Funeral Services For A Hero

Charles Jacob "CJ" Abbott, 19, of Hebron died heroically, Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Born October 26, 1993 he was the son of Patrick E. Abbott and Constance Hauger Abbott. 

CJ graduated from Mardela High School in 2011 where he was a member of the Honor Society and the Varsity Soccer Team. He attended the Career and Technology Center at Parkside where he majored in automotives and graduated with high honors. He was employed by Courtesy Chevrolet Cadillac, the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, and was a Wicomico County Soccer Referee. Known as "Mr. Fix It", CJ loved tinkering on automobiles and was always willing to help anyone. 

In addition to his parents Pat and Connie Abbott, he is survived by two sisters, AprilAbbott and her fiancé Marcus Whitelock and Amber Abbott; his twin brother, Jason Abbott; friends who were like brothers and sisters, Josh Ford, Josh Scott, and Amanda Howard; God parents, Kerry and Linda Abbott; God brother, Tyler Abbott; grandmother, Emily Hauger; niece Carly Whitelock; unborn nephew, Dalton Edward Whitelock; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jacqueline Abbott, Guilford Abbott, and Bob Peek. 

A funeral service will be held Sunday at 1PM at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Rev. Gordon Nock will officiate. Interment will follow in Springhill Memory Gardens. Friends may call Saturday evening from 6PM- 8PM at the Civic Center. The family request that everyone please dress casually. 

A scholarship fund has been set up in CJ's memory. This scholarship will be presented to a senior member of the Mardela High School Soccer Team. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in CJ's memory be made to First Shore Federal, 1116 Mt. Herman Road, Salisbury, MD 21804.

SERVICES

VISITATION

Saturday, September 07
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Wicomico Youth and Civic Center (Midway Room)
500 Glen Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21804
Get DirectionsFUNERAL SERVICE

Sunday, September 08
1:00 PM

Wicomico Youth and Civic Center (Midway Room)
500 Glen Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21804
Get Directions

Delaware State Police Issue Gold Alert: UPDATE

Joseph O'Neill has been located in good condition. The Gold Alert is cancelled.
Gold Alert Subject:
Joseph O'Neill, 80, of Selbyville, DE
White male, 5’11” tall, 204 lbs.
Last seen wearing khaki shorts, a striped shirt, and leather shoes
Operating a 2007 Chrysler Town and Country bearing Delaware registration PC120647.

Location Last Seen:
Last seen driving on U.S. Route 50 near Salisbury, MD

Date Last Seen:
Thursday, September 5, 2013

Resume:
Selbyville- The Delaware State Police have issued a Gold Alert for Joseph O'Neill, 80, of Selbyville. He was last seen this afternoon driving north from U.S. Route 50 near Salisbury, MD, towards Selbyville, DE. He was operating a brown 2007 Chrysler Town and Country bearing Delaware registration PC120647.

O'Neill's condition is such that there is a genuine concern for his safety and welfare.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact 911 or Troop 4 at 302-856-5850, or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/ Information can also be provided to the Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

QUOTES OF THE DAY 9-5-13

“Armaments, universal debt, and planned obsolescence – those are the three pillars of Western prosperity. If war, waste, and moneylenders were abolished, you’d collapse. And while you people are overconsuming the rest of the world sinks more and more deeply into chronic disaster.”
― Aldous Huxley, Island

“Ironically enough, the only people who can hold up indefinitely under the stress of modern war are psychotics. Individual insanity is immune to the consequences of collective insanity.”
― Aldous Huxley, Brave New World Revisited

“…most men and women will grow up to love their servitude and will never dream of revolution.”
― Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

“Experience teaches only the teachable.”
― Aldous Huxley

“One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them.”
― Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

“Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.”
― Aldous Huxley

“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.”
― Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

“Liberties aren’t given, they are taken.”
― Aldous Huxley

EXPERT: MEXICAN MURDER NUMBERS LIKELY DOUBLE FORMER ESTIMATES

“Despite Mexican government statistics adding up to more than 110,000 murders during Calderón’s term, the international press continues to report estimates of the death toll in Mexico ranging from 50,000 to ‘more than 60,000.’” -- Molly Molloy, border and Latin American specialist at the New Mexico State University Library.

The majority of world media consistently reports the murder rates in Mexico from the 2006-2012 as being anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000, including most U.S. media and me. New numbers have emerged estimating the number of Mexican murders closer to 110,000.

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Immediately Necessary

Worst Deaths Interactive Infographic

What is the worst that could happen in your state?
Did you know that New York has the third most traffic fatalities in the country; that West Virginia has the most deaths from cancer; that Wyoming has the highest Gonorrhea rate; or that 74 people got struck by lightning in Florida, the most of any state?

We invite you to use this interactive infographic from TopMastersInHealthCare.com that breaks down “What is the worst that could happen in your state?”

Simply click on your state to see where you rank in each of the following categories and see how it was measured:

Cancer deaths
Murder rates
Lighting strikes
Traffic fatalities
STDs
Incarceration
Unemployment
Loss of teeth
Obesity
Mental Health

The full infographic for embedding can be viewed here:
www.topmastersinhealthcare.com/state-risks/

If you plan to use the infographic we would love to know and ask that you please attribute a link to TopMastersInHealthCare.com.

PROACTIVE POLICE WORK LEADS TO FOUR DRUG ARRESTS OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND

(September 3, 2013) – On September 1, 2013, at approximately 2:05 a.m. an Ocean City police officer on uniformed bicycle patrol observed a male acting suspiciously and talking on two cell phones simultaneously in the area of 8th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. When the subject, later identified as Darnell Defate Harris, 25, of Wilmington, DE, noticed the officer observing him, he quickly walked out into traffic crossing east to west causing two vehicles to quickly brake to avoid Harris.

The officer then approached Harris and issued a traffic warning for illegally crossing Philadelphia Avenue and told Harris that he was free to leave; however, Harris did not leave and become increasingly nervous and continued talking on two cell phones, behavior consistent with possible criminal activity. Officers requested to search Harris and he consented. During the search, officers located 24 small plastic bags containing heroin. Officers also seized $135 in US currency. Harris was then placed under arrest.

While officers were arresting Harris, a female, later identified as Clovise Frances Evans, 29, also of Wilmington, approached officers asking about her cell phone that Harris had been using. Soon after, Evans opened the door to her vehicle closeby and officers clearly saw a stun gun. Officers later found a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after she consented that officers search her vehicle.

Harris was charged by Ocean City Police with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession with intent to distribute. Evans has been charged with possession of a weapon with in the corporate limits of Ocean City, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner. Harris was transferred to the Worcester County Jail on $5,000 bond and Evans was released on her own recognizance.

The next morning, on September 2, at approximately 7 a.m. an Ocean City officer was on patrol in the Inlet Lot when the officer noticed two individuals sleeping in a vehicle in violation of an Ocean City ordinance. The officer made contact with the individuals and they appeared extremely nervous. A K-9 completed a scan of the vehicle and the K-9 gave an alert for possible drugs. During a search of the vehicle, officers located 20 baggies of heroin, syringes, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. The two suspects were identified as Jeffrey Lee Foard, 24, and Aubrey Marie Sieracki, 31, both from Jarrettsville, MD.

Foard and Sierack were charged by Ocean City Police with possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, two counts of manufacturing and distribution, possession with intent to distribute and other drug charges. Both were seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner. Foard was transferred to the Worcester County Jail on $7,500 bond. Sieracki was released on $10,000 bond.

Special Report:

We all thought Libya had moved on – it has, but into lawlessness and ruin
Libya has plunged unnoticed into its worst political and economic crisis since the defeat of Gaddafi

A little under two years ago, Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, urged British businessmen to begin “packing their suitcases” and to fly to Libya to share in the reconstruction of the country and exploit an anticipated boom in natural resources.
Yet now Libya has almost entirely stopped producing oil as the government loses control of much of the country to militia fighters.

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TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR BURGLARIZING VACATED MOTEL

L: Patrick Michael Herrmann
R: Jonathan McGovern Boeri

(September 4, 2013) – On September 3, 2013, at approximately 8:00 p.m. Ocean City police responded to the Ocean Voyager Motel at 3201 Baltimore Avenue for a report of a breaking and entering in progress. Officers observed two males exiting a unit in the motel and placed them under arrest for burglary. The Ocean Voyager was recently vacated as it is slated to be demolished in the coming weeks. The two males were identified as Patrick Michael Herrmann, 25, of Lutherville, MD, and Jonathan McGovern Boeri, 18, of Phoenix, MD.

During the investigation, officers learned that the men broke into at least five other units and attempted to steal a small amount of items with an approximate value of $35.

Ocean City police have charged Herrmann with second degree burglary. He was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to Worcester County Jail on $5,000 bond. Boeri was charged with second and fourth degree burglary. He was also seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was transferred to Worcester County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Congressional 'Danse Macabre' Has Begun

The first draft of the White House's war authorization legislation was leaked yesterday, signaling the opening round of the danse macabre, in which the bargaining and maneuvering over what Congress and the president both want -- war on Syria -- begins its public journey from conception to law.

As according to past practice, the first draft is considered "too broad" for some Members and Senators. Senator Patrick Leahy opened the bidding, emerging from a closed-door classified intelligence briefing (the kind where the doctored intercepts and phony satellite photos are spread out before Members to better help them make the "right" decision) stating that the first draft of the war authorization was "too open-ended," but that he is certain it will be amended in the Senate.

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Man Who Returned Ring No Longer Homeless: 'I Feel Human Now'

 

Six months ago, 55-year-old Billy Ray Harris was homeless. He lived on a street corner in Kansas City, holding out a cup and asking passers-by for spare change. But then, one day, his life changed.

In February, Sarah Darling passed Harris at his usual spot and dropped some change into his cup. But, unbeknownst to her, she also accidentally dropped in her engagement ring. Though Harris considered selling the ring — he got it appraised for $4,000 — he ultimately couldn’t go through with it, and a few days later, he returned the ring to Darling.
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Incredible Tweets From John McCain On Libya And Syria From 2009 And 2011

Earlier today I called John McCain a weapon of mass destruction on Twitter. Little did I know that just moments later he would be caught playing a game of poker on his iPhone during the Senate’s hearing on launching missiles at Syria.

Nevertheless, none of this should surprise us, as John McCain has shown signs of severe dementia for quite some time now. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane and examine some of his tweets from years past.

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Police Seek Information In Robbery Of Goodwill Store

Offering reward up to $500

Howard County police are asking for the public’s help in identifying three suspects who robbed a Columbia Goodwill store and bound two employees in a back room as they were preparing to open the store yesterday morning. Detectives are offering a reward up to $500 for information.

Police were called to the store in the 9000 block of Snowden River Parkway around 8:30 a.m. Sept. 3 after two employees reported they had just been robbed. The employees told police three men entered through the back of the store, two armed with handguns and one with a small knife. They ordered the one of the employees to open a safe.

The suspects took cash from the safe and ordered the victims into a back room, where their hands were bound. All three suspects fled. The two employees were able to free themselves and call 911. No one was injured.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect 1: black male, 5’10” tall, medium build, wearing a baseball hat, white t-shirt, khaki shorts, and white tennis shoes, armed with small knife

Suspect 2: black male, wearing baseball hat, black hoodie, dark shoes, armed with handgun

Suspect 3: black male, heavy build, wearing a hat, white t-shirt, khaki shorts, dark shoes, armed with handgun

Due to the ongoing investigation, these are all the details about the incident detectives are able to release at this time.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 410-313-STOP or download the free smartphone app “iWatchHowardCounty.” Those who provide information will be eligible for a reward, or may remain anonymous.

Obama Gives Pay Raise To Federal Workers, Union Complains

President Barack Obama issued an executive order on Friday to end a three-year freeze on federal pay scales and give federal workers a one percent pay raise.

Union boss J. David Cox Sr., head of the American Federation of Government Employees, called Obama's pay raise "inadequate" and "pitiful" but a step in the right direction.

"Although the 1 percent is a pitiful amount that doesn't begin to compensate for the furloughs and three years of frozen pay, it is a welcome development," said Cox. "To call this raise inadequate is an understatement, but it is good news all the same."

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'RIOTOUS' BLACK MOBS 'OUT OF CONTROL'

Baltimore police dispatch dozens of units, helicopters

Even by Baltimore standards, neighbors are astonished at the frequency and intensity of black mob violence in and around a suburban skating rink this summer. And last summer. And the summer before.
And at other skating rinks and other shopping centers and other neighborhoods in the Baltimore area over the same period.

Local media and public officials refuse to report or talk about how everyone involved in these hyper-violent confrontations is black. But neighbors know. And many think that the race of the criminals is preventing law enforcement from arresting and prosecuting those responsible for these “riotous” and “out of control crowds.”

The latest violence is centered around the Skate Land roller rink in the Baltimore suburb of Fullerton. The crowds range from 300 to 900 people. They require as many as 25 police cruisers and a helicopter to control.

The dozens of examples of black mob violence connected to the rink range from throwing bricks through police car windows to vandalizing the Denny’s restaurant next door. The violence includes beating clerks and stealing merchandise from a nearby convenience store, fighting with police, jumping on cars – breaking window and ruining paint – and much, much more:

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Obama On Syria: 'I Didn't Set A Red Line'

President Barack Obama repeatedly denied Wednesday that he ever set a “red line” against the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and he insisted that the “world community” and Congress created the so-called red line, and should enforce the line.

“I didn’t set a red line,” he insisted to reporters at a press conference in Sweden Wednesday morning.

“The world set a red line when governments representing 98 percent of the world’s population said the use of chemical weapons are abhorrent and passed a [1993] treaty forbidding their use even when countries are engaged in war,” he said.

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Ocean City Fire Boat Helps In Recovery

OCFD Boat 1, Coast Guard and MDE on scene for salvage and recovery operation from Saturday boat fire. Tuna tower of 46' Bertram showing.

Eric Will Return Monday

Top 9 Real Reasons To Go To War In Syria

In no particular order:

One: Give the appearance of unifying the country behind the President, who “did his job the right way,” by going to Congress for approval. This elevates Obama’s ratings and, by inference, suggests that his other programs should be accorded more merit. A wartime president always gains more support.

Two: Give the people an adrenaline rush. The effect should never be underestimated. Cleanses the pores, cleans the slate, and relieves frustration by proxy, temporarily…if you have very little access to your cerebral functions.

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Are You Ready For Some Football!

FOOTBALL!!!!! Come to the Uptown Lounge tonight for $1.50 domestic drafts, $2 domestic bottles and rails, $3 house wines and $5 flavored bombs 4pm til halftime!!! $4.99 Nachos, $.50 wings, and $5 Burger with fries!! Wear your jersey and first drink is a $1 (rail, wine or bottle beer)

DR. BENJAMIN CARSON REVEALS UNEXPECTED CHILDHOOD HOBBY THAT HELPED LIFT HIM OUT OF POVERTY

Dr. Benjamin Carson, who recently retired as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, appeared on The Glenn Beck Program Tuesday with guest host Kirk Cameron to discuss the importance of education in shaping culture, and what individuals can do to make a difference.

Having grown up in a single parent home in dire poverty, Carson specifically revealed one childhood hobby that he partially credits with shaping him into the inspirational and influential man he is today, by way of the confidence it gave him.
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Mayor And Council President Mourn Loss Of Life In Salisbury Community

“The senseless violence that has claimed 2 lives is horrific and incomprehensible. The families of the dead and wounded are in our citizen's thoughts and prayers. The wasted potential and loss of life will never be fully counted. Salisbury, it citizens and employees of the city stand ready to assist Salisbury University and the Onley Road community in any way we can,” said Mayor Ireton.

“When tragedy strikes, we are afforded the opportunity to see not only darkness in our world, but heroism, courage, love and empathy. Today, we can reflect on the bravery of the police officers and paramedics who selflessly entered into a dangerous situation and the young man who tried to protect his friend; tomorrow we will marvel at the bravery, love and compassion of our community, our city, our University,” said Council President Jake Day.

O’Malley Announces $690M For Red Line in Baltimore

The MARC commuter train between Baltimore and Washington will run on Saturdays and Sundays starting in December, Gov. Martin O’Malley announced Wednesday.

The announcement was part of a new package of transportation projects that will cost a combined $1.5 billion. The funding was made possible by an increase in the state’s gasoline tax approved by the General Assembly this year.

“Addressing our transportation needs in Baltimore, and throughout Maryland, remains one of the toughest challenges we face as a state,” said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to succeed O’Malley as governor.
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Found Dog 9-5-13: UPDATE

This little dog was found last night near Woodcock Park in Salisbury. He has a collar but no tags. Looks to be a Pekingese and rough coated terrier cross. Neighbors say he might have been wandering the area for up to a week.

Daily Aspirin: It's Not For Everyone

Aspirin, the 100-year-old painkiller that’s in almost every medicine cabinet in America, has been hailed by many doctors as a “miracle drug” that prevents many deadly diseases, including heart attacks, cancer, and Alzheimer’s.

Some medical professionals advise that almost everyone should take a baby aspirin (81 mg) daily. Other experts believe that daily aspirin shouldn’t be a blanket recommendation.

But should you take aspirin? The answer may lie in your specific health situation.

First, let’s take a look at aspirin’s benefits:
• Heart attack. Harvard Medical School experts say that aspirin helps prevent heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease, and also in healthy men over the age of 50. According to the National Center for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, aspirin lowers the risk of a first heart attack by 32 percent in men. Most experts believe aspirin does this by slightly thinning the blood, thus lowering the risk of clots.

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No War On Syria!

“Catastrophic!” said Sen. John McCain.

If Congress votes no on a resolution calling for U.S. intervention in Syria’s civil war, says McCain, it would be “catastrophic” for U.S. credibility in the world.

Consider what the senator is saying here.

Because Barack Obama, two years ago, said “Assad must go,” and, one year ago, said any use of chemical weapons crosses his “red line,” Congress has no choice but to plunge America into yet another Mideast war.

Can this be? Are we really, as a nation, required to go to war to make good the simple-minded statements of an untutored president who had no constitutional authority to issue his impulsive ultimata?

Are we really required to go to war to get the egg off Obama’s face?

Not since the War of Jenkins’ Ear has there been a dumber cause for a great country to go to war. Is there no way out?

There is, and it’s right in front of us.

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Md. AG: Part Of Wind Turbine Bill Unconstitutional

A portion of Senate Bill 370, which deals with setback requirements for wind turbines, was deemed unconstitutional by Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler because it would have given adjacent neighbors zoning authority.

Gansler sent a letter in May to Gov. Martin O’Malley saying that certain provisions of that bill are unconstitutional and can’t be enforced, said Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator, during the commission meeting on Tuesday.

“The bill will proceed, as it was written into law during the last session, except those certain provisions of the bill that were declared unconstitutional,” said Pagenhardt.
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Russian FM: "US Strike On Syria May Spur Nuclear Disaster"

Russian foreign ministry has warned that a military strike against Syria may lead to a nuclear disaster if a small reactor near capital Damascus is hit.

"If a warhead, by design or by chance, were to hit the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) near Damascus, the consequences could be catastrophic," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Lukashevich is a Wednesday statement cited in a RT report.

The development comes as the US still insist on waging military action against the Arab nation despite a growing global opposition to such moves.

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Colorado Sheriffs Join Recall Rally

Six Colorado Sheriffs will attend a Wednesday rally to "lend their voices to citizens fighting for their Constitutional rights through the recall process."

The rally is from 12 PM to 1 PM MDT and is being held at the Pioneer Museum in Colorado Springs.

The Sheriffs who will be in attendance are part of the group of 55 who have filed suit to have Colorado's new gun control laws overturned: El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, Weld County Sheriff John Cooke, Teller County Sheriff Mike Ensminger, Douglas County Sheriff Dave Weaver, Gilpin County Sheriff Bruce Hartman, and Cheyenne County Sheriff Ken Putnam.

Sheriff Maketa heaped praise on those fighting for their Constitutional rights through the recall process:

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NAACP TO ADDRESS RACIAL DISPARITIES IN BIRTH OUTCOMES

Salisbury, MD … Val Laureska, R.N. from Wicomico County Health Department and Deborah Farlow, R.N. from Worcester County Health will be representing the Lower Shore Regional Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Team as guest speakers for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) monthly meeting. Also speaking is Micaela Tedford, MCO Priority Partners Community Health Advocate from Johns Hopkins Heathcare LLC.
The meeting is Thursday, September 26th at 7:00 P.M. and will be held at Chipman Cultural Center, 325 Broad Street, Salisbury, MD. The public is invited to attend this meeting.
Ms. Laureska and Ms. Farlow will give a brief overview of racial disparities in birth outcomes and share the Life Course Model. Ms. Tedford will give an overview of the free educational outreach programs that are available. This will be followed by an open discussion to generate ideas to improve birth outcomes and strengthen protective factors of African American families in our communities.
For additional information about this meeting, contact Mary Ashanti, President, at 410-543-4187.

Imperium, RIP

Next week Congress can do far more than stop a feckless Tomahawk barrage on a small country which is already a graveyard of civil war and sectarian slaughter. By voting “no” it can trigger the end of the American Imperium—-five decades of incessant meddling, bullying and subversion around the globe which has added precious little to national security, but left America fiscally exhausted and morally diminished.

Indeed, the tragedy of this vast string of misbegotten interventions—from the 1953 coup against Mossedegh in Iran through the recent bombing campaign in Libya —-is that virtually none of them involved defending the homeland or any tangible, steely-eyed linkages to national security. They were all rooted in ideology—that is, anti-communism, anti-terrorism, humanitarianism, R2Pism, nation-building, American exceptionalism. These were the historic building blocks of a failed Pax Americana. Now the White House wants authorization for the last straw: Namely, to deliver from the firing tubes of U.S. naval destroyers a dose of righteous “punishment” that has no plausible military or strategic purpose. By the President’s own statements the proposed attack is merely designed to censure the Syrian regime for allegedly visiting one particularly horrific form of violence on its own citizens.

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The Controversial Past Of Obama’s New Labor Secretary

New Labor Secretary Thomas Perez – after a controversial tenure at the Department of Justice marked by his involvement in targeting voter identification laws, dropping charges against the New Black Panther Party, and fighting Arizona’s immigration enforcement – was ceremonially sworn by Vice President Joe Biden Wednesday.

Perhaps most germane to Perez’s current office was his action on “disparate impact” cases in employment and bank loans while serving as assistant attorney general for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division. “Disparate impact” is a statistical tool to show that lenders or employers are discriminating against minorities, which doesn’t require showing intent to discriminate nor examine the individual decisions, rather relies only on the numbers.

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Md. CEOs Want To See State Tax Reform, Spending Efficiency

The CEOs of Maryland’s major businesses have found the “elephant in the room” that stands in the way of economic growth here: the state’s non-competitive tax structure.

That was the conclusion of a report on Maryland competitiveness by the Greater Baltimore Committee released Wednesday. The finding came out of a survey of 250 Maryland CEOs and a June conference with a smaller group of 50 executives.

“Maryland’s tax structure stands out as our state’s single, most-cited business-climate deficiency in the opinion of chief executives who participated in the GBC’s Chesapeake Conference and in the majority of published business climate rankings, most of which rank Maryland high in other categories,” said the report’s executive summary.”It is the ‘elephant in the room’ in any discussion of Maryland’s business competitiveness and it detracts from the state’s many significant strengths as a business location.”
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NAACP TO HOLD 8TH ANNUAL FREEDOM FUND BANQUET

Salisbury, MD… Wicomico County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its eighth annual Freedom Fund Banquet at 12:00 P.M., Saturday, October 5th at the First Baptist Church Family Life and Cultural Center located on the corner of Booth Street and 528 Delaware Avenue, Salisbury, MD.
Rev. Cortly “C.D.” Witherspoon, Sr. will bring the keynote address on the theme: “NAACP: We Shall Not Be Moved.” Rev. Witherspoon is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Baltimore Chapter. He was licensed to preach in September 2001 at First Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist Church in the State of Maryland. 
Rev. Witherspoon also serves as a representative of the Baltimore People’s Power Assembly, a leading force in the national struggle against police terrorism. He has played leading roles in grassroots campaigns in Alabama, Arkansas, California, New York, North Carolina, Washington, DC, and Maryland. He continues to offer his voice and experience to various causes around the country, ranging from civil and human rights to workers’ rights and voting rights.
Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for youth, age 12 and under. No tickets will be sold

at the door. For more information, contact Mary Ashanti at 410-543-4187.

PEACE LOVING LIBERALS

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

The WORCESTER COUNTY TEA PARTY will meet on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Special guest speaker will be HENRY GRAEBE, Grassroots Manager for FREEDOMWORKS.

Doors will open at 6:30 pm, the meeting will start at 7:00 pm. All interested citizens are invited to attend. The Worcester County Tea Party is a grassroots organization, not affiliated with any political party, which is committed to promoting fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and restoring Constitutional limits to the government. For more information, call 443-614-7214; email WCTPPatriots@gmail.com, visit www.WorcesterCountyTeaParty.com

Only In Salisbury

Promoter Says Tall Ship Attracted 14,000 While In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The tall ship El Galeon departed Ocean City this week, leaving many good memories behind in its wake.

The El Galeon arrived in Ocean City on Wednesday, Aug. 21, and before it made its departure early Tuesday morning, city officials presented the tall ship’s crew with a Key to the City. The Galeon’s next stop is Puerto Rico where it will reportedly be used in a NBC miniseries called Crossbones, featuring John Malkovich as the legendary Blackbeard.

“We had between 14,000 and 15,000 people visit the ship area. We thank the Town of Ocean City and the Nao Victoria Foundation for making this event such a success in such a short time,” said Bryan Lilley, president of the National, Sea, Air & Space Foundation.
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Oasis Gone, Car Pool In

The old Oasis Car Wash next to Sam's Club has changed hands and is under renovations. I've always found this location to be strange but hopefully the new owner can have better luck.

Feds Press Tenn. Officials To Spend Taxpayer Money As Quickly As Possible

The federal government insisted Tennessee officials spend $217 million in taxpayer money as quickly as possible as interest free loans for homeowners -- and the state has happily obliged, giving away all but $73 million.
The state plans to pass the rest of the money on before next spring. 

As Tennessee Watchdog reported last year, however, homeowners don't necessarily have to pay back those loans, which can range as high as $40,000 per household, per a mandate from the U.S. Treasury Department.

These loans are forgivable after five years, said Patricia Smith, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Housing Development Housing Agency, which awarded the loans on the federal government's behalf.

As of this month, THDA officials have closed 4,482 of those loans and committed 4,803, Smith said.

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Bus Trip To DC, Tues., Sept. 10, To DEFUND OBAMACARE RALLY

EXEMPT AMERICA FROM OBAMACARE RALLY!
Tues Sept 10, 2013
JOIN US ON A TRIP TO THE WEST LAWN OF THE US CAPITOL
Bus leaves WOC 6am Stops in Salisbury at 6:45am & Cambridge at 7:10am.
LET FREEDOM RING!!!
Join us Sept 10, 2013 Wash DC Bus trip
If Obamacare isn't good enough for: Big Business, Big Labor, or Big Government, then it isn't good enough for the American People.

When: Tues Sept 10, 2013, from 12pm to 2pm
Where: West Lawn of US Capitol

$20 ROUNDTRIP!
FOR TRIP INFO PLEASE CALL BRIAN NYGAARD: 410-251-3585 BANygaard@AOL.com

OCPD REMINDING CITIZENS TO BE ALERT ON ROADWAYS DURING BIKEFEST

Next weekend, September 12 – 15, 2013, Ocean City will see an increased number of motorcyclists as bikers make their way to Ocean City for this year’s OC BikeFest Motorcycle Rally. OC BikeFest will take place at various locations throughout Ocean City. The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens of a few important safety tips to keep in mind during this weekend’s event:

• Be aware of motorcycle traffic. Often time’s people cannot see motorcycles because of blind spots in their mirror. Be extra cautious of this when driving, especially when changing lanes.
• If you see any criminal activity including racing or dangerous driving, try to get a good description of the vehicle and person. If you are not driving, try to write down the tag number and call the police.

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EU Committee Urges US To Provide Proof On Syria

Unserious About Syria

Why are we even talking about taking military action in Syria? What is that military action supposed to accomplish? And what is the probability that it will in fact accomplish whatever that unknown goal might be?

What is painfully clear from President Obama’s actions, inactions, and delays is that he is more or less playing by ear what specifically he is going to do, and when. He is telling us more about what he is not going to do — that he will not put “boots on the ground,” for example — than about what he will do.

All this is happening a year after issuing an ultimatum to the Bashar Assad regime in Syria against the use of chemical or biological weapons. When the president of the United States issues an ultimatum to another sovereign nation, he should know in advance what he is going to do if that ultimatum is rejected.
But that is not the way Barack Obama operates. Like so many people who are masters of lofty words, he does not pay nearly as much attention to mundane realities. Campaigning is his strong suit. Governing is not.

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Today's Lesson In Irony

The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is proud to be distributing this year the greatest number of free Meals and Food Stamps ever. Equal to meals for 46 million people.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior asks us: "Please Do Not Feed the Wild Animals."
Their stated reason for the policy is because, "The animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves."

Thus ends today's lesson in irony.

SPD Press Release 9-5-13

Free Breakfast Entree At Chick-fil-A

Don't miss your chance to get a free breakfast entree during Chick-fil-A's“Breakfast on Us” promotion which takes place Sept. 9 – 14 at locations throughout the metro area.

Visit www.Chick-fil-AForBreakfast.com today to reserve and redeem a breakfast item of your choice at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant between Sept. 9 and 14.

Individual Chick-fil-A restaurants are offering a choice of up to 10 breakfast entrees, including: Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit; Spicy Chicken Biscuit; Sausage Biscuit; Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis(three-count); Chicken, Egg & Cheese Bagel; Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit; Chicken Breakfast Burrito; Sausage Breakfast Burrito; Oatmeal or Yogurt Parfait.

Reservations are accepted through Sept. 13 or until all the slots are filled (some locations have already reached capacity).

The offer is limited to one free breakfast entrée per customer during the six-day redemption period. Offers and availability may vary at participating locations.

82-Year-Old Man Pepper Sprayed, Robbed In Frankford

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – An 82-year-old Frankford man was pepper sprayed, assaulted and robbed walking home Tuesday morning.

“I tried to fight with the cane. I kept jabbing him in the stomach until he got me down on the ground. Then when I was down on the ground he kept going in my pocket and I was pulling on his hand. He kept grabbing my pocket,” said the victim.

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GOP CONGRESSMAN: Military Members Keep Telling Me To Vote No On Syria

After President Obama delivered a speech in the Rose Garden where he said the United States "should" strike Syria following a deadly chemical weapons attack, Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) took to Twitter to dispute that claim with comments from those who would likely carry out that order.

"I've been hearing a lot from members of our Armed Forces," Amash tweeted. "The message I consistently hear: Please vote no on military action against Syria."

Now that Obama has deferred to congressional debate, a vote on striking Syria would likely come up on the week of Sep. 9. The President probably has the support of the Senate, but the vote could have some trouble in the House, as Josh Barro points out.

Since Amash's initial tweet, he's been retweeting comments that have been sent in from military members and veterans. Many of my own military sources have expressed reservations with action in Syria, especially following service in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

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Car And Craft Show

Event: 2nd Annual Car and Craft Show
Date: Saturday, September 7th (9AM-3PM)
Place: St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church (152 Tulip Dr Lewes, DE 19958)

Details: Come join this family friendly event showcasing some of the areas classic cars and local crafts. There will be food, vendors, entertainment, and the King Family's Famous Oyster Fritters! Last year was a blast and we hope to see an even bigger crowd join us this year!

SFD Calls For Service 9-4-13

• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 20:02:47 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 17:31:18 Nature: Sick Subject City: Salisbury
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 17:30:21 Nature: Pro Qa Fire Address: 337 Civic Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 16:42:21 Nature: Automatic Alarm Address: 200 Civic Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 16:24:36 Nature: Difficulty Breathing City: Salisbury
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 15:38:48 Nature: Pi Accident City: Salisbury
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 04:26:44 Nature: Sick Subject City: Salisbury
• Wednesday September, 4 2013 @ 00:40:21 Nature: Choking City: Salisbury

POLICE SEEK EASTERN SHORE STABBING SUSPECT

NEWS RELEASE
MARYLAND STATE POLICE
HEADQUARTERS: PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
(410)486-3101 or 1-800-525-5555 
Hearing Impaired TTY (410)486-0677 
www.mdsp.org www.youtube.com/Maryland State Police www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4, 2013

POLICE SEEK EASTERN SHORE STABBING SUSPECT

(WILLARDS, MD) – State and local police are searching for a man wanted for the stabbing of an acquaintance that occurred early yesterday morning during a gathering in Wicomico County. 
The suspect is identified as Ramon S. Avelino, 48, of the 9200-block of Green Branch Road, Willards, Md. Avelino is charged on a warrant with attempted first degree murder, attempted second degree murder, first degree assault, second degree assault, reckless endangerment, and use of a deadly weapon. 
The victim is identified as Irneo Rivera, 25, of the 9100-block of Green Branch Road, Willards, Md. Rivera continues to undergo treatment for multiple stab wounds at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. 
Just before 2:00 a.m. on September 3, 2013, Maryland state troopers from the Salisbury Barrack were dispatched to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 9200-block of Green Branch Road in Willards. Troopers found Rivera and observed he had sustained what appeared to be several stab wounds. EMS personnel responded and Rivera was transported to PRMC. 
Investigators from the Wicomico Bureau of Investigation responded, as did Maryland State Police crime scene technicians. Further investigation indicated the victim and several other people, including the suspect, had gathered at the suspect’s home to socialize on the evening of September 2nd. Early on the morning of September 3rd, some type of altercation occurred. Evidence indicates Avelino stabbed Rivera during that altercation. 
Crime scene technicians recovered more than one knife at the scene. The knives and other evidence have been forwarded for forensic analysis at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division laboratory. 
Avelino is believed to still be in the Delmarva region, possibly driving a mid-1990’s blue or black Chevrolet Blazer, with unknown Delaware registration. Avelino should be considered armed and dangerous. 
Anyone with information about Avelino’s location is urged to contact police immediately. In addition to 911, persons can call the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101. Crimes Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of Avelino. Calls to Crimes Solvers should be made to 410-548-1776.

Northwestern Mutual's "Heroes For A Cure": Recognize Anyone???

Hundreds Turn Out For Vigil To Mourn 2 Shot In Salisbury

Kristen Loetz cannot talk or walk. But she can write.

The 20-year-old Salisbury University student was shot by her ex-boyfriend Tuesday night. She’s currently being treated at Shock Trauma.

She cannot talk, but she did write a note—a note to her mom that said “I love you,” said Salisbury President President Janet Dudley-Eshbach.
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QUOTES OF THE DAY 9-4-13

“There is more than one way to burn a book.”

“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”

“Every minority, be it Baptist/Unitarian, Irish/Italian/Octogenarian/Zen Buddhist, Zionist/Seventh-day Adventist, Women’s Lib/Republican, Mattachine/Four Square Gospel feels it has the will, the right, the duty to douse the kerosene, light the fuse. Every dimwit editor who sees himself as the source of all dreary blanc-mange plain porridge unleavened literature, licks his guillotine and eyes the neck of any author who dares to speak above a whisper or write above a nursery rhyme.” (“Coda” 1979)
“The main problem is with our education, of course. First-grade teachers for many years now have not been teaching reading and we have to encourage them to pull up their socks and begin to pay attention so that the whole school system doesn’t go to hell. People are getting into high school who can’t read. It’s stupid, isn’t it? It’s crazy.”
“The jails are full of one million non-readers. We can’t let it happen again. If you allow another generation to grow up to be 12 years old…. without the ability to read, write, and think, we’re sunk. If they can’t read, if they can’t write, if they can’t think, they become criminals. We’ve already lost two generations. Unless we teach reading intensely and completely in kindergarten and first grade, the whole civilization goes to hell.”

“With computers, kids can connect and search libraries and the Encyclopedia Britannica, but if you don’t teach them to read in the first place, they’re not going to [log on], are they?” (Speech to National School Board Association, 1995)

“If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you’ll never learn.” (Faber in Fahrenheit 451)

Ray Bradbury