Prepare for a story that will take your breath away. What happened to a Missouri teenager on the day of August 4, 2013 is moving hearts everywhere. The events of that day cannot be explained or rationalized in any way outside of being a miracle. One request to pray out loud ended in a miracle that nobody at the scene will ever be able to forget.
When 19-year-old Katie Lentz was hit by a drunk driver while driving in Missouri, first responders faced a difficult time trying to rescue her from the smashed vehicle. Lentz was trapped inside her car while firemen worked their tools in vain to try and reach Lentz. After a series of failed attempts, Lentz requested to pray out loud with the rescuers. After this, an amazing miracle involving a mysterious priest, a bottle of anointing oil, and a powerful prayer ensued.
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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, June 09, 2015
TSA hired 73 people on the terror watch list; reason why is MIND-BLOWING
I’m not sure which is worse, the fact that the TSA had a 95 percent failure rate in detecting contraband weapons snuck through in tests of airport screeners or the latest news that the TSA actually hired 73 workers on the terror watch list.
As reported last week by ABC News:
An internal investigation of the Transportation Security Administration revealed security failures at dozens of the nation’s busiest airports, where undercover investigators were able to smuggle mock explosives or banned weapons through checkpoints in 95 percent of trials, ABC News has learned.
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BREAKING NEWS: ANOTHER PERSON FALLS FROM BALCONY IN OCEAN CITY
Hillary should give her own Checkers speech
Tens of thousands of deleted emails. Eighteen-and-a-half minutes of missing tape. As one who worked closely with former President Nixon during the last years of his life, I find the comparisons between him and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to be insulting — to Nixon.
If Mrs. Clinton would like to survive her current growing implosion, she may want to take a page from Nixon’s playbook. Yes, the same Nixon she worked to impeach as a young attorney on the House Judiciary Committee (until she was let go by the Democratic counsel who said she was a “liar” and “an unethical, dishonest lawyer.”)
Set aside, for the moment, the similar accusations of stonewalling, evidence destruction, misrepresentations, penchants for secrecy, and imperial privilege.
Consider instead just one part of the scandals enveloping Mrs. Clinton and her presidential candidacy: “following the money.” (Another Nixon-era irony.)
Peter Schweizer’s new book, “Clinton Cash,” has exposed the complex and shady financial dealings of the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation and its subsidiary, the Clinton Global Initiative. Big money flowed in, and according to Mr. Schweizer, big political favors flowed out. Were they tantamount to quid pro quos? The Clintons say no; their critics, including many in the establishment left-wing press, say the circumstantial evidence is damning.
Consider some of the more recent stories:
Read more:
If Mrs. Clinton would like to survive her current growing implosion, she may want to take a page from Nixon’s playbook. Yes, the same Nixon she worked to impeach as a young attorney on the House Judiciary Committee (until she was let go by the Democratic counsel who said she was a “liar” and “an unethical, dishonest lawyer.”)
Set aside, for the moment, the similar accusations of stonewalling, evidence destruction, misrepresentations, penchants for secrecy, and imperial privilege.
Consider instead just one part of the scandals enveloping Mrs. Clinton and her presidential candidacy: “following the money.” (Another Nixon-era irony.)
Peter Schweizer’s new book, “Clinton Cash,” has exposed the complex and shady financial dealings of the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation and its subsidiary, the Clinton Global Initiative. Big money flowed in, and according to Mr. Schweizer, big political favors flowed out. Were they tantamount to quid pro quos? The Clintons say no; their critics, including many in the establishment left-wing press, say the circumstantial evidence is damning.
Consider some of the more recent stories:
Read more:
Somerset Co. Sheriff's Office May Activity (2015)
254 civil papers received from the courts
15 warrants received from the courts
Handled 119 calls for service, among those were 3 Emergency Petitions, 10 Traffic Accidents, 6 Assaults, 1 Sex Offense, 1 Child Abuse, 4 Thefts, 1 Domestic Dispute, 7 Requests for Deputy, 1 Check Welfare, 2 Alarms, 2 Attempt to Locate, 1 Vehicle Fire and 19 Assist other Agencies
28 arrests, 13 warrant services, 3 criminal summons, 1 CDS arrests, 4 DUI arrests, 1 Minor in Possession of Alcohol
39 traffic citations issued, 5 of those for Driving on Suspended and/or Revoked License or Driving with No License, 1 Driving Uninsured Vehicle, 1 Giving False and Fictitious Name
Service of 14 Domestic Violence Orders
1 out of county (Wicomico) court transport
Federal Court Tosses Challenge to Kansas Gun Law
WICHITA, Kan. — A federal judge rejected a challenge Friday to a Kansas law that makes it a felony for U.S. government workers to regulate guns and ammunition made, sold and kept only in the state, ruling that the gun control group that filed the suit failed to prove its members are directly harmed by the law.
U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson ruled the federal court lacks jurisdiction to consider the merits of the lawsuit because the Washington-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence didn’t show the state’s enforcement of the law inflicts on actual or imminent injury to any of its members.
In her 25-page ruling, Robinson granted the state’s motion to entirely dismiss the case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled.
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office issued a news release saying the statute will remain in force.
“This legal challenge lacked merit, and I appreciate the federal court’s ruling that the Washington, D.C.- based plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge this duly enacted Kansas law,” Schmidt said.
Attorneys for the Brady Campaign did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the ruling.
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U.S. District Judge Julie Robinson ruled the federal court lacks jurisdiction to consider the merits of the lawsuit because the Washington-based Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence didn’t show the state’s enforcement of the law inflicts on actual or imminent injury to any of its members.
In her 25-page ruling, Robinson granted the state’s motion to entirely dismiss the case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled.
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office issued a news release saying the statute will remain in force.
“This legal challenge lacked merit, and I appreciate the federal court’s ruling that the Washington, D.C.- based plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge this duly enacted Kansas law,” Schmidt said.
Attorneys for the Brady Campaign did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the ruling.
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American Pharoah’s Historic Run A Boom For Md. Horse Racing
Marcus Washington has more on the excitement surrounding this incredible colt.
You didn’t hear too many people talking about horse racing–that was until American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness here in Baltimore and then the Belmont Stakes, showing the world he is a Triple Crown winner.
Joining the ranks and history books, achieving what only 11–now 12–horses have been able to do in 96 years.
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Scott Walker: Constitutional Amendment Would Let States Decide On Gay Marriag
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he favors a constitutional amendment allowing individual states to ban same-sex marriage if the U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of the practice this month.
"I personally believe that marriage is between one man and one woman," Walker, a likely Republican presidential candidate said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "If the court decides that, the only next approach is for those who are supporters of marriage being defined as between one man and one woman is ultimately to consider pursuing a constitutional amendment."
Such an amendment would allow each state to make its own decision.
Interviewer Jonathan Karl noted that Walker has in the past said the GOP ticket should be two people who have served as state governors. Pressed specifically about Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Walker said that governors are well-tested leaders, but added, "Someone like Marco Rubio, I have real confidence in."
He declined to accept the mantel of front-runner even though he has high poll numbers.
"I think [former Florida] Gov. [Jeb] Bush is probably still out there up front, because he's probably going to have more money than just about all of us combined," Walker said. "But we're feeling good."
Walker won't declare his candidacy officially until state budgets are finished at the end of this month.
More here
"I personally believe that marriage is between one man and one woman," Walker, a likely Republican presidential candidate said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "If the court decides that, the only next approach is for those who are supporters of marriage being defined as between one man and one woman is ultimately to consider pursuing a constitutional amendment."
Such an amendment would allow each state to make its own decision.
Interviewer Jonathan Karl noted that Walker has in the past said the GOP ticket should be two people who have served as state governors. Pressed specifically about Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Walker said that governors are well-tested leaders, but added, "Someone like Marco Rubio, I have real confidence in."
He declined to accept the mantel of front-runner even though he has high poll numbers.
"I think [former Florida] Gov. [Jeb] Bush is probably still out there up front, because he's probably going to have more money than just about all of us combined," Walker said. "But we're feeling good."
Walker won't declare his candidacy officially until state budgets are finished at the end of this month.
More here
A Tear Jerker With An Amazing Message
Wow. No wonder this moving video is taking the world by storm. It's a tear jerker with an amazing message.
Posted by Star 104.5 on Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Saudi Arabia Shoots Down Scud Missile Fired From Yemen
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia said it shot down a Scud missile fired by Yemen's Shiite rebels and their allies early Saturday at a Saudi city that is home to a large air base, marking a major escalation in the monthslong war.
Two missiles launched from a Patriot missile battery shot down the Scud around 2:45 a.m. Saturday (2345 GMT, 7:45 p.m. EDT Friday) around the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agency did not report any casualties in the attack, the first use of a Cold War-era Scud by the rebels since Saudi-led airstrikes began in March.
Khamis Mushait is home to the King Khalid Air Base, the largest such facility in that part of the country. Saudis on social media reported hearing air raid sirens go off around the city during the attack.
The agency blamed Iranian-backed Shiite rebels known as Houthis and their allies in forces loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Yemen's state news agency SABA, now controlled by the Houthis, said the rebels and their allies fired the Scud.
Saudi Arabia leads a coalition targeting the rebels in airstrikes that began March 26 in support of the country's exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Those strikes have targeted arms caches and Scud missile sites around the country.
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Two missiles launched from a Patriot missile battery shot down the Scud around 2:45 a.m. Saturday (2345 GMT, 7:45 p.m. EDT Friday) around the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
The agency did not report any casualties in the attack, the first use of a Cold War-era Scud by the rebels since Saudi-led airstrikes began in March.
Khamis Mushait is home to the King Khalid Air Base, the largest such facility in that part of the country. Saudis on social media reported hearing air raid sirens go off around the city during the attack.
The agency blamed Iranian-backed Shiite rebels known as Houthis and their allies in forces loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Yemen's state news agency SABA, now controlled by the Houthis, said the rebels and their allies fired the Scud.
Saudi Arabia leads a coalition targeting the rebels in airstrikes that began March 26 in support of the country's exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. Those strikes have targeted arms caches and Scud missile sites around the country.
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Denver's Azucar Bakery Wins Right To Refuse To Make Anti-gay Cakes
DENVER - Colorado's legal battles between religious freedom and gay rights continue to play out in the not-so-sweet arena of bakery cake requests.
Last week, the Colorado Civil Rights Division ruled that Denver's Azucar Bakery did not discriminate against William Jack, a Christian from Castle Rock, by refusing to make two cakes with anti-gay messages and imagery that he requested last year.
The dispute began March 13, 2014 when Jack went to the bakery at 1886 S. Broadway and requested two cakes shaped like bibles. He asked that one cake have the image of two groomsmen holding hands in front of a cross with a red "X" over them. He asked that the cake be decorated with the biblical verses, "God hates sin. Psalm 45:7" and "Homosexuality is a detestable sin. Leviticus 18:22", according to the Civil Rights Divisions' decision.
On the second bible-shaped cake, Jack also requested the image of the two groomsmen with the red "X". He wanted it decorated with the words "God loves sinners" and "While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8."
He told the civil rights agency he ordered the cakes with the imagery and biblical verses to convey that same-sex marriage is, in his words, "un-biblical and inappropriate."
Marjorie Silva, the owner of the bakery, told Jack that she would make him the bible-shaped cakes, but would not decorate them with the biblical verses and the image of the groomsmen that he requested. Instead, she offered to provide him with icing and a pastry bag so he could write or draw whatever messages he wished on the cakes.
More here
Last week, the Colorado Civil Rights Division ruled that Denver's Azucar Bakery did not discriminate against William Jack, a Christian from Castle Rock, by refusing to make two cakes with anti-gay messages and imagery that he requested last year.
The dispute began March 13, 2014 when Jack went to the bakery at 1886 S. Broadway and requested two cakes shaped like bibles. He asked that one cake have the image of two groomsmen holding hands in front of a cross with a red "X" over them. He asked that the cake be decorated with the biblical verses, "God hates sin. Psalm 45:7" and "Homosexuality is a detestable sin. Leviticus 18:22", according to the Civil Rights Divisions' decision.
On the second bible-shaped cake, Jack also requested the image of the two groomsmen with the red "X". He wanted it decorated with the words "God loves sinners" and "While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8."
He told the civil rights agency he ordered the cakes with the imagery and biblical verses to convey that same-sex marriage is, in his words, "un-biblical and inappropriate."
Marjorie Silva, the owner of the bakery, told Jack that she would make him the bible-shaped cakes, but would not decorate them with the biblical verses and the image of the groomsmen that he requested. Instead, she offered to provide him with icing and a pastry bag so he could write or draw whatever messages he wished on the cakes.
More here
Why hardly anyone dies from a drug overdose in Portugal
Portugal decriminalized the use of all drugs in 2001. Weed, cocaine, heroin, you name it -- Portugal decided to treat possession and use of small quantities of these drugs as a public health issue, not a criminal one. The drugs were still illegal, of course. But now getting caught with them meant a small fine and maybe a referral to a treatment program -- not jail time and a criminal record.
Whenever we debate similar measures in the U.S. -- marijuana decriminalization, for instance -- many drug-policy makers predict dire consequences. “If you make any attractive commodity available at lower cost, you will have more users," former Office of National Drug Control Policy deputy director Thomas McLellan once said of Portugal's policies. Joseph Califano, founder of the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, once warned that decriminalization would "increase illegal drug availability and use among our children."
But in Portugal, the numbers paint a different story. The prevalence of past-year and past-month drug use among young adults has fallen since 2001, according to statistics compiled by the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, which advocates on behalf of ending the war on drugs. Overall adult use is down slightly too. And new HIV cases among drug users are way down.
Now, numbers just released from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction paint an even more vivid picture of life under decriminalization: drug overdose deaths in Portugal are the second-lowest in the European Union.
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Whenever we debate similar measures in the U.S. -- marijuana decriminalization, for instance -- many drug-policy makers predict dire consequences. “If you make any attractive commodity available at lower cost, you will have more users," former Office of National Drug Control Policy deputy director Thomas McLellan once said of Portugal's policies. Joseph Califano, founder of the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, once warned that decriminalization would "increase illegal drug availability and use among our children."
But in Portugal, the numbers paint a different story. The prevalence of past-year and past-month drug use among young adults has fallen since 2001, according to statistics compiled by the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, which advocates on behalf of ending the war on drugs. Overall adult use is down slightly too. And new HIV cases among drug users are way down.
Now, numbers just released from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction paint an even more vivid picture of life under decriminalization: drug overdose deaths in Portugal are the second-lowest in the European Union.
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Haunting chalkboard drawings, frozen in time for 100 years, discovered in Oklahoma school
This week, contractors removing old chalkboards at Emerson High School in Oklahoma City made a startling discovery: Underneath them rested another set of chalkboards, untouched since 1917.
“The penmanship blows me away, because you don’t see a lot of that anymore,” Emerson High School Principal Sherry Kishore told the Oklahoman. “Some of the handwriting in some of these rooms is beautiful.”
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North Carolina Republicans Elect First Black Chairman
Harnett, a businessman and author from Concord, was campaign manager for GOP congressional candidate Vince Coakley's unsuccessful bid last year in a heavily Democrat district, reports The News & Observer of Raleigh.
"If you can raise money in that district, you can raise money anywhere," Harnett said. "We need a bold, reinvigorated Republican Party who listens to the grass roots. Together we will win in 2016 because teamwork makes the dream work."
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Waitress' act of kindness toward grieving parents goes viral
When their daughter was born, she quickly became a "regular" along with them.
But the couple never expected waitress Kayla Lane to remember them -- or their newborn daughter, Glory.
That's why the couple was shocked last week when the young waitress asked them why their baby wasn't with them.
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Judge Alfred Talmadge Truitt Jr Obituary
Judge Alfred Talmadge Truitt Jr Obituary
Obituary:
Judge Alfred T. Truitt, Jr, after living a full life devoted to his family and to the law profession, died at home on June 5, 2015. He was born April 5, 1927, in Salisbury, the first son of former Mayor Alfred and Lillian "Mitzi" Truitt at Peninsula General Hospital. A true Salisbury native, he attended Miss Harold's kindergarten, Salisbury Teacher's elementary school, graduated from Wicomico High School in 1944 and Western Maryland College in 1950. Although he graduated from University of Maryland School of Law in 1953, he was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1952. Shortly thereafter he dedicated the remainder of his life to public service. From 1959 to 1971, he served as the State's Attorney for Wicomico County, he then became the first Public Defender for the county from 1972 through 1977. His tenure on the bench spanned more than five decades, beginning with his appointment by Governor Marvin Mandel as Associate Judge, First Judicial Circuit, in 1977 and served in that role until 1990, then becoming the Chief Judge and the Circuit Administrative Judge for the 1st Judicial Circuit until his formal retirement in 1997. After his official retirement in 1997, Judge Truitt continued to preside over Circuit and District Court proceedings in Wicomico, Dorchester, Worcester and Somerset counties until the week of his death. One of his proudest accomplishments was the number of law clerks he mentored who became integral parts of the judicial system. Throughout the court system he was a valuable resource, admired for his vast legal knowledge and his passion for justice.
An impactful period of his life was as a Sargent in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1945 to 1946 when he was assigned to the historical Nuremberg trials as an Army photographer.
He was a longtime member of Green Hill Yacht & Country Club, Salisbury Elks Club, Salisbury Lions Club, and the Maryland State Bar Association. He held the office of Chairman of the Conference of Circuit Judges for the State of Maryland in 1985-86. The law library at the Wicomico County Courthouse was dedicated to and named after Judge Truitt in September, 1993.
"Sonny" married the love his life “Bobbi” - Clara May Monigle, on June 16, 1951, who preceded him in death on March 21st of this year. As proud as he was of his distinguished career, what he treasured most was his extensive family of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his five adoring children and their spouses; Christine Bozick (Peter, Jr.), Alfred T. Truitt, III "Bruzz" (Debbie), Cathleen Campbell (John), Margaret Engler (Steve), Michael Truitt (Beth). He also leaves behind a proud legacy of 18 grandchildren; Shannon Monacelli, Lindley Bounds, Sara Bounds, Christopher Truitt, Connor Truitt, Hannah Campbell (deceased), Lindley Campbell, Clara Campbell, Brian Engler, Caitlin Engler, Matthew Engler, Libby Truitt, Bennett Truitt, Peter Bozick (Kelly), Megan Leslie (Roscoe), Stephanie Price (Carter), Julia Wycall (Teddy) and Sarah Sullivan (Michael), as well as 7 great children.
Judge Truitt was considered a pillar of the community and a central figure in the downtown Salisbury arena. Judge Truitt was a renown storyteller whose ability to recount events was without equal. He was a repository of history and local folklore. He will always be remembered as a man of character to whom public service was a noble and worthy personal pursuit.
A viewing will be held at Holloway Funeral Home on Friday, June 12, from 5 to 8pm. A funeral service will begin at 2pm on Saturday, June 13th, at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Donations in memory of Judge Truitt should be made to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for the “Alfred and Clara May Truitt Memorial Fund” to Suite 401, 1324 Belmont Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
Judge Alfred T. Truitt, Jr, after living a full life devoted to his family and to the law profession, died at home on June 5, 2015. He was born April 5, 1927, in Salisbury, the first son of former Mayor Alfred and Lillian "Mitzi" Truitt at Peninsula General Hospital. A true Salisbury native, he attended Miss Harold's kindergarten, Salisbury Teacher's elementary school, graduated from Wicomico High School in 1944 and Western Maryland College in 1950. Although he graduated from University of Maryland School of Law in 1953, he was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1952. Shortly thereafter he dedicated the remainder of his life to public service. From 1959 to 1971, he served as the State's Attorney for Wicomico County, he then became the first Public Defender for the county from 1972 through 1977. His tenure on the bench spanned more than five decades, beginning with his appointment by Governor Marvin Mandel as Associate Judge, First Judicial Circuit, in 1977 and served in that role until 1990, then becoming the Chief Judge and the Circuit Administrative Judge for the 1st Judicial Circuit until his formal retirement in 1997. After his official retirement in 1997, Judge Truitt continued to preside over Circuit and District Court proceedings in Wicomico, Dorchester, Worcester and Somerset counties until the week of his death. One of his proudest accomplishments was the number of law clerks he mentored who became integral parts of the judicial system. Throughout the court system he was a valuable resource, admired for his vast legal knowledge and his passion for justice.
An impactful period of his life was as a Sargent in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1945 to 1946 when he was assigned to the historical Nuremberg trials as an Army photographer.
He was a longtime member of Green Hill Yacht & Country Club, Salisbury Elks Club, Salisbury Lions Club, and the Maryland State Bar Association. He held the office of Chairman of the Conference of Circuit Judges for the State of Maryland in 1985-86. The law library at the Wicomico County Courthouse was dedicated to and named after Judge Truitt in September, 1993.
"Sonny" married the love his life “Bobbi” - Clara May Monigle, on June 16, 1951, who preceded him in death on March 21st of this year. As proud as he was of his distinguished career, what he treasured most was his extensive family of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his five adoring children and their spouses; Christine Bozick (Peter, Jr.), Alfred T. Truitt, III "Bruzz" (Debbie), Cathleen Campbell (John), Margaret Engler (Steve), Michael Truitt (Beth). He also leaves behind a proud legacy of 18 grandchildren; Shannon Monacelli, Lindley Bounds, Sara Bounds, Christopher Truitt, Connor Truitt, Hannah Campbell (deceased), Lindley Campbell, Clara Campbell, Brian Engler, Caitlin Engler, Matthew Engler, Libby Truitt, Bennett Truitt, Peter Bozick (Kelly), Megan Leslie (Roscoe), Stephanie Price (Carter), Julia Wycall (Teddy) and Sarah Sullivan (Michael), as well as 7 great children.
Judge Truitt was considered a pillar of the community and a central figure in the downtown Salisbury arena. Judge Truitt was a renown storyteller whose ability to recount events was without equal. He was a repository of history and local folklore. He will always be remembered as a man of character to whom public service was a noble and worthy personal pursuit.
A viewing will be held at Holloway Funeral Home on Friday, June 12, from 5 to 8pm. A funeral service will begin at 2pm on Saturday, June 13th, at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Donations in memory of Judge Truitt should be made to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for the “Alfred and Clara May Truitt Memorial Fund” to Suite 401, 1324 Belmont Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Rd., Salisbury, MD 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.
Public Schedule for Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford for June 10, 2015
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford's public schedule for Wednesday, June 10, 2015 includes the following:
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Maryland Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force Lower Shore Regional Summit
St. Francis de Sales Philip & Barbara Long Parish Center
535 Riverside Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Maryland Heroin and Opioid Emergency Task Force Lower Shore Regional Summit
St. Francis de Sales Philip & Barbara Long Parish Center
535 Riverside Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801
Al Sharpton: “It Should Be a Federal Crime” for White People to Shoot Blacks – Even in Self Defense
So if you’re attacked and the aggressor is Black, you should just let that person violently assault you instead of defending yourself?
This “logic” only makes sense inside the mind of a depraved racist like the “Reverend” Sharpton.
From BuzzPo:
The Justice Department ruled there was insufficient evidence to charge George Zimmerman with violating the civil rights of Trayvon Martin in the 2012 self defense shooting. That sparked some ludicrous words from Al Sharpton on Wednesday mornings Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Sharpton explained to Tom Joyner, “The intent to prove that Zimmerman did it because of his race, that is the legal threshold. Unless we change that legislation, we end up where we are in terms of the Trayvon Martin case. Clearly I’m disappointed. Clearly I’m sure the family is. But clearly the Justice Department can not go beyond the laws as is written. As we fight these fights and continue to fight from Staten Island to Ferguson, we must change the threshold that you qualify a civil rights case for, or we will keep having these moments of activism that end up with cases of being disappointing.”
Isn’t providing a particular group of people extra special protection and benefits due to their skin color racism?
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This “logic” only makes sense inside the mind of a depraved racist like the “Reverend” Sharpton.
From BuzzPo:
The Justice Department ruled there was insufficient evidence to charge George Zimmerman with violating the civil rights of Trayvon Martin in the 2012 self defense shooting. That sparked some ludicrous words from Al Sharpton on Wednesday mornings Tom Joyner Morning Show.
Sharpton explained to Tom Joyner, “The intent to prove that Zimmerman did it because of his race, that is the legal threshold. Unless we change that legislation, we end up where we are in terms of the Trayvon Martin case. Clearly I’m disappointed. Clearly I’m sure the family is. But clearly the Justice Department can not go beyond the laws as is written. As we fight these fights and continue to fight from Staten Island to Ferguson, we must change the threshold that you qualify a civil rights case for, or we will keep having these moments of activism that end up with cases of being disappointing.”
Isn’t providing a particular group of people extra special protection and benefits due to their skin color racism?
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The Dreadful Truth of Moynihan’s Prophecy
On the 50th anniversary of Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s famous report on the breakdown of the black family in urban ghettos, Baltimore has descended into the tragic violence and chaos he predicted. In a report titled, “The Negro Family: The Case for Action,” Assistant Secretary of Labor Moynihan, warned that the deterioration of the black family, would result in soaring crime rates if it continued unchecked.
In the most famous passage of the 1965 report, Moynihan, who would later become a Democratic U.S. senator, wrote, “From the wild Irish slums of the 19th-century Eastern seaboard, to the riot-torn suburbs of Los Angeles, there is one unmistakable lesson in American history: A community that allows large numbers of young men to grow up in broken families, dominated by women, never acquiring any stable relationship to male authority, never acquiring any set of rational expectations about the future — that community asks for and gets chaos. Crime, violence, unrest, disorder are not only to be expected, they are very near to inevitable.”
When he wrote these words, the illegitimacy rate among African-Americans was 25 percent while illegitimacy nationwide, stood at 7.7 percent. In the mid-1960s thanks largely to Great Society welfare policies, the out-of-wedlock birth rate began to climb rapidly. Today the out-of-wedlock rate for blacks is over 72 percent with even higher rates in inner cities. Illegitimacy among Hispanics is now over 50 percent, and for whites it has risen from the 3 percent in 1960 to 36 percent today.
Moynihan’s words were prophetic. As family structure virtually disintegrated, Baltimore’s core has become a center of poverty and violence. Recent unchecked rioting in Baltimore has been followed by a crime spree with 32 people shot and nine killed just over the Memorial Day weekend.
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In the most famous passage of the 1965 report, Moynihan, who would later become a Democratic U.S. senator, wrote, “From the wild Irish slums of the 19th-century Eastern seaboard, to the riot-torn suburbs of Los Angeles, there is one unmistakable lesson in American history: A community that allows large numbers of young men to grow up in broken families, dominated by women, never acquiring any stable relationship to male authority, never acquiring any set of rational expectations about the future — that community asks for and gets chaos. Crime, violence, unrest, disorder are not only to be expected, they are very near to inevitable.”
When he wrote these words, the illegitimacy rate among African-Americans was 25 percent while illegitimacy nationwide, stood at 7.7 percent. In the mid-1960s thanks largely to Great Society welfare policies, the out-of-wedlock birth rate began to climb rapidly. Today the out-of-wedlock rate for blacks is over 72 percent with even higher rates in inner cities. Illegitimacy among Hispanics is now over 50 percent, and for whites it has risen from the 3 percent in 1960 to 36 percent today.
Moynihan’s words were prophetic. As family structure virtually disintegrated, Baltimore’s core has become a center of poverty and violence. Recent unchecked rioting in Baltimore has been followed by a crime spree with 32 people shot and nine killed just over the Memorial Day weekend.
More
BREAKING NEWS: White House offices, briefing room evacuated: UPDATE
The White House press briefing room and other offices have been evacuated, following an earlier bomb threat that temporarily forced the evacuation of a Senate office building.
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Security officers are letting people back into the White House and have given an 'all clear' after the press briefing room was briefly evacuated over a bomb threat.
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Security officers are letting people back into the White House and have given an 'all clear' after the press briefing room was briefly evacuated over a bomb threat.
Patrice Lewis: The PC Bullies Begin To Back Down
My husband, Don, is a short man, topping out at five and a half feet. In the eyes of his family, he’s a giant; but when he was a teenager, he was a bantam and a natural target for bullies.
He told me of one particular boy who, over several months, picked and poked and hit and tripped in a series of intensifying encounters. Don kept his mouth shut and his fists at his side and controlled himself for months of this torment. The harassment escalated until the bully, with no provocation, tripped him and caused him to fall. Don had enough. He hauled off and decked the other boy.
The bully, who never expected the strength of pure fury emerging from the shorter boy, left Don strictly alone after that. Sometimes, Don told me, a person has to stand up and defend himself.
There’s a war on bullying taking place around America, but it’s not what you think. It’s not about heavyweight teens picking on smaller contemporaries.
Instead, it’s people rebelling against their oppressors. There are a lot of people who are being bullied. They’re being picked and poked and hit and tripped in a series of intensifying encounters. Harassment is escalating. People are getting the tar beat out of them, physically or financially. Up to this point, most of them have kept their mouths shut and their fists at their side and controlled themselves.
But once in a while, control snaps and the bullied party fights back, hard, with the strength of pure fury. Many times the bully – surprised at being challenged – sputters in dismay but backs off and targets someone else. Students, Christians, business people, conservatives and others who are being punitively harassed are finally beginning to fight back against schools, judges, special rights groups, even the IRS.
Consider these recent examples:
He told me of one particular boy who, over several months, picked and poked and hit and tripped in a series of intensifying encounters. Don kept his mouth shut and his fists at his side and controlled himself for months of this torment. The harassment escalated until the bully, with no provocation, tripped him and caused him to fall. Don had enough. He hauled off and decked the other boy.
The bully, who never expected the strength of pure fury emerging from the shorter boy, left Don strictly alone after that. Sometimes, Don told me, a person has to stand up and defend himself.
There’s a war on bullying taking place around America, but it’s not what you think. It’s not about heavyweight teens picking on smaller contemporaries.
Instead, it’s people rebelling against their oppressors. There are a lot of people who are being bullied. They’re being picked and poked and hit and tripped in a series of intensifying encounters. Harassment is escalating. People are getting the tar beat out of them, physically or financially. Up to this point, most of them have kept their mouths shut and their fists at their side and controlled themselves.
But once in a while, control snaps and the bullied party fights back, hard, with the strength of pure fury. Many times the bully – surprised at being challenged – sputters in dismay but backs off and targets someone else. Students, Christians, business people, conservatives and others who are being punitively harassed are finally beginning to fight back against schools, judges, special rights groups, even the IRS.
Consider these recent examples:
Troopers Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Burglary Suspect
Georgetown, DE - The Delaware State Police are asking the public’s assistance in attempting to identify a male subject that broke into Route 9 Liquors east of Georgetown.
The incident took place on Monday June 8, 2015 around 12:52 a.m. when an alarm was received from the business located at 22276 Lewes-Georgetown Highway. Upon arrival of responding officers from Georgetown Police Department and troopers, it was determined that the establishment had been burglarized. The investigation revealed a male subject had broken into the store and removed various bottles of liquor before fleeing in an unknown direction.
The suspect depicted in the surveillance images is described as a male between the ages of 25 - 30, standing approximately 5'10" - 6'00" tall, wearing a light colored sweatshirt and dark pants.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident or the identity of the suspect, they are asked to contact Detective J. Rowley at 302-752-3801. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Proposed zoning change regarding short term rentals in Ocean City
Currently, efforts are underway to encourage Planning and Zoning for the Town of Ocean City to consider making another attempt to restrict Ocean City rentals – similar to last year’s effort which was fortunately defeated. This is a violation of your property rights. Planning and Zoning needs to hear from you – REALTORS®, Property Managers, Ocean City Property Investors, and/or individual homeowners/landlords! Additionally, voice your opposition by attending their public hearing on June 16 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, in Ocean City.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The guise this year is for P&Z to create a new zone, R-1A designation, which would prohibit short-term rentals, allowing for only long-term, annual rentals, like last year’s effort. An existing neighborhood could then apply for rezoning, to be voted on by the Mayor and City Council. Should rezoning be approved and your investment property and/or summer home is within that neighborhood, your property rights have just been circumvented!
Planning and Zoning wisely determined last year that increased enforcement and education was the solution rather than an overall zoning change. Just a few weeks ago, the Town held a successful, day-long seminar on various topics – occupancy limits, noise violations, etc. – and the room was filled with REALTORS® and property managers. This process is working and has been effective in helping property management and owner landlords comply. It should be given adequate time to work effectively.
An R-1A Zoning Designation for existing neighborhoods is just another attempt to restrict property rentals in Ocean City. It’s a bad precedent and would cause serious ramifications for property rights and tourism.
U.S. Navy Blue Angels
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will make their inaugural performance at the OC Air Show, June 13-14, 2015, over the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. This will be the first time in the OC Air Show’s eight year history that the Blue Angels will perform and they will be joined by the Breitling...
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will make their inaugural performance at the OC Air Show, June 13-14, 2015, over the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. This will be the first time in the OC Air Show’s eight year history that the Blue Angels will perform and they will be joined by the Breitling Jet Team and the F-22 Raptor Demo creating a triple headliner for the 2015 event!
Update: Chinese Hackers Steal 4 Million US Personnel Records
China-based hackers are suspected of breaking into the computer networks of the U.S. government personnel office and stealing identifying information of at least 4 million federal workers, American officials said Thursday.
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that data from the Office of Personnel Management and the Interior Department had been compromised.
"The FBI is conducting an investigation to identify how and why this occurred," the statement said.
The hackers were believed to be based in China, said Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.
Collins, a member of the Senate intelligence committee, said the breach was "yet another indication of a foreign power probing successfully and focusing on what appears to be data that would identify people with security clearances."
A U.S. official who declined to be identified said the data breach could potentially affect every federal agency. One key question is whether intelligence agency employee information was stolen. Former government employees are affected as well.
"This is an attack against the nation," said Ken Ammon, chief strategy officer of Xceedium, who said the attack fit the pattern of those carried out by nation states for the purpose of espionage.
The information stolen could be used to impersonate or blackmail federal employees with access to sensitive information, he said.
The Office of Personnel Management is the human resources department for the federal government, and it conducts background checks for security clearances. The OPM conducts more than 90 percent of federal background investigations, according to its website.
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The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that data from the Office of Personnel Management and the Interior Department had been compromised.
"The FBI is conducting an investigation to identify how and why this occurred," the statement said.
The hackers were believed to be based in China, said Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican.
Collins, a member of the Senate intelligence committee, said the breach was "yet another indication of a foreign power probing successfully and focusing on what appears to be data that would identify people with security clearances."
A U.S. official who declined to be identified said the data breach could potentially affect every federal agency. One key question is whether intelligence agency employee information was stolen. Former government employees are affected as well.
"This is an attack against the nation," said Ken Ammon, chief strategy officer of Xceedium, who said the attack fit the pattern of those carried out by nation states for the purpose of espionage.
The information stolen could be used to impersonate or blackmail federal employees with access to sensitive information, he said.
The Office of Personnel Management is the human resources department for the federal government, and it conducts background checks for security clearances. The OPM conducts more than 90 percent of federal background investigations, according to its website.
More
TURKEY VOTE SHOCKER
ANKARA, Turkey – Voters dealt a stunning rebuke to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Sunday and stalled the Arab nation's march toward Islamist rule, stripping the powerful leader's AKP party of its parliamentary majority and ending 13 years of one-party rule.
The Democratically-elected Erdogan, through posts as prime minister and presidents, has held office since 2003, and had in recent years begun an alarming crackdown on the media, dissidents and ethnic minorities in what observers feared was an effort to move the NATO nation and U.S. ally toward theocratic rule. In addition to announcing plans to expand the powers of his office, Erdogan had come under intense criticism for building am 1,000-room presidential palace which was rumored to have gold-plated toilet seats.
Erdogan's party was left Monday with few options to form a new government, after it was stripped of its parliamentary majority and opposition parties ruled out joining it in a coalition pact. The AKP won about 41 percent of the votes in Sunday's election and was projected to take 258 seats -- 18 below the minimum required to rule alone. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, an Erdogan ally andfellow AKP member, was scheduled to convene his cabinet and party executives Monday to discuss the party's options as its 13-year single party rule came to an end.
The result also puts Erdogan's hopes of passing constitutional changes that would have boosted his powers on hold. He is likely to see his pre-eminent position in Turkish politics erode without the ability to steer the government through his party.
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The Democratically-elected Erdogan, through posts as prime minister and presidents, has held office since 2003, and had in recent years begun an alarming crackdown on the media, dissidents and ethnic minorities in what observers feared was an effort to move the NATO nation and U.S. ally toward theocratic rule. In addition to announcing plans to expand the powers of his office, Erdogan had come under intense criticism for building am 1,000-room presidential palace which was rumored to have gold-plated toilet seats.
Erdogan's party was left Monday with few options to form a new government, after it was stripped of its parliamentary majority and opposition parties ruled out joining it in a coalition pact. The AKP won about 41 percent of the votes in Sunday's election and was projected to take 258 seats -- 18 below the minimum required to rule alone. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, an Erdogan ally andfellow AKP member, was scheduled to convene his cabinet and party executives Monday to discuss the party's options as its 13-year single party rule came to an end.
The result also puts Erdogan's hopes of passing constitutional changes that would have boosted his powers on hold. He is likely to see his pre-eminent position in Turkish politics erode without the ability to steer the government through his party.
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Worried Lawmakers Assess Border Security After Drug Cartel Attack
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, Utah Republican and chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Rep. Blake Farenthold, Texas Republican, were planning to get a firsthand look at the situation in Laredo, Texas, after the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing Friday.
No injuries were reported, but the incident happened just days after Mr. Chaffetz and Rep. Filemon Vela of Texas, the ranking Democrat on the oversight subcommittee on border security, sent a letter questioning whether the State Department was taking the cartel violence seriously enough.
In particular, they wondered why the department was poised to cut the danger pay for its diplomatic personnel in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros as authorities in northern Mexico were being attacked with stunning frequency in the drug war.
The Obama administration has said the drug cartel violence in northern Mexico is troubling but has been quick to insist that the bloodshed has remained chiefly south of the border and hasn’t spread into the U.S. The bigger cities along the border are among the safest of their kind, the administration said.
More here
Mexican Voters Keep Ruling Party, But Show Some Discontent
Mexican voters elected their first independent gubernatorial candidate, seen as a protest against party politics, but gave the ruling party a lead in Congress, thereby sending mixed messages in midterm elections.
President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, lost legislative seats, according to official vote counts released Monday by the electoral institute. But a strong and controversial campaign by allied Green Party boosted that party by as many as 20 seats, which could give the ruling party a voting majority for the first time in nearly two decades.
In an election marred by sporadic violence, independent Jaime Rodriguez, known as "El Bronco," won the governor's race in the border state of Nuevo Leon, ousting the PRI from a key state that includes the business hub of Monterrey. His popularity was attributed to voters' disgust with all political parties.
Rodriguez said his first action as governor would be to attack corruption: "We have to investigate the entire previous government."
It was the first election in Mexico to allow unaffiliated candidates, thanks to electoral reform last year.
The horseback-riding, boot-clad, tough-talking Rodriguez earned his nickname after he survived two assassination attempts that left his car bullet-ridden as mayor of a suburb of Monterrey. He said the attacks were from a drug cartel.
More
President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, lost legislative seats, according to official vote counts released Monday by the electoral institute. But a strong and controversial campaign by allied Green Party boosted that party by as many as 20 seats, which could give the ruling party a voting majority for the first time in nearly two decades.
In an election marred by sporadic violence, independent Jaime Rodriguez, known as "El Bronco," won the governor's race in the border state of Nuevo Leon, ousting the PRI from a key state that includes the business hub of Monterrey. His popularity was attributed to voters' disgust with all political parties.
Rodriguez said his first action as governor would be to attack corruption: "We have to investigate the entire previous government."
It was the first election in Mexico to allow unaffiliated candidates, thanks to electoral reform last year.
The horseback-riding, boot-clad, tough-talking Rodriguez earned his nickname after he survived two assassination attempts that left his car bullet-ridden as mayor of a suburb of Monterrey. He said the attacks were from a drug cartel.
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Why Troops Avoid A Fight
Soldiers won’t follow clueless leaders into battles they can’t win
In April 1970, our brigade commander ordered each of his three line infantry battalions to deploy squad-sized ambushes along the border with Cambodia (which looked like an angel’s wing on the map). This tactic would allow the brigade to completely block the infiltration of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) units from Cambodia into South Vietnam. Following the order, a squad-sized unit was hunkered down in ambush positions every 500 meters near the border in the brigade sector.
At this time, I was the battalion acting operations officer, having just given up command of a rifle company. The brigade commander’s clever tactic was a complete flop. Several company-sized NVA units crossed through our lines over a couple days. Our young “shake-and-bake” squad leaders would call in the NVA movements, sometimes after they passed literally through their ambush sites so as to not alert the NVA soldiers. Not a single ambush was sprung by our troops.
The brigade commander and his staff lived in a compound in the Division Base Camp at Cu Chi. They were in an ivory tower of reports, radio traffic, map boards, and meals prepared and served by local Vietnamese in their officers’ mess. So removed from the war, how could they have known this plan would fail completely?
They could not know unless they had led at the platoon or company level. Then they would have understood that in order for an infantry unit to initiate offensive action, several conditions must be met. First, the unit had to have either an officer or a hard-charging non-commissioned officer as a leader. Then they had to have a medic, a machine gun and at least two radio operators (to assure one of the two would work to call for Medevac or close air support). The squads deployed by brigade usually had one radio, and about one in three did not have an M-60 machine gun. And finally, the leader had to have some sense that they had a fair chance at a win. This would not be the case for the seven of our soldiers huddled behind the rice paddy dike facing 100 NVA regulars. Most of the troops in our units were draftees. While they would fight bravely, they expected their leaders to give them a fighting chance to win.
Keep reading..
In April 1970, our brigade commander ordered each of his three line infantry battalions to deploy squad-sized ambushes along the border with Cambodia (which looked like an angel’s wing on the map). This tactic would allow the brigade to completely block the infiltration of North Vietnamese Army (NVA) units from Cambodia into South Vietnam. Following the order, a squad-sized unit was hunkered down in ambush positions every 500 meters near the border in the brigade sector.
At this time, I was the battalion acting operations officer, having just given up command of a rifle company. The brigade commander’s clever tactic was a complete flop. Several company-sized NVA units crossed through our lines over a couple days. Our young “shake-and-bake” squad leaders would call in the NVA movements, sometimes after they passed literally through their ambush sites so as to not alert the NVA soldiers. Not a single ambush was sprung by our troops.
The brigade commander and his staff lived in a compound in the Division Base Camp at Cu Chi. They were in an ivory tower of reports, radio traffic, map boards, and meals prepared and served by local Vietnamese in their officers’ mess. So removed from the war, how could they have known this plan would fail completely?
They could not know unless they had led at the platoon or company level. Then they would have understood that in order for an infantry unit to initiate offensive action, several conditions must be met. First, the unit had to have either an officer or a hard-charging non-commissioned officer as a leader. Then they had to have a medic, a machine gun and at least two radio operators (to assure one of the two would work to call for Medevac or close air support). The squads deployed by brigade usually had one radio, and about one in three did not have an M-60 machine gun. And finally, the leader had to have some sense that they had a fair chance at a win. This would not be the case for the seven of our soldiers huddled behind the rice paddy dike facing 100 NVA regulars. Most of the troops in our units were draftees. While they would fight bravely, they expected their leaders to give them a fighting chance to win.
Keep reading..
Mayhem Rules in St. Paul Schools
Teachers, parents and students in the school district of St. Paul, Minnesota, are learning firsthand what happens when educators embrace ideologically driven, crackpot solutions for the achievement and disciplinary issues involving black students who are “victims” of “white privilege”: anarchy.
That anarchy comes courtesy of the district’s voluntary affiliation with Pacific Educational Group (PEG), an entity founded in 1992 by self-described “diversity expert” Glenn Singleton. As PEG’s website declares, it is their belief that “[s]ystemic racism is the most devastating factor contributing to the diminished capacity of all children.” As a result, they partner with educational systems “to transform them into racially conscious and socially just environments that nurture the spirit and infinite potential of all learners, especially students of color, American Indian students and their families.”
Superintendent Valeria Silva bought into this nonsense, engendering a seismic shift in the way discipline was meted out, based on statistics that showed black students being suspended at “alarming rates.” Thus suspension became a last resort, replaced with 20-minute “time outs” and counseling by a behavioral coach before offending students were sent back to the classroom. In the meantime, PEG offered “racial equity” training for teachers and staff, who were tasked with “exploring” their biases and prefacing their opinions with, “As a white man, I believe…” or “As a black woman, I think…” in an effort to discover their subconscious racism.
How’s it working out? Following district spending of more than $3 million on PEG programs over the last five years, local publication CityPages paints a depressing picture:
At John A. Johnson Elementary on the East Side, several teachers, who asked to remain anonymous, describe anything but a learning environment. Students run up and down the hallways, slamming lockers and tearing posters off the walls. They hit and swear at each other, upend garbage cans under teachers' noses.
“We have students who will spend an hour in the hallway just running and hiding from people, like it’s a game for them,” says one despondent teacher. “A lot of them know no one is going to stop them, so they just continue."
More here
That anarchy comes courtesy of the district’s voluntary affiliation with Pacific Educational Group (PEG), an entity founded in 1992 by self-described “diversity expert” Glenn Singleton. As PEG’s website declares, it is their belief that “[s]ystemic racism is the most devastating factor contributing to the diminished capacity of all children.” As a result, they partner with educational systems “to transform them into racially conscious and socially just environments that nurture the spirit and infinite potential of all learners, especially students of color, American Indian students and their families.”
Superintendent Valeria Silva bought into this nonsense, engendering a seismic shift in the way discipline was meted out, based on statistics that showed black students being suspended at “alarming rates.” Thus suspension became a last resort, replaced with 20-minute “time outs” and counseling by a behavioral coach before offending students were sent back to the classroom. In the meantime, PEG offered “racial equity” training for teachers and staff, who were tasked with “exploring” their biases and prefacing their opinions with, “As a white man, I believe…” or “As a black woman, I think…” in an effort to discover their subconscious racism.
How’s it working out? Following district spending of more than $3 million on PEG programs over the last five years, local publication CityPages paints a depressing picture:
At John A. Johnson Elementary on the East Side, several teachers, who asked to remain anonymous, describe anything but a learning environment. Students run up and down the hallways, slamming lockers and tearing posters off the walls. They hit and swear at each other, upend garbage cans under teachers' noses.
“We have students who will spend an hour in the hallway just running and hiding from people, like it’s a game for them,” says one despondent teacher. “A lot of them know no one is going to stop them, so they just continue."
More here
Nearly Half of U.S. Can’t Afford Unexpected $400 Bill – Forgo Medical Treatment
(CNSNews)- Nearly half of American households would not be able to afford a $400 emergency, according to a recent report from the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2014 says that 47 percent indicate that they would have great difficulty handling an unexpected $400 expense.
“Specifically, respondents indicate that they simply could not cover the expense (14 percent); would sell something (10 percent); or would rely on one or more means of borrowing to pay for at least part of the expense, including paying with a credit card that they pay off over time (18 percent), borrowing from friends or family (13 percent), or using a payday loan (2 percent),” the report says.
Even though it has been over 5 years since President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, 47 percent of Americans responding to the Federal Reserve study claimed that they “avoided medical treatment because of the cost.”
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[ So this begs the question.. if they can't afford to use it, do they really have health care, or do they just have an insurance bill to pay? --Editor ]
The Federal Reserve Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2014 says that 47 percent indicate that they would have great difficulty handling an unexpected $400 expense.
“Specifically, respondents indicate that they simply could not cover the expense (14 percent); would sell something (10 percent); or would rely on one or more means of borrowing to pay for at least part of the expense, including paying with a credit card that they pay off over time (18 percent), borrowing from friends or family (13 percent), or using a payday loan (2 percent),” the report says.
Even though it has been over 5 years since President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law, 47 percent of Americans responding to the Federal Reserve study claimed that they “avoided medical treatment because of the cost.”
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[ So this begs the question.. if they can't afford to use it, do they really have health care, or do they just have an insurance bill to pay? --Editor ]
Senator to Obama: Justify Keeping Trade Deal Secret
As it becomes apparent that most members of Congress haven’t even read the draft of a trade deal criticized by opponents as a monumental surrender of U.S. sovereignty, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., is demanding President Obama explain the legal basis for not releasing the text to the public.
In a letter to Obama delivered Friday, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest noted the president is asking for “fast-track executive authority” to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement and other trade deals. Trade Promotion Authority, Sessions reminded Obama, would take away the most basic congressional powers, including the power to write, amend and fully consider legislation on the floor.
Contending the TPP is more a treaty than a trade deal – creating a “nascent European Union” – the implications are “extraordinary,” Sessions said.
They “ought to be discussed in full, in public,” he said, “before Congress even contemplates fast-tracking its creation and pre-surrendering its power to apply the constitutional two-thirds treaty vote.”
Ratifying a treaty requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate. With fast-track authority, an agreement like the TPP could be passed with only a majority vote of both the Senate and the House, and no amendments would be allowed.
“I would therefore ask that you provide to me the legal and constitutional basis for keeping this information from the public and explain why I cannot share the details of what I have read with the American people,” Sessions wrote in his letter, which was first published by Breitbart News.
Sessions spokesman Stephen Miller told WND that granting fast-track trade authority would give Obama extraordinary powers the senator believes would be detrimental to the nation.
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In a letter to Obama delivered Friday, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest noted the president is asking for “fast-track executive authority” to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement and other trade deals. Trade Promotion Authority, Sessions reminded Obama, would take away the most basic congressional powers, including the power to write, amend and fully consider legislation on the floor.
Contending the TPP is more a treaty than a trade deal – creating a “nascent European Union” – the implications are “extraordinary,” Sessions said.
They “ought to be discussed in full, in public,” he said, “before Congress even contemplates fast-tracking its creation and pre-surrendering its power to apply the constitutional two-thirds treaty vote.”
Ratifying a treaty requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate. With fast-track authority, an agreement like the TPP could be passed with only a majority vote of both the Senate and the House, and no amendments would be allowed.
“I would therefore ask that you provide to me the legal and constitutional basis for keeping this information from the public and explain why I cannot share the details of what I have read with the American people,” Sessions wrote in his letter, which was first published by Breitbart News.
Sessions spokesman Stephen Miller told WND that granting fast-track trade authority would give Obama extraordinary powers the senator believes would be detrimental to the nation.
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Montgomery County making graduation robes gender-neutral
ROCKVILLE, Md. (AP) — Three Montgomery County high schools are making graduation robes gender-neutral with one color to respect transgender students.
Damascus, Sherwood and Walter Johnson High Schools have shifted to single-color robes this year, instead of two separate colors for males and females.
At least five others have decided to make the change next year.
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Damascus, Sherwood and Walter Johnson High Schools have shifted to single-color robes this year, instead of two separate colors for males and females.
At least five others have decided to make the change next year.
More
Treasury Secretary Lew Jeered, Embarrassed at US Jewish Event
President Obama has Israel's best interests at heart, Lew tells JPost conference - but unprecedented heckling ensues.
U.S. President Barack H. Obama has Israel's best interests at heart, believes his Treasury Secretary Jack Lew – but attendees of the Jerusalem Post Conference taking place in Washington this week weren't buying it.
As Lew proclaimed that “no administration has done more for Israel than the current one,” and that “we do not at all assume that Iran intends to act with innocent intentions,” a large number of audience members began hooting, booing, and yelling “nonsense,” as well as intoning sharper invectives.
Lew continued, saying that the U.S. “strategically assists Israel daily, and we stand against those who question Israel's legitimacy and right to exist.” This, too, earned audience opprobrium.
At one point, Lew was forced to stop speaking and address the audience response, saying that “I understand that we do not agree on everything, but there is no doubt of the commitment of President Obama to the State of Israel.”
More here
U.S. President Barack H. Obama has Israel's best interests at heart, believes his Treasury Secretary Jack Lew – but attendees of the Jerusalem Post Conference taking place in Washington this week weren't buying it.
As Lew proclaimed that “no administration has done more for Israel than the current one,” and that “we do not at all assume that Iran intends to act with innocent intentions,” a large number of audience members began hooting, booing, and yelling “nonsense,” as well as intoning sharper invectives.
Lew continued, saying that the U.S. “strategically assists Israel daily, and we stand against those who question Israel's legitimacy and right to exist.” This, too, earned audience opprobrium.
At one point, Lew was forced to stop speaking and address the audience response, saying that “I understand that we do not agree on everything, but there is no doubt of the commitment of President Obama to the State of Israel.”
More here
Gannett board OKs company split for June 29
- Gannett (NYSE:GCI) says its board has approved the spinoff that will split the company into a broadcasting/digital firm and a publishing company.
- The creation of the broadcast side, named TEGNA (Pending:TGNA), and the side that will retain the Gannett name will take place via separation on June 29. Gannett's current shareholders will retain shares of Gannett (which will be named TEGNA) and receive a share of new Gannett (which will keep the name and GCI ticker) for every two shares of current Gannett stock owned as of a record date of June 22.
- New Gannett will then begin regular way trading June 29.
- The new publishing firm will be "virtually debt-free" and pay a $0.64/share annual cash dividend as well as take on a $150M buyback program for the next three years.
- Meanwhile, TEGNA will hold Gannett's existing debt of about $4.4B. It plans to pay a $0.56/share annual dividend. The combination with Gannett's $0.64 dividend marks a 10% increase over current payout. TEGNA will also embark on a $750M buyback program over three years.
- In addition to a swath of previous board announcements, Henry McGee will join the TEGNA board, and USA Today Publisher Larry Kramer will retire from that post and join new Gannett's board, along with Debra Sandler and Chloe Sladden.
- Previously: Gannett sets up post-spinoff boards, execs (Apr. 29 2015)
- Source
BREAKING NEWS : New Jersey's top court sides with Christie on pensions
New Jersey State Supreme Court sides with Gov. Chris Christie in his overhaul of public worker pensions, ruling there is no enforceable contract to ensure full worker payments.
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Sprinkler System Credited With Minimizing High-Rise Fire’s Impact
Shortly before 11 p.m. on Sunday, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to a fire alarm activation resulting from a fire in a unit at the Century I condominium building. When firefighters arrived, there was smoke reported from a unit on the 25th floor. The fire department response was quickly upgraded to a structure fire in a high-rise structure.
The fire, which originated in the unit’s kitchen, was suppressed by one fire sprinkler upon arrival of the fire department. Firefighters on scene worked immediately to remove smoke throughout the 25th floor. OCFD officials said the fire at the high-rise structure illustrated the importance of working fire sprinkler systems.
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DEANDRE BALLARD CONVICTED AND SENTENCED FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND KIDNAPPING
Ballard was sentenced in the Wicomico County Circuit Court to the maximum penalty on all crimes. He received 10 years active for each count of Human Trafficking. Thirty years active for Kidnapping, and 30 years suspended consecutive for the Conspiracy-Kidnapping. The total sentence was 80 years suspend all but 50 years of active incarceration, with four years supervised probation. Ballard was also ordered to register as a sex offender pursuant to Maryland law. Ballard is currently serving a 20 year sentence for drug related charges.
Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Salisbury City Police, the Maryland State Police, and the Department of Homeland Security, along with investigating officers, Tfc. Howard Kennard, Agent Cara Rose, Det. Matthew Thompsen, Det. Jeff Miller, and Det. Jason Caputo. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Senior Assistant State’s Attorney, Kristen Schultz who prosecuted this case.
Gannett Board Approves Completion of Spin-off Transaction
Gannett Co., Inc. GCI today announced that its Board of Directors has approved completion of the previously announced separation transaction which will create two publicly traded companies: a broadcasting and digital company named TEGNA and new Gannett, which will retain the name Gannett Co., Inc. and will include its publishing properties and affiliated digital assets. Under the terms of the transaction, Gannett shareholders will retain their shares of Gannett (which will be renamed TEGNA) and receive one share of new Gannett for every two shares of Gannett stock they own on the record date of June 22, 2015, and new Gannett shares will begin "regular way" trading on June 29, 2015. The spin-off remains subject to the conditions described in the preliminary information statement filed on Form 10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Gracia Martore, President and CEO of Gannett, will serve as President and CEO of TEGNA upon completion of the separation. She said, "In just three weeks, we will create two industry leaders that will benefit greatly from enhanced strategic, operating, financial and regulatory flexibility as independent companies. We believe strongly that this transaction will enhance performance, unlock shareholder value and give investors access to more targeted investment opportunities with trading valuations that better reflect the distinctive characteristics and growth profiles of both companies."
Robert Dickey, who currently serves as President, Gannett U.S. Community Publishing, will become President and CEO of new Gannett following the close of the separation. Mr. Dickey said, "We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this transaction creates for our shareholders, as well as our 19,600 employees who together serve our more than 110 local U.S. and UK communities each and every day. We've made great strides in revolutionizing our content and delivery methods through our widely successful all access content subscription model and digital initiatives, as well as by leveraging our iconic USA TODAY brand to create USA TODAY local content editions. We look forward to accelerating this strong progress and delivering shareholder value as a more nimble and highly focused independent company."
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Gracia Martore, President and CEO of Gannett, will serve as President and CEO of TEGNA upon completion of the separation. She said, "In just three weeks, we will create two industry leaders that will benefit greatly from enhanced strategic, operating, financial and regulatory flexibility as independent companies. We believe strongly that this transaction will enhance performance, unlock shareholder value and give investors access to more targeted investment opportunities with trading valuations that better reflect the distinctive characteristics and growth profiles of both companies."
Robert Dickey, who currently serves as President, Gannett U.S. Community Publishing, will become President and CEO of new Gannett following the close of the separation. Mr. Dickey said, "We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this transaction creates for our shareholders, as well as our 19,600 employees who together serve our more than 110 local U.S. and UK communities each and every day. We've made great strides in revolutionizing our content and delivery methods through our widely successful all access content subscription model and digital initiatives, as well as by leveraging our iconic USA TODAY brand to create USA TODAY local content editions. We look forward to accelerating this strong progress and delivering shareholder value as a more nimble and highly focused independent company."
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It's Time To Privatize U.S. Airport Security
In recent tests, undercover investigators smuggled mock explosives and banned weapons through U.S. airport checkpoints 96 percent of the time. According to ABC, "In one case, agents failed to detect a fake explosive taped to an agent's back, even after performing a pat down that was prompted after the agent set off the magnetometer alarm."
The unionized TSA has a history of inept management. Reports in 2012 by various House committees found that TSA operations are "costly, counter-intuitive, and poorly executed," and the agency "suffers from bureaucratic morass and mismanagement." Former TSA chief Kip Hawley argued in an op-ed that the agency is "hopelessly bureaucratic." And in 2014, former acting TSA chief Kenneth Kaspirin said that TSA has "a toxic culture" with "terrible" morale. ...
Perhaps most importantly, studies have found that TSA security performance is no better, and possibly worse, than private-sector screening, which is allowed at a handful of U.S. airports.
The solution is to dismantle TSA and move responsibility for screening operations to the nation's airports.
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A Tale of Two Crooks and the IRS
With her roots in Roman mythology, Lady Justice represents morality and virtue through three symbols. First, she holds a set of scales in her left hand, to weigh evidence with reason and in light of the law. Second, she wields a double-edged sword in her right hand, representing the remedy impartially provided after the facts are laid bare before her. And third, she wears a blindfold, signifying that the law must be applied with objectivity and equality.
Yet too often politicians seek to lift this blindfold, wanting to redefine justice based on the year’s election cycle or to subvert it through delays, denials and tactics that advance their agenda.
Let’s examine two cases in which the Internal Revenue Service has been used as a tool for political revenge and harassment, and how they reflect an assault on justice that should offend all.
Consider the identical approaches of Richard Nixon and Barack Obama. One a Republican and the other a Democrat, both illustrate power’s ability to corrupt to the extreme, instituting a false democracy where disagreement and disloyalty are silenced by heavy-handed tactics.
Nixon’s legacy as the 37th president is often defined by his impeachment. Posterity’s view of Obama is still being penned, but both will be remembered for their unconstitutional misuse of government and for the tenured bureaucrats who willingly complied.
In the Articles of Impeachment adopted by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee in 1974, most remember Article I, which declared Nixon “impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors” committed surrounding the break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel on June 17, 1972.
The charges leveled by Congress state, “Subsequent thereto, Richard M. Nixon, using the powers of his high office, engaged personally and through his close subordinates and agents, in a course of conduct or plan designed to delay, impede, and obstruct the investigation of such illegal entry; to cover up, conceal and protect those responsible; and to conceal the existence and scope of other unlawful covert activities.”
The break-in and burglary were indeed illegal and brought disgrace to the office of the president. But the obstruction, delays and attempts to conceal the covert activities all demonstrated an egregiously deliberate abuse of the power afforded the president of the United States.
Yet those same Articles of Impeachment issue a second damning charge, accusing Nixon of “using the powers of the office of President of the United States … in violation of his constitutional oath.” Nixon “repeatedly engaged in conduct violating the constitutional rights of citizens, impairing the due and proper administration of justice and the conduct of lawful inquiries, or contravening the laws governing agencies of the executive branch and the purposed of these agencies.”
Specifically, Nixon, “acting personally and through his subordinates and agents, endeavored to obtain from the Internal Revenue Service” information of citizens he had on his “enemies list” who he deemed politically dangerous to his ambitions.
More here
Yet too often politicians seek to lift this blindfold, wanting to redefine justice based on the year’s election cycle or to subvert it through delays, denials and tactics that advance their agenda.
Let’s examine two cases in which the Internal Revenue Service has been used as a tool for political revenge and harassment, and how they reflect an assault on justice that should offend all.
Consider the identical approaches of Richard Nixon and Barack Obama. One a Republican and the other a Democrat, both illustrate power’s ability to corrupt to the extreme, instituting a false democracy where disagreement and disloyalty are silenced by heavy-handed tactics.
Nixon’s legacy as the 37th president is often defined by his impeachment. Posterity’s view of Obama is still being penned, but both will be remembered for their unconstitutional misuse of government and for the tenured bureaucrats who willingly complied.
In the Articles of Impeachment adopted by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee in 1974, most remember Article I, which declared Nixon “impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors” committed surrounding the break-in at the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel on June 17, 1972.
The charges leveled by Congress state, “Subsequent thereto, Richard M. Nixon, using the powers of his high office, engaged personally and through his close subordinates and agents, in a course of conduct or plan designed to delay, impede, and obstruct the investigation of such illegal entry; to cover up, conceal and protect those responsible; and to conceal the existence and scope of other unlawful covert activities.”
The break-in and burglary were indeed illegal and brought disgrace to the office of the president. But the obstruction, delays and attempts to conceal the covert activities all demonstrated an egregiously deliberate abuse of the power afforded the president of the United States.
Yet those same Articles of Impeachment issue a second damning charge, accusing Nixon of “using the powers of the office of President of the United States … in violation of his constitutional oath.” Nixon “repeatedly engaged in conduct violating the constitutional rights of citizens, impairing the due and proper administration of justice and the conduct of lawful inquiries, or contravening the laws governing agencies of the executive branch and the purposed of these agencies.”
Specifically, Nixon, “acting personally and through his subordinates and agents, endeavored to obtain from the Internal Revenue Service” information of citizens he had on his “enemies list” who he deemed politically dangerous to his ambitions.
More here
Black Chicago Pastor: Democrat Party ‘Taking Complete Advantage’ Of Us
“African-Americans have been loyal to the Democratic Party,” Pastor Corey Brooks told The Daily Beast. “But there is a group of African-Americans that feel like the Democratic Party has not been loyal to us.”
Mr. Brooks sat in his office at the New Beginnings Church of Chicago Wednesday morning mapping out a plan for Republican presidential candidates to visit the area — an effort he’s calling the “American Urban Issues Presidential Series,” The Daily Beast reported. So far, only Rand Paul has taken him up on his offer, but he said he’s heard back from the campaigns of Scott Walker and Ted Cruz.
Last week, Mr. Brooks and Mr. Paul toured the Parkway Gardens apartment complex along O Block after the Republican’s speech outside the church, The Daily Beast reported.
“We have a large, disproportionate number of people who are impoverished,” Mr. Brooks said. “We have a disproportionate number of people who are incarcerated, we have a disproportionate number of people who are unemployed, the educational system has totally failed, and all of this primarily has been under Democratic regimes in our neighborhoods.”
“So, the question for me becomes, how can our neighborhoods be doing so awful and so bad when we’re so loyal to this party who is in power? It’s a matter of them taking complete advantage of our vote,” he said.
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Wal-Mart's U.S. Chief Takes Aim At Urgent Item: Theft
Wal-Mart Stores has a new priority: reducing theft.
Greg Foran, head of the retailer's U.S. operations, told a media briefing on Thursday he added theft and other forms of "unknown shrinkage" to a list of urgent items to be tackled at Wal-Mart's 4,555 stores across the United States.
Foran said he saw an opportunity to boost margins by putting a dent in a problem that typically represents 1 percent for any retailer's sales. He noted that Wal-Mart generated nearly $300 billion in revenues in the United States in the past fiscal year.
"One percent of $300 billion is quite a lot of money. If you can save 10 basis points of it – boy I’ll take it every day of the week and put it into lower prices for customers," Foran told Reuters after the briefing.
One basis point is equal to one hundredth of 1 percent, meaning that 10 basis points - or 0.1 percent - of $300 billion would be equal to $300 million.
Wal-Mart had flagged the issue when it announced its first quarter earnings last month, saying that "shrink" was a major contributor to a 13 basis point decline in its gross profit margin. It said half of the problem was related to food.
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[ Anyone remember WalMart's decision a few years back to not prosecute theft under $25? --Editor ]
Greg Foran, head of the retailer's U.S. operations, told a media briefing on Thursday he added theft and other forms of "unknown shrinkage" to a list of urgent items to be tackled at Wal-Mart's 4,555 stores across the United States.
Foran said he saw an opportunity to boost margins by putting a dent in a problem that typically represents 1 percent for any retailer's sales. He noted that Wal-Mart generated nearly $300 billion in revenues in the United States in the past fiscal year.
"One percent of $300 billion is quite a lot of money. If you can save 10 basis points of it – boy I’ll take it every day of the week and put it into lower prices for customers," Foran told Reuters after the briefing.
One basis point is equal to one hundredth of 1 percent, meaning that 10 basis points - or 0.1 percent - of $300 billion would be equal to $300 million.
Wal-Mart had flagged the issue when it announced its first quarter earnings last month, saying that "shrink" was a major contributor to a 13 basis point decline in its gross profit margin. It said half of the problem was related to food.
More
[ Anyone remember WalMart's decision a few years back to not prosecute theft under $25? --Editor ]
Investigators: 18 arrested, two Md. drug rings annihilated
The calls started coming in more than a year ago from the Bel Pre neighborhood where Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger says his officers frequently are called to for violence.
“We’ve seen, over the past year, shootings and other violent crimes that I believe have a link back to this group,” Manger said in a press conference
So instead of making a few arrests, working with the FBI and a number of local jurisdictions, they took down two alleged drug dealers named George Gee operating out of Bel Pre and Anthony Niles operating out of Prince George’s County. Investigators say the two were sharing a supply and had daily clients.
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Obama Says Supreme Court Shouldn't Have Taken Up Health Law Case
President Obama bluntly challenged the Supreme Court over a pending ruling on the validity of ObamaCare subsidies, complaining Monday that the court should never have taken up the case -- and warning that a ruling against subsidies would be a "twisted interpretation" of the law.
The president and his administration's legal team for months have fought the Affordable Care Act court challenge, which is over whether people who enrolled through the federal HealthCare.gov are entitled to subsidies.
But the president's comments on Monday, during a press conference on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Germany, were perhaps his toughest to date. He strongly suggested the court would be running afoul of established legal guidance if it rules against the administration, and took the rare step of saying the court should have stayed out of this fight.
"This should be an easy case. Frankly, it probably shouldn't even have been taken up," Obama said.
The administration has argued in court that the subsidies are valid through both state-run exchanges and exchanges run through HealthCare.gov. Foes argue that the Affordable Care Act stipulates subsidies are only intended for those buying insurance on state-run exchanges.
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The president and his administration's legal team for months have fought the Affordable Care Act court challenge, which is over whether people who enrolled through the federal HealthCare.gov are entitled to subsidies.
But the president's comments on Monday, during a press conference on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Germany, were perhaps his toughest to date. He strongly suggested the court would be running afoul of established legal guidance if it rules against the administration, and took the rare step of saying the court should have stayed out of this fight.
"This should be an easy case. Frankly, it probably shouldn't even have been taken up," Obama said.
The administration has argued in court that the subsidies are valid through both state-run exchanges and exchanges run through HealthCare.gov. Foes argue that the Affordable Care Act stipulates subsidies are only intended for those buying insurance on state-run exchanges.
More
U.S. State Dept dhimmitude; Accommodates Ramadan In Place Of Independence Day
In a mind-boggling gesture of official US Government dhimmitude, the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia celebrated our sacred Independence Day holiday on June 4, so as to avoid any conflict with the month-long Ramadan celebration.
American Thinker Reports:
If you think any Islamic countries – there are 57 of them (not counting ISIS) that count themselves officially Islamic – will move their DC embassy’s celebration of Ramadan to accommodate our Independence holiday, I have some bridges to sell you.
“US Embassy celebrates 4th of July earlier out of respect for Ramadhan,” by Dylan Amirio
The United States Embassy enjoyed its annual 4th of July celebration on Thursday, June 4, one month early, in order to respect the upcoming Ramadhan month, which will begin on June 17 and last for one month.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O. Blake and US Ambassador to ASEAN Nina Hachigian presided over the festivities, which involved brass band renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya. (CONTINUE READING THERE IS MORE)
FULL STORY HERE:
WICOMICO COUNTY CITIZEN WARNING/ALERT SIREN SYSTEM
The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors of Wicomico County about an imminent hazard to include weather-related danger such as a tornado warning. The specific emergency alerts will be broadcast over any or all of the 13 sirens located at local fire departments and the two maintained by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. Wicomico’s siren system can be activated for either the entire county or for specific affected areas. In the event of an imminent hazard the alert tone – which differs from fire station alarms – will sound for a sustained 2 minutes. When the sirens sound, citizens should seek shelter immediately and then tune into local news media for additional information. Citizens should not call 9-1-1 to determine the hazard causing the activation.
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the Citizen Alert/Warning Siren System?
The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors of Wicomico County about imminent hazards. The specific emergency alerts will be broadcast over any or all of the 13 sirens located at local fire departments and the two maintained by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. In the event of an imminent hazard, the alert tone will sound for a sustained 2 minutes.
Why do the sirens go off the first Monday of every month?
They are tested at 6:30 pm the first Monday of every month. During the monthly test, the siren emits a single 10 second sustained alert tone. Residents should use this test as a time to review emergency procedures. In the event of a disaster, the alert tone will sound for a sustained 2 minutes.
What if I hear the siren at another time?
If you hear the siren at a time other than its regular tests on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm:
Stay calm
Stop what you are doing
Seek shelter immediately
Tune into local news media for additional information
Avoid using the telephone. Do not call 9-1-1, unless you have a life-threatening emergency
Wicomico County’s sirens do not sound an “All Clear” tone, so consult the news media to learn when the danger has lifted
Frequently Asked Questions?
What is the Citizen Alert/Warning Siren System?
The warning system is designed to alert residents and visitors of Wicomico County about imminent hazards. The specific emergency alerts will be broadcast over any or all of the 13 sirens located at local fire departments and the two maintained by the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services. In the event of an imminent hazard, the alert tone will sound for a sustained 2 minutes.
Why do the sirens go off the first Monday of every month?
They are tested at 6:30 pm the first Monday of every month. During the monthly test, the siren emits a single 10 second sustained alert tone. Residents should use this test as a time to review emergency procedures. In the event of a disaster, the alert tone will sound for a sustained 2 minutes.
What if I hear the siren at another time?
If you hear the siren at a time other than its regular tests on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 pm:
Stay calm
Stop what you are doing
Seek shelter immediately
Tune into local news media for additional information
Avoid using the telephone. Do not call 9-1-1, unless you have a life-threatening emergency
Wicomico County’s sirens do not sound an “All Clear” tone, so consult the news media to learn when the danger has lifted
IRS Scam Alert Advisory
Dover-Delaware State Police is providing a Scam Alert Advisory. This is a general alert which covers any part of the State of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police have received numerous complaint from citizens in Sussex County today concerning an automated phone call from the IRS . The scam involves a person claiming they work for the IRS claiming the victim owes money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly. If the victim refuses, they are threatened with arrest, deportation, or suspension of driver's license, amongst other things.
Note that the IRS will never:
- Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill
- Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe
- Require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not paying.
**This information was provided through the IRS website located at:http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-Consumer-Alerts**
Many of these scams are difficult to investigate. They will target persons of all age groups. Delaware State Police is asking citizens to remember the tips previously mentioned in order to not become a victim of one of these scam artists.
Milk Grown in a Lab Is Humane and Sustainable. But Can It Catch On?
Would consumers rather get milk from cows or from genetically engineered yeast?
The world's first test-tube hamburger has already been synthesized and cooked at a cost of more than $300,000. Now a pair of young bioengineers in Silicon Valley are trying to produce the first glass of artificial milk, without a cow and with the help of genetically engineered yeast.
Like the creators of in vitro burgers, the scientists behind yeast-culture dairy are concerned about animal welfare and agricultural sustainability—but also about creating a food that will find a mass market. (Read: "Test-Tube Meat: Have Your Pig and Eat It Too.")
Because their petri dish milk will mirror the formula of the real thing—the yeast cultures will be churning out real milk proteins—it will retain the taste and nutritional benefits of cow milk, says Perumal Gandhi, a co-founder of the synthetic dairy start-up Muufri (pronounced Moo-free) in San Francisco, California. That will distinguish it from soy- and almond-based alternatives.
"If we want the world to change its diet from a product that isn't sustainable to something that is, it has to be identical [to], or better than, the original product," Gandhi says. "The world will not switch from milk from a cow to the plant-based milks. But if our cow-less milk is identical and priced right, they just might."
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The world's first test-tube hamburger has already been synthesized and cooked at a cost of more than $300,000. Now a pair of young bioengineers in Silicon Valley are trying to produce the first glass of artificial milk, without a cow and with the help of genetically engineered yeast.
Like the creators of in vitro burgers, the scientists behind yeast-culture dairy are concerned about animal welfare and agricultural sustainability—but also about creating a food that will find a mass market. (Read: "Test-Tube Meat: Have Your Pig and Eat It Too.")
Because their petri dish milk will mirror the formula of the real thing—the yeast cultures will be churning out real milk proteins—it will retain the taste and nutritional benefits of cow milk, says Perumal Gandhi, a co-founder of the synthetic dairy start-up Muufri (pronounced Moo-free) in San Francisco, California. That will distinguish it from soy- and almond-based alternatives.
"If we want the world to change its diet from a product that isn't sustainable to something that is, it has to be identical [to], or better than, the original product," Gandhi says. "The world will not switch from milk from a cow to the plant-based milks. But if our cow-less milk is identical and priced right, they just might."
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