Add another troubling side effect to the list of health issues caused by cigarettes: Smoking may cause the Y chromosome to disappear from men's blood cells.
A new study finds that men who smoke lose the Y chromosome in blood cells more frequently than nonsmokers — and the heavier their cigarette use is, the fewer Y chromosomes they have.
This Y chromosome loss could explain why male smokers are athigher risk of cancer than female smokers, the researchers said in their study, published today (Dec. 4) in the journal Science.
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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
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
This Picture on Americans vs. Illegal Workers Should be Seen by Everyone
But more and more, it looks like President Barack Obama wants to reward people forbreaking the law.
A new political cartoon made fun of that exact problem, but the facts behind it are no laughing matter.
The cartoon shows two men looking for work. One is an American citizen, and the other is an illegal immigrant. Neither has health insurance.
There’s one big difference: The U.S. citizen comes with a $2,000 penalty to the employer. In comparison, the illegal alien includes a $3,000 bonus.
More
Congress gives Native American lands to foreign mining company with new NDAA
Congress is poised to give a foreign mining company 2,400 acres of national forest in Arizona that is cherished ancestral homeland to Apache natives. Controversially, the measure is attached to annual legislation that funds the US Defense Department.
This week, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees quietly attached a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would mandate the handover of a large tract of Tonto National Forest to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of the Australian-English mining company Rio Tinto, which co-owns with Iran a uranium mine in Africa and which is 10-percent-owned by China.
The “Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015” - named after the retiring chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services panels - includes the giveaway of Apache burial, medicinal, and ceremonial grounds currently within the bounds of Tonto. News of the land provision was kept under wraps until late Tuesday, when the bill was finally posted online.
The land proposed to be given to Resolution Copper, in exchange for other lands, includes prime territory Apaches have used for centuries to gather medicinal plants and acorns, and it is near a spot known as Apache Leap, a summit that Apaches jumped from to avoid being killed by settlers in the late 19th century.
More
This week, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees quietly attached a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would mandate the handover of a large tract of Tonto National Forest to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of the Australian-English mining company Rio Tinto, which co-owns with Iran a uranium mine in Africa and which is 10-percent-owned by China.
The “Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015” - named after the retiring chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Services panels - includes the giveaway of Apache burial, medicinal, and ceremonial grounds currently within the bounds of Tonto. News of the land provision was kept under wraps until late Tuesday, when the bill was finally posted online.
The land proposed to be given to Resolution Copper, in exchange for other lands, includes prime territory Apaches have used for centuries to gather medicinal plants and acorns, and it is near a spot known as Apache Leap, a summit that Apaches jumped from to avoid being killed by settlers in the late 19th century.
More
Here’s What Happened When a Texas Police Officer Confronted an Open Carry Advocate and Thought Nobody Else Was Watching
A Houston officer has sparked an internal police investigation after video of his confrontation with anprotester legally carrying a firearm was captured on video – but only after the man objected to the officer who at first tried to delete it.
“Got your ID?” the officer asked the man.
“No, sir. I do not,” he said.
The officer later told the man he needed to have his ID so he could tell who he was. The man then told the officer he could tell him who he was.
The officer then asked him, “How do I know you’re not lying to me?”
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“Got your ID?” the officer asked the man.
“No, sir. I do not,” he said.
The officer later told the man he needed to have his ID so he could tell who he was. The man then told the officer he could tell him who he was.
The officer then asked him, “How do I know you’re not lying to me?”
More
Saudi-born US naval engineer allegedly gave undercover agent info on how to sink carrier
A Naval engineer is facing charges that he gave an FBI undercover agent posing as an Egyptian intelligence officer secret documents about the new Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier while discussing how to sink the vessel with a missile.
Mostafa Ahmed Awwad, 35, of Yorktown, Va., was arrested Friday on an FBI affidavit that reads like it came from a Tom Clancy novel.
Federal prosecutors in Virginia say that during his conversations with the undercover, Awwad arranged to use a dead-drop location along a secluded hiking trail to pass secrets about the Ford, which is being built in Virginia for delivery to the Navy in 2016.
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Mostafa Ahmed Awwad, 35, of Yorktown, Va., was arrested Friday on an FBI affidavit that reads like it came from a Tom Clancy novel.
Federal prosecutors in Virginia say that during his conversations with the undercover, Awwad arranged to use a dead-drop location along a secluded hiking trail to pass secrets about the Ford, which is being built in Virginia for delivery to the Navy in 2016.
More
This Time Is The Same: Like The Housing Bubble, The Fed Is Ignoring The Shale Bubble In Plain Sight
We are now far advanced into the third central bank generated bubble of the last two decades, but our monetary politburo has taken no notice whatsoever of its self-evident leading wave. Namely, the massive malinvestments and debt mania in the shale patch.
Call them monetary bourbons. It is no exaggeration to say that inhabitants of the Eccles Building deserve every single word of Talleyrand’s famous epithet: “They learned nothing and forgot nothing.”
To wit, during the last cycle they claimed to be fostering the Great Moderation and permanent full employment prosperity. It didn’t work. When the housing and credit bubble blew-up, it washed out all the phony gains from the Greenspan/Bernanke printing spree. By the time the liquidation was finished in early 2010, there were 2 million fewer payroll jobs than there had been at the turn of the century.
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Call them monetary bourbons. It is no exaggeration to say that inhabitants of the Eccles Building deserve every single word of Talleyrand’s famous epithet: “They learned nothing and forgot nothing.”
To wit, during the last cycle they claimed to be fostering the Great Moderation and permanent full employment prosperity. It didn’t work. When the housing and credit bubble blew-up, it washed out all the phony gains from the Greenspan/Bernanke printing spree. By the time the liquidation was finished in early 2010, there were 2 million fewer payroll jobs than there had been at the turn of the century.
More
Stinky revenge: Couple tricks holiday package thief into stealing box of dog poop
Tis the season for package thieves; many D.C.-area residents have recently caught robbers taking packages on surveillance. But for one couple, caught on camera wasn’t enough—they boxed up a stinky surprise from their two dogs.
About 3 p.m. Friday, surveillance footage shows a man walking up and down the sidewalk in front of their home, before stealing their package and taking off. The caught-on-camera incident marked the third package taken from their yard since October.
“Obviously, it made me really mad,” said the woman, whom ABC 7 is not identifying. “I worked hard, saved my money, bought something and then it was just gone.”
More
Will GOP's control of the South play significant role in 2016 races?
The defeat Saturday of Louisiana Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu was essentially the final act in the Republican Party’s control this fall of the South -- a transition expected to have a significant impact on the 2016 White House races.
The victory by Republican challenger and Louisiana Rep. Bill Cassidy means that Democrats in January will be left without a single U.S. senator or governor across nine states -- stretching from the Carolinas to Texas.
And GOP runoff victories Saturday in two Louisiana House districts ensure the party of at least 246 seats, the largest Republican advantage since the Truman administration after World War II.
Furthermore, Republicans in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas will control nearly every majority-white congressional district and both state legislative chambers.
More
The victory by Republican challenger and Louisiana Rep. Bill Cassidy means that Democrats in January will be left without a single U.S. senator or governor across nine states -- stretching from the Carolinas to Texas.
And GOP runoff victories Saturday in two Louisiana House districts ensure the party of at least 246 seats, the largest Republican advantage since the Truman administration after World War II.
Furthermore, Republicans in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas will control nearly every majority-white congressional district and both state legislative chambers.
More
From Earlier Today
Bomb Threats and bank robberies (2 locations)
Parkside High School
Salisbury, Maryland
Wicomico County
It's happened yet again. A bomb threat was phoned into police, and then an area bank was robbed while police were investigating the bomb threat.
Parkside High School was evacuated, bomb sniffing dogs were dispatched. The all clear has been given.
In Princess Anne, a bank was robbed after a robber stole money and brought in a box that he said contained a bomb.
Parkside High School
Salisbury, Maryland
Wicomico County
It's happened yet again. A bomb threat was phoned into police, and then an area bank was robbed while police were investigating the bomb threat.
Parkside High School was evacuated, bomb sniffing dogs were dispatched. The all clear has been given.
In Princess Anne, a bank was robbed after a robber stole money and brought in a box that he said contained a bomb.
Maryland's Most Popular Health Exchange Plans Cost $475 A Month For Individuals
Health insurance might be more accessible — especially now that Maryland's insurance exchange is working properly — but shoppers shouldn't expect a bargain.
Maryland residents this year paid an average premium of $475 a month for mid-range health plans purchased through the state's exchange, according to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange's 2014 annual report. That price includes income-based tax credits that 79 percent of Maryland Health Connection shoppers were eligible to receive.
The state-based and federally run insurance exchanges, which opened last year, have made a big difference for people who were uninsured. More than 80,000 people gained health care coverage through Maryland's exchange and nationally roughly 8 million Americans are now covered.
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Maryland residents this year paid an average premium of $475 a month for mid-range health plans purchased through the state's exchange, according to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange's 2014 annual report. That price includes income-based tax credits that 79 percent of Maryland Health Connection shoppers were eligible to receive.
The state-based and federally run insurance exchanges, which opened last year, have made a big difference for people who were uninsured. More than 80,000 people gained health care coverage through Maryland's exchange and nationally roughly 8 million Americans are now covered.
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Indiana Town Fights Atheists on Nativity Scene: ‘They Can Look The Other Way’
Local commissioners, meanwhile, are largely ignoring the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s threat to sue.
This is the fourth year in a row that the atheist group has threatened to sue the town over its nativity scene, which is owned by the town, the Christian Post reported. The group’s argument is that it’s “unlawful for a government body to maintain, erect or host a holiday display that consists solely of a nativity scene, thus singling out, showing preference for and endorsing religion,” The Blaze reported.
But the town government has refused to back down. And local residents don’t seem appreciative of the atheists’ intrusion.
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School Board Answers Transgender Student’s Complaint
GLOUCESTER COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A transgender student at Gloucester High School will not be allowed to use the boys restroom. That decision came from the county’s school board Tuesday night, in a 6-1 vote for a policy to have bathrooms used according to sex, not gender identity.
10th grader Gavin Grimm, who was born a girl, says he is a boy and is taking hormone medicine with plans to have a sex change. He doesn’t feel comfortable using the girls bathroom at school, and wants to use the boys bathroom.
The issue was brought before school board members last month, but the vote was tabled until this week, to allow more time for members to study and consider the matter.
In the meantime, the American Civil Liberties Union warned Gloucester County Schools it will sue the school board, if Gavin’s civil rights are violated.
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10th grader Gavin Grimm, who was born a girl, says he is a boy and is taking hormone medicine with plans to have a sex change. He doesn’t feel comfortable using the girls bathroom at school, and wants to use the boys bathroom.
The issue was brought before school board members last month, but the vote was tabled until this week, to allow more time for members to study and consider the matter.
In the meantime, the American Civil Liberties Union warned Gloucester County Schools it will sue the school board, if Gavin’s civil rights are violated.
More
UPDATE: Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Press Release
On 12/10/2014 at about 1030 hrs., the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Rt. 366, Stockton, Maryland after a driver for Waste Management, saw a small silver Honda civic on the side of Route 366 between Bird Hill Rd and Little Mill Rd., Stockton, Maryland. Upon closer inspection the driver observed someone lying in the ditch. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to investigate.
Deputies arrived on scene and located a 78 year old white female deceased lying in the ditch.
The initial investigation has revealed the deceased was seen at approximately 1555 hrs. on 12/9/2014 by a passerby who saw an elderly white female in a small silver vehicle being pushed off to the side of the road by a UPS driver and another person. The subject advised that when they drove back through the same area approximately 1645 hrs. the vehicle was on the side of the road with the parking lights on and she did not see the female subject.
The deceased has been identified as Hazel Virginia O’Neill, 78 years of age of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The vehicle was registered to Ms. O’Neill
Ms. O’Neill was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.
"Riddles" Surround 36th Dead Banker Of The Year
52-year-old Belgian Geert Tack - a private banker for ING who managed portfolios for wealthy individuals - was described as 'impeccable', 'sporty', 'cared-for', and 'successful' and so as Vermist reports, after disappearing a month ago, the appearance of his body off the coast of Ostend is surrpunded by riddles...
Tack disappeared on November 5th...
Tack disappeared on November 5th...
OCPD Officer Charged By Knife-Wielding Suspect; Man Eventually Drops Knife After Cop Threatens To Shoot Him
Around 4:15 a.m. on Wednesday, an OCPD officer responded to an apartment at 25 Philadelphia Ave. for a reported trespassing. OCPD Communications advised the officer the suspect, later identified as Bryan Taylor, 48, of Ocean City, was inside unit 18. According to the police report, it was third time during the course of the night a complaint had been filed against Taylor for trespassing at the same unit.
As the OCPD officer entered the apartment building, he heard a male voice and pounding on a door. The officer slowly walked up the stairs toward the unit and heard Taylor pounding on the door and saying over and over, “I’m going to kill you, [expletive deleted] I’m going to kill you.” The officer then heard Taylor say, “I’m going to slice you open, I have a knife and I’m going to slice you open.”
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TROOPER AND DRIVER INJURED IN EARLY MORNING CRASH
Maryland State Police Press Release
12/10/2014
TROOPER AND DRIVER INJURED IN EARLY MORNING CRASH
12/10/2014
TROOPER AND DRIVER INJURED IN EARLY MORNING CRASH
(BARCLAY, MD) – While responding to an emergency service call, a Maryland state trooper and another driver were injured early this morning when their vehicles collided at an intersection in Queen Anne’s County.
The injured trooper is Senior Trooper John P. Sayles, 43, a 10-year veteran, who is assigned to the Centreville Barrack. He was transported by emergency medical personnel to Chester River Hospital for the treatment of his injuries sustained in the crash. He has been released and is currently recovering at home.
The operator of the other vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Impala, is identified as Bonnie L. Meta, 59, of the 1700-block of Dixon Tavern Road, in Barclay, Maryland. Meta was transported by emergency medical personnel to Chester River Hospital for the treatment of her injuries sustained in the crash.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 6:00 a. m., Senior Trooper Sayles was responding to assist with a personal injury crash. He was on duty in his marked patrol vehicle with the emergency equipment activated. Senior Trooper Sayles was traveling northbound through the intersection at MD Route 313 and MD Route 302 in Barclay, Maryland.
While proceeding through the intersection, a Chevrolet Impala failed to yield to the marked patrol car, traveling with lights and siren activated, and drove into the path of the responding trooper. The Impala sustained damage to the driver’s rear of the vehicle while the state police vehicle sustained damage to the front end.
The crash investigation is being conducted by troopers from the Centreville Barrack. This investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.
CONTACT:
Sgt. Marc Black, Sr.
Office of Media Communications
410-653-4236
The injured trooper is Senior Trooper John P. Sayles, 43, a 10-year veteran, who is assigned to the Centreville Barrack. He was transported by emergency medical personnel to Chester River Hospital for the treatment of his injuries sustained in the crash. He has been released and is currently recovering at home.
The operator of the other vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Impala, is identified as Bonnie L. Meta, 59, of the 1700-block of Dixon Tavern Road, in Barclay, Maryland. Meta was transported by emergency medical personnel to Chester River Hospital for the treatment of her injuries sustained in the crash.
The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 6:00 a. m., Senior Trooper Sayles was responding to assist with a personal injury crash. He was on duty in his marked patrol vehicle with the emergency equipment activated. Senior Trooper Sayles was traveling northbound through the intersection at MD Route 313 and MD Route 302 in Barclay, Maryland.
While proceeding through the intersection, a Chevrolet Impala failed to yield to the marked patrol car, traveling with lights and siren activated, and drove into the path of the responding trooper. The Impala sustained damage to the driver’s rear of the vehicle while the state police vehicle sustained damage to the front end.
The crash investigation is being conducted by troopers from the Centreville Barrack. This investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.
CONTACT:
Sgt. Marc Black, Sr.
Office of Media Communications
410-653-4236
Following In His Fathers Footsteps
Colby Robinson knew what he wanted to be early in life. His dad was a Maryland state trooper. In fact, 18-month old Colby showed up at his dad's State Police graduation in 1994 wearing his own MD State Police uniform.
This Friday, Colby will be one of 70 new troopers who will graduate as part of the Maryland State Police Academy Class 142. Congratulations, Colby, on fulfilling a lifelong ambition!
Bundick’s 3rd arson trial postponed until April
Tonya Bundick initially was supposed to head to court Dec. 15 in Virginia Beach for Count 53, a fire set to a house in Onancock March 4, 2013, but now will wait until April 20.
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SFD Calls For Service 12-9-14
- Tuesday December, 9 2014 @ 22:56Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 9 2014 @ 22:55Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 9 2014 @ 22:43Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 9 2014 @ 21:00Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 9 2014 @ 20:14 Nature: Vehicle Accident w/InjuriesAddress: 1106 Camden Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
Worcester County Sheriff's Office Investigating Death of 78 Year Old Female
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Press Release
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office along with the County Bureau of investigation are currently investigating a deceased person who was found on Stockton Rd. in the Stockton area of Worcester County. The subject is a 78 year old female. She was located on the side of the road near a vehicle. The investigation is just beginning. The body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. When further information becomes available we will advise.
Press Release
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office along with the County Bureau of investigation are currently investigating a deceased person who was found on Stockton Rd. in the Stockton area of Worcester County. The subject is a 78 year old female. She was located on the side of the road near a vehicle. The investigation is just beginning. The body has been transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. When further information becomes available we will advise.
SC teacher criticized for stomping the American flag during lesson agrees to resign
CHAPIN, S.C. – A South Carolina high school teacher who talked glowingly about the U.S. and the importance of embracing freedom while stomping on an American flag in his classroom has agreed to resign at the end of this school year.
The attorney for Chapin High School teacher Scott Compton and the Lexington-Richland 5 School District released a joint statement Friday announcing Compton's decision.
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The attorney for Chapin High School teacher Scott Compton and the Lexington-Richland 5 School District released a joint statement Friday announcing Compton's decision.
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Fox News anchor spanks Obama for racism
'Why is it we only hear from him when a death involves a person of color?'
Jeanine Pirro, host of the Fox News show “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” is charging President Obama with pursuing an agenda based on race.
WND reported earlier when she said Americans are beset with a president who won’t tell them the truth, when she accused Obama of failing to prepare America for imminent jihadist attacks and when she said his handling of various crises constitutes impeachable offenses.
Now, in a new commentary, she asked, “Why is it we only hear from him when a death involves a person of color?”
More
Jeanine Pirro, host of the Fox News show “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” is charging President Obama with pursuing an agenda based on race.
WND reported earlier when she said Americans are beset with a president who won’t tell them the truth, when she accused Obama of failing to prepare America for imminent jihadist attacks and when she said his handling of various crises constitutes impeachable offenses.
Now, in a new commentary, she asked, “Why is it we only hear from him when a death involves a person of color?”
More
Hank Johnson: Blacks Like Ben Carson ‘Trying to Tap Into the Ignorance of People’
Rep. Hank Johnson, Georgia Democrat, said black people like retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson are trying to tap into the ignorance of people who have been whipped “into a frenzy, like a lynch mob.”
Mr. Johnson was speaking on Michael Smerconish’s radio show about President Obama and opposition that he’s faced since winning election.
“I support the president, I believe he’s done as much as is humanly possible to advance the cause of justice and prosperity and freedom for all people, not just blacks, and not just here in America, but across the world. I think he has changed the paradigm of American foreign policy,” Mr. Johnson said in comments first flagged by Buzzfeed.
“But it’s unfortunate that everything he does tends to pick up opposition from his political enemies, and it has become more than just political — it’s personal enemies.”
“And so, to the extent that we have African Americans trying to tap into that vein of ignorance, African Americans like Dr. Ben Carson, who is a very smart, well-educated man and knows exactly what he’s doing, when we have blacks like that trying to tap into the ignorance of people who have been whipped into a frenzy, like a lynch mob, and you go to try to garner support from those folks, I think it’s very disappointing that we would have that kind of political discourse going on in this country,” said Mr. Johnson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
More here
Mr. Johnson was speaking on Michael Smerconish’s radio show about President Obama and opposition that he’s faced since winning election.
“I support the president, I believe he’s done as much as is humanly possible to advance the cause of justice and prosperity and freedom for all people, not just blacks, and not just here in America, but across the world. I think he has changed the paradigm of American foreign policy,” Mr. Johnson said in comments first flagged by Buzzfeed.
“But it’s unfortunate that everything he does tends to pick up opposition from his political enemies, and it has become more than just political — it’s personal enemies.”
“And so, to the extent that we have African Americans trying to tap into that vein of ignorance, African Americans like Dr. Ben Carson, who is a very smart, well-educated man and knows exactly what he’s doing, when we have blacks like that trying to tap into the ignorance of people who have been whipped into a frenzy, like a lynch mob, and you go to try to garner support from those folks, I think it’s very disappointing that we would have that kind of political discourse going on in this country,” said Mr. Johnson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
More here
25,108,000: Record Number Of Foreigners Hold Jobs In U.S.
(CNSNews.com) – The number of foreign-born individuals holding jobs in the United States hit a record high of 25,108,000 in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In its data on foreign-born workers, the BLS does not distinguish between legal immigrants to the United States, who have a legal right to work here, and illegal aliens, who do not.
“The foreign born are those who reside in the United States but who were born outside the country or one of its outlying areas to parents who were not U.S. citizens,” says BLS. “The foreign born include legally-admitted immigrants, refugees, temporary residents such as students and temporary workers, and undocumented immigrants. The survey data, however, do not separately identify the numbers of persons in these categories.”
In its data on foreign-born workers, the BLS does not distinguish between legal immigrants to the United States, who have a legal right to work here, and illegal aliens, who do not.
“The foreign born are those who reside in the United States but who were born outside the country or one of its outlying areas to parents who were not U.S. citizens,” says BLS. “The foreign born include legally-admitted immigrants, refugees, temporary residents such as students and temporary workers, and undocumented immigrants. The survey data, however, do not separately identify the numbers of persons in these categories.”
This is too true to be funny
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend,
But one advertising agency did a good job of
Putting that figure into some perspective in
One of its releases.
A.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B.
A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C.
A billion hours ago our ancestors were
living in the Stone Age.
D.
A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.
E.
A billion dollars ago was only
8 hours and 20 minutes,
at the rate our government
is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain...
let's take a look at New Orleans ...
It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.
Louisiana Senator,
Mary Landrieu (D)
was asking Congress for
250 BILLION DOLLARS
To rebuild New Orleans . Interesting number...
What does it mean?
A.
Well .. If you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans
(every man, woman and child)
You each get$516,528
B.
Or... If you have one of the 188,251 homes in
New Orleans , your home gets$1,329,787.
C.
Or... If you are a family of four...
Your family gets$2,066,012.
Washington , D.C
HELLO!
Are all your calculators broken??
Building Permit Tax
CDL License Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax (Fed)
Federal Unemployment Tax (FU TA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge Taxes
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)
Sales Taxes
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Tax
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
(And to think, we left British Rule to avoid so many taxes)
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...
And our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt...
We had the largest middle class in the world...
And Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
Can you spell
'politicians'!
Boxing Champ Floyd Mayweather Was Video-Chatting With a Close Friend Who Murdered His Wife & Then Killed Himself
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TV news legend: Obama explodes with ‘profanity’
Journalist slams administration as 'most opaque'
Legendary ABC News journalist Ann Compton says President Barack Obama launches into “profanity-laced” tirades against the news media in off-the-record meetings with reporters, and she calls his administration “more opaque than any I have covered.”
Compton retired from the network in August after a 40-year career, and she made the comments about Obama in a new interview that aired Sunday night with Brian Lamb of C-SPAN.
“I have seen in the last year Barack Obama really angry twice,” Compton said. “Both were off-the-record times. One, profanity-laced where he thought the press was making too much of scandals that he did not think were scandals.”
She added, “And I don’t find him apologetic. But I find him willing to stand up to the press and look them in the eye, even though it was off the record, and just give us hell.”
More
Legendary ABC News journalist Ann Compton says President Barack Obama launches into “profanity-laced” tirades against the news media in off-the-record meetings with reporters, and she calls his administration “more opaque than any I have covered.”
Compton retired from the network in August after a 40-year career, and she made the comments about Obama in a new interview that aired Sunday night with Brian Lamb of C-SPAN.
“I have seen in the last year Barack Obama really angry twice,” Compton said. “Both were off-the-record times. One, profanity-laced where he thought the press was making too much of scandals that he did not think were scandals.”
She added, “And I don’t find him apologetic. But I find him willing to stand up to the press and look them in the eye, even though it was off the record, and just give us hell.”
More
Student charged after Md. teacher eats pot brownie
Police say a Maryland teenager eating a pot brownie in class panicked when his teacher asked him for a piece of the treat, and that he is now charged for obliging.
Anne Arundel County police said Tuesday that the 17-year-old didn't tell the teacher that the brownie contained marijuana. She began feeling ill and acting disoriented, and was brought to the nurse's office at Broadneck High School in Annapolis on Monday.
The teacher told police that the student had given her the brownie during third period and that she suspected it contained marijuana.
The student, from nearby Arnold, was charged with juvenile counts of administering a dangerous substance, assault and reckless endangerment. Police did not release his name, and they say he was released to a guardian.
Source
Anne Arundel County police said Tuesday that the 17-year-old didn't tell the teacher that the brownie contained marijuana. She began feeling ill and acting disoriented, and was brought to the nurse's office at Broadneck High School in Annapolis on Monday.
The teacher told police that the student had given her the brownie during third period and that she suspected it contained marijuana.
The student, from nearby Arnold, was charged with juvenile counts of administering a dangerous substance, assault and reckless endangerment. Police did not release his name, and they say he was released to a guardian.
Source
MORE THAN $490,000 IN FEDERAL GRANTS TO PROVIDE HOMES FOR HOMESS VETERANS IN MARYLAND
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, together with U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer, Elijah Cummings, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced $491,367 in federal grants through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide permanent homes for homeless veterans in Maryland. The Hagerstown Housing Authority will receive $219,521, the Calvert County Housing Authority will receive $198,901, and the Baltimore County Housing Authority will receive $72,945.
“I believe our support for our military in the field must be matched by support for our veterans at home,” said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds HUD, and a member of the Senate Veterans Jobs Caucus and the Senate Military Families Caucus. “Promises made to veterans must be promises kept. These funds in the federal checkbook will help our vets find homes. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to our men and women in uniform. These grants will show that gratitude not just with words, but with deeds.”
“Those who fought to defend this nation should not have to fight for roofs over their heads when they return,” U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. “The HUD grants announced today help deliver on the promise we make to our military personnel as they pledge to defend our freedom. Working to end homelessness amongst our veterans is one important way we can begin to honor our men and women in uniform.”
“I believe our support for our military in the field must be matched by support for our veterans at home,” said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds HUD, and a member of the Senate Veterans Jobs Caucus and the Senate Military Families Caucus. “Promises made to veterans must be promises kept. These funds in the federal checkbook will help our vets find homes. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to our men and women in uniform. These grants will show that gratitude not just with words, but with deeds.”
“Those who fought to defend this nation should not have to fight for roofs over their heads when they return,” U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. “The HUD grants announced today help deliver on the promise we make to our military personnel as they pledge to defend our freedom. Working to end homelessness amongst our veterans is one important way we can begin to honor our men and women in uniform.”
Huge L.A. blaze being investigated as a criminal fire
Although blazes "of this magnitude" are always treated as criminal fires, "it's very rare for the entire building to be engulfed at once," Capt. Jaime Moore told the Los Angeles Times.
"There may have been some foul play."
Arson investigators are going to examine the building and financial records. Dogs trained to sniff out accelerants were also at the scene.
Flames could be seen for miles from the fire that broke out in the DaVinci apartment complex about 1:20 a.m. The fire closed freeways and roads, burst windows of nearby buildings and melted freeway signs.
"It looked like a bomb had just exploded," said L.A. fire Capt. Rick Godinez.
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Second Ferguson Witness Reportedly Found Dead
Next time a person of politically preferred pigmentation commits suicide by cop, Obama, Al Sharpton, and the “mainstream” media won’t have to worry about eye witnesses testifying that the shooting was in self-defense. They will be too terrified, if this source is to be trusted:
Another witness of the shooting of Michael Brown has been found dead in a dry channel near River Des Peres in Misssouri, local authorities confirmed.
The man has been identified as 23-year-old Shawn Gray, a black man who testified during the grand jury proceedings over the killing of Brown by former police officer Darren Wilson. …
Another witness DeAndre Joshua, also a young black man, was found shot dead and his car was torched outside the same neighborhood where Brown was killed.
Two witnesses of the Brown shooting have now been found dead under suspicious circumstances, while local authorities have not announced any leads in either case, and the press has provided minimal coverage.
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Another witness of the shooting of Michael Brown has been found dead in a dry channel near River Des Peres in Misssouri, local authorities confirmed.
The man has been identified as 23-year-old Shawn Gray, a black man who testified during the grand jury proceedings over the killing of Brown by former police officer Darren Wilson. …
Another witness DeAndre Joshua, also a young black man, was found shot dead and his car was torched outside the same neighborhood where Brown was killed.
Two witnesses of the Brown shooting have now been found dead under suspicious circumstances, while local authorities have not announced any leads in either case, and the press has provided minimal coverage.
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Cardin Renews Call for Congressional Action to Ban Racial Profiling by All Levels of Law Enforcement
WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), took to the Senate floor today to urge his colleagues to pass legislation ending racial profiling by all law enforcement agencies in the United States.
“I’m a strong supporter of our independent Judicial Branch and the grand jury system, but I understand the frustration felt by so many Americans. After the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, which were heaped on top of incidents in Florida, California, and elsewhere around the country, it’s no wonder that people – especially people of color – are losing confidence that we have a system where all of our citizens are treated equally under the law. The initial suspicion for many is that individuals were stopped solely because of the color of their skin, not because they were observed in criminal activities. That's discriminatory profiling, and it’s just plain wrong. Discriminatory profiling is un-American and not what we believe in. It is a waste of precious resources and it turns communities against law enforcement.
“I welcome the announcement by Attorney General Eric Holder of an update of guidance for federal law enforcement agencies that prohibits, for the first time, profiling based on new categories such as national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation, while also closing certain loopholes and narrowing some exemptions. I was pleased to see that this guidance mandates new data collection, which will make it easier to track profiling complaints. I am wholly disappointed that this updated guidance does not extend to state and local law enforcement, nor does it fully cover the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection, all of which should be covered. I believe the Attorney General could have gone further, and should have gone further, but his actions only make it clearer that Congress must act to make permanent a ban on discriminatory profiling and hold police accountable for engaging in discriminatory profiling, by passing the End Racial Profiling Act (S. 1038). Only Congress can close these harmful loopholes for good and dissolve some of the mistrust of law enforcement in our minority communities. DOJ has moved in the right direction but this new guidance is truly a missed opportunity.”
“I’m a strong supporter of our independent Judicial Branch and the grand jury system, but I understand the frustration felt by so many Americans. After the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City, which were heaped on top of incidents in Florida, California, and elsewhere around the country, it’s no wonder that people – especially people of color – are losing confidence that we have a system where all of our citizens are treated equally under the law. The initial suspicion for many is that individuals were stopped solely because of the color of their skin, not because they were observed in criminal activities. That's discriminatory profiling, and it’s just plain wrong. Discriminatory profiling is un-American and not what we believe in. It is a waste of precious resources and it turns communities against law enforcement.
“I welcome the announcement by Attorney General Eric Holder of an update of guidance for federal law enforcement agencies that prohibits, for the first time, profiling based on new categories such as national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation, while also closing certain loopholes and narrowing some exemptions. I was pleased to see that this guidance mandates new data collection, which will make it easier to track profiling complaints. I am wholly disappointed that this updated guidance does not extend to state and local law enforcement, nor does it fully cover the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection, all of which should be covered. I believe the Attorney General could have gone further, and should have gone further, but his actions only make it clearer that Congress must act to make permanent a ban on discriminatory profiling and hold police accountable for engaging in discriminatory profiling, by passing the End Racial Profiling Act (S. 1038). Only Congress can close these harmful loopholes for good and dissolve some of the mistrust of law enforcement in our minority communities. DOJ has moved in the right direction but this new guidance is truly a missed opportunity.”
Paint, Conceal, Shoot: Individuals painting their guns to make them look like toys is terrifying
The thought of children getting a parent’s gun is terrifying. Taking the right steps to keep guns safe and away from children should be a top priority for gun owners- but that is not always the case. Parents are not using locks or other safeguards to keep their guns away from children.
To make matters worse, individuals are now cloaking their assault rifles, pistols, you name it, with paint and plastics to look like a child’s toy or even a full on, out of the box, squirt gun. It is a recipe for horrific disasters. Not to mention it leaves police in a predicament- to shoot or not to shoot?
Guns are being confiscated all over the country that, at first look, appear to be straight off the aisle from the toy section at Wal-Mart. But that, sadly, is not the case. The picture gallery below is a collection of a few of the many weapons out there that have been modified to no longer look “deadly” or like a usual black or silver firearm, but rather a child’s toy.
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To make matters worse, individuals are now cloaking their assault rifles, pistols, you name it, with paint and plastics to look like a child’s toy or even a full on, out of the box, squirt gun. It is a recipe for horrific disasters. Not to mention it leaves police in a predicament- to shoot or not to shoot?
Guns are being confiscated all over the country that, at first look, appear to be straight off the aisle from the toy section at Wal-Mart. But that, sadly, is not the case. The picture gallery below is a collection of a few of the many weapons out there that have been modified to no longer look “deadly” or like a usual black or silver firearm, but rather a child’s toy.
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PARENTS: 28 Internet acronyms you need to know
NEW YORK — If you think you are tech savvy all because you know what “LOL” means, let me test your coolness.
Any idea what “IWSN” stands for in Internet slang?
It’s a declarative statement: I want sex now.
If it makes you feel any better, I had no clue, and neither did a number of women I asked about it.
Acronyms are widely popular across the Internet, especially on social media and texting apps, because, in some cases, they offer a shorthand for communication that is meant to be instant.
So “LMK” — let me know — and “WYCM” — will you call me? — are innocent enough.
But the issue, especially for parents, is understanding the slang that could signal some dangerous teen behavior, such as “GNOC,’” which means “get naked on camera.”
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Any idea what “IWSN” stands for in Internet slang?
It’s a declarative statement: I want sex now.
If it makes you feel any better, I had no clue, and neither did a number of women I asked about it.
Acronyms are widely popular across the Internet, especially on social media and texting apps, because, in some cases, they offer a shorthand for communication that is meant to be instant.
So “LMK” — let me know — and “WYCM” — will you call me? — are innocent enough.
But the issue, especially for parents, is understanding the slang that could signal some dangerous teen behavior, such as “GNOC,’” which means “get naked on camera.”
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Wisconsin Town is Asking Residents to Voluntarily Have Their Homes Searched for Guns
Beloit, Wisconsin needs a new Chief of Police – yesterday. This guy is a fascist whackadoodle. Let’s see… when was the last timeEVER that you just had handguns lying around that you couldn’t find and need help locating? Hmmm. If you’ve got renters or roommates with guns, that does not make them a criminal. As far as comparing guns to Ebola and putting forth a forfeiture of your Constitutional rights and a voluntary search and seizure as being equal to a vaccine – sounds to me like the cure here is far deadlier than the so-called disease. And what kind of idiot says to the police under such a Progressive local potentate, “Come on in and search my home!” How about instead of thinking up moronic excuses for taking our guns, you actually just do your job?
A town in Wisconsin is asking local residents for a favor. The citizens of Beloit, a town located 75 miles southwest of Milwaukee, are being asked to voluntarily give up rights granted to them by the Constitution.
In an effort to ‘get people thinking differently about guns’, Police Chief Norm Jacobs of the Beloit Police Department is asking locals togrant the police department access to their homes so they may search for firearms.
Jacobs admits that he doesn’t believe the citizens of Beloit will be knocking down his door to have their property searched and seized, but states that he hopes this campaign will get younger people to think of gun violence like Ebola. The chief says that he wants local residents to think of home inspections like vaccines that will assist in building up his community’s immune system.”Gun violence is as serious as the Ebola virus is being represented in the media, and we should fight it using the tools that we’ve learned from our health providers,” Chief Jacobs said.
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A town in Wisconsin is asking local residents for a favor. The citizens of Beloit, a town located 75 miles southwest of Milwaukee, are being asked to voluntarily give up rights granted to them by the Constitution.
In an effort to ‘get people thinking differently about guns’, Police Chief Norm Jacobs of the Beloit Police Department is asking locals togrant the police department access to their homes so they may search for firearms.
Jacobs admits that he doesn’t believe the citizens of Beloit will be knocking down his door to have their property searched and seized, but states that he hopes this campaign will get younger people to think of gun violence like Ebola. The chief says that he wants local residents to think of home inspections like vaccines that will assist in building up his community’s immune system.”Gun violence is as serious as the Ebola virus is being represented in the media, and we should fight it using the tools that we’ve learned from our health providers,” Chief Jacobs said.
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The Department of Social Justice
Federal officials lectured Ferguson residents about “white privilege.
When Department of Justice officials arrived in Ferguson, Mo., one day after the death of Michael Brown, it wasn’t just to conduct an investigation on potential civil-rights violations. In fact, officials from one Justice Department office were conducting meetings with Ferguson residents to educate them on subjects such as “white privilege.”
The DOJ’s Community Relations Service arrived in Ferguson purportedly to lessen the tension between protesters and city officials. But sources who attended the DOJ’s private gatherings with Ferguson residents tell NRO that the Justice Department also sought to educate and question the community about the issues of white privilege and racism. The political nature of the Justice Department’s intervention in Ferguson may not be exclusive to its interactions with residents; it also might have affected its ongoing investigations into the Ferguson Police Department and officer Darren Wilson.
As investigators combed through Ferguson, DOJ’s Community Relations Service began holding the town-hall meetings, which excluded press and everyone from out of town. Ferguson resident Audrey Watson, 47, attended one of the meetings. She says federal officials organized the attendees into small groups and asked questions such as “What stereotypes exist in our community?” “How does white privilege impact race relations in our community?” and “Is there a need for personal commitment to race relations?”
More
When Department of Justice officials arrived in Ferguson, Mo., one day after the death of Michael Brown, it wasn’t just to conduct an investigation on potential civil-rights violations. In fact, officials from one Justice Department office were conducting meetings with Ferguson residents to educate them on subjects such as “white privilege.”
The DOJ’s Community Relations Service arrived in Ferguson purportedly to lessen the tension between protesters and city officials. But sources who attended the DOJ’s private gatherings with Ferguson residents tell NRO that the Justice Department also sought to educate and question the community about the issues of white privilege and racism. The political nature of the Justice Department’s intervention in Ferguson may not be exclusive to its interactions with residents; it also might have affected its ongoing investigations into the Ferguson Police Department and officer Darren Wilson.
As investigators combed through Ferguson, DOJ’s Community Relations Service began holding the town-hall meetings, which excluded press and everyone from out of town. Ferguson resident Audrey Watson, 47, attended one of the meetings. She says federal officials organized the attendees into small groups and asked questions such as “What stereotypes exist in our community?” “How does white privilege impact race relations in our community?” and “Is there a need for personal commitment to race relations?”
More
Run, Mitt, Run!
The more “establishmentarians,” the better — if a true conservative is to win the nomination.
With a spate of stories emerging in recent days that Mitt Romney seems likely to run yet again for the presidency, the first reaction of many conservatives (myself included) is to plead for him to “just . . . go . . . away.”
Upon further reflection, and with a caveat, I’d like to say, “Run, Mitt, run!”
The reason conservatives should want Romney to run is that we need as many “establishment” types as possible to run for the Republican nomination. We need more moderates to run, and fewer electable conservatives to run, because Republican primary arithmetic favors the side of the right-center divide that produces fewer truly electable candidates.
Presidential primaries, at least for the first 15 or 20 states, usually are won not by majorities but by pluralities. And pluralities are won by having one candidate who splits an identifiable strain of voters with as few other candidates as possible — or, better yet, with none.
The “establishment” rallied behind John McCain in 2008. Romney, Fred Thompson, and Mike Huckabee all ran to his right (and with Ron Paul also taking the libertarian Right, further diluting conservative votes). McCain won less than 40 percent of the vote in New Hampshire, less than 35 percent in South Carolina, about 35 percent in Florida and Oklahoma, and less than 40 percent in Missouri (to list the most heavily contested early-ish states), but he won pluralities and thus was declared the “victor” in each. (This also meant he grabbed the bulk of the delegates in each of these states.) On the strength of those early pluralities, he grabbed the cloak of inevitability for the nomination.
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With a spate of stories emerging in recent days that Mitt Romney seems likely to run yet again for the presidency, the first reaction of many conservatives (myself included) is to plead for him to “just . . . go . . . away.”
Upon further reflection, and with a caveat, I’d like to say, “Run, Mitt, run!”
The reason conservatives should want Romney to run is that we need as many “establishment” types as possible to run for the Republican nomination. We need more moderates to run, and fewer electable conservatives to run, because Republican primary arithmetic favors the side of the right-center divide that produces fewer truly electable candidates.
Presidential primaries, at least for the first 15 or 20 states, usually are won not by majorities but by pluralities. And pluralities are won by having one candidate who splits an identifiable strain of voters with as few other candidates as possible — or, better yet, with none.
The “establishment” rallied behind John McCain in 2008. Romney, Fred Thompson, and Mike Huckabee all ran to his right (and with Ron Paul also taking the libertarian Right, further diluting conservative votes). McCain won less than 40 percent of the vote in New Hampshire, less than 35 percent in South Carolina, about 35 percent in Florida and Oklahoma, and less than 40 percent in Missouri (to list the most heavily contested early-ish states), but he won pluralities and thus was declared the “victor” in each. (This also meant he grabbed the bulk of the delegates in each of these states.) On the strength of those early pluralities, he grabbed the cloak of inevitability for the nomination.
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Hogan Knocks Maryland’s Departing Governor For ‘Midnight Hour’ Decisions
“I’m very opposed to all of these important decisions being made in the midnight hour of this administration,” Hogan told reporters following a meeting in Annapolis with the state’s five Republican county executives. “I think it’s a mistake. I think the people of Maryland have voted to go in a different direction.”
In recent weeks, the departing Democratic administration has put forward controversial new rules intended to curb pollution from farms and pledged to offer a series of regulatory safeguards that would limit the conditions under which hydraulic fracturing could take place in Western Maryland.
The incoming Republican governor said he has counted a total of 50 new proposed regulations since the election.
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11 Law Enforcement Officers Killed
While many in the nation, from Oakland to New York, rally in protest over the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, I keep wondering: What about the good cops? As with our military personnel, we are often quick to hang the allegedly corrupt but slow to honor those who serve honestly to protect.
According to the nonprofit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, there are more than 900,000 of them who are serving in the United States; about 12 percent are women.
The FBI reported that there were 404 incidents of “justifiable homicide” by American police in 2011. That is a high number, especially when compared with other countries. As Business Insider reported, “by comparison, just six people were killed by police in Australia over the same period. Police in England and Wales killed only two people, and German police killed six.”
What BI doesn’t explain, however, is that 150 U.S. law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty every year. Did you know that one cop is killed in the line of duty roughly every two days?
First, it’s important to note what our uniformed guardians of good are really up against. According to the NLEOMF, in the U.S.: –“According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, an estimated 1.2 million violent crimes occurred nationwide in 2011.”
–“On average, over the last decade, there have been 58,261 assaults against law enforcement each year, resulting in 15,658 injuries.”
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According to the nonprofit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, there are more than 900,000 of them who are serving in the United States; about 12 percent are women.
The FBI reported that there were 404 incidents of “justifiable homicide” by American police in 2011. That is a high number, especially when compared with other countries. As Business Insider reported, “by comparison, just six people were killed by police in Australia over the same period. Police in England and Wales killed only two people, and German police killed six.”
What BI doesn’t explain, however, is that 150 U.S. law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty every year. Did you know that one cop is killed in the line of duty roughly every two days?
First, it’s important to note what our uniformed guardians of good are really up against. According to the NLEOMF, in the U.S.: –“According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, an estimated 1.2 million violent crimes occurred nationwide in 2011.”
–“On average, over the last decade, there have been 58,261 assaults against law enforcement each year, resulting in 15,658 injuries.”
More
Turning Disability Into Dollars: Lawyers Scalp $1.2 Billion From Social Security In 2013
Social Security’s financial woes due to an aging American population are hardly news.
However, the elderly are not the only group covered by Social Security. Since 1956, disability has been included as a part of Social Security, providing income to those who are physically unable to work. Along with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), these two programs have provided a booming industry for attorneys, according to a report from the Manhattan Institute’s Center for Legal Policy.
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However, the elderly are not the only group covered by Social Security. Since 1956, disability has been included as a part of Social Security, providing income to those who are physically unable to work. Along with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), these two programs have provided a booming industry for attorneys, according to a report from the Manhattan Institute’s Center for Legal Policy.
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To the Moon, Alice
Ever have days you wish the Internet did not exist, we still had three channels and only one dinnertime national newscast? Not counting commercials, Cronkite or Chet Huntley would read about 22 minutes of news interspersed with filmed correspondent reports. We were spoon-fed far fewer stories than today and life seemed less stressful.
But now, with the Internet, 24-hour news channels and an endless litany of news sources, every conceivable bit of information blasts at us from all corners of the globe. Thousands of stories are all but fed intravenously to us daily from any organization or individual with a keyboard. We live in an upside-down, out-of-kilter world where a story’s importance is soon supplanted by another bombshell. And yet, as Ralph Cramden only threatened to send Alice to the moon, one story I read today did just that-without the luxury of a rocket ship.
The Daily Caller headline screamed “Columbia Law School Students Will Be Allowed to Postpone Final Exams over Grand Jury Decisions.”. The article stated that the decision of the Grand Juries in the Ferguson, Missouri, Michael Brown case and Staten Island, NY, Eric Garner case “have shaken the faith of some in the integrity of the grand jury system and in the law more generally.” Evidently, some of the students have suffered trauma from these two cases and simply cannot deal with their upcoming exams. The school will be holding special sessions next week with a trauma specialist to assist future LAWYERS shaken by the grand jury decisions.
Woe is our country.
What kinds of kids are being raised in the United States? They disagree with a grand jury’s decision and need specialists to assist with their emotional hysteria? We might as well throw in a personal masseuse or a meditation guru to soften the blows and calm the nerves. If their case does not bode well in the future, will these law students throw a tantrum in the chambers? Will bailiffs keep pacifiers on hand – just in case?
Here is a clear example of what is wrong with the millennial generation. The Obama years and the millennials that sprang from it have been cushioned from the realities of life. This utopian liberal mentality is biting us; we had better bite back or we will be swallowed by a competitive and dangerous world.
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But now, with the Internet, 24-hour news channels and an endless litany of news sources, every conceivable bit of information blasts at us from all corners of the globe. Thousands of stories are all but fed intravenously to us daily from any organization or individual with a keyboard. We live in an upside-down, out-of-kilter world where a story’s importance is soon supplanted by another bombshell. And yet, as Ralph Cramden only threatened to send Alice to the moon, one story I read today did just that-without the luxury of a rocket ship.
The Daily Caller headline screamed “Columbia Law School Students Will Be Allowed to Postpone Final Exams over Grand Jury Decisions.”. The article stated that the decision of the Grand Juries in the Ferguson, Missouri, Michael Brown case and Staten Island, NY, Eric Garner case “have shaken the faith of some in the integrity of the grand jury system and in the law more generally.” Evidently, some of the students have suffered trauma from these two cases and simply cannot deal with their upcoming exams. The school will be holding special sessions next week with a trauma specialist to assist future LAWYERS shaken by the grand jury decisions.
Woe is our country.
What kinds of kids are being raised in the United States? They disagree with a grand jury’s decision and need specialists to assist with their emotional hysteria? We might as well throw in a personal masseuse or a meditation guru to soften the blows and calm the nerves. If their case does not bode well in the future, will these law students throw a tantrum in the chambers? Will bailiffs keep pacifiers on hand – just in case?
Here is a clear example of what is wrong with the millennial generation. The Obama years and the millennials that sprang from it have been cushioned from the realities of life. This utopian liberal mentality is biting us; we had better bite back or we will be swallowed by a competitive and dangerous world.
More
Federal Officials Lectured Ferguson Residents About “White Privilege”
When Department of Justice officials arrived in Ferguson, Mo., one day after the death of Michael Brown, it wasn’t just to conduct an investigation on potential civil-rights violations. In fact, officials from one Justice Department office were conducting meetings with Ferguson residents to educate them on subjects such as “white privilege.”
The DOJ’s Community Relations Service arrived in Ferguson purportedly to lessen the tension between protesters and city officials. But sources who attended the DOJ’s private gatherings with Ferguson residents tell NRO that the Justice Department also sought to educate and question the community about the issues of white privilege and racism.
The political nature of the Justice Department’s intervention in Ferguson may not be exclusive to its interactions with residents; it also might have affected its ongoing investigations into the Ferguson Police Department and officer Darren Wilson.
As investigators combed through Ferguson, DOJ’s Community Relations Service began holding the town-hall meetings, which excluded press and everyone from out of town. Ferguson resident Audrey Watson, 47, attended one of the meetings. She says federal officials organized the attendees into small groups and asked questions such as “What stereotypes exist in our community?” “How does white privilege impact race relations in our community?” and “Is there a need for personal commitment to race relations?”
More here
The DOJ’s Community Relations Service arrived in Ferguson purportedly to lessen the tension between protesters and city officials. But sources who attended the DOJ’s private gatherings with Ferguson residents tell NRO that the Justice Department also sought to educate and question the community about the issues of white privilege and racism.
The political nature of the Justice Department’s intervention in Ferguson may not be exclusive to its interactions with residents; it also might have affected its ongoing investigations into the Ferguson Police Department and officer Darren Wilson.
As investigators combed through Ferguson, DOJ’s Community Relations Service began holding the town-hall meetings, which excluded press and everyone from out of town. Ferguson resident Audrey Watson, 47, attended one of the meetings. She says federal officials organized the attendees into small groups and asked questions such as “What stereotypes exist in our community?” “How does white privilege impact race relations in our community?” and “Is there a need for personal commitment to race relations?”
More here
OCPD WARNING CITIZENS OF TELEPHONE SCAM
The Ocean City Police Department is warning citizens about a current telephone scam that has recently been reported in the resort. The scam involves a caller who claims to be a Town of Ocean City Water Department employee.
The scammer states that a payment is needed and if the resident does not pay immediately, the scammer claims that a technician from the Town will turn off all water service. Further, the scammer states that the technician will only accept payment in the form of a MoneyPack pre-payable card. The scammer claims the card will be picked up by the technician but later calls and requests the card confirmation number. Citizens are advised that all calls from this scammer have come from the number 1-800-878-4957.
The Ocean City Police Department and the Town of Ocean City reminds citizens that employees will never request nor accept a pre-payable card as payment for utilities. Additionally, employees will never request credit card information from citizens over the phone.Citizens that receive a call from this scammer are asked to hang up and contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610 to report the call.
Did a bird strike cause the Maryland suburb private jet crash?
The North Carolina CEO who is believed to have been piloting his private jet when it came down on a Washington D.C. suburb killing a mother and her two young sons had crashed a plane in March, 2010, on the same approach.
According to a government official who asked not to be named, Dr. Michael K. Rosenberg missed the runway on his approach to Montgomery County Airpark near to Gaithersburg and crashed his propeller-powered plane into trees.
No one was seriously hurt during that crash but on Monday, Marie Gemmell lost her life shielding her six-week old son, Devin and three-year-old boy, Cole, from the fireball that engulfed her home when Rosenberg's plane crash landed.
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According to a government official who asked not to be named, Dr. Michael K. Rosenberg missed the runway on his approach to Montgomery County Airpark near to Gaithersburg and crashed his propeller-powered plane into trees.
No one was seriously hurt during that crash but on Monday, Marie Gemmell lost her life shielding her six-week old son, Devin and three-year-old boy, Cole, from the fireball that engulfed her home when Rosenberg's plane crash landed.
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Freezer Cooking: How to Make a Month’s Worth of Dinners for Less Than $300
Since your alarm went off at 6 a.m., you’ve roused and fed your kids, sent them off to school, put in an eight-hour day at the office… and now it’s time to feed the family. You know you’ve got the makings for a hearty and healthy stir-fry in the fridge, but that requires at least 20 minutes of washing and chopping veggies.
As you drive through town, listening to your kids fussing about being hungry, a burger joint lures you in; you know the kids will soon be happy and you’ll be able to get through the evening without further raising your stress levels.
Sound familiar? Even the most well-intentioned penny pinchers and savvy shoppers have found themselves in a similar predicament. While there’s no need to beat yourself up over an occasional deviation from the norm, it’s worthwhile to consider making some changes to keep the last-minute drive-through dinner rush from becoming a regular occurrence.
Besides any health concerns you may have, eating out can do a number on your pocketbook. The average American family spends just over $500 a month on food, according to a chart with statistics from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Imagine investing that money into good-for-you ingredients that can be cooked at home while you’re working.
Here Come the Oil Company Cutbacks
While U.S. consumers and businesses are in a holiday mood over the dramatictumble of oil and gasoline prices, the companies that produce and supply that oil are finding themselves in a pinch.
Crude oil fell during Monday trade to less than $63 a barrel, the lowest level in more than five years, and it has dropped about 35 percent since June, boosted in large part by the North American shale oil and natural gas boom. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports U.S. proved oil reserves increased for a fifth straight year in 2013, while the nation's proved natural gas reserves rose 10 percent and are currently at an all-time high.
Add to that equation OPEC's recent decision to maintain its current level of oil production, and you have a lot of oil on the market -- and a lot of companies struggling to stay cost-efficient.
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Crude oil fell during Monday trade to less than $63 a barrel, the lowest level in more than five years, and it has dropped about 35 percent since June, boosted in large part by the North American shale oil and natural gas boom. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports U.S. proved oil reserves increased for a fifth straight year in 2013, while the nation's proved natural gas reserves rose 10 percent and are currently at an all-time high.
Add to that equation OPEC's recent decision to maintain its current level of oil production, and you have a lot of oil on the market -- and a lot of companies struggling to stay cost-efficient.
More
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac - Lower Down Payments
Republicans criticize plan as risky lending
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have set terms for letting borrowers put down as little as 3 percent of a home’s cost to get mortgages, a step criticized by Republican lawmakers as a return to risky lending.
Starting on Dec. 13, Fannie Mae will allow the lower down payments for first-time homebuyers and permit refinancing borrowers to reduce equity to 3 percent to cover closing costs, the company said today in a statement. Freddie Mac will begin a program in March giving breaks to lower-income buyers and first-time borrowers who get housing counseling.
“These underwriting guidelines provide a responsible approach to improving access to credit while ensuring safe and sound lending practices,” Melvin L. Watt, who oversees the two U.S.-owned companies as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, said in a statement.
More
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have set terms for letting borrowers put down as little as 3 percent of a home’s cost to get mortgages, a step criticized by Republican lawmakers as a return to risky lending.
Starting on Dec. 13, Fannie Mae will allow the lower down payments for first-time homebuyers and permit refinancing borrowers to reduce equity to 3 percent to cover closing costs, the company said today in a statement. Freddie Mac will begin a program in March giving breaks to lower-income buyers and first-time borrowers who get housing counseling.
“These underwriting guidelines provide a responsible approach to improving access to credit while ensuring safe and sound lending practices,” Melvin L. Watt, who oversees the two U.S.-owned companies as head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, said in a statement.
More
10 Most Popular American Names
So what boys names are in style now? And what's cool these days?
Also see Top Ten Names For Girls Here.
Well according to the United State's Social Security Agency, these are the 10 most popular names chosen for baby boys in the year 2013 and 2012:
More
Also see Top Ten Names For Girls Here.
Well according to the United State's Social Security Agency, these are the 10 most popular names chosen for baby boys in the year 2013 and 2012:
More
This 29-Year-Old Was A Waitress — Then She Got A Cat With Dwarfism, Quit Her Job, And Became A Multi-Millionaire
On Sept. 22, 2012, Bundesen's brother changed her life.
Bundesen was working as a waitress. Her brother took a photo of her peeved-looking cat and posted it to Reddit. The photo went viral and Grumpy Cat quickly became a meme, with recognition on sites like BuzzFeed and CNBC.
It earned more than 1 million views on Imgur within 48 hours.
Grumpy Cat has a form of dwarfism and an underbite that yields a perpetual frown.
More
Congressman Andy Harris 2014 Election Recap Memo
In all my years in Maryland politics, I have never seen a candidate who so generously used their own campaign funds to help other Republicans. As the attached memo lays out, Congressman Andy Harris raised funds in support of other candidates or gave away to other candidates a total of$1,017,800! His efforts were a major contribution to the phenomenal gains made in Maryland.
· He. supported 72 candidates for Congress or U.S. Senate and raised $475,000 for the National Republican Congressional
· Committee (NRCC).
· At the state level, Andy donated directly to 32 candidates. To local candidates and the Maryland GOP, he distributed over $190,000 through his campaign and through his leadership PAC - Chesapeake PAC.
· He also invested $175,000 in “A Great Maryland PAC,” an independent expenditure PAC that ran television ads, sent
· mailers, and performed GOTV efforts to target Democratic lawmakers in swing districts.
From: Andy Harris Campaign
To: Interested Parties
Date: December 3, 2014
Re: Congressman Harris 2014 Election Recap
To: Interested Parties
Date: December 3, 2014
Re: Congressman Harris 2014 Election Recap
In 2013 and 2014, Congressman Andy Harris made unprecedented investments in Maryland candidates and other candidates around the country. These investments produced a bounty of Republicans elected to office. Congressman Harris raised funds in support of other candidates or gave away to other candidates a total of $1,017,800!
Through direct donations, Congressman Harris supported 72 candidates for Congress or U.S. Senate. Among the candidates he supported, 49 won and 23 lost. In addition, Congressman Harris raised $475,000 for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the organization responsible for helping Republicans maintain and expand the majority in the House of Representatives.
At the state level, Congressman Harris donated directly to 32 candidates. Of the candidates he supported, 28 won, including 10 seats previously held by Democrats. To local candidates and the Maryland GOP, he distributed over $190,000 through his campaign and through his leadership PAC - Chesapeake PAC. In addition, he invested $175,000 in “A Great Maryland PAC,” an independent expenditure PAC that ran television ads, sent mailers, and performed GOTV efforts to target Democratic lawmakers in swing districts.
A more detailed review of races and investments is below:
Maryland Investments and Results
The big news on Election Night was the victory by Larry Hogan in the race for Governor, but slightly overlooked were the gains we made in legislative and local races. Going into this election cycle, Congressman Harris decided to invest early in candidates for State House of Delegates and State Senate. In particular, he focused on turning the First District red from top to bottom.
This was the first election since the 2010 Census and redistricting process. Democrats redrew the legislative district boundaries to make their own seats more secure and to make it much more difficult for Republicans. As a result of the redistricting, Republicans entered this election cycle with five fewer seats in the House of Delegates and an expectation of losing an additional seat in the State Senate. The Republicans were hoping to regain those 5 seats to maintain 43 Republicans; more optimistic Republicans were hoping to win additional races for a total of 47 Republicans. With Congressman Harris’ efforts, even those optimistic estimates were exceeded and 50 Republicans are entering the House of Delegates this January.
On the Eastern Shore, maximum contributions through the Andy Harris campaign and Chesapeake PAC were made to delegate candidates Carl Anderton and Kevin Hornberger, both of whom defeated long-time Democrat stalwarts. Carl defeated 28 year incumbent Norm Conway, who also is the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, in a Wicomico County based district. Kevin defeated 16 year incumbent David Rudolph, who is the Vice Chair of the Economic Matters Committee, in a Cecil County district. Every seat on the Shore other than the democratically drawn majority-minority district is now held by Republicans. The lone Democrat State Senator on the Shore, Jim Mathias, regrettably, barely held on to his seat despite investments of time and financial resources in the race. All three delegate seats in his State Senate district went Republican, but Mathias held on by the skin of his teeth.
Another big highlight on the Shore was the defeat of Democrat Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt by Republican Bob Culver. Congressman Harris donated significantly to Bob’s campaign, and Culver was able to pull it out. In addition to these Democrat-held seats, four candidates running in open seats and supported by Harris were able to put their races away with ease. Mary Beth Carozza (Worcester) won 74% in her single member district. Chris Adams (Wicomico) and Johnny Mautz (Talbot) each doubled the amount of votes received by their Democratic challengers. Jay Jacobs (Kent), Steve Arentz (Queen Anne’s) and Jeff Ghrist (Caroline) all ran strong victorious delegate campaigns. With the election of Jeff Ghrist, Caroline County has for the first time in decades a resident delegate.
Every Republican Delegate or Senate candidate who represents a part of the First District received some level of financial support from Congressman Harris.
On the Western Shore, the results were just as good. Carroll County remained the stronghold for Republicans in the state. In Harford County, Republican Bob Cassilly defeated Democrat Delegate Mary Delaney James in a race for the seat of retiring State Senator Nancy Jacobs. The Democrats had redrawn this district to favor James and Mike Miller’s Senate Slate invested over $200,000, but Cassilly’s hard work and maximum financial support from Congressman Harris gave him a victory.
In Baltimore County, Republicans completely swept Senate District 6 in Dundalk/Essex. Johnny Salling, a first time candidate, defeated Johnny Olszewski, who came from a long-time political family and was considered very safe. This race was on no one’s radar screen but after looking closely at the district and candidates, Congressman Harris felt there was potential here despite the odds. He invested in the campaign and helped send Salling to the Maryland State Senate! All three Republican Delegate candidates also won also won because of help from the House Republican Slate. These are big wins for Republicans. Unfortunately Congressman Harris’ good friend Dr. Tim Robinson came up just 1500 votes short against Democrat Jim Brochin in Senate District 42 - another race outside observers didn’t think was going to be close. Interestingly, right after the close election Democrat Jim Brochin called for a repeal of the rain tax - a tax he had previously voted for.
In addition to helping candidates, Harris invested $57,500 in the Maryland Republican Party. As a result of this donation, the MDGOP was able to fund victory centers in Baltimore and Salisbury, with staff that ran phone banks, recruited volunteers, helped coordinate grassroot efforts for legislative and local candidates while supplementing efforts being done by the Hogan campaign to help make him Governor-elect Hogan.
As a result of a recent Supreme Court ruling, Maryland permitted individuals - for the first time - to form independent-expenditure-only political action committees that can take unlimited donations and spend unlimited amounts on races as long as they don’t donate directly to or coordinate with candidates. Congressman Harris invested $175,000 in one such PAC, “A Great Maryland.” The results were overwhelmingly positive. “A Great Maryland” spent money educating the public about the tax and spend records of Democrats in key races around the state and won all targeted races but one. The Democrat House and Senate leaders, as usual, used their monopoly to raise and spend more than $1,000,000 on legislative races this year, but they were livid that Republicans were trying to fight back. Through work by the House Republican Slate and this IE unit, Republicans were able to at least compete (even if we were outspent) and win a lot of districts Democrats assumed were safe.
Federal Investments and Results
At the federal level, Congressman Harris was also active. Congressman Harris, through both his campaign and Chesapeake PAC, supported 72 candidates for Congress or Senate; 68% of the races he supported were victorious. Congressman Harris donated $142,700 to these races. House Republicans now have their largest majority since the Hoover Administration (1928). The House Conference also became more diverse. Mia Love (Utah) became the first African American Republican woman elected to the House. Will Hurd (Texas) became the first African American Republican Congressman from Texas and represents a majority-minority district. Elise Stefanik (New York), at age 30, became the youngest woman ever elected to serve on Capitol Hill. Carlos Curbelo (Florida) will be the youngest Hispanic lawmaker in the next Congress. All of these candidates were supported by Congressman Harris.
In the sixth district in Maryland, Dan Bongino came incredibly close to defeating incumbent Democrat John Delaney. Even though national Republicans didn’t invest in the race, Congressman Harris gave Dan $3,000 in a race that was tighter than pundits expected.
In addition to donating directly to candidates, Congressman Harris raised money for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). The NRCC exists to help elect Republicans to the House of Representatives. As part of serving on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Harris has to raise at least $405,000 per cycle for the NRCC. This cycle, Congressman Harris surpassed his obligation and raised $475,000.
This money was raised through events such as the NRCC annual March Dinner, as well as through events hosted by Congressman Harris in Maryland with Speaker Boehner and Congressman Paul Ryan. Beyond his successful fundraising role, this cycle Congressman Harris served on the NRCC’s Executive Committee and Recruiting Committee.
First District Congressional Race
While Congressman Harris was investing in national and Maryland races, he never lost sight of his top priority - to ensure his return to the House of Representatives. Congressman Harris spent about $200,000 on television, radio, and mail. His opponent loaned his own campaign $200,000 of his own money for the race, launching television ads early on.
Because Harris’ opponent did not invest in Baltimore broadcast television, Congressman Harris didn’t either and was able to use money he would have otherwise had to spend there on other races.
Harris won with over 70% of the vote. To put that number in perspective, in 2012 he won with 63% of the vote and in 2010 with 54% (though the district was redrawn after 2010). He won every county in the District. His strongest county was Carroll, where he received 82% of the vote, and his weakest county was Kent, where he received 56%.
Looking Ahead
2014 was a great year for Republicans. An unpopular president and the smaller turnout that occurs in every midterm election resulted in Republicans making significant gains across the country. 2016 is a Presidential election year and this unpopular President will not be on the ballot. As a result, turnout among all groups will be significantly higher. This puts Republicans in danger.
Congressman Harris is already formulating a plan for how to help Republicans expand or at least keep their congressional majority in 2016. In Maryland, a few local races (Cecil County Executive, for example) will join the federal races (Congress and one Senate seat) on the 2016 ballot. He is looking at these Maryland races to make sure Republicans maximize opportunities. At the federal level, he is looking at the few Democratic seats that barely got away this cycle and will be focusing on protecting his fellow incumbents.
With Eric Cantor’s loss earlier this year, no incumbent can take primary elections lightly. For all of these reasons, Andy Harris will continue to need to raise significant amounts of money. Whether a donation is made directly to his campaign, to Chesapeake PAC, or contributions are given to the NRCC to be credited to Congressman Harris, all support helps him effectively serve the voters of the First District as well as help all Republicans in Maryland and in Congress.
Through direct donations, Congressman Harris supported 72 candidates for Congress or U.S. Senate. Among the candidates he supported, 49 won and 23 lost. In addition, Congressman Harris raised $475,000 for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the organization responsible for helping Republicans maintain and expand the majority in the House of Representatives.
At the state level, Congressman Harris donated directly to 32 candidates. Of the candidates he supported, 28 won, including 10 seats previously held by Democrats. To local candidates and the Maryland GOP, he distributed over $190,000 through his campaign and through his leadership PAC - Chesapeake PAC. In addition, he invested $175,000 in “A Great Maryland PAC,” an independent expenditure PAC that ran television ads, sent mailers, and performed GOTV efforts to target Democratic lawmakers in swing districts.
A more detailed review of races and investments is below:
Maryland Investments and Results
The big news on Election Night was the victory by Larry Hogan in the race for Governor, but slightly overlooked were the gains we made in legislative and local races. Going into this election cycle, Congressman Harris decided to invest early in candidates for State House of Delegates and State Senate. In particular, he focused on turning the First District red from top to bottom.
This was the first election since the 2010 Census and redistricting process. Democrats redrew the legislative district boundaries to make their own seats more secure and to make it much more difficult for Republicans. As a result of the redistricting, Republicans entered this election cycle with five fewer seats in the House of Delegates and an expectation of losing an additional seat in the State Senate. The Republicans were hoping to regain those 5 seats to maintain 43 Republicans; more optimistic Republicans were hoping to win additional races for a total of 47 Republicans. With Congressman Harris’ efforts, even those optimistic estimates were exceeded and 50 Republicans are entering the House of Delegates this January.
On the Eastern Shore, maximum contributions through the Andy Harris campaign and Chesapeake PAC were made to delegate candidates Carl Anderton and Kevin Hornberger, both of whom defeated long-time Democrat stalwarts. Carl defeated 28 year incumbent Norm Conway, who also is the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, in a Wicomico County based district. Kevin defeated 16 year incumbent David Rudolph, who is the Vice Chair of the Economic Matters Committee, in a Cecil County district. Every seat on the Shore other than the democratically drawn majority-minority district is now held by Republicans. The lone Democrat State Senator on the Shore, Jim Mathias, regrettably, barely held on to his seat despite investments of time and financial resources in the race. All three delegate seats in his State Senate district went Republican, but Mathias held on by the skin of his teeth.
Another big highlight on the Shore was the defeat of Democrat Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt by Republican Bob Culver. Congressman Harris donated significantly to Bob’s campaign, and Culver was able to pull it out. In addition to these Democrat-held seats, four candidates running in open seats and supported by Harris were able to put their races away with ease. Mary Beth Carozza (Worcester) won 74% in her single member district. Chris Adams (Wicomico) and Johnny Mautz (Talbot) each doubled the amount of votes received by their Democratic challengers. Jay Jacobs (Kent), Steve Arentz (Queen Anne’s) and Jeff Ghrist (Caroline) all ran strong victorious delegate campaigns. With the election of Jeff Ghrist, Caroline County has for the first time in decades a resident delegate.
Every Republican Delegate or Senate candidate who represents a part of the First District received some level of financial support from Congressman Harris.
On the Western Shore, the results were just as good. Carroll County remained the stronghold for Republicans in the state. In Harford County, Republican Bob Cassilly defeated Democrat Delegate Mary Delaney James in a race for the seat of retiring State Senator Nancy Jacobs. The Democrats had redrawn this district to favor James and Mike Miller’s Senate Slate invested over $200,000, but Cassilly’s hard work and maximum financial support from Congressman Harris gave him a victory.
In Baltimore County, Republicans completely swept Senate District 6 in Dundalk/Essex. Johnny Salling, a first time candidate, defeated Johnny Olszewski, who came from a long-time political family and was considered very safe. This race was on no one’s radar screen but after looking closely at the district and candidates, Congressman Harris felt there was potential here despite the odds. He invested in the campaign and helped send Salling to the Maryland State Senate! All three Republican Delegate candidates also won also won because of help from the House Republican Slate. These are big wins for Republicans. Unfortunately Congressman Harris’ good friend Dr. Tim Robinson came up just 1500 votes short against Democrat Jim Brochin in Senate District 42 - another race outside observers didn’t think was going to be close. Interestingly, right after the close election Democrat Jim Brochin called for a repeal of the rain tax - a tax he had previously voted for.
In addition to helping candidates, Harris invested $57,500 in the Maryland Republican Party. As a result of this donation, the MDGOP was able to fund victory centers in Baltimore and Salisbury, with staff that ran phone banks, recruited volunteers, helped coordinate grassroot efforts for legislative and local candidates while supplementing efforts being done by the Hogan campaign to help make him Governor-elect Hogan.
As a result of a recent Supreme Court ruling, Maryland permitted individuals - for the first time - to form independent-expenditure-only political action committees that can take unlimited donations and spend unlimited amounts on races as long as they don’t donate directly to or coordinate with candidates. Congressman Harris invested $175,000 in one such PAC, “A Great Maryland.” The results were overwhelmingly positive. “A Great Maryland” spent money educating the public about the tax and spend records of Democrats in key races around the state and won all targeted races but one. The Democrat House and Senate leaders, as usual, used their monopoly to raise and spend more than $1,000,000 on legislative races this year, but they were livid that Republicans were trying to fight back. Through work by the House Republican Slate and this IE unit, Republicans were able to at least compete (even if we were outspent) and win a lot of districts Democrats assumed were safe.
Federal Investments and Results
At the federal level, Congressman Harris was also active. Congressman Harris, through both his campaign and Chesapeake PAC, supported 72 candidates for Congress or Senate; 68% of the races he supported were victorious. Congressman Harris donated $142,700 to these races. House Republicans now have their largest majority since the Hoover Administration (1928). The House Conference also became more diverse. Mia Love (Utah) became the first African American Republican woman elected to the House. Will Hurd (Texas) became the first African American Republican Congressman from Texas and represents a majority-minority district. Elise Stefanik (New York), at age 30, became the youngest woman ever elected to serve on Capitol Hill. Carlos Curbelo (Florida) will be the youngest Hispanic lawmaker in the next Congress. All of these candidates were supported by Congressman Harris.
In the sixth district in Maryland, Dan Bongino came incredibly close to defeating incumbent Democrat John Delaney. Even though national Republicans didn’t invest in the race, Congressman Harris gave Dan $3,000 in a race that was tighter than pundits expected.
In addition to donating directly to candidates, Congressman Harris raised money for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). The NRCC exists to help elect Republicans to the House of Representatives. As part of serving on the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Harris has to raise at least $405,000 per cycle for the NRCC. This cycle, Congressman Harris surpassed his obligation and raised $475,000.
This money was raised through events such as the NRCC annual March Dinner, as well as through events hosted by Congressman Harris in Maryland with Speaker Boehner and Congressman Paul Ryan. Beyond his successful fundraising role, this cycle Congressman Harris served on the NRCC’s Executive Committee and Recruiting Committee.
First District Congressional Race
While Congressman Harris was investing in national and Maryland races, he never lost sight of his top priority - to ensure his return to the House of Representatives. Congressman Harris spent about $200,000 on television, radio, and mail. His opponent loaned his own campaign $200,000 of his own money for the race, launching television ads early on.
Because Harris’ opponent did not invest in Baltimore broadcast television, Congressman Harris didn’t either and was able to use money he would have otherwise had to spend there on other races.
Harris won with over 70% of the vote. To put that number in perspective, in 2012 he won with 63% of the vote and in 2010 with 54% (though the district was redrawn after 2010). He won every county in the District. His strongest county was Carroll, where he received 82% of the vote, and his weakest county was Kent, where he received 56%.
Looking Ahead
2014 was a great year for Republicans. An unpopular president and the smaller turnout that occurs in every midterm election resulted in Republicans making significant gains across the country. 2016 is a Presidential election year and this unpopular President will not be on the ballot. As a result, turnout among all groups will be significantly higher. This puts Republicans in danger.
Congressman Harris is already formulating a plan for how to help Republicans expand or at least keep their congressional majority in 2016. In Maryland, a few local races (Cecil County Executive, for example) will join the federal races (Congress and one Senate seat) on the 2016 ballot. He is looking at these Maryland races to make sure Republicans maximize opportunities. At the federal level, he is looking at the few Democratic seats that barely got away this cycle and will be focusing on protecting his fellow incumbents.
With Eric Cantor’s loss earlier this year, no incumbent can take primary elections lightly. For all of these reasons, Andy Harris will continue to need to raise significant amounts of money. Whether a donation is made directly to his campaign, to Chesapeake PAC, or contributions are given to the NRCC to be credited to Congressman Harris, all support helps him effectively serve the voters of the First District as well as help all Republicans in Maryland and in Congress.
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