DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, August 08, 2013
Obama Tells Leno “There Is No Domestic Spying Program”
Sadly, there are more than enough low information voters who’ll believe this tripe, as (NMP) Obama goes on Leno, which is apparently part of spending every waking minute working on the economy or something.
(The Hill) President Obama on Tuesday defended the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance programs in a wide-ranging interview on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” arguing that the agency doesn’t target U.S. civilians.
“We don’t have a domestic spying program,” Obama said, according to the media pool report. “What we do have is some mechanisms that can track a phone number or an email address that is connected to a terrorist attack…That information is useful.”
Obama called the surveillance programs “a critical component to counterterrorism,” but acknowledged that they’ve “raised a lot of questions for people.”
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(The Hill) President Obama on Tuesday defended the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance programs in a wide-ranging interview on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” arguing that the agency doesn’t target U.S. civilians.
“We don’t have a domestic spying program,” Obama said, according to the media pool report. “What we do have is some mechanisms that can track a phone number or an email address that is connected to a terrorist attack…That information is useful.”
Obama called the surveillance programs “a critical component to counterterrorism,” but acknowledged that they’ve “raised a lot of questions for people.”
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Lawmakers Issued License Plates Making Them ‘Invisible’ To Traffic Cams And Parking Tickets
There are rules for the common people and rules for their “leaders,” and only in rare cases do the same rules cover both. Chris Morran at the Consumerist points out how politicians (yet again) are being allowed to ignore the same laws that affect their constituents. Colorado legislators are immune from speeding tickets and parking tickets thanks to the special plates issued to lawmakers — ones that aren’t included in the DMV database.
According to CBS Denver, the info for these particular license plates is never entered into the DMV database, so when some state senator goes zooming by a speed camera, he or she won’t get a ticket, because the camera system looks up the license plate number through the DMV. Since no info comes up, no ticket is given.
This appears to be true for parking tickets as well. See, even though a parking enforcement officer might leave a ticket on the car, cities like Denver that rely on the DMV for addresses of vehicle owners come up empty when they try to collect on those tickets.
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According to CBS Denver, the info for these particular license plates is never entered into the DMV database, so when some state senator goes zooming by a speed camera, he or she won’t get a ticket, because the camera system looks up the license plate number through the DMV. Since no info comes up, no ticket is given.
This appears to be true for parking tickets as well. See, even though a parking enforcement officer might leave a ticket on the car, cities like Denver that rely on the DMV for addresses of vehicle owners come up empty when they try to collect on those tickets.
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TOO BIG TO TRUST BANKS RULE THE WORLD
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (MarketWatch) — Imagine 100 Goldman Sachs banks running America and the world. It’s happening. Forget politicians, Big Banks rule the world.
Today every bank is a Goldman Sachs wannabe.
It was just a few years ago in “The Great American Bubble Machine,” a Rolling Stone feature, that Goldman was indicted by Matt Taibbi: “The first thing you need to know about Goldman Sachs is that it’s everywhere. The world’s most powerful investment bank is a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money.”
Yes, till recently Goldman Sachs was boss, everywhere, the “world’s most powerful bank.” Taibbi: “From tech stocks to high gas prices, Goldman Sachs has engineered every major market manipulation since the Great Depression.” What an indictment.
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Today every bank is a Goldman Sachs wannabe.
It was just a few years ago in “The Great American Bubble Machine,” a Rolling Stone feature, that Goldman was indicted by Matt Taibbi: “The first thing you need to know about Goldman Sachs is that it’s everywhere. The world’s most powerful investment bank is a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money.”
Yes, till recently Goldman Sachs was boss, everywhere, the “world’s most powerful bank.” Taibbi: “From tech stocks to high gas prices, Goldman Sachs has engineered every major market manipulation since the Great Depression.” What an indictment.
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Police Officer Beats Female Shoplifter
Recently released footage of a male police officer was caught on a department store’s security camera beating a woman after she was apprehended for stealing clothing.
The video forwarded from the Iowa department store, Von Maur, shows Police Officer Scott Crow beating 34-year old Brandie Redell and knocking her to the ground in front of her infant daughter.
“I was crying and begging him to get off me,” said Redell.
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The video forwarded from the Iowa department store, Von Maur, shows Police Officer Scott Crow beating 34-year old Brandie Redell and knocking her to the ground in front of her infant daughter.
“I was crying and begging him to get off me,” said Redell.
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Firearms Maker Blames New York Gun Law For Move To Pennsylvania
Kahr Firearms Group of Pearl River is the first gunmaker to announce it’s leaving because of the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act, which was put into law after closed-door negotiations in January. It was the first law in the nation prompted by the killing of 20 first-graders and six educators in Newtown, Conn., in December.
‘‘We’re looking for a more friendly environment for our business,’’ said Frank Harris, Kahr’s vice president for sales and marketing. ‘‘Maybe we could have stayed here and built a plant, but the way the bill was passed left us feeling there were a lot of uncertainties going forward.’’
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OC Pedestrian Accidents Down 47% Through July
OCEAN CITY -- In the midst of a summer marred by several high-profile and unpleasant incidents, a bright spot has been the apparent decline in the number of pedestrian collisions along Coastal Highway, a decline local officials hope is the result of an aggressive public service message campaign.
Through the end of July, there have been 16 reported pedestrian-vehicle collisions compared to a reported 31 through the same period last year. The difference represents a reduction of 47 percent thus far through the end of July and Ocean City Police believe the dramatic decline is due in large part to the multi-pronged plan of action for improved pedestrian safety this summer in the wake of a number of tragic, often fatal collisions in recent years.
Last winter, the State Highway Administration (SHA), in cooperation with the town of Ocean City and its police department, identified a handful of known trouble spots for pedestrian-vehicle collisions and made improvements to the signage and signal timings at the troublesome locations. Perhaps more importantly, SHA and the town of Ocean City, along with the private sector business community joined forces with an aggressive “Walk Smart” public safety message program to get the word out about the importance of using the crosswalks for pedestrians and the equally important vigilance on the part of motorists in the resort to watch out for pedestrians in all areas.
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Through the end of July, there have been 16 reported pedestrian-vehicle collisions compared to a reported 31 through the same period last year. The difference represents a reduction of 47 percent thus far through the end of July and Ocean City Police believe the dramatic decline is due in large part to the multi-pronged plan of action for improved pedestrian safety this summer in the wake of a number of tragic, often fatal collisions in recent years.
Last winter, the State Highway Administration (SHA), in cooperation with the town of Ocean City and its police department, identified a handful of known trouble spots for pedestrian-vehicle collisions and made improvements to the signage and signal timings at the troublesome locations. Perhaps more importantly, SHA and the town of Ocean City, along with the private sector business community joined forces with an aggressive “Walk Smart” public safety message program to get the word out about the importance of using the crosswalks for pedestrians and the equally important vigilance on the part of motorists in the resort to watch out for pedestrians in all areas.
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Jeb Bush Blasts Matt Damon As Hypocrite On Public Education
Mr. Damon did, after all, campaign very publicly about the importance of public education, Mr. Bush pointed out, Newsmax reported.
On Monday, Mr. Bush tweeted: “Matt Damon refuses to enroll kids in Los Angeles public schools. Choice ok for Damon, why not everyone else?”
The Twitter query came just a few days after the Hollywood actor, during an interview with a reporter from The Guardian, said his three children would be heading off to a private school in the L.A. area — not public.
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BLACK MOB TARGETS OFF-DUTY POLICE
Green Bay cops show up. No one is arrested. The off-duty cops – from Minneapolis – do not like that. They accuse Green Bay cops of running a “clown show.”
“I’m not trying to be an a****** here,” said the Minneapolis cop in a dashboard cam video. “But we get jumped by nine f****** black guys and we’re the problem? We’re two small white guys and you got a crowd of black guys up there.”
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DHS Grants Tentative Asylum To Illegals Who Crossed Border In Pro-Amnesty Protest
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made an unusual move by granting temporary asylum to several Mexican immigrants, including a handful of those who are illegally in the United States, after they crossed the border in a pro-amnesty protest in late July.
“The Homeland Security Department tentatively approved asylum requests for seven Mexican immigrants, including some who were living in the United States illegally but left and attempted to re-enter as part of a protest against U.S. deportation policies,” the Associated Press’ Alicia Caldwell reported on Tuesday. “The preliminary approval is highly unusual because it is rare for the U.S. government to grant asylum to Mexican citizens.”
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“The Homeland Security Department tentatively approved asylum requests for seven Mexican immigrants, including some who were living in the United States illegally but left and attempted to re-enter as part of a protest against U.S. deportation policies,” the Associated Press’ Alicia Caldwell reported on Tuesday. “The preliminary approval is highly unusual because it is rare for the U.S. government to grant asylum to Mexican citizens.”
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It's Not Just The IRS Attacking Conservatives
The allegations were revealed in a letter from the House Committee on Oversight and Government Report, which has been holding hearings and seeking evidence about the extent of the IRS targeting of conservative and Christian organizations.
Hundreds of self-described “tea party” and “patriot” organizations had applications for tax-exempt status delayed, in some cases for years. They also were subjected to invasive, improper and probably illegal queries into private matters such as the content of their prayers and how they will vote.
Read more
Cord Cutting: Existential Threat to CNN, MSNBC Accelerates
A new report shows that cable and satellite pay TV providers lost 380,000 customers over this quarter last year. Over the last 12 months, the number of customers declined by 911,000, up from 258,000 the previous year. That might represent only a little over 1% of overall customers. But the pace of what is known as cord cutting is accelerating -- as is an existential threat to the survival of CNN and MSNBC.
As hard as it is to believe, CNN and MSNBC are both safely profitable. You might wonder how that is possible with only a half-million or less viewers, but it is in part thanks to a racket known as bundled cable. If you want Fox News (or any other cable-only channel) but the only way to get it is through an expensive cable/satellite package that includes CNN and/or MSNBC (and a hundred other channels you never watch), chances are a piece of your cable bill is keeping CNN and MSNBC profitable and alive.
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As hard as it is to believe, CNN and MSNBC are both safely profitable. You might wonder how that is possible with only a half-million or less viewers, but it is in part thanks to a racket known as bundled cable. If you want Fox News (or any other cable-only channel) but the only way to get it is through an expensive cable/satellite package that includes CNN and/or MSNBC (and a hundred other channels you never watch), chances are a piece of your cable bill is keeping CNN and MSNBC profitable and alive.
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Capsized Boat Returned To Shore Today; Good Samaritan Captain Details Rescue, Recovery Effort Off Coast
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Around 9 a.m. on Monday, the sportfishing boat “Just Right V,” which was competing in the White Marlin Open, came across a capsized 26-foot, twin-hulled Glacier Bay sportfishing vessel, which was not registered in the tournament.
The “Just Right V” crew and Captain Ken Gray rescued two unidentified males, both age 55, who were responsive and had survived the capsizing. However, two other individuals, 57-year-old Fredy Fabricio-Castro, of Silver Spring, and William Gogel, also 57, of Baltimore, were still missing.
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BREAKING NEWS: Two Students Indicted In Boston Bombing Probe
A grand jury has indicted two students from Kazakhstan on obstruction of justice charges for helping suspect Dzhokar Tsarnaev hide evidence after Boston Marathon bombings. From Fox News
Late Penalty: Obama A Costly Talk-Show Fixture For Taxpayers
Mr. Obama’s televised chat Tuesday on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno in Los Angeles was his 10th appearance on a TV talk show while in office, outpacing all presidents and hosts since the days of John F. Kennedy and Jack Paar in the early 1960s.
The goal of these appearances is partly to boost the president’s image and partly to promote his agenda, and taxpayers foot the bill for Mr. Obama’s high-cost travel on Air Force One.
At $180,000 per flight hour to operate the presidential aircraft, the trip cost taxpayers more than $1.8 million just for the flying time to California and back. And that doesn’t include two 50-minute flights in California on Marine One, the presidential helicopter; or the cost of lodging dozens of White House staffers and Secret Service agents overnight, or the cost of 20-vehicle motorcades at the various stops.
Hung Jury In Ocean City Manslaughter Case
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George Doran Nottingham, now 48, of West Ocean City, appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court on Wednesday to face charges of manslaughter and second-degree assault in the death of Michael E. Post, 39, of Ocean City. Nottingham was charged earlier this year following what was described as a “playful incident among friends” at the Harbor Inn on Somerset Street on Jan. 26 that ended in tragedy.
Following an emotional trial that took most of the day on Wednesday, a jury deliberated for several hours deep into the evening on Wednesday before returning without a verdict. The hung jury, a diverse group including men and women in a wide variety of ages and races, could not come to a clear decision in the friendly altercation that went terribly wrong and a new trial will be scheduled.
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Open Containers Still Prohibited In Ocean City
The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens that possession of open containers of alcohol and consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property is prohibited in the Town of Ocean City. This includes public streets, sidewalks, roadways and alleyways.
In addition to public streets, drinking alcohol on the beach in Ocean City is also prohibited. The Ocean City Police Department, in partnership with the Ocean City Beach Patrol, reminds citizens that drinking on public beaches is not only unlawful, but is also dangerous.
“When alcohol is consumed on the beach, a number of safety issues can arise,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Not only are you at a higher risk for heat related illnesses due to dehydration but there is extreme risks in swimming in the ocean while intoxicated.”
A violation of the city’s open container law, which applies to citizens of any age, may lead to a criminal violation and can result in an arrest or criminal citation. For more information on Town of Ocean City ordinances, please contact the Ocean City Police Public Affairs Office at 410.723.6665.
In addition to public streets, drinking alcohol on the beach in Ocean City is also prohibited. The Ocean City Police Department, in partnership with the Ocean City Beach Patrol, reminds citizens that drinking on public beaches is not only unlawful, but is also dangerous.
“When alcohol is consumed on the beach, a number of safety issues can arise,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Not only are you at a higher risk for heat related illnesses due to dehydration but there is extreme risks in swimming in the ocean while intoxicated.”
A violation of the city’s open container law, which applies to citizens of any age, may lead to a criminal violation and can result in an arrest or criminal citation. For more information on Town of Ocean City ordinances, please contact the Ocean City Police Public Affairs Office at 410.723.6665.
America’s Urban Distress: Why The Public Pension Problem Is Worse Than You Think
In January, the Pew Charitable Trusts published a study showing that 61 U.S. cities have an aggregate pension funding gap of $99 billion and an additional shortfall of $118 billion for retiree health benefits. These figures were widely cited by the media in the aftermath of Detroit’s bankruptcy filing. They refer to fiscal year 2009, which was the latest year with a full data set.
Unfortunately, Pew’s analysis is ridiculously optimistic. Or, to be fair to the authors – who simply tabulated figures found in official reports – the ridiculousness is in the public data they used.
The problem is that the present value of future pension obligations can be just about anything you want it to be, based on your actuarial assumptions. And the most important assumption is the future investment return on the assets in the pension fund.
Ideally, the return assumption should be, well, achievable. You should be able to look at market yields and find investments that can deliver the assumed return.
Is this the case today?
Have a look at this chart comparing actual market yields to the median return assumption in a database of over a hundred state and local government pension plans:
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Unfortunately, Pew’s analysis is ridiculously optimistic. Or, to be fair to the authors – who simply tabulated figures found in official reports – the ridiculousness is in the public data they used.
The problem is that the present value of future pension obligations can be just about anything you want it to be, based on your actuarial assumptions. And the most important assumption is the future investment return on the assets in the pension fund.
Ideally, the return assumption should be, well, achievable. You should be able to look at market yields and find investments that can deliver the assumed return.
Is this the case today?
Have a look at this chart comparing actual market yields to the median return assumption in a database of over a hundred state and local government pension plans:
More
"Market Parasite" JPMorgan Added To Goldman Aluminum "Cartel" Lawsuit
While we have extensively covered the cartelling of the physical metals warehousing industry by both Goldman and JPMorgan in the past, which has now led to hearings, an official DOJ inquiry [6], and finally a lawsuit, we had one recurring question - why is all the attention and fury focused solely on Goldman? After all, JPM - the firm which quietly announced it would seek to dispose, or at least try to, its physical metals business - is just as culpable, if not more. And a cartel between Goldman and JPM really demonstrates that when it comes to controlling the US, it is not just one bank, but two firms that operate in the shadows and call all the shots. Today, we were happy to learn that finally JPMorgan has finally gotten the recognition it richly deserves, and has found its rightful place: as a defendent in the second class action lawsuit filed against the firms engaging in Aluminum antitrust activity, this time with Master Screens Inc as plaintiff. And not just any lawsuit but one filled with truly floral language that captures the essence of all that Goldman and JPM were doing perfectly.
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Registration Open for Wicomico Recreation’s Kids Klub After School Program
Program Located in Nine Locations Throughout Wicomico County
SALISBURY, Md. – The school year is right around the corner and Wicomico Recreation’s Kids Klub After School program is prepared to meet your child care needs. Kids Klub is a county-wide program conveniently located in nine locations (serving 12 schools); Delmar Elementary, Glen Avenue Elementary, Fruitland Intermediate, North Salisbury Elementary, Pemberton Elementary, Pinehurst Elementary, Westside Intermediate, Willards Primary and the Westside Community Center.
Kids Klub After School runs Monday-Friday from dismissal–5:30 p.m. Registration is open to boys and girls, ages 5-13. Kids will take part in a daily schedule including homework time with staff assistance, organized competition and games, arts and crafts, and indoor and outdoor play.
Registration fees vary by site and range from $120-$135 per month. Scholarships, Purchase of Care and other discounts available. Registration will be accepted online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.).
Kids Klub also offers a School’s Out Program at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center when schools are closed for professional days. Children registered in Kids Klub are invited to take advantage of this program, which runs from 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., for just $25 per day. The program features trips to CoCo’s Fun House, Ben’s Red Swings and more.
For more information on Kids Klub After School, please contact Katie Addis, Program Director at 410-548-4900 x109 orkaddis@wicomicocounty.org.
SALISBURY, Md. – The school year is right around the corner and Wicomico Recreation’s Kids Klub After School program is prepared to meet your child care needs. Kids Klub is a county-wide program conveniently located in nine locations (serving 12 schools); Delmar Elementary, Glen Avenue Elementary, Fruitland Intermediate, North Salisbury Elementary, Pemberton Elementary, Pinehurst Elementary, Westside Intermediate, Willards Primary and the Westside Community Center.
Kids Klub After School runs Monday-Friday from dismissal–5:30 p.m. Registration is open to boys and girls, ages 5-13. Kids will take part in a daily schedule including homework time with staff assistance, organized competition and games, arts and crafts, and indoor and outdoor play.
Registration fees vary by site and range from $120-$135 per month. Scholarships, Purchase of Care and other discounts available. Registration will be accepted online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.).
Kids Klub also offers a School’s Out Program at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center when schools are closed for professional days. Children registered in Kids Klub are invited to take advantage of this program, which runs from 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., for just $25 per day. The program features trips to CoCo’s Fun House, Ben’s Red Swings and more.
For more information on Kids Klub After School, please contact Katie Addis, Program Director at 410-548-4900 x109 orkaddis@wicomicocounty.org.
Severna Park Splint Company Lays Off 270 Anne Arundel Workers
Dynasplint Systems Inc., off Ritchie Highway, laid off more than 500 employees worldwide Tuesday, including 270 in Severna Park and another 50 positions at its Eastern Shore manufacturing plant.
For more than 30 years, the company — founded by Severna Park resident George Hepburn — has designed and created splints for physical therapy rehabilitation.
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Soda: Public Health Enemy No. 1?
It’s a well-known adage: Drinking too much soda is bad for you. But just how bad is excessive soda consumption for your body?
The unanimous answer from experts: “Very.” And regular soda isn’t the only culprit. Even diet drinks, which utilize artificial sweeteners in place of sugar, could still negatively impact an individual’s health.
High rates of soda consumption have been linked with numerous health problems, including weight gain, poor dental health, diabetes and cardiovascular disease – which can ultimately lead to heart attacks, stroke and premature death.
To help better understand the risks of drinking too much soda, doctors from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and UH Case Medical Centers in Cleveland, Ohio detailed exactly how the body responds to sugary, sweetened beverages, as well as how you can cut soda from your diet without eliminating it completely.
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The unanimous answer from experts: “Very.” And regular soda isn’t the only culprit. Even diet drinks, which utilize artificial sweeteners in place of sugar, could still negatively impact an individual’s health.
High rates of soda consumption have been linked with numerous health problems, including weight gain, poor dental health, diabetes and cardiovascular disease – which can ultimately lead to heart attacks, stroke and premature death.
To help better understand the risks of drinking too much soda, doctors from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and UH Case Medical Centers in Cleveland, Ohio detailed exactly how the body responds to sugary, sweetened beverages, as well as how you can cut soda from your diet without eliminating it completely.
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The Cops Can Take Away Your Cash, Car, Or House — Even If You're Never Convicted Of A Crime
The New Yorker's Sarah Stillman has a heartbreaking story out on an appalling police tactic — civil forfeiture, which lets local police departments make tons of money from taking supposed criminals' property.
Civil forfeiture is largely a product of the war on drugs. In 1984, Congress passed an omnibus crime bill that gave local police departments a cut of the assets seized during drug raids and other investigations.
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Civil forfeiture is largely a product of the war on drugs. In 1984, Congress passed an omnibus crime bill that gave local police departments a cut of the assets seized during drug raids and other investigations.
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Republican Rep. Mike Kelly: Obama “Divides Us On Race”
Doesn’t Obama do just that? It’s actually part of his election strategy. Convince Hispanic Americans that Republicans hate them and they’ll vote Democrat. Get black Americans angry about Trayvon Martin and they’ll vote Democrat. The only difference between Obama and race hustlers like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton is that he’s a little less on the nose about it and there is a finally a Republican in Congress who’s calling him out on it.
Republican Rep. Mike Kelly unleashed a diatribe on President Barack Obama on Friday, at one point saying he “divides us on race.”
“This week I heard the president talk about phony scandals. There’s nothing phonier than the words that have come out of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. about reuniting this country, bringing us together as a people,” the Pennsylvania Republican said at a news conference Friday. “No, he’s not a uniter; he’s a divider. He divides us on race, he divides us on income. He picks winners and losers.”
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Republican Rep. Mike Kelly unleashed a diatribe on President Barack Obama on Friday, at one point saying he “divides us on race.”
“This week I heard the president talk about phony scandals. There’s nothing phonier than the words that have come out of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. about reuniting this country, bringing us together as a people,” the Pennsylvania Republican said at a news conference Friday. “No, he’s not a uniter; he’s a divider. He divides us on race, he divides us on income. He picks winners and losers.”
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Nuclear Sub Heads To The Scrap Yard
The Navy is scrapping a nuclear-powered submarine damaged by fire last year. Officials blamed budget cuts. Rear Adm. Rick Breckengridge says repairing the USS Miami would have forced the Navy to cancel work on dozens of other ships. He says that would have hurt fleet readiness. Repairs would have cost more than $450 million. The Miami had been docked at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Maine and New Hampshire senators criticized the Navy's decision. In a statement, they said the choice would mean a loss to the country's nuclear submarine fleet. The Navy had said the Miami could have served another 10 years. Shipyard worker Casey James Fury is serving 17 years in prison for setting the fire.
Keith Ellison Confirms: All Of Our Money Belongs to Bureaucrats
Leave it to our first Muslim congresscritter, Nation of Islam alumnus Keith Ellison (D-MN), to explain why our liberal rulers won’t even consider slowing down the rate of growth of wasteful government spending in the face of the $17 trillion debt they have run up in our names:
“The bottom line is we’re not broke, there’s plenty of money, it’s just the government doesn’t have it.”
Who does have it? We do, because it’s ours. Or is it?
Ellison continues:
“The government has a right, the government and the people of the United States have a right to run the programs of the United States. Health, welfare, housing — all these things.”
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“The bottom line is we’re not broke, there’s plenty of money, it’s just the government doesn’t have it.”
Who does have it? We do, because it’s ours. Or is it?
Ellison continues:
“The government has a right, the government and the people of the United States have a right to run the programs of the United States. Health, welfare, housing — all these things.”
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Appeals Court Revives, Narrows Md. Woman's Lawsuit
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- A federal appeals court has revived but narrowed the scope of a lawsuit by a Salvadoran woman who was arrested in Maryland on an immigration warrant.
Roxana Santos claimed her 2008 arrest violated the constitutional prohibition against unreasonable search and seizure. A judge disagreed and dismissed her complaint against the Frederick County Board of Commissioners, the sheriff and two deputies, who were sued in their individual and official capacities.
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Roxana Santos claimed her 2008 arrest violated the constitutional prohibition against unreasonable search and seizure. A judge disagreed and dismissed her complaint against the Frederick County Board of Commissioners, the sheriff and two deputies, who were sued in their individual and official capacities.
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Black Comedian: White People Aren’t Allowed To Decide What’s Racist
Many on the far left continue to claim that America needs to have “a discussion” on race–even though we’ve been talking about it since roughly 1787. But one black comedian, W. Kamau Bell, apparently doesn’t want to have that discussion. He says all whites are racist, that is that, and they shouldn’t be allowed to talk about what’s racist and what isn’t.
The extremist host of FX’s Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, told the media that white people should not speak of cases like the George Zimmerman trial.
The worst thing to say to a person of color is, ‘I don’t think that’s racist.’ I don’t think that’s your area. You can have an opinion but I don’t think you are the final word. That’s what’s missing, white people. You’ve got a lot of jobs” but should not have the ‘I know what’s racist’ job. I know what’s imperialism – that’s your job.”
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The extremist host of FX’s Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, told the media that white people should not speak of cases like the George Zimmerman trial.
The worst thing to say to a person of color is, ‘I don’t think that’s racist.’ I don’t think that’s your area. You can have an opinion but I don’t think you are the final word. That’s what’s missing, white people. You’ve got a lot of jobs” but should not have the ‘I know what’s racist’ job. I know what’s imperialism – that’s your job.”
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McAuliffe: 'I Don't Know Anything' About GreenTech Scandal
Terry McAuliffe, the Democrat candidate for Governor of Virginia, said that "all" he knows is that he left GreenTech eight months ago and he doesn't "know anything beyond that." McAuliffe is currently embroiled in a scandal concerning obtaining visas for investors of GreenTech -- a company McAullife helped found and was chairman. The candidate also said he doesn't see the need to release his tax returns.
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Weiner To 69-Year-Old At AARP Event: “What Are You Going To Do About It, Grandpa?”
If you can’t win, you might as well go down swinging.
At senior citizens.
At an AARP-Univision mayoral forum this morning, mayoral contender Anthony Weiner pulled out the age card to taunt his most vocal challengers, 69-year-old Doe Fund founder George McDonald. Weiner is 48.
Before the debate, Weiner put a hand on McDonald’s back and said hello, prompting McDonald to reply: “I would appreciate if you would never touch me again.”
Weiner retorted: “What are you going to do about it, grandpa?” according to two sources.
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At senior citizens.
At an AARP-Univision mayoral forum this morning, mayoral contender Anthony Weiner pulled out the age card to taunt his most vocal challengers, 69-year-old Doe Fund founder George McDonald. Weiner is 48.
Before the debate, Weiner put a hand on McDonald’s back and said hello, prompting McDonald to reply: “I would appreciate if you would never touch me again.”
Weiner retorted: “What are you going to do about it, grandpa?” according to two sources.
More
Travelgate: Holder's Extravagant Flight Expenses Revealed; $100k To Martha's Vineyard
Attorney General Eric Holder has been caught spending more than $4 million of taxpayer cash on extravagant travel over the past four years, according to documents uncovered by watchdog group Judicial Watch.
In total, Holder accrued $4,263,704.01 in travel expenses between March 27, 2009, and August 24, 2012, including $697,525.20 in personal travel expenses paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Holder took a total of 213 trips out of Washington, D.C., in that timeframe, including 31 personal trips for which he used taxpayer money to pay for at least part of the trip.
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In total, Holder accrued $4,263,704.01 in travel expenses between March 27, 2009, and August 24, 2012, including $697,525.20 in personal travel expenses paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Holder took a total of 213 trips out of Washington, D.C., in that timeframe, including 31 personal trips for which he used taxpayer money to pay for at least part of the trip.
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Oh Great, The DOJ Is Going To Investigate The DOJ Again!
In case you were worried about the NSA giving the information it collects on us to the DOJ, have no fear, the DOJ is investigating.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is giving some of the secreted and stored information from our emails, Tweets, Facebook messages, and phone calls to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) own Drug Enforcement Agency.The sharing is illegal. The DOJ wants us to think this is news to them (and thinks we will believe it also) and so they will probe the issue and tell us either 1) it never happened or 2) it won’t happen again. No one at the IRS has lost their job over targeting conservatives applying for tax exempt status. We can expect the same here.
Read the whole thing, and watch what you share on social media.
The National Security Agency (NSA) is giving some of the secreted and stored information from our emails, Tweets, Facebook messages, and phone calls to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) own Drug Enforcement Agency.The sharing is illegal. The DOJ wants us to think this is news to them (and thinks we will believe it also) and so they will probe the issue and tell us either 1) it never happened or 2) it won’t happen again. No one at the IRS has lost their job over targeting conservatives applying for tax exempt status. We can expect the same here.
Read the whole thing, and watch what you share on social media.
STATE SENATOR WHO SLAMMED ‘GOVERNMENT PLANTATION’ IN MOVING VIDEO IS BACK — AND YOU’LL WANT TO HEAR ABOUT HIS NEW ROLE
Those who were moved by Louisiana State Senator Elbert Guillory’s powerful YouTube videoexplaining why he left the “government plantation” in favor of the Republican Party recently may be happy to know that he is back not just with another compelling video — but with an influential new position.
It was recently announced that Guillory will be serving as honorary chairman of the Free at Last PAC, which describes itself as being “formed by several leaders as an effort to support Black Republicans who run for federal office and also to educate Blacks about the values of the Republican Party.”
“Liberalism has nearly destroyed black America, and now it’s time for black America to return the favor,” Guillory says with a smile in his new video.
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It was recently announced that Guillory will be serving as honorary chairman of the Free at Last PAC, which describes itself as being “formed by several leaders as an effort to support Black Republicans who run for federal office and also to educate Blacks about the values of the Republican Party.”
“Liberalism has nearly destroyed black America, and now it’s time for black America to return the favor,” Guillory says with a smile in his new video.
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Only 40% Of Federal Student Loan Borrowers Are Currently Making A Payment
While it is relatively well-known that there are about 28 million federal student loan borrowers in the US, and as we first covered a year ago, about 15% of these are deeply delinquent, what may not be known is that of the total borrowers, a tiny 40%, or 10.8 million of lenders are actually current and paying. Of the remaining 17 million, 7.9 million are still in school (and facing disastrous job prospects which almost certainly means millions more added to the delinquent list upon graduation), while a whopping 9 million, or almost the same number as those who currently repaying, are either in default, in their grace period, or in deferment or some other form of forebearance.
Said otherwise, of the 28 million Americans with federal student loans, 60%, or 17 million, don't pay the US government a single cent!
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Said otherwise, of the 28 million Americans with federal student loans, 60%, or 17 million, don't pay the US government a single cent!
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State Prosecutor Asks for Witness Immunity Powers
State Prosecutor Emmet Davitt included the comments in a report on his office for the past four fiscal years. Davitt noted that an independent committee chaired by a former Court of Appeals judge recommended the state prosecutor be given the authority to seek court-ordered "use immunity" for witnesses, as county prosecutors currently can for witnesses who appear before a grand jury or at a trial.
"There was no opposition raised by any person, group or organization. Yet, the General Assembly to date has not enacted such a measure," Davitt wrote.
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Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Release 8-8-13
Janet Marie Sproul of Princess Anne, criminal summons served for 2nd degree assault, and false imprisonment. Sproul was released on signature pending court actions.
Yvonnda C. Smith of Princess Anne, arrested 7-25-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Smith was held on a $500.00 bond.
Nathan Kyle Gandy of Deal Island, arrested 8-3-13 for possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Gandy was released on citations pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a patrol check in the pine Knoll Drive Development., where deputies came into contact with the occupants of a parked vehicle. During a conversation with the occupants, deputies could see suspected marijuana lying on the passengers floorboard. A probable cause search was conducted, where deputies recovered suspected marijuana, a pipe, and several syringes.
Ramar Lamond Waters of Princess Anne, arrested 8-4-13 for possession of suspected marijuana, driving on a suspended driver’s license, and violation of a rental agreement. Waters was later released on signature pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop on Progress Lane, Princess Anne where deputies later recovered suspected marijuana from the vehicle.
Michelle Renae Harris, and Keshana Shaqcanda Miller both from Berlin arrested 8-4-13 for underage possession of alcohol. Harris and Miller were later released on citations pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Prince Williams St, Princess Anne, where deputies detected the smell of alcohol, and later recovered a bottle of suspected Moscato from under a seat.
Dwayne Scott Fischer of Eden, arrested 8-5-13 on a fugitive warrant. Fischer was held without bond pending extradition.
Adam Darrell Smith of Salisbury, arrested 8-5-13 on a fugitive warrant. Smith was later held without bond pending extradition.
Terry Lee Whittaker of Crisfield, arrested 8-5-13 on a warrant for violation of probation. Whittaker was held without bond.
What Really Happened In Bengazi
Cynthia Lee Myers wanted to share the truth of what happened over in Libya to our Ambassador Stevens and the other 3 who died on 9/11-12/13.
"Here is my story.
A week out the Embassy in Tripoli began receiving multiple tips about an Al Queda cell in the area planning an attack on 9/11 in response to the killing of Bin Laden. For the next several days, the State Dept and White House were asked for a security force and were denied at least six times. Ambassador Stevens and his team were given the all clear that The Consulate in Benghazi was safe and there was no need for a security force other than his 3 personal guards (One being my cousin) and a few Libyans who were not armed.
Then the attack and murders occurred. Immediately the WH claimed it was a protest gone bad over a you tube video. Obama made a quick speech in the Rose Garden on Sept.12 before catching a plane to Vegas to campaign. He made a generic statement at the end of his speech after placing the blame on an overheated protest over the video. He said "No act of terror will shake the resolve of America.
Later that day and over the next 2 days, the liberal media began saying Ambassador Stevens and the other 3 men died of smoke inhalation. This was not the case. Out of respect for my cousin, I'm not going to be specific about his murder.
However Ambassador Stevens was brutally murdered. His genitals were cut off, he was sodomized and beaten and cut and stabbed and burned. He was dragged thru the streets and left for dead. This is eyewitness testimony of a local Dr. who found the Ambassador in a ditch and tried to save his life. He had no idea who he was. The other 3 men, including my cousin, met similar fates.
And deaths due to smoke inhalation is a 100% fabricated LIE. The next week I drove my aunt and Uncle and 2 others to DC to receive his body. We met with Hillary, Panetta, and Susan Rice. ALL of whom apologized and said it was a protest gone bad over a video and exited the area. Next Obama entered with the same story and didn't apologize and wasn't sympathetic.
My aunt cried to this man and all he did was hand her flowers and walk away. I tried to get his attention, but didn't. I got upset and yelled liar to him, he kept walking. Then a secret service agent grabbed my arm and led me to a room where I was held till the proceedings were over.
America, I saw firsthand how cold this man is. What kind of liar he is. Most of you haven't a clue about this tyrant and yet you support him and act like every word he says is Gospel. These murders and the fast and furious cover ups make Watergate look like, a kid who told his bff's secret to the class. We must stop this man, and please pass this story along."
A week out the Embassy in Tripoli began receiving multiple tips about an Al Queda cell in the area planning an attack on 9/11 in response to the killing of Bin Laden. For the next several days, the State Dept and White House were asked for a security force and were denied at least six times. Ambassador Stevens and his team were given the all clear that The Consulate in Benghazi was safe and there was no need for a security force other than his 3 personal guards (One being my cousin) and a few Libyans who were not armed.
Then the attack and murders occurred. Immediately the WH claimed it was a protest gone bad over a you tube video. Obama made a quick speech in the Rose Garden on Sept.12 before catching a plane to Vegas to campaign. He made a generic statement at the end of his speech after placing the blame on an overheated protest over the video. He said "No act of terror will shake the resolve of America.
Later that day and over the next 2 days, the liberal media began saying Ambassador Stevens and the other 3 men died of smoke inhalation. This was not the case. Out of respect for my cousin, I'm not going to be specific about his murder.
However Ambassador Stevens was brutally murdered. His genitals were cut off, he was sodomized and beaten and cut and stabbed and burned. He was dragged thru the streets and left for dead. This is eyewitness testimony of a local Dr. who found the Ambassador in a ditch and tried to save his life. He had no idea who he was. The other 3 men, including my cousin, met similar fates.
And deaths due to smoke inhalation is a 100% fabricated LIE. The next week I drove my aunt and Uncle and 2 others to DC to receive his body. We met with Hillary, Panetta, and Susan Rice. ALL of whom apologized and said it was a protest gone bad over a video and exited the area. Next Obama entered with the same story and didn't apologize and wasn't sympathetic.
My aunt cried to this man and all he did was hand her flowers and walk away. I tried to get his attention, but didn't. I got upset and yelled liar to him, he kept walking. Then a secret service agent grabbed my arm and led me to a room where I was held till the proceedings were over.
America, I saw firsthand how cold this man is. What kind of liar he is. Most of you haven't a clue about this tyrant and yet you support him and act like every word he says is Gospel. These murders and the fast and furious cover ups make Watergate look like, a kid who told his bff's secret to the class. We must stop this man, and please pass this story along."
August/Labor Day Crackdown
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Local Law Enforcement AgenciesAcross Maryland Band Together as Summer Ends in the Fight Against Impaired Driving
Regional Labor Day Crackdown Runs From August 16 to September 2, 2013
Our message remains as important as ever: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
· Checkpoint Strikeforce – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over of Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia is one of the largest multi-state, cooperative efforts to stop impaired driving in the nation. The campaign creates awareness among drivers of sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and the severe penalties for driving impaired.
· Impaired driving continues to take a terrible toll on Maryland where every year one-third of all fatalities on our roads are caused by impaired drivers.
Every 47 hours someone in Maryland dies in an impaired driving[1] crash.
Between 2008–2012, 875 people in Maryland lost their lives in impaired driver related crashes. 75% of these fatalities occurred at night.
Maryland impaired driving fatalities showed a 4% decrease in 2012 (the first decrease in 4 years). In 2012, 173 people lost their lives in an impaired driving crash (still one-third—34%—of all fatalities for that year).
Fatal crashes showed a steeper decrease—10%—between 2011 and 2012. In 2011, there were 164 impaired fatal crashes; in 2012, there were 147.
· This year’s campaign will run from mid-August through the Labor Day holiday (August 16 through September 2).
· Our strategies and tactics are also simple: Be visible, be vigilant and let local motorists know that if they drive impaired, they will be caught and they will be arrested.
· The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an opportunity to keep Maryland residents and visitors safe on state road and highways and actively move Maryland Toward Zero Deaths.
Regional Labor Day Crackdown Runs From August 16 to September 2, 2013
Our message remains as important as ever: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
· Checkpoint Strikeforce – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over of Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia is one of the largest multi-state, cooperative efforts to stop impaired driving in the nation. The campaign creates awareness among drivers of sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and the severe penalties for driving impaired.
· Impaired driving continues to take a terrible toll on Maryland where every year one-third of all fatalities on our roads are caused by impaired drivers.
Every 47 hours someone in Maryland dies in an impaired driving[1] crash.
Between 2008–2012, 875 people in Maryland lost their lives in impaired driver related crashes. 75% of these fatalities occurred at night.
Maryland impaired driving fatalities showed a 4% decrease in 2012 (the first decrease in 4 years). In 2012, 173 people lost their lives in an impaired driving crash (still one-third—34%—of all fatalities for that year).
Fatal crashes showed a steeper decrease—10%—between 2011 and 2012. In 2011, there were 164 impaired fatal crashes; in 2012, there were 147.
· This year’s campaign will run from mid-August through the Labor Day holiday (August 16 through September 2).
· Our strategies and tactics are also simple: Be visible, be vigilant and let local motorists know that if they drive impaired, they will be caught and they will be arrested.
· The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an opportunity to keep Maryland residents and visitors safe on state road and highways and actively move Maryland Toward Zero Deaths.