The White House won't call last week's attack on Philadelphia police Officer Jesse Hartnett terrorism, and House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said Tuesday that's because officials are in a "state of denial."
"I think we all know what it is," McCaul told Fox News' "Fox and Friends" program. "The American people know what it is."
Edward Archer, the man arrested in the ambush shooting of Hartnett, confessed to the attack and pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State, Philadelphia police said. But not labeling the attack as being related to Islamic terrorism, McCaul said, "it's an insult to the police officer" by not facing the real threat.
"When the defendant, the suspect, calls it an act of Islam, when he says he pledges allegiance to ISIS, and that we're going to backtrack and we're not sure what the situation," we all know what it is, said the Texas Republican, whose new book, "Failures of Imagination: The Deadliest Threats to Our Homeland and How to Thwart Them" was released on Tuesday.
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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
Thursday, January 14, 2016
House Conservatives: Not Willing to 'Play Dead' for Ryan
House Speaker Paul Ryan had a good run in his first few weeks on the job, clearing out several high- profile bills in a year-end rush.
The good times may not last.
Ryan is already lowering expectations of major legislative achievements in 2016, saying he wants to focus on spelling out a conservative agenda. Far-right Republicans say they want more -- and that they’ll push Ryan for votes on their top priorities, such as making significant tax changes, reining in entitlement programs and enacting a new health-care law.
That tension -- between Ryan’s push to set out broad principles and the House Freedom Caucus’s impatience to force higher-profile confrontations -- could intensify this week as House Republicans go to Baltimore to sort out their legislative agenda.
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The good times may not last.
Ryan is already lowering expectations of major legislative achievements in 2016, saying he wants to focus on spelling out a conservative agenda. Far-right Republicans say they want more -- and that they’ll push Ryan for votes on their top priorities, such as making significant tax changes, reining in entitlement programs and enacting a new health-care law.
That tension -- between Ryan’s push to set out broad principles and the House Freedom Caucus’s impatience to force higher-profile confrontations -- could intensify this week as House Republicans go to Baltimore to sort out their legislative agenda.
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SALISBURY-WICOMICO COUNTY: SUCCESS STARTS HERE
Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development recently launched its new website and the first of a series of two-minute videos showcasing why the Salisbury-Wicomico County region is a great place for business and living.
“Marketing our community and telling our story is critical to economic development. This new website and video convey the pride we have in our special community that we recognize and invite others to explore,” stated Jake Day, Mayor of Salisbury.
The redesigned site illustrates the story of partnership by highlighting success stories from companies that have started, grown or relocated to the area.
“Wicomico is Open for Business and this redesigned website, along with an introductory video, helps communicate that message as well as the strength of our community,” said Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver.
Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development, Inc. is a public-private partnership founded in 1968 to enhance the area’s economy through job retention, job growth and economic diversification. Visit the new website atwww.swed.org.
Source
Oil Briefly dips Below $30, 1st Time since 2003
There aren't many people who feel bad for oil companies. But the implosion in oil prices -- which briefly pushed the price of crude below $30 a barrel Tuesday for the first time since 2003 -- is causing a profit decline that almost invokes pity.
The companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 energy sector are expected to lose a collective $28.8 billion this calendar year, down from $95.4 billion in net income earned during the industry's bonanza year of 2008, according to a USA TODAY analysis of data from S&P Capital IQ.
That's a $124 billion swing against energy companies - and one you're probably enjoying at the pump. The analysis includes only the 36 S&P 500 energy companies that reported net income in 2008.
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The companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 energy sector are expected to lose a collective $28.8 billion this calendar year, down from $95.4 billion in net income earned during the industry's bonanza year of 2008, according to a USA TODAY analysis of data from S&P Capital IQ.
That's a $124 billion swing against energy companies - and one you're probably enjoying at the pump. The analysis includes only the 36 S&P 500 energy companies that reported net income in 2008.
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Obama's final State of the Union address draws record-low TV audience
More than 21 million people watched on the "big four" broadcast networks. CBS led the broadcasters with 6.89 million viewers, followed by NBC with 6.62 million viewers, ABC with 5.02 million viewers, and Fox with 2.37 million.
On cable news, more than 9.5 million people tuned into the “big three” of Fox News, CNN and MSNBC, on average. Fox News, CNN and MSNBC were all up compared to last year’s address, with CNN averaging 3.49 million viewers, Fox News 3.47 million viewers, and MSNBC 2.52 million viewers. In the core adults 25-54 demo, CNN led cable news with 1.30 million viewers, Fox News with 753,000 viewers, and MSNBC with 604,000 viewers.
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BREAKING NEWS: ASSAULT IN PITTSVILLE
Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash North of Milford
Milford - The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash on Bay Road (SR1) southbound just north of Cicada Lane Road
Preliminary investigation indicates the crash involved a single vehicle and one person has died at the scene. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently on scene and will assume the investigation.
SR1 southbound traffic is currently being diverted onto Old Cemetery Road north of the crash. Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.
Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Preliminary investigation indicates the crash involved a single vehicle and one person has died at the scene. The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently on scene and will assume the investigation.
SR1 southbound traffic is currently being diverted onto Old Cemetery Road north of the crash. Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes of travel.
Further details will be released upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the WY&CC on Monday, January 18
(Salisbury, MD) Join in the celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center during two events on Monday, January 18. The morning will start with the 30th Annual Youth Activity presented by Salisbury High School Association. End the evening with the Tri-County Organizations' Coalition, Inc. at the 31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet.
The 30th Annual Youth Activity will be held in the Midway Room from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a free breakfast during presentations by youth speakers and entertainment including youth praise dances and youth choirs. Free bus transportation will be provided. For more information, contact Rosemary Hudson 410-742-8524, Wanda Downes 410-742-2749 or Edward Henry 410-749-1815.
The 31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet will be held in the Normandy Arena starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each. Tables will be reserved for tickets purchased in blocks of ten for $350. Tickets can be purchased from Lamech Lodge #30, 305 E. Isabella Street in Salisbury, MD. Please contact Jesse T. Ballard 410-546-4206 or Marion (Bud) Barkley at 410-742-2482 for more information.
The 30th Annual Youth Activity will be held in the Midway Room from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a free breakfast during presentations by youth speakers and entertainment including youth praise dances and youth choirs. Free bus transportation will be provided. For more information, contact Rosemary Hudson 410-742-8524, Wanda Downes 410-742-2749 or Edward Henry 410-749-1815.
The 31st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Commemoration Banquet will be held in the Normandy Arena starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 each. Tables will be reserved for tickets purchased in blocks of ten for $350. Tickets can be purchased from Lamech Lodge #30, 305 E. Isabella Street in Salisbury, MD. Please contact Jesse T. Ballard 410-546-4206 or Marion (Bud) Barkley at 410-742-2482 for more information.
Report: Federal government losing control of local economy
In 2010, the federal government accounted for 40 percent of the local economy. By 2020, it’s expected to drop to less than 30 percent, according to a new report by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
“We have ranked 93rd out of 100 regions over the last several years,” COG Chairman Roger Berliner said. “We have to change. This cannot be ‘a company town.’ This has to be a different kind of company town — an innovative economy.”
Berliner, a councilman in Montgomery County, said local communities should work together to attract investment and promote the region’s resources, which include biomedical and cybersecurity expertise.
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JUST IN: Celine Dion’s Husband Dies
René Angélil was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998, and his health had deteriorated so much in the last year that Dion took a leave of absence from her Vegas residency to care for him full time.
She announced the news in a post on her website.
“René Angélil, 73, passed away this morning at his home in Las Vegas after a long and courageous battle against cancer,” the post read.
Source
BREAKING: Three Officers Accused In 2015 Assault On Juvenile
The assault happened on Jan. 14, 2015, and results of an investigation were sent to the state's attorney's office.
Duane Williams Jr., a seven-year veteran, is charged with second-degree child abuse, second-degree assaulyt and misconduct in office. Lonnie White Jr., a two-year veteran, is charged with perjury and misconduct in office. Bijay Ranabhat, who received the summons and is a two-year veteran.
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The Arabic Gang-Rape ‘Taharrush’ Phenomenon Has Now Spread to Europe
The name of the practice translates to 'collective harassment' and is carried out by large groups of men who sexually assault lone women, either by groping, or in some instances, raping them.
The men first surround their victim in circles. Some then sexually assault her, while others not directly involved watch or divert outsiders' attention to what is occurring.
Sometimes the terrified victim - in a state of shock and unable to respond - is also robbed during the ordeal.
And the attack usually goes unpunished because the large number of perpetrators and chaos of the attack means authorities are unable to identify those involved.
There remains debate about what defines 'taharrush' - some still insist it is a reference to flirting - though scholars argue its definition changed after the attacks seen in Egypt from 2011 onwards.
German authorities have stated this was the phenomenon seen in Cologne city centre on New Year, when hundreds of women reported they were sexually assaulted.
The practice is only carried out in public and almost always at demonstrations or large public gatherings where the attackers find safety in numbers and disorder.
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Maryland man pleads not guilty to terrorism-support charges
NEW YORK (AP) — A Maryland man arrested on charges he fought on behalf of an al-Qaida-affiliated terror group in Somalia pleaded not guilty Wednesday and his lawyer said he will fight the charges.
A soft-spoken Maalik Alim Jones, 31, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court to five terror-related charges, including that he trained with and supported al-Shabab, an ultra-conservative Islamic militant group seeking to run Somalia under a strict interpretation of Shariah law.
The plea to charges that could carry a potential life prison sentence came a month after Jones was turned over to U.S. authorities by Somalia authorities who arrested him Dec. 7 as he allegedly tried to get a boat to travel to Yemen.
According to court documents, Jones, a U.S. citizen born in Maryland, confessed to FBI agents that he fought Kenyan government soldiers in a battle until he was injured by a missile strike and was taken to a hospital. The FBI said he admitted he was paid $100 monthly by al-Shabab while he worked for them from August 2011 to December 2015.
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A soft-spoken Maalik Alim Jones, 31, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court to five terror-related charges, including that he trained with and supported al-Shabab, an ultra-conservative Islamic militant group seeking to run Somalia under a strict interpretation of Shariah law.
The plea to charges that could carry a potential life prison sentence came a month after Jones was turned over to U.S. authorities by Somalia authorities who arrested him Dec. 7 as he allegedly tried to get a boat to travel to Yemen.
According to court documents, Jones, a U.S. citizen born in Maryland, confessed to FBI agents that he fought Kenyan government soldiers in a battle until he was injured by a missile strike and was taken to a hospital. The FBI said he admitted he was paid $100 monthly by al-Shabab while he worked for them from August 2011 to December 2015.
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Ocean Front Fire Ruled Accidental
It was determined through the investigation that the fire started on the ground floor parking garage, in the area of a running generator located in the bed of a pick-up truck. The fire quickly spread to the bed and cab of the truck, which eventually fully engulfed the vehicle with fire. The fire rapidly spread throughout the entire parking garage ceiling, which was fueled by the combustible spray-on insulation and strong winds. Next, the fire traveled up the east side of the building, fueled by the exterior finishes and balcony furniture, entering only one unit.
“The interior of one unit experienced significant fire damage, as well as the building’s east side exterior balconies,” said Ocean City Fire Marshal David Hartley. “Damage to the remaining units consisted of heat and smoke, however; the underground parking area, which was the only portion of the building protected by a fire sprinkler system, was unaffected by the fire.”
There were three maintenance workers who were working on the roof at the time the fire began but they evacuated the building unharmed before the arrival of fire department personnel. At this time, the 28-unit building has been posted “no occupancy” as a result of the fire damage.
Smiley: On Every Leading Economic Issue Black Americans Have Lost Ground Under Obama
On Monday night, urban radio show host Tavis Smiley told Megyn Kelly that Barack Obama has failed black Americans as president.
Megyn Kelly: On the subject of race, are we better off today that seven years ago?
Tavis Smiley: I’m not sure we are and I think ultimately the president missed a moment… On every leading economic issue, in the leading economic issues Black Americans have lost ground in every one of those leading categories. So in the last ten years it hasn’t been good for black folk. This is the president’s most loyal constituency that didn’t gain any ground in that period.
Smiley is right.
Conservative Larry Elder wrote about the increase in black poverty under Obama last year.
Via Townhall:
What about poverty? In 2009, when Obama took office, the black poverty rate was 25.8 percent. As of 2014, according to Pew Research Center, the black poverty rate was 27.2 percent.
What about income? CNNMoney says, “Minority households’ median income fell 9 percent between 2010 and 2013, compared to a drop of only 1 percent for whites.” The Financial Times wrote last October: “Since 2009, median non-white household income has dropped by almost a 10th to $33,000 a year, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s survey of consumer finances. As a whole, median incomes fell by 5 percent. But by the more telling measure of net wealth — assets minus liabilities — the numbers offer a more troubling story.”
More here
Megyn Kelly: On the subject of race, are we better off today that seven years ago?
Tavis Smiley: I’m not sure we are and I think ultimately the president missed a moment… On every leading economic issue, in the leading economic issues Black Americans have lost ground in every one of those leading categories. So in the last ten years it hasn’t been good for black folk. This is the president’s most loyal constituency that didn’t gain any ground in that period.
Smiley is right.
Conservative Larry Elder wrote about the increase in black poverty under Obama last year.
Via Townhall:
What about poverty? In 2009, when Obama took office, the black poverty rate was 25.8 percent. As of 2014, according to Pew Research Center, the black poverty rate was 27.2 percent.
What about income? CNNMoney says, “Minority households’ median income fell 9 percent between 2010 and 2013, compared to a drop of only 1 percent for whites.” The Financial Times wrote last October: “Since 2009, median non-white household income has dropped by almost a 10th to $33,000 a year, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s survey of consumer finances. As a whole, median incomes fell by 5 percent. But by the more telling measure of net wealth — assets minus liabilities — the numbers offer a more troubling story.”
More here
BREAKING: Defense Secretary Slips Up, Reveals Obama Admin LED IRAN Straight to Our Sailors
It doesn’t matter if “the 3 a.m. phone call” comes in the middle of the day. Not only will the Obama administration not answer it, but they’ll aid our enemies instead.
First came the fact that President Barack Obama refused to address the arrest of 10 of our sailors by the Iranian military after their boats had mechanical trouble at sea. Then came news that the Obama administration had offered the Iranians an apology for the release of the sailors.
Now comes the disturbing revelation, apparently delivered by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, that the Obama administration tipped off the Iranians that our soldiers were lost at sea and requested their aid.
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First came the fact that President Barack Obama refused to address the arrest of 10 of our sailors by the Iranian military after their boats had mechanical trouble at sea. Then came news that the Obama administration had offered the Iranians an apology for the release of the sailors.
Now comes the disturbing revelation, apparently delivered by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, that the Obama administration tipped off the Iranians that our soldiers were lost at sea and requested their aid.
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Police: 2 Suspects Stole Gun, Tasers & Bullet Proof Vest From MDTA Vehicle
The investigation began over the weekend on January 9th, when police say the suspects entered a parked Maryland Transportation Authority Police vehicle and stole a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun, gun belt, Taser, two Taser cartridges, bullet proof vest, a laptop computer, camcorder and other items.
Some of the items were later recovered. The handgun, Taser, and computer were not recovered, police said.
On Wednesday, authorities announced the arrest of 23-year-old Kevin Singleton and 18-year-old Tyshaun Clinton Womble, both of Dundalk.
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Downtown Parking Lots to Close Temporarily Beginning Sunday Night
The general public may park in the municipal parking garage on Circle Ave. until 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19th. Lot 1 and Lot 11 permit holders may also park in the municipal parking garage on Circle Ave. until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, if not previously reassigned to another location by the Parking Authority. Vehicles remaining in the parking garage after 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday will be subject to the posted hourly garage rates from 8:00 a.m. onward. Permit holders are asked to present their parking permit at time of exit.
Lot 1 is bordered by S. Division St. to the East, Circle Ave. to the South, W. Market St. to the West, and Camden St. to the North.
Lot 11 is located between Circle Ave. and W. Market St.
For more information, please contact Parking Services at 410-548-3190.
Oregon Fire Chief Resigns After He Says He Secretly Followed Men From Armory and Uncovered Shocking Truth About Their Identities
Chris Briels, fire chief in Harney County, was standing next to Ammon Bundy — leader of the armed group that’s taken over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Burns — when he announced that he had resigned, KATU-TV reported.
Briels told reporters that he followed two men from the local armory, questioned why the were there and didn’t get a straight answer. He then said he ran their vehicle’s license plate, which “came back undercover FBI agents.”
After explaining what he discovered to Judge Steve Grasty, Briels said Gratzy told him has “no right” to question anybody in regard to what he discovered.
“This is absolutely appalling to me,” Briels said, adding that “I will not stick my head in the sand.”
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Pocomoke City Police Department Press Release 1-14-16
December 19 – January 13, 2016
12-22-2015 Joseph Revels, age 54 of Pocomoke, MD was cited for Disturbing the Public Peace. He was issued a Criminal Citation and released.
12-23-2015 Leroy Manuel, age 28 of Pocomoke, MD was cited for Theft. He was issued a Criminal Citation and released.
12-23-2015 Donald Larose, age 37 of Pocomoke, MD was arrested for 2nd Degree Domestic Assault. He was held on $25,000 bond.
12-24-2015 Tammy Copes, age 41 of Pocomoke, MD was arrested for Disorderly Conduct. She was held on $2,500 bond.
12-25-2015 Shawn Brown, age 45 of Pocomoke, MD was cited for Trespassing. He was issued a Criminal Citation and released.
12-26-2015 Courtney Byrd, age 26 of Pocomoke, MD was cited for Driving While Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated. She was issued citations and released to a sober driver.
12-27-2015 Edwin Santiage, age 31 of Tasley, VA was cited for Driving While Suspended and Driving Under the Influence. He was issued citations and released to a sober driver.
12-27-2015 Shawntay Topping, age 36 of Pocomoke, MD was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant. She was held on $10,000 bond.
Video Proves Canadian PM Prayed at a Mosque
A video documenting the visit of the then leader of the Canadian Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau, to a mosque in western Canada confirms that Trudeau joined Muslim worshipers for evening prayers after sundown, the CIJNews website revealed on Monday.
Trudeau’s visit at the Jamea Masjid mosque in Surrey, British Columbia, took place in July of 2013, nearly two years before he was elected Prime Minister.
In the video, Trudeau is seen wearing traditional Islamic garb and thanking Muslim worshipers for allowing him to pray alongside them. In a speech he gave after prayers he also said that the values of Ramadan are, in fact, Canadian values.
While the visit took place in July 2013, the video was published only this week, according to CIJNews.
In the federal elections in October 2015, Trudeau won a majority in parliament, obtained in part thanks to the massive support he received in the Muslim community in Canada.
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Trudeau’s visit at the Jamea Masjid mosque in Surrey, British Columbia, took place in July of 2013, nearly two years before he was elected Prime Minister.
In the video, Trudeau is seen wearing traditional Islamic garb and thanking Muslim worshipers for allowing him to pray alongside them. In a speech he gave after prayers he also said that the values of Ramadan are, in fact, Canadian values.
While the visit took place in July 2013, the video was published only this week, according to CIJNews.
In the federal elections in October 2015, Trudeau won a majority in parliament, obtained in part thanks to the massive support he received in the Muslim community in Canada.
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HEY MARYLAND…WANT MORE SUNSHINE?
Maryland was just named the hardest working state and even though we work hard all year long... everyone here enjoys summer!
For Marylanders, and visitors to our state, summer means enjoying the Inner Harbor, the Boardwalk, crabs, fishing, boating, sailing, festivals, horse racing, and beaches.
SIGN THE PETITION TO EXTEND THE SUMMER IN MARYLAND!
The economic impact for Maryland would be an estimated $70+ million a year! Starting school after Labor Day will bring new and needed revenue to small businesses, increase wages and provide families with another week of quality time together.
It's not just great for families…it’s great for Maryland!
Sign the petition to have school start after Labor Day now:
http://www.kathyformaryland.com/more-sunshine-for-maryland
German Cop: We Are BANNED From Detaining Migrants
A growing body of evidence suggests German police are hobbled at every possibly opportunity by the Federal government from dealing with the criminal migrant problem, with one officer complaining they have even been banned from preventing suspects escaping custody.
In a brief interview with German mainstream-tabloid Bild, an anonymous member of the state-wide Federal police, identified only as 22 year old ‘Bernd’, reveals the extraordinary nature of police work in modern Europe. Deployed to Passau, a small city in south-east Germany on the Austrian border where thousands of migrants come by train and road every month, Bernd revealed “95 percent of refugees are single men”.
The officer told the paper the public does not get an accurate idea of what is really happening in the migrant crime wave, because events are mis-reported by police to prevent outrage. He said: “should an asylum seeker cut another’s throat, in the report we would state it was grievous bodily harm rather than attempted murder. It looks better in the statistics”.
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In a brief interview with German mainstream-tabloid Bild, an anonymous member of the state-wide Federal police, identified only as 22 year old ‘Bernd’, reveals the extraordinary nature of police work in modern Europe. Deployed to Passau, a small city in south-east Germany on the Austrian border where thousands of migrants come by train and road every month, Bernd revealed “95 percent of refugees are single men”.
The officer told the paper the public does not get an accurate idea of what is really happening in the migrant crime wave, because events are mis-reported by police to prevent outrage. He said: “should an asylum seeker cut another’s throat, in the report we would state it was grievous bodily harm rather than attempted murder. It looks better in the statistics”.
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Human Trafficking: In A Neighborhood Near You
To register, email salisburyconferencejan30@gmail.com
Sen. Sessions Pushes for Tough GOP Immigration Stance
“How can it be possible that the demands of 92 percent of our electorate are not merely ignored, but sabotaged?”
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) is pressing GOP lawmakers to take a tougher and more restrictive stance on immigration as Republicans prepared for their annual retreat later this week to lay out their policy agenda.
In a Dear Colleague letter, Sessions and Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) take a distinctly populist tone on immigration, calling it the “one policy that most separates the views of the GOP’s voters from the party’s biggest donors.”
Framing the issue in economic and national security terms, the two conservative Republicans urged their colleagues to pursue legislation this year to tighten up various immigration laws — an unlikely prospect on the Hill this year but a view that is gaining traction in the Republican presidential primary.
“If we want to lay out a ‘bold, conservative agenda’ and demonstrate that we serve the voters — and not the special interests — we should begin by advancing bills to reduce out-of-control immigration,” Sessions and Brat wrote, in a not-so-subtle reference to the title of Speaker Paul Ryan’s policy agenda.
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Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) is pressing GOP lawmakers to take a tougher and more restrictive stance on immigration as Republicans prepared for their annual retreat later this week to lay out their policy agenda.
In a Dear Colleague letter, Sessions and Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.) take a distinctly populist tone on immigration, calling it the “one policy that most separates the views of the GOP’s voters from the party’s biggest donors.”
Framing the issue in economic and national security terms, the two conservative Republicans urged their colleagues to pursue legislation this year to tighten up various immigration laws — an unlikely prospect on the Hill this year but a view that is gaining traction in the Republican presidential primary.
“If we want to lay out a ‘bold, conservative agenda’ and demonstrate that we serve the voters — and not the special interests — we should begin by advancing bills to reduce out-of-control immigration,” Sessions and Brat wrote, in a not-so-subtle reference to the title of Speaker Paul Ryan’s policy agenda.
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Wanted Subject Arrested
Millsboro, DE - The Delaware State Police have arrested Cecil T. Hicks, 24 of Millsboro. Hicks turned himself into detectives at Troop 4 in Georgetown on Wednesday January 13, 2016 and was formally charged with Assault 2nd, Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Aggravated Menacing, Reckless Endangering 1st, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Criminal Mischief. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $34,500.00 secured bond.
What's For Dinner: Honey Dijon Chicken & Veggies
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
½ tsp Kosher salt plus more to taste
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 ounces baby red potatoes, halved
4 boneless,skinless chicken breasts,5-6 oz each, pounded to even thickness if necessary so that they cook evenly
20 ounces broccoli florets
Instructions:
1. Whisk together 1 Tbsp of the olive oil with the honey, Dijon, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Reserve half of the sauce for later, then marinate the chicken in the rest of the sauce for an hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 400F.
4. Toss the potatoes with the second Tbsp of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place them on a foil-lined half sheet pan and lay the chicken breasts on top. Add the broccoli to the pan, then drizzle the reserved sauce over top.
5. Bake 35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
*If you prefer your broccoli to still have some crispness to it, don’t add the broccoli to the pan until 15 minutes into the cooking time.
Source
How To Make Pancakes From Scratch
[Also see: First Time Making Pancakes?]
Plus, once you make up the batter, you can hold it in the fridge for several hours. As a matter of fact, it'll hold up pretty well even overnight.
(If you scan the ingredients, you'll notice that you can easily halve the recipe if you only want to make pancakes for two people instead of four. I'm pretty proud of that. Too often with half-recipes, you find yourself scratching your head thinking "OK, what's half an egg?")
One problem people often have with their pancakes is that their baking powder has gone stale. If it's been more than six months since you bought your baking powder, toss it and buy a fresh container. When baking powder gets too old, it won't rise as much as it should, and your pancakes will be heavy and dense rather than the aforementioned light and fluffy.
Another caveat: Do make sure you weigh your flour, not just scoop it out of the bag. If you scoop, chances are your pancakes will be thick and dense rather than light and fluffy.
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Report: Hamas Terror Tunnel Network Almost Rebuilt
The Hamas terrorist organization in investing great efforts and funds into rebuilding its terror tunnel network that was destroyed during Operation Protective Edge, according to Haaretz, and the number of reconstructed tunnels is nearing the amount of tunnels connecting Gaza and Israel prior to the 2014 operation.
Thirty-two out of 49 “terror tunnels” were identified and destroyed by IDF forces during Operation Protective Edge. Roughly one-third of the tunnels were dug east of the security fence; on Israeli soil.
Citing Haaretz, i24 news reported Tuesday that while it is unclear how many tunnels were rebuilt and how many were newly dug, the number of currently existing tunnels most likely is similar to their number before Protective Edge.
Last December, Hamas mourned the loss of one of its members, a terrorist who once guarded Gilad Shalit in captivity. The terrorist, according to a Hamas announcement, was killed in a collapsed tunnel “east of Khan Yunis,” which essentially is Gaza’s border with Israel.
Reports that Hamas has been restoring its “terror tunnel” network are not news to the Israeli government.
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Thirty-two out of 49 “terror tunnels” were identified and destroyed by IDF forces during Operation Protective Edge. Roughly one-third of the tunnels were dug east of the security fence; on Israeli soil.
Citing Haaretz, i24 news reported Tuesday that while it is unclear how many tunnels were rebuilt and how many were newly dug, the number of currently existing tunnels most likely is similar to their number before Protective Edge.
Last December, Hamas mourned the loss of one of its members, a terrorist who once guarded Gilad Shalit in captivity. The terrorist, according to a Hamas announcement, was killed in a collapsed tunnel “east of Khan Yunis,” which essentially is Gaza’s border with Israel.
Reports that Hamas has been restoring its “terror tunnel” network are not news to the Israeli government.
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Berlin, Local Bank Partner On Tyson Property Purchase
On Monday, the council voted 4-0 to issue and sell bonds in the amount of $3 million to buy the more than 60-acre industrial property on Old Ocean City Boulevard. Settlement is expected to take place by the end of the month.
“We were very pleased to get four very competitive proposals,” Mayor Gee Williams said.
Town officials chose to work with the Bank of Ocean City after receiving proposals from it as well as Hebron Savings Bank, PNC and Shore Bank.
“The Bank of Ocean City gave us the best terms,” Town Administrator Laura Allen said.
She said the agreement with the Bank of Ocean City would allow the town to prepay before the 30-year term was up without penalties. It also provides for a 3.5-percent interest rate until 2030. At that time, Allen said the interest rate would be adjusted to the current Wall Street Journal rate plus 1 percent.
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Rubio: I ‘Absolutely’ Support Tuition Discounts For Illegal Aliens
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is doubling down on his support for in-state tuition for illegal aliens.
On ABC, George Stephanopoulos asked Rubio about his work in the Florida statehouse in which he “co-sponsored legislation to provide in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants.” Stephanopolous asked Rubio directly: “Do you stand behind that position now?”
Rubio said that he “absolutely” stands behind that legislation:
RUBIO: It was a very narrowly drafted bill. You had to have a certain GPA, you had to live in the U.S. a long time, you had to graduate from a Florida high school. It was very narrowly tailored to high-performing students who found themselves in a situation where they were brought here by their parents when they were 5, didn’t even speak another language except English and therefore couldn’t attend college because they were being charged like they were from out of state. They still had to pay for college but they paid for what people paid when they lived in Florida. They had to be high school graduates of Florida.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So you stand behind that?
RUBIO: Yes, of a narrowly tailored bill like that, absolutely.
More here
On ABC, George Stephanopoulos asked Rubio about his work in the Florida statehouse in which he “co-sponsored legislation to provide in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants.” Stephanopolous asked Rubio directly: “Do you stand behind that position now?”
Rubio said that he “absolutely” stands behind that legislation:
RUBIO: It was a very narrowly drafted bill. You had to have a certain GPA, you had to live in the U.S. a long time, you had to graduate from a Florida high school. It was very narrowly tailored to high-performing students who found themselves in a situation where they were brought here by their parents when they were 5, didn’t even speak another language except English and therefore couldn’t attend college because they were being charged like they were from out of state. They still had to pay for college but they paid for what people paid when they lived in Florida. They had to be high school graduates of Florida.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So you stand behind that?
RUBIO: Yes, of a narrowly tailored bill like that, absolutely.
More here
This Mother Child Is Extremely Sick From A Disease Brought In By Illegal Immigrants…SHE Refuses To Be Silent!
No parent wants to feel helpless when their child is sick, for that reason, it is necessary for all parents who understand this threat finds the courage to speak out like THIS Mother….Bravo!
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FBI Expands Clinton Foundation Corruption Investigation
For Americans who have been paying attention to the numerous scandals that have always surrounded Hillary Clinton, many are wondering when and if she will ever be indicted and charged for her crimes. If her improper handling of classified emails, use of her private server and failure with Benghazi have not been enough to derail her campaign for the presidency, perhaps an expanded FBI probe into the Clinton Foundation will be.
Last spring, we wondered whether the Clinton Foundation would actually be Clinton’s downfall, but for the last several months the FBI investigations have been primarily focused on her emails and use of a private server. That has now changed.
The FBI has expanded its investigation to include the Clinton Foundation and is looking into whether or not there is a connection between Foundation work and State Department business. If there is a connection between the two, then that would be a violation of public corruption laws, and should be disastrous for Clinton.
Why would that be? Well, it just so happens that on the official website of the FBI, public corruption is listed as the top criminal priority. And by all indications, the FBI is holding to this standard.
In fact, there are reportedly at least 150 FBI agents on the case. According to former U.S. Attorney Joseph DiGenova, that is “a very unusually high number” of investigators to be working on one case.
Indeed it is a high number, but with there being an alleged exchange of favors between insiders from the Clinton Foundation and with the State Department led by Hillary Clinton, such attention is warranted. The stench of corruption is frankly, overwhelming.
More here
Last spring, we wondered whether the Clinton Foundation would actually be Clinton’s downfall, but for the last several months the FBI investigations have been primarily focused on her emails and use of a private server. That has now changed.
The FBI has expanded its investigation to include the Clinton Foundation and is looking into whether or not there is a connection between Foundation work and State Department business. If there is a connection between the two, then that would be a violation of public corruption laws, and should be disastrous for Clinton.
Why would that be? Well, it just so happens that on the official website of the FBI, public corruption is listed as the top criminal priority. And by all indications, the FBI is holding to this standard.
In fact, there are reportedly at least 150 FBI agents on the case. According to former U.S. Attorney Joseph DiGenova, that is “a very unusually high number” of investigators to be working on one case.
Indeed it is a high number, but with there being an alleged exchange of favors between insiders from the Clinton Foundation and with the State Department led by Hillary Clinton, such attention is warranted. The stench of corruption is frankly, overwhelming.
More here
OC Council Approves Median Fence For Portion Of Coastal Highway; New Barrier Expected For Summer ‘17
The Ocean City Transportation Committee met on Tuesday morning with State Highway Administration (SHA) officials to discuss the final design for the proposed Pedestrian Safety and Connectivity Project for the median along Coastal Highway from Convention Center Drive to Route 90. The project includes enhanced lighting, bus lane adjustments and perhaps most importantly, a physical barrier of sorts in the center of the median to deter pedestrians from crossing mid-block and instead encourage them to use the marked intersections. Coastal Highway is officially Maryland Route 528 and the project will be fully funded by the state.
The Transportation Committee approved the design on Tuesday morning and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the full Mayor and Council. On Tuesday afternoon, the Mayor and Council saw the same SHA presentation and unanimously approved the final design.
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Congressman Andy Harris Announces Constituent Town Hall Meetings
For questions or concerns please contact Congressman Harris’ office at 202-225-5311.
Wicomico County
Date: Monday, January 18, 2016
Time: 6:00-7:00 PM
Location: Black Diamond Lodge, 301 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland, MD 21826
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
A Code Purple Shelter is not a traditional shelter, it gives emergency shelter to aid the homeless on the cold winter nights.
We have established Code Purple Shelters at:
- The Stein Highway Church of God, Pathway Center at 425 E Stein Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973;
- Gateway Fellowship, 8110 Cannon Road, Bridgeville, DE 19933;
- Laurel Nazarene Church, 100 Walnut Drive, Laurel, DE 19956.
- Mt Olivet, High Street, Seaford, DE 19973
To make arrangements to stay at the above shelters or questions please call the Code Purple Hotline at 302-519-0024.
Donations
Our code purple shelters rely heavily on the donations from businesses, organizations, and all those living in our communities. All monetary donations stay local and 100% goes directly to our shelters! Please consider giving to keep our code purple shelters open! All checks can be written and sent to Love INC at PO Box 542, Seaford, DE 19973. Just note on your check Code Purple Fund! Thank you for all your support! We can’t make this happen with you!
NEEDS!
Click HERE to see a list of items they need
VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers needed to serve! Please consider volunteering your time, love, and talent to Code Purple Sussex County. Please complete the Volunteer Form and call us to talk about the opportunities!Click HERE for further information about volunteering
Further information can be found on their website. http://codepurplesussexcounty.com/
Marydel Man Arrested for Heroin
Troopers and Probation and Parole Officers assigned to the Kent County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) responded to the 3000 block of Mahan Corner Road around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday January 13, 2016 to assist the United States Marshall Service with a warrant attempt on Gavin M. Valdesere, 35 of that address, who was wanted out of Kent County Delaware Court of Common Pleas for a Violation of Probation capias as well as a warrant out of Caroline County, Maryland for traffic and firearm related offenses. Upon their arrival, Valdesere was not home but returned a very short time later and was taken into custody without incident. A probation administrative search was conducted on the house and a vehicle and officers located 829 bags of heroin weighing 12.435 grams, 7.8 grams of marijuana, 2 doses of LSD, over 300 rounds of ammunition to various calibers of guns, a crossbow with two razor tipped arrows, drug paraphernalia, and over $1,700.00 in suspected drug proceeds. Valdesere's 18 month old daughter also resides at the home and was turned over to a relative.
Gavin Valdesere was transported back to Troop 3 in Camden where he was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity (Heroin), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (Heroin), four counts of Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession of Marijuana with an Aggravating Factor, Possession of a Controlled Substance (LSD), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Out of State Fugitive. He was arraigned a JP7 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $109,100.00 secured bond.
'Messing With the Constitution'
The political left has been especially vehement in its denunciations of what they call "messing with the Constitution." A recent proposal by Governor Greg Abbott of Texas to hold a Constitutional convention of states has been denounced by the Texas branch of the American Civil Liberties Union and nationally by an editorial in the liberal "USA Today."
The irony in all this is that no one has messed with the Constitution more or longer than the political left, over the past hundred years.
This began with Progressives like Woodrow Wilson, who openly declared the Constitution an impediment to the kinds of "reforms" the Progressive movement wanted, and urged judges to "interpret" the Constitution in such a way as to loosen its limits on federal power.
It has long been a complaint of the left that the process of amending the Constitution is too hard, so they have depended on federal judges -- especially Supreme Court Justices -- to amend the Constitution, de facto and piecemeal, in a leftward direction.
This judicial amendment process has been going on now for generations, so that today government officials at the local, state or national level can often seize private property in disregard of the 5th Amendment's protections.
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Powerball’s Biggest Winner: Government
Ka-ching! Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot soared to $1.5 billion as get-rich-quick mania seized America this week. But you don’t need to wait for the drawing to know who’ll score the royal payoff.
The biggest winner of the multistate numbers game is — drumroll, please — Uncle Sam. Powerball is a government-sponsored gambling racket in 44 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The feds automatically skim 25 percent off the top of a lump-sum cash award. Additional state withholding taxes vary depending on residency status. Mega-winners are taxed at the highest federal income tax bracket (nearly 40 percent); those who live in states with personal income taxes could pay up to an additional 9 percent. Local municipal taxes can add another 3-5 percent to the tax burden.
Government lotteries of all kinds raked in a whopping $70 billon in revenue last year, according to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. Cash-strapped states pitch the rackets as civic enterprises by purporting to earmark a portion of proceeds for public education, economic development and mass transit, senior citizens’ programs, professional sports stadiums and environmental protection.
As I’ve noted during previous, high-stakes lotto crazes, the state bureaucrats who run these schemes for numeracy-challenged consumers are free to ban outside competition — including private slot machines, phone betting, instant pull tabs and card rooms. The feds help out by limiting sweepstakes and Internet gambling, as well as exempting state lottery marketing materials from Federal Trade Commission regulations that guarantee truth in advertising.
That’s right. While cracking down on ads on everything from cereal to toothpaste to cars, Washington protects states that spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year falsely promising “a dollar and a dream,” “everyone is a winner” and “somebody’s gotta win — might as well be you.”
In New York last fall, the attorney general outlawed fantasy sports league as illegal games of chance that deceptively hooked in the gullible — while the state lottery promoted its motto, “Hey, You Never Know.”
I know double-standards sanctimony when I see it.
More
The biggest winner of the multistate numbers game is — drumroll, please — Uncle Sam. Powerball is a government-sponsored gambling racket in 44 states, plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The feds automatically skim 25 percent off the top of a lump-sum cash award. Additional state withholding taxes vary depending on residency status. Mega-winners are taxed at the highest federal income tax bracket (nearly 40 percent); those who live in states with personal income taxes could pay up to an additional 9 percent. Local municipal taxes can add another 3-5 percent to the tax burden.
Government lotteries of all kinds raked in a whopping $70 billon in revenue last year, according to the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries. Cash-strapped states pitch the rackets as civic enterprises by purporting to earmark a portion of proceeds for public education, economic development and mass transit, senior citizens’ programs, professional sports stadiums and environmental protection.
As I’ve noted during previous, high-stakes lotto crazes, the state bureaucrats who run these schemes for numeracy-challenged consumers are free to ban outside competition — including private slot machines, phone betting, instant pull tabs and card rooms. The feds help out by limiting sweepstakes and Internet gambling, as well as exempting state lottery marketing materials from Federal Trade Commission regulations that guarantee truth in advertising.
That’s right. While cracking down on ads on everything from cereal to toothpaste to cars, Washington protects states that spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year falsely promising “a dollar and a dream,” “everyone is a winner” and “somebody’s gotta win — might as well be you.”
In New York last fall, the attorney general outlawed fantasy sports league as illegal games of chance that deceptively hooked in the gullible — while the state lottery promoted its motto, “Hey, You Never Know.”
I know double-standards sanctimony when I see it.
More
Don't Miss This Video Honoring MLK Jr.
The popular Jewish a capella group The Maccabeats joined with Naturally 7 to release a new song in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The music video accompanying the song, titled "Shed a Little Light," was shot outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, where King gave his famous "I have a dream" speech.
See it here..
The music video accompanying the song, titled "Shed a Little Light," was shot outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, where King gave his famous "I have a dream" speech.
See it here..
With Another Secret Tunnel, Drug Kingpin 'El Chapo' Almost Evaded Capture
According to a Tuesday interview with one of the marines involved in the raid that resulted in the kingpin's recapture four days ago, Guzmán nearly slipped away again. In the interview with Mexican channel Televisa, the marine described how theyswarmed Guzmán's safe house in Los Mochis, Mexico, in an operation dubbed "Black Swan." He details how the world's most-wanted drug kingpin almost wriggled out of reach yet again using a secret tunnel.
The operation began early Friday. Televisa reported that law enforcement had been about 80 percent confident Guzmán was inside the house in the coastal city.
Here's a synopsis of how the marine described the raid:
The elite group of 17 marines stormed the property, using a battering ram to break down the door. They immediately came under fire, and the marine said one of them was hit. The wounded marine waited outside as other marines continued inside with weapons drawn. After they secured the ground floor, the marines went upstairs.
As they climbed the stairs, one marine saw a man standing at the top, preparing to fire a rocket-propelled grenade. The marine hit and disabled the weapon, and the marines continued to advance. Watch video of part of the raid here:
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MADD pushes new proposals against drunk driving
ANNAPOLIS, Md. —Getting drunk drivers off the road is part of new proposals Wednesday from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The proposals come as the General Assembly's new legislative session begins. It all has to do with ignition interlocks.
The ignition interlock devices are breath alcohol analyzers that connect to a car's ignition. If the person's breath is over the accepted limit, the car won't start.
The push now is over that accepted limit and when the devices would be required in the state of Maryland.
"This is nothing more than common sense. Ignition interlocks work," Del. Ben Kramer said.
It's being call Noah's Law. It's a push to require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.
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The ignition interlock devices are breath alcohol analyzers that connect to a car's ignition. If the person's breath is over the accepted limit, the car won't start.
The push now is over that accepted limit and when the devices would be required in the state of Maryland.
"This is nothing more than common sense. Ignition interlocks work," Del. Ben Kramer said.
It's being call Noah's Law. It's a push to require ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more.
More
VIDEO: COLLEGE STUDENTS TAUGHT MOST U.S. TERRORISTS ‘CONSERVATIVE’ WHITE MEN
"Usually they are people who are religiously motivated and politically conservative"
Most acts of terrorism in America are committed by white men who are “religiously motivated and politically conservative,” a psychology professor recently taught his students, adding that “9/11 is basically the only act of foreign-born terrorism that has ever happened in the United States.”
The “Introduction to Psychology” lesson was given by Dr. Ross Avilla, a lecturer at the University of California-Merced, who backed up his argument by telling his class about a white Christian man who shot up the Texas statehouse with an AK-47 – an incident which in fact never took place.
“Ninety percent [of U.S. terrorist attacks] are from these white Caucasian men,” Avilla told his class. “And by the way I am not saying white men are evil – but that is what we should be thinking about. Usually they are people who are religiously motivated and politically conservative.”
More
Most acts of terrorism in America are committed by white men who are “religiously motivated and politically conservative,” a psychology professor recently taught his students, adding that “9/11 is basically the only act of foreign-born terrorism that has ever happened in the United States.”
The “Introduction to Psychology” lesson was given by Dr. Ross Avilla, a lecturer at the University of California-Merced, who backed up his argument by telling his class about a white Christian man who shot up the Texas statehouse with an AK-47 – an incident which in fact never took place.
“Ninety percent [of U.S. terrorist attacks] are from these white Caucasian men,” Avilla told his class. “And by the way I am not saying white men are evil – but that is what we should be thinking about. Usually they are people who are religiously motivated and politically conservative.”
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McDonough: Obama's Going to Get Heroin Epidemic 'Back in the Box'
(CNSNews) - "We are seeing an epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse in this country," White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said on Sunday. "The president's going to get that back in the box," he told ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopolous.
He said the same thing on "Fox News Sunday," but did not give details on either show about how the president plans to address the nation's heroin epidemic.
The topic came up on several of the Sunday shows when McDonough was asked dabout actor Sean Penn's interview with Mexican drug lord El Chapo in October. Penn interviewed El Chapo after he broke out of a Mexican prison, and now Penn himself reportedly is under investigation.
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He said the same thing on "Fox News Sunday," but did not give details on either show about how the president plans to address the nation's heroin epidemic.
The topic came up on several of the Sunday shows when McDonough was asked dabout actor Sean Penn's interview with Mexican drug lord El Chapo in October. Penn interviewed El Chapo after he broke out of a Mexican prison, and now Penn himself reportedly is under investigation.
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MAJOR BANK WARNS OIL PRICE COULD FALL TO $10 A BARREL
Oil drops $70 a barrel in only two years
One the United Kingdom’s largest banks is warning oil prices could sink as low as $10 a barrel.
Banking and financial services company Standard Charter said Tuesday, “we think prices could fall as low as $10 a barrel before most of the money managers in the market conceded that matters had gone too far.”
Brent crude briefly hit a 12-year low of $30 Jan. 12, marking an almost 20 percent drop in the price of oil since the beginning of the year. Only two years ago, oil was trading at $100 a barrel.
Read more
One the United Kingdom’s largest banks is warning oil prices could sink as low as $10 a barrel.
Banking and financial services company Standard Charter said Tuesday, “we think prices could fall as low as $10 a barrel before most of the money managers in the market conceded that matters had gone too far.”
Brent crude briefly hit a 12-year low of $30 Jan. 12, marking an almost 20 percent drop in the price of oil since the beginning of the year. Only two years ago, oil was trading at $100 a barrel.
Read more
Williams: Minimum Wage Dishonesty
Michael Hiltzik, a columnist and Los Angeles Times reporter, wrote an article titled "Does a minimum wage raise hurt workers? Economists say: We don't know."
Uncertain was his conclusion from a poll conducted by the Initiative on Global Markets, at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, of 42 nationally ranked economists on the question of whether raising the federal minimum wage to $15 over the next five years would reduce employment opportunities for low-wage workers.
The Senate Budget Committee's blog says, "Top Economists Are Backing Sen. Bernie Sanders on Establishing a $15 an Hour Minimum Wage." It lists the names of 210 economists who call for increasing the federal minimum wage. The petition starts off, "We, the undersigned professional economists, favor an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour as of 2020." The petition ends with this: "In short, raising the federal minimum to $15 an hour by 2020 will be an effective means of improving living standards for low-wage workers and their families and will help stabilize the economy. The costs to other groups in society will be modest and readily absorbed."
The people who are harmed by an increase in the minimum wage are low-skilled workers.
Try this question to economists who argue against the unemployment effect of raising the minimum wage: Is it likely that an employer would find it in his interests to pay a worker $15 an hour when that worker has skills that enable him to produce only $5 worth of value an hour to the employer's output?
More here
Uncertain was his conclusion from a poll conducted by the Initiative on Global Markets, at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, of 42 nationally ranked economists on the question of whether raising the federal minimum wage to $15 over the next five years would reduce employment opportunities for low-wage workers.
The Senate Budget Committee's blog says, "Top Economists Are Backing Sen. Bernie Sanders on Establishing a $15 an Hour Minimum Wage." It lists the names of 210 economists who call for increasing the federal minimum wage. The petition starts off, "We, the undersigned professional economists, favor an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour as of 2020." The petition ends with this: "In short, raising the federal minimum to $15 an hour by 2020 will be an effective means of improving living standards for low-wage workers and their families and will help stabilize the economy. The costs to other groups in society will be modest and readily absorbed."
The people who are harmed by an increase in the minimum wage are low-skilled workers.
Try this question to economists who argue against the unemployment effect of raising the minimum wage: Is it likely that an employer would find it in his interests to pay a worker $15 an hour when that worker has skills that enable him to produce only $5 worth of value an hour to the employer's output?
More here
Setting The Record Straight...
By Thornton Crowe
Over the years I am stunned at those little moments on TV where reporters go out and ask the ‘man on the street’ where a country is or who the first president of the US’s name; only to find that people have no idea about of people, events and history going on around them. It is striking to me more and more that Common Core is having a field day, dummying down our youth but a lot of the folks interviewed are adults – not kids. Benghazi was and will never be a guy named Ben Ghazi and Lincoln was not our first President.
Interestingly, as we round to his birthday and Black History month, I have long been curious as to why the Black community herald’s Lincoln as one of their ‘heroes.’ The truth is, he was a separatist in every sense of the word. He never believed that white and black people could ever live together in equality. There are several books that reveal this through the scholarship of Lincoln’s own papers and speeches. And before you start screaming racist, please note: the editor of Ebony Magazine, Lerone Bennett, Jr, penned Forced To Glory (2000) – a book about this very subject that was the forerunner in the expose on these papers and Lincoln’s writings.
Interviews in Bennett’s own words from his research: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEvxKZEzILM,https://youtu.be/kpe4XSw085s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF0NoUjmwBE, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOSoMsroAEc)
The Civil War was not started over slavery. Quite the contrary, it was taxation (imagine) tariffs between the North and South. The southern states could not afford the high tariffs imposed on goods from the North so they decided to secede from the Union. Meaning they wanted to break away from the United States. Abraham Lincoln, in spite of it being their Constitutional guaranteed right to do so, decided to declare martial law in the South to stop the process.
As for slavery and Lincoln’s hand in the emancipation, it’s really quite simple. He had plans for resettlement – meaning, he wanted to send the slaves back to Africa; one of his papers made this vision clear as he wrote, he wanted the West White. As long as slaves belonged to white men, Lincoln had no jurisdiction over their removal. However, once freed, he had every intention of deporting them. He discussed this with leaders in the Black community. There were experiments that went a rye, i.e. the Panama Canal area and a settlement in Africa that perished from the weather/environs.
Had he not been assassinated, this plan would have been implemented. So you can see, if he had been successful, we would never have had any black people here unless they came back after relocation. Furthermore, even in the Emancipation Proclamation, it is written there were many groups excluded due to their areas.
The papers and speeches are available for people interested in doing research on the topic. They are real, in his handwriting and authenticated by the government.
Another brilliant example of how time (and infamy) has revised history into myths and fairy tales.
Let the outcry begin…
Speeches, Leadership Re-Elections Open General Assembly Session
The gavel was sounded at noon beginning the 426th legislative session.
Today was largely ceremonial. Gov. Larry Hogan addressed the chamber, as did U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and, for the last time, retiring Sen. Barbara Mikulski.
Senate President Mike Miller was unanimously re-elected President of the Senate, a post he has held since 1987. House Speaker Michael Busch was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the House, a post he has held since 2003.
Hogan promised to work with lawmakers of both parties.
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Dalian Wanda to buy Legendary Entertainment stake for $3.5bn
China's Dalian Wanda Group is to buy a controlling stake in Hollywood film studio Legendary Entertainment in a deal valued at $3.5bn (£2.4bn).
Legendary is the maker of blockbuster hits such as Jurassic World, the Dark Knight Batman trilogy and Godzilla.
Wanda is the world's biggest movie theatre operator with a majority stake in the US chain AMC.
The rapidly growing group is led by China's richest man, Wang Jianlin.
Mr Wang has been looking to buy a Hollywood studio for several years and was reported to be in talks with DreamWorks Animation last year, but a deal was not announced.
The announcement, made at a press conference by both firms in Beijing, comes after a week of rumours about a possible deal.
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Legendary is the maker of blockbuster hits such as Jurassic World, the Dark Knight Batman trilogy and Godzilla.
Wanda is the world's biggest movie theatre operator with a majority stake in the US chain AMC.
The rapidly growing group is led by China's richest man, Wang Jianlin.
Mr Wang has been looking to buy a Hollywood studio for several years and was reported to be in talks with DreamWorks Animation last year, but a deal was not announced.
The announcement, made at a press conference by both firms in Beijing, comes after a week of rumours about a possible deal.
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Bus from Salisbury to the March for Life Friday 1/22
Stand up for the pre-born and marginalized threatened by the culture of death! Join the March for Life in Washington DC on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v Wade decision striking down state laws preventing abortion.
The bus will leave Salisbury at 8am Friday, January 22 and return about 7:30pm that evening. The cost is $15 per person, with a maximum charge of $50 for a family. We will be taken to the Mall area between the White House and the Capitol and after participating in a rally, will walk (march) to the Capitol. The bus will pick us up a few blocks from the Supreme Court. Dress warmly.
The bus makes one stop on the way and one on the way home (usually on Kent Island near the fast-food places).
This is a wonderful, peaceful witness to our commitment to Life.
The bus will leave Salisbury at 8am Friday, January 22 and return about 7:30pm that evening. The cost is $15 per person, with a maximum charge of $50 for a family. We will be taken to the Mall area between the White House and the Capitol and after participating in a rally, will walk (march) to the Capitol. The bus will pick us up a few blocks from the Supreme Court. Dress warmly.
The bus makes one stop on the way and one on the way home (usually on Kent Island near the fast-food places).
This is a wonderful, peaceful witness to our commitment to Life.
Wicomico County Selected to Host AAU Boys Basketball National Championships
(Salisbury, MD) The Maryland Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has partnered with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism to host the AAU Boys Basketball National Championships for eight year olds and under. The tournament, which will be held July 5-10, 2016 will be the first AAU national tournament held in the Maryland District.
“This tournament represents the first time ever that the AAU Maryland District is hosting a national tournament. We have considered many areas around the state to host the tournament and we are delighted to bring it to the Eastern Shore community of Salisbury and Wicomico County. A successful tournament will provide the opportunity for a continued affiliation with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism,” said Benjamin DuBose, Governor of the Maryland District and Sports Director for Boys Basketball.
Wicomico County is proud to host this event. “We are thrilled that the AAU has chosen to hold their 8U Boys Basketball National Championships here in Wicomico County”, said Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver. “We continue to grow our reputation in hosting top notch basketball events and national caliber championship events in many sports. We hope this is a building block for future championships, not just in basketball, but any of the 33 sports that the AAU has to offer.”
The tournament will feature teams from around the country competing for the title of National Champion. A $100 discount and free practice time will be given to early registrants. Local teams that play in the Maryland District Tournament will receive an additional discount to attend the National Tournament. All games will be played in Wicomico County, Maryland and organizers are currently in the process of signing facility agreements. Teams are guaranteed five games, half-time contests with prizes, and games will be live streamed. For more information on the National Championship call 410-340-0635 or visit www.marylandaau.org.
“This tournament represents the first time ever that the AAU Maryland District is hosting a national tournament. We have considered many areas around the state to host the tournament and we are delighted to bring it to the Eastern Shore community of Salisbury and Wicomico County. A successful tournament will provide the opportunity for a continued affiliation with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism,” said Benjamin DuBose, Governor of the Maryland District and Sports Director for Boys Basketball.
Wicomico County is proud to host this event. “We are thrilled that the AAU has chosen to hold their 8U Boys Basketball National Championships here in Wicomico County”, said Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver. “We continue to grow our reputation in hosting top notch basketball events and national caliber championship events in many sports. We hope this is a building block for future championships, not just in basketball, but any of the 33 sports that the AAU has to offer.”
The tournament will feature teams from around the country competing for the title of National Champion. A $100 discount and free practice time will be given to early registrants. Local teams that play in the Maryland District Tournament will receive an additional discount to attend the National Tournament. All games will be played in Wicomico County, Maryland and organizers are currently in the process of signing facility agreements. Teams are guaranteed five games, half-time contests with prizes, and games will be live streamed. For more information on the National Championship call 410-340-0635 or visit www.marylandaau.org.
Not Resisting Political Correctness Could Cost Americans Their Lives
Political correctness has become one of the constants of our age. Many of the examples are more ridiculous than anything else.
Inappropriate Halloween costumes, campus safe zones free from controversial ideas, saying “happy holidays,” and now, from Sweden, men sitting when they have to urinate. But at a time when people are being murdered at home and abroad because of their religion, PC—which really stands for political cowardice—can be downright dangerous.
The latest case just occurred in Philadelphia. Thirty-year-old Edward Archer ambushed a cop, wounding him three times. The officer should recover, but he and we can be thankful that Archer, who blasted away at least 11 times, was such a bad shot.
The attacker, dressed in what one cop termed “Muslim garb,” was quite explicit about why he shot Officer Jesse Hartnett. Said Police Commissioner Richard Ross, Archer “has confessed to committing this cowardly act in the name of Islam.” Why? “According to him, the police defend laws that he believes are contrary to Islam.”
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Inappropriate Halloween costumes, campus safe zones free from controversial ideas, saying “happy holidays,” and now, from Sweden, men sitting when they have to urinate. But at a time when people are being murdered at home and abroad because of their religion, PC—which really stands for political cowardice—can be downright dangerous.
The latest case just occurred in Philadelphia. Thirty-year-old Edward Archer ambushed a cop, wounding him three times. The officer should recover, but he and we can be thankful that Archer, who blasted away at least 11 times, was such a bad shot.
The attacker, dressed in what one cop termed “Muslim garb,” was quite explicit about why he shot Officer Jesse Hartnett. Said Police Commissioner Richard Ross, Archer “has confessed to committing this cowardly act in the name of Islam.” Why? “According to him, the police defend laws that he believes are contrary to Islam.”
More