DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Get Closer
Pro Infirmis conducts an experiment: there are only a few people who don`t have empathy with disabled people. Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian often stays empty. Handicapped people are a regular part of our society.
So, get closer.
Team Obama Tells Dems To Attack, Not Apologize
Vice President Joe Biden’s message about ObamaCare to anxious Democrats gathered for the party’s winter meeting in Washington: “My central message to you is look: I think we should not apologize for a single thing.” Nothing? Not even a crashed Web site? Millions of cancelled policies? The “lie of the year” award? Skyrocketing premiums? Nope. On the contrary, Biden said Democrats should instead be heralding their accomplishments, chief among which is the health law that polls show dragging the party down in midterm elections and opening wide the door for Republicans to take over the Senate. “We are too shy,” Biden improbably said. “We are not talking about it enough, in my opinion.” This is part of a new motif from Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Whether they believe it themselves or not, the message is that problems with the law are not real. Biden, Reid, et al are telling Democrats to blow off deepening ObamaCare concerns, including the horror stories of actual Americans, and talk about the good things.
Problems? What problems? - Democrats may be better at controlling the media narrative than Republicans, but not even their usual home-field advantage with the press will let them do so this time. As Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., recently learned, the party is in desperate need of an answer to the question of how to fix what’s wrong with ObamaCare. Hillary Clinton sent up a flare this week, tacitly urging her fellows to start talking about repairing the law. Team Obama, though, is focused on staying chipper and attacking the GOP. It’s understandable that the president and his men would want to protect his legacy, but that’s not going to feed the bulldog in red states and swing states.
More
Problems? What problems? - Democrats may be better at controlling the media narrative than Republicans, but not even their usual home-field advantage with the press will let them do so this time. As Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., recently learned, the party is in desperate need of an answer to the question of how to fix what’s wrong with ObamaCare. Hillary Clinton sent up a flare this week, tacitly urging her fellows to start talking about repairing the law. Team Obama, though, is focused on staying chipper and attacking the GOP. It’s understandable that the president and his men would want to protect his legacy, but that’s not going to feed the bulldog in red states and swing states.
More
103 years ago
Make sure you read all the statistics under the photo.
This has only been 103 years ago...Amazing!!!
This has only been 103 years ago...Amazing!!!
Show this to your friends, children and/or grandchildren!
The year is 1910, over one hundred years ago. What a difference a century makes!
Here are some statistics for the Year 1910:
***********************************
- The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
- Fuel for this car was sold in drug stores only.
- Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
- Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
- There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
Flood Insurance Rates Rising Fast
For the majority of people who participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, the first set of federally mandated reforms will have little or no impact. But those who will see a change are in for some major sticker shock.
The Biggert-Waters Reform Act of 2012 seeks to end subsidies. But even as the reforms are implemented, what lies ahead for the act remains to be seen. The U.S. Senate has passed a measure requiring a four-year delay on implementation that would in essence kill the law, which is due to expire in 2017. The U.S. House has yet to take up the Senate's bill, but even one of the law's sponsors, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., is pushing for a three-year delay.
More
MSP POLAR BEAR PLUNGE MAKE-UP SET FOR WARMEST DAY OF THE WEEK
(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – Another snowstorm and record-setting cold will seem a distant memory on the Polar Bear Plunge make-up day this weekend, predicted to be the warmest day of the week.
The 2014 Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics has been rescheduled for this Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. The original Plunge set for January 25th had to be postponed due to treacherous ice on the beach and dangerous, frostbite-inducing winds.
Fortunately, the forecast predicts an outstanding weather day this Saturday, with temperatures in the 50’s. For those concerned about getting the full Plunge experience, there is no need to worry. The Chesapeake Bay water temperature is still expected to be in the mid-30’s.
The 2014 Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics has been rescheduled for this Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. The original Plunge set for January 25th had to be postponed due to treacherous ice on the beach and dangerous, frostbite-inducing winds.
Fortunately, the forecast predicts an outstanding weather day this Saturday, with temperatures in the 50’s. For those concerned about getting the full Plunge experience, there is no need to worry. The Chesapeake Bay water temperature is still expected to be in the mid-30’s.
A Sweet Grandmother
A sweet grandmother Telephoned St. Joseph's Hospital. She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?"
The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number of the patient?"
The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, Norma Findlay, Room 302."
The operator replied, "Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse's station for that room."
After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, "I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back normal and her Physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow."
The grandmother said, "Thank you. That's wonderful. I was so worried. God bless you for the good News."
The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?"
The grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me sh!t."
The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number of the patient?"
The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, Norma Findlay, Room 302."
The operator replied, "Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse's station for that room."
After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, "I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back normal and her Physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow."
The grandmother said, "Thank you. That's wonderful. I was so worried. God bless you for the good News."
The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?"
The grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me sh!t."
Sabato: Polls Look Good For GOP To Gain Seats, Control Senate
If the polls hold up through Labor Day, Republicans are poised to gain seats in both houses of Congress and even take control of the Senate, says political scientist Larry Sabato.
A New York Times/CBS News poll on Thursday showed Republicans with a three percent lead in a generic race that asked whether people would vote for a Republican or Democrat.
Appearing on Fox News Channel's "Hannity," Sabato, head of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, said if the GOP still leads in September, they can expect to pick up the six Senate seats needed for a majority.
Republicans already control the House of Representatives, but will pick up seats there as well, he said, likely in the single digits.
More
A New York Times/CBS News poll on Thursday showed Republicans with a three percent lead in a generic race that asked whether people would vote for a Republican or Democrat.
Appearing on Fox News Channel's "Hannity," Sabato, head of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, said if the GOP still leads in September, they can expect to pick up the six Senate seats needed for a majority.
Republicans already control the House of Representatives, but will pick up seats there as well, he said, likely in the single digits.
More
How Man’s Daughter Cost Him $80,000 With a Simple Facebook Post
Patrick Snay agreed to the settlement after he sued a Miami-area prep school for age discrimination after he was fired as headmaster.
However, the $80,000 settlement came with a specific condition: The man and his wife were prohibited from telling anyone about the details of the settlement. That included their daughter.
More
Del. Cardin Presents Legislation to Close Gun Law Loophole
The bill would require that an individual's background check is completed prior to the sale, transfer or lease of a handgun regardless of how long the background check takes. Under the current law, gun dealers may legally release guns to buyers after 8 days whether a background check has been completed or not.
According to Cardin the loophole has allowed more than 200 guns to be released since last year to individuals who are barred from gun ownership. Though background checks usually take less than 7 days, a rise in handgun sales over the last year created a backlog of background checks extending up to six months.
Read More
Wash Post Criticizing Obama's Foreign Policy
President Obama’s foreign policy is based on fantasy
FOR FIVE YEARS, President Obama has led a foreign policy based more on how he thinks the world should operate than on reality. It was a world in which “the tide of war is receding” and the United States could, without much risk, radically reduce the size of its armed forces. Other leaders, in this vision, would behave rationally and in the interest of their people and the world. Invasions, brute force, great-power games and shifting alliances — these were things of the past. Secretary of State John F. Kerry displayed this mindset on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday when he said, of Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, “It’s a 19th century act in the 21st century.”
That’s a nice thought, and we all know what he means. A country’s standing is no longer measured in throw-weight or battalions. The world is too interconnected to break into blocs. A small country that plugs into cyberspace can deliver more prosperity to its people (think Singapore or Estonia) than a giant with natural resources and standing armies.
More
FOR FIVE YEARS, President Obama has led a foreign policy based more on how he thinks the world should operate than on reality. It was a world in which “the tide of war is receding” and the United States could, without much risk, radically reduce the size of its armed forces. Other leaders, in this vision, would behave rationally and in the interest of their people and the world. Invasions, brute force, great-power games and shifting alliances — these were things of the past. Secretary of State John F. Kerry displayed this mindset on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday when he said, of Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, “It’s a 19th century act in the 21st century.”
That’s a nice thought, and we all know what he means. A country’s standing is no longer measured in throw-weight or battalions. The world is too interconnected to break into blocs. A small country that plugs into cyberspace can deliver more prosperity to its people (think Singapore or Estonia) than a giant with natural resources and standing armies.
More
Closings and Delays For Wednesday 3-5-14
Worcester Schools MD @bmwitherow Worcester County Public Schools will have a one-hour delay for students and 10-month staff on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.
Schools @AccomackCounty Schools will open on a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, March 5.
Worcester Schools MD @bmwitherow Worcester County Public Schools will have a one-hour delay for students and 10-month staff on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.
Talbot DES @TalbotDES TCPS will be operating on a 2 hour delay tomorrow with no morning pre k
DCPS Scholarships @DCPS_Scholar Dorchester County Public Schools will have a two-hour delay for Wednesday, March 5th; MSA Testing will begin Thursday.
Queen Anne's County Public Schools QACPS: Wednesday, March 5, 2014-Schools opening 90 minutes late with No am Pre-K.
Delmar Elementary, Middle and High School are delayed 2 hours.
Christian Alternative To ObamaCare Growing Fast As Deadline Nears
Nationwide networks of fellow believers help share each other's major medical bills through what's known as health care sharing ministries.
"It works just like insurance. I have an insurance card. I show it just like anyone else would. I have a deductible. I have a monthly premium that I pay," explained Eileen Wade, who joined the health care sharing ministry, Medi-Share, in 2011.
More
Tylenol Ingredient Acetaminophen Linked To ADHD In Children
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, has been linked to the development of symptoms generally associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children whose mothers took the painkiller frequently during pregnancy, according to a new study from Denmark.
Between 1996 and 2002, the Danish National Birth Cohort study analyzed some 64,000 children and their mothers and found that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may increase a child's risk of "exhibiting ADHD-like behaviors." Acetaminophen also has been linked to hyperkinetic disorder (HKD), a severe form of ADHD.
More
Between 1996 and 2002, the Danish National Birth Cohort study analyzed some 64,000 children and their mothers and found that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may increase a child's risk of "exhibiting ADHD-like behaviors." Acetaminophen also has been linked to hyperkinetic disorder (HKD), a severe form of ADHD.
More
SARAH PALIN: WEAK OBAMA HAS EMBOLDENED PUTIN
Appearing on Fox News's Hannity, Palin said that the world looks at Putin as someone who wrestles bears and drills for oil while it views Obama as a weak president who wears "mom jeans" and "equivocates and bloviates."
"Anyone who carries the commonsense gene would know that Putin doesn't change his stripes," Palin said. "He harkens back to the era of the czars... and he wants that Russian empire to grow again to exert huge power and dominance."
More
Ron Paul: Defense Spending Vs. Military Spending
Last week U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel proposed an additional 40,000 reduction in active duty U.S. Army personnel, down to 450,000 soldiers. As U.S. troops are being withdrawn from the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it might make sense to reduce not only the active duty military but the entire military budget. However, from the interventionists’ reaction to Hagel’s announcement you might think President Obama announced he was shutting down the Pentagon!
Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, claimed that this slight reduction in personnel would hurt our military readiness. He blamed the exploding spending on welfare entitlements for the proposed military cuts, stating, “It’s all being sacrificed … on the altar of entitlements. This president cannot take on mandatory spending, so all we’ve done in the Congress — and this president — is basically cut discretionary spending.”
More
Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, claimed that this slight reduction in personnel would hurt our military readiness. He blamed the exploding spending on welfare entitlements for the proposed military cuts, stating, “It’s all being sacrificed … on the altar of entitlements. This president cannot take on mandatory spending, so all we’ve done in the Congress — and this president — is basically cut discretionary spending.”
More
Corvette Museum Begins Recovering Cars From Sinkhole
No one was injured in the incident that occurred in the early hours of February 12th before the museum was opened.
The three most accessible cars will be removed this week, and the entire process will be streamed live on the web.
More
Mill and Main Construction
As part of Salisbury Public Works’ ongoing effort to keep the public informed of improvements within the City of Salisbury, please be advised that on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 West Main Street at Mill Street will be closed to all traffic from 9:00am to 3:00pm to allow for pedestrian signal improvements. Through traffic will be permitted on Mill Street at all times. Westbound traffic on Main Street will be detoured using Circle Avenue and eastbound traffic on Main Street will be detoured using Lake Street. Weather permitting; the work will be completed on Wednesday, March 5, 2014.
A Traffic Control Plan will be in effect and Public Works will strive to keep disruptions to a minimum, however please be aware of the potential for delays in this area.
For more information please contact William Sterling at the City of Salisbury Public Works Department at 410-548-3170.
Federalism: The Founders' Legacy
For the first 125 years of our history (1789-1913), America was a country comprised of libertarian politics and conservative cultural values.
1) Libertarian politics is based upon the fact that man was meant to be free. Thus, his government must be strictly limited by a Constitution rather than determined by the dictates of an autocrat or the passions of the majority. And his economy must be a free marketplace, i.e., laissez-faire capitalism.
2) Conservative cultural values are based upon the fact that there is an objective moral order in the universe, i.e., certain rights and wrongs in human life that are applicable to all of us for all of time. Man's culture is to be guided by these objective moral values by instilling them into young people at an early age.
These are the two vital elements that built us into the most desired nation in history – libertarian politics and conservative cultural values. The Founding Fathers believed that if political freedom is to avoid degenerating into license and anarchy, we cannot promote different opinions on morality within the same society, i.e., a "do-your-own-thing" moral philosophy.
WCSO Press Release 3-4-14
Incident: WCSO Activity 28 February 2014
Location: Wicomico County
- On 28 Feb 2014 at 4:00 PM a deputy arrested Denise Elizabeth Headley, 26 of Laurel, DE, on four outstanding District Court Bench Warrants. The warrants were issued after she failed to appear for four different court cases. The cases involved the charges of trespassing, CDS Possession and Driving without a license. Headley was detained without bond on these warrants.
Headley, Denise E.
Incident: Fugitive Arrest
Date: 1 March 2014
Location: Wicomico County
Suspect: James Eric Smith, 35, Salisbury, MD
On 1 March 2014 at 12:50 PM a deputy travelled to Montgomery County, MD where authorities there had detained James Eric Smith at the behest of Wicomico County. Smith had been sought on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant that had been issued back in May 1999 after he failed to appear for a violation of probation hearing following a theft conviction. Smith was released upon posting bond.
Smith, James E.
Incident: Assault
Date of Incident: 1 March 2014
Location: 33000 block of Old Ocean City Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Dustin Todd Levy, 27, Pittsville, MD
Narrative: On 1 March 2014 at 3:40 PM a deputy arrested Dustin Todd Levy in connection with an assault that occurred the previous day. In this incident, Levy allegedly became involved in an argument with his girlfriend when he reportedly struck her in the head with a glass ashtray. According to the victim in this case, she then proceeded to leave the residence when Levy exited the house also, entered into his vehicle and drove towards her knocking her down. Levy then drove away from the residence. The investigating deputy applied for and obtained a warrant for the arrest of Levy. Upon apprehension he was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Levy in the detention center in lieu of $75,000.00 bond.
Charges: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and Assault 1st Degree
Levy, Dustin T.
Incident: CDS
Date of Incident: 1 March 2014
Location: Beaglin Park Dr., Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Tyler Scott Andrews, 21, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 1 March 2014 at 12:01 AM a deputy stopped a vehicle operated by Tyler Andrews for an equipment violation. Upon contacting Andrews, the deputy detected the odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. The deputy would subsequently seize a little over an ounce of marijuana from Andrews. Andrews told the deputy that he had just got his taxes back and used some of the money to buy the marijuana. The deputy transported Andrews to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Andrews on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Andrews, Tyler S.
Incident: Assault on a Deputy / Resisting Arrest
Date of Incident: 2 March 2014
Location: 700 block of Lake Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Edgar Andre Watson, 21, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 2 March 2014 at 12:23 PM a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle operated by Edgar Watson after the deputy observed that Watson was not restrained by a seat belt. Instead of stopping, Watson accelerated away from the deputy who then pursed Watson for a short distance before pulling over in the 700 block of Lake Street. Watson began acting in a furtive manner which led the deputy to order Watson from the vehicle. During the ensuing encounter, Watson reportedly elbowed the deputy in his chest and also kicked him. The deputy struggled with Watson to place him into handcuffs while Watson continued to try and kick the deputy. The deputy discovered that the registration on Watson’s vehicle had expired at the end of December 2013 and that he had just been charged on 28 February 2014 with operating on an expired registration. Upon arrival to the Sheriff’s Office the deputy had to physically move an uncooperative Watson into the building. Following presentation to the District Court Commissioner, Watson was detained in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Attempt by Driver to Flee and Elude and Operator Not Restrained by Seat Belt
Watson, Edgar A.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson Date: 4 March 2014
Rusty The Stray Dog Becomes Loyal Companion To Nursing Home Residents
The 8-year-old chocolate Lab was celebrated this February, KWQC reported, for his years as one of the nursing home's most cherished members. He's been by the residents' side for the past six years, after the sister of the center's administrator, Sue VanDeRostyne, found him wandering in her backyard. Last month, a pet food and supply drive was held in the loyal pup's honor, according to McKnights.com, a website dedicated to long-term care news and assisted living.
More
Levin: ‘We Are Being Devoured By The Very Government That Is Supposed To Serve Us’
(CNSNews.com) – Conservative talk radio host Mark Levin in a speech at the Tea Party Patriots 5th Anniversary meeting in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, said U.S. citizens are “being devoured by the very government that is supposed to serve us,” as he listed all of the roles the federal government has now assumed – including “health care provider.”
“The federal government’s now the nation’s largest creditor, debtor, lender, employer, consumer, contractor, grantor, property owner, tenant, insurer, health care provider, and pension guarantor. So much for limited government! It unleashes thousands of regulations and rules every single year. Over the course of a decade, it fills nearly one million pages in the federal register,” Levin said.
More
More
Buffett Warns Of Pension Crisis For Decade
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett warned on Saturday that the growing crisis in public pension plans will continue — with "a lot" of more bad news to come.
"Local and state financial problems are accelerating, in large part because public entities promised pensions they couldn't afford," Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., said in a letter to shareholders. "Citizens and public officials typically under-appreciated the gigantic financial tapeworm that was born when promises were made that conflicted with a willingness to fund them.
More
"Local and state financial problems are accelerating, in large part because public entities promised pensions they couldn't afford," Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., said in a letter to shareholders. "Citizens and public officials typically under-appreciated the gigantic financial tapeworm that was born when promises were made that conflicted with a willingness to fund them.
More
Who Gets Thrown Under The Bus In The Next Financial Crisis?
The speculative excesses and political power of Wall Street pose a strategic threat to the Deep State, and as a result a showdown between the Deep State and the surface machinery of governance that has been captured by Wall Street is looming.
The basic idea of the Deep State is that the visible machinery of governance--electoral politics and the Federal Reserve--doesn't set strategic policy, it ratifies and implements decisions made behind closed doors. In Mike Lofgren's definition, the Deep State is "effectively able to govern the United States without reference to the consent of the governed as expressed through the formal political process."
In my analysis, the Deep State is the National Security State which enables a vast Imperial structure that incorporates hard and soft power--military, diplomatic, intelligence, finance, commercial, energy, media, higher education--in a system of global domination and influence.
More
The basic idea of the Deep State is that the visible machinery of governance--electoral politics and the Federal Reserve--doesn't set strategic policy, it ratifies and implements decisions made behind closed doors. In Mike Lofgren's definition, the Deep State is "effectively able to govern the United States without reference to the consent of the governed as expressed through the formal political process."
In my analysis, the Deep State is the National Security State which enables a vast Imperial structure that incorporates hard and soft power--military, diplomatic, intelligence, finance, commercial, energy, media, higher education--in a system of global domination and influence.
More
Craziness And Deceit In Delaware About Black Violence
Interesting exchange on the local cable TV channel tonight in Wilmington Delaware. A show called the Upper Room.
A Reverend Morton was talking about his mission: Social justice for black people. And how a recent trip to Israel was not a spiritual quest, but political one. And how Israel stole land from people and “we’ve seen that happen before,” he said with a knowing grin.
And how he was so happy to go to Ghana because that is where “his people were from” and “that was a spiritual mission.”
But this night, he was telling the cable TV audience about his next big journey to Tallahassee to fight the “Stand Your Ground laws that led to the death of Jordan Davis. And how white people are afraid of young black men. And how next it could be “your son” who is the victim of what one national black magazine called an epidemic of white on black slaughter.
This is an increasingly common theme in the black media: The black person as a common victim of racial violence from whites.
Then Howard Powell had to go and spoil it all.
More
A Reverend Morton was talking about his mission: Social justice for black people. And how a recent trip to Israel was not a spiritual quest, but political one. And how Israel stole land from people and “we’ve seen that happen before,” he said with a knowing grin.
And how he was so happy to go to Ghana because that is where “his people were from” and “that was a spiritual mission.”
But this night, he was telling the cable TV audience about his next big journey to Tallahassee to fight the “Stand Your Ground laws that led to the death of Jordan Davis. And how white people are afraid of young black men. And how next it could be “your son” who is the victim of what one national black magazine called an epidemic of white on black slaughter.
This is an increasingly common theme in the black media: The black person as a common victim of racial violence from whites.
Then Howard Powell had to go and spoil it all.
More
The Way Texas Cop Responds to Group of Armed Open Carry Advocates Makes This Video Viral-Worthy – Just Not for the Reason You Might Expect
As we’ve noted in previous reports, sometimes things can spin out of control when open carry activists and police officers meet. That was certainly not the case in Austin, Texas, when an officer responded to a call about “suspicious” men openly carrying rifles.
In a video posted on YouTube in January by the activist group Come and Take It Texas, an officer is seen approaching the armed men in a non-aggressive fashion.
“Just checking you guys out,” he says in the video. “I already know the law.”
More
In a video posted on YouTube in January by the activist group Come and Take It Texas, an officer is seen approaching the armed men in a non-aggressive fashion.
“Just checking you guys out,” he says in the video. “I already know the law.”
More
Baywater Animal Rescue To Benefit From Powerhouse Gym 5K/10K Run And Dog Walk
Cambridge, MD - Powerhouse Gym in Cambridge is hosting their 2nd Annual Giving Power to the Pets 5K/10K and Family Fun Dog Walk March 15th to benefit homeless pets at Baywater Animal Rescue. The first 75 runners who register at active.com or the Powerhouse Gym in Cambridge will receive a commemorative t-shirt. All participants will receive a goodie bag filled with valuable coupons and freebies. “We’re so grateful to Powerhouse Gym for hosting this event and proud that they value the good work we do for homeless pets,” states Suzette Stitely executive director of the rescue. “We hope all runners and dog owners will turn out for this event to raise much needed funds for medical care. We’ve had dogs needing orthopedic surgery and cats needing expensive diagnostics lately. As a No Kill shelter, we provide whatever veterinary care is needed and it’s a large part of our annual budget,” adds Stitely. The event has an 8:00 am registration with a 9:00 am start at Clearview at Horns Point 5650 Clearview Key Cambridge , MD 21613. The one mile Family Fun Dog Walk ($10) will also be held concurrently at Clearview. For more details, visit www.baywateranimalrescue.org or call Mende and Jamie at 410-901-9991.
Brace Yourself For Hillary And Jeb
WASHINGTON — OY. By the time the Bushes and Clintons are finished, they are going to make the Tudors and the Plantagenets look like pikers.
Before these two families release their death grip on the American electoral system, we’re going to have to watch Chelsea’s granddaughter try to knock off George P.’s grandson, Prescott Walker Bush II. Barack Obama, who once dreamed of being a transformational president, will turn out to be a mere hiccup in history, the interim guy who provided a tepid respite while Hillary and Jeb geared up to go at it.
Elections for president are supposed to make us feel young and excited, as if we’re getting a fresh start. That’s the way it was with J.F.K. and Obama and, even though he was turning 70 when he got inaugurated, Ronald Reagan.
More
Before these two families release their death grip on the American electoral system, we’re going to have to watch Chelsea’s granddaughter try to knock off George P.’s grandson, Prescott Walker Bush II. Barack Obama, who once dreamed of being a transformational president, will turn out to be a mere hiccup in history, the interim guy who provided a tepid respite while Hillary and Jeb geared up to go at it.
Elections for president are supposed to make us feel young and excited, as if we’re getting a fresh start. That’s the way it was with J.F.K. and Obama and, even though he was turning 70 when he got inaugurated, Ronald Reagan.
More
Memo To Obama: This Was Their Red Line!
In 1783 the Crimea was annexed by Catherine the Great, thereby satisfying the longstanding quest of the Russian Czars for a warm-water port. In fact, over the ages Sevastopol emerged as a great naval base at the strategic tip of the Crimean peninsula, where it became home to the mighty Black Sea Fleet of the Czars and then the commissars.
For the next 171 years Crimea was an integral part of Russia—a span that exceeds the 166 years that have elapsed since California was annexed by a similar thrust of “Manifest Destiny” on this continent, thereby providing, incidentally, the United States Navy with its own warm-water port in San Diego. While no foreign forces subsequently invaded the California coasts, it was most definitely not Ukrainian and Polish riffles, artillery and blood which famously annihilated The Charge Of The Light Brigade at the Crimean city of Balaclava in 1854; they were Russians defending the homeland.
And the portrait of the Russian ”hero” hanging in Putin’s office is that of Czar Nicholas I—whose brutal 30-year reign brought the Russian Empire to its historical zenith, and who was revered in Russian hagiography as the defender of Crimea, even as he lost the 1850s war to the Ottomans and Europeans. Besides that, there is no evidence that Putin does historical apologies, anyway.
In fact, its their Red Line. When the enfeebled Franklin Roosevelt made port in the Crimean city of Yalta in February 1945 he did know he was in Soviet Russia. Maneuvering to cement his control of the Kremlin in the intrigue-ridden struggle for succession after Stalin’s death a few years later, Nikita Khrushchev allegedly spent 15 minutes reviewing his “gift” of Crimea to his subalterns in Kiev in honor of the decision by their ancestors 300 years earlier to accept the inevitable and become a vassal of Russia.
More
For the next 171 years Crimea was an integral part of Russia—a span that exceeds the 166 years that have elapsed since California was annexed by a similar thrust of “Manifest Destiny” on this continent, thereby providing, incidentally, the United States Navy with its own warm-water port in San Diego. While no foreign forces subsequently invaded the California coasts, it was most definitely not Ukrainian and Polish riffles, artillery and blood which famously annihilated The Charge Of The Light Brigade at the Crimean city of Balaclava in 1854; they were Russians defending the homeland.
And the portrait of the Russian ”hero” hanging in Putin’s office is that of Czar Nicholas I—whose brutal 30-year reign brought the Russian Empire to its historical zenith, and who was revered in Russian hagiography as the defender of Crimea, even as he lost the 1850s war to the Ottomans and Europeans. Besides that, there is no evidence that Putin does historical apologies, anyway.
In fact, its their Red Line. When the enfeebled Franklin Roosevelt made port in the Crimean city of Yalta in February 1945 he did know he was in Soviet Russia. Maneuvering to cement his control of the Kremlin in the intrigue-ridden struggle for succession after Stalin’s death a few years later, Nikita Khrushchev allegedly spent 15 minutes reviewing his “gift” of Crimea to his subalterns in Kiev in honor of the decision by their ancestors 300 years earlier to accept the inevitable and become a vassal of Russia.
More
Dinner Cancelation Tonight
The St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner for this evening has been canceled due to weather conditions.
Three Bills Seek To Overhaul Legislative Redistricting Process
Though very different in their scope and design, the bills have one thing in common: They are trying to introduce transparency and civic participation into the redistricting procedure, which now leaves the governor in control and the process wide open to political gerrymandering.
“Gerrymandering has been going on for a long time,” said Carol Ann Hecht, of the National Council of Jewish Women Annapolis Section. “Both parties do it, and it’s wrong. The citizens in this state know that the system is broken, and they don’t know what to do.”
More
Founding Wisdom On Ukraine Crisis
As the Ukranian crisis escalates, calls for American intervention are increasing – and the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is stepping up its rhetoric in response to Russia’s “aggression.”
Russia has already invaded and occupied Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula – and appears poised for further military action against its neighbor, a former Soviet satellite which gained its independence in 1991.
So-called “neoconservatives” – led by The Wall Street Journal – are demanding Obama take action.
“In the brutal world of global power politics, Ukraine is in particular a casualty of Mr. Obama’s failure to enforce his ‘red line’ on Syria,” the paper wrote this week. ”When the leader of the world’s only superpower issues a military ultimatum and then blinks, others notice. Adversaries and allies in Asia and the Middle East will be watching President Obama’s response now. China has its eyes on Japanese islands. Iran is counting on U.S. weakness in nuclear talks.”
“The Ukrainians can’t be left alone to face Russia, and the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea can’t be allowed to stand,” the Journal‘s editorial concludes.
Is such interventionist saber-rattling really in America’s best interests, though?
More
Russia has already invaded and occupied Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula – and appears poised for further military action against its neighbor, a former Soviet satellite which gained its independence in 1991.
So-called “neoconservatives” – led by The Wall Street Journal – are demanding Obama take action.
“In the brutal world of global power politics, Ukraine is in particular a casualty of Mr. Obama’s failure to enforce his ‘red line’ on Syria,” the paper wrote this week. ”When the leader of the world’s only superpower issues a military ultimatum and then blinks, others notice. Adversaries and allies in Asia and the Middle East will be watching President Obama’s response now. China has its eyes on Japanese islands. Iran is counting on U.S. weakness in nuclear talks.”
“The Ukrainians can’t be left alone to face Russia, and the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea can’t be allowed to stand,” the Journal‘s editorial concludes.
Is such interventionist saber-rattling really in America’s best interests, though?
More
Another Blast Of Arctic Air Follows Latest Snow
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The seemingly endless winter dumped a half a foot snow on the ground in parts of the South, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and many areas Tuesday morning saw something even more unusual in March: a blast of arctic air that sent temperatures plummeting into the single digits.
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport broke a 141-year-old record low temperature, reaching 4 degrees. The National Weather Service said the low reached early Tuesday broke a 5-degree record set on the day in 1873. It was also a record low for the month of March. Dulles International Airport - also outside Washington - tied a 1993 record for the month at -1 degree.
More
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport broke a 141-year-old record low temperature, reaching 4 degrees. The National Weather Service said the low reached early Tuesday broke a 5-degree record set on the day in 1873. It was also a record low for the month of March. Dulles International Airport - also outside Washington - tied a 1993 record for the month at -1 degree.
More
Cancellation
St John's United Methodist Church in Fruitland, MD
Pancake and Sausage Supper this evening has been cancelled
Pancake and Sausage Supper this evening has been cancelled
Senate Democrats And A Cop Killer
On Monday we will learn a great deal more about what sort of party the Democrats are in 2014. Senator Harry Reid will move the nomination of the brazen race radical Debo Adegbile to the floor of the Senate for a vote. Adegbile is the President’s nominee for the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Justice Department, one of the most powerful appointments in the executive branch.
We will learn if Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) share the values of their constituents, or the values of the radical secularists in the administration. While at the NAACP, Adegbile authored a brief to strip members of the Hosanna Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church of the right to practice their faith and appoint ministers of the church as they saw fit. Adegbile argued to the Supreme Court that Christian churches shouldn’t continue to enjoy the same constitutional protections of the “ministerial exception” as churches had for centuries. He argued that the government should have a say in church theology and who could be a minister of a Christian church.
More
We will learn if Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) share the values of their constituents, or the values of the radical secularists in the administration. While at the NAACP, Adegbile authored a brief to strip members of the Hosanna Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church of the right to practice their faith and appoint ministers of the church as they saw fit. Adegbile argued to the Supreme Court that Christian churches shouldn’t continue to enjoy the same constitutional protections of the “ministerial exception” as churches had for centuries. He argued that the government should have a say in church theology and who could be a minister of a Christian church.
More
Captured: Two Men That Carjack And Rob A Pregnant Woman In LABOR At Gunpoint
If this was a story about 2 white guys robbing a pregnant woman in labor, Barack Obama would already have had a press conference about it. As it is, I noticed that national media has already started to scrub facts saying there were 2 assailants instead of 3 and it was a robbing instead of a carjacking. I had to go to the local news in MD to find the truth. These men robbing an unarmed woman while in labor is a new low in crime.
More
More
The IRS Is The Problem
There are two competing models for reforming the Internal Revenue Service’s oversight of the political activities of certain nonprofit organizations: one put forward by the IRS itself, in the form of a regulatory rule change, a second put forward by Representative David Camp (R., Mich.) on behalf of the House Ways and Means Committee. Neither program is sufficient, because neither reflects the reality behind the recent IRS scandal, which was not the result of murky rules or bureaucratic incompetence but rather of what gives every indication of being deliberate misuse of federal investigatory resources for partisan political ends. That there have not been criminal charges in this matter is probably at least as much a reflection of the highly politicized Department of Justice under Eric Holder as it is of the facts of the case. The problem, then, is that both the IRS plan and the Camp plan assume that the IRS ought to be regulating rather than being regulated.
The United States already has a rather good regulation regarding government oversight of political speech, which is that there isn’t to be any. The First Amendment ought to be the last word on the subject. Asking politicians to oversee the activities of persons inclined to criticize them presents a basic fox-henhouse problem — recall that the Citizens United decision came in response to federal attempts to outlaw the showing of a film critical of Hillary Clinton — so our general bias should be against entrusting any federal agency with such powers. In the case of the IRS, the specific case amplifies the general principle: The agency has no competence in the matter of regulating political speech, and no statutory authority to define away the right of 501c(4) groups to engage in political activities, something to which they are explicitly entitled under the law. Congress has the authority to rewrite the rules about who qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit, should it choose to do so, but the IRS plainly does not have the power to regulate away political speech where it is explicitly authorized.
More
The United States already has a rather good regulation regarding government oversight of political speech, which is that there isn’t to be any. The First Amendment ought to be the last word on the subject. Asking politicians to oversee the activities of persons inclined to criticize them presents a basic fox-henhouse problem — recall that the Citizens United decision came in response to federal attempts to outlaw the showing of a film critical of Hillary Clinton — so our general bias should be against entrusting any federal agency with such powers. In the case of the IRS, the specific case amplifies the general principle: The agency has no competence in the matter of regulating political speech, and no statutory authority to define away the right of 501c(4) groups to engage in political activities, something to which they are explicitly entitled under the law. Congress has the authority to rewrite the rules about who qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit, should it choose to do so, but the IRS plainly does not have the power to regulate away political speech where it is explicitly authorized.
More
James M. Bennett Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Auction This Friday
Friday, March 7th, 2014, JAMES M. BENNETT High School is having their annual SPAGHETTI DINNER and LIVE AUCTION FUNDRAISER to support JMB'S Class of 2016. The fundraiser will be held in the JMB cafeteria. Seating begins at 5 pm and dinner, which includes homemade spaghetti, salad and bread will be served until 8 pm. Baked goods will be sold at a nominal fee for anyone with a sweet tooth. Carryout is available and tickets will be sold at the door. Adult tickets are $8.00 and Children's tickets under 10 are $5.00. The LIVE AUCTION begins at 6:45 pm with big ticket items such as landscaping, event planning services, and golf packages going to the highest bidder. Lots of SILENT AUCTION baskets and items will also be available. Musical performances by very talented high school vocalists will make for an evening you won't forget. For more information about this event, call James M. Bennett at 410-677-5141.
Two Americas: DC Elite Have Escape Hatch From ObamaCare
It’s almost as if there are a different set of rules for the ruling class in Washington than there is for the peasants out there. Oh, because there is.
This year, members of Congress and thousands of their staffers are finally signing up for health insurance provided by an ObamaCare exchange, fulfilling their commitment to live under the same system that millions of other Americans will use.
But unlike those millions of Americans, members and staff have a way to opt out of ObamaCare — retirement.
Under a rule issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) late last year, members and staff who retire will be able to revert back to health coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). That’s the same coverage that thousands of other federal workers can use when they retire.
More
This year, members of Congress and thousands of their staffers are finally signing up for health insurance provided by an ObamaCare exchange, fulfilling their commitment to live under the same system that millions of other Americans will use.
But unlike those millions of Americans, members and staff have a way to opt out of ObamaCare — retirement.
Under a rule issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) late last year, members and staff who retire will be able to revert back to health coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). That’s the same coverage that thousands of other federal workers can use when they retire.
More
Felony Allegations Cost Democrats In California Senate Their Supermajority
.jpg)
Last week, Senate Democrats voted down a GOP resolution to expel state Sen. Roderick Wright (D), who was convicted Jan. 28 of eight felony counts of voter fraud and perjury. Wright was first indicted in 2010 on charges that he lied on his voter registration form and candidate filings and committed voter fraud in five elections.
State Sen. Ronald Calderon (D), who has been indicted on federal corruption charges for allegedly accepting almost $100,000 in bribes, meals and golf outings — including $88,000 in bribes from an undercover FBI agent — began a leave of absence last week to fight the charges. Federal agents raided Calderon’s Sacramento offices in June. He has pleaded not guilty to 24 charges and was released on bond.
Both senators will be paid during their absences.
More
LAW ENFORCEMENT GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT
Who: 77th Municipal Recruit Class
When: Friday, March 7, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Delaware State University Education Humanities Building (Auditorium)
1200 North DuPont Highway Dover, Delaware
Dignitaries Addressing the Graduates:
Senator Thomas R. Carper
Congressman John C. Carney Jr.
Secretary Lewis D. Schiliro
Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.
Key Agenda Events:
Class Speech:
Patrolman Shawn T. Jacobs, Harrington Police Department
Keynote Speaker:
Mr. Wilbert R. Bordley, Criminal Justice Faculty at Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus, Georgetown, Delaware, and Former Chief of Smyrna Police Department
Dover, DE - Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. announces the graduation ceremonies for the 77th Municipal Recruit Class.
The ceremonies will celebrate and recognize the successful completion of law enforcement training of 15 Law Enforcement Officers representing the Bethany Beach Police Department, Dagsboro Police Department, Delaware State University Police Department, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (Divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Parks & Recreation), Dover Police Department, Harrington Police Department, Lewes Police Department, Milford Police Department, Milton Police Department, and Ocean View Police Department.
The ceremonies will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Delaware State University Education Humanities Building Dover, Delaware.
When: Friday, March 7, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Delaware State University Education Humanities Building (Auditorium)
1200 North DuPont Highway Dover, Delaware
Dignitaries Addressing the Graduates:
Senator Thomas R. Carper
Congressman John C. Carney Jr.
Secretary Lewis D. Schiliro
Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.
Key Agenda Events:
Class Speech:
Patrolman Shawn T. Jacobs, Harrington Police Department
Keynote Speaker:
Mr. Wilbert R. Bordley, Criminal Justice Faculty at Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus, Georgetown, Delaware, and Former Chief of Smyrna Police Department
Dover, DE - Delaware State Police Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr. announces the graduation ceremonies for the 77th Municipal Recruit Class.
The ceremonies will celebrate and recognize the successful completion of law enforcement training of 15 Law Enforcement Officers representing the Bethany Beach Police Department, Dagsboro Police Department, Delaware State University Police Department, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (Divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Parks & Recreation), Dover Police Department, Harrington Police Department, Lewes Police Department, Milford Police Department, Milton Police Department, and Ocean View Police Department.
The ceremonies will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Delaware State University Education Humanities Building Dover, Delaware.
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, LT. GOVERNOR BROWN RELEASE STATEMENT ON TONIGHT'S HOUSE ECONOMIC MATTERS COMMITTEE MINIMUM WAGE VOTE
ANNAPOLIS, MD Governor O’Malley and Lt. Governor Brown issued the following statements in response to tonight's House Economic Matters Committee vote on the minimum wage bill:
“No one who works full time should have to raise their family in poverty,” said Governor Martin O'Malley.“I commend the members of the Committee for their hard work, and I look forward to the bill advancing to a vote before the full House of Delegates.”
“Under Chairman Davis' leadership, tonight's Committee vote represents an important step towards ensuring that more of Maryland’s workers can earn a family-supporting wage and climb the ladder of opportunity towards success,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “I look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly to raise the wage for Maryland’s working families.”
“No one who works full time should have to raise their family in poverty,” said Governor Martin O'Malley.“I commend the members of the Committee for their hard work, and I look forward to the bill advancing to a vote before the full House of Delegates.”
“Under Chairman Davis' leadership, tonight's Committee vote represents an important step towards ensuring that more of Maryland’s workers can earn a family-supporting wage and climb the ladder of opportunity towards success,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “I look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly to raise the wage for Maryland’s working families.”
Work
A doctor from France says:"In France , the medicine is so advanced that we cut off a man's testicles; we put them into another man, and in 6 weeks he is looking for work."
A German doctor comments quietly : "That's nothing, in Germany we take part of the brain out of a person; we put it into another person head, and in 4 weeks he is looking for work."...
A Russian doctor says boasting :"That's nothing either. In Russia we take out half of the heart from a person; we put it into another person's chest, and in 2 weeks he is looking for work."
The U.S. doctor laughs and answers loudly immediately: "That's nothing my colleagues, you are way behind us....in the USA , about 5 years ago, we grabbed a person from Kenya with no brains, no heart, and no balls....we made him President of the United States, and now....... the whole damn country is looking for work.
A German doctor comments quietly : "That's nothing, in Germany we take part of the brain out of a person; we put it into another person head, and in 4 weeks he is looking for work."...
A Russian doctor says boasting :"That's nothing either. In Russia we take out half of the heart from a person; we put it into another person's chest, and in 2 weeks he is looking for work."
The U.S. doctor laughs and answers loudly immediately: "That's nothing my colleagues, you are way behind us....in the USA , about 5 years ago, we grabbed a person from Kenya with no brains, no heart, and no balls....we made him President of the United States, and now....... the whole damn country is looking for work.
SFD Calls For Service 3-3-14
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 23:53:50Nature: Gas LeakAddress: 420 Dover St Salisbury, MD 21801
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 22:33:41Nature: Pi AccidentCity: Salisbury
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 21:39:38Nature: Sick SubjectCity: Salisbury
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 21:28:46Nature: Psychiatric EmergencyCity: Salisbury
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 21:25:38Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 812 S Schumaker Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 21:25:36Nature: Pro Qa EmsCity: Salisbury
- Monday March, 3 2014 @ 20:58:45Nature: Medical AssistAddress: 501 E Railroad Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
SALISBURY – WILL PAUL WILBER RIDE AGAIN?
Next week, the City Council will discuss whether the Charter should be changed back to the way it was then, almost. Until a couple years ago, the City Solicitor was appointed by the Mayor with the "advice and consent" of the Council, but could be canned by the Mayor without any Council veto. In October, 2011 the Charter was changed so that the Council has the authority to hire and fire the City Solicitor.
Now, we are told that "a majority" of the Council has tasked Mark Tilghman to prepare what may become his personal pink slip as the occupant of that position. The proposed resolution would change the Charter to read that the City Solicitor (and assistance) would "be appointed and serve at the pleasure of both the Mayor and the Council."
This change may be portrayed by some as a basis for closer collaboration of the Mayor and Council, but it actually has the potential for disharmony, if a difference of opinion arises, as well as larger legal fees should the Council seek truly independent legal advice about the matters that come before it or significant City matters.
Just who are "the majority" of the Council who want to reduce its authority and independence?
Now, we are told that "a majority" of the Council has tasked Mark Tilghman to prepare what may become his personal pink slip as the occupant of that position. The proposed resolution would change the Charter to read that the City Solicitor (and assistance) would "be appointed and serve at the pleasure of both the Mayor and the Council."
This change may be portrayed by some as a basis for closer collaboration of the Mayor and Council, but it actually has the potential for disharmony, if a difference of opinion arises, as well as larger legal fees should the Council seek truly independent legal advice about the matters that come before it or significant City matters.
Just who are "the majority" of the Council who want to reduce its authority and independence?
An Upside Down World
In December of 1865, the several American states ratified the thirteenth amendment constitutionally ending involuntary servitude in the United States. In the twenty-first century, Americans are coming full circle. In a number of states, a black man can again be forced by the government to work involuntarily for a white man.
Not since the nation eliminated Jim Crow laws during the civil rights era have we seen such a bizarre conundrum. But if the black man is a Christian and the white man is gay, a court can forcibly order the black man to serve the white man or drive the black man from business. A number of states have been working to pass laws to prevent this weird conundrum, but in an irony that knows no bounds, gay-rights activists are comparing these religious freedom laws to Jim Crow.
The issue boils down to one question — should a Christian who believes a wedding can only be between a man and a woman be forced to provide goods and services to a gay wedding? Despite the histrionics of some, no one suggests that anyone be allowed to simply deny service to any class of people, be they black or white or gay or straight. The issue only arises in the context of gay weddings.
More
Not since the nation eliminated Jim Crow laws during the civil rights era have we seen such a bizarre conundrum. But if the black man is a Christian and the white man is gay, a court can forcibly order the black man to serve the white man or drive the black man from business. A number of states have been working to pass laws to prevent this weird conundrum, but in an irony that knows no bounds, gay-rights activists are comparing these religious freedom laws to Jim Crow.
The issue boils down to one question — should a Christian who believes a wedding can only be between a man and a woman be forced to provide goods and services to a gay wedding? Despite the histrionics of some, no one suggests that anyone be allowed to simply deny service to any class of people, be they black or white or gay or straight. The issue only arises in the context of gay weddings.
More
Md. Panel Keeps Minimum Wage Statewide; Cuts Index to Inflation
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A panel of Maryland lawmakers voted Monday to increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour over three years, but lawmakers stripped out a proposal to index future increases to inflation.
They also delayed when the hikes would take effect incrementally by six months. The House Economic Matters Committee voted 13-8 for a bill that keeps an exemption for restaurants and bars that make less than $250,000 a year from paying minimum wage.
The committee also decided to freeze the minimum wage for tipped workers at $3.63 an hour and to require employers to make up the difference, if employees did not make enough in tips to meet the new minimum wage rates. The change sets a fixed rate instead of a percentage. When the measure was introduced, it would have increased the cash wage rate for tipped workers from 50 percent to 70 percent of the minimum wage.
More
They also delayed when the hikes would take effect incrementally by six months. The House Economic Matters Committee voted 13-8 for a bill that keeps an exemption for restaurants and bars that make less than $250,000 a year from paying minimum wage.
The committee also decided to freeze the minimum wage for tipped workers at $3.63 an hour and to require employers to make up the difference, if employees did not make enough in tips to meet the new minimum wage rates. The change sets a fixed rate instead of a percentage. When the measure was introduced, it would have increased the cash wage rate for tipped workers from 50 percent to 70 percent of the minimum wage.
More
BREAKING NEWS: Putin Says Ukraine Has Seen Anti-Constitutional Coup
Russian President Vladimir Putin says there has been an anti-constitutional coup in Ukraine and that ousted President Viktor Yanukovych is the country’s only legitimate leader. He says Russia reserves the right to use all means to protect Russians in Ukraine.
More
More