I want the citizens of our great Eastern Shore to know that there was so much more to Sam Vincent than just being a prosecutor. Sam Vincent was one of the most decent and honorable people I have ever known and we were friends for nearly 40 years.
We met through an organization called the Order of DeMolay, a group that teaches the virtues of brotherly love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, and patriotism. In both his personal life and his professional life Sam lived by those virtues on a daily basis.
As an adult, Sam continued as a DeMolay advisor to a generation of young men in Worcester and Wicomico counties. My own three sons called him “Dad Sam” and he was a father figure to many other young men he advised over the years.
Sam was a Past Master of Wicomico Masonic Lodge in Salisbury and was proud of his work with that organization. He was actively involved in the Methodist Church in his community, and truly loved the fellowship there. He was a devoted husband, son and brother.
For over 20 years Sam mentored young prosecutors, guiding and teaching them. He served one term as an at-large member of the Maryland State's Attorneys Association, a position normally reserved for a prosecutor from one of Maryland's metropolitan counties.
There is no doubt that Sam was a skilled and respected prosecutor, but everyone should know that he was first and foremost great man and an honorable human being. I will truly miss him and I feel blessed to know he was my friend.
May God bless his mother, wife and brother during these horrible days.
Joel Todd
Worcester County State's Attorney
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Let's Clear The Air Righth Here And Now!!!!!!
"Joe, I just received an email from a friend in Salisbury and he said that gossip is running rampant in Salisbury that Ruark had something to do with Sam's accident. Sounds completely ridiculous to me. Have you heard anything?? "
Now look Folks, I have been receiving some of the dumbest phone calls and e-mail messages, let's cut out the BS right here and now.
Sam Vincent was in a very unfortunate accident and lost his life. No matter what has been said and done recently, Davis Ruark loved Sam Vincent like a Brother. Like Brothers, they had their differences recently but PLEASE!
Each and every one of you spreading such rumors needs to cut it out right now. This was an unfortunate accident.
Now look Folks, I have been receiving some of the dumbest phone calls and e-mail messages, let's cut out the BS right here and now.
Sam Vincent was in a very unfortunate accident and lost his life. No matter what has been said and done recently, Davis Ruark loved Sam Vincent like a Brother. Like Brothers, they had their differences recently but PLEASE!
Each and every one of you spreading such rumors needs to cut it out right now. This was an unfortunate accident.
SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 6/27 vs. LAKEWOOD
TONIGHT’S GAME BEGINS AT 5:05 PM. ALL SUNDAY GAMES WILL BEGIN AT 5:05 PM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON EXCEPT JULY 4TH (6:05 PM).
PREVIEW: The Shorebirds look to knot the series at two games apiece in game four against the BlueClaws. Kenny Moreland finished with nine strikeouts last night to earn his fourth consecutive win. Steve Bumbry paced the Shorebirds offensive punch with four RBIs.
BEST MONTH?: A win tonight would give the Shorebirds their 12th win in June, tied with April for the most in a month this season. The Shorebirds went 12-10 in April and 10-20 in May. The ‘Birds are 11-10 in June.
WALK LEADERS: The Shorebirds lead the South Atlantic League in walks (252). Lexington is second in the league with 251. Conley is second in the league (52) while Kelly is fifth in the SAL (37).
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).
THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).
SIX-GAMER: Tyler Townsend has recorded a hit in all six games that he has appeared in this season. The current hit streak is the longest of his career.
TIED FOR FIRST IN SAL: Tyler Townsend is tied for first in the South Atlantic in hit-by-pitches with Cesar Puello of Savannah (11). The single-season Shorebirds record is 17, owned by Tyler Kolodny (2009) and Kieron Pope (2008). Stampone is on pace to shatter the mark.
CAREER HIGH FOUR RBI’S: For this first time in his career, Steve Bumbry recorded four RBIs in a single game. His previous high was three, accomplished on May 29 against Lakewood.
50 PERCENT OF RUNNERS: Luis Bernardo is throwing out 50 percent of base runners this season. He has caught 18 runners in 36 chances.
MOST DOUBLE PLAYS: Garabez Rosa has been involved in 41 double plays this season, most in the South Atlantic League.
PREVIEW: The Shorebirds look to knot the series at two games apiece in game four against the BlueClaws. Kenny Moreland finished with nine strikeouts last night to earn his fourth consecutive win. Steve Bumbry paced the Shorebirds offensive punch with four RBIs.
BEST MONTH?: A win tonight would give the Shorebirds their 12th win in June, tied with April for the most in a month this season. The Shorebirds went 12-10 in April and 10-20 in May. The ‘Birds are 11-10 in June.
WALK LEADERS: The Shorebirds lead the South Atlantic League in walks (252). Lexington is second in the league with 251. Conley is second in the league (52) while Kelly is fifth in the SAL (37).
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).
THREE STRAIGHT: The Shorebirds have won three straight home series’ at Perdue Stadium over Hagerstown (3-1), Kannapolis (3-0) and Lexington (3-1).
SIX-GAMER: Tyler Townsend has recorded a hit in all six games that he has appeared in this season. The current hit streak is the longest of his career.
TIED FOR FIRST IN SAL: Tyler Townsend is tied for first in the South Atlantic in hit-by-pitches with Cesar Puello of Savannah (11). The single-season Shorebirds record is 17, owned by Tyler Kolodny (2009) and Kieron Pope (2008). Stampone is on pace to shatter the mark.
CAREER HIGH FOUR RBI’S: For this first time in his career, Steve Bumbry recorded four RBIs in a single game. His previous high was three, accomplished on May 29 against Lakewood.
50 PERCENT OF RUNNERS: Luis Bernardo is throwing out 50 percent of base runners this season. He has caught 18 runners in 36 chances.
MOST DOUBLE PLAYS: Garabez Rosa has been involved in 41 double plays this season, most in the South Atlantic League.
More People Are Seeing The Light
Conservatives have maintained their leading position among U.S. ideological groups in the first half of 2010. Gallup finds 42% of Americans describing themselves as either very conservative or conservative. This is up slightly from the 40% seen for all of 2009 and contrasts with the 20% calling themselves liberal or very liberal.
The 2010 results are based on eight Gallup and USA Today/Gallup surveys conducted from January through June, encompassing interviews with more than 8,000 U.S. adults. The 42% identifying as conservative represents a continuation of the slight but statistically significant edge conservatives achieved over moderates in 2009. Should that figure hold for all of 2010, it would represent the highest annual percentage identifying as conservative in Gallup's history of measuring ideology with this wording, dating to 1992.
More from Gallup
We'd Like To Know?
Salisbury News is considering a new feature we'd like your input about. We're considering a link to another Site in which we would publish all of the nasty comments, death threats and personal attacks against me, my Wife and Grandson.
We have been saving many of these comments for more than a year now and I thought it might be worth while giving you the option to click on a link and see just what we deal with on a daily basis.
We all pretty much know who's behind these comments and this "option" would mean you'd have to put some effort into actually going there. If you'd be offended, (which 99% of you should be) then you simply do not click on the link.
This feature would NOT be a part of Salisbury News. It would be separate and would offer a warning telling you that you are about to view harsh material.
You see Folks, these 5 or 6 people know I won't publish these comments on Salisbury News but what they didn't know was that we have been saving these comments and that one day we might just publish them elsewhere.
Nothing is set in stone with this. We're simply considering it and we'd like to hear what you think. If we make these comments available and you have a pretty good idea who's behind them, perhaps they might reconsider sending me hundreds of nasty comments per day once their exposed.
Let us know what you think.
We have been saving many of these comments for more than a year now and I thought it might be worth while giving you the option to click on a link and see just what we deal with on a daily basis.
We all pretty much know who's behind these comments and this "option" would mean you'd have to put some effort into actually going there. If you'd be offended, (which 99% of you should be) then you simply do not click on the link.
This feature would NOT be a part of Salisbury News. It would be separate and would offer a warning telling you that you are about to view harsh material.
You see Folks, these 5 or 6 people know I won't publish these comments on Salisbury News but what they didn't know was that we have been saving these comments and that one day we might just publish them elsewhere.
Nothing is set in stone with this. We're simply considering it and we'd like to hear what you think. If we make these comments available and you have a pretty good idea who's behind them, perhaps they might reconsider sending me hundreds of nasty comments per day once their exposed.
Let us know what you think.
ADAMS: Inside The Black Panther Case-- Anger, Ignorance And Lies
By J. Christian Adams
On the day President Obama was elected, armed men wearing the black berets and jackboots of the New Black Panther Party were stationed at the entrance to a polling place in Philadelphia. They brandished a weapon and intimidated voters and poll watchers. After the election, the Justice Department brought a voter-intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party and those armed thugs. I and other Justice attorneys diligently pursued the case and obtained an entry of default after the defendants ignored the charges. Before a final judgment could be entered in May 2009, our superiors ordered us to dismiss the case.
The New Black Panther case was the simplest and most obvious violation of federal law I saw in my Justice Department career. Because of the corrupt nature of the dismissal, statements falsely characterizing the case and, most of all, indefensible orders for the career attorneys not to comply with lawful subpoenas investigating the dismissal, this month I resigned my position as a Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney.
The federal voter-intimidation statutes we used against the New Black Panthers were enacted because America never realized genuine racial equality in elections. Threats of violence characterized elections from the end of the Civil War until the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Before the Voting Rights Act, blacks seeking the right to vote, and those aiding them, were victims of violence and intimidation. But unlike the Southern legal system, Southern violence did not discriminate. Black voters were slain, as were the white champions of their cause. Some of the bodies were tossed into bogs and in one case in Philadelphia, Miss., they were buried together in an earthen dam.
Based on my firsthand experiences, I believe the dismissal of the Black Panther case was motivated by a lawless hostility toward equal enforcement of the law. Others still within the department share my assessment. The department abetted wrongdoers and abandoned law-abiding citizens victimized by the New Black Panthers. The dismissal raises serious questions about the department's enforcement neutrality in upcoming midterm elections and the subsequent 2012 presidential election.
More from The Washington Times
On the day President Obama was elected, armed men wearing the black berets and jackboots of the New Black Panther Party were stationed at the entrance to a polling place in Philadelphia. They brandished a weapon and intimidated voters and poll watchers. After the election, the Justice Department brought a voter-intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party and those armed thugs. I and other Justice attorneys diligently pursued the case and obtained an entry of default after the defendants ignored the charges. Before a final judgment could be entered in May 2009, our superiors ordered us to dismiss the case.
The New Black Panther case was the simplest and most obvious violation of federal law I saw in my Justice Department career. Because of the corrupt nature of the dismissal, statements falsely characterizing the case and, most of all, indefensible orders for the career attorneys not to comply with lawful subpoenas investigating the dismissal, this month I resigned my position as a Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney.
The federal voter-intimidation statutes we used against the New Black Panthers were enacted because America never realized genuine racial equality in elections. Threats of violence characterized elections from the end of the Civil War until the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. Before the Voting Rights Act, blacks seeking the right to vote, and those aiding them, were victims of violence and intimidation. But unlike the Southern legal system, Southern violence did not discriminate. Black voters were slain, as were the white champions of their cause. Some of the bodies were tossed into bogs and in one case in Philadelphia, Miss., they were buried together in an earthen dam.
Based on my firsthand experiences, I believe the dismissal of the Black Panther case was motivated by a lawless hostility toward equal enforcement of the law. Others still within the department share my assessment. The department abetted wrongdoers and abandoned law-abiding citizens victimized by the New Black Panthers. The dismissal raises serious questions about the department's enforcement neutrality in upcoming midterm elections and the subsequent 2012 presidential election.
More from The Washington Times
Troop 5 Units Probe Shots Fired Complaint
Location: Residential address along the 11000 block of Hastings Farm Road, Seaford, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: Sunday, June 27, 2010, at 2:35 a.m.
Involved Parties: 39-year-old female and her two daughters- ages 17 and 19.
Resume: On Sunday, June 27th, at approximately 2:35 a.m., Troop 5 uniform patrol officers responded to an address along the 11000 block of Hastings Farm Road in Seaford for a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with the homeowner- a 39-year-old female. She stated that while she was asleep on the couch she heard several gunshots. She immediately called 911 and officers responded.
This investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) fired an unknown caliber weapon at the residence striking it six times. The front door of the home was struck four times and the siding between two front windows was struck twice. The victim’s two daughters were also in the home at the time of the shooting.
There is no suspect information at this time and a motive for the shooting has not been identified.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call Troop 5 at 302-337-8253 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
Date of Occurrence: Sunday, June 27, 2010, at 2:35 a.m.
Involved Parties: 39-year-old female and her two daughters- ages 17 and 19.
Resume: On Sunday, June 27th, at approximately 2:35 a.m., Troop 5 uniform patrol officers responded to an address along the 11000 block of Hastings Farm Road in Seaford for a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, Troopers made contact with the homeowner- a 39-year-old female. She stated that while she was asleep on the couch she heard several gunshots. She immediately called 911 and officers responded.
This investigation revealed that unknown suspect(s) fired an unknown caliber weapon at the residence striking it six times. The front door of the home was struck four times and the siding between two front windows was struck twice. The victim’s two daughters were also in the home at the time of the shooting.
There is no suspect information at this time and a motive for the shooting has not been identified.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call Troop 5 at 302-337-8253 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
O'Reilly: Obama Could Face Impeachment If He Pardons Illegals
Fox News' Bill O'Reilly is warning that if President Barack Obama ever bypasses Congress and uses his pardon power to make millions of illegal aliens citizens, he could face serious calls for his impeachment.
“If President Obama were to sign an executive order giving illegal aliens amnesty, his career would be over and an impeachment movement would explode,” O'Reilly said Friday night on his “Talking Points” segment during his top-rated Fox show.
At the same time, O'Reilly said he did not believe reports that the Obama administration would grant such a blanket amnesty.
Fox News, however, reported this week: “The Obama administration has been holding behind-the-scenes talks to determine whether the Department of Homeland Security can unilaterally grant legal status on a mass basis to illegal immigrants, a former Bush administration official who spoke with at least three people involved in those talks told FoxNews.com.”
More here
“If President Obama were to sign an executive order giving illegal aliens amnesty, his career would be over and an impeachment movement would explode,” O'Reilly said Friday night on his “Talking Points” segment during his top-rated Fox show.
At the same time, O'Reilly said he did not believe reports that the Obama administration would grant such a blanket amnesty.
Fox News, however, reported this week: “The Obama administration has been holding behind-the-scenes talks to determine whether the Department of Homeland Security can unilaterally grant legal status on a mass basis to illegal immigrants, a former Bush administration official who spoke with at least three people involved in those talks told FoxNews.com.”
More here
KRATOVIL’S CAMPAIGN KICKOFF VISITS SALISBURY
Saturday afternoon Congressman Frank Kratovil came to Salisbury as the lower Shore stop of his tour of the First Congressional District to announce his candidacy for reelection to the seat that he won in a close race two years ago. For about thirty minutes he discussed his views of major matters as well as his record and reasons for seeking reelection before a nice sized crowd on a hot day in the Salisbury City Park.
He was accompanied by his wife, who is expecting their fifth child and first daughter, and two of their sons. Mayor Jim Ireton was the warm-up speaker and got the crown going before the Congressman spoke. Fortunately, a pleasant breeze kicked up shortly before he began and the audience was in the shade.
Mr. Kratovil has improved as a campaign speaker since his first race; he now seems much less lawyer-like. He did a nice job of distancing himself from the Democrat elite in Washington and was greeted with numerous moments of applause. To be sure, he was speaking to a friendly audience of active supporters for the most part; even the several AFP people in attendance were polite.
Given the political milieu, we will surely be seeing Mr. Kratovil hereabouts a lot more between now and November. No doubt he would welcome a repeat of his debate with Andy Harris at Salisbury University in 2008.
The location of the campaign stop has historic political significance. In the 1950’s Nixon and his wife made an appearance at that spot. Some old-timers still talk about Pat Nixon getting her heel stuck between the boards while walking across the footbridge.
Obama Internet Kill Switch Plan Approved By US Senate
A US Senate committee has approved a wide-ranging cybersecurity bill that some critics have suggested would give the US president the authority to shut down parts of the Internet during a cyberattack.
Senator Joe Lieberman and other bill sponsors have refuted the charges that the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act gives the president an Internet "kill switch." Instead, the bill puts limits on the powers the president already has to cause "the closing of any facility or stations for wire communication" in a time of war, as described in the Communications Act of 1934, they said in a breakdown of the bill published on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee website.
The committee unanimously approved an amended version of the legislation by voice vote Thursday, a committee spokeswoman said. The bill next moves to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled.
The bill, introduced earlier this month, would establish a White House Office for Cyberspace Policy and a National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications, which would work with private US companies to create cybersecurity requirements for the electrical grid, telecommunications networks and other critical infrastructure.
The bill also would allow the US president to take emergency actions to protect critical parts of the Internet, including ordering owners of critical infrastructure to implement emergency response plans, during a cyber-emergency. The president would need congressional approval to extend a national cyber-emergency beyond 120 days under an amendment to the legislation approved by the committee.
The legislation would give the US Department of Homeland Security authority that it does not now have to respond to cyber-attacks, Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, said earlier this month.
Other sponsors of the bill are Senators Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, and Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat.
More here
Senator Joe Lieberman and other bill sponsors have refuted the charges that the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act gives the president an Internet "kill switch." Instead, the bill puts limits on the powers the president already has to cause "the closing of any facility or stations for wire communication" in a time of war, as described in the Communications Act of 1934, they said in a breakdown of the bill published on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee website.
The committee unanimously approved an amended version of the legislation by voice vote Thursday, a committee spokeswoman said. The bill next moves to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled.
The bill, introduced earlier this month, would establish a White House Office for Cyberspace Policy and a National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications, which would work with private US companies to create cybersecurity requirements for the electrical grid, telecommunications networks and other critical infrastructure.
The bill also would allow the US president to take emergency actions to protect critical parts of the Internet, including ordering owners of critical infrastructure to implement emergency response plans, during a cyber-emergency. The president would need congressional approval to extend a national cyber-emergency beyond 120 days under an amendment to the legislation approved by the committee.
The legislation would give the US Department of Homeland Security authority that it does not now have to respond to cyber-attacks, Lieberman, a Connecticut independent, said earlier this month.
Other sponsors of the bill are Senators Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, and Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat.
More here
Iran And Gaza Behind Meeting Of US, Israel Military Chiefs
U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen is meeting his Israeli counterpart IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi for the 15th time in three years on Sunday, an extraordinary reversal in top consultations following 10 years without direct discussions.
The unscheduled visit in Israel was described by the IDF as a “brief professional visit,” but it will be long enough to include discussions with five top IDF officers, including the head of the navy and of military intelligence.
The United States formerly has ignored the Iranian nuclear threat, angering Israel with its assessment, disclosed in late 2007, that American intelligence had concluded that Iran had suspended its efforts to build a nuclear weapon.
Events in the Islamic Republic since then have thoroughly disproved the conclusion, and the prospect of a military strike by Israel on Iran’s nuclear sites, possibly with the approval or even participation of the United States, has been raised from time to time. U.S. President Barack Obama has consistently opted for diplomacy and sanctions against Iran while Tehran continues to produce enriched uranium, a key element for a nuclear weapon.
Most estimates are that Iran will be able to manufacture such a weapon within a year but will not have the capacity to atttack Israel with a nuclear warhead for three years. However, fears remain that Iran could transfer a nuclear weapon, in the form of a “dirty bomb” or some other means, to terrorist groups such as Hizbullah, based in Lebanon, Israel's northern neighbor.
Following previous meetings with Chief of Staff Ashkenazi, Mullen has stated that there is a “shared recognition that there remains a potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons and to threaten its neighbors.”
Here is more
Walmart Parking Lot Jerk Today
Hello Joe. I have a story to tell you about Walmart parking lot today. My boyfriend and I were heading into the store shortly before noon. We were closer to the entrance near the Garden Department. As we headed up the aisle, we saw someone sitting in their car and thought that they were leaving. So we backed up and put our turn signal on. Out of no where this blue car came speeding up to us and started blowing their horn. I looked back and this guy was trying to go around us. It didn't like look these people were going to leave so we went ahead and pulled forward. We made a right and turned down the next aisle and this guy followed us following too close to us. Somebody was leaving so we put our turn signal on and waited for the people to back out. So here we go again, he started blowing the horn. My boyfriend got out and went and asked him what his problem was. He told him that he was trying to find a parking space and we didn't have his turn signal on. Uh, sorry yes we did considering when he was back there talking to him he clearly pointed it out that he did. So we pull into the parking space and this jerk goes speeding up the aisle blowing his horn the whole way. We got out of the car and started heading into the store. As we got up to the crosswalk area he had gone up the first aisle we had gone down and started blowing the horn and flipping us off. Mind you he was in the crosswalk section of Walmart while he was doing this. So he turns left down the next aisle and starts blowing the horn at someone else who was waiting for another car to pull out. It was at that point, I went out there and and took the attached picture. When I got into the store the greeter was telling someone else that the store manager had been made aware of it and was on the way out to him.
A few points I would like to make to Mr. MD Tag MCX847:
1. I don't think you need to go to Walmart, particularly on a Saturday. This is a very busy retail establishment and you can certainly expect people to wait for another vehicle to leave so they can have a parking spot.
2. Your aggressive behavior and tailgating is going to get you into trouble.
3. You sir are going to seriously hurt or kill someone with your obnoxious behavior, particularly since you were speeding through the parking lot and the crosswalk area with no regard for people, children or the elderly. How would you have felt if you would have hit a child today?
4. If you were in that much of a hurry, you should have parked in the first available spot, got your lazy a$$ out of the car and walked.
So Mr. MD Tag MCX847, the only thing left to say is you've just been blogged.
Beth
Iran Calls Off Gaza Flotilla Over 'Israeli Threats'
Organizers of an Iranian flotilla to Gaza announced Thursday that they would not set sail due to “Israeli threats.” The flotilla was to launch on Sunday.
Two Iranian ships said they planned to challenge Israel at sea with the help of volunteer marines. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had expressed hope that the marines would “teach Israelis a lesson.”
The cancellation follows reports that Egypt allowed Israeli and American warships to pass through the Suez Canal. The armada's passage was seen as a possible warning to Iran.
Former Iranian ambassador to Syria Hussein, Sheikh al-Islam, said the flotilla had originally been postponed “because of hurdles put up by the Zionist regime regarding the impossibility of getting some of the goods [into Gaza].” The goods will be sent by air or land instead, he said.
Israel allows all goods to enter Gaza through its crossings with the exception of weapons and weapons-making materials. Goods sent by sea are rerouted to the Ashdod port and inspected, then sent to Gaza by land.
While the planned flotilla has been called off, a different Iranian boat is scheduled to set sail from Turkey, avoiding the Suez canal. Its passengers will include four Iranian lawmakers.
Here is more
Two Iranian ships said they planned to challenge Israel at sea with the help of volunteer marines. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had expressed hope that the marines would “teach Israelis a lesson.”
The cancellation follows reports that Egypt allowed Israeli and American warships to pass through the Suez Canal. The armada's passage was seen as a possible warning to Iran.
Former Iranian ambassador to Syria Hussein, Sheikh al-Islam, said the flotilla had originally been postponed “because of hurdles put up by the Zionist regime regarding the impossibility of getting some of the goods [into Gaza].” The goods will be sent by air or land instead, he said.
Israel allows all goods to enter Gaza through its crossings with the exception of weapons and weapons-making materials. Goods sent by sea are rerouted to the Ashdod port and inspected, then sent to Gaza by land.
While the planned flotilla has been called off, a different Iranian boat is scheduled to set sail from Turkey, avoiding the Suez canal. Its passengers will include four Iranian lawmakers.
Here is more
Israeli Agent Breaks Cover To Implore US Not Do Deport Hamas Informant
The Israeli handler of a Palestinian informant revealed his identity Wednesday night to plead for US authorities not to deport the former spy on Hamas.
Gonen Ben-Itzhak, a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) agent who for 10 years worked with Mosab Hassan Yousef, appeared before cameras for the first time at a dinner honoring Yousef and other recipients of the Endowment for Middle East Truth’s Rays of Light in the Darkness award.
Ben-Itzhak, who was previously referred to by the media only as “G” and had his face obscured on camera, said he traveled to America to testify on Yousef’s behalf at an immigration hearing scheduled for the end of the month in San Diego.
Yousef, son of Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, is credited by Israel with helping thwart countless terror attacks. He is now being threatened with deportation after the US turned down his request for asylum, since statements in his autobiography about working for Hamas are being interpreted as providing material support to the US-designated terrorist organization, despite his explanation that they were intended to undermine the group.
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado), who was also honored at Wednesday’s dinner, said he was circulating a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano urging that the US not deport Yousef.
The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on his case due to privacy and pending litigation.
Sources close to the case, however, indicate they have received reports that the department understands the complexities of his case but faces limited options under the law.
That has given some of Yousef’s supporters hope that his June 30 hearing will turn out in his favor.
Ben-Itzhak stressed that he will be doing his best to make sure that happens, telling the audience, “Mosab is not a terrorist!”
More here
Gonen Ben-Itzhak, a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) agent who for 10 years worked with Mosab Hassan Yousef, appeared before cameras for the first time at a dinner honoring Yousef and other recipients of the Endowment for Middle East Truth’s Rays of Light in the Darkness award.
Ben-Itzhak, who was previously referred to by the media only as “G” and had his face obscured on camera, said he traveled to America to testify on Yousef’s behalf at an immigration hearing scheduled for the end of the month in San Diego.
Yousef, son of Hamas leader Sheik Hassan Yousef, is credited by Israel with helping thwart countless terror attacks. He is now being threatened with deportation after the US turned down his request for asylum, since statements in his autobiography about working for Hamas are being interpreted as providing material support to the US-designated terrorist organization, despite his explanation that they were intended to undermine the group.
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado), who was also honored at Wednesday’s dinner, said he was circulating a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano urging that the US not deport Yousef.
The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on his case due to privacy and pending litigation.
Sources close to the case, however, indicate they have received reports that the department understands the complexities of his case but faces limited options under the law.
That has given some of Yousef’s supporters hope that his June 30 hearing will turn out in his favor.
Ben-Itzhak stressed that he will be doing his best to make sure that happens, telling the audience, “Mosab is not a terrorist!”
More here
Tancredo: It's Time To Open Impeachment File
Yes, yes, I know. An impeachment investigation will never be started while Nancy Pelosi is speaker of the House. The good news is that this obstacle to impeachment will likely be removed by January.
It goes without saying that the impeachment process should never be a political weapon used to pursue partisan political advantage. But neither should an impeachment investigation be obstructed for political reasons.
Impeachment is a constitutional remedy to be used for serious offenses identified in the Constitution. So, we must ask this question: Has Barack Obama crossed the line that separates political differences from the serious offenses that warrant impeachment?
The Constitution's provisions for impeachment and removal are not aimed solely at the office of president. Article II, Section 4, stipulates that "the President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."
I believe there is a growing body of evidence of impeachable offenses sufficient to warrant a formal impeachment resolution in the House, followed by a trial in the Senate.
It is instructive that the founders listed only two specific crimes justifying impeachment – bribery and treason. The accusations of bribery against this president are now numerous and growing, and by themselves deserve an independent investigation under supervision of a bipartisan committee of the House of Representatives. In Pennsylvania and Colorado, candidates for the U.S. Senate were offered federal appointments in exchange for dropping out of their respective races. On their face, those actions are attempted bribery and warrant a thorough investigation.
There are also presidential actions that may stray into the category of high crimes and misdemeanors. Only this past week we have witnessed a United States senator tell his constituents that the president, in an Oval Office conversation, refused a direct request to enforce the Constitution 's guarantee of federal protection against foreign invasion. Obama wants a legislative "deal" in exchange for acting to secure the southwest border.
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It goes without saying that the impeachment process should never be a political weapon used to pursue partisan political advantage. But neither should an impeachment investigation be obstructed for political reasons.
Impeachment is a constitutional remedy to be used for serious offenses identified in the Constitution. So, we must ask this question: Has Barack Obama crossed the line that separates political differences from the serious offenses that warrant impeachment?
The Constitution's provisions for impeachment and removal are not aimed solely at the office of president. Article II, Section 4, stipulates that "the President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors."
I believe there is a growing body of evidence of impeachable offenses sufficient to warrant a formal impeachment resolution in the House, followed by a trial in the Senate.
It is instructive that the founders listed only two specific crimes justifying impeachment – bribery and treason. The accusations of bribery against this president are now numerous and growing, and by themselves deserve an independent investigation under supervision of a bipartisan committee of the House of Representatives. In Pennsylvania and Colorado, candidates for the U.S. Senate were offered federal appointments in exchange for dropping out of their respective races. On their face, those actions are attempted bribery and warrant a thorough investigation.
There are also presidential actions that may stray into the category of high crimes and misdemeanors. Only this past week we have witnessed a United States senator tell his constituents that the president, in an Oval Office conversation, refused a direct request to enforce the Constitution 's guarantee of federal protection against foreign invasion. Obama wants a legislative "deal" in exchange for acting to secure the southwest border.
Keep reading
New GOP Group Plans To Spend Millions This Fall
In a campaign season of anti-establishment ferment, some of the Republican Party's best-known insiders are building an ambitious fundraising machine for the fall elections and beyond.
They started with a bang in April, cashing a $1 million check from a Texas oil magnate. After a quiet May, friends and foes are watching to see if the new organization's core group, American Crossroads, can reach its goal of raising $52 million by November.
Karl Rove, who was President George W. Bush's top political strategist, and Ed Gillespie, a former Republican Party chairman and White House aide, modeled their network on successful operations created by Democrats several years ago.
American Crossroads is a 527 organization — named for a section in the tax law — that is exempt from limits on campaign fundraising and spending that apply to party-affiliated groups. It can tap rich conservatives, such as Trevor Rees-Jones, president of Dallas-based Chief Oil and Gas, who chipped in the first $1 million.
But eyebrows rose in political circles when the group filed its next monthly report with the Internal Revenue Service, showing only $200 raised in May.
Steven Law, a former U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawyer and now president of American Crossroads, said the group has about $30 million in pledges that Rove, Gillespie and others secured during recent trips to various cities.
"We feel very good about the progress we've made," Law said, predicting a strong fundraising report for June.
He said the idea for American Crossroads grew from talks last fall involving Rove, Gillespie and other conservatives who feel liberals outhustled the GOP after the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law in 2002 and subsequent court rulings set new limits — and opportunities — for political activities.
The goal, Law said, is to build "an enduring and robust outside organization that can, in the long run, compete with the very successful groups the Democrats have built."
Pro-Democratic groups that Law and others cite as role models include Moveon.org, Democracy Alliance — founded by liberal billionaire George Soros — and Democracy Corps, founded by Democratic strategists James Carville and Stanley Greenberg.
More here
They started with a bang in April, cashing a $1 million check from a Texas oil magnate. After a quiet May, friends and foes are watching to see if the new organization's core group, American Crossroads, can reach its goal of raising $52 million by November.
Karl Rove, who was President George W. Bush's top political strategist, and Ed Gillespie, a former Republican Party chairman and White House aide, modeled their network on successful operations created by Democrats several years ago.
American Crossroads is a 527 organization — named for a section in the tax law — that is exempt from limits on campaign fundraising and spending that apply to party-affiliated groups. It can tap rich conservatives, such as Trevor Rees-Jones, president of Dallas-based Chief Oil and Gas, who chipped in the first $1 million.
But eyebrows rose in political circles when the group filed its next monthly report with the Internal Revenue Service, showing only $200 raised in May.
Steven Law, a former U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawyer and now president of American Crossroads, said the group has about $30 million in pledges that Rove, Gillespie and others secured during recent trips to various cities.
"We feel very good about the progress we've made," Law said, predicting a strong fundraising report for June.
He said the idea for American Crossroads grew from talks last fall involving Rove, Gillespie and other conservatives who feel liberals outhustled the GOP after the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law in 2002 and subsequent court rulings set new limits — and opportunities — for political activities.
The goal, Law said, is to build "an enduring and robust outside organization that can, in the long run, compete with the very successful groups the Democrats have built."
Pro-Democratic groups that Law and others cite as role models include Moveon.org, Democracy Alliance — founded by liberal billionaire George Soros — and Democracy Corps, founded by Democratic strategists James Carville and Stanley Greenberg.
More here
Happy Birthday Bob Keeshan
What a great career!
As Clarabell the Clown with Buffalo Bob Smith and Howdy Doody
and then for decades as Captain Kangaroo.
A short video tribute here.
Thanks for the memories!
Statement Regarding Governor O'Malley's Department Of Human Resources
Statement Regarding Governor O’Malley’s Department of Human Resources
“Marylanders have a right to wonder why Governor O’Malley has left a vital state agency (DHR) without a long-term leader. The citizens of Maryland, particularly those who depend on this agency for key services, deserve to know the reasons behind this abrupt departure and why there was no succession plan in place. Failure to be forthright with Maryland on this matter will simply leave too many questions unanswered.” - Bob Ehrlich
WHITEHAVEN FERRY CLOSED
Because of mechanical difficulties, the Whitehaven Ferry will be closed until at least Monday (June 28th) afternoon. The public is asked to call the Ferry Hotline at 410-543-2765 for current information. Wicomico County regrets the inconvenience and thanks ferry users for their patience.
SHOREBIRDS TOP BLUECLAWS 7-4 IN GAME THREE OF SERIES
SHOREBIRDS TOP BLUECLAWS 7-4 IN GAME THREE OF SERIES
Kenny Moreland Wins Fourth Straight Start
Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds scored all seven of their runs in the first four innings to defeat the Lakewood BlueClaws, 7-4, on Saturday night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Mikey Planeta recorded three hits while Steve Bumbry notched four RBIs. All four of Bumbry’s runs-batted-in came with two outs.
The Shorebirds raced to an early lead in the first inning. Brian Conley walked for a 52nd time this season to open the inning. Ty Kelly then singled. After two outs were recorded, Steve Bumbry lashed a two run double to right-center field to give the Shorebirds a 2-0 edge. Two batters later, Mikey Planeta connected on a sharp single into right field to give the ‘Birds a 3-0 edge.
In the third, the Shorebirds added a run. Gary Helmick was issued a lead off walk. Luis Bernardo then delivered a single to push Helmick to third. Then, Brian Conley hit a line drive sacrifice fly to left field to give the ‘Birds a 4-0 lead.
The Shorebirds built a 7-0 lead in the fourth. Brian Conley hit a one out triple to right-center field. Then, Ty Kelly hit a single back up the middle to give the ‘Birds a 5-0 lead. Later in the inning, Steve Bumbry bounced a double up the right field line to plate two more runs.
The BlueClaws battled with two runs in the sixth and seventh innings but fell short.
Kenny Moreland earned his fourth straight win in 5.2 innings pitched. He allowed just five hits and two runs. Moreland also fanned nine batters, one shy of his career high. He struck out six straight batters between the end of the first inning and the middle of the third inning.
Nick Haughian, James Brandhorst, Josh Dowdy and Brent Allar followed Moreland to close out the BlueClaws. Allar picked up the final out to earn the save after Dowdy took a line drive off the pinky finger on his right hand.
The Shorebirds and BlueClaws square off in game four of the series on Sunday afternoon at 5:05 p.m. RHP Jesse Beal makes the start for the Shorebirds. For tickets and information, call the Shorebirds Box Office at 410-219-3112 or visit www.theshorebirds.com.
Kenny Moreland Wins Fourth Straight Start
Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds scored all seven of their runs in the first four innings to defeat the Lakewood BlueClaws, 7-4, on Saturday night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Mikey Planeta recorded three hits while Steve Bumbry notched four RBIs. All four of Bumbry’s runs-batted-in came with two outs.
The Shorebirds raced to an early lead in the first inning. Brian Conley walked for a 52nd time this season to open the inning. Ty Kelly then singled. After two outs were recorded, Steve Bumbry lashed a two run double to right-center field to give the Shorebirds a 2-0 edge. Two batters later, Mikey Planeta connected on a sharp single into right field to give the ‘Birds a 3-0 edge.
In the third, the Shorebirds added a run. Gary Helmick was issued a lead off walk. Luis Bernardo then delivered a single to push Helmick to third. Then, Brian Conley hit a line drive sacrifice fly to left field to give the ‘Birds a 4-0 lead.
The Shorebirds built a 7-0 lead in the fourth. Brian Conley hit a one out triple to right-center field. Then, Ty Kelly hit a single back up the middle to give the ‘Birds a 5-0 lead. Later in the inning, Steve Bumbry bounced a double up the right field line to plate two more runs.
The BlueClaws battled with two runs in the sixth and seventh innings but fell short.
Kenny Moreland earned his fourth straight win in 5.2 innings pitched. He allowed just five hits and two runs. Moreland also fanned nine batters, one shy of his career high. He struck out six straight batters between the end of the first inning and the middle of the third inning.
Nick Haughian, James Brandhorst, Josh Dowdy and Brent Allar followed Moreland to close out the BlueClaws. Allar picked up the final out to earn the save after Dowdy took a line drive off the pinky finger on his right hand.
The Shorebirds and BlueClaws square off in game four of the series on Sunday afternoon at 5:05 p.m. RHP Jesse Beal makes the start for the Shorebirds. For tickets and information, call the Shorebirds Box Office at 410-219-3112 or visit www.theshorebirds.com.