Troopers Investigate Two Car Crash North of Seaford

Seaford, DE – Troopers are investigating a two car crash that resulted in one car catching fire.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:50 a.m. Sunday November 16, 2014 as Zondra I. Savage, 50 of Seaford, was operating a 2005 Honda Civic southbound in the left lane on Sussex Highway (US13) approaching Cannon Road (SR18). Douglas Whitmire, 54 of Seaford, was operating a 1992 Oldsmobile 88 eastbound on SR18 approaching US13 when the two vehicles collided in the intersection. After the impact and upon all occupants of both vehicles exiting the cars, the Oldsmobile began to catch fire. Responding troopers attempted to extinguish the flames with divisional issued fire extinguishers, but the fire continued to engulf the vehicle.

Zondra Savage and a 12 year old female passenger, were properly restrained and transported by EMS to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

Douglas Whitmire and a 52 year old female passenger, were properly restrained and transported to Nanticoke Hospital by EMS. They were treated and released with non-life-threatening injuries.

Southbound US13 at Cannon Road was closed for approximately one hour as fire crews worked to put out the fire and the roadway was cleared of the cars and debris.

No charges have been filed in this collision and the investigation is on-going.

If anyone witnessed this crash, they are asked to contact Trooper C. Ward at 302-337-1090 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Hollywood Actor Kirk Cameron’s Message to Atheist Critics Who Bashed Him — and the Christmas Myths He’s Trying to Dispel

Actor Kirk Cameron is hoping to spread some holiday cheer in the coming weeks with the release of his new feature film “Saving Christmas” — a movie that aims to be doing exactly what its title says.

Cameron, who dropped by TheBlaze’s New York City offices Friday to speak with this author for an episode of the Freefall audio series, said that “Saving Christmas” takes on major myths about the holiday’s origins and that people will likely go into theaters “not knowing what to expect.”

Unlike his previous films — which have been documentaries that focus on American history and faith — “Saving Christmas” is a scripted comedy.

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New ISIS video purportedly shows beheading of American hostage

ISIS has posted a new video online that purports to show the beheading of former Army Ranger Peter Kassig.

From Fox News

SFD Calls For Service 11-15-14

• Saturday November, 15 2014 @ 23:33Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Saturday November, 15 2014 @ 20:36 Nature: Pro Qa FireAddress: 2250 Northwood Dr Salisbury, MD 21801
• Saturday November, 15 2014 @ 19:52Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Saturday November, 15 2014 @ 19:45Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Saturday November, 15 2014 @ 19:25Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Saturday November, 15 2014 @ 17:07Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury

A Letter To The Editor: President of SU

Hello Joe:

I don't know if you have seen, but today outside the president of SU's house there were moving vans. The president has recently purchase and is moving to a home on the river. She claims she is unable to go up and down the steps of the SU house, but will continue to use the place for "official functions." This is her 3rd house: 1 in Fenwick, another in Nutters, and now on the river. She has wanted to move away from campus since she arrived stating that the land could be better used than a president's house. Not only is she rarely on or visible on campus, she will use her president's housing allowance to pay for this new home. Housing allowances are meant when no homes are available for university presidents! What a waste of the taxpayers' money - especially since there is now a hiring freeze at the school when she makes over $300,000 a year!

A Concerned Citizen

Was Greg Bassett Fast Asleep This Summer and Fall?

Or has starting a newspaper been a distraction? Whatever the reason, the Salisbury Independent's headline – CONWAY, POLLITT STUNNED – in big, bold type is seriously misleading because it suggests that their defeat came as a shocking surprise last week. Anyone familiar with the pulse of Wicomico County should realize that's not the case.

People are fed up with the tax and spend style of government that those and other Democrat politicians have embraced for far too long. This year, discontent went beyond the boiling point, and for the first time Conway and Pollitt faced competent political opponents with sound conservative credentials who had broad, bipartisan support from the get-go.

The strong showing by the Republicans in the primary election last summer did not register with Pollitt or Conway, who failed to actively campaign or to change their respective tune, either before or afterwards, believing that history would repeat itself.

That proved to be a major mistake that could not be cured by last minute mailings and commercials. And they both failed to divest from affiliation with O’Malley-Brown.

By Labor Day it had become obvious that the fat was in the fire, and by mid-October it was clear that change was in the air. When the early voting totals (by party) were announced it became clear to anyone who was paying attention that Carl Anderton and Bob Culver would prevail when the final vote was held on November 4.

If Pollitt and Conway were "stunned" by the outcome, that’s because they were out-of-touch with the electorate, which may be the case with Mr. Bassett. And, then, there’s the Daily Times.

Route 50 outside of Hebron. Wonderful!!!

A Letter To The Editor: Wicomico County are you listening???

Until you demand better AIR SERVICE into Salisbury, we will never have any significant improvement in this county. 

You supposedly improved the runways for the Airlines, now work with them to give us better service. 

As the events co-coordinator for the now 5 days of dog shows, I personally mailed a letter to each city and county council member, along with both TV stations and other officials a letter regarding our dog shows. 

I have been the chairman for more years than I care to disclose, and have personally picked up judges at our airport as late as 11:00 at night. These flights have gradually been diminished and one of our judges did indeed get a rental car to assure he would be here to judge on Friday morning. This gentleman is a dentist that lives in Ohio. All judges have jobs that require them to work. Judging dogs is a hobby that they enjoy. It is not a profession. 

The money we make from our shows is donated to different organizations and currently we are working with local officials in all 3 counties to get oxygen masks for dogs or cats that are involved in dwelling fires, K-9 stab and bullet proof vests as well as Special Equipment for police vehicles that carry their K-9 partners. 

Wicomico County in general is very supportive of our endeavor and we do thank you, but there are many other issues that do need to be addressed and I hope this will send a message to each citizen that there is lots of room for improvement for us to continue to work within our county.

How Many Of You Will Get This?

More Humiliation: China Furious At "Disrespectful" Nicorette-Chewing Obama

"The chew seen around the world," as President Obama chomped on Nicorette gum during the recent APEC summit ceremonies, has sparked outrage in China, describing his behavior as "rude" and "inappropriate."

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SPD Press Release 11-14-14 (New Speed Camera Locations)

SPD PR 11-14-14

The Kiss of Death for Norm Conway's Campaign

"Photo Op Jim" poses, acting like he's really campaigning when in reality Jim was simply creating an image for Facebook to encourage others to get out and door knock.  

Unlike Norm, Carl Anderton was out in force knocking on both republican AND democrats doors, sometimes even twice throughout the campaign. 

Ireton also campaigned for Josh Hastings, how'd it work out for you Jimmy? Fortunately for all of us, Norm lost his seat as Jimmy was Jonesing to replace Norm in the next election after Norm retired. Poor Pollitt and Ireton. Well, at least Jimmy still has his part time job, for now. 

Salisbury Stormwater Fees To Start By Next Summer

SALISBURY – Salisbury property owners should expect to start paying a new fee next summer as a result of the formal establishment of a new stormwater utility.

An ordinance establishing a stormwater utility under the direction and supervision of the Public Works Department that will further establish a stormwater utility fee system came before the City Council this week to be approved on first reading.

According to the ordinance, the city maintains a number of stormwater facilities, such as inlets, pipes, infiltration facilities, etc. However, the stormwater system in the city is in need of an upgrade, and while it is designed to convey stormwater to limit flooding it does not treat stormwater to improve water quality.

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Important Pet Food Information

I’ve heard from many readers concerned of the recent Internet reports of sick and dying pets linked to a Purina Pet Food. I turned to FDA asking if the agency has received complaints on the Purina foods.

When an Examiner.com story was published highlighting several recent pet deaths linked to a Purina pet food, I started hearing from many readers. Everyone had similar concerns – is there going to be a recall? The amazing thing is – no one that wrote me provides their pet a Purina product. Everyone’s concern was for other pets – other pet owners. Everyone that contacted me was wanting to help – wanting to prevent pet illness and death.

The Examiner.com story was based on pet food consumer reports of sick or dead pets on theConsumerAffairs.com website. The posts from consumers were heartbreaking and concerning. I turned to FDA, asking if they could tell me if any Purina pet food was under investigation and asking how many adverse event reports the agency has received over the past two months.

FDA promptly replied:

In the past two months (9/12/2014 to 11/12/2014), the agency has received 14 reports about Purina dry food products (this includes for both dogs and cats). Three were adverse event reports for cat food products, 10 were adverse event reports for dog food products (one of these included a product defect report as well), and 1 was a product defect report for a dog food product. Here is a breakdown of the reports:

Purina Cat Chow: 0
Purina Dog Chow: 1 product report
Purina Puppy Chow: 2 (1 product defect, 1 product defect/adverse event report)
Beneful: 8 reports, 1 included another Purina product as well
Purina ONE: 1 cat product report, 1 dog product report
Purina ProPlan: 1 cat product report

The Food and Drug Administration welcomes reports from consumers alerting the agency to problems with products regulated by the agency. These reports help the FDA ensure that products on the market are safe and properly manufactured, labeled and stored. FDA encourages those with concerns about a particular pet food product to submit a report to the Safety Reporting Portal: https://www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/fpsr/WorkflowLoginIO.aspx?metinstance=B4B8DBDBB6CD79D2ED83195A812D1E7D9C329501.

Reports of adverse events do not necessarily mean that the product caused the event. Other factors, such as existing disease, exposure to chemicals or contaminants, foods, or other medications may have triggered or contributed to the cause of the event. The FDA takes all of these factors into consideration when reviewing adverse drug event reports.

In general, the agency does not discuss its enforcement activities, and any investigation findings would be shared directly with the company.

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WE AT SBYNEWS.COM HAVE BEEN TRYING TO WARN YOU FOR YEARS!

OBAMA’S SECRET TREATY WOULD BE THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD A ONE WORLD ECONOMIC SYSTEM

Barack Obama is secretly negotiating the largest international trade agreement in history

Barack Obama is secretly negotiating the largest international trade agreement in history, and the mainstream media in the United States is almost completely ignoring it. If this treaty is adopted, it will be the most important step toward a one world economic system that we have ever seen. The name of this treaty is “the Trans-Pacific Partnership”, and the text of the treaty is so closely guarded that not even members of Congress know what is in it. Right now, there are 12 countries that are part of the negotiations: the United States, Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. These nations have a combined population of 792 million people and account for an astounding 40 percent of the global economy. And it is hoped that the EU, China and India will eventually join as well. This is potentially the most dangerous economic treaty of our lifetimes, and yet there is very little political debate about it in this country.

Even though Congress is not being allowed to see what is in the treaty, Barack Obama wants Congress to give him fast track negotiating authority. What that means is that Congress would essentially trust Obama to negotiate a good treaty for us. Congress could vote the treaty up or down, but would not be able to amend or filibuster it.

Of course now the Republicans control both houses of Congress. If they are foolish enough to blindly give Barack Obama so much power, they should all immediately resign.

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Berlin’s Holiday ‘Noel’ Decorations Replaced With Snowflakes

BERLIN – Berlin is kicking off Christmas as America’s Coolest Small Town with its first new decorations in more than two decades.

Those heading into town will notice new holiday signs hanging above the main entrances to the town. The traditional “Noel” messages that greeted visitors for the past 26 years have been replaced.

“They were pretty much wire tied together,” said Tim Lawrence, head of the town’s electric department. “They were pretty worn out.”

Earlier this year town officials approved spending $12,000 to purchase six new “skyline” signs. Lawrence worked with Megan Houston, the town’s Main Street coordinator, to select the new snowflake signs. Two of the signs are lit by LED bulbs, which use less energy than traditional bulbs. Lawrence said that while it was too expensive to purchase six LED signs all at once, the town was planning to replace the bulbs on the signs that were not LED with the energy saving bulbs eventually.

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Walmart To Sell Halal Meat Option

Upon the request of Muslim students at Miami University, Walmart recently made the decision to provide halal-certified meat at the
Oxford location.

Store manager Elijah Woodard made a formal announcement on Oct. 21 that the store would be accomodating these requests.

“I appreciated the students bringing this interest to our attention,” Woodard said. “I am pleased to announce that we have set a halal meat section in the store.”

According to Woodard, the order for the halal meat was made immediately and would only take a few days for the first shipment to arrive.

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Montgomery Co. Ed Board Strips Religious Holiday References From New Calendar

ROCKVILLE, Md. - Montgomery County Public Schools will remove religious labels from school holidays, but members of the Islamic community say the adjustments to the school calendar do nothing to gain parity and a day off for the Muslim holiday of Eid.

The school board approved the school calendar for the 2015-2016 school year Tuesday. The calendar will no longer reference specific religious holidays but rather state simply that school will be closed on dates that correspond with holidays like Eid, Yom Kippur and Christmas.

Saqib Ali, a former Maryland state delegate and co-chair of Equality for Eid, was not happy with the board of education's action Tuesday.

"Equality is really what we're looking for," Ali said. "Simply saying we're not going to call this Christmas, and we're not going to call this Yom Kippur, and still closing the schools, that's not equality."

School board members said they were sympathetic to the desire to have Eid recognized and close schools but that legal precedent in Maryland bars them from closing for religious purposes.

"We can't close for religious holidays. We can only close for operational purposes," like high absenteeism, school spokesman Dana Tofig said.

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State would lease $2.8 million farm for $1 a year

The O'Malley administration has struck a deal to buy a Kent County farm for $2.8 million and then lease it for $1 a year to a company controlled by an organic farmer and Democratic campaign donor.

The proposal has drawn criticism from businesses that worry about unfair competition.

The agreement is expected to be presented Wednesday before the state Board of Public Works, which deferred action on it last month after Comptroller Peter Franchot raised questions about the terms.

Also in the pipeline — but not on the agenda Wednesday — is a deal in which the same company would receive $500,000 in state bond money toward the cost of establishing a $2.3 million "food hub" in Easton to process and distribute organic and sustainably produced food.

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A Message From Greg Bassett | Editor & General Manager Salisbury Independent

Hi Joe. 

Please let your readers know that if they're receiving a delivered copy of the Independent, and it's not wanted, to please email me at gbassett@newszap.com. We can halt their delivery. 

We have many people who want to receive the newspaper, and can move any undesired copies to other readers who have requested delivery.

Greg Bassett | Editor & General Manager Salisbury Independent

Today's Survey Question 11-12-14

Who should Bob Culver Let Go and Why?

Salisbury Storm Warnings – Rain Tax Coming; "The Bricks" Is Back

The election has diverted attention from Salisbury's city government in recent weeks, during which some serious things are happening at the Government Office Building. The City Council has decided to implement the rain tax – disguised as a "fee" to avoid being reported as what it really is. The proposed ordinance was on the agenda for first reading at the November 10 Council meeting. This tax, as currently envisioned by Mr. Day, one of its proponents, would begin in the next fiscal year and apply to both residential and other properties. Another reason not to reside or locate a business in Salisbury.

"The Bricks," like bad breath, is still around – vacant and dilapidated – and the Council wants to try again to attract a developer operator that would obtain government funding to renovate it for housing. Whether city taxpayers would pay any of the necessary funding is unclear. Readers will recall the estimated cost that was announced a few years ago – upwards of $200,000 per unit. Here we go again.

In Business, If Something Isn't Working, You Make Changes

Yesterday the Daily Times created news by suggesting there are "rumors" out there that newly elected County Executive Bob Culver might "clean house". 

Clearly the Daily Times is trying to stir the pot but come on now, does anyone really think some major changes aren't being considered? 

Under Rick Pollitt we've experienced tax increases each and every year he's been in office. Each and every time he'd say, tell me what services YOU would like to give up, as if my world would come to an end if we didn't buy hundreds of acres of land the County isn't doing anything with anyway. 

Nevertheless, the voters have asked for new leadership and retaining what Pollitt had, (in my opinion) is ridiculous. 

Now I'm not at all suggesting Culver "clean house". However, there are some positions in which Culver can save quite a bit of taxpayer money. Heck, there are even some positions that can be completely eliminated. 

In the mean time, for those of you scared you might lose your job, YOU SHOULD BE! The performance we taxpayers have experienced SUCKS. You don't get paid big money just to show up 9-5. We need, no, forget that. We insist the people working in these departments are more creative, delivering ideas and ways to SAVE more taxpayer money. 

In the real world, this is how you keep your job. This crap of keeping people because it's a government job is for the birds any more. There are just too many people in this County who lost their decent paying jobs because GOVERNMENT forced the companies they worked for out. Heck, I know of another business leaving the County because of the taxes and are relocating to Sussex County in Delaware. 

So it should NOT be a RUMOR. If I were in Bob Culver's shoes I would have rocked the employees world by simply stating, everyone is replaceable. Wicomico County will not go under because a select group of people quit their job and moved on. LET THEM! 

Everyone has SIX MONTHS to deliver. If they cannot come through with more efficient ways to run their departments, thanks but no thanks. 

Hopefully, if the Daily Times doesn't get behind the newly elected leadership and stop doing stories about "rumors", Culver will get creative and fire the Daily Times too. Now THAT'S creative.  

Thank A Veteran Today

Please take this opportunity to thank a (Veteran) Friend, Family Member, Neighbor, Co Worker on this Veterans Day.

Name, service, (example, Marine) years served and where.

Ferguson Cops Expect Riots Whether Grand Jury Indicts or Not: “Preparing For All Worst-Case Scenarios”

A response is mounting to the potentially explosive news

USA Today is pointing out the obvious – that anxiety over the grand jury’s yet-to-be released decision over the Ferguson shooting of Michael Brown is growing. A response is mounting to the potentially explosive news:

No matter what a grand jury decides in the case of a white Ferguson police officer who shot and killed an unarmed black teenager, people will take to the streets, whether in anger or celebration.

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles III has said he is preparing for “all worst-case scenarios” when the grand jury finally speaks. Police are gearing up for riots. Since August, police have spent more than $100,000 stocking up on body armor, tear gas, handcuffs and other crowd control items.

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November is Transgender Awareness Month

Happy November, everyone! While October was official LGBT History Month, this month I'm thrilled to announce a new partnership with One Colorado, where we'll be dedicating November to raising awareness around the transgender community. As we step into Transgender Awareness Month, my Examiner articles will highlight influential members of the statewide transgender community, resources for trans people and their friends, family and allies, and focus on the importance of inclusion of the transgender community within the larger gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer community. My goal, along with One Colorado, is to inform, educate, and empower readers to understand, empathize with and include trans people in their thoughts, work towards social justice, and daily queer and allied lives.

There are times I hear complaints about the "alphabet soup" of acronyms used to refer to the LGBTQA community. That's part of the reason I advocate use of the inclusive umbrella term "queer," though the phrase can be fraught with historic connotations. But the overriding message of using multi-letter acronyms is to communicate a sense of unity and inclusion among those of us who are discriminated against based upon our sexual orientation, gender identity, or in general based on who we love. We are strongest when we stand together, and only by cooperation and inclusion can we reach our shared dream of legal and social equality.

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A Viewer Writes: "Seriously Joe"

Have you read the ridiculous reasoning by the SPD for their speed cameras?

The City of Salisbury's Automated Speed Enforcement Program is a
safety program focused on changing driver behavior through a
comprehensive effort involving engineering, education, and
enforcement.

The City of Salisbury's Automated Speed Enforcement Program uses automated speed enforcement to enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians within the incorporated limits of the City of Salisbury.

The City of Salisbury's Automated Speed Enforcement Program is a
safety program focused on changing driver behavior through a
comprehensive effort involving engineering, education, and
enforcement.

The City of Salisbury's Automated Speed Enforcement Program uses automated speed enforcement to enhance the safety of
motorists and pedestrians within the incorporated limits of the City of Salisbury.

A camera does not protect pedestrians or other drivers by speeding vehicles. A reckless driver is going to kill a pedestrian regardless as to whether the camera takes a photo of the poor driver. It does nothing to correct driving behavior. The owner is charged not the actual violator. Education? Seriously, Education, please have them explain it to you.

Obama backs net neutrality as he calls for tough 'open Internet' rules - and says online access should be classified as a public utility

US President Barack Obama has backed a 'free and open Internet' and called for tough rules to protect against putting online services that don't pay extra fees into a 'slow lane.'

Obama endorsed an effort to reclassify the Internet as a public utility to give regulators more authority to enforce 'net neutrality,' which bars ISPs from opening up 'fast lanes' for services that pay fees for better access.

In a statement, Obama said he wants the independent Federal Communications Commission to 'implement the strongest possible rules to protect net neutrality.'

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WHAT IS NET NEUTRALITY?

Under the plans for priority usage, Netflix and other video providers would pay extra to use fast lanes to get the maximum amount of bandwith to its customers, and maintain and improve streaming quality and reliability.

This is being heavily criticised by net neutrality campaigners.

At the heart of net neutrality is an open internet in which all data being sent from websites to customers is treated the same, regardless of size or destination.

All this traffic is given the same priority along the same lanes and no site is given preferential treatment.

Although it seems like a fair model, in which sites that use the most bandwith pay the most money, campaigners claim it will drastically impact on industry competition.

For example, Netflix has the money to pay for better service, using the fast lanes, while smaller companies don't.

This means smaller companies may have the same range of content, but because they can't stream at the same quality, they are effectively priced out of the market.

To address these claims, the new rules include a 'competition test'.

ISPs would need to decide if a website meets the critieria to be given priority access and that this bar must be set high enough to protect competition.

Texas High School Teacher Says Whites Should Not Be Allowed to Talk About Ferguson, Says Go ‘Kill Yourselves’

An African American high school teacher in Duncanville, Texas had a message for you “dumb duck ass cracker” white people who want to talk about the problems in Ferguson. You should shut up. Oh, and she wants you to kindly “kill yourselves.”

Here is the Tweet that got everyone talking about her:

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Today's Survey Question 11-10-14

Who do you think should be the next 

Wicomico County Council President?

Shame On Gary Mackes, WBOC, WMDT & The Daily Times

Do the Eastern Shore residents realize just how well respected the Salisbury Kennel Club is and the quality of the event they actually hold in Wicomico County.

While there may be some of you who couldn't care less, the Kennel Club not only rents the entire Civic Center for several days, they also bring in MILLIONS of dollars to local restaurants and hotels for a week. 

There was no media there, except for Tuesday when they were covering the election, yet nothing was done to support the Show.

Now let me tell you a little bit about why I believe the PIO position in the executives office needs to be abolished. There was not one press release about this event. Here's just ONE of the many events that is not only a huge success, it comes back each and every year and believe me, they could relocate it to Ocean City if they want to. 

We also never received a single press release from the Civic Center. I guess you have to be a Circus or major celebrity to get any kind of billing from them and that's a shame.

Let me mention the problems some experienced with the Airport. The Judges that work the Show come from all over the Country. They are hired and are not volunteers. I listened to one story of a Judge that had to fly into Philly to connect to a flight into Salisbury. Guess what, they cancelled his flight, which would have arrived before 11 PM. The Judge had to rent a car and drive the rest of the way to Salisbury and didn't arrive until 1 or 3 AM. This happens all too often in Salisbury and something needs to change.

I should disclose that my Wife has been a volunteer for this event for, well, a lot of years. I mention all of the above for economic development reasons, NOT because she is a part of it. 

A simple press release SUPPORTING an organization who has proven their dedication to Wicomico County would be standard for ANY business person. Not Wicomico County. Hopefully all of this changes under Bob Culver. 

Is The Man In the White House Mentally Ill?

I am not asking this with my tongue in my cheek. I am as serious as a judge. As I sit here and write, I am listening to Mr. Obama's press conference. Something is very wrong with this guy. He is either mentally ill or demon possessed. Either choice is a possibility. But something is definitely wrong with him. He seems somehow inhuman.

I've lived my entire life in a world of athletic competition. I understand the human emotion that is associated with winning and losing. I grew up with the opening theme of ABC's Wide World of Sports continuously playing in my head. (If I close my eyes I can hear the voice of Jim McKay bouncing around the corners of my brain.)

"Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports... the thrill of victory... and the agony of defeat... the human drama of athletic competition... This is "ABC's Wide World of Sports!"

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat brings with it emotions. That is why we watch sports. We love the human drama of athletic competition. That's why we have press conferences after games. We love to hear the emotional reaction to winning and losing.

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Explosive Charges: Black Democrat Alleges Racism in Lawsuit against Ohio Democratic Party

An African American lawmaker — a Democrat — is charging the Ohio Democratic Party and chairman Chris Redfern with racism and defamation in a lawsuit filed this week, telling reporters there is a “plantation mentality” in the party that treats black lawmakers as a monolithic voting bloc.

Last week, Chris Redfern, head of the Ohio Democratic Party, resigned in disgrace after presiding over sweeping losses of every statewide office, a record-breaking majority of Republicans elected to the Ohio legislature, and the utter collapse of the Democrats’ candidate for governor. Redfern also lost his own seat in the Ohio House on Tuesday. As it turns out, all of that may have only been the tip of the iceberg of the Ohio Democratic Party’s problems. TheDispatch reported on Monday:

State Rep. John E. Barnes, a Cleveland Democrat, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Ohio Democratic Party and its chairman, Chris Redfern, alleging white lawmakers get better treatment and he was punished for raising the issue of racism in the party.

Barnes said he faced discrimination and retaliation from his own party when he refused to join the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus in the Ohio House. Barnes said he feared it would harm his reputation to “associate with an organization whose moral compass he found to be troubling.” The lawsuit mentions members of the caucus who have been convicted of felony and misdemeanor offenses in the last three years. According to the complaint, Barnes ”saw little value to himself or to his district” in joining OLBC and “wanted to be treated as an individual rather than as a member of a presumed monolithic block of votes based upon his skin color.”

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