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Friday, July 06, 2012

Rep. Jackson Treated For 'More Serious' Ailments

The mystery surrounding U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s leave of absence deepened Thursday as his office disclosed a few more vague details about his medical condition, saying his ailments were "more serious" than previously thought and he needs extended inpatient treatment.

But his staff gave no hint of the congressman's whereabouts or exactly what he was suffering from, saying only that he has grappled with physical and emotional problems "privately for a long period of time" and was at an inpatient facility.

The nine-term Chicago Democrat has come under intense scrutiny in recent years for ties to imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and an extramarital affair. Despite a pending U.S. House ethics investigation connected to Blagojevich, he has been widely expected to win re-election in November.

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Obama Administration to Spend $20 Million on Green Energy Plan – For Africa

The U.S. government is spending $20 million to  “help clean energy projects in Africa get started,” such as wind farms and solar panels, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced at the recent Rio +20 Conference in Brazil, a step the government watchdog Judicial Watch criticized as wasteful given the administration’s track record in trying to pick green energy winners.

“The U.S.-Africa Clean Energy Finance Initiative will help clean energy projects in Africa get started,” said Clinton in her June 22 speech.  “This is an innovative partnership between three United States Government entities – the State Department, OPIC, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. We want to drive private sector investment into the energy sector.”

“We plan to use an initial $20 million grant fund to leverage much larger investment flows from OPIC,” she said.  “That will open the door then for hundreds of millions of dollars of OPIC financing, plus hundreds of millions of more dollars from the private sector for projects that otherwise would never get off the drawing board.”

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As U.N. Finalizes Arms Trade Treaty, Opponents Warn of Global Gun Grab

Amid energetic lobbying from both sides, the Obama administration is taking part in month-long negotiations at United Nations headquarters aimed at finalizing a conventional arms trade treaty, which supporters say will save millions of lives but opponents fear threatens to restrict Second Amendment rights at home and U.S. arms sales policies abroad.

U.N. bureaucrats insist that the U.N. Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) will have no impact on civilian gun ownership, saying that it will deal only with the arms trade across borders. They also stress that its outcome will not be imposed on any country, noting it will only be binding on countries that ratify it.

In a letter to Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on the eve of the conference, 130 Republican lawmakers outlined their concerns that the treaty being negotiated could negatively affect U.S. security, foreign policy and economic interests – as well as Americans’ constitutional rights.

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Occupy-Linked Protesters Toss $5,000 in Bills Off Seattle Building

Occupy-linked activists rained $5,000 in bills off a downtown Seattle building Wednesday to protest money in politics.

#MicCheckWallSt, an affiliate of Occupy Seattle, held its “4th of July Money Drop” to “[declare] independence from Citizens United,” the landmark Supreme Court ruling lifting restrictions on corporate and union campaign spending.

Video posted online shows stacks of bills emblazoned with the words “Money as speech silences us all” and “End Citizens United” being unloaded from a duffel bag and set up beside a window. A voice says “Go” and two people begin hurling the money out the window, the bills fluttering toward the ground. According to the Guardian, the bills thrown were mostly ones and fives.

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California Bill Could Create Sanctuary State for Non-felon Illegal Immigrants

California lawmakers are considering a new bill that could create a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants seeking protection from Arizona’s strict immigration law.

The Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tools, or TRUST Act, which is currently making its way through the California legislature, would prohibit local law enforcement from turning over illegal immigrants for deportation except for those with serious felony convictions.

Debate over the bill comes after the nation's highest court last month upheld the most controversial provision of the Arizona immigration law -- requiring local police to check the immigration status of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally. Federal immigration officials have said they will be selective in responding to those calls and have already moved to shield some categories of illegal immigrants nationwide from deportation, but the provision is still on the books in Arizona.  

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Alberta, Canada Recruiting U.S. Veterans for 114,000 Jobs

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and VetJobs.com announced this week a new employment initiative with the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation in Alberta, Canada that could employ thousands of U.S. veterans to help build new infrastructure in Canada.

While the initiative had initially been misreported by some media as an opportunity for U.S. veterans to land jobs on the Canada-side of the Keystone XL pipeline – a project delayed in America by the Obama administration – many veterans were already on the short list for those potential jobs and could be hired if (or when) the pipeline is approved.

In the meantime, there is an expected shortfall of 114,000 jobs in Alberta over the next decade, and the arrangement among the VFW, VetJobs.com, and the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation should help to place thousands of Americans into those positions.

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Outside Review of Massacre at Fort Hood to be Filed Soon, Calling for Change at FBI

The final independent report on the 2009 Fort Hood massacre will include 18 formal recommendations for change at the FBI, Fox News has learned.

In a July 3 letter to Republican Rep. Frank Wolf, chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees FBI funding, Judge William Webster, who led the independent review, said it would be on FBI Director Robert Mueller's desk no later than July 13.

"The Final Report will exceed 150 single-spaced pages in length and include eighteen (18) formal recommendations for corrective and enhancing measures on matters ranging from FBI policies and operations to information systems infrastructure, review protocols and training."

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Is Jesus Christ Reaching Out to Muslims Through Their Dreams?

Is Jesus Christ reaching out to Muslims through their dreams and encouraging them to embrace his teachings? This is exactly the phenomenon that some former Islamic adherents claim they have personally experienced. Numerous stories about Muslims, among others, who see the Christian savior in their dreams and convert as a result are streaming out of the Middle East.

While skeptics would certainly scoff at such a notion — and Muslims, themselves, may become incensed at proclamations affirming this dynamic, those who have experienced it swear by its authenticity.

Take, for instance, Ali, a man whose journey is documented in a recent Charisma News article. A few years ago, he was slated to go on the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj. But, he claims something transformational happened along the way — something so pivotal that it stripped away the very faith he was attempting to affirm.

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Justice Used Research by Dem 'Agent' to Build Case Against Texas Voter Law, Rep Claims

The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday accused the Justice Department of using data from an “agent of the Democratic Party” to bolster its case for blocking Texas' controversial voter ID law.

Republican Rep. Lamar Smith, who represents Texas, said he’s "disappointed" and concerned by the "unacceptable" move, demanding an explanation in a letter sent to Attorney General Eric Holder.

The letter notes that the Justice Department is using data compiled by a company whose client list has included President Obama’s own election campaign.

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‘Rednecks Resort,‘ ’Redneck Games,’ & ‘Redneck Olympics’: These Exist, and We Have the Video

It’s summer. And in honor of summer’s premiere holiday, 4th of July, yesterday we brought you the 76 quintessential staples of Americana. But one we may have missed is the American “Redneck.” Luckily, CNN is there to remind us.

This week, CNN noticed a variety of Redneck news reports hitting the airwaves. But they weren’t just any Redneck videos — they were videos of Rednecks having, as they say, “a good ol’ time.” After we saw them, we just had to include them below.

First up is a news report about a new “Redneck resort” that opened in Tennessee. In short, it’s a backyard, mud-filled theme park. And it’s quite the site to behold. Take a look (and bonus points if you can figure out what the man at about the 10-second mark is saying):

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Obama Admin Sends $395K to Tennessee Planned Parenthood

The Obama administration has sent a family planning grant of $395,000 to a Planned Parenthood abortion business in Memphis, Tennessee. The move is drawing strong condemnation from pro-life advocates in the Volunteer State who are unhappy taxpayer funds are going to the nation’s biggest abortion business.

Congressman Steve Cohen today announced that Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR) has received $395,000 for the Title X Family Planning Services Program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Grants Management.

“Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region has been helping Memphis and Shelby County residents get the health care they need to lead happier, healthier lives for years,” said Congressman Cohen.  “These new federal funds will help ensure the Title X Family Planning Program reaches those who need help the most in underserved communities.”

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Atheist Files Discrimination Complaint Over PA Restaurant’s 10% Sunday Discount for People With Church Bulletins

An atheist has filed a discrimination complaint against a Columbia, Pennsylvania-based restaurant. The offense? The establishment has been offering a 10 percent discount for individuals who bring in a church bulletin on Sundays. John Wolff, who has officially issued his grievance with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, is hoping that Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun Kitchen is held accountable for its diner discount.

“I did this not out of spite, but out of a feeling against the prevailing self-righteousness that stems from religion, particularly in Lancaster County,” Wolff, a retired electrical engineer, said of his decision to go toe-to-toe with the restaurant. “I don’t consider it an earthshaking affair, but in this area in particular, we seem to have so many self-righteous religious people, so it just annoys me.”

But one of the co-owners of the restaurant, Sharon Prudhomme, isn‘t backing down to Wolff’s challenge. She claims that Lost Cajun Kitchen technically doesn’t discriminate, because people don’t actually have to be believers — or even attend church for that matter — to get the discount. Anyone, she claims, can walk into a church and take a bulletin.

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Has The Normalizing of Pedophilia Begun?

Do people who rape children, or fantasize about sexually abusing them, deserve sympathy – because they were born with the brains of pedophiles?

That’s the question a prominent scientist and a well-known anchor at CNN have asked in the wake of the recent Jerry Sandusky scandal.

CNN recently featured a story by James Cantor, a homosexual psychologist and scientist at the Sexual Behaviors Clinic of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health who serves as associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

“It appears that one can be born with a brain predisposed to experience sexual arousal in response to children,” he wrote in his CNN piece.

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Muslim Congressman: Model America‘s Schools After ’Madrasas’

Those with a functioning memory of the years during which George W. Bush was President will recall only too well the constant furor on the Left over the administration’s supposed obsession with the idea of bringing theocracy to bear in America. This complaint was especially shrill in regards to the idea of voucherizing education, an idea that made many a progressive sit bolt upright in bed, sweating and shaking at the idea that someone, somewhere might hear the word “God” in an educational context. “Why,” they complained, “if we let him get away with it, the President would probably model all our schools after seminaries!”

Fortunately for us, those nightmarish days of theocratic overreach are past. No legislator in Barack Obama’s Democratic party would ever be so backwards, so barbaric as to suggest that America should ever model its educational institutions after religious schools.

Oh. Well, never mind, then.

For those who are wondering, the video posted above depicts Muslim Congressman Andre Carson, of the 7th District of Indiana, voicing his belief that America’s school system would be improved if schools were modeled after “madrasas.” For those that don’t know, madrasas are Islamic religious schools – schools that, according to at least one State Department report, have been accused of fostering anti-American, terrorist sympathies. Specifically, the report singled out the Pakistani educational system, where madrasas are common:

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DON'T MISS HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER TOMORROW MORNING AT 9:00 AM


‘Just Sickening’: Video Shows St. Louis Mother Encouraging Small Children to Brawl While They Cry and Scream

The Missouri Department of Social Services won‘t confirm or deny if it’s investigating a heartbreaking video that shows two small children fist fighting viciously while the mother of at least one of the kids encourages them, never once stepping in to break them up. The video was posted on Facebook by an unidentified woman on Sunday, KTVI reports.

“Got some action! Got some action!” the mother is heard yelling as she records the fight. “Y’all better ball up some fists!”

The children can be heard crying loudly, obviously wanting the fighting to stop, but she tells them to go on.

At one point, it looks as if one of the children is slamming the other’s head on the floor before punching her in the head while she is on the ground. Still, the mother tells them to fight harder.

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Navy Plans Mandatory Anti-Sexual Assault Training For Every Sailor

Each sailor will be required to take a new round of training by the end of this year. Courses will emphasize the need for "bystander" servicemembers to intervene when they see activities that could foreshadow sexual assault.

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Strong Auto Sales Reported in June: Here Are the 10 Cars That Sold the Most

Following June’s impressive boost in auto sales, we thought it timely and appropriate to bring you a “top whatever” list ranking last month’s bestselling cars.

“Sales for major automakers improved more than 20 percent,” according to Cars.com, “Toyota gained 60.3%; Honda picked up 48.8%, and Nissan added 28.2% … Ford sales improved 7.0% last month, while GM and Chrysler both piled on double-digit gains of 15.5% and 20.3%, respectively.”

June’s big winners include Chrysler, which reported its best June since before the recession (2007), family cars, and luxury vehicles. In fact, luxury vehicles have been doing so well that they might actually be “pulling the tide of overall car prices higher.”

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Report: Bankruptcies Dropping Toward Pre-Crash Levels

We're nearing the All-Star break for baseball, which means it's time to enjoy the annual tradition of looking at the American Bankruptcy Institute's half-year stats. The bad news is that a butt-ton of people and businesses in the U.S. are still filing for bankruptcy, but on the up side, that number continues to show a downward trend after its most recent peak in 2010.


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Egypt's Sex-Slave Marriage

"When I want a sex-slave," [I] should be able to go "to the market and pick out whichever female I desire and marry her." — Sheikh Huwaini
Egypt's "first sex-slave marriage" took place mere days after the Muslim Brotherhood's Muhammad Morsi was made president.

Last Monday, on the Egyptian TV show Al Haqiqa ("the Truth"), journalist Wael al-Ibrashi showed a video-clip of a man, Abd al-Rauf Awn, "marrying" his slave. Before making the woman, who has a non-Egyptian accent, repeat after him the Koran's Surat al-Ikhlas, instead of saying the usual "I marry myself to you," the woman said "I enslave myself to you," kissing him in front of an applauding audience.

Then, even though she was wearing a hijab, her owner-husband declared that she is forbidden from such trappings and commanded her to be stripped of them, so as "not to break Allah's laws." She took her veil and abaya off, revealing, by Muslim standards, a seductive red dress (all the other women present were veiled). The man claps for her and the video-clip (which can be seen here) ends.

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KEEP PETS SAFE IN THE EXTREME HEAT

(Salisbury, MD) As you seek relief from this extreme heat do not forget to provide ways to keep your pets safe. The heat and high temperatures can be dangerous for animals. Dogs and cats cannot sweat and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads on their feet. Just like humans, animals can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke.

The Wicomico County Health Department is offering these tips to help residents keep their furry friends safe and healthy in the heat:

Animals can dehydrate quickly; make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water.

If your pet must be outside, make sure it has a shady place to go to at all times.
Keep your pet indoors, if possible, in air-conditioning.
Shorten your daily walk and schedule it for early morning or evening hours. Carry water with you and your dog. Remember asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pets paws.
NEVER leave your pets in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat stress – heavy panting, glazed eyes, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, extreme drooling, or collapse. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs or Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they can’t pant as effectively.
“Never leave your pet in a car. The inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if parked in the shade.” says Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “If you can, leave your pet cool at home while you travel or run errands.”

‘Queen of Mexican Crime’: Who Is The 27-Year-Old Illegal Immigrant That Was Just Deported?

A 27-year-old fugitive caught in Southern California and handed over to officials in Mexico is a top operative in the La Familia drug cartel working out of the United States, Mexican authorities said. ) reported.Noriega Rios was arrested June 27 at her El Monte residence. Two days later she was taken to a border crossing in San Ysidro, Calif., and turned over to Mexican authorities under tight security.

In a 64-page criminal warrant issued in Mexico, Noriega Rios is accused of being one of La Familia’s main U.S.-based operatives overseeing the violent cartel’s methamphetamine distribution in California and Washington. The cartel, a group often characterized as ruthless and cult-like, is known for moving meth, along with some cocaine and marijuana, into the U.S. from the Mexican state of Michoacan, according to the Times.

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Salisbury Police Department Press Release 7-6-12

Lonnie Edward Montague, 49yo of Fruitland, Md was arrested and charged with 1st, 3rd, & 4th degree Burglary and Theft $1000.

Christopher Eric Williams, 24yo of Salisbury, MD was arrested and charged with 1st, 3rd, & 4th degree Burglary and Theft < $1000.

On July 3, 2012 at approximately 11:56am, an officer responded to the 400 block of Lake St for a reported theft. The officer met with the complainant who advised that he had received information that subjects were removing property from one of his
rental units. It was learned that the subjects had taken a refrigerator, stove, and a water heater from inside an apartment.

The officers received a description of the suspects and were able to locate and identify Montague & Williams near Salisbury Steel.

Further investigation found that Montague & Williams sold the appliances to Salisbury Steel as scrap. Montague was also found to be wanted by the Maryland Parole
Commission for violations of his parole.

Elderly Pro-Life Advocate Breaks His Hip After Alleged Violent Attack by Angry Pro-Choicer

Everett Stadig, a 69-year-old volunteer who has been collecting signatures for Colorado’s Personhood amendment, was reportedly violently thrown off of his bicycle and assaulted this week. The pro-life advocate suffered a broken hip and has gone through surgery to replace a portion of it after a man became irate and attacked him outside of a grocery store in Denver.

Problems started for Stadig when, as LifeSiteNews reports, he asked the man in question if he would be willing to sign the Personhood petition (activists need 86,000 to get the measure on November ballots). The individual refused to sign and apparently started yelling, swearing and proclaiming, “I’m pro-choice.”

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WCSO Press Releases 7-6-12

Incident: Fugitive Arrest
Date of Incident: 1 July 2012
Location: 300 block of Poplar Hill Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Christopher Michael Rains, 37, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 1 July 2012
at 12:18 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office located Christopher Michael Rains in the 300 block of Poplar Hill Avenue in Salisbury. Rains was being sought on an open warrant that had been issued on 28 June 2012 after Rains violated his probation in a Third Degree Sex Offense Case.

The deputy took Rains into custody and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and detained in the Detention Center without bond pending an appearance in front of a Circuit Court Judge.

Charges: Violation of Probation

Incident: Fugitive Arrest
Date of Incident: 1 July 2012
Location: 800 block of Bi-State Blvd., Delmar, MD
Suspect: James Decarb Brown, 42, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 1 July 2012
at 6:36 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office located James Brown of Salisbury at a residence in the 300 block of Bi-State Blvd in Delmar. Brown was being sought on an open warrant after Brown failed to appear for a traffic case in the Circuit Court of Wicomico County.

The deputy took Brown into custody and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and detained in the Detention Center without bond pending an appearance in front of a Circuit Court Judge.

Charges: Fail to Appear

Have You Seen the Footage of John Stossel Posing as a Homeless Man in NYC?

Appearing on “Fox & Friends” on Thursday, Fox Business Network host John Stossel once again used the video of him pandhandling to make a point. As he noted earlier this spring, he was able to make about $11-per-hour posing as a homeless man, begging for money on the streets of New York while trying to illustrate how the U.S. is turning into a “nation of freeloaders” for a segment on his show.

“Yes, we are turning into a nation of freeloaders because you feel like a sucker if you’re not when government keeps offering it to you,” Stossel explained.

Co-host Brian Kilmeade agreed, saying that the federal government is always promoting their food stamp and welfare programs on television and radio. Stossel went on to admit that even he at one point has been a government “freeloader” because he collected federal flood insurance on his beach house.

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Don't Forget The Farmers Market This Weekend



Father, Son Charged with Texas ICE Agent Shooting

A father directed his 18-year-old son and another teen to grab guns and shoot into a vehicle parked near their South Texas home, wounding a federal agent who was conducting surveillance, prosecutors alleged Thursday when filing charges against the two men.

The injured U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, Kelton Harrison, was targeted while watching for an anticipated drug deal early Tuesday at a property near Hargill, about 25 miles northeast of the U.S.-Mexico border town of McAllen. Harrison sped away but his pursuers followed, shooting at his vehicle until he lost control.

Prosecutors revealed details of the shooting Thursday as Pedro Alvarado, 41, and his 18-year-old son, Arnoldo Alvarado, appeared in federal court in McAllen. A 16-year-old boy also accused of firing at the agent appeared in juvenile court the same day.

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Is Marxism Coming Back?

It is true that as the financial and economic crises roll on, as more and more disasters accumulate, as more people are thrown into unemployment and suffering that more and more of us will question the fundamentals of our economic system. It is inevitable that many will be drawn to some of the criticisms of capitalism, including Marxism.

The Guardian today published a salutary overview of this revival :
In his introduction to a new edition of The Communist Manifesto, Professor Eric Hobsbawm suggests that Marx was right to argue that the “contradictions of a market system based on no other nexus between man and man than naked self-interest, than callous ‘cash payment’, a system of exploitation and of ‘endless accumulation’ can never be overcome: that at some point in a series of transformations and restructurings the development of this essentially destabilising system will lead to a state of affairs that can no longer be described as capitalism”.

That is post-capitalist society as dreamed of by Marxists. But what would it be like? “It is extremely unlikely that such a ‘post-capitalist society’ would respond to the traditional models of socialism and still less to the ‘really existing’ socialisms of the Soviet era,” argues Hobsbawm, adding that it will, however, necessarily involve a shift from private appropriation to social management on a global scale. “What forms it might take and how far it would embody the humanist values of Marx’s and Engels’s communism, would depend on the political action through which this change came about.

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House Bill Would Cut Food Stamps, Farm Subsidies

The House Agriculture Committee on Thursday unveiled its approach for a long-term farm and food bill that would reduce spending by $3.5 billion a year, almost half of that coming from cuts in the federal food stamp program.

The legislative draft envisions reducing current food stamp spending projections by $1.6 billion a year, four times the amount of cuts incorporated in the five-year, half-trillion-dollar farm bill passed by the Senate last month.

Food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, look to be the most contentious issue when the Agriculture Committee begins voting on the bill Wednesday and when the full House begins debating it in the future.

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Countrywide Used Loans For Favor With Fannie Mae

Countrywide Financial Corp. gave discount loans to former and current members of the U.S. Congress and executives at Fannie Mae (FNMA) as it lobbied to scuttle legislation that would have diminished its sale of sub-prime mortgages, according to a report released today by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa.

The report, which caps a three-year inquiry by the panel, concluded that between 1996 and 2008, Countrywide executives used a special VIP loan program to try to stop legislation that would have restrained the company’s business with Fannie Mae, a government-sponsored mortgage company. Countrywide had an exclusive agreement to sell billions of dollars in mortgages to Fannie Mae at a discounted rate, according to the report.

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Rep. Andy Harris Statement On June Unemployment Report

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Andy Harris released the following statement today regarding the Department of Labor’s unemployment report for June 2012:

“Today’s disappointing June unemployment report shows yet again that President Obama’s economic policies aren’t working,” said Rep. Andy Harris. “President Obama’s failed economic policies have led to 41 consecutive months of unemployment being above 8 percent. Instead of working with the House majority to create tens of thousands of American jobs through projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline, he has wasted taxpayer dollars on politically connected companies like Solyndra. The House has passed more than 30 jobs bills- it’s time for the President and the Senate to start working with the House to actually put jobs and economic growth at the top of their agenda.”

2012 Roll Call Ratings Released

Have Maryland's 188 Legislators Found the Point Between Austerity and Taxation?
Click Here to Read MBRG's 2012 Roll Call
Find Out How YOUR State Legislators
Scored on Issues Affecting YOUR Business

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY URGES CAUTION DURING CONTINUED HEAT WAVE

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued a heat advisory across the State for the next several days. As temperatures continue to soar, Governor Martin O’Malley urged Marylanders to take the necessary precautions to prevent heat related illnesses.

“It is important as temperatures reach over 100 degrees that we take the time to check on our family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to the extreme heat,” said Governor O’Malley. “Even residents in good health can become a victim of heat exhaustion. Whenever possible, avoid spending prolonged time outdoors, stay hydrated and remember to keep in touch with those who may need assistance.”

Hot weather tips:
Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration — be aware that alcohol can impair the body’s sweat mechanisms, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.

Avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library.

NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked.

Check on elderly relatives or neighbors daily. If you are concerned about an older or vulnerable person, call 211 for assistance.

Take it easy when outdoors. Athletes and those who work outdoors should, if possible, take short breaks when feeling fatigued. Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.

To find a cooling center in your area, visit, http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA2/Local_EOC.html.

Today's Fill In The Blank 7-6-12

The first thing I do when I get off work is _____.

Lincoln Man Arrested For Burglaries In Sussex County

Location: Numerous Residential Construction Sites throughout Central and Eastern Sussex County

Dates of Occurrence: Between April 1, 2012 and June 29, 2012

Victims:

Ryan Homes
Gemcraft Homes
Capstone Homes
Beazer Homes
Schell Brothers Builders
Shureline Electric
L.C. Homes
Bryton Homes
Country Life Homes
Ashburn Homes
Willow Creek Homes
Cutting Edge Construction

Defendant, Charges and Bond Information:

Frank R. Fleming, 45, Lincoln, DE (No Photo Available)
Burglary 3rd (38 counts)
Attempted Burglary 3rd
Theft (35 counts)
Attempted Theft (4 counts)
Possession of Burglary Tools (25 counts)
Criminal Mischief (25 counts)
Criminal Impersonation

Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $42,700 secured bond.

Resume:
Sussex County, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Lincoln man in connection with numerous burglaries to homes under construction throughout Sussex County.

The investigation began on June 29, 2012 around 4:11 a.m., when troopers responded to a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence under construction on Park Pavilion Way in the development of The Ridings at Rehoboth, Lewes. A Ford Focus was left idling in the middle of the roadway with its license plate covered with masking tape and no one around. Troopers, with the assistance of the State Police helicopter and a K9, began searching the area for the operator, but were unable to locate anyone. Prior to the vehicle being towed from the scene, troopers located copper wire and aluminum inside the car, which is commonly sold for cash at local scrap metal businesses, along with an identification card and prescription drug bottle.

Detectives were able to respond to the address of where the vehicle was registered and gather information into the last known operator of the car. At approximately 11:00 a.m. on June 29th, Frank R. Fleming was taken into custody by troopers after he was seen walking in the area of Church Street in Milford. At the time of his apprehension, Fleming gave a false name in order to avoid arrest.

Through investigative measures, Fleming was linked to more than 38 burglaries throughout central and eastern Sussex County. In most cases, Fleming would enter the unsecured residences that were under construction and use a cutting tool in order to remove copper wiring from air conditioner units. He would then take the wiring and aluminum articles to a local scrap yard in order to receive cash for the items. Some of the developments in which the crimes occurred were: The Meadows at Beaver Creek, Harbeson; Heron Bay, Lewes; The Ridings at Rehoboth, Lewes; Woods Cove, Lewes; The Reserves at Pilot Town, Lewes; Vincent Overlook, Lewes; Blueberry Hill, Lincoln; Logan’s Run, Lincoln; Crescent Shores, Lincoln; Shoreview Woods Villas, Milton; Stonewater Creek, Milton; Holland Mills, Milton; and Independence, Millsboro.

Fleming was arrested and formally charged with a total of 129 counts of various burglaries and thefts. He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $42,700.00 secured bail.

Let's Get Real With The Numbers

Not long ago the Daily Times did an article implying Wicomico County is healthy business and job wise. This just isn't true.

While Wicomico County continues to grow about 1% a year, that means there are around 900 new people each year searching for jobs.

In the last 12 quarters, (3 years) the employment rate has DROPPED each and every quarter. So just where is the Daily Times getting their figures from? Is it more of the same, simply printing numbers the County hands them?

Later today we will provide factual documents supporting our numbers. Numbers that even the Daily Times have admitted are more accurate. In fact, the reporter stated they wished they had those figures before the published their article.

However, WE wouldn't have known about their numbers if we hadn't read their article first.

Do you believe there are 900 new jobs coming to Wicomico County every year? Are you seeing that kind of growth? Are you satisfied with the wages being offered with the jobs that are available?

It's no wonder Ireton wants to build more affordable and section 8 housing projects. We must do better than this Ladies & Gentlemen. We must demand much more from our elected officials. We cannot survive off of entitlements. I believe we're better than that. I also believe with the proper encouragement we can do better.

Pointing fingers and blaming others because you don't get your way is not the answer. Filing petitions to defame people who have worked very hard to protect our interests is not the answer.

We must unite. We must work together. Each party has great ideas. We simply need people in office who can unite those ideas and make them work. However, a total vision has to be put on the table first and entitlements, well, we've seen the inner city of Baltimore. We know what's happened to Detroit.

When you have your local media filling you with false numbers, eventually time will run out and there will be no turning back to fix things. WE are smarter than this. WE can deal with the numbers, face them head on and work as a team to make it better.

Salisbury News has been your alternative to the local Main Stream Media. Do I believe crime is down 42% in Salisbury, come on, seriously. While I am very pleased to hear crime is down, I do not believe crime has dropped 42%. Mind you, there has to be a serious drop in crime for them to come out with these numbers and we should be very proud of our local law enforcement. However, NEVER has there been a time in which we can all say we believe what we're hearing from our local politicians. They simply have a way with words, (like the Daily Times) in which they speak the truth, just not the whole truth. As an example, part 1 crime might be down but not all crime, if you get my drift.

Getting back to the employment numbers, we'll try to get you the real numbers by the end of the day.

Fatal Car Crash On Naylor Mill Road


There's been a major accident on the overpass on Naylor Mill Road. Looks like a fatality. Naylor Mill Rd., Business Rt. 50 & Log Cabin Roads will be closed down for quite some time.

UPDATE: Salisbury News has been told there could be two fatalities in this accident.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, GOOGLE ANNOUNCE FREE WEBSITES FOR MARYLAND BUSINESSES

Google Launches Maryland Get Your Business Online Program

ANNAPOLIS, MDstrong> – Governor Martin O’Malley and Google today announced the launch of Maryland Get Your Business Online – a program designed to support Maryland businesses by providing the tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers, and grow their business. Increasing the number of small businesses online is one of the best ways to expand the Maryland economy.

Maryland Get Your Business Online is an easy and fast way for Maryland businesses to gain an online presence. Over the next year, participating Maryland businesses can go to http://www.marylandgetonline.com/ to get a free website as well as free tools, training and resources to help their business succeed online. Google is partnering with Intuit to provide its popular Intuit Websites offerings for free including an easy-to-build website, a customized domain name and web-hosting for one year.

In addition, business owners from across Maryland are invited to the kickoff event at the Legg Mason Tower, 100 International Drive in Baltimore on July 17th from 8:30am-3:00pm. Participants will learn how to build their own website, as well as attend sessions devoted to growing and promoting their business online.Businesses simply limit their exposure to customers if they don’t have a website. Small businesses need to be online because that’s where their customers are. While 97% of Americans look online for local products and services, 53% of Maryland small businesses do not have a website or online presence. In America today, no matter the size of the business, having a website is as vital as having a phone.

“Maryland is a recognized leader in giving entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools and resources they need to serve their vital role as the lifeblood of our economy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Getting every Maryland small business online is one more critical step we can take together to stay competitive and expand opportunity in this rapidly-changing, 21st century economy.”

“The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many Maryland small businesses from taking the first step,” said Scott Levitan, Director of Small Business Engagement at Google. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online."“As a leading provider of small business solutions, we have witnessed the growth small businesses have seen from getting online,” said Jennifer Creager, Product Manager at Intuit.

“We are excited to offer Intuit Websites for free to all the wonderful small businesses in Maryland and to help them create a customized presence that represents their unique brands.”Both the website and event registration are currently available. For further information, please visit http://www.marylandgetonline.com/

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 7-6-12

Thank God Its Friday 7-6-12

What will you be doing this weekend?

A Comment Worthy Of A Post

The mayors tax hike was cut by a super majority 4 to 1 vote. The mayor and Mitchell like to point fingers at Campbell, Cohen and Spies, while Shannie also voted to not raise taxes. Kudos to all four. We all know Shannie would usually vote opposite Campbell and Cohen in the past, I take it she felt very strongly to vote down Ireton's budget.The reason Ireton wants low income housing downtown: to follow a plan to relocate all the low income housing on the west side of the river, so it can be flipped and sold as high dollar river front property.There are already some McMansions just a stones throw from the WWTP on the river. So don't let anyone fool you that those old run down homes on the west side don't have futuristic value.They just need to get the current dwellers out first.

Police-involved shooting in College Park; Univ. of Maryland campus placed on lockdown

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
A police-involved shooting has occurred in College Park.

Police say at around 10 p.m., police were confronted by three men firing guns at Melbourne Place and Route 1. Police returned fire and struck one of the suspects.

Authorities say another suspect jumped in a police car and took off. He was later arrested at a nearby McDonald's restaurant.

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WSW/Deer Run Check


Ed Colbert (left), owner of Deer Run Golf Club in Berlin presents a check for $10,174.81 to Rota Knott, Worcester County coordinator for Women Supporting Women. The donation is the proceeds of a June 9 golf tournament held at Deer Run and hosted by Colbert and his wife, Margaret, to benefit the Berlin-based chapter of the local breast cancer awareness and support organization.

Today's Survey Question 7-6-12

What temperature do you set your A/C on?

US Army Band To Play Free Concert In Salisbury On Friday July 6

78th U.S. Army Band Concert
DATE: July 6, 2012
TIME: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
LOCATION: Salisbury Government Office Building
125 North Division Street

On Friday, July 6, the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce & The City of Salisbury are sponsoring an evening of music by the 78th Army Band, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on the steps of the City/County Office building, on the corner of Main & Division streets. The 78th Army band was formed in August of 1943 and played for troops during World War II, all over Europe. Currently, the band calls Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ "home", and they will be playing several shows in the area surrounding the Fourth of July holiday week.

Bring your family, your friends, and your lawn chairs for a great summertime evening of music in downtown Salisbury. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 410/749-0144

With Trial Set, Mother of Towson Student Killed in Hit and Run Says She Can Forgive

The man police say killed her son is set for trial in September.  Howard County’s Cecilia Roe hopes suspect Diogo Facchini pleads guilty in the hit and run death of her boy, 22-year-old Matthew Cheswick, knowing a trial will be torture on her family.  But if she had the chance to look Facchini in the eye, she'd say something many parents just couldn't.  She sat down to talk on-camera for the first time as new details emerge in her son’s case.

It has been just 37 days since Matthew Cheswick's death.  But in that short time, his mother, Cecilia Roe, has done the unthinkable.  She has summoned the strength to forgive the man police say ended his life.  She says, "Matthew wouldn't want me to hold a grudge.  And I know Matthew has forgiven him."

It is an incredible act of selflessness, following what Cecilia refers to as ‘The tragedy’.  She explains, "I'm closing the doors on parts of Matthew's life but I can't close doors on Matthew's life because I want to remember he was part of my life.  He did exist.  He was a huge part of my life."

It’s a part of her life that has been ripped away for good.  Matthew, a Towson University student, was killed Memorial Day weekend in Ocean City while crossing Coastal Highway.  Police say Diogo Facchini hit him with his car and kept on driving.  Newly released court documents show the 30-year-old blew a .27 on an alcohol test.  Roe says, "I don't even know really know what to call it.  It was more than an accident.  It was more than irresponsibility."

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Wicomico Adds Additional Cooling Center

Health Officials Encourage Residents to Recognize Dangers of Heat Related Illnesses
(Salisbury, MD) During these extreme heat conditions, the Wicomico County Health Department is encouraging residents to be careful, stay cool, and keep hydrated. While temperatures and heat indices rise to record breaking levels, so does the risk for heat related illness. Health Officials are asking residents to remain indoors in the air conditioning, during the extreme heat.

The MAC Senior Center, Snow Hill Road, Salisbury will be open on Saturday, July 7 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for people 50yrs old and older needing relief from the heat. Bring snacks and any medications with you. Shore Transit is providing transportation to and from the center. Call them at 443-260-2300.

Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, and those persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at highest risk for heat related illness. Family, friends, and neighbors who are at high risk will need extra help and residents should consider how they can help someone they know get to an air-conditioned place, if needed.

Heat rashes and muscle cramping are usually the first signs of heat related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here is how you recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do:

Signs and Symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke (medical emergency-call 911)
*Heavy sweating
*High body temperature (above 103 degrees)
*Weakness
*Hot, red, dry or moist skin
*Dizziness or Fainting
*Rapid and strong pulse
*Nausea or vomiting
*Possible unconsciousness
*Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
*Confusion or disorientation

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What to Do:
Heat Exhaustion: Move individual to a cooler location, lie them down and loosen clothing, offer small amounts of water to sip. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke: Call 911 immediately – this is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler environment. Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath. Do NOT give fluids.

“Heat related illnesses are a serious health threat and can be life threatening,” says Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “I urge residents to drink lots of water, stay cool, and check on their neighbors. If air conditioning is not available, residents should consider visiting the local mall or cooling center. It is important during times like these to look after one another, and help ensure each other’s safety.”

For local and updated cooling center information, facts on heat related illness, or additional tips on how to stay cool, visit the Wicomico County Health Department's website at www.wicomicohealth.org.

Former Governor Marvin Mandel and Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey Review Votes

Former Governor Marvin Mandel and Ambassador Ellen Sauerbrey review the votes of all of Maryland’s legislators each year to rate them and inform the public who is voting to promote Maryland business.

The MBRG ratings are an important way of gauging who is working to promote business and thus jobs and economic vitality in the State. If your elected official is not pro-business call them and ask why not. You can support the environment and other necessary interests without destroying our tax base and jobs. If those representing you can not get that right, vote them out and replace them with those who will protect your jobs and create an inviting atmosphere for businesses to come to Maryland and flourish. Click the link to see the Roll Call of MBRG legislative voting ratings.

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Three Charged in Cemetery Vandalisms

The Aberdeen Police Department has arrested one adult and two juveniles in connection with two vandalisms at a local cemetery.

Both vandalisms occurred at the Grove Presbyterian Cemetery on Bel Air Avenue where 126 headstones were overturned. The damage was estimated at a total of $20,000. Some of the headstones will require professional restorations.

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The Socialization Of America Is Economically Impossible


I understand the dream of the common socialist. I was, after all, once a Democrat. I understand the disparity created in our society by corporatism (not capitalism, though some foolish socialists see them as exactly the same). I understand the drive and the desire to help other human beings, especially those in dire need, and the tendency to see government as the ultimate solution to all our problems. That said, let’s be honest; government is in the end just a tool used by one group or another to implement a particular methodology or set of principles. Unfortunately, what most socialists today don’t seem to understand is that no matter what strategies they devise, they will NEVER have control. And, those they wish to help will be led to suffer, because the establishment does not care about them, or you. The establishment does not think of what it can give, it thinks about what it can take. Socialism, in the minds of the elites, is a con-game which allows them to quarry the favor of the serfs, and nothing more.

There are other powers at work in this world; powers that have the ability to play both sides of the political spectrum. The money elite have been wielding the false left/right paradigm for centuries, and to great effect. Whether socialism or corporatism prevails, they are the final victors, and the game continues onward…

Knowing this fact, I find that my reactions to the entire Obamacare debate rather muddled. Really, I see the whole event as a kind of circus, a mirage, a distraction. Perhaps it is because I am first and foremost an economic analyst, and when looking at Obamacare and socialization in general, I see no tangibility. I see no threat beyond what we as Americans already face. Let me explain…

Socialism Is Failure

A country that feels the need to socialize has, in my view, already failed culturally. It is an open admission by the public that they are unwilling or unable to take responsibility for their own prosperity. If a society is not able to function in a healthy economic manner without the force of government (an abstract entity often manipulated by corrupt ideals) resulting in the creation of artificial and precarious balance using fiat stimulus and overt taxation, then the people of that country are not remotely independent and self sufficient. That is to say, only a nation filled with pathetic overgrown children would actually need government to enforce mandatory “charity”, welfare, healthcare, etc. A truly healthy society supported by strong and self sustainable individuals would not beg to be parented by government. If a country is so unbalanced as to stoop to socialism, then its ailments already extend far beyond anything government (even good government) could ever hope to cure.

Obamacare, its tentative application, and those who blindly support its introduction in the U.S., are an example of a weak people groveling for handouts they do not work for nor deserve. Socialism is defeat. It is a waving of the white flag by a society and the trading of that culture’s liberty for the illusion of fiscal security. It is the act of an adolescent and naïve populace groveling for an allowance from their “motherland”.

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Shootings Report From Rahmaland

Girl, 10, shot as she played in front of open West Side hydrant
A 10-year-old girl was critically wounded and a man also was shot late Tuesday as they played at an open hydrant in the West Side’s Austin neighborhood. The pair was among at least 16 people shot in the city Tuesday evening.

Two women critically hurt, among 3 shot in Uptown drive-by

Two women are in critical condition and another man was wounded in a possibly gang-related drive-by shooting in the North Side’s Uptown neighborhood Tuesday night.
The shooting happened in the 4400 block of North Racine Avenue at 7:28 p.m., according to police News Affairs.
Two …

Four shot in drive-by on Southwest Side

Four people were shot Tuesday evening in the Southwest Side Marquette Park neighborhood.
The shooting occurred in the 6000 block of South Rockwell Avenue at about 5:38 p.m., according to police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala.
Four males, between 17 and 18 years old, were...There were 14 shootings in all.

Source

My Two Cents On LIBOR-GATE

So much has been written on LIBOR-GATE that I have chosen to refrain from the subject until now. It is a generally confusing topic for many not in the financial industry (and many that are) so I want to cut right into the heart of the matter. First of all, in the CFTC’s very own press release about the scandal they wrote:


“The American public and our markets rely upon the integrity of benchmark interest rates like LIBOR and Euribor because they form the basis for hundreds of trillions of dollars of transactions and affect nearly every corner of the global economy,” said David Meister, the CFTC’s Director of Enforcement.


So even the layperson can understand these are the most important interest rates in the world and are used to price hundreds of trillions in ponzi (and legitimate) products. The key thing however is that the bankster crooks are going to try to spin this as if they were only doing it during the height of the crisis and were working diligently with the Central Bank cabal to “save the financial system, planet earth and potentially the solar system as a whole.” The mainstream media is mainly reporting this as a financial crisis phenomena. This is patently untrue.
In fact, as we see from the UK’s Financial Service Authority (FSA) in this Final Notice to Barclays, the bank derivatives traders were in many cases instructing others where to price LIBOR in order to make their positions profitable. See here:


On numerous occasions between January 2005 and June 2009, Barclays’ Derivatives Traders made requests to its Submitters for submissions based on their trading positions. These included requests made on behalf of derivatives traders at other banks. The Derivatives Traders were motivated by profit and sought to benefit Barclays’ trading positions. The aim of these requests was to influence the final benchmark LIBOR and EURIBOR rates published by the BBA and EBF.


Notice the year 2005. Prisons were invented for people like this. Let’s stop playing games, lock these criminals up and claw back every dollar they ever made.


For the full FSA Notice click here.


Source

PSC Chairman Promises Full Investigation Of Storm Response


The head of Maryland's Public Service Commission says all of Maryland's major electrical utilities will have to file reports on how they managed power restoration.

Doug Nazarian said Thursday the utilities will have to file the major storm reports 21 days after power is restored.

The chairman says regulators are now focused on restoration efforts.

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An American Declaration of Independence From Big Government

The Declaration of Independence, signed by members of the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, is the founding document of the American experiment in free government. What is too often forgotten is that what the Founding Fathers argued against in the Declaration was the heavy and intrusive hand of big government.

Most Americans easily recall those eloquent words with which the Founding Fathers expressed the basis of their claim for independence from Great Britain in 1776:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed – That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

But what is usually not recalled is the long list of enumerated grievances that make up most of the text of the Declaration of Independence. The Founding Fathers explained how intolerable an absolutist and highly centralized government in faraway London had become. This distant government violated the personal and civil liberties of the people living in the 13 colonies on the eastern seaboard of North America.

In addition, the king's ministers imposed rigid and oppressive economic regulations and controls on the colonists that was part of the 18th-century system of government central planning known as mercantilism.

"The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States," the signers declared.

At every turn, the British Crown had concentrated political power and decision-making in its own hands, leaving the American colonists with little ability to manage their own affairs through local and state governments. Laws and rules were imposed without the consent of the governed; local laws and procedures meant to limit abusive or arbitrary government were abrogated or ignored.

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WELFARE STATE IS COLOR BLIND

You’ll love the surprise ending to this little story. I wonder why Obama, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton never provide some of the statistics provided by Mr. Williams. Some facts are inconvenient to a false storyline.

The Underclass
By Walter Williams

Anthony Daniels, who writes under the pen name Theodore Dalrymple, is a retired prison doctor and psychiatrist who tells of his experiences with his patients in “Life at the Bottom.” It’s an insightful book of essays about the self-destructive behavior and attitudes of the underclass.

In one essay, “We Don’t Want No Education,” reprinted by City Journal (http://www.city-journal.org/html/5_1_oh_to_be.html), Dalrymple says that he cannot recall meeting a 16-year-old from the public housing project near his hospital who could perform simple multiplication operations, such as nine times seven. One 17-year-old told him, “We didn’t get that far.” This was after 12 years of attending school. One of Dalrymple’s patients took a drug overdose because of constant bullying from classmates. “She was stupid because she was clever.” What her peers meant by that was anyone who worked hard and performed well at school was wasting his time when truancy and wandering downtown were deemed preferable. The underlying threat was: If you don’t mend your ways and join us, we’ll beat you up.

These weren’t simply idle threats. Dalrymple says he’s often met people in their 20s or 30s in his practice who gave up at school under such duress. Those who attend a school that has very high academic standards risk a beating if they venture into neighborhoods where the underclass live. He recalls treating two boys in the emergency room after they’d been beaten and two others who had taken overdoses for fear of being beaten at the hands of their neighbors.

Dalrymple says that most of the young people whom he’s met in his practice cannot name a single writer and cannot recite a line of poetry. None of his young patients can give the dates of World War I, much less the second world war. Some patients never have heard of those wars, though one of his young patients who had heard of World War II thought it took place in the 18th century. In this atmosphere of total ignorance, Dalrymple says he was impressed that the young man had heard of the 18th century.

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When Americans Understood The Declaration of Independence

The Fourth of July was not always a national celebration of the militarization of American society and of the federal government’s never-ending quest for world domination (disguised as "defending our interests abroad"). Americans did not always attend church services on the Sunday before the Fourth of July to "honor" their "military heroes" and pray that they may kill many more human beings in other countries that have done them no harm. Americans once actually read and understood the Declaration of Independence for what it was: a declaration of secession from the British empire and a roadmap for opposing a highly centralized, militaristic empire of the sort the U.S. government has become.

The Declaration of Independence was the ultimate secessionist or states’ rights document. "Governments are instituted among men," Thomas Jefferson wrote, for the sole purpose of securing God-given, "unalienable" rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Moreover, governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed" and nowhere else. And "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government . . ."

The way in which "the People" were to express their consent (or lack thereof) was through state and local political organizations. Hence, in the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence Jefferson wrote that: "We . . . the Representatives of the united States of America . . . are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do."

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Zimmerman Granted $1 Million Bond

A Florida judge on Thursday set a $1 million bond with new restrictions on George Zimmerman, saying he believes the suspect may have been planning to flee the country to avoid prosecution in the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Judge Kenneth R. Lester Jr. found that Zimmerman's deceit over cash holdings at his first bond hearing in April was not enough to hold him without bail.

"This court has, thus far, declined to exercise its contempt powers and the state failed to prove that the defendant may be held without bond," the order said.

Zimmerman will have to post 10% of the $1 million -- or $100,000 -- to meet the requirement for bail.

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BREAKING NEWS: Economy Adds Only 80,000 Jobs

Weak hiring continues into June as sluggish economy generates only 80,000 new jobs, well below expectations, keeping unemployment rate at 8.2 percent.

From Fox News

Men's Slow Pitch, Men's Tournament And Coed Softball Coming To Henry Parker Athletic Complex

Men’s Slow Pitch League, Men’s Tournament, Coed Fall Softball coming to the Complex This Fall

Registration Open for Men’s Fall Slow Pitch Softball Program,
Men’s Tournament and Coed Fall Softball

(Salisbury, MD) The Men’s Slow Pitch Fall Softball league is getting ready for another exciting season of action at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury. Registration has begun for the 2012 fall season. The deadline to submit team fees and rosters is Friday, July 27 at the Civic Center Box Office and games are scheduled to begin in August with the season concluding in October.

Teams will play 16 regular season games which will take place on weeknights during the late summer and fall at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. Some games may also be played at the Mason Dixon Complex in Delmar.

In addition to the men’s league, the County is also running a men’s softball tournament at the Athletic Complex on August 4. The Wicomico County Tune-up tournament is a 3 game guarantee and the tournament registration fee is only $50 per team (plus umpire fees) for teams that are registered for the 2012 men’s fall slow pitch league. Teams not registered in the league may also participate for a $130 team registration (plus umpire fees). The deadline to register for the tournament is Monday, July 30, 2012.

The Fall Coed Softball league is also getting ready for another exciting season of action at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. Registration has begun for the 2012 fall season. The deadline to submit team fees and rosters is Tuesday June 31 at the Civic Center Box Office. The season will play on Friday night’s beginning on August 17. Games will be played at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex and other county facilities if necessary.

For more information contact program director Louie Richardson at 410-548-4900 ext. 105 or email lrichardson@wicomicocounty.org.

Police: Airman Falls To Death From Hotel Balcony

Anne Arundel County Police say a member of the Air National Guard fell to his death this morning off a seventh floor hotel balcony near BWI-Marshall Airport.

Police say the 26-year-old had just returned to the United States from an overseas deployment, and he was staying at the Embassy Suites on Concourse Drive in Linthicum.

Police say at around 1 a.m. today, witnesses saw the Airman climbing over the balcony and hanging onto a railing.  Minutes later the Airman fell to the ground level of the "atrium" lobby of the hotel.

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Can Americans Escape The Deception?

Hot Air Day is upon us. On July 4 hot air will spew forth all over the country as dignitaries deliver homilies to our “freedom and democracy” and praise “our brave troops” who are protecting our freedom by “killing them over there before they come over here.”

Not a single one of these speeches will contain one word of truth. No speaker will lament the death of the US Constitution or urge his audience to action to restore the only document that protects their liberty. No speaker will acknowledge that in the 21st century the Bush/Obama Regime, with the complicity of the Department of Justice, federal courts, Congress, presstitute media, law schools, bar associations, and an insouciant public have murdered the Constitution in the name of the “war on terror.”

As in medieval times, American citizens can be thrown into dungeons and never accounted for. No evidence or charges need be presented to a court. No trial is required, and no conviction.

As in tyrannies, US citizens can be executed at the sole discretion of the despot in the Oval Office, who sits there drawing up lists of people to be murdered.

Protestors exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of speech and freedom of association are attacked by armed police, beaten, tasered, tear-gassed, pepper sprayed, and arrested.

Whistleblowers who report the government’s crimes are prosecuted despite the statute that protects them.

US soldier Bradley Manning, who allegedly gave Wikileaks the documents revealing US war crimes, including the video of US soldiers in a helicopter gunship enjoying themselves murdering civilians walking along the street as if the soldiers were playing a video game, has been arrested and held in conditions of torture while the government tries to invent a case against him.

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San Diego Fireworks Malfunction In Big, Fast Flash

The San Diego Trolley was packed. Hotel rooms facing the bay were sold out. And local radio was set to simulcast a patriotic score for the Fourth of July show.

But instead of 20 minutes of fireworks, the crowd in San Diego got about 20 seconds of giant, deafening booms after a computer mishap sent multiple bulb-shaped explosions over the bay.

The show's producer blamed a "technical glitch" Thursday, saying an error in its computer system caused tens of thousands of fireworks on four barges to go off simultaneously with a single command.

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Youre opinion? A Let down or once in a lifetime event?