Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) not only blamed the victims of the IRS's targeting on Tuesday--he also implied the IRS would have been justified targeting conservative and Tea Party groups if the agency did so based on what the groups stood for instead of on the words in their names.
At a House Ways and Means hearing in which six leaders of organizations the IRS had targeted were testifying, McDermott said the "mistake here was the staff used the names of the organizatiions instead of the work they do."
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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
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
‘STOP IT!’: MEGYN KELLY AND DEM REP. WHO GRILLED CONSERVATIVE LEADERS CLASH OVER IRS HEARING IN CONTENTIOUS SEGMENT
There was no shortage of awkward moments this afternoon when Democratic Rep. Jim McDermott and television host Megyn Kelly clashed during an on-air debate surrounding yesterday’s Internal Revenue Service hearing. Kelly, who already shared her outrage during Tuesday’s show, proceeded to confront the politician about his stance on the matter.
As TheBlaze’s Jason Howerton noted last night, she had previously blasted the Democrat for trying to “put the burden” on the conservative groups that were targeted instead of holding the IRS completely responsible for its inappropriate actions.
During today’s interview, after noting that many have questioned whether McDermott was “blaming the victim” during yesterday’s testimony, Kelly sparked an intense back-and-forth with the congressman.
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U.S. TO SIGN CONTROVERSIAL U.N. ARMS TREATY DESPITE LAWMAKERS’ CONCERNS IT COULD LEAD TO NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES
UNITED NATIONS (TheBlaze/AP) — More than 60 countries signed the landmark treaty regulating the multibillion-dollar global arms trade Monday and the United States announced it will sign soon, giving a strong kickoff to the first major international anti-gun campaign. The global body claims the treaty will help stem the illicit trade in weapons that fuel conflicts and extremists.
The announcement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that the U.S. – the world’s largest arms dealer – will sign is critical to the treaty’s passage, but the measure’s ultimate strength rests on support by all major arms exporters and importers. While the treaty was overwhelmingly approved on April 2 by the U.N. General Assembly, key arms exporters including Russia and China and major importers including India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Egypt abstained and have given no indication yet that they will sign it.
Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have opposed the treaty over concerns it could lead to new gun control measures in the United States.
Signatures are the first step to ratification, and the treaty will only take effect after 50 countries ratify it.
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The announcement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that the U.S. – the world’s largest arms dealer – will sign is critical to the treaty’s passage, but the measure’s ultimate strength rests on support by all major arms exporters and importers. While the treaty was overwhelmingly approved on April 2 by the U.N. General Assembly, key arms exporters including Russia and China and major importers including India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Egypt abstained and have given no indication yet that they will sign it.
Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have opposed the treaty over concerns it could lead to new gun control measures in the United States.
Signatures are the first step to ratification, and the treaty will only take effect after 50 countries ratify it.
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Whale Came Ashore Twice On Assateague, Then Again On Jersey Beach
Officials commended the bystander’s instinct to help the animal but stressed that when people encounter a beached whale the best option is to contact stranding authorities and wait.
The whale was first spotted by a group of friends returning from an outing on the beach. As they drove along Assateague’s national seashore near the 24-mile marker, Becky Battersby of Federalsburg, noticed the animal grounded in the surf. Her husband, Chris, jumped into the water to help the whale while she called the ranger station. Friends A.J. Plutschak and Amanda Smith also left the vehicle to document the encounter. Numerous other beach-goers reported seeing the whale on and off throughout the day on Saturday.
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Launch Tonight Of A Black Brant XII at Wallops Island
The countdown has started for the launch tonight of a Black Brant XII sounding rocket carrying the Cosmic Infrared Background ExpeRiment or CIBER.
The launch is scheduled for 11 p.m. with a window that runs until 11:59 p.m. The rocket may be visible to residents in the mid-Atlantic region.
With CIBER, scientists will study when the first stars and galaxies formed in the universe and how brightly they burned their nuclear fuel.
The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will open at 9:30 p.m. for public viewing of the launch.
The mission will be available live on Ustream beginning at 10 p.m. on launch day at:
http://www.ustream.com/channel/nasa-wallops
NASA TV coverage begins at 10:50 p.m.
The launch is scheduled for 11 p.m. with a window that runs until 11:59 p.m. The rocket may be visible to residents in the mid-Atlantic region.
With CIBER, scientists will study when the first stars and galaxies formed in the universe and how brightly they burned their nuclear fuel.
The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will open at 9:30 p.m. for public viewing of the launch.
The mission will be available live on Ustream beginning at 10 p.m. on launch day at:
http://www.ustream.com/channel/nasa-wallops
NASA TV coverage begins at 10:50 p.m.
Judge Orders Girl Added To Adult Lung Transplant List
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Baylson told Kathleen Sebelius to direct the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, or OPTN, to make an exception to the so-called "Under-12" rule as it applies to Sarah Murnaghan, who has end-stage cystic fibrosis, for at least 10 days, until a hearing on June 14. That move means that the girl can be considered more quickly for organs as an adult, instead of being limited to the pediatric transplant list.
The ruling, which grants a temporary restraining order, applies only to Sarah, although Baylson indicated that he would consider a similar move for another child in Sarah's circumstances, if a family presented the case in court.
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The Obama Crime Family
Exclusive: Wayne Allyn Root says BHO's team makes mafia look positively civilized
The mafia has nothing on Obama.
Have you seen the headlines? Obama’s IRS is ruthless. They want to know what you say in your Facebook posts, what you are thinking, what you are reading – they even want to know the content of your prayers. Amazing – even the mafia doesn’t ask these kind of personal questions.
Obama’s IRS goes after tea partiers, conservatives and groups that believe in the U.S. Constitution. Even the mafia has more respect for the Constitution than Obama’s government gang.
Obama’s IRS goes after Christian charities, Catholic professors and pro-life groups. They went after Billy Graham? Even the mafia has more respect for the church than the Obama Crime Family.
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The mafia has nothing on Obama.
Have you seen the headlines? Obama’s IRS is ruthless. They want to know what you say in your Facebook posts, what you are thinking, what you are reading – they even want to know the content of your prayers. Amazing – even the mafia doesn’t ask these kind of personal questions.
Obama’s IRS goes after tea partiers, conservatives and groups that believe in the U.S. Constitution. Even the mafia has more respect for the Constitution than Obama’s government gang.
Obama’s IRS goes after Christian charities, Catholic professors and pro-life groups. They went after Billy Graham? Even the mafia has more respect for the church than the Obama Crime Family.
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'Local Hiring Bill' Approved by Baltimore City Council
Baltimore City Council passed a controversial 'local hiring bill' that aims at forcing contractors who do business with the city to hire people who live in Baltimore.
"I'm disappointed," said Donald Fry, president of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "It's well intended, but I think at the same time it sends a message that perhaps is not going to be the greatest for the business climate for the City of Balitmore."
The bill requires companies that receive a minimum city contract of $300,000 or $5 million in help to hire 51-percent of its workforce from within the city limits. If they don't, they could be fined $500 and be banned from Baltimore. It was sponsored by City Council President Jack Young. He's said the law was needed to help improve the city's high unemployment rate.
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"I'm disappointed," said Donald Fry, president of the Greater Baltimore Committee. "It's well intended, but I think at the same time it sends a message that perhaps is not going to be the greatest for the business climate for the City of Balitmore."
The bill requires companies that receive a minimum city contract of $300,000 or $5 million in help to hire 51-percent of its workforce from within the city limits. If they don't, they could be fined $500 and be banned from Baltimore. It was sponsored by City Council President Jack Young. He's said the law was needed to help improve the city's high unemployment rate.
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RICK SCOTT VETOES BILL TO GIVE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DRIVER'S LICENSES
“Florida is home to immigrants of many nationalities, who add to the cultural fabric of our great state, and whose productivity and hard work have contributed to our economic turnaround,” Scott said in his official letter to Florida Secretary of State Kenneth Detzner announcing the veto. “Still, our nation struggles with immigration issues every day, as Americans seek to reconcile the fact that at one point our families were immigrants who came, as many do today, to work and live the American dream with the fact that the federal government has failed at enforcing the nation’s laws on this topic.”
Scott went on to detail the inconsistencies of immigration policy coming out of Janet Napolitano’s Department of Homeland Security and President Barack Obama’s administration at large.
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'The Lady In Red' In Turkey
And the "lady in red" — a woman who was sprayed directly in the face with teargas by a policeman on May 28 in Gezi Park of Taksim Square — has become the symbol of the dissidents.
The description of the photo by Reuters nails it (emphasis ours):
In her red cotton summer dress, necklace and white bag slung over her shoulder she might have been floating across the lawn at a garden party; but before her crouches a masked policeman firing teargas spray that sends her long hair billowing upwards.
Endlessly shared on social media and replicated as a cartoon on posters and stickers, the image of the woman in red has become the leitmotif for female protesters during days of violent anti-government demonstrations in Istanbul.
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Standing Guard
If anybody in Chicago is culpable for the armed carnage on that city’s mean streets, it’s Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who never misses an opportunity to blame peaceable, law-abiding gun owners for the daily bloodletting by violent Chicago thugs.
Emanuel steadfastly refuses to demand application of tough federal laws that would surgically rid the streets of criminals who currently terrorize many Chicago neighborhoods. And that represents a kind of aggressive political malfeasance.
For Emanuel—a former U.S. congressman, former chief of staff in President Barack Obama’s White House and former Bill Clinton White House gun-ban guru—to intentionally blow off federal laws punishing illegally armed violent criminals is especially vile.
The reason is simple. If Chicago citizens knew the extent of existing harsh criminal sanctions and that those laws could readily be applied to prosecute real criminals, Emanuel’s endless call for new “gun control” would be seen for what it is: an evil campaign to disarm the innocent. And those federal laws apply equally in every corner of the nation.
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Emanuel steadfastly refuses to demand application of tough federal laws that would surgically rid the streets of criminals who currently terrorize many Chicago neighborhoods. And that represents a kind of aggressive political malfeasance.
For Emanuel—a former U.S. congressman, former chief of staff in President Barack Obama’s White House and former Bill Clinton White House gun-ban guru—to intentionally blow off federal laws punishing illegally armed violent criminals is especially vile.
The reason is simple. If Chicago citizens knew the extent of existing harsh criminal sanctions and that those laws could readily be applied to prosecute real criminals, Emanuel’s endless call for new “gun control” would be seen for what it is: an evil campaign to disarm the innocent. And those federal laws apply equally in every corner of the nation.
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Attorney General Seeks Freeze On Health Insurance Premium Hikes
Gansler is taking the action in response to a 25% rate request by Care First.
The Maryland Insurance Administration is considering the rate request.
He says there are rumors other insurers in Maryland will seek even larger increases in the coming months.
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Conservatives For A Carbon Tax?
President Obama chalked up impressive “wins” in his first term: stimulus bills, financial-services regulation (Dodd-Frank), and, of course, Obamacare. But he didn’t get everything he wanted. His cap-and-trade proposal was handily defeated once it was exposed as an enormous energy tax.
That setback hasn’t ended the president’s war on conventional energy sources, however. Recognizing that cap-and-trade is now a damaged brand, he is moving full speed ahead with EPA regulations to address global warming. Meanwhile, his allies in Congress have turned to pushing a carbon tax. Unfortunately, some members of the center-right coalition that defeated cap-and-trade are expressing interest in the concept.
Senators Barbara Boxer (D., Calif.) and Bernard Sanders (I., Vt.) have introduced the first major carbon-tax bill — not as a substitute for the EPA regulations, but as an addition to the agency’s command-and-control approach.
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That setback hasn’t ended the president’s war on conventional energy sources, however. Recognizing that cap-and-trade is now a damaged brand, he is moving full speed ahead with EPA regulations to address global warming. Meanwhile, his allies in Congress have turned to pushing a carbon tax. Unfortunately, some members of the center-right coalition that defeated cap-and-trade are expressing interest in the concept.
Senators Barbara Boxer (D., Calif.) and Bernard Sanders (I., Vt.) have introduced the first major carbon-tax bill — not as a substitute for the EPA regulations, but as an addition to the agency’s command-and-control approach.
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Winner Of $590 Million Powerball Jackpot Steps Forward
We have a winner.The holder of the lucky ticket in a record $590.5 million Powerball jackpot is Gloria Mackenzie, Florida Lottery officials said at a news conference on Wednesday afternoon.
The winning numbers of 10, 13, 14, 22, and 52 were drawn May 18, with a Powerball number of 11. She bought the ticket at a Publix supermarket in Zephyrhills, Fla.
Mackenzie, 84, opted to take a lump sum payout of more than $370 million before taxes.
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EPA Honors Fake Employee
Richard Windsor may be the most famous Environmental Protection Agency employee. Oddly, he does not exist. “Windsor” is the e-mail alias that Lisa Jackson, former head of the EPA and now an environmental adviser to Apple, used to correspond with environmental activists and senior Obama-administration officials, among others.
Windsor, we have learned, was also an employee of significant achievement. Documents released by the agency in response to a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that, for three years, the EPA certified Windsor as a “scholar of ethical behavior.”
The agency also documented the nonexistent Windsor’s completion of training courses in the management of e-mail records, cyber-security awareness, and what appears to be a counter-terror initiative that urges federal employees to report suspicious activity.
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Windsor, we have learned, was also an employee of significant achievement. Documents released by the agency in response to a Freedom of Information Act request reveal that, for three years, the EPA certified Windsor as a “scholar of ethical behavior.”
The agency also documented the nonexistent Windsor’s completion of training courses in the management of e-mail records, cyber-security awareness, and what appears to be a counter-terror initiative that urges federal employees to report suspicious activity.
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Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the couple swimming between their anchored sportfisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine; what is he doing?” she asked, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but his captain kept swimming hard. ”Move!” he barked as he sprinted between the stunned owners. Directly behind them, not 10 feet away, their 9-year-old daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!”
How did this captain know—from 50 feet away—what the father couldn’t recognize from just 10? Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect. The captain was trained to recognize drowning by experts and years of experience. The father, on the other hand, had learned what drowning looks like by watching television. If you spend time on or near the water (hint: that’s all of us) then you should make sure that you and your crew know what to look for whenever people enter the water. Until she cried a tearful, “Daddy,” she hadn’t made a sound. As a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, I wasn’t surprised at all by this story. Drowning is almost always a deceptively quiet event. The waving, splashing, and yelling that dramatic conditioning (television) prepares us to look for is rarely seen in real life.
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Obama To Spend $700 Million In US Tax Dollars For Russian Helicopters For Afghan Air Force
Remember when Barack Obama was caught on a hot mic telling Russian President Dmitri Medvedyev to let incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin know that after his re-election he would have more “flexibility”? If you don’t remember, check it out here. If you do, well now we are seeing a bit of that flexibility in motion. The Obama Department of Defense is going to spend nearly $700 million to buy Russian Mi-17 helicopters for the Afghan Air Force.
That’s right, $700 million of U.S. taxpayer money is going to fund our enemy’s air force. However, not only could this be considered treasonous, but even by the federal government’s 2013 National Defense Authorization Act they are in violation of their own legislation.
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That’s right, $700 million of U.S. taxpayer money is going to fund our enemy’s air force. However, not only could this be considered treasonous, but even by the federal government’s 2013 National Defense Authorization Act they are in violation of their own legislation.
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Md. Man Charged In Del. Home Invasion
MIDDLETOWN, Del. (AP) -- Delaware State Police have arrested a man in a home invasion after the victim's relative followed a suspect after the crime.
It happened Monday in Middletown. Troopers say a woman arrived home and was confronted by a man armed with a knife in her bedroom.
Police say the man took money and jewelry from her and left. A relative arrived and the woman told him about the crime. The man realized he had passed the suspect and got in his car to find him.
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It happened Monday in Middletown. Troopers say a woman arrived home and was confronted by a man armed with a knife in her bedroom.
Police say the man took money and jewelry from her and left. A relative arrived and the woman told him about the crime. The man realized he had passed the suspect and got in his car to find him.
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18 Signs That Massive Economic Problems Are Erupting Everywhere
This is no time to be complacent. Massive economic problems are erupting all over the globe, but most people seem to believe that everything is going to be just fine. In fact, a whole bunch of recent polls and surveys show that the American people are starting to feel much better about how the U.S. economy is performing. Unfortunately, the false prosperity that we are currently enjoying is not going to last much longer. Just look at what is happening in Europe. The eurozone is now in the midst of the longest recession that it has ever experienced. Just look at what is happening over in Asia. Economic growth in India is the lowest that it has been in a decade and the Japanese financial system is beginning to spin wildly out of control.
One of the only places on the entire planet where serious economic problems have not already erupted is in the United States, and that is only because we have "kicked the can down the road" by recklessly printing money and by borrowing money at an unprecedented rate. Unfortunately, the "sugar high" produced by those foolish measures is starting to wear off. We are going to experience a massive amount of economic pain along with the rest of the world - it is just a matter of time.
But for the moment, there are a lot of skeptics out there.
For the moment, there are a lot of people that are declaring that the problems of the past have been fixed and that we are heading for incredibly bright economic times ahead.
Unfortunately, those people appear to be purposely ignoring the economic horror that is breaking out all over the globe.
The following are 18 signs that massive economic problems are erupting all over the planet...
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One of the only places on the entire planet where serious economic problems have not already erupted is in the United States, and that is only because we have "kicked the can down the road" by recklessly printing money and by borrowing money at an unprecedented rate. Unfortunately, the "sugar high" produced by those foolish measures is starting to wear off. We are going to experience a massive amount of economic pain along with the rest of the world - it is just a matter of time.
But for the moment, there are a lot of skeptics out there.
For the moment, there are a lot of people that are declaring that the problems of the past have been fixed and that we are heading for incredibly bright economic times ahead.
Unfortunately, those people appear to be purposely ignoring the economic horror that is breaking out all over the globe.
The following are 18 signs that massive economic problems are erupting all over the planet...
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Breaking News Building Collapses in Philadelphia
22nd and Market in Philadelphia; total of 12 people recovered at this time.
Top Obama Administration Officials Use Secret Government E-mails
It seems that “Richard Windsor” is not an anamoly. That was the alias former EPA head Lisa Jackson used in an e-mail account to conduct official government business. (Richard Windsor also turned out to be the EPA’s highest-achieving non-existent employee, as Eliana Johnson reported yesterday.)
In response to the revelations about Jackson’s secret e-mail account, the Associated Press decided to dig into the practice in other government agencies. But administration officials have been less than forthcoming, the AP reveals:
The scope of using the secret accounts across government remains a mystery: Most U.S. agencies have failed to turn over lists of political appointees’ email addresses, which the AP sought under the Freedom of Information Act more than three months ago. The Labor Department initially asked the AP to pay more than $1 million for its email addresses. . . .
Ten agencies have not yet turned over lists of email addresses, including the Environmental Protection Agency; the Pentagon; and the departments of Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Treasury, Justice, Housing and Urban Development, Homeland Security, Commerce and Agriculture. All have said they are working on a response to the AP.
In response to the revelations about Jackson’s secret e-mail account, the Associated Press decided to dig into the practice in other government agencies. But administration officials have been less than forthcoming, the AP reveals:
The scope of using the secret accounts across government remains a mystery: Most U.S. agencies have failed to turn over lists of political appointees’ email addresses, which the AP sought under the Freedom of Information Act more than three months ago. The Labor Department initially asked the AP to pay more than $1 million for its email addresses. . . .
Ten agencies have not yet turned over lists of email addresses, including the Environmental Protection Agency; the Pentagon; and the departments of Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Treasury, Justice, Housing and Urban Development, Homeland Security, Commerce and Agriculture. All have said they are working on a response to the AP.
OCPD Press Releases
2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run – Worcester County, MD
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Bike Safety Tips with OCPD CPL Wawrzeniak
CPL Wawrzeniak explains the rules of the road for cyclists in Ocean City. Follow his tips and you’ll be sure to keep safe while cruising up and down Coastal Highway this summer.
EPA Accused Of Singling Out Conservative Groups, Amid IRS Scandal
It's not just the IRS.
A second federal agency is facing a probe and accusations of political bias over its alleged targeting of conservative groups.
The allegations concern the Environmental Protection Agency, which is being accused of trying to charge conservative groups fees while largely exempting liberal groups. The fees applied to Freedom of Information Act requests -- allegedly, the EPA waived them for liberal groups far more often than it did for conservative ones.
The allegations are under investigation by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is also holding hearings on the Internal Revenue Service targeting of conservative groups.
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A second federal agency is facing a probe and accusations of political bias over its alleged targeting of conservative groups.
The allegations concern the Environmental Protection Agency, which is being accused of trying to charge conservative groups fees while largely exempting liberal groups. The fees applied to Freedom of Information Act requests -- allegedly, the EPA waived them for liberal groups far more often than it did for conservative ones.
The allegations are under investigation by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which is also holding hearings on the Internal Revenue Service targeting of conservative groups.
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Rehoboth Man Charged In Sexual Abuse Case
Date of Occurrence: Saturday May 18, 2013
Victim:
9 year old male
Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:
James E. O'Connor, 49, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Photo Attached)
Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 2nd (2 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $20,000.00 cash bond.
Resume:
Rehoboth Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Rehoboth man after an investigation revealed he was allegedly sexually molesting a young male in his care.
The investigation began on Tuesday May 21, 2013 after troopers were contacted by the mother of a 9 year old male who reported her son had been touched inappropriately while spending the night at James O'Connor's house located in the 19000 block of Center Avenue in Rehoboth. James, who is a family friend, agreed to watch the young boy while his mother worked Saturday night, May 18th. The unlawful sexual contact occurred while the two were in the bedroom watching a movie and the incident was reported to the victim's mother by the 9 year old the next day.
An investigation into the allegations was conducted by the Major Crimes Unit and James E. O'Connor turned himself into detectives at Troop 4 on Tuesday June 4, 2013 where he was arrested for two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 2nd. O'Connor was committed to SCI in default of $20,000.00 cash bond.
Twins Born On Side Of Interstate With Trooper Help
She had woken up that Sunday morning to unexpected contractions in a hotel room in the tiny Nevada gambling town of Wendover, where she went with friends for one final getaway before she settled into a life of diapers, bottles and crying kids. She was only 30 weeks pregnant -- about seven weeks before full gestation for twins -- and thought her labor was weeks away.
Her husband had stayed home, but their longtime friend, Jim Gerber, was there to help. After he asked around and found out there was no nearby hospital, the two decided to make a run for it back to Salt Lake City, nearly two hours away.
They didn't even get close.
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Virginia Man Sentenced For Illegal Striped Bass Catch
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- A charter boat captain will spend 30 days in jail for trafficking in illegally harvested striped bass.
William W. Lowery IV also must pay $1,300 in restitution to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration and a $5,000 fine.
William W. Lowery IV also must pay $1,300 in restitution to the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration and a $5,000 fine.
Our Civil Liberties, RIP
Amidst all the justified outrage over the apparent targeting of Tea Party and conservative groups by the IRS, not to mention the Associated Press phone tappingbrouhaha, an important point is being lost: this is nothing new. The Tea Partiers may be shocked – shocked! – that the Big Government they have spent the last few years complaining about really is a threat to our liberties, but the government targeting certain political groups wholly on account of their views is hardly breaking news. Just ask the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), which had set up an “Antiwar Committee” whose members have been spied on, indicted, and arrested for engaging in legal, constitutionally protected activities.
The FBI had sent a pair of infiltrators into the Antiwar Committee, and, on September 24, 2010, a veritable army of FBI agents launched simultaneous raids on antiwar activists in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Grand Rapids (Michigan). They seized computers, cell phones, passports, documents, family photos and even children’s artwork. Agents issued 14 subpoenas ordering the recipients to testify before a Chicago federal grand jury, and showed warrants indicating that the feds were searching for evidence related to “material support for terrorism.” A total of 23 people have since been handed subpoenas commanding them to appear before the grand jury in Chicago: all have refused. The FBI “investigation” – i.e. fishing expedition – is continuing.
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The FBI had sent a pair of infiltrators into the Antiwar Committee, and, on September 24, 2010, a veritable army of FBI agents launched simultaneous raids on antiwar activists in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Grand Rapids (Michigan). They seized computers, cell phones, passports, documents, family photos and even children’s artwork. Agents issued 14 subpoenas ordering the recipients to testify before a Chicago federal grand jury, and showed warrants indicating that the feds were searching for evidence related to “material support for terrorism.” A total of 23 people have since been handed subpoenas commanding them to appear before the grand jury in Chicago: all have refused. The FBI “investigation” – i.e. fishing expedition – is continuing.
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LET’S TALK TURKEY
Turkey’s Prime Minister: “There is a Now a Menace Which is Called Twitter”
You know a government is losing it when its leaders express public frustration with a social media website called Twitter. I highlighted how the Saudi government recently had a panic attack about it, saying users would go to hell. Now, in the midst of a widespread uprising that began when Turks protesting the razing of a park in Istanbul near Taksim Square to build a mall and mosque were attacked by police, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is showing his true colors. It is quite obvious that the government’s reason for wanting to tear down the park is to eliminate the most obvious staging ground for future protests in the center of Istanbul. Oh the irony. From Business Week:
ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s prime minister on Sunday rejected claims that he is a “dictator,” dismissing protesters as an extremist fringe, even as thousands returned to the landmark Istanbul square that has become the site of the fiercest anti-government outburst in years.
Over the past three days, protesters around the country have unleashed pent-up resentment against Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who after 10 years in office many Turks see as an uncompromising figure with undue influence in every part of life.
A huge, exuberant protest in Taksim Square subsided overnight, but an estimated 10,000 people again streamed into the area on Sunday, many waving flags, chanting “victory, victory, victory” and calling on Erdogan’s government to resign.
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ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey’s prime minister on Sunday rejected claims that he is a “dictator,” dismissing protesters as an extremist fringe, even as thousands returned to the landmark Istanbul square that has become the site of the fiercest anti-government outburst in years.
Over the past three days, protesters around the country have unleashed pent-up resentment against Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who after 10 years in office many Turks see as an uncompromising figure with undue influence in every part of life.
A huge, exuberant protest in Taksim Square subsided overnight, but an estimated 10,000 people again streamed into the area on Sunday, many waving flags, chanting “victory, victory, victory” and calling on Erdogan’s government to resign.
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UMES Picks Ernest Leatherbury Jr. As New Public Safety Director
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — The University of Maryland Eastern shore has picked a law enforcer with nearly three decades of experience in state and local policing to be its new director of public safety.
Ernest Leatherbury Jr. starts July 1 in his new post at UMES. The Somerset County native who retired a year ago from Maryland State Police replaces Warner Sumpter, who served as chief for five years.
Leatherbury served 28 years with the state police leading barracks in Westminster, Princess Anne and Salisbury. He served a year as police chief in Crisfield, where his father once served as the top law enforcement officer.
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Ernest Leatherbury Jr. starts July 1 in his new post at UMES. The Somerset County native who retired a year ago from Maryland State Police replaces Warner Sumpter, who served as chief for five years.
Leatherbury served 28 years with the state police leading barracks in Westminster, Princess Anne and Salisbury. He served a year as police chief in Crisfield, where his father once served as the top law enforcement officer.
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Detroit Bankruptcy Imminent
Following the State's takeover of Detroit's finances in March [5], it seems the end is growing 'nigh'er for the troubled city. According to the WSJ, Kevyn Orr, Detroit's emergency manager, plans to call unions and creditors to a meeting in mid-June to lay the groundwork for a bankruptcy within a matter of months. The meeting is designed to restructure the long-struggling city's liabilities of over $17bn and is an attempt to "have a mature and sober discussion" of repayment terms following its delayed payment in April of $226 million on pensions and other obligations. Several unions said they are willing to come to the table, but believe "it's a scare tactic."Up to now, Gov. Snyder and Detroit elected officials have said they want to avoid using bankruptcy (Detroit would be the biggest muni filing ever) to clean up the city's mess. But in recent days, their positions have softened, adding that, "I don't want to go to bankruptcy, but I do know that it is a strong possibility." Mr. Orr's office confirmed it was evaluating the potential sale of prized assets such as the artwork at the Detroit Institute of Art, a collection potentially worth billions.
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Informed v. Re-Educated
Today, there is almost zero truth in mainstream media. Just as global financial firms like Goldman Sachs have repeatedly been exposed for issuing conflicting advice to different tier clients depending upon how much money the client has with the firm, mainstream media has constantly been exposed for issuing different stories as well, depending upon the propaganda they wish to disseminate. For example, Time Magazine often runs different cover stories for the United States and the rest of the world as is illustrated by the covers of issues released in October and December 2011 below.
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Troopers Arrest Seven In Drug Bust Near Georgetown
Location: 26000 block of South DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday June 4, 2013 at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Lawrence A. Stockman, 28, Milford, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday June 4, 2013 at approximately 6:00 a.m.
Defendant, Charges, and Bail Information:
Lawrence A. Stockman, 28, Milford, DE
Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,200.00 secured bond.
April R. Maddox, 31, Georgetown, DE
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,200.00 secured bond.
April R. Maddox, 31, Georgetown, DE
Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $3,200.00 secured bond.
Donald P. Phillips, 34, Millsboro, DE
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $3,200.00 secured bond.
Donald P. Phillips, 34, Millsboro, DE
Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,300.00 secured bond.
Brandon G. Wingo, 29, Greenwood, DE
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,300.00 secured bond.
Brandon G. Wingo, 29, Greenwood, DE
Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,400.00 secured bond.
Mandie L. Lear, 32, Lincoln, DE
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,400.00 secured bond.
Mandie L. Lear, 32, Lincoln, DE
Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,400.00 secured bond.
Samantha K. Telthoester, 29, Bridgeville, DE
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (2 counts)
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $12,400.00 secured bond.
Samantha K. Telthoester, 29, Bridgeville, DE
Manufacturing Methamphetamine
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $13,200.00 secured bond.
Louis A. DiSanto, 44, Georgetown, DE
Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (2 counts)
Maintaining a Drug Property
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,200.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Georgetown, DE- The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has arrested seven people after the culmination of a several month long investigation into the manufacturing of Methamphetamine (Meth) at a Georgetown house.
On Tuesday June 4, 2013 at approximately 6:00 a.m., the Sussex County Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, DSP Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T), DNREC, Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company, and Sussex County Paramedics responded to the 26000 block of South DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown in order to execute a search warrant on the residence. Upon arrival at the house, six of the above listed subjects with the exception of Louis A. DiSanto were taken into custody without incident. Upon conducting a search of the property, detectives located component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth along with key ingredients in making the drug as well as other drug paraphernalia. Also located was approximately 1.2 grams of marijuana and a 20 gauge shotgun with ammunition.
All six were later transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown where they were charged with the above listed offenses and committed to SCI on secured bonds.
Louis DiSanto, the homeowner, would later turn himself into detectives at Troop 4 and was charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Maintaining a Drug Property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was committed to SCI on $23,200.00 secured bond.
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $13,200.00 secured bond.
Louis A. DiSanto, 44, Georgetown, DE
Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by Person Prohibited (2 counts)
Maintaining a Drug Property
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $23,200.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Georgetown, DE- The Delaware State Police Sussex County Drug Unit has arrested seven people after the culmination of a several month long investigation into the manufacturing of Methamphetamine (Meth) at a Georgetown house.
On Tuesday June 4, 2013 at approximately 6:00 a.m., the Sussex County Drug Unit, with the assistance of the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force, DSP Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T), DNREC, Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company, and Sussex County Paramedics responded to the 26000 block of South DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown in order to execute a search warrant on the residence. Upon arrival at the house, six of the above listed subjects with the exception of Louis A. DiSanto were taken into custody without incident. Upon conducting a search of the property, detectives located component mixtures of the manufacturing stages of Meth along with key ingredients in making the drug as well as other drug paraphernalia. Also located was approximately 1.2 grams of marijuana and a 20 gauge shotgun with ammunition.
All six were later transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown where they were charged with the above listed offenses and committed to SCI on secured bonds.
Louis DiSanto, the homeowner, would later turn himself into detectives at Troop 4 and was charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Maintaining a Drug Property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was committed to SCI on $23,200.00 secured bond.
Michigan Motorcycle Injury Claims Rise With Helmet Law Repeal
One year after relaxing its motorcycle helmet law, Michigan has seen a 22 percent rise in medical insurance claim costs associated with cycle crashes. The data is clear: When helmets are off, injuries and death increase.
The average medical claim rose to $7,257 in the wake of the change, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The revised rule eliminated the helmet requirement for riders over 21, as long as they had completed a rider safety course and carried sufficient insurance coverage ($20,000 in medical coverage). Helmet use immediately declined as a result.
Up until the law was changed, a University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study found that 98 percent of riders involved in crashes were wearing helmets. That number dropped to 74 percent after the law was changed.
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The average medical claim rose to $7,257 in the wake of the change, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The revised rule eliminated the helmet requirement for riders over 21, as long as they had completed a rider safety course and carried sufficient insurance coverage ($20,000 in medical coverage). Helmet use immediately declined as a result.
Up until the law was changed, a University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study found that 98 percent of riders involved in crashes were wearing helmets. That number dropped to 74 percent after the law was changed.
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