Mercy Health announced Thursday it will fire 347 workers due to “increasing challenges to our reimbursement structure as we adjust to reductions mandated by the Affordable Care Act,” the company said in a statement.
President and CEO of the Mercy system, Lynn Britton, said the Obamacare-induced layoffs are taking a toll on workers and their families.
“Changes such as these are difficult and distressing for everyone involved,” said Britton. “While our decisions support Mercy’s ability to stay strong and relevant in the face of challenges impacting all health care providers, today our thoughts and prayers are with those co-workers who are affected.”
Mercy Health’s firings will take place across the four states in which the health system operates, which includes Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
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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
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Satanists File Federal Lawsuit Against Missouri Abortion Law
The Satanic Temple, which has taken an activist stance in the pro-choice movement, filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging Missouri's abortion laws mandating "informed consent" and a waiting period, claiming they violate their members' religious beliefs.
A Satanist member identified only as Mary Doe was denied an abortion at a Planned Parenthood office last month because of the restrictions, and the Satanic Temple sued the state last month seeking a religious exemption.
The new lawsuit, which the St. Louis Sun Times reports is aimed at similar abortion rules throughout the United States, claims Missouri’s standards – that life begins at conception and that "a unique human being with a life of its own, separate and apart from the woman whose uterus it occupies"– promote religious beliefs in violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.
The clause forbids the government from establishing an official religion.
Satanic Temple spokesperson Lucien Greaves tells Salon.com the "informed consent" materials don’t just require women to comply with certain religious viewpoints, but also — in the case of Satanists — to contradict their own belief that women can decide for themselves.
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A Satanist member identified only as Mary Doe was denied an abortion at a Planned Parenthood office last month because of the restrictions, and the Satanic Temple sued the state last month seeking a religious exemption.
The new lawsuit, which the St. Louis Sun Times reports is aimed at similar abortion rules throughout the United States, claims Missouri’s standards – that life begins at conception and that "a unique human being with a life of its own, separate and apart from the woman whose uterus it occupies"– promote religious beliefs in violation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause.
The clause forbids the government from establishing an official religion.
Satanic Temple spokesperson Lucien Greaves tells Salon.com the "informed consent" materials don’t just require women to comply with certain religious viewpoints, but also — in the case of Satanists — to contradict their own belief that women can decide for themselves.
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Karma Chameleon in Chief
I’m a man without conviction
I’m a man who doesn’t know
How to sell a contradiction
You come and go, you come and go
—Culture Club
Hillary Clinton is a woman without conviction, a woman who doesn’t know. She was first lady of a southern state, she sat on the board of directors of Wal-Mart from 1986 to 1992—but is there any record of her voicing opposition to Wal-Mart’s labor practices, of her opposing the sale of the Confederate battle flag? Until recently, has there been any moment in the decades following her appointment to that board, in the many years in which she has been egregiously prominent in public life, when she led on, was prominently identified with, the issue of the flag or racial matters in general?
They say Obama’s audacious. What’s truly remarkable, though, is his potential successor’s blatant contempt for the politics of principle and conviction—her unique ability to adopt, quickly and seamlessly, the most expedient position at any moment, to flaunt her temporary stance with the righteousness and self-regard of a longtime committed activist.
Her husband campaigned in the ’90s as a tough-on-crime neoliberal who would lock up criminals, even put them to death, who challenged the racism of Sister Souljah, promised to “mend” affirmative action, worked hard to recover the Democratic position in white working class precincts. Hillary was his active partner. Nor did she denounce her husband’s policies when she ran for Senate in 2000 and 2006 and for president in 2008, when the chances of her nomination rested on her ability to win “beer track” white and Hispanic Democrats.
More here
Trump: Univision Will 'Pay a Very Big Price'
Univision will "pay a very big price" for dropping the Miss Universe Pageant over his comments on illegal immigrants, Donald Trump tells Newsmax TV.
In an interview set to air Monday on a special edition of "Newsmax Prime," Trump tells host J.D. Hayworth that the Spanish-language cable channel is owned by supporters of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
These are people who are big supporters of Hillary and Obama, and, maybe even importantly, they have had tremendous pressure put on them because you know we have a signed contract," Trump says.
He has promised to sue Univision because it and Trump, who owns the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, have a five-year deal.
Trump also discusses the Supreme Court decision announced Thursday that ruled people in states that use the federal health care exchange can continue to receive subsidies.
The people of the country were the losers, he says, and urges anyone upset with Chief Justice John Roberts to consider the decision when casting their vote for president.
"Justice Roberts was wanted very badly by Jeb Bush. He was pushing him very hard," Trump says. "Justice Roberts is why we have this horrible thing called Obamacare."
President George W. Bush appointed Roberts at his brother Jeb's urging, Trump says.
"He was an appointee by President Bush, pushed very hard by Jeb Bush, and people should remember this when they're thinking about voting for Jeb Bush."
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In an interview set to air Monday on a special edition of "Newsmax Prime," Trump tells host J.D. Hayworth that the Spanish-language cable channel is owned by supporters of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
These are people who are big supporters of Hillary and Obama, and, maybe even importantly, they have had tremendous pressure put on them because you know we have a signed contract," Trump says.
He has promised to sue Univision because it and Trump, who owns the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, have a five-year deal.
Trump also discusses the Supreme Court decision announced Thursday that ruled people in states that use the federal health care exchange can continue to receive subsidies.
The people of the country were the losers, he says, and urges anyone upset with Chief Justice John Roberts to consider the decision when casting their vote for president.
"Justice Roberts was wanted very badly by Jeb Bush. He was pushing him very hard," Trump says. "Justice Roberts is why we have this horrible thing called Obamacare."
President George W. Bush appointed Roberts at his brother Jeb's urging, Trump says.
"He was an appointee by President Bush, pushed very hard by Jeb Bush, and people should remember this when they're thinking about voting for Jeb Bush."
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A Fiorina Presidency Would Begin With A Call To Israel
Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina says "on day one" of her presidency, she would call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm U.S. support for the Jewish state.
It is "vitally important that we have a discussion on how America must lead in the world," she said. That's why "on day one … I would call Bibi Netanyahu to reassure him that the U.S. will always stand with Israel."
She said likely Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has "been wrong on these issues."
Fiorina laid out her foreign policy priorities at a forum hosted by RealClearPolitics in Colorado on Friday, after being asked about the latest attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in France, Tunisia and Kuwait.
After calling the Israeli prime minister, Fiorina said she would begin drawing up plans to confront Russia's war-like posturing, provide the Ayatollahs in Iran with an ultimatum on their nuclear ambitions, and lend greater support to Arab allies in their fight against the Islamic State.
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It is "vitally important that we have a discussion on how America must lead in the world," she said. That's why "on day one … I would call Bibi Netanyahu to reassure him that the U.S. will always stand with Israel."
She said likely Democratic nominee, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has "been wrong on these issues."
Fiorina laid out her foreign policy priorities at a forum hosted by RealClearPolitics in Colorado on Friday, after being asked about the latest attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in France, Tunisia and Kuwait.
After calling the Israeli prime minister, Fiorina said she would begin drawing up plans to confront Russia's war-like posturing, provide the Ayatollahs in Iran with an ultimatum on their nuclear ambitions, and lend greater support to Arab allies in their fight against the Islamic State.
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U.S. to Fast Track $29 Million to Help Charleston Shooting Victims' Families
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Justice Department will fast track the sending of $29 million to South Carolina to help families of victims of the mass murder of nine churchgoers at a historic black church in Charleston, a Justice Department spokesman said on Friday.
An unspecified portion of the money, allocated under the government's national Crime Victim Assistance Formula Grant program, can be used to provide services to the families of victims of the shootings atEmmanuel AME Church, spokesman Kevin Lewis said.
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An unspecified portion of the money, allocated under the government's national Crime Victim Assistance Formula Grant program, can be used to provide services to the families of victims of the shootings atEmmanuel AME Church, spokesman Kevin Lewis said.
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Bree Newsome, who removed Confederate flag, known as principled leader
Even as a student at Columbia's Oakland Mills High School, she stood out for her accomplishments and leadership, former classmates said.
"This is what she was destined to do," said Amy Adler, who sang in the school choir with Newsome. "She literally took [the flag] into her own hands, which is very much what she does. She has a very on-the-ground, hands-on approach to change. I wish more people had her energy."
Howard County Councilman Calvin Ball, who lives in Oakland Mills, knows Newsome and praised her actions.
"I'm very proud of her for her courage and leadership," he said. "She continues to use her strength to fight for and empower others."
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Congress Moves to Impose Sanctions on Iran
Sens. Mark Kirk (R., Ill.) and Robert Menendez (D., N.J.) revived on Thursday long-stalled legislation to impose and extend sanctions on Iran for a period of at least 10 more years, according to sources familiar with the move.
The bipartisan bid to extend economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic comes ahead of a self-imposed June 30 deadline for Western powers to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran.
Iranian leaders in recent days have demanded greater concessions from the United States and are insisting that economic sanctions must be completely lifted on day one of any agreement—before international inspectors are able to verify that Iran is not building nuclear weapons.
The Obama administration has been fighting congressional attempts to extend and impose new sanctions on Tehran, going so far as to lobby sympathetic legislators to kill these efforts.
However, Menendez and Kirk have tried multiple times to impose greater sanctions against the White House’s demands.
The senators moved again on Thursday to push sanctions despite White House objection. They filed legislation that would extend the economic sanctions on Tehran for at least 10 more years.
The bill seeks to renew the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which is set to expire next year.
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The bipartisan bid to extend economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic comes ahead of a self-imposed June 30 deadline for Western powers to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran.
Iranian leaders in recent days have demanded greater concessions from the United States and are insisting that economic sanctions must be completely lifted on day one of any agreement—before international inspectors are able to verify that Iran is not building nuclear weapons.
The Obama administration has been fighting congressional attempts to extend and impose new sanctions on Tehran, going so far as to lobby sympathetic legislators to kill these efforts.
However, Menendez and Kirk have tried multiple times to impose greater sanctions against the White House’s demands.
The senators moved again on Thursday to push sanctions despite White House objection. They filed legislation that would extend the economic sanctions on Tehran for at least 10 more years.
The bill seeks to renew the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which is set to expire next year.
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Indiana Governor Says He’ll Defy Obama’s Carbon Regulations
In a letter to President Obama, Mr. Pence demanded that major changes be made to the plan. If those changes are not made, the governor said his state will defy the Environmental Protection Agency regulations, formally known as the Clean Power Plan.
“If your administration proceeds to finalize the Clean Power Plan, and the final rule has not demonstrably and significantly improved from the proposed rule, Indiana will not comply. Our state will also reserve the right to use any legal means available to block the rule from being implemented,” Mr. Pence said in the letter. “Energy policy should promote the safe, environmentally responsible stewardship of our natural resources with the goal of reliable, affordable energy. Your approach to energy policy places environmental concerns above all others.”
The final version of the Clean Power Plan is expected to be released in August. It would dramatically limit carbon emissions from power plants, and the EPA estimates overall U.S. carbon emissions would fall dramatically as a result of the plan.
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Russia Tested Hypersonic Glide Vehicle in February
Moscow follows China in seeking maneuverable high-speed missiles
Moscow is developing a new, ultra-high speed strategic attack vehicle similar to China’s hypersonic weapon, according to military analysts.
However, unlike high-profile strategic bomber flights and large-scale nuclear war games that U.S. military commanders have called provocative, details about the Russian hypersonic vehicle remain one of Moscow’s closely held military secrets.
The Russians have been developing the new Yu-71 vehicle for several years and conducted the most recent flight test in February, according to an article published this month in Jane’s Intelligence Review.
A Pentagon spokeswoman declined to comment on the Russian hypersonic test.
The unsuccessful flight test was believed to have been released into near space from atop an SS-19 missile that was launched from the Dombarovsky missile base in eastern Russia. The vehicle is part of Moscow’s secret Project 4202 missile program, the Jane’s report says.
Jane’s concludes that Russia over the past five years has stepped up the secret program as part of efforts to defeat U.S. missile defenses that were designed to counter predictable ballistic targets.
Hypersonic vehicles, however, are very difficult to track and target because they move in unpredictable ways at speeds of up to 7,000 miles per hour.
Mark Schneider, a former Pentagon official who closely monitors Russian strategic weapons programs, said Moscow’s development of glide-strike vehicles and maneuvering warheads are high-priority programs.
More here
Moscow is developing a new, ultra-high speed strategic attack vehicle similar to China’s hypersonic weapon, according to military analysts.
However, unlike high-profile strategic bomber flights and large-scale nuclear war games that U.S. military commanders have called provocative, details about the Russian hypersonic vehicle remain one of Moscow’s closely held military secrets.
The Russians have been developing the new Yu-71 vehicle for several years and conducted the most recent flight test in February, according to an article published this month in Jane’s Intelligence Review.
A Pentagon spokeswoman declined to comment on the Russian hypersonic test.
The unsuccessful flight test was believed to have been released into near space from atop an SS-19 missile that was launched from the Dombarovsky missile base in eastern Russia. The vehicle is part of Moscow’s secret Project 4202 missile program, the Jane’s report says.
Jane’s concludes that Russia over the past five years has stepped up the secret program as part of efforts to defeat U.S. missile defenses that were designed to counter predictable ballistic targets.
Hypersonic vehicles, however, are very difficult to track and target because they move in unpredictable ways at speeds of up to 7,000 miles per hour.
Mark Schneider, a former Pentagon official who closely monitors Russian strategic weapons programs, said Moscow’s development of glide-strike vehicles and maneuvering warheads are high-priority programs.
More here
Update On Previous Post: PD issue warrant for teen involved in attack
Rowlett Police say they have issued an arrest warrant for suspect, whose name will not be released because she is 13.
According to Rowlett Police, the suspect and her guardian are aware of the warrant and have chosen to go into hiding.
Police are taking the search very seriously. A 3-year-old child was caught in the attack and could have been seriously injured.
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You can read our original post from Thursday by clicking HERE
Dick Morris: Boehner Will Pay Dearly for Supporting TISA
House Speaker John Boehner will pay for his support of the Trade in Services Agreement – unless he decides to pack it in after this term and go fishing, political strategist Dick Morris tells Newsmax TV.
Boehner likely was duped about the contents of the bill, but still stuck by it even after WikiLeaks published it online and Sen. Ted Cruz switched positions, Morris told "The Hard Line" on Thursday in an interview scheduled to air at 9:24 pm EDT.
"It depends whether he's going to hang it up after this year, so it possibly goes on to the great year after and nobody regrets nothing because he's having fun fishing," Morris said. "If he stays in Washington, this could be the basis of a leadership challenge."
Morris said that unlike Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), TISA really has nothing to do with trade.
"That treaty says that there shall be free flow of labor between the United States and any country that signs the treaty like Mexico or Eastern Europe or whatever," he said.
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Boehner likely was duped about the contents of the bill, but still stuck by it even after WikiLeaks published it online and Sen. Ted Cruz switched positions, Morris told "The Hard Line" on Thursday in an interview scheduled to air at 9:24 pm EDT.
"It depends whether he's going to hang it up after this year, so it possibly goes on to the great year after and nobody regrets nothing because he's having fun fishing," Morris said. "If he stays in Washington, this could be the basis of a leadership challenge."
Morris said that unlike Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), TISA really has nothing to do with trade.
"That treaty says that there shall be free flow of labor between the United States and any country that signs the treaty like Mexico or Eastern Europe or whatever," he said.
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5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Felt Throughout Israel
Tremors from a 5.2 magnitude earthquake were felt throughout Israel Saturday, at around 6:30 p.m.
The earthquake's epicenter was some four kilometers southeast of Nuweiba, in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula which borders southern Israel.
But the tremors were felt throughout Israel as well, from Be'er Sheva, Arad and Eilat in the south, to Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Rehovot in central Israel, and even as far north as Nahariya, Acco and Afula.
No damage or injuries were caused.
Flights from Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport were halted for ten minutes, due to the tremors which were felt there as well.
(Source: INN)
The earthquake's epicenter was some four kilometers southeast of Nuweiba, in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula which borders southern Israel.
But the tremors were felt throughout Israel as well, from Be'er Sheva, Arad and Eilat in the south, to Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Rehovot in central Israel, and even as far north as Nahariya, Acco and Afula.
No damage or injuries were caused.
Flights from Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport were halted for ten minutes, due to the tremors which were felt there as well.
(Source: INN)
Troopers Investigate Serious Crash East of Delmar
Delmar, DE. - The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a serious crash involving two vehicles which occurred this morning.
At approximately 10:47 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015, Ashlee C. Smith, 27 of Salisbury, MD. was operating a 1997 Volvo 850 northbound on Pepperbox Road (CR 66) approaching the intersection of Whitesville Road (CR 64) as a 2008 Ford F150 operated by Dominic W. Smiley, 26 of Georgetown, was westbound on Whitesville Road approaching the intersection of Pepperbox Road. Smith failed to remain stopped at the posted stop sign and traveled northbound through the intersection directly into the path of the Ford F150. The Ford F150 struck the right side of the Volvo directly in the passenger side door in the middle of the westbound lane of Whitesville Road. After impact, both vehicles rotated and slid of the northwest corner of the intersection and came to rest.
Ashlee C. Smith, 27 of Salisbury, was transported by EMS to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury MD. She sustained multiple non-life threatening injuries and released. Charges are pending further investigation.
Basha Taylor, 33 of Salisbury, was the right front passenger in the Volvo. She was transported by EMS to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she remains in critical condition with internal injuries.
Dominic W. Smiley, 26 of Georgetown, suffered minor injuries which did not require any medical attention.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. The intersection of Pepperbox Road and Whiteville Road remained open as the crash was investigated and cleared.
At approximately 10:47 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2015, Ashlee C. Smith, 27 of Salisbury, MD. was operating a 1997 Volvo 850 northbound on Pepperbox Road (CR 66) approaching the intersection of Whitesville Road (CR 64) as a 2008 Ford F150 operated by Dominic W. Smiley, 26 of Georgetown, was westbound on Whitesville Road approaching the intersection of Pepperbox Road. Smith failed to remain stopped at the posted stop sign and traveled northbound through the intersection directly into the path of the Ford F150. The Ford F150 struck the right side of the Volvo directly in the passenger side door in the middle of the westbound lane of Whitesville Road. After impact, both vehicles rotated and slid of the northwest corner of the intersection and came to rest.
Ashlee C. Smith, 27 of Salisbury, was transported by EMS to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury MD. She sustained multiple non-life threatening injuries and released. Charges are pending further investigation.
Basha Taylor, 33 of Salisbury, was the right front passenger in the Volvo. She was transported by EMS to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she remains in critical condition with internal injuries.
Dominic W. Smiley, 26 of Georgetown, suffered minor injuries which did not require any medical attention.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. The intersection of Pepperbox Road and Whiteville Road remained open as the crash was investigated and cleared.
Frontspiece, Rudyard Kipling book, copyrighted 1898
Mediaite: Mainstream Press Gets Away With Racist Attacks on Jindal
The mainstream media are getting away with "despicable, racist" attacks on Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal that would never be acceptable against someone like President Barack Obama, Mediate's Alex Griswold writes.
Jindal, an Indian-American who became the 13th GOP candidate for president on Wednesday, has been accused by MSNBC guest human rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar of "trying to scrub some of the brown off of his skin." And Vox.com’s Matt Yglesias has asked whether people believe Jindal is intelligent for any reason "other than ethnic stereotyping."
"Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because he’s a Rhodes Scholar who turned down Ivy League offers to attend Oxford," Griswold wrote.
The Washington Post on Tuesday questioned whether Jindal is trying to downplay his Indian heritage "by wearing boots, going by 'Bobby' instead of his given name Puyish, converting to Christianity as a boy, etc.," Griswold noted.
Such observations would have gotten a reporter fired in 2008 if made against Obama, he said.
On Wednesday as Jindal readied his announcement, The New Republic's Jeet Heer accused Jindal, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and author Dinesh D’Souza of becoming conservatives to erase their ethnic identities.
More here
Jindal, an Indian-American who became the 13th GOP candidate for president on Wednesday, has been accused by MSNBC guest human rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar of "trying to scrub some of the brown off of his skin." And Vox.com’s Matt Yglesias has asked whether people believe Jindal is intelligent for any reason "other than ethnic stereotyping."
"Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because he’s a Rhodes Scholar who turned down Ivy League offers to attend Oxford," Griswold wrote.
The Washington Post on Tuesday questioned whether Jindal is trying to downplay his Indian heritage "by wearing boots, going by 'Bobby' instead of his given name Puyish, converting to Christianity as a boy, etc.," Griswold noted.
Such observations would have gotten a reporter fired in 2008 if made against Obama, he said.
On Wednesday as Jindal readied his announcement, The New Republic's Jeet Heer accused Jindal, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and author Dinesh D’Souza of becoming conservatives to erase their ethnic identities.
More here
While your all distracted with a flag.10 Stories the Media Missed While Obsessing Over the Confederate Flag
A common technique the media employs when covering news is the “feeding frenzy.” Thedictionarydefines feeding frenzy as “a period of intense excitement over or interest in a person or thing: the media erupt into a feeding frenzy.” The Bill Clinton sex scandal of the late 90’s is one example. Other classic cases from the 1950’s to the 1990’s are highlighted by the Washington Post—which has not updated the section since the 1990’s. Had they done so, they might have included many recent cases highlighted here and here.
The media is at it again, but this time the subject of the frenzy is the Confederate flag of South Carolina and other Confederate emblems used by Southern states. Not only has the Confederate flag media frenzy diluted the issue of white supremacy and racism surrounding the Charleston shooting, the coverage has also taken over the airwaves and crowded out other stories that are equally deserving of discussion. So below are ten of the top stories that the media has missed during this frenzy:
1. The think tank New America issued a report showing that more Americans died from right wing extremist violence than deadly Jihadist attacks since 9/11. The U.S. media, government, andIslamophobic pundits have exaggerated the threat of Islamic extremism in the U.S. to such an extent that it is accepted as fact without the need of any proof. Not only that, Glenn Greenwald reports that Americans are more likely to be killed by a car, bees/wasps/hornets, lightening, or crushed by their own furniture than be killed by Islamic extremists.
2. The Taliban launched a daring attack on the Afghan parliament in Kabul while it was in session. If the Taliban is making such daring attacks while the U.S. troops are still stationed in the country, what will they do when the American presence is further scaled back? If the capital city is not secure and safe from Taliban attacks, then nowhere else in Afghanistan is safe. This means that as soon as the U.S. pulls its last soldier from the country—which is inevitable—the current Afghan government will likely fall, the Taliban will seize power, and the United States’ fourteen year presence in Afghanistan will have been futile.
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The media is at it again, but this time the subject of the frenzy is the Confederate flag of South Carolina and other Confederate emblems used by Southern states. Not only has the Confederate flag media frenzy diluted the issue of white supremacy and racism surrounding the Charleston shooting, the coverage has also taken over the airwaves and crowded out other stories that are equally deserving of discussion. So below are ten of the top stories that the media has missed during this frenzy:
1. The think tank New America issued a report showing that more Americans died from right wing extremist violence than deadly Jihadist attacks since 9/11. The U.S. media, government, andIslamophobic pundits have exaggerated the threat of Islamic extremism in the U.S. to such an extent that it is accepted as fact without the need of any proof. Not only that, Glenn Greenwald reports that Americans are more likely to be killed by a car, bees/wasps/hornets, lightening, or crushed by their own furniture than be killed by Islamic extremists.
2. The Taliban launched a daring attack on the Afghan parliament in Kabul while it was in session. If the Taliban is making such daring attacks while the U.S. troops are still stationed in the country, what will they do when the American presence is further scaled back? If the capital city is not secure and safe from Taliban attacks, then nowhere else in Afghanistan is safe. This means that as soon as the U.S. pulls its last soldier from the country—which is inevitable—the current Afghan government will likely fall, the Taliban will seize power, and the United States’ fourteen year presence in Afghanistan will have been futile.
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Coulter: Ban Democrats Instead Of Confederate Flag
Ann Coulter, conservative firebrand, told a national television audience on C–SPAN’s “Washington Journal” Americans ought to worry less about the Confederate flag and more about the Democratic Party – the ones who are truly to blame for much of the racism in the country.
Coulter’s comments came on the heels of South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s call to remove the Confederate flag from the Capitol building.
Her response?
“I think it’s completely moronic,” Coulter said, the Daily Caller reported. “I mean, this is an awful thing that happened in Charleston. Luckily, it’s quite rare. But to jump on this and go back to a litany of liberal talking points that make Republicans look bad, how about banning the Democratic Party?”
After all, Coulter said, Democrats were the ones who pressed segregation.
“They were the ones who supported – who were on the Confederate side of the Civil War,” she said.
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Coulter’s comments came on the heels of South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s call to remove the Confederate flag from the Capitol building.
Her response?
“I think it’s completely moronic,” Coulter said, the Daily Caller reported. “I mean, this is an awful thing that happened in Charleston. Luckily, it’s quite rare. But to jump on this and go back to a litany of liberal talking points that make Republicans look bad, how about banning the Democratic Party?”
After all, Coulter said, Democrats were the ones who pressed segregation.
“They were the ones who supported – who were on the Confederate side of the Civil War,” she said.
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Baltimore has no backup plan for Red Line, city transportation chief says
The city has no specific projects identified that could take the Red Line's place, said the director of its Department of Transportation,William Johnson, on Friday morning. All it has are concepts that aren't solid enough to discuss publicly.
Those concepts aren't all east-west lines like the Red Line, which would have run from Woodlawn to Bayview, with key stops at the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Canton. So Johnson expects more traffic problems in the future. Estimates had said more than 54,000 people would ride the Red Line daily by 2035.
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Scott Walker Expanding Gun-ownership Rights
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is poised to sign two new bills expanding rights of individuals to carry guns into law – a stark contrast to the mantra and messages emanating from the White House in the days since the Charleston, South Carolina, church shootings of nine.
Walker’s signature on the separate measures, expected Wednesday, will remove the 48-hour waiting period for firearm purchasers, and give the legal right for off-duty and retired police officers to carry concealed weapons in the state’s public schools, the Washington Post reported.
Walker said months ago the waiting period on firearms’ purchases is unnecessary, given technology that allows for instant checks.
The National Rifle Association gives Walker an A-plus on gun rights.
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Walker’s signature on the separate measures, expected Wednesday, will remove the 48-hour waiting period for firearm purchasers, and give the legal right for off-duty and retired police officers to carry concealed weapons in the state’s public schools, the Washington Post reported.
Walker said months ago the waiting period on firearms’ purchases is unnecessary, given technology that allows for instant checks.
The National Rifle Association gives Walker an A-plus on gun rights.
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#Hogan Strong!
Please Share! Foundation 4 Heroes Hulkamania with a shout out to Governor Larry Hogan, #hoganstrong #cancersucks...
Posted by Foundation 4 Heroes on Thursday, June 25, 2015
Scott Walker to Obama: States Won’t Bail You Out
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says states should not bolster Obamacare in any way if the Supreme Court decides to strike down the law’s subsidies in at least 34 states.
The likely GOP presidential candidate said the White House will be squarely to blame if the justices say the wording of the Affordable Care Act limited the tax credits to the handful of states that set up their own insurance exchanges.
In fact, he said Mr. Obama should “admit his failure” and “do the right thing” by repealing his own law and working with congressional Republicans to replace it.
“The decision will be a turning point,” Mr. Walker wrote in an op-ed for CNN. “States didn’t create this problem, Washington did. Governors across the country have been clear: If the Supreme Court strikes down the Obama executive overreach, we will not bail out Obama at the expense of the American people. We will not set up state exchanges under the rules of Obamacare.”
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The likely GOP presidential candidate said the White House will be squarely to blame if the justices say the wording of the Affordable Care Act limited the tax credits to the handful of states that set up their own insurance exchanges.
In fact, he said Mr. Obama should “admit his failure” and “do the right thing” by repealing his own law and working with congressional Republicans to replace it.
“The decision will be a turning point,” Mr. Walker wrote in an op-ed for CNN. “States didn’t create this problem, Washington did. Governors across the country have been clear: If the Supreme Court strikes down the Obama executive overreach, we will not bail out Obama at the expense of the American people. We will not set up state exchanges under the rules of Obamacare.”
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OPA Candidates Express Views At Community Forum; Ballots Mailed To Property Owners Next Month
BERLIN – Candidates shared their views on everything from fiscal responsibility to facility usage at a forum this week as the Ocean Pines Association prepares for its annual election.
All seven candidates running for the two available seats on the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) board of directors participated in a forum at the community center June 24. The recent management presentation outlining the idea of allowing community groups to use Pines facilities in exchange for performing community service proved to be a hot topic. Candidate Tom Herrick said the concept seemed to discourage amenity use.
“Let’s not solve the problem with making more problems,” he said.
Though it’s been reported that the community center receives thousands of requests from groups interested in using space there, Herrick says when he comes by in the afternoons there are no lines of people waiting to get in. If there is such a demand for space, community groups should be able to use room in other facilities.
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All seven candidates running for the two available seats on the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) board of directors participated in a forum at the community center June 24. The recent management presentation outlining the idea of allowing community groups to use Pines facilities in exchange for performing community service proved to be a hot topic. Candidate Tom Herrick said the concept seemed to discourage amenity use.
“Let’s not solve the problem with making more problems,” he said.
Though it’s been reported that the community center receives thousands of requests from groups interested in using space there, Herrick says when he comes by in the afternoons there are no lines of people waiting to get in. If there is such a demand for space, community groups should be able to use room in other facilities.
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What They Are Saying: Governor Hogan's Transportation Announcement is a Grand Slam
What They Are Saying …
Governor Hogan's Transportation Announcement is "bringing change to Maryland," "a grand slam," and "pretty amazing"
Governor Hogan's Transportation Announcement is "bringing change to Maryland," "a grand slam," and "pretty amazing"
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Maryland State Senate Minority Whip Steve Hershey: “Once again, Gov. Hogan and Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn have listened to citizen concerns, understood the problem and set a course to solve it… That is leadership.” (Dustin Holt, “Gov. Hogan announces funding for a fully-dualized Route 404,” The Star Democrat, 6/25/2015)
- “I am ecstatic to see that today’s announcement throws the old approach out the window and commits to doing the project the way it should be done…”
- “This governor committed to bringing change to Maryland and he has delivered every day since. Regarding transportation alone, he has lowered tolls and now brought dualization to one of the Eastern Shore’s busiest and most dangerous arteries, a major safety improvement.”
- Not only does he get it, but he has shown that he gets things done. I am glad to have a partner like him in the governor’s office.”
Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner: “That’s pretty amazing… This has been the priority for a long time.” (Kelsi Loos, “Hogan announces plan that includes funding for Md. 85/I-270 interchange project,”The Frederick News-Post, 6/25/2015)Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards: “This is tremendous news for us… the governor has come through on his promise to try help the rural areas of the state. I commend him for that…”(Matthew Bieniek, “‘Tremendous’ news for Garrett County,” The Cumberland Times-News, 6/25/2015)
- “As you all know, this is a project that we have been working on for well over a decade and the fact that the governor has prioritized this financially brings it that much closer to fruition…"
- “The economic opportunities here cannot be overstated…”
Maryland State Senator Wayne Norman: "He's trying to fix up the infrastructure that O'Malley let fall apart in the last eight years... [today is] a good day for Harford County…" (David Anderson, “Harford largely left out of governor’s proposal to boost spending on roads, bridges,” The Baltimore Sun, 6/25/2015)
Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice: “I am delighted that Governor Hogan has made good on his pledge to restore transportation funding for much needed infrastructure improvements in our County.” (Sonya Burke, “Councilmember Craig Rice on I-270 Improvements,” Montgomery Community Media, 6/26/2015)Caroline County Commission President Larry Porter: “These were certainly two things we all felt that needed to be done… Gov. Hogan, certainly, we thank him very much.” (Dustin Holt, “Gov. Hogan announces funding for a fully-dualized Route 404,” The Star Democrat, 6/25/2015)
Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice: “I am delighted that Governor Hogan has made good on his pledge to restore transportation funding for much needed infrastructure improvements in our County.” (Sonya Burke, “Councilmember Craig Rice on I-270 Improvements,” Montgomery Community Media, 6/26/2015)Caroline County Commission President Larry Porter: “These were certainly two things we all felt that needed to be done… Gov. Hogan, certainly, we thank him very much.” (Dustin Holt, “Gov. Hogan announces funding for a fully-dualized Route 404,” The Star Democrat, 6/25/2015)
- “A lot of the time we’ve spent talking with him when he was in the county as a candidate was about 404. He listened, and we appreciate his support and approving the funding for this. We are thankful he didn’t forget us.”
Caroline County Commission President Larry Porter: “In the end, it will be something we have waited to see for a long time… It is a good day for Caroline.” (Editorial Board, “Hogan funds 404,” The Star Democrat, 6/26/2015)
- “The biggest thing is, it will be something that will save lives.”
Maryland State Delegate Carol Krimm: “That’s great… Improving transportation infrastructure is a key component of economic development, so I’m happy to see that.” (Kelsi Loos, “Hogan announces plan that includes funding for Md. 85/I-270 interchange project,” The Frederick News-Post, 6/25/2015)The Star Democrat’s Editorial Board: “Gov. Larry Hogan has committed $160 million for the complete dualization of state Route 404, delivering on campaign promises to spend more on the state’s roads and bridges.” (Editorial Board, “Hogan funds 404,” The Star Democrat, 6/26/2015)
- “We applaud Gov. Hogan for his decision to fully fund the dualization of Route 404.”
Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh Spokesman Owen McEvoy: “We are ecstatic the Governor is making this investment in infrastructure…" (Chase Cook, “Hogan announces millions in county construction funding,” The Capital Gazette, 6/25/2015)
- “It will benefit the thousands of residents who commute around the county on state roads each day to get to work.”
AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Lon Anderson: “Governor Hogan hit a grand slam… I look at it as a rebalancing. Each administration comes in and sets priorities.” (Martin Di Caro & Matt Bush, “As Part of Multi-Billion Package For Roads, Hogan Says ‘Yes’ To Purple Line,” WAMU, 6/25/2015)Eno Center for Transportation’s Paul Lewis: “The governor has made it clear he has a priority to fix the roads throughout the state…” (Martin Di Caro & Matt Bush, “As Part of Multi-Billion Package For Roads, Hogan Says ‘Yes’ To Purple Line,” WAMU, 6/25/2015)
Delmar Middle School Supply List 2015-2016
High School students will receive supply information the first day of school. Click 'More Below to see the lists
Marilyn Mosby Guilty of What She Seeks to Condemn
People should be concerned by Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby's behavior, but it is especially alarming when you consider that she is engaging in the same type of behavior that she is using her state power to criminalize.
We can now see why Mosby played hide the ball with the autopsy report on Freddie Gray's death, and it certainly wasn't to protect anyone's privacy — except, perhaps, her own, because it is objectively damning to her politically driven prosecution.
I have always been a law-and-order type of person and a strong supporter of law enforcement officials. In my book, cops don't receive nearly the credit and respect they deserve for helping to keep the peace, protect the citizenry and preserve ordered liberty. Over the years, I have observed how the political left has frequently abused, undermined and denigrated law enforcement, presumably because to many leftists, cops symbolize the Man — the existing power structure that represents the form of government they resent. It's ironic that these same leftists still target law enforcement when they are now largely in control of government and have managed to fundamentally change so much about our government that it ought to be to their liking.
Despite my respect for law enforcement, I must also point out that I am equally passionate against those situations in which cops — or any other governmental officials — go rogue and abuse their authority. It is horrifying when people vested with official authority abuse their authority under color of law. And when cops cross that line, they must be brought to justice, without question.
But it's wrong to evaluate allegations of abuse through biased lenses. You don't assume cops are acting improperly just because you are prejudiced against cops or authority. You must assess each individual case on its own merits.
More of David Limbaugh's column here..
Collapse, Part 4: Loss Of Faith In Public Institutions
Public institutions are now devoted to serving their own vested interests or the interests of private financial Elites.
Unsurprisingly to those who discern the structural rot of the status quo, Americans No Longer Believe In Their Institutions :
“Americans’ confidence in most major U.S. institutions remains below the historical average for each one,” a Gallup spokesman said in a news release. All in all, it’s a picture of a nation discouraged about its present and worried about its future, and highly doubtful that its institutions can pull America out of its trough.
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Confederate Flag Controversy a Complete Misdirect
Last week, evil racist terrorist Dylann Storm Roof shot nine innocent black members of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Before their bodies had cooled, President Obama attempted to blame the shootings on the National Rifle Association and lack of gun control; Hillary Clinton blamed the shootings on white supremacy and Donald Trump-like overheated rhetoric; Bill Maher blamed Fox News, and suggested that Fox News ought to be droned like al-Qaida propagandist Anwar Al-Awlaki.
Despite these divisive tactics, Americans united. There were no racial lines to grief: Thousands of blacks and whites marched in Charleston, packed the devastated church, mourned together.
But the American left could not stand such racial unity — it threatens their cherished belief that America continues to represent racial oppression and white supremacy. And so the media and politicians on the left manufactured a racial controversy over the Confederate flag.
Now, there are plenty of excellent reasons to oppose the placement of the Confederate flag on state grounds: The Union won, as it should have; the Confederate battle flag originally represented a new nation founded on reverence for slavery, a deeply evil institution; the Confederate battle flag was utilized by Southern Democrats as a symbol of resistance to federal desegregation during the Jim Crow era. Blacks in America are absolutely right to feel offended by the flag.
By the same token, there are plenty of decent reasons for the Confederate battle flag to stay on longstanding state monuments: to remind viewers of the fact that evil and good live together in every human heart; to remind viewers of the fact that good people did sacrifice on behalf of their states' sovereignty, not merely to defend slavery (most of those who fought and died for the Confederacy did not hold slaves); as a symbol of Southern military heritage, given that the South has always been overrepresented in terms of its military service in the United States.
More here
Despite these divisive tactics, Americans united. There were no racial lines to grief: Thousands of blacks and whites marched in Charleston, packed the devastated church, mourned together.
But the American left could not stand such racial unity — it threatens their cherished belief that America continues to represent racial oppression and white supremacy. And so the media and politicians on the left manufactured a racial controversy over the Confederate flag.
Now, there are plenty of excellent reasons to oppose the placement of the Confederate flag on state grounds: The Union won, as it should have; the Confederate battle flag originally represented a new nation founded on reverence for slavery, a deeply evil institution; the Confederate battle flag was utilized by Southern Democrats as a symbol of resistance to federal desegregation during the Jim Crow era. Blacks in America are absolutely right to feel offended by the flag.
By the same token, there are plenty of decent reasons for the Confederate battle flag to stay on longstanding state monuments: to remind viewers of the fact that evil and good live together in every human heart; to remind viewers of the fact that good people did sacrifice on behalf of their states' sovereignty, not merely to defend slavery (most of those who fought and died for the Confederacy did not hold slaves); as a symbol of Southern military heritage, given that the South has always been overrepresented in terms of its military service in the United States.
More here
Out Of Control School Bus
I had to make a trip to Annapolis on Thursday when we came upon this school bus loaded with children inside.
When it couldn't rule the fast lane, it would honestly cut off vehicles in the next lane and ride the rear end of vehicles in front of it to push its way back into the fast lane.
If you look in the bottom right hand corner of the 2nd picture you can see our speed at 83 mph. This woman even did this on the Bay Bridge.
Hopefully someone from Delaware sees this Post and pulls this woman off the road. Just look at her GPS and you'll see just how out of control she was. I've honestly never seen anything like it in my life.
‘Independent Judicial Review’ Sought On OC Tax Petition
OCEAN CITY – With the full support of Mayor Rick Meehan, the City Council voted this week to seek an independent opinion regarding the legal implications of a successful petition to reduce the property tax rate to the 2009 rate.
Last month the Ocean City taxpayers for Social Justice (OCTSJ) submitted a petition to lower Ocean City’s tax rate to the 2009 rate of 38 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The same day the Mayor and City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget that raise the tax rate 2 percent to 47.8 cents.
A couple of weeks ago, Board of Elections Chair Mary Adeline Bradford verified 1,787 petition signatures were submitted. Out of those signatures, 310 were excused, leaving 1,477 valid signatures, which exceeded the required 1,228 signatures needed to require the town conduct a referendum within 90 days or at the next scheduled election, which is in November of 2016.
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Last month the Ocean City taxpayers for Social Justice (OCTSJ) submitted a petition to lower Ocean City’s tax rate to the 2009 rate of 38 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The same day the Mayor and City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget that raise the tax rate 2 percent to 47.8 cents.
A couple of weeks ago, Board of Elections Chair Mary Adeline Bradford verified 1,787 petition signatures were submitted. Out of those signatures, 310 were excused, leaving 1,477 valid signatures, which exceeded the required 1,228 signatures needed to require the town conduct a referendum within 90 days or at the next scheduled election, which is in November of 2016.
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House GOP Revokes Punishment for Lawmaker Who Defied Leaders
House Republican leaders have handed a subcommittee gavel back to a defiant colleague days after revoking it in an act of party discipline.
Republican Jason Chaffetz of Utah heads the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He says he reconsidered his decision to oust Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina as chairman of the Government Operations subcommittee.
Chaffetz says he and Meadows have spoken and understand each other better now.
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Republican Jason Chaffetz of Utah heads the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. He says he reconsidered his decision to oust Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina as chairman of the Government Operations subcommittee.
Chaffetz says he and Meadows have spoken and understand each other better now.
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This robotic bricklayer can build a house in two days
"We're at a technological nexus where a few different technologies have got to the level where it's now possible to do it," Pivac told PerthNow. "And that's what we've done." The system will first determine the location of every brick to be laid based on a 3D CAD design, then individually cuts and lays the bricks in sequence. Hadrian doesn't even need to move during the laying process as its 28-foot long boom manipulator is dextrous enough to both set the brick and slather on mortar as well. It even leaves space for pipes and wiring.
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IRS erased Lerner emails even after subpoena: audit says
Up to 24,000 emails completely lost
The IRS erased backup takes with Lois G. Lerner’s emails even after the messages were subject to a congressional subpoena, but it was an “unbelievable” chain of coincidences rather than a malicious intent to subvert Congress, the tax agency’s inspector general said Thursday.
As many as 24,000 emails may have been permanently lost, but the inspector general has managed to recover about 1,000 messages from the tapes because the IRS only “degaussed” the tapes but didn’t destroy them.
Still, the move to erase the tapes after they had been requested by Congress didn’t sit well with Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz, who accused IRS chief John Koskinen of obstructing Congress‘ investigation into the emails and tea party targeting.
“They destroyed evidence. That’s what they did,” Mr. Chaffetz, Utah Republican, said.
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The IRS erased backup takes with Lois G. Lerner’s emails even after the messages were subject to a congressional subpoena, but it was an “unbelievable” chain of coincidences rather than a malicious intent to subvert Congress, the tax agency’s inspector general said Thursday.
As many as 24,000 emails may have been permanently lost, but the inspector general has managed to recover about 1,000 messages from the tapes because the IRS only “degaussed” the tapes but didn’t destroy them.
Still, the move to erase the tapes after they had been requested by Congress didn’t sit well with Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz, who accused IRS chief John Koskinen of obstructing Congress‘ investigation into the emails and tea party targeting.
“They destroyed evidence. That’s what they did,” Mr. Chaffetz, Utah Republican, said.
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Veteran Psychiatrist Calls Liberals Mentally Ill
WASHINGTON – Just when liberals thought it was safe to start identifying themselves as such, an acclaimed, veteran psychiatrist is making the case that the ideology motivating them is actually a mental disorder.
“Based on strikingly irrational beliefs and emotions, modern liberals relentlessly undermine the most important principles on which our freedoms were founded,” says Dr. Lyle Rossiter, author of “The Liberal Mind: The Psychological Causes of Political Madness.”
“Like spoiled, angry children, they rebel against the normal responsibilities of adulthood and demand that a parental government meet their needs from cradle to grave.”
While political activists on the other side of the spectrum have made similar observations, Rossiter boasts professional credentials and a life virtually free of activism and links to “the vast right-wing conspiracy.”
For more than 35 years he has diagnosed and treated more than 1,500 patients as a board-certified clinical psychiatrist and examined more than 2,700 civil and criminal cases as a board-certified forensic psychiatrist. He received his medical and psychiatric training at the University of Chicago.
Rossiter says the kind of liberalism being displayed by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton can only be understood as a psychological disorder.
“A social scientist who understands human nature will not dismiss the vital roles of free choice, voluntary cooperation and moral integrity – as liberals do,” he says. “A political leader who understands human nature will not ignore individual differences in talent, drive, personal appeal and work ethic, and then try to impose economic and social equality on the population – as liberals do.
And a legislator who understands human nature will not create an environment of rules which over-regulates and over-taxes the nation’s citizens, corrupts their character and reduces them to wards of the state – as liberals do.”
Dr. Rossiter says the liberal agenda preys on weakness and feelings of inferiority in the population by:
(Read more here)
“Based on strikingly irrational beliefs and emotions, modern liberals relentlessly undermine the most important principles on which our freedoms were founded,” says Dr. Lyle Rossiter, author of “The Liberal Mind: The Psychological Causes of Political Madness.”
“Like spoiled, angry children, they rebel against the normal responsibilities of adulthood and demand that a parental government meet their needs from cradle to grave.”
While political activists on the other side of the spectrum have made similar observations, Rossiter boasts professional credentials and a life virtually free of activism and links to “the vast right-wing conspiracy.”
For more than 35 years he has diagnosed and treated more than 1,500 patients as a board-certified clinical psychiatrist and examined more than 2,700 civil and criminal cases as a board-certified forensic psychiatrist. He received his medical and psychiatric training at the University of Chicago.
Rossiter says the kind of liberalism being displayed by both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton can only be understood as a psychological disorder.
“A social scientist who understands human nature will not dismiss the vital roles of free choice, voluntary cooperation and moral integrity – as liberals do,” he says. “A political leader who understands human nature will not ignore individual differences in talent, drive, personal appeal and work ethic, and then try to impose economic and social equality on the population – as liberals do.
And a legislator who understands human nature will not create an environment of rules which over-regulates and over-taxes the nation’s citizens, corrupts their character and reduces them to wards of the state – as liberals do.”
Dr. Rossiter says the liberal agenda preys on weakness and feelings of inferiority in the population by:
(Read more here)
U.S. Troops Face Eating, Drinking Restrictions During Ramadan
During the 30-day religious celebration of Ramadan, even non-Muslims are expected to obey local laws regarding eating, drinking, and using tobacco in public. Violators can be fined up to $685 or receive two months in jail. A spokesperson for United States Central Command [CENTCOM] said that "we are not aware of any specific instances of anyone being arrested" for such violations.
\For military personnel outside of U.S.-controlled areas, the only exceptions for the rules are for those "performing strenuous labor." Such personnel are "authorized to drink and consume as much food as they need to maintain proper hydration and energy." It is unclear what constitutes "strenuous labor" or whether additional exceptions might be made during a heatwave affecting some areas of the region that has taken hundreds of lives.
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Detroit Teacher Union Head Faces Accusations
Simmering tensions within the Detroit Federation of Teachers are about to come to a boil, with some union members accusing controversial president Steve Conn of misconduct.
The allegations range from bad behavior at union meetings to claims that Conn has aligned the union with a national social justice group, all in violation of the DFT's constitution and bylaws, according to a letter Executive Vice President Ivy Bailey posted online Thursday. A closed hearing on the matter will be held Monday.
Conn, 57, has been on the job for about six months since narrowly winning the election in January.
"It's just an attempt to divide and distract the teachers, the members, from the real job of fighting the attacks on our health care, our jobs and our schools," Conn said in response to the charges.
The former teacher has long been a controversial figure. He has strong ties to the fiery social justice group By Any Means Necessary. Some teachers have been circulating petitions trying to recall him.
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The allegations range from bad behavior at union meetings to claims that Conn has aligned the union with a national social justice group, all in violation of the DFT's constitution and bylaws, according to a letter Executive Vice President Ivy Bailey posted online Thursday. A closed hearing on the matter will be held Monday.
Conn, 57, has been on the job for about six months since narrowly winning the election in January.
"It's just an attempt to divide and distract the teachers, the members, from the real job of fighting the attacks on our health care, our jobs and our schools," Conn said in response to the charges.
The former teacher has long been a controversial figure. He has strong ties to the fiery social justice group By Any Means Necessary. Some teachers have been circulating petitions trying to recall him.
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Cardin Statement on Gov. Hogan’s Transportation Priorities Announcement
“With the federal government as a strong financial partner, Maryland must be willing to make bold investments in our transportation infrastructure, in order to create jobs and out compete other states in the region. Governor Hogan’s announcement of weak support for the Purple Line, shifting significant cost burdens to the local governments, the private sector, and the federal government, fills me with great concern. Connecting Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties through public transit is a top priority for the region and will pay great dividends for Maryland. This has been a top priority of mine and I intend to carefully review the details of his proposal. I intend to work to ensure that the federal government upholds its commitment to this project and that the governor’s actions do not put the viability of the Purple Line in jeopardy.
Whitewashing the Democratic Party's History
Here’s what a former president of the United States had to say when he eulogized his mentor, an Arkansas senator:
“We come to celebrate and give thanks for the remarkable life of J. William Fulbright, a life that changed our country and our world forever and for the better. … In the work he did, the words he spoke and the life he lived, Bill Fulbright stood against the 20th century’s most destructive forces and fought to advance its brightest hopes.”
So spoke President William J. Clinton in 1995 of a man who was among the 99 Democrats in Congress to sign the “Southern Manifesto” in 1956. (Two Republicans also signed it.) The Southern Manifesto declared the signatories' opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education and their commitment to segregation forever. Fulbright was also among those who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That filibuster continued for 83 days.
Speaking of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, let’s review (since they don’t teach this in schools): The percentage of House Democrats who supported the legislation? 61 percent. House Republicans? 80 percent. In the Senate, 69 percent of Democrats voted yes, compared with 82 percent of Republicans. (Barry Goldwater, a supporter of the NAACP, voted no because he thought it was unconstitutional.)
When he was running for president in 2000, former Vice President Al Gore told the NAACP that his father, Sen. Al Gore Sr., had lost his Senate seat because he voted for the Civil Rights Act. Uplifting story — except it’s false. Gore Sr. voted against the Civil Rights Act. He lost in 1970 in a race that focused on prayer in public schools, the Vietnam War and the Supreme Court.
Gore Jr.’s reframing of the relevant history is the story of the Democratic Party in microcosm. The party’s history is pockmarked with racism and terror. The Democrats were the party of slavery, black codes, Jim Crow, and that miserable terrorist excrescence the Ku Klux Klan. Republicans were the party of Lincoln, of Reconstruction, of anti-lynching laws, of the civil rights acts of 1875, 1957, 1960 and 1964. Were all Republicans models of rectitude on racial matters? Hardly. Were they a heck of a lot better than the Democrats? Without question.
More here
“We come to celebrate and give thanks for the remarkable life of J. William Fulbright, a life that changed our country and our world forever and for the better. … In the work he did, the words he spoke and the life he lived, Bill Fulbright stood against the 20th century’s most destructive forces and fought to advance its brightest hopes.”
So spoke President William J. Clinton in 1995 of a man who was among the 99 Democrats in Congress to sign the “Southern Manifesto” in 1956. (Two Republicans also signed it.) The Southern Manifesto declared the signatories' opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education and their commitment to segregation forever. Fulbright was also among those who filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That filibuster continued for 83 days.
Speaking of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, let’s review (since they don’t teach this in schools): The percentage of House Democrats who supported the legislation? 61 percent. House Republicans? 80 percent. In the Senate, 69 percent of Democrats voted yes, compared with 82 percent of Republicans. (Barry Goldwater, a supporter of the NAACP, voted no because he thought it was unconstitutional.)
When he was running for president in 2000, former Vice President Al Gore told the NAACP that his father, Sen. Al Gore Sr., had lost his Senate seat because he voted for the Civil Rights Act. Uplifting story — except it’s false. Gore Sr. voted against the Civil Rights Act. He lost in 1970 in a race that focused on prayer in public schools, the Vietnam War and the Supreme Court.
Gore Jr.’s reframing of the relevant history is the story of the Democratic Party in microcosm. The party’s history is pockmarked with racism and terror. The Democrats were the party of slavery, black codes, Jim Crow, and that miserable terrorist excrescence the Ku Klux Klan. Republicans were the party of Lincoln, of Reconstruction, of anti-lynching laws, of the civil rights acts of 1875, 1957, 1960 and 1964. Were all Republicans models of rectitude on racial matters? Hardly. Were they a heck of a lot better than the Democrats? Without question.
More here
Krauthammer: On Lowering the Flag
After a massacre like the one at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, our immediate reaction is to do something. Something, for politicians, means legislation. And for Democratic politicians, this means gun control.
It’s the all-purpose, go-to, knee-jerk solution. Within hours of the massacre, President Obama was lamenting the absence of progress on gun control. A particular Democratic (and media) lament was Congress' failure to pass anything after Sandy Hook.
With gun control going nowhere, the psychic national need to nonetheless do something took a remarkable direction: banishment of the Confederate flag, starting with the one flying on the grounds of the statehouse in Columbia, then spreading like wildfire to consume Confederate flags, symbols, statues and even memorabilia everywhere — from the Alabama state capitol to eBay and Amazon.
Logically, the connection is tenuous. Yes, Roof does pose with the Confederate flag, among other symbols of racism, on his website. But does anyone imagine that if the South Carolina flag had been relegated to a museum, the massacre would not have occurred?
Politically, the murders created a unique moment. Gov. Nikki Haley was surely sincere in calling for the Confederate flag’s removal. But she also understood that the massacre had created a moment when the usual pro-Confederate flag feeling — and, surely, expressions of it — would be largely suppressed, presenting the opportunity to achieve something otherwise politically unachievable.
Keep reading..
It’s the all-purpose, go-to, knee-jerk solution. Within hours of the massacre, President Obama was lamenting the absence of progress on gun control. A particular Democratic (and media) lament was Congress' failure to pass anything after Sandy Hook.
With gun control going nowhere, the psychic national need to nonetheless do something took a remarkable direction: banishment of the Confederate flag, starting with the one flying on the grounds of the statehouse in Columbia, then spreading like wildfire to consume Confederate flags, symbols, statues and even memorabilia everywhere — from the Alabama state capitol to eBay and Amazon.
Logically, the connection is tenuous. Yes, Roof does pose with the Confederate flag, among other symbols of racism, on his website. But does anyone imagine that if the South Carolina flag had been relegated to a museum, the massacre would not have occurred?
Politically, the murders created a unique moment. Gov. Nikki Haley was surely sincere in calling for the Confederate flag’s removal. But she also understood that the massacre had created a moment when the usual pro-Confederate flag feeling — and, surely, expressions of it — would be largely suppressed, presenting the opportunity to achieve something otherwise politically unachievable.
Keep reading..
Boehner Retreats On Dissenter Retribution
WASHINGTON – After withering criticism, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has reversed course and allowed a dissenting conservative to be reinstated to a key post.
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., was stripped of his chairmanship of the Government Operations Subcommittee last week in a move widely acknowledged to be engineered by Boehner in retaliation for trying to slow down passage of the bill giving President Obama “fast-track” trade authority.
A Capitol Hill aide called the reversal, “A huge win for conservatives.”
It was House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who technically disciplined Meadows, but it was widely acknowledged to have been done at the behest of Boehner.
That was after Meadows voted against a procedure facilitating passage of the Trade Promotion Authority, or TPA, bill that eventually passed and gave the president the power to negotiate massive trade deals with other countries, cut Congress out of the negotiations and limit lawmakers’ participation to a simple yes or no vote when such treaties are concluded.
Boehner may have retreated not due to a change of heart, but out of fear of retaliation by conservatives, who threatened to vote with Democrats to bring the speaker’s legislative agenda to a halt.
An even more effective threat may have been when supporters of Meadows leaked word they had enough votes to side with Democrats to oust Boehner as Speaker.
“If the Democrats were to file a motion to vacate the chair and were to vote for that motion unanimously, there probably are 218 votes for it to succeed,” one member of the House Freedom Caucus told Roll Call Tuesday night.
Thursday, Chaffetz and Meadows issued a joint statement.
More here
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., was stripped of his chairmanship of the Government Operations Subcommittee last week in a move widely acknowledged to be engineered by Boehner in retaliation for trying to slow down passage of the bill giving President Obama “fast-track” trade authority.
A Capitol Hill aide called the reversal, “A huge win for conservatives.”
It was House Oversight Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, who technically disciplined Meadows, but it was widely acknowledged to have been done at the behest of Boehner.
That was after Meadows voted against a procedure facilitating passage of the Trade Promotion Authority, or TPA, bill that eventually passed and gave the president the power to negotiate massive trade deals with other countries, cut Congress out of the negotiations and limit lawmakers’ participation to a simple yes or no vote when such treaties are concluded.
Boehner may have retreated not due to a change of heart, but out of fear of retaliation by conservatives, who threatened to vote with Democrats to bring the speaker’s legislative agenda to a halt.
An even more effective threat may have been when supporters of Meadows leaked word they had enough votes to side with Democrats to oust Boehner as Speaker.
“If the Democrats were to file a motion to vacate the chair and were to vote for that motion unanimously, there probably are 218 votes for it to succeed,” one member of the House Freedom Caucus told Roll Call Tuesday night.
Thursday, Chaffetz and Meadows issued a joint statement.
More here