True the Vote, one of the conservative nonprofits targeted for intrusive scrutiny by the IRS, filed a notice of appeal Thursday signaling it will ask judges to throw out a lower court’s ruling that found the IRS’s targeting had already stopped, and tossed their case.
The group, however, says there’s no evidence the IRS has changed its behavior. They want the courts to impose an order forbidding targeting in the future.
“The IRS targeting scandal is not over and neither is our effort to seek justice in the federal courts,” said Catherine Engelbrecht, founder of True the Vote.
District Judge Reggie Walton ruled in October that the IRS had stopped its targeting and had granted True the Vote its charitable organization status, so there was no longer any actual injury to True the Vote or most of the other tea party groups that had sued the tax agency.
More on this..
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 24, 2014
What This Guy Just Did Will Give You Goosebumps. This Is What A Hero Looks Like
Lars was out for a stroll when he spotted a duck trapped under the ice on the surface of a frozen lake.
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Two pediatric flu deaths confirmed in Virginia’s Eastern Region
The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed that two preschool-aged children in the Eastern Region have died as a result of the flu.
It is a requirement that pediatric flu deaths are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The deaths were reported to the CDC on Monday, according to VDH spokesman Larry Hill.
The exact cities or counties in the Eastern Region in which the deaths occurred have not been released. The Eastern Region covers Accomack, Chesapeake, Essex, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, King & Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Portsmouth, Richmond County, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, and York.
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It is a requirement that pediatric flu deaths are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The deaths were reported to the CDC on Monday, according to VDH spokesman Larry Hill.
The exact cities or counties in the Eastern Region in which the deaths occurred have not been released. The Eastern Region covers Accomack, Chesapeake, Essex, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, King & Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Newport News, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, Portsmouth, Richmond County, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Westmoreland, Williamsburg, and York.
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NYPD Cadets Advised Not to Wear Uniforms in Public
New York City police officials are now recommending that academy trainees not wear their uniforms in public, or any other clothing associating them with the NYPD.
The cadets have been informed of this so-called soft recommendation in light of the shootings of two police officers Saturday, which police commissioner Bill Bratton described as "assassinations."
Officials described the move as a common-sense precautionary step because they have also been assessing a number of copycat threats since the initial attack.
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The cadets have been informed of this so-called soft recommendation in light of the shootings of two police officers Saturday, which police commissioner Bill Bratton described as "assassinations."
Officials described the move as a common-sense precautionary step because they have also been assessing a number of copycat threats since the initial attack.
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Sweetheart Tea and Fashion Show
Feb. 12th Sweetheart Tea
Poplar Hill Mansion
117 Elizabeth St., Salisbury, MD. 21801
410 749 1776 or 410 749 5168
curator@poplarhillmansion
Celebrate an early Valentine’s Day by inviting your favorite
friend or sweetheart to our annual Sweetheart Tea and Fashion Show with
Fashions by Vernon Powell on Thursday Feb 12th at 11:30 am. Our menu is fruit cup, hearty soup, assorted
tea sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and assorted sweets with
Lady Gray decaffeinated tea. Enjoy a lovely high tea while checking out
beautiful fashions by Vernon Powell.
Raffle tickets will be for sale on assorted items. Handmade jewelry will
also be available for sale by local designer. Cost is $22.00 and check must be
mailed to hold your reservation. RSVP as seats sell out fast. Help our needy
families by dropping off some non perishables for our food drive. Call 410 749
1776 or 410 749 5168 or email curator@poplarhillmansion.org for more
information.
Poplar Hill Mansion is Salisbury’s oldest documented Federal
Home and is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of
Poplar Hill Mansion. All proceeds go toward our preservation projects.
The Greater Abomination: Washington’s Lies About TARP’s “Success” Are Worse Than The Original Bailouts, Part I
The mainstream economics narrative is so far down the monetary rabbit hole that the blinding clarity of the chart below has no chance whatsoever of seeing the light of day. That’s because it dramatizes the real truth regarding all the Fed gibberish about “accommodation” and “stimulus”. Namely, that what lies beneath its “extraordinary measures”, such as ZIRP, QE, wealth effects and the rest of the litany, is a central banking regime that systematically destroy savers. Period.
Just take the simple case of a worker who joined the labor force in 1969 at $100 per week or $5,200 annually, and worked at the average non-supervisory weekly wage posted by the BLS every year through 2009. By that point he or she would have attained an ending wage of $600 per week or $31k annually, and a 40-year average annual income of about $20k in nominal terms. With a normal load of payroll and state and local withholding, the latter would have left about $15,000 per year on an after-tax basis.
Upon retirement this BLS tracking worker could have possibly accumulated $100,000 in a savings nest egg—-but only if he or she had been completely atypical and set aside an average of 17% of after-tax income each and every year. Needless to say, that would have precluded nearly all everyday “luxuries” such as a regular new car, an occasional trip to Disneyland, a bass boat for weekend fishing and most other like and similar modest indulgences. Instead, deep thrift would have been the omnipresent watchword of this household.
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Just take the simple case of a worker who joined the labor force in 1969 at $100 per week or $5,200 annually, and worked at the average non-supervisory weekly wage posted by the BLS every year through 2009. By that point he or she would have attained an ending wage of $600 per week or $31k annually, and a 40-year average annual income of about $20k in nominal terms. With a normal load of payroll and state and local withholding, the latter would have left about $15,000 per year on an after-tax basis.
Upon retirement this BLS tracking worker could have possibly accumulated $100,000 in a savings nest egg—-but only if he or she had been completely atypical and set aside an average of 17% of after-tax income each and every year. Needless to say, that would have precluded nearly all everyday “luxuries” such as a regular new car, an occasional trip to Disneyland, a bass boat for weekend fishing and most other like and similar modest indulgences. Instead, deep thrift would have been the omnipresent watchword of this household.
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I Am The Type Of American They Want To See Disappear
I believe in putting Americans first. Poor Americans should come before illegal immigrants, the lives of our troops are more important than the lives of the terrorists they’re fighting and I don’t much care what the United Nations or “international law” has to say about anything. I wish everybody well and think we have a debt of honor to the countries that fought shoulder-to-shoulder with us in wars, but I’m not a “citizen of the world.” I’m an American first and the rest of the world is a very distant second.
I don’t care for most of the politicians in our country, even the ones in my party — and our President is a disgrace. But, I also think God couldn’t give anyone a much sweeter gift than the privilege of being an American citizen. That’s something every good American should remember and teach to his children. I’m proud when I see a flag wave because it’s the symbol of a people who conquered a continent, became a superpower and saved the world three times. If you don’t feel any pride for being a part of a nation like that, you should move to a nation you can be proud to support.
As an American, I have a healthy disrespect for the government, along with any busybodies who want to tell me what to do or bureaucrats who think they know how to spend my money better than I do. I don’t need help from the government any more than our ancestors needed help from the British and the few things I want it to do, it doesn’t do very well. When the government secures the border, stops giving our tax dollars to lazy people who won’t work, and balances the budget, then I’ll stop resenting every dime I have to send in on April 15th.
I respect cops, soldiers, firemen and anybody else who runs toward danger when everyone else runs away. I like feminine women, men who fulfill their responsibilities, and children who’ve been spanked until they’ve learned to treat adults with courtesy. While we’re at it, if your kid is getting in trouble at school, stop blaming the teacher and punish his sorry little butt until he straightens up and flies right. If we had more kids getting spanked and less parents letting them run wild and walk around with their pants hanging below their behinds, we’d have a better country.
One again, you can read it all here.
I don’t care for most of the politicians in our country, even the ones in my party — and our President is a disgrace. But, I also think God couldn’t give anyone a much sweeter gift than the privilege of being an American citizen. That’s something every good American should remember and teach to his children. I’m proud when I see a flag wave because it’s the symbol of a people who conquered a continent, became a superpower and saved the world three times. If you don’t feel any pride for being a part of a nation like that, you should move to a nation you can be proud to support.
As an American, I have a healthy disrespect for the government, along with any busybodies who want to tell me what to do or bureaucrats who think they know how to spend my money better than I do. I don’t need help from the government any more than our ancestors needed help from the British and the few things I want it to do, it doesn’t do very well. When the government secures the border, stops giving our tax dollars to lazy people who won’t work, and balances the budget, then I’ll stop resenting every dime I have to send in on April 15th.
I respect cops, soldiers, firemen and anybody else who runs toward danger when everyone else runs away. I like feminine women, men who fulfill their responsibilities, and children who’ve been spanked until they’ve learned to treat adults with courtesy. While we’re at it, if your kid is getting in trouble at school, stop blaming the teacher and punish his sorry little butt until he straightens up and flies right. If we had more kids getting spanked and less parents letting them run wild and walk around with their pants hanging below their behinds, we’d have a better country.
One again, you can read it all here.
Charges dropped against Rockville parents who kept autistic twins locked in basement at night
The Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office said Tuesday there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that 57-year-old John Land and 60-year-old Janice Land had criminal intent to neglect their children.
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Merry Christmas Future Drone Pilots
The Federal Aviation Administration is teaming with three non-profit flying interest groups to promote drone safety. It produces a Christmas video with safety instructions for people who receive unmanned aircraft as gifts.
FAA's partners are the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and the Small UAV Coalition. They represent commercial drone operators. Also involved is the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which represents hobbyists. The groups said they plan to distribute safety pamphlets at industry events. They're working with aircraft manufacturers to include safe flying information in drone packages.
Company Tows Arlington Woman’s Car With Dog Inside
The company says finding a pet in a car that’s illegally parked doesn’t prevent or prohibit it from enforcing the parking rules. But Jennifer Geisler expected the towers to be a bit more human when she left her dog for 15 minutes inside her car in an empty parking lot.
Considering the parking battles in the D.C. area, getting towed is almost a rite of passage.
“You just know this area that if it’s a parking lot next to the building and you’re not in there, then you’re probably going to get towed,” said Arlington visitor Cathy Hohmann.
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Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) wants the next Congress to make Postal Service reform a top priority
The Delaware Democrat says lawmakers need to get rid of financial and legislative constraints that are tying down the Postal Service. He says that will give it a chance to modernize and grow through innovation. Carper and outgoing Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) introduced the Postal Reform Act of 2014, which aims to protect postal jobs and let USPS adapt to a digital age. But it didn't pass in the Senate. Carper also wants senators to act soon on nominees for the Postal Board of Governors. The Senate adjourned for the year before considering the nominees.
NORAD Tracks Santa’s Christmas Eve Journey
First, the northern warning radar system covers nearly 50 installations across northern Canada and Alaska to closely monitor signs of when Santa leaves the North Pole in his flying-reindeer-powered sleigh, Marsh explained.
Next, the geosynchronous orbit satellite system begins tracking Santa’s route, 22,000 miles above earth, using infrared systems that detect heat to pick up the warmth generated by Rudolph the reindeer’s red nose, he said.
Finally, Canadian NORAD CF-18 fighter pilots take off from Newfoundland and welcome Santa and his reindeer to North America, where American NORAD jet pilots escort him in F-15s, -16s or -22s, Marsh said.
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Study: Only 33% Of Dr. Oz’s Recommendations Backed Up By Believable Science
Earlier this year, Dr. Oz — everyone’s favorite TV doctor who isn’t named Phil or wasn’t a former contestant on The Bachelor — was shredded by some members of a Senate committee who criticized Oz the Great and Doctorful for using terms like “magic weight-loss solution” and “number one miracle” for products with little evidence of being magical miracles. Now a new study looking at Dr. Oz’s on-air recommendations should give consumers to be even more skeptical of the products he mentions.
The study, published last week in The BMJ, looked at 40 episodes of Dr. Oz from 2013 and investigated each of the recommendations made by the host during these shows.
Of the 80 recommendations from these episodes, researchers could only find evidence to support 46% of them. That doesn’t mean the claims are true; just that there is at least one piece of qualifying scientific evidence to support what Oz said on the air.
Interestingly, in 15% of the recommendations studied, the evidence actually contradicted Dr. Oz’s televised claims.
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The study, published last week in The BMJ, looked at 40 episodes of Dr. Oz from 2013 and investigated each of the recommendations made by the host during these shows.
Of the 80 recommendations from these episodes, researchers could only find evidence to support 46% of them. That doesn’t mean the claims are true; just that there is at least one piece of qualifying scientific evidence to support what Oz said on the air.
Interestingly, in 15% of the recommendations studied, the evidence actually contradicted Dr. Oz’s televised claims.
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The End of Western Culture
Preamble
Libertarian theory is focused on answering the question: when is aggression justified? The foundation of libertarian theory is the non-aggression principle: aggression is justified only in self-defense. This foundation leads to several corollaries; most fundamental is the absolute right to private property.
Libertarians will be the first to suggest that libertarian theory does not answer every question in life; it does not offer a complete philosophical or moral framework for man to live as an individual, to live with his fellow man, most importantly to develop a thriving community.
I have struggled in thinking through these additional necessities – more specifically, I have struggled through what is and isn’t derivable from libertarian thought; call these necessities “thick” – not for the purposes of turning libertarian theory into an unrecognizable bloated mess, but for the purpose of thinking about what is necessary to develop a thriving community – one able to sustain and enhance life, as opposed to one withering away in a slow death.
“Thick” can be called by another, better known term: call it culture.
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Libertarian theory is focused on answering the question: when is aggression justified? The foundation of libertarian theory is the non-aggression principle: aggression is justified only in self-defense. This foundation leads to several corollaries; most fundamental is the absolute right to private property.
Libertarians will be the first to suggest that libertarian theory does not answer every question in life; it does not offer a complete philosophical or moral framework for man to live as an individual, to live with his fellow man, most importantly to develop a thriving community.
I have struggled in thinking through these additional necessities – more specifically, I have struggled through what is and isn’t derivable from libertarian thought; call these necessities “thick” – not for the purposes of turning libertarian theory into an unrecognizable bloated mess, but for the purpose of thinking about what is necessary to develop a thriving community – one able to sustain and enhance life, as opposed to one withering away in a slow death.
“Thick” can be called by another, better known term: call it culture.
More
SFD Calls For Service 12-23-14
- Tuesday December, 23 2014 @ 21:34Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 23 2014 @ 20:20Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 23 2014 @ 19:36Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 23 2014 @ 18:01Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Tuesday December, 23 2014 @ 17:12 Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 2300 N Salisbury Blvd Salisbury, MD 21801
MILITARY RULES
Marine Corps Rules:
1. Be courteous to everyone, friendly to no one.
2. Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a '4.'
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary. When possible, protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years, nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot..
Navy SEAL Rules:
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing in sight.
3. Adjust Speedo.
4. Check hair in mirror.
US Army Rangers' Rules:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from 'Higher' to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.
US Army Rules:
1. Curse bitterly when receiving operational order.
2. Make sure there is extra ammo and extra coffee.
3. Curse bitterly.
4. Curse bitterly.
5. Do not listen to 2nd LTs; it can get you killed.
6. Curse bitterly.
US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask 'What is a gunfight?'
5. Request more funding from Congress with a 'killer' Power Point presentation.
6. Wine and dine ''key' Congressmen, invite DOD and defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets 'strategic' and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time.
2. Decide to be aggressive enough, quickly enough.
3. Have a plan.
4. Have a back-up plan, because the first one probably won't work.
5. Be polite. Be professional. But have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
6. Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun whose caliber does not start with a '4.'
7. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.
8. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend. (Lateral and diagonal preferred.)
9. Use cover or concealment as much as possible.
10. Flank your adversary. When possible, protect yours.
11. Always cheat; always win. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.
12. In ten years, nobody will remember the details of caliber, stance, or tactics. They will only remember who lived.
13. If you are not shooting, you should be communicating your intention to shoot..
Navy SEAL Rules:
1. Look very cool in sunglasses.
2. Kill every living thing in sight.
3. Adjust Speedo.
4. Check hair in mirror.
US Army Rangers' Rules:
1. Walk in 50 miles wearing 75 pound rucksack while starving.
2. Locate individuals requiring killing.
3. Request permission via radio from 'Higher' to perform killing.
4. Curse bitterly when mission is aborted.
5. Walk out 50 miles wearing a 75 pound rucksack while starving.
US Army Rules:
1. Curse bitterly when receiving operational order.
2. Make sure there is extra ammo and extra coffee.
3. Curse bitterly.
4. Curse bitterly.
5. Do not listen to 2nd LTs; it can get you killed.
6. Curse bitterly.
US Air Force Rules:
1. Have a cocktail.
2. Adjust temperature on air-conditioner.
3. See what's on HBO.
4. Ask 'What is a gunfight?'
5. Request more funding from Congress with a 'killer' Power Point presentation.
6. Wine and dine ''key' Congressmen, invite DOD and defense industry executives.
7. Receive funding, set up new command and assemble assets.
8. Declare the assets 'strategic' and never deploy them operationally.
9. Hurry to make 13:45 tee-time.
10. Make sure the base is as far as possible from the conflict, but close enough to have tax exemption.
( And I Love This Next One.....or why I joined the Navy LOL)
US Navy Rules:
1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Deploy Marines
Go Navy!
And the next... (You've got to love the military, and God bless them all.)
U.S. Navy Directive 16134 (Inappropriate T-Shirts)
The following directive was issued by the commanding officer of all naval installations in the Middle East .
(It was obviously directed at the Marines.)
To: All Commands
Subject: Inappropriate T-Shirts Ref: ComMidEast For Inst 16134//24 K
All commanders promulgate upon receipt:
US Navy Rules:
1. Go to Sea.
2. Drink Coffee.
3. Deploy Marines
Go Navy!
And the next... (You've got to love the military, and God bless them all.)
U.S. Navy Directive 16134 (Inappropriate T-Shirts)
The following directive was issued by the commanding officer of all naval installations in the Middle East .
(It was obviously directed at the Marines.)
To: All Commands
Subject: Inappropriate T-Shirts Ref: ComMidEast For Inst 16134//24 K
All commanders promulgate upon receipt:
The following T-shirts are no longer to be worn, on or off base, by any military, or civilian personnel, serving in the Middle East:
1. 'Eat Pork or Die'
[Both English and Arabic versions]
1. 'Eat Pork or Die'
[Both English and Arabic versions]
2. 'Shrine Busters'
[Various. Show burning minarets or bomb/artillery shells impacting Islamic shrines. Some with unit logos.]
[Various. Show burning minarets or bomb/artillery shells impacting Islamic shrines. Some with unit logos.]
3. 'Goat - it isn't just for breakfast any more.'
[Both English and Arabic versions]
[Both English and Arabic versions]
4. 'The road to Paradise begins with me.' [Mostly Arabic versions, but some in English. Some show sniper scope cross-hairs.]
5. 'Guns don't kill people. I kill people.'
6. 'Pork. The other white meat.' 7. 'Infidel'
The above T-shirts are to be removed from Post Exchanges upon receipt of this directive.
The above T-shirts are to be removed from Post Exchanges upon receipt of this directive.
Tribes tread carefully into marijuana discussions
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The Navajo Nation had bitter debates when it was deciding whether to allow casinos on the reservation and if alcohol should be sold in them. The arguments focused on the revenue and jobs casinos and liquor could bring to a reservation where half the workforce is unemployed and most arrests and pervasive social ills are linked to alcohol abuse.
When the federal government announced this month that it would allow American Indian tribes to grow and sell marijuana, the same divisive discussions resurfaced. The tribal president’s office talked of expanding crops to include pot for medicinal but not recreational use, while a tribal lawmaker quickly declared his opposition.
“Criminal activity is just going to go up more, and drug addiction is going to go up more, and everyone is going to be affected,” said Edmund Yazzie, head of the Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee.
The split reaction among Navajo leaders reflects divisions on reservations around the country. While the Navajo and a number of other tribes ultimately ventured into the casino business, many say they’re inclined to avoid marijuana as a potential revenue booster amid deep sensitivity over rampant alcoholism, poverty, crime and joblessness on tribal lands.
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When the federal government announced this month that it would allow American Indian tribes to grow and sell marijuana, the same divisive discussions resurfaced. The tribal president’s office talked of expanding crops to include pot for medicinal but not recreational use, while a tribal lawmaker quickly declared his opposition.
“Criminal activity is just going to go up more, and drug addiction is going to go up more, and everyone is going to be affected,” said Edmund Yazzie, head of the Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee.
The split reaction among Navajo leaders reflects divisions on reservations around the country. While the Navajo and a number of other tribes ultimately ventured into the casino business, many say they’re inclined to avoid marijuana as a potential revenue booster amid deep sensitivity over rampant alcoholism, poverty, crime and joblessness on tribal lands.
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BEWARE: Business Scam In Salisbury
Eastern Shore Information Center
Business Scam
BRIEF RESUME:
On 12/23/2014 Troopers responded to the Cherry Way area of Salisbury, Wicomico County, to investigate a report of suspicious activity involving persons representing themselves as “ADT Security”. The complainant advised that the individual (described as a white male with red hair) knocked on the door to their residence around 1900-1930 hrs. in an attempt to sell “ADT Security.” The complainant would not open the door and the “salesman” became agitated and was very determined for the complainant to open their door and allow them entry to their home.
Upon the complainant calling 911 the individual left the area and was unable to be located. Troopers contacted the name on the business card “Joseph VanArsdale” and the individual answering the phone advised they did work for “ADT Security.” Troopers contacted ADT Corporate Headquarters and they could not verify the employment of the individual listed above.
Citizens are advised to be cautious, observant and report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately. The holiday season unfortunately also breeds increases in telephone scams, identity theft and the potential for citizens to become prey for thieves and criminals. Some of the telephone scams reported involve fear/intimidation tactics advising a caller their loved one has been incarcerated overseas and bail money must be sent right away, or there is an overdue bill which must be paid immediately or the caller will be arrested. Also the promise of large sums of cash or cars in exchange for sending seemingly small amounts of money to the “business” in the form of a money order or other cash card should be reported immediately. Do not fall victim to these scams.
Business Scam
BRIEF RESUME:
On 12/23/2014 Troopers responded to the Cherry Way area of Salisbury, Wicomico County, to investigate a report of suspicious activity involving persons representing themselves as “ADT Security”. The complainant advised that the individual (described as a white male with red hair) knocked on the door to their residence around 1900-1930 hrs. in an attempt to sell “ADT Security.” The complainant would not open the door and the “salesman” became agitated and was very determined for the complainant to open their door and allow them entry to their home.
Upon the complainant calling 911 the individual left the area and was unable to be located. Troopers contacted the name on the business card “Joseph VanArsdale” and the individual answering the phone advised they did work for “ADT Security.” Troopers contacted ADT Corporate Headquarters and they could not verify the employment of the individual listed above.
Citizens are advised to be cautious, observant and report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately. The holiday season unfortunately also breeds increases in telephone scams, identity theft and the potential for citizens to become prey for thieves and criminals. Some of the telephone scams reported involve fear/intimidation tactics advising a caller their loved one has been incarcerated overseas and bail money must be sent right away, or there is an overdue bill which must be paid immediately or the caller will be arrested. Also the promise of large sums of cash or cars in exchange for sending seemingly small amounts of money to the “business” in the form of a money order or other cash card should be reported immediately. Do not fall victim to these scams.
Medical Marijuana
Dear Mr. XXXXXX:
Knowing of your interest in federal policy regarding medical marijuana, I wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with an important update on this issue.
This week, Congress passed, and the President signed into law the Fiscal Year 2015 funding bill. This bill included a provision that prevents the Department of Justice from using federal funds to enforce marijuana laws in states that have legalized medical marijuana.
As Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee I support this provision. Some doctors and medical professionals believe that marijuana can be an effective treatment for some diseases, and I believe that patients shouldn't be prevented from using marijuana for such treatment under the proper supervision of a doctor.
I hope you are pleased with this news. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Knowing of your interest in federal policy regarding medical marijuana, I wanted to take the opportunity to provide you with an important update on this issue.
This week, Congress passed, and the President signed into law the Fiscal Year 2015 funding bill. This bill included a provision that prevents the Department of Justice from using federal funds to enforce marijuana laws in states that have legalized medical marijuana.
As Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee I support this provision. Some doctors and medical professionals believe that marijuana can be an effective treatment for some diseases, and I believe that patients shouldn't be prevented from using marijuana for such treatment under the proper supervision of a doctor.
I hope you are pleased with this news. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Berlin ‘Serious’ About $2.75M Purchase Of Tyson Property
“Our goal is to turn a liability and an eyesore into another jewel in our community,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “This has real potential.”
The 60-acre property, located on Old Ocean City Boulevard, has been vacant since 2004. Town officials hope to purchase the land from Berlin Properties North and turn it into some sort of public park.
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I’M NOT PROUD THAT WE ELECTED OBAMA
When politics becomes personal it can lose perspective.
In an interview that was broadcast last night on 60 Minutes, retiring Oklahoma Republican Senator Tom Coburn proclaimed, “I’m proud of our country for electing Barack Obama.”
Senator Coburn is to be admired for his years as a watchdog on the spending habits of Congress and bureaucrats in the federal government. While I was certainly well aware of Coburn’s friendship with Obama, which developed when they were in the Senate, I am nevertheless disappointed to hear that he is proud this country elected Barack Obama to the White House.
Senator Coburn might very well love Barack Obama as a man and with it the content of his character. Alas, I do not love Barack Obama much less admire his character. I’m not proud that we elected Barack Obama to be President of the United States.
I’m not proud of President Obama when he says we’ve entered a new era of responsibility and then spends his entire presidency blaming President Bush, ATMs, the Arab Spring and tsunamis and a myriad of other excuses for his woes.
I’m not proud of President Obama for his contempt for our allies whether through abandoning missile defense in Poland and the Czech Republic, his unwillingness to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty against Russian aggression, and his vilification of the State of Israel. Nor am I proud of him for leaving Chris Stevens and three other Americans to fend for themselves in Benghazi and then claim the attack was a result of a silly Internet film about Muhammad rather than a well-coordinated terrorist attack that just happened to occur on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
In an interview that was broadcast last night on 60 Minutes, retiring Oklahoma Republican Senator Tom Coburn proclaimed, “I’m proud of our country for electing Barack Obama.”
Senator Coburn is to be admired for his years as a watchdog on the spending habits of Congress and bureaucrats in the federal government. While I was certainly well aware of Coburn’s friendship with Obama, which developed when they were in the Senate, I am nevertheless disappointed to hear that he is proud this country elected Barack Obama to the White House.
Senator Coburn might very well love Barack Obama as a man and with it the content of his character. Alas, I do not love Barack Obama much less admire his character. I’m not proud that we elected Barack Obama to be President of the United States.
I’m not proud of President Obama when he says we’ve entered a new era of responsibility and then spends his entire presidency blaming President Bush, ATMs, the Arab Spring and tsunamis and a myriad of other excuses for his woes.
I’m not proud of President Obama for his contempt for our allies whether through abandoning missile defense in Poland and the Czech Republic, his unwillingness to secure Ukraine’s sovereignty against Russian aggression, and his vilification of the State of Israel. Nor am I proud of him for leaving Chris Stevens and three other Americans to fend for themselves in Benghazi and then claim the attack was a result of a silly Internet film about Muhammad rather than a well-coordinated terrorist attack that just happened to occur on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
I’m not proud of President Obama’s endless apologies for America’s ills to countries who have far more to be ashamed of than us. It is these kinds of apologies that led Obama to normalize relations with a Cuba that is totalitarian now as it was half a century ago. I’m not proud of President Obama for giving the Castros not only a lifeline, but the entire store. I’m not proud of President Obama for giving Cuban dissidents the back of his hand just as I wasn’t proud when he did the same to Iranians clamoring for democracy when he said it wasn’t our place to meddle in Iran’s “elections.”
I’m not proud of President Obama when he refers to corpsman as “corpsemen.”
I’m not proud of President Obama for exchanging five top Taliban officials in exchange for one army deserter.
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I’m not proud of President Obama when he refers to corpsman as “corpsemen.”
I’m not proud of President Obama for exchanging five top Taliban officials in exchange for one army deserter.
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Motorist group criticizes Virginia's ‘reckless’ speeding law
RICHMOND, Va. — In a hurry this holiday? Beware that Virginia ranks as one of the toughest states on speeders, and police are proud of it.
Driving 20 mph over the speed limit classifies as reckless driving in Virginia law. That offense is not a mere traffic citation, but a Class One criminal misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.
“It’s the highest level misdemeanor, right below a felony,” said Michael Frank, who rated states as best and worst for speeders.
Virginia came in at fourth toughest, with New Jersey finishing No. 1. With its wide-open highways, North Dakota was ranked most lenient.
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Driving 20 mph over the speed limit classifies as reckless driving in Virginia law. That offense is not a mere traffic citation, but a Class One criminal misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to a year in jail.
“It’s the highest level misdemeanor, right below a felony,” said Michael Frank, who rated states as best and worst for speeders.
Virginia came in at fourth toughest, with New Jersey finishing No. 1. With its wide-open highways, North Dakota was ranked most lenient.
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Wine collectors fight to save $160G collection from state-mandated destruction
Pennsylvania v. 2,447 Bottles of Wine is a death penalty case.
The bizarre legal battle involves a Keystone State lawyer whose vino was seized when he was charged with violating the state's notoriously strict alcohol regulations. The criminal case is over -- but now Arthur Goldman and his wife, Melissa Kurtzman, are fighting the state to prevent it from destroying their collection, valued at $160,000.
“Art and Melissa deserve the return of their wine,” said Goldman’s attorney, Peter Kratsa. “We believe the facts of the case and the law as applied to the facts of the case will vindicate the position that they have their wine returned.”
Authorities have held the collection since seizing it on Jan. 6, when they raided the couple’s Malvern, Pa., home and charged the 50-year-old Goldman with being an unlicensed wine dealer who violated Pennsylvania’s unique wine and spirits laws. Goldman, who lived in Pennsylvania when the alleged crimes occurred, entered into a first offender program, under which he admitted no guilt and will eventually have all charges dismissed and his record expunged. (He has insisted he and his wife bought rare wines to share with friends.)
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The bizarre legal battle involves a Keystone State lawyer whose vino was seized when he was charged with violating the state's notoriously strict alcohol regulations. The criminal case is over -- but now Arthur Goldman and his wife, Melissa Kurtzman, are fighting the state to prevent it from destroying their collection, valued at $160,000.
“Art and Melissa deserve the return of their wine,” said Goldman’s attorney, Peter Kratsa. “We believe the facts of the case and the law as applied to the facts of the case will vindicate the position that they have their wine returned.”
Authorities have held the collection since seizing it on Jan. 6, when they raided the couple’s Malvern, Pa., home and charged the 50-year-old Goldman with being an unlicensed wine dealer who violated Pennsylvania’s unique wine and spirits laws. Goldman, who lived in Pennsylvania when the alleged crimes occurred, entered into a first offender program, under which he admitted no guilt and will eventually have all charges dismissed and his record expunged. (He has insisted he and his wife bought rare wines to share with friends.)
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What 2,000 Calories Looks Like
Here, we show you what roughly 2,000 calories looks like at some large chains. (Depending on age and gender, most adults should eat between 1,600 and 2,400 calories a day.) Researchers have long understood that people are more likely to finish what’s on their plate than to stop eating because they’ve consumed a given amount of food. It’s “the completion compulsion,” a phrasecoined in the 1950s by the psychologist Paul S. Siegel. Combine that compulsion with the rising number of restaurant meals Americans eat and the substance of those meals, and you start to understand why we’ve put on so much weight. But there is some good news: As you’ll see below, it’s not so hard to eat bountifully and stay under 2,000 calories. It’s just hard to do so at most restaurants.
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Sharyl Attkisson: White House Hiding Photos Taken Night Of Benghazi Attack
In an interview Tuesday morning with C-SPAN, former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson revealed that secret photos taken by the White House photographer have never been released to the public, and current White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest was the one keeping them secret.(VIDEO: Sharyl Attkisson: Mainstream Media Too ‘Swayed By Propaganda’)
“One of the things my producer and I did early on to try to get clues, because you know they told us so little initially, we requested White House photos taken that night. Because if you know how the White House works, a photographer is omnipresent. He would have been there taking photographs in the Situation Room. He would have been taking photographs of the president that night. So we asked for the photos, which in my view, are public information. They are paid for with tax dollars, and they release them when they want them released and they are positive.
The Photo Office indicated initially– this was probably in October or November of 2012– that we could have the photos at the end of the day, and that never materialized. They suddenly started referring us a White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest, who is now press secretary. And they said that Josh would have to approve it, and Josh would never return a call or e-mail.
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“One of the things my producer and I did early on to try to get clues, because you know they told us so little initially, we requested White House photos taken that night. Because if you know how the White House works, a photographer is omnipresent. He would have been there taking photographs in the Situation Room. He would have been taking photographs of the president that night. So we asked for the photos, which in my view, are public information. They are paid for with tax dollars, and they release them when they want them released and they are positive.
The Photo Office indicated initially– this was probably in October or November of 2012– that we could have the photos at the end of the day, and that never materialized. They suddenly started referring us a White House deputy press secretary Josh Earnest, who is now press secretary. And they said that Josh would have to approve it, and Josh would never return a call or e-mail.
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Even after bad budget news, Larry Hogan reiterates pledge to lower taxes
"We're not going to raise taxes," he said. "We're going to reduce taxes. That's why I was elected governor."
Hogan's camp didn't make any of the new cabinet secretaries announced Tuesday available for interviews, but the governor-elect did field questions on a variety of topics including the economy, jobs and taxes.
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County Officials Will Fight For Nativity
BROOKVILLE, Ind. – Franklin County officials will fight the federal lawsuit filed last week over a Nativity scene that’s been displayed on county property for five decades.
County officials agreed the privately owned display will come down on Friday, one day after Christmas, but that doesn’t mean the county isn’t contesting the lawsuit, commissioners said Monday.
The manger scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, will be dismantled by those who erected it, a loosely organized group known as Aroma’s Breakfast Club.
The suit filed last week by Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation alleges the Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn demonstrates the county endorses Christianity over other religions, which violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
FFRF is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana. The nonprofit Thomas More Society is representing Franklin County.
The breakfast group has an “absolute right” to exercise free speech, county attorney John Worth said at Monday’s commissioners meeting.
Read more here
County officials agreed the privately owned display will come down on Friday, one day after Christmas, but that doesn’t mean the county isn’t contesting the lawsuit, commissioners said Monday.
The manger scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, will be dismantled by those who erected it, a loosely organized group known as Aroma’s Breakfast Club.
The suit filed last week by Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation alleges the Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn demonstrates the county endorses Christianity over other religions, which violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
FFRF is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana. The nonprofit Thomas More Society is representing Franklin County.
The breakfast group has an “absolute right” to exercise free speech, county attorney John Worth said at Monday’s commissioners meeting.
Read more here
States, Cities Brace for Global Warming Fallout
SAN FRANCISCO – Eroding beaches and the seawater that laps onto the Embarcadero waterfront during high tide—not to mention severe storm flooding—were sending a clear message to a city surrounded by water on three sides.
San Francisco responded in September, when its Capital Planning Committee decreed that in all future construction projects, city and county agencies, including low-lying San Francisco International Airport, must acknowledge the rising sea level and come up with plans to adapt. The sea level around San Francisco rose nearly 8 inches during the last century, and it is projected to rise by as much as 55 additional inches by 2100.
In addition to trying to curb the carbon emissions that accelerate global warming, many state and local officials around the country have begun to address warming’s concrete effects, from rising seas to more extreme weather. In the face of resistance from climate change skeptics, their efforts are producing progress, from improved drainage and storm water systems to elevated infrastructure.
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San Francisco responded in September, when its Capital Planning Committee decreed that in all future construction projects, city and county agencies, including low-lying San Francisco International Airport, must acknowledge the rising sea level and come up with plans to adapt. The sea level around San Francisco rose nearly 8 inches during the last century, and it is projected to rise by as much as 55 additional inches by 2100.
In addition to trying to curb the carbon emissions that accelerate global warming, many state and local officials around the country have begun to address warming’s concrete effects, from rising seas to more extreme weather. In the face of resistance from climate change skeptics, their efforts are producing progress, from improved drainage and storm water systems to elevated infrastructure.
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ISIS ATTACK: Terror group captures pilot after shooting down plane
Islamic State group fighters shot down a Jordanian warplane on Wednesday over Syria and captured its pilot, activists and the country's military said.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the aircraft was shot down near the northern city of Raqqa, the Islamic State group's de facto capital.
Jordan's state news agency, Petra, confirmed that the pilot was from Jordan and he has been captured, the BBC reports.
"During a mission Wednesday morning conducted by several Royal Jordanian Air Force planes against hideouts of the IS terrorist organization in the Raqqa region, one of the planes went down and the pilot was taken hostage," a military source was quoted by Petra as saying.
"Jordan holds the group and its supporters responsible for the safety of the pilot and his life," the source added.
Another group, the Raqqa Media Center, said the warplane crashed near the village of Hamra Ghannam, adding that ISIS militants were searching the area in case there is another pilot.
If true, it will be the first warplane shot down by ISIS since the U.S.-led coalition began its airstrikes against the group in Syria three months ago.
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The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the aircraft was shot down near the northern city of Raqqa, the Islamic State group's de facto capital.
Jordan's state news agency, Petra, confirmed that the pilot was from Jordan and he has been captured, the BBC reports.
"During a mission Wednesday morning conducted by several Royal Jordanian Air Force planes against hideouts of the IS terrorist organization in the Raqqa region, one of the planes went down and the pilot was taken hostage," a military source was quoted by Petra as saying.
"Jordan holds the group and its supporters responsible for the safety of the pilot and his life," the source added.
Another group, the Raqqa Media Center, said the warplane crashed near the village of Hamra Ghannam, adding that ISIS militants were searching the area in case there is another pilot.
If true, it will be the first warplane shot down by ISIS since the U.S.-led coalition began its airstrikes against the group in Syria three months ago.
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Troopers Seek Public’s Help in Locating Wanted Subject
Millsboro, DE - The Delaware State Police are asking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate a Millsboro man involved in a burglary and theft.
The incident took place Friday December 14, 2014 in the 24000 block of Indian Town Road, when Will B. Showard, 18 of Millsboro, is alleged to have broken into two sheds and removed an ATV and lawn care equipment. Showard then made arrangements to sell the items in exchange for cash. Showard is also wanted out of Superior Court for a capias.
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Will B. Showard, they are asked to contact Det. J Rowley at 302-856-5850 ext. 223 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at: http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Salisbury MSP Warn Of ADT Scam
On 12/23/2014 Troopers responded to the Cherry Way area of Salisbury, Wicomico County, to investigate a report of suspicious activity involving persons representing themselves as “ADT Security”. The complainant advised that the individual (described as a white male with red hair) knocked on the door to their residence around 1900-1930 hrs. in an attempt to sell “ADT Security.” The complainant would not open the door and the “salesman” became agitated and was very determined for the complainant to open their door and allow them entry to their home.
Upon the complainant calling 911 the individual left the area and was unable to be located. Troopers contacted the name on the business card “Joseph VanArsdale” and the individual answering the phone advised they did work for “ADT Security.” Troopers contacted ADT Corporate Headquarters and they could not verify the employment of the individual listed above.
Citizens are advised to be cautious, observant and report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately. The holiday season unfortunately also breeds increases in telephone scams, identity theft and the potential for citizens to become prey for thieves and criminals. Some of the telephone scams reported involve fear/intimidation tactics advising a caller their loved one has been incarcerated overseas and bail money must be sent right away, or there is an overdue bill which must be paid immediately or the caller will be arrested. Also the promise of large sums of cash or cars in exchange for sending seemingly small amounts of money to the “business” in the form of a money order or other cash card should be reported immediately. Do not fall victim to these scams.
Upon the complainant calling 911 the individual left the area and was unable to be located. Troopers contacted the name on the business card “Joseph VanArsdale” and the individual answering the phone advised they did work for “ADT Security.” Troopers contacted ADT Corporate Headquarters and they could not verify the employment of the individual listed above.
Citizens are advised to be cautious, observant and report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately. The holiday season unfortunately also breeds increases in telephone scams, identity theft and the potential for citizens to become prey for thieves and criminals. Some of the telephone scams reported involve fear/intimidation tactics advising a caller their loved one has been incarcerated overseas and bail money must be sent right away, or there is an overdue bill which must be paid immediately or the caller will be arrested. Also the promise of large sums of cash or cars in exchange for sending seemingly small amounts of money to the “business” in the form of a money order or other cash card should be reported immediately. Do not fall victim to these scams.
Kindergartener Test Inappropriate
According to the Washington Post, Maryland State Education Association is calling on the State Board of Education to suspend its new Common Core Kindergarten Readiness Assessments, arguing that teachers lose too much instructional time administering the new computer based tests and are not receiving useful data to improve teaching and learning. Betty Weller, the president of the teachers union, said the MSEA fielded numerous complaints from teachers after they started administering the test this fall. The union wants the state to halt the testing until issues surrounding the assessments and its implementation are resolved. “Our students in all grades and especially those in kindergarten, which for many is their first formal educational experience are counting on the adults to get it right and provide them with an education in which they have adequate time to learn and their teachers have adequate time to teach. We cannot afford to waste valuable instructional time without ensuring that new initiatives have been thoroughly piloted, communicated and are useful to our practitioners.” Weller said the union conducted a
survey after hearing teachers complaints about the tests. The survey found that 91 percent of responding kindergarten teachers do not believe that the assessments will help improve instruction.
Parents that are concerned about this excessive testing can refuse future testing for their children. For a Maryland Opt Out/Refusal Guide go to:
http://unitedoptout.com/state-by-state-opt-out-2/maryland/
Francis Gebhart
Berlin.MD
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/md-teachers-union-wants-kindergarten-tests-halt
ed-citing-concerns/2014/12/16/94b573b6-84a8-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html
survey after hearing teachers complaints about the tests. The survey found that 91 percent of responding kindergarten teachers do not believe that the assessments will help improve instruction.
Parents that are concerned about this excessive testing can refuse future testing for their children. For a Maryland Opt Out/Refusal Guide go to:
http://unitedoptout.com/state-by-state-opt-out-2/maryland/
Francis Gebhart
Berlin.MD
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/md-teachers-union-wants-kindergarten-tests-halt
ed-citing-concerns/2014/12/16/94b573b6-84a8-11e4-9534-f79a23c40e6c_story.html
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
On December 16, 2014 at approximately 0156 hours Worcester County Deputies responded to a residence in Newark, Maryland for a domestic assault.
During the investigation Deputies found the suspect, Ali Sufyan, 22 years of age, from Newark Md., had allegedly assaulted his wife and juvenile daughter. Based on the investigation Mr. Sufyan was arrested and charged with the following: Child Abuse 2nd, Assault 2nd Degree 2-counts, and Reckless Endangerment 2-counts.
Mr. Sufyan was taken before a District Court Commissioner for his initial appearance. Mr. Sufyan was held on a temporary committal with no bond until a lawyer could be found to represent him.
On Monday December 22, 2014 at approximately 2044 hours a Worcester County Sheriff Deputy arrested 25 year old Oliverio Cruz-Jose at his residence on Robin Drive in Ocean City, Maryland. Mr. Cruz-Jose was wanted on a District Court Bench Warrant for failing to appear for a court case on September 25, 2014. Cruz-Jose’s was scheduled to appear for court on September 25th to answer to a traffic charge for driving a motor vehicle without a license. Mr. Cruz-Jose was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance. Mr. Cruz-Jose was later taken to the Worcester County Jail and held on a $ 3,000 Bond.
During the investigation Deputies found the suspect, Ali Sufyan, 22 years of age, from Newark Md., had allegedly assaulted his wife and juvenile daughter. Based on the investigation Mr. Sufyan was arrested and charged with the following: Child Abuse 2nd, Assault 2nd Degree 2-counts, and Reckless Endangerment 2-counts.
Mr. Sufyan was taken before a District Court Commissioner for his initial appearance. Mr. Sufyan was held on a temporary committal with no bond until a lawyer could be found to represent him.
On Monday December 22, 2014 at approximately 2044 hours a Worcester County Sheriff Deputy arrested 25 year old Oliverio Cruz-Jose at his residence on Robin Drive in Ocean City, Maryland. Mr. Cruz-Jose was wanted on a District Court Bench Warrant for failing to appear for a court case on September 25, 2014. Cruz-Jose’s was scheduled to appear for court on September 25th to answer to a traffic charge for driving a motor vehicle without a license. Mr. Cruz-Jose was taken before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance. Mr. Cruz-Jose was later taken to the Worcester County Jail and held on a $ 3,000 Bond.
DEATH INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN FREDERICK
(FREDERICK, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found on the side of the road early this morning in Frederick, Maryland.
A positive identification of the woman has not yet been made. The African American female was found by passing motorists on the road side. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Frederick County emergency medical personnel.
Just after 3:30 a.m. this morning, troopers from the Frederick Barrack were called to the area of Route 40, west of Ridge Road in Frederick, Maryland for a report of a body. Passing motorists called 9-1-1 advising they saw a body lying on the shoulder of the road. Emergency medical personnel was immediately called. They pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
Troopers requested Maryland State Police crime scene technicians and investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division to respond. The roads in the area were closed during the initial investigation. The body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
State Police investigators will continue this investigation. No further details are available at this time. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Maryland State Police at 301-600-4150. All callers may remain anonymous.
A positive identification of the woman has not yet been made. The African American female was found by passing motorists on the road side. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Frederick County emergency medical personnel.
Just after 3:30 a.m. this morning, troopers from the Frederick Barrack were called to the area of Route 40, west of Ridge Road in Frederick, Maryland for a report of a body. Passing motorists called 9-1-1 advising they saw a body lying on the shoulder of the road. Emergency medical personnel was immediately called. They pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
Troopers requested Maryland State Police crime scene technicians and investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division to respond. The roads in the area were closed during the initial investigation. The body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
State Police investigators will continue this investigation. No further details are available at this time. Anyone with any information is urged to contact Maryland State Police at 301-600-4150. All callers may remain anonymous.
Iraqi reality TV show forces ISIS terrorists to meet relatives of victims
ISIS terrorists convicted of car bombings in Baghdad have been forced to face their victims' families in an Iraqi reality television show.
Shackled and flanked by armed military officers, the men are returned to the scene of the bombings carried out across the ravaged city last month.
There, they must face the wrath of their victims' families as camera crews film the heartbreaking exchange for the programme, In the Grip of the Law.
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Shackled and flanked by armed military officers, the men are returned to the scene of the bombings carried out across the ravaged city last month.
There, they must face the wrath of their victims' families as camera crews film the heartbreaking exchange for the programme, In the Grip of the Law.
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The unbelievable rise of single motherhood in America over the last 50 years
Few institutions in America have evolved over the last 50 years quite like motherhood. More women are having their children later in life. Or they're doing so in less traditional ways: before marriage, without marriage, or with unmarried partners. Single motherhood has grown so common in America that demographers now believe half of all children will live with a single mom at some point before the age of 18.
The implications of this seismic shift in family structure are broad and deeply debated. Research suggests that children with two parents fare better in many ways — in school, in their own relationships — than children with only one at home. And those implications are unevenly distributed in society: A black child today is much more likely to be born to a single mom than a white child, or the child of a mom with a college degree.
You've likely heard these trends before, but the sweep of how dramatically they've occurred over the last half-century is breathtaking. Consider this chart, from Princeton's Sara McLanahan and Harvard's Christopher Jencks. It shows that more than 70 percent of all black children today are born to an unmarried mom, a three-fold increase in that rate since the 1960s:
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The implications of this seismic shift in family structure are broad and deeply debated. Research suggests that children with two parents fare better in many ways — in school, in their own relationships — than children with only one at home. And those implications are unevenly distributed in society: A black child today is much more likely to be born to a single mom than a white child, or the child of a mom with a college degree.
You've likely heard these trends before, but the sweep of how dramatically they've occurred over the last half-century is breathtaking. Consider this chart, from Princeton's Sara McLanahan and Harvard's Christopher Jencks. It shows that more than 70 percent of all black children today are born to an unmarried mom, a three-fold increase in that rate since the 1960s:
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Red-faced BBC reporter gets high reporting next to burning drugs
An embarrassed BBC reporter struggled to finish his broadcast as he got high after getting too close to a stack of burning drugs.
Quentin Sommerville, the corporation's Middle East correspondent, posted a link to the video on his YouTube page today as a 'Christmas present' to his Twitter followers.
The video, which he called 'Don't inhale', shows the reporter stood next to a huge pile of heroin, opium and hashish, but as he tries to begin his report he can't help but giggle.
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Quentin Sommerville, the corporation's Middle East correspondent, posted a link to the video on his YouTube page today as a 'Christmas present' to his Twitter followers.
The video, which he called 'Don't inhale', shows the reporter stood next to a huge pile of heroin, opium and hashish, but as he tries to begin his report he can't help but giggle.
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Obama calls NYPD commish, offers 'his full support,' ignores de Blasio
Barack Obama has apparently chosen sides in the pitched battle between New York City's mayor and his police commissioner – and Mayor Bill de Blasio came out on the losing end.
The White House said Sunday that the president called New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton – but not de Blasio – during the Obama family's extended Hawaii vacation to offer 'his full support for any possible assistance in the days and weeks ahead.'
The president then left his vacation home to play golf.
De Blasio and Bratton have been at each other's throats since Saturday's cold-blooded murder of two beat cops in Brooklyn.
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The White House said Sunday that the president called New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton – but not de Blasio – during the Obama family's extended Hawaii vacation to offer 'his full support for any possible assistance in the days and weeks ahead.'
The president then left his vacation home to play golf.
De Blasio and Bratton have been at each other's throats since Saturday's cold-blooded murder of two beat cops in Brooklyn.
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Governor-elect Hogan announces six more Cabinet-level appointees
ANNAPOLIS, MD – December 23 –
Governor-elect Larry Hogan announced six Cabinet-level appointees today at a press conference. The appointments are as follows:
-Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Van Mitchell.
Mr. Mitchell represented Charles County
in the Maryland House of Delegates for 10 years and previously served
as a Principal Deputy Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene.
-General Adjutant of Maryland: General Linda Singh.
A 33-year member
of the U.S. Army Reserve, Gen. Singh was the first woman to lead the
Maryland Army National Guard. She was a managing director at Accenture, a
leading management consulting and technology
services company.
-Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources: Charlie Evans.
A former Assistant
Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, Mr. Evans is known as
the “grandfather” of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund and has
decades of private sector experience.
-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture: Joe Bartenfelder.
A former 12-year
member of the Maryland House of Delegates and member of the Baltimore
County Council, Mr. Bartenfelder has over 30 years of experience as a
small businessman and farmer.
-Secretary of the Department of the Environment: Ben Grumbles.
Mr. Grumbles was
the longest-serving assistant administrator for water at the
Environmental Protection Agency. He also served as director of the
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, where he worked
on air quality and climate change, water efficiency, and wastewater
recycling.
-Special Secretary of Minority Affairs: Jimmy Rhee.
Mr. Rhee, former
Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of
Virginia, is credited with making Virginia one of the top states to do
business. He has served as CEO of Global Technology
Systems Consortium, a government consulting firm, and Cleverlearn, an
Internet software technology firm that personalized the online language
learning experience.
“We
have been working to assemble a talented, diverse, and bipartisan
Cabinet to help us in our mission to change Maryland for the better,”
said Governor-elect
Hogan. “I am honored to have these six individuals join the
Hogan-Rutherford administration.”
# # #
Mayor de Blasio has not spoken to Rev. Al Sharpton since Saturday
Mayor de Blasio has not spoken to the Rev. Al Sharpton since Saturday, when two NYPD cops were shot in the head, execution-style, in Brooklyn.
In contrast, Gov. Cuomo on Monday morning spoke with Sharpton to discuss ways to cool tensions in the city, our Ken Lovett reported.
De Blasio “texted me and said we would talk, but we have not talked,” Sharpton told The News. When asked if de Blasio was purposefully distancing himself from Sharpton because of pressure from police unions, he said, “You can draw whatever conclusions you want.”
He added that “there are some wondering if it’s a question of him being intimidated by [Patrolmen's Benevolent Association chief Pat Lynch] and them that he doesn’t want to look like he’s talking to any protesters. I don’t think it’s just me.”
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In contrast, Gov. Cuomo on Monday morning spoke with Sharpton to discuss ways to cool tensions in the city, our Ken Lovett reported.
De Blasio “texted me and said we would talk, but we have not talked,” Sharpton told The News. When asked if de Blasio was purposefully distancing himself from Sharpton because of pressure from police unions, he said, “You can draw whatever conclusions you want.”
He added that “there are some wondering if it’s a question of him being intimidated by [Patrolmen's Benevolent Association chief Pat Lynch] and them that he doesn’t want to look like he’s talking to any protesters. I don’t think it’s just me.”
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Muslims 'should be deported to prevent civil war'
France embroiled in free speech row after Islamophobic TV presenter is sacked for saying Muslims 'should be deported to prevent civil war'
France is engulfed in a free speech row after a TV commentator was sacked for appearing to suggest all 5million of the country's Muslims should be deported to prevent civil war.
The comments by Éric Zemmour, who has previously been convicted of inciting racial hatred, prompted outrage and led to him being dropped from an 11-year stint on a chat show.
But many sprang to the best-selling author's defence including the far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who declared the move 'loathsome censorship'.
Mr Zemmour's interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera went largely unnoticed on the other side of the Alps for more than a month after it appeared in October.
It sparked a public debate, however, after the comments were picked up by former French education minister Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
Although the original interview has been deleted from Corriere della Sera's website, it was copied and translated several times by people on both sides of France's political divide.
In the interview Mr Zemmour said Muslims 'live among themselves' in suburbs which French people have been forced to leave, according to one of his supporters.
The interviewer then asked: 'Then what are you suggesting? To deport 5million French Muslims?'
Mr Zemmour is said to have replied: 'I know it's unrealistic, but history is often surprising.
'Who would have thought in 1940 that a million pieds-noirs [Europeans living in North Africa], twenty years later, would have left Algeria to return to France?
'Or that after the war five or six million Germans would leave Central-Eastern Europe where they had lived for centuries?'
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France is engulfed in a free speech row after a TV commentator was sacked for appearing to suggest all 5million of the country's Muslims should be deported to prevent civil war.
The comments by Éric Zemmour, who has previously been convicted of inciting racial hatred, prompted outrage and led to him being dropped from an 11-year stint on a chat show.
But many sprang to the best-selling author's defence including the far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who declared the move 'loathsome censorship'.
Mr Zemmour's interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera went largely unnoticed on the other side of the Alps for more than a month after it appeared in October.
It sparked a public debate, however, after the comments were picked up by former French education minister Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
Although the original interview has been deleted from Corriere della Sera's website, it was copied and translated several times by people on both sides of France's political divide.
In the interview Mr Zemmour said Muslims 'live among themselves' in suburbs which French people have been forced to leave, according to one of his supporters.
The interviewer then asked: 'Then what are you suggesting? To deport 5million French Muslims?'
Mr Zemmour is said to have replied: 'I know it's unrealistic, but history is often surprising.
'Who would have thought in 1940 that a million pieds-noirs [Europeans living in North Africa], twenty years later, would have left Algeria to return to France?
'Or that after the war five or six million Germans would leave Central-Eastern Europe where they had lived for centuries?'
More
Williams: Black Progression and Retrogression
The significance of all this is that in 1865, neither an ex-slave nor an ex-slave owner would have believed that such progress would be possible in less than a century and a half. As such, it speaks to the intestinal fortitude of a people. Just as importantly, it speaks to the greatness of a nation within which such progress was possible. That progress would have been impossible anywhere except in the United States of America. The challenge that lies before us is how those gains can be extended to a large percentage of black people for whom they appear elusive.
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[ Dr. Walter E. Williams has served on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics, since 1980 ]
Fernando Guerrero Holiday Giveaway Postponed Due to Weather
The Fernando el Guerrero Foundation apologizes for the delay, and looks forward to hosting a rescheduled event once the items arrive. Fernando Guerrero will still appear at the Governor’s Challenge this weekend, offering attendees a chance for autographs and pictures from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Dec. 27.
For more information on the Governor’s Challe
School Start Petition Will Pass 10,000 Signature Goal, Comptroller Maintains
OCEAN CITY – The “Let Summer Be Summer” petition is nearing the finish line, and is “on pace” to exceed its goal prior to the launch of the 2015 General Assembly session.
“Let Summer Be Summer” is an effort to mandate a post-Labor Day start for public school systems across the state, and on Monday the State of Maryland Comptroller’s Office confirmed with The Dispatch, “The Let Summer Be Summer petition drive has exceeded 10,000 signatures.”
However, on Tuesday, the office retracted the statement, stating, “we are on pace to exceed 10,000 signatures”, as the office is still in the process of entering data.
“The Let Summer Be Summer initiative has attracted strong, deep support from every corner of our state,” Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said on Monday. “We will well exceed our goal of 10,000 signatures, sending a clear message to our new governor and the General Assembly that this is easy, meaningful reform. This common sense effort will help to bolster the tourism-based economy that has to contend with the loss of seasonal help at the most inopportune time. It will be a tremendous boost to the tourism industry and small businesses that support it in places like Ocean City. But most importantly, it will give Maryland families and teachers another week to enjoy summer.”
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“Let Summer Be Summer” is an effort to mandate a post-Labor Day start for public school systems across the state, and on Monday the State of Maryland Comptroller’s Office confirmed with The Dispatch, “The Let Summer Be Summer petition drive has exceeded 10,000 signatures.”
However, on Tuesday, the office retracted the statement, stating, “we are on pace to exceed 10,000 signatures”, as the office is still in the process of entering data.
“The Let Summer Be Summer initiative has attracted strong, deep support from every corner of our state,” Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said on Monday. “We will well exceed our goal of 10,000 signatures, sending a clear message to our new governor and the General Assembly that this is easy, meaningful reform. This common sense effort will help to bolster the tourism-based economy that has to contend with the loss of seasonal help at the most inopportune time. It will be a tremendous boost to the tourism industry and small businesses that support it in places like Ocean City. But most importantly, it will give Maryland families and teachers another week to enjoy summer.”
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17,500 Germans Gather to Sing Christmas Carols Against Islamisation
PEGIDA (Patriotic Europeans Against Islamisation of the West) has grown rapidly since its inception in October, a peaceful ‘strolling’ movement opposing the exceptional violence seen in street battles between Salafist Muslims and ethnic Kurds seen in many German cities this year and enormous immigration. Now on it’s tenth ‘evening stroll’, it has grown from a couple of hundred people, to 15,000 last week, to more than 17,500 this week.
In addition to the hundreds of banners with slogans such as ‘Against Hatred, Violence, and the Quran’, ‘Against Religious Fanaticism’, and ‘No Sharia in Europe’, the thousands attending brought song sheets which had been distributed online and sang favorite Christmas carols.
Despite the essentially ordinary character of many of the people taking to the streets for the peaceful strolls, and the admission by senior government and police figures that a great many of those joining in are families bringing their children, the organization has come in for stiff criticism and rejection by the heights of the German elite.
Here's more..
Would-be Teen Robber Shot By Armed Victim
A 16-year-old Middletown, Ohio student was shot and killed outside the Dayton Mall while trying to rob a concealed-carry permit holder of his newly purchased athletic shoes, Miami Twp. police Monday.
That permit holder shot the teen, who officers said was also armed with a gun, once.
“All the subjects involved in this were there for an athletic shoe release,” Miami Twp. Police Sgt. Jay Phares said Monday. “The juvenile wasn’t able to get in line in time to get these shoes that were being sold and decided to try to take them from somebody who did get some shoes, with force with a firearm.”
The teen, identified as Jawaad A. Jabbar of Middletown, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Phares would not release the name of the shooter, who has been questioned but not arrested or charged.
“We’re looking at everybody and everything,” Phares said when asked about criminal charges.
The shooter and another adult male came out of the mall and were approached by three male juveniles, including Jabbar.
“When he was threatened with the firearm, he drew his firearm and discharged it into the juvenile,” Phares said. “What’s tragic is that somebody lost their life over tennis shoes.”
The remaining juveniles fled the scene after the shooting; one was caught on the south lot of the mall and the other was arrested in Middletown, according to Phares.
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That permit holder shot the teen, who officers said was also armed with a gun, once.
“All the subjects involved in this were there for an athletic shoe release,” Miami Twp. Police Sgt. Jay Phares said Monday. “The juvenile wasn’t able to get in line in time to get these shoes that were being sold and decided to try to take them from somebody who did get some shoes, with force with a firearm.”
The teen, identified as Jawaad A. Jabbar of Middletown, was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Phares would not release the name of the shooter, who has been questioned but not arrested or charged.
“We’re looking at everybody and everything,” Phares said when asked about criminal charges.
The shooter and another adult male came out of the mall and were approached by three male juveniles, including Jabbar.
“When he was threatened with the firearm, he drew his firearm and discharged it into the juvenile,” Phares said. “What’s tragic is that somebody lost their life over tennis shoes.”
The remaining juveniles fled the scene after the shooting; one was caught on the south lot of the mall and the other was arrested in Middletown, according to Phares.
More here
Military Not Impressed by Commander in Chief
Over the last six years of the Obama administration, the U.S. military has been forced to embrace significant policy changes that have amounted to nothing more than social engineering during a time of war. When a commander in chief and many members of Congress are more concerned with advancing the homosexual agenda and fighting the so-called “war on women” than they are with winning actual wars, there is sure to be dissent among the ranks.
A new Military Times survey of almost 2,300 active-duty service members finds just that. The Times reports, “Obama’s popularity – never high to begin with – has crumbled, falling from 35 percent in 2009 to just 15 percent this year, while his disapproval ratings have increased to 55 percent from 40 percent over that time.”
What is the main cause for Obama’s plummeting approval rating? It’s his foreign policy – or rather lack thereof.
As National Review’s John Fund writes, “Much of the opposition to Obama has come from military members who believe he has been an inconsistent and flawed leader in foreign policy – for example, his 2011 removal of all troops in Iraq helped lead to the rise of the Islamic State, which then required a new U.S. intervention in the region.”
Simply put, our men and women in uniform do not want to put their lives on the line for a commander in chief who is so inept and determined to merely end wars rather than win them.
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A new Military Times survey of almost 2,300 active-duty service members finds just that. The Times reports, “Obama’s popularity – never high to begin with – has crumbled, falling from 35 percent in 2009 to just 15 percent this year, while his disapproval ratings have increased to 55 percent from 40 percent over that time.”
What is the main cause for Obama’s plummeting approval rating? It’s his foreign policy – or rather lack thereof.
As National Review’s John Fund writes, “Much of the opposition to Obama has come from military members who believe he has been an inconsistent and flawed leader in foreign policy – for example, his 2011 removal of all troops in Iraq helped lead to the rise of the Islamic State, which then required a new U.S. intervention in the region.”
Simply put, our men and women in uniform do not want to put their lives on the line for a commander in chief who is so inept and determined to merely end wars rather than win them.
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Wicomico County Facilities to Close at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 24.
The offices will remain closed through Thursday, December 25, 2014.
All services will resume with normal operating hours on Friday, December 26, 2014.
The Brick Kiln Road Landfill, Allen and Whitehaven Ferries, and all county convenience centers are open until 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 24th , closed all day Thursday, December 25th , and will resume normal operating hours Friday, December 26, 2014
House Republicans Break ‘Pledge to America,’ Allow Rushed Legislation
Republicans won the House in 2010 with their “Pledge to America” vowing a more transparent legislative process, but they broke many of those rules in this month’s end-of-year push to pass spending bills and a massive package of land deals.
The Pledge committed House Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, and fellow House Republicans to providing ample time for lawmakers to read bills and assured Americans that the party, if given the reins of power, wouldn’t cram unpopular measures into must-pass bills to sneak them through.
But the $1.1 trillion spending bill, spanning 1,600 pages of legislative text and another 1,200 pages of explanation, was passed in just 48 hours. About one-quarter of the pages in the annual defense policy bill had nothing to do with defense and instead were devoted to establishing 250,000 acres of new national park sites and land swaps, mostly in Western states.
Mr. Boehner’s office insisted they adhered to the three-day rule despite posting the bill at about 9 p.m. on a Tuesday and having colleagues vote on it 48 hours later, at about 9 p.m. Thursday. It would have been only 41 hours, but a rebellion among House Democrats pushed the vote back by seven hours.
They hit the three-day mark by counting the three hours Tuesday night as one day.
“The bill was available all or part of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. That is the requirement under the three-day rule,” said Michael Steel, spokesman for Mr. Boehner.
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The Pledge committed House Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, and fellow House Republicans to providing ample time for lawmakers to read bills and assured Americans that the party, if given the reins of power, wouldn’t cram unpopular measures into must-pass bills to sneak them through.
But the $1.1 trillion spending bill, spanning 1,600 pages of legislative text and another 1,200 pages of explanation, was passed in just 48 hours. About one-quarter of the pages in the annual defense policy bill had nothing to do with defense and instead were devoted to establishing 250,000 acres of new national park sites and land swaps, mostly in Western states.
Mr. Boehner’s office insisted they adhered to the three-day rule despite posting the bill at about 9 p.m. on a Tuesday and having colleagues vote on it 48 hours later, at about 9 p.m. Thursday. It would have been only 41 hours, but a rebellion among House Democrats pushed the vote back by seven hours.
They hit the three-day mark by counting the three hours Tuesday night as one day.
“The bill was available all or part of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. That is the requirement under the three-day rule,” said Michael Steel, spokesman for Mr. Boehner.
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BLUE, BREW & BBQ
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Buffet Includes: Crab Balls, Crab Soup, Crab Dip, Pulled Pork, Single-Cut Ribs, Rolls & Slaw
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GIT OUT Will freed Gitmo detainees resurface on battlefield?
The steady stream of detainees being transferred out of Guantanamo Bay is raising security concerns among lawmakers who worry the Obama administration has no system for keeping tabs on them.
The latest batch includes four prisoners once classified as high risk, individuals ranging from a known weapons smuggler to a Taliban operative involved in multiple attacks against U.S. and coalition forces.
"They're very dangerous terrorists," Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., told Fox News, after the four Afghan detainees were transferred to their home country over the weekend.
Administration officials have touted the transfers as part of fulfilling President Obama's commitment toward winding down the controversial prison camp. The administration has transferred 23 detainees out of the camp so far this year, with more transfers potentially coming before Dec. 31.
Secretary of State John Kerry this week touted "huge progress" in shrinking the detainee population, as he announced the departure of Cliff Sloan, the president's point man on the camp. Over Sloan's 18 months on the job, Kerry said in a statement, 34 detainees were moved out of the camp, "with more on the way."
It's unclear whether Sloan's departure might delay more transfers. Obama remains intent on closing down Guantanamo during his final two years in office, despite congressional and logistical hurdles -- like what to do with those too dangerous to release. But as the pace of transfers picks up, lawmakers worry the government is taking a big risk already.
The most recent transfer involved four men classified as high risk. According to The Associated Press, outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel did not sign off on the transfer right away, after the top U.S. commander in the country, Gen. John Campbell, voiced concerns about the risk they would pose to troops. However, officials reportedly say the military has since screened the move; the Defense Department said in a statement the U.S. worked with the Afghan government to make sure the transfers are consistent "with appropriate security and humane treatment measures."
This followed the release of six men to Uruguay and the release earlier this year of the "Taliban Five" to Qatar in exchange for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The four that went to Afghanistan, with no requirement that they be detained, are:
Mohammed Zahir
According to documents, Zahir was a high-level Taliban intelligence official arrested on suspicion of having, among other contraband, uranium. A 2008 Pentagon document, posted on WikiLeaks, said evidence indicated the uranium was intended for a nuclear device. He also was determined to be a weapons smuggler; he had been at Guantanamo since 2003.
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The latest batch includes four prisoners once classified as high risk, individuals ranging from a known weapons smuggler to a Taliban operative involved in multiple attacks against U.S. and coalition forces.
"They're very dangerous terrorists," Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., told Fox News, after the four Afghan detainees were transferred to their home country over the weekend.
Administration officials have touted the transfers as part of fulfilling President Obama's commitment toward winding down the controversial prison camp. The administration has transferred 23 detainees out of the camp so far this year, with more transfers potentially coming before Dec. 31.
Secretary of State John Kerry this week touted "huge progress" in shrinking the detainee population, as he announced the departure of Cliff Sloan, the president's point man on the camp. Over Sloan's 18 months on the job, Kerry said in a statement, 34 detainees were moved out of the camp, "with more on the way."
It's unclear whether Sloan's departure might delay more transfers. Obama remains intent on closing down Guantanamo during his final two years in office, despite congressional and logistical hurdles -- like what to do with those too dangerous to release. But as the pace of transfers picks up, lawmakers worry the government is taking a big risk already.
The most recent transfer involved four men classified as high risk. According to The Associated Press, outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel did not sign off on the transfer right away, after the top U.S. commander in the country, Gen. John Campbell, voiced concerns about the risk they would pose to troops. However, officials reportedly say the military has since screened the move; the Defense Department said in a statement the U.S. worked with the Afghan government to make sure the transfers are consistent "with appropriate security and humane treatment measures."
This followed the release of six men to Uruguay and the release earlier this year of the "Taliban Five" to Qatar in exchange for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The four that went to Afghanistan, with no requirement that they be detained, are:
Mohammed Zahir
According to documents, Zahir was a high-level Taliban intelligence official arrested on suspicion of having, among other contraband, uranium. A 2008 Pentagon document, posted on WikiLeaks, said evidence indicated the uranium was intended for a nuclear device. He also was determined to be a weapons smuggler; he had been at Guantanamo since 2003.
More
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