to allegations against another person.
The raids followed recent statements to police "that are related to the sexual abuse of children within the church," said Jean-Marc Meilleur, a spokesman for the Brussels prosecutor's office.
GO HERE to read more.
BRUSSELS - Police raided the home and office of the recently retired archbishop of Belgium on Thursday, carrying off documents and a personal computer as part of an investigation into the sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests, officials said.
Police and prosecutors would not say whether former Archbishop Godfried Danneels was suspected of abuse himself or simply had records pertaining to allegations against another person.
The raids followed recent statements to police "that are related to the sexual abuse of children within the church," said Jean-Marc Meilleur, a spokesman for the Brussels prosecutor's office.
GO HERE to read more.
Further Thoughts On AFP & Tea Party
They want to have it both ways. They want their Social Programs and Smaller government, major cuts, but not what effects them, which is a little like having your cake and eating it too.
If they really want to reduce the size of government, that means cutting in areas that will effect
them. If their not willing to do that, what you get is BIG TALK & NO ACTION, which is ultimately a recipe for ANGER.
"Sound bytes" mostly used by them:
Government is:
full of corruption
too big
not listening to people
taking freedoms from us
not responsive to us, "We the People"
Their "Battle cry" is:
Kick all the incumbents out, or kick the bums out
Term limits
Limited taxes
Elected School Board
Wasteful & recklessly spending (profligate spending)
Stoking voter anger is easy, putting that raw emotion to more constructive uses is harder.
Finally, where's the beer.
If they really want to reduce the size of government, that means cutting in areas that will effect
them. If their not willing to do that, what you get is BIG TALK & NO ACTION, which is ultimately a recipe for ANGER.
"Sound bytes" mostly used by them:
Government is:
full of corruption
too big
not listening to people
taking freedoms from us
not responsive to us, "We the People"
Their "Battle cry" is:
Kick all the incumbents out, or kick the bums out
Term limits
Limited taxes
Elected School Board
Wasteful & recklessly spending (profligate spending)
Stoking voter anger is easy, putting that raw emotion to more constructive uses is harder.
Finally, where's the beer.
Wicomico County Now Video Streaming Meetings
A really cool new feature Wicomico County is offering is video streaming their meetings.
I believe the company hosting it is called Earthlink but I'm not 100% sure of that. Anyhow, this new feature has been provided for one year FREE to the County Taxpayers.
You can save THIS LINK and use it whenever you'd like to see a meeting.
This Person Should Be Running For County Executive
"My assessment of AFP in a nutshell. They have several populist sound bytes that they keep offering up but no real solutions.
What will night council meetings accomplish when we have a strong executive form of government?...the executives office is where the real decisions that impact our lives are made.
The "raise chickens not taxes" mantra.It's not the county that is making life hard on poultry growers..take that message to Annapolis.
Eliminate the at large council positions....and accomplish what exactly other than to reduce citizen representation.
No answers from these folks."
What will night council meetings accomplish when we have a strong executive form of government?...the executives office is where the real decisions that impact our lives are made.
The "raise chickens not taxes" mantra.It's not the county that is making life hard on poultry growers..take that message to Annapolis.
Eliminate the at large council positions....and accomplish what exactly other than to reduce citizen representation.
No answers from these folks."
Local Soldier Deployed To Afghanistan
Chris Powell, arrived in Afghanistan yesterday. This is his first deployment. He’s from Willards and is a 2008 Parkside High School graduate. He has lots of friends and family who miss him and is hoping for his safe return.
Chris Powell, You've Been Blogged! May God Bless You and keep you safe. Thank You!
U.S. Player: 'No Skin On ... My Pinkie Toes'
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
John Isner speaks with TODAY’s Matt Lauer about continuing his three-day Wimbledon epic with France’s Nicolas Mahut. The match resumes today.
Kendel Ehrlich Predicts ‘Ugly’ Campaign
Former Maryland first lady Kendel Ehrlich told a group of Republican women Wednesday that the campaign pitting her husband, ex-Gov. Bob Ehrlich, against Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley “is going to be ugly.”GO HERE to read more.
Maryland To Webcast More Hearings, Meetings Over Internet
Gov. Martin O’Malley and other state leaders announced actions by the General Assembly and the Board of Public Works to make state government more accessible and transparent on the Internet.
The meetings of the Board of Public Works, which reviews billions in state contracts, will be webcast beginning July 7, and audio and video of hearings by committees of the Maryland General Assembly will be online when the new legislature opens in January.
But one expert on technology for government transparency said the moves were "trivial steps."
GO HERE to read more.
The meetings of the Board of Public Works, which reviews billions in state contracts, will be webcast beginning July 7, and audio and video of hearings by committees of the Maryland General Assembly will be online when the new legislature opens in January.
But one expert on technology for government transparency said the moves were "trivial steps."
GO HERE to read more.
Is Your Doctor Addicted?
Addicted docs put patients in peril
Random drug screening urged for health care workers
Had she been a pilot, or a train engineer, or even a bus driver, chances are someone would have discovered, before it was too late, the demons Kristen Parker was battling. Unfortunately for the people whose lives she would forever alter, Parker was merely a hospital worker.
The 26-year-old surgical technician was hired by Rose Medical Center, in suburban Denver, in the fall of 2008. While she was required to jump through plenty of pre-employment hoops, including a drug test, there was no random drug testing once she landed the job. Which was tragic, because if hospital officials had periodically screened Parker for drug use the way the transportation industry screens millions of its employees every year, they no doubt would have found out the truth sooner.
Despite somehow managing to pass that initial test, Kristen Parker had a drug problem. A very serious drug problem. Her addiction was so severe, in fact, that within a few days of starting her job, she began treating the drugs available in the medical center's operating rooms as her own personal stash.
GO HERE to read more.
Random drug screening urged for health care workers
Had she been a pilot, or a train engineer, or even a bus driver, chances are someone would have discovered, before it was too late, the demons Kristen Parker was battling. Unfortunately for the people whose lives she would forever alter, Parker was merely a hospital worker.
The 26-year-old surgical technician was hired by Rose Medical Center, in suburban Denver, in the fall of 2008. While she was required to jump through plenty of pre-employment hoops, including a drug test, there was no random drug testing once she landed the job. Which was tragic, because if hospital officials had periodically screened Parker for drug use the way the transportation industry screens millions of its employees every year, they no doubt would have found out the truth sooner.
Despite somehow managing to pass that initial test, Kristen Parker had a drug problem. A very serious drug problem. Her addiction was so severe, in fact, that within a few days of starting her job, she began treating the drugs available in the medical center's operating rooms as her own personal stash.
GO HERE to read more.
Apparent Suicide Shows Oil Spill's Emotional Toll
'We're helping cover up the lie. We're burying ourselves,' fisherman says
Allen Kruse had been a charter fishing boat captain for more than two decades — long enough that people called him by his boat's name, Rookie, as if they were one and the same. But then, two months ago, the leaking BP oil well began pouring crude into the waters where he took families fishing for snapper and amberjack.
Two weeks and two days ago, with his fishing grounds closed, Kruse, 55, took a job working for BP's cleanup crew. For the very people who'd caused the mess.
Other boat captains said Kruse, like them, found the effort confusing, overly bureaucratic and frustrating. He told them to keep their heads down, not to worry about the hassles. But those close to him saw he was losing weight.
GO HERE to read more from The Washington Post.
Allen Kruse had been a charter fishing boat captain for more than two decades — long enough that people called him by his boat's name, Rookie, as if they were one and the same. But then, two months ago, the leaking BP oil well began pouring crude into the waters where he took families fishing for snapper and amberjack.
Two weeks and two days ago, with his fishing grounds closed, Kruse, 55, took a job working for BP's cleanup crew. For the very people who'd caused the mess.
Other boat captains said Kruse, like them, found the effort confusing, overly bureaucratic and frustrating. He told them to keep their heads down, not to worry about the hassles. But those close to him saw he was losing weight.
GO HERE to read more from The Washington Post.
Grave New Revelations At Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery officials knew for more than a decade that gravestones lined the banks of a stream on the grounds, the Washington Post reported, but nothing was done to rectify the situation.
They apparently did not comprehend that to the outside world this is sacrilege.
Cemetery officials didnt have an answer as to why headstones were used as construction materials in the stream or why they werent replaced with stones or other materials normally used in stream erosion projects.
GO HERE to read more.
Crime Report Update
The Salisbury Police Department is currently investigating the two burglaries that occurred on Riverside Drive and Riverside Road.
Current suspects are two young black males, both riding bicycles in the late evening in the area. Police are examining evidence left at the scene(s) and if it links the suspects, arrest(s) will be made. Both suspects have had run-ins with SPD for previous offenses. It was not divulged whether or not the two are juveniles.
This, historically speaking, is a common pattern in the neighborhood. Criminals will frequently ride a bicycle through a residential area during daylight hours to determine what houses seem to be ripe for burglary, then, usually after dark, those addresses will be visited by either those criminals or others for whom they've done spotting during the day. Kids are often used as spotters, so don't ignore them.
Police urge residents to IMMEDIATELY contact them (410-548-3165) if they see strangers on their streets that raise suspicion. Personally speaking, if I see a poorly dressed kid or adult on a bicycle (particularly an expensive bike) on my street (or a man riding a woman's bike), looking from house to house, my suspicions are aroused. Note the approximate age, the race, the hair style and color, body size (approximate height and weight), type of clothing (something may stand out for you, like a shirt with a printed logo, a particular shoe type, etc.) and make that call. DO NOT confront them yourself.
Residents are further urged to minimize the risk of burglary of their property by securing it, i.e., using good locks on doors, keeping valuables from view, keeping windows closed and locked, using exterior lighting at night (particularly motion detecting lights at the rear of their homes -http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Lighting/Outdoor-Lighting/how-to-choose-and-install-motion-detector-lighting ), locking cars (yes, even in your own driveway), keeping shrubbery trimmed so as not to afford easy hiding places or covert access to windows and doors, and following other advice as published by the police and others. Visit http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/crime_prevention.html and http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/Newsletters/newsletters.html.
Be vigilant. Look out for yourselves and your neighbors. No one wants to be a victim, especially when that crime could have been prevented by a phone call. (410-548-3165)
Current suspects are two young black males, both riding bicycles in the late evening in the area. Police are examining evidence left at the scene(s) and if it links the suspects, arrest(s) will be made. Both suspects have had run-ins with SPD for previous offenses. It was not divulged whether or not the two are juveniles.
This, historically speaking, is a common pattern in the neighborhood. Criminals will frequently ride a bicycle through a residential area during daylight hours to determine what houses seem to be ripe for burglary, then, usually after dark, those addresses will be visited by either those criminals or others for whom they've done spotting during the day. Kids are often used as spotters, so don't ignore them.
Police urge residents to IMMEDIATELY contact them (410-548-3165) if they see strangers on their streets that raise suspicion. Personally speaking, if I see a poorly dressed kid or adult on a bicycle (particularly an expensive bike) on my street (or a man riding a woman's bike), looking from house to house, my suspicions are aroused. Note the approximate age, the race, the hair style and color, body size (approximate height and weight), type of clothing (something may stand out for you, like a shirt with a printed logo, a particular shoe type, etc.) and make that call. DO NOT confront them yourself.
Residents are further urged to minimize the risk of burglary of their property by securing it, i.e., using good locks on doors, keeping valuables from view, keeping windows closed and locked, using exterior lighting at night (particularly motion detecting lights at the rear of their homes -http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Lighting/Outdoor-Lighting/how-to-choose-and-install-motion-detector-lighting ), locking cars (yes, even in your own driveway), keeping shrubbery trimmed so as not to afford easy hiding places or covert access to windows and doors, and following other advice as published by the police and others. Visit http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/crime_prevention.html and http://www.salisburypd.com/Crime_Prevention/Newsletters/newsletters.html.
Be vigilant. Look out for yourselves and your neighbors. No one wants to be a victim, especially when that crime could have been prevented by a phone call. (410-548-3165)
BREAKING NEWS: Mortgage Rates Sink To Record Low
National average for a 30-year fixed loan dips to 4.69 percentMortgage rates fell this week to the lowest level on record, giving consumers added incentive to lock in low payments on home purchases and refinancings.
Mortgage company Freddie Mac says the average rate for 30-year fixed loans sank to 4.69 percent, from 4.75 percent last week.
That's the lowest since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1971. The previous record of 4.71 percent was set in December. Rates for 15-year and five year mortgages also hit lows.
GO HERE to read more.
O’Malley’s Top Transportation Aide Skipped All 30 Meetings With MARC Rider Advisory Panel
ANNAPOLIS – After 900 passengers were stranded on overheated MARC trains this week, Bob Ehrlich released the following statement regarding the O’Malley Administration’s culture of apathy toward MARC commuters. This apathy is demonstrated by the O’Malley Administration’s failure to send its top aides to the state’s MARC Rider Advisory Council meetings. The Council is an independent group of citizens appointed to help State government improve MARC service for commuters.
The Council’s minutes indicate that Governor O’Malley’s transportation secretary skipped all 30 meetings convened by the commuter panel since Governor O’Malley took office. By contrast, Ehrlich Administration Transportation Secretary Bob Flanagan attended the majority of MARC Rider Council meetings over four years. Further, Governor O’Malley’s current MTA Administrator has skipped every Council meeting since taking the job in December. The O’Malley Administration is also projected to cut $33 million from MARC next fiscal year.
“Governor O’Malley and his senior transportation leadership have had four years and 30 meetings with MARC riders to learn what’s on commuters’ minds, and chose not to participate. Had they given this citizen panel the respect it deserves, they would have learned years ago of declining service, shoddy operations, overcrowded trains, limited parking, and a general sense of frustration among riders.
“This will change if I am elected Governor. My first transportation secretary was an active participant in this panel’s discussions, and my next transportation secretary will play an equally active role. Commuters deserve a proactive Administration that anticipates and fixes problems, not one that reacts only when the press starts calling.”
The MARC Rider Advisory Council includes 15 members, all of whom are regular MARC commuters. Riders from all three lines serve on the Council, with the goal of representing an accurate cross-section of customers. More information on the panel can be found here: http://mta.maryland.gov/services/marc/serviceInformation/MARC_Riders_Advisory%20Council.cfm
The Council’s minutes indicate that Governor O’Malley’s transportation secretary skipped all 30 meetings convened by the commuter panel since Governor O’Malley took office. By contrast, Ehrlich Administration Transportation Secretary Bob Flanagan attended the majority of MARC Rider Council meetings over four years. Further, Governor O’Malley’s current MTA Administrator has skipped every Council meeting since taking the job in December. The O’Malley Administration is also projected to cut $33 million from MARC next fiscal year.
“Governor O’Malley and his senior transportation leadership have had four years and 30 meetings with MARC riders to learn what’s on commuters’ minds, and chose not to participate. Had they given this citizen panel the respect it deserves, they would have learned years ago of declining service, shoddy operations, overcrowded trains, limited parking, and a general sense of frustration among riders.
“This will change if I am elected Governor. My first transportation secretary was an active participant in this panel’s discussions, and my next transportation secretary will play an equally active role. Commuters deserve a proactive Administration that anticipates and fixes problems, not one that reacts only when the press starts calling.”
The MARC Rider Advisory Council includes 15 members, all of whom are regular MARC commuters. Riders from all three lines serve on the Council, with the goal of representing an accurate cross-section of customers. More information on the panel can be found here: http://mta.maryland.gov/services/marc/serviceInformation/MARC_Riders_Advisory%20Council.cfm
Local Salisbury Man To Compete On American Idol
Could this local Salisbury guy be the next American Idol????????? He's competing!!!
Benefit/Memorial For Robin Reeser
Hi Joe,
Benefit/Memorial for Robin Reeser
6/26/10 5:00pm at Cactus Club
Tickets on sale now- $10.00 (includes BBQ platter, soda/water & 50/50 raffle)
Live on Stage: Lethal Dose and Highly Contagious
DJ Sundance
Raffles and enterainment
ALL NIGHT LONG!
Please share in this benefit with us. If you are unable to attend,
I am taking a long shot and asking for a favor (not sure you typically handle such request).
I just lost a dear friend of mine Tuesday. Her name is Robin Reeser, 49. She was diagnosed with lung, brain, and back cancer on May 5th 2010 (her and her husbands 7th anniversary).
Her illness happened so quickly and put us all in shock. She worked at the Cactus Club for 11 years. The owner of the Club, Frank, planned a benefit for her to help raise money for her treatments and such.
Unfortunately, due to the unexpected passing the benefit will now be a memorial for Robin and proceeds will go to her husband to cover cremation expenses.
Benefit/Memorial for Robin Reeser
6/26/10 5:00pm at Cactus Club
Tickets on sale now- $10.00 (includes BBQ platter, soda/water & 50/50 raffle)
Live on Stage: Lethal Dose and Highly Contagious
DJ Sundance
Raffles and enterainment
ALL NIGHT LONG!
Please share in this benefit with us. If you are unable to attend,
a donation box is located on the bar at the club.
LeeLee Jones Homecoming
Hi Joe,
Yesterday, after 16 days of struggling and surgeries, LeeLee Jones came home to a warm welcome from her heroes at the Delmar Fire Department and lots of family and friends.
Everyone's prayers for this wonderful girl were never in vain and we are so overjoyed to welcome her home!!!
Thank you Joe for posting the updates and keeping people informed.
You can tell by the size of the smile on LeeLee's face in the attached picture that she is just as happy to be back home in Delmar as we all are to have her here!!!
To God be ALL the glory!!!
Is The AFP/Tea Party Petering Out?
4-15-2009
4-15-2010According to last night's AFP Meeting at Brew River, yes. Considering the speakers and guests scheduled for last night's meeting, very few people actually attended last night's meeting. I was not present but Salisbury News had people in attendance and all reports came back with around 50 people, then you have to subtract invited guests and their posse. That would make the numbers down to 35 people, or so. I have attended AFP Meetings where they packed two rooms at Brew River and many people had to stand the entire time. Last night's meeting was one room and every one had a seat.
Now let's look at this a few different ways. The Tea Party event at the GOB in 2009 was much larger than the event held in 2010. Why, because many local people did not want to see Obama elected into Office. They gathered and spoke out about how angry they are at our government and Obama was NOT the kind of "Change" this country needs. Moving forward to 2010, the crowd was about 50% less than it was the year before. More radical people got up to speak and a serious fight almost broke out.
So just how angry are these people? Just what is the AFP/Tea Party accomplishing?
I have spoken to several people who have been attending both Tea Parties and AFP Meetings and quite frankly a serious reality struck us in these discussions. Many believe that the democrats are laughing all the way to the bank because NOTHING is really being accomplished. NIGHT MEETINGS? While it is a step in the right direction, I believe Stevie Prettyman's proposal to make it ALL night meetings would have been the right thing to do. The AFP challenges Stevie Prettyman by stating she is against night meetings, (completely untrue) yet Stevie was the one who proposed all night meetings at the last council meeting.
The AFP recognizes their attendance is dwindling and are searching for "NEW TOPICS" to bring up as a sort of Master Plan. But in the end, what are they really accomplishing. Making threats towards a private citizen and or someone in the Press certainly isn't going to help their cause, hence last night's major reduction in attendance. Can you disagree with these groups?
The democrats are also enjoying watching all these people come together and then implode. With the proper leadership, this can be avoided. However, the AFP, (at least locally, anyway) has no interest in reassigning the right people into place to avoid such violence and threats. Therefore many are opting out and I can't blame them.
I have attended meetings where some people there had far too much to drink. Some have complained, (several times) about one of the AFP Co Chair person drinking too much. Some members get a few drinks in them and start interrupting speakers, something very difficult to control. Heck, there have been times when I've gone where some members are at the bar having a few drinks, rather than participating in the meeting. So what do you do about that, you hold the meetings at the Chamber of Commerce or the Library where no alcohol is served. That is, unless you're really trying to just get out of the house one night a month and have a few drinks. Then what's really being accomplished.
Again, managing and strategies is the key to a really good group/movement. I believe, in the end the local AFP will regret making some of the decisions they have chosen to make. As a whole, I see a lot of Americans wanting to make a difference but here's what I'd like every one to rally think hard about. In the last American Revolution, only about 3% of our country actually fought in that war. America has grown quite a bit since then. Even IF today's Americans became so angry that they wanted to actually FIGHT back, do you really believe you'll get 3% of the public to actually gather arms and start fighting this government? Just how far do you believe they'll get against our Armed Forces alone, let alone the other 97% of Americans against their movement.
Yeah, Freedom of Speech it's a great thing. I truly encourage ALL Americans to gather and voice their thoughts and opinions. However, you'd have to be a nut case to believe you're truly going to make a difference and the democrats know that. When Candidates get up and speak and they talk about taking our government back, (local or national) do you really believe you can actually make that happen.
Now, that being said. Yes, you can make a difference at the polls. How's it working for you? You can gather, scream, yell and even threaten people with physical violence and even death threats. However, what's it going to get you in the end. While I support and believe in people gathering for a cause, I also believe proper management and goals, (including rules) need to be set. If someone violates those rules, they're out. Without those rules, all you have are a bunch of angry people getting out and punching brick walls.
The AFP/Tea Party people need to get smarter about how they're doing things. The democrats don't want you to know that. They are enjoying the implosion and when election day comes along you can expect pretty much most Americans will vote the way they were going to vote in the first place, along their party lines. Local elections will be different though, as they should be.
Last night's meeting sent a clear message. One, not many people are interested in Joe Ollinger. Two, MANY people were upset at the physical threats against me personally. Three, without a Master Plan, this movement will fail, at least locally.
Regroup AFP.
You Wouldn't Treat Your Dog Like This, Would You?
With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees today, hundreds of City and County Employees working in the Government Office Building, (GOB) are suffering in extremely hot inside temperatures because the A/C Unit has broken down again.
This time they aren't so sure they can fix the problem without having to replace the system and guess what, the County doesn't have the funding, they can't afford it.
While the basement might be a workable environment, the third floor is just unbelievably hot! There are two rooms on that floor that have independent A/C systems, room 300 & 302. Today's work session will be held in one of those rooms, so you know.
On the good side, at least taxpayers are saving big bucks on their electric bill. One can only hope they're running the fans, (at least) as this would be a very unhealthy environment to work in without circulating fresh air. Some would call that, "Sick Building Syndrome".
In the mean time, what does the County think it would cost the taxpayers to send every Employee home for ONE DAY versus REPLACING the entire system.
Smaller-Government Insurgents May Save The GOP
Republicans may manage to find a way to fail in the most favorable political climate for their party since the New Deal Democratic majority got bounced out on its ration book in 1946.
But the signs for November continue to point to an absolute thrashing for the Democrats and, more surprising, a revitalization of Republicanism.
The dire warning from the rump of the old Republican Party was that insurgent candidates who embrace a purer, more liberty-minded form of conservatism would be a disaster.
The old GOP grandees who have never met an incumbent they didn't like preached disaster, but so far, the small-government rebellion is doing more good than harm.
South Carolina was the first Deep South state to make the switch to the GOP, opting for Richard Nixon in 1968 while Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia went with segregationist George Wallace.
South Carolina's move that year was no less racially motivated, but was at least more forward-looking than Wallace's effort to force the Democratic Party to maintain its 140-year history of supporting state-sponsored racial segregation.
Change is again in the air in South Carolina.
Republicans there have nominated Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants as their gubernatorial candidate. They have also picked a black state legislator, Tim Scott, for a congressional seat over the son of Strom Thurmond, the 1948 segregationist candidate who later migrated with his state's voters to the Republican Party.
Barring major developments, Scott and Haley, who would join Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as the second Indian American governor, will cruise to victory this fall.
How strange to think that this time next year there may be no non-white Democratic governors -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election bid is still shaky and New York Gov. David Paterson is not running -- and two non-white Republicans leading Deep South states.
In Haley and Scott's victories, race was mostly irrelevant. While Barack Obama's racial identity was a major selling point for Democratic voters, South Carolina Republicans seem to have been embracing conservatism, rather than diversity for its own sake.
But the signs for November continue to point to an absolute thrashing for the Democrats and, more surprising, a revitalization of Republicanism.
The dire warning from the rump of the old Republican Party was that insurgent candidates who embrace a purer, more liberty-minded form of conservatism would be a disaster.
The old GOP grandees who have never met an incumbent they didn't like preached disaster, but so far, the small-government rebellion is doing more good than harm.
South Carolina was the first Deep South state to make the switch to the GOP, opting for Richard Nixon in 1968 while Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia went with segregationist George Wallace.
South Carolina's move that year was no less racially motivated, but was at least more forward-looking than Wallace's effort to force the Democratic Party to maintain its 140-year history of supporting state-sponsored racial segregation.
Change is again in the air in South Carolina.
Republicans there have nominated Nikki Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants as their gubernatorial candidate. They have also picked a black state legislator, Tim Scott, for a congressional seat over the son of Strom Thurmond, the 1948 segregationist candidate who later migrated with his state's voters to the Republican Party.
Barring major developments, Scott and Haley, who would join Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as the second Indian American governor, will cruise to victory this fall.
How strange to think that this time next year there may be no non-white Democratic governors -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election bid is still shaky and New York Gov. David Paterson is not running -- and two non-white Republicans leading Deep South states.
In Haley and Scott's victories, race was mostly irrelevant. While Barack Obama's racial identity was a major selling point for Democratic voters, South Carolina Republicans seem to have been embracing conservatism, rather than diversity for its own sake.
Beautifulpeople.com To Make, Well, Beautiful People
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
Beautifulpeople.com, a dating site exclusively for attractive people, is stirring controversy over a new fertility service to create "the perfect gene pool."
Tough New Cell Phone Policy For Prince George's County Schools
The passing of folded slips of paper used to be the common problem for teachers trying to keep students in line. Now, undercover text messaging is the new nightmare, so much so that the Prince George's County School Board has banned cell phone use during the school day and schools around the country are taking measures to deal with this new age note passing.
The school board has restricted the use of cell phones in the past, but this time the rules come with a set of consequences. If students dont have their cell phone completely turned off, they will be confiscated for the day. (And just to clarify for parents, completely turned off doesn't mean vibrate or silenced or even lit up.)
That's just the first offense, though. Parents will have to go pick up their students' phones for second offenses. And if kids get caught with their phones turned on a third time -- no phone at school for the rest of the year.
GO HERE to read more.
The school board has restricted the use of cell phones in the past, but this time the rules come with a set of consequences. If students dont have their cell phone completely turned off, they will be confiscated for the day. (And just to clarify for parents, completely turned off doesn't mean vibrate or silenced or even lit up.)
That's just the first offense, though. Parents will have to go pick up their students' phones for second offenses. And if kids get caught with their phones turned on a third time -- no phone at school for the rest of the year.
GO HERE to read more.
Cap Re-Attached To Leaking Well
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Obama Job Offers Swept Under The Rug
A House resolution demanding more information on the White House's efforts to get two Democratic Senate candidates out of primary races failed to pass committee on Wednesday.
The House Judiciary Committee voted down the GOP's resolution of inquiry 15-12. The measure demanded that the Obama administration release documents related to jobs offers that the White House suggested to Rep. Joe Sestak (Pa.) and former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in an attempt to get them to quit their primary contests.
Republicans in Congress had pounced on the revelations of the offers, accusing the White House, at worst, of committing federal crimes and, at least, violating their pledge to run a transparent administration.
Ranking member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.) introduced the resolution last week.
Smith said in a statement that the White House should still be forthcoming about the documents.
"I am disappointed that this Resolution of Inquiry is even necessary," he said. "But the administration has ignored all efforts to conduct meaningful oversight. If the administration has nothing to hide, why not provide Congress with the requested documents and restore integrity to our election process? It’s time for the White House to make good on its promise of transparency and come clean about what other elections Administration officials may have sought to influence."
The House Judiciary Committee voted down the GOP's resolution of inquiry 15-12. The measure demanded that the Obama administration release documents related to jobs offers that the White House suggested to Rep. Joe Sestak (Pa.) and former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in an attempt to get them to quit their primary contests.
Republicans in Congress had pounced on the revelations of the offers, accusing the White House, at worst, of committing federal crimes and, at least, violating their pledge to run a transparent administration.
Ranking member Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Rep. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.) introduced the resolution last week.
Smith said in a statement that the White House should still be forthcoming about the documents.
"I am disappointed that this Resolution of Inquiry is even necessary," he said. "But the administration has ignored all efforts to conduct meaningful oversight. If the administration has nothing to hide, why not provide Congress with the requested documents and restore integrity to our election process? It’s time for the White House to make good on its promise of transparency and come clean about what other elections Administration officials may have sought to influence."
Senators Send Letter To Obama Defending Israel In Flotilla Incident
A huge majority of senators co-signed a letter to President Barack Obama Wednesday defending Israel's actions in the flotilla incident last month and urging the administration to oppose a U.N. resolution critical of the country.
Led by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — and signed by 85 other members of the upper chamber — the letter argues that Israel's blockade of Gaza was both legal and necessary, and that Israeli commandos were acting in self-defense when they landed on the ship.
"[V]ideo footage shows that the Israeli commandos who arrived on the sixth ship, which was owned by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (the IHH), were brutally attacked with iron rods, knives, and broken glass," the senators wrote.
"They were forced to respond to that attack and we regret the loss of life that resulted," the letter adds.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Obama to oppose a resolution in the United Nations critical of Israel.
Led by Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — and signed by 85 other members of the upper chamber — the letter argues that Israel's blockade of Gaza was both legal and necessary, and that Israeli commandos were acting in self-defense when they landed on the ship.
"[V]ideo footage shows that the Israeli commandos who arrived on the sixth ship, which was owned by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (the IHH), were brutally attacked with iron rods, knives, and broken glass," the senators wrote.
"They were forced to respond to that attack and we regret the loss of life that resulted," the letter adds.
The bipartisan group of lawmakers urged Obama to oppose a resolution in the United Nations critical of Israel.
IAF Landed At Saudi Base, US Troops Near Iran Border
The Israeli Air Force recently unloaded military equipment at a Saudi Arabia base, a semi-official Iranian news agency claimed Wednesday, while a large American force has massed in Azerbaijan, which is on the northwest border of Iran.
Both reports follow by less than a week the Pentagon’s confirmation that an unusually large American fleet sailed through the Suez Canal Saturday. Several reports stated that an Israeli ship joined the armada.
The Pentagon played down the news, saying the American maneuvers were routine. However, a report by Iran on Wednesday that it has enriched dozens of pounds of 17 per cent enriched uranium serves as a reminder that time is running out to stop Iran from being able to produce a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s Fars News Agency said the Israeli military aircraft landed 10 days ago at the Saudi base near the city of Tabuk, located in northwest Saudi Arabia, one of the closest areas in the oil kingdom to Iran.
Fars said that the Tabuk base will be the central station for an Israeli attack on Iran. It quoted an Islamic news site that a commercial airline passenger said the airport in Tabuk was closed to all other traffic during the alleged Israeli landings. The passenger said that "no reasonable explanation” was given for shutting down the airport and those passengers were compensated financially and booked in four-star hotels.
Iran’s government-funded Press TV reported that the Revolutionary Guards began closely patrolling the Islamic Republic’s northwestern border after noticing the American forces, which Iran claimed also included Israeli troops. Azerbaijan’s independent Trend news site also reported on Wednesday that American armed forces are in the country, which is in an armed conflict with rebels.
Revolutionary Guards Brigadier General Mehdi Moini said Tuesday that his forces are mobilized “due to the presence of American and Israeli forces on the western border.” The Guards reportedly have called in tanks and anti-aircraft units to the area in what amounts to a war alert.
Both reports follow by less than a week the Pentagon’s confirmation that an unusually large American fleet sailed through the Suez Canal Saturday. Several reports stated that an Israeli ship joined the armada.
The Pentagon played down the news, saying the American maneuvers were routine. However, a report by Iran on Wednesday that it has enriched dozens of pounds of 17 per cent enriched uranium serves as a reminder that time is running out to stop Iran from being able to produce a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s Fars News Agency said the Israeli military aircraft landed 10 days ago at the Saudi base near the city of Tabuk, located in northwest Saudi Arabia, one of the closest areas in the oil kingdom to Iran.
Fars said that the Tabuk base will be the central station for an Israeli attack on Iran. It quoted an Islamic news site that a commercial airline passenger said the airport in Tabuk was closed to all other traffic during the alleged Israeli landings. The passenger said that "no reasonable explanation” was given for shutting down the airport and those passengers were compensated financially and booked in four-star hotels.
Iran’s government-funded Press TV reported that the Revolutionary Guards began closely patrolling the Islamic Republic’s northwestern border after noticing the American forces, which Iran claimed also included Israeli troops. Azerbaijan’s independent Trend news site also reported on Wednesday that American armed forces are in the country, which is in an armed conflict with rebels.
Revolutionary Guards Brigadier General Mehdi Moini said Tuesday that his forces are mobilized “due to the presence of American and Israeli forces on the western border.” The Guards reportedly have called in tanks and anti-aircraft units to the area in what amounts to a war alert.
Midwest Town On Cutting Edge Of Crackdown On Illegals
Voters in Fremont, Neb., have passed a citywide referendum making it a violation of local law to rent to or hire illegal aliens, and a Kansas City lawyer who helped write the ordinance says they are on the cutting edge of a growing effort to crack down on violations of the U.S. border.
"There's no question that a growing number of states and cities are trying to take steps to discourage illegal immigration," he told WND today. "The main reason for this is that when our immigration laws go unenforced, the fiscal burden falls directly at the state and local level, not at the federal level."
Fremont voters, a few miles outside of Omaha, already have had their ordinance challenged, but Kobach said he helped win a 7-0 decision before the Nebraska Supreme Court allowing residents to vote on the plan.
"The immense cost of illegal immigration to local voters is the driving reason behind the actions that cities and states are taking," he said.
And there's a national "mood" regarding the federal government's present level of activity.
"Given the extremely high level of support for Arizona's law both in Arizona and around the country as demonstrated by polls, and given the exact expression of popular support by the voters there, it's clear that the people of America want ourimmigration laws enforced," Kobach said.
"The people are not interested in amnesty and they are tired of an administration in Washington that is scaling back at enforcement and the people want to see the rule of law returned," Kobach said.
"I would add that the Obama administration's numerous efforts to reduce enforcement of immigration laws, including scaling back work site enforcement, come at the worst possible time," Kobach said.
He said Americans still are hurting from unemployment, and they want their own government to "defend the interests of the workers."
Instead, Kobach said, "The Obama administration is leaving them undefended."
Kobach adds that the law was made a referendum because the city council and mayor voted against it.
"The vote on the Fremont city council was 4-4 and the mayor cast the deciding vote against it," Kobach said.
"The city attorney sought a declaratory judgment at the Nebraska Supreme Court to stop the petition until the courts had determined its legal validity. I represented the people who petitioned for it and we contested the city attorney's move in the courts and we went all the way to the NebraskaSupreme Court. The Supreme Court said the issue has to go to a popular vote," Kobach explained.
"There's no question that a growing number of states and cities are trying to take steps to discourage illegal immigration," he told WND today. "The main reason for this is that when our immigration laws go unenforced, the fiscal burden falls directly at the state and local level, not at the federal level."
Fremont voters, a few miles outside of Omaha, already have had their ordinance challenged, but Kobach said he helped win a 7-0 decision before the Nebraska Supreme Court allowing residents to vote on the plan.
"The immense cost of illegal immigration to local voters is the driving reason behind the actions that cities and states are taking," he said.
And there's a national "mood" regarding the federal government's present level of activity.
"Given the extremely high level of support for Arizona's law both in Arizona and around the country as demonstrated by polls, and given the exact expression of popular support by the voters there, it's clear that the people of America want ourimmigration laws enforced," Kobach said.
"The people are not interested in amnesty and they are tired of an administration in Washington that is scaling back at enforcement and the people want to see the rule of law returned," Kobach said.
"I would add that the Obama administration's numerous efforts to reduce enforcement of immigration laws, including scaling back work site enforcement, come at the worst possible time," Kobach said.
He said Americans still are hurting from unemployment, and they want their own government to "defend the interests of the workers."
Instead, Kobach said, "The Obama administration is leaving them undefended."
Kobach adds that the law was made a referendum because the city council and mayor voted against it.
"The vote on the Fremont city council was 4-4 and the mayor cast the deciding vote against it," Kobach said.
"The city attorney sought a declaratory judgment at the Nebraska Supreme Court to stop the petition until the courts had determined its legal validity. I represented the people who petitioned for it and we contested the city attorney's move in the courts and we went all the way to the NebraskaSupreme Court. The Supreme Court said the issue has to go to a popular vote," Kobach explained.
Black SC Republican Poised To Go To Congress
Voters in South Carolina nominated a black Republican lawmaker for an open congressional seat Tuesday, rejecting a legendary political name and adding diversity to the national party.
State Rep. Tim Scott defeated Paul Thurmond, an attorney who is son of the one-time segregationist U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond. Scott, who won the runoff with 69 percent of the vote, is now poised to become the nation's first black GOP congressman since 2003.
Scott, 44, owns an insurance business and became the first black Republican in the South Carolina Legislature in more than a century when elected two years ago. Before that, he served 13 years on Charleston County Council and was elected chairman four times.
He's now the favorite in the coastal 1st District, which has elected a Republican congressman for three decades. He would become the first black Republican congressman since Oklahoma's J.C. Watts retired in 2003.
Scott grew up in poverty in North Charleston, his parents divorcing when he was 7. His mother, Frances, worked 16 hours a day raising Scott and a brother and Scott regularly introduce her at campaign events.
Scott also credits a mentor with helping him turn around his life at a time he was in danger of flunking out of high school. He said John Moniz, a conservative entrepreneur who ran a Chick-fil-A, changed his outlook on life.
Scott, who is single, later went on to graduate from Charleston Southern University with a degree in political science.
Earlier this year, Scott was campaigning for lieutenant governor, but changed his sights after U.S. Rep. Henry Brown announced he was retiring. The district reaches from near Charleston northeast along the state's coast to the high rise hotels of Myrtle Beach.
"This race is not really about winning the election," Scott told about 200 people gathered for a victory party in a North Charleston hotel. "It's about finding a way to bring us together so our country leads the world in every way possible."
Scott picked up key national endorsements, including one from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. The Washington-based Club for Growth, which promotes reducing taxes, budget reform and free trade said Tuesday that donations from its members and political action committee totaled more than $313,000 for Scott.
More here
Cato Institute Proposes 94 Percent Budget Cut For Department Of Transportation
While the federal budget deficit for 2010 ticked past $1 trillion last week and President Barack Obama is pressing Congress for another $50 billion in economic stimulus money, the free market Cato Institute is pushing proposals to dramatically cut federal spending, including a nearly $85 billion reduction at the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Cato released its list of proposed federal cuts last Thursday, posted on its sister Web site downsizinggovernment.org. In addition to the DOT plan, Cato has released similar spending-reduction plans for the Departments of Commerce, Agriculture and Education.
The DOT "will spend $91 billion in 2010, or about $770 for every U.S. household," reported Cato. "It employs 58,000 workers and operates 85 different subsidy programs."
For the DOT, Cato advocates eliminating both the Federal Highway Authority and the Federal Transit Administration, and also suggests that lawmakers cut several aspects of the current Federal Aviation Administration.
Cato’s proposal would reduce the DOT’s $91-billion budget for fiscal year 2010 to a mere $6 billion -- a 94.4 percent decrease.
On the Web site, Cato argues that the operations cut from the DOT could be managed more efficiently at the state level and in the private sector.
Cato’s federal and state budget expert Chris Edwards, author of the book Downsizing Federal Government, said the Department of Transportation maintains and funds many aspects of transit that “are properly the responsibility of state and local governments” and the “private sector.”
Read more here
Cato released its list of proposed federal cuts last Thursday, posted on its sister Web site downsizinggovernment.org. In addition to the DOT plan, Cato has released similar spending-reduction plans for the Departments of Commerce, Agriculture and Education.
The DOT "will spend $91 billion in 2010, or about $770 for every U.S. household," reported Cato. "It employs 58,000 workers and operates 85 different subsidy programs."
For the DOT, Cato advocates eliminating both the Federal Highway Authority and the Federal Transit Administration, and also suggests that lawmakers cut several aspects of the current Federal Aviation Administration.
Cato’s proposal would reduce the DOT’s $91-billion budget for fiscal year 2010 to a mere $6 billion -- a 94.4 percent decrease.
On the Web site, Cato argues that the operations cut from the DOT could be managed more efficiently at the state level and in the private sector.
Cato’s federal and state budget expert Chris Edwards, author of the book Downsizing Federal Government, said the Department of Transportation maintains and funds many aspects of transit that “are properly the responsibility of state and local governments” and the “private sector.”
Read more here
1,300 Prison Inmates Received $9 Million In Home Buyer Tax Credit
As always happens when the government puts tons of cash up for grabs, scam-happy people will line up to take advantage of it. And a new report says that nearly 10% of the 15,000 folks caught scamming the government for the recent home buyer tax credit were doing it from behind bars.
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'Homo Depot'? Chain Hosts Kiddie Crafts At 'Gay' Fests
Critics: Children's workshops 'in midst of loud and boisterous homosexual activities'
Is Home Depot seeking to introduce children to the homosexual lifestyle?
The home-improvement giant has sponsored yet another "gay" pride event and provided children's craft workshops "in the midst of loud and boisterous gay activities" at the 2010 Southern Maine Pride Festival in Portland, Maine, according to the American Family Association.
"The worst offense is that Home Depot has set up kids' workshops at these gay pride festivals," explains AFA's director of special projects. "These are events that have loud, boisterous homosexual activists making their voices heard – and Home Depot is putting money behind setting up kids' booths at these kinds of events."
In a form letter to Home Depot, AFA tells the company its inclusion of children's activities at homosexual events is "irresponsible" and encourages children's attendance.
"Thus, they will likely be exposed to unhealthy and risky environments," it states. "I'm imploring you to put the safety and well-being of children first by not sponsoring or participating in homosexual events."
In photos of the June 19 Maine festival, Home Depot's logo can be spotted on plastic cups, "My toy store" bumper stickers and aprons. People wearing Home Depot aprons sat on a float above a large and prominently placed placard of a Home Depot orange race car.
Home Depot is also listed alongside Bank of America on the Southern Main Pride's sponsor page.
GO HERE to read more.
Is Home Depot seeking to introduce children to the homosexual lifestyle?
The home-improvement giant has sponsored yet another "gay" pride event and provided children's craft workshops "in the midst of loud and boisterous gay activities" at the 2010 Southern Maine Pride Festival in Portland, Maine, according to the American Family Association.
"The worst offense is that Home Depot has set up kids' workshops at these gay pride festivals," explains AFA's director of special projects. "These are events that have loud, boisterous homosexual activists making their voices heard – and Home Depot is putting money behind setting up kids' booths at these kinds of events."In a form letter to Home Depot, AFA tells the company its inclusion of children's activities at homosexual events is "irresponsible" and encourages children's attendance.
"Thus, they will likely be exposed to unhealthy and risky environments," it states. "I'm imploring you to put the safety and well-being of children first by not sponsoring or participating in homosexual events."
In photos of the June 19 Maine festival, Home Depot's logo can be spotted on plastic cups, "My toy store" bumper stickers and aprons. People wearing Home Depot aprons sat on a float above a large and prominently placed placard of a Home Depot orange race car.
Home Depot is also listed alongside Bank of America on the Southern Main Pride's sponsor page.
GO HERE to read more.
Is Oil Catastrophe Fulfillment Of Genesis Prophecy?
Video suggests biblical tie with U.S. treatment of Israel, rig explosion
Is there a spiritual, biblical connection to the BP oil catastrophe?
A new video on YouTube is suggesting a possible link to the disaster due to America's recent treatment of Israel, and at least one well-known Bible analyst, Hal Lindsey, thinks there's a valid correlation.
The video was produced and posted today by Carl Gallups of the Hickory Hammock Baptist Church in Milton, Fla., and is embedded here:
GO HERE to read more.
Is there a spiritual, biblical connection to the BP oil catastrophe?
A new video on YouTube is suggesting a possible link to the disaster due to America's recent treatment of Israel, and at least one well-known Bible analyst, Hal Lindsey, thinks there's a valid correlation.
The video was produced and posted today by Carl Gallups of the Hickory Hammock Baptist Church in Milton, Fla., and is embedded here:
GO HERE to read more.
Flavored Cigarettes Banned As Of Today
New rules about tobacco marketing that targets young people go into effect this week as part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act. Among the rules: No candy- or fruit-flavored cigarettes.
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Financial ‘Reform’ Imperils Consumer Privacy
There may be a number of reasons to oppose the financial services “reform” legislation passed recently by both houses of Congress and now headed to conference committee to work out differences — its length, its complexity and its many regulatory mechanisms.
One of the strongest grounds on which to cast a jaundiced eye toward this latest legislative initiative of the Obama administration, however, is its creation of privacy-invasive mechanisms through which the federal government will be able to monitor and direct every facet of personal consumer financing activity in the country.
Lurking within the more than 1,600 pages of the Restoring American Financial Stability Act are provisions that empower a new office to be set up (headed by a high-level presidential appointee) to gather “financial transaction data” on everything from the largest bank’s internal transaction sheets down to the daily withdrawals from a community bank’s local ATM. Another new agency will have jurisdiction to establish and enforce far-reaching measures to ensure that every “financial product or service” is “fair, transparent and competitive.”
In the pre-financial-services-meltdown-of-2008 era, the transparent and lawful operation of financial services was supposed to have been ensured through consistent and forceful enforcement of the myriad federal laws designed to uncover and thwart fraud, discrimination and other bad behavior by providers of financial services. Obviously, this paradigm failed us big time.
The solution proposed now by Congress is not to do what prior administrations failed to do — enforce the laws — but to create a massive new regulatory structure giving federal bureaucrats power to look over the shoulders of everyone in the financial services sector, from CEOs to bank tellers, to decide if the system is running “fairly” (whatever that means). These new regulators would be able to make changes to that system — under threat of subpoena and wide-ranging enforcement action — whenever they deem it necessary.
Fundamentally, this legislative road map is premised on the principle that the only way to ensure that the financial marketplace operates properly is to have it overseen at all levels by federal regulators.
Unfortunately, even if one accepts this premise and supports the regulatory mechanism incorporated into the legislation, the new powers granted the government to gather detailed data on consumer financial transactions go far beyond those necessary to correct the imbalances that led to the 2008 debacle.
GO HERE to read more.
One of the strongest grounds on which to cast a jaundiced eye toward this latest legislative initiative of the Obama administration, however, is its creation of privacy-invasive mechanisms through which the federal government will be able to monitor and direct every facet of personal consumer financing activity in the country.
Lurking within the more than 1,600 pages of the Restoring American Financial Stability Act are provisions that empower a new office to be set up (headed by a high-level presidential appointee) to gather “financial transaction data” on everything from the largest bank’s internal transaction sheets down to the daily withdrawals from a community bank’s local ATM. Another new agency will have jurisdiction to establish and enforce far-reaching measures to ensure that every “financial product or service” is “fair, transparent and competitive.”
In the pre-financial-services-meltdown-of-2008 era, the transparent and lawful operation of financial services was supposed to have been ensured through consistent and forceful enforcement of the myriad federal laws designed to uncover and thwart fraud, discrimination and other bad behavior by providers of financial services. Obviously, this paradigm failed us big time.
The solution proposed now by Congress is not to do what prior administrations failed to do — enforce the laws — but to create a massive new regulatory structure giving federal bureaucrats power to look over the shoulders of everyone in the financial services sector, from CEOs to bank tellers, to decide if the system is running “fairly” (whatever that means). These new regulators would be able to make changes to that system — under threat of subpoena and wide-ranging enforcement action — whenever they deem it necessary.
Fundamentally, this legislative road map is premised on the principle that the only way to ensure that the financial marketplace operates properly is to have it overseen at all levels by federal regulators.
Unfortunately, even if one accepts this premise and supports the regulatory mechanism incorporated into the legislation, the new powers granted the government to gather detailed data on consumer financial transactions go far beyond those necessary to correct the imbalances that led to the 2008 debacle.
GO HERE to read more.
Oppose 'Disclose' Act Before It Silents You
Ask Kratovil to Oppose H.R. 5175,
the "DISCLOSE" Act,
that silents grassroots groups
Rush Limbaugh headlined this act today, three days after you may have read this on SBY news!
The Dems designed this bill to gut Tea Party groups and any grassroots organizations, but protect Obama's favored LABOR UNION groups.
Hence, any group with a million plus members, ten years or older and with membership in 50 states is unaffected by new regulations.
Protect your VOICE and opportunity to be heard.
Speak out and oppose this bill which the Dems know is unconstitutional and will be overturned , BUT not before elections.
Ask Kratovil to oppose H.R. 5175!
H.R 5175, the "DISCLOSE Act" is a bill designed to protect 2010 incumbents.
Fearful of what Election Day in November will bring them, liberals in Congress are pushing H.R. 5175, the "DISCLOSE Act," a bill disguised as campaign finance reform, but which is really designed to protect incumbents during the current election year.
Tell Representative Frank Kratovil to OPPOSE H.R. 5175
Instead of addressing the problems often found in the financing of campaigns, H.R. 5175 adds to the already onerous burdens placed on law-abiding organizations by exposing their donors in places like TV, radio and newspaper ads. The bill exposes the hypocrisy of its supporters by giving special treatment to favored special interests, even though the bill is designed to crack down on the power of many other special interests!
These tactics are used to intimidate donors. They were used in the 1960s during the Civil Rights struggles, and more recently have been employed against Christians in states like Massachusetts, California and Maine for merely voicing their beliefs on marriage being between one man and one woman.
Now the Democrats want to intimidate you into silence as well!
The goal behind this bill, written by the head of the Democratic Congressional Committee and a liberal Republican who fears a primary challenge, is to influence this election in particular. Liberals are well aware that the DISCLOSE Act is unconstitutional. They know that the courts may eventually overturn the law, but not before November 2nd, 2010 -- election day. By then, the damage to free speech will have already been done.
Please contact Congressman Kratovil today and tell him to oppose H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act.
http://kratovil.house.gov/
DC. office ( 202) 225-5311
Salisbury (410) 334-3072
Centerville (443) 262-9136
Salisbury Safe Streets Funded Through June 2011
Mayor James Ireton, Jr. is proud to thank the State of Maryland and Governor Martin O’Malley as the City of Salisbury has been awarded $327,254 for the funding of the Salisbury Safe Streets Coalition through June 2011. The Mayor will make the announcement at the Safe Streets Meeting at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 24th in room 301 of the Government Office Building. The Safe Streets Grant funds the following:
Personnel:
Overtime for Salisbury Police Department and Sherriff’s Department
Crime Data Analyst – Salisbury Police Department
Community Mobilization Specialist
Community Prosecutor – State’s Attorney’s Office
Coordinator/facilitator – Project Hope (Prostitution Recidivism)
Equipment:
Field Computer/Comcate Software – Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance
Other:
Crime Solvers Incentives
Governor O’Malley said, “We are proud to be partners with Salisbury in the Safe Streets program. This investment is paying dividends. Our state public safety assets are committed more than ever to working with Salisbury and Wicomico County public safety leaders on strategies that will target violent offenders and hold them accountable. From the newly formed State-County-City warrant task force to the new Federal – Local prosecution strategy to our enhanced violence prevention initiative efforts led by the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation and Department of Juvenile Services, these combined efforts will ensure a safer Salisbury. This truly is security integration at work.”
“I am proud of the Safe Streets Coalition – which has earned the trust of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention in order to qualify for another round of funding. The Sherriff’s Office, State Police, State’s Attorney’s Office, Salisbury Police Department – all who are contributing to this effort can be commended. The public should know that we are making steady progress, as indicated by our drop in crime rates city-wide – and especially in our CSAFE/Safe Streets Church Street Neighborhood. The City of Salisbury is proud to be the recipient of this $327K award. I thank the Governor and the office of Crime Control and Prevention.” Said Mayor Ireton.
Personnel:
Overtime for Salisbury Police Department and Sherriff’s Department
Crime Data Analyst – Salisbury Police Department
Community Mobilization Specialist
Community Prosecutor – State’s Attorney’s Office
Coordinator/facilitator – Project Hope (Prostitution Recidivism)
Equipment:
Field Computer/Comcate Software – Neighborhood Services & Code Compliance
Other:
Crime Solvers Incentives
Governor O’Malley said, “We are proud to be partners with Salisbury in the Safe Streets program. This investment is paying dividends. Our state public safety assets are committed more than ever to working with Salisbury and Wicomico County public safety leaders on strategies that will target violent offenders and hold them accountable. From the newly formed State-County-City warrant task force to the new Federal – Local prosecution strategy to our enhanced violence prevention initiative efforts led by the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation and Department of Juvenile Services, these combined efforts will ensure a safer Salisbury. This truly is security integration at work.”
“I am proud of the Safe Streets Coalition – which has earned the trust of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention in order to qualify for another round of funding. The Sherriff’s Office, State Police, State’s Attorney’s Office, Salisbury Police Department – all who are contributing to this effort can be commended. The public should know that we are making steady progress, as indicated by our drop in crime rates city-wide – and especially in our CSAFE/Safe Streets Church Street Neighborhood. The City of Salisbury is proud to be the recipient of this $327K award. I thank the Governor and the office of Crime Control and Prevention.” Said Mayor Ireton.
O'Malley Press Releases
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, SENATE PRESIDENT MILLER, SPEAKER BUSCH, COMPTROLLER FRANCHOT, TREASURER KOPP ANNOUNCE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACTIONS
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Treasurer Nancy Kopp to make an announcement on specific government accountability and transparency actions by the General Assembly and the Board of Public Works moving forward. Governor O’Malley announced that beginning immediately, all Board of Public Works meetings will be broadcast live online. In addition, the General Assembly Presiding Officers announced specific measures for future legislative sessions that create greater accountability and transparency in Maryland’s state government.
“We’ve been proud these last four years to usher in a new era of accountability and transparency to the Governor’s office that has become a hallmark to our Administration,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our goal from the beginning was to make government work again for the people it serves. As we continue to find new ways to make government more responsive and responsible, we’re delivering on the promise of openness and transparency for the people of Maryland.”
President Miller and Speaker Busch announced specific actions for the General Assembly, including live streaming of standing committee hearings through the General Assembly website. The Senate will broadcast live audio of committee hearings, and the House will broadcast live video. In addition, the General Assembly will waive the current fee for up-to-the-minute updates on bill status during legislative session, opening this function up to the general public at no charge. The Presiding Officers also reaffirmed their commitment to continue posting final roll call committee votes online.
“The internet is a powerful tool for promoting accountability in state government. Governor O’Malley and the legislature have embraced technology as a way to make government more open to the citizens of Maryland,” said Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “I want to thank Senator Nancy King for her efforts to build the public trust and increase transparency in the legislative process. “
“The voice of the public is the most important component in the legislative process,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “By using technology to make information more accessible and available to the public, we are making it easier for Marylanders to participate in the work of the General Assembly and strengthening the work that we do in Annapolis.”
The O’Malley-Brown Administration has championed openness and transparency in government, nationally recognized for its accountability and transparency tools that monitor investments made from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in Maryland. In addition, tools employed through BayStat, GreenPrint, and StateStat place Maryland as the driving force behind some of the nation’s most cutting edge technology used to inform the public about the resources and services available to our State. Just last week, Governor O’Malley unveiled the new Visit Maryland Interactive Map. This first-of-its-kind map portrays Maryland’s uniquely rich collection of natural, cultural, heritage and recreational resources in a user-friendly searchable format.
Last year, as a result of legislation passed by the General Assembly, Governor O’Malley launched the Maryland Funding Accountability website, a public site that allows citizens and visitors to search and view information on contracts of a certain amount between the state and private vendors.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO RIDE MARC TRAIN TODAY Governor will discuss recent failures in Amtrak service and response with customers, media
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will climb aboard a MARC train today headed to New Carrollton, following what the Governor has called “unacceptable” failures in service and response to interruptions on the part of Amtrak, the operator of the MARC system for the State of Maryland.
The Governor will be available for media before boarding the train at BWI and after departing the train at New Carrollton. During his trip, the Governor will discuss the needs for improvement with MARC customers.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE APPOINTMENT
OF STEVE LINHARD OF ANNAPOLIS TO FEDERAL FISHERIES PANEL
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement today on the appointment of Stephen E. Linhard to an at-large seat on Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
“I am very pleased that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce has selected Steve Linhard of Annapolis to represent Maryland as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and congratulate Steve on this well-deserved appointment.
“I nominated Steve with confidence, based upon his life-long experience and dedication to resource conservation as well as his passion, respect and support for Maryland’s diverse fishing communities. He brings to the table great integrity along with a strong commitment to stand for all fishing interests while balancing the need to foster robust fishing opportunities through sustainable, science-based fisheries management.”
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is responsible for management of fisheries in federal waters which occur predominantly off the mid-Atlantic coast. States with voting representation on the Council include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Treasurer Nancy Kopp to make an announcement on specific government accountability and transparency actions by the General Assembly and the Board of Public Works moving forward. Governor O’Malley announced that beginning immediately, all Board of Public Works meetings will be broadcast live online. In addition, the General Assembly Presiding Officers announced specific measures for future legislative sessions that create greater accountability and transparency in Maryland’s state government.
“We’ve been proud these last four years to usher in a new era of accountability and transparency to the Governor’s office that has become a hallmark to our Administration,” said Governor O’Malley. “Our goal from the beginning was to make government work again for the people it serves. As we continue to find new ways to make government more responsive and responsible, we’re delivering on the promise of openness and transparency for the people of Maryland.”
President Miller and Speaker Busch announced specific actions for the General Assembly, including live streaming of standing committee hearings through the General Assembly website. The Senate will broadcast live audio of committee hearings, and the House will broadcast live video. In addition, the General Assembly will waive the current fee for up-to-the-minute updates on bill status during legislative session, opening this function up to the general public at no charge. The Presiding Officers also reaffirmed their commitment to continue posting final roll call committee votes online.
“The internet is a powerful tool for promoting accountability in state government. Governor O’Malley and the legislature have embraced technology as a way to make government more open to the citizens of Maryland,” said Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “I want to thank Senator Nancy King for her efforts to build the public trust and increase transparency in the legislative process. “
“The voice of the public is the most important component in the legislative process,” said Speaker Michael E. Busch. “By using technology to make information more accessible and available to the public, we are making it easier for Marylanders to participate in the work of the General Assembly and strengthening the work that we do in Annapolis.”
The O’Malley-Brown Administration has championed openness and transparency in government, nationally recognized for its accountability and transparency tools that monitor investments made from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in Maryland. In addition, tools employed through BayStat, GreenPrint, and StateStat place Maryland as the driving force behind some of the nation’s most cutting edge technology used to inform the public about the resources and services available to our State. Just last week, Governor O’Malley unveiled the new Visit Maryland Interactive Map. This first-of-its-kind map portrays Maryland’s uniquely rich collection of natural, cultural, heritage and recreational resources in a user-friendly searchable format.
Last year, as a result of legislation passed by the General Assembly, Governor O’Malley launched the Maryland Funding Accountability website, a public site that allows citizens and visitors to search and view information on contracts of a certain amount between the state and private vendors.
GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO RIDE MARC TRAIN TODAY Governor will discuss recent failures in Amtrak service and response with customers, media
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley will climb aboard a MARC train today headed to New Carrollton, following what the Governor has called “unacceptable” failures in service and response to interruptions on the part of Amtrak, the operator of the MARC system for the State of Maryland.
The Governor will be available for media before boarding the train at BWI and after departing the train at New Carrollton. During his trip, the Governor will discuss the needs for improvement with MARC customers.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE APPOINTMENT
OF STEVE LINHARD OF ANNAPOLIS TO FEDERAL FISHERIES PANEL
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement today on the appointment of Stephen E. Linhard to an at-large seat on Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
“I am very pleased that the U.S. Secretary of Commerce has selected Steve Linhard of Annapolis to represent Maryland as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, and congratulate Steve on this well-deserved appointment.
“I nominated Steve with confidence, based upon his life-long experience and dedication to resource conservation as well as his passion, respect and support for Maryland’s diverse fishing communities. He brings to the table great integrity along with a strong commitment to stand for all fishing interests while balancing the need to foster robust fishing opportunities through sustainable, science-based fisheries management.”
The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is responsible for management of fisheries in federal waters which occur predominantly off the mid-Atlantic coast. States with voting representation on the Council include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Toyota's Toyoda Apologizes To Shareholders
Today in Tokyo, Toyota president Akio Toyoda met with shareholders for the first time since the world's largest automaker began issuing recalls on millions of its vehicles last October. And fittingly enough, the grandson of the company's founder kicked things off humbly.
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DART July 4th Holiday Schedule
Wilmington -- Saturday, July, All DART services operate regular schedules;
Sunday, July 4, No services operate, with the exception of Resort Transit, which operates 7 days a week through September 19, its related paratransit services and Route 305 Beach Connection operating on a Sunday schedule. SEPTA R2 will not operate within Delaware, but will operate its regular Sunday schedule from Marcus Hook, PA.
Monday, July 5, DART services operate on a Sunday schedule, with the exception of Route 305 Beach Connection which operates on its Holiday schedule. SEPTA R2 will not operate within Delaware, but will operate on a Sunday schedule from Marcus Hook, PA.
DART First State is the bus, train, and intermodal transportation provider for Delaware. The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. DART First State services include contracted SEPTA commuter trains, intercounty bus, fixed route bus, Paratransit, seasonal resort bus, commuter assistance, Operation Lifesaver rail crossing safety and trespasser awareness programs, and the RideShare Delaware ridematching program. DART First State provides more than 11,185,000 passenger trips annually, removing up to 7,034,591 vehicle trips from area roadways. In 2008, DART was recognized nationally with awards from the Federal Transit Administration for Enhancing Ridership programs and the American Public Transportation Association for first place in the annual Bus Roadeo. For public information for all fixed route services statewide, please call 1-800-652-DART.
Sunday, July 4, No services operate, with the exception of Resort Transit, which operates 7 days a week through September 19, its related paratransit services and Route 305 Beach Connection operating on a Sunday schedule. SEPTA R2 will not operate within Delaware, but will operate its regular Sunday schedule from Marcus Hook, PA.
Monday, July 5, DART services operate on a Sunday schedule, with the exception of Route 305 Beach Connection which operates on its Holiday schedule. SEPTA R2 will not operate within Delaware, but will operate on a Sunday schedule from Marcus Hook, PA.
DART First State is the bus, train, and intermodal transportation provider for Delaware. The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. DART First State services include contracted SEPTA commuter trains, intercounty bus, fixed route bus, Paratransit, seasonal resort bus, commuter assistance, Operation Lifesaver rail crossing safety and trespasser awareness programs, and the RideShare Delaware ridematching program. DART First State provides more than 11,185,000 passenger trips annually, removing up to 7,034,591 vehicle trips from area roadways. In 2008, DART was recognized nationally with awards from the Federal Transit Administration for Enhancing Ridership programs and the American Public Transportation Association for first place in the annual Bus Roadeo. For public information for all fixed route services statewide, please call 1-800-652-DART.
Worth Repeating
A Woman and a Fork
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.
She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming.....like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'
So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."
The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.
There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.
She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her.
"There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
"What's that?" came the Pastor's reply.
"This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."
The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.
The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming.....like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'
So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork, the best is yet to come."
The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.
Wargotz Discusses Fiscal Responsibility, And Illegal Immigration With Frederick Area Voters
Frederick, MD Commissioner Eric Wargotz, a member of the Queens Anne’s County Board of Commissioners and practicing physician, Sheriff Chuck Jenkins of Frederick County and State Senator David Brinkley of Frederick and Carroll Counties met with area voters in Frederick County, to discuss the key issues including the important issues of fiscal responsibility and illegal immigration.
Senator Brinkley, a leader in Annapolis on budget issues, was the sponsor of legislation to prohibit illegal aliens from obtaining a driver's license. Brinkley, who sponsored his own budget bill during this past General Assembly session, spoke of the need for fiscal discipline in both Annapolis and Washington.
Sheriff Jenkins, who is known statewide for his efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants, discussed his use of the Federal Secure Communities and 287G Programs to lead the state in arrests and deportations.
Commissioner Wargotz spoke of his Commission's efforts to ban area businesses that hire illegals from being awarded county contracts. He said that thanks to his Sheriff, Gery Hofmann, Wargotz was proud to say that Queen Anne's County (one of the few counties in Maryland to participate in the Secured Communities Program) was an Eastern Shore leader in deportations. Wargotz also addressed the budget cuts his county recently made in order to avoid tax increases and his commission's adoption of the Constant Yield Rate.
A physician in private practice, Wargotz is serving his first term as the elected President of the Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Wargotz is the lead US Senate candidate in a crowded field for the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by the 34-year incumbent, Barbara Mikulski
Senator Brinkley, a leader in Annapolis on budget issues, was the sponsor of legislation to prohibit illegal aliens from obtaining a driver's license. Brinkley, who sponsored his own budget bill during this past General Assembly session, spoke of the need for fiscal discipline in both Annapolis and Washington.
Sheriff Jenkins, who is known statewide for his efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants, discussed his use of the Federal Secure Communities and 287G Programs to lead the state in arrests and deportations.
Commissioner Wargotz spoke of his Commission's efforts to ban area businesses that hire illegals from being awarded county contracts. He said that thanks to his Sheriff, Gery Hofmann, Wargotz was proud to say that Queen Anne's County (one of the few counties in Maryland to participate in the Secured Communities Program) was an Eastern Shore leader in deportations. Wargotz also addressed the budget cuts his county recently made in order to avoid tax increases and his commission's adoption of the Constant Yield Rate.
A physician in private practice, Wargotz is serving his first term as the elected President of the Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Wargotz is the lead US Senate candidate in a crowded field for the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by the 34-year incumbent, Barbara Mikulski
Dustin Mills On Reddish
Candidate Dustin Mills wants to thank everyone for their early support on his run for House of Delegate. Mr. Mills is excited to announce he will be featured on the Bill Reddish show this Thursday morning (06/24) at 7:20 a.m. So please tune into station 1320 AM and let us know what you think.
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