The avowed purpose of the immigration bill passed by the Senate and pending in the House is to provide a "path to citizenship" for the illegal immigrants in exchange for tough new enforcement measures that would prevent other such incursions in the future.
But buried deep within the immigration bill are hidden multimillion-dollar slush funds for left-wing nonprofit groups to provide services to the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants now in the U.S. Once enacted, the slush funds would total almost $300 million over three years and grow over time.
Reviewing the massive legislation, it's obvious that lawyering would be needed. The 1,100-page proposal is a network of legal requirements and protections, waivers and exceptions, including a new "provisional immigrant" or "blue card" status (the first phase of legalization for illegals), appeals of adverse rulings, stays of deportation, applications for work visas, and countless other such guarantees.
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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
Friday, July 19, 2013
Banks Caught Manipulating Electricity Trading Now Face Billions In Fines
That’s “FERC,” as in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. And they FERC-ing rock!
The ostensibly obscure regulator of electricity transmission lines, natural-gas pipelines, and electricity and power trading just shocked some dirty banks into coming clean about their manipulation of the nation’s electricity markets.
Electricity markets? Who knew?
You may remember that back in the 1990s, the U.S. began deregulating electricity markets. States like California, New York, and Texas reorganized their “markets” to facilitate wholesale buying and selling, in other words, trading of electricity.
Hey, it’s a free market, right?
Well, apparently not.
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The ostensibly obscure regulator of electricity transmission lines, natural-gas pipelines, and electricity and power trading just shocked some dirty banks into coming clean about their manipulation of the nation’s electricity markets.
Electricity markets? Who knew?
You may remember that back in the 1990s, the U.S. began deregulating electricity markets. States like California, New York, and Texas reorganized their “markets” to facilitate wholesale buying and selling, in other words, trading of electricity.
Hey, it’s a free market, right?
Well, apparently not.
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Student Booted From U.S. College For Favoring English!
The action was filed against Pima Community College on behalf of student Terri Bennett, who alleged that school officials created a “learning environment [that] was hostile to her as an English-language speaker.”
The complaint alleges that Bennett repeatedly was thwarted in her work listening to lectures, finishing group studies and participating in skills labs, clinicals and other learning activities by fellow students who spoke Spanish, which she did not understand. Study groups and labs in which she participated, an essential part of her nursing training, were being conducted in Spanish.
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Is America's Social Contract Broken?
As Voltaire observed, "No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible." This is precisely how empires collapse.
Correspondent Kenneth D. recently made the case that the Social Contract in America is broken. Kenneth offered two links for context: Social Contract (Wikipedia) and OECD calls time on trickle down theory.
Here is Kenneth's commentary:
Society has been structured for a few centuries now such that we are expected to voluntarily give up some of our wealth to governing bodies, and in return they will “ honestly and prudently” govern for the betterment and cohesiveness of society, so that we can collectively live in peace with each other. That is the theory of the Social Contract.
As I talk with friends and clients, there is rising anger at how the resources we all “voluntarily” turn over to governments are being squandered, wasted, fraudulently re-allocated, and that a ruling, governing, elitist class is rapidly emerging (Hunger Games) that subsists extravagantly on these taxes, not to mention the entitlement class that also has come to depend on the largesse of the working class.
The anger rises daily, and I am now constantly hearing from people about how they plan on “beating the system” i.e. dodging taxes, legally or illegally. People are rebelling in rising numbers, and it manifests itself in so many ways--working less or not at all, going to a cash economy, making up deductions that don’t exist, giving less to charity, cashing in on the entitlement culture, etc. etc.
The trust in government to do the right thing is rapidly being eroded, so the Social Contract unravels more and more. How much longer can a society survive, living side by side, collectively, under such circumstances? I have started to study the concept of the Social Contract, to better understand the theory behind it, and why more and more people feel it is broken.
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Correspondent Kenneth D. recently made the case that the Social Contract in America is broken. Kenneth offered two links for context: Social Contract (Wikipedia) and OECD calls time on trickle down theory.
Here is Kenneth's commentary:
Society has been structured for a few centuries now such that we are expected to voluntarily give up some of our wealth to governing bodies, and in return they will “ honestly and prudently” govern for the betterment and cohesiveness of society, so that we can collectively live in peace with each other. That is the theory of the Social Contract.
As I talk with friends and clients, there is rising anger at how the resources we all “voluntarily” turn over to governments are being squandered, wasted, fraudulently re-allocated, and that a ruling, governing, elitist class is rapidly emerging (Hunger Games) that subsists extravagantly on these taxes, not to mention the entitlement class that also has come to depend on the largesse of the working class.
The anger rises daily, and I am now constantly hearing from people about how they plan on “beating the system” i.e. dodging taxes, legally or illegally. People are rebelling in rising numbers, and it manifests itself in so many ways--working less or not at all, going to a cash economy, making up deductions that don’t exist, giving less to charity, cashing in on the entitlement culture, etc. etc.
The trust in government to do the right thing is rapidly being eroded, so the Social Contract unravels more and more. How much longer can a society survive, living side by side, collectively, under such circumstances? I have started to study the concept of the Social Contract, to better understand the theory behind it, and why more and more people feel it is broken.
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'Gay' Laws Set Stage For Pedophilia 'Rights'
Linda Harvey of Mission America said the push for equal rights for pedophiles will become more common as LGBT groups continue to assert themselves.
“It’s all part of a plan to introduce sex to children at younger and younger ages to convince them that normal friendship is actually a sexual attraction,” she said.
In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality from its list of mental disorders after intense lobbying by homosexual-rights groups.
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Italian Auction
You don't have to understand Italian to follow the auctioneer:
A Chinese Ming Vase is up for auction. The bidding opens at a half-million Euros.
Bidding is brisk and each bidder is clearly identified as each raises the bid by 100,000 Euros. (The exchange rate at auction time was 1 Euro = $1.43.) Within seconds, the bid stalls at one million Euros, and the gasp from the crowd identifies the excitement that prevails in the room. The successful bidder is the last one who bid one million , and the auctioneer counts down the bid, "Going once, going twice, and sold to the gentleman sitting in front of me for one million Euros."
Now, you are going to have to see the video for yourself.The auctioneer is exuberant. The pace is fast. This is how an auction should be run. Please note the excitement on the auctioneer's face after the final bid.
Delaney Joins ‘No Labels’ Coalition Seeking To ‘Make Congress Work’
Rep. John Delaney (D-Maryland) joined about 70 other congressmen in 96 degree heat at the Capitol Thursday to showcase their membership in a bi-partisan group that is working to “make Congress work” and to “make government work,” unveiling nine bills to help do that.“This great nation was built based on transformative ideas and bold and extraordinary actions,” Delaney said on stage. “And every one of those ideas and every one of those actions was done at the intersection of principle and compromise,” he continued. “That is our way forward.”
The freshman congressman says that he joined No Labels because he’s looking for “every opportunity to work in a bipartisan manner.” And because that’s what he and at least 70 other congressmen believe need to be done.
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THE NEW WELFARE MAP
Last month, the Senate Budget Committee reports that in fiscal year 2012, between food stamps, housing support, child care, Medicaid and other benefits, the average U.S. Household below the poverty line received $168.00 a day in government support. What's the problem with that much support? Well, the median household income in America is just over $50,000,which averages out to $137.13 a day.
Billions Spent iI Obama Climate Plan May Be Virtually Useless, Study Suggests
The study, which looks at the subsidies and other incentives embedded in U.S. federal tax law after the past several years of climate change initiatives, concludes that they have done little or nothing so far to cut U.S. contributions to global carbon emissions, and are unlikely to do much more before 2035, the project's research horizon.
The two-year, $2 million probe was the first of its kind undertaken to examine the relationship between U.S. tax provisions, a key tool of U.S. climate change policy, and the actual reduction of greenhouse gases.
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This Saturday "Buy Local" At The Riverside Arts And Crafts Market!
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HANNITY BATTLES NAACP LEADER: ‘CAN YOU NAME ONE PERSON BY NAME THAT DIED IN CHICAGO’ DURING ZIMMERMAN TRIAL?
Shelton could not answer the question, though he dismissed it as a “talking point.”
Hannity argued Zimmerman was within his legal right to use deadly force because evidence showed that 17-year-old Trayvon Martin had gotten on top of him in a “ground and pound” position and beaten him. Shelton maintained that Zimmerman “stalked” Martin and had no right to intervene as a community watchman.
“You’re like Chris Matthews!” Hannity interjected, accusing his guest of ignoring the evidence of the beating Zimmerman received.
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When Will Salisbury Taxpayers Finally Stand Their Ground And Say Enough Is Enough
I stated that I felt Ron Alessi and the Zoo Commission were lying to the public about the costs and they were doing so just to jump start the project. I went on to say they'd come back at a later point and ask for more money, that's how Liberals work the system.
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Priest's Retirement Dinner
A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation and give a little speech at the dinner.
However, he was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited:
'I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his sister. I was appalled.
But as the days went on I learned that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.'
Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and gave his talk:
'I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived,' said the politician. 'In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him for confession.'
Moral: Never, Never, Never Be Late
However, he was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited:
'I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his sister. I was appalled.
But as the days went on I learned that my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people.'
Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and gave his talk:
'I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived,' said the politician. 'In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him for confession.'
Moral: Never, Never, Never Be Late
Hit-And-Run Suspect Faces 30 Criminal, Traffic Charges; Illinois Man Was On Parole For Burglary
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OCEAN CITY -- A two-state, high-speed chase ended in Ocean City Wednesday with police having to use a Taser multiple times to subdue the combative suspect, who now faces approximately 30 traffic and criminal charges.At approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Sussex County, Del. Communications Center alerted the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) that Del. authorities were on the lookout for a motorist that had reportedly been involved in a hit-and-run incident with an unoccupied car in a parking lot of Lighthouse Plaza in Rehoboth Beach.
The vehicle, driven by Brion Adam Kriss, 24, of Frankfort, Ill., had eluded police sight until he was actually in Ocean City proper and that was when authorities were able to “catch up” to the vehicle, according to police reports.
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Mother Charged Again In Death Of Her Daughter
SALISBURY -- A Pennsylvania woman, charged with and later cleared of negligent manslaughter by motor vehicle for the death of her 11-year-old daughter, was indicted this week on multiple charges by a Wicomico County grand jury.
Last Aug. 5, Maryland State Police responded to a single-vehicle accident on the Route 13 bypass near Salisbury. The investigation revealed a 2004 Jeep Wrangler had veered across the lanes of the highway and across the shoulder before rolling several times. The vehicle was driven by Tabitha Dobrzynski, 38, of New Kensington, Pa., and also included the driver’s three young children.
One of the children, an 11-year-old daughter, was ejected from the middle area of the Jeep’s back seat and ultimately died of injuries sustained in the crash. It was later learned the 11-year-old victim was not restrained by a safety belt. The other three children, as well as Dobrzynski, were not seriously injured in the crash.
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Last Aug. 5, Maryland State Police responded to a single-vehicle accident on the Route 13 bypass near Salisbury. The investigation revealed a 2004 Jeep Wrangler had veered across the lanes of the highway and across the shoulder before rolling several times. The vehicle was driven by Tabitha Dobrzynski, 38, of New Kensington, Pa., and also included the driver’s three young children.
One of the children, an 11-year-old daughter, was ejected from the middle area of the Jeep’s back seat and ultimately died of injuries sustained in the crash. It was later learned the 11-year-old victim was not restrained by a safety belt. The other three children, as well as Dobrzynski, were not seriously injured in the crash.
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NSA Is More Than Just A Spy Network
Despite the size and scope of Edward Snowden’s NSA whistleblowing, there’s little sign of Washington DC changing its practices, and even less of an indication that any of its European allies will actually hold it to account.
Germany Flip-Flops
Germany’s change of direction on this issue reveals a lot about the scale of the problem. Angela Merkel’s initial public response seemed to be that of outrage. “We are no longer in the cold war,” said Angela Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert. “If it is confirmed that diplomatic representations of the European Union and individual European countries have been spied upon, we will clearly say that bugging friends is unacceptable”(Guardian July 1, 2013).
Merkel’s public façade didn’t hold up for long after Snowden revealed in Der Spiegel magazine only days later that the US and Germany were in fact partnering in the global spy network. “They are in bed with the Germans, just like with most other Western states”, the German magazine quotes Snowden as saying, adding that the NSA has a Foreign Affairs Directorate which is responsible for cooperation with other countries (RT July 8, 2013). The Der Spiegel report also indicated how German Federal Intelligence Service, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) and NSA work together.
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Germany Flip-Flops
Germany’s change of direction on this issue reveals a lot about the scale of the problem. Angela Merkel’s initial public response seemed to be that of outrage. “We are no longer in the cold war,” said Angela Merkel’s spokesman, Steffen Seibert. “If it is confirmed that diplomatic representations of the European Union and individual European countries have been spied upon, we will clearly say that bugging friends is unacceptable”(Guardian July 1, 2013).
Merkel’s public façade didn’t hold up for long after Snowden revealed in Der Spiegel magazine only days later that the US and Germany were in fact partnering in the global spy network. “They are in bed with the Germans, just like with most other Western states”, the German magazine quotes Snowden as saying, adding that the NSA has a Foreign Affairs Directorate which is responsible for cooperation with other countries (RT July 8, 2013). The Der Spiegel report also indicated how German Federal Intelligence Service, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) and NSA work together.
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State Investigates Odd Color, Fish Kill At Inner Harbor
About 200 fish were found dead iwhere the Jones Falls empties into the Inner Harbor near President Street.
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Gitmo Detainees Seek Court Order Allowing Communal Prayer
A group of hunger-striking detainees at Guantánamo Bay is contesting the U.S. government’s refusal to let them pray communally during Ramadan.
A number of prisoners began a hunger strike in February in protest of their indefinite detention at the Cuba facility. Since then, some have been force-fed and kept in solitary confinement over their refusal to eat, lawyers for the prisoners argue.
Ten days into the Islamic holy month of prayer and fasting, they are demanding a federal court injunction lifting the restrictions and allowing the men to pray together.
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Wicomico County Cooling Center Open Saturday
(Salisbury, MD) A cooling center will be opened at the Wicomico County Civic Center on Saturday, July 20, 2013 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Wicomico County Civic Center is located at 500 Glen Avenue Salisbury, Maryland 21804. No pets will be permitted. Residents will need to bring their own food, beverages, and medications.
The MAC Senior Center will not be opened as a cooling center on Saturday.
Anyone needing free transportation to the Civic Center should call Shore Transit at 443-260-2300.
The MAC Senior Center will not be opened as a cooling center on Saturday.
Anyone needing free transportation to the Civic Center should call Shore Transit at 443-260-2300.
Lost Dog 7-10-13: UPDATE
She is a 5 year old Husky (Black and White)
We live in the Willow Creek neighborhood
443 783 2255 or 443 235 4226
Obama Addresses Zimmerman Verdict
In surprise appearance in White House briefing room, President Obama talks about challenges young black men face in light of Trayvon Martin case, questions so-called 'Stand-Your-Ground' laws
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CBS in Contract Showdown With Time Warner Cable
That would mean that viewers in those cities involved in such ongoing summer shows as “Under the Dome” and “Big Brother” would not be able to see them if they were subscribers to Time Warner Cable. In addition, the CBS-owned cable network Showtime would probably also go off the air on the systems in those cities, leaving fans of shows like “Ray Donovan” without a way to see the initial showing of new episodes.
CBS executives charged that Time Warner Cable has refused its request to extend the current contract between the parties, precipitating the confrontation. The contract ended in June, and the two sides did agree to an extension that will end next Wednesday. None of the financial terms of the dispute have been disclosed.
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Rick Perry Signs New Abortion Restrictions
Supporters credited God's will and prayer as the governor signed the legislation, with protesters' chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" echoing from the hallway. Opponents have vowed to fight the law, though no court challenges were immediately filed.
"Today, we celebrate the further cementing of the foundation on which the culture of life in Texas is built upon," Perry told an auditorium full of beaming GOP lawmakers and anti-abortion activists. "It is our responsibility and duty to give voice to the unborn individuals."
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Michael Phelps Takes Home 2 ESPY Awards
Jessica Kartalija has a look at the honors for our hometown athletes.
Baltimore Orioles, football players and top swimming sensations all represented Charm City in ESPN’s top honors.
Baltimore athletes make a big splash in Los Angeles.
“I’m honored to be here, hosting the ESPYs, the largest gathering of people wearing sunglasses indoors,” said actor Jon Hamm.
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“Facebook is a Monstrous Surveillance Engine”
If you want to have the possibility of some privacy someday, you’d better join the fight now, because now a bunch of other people are joining the fight. Now is the moment when you can make a difference. If you wait until the day you wish you had some privacy and only then try to do something…well, that day you will be one of a few people doing it and that won’t be enough. You’ve got to help make a critical mass when other people are doing it – and that’s now.
We call Windows 8.1 ‘Windows PRISM Edition’ because it’s designed to require people to send data to Microsoft servers, and of course, Microsoft will hand over any of that data to the US government on request. It puts the users in PRISM.
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We call Windows 8.1 ‘Windows PRISM Edition’ because it’s designed to require people to send data to Microsoft servers, and of course, Microsoft will hand over any of that data to the US government on request. It puts the users in PRISM.
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The Disgraceful ‘Civil Rights’ Attack on George Zimmerman
While the country processes the racial politics-inspired prosecution of George Zimmerman, which came to a conclusion last week, and as the calls to try him in federal court for the same events for which he was acquitted in a state court become louder each day, a case in upstate New York is making its way through the system that profoundly reveals the antipathy to the Constitution displayed by some prosecutors in the U.S. Department of Justice and may give Zimmerman a foretaste of things to come.
Sitting patiently waiting for a Manhattan federal appeals court to order the government to obey the laws it has sworn to uphold is former New York state Sen. Joseph Bruno. Unlike many in the New York Legislature today, Bruno, a fiercely Catholic conservative Republican, was a pillar of legislative integrity, known even to his political adversaries as a man of his word. Once you shook his hand, you could count on his compliance with the agreement sealed by the handshake.
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Sitting patiently waiting for a Manhattan federal appeals court to order the government to obey the laws it has sworn to uphold is former New York state Sen. Joseph Bruno. Unlike many in the New York Legislature today, Bruno, a fiercely Catholic conservative Republican, was a pillar of legislative integrity, known even to his political adversaries as a man of his word. Once you shook his hand, you could count on his compliance with the agreement sealed by the handshake.
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Salisbury Eyes Efficiency With Executive Shuffling
SALISBURY -- A major restructuring of the executive branch in Salisbury would split responsibility for the city’s 11 departments across three different categories and would come with an estimated price tag of $60,400 in additional costs.
Proponents of the change assert that it would mean a major increase in governmental efficiency and break the “linear” nature of the current system. But city leadership questioned if the new salaries for top positions would keep Salisbury competitive.
“We view it as a growth opportunity. Not a growth of government but a growth of opportunity to serve the citizens in a more cohesive manner,” Salisbury Fire Chief Rick Hoppes told the council Monday.
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Proponents of the change assert that it would mean a major increase in governmental efficiency and break the “linear” nature of the current system. But city leadership questioned if the new salaries for top positions would keep Salisbury competitive.
“We view it as a growth opportunity. Not a growth of government but a growth of opportunity to serve the citizens in a more cohesive manner,” Salisbury Fire Chief Rick Hoppes told the council Monday.
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Congressman: Benghazi Survivors Forced To Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements
Virginia Republican Congressman Frank Wolf said Thursday that survivors of the Benghazi, Libya terror assault have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements prohibiting them from speaking out about the deadly attack.
“According to trusted sources that have contacted my office, many if not all of the survivors of the Benghazi attacks along with others at the Department of Defense, the CIA have been asked or directed to sign additional non-disclosure agreements about their involvement in the Benghazi attacks,” Wolf said on the House floor. “Some of these new NDAs, as they call them, I have been told were signed as recently as this summer.”
Wolf said that if accurate, “this would be a stunning revelation.”
“It also raises serious concerns about the priority of the administration’s efforts to silence those with knowledge of the Benghazi attack in response,” Wolf said.
The congressman said he was requesting from the CIA, Defense Department and State Department a list of all personnel or contractors asked to sign non-disclosure waivers.
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“According to trusted sources that have contacted my office, many if not all of the survivors of the Benghazi attacks along with others at the Department of Defense, the CIA have been asked or directed to sign additional non-disclosure agreements about their involvement in the Benghazi attacks,” Wolf said on the House floor. “Some of these new NDAs, as they call them, I have been told were signed as recently as this summer.”
Wolf said that if accurate, “this would be a stunning revelation.”
“It also raises serious concerns about the priority of the administration’s efforts to silence those with knowledge of the Benghazi attack in response,” Wolf said.
The congressman said he was requesting from the CIA, Defense Department and State Department a list of all personnel or contractors asked to sign non-disclosure waivers.
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Saying Goodbye To John Pick
Did You Know TSA Allows Searches On Valet Parked Cars At The Airport?
Laurie Iacuzza returning from a trip and picking up her car at the Greater Rochester International Airport found a yellow piece of paper inside her car that read:
Thank you for your patronage
Your vehicle has been inspected under TSA regulations
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ACLU: Md. Police Car Scanners Raise Invasion Of Privacy Concerns
Get behind the wheel in Maryland, and there’s a good chance you’re being followed.Not in the traditional sense, but by license plate readers.
Alex DeMetrick reports–the technology is welcomed by police, but raising privacy concerns.
Lasers focus the cameras that take photos of passing license plates, instantly sending them to a computer.
“I get an audible alarm and it also goes up red and lets me know, ‘Hey, key in on this, something’s happening,’” an officer said.
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Muni Retirees Face 90% Loss Under Detroit's Pending "Free-Fall" Bankruptcy
The odds of an out-of-court settlement between Detroit's emergency manager and its creditors are "extremely slim," as the WSJ reports that the troubled city's D-Day draws ever closer to becoming the largest muni default in US history. The last straw on Detroit's camel's back of bankruptcy was following discussions last week between Kevyn Orr (Detroit's emergency manager) and the White House as any hope of a federal bailout to evert bankruptcy fizzled. Folowing Detroit's default in June - demonstrating its insolvency - and its "negotiations in full faith" with creditors set the scene for a pending day in court. The current plan (for now rejected by creditors) means a 90% loss for muni-worker retirees, 81% loss for unsecured creditors, and a 75% loss for secured creditors leaving a "free fall" bankruptcy filing - one without a clear plan or much agreement beforehand with creditors - the most likely outcome "because there is no other way out of here if we don't reach consensus."
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Ocean City Reviews Plane Crash Response; Dive Team’s Stand Down Order Questioned
OCEAN CITY – Some questions were put to rest and rumors addressed this week when emergency officials met to review what took place when a plane holding two of Ocean City Police Department’s own crashed in the ocean last month.
On Thursday, an After Action Review of the tragic aircraft incident a few weeks ago in Ocean City was held at the Public Safety Building with all participating agencies in attendance.
Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald went over a chronological review of the incident that took place.
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On Thursday, an After Action Review of the tragic aircraft incident a few weeks ago in Ocean City was held at the Public Safety Building with all participating agencies in attendance.
Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald went over a chronological review of the incident that took place.
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IRS Hearing: Trail Leads to Washington, Not Cincinnati 'Rogues'
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform resumed hearings on the IRS scandal Thursday, featuring two key witnesses: Cincinnati-based IRS employee Elizabeth Hofacre, and Washington-based IRS lawyer Carter Hull, who recently retired after 48 years of service.
While both said they were unaware of any political motivations or White House involvement, Carter said the treatment of Tea Party cases had been unusual, and Hofacre said she had been "deeply offended" by attempts to blame rogue agents in Cincinnati.
Hull noted that even after he had recommended that certain Tea Party applications be approved, the approval was held up for further review by the office of the Chief Counsel of the IRS and other high-level officials. In his experience, he testified, that had never happened in nearly half a century of work at the IRS.
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While both said they were unaware of any political motivations or White House involvement, Carter said the treatment of Tea Party cases had been unusual, and Hofacre said she had been "deeply offended" by attempts to blame rogue agents in Cincinnati.
Hull noted that even after he had recommended that certain Tea Party applications be approved, the approval was held up for further review by the office of the Chief Counsel of the IRS and other high-level officials. In his experience, he testified, that had never happened in nearly half a century of work at the IRS.
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Police Probe Bizarre Balloon Attack On Boy
Police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell said Thursday that the incident occurred July 6 on Monument Drive in Fairfax. The boy's father told police that his son had been operating a lemonade stand outside an apartment complex when a man came out of one of the buildings, threw the balloon at the boy and fled.
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How High Did It Go? Veteran IRS Official Testifies That Targeting Involved Top D.C. Officials
Veteran IRS official Carter Hull testified on Thursday that officials from a Washington office, led by a political appointee, was directly involved in the screening of Tea Party applications.
Hull admitted for the first time publicly that the IRS chief counsel’s office was involved in the political targeting. He provided his account of the IRS scandal during testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Thursday.
Hull, a recently retired tax law specialist, was a target of Congress’ investigation into the IRS scandal after an employee in Cincinnati told lawmakers that he had been overseeing her review of applications of Tea Party groups. However, Hull has since revealed that he was also receiving marching orders from those above him.
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Hull admitted for the first time publicly that the IRS chief counsel’s office was involved in the political targeting. He provided his account of the IRS scandal during testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Thursday.
Hull, a recently retired tax law specialist, was a target of Congress’ investigation into the IRS scandal after an employee in Cincinnati told lawmakers that he had been overseeing her review of applications of Tea Party groups. However, Hull has since revealed that he was also receiving marching orders from those above him.
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Crabs, Clams And Pols in Crisfield Heat: A Tawes Photo Gallery
Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman walks and talks with
businessman Larry Hogan and his Change Maryland entourage.
businessman Larry Hogan and his Change Maryland entourage.
Everybody political in Maryland goes to the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield because everybody goes to Tawes. Or at least a lot of people keep up the annual tradition on what is typically one of the hottest days of the year.
On Wednesday it was hot and humid as usual, the crabs were plentiful and so was the politics. In State Roundup, we’ll link to stories about the crab feast from other reporters who were there. Here’s a photo gallery from the sweltering event.
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NEW LAW 'ALLOWS OBAMA TO TAKE OVER ALL MEDIA'
'Your government is acting in open, undeclared, but blatant treason'
An online radio host is sounding the alarm over a brand-new law he claims grants the federal government massive new powers to saturate Americans with domestic propaganda at U.S. taxpayer expense.
“This law allows the federal government to have sweeping power to push television, radio, newspaper and social-media propaganda onto the U.S. public,” warns Michael Evans of America’s Voice Now.
“It removes protection for Americans from the ideological diarrhea that will pour forth from this administration like ejected vomit.”
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An online radio host is sounding the alarm over a brand-new law he claims grants the federal government massive new powers to saturate Americans with domestic propaganda at U.S. taxpayer expense.
“This law allows the federal government to have sweeping power to push television, radio, newspaper and social-media propaganda onto the U.S. public,” warns Michael Evans of America’s Voice Now.
“It removes protection for Americans from the ideological diarrhea that will pour forth from this administration like ejected vomit.”
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Man Dies In Police Custody
BALTIMORE (WMAR) - A man dies after going into cardiac arrest in police custody Thursday evening.
Baltimore City Police explain officers were making a traffic stop, when one of two individuals in the car resisted arrest.
The incident happened in the area of Kitmore Road in Northeast Baltimore.
Police say there was an altercation and struggle between at least one officer and the man who reportedly resisted arrest.
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Baltimore City Police explain officers were making a traffic stop, when one of two individuals in the car resisted arrest.
The incident happened in the area of Kitmore Road in Northeast Baltimore.
Police say there was an altercation and struggle between at least one officer and the man who reportedly resisted arrest.
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Man Arrested For Taking Biden’s Gun Advice
A man in Vancouver, Washington has been arrested for taking the advice of Vice President Joe Biden and blasting away with his gun at his home to scare off intruders.
“I did what Joe Biden told me to do,” Jeffrey Barton, 52, told a local TV station. “I went outside and fired my shotgun in the air.” Barton pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count of of illegal aiming or discharging a firearm.
In February, Biden, who is leading White House efforts to curtail people’s access to multiple-round weapons, suggested all anyone needed to do to combat a home invasion was buy a double barrel shotgun and fire it off the balcony, something he said he had advised his wife Jill to do.
“I said, ‘Jill, if there’s ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here, walk out and put that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,’” Biden said during an appearance on Facebook. “You don’t need an AR-15 – it’s harder to aim, it’s harder to use, and in fact you don’t need 30 rounds to protect yourself,” Biden continued. “Buy a shotgun! Buy a shotgun!”
Biden’s epiphany, however, is a felony in some states. It’s not clear that the vice president ever rescinded the advice, though.
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“I did what Joe Biden told me to do,” Jeffrey Barton, 52, told a local TV station. “I went outside and fired my shotgun in the air.” Barton pleaded not guilty Wednesday to one count of of illegal aiming or discharging a firearm.
In February, Biden, who is leading White House efforts to curtail people’s access to multiple-round weapons, suggested all anyone needed to do to combat a home invasion was buy a double barrel shotgun and fire it off the balcony, something he said he had advised his wife Jill to do.
“I said, ‘Jill, if there’s ever a problem, just walk out on the balcony here, walk out and put that double-barrel shotgun and fire two blasts outside the house,’” Biden said during an appearance on Facebook. “You don’t need an AR-15 – it’s harder to aim, it’s harder to use, and in fact you don’t need 30 rounds to protect yourself,” Biden continued. “Buy a shotgun! Buy a shotgun!”
Biden’s epiphany, however, is a felony in some states. It’s not clear that the vice president ever rescinded the advice, though.
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The Black Bra
The Black Bra (as told by a woman)
I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends.
One is engaged, one is a mistress, and I have been married for 20+ years.
We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by greeting them at the door wearing a black bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes.
Here's how it all went.
Engaged friend:
The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, 'You are the woman of my dreams...I love you.' Then we made passionate love all night long.
The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing a raincoat, under it only the black bra, heels and mask over my eyes. When I opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but he started to tremble and we had wild sex all night.
Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the black bra, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. When he came in the door and saw me he said:
I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends.
One is engaged, one is a mistress, and I have been married for 20+ years.
We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by greeting them at the door wearing a black bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes.
Here's how it all went.
Engaged friend:
The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, 'You are the woman of my dreams...I love you.' Then we made passionate love all night long.
The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing a raincoat, under it only the black bra, heels and mask over my eyes. When I opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but he started to tremble and we had wild sex all night.
Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the black bra, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. When he came in the door and saw me he said:
"What's for dinner, Zorro
State Adds Jobs As Unemployment Rises
Maryland's jobless numbers reflected a national trend last month.
Maryland was one of 28 states where the unemployment rate increased in June, even as the unemployment rate increased.
In Maryland's cases, more people started looking for work in June, and because not all of them found jobs the employment rate rose three-tenths of a percent to an even 7-percent.
However, state labor officials say 4,300 jobs were added in Maryland in June. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state added 6,200 private sector jobs in June, but that was offset by a loss of 1,900 public sector jobs.
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Maryland was one of 28 states where the unemployment rate increased in June, even as the unemployment rate increased.
In Maryland's cases, more people started looking for work in June, and because not all of them found jobs the employment rate rose three-tenths of a percent to an even 7-percent.
However, state labor officials say 4,300 jobs were added in Maryland in June. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state added 6,200 private sector jobs in June, but that was offset by a loss of 1,900 public sector jobs.
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Detroit's Bankruptcy Filing
This is a big deal and the White House is playing it down. There are many more cities currently on the verge of bankruptcy and this could escalate right on down to local county municipal bond holders - because Detroit is setting a national precedent to wipe out municipal bond holders through bankruptcy.
For example, Baltimore is in the same boat with the flight or exodus of the cities population - just like in Detroit.
Banking analyst Meredith Whitney has been predicting this for a long long time and now that time has reached maturity. As Kudlow's guest says, 'You simply cannot fight the math'.
For example, Baltimore is in the same boat with the flight or exodus of the cities population - just like in Detroit.
Banking analyst Meredith Whitney has been predicting this for a long long time and now that time has reached maturity. As Kudlow's guest says, 'You simply cannot fight the math'.
Cardboard Boat Races Launch Today!
Kids Klub Camp locations are gearing up to compete
(Salisbury, MD) What could you create using only cardboard, duct tape, decorations and your imagination? Children from Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s summer camp program Kids Klub Summer Escape are using these materials to make floating boats. The boats will be launched during the annual Cardboard Boat Race Friday, July 19 in the Richard Hazel Pool at Billy Jean Jackson Park beginning at approximately 9:30am.
A fleet of boats from representing the Fruitland, Delmar, North Salisbury, Westside Intermediate and the Westside Community Center camp locations will come together to show-off their creations and compete for bragging rights. Each camp location created a cardboard craft for the competition and decorated it to reflect the weekly theme of their camp. Each boat will be powered by paddles and kid power—making for a great race to the finish line.
Kids Klub Summer Escape is a weekly, daytime summer camp for children 5 through 13 years old. Four weeks of camp are remaining and open for enrollment for $110 per week. A multiple-child discount is available. For more information on Kids Klub Summer Escape please contact Program Director Katie Addis at 410-548-4900 ext. 109 or email kaddis@wicomicocounty.org.
(Salisbury, MD) What could you create using only cardboard, duct tape, decorations and your imagination? Children from Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s summer camp program Kids Klub Summer Escape are using these materials to make floating boats. The boats will be launched during the annual Cardboard Boat Race Friday, July 19 in the Richard Hazel Pool at Billy Jean Jackson Park beginning at approximately 9:30am.
A fleet of boats from representing the Fruitland, Delmar, North Salisbury, Westside Intermediate and the Westside Community Center camp locations will come together to show-off their creations and compete for bragging rights. Each camp location created a cardboard craft for the competition and decorated it to reflect the weekly theme of their camp. Each boat will be powered by paddles and kid power—making for a great race to the finish line.
Kids Klub Summer Escape is a weekly, daytime summer camp for children 5 through 13 years old. Four weeks of camp are remaining and open for enrollment for $110 per week. A multiple-child discount is available. For more information on Kids Klub Summer Escape please contact Program Director Katie Addis at 410-548-4900 ext. 109 or email kaddis@wicomicocounty.org.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON PRELIMINARY JUNE JOBS REPORT
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Labor’s release of preliminary employment data for the month of June:
“Last month, Maryland’s businesses created 6,200 new jobs. Together, as a state, we’ve now recovered more than 99 percent of the jobs lost in the national economic downturn - a significant step forward in our job creation and recovery efforts.
“Thanks to the better choices we've made together, all three bond rating agencies recently affirmed Maryland’s fiscally responsible approach by certifying our State as one of only nine with a Triple A bond rating. But there are still too many moms and dads out of work, and that's why the most important job we create is the next one. The O'Malley-Brown Administration is committed to investing in the skills, talents, innovation and creativity of our people so that we can continue to strengthen and grow our State’s economy, and move forward by expanding opportunity for our diverse and growing middle class.”
“Last month, Maryland’s businesses created 6,200 new jobs. Together, as a state, we’ve now recovered more than 99 percent of the jobs lost in the national economic downturn - a significant step forward in our job creation and recovery efforts.
“Thanks to the better choices we've made together, all three bond rating agencies recently affirmed Maryland’s fiscally responsible approach by certifying our State as one of only nine with a Triple A bond rating. But there are still too many moms and dads out of work, and that's why the most important job we create is the next one. The O'Malley-Brown Administration is committed to investing in the skills, talents, innovation and creativity of our people so that we can continue to strengthen and grow our State’s economy, and move forward by expanding opportunity for our diverse and growing middle class.”
Lost Cat 7-19-13
I know you sometimes put up lost pet posts, and I'm not sure if that is something you still do. I am desperately missing my little cat Griswold who darted out of the house yesterday (7/18) morning. He's only 6 months old and still a small cat, orange tabby, neutered male. He was wearing collar with a bell and a rabies tag when he got out. He is usually very friendly and comes when called. He was lost in the Hammond St area of Salisbury.
If seen, contact Rachel at 410-726-4326.
Reggae On De River
Yard Sale 7-19-13
"Beware The Man On The White Horse
As far back as ancient times, whenever civilizations fell into great crisis, people in desperation have almost invariably turned to a single individual who promised them better times.
Both the Greeks and Romans often conveyed dictatorial powers to someone in whom they entrusted people’s security and livelihood. Typically this was a battle-hardened general who could lead a city’s defenses and beat off an invading horde.
Of course, history is full of examples of men who did not give up power willingly once the crisis passed.
The ancient historian Herodotus lists as many as fifty ‘tyrants’ in his writings, a word that has its origins in ancient Greek despotic rulers.
For thousands of years, ambitious men have always taken advantage of crisis, social turmoil, and economic downturns to solidify their positions and take control… often creating even more destruction in their wake.
As an example, the 1920s economic crisis in the Weimar Republic had a huge impact in the rise of Adolf Hitler’s National Socialism.
One of Hitler’s key tenets was to abrogate the Treaty of Versailles, and in particular section 231 – the ‘war guilt’ clause that stuck Germany with debilitating war reparation payments.
His message resonated with millions of Germans who had seen their entire lives turned upside down by economic stagnation and one of the worst episodes of hyperinflation in history.
The rest is, as they say, history.
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Both the Greeks and Romans often conveyed dictatorial powers to someone in whom they entrusted people’s security and livelihood. Typically this was a battle-hardened general who could lead a city’s defenses and beat off an invading horde.
Of course, history is full of examples of men who did not give up power willingly once the crisis passed.
The ancient historian Herodotus lists as many as fifty ‘tyrants’ in his writings, a word that has its origins in ancient Greek despotic rulers.
For thousands of years, ambitious men have always taken advantage of crisis, social turmoil, and economic downturns to solidify their positions and take control… often creating even more destruction in their wake.
As an example, the 1920s economic crisis in the Weimar Republic had a huge impact in the rise of Adolf Hitler’s National Socialism.
One of Hitler’s key tenets was to abrogate the Treaty of Versailles, and in particular section 231 – the ‘war guilt’ clause that stuck Germany with debilitating war reparation payments.
His message resonated with millions of Germans who had seen their entire lives turned upside down by economic stagnation and one of the worst episodes of hyperinflation in history.
The rest is, as they say, history.
More