Washington, DC – It’s been 300 day since President Obama sent a draft authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) to Congress. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement:
“Everyone agrees that ISIL is a horrific terrorist organization that must be degraded and dismantled. As this conflict expands, Congress must be actively involved in addressing ISIL.
Yet, for the past 300 days Congress has ignored its constitutional responsibility to debate the costs and consequences of yet another war in the Middle East.
This is simply unacceptable. The American people deserve better; they deserve a Congress that gives them a voice in matters of war and peace.
Every day, this war continues to escalate. Last week, we saw the deployment of additional specialized ‘expeditionary’ forces which are tantamount to boots on the ground.
On Sunday, President Obama once again called on Congress to debate these important issues. Congress can and must to better than continuing to abdicate our constitutional duty, especially when the issue is so vital.
National security experts are clear, there is no military solution to this conflict. Only a comprehensive, regionally-led strategy that addresses the underlying political, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian issues in the region will ultimately be effective.
My legislation, H.J. Res. 30, lays out a comprehensive strategy while ending the blank checks for endless war that have allowed this war to escalate unchecked by Congress.
As we mark 300 days of Congressional inaction, I join my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, in calling on Speaker Ryan to immediately allow a debate on the costs and consequences of this war.”
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Attention
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
Pew: Muslims 'fastest-growing religious group in the world,' 70% Democrat
Muslims are the fastest-growing religious group in the world, with 23 percent of the global population, and will take over Christianity as the top religion by the end of the century, according to the Pew Research Center.
A review of Muslims by the nonpartisan organization also found that Muslims comprise a growing share of the immigrants granted permanent residency in the United States each year. Their share doubled from 5 percent of the annual permanent residency flow in 1992 to 10 percent in 2012, representing 100,000 Muslim immigrants granted permanent residency in the U.S. each year.
Pew also found that Muslim immigrants prefer more government services and that 70 percent lean Democratic. Just 11 percent identify with Republicans.
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A review of Muslims by the nonpartisan organization also found that Muslims comprise a growing share of the immigrants granted permanent residency in the United States each year. Their share doubled from 5 percent of the annual permanent residency flow in 1992 to 10 percent in 2012, representing 100,000 Muslim immigrants granted permanent residency in the U.S. each year.
Pew also found that Muslim immigrants prefer more government services and that 70 percent lean Democratic. Just 11 percent identify with Republicans.
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A Message From The Delaware State Police
The Delaware State Police are very saddened about the tragic shooting in San Bernardino, California. We would like to extend our hearts, thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. We also like to thank all of the first responders in San Bernardino, California, who willingly responded into harm’s way to save others.
All of Delaware is reminded to stay vigilant and avoid the tendency to ignore what could be information vital to law enforcement efforts to prevent a crime or terrorist act. The Delaware State Police are consistently working to keep our state safe and are ready to act on information about suspicious circumstances. In the event of an emergency, people should still call 911.
The Delaware State Police, through our Fusion Center, the Delaware Information and Analysis Center, are working closely with federal and state partners to assess any nexus or existing threats to Delaware. Currently, there are no known ties to Delaware regarding the tragedy in San Bernardino, California. There are also no known existing credible threats to Delaware.
Although there is no known threat to Delaware, state officials are reminding people of Delaware, of the important role they have in helping to keep our state safe by reporting suspicious situations or circumstances that could be related to crime or possible acts of terrorism. The Delaware State Police encourage increased vigilance against criminals and terrorists. If you observe activity that appears suspicious, a threat to public safety or related to a potential terrorist event please report it to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 or use the Delaware's Anti-Terrorism Tip Line at 1-800-Force12. The public can also submit a suspicious activity report through the DIAC's website @ www.dediac.org. We each have a vital and essential role to ensure the safety of our citizens and we thank you for your assistance.
All of Delaware is reminded to stay vigilant and avoid the tendency to ignore what could be information vital to law enforcement efforts to prevent a crime or terrorist act. The Delaware State Police are consistently working to keep our state safe and are ready to act on information about suspicious circumstances. In the event of an emergency, people should still call 911.
The Delaware State Police, through our Fusion Center, the Delaware Information and Analysis Center, are working closely with federal and state partners to assess any nexus or existing threats to Delaware. Currently, there are no known ties to Delaware regarding the tragedy in San Bernardino, California. There are also no known existing credible threats to Delaware.
Although there is no known threat to Delaware, state officials are reminding people of Delaware, of the important role they have in helping to keep our state safe by reporting suspicious situations or circumstances that could be related to crime or possible acts of terrorism. The Delaware State Police encourage increased vigilance against criminals and terrorists. If you observe activity that appears suspicious, a threat to public safety or related to a potential terrorist event please report it to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1 or use the Delaware's Anti-Terrorism Tip Line at 1-800-Force12. The public can also submit a suspicious activity report through the DIAC's website @ www.dediac.org. We each have a vital and essential role to ensure the safety of our citizens and we thank you for your assistance.
Volunteers Organize Community Effort Giving Young Children A Unique Shopping Spree
BERLIN – Ocean City’s young professionals helped more than 60 local children get into the Christmas spirit with a shopping spree at Walmart.
For the 5th year in a row, the Ocean City Young Professionals (OCYP) took dozens of area youngsters on a holiday shopping trip at Walmart as part of the United Christmas Spirit Campaign. Days after the event, the group’s volunteers were still recounting the excitement of the Dec. 5 trip.
“You should see how happy these kids are,” said Danielle Bellante, a member of OCYP, an organization of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.
With various fundraisers throughout the year, the group was able to raise the more than $6,000 needed to give 61 kids each $100 to spend on a trip through the aisles of Walmart.
“It was awesome,” said Chrissy Maddy, chairperson of OCYP.
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For the 5th year in a row, the Ocean City Young Professionals (OCYP) took dozens of area youngsters on a holiday shopping trip at Walmart as part of the United Christmas Spirit Campaign. Days after the event, the group’s volunteers were still recounting the excitement of the Dec. 5 trip.
“You should see how happy these kids are,” said Danielle Bellante, a member of OCYP, an organization of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.
With various fundraisers throughout the year, the group was able to raise the more than $6,000 needed to give 61 kids each $100 to spend on a trip through the aisles of Walmart.
“It was awesome,” said Chrissy Maddy, chairperson of OCYP.
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These hair ties are spreading STDs, you’ll feel icky when you learn why
Make sure your hair ties are made in America, or you could risk getting one or more nasty STDs. In late 2007 it was discovered that a large number of hair ties manufactured in Jinhua, China, were made from used condoms. The first violation was discovered when a woman noticed an odd color inside her fraying hair tie. As she cut it open she found the revolting culprit hidden inside. Reports of these disgusting products continue to this day.
The Center for Disease Control warns users to stay away from hair ties originating in China. The amount of bacteria cultured from the condom hair bands was found to be 4 times greater than the average public toilet. Users who place the hair tie in their mouth while pulling their hair back risk contracting several STDs including herpes and genital warts.
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The Center for Disease Control warns users to stay away from hair ties originating in China. The amount of bacteria cultured from the condom hair bands was found to be 4 times greater than the average public toilet. Users who place the hair tie in their mouth while pulling their hair back risk contracting several STDs including herpes and genital warts.
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Spike Lee Smacks Down MSNBC's Chris Hayes On Black-on-Black Crime
Last night on MSNBC, Chris Hayes interviewed Spike Lee about his upcoming film “Chi-Raq”, a musical remix of Aristophanes’s farce “Lysistratawhich” that chronicles the violence, murder and mayhem occurring in the streets of Chicago every day. Lee has faced some criticism for the film, including from the left and particularly from the #BlackLivesMatter crowd over the fact that, to put it simply, it’s not all about cops killing kids.
The film essentially works on the idea of women in the city withholding sex to put a stop to the insane number of murders that occur on its streets. It is an explicit recognition of the problem of black-on-black crime and gangs, which is becoming a forbidden topic among progressives on the grounds that it derails “the movement.” Chris Hayes confronted Lee with this criticism in a way that suggested he was enabling a white conspiracy to divert attention from crimes against the black community from outside it, and the sparks flew sudden and hot.
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The film essentially works on the idea of women in the city withholding sex to put a stop to the insane number of murders that occur on its streets. It is an explicit recognition of the problem of black-on-black crime and gangs, which is becoming a forbidden topic among progressives on the grounds that it derails “the movement.” Chris Hayes confronted Lee with this criticism in a way that suggested he was enabling a white conspiracy to divert attention from crimes against the black community from outside it, and the sparks flew sudden and hot.
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Md. Panel Lowers Sentencing Guidelines On Some Drug Cases
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland panel has voted to lower the sentencing guidelines that judges use for nonviolent drug cases.
The Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy voted Tuesday night for guidelines that are even lower on the low end than changes the panel had already given tentative approval.
Richard Finci, a commission member, says he pushed to go further in his alternative guideline proposal to make them more fitting with trends in sentencing throughout the state. The changes generally are a matter of several months less than the current guidelines in various categories.
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The Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy voted Tuesday night for guidelines that are even lower on the low end than changes the panel had already given tentative approval.
Richard Finci, a commission member, says he pushed to go further in his alternative guideline proposal to make them more fitting with trends in sentencing throughout the state. The changes generally are a matter of several months less than the current guidelines in various categories.
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MUSLIMS DECRY TRUMP'S PROPOSAL TO KEEP THEM OUT OF US
U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," immigrants and visitors alike, because of what he describes as hatred among "large segments of the Muslim population" toward Americans. The Associated Press is asking Muslims around the world for their thoughts on his proposal:
TAREQ, 22-year-old college student in Cairo
"I don't pray. I drink. I try to sleep around. All my friends do. I am about as Muslim as (Trump) is. Ban Muslims? Does he have any idea how many Muslims are just Muslims on paper?"
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BASSEM YOUSSEF, former talk show host known as the Jon Stewart of the Middle East:
(On Twitter) "I didn't know Donald Trump was fluent in Nazi."
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SADIA HAFEEZ, a university student in Islamabad, Pakistan:
"He is pitching non-Muslims against Muslims for political reasons."
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TAREQ, 22-year-old college student in Cairo
"I don't pray. I drink. I try to sleep around. All my friends do. I am about as Muslim as (Trump) is. Ban Muslims? Does he have any idea how many Muslims are just Muslims on paper?"
---
BASSEM YOUSSEF, former talk show host known as the Jon Stewart of the Middle East:
(On Twitter) "I didn't know Donald Trump was fluent in Nazi."
---
SADIA HAFEEZ, a university student in Islamabad, Pakistan:
"He is pitching non-Muslims against Muslims for political reasons."
More
Liberals Want to Ban “Offensive” Mistletoe
These people literally take the fun out of everything. Cornell University has just issued a guide to “inclusive” Christmas decorations, if you can believe it. In it, they do their darnedest to eradicate Christianity from all aspects of the holiday. No mistletoe, no stars, nothing that would evoke religion. And they mean Christianity, of course. It’s just not ‘diverse’ enough. These guidelines were in a fire safety PDF which The Daily Caller linked to along with Campus Reform. It has since been taken down. Imagine that. They got caught. The second half of the manual was all about making Christmas more “inclusive.” What a bunch of Grinches.
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Supreme Court Revives Challenge to Maryland Congressional Map
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court on Tuesday revived a lawsuit contesting Maryland’s congressional-district map in a ruling giving challengers a chance to argue that extreme partisan redistricting is unconstitutional.
The court, in a short unanimous opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia, ruled lower courts were too quick to dismiss a legal challenge arguing that Maryland Democrats engaged in unconstitutional political gerrymandering in the way they drew the state’s congressional map in 2011.
After the 2010 census, then-Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat now seeking the presidential nomination, and his allies substantially reconfigured the state’s congressional districts to shift a Republican-held seat into the Democratic column. A group of state residents who challenged the map claim it was the most gerrymandered in the nation.
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The court, in a short unanimous opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia, ruled lower courts were too quick to dismiss a legal challenge arguing that Maryland Democrats engaged in unconstitutional political gerrymandering in the way they drew the state’s congressional map in 2011.
After the 2010 census, then-Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat now seeking the presidential nomination, and his allies substantially reconfigured the state’s congressional districts to shift a Republican-held seat into the Democratic column. A group of state residents who challenged the map claim it was the most gerrymandered in the nation.
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Black Lives Matter Protesters Shut Down Chicago, Call For Rahm Emanuel Resignation
Black Lives Matter protesters are filling the streets of Chicago Wednesday, blocking traffic and disrupting the city to protest police actions relating to the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.
McDonald was shot 16 times by police. Many are also calling for the resignation of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Emanuel gave a speech Wednesday apologizing for McDonald’s death and promising to make it right, after which protesters filled the streets of the city. Protesters are critical of Emanuel, saying his office tried to keep details about the death from the public and only took action after the release of a video of the death caused a scandal.
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McDonald was shot 16 times by police. Many are also calling for the resignation of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Emanuel gave a speech Wednesday apologizing for McDonald’s death and promising to make it right, after which protesters filled the streets of the city. Protesters are critical of Emanuel, saying his office tried to keep details about the death from the public and only took action after the release of a video of the death caused a scandal.
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Martin O'Malley struggling to gain support
BALTIMORE —Some people blame the unrest that followed the death of Freddie Gray on the zero-tolerance policies of former Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley. Now a presidential candidate, does that record help explain O'Malley's struggle to gain support?'
O'Malley has been in an unfamiliar place the last six months. He may have cruised to victory in Baltimore as mayor and in Maryland elected twice as governor, but he has had a hard time getting out of the gate nationally.
He continues to get attention with sound bites like this on about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
"I think Donald Trump's comments are some outrageous, fascist, demagoguery, and I think it plays right into the hands of ISIL," O'Malley said.
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O'Malley has been in an unfamiliar place the last six months. He may have cruised to victory in Baltimore as mayor and in Maryland elected twice as governor, but he has had a hard time getting out of the gate nationally.
He continues to get attention with sound bites like this on about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
"I think Donald Trump's comments are some outrageous, fascist, demagoguery, and I think it plays right into the hands of ISIL," O'Malley said.
More
Norway Offers Refugees Free Flights, Thousands Of Dollars To Leave The Country
Norway is offering asylum seekers thousands of dollars to leave the country as the global refugee crisis intensifies, and hundreds of people have taken the government up on its offer, The Local reports.
A family with two children is eligible for up to $9,300 dollars – and free flights home, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration told the media outlet. More than 900 people reportedly have accepted.
“[Refugees] thought that when they came to Norway they would get protection rather quickly,” the head of The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s return unit told local broadcaster NRK, The Local adds.
Instead, applications for family reunification can often take years, and an increasing number of refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa don’t want to wait.
“Earlier this year, the number [of applications] was an average of 100 per month. In October, there were 150 and in November there were 230 applications,” the International Organization for Migration spokesman Joost van der Aalst told NRK, The Local reports.
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A family with two children is eligible for up to $9,300 dollars – and free flights home, the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration told the media outlet. More than 900 people reportedly have accepted.
“[Refugees] thought that when they came to Norway they would get protection rather quickly,” the head of The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration’s return unit told local broadcaster NRK, The Local adds.
Instead, applications for family reunification can often take years, and an increasing number of refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa don’t want to wait.
“Earlier this year, the number [of applications] was an average of 100 per month. In October, there were 150 and in November there were 230 applications,” the International Organization for Migration spokesman Joost van der Aalst told NRK, The Local reports.
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WCSO Monthly Crime Statistics November 2015
Salisbury, Allen,
Deer Harbour, Fruitland,
Fox Chase
Wicomico Regional Airport, Parsonsburg, Delmar
Delmar, Log Cabin, Adkins Rd.
Nanticoke, Waterview,
White Haven, Tyaskin
Booth Street, Reservation
Hebron, Mardela Springs,
Sharptown
Pittsville, Willards,
Powellville
Unsure of your WCSO Sector? For an interactive crime map click here.
President Obama’s Umpteenth Tired, Dishonest Speech On Terrorism
Once again, President Obama emerged from his permanent sabbatical on the war on terror to inform us, in a bizarre address from the Oval Office, that he has things firmly under control and there’s no need for us Americans to be concerned. Excuse me if I’m not comforted. Obama has made quite clear that he is blind to the threat that radical Islam represents to America and the rest of the civilized world. He obviously believes that Islam produces no more or worse terrorists than any other religion or cult and that it is wrong to focus on the radical strain of Islam because it leads to discrimination against other Muslims — discrimination he seems to see under every rock.
We’ve repeated to the point of cliche that to effectively wage war, one must identify his enemy, and no one can rationally dispute this. But Obama can’t bring himself to identify radical Islam, Islamism or Islamic terrorism as our enemy. His blindness may be from his sentimental childhood attachment to Islam. It may be that his leftist ideology compels him to see conservatives, Republicans and Christians as America’s true enemies. But whatever it is, he is crippling the United States in this war and is making us increasingly vulnerable.
You could tell from Obama’s body language and his hurried tones that his heart was not in his speech. He didn’t want to be there. I suspect his advisers pressured him to make this speech because he had to do something to deceive the American people into believing that he is actually engaged and that we can trust him to lead us in this war. But he convinced no one with that lackluster address, in which he gave empty assurances that we are following a strategy that we all know to be nonexistent.
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We’ve repeated to the point of cliche that to effectively wage war, one must identify his enemy, and no one can rationally dispute this. But Obama can’t bring himself to identify radical Islam, Islamism or Islamic terrorism as our enemy. His blindness may be from his sentimental childhood attachment to Islam. It may be that his leftist ideology compels him to see conservatives, Republicans and Christians as America’s true enemies. But whatever it is, he is crippling the United States in this war and is making us increasingly vulnerable.
You could tell from Obama’s body language and his hurried tones that his heart was not in his speech. He didn’t want to be there. I suspect his advisers pressured him to make this speech because he had to do something to deceive the American people into believing that he is actually engaged and that we can trust him to lead us in this war. But he convinced no one with that lackluster address, in which he gave empty assurances that we are following a strategy that we all know to be nonexistent.
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Obama Should Be Impeached – Here’s Why
Moments after Sayed Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik, murdered 14 innocents in San Bernardino, CA, our radical leftist President and his Attorney General dealt with the carnage by attacking the First and Second Amendments of the Constitution.
When President Obama took the oath of office, he pledged to defend the United States and the American people. He has failed. Obama insanely blames law-abiding citizens rather than the cause. In this case, the “cause” is Islamic terrorism. It has been suggested Obama’s staff is preparing executive orders to restrict gun ownership. Such restrictions will have no impact on keeping weapons out of the hands of those who wish us harm. Obama’s failure to do much in the threat of Islamic terrorism is an abdication of his most important responsibility. Adding fuel to Obama’s written guarantee that “I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction,” his Attorney General just announced she will prosecute those uttering what she would consider “anti-Muslim” hate speech.
Who is the enemy?
Obama’s pattern of obfuscation and deflection has created a massive distrust of our government. In response, Americans are acquiring an unprecedented amount of guns and ammunition. We are either on the verge of civil war or capitulation to the growing destructive powers from within. This President and his Islamic-influenced Administration are the cause and effect of the fear Americans feel today.
More
When President Obama took the oath of office, he pledged to defend the United States and the American people. He has failed. Obama insanely blames law-abiding citizens rather than the cause. In this case, the “cause” is Islamic terrorism. It has been suggested Obama’s staff is preparing executive orders to restrict gun ownership. Such restrictions will have no impact on keeping weapons out of the hands of those who wish us harm. Obama’s failure to do much in the threat of Islamic terrorism is an abdication of his most important responsibility. Adding fuel to Obama’s written guarantee that “I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction,” his Attorney General just announced she will prosecute those uttering what she would consider “anti-Muslim” hate speech.
Who is the enemy?
Obama’s pattern of obfuscation and deflection has created a massive distrust of our government. In response, Americans are acquiring an unprecedented amount of guns and ammunition. We are either on the verge of civil war or capitulation to the growing destructive powers from within. This President and his Islamic-influenced Administration are the cause and effect of the fear Americans feel today.
More
Martin O'Malley Makes Cover Of NRA Magazine
The National Rifle Association put me on the cover of one of their magazines. How extreme are they if supporting background checks and handgun licenses makes me a menace? This is why we fight.
Posted by Martin O'Malley on Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Howard Co. school district considering a calendar without Jewish holidays
WASHINGTON — Some parents in Howard County are up in arms, confused over a new proposal to the school board that would remove the two existing Jewish holidays from the school calendar.
Emily Greenberger says part of the reason her family moved to Howard County was for its diversity.
“Part of that diversity is not just celebrating the Christian holidays. It’s celebrating our holidays and other people’s holidays,” Greenberger says.
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Emily Greenberger says part of the reason her family moved to Howard County was for its diversity.
“Part of that diversity is not just celebrating the Christian holidays. It’s celebrating our holidays and other people’s holidays,” Greenberger says.
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The Conservative Case for Temporarily Stopping All Immigration To America
“We are not a nation of immigrants. We are a nation of citizens.” – Mark Levin
Immigration is not good for America. At least, not anymore. Immigration has benefitted our nation a great deal and it certainly can do so again, but as long as our current rules are in place, immigration can only hurt our country.
Whether your ancestors came over on the Mayflower or you became a citizen yesterday, an American is an American is an American.
However, even though that’s true, the presumption of our immigration laws seems to be that any person, from any culture, of any educational status, from any country is just as likely to come to America, fit in and become a productive citizen.
That idea is ridiculous on its face.
The whole idea that it doesn’t matter whether we bring in large numbers of uneducated people from socialistic countries with backward cultures where they don’t speak English or large numbers of highly educated people from capitalistic countries with Western cultures that speak English makes no sense. Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule, but unquestionably members of one group are much more likely to fit in, assimilate and add to the tax base than the other group.
Worse yet, America’s immigration system is family-based instead of merit-based. How does it make America better for us to favor someone’s uneducated Grandpa from a Third World nation over a rocket scientist in his late twenties from Israel or Australia just because Grandpa has a relative in the United States?
Once again, you can read it all here.
Immigration is not good for America. At least, not anymore. Immigration has benefitted our nation a great deal and it certainly can do so again, but as long as our current rules are in place, immigration can only hurt our country.
Whether your ancestors came over on the Mayflower or you became a citizen yesterday, an American is an American is an American.
However, even though that’s true, the presumption of our immigration laws seems to be that any person, from any culture, of any educational status, from any country is just as likely to come to America, fit in and become a productive citizen.
That idea is ridiculous on its face.
The whole idea that it doesn’t matter whether we bring in large numbers of uneducated people from socialistic countries with backward cultures where they don’t speak English or large numbers of highly educated people from capitalistic countries with Western cultures that speak English makes no sense. Yes, there are always exceptions to the rule, but unquestionably members of one group are much more likely to fit in, assimilate and add to the tax base than the other group.
Worse yet, America’s immigration system is family-based instead of merit-based. How does it make America better for us to favor someone’s uneducated Grandpa from a Third World nation over a rocket scientist in his late twenties from Israel or Australia just because Grandpa has a relative in the United States?
Once again, you can read it all here.
Opec Bid to Kill Off US Shale Sends Oil Price Down to 2009 Low
Oil prices have slumped by 5% after the latest attempt by Saudi Arabia to kill off the threat from the US shale industry sent crude to its lowest level since the depths of the global recession almost seven years ago.
Signs of disarray in the Opec oil cartel prompted fears of a global glut of oil, wiping $2 off the price of a barrel of crude on Monday and leading to speculation that energy costs could continue tumbling over the coming weeks.
Shares in energy companies lost ground as the impact of the drop in oil prices rippled through European stock markets. Prices of other commodities also weakened following disappointment among traders that Opec had decided late last week to keep flooding the global market with cheap oil.
Saudi Arabia needs oil prices of $100 a barrel to balance its budget, but as the world’s biggest exporter of crude, it is gambling that the low price will knock out the threat posed by so-called "unconventional" supplies, such as US shale.
More
Signs of disarray in the Opec oil cartel prompted fears of a global glut of oil, wiping $2 off the price of a barrel of crude on Monday and leading to speculation that energy costs could continue tumbling over the coming weeks.
Shares in energy companies lost ground as the impact of the drop in oil prices rippled through European stock markets. Prices of other commodities also weakened following disappointment among traders that Opec had decided late last week to keep flooding the global market with cheap oil.
Saudi Arabia needs oil prices of $100 a barrel to balance its budget, but as the world’s biggest exporter of crude, it is gambling that the low price will knock out the threat posed by so-called "unconventional" supplies, such as US shale.
More
When Drawing Districts, Should States Count Each Person Or Each Voter?
An elections case before the Supreme Court could dramatically change the way state legislative districts are drawn and could tilt some states in a decidedly more Republican direction.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday weighs an elections case that could dramatically change the way state legislative districts are drawn and could tilt some states in a decidedly more Republican direction.
The federal Constitution is clear. The national government's House of Representatives is to be apportioned based on the total population in each district, and the census is to count each person, whether eligible to vote or not, so that all are represented. The status of state legislative districts, however, is less clear.
Until 1964, state legislative districts often varied wildly in population. In Alabama, for instance, the population variances between two state Senate districts was 41-1. In a landmark 1964 decision, the Supreme Court struck down the Alabama redistricting and ruled by an 8-1 vote that the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection mandates the principle of "one person, one vote."
But what does that mean? Does it mean that the total population of state legislative districts should be equal, or does it mean the number of eligible voters in the districts should be equal, or the number of registered voters?
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The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday weighs an elections case that could dramatically change the way state legislative districts are drawn and could tilt some states in a decidedly more Republican direction.
The federal Constitution is clear. The national government's House of Representatives is to be apportioned based on the total population in each district, and the census is to count each person, whether eligible to vote or not, so that all are represented. The status of state legislative districts, however, is less clear.
Until 1964, state legislative districts often varied wildly in population. In Alabama, for instance, the population variances between two state Senate districts was 41-1. In a landmark 1964 decision, the Supreme Court struck down the Alabama redistricting and ruled by an 8-1 vote that the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection mandates the principle of "one person, one vote."
But what does that mean? Does it mean that the total population of state legislative districts should be equal, or does it mean the number of eligible voters in the districts should be equal, or the number of registered voters?
More
Yale Couple Flees Classroom Amid Free Speech Chill
Anti-free speech demonstrators at one of America’s most vaunted universities have claimed a pair of scalps – a husband-wife duo who say teaching is too much trouble in a campus climate “not conducive to civil dialogue.”
Yale University professors Nicholas and Erika Christakis, who both have always gotten overwhelmingly positive reviews from students, said they have had enough, after an email she sent sparked a campus-wide controversy that soon pulled him in.
“I have great respect and affection for my students, but I worry that the current climate at Yale is not, in my view, conducive to the civil dialogue and open inquiry required to solve our urgent societal problems,” she said in an email to The Washington Post.
The affair began in October, when Erika Christakis, a psychology professor and associate master at the school’s Silliman College, one of a dozen residential communities, sent out an email defending the right of students to wear costumes which may be “culturally appropriating.” That spurred outrage and led to one student confronting Nicholas Christakis on the campus quad and berating him in a shocking episode that was caught on video that soon went viral.
The video showed Nicholas Christakis, a physician and professor of social and natural science, calmly trying to reason with a student who was screaming at him for not keeping students “safe,” as others snapped their fingers in a trendy sign of approval.
More here
Yale University professors Nicholas and Erika Christakis, who both have always gotten overwhelmingly positive reviews from students, said they have had enough, after an email she sent sparked a campus-wide controversy that soon pulled him in.
“I have great respect and affection for my students, but I worry that the current climate at Yale is not, in my view, conducive to the civil dialogue and open inquiry required to solve our urgent societal problems,” she said in an email to The Washington Post.
The affair began in October, when Erika Christakis, a psychology professor and associate master at the school’s Silliman College, one of a dozen residential communities, sent out an email defending the right of students to wear costumes which may be “culturally appropriating.” That spurred outrage and led to one student confronting Nicholas Christakis on the campus quad and berating him in a shocking episode that was caught on video that soon went viral.
The video showed Nicholas Christakis, a physician and professor of social and natural science, calmly trying to reason with a student who was screaming at him for not keeping students “safe,” as others snapped their fingers in a trendy sign of approval.
More here
New Benghazi Email Shows DOD Offered State Department “Forces that Could Move to Benghazi” Immediately – Specifics Blacked Out in New Document
(Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch today released a new Benghazi email from then-Department of Defense Chief of Staff Jeremy Bash to State Department leadership immediately offering “forces that could move to Benghazi” during the terrorist attack on the U.S. Special Mission Compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012. In an email sent to top Department of State officials, at 7:19 p.m. ET, only hours after the attack had begun, Bash says, “we have identified the forces that could move to Benghazi. They are spinning up as we speak.” The Obama administration redacted the details of the military forces available, oddly citing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) exemption that allows the withholding of “deliberative process” information.
Bash’s email seems to directly contradict testimony given by then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta before the Senate Armed Services Committee in February 2013. Defending the Obama administration’s lack of military response to the nearly six-hour-long attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Panetta claimedthat “time, distance, the lack of an adequate warning, events that moved very quickly on the ground prevented a more immediate response.”
The first assault occurred at the main compound at about 9:40 pm local time – 3:40 p.m. ET in Washington, DC. The second attack on a CIA annex 1.2 miles away began three hours later, at about 12 am local time the following morning – 6 p.m. ET.
The newly released email reads:
From: Bash, Jeremy CIV SD [REDACTED]
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 7:19 PM
To: Sullivan, Jacob J; Sherman, Wendy R; Nides, Thomas R
Cc: Miller, James HON OSD POLICY; Wienefeld, James A ADM JSC VCJCS; Kelly, John LtGen SD; martin, dempsey [REDACTED]
Subject: Libya
State colleagues:
I just tried you on the phone but you were all in with S [apparent reference to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton].
After consulting with General Dempsey, General Ham and the Joint Staff, we have identified the forces that could move to Benghazi. They are spinning up as we speak. They include a [REDACTED].
Assuming Principals agree to deploy these elements, we will ask State to procure the approval from host nation. Please advise how you wish to convey that approval to us [REDACTED].
Jeremy
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Bash’s email seems to directly contradict testimony given by then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta before the Senate Armed Services Committee in February 2013. Defending the Obama administration’s lack of military response to the nearly six-hour-long attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Panetta claimedthat “time, distance, the lack of an adequate warning, events that moved very quickly on the ground prevented a more immediate response.”
The first assault occurred at the main compound at about 9:40 pm local time – 3:40 p.m. ET in Washington, DC. The second attack on a CIA annex 1.2 miles away began three hours later, at about 12 am local time the following morning – 6 p.m. ET.
The newly released email reads:
From: Bash, Jeremy CIV SD [REDACTED]
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 7:19 PM
To: Sullivan, Jacob J; Sherman, Wendy R; Nides, Thomas R
Cc: Miller, James HON OSD POLICY; Wienefeld, James A ADM JSC VCJCS; Kelly, John LtGen SD; martin, dempsey [REDACTED]
Subject: Libya
State colleagues:
I just tried you on the phone but you were all in with S [apparent reference to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton].
After consulting with General Dempsey, General Ham and the Joint Staff, we have identified the forces that could move to Benghazi. They are spinning up as we speak. They include a [REDACTED].
Assuming Principals agree to deploy these elements, we will ask State to procure the approval from host nation. Please advise how you wish to convey that approval to us [REDACTED].
Jeremy
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Why the No-Fly List Gun-Grabbers Are Far More Extreme Than Donald Trump
Newsflash Bedwetters: With his proposed ban on Muslim immigrants, Donald Trump is not demanding anything that will result in a single American citizen being stripped of his or her Constitutional rights without due process. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Democrats, and the DC Media are.
If we are going to talk about extremism, let’s talk about extremism.
I’m not in favor of Trump’s ban on all Muslim immigration. In fact, it’s these shoot-from-the-hip proposals that keep from becoming a Trump voter. By all means, let Trump be Trump. There is much to love about the man. But until he can dial it down from an 11 to, say, an 8.5, until I see some presidential discipline, he worries me. And if you saw Trump’s appearance on “Morning Joe” this morning, it was obvious he had not thought this proposal through.
I agree there’s a disease in Islam that is spreading. For that reason I completely agree with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’s proposal to ban immigration from areas where ISIS and al Qaeda have captured land or influence. But I also agree that a sweeping proposal like this alienates America Muslims. On an emotional level that bothers me. On a domestic security level, we need these folks to continue to say something if they see something. Part of assimilating is being welcoming as a nation.
So, yes, Trump’s position on this issue is extreme. But it is nowhere near as extreme or un-Constitutional or un-American as gun control.
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If we are going to talk about extremism, let’s talk about extremism.
I’m not in favor of Trump’s ban on all Muslim immigration. In fact, it’s these shoot-from-the-hip proposals that keep from becoming a Trump voter. By all means, let Trump be Trump. There is much to love about the man. But until he can dial it down from an 11 to, say, an 8.5, until I see some presidential discipline, he worries me. And if you saw Trump’s appearance on “Morning Joe” this morning, it was obvious he had not thought this proposal through.
I agree there’s a disease in Islam that is spreading. For that reason I completely agree with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)’s proposal to ban immigration from areas where ISIS and al Qaeda have captured land or influence. But I also agree that a sweeping proposal like this alienates America Muslims. On an emotional level that bothers me. On a domestic security level, we need these folks to continue to say something if they see something. Part of assimilating is being welcoming as a nation.
So, yes, Trump’s position on this issue is extreme. But it is nowhere near as extreme or un-Constitutional or un-American as gun control.
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JUST IN: Senate clears major new education bill, sends it to Obama
The way the nation's public schools are evaluated -- teachers, students and the schools themselves -- is headed for a major makeover, with a sweeping shift from federal to state control over school accountability and student testing.
The Senate on Wednesday voted 85-12 to approve legislation rewriting the landmark No Child Left Behind education law of 2002, now widely unpopular and criticized as unworkable and unrealistic. The measure now goes to the White House, where President Barack Obama is expected to sign it.
The bill would keep a key feature of No Child: the federally mandated statewide reading and math exams in grades three to eight and one such test in high school. But it would encourage states to set caps on the time students spend on testing and it would diminish the high stakes associated with these exams for underperforming schools.
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The Senate on Wednesday voted 85-12 to approve legislation rewriting the landmark No Child Left Behind education law of 2002, now widely unpopular and criticized as unworkable and unrealistic. The measure now goes to the White House, where President Barack Obama is expected to sign it.
The bill would keep a key feature of No Child: the federally mandated statewide reading and math exams in grades three to eight and one such test in high school. But it would encourage states to set caps on the time students spend on testing and it would diminish the high stakes associated with these exams for underperforming schools.
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OBAMA ARMS ISIS-LINKED MILITANTS – WITHOUT BACKGROUND CHECKS!
Democratic senator also caught lying about gun statistics
Gun control advocates want to enact “universal background checks” for guns in response to the San Bernardino shooting, even though President Obama wasn’t performing stringent background checks on ISIS-linked “moderate rebels” he was arming in Syria.
The demand for more gun control is also strange considering that the shooting occurred in California, a state that already has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation, and the fact that Obama is letting “refugees” with terrorist ties into the country.
“In California, we have tough gun laws; I don’t know how these weapons [involved in the shooting] got where they were… we’ll find out,” Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said on the Senate floor Thursday. “And people say, well, we have these gun laws but look at this: we’ve had a 56% reduction in gun violence since 1993 in my great state because we have taken action.”
But the significant decline in violent crimes since the mid-1990s occurred all over the U.S., not just California, and that decline coincided with an increase in private gun ownership.
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Gun control advocates want to enact “universal background checks” for guns in response to the San Bernardino shooting, even though President Obama wasn’t performing stringent background checks on ISIS-linked “moderate rebels” he was arming in Syria.
The demand for more gun control is also strange considering that the shooting occurred in California, a state that already has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation, and the fact that Obama is letting “refugees” with terrorist ties into the country.
“In California, we have tough gun laws; I don’t know how these weapons [involved in the shooting] got where they were… we’ll find out,” Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said on the Senate floor Thursday. “And people say, well, we have these gun laws but look at this: we’ve had a 56% reduction in gun violence since 1993 in my great state because we have taken action.”
But the significant decline in violent crimes since the mid-1990s occurred all over the U.S., not just California, and that decline coincided with an increase in private gun ownership.
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New legislation considers ban on the practice of predatory towing, allows for regulation
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Towing companies that have gone unregulated for years could now be in for a rude awakening. Federal legislation signed by President Obama could bring changes to the industry and potentially an end to a practice the 7 ON YOUR SIDE I-Team discovered is both controversial and widespread.
The practice, called spotting, is used widely by towing companies in the DC area. The 7 ON YOUR SIDE I-Team saw it in practice during an investigation earlier this year. Basically spotting involves the use of individuals stationed inside a private lot. They call in a tow truck as soon as you step off the lot, even if it's just to inquire as to whether you can legal park in that area.
Spotting is considered by many lawmakers as a predatory practice. But it may not exist much longer. That's because President Obama has signed into law an amendment proposed by two lawmakers in the DMV. United States Representatives Don Beyer of Virginia and Chris VanHollen of Maryland's plan gives local governments the power to crack down on predatory towing practices. Beyer tells 7 ON YOUR SIDE the amendment was needed because towing companies have not been regulated in 20 years.
But now states will have the chance to police towing companies with more stringent rules of their own creation, including provisions on spotting.
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The practice, called spotting, is used widely by towing companies in the DC area. The 7 ON YOUR SIDE I-Team saw it in practice during an investigation earlier this year. Basically spotting involves the use of individuals stationed inside a private lot. They call in a tow truck as soon as you step off the lot, even if it's just to inquire as to whether you can legal park in that area.
Spotting is considered by many lawmakers as a predatory practice. But it may not exist much longer. That's because President Obama has signed into law an amendment proposed by two lawmakers in the DMV. United States Representatives Don Beyer of Virginia and Chris VanHollen of Maryland's plan gives local governments the power to crack down on predatory towing practices. Beyer tells 7 ON YOUR SIDE the amendment was needed because towing companies have not been regulated in 20 years.
But now states will have the chance to police towing companies with more stringent rules of their own creation, including provisions on spotting.
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Troopers Investigate Robbery of the Gumboro Liquor Store
Millsboro, DE – Troopers are investigating an armed robbery of the Gumboro Liquor Store, located at 38398 Millsboro Highway, which occurred early yesterday evening.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday December 8, 2015 when a male suspect wearing a mask entered the store and approached a 23-year-old female employee and a 29-year-old female employee at the counter. The suspect was armed with an unknown type handgun and demanded money from the register. The clerks complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then fled the business in an unknown direction. The female employees were uninjured in this incident.
The suspect was described as a white male, 5’10”-6’00” tall, 190-200 lbs., wearing a skeleton face mask, blue hooded Penn State sweatshirt, camouflage jacket, blue jeans, and brown boots (No further physical or clothing description available). He was armed with an unknown type handgun.
Surveillance photos attached.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective S. Kelly at 302-752-3739. Information may also be provided by callingDelaware 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."
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday December 8, 2015 when a male suspect wearing a mask entered the store and approached a 23-year-old female employee and a 29-year-old female employee at the counter. The suspect was armed with an unknown type handgun and demanded money from the register. The clerks complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then fled the business in an unknown direction. The female employees were uninjured in this incident.
The suspect was described as a white male, 5’10”-6’00” tall, 190-200 lbs., wearing a skeleton face mask, blue hooded Penn State sweatshirt, camouflage jacket, blue jeans, and brown boots (No further physical or clothing description available). He was armed with an unknown type handgun.
Surveillance photos attached.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact Detective S. Kelly at 302-752-3739. Information may also be provided by callingDelaware 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."
LIBERALS NOW OPENLY ADMIT: ‘WE MUST DESTROY THE SECOND AMENDMENT’
Flat-out, YES the left wants an all-out ban on guns
Kudos to Salon. While Conservatives have been told that they’re crazy, and that “nobody wants to take your guns away!” Salon has the courage to admit that what liberals really want (what they’ve always wanted) is to completely repeal the Second Amendment…
We know this intuitively, since we’ve had to add numerous amendments to make up for their failures, lack, or just plain ignorance. But if we can add, we can also take away, by interpreting the Second Amendment differently or passing a new amendment that would effectively repeal it. We should never do so lightly, of course—taking away rights can be, and often is, a risky enterprise. But the purpose of a right should be individual and collective flourishing. A right, in other words, has as its goal the individual and common good, even if we don’t like to use such weighty moral terminology nowadays.
It’s not clear to me that gun ownership accomplishes that purpose. It seems more the case that it works against the good of all, in the havoc and murder it wreaks but also in the fear that in promotes. At the very least, we should have a discussion about the relationship of guns to the common good, instead of appealing like a fundamentalist to “rights” every time something happens that questions their value.
Flat-out, YES the left wants an all-out ban on guns. We’re not surprised by this at all, but for some liberals who think “gun control” is all about thorough background checks, limited capacity magazines, or the banning of scary guns based on their blackness or pistol grips, this could be news. Hopefully you’re sitting down. We told you so. Times a million.
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Kudos to Salon. While Conservatives have been told that they’re crazy, and that “nobody wants to take your guns away!” Salon has the courage to admit that what liberals really want (what they’ve always wanted) is to completely repeal the Second Amendment…
We know this intuitively, since we’ve had to add numerous amendments to make up for their failures, lack, or just plain ignorance. But if we can add, we can also take away, by interpreting the Second Amendment differently or passing a new amendment that would effectively repeal it. We should never do so lightly, of course—taking away rights can be, and often is, a risky enterprise. But the purpose of a right should be individual and collective flourishing. A right, in other words, has as its goal the individual and common good, even if we don’t like to use such weighty moral terminology nowadays.
It’s not clear to me that gun ownership accomplishes that purpose. It seems more the case that it works against the good of all, in the havoc and murder it wreaks but also in the fear that in promotes. At the very least, we should have a discussion about the relationship of guns to the common good, instead of appealing like a fundamentalist to “rights” every time something happens that questions their value.
Flat-out, YES the left wants an all-out ban on guns. We’re not surprised by this at all, but for some liberals who think “gun control” is all about thorough background checks, limited capacity magazines, or the banning of scary guns based on their blackness or pistol grips, this could be news. Hopefully you’re sitting down. We told you so. Times a million.
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Police say Frederick man repeatedly choked, beat girlfriend
Police said a Frederick man choked and beat his girlfriend repeatedly over the weekend, then tried to flee the area when she called 911.
Aras Khalal Mahmoud, 22, of the 1400 block of Key Parkway, was charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property less than $1,000 and three counts of second-degree assault, according to charging documents filed in Frederick County District Court. His girlfriend had obvious signs of injury when police met her at her apartment shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday.
“He tried to kill me,” the woman kept telling officers, according to charging documents.
The abuse began in Washington on Saturday night when Mahmoud choked the woman until she passed out after he became angry with her, the documents state. Later, at the woman’s apartment, Mahmoud punched the woman several times and struck her with a belt, the documents state.
Mahmoud apologized the next day and swore on a copy of the Quran that he would never hurt her again, but became abusive almost immediately after she agreed to take him to the McDonald’s in the 1200 block of West Patrick Street just before 3 p.m. Sunday, the documents state.
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Aras Khalal Mahmoud, 22, of the 1400 block of Key Parkway, was charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property less than $1,000 and three counts of second-degree assault, according to charging documents filed in Frederick County District Court. His girlfriend had obvious signs of injury when police met her at her apartment shortly after 3 p.m. Sunday.
“He tried to kill me,” the woman kept telling officers, according to charging documents.
The abuse began in Washington on Saturday night when Mahmoud choked the woman until she passed out after he became angry with her, the documents state. Later, at the woman’s apartment, Mahmoud punched the woman several times and struck her with a belt, the documents state.
Mahmoud apologized the next day and swore on a copy of the Quran that he would never hurt her again, but became abusive almost immediately after she agreed to take him to the McDonald’s in the 1200 block of West Patrick Street just before 3 p.m. Sunday, the documents state.
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Police Charge Man with Stabbing 6-Year-Old to Death During Home Invasion
Police in Kentucky have arrested an Indiana man for the stabbing death of a 6-year-old boy, killed during a home invasion in a seemingly totally unprovoked attack.
Police in Versailles, Kentucky, arrested Ronald Exantus, 32, after being called about a home invasion at around 4AM on the morning of Monday, December 7.
The homeowner told officials that Exantus broke into the home, and after wandering around for a while on the bottom floor, soon mounted the stairs, entered the room of the sleeping child, and viciously stabbed the child several times in the head “with a large kitchen knife that he obtained in the house,” according to Fox 59.
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Police in Versailles, Kentucky, arrested Ronald Exantus, 32, after being called about a home invasion at around 4AM on the morning of Monday, December 7.
The homeowner told officials that Exantus broke into the home, and after wandering around for a while on the bottom floor, soon mounted the stairs, entered the room of the sleeping child, and viciously stabbed the child several times in the head “with a large kitchen knife that he obtained in the house,” according to Fox 59.
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FRIEND OF VICTIM: FAROOK THREATENED TO KILL JEWS, SAID “ISLAM WILL RULE THE WORLD”
"They aren't reporting that in the news, I wonder why"
A close friend of Nicholas Thalasinos, one of the victims of the San Bernardino shooting, said that gunman Sayed Farook had threatened to kill Thalasinos because he was Jewish and asserted that “Islam will rule the world.”
CV Claverie posted the following Facebook message on Thursday evening;
“The islamic terrorist who took the Life of my friend & bro in Christ, Nicholas Thalasinos, on yesterday in San Bernadino, CA, had been threatening him, telling him that islam will rule the world, Christians and Jews deserve to die; and that he (Nicholas) was going to die.”
“But, they aren’t reporting that in the “news” …I wonder why …”
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A close friend of Nicholas Thalasinos, one of the victims of the San Bernardino shooting, said that gunman Sayed Farook had threatened to kill Thalasinos because he was Jewish and asserted that “Islam will rule the world.”
CV Claverie posted the following Facebook message on Thursday evening;
“The islamic terrorist who took the Life of my friend & bro in Christ, Nicholas Thalasinos, on yesterday in San Bernadino, CA, had been threatening him, telling him that islam will rule the world, Christians and Jews deserve to die; and that he (Nicholas) was going to die.”
“But, they aren’t reporting that in the “news” …I wonder why …”
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Gingrich: ‘What Happened in California Was an Act of War'
Commenting on the radical Islamist terror attack in San Bernardino, Calif., former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said that “what happened in California was an act of war,” and that “we need to drop” the idea that these attacks are just “random terror acts.”
“What happened in California was an act of war,” said Speaker Gingrich on Fox’s Hannity on Dec. 4. “We need to drop this notion that there are these random terror acts.”
“This was an act of war,” he said. “It was an attack on America by people who want to destroy our way of life.”
Gingrich continued, “And once we get this in our head -- these are acts of war going on. These are people, there are a thousand cases of people preparing to wage war against the United States.”
“And you have an attorney general, and a president, and a secretary of state who are incapable of understanding the reality of the world we live in,” said Gingrich.
Remarking further, Gingrich said, “The president contemptuously talked about how Republicans were afraid of orphans and widows because he apparently has no notion of how often women have been very successful and very effective terrorists.”
More here
“What happened in California was an act of war,” said Speaker Gingrich on Fox’s Hannity on Dec. 4. “We need to drop this notion that there are these random terror acts.”
“This was an act of war,” he said. “It was an attack on America by people who want to destroy our way of life.”
Gingrich continued, “And once we get this in our head -- these are acts of war going on. These are people, there are a thousand cases of people preparing to wage war against the United States.”
“And you have an attorney general, and a president, and a secretary of state who are incapable of understanding the reality of the world we live in,” said Gingrich.
Remarking further, Gingrich said, “The president contemptuously talked about how Republicans were afraid of orphans and widows because he apparently has no notion of how often women have been very successful and very effective terrorists.”
More here
NYT RUNS ANTI-SECOND AMENDMENT OP-ED ON FRONT PAGE
First time an editorial has appeared on front page in nearly a century
The New York Times has not run an editorial on its front page since it opposed the Warren G. Harding presidential bid in 1920.
The San Bernardino rampage has changed that.
On Saturday the so-called newspaper of record placed an anti-Second Amendment editorial on its front page.
“End the Gun Epidemic in America” is collectively written by the newspaper’s editorial board.
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The New York Times has not run an editorial on its front page since it opposed the Warren G. Harding presidential bid in 1920.
The San Bernardino rampage has changed that.
On Saturday the so-called newspaper of record placed an anti-Second Amendment editorial on its front page.
“End the Gun Epidemic in America” is collectively written by the newspaper’s editorial board.
More
Chris Kyle’s Widow Outshoots NRA World Shooting Champion
Taya Kyle won a charity shooting competition with the winner of the National Rifle Association’s 2015 World Shooting Championship on Saturday.
The shoot-off doubled as a fundraising event for the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation and raised $1 million for the charity, Fox News reports. The money was put up by TrackingPoint, the company whose smart scope gave Taya Kyle the advantage she needed to beat professional shooter Bruce Piatt. The company set up the charity event as a way of proving its computerized scopes could turn a novice shooter into an expert marksman.
Taya, the widow of American Sniper author Chris Kyle and founder of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, managed to complete all 29 targets without a single miss. Piatt, using traditional sights, hit 58.4 percent of his shots.
Read more here
The shoot-off doubled as a fundraising event for the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation and raised $1 million for the charity, Fox News reports. The money was put up by TrackingPoint, the company whose smart scope gave Taya Kyle the advantage she needed to beat professional shooter Bruce Piatt. The company set up the charity event as a way of proving its computerized scopes could turn a novice shooter into an expert marksman.
Taya, the widow of American Sniper author Chris Kyle and founder of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, managed to complete all 29 targets without a single miss. Piatt, using traditional sights, hit 58.4 percent of his shots.
Read more here
Hogan intent on reforming state’s dysfunctional regulatory process
According to Gov. Larry Hogan and his Maryland Business Regulatory Commission, what Mandel was able to accomplish has been slowly but inexorably eroded over the decades, and the time has come to once again do a major overhaul.
We support this important initiative aimed at making the state’s regulatory process more efficient and effective, and customer-service more friendly to both individuals and businesses.
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Texas Imam Agrees with Trump
A Texas Imam agrees with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s controversial suggestion that America set-up a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” until further investigation can be done. The Imam also said there should be a ban of Syrian refugees of any religion.
The Imam, Nidal Alsayyed, who leads a Beaumont, Texas, mosque agrees with both Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Governor Abbott called for a halt to relocation of Syrian refugees into Texas after the Paris terrorist attacks. He also called upon President Obama to stop the importation of these refugees into the U.S., as reported by Breitbart Texas’ Bob Price.
On Monday Trump called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on,” as reported by Breitbart News.
Alsayyed, the Imam from east Texas told his local television station, “I certainly see it to be wise [to] stop temporarily accepting any new Muslim immigrants [refugees and non-refugees] into the United States.”
Alsayyed leads the Islamic Center of Triplex. He said the halt applies to new refugees of any religion and he does not believe that taking this action is unconstitutional. The Muslim religious leader said these actions are acceptable “when it comes to peace and safety.” He also added, “This should not prevent the United States to fulfill its duties towards international partners.”
The Texas Imam said, “It does not matter whether Trump said it or anyone else … American Muslims need to say we are with this country.
More here
The Imam, Nidal Alsayyed, who leads a Beaumont, Texas, mosque agrees with both Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Governor Abbott called for a halt to relocation of Syrian refugees into Texas after the Paris terrorist attacks. He also called upon President Obama to stop the importation of these refugees into the U.S., as reported by Breitbart Texas’ Bob Price.
On Monday Trump called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on,” as reported by Breitbart News.
Alsayyed, the Imam from east Texas told his local television station, “I certainly see it to be wise [to] stop temporarily accepting any new Muslim immigrants [refugees and non-refugees] into the United States.”
Alsayyed leads the Islamic Center of Triplex. He said the halt applies to new refugees of any religion and he does not believe that taking this action is unconstitutional. The Muslim religious leader said these actions are acceptable “when it comes to peace and safety.” He also added, “This should not prevent the United States to fulfill its duties towards international partners.”
The Texas Imam said, “It does not matter whether Trump said it or anyone else … American Muslims need to say we are with this country.
More here
ObamaCare and Gay Marriage Proponents are Far More Extreme Than Donald Trump
While I disagree with Trump’s proposal to temporarily ban all Muslim immigration (the reasons are spelled out here), and am very comfortable labeling his proposal as extreme, what’s lacking in this debate is context and perspective. Nothing Trump is proposing in this ban in any way violates anyone’s Constitutional or human rights. This is not true, though, for those in favor of gay marriage or Obama Care.
If you want to talk about extreme, let’s talk about extreme…
No foreigner has a Constitutional, legal, moral or human right to come to America. That doesn’t make it okay to ban all Muslims — in fact, it is not okay. What is far less okay, though, is the violation of human rights that have come from ObamaCare and the legalizing of same sex marriage.
Almost all of the same shrill, hypocritical Leftists and DC Media-types screaming “religious freedom!” in opposition to Trump’s immigration ban, are the very same fascists aggressively using the federal government to strip Americans protected by the Constitution of their human rights, specifically the right to honor their religious conscience.
More here
If you want to talk about extreme, let’s talk about extreme…
No foreigner has a Constitutional, legal, moral or human right to come to America. That doesn’t make it okay to ban all Muslims — in fact, it is not okay. What is far less okay, though, is the violation of human rights that have come from ObamaCare and the legalizing of same sex marriage.
Almost all of the same shrill, hypocritical Leftists and DC Media-types screaming “religious freedom!” in opposition to Trump’s immigration ban, are the very same fascists aggressively using the federal government to strip Americans protected by the Constitution of their human rights, specifically the right to honor their religious conscience.
More here
Prosecution Rests in Porter Trial After Testimony From Criminal Justice Expert
The prosecution rested late Tuesday in the case against Officer William Porter, the first of six to stand trial in the death of Freddie Gray.
The jury was sent home late Tuesday morning as Judge Barry Williams prepared to settle what he termed "legal issues," including a routine defense motion to dismiss based on a lack of evidence to proceed. That motion was denied.
Gray died April 19, one week after being injured in a police transport van after he was arrested. His death sparked protests and riots in the city. Porter is charged with second degree assault, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. The prosecution has been presenting its case since Wednesday afternoon.
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The jury was sent home late Tuesday morning as Judge Barry Williams prepared to settle what he termed "legal issues," including a routine defense motion to dismiss based on a lack of evidence to proceed. That motion was denied.
Gray died April 19, one week after being injured in a police transport van after he was arrested. His death sparked protests and riots in the city. Porter is charged with second degree assault, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. The prosecution has been presenting its case since Wednesday afternoon.
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VEHICLE ALERTS POLICE AFTER DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO FLEE HIT-AND-RUN
"Your car called in saying you had been involved in an accident... Did you leave the scene of an accident?”
A Florida woman was arrested for a hit-and-run late last month after her vehicle automatically alerted law enforcement.
The driver, 57-year-old Cathy Bernstein, reportedly struck another vehicle from behind last Monday before fleeing the scene in her black Ford Focus.
As first responders attended to the victim, who was taken to a nearby hospital with possible back injuries, police dispatch received an automated call from the Ford’s “911 assist” system.
The feature, which must be enabled manually to operate, syncs to a driver’s cell phone over Bluetooth and notifies law enforcement when an accident is detected.
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A Florida woman was arrested for a hit-and-run late last month after her vehicle automatically alerted law enforcement.
The driver, 57-year-old Cathy Bernstein, reportedly struck another vehicle from behind last Monday before fleeing the scene in her black Ford Focus.
As first responders attended to the victim, who was taken to a nearby hospital with possible back injuries, police dispatch received an automated call from the Ford’s “911 assist” system.
The feature, which must be enabled manually to operate, syncs to a driver’s cell phone over Bluetooth and notifies law enforcement when an accident is detected.
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HOW OBAMA IS USING THE GROSSLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL “NO FLY LIST” TO PUSH GUN CONTROL
The faux “liberal” who holds the White House was at it once again last night.
As he’s accustomed to doing, he presented a radically undemocratic and unconstitutional practice as a common sense appeal to the American public to accept gun control. What I am referring to specifically is the following passage from last night’s speech:
To begin with, Congress should act to make sure no one on a no-fly list is able to buy a gun. What could possibly be the argument for allowing a terrorist suspect to buy a semi-automatic weapon? This is a matter of national security.
Obama is not stupid. He knows exactly how shady the no fly list is, yet he’s pushing it on national television as a way to enact gun control. The effectiveness of his bullshit depends on an unbelievably ignorant voter base, as well as the cultish, thoughtless devotion from what’s left of his zombified supporters.
To explain what I mean, it’s important to understand what the “no-fly” list actually is. As relates to a lawsuit it filed against the government on behalf of veterans placed on the list without notice, the ACLU notes the following:
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As he’s accustomed to doing, he presented a radically undemocratic and unconstitutional practice as a common sense appeal to the American public to accept gun control. What I am referring to specifically is the following passage from last night’s speech:
To begin with, Congress should act to make sure no one on a no-fly list is able to buy a gun. What could possibly be the argument for allowing a terrorist suspect to buy a semi-automatic weapon? This is a matter of national security.
Obama is not stupid. He knows exactly how shady the no fly list is, yet he’s pushing it on national television as a way to enact gun control. The effectiveness of his bullshit depends on an unbelievably ignorant voter base, as well as the cultish, thoughtless devotion from what’s left of his zombified supporters.
To explain what I mean, it’s important to understand what the “no-fly” list actually is. As relates to a lawsuit it filed against the government on behalf of veterans placed on the list without notice, the ACLU notes the following:
More
Rand Paul Seeks Repeal Of DC Anti-Gun Laws
GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WANTS TO BOLSTER SECOND AMENDMENT FREEDOM IN OUR NATION’S CAPITAL
U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has introduced legislation that would revoke Washington, D.C.’s invasive firearm restrictions. Paul’s bill – the “Defend Our Capital Act of 2015″- was introduced as an amendment to a health care bill.
The legislation would “remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia,” while also requiring the district “to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.”
“For too long the Americans who live in and visit their nation’s capital have been prevented from defending themselves and their loved ones,” Paul said. “No longer should our citizens have to choose between safety or visiting Washington, D.C.”
We concur.
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U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has introduced legislation that would revoke Washington, D.C.’s invasive firearm restrictions. Paul’s bill – the “Defend Our Capital Act of 2015″- was introduced as an amendment to a health care bill.
The legislation would “remove existing restrictive firearm ownership laws in the District of Columbia,” while also requiring the district “to issue and grant reciprocity for concealed weapons permits for both residents and non-residents.”
“For too long the Americans who live in and visit their nation’s capital have been prevented from defending themselves and their loved ones,” Paul said. “No longer should our citizens have to choose between safety or visiting Washington, D.C.”
We concur.
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“Republican” Senate Must Block Barack Obama’s Radical Neighborhood Engineering
FUNDING FOR LIBERAL D.C. POWER GRAB MUST BE ZEROED OUT …
It’s been exceedingly difficult (if not impossible) for the “Republican-controlled” U.S. Senate to lift a finger in opposition to the perpetual, radical overreach of the administration of president Barack Obama. This sorry state of affairs (which we predicted last November) mirrors the chronic appeasement of the U.S. House of Representatives – which has been bending over for Obama for the last five years.
Weak …
One area where the U.S. Senate must take a stand, though, involves Obama’s “neighborhood engineering” scam – a.k.a. the so-called “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” regulation. Promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this new regulation would effectively put the federal government in charge of local zoning laws all over the country – allowing Washington, D.C. to mandate the construction of low-income housing in the middle of high-rent neighborhoods.
You know, like Hillary Clinton‘s hometown …
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It’s been exceedingly difficult (if not impossible) for the “Republican-controlled” U.S. Senate to lift a finger in opposition to the perpetual, radical overreach of the administration of president Barack Obama. This sorry state of affairs (which we predicted last November) mirrors the chronic appeasement of the U.S. House of Representatives – which has been bending over for Obama for the last five years.
Weak …
One area where the U.S. Senate must take a stand, though, involves Obama’s “neighborhood engineering” scam – a.k.a. the so-called “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” regulation. Promulgated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this new regulation would effectively put the federal government in charge of local zoning laws all over the country – allowing Washington, D.C. to mandate the construction of low-income housing in the middle of high-rent neighborhoods.
You know, like Hillary Clinton‘s hometown …
More
AMERICA: OUT OF AMMO?
GONNA BE HARD TO FIGHT A “WAR ON TERROR” LIKE THIS …
On multiple levels, it’s hard to imagine a government doing less with more.
Seriously … for the last fifteen years, it’s as though the United States of America has wanted to cease being a global power, wanted to implode its once-vibrant economy, wanted to drown its citizens in debt. It’s like Dinesh D’Souza‘s “2016: Obama’s America” theory on steroids …
The latest evidence of America’s utter imbecility? Its Air Force is running out of bombs …
That’s right. Despite receiving tens of billions of dollars in new money from taxpayers, America’s military is “expending munitions faster than we can replenish them,” according to a statement from the Air Force’s chief of staff Mark Welsh.
“We need the funding in place to ensure we’re prepared for the long fight,” Welsh added. “This is a critical need.”
Hold up … after wasting billions of dollars on airplanes that don’t work, now we discover the Pentagon is fresh out of bombs?
More
On multiple levels, it’s hard to imagine a government doing less with more.
Seriously … for the last fifteen years, it’s as though the United States of America has wanted to cease being a global power, wanted to implode its once-vibrant economy, wanted to drown its citizens in debt. It’s like Dinesh D’Souza‘s “2016: Obama’s America” theory on steroids …
The latest evidence of America’s utter imbecility? Its Air Force is running out of bombs …
That’s right. Despite receiving tens of billions of dollars in new money from taxpayers, America’s military is “expending munitions faster than we can replenish them,” according to a statement from the Air Force’s chief of staff Mark Welsh.
“We need the funding in place to ensure we’re prepared for the long fight,” Welsh added. “This is a critical need.”
Hold up … after wasting billions of dollars on airplanes that don’t work, now we discover the Pentagon is fresh out of bombs?
More
Net Neutrality Opponents, FCC Get Their Long-Awaited Day To Argue In Court
We all knew from the moment that the FCC voted to reclassify broadband and protect the open internet back in February that ISPs would file every suit they could think of to kill the rule off again, as thoroughly as could be. The suits were formally filed back in April, but the wheels of justice and government roll at something of a slow grind and so the oral arguments in the case were finally heard today.
Blueprints For St. Louis Disney Theme Park That Never Opened Its Doors Up For Sale
When it’s time to head to a Disney park, images of the warm, sunny environs of California or Florida probably come to mind. But if things had gone another way, we might have also thought of a decidedly Midwestern vibe: Walt Disney Co. had plans at one time for an indoor theme park in St. Louis, home of the Gateway Arch, with nary a palm tree in sight.
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