Try this thought experiment: You decide to donate money to Mitt
Romney. You want change in the Oval Office, so you engage in your
democratic right to send a check.
Several days later, President Barack Obama, the most powerful man on
the planet, singles you out by name. His campaign brands you a Romney
donor, shames you for "betting against America," and accuses you of
having a "less-than-reputable" record. The message from the man who
controls the Justice Department (which can indict you), the SEC (which
can fine you), and the IRS (which can audit you), is clear: You made a
mistake donating that money.
Are you worried?
Richard Nixon's "enemies list" appalled the country for the simple
reason that presidents hold a unique trust. Unlike senators or
congressmen, presidents alone represent all Americans. Their powers—to
jail, to fine, to bankrupt—are also so vast as to require restraint. Any
president who targets a private citizen for his politics is de facto
engaged in government intimidation and threats. This is why presidents
since Nixon have carefully avoided the practice.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Adam Roop Throws 110% Towards Joe Albero For Mayor
Adam R Roop2 hours ago via mobile ·Well the cat, or in this case I should say the elephant, is out of the bag..Joe Ablero is running for Mayor of the City of Salisbury. And I support him 110% . No matter what your personal opinion is about Mr. Albero...can we all agree that he has an enormous amount of political knowledge and backing!?! Can we all agree that he is a highly successful business man!?! Can we all agree that he has alot of good ideas for the future of not just Salisbury but the Eastern Shore at large!?! These are all traits and experiences that can bring real change to a City and its citizens that desperately need it. Mr. Albero is a leader. One that can bring all walks of people and political parties to action. I will be sharing my personal plans moving forward this month with everyone, but for now I give props to Mr. Albero for going against the naysayers and standing up for what he believes in! #SalisburyUnite — with Joe Albero.
BREAKING NEWS:
Seven reportedly dead after van plunged off an overpass and into New York's Bronx Zoo
Secret Service Agent in Sex Scandal Lives in Md.
A Secret Service agent embroiled in the Colombia prostitution scandal lives in Anne Arundel County, NBC News and CNN are reporting.
The networks reported Friday that the agent lives in Severna Park.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation in contact with CNN identified the agent as Arthur Huntington. WBAL-TV 11 News found local land records that indicate a man with the same name listed on property in Severna Park; however, it was not immediately known whether that man is indeed the agent in question.
More
Andy Harris Endorses Mitt Romney for President
Harris Promotes Romney at GOP Convention
BEL AIR - Congressman Andy Harris has pledged his full support and efforts to help Mitt Romney win in November. “It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse Mitt Romney for President,” said Harris yesterday. He continued, “Mitt Romney has proven he is a great leader and a man of integrity during this primary election season. I know Mitt Romney will direct this country back on the right path to economic prosperity. I am proud to stand with Mitt Romney and ask Marylanders to stand with Mitt too,” Harris concluded.
'Civilization jihad' and Obama's connections
A new video series warns than an effort to overthrow the American
system already is well under way through the “civilization jihad” of the
Muslim Brotherhood, with the support of key U.S. government leaders,
including Barack Obama.
Radical Muslims have penetrated “team Obama,” according to the series, which examines six individuals who have been allowed into high positions. The consequent danger is “acute,” according to the video makers.
Included in the conversation are the White House, director of National Intelligence, State Department, Justice Department, the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security and NASA.
More
Radical Muslims have penetrated “team Obama,” according to the series, which examines six individuals who have been allowed into high positions. The consequent danger is “acute,” according to the video makers.
Included in the conversation are the White House, director of National Intelligence, State Department, Justice Department, the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security and NASA.
More
COLOR IS GOOD (Maxine)
Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.
My blood pressure was high.
My cholesterol was high.
I'd gained some weight,
and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't
have to be complicated and it would
solve my physical problems.
He said:
Just think in colors.
Fill your plate with bright colors.
Try some greens, oranges, reds,
maybe something yellow, etc.
and eat an entire bowl of
bright colors.
My blood pressure was high.
My cholesterol was high.
I'd gained some weight,
and I didn't feel so hot.
My doctor said eating right doesn't
have to be complicated and it would
solve my physical problems.
He said:
Just think in colors.
Fill your plate with bright colors.
Try some greens, oranges, reds,
maybe something yellow, etc.
and eat an entire bowl of
bright colors.
The Beach Boys Preview Their First New Song in Two Decade
The Beach Boys have unveiled a clip of "That's Why God Made the Radio,"
the first single off their reunion album that's due to hit shelves this
summer. The group split in the late 1990s and toured in separate camps,
occasionally firing off nasty lawsuits at each other. Last year, they
decided to put the acrimony behind them and reunite for a tour. They've
spent the last few months at a Los Angeles studio working on their new
album.
PUBLIC NOTICE
FY13 Budget Sessions – Updated Schedule
The following is the Salisbury City Council’s FY13 Updated Budget schedule:
Monday April 30 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Debt Service & Other Uses
Room 306 Marina Fund
Parking Authority
SWED
Internal Services - Finance
Internal Services - Procurement
Internal Services - Human Resources
Lunch Break
Municipal Buildings – Poplar Hill Mansion
Government Office Building
Community Development
Planning & Zoning
Public Works - General Fund
Thursday May 3 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Water & Sewer Fund
Room 306 Water & Sewer Rates
Thursday May 10 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Personnel Committees - Police & Fire
Room 306
Monday May 14 6:00 p.m. Regular Council Meeting - Public Hearing on FY13
Council Chambers Budget; Constant Yield Tax Rate
Tuesday May 15 9:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Police Department
Room 306 Elections
City Attorney
Mayor’s Office
Community Promotions
Information Technology
General Discussion
Follow-up on outstanding issues
Thursday May 17 TBD General Discussion (if necessary)
Room 306 Follow-up on outstanding issues
Tuesday May 29 6:00 p.m. Regular Council Meeting - 2nd reading and adoption
Council Chambers of Budget; adoption of Water & Sewer rates
All questions may be directed to the entire council via email to
ALLCityCouncilMembers@ci.salisbury.md.us, or by calling the Office of the City Clerk at
(410) 548-3140.
The following is the Salisbury City Council’s FY13 Updated Budget schedule:
Monday April 30 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Debt Service & Other Uses
Room 306 Marina Fund
Parking Authority
SWED
Internal Services - Finance
Internal Services - Procurement
Internal Services - Human Resources
Lunch Break
Municipal Buildings – Poplar Hill Mansion
Government Office Building
Community Development
Planning & Zoning
Public Works - General Fund
Thursday May 3 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Water & Sewer Fund
Room 306 Water & Sewer Rates
Thursday May 10 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Personnel Committees - Police & Fire
Room 306
Monday May 14 6:00 p.m. Regular Council Meeting - Public Hearing on FY13
Council Chambers Budget; Constant Yield Tax Rate
Tuesday May 15 9:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Police Department
Room 306 Elections
City Attorney
Mayor’s Office
Community Promotions
Information Technology
General Discussion
Follow-up on outstanding issues
Thursday May 17 TBD General Discussion (if necessary)
Room 306 Follow-up on outstanding issues
Tuesday May 29 6:00 p.m. Regular Council Meeting - 2nd reading and adoption
Council Chambers of Budget; adoption of Water & Sewer rates
All questions may be directed to the entire council via email to
ALLCityCouncilMembers@ci.salisbury.md.us, or by calling the Office of the City Clerk at
(410) 548-3140.
Dog Means Life or Death for War-Wounded Vets
What happens when an 89-year-old prisoner of war from World War II is
put together with a service dog? The answer is changing the lives of
scores of wounded American veterans returning home from tours in Iraq
and Afghanistan.
Irwin Stovroff, founder of Vets Helping Heroes, said he witnessed first-hand how service dogs can save the lives of veterans. He explained he was motivated to start a foundation for the purpose since government funds were largely unavailable.
“What motivated me was the fact that I realized these young heroes were coming back and were going to have one tough life,” Stovroff told WND’s Aaron Klein in a radio interview. “They had so many handicaps, being blind, losing arms, having seizures, post traumatic stress disorder, and our government had no funds for dogs.”
More
Irwin Stovroff, founder of Vets Helping Heroes, said he witnessed first-hand how service dogs can save the lives of veterans. He explained he was motivated to start a foundation for the purpose since government funds were largely unavailable.
“What motivated me was the fact that I realized these young heroes were coming back and were going to have one tough life,” Stovroff told WND’s Aaron Klein in a radio interview. “They had so many handicaps, being blind, losing arms, having seizures, post traumatic stress disorder, and our government had no funds for dogs.”
More
The President Has A List
Barack Obama attempts to intimidate contributors to Mitt Romney's campaign.
Try this thought experiment: You decide to donate money to Mitt Romney. You want change in the Oval Office, so you engage in your democratic right to send a check.
Several days later, President Barack Obama, the most powerful man on the planet, singles you out by name. His campaign brands you a Romney donor, shames you for "betting against America," and accuses you of having a "less-than-reputable" record. The message from the man who controls the Justice Department (which can indict you), the SEC (which can fine you), and the IRS (which can audit you), is clear: You made a mistake donating that money.
Are you worried?
Richard Nixon's "enemies list" appalled the country for the simple reason that presidents hold a unique trust. Unlike senators or congressmen, presidents alone represent all Americans. Their powers—to jail, to fine, to bankrupt—are also so vast as to require restraint. Any president who targets a private citizen for his politics is de facto engaged in government intimidation and threats. This is why presidents since Nixon have carefully avoided the practice.
Save Mr. Obama, who acknowledges no rules. This past week, one of his campaign websites posted an item entitled "Behind the curtain: A brief history of Romney's donors." In the post, the Obama campaign named and shamed eight private citizens who had donated to his opponent. Describing the givers as all having "less-than-reputable records," the post went on to make the extraordinary accusations that "quite a few" have also been "on the wrong side of the law" and profiting at "the expense of so many Americans."
These are people like Paul Schorr and Sam and Jeffrey Fox, investors who the site outed for the crime of having "outsourced" jobs. T. Martin Fiorentino is scored for his work for a firm that forecloses on homes. Louis Bacon (a hedge-fund manager), Kent Burton (a "lobbyist") and Thomas O'Malley (an energy CEO) stand accused of profiting from oil. Frank VanderSloot, the CEO of a home-products firm, is slimed as a "bitter foe of the gay rights movement."
These are wealthy individuals, to be sure, but private citizens nonetheless. Not one holds elected office. Not one is a criminal.
"We don't tolerate presidents or people of high power to do these things," says Theodore Olson, the former U.S. solicitor general. "When you have the power of the presidency—the power of the IRS, the INS, the Justice Department, the DEA, the SEC—what you have effectively done is put these guys' names up on 'Wanted' posters in government offices." Mr. Olson knows these tactics, having demanded that the 44th president cease publicly targeting Charles and David Koch of Koch Industries, which he represents. He's been ignored.
The real crime of the men, as the website tacitly acknowledges, is that they have given money to Mr. Romney. This fundraiser of a president has shown an acute appreciation for the power of money to win elections, and a cutthroat approach to intimidating those who might give to his opponents.
He's targeted insurers, oil firms and Wall Street—letting it be known that those who oppose his policies might face political or legislative retribution. He lectured the Supreme Court for giving companies more free speech and (falsely) accused the Chamber of Commerce of using foreign money to bankroll U.S. elections. The White House even ginned up an executive order (yet to be released) to require companies to list political donations as a condition of bidding for government contracts. Companies could bid but lose out for donating to Republicans. Or they could quit donating to the GOP—Mr. Obama's real aim.
The White House has couched its attacks in the language of "disclosure" and the argument that corporations should not have the same speech rights as individuals. But now, says Rory Cooper of the Heritage Foundation, "he's doing the same at the individual level, for anyone who opposes his policies." Any giver, at any level, risks reprisal from the president of the United States.
It's getting worse because the money game is not going as Team Obama wants. Super PACs are helping the GOP to level the playing field against Democratic super-spenders. Prominent financial players are backing Mr. Romney. The White House's new strategy is thus to delegitimize Mr. Romney (by attacking his donors) as it seeks to frighten others out of giving.
The Obama campaign has justified any action on the grounds that it has a right to "hold the eventual Republican nominee accountable," but this is a dodge. Politics is rough, but a president has obligations that transcend those of a candidate. He swore an oath to protect and defend a Constitution that gives every American the right to partake in democracy, free of fear of government intimidation or disfavored treatment. If Mr. Obama isn't going to act like a president, he bolsters the argument that he doesn't deserve to be one.
Source
Try this thought experiment: You decide to donate money to Mitt Romney. You want change in the Oval Office, so you engage in your democratic right to send a check.
Several days later, President Barack Obama, the most powerful man on the planet, singles you out by name. His campaign brands you a Romney donor, shames you for "betting against America," and accuses you of having a "less-than-reputable" record. The message from the man who controls the Justice Department (which can indict you), the SEC (which can fine you), and the IRS (which can audit you), is clear: You made a mistake donating that money.
Are you worried?
Richard Nixon's "enemies list" appalled the country for the simple reason that presidents hold a unique trust. Unlike senators or congressmen, presidents alone represent all Americans. Their powers—to jail, to fine, to bankrupt—are also so vast as to require restraint. Any president who targets a private citizen for his politics is de facto engaged in government intimidation and threats. This is why presidents since Nixon have carefully avoided the practice.
Save Mr. Obama, who acknowledges no rules. This past week, one of his campaign websites posted an item entitled "Behind the curtain: A brief history of Romney's donors." In the post, the Obama campaign named and shamed eight private citizens who had donated to his opponent. Describing the givers as all having "less-than-reputable records," the post went on to make the extraordinary accusations that "quite a few" have also been "on the wrong side of the law" and profiting at "the expense of so many Americans."
These are people like Paul Schorr and Sam and Jeffrey Fox, investors who the site outed for the crime of having "outsourced" jobs. T. Martin Fiorentino is scored for his work for a firm that forecloses on homes. Louis Bacon (a hedge-fund manager), Kent Burton (a "lobbyist") and Thomas O'Malley (an energy CEO) stand accused of profiting from oil. Frank VanderSloot, the CEO of a home-products firm, is slimed as a "bitter foe of the gay rights movement."
These are wealthy individuals, to be sure, but private citizens nonetheless. Not one holds elected office. Not one is a criminal.
"We don't tolerate presidents or people of high power to do these things," says Theodore Olson, the former U.S. solicitor general. "When you have the power of the presidency—the power of the IRS, the INS, the Justice Department, the DEA, the SEC—what you have effectively done is put these guys' names up on 'Wanted' posters in government offices." Mr. Olson knows these tactics, having demanded that the 44th president cease publicly targeting Charles and David Koch of Koch Industries, which he represents. He's been ignored.
The real crime of the men, as the website tacitly acknowledges, is that they have given money to Mr. Romney. This fundraiser of a president has shown an acute appreciation for the power of money to win elections, and a cutthroat approach to intimidating those who might give to his opponents.
He's targeted insurers, oil firms and Wall Street—letting it be known that those who oppose his policies might face political or legislative retribution. He lectured the Supreme Court for giving companies more free speech and (falsely) accused the Chamber of Commerce of using foreign money to bankroll U.S. elections. The White House even ginned up an executive order (yet to be released) to require companies to list political donations as a condition of bidding for government contracts. Companies could bid but lose out for donating to Republicans. Or they could quit donating to the GOP—Mr. Obama's real aim.
The White House has couched its attacks in the language of "disclosure" and the argument that corporations should not have the same speech rights as individuals. But now, says Rory Cooper of the Heritage Foundation, "he's doing the same at the individual level, for anyone who opposes his policies." Any giver, at any level, risks reprisal from the president of the United States.
It's getting worse because the money game is not going as Team Obama wants. Super PACs are helping the GOP to level the playing field against Democratic super-spenders. Prominent financial players are backing Mr. Romney. The White House's new strategy is thus to delegitimize Mr. Romney (by attacking his donors) as it seeks to frighten others out of giving.
The Obama campaign has justified any action on the grounds that it has a right to "hold the eventual Republican nominee accountable," but this is a dodge. Politics is rough, but a president has obligations that transcend those of a candidate. He swore an oath to protect and defend a Constitution that gives every American the right to partake in democracy, free of fear of government intimidation or disfavored treatment. If Mr. Obama isn't going to act like a president, he bolsters the argument that he doesn't deserve to be one.
Source
NYT: Tide Has Cancer Causing Chemical
Could a popular laundry brand cause cancer?
According to the New York Times, Tide laundry detergent contains trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a cancer causing chemical. Tests run by an environmental group, Women's Voices for the Earth found small amounts of the dioxane in Tide Free and Gental and Tide Original Scent. A Procter and Gamble toxicologist says the amount of the chemical in Tide is well below the safety risk level.
More
According to the New York Times, Tide laundry detergent contains trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a cancer causing chemical. Tests run by an environmental group, Women's Voices for the Earth found small amounts of the dioxane in Tide Free and Gental and Tide Original Scent. A Procter and Gamble toxicologist says the amount of the chemical in Tide is well below the safety risk level.
More
Conway Isn't Looking Out For Wicomico County
Wicomico County is facing a pretty bleak budget. While you may be tempted to blame the County Council or County Executive Rick Pollitt for the budget mess, save your ire for the person who really deserves it: Delegate Norman Conway. His actions in Annapolis during this year's legislative session are largely responsible for the deplorable county budget we face today.
As he reminds us every election year, Conway is chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the House of Delegates. That's the committee responsible for the spending bills in that chamber. Besides the speaker of the House, there is no delegate more powerful than Conway when it comes to spending.
Instead of using his power to help Wicomico County cope with the recession that has reduced local tax revenue, Conway made the local fiscal situation worse by supporting a stricter education maintenance of effort requirement for our county government. Thanks to the maintenance of effort mandate, the state is imposing a new $14 million burden on the county this year.
This $14 million mandate wipes out any chance for a new Bennett Middle School. It means income and local property taxes have to be raised to the maximum extent possible. It means the county pension plan cannot be properly funded. It means roads will go unpaved. It means our county will have to spend down its reserves to almost nothing.
Conway's supporters may say he was not the author of the maintenance of effort legislation signed into law. True enough, but he and Delegate Rudy Cane were the only Eastern Shore lawmakers who voted for it. Furthermore, Conway introduced a similar maintenance of effort bill this session. That legislation was passed by the House of Delegates and would have imposed the same kind of fiscal burden on the county.
More
As he reminds us every election year, Conway is chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the House of Delegates. That's the committee responsible for the spending bills in that chamber. Besides the speaker of the House, there is no delegate more powerful than Conway when it comes to spending.
Instead of using his power to help Wicomico County cope with the recession that has reduced local tax revenue, Conway made the local fiscal situation worse by supporting a stricter education maintenance of effort requirement for our county government. Thanks to the maintenance of effort mandate, the state is imposing a new $14 million burden on the county this year.
This $14 million mandate wipes out any chance for a new Bennett Middle School. It means income and local property taxes have to be raised to the maximum extent possible. It means the county pension plan cannot be properly funded. It means roads will go unpaved. It means our county will have to spend down its reserves to almost nothing.
Conway's supporters may say he was not the author of the maintenance of effort legislation signed into law. True enough, but he and Delegate Rudy Cane were the only Eastern Shore lawmakers who voted for it. Furthermore, Conway introduced a similar maintenance of effort bill this session. That legislation was passed by the House of Delegates and would have imposed the same kind of fiscal burden on the county.
More
SU MEN’S LAX BEATS STEVENSON (AGAIN) FOR CONFERENCE TITLE
In another exciting game, the Gulls lead most of the way in a 12-9 win over the Mustangs at Sea Gull Stadium – the second in 2 weeks -- but this time not as close or exciting as the earlier victory on a goal with just a few seconds left at Stevenson.
SU’s age-experience proved decisive against a very good but younger squad that may play here again in the NCAA playoffs.
Corey Nowak scored with several sizzler shots at ground level that really sparked the team, and the defense was stellar. More details to come.
This win should give the Gulls the top seed and its home-field advantage in the playoffs leading to the championship game in Massachusetts.
Lost Dog
I found a female siberian husky last night and have her at my house. She does not have a collar or tag to help locate her owner and animal control does not come out for a loose dog. She was in the middle of the road and almost got hit several times before we could get her in my car. I cannot keep her as I already have a large dog. Please call me and identify her and I will make arrangements to get her back to her owner. 443-235-3920.
Life Is Better In Jail
Inmate brags about living better in jail than when he was free. You tube censored the original video or closed the account, either way where there is a will theres a way!
Elizabeth Smart Shares Harrowing Tale of Abuse
Elizabeth Smart is sharing her harrowing tale
of physical and emotional abuse turned into survival and hope, saying
she's ready to break her silence in an effort to help others.
Smart, 24, was kidnapped at the age 14, taken from her bedroom in 2002, found and returned home nine months later. On Friday, she visited Maryland to share her story with others at Cherish the Child, the eighth-annual Child Protection Awareness Event.
Sharing incredibly personal details about the most horrific time of her life, Smart talked about her kidnapping before a sold-out crowd of 700 people who converged on the New Life Center at Mountain Christian Church in Harford County.
More
Smart, 24, was kidnapped at the age 14, taken from her bedroom in 2002, found and returned home nine months later. On Friday, she visited Maryland to share her story with others at Cherish the Child, the eighth-annual Child Protection Awareness Event.
Sharing incredibly personal details about the most horrific time of her life, Smart talked about her kidnapping before a sold-out crowd of 700 people who converged on the New Life Center at Mountain Christian Church in Harford County.
More
Who’s Afraid Of Maryland’s ‘Doomsday’ Budget?
TWO SPECIAL SESSIONS! THIS IS AN OUTRAGE. THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE HAVE ONE CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY - AND THAT IS TO PASS A BALANCED BUDGET DURING THE 90 DAY SESSION. NOW THE GOVERNOR WANTS TWO SPECIAL SESSIONS SO THAT THEY CAN INCREASE SPENDING BY AN ADDITIONAL $500 MILLION OVER AND ABOVE THE $700 MILLION INCREASE IN THE SO-CALLED “DOOMSDAY” BUDGET… AND IN ADDITION TO TRY TO RAM THE GAMBLING BILL THROUGH, SO IT CAN BE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT.
REPUBLICANS NEED TO BE VERY VOCAL IN DISPUTING THE DEMOCRAT AND MEDIA SPIN THAT THE DOOMSDAY BUDGET CUTS SPENDING BY $500 MILLION, WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY JUST A REDUCTION IN O’MALLEY’S PROPOSED $1.2 BILLION INCREASE.
Who’s afraid of Maryland’s ‘doomsday’ budget?
By Editorial Board, Friday, April 27, 12:44 AM
MARYLAND LAWMAKERS have made such a mess of the people’s business that it now looks like it will take two special legislative sessions in Annapolis, not just one, to straighten things out. But really, there’s a simpler solution: Do nothing.
We’re being facetious, but only slightly. The truth is that if lawmakers in the General Assembly were to stay home and skip the special sessions, the effect would be to cancel plans for a tax increase; spare the state a senseless expansion of casino gambling; eliminate some dubious spending programs; and ensure that Maryland’s $35 billion budget still manages to grow by a respectable $700 million, about 2 percent.
None of that sounds exactly like doomsday. Nonetheless, the Democrats who dominate the legislature insist that returning to Annapolis is obligatory to prevent what they refer to as a “doomsday” budget — a default spending plan whose $500 million in cuts to certain programs were designed to be distasteful to Democrats and the interest groups that support them. A second special session would deal with proposals to add table games at existing casinos and to authorize construction of a new casino.
The doomsday budget came into play when lawmakers, distracted by ego contests among their leadership and a proposal to expand casino gambling, failed to adopt related tax and spending bills as the clock ran out on their regular legislative session this month. That failure scuttled a bill to increase taxes on individuals making more than $100,000 a year (and families clearing $150,000) and one to shift part of the cost of teachers’ pensions to localities from the state, which until now has paid the full tab.
When lawmakers rubbed their eyes the next day, they discovered the doomsday plan amid the wreckage — more than $200 million in cuts to schools; reduced aid to state universities and community colleges; and the elimination of funds for police, libraries and state employees, who’d lose their first pay increase in several years.
The doomsday budget would inflict some pain to schools, particularly in Prince George’s County, Baltimore City and some other relatively poor systems. But not all the reductions would cut very deeply, and some would be an improvement. For instance, it would be an excellent thing to scrap the $12 million slush funds that lawmakers use to hand out scholarships to the children of their constituents and donors.
The funding cuts for state universities would result in higher-than-planned tuition and fees — but would probably leave the schools competitive with comparable institutions in the Mid-Atlantic. And the state would survive if it scrubbed $10.4 million for stem cell research and $8 million in tax credits for biotechnology.
Restoring those programs would require tax increases on people barely beyond the middle class. Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) argues that Maryland has one of the nation’s lowest state and local tax burdens as a percentage of income, owing to the state’s relative wealth. But the fact remains that its taxes remain very high in nominal terms, and Maryland, which competes with Virginia for jobs, can ill afford to undercut its competitive standing by reinforcing its reputation for soaking the rich.
If Mr. O’Malley and lawmakers are intent on returning to Annapolis to fix the budget and fiddle with taxes, their best course would be a minimalist one — restoring some school funding and leaving the rest alone. As for a separate session to add a sixth casino before the five previously authorized ones have all been built, what a waste of time.
REPUBLICANS NEED TO BE VERY VOCAL IN DISPUTING THE DEMOCRAT AND MEDIA SPIN THAT THE DOOMSDAY BUDGET CUTS SPENDING BY $500 MILLION, WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY JUST A REDUCTION IN O’MALLEY’S PROPOSED $1.2 BILLION INCREASE.
Who’s afraid of Maryland’s ‘doomsday’ budget?
By Editorial Board, Friday, April 27, 12:44 AM
MARYLAND LAWMAKERS have made such a mess of the people’s business that it now looks like it will take two special legislative sessions in Annapolis, not just one, to straighten things out. But really, there’s a simpler solution: Do nothing.
We’re being facetious, but only slightly. The truth is that if lawmakers in the General Assembly were to stay home and skip the special sessions, the effect would be to cancel plans for a tax increase; spare the state a senseless expansion of casino gambling; eliminate some dubious spending programs; and ensure that Maryland’s $35 billion budget still manages to grow by a respectable $700 million, about 2 percent.
None of that sounds exactly like doomsday. Nonetheless, the Democrats who dominate the legislature insist that returning to Annapolis is obligatory to prevent what they refer to as a “doomsday” budget — a default spending plan whose $500 million in cuts to certain programs were designed to be distasteful to Democrats and the interest groups that support them. A second special session would deal with proposals to add table games at existing casinos and to authorize construction of a new casino.
The doomsday budget came into play when lawmakers, distracted by ego contests among their leadership and a proposal to expand casino gambling, failed to adopt related tax and spending bills as the clock ran out on their regular legislative session this month. That failure scuttled a bill to increase taxes on individuals making more than $100,000 a year (and families clearing $150,000) and one to shift part of the cost of teachers’ pensions to localities from the state, which until now has paid the full tab.
When lawmakers rubbed their eyes the next day, they discovered the doomsday plan amid the wreckage — more than $200 million in cuts to schools; reduced aid to state universities and community colleges; and the elimination of funds for police, libraries and state employees, who’d lose their first pay increase in several years.
The doomsday budget would inflict some pain to schools, particularly in Prince George’s County, Baltimore City and some other relatively poor systems. But not all the reductions would cut very deeply, and some would be an improvement. For instance, it would be an excellent thing to scrap the $12 million slush funds that lawmakers use to hand out scholarships to the children of their constituents and donors.
The funding cuts for state universities would result in higher-than-planned tuition and fees — but would probably leave the schools competitive with comparable institutions in the Mid-Atlantic. And the state would survive if it scrubbed $10.4 million for stem cell research and $8 million in tax credits for biotechnology.
Restoring those programs would require tax increases on people barely beyond the middle class. Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) argues that Maryland has one of the nation’s lowest state and local tax burdens as a percentage of income, owing to the state’s relative wealth. But the fact remains that its taxes remain very high in nominal terms, and Maryland, which competes with Virginia for jobs, can ill afford to undercut its competitive standing by reinforcing its reputation for soaking the rich.
If Mr. O’Malley and lawmakers are intent on returning to Annapolis to fix the budget and fiddle with taxes, their best course would be a minimalist one — restoring some school funding and leaving the rest alone. As for a separate session to add a sixth casino before the five previously authorized ones have all been built, what a waste of time.
The Banality Of Tyranny
German-Jewish (and eventually naturalized American) philosopher Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) outraged the Left with her definitive account of modern tyranny, The Origins of Totalitarianism.
Written in 1951 when Stalin was still ruling the Soviet Union and worshipped by the Left, it exposed with ruthless logic and evidence the essential sameness between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Nazism and Communism were just two sides of the same tyrannical coin, said Arendt, not opposites of Right and Left.
The world's leftist intellectuals never forgave her, and so were scandalized again in 1963 by her book, On Revolution, an impeccably scholarly study of why the American Revolution was a success and the French Revolution an abysmal failure.
Yet it is her account of the 1962 trial of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann, Eichmann in Jerusalem, for which she is most famous. Hitler had put Eichmann in charge of transporting Jews to his extermination camps such as at Auschwitz. At his trial in Jerusalem, Eichmann claimed that he was just doing his duty, conforming to the law, and that he was powerless to do otherwise.
Arendt saw that Eichmann really believed this. He wasn't a "radically evil" sociopath; he was an ordinary man just going along with what was happening. This was an evil that frightened Arendt more than that of a rare monster like Hitler, for it was an evil perpetrated by otherwise normal people.
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Written in 1951 when Stalin was still ruling the Soviet Union and worshipped by the Left, it exposed with ruthless logic and evidence the essential sameness between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Nazism and Communism were just two sides of the same tyrannical coin, said Arendt, not opposites of Right and Left.
The world's leftist intellectuals never forgave her, and so were scandalized again in 1963 by her book, On Revolution, an impeccably scholarly study of why the American Revolution was a success and the French Revolution an abysmal failure.
Yet it is her account of the 1962 trial of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann, Eichmann in Jerusalem, for which she is most famous. Hitler had put Eichmann in charge of transporting Jews to his extermination camps such as at Auschwitz. At his trial in Jerusalem, Eichmann claimed that he was just doing his duty, conforming to the law, and that he was powerless to do otherwise.
Arendt saw that Eichmann really believed this. He wasn't a "radically evil" sociopath; he was an ordinary man just going along with what was happening. This was an evil that frightened Arendt more than that of a rare monster like Hitler, for it was an evil perpetrated by otherwise normal people.
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Motor Vehicle Theft
Suspect #1: Driver (Juvenile)
B/M Salisbury, MD
Suspect #2:Passenger (Juvenile)
B/M Salisbury, MD.
BRIEF RESUME: On 04/28/2012, at 2249 hours, a Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack was dispatched to Shawnee Ave, Salisbury, MD for a report of a Motor Vehicle Theft. The Trooper while on patrol, located the stolen vehicle shortly after.
Additional units responded to the location and attempted to perform a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle. The vehicle fled from police in an attempt to elude police in the area of Mohawk Ave and Miami Ave. The driver of the vehicle lost control and collided with a home on Mohawk Ave. Suspects fled from police on foot. After a brief foot pursuit two of three suspects were arrested. Both suspects obtained injuries from a result of the collision and were transported to PRMC for treatment. The driver of the vehicle was found to have an outstanding Juvenile Warrant. Salisbury Police Department and Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation. The Juvenile’s were released to the Department of Juvenile Services for disposition. No one inside the home was injured in the collision.
B/M Salisbury, MD
Suspect #2:Passenger (Juvenile)
B/M Salisbury, MD.
BRIEF RESUME: On 04/28/2012, at 2249 hours, a Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack was dispatched to Shawnee Ave, Salisbury, MD for a report of a Motor Vehicle Theft. The Trooper while on patrol, located the stolen vehicle shortly after.
Additional units responded to the location and attempted to perform a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle. The vehicle fled from police in an attempt to elude police in the area of Mohawk Ave and Miami Ave. The driver of the vehicle lost control and collided with a home on Mohawk Ave. Suspects fled from police on foot. After a brief foot pursuit two of three suspects were arrested. Both suspects obtained injuries from a result of the collision and were transported to PRMC for treatment. The driver of the vehicle was found to have an outstanding Juvenile Warrant. Salisbury Police Department and Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation. The Juvenile’s were released to the Department of Juvenile Services for disposition. No one inside the home was injured in the collision.
Officials: 1 killed, 16 hospitalized when storm collapses St. Louis tent
One person was killed and 16 others hospitalized Saturday afternoon
when a sports bar tent collapsed during a storm that swept through the
St. Louis area, fire officials said.
Five people suffered
serious injuries. Nearly 100 others were treated at the scene, mostly
for bruises, cuts, twisted ankles and one broken arm, officials said.
St. Louis Cardinals
baseball fans had gathered at Kilroy's, which had a tent set up in the
rear, according to fire Capt. Dan Sutter.
Wind gusts estimated to be about 50 miles per hour lifted the tent, according to Eddie Roth, the city's public safety director.
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