DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Pedestrian Killed on I495 Crash
Edgemoor, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in which a pedestrian was struck and killed on I495 northbound in Edgemoor this evening.
The preliminary investigation has determined that the crash occurred tonight, Thursday, January 22, 2015, at approximately 7:58 p.m., and has resulted in the death of a pedestrian. An unknown male subject was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of I495 north of Edgemoor Road. The victim was then struck by an unknown make and model vehicle that had been traveling in a northbound direction on I495. The force of the collision knocked the victim to the ground where he was then struck by multiple vehicles which were also traveling northbound on I495. The victim, who was crossing the roadway, was pronounced dead at the scene.
All of the striking vehicles did not remain at the scene.
I495 northbound north of Edgemoor Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
Inhofe Calls Obama's Climate Agenda A 'Wealth Redistribution Scheme'
Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Inhofe criticized President Barack Obama’s doubling down on fighting global warming Tuesday night, arguing that the president’s planned climate regulations were simply “a wealth redistribution scheme.”
“Why the pain for no gain?” Inhofe asked in a rebuttal to Obama’s State of the Union speech. ”As The Wall Street Journal put it when reporting on just one of the president’s many climate regulations, this is a wealth redistribution scheme being imposed by the president through the EPA.”
“This is the real climate agenda the president chose not to address tonight. It is no wonder because it would impose the largest tax increase in the history of America,” Inhofe added.
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“Why the pain for no gain?” Inhofe asked in a rebuttal to Obama’s State of the Union speech. ”As The Wall Street Journal put it when reporting on just one of the president’s many climate regulations, this is a wealth redistribution scheme being imposed by the president through the EPA.”
“This is the real climate agenda the president chose not to address tonight. It is no wonder because it would impose the largest tax increase in the history of America,” Inhofe added.
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Weeping mom pretended her 5-year-old girl had cancer is spared jail
The 30-year-old mother who tricked her entire community into believing her 5-year-old daughter had cancer has been spared jail today by an Iowa judge.
Leatha Slauson, who cashed in more than $1,000 in donations for her child in August, has instead been ordered to spend five-years on probation in lieu of a sentence of two five-year jail terms. Slauson had faced up to 21 years in prison.
District Court Judge Kathleen Kilnoski also ordered a tearful Slauson that she have no contact with her five children after she shaved her daughter Riley's head, medicated her with cannabis oil to bring on lethargy and even convinced her husband his child was dying.
However, before she was let free on probation, the Atlantic mother pleaded to be allowed to see her children.
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Leatha Slauson, who cashed in more than $1,000 in donations for her child in August, has instead been ordered to spend five-years on probation in lieu of a sentence of two five-year jail terms. Slauson had faced up to 21 years in prison.
District Court Judge Kathleen Kilnoski also ordered a tearful Slauson that she have no contact with her five children after she shaved her daughter Riley's head, medicated her with cannabis oil to bring on lethargy and even convinced her husband his child was dying.
However, before she was let free on probation, the Atlantic mother pleaded to be allowed to see her children.
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Why I Almost Walked Out of American Sniper
And it’s pretty rare for me to post a movie review, and this isn’t really that, either.
But I did almost walk out of this movie. Twice, actually.
But before we get to that, let me tell you the reasons why I think you (and everyone else) should see this movie. In the process of doing that, I think I can better explain why I almost walked out.
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Obama calls for civility, then immediately taunts Republicans
Most divisive president in history
President Obama spent much of Tuesday’s State of the Union calling for civility in politics — then taunted Republicans over his two election victories, after many of them applauded the looming end of his political career.
Mr. Obama issued a broad call for “a better politics” that began with common principles, and said his agenda isn’t political, pointing out “I have no more campaigns to run.”
That drew rousing applause from the GOP side of the aisle, which had sat on its hands as Mr. Obama had ticked off partisan proposals he wanted to see, and threatened vetoes of bipartisan bills Republicans are trying to pass.
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President Obama spent much of Tuesday’s State of the Union calling for civility in politics — then taunted Republicans over his two election victories, after many of them applauded the looming end of his political career.
Mr. Obama issued a broad call for “a better politics” that began with common principles, and said his agenda isn’t political, pointing out “I have no more campaigns to run.”
That drew rousing applause from the GOP side of the aisle, which had sat on its hands as Mr. Obama had ticked off partisan proposals he wanted to see, and threatened vetoes of bipartisan bills Republicans are trying to pass.
Read more
MIKULSKI, CARDIN ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL $6.2 MILLION IN FEDERAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE FUNDING FOR MARYLAND FAMILIES WITH MODEST INCOMES
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced that Maryland will receive an additional $6.2 million in federal energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help families with modest incomes stay warm this winter. This brings Maryland’s total to $68.3 million in federal funds and is made possible through the recently-passed Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 law.
“No family should be forced to choose between paying the heating bill and putting food on the table,” said Senator Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds LIHEAP. “I fought hard for these funds in the federal checkbook so that families would have a government on their side when they need it most. This critical energy assistance for families with modest incomes will help those most in need care for themselves and their families during this frigid winter.”
“We cannot leave the most vulnerable Maryland families in the dark and cold. This federal funding is good news for low-income families who rely on LIHEAP to keep their homes safe and warm during the winter months,” said Senator Cardin. “Public health and public safety obliges the federal government to help keep the power on for households in need.”
“No family should be forced to choose between paying the heating bill and putting food on the table,” said Senator Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds LIHEAP. “I fought hard for these funds in the federal checkbook so that families would have a government on their side when they need it most. This critical energy assistance for families with modest incomes will help those most in need care for themselves and their families during this frigid winter.”
“We cannot leave the most vulnerable Maryland families in the dark and cold. This federal funding is good news for low-income families who rely on LIHEAP to keep their homes safe and warm during the winter months,” said Senator Cardin. “Public health and public safety obliges the federal government to help keep the power on for households in need.”
Snake Pops Out Of A Cabinet At Lowe’s, Bites Customer On The Head
Imagine you’re hanging out in a nice, dry, safe room away from all the worries of the world. Suddenly, someone throws a door open to the big, scary world. Wouldn’t you want to bite that interloper right on the head? If you were a snake, totally, as one surprised Lowe’s customer found out after accidentally intruding on a snake’s privacy in the store.
Free Tax Preparation for Qualified Individuals
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program
is geared toward those over 60 questions or help filing their returns.
AARP Volunteers
(NO COST - must meet eligibility requirements)
POCOMOKE CITY LIBRARY
301 MARKET ST
POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-1113
Contact Telephone: (410) 957-0878 Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Fri 10:00AM-3:00PM
Comments: Please note that this site is only open: 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 3/28 & 4/11 Appointment: Appointment Required
Center Name: MAC INC/SALISBURY CONFERENCE Address:909 PROGRESS CIR
SALISBURY, MD 21804-2316
Contact Telephone: (410) 742-0505 Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Mon 9:00AM-4:30PM Appointment: Appointment Required
THE COMMUNITY CHURCH OF OCEAN PINES
11227 RACETRACK RD
BERLIN, MD 21811-3276
Contact Telephone: (410) 213-1608 Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Thu 10:00AM-3:00PM
Sat 10:00AM-3:00PM
Comments: Site Closed Feb 22 Appointment: Appointment Required
Center Name: OCEAN PINES LIBRARY Address:11107 CATHELL RD
OCEAN PNES, MD 21811-3132
Contact Telephone: (410) 213-1608 Handicap Accessible: Yes
Site Schedule: Mon 10:00AM-3:00PM
Monday only. Feb 10, Mar 10 & April 14 Noon to 5PM.
Appointment Required
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help for those who
make $53,000 a year or less and need assistance filing their return.
(NO COST - must meet eligibility requirements)
SHORE UP!, INC - WICOMICO VITA 520 SNOW HILL RD
SALISBURY, MD 21804
410-749-1142
Languages - English & Spanish
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED
JAN 21, 2015 - APR 11, 2015
UMES - SOMERSET VITA
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT CENTER
2ND FL UPWARD BOUND PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853
410-749-1142
Languages - English & Spanish
APPOINTMENT REQUIRED
FEB 3, 2015 - MAR 31, 2015
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Proposed Program Would Pay First Two Years Of Recent New York Graduates’ Student Loans
With the average graduate now leaving college with more than $28,000 in student loans, it can be difficult to envision just how one might manage to land on their feet. If you happen to be a resident of New York and attended an instite of higher education within the state’s borders, repaying those debts could be a bit easier under a recently proposed student loan repayment program.
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Report: Ravens Tipped Off Colts About Patriots Deflating Balls
“The Indianapolis Colts were tipped off to this before the game ever even happened.Whether or not it was from the last time they played, I was told it was people from inside Baltimore, from the Baltimore Ravens.”
“The NFL was already planning to inspect the balls at halftime, despite D’Qwell Jackson‘s interception originally being reported as the cause.”
Colts Head Coach, Chuck Pagano, is a former Ravens Defensive Coordinator.
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Facebook Launches Effort To Cut Down On Those Annoying Hoax Stories Your Friends Can’t Stop Believing
No, Betty White is not dead (and neither is Eddie Murphy, Celine Dion, Jon Bon Jovi, etc). No, a bunch of worms didn’t burst out of a woman’s chest. But because your friends on Facebook are easily fooled and don’t know about the existence of Snopes.com, it’s up to you to run through that gauntlet of idiocy on your news feed. Since those gullible folks will never learn, Facebook says now it’s going to help crack down on bogus, hoax and otherwise fake Internet stories clogging up what you read on the social media site.
Yemen president, Cabinet resign amid rebel standoff
Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the country's Cabinet have resigned, officials tell The Associated Press, amid a standoff with Shiite rebels who control the capital of Sanaa.
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Governor Larry Hogan Announces FY 2016 Budget (Part 1 of 2)
Governor Larry Hogan Announces FY 2016 Budget
Balance Today, Balance Tomorrow
Annapolis, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced his FY 2016 Budget. The overall theme of the FY 2016 budget is “Balance Today, Balance Tomorrow” and it achieves a goal Maryland has not seen in a decade – aligning general fund spending with general fund revenues to create a structurally balanced budget. Governor Hogan’s FY 2016 operating budget expends $16.4 billion on revenues of $16.4 billion.
The governor’s budget puts Maryland on sound financial footing without raising taxes or fees and without eliminating agencies or introducing furloughs or layoffs. Additionally, the budget commits record funding to spending K-12 education, fully funds school construction and grows higher education spending by 1.3%.
The budget achieves structural balance ahead of the goals set by the General Assembly’s Spending Affordability Committee. The recommendation from the committee included a reduction to the state's structural deficit over several years, moving from approximately $700 million to $350 million in FY 2016. Governor Hogan’s budget eliminates the structural deficit now.
Excluding appropriation to the reserve fund, PAYGO capital and debt service, Governor Hogan’s FY 2016 budget keeps general fund spending growth to one-half of one percent (0.5%), significantly below the projected 3.5% growth in revenues. The budget includes a 2% reduction in funding to state agencies.
“I am extremely proud to introduce a structurally balanced budget that puts our state on sound financial footing,” said Governor Hogan. “But this is just a start. We have much more to do in the days and weeks ahead to further strengthen our state’s fiscal course. My administration will continue to work to put Maryland’s economy back on track, attract new businesses, and create jobs for the long-term stability of our budget.”
The governor’s budget reverses Maryland unsustainable fiscal path and breaks the cycle of overspending and over borrowing. Most importantly, it will begin the rehabilitation of the capital debt program within affordable limits and is the first step in an essential turnaround and a multi-year effort that will bring the budget into a long-term balance.
By reducing the amount of new debt authorization, Maryland will be able to meet the majority of its capital needs and reduce the projected growth of state debt, which is approaching the limits established by the state’s capital debt affordability process.
While rebasing spending and solving the budget gap, the governor’s budget does include important spending in a number of areas:
Education:
• The FY 2016 capital budget provides over $290 million for K-12 education projects including $280 million for the Public School Construction Program, including $6.5 million for a new academic building and dormitory at the Maryland School for the Blind.
• The University System of Maryland (USM) receives $1.2 billion in State funding, a $15.4 million, or 1.3%, increase from last year. USM’s total FY 2016 budget is $5.10 billion.
Safety & Correctional Services:
Environment:
- $279 million for water quality improvement projects.
- $84 million for land preservation under Program Open Space, Rural Legacy, and Agricultural Land Preservation.
Health & Safety Net:
• The FY 2016 capital budget allocates $48 million for improvements to Maryland’s health infrastructure, including $30 million toward development of a new regional medical center in Prince George’s County.
• The FY 2016 budget provides $1.02 billion for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, an increase of 8% from the prior year.
Expanding Opportunities for Businesses:
• The budget includes $16.9 million for job centers across the state which provide free assistance to job seekers through training referrals, career counseling, and job listings.
Transportation:
• The proposed FY 2016 capital budget for Department of Transportation projects totals $2.9 billion.
Minimum wage hike has an adverse effect on jobs for young workers
Gov. Larry Hogan and Maryland's political leadership face no simple tasks in the months ahead. Along with a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, they will be forced to confront the fallout of big-government policies enacted by previous administrations. One such policy is the new $8.00 per hour minimum wage that went into effect Jan. 1. Maryland's minimum wage will again increase another 25 cents in July and, through a series of hikes, will reach $10.10 by July 1, 2018.
The minimum wage increase impacts business owners and jeopardizes those they employ. As Maryland's business owners scramble to cover higher labor costs, they may be forced to reduce employee hours, benefits or training, or to slow hiring and expansion. These reductions would exacerbate Maryland's already-troubling youth unemployment rate — currently 13.4 percent — by robbing young, inexperienced individuals of job prospects and, more importantly, crucial opportunities to earn the work experience necessary to build a career.
An increased minimum wage will remove the first rungs of the career ladder in the American dream. The negative effects on employment are likely to be more profound in the long run, as employers shift to labor-saving methods of production when labor costs rise. ATMs have replaced many bank tellers, cashiers have been swapped for self-serve checkouts and gas jockeys have been eliminated in jurisdictions where they are not legally mandated.
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The minimum wage increase impacts business owners and jeopardizes those they employ. As Maryland's business owners scramble to cover higher labor costs, they may be forced to reduce employee hours, benefits or training, or to slow hiring and expansion. These reductions would exacerbate Maryland's already-troubling youth unemployment rate — currently 13.4 percent — by robbing young, inexperienced individuals of job prospects and, more importantly, crucial opportunities to earn the work experience necessary to build a career.
An increased minimum wage will remove the first rungs of the career ladder in the American dream. The negative effects on employment are likely to be more profound in the long run, as employers shift to labor-saving methods of production when labor costs rise. ATMs have replaced many bank tellers, cashiers have been swapped for self-serve checkouts and gas jockeys have been eliminated in jurisdictions where they are not legally mandated.
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Billy Crystal tells the Television Critics Association that Hollywood shoving gay sex in our face is ‘too much for me’
I’m very Libertarian when it comes to Gay issues. Live and let live as long as you don’t force your lifestyle on me or down my throat. Television crossed that line long ago. It seems wherever you look, the shows are either pandering to Gays or to race and I find it detestable. I can relate to Crystal’s feelings here. I don’t particularly want to know what anyone does in their bedroom. Period. Crystal is pointing out the obvious – all of us are forced into accepting certain lifestyles and morality choices whether we like it or not in most of the shows we watch. We can either quit watching them, or ignore the propaganda. It’s a pity our children for the most part don’t have that choice or the wisdom to know what is dogma pushed by the State and what is simply entertainment. Indoctrination en masse is now TV du jour.
One of television’s pioneers in bringing gay sex to America’s small screens is getting a little sick of the consequences.
Billy Crystal, who played an openly gay character on ABC’s “Soap,” a parody of daytime soap operas that ran from 1977 to 1981 , told a panel of the Television Critics Association in Pasadena on Sunday that the push to get gays on television is going too far, according to the Huffington Post.
“Sometimes I think, ‘Ah that’s too much for me,’” Crystal said. “Sometimes, it’s just pushing it a little too far for my taste and I’m not going to reveal to you which ones they are.”
There’s certainly no shortage of candidates. Mainstreaming gay characters has been a staple of television for years now, whether it’s the comedy “Modern Family” (and you know what makes it “modern”) or the drama “Orange is the New Black” and a bunch of shows in between.
The problem, Crystal said, is that the pendulum has swung too far – from the era when his character was automatically a laugh-line because of his sexual orientation to now, when audiences might feel like they’re having an alternative lifestyle pushed into their lives, whether they want it or not.
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One of television’s pioneers in bringing gay sex to America’s small screens is getting a little sick of the consequences.
Billy Crystal, who played an openly gay character on ABC’s “Soap,” a parody of daytime soap operas that ran from 1977 to 1981 , told a panel of the Television Critics Association in Pasadena on Sunday that the push to get gays on television is going too far, according to the Huffington Post.
“Sometimes I think, ‘Ah that’s too much for me,’” Crystal said. “Sometimes, it’s just pushing it a little too far for my taste and I’m not going to reveal to you which ones they are.”
There’s certainly no shortage of candidates. Mainstreaming gay characters has been a staple of television for years now, whether it’s the comedy “Modern Family” (and you know what makes it “modern”) or the drama “Orange is the New Black” and a bunch of shows in between.
The problem, Crystal said, is that the pendulum has swung too far – from the era when his character was automatically a laugh-line because of his sexual orientation to now, when audiences might feel like they’re having an alternative lifestyle pushed into their lives, whether they want it or not.
More
Kick ‘Em While They’re Up, Kick ‘Em While They’re Down: The Return of the Gas Tax
Here’s one of my favorite stories about how the mind of a government official works.
A few years ago, I was in a grocery store in Charlottesville when I overheard a conversation between two shoppers, one of whom was clearly in some position of authority (the City Council, I believe). This was right after the financial crisis. The real estate market had just collapsed, a whole bunch of local development project had just been canceled, and my wife was telling me about all the guys she knew in construction who were desperate for work. Yet here was this lady arguing for why the local government should not approve any new commercial building permits. The danger, she explained, was the prospect of “economic ghost towns,” retail areas where several shops had closed, hurting business for the others. Until these “economic ghost towns” were filled back up—whether anybody wanted them or not—there was no good reason to approve permits for new commercial construction.
I just couldn’t keep quiet and had to interrupt: Only in Charlottesville—a left-leaning university town—could an economic downturn be used as a reason to block new economic activity.
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A few years ago, I was in a grocery store in Charlottesville when I overheard a conversation between two shoppers, one of whom was clearly in some position of authority (the City Council, I believe). This was right after the financial crisis. The real estate market had just collapsed, a whole bunch of local development project had just been canceled, and my wife was telling me about all the guys she knew in construction who were desperate for work. Yet here was this lady arguing for why the local government should not approve any new commercial building permits. The danger, she explained, was the prospect of “economic ghost towns,” retail areas where several shops had closed, hurting business for the others. Until these “economic ghost towns” were filled back up—whether anybody wanted them or not—there was no good reason to approve permits for new commercial construction.
I just couldn’t keep quiet and had to interrupt: Only in Charlottesville—a left-leaning university town—could an economic downturn be used as a reason to block new economic activity.
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Al Gore, Mexican President Calderon Want To Spend $90 Trillion To Get Rid Of Cars In Cities
Gore and Calderon announced the proposal with colleagues from The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland Wednesday, Business Insider reported. The conference – attended by some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world – runs from Wednesday through Saturday.
Entitled Better Growth Better Climate, the report’s objective is to combat climate change. “The world is now experiencing a new, different type of urbanization,” according to the introduction.
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Government, Not Racism, Is The Greatest Threat
Just like Abraham Lincoln–the first Republican President—who gave his life to end slavery, Martin Luther King, Jr. had a radical vision for America, making real those words of the Declaration of Independence—that “all men are created equal.”
In the end, he gave his life trying to bring about equality in a country where some bitterly clung to their hatred and racism.
When Dr. King marched peacefully through the streets in cities like Selma and Montgomery, the marchers were met with fire hoses and police brutality for simply wanting equal rights—to be treated like every other human being.
All of us know the famous quote from Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
But what most Americans don’t seem to realize is that something happened between Dr. King’s death in 1963 and today– and that his vision has been distorted.
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In the end, he gave his life trying to bring about equality in a country where some bitterly clung to their hatred and racism.
When Dr. King marched peacefully through the streets in cities like Selma and Montgomery, the marchers were met with fire hoses and police brutality for simply wanting equal rights—to be treated like every other human being.
All of us know the famous quote from Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
But what most Americans don’t seem to realize is that something happened between Dr. King’s death in 1963 and today– and that his vision has been distorted.
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SFD Calls For Service 1-21-15
- Wednesday January, 21 2015 @ 19:24Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Wednesday January, 21 2015 @ 18:21Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Wednesday January, 21 2015 @ 18:02Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Wednesday January, 21 2015 @ 17:42Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Wednesday January, 21 2015 @ 15:35 Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 1001 Lake St Salisbury, MD 21801
Government Created the Housing Bubble and Financial Crisis — and Could Be Doing so Again
What caused the financial crisis? How can we prevent another one from happening again? The answers you most often hear to those questions are (1) greed and deregulation and (2) the Dodd-Frank law.
But they’re patently inadequate. Greed — or the desire for monetary gain — has always been with us and always will be. And no one has convincingly linked financial deregulation to the crisis. Dodd-Frank, enacted to increase regulation, confers too-big-to-fail status on very large financial institutions, which incentivizes unduly risky behavior and penalizes smaller competitors.
The real problem was housing finance, argues my American Enterprise Institute colleague Peter Wallison in his new book “Hidden in Plain Sight: What Really Caused the World’s Worst Financial Crisis and Why It Could Happen Again.” Without changes in housing finance policy, he says, there would have been no financial crisis in 2008.
Government policies encouraged the granting of mortgages to non-creditworthy homebuyers, and government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac funneled securities laced with high-risk mortgages into major financial institutions. When house prices suddenly and unexpectedly dropped in 2007, these mortgage-backed securities became unsellable and the financial crisis quickly followed.
Wallison traces the policy mistake back to 1992, when Congress passed a law requiring the GSE’s to purchase a certain percentage of its mortgages granted to low- and moderate-income homebuyers–30 percent originally, later adjusted up to 56 percent by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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But they’re patently inadequate. Greed — or the desire for monetary gain — has always been with us and always will be. And no one has convincingly linked financial deregulation to the crisis. Dodd-Frank, enacted to increase regulation, confers too-big-to-fail status on very large financial institutions, which incentivizes unduly risky behavior and penalizes smaller competitors.
The real problem was housing finance, argues my American Enterprise Institute colleague Peter Wallison in his new book “Hidden in Plain Sight: What Really Caused the World’s Worst Financial Crisis and Why It Could Happen Again.” Without changes in housing finance policy, he says, there would have been no financial crisis in 2008.
Government policies encouraged the granting of mortgages to non-creditworthy homebuyers, and government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac funneled securities laced with high-risk mortgages into major financial institutions. When house prices suddenly and unexpectedly dropped in 2007, these mortgage-backed securities became unsellable and the financial crisis quickly followed.
Wallison traces the policy mistake back to 1992, when Congress passed a law requiring the GSE’s to purchase a certain percentage of its mortgages granted to low- and moderate-income homebuyers–30 percent originally, later adjusted up to 56 percent by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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Philly to NYC, Boston May Get Biggest Snowstorm of Season Yet
A storm poised to hit this weekend could bring the first widespread heavy snowfall of the winter to the Interstate-95 Northeast corridor, the northern and western suburbs of the I-95 cities and parts of the Appalachians.
According to AccuWeather.com Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams, "Unlike many storms this winter, this particular one has the potential to bring a foot of snow to some locations, where rain fails to mix in."
According to AccuWeather.com Chief Meteorologist Elliot Abrams, "Unlike many storms this winter, this particular one has the potential to bring a foot of snow to some locations, where rain fails to mix in."
The President’s Address of Lies
Obama’s previous State of the Union address claimed last year would be a “breakthrough year.” In this year’s State of the Union address he announced that he would turn the page.
Turning the page on last year’s grandiose and dishonest claims is what Obama does with each new address. Each year terrorism has been permanently defeated and the economy has recovered; Al Qaeda is on the run, unemployed dentists from Poughkeepsie are learning to install solar panels and illegal aliens from Los Angeles are teaching sex ed to kindergarteners.
And then next year he comes out to announce once again that the country has recovered from the crisis that he had already announced that it had recovered from last year.
And everyone applauds.
What exactly is Obama turning the page on? Two lost wars and the lowest employed population since 1977… under his predecessor Jimmy Carter?
When everything on the last page looks so bad, then it’s time to turn the page, offer up a minor variation on the same promises about infrastructure, income inequality and education, before going back to a busy schedule of playing golf, visiting foreign countries on pseudo-vacations and ruling unilaterally without regard for the other two branches of government that don’t control the military.
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Turning the page on last year’s grandiose and dishonest claims is what Obama does with each new address. Each year terrorism has been permanently defeated and the economy has recovered; Al Qaeda is on the run, unemployed dentists from Poughkeepsie are learning to install solar panels and illegal aliens from Los Angeles are teaching sex ed to kindergarteners.
And then next year he comes out to announce once again that the country has recovered from the crisis that he had already announced that it had recovered from last year.
And everyone applauds.
What exactly is Obama turning the page on? Two lost wars and the lowest employed population since 1977… under his predecessor Jimmy Carter?
When everything on the last page looks so bad, then it’s time to turn the page, offer up a minor variation on the same promises about infrastructure, income inequality and education, before going back to a busy schedule of playing golf, visiting foreign countries on pseudo-vacations and ruling unilaterally without regard for the other two branches of government that don’t control the military.
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Trump, Carson & Cruz At The 2015 South Carolina Tea Party Convention
The 2015 South Carolina Tea Party Convention really started to take off this year. The event sold out, which isn’t a big surprise given that the group managed to bring in speakers like Ted Cruz, Ben Carson and Donald Trump. The people behind the convention, Joe Dugan and Gerri McDaniel (pictured below with Ted Cruz) really did a remarkable job of putting it all together.
The guy who put on the best pitch-perfect performance I’ve ever seen from him was Ted Cruz. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand, delivered killer lines galore and was just dominant. If you want to know what a candidate who is talking to Tea Partiers should sound like, this is it.
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The guy who put on the best pitch-perfect performance I’ve ever seen from him was Ted Cruz. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand, delivered killer lines galore and was just dominant. If you want to know what a candidate who is talking to Tea Partiers should sound like, this is it.
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Obama’s Class Warfare
He’s launching a new era of tax and spend.
The American economy is finally coming back, after one of the slowest post-recession recoveries in recent history. So naturally President Obama has decided that what we really need now is a return to the era of tax and spend. Oh, and of course, a healthy batch of class warfare too.
The president wants to junk the sequester caps that have been largely responsible for reducing our estimated deficit from $1 trillion a year to a more manageable but still sizable $469 billion this year. He would increase discretionary spending for next year by $68 billion above the spending caps enacted in 2011, with the increases roughly split between defense and non-defense spending. If these increases are enacted, discretionary spending would increase roughly 7 percent from this year to next, compared with average growth of 4 percent from 2004 to 2013.
The president would pay for his spending spree with a massive tax hike on small businesses and capital investment. The tax hike would cost Americans $320 billion over ten years, including higher taxes on capital gains, banks’ assets, and financial transactions. He would also end the tax deductibility of earnings in the highly popular 529 College Plans.
That capital-gains increase, by the way, would give America a higher capital-gains tax rate than such competitors as Canada, Greece, Norway, and Spain. If you include the state capital-gains taxes in 42 states, we would also be higher than Sweden and Finland. And, of course, countries such as South Korea, the Netherlands, and New Zealand have no capital-gains tax at all.
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The American economy is finally coming back, after one of the slowest post-recession recoveries in recent history. So naturally President Obama has decided that what we really need now is a return to the era of tax and spend. Oh, and of course, a healthy batch of class warfare too.
The president wants to junk the sequester caps that have been largely responsible for reducing our estimated deficit from $1 trillion a year to a more manageable but still sizable $469 billion this year. He would increase discretionary spending for next year by $68 billion above the spending caps enacted in 2011, with the increases roughly split between defense and non-defense spending. If these increases are enacted, discretionary spending would increase roughly 7 percent from this year to next, compared with average growth of 4 percent from 2004 to 2013.
The president would pay for his spending spree with a massive tax hike on small businesses and capital investment. The tax hike would cost Americans $320 billion over ten years, including higher taxes on capital gains, banks’ assets, and financial transactions. He would also end the tax deductibility of earnings in the highly popular 529 College Plans.
That capital-gains increase, by the way, would give America a higher capital-gains tax rate than such competitors as Canada, Greece, Norway, and Spain. If you include the state capital-gains taxes in 42 states, we would also be higher than Sweden and Finland. And, of course, countries such as South Korea, the Netherlands, and New Zealand have no capital-gains tax at all.
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Homeless Tier II Sex Offender Notification
5'09" tall, 180 lbs.
White male, brown hair, brown eyes
Resume:
Georgetown, DE – Aaron Fletcher is not wanted. This is a homeless sex offender public notification. Fletcher is a Tier II sex offender who has registered as homeless in Georgetown, DE. If you have information that he is occupying a residence please contact 302-672-5306. 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."
8th Grade Science Teacher Stands Up Against The Common Core, Compares Tests To 'Child Abuse'
An 8th grade science teacher at a Long Island, New York public school is refusing to administer Common Core tests, comparing the state-mandated exams to "child abuse," The Long Island Press reports.
Comsewogue School District teacher Beth Dimino belongs to the "Teachers Of Conscience Movement," founded by a group of public school teachers in New York City who identify as "conscientious objectors" and say they're concerned about "'market-based" education reform and the "standardization of public education," according to the Press. The Common Core sets national standards for math and English and involves a series of mathematics and English language arts/literacy tests at the end of each academic year.
The standards have been controversial both for their perceived infringement on states' rights by the federal government, which established the Common Core, and their implementation. Critics say the standards use confusing language and overly complicated methods to teach students.
"I believe that it is child abuse. I believe that giving these tests to my students makes me culpable in the abuse of children and I can no longer do that," Dimino told the Press.
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Comsewogue School District teacher Beth Dimino belongs to the "Teachers Of Conscience Movement," founded by a group of public school teachers in New York City who identify as "conscientious objectors" and say they're concerned about "'market-based" education reform and the "standardization of public education," according to the Press. The Common Core sets national standards for math and English and involves a series of mathematics and English language arts/literacy tests at the end of each academic year.
The standards have been controversial both for their perceived infringement on states' rights by the federal government, which established the Common Core, and their implementation. Critics say the standards use confusing language and overly complicated methods to teach students.
"I believe that it is child abuse. I believe that giving these tests to my students makes me culpable in the abuse of children and I can no longer do that," Dimino told the Press.
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Vigilante arrested for tackling licensed gunowner in Florida Wal-Mart
Deputies in West Florida arrested a 43-year-old man Tuesday after he tackled a man carrying a concealed weapon in Wal-Mart.
According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Foster saw 62-year-old Clarence Daniels in the Wal-Mart parking lot at 11110 Causeway Blvd. with a gun holstered under his coat, a local Fox affiliate reported.
Mr. Foster followed Mr. Daniels into the store, put him in a chokehold and brought him to the ground while screaming that he had a gun, police said.
During the struggle, Mr. Daniels yelled that he had a concealed weapons license, which deputies confirmed was true.
The report said Mr. Foster did not call 911 until he tackled the man.
Mr. Foster has been charged with one count of battery.
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According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Michael Foster saw 62-year-old Clarence Daniels in the Wal-Mart parking lot at 11110 Causeway Blvd. with a gun holstered under his coat, a local Fox affiliate reported.
Mr. Foster followed Mr. Daniels into the store, put him in a chokehold and brought him to the ground while screaming that he had a gun, police said.
During the struggle, Mr. Daniels yelled that he had a concealed weapons license, which deputies confirmed was true.
The report said Mr. Foster did not call 911 until he tackled the man.
Mr. Foster has been charged with one count of battery.
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France needs no-nonsense approach to weeding out domestic terrorism
During a White House press conference last week in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, U.S President Barack Obama took the opportunity to school France on how to fight terrorism through social assimilation and approaches that don’t involve the military or law enforcement. Ironically, he lectured the French while standing just a few miles away from Anacostia, the Washington, D.C., neighborhood for which the French government issued a travel warning in 2013 for its citizens to avoid, day or night.
The problem in both France and the U.S. is the nonstop lip service to nice-sounding but ineffective ideas that are favored over tougher policies enacted during windows of political opportunity.
“Our biggest advantage … is that our Muslim populations feel themselves to be Americans and there is this incredible process of immigration and assimilation that is part of our tradition,” Obama said.
What assimilation process is that, exactly? Is there some kind of Office of Immigration and Integration tasked with ensuring that adult immigrants take courses in civic responsibility and the English language from the moment they apply for a visa? France has had such a process in place since 2007. Immigrants who fail to comply risk the non-renewal of their visas. The only adults exempted from signing this integration pact with the state are professionals deemed to have extraordinary abilities; independent, non-salaried professionals; seasonal workers; and immigrants with years of education in French schools.
It’s a start — and it’s much more than the U.S. has in place, despite Obama’s condescending remarks about the smooth assimilation of immigrants in America — but the standards could be even tighter. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said in 2013, when he was interior minister, that “for 75 percent of signatories, [the integration pact] is limited to a few hours of training on ‘Living in France’ and a skills assessment. It’s not up to par.” He’s right. The most obvious solution is to limit immigration to those who fall into the merit-based categories listed above.
Still, no amount of effort to integrate new immigrants can solve the problem of ethnic balkanization that has long existed within France. But addressing that underlying problem constitutes political kryptonite for any French politician.
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The problem in both France and the U.S. is the nonstop lip service to nice-sounding but ineffective ideas that are favored over tougher policies enacted during windows of political opportunity.
“Our biggest advantage … is that our Muslim populations feel themselves to be Americans and there is this incredible process of immigration and assimilation that is part of our tradition,” Obama said.
What assimilation process is that, exactly? Is there some kind of Office of Immigration and Integration tasked with ensuring that adult immigrants take courses in civic responsibility and the English language from the moment they apply for a visa? France has had such a process in place since 2007. Immigrants who fail to comply risk the non-renewal of their visas. The only adults exempted from signing this integration pact with the state are professionals deemed to have extraordinary abilities; independent, non-salaried professionals; seasonal workers; and immigrants with years of education in French schools.
It’s a start — and it’s much more than the U.S. has in place, despite Obama’s condescending remarks about the smooth assimilation of immigrants in America — but the standards could be even tighter. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said in 2013, when he was interior minister, that “for 75 percent of signatories, [the integration pact] is limited to a few hours of training on ‘Living in France’ and a skills assessment. It’s not up to par.” He’s right. The most obvious solution is to limit immigration to those who fall into the merit-based categories listed above.
Still, no amount of effort to integrate new immigrants can solve the problem of ethnic balkanization that has long existed within France. But addressing that underlying problem constitutes political kryptonite for any French politician.
More
State Police Detectives Arrest Four for Heroin Possession, Seaford
Detectives from Sussex County Drug Task Force (DTF) and Governor's Task Force (GTF) responded to the unit block of East Third Street in Blades Wednesday January 21, 2015 around 3:20 p.m. to conduct a search warrant.
Upon the troopers’ arrival, Bryant LeCates, 24 of Blades, Pamela M. Lama, 45 of Blades, and Joseph Owens Jr., 53 of Blades were all taken into custody without incident. The search warrant was conducted and detectives located 280 bags of heroin with a total weight of 4.2 grams, .4 grams of marijuana, .4 grams of powder cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and over $900.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
A separate search warrant was conducted at 2:00 p.m. the same day in a room at the Sunrise Motel located at 22512 Sussex Highway in Seaford. Michael D. Coverdale, 38 of Seaford, was contacted and taken into custody without incident upon the Task Force unit’s arrival. Detectives were able to locate 7,808 bags of heroin with a weight of 117.09 grams, 3 Oxycodone pills, over $6,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds, drug paraphernalia, and a fully loaded 9mm handgun.
All of the subjects were transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown and charged accordingly:
Bryant LeCates was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $17,200.00 cash bond. (Photo Attached – white male, light blue shirt)
Pamela Lama was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $28,500.00 cash bond. (Photo Attached - female)
Joseph Owens Jr. was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Cocaine, Conspiracy 2nd, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $28,500.00 cash bond. (Photo Attached – eye closed, white shirt)
Michael D. Coverdale was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (Oxycodone), two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited, Possession of Marijuana, and three counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $150,900.00 cash bond. (Photo Attached – blue sweatshirt)
Boehner Invites Netanyahu to Address Congress Next Month
President Obama warned Congress last night that he would veto any sanctions legislation on Iran, saying it would derail U.S. negotiations in the Middle East. But John Boehner isn't ready to sit out the battle over Iran's nuclear program, and on Wednesday, he invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address Congress next month.
"[Obama's] exact message to us was: 'Hold your fire.' He expects us to stand idly by and do nothing while he cuts a bad deal with Iran. Two words: 'Hell no!'" Boehner said during his weekly press briefing on Wednesday. "We're going to do no such thing."
Boehner said that he did not consult with the White House before extending the invitation to Netanyahu. A State Department spokesperson told The Washington Post's Jason Ukman that U.S. officials learned about the invitation from the speaker's office, not from Israel. And the White House is not happy.
More here
"[Obama's] exact message to us was: 'Hold your fire.' He expects us to stand idly by and do nothing while he cuts a bad deal with Iran. Two words: 'Hell no!'" Boehner said during his weekly press briefing on Wednesday. "We're going to do no such thing."
Boehner said that he did not consult with the White House before extending the invitation to Netanyahu. A State Department spokesperson told The Washington Post's Jason Ukman that U.S. officials learned about the invitation from the speaker's office, not from Israel. And the White House is not happy.
More here
BREAKING NEWS: New York Assembly speaker arrested on corruption charges
New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has been arrested on public corruption charges and is accused of using his position to obtain millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks masked as legitimate income.
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Newtown votes to raze home of gunman in school massacre
The vote by the Newtown Legislative Council approved a proposal by the board of selectmen to raze the 3,100-square-foot home and keep the land as open space.
First Selectwoman Pat Llodra said she expects the Lanza house will be razed once winter is over. The 2-acre property was given to the town in December by a bank that acquired it from the Lanza family.
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Canadian cat Mittens to undergo gender reassignment surgery
A sickly stray cat that was taken in by a family in Canada is set to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
Mittens was adopted by Colleen Clarke-Murphy and her family,who live in Heart's Desire, Newfoundland, and when they took the cat to a veterinarian in October they for quite the surprise when they found out the cat was a hermaphrodite.
And since Clarke-Murphy already had a male cat, and Mittens has both genitalia, she decided she wanted a female cat.
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Mittens was adopted by Colleen Clarke-Murphy and her family,who live in Heart's Desire, Newfoundland, and when they took the cat to a veterinarian in October they for quite the surprise when they found out the cat was a hermaphrodite.
And since Clarke-Murphy already had a male cat, and Mittens has both genitalia, she decided she wanted a female cat.
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The “NAACP Bombing” … or The Barbershop Bang?
COLORADO SPRINGS — From the liberal media’s coverage of my beautiful adopted hometown, you’d think we live in a KKK-infested hotbed where every person of color fears for his or her life.
Take a look at these ominous headlines:
–“Bombing of NAACP headquarters harkens to bad old days” — MSNBC
–“Colorado Springs explosion recalls violence against NAACP” — The Washington Post
–“NAACP Bombing Evokes Memories of Civil Rights Strife” — Time magazine
–“Explosion outside NAACP office could be a hate crime, officials say” — Los Angeles Times
Let me and my brown skin assure you, America: Bull Connor is not running loose on our streets. Water fountains here in the Rocky Mountain West are segregated by height, not race. The only bonfires I know of are being set outside by local residents roasting s’mores.
Never one to let reality intrude on a ripe race hustle, Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee claimed last week that the so-called NAACP bombing “undermines years of progress” and now “demands federal review” of the case. Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis, who clearly missed the thousands of local, state, national and international newspaper, magazine, web and cable news stories on the incident, lamented: “It reminds me of another period. These stories cannot be swept under the rug.” Professional agitator and social justice detective Shaun King, based in Ferguson, Mo., accused a phantom “domestic terrorist” of perpetrating the alleged crime. CNN immediately blared an apocalyptic headline about my town that invoked “domestic terrorism” (this from the feckless news channel that pixelates Mohammed cartoons and whitewashes proven jihadi terrorism). And the national president of the NAACP is now headed out here for a visit this weekend.
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Take a look at these ominous headlines:
–“Bombing of NAACP headquarters harkens to bad old days” — MSNBC
–“Colorado Springs explosion recalls violence against NAACP” — The Washington Post
–“NAACP Bombing Evokes Memories of Civil Rights Strife” — Time magazine
–“Explosion outside NAACP office could be a hate crime, officials say” — Los Angeles Times
Let me and my brown skin assure you, America: Bull Connor is not running loose on our streets. Water fountains here in the Rocky Mountain West are segregated by height, not race. The only bonfires I know of are being set outside by local residents roasting s’mores.
Never one to let reality intrude on a ripe race hustle, Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee claimed last week that the so-called NAACP bombing “undermines years of progress” and now “demands federal review” of the case. Georgia Democratic Rep. John Lewis, who clearly missed the thousands of local, state, national and international newspaper, magazine, web and cable news stories on the incident, lamented: “It reminds me of another period. These stories cannot be swept under the rug.” Professional agitator and social justice detective Shaun King, based in Ferguson, Mo., accused a phantom “domestic terrorist” of perpetrating the alleged crime. CNN immediately blared an apocalyptic headline about my town that invoked “domestic terrorism” (this from the feckless news channel that pixelates Mohammed cartoons and whitewashes proven jihadi terrorism). And the national president of the NAACP is now headed out here for a visit this weekend.
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Report: 65 Secret Service Agents on Hand for Hillary Clinton's Paid Speech … in Canada
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a couple paid speeches in Canada yesterday. She was reportedly accompanied by United States Secret Service of 65 agents to at least one of the events.
The agents were presumably on hand to help keep. the former first lady safe.
The news of Clinton's large Secret Service contigent was reported by CJME News Talk 980, a co-sponsor of the event.
"One of the most influential women in U.S. politics will be speaking in Saskatoon Wednesday night," the outlet reported in advance of one of Clinton's address. "Hillary Rodham Clinton will be speaking at TCU Place ... Her speech will be part of the Global Perspectives series, which is sponsored by CIBC."
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The agents were presumably on hand to help keep. the former first lady safe.
The news of Clinton's large Secret Service contigent was reported by CJME News Talk 980, a co-sponsor of the event.
"One of the most influential women in U.S. politics will be speaking in Saskatoon Wednesday night," the outlet reported in advance of one of Clinton's address. "Hillary Rodham Clinton will be speaking at TCU Place ... Her speech will be part of the Global Perspectives series, which is sponsored by CIBC."
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How Do You Unmanipulate A Manipulated Economy?
Breaking the stranglehold of vested interests is the essential step to rebuilding an economy that isn't totally dependent on manipulated money and statistics.
The word manipulated has the sour taste of officially sanctioned distortion in service of an Elite's interests. At a minimum, manipulation smacks of intent to defraud. If there is no intent to defraud or mislead, then what's the purpose of manipulating statistics, media coverage and official narratives?
As a result, the unsavory reality of our massively manipulated economy is masked by insipid words such as stimulus, easing and investing in our future--as if borrowing and squandering trillions of dollars to further enrich the few at the expense of the many is anything but blatant grift, fraud and embezzlement of taxpayer funds.
Regardless of what slippery words are deployed to mask the manipulation, it doesn't change the reality that the U.S. economy remains a manipulated mess that is dependent on monetary and statistical manipulation. If you doubt the economy is dependent on monetary and statistical manipulation, then ask yourself what will happen to the economy should the Federal Reserve's zero-interest rate policy (ZIRP) be rescinded, and interest rates return to historic norms.
Ask yourself what happens if the Federal government actually declared the increase in public debt as the true measure of fiscal deficits rather than the ginned-up deficit number--a number that is much less than the actual deficit reflected in the annual increase in public debt.
The word manipulated has the sour taste of officially sanctioned distortion in service of an Elite's interests. At a minimum, manipulation smacks of intent to defraud. If there is no intent to defraud or mislead, then what's the purpose of manipulating statistics, media coverage and official narratives?
As a result, the unsavory reality of our massively manipulated economy is masked by insipid words such as stimulus, easing and investing in our future--as if borrowing and squandering trillions of dollars to further enrich the few at the expense of the many is anything but blatant grift, fraud and embezzlement of taxpayer funds.
Regardless of what slippery words are deployed to mask the manipulation, it doesn't change the reality that the U.S. economy remains a manipulated mess that is dependent on monetary and statistical manipulation. If you doubt the economy is dependent on monetary and statistical manipulation, then ask yourself what will happen to the economy should the Federal Reserve's zero-interest rate policy (ZIRP) be rescinded, and interest rates return to historic norms.
Ask yourself what happens if the Federal government actually declared the increase in public debt as the true measure of fiscal deficits rather than the ginned-up deficit number--a number that is much less than the actual deficit reflected in the annual increase in public debt.
The 10 Best States for Taxes in 2015
Most people don’t pick their state based on tax rates. But as tax season approaches, it’s a good time to think about just how much you’re shelling out due to where you live.
Truth is, there is a lot of variety in state tax structures and figuring out which state has the lowest taxes overall is no easy task. We’ve turned for help to the Tax Foundation, which each year calculates an overall state ranking based on all kinds of taxes residents and businesses pay.
Individual income taxes get the highest weighting in overall rankings in the Tax Foundation’s 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index.
Not surprisingly, states with no income tax are ranked in the Tax Foundation’s top five. These include Florida, Alaska, Wyoming, Nevada and South Dakota. Texas, Washington, New Hampshire and Tennessee don’t tax income on wages, but tax some other kinds of income, so only some of them land in the top 10.
Most of the states high on this year’s list forego at least one major tax, such as sales tax or corporate taxes. These rankings factor in business taxes since the Tax Foundation believes they affect economic growth and overall prosperity in a state. Skipping a major tax isn’t necessarily a key to a top ranking, though. Thanks to their low rates, Indiana and Utah still make the top 10 even though they have all major types of taxes.
There are some shifts in rankings each year as states alter their tax structures.
In 2015, North Carolina was the most improved because it implemented tax reforms that included dropping its top income tax rate from 7.75 percent to 5.8 percent. It moved from No. 44 on the list to No. 16 — the biggest jump in the history of the index. Nebraska and West Virginia also improved.
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Truth is, there is a lot of variety in state tax structures and figuring out which state has the lowest taxes overall is no easy task. We’ve turned for help to the Tax Foundation, which each year calculates an overall state ranking based on all kinds of taxes residents and businesses pay.
Individual income taxes get the highest weighting in overall rankings in the Tax Foundation’s 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index.
Not surprisingly, states with no income tax are ranked in the Tax Foundation’s top five. These include Florida, Alaska, Wyoming, Nevada and South Dakota. Texas, Washington, New Hampshire and Tennessee don’t tax income on wages, but tax some other kinds of income, so only some of them land in the top 10.
Most of the states high on this year’s list forego at least one major tax, such as sales tax or corporate taxes. These rankings factor in business taxes since the Tax Foundation believes they affect economic growth and overall prosperity in a state. Skipping a major tax isn’t necessarily a key to a top ranking, though. Thanks to their low rates, Indiana and Utah still make the top 10 even though they have all major types of taxes.
There are some shifts in rankings each year as states alter their tax structures.
In 2015, North Carolina was the most improved because it implemented tax reforms that included dropping its top income tax rate from 7.75 percent to 5.8 percent. It moved from No. 44 on the list to No. 16 — the biggest jump in the history of the index. Nebraska and West Virginia also improved.
More