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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
WILL YOU OBEY?
“When they come for my gun, they will have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands,” is a common refrain I often hear from the Neo-Cons when there is a threat, credible or otherwise, that the US government is going to take their firearms.
And, when I hear this crazy talk, I agree with them openly. “You are right. They will pry your gun from your cold dead hands,” which I often follow with the question, “And where will that leave you except face down in a pool of your own blood [in] the middle of the street, just another dead fool resisting the State?”
This is not a question they are comfortable with, if only because the intent of their saber-rattling was to imply they would fight to keep their weapons, and win.
Nice fantasy. It’s not happening.
If the federal government decides to disarm the public, and when the increasingly-militarized rolls down your street after a not-so-subtle request that you kindly turn over your firearms and ammunition “for the common good,” it will be nothing less than suicide by cop to do anything other than what you are told.
The militarization of US police forces is ongoing and escalating. Many cities and towns now own tanks, armed personnel carriers, even attack helicopters, and almost all are outfitted with military weapons not available to the general public.
And, it is not just your hometown cops who are getting new boy-toys. The military itself is buying up weaponry not just for use in the current or next scheduled war, but to deal with the likes of you, citizens who don’t seem to understand that the Bill of Rights has been overruled, and that specifically includes, but is not limited to, the right to protest and engage in civil disobedience.
Also ignored (as if it didn’t even exist) is the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 which generally bars the military from law enforcement activities within the United States.
According to Public Intelligence:
“…for the last two years, the President’s Budget Submissions for the Department of Defense have included purchases of a significant amount of combat equipment, including armored vehicles, helicopters and even artillery, under an obscure section of the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the purposes of ‘homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities.’ Items purchased under the section include combat vehicles, tanks, helicopters, artillery, mortar systems, missiles, small arms and communications equipment. Justifications for the budget items indicate that many of the purchases are part of routine resupply and maintenance, yet in each case the procurement is cited as being ‘necessary for use by the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities’ under section 1815 of the FY 2008 NDAA.”
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And, when I hear this crazy talk, I agree with them openly. “You are right. They will pry your gun from your cold dead hands,” which I often follow with the question, “And where will that leave you except face down in a pool of your own blood [in] the middle of the street, just another dead fool resisting the State?”
This is not a question they are comfortable with, if only because the intent of their saber-rattling was to imply they would fight to keep their weapons, and win.
Nice fantasy. It’s not happening.
If the federal government decides to disarm the public, and when the increasingly-militarized rolls down your street after a not-so-subtle request that you kindly turn over your firearms and ammunition “for the common good,” it will be nothing less than suicide by cop to do anything other than what you are told.
The militarization of US police forces is ongoing and escalating. Many cities and towns now own tanks, armed personnel carriers, even attack helicopters, and almost all are outfitted with military weapons not available to the general public.
And, it is not just your hometown cops who are getting new boy-toys. The military itself is buying up weaponry not just for use in the current or next scheduled war, but to deal with the likes of you, citizens who don’t seem to understand that the Bill of Rights has been overruled, and that specifically includes, but is not limited to, the right to protest and engage in civil disobedience.
Also ignored (as if it didn’t even exist) is the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 which generally bars the military from law enforcement activities within the United States.
According to Public Intelligence:
“…for the last two years, the President’s Budget Submissions for the Department of Defense have included purchases of a significant amount of combat equipment, including armored vehicles, helicopters and even artillery, under an obscure section of the FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the purposes of ‘homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities.’ Items purchased under the section include combat vehicles, tanks, helicopters, artillery, mortar systems, missiles, small arms and communications equipment. Justifications for the budget items indicate that many of the purchases are part of routine resupply and maintenance, yet in each case the procurement is cited as being ‘necessary for use by the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities’ under section 1815 of the FY 2008 NDAA.”
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A CANADIAN SOLUTION TO THE GUN PROBLEM
Canadians are perversely proud that our most popular backyard firework is unavailable in the United States. More like a science-fair volcano than a proper pyrotechnic, the homely Burning Schoolhouse merely spews a two-foot flame that lasts half a minute if you’re lucky.
But every May Two-Four for generations, Canadian kids have cherished those measly 30 sacred seconds, indulging in socially sanctioned fantasies of third-degree carnage.
You won’t hear this from Michael Moore, but modern school shootings are a Canadian invention, too, and I don’t just mean 1989’s “Montreal Massacre.” Despite the absence of a so-called “gun culture,” we spawned the first Adam Lanzas back in the mid-1970s, getting a twenty-plus-year head start on Columbine.
“It’s obvious that the way to end school shootings is to forget about the ‘shootings’ part and focus on the first word instead.”
Don’t be fooled by those low body counts circa 1975. Look at the number of wounded, too. In both instances—unlike most American school shootings in the 1970s—those Canucks were would-be spree killers, targeting more than just a hated teacher or classmate.
I’m only kidding about blaming a tacky once-a-year firecracker display, but in the wake of Sandy Hook, would-be reformers are deadly serious. From the gun grabbers to those who want to lock up loonies, they’re all foolishly looking for a solution through the wrong end of the telescope.
It’s obvious that the way to end school shootings is to forget about the “shootings” part and focus on the first word instead.
We need to abolish schools.
A survey of popular culture indicates that attitudes about compulsory public education have drastically devolved. Children have always hated school, but the Our Gang kids only “played hooky” from class, they didn’t shoot it up. The “juvies” in Blackboard Jungle (1955) just smash up some classical-music records and manhandle a teacher (who probably liked it).
The sea change dates back to—you’ll never guess—1968, when Lindsay Anderson’s film …if climaxed with an armed student rebellion at an English public school.
A multitude of Tom Brown-turns-John Brown fiction pieces followed. “School’s been blown to pieces,” Alice Cooper growled triumphantly in 1972. Then came Massacre at Central High (1976), Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979), and the ingenious satire Heathers (1988). School in countless American films is depicted as a conformist concentration camp with a marching band.
Today, two multi-million-dollar entertainment franchises, Twilight and The Hunger Games, revolve around teens fighting each other to the death—but God forbid gun-phobic, video-game-banning suburban moms question their own reading habits, right?
No, I’m not blaming pop culture, either. Movies and music reflect the zeitgeist as much as they influence it; attempting to guess exactly when they do which is as easy as guessing which wire to snip when defusing a bomb.
Some trace our troubles to the outlawing of school prayer. I’ll grant those well-meaning folks points for getting their dates right, since those Supreme Court decisions came down in 1963 and 1964.
But prayer wasn’t the only thing swept aside, as Latin-literate older readers don’t need me to tell them.
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But every May Two-Four for generations, Canadian kids have cherished those measly 30 sacred seconds, indulging in socially sanctioned fantasies of third-degree carnage.
You won’t hear this from Michael Moore, but modern school shootings are a Canadian invention, too, and I don’t just mean 1989’s “Montreal Massacre.” Despite the absence of a so-called “gun culture,” we spawned the first Adam Lanzas back in the mid-1970s, getting a twenty-plus-year head start on Columbine.
“It’s obvious that the way to end school shootings is to forget about the ‘shootings’ part and focus on the first word instead.”
Don’t be fooled by those low body counts circa 1975. Look at the number of wounded, too. In both instances—unlike most American school shootings in the 1970s—those Canucks were would-be spree killers, targeting more than just a hated teacher or classmate.
I’m only kidding about blaming a tacky once-a-year firecracker display, but in the wake of Sandy Hook, would-be reformers are deadly serious. From the gun grabbers to those who want to lock up loonies, they’re all foolishly looking for a solution through the wrong end of the telescope.
It’s obvious that the way to end school shootings is to forget about the “shootings” part and focus on the first word instead.
We need to abolish schools.
A survey of popular culture indicates that attitudes about compulsory public education have drastically devolved. Children have always hated school, but the Our Gang kids only “played hooky” from class, they didn’t shoot it up. The “juvies” in Blackboard Jungle (1955) just smash up some classical-music records and manhandle a teacher (who probably liked it).
The sea change dates back to—you’ll never guess—1968, when Lindsay Anderson’s film …if climaxed with an armed student rebellion at an English public school.
A multitude of Tom Brown-turns-John Brown fiction pieces followed. “School’s been blown to pieces,” Alice Cooper growled triumphantly in 1972. Then came Massacre at Central High (1976), Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979), and the ingenious satire Heathers (1988). School in countless American films is depicted as a conformist concentration camp with a marching band.
Today, two multi-million-dollar entertainment franchises, Twilight and The Hunger Games, revolve around teens fighting each other to the death—but God forbid gun-phobic, video-game-banning suburban moms question their own reading habits, right?
No, I’m not blaming pop culture, either. Movies and music reflect the zeitgeist as much as they influence it; attempting to guess exactly when they do which is as easy as guessing which wire to snip when defusing a bomb.
Some trace our troubles to the outlawing of school prayer. I’ll grant those well-meaning folks points for getting their dates right, since those Supreme Court decisions came down in 1963 and 1964.
But prayer wasn’t the only thing swept aside, as Latin-literate older readers don’t need me to tell them.
More
Rep Harris Statement on Fiscal Cliff Vote
Embargoed until after the House vote on the fiscal cliff legislation on January 1, 2013 (approximately 11:15pm). Congressman Harris will be voting against the legislation.
Congressman Harris Releases Statement on the Fiscal Cliff Legislation
Congressman Harris released the following statement on the legislation addressing the fiscal cliff.
“Unfortunately, the legislation endorsed by the President increases taxes by $40 for every $1 in spending cuts, raises taxes on 77 percent of Americans, and continues corporate cronyism by providing billions in tax breaks to special interests. I opposed this legislation that increases taxes on 77 percent of people in my district. This bill is business as usual in Washington and does nothing to deal with the real fiscal cliff - our 16.4 trillion dollar deficit. In fact, it adds almost 4 trillion dollars to the debt. ”
The legislation allowed the payroll tax holiday to expire and thus 77 percent of Americans will pay an average of almost $1,000 more in taxes in 2013 than in 2012.
The corporate tax loopholes extended in this bill include a who’s who of special interests:
· $12.1billion for wind energy production
· $248million for Hollywood movie productions
· $222million for Puerto Rican rum
· $78million for race track facilities
· $62million for corporate interests in Samoa
Congressman Harris Releases Statement on the Fiscal Cliff Legislation
Congressman Harris released the following statement on the legislation addressing the fiscal cliff.
“Unfortunately, the legislation endorsed by the President increases taxes by $40 for every $1 in spending cuts, raises taxes on 77 percent of Americans, and continues corporate cronyism by providing billions in tax breaks to special interests. I opposed this legislation that increases taxes on 77 percent of people in my district. This bill is business as usual in Washington and does nothing to deal with the real fiscal cliff - our 16.4 trillion dollar deficit. In fact, it adds almost 4 trillion dollars to the debt. ”
The legislation allowed the payroll tax holiday to expire and thus 77 percent of Americans will pay an average of almost $1,000 more in taxes in 2013 than in 2012.
The corporate tax loopholes extended in this bill include a who’s who of special interests:
· $12.1billion for wind energy production
· $248million for Hollywood movie productions
· $222million for Puerto Rican rum
· $78million for race track facilities
· $62million for corporate interests in Samoa
QUOTE OF THE DAY 1-1-13
“During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”
George Orwell
George Orwell
BREAKING NEWS: House To Vote On Senate-Passed Fiscal Crisis Bill
The House moves to vote on a Senate-passed fiscal crisis bill as early as Tuesday evening, despite conservative lawmakers’ concerns.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Why Are New York Gun Permits Public Information?
There’s been significant uproar since a New York newspaper published a database of permit holders for handguns within its readership area. The decision to treat gun owners as sex-offenders is indeed worthy of criticism, and there’s no valid public benefit for exposing the privacy of citizens in such fashion. But it seems to me the bulk of the criticism ought to be directed at another target – the government of New York. They should not have ever made this information available in the first place.
The newspaper in question merely collected and put into easily accessible form information that was already publicly available by Freedom of Information Act request. They had no valid reason to do even this beyond cheap sensationalism, but it ought to be the government that is held most responsible. The information was none of the newspaper’s business and never should have been available to it in any form.
People must be free to exercise their rights without undue fear of intimidation tactics by intolerant political opponents. It is for this reason that we have secret ballots. If the government is going to require permits for the exercise of particular rights, a highly dubious and questionable practice to begin with, we ought to all at least agree that they will keep the information to themselves.
Some states, like Florida and Illinois, exempt such information from FOIA requests. New York and any other state that has not yet enacted the same protections to ensure the privacy of law-abiding citizens must immediately do the same. It is simply not the place of government to track and make public the lawful activities of the people.
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The newspaper in question merely collected and put into easily accessible form information that was already publicly available by Freedom of Information Act request. They had no valid reason to do even this beyond cheap sensationalism, but it ought to be the government that is held most responsible. The information was none of the newspaper’s business and never should have been available to it in any form.
People must be free to exercise their rights without undue fear of intimidation tactics by intolerant political opponents. It is for this reason that we have secret ballots. If the government is going to require permits for the exercise of particular rights, a highly dubious and questionable practice to begin with, we ought to all at least agree that they will keep the information to themselves.
Some states, like Florida and Illinois, exempt such information from FOIA requests. New York and any other state that has not yet enacted the same protections to ensure the privacy of law-abiding citizens must immediately do the same. It is simply not the place of government to track and make public the lawful activities of the people.
More
Ron Hart: 50 shades Of 2012
Here is my annual look back at the year that was:
1.Hillary Clinton denied knowing much about the Benghazi attacks, and then said she had a "concussion" and could not testify. It made us all feel nostalgic to hear a Clinton denying things again.
2.Hillary and the Obama administration blamed an obscure YouTube video for the murder of our ambassador to Libya. She will prove hard to replace; the ability to quickly blame others is what Barack Obama looks for in a cabinet appointee.
3.John Kerry, who is like Al Gore without the flash and sizzle, was quickly appointed secretary of state. Democrats did not want to leave the seat vacant for long for fear Clint Eastwood would start yelling at it. With Kerry, the plan is apparently to bore our adversaries into agreeing with us.
POLITICAL CARTOONS
Guns, fiscal cliff, New Year's and jobs
4.Tension mounted as an increasingly divided country reacted to the most divisive president ever. Many states in the South petitioned the White House to secede. In the South, "Fifty Shades of Grey" is not an erotic novel; it is the new Confederate uniform catalogue. On the bright side, if we do secede, Northern sportswriters might eventually get it right in always ranking Notre Dame number one.
5.Arguments for gun control surfaced again after shootings in Oregon, Colorado and Connecticut. We carry more guns in the South, but there is more gun control in the North. I find it interesting that all the mass shootings are up there. Hmmm.
6.Chicago is our country's murder capital, and it has strong "gun control laws." Gangs kill so many Chicagoans that Mayor Rahm Emanuel runs the only city with a Social Security surplus. Chicago's ban on guns helped it to a 19.4 per 100,000 persons murder rate; the number in gun-friendly San Antonio, Texas is only 8.6. If you want to see where things are heading here, Hugo Chavez' Caracas, Venezuela (which was praised by the UN for its gun control laws) had 130 murders per 100,000 people.
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1.Hillary Clinton denied knowing much about the Benghazi attacks, and then said she had a "concussion" and could not testify. It made us all feel nostalgic to hear a Clinton denying things again.
2.Hillary and the Obama administration blamed an obscure YouTube video for the murder of our ambassador to Libya. She will prove hard to replace; the ability to quickly blame others is what Barack Obama looks for in a cabinet appointee.
3.John Kerry, who is like Al Gore without the flash and sizzle, was quickly appointed secretary of state. Democrats did not want to leave the seat vacant for long for fear Clint Eastwood would start yelling at it. With Kerry, the plan is apparently to bore our adversaries into agreeing with us.
POLITICAL CARTOONS
Guns, fiscal cliff, New Year's and jobs
4.Tension mounted as an increasingly divided country reacted to the most divisive president ever. Many states in the South petitioned the White House to secede. In the South, "Fifty Shades of Grey" is not an erotic novel; it is the new Confederate uniform catalogue. On the bright side, if we do secede, Northern sportswriters might eventually get it right in always ranking Notre Dame number one.
5.Arguments for gun control surfaced again after shootings in Oregon, Colorado and Connecticut. We carry more guns in the South, but there is more gun control in the North. I find it interesting that all the mass shootings are up there. Hmmm.
6.Chicago is our country's murder capital, and it has strong "gun control laws." Gangs kill so many Chicagoans that Mayor Rahm Emanuel runs the only city with a Social Security surplus. Chicago's ban on guns helped it to a 19.4 per 100,000 persons murder rate; the number in gun-friendly San Antonio, Texas is only 8.6. If you want to see where things are heading here, Hugo Chavez' Caracas, Venezuela (which was praised by the UN for its gun control laws) had 130 murders per 100,000 people.
More
SOMETIMES, OVER-THE-TOP AMAZON REVIEWS CAN BE THE GREATEST THING EVER
Now we know we’ve covered bogus Amazon reviews in the past (remember that “binders full of women” thing?), but these reviews are particularly funny because the topic is — to put it politely — totally ridiculous.
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To see the product reviews on Amazon click HERE
In A Year Of Politicians And Bad News, Surprising Stories Of Resistance
The giddy heights of 2011—the Wisconsin uprising and Occupy Wall Street—yielded this year to a slog of an election seasonwhere many crucial questions were not even up for debate, from labor law reform to the minimum wage to climate change.
Unions once again dropped a lot of cash and burned a lot of shoe leather defending against the greater evils of a Romney administration and a Republican Senate. But winning meant holding the line, at best, and a hard pivot after Election Day to defend what too many Democrats won’t: Social Security and Medicare.
Labor still has no strategy for dealing with electoral politics, and a Democratic Party that’s just not that into us. This fall’s independent agitation on taxing the rich and saving entitlement programs was at least a recognition of that fact.
Unions mostly did well on ballot initiatives, with a tax-the-rich measure winning in California and three cities raising the minimum wage. California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed bills that would have helped farmworkers and domestic workers, though.
Even with election-year pressure to sit down and shut up, Chicago teachersnotched up the debate around education. Going up against a Democratic mayor, they exposed the bipartisan effort to sell out public schools.
Because of years of coalition-building by the union’s revitalization caucus, CORE, their seven-day strike gained majority public support in Chicago, reversing the teachers vs. parents narrative carefully crafted by school privatizers. Chicago teachers also rolled right over the naysayers in their own national union.
That battle was won, but the war in education is still raging. Just days after the strike ended, as the media spotlight winked off, CTU was mobilizing against yet more school closings.
More
Unions once again dropped a lot of cash and burned a lot of shoe leather defending against the greater evils of a Romney administration and a Republican Senate. But winning meant holding the line, at best, and a hard pivot after Election Day to defend what too many Democrats won’t: Social Security and Medicare.
Labor still has no strategy for dealing with electoral politics, and a Democratic Party that’s just not that into us. This fall’s independent agitation on taxing the rich and saving entitlement programs was at least a recognition of that fact.
Unions mostly did well on ballot initiatives, with a tax-the-rich measure winning in California and three cities raising the minimum wage. California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed bills that would have helped farmworkers and domestic workers, though.
Even with election-year pressure to sit down and shut up, Chicago teachersnotched up the debate around education. Going up against a Democratic mayor, they exposed the bipartisan effort to sell out public schools.
Because of years of coalition-building by the union’s revitalization caucus, CORE, their seven-day strike gained majority public support in Chicago, reversing the teachers vs. parents narrative carefully crafted by school privatizers. Chicago teachers also rolled right over the naysayers in their own national union.
That battle was won, but the war in education is still raging. Just days after the strike ended, as the media spotlight winked off, CTU was mobilizing against yet more school closings.
More
Majority Of U.S. Households Either Don’t Have Or Don’t Use Landline Phones
There are kids and teens out there that have never used anything other than a wireless phone (though these youngsters only seem to text). And many of us who can still remember their first cellphone call — “I’m calling… from the street!” — can’t remember the last time we used a landline at home.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control (we’ll explain that later), the majority of U.S. households either don’t have a landline or simply don’t use it.
According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control (we’ll explain that later), the majority of U.S. households either don’t have a landline or simply don’t use it.
Congratulations, Chicago: Your City Now Has The Most Expensive Parking Meters In The U.S.
In a move that will earn it the dubious honor of being home to North America’s most expensive parking meters, Chicago’s downtown meters will start charging parkers $6.50 an hour starting on New Year’s Day, up from $5.75. It’s the highest rate for a downtown area and the fifth year the city’s parking meter rates have gone up. Umm, so, congratulations?
By the end of February Chicago Parking Meters LLC will have all machines set to new rates, says CBS Chicago. Since that company took control of the city’s meters in 2008, rates have kept rising. It secured the lucrative contract under a 75-year lease championed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley.
The current guy in charge, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is apparently not so pleased with the deal, which involved a $1.1 billion payment going to the city. That money has mostly been spent, and Emanuel has ordered an independent audit of the deal since everyone seems to view it as kind of a financial disaster.
By the end of February Chicago Parking Meters LLC will have all machines set to new rates, says CBS Chicago. Since that company took control of the city’s meters in 2008, rates have kept rising. It secured the lucrative contract under a 75-year lease championed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley.
The current guy in charge, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, is apparently not so pleased with the deal, which involved a $1.1 billion payment going to the city. That money has mostly been spent, and Emanuel has ordered an independent audit of the deal since everyone seems to view it as kind of a financial disaster.
MAN DIES AFTER JUMPING FROM OVERPASS ONTO I-295
(GLEN BURNIE, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a man who apparently jumped from an overpass onto southbound I-295 in Anne Arundel County late this afternoon.
The victim has not been positively identified at this time. He is described as an adult male. He was transported by Anne Arundel County Fire Department personnel from the scene, but was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barrack received 911 calls reporting someone had jumped from an overpass and a body was in the roadway on southbound I-295 at the Wright Road overpass. Responding troopers found the victim lying in the fast lane of I-295. All lanes of I-295 were closed to permit EMS personnel to respond and police investigators to conduct an investigation.
Troopers found a sport utility vehicle parked directly above I-295 on the Wright Road overpass. Footprints were found on the hood of the car indicating someone walked across the hood of the vehicle to gain access to the fence along the overpass. Troopers believe the vehicle belongs to the man who jumped from the bridge.
It is unknown at this time if the man was struck by any vehicles on southbound I-295 after he jumped. Troopers are investigating that possibility and will await autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where the victim’s body will be taken. No drivers remained at the scene to report they had struck the body.
Troopers from the Glen Burnie Barrack are being assisted by State Police criminal investigators from the barrack, State Police CRASH Team investigators, and Anne Arundel County Police crash investigators and patrol officers. State Highway Administration personnel have responded to assist with lane closures and detours.
As of 5:00 p.m., the slow lane of southbound I-295 has been reopened. Lanes one and two remain closed and may be closed for the next two hours.
Anyone who witnessed this incident occur is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barrack at 410-761-5130, ext 0.
The victim’s name will not be released until he is positively identified and his family has been notified. He may not be positively identified until after the autopsy tomorrow.
The investigation is continuing.
The victim has not been positively identified at this time. He is described as an adult male. He was transported by Anne Arundel County Fire Department personnel from the scene, but was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barrack received 911 calls reporting someone had jumped from an overpass and a body was in the roadway on southbound I-295 at the Wright Road overpass. Responding troopers found the victim lying in the fast lane of I-295. All lanes of I-295 were closed to permit EMS personnel to respond and police investigators to conduct an investigation.
Troopers found a sport utility vehicle parked directly above I-295 on the Wright Road overpass. Footprints were found on the hood of the car indicating someone walked across the hood of the vehicle to gain access to the fence along the overpass. Troopers believe the vehicle belongs to the man who jumped from the bridge.
It is unknown at this time if the man was struck by any vehicles on southbound I-295 after he jumped. Troopers are investigating that possibility and will await autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where the victim’s body will be taken. No drivers remained at the scene to report they had struck the body.
Troopers from the Glen Burnie Barrack are being assisted by State Police criminal investigators from the barrack, State Police CRASH Team investigators, and Anne Arundel County Police crash investigators and patrol officers. State Highway Administration personnel have responded to assist with lane closures and detours.
As of 5:00 p.m., the slow lane of southbound I-295 has been reopened. Lanes one and two remain closed and may be closed for the next two hours.
Anyone who witnessed this incident occur is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barrack at 410-761-5130, ext 0.
The victim’s name will not be released until he is positively identified and his family has been notified. He may not be positively identified until after the autopsy tomorrow.
The investigation is continuing.
‘VULGAR’: KATHY GRIFFIN KISSES ANDERSON COOPER’S CROTCH DURING LIVE NYE SHOW
Griffin first raised eyebrows during the show by telling Cooper, “I’m going to tickle your sack.” Then, as the CNN host attempted to sway the conversation away from controversy, the back-and-forth intensified. Newsbusters recaps the dialogue:
An obviously nervous Cooper responded, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I have no sack of gifts here.”More
Griffin then suggested the camera pan lower so the audience can see her “naughty gestures.”
When Cooper continued to try and clean it up by referring to a sack of Christmas presents, Griffin asked, “You’re calling your privates your Christmas presents?”
When Cooper said, “No,” Griffin said, “That’s typical hot guy. ‘Let’s open up the Christmas presents.’”
Lawsuit Sparks Outrage
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But that doesn't preclude a future filing, Irving Pinsky said.
"I received new evidence on security at the school, which I need to evaluate," he said, and would decided later "what route to take."
Before withdrawing the filing, Pinsky said he had received thousands of emails and messages condemning him for trying to hold the state accountable for the Sandy Hook shootings that took the lives of 20 first-grade students and six teachers on Dec. 14.
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Food Stamp Fraud? Some Very Suspicious Transactions For Welfare Recipients
Welfare users are only allowed to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards to buy food, yet they are rung up like fat cats in tiny stores in The Bronx and Brooklyn where the priciest item is usually an $8 pound of ham.
Earlier this year, an owner and a cashier at Glenwood Food Corp. in Canarsie, Brooklyn, were arrested for ringing up bogus transactions.
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DirecTV To Raise Rates By 4.5% Starting In February
You are all familiar with the now-common vitriolic disputes between cable/satellite providers and broadcasters every time a contract comes up for renewal. Most of these fights end with both sides shaking hands and smiling — because it’s the consumer who gets screwed in the end.
Just ask the millions of DirecTV customers who are about to see their bills go up by an average of 4.5% in February; an increase DirecTV blames squarely on the bad deals it has made with broadcasters.
Just ask the millions of DirecTV customers who are about to see their bills go up by an average of 4.5% in February; an increase DirecTV blames squarely on the bad deals it has made with broadcasters.
BLACK GRASSROOTS ACTIVIST: JESSE JACKSON FAMILY 'TRAITORS' TO CHICAGO
Glover accused Sandi Jackson of being a sellout for helping the project move forward and thereby giving a “white developer $100 million” to build a project in the black community, where Glover and other grassroots activists at the meeting say “black people will not be getting any jobs.” Glover’s comments blasting Sandi Jackson received applause from the entire room of nearly 200 black Chicagoans.
Glover expounded on his comments in an interview with Breitbart News following the meeting, taking aim not only at Sandi Jackson, but also the “entire Jackson family,” including the infamous civil rights leader himself, Jesse Jackson.
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Ron Paul On The Fiscal Cliff: "We Have Passed The Point Of No Return"
In a little under three minutes, Ron Paul explains to a somewhat nonplussed CNBC anchor just how ridiculous the charade that is occurring in D.C. actually is. This succinct spin-free clip should be required viewing for each and every asset-manager, talking-head, propagandist, and mom-and-pop who are viewing the last-minute idiocy of the 'fiscal cliff' debacle with some hope that things will be different this time. "We have passed the point of no return where we can actually get our house back in order," Paul begins, adding that "they pretend they are fighting up there, but they really aren't. They are arguing over power, spin, who looks good, who looks bad; all trying to preserve the system where they can spend what they want, take care of their friends and print money when they need it." With social safety nets available to rich and poor, there is no impetus for change and "the country loses," but Paul concludes, the markets are starting to say "there is a limit to this."
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Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force: New Year's Resolution To Americans
LEESBURG, VA., DEC. 31, 2012 — "If Washington Won't Stop The Reckless Deficits, We Will, With Your Help, Constitutionally Force Them To Balance the Budget!"
LEESBURG, Va., Dec. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a letter to our fellow Americans from the Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force:
The undersigned state legislators and concerned citizens are committed to a national effort to add a balanced budget amendment to United States Constitution, to stop Washington's reckless deficit spending and debt accumulation and help ensure our nation's prosperity now and in the future.
The federal government is $16 trillion in debt and, under current law, will lose a trillion dollars a year for as far as the eye can see. We are headed down the path of bankrupt countries like Greece. The so-called "fiscal cliff" negotiations are just the latest affront to the sensibilities of the American people.
Seventy percent of our fellow Americans support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Yet decade after decade Congress borrows more money from countries like China and votes against a Balanced Budget Amendment.
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LEESBURG, Va., Dec. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a letter to our fellow Americans from the Balanced Budget Amendment Task Force:
The undersigned state legislators and concerned citizens are committed to a national effort to add a balanced budget amendment to United States Constitution, to stop Washington's reckless deficit spending and debt accumulation and help ensure our nation's prosperity now and in the future.
The federal government is $16 trillion in debt and, under current law, will lose a trillion dollars a year for as far as the eye can see. We are headed down the path of bankrupt countries like Greece. The so-called "fiscal cliff" negotiations are just the latest affront to the sensibilities of the American people.
Seventy percent of our fellow Americans support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Yet decade after decade Congress borrows more money from countries like China and votes against a Balanced Budget Amendment.
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Sam’s Club Recalls Smoked Salmon Sold In 42 States
With year-end parties still to come, there will probably be some of you munching on Smoked Salmon in the next few days. If that salmon was purchased at Sam’s Club, you might want to keep reading.
Walmart says some of the smoked salmon produced by Multiexport Foods, Inc of Miami, FL, has to potential for being tainted with Listeria monocytogenes, which is not something you should be consuming at any time of year, lest you feel like suffering through bouts of high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Walmart says some of the smoked salmon produced by Multiexport Foods, Inc of Miami, FL, has to potential for being tainted with Listeria monocytogenes, which is not something you should be consuming at any time of year, lest you feel like suffering through bouts of high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
America Doesn’t Have a Gun Problem, It Has a Gang Problem
Washington, D.C., home of the boys and girls who can solve it all, is nearing its own big 100.
Those 12 cities alone account for nearly 3,200 dead and nearly a quarter of all murders in the United States. And we haven’t even visited sunny Atlanta or chilly Cleveland.
These cities are the heartland of America’s real gun culture. It isn’t the bitter gun-and-bible clingers in McCain and Romney territory who are racking up a more horrifying annual kill rate than Al Qaeda; it’s Obama’s own voting base.
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Groundhog Day
In the coming New Year, 2013, both Groundhog Day and the State of the Union address will occur on the same day.
The other involves a groundhog.
This is an ironic juxtaposition of events. One involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to an insignificant creature of little intelligence for prognostication.
The other involves a groundhog.
THE REAL AMERICAN REVOLUTION
“But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was affected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments, of their duties and obligations…This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution.”
John Adams – 1818
John Adams – 1818
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.
Ralph Waldo Emerson – Concord Hymn
National Association For Gun Rights
My jaw just hit the floor.
After reading Senator Dianne Feinstein’s new so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban, I can only describe it as the effective END of the Second Amendment in America.
The definition of an "Assault Weapon" in this bill is so broad you can drive a truck through it!
They’re targeting EVERYTHING -- rifles, shotguns and even handguns.
You see, the gun-grabbers are going for broke.
Even owners of supposedly "grandfathered" firearms will be treated like common criminals.
If passed, Feinstein’s so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban would:
*** Ban the sale, transfer, importation, and manufacturing or 120 specifically named rifles, shotguns and handguns;
*** Ban the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of ALL firearms with a detachable magazine and at least one "military characteristic" -- which could mean just about anything that makes a gun "look scary."
*** Bans the sale, transfer, importation, and manufacturing of magazines holding more than 10 rounds;
*** Force owners of ALL "grandfathered" weapons to undergo an intrusive background check and unnecessary fingerprinting;
*** Force owners of ALL "grandfathered" weapons to federally register their guns after obtaining permission slip from local law enforcement showing their guns are not in violation of state or local law.That’s right. If you own a $10 magazine that’s more than 10 rounds, you’ll have to register it with the BATFE in their National Firearms Registry.
And you and I both know registration is only the first step toward outright confiscation.
Don’t be fooled.
This isn’t some "pie in the sky" bill listing all the shiny new anti-gun provisions the gun-grabbers were hoping Santa Claus would bring them for Christmas.
Vice President Joe Biden -- who President Obama has put in charge of ramming new gun control schemes through Congress -- has already said he sees no reason why a new so-called "assault weapons ban" can’t pass.
This is what you and I are facing. This is what you and I are up against.
To defeat this radical scheme, I’m going to have to pull out all the stops to mobilize Second Amendment supporters all over the country.
If you value your gun rights, I’m going to need your help too.
I’ll continue to keep you updated on any new developments.
For now, brace yourself.
The stakes could hardly be any higher. And this is going to be one heck of a fight.
For Freedom,
Dudley Brown
Executive Vice President
P.S. The gun-grabbers are going for broke. My jaw hit the floor reading the list of anti-gun provisions in Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) new so-called "Assault Weapons Ban."
After reading Senator Dianne Feinstein’s new so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban, I can only describe it as the effective END of the Second Amendment in America.
The definition of an "Assault Weapon" in this bill is so broad you can drive a truck through it!
They’re targeting EVERYTHING -- rifles, shotguns and even handguns.
You see, the gun-grabbers are going for broke.
Even owners of supposedly "grandfathered" firearms will be treated like common criminals.
If passed, Feinstein’s so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban would:
*** Ban the sale, transfer, importation, and manufacturing or 120 specifically named rifles, shotguns and handguns;
*** Ban the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of ALL firearms with a detachable magazine and at least one "military characteristic" -- which could mean just about anything that makes a gun "look scary."
*** Bans the sale, transfer, importation, and manufacturing of magazines holding more than 10 rounds;
*** Force owners of ALL "grandfathered" weapons to undergo an intrusive background check and unnecessary fingerprinting;
*** Force owners of ALL "grandfathered" weapons to federally register their guns after obtaining permission slip from local law enforcement showing their guns are not in violation of state or local law.That’s right. If you own a $10 magazine that’s more than 10 rounds, you’ll have to register it with the BATFE in their National Firearms Registry.
And you and I both know registration is only the first step toward outright confiscation.
Don’t be fooled.
This isn’t some "pie in the sky" bill listing all the shiny new anti-gun provisions the gun-grabbers were hoping Santa Claus would bring them for Christmas.
Vice President Joe Biden -- who President Obama has put in charge of ramming new gun control schemes through Congress -- has already said he sees no reason why a new so-called "assault weapons ban" can’t pass.
This is what you and I are facing. This is what you and I are up against.
To defeat this radical scheme, I’m going to have to pull out all the stops to mobilize Second Amendment supporters all over the country.
If you value your gun rights, I’m going to need your help too.
I’ll continue to keep you updated on any new developments.
For now, brace yourself.
The stakes could hardly be any higher. And this is going to be one heck of a fight.
For Freedom,
Dudley Brown
Executive Vice President
P.S. The gun-grabbers are going for broke. My jaw hit the floor reading the list of anti-gun provisions in Senator Dianne Feinstein’s (D-CA) new so-called "Assault Weapons Ban."
Drivers Be Aware Of New Vehicle Safety Laws And Rules Coming In 2013
The start of the new year typically means a host of automotive safety and traffic laws being added to the books. As you drive into 2013, be aware of these new laws in your state and surrounding areas and how they could affect your driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently trying to push through their final rule by Dec. 31st to require backup cameras on all vehicles. Last February, the rule was delayed to the end of the year. If it does pass, all new vehicles will be required to have a back up camera by 2014. A number of new models, especially SUVs, are already making these helpful cameras standard.
On New Year's Day, Maine will strengthen their teen graduated driver licensing law to extend the intermediate phase of driving when teens cannot drive passengers or drive at night. The law will increase the time from six months to nine months, so the earliest a teen can have a full unrestricted license is at age 16 and 9 months.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently trying to push through their final rule by Dec. 31st to require backup cameras on all vehicles. Last February, the rule was delayed to the end of the year. If it does pass, all new vehicles will be required to have a back up camera by 2014. A number of new models, especially SUVs, are already making these helpful cameras standard.
On New Year's Day, Maine will strengthen their teen graduated driver licensing law to extend the intermediate phase of driving when teens cannot drive passengers or drive at night. The law will increase the time from six months to nine months, so the earliest a teen can have a full unrestricted license is at age 16 and 9 months.
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A Letter To The Editor 1-1-13
This is a true story about two brothers who were simultaneously struggling through challenging times recently and who both unwisely resorted to drinking alcohol to cope. They were both stumbling down crooked paths on broken roads during their life’s journey, which would ultimately only lead them to a dead end – literally.The two brothers I am referring to are me and my brother. While I am alive, recently sober, and fortunate enough to write this story - my brother who died this past Thanksgiving is unfortunately not. Regardless of the cause of his death, he spent the final months of his life controlled by alcohol.
When consumed irresponsibly, alcohol is lethal and poisonous to one’s health – physical, as well as mental. While I chose to conquer my addiction via going to church, praying to God, and reaching out to my non-judgmental: wife, church members, and “true” friends - my brother opted to battle his addiction on his own which in most cases is a losing battle.
I am sure many people can relate to my story. Hopefully nobody reading this is currently staggering down a destructive path, similar to the one my brother and I chose, during their one & only fleeting journey on earth. If so, I highly recommend they seek help before it’s too late and to quickly make a U-turn and choose to travel on a more prosperous & productive path on their journey instead of an ominous road that will inevitably lead them to – a dead end.
Andy Berges
When consumed irresponsibly, alcohol is lethal and poisonous to one’s health – physical, as well as mental. While I chose to conquer my addiction via going to church, praying to God, and reaching out to my non-judgmental: wife, church members, and “true” friends - my brother opted to battle his addiction on his own which in most cases is a losing battle.
I am sure many people can relate to my story. Hopefully nobody reading this is currently staggering down a destructive path, similar to the one my brother and I chose, during their one & only fleeting journey on earth. If so, I highly recommend they seek help before it’s too late and to quickly make a U-turn and choose to travel on a more prosperous & productive path on their journey instead of an ominous road that will inevitably lead them to – a dead end.
Andy Berges
N.Y. NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCES IT WILL PUBLISH MORE NAMES & ADDRESSES OF GUN OWNERS
After creating an uproar for publishing the names and addresses of gun owners in New York’s Westchester and Rockland counties, “Journal News” announced it would release and publish thenames and addresses of permit holders in Putnam County, according to Reuters.
“Further names and addresses will be added as they become available to a map originally published on December 24 in the White Plains, New York-based Journal News,” the report notes.
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Obama: ‘I Cut Spending by Over a Trillion Dollars in 2011’
Host David Gregory asked Obama: “Well, you talk about dysfunction in Washington. You signed this legislation setting up the fiscal cliff 17 months ago. How accountable are you for the fact that Washington can't get anything done and that we are at this deadline again?”
Obama responded: "Well, I have to tell you, David, if you look at my track record over the last two years, I cut spending by over a trillion dollars in 2011.
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SALISBURY MD KENNEL CLUB TRAINING SCHEDULE
January through February 2013
TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE
WWW.SALISBURYMARYLANDKENNELCLUB.ORG OR CALL 410-548-2110
31663 Winter Place Parkway, Salisbury, Maryland
MON Rally Novice/Advance/Excellent Jan 7-Feb 25 10:30-11:30 AM Millie WiltbankPuppy Kindergarten (KPT) Jan 7-Feb 25 6:00-6:50 PM Diane Spalding
Puppy Beginner Jan 7-Feb 25 6:30-7:20PM Mary Ann Bruton
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Jan 7-Feb 25 7:00-7:50PM Tracie Bishop
Beginner Obedience Jan 7-Feb 25 7:30- 8:20 PM Barbara Furbush
TUES Puppy Kindergarten (KPT) Jan 8-Feb 26 9:00-9:50 AM Diane Spalding
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Jan 8-Feb 26 10:00-10:50 AM Elizabeth Crawford
Beginner Obedience Jan 8-Feb 26 11:00-11:50 AM Barbara Furbush
Novice/Beg Novice Jan 8-Feb 26 11:00-11:50 AM Betsy Humor
Rally Novice Jan 8-Feb 26 4:45- 5:55 PM Mary Kimball
Beginner Obedience Jan 8-Feb 26 6:00- 6:50 PM Barbara Bounds
Puppy Kindergarten (KPT) Jan 8-Feb 26 6:00- 6:50 PM Karen Cottingham
Breed Handling Class Beginner/Adv Jan 8-Feb 26 7:00- 7:50 PM Todd Clyde
Rally Advanced/Excellent Jan 8-Feb 26 7:00- 8:15 PM Mary Kimball
WED Puppy Beginner Jan 9-Feb 27 10:00-10:50 AM Mary Ann Bruton
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Jan 9-Feb 27 11:00- 11:50 PM Barbara Furbush
Utility Obedience Jan 9-Feb 27 4:00- 4:50 PM Workshop
Pre-Open/Open Obedience Jan 9-Feb 27 5:00 – 5:50 PM Bonnie Garris
Novice Obedience Jan 9-Feb 27 5:30 – 6:20 PM Frank Cardillino
Beginner Novice Jan 9-Feb 27 6:30 – 7:20 PM Millie Wiltbank
MON JWW II/III Jan 7-Feb 25 8:15 – 9:15 PM Joy DeSipio
TUES Agility IV Jan 8-Feb 26 12:30 – 2:00 PM Diane Spalding
Agility III Jan 8-Feb 26 2:00 – 3:00 PM Diane Spalding
WED Agility III Jan 9-Feb 27 7:30- 9:00 PM Joy DeSipio
THU Agility IV/V Jan 10-Feb 28 9:15- 10:45 AM Diane Spalding
Agility IV Jan 10-Feb 28 11:00- 12:30 PM Diane Spalding
Agility I Jan 10-Feb 28 5:15 – 6:15 PM Barbara Bounds
Agility IV Jan 10-Feb 28 6:30– 7:30 PM Barbara Bounds
Agility II Jan 10-Feb 28 7:45– 8:45 PM Sandy Moody
FRI Agility III/IV/V (1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 2/1 & 2/15) 6:00- 7:30 PM Krista Hill
SUN Canine Freestyle Workshops Jan 6-Feb 24 11:00AM-Noon Barbara Walls
Please Note:
Obedience & Rally classes are limited to 12 students. Agility classes are limited to 10 students
Sign up early to assure a spot in the class you choose.
Letter from Chinese Laborer Pleading For Help Found In Halloween Decorations
This letter was found in Halloween decorations purchased from KmartJulie Keith was unpacking some of last year's Halloween decorations when she stumbled upon an upsetting letter wedged into the packaging. Tucked in between two novelty headstones that she had purchased at Kmart, she found what appeared to be a letter from the Chinese laborer, who had made the decoration,pleading for help.
Samsung in hot seat over abusing Chinese workers
The letter reads: "Sir, if you occasionally buy this product, please kindly resend this letter to the World Human Right Organization. Thousands people here who are under the persecution of the Chinese Communist Party Government will thank and remember you forever."
"I was so frustrated that this letter had been sitting in storage for over a year, that this person had written this plea for help and nothing had come of it." Julie Keith told Yahoo! Shine. "Then I was shocked. This person had probably risked their life to get this letter in this package."
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What We Keep Forgetting About Auld Lang Syne
Auld Lang Syne" is the New Year's theme song and the soundtrack for that special midnight kiss. But most Americans know very little about the origin, words and meaning of the song.
The lyrics were written in the late 18th Century by Scottish poet Robert Burns, although some of the words were borrowed from an older song.
Interestingly, the music the lyrics go along with today is not the same tune Burns originally set the words to.
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The lyrics were written in the late 18th Century by Scottish poet Robert Burns, although some of the words were borrowed from an older song.
Interestingly, the music the lyrics go along with today is not the same tune Burns originally set the words to.
More
Senate Approves Fiscal Cliff Legislation
Senate passage set the stage for a final showdown in the House, where a vote was expected later Tuesday or perhaps Wednesday.
Even by the recent dysfunctional standards of government-by-gridlock, the activity at both ends of historic Pennsylvania Avenue was remarkable as the administration and lawmakers spent the final hours of 2012 haggling over long-festering differences.
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