What a bummer. Just a pitiful game all the way around.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, January 22, 2012
BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords To Resign From Congress
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., announces she has "more work to do" on her recovery after an assassination attempt and will resign from her congressional seat this week.
From Fox News
From Fox News
BMS Backers Should Bash O'Malley & Conway
The saga of whether Wicomico County will come up with enough money to pay for a new Bennett Middle School continues. The County Council recently declined to make a commitment to raise taxes to fund this school before seeing the county executive's budget. For those angry at council members for being cautious about county finances, a more proper target for your vitriol would be our state's policymakers.
Wicomico County taxpayers already bear a heavy burden. While the county's property tax rate is among the lowest in the state, the county income tax is among the highest. But that's not the whole picture. The current state tax regime already imposes significant income, sales and excise taxes on us, as well as levying a .112 percent property tax. The heavy burden of state taxes leaves the county with fewer options to raise revenue than if Maryland were a low-tax state.
The spending policies of the state don't help, either. When tax revenue declined in the past few years, the state took money from funds that were supposed to go to counties to pay for roads, education and law enforcement.
This year Gov. Martin O'Malley is proposing to shift payment of teacher pensions onto counties, something that will cost Wicomico taxpayers millions of dollars every year. He also wants to raise the income tax and expand the sales tax.
If the state were more sensible with its spending, the county would have seen less revenue disappear in the past few years. If the state's tax burden were not so high, the county would have other options to raise revenue without overburdening the county's taxpayers.
One of the key architects of these failed fiscal policies in Annapolis is Wicomico's own Delegate Norm Conway. As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, he is responsible for the spending bills considered by the House of Delegates. Unfortunately, he has failed to use his powerful position to support spending and tax policies that would have alleviated the pressures currently faced by the County Council.
I doubt anyone in the county is opposed to building a new Bennett Middle School. The sad condition of the current building speaks for itself. The real question is how the county should pay for this school. The caution displayed by the County Council during this process is a sensible reaction to the fiscal mismanagement and high tax policies originating in Annapolis.
Marc Kilmer of Salisbury is a senior fellow at the Maryland Public Policy Institute, a public policy think tank based in Rockville, Md.
Wicomico County taxpayers already bear a heavy burden. While the county's property tax rate is among the lowest in the state, the county income tax is among the highest. But that's not the whole picture. The current state tax regime already imposes significant income, sales and excise taxes on us, as well as levying a .112 percent property tax. The heavy burden of state taxes leaves the county with fewer options to raise revenue than if Maryland were a low-tax state.
The spending policies of the state don't help, either. When tax revenue declined in the past few years, the state took money from funds that were supposed to go to counties to pay for roads, education and law enforcement.
This year Gov. Martin O'Malley is proposing to shift payment of teacher pensions onto counties, something that will cost Wicomico taxpayers millions of dollars every year. He also wants to raise the income tax and expand the sales tax.
If the state were more sensible with its spending, the county would have seen less revenue disappear in the past few years. If the state's tax burden were not so high, the county would have other options to raise revenue without overburdening the county's taxpayers.
One of the key architects of these failed fiscal policies in Annapolis is Wicomico's own Delegate Norm Conway. As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, he is responsible for the spending bills considered by the House of Delegates. Unfortunately, he has failed to use his powerful position to support spending and tax policies that would have alleviated the pressures currently faced by the County Council.
I doubt anyone in the county is opposed to building a new Bennett Middle School. The sad condition of the current building speaks for itself. The real question is how the county should pay for this school. The caution displayed by the County Council during this process is a sensible reaction to the fiscal mismanagement and high tax policies originating in Annapolis.
Marc Kilmer of Salisbury is a senior fellow at the Maryland Public Policy Institute, a public policy think tank based in Rockville, Md.
The Daily Times Own Poll Clearly Shows They Inserted Foot In Mouth On Bennett Middle School
Did the Wicomico County Council make the right call on Bennett Middle School?
Absolutely yes. We can't afford a new school. 31.6%
Maybe, but I don't feel good about it. 57.9%
They could have tried harder to get it done. 2.6%
They should have written the letter of support. 7.9%
Look, when you create your own Poll Question, be careful what you wish for. IF the Daily Times had only listened to what the public was saying in the first place they might have realized the citizens are fed up with their phony BS. Just because YOU, (DT's) say you want something doesn't mean the public wants the same thing.
The Daily Times is in bed with special interests and will spew whatever it takes to hopefully influence politicians to make moves they shouldn't. Now that Salisbury News is around there is at least ONE honorable source who can and will challenge those special interests and the Main Stream Media.
No doubt those special interests will be racing to the Daily Times in the hopes of changing these results but let me assure you, the numbers above are 100% real as of 2:00 PM today.
The citizens are speaking loud and clear. Keep up the good work and do NOT be afraid to voice your opinion.
Absolutely yes. We can't afford a new school. 31.6%
Maybe, but I don't feel good about it. 57.9%
They could have tried harder to get it done. 2.6%
They should have written the letter of support. 7.9%
Look, when you create your own Poll Question, be careful what you wish for. IF the Daily Times had only listened to what the public was saying in the first place they might have realized the citizens are fed up with their phony BS. Just because YOU, (DT's) say you want something doesn't mean the public wants the same thing.
The Daily Times is in bed with special interests and will spew whatever it takes to hopefully influence politicians to make moves they shouldn't. Now that Salisbury News is around there is at least ONE honorable source who can and will challenge those special interests and the Main Stream Media.
No doubt those special interests will be racing to the Daily Times in the hopes of changing these results but let me assure you, the numbers above are 100% real as of 2:00 PM today.
The citizens are speaking loud and clear. Keep up the good work and do NOT be afraid to voice your opinion.
Gingrich: Prosecute The Fake E-mailer
Newt Gingrich said he would seek the criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for emails suggesting that he had pressured his former wife to undergo an abortion procedure.
The former Speaker warned that negative campaigning would send the country into a "downward spiral" during his final campaign event before the polls open Saturday morning in South Carolina.
"I'm disgusted and fed up with the vicious minds that undermined our democracy," Gingrich said of the emails, which was masked to look like a news report from CNN and distributed to prominent South Carolina conservatives.
Gingrich also addressed the controversy surrounding his ex-wife, Marianne, who suggested in an interview earlier this week that her then-husband had requested an open relationship.
"I'm going to try to elevate the conversation in every way I can, both with the candidates and the news media," Gingrich said.
But Gingrich also demonstrated his ability to sharply punch back when a pro-Romney supporter in the crowd began shouting a demand to see the committee report from the House Ethics Committee's investigation. Mitt Romney and his surrogates had been demanding a report to deflect attention from the Speaker's call for Romney to release his tax records - a stumbling point for the former governor at this week's GOP debate.
Gingrich noted that the report was freely available online.
Actually, if you did your research you would know the whole thing is available online… when you print it out and read it, let me know if you have any more questions," Gingrich said to applause from the crowd. "I assume you're for the candidate who won't release his income tax records."
He added as the protester was escorted away, "Some people are just unhappy."
More
The former Speaker warned that negative campaigning would send the country into a "downward spiral" during his final campaign event before the polls open Saturday morning in South Carolina.
"I'm disgusted and fed up with the vicious minds that undermined our democracy," Gingrich said of the emails, which was masked to look like a news report from CNN and distributed to prominent South Carolina conservatives.
Gingrich also addressed the controversy surrounding his ex-wife, Marianne, who suggested in an interview earlier this week that her then-husband had requested an open relationship.
"I'm going to try to elevate the conversation in every way I can, both with the candidates and the news media," Gingrich said.
But Gingrich also demonstrated his ability to sharply punch back when a pro-Romney supporter in the crowd began shouting a demand to see the committee report from the House Ethics Committee's investigation. Mitt Romney and his surrogates had been demanding a report to deflect attention from the Speaker's call for Romney to release his tax records - a stumbling point for the former governor at this week's GOP debate.
Gingrich noted that the report was freely available online.
Actually, if you did your research you would know the whole thing is available online… when you print it out and read it, let me know if you have any more questions," Gingrich said to applause from the crowd. "I assume you're for the candidate who won't release his income tax records."
He added as the protester was escorted away, "Some people are just unhappy."
More
Defending The Last Free Place On Earth
Sites like Reddit, Wikipedia and thousands of others went dark in protest of the latest attempt at a violent terrorist attack on the internet, the so-called Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). Here at The Dollar Vigilante (TDV) we didn't go dark. We figure we'd be one of the first sites taken offline if/when SOPA is enacted so why give them what they want.
And what is it they want? They want to heavily regulate the internet and have the power to shut down any website. It's a cyberwar going on, says Joseph Lieberman in this interview. Well, yes, there is a war, but it was one started by the US Government. Surprise, surprise.
But was there a cyberwar before valiant Joseph Lierberman rode up on the scene? Has anyone been shot? Did your laptop explode in your hands? What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you on the internet? Spam?
How many wars go on in the minds of these people? A harmless plant, marijuana, somehow in their world evolves into a brutal War on Drugs that kills hundreds of thousands per year. An emotion… terror… somehow turns into a War on Terror that has killed over a million people and resulted in a massive loss of freedom and liberty in the US, including the cancellation of the Bill of Rights. And now, the internet… the thing you are on right now… peacefully, without problem, they consider to be an ongoing Cyberwar and try to proclaim the GOVERNMENT needs to protect us from it!
If there EVER were some serious problem on the internet there will be one group of people and one group of people only who will deal with it and be able to deal with it: the internet community of programmers… they number in the millions. They already found a way to hack around Wikipedia going dark for 24 hours.
More
And what is it they want? They want to heavily regulate the internet and have the power to shut down any website. It's a cyberwar going on, says Joseph Lieberman in this interview. Well, yes, there is a war, but it was one started by the US Government. Surprise, surprise.
But was there a cyberwar before valiant Joseph Lierberman rode up on the scene? Has anyone been shot? Did your laptop explode in your hands? What's the worst thing that's ever happened to you on the internet? Spam?
How many wars go on in the minds of these people? A harmless plant, marijuana, somehow in their world evolves into a brutal War on Drugs that kills hundreds of thousands per year. An emotion… terror… somehow turns into a War on Terror that has killed over a million people and resulted in a massive loss of freedom and liberty in the US, including the cancellation of the Bill of Rights. And now, the internet… the thing you are on right now… peacefully, without problem, they consider to be an ongoing Cyberwar and try to proclaim the GOVERNMENT needs to protect us from it!
If there EVER were some serious problem on the internet there will be one group of people and one group of people only who will deal with it and be able to deal with it: the internet community of programmers… they number in the millions. They already found a way to hack around Wikipedia going dark for 24 hours.
More
QUOTE OF THE DAY 1-22-12
“The original American patriots were those individuals brave enough to resist with force the oppressive power of King George. I accept the definition of patriotism as that effort to resist oppressive state power. The true patriot is motivated by a sense of responsibility, and out of self interest — for himself, his family, and the future of his country — to resist government abuse of power. He rejects the notion that patriotism means obedience to the state. [...] Resistance to illegal and unconstitutional usurpation of our rights is required. Each of us must choose which course of action we should take: education, conventional political action, or even peaceful civil disobedience to bring about necessary changes. But let it not be said that we did nothing. Let not those who love the power of the welfare/warfare state label the dissenters of authoritarianism as unpatriotic or uncaring. Patriotism is more closely linked to dissent than it is to conformity and a blind desire for safety and security. Understanding the magnificent rewards of a free society makes us unbashful in its promotion, fully realizing that maximum wealth is created and the greatest chance for peace comes from a society respectful of individual liberty.”
Ron Paul
Ron Paul
GOOD DAY FOR LEADER OF .01%
You just gotta love the headline from the Corporate MSM that makes it seem like poor Jamie Dimon is taking a hit by only getting a $17.3 million stock payout in 2011. That doesn’t include his salary and cash bonus. But you must admit that he surely deserves every penny. It is extremely difficult to make billions in profits when the Federal Reserve hands you an infinite amount of cash at 0% and you can invest it risk free in Treasuries paying 3%. It is also difficult to tell your accounting department to create billions in profits by pretending your loan losses will be much lower in the future. If that doesn’t work, just steal $1.2 billion from the accounts of MF Global customers and pretend it is yours. I love free market capitalism. So does Jamie.
JPMorgan Chase Trims Chief Jamie Dimon’s Stock Payout for 2011
(Bloomberg) — JPMorgan Chase & Co., the largest and most profitable U.S. bank, paid Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon $17.3 million in restricted stock and options for 2011, slightly below the previous year.
The board awarded Dimon 337,032 restricted shares valued at about $12.3 million based on the Jan. 18 closing price, according to a filing today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Dimon also received 562,430 options valued by the company at about $5 million, according to a person familiar with the calculations.
That compares with $17.4 million for 2010, including 251,415 restricted shares valued at $12.1 million and 367,377 options valued at $5.3 million, according to disclosures by the New York-based company.
His total compensation for 2011 will be about the same as last year, when he was awarded $23 million, according to the person, who declined to be identified because compensation matters are confidential.
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JPMorgan Chase Trims Chief Jamie Dimon’s Stock Payout for 2011
(Bloomberg) — JPMorgan Chase & Co., the largest and most profitable U.S. bank, paid Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon $17.3 million in restricted stock and options for 2011, slightly below the previous year.
The board awarded Dimon 337,032 restricted shares valued at about $12.3 million based on the Jan. 18 closing price, according to a filing today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Dimon also received 562,430 options valued by the company at about $5 million, according to a person familiar with the calculations.
That compares with $17.4 million for 2010, including 251,415 restricted shares valued at $12.1 million and 367,377 options valued at $5.3 million, according to disclosures by the New York-based company.
His total compensation for 2011 will be about the same as last year, when he was awarded $23 million, according to the person, who declined to be identified because compensation matters are confidential.
More
BREAKING NEWS: Former Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno Has Died
Family says former Penn State coach Joe Paterno, the winningest coach in major college football history, has died. Paterno had resigned last year after a former assistant was accused of child molestation.
Fox News
Fox News
Obama Accomplishments
Wow, I didn't realize this guy had accomplished so much!
First President to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.
First President to have a social security number from a state he has never lived in.
First President to preside over a cut to the credit-rating of the United States .
First President to violate the War Powers Act.
First President to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico .
First President to defy a Federal Judge’s court order to cease implementing the Health Care Reform Law.
First President to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third party, a violation of the U.S. Constitution.
First President to spend a trillion dollars on ‘shovel-ready’ jobs when there was no such thing as ‘shovel-ready’ jobs.
First President to recommend changing our National Anthem as it portrays and promotes violence and is warlike in its theme.
First President to cancel the National Day of Prayer Breakfast and activities.
First President to initiate a Cash for Clunkers Program to clean up exhaust that adds to global warming, then extended it because it was so popular -- wasting hundreds of millions of Tax-Payer dollars.
First President to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies to his union supporters.
First President to by-pass Congress and implement the Dream Act through executive fiat.
First President to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the deportation of illegal immigrants across the U.S. , including those with criminal convictions.
First President to demand a company hand-over $20 billion to one of his political appointees.
First President to terminate America ’s ability to put a man in space.
First President to have a law signed by an auto-pen without being present.
First President to arbitrarily declare an existing law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it.
First President to threaten insurance companies if they publicly spoke-out on the reasons for their rate increases.
First President to tell a major manufacturing company in which State they are allowed to locate a factory.
First President to file lawsuits against the states he swore an oath to protect (AZ, WI, OH, IN).
First President to withdraw an existing coal permit that had been properly issued years ago.
First President to fire an inspector general of Ameri-corps for catching one of his friends in a corruption case.
First President to appoint 45 czars to replace elected officials in his office.
First President to golf 73 separate times in his first two and a half years in office, 90 to date.
First President to pledge complete transparency while campaigning, then hide his medical, educational and travel records.
First President to win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing NOTHING to earn it.
First President to go on multiple global ‘apology tours’.
First President to go on 17 lavish vacations, including date nights and Wednesday evening White House parties for his friends; paid for by the taxpayer.
First President to have 22 personal servants (taxpayer funded) for his wife.
First President to keep a dog trainer on retainer for $102,000 a year at taxpayer expense.
First President to repeat the Holy Qur'and tells us the early morning call of the Azan (Islamic call to worship) is the most beautiful sound on earth.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
First President to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.
First President to have a social security number from a state he has never lived in.
First President to preside over a cut to the credit-rating of the United States .
First President to violate the War Powers Act.
First President to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico .
First President to defy a Federal Judge’s court order to cease implementing the Health Care Reform Law.
First President to require all Americans to purchase a product from a third party, a violation of the U.S. Constitution.
First President to spend a trillion dollars on ‘shovel-ready’ jobs when there was no such thing as ‘shovel-ready’ jobs.
First President to recommend changing our National Anthem as it portrays and promotes violence and is warlike in its theme.
First President to cancel the National Day of Prayer Breakfast and activities.
First President to initiate a Cash for Clunkers Program to clean up exhaust that adds to global warming, then extended it because it was so popular -- wasting hundreds of millions of Tax-Payer dollars.
First President to abrogate bankruptcy law to turn over control of companies to his union supporters.
First President to by-pass Congress and implement the Dream Act through executive fiat.
First President to order a secret amnesty program that stopped the deportation of illegal immigrants across the U.S. , including those with criminal convictions.
First President to demand a company hand-over $20 billion to one of his political appointees.
First President to terminate America ’s ability to put a man in space.
First President to have a law signed by an auto-pen without being present.
First President to arbitrarily declare an existing law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it.
First President to threaten insurance companies if they publicly spoke-out on the reasons for their rate increases.
First President to tell a major manufacturing company in which State they are allowed to locate a factory.
First President to file lawsuits against the states he swore an oath to protect (AZ, WI, OH, IN).
First President to withdraw an existing coal permit that had been properly issued years ago.
First President to fire an inspector general of Ameri-corps for catching one of his friends in a corruption case.
First President to appoint 45 czars to replace elected officials in his office.
First President to golf 73 separate times in his first two and a half years in office, 90 to date.
First President to pledge complete transparency while campaigning, then hide his medical, educational and travel records.
First President to win a Nobel Peace Prize for doing NOTHING to earn it.
First President to go on multiple global ‘apology tours’.
First President to go on 17 lavish vacations, including date nights and Wednesday evening White House parties for his friends; paid for by the taxpayer.
First President to have 22 personal servants (taxpayer funded) for his wife.
First President to keep a dog trainer on retainer for $102,000 a year at taxpayer expense.
First President to repeat the Holy Qur'and tells us the early morning call of the Azan (Islamic call to worship) is the most beautiful sound on earth.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Solyndra Destroying Millions Of Dollars In Parts
Solyndra Corp., the bankrupt solar panel maker that owes American taxpayers half a billion dollars, has been systematically trashing hundreds of thousands of glass parts that it hasn’t even paid for, CBS 5 in San Francisco reported.
Solyndra, based in Fremont, Calf., received a $535 million loan guarantee from the Obama administration in 2009 as part of the Energy Department’s push to promote alternative energy. The company filed for bankruptcy last year.
CBS 5 reported Thursday that Solyndra has been dumping hundreds of thousands of new glass tubes used in solar panels. The station, KCBS/KPIX, filmed workers in white jumpsuits tossing the delicate glass tubes into Dumpsters. It said Solyndra paid $2 million for the glass, and owes the German manufacturer $8 million in total.
More
Solyndra, based in Fremont, Calf., received a $535 million loan guarantee from the Obama administration in 2009 as part of the Energy Department’s push to promote alternative energy. The company filed for bankruptcy last year.
CBS 5 reported Thursday that Solyndra has been dumping hundreds of thousands of new glass tubes used in solar panels. The station, KCBS/KPIX, filmed workers in white jumpsuits tossing the delicate glass tubes into Dumpsters. It said Solyndra paid $2 million for the glass, and owes the German manufacturer $8 million in total.
More
Home Prices Likely To Keep Falling In 2012
The housing market ended the year on a positive note with strong sales in December, but a glut of unsold homes will likely push prices lower this year, forecasters said.
More
More
Phony E-mails Say Gingrich Forced Abortion On Ex
Newt Gingrich’s campaign says a press release that appears to come the campaign “regarding reports that he forced ex-wife Marianne Gingrich to terminate a pregnancy” is a fake.
The fake press release came from an email address in which the “1″ in 2012 is replaced by what appears to be a lower-case “L.” A search of an online web registry shows that someone registered “newt20l2.org” (with the lowercase L) today. Their name was withheld.
The fake release, in which Gingrich is quoted as saying “I have made mistakes in my life. This was one of them,” comes on the heels of a fake CNN Breaking News alert sent overnight to Republicans in South Carolina.
More
The fake press release came from an email address in which the “1″ in 2012 is replaced by what appears to be a lower-case “L.” A search of an online web registry shows that someone registered “newt20l2.org” (with the lowercase L) today. Their name was withheld.
The fake release, in which Gingrich is quoted as saying “I have made mistakes in my life. This was one of them,” comes on the heels of a fake CNN Breaking News alert sent overnight to Republicans in South Carolina.
More
Obama's State Of The Union: Jobs, Re-Election Time
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vilified by the Republicans who want his job, President Barack Obama will stand before the nation Tuesday night determined to frame the election-year debate on his terms, using his State of the Union address to outline a lasting economic recovery that will "work for everyone, not just a wealthy few."
As his most powerful chance to make a case for a second term, the prime-time speech carries enormous political stakes for the Democratic incumbent who presides over a country divided about his performance and pessimistic about the nation's direction. He will try to offer a stark contrast with his opponents by offering a vision of fairness and opportunity for everyone.
In a preview Saturday, Obama said in a video to supporters that the speech will be an economic blueprint built around manufacturing, energy, education and American values.
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As his most powerful chance to make a case for a second term, the prime-time speech carries enormous political stakes for the Democratic incumbent who presides over a country divided about his performance and pessimistic about the nation's direction. He will try to offer a stark contrast with his opponents by offering a vision of fairness and opportunity for everyone.
In a preview Saturday, Obama said in a video to supporters that the speech will be an economic blueprint built around manufacturing, energy, education and American values.
More
SBYNews - Has The Daily Times On The Run!
Joe -
I have to chuckle as I scan this mornings Daily Times. All week SBYnews has framed major issues - (Bennett Middle School Project, Massive Schoolteachers Pension Cost Shift, Delmarva's Stagnant Employment, and our bleak national economy under Obama) .
This morning it is evident that SBYnews have 'flushed out the varmits' as The Daily Times seeks cover. Look at their articles on our thriving local economy and the BMS project. Quite a stark contrast in comparison to SBYnews.
I find it refreshing to finally have the ability to enjoy a change in media venue.
LONG LIVE SBYNEWS!
I have to chuckle as I scan this mornings Daily Times. All week SBYnews has framed major issues - (Bennett Middle School Project, Massive Schoolteachers Pension Cost Shift, Delmarva's Stagnant Employment, and our bleak national economy under Obama) .
This morning it is evident that SBYnews have 'flushed out the varmits' as The Daily Times seeks cover. Look at their articles on our thriving local economy and the BMS project. Quite a stark contrast in comparison to SBYnews.
I find it refreshing to finally have the ability to enjoy a change in media venue.
LONG LIVE SBYNEWS!
Oprah Confident Obama Will Win Re-Election
AIPUR, India (AP) - Oprah Winfrey says she is confident that President Barack Obama will win another four-year term in this year's U.S. election.
The talk show host was addressing a literary festival Sunday in the northwestern Indian town of Jaipur.
More
The talk show host was addressing a literary festival Sunday in the northwestern Indian town of Jaipur.
More
Ohio Father Accused Of Taping Up Daughter, Locking Her In Cage
(CNN) -- A Cincinnati man was in court Friday after authorities say he disciplined his daughter by twice tying her up with duct tape, then locking her in a dog cage.
In a Hamilton County court Friday, Judge Fanon Rucker set $50,000 bail for James Tapke after he was charged with endangering children. The defendant, along with his son, allegedly took photos of the entire incident that ended up online.
Tapke's lawyer said during the court session that his client didn't commit a crime, but rather took part in "a joke that got out of control."
More
In a Hamilton County court Friday, Judge Fanon Rucker set $50,000 bail for James Tapke after he was charged with endangering children. The defendant, along with his son, allegedly took photos of the entire incident that ended up online.
Tapke's lawyer said during the court session that his client didn't commit a crime, but rather took part in "a joke that got out of control."
More
How Much Economic Freedom Do We Have In The United States
The root of economic freedom is the recognition of the right to own private property. That includes the right to utilize it unmolested, to dispose of it without anyone's permission and to exclude anyone from it, even the government. Suffice it to say, no American president since the advent of the income tax and the Federal Reserve 100 years ago has fully accepted or meaningfully defended that right. The more the government extracts in taxes and the more it inflates the money supply, the more it rejects and assaults property rights.
Every president in the 20th century, even Ronald Reagan, signed legislation raising income taxes. The theory behind the income tax is that the government's need for cash is so great, it can just take it from your employer after you earn it but before your employer pays you – before you even see the cash – and use it as it sees fit. This presumes that the federal government has a greater right to your income than you do. There really can be no rationale for income taxes without that belief.
Do you know anyone outside the government who believes this?
If you believe you have the natural right to own your property and to trade and spend your money as you see fit, then there is only one Republican presidential candidate who agrees with you. That candidate, when asked last week in South Carolina what the rate of income taxes should be, replied: ZERO. One needs to laugh at Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich as they pitifully attempt to defend natural rights and the right to pursue happiness, when they have no respect for the right to own private property.
More
Every president in the 20th century, even Ronald Reagan, signed legislation raising income taxes. The theory behind the income tax is that the government's need for cash is so great, it can just take it from your employer after you earn it but before your employer pays you – before you even see the cash – and use it as it sees fit. This presumes that the federal government has a greater right to your income than you do. There really can be no rationale for income taxes without that belief.
Do you know anyone outside the government who believes this?
If you believe you have the natural right to own your property and to trade and spend your money as you see fit, then there is only one Republican presidential candidate who agrees with you. That candidate, when asked last week in South Carolina what the rate of income taxes should be, replied: ZERO. One needs to laugh at Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich as they pitifully attempt to defend natural rights and the right to pursue happiness, when they have no respect for the right to own private property.
More
Lawmakers Consider Local Spending On Schools
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to shift part of the expense of teacher pensions to Maryland counties prompted lawmakers on Friday to question whether the added cost should be factored into a state law that requires counties to maintain a certain amount of spending on schools.
Under O'Malley's plan, about $239 million in new county expenses would not apply to their maintenance of effort requirements.
Delegate Theodore Sophocleus, D-Anne Arundel, questioned why the added pension expense would not be factored in when determining whether a county was meeting the requirement.
"If the shift is going to the county and the county will be responsible for paying the cost, it seems to me that that would probably lead to the MOE being adjusted to absorb that change," Sophocleus said during a joint meeting of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
Mark Collins, an analyst with the state's nonpartisan Department of Legislative Services, pointed out that lawmakers could consider changes as they deliberate over the governor's budget proposal.
"I think we're a long way away from knowing exactly how it will all play out and whether or not there will be some sort of overlap with maintenance of effort," Collins said. "As the bill stands right now, the counties will pay those costs and there's no change to maintenance of effort."
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Under O'Malley's plan, about $239 million in new county expenses would not apply to their maintenance of effort requirements.
Delegate Theodore Sophocleus, D-Anne Arundel, questioned why the added pension expense would not be factored in when determining whether a county was meeting the requirement.
"If the shift is going to the county and the county will be responsible for paying the cost, it seems to me that that would probably lead to the MOE being adjusted to absorb that change," Sophocleus said during a joint meeting of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.
Mark Collins, an analyst with the state's nonpartisan Department of Legislative Services, pointed out that lawmakers could consider changes as they deliberate over the governor's budget proposal.
"I think we're a long way away from knowing exactly how it will all play out and whether or not there will be some sort of overlap with maintenance of effort," Collins said. "As the bill stands right now, the counties will pay those costs and there's no change to maintenance of effort."
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US Deploys 12,000 Troops In Libya
The United States has sent some 12,000 soldiers to Libya, in the first phase of deployments to the oil-rich North African nation.
According to Asharq Alawsat, the troops landed in the eastern oil port city of Brega.
Although the deployment is said to be aimed at generating stability and security in the region, the troops are expected to take control of the country's key oil fields and strategic ports.
Brega, the site of an important oil refinery, serves as a major export hub for Libyan oil. The town is also one of the five oil terminals in the eastern half of the country.
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According to Asharq Alawsat, the troops landed in the eastern oil port city of Brega.
Although the deployment is said to be aimed at generating stability and security in the region, the troops are expected to take control of the country's key oil fields and strategic ports.
Brega, the site of an important oil refinery, serves as a major export hub for Libyan oil. The town is also one of the five oil terminals in the eastern half of the country.
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Lawmakers Push Against O'Malley's Pension Plan
WASHINGTON - Montgomery County lawmakers say they understand times are tough, but Gov. Martin O'Malley's making it tougher on their constituents with a plan to shift half the cost of teacher pensions to the counties.
Teachers are technically state employees and for decades, the state has picked up the cost of their pensions. In Montgomery County, the cost of teacher pensions for fiscal 2013 has been calculated to be about $168 million.
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has called the move to pass half the cost of pensions on to cash-strapped counties a "non-starter," and has likened it to telling counties to pick their poison.
Former Maryland Delegate Craig Rice, who served on the House Ways and Means Committee and is now a member of the Montgomery County Council, agrees.
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Teachers are technically state employees and for decades, the state has picked up the cost of their pensions. In Montgomery County, the cost of teacher pensions for fiscal 2013 has been calculated to be about $168 million.
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has called the move to pass half the cost of pensions on to cash-strapped counties a "non-starter," and has likened it to telling counties to pick their poison.
Former Maryland Delegate Craig Rice, who served on the House Ways and Means Committee and is now a member of the Montgomery County Council, agrees.
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Obama Pushes Hard To Protect Big Banks From Fraud Prosecutions ... But We Can Stop Him
As we've noted for years, the entire strategy of Washington towards the economy is to cover up the fraud [9] which caused the financial crisis ... even though prosecuting fraud and re-establishing the rule of law is the only way [10] to get out of this depression [11].
One major front in Washington's cover-up effort has been to settle fraud cases with the big banks for pennies on the dollar. This is a backdoor bailout for the banks [12], encourages them to commit more fraud, and fails to plug the basic holes in the economy which are preventing a recovery.
Why are we bringing this up now?
Because Obama is making a giant push to pressure the states attorneys general [13] to settle all of their mortgage-related fraud claims against the banks for pennies on the dollar.
Yves Smith - who has an ear to the ground on this - warns that a settlement which hurts consumers and the economy will happen very quickly if people don't raise a ruckus.
Smith is asking [14] people to call their state attorney general (not their elected reps) to oppose the settlement:
Here are some of the reasons to oppose a settlement:
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One major front in Washington's cover-up effort has been to settle fraud cases with the big banks for pennies on the dollar. This is a backdoor bailout for the banks [12], encourages them to commit more fraud, and fails to plug the basic holes in the economy which are preventing a recovery.
Why are we bringing this up now?
Because Obama is making a giant push to pressure the states attorneys general [13] to settle all of their mortgage-related fraud claims against the banks for pennies on the dollar.
Yves Smith - who has an ear to the ground on this - warns that a settlement which hurts consumers and the economy will happen very quickly if people don't raise a ruckus.
Smith is asking [14] people to call their state attorney general (not their elected reps) to oppose the settlement:
Here are some of the reasons to oppose a settlement:
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Texting While Driving Could Become A Primary Offense in Va.
WASHINGTON - A new bill could soon make it easier for police to pull you over for texting while driving in Virginia.
A Senate Transportation committee approved approved legislation this week that would allow police to pull over drivers who are texting.
Currently police can only pull you over for texting if you commit another violation.
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A Senate Transportation committee approved approved legislation this week that would allow police to pull over drivers who are texting.
Currently police can only pull you over for texting if you commit another violation.
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$210K For Bonnie & Clyde Tommy Gun, Shotgun
(CBS News)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Tommy Gun and shotgun reportedly owned by the Depression Era bank robbers Bonnie & Clyde were sold at auction today for a total of $210,000.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was Showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Patriot's flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity, Tom," said... God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here." Tom felt Special, indeed, and walked up to his house.
On his way up to the porch, he noticed another house just around the corner. It was a 3-story mansion with a Purple & Black sidewalk, a 50 foot tall Flagpole with an enormous Ravens logo flag, and in every window, a Ravens Towel.
Tom looked at God and said, "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I Have a question. I was an all-pro QB, I hold many NFL records, and I even Won a few Super bowls."
God said, "So what's your point, Tom?"
"Well, why does Ray Lewis get a better house than me?"
God chuckled, and said, "Tom, that's not Ray's house, it's mine."
GO RAVENS! GO RAVENS! GO RAVENS! GO RAVENS! GO RAVENS!
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release 1-22-12
Incident: Violation of Protective Order
Date of Incident: 19 January 2012
Location: Bethel Road Willards, MD
Suspect: Jeremiah M. Moore, 30, Willards, MD
Narrative: On 19 January 2012, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival an investigation revealed that the suspect, Jeremiah Moore, was in violation of a protective order issued by the District Court. Moore was placed under arrest.
The deputy transported Moore to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Moore on personal recognizance.
Charges: Violation of Protective Order
Date of Incident: 19 January 2012
Location: Bethel Road Willards, MD
Suspect: Jeremiah M. Moore, 30, Willards, MD
Narrative: On 19 January 2012, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival an investigation revealed that the suspect, Jeremiah Moore, was in violation of a protective order issued by the District Court. Moore was placed under arrest.
The deputy transported Moore to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Moore on personal recognizance.
Charges: Violation of Protective Order
Jewish Paper's Column Catches Secret Service Eye
Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- The U.S. Secret Service is looking into a controversial column by an Atlanta Jewish newspaper publisher that mulled the assassination of an American president.
Andrew Adler, owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, wrote a January 13 column about the threat of Iran to Israel. He posed three options for the Jewish state to counter the Iranian regime.
One of them called for a "hit on a president in order to preserve Israel's existence." "Give the go-ahead for U.S. based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel in order for the current vice president to take his place and forcefully dictate that the United States' policy includes its helping the Jewish state obliterate its enemies."
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Andrew Adler, owner and publisher of the Atlanta Jewish Times, wrote a January 13 column about the threat of Iran to Israel. He posed three options for the Jewish state to counter the Iranian regime.
One of them called for a "hit on a president in order to preserve Israel's existence." "Give the go-ahead for U.S. based Mossad agents to take out a president deemed unfriendly to Israel in order for the current vice president to take his place and forcefully dictate that the United States' policy includes its helping the Jewish state obliterate its enemies."
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HOWARD CO. OFFICER AND TWO OTHERS INJURED IN CRASH
(MT. AIRY, MD) – A Howard County Police Department officer, a person he had in custody, and a driver who hit them are all in the hospital this morning after an early morning crash in Mt. Airy
The injured are identified as Officer Richard M. Romberger Jr., 43, of the Howard County Police Department, Matthew J. Griffis, 27, of the 24000-block of Burnt Hill Road, Clarksburg, Md., and Ricky A. Epperson, 25, of the 7800-block of East Hill Road, Mt. Airy, Md. All three individuals were flown by Maryland State Police helicopters to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where they are undergoing treatment for what are preliminarily believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Shortly before 2:00 a.m. today, Trooper First Class James Smith of the Maryland State Police Westminster Barrack was dispatched to attempt to locate a crash reported to be on Rt. 144 near Mt. Airy. The trooper was southbound on Rt. 27 when he noticed several Howard County Police cars with their emergency lights activated on Rt. 144 near Griffith Road, about one-quarter mile east of Rt. 27.
TFC Smith pulled up behind several Howard County units parked on the eastbound shoulder and also activated his emergency lights. Parked just ahead of him in the eastbound lane of Rt. 144 was Officer Romberger’s patrol unit, which also had its emergency lights on.
TFC Smith learned the crash he had been dispatched to was in Howard County and was being handled by county officers. They told him a driver involved in that crash, Matthew Griffis, had left the scene on Penn Shop Road, but had just been located and taken into custody by Officer Romberger and the other officers at their current location on Rt. 144.
The preliminary investigation by Maryland State Police indicates that Officer Romberger was standing on the passenger side of his patrol car with Griffis when they were struck by a 2000 Volvo S-70, driven by Ricky Epperson. State Police investigators believe Epperson was traveling eastbound toward the stopped police cars, all of which had their emergency lights activated, when he failed to stop, clipped the front of the parked State Police patrol car, hit the Howard County patrol car, and then struck Officer Romberger and Griffis.
TFC Smith called for emergency medical personnel to respond as police on the scene administered first aid to the injured. Maryland State Police helicopters from Frederick and Baltimore were dispatched to the scene and transported the three injured persons.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the scene and will be conducting the continuing investigation. A specific cause for the crash has not been positively identified at this time. Nothing is being ruled out at this early stage of the investigation.
No charges have been filed at this time. State Police investigators are continuing to collect evidence and will review their investigation with the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office before charges are filed.
The injured are identified as Officer Richard M. Romberger Jr., 43, of the Howard County Police Department, Matthew J. Griffis, 27, of the 24000-block of Burnt Hill Road, Clarksburg, Md., and Ricky A. Epperson, 25, of the 7800-block of East Hill Road, Mt. Airy, Md. All three individuals were flown by Maryland State Police helicopters to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where they are undergoing treatment for what are preliminarily believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Shortly before 2:00 a.m. today, Trooper First Class James Smith of the Maryland State Police Westminster Barrack was dispatched to attempt to locate a crash reported to be on Rt. 144 near Mt. Airy. The trooper was southbound on Rt. 27 when he noticed several Howard County Police cars with their emergency lights activated on Rt. 144 near Griffith Road, about one-quarter mile east of Rt. 27.
TFC Smith pulled up behind several Howard County units parked on the eastbound shoulder and also activated his emergency lights. Parked just ahead of him in the eastbound lane of Rt. 144 was Officer Romberger’s patrol unit, which also had its emergency lights on.
TFC Smith learned the crash he had been dispatched to was in Howard County and was being handled by county officers. They told him a driver involved in that crash, Matthew Griffis, had left the scene on Penn Shop Road, but had just been located and taken into custody by Officer Romberger and the other officers at their current location on Rt. 144.
The preliminary investigation by Maryland State Police indicates that Officer Romberger was standing on the passenger side of his patrol car with Griffis when they were struck by a 2000 Volvo S-70, driven by Ricky Epperson. State Police investigators believe Epperson was traveling eastbound toward the stopped police cars, all of which had their emergency lights activated, when he failed to stop, clipped the front of the parked State Police patrol car, hit the Howard County patrol car, and then struck Officer Romberger and Griffis.
TFC Smith called for emergency medical personnel to respond as police on the scene administered first aid to the injured. Maryland State Police helicopters from Frederick and Baltimore were dispatched to the scene and transported the three injured persons.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the scene and will be conducting the continuing investigation. A specific cause for the crash has not been positively identified at this time. Nothing is being ruled out at this early stage of the investigation.
No charges have been filed at this time. State Police investigators are continuing to collect evidence and will review their investigation with the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office before charges are filed.
Joe Paterno Is NOT Dead
(12:25 a.m. ET): CBSSports.com issued an apology and correction for publishing an unsubstantiated report that former Penn State coach Joe Paterno had died.
(1:35 a.m. ET): The Washington Post reported that Paterno's family was weighing whether to take the longtime coach off of a ventilator on Sunday.
(1:35 a.m. ET): The Washington Post reported that Paterno's family was weighing whether to take the longtime coach off of a ventilator on Sunday.
Fruitland Police Department Press Releases 1-22-12
DATE & TIME: Thursday January 19, 2012 @ 1800 hours
INCIDENT: CDS Possession
LOCATION: S. Fruitland Blvd @ Staton Street
CASE NO.: 2012-0081
PERSON CHARGED: La-Vor E. Johnson
AGE: 31
ADDRESS: Parksley, Virginia
CHARGES: Possession with Intent to Distribute (X’s 2)
CDS Possession (Marijuana)
CDS Possession (Not Marijuana X’s 2)
CDS Paraphernalia
Obstructing and Hindering
Fleeing and Eluding
(Numerous traffic related offenses)
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC
SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time a Fruitland officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle, of which the above named suspect was the driver. Upon pulling over the suspect immediately fled from the vehicle and a lengthy foot pursuit ensued. Fruitland officers, including the Fruitland K-9 Unit were able to apprehend the suspect. The suspect was found to possess several types of illegal drugs to include suspected Marijuana, Ecstasy and Oxycodone. The suspect was transported to WCDC and released to Central Booking.
DATE & TIME: Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 1500 hours
INCIDENT: CDS Possession
LOCATION: W. Main @ Camden Ave.
CASE NO.: 2012-0075
PERSON CHARGED: Brandon L. Harris
AGE: 25
ADDRESS: Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession with Intent to Distribute (Marijuana)
CDS Possession (Marijuana)
CDS Paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC
SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time a Fruitland officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the above named suspect was a passenger. During the encounter the officer detected the overwhelming odor of raw Marijuana emanating from the vehicle, specifically from the area of the suspect. As the officer had the passenger exit the vehicle he immediately observed the suspect’s pocket to be stuffed and could clearly see a large bag of suspected Marijuana protruding from that pocket. Upon being placed under arrest, additional bags of suspected Marijuana were located, in significant quantity to indicate and intent to distribute. The suspect was transported to WCDC and released to Central Booking without incident.
INCIDENT: CDS Possession
LOCATION: S. Fruitland Blvd @ Staton Street
CASE NO.: 2012-0081
PERSON CHARGED: La-Vor E. Johnson
AGE: 31
ADDRESS: Parksley, Virginia
CHARGES: Possession with Intent to Distribute (X’s 2)
CDS Possession (Marijuana)
CDS Possession (Not Marijuana X’s 2)
CDS Paraphernalia
Obstructing and Hindering
Fleeing and Eluding
(Numerous traffic related offenses)
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC
SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time a Fruitland officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle, of which the above named suspect was the driver. Upon pulling over the suspect immediately fled from the vehicle and a lengthy foot pursuit ensued. Fruitland officers, including the Fruitland K-9 Unit were able to apprehend the suspect. The suspect was found to possess several types of illegal drugs to include suspected Marijuana, Ecstasy and Oxycodone. The suspect was transported to WCDC and released to Central Booking.
DATE & TIME: Wednesday January 18, 2012 @ 1500 hours
INCIDENT: CDS Possession
LOCATION: W. Main @ Camden Ave.
CASE NO.: 2012-0075
PERSON CHARGED: Brandon L. Harris
AGE: 25
ADDRESS: Salisbury, Maryland
CHARGES: Possession with Intent to Distribute (Marijuana)
CDS Possession (Marijuana)
CDS Paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to custody of Central Booking at WCDC
SYNOPSIS: On the above date and time a Fruitland officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which the above named suspect was a passenger. During the encounter the officer detected the overwhelming odor of raw Marijuana emanating from the vehicle, specifically from the area of the suspect. As the officer had the passenger exit the vehicle he immediately observed the suspect’s pocket to be stuffed and could clearly see a large bag of suspected Marijuana protruding from that pocket. Upon being placed under arrest, additional bags of suspected Marijuana were located, in significant quantity to indicate and intent to distribute. The suspect was transported to WCDC and released to Central Booking without incident.
States Look to Establish Online Animal Abuser Registries
A movement that started in Suffolk County, N.Y., is quickly spreading across the country.
Its goal: to require animal abusers to sign up for online registries, much like those required for sex offenders.
The Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty of Animals was the first in the country to set up an online registry in 2010, where convicted animal abusers must register a photo and current address for ten years as well pay a $50 per year fee.
Campaign To Legalize Marijuana Use In Michigan Kicks Off
DETROIT (WWJ) - A brand new campaign to legalize marijuana in Michigan kicked off Friday.
A grass-roots committee working toward ending marijuana prohibition in Michigan is campaigning to amend state law and legalize marijuana use for adults 21 and older. The amendment would not apply to or change workplace or driving issues regarding marijuana.
Spokesman: Joe Paterno In Serious Condition
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - A family spokesman says former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, who is battling lung cancer, is in serious condition after experiencing health complications.
The 85-year-old Paterno has been in the hospital since Jan. 13 for observation for what his family had called minor complications from cancer treatments.
"Over the last few days Joe Paterno has experienced further health complications," spokesman Dan McGinn said in a brief statement Saturday to The Associated Press. "His doctors have now characterized his status as serious.
Maryland High Court Sides With Homeowners On Private Beach Access
Maryland's highest court is restricting access to the Dobbins Island beach.
The state Court of Appeals issued an opinion on Friday reversing a lower court ruling that said even the privately owned areas of the beach were open to the public. The appeals court said continued public use of the beach was at the discretion of the owners.
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