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Wednesday, March 27, 2013

THE 28 GREATEST MOMENTS FROM AN ANGRY NYC PROTEST WHERE COMMUNISM, CAPITALISM, AND CRAZY ALL MET

We could have probably picked the top 100 moments from the video you’re about to see, but let’s be honest: we all have our limits. And in fact, you might not even get through 10 of the screen shots below before you’ve just about had it. But trust us, like the unexplained need to stare at any incident of utter destruction, you’ll want to watch.

Below is a 13-minute video taken at a protest in Brooklyn, NY, on Sunday featuring a lot of communists, a lot of angry cop-haters, a New Black Panther, and a heck of a lot of crazy all filmed by what appears to be an Occupy sympathizer. The rally-goers are upset over the death of 16-year-old Kimani Gray in early March. He was shot by police after they say he pulled a gun. But protesters have been rallying ever since and claiming it as an example of police brutality.

Such was the case on Sunday, when a group met to march near where the young man died. So far, whether you agree or not with their cries, that likely makes sense.

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Most Illegal Immigrant Families Collect Welfare

Surprise, surprise; Census Bureau data reveals that most U.S. families headed by illegal immigrants use taxpayer-funded welfare programs on behalf of their American-born anchor babies.Even before the recession, immigrant households with children used welfare programs at consistently higher rates than natives, according to the extensive census data collected and analyzed by a nonpartisanWashington D.C. group dedicated to researching legal and illegal immigration in the U.S. The results, published this month in a lengthy report, are hardly surprising.Basically, the majority of households across the country benefitting from publicly-funded welfare programs are headed by immigrants, both legal and illegal. States where immigrant households with children have the highest welfare use rates are Arizona (62%), Texas, California and New York with 61% each and Pennsylvania(59%).The study focused on eight major welfare programs that cost the government $517 billion the year they were examined. They include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the disabled, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), a nutritional program known as Women, Infants and Children (WIC), food stamps, free/reduced school lunch, public housing and health insurance for the poor (Medicaid).Food assistance and Medicaid are the programs most commonly used by illegal immigrants, mainly on behalf of their American-born children who get automatic citizenship. On the other hand, legal immigrant households take advantage of every available welfare program, according to the study, which attributes it to low education level and resulting low income.The highest rate of welfare recipients come from the Dominican Republic (82 %), Mexico and Guatemala (75%) and Ecuador (70%), according to the report, which says welfare use tends to be high for both new arrivals and established residents.

Read more about illegal immigration

Janet Napolitano: Immigrants Will Change Arizona From Red To Blue

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the influx of immigrants into Arizona will put this conservative stronghold into the hands of the Democratic Party.

The former Arizona governor predicted her state would turn blue in coming elections — just like Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado has gained in Democratic popularity, she said in a Christian Science Monitor report.

“Arizona will be behind them,” she said to reporters on Tuesday. “I think it will be more purple over time, but ultimately blue. … It’ll happen, I think. The fact that I could win three straight elections there, I think is indicative that Democrats can win and do win in Arizona.” 

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Dr. Ben Carson Fights Back Against ‘Uncle Tom’ Attack

Dr. Benjamin Carson fought back against his critics on Fox News’ “America Live” Tuesday, saying that he’s no “Uncle Tom.”

Dr. Carson — a conservative speaker and neurosurgeon who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 — was referring to a comment made by MSNBC’s Toure Monday, who said Dr. Carson is a token “black friend” to Republicans who embraced him only to assuage their own white “guilt.”

“That’s what you can find on a third grade playground,” Dr. Carson told Fox’s Megyn Kelly. “This is something that we need to move beyond in this country, and let’s have a real discussion about the real facts. If somebody disagrees, let’s talk about why they disagree, let’s talk about the pros and cons, let’s see if we can find some accommodation. But to sit around and act like third graders is nonproductive.” 

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Expect These Eight Steps From The Government's Playbook


To anyone paying attention, reality is now painfully obvious. These bankrupt, insolvent governments have just about run out of fingers to plug the dikes. And history shows that, once this happens, governments fall back on a very limited playbook:
  1. Direct confiscation

    As Cyprus showed us, bankrupt governments are quite happy to plunder people’s bank accounts, especially if it’s a wealthy minority.
    Aside from bank levies, though, this also includes things like seizing retirement accounts (Argentina), increases in civil asset forfeiture (United States), and gold criminalization.
  2. Taxes

    Just another form of confiscation, taxation plunders the hard work and talent of the citizenry. But thanks to decades of brainwashing, it’s more socially acceptable. We’ve come to regard taxes as a ‘necessary evil,’ not realizing that the country existed for decades, even centuries, without an income tax.
    Yet when bankrupt governments get desperate enough, they begin imposing new taxes… primarily WEALTH taxes (Argentina) or windfall profits taxes (United States in the 1970s).
  3. Inflation

    This is indirect confiscation– the slow, gradual plundering of people’s savings. Again, governments have been quite successful at inculcating a belief that inflation is also a necessary evil. They’re also adept at fooling people with phony inflation statistics.
  4. Capital Controls

    Governments can, do, and will restrict the free-flow of capital across borders. They’ll prevent you from moving your own money to a safer jurisdiction, forcing you to keep your hard earned savings at home where it can be plundered and devalued.
    We’re seeing this everywhere in the developed world… from withdrawal limits in Europe to cash-sniffing dogs at border checkpoints. And it certainly doesn’t help when everyone from the IMF to Nobel laureate Paul Krugman argue in favor of Capital Controls.

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Police On Alert After White Group Vows Patrols In Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Reuters) - Police at Maryland's Towson University will increase their campus presence at night, the university said on Tuesday, after a group calling itself the White Student Union promised its own patrols to curb what it sees as rising black-on-white crime.

The White Student Union has been drawing attention since one of its members defended segregation during a panel discussion earlier this month at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an influential forum in Republican Party politics.

The roughly 50-person union was formed to celebrate European-American culture, and members attend church and the shooting range together, said Matthew Heimbach, 21, the founder and self-professed commander.

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Benjamin Crump: Judge, Don't Make Me Answer Questions From George Zimmerman's Lawyers

Benjamin Crump, the attorney for Trayvon Martin's family, has filed new paperwork, saying there's no valid reason for a judge to reverse herself and order him to answer defense attorneys' questions in the George Zimmerman murder case.

On Feb, 22, Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson rejected defense attorneys' initial request, agreeing with Crump that he was not at the scene of the shooting and could provide no material details.

But last week, defense attorney Mark O'Mara filed new paperwork, asking her to reconsider.

Defense attorneys want to learn more about Crump's dealings with the state's most important witness, a young Miami woman who was on the phone with Trayvon moments before Zimmerman shot the Miami Gardens 17-year-old to death Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford. 

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The Self-Cleaning Gene Pool:

Eighth Place
In Detroit, a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned in two feet of water after squeezing head first through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his car keys.
Seventh Place
A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who was "totally zoned when he ran", accidentally jogged off a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
Sixth Place
While at the beach, Daniel Jones, 21, dug an 8 foot hole for protection from the wind and had been sitting in a beach chair at the bottom, when it collapsed, burying him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach used their hands and shovels trying to get him out but could not reach him. It took rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour to free him. Jones was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Fifth Place
Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed as he fell through the ceiling of a bicycle shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the long flashlight he had placed in his mouth to keep his hands free rammed into the base of his skull as he hit the floor.
Fourth Place
Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed as he won a bet with friends who said he would not put a revolver loaded with four bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
Third Place
After stepping around a marked police patrol car parked at the front door, a man walked into H&J Leather & Firearms intent on robbing the store. The shop was full of customers and a uniformed officer was standing at the counter. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up and fired a few wild shots from a target pistol. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, and several customers also drew their guns and fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47 expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one else was hurt.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paul Stiller, 47, and his wife Bonnie were bored just driving around at 2 A.M. so they lit a quarter stick of dynamite to toss out the window to see what would happen. Apparently they failed to notice that the window was closed.
RUNNER UP
Kerry Bingham had been drinking with several friends when one of them said they knew a person who had bungee-jumped from a local bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation grew more excited, and at least 10 men trooped along the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM. Upon arrival at the midpoint of the bridge, they discovered that no one had brought a bungee rope. Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable lay nearby. They secured one end around Bingham's leg and then tied the other to the bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle. He miraculously survived his fall into the icy water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen. Bingham's foot was never located.
AND THE WINNER IS....
Zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt ( Paderborn , Germany ) fed his constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up pachyderm finally got relief. Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil enema when the relieved beast unloaded.
The sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation knocked Mr Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck his head on a rock as the elephant continued to evacuate 200 pounds of dung on top of him. It seems to be just one of those freak accidents that proves... 'Shit happens'
IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPORTANT TO THANK THESE PEOPLE FOR REMOVING THEMSELVES FROM THE GENE POOL.

Demand For Guns In Md. Causing Backlog

State Police are struggling to keep up with the huge demand for guns in Maryland. Officers are working overtime performing background checks on prospective owners and if you want more than one gun, it could take months. 

In Pasadena, some 200 prospective gun owners are now waiting on background checks to be performed by the state. It's a back-up that has frequent gun owners steeped in frustration. 

At Pasadena Gun and Pawn, there's a run on guns like they've never seen before. An assault rifle, long rifles, any rifle - if it fires it's sold. And some customers are after more than one gun.

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Hunters Threaten To Boycott Colorado After Passage Of Recent Gun Laws

Hunters across the country are boycotting Colorado because of recent legislation meant to curtail gun violence.

The state is known to be home to some of the best elk hunting in the country. But after its governor, John Hickenlooper, signed controversial bills this month banning ammunition magazines that hold more than 15 rounds, and require background checks for private and online gun sales, some out-of-state hunters say they'll take their business elsewhere.

Hunting outfitters say people began canceling trips after the legislation passed, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported. The numbers are few, but growing.

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Jake Day Admits After Forum Ireton Proposes 500 Housing Units Downtown

At last nights forum Jake Day challenged me by saying he's never seen Ireton state he's proposing 500 affordable housing units Downtown.

However, after the Forum I ran into Jake in the parking lot where he apologized for throwing me under the bus in his statement. He went on to say he knew Ireton wanted 500 housing units on the parking lots Downtown but not all of them were affordable housing. I responded, then why didn't you say that?

Nevertheless, Mayor Ireton wants to give away OUR parking lots for pennies on the dollar as well as EDU's. I stated last night, a good leader doesn't GIVE anything away. Salisbury has so much to offer between enterprise zones and extremely low rental/lease rates we don't need to give away anything. 

The way I see it is, think about the old story so many of us have heard or even told over the years when a parent GIVES a child a car. It rarely gets washed and it rarely has the interior cleaned. However, when you make your child pay their own way for a vehicle, it's always washed, waxed and cleaned on the inside.

Government needs to get out of the way and STOP giving things away. Salisbury real estate is already cheap enough and any smart business from the western shore will instantly recognize that. I'd rather have someone PAY for property where they will take care of it rather than someone who gets a free ride and doesn't care for it.

Again, when I'm elected you will NOT see our parking lots turned into affordable housing. Don't let Jake Day's statement last night fool you in any way, shape or form. I was not given the opportunity to respond to his statement nor did I want to appear defensive. 

The truth will set you free.

ELTON JOHN'S HOMOSEXUALITY COMES WITH A PRICE

Exclusive: Mychal Massie uses health research to spotlight cost of lifestyle
“I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent [homosexual] man who understood human problems,” opined Elton John in a Parade magazine interview.

John’s views of “a compassionate man” juxtaposed to the compassion of Jesus of Nazareth are incoherent because he doesn’t recognize Jesus as Christ, Lord and Savior. He misses the truth of Christ by reducing Him simply to a man.

Vets Warn Of Easter No-No's For Pets

If you have pets and plan to do some Easter shopping this week, you may want to take another hard look at your list because Easter decorations, candy and pets don't mix, according to veterinarians.

"If you're going to have a lot of these Easter candies and displays around, make sure you have them up where your pet's not going to be able to get to them," said veterinarian Dr. John Fioramonti.

Experts said the shiny grass typically used to decorate Easter baskets shouldn't be used because pets sometimes try to eat it and can't digest it. Fioramonti said the blades can get stuck internally and cause a blockage in the intestinal tract.

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John Brennan's Spooky Swearing-In

President Obama's choice to be Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) was approved by the Senate on a vote of 63-34, with thirteen Republicans voting to confirm him. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) created quite a stir with his 13-hour filibuster against the Brennan nomination. Not until he received written assurances from Attorney General Eric Holder that U.S. citizens would not be targeted for killing by drones on U.S. soil would the doughty Kentuckian stand down. Good for him.

John Brennan then proceeded to take the Oath of Office, as administered by Vice President Joe Biden. Director Brennan then did something no other officer has done, something that occasioned its own measure of controversy. Brennan was sworn in on an original copy of the Constitution. It was a very august occasion, to be sure, but it was also a mysterious one.

For the man who will be America's spymaster, it was an odd move for him to stir up trouble. If spies are said to be "spooks," our top spy's action was, well, "spooky."
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Bill Requiring Landlords To Accept Section 8 Housing Vouchers Sparks Debate

A bill that would require landlords to accept tenants through the federal Section 8 program sparked a debate about civil rights on the Senate floor Tuesday.

The bill, SB487, is intended to prevent landlords from rejecting tenants that receive public assistance simply because they are poor. But critics of the legislation said that it would force landlords to participate in social welfare programs and make them do business with housing authorities that send rent checks late and refuse to pay market rates.

Baltimore County Democrat James Brochin said that a landlord from his district was owed over $36,000 in back rent from county housing authorities. He claimed that such stories were legion throughout the state.

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21 Graphs That Show America’s Health-Care Prices Are Ludicrous

Every year, the International Federation of Health Plans — a global insurance trade association that includes more than 100 insurers in 25 countries — releases survey data showing the prices that insurers are actually paying for different drugs, devices, and medical services in different countries. And every year, the data is shocking.

The IFHP just released the data for 2012. And yes, once again, the numbers are shocking.

This is the fundamental fact of American health care: We pay much, much more than other countries do for the exact same things. For a detailed explanation of why, see this article. But this post isn’t about the why. It’s about the prices, and the graphs.


Maryland Government Gets Lower Grade For Spending Transparency

According to a report by the Public Interest Reporting Group (PIRG), Maryland received a C grade for transparency in government spending this year. The grade, which is based on the state’s transparency website, is a half step down from last year’s C+.

The drop in grade is reflective of PIRG’s increasingly tough grading standards, and, according to the report: “in order for states to keep up with rising standards and maintain high scores, they must continually improve transparency.”

PIRG identifies the best transparency tools as being engaging, easily searchable, and comprehensive. The inaccessibility of Maryland’s website likely led to its less-than-perfect C grade.

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College Ave Blocked Off

We're told there's a suspicious package found near the college, (Center of Conflict Resolution). More to come.

Welfare Rights Are Wrong

Ever since John Locke developed the theory of natural individual human rights, there has been an ongoing attempt to change his idea to something very different.

For Locke the natural rights all human beings have are basically prohibitions. They forbid people from intruding on other people − from killing, assaulting, kidnapping, robbing them and so forth. In the field of political theory they are referred to as negative rights. They hold up a sign to all concerning invading people's lives and spheres and insist: "Halt! You need permission to enter!"

This can be well appreciated when one considers that throughout much of history ordinary folks had been viewed as subjects, not sovereign citizens. A subject is one who must follow the dictates of some master or superior. Kings have subjects who must obey their will! Once this fiction is abandoned, it becomes clear that all adult human beings are independent agents, no one's subject!

But, of course, many insist that such sovereignty is highly objectionable because it leaves it to the individual whether he or she will give support to others and their various projects. Involuntary servitude is ruled out if we are all sovereign citizens rather than subject to the will of a king, tsar, or ruler. Even the majority may not ignore this fact about us, sodemocracy is properly limited to some very few matters once the sovereignty of individuals is acknowledged.

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GUNS AT A GLANCE: 40% OF ALL FIREARMS MADE IN AMERICA COME FROM THESE 3 COMPANIES

U.S. factories have produced more than 100 million firearms over the past 25 years – almost half of the roughly 270 million firearms estimated to be in the hands of U.S. civilians, according to Small Arms Survey, an independent research project located at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

While the survey found 2,288 makers of civilian firearms operating in the U.S. from 1986-2010, more than 40% of those guns came from three key companies:
  • Sturm, Ruger & Co. leads the U.S. firearms industry with about 15.3 million firearms produced in the period.
  • Remington (owned by Freedom Group) produced about 14.2 million and comes in second.
  • Smith & Wesson is third, with nearly 10.5 million. 
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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT EFFORT LAUNCHED IN AND AROUND BALTIMORE

(BALTIMORE, MD) -- Maryland State Police commercial vehicle enforcement personnel have launched a multiple-day initiative in and around Baltimore focusing on ensuring the safe equipment and operation of buses, trucks, and other commercial vehicles operating in the area.

Today, tomorrow, and on unannounced days in the near future, Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division inspection teams will be working fixed and roving locations in Baltimore and on major roads leading to and through the city. Teams of troopers and inspectors will be looking for commercial vehicles committing traffic violations and in violation of state and federal safety regulations. A special focus will be made on commercial vehicles transporting passengers. Inspections will be conducted of vehicle equipment, driver’s log books, hazardous materials documentation, and other areas that impact safe operation.

“Spring brings an increase in people traveling by commercial and personal vehicles,” Captain Bill Dofflemyer, Commander of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division said. “This initiative targets the enforcement and compliance of state and federal regulations in an effort to improve safety for all motorists on roads in and around Baltimore by reducing crashes involving commercial vehicles.”

State Police have established three temporary inspection sites that are located at M&T Bank Stadium, Fairfield Road and Northbridge Avenue, and Holabird Avenue and Broening Highway. Roving crews will be working interstates leading into the city from the north and south.

Sanchez Steps In For Martinez; Will Face Guerrero April 12!

Salisbury, MD – Knockout Artist Elvin “KoKo” Sanchez is replacing Pedro Martinez as the opponent for unbeaten cruiserweight Alex Guerrero in the eight round main event of the “Salisbury Slugfest” Friday, April 12 at Salisbury, MD’s Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

Tickets starting at $20 and VIP tables of 10 are on sale now at the Wicomico Civic Center Box Office, by calling 410-548-4911 or logging onto WicomicoCivicCenter.Org. A 20% military discount is available on all tickets purchased with a valid ID at the Civic Center Box Office and specially priced hotel rooms can be purchased by going towww.mmx2reservations.com/wicomico/pc/slug. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the action kicks off at 8.

Known for his heavy hands, Sanchez scored a stunning knockout over previously unbeaten and well-regarded Venroy July February, 22 before a pro-July crowd in Washington, DC. Fighting out of the notoriously tough city of Paterson, NJ, Sanchez also battled to a controversial draw against hometown favorite Jeremy Stauffer last November. Sanchez, who is 6-2 with 5 wins by knockout, has a reputation on the east coast for making exciting fights and has no problem fighting in enemy territory.

“This is definitely an attractive matchup,” said Jake Smith of Jake the Snake Promotions. “I’ve seen Elvin before. He’s a very strong fighter who punches like a mule. Alex will have to be sharp against him if he wants to remain unbeaten. Sanchez is no joke.”

In undercard action, unbeaten heavyweight Duane Mobley of Upper Marlboro, MD risks his 7-0 record against tougher than advertised Baltimorean Lonnie Kornegay in a four rounder.

Fellow unbeaten heavyweight and Seth Mitchell protégé Jerry “Slug” Forrest, of Newport News, VA returns to the ring against an opponent to be named in a four rounder. Forrest, 5-0 (4 KO’s), is known for his heavy hands, scoring three of his four knockouts in the opening round.

Former Penn State Boxing Team Captain and National Collegiate Champion AJ Williams, who resides in the Delmarva area, and Salisbury’s very own Damont Giddings make their pro debuts in separate bouts against opponents to be named.

Other fighters featured on the card include popular light heavyweight Frankie “Freight Train” Filippone, undefeated junior lightweight Terron Grant and Nuwan Jacoby.

FOR CREDENTIALS AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS Contact: Matt Yanofsky (Publicist) – 551-206-0578/ twitter.com/KOPublicity

Retired Army Officer: DHS Must Surrender Their War Weapons To Dept. Of Defense

On Saturday March 23, Terry M. Hestilow, a retired Army officer with nearly 30 years of service under his belt, posted this letter he sent to Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) this week. Hestilow wants DHS to hand over their war weapons to the Department of Defense.The Honorable Senator John Cornyn, State of Texas
United States Senate
517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Re: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and that agencies preparation for war against citizens of the United States of America

Dear Senator Cornyn,

It is with gravest concern that I write to you today concerning the recent appropriation of weapons by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that can only be understood as a bold threat of war by that agency, and the Obama administration, against the citizens of the United States of America. To date, DHS has been unwilling to provide to you, the elected representatives of the People, justification for recent purchases of almost 3,000 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) armored personnel carriers, 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition (with associated weapons), and other weapons systems, when, in fact, the DHS has no war mission or war making authority within the limits of the United States of America.

Significant is the fact that at the same time the Obama administration is arming his DHS for war within the limits of the United States against the People of the United States in accordance with his 2008 campaign speech claiming,

“We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we’ve set. We’ve gotta (sic) have a civilian national security force that’s just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded [as the United States military]”–Candidate Barack Obama, 2008.

The Obama administration is deliberately defunding, overextending, and hollowing the Department of Defense; the only legitimate agency of the U.S. government with a war mission.

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Supreme Court Justices Conflicted On Same-Sex Marriage Case

A cautious and conflicted Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed wary of a broad constitutional finding on whether same-sex couples have the right to marry, and some justices indicated that it may be premature for them to intervene in a fast-moving, unsettled political environment.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, considered to be the pivotal vote on the issue, said the court was in “uncharted waters.” He questioned whether it should have even accepted the case, in which lower courts struck down California’s voter-approved Proposition 8, which restricted marriage to heterosexual couples.

The court’s historic review of same-sex marriage continues Wednesday with a more limited question: May Congress withhold federal benefits from same-sex couples married in those states where it is legal? Lower courts have said that the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 is unconstitutional because it treats legally married homosexual couples differently from heterosexual ones. 

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Huckabee:Evangelicals Will Walk if GOP Backs Gay Marriage

Mike Huckabee warns that Republicans risk losing the vote from evangelical Christians if they back away from their opposition to gay marriage.

Last week, Ohio Sen. Bob Portman announced he has reversed his position and now supports gay marriage.

In an exclusive interview with Newsmax TV, former Arkansas Gov. Huckabee — and ordained Southern Baptist minister — was asked if he sees the GOP ever pivoting and backing gay marriage.


Justices, Citing Ban on Unreasonable Searches, Limit Use of Drug-Sniffing Dogs

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday limited the ability of the police to use drug-sniffing dogs outside homes.

The case concerned Franky, a chocolate Labrador retriever who detected the smell of marijuana outside a Florida house used by Joelis Jardines. Based on Franky’s signal, the police obtained a warrant to search the house, and they found a marijuana-growing operation inside.

Mr. Jardines moved to suppress the evidence, saying that using Franky to sniff around his residence was an unreasonable search barred by the Fourth Amendment. The Florida Supreme Court agreed, and so did a majority of the United States Supreme Court.

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Why Settle For $9/hr Minimum Wage? Elizabeth Warren Pushes For $22

At this point, it is clear: Elizabeth Warren is not holding any punches in her fight to defend the middle class of America. Her rise to the U.S. Senate has turned many people’s heads and dramatically changed the dynamic on Capitol Hill. But on March 14, in the Senate committee meeting titled “Keeping up with a Changing Economy: Indexing the Minimum Wage,” she really raised the stakes:

PUBLIC HEARING ON COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET

Salisbury, MD County Executive Rick Pollitt is calling on all citizens to participate in a Public Hearing concerning the FY 2014 Operating Budget to be held Thursday April 11, 2013 at 6pm in the Midway Room of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

WHO:

OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

WHAT:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET

WHEN:

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013 @ 6:00 PM

WHERE:

WICOMICO YOUTH & CIVIC CENTER – MIDWAY ROOM
500 GLEN AVENUE, SALISBURY

All citizens are urged to attend and actively participate with comments and questions.

Please forward this notice.

Speed Camera Bill Would End 'Bounty System'

Senators passed and sent to the House in Annapolis a measure that would eliminate the so-called "bounty system" for speed cameras.

The bill requires jurisdictions that use cameras to clock speeds in school and construction zones to pay the vendor a strict flat rate rather than allow expenses to be calculated on the number of tickets issued.

Jurisdictions get a portion of each $40 fine as the contracts stand now. 

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Field Notes By Delegate Mike McDermott

Week 11 March 18-March 23, 2013

Monday Night Session:

Third Reader Bills Highlighted/controversial bills included HB-347 which would require additional permitting for certain corporations. Once again, these bills increase the burden on Maryland businesses and often results in diminished economic returns.

HB-667 would require all school employees across the state to be union members and pay mandatory dues. There was much debate on the issue. 10-counties currently have unions and the bill would force the same conditions on all of the remaining counties. There were attempts to amend the bill to require audit oversight and minimum participation numbers but they were all rejected. Ultimately the bill moved to Third Reader without any amendments.

Tuesday Judiciary Hearings:

Third Reader Bills

HB-1106 would allow the sealing of a Search Warrant Affidavit while an investigation is ongoing on a 30-day basis with 30-day extensions allowed by the court.

HB-1232 would allow for the issuance of a Search Warrant via electronic means. This bill would recognize the digital nature of current law enforcement applications and would speed the process under many circumstances regularly encountered by law enforcement.

HB-1453 would decriminalize the use of marijuana for minimum amounts. The bill also creates a taxation of the drug for revenue collection in the state.

HB-1185 would create a specific charge for 2nd Degree Assault of a health care worker. We heard from many nurses and the respective Health Care Association advocates about the need for this type of charge to be implemented.

Tuesday Judiciary Voting Session:

Bills Approved: HB-129, HB-443, HB-542, HB-777, HB-792, HB-857, HB-942,

HB-1407

Wednesday Judiciary Committee:

HB-1490 would place a prohibition on the right to refuse a chemical test of their breath or blood in cases of drunk or drugged driving for someone who has previously been detained for DWI who refuses a required test. It would place a $1000 fine and a one year jail sentence as potential penalties.

HB-565 would make it a crime to sell a vehicle in Baltimore City that would be illegal to operate in Baltimore City.

Bills Approved: HB-14, HB-489, HB-604, HB-889, HB-909, HB-952

Thursday Morning Session:

Third Reader Bill Link There were a few debated bills on Third Reader: HB-328 which provides for “crony capitalism” on behalf of many special breaks being provided for biotech firms. All businesses in Maryland need a break and giving it to a very narrow sector may encourage their growth and development at the expense of all others. HB-361 provides for some implementation language for Obama Care. It provides for the bureaucracy regarding implementation and funding. It is fraught with regulations and fees. HB-224 would relax the penalties

Thursday Judiciary Committee Hearings:

HB-1523 seeks to significantly restrict the collection and storage of DNA for evidentiary purposes. It would set provisions whereby samples could be collected and would establish the procedures for storage. As written, it would restrict law enforcement in many ways from retaining samples or from the collection of samples from convicted sex offenders.

Bills Approved Wednesday Night by Judiciary Committee: HB-396, HB-428, HB-478, HB-541, HB-631, HB-698, HB-854, HB-941, HB-985, HB-1263, HB-1281, HB-1382, HB-1394, HB-1396, HB-1408 B-1396 HB-H

Friday Morning Session:

Bills Approved on Third Reader Debated Bills: HB-1170 which channels state money in certain programs to “sustainable growth” and development and would deny money to communities who do not adopt the state standards for growth.

Saturday Morning Session:

Bills Approved on Third Reader

Saturday Evening Session:

Bills Approved on Third Reader Debated Bills: HB-863 which is the “Fair Share Act” for certain colleges and universities in Maryland. It would require that all of the employees become paying members of the State Teachers Union. Until this time this has been an option for the employees.

A Letter To The Editor Ref. Wicomico Humane Society

Hi Joe,

There was a situation on Shamrock Dr concerning 2 dogs living in a home alone. Citizens were trying to get the humane society to come to the residence to try to help. Of course it was a Sunday so no on call officer. Don't understand that as the Humane Society recently received from the county and town of Delmar an additional $65,000 for an additional officer. Instead of working different shifts so one can be on call they work the same hours. When the last director had 2 officers there was always someone on call. So instead the Sheriffs Dept tried to call the shelter director who also couldn't be reached. 

In desperation one of the people trying to help the dogs called Bonnie Gordy the board President and was told if a citizen could get the door open and bring the dogs to the Humane Society they wouldn't say who brought them. Funny telling people to commit a crime rather than doing their job. 

Turns out the dogs had been in this situation for at least a year and the Humane Society was aware of it. But still no action to help these dogs. They are now safely out as the owner turned them over to one of the people trying to help. When this happened David Fitzgerald the Humane Society Director then threatened her with charges for interfering with his investigation. 

Another thing that is also very concerning is that the dogs from Dorchester AC are being moved to Wicomico County and this has come from a worker at the shelter "when AC fills up in Dorchester we just drive over and bring them all back here". I know someone that was at the Humane Society and asked about the dogs that are partitioned off in half the shelter. They were told that they couldn't see them as they weren't the Humane Society dogs. 

Now folks who is footing the bill for this Wicomico County residents or is the Humane Society making money on this. Big question if no one is trying to hide anything why is this being done so quietly. Why are the dogs hidden from the public and only a few chosen for adoption. Considering that there are only a few dog ever on the adoption floor what is happening to all of the county dogs. This facility hides so much from the public. That tells me there is something wrong.  They have a $700,000 a year budget and hold fund raisers every week. Where is all the money going. Surely not to the animals. 

While Mr Fitzgerald is busy spending money to change his domain (the office and lobby) nothing is being done for the animals. Things that were nice when the former director was there are falling apart now. Kitty City looks awful. In the mean time Fitzgerald spends the animals money to drive around on all of his personal business and even business as he is still with the fire dept in Berlin and has been seen many times there during the time he is being paid to be at the Humane Society. Must be nice to be related to the board president keep it all in the family and keep the family secrets behind closed doors. 

They need to be audited and the County Counsel needs to see to it that they are. All of us have the right to know how money is being spent there. All of us help support this place with out tax dollars. Please call the Counsel and demand an accounting of every dime spent. The results will be very interesting.

Man in East Coast Rapes Case Indicted In Maryland

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- A Connecticut man already serving life sentences for a series of rapes and sex crimes has been indicted in Maryland.

Prince George's County prosecutors announced Tuesday that Aaron Thomas has been indicted on six counts of first-degree rape and related charges.

Thomas, whom authorities have dubbed the "East Coast Rapist," was sentenced in Virginia this month to multiple life terms. He's been linked to attacks in Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

More 

Few Surprises at Chamber / PACE Forum

At Tuesday evening’s final candidate forum before next Tuesday’s Salisbury city elections, there were few surprises; but there were a few.  The biggest surprise was that the sponsors of the forum – the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and SU’s Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE) – through their chosen moderator, Chamber ED Ernie Colburn, gave up all pretense of being honest brokers in this process.  For starters, it became abundantly clear that SOME of the candidates had been provided the questions in advance of yesterday’s forum.  Candidates were also permitted rebuttals on a SELECTIVE basis.

The first question posed by Colburn was to council candidates about creating a business-friendly environment for the city.  After District 1 incumbent Shanie Shields read her answer from a prepared script, a stammering Colburn interjected that “No candidate had been provided the questions in advance”.  District 2 challenger Jake Day also seemed to have his answers well prepared in advance.  However, he was not as obvious as Shields.

After the first embarrassment, Colburn followed up by attempting to sandbag mayoral candidate Joe Albero.  Colburn stated that Albero had called for the closing of the Salisbury Zoo.  Albero was at ease when he corrected Colburn, “I’ve never said or written such a thing.  My wife worked at the zoo and she would kill me if I ever said such a thing.”  Albero has been a critic of the zoo in the past and has called on the zoo to be more financially self-sufficient.  Our research was unable to find any instance where Albero called for the zoo to be closed.

TAG TEAMING CANDIDATES

One new approach in this debate was a “tag team” approach taken by Day and incumbent mayor Jim Ireton.  Ireton never referred to Albero.  In a weak attempt to tie Albero and Campbell together, he would say “my TWO opponent”, while pointing to both Albero and Campbell.  Day attacked Albero directly by claiming that NO ONE has called for 500 affordable housing units to be built on existing downtown parking lots.  Ireton’s downtown plan does call for 500 housing units.  Speaking on the matter over the past two years he has called for some or all of those units to be “affordable” housing.  Even while trying to call Albero out, Day equivocated; saying “I think” and “I’m pretty sure”.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH TRANSPARENCY?

When asked about the proposed business disclosure ordinance, all of the candidates except for Campbell and Albero expressed disapproval.  Day’s response was the most interesting – if you had followed him on this issue during the campaign.  At the first PACE forum he stated that this (business disclosure) was “unprecedented” and that no municipality in Maryland did this.  As the public became aware that Day’s statement was untrue (the city of Frederick, Wicomico County, the state of Maryland, and others already have similar measures) he now tries to paint this measure as too broad and that the limits should be higher (Maryland only requires disclosure if you do $100,000 or more in business with the state).  While Albero did not endorse the proposed legislation, he did state that “As an investor in this city, I don’t have a big problem in it”.

IRETON DEFENDS LOCKOUT, ALLIES PILE ON CAMPBELL

While Albero commented on the disclosure ordinance, he added that it was Ireton’s proposed “lockout ordinance” which people should be really concerned about.  When asked directly about this proposal, every candidate except Ireton opposed the ordinance.

Ireton went on the offensive claiming that Albero was in favor of the Liquor Licensing Commissioner having the same power, but it was somehow different if the city had the same power.  Albero correctly pointed out that the Liquor Licensing Commissioners already had the authority to suspend or revoke liquor licenses.  Ireton’s proposal allows the city to shutter a business if they receive two police calls in a two year period.

While this proposal came from the administration, Day and Shields accused Campbell of “playing politics” with the ordinance.

WHEN IS $110,000 MORE THAN $87 MILLION

One interesting note was Day’s insistence that the current city attorney is costing the city more than his predecessor.  This is true, although it is difficult to compare legal services from one year to another.

Campbell asked for rebuttal time (which had been given to everyone else during the forum, both before and after Campbell’s request).  Colburn denied her request.  When asked after the forum what she had wanted to say, Campbell pointed out that the former city attorney (who Day implies did a better job) cost the city $87 million by approving contracts on the failed waste water treatment plant while greatly limiting the liability of the contractors involved.  Result – Salisbury rate payers will see their water and sewer rates skyrocket in the future because they are paying for the same plant TWICE.

CITY FOR SALE?

As stated in the lead, there were few surprises.  Jim Ireton, to his credit, defended his record without flip-flopping.  Ireton did continue to point fingers and argue that any problems with the city were the fault of council because “he doesn’t get a vote”.  Mayoral challenger Joe Albero continued to call for a more business-friendly city that can improve its quality of life by helping to foster the creation of new jobs and expanding the city’s tax base.

The District 1 candidates all continued on the same paths they have advocated throughout the campaign.  District 2 challenger Jake Day continued to call for subsidized residential development and a downtown-only focus on economic development.

The big surprise came from the usually mild District 2 incumbent Debbie Campbell.  On the day of forum, a second mailing from a national real estate PAC hit voters mailboxes calling for them to vote for Jake Day.  Holding up both mailings, Campbell asked why a national PAC would be interested in a city council race in a town the size of Salisbury.

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.

Let's Stop The Rumors Right Here And Now

There is a horrible rumor going around that when I'm elected Mayor I'll be closing the Salisbury Zoo.

I can only guess who might be spreading such a LIE. Nevertheless, let me make myself perfectly clear. I have absolutely NO intent to close the Salisbury Zoo. 

As many of you know, my Wife worked at the Salisbury Zoo for 18 years and let me assure you, if I had even mentioned any such intent, she would have killed me. 

Animals are one of the biggest things in our lives in the Albero Household. I personally have the greatest RESPECT for those people working at the Zoo. I understand what it must be like to be outside in 20 degree weather power washing a Bear pool. I respect Keepers who work day in and day out in 90 degree temperatures. 

The Salisbury Zoo is an absolute GEM to Salisbury, Maryland. I may disagree with some choices they have made at the Zoo but I have never stated I would close the Zoo or harm them in any way, shape or form. My former disagreements were with the management and they are now gone. 

So if ANYONE from the Zoo or anywhere else tells you Joe Albero is planning on closing the Zoo, tell them they are full of it and you now have it in writing. 

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 3-23-13

Housekeeper Who Stole a Bag of Frozen Meatballs Facing As Much Jail Time As Steubenville Rapist

Why do we stand by this absurd criminal justice system?

A housekeeper at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is facing two years in jail for allegedly stealing a bag of meatballs. Estelle Casimir, 56, who had been working for West Point’s food service company, Watson Services, for 28 years, was purportedly seen carrying the bag in an area where she doesn’t work. According to an affidavit, when supervisors approached Casimir and questioned her about the bag she was carrying, she told them she was throwing it in the garbage. Casimir was reportedly only responsible for cleaning the latrines in the mess hall, not disposing of food, and according to supervisors, could have thrown the bag in a closer garbage instead of the downstairs dumpster she said she was headed to.

SOMERSET SANITARY COMMISSION HAS ITS CLOCK CLEANED IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

This just in from Somerset County.

A retired Maryland appeals court judge has shot down the front foot benefit charges that the Sanitary Commission imposed for the sewer bypass line that was installed in Princess Anne several years ago. Judge Cathell objected to the entire cost of the line being imposed on just a few landowners but not the others who are benefitted by the line.

It looks like the Sanitary District may have to refund or forget the hundreds of thousands that it has imposed, and it may have to increase the rates it charges for service in order to raise the required funds to pay for the bypass project and its attorney’s fees.

Further details to follow.

Open Forum On Tonights Salisbury University Debate

What were your thoughts on the debate tonight on Pac14? Did you watch it live or attend the event?