Vice President Joe Biden wrapped up his California visit on Friday by telling doctors that the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, had “ended the debate” about whether health care is a privilege or a right, according to the Orange County Register.
Biden was speaking to the Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit, congratulating doctors on a rapid reduction in the rate of hospital-borne infections in recent years. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also spoke to the meeting.
There is no provision in the Constitution or in the text of the Obamacare bill that refers to health care as a “right.” Nor are any other necessities–such as food, water, shelter and clothing–“rights” under any federal law or constitutional provision.
President Barack Obama has stated in the past that he believes health care is a right, most recently on the campaign trail in late 2014. However, the White House has not, apparently, made the claim that the debate over that issue has been “settled.”
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Rookie D.C. firefighter caught with marijuana, ammo drum, ski masks, latex gloves in his car
Probationary firefighter Oshane Jones, 21, is now on paid administrative leave from the Engine 30 Firehouse where he worked. Prince George’s County Police say Saturday night, outside a Capitol Heights, Md. liquor store, Jones’ car was spotted in a handicapped parking space without a handicapped tag. An officer smelled marijuana coming from Jones’ car and spotted ammunition inside, including an ammo drum that holds 75 bullets.
Police confiscated a number of items from the car, including two Glock pistols, the ammo drum, two ski masks, latex gloves, a box of ammunition and $60 worth of marijuana. Jones and two others—St. Clair Edwards and Antonio Hensley—in his car were arrested on gun charges. Jones was later released on his own recognizance.
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A Physicist Emailed Us To Explain Exactly How The Patriots' Balls Could Magically Deflate
On Saturday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick gave a surreal press conference where he explained how the Patriots footballs could have deflated without any illegal action on his team's part.
His explanation wasn't the clearest thing I'd ever heard, and I said so in a post covering the press conference. In response to my post, Kirk Hackett, a retired physicist who worked for the Air Force, emailed me to explain exactly how the Patriots' balls could have deflated even when the Colts' balls did not.
It basically comes down to this: The Patriots do something to prepare the balls. Their preparation increases the PSI by 1 pound. Over time that PSI would naturally deflate by a pound once the preparation is done. But the Patriots also hand the ball to the referees, who artificially let out 1 pound. So, then the ball naturally loses about one more PSI, making it underinflated.
Make of that what you will!
Hackett emailed me his credentials after I asked for them. He says, "As far as I go, you might be able to google me. I am retired and used to work at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Directed Energy. At one time, I was President of the Directed Energy Professional Society. As far as academic credentials go, my Bachelors with a physics major is from Dartmouth (1977), and my PhD in Physics is from MIT (1983). I could dig my diplomas out of the closet, but that is a bit of a hassle."
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His explanation wasn't the clearest thing I'd ever heard, and I said so in a post covering the press conference. In response to my post, Kirk Hackett, a retired physicist who worked for the Air Force, emailed me to explain exactly how the Patriots' balls could have deflated even when the Colts' balls did not.
It basically comes down to this: The Patriots do something to prepare the balls. Their preparation increases the PSI by 1 pound. Over time that PSI would naturally deflate by a pound once the preparation is done. But the Patriots also hand the ball to the referees, who artificially let out 1 pound. So, then the ball naturally loses about one more PSI, making it underinflated.
Make of that what you will!
Hackett emailed me his credentials after I asked for them. He says, "As far as I go, you might be able to google me. I am retired and used to work at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Directed Energy. At one time, I was President of the Directed Energy Professional Society. As far as academic credentials go, my Bachelors with a physics major is from Dartmouth (1977), and my PhD in Physics is from MIT (1983). I could dig my diplomas out of the closet, but that is a bit of a hassle."
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Swamped by an underwater home
The place was called Fairwood. They stepped onto Lot 71, an empty stretch of gravel, and closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Comfort raised her hands to the sky.
“We sanctify the grounds with the blood of Jesus,” Kofi said.
The land had once been the site of Fairview, one of the Maryland’s largest slave plantations. Now it was Fairwood, an 1,800-home subdivision that would soon become the richest neighborhood in the richest African American county in the United States.
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What They Are Saying …
Governor Larry Hogan’s FY16 Budget Is “Balanced," "Evenhanded," and
puts "Maryland on the path to prosperity"
Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings (R): “In 24 hours he’s been able to do something that hasn’t been done in 10 years in bringing spending in line with revenue.” (Michael Dresser and Erin Cox, Hogan budget would cut state worker pay, city school aid, The Baltimore Sun, 01/22/15)
Senate President Mike Miller (D): “In terms of priorities – in terms of our priorities – he recognized them, and he dealt with them and the cuts weren’t as severe as could have been.” (Brian Witte, Hogan says budget has limits, butprovides record K-12 funds, The Capital Gazette, 01/23/15)
Senate President Mike Miller (D): [Hogan] “has done the best he can with what he has available to him.”(Hogan Unveils First Budget, WBAL News Radio 1090, 01/22/15)
House Speaker Mike Busch (D): “He was very gracious in saying he was open to discussion on all the issues that are in front of us, but he was committed to balancing the budget.” (Pat Warren, Hogan Introduces Budget Plan,CBS Baltimore, 01/22/15)
House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga (R): “It is a great plan. This is what happens when you put a businessman in the governor’s mansion. It’s a plan that shows you can’t spend more than you get and you can’t solve Maryland’s problems with budget gimmicks.” (John Wagner and Ovetta Wiggins, Hogan's plan to cut salaries, education spending will test call for bipartisanship, The Washington Post, 01/22/15)
- [Hogan] “is taking responsible steps to put Maryland on the path to prosperity.”
Senator George Edwards (R): “What we’ve got here is evidence of Gov. Hogan following through on his campaign trail promises. Plenty of people doubted that he could balance the budget without raising taxes or fees, but that’s exactly what he’s done. (Kaustuv Basu, Hogan's budget draws praise and criticism, Herald Mail Media, 01/25/15)
Anne Arundel’s County Executive Steve Schuh (R): “Governor Hogan is making the tough decisions to put Maryland on a fiscally sustainable path with a balanced, no new taxes budget.” (County Executive Steve Schuh, “County Executive Steve Schuh Releases Statement onGovernor’s Proposed Budget,” Press Release, 01/23/15)
- “By slowing the rate of growth in state spending and setting clear priorities, the Governor’s budget will lead to a more efficient use of tax dollars, while maintaining a record level of education spending.
- “After forty increases in taxes and fees in the last 8 years, the people of Maryland finally have a governor who understands raising taxes on working families is not the answer. I look forward to working with the Governor as we help secure the financial future of our state and the next generation of Anne Arundel County citizens.”
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker II (D): “The big part of what was slowing us down was whether, in fact, the new administration will support the hospital and put the new money in there. Now, with this, I think we can move full-steam ahead.” (John Wagner and Arelis Hernandez, Md. Gov. Hogan's first budget reins in rise in education spending, imposes agency cuts, The Washington Post, 01/23/15)
The Washington Post Editorial Board: “Mr. Hogan proposes a sensible approach to spending cuts.” (Editorial,Mr. Hogan proposes a sensibleapproach to spending cuts, The Washington Post, 01/22/15)
- “On balance, the cuts endorsed by Mr. Hogan, a Republican, look judicious…”
- “Together, these measures amount to a reasonably even-handed approach to budgeting…”
Frederick News-Post Editorial Board: “Hogan is off to a good start…the budget is balanced, closing an anticipated shortfall of $750 million, and the painful cuts Hogan said might have to be made don’t seem as awful as they were made out to be.” (Editorial, Hogan is off to a good start, The Frederick Post, 01/23/15)
The Capital Gazette Editorial Board: “But this is why Hogan was elected – to give state taxpayers a break by throttling back on spending to the extent possible.” (Editorial, Our say: Hogan's budget doesn't give us shivers, The Capital Gazette, 01/25/15)
The Capital Gazette Editorial Board: “But this is why Hogan was elected – to give state taxpayers a break by throttling back on spending to the extent possible.” (Editorial, Our say: Hogan's budget doesn't give us shivers, The Capital Gazette, 01/25/15)
- “…what we’ve seen so far, in general, is promising.”
Cecil Daily’s Editorial Board: “His fiscal year 2016 budget cuts all agency spending by 2 percent, but increases funding for K-12 schools and higher education. Bureaucracy in Maryland has been riding high on the hog ever over the past eight years of the O’Malley administration, so we certainly welcome news that the Republican governor doesn’t plan to back down on his big campaign promises. Keep up the good work.” (Editorial, All thumbs, Cecil Daily, 01/23/15)
CEO of the Tech Council of Maryland, Philip Schiff: “I think the message in this first round is, ‘I believe in the business community and the tech and life sciences.’ We knew everyone would have to take a hit somewhere.” (Scott Dance, Hogan's budget includes some cuts, some statusquo for economic development programs, The Baltimore Sun, 01/25/15)
Coalition for Smarter Growth Executive Director Stewart Schwartz: “We were pleased to see that both Purple Line and Red Line funding remaining in Governor Hogan’s first Maryland budget. The Purple Line is a good deal for Maryland, good for jobs, good for the economy and good for commuters.” (Aaron Kraut, Purple Line Funding in Hogan's Budget, For Now, Bethesda Now, 01/22/15)
Executive Director of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, Dan Dincel: “We are incredibly pleased that Gov. Hogan and his team recognize the substantial value of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission's work and the critical funding it is able to provide for best-in-class scientists who choose to do their groundbreaking life science research in the State of Maryland.” (Scott Dance, Hogan's budget includes some cuts, some statusquo for economic development programs, The Baltimore Sun, 01/25/15)
Health reform highlights shortage of mental health workers
National health reform was supposed to open the doors to mental health services for hundreds of thousands of people who couldn't previously afford to get treatment, but Maryland patients are finding there aren't enough doctors.
A study released Monday by the Mental Health Association of Maryland found that consumers who buy private plans on a state exchange under health reform are supposed to have access to 1,154 psychiatrists. But when researchers tried to call these doctors, they found that only 14 percent were accepting new patients and available for an appointment within 45 days.
While mental health advocates have long heard anecdotes about a shortage of psychiatrists, the state insurance exchange offered a way to take a more detailed look at the issue because the network of doctors is open to the public, unlike with most private plans.
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A study released Monday by the Mental Health Association of Maryland found that consumers who buy private plans on a state exchange under health reform are supposed to have access to 1,154 psychiatrists. But when researchers tried to call these doctors, they found that only 14 percent were accepting new patients and available for an appointment within 45 days.
While mental health advocates have long heard anecdotes about a shortage of psychiatrists, the state insurance exchange offered a way to take a more detailed look at the issue because the network of doctors is open to the public, unlike with most private plans.
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Sling shots keep monkeys away from Obama
The Simian Secret Service: India hires slingshot shooters to keep MONKEYS at bay during Obama visit - as President and First Lady brave torrential downpours
City officials in New Delhi have hired men to fire slingshots at monkeys in the streets - so they don't get in President Obama's way during his state visit.
The animals usually hang from trees and walk among passing cars in the city and have become a nuisance in the city.
However, it's unlikely the stray creatures were the biggest concern of the US president on the second day of his Indian state trip, which saw the US pledge $4 billion in investments and loans just hours after the president and first lady took part in a rain-soaked parade for India's Republic Day.
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City officials in New Delhi have hired men to fire slingshots at monkeys in the streets - so they don't get in President Obama's way during his state visit.
The animals usually hang from trees and walk among passing cars in the city and have become a nuisance in the city.
However, it's unlikely the stray creatures were the biggest concern of the US president on the second day of his Indian state trip, which saw the US pledge $4 billion in investments and loans just hours after the president and first lady took part in a rain-soaked parade for India's Republic Day.
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****MARYLAND CHILD AMBER ALERT****
****MARYLAND CHILD AMBER ALERT****
The Maryland State Police at the request of Montgomery County Police Department have issued a Maryland Child AMBER Alert for Drew Marie DENNY.CHILD: Drew Marie DENNY is further described as being 2 feet 5 inches and 14 pounds. The child was last seen wearing Pajamas. She has brown eyes and black curly hair
LOCATION: The child was last observed at approximately 3:17
PM in the area of Hempstone Avenue Poolesville, Md. The child is believed to have been abducted with force by the suspect.
SUSPECT: Deare Marquis DENNY is described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall and 200 pounds. The suspect has long dreadlocks and several tattoo, Scooby on right arm, Tricy with 2 roses on right neck, suitland on left arm
VEHICLE: A possible suspect vehicle is a 2014 Black Chevy 4 door vehicle / small SUV bearing New Jersey registration: D97DRW.
Anyone with information is asked to immediately call 911 or Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000. Do not take action which could endanger your safety or further endanger the abducted child. MEDIA INQUIRIES should be directed to call 240-773-5030.
Super Bowl Sunday!
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Union Membership Rate Falls to 100-Year Low
New information from the federal government suggests workers’ interest in unions continues to fall, with union membership reaching its lowest rate in 100 years.
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, the union membership rate fell to 11.1 percent, with just 14.6 million wage and salaried workers maintaining membership.
In 2013, the union membership rate was 0.2 percentage points higher, at 11.3 percent.
The rate of union membership has been on a steady decline over the past three decades. It grew slightly from 12.1 percent in 2007 to 12.4 percent in 2008. During President Obama’s first year in office, however, it fell once more.
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According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics today, the union membership rate fell to 11.1 percent, with just 14.6 million wage and salaried workers maintaining membership.
In 2013, the union membership rate was 0.2 percentage points higher, at 11.3 percent.
The rate of union membership has been on a steady decline over the past three decades. It grew slightly from 12.1 percent in 2007 to 12.4 percent in 2008. During President Obama’s first year in office, however, it fell once more.
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Car Falls Into Sinkhole in Maryland
Only the car's right, rear section was visible as water gushed around the hole. A nearby vehicle also appears to be falling towards the sinkhole. Some residents could be seen running back and forth from their home in an effort to save their belongings, News4's Megan McGrath reported.
WSSC crews are on the scene at Edmonston Road and Tilden Road.
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2015: The Year of Default
Making New Year “predictions” used to be an automatic, beginning-of-the-year exercise, to the point where readers generally expected such pieces from the pundits they follow. However, it is an activity which has died-out somewhat, a casualty of our propaganda-saturated Wonderland Matrix.
When all that we can see around us is nothing but fiction and illusion, all events appear to be arbitrary – since we are unable to observe cause-and-effect. By definition; arbitrary events cannot be predicted. Thus these New Year’s “predictions” have become a Fool’s Game, and having been burned once (several times?), most commentators have reached the similar conclusion that this is an exercise in futility.
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When all that we can see around us is nothing but fiction and illusion, all events appear to be arbitrary – since we are unable to observe cause-and-effect. By definition; arbitrary events cannot be predicted. Thus these New Year’s “predictions” have become a Fool’s Game, and having been burned once (several times?), most commentators have reached the similar conclusion that this is an exercise in futility.
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Maryland budget analyst criticizes unspecified cuts
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Larry Hogan’s proposal for a 2 percent cut across the board for state agencies without specifying what the cuts will be is “a very dangerous” approach to balancing the state’s finances, a top Maryland budget analyst said Monday, but the governor’s budget secretary said the idea was to give agency leaders more time to find efficiencies.
Warren Deschenaux, the director of the Office of Policy Analysis for the Department of Legislative Services, told a panel of lawmakers he believes lawmakers should know details about the cuts as they work on finalizing the governor’s budget plan by the end of the legislative session in April.
“This is a very dangerous, in my estimation, approach to budgeting,” Deschenaux said. “It’s too easy. It doesn’t let you see what you’re doing and what the impact of what’s going to happen will be.”
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Warren Deschenaux, the director of the Office of Policy Analysis for the Department of Legislative Services, told a panel of lawmakers he believes lawmakers should know details about the cuts as they work on finalizing the governor’s budget plan by the end of the legislative session in April.
“This is a very dangerous, in my estimation, approach to budgeting,” Deschenaux said. “It’s too easy. It doesn’t let you see what you’re doing and what the impact of what’s going to happen will be.”
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Obama’s ‘Middle-Class Economics’
He proposes to tax savings plans that parents create for their children’s college education.
The million-dollar phrase used by President Obama in his State of the Union address last week was “middle-class economics.” What he didn’t explain is that his middle-class economics doesn’t actually help the middle class. It hurts them.
The latest war on the middle class comes with the taxing of 529 college savings plans — which currently grow tax-free. They are very popular among middle-class families who are trying to responsibly save for their children’s college tuition.
The White House has proposed taxing these plans as a way to “simplify the tax code.” How nice of our president to tax families responsibly saving, a move that would inevitably take away opportunities for their children. I guess that’s the definition of Obama’s middle-class economics. He did say that “an America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.”
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The million-dollar phrase used by President Obama in his State of the Union address last week was “middle-class economics.” What he didn’t explain is that his middle-class economics doesn’t actually help the middle class. It hurts them.
The latest war on the middle class comes with the taxing of 529 college savings plans — which currently grow tax-free. They are very popular among middle-class families who are trying to responsibly save for their children’s college tuition.
The White House has proposed taxing these plans as a way to “simplify the tax code.” How nice of our president to tax families responsibly saving, a move that would inevitably take away opportunities for their children. I guess that’s the definition of Obama’s middle-class economics. He did say that “an America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.”
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Federal budget price tag for every new Obamacare enrollee: $50,000
It will cost the federal government – taxpayers, that is – $50,000 for every person who gets health insurance under the Obamacare law, the Congressional Budget Office revealed on Monday.
The number comes from figures buried in a 15-page section of the nonpartisan organization's new ten-year budget outlook.
The best-case scenario described by the CBO would result in 'between 24 million and 27 million' fewer Americans being uninsured in 2025, compared to the year before the Affordable Care Act took effect.
Pulling that off will cost Uncle Sam about $1.35 trillion – or $50,000 per head.
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The number comes from figures buried in a 15-page section of the nonpartisan organization's new ten-year budget outlook.
The best-case scenario described by the CBO would result in 'between 24 million and 27 million' fewer Americans being uninsured in 2025, compared to the year before the Affordable Care Act took effect.
Pulling that off will cost Uncle Sam about $1.35 trillion – or $50,000 per head.
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SU Offers Piano Class for Adult Beginners February 4-March 11
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A new group piano class designed for adult beginners will be held Wednesdays, February 4-March 11, at Salisbury University. Classes meet from 1-1:50 p.m.
An open house for interested adults is 1-1:50 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, in Fulton Hall Room 234.
An optional second session continues April 1-May 6.
Offered by PRESTO, the Preparatory School of Music at SU, classes are taught by Dr. Nan Richerson. No music background is required and it is not necessary to own a piano, as students may practice on campus. Tuition is $120 per six-week session.
Basic principles of music reading and keyboard are taught. Classes are in a digital group piano lab, enabling students to hear only their piano and the instructor's, fostering a relaxed, stress-free learning environment.
To register, call 410-548-2985 or email presto@salisbury.edu. For more information, visit the Presto website at www.salisbury.edu/musicdept/presto.
Guy Who Bought Lottery Tickets To Break $100 Bill Wins $10M
When’s the last time you went out to grab lunch and ended up a millionaire? It’s been at least a few years for me, but only a few days for a Massachusetts man who bought a couple lottery tickets to break a $100 bill so he could get some sandwiches.
Lottery officials announced Thursday that a man who bought two $20 “Platinum Millions” instant tickets at a grocery in East Boston wound up snagging a $10 million haul, reports the Associated Press.
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Lottery officials announced Thursday that a man who bought two $20 “Platinum Millions” instant tickets at a grocery in East Boston wound up snagging a $10 million haul, reports the Associated Press.
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SFD Calls For Service 1-26-14
- Monday January, 26 2015 @ 21:57 Nature: Vehicle Accident w/InjuriesAddress: 28500 Owens Branch Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Monday January, 26 2015 @ 21:57Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday January, 26 2015 @ 19:36Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
- Monday January, 26 2015 @ 19:24 Nature: Vehicle Accident w/InjuriesAddress: N Salisbury Blvd & Centre Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
- Monday January, 26 2015 @ 18:43Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
Dear Verizon Customers: Don’t Hold Your Breath Waiting For Rollover Data Plans
Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran “ShamWow” Shammo tells CNET that rollover data isn’t in the cards for Big V.
“We’re a leader, not a follower,” said Shammo in apparent disregard of every hubris-filled industry leader who dismissed market trends to their own peril.
“We did not go to places where we did not financially want to go to save a customer,” continued Shammo, whose name is really fun to say. “And there’s going to be certain customers who leave us for price, and we are just not going to compete with that because it doesn’t make financial sense for us to do that.”
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“We’re a leader, not a follower,” said Shammo in apparent disregard of every hubris-filled industry leader who dismissed market trends to their own peril.
“We did not go to places where we did not financially want to go to save a customer,” continued Shammo, whose name is really fun to say. “And there’s going to be certain customers who leave us for price, and we are just not going to compete with that because it doesn’t make financial sense for us to do that.”
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Bald eagles escape after being trapped in tree
Longfellow approached the tree and realized it was actually two bald eagles that had intertwined their talons during an apparent brawl and became wedged in the tree, unable to escape.
Longfellow contacted the Calvert County Animal Control Center who immediately dispatched the Department of Natural Resources to our home. Upon arrival of DNR officer, Justin Ball determined that a wildlife rescue was in fact necessary and officer Ball dispatched Dave and Shannon Edwards from a wildlife rescue organization in St. Mary's County, who arrived within the hour.
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The Secret Life of Hillary Clinton
“We’re going in!” The Envoy’s voice had the sting of a cold wind cutting across the taiga. Ratta. Tatta Tat. The plane out of Ramstein was pelted with a bararage of fire as it descended into Tuzla Air Base in Bosnia. Ratta Tatta Tat. One piece of shrapnel pierced the window next to the Envoy’s seat. She was calm. “We can’t make it ma’am. There’s even heavier fire below.” “That was an order, Major Fenton.” She was even cooler than her voice in the midst of the panic around her. “I’m going up front.” Bursting into the cockpit she took the controls and put the plane into a steep dive, getting it below the barrage of bullets. The plane hit the ground with a fearful bounce, avoiding a crash only because she had become one with the monster jet. On the tarmac, the plane took gunfire again. She cried, “We came here on a mission. We’re going in! Put down the chutes!” The slides deployed. Grabbing a rifle from her bodyguard she was the first one down. Running now, head down, holding rifle aloft with one arm to let the others know the path and with her daughter sheltered under the other, she outpaced them. And then she and the rest were safe in the hanger.
“I felt the snipers’ bullets whizzing overhead,” she declared to the assembled crowd, now safe. The hanger burst into applause. And then she was startled, as from a dream. The applause erupted in the press conference, as she finished her account. The worshipping press was mesmerized by her story. Among those who applauded loudest were those who were with her in Tuzla. They knew it was all a lie. Their careers were flourishing, their salaries soaring. She thanked them all. Before she knew it, she was whisked off the stage.
“Hill, what were you talking about?” Her bewildered husband looked at her in the holding room. You were never fired on, and you don’t even know how to fly a kite let alone a jet. “Oh, shut up, Bill. You underestimate me every time. Your memory fails you. I was there. You forget those long hours of learning to do stunt flying when I was president of the Winged Wellesley Women. For God’s sake don’t quibble about details. I had to push you to expand NATO when your buddies kept harping on Versailles.” Bill looked like a puppy that had just been whacked with a rolled up newspaper. He knew that there had not been so much as a paper plane flown at Wellesley. He bit his lower lip and fell silent.
The limousine picked them up and whisked them away to her all-important speech, her first State of the Union. Bill watched her take the podium before the joint session of Congress.
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“I felt the snipers’ bullets whizzing overhead,” she declared to the assembled crowd, now safe. The hanger burst into applause. And then she was startled, as from a dream. The applause erupted in the press conference, as she finished her account. The worshipping press was mesmerized by her story. Among those who applauded loudest were those who were with her in Tuzla. They knew it was all a lie. Their careers were flourishing, their salaries soaring. She thanked them all. Before she knew it, she was whisked off the stage.
“Hill, what were you talking about?” Her bewildered husband looked at her in the holding room. You were never fired on, and you don’t even know how to fly a kite let alone a jet. “Oh, shut up, Bill. You underestimate me every time. Your memory fails you. I was there. You forget those long hours of learning to do stunt flying when I was president of the Winged Wellesley Women. For God’s sake don’t quibble about details. I had to push you to expand NATO when your buddies kept harping on Versailles.” Bill looked like a puppy that had just been whacked with a rolled up newspaper. He knew that there had not been so much as a paper plane flown at Wellesley. He bit his lower lip and fell silent.
The limousine picked them up and whisked them away to her all-important speech, her first State of the Union. Bill watched her take the podium before the joint session of Congress.
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Obama's Free Stuff Army
The lure of something for nothing grows as morality crumbles
Fresh from offering “free” health care, “free” phones and “free” food to the masses, he’s upped the bribery to “free” community college tuition and “free” child care. It’s not that the Clintons oppose any of these; they just need to affect moderation in case Hillary runs for president and has to knock back boilermakers again with the good old boys in Pennsylvania taverns.
Since someone has to pay for these expensive, new entitlements to the Free Stuff Army, Mr. Obama has proposed yet another “tax the rich” scheme that, if enacted (which is unlikely) would eventually plunder working-class families. To liberals, that’s what tax “reform” is all about.
Over a few decades, the U.S. government has morphed into a gigantic income-redistribution machine, the ultimate mugger.
Since the New Deal, the only serious challenge to the mentality of plunder in both major parties came during the Reagan administration. To true believers like Mr. Obama, the Reagan years were a speed bump on the way to transforming America, and something to pretend to admire to keep the suckers ignorant.
Government is necessary because men are not angels. Its legitimate role is to secure justice by punishing evildoers, and to protect property and individual rights. Government does other things, such as delivering mail and public works — things like roads, water and sewage.
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Fresh from offering “free” health care, “free” phones and “free” food to the masses, he’s upped the bribery to “free” community college tuition and “free” child care. It’s not that the Clintons oppose any of these; they just need to affect moderation in case Hillary runs for president and has to knock back boilermakers again with the good old boys in Pennsylvania taverns.
Since someone has to pay for these expensive, new entitlements to the Free Stuff Army, Mr. Obama has proposed yet another “tax the rich” scheme that, if enacted (which is unlikely) would eventually plunder working-class families. To liberals, that’s what tax “reform” is all about.
Over a few decades, the U.S. government has morphed into a gigantic income-redistribution machine, the ultimate mugger.
Since the New Deal, the only serious challenge to the mentality of plunder in both major parties came during the Reagan administration. To true believers like Mr. Obama, the Reagan years were a speed bump on the way to transforming America, and something to pretend to admire to keep the suckers ignorant.
Government is necessary because men are not angels. Its legitimate role is to secure justice by punishing evildoers, and to protect property and individual rights. Government does other things, such as delivering mail and public works — things like roads, water and sewage.
More
Cardin Statement on Amendments to Keystone XL Bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, called on Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to uphold his promise to return the Senate to ‘regular order’ and allow reasonable debate of Democratic amendments to a bill that would authorize the Keystone XL northern leg.
“It is disappointing that just over three weeks onto the new Congress, the new leader has lapsed to setting arbitrary deadlines to cut off even the most token of debate on Democratic amendments. I am among those senators who still have amendments pending. My amendment and others deserve a chance for an up or down vote; they deserve at least one minute of debate. Tabling amendments that would protect public health and preserve our environment serves no public interest.
“I have a long history of working across the aisle to get things done in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. I’ve had the honor of serving the people of Maryland in both the majority and the minority party. It takes civility and mutual respect to work around the gridlock. At this time, we urgently need more of both in the Senate, if we are to find a path forward and get things done.”
“It is disappointing that just over three weeks onto the new Congress, the new leader has lapsed to setting arbitrary deadlines to cut off even the most token of debate on Democratic amendments. I am among those senators who still have amendments pending. My amendment and others deserve a chance for an up or down vote; they deserve at least one minute of debate. Tabling amendments that would protect public health and preserve our environment serves no public interest.
“I have a long history of working across the aisle to get things done in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. I’ve had the honor of serving the people of Maryland in both the majority and the minority party. It takes civility and mutual respect to work around the gridlock. At this time, we urgently need more of both in the Senate, if we are to find a path forward and get things done.”
Don't call Paris extremists 'terrorists', says BBC
The Parisian extremists who murdered 17 people in a series of attacks including the Charlie Hebdo massacre should not be called 'terrorists', a senior BBC executive has said.
Tarik Kafala, who runs BBC Arabic, said the term 'terrorist' was too 'loaded' and 'value-laden' to describe Said and Cherif Kouachi and their accomplice Amedy Coulibaly.
The Kouachi brothers shot dead 12 at the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris and Coulibaly killed four at a Kosher deli after shooting dead a policewoman.
All three were eventually shot dead by French special forces after the Islamists all burst out of their hideouts two weeks ago.
Mr Kafalam runs the BBC's largest non-English language TV, radio and online news services, which have a weekly audience of 36million people.
He told The Independent: 'We try to avoid describing anyone as a terrorist or an act as being terrorist. What we try to do is to say that 'two men killed 12 people in an attack on the office of a satirical magazine'. That's enough.
'Terrorism is such a loaded word. The UN has been struggling for more than a decade to define the word and they can't. It is very difficult to.
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Tarik Kafala, who runs BBC Arabic, said the term 'terrorist' was too 'loaded' and 'value-laden' to describe Said and Cherif Kouachi and their accomplice Amedy Coulibaly.
The Kouachi brothers shot dead 12 at the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris and Coulibaly killed four at a Kosher deli after shooting dead a policewoman.
All three were eventually shot dead by French special forces after the Islamists all burst out of their hideouts two weeks ago.
Mr Kafalam runs the BBC's largest non-English language TV, radio and online news services, which have a weekly audience of 36million people.
He told The Independent: 'We try to avoid describing anyone as a terrorist or an act as being terrorist. What we try to do is to say that 'two men killed 12 people in an attack on the office of a satirical magazine'. That's enough.
'Terrorism is such a loaded word. The UN has been struggling for more than a decade to define the word and they can't. It is very difficult to.
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BREWS UP - HOME-BREWING BEER & WINE-MAKING CLASSES THIS WEEK & IN FEBRUARY
Berlin, MD: Craft Beer Home-brewing and Winemaking is easy and lots of fun! Now, with a local supply store, you can make beer and wine at home. Come and check out locally owned Brews Up, Delmarva’s First Brew-On-Premise Beer and wine supply store in Berlin and SIGN UP for a wine-making or home-brewing class. Other dates available by appointment.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY CLASSES AND EVENTS
HOME-BREWING CLASSES AT BREWS UP
This is a beginner class. 5 gallons in 2 hours! Call to reserve your brew pot and let us know what type of beer you want to brew. 443-513-4744
Jan 31st (Saturday) 11am-1pm.
Feb 7th (Saturday) 11am-1pm.
Feb 14th (Saturday) 11am-1pm.
Feb 21st (Saturday) 11am-1pm.
Feb 28th (Saturday) 11am-1pm.
WINE MAKING CLASSES
Beginner wine making classes. You will select a wine kit from our selection of over 45 different wine kit varieties. Pricing for the wine ingredient kit starts at $69.95. 1 kit makes 30 bottles of wine!
Wednesday’s from 6pm-7pm. Other times by appointment. You can make it a party when you bring friends.
Jan28th – 6pm-7pm - CALL AHEAD.
Feb 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th - 6pm-7pm - CALL AHEAD.
Drop In Wine Making
No experience needed. 1 kit makes 30 bottles of wine! JUST CALL AHEAD. 443-513-4744
Jan 10th & 11th 11am-3pm
Jan 17th & 18th 11am-3pm
Jan 24th & 25th 11am-3pm
Valentine's Day Weekend Wine Making Experience for Couples
Friday, Feb 13th 5:30-7:30pm
Saturday, Feb 14th 2-4pm or 4-6pm sessions
Join us for an evening or afternoon of wine tasting, learn the art of wine-making and bottle your own to take home! Ticket: $50 per couple and includes a wine tasting, wine making, 2 bottles of wine to take home with a Valentine's Day label with your name on it. Wine selections that will be bottled include Merlot or Chardonnay. Tickets must be purchased in advance- no walk-ins accepted on www.shop.brewsup.net or call 443-513-4744 to purchase over the phone. Brews Up, 9028 Worcester Hwy, Building C, Berlin, MD 21811
SPECIAL PAINTING EVENTS AT BREWS UP – LIMITED TO 16 PEOPLE
(OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS - UP TO 40 PEOPLE)
January 30th Friday – PAINT, SIP & CORK
6-8pm Create a painting with local artists, sip wine and learn to make wine at Brews Up! Plan for 2 hours of fun! This makes for a great event for Birthdays, Bachelorette nights, ladies nights, and more! $50 per person. Limited to 16 people. Tickets available for purchase online at www.shop.brewsup.net
Feb 27th Friday – PAINT, SIP & CORK
6-8pm Create a painting with local artists, sip wine and learn to make wine at Brews Up! Plan for 2 hours of fun! $50 per person. Tickets available for purchase online at www.shop.brewsup.net
March 27th Friday – PAINT, SIP & CORK
6-8pm Create a painting with local artists, sip wine and learn to make wine at Brews Up! Plan for 2 hours of fun! $50 per person. Tickets available for purchase online at www.shop.brewsup.net
Va. House bill targets asset forfeitures that fund police
A bill moving through the General Assembly could eliminate a legal process that brings in millions of dollars for law enforcement agencies, but which critics say allows the government to confiscate property unfairly.
HB1287, sponsored by Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, would end civil asset forfeitures - state legal proceedings that allow police to keep property seized from criminal suspects. The process rankles civil liberties advocates because such seizures can occur without a criminal conviction.
The proposal mirrors an order from Attorney General Eric Holder earlier this month that drastically curtails the federal asset-forfeiture process. If Cole's bill passes, the loss of both state and federal sources of asset forfeiture funds could put a significant dent in local law enforcement budgets.
From 2008 to 2013, Virginia law enforcement agencies seized more than $57 million through the state civil asset forfeiture process. Using the state process, police can keep 90 percent of the proceeds. The federal programs allow for 80 percent of proceeds to return to the agency that seized the items.
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HB1287, sponsored by Del. Mark Cole, R-Spotsylvania, would end civil asset forfeitures - state legal proceedings that allow police to keep property seized from criminal suspects. The process rankles civil liberties advocates because such seizures can occur without a criminal conviction.
The proposal mirrors an order from Attorney General Eric Holder earlier this month that drastically curtails the federal asset-forfeiture process. If Cole's bill passes, the loss of both state and federal sources of asset forfeiture funds could put a significant dent in local law enforcement budgets.
From 2008 to 2013, Virginia law enforcement agencies seized more than $57 million through the state civil asset forfeiture process. Using the state process, police can keep 90 percent of the proceeds. The federal programs allow for 80 percent of proceeds to return to the agency that seized the items.
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Edward Snowden: Apple iPhone with Secret iFeature Allows Government to Spy on You
Apple's iPhone has "special software" that authorities can activate remotely
Edward Snowden, the infamous former contractor for the National Security Agency who leaked thousands of pages of previously classified NSA intelligence documents, reportedly thinks that Apple’s iPhone has “special software” that authorities can activate remotely to be able to gather information about the user.
“Edward never uses an iPhone; he’s got a simple phone,” said the lawyer of Snowden, Anatoly Kucherena, in an interview with the Russian media company RIA Novosti.
“The iPhone has special software that can activate itself without the owner having to press a button and gather information about him; that’s why on security grounds he refused to have this phone,” Kucherena added.
It is not clear if the “special software” being referred to in the interview is made up of standard diagnostic tools, or if the NSA whistleblower thinks intelligence agencies from the United States have found a way to compromise the mobile operating system developed by Apple.
Full article here
Edward Snowden, the infamous former contractor for the National Security Agency who leaked thousands of pages of previously classified NSA intelligence documents, reportedly thinks that Apple’s iPhone has “special software” that authorities can activate remotely to be able to gather information about the user.
“Edward never uses an iPhone; he’s got a simple phone,” said the lawyer of Snowden, Anatoly Kucherena, in an interview with the Russian media company RIA Novosti.
“The iPhone has special software that can activate itself without the owner having to press a button and gather information about him; that’s why on security grounds he refused to have this phone,” Kucherena added.
It is not clear if the “special software” being referred to in the interview is made up of standard diagnostic tools, or if the NSA whistleblower thinks intelligence agencies from the United States have found a way to compromise the mobile operating system developed by Apple.
Full article here
How Maryland STEM professionals change students’ lives
“Something sparked their interest and passion for STEM very early, and they want to share that with the next generation,” said Carroll, program director at the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT).
“They believe that if they can expose students to new career possibilities, those young people will be more likely to attend college, to choose a STEM-related major and to actually complete that major,” she said.
In recent years, MBRT’s STEM Specialists in the Classroom volunteer program has touched the lives of thousands of students from 52 Maryland high schools. Committing two to three half-days per year, STEM professionals engage students in hands-on learning experiences that demonstrate the real-world application of classroom skills.
“The volunteers take the experience far beyond a career day of just saying what they went to school for and what they do. I recently sat in on a presentation by a mechanical engineer at Pikesville High School. He really drove home the connection between the skills he learned in school and the job he does every day. He brought it to life for the students. They were asking questions they would have never considered without him in the room,” Carroll said.
MBRT is working to expand the program’s impact, but first it must grow its pool of volunteers.
Prospective volunteers may register online and attend a training session in Baltimore County on Feb. 4. Find additional details on MBRT’s recruitment flier.
New Jersey driver charged with $150,000 in heroin has Sussex County ties
Davon Tucker, 32, of Paterson, N.J., and a woman passenger were traveling south on Route 1 when police stopped them in connection with speeding.
“Tucker has ties to people in eastern Sussex County. It is unknown where and who they are, though,” said Master Cpl. Gary Fournier of the Delaware State Police.
Tucker was clocked going 72 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to court records. When an officer contacted Tucker, court records state he “smelled a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle.”
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Expecting Too Much and Demanding Too Little
While it is true that he will meet great resistance from the likes of President Miller and Speaker Busch, those of us who pushed to see him in the Governor’s Mansion must provide a measure of constant pressure to insure that the conservative view of government was just not campaign rhetoric. In Annapolis, the base is often trampled in an effort to appease the monster who gives little while demanding much.
Conservatives may not be able to expect too much success from this governor beyond fiscal restraint and pro business policy decisions, but that does not mean we should not have demands on his agenda. For the past eight years we have had social policy mayhem crammed down our corporate throat. On most of these issues, the General Assembly was clearly divided in spite of what liberals want to believe. Critical votes on gay marriage, transgender rights, gun confiscation, education reform, and property rights often came down to one or two key votes.
On many of these issues, the concrete is still not cured and there is opportunity for Governor Hogan to etch his initials into these policy changes. He is off to a good start with the Phosphorus Management Tool regulations, but the tendency is to think that a “bad” policy or bill simply needs to me altered so it can be “better”. In reality, much of what is proposed as bad policy must be soundly rejected not modified. Our farmers have not seen the last of the PMT and a legislative version could come out of both chambers and land on the governor’s desk begging for a veto.
One of the legacy’s of the O’Malley administration is laziness on the part of the General Assembly leadership. When heavy lifting was required, other means were sought to implement policy rather than walk it through legislative channels with the commensurate slower process. The Maryland Governor has immense power; in fact, he is the most powerful governor of the 50 states. The Maryland Governor’s pen and cell phone can work more effectively than President Obama’s, and, in this area, conservatives must make our policy demands on the governor.
For instance, the governor will appoint a Superintendent for the State Police. It is the superintendent’s policy interpretation that ultimately defines what a “good and substantial” reason is for a law abiding Marylander to be permitted to have a Handgun Wear and Carry Permit issued to them. The current superintendent placed value on a bag of gold, but not so much on a 2 year old child. The gold was reason enough to get a permit, the child…not so much.
There are areas such as these in every state agency; policy that can be interpreted to the betterment and greater freedom for the average Marylander. While the General Assembly seeing their way clear to do the right thing can be a Herculean task, a governor’s nod can be the least path of resistance; and it must be the focus of conservative Marylanders who did the yeoman’s task of placing him in office.
The governor assigns funding levels in his budget and the General Assembly cannot add anything to a submitted budget unless the governor acquiesces. So if Governor Hogan wants to include Stem Cell money in his budget, conservatives should demand that it only be directed to adult stem cell research. After all, the liberals are on the other side of the fence and there is no point in allowing them to have their cake and eat it too.
Sadly, many do not expect Governor Hogan to champion any conservative legislation, knowing that it could fail, unless it serves a purpose for the 2018 election. They say this would be expecting too much in such a blue state. However, in boldness lies the real essence of the new governor’s success or failure. If he truly believes in conservative governing principles, he must act accordingly. A middle of the road, melba toast approach at appeasement will only insure a one term governorship.
Fundamental change comes from leaders who believe and and are willing to act on their beliefs.
We must expect the governor to push for conservative causes through his appointments, interpretations of law, and his Executive Orders. Not just those that address our economic status as a state, but even those that address certain areas outside of his comfort zone. We must not limit our rightful demands for change.
The Hogan administration contains many folks who learned hard lessons during the Ehrlich years, and that includes the governor himself. This being the case, conservatives can give the governor a wide berth for that which is seen, at the same time holding the governor accountable for those actions that are often unseen.
The democrats will not work nor help to make this administration successful, but the Maryland governor has many roads to choose from which lead to success. Let’s hope the most gifted in this administration are the cartographers whose ultimate destination is liberty.
Fundamental change comes from leaders who believe and and are willing to act on their beliefs.
We must expect the governor to push for conservative causes through his appointments, interpretations of law, and his Executive Orders. Not just those that address our economic status as a state, but even those that address certain areas outside of his comfort zone. We must not limit our rightful demands for change.
The Hogan administration contains many folks who learned hard lessons during the Ehrlich years, and that includes the governor himself. This being the case, conservatives can give the governor a wide berth for that which is seen, at the same time holding the governor accountable for those actions that are often unseen.
The democrats will not work nor help to make this administration successful, but the Maryland governor has many roads to choose from which lead to success. Let’s hope the most gifted in this administration are the cartographers whose ultimate destination is liberty.
THANKS OBAMA! Amnesty Allowed Illegal Alien who Killed an Arizona Man to Stay in America
Obama has made it abundantly clear that he is going to ignore any and every immigration law that we have on the books, and that is shown in his refusal to deport criminal aliens; even those convicted of felonies. One man, Apolinar Altamirano, killed a U.S. citizen over a pack of cigarettes after he was released on federal bail for pleading guilty to burglary.
President Barack Obama has given thousands of criminal illegal aliens amnesty by refusing to deport them after they have beenconvicted of felonies.
One such recipient took advantage of Obama’s unconstitutional generosity and killed a U.S. citizen in cold blood over a pack of cigarettes in Mesa, Arizona early Thursday morning.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu took to Twitter on Friday to criticize the Obama administration for failing to deport the illegal alien:
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President Barack Obama has given thousands of criminal illegal aliens amnesty by refusing to deport them after they have beenconvicted of felonies.
One such recipient took advantage of Obama’s unconstitutional generosity and killed a U.S. citizen in cold blood over a pack of cigarettes in Mesa, Arizona early Thursday morning.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu took to Twitter on Friday to criticize the Obama administration for failing to deport the illegal alien:
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FDA could set millions of genetically modified mosquitoes loose in Florida Keys
KEY WEST, Fla. – Millions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys if British researchers win approval to use the bugs against two extremely painful viral diseases.
Never before have insects with modified DNA come so close to being set loose in a residential U.S. neighborhood.
"This is essentially using a mosquito as a drug to cure disease," said Michael Doyle, executive director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, which is waiting to hear if the Food and Drug Administration will allow the experiment.
Dengue and chikungunya are growing threats in the U.S., but some people are more frightened at the thought of being bitten by a genetically modified organism. More than 130,000 signed a Change.org petition against the experiment.
Even potential boosters say those responsible must do more to show that benefits outweigh the risks.
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Never before have insects with modified DNA come so close to being set loose in a residential U.S. neighborhood.
"This is essentially using a mosquito as a drug to cure disease," said Michael Doyle, executive director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, which is waiting to hear if the Food and Drug Administration will allow the experiment.
Dengue and chikungunya are growing threats in the U.S., but some people are more frightened at the thought of being bitten by a genetically modified organism. More than 130,000 signed a Change.org petition against the experiment.
Even potential boosters say those responsible must do more to show that benefits outweigh the risks.
More
4 Fatal Shootings In Less Than 24 Hours In Baltimore Area
BALTIMORE (AP) — Police are investigating four fatal shootings in a 5-mile area in Baltimore city and county.
The latest killing happened Sunday night. City police say they found a 22-year-old man lying in the street in northeast Baltimore, bleeding from a gunshot wound to his chest. The man died shortly after.
The shooting happened a half-mile away from another killing in city limits. Police say 28-year-old Jason Ballard of Baltimore was fatally shot in the head Saturday night.
Meanwhile just across the county line, one woman died of at least one gunshot wound Saturday night after she was found lying in the street in Parkville. And on Sunday morning, a man was fatally shot 5 miles away at a motel in Rosedale.
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The latest killing happened Sunday night. City police say they found a 22-year-old man lying in the street in northeast Baltimore, bleeding from a gunshot wound to his chest. The man died shortly after.
The shooting happened a half-mile away from another killing in city limits. Police say 28-year-old Jason Ballard of Baltimore was fatally shot in the head Saturday night.
Meanwhile just across the county line, one woman died of at least one gunshot wound Saturday night after she was found lying in the street in Parkville. And on Sunday morning, a man was fatally shot 5 miles away at a motel in Rosedale.
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States Should Force Federal Gas Tax Cut
For decades conservatives have advocated scaling back the role of the federal government in transportation, yet the federal gas tax that was supposed to end in 1969 is still hanging around 46 years later. Fortunately, there is a feature of the current law that gives states the the upper hand, and they should seize the opportunity to act.
Most of the federal gas tax is temporary, set to automatically expire. If Congress simply does nothing, the tax will automatically drop from 18.3 cents per gallon on September 30, 2016 to just 4.3 cents the next day and thereafter. (The permanent 4.3 cent tax is Al Gore’s crowning achievement: a vestige of Bill Clinton’s 1993 tax hike that was – try not to laugh – supposed to be dedicated to deficit reduction.)
To allow that date to come and go as scheduled, each state should pass a pick-up law that would take effect if and only if the temporary portion of the federal gas tax lapses.
The pick-up law would replace the lapsed 14 cent federal tax with a lower state gas tax of 8 to 10 cents. Freed of all the strings that come with running money through Washington – most infamously the Davis-Bacon requirements that inflate construction costs – states could easily deliver more while motorists receive a net tax cut.
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Most of the federal gas tax is temporary, set to automatically expire. If Congress simply does nothing, the tax will automatically drop from 18.3 cents per gallon on September 30, 2016 to just 4.3 cents the next day and thereafter. (The permanent 4.3 cent tax is Al Gore’s crowning achievement: a vestige of Bill Clinton’s 1993 tax hike that was – try not to laugh – supposed to be dedicated to deficit reduction.)
To allow that date to come and go as scheduled, each state should pass a pick-up law that would take effect if and only if the temporary portion of the federal gas tax lapses.
The pick-up law would replace the lapsed 14 cent federal tax with a lower state gas tax of 8 to 10 cents. Freed of all the strings that come with running money through Washington – most infamously the Davis-Bacon requirements that inflate construction costs – states could easily deliver more while motorists receive a net tax cut.
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