Convicted pedophile Earl Bradley will not face a second indictment after state official withdrew charges first filed in April 2010.
Attorney General Joseph “Beau” Biden III withdrew the second indictments so child victims of the former pediatrician would not have to testify against him in court.
“Our prosecution of this case has been guided by two goals – first, to make certain that Earl Bradley spends the rest of his life in prison, and second, to ensure that no victim be required to face him again and have to testify in court about the unspeakable crimes he committed against them,” Biden said.
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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
Monday, March 18, 2013
TEN YEARS AND A TRILLION DOLLARS
This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Iraq War.
In October, 2002, I wrote a cover-story about Iraq for the first issue ofAmerican Conservative magazine, entitled “The March to Folly.” My article predicted the impending invasion of Iraq would be a disaster for all concerned.
The only victor of war with Iraq War, I wrote, would be Israel, whose nuclear monopoly and regional domination would be assured. So it has come to be.
Iraq was split into Shia, Sunni and Kurdish regions. Anger against the US reached new intensity. The titanic bill for the Iraq War was $1 trillion, all of its hidden in the ballooning US national debt. Nearly 5,000 US soldiers were killed; some 50,000 wounded, many with grave brain injuries. Iraqi casualties are uncertain, though the total is likely over one million.
Parts of Iraq are contaminated by US and British depleted uranium munitions. Diseases, wiped out under the late Saddam Hussein, have returned. Saddam’s sadistic secret police have been replaced by almost equally cruel security forces of the US-backed Baghdad regime. Once among the most advanced Arab nations, much of Iraq today is ruined. At least it no longer threatens its neighbors.
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In October, 2002, I wrote a cover-story about Iraq for the first issue ofAmerican Conservative magazine, entitled “The March to Folly.” My article predicted the impending invasion of Iraq would be a disaster for all concerned.
The only victor of war with Iraq War, I wrote, would be Israel, whose nuclear monopoly and regional domination would be assured. So it has come to be.
Iraq was split into Shia, Sunni and Kurdish regions. Anger against the US reached new intensity. The titanic bill for the Iraq War was $1 trillion, all of its hidden in the ballooning US national debt. Nearly 5,000 US soldiers were killed; some 50,000 wounded, many with grave brain injuries. Iraqi casualties are uncertain, though the total is likely over one million.
Parts of Iraq are contaminated by US and British depleted uranium munitions. Diseases, wiped out under the late Saddam Hussein, have returned. Saddam’s sadistic secret police have been replaced by almost equally cruel security forces of the US-backed Baghdad regime. Once among the most advanced Arab nations, much of Iraq today is ruined. At least it no longer threatens its neighbors.
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VIDEO: CATHOLIC GRANDMOTHER ASSAULTED OUTSIDE DELAWARE PLANNED PARENTHOOD
A 63-year-old Catholic grandmother says she was attacked and knocked to the ground while filming outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Wilmington, Del. last week.
Rae Stabosz told TheBlaze she’s part of a regular group that prays outside the clinic. On Wednesday afternoon, when she and another woman were getting ready to leave for the day, an ambulance pulled up to the front of the building. Stabosz took out her iPhone and began to film, at which point she said a woman came out of the Planned Parenthood and demanded she stop taping.
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Rae Stabosz told TheBlaze she’s part of a regular group that prays outside the clinic. On Wednesday afternoon, when she and another woman were getting ready to leave for the day, an ambulance pulled up to the front of the building. Stabosz took out her iPhone and began to film, at which point she said a woman came out of the Planned Parenthood and demanded she stop taping.
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DEMS THREATEN WAGES OF GUN-SUPPORTING SHERIFFS
Email exchange 'definitely implied pay raise bill held up to punish us'
County sheriffs in Colorado say they have received emails indicating state Senate Democrats are using extortion-style tactics to force the sheriffs to provide political cover as Democrats pass a series of gun control bills supported by the Obama administration.
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said the Democrats are desperate to avoid the appearance of partisanship.
County sheriffs in Colorado say they have received emails indicating state Senate Democrats are using extortion-style tactics to force the sheriffs to provide political cover as Democrats pass a series of gun control bills supported by the Obama administration.
El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa said the Democrats are desperate to avoid the appearance of partisanship.
SEMPER FI: HERE ARE SOME INCREDIBLE PICTURES OF U.S. MARINES IN 2013
However, perhaps you haven’t seen some of the most recent photos from correspondents embedded with the U.S. Marine Corps. The following images, compiled by Business Insider’s Geoffrey Ingersoll, from January, February, and March 2013 are so good, we thought they were worth a post:
Click Here To See More Pictures
Cyprus Bailout Risks Europe Bank Runs
You can be forgiven for thinking that you don't need to give a hoot about what's going on in Cyprus this weekend.
After all, it's just a little island somewhere in the Mediterranean.
But what's going on in Cyprus could actually matter — not just to the rest of Europe, but to the rest of the world.
Here's the short version of what's happening:
Cyprus's banks, like many banks in Europe, are bankrupt.
Cyprus went to the Eurozone to get a bailout, the same way Ireland, Greece, and other European countries have.
The Eurozone powers-that-be gave Cyprus a bailout — but with a startling condition that has never before been imposed on any major banking system since the start of the global financial crisis in 2008.
The Eurozone powers-that-be (mainly, Germany) insisted that the depositors in Cyprus's banks pay part of the tab.
Not the bondholders.
After all, it's just a little island somewhere in the Mediterranean.
But what's going on in Cyprus could actually matter — not just to the rest of Europe, but to the rest of the world.
Here's the short version of what's happening:
Cyprus's banks, like many banks in Europe, are bankrupt.
Cyprus went to the Eurozone to get a bailout, the same way Ireland, Greece, and other European countries have.
The Eurozone powers-that-be gave Cyprus a bailout — but with a startling condition that has never before been imposed on any major banking system since the start of the global financial crisis in 2008.
The Eurozone powers-that-be (mainly, Germany) insisted that the depositors in Cyprus's banks pay part of the tab.
Not the bondholders.
Why Does The Devil In 'The Bible' Look Exactly Like President Obama?
Twitter exploded into life during the airing of the latest edition of the Mark Burnett-produced series with most noting the striking similarities between the 44th President and the devil played by actor Mehdi Ouzaani.
The show has been a surprise hit in the ratings, with the religious mini-series attracting 13.1 million viewers on Wednesday - topping television leviathan American Idol's 12.8 million viewers on Wednesday.
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Brooke Mulford Update
Brooke is still in the hospital. Fairly steadily improving, but still having issues with electrolyte balance, particularly potassium and the occasional spike in fever. Keep her in your thoughts tonight and wish her a speedy recovery and trip home! THANKS FOR ALL THE PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY ON THE PASSAGE OF THE MARYLAND OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY ACT OF 2013
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 18, 2013) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued the following statement on the final passage of the Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013:
“Offshore wind is a potential win-win-win for Maryland. Today’s vote positions our State for greater job creation and opportunity, while moving us forward toward securing a more sustainable energy future. By advancing this promising green technology, together, we have also chosen to do the right thing for our planet; every megawatt-hour of energy we generate from clean wind power, is a megawatt-hour of energy we are not burning into our atmosphere through dirty fossil fuels.
“I’d like to thank Senator Pinsky and Delegate Hucker, who have been long-standing advocates for creating a pathway for offshore wind in our State. I’d also like to recognize the hard work and leadership of Chairman Middleton and Chairman Davis for their commitment to getting this done, and all of the members of the General Assembly who worked to make this a reality for Maryland.
“This is a win for our jobs future, our energy future, and therefore our children’s future.”
“Offshore wind is a potential win-win-win for Maryland. Today’s vote positions our State for greater job creation and opportunity, while moving us forward toward securing a more sustainable energy future. By advancing this promising green technology, together, we have also chosen to do the right thing for our planet; every megawatt-hour of energy we generate from clean wind power, is a megawatt-hour of energy we are not burning into our atmosphere through dirty fossil fuels.
“I’d like to thank Senator Pinsky and Delegate Hucker, who have been long-standing advocates for creating a pathway for offshore wind in our State. I’d also like to recognize the hard work and leadership of Chairman Middleton and Chairman Davis for their commitment to getting this done, and all of the members of the General Assembly who worked to make this a reality for Maryland.
“This is a win for our jobs future, our energy future, and therefore our children’s future.”
Eric Holder: Organized Crime’s Man Of The Year
If I were a high level criminal, I would sleep with a life-sized blow-up doll of Eric Holder. How could I not love this man?
When it comes to the drug war, we wouldn’t even have one, and that would be very, very bad for very, very big business.
Prohibition is good for big business. It allows for the creation of extraordinary after cost profits while keeping competitors under control.
When you can grow your own weed or get it from your neighbor, the profit drains out of it. If you can grow Asteraceae, you can grow Cannabis. Who the hell would drop four bills for a lid of daisies?
Money laundering? No problem if you do it on a large enough scale. Government keeps the small players out of illegal activities and collects small penalties, commissions really, for not prosecuting the big boys. That is racketeering. HSBC and Wachovia come to mind.
Eric Holder has gone from the role to chief law enforcement officer of the people to a collector of commissions for providing protection to high level criminals.
If you say something the government doesn’t like, he will send a drone for your ass. It seems about the only punishable crimes left in America are speaking out and smoking dope.
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When it comes to the drug war, we wouldn’t even have one, and that would be very, very bad for very, very big business.
Prohibition is good for big business. It allows for the creation of extraordinary after cost profits while keeping competitors under control.
When you can grow your own weed or get it from your neighbor, the profit drains out of it. If you can grow Asteraceae, you can grow Cannabis. Who the hell would drop four bills for a lid of daisies?
Money laundering? No problem if you do it on a large enough scale. Government keeps the small players out of illegal activities and collects small penalties, commissions really, for not prosecuting the big boys. That is racketeering. HSBC and Wachovia come to mind.
Eric Holder has gone from the role to chief law enforcement officer of the people to a collector of commissions for providing protection to high level criminals.
If you say something the government doesn’t like, he will send a drone for your ass. It seems about the only punishable crimes left in America are speaking out and smoking dope.
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RAND PAUL 2016
The GOP of old has grown stale and moss-covered. I don’t think we need to name any names, do we? Our party is encumbered by an inconsistent approach to freedom. The new GOP will need to embrace liberty in both the economic and the personal sphere. If we’re going to have a Republican party that can win, liberty needs to be the backbone of the GOP. We must have a message that is broad, our vision must be broad, and that vision must be based on freedom.
There are millions of Americans, young and old, native and immigrant, black, white and brown, who simply seek to live free, to practice a religion, free to choose where their kids go to school, free to choose their own health care, free to keep the fruits of their labor, free to live without government constantly being on their back. I will stand for them. I will stand for you. I will stand for our prosperity and our freedom, and I ask everyone who values liberty to stand with me. Thank you. God bless America.
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Member Of Music Group "The Spinners" Dies in FL
A former lead singer of the soul music group "The Spinners" has died in Orlando.
A statement released Monday by the manager of the rhythm and blues group said Bobbie Smith passed away Saturday morning due to complications from pneumonia and influenza. He was 76.
The statement says Smith had been diagnosed with lung cancer in November.
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2013 Golden Gloves
Hello All,
Well Main St Gym wrapped up our participation in the 2013 Golden Gloves Saturday night. With Rudy Calixto putting on a real show.
Our kids all fought well and we got 2 champions and 3 silver medals.
We are all very proud of them and they did Salisbury and Main St Gym proud.
Thank You all. Coach Hal
Landover MD. Calixto duo Champs
Younger brother Rudy Calixto had to put in three hard rounds of fighting to get his well deserved win against Cornell Gray of Kennilworth Boxing in DC. “Rudy was very impressive on a number of levels, he listened well to instructions then executed them to land clean punches while evading his opponents offenses.” said Coach Chernoff.
“It’s in the book now, no matter what happens in their lives, no one can take the 2013 Golden Gloves Championship from them. They earned it , they own it and we are all very proud of them” He added
Other Main St Gym boxes feel just short of the the number one spot including 9 year old Erick Acosta. In a very close bout against Mohammed Robinson of UMAR Boxing. The fight, that was virtually a coin toss garnered Acosta the Silver Medal for 2013.
Kobe Moore lost by decision against Donte Baypop of No Excuse Boxing, to take home the Silver. Brother Corey Moore also had to settle for the Silver after his Championship loss last week.
Open Class 152lb boxer Shawn Woodford lost on points in his preliminary bout Saturday night finishing Main St Gym’s participation in this years 2013 Golden Gloves. The final count was 2 gold medals and 3 silvers.
Well Main St Gym wrapped up our participation in the 2013 Golden Gloves Saturday night. With Rudy Calixto putting on a real show.
Our kids all fought well and we got 2 champions and 3 silver medals.
Please put this information below out for the public as these kids fought their hearts out and will be right back in the gym training Monday night.
We are all very proud of them and they did Salisbury and Main St Gym proud.
Thank You all. Coach Hal
Landover MD. Calixto duo Champs
In the third week of the the Maryland/DC Golden Gloves, Main St Gym came away with two Champions. Brothers Ivan Calixto and Rudy Calixto were crowned 2013 Golden Gloves Champs after Ivan won the 119lb 14yr-15 yr division by walkover after his opponent failed appear in the ring after making weight. “Ivan was prepared for this Championship bout and we were wrapped, gloved and heading to the ring, when the loudspeaker called me to the judges table to tell me that our opponent was gone. It was a real let down for Ivan who wanted so badly to take the test. “ said Coach Hal Chernoff. Ivan is getting a reputation for his skills, speed and power. I can’t say why his opponent wasn’t there, al I can say is that he was and he was ready to do battle.
Younger brother Rudy Calixto had to put in three hard rounds of fighting to get his well deserved win against Cornell Gray of Kennilworth Boxing in DC. “Rudy was very impressive on a number of levels, he listened well to instructions then executed them to land clean punches while evading his opponents offenses.” said Coach Chernoff.
“It’s in the book now, no matter what happens in their lives, no one can take the 2013 Golden Gloves Championship from them. They earned it , they own it and we are all very proud of them” He added
Other Main St Gym boxes feel just short of the the number one spot including 9 year old Erick Acosta. In a very close bout against Mohammed Robinson of UMAR Boxing. The fight, that was virtually a coin toss garnered Acosta the Silver Medal for 2013.
Kobe Moore lost by decision against Donte Baypop of No Excuse Boxing, to take home the Silver. Brother Corey Moore also had to settle for the Silver after his Championship loss last week.
Open Class 152lb boxer Shawn Woodford lost on points in his preliminary bout Saturday night finishing Main St Gym’s participation in this years 2013 Golden Gloves. The final count was 2 gold medals and 3 silvers.
US Says Hunger Strike Grows to 21 at Guantanamo
A Guantanamo Bay prison spokesman says 21 men are on hunger strike in a widening protest at the U.S. base in Cuba.
Navy Capt. Robert Durand says eight men are being fed with a liquid nutrient mix to prevent dangerous weight loss. Two men are at the prison hospital being treated for dehydration. The military says none are in immediate danger from the strike.
Lawyers for prisoners say the men are protesting their indefinite confinement and what they consider intrusive searches of their Qurans.
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Navy Capt. Robert Durand says eight men are being fed with a liquid nutrient mix to prevent dangerous weight loss. Two men are at the prison hospital being treated for dehydration. The military says none are in immediate danger from the strike.
Lawyers for prisoners say the men are protesting their indefinite confinement and what they consider intrusive searches of their Qurans.
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Vehicle Fuel Economy Has Biggest U.S. Gain Since 1975
Fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. last year had the sharpest gains in almost four decades, as foreign automakers Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (7267), Volkswagen AG (VOW) andMazda Motor Corp. (7261) had the most efficient fleets.
An annual report by the Environmental Protection Agency showed new cars and trucks had a 16 percent gain in fuel efficiency in the past five years, to 23.8 miles per gallon. Preliminary data shows an average increase of 1.4 mpg in 2012 from the previous year, which in part was attributed to the drop in Japanese vehicle production after the March 2011 tsunami, the EPA said.
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An annual report by the Environmental Protection Agency showed new cars and trucks had a 16 percent gain in fuel efficiency in the past five years, to 23.8 miles per gallon. Preliminary data shows an average increase of 1.4 mpg in 2012 from the previous year, which in part was attributed to the drop in Japanese vehicle production after the March 2011 tsunami, the EPA said.
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Thieves in Half-Billion Dollar Art Heist Identified By FBI
Twenty-three years to the day that thieves stole irreplaceable artwork from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, federal authorities announced they had identified the people responsible for the half-billion dollar heist.
"We have identified the thieves who are members of a criminal organization with a base in the mid-Atlantic states and New England," said Richard DesLauriers, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston office.
On the night of March 18, 1990, two thieves posed as Boston police officers. Once inside the museum, they tied up the guards and left with 13 masterpieces, including works by Degas and Rembrandt, valued at a total of $500 million.
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"We have identified the thieves who are members of a criminal organization with a base in the mid-Atlantic states and New England," said Richard DesLauriers, special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston office.
On the night of March 18, 1990, two thieves posed as Boston police officers. Once inside the museum, they tied up the guards and left with 13 masterpieces, including works by Degas and Rembrandt, valued at a total of $500 million.
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Md. School District Clamps Down On Hugs At School
WASHINGTON - As part of new guidelines that officials say are intended to protect students, hugs from visitors who are not a child's parent are banned in St. Mary's County public elementary schools.
The Southern Maryland Newspapers report that the new rules say parents who visit a cafeteria should refrain from touching or hugging children other than their own.
Parents can also only give homemade food to their own child. All foods brought in for celebrations are limited to store-bought items with a list of ingredients provided, as a precaution for kids with food allergies.
The county student handbook for the 2012-2013 school year says visitors must sign in at a school's front office, but Southern Maryland Newspapers reports the new guidelines also call for a visitor's picture to be taken by a computer camera.
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The Southern Maryland Newspapers report that the new rules say parents who visit a cafeteria should refrain from touching or hugging children other than their own.
Parents can also only give homemade food to their own child. All foods brought in for celebrations are limited to store-bought items with a list of ingredients provided, as a precaution for kids with food allergies.
The county student handbook for the 2012-2013 school year says visitors must sign in at a school's front office, but Southern Maryland Newspapers reports the new guidelines also call for a visitor's picture to be taken by a computer camera.
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Obama Will Use Nixon-Era Law To Fight Climate Change
President Barack Obama is preparing to tell all federal agencies for the first time that they should consider the impact on global warming before approving major projects, from pipelines to highways.
The result could be significant delays for natural gas- export facilities, ports for coal sales to Asia, and even new forest roads, industry lobbyists warn.
“It’s got us very freaked out,” said Ross Eisenberg, vice president of the National Association of Manufacturers, a Washington-based group that represents 11,000 companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) and Southern Co. (SO) The standards, which constitute guidance for agencies and not new regulations, are set to be issued in the coming weeks, according to lawyers briefed by administration officials.
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The result could be significant delays for natural gas- export facilities, ports for coal sales to Asia, and even new forest roads, industry lobbyists warn.
“It’s got us very freaked out,” said Ross Eisenberg, vice president of the National Association of Manufacturers, a Washington-based group that represents 11,000 companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) and Southern Co. (SO) The standards, which constitute guidance for agencies and not new regulations, are set to be issued in the coming weeks, according to lawyers briefed by administration officials.
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NYC Mayor Wants Stores to Hide Cigarettes
The billionaire former smoker has made anti-tobacco efforts a major part of his mayoralty and private philanthropy.
Bloomberg banned smoking in bars and restaurants during his first term, a move that was not common at the time. He has also donated hundreds of millions to programs that seek to curb smoking around the world.
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Steubenville Teens Plan to Appeal
STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Judge Thomas Lipps reached a decision on Sunday in the trial of two Steubenville high school football players accused of raping an allegedly drunk 16-year-old.
He handed down a guilty verdict on all three counts and sentenced the boys to time in a juvenile correctional facility.
He handed down a guilty verdict on all three counts and sentenced the boys to time in a juvenile correctional facility.
Arlington National Cemetery Expansion Plans Threaten Old Trees
“We owe them a place where they can have eternal rest,” says Raymond Houck, a U.S. Army veteran.
The cemetery spans 624 acres of sacred ground with 400,000 graves.
“Every year they find this to be a special and moving place and I want to keep that for everybody,” says Carol Harvey of Arlington.
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Leading House Democrat Says Job Creation, Not Deficit Cutting, Is Immediate Priority
As both the House and Senate work on budget blueprints for the new fiscal year, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee, emphasized on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday that for his party “our priority is job growth” -- not cutting the debt or annual budget deficits.
“Right now our big problem is to sustain the economic recovery. We’ve seen momentum in the job market and the last thing we want do right now is to put the brakes on that,” Van Hollen told NBC’s David Gregory. “In fact one half of this year’s deficit is due to unemployment.”
“Right now our big problem is to sustain the economic recovery. We’ve seen momentum in the job market and the last thing we want do right now is to put the brakes on that,” Van Hollen told NBC’s David Gregory. “In fact one half of this year’s deficit is due to unemployment.”
Seal Has Luck Of The Irish
Named Shamrock by volunteers with Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, the pup had trouble breathing because the netting was wrapped around his neck and had dug into his skin, said volunteer Rob Rector in a press release.
The net also had wrapped around a flipper and Shamrock could not use it to swim.
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It’s Time To Tax Financial Transactions
On Friday at midnight, the sequester kicked in, triggering $85 billion in deep, dumb budget cuts that sent “nonessential personnel”— such as air traffic controllers — packing.
Not to worry, though: Wall Street’s day was pretty much like any other. Billions of dollars in profits were made off of trillions of dollars in financial transactions. And the vast majority of those transactions were conducted tax-free.
Congressman Andy Harris Introduces Bill To Protect Small Businesses From Arcane Banking Law
Local Farm Family Inspires Bill – Endorsed by MD Farm Bureau
WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. introduced The Small Business Deposit Relief Act of 2013 (H.R. 1184) that would protect small businesses and farm families from an arcane banking law, known as structuring, that punishes someone for making repeated cash deposits under $10,000. Many are already aware that depositing or withdrawing sums over $10,000 results in a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) being filed by a financial institution with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). But, few know that repeated deposits under $10,000 may trigger a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) and is illegal. When structuring is alleged, 100% of the cash deposits in question can be seized and those involved can face up to five years in jail.
There have been 14 documented cases in Maryland of the IRS seizing bank accounts of small businesses who did this to avoid the $10,000 threshold. One in 2011 involved a farm family who operates produce stands on the Eastern Shore. IRS agents showed up at their door to ask questions about their business, without an attorney present, then told them the IRS had seized their cash deposits which totaled $90,000. The investigators later reviewed years of tax returns and business records finding no evidence of criminal activity or tax evasion. The family ended up settling out of court to avoid the high cost of a trial and agreed to a civil forfeiture instead of a criminal fine or jail time.
Under the current law, structuring is being treated the same as organized crime and drug dealing which is wrong. There is no leeway for those who commit structuring which is why Congressman Harris introduced The Small Business Deposit Relief Act of 2013. The bill would limit any criminal and civil penalties for structuring when there is no other crime being committed. It also includes no jail time for first time offenders and limits the amount that can be seized to no more than 10% of the cash deposits in question.
The Maryland Farm Bureau strongly supports this legislation because it would protect farm families all across Maryland from having their assets taken by an unnecessary law.
“This arcane banking law needs to be revised before more small businesses and farm families are hurt by it,” said Congressman Andy Harris. “They are being penalized for doing nothing other than going about their regular business practices. These are hardworking taxpayers who want to do the best by their families and communities, and they are being punished for it. All Maryland taxpayers ask for is a government that is accountable and responsible. We must amend this law because it is making criminals out of hardworking small business owners who have done nothing wrong.”
“I applaud Congressman Harris’ efforts to help Maryland farmers who have been unnecessarily caught up with this law,” said Patricia Langenfelder, President of the Maryland Farm Bureau. “There is no reason to confiscate the savings of hardworking farmers when they have not done anything wrong. We must change this law so more farm families are not punished. Congressman Harris is a true champion of the Maryland farm community, and I look forward to working with him to get this bill passed.”
WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. introduced The Small Business Deposit Relief Act of 2013 (H.R. 1184) that would protect small businesses and farm families from an arcane banking law, known as structuring, that punishes someone for making repeated cash deposits under $10,000. Many are already aware that depositing or withdrawing sums over $10,000 results in a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) being filed by a financial institution with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). But, few know that repeated deposits under $10,000 may trigger a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) and is illegal. When structuring is alleged, 100% of the cash deposits in question can be seized and those involved can face up to five years in jail.
There have been 14 documented cases in Maryland of the IRS seizing bank accounts of small businesses who did this to avoid the $10,000 threshold. One in 2011 involved a farm family who operates produce stands on the Eastern Shore. IRS agents showed up at their door to ask questions about their business, without an attorney present, then told them the IRS had seized their cash deposits which totaled $90,000. The investigators later reviewed years of tax returns and business records finding no evidence of criminal activity or tax evasion. The family ended up settling out of court to avoid the high cost of a trial and agreed to a civil forfeiture instead of a criminal fine or jail time.
Under the current law, structuring is being treated the same as organized crime and drug dealing which is wrong. There is no leeway for those who commit structuring which is why Congressman Harris introduced The Small Business Deposit Relief Act of 2013. The bill would limit any criminal and civil penalties for structuring when there is no other crime being committed. It also includes no jail time for first time offenders and limits the amount that can be seized to no more than 10% of the cash deposits in question.
The Maryland Farm Bureau strongly supports this legislation because it would protect farm families all across Maryland from having their assets taken by an unnecessary law.
“This arcane banking law needs to be revised before more small businesses and farm families are hurt by it,” said Congressman Andy Harris. “They are being penalized for doing nothing other than going about their regular business practices. These are hardworking taxpayers who want to do the best by their families and communities, and they are being punished for it. All Maryland taxpayers ask for is a government that is accountable and responsible. We must amend this law because it is making criminals out of hardworking small business owners who have done nothing wrong.”
“I applaud Congressman Harris’ efforts to help Maryland farmers who have been unnecessarily caught up with this law,” said Patricia Langenfelder, President of the Maryland Farm Bureau. “There is no reason to confiscate the savings of hardworking farmers when they have not done anything wrong. We must change this law so more farm families are not punished. Congressman Harris is a true champion of the Maryland farm community, and I look forward to working with him to get this bill passed.”
DID YOU KNOW HOLLYWOOD MADE A MOVIE ABOUT BEN CARSON? WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE
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Consumer Sentiment Misses By Most Ever, Slumps To 15 Month Lows
It appears paying more for gasoline and higher taxes trumps the exuberance of the equity markets as UMich Consumer Sentiment crashed in February. Printing at 71.8 on expectations of 78.0 this is the biggest miss on recordbased on Bloomberg data. The 71.8 level is the lowest since December 2011 as it appears that the Fed's only remaining policy tool is just not sparking that animal spirit in the real economy's anchor - the US consumer - as while current conditions did drop, it is future expectations that plunged.
Jim Ireton’s Respect for the Salisbury Taxpayer – Part 2
Giving YOUR Money Away to a Select Few
Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton LOVES to spend other people’s money. OK, he’s a liberal. Actually, Jim’s politics are somewhere to the left of Karl Marx. Ireton has seldom seen a government program he didn’t love. If Ireton is re-elected, AND if Jake Day is elected to the city council, Jim has a plan to spend some MORE of YOUR hard earned money. It involves re-developing downtown.Ireton wants to sell the downtown parking lots for a song, subsidize them by waiving the capacity fees for water and sewer, and HOPE that Salisbury will somehow be re-born.
Does anyone believe that adding 500 “affordable housing units” downtown is going to re-vitalize Salisbury’s local economy? Evidently Ireton, along with Jake Day, councilwoman Laura Mitchell, and councilwoman Shanie Shields do.
The “logic” goes something like this:
- You build X “affordable housing units” downtown.
- Businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers will RUSH to build stores.
- Downtown will be MAGICALLY re-vitalized.
- The world will be a better place.
500 Affordable Housing Units
OK, we sell off the parking lots, take EDU’s (water and sewer capacity) away from industrial development that could actually create jobs that pay a living wage, and 500 more housing units appear. Do you think that businesses will then flock to downtown? Ireton and his pals do.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Boutiques … OH MY!
Before a retail business decides to invest in a site they look at certain things, including traffic count and parking. Would you build a grocery store based on a target population of less than 2,000? Of course you wouldn’t!
But wait, wouldn’t people from outside the immediate area come? Would they? I live to the southeast of downtown. There are at least three grocery stores and at least seven pharmacies closer to my home than the downtown plaza. Well, maybe the people who live over on the west side will come? I can think of at least two grocery stores and two pharmacies that are closer. Well maybe the folks from Newtown? Maybe. Where are they going to park? Remember – Jimmy, Jake, Laura, and Shanie have sold all of the parking except for the parking garage. Do you really believe that those folks from Newtown are going to walk across US 50 and then schlep their groceries back on foot?
OK, I’ll agree that one convenience store might succeed under the Ireton plan.
It’s MAGIC!
The notion that this will re-vitalize downtown, much less Salisbury’s local economy is too ridiculous for real comment. Downtown CAN be salvaged. It CAN be re-vitalized. It just won’t happen by throwing subsidies at a few developers.
You need a solution that drives traffic. Business people will then be willing to invest their own capital. Look at Joe Albero’s plan. It not only makes sense, it offers a REAL, free-market driven solution for downtown as well as a plan for the city’s entire economy.
Subsidizing residential development was a failure during the real estate boom! Salisbury borrowed millions of dollars that were handed over to a select group of residential developers. What did that yield? Temporary construction jobs. Subsidizing retail doesn’t yield jobs that pay a living wage.
The key is to allow development without unnecessary government interference. The key is show potential employers - not just downtown, but throughout Salisbury – that the city will treat businesses, and residents, like valued customers.
Why can’t Jimmy Ireton learn from past mistakes; both his own and his predecessor’s?
Part 1 – Thrift Travel Inn
G. A. Harrison is a former editor of SBYNews and a regular contributor. He also writes at the DelMarVa Observer. This article was originally posted at the DelMarVa Observer.
The Cost Of The Iraq War: 190,000 Lives, $2.2 Trillion
The U.S. invaded Iraq 10 years ago next week. Was it worth it?
Next Tuesday will mark the 10-year anniversary of the Iraq war. The cost of that military adventure? Approximately 190,000 dead soldiers, contractors, and civilians, and a $2.2 trillion bill for American taxpayers, according to a new report from Brown University. Specifically, the research was conducted by "30 economists, anthropologists, lawyers, humanitarian personnel, and political scientists from 15 universities, the United Nations, and other organizations."
Next Tuesday will mark the 10-year anniversary of the Iraq war. The cost of that military adventure? Approximately 190,000 dead soldiers, contractors, and civilians, and a $2.2 trillion bill for American taxpayers, according to a new report from Brown University. Specifically, the research was conducted by "30 economists, anthropologists, lawyers, humanitarian personnel, and political scientists from 15 universities, the United Nations, and other organizations."
Car Runs On Nothing But Air
If you're looking for the car of the future, look no further than Peter Dearman's rusty, 25-year-old Vauxhall Nova.
A beer keg sits in the messy trunk. Pipes run through the middle of the car, which is littered with wrenches and loose bolts. Under the hood, a red, plastic garbage can holds anti-freeze that spills over the sides and a piece of wood holds, well, everything else together.
But look beyond the homemade at what's not there: no gas, no batteries. The Dearman engine -- which sounds like a high pitched golf cart -- is powered only by liquid air. This may be the greenest car on the planet.
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A beer keg sits in the messy trunk. Pipes run through the middle of the car, which is littered with wrenches and loose bolts. Under the hood, a red, plastic garbage can holds anti-freeze that spills over the sides and a piece of wood holds, well, everything else together.
But look beyond the homemade at what's not there: no gas, no batteries. The Dearman engine -- which sounds like a high pitched golf cart -- is powered only by liquid air. This may be the greenest car on the planet.
More
GOP Has $10M For Outreach To Minority Communities Nationwide
The Republican National Committee will launch a $10 million minority engagement initiative this year that will send hundreds of party workers into Asian, Hispanic and black communities, coast to coast, to talk about what Republicans believe in.
The outreach is part of the party’s plan to compete in all 50 states in the 2016 presidential contest instead of just the nine battleground states that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan targeted last year, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said.
The GOP presidential ticket won only one of those states — North Carolina — losing Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.
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The outreach is part of the party’s plan to compete in all 50 states in the 2016 presidential contest instead of just the nine battleground states that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan targeted last year, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said.
The GOP presidential ticket won only one of those states — North Carolina — losing Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.
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Boehner Says He Would Oppose Marriage Equality Even If Son Was Gay
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) — who is spending millions of taxpayer dollars opposing marriage equality — told ABC’s This Week that he could never see himself supporting same-sex unions, despite the growing evolution towards marriage for all within the Republican Party.
Responding to Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) change of heart on the issue, Boehner said that he “appreciates” his friend’s new position, but insisted that “I believe that marriage is a union of a man and a woman” and predicted that he would not change his mind even if he found out that his own son is gay:
Responding to Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) change of heart on the issue, Boehner said that he “appreciates” his friend’s new position, but insisted that “I believe that marriage is a union of a man and a woman” and predicted that he would not change his mind even if he found out that his own son is gay:
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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O'MALLEY ON PASSAGE OF DEATH PENALTY REPEAL IN MARYLAND
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement on the passage of the Administration’s bill to repeal the death penalty in Maryland. The final vote count on the bill is 82-56 in the Maryland House of Delegates:
“With today's vote to repeal the death penalty in Maryland, the General Assembly is eliminating a policy that is proven not to work. Evidence shows that the death penalty is not a deterrent, it cannot be administered without racial bias, and it costs three times as much as life in prison without parole. What's more, there is no way to reverse a mistake if an innocent person is put to death.
"I’d like to thank Benjamin Jealous and Gerald Stansbury of the NAACP, Senator Raskin, Senator Gladden and Delegate Rosenberg for their leadership on this issue, Ben Civiletti and the other members of the Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment - and all of the members of the General Assembly who’ve worked to make this vote a reality. I’d also like to thank Maryland Citizens Against State Executions, and all of our faith leaders and coalition partners who’ve worked so hard to get this done."
The Governor will make a case-by-case decision regarding the five inmates currently on death row.
“With today's vote to repeal the death penalty in Maryland, the General Assembly is eliminating a policy that is proven not to work. Evidence shows that the death penalty is not a deterrent, it cannot be administered without racial bias, and it costs three times as much as life in prison without parole. What's more, there is no way to reverse a mistake if an innocent person is put to death.
"I’d like to thank Benjamin Jealous and Gerald Stansbury of the NAACP, Senator Raskin, Senator Gladden and Delegate Rosenberg for their leadership on this issue, Ben Civiletti and the other members of the Maryland Commission on Capital Punishment - and all of the members of the General Assembly who’ve worked to make this vote a reality. I’d also like to thank Maryland Citizens Against State Executions, and all of our faith leaders and coalition partners who’ve worked so hard to get this done."
The Governor will make a case-by-case decision regarding the five inmates currently on death row.
Residents Turn In More Than 600 Weapons
Howard County's first Gun Buyback Safety Day in 18 years netted 631 weapons.
The program gave residents the opportunity to anonymously remove unwanted guns from their homes and get $100 dollars back.
Vehicles lined up at the Dorsey Building in Columbia two hours before the event started.
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Business & Labor Leaders Support Transportation Infrastructure Plan
This morning, leaders of Maryland’s business and labor community came together to urge members of the General Assembly to pass the plan to create 44,000 jobs while rebuilding our roads, bridges and transit systems.
As Jermaine Jones, the business manager/secretary treasurer of LiUNA Local Union 710 explained, “Maryland’s transportation plan will create 44,000 jobs putting people to work rebuilding our transportation infrastructure. These jobs will help families put food on the table. It’s time for the Maryland General Assembly to pass this plan. It’s time to put people to work.”
Mr. Jones was joined by Don Fry, the president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, Jim Dinegar, the president & CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; Mark Coles, the business/legislative representative of the Washington, DC, Building and Construction Trades Council; and James Russ, the president of the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association; Beverly Pannee, the vice president of RJM Engineering.
Business and labor leaders aren’t the only ones who know that investing in infrastructure will create jobs and reduce traffic congestion. “Get Maryland Moving,” a coalition of business, environmental, and civic leaders, announced its support today for the plan to fund critical transportation infrastructure. Among other groups, the coalition includes various local chambers of commerce and the League of Women Voters Maryland.
Read their endorsement here: http://www.getmarylandmoving.org/31513-press-statement-get-maryland-moving-coalition-endorses-hb1515-maryland-transportation-infrastructure-act/
As Jermaine Jones, the business manager/secretary treasurer of LiUNA Local Union 710 explained, “Maryland’s transportation plan will create 44,000 jobs putting people to work rebuilding our transportation infrastructure. These jobs will help families put food on the table. It’s time for the Maryland General Assembly to pass this plan. It’s time to put people to work.”
Mr. Jones was joined by Don Fry, the president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, Jim Dinegar, the president & CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; Mark Coles, the business/legislative representative of the Washington, DC, Building and Construction Trades Council; and James Russ, the president of the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association; Beverly Pannee, the vice president of RJM Engineering.
Business and labor leaders aren’t the only ones who know that investing in infrastructure will create jobs and reduce traffic congestion. “Get Maryland Moving,” a coalition of business, environmental, and civic leaders, announced its support today for the plan to fund critical transportation infrastructure. Among other groups, the coalition includes various local chambers of commerce and the League of Women Voters Maryland.
Read their endorsement here: http://www.getmarylandmoving.org/31513-press-statement-get-maryland-moving-coalition-endorses-hb1515-maryland-transportation-infrastructure-act/
County Council Closed Session
The Wicomico County Council will meet in a special session on Monday, March 18th at 10:00 a. m. in the Council Chamber, Room 301 Government Office Building. Upon convening, the County Council will immediately consider a motion to enter a closed session to consider personnel matters. There will be no other business considered.
Cpt. Sara Knutson Killed In Afghanistan Helicopter Crash
Cpt. Sara Knutson, 27, died Monday during a training mission aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk near Kandahar. She was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
The helicopter is reported to have crashed during a heavy rainstorm.
The exact cause of the crash is being investigated. Initial reports showed no enemy activity was present at the time of the crash.
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MARK KELLY'S 'AR-15 STUNT' PROVOKES GIFFORDS PHOTO LEAK
Mark Kelly's campaign against "assault weapons" such as the AR-15 rifle has sparked a local backlash. On March 13, a Tucson, Arizona radio host published a photograph of former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords holding an AR-15 rifle at a gun range. Giffords has since confirmed that the photograph is authentic.
James T. Harris, blogging at the website of "101.4 FM The Truth," wrote:
What is wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing, and prior to the aggressive progressive opportunistic fear mongering in the wake of Sandy Hook, this picture would have raised no eyebrows and garnered little public attention.
However, in response to the exploitative political scheming of Mark Kelly, persons connected to Congresswoman Giffords released this photo in response to what they perceived to be her husband’s hypocrisy.
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James T. Harris, blogging at the website of "101.4 FM The Truth," wrote:
What is wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing, and prior to the aggressive progressive opportunistic fear mongering in the wake of Sandy Hook, this picture would have raised no eyebrows and garnered little public attention.
However, in response to the exploitative political scheming of Mark Kelly, persons connected to Congresswoman Giffords released this photo in response to what they perceived to be her husband’s hypocrisy.
More
Snow In The Middle Of March, Go Figure
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release 3-17-13
Robert, Edgar Fisher Jr. of Salisbury, arrested 3-6-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Fissher was held on a $500.00 bond.
Horace Rocklin Shelton of Baltimore, arrested 3-6-13 on a Georgia fugitive warrant. Shelton was held without bond pending extradition to Georgia.
Ashia Zulkea Johnson of Salisbury, arrested 3-7-13 on two warrants for violation of probation. Johnson was held on a $40,000 bond.
Anthony Arzynell Butler Jr. of Baltimore, arrested 3-8-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Butler was held on a $500.00 bond.
Dante Antonio Puchala of Germentown Maryland, arrested 3-9-13 on warrants for possession of marijuana, cds maintain a common nuisance, and possession of cds with the intent to distribute. Puchala was held on a $50,000 bond.
Alonzo Darryl Johnson Jr. of Salisbury, arrested 3-11-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Johnson was held on a $500.00 bond.
Brian Keith gross of Salisbury, arrested 3-11-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Gross was held on a $500.00 bond.
David Alexander Albert Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 3-12-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Albert was held on a $10,000 bond.
Nancy Lin Coger of Princess Anne, arrested 3-12-13 on a warrant for violation of probation. Coger was later released after posting a $20,000 bond.
Melvin Lee Brunson of Westover, arrested 3-12-13 on a warrant for failing to register or change address as a sex offender. Brunson was held without bond.
Eugene Quinton Borden Jr. of Marion, criminal summons served 3-12-13 for 2nd degree burglary, conspiracy to commit 2nd degree burglary, and two counts of theft under $10,000. Borden was released on signature pending court actions.
Teyon marquis Harmon of Fruitland, arrested 3-13-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Harmon was held on a $500.00 bond.
William Bruce Johnson of Princess Anne, arrested 3-13-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Johnson was held on a $500.00 bond.
Tyler James Elliott of Marion, criminal summons served for trespassing on posted property. Elliott was released on signature pending court actions.
Donald Reed Stewart of Salisbury, arrested 3-14-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Stewart was held on a $2,500 bond.
Horace Rocklin Shelton of Baltimore, arrested 3-6-13 on a Georgia fugitive warrant. Shelton was held without bond pending extradition to Georgia.
Ashia Zulkea Johnson of Salisbury, arrested 3-7-13 on two warrants for violation of probation. Johnson was held on a $40,000 bond.
Anthony Arzynell Butler Jr. of Baltimore, arrested 3-8-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Butler was held on a $500.00 bond.
Dante Antonio Puchala of Germentown Maryland, arrested 3-9-13 on warrants for possession of marijuana, cds maintain a common nuisance, and possession of cds with the intent to distribute. Puchala was held on a $50,000 bond.
Alonzo Darryl Johnson Jr. of Salisbury, arrested 3-11-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Johnson was held on a $500.00 bond.
Brian Keith gross of Salisbury, arrested 3-11-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Gross was held on a $500.00 bond.
David Alexander Albert Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 3-12-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Albert was held on a $10,000 bond.
Nancy Lin Coger of Princess Anne, arrested 3-12-13 on a warrant for violation of probation. Coger was later released after posting a $20,000 bond.
Melvin Lee Brunson of Westover, arrested 3-12-13 on a warrant for failing to register or change address as a sex offender. Brunson was held without bond.
Eugene Quinton Borden Jr. of Marion, criminal summons served 3-12-13 for 2nd degree burglary, conspiracy to commit 2nd degree burglary, and two counts of theft under $10,000. Borden was released on signature pending court actions.
Teyon marquis Harmon of Fruitland, arrested 3-13-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Harmon was held on a $500.00 bond.
William Bruce Johnson of Princess Anne, arrested 3-13-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Johnson was held on a $500.00 bond.
Tyler James Elliott of Marion, criminal summons served for trespassing on posted property. Elliott was released on signature pending court actions.
Donald Reed Stewart of Salisbury, arrested 3-14-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Stewart was held on a $2,500 bond.