The Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday began a long-shot bid at pushing a constitutional amendment that would limit deep-pocketed political campaign donors' influence.
With plenty of politics but very limited prospects of actually changing the Constitution, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the free flow of "shady money" into politics the biggest threat to democracy he's seen. His Republican counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, called efforts to limit campaign spending a tactic to rile up Democrats this election year.
Changing the Constitution is an intentionally difficult process, and leaders from both parties acknowledge that the Democrats' efforts to prohibit super PACs are likely to result in little more than election-year posturing. But Democrats plan to push forward to force Republicans to cast votes on this topic before November's elections.
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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
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Tuesday, June 03, 2014
No more imminent danger pay
Service members in nine countries have lost imminent danger pay. The Defense Department yesterday stopped paying the extra compensation to those serving in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The new policy also means that from now on, those deployed to those areas no longer get Rest and Recuperation. Air Force Col. Ron Dougherty oversees personnel issues for Air Forces Central Command. In a statement, he says the region has stabilized. Several of the locations now let service members bring their families with them. The policy only applies to service members who begin their tours after June 1.
Judge Beats Up Public Defender
Judge John C. Murphy of Brevard County, Florida was feeling a bit like Judge Dredd yesterday morning. Video captured him verbally sparring with an experienced assistant public defender, Andrew Weinstock, before requesting Weinstock visit him in his “Chambers of Doom” (a.k.a. the hallway) for some actual sparring.
Looks like we need to come up with a new term beyond “benchslap.”
Cue Michael Buffer: “Let’s get ready to RUMMMMMBLLLLLLE!”
The impetus for the fight was Weinstock’s refusal to waive his client’s right to a speedy trial. It would seem Judge Murphy acted quickly in compliance with Weinstock’s request and docketed a trial by combat.
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Looks like we need to come up with a new term beyond “benchslap.”
Cue Michael Buffer: “Let’s get ready to RUMMMMMBLLLLLLE!”
The impetus for the fight was Weinstock’s refusal to waive his client’s right to a speedy trial. It would seem Judge Murphy acted quickly in compliance with Weinstock’s request and docketed a trial by combat.
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See What Happens When Adults Are Subjected to ‘Hilarious’ Common Core Math
Caleb Bonham, editor-in-chief of Campus Reform, recently took to the streets of Boulder, Colorado, with the specific purpose of frustrating people with Common Core math. Needless to say, he accomplished his goal.
Apparently using an actual Common Core math problem, Bonham used a small dry erase board to walk unsuspecting individuals through the steps — and there are many.
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Results: Primary Elections, June 3
Voters are casting ballots in primaries across the country in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. View live results from the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial primaries HERE
Note: Vote totals reported by the Associated Press.
Note: Vote totals reported by the Associated Press.
Jail For Md. Woman Who Drunkenly Smothered Baby
A Hagerstown woman who killed her 2-month-old daughter by passing out drunk on top of her while breast-feeding is going to jail.
Yadina Morales, 22, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 months in the Washington County jail after entering an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter. An Alford plea is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgement that the state has enough evidence to convict.
Prosecutors agreed to drop charges including child abuse and reckless endangerment as part of the plea deal.
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Yadina Morales, 22, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 months in the Washington County jail after entering an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter. An Alford plea is not an admission of guilt but an acknowledgement that the state has enough evidence to convict.
Prosecutors agreed to drop charges including child abuse and reckless endangerment as part of the plea deal.
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The Clear Winner
In case you missed the debate Saturday evening, here are the highlights:
David Craig is the most qualified candidate in this race and it showed during the debate.
He has an unmatched record of success as Harford County Executive.
He has balanced 19 budgets, cut spending, and lowered taxes.
David Craig has a plan to preserve our past while promoting our future. His plan to overhaul Maryland's tax code and bring businesses & jobs back to Maryland is resonating with public.
The Craig-Haddaway team was out in force at the debate and our grassroots campaign is making major strides across Maryland.
David Craig was the clear winner.
David Craig was the clear winner of the debate and with your help he will be a clear winner on June 24th. Will you join us by making a donation today?
Your support will go a long way toward our final push. We need your help to get the message out and let the people of Maryland know they will be the clear winner with David Craig as our Governor. Will you do your part?
With just over 3 weeks until the election, your donation of $250, $100, $50, or whatever you feel comfortable giving puts us closer to victory. With your help, David Craig and the people of Maryland will be clear winners on June 24th.
Click here to donate online via credit or debit card. Can we count on you?
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Delegate Jeannie Haddaway
David Craig is the most qualified candidate in this race and it showed during the debate.
He has an unmatched record of success as Harford County Executive.
He has balanced 19 budgets, cut spending, and lowered taxes.
David Craig has a plan to preserve our past while promoting our future. His plan to overhaul Maryland's tax code and bring businesses & jobs back to Maryland is resonating with public.
The Craig-Haddaway team was out in force at the debate and our grassroots campaign is making major strides across Maryland.
David Craig was the clear winner.
David Craig was the clear winner of the debate and with your help he will be a clear winner on June 24th. Will you join us by making a donation today?
Your support will go a long way toward our final push. We need your help to get the message out and let the people of Maryland know they will be the clear winner with David Craig as our Governor. Will you do your part?
With just over 3 weeks until the election, your donation of $250, $100, $50, or whatever you feel comfortable giving puts us closer to victory. With your help, David Craig and the people of Maryland will be clear winners on June 24th.
Click here to donate online via credit or debit card. Can we count on you?
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Delegate Jeannie Haddaway
Virginia Police Officer Throws A Tantrum At A Traffic Stop (Dashcam Video)
Editor’s Note: This video contains very strong language that will be offensive to some readers.
Hogs And Heroes Needs Your Help!
On June 28, 2014 we are honored to be able to celebrate those that served our country and its people well! We will be placing flags on the grave markers of as many as 1800 veterans buried at Millsboro Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE. THIS MEANS WE NEED 1800 FLAGS, WE NEED EVERYONE OF OUR FRIENDS HELP!!!!
Where: Millsboro Veterans Cemetery
26669 Patriots Way
Millsboro, DE 19966
Phone: 302-934-5653
Hogs and Heroes Maryland Chapter 8 will be your host, I am the coordinator of this important event to many of us.
Donate to purchase flags:
You can donate to the purchase of the flags by using this link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=32LMZ2VV2CKS6
Get your own flags: You can also purchase your own flags via the following link and bring them with you:
http://www.united-states-flag.com/us-stick-flag-12x18-30x3-8-sewn-edges-us-made.html
If you do purchase your own 100 flags or more, please post in the event so that we can keep count.
We had one flag for every 3 markers last year, we are looking for all our friends to rally around us and purchase a one for one flag for all 1800 markers. Every one of these men and women deserve to be honored!!!
I will be your point of contact for this event happening on June 28th. We will meet at the Shopping Center in Georgetown where the KFC and the old Super Fresh was at 12:30pm. KSU at 1pm to go over to the Millsboro Veterans Cemetery. After instructions and placing flags, we will have a ride to West Fenwick Island, DE to support Sound United Methodist Church's Famous Chicken Dinner beginning at 3pm. Plenty of parking for all and good food! Helping our community is what we are all about!
They still currently need over 800 flags.
Where: Millsboro Veterans Cemetery
26669 Patriots Way
Millsboro, DE 19966
Phone: 302-934-5653
Hogs and Heroes Maryland Chapter 8 will be your host, I am the coordinator of this important event to many of us.
Donate to purchase flags:
You can donate to the purchase of the flags by using this link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=32LMZ2VV2CKS6
Get your own flags: You can also purchase your own flags via the following link and bring them with you:
http://www.united-states-flag.com/us-stick-flag-12x18-30x3-8-sewn-edges-us-made.html
If you do purchase your own 100 flags or more, please post in the event so that we can keep count.
We had one flag for every 3 markers last year, we are looking for all our friends to rally around us and purchase a one for one flag for all 1800 markers. Every one of these men and women deserve to be honored!!!
I will be your point of contact for this event happening on June 28th. We will meet at the Shopping Center in Georgetown where the KFC and the old Super Fresh was at 12:30pm. KSU at 1pm to go over to the Millsboro Veterans Cemetery. After instructions and placing flags, we will have a ride to West Fenwick Island, DE to support Sound United Methodist Church's Famous Chicken Dinner beginning at 3pm. Plenty of parking for all and good food! Helping our community is what we are all about!
They still currently need over 800 flags.
Delaware Medevac Unit Readies For Overseas Deployment
It was a bittersweet day for the Delaware Army National Guard on Monday as it prepares to send 20 members of its medevac unit to Kuwait.
The soldiers with 1-126th Aviation unit will leave behind family and friends for almost a year. The time away includes almost two months of training at Fort Hood in Texas, where the soldiers will meet and train in conjunction with a larger unit.
A nine month deployment to Kuwait will follow.
"We wish 'em Godspeed and we assure our soldiers that we're there to take care of their families," said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, the Delaware National Guard's commanding officer.
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The soldiers with 1-126th Aviation unit will leave behind family and friends for almost a year. The time away includes almost two months of training at Fort Hood in Texas, where the soldiers will meet and train in conjunction with a larger unit.
A nine month deployment to Kuwait will follow.
"We wish 'em Godspeed and we assure our soldiers that we're there to take care of their families," said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, the Delaware National Guard's commanding officer.
More
Woodward On Benghazi: 'Serious, Unanswered Questions'
Bob Woodward Doesn’t Buy Hillary’s Benghazi Denial: ‘Serious, Unanswered Questions About This’
Washington Post writer Bob Woodward said Sunday that he doesn’t believe Hillary Clinton when she says the Benghazi investigation is all about politics, claiming there are still “serious, unanswered questions about this.”
Woodward spoke on a “Fox News Sunday” panel about a leaked chapter from former Secretary of State Clinton’s new book, “Hard Choices,” which addresses the September 11, 2012 attacks on State Department personnel in Benghazi, Libya.
While many assert that Clinton and the broader Obama administration were involved in a political cover-up of the attack’s details, the book declares that everything there is to know about Benghazi and the administration response has already been revealed, with Republicans merely playing politics by continuing to investigate.
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Washington Post writer Bob Woodward said Sunday that he doesn’t believe Hillary Clinton when she says the Benghazi investigation is all about politics, claiming there are still “serious, unanswered questions about this.”
Woodward spoke on a “Fox News Sunday” panel about a leaked chapter from former Secretary of State Clinton’s new book, “Hard Choices,” which addresses the September 11, 2012 attacks on State Department personnel in Benghazi, Libya.
While many assert that Clinton and the broader Obama administration were involved in a political cover-up of the attack’s details, the book declares that everything there is to know about Benghazi and the administration response has already been revealed, with Republicans merely playing politics by continuing to investigate.
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10 Words You Should Never Use To Describe Yourself
Consider the word "charismatic." If someone called me charismatic, I will be incredibly flattered (and hugely surprised.) But if I call myself charismatic, you will think I'm a jerk — and rightly so.
Here are 10 more words that are awesome when used by others to describe you, but you should never use to describe yourself:
1. Generous. Take it from Adam Grant, an expert on the subject of giving and taking. Generosity is in the eye of the beholder.
"Generosity is earned, not claimed," he writes. "Leave it to other people to describe you as a giver — that's the highest form of praise."
The most generous people I know give without fanfare and without seeking accolades. Their giving is so far under the radar it's subterranean. And they don't consider themselves to be generous since they're always thinking they could do more.
All of us can be more generous than we are. While relative to what others give you might be more generous than most, if that's the case let other people describe you that way.
After all, true generosity is often found in people who are also...
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Here are 10 more words that are awesome when used by others to describe you, but you should never use to describe yourself:
1. Generous. Take it from Adam Grant, an expert on the subject of giving and taking. Generosity is in the eye of the beholder.
"Generosity is earned, not claimed," he writes. "Leave it to other people to describe you as a giver — that's the highest form of praise."
The most generous people I know give without fanfare and without seeking accolades. Their giving is so far under the radar it's subterranean. And they don't consider themselves to be generous since they're always thinking they could do more.
All of us can be more generous than we are. While relative to what others give you might be more generous than most, if that's the case let other people describe you that way.
After all, true generosity is often found in people who are also...
More
Most Are Impressed With Mizeur In Final TV Debate For Dems
From Jade Walker: Tonight’s debate seemed very promising for Heather Mizeur especially in the final hour. I must admit I am hopeful to see her last due to the fact it seems candidates have to align with their respective Democratic or Republican party before even approaching issues, especially matters American citizens are at a relative agreement in consensus. I am not sure about Gansler as he seems to be selling me the idea he is a moderate Republican with his foreign tax initiatives. I feel he attacks Brown because Mizeur is an assumed long-shot; I wonder if she is remaining [in the race], will he begin to attack her? The constant banter about who knows what the Maryland people want or don’t want really echoes the current condition of Congress and the House as they refuse to do their jobs at a wide inability to compromise. IT IS AN EXTREME TURN OFF.
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Three Red Flags in GDP Report
The Commerce Department reported Thursday that, in its latest estimate of 1st Quarter GDP, the economy shrank by 1.0% in the first three months of the year. This was a sharp reversal from its initial estimate, which suggested the economy grew by an anemic 0.1%. Many pundits have tried to blame the weather for the disappointing results. A deeper look inside the numbers, however, raises 3 troubling signs for the economy.
1. Cash-Strapped Consumers. The Commerce Department reported that the negative contributions to GDP in the 1st Quarter were "partly offset by a positive contribution from personal consumption expenditures." Personal consumption grew 3.1% in the quarter, down slightly from the end of last year. This spending growth, however, is increasingly coming from savings.
According to the Commerce Department, the personal savings rate declined to 4% of disposable income, lower than last year and 26% lower than two years ago. Disposable income at the beginning of 2014 increased just 0.7% over the end of 2013. Consumer spending drives more than three-quarters of the economy. It is unlikely that the second quarter will benefit from a new spurt of consumer spending. Indeed, recent data on retail sales in the first months of the second quarter indicate the consumer is pulling back its spending.
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1. Cash-Strapped Consumers. The Commerce Department reported that the negative contributions to GDP in the 1st Quarter were "partly offset by a positive contribution from personal consumption expenditures." Personal consumption grew 3.1% in the quarter, down slightly from the end of last year. This spending growth, however, is increasingly coming from savings.
According to the Commerce Department, the personal savings rate declined to 4% of disposable income, lower than last year and 26% lower than two years ago. Disposable income at the beginning of 2014 increased just 0.7% over the end of 2013. Consumer spending drives more than three-quarters of the economy. It is unlikely that the second quarter will benefit from a new spurt of consumer spending. Indeed, recent data on retail sales in the first months of the second quarter indicate the consumer is pulling back its spending.
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Welcome To Ocean City and Thank You For You Service!
The Wounded Warriors have arrived at the Princess Royale Hotel in Ocean City.
A Special thank you to the 34 riders from Hogs and Heroes from chapters 1, 3 and 8 for the fine job escorting the warriors to Ocean City!
A Special thank you to the 34 riders from Hogs and Heroes from chapters 1, 3 and 8 for the fine job escorting the warriors to Ocean City!
SFD Calls For Service 6-2-14
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 22:24Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 20:38Nature: Gas LeakAddress: 1017 Phillips Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 20:27Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 18:34Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 17:24Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 16:17Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday June, 2 2014 @ 14:40 Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 1710 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
Obama defends trading five Taliban leaders for Bowe Bergdahl
Obama defends trading five Taliban leaders for Bowe Bergdahl - but admits the freed terrorists could attack the US again
- It's 'absolutely' possible the prisoners the U.S. released form Guantanamo Bay could rejoin terrorist cells, President Barack Obama said today
- But the U.S. has an obligation to not leave soldiers behind, he said
- 'I wouldn't be doing it if I thought that it was contrary to American national security,' he told reporters at a press conference in Warsaw, Poland
- Obama suggested that he did not violate federal law by making the trade without congressional approval because his administration consulted with Congress 'for some time' about the possibility
- He also brushed aside questions about Bergdahl's capture by insurgents in 2009, saying the circumstances of his departure from base are irrelevant
'Is there a possibility of some of them trying to return to activities that are detrimental to us? Absolutely,' Obama said during today's press conference of the recently released detainees.'That's been true of all the prisoners that were released from Guantanamo. There's a certain recidivism rate that takes place.'
But the president added, 'I wouldn't be doing it if I thought that it was contrary to American national security.'
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UPDATE: Swimmer From Ocean City Dies
The 18 year old swimmer from Montgomery County has been pronounced deceased. His name has not been released.
Mental Health Screening a Good Way to Decrease Liberty, Poor Way to Increase Security
Last week Americans were shocked and saddened by another mass killing, this one near a college campus in California. We all feel deep sympathy for the families of the victims.
As usual, many people responded to this shooting by calling for new federal gun control laws, including the mental health screening of anyone attempting to purchase a firearm. There are a number of problems with this proposal. Federally-mandated mental health screenings would require storing mental health records in a government database. This obviously raises concerns about patient privacy and doctor-patient confidentiality, as well as the threat of identity theft. Anyone who doubts that these are legitimate concerns should consider the enormous privacy problems with the Obamacare website; some have even suggested that healthcare.gov be renamed indentifytheft.gov.
Giving government the power to bar some Americans from owning guns by labeling them as "mentally ill" could easily lead to serious abuses. Even authors of mental health manuals admit that mental health diagnoses are subjective and can be based on "social constructions." Thus, anyone whose behavior deviates from some "norm" could find himself deprived of his second amendment, and possibly other, rights.
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As usual, many people responded to this shooting by calling for new federal gun control laws, including the mental health screening of anyone attempting to purchase a firearm. There are a number of problems with this proposal. Federally-mandated mental health screenings would require storing mental health records in a government database. This obviously raises concerns about patient privacy and doctor-patient confidentiality, as well as the threat of identity theft. Anyone who doubts that these are legitimate concerns should consider the enormous privacy problems with the Obamacare website; some have even suggested that healthcare.gov be renamed indentifytheft.gov.
Giving government the power to bar some Americans from owning guns by labeling them as "mentally ill" could easily lead to serious abuses. Even authors of mental health manuals admit that mental health diagnoses are subjective and can be based on "social constructions." Thus, anyone whose behavior deviates from some "norm" could find himself deprived of his second amendment, and possibly other, rights.
More
Ted Cruz: Democrats Want to Repeal First Amendment
Democratic efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution to give Congress the power to regulate campaign financing are an assault on the First Amendment, Sen. Ted Cruz wrote in a commentary in The Wall Street Journal.
The Texas Republican charged that the Democratic Party was turning its back on centuries of bipartisan consensus and is now "trying to regulate the speech of the citizenry."
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The Texas Republican charged that the Democratic Party was turning its back on centuries of bipartisan consensus and is now "trying to regulate the speech of the citizenry."
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Jodi Arias' attempt to be spared from the death penalty denied by Arizona judge
A judge denied a motion from Jodi Arias' defense team this week to have the death penalty removed as a sentencing option for the woman whose murder trial became an international sensation.
Arias' attorneys argued that banning a defense aide from making jail visits last March affected the aide's relationship with the entire defense team and her ability to prepare for Arias' new punishment trial in September.
Maricopa County sheriff's officials say mitigation specialist Maria De La Rosa was banned for a week after she took a drawing by Arias out of the jail.
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Arias' attorneys argued that banning a defense aide from making jail visits last March affected the aide's relationship with the entire defense team and her ability to prepare for Arias' new punishment trial in September.
Maricopa County sheriff's officials say mitigation specialist Maria De La Rosa was banned for a week after she took a drawing by Arias out of the jail.
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Free Concert on the City Dock, Crisfield
Saturday, June 7th, 2014 6pm
Free Concert on the City Dock, Crisfield
*City Dock Serenade: Three Masters of SongFeaturing Dan Navarro, Phil Madeira and Wyatt Easterling*
Enjoy an acoustic concert featuring three songwriters who brought you hit songs from Dierks Bently, Toby Keith, Pat Benatar, The Civil Wars, Cindy Morgan and so many more!
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the sunset, stories & songs.
RAIN LOCATION: Somer's Cove Marina Pavilion.
Presented by The Wood and Stone Retreat, The Somerset County Arts Council, Guitar Man (Salisbury) and Linton's Seafood.
Cardin Says Md. Wind Farm Must Respect Navy Needs
HOLLYWOOD, Md. (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin says firm rules are needed to ensure that a wind farm under development on the Eastern Shore doesn't interfere with fighter jet testing at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station across the Chesapeake Bay.
The Maryland Democrat met Monday with defense contractors and southern Maryland economic development officials to discuss issues involving the air station.
He says the 25-turbine Great Bay wind power project planned by Texas-based Pioneer Green Energy in Somerset County remains a concern. Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley vetoed a bill last month that would have placed a 13-month moratorium on construction.
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The Maryland Democrat met Monday with defense contractors and southern Maryland economic development officials to discuss issues involving the air station.
He says the 25-turbine Great Bay wind power project planned by Texas-based Pioneer Green Energy in Somerset County remains a concern. Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley vetoed a bill last month that would have placed a 13-month moratorium on construction.
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WCSO Press Release 2014 COPS Motorcycle Ride
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis will lead the 2014 COPS Motorcycle Ride this Sunday, June 8th, beginning at 8 AM from the Salisbury Motor Vehicle Administration. The motorcycle ride will leave Salisbury under law enforcement escort and will travel to various locations on the shore and in Annapolis before meeting other motorcycle escorts that will take the riders to Upper Marlboro, Maryland. There, food and refreshments will be provided to all participants. The cost is $25 which includes a COPS RIDE T-Shirt and a catered lunch.
This year’s ride will be in memory of TONY R. STERLING, a long-time supporter of the Maryland COPS Chapter, and a loyal and dedicated member of our law enforcement family.
The Maryland Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (http://mdcops.org/), which is a 501 (c) 3 Federal IRS recognized tax deduction, has many programs and services for survivors including survivor seminars, scholarships, peer support, counseling programs, trial and parole support, death benefit information and other assistance programs. Since the first COPS RIDE started in 2000, fifty-eight Maryland Law Enforcement Officers have given their lives in the “Line of Duty”. The money we raise with this years’ COPS RIDE is more important than ever to the families of our Fallen Heroes.
Please join Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and other law enforcement officers this Sunday, June 8th at 8AM for registration at the Motor-Vehicle Administration in Salisbury for this very worthwhile event.
Should you have any questions surrounding this year’s ride, please contact Sheriff Lewis at 410-548-4891 or email: mikelewis@wicomicocounty.org.
This year’s ride will be in memory of TONY R. STERLING, a long-time supporter of the Maryland COPS Chapter, and a loyal and dedicated member of our law enforcement family.
The Maryland Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (http://mdcops.org/), which is a 501 (c) 3 Federal IRS recognized tax deduction, has many programs and services for survivors including survivor seminars, scholarships, peer support, counseling programs, trial and parole support, death benefit information and other assistance programs. Since the first COPS RIDE started in 2000, fifty-eight Maryland Law Enforcement Officers have given their lives in the “Line of Duty”. The money we raise with this years’ COPS RIDE is more important than ever to the families of our Fallen Heroes.
Please join Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and other law enforcement officers this Sunday, June 8th at 8AM for registration at the Motor-Vehicle Administration in Salisbury for this very worthwhile event.
Should you have any questions surrounding this year’s ride, please contact Sheriff Lewis at 410-548-4891 or email: mikelewis@wicomicocounty.org.
WCSO Press Releases - 6/2/2014
Incident: Assault / Vandalism
Date of Incident: 29 May 2014
Location: 30000 block of Zion Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Bryan James Bielli, 47, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 29 May 2014 at 9:30 PM a deputy arrested Bryan Bielli in connection with an assault that occurred at a residence in the 30000 block of Zion Road. In this incident, Bielli stands accused of assaulting his wife by shoving her into a door and ripping her shirt.
Following his arrest, Bielli 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 Bielli on a bond of $5,000.00 in the Detention Center.
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree
Malicious Destruction of Property
*****************************************************************************************
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 29 May – 1 June 2014
The Following Individuals were arrested for DUI by the Wicomico Sheriff’s Office:
Lauren Carol Alexander, 21, Salisbury, MD. Arrested 29 May 2014 at South Salisbury Blvd. at Dogwood Drive in Salisbury. Result of breath test was .14.
Katrin Louise Buss, 22, Salisbury, MD. Arrested 30 May 2014 at S/B Salisbury Blvd. at Bateman Street in Salisbury. Refused the breath test.
Garry Lee Hughes, 28, Salisbury, MD. Arrested 31 May 2014 at 2; 15 AM on S/B Salisbury Blvd. at Carroll Street. Refused the breath test. Hughes was also driving on a suspended driver’s license.
Collin Bryant Kelley, 21, Salisbury, MD. Arrested 1 June 2014 at 4:11 AM on N/B Ocean Highway and Connelly Mill Road in Delmar. Refused the breath test. Kelley was also driving on a suspended driver’s license.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Releasing Authority: Lt. Tim Robinson Date: 2 June 2014
Veterans Describe VA Hospital Experiences
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs became an explosive political story this week, culminating with the resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki.
The final straw appeared to be a report that described chronic wait times at the Phoenix hospital and found that about 1,700 veterans in need of care were "at risk of being lost or forgotten." The VA and independent investigators with the Office of Inspector General are still in the process of uncovering problems at dozens of other VA facilities around the country while some lawmakers are calling for criminal probes.
The final straw appeared to be a report that described chronic wait times at the Phoenix hospital and found that about 1,700 veterans in need of care were "at risk of being lost or forgotten." The VA and independent investigators with the Office of Inspector General are still in the process of uncovering problems at dozens of other VA facilities around the country while some lawmakers are calling for criminal probes.
Nigerian schoolgirl 'never expected to suffer so much in my life
A heartbreaking new video of the Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamic extremists shows them bravely speaking out about their ordeal for the first time.
The footage, not released publicly but seen by The Mail on Sunday, was taken in a jungle clearing a month after their abduction.
More than 250 girls were taken in a raid on their school in Chibok, in Nigeria’s north-east, on April 14 by Boko Haram terrorists, who want to impose Sharia law on the country.
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The footage, not released publicly but seen by The Mail on Sunday, was taken in a jungle clearing a month after their abduction.
More than 250 girls were taken in a raid on their school in Chibok, in Nigeria’s north-east, on April 14 by Boko Haram terrorists, who want to impose Sharia law on the country.
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Debt Collectors' Lucrative New Tool: Suing You
Debt collectors are well-known for annoying and harassing phone calls. But it gets worse, says the Huffington Post. The industry is employing a troubling new strategy: Filing lawsuits against debtors.
Debt collection companies generally buy debt at a discounted rate and aim to make a profit by collecting more than they paid for the overdue bills. Increasingly the companies are turning to the legal system to ensure their efforts are successful.
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Debt collection companies generally buy debt at a discounted rate and aim to make a profit by collecting more than they paid for the overdue bills. Increasingly the companies are turning to the legal system to ensure their efforts are successful.
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Group Attacked For Being White In Cincinnati
A Cincinnati man says that a group of black teenagers yelled at him and a group of white people “Why are you white people in our neighborhood?” before attacking him, in what police are investigating as a hate crime.
The attacks occurred at the three-day Taste of Cincinnati event last Sunday.
The annual event attracts over half a million visitors to the area. But it also apparently attracted violent groups of young people.
A police report obtained by The Daily Caller classifies attacks on two men, Scottie Hunter and Randy Ulses, as hate crimes.
The report says that Ulses, white, was being punched in the face by a black male and kicked by a group of black males. Hunter, who is also white, was assaulted by a group including black males and black females, according to the report.
The hate crime is classified as “Anti-White” on the report.
Reached by phone, Hunter confirmed that his attackers mentioned race before beating him.
“Why are you white people in our neighborhood? Who do you think you are?” they yelled before the beating, according to Hunter.
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The attacks occurred at the three-day Taste of Cincinnati event last Sunday.
The annual event attracts over half a million visitors to the area. But it also apparently attracted violent groups of young people.
A police report obtained by The Daily Caller classifies attacks on two men, Scottie Hunter and Randy Ulses, as hate crimes.
The report says that Ulses, white, was being punched in the face by a black male and kicked by a group of black males. Hunter, who is also white, was assaulted by a group including black males and black females, according to the report.
The hate crime is classified as “Anti-White” on the report.
Reached by phone, Hunter confirmed that his attackers mentioned race before beating him.
“Why are you white people in our neighborhood? Who do you think you are?” they yelled before the beating, according to Hunter.
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Continuing Utility work on RT13
Right lane closed from WBOC to Zion road. Pole and Line replacement in progress.
Scientists : Polar Bear Numbers 'Qualified Guess'
This may come as a shocker to some, but scientists are not always right — especially when under intense public pressure for answers.
Researchers with the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) recently admitted to experienced zoologist and polar bear specialist Susan Crockford that the estimate given for the total number of polar bars in the Arctic was “simply a qualified guess given to satisfy public demand.”
Crockford has been critical of official polar bear population estimates because they fail to include five large subpopulations of polar bears. Due to the uncertainty of the populations in these areas, PBSG did not include them in their official estimate — but the polar bear group did include other subpopulation estimates.
PBSG has for years said that global polar bear populations were between 20,000 and 25,000, but these estimates are likely much lower than how many polar bears are actually living in the world.
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Researchers with the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group (PBSG) recently admitted to experienced zoologist and polar bear specialist Susan Crockford that the estimate given for the total number of polar bars in the Arctic was “simply a qualified guess given to satisfy public demand.”
Crockford has been critical of official polar bear population estimates because they fail to include five large subpopulations of polar bears. Due to the uncertainty of the populations in these areas, PBSG did not include them in their official estimate — but the polar bear group did include other subpopulation estimates.
PBSG has for years said that global polar bear populations were between 20,000 and 25,000, but these estimates are likely much lower than how many polar bears are actually living in the world.
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9/11: Russia Presents Evidence Against US, UK And Israel Co-Conspirators?
“9/11 was an Anglo-American black operation executed in collusion with Israeli Secret Services.” — 9/11 Investigator
Undoubtedly the 9/11 attacks on New York City and Washington DC are the most misrepresented by officialdom in US history.
Whereas the assassination of John F. Kennedy is now understood to have been a classic CIA Public Execution Plan, it does not come close to 9/11 in terms of the number and magnitude of outright falsehoods, misleading statements, fake science and fraudulent facts submitted by officials and agents of the US Government. The ‘official’ 9/11 Commission Report stands as the most fabricated document ever produced by US tax dollars. Not only did the investigation avoid every serious inquiry about how two steel frame building came down after being dustified in NYC, it also subverted every initiative to ferret out the truth.
That’s all about to change in 2014.
It appears that Russia has been conducting systematic data dumps on 9/11, the release of which represents more factual information on the attacks than any US Government source. In the wake of the Anglo-American coup d’état conducted by the CIA and MI6 in Kiev, it appears that Russia has no more patience for Western interference. Especially when nations are destabilized on Russia’s borders do the stakes in this highly consequential geopolitical chess match go up.
Since Vladimir Putin has no intention of starting World War 3, he can only respond to US-EU meddling by using asymmetric warfare on the internet. Were the American people to understand that elements within the US Federal Government were behind the 9/11 attacks , EVERYTHING would change in a heartbeat. Because the Obama Administration has shown no sign of aborting its planned takeover of the Ukraine, Russia is now left with fewer, but still quite potent options.
The following excerpt recently appeared on an alternative news website — Veterans Today — under the subtitle “Too Classified to Publish”. Essentially this unprecedented release of ultra-secret and highly classified information illustrates Putin’s new tack toward Western intractability. Simply put, Russia will no longer stand by idly while the Anglo-American Juggernaut projects it power wherever it so chooses.
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Undoubtedly the 9/11 attacks on New York City and Washington DC are the most misrepresented by officialdom in US history.
Whereas the assassination of John F. Kennedy is now understood to have been a classic CIA Public Execution Plan, it does not come close to 9/11 in terms of the number and magnitude of outright falsehoods, misleading statements, fake science and fraudulent facts submitted by officials and agents of the US Government. The ‘official’ 9/11 Commission Report stands as the most fabricated document ever produced by US tax dollars. Not only did the investigation avoid every serious inquiry about how two steel frame building came down after being dustified in NYC, it also subverted every initiative to ferret out the truth.
That’s all about to change in 2014.
It appears that Russia has been conducting systematic data dumps on 9/11, the release of which represents more factual information on the attacks than any US Government source. In the wake of the Anglo-American coup d’état conducted by the CIA and MI6 in Kiev, it appears that Russia has no more patience for Western interference. Especially when nations are destabilized on Russia’s borders do the stakes in this highly consequential geopolitical chess match go up.
Since Vladimir Putin has no intention of starting World War 3, he can only respond to US-EU meddling by using asymmetric warfare on the internet. Were the American people to understand that elements within the US Federal Government were behind the 9/11 attacks , EVERYTHING would change in a heartbeat. Because the Obama Administration has shown no sign of aborting its planned takeover of the Ukraine, Russia is now left with fewer, but still quite potent options.
The following excerpt recently appeared on an alternative news website — Veterans Today — under the subtitle “Too Classified to Publish”. Essentially this unprecedented release of ultra-secret and highly classified information illustrates Putin’s new tack toward Western intractability. Simply put, Russia will no longer stand by idly while the Anglo-American Juggernaut projects it power wherever it so chooses.
More
6 Cleveland officers indicted in deadly car chase
CLEVELAND (AP) — A police car chase that ended in a schoolyard with two unarmed suspects dying in a hail of 137 bullets is part of a wide-ranging federal investigation into the Cleveland Police Department's use of deadly force and its pursuit policies.
Six officers in the police department were indicted Friday on charges related to the chase, Cuyohoga County prosecutor Tim McGinty said. Patrol officer Michael Brelo, who the prosecutor said stood on the hood of the suspects' car and fired at least 15 shots through the windshield, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter. Five supervisors have been charged with dereliction of duty for failing to control the chase.
McGinty cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this week that said police can't fire on suspects after a public safety threat has ended. He said the other officers on the scene had stopped firing after the November 2012 chase ended.
"This was now a stop-and-shoot — no longer a chase-and-shoot," McGinty said. "The law does not allow for a stop-and-shoot."
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Six officers in the police department were indicted Friday on charges related to the chase, Cuyohoga County prosecutor Tim McGinty said. Patrol officer Michael Brelo, who the prosecutor said stood on the hood of the suspects' car and fired at least 15 shots through the windshield, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter. Five supervisors have been charged with dereliction of duty for failing to control the chase.
McGinty cited a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this week that said police can't fire on suspects after a public safety threat has ended. He said the other officers on the scene had stopped firing after the November 2012 chase ended.
"This was now a stop-and-shoot — no longer a chase-and-shoot," McGinty said. "The law does not allow for a stop-and-shoot."
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Large Employers Face Huge Fines for Not Complying With ObamaCare Rules
A ruling by the Internal Revenue Service threatens to upend various employer-sponsored health plans and ultimately cost employees more for coverage — coverage they often won’t be using. The IRS ruling back in September negates an option that many employers with more than 50 employees were considering: canceling their plans and just reimbursing their employees with funds to go buy their own coverage on the ObamaCare exchanges.
This option, according to the IRS, would cost employers $100 per day for each employee as penalties for exercising what heretofore was not only a reasonable option but an increasingly popular one. The New York Times quoted a tax attorney who clarified that “an employee cannot [any longer] use tax-free contributions from [his] employer to purchase an insurance policy sold in the individual health insurance market, inside or outside an exchange.”
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This option, according to the IRS, would cost employers $100 per day for each employee as penalties for exercising what heretofore was not only a reasonable option but an increasingly popular one. The New York Times quoted a tax attorney who clarified that “an employee cannot [any longer] use tax-free contributions from [his] employer to purchase an insurance policy sold in the individual health insurance market, inside or outside an exchange.”
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Obama Calls Wave Of Children Across U.S.-Mexican Border ‘Urgent Humanitarian Situation’
President Obama on Monday declared a wave of unaccompanied children across the U.S.-Mexican border an “urgent humanitarian situation” and directed federal agencies to coordinate a response to provide housing and other services.
Officials said the response — which is being led by Federal Emergency Management Administrator W. Craig Fugate — will provide the children with medical treatment, food and mental health services.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, 24,668 unaccompanied minors were apprehended at the U.S.-Mexican border in fiscal 2013. Officials expect the annual number will jump to nearly 60,000 by the end of fiscal 2014.
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Officials said the response — which is being led by Federal Emergency Management Administrator W. Craig Fugate — will provide the children with medical treatment, food and mental health services.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, 24,668 unaccompanied minors were apprehended at the U.S.-Mexican border in fiscal 2013. Officials expect the annual number will jump to nearly 60,000 by the end of fiscal 2014.
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Bergdahl's Platoon Mates: Six Died Looking for 'Deserter'
What began as a debate over negotiating with terrorists escalated Monday into anger among many armed services members at the attention being given to Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, a man who reportedly fled his post five years ago only to be captured by Afghan insurgents.
Bergdahl was freed Saturday in exchange for five Guantanamo Bay detainees. His release was celebrated at first by Washington politicians, including Republicans, though many felt the United States had broken its longstanding policy of not negotiating with terrorists.
By Monday, that had all changed. Soldiers who served with Bergdahl said they were outraged at the possibility he would be accorded a hero's welcome. He is anything but, they said.
CNN, Rolling Stone, and other media reminded Americans that at least six soldiers were killed in subsequent searches for Bergdahl in rugged Paktika Province in the ensuing days and weeks after he deserted.
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Bergdahl was freed Saturday in exchange for five Guantanamo Bay detainees. His release was celebrated at first by Washington politicians, including Republicans, though many felt the United States had broken its longstanding policy of not negotiating with terrorists.
By Monday, that had all changed. Soldiers who served with Bergdahl said they were outraged at the possibility he would be accorded a hero's welcome. He is anything but, they said.
CNN, Rolling Stone, and other media reminded Americans that at least six soldiers were killed in subsequent searches for Bergdahl in rugged Paktika Province in the ensuing days and weeks after he deserted.
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Millennials squeezed out of buying a home
The Millennial generation is great at many things: texting, social media, selfies. But buying a home? Not so much.
Just 36% of Americans under the age of 35 own a home, according to the Census Bureau. That's down from 42% in 2007 and the lowest level since 1982, when the agency began tracking homeownership by age.
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Just 36% of Americans under the age of 35 own a home, according to the Census Bureau. That's down from 42% in 2007 and the lowest level since 1982, when the agency began tracking homeownership by age.
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New Orleans School District Shuts All City-Run Schools
A district in the city of New Orleans will close all of its city-run schools next week. Permanently.
This is Katrina for the American Federation of Teachers. Blown away. Washed out. Floating face down. The teachers will never again exercise the strike threat against the district.
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This is Katrina for the American Federation of Teachers. Blown away. Washed out. Floating face down. The teachers will never again exercise the strike threat against the district.
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EMILY MILLER: DOJ accused of targeting gun industry with 'Choke Point' program
The Obama administration, after failing to get gun control passed on Capitol Hill, has resorted to using its executive power to try to put some in the firearms industry out of business, House Republican investigators say.
The assertion is included in a report recently released by California GOP Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Citing internal Justice Department documents, the committee concluded that the administration used a program known as Operation Choke Point to target legal companies that it finds “objectionable.”
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The assertion is included in a report recently released by California GOP Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
Citing internal Justice Department documents, the committee concluded that the administration used a program known as Operation Choke Point to target legal companies that it finds “objectionable.”
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Bowe Bergdahl: a darker story behind the release of America's last prisoner of war
America celebrates the release of a young soldier who allegedly abandoned his post after growing disillusioned with the war in Afghanistan
The little mountain town of Hailey in the rural state of Idaho is readying a hero's welcome.
Its single shopping street is lined with bright yellow balloons and signs to greet Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl when he finally returns home after five long years as America's only prisoner of war in Afghanistan.
"Bowe is free at last!" reads one banner. "Our prayers have been answered!"
At Zaney's coffee house, where the 28-year-old worked before joining the military, well-wishers embrace and admire the large poster board covered in a half decade's worth of handwritten messages of support.
"To those of us in Hailey, Bowe is certainly a hero," said Sue Martin, the owner of Zaney's and Sgt Bergdahl's former boss.
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The little mountain town of Hailey in the rural state of Idaho is readying a hero's welcome.
Its single shopping street is lined with bright yellow balloons and signs to greet Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl when he finally returns home after five long years as America's only prisoner of war in Afghanistan.
"Bowe is free at last!" reads one banner. "Our prayers have been answered!"
At Zaney's coffee house, where the 28-year-old worked before joining the military, well-wishers embrace and admire the large poster board covered in a half decade's worth of handwritten messages of support.
"To those of us in Hailey, Bowe is certainly a hero," said Sue Martin, the owner of Zaney's and Sgt Bergdahl's former boss.
More
BREAKING NEWS: Obama asks Congress to approve up to $1B in spending on US military in Europe
On the first day of a four-day, three-country European trip, President Obama has called on Congress to approve up to $1 billion in spending on an increased US military presence in Europe.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Iranian Women Warned – Bare-Face Consequences Could Include a Man’s “Right to Rape” Them
For all of their declarations of how superior they are to the West, Iranian men seem to be inexplicably incapable of controlling their most basic urges. As it turns out, that seems to be the reason that Iranian women wear headscarves. The official Iranian position maintains that their men are like dogs on the street who will pounce on anything that they see. A woman’s only protection against sexual assault is to keep the Iranian men from seeing her.
The problem for the Iranian theocracy took the form of literally hundreds of thousands of Iranian women sharing photos of themselves on a Facebook page, minus the government-mandated headscarf. Others were tweeting photos under the hash tag #MyStealthyFreedom.
The Iranians were unable to shut down the page or arrest and punish its creator, an exiled Iranian. The owner, Masih Alinejad, lives outside the territorial control of Iran in London, England.
Hadi Sharifi, a propagandist for the regime, was interviewed on Tasnim, a state-run news agency and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard operation. Sharifi cautioned the “exhibitionists” to stop immediately, that there would be consequences for their actions.
Sharifi explained on behalf of the state that Alinejad was a CIA operative and that those who “liked” the page were somehow doing so to stay apprised of CIA posts, not for the freedoms that the site suggests.
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The problem for the Iranian theocracy took the form of literally hundreds of thousands of Iranian women sharing photos of themselves on a Facebook page, minus the government-mandated headscarf. Others were tweeting photos under the hash tag #MyStealthyFreedom.
The Iranians were unable to shut down the page or arrest and punish its creator, an exiled Iranian. The owner, Masih Alinejad, lives outside the territorial control of Iran in London, England.
Hadi Sharifi, a propagandist for the regime, was interviewed on Tasnim, a state-run news agency and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard operation. Sharifi cautioned the “exhibitionists” to stop immediately, that there would be consequences for their actions.
Sharifi explained on behalf of the state that Alinejad was a CIA operative and that those who “liked” the page were somehow doing so to stay apprised of CIA posts, not for the freedoms that the site suggests.
More
Cop Pulls Gun on 18 Year Old Girl
At the end of the video he asks her how she likes having a gun pulled on her. The whole story about what happened and the ramifications of his actions can be found at the link below the video:
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GREEN BERET SLAMS GWYNETH PALTROW: There's A Big Difference Between Real War & Twitter
Doug Giles – Here’s a response regarding our morning’s Gwyneth Paltrow post from my good buddy and Green Beret bad-ass Bryan Sikes:
By Bryan Sikes, SFC, USA
Clash Daily Guest Columnist
To Miss Paltrow,
I’d first like to start out by saying how terrible I feel for you and all your friends that on a daily basis have to endure mean words written by people you don’t know. I can only imagine the difficulty of waking up in a 12,000 square foot Hollywood home and having your assistant retrieve your iPhone, only to see that the battery is low and someone on twitter (the social media concept that you and all of your friends contribute to on an hourly basis to feed your ego and narcissistic ways), has written a mean word or 2 about you. You’ve hit the nail on the head, war is exactly like that. You should receive a medal for the burden you have carried on your shoulders due to these meanies on social media.
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By Bryan Sikes, SFC, USA
Clash Daily Guest Columnist
To Miss Paltrow,
I’d first like to start out by saying how terrible I feel for you and all your friends that on a daily basis have to endure mean words written by people you don’t know. I can only imagine the difficulty of waking up in a 12,000 square foot Hollywood home and having your assistant retrieve your iPhone, only to see that the battery is low and someone on twitter (the social media concept that you and all of your friends contribute to on an hourly basis to feed your ego and narcissistic ways), has written a mean word or 2 about you. You’ve hit the nail on the head, war is exactly like that. You should receive a medal for the burden you have carried on your shoulders due to these meanies on social media.
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GOVERNOR O’MALLEY KICKS OFF SERIES OF EVENTS FOCUSED ON ‘GOVERNING FOR RESULTS’
ANNAPOLIS, MD Governor O’Malley will kick off a series of events called “Governing For Results” to promote the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s 16 strategic goals to move Maryland forward.
Tomorrow’s event will focus on the Administration’s goal to reduce violent crime in Maryland by 20 percent by the end of 2018. The Governor will be joined by County Executive Rushern Baker; Col. Marcus Brown of the Maryland State Police; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks; and other community partners and law enforcement officials.
“Working with the brave men and women of law enforcement, we’ve driven violent crime down to thirty year lows,” Governor O’Malley said. “We are going to continue doing everything we can -- together with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners -- to keep our neighborhoods and families safe.”
Among the things the Administration has done to drive down violent crime is enact the Firearm Safety Act, a comprehensive plan of commonsense reforms that includes (1) gun safety; (2) mental health safeguards and services; and (3) school safety measures. One of the key components of that law is a fingerprint license requirement to combat straw purchasers.
The Administration also released a document detailing efforts related to the three public safety goals overall:Governing for Results: Improving Public Safety.
“As public officials, our most important responsibility is ensuring the safety of our residents" said Lt. Governor Brown. "Working together with law enforcement and our local partners, we've made great progress. Together, we will continue making Maryland a better, safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Guided by the principle that the things that get measured are the things that get done, the Administration remains focused on tracking and measuring performance and on meeting these goals so that Maryland keeps moving forward.
'Governing for Results' will be a series of events (not necessarily 16) that will highlight Maryland’s progress in the areas of opportunity (jobs and schools), sustainability, public safety, and health. They will take place over the next several months, and will chronicle some of the different strategies the Administration is using to make Maryland a safer, healthier place with more jobs and opportunity for all Marylanders.
Tomorrow’s event will focus on the Administration’s goal to reduce violent crime in Maryland by 20 percent by the end of 2018. The Governor will be joined by County Executive Rushern Baker; Col. Marcus Brown of the Maryland State Police; Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks; and other community partners and law enforcement officials.
“Working with the brave men and women of law enforcement, we’ve driven violent crime down to thirty year lows,” Governor O’Malley said. “We are going to continue doing everything we can -- together with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners -- to keep our neighborhoods and families safe.”
Among the things the Administration has done to drive down violent crime is enact the Firearm Safety Act, a comprehensive plan of commonsense reforms that includes (1) gun safety; (2) mental health safeguards and services; and (3) school safety measures. One of the key components of that law is a fingerprint license requirement to combat straw purchasers.
The Administration also released a document detailing efforts related to the three public safety goals overall:Governing for Results: Improving Public Safety.
“As public officials, our most important responsibility is ensuring the safety of our residents" said Lt. Governor Brown. "Working together with law enforcement and our local partners, we've made great progress. Together, we will continue making Maryland a better, safer place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Guided by the principle that the things that get measured are the things that get done, the Administration remains focused on tracking and measuring performance and on meeting these goals so that Maryland keeps moving forward.
'Governing for Results' will be a series of events (not necessarily 16) that will highlight Maryland’s progress in the areas of opportunity (jobs and schools), sustainability, public safety, and health. They will take place over the next several months, and will chronicle some of the different strategies the Administration is using to make Maryland a safer, healthier place with more jobs and opportunity for all Marylanders.
Conundrum
The definition of the word conundrum is “something that is puzzling or confusing.”
Here are six conundrums of socialism in the United States of America :
1. America is capitalist and greedy - yet half of the population is subsidized.
2. Half of the population is subsidized - yet they think they are victims.
3. They think they are victims - yet their representatives run the government.
4. Their representatives run the government - yet the poor keep getting poorer.
5. The poor keep getting poorer - yet they have things that people in other countries only dream about.
6. They have things that people in other countries only dream about - yet they want America to be more like those other countries.
Think about it! That, my friends, pretty much sums up the US A in the 21st century.
Makes you wonder who is doing the math.
These three, short sentences tell you a lot about the direction of our current government and cultural environment:
1. We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics.
Funny how that works.
And here's another one worth considering...
2. Seems we constantly hear about how Social Security is going to run out of money. How come we never hear about welfare or food stamps running out of money? What's interesting is the first group "worked for" their money, but the second didn't. Think about it.....
and last but not least,
3. Why are we cutting benefits for our veterans, no pay raises for our military and cutting our army to a level lower than before WWII, but we are not stopping the payments or benefits to illegal aliens.
Petition wants bank holiday during Hindu and Muslim celebrations
An online petition urging politicians to create a bank holiday for Hindu festival Diwali and Muslim celebration Eid has attracted more than 119,000 signatures and could be debated in the House of Commons.
If applied, it would be the first non-Christian religious holidays in Britain and could lead to calls from other faiths for their events to also be recognised.
As the e-petition has reached 100,000 signatures it has to be considered in parliament under rules set up in 2011.
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If applied, it would be the first non-Christian religious holidays in Britain and could lead to calls from other faiths for their events to also be recognised.
As the e-petition has reached 100,000 signatures it has to be considered in parliament under rules set up in 2011.
More
Cook accused of licking sandwiches before served to parole officers
A cook at a New Mexico facility that trains state corrections employees has been charged with battery over a series of unhygienic accusations including that she allegedly licked the insides of sandwiches that were then served to probation and parole officers.
Yolando Arguello, 59, was arrested this week after management at the South Valley New Mexico Women's Recovery Academy in Albuquerque heard about her alleged behavior.
Authorities interviewed other kitchen staff and heard how Arguello had been seen licking cheese slices and then inserting them into sandwiches.
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Yolando Arguello, 59, was arrested this week after management at the South Valley New Mexico Women's Recovery Academy in Albuquerque heard about her alleged behavior.
Authorities interviewed other kitchen staff and heard how Arguello had been seen licking cheese slices and then inserting them into sandwiches.
More