Presidents Day - Why Can't We Nominate Our Own President? We Can, We Are

Why can't the American public nominate their own candidate for president? It turns out we can, and are doing so for the first time in American history.

If the last 12 years have revealed anything, they have shown beyond reasonable doubt that both Status Quo political parties in the U.S. are hopelessly, ruinously corrupt and thus beyond any reform or redemption. We all know why: it now takes millions of dollars to run costly mainstream media election campaigns, and the only source for contributions of that scale is the financial/corporate Elite.

It doesn't matter how you arrange the taxonomy of the financial aristocracy that rules the nation or how you subdivide it--old money, new money, family money, corporate money, etc.-- the bottom line is these campaign contributions are viewed by the aristocratic donors as investments that yield gargantuan returns in tax breaks, subsidies, bailouts, sweetheart contracts, "get out of jail free" cards for the shadow banking system, and so on.

In Social Fractals and the Corruption of America [12](February 8, 2012) I wrote:

Clearly, the tax code is both legal and completely skewed to the very wealthy and politically powerful. $100,000 is still a fairly significant contribution in politics, and if that contribution ends up yielding a tax break that gains the donor $1 million in lower taxes, then that donation earned a 10-fold "return on investment."

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Supreme Court Blocks Montana Campaign Finance Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the Montana Supreme Court's decision in December upholding the state's century-old ban on corporate political spending.

The ruling Friday evening sets up a possible full-blown U.S. Supreme Court rematch over the 2010 Citizens United decision that allowed unlimited corporate campaign spending. It came in response to an application submitted last week by American Tradition Partnership, a conservative interest group that says it fights "the radical environmentalist agenda," and two companies, seeking to have Montana's ban struck down. A five-member majority of the U.S. Supreme Court in Citizens United declared that corporations' independent spending in elections does not corrupt -- or even appear to corrupt -- the political process.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/17/supreme-court-montana_n_1285804.html?ref=politics

Arizona Debate Matters For GOP's Final Four

Washington (CNN) -- In no particular order, here are four things you should watch in this week's desert debate: Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich.

The final four have not shared a stage in almost a month: Not since Romney won Florida, Nevada and Maine. Not since Santorum triumphed in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado. Not since Paul won -- well, Paul won nowhere, though he told me on CNN's "State of the Union," "It all depends on how you measure winning. ... The bottom line is who is going to get the delegates ... and we think we're doing pretty good."

Also not winning anywhere since the last debate is Gingrich, who retains his down-but-never-out storyline. The former House speaker promised recently, "I have been front-runner twice. I suspect I'll be the front-runner again in a few weeks."

It is at least arguable that since the last debate on January 26, Gingrich has faded and Paul has hit a ceiling. Still, all four Republican presidential hopefuls have jointly suffered from an increasing Republican anxiety about the field.

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Authority To Place Speed Cameras Around Salisbury - LOOK OUT

Joe

Sometimes I go about my daily business as usual and then something of such magnitude comes about that it just takes my breath away.
First it was the authority to place a single speed camera in Fruitland. Then - they expanded it to in front of Bennett High School. Then, Salisbury Middle School:

While looking at the County Council briefing book - I am stunned at what is being planned in and around Salisbury.
http://www.wicomicocounty.org/council/agenda_minutes/Brief%20Book.PDF

Here is an excerpt of the proposed locations:

Gas Prices Soar After Iran Cuts Supply

It doesn’t look like the pain at the gas pump will be easing anytime soon since prices have soared in the past month due to tension in the Middle East.

Iran cut off oil to European countries, as a pre-emptive strike for the European Union's tough new sanctions over its nuclear program.

As a result, over the past month, gas prices have soared 18 cents a gallon, and it might get even worse.

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Marxism In America

Hundreds Of Cars And Trucks Crash As Snow Falls Across Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - State Police responded to nearly 1,000 traffic accidents as snow fell across the Commonwealth Sunday into Monday morning, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Molnar.

Molnar said on Sunday state troopers responded to 881 crashes and 456 calls for disabled vehicles. Nearly 230 of those crash calls occurred in and around Richmond, Virginia.

Monday morning state police responded to more than 40 crashes in metro-Richmond.

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Crazy Grandma

Presidents' Day 2012: Sarah Palin Releases Video

Sarah Palin celebrated Presidents' Day by releasing a video on the website of her political action committee, SarahPAC.com.

"We stand today at the symbolic crossroads of our nation's history, and all around us are monuments to those who have sustained us over the years in word or deed, the towering presence of the great emancipator who secured our union at the moment of its most perilous time," she says as images of monuments, presidents, Americana and herself appear on the screen.

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How Citibank Dumped Lousy Mortgages On The Government

A lawsuit, which Citibank just settled for $158 million, reveals how the bank pushed risky loans onto the government's books.

Citigroup agreed yesterday to pay $158 million to settle a lawsuit [1] over bad loans that the bank passed on to the Federal Housing Administration to insure. The whistle-blower who originally brought the case, Sherry Hunt, an employee of Citi's mortgage department, said the company actively undermined the process that was supposed to check for fraud in order to push through reckless loans and get higher profits.

The suit itself makes for good reading [2]. We've pulled out the juiciest bits, and explain just what Citi appears to have been doing.

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Ruling Class

"Those who formally rule take their signals and commands not from the electorate as a body, but from a small group of men. This group will be called the Establishment. It exists even though that existence is stoutly denied. It is one of the secrets of the American social order... A second secret is the fact that the existence of the Establishment - the ruling class - is not supposed to be discussed."

-- Arthur S. Miller
George Washington University Professor of Law

The Tea Party Isn’t Dead

It should come as no surprise that there’s been a lot of talk in the mainstream media recently about the “death of the Tea Party.” This is an old narrative that the establishment and its media allies have tried several times already, and those of us in the movement know to ignore it by now. But with so many grassroots Conservatives finding themselves frustrated with their choices of presidential candidates, this seems like a moment to affirm our strength and plot our course to take this country back.

The Daily Caller was kind enough to publish my thoughts on this topic, in an Op-Ed titled “The Tea Party Isn’t Dead.” In it, I conclude:

Were the tea party movement a unified bloc, with a D.C. lobbying office, allies inside the establishment elite, and an agenda formed by special interests and big-money donors, the pundits might be correct in pointing out the tea party’s “weakness” in this presidential nomination process. But this assumption ignores how fundamentally the tea party has changed politics…

What the pundits are really saying is not that the tea party has lost its clout, but that the tea party has failed to play the traditional game of Washington, D.C. politics. This condemnation should be a badge of pride for the tea party: it is signal proof of success, not failure.

Read the whole thing here.

Domestic Production Eyed As Gas Prices Head Toward Record-Breaking Height

President Obama's re-elect team defended White House energy policy on Sunday as gas prices shoot toward the $4 mark and beyond, a level that could devastate voters' pocketbooks as well as Obama's chances for a second term.

Nationally, gas prices are $3.53 a gallon, up 25 cents since Jan. 1, and likely headed to $4.25 a gallon by late April. Republicans have demanded more oil production at home, as well as building the Keystone XL pipeline across the middle of the U.S. to allow oil from Canada to reach Texas refineries.

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FDA Investigates Whether Inhalable Caffeine Is Safe

The Food and Drug Administration will investigate whether inhalable caffeine is safe or a dietary supplement like one company claims, the Associated Press reports. The caffeine is sold in lipstick sized canisters. Consumers put one end of the canister in their mouths and breathe in, releasing a fine powder that dissolves almost instantly. It's called AeroShot and didn't require an FDA review before hitting the because it's sold as a dietary supplement. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) says he met with FDA's Commissioner and she agreed to review the safety and legality of AeroShot.

Sex-Changing Treatment For Kids: It's On The Rise

CHICAGO (AP) — A small but growing number of teens and even younger children who think they were born the wrong sex are getting support from parents and from doctors who give them sex-changing treatments, according to reports in the medical journal Pediatrics.

It's an issue that raises ethical questions, and some experts urge caution in treating children with puberty-blocking drugs and hormones.

An 8-year-old second-grader in Los Angeles is a typical patient. Born a girl, the child announced at 18 months, "I a boy" and has stuck with that belief. The family was shocked but now refers to the child as a boy and is watching for the first signs of puberty to begin treatment, his mother told The Associated Press.

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Update On Immigration And Customs Shooting

More details emerging on the fatal shooting between Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Long Beach, Calif. Sources tell the Associated Press, agent Ezequiel Garcia shot Kevin Kozak six times. Kozak, who survived, is the deputy special agent in command. Kozak had turned down Garcia's request for a transfer. They were about to meet to discuss Garcia's job performance. A third agent shot and killed Garcia. The shootings were the latest in a series of public embarrassments for ICE. Its officers and agents have been arrested for crimes, accused of improper relationships with informants and convicted in embezzlement cases.

Fredericksen To Be Reappointed Tuesday

Joe,

All of the outcry about Fredericksen’s leadership and the unethical actions of some board members had no effect. The board is set to reappoint him on Tuesday. His contract renewal is on the agenda for tomorrow, February 21st, soon after the board meeting begins at 1:30. None of the concerns of the public and parents, the complete lack of respect and confidence of the staff, the culture of fear imposed on employees, the past performance and questionable actions in Minnesota, and his performance here leading WCPS have not mattered to the board at all. They made no request for public input, no attempt to survey staff, no effort to investigate claims, and clearly no intelligent review of his last four years. If you are part of the problem, it is difficult to become the solution.

What will the press release say? Typically you tout accomplishments and strategic vision in such things. “Dr. Fredericksen has led WCPS to four failing years on student achievement tests. He has completely lost the confidence and respect of his staff and alienated the community members with whom he has had contact. But he has been our puppet and supported our own personal motives and questionable actions, so we welcome him back for four more years. We need to hold this ball of yarn together and don’t believe the children of Wicomico County deserve any better than this.”

All of that alone should be enough without the pending legal actions that have already begun. By filing the defamation claim against White, Moses and Messick were smarter than Fredericksen. Then again, that bar is pretty low. Now White, Fredericksen, and others will begin to answer about relationships and communications and they will have to release records so that Fredericksen can no longer ignore timelines on public information requests and lie on responses. The unions will scamper to get themselves removed from the claim arguing that White was acting on his own in conjunction with Fredericksen. Even if Fredericksen wanted to help out his only buddy, White, the board’s insurance plan would not allow it. White will be alone on an island and the unraveling will begin soon and who knows where it will end.

By the time that saga concludes, there won’t be much of a board of education or a Fredericksen around. It makes you wonder what is wrong with the board. Your article on pension bailout is telling. That cost is coming to the local government or board of ed. According to our website, Fredericksen came here at 58 years old and likely a retiree from Minnesota with a pension there. Once the board gives him a new contract, he’ll be vested in the Maryland pension system (5 years). With the cost now about to be paid locally, Wicomico County citizens will be paying for Fredericksen’s pension no matter how long he endures the legal battle facing him. Aren’t we lucky.

We should thank the board for that lifetime bill, especially for a guy who hates Wicomico County and the Shore. From the beginning he has made ongoing weird and defamatory comments about us. He tells people that he is privileged as an educated white man with a doctorate and actually believes that they open lines in Target just for him. Seriously. When he first arrived he commented on going to church here that had a confederate flag so much that staff members checked it out. It was a cemetery marker of a Civil War soldier outside the church. He told a parent, who he didn’t know was an employee, that if she was so concerned about gang activity in schools she should put her kids in private school. Because he had such a difficult time adjusting to here, he once hired a customer relations firm (for one meeting) to help people interact. They left when they realized he was the only one having trouble interacting, but at the preparation meeting one staff member trying to help him said she had to transition when she came here from another state. Fredericksen replied, “Why, because you have a doctorate but not a pickup truck.”

Wow, four more years. Let’s all thank the board. At least we have this blog to detail every aspect of Fredericksen and the board for the next four years. I’m sure they are looking forward to that as well.

New Posts to fall below.

Weekly Laser, Fireworks Shows Set For Summer

OCEAN CITY – A weekly laser light and fireworks show will hit the sky downtown this summer as a new series of free events was approved this week.

The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) presented an update to the Mayor and City Council on its recent meetings where ideas were worked out to bring new events as well as expand existing events with the funds allocated by the town.

TAB Chair Melanie Pursel requested that a summer family entertainment series be approved and funded partially with the remainder of the $300,000 allocated to the board in the fiscal year of 2012. In order to do so, the fund balance of $170,000 will have to be rolled over into fiscal yaer 2013’s to accommodate the entertainment series.

In addition, TAB asked for the council to consider allocating an additional $300,000 in next year’s budget to finish funding the series and in order to continue to study incoming presentations of new events that would add value to the town.

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A New Jobs Program For People Trapped In Unemployment

(CBS News) Meet the new underclass -- the four million Americans who have been unemployed for more than a year. With every additional week out of work, their chances of finding a job dwindle. It turns out that many employers don't want to hire the currently unemployed. Enter Joe Carbone , who is determined to return the American dream to the long-term unemployed in Connecticut. And he's succeeding, one job at a time. How's Carbone doing it? Scott Pelley reports.

The following script is from "Trapped in Unemployment" which aired on Feb. 19, 2012. Scott Pelley is the correspondent. Henry Schuster and Rachael Kun, producers.

We've seen some improvement in the job market lately. But there's something stubborn about unemployment. Never in the last 60 years has the length of joblessness been this long. Four million people, a full third of the unemployed, have been out of work more than a year. They've been severed from the workforce. Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, calls it "a national crisis." To understand what's happening, we went to Stamford, Conn., to see an experiment that might just offer a way back for Americans trapped in unemployment.

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Abigail and Brittany Hensel, Conjoined Twins

Ariz. Sheriff Facing Long Odds After Gay Outing

FLORENCE, Ariz. - Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu built a reputation as a rising, conservative star by taking a hardline stance against illegal immigration, attacking the Obama administration and appearing alongside Sen. John McCain in a 2010 re-election ad in which McCain urged federal officials to just "complete the danged fence."

But, on Saturday, Babeu's conservative image took a beating as he was forced to confirm publicly that he is gay and was involved in a relationship with a Mexican immigrant who claims the sheriff threatened to have him deported if he revealed their relationship.

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Paul: U.S. 'Slipping Into A Fascist System'

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul warned the U.S. is “slipping into a fascist system” dominated by government and businesses as he held a fiery rally Saturday night upstaging established Republican Party banquets a short distance away.

The Texas congressman drew a couple thousand standing and chanting people to Kansas City’s Union Station as the party’s establishment dined on steak across the street at the Missouri GOP’s annual conference. Kansas Republicans were holding a similar convention in a suburb across the state line.

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Putin: Russian Military To Get $770B Upgrade

MOSCOW - Russia needs to modernize its military arsenals to deter others from grabbing its resources, Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in an article published Monday.

Putin, who is running to reclaim presidency in March 4 election, didn't name any specific nation eyeing Russian mineral riches, but in the past he had repeatedly accused the United States of trying to weaken Russia in order to sideline a rival.

"We mustn't tempt anyone with our weakness," Putin wrote in the government daily Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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When Only The Best Will Do For Your Pet

Victim Of Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Identified

Resume:
Woodside, DE- The female victim of the fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on US 13 east of Woodside at approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning has been identified as Judith D. Candalino, 57, of Harrington, DE.

The investigation into this crash is continuing.

Judge Rules In-State Tuition Bill Can Go On Ballot

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A judge has ruled a measure allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants is subject to referendum.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Ronald Silkworth issued the decision late Friday.

Supporters of the bill contended the measure is not subject to referendum, because it involves funding of state government programs.

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Santorum Calls For The Abolition Of Public Schools

Fresh off his excommunication of millions of Protestants, Rick Santorum is now calling for the abolition of the public school system:

Speaking to the Ohio Christian Alliance, Santorum went so far as to refer to public schools as "factories" and say that federal or state support for education is an "anachronism."

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Poll: Most Virginians Happy With Gov. McDonnell

WASHINGTON - Va. Gov. Bob McDonnell's popularity is surging, but Virginia's attorney general and the lieutenant governor are not faring so well, according to a new poll.

The Christopher Newport University poll says half of the state's voters think Virginia is moving in the right direction, and less than a quarter think the country as a whole is moving that way.

Six out of 10 approve of McDonnell, yet Attorney General Ken Cuccinell's approval rating is at 40 percent and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling polled at only 30 percent.

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500 U.S. Deaths From Police Tasers; Amnesty Calls For Strict Guidelines

On February 13, Johnnie Kamahi Warren died after a police officer used a Taser on him at least twice outside an Alabama bar. The police had been called when Warren became disorderly and combative at the bar.

Warren's death raises the Taser-related death toll in the U.S. to at least 500.

Warren was unarmed. And that is not uncommon. In fact, a 2008 report by Amnesty International (AI) examined data on hundreds of deaths related to police Taser use and found that an alarming number of those who died were unarmed.

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U.S. Manufacturing Sees Shortage Of Skilled Factory Workers

HOLLAND, Mich. — This stretch of the Rust Belt might seem like an easy place to find factory workers.

Unemployment hovers above 9 percent. Foreign competition has thrown many out of work. It is a platitude that this industrial hub, like the country itself, needs more manufacturing work.

But as the 2012 presidential candidates roam the state offering ways to “bring the jobs back,” many manufacturers say that, in fact, the jobs are already here.

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Congress Gives States The Go-Ahead To Drug Test For Unemployment Benefits

As part of a deal to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits through 2012, Congress will allow states to drug test people applying for those benefits.

As part of a deal approved Friday to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits through 2012, Congress has given its okay to allow states to drug test people applying for those benefits. The move, initially opposed by Democrats, came after the Democratic leadership bowed to Republican pressure in its eagerness to get the bill passed.

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This Just In By A Very Reliable Source, Daily Times Screws ANOTHER Customer

Hey Joe….I read your post the other day about the Daily Times charging you’re acct. for over $1,000 for receiving the paper for coupons….Well I also signed up for that deal “At FOOD LION” just like your wife did and not only did they charge my acct. for $1,134 also…BUT I NEVER EVEN GOT SUNDAY’S PAPER WITH THE COUPONS!! I am on the phone with them right now telling them what I think….were to shove their paper and how I’m contacting you right now so that you can tell the world that they are scamming MORE people for their money. Are they that bad off that they are latterly ripping off tons of people??? I am just in disbelief!!!

Publisher's Notes: For the record, it wasn't me nor my Wife. The original letter came in from one of our viewers. When buying a Daily Times subscription, BE VERY AFRAID!

New Posts to fall below.

90-Year-Old Grandma, Dances To Whitney Houston

Man Charged In Shooting Outside Of D-Lows Nightclub, Bridgeville

Location:

· D-Lows Nightclub, 4506 Federalsburg Road, Bridgeville, DE

Date of Occurrence:

· Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 2:30 a.m.

Victims:

· 18 year old man (gunshot wound to head. Treated and admitted Nanticoke Hospital in serious condition)

· 23 year old female (no injuries)

Defendant/Charges/Bond Information:

· Levonte Dockins-23 of East New Market, Maryland (photo attached)

· Assault First Degree

· Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony

· Possession of a Firearm by Person Prohibited

· Reckless Endangering First Degree (2 Counts)

· Criminal Mischief

· Committed to SCI on $100,500.00 Cash Bond

Resume:

Bridgeville-Troopers have charged Levonte Dockins-23 of East New Market, Maryland in connection with an early morning shooting that occurred outside of D-Lows Nightclub, which has left an 18 year old man in serious condition.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning as an 18 year old man and a 23 year old female acquaintance were leaving a private party at the D-Lows Nightclub west of Bridgeville. A large group gathered outside of the club and became disorderly after being told by management that they would not be admitted into the establishment. As the 18 year old male and 23 year old female were driving away from the establishment in a car that they both occupied, a male suspect emerged from the disorderly crowd, produced a handgun and discharged several rounds into the air and into direction of the victims’ car, striking the rear window. The 18 year old male victim seated in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The 23 year old female was not injured. After realizing that the 18 year old male was injured, the 23 year old female drove him to the Nanticoke Hospital for treatment, where he was admitted in serious condition.

After further investigation and investigative leads, Troop 4 Major Crimes Detectives were able to connect Levonte Dockins-23 of East New Market, MD to the shooting. Shortly after 12:00 p.m. today, Troopers were able to locate Dockins at a residence in Laurel, DE where he was taken into custody without incident.

Dockins was charged with the above crimes and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,500.00 Cash Bond.

Poll: Santorum Leads Romney Nationwide By Eight Points

(CNN) - The latest results from Gallup's daily tracking poll indicate Rick Santorum has overtaken Mitt Romney nationwide and now leads the former Massachusetts governor by an eight-point margin.

According to the poll released Sunday, 36% of registered Republicans said they are backing Santorum, while 28% prefer Romney.

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Wicomico Board Of Ed Fire

Sir,

I recently wrote you about the lack of proper discipline happening in Wicomico county schools. This fire has me wondering, with all the stuff going on at the Board, if this may have been an attempt to hide evidence. This seems very strange, especially with all that has been happening there involving the Superintendent and his staff. Has there been any word yet as to what files if any have been affected? I think this warrants more scrutiny. It would not surprise me at all to find out files pertaining to Messick, Moses, and Frederickson, along with any details of disciplining students, were destroyed. And if this is the case, I think it warrants an investigation, into more than just the fires cause. It is no wonder our country is in the condition it is when even local government is so terribly corrupt. Now imagine how bad it is at the top if we cannot even have a corruption free school board. I for one am sick and tired of this and want some answers. Thanks in advance.

A Concerned Salisbury Resident.

Republicans Offer More Tax Cuts, Say No To Obama Budget

Though Congress' approval rating stands at 10 percent -- compared to 50 percent for President Obama -- House Republican leaders said Sunday his budget is dead on arrival, but they are willing to work on more tax cuts.

"The president's budget is really something that's not serious and we are not going to pass a budget that racks up another $1,300,000,000,000 in debt without any attempt to try and address the real problems here of cutting spending, dealing with entitlements or growth," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., said on "Fox News Sunday."

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Moroccan Man's Ambitions To Take Out Congress

We're learning more about Friday's sting in which The FBI arrested a Moroccan man for plotting a suicide bombing in the Capitol. An undercover agent posing as an Al Qaida operative handed Amine El Khalifi a bomb vest before arresting him. The bomb was a fake. The operation, court papers show, had been running for a year. El Khalifi started out wanting to bomb synagogues and restaurants before raising his ambitions to take out the Congress. A bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

A Letter To The Editor 2-20-12

The education WCBOE has provided me with:

The district uses propaganda to create an image that they have the best interests of the children as their goals. Administrators keep parents from figuring out their agenda by diverting them with positions on committees and creating issues to redirect their energy. They involve parents in meaningless activities and debates to make them feel important and keep them from looking beyond the surface. Such an example is the most recent attempted show of community by providing a large amount of time and attention to an event of very little impact on children’s education compared to the bigger issues that are not being properly addressed.

Administrators have so much power that they can make almost anyone believe that each teacher is worthy of the abuse they used against him/her.

The people in such positions are attracted to the excessive power it provides because teachers are naturally trusting and normally pledge to be caring of children and work together as part of a team. That is their most dominant weapon used against us and is our biggest obstacle to overcome.

The politics in education are no different than the politics of government. I had always assumed educators operated on a higher level. Unfortunately, I have discovered that the system I had so much faith in and thought I was part of something positive has depressingly showed me how corrupt it is being run and I am embarrassed to be a part of it anymore. I have learned that the handling of education by WCBOE is not about doing what is right for children; it is about playing the political game, period, and those of us with integrity, who will not sell out children are the teachers who will be pushed out of the system and destroyed.

It appears there is no remedy available for any type of systemic change to occur. Who is the county or state has the authority to create the change? It is not going to come from within the school system, because anyone who even tries for a positive change will be slaughtered in a matter of time. How many educators have to sacrifice themselves before the officials in the state rally together as a political, public entity to force the corruption to end?

Under attack,

A Jaded Soul

US House OKs Opening Arctic National Wildlife Refuge To Oil Drilling

The U.S. House once again passed a bill to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, voting 237-187 Thursday on a measure expected to die in the Senate.

"This is my 12th time passing ANWR out of the House and although this is a momentous day, there is still work to be done," said U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska. He said the Senate should get moving.

The legislation, which contains other controversial drilling and pipeline provisions, faces much bigger obstacles in the Senate and with President Obama, said Alaska's senators, Republican Lisa Murkowski and Democrat Mark Begich.

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Today's Fill In The Blank 2-20-12

When I started driving in 19__ gas was $____ a gallon and a pack of cigaretts was $____ a pack.

It's Up To Us To Protect The First Amendment

What happens when a journalist is arrested? How do we account for the stories that don’t get told, or the issues that don’t get covered because the press was restricted or behind bars? How do we measure the intimidation journalists feel, and the chill that police intervention places on freedom of the press? One gauge might be the U.S.’s recent drop in global press freedom rankings, down to number 47 worldwide.

Another measurement might be the words of journalists themselves. Kristin Hanes, a journalist who was arrested last month in Oakland, recentlytweeted: “Whenever journalists are arrested/detained for reporting the news, everyone’s freedom is at risk. That is what frightens me most.” Susie Cagle, who has been arrested twice, put it this way on Twitter: “When journos arrested, access is gone & the story often dies. That to me is a reason to be upset, apart from unjust arrests.” Another journalist, a freelancer without the benefit of institutional backing and legal support, is worried about being able to cover future protests because her arrest charges are still pending.

An array of local and national press freedom organizations has stepped up, sending letters to local police departments and providing legal and financial assistance to arrested journalists. However, they can’t win this fight alone. That’s why we at Free Press and SaveTheNews.org called on our members this week to stand with the arrested journalists and with press freedom groups like the Newspaper Guild, the Society for Professional Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association.

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If You See Something, Film Something III

Home Fertility Test For Men To Hit The Shelves

WASHINGTON - A home fertility test for men could be coming to a store near you.

John Herr, professor of cell biology at the University of Virginia Medical School, said Sperm Check is similar to home pregnancy tests and is 98 percent accurate, FDA approved and the results take just 10 minutes.

For some, skipping the doctor's office is enough reason to rush out and buy one.

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Break Times 4th Annual Kim Scot Memorial Benefit

Electronic Pickpocketing!

Gallup Shows Santorum With 8-Point Lead

Gallup's daily tracking poll shows Rick Santorum continuing to gain momentum among national Republican voters, with the former senator now holding a 8 percentage point lead over Mitt Romney.

Santorum earned the support of 36 percent of voters, up one percent from Saturday. Romney fell by one percent to 28 percent. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) and Rep. Ron Paul (Texas) held steady at 13 percent and 11 percent respectively.

Mitt Romney did make up some ground in a hypothetical one-on-one matchup with President Obama, however; Gallup shows the pair now tied at 48 percent each. In the last iteration of the poll, Obama broke 50 percent for the first time, while Romney still earned the support of 48 percent of voters.

The president, meanwhile, looks well poised if Newt Gingrich can muscle his way back into the Republican race. Obama would be the choice of 53 percent of voters in a hypothetical matchup with the former speaker, while Gingrich would only earn support from 41 percent of voters. That's a drop of seven percentage points for Gingrich, and a gain of three percent for the president.

Gallup did not release a trial heat figure for a hypothetical Santorum-Obama matchup.

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PM: I Was Right To Doubt 'Arab Spring'

Speaking at a meeting of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations Sunday night, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reminded listeners at the opening of the meeting that he had warned last year not to be overly optimistic about the effects of the “Arab Spring". At the time, Netanyahu said, he was accused of “not being optimistic enough,” but that his prediction then, that the revolutions in the Arab world could be hijacked by Islamic groups. “It turned out that we were right,” he said.

One result of the revolutions in the Arab world, he said, was an increase in Israel's security levels, and as a result, it was now more difficult to consider coming to a peace deal with the Palestinian Authority. “As we see a major change in the region, we realize that we are going to have to takes steps to defend ourselves,” Netanyahu said.

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Today's Survey Question 2-20-12

Would you rather see the same sex marriage issue decided in the legislature, or through a referendum?

Perspective

Getting Back To Reality

It's been a while since I've said this but I have a little bit of spare time and I want to thank each and every one of you.

It was almost 8 years ago when I started Salisbury News. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think we'd grow to what we've become. I say that because there have been some very serious road blocks along the way.

I started Salisbury News because our local media refused to expose things I felt were extremely important. I saw their agenda and it was, (in my opinion) not what the citizens needed to know.

I had to fight fire with fire in the beginning and quite frankly my Bronx style of reporting didn't sit well with many, especially those in which we were exposing. Nevertheless, over time we toned things down quite a bit. We provided documents, photographs and information those nay sayers did not want exposed.

The next thing I knew there were multiple lawsuits, all of which I walked away victorious. I didn't let those nay sayers bring us down and today we have something we couldn't have achieved without your help.

Our Contributors deliver information you cannot get anywhere else. Our viewers send us information that is not only real time, it blows the doors off the local MSM too afraid to expose something that they might get backlash from public officials. You know, like the "play nice" Mayor.

Salisbury News is a success because together we now have a place in which tens of thousands of people every day rely on. Oh sure, it's easy for the nay sayers to claim we're not telling the truth. However, you just keep one thing in mind. We have gone after many people. We have exposed more information than anyone else out there. Now think about ALL of those names we have exposed and think, are they still working here? Did they get re-elected? NOPE, they're gone.

There will always be people who disagree. There will always be that crowd who SAYS they never go to Salisbury News. Well, guess what, they're full of it. More importantly, because the local media has refused to either publish important information and or are too afraid to put stories out there, together we have achieved something they are no longer trusted to tell.

Salisbury News is YOU. Without all of YOU, without all of your help we would have never achieved what we have achieved. Yeah, I sit here sometimes 16 to 18 hours a day fielding phone calls, reading documents and publishing information. However, YOU are providing that information, those tips, those pictures and when we reach out to YOU and ask for your help, you always come through. Ringing the bell, attending fundraisers, helping to hand out Turkey's during the Holidays. More importantly, think about all that we have done together to help others on the Shore who are less fortunate. This is also done because of our advertisers.

However, remember one thing. Our advertisers would NOT be successful with their advertising if it wasn't for all of YOU. So you see, it's a team effort. I'm just the guy who has a place to put it all. YOU make it all work and I can't thank YOU enough for all of that support.

In closing, when those nay sayers send out letters lying about who I am, using my Son's name because they're not man enough to make such statements in fear of being sued, slam the door in their face. Hang up the phone when they call. Call the Police if they continue to harass you. These are the people/businesses who have been exposed. Let them know, WE'RE not going to take their crap any more. Together we make a difference. Just remember one thing. I do NOT have to do what I do here every day. I retired 10 years ago and quite frankly I never worked harder in my regular career than I have in the past 10 years. I could sell my properties and go someplace nice and warm all year round. Man, that really does sound nice, eh?

THANK YOU!

3 Killed After Avalanche Near Washington Ski Resort

STEVENS PASS, Wash. – Three skiers were killed Sunday when an avalanche swept them about a quarter-mile down an out-of-bounds canyon at a popular resort, but a fourth skier caught up in the slide was saved by a safety device, authorities said.

The four were among three groups of skiers -- about a dozen people in all -- making their way through a foot and a half of fresh snow on the back side of Stevens Pass when the avalanche hit. Stevens Pass is in the Cascade Mountains, about 80 miles northeast of Seattle.

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Lost Dog In Willards: UPDATE

Hi Joe,

My dog was found this morning and is doing fine. Thanks to Betsy Adkins for all
her efforts.

Dear Joe,

I have a Yorgie that ran away yesterday evening. He lives in Virginia with my
son and We were watching him while they are out of town so he is unfamilar with
area.

Yorgie male dog, Orange brown with whit under neck, short legs and ears, house
trained his name is Dudley

Paul Warns US Slipping Toward Fascism At Mo. Rally Upstaging Nearby Republican Party Events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul warned the U.S. is “slipping into a fascist system” dominated by government and businesses as he held a fiery rally Saturday night upstaging established Republican Party banquets a short distance away.

The Texas congressman drew a couple thousand standing and chanting people to Kansas City’s Union Station as the party’s establishment dined on steak across the street at the Missouri GOP’s annual conference. Kansas Republicans were holding a similar convention in a suburb across the state line.

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Flu Season Has Latest Start In Decades

Health officials say flu season is here and about to get worse.

Apparently, it's the latest start to a flu season since 1987.

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Virginia Delegate Says Mandatory Ultrasound Bill Will Turn Doctors Into "Criminals" Under The Law

Next week, Virginia Delegate David Englin (D-45) plans to change the conversation around the forced transvaginal ultrasound bill (or as we believe it is more accurately described, the state-sanctioned rape bill) next week by addressing its potental criminality under Virginia's object sexual penetration statute.

"[object sexual penetration] is a new issue I plan to raise when we debate the Senate version of this bill next week. But surely decent people who disagree about a woman's right to choose can at least agree she shouldn't be vaginally penetrated without her consent."

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CNN Contributor Dana Loesch Defends Virginia ‘State-Sponsored Rape’ Bill As No Different Than Consensual Sex

This week, a Virginia state House committee overwhelmingly approved a bill requiring women to receive an ultrasound before they can have an abortion. Because the majority of abortions happen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, many women would have to undergo an invasive procedure “in which a probe is inserted into the vagina, and then moved around until an ultrasound image is produced,” as Dahlia Lithwick explained last week.

CNN contributor and Andrew Breitbart blogger Dana Loesch, however, sees no problem with a law that effectively legalizes state-sponsored rape, saying the procedure is no different than penetration that occurred during consensual intercourse that “resulted in the pregnancy,” as Little Green Footballs reported:

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Obama Likely To Win 2012 Election With 303 Electoral Votes

With fewer than nine months to go before Election Day, The Signal predicts that Barack Obama will win the presidential contest with 303 electoral votes to the Republican nominee's 235.

How do we know? We don't, of course. Campaigns and candidates evolve, and elections are dynamic events with more variables than can reasonably be distilled in an equation. But the data--based on a prediction engine created by Yahoo! scientists--suggest a second term is likely for the current president. This model does not use polls or prediction markets to directly gauge what voters are thinking. Instead, it forecasts the results of the Electoral College based on past elections, economic indicators, measures of state ideology, presidential approval ratings, incumbency, and a few other politically agnostic factors.

We'll dip into what the model says in a moment, but first a note about models in general: there are a lot of them, from complex equations generated by nerdy academics (like the team at The Signal) to funny coincidences like the Redskins Rule, which holds that the incumbent party keeps the White House if Washington's football team wins its last home game. (This is true in 17 of the last 18 elections!) Every year, some of these models are right and some are wrong, and the difference is often just luck. As a result, models get a bad rap as being very good at predicting the past and lousy at predicting the future.

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John Glenn, Mercury Team Reunite For Launch’s 50th Anniversary

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — John Glenn joined the proud, surviving veterans of NASA’s Project Mercury on Saturday in celebrating the 50th anniversary of his historic orbital flight.

The first American to orbit the Earth thanked the approximately 125 retired Mercury workers, now in their 70s and 80s, who gathered with their spouses at the Kennedy Space Center to swap stories, pose for pictures and take a bow.

“There are a lot more bald heads and gray heads in that group than others, but those are the people who did lay the foundation,” the 90-year-old Mr. Glenn said at an evening ceremony attended by NASA officials, politicians, astronauts and hundreds of others.

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Romney's Endgame

In the last installment of a four-part series, the Prospect looks at where the GOP presidential candidates are headed.

Mitt Romney’s ambitions for the 2012 primary have never been mysterious. He’s in it to win it, and with a weak field, the primaries should have been a mere prelude to his coronation. Things haven't worked out that way.

First there was Rick Perry in September, a chiseled Texan with conservative cred, undone by his inability to list more than two government agencies at a prime-time debate. Herman Cain, charismatic and entertainingly unpredictable, was finally brought down by a raft of sexual harassment-allegations in October. After the South Carolina primary, Newt Gingrich took the lead, but Gingrich couldn’t overcome his own reputation and inability to be likeable. Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator with antiquated social views, seemed destined to sit on the bench the whole primary season, but has suddenly been catapulted to the front of the pack because of his appeal to the most conservative edge of the party.

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How The FBI Invents Terrorists Like The U.S. Capitol ‘Suicide Bomber’

Even the authorities admit the alleged suicide bomber apprehended near the U.S. Capitol posed no threat. Mansfield Frazier on how the feds create ‘terrorists’ so they can arrest them.

If federal authorities thought Amine El Khalifi was a clear and present danger to America, they could have easily solved the problem by deporting the 29-year-old Moroccan, who had been living as an illegal immigrant in northern Virginia for years, having overstayed his visitor’s visa by a decade. Instead, he was arrested Friday in a garage outside the U.S. Capitol for allegedly planning to set off a fake suicide vest and shoot people with an inoperable automatic weapon—both provided to him by his government handlers.

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Data Collection Arms Race Feeds Privacy Fears

This week's revelations that Google Inc, Twitter and other popular Internet companies have been taking liberties with customer data have prompted criticism from privacy advocates and lawmakers, along with apologies from the companies.

They are the latest in a long line of missteps by large Internet companies that have faced little punishment for pushing privacy boundaries, which are already more expansive than most consumers understand.

Despite all the chatter about online privacy and the regular introductions of proposed data protection laws in Congress, Silicon Valley is in the midst of a veritable arms race of personal data collection that is intensifying.

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Iran Oil Ministry: Exports Cut To Britain, France

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has halted oil shipments to Britain and France, the Oil Ministry said Sunday, in an apparent pre-emptive blow against the European Union after the bloc imposed sanctions on Iran's crucial fuel exports.

The EU imposed tough sanctions against Iran last month, which included a freeze of the country's central bank assets and an oil embargo set to begin in July. Iran's Oil Minister Rostam Qassemi had warned earlier this month that Tehran could cut off oil exports to "hostile" European nations. The 27-nation EU accounts for about 18 percent of Iran's oil exports.

However, the Iranian action was not likely to have any significant direct impact on European supplies because both Britain and France had already moved last year to sharply curtail oil purchases from Tehran to less than 3 percent of their daily needs.

Crash Claims Life Of Harrington Woman

Location: US 13 (South DuPont Highway) southbound, .1 mile south of Walnut Shade Road, Woodside, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence: Monday February 20, 2012 at 1:00 a.m.

Operators and Vehicles:

Operator #1: 57 year old Harrington, DE female
Vehicle #1: 1994 Pontiac Sunbird

Operator #2: Marlena R. Korona, 33, of Felton, DE
Vehicle #2: 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe

Other Injured:

5 year old female, of Felton, DE (passenger in vehicle #2)

Resume:
Woodside, DE- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred early this morning east of Woodside.

The incident happened at approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning as a 57 year old female from Harrington, DE was operating a 1994 Pontiac Sunbird and was traveling very slowly or stopped in the right lane of southbound US 13 approximately one tenth of a mile south of Walnut Shade Road. Marlena Korona, 33, was operating a 2000 Chevy Tahoe also in the right lane of US 13 behind the Sunbird, when she struck the rear of the Sunbird with the front of her vehicle. The Sunbird was forced approximately 133 feet south after the impact and came to a stop in the roadway. The Tahoe continued southbound before overturning on the driver’s side into a ditch.

The female operator of the Sunbird, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.

Both Marlena Korona and a five year old passenger in her vehicle, who were properly restrained, were removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Kent General Hospital where they were treated and released for minor injuries.

US 13 southbound at Walnut Shade Road was closed for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. It has since been re-opened.

The investigation by the Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing at this time. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact Corporal Ron Rhodes at Troop 3 at 302-697-4454 ext. 216. Citizens may also provide information by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.

Obama Campaign Adviser Says Santorum Crossed Line

WASHINGTON (AP) — An adviser to President Barack Obama's re-election campaign says GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum went "well over the line" when he questioned Obama's Christian values.

Robert Gibbs tells ABC's "This Week" that it's time "to get rid of this mindset in our politics that, if we disagree, we have to question character and faith."

Gibbs says the country would be better served if presidential candidates focused instead on the economic challenges faced by the middle class.
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School Highlighted Events This Week

Monday, Feb. 20
Presidents’ Day: Schools and Central Office Closed

Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 1:30 p.m.
Special Meeting, Work Session of the Wicomico County Board of Education
Board of Education Auditorium

A special meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Board of Education auditorium. The Board will also meet in a work session starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. The agenda will be posted at www.wcboe.org in advance of the meeting.410-677-4561

Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 4-6 p.m.
Superintendent’s Open Door Session
Board of Education Building

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen will hold a Superintendent’s Open Door Session from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the Administrative Conference Room of the Board of Education Building, Mt. Hermon Road and Long Avenue, Salisbury. Open Door Sessions provide the opportunity for people to meet one-on-one with the superintendent. People may express concerns, offer comment, or ask questions on any issue involving Wicomico schools. No appointment is needed. Each visitor will have approximately 15 minutes to meet with the superintendent. Follow-up sessions will be held if there are more visitors than there is time on the scheduled night. Additional Open Door Sessions for this school year are scheduled for March 21, April 25 and May 23. 410-677-4495

Thursday, Feb. 23
Free Science Night @ SU for High School Students
Henson Hall, Salisbury University

Interested in mathematics or the sciences? Salisbury University again offers its free Science Nights @ SU program for high school students. During sessions, experts explore various math- and science-related fields, discussing current research, career options and more. All Science Night presentations are 6-8 p.m. in Henson Science Hall Room 341. The four-part series continues with Earth and Atmospheric Science on Thursday, Feb. 23, and concludes with Chemistry on Wednesday, March 28. The sessions are open to all high school students from the local region and beyond, especially those considering careers in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). For more information or to register, visit the SU STEM Web site at www.salisbury.edu/henson/stem/sciencenights. For questions about Science Nights @ SU, contact SU STEM Coordinator Kristen Edwards at 410-677-5368 or kaedwards@salisbury.edu

Friday, Feb. 24
Mid-term progress reports sent home

Sunday, Feb. 26, from 4-5:30 p.m.
Meeting with Haitian Families
Charles H. Chipman Elementary School

A meeting has been scheduled with the Haitian families in our community to share information about how to help their children in school. School system staff members will discuss school achievement, safety issues and information concerning the MSA and HSA tests.

Lost Dog

Hi my name is Sarah Webb, I saw your website and heard I should send you a message hoping to reconnect with my puppy. He's an american bulldog, boxer mix less than a year old. Tan with a black face and white chest. He was last seen at the intersection of Pepperbox and Avery road in Sussex County on Sunday 1/29. I've attached a picture of him. Please let me know if you can help in anyway.

Thank you so much.

Sarah Webb
sarahwebb086@gmail.com
443-359-1859

Report: Millions Of Jobless File For Disability When Unemployment Benefits Run Out

Being unemployed for too long reportedly is driving people mad and costing taxpayers billions of dollars in mental illness and other disability claims.

The New York Post reported Sunday that as unemployment checks run out, many jobless are trying to gain government benefits by declaring themselves unhealthy.

More than 10.5 million people -- about 5.3 percent of the population aged 25 and 64 -- received disability checks in January from the federal government, the Post wrote, a 18 percent jump from before the recession.

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Monday......