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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

WH Says GOP Has 'Moved Away From Compromise', Then Vows Not to Compromise

White House spokesperson Jay Carney criticized Republican leaders for moving “away from compromise,” but when asked if the administration would accept any delay in Obamacare, he replied, “No.”

"House Republicans have decided to pursue a path away from the center, away from compromise in favor of voting on a piece of legislation that they know will not become law,” Carney said Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, GOP leaders announced their plan to approve a continuing resolution (CR) spending bill through Dec. 15 that includes legislation to defund Obamacare.

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‘THIS IS AMERICA, THIS IS NOT CUBA’: GROUP MAKING REQUEST FOR PUBLIC RECORDS DETAINED BY COPS AFTER STAFF FELT ‘INTIMIDATED’ BY CAMERAS

A group in a municipal office in Hialeah, Florida, making a request for public records was detained by police because employees felt “we had ‘invaded’ the city clerk’s office and ‘attacked’ them with our cameras, putting them ‘under threat’ and causing them to feel ‘intimidated,’” Carlos Miller fromPhotography Is Not a Crime wrote on his blog.

In a separate incident the next day, a man making a request for records in Miami claims he was threatened with arrest.

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NAVY SHOOTER COMPLAINED OF 'WHITE RACISM'

The establishment media is reporting that authorities cannot identify a clear motive in the Washington Navy Yard shooting that left 12 victims dead.

WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., reported that a motive remained unknown and Fox News said that Washington Mayor Vincent Gray confirmed there was still no motive for the shootings and no indication of terrorism, “although we haven’t ruled that out.”

CNN said there was “no specific reason” given for what spurred the violent attack that left nine whites, two blacks and an Indian man dead.

But at the bottom of NBC’s report are details of how the suspect, Aaron Alexis, 34, was “not happy with America” and wrestled with another festering issue.

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A Number Of Troubling Trends Are Redefining The Modern American Family

It's often said that the only permanent thing is change, and that old saw apparently applies to the composition of the typical American family.
A study released today by Zhenchao Qian, a professor of sociology at The Ohio State University, shows a number of troubling trends: a decline in marriage (young people are delaying marriage longer than ever, and permanent singlehood is increasing), a rise in divorce and remarriage (the "marriage-go-round"), and a rise in adult children living 

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DODGE DEFAULT, DEFUND OBAMACARE, GOP LEADERS SAY

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans vowed Wednesday to pass legislation that would prevent a partial government shutdown and avoid a historic national default while simultaneously canceling out President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, inaugurating a new round of political brinkmanship as critical deadlines approach.

Obama swiftly condemned the effort as attempted political extortion, and the Republican-friendly Chamber of Commerce pointedly called on lawmakers to pass urgent spending and borrowing legislation - unencumbered by debate over "Obamacare."

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Lake Roosevelt Park Ranger Shot Man Near Son, Family Says

The Kettle Falls man shot by park rangers at a campground over the weekend had been standing alongside his 9-year-old son when the bullet tore into his torso, family members say.

Few details of the shooting have been disclosed by the National Park Service or investigators with the Washington State Patrol.

The shooting injured Casey Hartinger, 43. It happened after a Saturday night confrontation between rangers and another man who owns a houseboat that was moored at the Kettle River Campground within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

At least one park ranger boarded the houseboat in response to a noise complaint.

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Lamestream Media Gun Philosophy In A Nutshell.


N.C. Woman Who Was Face Behind Anti-Smoking Ads Dies Of Cancer

Terrie Hall, whose voice box was removed years ago, died at the age of 53 after being featured in graphic anti-smoking ads that up until the end labeled her a 'public health hero' by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Wicomico County Health Department Requests Input On Community Health Needs Assessment Survey

Approximately every five years since 1995, the Wicomico County Health Department has worked collaboratively with Worcester and Somerset Counties to complete a Community Health Assessment (CHA). In preparation for the 2014 CHA, the Wicomico County Health Department is requesting community participation.
The Health Department would like to gather thoughts and ideas about what County residents believe are the biggest public health issues facing our community and what strategies will assist in resolving these issues. An online survey has been created to capture this information. The results of the community survey will be used to help the Wicomico County Health Department identify new programs, service needs, and grant opportunities, as well as foster partnerships to help meet the needs of our community. 
The survey is accessible by visiting the following link: 
http://www.wicomicohealth.org/CHA
The survey will be available for input until 9/30/14. Residents who are unable to access the survey link may also call the Health Department to discuss thoughts with Brenda Williams at BrendaL.Williams@maryland.gov or 410-860-4593
“The community health survey is an excellent opportunity for residents to be a part of helping to improve the public health of Wicomico County. I encourage everyone to reflect on the public health issues of Wicomico County, think about where improvements are needed, and let your voice be heard,” said Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County. “Input will assist in driving our community health improvement plan for the next five years, and a solid representation of our community’s opinion is critical” said Brewster. 
The community health assessment conducted in 2009 identified the following areas for improvement:
Diabetes
Overweight, Obesity and Lack of Physical Activity
Mental Health
Access to Care
After a review of the assessment in 2009, the Wicomico County Health Planning Board identified diabetes, obesity and mental health as 3 focus areas through 2013. Community coalitions were organized in 2011 and have been working on strategies to improve the identified issues. Results from the 2014 CHA, will impact how these existing coalitions will move forward in their plans. 
In 2011, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Health Hygiene (DHMH) implemented the State Health Improvement Process (SHIP). As a result, the Tri-County Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) was established and the 3 lower Eastern Shore counties have been collaboratively working on initiatives to address obesity and diabetes.
The work of the Health Department continues to adapt with changes in health care reform, financing and community needs. The mission of the Health Department is to maximize the health of citizens by providing access to opportunities that promote physical, behavioral, and environmental health through preventive, educational, assessment, clinical, monitoring and regulatory programs. This project is a collaborative effort and can only be achieved successfully with community involvement and partnerships with other entities providing outreach, education and services in the community.
Please take a moment to complete the online survey to help promote and support a healthy Wicomico.

Slower Holiday Sales Growth Predicted For 2013

Coming off of a weak back-to-school shopping period, a research firm expects holiday sales growth will be slower this year during the crucial holiday season. Shoppers are also expected to visit fewer stores as they research purchases online.

Retail revenue in November and December should rise 2.4 percent during the biggest shopping period of the year, Chicago-based research firm ShopperTrak said Tuesday. That compares with a 3 percent increase in 2012 from 2011.

“Although the economy continues to recover slowly, consumers remain cautious about spending and are not ready to splurge,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin.

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Pro-Opposition Syria Analyst O'Bagy Admits She Was Never Enrolled In Ph.D. Program

Embattled Syria analyst Elizabeth O'Bagy now admits she was never enrolled in a Ph.D. program despite claims to the contrary as she rose -- and quickly fell -- as a prominent scholar whose writings were used to make the case for military intervention in Syria.
O'Bagy also has resigned from a Washington-based, pro-Syrian opposition group in the wake of the controversy. 

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Warren Buffett: Scrap Obamacare And Start Over

You know things are bad for President Obama when even Warren Buffett has soured on Obamacare and says that "we need something else." Money Morning writes:

"Healthcare costs in the United States are like a tapeworm eating at our economic body.

"Those words come from famed investor Warren Buffett, who said he would scrap Obamacare and start all over.

"'We have a health system that, in terms of costs, is really out of control,' he added. 'And if you take this line and you project what has been happening into the future, we will get less and less competitive. So we need something else.'

"Buffett insists that without changes to Obamacare average citizens will suffer.

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A Letter To The Editor 9-18-13: Surgeons

Given everyone's concerns about jobs, I thought this study featuring Salisbury would make a positive news story.
Salisbury got ranked #15 in this national study on the Best Cities for Surgeons to work. I think residents and future surgeons alike would find this fun and useful news to know about the city - hope you'll share the study and link!

Poverty Rate Remains Stuck At 15 Percent

WASHINGTON — The nation’s poverty rate stood still at 15 percent last year, the sixth straight year that it has failed to improve.

The Census Bureau reported Tuesday that 46.5 million Americans — or more than 1 in 7 — were living in poverty last year. That is not statistically different from the number of impoverished in 2011.

The median household income was $51,017, unchanged from the previous year, following two consecutive annual declines. The share of people without health insurance declined slightly, from 15.7 percent to 15.4 percent.

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"National Take Back Initiative 7"

The Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack will be participating in "National Take Back Initiative 7" with the DEA.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 1000 - 1400 hours. Citizens can bring prescription medication to the Barrack for disposal.

A Move To Repeal The Rain Tax In A Local County

The future of the Rain Tax in Harford County will soon be in the hands of the Harford County Council.

“The decision is to ask our County Council to repeal the Rain Tax Bill,” Harford County Executive David Craig told WBAL’s Scott Wykoff.

The same Stormwater Remediation Fee that the candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor signed into law earlier this year.

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Sugar Is 'Addictive And The Most Dangerous Drug Of The Times'

Soft drinks should carry tobacco-style warnings that sugar is highly addictive and dangerous, a senior Dutch health official has warned.
Paul van der Velpen, the head of Amsterdam's health service, the Dutch capital city where the sale of cannabis is legalised, wants to see sugar tightly regulated.
"Just like alcohol and tobacco, sugar is actually a drug. There is an important role for government. The use of sugar should be discouraged. And users should be made aware of the dangers," he wrote on an official public health website.

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Business Group Asks O’Malley For Commission On Business Climate

The new chairman of Maryland Business for Responsive Government is calling on Gov. Martin O’Malley to create a blue ribbon commission to improve Maryland’s negative business climate.

Promising to take a more bipartisan approach as chair of MBRG, Jerry Wit, also senior vice president of St. John Properties, a major office developer, said he wrote to O’Malley Tuesday.

“Maryland’s problem of being an unfriendly state for business is a state problem,” Wit told an MBRG gathering. “We need the state to take charge of this,” and bring everyone to the table, business, nonprofits and state officials.

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Obamacare Is Killing America

Vanderbilt University Medical Center cutting several hundred more jobs

This week's eliminations are part of plan for losing 1,000 positions


Vanderbilt University Medical Center is eliminating several hundred more jobs this week as part of its plan to cut up to 1,000 positions by the end of the year. The cuts are expected to continue for several more weeks, and should be complete by late October. More

Gallup: Democrats Losing Advantage Over GOP In Three Key Areas

Today Gallup highlighted the results of three ongoing pollswhich showed that Democrats have lost their advantage over the GOP in three key areas.

First and most importantly the question of who can maintain American prosperity. Democrats held a big advantage on this measure in 2012 while Republicans in 2010-2011. Currently, having lost 9 points on this question, Democrats are at 42 percent while Republicans are holding steady at 43 percent.

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Active Duty Military Had Weapons At Navy Yard, But Were Not Permitted Ammunition

Today, we celebrated Constitution Day, and Dan Joseph took to the streets to ask people how they felt about our founding document. He also asked people if there was anything they would change. In the wake of the horrific shooting at the Washington Navy Yard, one individual made an interesting point about yesterday's mass shooting at the Navy Yard in the nation's capital:

"I know a lot of people are concerned about guns these days, but you know if everybody had arms, then there wouldn't be these problems. "My son was at Marine Barracks -- at the Navy Yard yesterday - and they had weapons with them, but they didn't have ammunition. And they
said, 'We were trained, and if we had the ammunition, we could've cleared that building.' Only three people had been shot at that time, and they could've stopped the rest of it."

The Navy Yard shooting brings up the legitimate issue of carrying - and using - firearms on military installations.

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Congressman: CIA Employee Who Refused To Sign Non-Disclosure On Benghazi Suspended

Rep. Wolf: Employee forced to hire legal counsel
A CIA employee who refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement barring him from discussing the Sept. 11, 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, has been suspended as a result and forced to hire legal counsel, according to a top House lawmaker.

Rep. Frank Wolf (R., Va.) revealed at an event on Monday that his office was anonymously informed about the CIA employee, who is purportedly facing an internal backlash after refusing to sign a legal document barring him from publicly or privately discussing events surrounding the Benghazi attack.

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Soldier Goes Public Against Syrian War Vs Obama Supporters

Nine Retailers Arrested for Food Stamp Trafficking

A federal grand jury indicted nine retail store owners in Baltimore City and Baltimore County for 'food stamp trafficking.'

Court papers said the retailers redeemed the food stamps for cash and split the money with food stamp recipients. The amounts totaled about $7 million. According to investigators, the retailers did not provide any food.

"Taxpayers fund the food stamp program to put food on the tables of needy recipients, not to put money in the pockets of greedy criminals," said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. "Food producers and distributors benefit when food stamp funds are used to buy food, and honest storeowners work hard to earn a profit by actually selling food. People who play by the rules deserve to know that criminals who defraud them will be held accountable."

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Editors Note:  Notice the first company name listed.

When Did Military Bases Become 'Gun-Free Zones'?

It hasn't always been the case that only MPs can carry firearms on U.S. military bases. A mere twenty years ago, "gun free zones" made their way to these facilities under the watch of President Bill Clinton.

According to a Washington Times editorial written days after the Nov. 5, 2009 attack on soldiers at Fort Hood, one of Clinton's "first acts upon taking office... was to disarm U.S. soldiers on military bases."

Clinton's actions birthed Army regulations "forbidding military personnel from carrying their personal firearms and making it almost impossible for commanders to issue firearms to soldiers in the U.S. for personal protection."

In other words, thanks to Clinton, citizens who join the military to use guns to defend liberty abroad cannot practice their constitutional right to keep and bear arms while on active duty at home.

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ACORN Chief Gets Back In The Game

ACORN’s former leader is back on top.

Bertha Lewis played critical behind-the-scenes roles in the victorious Democratic primary campaigns of both Bill de Blasio for mayor and Kenneth Thompson for Brooklyn district attorney, The Post has learned.

“We’re baacccck. The right wing will have to deal with it,” Lewis chuckled.

Lewis, a co-founder of the Working Families Party, was an early backer and adviser to de Blasio.

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2013 Responsible Dog Ownership Day


Did Obama Just Waive The Ban On Arming Terrorist Groups?

President Barack Obama on Monday announced he would waive the federal law intended to prevent the supply of arms to terrorists groups so the U.S. can provide arms and other military assistance to the Syrian rebels, the Washington Examiner’s Joel Gehrke reports.

As TheBlaze has previously reported, a number of radical Islamic terrorist groups, including al Qaeda, have aligned themselves with the Syrian opposition in the quest to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

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List Of Vice Presidents At PRMC

All of the Vice Presidents at PRMC. Maybe they could trim a few from this list?

Md. Unintended Pregnancy Rate Drops, But Remains Higher Than National Average

Maryland’s rate of unintended pregnancies declined during the last decade, but more than half of all pregnancies in the state are still unplanned, according to estimates released this month.

The percent of unintended pregnancies in Maryland dropped from 60% to 56% between 2002 and 2008 – a 4 percentage point decrease – according to the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization that seeks to advance sexual and reproductive health.

Despite the decline, Maryland’s percent of unintended pregnancies remained 5% higher than the national average. In 2008, the most recent year for which detailed data was available, 49% of the pregnancies in the United States were unintended.

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Designer Living


GOVERNOR O’MALLEY APPOINTS STEPHEN S. HERSHEY AS SENATOR FOR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 36

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 18, 2013) -- Governor Martin O’Malley today appointed Del. Stephen S. Hershey as Senator for Legislative District 36, representing parts of Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Caroline Counties. He will fill the vacancy left by Maryland Senator E.J. Pipkin, who resigned August 12, 2013. Mr. Hershey’s term will begin effective immediately.

"I respect both Delegate Smigiel and Delegate Hershey," said Governor O'Malley. "Filling a Republican vacancy is a matter that should have been resolved by the Republican Central Central Committees of the District. Rather than resolving their differences, the Republican Central Committee has forwarded two names to my desk. In discharging my Constitutional duty of selecting just one of these candidates, I am guided not by which candidate I would prefer, but rather by which candidate has demonstrated the broadest electoral support in the district. In both the Central Committee balloting and the last general election, Del. Hershey has demonstrated a broader base of support, and therefore, I have decided to appoint Delegate Hershey to fill this Senate vacancy."

As stated in the Maryland Constitution Article III, Sec. 13, Governor O’Malley is required to make an appointment to fill a Senate vacancy from a written submission by the Central Committee of the political party affiliated with the vacating Senator.

Per Constitutional requirements, the Republican Central Committees for Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne’s and Cecil County submitted names to Governor O’Malley within 30 days of the vacancy. The Central Committees split their decision: the Republican Central Committees for Kent County and Caroline County submitted Delegate Hershey for appointment and the Republican Central Committees for Queen Anne's County and Cecil County submitted Delegate Smigiel for appointment.

While each of the two delegates put forth were supported by two of the central committees, Delegate Hershey garnered more total votes from the four counties than any other candidate. In this case, the split required Governor O'Malley to make the appointment upon receiving the last Central Committee's submission.

Publishers Notes: Congratulations Steve. My younger Brother and Steve went to Bowie High together and were best friends as kids. He's a very honorable man and will serve his District well. 

'Universal Background Checks'? Not So Fast

UPDATE: According to the Washington Post, Aaron Alexis had a security clearance that was updated as recently as July. Moreover, NBC4 reports that Alexis bought the shotgun that he used from a licensed dealer in Virginia — passing a federal NICS background check in the process — and then stole the other two weapons from his victims.
When it was over, Alexis lay dead amid an armload of weapons. Sources told News4 that surveillance footage showed that he began his attack with a shotgun, but was found with a 9mm pistol and an AR-15 assault rifle.

NBC News correspondent Pete Williams is reporting Alexis purchased a shotgun in Lorton, Va. during the past week or so.

So, here we have a man who passed a bunch of background checks and legally bought from a licensed dealer a weapon that is available even in England. Given their record of asking for new laws that have absolutely nothing to do with the crimes they use for emotional leverage, we should thus expect our friends on the Left to push immediately for a ban on the private sale of AR-15s and for the extension of background checks to private sales.

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Watch The Launch Live

Island Club Apartments


FEDS RELEASE THOUSANDS OF IMMIGRANTS WHO ARE SEX OFFENDERS

The United States government has released nearly 3,000 immigrant sex offenders, some of whom were illegal immigrants, since September 2012. Of those, nearly 3,000, or about 5%, were not even properly registered with local authorities as sex offenders.

According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released last week, "nearly 3,000 sex offenders are part of the 59,347 immigrants who the courts have ruled cannot be held" as of September 2012 because they were unable to be sent home. These immigrants were released "under some sort of supervision."

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Does The NSA Violate Your Constitutional Rights?

FAMILY DEMANDS ANSWERS AFTER IT IS REVEALED POLICE OFFICER SHOT UNARMED CRASH VICTIM 10 TIMES

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — An unarmed man likely seeking help after a car crash over the weekend was shot 10 times by the Charlotte police officer who’s now charged in his death, investigators said Monday.

The release of the information supporting the voluntary manslaughter charge came at the end of a day that also included the first public remarks by victim Jonathan A. Ferrell’s family. A family attorney and representatives of the NAACP are already asking whether race played a role in the shooting of the black man by a white officer.

Ferrell’s family said the former Florida A&M University football player moved to Charlotte about a year ago to be with his fiancee and was working two jobs. He wanted to go back to school and eventually become an automotive engineer.

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A Letter To The Editor 9-18-13

FACT:
FIVE YEARS ago it took less than five days for Somerset County Officials and the Sheriff's Office to hold a "special meeting" and decide to unlawfully suspend Deputy James "Troy" Durham and have none other than Sheriff Jones investigate the grievance that he himself was named in after Durham filed a legitimate grievance with Somerset County detailing the unlawful incidents with documented evidence of abuse of power and cover-up that had occurred in the Somerset County Sheriff's Office on August 29, 2008. Durham's suspension and the "investigation" by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office led to Durham's unlawful termination by Sheriff Jones on September 17, 2009.
(see attached letter/evidence -- public information)

FACT:
The Courts ruled that Durham's termination was "unlawful, unconstitutional, arbitrary and capricious" and based upon the facts, documentation and evidence, it was proven that Durham did the right thing by reporting "serious police misconduct and breach of the public trust to the government and to the PRESS"

Today, September 17, 2013 marks ONE YEAR since Deputy James "Troy" Durham's court-ordered return to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

FACT:
Despite court orders, Somerset County and the Sheriff's Department have continued to withhold Durham's back pay and benefits for the length of time he was unlawfully terminated (Sept 17, 2009- Sept 17,2012).

FACT:
Deputy Durham's GRIEVANCE has NEVER been INVESTIGATED.
Three of the five named in Durham's grievance are still working at the Somerset County Sheriff's Office and have received promotions : SGT Les Tyler, Detective George Nelson and Detective "Renny" Miles;
Sheriff Robert "Bobby" Jones is still the elected Sheriff of Somerset County, and one person named in the grievance chose an early retirement.

FACT:
There are pending lawsuits filed by Durham's Attorney, Howard Hoffman including but not limited to a $5 million Federal lawsuit (1: 2010 CV 02757 WMN) against Somerset County Sheriff Robert "Bobby" Jones (in his official capacity); the Somerset County Government and Commissioners; and any others to be named in future depositions for collaborating and conspiring to unlawfully terminate Durham and for the continuing retaliation.

O'Malley Forms Panel On Developmental Disabilities

Governor Martin O'Malley has created a commission to help law enforcers and others better respond to incidents involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

O'Malley issued an executive order creating the Maryland Commission for Effective Community Inclusion of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Tuesday.

O'Malley said in a statement that he created the panel partly in response to the death in January of a man with Down syndrome after a struggle with three off-duty deputies in Frederick. O'Malley met with Ethan Saylor's family earlier this month.

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The GOP Elites Never Miss An Opportunity To Pick A Fight

In the midst of the Navy Yard attack, former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum took advantage of the chaos to attack gun rights advocates. Gun control is a repeated hobbyhorse for Frum, who blamed the "gun lobby" for the atrocity at Sandy Hook Elementary in December. His reaction to Navy Yard placed him in common company with a newly-adrenalized Russian diplomat, who used the event to mock America.

A few days before, Frum's ideological ally, David Brooks, took to the airwaves on PBS'Newshour to attack what he called "the rise of Ted Cruz-ism," his term for the efforts of conservatives to tackle such "fringe" priorities as ObamaCare, which is more loathed by the American people than ever. Brooks has been at war with the conservative grassroots since long before the Tea Party, calling Sarah Palin a "fatal cancer" in Oct. 2008.

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Northern Virginia Business Group Makes Cuccinelli Endorsement Official

The Northern Virginia Technology Council’s political arm on Monday formally announced its endorsement of Ken Cuccinelli II in the Virginia governor’s race despite an aggressive behind-the-scenes attempt by supporters of his Democratic opponent, Terry McAuliffe, to wrest the prize away.

In addition to backing the Republican nominee for governor, NVTC’s TechPAC also voted to endorse the Democratic nominee for attorney general, Sen. Mark R. Herring (Loudoun), over Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg), according to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the formal announcement is to be made later this week. The TechPAC has not generally weighed in on lieutenant governor races.

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HOW AMERICA MORPHED INTO 'BIZARRO WORLD'

Exclusive: David Kupelian takes readers on tour of upside-down dimension we now inhabit
As part of my well-rounded childhood, growing up during the 1950s in suburban Washington, D.C., I read Superman comic books.

That’s right. Also Superboy, Batman and Robin, Aquaman, Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern and others – but my favorite was Superman. And one of the most memorable characters in those adventures was a guy named … Bizarro.

Created when the “man of steel” was exposed to a “duplicate ray,” Bizarro was essentially a defective clone of Superman. Although he was ugly, surly and spoke broken English like Tonto in “The Lone Ranger” (“Me hate Superman. Him bad”), Bizarro’s defining characteristic was his total rebellion against everything normal, everything sensible, everything Superman stood for. Indeed, he took pride in being the exact opposite of Superman in every way.

Thus, Bizarro eventually relocated to Bizarro World, a cube-shaped planet called Htrae (“Earth” spelled backwards), which operated according to “Bizarro logic” – meaning it was wrong to do anything right, moral or good. That gave rise to the Bizarro society’s legal system based on the “Bizarro Code,” which meant it was “a crime to do anything well or to make anything perfect or beautiful.”

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County Executive Craig To Introduce Legislation For Rain Tax Repeal

Harford County Executive David R. Craig announced today that he will be introducing legislation in the County Council for a full repeal of the county’s "Rain Tax." The law, formally known as the “Stormwater Management - Watershed Protection and Restoration Program,” stems from the Obama Administration’s EPA mandate to reduce run off into the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the state measure into law in 2012 with an estimated fiscal impact projected to be a staggering $14.8 billion.

SFD Calls For Service 9-17-13

  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 22:26:56 Nature: Subject Fallen City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 22:15:25 Nature: Odor Investigation Address: 205 Pine Way Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 15:35:47 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 12:46:48 Nature: Pi Accident Address: S Park Dr and beaglin Park Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 12:46:47 Nature: Sick Subject City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 12:46:41 Nature: Pi Accident City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 11:37:53 Nature: Subject Fallen City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 09:36:35 Nature: Subject Fallen City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 08:08:28 Nature: Unresponsive Patient City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 06:31:27 Nature: Subject Fallen City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 02:34:03 Nature: Abdominal Pain City: Salisbury
  • Tuesday September, 17 2013 @ 02:19:45 Nature: Diabetic Difficulty City: Salisbury

'Delegate Mike McDermott Announces Run For State Senate’

State Delegate Mike McDermott formally kicked-off his campaign for the state Senate representing District 38. McDermott has earned the reputation as someone not afraid to stand up for Eastern Shore values with passion and clarity. His ability to work across party lines without compromising core beliefs led to his being awarded the “2013 Legislator of the Year” by the MSAA. His advocacy for victims of abuse resulted in Delegate McDermott being awarded the “2012 Integrity Award” by POPULAR.

McDermott has also garnered recognition as a staunch defender of Maryland business and industry while at the same time advocating for consumers. For his efforts and his 100% voting record in support of the business community, Delegate McDermott has received the coveted “Blue Ribbon Award” from the MBRG for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. He was also named a “Consumer Committee Champion for 2013” by the MCRC for his outstanding work in trying to keep costs down for Maryland consumers.

“It’s time to take back your state,” McDermott said. “Maryland is the jewel of the mid-Atlantic, but the policy of taxing everything from small businesses to gasoline to even ‘rain’ has led us down a destructive path. When you add to that the continuing loss of jobs, and the erosion of our property and 2nd Amendment rights, it’s easy to see why people are looking for leaders who will rise from their seats and say ‘enough is enough!’

McDermott said he was urged to run for the senate “by folks who believe Maryland should be a haven for families and business, not a hindrance.” Having seen his Delegate District redistricted and moved 30-miles from his home, McDermott understands the retribution and politics that come to those viewed as a threat to the status quo of the General Assembly. “From day one in Annapolis, I’ve been a strong voice for Eastern Shore values and common sense spending,” McDermott said. “And from the way I was redistricted, it is more than obvious that my core beliefs, which they wanted me to compromise, are not their beliefs.”

McDermott made it clear that he stands up for people and not for what is politically expedient. “I make my decisions based on what is right on behalf of the folks I represent; and I do not ask permission of the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, or the Governor before casting a vote. It’s past time to elect a true senator, one who works for the people and not the boys on the other side of the bridge.”

McDermott cited just a few votes of the many cast by Senator Jim Mathias (D) which are “out-of-step” with the traditionally, conservative values of the Eastern Shore and District 38:
Mathias has voted for every O’Malley budget since taking office which has increased state spending 29% during the worst recession in Maryland history.
Mathias sponsored Obamacare and its implementation in Maryland.
Mathias sponsored legislation creating an electric surcharge/tax and higher rates on residents and business owners to pay for unproven windmills 20-miles out to sea.
Mathias sponsored legislation that requires all residential homes to be equipped with sprinkler systems increasing the cost of a rural family home by $25,000.00.
Mathias sponsored legislation that doubled, tripled, and quadrupled the fees/taxes that our Watermen must now pay to the state before they ever harvest their first crab or cast their first net.
Mathias voted in favor of the “Millionaires Tax” which increased the tax rate for incomes exceeding $1 million to 6.25% and drove citizens and capital out of our state resulting in lost jobs and revenues.
Mathias voted to deny the victims of domestic violence preferential treatment for firearms permitting which would have allowed these victims to protect themselves.
Mathias continually supports the budgetary shell games which often leads to prospective tax increases at the county level while denying cuts at the state level.
Mathias has consistently voted against floor amendments to cut wasteful spending which would have saved the taxpayers billions of dollars.

“Simply casting a vote without a word is not enough” McDermott said. “...but working in the committees, standing up, speaking out and fighting for your constituents rights is real leadership. I want people to know that, if elected, they will be getting a strong voice for the Eastern Shore, a proven leader that will work for them, and, at last, a true Senator.”

As a true Senator, Mike McDermott pledges to:
Continue to be a strong, outspoken advocate for Eastern Shore values.
Work to see Maryland return to the status of being a “business friendly” state.
Make every effort to see a moratorium on any further regulations on businesses which stifle growth and development.
Insist the state recognize and respect farmers as true conservationists and strive to see the agricultural industry protected and not crushed by over regulation.
Stand up for our Watermen and fishing traditions and work to reverse the current trend of balancing the state budget on the backs of these hard working Marylanders.
Work for a sound energy policy that includes natural gas and does not require the taxpayer or consumer to foot the bill for unproven technology and high energy costs.
Fight every effort by the state to diminish our civil rights including private property ownership and the right to keep and bear arms.
Insure that environmental policies are based upon legitimate science and not politics. To preserve and protect with balance is in everyone’s best interest.

Biographic Background

Mike and Laura McDermott recently celebrated their 30th Wedding anniversary. They have two grown children. Their son, Nate, graduated from Virginia Tech and is a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He is married to the former Rachel Barrett of Girdletree, Maryland. Their daughter, Amanda, is a graduate of Salisbury University and is a Flight Attendant for US Airways.

McDermott has been a member of House of Delegates since January 12, 2011 where he serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Judiciary Committee and as Chairman of the Worcester County Delegation. He is the former two-term Mayor of Pocomoke City, 2005-11.

Delegate McDermott is a career law enforcement officer beginning his service in 1988. He currently serves as the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division for the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. He has also served as the Chief of Police for the Town of Snow Hill, Maryland from 2001-05.

Mike McDermott was born in Hawthorne, California in 1961. He is a graduate of Wake Technical College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve from which he was Honorably discharged in 1986. He graduated from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy with honors in 1982. He has served as a police patrol sergeant, a chief of police and managed a family poultry farm in Willards, Maryland.

Professionally, he has served as President of the Advisory Board for the Bureau of Investigation, Worcester County, 2003-2004, President, Lower Eastern Shore Mayor’s Association, 2007-2008 and Member, Advisory Board, Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. He is a member of the Tri-County Council serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.

In the community, Mike and Laura McDermott attend Glad Tidings Church. Mike is a past member of the Boy Scouts of America; Lions Club International, Pocomoke City where he was a past vice-president; National Rifle Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce; Worcester County Republican Club and Maryland Municipal League. He is a former member of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers and Instructor for Wor-Wic Community College at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. He has coached baseball in the Pocomoke City little league and at Pocomoke High School.

Lieutenant Mike McDermott is a highly decorated member of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and has received the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Single Gold Star Award in 1998, 2001, and 2008 and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. He was recognized for heroism by the Worcester County Commissioners in 2009.

Perry To Visit Gun Maker, Business Leaders, Then Debate O'Malley

One week after airing a series of radio and television commercials encouraging Maryland businesses to relocate to Texas, Governor Rick Perry is coming to Maryland Wednesday to meet with business leaders.

Perry is due to meet with officials of Beretta USA at their manufacturing facility in Accokeek, in Prince George's County.

The company had earlier said it was considering moving its gun manufacturing plant out of Maryland, because of the state's new gun control that takes effect next month, which among other things bans the sale of a number of weapons the company makes.

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 Editors Note: Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley join Newt Gingrich and Stephanie Cutter at 6:30pm ET on CNN.

Va. Company About To Make First Space Station Run

A Virginia company is all set to make its first-ever supply run to the International Space Station.

On the eve of its premiere rendezvous mission, Orbital Sciences Corp. said everything looked good for Wednesday's launch from Virginia's Eastern Shore.

An unmanned Antares rocket is scheduled to blast off from NASA's Wallops Island Facility at 10:50 a.m. EDT, carrying 1,300 pounds of food, clothes and other items as part of a test flight. A Sunday delivery is planned.

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