There is NO water in this picture.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Detroit Groundskeeper Fired After Finding Loaded Gun, Handing it to Cops
A Detroit groundskeeper, who turned in a loaded handgun he found hidden in weeds while working, was fired by the Wayne County Department of Public Services, MyFoxDetroit.com reports.
John Chevilott, who is just two years shy of retirement, found the loaded snub-nosed revolver on May 3 when he and his crew were mowing a lawn in Wayne County. Chevilott secured the gun, waiting for police to drive by so he could hand it over to them.
But, according to the station, the Detroit police never did pass by, so Chevilott finished his work that day, drove the gun home and later that same evening turned it into his local police department.
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RFK Jr.'s Estranged Wife, Mary, Found Dead in NY
BEDFORD, N.Y. (AP) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s estranged wife, Mary
Richardson Kennedy, who had fought drug and alcohol problems, was found
dead at the family property Wednesday.
An autopsy for the 52-year-old was scheduled for Thursday, and no cause of death had been released.
In a statement issued by Robert Kennedy Jr.'s chief of staff, the family said Mary Kennedy, an architect, "inspired our family with her kindness, her love, her gentle soul and generous spirit."
More
An autopsy for the 52-year-old was scheduled for Thursday, and no cause of death had been released.
In a statement issued by Robert Kennedy Jr.'s chief of staff, the family said Mary Kennedy, an architect, "inspired our family with her kindness, her love, her gentle soul and generous spirit."
More
Catholic University Drops Student Health Insurance, Cites ObamaCare
A Catholic university in Ohio said Tuesday it is being forced to end a student health insurance program over increased costs it claims are associated with President Obama’s contraception mandate and other provisions of the health care overhaul.
Franciscan University in Steubensville, Ohio, said it has so far excluded contraceptive services and products from its health insurance policy for students and will not participate in a plan that “requires us to violate the consistent teachings of the Catholic Church on the sacredness of human life.”
A university official told Fox News Radio the students’ basic $600 policy was going to double in cost in the fall and triple next year and that the school’s insurance provider said the increases were the result of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The school cited the contraception mandate, but also a requirement that the maximum coverage amount be increased to $100,000 for policyholders.
More
Truly Amazing
Here it is 9:30 at night and I'm sitting in my Office Downtown and a gentleman just came up here to tell me he's a registered voter and if I run he'll be casting his vote for me.
We talked a bit about what's going on with local and national politics and he's excited to see a non politician running for office. His hope was that this trend continues on the national level.
This seems to be where most people I've been talking to lately want to go. I asked him if he voted in the last election and he said, "hell no". However, he did say he's a registered voter in Salisbury and he will vote in this next election.
Little by little people seem more excited than ever about an election that will take place 11 months from now. Tee shirts have been flying out the door. People are seeing bumper stickers all over the Shore and a very strong statement is being made, most people want someone who will step into the Mayor's Office not afraid to get things done.
Be sure to listen to my radio interview tomorrow at noon on 88.3 FM Coastal Connection. I'm confident everyone will hear where I'm headed and how different things could be. Thanks for all the support!
We talked a bit about what's going on with local and national politics and he's excited to see a non politician running for office. His hope was that this trend continues on the national level.
This seems to be where most people I've been talking to lately want to go. I asked him if he voted in the last election and he said, "hell no". However, he did say he's a registered voter in Salisbury and he will vote in this next election.
Little by little people seem more excited than ever about an election that will take place 11 months from now. Tee shirts have been flying out the door. People are seeing bumper stickers all over the Shore and a very strong statement is being made, most people want someone who will step into the Mayor's Office not afraid to get things done.
Be sure to listen to my radio interview tomorrow at noon on 88.3 FM Coastal Connection. I'm confident everyone will hear where I'm headed and how different things could be. Thanks for all the support!
Companies Accused of Disguising Sales Pitch as Polls to Get Around 'Do Not Call' Rules
Election season has apparently spawned a slick new way for telemarketers to get around the "Do Not Call" registry — hiding a timeshare sales pitch behind a phony political poll, say critics.
With telemarketers barred from robo-calling people on the "Do Not Call" registry, a new phone campaign called "Political Opinions of America" offers a three-question "poll," and then offers a reward that sounds suspiciously like a classic timeshare sales pitch. An automated voice asks the recipient to complete a quick survey with questions like: “What’s the most important thing to restore our economy?” Other questions include: “How would you rate the job that President Obama is doing?”
After answering, the user is transferred to a live operator from “corporate travel services” who is giving away free cruises thanks to an anonymous donor. The offer allows up to four free guests and requires a $60 per person “port fee” to be secured by a credit card.
More
EGYPTIAN LAWMAKER PUSHES TO LEGALIZE FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN THE NAME OF ISLAM
Hot on the heels of Egyptian presidential candidate Mohammed Mursi’s declaration that “The Koran is our constitution, the Prophet is our leader, jihad is our path and death in the name of Allah is our goal…Today we can establish Sharia law because our nation will acquire well-being only with Islam and Sharia,” Egyptian lawmakers are again making news, and none of it is promising.
According to the Egypt Independent, MP Nasser al-Shaker of the Salafi-led Nour Party is citing notable Islamic scholars in justifying female genital mutilation (FGM) as a part of the “prophetic” Sunnah (a holy work of Islam).
For those unfamiliar with Egyptian politics– the Salafi party is even more fundamentalist than the Muslim Brotherhood, and they control nearly 24% of Egypt’s parliament. These are the people who try to live their lives in the example of the earliest Muslims, and their marks on the world include Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri.More
Swamp People Death: What Did Mitchell Guist's Autopsy Reveal?
Mitchell Guist risked his life every day, but no alligator ever got the better of him.
The preliminary report from an autopsy performed today on the 47-year-old Swamp People star showed that his death Monday was from natural causes, E! News confirms.
More
The preliminary report from an autopsy performed today on the 47-year-old Swamp People star showed that his death Monday was from natural causes, E! News confirms.
More
‘THIS IS GOING ON YOUTUBE’: SEE HOW THIS LAMBORGHINI ENDS UP CRASHING
It’s not every day you see a $250,000 car in front of you at a stop light. Can you blame the driver and friends sitting behind the bright yellow Lamborghini Gallardo for switching on a smartphone to record some footage of it taking off when the green light flashes?
They sure are glad they did. Although initially disappointing to the car doing the filming, the Lamborghini doesn’t gun it and go straight through the intersection as expected when the light changes. He does gun it but turns left instead. That’s when the disappointment of missing out on getting to see the car really open up turns into something those filming never expected
More
They sure are glad they did. Although initially disappointing to the car doing the filming, the Lamborghini doesn’t gun it and go straight through the intersection as expected when the light changes. He does gun it but turns left instead. That’s when the disappointment of missing out on getting to see the car really open up turns into something those filming never expected
More
Chuck Brown Dies: The ‘Godfather Of Go-Go’ Was 75
Chuck Brown, the gravelly voiced bandleader who capitalized on funk’s percussive pulse to create go-go, the genre of music that has soundtracked life in black Washington for more than three decades, died May 16 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He was 75.
The death, from complications from sepsis, was confirmed by his manager, Tom Goldfogle. Mr. Brown had been hospitalized for pneumonia.
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The death, from complications from sepsis, was confirmed by his manager, Tom Goldfogle. Mr. Brown had been hospitalized for pneumonia.
More
WE NEVER OCCUPIED MEXICO: BECK SCHOOLS EVA LONGORIA ON HER MEXICAN HISTORY
You might have caught actress Eva Longoria‘s recent appearance on Bill Maher’s “Real Time” in which she claimed that Hispanics would not be moved to vote for Mitt Romney simply because he might tap Marco Rubio to be his vice president. The mere thought of it would be, as she put it, “insulting.” After all, she claims that the Mexicans were occupied by the United States.
“And the idiots in the Bill Maher audience ate it up,” Beck said on his Tuesday evening broadcast before launching into one of the most concise rundowns of Mexican history to date. In fact, as Mexican-American, it seems inconceivable Longoria didn’t know her own history as well as Beck does.
As it turns out, the Spaniards occupied Mexico for some 300 years and even the word Hispanic was one employed by the Romans when they occupied what now is Spain. So, the Spanish language that is spoken across Latin America is a result of Spanish occupation. Likewise, it was Spain that occupied Mexico for hundreds of years.
FEDERAL JUDGE GETS DROP ON TOMBSTONE
Historic Tombstone, Ariz., long has been known as the “Town Too Tough To Die,” but that was before it encountered the Obama administration, which has refused permission for the town to repair the water system in the nearby Huachuca Mountains from which it has drawn H2O for more than a century.
That means the town is living on only a fraction of the water supplies to which it is accustomed, drawing only from several wells, some of which are poisoned by arsenic, town representatives say.
PALIN EFFECT: FISCHER WINS NEBRASKA PRIMARY
Just two weeks ago, the battle for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Nebraska was between state Attorney General Jim Bruning and state Treasurer Don Stenburg. Neither inspired the growing base of conservative voters. They were, to be charitable, standard conservative-ish career politicians. Mama Grizzly Sarah Palin shook up the race with a late endorsement of state Senator Debby Fischer. It made all the difference.
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Gas Prices Likely To Cut Into Holiday Travel Plans
The price of gasoline, which has been decreasing steadily in recent weeks, is apparently nonetheless cutting into holiday travel plans for many.
Overall 1.2 percent more will be travelling this year with an estimated 34.8 million Americans expecting to take to the road, air, or rails.
AAA Midatlantic says about half of those surveyed said they intend to take shorter trips by driving.
OPEC SUED FOR 'ECONOMIC TERRORISM'
An activist lawyer who has taken on leaders such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Bill Clinton and Hugo Chavez has traveled to Austria to serve, personally, officials at OPEC with a lawsuit charging the cartel with “economic terrorism.”
Larry Klayman, founder of Freedom Watch USA, told WND that he recently traveled in Vienna to deliver the legal notification.
His claim of conspiracy against American consumers by OPEC is contained in the lawsuit he filed just days ago in federal court in Washington.
Freedom Watch USA, a public interest organization, charges that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries engages in illegal price fixing and market division by artificially inflating crude prices.
Computer Glitch Gave Free Education To College Students
Four students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County got a free ride, according to a state audit released Tuesday.
"A student received a refund but had not been charged tuition for that semester," said Bruce Myers, legislative auditor.
The errors are the result of a computer glitch.
The audit, conducted between 2008 and 2011, showed that one student was not charged up to $8,000 in tuition and fees, but that same student also got a financial aid refund of more than $10,000. A second UMBC student got almost $10,000 in financial aid and never had to pay tuition and fees.
Stealth Ceremony for Rush Limbaugh — and His Bust
The first day of the last week for the Missouri legislature’s 2012 session was highlighted by armed police guarding the House chamber where a controversial radio talk show host was being honored.
Behind the locked doors of the chamber that was surrounded by more than one dozen police, Rush Limbaugh watched as his bust for the Capitol’s Hall of Famous Missourians was unveiled on Monday, May 14.
Shortly after the unveiling, however, Gov. Jay Nixon’s administration issued a document raising questions about the House speaker’s authority to handpick whose bust can be placed in the Capitol rotunda.
Statement From Governor Martin O’Malley On THE CLOSE OF SPECIAL SESSION
ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 16, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement on the close of the Special Session and the completion of the FY 2013 budget:
“I’d like to thank Senate President Miller, House Speaker Busch and the members of the General Assembly for completing work on the State’s FY2013 budget.
“With their leadership and willingness to come together, we have placed our State back on the path to fiscal stewardship, and avoided devastating cuts to our shared priorities of job creation, education, affordable college, care for our most vulnerable Marylanders, and public safety.
“We cannot afford to go back. There is too much at stake. Because of the choices we’ve made together, Maryland is one of only eight states to maintain its Triple A bond rating, certified by all three rating agencies. Our investments have built the best public schools in the nation four years in a row; expanded health care to over 300,000 Marylanders (nearly half of them children); protected job creation and innovation; made college more affordable for more families; and driven violent crime down to a 35-year low.
“In times of adversity, the people of our State do not make excuses, we make progress. Together, we have chosen to move forward.”
“I’d like to thank Senate President Miller, House Speaker Busch and the members of the General Assembly for completing work on the State’s FY2013 budget.
“With their leadership and willingness to come together, we have placed our State back on the path to fiscal stewardship, and avoided devastating cuts to our shared priorities of job creation, education, affordable college, care for our most vulnerable Marylanders, and public safety.
“We cannot afford to go back. There is too much at stake. Because of the choices we’ve made together, Maryland is one of only eight states to maintain its Triple A bond rating, certified by all three rating agencies. Our investments have built the best public schools in the nation four years in a row; expanded health care to over 300,000 Marylanders (nearly half of them children); protected job creation and innovation; made college more affordable for more families; and driven violent crime down to a 35-year low.
“In times of adversity, the people of our State do not make excuses, we make progress. Together, we have chosen to move forward.”
Dog Found In Delmar: UPDATE
This Chihuahua was found yesterday on the south end of Maryland Avenue. He is
safe with dog lovers but misses his real family.
Dog Swept Away by River as Owner Watches
WMUR has he story of a man and his dog being reunited after the dog jumped in for a swim in the river and was swept away.
Video Here
Video Here
Is Ron Paul Dead Yet, Dorothy? Drop A House On Him
Ron Paul Has Dropped Out of the Presidential Race ... Or Has He? ... The corporate media is abuzz with headlines saying that Ron Paul has finally seen the light, thrown in the towel, and ended his campaign. However, Ron Paul supporters believe that – while he won't be campaigning in the primary states – Paul is still in the race, and will be focusing on winning delegates in caucus states. – Washington's Blog
Dominant Social Theme: The warlock is dead.
Free-Market Analysis: Has libertarian Congressman Ron Paul really dropped out of the GOP race? Is it really the end?
Seems hard to think so. But the media will have its day. There's no way not to say, "I won't compete," and thus for a goodly time the bought-and-paid for mainstream media shall bray that Ron Paul is "out."
But then, perhaps cooler heads can prevail. The chances are that Ron Paul is not "out" of the presidential race at all, only that he wants to conserve campaign funds and concentrate on what his campaign is doing best, which is bringing delegates on board.
This would seem to be a winning strategy, in that the GOP is reacting in aggregate like a scalded cat.
In fact, for anyone following the Ron Paul US presidential candidacy, the viewing has been painful. There is no doubt that the libertarian constituency in the US is larger than any other. And this has thrown the GOP into fits.
More
Dominant Social Theme: The warlock is dead.
Free-Market Analysis: Has libertarian Congressman Ron Paul really dropped out of the GOP race? Is it really the end?
Seems hard to think so. But the media will have its day. There's no way not to say, "I won't compete," and thus for a goodly time the bought-and-paid for mainstream media shall bray that Ron Paul is "out."
But then, perhaps cooler heads can prevail. The chances are that Ron Paul is not "out" of the presidential race at all, only that he wants to conserve campaign funds and concentrate on what his campaign is doing best, which is bringing delegates on board.
This would seem to be a winning strategy, in that the GOP is reacting in aggregate like a scalded cat.
In fact, for anyone following the Ron Paul US presidential candidacy, the viewing has been painful. There is no doubt that the libertarian constituency in the US is larger than any other. And this has thrown the GOP into fits.
More
Injured Vet’s Guns Stolen by D.C.
After being injured on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, Lt.
Augustine Kim spent the night in a D.C. jail for possessing unregistered
guns.
Mr. Kim was transporting his firearms from his parents’ house in New Jersey to South Carolina when he stopped at Walter Reed in Washington for a medical appointment in the summer of 2010.
After being pulled over, handcuffed, arrested, thrown in jail overnight, his guns were confiscated by the city.
In the end, the platoon leader felt forced to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge, which was later dismissed, but the District still refuses to return to him $10,000 worth of firearms and parts. The national guardsman will deploy to Kosovo this summer. The city should return his property before he leaves to serve our nation overseas for the third time.
More
Mr. Kim was transporting his firearms from his parents’ house in New Jersey to South Carolina when he stopped at Walter Reed in Washington for a medical appointment in the summer of 2010.
After being pulled over, handcuffed, arrested, thrown in jail overnight, his guns were confiscated by the city.
In the end, the platoon leader felt forced to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge, which was later dismissed, but the District still refuses to return to him $10,000 worth of firearms and parts. The national guardsman will deploy to Kosovo this summer. The city should return his property before he leaves to serve our nation overseas for the third time.
More
That Which Is Unsustainable Will Go Away: Pensions
Publicly funded pensions and Medicare are two examples of unsustainable systems that will go away in the decade ahead. Today we look at pensions, tomorrow we examine Medicare.
One of the few things we know with certainty is that which is unsustainable will go away and be replaced by another more sustainable arrangement. Whether we like it or not, or are willing to accept reality or not, unsustainable public pensions will go away.
What makes "defined benefit" pensions unsustainable? 1) Promised cash/benefits packages that are not aligned with the fiscal realities of what can be contributed annually to the pension funds 2) New Normal low yields on low-risk investments and 3) skyrocketing costs of healthcare benefits.
This is easily illustrated with basic math. Recall that defined pensions are not "pay as you go" plans like Social Security, where the taxes paid by today's workers fund the benefits distributed to today's retirees; "defined benefit" pensions are supposed to be paid out of a pension fund which generates returns sufficient to pay the retirees' benefits.
In a typical small coastal city (112,000 residents) in California, senior police officers receive annual pensions in excess of $100,000. Generous benefits (healthcare coverage, etc.) for life add another $20,000 or so a year, so the annual payout is roughly $120,000 a year per retiree.
Less senior city employees receive pensions and medical benefits around half that amount, or $60,000 a year.
More
One of the few things we know with certainty is that which is unsustainable will go away and be replaced by another more sustainable arrangement. Whether we like it or not, or are willing to accept reality or not, unsustainable public pensions will go away.
What makes "defined benefit" pensions unsustainable? 1) Promised cash/benefits packages that are not aligned with the fiscal realities of what can be contributed annually to the pension funds 2) New Normal low yields on low-risk investments and 3) skyrocketing costs of healthcare benefits.
This is easily illustrated with basic math. Recall that defined pensions are not "pay as you go" plans like Social Security, where the taxes paid by today's workers fund the benefits distributed to today's retirees; "defined benefit" pensions are supposed to be paid out of a pension fund which generates returns sufficient to pay the retirees' benefits.
In a typical small coastal city (112,000 residents) in California, senior police officers receive annual pensions in excess of $100,000. Generous benefits (healthcare coverage, etc.) for life add another $20,000 or so a year, so the annual payout is roughly $120,000 a year per retiree.
Less senior city employees receive pensions and medical benefits around half that amount, or $60,000 a year.
More
Change Maryland: Special Session Made State "A Laughing Stock"
Change Maryland, the state’s largest non-partisan, grassroots citizen organization representing more than 13,000 members, described the outcome of the special session today as a reckless fiscal policy that ignores the will of the overwhelming majority of Marylanders while creating a liability for those interested in private sector job growth.
“Not only did the Governor and legislative leaders ignore the 96% of the people who oppose higher taxes, but they ignored their own independent budget analysts who warned that the state already relies too heavily on the personal income tax with the second-highest rates in the nation," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "They may have just moved Maryland forward to number one.”
Maryland's hostile business environment has led to stagnant job growth. Maryland's unemployment rate is a full point higher than neighboring Virginia - 6.6% compared to 5.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics March report.
"The tax policies and the fact that we are the 4th highest in state and local tax burden, has cost Maryland thousands of jobs," Hogan said. “Maryland has been bleeding jobs and has become a national laughing stock.” On an interview with Fox Business Network today, Hogan noted graphics that appeared during his interview segment that says "taxed to death" and "Maryland money grab" - the kind of publicity that does not enhance Maryland's perception to the business community.
In the last six years, Martin O'Malley has raised taxes and fees 20 times, taking an additional $2 billion out of the economy. After the General Assembly adjournment today, that list will now swell to 24 tax and fee increases with an additional annual burden of $2.3 billion. Change Maryland also raises concerns about the net effect of over-reliance on individual income taxes.
In 2007, an individual income tax hike was supposed to bring in $489.3 million in additional revenues by 2009. In anticipation of this "windfall" from the wealthy, government increased spending by $153.3 million during this time. However, instead of increased revenues, the net revenue from those paying the increased tax dropped by over $800 million. The net result, spending goes up, revenue goes down.
Another item that many picked up on, including national media outlets, is redefining wealth. “They have redefined the term wealth. I guess the millionaires tax out so well, that this time they decided to raise taxes not just on ‘millionaires and billionaires’ but even on ‘thousandaires’, or almost anyone who has a good job,” said Hogan. “This time, if a firefighter is married to a teacher, their income taxes just got raised.”
Despite Governor O'Malley's claims in recent days that less than 1 in 4 will be affected by this latest increase in income taxes, the game of pitting one segment of society against another is just political cover for massive tax increases on everybody.
“The 24 tax increases under his watch have taken $2.3 billion a year out of the pockets of struggling Marylanders and have had a negative impact on every single man woman and child in our state,” added Hogan.
Spending under O'Malley has increased by $6 billion during his term in office - $3,000 per Maryland taxpayer.
“Not only did the Governor and legislative leaders ignore the 96% of the people who oppose higher taxes, but they ignored their own independent budget analysts who warned that the state already relies too heavily on the personal income tax with the second-highest rates in the nation," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "They may have just moved Maryland forward to number one.”
Maryland's hostile business environment has led to stagnant job growth. Maryland's unemployment rate is a full point higher than neighboring Virginia - 6.6% compared to 5.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics March report.
"The tax policies and the fact that we are the 4th highest in state and local tax burden, has cost Maryland thousands of jobs," Hogan said. “Maryland has been bleeding jobs and has become a national laughing stock.” On an interview with Fox Business Network today, Hogan noted graphics that appeared during his interview segment that says "taxed to death" and "Maryland money grab" - the kind of publicity that does not enhance Maryland's perception to the business community.
In the last six years, Martin O'Malley has raised taxes and fees 20 times, taking an additional $2 billion out of the economy. After the General Assembly adjournment today, that list will now swell to 24 tax and fee increases with an additional annual burden of $2.3 billion. Change Maryland also raises concerns about the net effect of over-reliance on individual income taxes.
In 2007, an individual income tax hike was supposed to bring in $489.3 million in additional revenues by 2009. In anticipation of this "windfall" from the wealthy, government increased spending by $153.3 million during this time. However, instead of increased revenues, the net revenue from those paying the increased tax dropped by over $800 million. The net result, spending goes up, revenue goes down.
Another item that many picked up on, including national media outlets, is redefining wealth. “They have redefined the term wealth. I guess the millionaires tax out so well, that this time they decided to raise taxes not just on ‘millionaires and billionaires’ but even on ‘thousandaires’, or almost anyone who has a good job,” said Hogan. “This time, if a firefighter is married to a teacher, their income taxes just got raised.”
Despite Governor O'Malley's claims in recent days that less than 1 in 4 will be affected by this latest increase in income taxes, the game of pitting one segment of society against another is just political cover for massive tax increases on everybody.
“The 24 tax increases under his watch have taken $2.3 billion a year out of the pockets of struggling Marylanders and have had a negative impact on every single man woman and child in our state,” added Hogan.
Spending under O'Malley has increased by $6 billion during his term in office - $3,000 per Maryland taxpayer.
VOTER FRAUD? YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!
North Carolina is the latest state featured by Project Veritas in its series on how America’s electoral system is extremely vulnerable to voter fraud. During last week’s North Carolina primary, James O’Keefe and his colleagues demonstrated how easy it is to obtain ballots even if the person has publicly professed not to be a U.S. citizen.
Poll workers insist that the ridiculously dressed activists do not need to show identification or a passport. The video further shows an election official telling Project Veritas that it’s “up to the public” to expose voter fraud.
Club For Growth Releases Report On GOP Freshmen Asking “Just How Tea Party Are
They?”Club for Growth analysis of voting records finds many Freshmen Republicans have abandoned “Tea Party” values of fiscal responsibility
Washington, DC – Today, the Club for Growth released a report based on its 2011 Congressional Scorecard focusing on the voting records of the so-called “Tea Party” freshmen Republican class of 2010. After a careful review to see if their records match their rhetoric, the Club for Growth has found that for many of the freshmen Republicans, promises of fiscal responsibility have proven to be empty.
A Club for Growth review of the voting records of freshmen Republicans on economic issues found:
· In 2011, freshmen Republicans received an average score of 71% on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Scorecard. The average veteran received a 69%. This means the freshmen Republicans voted, on average, about the same as the Republicans who were already in Congress.
· A majority of freshmen Republicans voted against the conservative Republican Study Committee budget.
· Only 14 freshmen Republicans signed a pledge promising never to raise the debt ceiling until “Cut, Cap, and Balance” had passed.
· “Tea Party star” Rep. Allen West received an anemic 64% for voting to raise the debt ceiling and by repeatedly voting against spending cuts.
· The two freshmen in the Republican Leadership received vastly different scores, with Rep. Tim Scott receiving a 92% and Rep. Kristi Noem receiving a 60%.
· Charlie Bass ran for the seat he lost in 2006 by declaring that the agenda of the tea party “is exactly the same as mine.” He received a pathetic 48% in 2011.
· The Ten Highest scoring freshmen Republicans were Reps. Amash (100%), Huelskamp (100%), Labrador (100%), Mulvaney (99%), Walsh (99%), Stutzman (99%), Quayle (98%), Duncan (97%), Gowdy (97%) and Ross (96%).
· The Ten Lowest scoring freshmen Republicans were Reps. Rivera (47%), Grimm (46%), Stivers (45%), Runyan (45%), Gibson (44%), Hanna (44%), Fitzpatrick (43%), Dold (42%), Meehan (42%) and McKinley (37%).
The entire report can be viewed by visiting http://www.clubforgrowth.org/freshmanvotestudy/ or by clicking here.
“The Club for Growth holds members of Congress accountable for their actions, not their rhetoric,” said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. “The liberal media likes to pretend that these Republicans have fought for fiscally conservative policies, but the facts don’t support their thesis. Just because the Republicans have a majority does not mean that more pro-growth policies have been passed. For example, a majority of Republicans voted to raise the debt ceiling, against spending cuts, and for wasteful subsidies. Republicans rail against the National Labor Relations Board, but some voted to keep funding it. By distributing this report to Club members and the public, we hope to raise awareness about the records of the Republican freshmen and believe their constituents will ask what’s happened since they went to Washington.”
Washington, DC – Today, the Club for Growth released a report based on its 2011 Congressional Scorecard focusing on the voting records of the so-called “Tea Party” freshmen Republican class of 2010. After a careful review to see if their records match their rhetoric, the Club for Growth has found that for many of the freshmen Republicans, promises of fiscal responsibility have proven to be empty.
A Club for Growth review of the voting records of freshmen Republicans on economic issues found:
· In 2011, freshmen Republicans received an average score of 71% on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Scorecard. The average veteran received a 69%. This means the freshmen Republicans voted, on average, about the same as the Republicans who were already in Congress.
· A majority of freshmen Republicans voted against the conservative Republican Study Committee budget.
· Only 14 freshmen Republicans signed a pledge promising never to raise the debt ceiling until “Cut, Cap, and Balance” had passed.
· “Tea Party star” Rep. Allen West received an anemic 64% for voting to raise the debt ceiling and by repeatedly voting against spending cuts.
· The two freshmen in the Republican Leadership received vastly different scores, with Rep. Tim Scott receiving a 92% and Rep. Kristi Noem receiving a 60%.
· Charlie Bass ran for the seat he lost in 2006 by declaring that the agenda of the tea party “is exactly the same as mine.” He received a pathetic 48% in 2011.
· The Ten Highest scoring freshmen Republicans were Reps. Amash (100%), Huelskamp (100%), Labrador (100%), Mulvaney (99%), Walsh (99%), Stutzman (99%), Quayle (98%), Duncan (97%), Gowdy (97%) and Ross (96%).
· The Ten Lowest scoring freshmen Republicans were Reps. Rivera (47%), Grimm (46%), Stivers (45%), Runyan (45%), Gibson (44%), Hanna (44%), Fitzpatrick (43%), Dold (42%), Meehan (42%) and McKinley (37%).
The entire report can be viewed by visiting http://www.clubforgrowth.org/freshmanvotestudy/ or by clicking here.
“The Club for Growth holds members of Congress accountable for their actions, not their rhetoric,” said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. “The liberal media likes to pretend that these Republicans have fought for fiscally conservative policies, but the facts don’t support their thesis. Just because the Republicans have a majority does not mean that more pro-growth policies have been passed. For example, a majority of Republicans voted to raise the debt ceiling, against spending cuts, and for wasteful subsidies. Republicans rail against the National Labor Relations Board, but some voted to keep funding it. By distributing this report to Club members and the public, we hope to raise awareness about the records of the Republican freshmen and believe their constituents will ask what’s happened since they went to Washington.”
ALL ABOUT ME: OBAMA 'STEALING REAGAN'S GLORY'
Barack Obama has been accused of “vandalizing” the presidential biographies posted on the official White House website by injecting his own personal agenda into the details of what past leaders accomplished.
On the page with Ronald Reagan’s biography, for example, it states: “In a June 28, 1985 speech Reagan called for a fairer tax code, one where a multi-millionaire did not have a lower tax rate than his secretary.”
Then Obama has added, “Today, President Obama is calling for the same with the Buffett Rule.”
A Letter To The Editor 5-16-12
Mr. Joe,
Every time I read an article about our Council Members and the meetings, a lot of times the NAACP is brought up. Like many others, I mutter, not again. Not the race card. I think we need a new organization for everyone, regardless of color. I have used the name, POWER. It stands for...
People
Only
Want
Equal
Respect
I know, it's a crazy hope and probably a lost cause, but I just wanted to suggest it.
Vote Albero for Mayor!
Sincerely,
Cindy
Every time I read an article about our Council Members and the meetings, a lot of times the NAACP is brought up. Like many others, I mutter, not again. Not the race card. I think we need a new organization for everyone, regardless of color. I have used the name, POWER. It stands for...
People
Only
Want
Equal
Respect
I know, it's a crazy hope and probably a lost cause, but I just wanted to suggest it.
Vote Albero for Mayor!
Sincerely,
Cindy
Boehner Digs in For Next Battle on Debt
House Speaker John A. Boehner
on Tuesday set the stage for an end-of-year debt showdown, saying he
will once again insist any increase in the federal borrowing limit be
matched dollar-for-dollar with spending cuts elsewhere.
The last time he made that vow — ahead of last August’s debt deadline — the government teetered on the brink of a partial shutdown before he and President Obama agreed to a deal that matched an immediate debt boost to possible future spending cuts.
Mr. Boehner, Ohio Republican, said he considers that deal a precedent, and from now on every request for more debt will have to be accompanied by an equal cut in spending.
More
The last time he made that vow — ahead of last August’s debt deadline — the government teetered on the brink of a partial shutdown before he and President Obama agreed to a deal that matched an immediate debt boost to possible future spending cuts.
Mr. Boehner, Ohio Republican, said he considers that deal a precedent, and from now on every request for more debt will have to be accompanied by an equal cut in spending.
More
National Police Memorial Week
Many gathered at the Salisbury Police Department at 2 PM today to celebrate National Police Memorial Week. Mayor Ireton stated that every person working in the Police Department no matter what their position is, even IT people are hero's.
There was plenty of food and beverages, (including a big cake) for all who attended. In fact, there was more food there than ALL of the Christmas Parties the City has held for its employees over the past 4 years. Oh, that's right, there haven't been any, so maybe that's stretching it a bit.
If I have time later I'll get into more details from this event.
OCPD PUBLIC ADVISORY REGARDING STREET PERFORMERS AND THE NEW NOISE ORDINANCE
A PARTNERSHIP FOR A SAFE FAMILY VACATION
The Town of Ocean City working in partnership with Ocean City merchants has teamed up to continue the tradition of a safe, family atmosphere on Ocean City’s boardwalk. By keeping the community stakeholders informed, a working relationship can be cultivated which continues to allow a safe environment for millions of visitors who annually enjoy
Ocean City’s famous Promenade.
THE NOISE ORDINANCE
Any person playing a musical instrument or operating a sound amplification device that can be heard at a distance of 30 feet (roughly the width of the boardwalk) or greater is in violation of the Noise Ordinance and is subject to a penalty of three months in jail and/or a $500 fine. Any person who can be heard singing, yelling, hooting, hollering or whistling at a distance of 50 feet are subject to a penalty of three months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
STEET PERFORMERS
Because Ocean City’s boardwalk is such a great attraction, a host of performers materialize daily to put on shows, create balloon sculptures, draw caricatures, or just strum a guitar. The ordinances that strictly regulate such performances do not limit the performer’s ability to provide entertainment, but are designed to provide for a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Street Performers cannot set up in an area that hampers visitors’ ability to enter and exit stores, block pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or disturb the peace and quiet of the community.
· Street Performers are no longer required to register at City Hall. A Street Performer Permit is no longer required.
· Street Performers are not vetted by the Town of Ocean City
· Street Performers can only perform within the extended boundaries east of the street ends and cannot drift north or south of the street end area (See visual representation on back)
· Only portable chairs or tables can be used.
· Performers cannot perform within 10 feet of
o Tables
o Business entrances or exits
o The Tram Lane
· Performers are prohibited from blocking
o Pedestrian and vehicle traffic
o Ramps
o Stairways to the Beach
o Entrance to comfort stations
o The concrete pads on the east side of the boardwalk
o Public Telephones
o Trash receptacles
· Performances must be in compliance with the Noise Ordinance
(30’ Amplification, Musical Instruments / 50’ Singing)
· Connecting to a municipal electrical outlet is not allowed
· Connecting to a private electrical outlet is only allowed with owner’s permission
· The use of nudity, pornographic materials or obscenity in any display or performance is prohibited
· Performers shall not distribute any advertising or promotional material which promotes an activity, product or service other than that which the peddler, solicitor, hawker or street performer is engaged
· The use of animals (other than for legitimate ADA purposes), fire or other hazardous materials in a display or performance is prohibited
· The North Division Street boardwalk area (Boardwalk Arch) has been designated a no street performer area
COMMERCE ON THE BOARDWALK
The sale of products on the boardwalk is strictly prohibited except for Expressive Material that have been created, written or composed by the person who sell rents or exchanges them for a donation.
STREET PERFORMERS DESIGNATED LOCATIONS
STREET PERFORMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE NORTH DIVISION STREET AREA
Street Performers can only perform within the extended boundaries east of the street ends and cannot drift north or south of the street end area
The Town of Ocean City working in partnership with Ocean City merchants has teamed up to continue the tradition of a safe, family atmosphere on Ocean City’s boardwalk. By keeping the community stakeholders informed, a working relationship can be cultivated which continues to allow a safe environment for millions of visitors who annually enjoy
Ocean City’s famous Promenade.
THE NOISE ORDINANCE
Any person playing a musical instrument or operating a sound amplification device that can be heard at a distance of 30 feet (roughly the width of the boardwalk) or greater is in violation of the Noise Ordinance and is subject to a penalty of three months in jail and/or a $500 fine. Any person who can be heard singing, yelling, hooting, hollering or whistling at a distance of 50 feet are subject to a penalty of three months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
STEET PERFORMERS
Because Ocean City’s boardwalk is such a great attraction, a host of performers materialize daily to put on shows, create balloon sculptures, draw caricatures, or just strum a guitar. The ordinances that strictly regulate such performances do not limit the performer’s ability to provide entertainment, but are designed to provide for a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Street Performers cannot set up in an area that hampers visitors’ ability to enter and exit stores, block pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or disturb the peace and quiet of the community.
· Street Performers are no longer required to register at City Hall. A Street Performer Permit is no longer required.
· Street Performers are not vetted by the Town of Ocean City
· Street Performers can only perform within the extended boundaries east of the street ends and cannot drift north or south of the street end area (See visual representation on back)
· Only portable chairs or tables can be used.
· Performers cannot perform within 10 feet of
o Tables
o Business entrances or exits
o The Tram Lane
· Performers are prohibited from blocking
o Pedestrian and vehicle traffic
o Ramps
o Stairways to the Beach
o Entrance to comfort stations
o The concrete pads on the east side of the boardwalk
o Public Telephones
o Trash receptacles
· Performances must be in compliance with the Noise Ordinance
(30’ Amplification, Musical Instruments / 50’ Singing)
· Connecting to a municipal electrical outlet is not allowed
· Connecting to a private electrical outlet is only allowed with owner’s permission
· The use of nudity, pornographic materials or obscenity in any display or performance is prohibited
· Performers shall not distribute any advertising or promotional material which promotes an activity, product or service other than that which the peddler, solicitor, hawker or street performer is engaged
· The use of animals (other than for legitimate ADA purposes), fire or other hazardous materials in a display or performance is prohibited
· The North Division Street boardwalk area (Boardwalk Arch) has been designated a no street performer area
COMMERCE ON THE BOARDWALK
The sale of products on the boardwalk is strictly prohibited except for Expressive Material that have been created, written or composed by the person who sell rents or exchanges them for a donation.
STREET PERFORMERS DESIGNATED LOCATIONS
STREET PERFORMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE NORTH DIVISION STREET AREA
Street Performers can only perform within the extended boundaries east of the street ends and cannot drift north or south of the street end area
Potomac River Placed on Most Endangered Rivers List
Some bad news for the Potomac River. It has been named the country's most endangered river.
The group "American Rivers" says the waterway is threatened by urban and agricultural pollution and will only get worse if Congress doesn't act.
District resident Joshua Wooten said, "It's peaceful, and I like seeing the ducks play, and every now and then, you can see some fish."
During his lunch breaks from his job in Georgetown, Wooten goes down to the Potomac to clear his mind.
More
Acknowledging The Arrival Of Peak Government
Most informed people are familiar with the concept of Peak Oil, but fewer are aware that we’re also entering the era of Peak Government. The central misconception of Peak Oil -- that it’s not about “running out of oil,” it’s about running out of cheap, easy-to-access oil -- can also be applied to Peak Government: It’s not about government disappearing, it’s about government shrinking.
Central government -- the Central State -- has been in the expansion mode for so long that the process of contracting government is completely alien to the nation, to those who work for the State, and to those who are dependent on the State. Thus we have little recent historical experience of Peak Government and few if any conceptual guideposts to help us understand this contraction.
Peak Government is not a reflection of government services or the millions of individuals who work in government; it is a reflection of four key systemic forces that drove State expansion are now either declining or reversing.
More
Central government -- the Central State -- has been in the expansion mode for so long that the process of contracting government is completely alien to the nation, to those who work for the State, and to those who are dependent on the State. Thus we have little recent historical experience of Peak Government and few if any conceptual guideposts to help us understand this contraction.
Peak Government is not a reflection of government services or the millions of individuals who work in government; it is a reflection of four key systemic forces that drove State expansion are now either declining or reversing.
More
Obama Implementing Same Bush Policies on Terror he Once Reviled
This month’s revival of terrorism trials at Guantanamo Bay
underscores President Obama’s reliance on counterterrorism tools he
inherited from George W. Bush.
While Mr. Obama has been a frequent critic of Mr. Bush as a war president, the record shows he has embraced, and even expanded, groundbreaking policies and operational techniques — from increased government surveillance to enhanced special operations — left by his predecessor.
Bush administration alumni are arguing that the anti-terror measures they created in the hectic first years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have stood the test of time.
More
While Mr. Obama has been a frequent critic of Mr. Bush as a war president, the record shows he has embraced, and even expanded, groundbreaking policies and operational techniques — from increased government surveillance to enhanced special operations — left by his predecessor.
Bush administration alumni are arguing that the anti-terror measures they created in the hectic first years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have stood the test of time.
More
Let's Talk About Downtown Reality
Yeah, let's park these people as far away from the Plaza as possible, NOT!
As we stated last week, there's only ONE handicap parking space in Lot 15 that services the Plaza. Whenever I get the chance I take pictures, (recently) of those people who need access to convenient parking but there is none available.
Today you can drive by the ONE handicap parking space and you'll see a Cadillac Escalade that has been parked there for almost 4 hours, hardly someone visiting the Plaza and more likely someone working Downtown using a sticker.
Forgive me for concentrating so much recently on just the Downtown parking situation but I want to make it very clear to the current Mayor there is a problem and it should be addressed. I should add, I called the Mayor's Office and was directed to his voice mail. When the message finished it conveniently told me his mailbox was full and cannot take any more messages. He must have an ad on American Singles.com.
Now, would you agree there's a problem here? Would you agree something needs to be done? IF you came to my Office and I had the power to do something about it, do you BELIEVE I'd get something done about it immediately? Enough said!
New Posts to fall below.
‘Dock Daze’ Festival This Weekend At Cedar Hill Park & Marina In Bivalve
Festival Will Feature DockDogs, Boat Docking, Outdoor Expo & More
Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism is proud to introduce a new festival to Wicomico County that promises to be a splash! Dock Daze, a two-day celebration of Eastern Shore food, artwork, maritime tradition and the great outdoors will take place this Saturday and Sunday at the Cedar Hill Park & Marina in Bivalve, MD.
Dock Daze will center around a variety of outdoor and nautical themed events. The Delmarva DockDogs will be on hand all weekend competing in “the fastest growing sport on four legs.” Watch dogs of all breeds and sizes participate in Big Air, a “long jump for dogs,” Extreme Vertical, a “high jump for dogs” and Speed Retrieve, a timed event. On Saturday, Fish Bomb will present an Eastern Shore favorite - the Boat Docking Competition. WBOC’s Outdoors Delmarva will host an Outdoor Expo featuring Chainsaw Artist Rick Pratt and the Wicomico County Duck & Goose Calling Challenge presented by World Goose Calling Champion of Champions John Taylor. Dock Daze will also have activities for kids of all ages including paddle boat races, archery for kids, a kid’s workshop, crafts, activities and face painting.
In addition to these featured events, festival goers can enjoy live entertainment, food, drinks and craft vendors. Festival hours are 12:00-6:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $2 per person and kids under 12 are free. For a full schedule of events visit our website at www.DockDaze.org.
Dock Daze is sponsored by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism. Proceeds from Dock Daze will benefit the Westside Community Center. Operated by a local advisory council, the Westside Community Center provides recreational and educational programs to the Nanticoke, Bivalve, Tyaskin, Whitehaven and Quantico communities. The Westside Community Center is located at 21109 Bivalve Lodge Road in Bivalve, Maryland 21814.
Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism is proud to introduce a new festival to Wicomico County that promises to be a splash! Dock Daze, a two-day celebration of Eastern Shore food, artwork, maritime tradition and the great outdoors will take place this Saturday and Sunday at the Cedar Hill Park & Marina in Bivalve, MD.
Dock Daze will center around a variety of outdoor and nautical themed events. The Delmarva DockDogs will be on hand all weekend competing in “the fastest growing sport on four legs.” Watch dogs of all breeds and sizes participate in Big Air, a “long jump for dogs,” Extreme Vertical, a “high jump for dogs” and Speed Retrieve, a timed event. On Saturday, Fish Bomb will present an Eastern Shore favorite - the Boat Docking Competition. WBOC’s Outdoors Delmarva will host an Outdoor Expo featuring Chainsaw Artist Rick Pratt and the Wicomico County Duck & Goose Calling Challenge presented by World Goose Calling Champion of Champions John Taylor. Dock Daze will also have activities for kids of all ages including paddle boat races, archery for kids, a kid’s workshop, crafts, activities and face painting.
In addition to these featured events, festival goers can enjoy live entertainment, food, drinks and craft vendors. Festival hours are 12:00-6:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $2 per person and kids under 12 are free. For a full schedule of events visit our website at www.DockDaze.org.
Dock Daze is sponsored by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism. Proceeds from Dock Daze will benefit the Westside Community Center. Operated by a local advisory council, the Westside Community Center provides recreational and educational programs to the Nanticoke, Bivalve, Tyaskin, Whitehaven and Quantico communities. The Westside Community Center is located at 21109 Bivalve Lodge Road in Bivalve, Maryland 21814.