Cities and property rights groups across Minnesota are watching a court case challenging the constitutionality of a first-in-the-nation rental crackdown. The Winona, Minn., ordinance prohibits homeowners from renting their property in the college community.
Three homeowners went before the Minnesota Court of Appeals on Dec. 12 to challenge the law.
"To me it's getting beyond what elected officials are supposed to do -- starting to dictate who can rent, who can't rent, who can do this, who can do that," said Ted Dzierzbicki, a plaintiff whose house is across the street from Winona State University. "They're not the kind of laws that benefit and protect people. It's more to do with somebody having a bug about something and trying to get a law towards it."
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, December 27, 2013
TRUST US, THIS IS ONE PIERS MORGAN VIDEO YOU WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO SHARE WITH FRIENDS
Given CNN host Piers Morgan’s unpopularity in the United States, there are likely a good number of Americans who would jump at the chance to throw cricket balls at him.
Brett Lee, a former Australian cricket player who once broke the 100mph barrier bowling a delivery, actually got the chance to do exactly that at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — six times.
Morgan is in Australia for the fourth Ashes Test and has been talking trash about how bad the England squad is playing. It was his trash-talk that prompted Lee to challenge Morgan to an “over.” Though he probably now regrets it (though he’s not admitting it), Morgan accepted Lee’s offer.
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Brett Lee, a former Australian cricket player who once broke the 100mph barrier bowling a delivery, actually got the chance to do exactly that at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — six times.
Morgan is in Australia for the fourth Ashes Test and has been talking trash about how bad the England squad is playing. It was his trash-talk that prompted Lee to challenge Morgan to an “over.” Though he probably now regrets it (though he’s not admitting it), Morgan accepted Lee’s offer.
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'Don't Tread On Me' Plate Proves Popular In Va.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- A specialty license plate featuring a symbol that has become associated with the tea party movement is a big seller in Virginia.
According to the Virginian-Pilot ( http://bit.ly/K8r7oE ), nearly 21,800 vehicles registered in Virginia are sporting the "Don't Tread On Me" plate. That makes it ninth in popularity among more than 200 specialty tags, and second only to the "In God We Trust" plate among those authorized in the last five years.
The plate, which has been available for a year and eight months, is based on the Revolutionary War-era Gadsden flag featuring a coiled rattlesnake above the slogan. Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas also have sanctioned "Don't Tread On Me" plates.
Several other Virginia specialty plates with political themes are less popular. The abortion-rights "Trust Women/Respect Choice" plate, for instance, is on about 1,600 vehicles. And roughly 5,400 cars display the anti-abortion counterpart message, "Choose Life."
"My theory on this is, people want to feel like they're doing something, that they're not happy with the status quo," said David Donis of Norfolk, a past Hampton Roads tea party chairman.
Choosing a symbolic license plate, he said, "is an easy way for them to express their sentiments."
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According to the Virginian-Pilot ( http://bit.ly/K8r7oE ), nearly 21,800 vehicles registered in Virginia are sporting the "Don't Tread On Me" plate. That makes it ninth in popularity among more than 200 specialty tags, and second only to the "In God We Trust" plate among those authorized in the last five years.
The plate, which has been available for a year and eight months, is based on the Revolutionary War-era Gadsden flag featuring a coiled rattlesnake above the slogan. Arizona, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas also have sanctioned "Don't Tread On Me" plates.
Several other Virginia specialty plates with political themes are less popular. The abortion-rights "Trust Women/Respect Choice" plate, for instance, is on about 1,600 vehicles. And roughly 5,400 cars display the anti-abortion counterpart message, "Choose Life."
"My theory on this is, people want to feel like they're doing something, that they're not happy with the status quo," said David Donis of Norfolk, a past Hampton Roads tea party chairman.
Choosing a symbolic license plate, he said, "is an easy way for them to express their sentiments."
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State Police Investigate Home Invasion Near Seaford
Location: 22000 block of Hearns Pond Road, Seaford, DE
Date of Occurrence: Thursday December 26, 2013 at approximately 11:25 p.m.
Victims:
40 year old female
18 year old female
21 year old male
Suspects:
Male wearing a black mask, black hat, and all black clothing (no further physical or clothing description). Armed with unknown type handgun.
Male, no physical or clothing description given.
Resume:
Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit is currently investigating a home invasion that occurred north of Seaford late last night.
Troopers responded to the 22000 block of Hearns Pond Road around 11:25 p.m. Thursday evening after a 9-1-1 call was placed from the residence stating a male subject had just broken into the house. The investigation revealed a male subject forcibly entered the front door to the home and confronted a 40 year old female victim in her bedroom. The subject pointed a small handgun at her and told her not to move. The suspect then ran from her bedroom and within minutes, left the home and was heard talking to another male subject outside. It was later determined that the suspect had removed an undisclosed amount of cash from a 21 year old male’s room, who was not in the house at the time, before fleeing. The 40 year old female victim and an 18 year old female sleeping in a separate bedroom were uninjured in this incident.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective S. Kelly at 302-856-5850 ext. 219 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Date of Occurrence: Thursday December 26, 2013 at approximately 11:25 p.m.
Victims:
40 year old female
18 year old female
21 year old male
Suspects:
Male wearing a black mask, black hat, and all black clothing (no further physical or clothing description). Armed with unknown type handgun.
Male, no physical or clothing description given.
Resume:
Seaford, DE- The Delaware State Police Criminal Investigations Unit is currently investigating a home invasion that occurred north of Seaford late last night.
Troopers responded to the 22000 block of Hearns Pond Road around 11:25 p.m. Thursday evening after a 9-1-1 call was placed from the residence stating a male subject had just broken into the house. The investigation revealed a male subject forcibly entered the front door to the home and confronted a 40 year old female victim in her bedroom. The subject pointed a small handgun at her and told her not to move. The suspect then ran from her bedroom and within minutes, left the home and was heard talking to another male subject outside. It was later determined that the suspect had removed an undisclosed amount of cash from a 21 year old male’s room, who was not in the house at the time, before fleeing. The 40 year old female victim and an 18 year old female sleeping in a separate bedroom were uninjured in this incident.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Detective S. Kelly at 302-856-5850 ext. 219 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Dish And DirecTV Hike Prices For 2014
Following the trend from recent years, nearly every available package from the two satellite TV providers will increase in price, with fee hikes ranging between $2 and $5. Also in an annual tradition, both companies began notifying customers of the price hikes just before Christmas.
DirecTV's (DTV, Fortune 500) 4.4% average price increase is higher than last year's 3.2% hike, according to Nomura Equity analyst Adam Ilkowitz. Its base "Entertainment" package will cost $58 per month next year, up $3 from last year's price, and the top-of-the-line "Premier" package will cost $130, up $5 from a year ago.
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Texas A & M Reports Obama 5th Best President Ever
AFTER SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH BY BOTH THE HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENTS AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, THEY HAVE ANNOUNCED THAT OBAMA IS
THE 5TH BEST PRESIDENT IN OUR HISTORY!
From a total of 44 US Presidents: Obama is rated as the 5th best
President ever!
The publicity release said,"...after only 5 years in office, Americans
have rated President Obama the 5th best president ever."
The details according to TEXAS A&M:
Reagan and Lincoln tied for first 23 presidents tied for second, 17 other presidents tied for third, Jimmy Carter came in 4th, and Obama came in fifth!
You just gotta love those Aggies.
THE 5TH BEST PRESIDENT IN OUR HISTORY!
From a total of 44 US Presidents: Obama is rated as the 5th best
President ever!
The publicity release said,"...after only 5 years in office, Americans
have rated President Obama the 5th best president ever."
The details according to TEXAS A&M:
Reagan and Lincoln tied for first 23 presidents tied for second, 17 other presidents tied for third, Jimmy Carter came in 4th, and Obama came in fifth!
You just gotta love those Aggies.
Phillips Eyes Franchise Expansion In 2014
The Baltimore-based chain plans to add several franchise locations next year to the 11 franchises already in its repertoire.
The first new restaurant is set to open in mid-January as part of the renovated Maryland House, a rest stop off Interstate 95 in Harford County. Phillips was previously a tenant within the same service center, which closed for renovations last year.
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Why Political Protests Ultimately Always Fail
Currently in Bangkok, Thailand, protests against the government remain strong with tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands regularly gathering across the city in an attempt to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office. However, there are many reasons why such protests never achieve their long-term goals, even when they achieve their short-term objectives. For example, were the protestors to successfully oust current PM Yingluck Shinawatra from office as they so desire, the political system is so corrupt that another corrupt PM would just replace her. Therefore, the protestors, who fail to understand and attack the root of the underlying problems of corruption- the bankers that monopolize control of the country's monetary supply- instead attack the symptoms and manifestations of the corruption. Thus, corruption will always remain. When a Prime Minister or President anywhere in the world states, and actually does, the following: "I will rout out all bankers that manipulate interest rates, stock markets, commodity markets, real estate markets, forex markets and every single banker that prevents free markets from operating within my country", then that will be a politician worthy of the people's support. Any politician that fails to do this is unworthy of leading their country and unworthy of the respect of the citizens whom they supposedly serve. Though there have been some violent confrontations among Thai protesters and police thus far, since the bankers that run all countries know that the people's focus on a corrupt politician is a welcome distraction from the true culprits of economic malaise (them), they are willing not to escalate violence against the protesters. However, if the protesters ever turn their protests to the people they should be trying to kick out of their country - the banking elite - such tolerance will go right out the window, as it did with the US police and Occupy Wall Street protesters when the Occupy Wall Streeters brought much too much attention upon the corrupt banking cartels for their comfort.
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New Poll Shows GOP Widening Midterm Edge Over Democrats
The CNN/ORC International survey showed 49 percent support for a generic Republican, compared with 44 percent for a Democrat. That's a better result for Republicans than last month, when the same share of people picked Republicans but 47 percent favored Democrats.
The new poll shows a dramatic shift from two months ago, when 50 percent of people supported Democrats, compared with 42 percent who chose Republicans.
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Be prepared: Wall Street advisor Recommends Guns, Ammo For Protection In Collapse
A top financial advisor, worried that Obamacare, the NSA spying scandal and spiraling national debt is increasing the chances for a fiscal and social disaster, is recommending that Americans prepare a “bug-out bag” that includes food, a gun and ammo to help them stay alive.
David John Marotta, a Wall Street expert and financial advisor andForbes contributor, said in a note to investors, “Firearms are the last item on the list, but they are on the list. There are some terrible people in this world. And you are safer when your trusted neighbors have firearms.”
His memo is part of a series addressing the potential for a “financial apocalypse.” His view, however, is that the problems plaguing the country won't result in armageddon. “There is the possibility of a precipitous decline, although a long and drawn out malaise is much more likely,” said the Charlottesville, Va.-based president of Marotta Wealth Management.
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David John Marotta, a Wall Street expert and financial advisor andForbes contributor, said in a note to investors, “Firearms are the last item on the list, but they are on the list. There are some terrible people in this world. And you are safer when your trusted neighbors have firearms.”
His memo is part of a series addressing the potential for a “financial apocalypse.” His view, however, is that the problems plaguing the country won't result in armageddon. “There is the possibility of a precipitous decline, although a long and drawn out malaise is much more likely,” said the Charlottesville, Va.-based president of Marotta Wealth Management.
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General Calls For Massive March On Washington
The retired American military commander who earlier said in a statement released to WND that Americans need to confront Barack Obama’s tyranny now is recommending the Egyptian model through which to do that.
The Egyptian model, Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely explained on a podcast of an Internet radio show, was that 33 million people stood up to their government and told officials no.
The result was that the Egyptian Muslim Brother was removed from power and then-President Mohammed Morsi was removed from office, Vallely explained,
Read more
The Egyptian model, Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely explained on a podcast of an Internet radio show, was that 33 million people stood up to their government and told officials no.
The result was that the Egyptian Muslim Brother was removed from power and then-President Mohammed Morsi was removed from office, Vallely explained,
Read more
How Debtors' Prisons Are Making A Comeback In America
Apparently having 5% of the world’s population, but 25% of its prisoners simply isn’t good enough for neo-feudal America. No, we need to find more creative and archaic ways to wastefully, immorally and seemingly unconstitutionally incarcerate poor people. Welcome to the latest trend in the penal colony formerly known as America. Debtors’ prisons. A practice I thought had long since been deemed outdated (indeed it has been largely eradicated in the Western world with the exception of about 1/3 of U.S. states as well as Greece).
From Fox News:
As if out of a Charles Dickens novel, people struggling to pay overdue fines and fees associated with court costs for even the simplest traffic infractions are being thrown in jail across the United States.
Critics are calling the practice the new “debtors’ prison” — referring to the jails that flourished in the U.S. and Western Europe over 150 years ago. Before the time of bankruptcy laws and social safety nets, poor folks and ruined business owners were locked up until their debts were paid off.
Reforms eventually outlawed the practice. But groups like the Brennan Center for Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union say it’s been reborn in local courts which may not be aware it’s against the law to send indigent people to jail over unpaid fines and fees — or they just haven’t been called on it until now.
The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University’s School of Law released a “Tool Kit for Action” in 2012 that broke down the cost to municipalities to jail debtors in comparison with the amount of old debt it was collecting. It doesn’t look like a bargain. For example, according to the report, Mecklenburg County, N.C., collected $33,476 in debts in 2009, but spent $40,000 jailing 246 debtors — a loss of $6,524.
Don’t worry, I’m sure private prisons for debtors will soon spring up to make this practice a pillar of GDP growth.
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From Fox News:
As if out of a Charles Dickens novel, people struggling to pay overdue fines and fees associated with court costs for even the simplest traffic infractions are being thrown in jail across the United States.
Critics are calling the practice the new “debtors’ prison” — referring to the jails that flourished in the U.S. and Western Europe over 150 years ago. Before the time of bankruptcy laws and social safety nets, poor folks and ruined business owners were locked up until their debts were paid off.
Reforms eventually outlawed the practice. But groups like the Brennan Center for Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union say it’s been reborn in local courts which may not be aware it’s against the law to send indigent people to jail over unpaid fines and fees — or they just haven’t been called on it until now.
The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University’s School of Law released a “Tool Kit for Action” in 2012 that broke down the cost to municipalities to jail debtors in comparison with the amount of old debt it was collecting. It doesn’t look like a bargain. For example, according to the report, Mecklenburg County, N.C., collected $33,476 in debts in 2009, but spent $40,000 jailing 246 debtors — a loss of $6,524.
Don’t worry, I’m sure private prisons for debtors will soon spring up to make this practice a pillar of GDP growth.
More
Baltimore Man Says He'll Miss Healthcare Deadline Because Of Website Glitches
BALTIMORE - "This is where we get stuck," John Banks said as he scrolled through the Maryland Health Connection website.
For Banks, "stuck" is an understatement. He says he's logged in and tried to sign up for healthcare since it started on Oct. 1, but he hasn't gotten much further than the website's homepage.
"Everyday I'm calling back and waiting three hours on the phone. Call back-- wait two hours on the phone, call back-- wait three more hours on the phone to have them tell me, 'Oh, well we'll put in a ticket,' 'Oh, well the ticket has been escalated but we don't have any response yet," Banks said.
A response, he says, is all he really needs. The website won't let him look deeper into the healthcare options for his family, who haven't been covered for three years.
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For Banks, "stuck" is an understatement. He says he's logged in and tried to sign up for healthcare since it started on Oct. 1, but he hasn't gotten much further than the website's homepage.
"Everyday I'm calling back and waiting three hours on the phone. Call back-- wait two hours on the phone, call back-- wait three more hours on the phone to have them tell me, 'Oh, well we'll put in a ticket,' 'Oh, well the ticket has been escalated but we don't have any response yet," Banks said.
A response, he says, is all he really needs. The website won't let him look deeper into the healthcare options for his family, who haven't been covered for three years.
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USA TODAY: OBAMACARE PLANS UNAFFORDABLE FOR OVER HALF OF COUNTIES
A startling USA Today analysis released on Thursday finds that over half of all counties in the 34 states on the federal Obamacare exchange "lack even a bronze plan that's affordable by the government's own definition."
"The analysis clearly shows how the sticker shock hitting many in the middle class, including the self-employed and early retirees, isn't just a perception problem," wrote USA Today's Jayne O'Donnell and Paul Overberg. "The lack of counties with affordable plans means many middle-class people will either opt out of insurance or pay too much to buy it."
USA Today says it examined whether premiums for the cheapest Obamacare offerings--bronze plans--exceeded the federal government's 8% of household income affordability test for health insurance for a hypothetical 40-year-old couples who make "a little too much for financial assistance." The paper says that while several of the counties with unaffordable health care are rural, "many others are heavily populated."
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"The analysis clearly shows how the sticker shock hitting many in the middle class, including the self-employed and early retirees, isn't just a perception problem," wrote USA Today's Jayne O'Donnell and Paul Overberg. "The lack of counties with affordable plans means many middle-class people will either opt out of insurance or pay too much to buy it."
USA Today says it examined whether premiums for the cheapest Obamacare offerings--bronze plans--exceeded the federal government's 8% of household income affordability test for health insurance for a hypothetical 40-year-old couples who make "a little too much for financial assistance." The paper says that while several of the counties with unaffordable health care are rural, "many others are heavily populated."
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Foil Scam Ripping Off Gas Stations, Stores
That’s right, criminals are using this kitchen stand by to steal thousands of dollars from stores and gas stations in several states.
The FBI warns that members of African criminal enterprises are wrapping foil around "feed horns" the part of a satellite--usually found on the roof-- that captures and transmits the signal to credit card authorization systems. The foil blocks communication between banks and retail stores preventing validation of the transaction.
The criminals then use stolen credit cards to buy cigarettes and high value electronics. Stores commonly accept credit card transactions without validations. Supervisory Special Agent Vicki Anderson says store owners often don’t realize they’ve been ripped off until the criminals are long gone. “When they remove the blocker on the roof, they realize that it was a scam, and that credit card is never validated and the people have walked out the door with the merchandise and it's not been paid for,” she said.
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Krauthammer: 'Huge Gov't Bailout' Of Health Insurance Industry At End Of 2014
(CNSNews.com) - President Obama, by issuing new rules that erode Obamacare's "financial structure," is putting the health insurance industry -- and taxpayers -- at risk, author and conservative political analyst Charles Krauthammer said on Sunday.
"The insurers understand that they're going to be completely ruined," Krauthammer said on "Fox News Sunday" with Chris Wallace. "And what's going to happen as a result of this? There's only one way out, a huge government bailout of the insurers is waiting at the end of next year."
That's the issue Republicans should be focusing on right now, Krauthammer said.
On Thursday, the Obama administration unilaterally delayed another provision of the law, saying there will be no tax penalty for people who had their existing health insurance canceled because of the Affordable Care Act and who did not find new coverage as required by law.
"There still may be a small number of consumers who are not able to renew their existing plans and are having difficulty finding an acceptable replacement," Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius wrote to Senate Democrats. "These consumers should qualify for this temporary hardship exemption," the Associated Press quoted her as saying.
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"The insurers understand that they're going to be completely ruined," Krauthammer said on "Fox News Sunday" with Chris Wallace. "And what's going to happen as a result of this? There's only one way out, a huge government bailout of the insurers is waiting at the end of next year."
That's the issue Republicans should be focusing on right now, Krauthammer said.
On Thursday, the Obama administration unilaterally delayed another provision of the law, saying there will be no tax penalty for people who had their existing health insurance canceled because of the Affordable Care Act and who did not find new coverage as required by law.
"There still may be a small number of consumers who are not able to renew their existing plans and are having difficulty finding an acceptable replacement," Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius wrote to Senate Democrats. "These consumers should qualify for this temporary hardship exemption," the Associated Press quoted her as saying.
More
Local Courts Reviving 'Debtors' Prison' For Overdue Fines, Fees
Critics are calling the practice the new "debtors' prison" -- referring to the jails that flourished in the U.S. and Western Europe over 150 years ago. Before the time of bankruptcy laws and social safety nets, poor folks and ruined business owners were locked up until their debts were paid off.
Reforms eventually outlawed the practice. But groups like the Brennan Center for Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union say it's been reborn in local courts which may not be aware it's against the law to send indigent people to jail over unpaid fines and fees -- or they just haven't been called on it until now.
More
Eight Ways To Opt Out Of Obamacare
With the deadline to sign up for Obamacare having come and gone, many Americans have decided to “opt out” of President Obama’s signature health care reform law, choosing instead to pay the $95 penalty for sidestepping the individual mandate.
“For many Americans opting out of Obamacare is the best decision they can make, but it's important that they do it the right way—just refusing to buy health insurance and not having another way to pay for catastrophic medical expenses is a mistake,” Sean Parnell, author of the newly-released The Self-Pay Patient, told Breitbart News. “People who want to opt out should be looking at alternatives to conventional health insurance, such as joining a health care sharing ministry or purchasing a fixed benefits policy."
Parnell also strongly advises Americans against opting out and simply paying the “list” price for medical visits and prescription drugs without shopping around, or by relying solely on the local hospital emergency room for routine medical care.
“This approach leaves people who opt out vulnerable to sky-high medical expenses at inflated ‘list’ or ‘chargemaster’ rates, and can result in an inability to obtain needed care because of cost,” Parnell writes on his blog, selfpaypatient.com.
Instead, Parnell recommends the following eight options for those who have opted out of ObamaCare:
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“For many Americans opting out of Obamacare is the best decision they can make, but it's important that they do it the right way—just refusing to buy health insurance and not having another way to pay for catastrophic medical expenses is a mistake,” Sean Parnell, author of the newly-released The Self-Pay Patient, told Breitbart News. “People who want to opt out should be looking at alternatives to conventional health insurance, such as joining a health care sharing ministry or purchasing a fixed benefits policy."
Parnell also strongly advises Americans against opting out and simply paying the “list” price for medical visits and prescription drugs without shopping around, or by relying solely on the local hospital emergency room for routine medical care.
“This approach leaves people who opt out vulnerable to sky-high medical expenses at inflated ‘list’ or ‘chargemaster’ rates, and can result in an inability to obtain needed care because of cost,” Parnell writes on his blog, selfpaypatient.com.
Instead, Parnell recommends the following eight options for those who have opted out of ObamaCare:
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CONNECTICUT GUN OWNERS WAIT IN LINE TO DO SOMETHING MANY GUN OWNERS HOPE THEY NEVER HAVE TO
WFSB-TV reports that a “long-line of people” stood outside the Public Safety Building in Middletown, Conn., all day to register semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. Several residents were upset with the “unconstitutional” requirement, while at least one person didn’t appear to mind.
“I understand why they’re doing it, but I don’t think it’s constitutional,” resident Scott Boccio told WFSB-TV as he was registering his guns.
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Albert Einstein: “A Foolish Faith In Authority Is The Worst Enemy
A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of the truth.
Indeed, scientists have shown that people will go to absurd lengths - and engage in mental gymnastics – in order to cling to their belief in what those in authority have said.
Part of the reason so many are so vulnerable to naive belief in authority is that we evolved in small tribes … and we assume that the super-elites are just like us.
In reality, there are millions of psychopaths in the world … and they are largely running D.C. and on Wall Street.
These people have no hesitation in lying to promote their goals.
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs told Morley Safer of 60 Minutes and CBS News:
Look, if you think any American official is going to tell you the truth, then you’re stupid. Did you hear that? — stupid.
And studies show that the super-rich lie, cheat and steal more than the rest of us.
Who’s to Blame … Big Government or Big Business?
More
Indeed, scientists have shown that people will go to absurd lengths - and engage in mental gymnastics – in order to cling to their belief in what those in authority have said.
Part of the reason so many are so vulnerable to naive belief in authority is that we evolved in small tribes … and we assume that the super-elites are just like us.
In reality, there are millions of psychopaths in the world … and they are largely running D.C. and on Wall Street.
These people have no hesitation in lying to promote their goals.
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs told Morley Safer of 60 Minutes and CBS News:
Look, if you think any American official is going to tell you the truth, then you’re stupid. Did you hear that? — stupid.
And studies show that the super-rich lie, cheat and steal more than the rest of us.
Who’s to Blame … Big Government or Big Business?
More
The Chris Dorner Enigma – What Really Happened and Why
There is neither an academic nor an international legal consensus regarding the definition of the term “terrorism.” Various legal systems and government agencies use different definitions of “terrorism.” These difficulties arise from the fact that the term “terrorism” is politically and emotionally charged. [From Wikipedia]
According to the authorities, Christopher Jordan Dorner (photo, left) is a violent domestic terrorist.
Dorner, a former LAPD cop and honorably discharged Navy reservist in February 2013 is accused of killing four people. The Police also claim Dorner is the author of numerous versions of a rage-filled “manifesto” where he vows to “bring unconventional and asymmetrical warfare to those in LAPD uniform whether on or off duty.” Later Dorner is quoted in the LA Times: “I don’t want to hurt you, I just want to clear my name.” Does this sound like something a violent domestic terrorist would say?
What is the evidence that Dorner killed anyone?
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Brothers Arrested In Marijuana Grow, Long Neck
Location: 26000 block of Cattail Lane, Long Neck, DE
Date of Occurrence: Thursday December 26, 2013 at approximately 3:35 p.m.
Defendants, Charges, and Bond Information:
Kyle W. Zimmer, 32, Long Neck, DE (Photo Attached, white T-shirt)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Maintaining a Drug Property
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of Fireworks
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $20,500.00 secured bond.
Trevor M. Zimmer, 29, Long Neck, DE (Photo Attached, blue T-shirt)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Lidocaine)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of Fireworks
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $19,000.00 secured bond.
Zachary C. Zimmer, 24, Long Neck, DE (No Photo Available)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of Fireworks
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delaware Department of Corrections on $18,000.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Long Neck, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested three brothers after a 9-1-1 call for a medical emergency leads to the discovery of marijuana and guns.
Troopers were dispatched to the 26000 block of Cattail Lane in Long Neck yesterday around 3:35 p.m. after a call came into the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center for a report of a possible overdose. Upon arriving at the residence, EMS had located a marijuana grow operation and a handgun on a fireplace mantle. Responding troopers secured the scene and obtained a search warrant for the house while 24 year old, Zachary C. Zimmer, was transported to Beebe Medical Center for treatment of possible Fentanyl ingestion.
The search warrant yielded four handguns with ammunition, over 94 grams of marijuana including equipment to grow the plants, various drug paraphernalia, and fireworks. Kyle W. Zimmer and Trevor M. Zimmer were both at the house at the time of the incident and were taken into custody without incident. The investigation revealed Zachary had been with his brother Trevor when he began scratching off the Fentanyl from the patch, which is prescribed to Trevor. Zachary then began ingesting the drug by smoking it which led to the overdose. Zachary is currently in stable condition at Beebe and is currently being guarded by officers from the department of corrections.
Kyle and Trevor Zimmer were transported back to Troop 7 where they were charged with the above listed crimes and later committed to SCI in lieu of $20,500.00 and $19,000.00 secured bonds respectively.
Date of Occurrence: Thursday December 26, 2013 at approximately 3:35 p.m.
Defendants, Charges, and Bond Information:
Kyle W. Zimmer, 32, Long Neck, DE (Photo Attached, white T-shirt)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Maintaining a Drug Property
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of Fireworks
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $20,500.00 secured bond.
Trevor M. Zimmer, 29, Long Neck, DE (Photo Attached, blue T-shirt)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Lidocaine)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of Fireworks
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $19,000.00 secured bond.
Zachary C. Zimmer, 24, Long Neck, DE (No Photo Available)
Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance (Marijuana)
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (4 counts)
Possession of Fireworks
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delaware Department of Corrections on $18,000.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Long Neck, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested three brothers after a 9-1-1 call for a medical emergency leads to the discovery of marijuana and guns.
Troopers were dispatched to the 26000 block of Cattail Lane in Long Neck yesterday around 3:35 p.m. after a call came into the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center for a report of a possible overdose. Upon arriving at the residence, EMS had located a marijuana grow operation and a handgun on a fireplace mantle. Responding troopers secured the scene and obtained a search warrant for the house while 24 year old, Zachary C. Zimmer, was transported to Beebe Medical Center for treatment of possible Fentanyl ingestion.
The search warrant yielded four handguns with ammunition, over 94 grams of marijuana including equipment to grow the plants, various drug paraphernalia, and fireworks. Kyle W. Zimmer and Trevor M. Zimmer were both at the house at the time of the incident and were taken into custody without incident. The investigation revealed Zachary had been with his brother Trevor when he began scratching off the Fentanyl from the patch, which is prescribed to Trevor. Zachary then began ingesting the drug by smoking it which led to the overdose. Zachary is currently in stable condition at Beebe and is currently being guarded by officers from the department of corrections.
Kyle and Trevor Zimmer were transported back to Troop 7 where they were charged with the above listed crimes and later committed to SCI in lieu of $20,500.00 and $19,000.00 secured bonds respectively.
Itemizing The Obamacare Fees
Obamacare's rollout may be in limbo even though the official deadline has come and gone (despite a much touted 2 million visitors to healthcare.gov on Monday which probably means it should IPO immediately), but the real sticker shock of actual fees awaits. And even as most insurers are opting to keep the full impact of the higher cost hidden, instead adding them to the overhead premiums charged, one company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, has itemized the impact of the Unaffordable Care Act by adding a separate line itme for the "Affordable Care Act Fees and Taxes." Here is how these add up according to a breakdown conducted by the Post.
The new taxes on one customer’s bill added up to $23.14 a month, or $277.68 annually, according to Kaiser Health News. It boosted the monthly premium from $322.26 to $345.40 for that individual.
The new taxes and fees include a 2 percent levy on every health plan, which is expected to net about $8 billion for the government in 2014 and increase to $14.3 billion in 2018.
There’s also a $2 fee per policy that goes into a new medical-research trust fund called the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Americans also will pay hidden taxes, such as the 2.3 percent medical-device tax that will inflate the cost of items such as pacemakers, stents and prosthetic limbs.
Those with high out-of-pocket medical expenses also will get smaller income-tax deductions.
Americans are currently allowed to deduct expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their annual income. The threshold jumps to 10 percent under ObamaCare, costing taxpayers about $15 billion over 10 years.
Then there is the new Medicare tax:
More
The new taxes on one customer’s bill added up to $23.14 a month, or $277.68 annually, according to Kaiser Health News. It boosted the monthly premium from $322.26 to $345.40 for that individual.
The new taxes and fees include a 2 percent levy on every health plan, which is expected to net about $8 billion for the government in 2014 and increase to $14.3 billion in 2018.
There’s also a $2 fee per policy that goes into a new medical-research trust fund called the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Americans also will pay hidden taxes, such as the 2.3 percent medical-device tax that will inflate the cost of items such as pacemakers, stents and prosthetic limbs.
Those with high out-of-pocket medical expenses also will get smaller income-tax deductions.
Americans are currently allowed to deduct expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their annual income. The threshold jumps to 10 percent under ObamaCare, costing taxpayers about $15 billion over 10 years.
Then there is the new Medicare tax:
More
New Poll Shows GOP Widening Midterm Edge Over Democrats
A 13-point shift in public opinion over the past two months gives Republicans an edge over Democrats heading into the 2014 midterm elections, according to a new poll -- and the advantage for the GOP appears to be widening.
The CNN/ORC International survey showed 49 percent support for a generic Republican, compared with 44 percent for a Democrat. That's a better result for Republicans than last month, when the same share of people picked Republicans but 47 percent favored Democrats.
The new poll shows a dramatic shift from two months ago, when 50 percent of people supported Democrats, compared with 42 percent who chose Republicans.
More
The CNN/ORC International survey showed 49 percent support for a generic Republican, compared with 44 percent for a Democrat. That's a better result for Republicans than last month, when the same share of people picked Republicans but 47 percent favored Democrats.
The new poll shows a dramatic shift from two months ago, when 50 percent of people supported Democrats, compared with 42 percent who chose Republicans.
More
Muslim Brotherhood Called A Terrorist Group
The unprecedented executive decision likely ends any chance of reconciliation between the government and the 85-year-old Brotherhood, still Egypt’s most organized political group. It marks a stunning reversal of fortunes for the long-outlawed organization that saw member Mohammed Morsi reach Egypt’s highest office in the country’s first democratic election, only to be ousted in a popularly backed military coup in July. And it takes a step that not even autocrat Hosni Mubarak took in his nearly 30-year rule.
Hossam Eissa, deputy prime minister and minister of higher education, read the government’s declaration, saying the decision was in response to Tuesday’s deadly bombing in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura which killed 16 people and wounded more than 100. It was the deadliest militant bombing since Morsi’s ouster and showed growing reach of the country’s Islamic insurgency, previously concentrated in the northern Sinai.
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ObamaCare Chaos Continues
If you like unintended comedy, blatant stereotyping, and an undeniable air of desperation eliciting yet another spasm of lawlessness, the moments leading up to today’s sign-up deadline for ObamaCare are sure to please.
We begin with the unintended comedy known as Pajama Boy. The Obama administration’s former campaign apparatus, Organizing for America (OFA), apparently believes the way to get the so-called “young invincibles,” necessary to subsidize older and sicker Americans to sign up for healthcare, is to appeal to their inner metrosexual. “Wear pajamas. Drink hot chocolate. Talk about getting health insurance. #GetTalking,” reads the ad, accompanied by a picture of a slightly built man-boy wearing plaid, zip-up “onesie” pajamas, and a pair of horn-rimmed glasses that evoke memories — depending on your age — of Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, or Johnny Galeki, aka Leonard Hofstadter, from the popular CBS sitcom “Big Bang Theory.” And lest anyone doubt how the story ends, OFA has followed up the original ad with our young man lounging in contentment, sporting a Christmas sweater and coordinated socks, accompanied by the caption, “And a happy New Year with health insurance.”
More
We begin with the unintended comedy known as Pajama Boy. The Obama administration’s former campaign apparatus, Organizing for America (OFA), apparently believes the way to get the so-called “young invincibles,” necessary to subsidize older and sicker Americans to sign up for healthcare, is to appeal to their inner metrosexual. “Wear pajamas. Drink hot chocolate. Talk about getting health insurance. #GetTalking,” reads the ad, accompanied by a picture of a slightly built man-boy wearing plaid, zip-up “onesie” pajamas, and a pair of horn-rimmed glasses that evoke memories — depending on your age — of Buddy Holly, Elvis Costello, or Johnny Galeki, aka Leonard Hofstadter, from the popular CBS sitcom “Big Bang Theory.” And lest anyone doubt how the story ends, OFA has followed up the original ad with our young man lounging in contentment, sporting a Christmas sweater and coordinated socks, accompanied by the caption, “And a happy New Year with health insurance.”
More
CNN Poll: Dems Lose Advantage, Obama Dragging Down Candidates
Thirteen-point swing in two months.
A new CNN Poll presents some sobering numbers for congressional Democrats. Not only have the Dems lost their 8-point lead, the poll shows that Republicans now have a 5-point edge—a 13-point swing in 2 months—in the “battle for control of Congress.” The numbers also reveal that President Obama “may be dragging down Democratic congressional candidates,” dampening hopes of the president swooping in to save the day.
Two months ago, Democrats held a 50%-42% advantage among registered voters in a generic ballot, which asked respondents to choose between a Democrat or Republican in their congressional district without identifying the candidates. That result came after congressional Republicans appeared to overplay their hand in the bitter fight over the federal government shutdown and the debt ceiling.
But the Democratic lead evaporated, and a CNN poll a month ago ndicated the GOP holding a 49%-47% lead. The new survey, conducted in mid-December, indicates Republicans with a 49%-44% edge over the Democrats.
More
A new CNN Poll presents some sobering numbers for congressional Democrats. Not only have the Dems lost their 8-point lead, the poll shows that Republicans now have a 5-point edge—a 13-point swing in 2 months—in the “battle for control of Congress.” The numbers also reveal that President Obama “may be dragging down Democratic congressional candidates,” dampening hopes of the president swooping in to save the day.
Two months ago, Democrats held a 50%-42% advantage among registered voters in a generic ballot, which asked respondents to choose between a Democrat or Republican in their congressional district without identifying the candidates. That result came after congressional Republicans appeared to overplay their hand in the bitter fight over the federal government shutdown and the debt ceiling.
But the Democratic lead evaporated, and a CNN poll a month ago ndicated the GOP holding a 49%-47% lead. The new survey, conducted in mid-December, indicates Republicans with a 49%-44% edge over the Democrats.
More
Tips For Gift Card Use And Shopping
They can be great: one size fits all and you get the excitement of selecting something you really want -- or need. But there are a few ground rules to keep in mind.
- You have up to four years to redeem your store-specific gift card in Maryland. Federal law gives you another year, but fees may kick in during the fifth and final year.
- Gift cards issued by banks that are processed through American Express, Visa or Master Card can carry fees that are deducted once a month if you run past the five-year limit. Sitting on that card can take a big bite out of its value.
Glitchy State-Run Obamacare Sites Hitting 'Hurdle After Hurdle'
From Maryland to Hawaii, Obamacare’s state-run enrollment operations are running into technical difficulties, creating new headaches for the White House even as the federal insurance website finds its footing.
While the U.S. site has seen volumes surge this month, online exchanges run by those two states, along with systems in Massachusetts, Oregon and Hawaii, have struggled with technological delays and low sign-up levels. All but Massachusetts have replaced their top executives this month.
The stumbles threaten to undercut one of the few arguments favoring President Barack Obama’s health-care overhaul so far: its relatively smooth rollout in states that set up their own enrollment systems. While states such as California and New York remain bright spots, the administration can’t afford many more setbacks in the fight over the law.
“Some of these states have been committed, but it’s just been hurdle after hurdle after hurdle,” said Heather Howard, program director at the State Health Reform Assistance Network, a Princeton, New Jersey-based group advising state exchanges. “I do think those states will get there, but this is an ambitious undertaking in the best of cases.”
More
While the U.S. site has seen volumes surge this month, online exchanges run by those two states, along with systems in Massachusetts, Oregon and Hawaii, have struggled with technological delays and low sign-up levels. All but Massachusetts have replaced their top executives this month.
The stumbles threaten to undercut one of the few arguments favoring President Barack Obama’s health-care overhaul so far: its relatively smooth rollout in states that set up their own enrollment systems. While states such as California and New York remain bright spots, the administration can’t afford many more setbacks in the fight over the law.
“Some of these states have been committed, but it’s just been hurdle after hurdle after hurdle,” said Heather Howard, program director at the State Health Reform Assistance Network, a Princeton, New Jersey-based group advising state exchanges. “I do think those states will get there, but this is an ambitious undertaking in the best of cases.”
More
Dog Found 12-27-13
Citizens Take Law Into Own Hands After Cash-Strapped Ore. County Guts Sheriff's Office
When budget woes reduced the sheriff's department in one rural Oregon county to a bare-bones force, residents decided to take matters into their own hands -- creating armed patrol groups in defiance of local officials.
Their decision has raised safety concerns with the county government, which would prefer residents instead hike their own taxes to fund the hiring of trained deputies. But despite the risks, the move stands as a unique, some would say innovative, response to one of the country's most severe local budget crunches.
The government in Josephine County, where nearly 70 percent of the land is owned by the U.S. government, had long relied on federal timber subsidies to pay the bills. When the feds terminated the funds, county officials scrambled to pass a May 2012 tax levy to make up a nearly $7.5 million budget shortfall.
More
Their decision has raised safety concerns with the county government, which would prefer residents instead hike their own taxes to fund the hiring of trained deputies. But despite the risks, the move stands as a unique, some would say innovative, response to one of the country's most severe local budget crunches.
The government in Josephine County, where nearly 70 percent of the land is owned by the U.S. government, had long relied on federal timber subsidies to pay the bills. When the feds terminated the funds, county officials scrambled to pass a May 2012 tax levy to make up a nearly $7.5 million budget shortfall.
More
Japanese Sex…
A Japanese couple is having an argument over ways of performing highly erotic sex:
Husband: "Sukitaki."
Wife replies: "Kowanini!"
Husband says: "Toka a anji rodi roumi yakoo!"
Wife on her knees literally begging: "Mimi nakoundinda tinkouji!"
Husband replies angrily: "Na miaou kina tim kouji!"
I can't believe you just sat and tried to read this - as if you understand Japanese!
Unbelievable!
I knew you would read anything as long as it is about sex.
You need help!
Husband: "Sukitaki."
Wife replies: "Kowanini!"
Husband says: "Toka a anji rodi roumi yakoo!"
Wife on her knees literally begging: "Mimi nakoundinda tinkouji!"
Husband replies angrily: "Na miaou kina tim kouji!"
I can't believe you just sat and tried to read this - as if you understand Japanese!
Unbelievable!
I knew you would read anything as long as it is about sex.
You need help!
Lawsuit Challenges Brown’s Running Mate’s Plans To Raise Money In Md. Legislative Session
Supporters of Maryland gubernatorial hopeful Douglas F. Gansler (D) submitted a lawsuit Thursday looking for to avert the operating mate of his main rival, Anthony G. Brown (D), from raising money throughout the legislative session that starts off next month.
The Point out Board of Elections ruled previous 7 days that Howard County Govt Ken Ulman (D), Brown&rsquos lieutenant governor prospect, could solicit campaign donations throughout the 90-working day session even although Brown plainly cannot do so below Maryland regulation.
The problem has turn into the latest flash position in a fierce Democratic primary.
The law prohibits statewide officeholders &mdash including Gansler, the state&rsquos lawyer common, and Brown, its lieutenant governor &mdash from gathering campaign donations for the duration of the session. Members of the state legislature also might not raise cash, which implies that Gansler&rsquos operating mate, Del. Jolene Ivey (D-Pr. George&rsquos), is topic to the ban, as effectively.
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The Point out Board of Elections ruled previous 7 days that Howard County Govt Ken Ulman (D), Brown&rsquos lieutenant governor prospect, could solicit campaign donations throughout the 90-working day session even although Brown plainly cannot do so below Maryland regulation.
The problem has turn into the latest flash position in a fierce Democratic primary.
The law prohibits statewide officeholders &mdash including Gansler, the state&rsquos lawyer common, and Brown, its lieutenant governor &mdash from gathering campaign donations for the duration of the session. Members of the state legislature also might not raise cash, which implies that Gansler&rsquos operating mate, Del. Jolene Ivey (D-Pr. George&rsquos), is topic to the ban, as effectively.
More
New Taxes Set to Kick In Under Obamacare
Millions of Americans are facing hidden tax surcharges on their insurance premiums under President Barack Obama's healthcare law as well as new health-related taxes on their income tax bills, the New York Post reports.
Some health insurance companies are not informing patients about the Obamacare taxes, instead deciding to quietly pass them on to its customers. But Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama has revealed the taxes on its bills with a separate line item for “Affordable Care Act Fees and Taxes.”
Some health insurance companies are not informing patients about the Obamacare taxes, instead deciding to quietly pass them on to its customers. But Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama has revealed the taxes on its bills with a separate line item for “Affordable Care Act Fees and Taxes.”
Feds Charge White Knockout Game Player With Hate Crime
In recent months, a series of so-called “knockout game” reports have surfaced. Downtrend covered two such incidents including one in Michigan and another in New York.
In nearly every instance, the attacker has been African-American and the victim has been Caucasian. This has led some to believe the attacks are racially motivated.
Yet, to date, the NYPD’s arrest of a Brooklyn man appears to be the only time a hate crime charge had been issued before this week, despite widespread media coverage and police awareness. This brings us to the latest case, which is quite troubling for more than one reason.
According to The Washington Times, 27-year-old Conrad Alvin Barrett attacked a 79-year-old black man in Texas – an abhorrent action worthy of a trip to prison. And to be clear, the attack was racially motivated.
More
In nearly every instance, the attacker has been African-American and the victim has been Caucasian. This has led some to believe the attacks are racially motivated.
Yet, to date, the NYPD’s arrest of a Brooklyn man appears to be the only time a hate crime charge had been issued before this week, despite widespread media coverage and police awareness. This brings us to the latest case, which is quite troubling for more than one reason.
According to The Washington Times, 27-year-old Conrad Alvin Barrett attacked a 79-year-old black man in Texas – an abhorrent action worthy of a trip to prison. And to be clear, the attack was racially motivated.
More
WHAT THIS BURGLAR FOUND IN A HOME WAS SO HEINOUS HE HAD TO CALL THE COPS
A burglar in Spain reported a pedophile after he discovered to his horror that he had stolen a camera which contained video of the man sexually abusing children, police said.
According to CNN, the appalled burglar placed the incriminating tapes in a brown envelope, hid them under a parked car and then anonymously phoned police directing to them to the evidence.
Inside was a note containing the address of the house the burglar had stolen the tapes from.
More
According to CNN, the appalled burglar placed the incriminating tapes in a brown envelope, hid them under a parked car and then anonymously phoned police directing to them to the evidence.
Inside was a note containing the address of the house the burglar had stolen the tapes from.
More