To fully understand the state of play in the Republican party, look no further than Sens. Mike Enzi (WY) and Pat Roberts (KS). Both are reliable, mainstream conservatives, yet neither have a record of seeking a fight or standing on principle. Think Orrin Hatch, without the tab-collars. Both, however, stood with Ted Cruz in the fight over ObamaCare. Not coincidentally, both face serious primary challengers.
Sen. Mike Enzi is being challenged by Liz Cheney, who criticizes his "go-along-to-get-along" approach to government. Sen. Pat Roberts, who helped guide HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius through the nomination process, is being challenged by doctor, and Obama cousin, Milton Wolf. Nothing in their legislative record suggests they would have sided with Sens. Cruz and Mike Lee but for these primary challenges.
While most of the media and the GOP establishment try to pin blame for the recent fiscal stand-off on conservatives and the Tea Party, in reality the debate shows how bankrupt the GOP establishment has become. Senators, who serve six-year terms, spend most of their time in office immune from voters. They often get caught up in the world of DC salons. As the ballot box approaches, however, they affect a more conservative posture.
We all remember how Sen. John McCain, a vocal advocate now for amnesty, took a decidedly different tact when running for reelection.
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, October 19, 2013
REMINDER
Ocean Pines Chamber Committee will host a Legislative Town Hall Meeting
Ocean Pines, Maryland
The Legislative Committee of the Ocean Pines Chamber will host a public meeting at the Ocean Pines Library on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 from
5:00pm – 7:00pm. The town hall-style meeting will be open to all residents and business owners interested in learning about current issues and projects facing local representatives and their committees. JAMES N. MATHIAS, JR. Democrat, District 38, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties, MICHAEL A. McDERMOTT Republican, District 38B, Wicomico & Worcester Counties, CHARLES J. OTTO Republican, District 38A, Somerset & Wicomico Counties, will participate in the October 22nd town hall meeting. Each representative will begin the meeting with a few moments to educate the audience on the most important business issues that will be brought up in the upcoming legislative session. The representatives will then participate in a question and answer session on legislative issues by the audience and committee. The meeting is free and open to the public and audience participation and feedback is extremely important. Light refreshments will be served. Businesses and individuals are also encouraged to submit questions in advance by email to the committee atinfo@oceanpineschamber.org, faxed to 410-641-6176 or delivered to the Ocean Pines Chamber Office by October 16, 2013. Please limit questions to legislative issues. For more information on the Chamber visit www.oceanpineschamber.org
Ocean Pines, Maryland
The Legislative Committee of the Ocean Pines Chamber will host a public meeting at the Ocean Pines Library on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 from
5:00pm – 7:00pm. The town hall-style meeting will be open to all residents and business owners interested in learning about current issues and projects facing local representatives and their committees. JAMES N. MATHIAS, JR. Democrat, District 38, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester Counties, MICHAEL A. McDERMOTT Republican, District 38B, Wicomico & Worcester Counties, CHARLES J. OTTO Republican, District 38A, Somerset & Wicomico Counties, will participate in the October 22nd town hall meeting. Each representative will begin the meeting with a few moments to educate the audience on the most important business issues that will be brought up in the upcoming legislative session. The representatives will then participate in a question and answer session on legislative issues by the audience and committee. The meeting is free and open to the public and audience participation and feedback is extremely important. Light refreshments will be served. Businesses and individuals are also encouraged to submit questions in advance by email to the committee atinfo@oceanpineschamber.org, faxed to 410-641-6176 or delivered to the Ocean Pines Chamber Office by October 16, 2013. Please limit questions to legislative issues. For more information on the Chamber visit www.oceanpineschamber.org
ATF’s Prescription For Leaking Secrets: A Firing Squad?
After months of anguished debate over mass shootings, gun control and Second Amendment rights, the Justice Department finds itself on the defensive after a training manual surfaced that suggests federal agents could face a firing squad for leaking government secrets.
A photo in the online manual for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — complete with a photo of a turn-of-the-century firing squad — was obtained by The Washington Times from a concerned federal law enforcement official, and it immediately drew protests from watchdogs who said it showed a lack of sensitivity to gun violence and the continuing hostile environment toward whistleblowers.
Stephen Kohn, executive director of the National Whistleblower Center, said the DOJ has forgotten about the protections of the First Amendment, which covers leaks to the media, and that the photo could scare its employees into self-censorship.
The photo “would have a chilling affect on legitimate speech. And some of the rhetoric used against whistleblowers could be construed as inciting to violence because they’ve turned up the rhetoric,” Mr. Kohn said.
Justice Department officials said the photo was included as a joke and that they were unaware it was viewed as offensive by agents. They plan to remove the entry, but not until the government shutdown is ended and federal officials return to work, said Richard Marianos, the special agent in charge of the Washington division of ATF.
More
A photo in the online manual for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — complete with a photo of a turn-of-the-century firing squad — was obtained by The Washington Times from a concerned federal law enforcement official, and it immediately drew protests from watchdogs who said it showed a lack of sensitivity to gun violence and the continuing hostile environment toward whistleblowers.
Stephen Kohn, executive director of the National Whistleblower Center, said the DOJ has forgotten about the protections of the First Amendment, which covers leaks to the media, and that the photo could scare its employees into self-censorship.
The photo “would have a chilling affect on legitimate speech. And some of the rhetoric used against whistleblowers could be construed as inciting to violence because they’ve turned up the rhetoric,” Mr. Kohn said.
Justice Department officials said the photo was included as a joke and that they were unaware it was viewed as offensive by agents. They plan to remove the entry, but not until the government shutdown is ended and federal officials return to work, said Richard Marianos, the special agent in charge of the Washington division of ATF.
More
Offshore Seismic Air Gun Testing Raises Concerns
OCEAN CITY — An ongoing effort to derail proposed plans to allow seismic air gun testing off the mid-Atlantic coast and up and down the eastern seaboard from Delaware to Florida continued this week.
With a renewed interest in tapping potential oil and gas reserves just off the mid-Atlantic coast, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an arm of the Department of the Interior, is considering allowing private energy companies to utilize seismic air gun testing to determine what lies beneath the ocean floor.
More
With a renewed interest in tapping potential oil and gas reserves just off the mid-Atlantic coast, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), an arm of the Department of the Interior, is considering allowing private energy companies to utilize seismic air gun testing to determine what lies beneath the ocean floor.
More
Despite All Of Its Surveillance Capability, The NSA Still Depends On Hackers
At a recent conference in Aspen, NSA Chief Keith Alexander said about tracking terrorist activities on the web, "you need the haystack to find the needle."
Well, despite the rather obvious fact that the NSA has access to the haystack — a euphemism for all web communications — it still relies on hackers to find the needle.
That's because the web is largely still encrypted.
Recent stories have indicated that the NSA has pulled out all stops to degrade encryption — putting plants in the right positions in the tech industry, coercing companies to insert backdoors in software and hardware, etc.
The NSA takes those routes because brute force attacks on encryption — with the NSA's super computers guessing umpteen passwords a millisecond — simply cannot keep up with current encryption technology.
Even Edward Snowden said encryption still works.
More
Well, despite the rather obvious fact that the NSA has access to the haystack — a euphemism for all web communications — it still relies on hackers to find the needle.
That's because the web is largely still encrypted.
Recent stories have indicated that the NSA has pulled out all stops to degrade encryption — putting plants in the right positions in the tech industry, coercing companies to insert backdoors in software and hardware, etc.
The NSA takes those routes because brute force attacks on encryption — with the NSA's super computers guessing umpteen passwords a millisecond — simply cannot keep up with current encryption technology.
Even Edward Snowden said encryption still works.
More
Maryland To Spend $6 Million To Move Housing Agency Out Of Anne Arundel
The Board of Public Works in May approved a lease deal to move the department and its 320 jobs from Crownsville to New Carrollton.
If the project is finished on time, the state's 15-year lease deal with Rockville-based Berman Enterprises will begin June 1, 2015, for the 97,332-square-foot space in New Carrollton.
More
Obama To Tap Ex-Pentagon Official For Homeland Security
President Obama plans to nominate former Pentagon attorney Jeh Johnson as the next secretary of Homeland Security, a White House official said Thursday.
Johnson, general counsel for the Defense Department during Obama's first term, will be introduced by the president at a ceremony on Friday.
If confirmed by the Senate, Johnson would replace Janet Napolitano, who left the administration to run the University of California education system.
"The president is selecting Johnson because he is one of the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders, having served as the senior lawyer for the largest government agency in the world," the official said.
More
Johnson, general counsel for the Defense Department during Obama's first term, will be introduced by the president at a ceremony on Friday.
If confirmed by the Senate, Johnson would replace Janet Napolitano, who left the administration to run the University of California education system.
"The president is selecting Johnson because he is one of the most highly qualified and respected national security leaders, having served as the senior lawyer for the largest government agency in the world," the official said.
More
Hoedown To Feature Music, Special Menu, Craft Beer
BERLIN — The Atlantic Hotel will be adding a new food and music event to Berlin’s already well-loaded October schedule when they present its first-ever Hoedown on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Incorporating live music and unlimited beer from two of the area’s most popular breweries, the event will also have a specially designed menu that chef Leo D’Aleo promises will lend a “deck party” feel to Berlin in autumn.
The hoedown is shaping up to be something unique for the town, according to musician Bryan Russo, one of the four artists tapped to perform at the event.
“It’s one of those special events that they do, the big, can’t miss events that Fager’s has done in the past…I think they wanted to bring something over to the hotel and do something similar,” Russo said.
More
Incorporating live music and unlimited beer from two of the area’s most popular breweries, the event will also have a specially designed menu that chef Leo D’Aleo promises will lend a “deck party” feel to Berlin in autumn.
The hoedown is shaping up to be something unique for the town, according to musician Bryan Russo, one of the four artists tapped to perform at the event.
“It’s one of those special events that they do, the big, can’t miss events that Fager’s has done in the past…I think they wanted to bring something over to the hotel and do something similar,” Russo said.
More
NSA Spying Did Not Result In A SINGLE Foiled Terrorist
No Stopped Terrorist Plots
TechDirt notes:
Feinstein goes on to make … claims that have already been debunked:
Working in combination, the call-records database and other NSA programs have aided efforts by U.S. intelligence agencies to disrupt terrorism in the U.S. approximately a dozen times in recent years, according to the NSA. This summer, the agency disclosed that 54 terrorist events have been interrupted—including plots stopped and arrests made for support to terrorism. Thirteen events were in the U.S. homeland and nine involved U.S. persons or facilities overseas. Twenty-five were in Europe, five in Africa and 11 in Asia.
[The NSA chief himself admits the numbers are wildly inflated, and there were only "one or two" terrorist plots foiled. The NSA’s deputy director says that – at the most – one (1) plot might have been disrupted by the bulk phone records collection alone.]
Note the all important “and other NSA programs” language here. Also the use of “terrorist events” not plots. And, remember, those “thirteen events… in the U.S. homeland,” have since been whittled down to only one that actually relied on the call records program that she’s defending — and that wasn’t a terrorist plot but a cab driver in San Diego sending some cash to a Somali group judged to be a terrorist organization.
Specifically, the cab driver and 3 other men raised a total of $8,500 and sent it to Somalia.
More
TechDirt notes:
Feinstein goes on to make … claims that have already been debunked:
Working in combination, the call-records database and other NSA programs have aided efforts by U.S. intelligence agencies to disrupt terrorism in the U.S. approximately a dozen times in recent years, according to the NSA. This summer, the agency disclosed that 54 terrorist events have been interrupted—including plots stopped and arrests made for support to terrorism. Thirteen events were in the U.S. homeland and nine involved U.S. persons or facilities overseas. Twenty-five were in Europe, five in Africa and 11 in Asia.
[The NSA chief himself admits the numbers are wildly inflated, and there were only "one or two" terrorist plots foiled. The NSA’s deputy director says that – at the most – one (1) plot might have been disrupted by the bulk phone records collection alone.]
Note the all important “and other NSA programs” language here. Also the use of “terrorist events” not plots. And, remember, those “thirteen events… in the U.S. homeland,” have since been whittled down to only one that actually relied on the call records program that she’s defending — and that wasn’t a terrorist plot but a cab driver in San Diego sending some cash to a Somali group judged to be a terrorist organization.
Specifically, the cab driver and 3 other men raised a total of $8,500 and sent it to Somalia.
More
POLICE INVESTIGATING GRAPHIC, VIOLENT THREATS MADE AGAINST TED CRUZ: ‘GO THE F*** BACK TO CANADA, ELSE YOU AND [YOUR] FAMILY WILL PAY’
The threatening posts were made on Twitter by someone who identifies himself as Troy Gilmore Jr. and uses the Twitter handle @ArmyVet54. He has also listed Cruz’s home address in Houston several times and argued he needs to be “taught a street wise lesson.”
“Take down Ted Cruz, at his home,” the person tweeted, listing Cruz’s home address in Houston. More
2013 Atlantic hurricane season weaker than expected
This year's Atlantic hurricane season is on pace to see fewer hurricanes than expected and fewer than a typical season.
Twelve named storms, only two of which became hurricanes, have occurred so far. Neither hurricane reached Category 3, the point at which a storm is considered a major hurricane. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted three to six major hurricanes this season.
Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, and an average season sees 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
By mid-October of 2012, there had been 17 named storms, nine of which were hurricanes, well ahead of this year's pace. Hurricane Sandy, last year's most powerful and destructive storm, did not occur until late October, but hurricanes are uncommon in November. In 2011 and 2012 combined, the month of November had one tropical storm and no hurricanes.
The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season finished with 19 named storms, 10 of which became hurricanes. Only two of those hurricanes reached Category 3--Sandy and Michael. Sandy, which was a post-tropical cyclone by the time it made landfall, caused tens of billions of dollars in damage and killed 147 people. Hurricane Michael never made landfall.
Isaac, while only a Category 1 hurricane, caused more than $2 billion in damage and killed 34 people.
This year, Hurricane Humberto was the first hurricane, reaching Category 1 status in September but never making landfall.
Hurricane Ingrid, which also topped out at Category 1, struck Mexico in September, killing dozens in conjunction with another storm.
Twelve named storms, only two of which became hurricanes, have occurred so far. Neither hurricane reached Category 3, the point at which a storm is considered a major hurricane. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted three to six major hurricanes this season.
Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30, and an average season sees 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
By mid-October of 2012, there had been 17 named storms, nine of which were hurricanes, well ahead of this year's pace. Hurricane Sandy, last year's most powerful and destructive storm, did not occur until late October, but hurricanes are uncommon in November. In 2011 and 2012 combined, the month of November had one tropical storm and no hurricanes.
The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season finished with 19 named storms, 10 of which became hurricanes. Only two of those hurricanes reached Category 3--Sandy and Michael. Sandy, which was a post-tropical cyclone by the time it made landfall, caused tens of billions of dollars in damage and killed 147 people. Hurricane Michael never made landfall.
Isaac, while only a Category 1 hurricane, caused more than $2 billion in damage and killed 34 people.
This year, Hurricane Humberto was the first hurricane, reaching Category 1 status in September but never making landfall.
Hurricane Ingrid, which also topped out at Category 1, struck Mexico in September, killing dozens in conjunction with another storm.
Md. Health Connection Enrollment Climbs, But Long Way To Go
Here are the other highlights from MHBE’s weekly report on enrollment and usage (as of Oct. 18 at 12 a.m.):
Since the exchange opened on Oct. 1, there have been:
261,139 unique web visitors
25,149 calls to the call center
34,862 accounts created
23,141 households that learned their eligibility statusMore
The Sun Is Setting On Dollar Supremacy, And With It, American Power
All great empires – from the Greek, to the Roman, the Spanish and the British – have at their heart a dominant means of exchange which is very much part of their political and social hegemony. Once upon a time, it was Roman coinage which was the world’s pre-eminent currency. In more recent times it was the British pound. Today, it’s the US dollar to which international investors flock as a safe haven for their money. Highly liquid and apparently reliable – until recently at least – nothing else comes even remotely close to the greenback’s dominant position in the international monetary system.
That this position – what Giscard d’Estaing referred to as America’s “exorbitant privilege” – could so casually be put at risk by politicians on Capitol Hill is an extraordinary spectacle that may be indicative of a great power already seriously on the wane.
With the pound, the fall from grace was swift. Britain emerged from the devastation of the First World War an irreparably damaged economic and military power, with crushing debts and a deeply impaired manufacturing sector.
Read more
That this position – what Giscard d’Estaing referred to as America’s “exorbitant privilege” – could so casually be put at risk by politicians on Capitol Hill is an extraordinary spectacle that may be indicative of a great power already seriously on the wane.
With the pound, the fall from grace was swift. Britain emerged from the devastation of the First World War an irreparably damaged economic and military power, with crushing debts and a deeply impaired manufacturing sector.
Read more
Phosphorous Restrictions Causing Poo Panic With Chicken Farmers
Because of their concerns about the ramifications of proposed regulations that would limit the use of chicken manure on farms, the Worcester County Commissioners are requesting that a comprehensive economic impact study be conducted to determine their full impact and cost.
The commissioners are also asking for a meeting with Sec. Buddy Hance of the Maryland Department of Agriculture to voice their displeasure about the Phosphorus Management Tool, the proposed regulations that would impact agriculture, a vital industry in the county.
“There’s no economic study being done,” Commissioner Virgil Shockley, a chicken farmer, said Tuesday. “We can ask for the economic side to be looked at before any implementation takes place.”
More
The commissioners are also asking for a meeting with Sec. Buddy Hance of the Maryland Department of Agriculture to voice their displeasure about the Phosphorus Management Tool, the proposed regulations that would impact agriculture, a vital industry in the county.
“There’s no economic study being done,” Commissioner Virgil Shockley, a chicken farmer, said Tuesday. “We can ask for the economic side to be looked at before any implementation takes place.”
More
AND WHAT ABOUT THE EASTERN SHORE????
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, Lt. GOVERNOR BROWN AND WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE EXPANSION OF VOLVO POWERTRAIN FACILITY
HAGERSTOWN, MD (October 18, 2013) – Governor Martin O’Malley today joined with Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown and the Washington County Board of Commissioners to announce that the Volvo Group is investing $30 million to expand the company’s Hagerstown facility. As a result of the expansion, the Volvo Group, one of the world’s largest producers of heavy duty diesel engines, plans to add as many as 140 new full-time jobs and retain 1,340 existing full-time jobs.
“Volvo’s continued investment in Maryland and in Washington County sends a strong message that we have one of the best workforces in the world,” said Governor O’Malley. “State and local officials have worked closely with Volvo over the years to retain these good paying jobs for Western Maryland. We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with this world-class company.”
“We worked to coordinate state support for this expansion because we're committed to creating more good paying, middle-class jobs and bringing new economic opportunities to families in Western Maryland,” said Lt. Governor Brown. “I look forward to continuing our work with state and local leaders and our business community to strengthen Maryland's manufacturing industry and ensure that top companies like Volvo stay and grow in Maryland.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development approved a $4 million conditional loan, which is based on job retention and creation and capital investment. In addition, Washington County has approved a $200,000 conditional loan under the same terms. The company is also eligible for a number of State and local tax credits and training programs.
“Here in Washington County we’re proud to support the substantial investment and continuing legacy of the Hagerstown facility, which has remained a strong business and community partner for more than 50 years,” said Terry Baker, president, Washington County Board of County Commissioners. “Through our strong state and local partnerships, we’re able to help secure and support additional high paying jobs for our community and further our focus on future economic development efforts.”
The Volvo Group’s Hagerstown facility has been a strong corporate member of the community and a major economic driver in the region for more than 50 years. The site has been home to heavy-duty powertrain development and production since it opened as a Mack Trucks, Inc. facility in 1961. The Volvo Group acquired Mack and the Hagerstown plant in 2001, and since then has invested more than $350 million to modernize the facility and install new production capability to produce the world’s cleanest burning heavy-duty diesel engines and advanced transmissions. In 2012, the plant produced more than 45,000 engines and 21,000 transmissions for Volvo Group brands.
“We not only have a state-of-the-art facility here in Washington County, but more importantly we have a highly-skilled and capable workforce and a world-class product offering,” said Wade Watson, the Volvo Group’s VP and Plant Manager. “This is one more milestone along a trail of many that demonstrates the Volvo Group’s commitment to this market and to our workforce. I am also pleased to see how our partnerships with Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development and Washington County have contributed to the decisions to invest in this site and provide new opportunities for our community for years to come.”
Salisbury Accepts Safe Streets Grant; Police To Use Speed Camera Funds For Equipment
SALISBURY – The Salisbury City Council voted unanimously to pass a number of required legal actions, including more state funding for a major crime initiative as well as directing speed camera revenue to police purchases.
Additional State Funding
Secured For Safe Streets
The City Council approved a resolution accepting state grant funds through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention in the amount of $10,000. The money was awarded as an addendum to the Safe Streets Grant that was awarded July 15 and was in the amount of about $280,000.
More
Additional State Funding
Secured For Safe Streets
The City Council approved a resolution accepting state grant funds through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention in the amount of $10,000. The money was awarded as an addendum to the Safe Streets Grant that was awarded July 15 and was in the amount of about $280,000.
More
WORCESTER COUNTY TEA PARTY EVENT
The WORCESTER COUNTY TEA PARTY will meet on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 at the Ocean Pines Community Center. Speaker: WILLIAM H. CAMPBELL, Candidate for MD State Comptroller.
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
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
Volvo Adding Up To 140 Jobs In Hagerstown, Md.
Sweden's Volvo Group says it's adding up to 140 jobs in Hagerstown in a $30 million expansion of a plant that makes truck engines and transmissions.
The company announced the investment Friday in a joint statement with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
They say the plant will retain 1,340 full-time jobs and add as many as 140.
More
The company announced the investment Friday in a joint statement with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
They say the plant will retain 1,340 full-time jobs and add as many as 140.
More
PARENTS OUTRAGED OVER THIS HIGHLY INTRUSIVE SCHOOL SURVEY – WHICH WAS DELETED SHORTLY AFTER THEBLAZE STARTED ASKING QUESTIONS
What’s your religion? Your sexual orientation? Your parents’ political affiliation? Should “assault rifles” be banned? Who’s to blame for the government shutdown?
Do these sound like questions that high school sophomores should have to answer?
A Maryland high school that is “Common Core” compliant — as described to TheBlaze by a representative — allegedly administered a survey to its sophomore class that pried for personal information in a way that was apparently so invasive and intrusive that two parents contacted TheBlaze to show it to us.
When TheBlaze asked the Montgomery County School District about the survey, at first officials denied its existence. When we presented parents’ claims that the survey was indeed posted on the school’s education web portal and that it was given to students without the ability to opt out, an official with the school district denied those claims too. However, in less than an hour, it was scrubbed from the Internet.
Eventually Dana Tofig, the school district’s public information officer, acknowledged the survey’s existence and confirmed that it had been removed. He did, however, insist that students weren’t required to take it and that it was actually a volunteer project put together by students, not teachers. Parents insist the survey was an assignment put together by teachers, but some student input was also allowed.
More
Do these sound like questions that high school sophomores should have to answer?
A Maryland high school that is “Common Core” compliant — as described to TheBlaze by a representative — allegedly administered a survey to its sophomore class that pried for personal information in a way that was apparently so invasive and intrusive that two parents contacted TheBlaze to show it to us.
When TheBlaze asked the Montgomery County School District about the survey, at first officials denied its existence. When we presented parents’ claims that the survey was indeed posted on the school’s education web portal and that it was given to students without the ability to opt out, an official with the school district denied those claims too. However, in less than an hour, it was scrubbed from the Internet.
Eventually Dana Tofig, the school district’s public information officer, acknowledged the survey’s existence and confirmed that it had been removed. He did, however, insist that students weren’t required to take it and that it was actually a volunteer project put together by students, not teachers. Parents insist the survey was an assignment put together by teachers, but some student input was also allowed.
More
Casino Expansion Includes 10 Table Games
BERLIN – More details emerged this week in the planned expansion of the Casino at Ocean Downs to accommodate the addition of table games and other amenities.
In August, the Casino at Ocean Downs first appeared on the agenda for the Worcester County Technical Review Committee (TRC) for a proposed expansion of nearly 53,000 square feet, of which about 35,000 square feet would be dedicated to new gaming areas. Also in the plan, which was later approved by the Worcester County Planning Commission, is a back-of-the-house internal mezzanine adjacent to the casino and the Ocean Downs racetrack.
Through the various steps in the planning process, Casino at Ocean Downs officials were somewhat mum on the details of the use of the new space and only hinted at the addition of table games and expanded gaming areas. This week, however, the picture cleared with an official release on the casino’s website about the future plans.
More
In August, the Casino at Ocean Downs first appeared on the agenda for the Worcester County Technical Review Committee (TRC) for a proposed expansion of nearly 53,000 square feet, of which about 35,000 square feet would be dedicated to new gaming areas. Also in the plan, which was later approved by the Worcester County Planning Commission, is a back-of-the-house internal mezzanine adjacent to the casino and the Ocean Downs racetrack.
Through the various steps in the planning process, Casino at Ocean Downs officials were somewhat mum on the details of the use of the new space and only hinted at the addition of table games and expanded gaming areas. This week, however, the picture cleared with an official release on the casino’s website about the future plans.
More
SALISBURY CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA OCTOBER 21, 2013
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 301
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
1:30 p.m. CLOSED SESSION – 1) To discuss land acquisition for the future site of the Fire Station #2
and, 2) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice as permitted under the Annotated Code
of Maryland §10-508(a)(3)(7)
2:15 p.m. Community Organization Presentation – Maryland PIRG – Joanna Guy
2:30 p.m. Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study – Mike Moulds/Amanda Pollack
3:00 p.m. Garbage Ordinance changes - further discussion – Amanda Pollack
3:30 p.m. Records Retention Policy – Tom Stevenson
4:00 p.m. Adoption of the 2012 Energy Code – Bill Holland
4:30 p.m. Pay and Classification Study – Keith Cordrey/Tom Stevenson
5:00 p.m. Pay for Elected Officials – Tom Stevenson
5:30 p.m. General Discussion
5:45 p.m. Adjournment
GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING
1:30 p.m. CLOSED SESSION – 1) To discuss land acquisition for the future site of the Fire Station #2
and, 2) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice as permitted under the Annotated Code
of Maryland §10-508(a)(3)(7)
2:15 p.m. Community Organization Presentation – Maryland PIRG – Joanna Guy
2:30 p.m. Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study – Mike Moulds/Amanda Pollack
3:00 p.m. Garbage Ordinance changes - further discussion – Amanda Pollack
3:30 p.m. Records Retention Policy – Tom Stevenson
4:00 p.m. Adoption of the 2012 Energy Code – Bill Holland
4:30 p.m. Pay and Classification Study – Keith Cordrey/Tom Stevenson
5:00 p.m. Pay for Elected Officials – Tom Stevenson
5:30 p.m. General Discussion
5:45 p.m. Adjournment
High School Dude Snaps This Selfie With His Teacher Behind Him IN LABOR
On Thursday, a junior at Coral Springs High School
in the sunny suburban sprawl north of Miami decided that the best thing to do when his teacher went into labor in front of class was to take a selfie of the situation — with his distressed teacher squarely in the background.As the student
, who goes by @SpideyNikka on Twitter, smiles winsomely in the foreground, his teacher is at her desk in the background clearly in the midst of a contraction. According to Miami ABC affiliate WPLG, the mother-to-be was on the phone assuring her own mother that everything was going to be okay.Turns out, the baby was not ready to be delivered. After going to the hospital, the teacher
left and returned to school later in the day.Source
OC Boardwalk Hotel Fire Started In Basement Store
OCEAN CITY — A fire at the historic Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk at 7th Street around mid-day on Friday appears to have originated in the ground-level stores beneath the Boardwalk although smoke was seen emanating from windows up to the third and fourth floors.
Around mid-day on Friday, a fire broke out at the historic Majestic Hotel at 7th Street. The Ocean City Fire Department responded as did crews from Berlin and Ocean Pines. It appears the fire originated in the ground floors beneath Boardwalk level and was quickly brought under control.
However, fire crews remained on scene for several hours as ladder crews and tower truck crews removed the shudders from the upper floors and smoke emanated from the windows on the higher floors of the structure. The Boardwalk was closed to pedestrian traffic for at least a block in either direction as large fire trucks and other apparatus along with a lot of manpower battled the fire and began the cleanup process.
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Obama’s DHS Pick A Major Democratic Donor, Senators Question Credentials
President Obama's pick to lead the sprawling Department of Homeland Security is a major Democratic donor who used to work with the president's 2008 campaign, leading one senator to call the choice "deeply concerning."
The president plans to nominate former Pentagon lawyer Jeh Johnson on Friday afternoon.
"It would appear that the president plans to nominate a loyalist and fundraiser to this post," Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said in a statement. "This is deeply concerning. This huge department must have a proven manager with strong relevant law enforcement experience, recognized independence and integrity, who can restore this department to its full capability."
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The president plans to nominate former Pentagon lawyer Jeh Johnson on Friday afternoon.
"It would appear that the president plans to nominate a loyalist and fundraiser to this post," Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said in a statement. "This is deeply concerning. This huge department must have a proven manager with strong relevant law enforcement experience, recognized independence and integrity, who can restore this department to its full capability."
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Duty to God & Country Prayer Breakfast To Be Held at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
The Del-Mar-Va Council, Boy Scouts of America Duty to God & Country Prayer Breakfast will be held in the Midway Room at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at 7:15 a.m.
The event is held in celebration of the 12th point of The Scout Law, “A Scout is Reverent” and to honor the veterans within the community. Special guest Paul Butler, WBOC News Anchor, author and lecturer, will be attending the event as the keynote speaker. Butler completed his bachelor’s degree in communications at Salisbury University in 1985 and uses his spare time to mentor and give inspirational talks to high school and college students. Butler’s passion is to encourage and promote fundraising to help raise awareness to beneficial clubs, campaigns and relief efforts.
Doors open at 6:45 a.m. and the opening ceremony and breakfast start at 7:15 a.m. Tickets are $30 per person or $250 for a table of eight. Seating preferences are based on actual reservation date (seating is limited), RSVP on or before Oct. 25, 2013.
For more information call 443-523-7639 or register online at www.dmvc.org/dtg-les. Checks can be mailed to BSA Duty to God Prayer Breakfast, 1320 Belmont Avenue, Suite 403A, Salisbury, MD 21804 and made payable to Del-Mar-Va Council, BSA.
The event is held in celebration of the 12th point of The Scout Law, “A Scout is Reverent” and to honor the veterans within the community. Special guest Paul Butler, WBOC News Anchor, author and lecturer, will be attending the event as the keynote speaker. Butler completed his bachelor’s degree in communications at Salisbury University in 1985 and uses his spare time to mentor and give inspirational talks to high school and college students. Butler’s passion is to encourage and promote fundraising to help raise awareness to beneficial clubs, campaigns and relief efforts.
Doors open at 6:45 a.m. and the opening ceremony and breakfast start at 7:15 a.m. Tickets are $30 per person or $250 for a table of eight. Seating preferences are based on actual reservation date (seating is limited), RSVP on or before Oct. 25, 2013.
For more information call 443-523-7639 or register online at www.dmvc.org/dtg-les. Checks can be mailed to BSA Duty to God Prayer Breakfast, 1320 Belmont Avenue, Suite 403A, Salisbury, MD 21804 and made payable to Del-Mar-Va Council, BSA.
Fed Balance Sheet Increases By $50 Billion In One Week, $100 Billion In One Month, $1 Trillion In One Year
Five years after the "recovery" began, the Fed continues to monetize more debt as part of QE3 than at any time in history, and certainly more than during QE1, Twist, and QE2, as can be seen on the chart below (remember: all that matters is the flow, as we noted well over a year ago [4], and as even the Fed has finally realized [5]).Why is this important? Because as even the Treasury has now admitted, the Fed's daily liquidity injections are all that matters [6]. Of note: in the just completed week, the Fed's balance sheet increased by over $50 billion (again, in one week), by $100 billion in the past month, and by just shy of $1 trillion in the past year.Incidentally, this is "money" that continues to not make its way into the economy, and every single "reserve" dollar created by the Fed in exchange for monetization, is used by banks to ramp asset prices to now daily record levels.
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One County's Strict Gun Policy Is Revised
School officials in Calvert county have relaxed what had been virtually a zero tolerance weapons policy that has led to a number of cases of students being disciplined for kids pointing their fingers like guns.
One mother has just been notified that her 11 year old son's record will be cleared after he was suspended from class for a day after he made a gun gesture on a school bus.
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Billboard Of Obama With A Hitler Mustache Sparks Outrage In Indiana
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PELOSI ON PORK: 'WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?'
'If you want to have an objection to the bill, there are bigger things'
(Washington Times) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Thursday said she can’t answer for why pork-barrel items snuck into the debt and spending bill that passed Congress late Thursday, but said the press should stop focusing on that and instead look at the broader debt fight.
“What difference does it make?” Mrs. Pelosi said when she was asked repeatedly about the items, which include a $174,000 payment to the widow of the late multimillionaire Sen. Frank Lautenberg and a $2 billion maximum price increase on a dam project on the Ohio River that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had supported as an earmark in previous years.
Source
(Washington Times) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Thursday said she can’t answer for why pork-barrel items snuck into the debt and spending bill that passed Congress late Thursday, but said the press should stop focusing on that and instead look at the broader debt fight.
“What difference does it make?” Mrs. Pelosi said when she was asked repeatedly about the items, which include a $174,000 payment to the widow of the late multimillionaire Sen. Frank Lautenberg and a $2 billion maximum price increase on a dam project on the Ohio River that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell had supported as an earmark in previous years.
Source
ACTUALLY, OBAMA 'MANUFACTURED' THE CRISIS
The White House and its press corps have come to a consensus that the recent shutdown/debt limit debate was a "manufactured crisis"--the implication being that it was manufactured by Republicans. That is untrue--first because President Barack Obama and the Democrats could easily have averted a crisis if they had been willing to compromise, and second because forcing such confrontations has been their strategy since 2011.
The debt limit was not a priority for the Tea Party until the Democrats made it one. In the 2010 elections, the subject almost never came up. There was certainly no plan to shut down the government if the Republicans did not get their way. Rather, interest in these confrontations came from the Democrats and the Obama administration, who saw the 1995-6 crises as models for how to defeat congressional Republicans.
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The debt limit was not a priority for the Tea Party until the Democrats made it one. In the 2010 elections, the subject almost never came up. There was certainly no plan to shut down the government if the Republicans did not get their way. Rather, interest in these confrontations came from the Democrats and the Obama administration, who saw the 1995-6 crises as models for how to defeat congressional Republicans.
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U.S. Debt Jumps A Record $328 Billion — Tops $17 Trillion For First Time
The debt now equals $17.075 trillion, according to figures the Treasury Department posted online on Friday.
The $328 billion increase shattered the previous high of $238 billion set two years ago.
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WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS GRANT FUNDS
Wicomico County, MD – The Wicomico County Health Department is soliciting grant proposals from county organizations interested in conducting tobacco use prevention projects within their communities. Consideration will be given to all local community groups, including civic organizations, churches and non-profit agencies.
Proposal applications can be obtained at the Wicomico County Health Department, Room 209, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland. Completed proposals are due by Friday, November 8, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., E.S.T.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal meeting to address questions about the grant proposal submission process. The meeting will be held Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., at the Wicomico County Health Department, second floor Administration Conference Room, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland.
Funds are made available through the Wicomico County Cigarette Restitution Fund.
For more information, please contact Carol Fenner at (410) 334-3480 extension 17487.
Proposal applications can be obtained at the Wicomico County Health Department, Room 209, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland. Completed proposals are due by Friday, November 8, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., E.S.T.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a pre-proposal meeting to address questions about the grant proposal submission process. The meeting will be held Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 3:00 p.m., at the Wicomico County Health Department, second floor Administration Conference Room, 108 East Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland.
Funds are made available through the Wicomico County Cigarette Restitution Fund.
For more information, please contact Carol Fenner at (410) 334-3480 extension 17487.
Death In Newark
In the midst of a crime wave, Newark activists turn to prayer.
Every day this month, activists are meeting on a different Newark street corner at 5 p.m. Each marks the spot of a different murder, and they are trying to drive away the “murderous spirits” they believe have taken hold of their city’s young men.
It wasn’t any particular event that spurred them to action, but their month of prayer is aptly timed. Newark saw a murder every day from August 26 to September 3; this week, five men were gunned down in just 72 hours. The violence was mostly gang-related but has left innocent victims in its wake: among others, a 24-year-old woman struck by stray bullets as she chatted with friends and a 20-year-old pizza deliveryman killed in a robbery gone awry.
“We think all of this violence is a public-health issue,” says Cassandra Dock, who, along with her fellow activist Donna Jackson, is organizing the effort. Dock wants the ills of her community treated holistically. “We request the help of our elected officials, but we also are smart enough and wise enough to know that this is going to take some divine intervention, that spirituality needs to be brought back into our community.”
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Every day this month, activists are meeting on a different Newark street corner at 5 p.m. Each marks the spot of a different murder, and they are trying to drive away the “murderous spirits” they believe have taken hold of their city’s young men.
It wasn’t any particular event that spurred them to action, but their month of prayer is aptly timed. Newark saw a murder every day from August 26 to September 3; this week, five men were gunned down in just 72 hours. The violence was mostly gang-related but has left innocent victims in its wake: among others, a 24-year-old woman struck by stray bullets as she chatted with friends and a 20-year-old pizza deliveryman killed in a robbery gone awry.
“We think all of this violence is a public-health issue,” says Cassandra Dock, who, along with her fellow activist Donna Jackson, is organizing the effort. Dock wants the ills of her community treated holistically. “We request the help of our elected officials, but we also are smart enough and wise enough to know that this is going to take some divine intervention, that spirituality needs to be brought back into our community.”
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John McAfee On Obamacare: ‘This Is A Hacker’s Wet Dream’
On Fox Business Network’s “Cavuto” on Wednesday, computer programmer and founder of McAfee, Inc. John McAfee said the online component of Obamacare “is a hacker’s wet dream” that will cause “the loss of income for the millions of Americans who are going to lose their identities.”
For starters, McAfee said the way it is set up makes it possible for fake websites be set up to fool people to think they’re signing up for Obamacare.
“It’s seriously bad,” McAfee said. “Somebody made a grave error, not in designing the program but in simply implementing the web aspect of it. I mean, for example, anybody can put up a web page and claim to be a broker for this system. There is no central place where I can go and say, ‘OK, here are all the legitimate brokers, the examiners for all of the states and pick and choose one.’”
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component of Obamacare “is a hacker’s wet dream” that will cause “the loss of income for the millions of Americans who are going to lose their identities.”For starters, McAfee said the way it is set up makes it possible for fake websites be set up to fool people to think they’re signing up for
Obamacare.“It’s seriously bad,” McAfee said. “Somebody made a grave error, not in designing the program but in simply implementing the web
aspect of it. I mean, for example, anybody can put up a web page and claim to be a broker for this system. There is no central place where I can go and say, ‘OK, here are all the legitimate brokers, the examiners for all of the states and pick and choose one.’”More
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 10-19-13
BELL STREET SCHOOL
(A picture surfaced in an old Daily Times issue of Nov. 27, 1977 that includes the following students. It is believed to be from around 1900. My apologies for the quality of the picture.)
First row, left to right, Carl Brewington, George Strattner, Thomas Foster, Gordon Adams, Oscar Benjamin, Leon Ulman, Wallace Smith, Harry Parker, George Parker, and W. B. Tilghman, Jr.
Second row, Claude Dorman, Benjamin Calloway, Raymond Doward, Wm. Slemons, Charles Bailey, Ralph Duffy, Calvin Morris, Samuel Hitch, Wm. Records, Ernest Lucas, and unknown.
Third row, William Killiam, Warren Titlow, Garley Brittingham, Wm. Layfield, Miss Stella Dorman, Clarence Parsons, Fred Grier, unknown, and Emmett Moore.
Fourth row, unknown, Harry Bethke.
Those grim-faced kids glaring at what now is a valuable antique camera bring to mind what one might think a group photograph of all the characters who used to appear in the old “Our Gang” film series would look like.
Actually, the photo shows what is believed to be the third or fourth grade class perched on the front porch of the old Bell Street School, built in 1894. Torn down in 1939, the two-story, four-room frame school was located across from W. Chestnut Street, near the old standpipe behind the John B. Parsons Home on Lemmon Hill Lane. Along with the Chestnut Street Grammar School, the school was replaced by the newly built North Salisbury Elementary on Emerson Ave.
As near as anyone can figure out, the picture appears to have been taken around 1900 or so. The photograph, framed and accompanied by an almost complete list of names, surfaced a couple of years ago when a Laurel, Del. Man, Olan O’Neal bought it for $8 at an auction in Delmar. O’Neal attends auctions fairly regularly, but he doesn’t consider himself a professional collector.
“I have no idea where the picture came from”, he commented. “I’ve never come across a picture like this before. I hated to see some antique dealer buy it and away it goes. So, I stopped in to see Harold Fulton (superintendent of Wicomico County schools) and showed it to him. He was very interested, and I thought it would be nice for the school people to keep it,” O’Neal explained. He then presented it to Fulton. The photograph will become part of a dozen such historical photos that will be on display at the Board of Education office.
But what about those kids, attired in knickers? Who is a better repository of facts and figures, and who has a greater wealth of knowledge of names, places, family histories and the like than Walter R. Holloway, at the funeral home bearing his name? Himself a graduate of the Bell Street School, Holloway chuckled when shown the photo. “I remember many of these kids, some of them quite well. But these kids were a bit older than I am (78) and some of them I can only recall being familiar with the family name,” he mused. “When I was there it was called a grammar school. The girls and the boys were separated, the girls upstairs, and the boys downstairs. The street was named for Miss Daisy Bell and her brother George Bell, who was a state’s attorney at one time here. They lived together right there near where the school was in a lovely big old white house. When we were finished there, we were sent about 50 feet across the street to the Chestnut Street School. From there, we attended class at the Upton Street High School, where your building (the Times Building) is now,” Holloway continued.
Because the photograph appears to have been taken several years before Holloway attended Bell Street, what follows is not necessarily a complete history of each and every name, only what the long and sometimes vivid Holloway memory can provide.
Carl Brewington – “He lived in Bivalve when he died. His father, Clarence Brewington, used to have a grocery store in front of the old Jackson House (now gone.) When I used to live on Smith Street, I used to go across a lot full of sandburs where Light Street is now, and go in the back door of the store to spend my penny on candy.”
George Strattner – “I know his father was a power man with the BC&A Railroad, but beyond that I can’t recall much else.”
Gordon Adams – “Used to work in the Jackson Shirt factory (where Lowe’s is now).”
Leon Ulman – “His father, I think, was Charley Ulman, or maybe Ike Ulman. Anyway, I know they used to live where the C & P Telephone Co. building is now in a big rambling house. I also think it is the same family that was connected with the Old Ulman Theater (which burned to the ground in 1963).”
W. B. Tilghman, Jr. – “His father was Col. W. E. Tilghman. His nephew, Nash Strudwick, now runs the Tilghman Company (one of Salisbury’s most famous commercial landmarks).”
Claude Dorman – “A very proper fellow. His father was Will Dorman. He used to direct nearly all the weddings around. He made curtains, draperies and did a little needlework. He used to always lead the Grand March at annual dances. They used to live where City Hall is now.”
Benjamin Calloway – “Used to work at R.D. Grier’s machine shop. His son, Roland, works at the Grier Tire Co. now. Ben was a member of the Salisbury Fire Company.”
William Slemons – “He was with T. L. Ruark grocery store.”
Charles Bailey – “Worked in a shirt factory, I believe.”
Ralph Duffy – “Was a sheriff here in the county. He was a blacksmith by trade, and used to shoe many a horse.”
Calvin Morris – “Was an auto mechanic for a time.”
Samuel Hitch – “Worked for the C & P Telephone Co. His Dad, Herbert H. Hitch, had a grocery store at the corner of W. Main Street and Delaware Avenue. Sam used to drive around in a horse and buggy, carting a huge piece of telephone equipment that was battery operated.”
Ernest Lucas – “Was the son of Martin Lucas, who used to run Uncle Mart’s Sandwich shop on Market St., featuring oyster fritter sandwiches. I think he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad for a while.
William Killiam – “He was a chief of the fire department. They lived in a house which is now at the corner of Cherry Street and Route 13. I remember when he used to ride about on a big bicycle wearing a white raincoat.”
Miss Stella Dorman – “Miss Dorman. She was strict. Never married. I never had her for a teacher but I heard she would whip the devil out of you.”
Fred Grier – “Another fire chief. I believe his brother was R. D. Grier.”
Harry Bethke – “His father was a fine tailor whose shop was over the old Twilley-Hearn Barber Shop downtown. They lived at the corner of Elizabeth Street and North Division Street.”
SFD Calls For Service 10-18-13
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 23:03:33 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 22:23:16 Nature: Overdose City: Salisbury
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 21:22:28 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 20:18:10 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 19:06:59 Nature: Delayed Ambulance Address: 1103 S Schumaker Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 18:53:02 Nature: Chest Pain City: Salisbury
- Friday October, 18 2013 @ 18:47:43 Nature: Pro Qa Ems City: Salisbury
Chase Bank Limits Cash Withdrawals, Bans International Wire Transfers
The fact that these letters were being sent out to Chase customers was confirmed at the time that we published, but in the last 24 hours we have confirmed that even large businesses doing international transactions have also received the same letters.
I personally visited Chase Bank and inquired about setting up an account and asked if I could wire money out of the country or withdraw the amounts of cash listed in their letter. I was told no, and that I would have to “qualify” with them for a special type of international bank account and would have to deposit huge amounts of money and pay fees to be able to access those services.
What this constitutes is a war on cash and a war on small business and individuals. Two years ago we saw a giant backlash against Bank of America when they announced customers would be charged for using their own money via their debit card. We have crossed the rubicon where now the currency has been so devalued that you will have to pay fees to have your money in a bank or use a debit card.
In saying that international wire transfers are too much of a risk, Chase Bank might as well be bankrupt because it is telling you there is no money to withdraw.
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I personally visited Chase Bank and inquired about setting up an account and asked if I could wire money out of the country or withdraw the amounts of cash listed in their letter. I was told no, and that I would have to “qualify” with them for a special type of international bank account and would have to deposit huge amounts of money and pay fees to be able to access those services.
What this constitutes is a war on cash and a war on small business and individuals. Two years ago we saw a giant backlash against Bank of America when they announced customers would be charged for using their own money via their debit card. We have crossed the rubicon where now the currency has been so devalued that you will have to pay fees to have your money in a bank or use a debit card.
In saying that international wire transfers are too much of a risk, Chase Bank might as well be bankrupt because it is telling you there is no money to withdraw.
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White House Reopened For Tours
Washington, D.C. – The White House notified Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., that it is reopening for tours of the East Wing and Executive Residence on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. The President shut down tours when the sequester, which he proposed, went into effect. Americans have been unable to visit the home since March. The White House is still operating under the same funding levels as they were when the tours were banned. Individuals interested in visiting the White House should email tourrequests.md01@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-5311. While tour requests are submitted through congressional offices, the White House makes final determinations on whether tour requests are granted.
“The President was playing politics by blaming sequestration for his decision to shut down White House tours,” said Congressman Harris. “I am glad the White House is reopening for tours and I encourage constituents to contact my office for more information.”
Constituents may also contact the office for tours of the United States Capitol which remained accessible to the public despite sequestration.
“The President was playing politics by blaming sequestration for his decision to shut down White House tours,” said Congressman Harris. “I am glad the White House is reopening for tours and I encourage constituents to contact my office for more information.”
Constituents may also contact the office for tours of the United States Capitol which remained accessible to the public despite sequestration.
Obama Preparing "My Military" For Next Step?
On October 12, 2013, ABC’s Dianne Sawyer brought us a video of a 9th, yes 9th, General fired from the military this week. It’s even reaching some of the more liberal stations and begging them to ask the question, “What is going on?” It seems President Obama is preparing what he calls “my military” for his version of the final solution. With all the documentation we have, it looks as though he is purging the military for the next step.
We have now seen this official President Obama temper-tantrum in action this week. But is it a temper-tantrum or is there a method to his madness?
We have been warned by a Pentagon Official to expect radical changes. You heard of our dire warnings of Chinese Economists planning to foreclose and forming the TPP Treaty that could set a global economy in motion. We have the very real possibility of 16 U.S. States being shutdown and handed over due to debt in this mess. We even have a CIA whistle blower warning us that President Obama wants to radically take over power. People are crying out, where is our military in this mess?
Well, there seems to be some very credible evidence that since last year and through this year that there has been a “litmus test” given to American Military Officers. The Main point of that test, “Would you fire on an American Citizen?” If you say no, then as Donald Trump would say, “Your fired!” Since the beginning of the year these retired officer’s have came forward with ““President Obama is preparing for war against the U.S.”. We even know Dr. Garrow and others confirmed this litmus test. Then we have heard President Obama himself talk about “My Military”.
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We have now seen this official President Obama temper-tantrum in action this week. But is it a temper-tantrum or is there a method to his madness?
We have been warned by a Pentagon Official to expect radical changes. You heard of our dire warnings of Chinese Economists planning to foreclose and forming the TPP Treaty that could set a global economy in motion. We have the very real possibility of 16 U.S. States being shutdown and handed over due to debt in this mess. We even have a CIA whistle blower warning us that President Obama wants to radically take over power. People are crying out, where is our military in this mess?
Well, there seems to be some very credible evidence that since last year and through this year that there has been a “litmus test” given to American Military Officers. The Main point of that test, “Would you fire on an American Citizen?” If you say no, then as Donald Trump would say, “Your fired!” Since the beginning of the year these retired officer’s have came forward with ““President Obama is preparing for war against the U.S.”. We even know Dr. Garrow and others confirmed this litmus test. Then we have heard President Obama himself talk about “My Military”.
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