DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, November 25, 2010
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Let's Get Real!
Six days ago we provided a "Breaking News Story" on the scumbags who left their dogs in their car at the Mall, one died. Today, (six days later) the Daily Times finally breaks the story HERE.
I guess they'll decide when a story is important enough for you to know about.
I guess they'll decide when a story is important enough for you to know about.
Saying Goodbye To Brody Lewis
'Miracle': Teens Found Alive After 50 Days At Sea
'They were very skinny, but physically in good health,' rescuer says
Three teenagers have been rescued after 50 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean, according to reports.
The trio survived by drinking rainwater and sharing raw fish and a seagull which they'd managed to catch, rescuers said.
The boys' families had assumed Samuel Perez and Filo Filo, both aged 15, and Edward Nasau, 14, were dead and held memorial services for them.
The teens had been last seen in their small boat near the atoll of Atafu on October 5, the BBC reported.
They had traveled about 800 miles when they were found north-east of Fiji on Wednesday.
"We got to them in a miracle," Tai Fredricsen, the first mate aboard the tuna boat which found them, told New Zealand's stuff.co.nz website. "Yesterday we saw a small vessel, a little speed boat ... and we knew it was a little weird. We had enough smarts to know there were people in it and those people were not supposed to be there.
"I pulled the vessel up as close as I could to them and asked them if they needed any help ... They said 'very much so.' They were ecstatic to see us.
"They were very skinny, but physically in good health, compared to what they have been through. They are in incredibly good shape for the time they have been at sea."
GO HERE to read more.
Delaware State Police Identify Homicide Victim
Victim:
The investigation into this incident is continuing and the search for Suspect Obadiah D. Miller is ongoing.
Suspect:
(Photo Attached)
Pending Charges:
Murder 1st
Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony
Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon
Resume:
Delaware State Police have named a Suspect in the fatal shooting that occurred on Nascar Lane Magnoloia, Delaware.
Delaware State Police Homicide Detectives have obtained arrest warrants for Obadiah D. Miller-18 of Magnolia for the shooting death of the 10 year old male that occurred on Nascar Lane Magnolia, Delaware last night. Miller is wanted for Murder 1st, Possession of Firearm During Commission of Felony, and Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon.
Obadiah D. Miller should be considered armed and dangerous. The investigation is continuing and no additional information is available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Obadiah D. Miller is asked to contact 911 or their local Police Agency. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.
New Fire Chief Keeps Gordy And Hoppes In Their Positions Of Power
Subject: Organizational Adjustments
In order to gain efficiencies and streamline the administration of the Salisbury Fire Department, we will implement the following adjustments to the organizational structure. The slight modifications will become effective on Monday November 22, 2010 and allow us to progress with our forward vision. A copy of the organizational chart has been included.
Office Manager Paula Jones will support the fire chief and work on key assignments and projects related to the daily operation of the administrative office.
Administrative Assistant Shirley Reddish will support Deputy Chief Hoppes and work on key assignments and strategic projects related to the sustainment of the administrative services team.
As scheduled, Firefighter/Medic Melissa Brown will assist the fire chief in the role of Department Information Officer. This is designed to improve our channels of communication internally and externally to the department.
Deputy Chief Hoppes will head the strategic planning and administrative services team designed to enhance our processes and procedures that will allow us to achieve our long term success. Chief Hoppes will have charge of the administrative services staff.
Deputy Chief Gordy will continue in his role as the volunteer liaison to the office of the fire chief. Specific emphasis will be placed on strengthening communication and representation of the members of the three volunteer corporations.
Assistant Chief Bragg will head the new and most critical role of department safety and accountability officer.
In addition, Chief Bragg will enhance our capabilities as the community liaison as well to support key initiatives such as the Neighborhood Services Taskforce.
Senior Assistant Chief Tull will head the new Division of Operations designed to amplify our capabilities in delivering high value emergency service support to the citizens and guests that we serve. All functions related to the daily execution of Fire, EMS and Special Operation deliverables will be managed thru this division.
I appreciate the effort and support of all of our members and through the success of our people, we will accomplish great things.
Please note that the specific details related to each of the support sections can be addressed by the chief officer assigned to their area of responsibility.
Giving Thanks On Thanksgiving Day
For those of you who are not aware of just how I personally got involved with the Salvation Army, allow me to explain. Three years ago I received word that Kenny Townsend was ringing the bell and I thought, there's no way. Kenny Townsend was in jail serving time for the Landfill fiasco. It turns out, (so I learned) the Salvation Army was not only paying Bell Ringers, they were allowing work release inmates to ring the bell.
When I exposed this story, I knew there was a possibility the Warden would stop allowing inmates to participate and I vowed to replace them should he choose to do so. Well, he did and my relationship with the Salvation Army began. My quest was to help create a ALL VOLUNTEER Campaign and for the past two years we have achieved exactly that, thanks to all of YOU.
We started publishing charts and amazingly they sarted filling up with Volunteers. We have yet to even put up a chart so far this year and just look at ALL of the Volunteers already.
While there are so many things for me to personally give thanks for this year, I can't help but express my sincere gratitude to ALL of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules and Paying It Forward" to so many needy Families here on the Eastern Shore.
The Giant Grocery Store decision not to allow full time Bell Ringers was very unfortunate but we're extremely grateful for the many years they did allow us to do so. That being said, we need your help. There are so many locations in desperate need of Bell Ringers this season.
More importantly, we all know how so many are falling upon hard times locally. By manning these locations it allows the Salvation Army the opportunity to gain back what they will definitely lose from the Giant location.
Please consider volunteering a couple hours of your time, that's all we ask. One thing I can assure you of, you will walk away wanting to do more. Seeing the thousands of people reaching into their pocket to give back is truly overwhelming. Your friends and neighbors will see YOU volunteering and they too will want to get involved.
While there have been MANY things that have been extremely rewarding ever since I started Salisbury News, this is by far the most rewarding. So for that I say, THANK YOU and Happy Thanksgiving!
If you would like to Volunteer please call starting tomorrow:
410-749-RING (7464)
Giving Thanks For Everyday American Heroes
Meet 5 who answered the call, and hear what they learned from their acts of kindness and courage
If someone had told Victor Perez at the beginning of the year that he'd soon find fame because of a heroic act, he would have laughed. He couldn’t even find a job.
But the events of Oct. 5 were so unbelievable that the 30-year-old unemployed construction worker was left shaking and speechless.
"Never, ever in my wildest dreams would I think something like this would happen," said Perez, who is credited with saving the life of an abducted 8-year-old girl. "I'm trying to make sense of all this hero stuff."
As you prepare to sit down for your turkey dinner today, we thought it would be a good time to give thanks to America’s heroes — not those who sacrifice every day in the line of duty, but those, like Perez, who are thrust into the role with little if any preparation.
Read on and you’ll meet five such heroes, and hear about the impact that their acts of bravery or kindness have had on the people they helped — and on their own lives. In addition to Perez, they are:
- A New York bus driver who stopped to rescue two families from a burning house – and then went on to finish his route.
- A New Jersey tot who dialed 911 and saved his grandmother's life.
- A University of Arizona grad student who lost her leg in the Haiti earthquake, then returned to the country to build a school — and help a teenager who helped pull her from the rubble and then rushed her to get medical treatment.
- A Connecticut mayor who donated her kidney to a Facebook friend.
GO HERE to read more.
Jury Convicts DeLay In Money Laundering Trial
AUSTIN, Texas — Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay — once one of the most powerful and feared Republicans in Congress — was convicted Wednesday on charges he illegally funneled corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002.
Jurors deliberated for 19 hours before returning guilty verdicts against DeLay on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces up to life in prison on the money laundering charge.
After the verdicts were read, DeLay hugged his daughter, Danielle, and his wife, Christine. His lead attorney, Dick DeGuerin, said they planned to appeal the verdict.
"This is an abuse of power. It's a miscarriage of justice, and I still maintain that I am innocent. The criminalization of politics undermines our very system and I'm very disappointed in the outcome," DeLay told reporters outside the courtroom. He remains free on bond, and his sentencing was tentatively set to begin on Dec. 20.
GO HERE to read more.
The 5 Stupidest Questions People Ask The Butterball Turkey Hotline
If you've ever wondered why companies like Butterball have a Turkey Talk-Line to help people cook a bird that, in theory, shouldn't require all that much effort, here are some examples why.
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Only 9% Of Students At For-Profit Colleges Graduate Within 6 Years
If you're planning on getting ahead in life with a degree from a for-profit college, consider this: a new report says that only 9% of students there graduate within 6 years. Ah, so that's the reason why you don't see too many University of Phoenix degrees hanging on the walls of high-powered execs.
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Crime
Received From: Chris Eccleston – Resident of Stonegate HOA in Salisbury (city) Schumaker Pond area, residential neighborhood. WNC Contact Member.
Fyi…two men attacked a woman walking dog on Saturday in stonegate…asked her for money and phone…they cut her neck in the altercation…she has 9 stiches…
Listed in the Salisbury Police log as:
|
11/20/10 9:37 PM Sandstone Ct Assault: Knife 201000045856 Under Investigation
Iran's Parliament Planned To Oust Ahmadinejad
Iran's parliament planned to impeach President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad but refrained from doing so following the intervention of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Wall Street Journal reported. Four members of Tehran's parliament launched a petition to hold a debate on Ahmadinejad's impeachment, conservative Iranian newspapers said.
The papers reported Monday that legislators started a move to collect the 74 signatures needed to hold an open debate on the president's impeachment. Forty lawmakers have already signed the motion.
This is the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic that parliament has discussed impeachment of a president. However, the move needs Khamenei's support in order to succeed – and it does not appear to have it at this time.
In a report discussed in parliament Monday, four lawmakers voiced unprecedentedly harsh criticism of Ahmadinejad, accusing him of breaking the law and acting without the approval of the legislature. The Iranian president was charged with “illegally importing gasoline and oil, failing to provide budgetary transparency and withdrawing millions of dollars from Iran's foreign reserve fund without getting parliament's approval,” WSJ reported.
The moves against Ahmadinejad are a manifestation of domestic unrest over his plans to gradually eliminate subsidies for fuel, food and utilities, a move that is expected to drive up inflation. The opposition to Ahmadinejad is described as politically "conservative," while Ahmadinejad himself is an "ultraconservative"– as is Khamenei.
U.S. officials Monday said they are following the political struggle in Tehran and believe that they are caused, in part, by the sanctions imposed on the Iranians by the US, the United Nations and the European Union.
However, observers noted that Ahmadinejad's opponents, too, favor Iran's nuclear weapons program, and that even if Ahmadinejad is toppled, the program is likely to continue.
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The papers reported Monday that legislators started a move to collect the 74 signatures needed to hold an open debate on the president's impeachment. Forty lawmakers have already signed the motion.
This is the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic that parliament has discussed impeachment of a president. However, the move needs Khamenei's support in order to succeed – and it does not appear to have it at this time.
In a report discussed in parliament Monday, four lawmakers voiced unprecedentedly harsh criticism of Ahmadinejad, accusing him of breaking the law and acting without the approval of the legislature. The Iranian president was charged with “illegally importing gasoline and oil, failing to provide budgetary transparency and withdrawing millions of dollars from Iran's foreign reserve fund without getting parliament's approval,” WSJ reported.
The moves against Ahmadinejad are a manifestation of domestic unrest over his plans to gradually eliminate subsidies for fuel, food and utilities, a move that is expected to drive up inflation. The opposition to Ahmadinejad is described as politically "conservative," while Ahmadinejad himself is an "ultraconservative"– as is Khamenei.
U.S. officials Monday said they are following the political struggle in Tehran and believe that they are caused, in part, by the sanctions imposed on the Iranians by the US, the United Nations and the European Union.
However, observers noted that Ahmadinejad's opponents, too, favor Iran's nuclear weapons program, and that even if Ahmadinejad is toppled, the program is likely to continue.
More
Sharpton Wants FCC To Ban Limbaugh
Liberal firebrand Rev. Al Sharpton is telling audiences that the Federal Communications Commission should take Rush Limbaugh off the airwaves because of perceived offenses toward racial minorities and other groups.
The attack was only the latest in a series of attacks by Democrats, including President Obama, who suggest that America's political discourse is being crippled by talk radio and cable news shows.
Specifically, Sharpton suggested that the FCC should establish "guidelines" or "standards" to regulate speech.
"You've got to remember that those stations that Rush Limbaugh is on and others are regulated by FCC, granted by FCC; they go back to them to get waivers," Sharpton said on his own radio show on Nov. 19th
"They go back to them to get consolidation," Sharpton continued. "They have the right to set standards. That does not impair your right to speak what you believe, but it does say that you are not going to do that to offend groups of Americans based on their race, their gender, their sexual status - none of that."
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The attack was only the latest in a series of attacks by Democrats, including President Obama, who suggest that America's political discourse is being crippled by talk radio and cable news shows.
Specifically, Sharpton suggested that the FCC should establish "guidelines" or "standards" to regulate speech.
"You've got to remember that those stations that Rush Limbaugh is on and others are regulated by FCC, granted by FCC; they go back to them to get waivers," Sharpton said on his own radio show on Nov. 19th
"They go back to them to get consolidation," Sharpton continued. "They have the right to set standards. That does not impair your right to speak what you believe, but it does say that you are not going to do that to offend groups of Americans based on their race, their gender, their sexual status - none of that."
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Two Thirds Of Americans Favor Pay Cut For Federal Workers
Sixty-six percent of American voters favor a proposal to cut federal payrolls by 10 percent over the next decade, a new Rasmussen Reports survey found.
The survey, conducted Nov. 8 to 15, found that a vast majority of the country favored the 10 percent reduction in federal payrolls. Only 22 percent were opposed, and 12 percent were unsure.
The finding runs counter to the Obama administration’s plans to increase the federal workforce and seek a 1.4 percent pay raise for federal workers. In 2010, the federal workforce swelled to its largest size yet, to 2.1 million people – of which 1.4 million were civilian employees.
Reducing federal pay by 10 percent would save the government approximately $25 billion per year, Rasmussen said. Add to the up front savings the estimated $80 billion in projected increased federal payroll costs and the savings from a 10 percent cut in federal payrolls could save the government an estimated $105 billion over the next 10 years.
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The survey, conducted Nov. 8 to 15, found that a vast majority of the country favored the 10 percent reduction in federal payrolls. Only 22 percent were opposed, and 12 percent were unsure.
The finding runs counter to the Obama administration’s plans to increase the federal workforce and seek a 1.4 percent pay raise for federal workers. In 2010, the federal workforce swelled to its largest size yet, to 2.1 million people – of which 1.4 million were civilian employees.
Reducing federal pay by 10 percent would save the government approximately $25 billion per year, Rasmussen said. Add to the up front savings the estimated $80 billion in projected increased federal payroll costs and the savings from a 10 percent cut in federal payrolls could save the government an estimated $105 billion over the next 10 years.
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Stuxnet Virus 'Warheads" Could Knock Out Iran's Utility Systems
A secret report by the International Atomic Energy Agency leaked on Tuesday said that Iran had been forced to suspend activity on enriching uranium, because of “technical problems” that have surfaced in thousands of centrifuges at its Natanz nuclear reactor.
The centrifuges, which are used in the enrichment project, were taken out of service, with the entire enrichment project there on hold, the report said – indicating, observers said, that Iran's problems with the particularly malignant Stuxnet computer virus were not yet over.
A weekend article in The New York Times quoted German security expert Ralph Langer as saying that the Stuxnet virus, which he identified in September as the worm that has caused major problems at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, was still alive and well, despite Iranian denials. But instead of just disabling centrifuges, the virus can also “confuse” frequency convertors that control all sorts of mechanical and industrial processes, Langer wrote - giving Stuxnet not one, but two "warheads" that could cause severe damage to infrastructure, including water, gas and electric systems.
The virus is also far more virulent than had been thought, Langer said; it was designed to attack control systems manufactured by Germany's Siemens, which are in use in infrastructure throughout the world. The Times article quoted a U.S. security expert who said that “computer security organizations were not adequately conveying the potential for serious industrial sabotage that Stuxnet foretells,” implying that many of the world's power plants, water facilities, and other basic infrastructure that are dependent on automated control systems, are at serious risk.
But while that is possible, says Israeli security expert Rafael Sutnick, there seemed to be little likelihood that Stuxnet would “leak out” to other facilities, based on what we know about it so far.
“Whoever unleashed it on Iran seems to have a tight rein on it,” Sutnick said. “So far, Iran is the only place we've seen the virus active, indicating that it was a specific target and did not reach the country's computer network by chance or accident. Whoever designed this knew what they were doing, and the experts who have analyzed the code say that years of work went into designing it. So I don't see it disabling infrastructure randomly.”
More from INN
The centrifuges, which are used in the enrichment project, were taken out of service, with the entire enrichment project there on hold, the report said – indicating, observers said, that Iran's problems with the particularly malignant Stuxnet computer virus were not yet over.
A weekend article in The New York Times quoted German security expert Ralph Langer as saying that the Stuxnet virus, which he identified in September as the worm that has caused major problems at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, was still alive and well, despite Iranian denials. But instead of just disabling centrifuges, the virus can also “confuse” frequency convertors that control all sorts of mechanical and industrial processes, Langer wrote - giving Stuxnet not one, but two "warheads" that could cause severe damage to infrastructure, including water, gas and electric systems.
The virus is also far more virulent than had been thought, Langer said; it was designed to attack control systems manufactured by Germany's Siemens, which are in use in infrastructure throughout the world. The Times article quoted a U.S. security expert who said that “computer security organizations were not adequately conveying the potential for serious industrial sabotage that Stuxnet foretells,” implying that many of the world's power plants, water facilities, and other basic infrastructure that are dependent on automated control systems, are at serious risk.
But while that is possible, says Israeli security expert Rafael Sutnick, there seemed to be little likelihood that Stuxnet would “leak out” to other facilities, based on what we know about it so far.
“Whoever unleashed it on Iran seems to have a tight rein on it,” Sutnick said. “So far, Iran is the only place we've seen the virus active, indicating that it was a specific target and did not reach the country's computer network by chance or accident. Whoever designed this knew what they were doing, and the experts who have analyzed the code say that years of work went into designing it. So I don't see it disabling infrastructure randomly.”
More from INN
Report: Clinton nd Obama Pulled 'Bait And Switch' On Netanyahu
As Israel waits for a letter clarifying America's guarantees in exchange for a proposed building ban for Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria, a diplomatic source has come forward saying that no such letter is on its way. United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton misled Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, and contrary to reports, the U.S. does not guarantee an end to the freeze, the source said.
The source, a senior diplomat with inside knowledge of Netanyahu's recent meetings in Washington, said Clinton made commitments when talking to Netanyahu, but later slipped out of them by claiming that she had not been speaking on behalf of U.S. President Obama – who, she said in the end, did not give his approval.
When Netanyahu called the State Department to clarify America's position, officials expressed surprise at his surprise, the source continued. While Clinton made promises, Netanyahu knew from the beginning that Obama has the final word, they allegedly said.
Clinton had told Netanyahu that the proposed construction freeze would last for three months, and that it would end regardless of whether or not there was progress in talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. After that, she said, America would not push for a third building freeze.
However, according to the diplomat, U.S. leaders have since said that the building ban for Jews in Judea and Samaria would only end if Israel and the PA reached an agreement on the borders of a proposed PA state.
Several other American promises have been called into question as well. While it was initially reported that Israel would receive F-35 fighter jets in exchange for the freeze, Israeli ministers later clarified that the jets are part of a separate package, and that Israel will pay for them in full. It was also suggested that the construction ban would not apply to Jews living in Jerusalem; however, U.S. officials later stated that it would apply to all Jews living east of the 1949 armistice line, including those in Israel's capital city.
If America does not openly declare that a second construction freeze would end in three months with or without a deal with the PA, Netanyahu is unlikely to get the cabinet's support for the new construction ban. Ministers in Shas and within Netanyahu's own Likud party have already stated that they would vote against the proposal without a U.S. promise.
More details
The source, a senior diplomat with inside knowledge of Netanyahu's recent meetings in Washington, said Clinton made commitments when talking to Netanyahu, but later slipped out of them by claiming that she had not been speaking on behalf of U.S. President Obama – who, she said in the end, did not give his approval.
When Netanyahu called the State Department to clarify America's position, officials expressed surprise at his surprise, the source continued. While Clinton made promises, Netanyahu knew from the beginning that Obama has the final word, they allegedly said.
Clinton had told Netanyahu that the proposed construction freeze would last for three months, and that it would end regardless of whether or not there was progress in talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. After that, she said, America would not push for a third building freeze.
However, according to the diplomat, U.S. leaders have since said that the building ban for Jews in Judea and Samaria would only end if Israel and the PA reached an agreement on the borders of a proposed PA state.
Several other American promises have been called into question as well. While it was initially reported that Israel would receive F-35 fighter jets in exchange for the freeze, Israeli ministers later clarified that the jets are part of a separate package, and that Israel will pay for them in full. It was also suggested that the construction ban would not apply to Jews living in Jerusalem; however, U.S. officials later stated that it would apply to all Jews living east of the 1949 armistice line, including those in Israel's capital city.
If America does not openly declare that a second construction freeze would end in three months with or without a deal with the PA, Netanyahu is unlikely to get the cabinet's support for the new construction ban. Ministers in Shas and within Netanyahu's own Likud party have already stated that they would vote against the proposal without a U.S. promise.
More details
Doctors Sound TSA Germ Alert
Syphilis, lice, gonorrhea, ringworm, chlamydia, staph, strep, noro and papilloma viruses all are part of the possible fringe benefits when airline passengers next go through a full hands-on pat-down by agents of the federal government's Transportation Security Administration, according to doctors.
WND reported two days ago on alarmed passengers who noted that TSA agents doing the pat-downs that have been described by critics as molestation since they include touching private body parts were not changing gloves between passengers. In fact, some apparently were patting down dozens of passengers or more wearing the same gloves.
But neither the TSA nor federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control was willing to comment on the possibilities that infections and other loathsome afflictions could be passed from passenger to passenger
Now two doctors – and several others – have confirmed that there is the definite possibility that passengers will be able to catch whatever someone in front of them in line was suffering from via the latex gloves TSA workers use.
More here
WND reported two days ago on alarmed passengers who noted that TSA agents doing the pat-downs that have been described by critics as molestation since they include touching private body parts were not changing gloves between passengers. In fact, some apparently were patting down dozens of passengers or more wearing the same gloves.
But neither the TSA nor federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control was willing to comment on the possibilities that infections and other loathsome afflictions could be passed from passenger to passenger
Now two doctors – and several others – have confirmed that there is the definite possibility that passengers will be able to catch whatever someone in front of them in line was suffering from via the latex gloves TSA workers use.
More here
Edit Draft Rep. King: Torpedo DREAM Act To Avoid Flood Of Illegals
Defeating the so-called DREAM Act must be a top priority before it provides an uncontrollable citizenship path to thousands of illegal immigrants, says Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King.
On the surface, the act would provide a road to citizenship for students who are illegal immigrants. But the Iowa Republican also noted that it would allow students to sponsor their extended families on that path.
“We calculated that a single individual could bring in 357 people on a family reunification plan before we ran out of room on our spreadsheet,” King says.
Outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may be able to push the act through the lame-duck session of Congress, King tells Newsmax.TV. But Republicans should be able to use the filibuster to kill it in the Senate, he says.
“This is an out-of-control immigration path,” King says. “We need to fence that in and limit it to direct family members.”
King also intends to introduce a bill next year making clear that babies born to illegal mothers in the United States aren’t American citizens because they aren’t subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
More here
On the surface, the act would provide a road to citizenship for students who are illegal immigrants. But the Iowa Republican also noted that it would allow students to sponsor their extended families on that path.
“We calculated that a single individual could bring in 357 people on a family reunification plan before we ran out of room on our spreadsheet,” King says.
Outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may be able to push the act through the lame-duck session of Congress, King tells Newsmax.TV. But Republicans should be able to use the filibuster to kill it in the Senate, he says.
“This is an out-of-control immigration path,” King says. “We need to fence that in and limit it to direct family members.”
King also intends to introduce a bill next year making clear that babies born to illegal mothers in the United States aren’t American citizens because they aren’t subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
More here
Pelosi's New Mission: Block Obama Deals With GOP
Hers was the face on the grainy negative TV ads that helped defeat scores of Democrats. His agenda, re-election chances and legacy are on the line.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, chosen after a messy family feud among Democrats to remain as their leader in the new Congress, and President Barack Obama share a keen interest in repairing their injured party after this month's staggering losses.
But Pelosi's mandate is diverging from the president's at a critical time, with potentially damaging consequences for Obama's ability to cut deals with Republicans in the new Congress.
Their partnership is strained after an election in which Pelosi and many Democrats feel the White House failed them. They believe Obama and his team muddled the party's message and didn't act soon enough to provide cover for incumbents who cast tough votes for his marquee initiatives.
Pelosi will lead Democrats "in pulling on the president's shirttails to make sure that he doesn't move from center-right to far-right," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., a co-chair of the liberal Progressive Caucus in the House. "We think if he'd done less compromising in the last two years, there's a good chance we'd have had a jobs bill that would have created real jobs, and then we wouldn't even be worrying about having lost elections."
Behind Democrats' decision to keep Pelosi as their leader after historic losses lies intense concern among liberals who dominate the party's ranks on Capitol Hill: They fear Obama will go too far in accommodating the GOP in the new era of divided government. Pelosi is seen as a counterweight to that political phenomenon.
More on this
Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, chosen after a messy family feud among Democrats to remain as their leader in the new Congress, and President Barack Obama share a keen interest in repairing their injured party after this month's staggering losses.
But Pelosi's mandate is diverging from the president's at a critical time, with potentially damaging consequences for Obama's ability to cut deals with Republicans in the new Congress.
Their partnership is strained after an election in which Pelosi and many Democrats feel the White House failed them. They believe Obama and his team muddled the party's message and didn't act soon enough to provide cover for incumbents who cast tough votes for his marquee initiatives.
Pelosi will lead Democrats "in pulling on the president's shirttails to make sure that he doesn't move from center-right to far-right," said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., a co-chair of the liberal Progressive Caucus in the House. "We think if he'd done less compromising in the last two years, there's a good chance we'd have had a jobs bill that would have created real jobs, and then we wouldn't even be worrying about having lost elections."
Behind Democrats' decision to keep Pelosi as their leader after historic losses lies intense concern among liberals who dominate the party's ranks on Capitol Hill: They fear Obama will go too far in accommodating the GOP in the new era of divided government. Pelosi is seen as a counterweight to that political phenomenon.
The Real Story of Thanksgiving
Did you know that the first [Plymouth Colony Pilgrims'] Thanksgiving was a celebration of the triumph of private property and individual initiative?
William Bradford was the governor of the original Pilgrim colony, founded at Plymouth in 1621. The colony was first organized on a communal basis, as their financiers required. Land was owned in common. The Pilgrims farmed communally, too, following the "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs" precept.
The results were disastrous. Communism didn't work any better 400 years ago than it does today. By 1623, the colony had suffered serious losses. Starvation was imminent.
Bradford realized that the communal system encouraged and rewarded waste and laziness and inefficiency, and destroyed individual initiative. Desperate, he abolished it. He distributed private plots of land among the surviving Pilgrims, encouraging them to plant early and farm as individuals, not collectively.
The results: a bountiful early harvest that saved the colonies. After the harvest, the Pilgrims celebrated with a day of Thanksgiving -- on August 9th.
Unfortunately, William Bradford's diaries -- in which he recorded the failure of the collectivist system and the triumph of private enterprise -- were lost for many years. When Thanksgiving was later made a national holiday, the present November date was chosen. And the lesson the Pilgrims so painfully learned was, alas, not made a part of the holiday.
Happily, Bradford's diaries were later rediscovered. They're available today in paperback. They tell the real story of Thanksgiving -- how private property and individual initiative saved the Pilgrims.
William Bradford was the governor of the original Pilgrim colony, founded at Plymouth in 1621. The colony was first organized on a communal basis, as their financiers required. Land was owned in common. The Pilgrims farmed communally, too, following the "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs" precept.
The results were disastrous. Communism didn't work any better 400 years ago than it does today. By 1623, the colony had suffered serious losses. Starvation was imminent.
Bradford realized that the communal system encouraged and rewarded waste and laziness and inefficiency, and destroyed individual initiative. Desperate, he abolished it. He distributed private plots of land among the surviving Pilgrims, encouraging them to plant early and farm as individuals, not collectively.
The results: a bountiful early harvest that saved the colonies. After the harvest, the Pilgrims celebrated with a day of Thanksgiving -- on August 9th.
Unfortunately, William Bradford's diaries -- in which he recorded the failure of the collectivist system and the triumph of private enterprise -- were lost for many years. When Thanksgiving was later made a national holiday, the present November date was chosen. And the lesson the Pilgrims so painfully learned was, alas, not made a part of the holiday.
Happily, Bradford's diaries were later rediscovered. They're available today in paperback. They tell the real story of Thanksgiving -- how private property and individual initiative saved the Pilgrims.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips - What Not To Feed Your Dog Or Cat
This Thanksgiving, fight the urge to feed Fido your leftovers.
Your pup may whimper for table scraps but they could cause him serious harm.
"Thanksgiving can be a hazardous holiday for our pets," said Dr. Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Our pets simply can't handle fatty foods as well as we can.”
You can feed your dog a bite or two of turkey but make sure it’s well-cooked to avoid choking and salmonella risks, the ASPCA advises. But be careful. Too much fatty turkey skin and gravy can cause pancreatitis, a serious inflammation that can turn a happy Thanksgiving dinner into an emergency run to the vet’s clinic.
Sorry, no stuffing. Herbs, such as sage, contains essential oils that can cause stomach upset and more serious health problems in both dogs and cats. Onions and raisins are also a no-no. Keep dogs and cats away from chocolate, nuts, alcohol and raw bread dough.
Make sure you tie your garbage bags tight to keep hungry paws away. If your leftovers go south, your dog will suffer the consequences of spoiled food: gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms of food poisoning.
No bones, please. Cooked turkey bones are fragile and hollow and can cause serious internal injury to your dog.
It's best to keep your dog on his regular schedule, advises the North Shore Animal League. Walk him and feed him the way you normally would to avoid problems.
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