Incident: Attempted Murder
Location: N. Division Street and Anderson Street
Fruitland, Md.
Date&Time: Saturday January 1, 2011 @ 12:43 p.m.
Accused: Glenyette Contrina Corbin F/B 33 yoa
112 N. Division Street, Fruitland, Md.
Resume’ On the above date and time officers were dispatched to North Division Street area of Fruitland, Md. reference a disturbance. Upon arrival officers observed the accused attempting to stab the victim (her husband) with a very large knife and the victim holding the accuseds’ arms to prevent it. The accused had the knife against the victim’s upper stomach and lower chest area. Officer’s ordered the accused to drop the knife which she did and was immediately placed under arrest. According to statements obtained at the scene, the couple had a verbal argument while sitting in their vehicle on N. Division Street. The victim got out of the vehicle and walked away, crossing a vacant lot at Anderson Street and N. Division Street. As he was walking the victim heard the vehicle, a Chevrolet Tahoe, being accelerated and as he turned around, was struck by the vehicle. He was hit just above the knees and thrown upon the hood, rolled off the side onto the ground. After stricking the victim, the accused turned the SUV around and attempted to strick him a second time. The victim managed to get up, open the door to the vehicle and attempted to turn the vehicle’s ignition off. The accused then reached beneath the seat and grabbed the knife which she attempted to stab him with. The accused was charged with Attempted Murder, Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Possession of a dangerous weapon and Concealment of a dangerous weapon. She was transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center where she is bein held on $250,000.00 bond.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Salisbury Police Department Press Release - Shooting
On January 5, 2011 at approximately 12:08 am, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the four hundred (400) block of Newton Terrace for the report of shots fired. During the response to the area, the officers received further information that a victim of the shooting was at the Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Officers that arrived at Newton Terrace found that a taxi cab had been damaged during the shooting and was left unoccupied. Officers responded to the hospital and met with the victim, an adult male cab driver. The victim advised the officers that he had picked up two (2) subjects for a cab transport to the area of Newton Terrace. Upon arrival, one of the suspects exited the cab then produced a handgun and fired the handgun striking the victim. The second suspect exited the vehicle then fled from the area, with the first suspect, on foot. The victim called for assistance on his cb radio and was transported to the hospital by another cab driver. A k-9 track for the suspects was attempted with the assistance of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department with negative results. The victim was admitted to the hospital in stable condition with non life threatening injuries. The suspects were described as:
Suspect # 1: Black male, light complexion, 18-19 years of age, medium height and medium weight.
Suspect # 2: Black male, dark complexion, 18-19 years of age.
This investigation is continuing and the Salisbury Police are asking anyone that may have information concerning this incident to call the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or to call Crime Solvers. Information may be left at both locations anonymously.
CC # 201100000471
Suspect # 1: Black male, light complexion, 18-19 years of age, medium height and medium weight.
Suspect # 2: Black male, dark complexion, 18-19 years of age.
This investigation is continuing and the Salisbury Police are asking anyone that may have information concerning this incident to call the Salisbury Police Department at 410-548-3165 or to call Crime Solvers. Information may be left at both locations anonymously.
CC # 201100000471
Terry Cohen To File For Re-election Thursday
In a statement to the public today, Salisbury City Councilwoman Terry E. Cohen announced that she will file for re-election tomorrow, January 6. The date holds special significance for Cohen and her relationship to Salisbury.
The text of Cohen’s statement follows: “On January 6, my father, Sol Cohen, would have been 92, having passed away in 2006 after a valiant 8-month struggle with illness. This year, it will be 40 years since Dad brought his family permanently to Salisbury, recognizing the potential this community offered.
“Dad came up a year-and-a-half before the rest of us, living first in Pinehurst, then on Cecil St. where I joined him to start ninth grade in 1971. Shortly after, we settled into the family house just outside the city limits near what was then Salisbury State College, now an acclaimed university. ‘Salisbury’ wasn’t about city limits back then; it was about limitless possibilities.
“Sol Cohen was the walking embodiment of the American work ethic. After retiring at 65 from one company here, he was hired to work at Henson Aviation by Richard Henson himself and had just completed 20 years with Piedmont Airlines when he took ill at 86.
Salisbury gave Dad opportunities and he gave Salisbury a life of service: working hard at his job, supporting Community Players with his talent onstage and skills backstage, serving as post commander for the Jewish War Veterans, helping his neighbors on a regular basis, and so much more.
“My mother, Bettie Cohen, bloomed when planted here in Salisbury, joking later that she was following in her daughter’s footsteps. She became a business owner and was president of various local organizations, including the Salisbury Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Tri-County League of Women Voters, and the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary. She became involved in local, state and national initiatives, many of which we did together and many of which dealt with policy making.
“Mom was with me in 2007 when I first won the public’s trust to serve on the Salisbury City Council. Since she joined Dad in 2009, both stand with me in spirit as I humbly ask again for the public’s trust to serve. “My parents did more than teach me the meaning of ‘family,’ ‘community,’ ‘hard work’ and ‘service.’ They showed me every day what these words truly mean and what could be achieved by being involved in Salisbury, by getting to know and love its people. "They chose to make a home in Salisbury with the last of their five children while seeing two others through college. Although neither of them had the opportunity to go to college and money was always tight, their belief in the importance of education and hard work was passed on to their children, resulting in all five of us earning university degrees. With similar determination, my family has chosen Salisbury as our home.
“Even with the problems and challenges it faces today, Salisbury still has incredible potential – the kind worth the long, late hours and dedication I’ve given it for nearly four years. It’s a labor of love – I do it for my children, for families of all kinds and sizes, for the hard workers like my parents were, for the wise seniors they grew to be, for the young adults yearning to discover their own opportunities.
“I can’t think of a better day to renew my commitment to making Salisbury the best it can and should be than the birthday of my father, who in partnership with my mother, moved our family from a big city halfway across the country to a relatively small but growing town and achieved a richness in quality of life that everyone should be blessed to have.”
The Salisbury 2011 primary is March 1, and the general election is April 5.
Cohen can be reached at 410-845-0296 or Terry@TerryCohen.com, whether related to her current capacity as a member of city council or regarding her upcoming campaign.
After Cohen officially files, her campaign website, http://www.terrycohen.com/, will become active.
Authority: Citizens for Terry Cohen - Rebecca A. Goss, Treasurer
Message to Wicomico Council – ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD NOW!
Last night’s meeting of the Wicomico County Council was designed to be a pretty boring affair. There wasn’t much on the agenda other than appointing several council members to the Tri-County Council and introducing a bill that would exempt Wicomico County from the new reg to put sprinkler systems into new houses (the controversy on that will come with the public hearing). Boring that is, until public comment.
With nothing of real interest on the agenda, I think that council members were a little surprised by the number of citizens who showed up last night. What motivated voters to take time out of their busy schedules to attend? They wanted the opportunity to express their desire for an elected school board.
Only one citizen, Mary Ashanti of the Wicomico Branch of the NAACP, spoke in opposition to an elected board. Everyone else speaking on the matter supported either a fully elected board or were willing to consider the compromise of a hybrid board (partly elected, partly appointed).
Council Gail Bartkovich has promised to bring the matter to a work session. The question is … WHEN? I realize that Bartkovich is very deliberative. This is one reason that she makes such an excellent council president. However, the window of opportunity for getting the Maryland General Assembly to pass legislation this year will be closing soon.
An elected school board is not a panacea. However, a school board that is accountable to the citizens of Wicomico County rather than to the governor or special interest groups such as the MSEA cannot be a bad thing.
To paraphrase Councilman Joe Holloway’s comments last night:
I wonder how the voters would feel if the county council were appointed by the governor rather than the elected by the people of Wicomico County?
During council comments four council members: Joe Holloway, Bob Caldwell, Bob Culver, and Matt Holloway, all concurred that we need an elected school board. The time to place it on the agenda is NOW!
Md. Drink Tax A Win-Win, Say Supporters
A new study concludes an increase in Maryland's alcohol tax could save lives and money.
The study was conducted by the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins on behalf of the Maryland Health Care For All Coalition. The group also released a poll Tuesday that suggests many Marylanders support the tax.
The research results "... make clear that a dime a drink increase in Maryland's alcohol tax is good policy and good politics," said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative and the Health Care For All Coalition. "Maryland voters overwhelmingly support the dime a drink alcohol tax increase because they know that it will save lives and help Maryland's economy."
Alcohol use is responsible for 1,278 deaths and 7,470 violent crimes in Maryland every year, according to the study. The tax increase will save 33 lives and prevent 370 violent acts every year, as well as prevent 13,301 cases of alcohol dependence or abuse, researchers said. A 10 cent increase in the cost of a drink will lead to $215.6 million in new revenue for the state and an additional $225.2 million in cost savings for Maryland's economy because of a projected 4.25 percent decrease in alcohol consumption, resulting in increased productivity to the tune of $131.7 million, more than enough to exceed any potential job losses in the alcohol industry, according to the research.
GO HERE to read more.
Gov't By Decree: Obama Ready To Deploy Executive Powers
President Obama challenged congressional Republicans to embrace the "shared responsibility" of governance even as the White House appears ready to use unilateral executive powers to battle Capitol Hill. With Republicans taking over the House and increasing their number in the Senate, Obama faces the possibility of having his agenda stalled with limited room to maneuver -- making for tough sledding in the two years leading up to his 2012 re-election bid.
In response, Obama is expected to make more frequent use of executive orders, vetoes, signing statements and policy initiatives that originate within the federal agencies to maneuver around congressional Republicans who are threatening to derail initiatives he has already put in place, including health care reforms, and to launch serial investigations into his administration's spending.
"There is going to be an effort on the president's part to use [executive powers] to satisfy his base and institutionalize what he can," said John Kenneth White, professor of politics at the Catholic University of America.
This week, the Environmental Protection Agency begins regulating greenhouse gas emissions at some energy plants and factories -- a move Obama pushed for after his cap-and-trade environmental legislation stalled in Congress.
The move angered many Republicans, who are vowing to block the new regulations they say threatens the nation's fragile economic recovery and who objected to an end-run around the legislative process.
"It's unclear what recourse Republicans have, but I think you will see a lot of battles where Obama's nominees are held up over regulatory decisions that are not directly related," said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist and former Senate staffer. "The legislative branch really feels they should control the laws that affect people."
Obama said during his 2008 campaign that he wouldn't use signing statements, codicils presidents can attach to bills challenging or refusing to enforce parts of a law, the way his predecessor, President George W. Bush, did. But since taking office, Obama issued signing statements on budgetary matters, foreign aid, commission appointments and more -- along with a memorandum promising to use "restraint" whenever exercising that power.
Read more at the Washington Examiner
In response, Obama is expected to make more frequent use of executive orders, vetoes, signing statements and policy initiatives that originate within the federal agencies to maneuver around congressional Republicans who are threatening to derail initiatives he has already put in place, including health care reforms, and to launch serial investigations into his administration's spending.
"There is going to be an effort on the president's part to use [executive powers] to satisfy his base and institutionalize what he can," said John Kenneth White, professor of politics at the Catholic University of America.
This week, the Environmental Protection Agency begins regulating greenhouse gas emissions at some energy plants and factories -- a move Obama pushed for after his cap-and-trade environmental legislation stalled in Congress.
The move angered many Republicans, who are vowing to block the new regulations they say threatens the nation's fragile economic recovery and who objected to an end-run around the legislative process.
"It's unclear what recourse Republicans have, but I think you will see a lot of battles where Obama's nominees are held up over regulatory decisions that are not directly related," said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican strategist and former Senate staffer. "The legislative branch really feels they should control the laws that affect people."
Obama said during his 2008 campaign that he wouldn't use signing statements, codicils presidents can attach to bills challenging or refusing to enforce parts of a law, the way his predecessor, President George W. Bush, did. But since taking office, Obama issued signing statements on budgetary matters, foreign aid, commission appointments and more -- along with a memorandum promising to use "restraint" whenever exercising that power.
Read more at the Washington Examiner
Republicans Charge Harry Reid Power Grab On Filibuster
The Washington Post writes it off as a minor "tweak," but Senate Republicans today charged that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is mounting an unprecedented "power grab" that will essentially eliminate use of the filibuster in many cases like fighting liberal Supreme Court nominations.
"It would forever change the nature of the Senate and constitute a naked partisan power grab. Such a move would disrespect our bipartisan system and the will of the American people," says a memo from the Senate Republican Policy Committee, headed by potential presidential candidate Sen. John Thune.
At issue is a bid by Reid to change the filibuster rules this week by a simple majority, 51, instead of the traditional two thirds. Since Reid's party controls 53 seats (51 Democrats and independents Joe Lieberman of Connectictut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont), they could institute the change over GOP opposition.
In the memo, provided to Whispers, the GOP also unleashed a broad assault on Reid's handling of the Senate in the past two years, accusing him of cutting Republicans out of debates and blocking GOP legislation. It claims that when the rules are applied, more bipartisan legislation is produced.
Read the memo from the Senate Republican Policy Committee..
(Source)
"It would forever change the nature of the Senate and constitute a naked partisan power grab. Such a move would disrespect our bipartisan system and the will of the American people," says a memo from the Senate Republican Policy Committee, headed by potential presidential candidate Sen. John Thune.
At issue is a bid by Reid to change the filibuster rules this week by a simple majority, 51, instead of the traditional two thirds. Since Reid's party controls 53 seats (51 Democrats and independents Joe Lieberman of Connectictut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont), they could institute the change over GOP opposition.
In the memo, provided to Whispers, the GOP also unleashed a broad assault on Reid's handling of the Senate in the past two years, accusing him of cutting Republicans out of debates and blocking GOP legislation. It claims that when the rules are applied, more bipartisan legislation is produced.
Read the memo from the Senate Republican Policy Committee..
(Source)
Tea Party Organizers: 'We Are Watching'
One tea party group has issued a call for supporters to greet new members of Congress as they are officially sworn in Wednesday, and similar scenarios are expected to play out in states across the nation. Tea party organizers say they plan to become watchdogs inside state capitals while continuing the grass-roots push to generate political support to cut spending and roll back federal overreach.
"We are watching, and we are going to hold them accountable, and it is not too early to start making our target list for 2012," said Amy Kremer, grass-roots director for Tea Party Express, which is focused on the federal government.
"People are definitely thinking long term," said Jamie Radtke, the head of the Virginia Federation of Tea Party Patriots, who has announced plans to run next year for the seat held by freshman Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat.
Tea party-backed candidates secured dozens of victories in the November elections, helping Republicans seize control of the House of Representatives and gain a half-dozen seats in the Senate. They also helped the GOP take the reins in at least 20 state legislatures, in many cases giving the party control of the redistricting process.
But in recent weeks, as political focus has shifted from the rhetoric of the campaign trail to the realities of governing, some prognosticators have pondered whether the tea party's political passion will tail off.
Tea partyers brush off the idea.
They say the movement's strength is growing, with their postelection power on display during the lame-duck session in the defeat of Senate Democrats' proposed $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. GOP leaders also got nearly every member of their party to agree to a temporary ban on congressional earmarks, a symbol of wasteful Washington spending and a major rallying cause for tea party voters.
The tea party influence was clear this week as the five candidates for chairman of the Republican National Committee appealed for the movement's support in a forum at the National Press Club.
More here
"We are watching, and we are going to hold them accountable, and it is not too early to start making our target list for 2012," said Amy Kremer, grass-roots director for Tea Party Express, which is focused on the federal government.
"People are definitely thinking long term," said Jamie Radtke, the head of the Virginia Federation of Tea Party Patriots, who has announced plans to run next year for the seat held by freshman Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat.
Tea party-backed candidates secured dozens of victories in the November elections, helping Republicans seize control of the House of Representatives and gain a half-dozen seats in the Senate. They also helped the GOP take the reins in at least 20 state legislatures, in many cases giving the party control of the redistricting process.
But in recent weeks, as political focus has shifted from the rhetoric of the campaign trail to the realities of governing, some prognosticators have pondered whether the tea party's political passion will tail off.
Tea partyers brush off the idea.
They say the movement's strength is growing, with their postelection power on display during the lame-duck session in the defeat of Senate Democrats' proposed $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. GOP leaders also got nearly every member of their party to agree to a temporary ban on congressional earmarks, a symbol of wasteful Washington spending and a major rallying cause for tea party voters.
The tea party influence was clear this week as the five candidates for chairman of the Republican National Committee appealed for the movement's support in a forum at the National Press Club.
More here
Laugh Line Of The Day
President Obama, returning to Washington from his Christmas vacation in Hawaii, urged House and Senate GOP leaders to put partisan politics aside in the name of working to boost the economy.
(No, really-- he said that. More here..)
(No, really-- he said that. More here..)
Conservative Lawmakers Decry GOP Rules With 'Washington-Style Gimmicks'
Several conservative House Republican lawmakers are blasting a provision in the House rules package that they say is a Washington-style gimmick.
The four Republicans, who include Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), the chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, want the new House rules package amended before lawmakers vote on it Wednesday. The complaints set up a battle with GOP leaders ahead of a final vote.
Jordan, joined by GOP Reps. Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Tom Graves (Ga.) and Scott Garrett (N.J.), said the new rules package contained “Washington-style gimmicks” that appropriators could use to recoup funds they’d cut elsewhere.
The rules as currently proposed call for spending cuts to be placed into a separate account that wouldn’t be available for spending. The rule would allow the sponsor of the cut to reallocate the money for other purposes but doesn’t let another member increase spending with any savings that are set aside.
Jordan’s proposal would essentially ban lawmakers from touching any of the money put into the spending reduction accounts.
“Our amendment would prevent any reductions approved by the House from being used to increase spending in another bill,” Jordan said.
Jordan said the current proposal is “unclear” on whether there is authority to spend from the savings accounts. He said the proposed change would ensure that the money isn’t spent, regardless of who proposed the cuts, unless the full House votes for it.
“House Republicans, in particular members of the newly elected freshman class, need Americans to know that when we vote to cut spending, spending really will be cut with no Washington-style gimmicks,” Jordan said. “I urge House Republicans in the strongest terms to adopt this amendment to make the new Spending Reduction Accounts more bulletproof.”
Jordan’s proposal shifts authority over the savings accounts from the Appropriations Committee to the full House.
More
The four Republicans, who include Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), the chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, want the new House rules package amended before lawmakers vote on it Wednesday. The complaints set up a battle with GOP leaders ahead of a final vote.
Jordan, joined by GOP Reps. Jeff Flake (Ariz.), Tom Graves (Ga.) and Scott Garrett (N.J.), said the new rules package contained “Washington-style gimmicks” that appropriators could use to recoup funds they’d cut elsewhere.
The rules as currently proposed call for spending cuts to be placed into a separate account that wouldn’t be available for spending. The rule would allow the sponsor of the cut to reallocate the money for other purposes but doesn’t let another member increase spending with any savings that are set aside.
Jordan’s proposal would essentially ban lawmakers from touching any of the money put into the spending reduction accounts.
“Our amendment would prevent any reductions approved by the House from being used to increase spending in another bill,” Jordan said.
Jordan said the current proposal is “unclear” on whether there is authority to spend from the savings accounts. He said the proposed change would ensure that the money isn’t spent, regardless of who proposed the cuts, unless the full House votes for it.
“House Republicans, in particular members of the newly elected freshman class, need Americans to know that when we vote to cut spending, spending really will be cut with no Washington-style gimmicks,” Jordan said. “I urge House Republicans in the strongest terms to adopt this amendment to make the new Spending Reduction Accounts more bulletproof.”
Jordan’s proposal shifts authority over the savings accounts from the Appropriations Committee to the full House.
More
Junior Cotillion Pictures
Hi Everyone,
I finally posted – on Facebook - all of the pictures from our Year One and Year Two Cotillion classes of December 19. Please go to Facebook and search for Eastern Shore Chapter, NLJC (or copy and paste - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?id=110181769046158&pid=226791#!/pages/Eastern-Shore-Chapter-NLJC/110181769046158 ), take a look at the pictures, and say you like it if you do.
Feel free to leave comments or become a “friend”.
Thank you for your continued support.
Ann
BREAKING NEWS – Shooting in Salisbury
There was another shooting last night in Salisbury. Details to follow.
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases
Incident: Burglary 1st Degree, Theft
Date of Incident: 31 December 2010
Location: 300 Block of Cedar Drive
Suspects: Austin Bowden, Male, 24 Y.O.A, Salisbury MD
Brandon Bowden, Male, 21 Y.O.A, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 2 January 2011 a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was displaying expired registration plates.
The driver of the vehicle later identified as Austin Bowden was eventually arrested for driving without a license. The passenger identified as Brandon Bowden was arrested for two outstanding warrants.
In plain view inside the vehicle, the deputy observed numerous items that he recognized to be stolen property from a previous burglary. During a further search of the vehicle, more stolen items were recovered from inside the vehicle.
Both Austin and Brandon Bowden were placed under arrest and were transported to WCDC where they were released to custody of the central booking unit. Both subjects were detained by in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
Charges: Burglary 1st degree
Felony Theft
Incident: Burglary 1st Degree, Theft
Date of Incident: 31December 2010
Location: 3900 Block of Webb Road
Suspects: Dylan Kelly, Male, Pittsville MD
Juvenile, Female, Pittsville MD
Juvenile, Female, Pittsville MD
Narrative: On 31December 2010 at approximately 7:30 P.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 3900 block of Webb Road in reference to a report of a burglary in progress.
Upon his arrival the deputy met with victim who advised that he was familiar with one of the suspects who he identified as Dylan Kelly. Deputies including a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Canine Team completed a track of the area the suspects fled. Deputies were unable to locate the suspects at this time.
Shortly later while on patrol in the area of Bob Kelly road a deputy made a traffic stop on a vehicle and identified one of the passengers as known suspect Dylan Kelly. Kelly was placed under arrest for theft and burglary 1st degree.
Further investigation by the deputy lead to the arrest of two juvenile females who participated in the incident. Both juvenile were charged with burglary related charges and later released to their parents.
Dylan Kelly was transported to WCDC where they were released to custody of the central booking unit. Dylan Kelly was held on a $85,000 Bond. Both juveniles were released to the custody of their parents.
Charges: Burglary 1st degree
Accessory
Incident: Assault 2nd Degree
Date of Incident: 1 January 2011
Location: 7481 Gumboro Road
Suspects: Debra Mccune, Female 18 Y.O.A, Fruitland MD
Narrative: On 01 January 2011 at approximately 1514 P.M., deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the the7400 block of Gumboro Road in Drive in reference to a report of a domestic assault.
Upon their arrival deputies met with the victim of an assault who advised that her daughter Debra McCune had assaulted her. The victim went on to say that Debra McCune and her boy friend came to the home to pick up some personal property. Debra McCune and the victim got into a verbal argument that later led into a physical altercation.
Debra McCune was placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center were he was released to the custody of central booking. McCune was released by the Wicomico County Commissioners Office on her own recognizance.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Driving without a License
Date of Incident: 3 January 2011
Location: Main Street and Old Ocean City Road, Willards MD
Suspects: Austin Bowden, 24, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 02 January 2011 at approximately 0700 P.M. a deputy was on patrol in the area of Main Street and Old Ocean City Road in Willard’s when he observed a vehicle with expired registration plates.
The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Austin Bowden. Through MVA checks, it was found that Austin Bowden did not have a valid driver’s license.
Bowden was placed under arrest for driving without a license and was later transported to WCDC where he was released to the central booking unit.
Charges: Driving without a license.
Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 21 December 2010
Location: Naylor Mill Road and Jersey Road
Suspects: Felicia Schibinger, Female 19 YOA, Salisbury MD
Sean Robinson, Male 18 YOA, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 31December 2010 at approximately 08:42 P.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol in the area of Naylor Mill Road and Jersey Road when he observed a vehicle with no headlights.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, identified the driver as Sean Robinson and the passenger as Felicia Schibinger. During his contact with the occupants the deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle. During a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle deputies recovered an amount of marijuana.
Both Felicia Schibinger and Sean Robinson were placed under arrest for the possession of marijuana and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center were they were released to the custody of the Central Booking Unit. Both subjects were later released by the District Court Commissioners Office on their own recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Incident: Assault 2nd Degree
Date of Incident: 2 January 2011
Location: 7800 Block of Eileen Drive
Suspects: Aaron Moore, 38 YOA, Salisbury MD
Male Juvenile, 15 YOA, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 02 January 2011 at approximately 0630 P.M., deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 7800 block of Eileen Drive in reference to a report of a domestic assault.
Upon their arrival deputies met with a male juvenile. The juvenile advised that he had gotten into a physical altercation with his father Aaron Moore. The juvenile further advised that earlier in the day he had gotten into a verbal argument with his step mother after she asked him to take the dog out. The juvenile became upset, left the home and walked to his mother’s place of employment.
After speaking with his mother both the juvenile and his mother returned to his fathers house and attempted to remove clothing from the juvenile’s bedroom. Moore did not want any of the items to be removed. An argument began which lead into a physical altercation between the juvenile and Aaron Moore. The juvenile advised that Aaron Moore instigated that physical altercation.
After meeting with the juvenile deputies met with Aaron Moore who provided a similar story of events however he advised that the juvenile started the physical altercation.
Both Aaron Moore and the juvenile were placed under arrest for assault. Aaron Moore was transported to PRMC for his injuries. He later transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center where he was released to the Central booking Unit. Moore was detained on a $50,000 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of controlled dangerous substance not Marijuana
Date of Incident: 30 December 2010
Location: North Salisbury Blvd. and Naylor Mill Road
Suspects: Michael Travis, 26 YOA Male, Salisbury, MD
Robert Green, 21 YOA Male, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 30 December 2010 at approximately 4:19 P.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol in the area of North Salisbury Blvd and Naylor Mill Road when he observed a vehicle displaying expired registration stickers.
The deputy made a traffic stop on the vehicle and later identified the driver as Robert Green and the passenger as Michael Travis. A short period later a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department canine unit arrived on scene to assist in the traffic stop.
While the canine team was conducting a scan of the vehicle Travis dropped an item underneath the deputies’ patrol car. It was later found that this substance was oxycodone, a controlled dangerous substance. The prescription pills were not in a prescription pill bottle and Travis could not provide a prescription for the pills. Travis was arrested for the illegal possession of oxycodone. During a later search of the vehicle deputies located a marijuana smoking device concealed inside a bag. Robert Green was arrested for the possession of marijuana.
Both Michael Travis and Robert Green were placed under arrest and later transported to WCDC where they were released to custody of the central booking unit. Both Robert Green and Michael Travis were released by the Wicomico County District Court Commissioner’s Office on their own recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of controlled dangerous substance not Marijuana
(11) Traffic Citations
Incident: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Date of Incident: 1 January 2011
Location: Levin Deshield Road and Rockawalkin Ridge Road
Suspects: Richard Melson, Male 33 YOA, Tyaskin MD
Narrative: On 01 January 2011 at approximately 0127 A.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol in the area of Levin Deshield Road and Rockawalkin Road when he observed an occupied vehicle off the roadway.
Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Richard Melson the deputy believed that the driver was possibly under the influence of alcohol. The deputy had Melson complete the standard field sobriety test which he performed poorly.
Melson was arrested and later released on signature of several citations.
Charges: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Driving while impaired by alcohol
Date of Incident: 31 December 2010
Location: 300 Block of Cedar Drive
Suspects: Austin Bowden, Male, 24 Y.O.A, Salisbury MD
Brandon Bowden, Male, 21 Y.O.A, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 2 January 2011 a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was displaying expired registration plates.
The driver of the vehicle later identified as Austin Bowden was eventually arrested for driving without a license. The passenger identified as Brandon Bowden was arrested for two outstanding warrants.
In plain view inside the vehicle, the deputy observed numerous items that he recognized to be stolen property from a previous burglary. During a further search of the vehicle, more stolen items were recovered from inside the vehicle.
Both Austin and Brandon Bowden were placed under arrest and were transported to WCDC where they were released to custody of the central booking unit. Both subjects were detained by in lieu of a $50,000 bond.
Charges: Burglary 1st degree
Felony Theft
Incident: Burglary 1st Degree, Theft
Date of Incident: 31December 2010
Location: 3900 Block of Webb Road
Suspects: Dylan Kelly, Male, Pittsville MD
Juvenile, Female, Pittsville MD
Juvenile, Female, Pittsville MD
Narrative: On 31December 2010 at approximately 7:30 P.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 3900 block of Webb Road in reference to a report of a burglary in progress.
Upon his arrival the deputy met with victim who advised that he was familiar with one of the suspects who he identified as Dylan Kelly. Deputies including a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Canine Team completed a track of the area the suspects fled. Deputies were unable to locate the suspects at this time.
Shortly later while on patrol in the area of Bob Kelly road a deputy made a traffic stop on a vehicle and identified one of the passengers as known suspect Dylan Kelly. Kelly was placed under arrest for theft and burglary 1st degree.
Further investigation by the deputy lead to the arrest of two juvenile females who participated in the incident. Both juvenile were charged with burglary related charges and later released to their parents.
Dylan Kelly was transported to WCDC where they were released to custody of the central booking unit. Dylan Kelly was held on a $85,000 Bond. Both juveniles were released to the custody of their parents.
Charges: Burglary 1st degree
Accessory
Incident: Assault 2nd Degree
Date of Incident: 1 January 2011
Location: 7481 Gumboro Road
Suspects: Debra Mccune, Female 18 Y.O.A, Fruitland MD
Narrative: On 01 January 2011 at approximately 1514 P.M., deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the the7400 block of Gumboro Road in Drive in reference to a report of a domestic assault.
Upon their arrival deputies met with the victim of an assault who advised that her daughter Debra McCune had assaulted her. The victim went on to say that Debra McCune and her boy friend came to the home to pick up some personal property. Debra McCune and the victim got into a verbal argument that later led into a physical altercation.
Debra McCune was placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center were he was released to the custody of central booking. McCune was released by the Wicomico County Commissioners Office on her own recognizance.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Driving without a License
Date of Incident: 3 January 2011
Location: Main Street and Old Ocean City Road, Willards MD
Suspects: Austin Bowden, 24, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 02 January 2011 at approximately 0700 P.M. a deputy was on patrol in the area of Main Street and Old Ocean City Road in Willard’s when he observed a vehicle with expired registration plates.
The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Austin Bowden. Through MVA checks, it was found that Austin Bowden did not have a valid driver’s license.
Bowden was placed under arrest for driving without a license and was later transported to WCDC where he was released to the central booking unit.
Charges: Driving without a license.
Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 21 December 2010
Location: Naylor Mill Road and Jersey Road
Suspects: Felicia Schibinger, Female 19 YOA, Salisbury MD
Sean Robinson, Male 18 YOA, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 31December 2010 at approximately 08:42 P.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol in the area of Naylor Mill Road and Jersey Road when he observed a vehicle with no headlights.
The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, identified the driver as Sean Robinson and the passenger as Felicia Schibinger. During his contact with the occupants the deputy smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle. During a subsequent probable cause search of the vehicle deputies recovered an amount of marijuana.
Both Felicia Schibinger and Sean Robinson were placed under arrest for the possession of marijuana and transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center were they were released to the custody of the Central Booking Unit. Both subjects were later released by the District Court Commissioners Office on their own recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Incident: Assault 2nd Degree
Date of Incident: 2 January 2011
Location: 7800 Block of Eileen Drive
Suspects: Aaron Moore, 38 YOA, Salisbury MD
Male Juvenile, 15 YOA, Salisbury MD
Narrative: On 02 January 2011 at approximately 0630 P.M., deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 7800 block of Eileen Drive in reference to a report of a domestic assault.
Upon their arrival deputies met with a male juvenile. The juvenile advised that he had gotten into a physical altercation with his father Aaron Moore. The juvenile further advised that earlier in the day he had gotten into a verbal argument with his step mother after she asked him to take the dog out. The juvenile became upset, left the home and walked to his mother’s place of employment.
After speaking with his mother both the juvenile and his mother returned to his fathers house and attempted to remove clothing from the juvenile’s bedroom. Moore did not want any of the items to be removed. An argument began which lead into a physical altercation between the juvenile and Aaron Moore. The juvenile advised that Aaron Moore instigated that physical altercation.
After meeting with the juvenile deputies met with Aaron Moore who provided a similar story of events however he advised that the juvenile started the physical altercation.
Both Aaron Moore and the juvenile were placed under arrest for assault. Aaron Moore was transported to PRMC for his injuries. He later transported to the Wicomico County Detention Center where he was released to the Central booking Unit. Moore was detained on a $50,000 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of controlled dangerous substance not Marijuana
Date of Incident: 30 December 2010
Location: North Salisbury Blvd. and Naylor Mill Road
Suspects: Michael Travis, 26 YOA Male, Salisbury, MD
Robert Green, 21 YOA Male, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 30 December 2010 at approximately 4:19 P.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol in the area of North Salisbury Blvd and Naylor Mill Road when he observed a vehicle displaying expired registration stickers.
The deputy made a traffic stop on the vehicle and later identified the driver as Robert Green and the passenger as Michael Travis. A short period later a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department canine unit arrived on scene to assist in the traffic stop.
While the canine team was conducting a scan of the vehicle Travis dropped an item underneath the deputies’ patrol car. It was later found that this substance was oxycodone, a controlled dangerous substance. The prescription pills were not in a prescription pill bottle and Travis could not provide a prescription for the pills. Travis was arrested for the illegal possession of oxycodone. During a later search of the vehicle deputies located a marijuana smoking device concealed inside a bag. Robert Green was arrested for the possession of marijuana.
Both Michael Travis and Robert Green were placed under arrest and later transported to WCDC where they were released to custody of the central booking unit. Both Robert Green and Michael Travis were released by the Wicomico County District Court Commissioner’s Office on their own recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of controlled dangerous substance not Marijuana
(11) Traffic Citations
Incident: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Date of Incident: 1 January 2011
Location: Levin Deshield Road and Rockawalkin Ridge Road
Suspects: Richard Melson, Male 33 YOA, Tyaskin MD
Narrative: On 01 January 2011 at approximately 0127 A.M., a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office was on patrol in the area of Levin Deshield Road and Rockawalkin Road when he observed an occupied vehicle off the roadway.
Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Richard Melson the deputy believed that the driver was possibly under the influence of alcohol. The deputy had Melson complete the standard field sobriety test which he performed poorly.
Melson was arrested and later released on signature of several citations.
Charges: Driving under the influence of alcohol
Driving while impaired by alcohol
Eight-Year-Old Sexually Assaulted In Centreville
CENTREVILLE, Va. - Fairfax County Police are searching for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl.
Police say Salvador Portillo-Saravia, 29, of Sterling sexually assaulted a girl the morning of Dec. 26 in a home in the 4700 block of Cardigan Square in Centreville.
GO HERE to read more.
Police say Salvador Portillo-Saravia, 29, of Sterling sexually assaulted a girl the morning of Dec. 26 in a home in the 4700 block of Cardigan Square in Centreville.
GO HERE to read more.
1 In Idaho, 1 In Wash. State Win $355M Jackpot
At least two people are waking up to find themselves millions of dollars richer.
GO HERE to read more.
GO HERE to read more.
vie Ticket Sales Last Year Lowest Since 1996
Although ever-growing ticket price inflation somewhat masks the slowdown, fewer people are going to movie theaters. Sales slumped to 1.35 billion in 2010, a 5.4 percent drop from 2009 and the lowest mark since 1.33 billion tickets were sold in 1996. Revenues were still high, surpassing $10 billion for the second time ever, thanks to high ticket costs and 3D surcharges.
More »
More »
Man Sues College After It Rejects Son Following $40K Donation
Assuming a $40,000 donation to his alma mater would grease the wheels enough to get his son an easy acceptance letter, the donor is suing because the college left his son hanging.
More »
More »
Netflix Coming Soon To Your Remote Control
Because accessing Netflix isn't easy enough, the video company announced earlier today that it has partnered with the makers of several devices to integrate a Netflix-specific button on remote controls.
More »
More »
So Whatever Happened To All That Oil Spilled In The Gulf Anyway?
Remember all that oil that BP spilled into the Gulf this summer? Whatever became of it? Well, good news. Bacteria ate most of it, reports Slate, and the other stuff was skimmed back up, evaporated, burned off, or it got diluted out into the seas.
More »
More »
We Are Deluded About Our Own Obesity
The Consumer Reports National Research Center recently surveyed a national sample of 1,234 U.S. adults about their eating habits and how they maintained a healthy diet. The results? We think we're eating healthier than we are, and we're in denial about our own obesity.
More »
More »
Food Safety Overhaul Gives New Authority To Regulators
A law signed by President Obama on Tuesday gives federal regulators new authority and enforcement tools to oversee the safety of the country's food supply and requires the food industry to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of spreading food-borne illnesses.
The new law, dubbed the Food Safety Modernization Act, expands the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and authorizes the FDA to issue mandatory recalls of contaminated foods.
US Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the new food safety law is "long overdue."
Food-borne illness cases in the US have risen significantly since the 1990s, with an average of one in six Americans becoming sick and about 3,000 dying from contaminated food each year, Sebelius said.
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said that, while the food industry is usually cooperative when regulators issue a recall, there have been instances where the FDA had to push state authorities to take action during illness outbreaks and even take food companies to court.
The FDA can also require food producers to issue and implement preventative action plans to stop illness outbreaks before they start.
GO HERE to read more.
The Coming War Over The Constitution
Despite a few victories in the lame-duck session of Congress, Democrats and progressives should be under no illusion about the new flood of know-nothingism that is about to inundate the United States in the guise of a return to “first principles” and a deep respect for the U.S. Constitution.
The same right-wingers who happily accepted George W. Bush’s shift toward a police state – his claims of limitless executive power, warrantless wiretaps, repudiation of habeas corpus, redefining cruel and unusual punishment, suppression of dissent, creation of massive databases on citizens, arbitrary no-fly lists, and endless overseas wars – have now reinvented themselves as brave protectors of American liberty.
Indeed, the Tea Party crowd so loves the Constitution that the new Republican House majority will take the apparently unprecedented step of reading the document aloud at the start of the new congressional session, presumably including the part about enslaved African-Americans being counted as three-fifths of a white person for purposes of congressional representation.
One also has to wonder if these “constitutionalists” will mumble over the preamble’s assertion that a key purpose of the Constitution is to “promote the general Welfare.” And what to do with Section Eight of Article One, which gives Congress the power to levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce among the states, and “establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization”?
If one were to buy into the Tea Party’s interpretation of the founding document, you’d have to denounce such concepts as “socialism” and/or “intrusions” on states’ rights.
GO HERE to read more.
House Republicans Schedule Health Care Repeal Vote For Next Week
House Republicans announced Monday that they would vote to repeal President Obama's health care overhaul on January 12.
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), the incoming House Majority Leader, made the announcement after Republicans posted the proposed legislation, "Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act," on the House Rules Committee web site.
"Obamacare is a job killer for businesses small and large, and the top priority for House Republicans is going to be to cut spending and grow the economy and jobs," Cantor spokesperson Brad Dayspring said in a statement. "Further, ObamaCare failed to lower costs as the president promised that it would and does not allow people to keep the care they currently have if they like it. That is why the House will repeal it next week."
Rather than replacing Obama's health care legislation, the Republicans' bill tasks four committees with crafting a replacement health care bill. The repeal bill requires the replacement legislation to include certain provisions, including lowering insurance premiums, ensuring that people with preexisting conditions receive access to affordable coverage, eliminating wasteful spending and fostering economic growth. The provisions would also prohibit taxpayer coverage of abortions and provide "conscience protections" for doctors.
GO HERE to read more.
Obamacare Hospital Restrictions
Quote:
"Under the headline, "Construction Stops at Physician Hospitals," Politico reports today that "Physician Hospitals of America says that construction had to stop at 45 hospitals nationwide or they would not be able to bill Medicare for treatments." Stopping construction at doctor-owned hospitals might not seem like the best way to boost the economy or to promote greater access and choice in health care, but that exactly what Obamacare is doing. "
Continued here:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obamacare-ends-construction-doctor-owned-hospitals_525950.html
"Under the headline, "Construction Stops at Physician Hospitals," Politico reports today that "Physician Hospitals of America says that construction had to stop at 45 hospitals nationwide or they would not be able to bill Medicare for treatments." Stopping construction at doctor-owned hospitals might not seem like the best way to boost the economy or to promote greater access and choice in health care, but that exactly what Obamacare is doing. "
Continued here:
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obamacare-ends-construction-doctor-owned-hospitals_525950.html
FACEBOOK ALERT
FACEBOOK ALERT: As of today, NEW PRIVACY setting called "Instant Personalization" that shares data with non-Facebook websites and it is automatically set to "Enable."
Go to Account Privacy Settings Applications and Websites >Instant Personalization > Edit Settings, and un-check "Enable".
If your friends don't do this, they will... be sharing information about you.
Editors Note: Not confirmed.
SHOREBIRDS SET DATE FOR ANNUAL “HOT STOVE BANQUET”
Former Orioles Infielder Mike Bordick to Deliver Keynote Speech
Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Shorebirds will hold their 10th annual “Hot Stove Banquet” on Sunday, January 30 at the Fountains Wedding & Conference Center in Salisbury. The festivities will begin with a cocktail hour from 4-5 p.m. Dinner and the rest of the scheduled events will follow the cocktail hour. Mike Bordick, who spent 14 years in the major leagues, will be the keynote speaker. The banquet will also feature a buffet dinner, silent auction, raffles and additional speakers.
In addition to Bordick, the 2011 Hot Stove Banquet will feature speeches by 2010 Shorebirds manager Ryan Minor and former Shorebirds manager Gary Kendall. Shorebirds general manager Chris Bitters will also talk about the upcoming 2011 season and Orioles assistant director of player development Tripp Norton will be on hand to discuss the 2011 Orioles and the minor league system. Further, 7th Inning Stretch, L.P. president Pat Filipone will be in attendance to talk with fans and answer questions.
“The hot stove banquet is always a fun event that serves as our ‘kick off’ party for the new season,” said general manager Chris Bitters. “The hospitality and food at the Fountains Wedding & Conference Center combined with the wealth of baseball knowledge and experience of our speakers should make the 10th annual event a blast.”
Tickets for the Hot Stove Banquet can be purchased now by calling the Shorebirds at 410-219-3112. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets well in advance due to space restrictions. Individual tickets are $40 per person while group/company tickets are $280 for a sponsored table of eight people.
Speakers
Bordick, who currently serves as the instructor of minor league offense for the Orioles, played in the major leagues from 1990 through 2003. The Milwaukee native played for the Orioles from 1997-2000 and 2001-02. Over his 14-year career, Bordick played in 1,720 big league games and recorded 626 RBIs. Bordick possesses a lifetime batting average of .260. His finest season was 2000, when he was named to the American League All-Star team. His career included stops in Oakland, Baltimore, New York (Mets) and Toronto. Bordick may best be remembered for his prowess with the glove. He owns the Orioles record for consecutive error-less games (110) and error-less chances by a shortstop (543).
Minor has spent the last three seasons on the coaching staff in Delmarva. The former Orioles infielder was the hitting coach in 2008 and 2009 before earning a promotion to manager in 2010. In 1997, Minor supplanted his legacy on Delmarva by tearing apart the South Atlantic League as the Shorebirds third baseman. He hit .307 with 24 home runs and 97 RBIs en route to being named a South Atlantic League All-Star.
Kendall managed the Shorebirds from 2005 through the 2007 season and stands as the last skipper to guide the Shorebirds to the SAL playoffs (2005). He won 204 games in his three years as a manager in Delmarva, second most in franchise history (Joe Ferguson, 217). Kendall has spent the last three seasons in the same role for the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
Norton serves under President of Baseball Operations, Andy MacPhail. Norton has been tied very closely to the Orioles minor league system for many years.
The marquee items in the silent auction will include: a Matt Wieters signed Orioles home jersey, a Brian Roberts autographed Orioles road jersey, an Alexander Semin (Washington Capitals) signed puck and much more.
In conjunction with the 2011 “Strike Out Hunger” All-Star Game presented by Perdue, all hot stove banquet attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable canned food item to be donated to the food banks along the Eastern Shore. The Shorebirds will give away a courtesy raffle ticket for each non-perishable item received.
All the proceeds from the hot stove banquet will benefit the Shorebirds Community Fund and the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.
The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is one of the largest funded non-profit health and human services programs on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The United Way directly supports 51 local programs provided by 24 different non-profit agencies. These programs vary from Meals on Wheels for homebound seniors to funding for the Salvation Army and Easter Seals. The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is making a critical difference for those in need and the Delmarva Shorebirds are glad they can do their part to help.
The Fountains Wedding & Conference Center is located at 1800 Sweetbay Drive off Route 50 in Salisbury. To learn more about the venue, click here.
Reexamining Democracy
Dr. Tibor Machan
Over the last several decades of American political life the idea of liberty has taken a back seat to that of democracy. Liberty involves human beings governing themselves, being sovereign citizens, while democracy is a method by which decisions are reached within groups. In a just society it is liberty that is primary – the entire point of law is to secure liberty for everyone, to make sure that the rights of individuals to their lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness is protected from any human agent bent on violating them. Democracy is but a byproduct of liberty. Because we are all supposed to be free to govern ourselves, whenever some issue of public policy faces the citizenry, they are all entitled to take part. Democratic government rests, in a free society, on the right of every individual to take whatever actions are needed to influence public policy.
Because freedom or liberty is primary, the scope of public policy and, thus, of democracy in a just society is strictly limited. The reason is that free men and women may not be intruded on even if a majority of their fellows would decide to do so. If one is free, which means a self-governing person, then even the majority of ones fellows lacks the authority to take over ones governance without ones consent. This is what the US Declaration of Independence means when it mentions that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. In a just society no one loses his or her authority for self-government without giving it up as a matter of choice. No one gets to operate on you, no matter how wise and competent, without your giving your consent, and the same is true, in a just system, about imposing duties and obligations on people. They must agree to this. If they do not, they aren't to be ordered about at all. The only apparent exception is when it comes to laws that protect everyone's rights. One may indeed be ordered not to kill, rob, rape, burglarize, and assault other persons, even if one fails to consent to this. And when the legal authorities do this job of protecting individual rights, they may order one to abstain from all such aggressive actions.
However, this doesn't actually involve intruding on people, only being duly authorized, via the consent of the governed, to protect everyone from intrusions. It is along these lines that the idea of limited government – or legal authority – arises: it may only act to protect rights, to impose the laws that achieve that goal, nothing more. Again, as the Declaration of Independence notes, it is to secure our rights that governments are instituted, not for any other purpose. Of course, this idea of limited government hardly figures into considerations of public policy in the USA or elsewhere. We have never actually confined government to this clearly limited, just purpose. It has always gone beyond that and today its scope is nearly totalitarian (albeit somewhat "permissive"), the very opposite of being limited. But there is no doubt that even though liberty has been nearly forgotten as an ideal of just government in America as well as elsewhere, democracy does remain something of an operational ideal. In this way liberty has been curtailed tremendously, mainly to the minor sphere of everyone having a right to take part in public decision-making. Whereas the original classical liberal idea is that we are free in all realms and democracy concerns mainly who will administer a system of laws that are required to protect our liberty, the corrupt version of this idea is that democracy addresses everything in our lives and the only liberty we have left is to take part in the decision-making about whatever is taken to be a so called "public" matter.
One way this is clearly evident is how many of the top universities in the USA construe public administration to be a topic having to do primarily with the way democracy works. Indeed, after the demise of the Soviet Union, even though the major issue should have been the establishment and maintenance of a regime of individual liberty, the experts in academe who write and teach the rest of the world about public administration are nearly all focused on democracy, not on liberty.
For example, the courses at America's premier public administration graduate school, the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, are mainly focused on problems of democracy. At this institution nearly 40 percent of the students attending come from 75 foreign countries, many of them from those that used to be under Soviet rule, and what they focus on in nearly all their courses is democracy, not liberty. Assignments in these courses tend all to raise problems about implementing democratic governance and leave the issue of how individual liberty should be secured as practically irrelevant. Or, to put it more precisely, the liberty, or human right, that is of interest in most of these courses is the liberty to take part in democratic decision-making. ("Human rights" has come to refer in most of these course and their texts mainly to the right to vote and to take part in the political process!)
Yes, of course, that is a bit of genuine liberty that many of the people of the world have never enjoyed, so for them it is a significant matter, to be sure. But it is clearly not the liberty that the Declaration of Independence mentions when it affirms that all of us are equal in having unalienable rights to our lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness. The Declaration speaks of a very wide scope of individual liberty, while the premier public administration school of America teaches, at least by implication, that the only liberty of any importance is the liberty to take part in public policy determination.
This, I submit, is a travesty. Once democracy is treated as the premier public value, with individual liberty cast to the side except as far as the citizenry's freedom to take part in democratic decision-making, the scope of government is no longer limited in principle or in practice. Nearly anything can become a public policy issue, so long as some measure of democracy is involved in reaching decisions about it. And that, in fact, turns out to be a serious threat to democracy itself. Because when democracy trumps liberty, democracy can destroy itself, and the law could permit the democratically reached destruction of democracy itself!
That is just what happened in the Weimar Republic, where a democratic election put Hitler in power and destroyed democracy. If you ever wonder why it is that public forums, including the Sunday TV magazine programs, the Op Ed pages of most newspapers, the feature articles of most magazines do not discuss human liberty but fret mostly about democracy, this is the reason: the major educational institutions tend not to care about liberty at all and have substituted a very limited version of it, namely, democracy, as their primary concern. Once that is accomplished, individual liberty becomes defenseless.
Indeed, democracy is just as capable of being totalitarian as is a dictatorship, only with democracy it seems less clearly unjust, given that this little bit of liberty is still in tact, namely, to take part in the vote. (A little of this has come to be discussed recently on some programs because of Harvard educated Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria's recent book, The Future of Freedom [W. W. Norton, 2003], which is subtitled "illiberal democracy at home and abroad." Sadly Zakaria seems to have abandoned his concerns about the matter and is now mostly taking part in discussions about how the country ought to be managed, like a firm.) True enough, democratic totalitarianism appears more benign than a system under the direction of a tyrant but, as In Venezuela, unrestrained democracy can give rise to the most belligerent version of dictatorship since Hitler's Third Reich. The proper approach to governance is to make all of it focus primarily on protecting the rights of the citizens to their lives, liberty and property. This extension of the idea of the body or security guard is the best model for how government should work and how their work should be appraised. Free men and women require this so as to live their lives by their own judgment and in voluntary cooperation with their fellow citizens instead of being regimented by some group of "leaders" who view themselves as knowledgeable about the public interest.
In caring about democracy mainly or only, the more robust liberty that everyone is entitled to is neglected. The result is not all that different from how feudal orders behave.
Because freedom or liberty is primary, the scope of public policy and, thus, of democracy in a just society is strictly limited. The reason is that free men and women may not be intruded on even if a majority of their fellows would decide to do so. If one is free, which means a self-governing person, then even the majority of ones fellows lacks the authority to take over ones governance without ones consent. This is what the US Declaration of Independence means when it mentions that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. In a just society no one loses his or her authority for self-government without giving it up as a matter of choice. No one gets to operate on you, no matter how wise and competent, without your giving your consent, and the same is true, in a just system, about imposing duties and obligations on people. They must agree to this. If they do not, they aren't to be ordered about at all. The only apparent exception is when it comes to laws that protect everyone's rights. One may indeed be ordered not to kill, rob, rape, burglarize, and assault other persons, even if one fails to consent to this. And when the legal authorities do this job of protecting individual rights, they may order one to abstain from all such aggressive actions.
However, this doesn't actually involve intruding on people, only being duly authorized, via the consent of the governed, to protect everyone from intrusions. It is along these lines that the idea of limited government – or legal authority – arises: it may only act to protect rights, to impose the laws that achieve that goal, nothing more. Again, as the Declaration of Independence notes, it is to secure our rights that governments are instituted, not for any other purpose. Of course, this idea of limited government hardly figures into considerations of public policy in the USA or elsewhere. We have never actually confined government to this clearly limited, just purpose. It has always gone beyond that and today its scope is nearly totalitarian (albeit somewhat "permissive"), the very opposite of being limited. But there is no doubt that even though liberty has been nearly forgotten as an ideal of just government in America as well as elsewhere, democracy does remain something of an operational ideal. In this way liberty has been curtailed tremendously, mainly to the minor sphere of everyone having a right to take part in public decision-making. Whereas the original classical liberal idea is that we are free in all realms and democracy concerns mainly who will administer a system of laws that are required to protect our liberty, the corrupt version of this idea is that democracy addresses everything in our lives and the only liberty we have left is to take part in the decision-making about whatever is taken to be a so called "public" matter.
One way this is clearly evident is how many of the top universities in the USA construe public administration to be a topic having to do primarily with the way democracy works. Indeed, after the demise of the Soviet Union, even though the major issue should have been the establishment and maintenance of a regime of individual liberty, the experts in academe who write and teach the rest of the world about public administration are nearly all focused on democracy, not on liberty.
For example, the courses at America's premier public administration graduate school, the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, are mainly focused on problems of democracy. At this institution nearly 40 percent of the students attending come from 75 foreign countries, many of them from those that used to be under Soviet rule, and what they focus on in nearly all their courses is democracy, not liberty. Assignments in these courses tend all to raise problems about implementing democratic governance and leave the issue of how individual liberty should be secured as practically irrelevant. Or, to put it more precisely, the liberty, or human right, that is of interest in most of these courses is the liberty to take part in democratic decision-making. ("Human rights" has come to refer in most of these course and their texts mainly to the right to vote and to take part in the political process!)
Yes, of course, that is a bit of genuine liberty that many of the people of the world have never enjoyed, so for them it is a significant matter, to be sure. But it is clearly not the liberty that the Declaration of Independence mentions when it affirms that all of us are equal in having unalienable rights to our lives, liberty and pursuit of happiness. The Declaration speaks of a very wide scope of individual liberty, while the premier public administration school of America teaches, at least by implication, that the only liberty of any importance is the liberty to take part in public policy determination.
This, I submit, is a travesty. Once democracy is treated as the premier public value, with individual liberty cast to the side except as far as the citizenry's freedom to take part in democratic decision-making, the scope of government is no longer limited in principle or in practice. Nearly anything can become a public policy issue, so long as some measure of democracy is involved in reaching decisions about it. And that, in fact, turns out to be a serious threat to democracy itself. Because when democracy trumps liberty, democracy can destroy itself, and the law could permit the democratically reached destruction of democracy itself!
That is just what happened in the Weimar Republic, where a democratic election put Hitler in power and destroyed democracy. If you ever wonder why it is that public forums, including the Sunday TV magazine programs, the Op Ed pages of most newspapers, the feature articles of most magazines do not discuss human liberty but fret mostly about democracy, this is the reason: the major educational institutions tend not to care about liberty at all and have substituted a very limited version of it, namely, democracy, as their primary concern. Once that is accomplished, individual liberty becomes defenseless.
Indeed, democracy is just as capable of being totalitarian as is a dictatorship, only with democracy it seems less clearly unjust, given that this little bit of liberty is still in tact, namely, to take part in the vote. (A little of this has come to be discussed recently on some programs because of Harvard educated Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria's recent book, The Future of Freedom [W. W. Norton, 2003], which is subtitled "illiberal democracy at home and abroad." Sadly Zakaria seems to have abandoned his concerns about the matter and is now mostly taking part in discussions about how the country ought to be managed, like a firm.) True enough, democratic totalitarianism appears more benign than a system under the direction of a tyrant but, as In Venezuela, unrestrained democracy can give rise to the most belligerent version of dictatorship since Hitler's Third Reich. The proper approach to governance is to make all of it focus primarily on protecting the rights of the citizens to their lives, liberty and property. This extension of the idea of the body or security guard is the best model for how government should work and how their work should be appraised. Free men and women require this so as to live their lives by their own judgment and in voluntary cooperation with their fellow citizens instead of being regimented by some group of "leaders" who view themselves as knowledgeable about the public interest.
In caring about democracy mainly or only, the more robust liberty that everyone is entitled to is neglected. The result is not all that different from how feudal orders behave.
Board Of Education To Hold Budget Hearing Thursday, Jan. 13
The first public budget hearing for the fiscal 2011-12 budget will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Board of Education Office auditorium, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. Prior to comment time, school system staff will make a brief presentation on the school system’s revenue picture and anticipated funding challenges. Parents, students, community members and Board staff are invited to come with comments. Early input will be valuable in what is expected to be a particularly challenging budget year for the school system. For information please call 410-677-4561.
Highlighted Events This Week And Next Week In Wicomico Schools
Thursday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m.
[RESCHEDULED FROM Thursday, Dec. 16 due to snow day]
Mardela High School Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, & Warrior Marching Band
The Mardela High School Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, & Warrior Marching Band will present the 2010 winter concert, with special feature the Mardela High School Chime Choir, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Tuesday, Jan. 11
Monthly Meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education
Board of Education Auditorium
The January meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, in the Board of Education Auditorium at Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue in Salisbury. The agenda will be posted at www.wcboe.org the Friday before the meeting. 410-677-4561.
Jan. 10-21
High School Assessment (HSA) testing for students who previously took but did not pass one or more HSAs.
At all four Wicomico County high schools
Thursday, Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m.
Budget Hearing
Board of Education Office
The first public budget hearing for the fiscal 2011-12 budget will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Board of Education Office auditorium, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. Prior to comment time, school system staff will make a brief presentation on the school system’s revenue picture and anticipated funding challenges. Parents, students, community members and Board staff are invited to come with comments. Early input will be valuable in what is expected to be a particularly challenging budget year for the school system. For information please call 410-677-4561.
Thursday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
Strings Concert
At Salisbury Middle School
The fall strings concert for students from Mardela Middle and High, Northwestern Elementary, Salisbury Middle and Westside Intermediate has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at Salisbury Middle School. 410-677-5149.
Jan. 14-15
Wrestling Tournament
Hosted by Wicomico High School at the WYCC
The 16th Annual Bob Rowe Memorial (formerly Delmarva Classic) Wrestling Tournament will be hosted by the Wicomico High School Wrestling Team at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Jan. 14-15. Wrestling will start at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. There will be four mats of varsity action and three mats of JV action over both days. Admission is $15 for the weekend, or $10 a day (no WCBOE passes will be honored). The tournament will serve as a fundraiser for the Wi-Hi Wrestling Team. 410-677-5146.
Friday, Jan. 14
PTA Movie Family Night
Prince Street Elementary
The Prince Street Elementary PTA will host a Movie Family Night with the new version of “The Karate Kid” and Mitchell’s Martial Arts there to do a demonstration. The evening will begin at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $1. 410-677-5813.
Saturday, Jan. 15
STEM Saturday
Salisbury Middle School
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Saturday classes will be offered throughout the 2010-11 school year for students in grades 4/5 and 6/7/8. The next STEM Saturday will be held at Salisbury Middle School from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Jan. 15, with students in grades 4-5 exploring Green Keepers: Going Green to Preserve Our World, and middle schoolers working on The Bug Detective. The elementary offerings are new to the STEM Saturdays schedule this year. Anyone interested in attending a STEM Saturday event must pre-register, and early registration is recommended as the courses fill up early. STEM Saturdays will also be held Feb. 12, The Magic of Chemistry (elementary) and Out of Sight: Bringing Astronomy Down to Earth (middle), both at Salisbury Middle; March 12, Flying Wild: Bird Science and Conservation (elementary) at Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art; Fossils of the Chesapeake: A Hands-On Exploration (middle) at Parkside High; and April 9, The Bug Detective (elementary) and The Science Behind Winning (middle), both at Salisbury Middle. For a detailed schedule and registration form, visit http://www.wcboe.org/news/510. For information contact Gretchen Boggs at 410-677-5149 or gboggs@wcboe.org.
[RESCHEDULED FROM Thursday, Dec. 16 due to snow day]
Mardela High School Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, & Warrior Marching Band
The Mardela High School Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, & Warrior Marching Band will present the 2010 winter concert, with special feature the Mardela High School Chime Choir, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6. Free admission. 410-677-5170.
Tuesday, Jan. 11
Monthly Meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education
Board of Education Auditorium
The January meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, in the Board of Education Auditorium at Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue in Salisbury. The agenda will be posted at www.wcboe.org the Friday before the meeting. 410-677-4561.
Jan. 10-21
High School Assessment (HSA) testing for students who previously took but did not pass one or more HSAs.
At all four Wicomico County high schools
Thursday, Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m.
Budget Hearing
Board of Education Office
The first public budget hearing for the fiscal 2011-12 budget will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Board of Education Office auditorium, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. Prior to comment time, school system staff will make a brief presentation on the school system’s revenue picture and anticipated funding challenges. Parents, students, community members and Board staff are invited to come with comments. Early input will be valuable in what is expected to be a particularly challenging budget year for the school system. For information please call 410-677-4561.
Thursday, Jan. 13, 7 p.m.
Strings Concert
At Salisbury Middle School
The fall strings concert for students from Mardela Middle and High, Northwestern Elementary, Salisbury Middle and Westside Intermediate has been rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at Salisbury Middle School. 410-677-5149.
Jan. 14-15
Wrestling Tournament
Hosted by Wicomico High School at the WYCC
The 16th Annual Bob Rowe Memorial (formerly Delmarva Classic) Wrestling Tournament will be hosted by the Wicomico High School Wrestling Team at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Jan. 14-15. Wrestling will start at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14 and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. There will be four mats of varsity action and three mats of JV action over both days. Admission is $15 for the weekend, or $10 a day (no WCBOE passes will be honored). The tournament will serve as a fundraiser for the Wi-Hi Wrestling Team. 410-677-5146.
Friday, Jan. 14
PTA Movie Family Night
Prince Street Elementary
The Prince Street Elementary PTA will host a Movie Family Night with the new version of “The Karate Kid” and Mitchell’s Martial Arts there to do a demonstration. The evening will begin at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $1. 410-677-5813.
Saturday, Jan. 15
STEM Saturday
Salisbury Middle School
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Saturday classes will be offered throughout the 2010-11 school year for students in grades 4/5 and 6/7/8. The next STEM Saturday will be held at Salisbury Middle School from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Jan. 15, with students in grades 4-5 exploring Green Keepers: Going Green to Preserve Our World, and middle schoolers working on The Bug Detective. The elementary offerings are new to the STEM Saturdays schedule this year. Anyone interested in attending a STEM Saturday event must pre-register, and early registration is recommended as the courses fill up early. STEM Saturdays will also be held Feb. 12, The Magic of Chemistry (elementary) and Out of Sight: Bringing Astronomy Down to Earth (middle), both at Salisbury Middle; March 12, Flying Wild: Bird Science and Conservation (elementary) at Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art; Fossils of the Chesapeake: A Hands-On Exploration (middle) at Parkside High; and April 9, The Bug Detective (elementary) and The Science Behind Winning (middle), both at Salisbury Middle. For a detailed schedule and registration form, visit http://www.wcboe.org/news/510. For information contact Gretchen Boggs at 410-677-5149 or gboggs@wcboe.org.