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 21, 2016
VIDEO: White Couple Refuses to Give Black Thugs Their Seats, Then Comes “15-Seconds of Terror”
The liberal media like to point out the white-on-black crime that they claim is indicative of the immense racism in America, yet they constantly fail to report the black-on-white crime that is just as prevalent in urban America.
According to WTTG, Fox5DC, a white couple sitting in a metro station were brutally assaulted by a gang of about 10 black thugs after not giving up their seat.
“It was pretty quick and direct,” the male victim told reporters. “They came up — I noticed they had scarves over their face — they said a few words about my shoes, about getting up, if I wanted to give them my seat, and then before I had a chance to respond, that is when they just started attacking.”
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According to WTTG, Fox5DC, a white couple sitting in a metro station were brutally assaulted by a gang of about 10 black thugs after not giving up their seat.
“It was pretty quick and direct,” the male victim told reporters. “They came up — I noticed they had scarves over their face — they said a few words about my shoes, about getting up, if I wanted to give them my seat, and then before I had a chance to respond, that is when they just started attacking.”
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Snow Emergency Plans For All Counties Beginning Friday At Noon
MARYLAND STATE POLICE AND STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
TO DECLARE SNOW EMERGENCIES FOR ALL COUNTIES
BEGINNING FRIDAY AT NOON
TO DECLARE SNOW EMERGENCIES FOR ALL COUNTIES
BEGINNING FRIDAY AT NOON
Snow Emergency Plan Restricts Parking on Snow Emergency Routes and
Permits Maryland State Police to Tow Vehicles
Permits Maryland State Police to Tow Vehicles
(January 21, 2016) – The Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) are proactively announcing that snow emergency plans will go into effect at noon Friday in advance of the predicted severe storm expected Friday andSaturday. The Statewide Snow Emergency requires vehicles restricts traveling on all highways designated as snow emergency routes be equipped with chains, snow tires or all season radials. Additionally, special hauling permits for commercial vehicles are not valid during snow emergencies.
The snow emergency plan also allows the Maryland State Police (MSP) to call tow companies to remove abandoned vehicles in the road or on the shoulder and restricts all parking on designated snow emergency routes.
“It is important for all Marylanders to heed Governor Hogan’s warning about the coming storm and to make every effort to refrain from travel through the weekend,” Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel William Pallozzi said. “Implementing the snow emergency plans in every county is an indication of the serious nature of this storm and the statewide impact it will have. Our goal is to keep citizens safe and this is one of the many steps we will be taking to do that.”
Significant snowfall, high winds and treacherous driving conditions are expected from lateFriday, all day Saturday and into Sunday. If forecasts materialize as expected and more than two feet of snow falls, cleanup will take several days and extend into early next week.
“Please avoid traveling during the storm to allow our crews the space needed to plow the roads,” said SHA Administrator Gregory Johnson. “Our goal is to keep one travel lane open and passable on major highways for emergency vehicles during the storm and focus on plowing all lanes once the snow stops.”
Commercial vehicle drivers have the option to wait out the storm at one of Maryland’s 17 designated safe haven ridesharing lots in order to avoid travel during hazardous conditions.
SHA maintains the numbered roads in Maryland’s 23 counties with the exception of toll roads (i.e. the ICC, I-95 north of Baltimore City, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Fort McHenry Tunnel etc.) Click here to obtain information for county roads departments.
MD511 provides tools that you can use for traffic information, weather conditions, or traffic information. Customers may also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook.
Behold: The Most Absurd Scapegoat Yet for the Flint Water Crisis
This is some next-level wingnuttery.
So the president was in Detroit today, just a hop, skip, and a rivulet from Flint, where the water is still too poisonous for human consumption. Meanwhile, back in Washington, showing the impeccable timing that has become its hallmark, the Congress sent a bill to his desk that would have gutted federal clean water regulations. The president vetoed it from here to there, giving the miseries to, among other people, my new friend, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa.
"Too many of our waters have been left vulnerable," Obama said in a veto message to Congress. "Pollution from upstream sources ends up in the rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters near which most Americans live and on which they depend for their drinking water, recreation, and economic development." Congressional Republicans tried to use a rarely invoked law known as the Congressional Review Act to overturn the regulation. But they're far short of the two-thirds vote necessary in each chamber to overturn the veto. It passed 53 to 44 in the Senate and 253 to 166 in the House. The sponsor of the resolution, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she would continue to look for ways to undermine the rule. "We all want clean water," Ernst said in a statement. "This rule is not about clean water. Rather, it is about how much authority the federal government and unelected bureaucrats should have to regulate what is done on private land."
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So the president was in Detroit today, just a hop, skip, and a rivulet from Flint, where the water is still too poisonous for human consumption. Meanwhile, back in Washington, showing the impeccable timing that has become its hallmark, the Congress sent a bill to his desk that would have gutted federal clean water regulations. The president vetoed it from here to there, giving the miseries to, among other people, my new friend, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa.
"Too many of our waters have been left vulnerable," Obama said in a veto message to Congress. "Pollution from upstream sources ends up in the rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters near which most Americans live and on which they depend for their drinking water, recreation, and economic development." Congressional Republicans tried to use a rarely invoked law known as the Congressional Review Act to overturn the regulation. But they're far short of the two-thirds vote necessary in each chamber to overturn the veto. It passed 53 to 44 in the Senate and 253 to 166 in the House. The sponsor of the resolution, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she would continue to look for ways to undermine the rule. "We all want clean water," Ernst said in a statement. "This rule is not about clean water. Rather, it is about how much authority the federal government and unelected bureaucrats should have to regulate what is done on private land."
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Florida Report Showed Accidents and Fatalities Increased With Red Light Cameras
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| Source: "Red Light Camera Summary Report: Fiscal Year 2014-2015", Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Source
The Truth about Huma Abedin that Media Matters Doesn’t Want America to See
The left-wing attack machine wasted no time in posting an article with false information and smears in order to protect the Clinton campaign.
Hillary Clinton has stated publicly that she helped “start and support” Media Matters, and that organization has consistently come to Clinton’s aid with a consistent campaign of misinformation, half-truths and smears of her critics that can then get repeated by the mainstream media.
The Vanity Fair article must have sent shockwaves through the Clinton camp. It’s rare to read mainstream press criticism of Huma Abedin.
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How the Left Shuts Down the Immigration Debate
Enforcement officials are ‘outed’ as an act of intimidation
Winding its way through federal courts is a case that, although inconsequential on its face, is actually highly illustrative of the depths professional illegal-alien “rights” activists will go in their war against our sovereign borders.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a 13,000-strong immigration attorneys lobby, along with the Ford-funded American Immigration Council and Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen, apparently have designs to defame the names of immigration judges they and other open-borders groups don’t like.
Acting in the name of “the public interest,” AILA and company seek to “out” judges who have had complaints filed against them — complaints likely filed by the three groups themselves as well as other partner organizations. To current and future immigration judges the message is clear: follow the nation’s immigration laws too closely and expect a campaign of intimidation and harassment.
The contemporary left has used similar tactics in their war against traditional America for some time. Those who have signed pro-traditional marriage petitions in Maryland, Washington and California have had their names and personal details published online, setting them up for abuse from fanatical groups. Immigration patriots are routinely attacked, especially by organizations like the multimillion-dollar Southern Poverty Law Center, which publishes photos and personal details of persons on its “Hate Watch” blog, libeling them online for life.
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Winding its way through federal courts is a case that, although inconsequential on its face, is actually highly illustrative of the depths professional illegal-alien “rights” activists will go in their war against our sovereign borders.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a 13,000-strong immigration attorneys lobby, along with the Ford-funded American Immigration Council and Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen, apparently have designs to defame the names of immigration judges they and other open-borders groups don’t like.
Acting in the name of “the public interest,” AILA and company seek to “out” judges who have had complaints filed against them — complaints likely filed by the three groups themselves as well as other partner organizations. To current and future immigration judges the message is clear: follow the nation’s immigration laws too closely and expect a campaign of intimidation and harassment.
The contemporary left has used similar tactics in their war against traditional America for some time. Those who have signed pro-traditional marriage petitions in Maryland, Washington and California have had their names and personal details published online, setting them up for abuse from fanatical groups. Immigration patriots are routinely attacked, especially by organizations like the multimillion-dollar Southern Poverty Law Center, which publishes photos and personal details of persons on its “Hate Watch” blog, libeling them online for life.
More
Obama Takes Credit For Auto Industry Comeback During Visit To Detroit
After a quick tour of the North American International Auto Show Wednesday, the president stopped to speak to auto workers at the UAW GM Center for Human Resources — taking credit for a resurgence in the industry.
When he wanted to help U.S. carmakers, the president said, many were opposed.
“…We could’ve done nothing, thrown in the towel, walked away from this industry entirely — and a lot folks suggested we do that. They’d deny it later, but that’s what they said at the time,” Obama said.”Think about what that would’ve meant for America. GM and Chrysler would not exist today.”
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Humor: So why did the chicken cross the road?
SARAH PALIN: The chicken crossed the road because, gosh-darn it, he's a maverick!
BARACK OBAMA: Let me be perfectly clear, if the chickens like their eggs they can keep their eggs. No chicken will be required to cross the road to surrender her eggs. Period.
JOHN McCAIN: My friends, the chicken crossed the road because he recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the chickens on the other side of the road.
HILLARY CLINTON: What difference at this point does it make why the chicken crossed the road?
GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road. We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road or not. The chicken is either with us or against us. There is no middle ground here.
DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?
BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken.
AL GORE: I invented the chicken.
OCPD Charges Berlin Man in Counterfeit Case
OCEAN CITY, MD – (January 20, 2016): The Ocean City Police Department recently arrested a Berlin man for possessing and manufacturing counterfeit U.S. currency. An investigation was initiated after detectives located counterfeit currency in a vehicle during a drug arrest.
On January 1, 2016, detectives of the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit were conducting surveillance and observed Christopher C. Simone, 35, of Berlin, MD, driving a vehicle with a suspended Maryland driver’s license. Detectives conducted a traffic stop in the area of 59th Street and Coastal Highway. During a search of the vehicle, detectives located heroin, drug paraphernalia, a large fixed blade knife and a police style baton. In addition, detectives located counterfeit currency in the vehicle. Simone was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and two counts of possession of a deadly weapon. Simone was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to the Worcester County Jail on $25,000 bond.
Later that evening, Ocean City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division detectives and members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team continued to investigate the counterfeit currency and executed a search warrant on Simone’s home in Berlin, MD. During the search, detectives located counterfeit currency and equipment that was used to print counterfeit currency. Serial numbers used on the counterfeit currency in the home matched those found in the search of Simone’s car as well as serial numbers from a counterfeit case in Wicomico County.
Simone was release from the Worcester County Jail on January 7. On January 9, at approximately 1:40 p.m. detectives located Simone and arrested him for felony charges resulting from the January 1 search with assistance from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with two counts of knowingly possessing counterfeit U.S. currency, scanning digital images of U.S. currency with intent to defraud and manufacturing U.S. currency with intent to defraud. Simone was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to the Worcester County Jail on $250,000 bond.
Citizens are advised that the following serial numbers were used by Simone: #ML80574368D, #MA82495055A, #MB544124485C, and #IC47767665. Anyone that believes they may be a victim of this counterfeit case is asked to contact Detective Dave Whitmer at 410-520-5390 or dwhitmer@oceancitymd.gov.
Weigh Stations Available To Commercial Drivers During The Storm
(Pikesville, MD) – Maryland State Police are warning commercial drivers that blizzard conditions will exist in Maryland this weekend.
Traveling on the roads during the storm is highly discouraged. Commercial drivers traveling on Maryland roads at the time of this storm are invited to wait out the storm at one of the Maryland State Police weigh facility parking lots. These accommodations will be available overnight. The facility locations are provided below. In addition commercial drivers are welcomed to park at any one of the ride sharing parking lots during the storm.
McConnell: No ‘Fear-mongering’ On Syrian Refugee Bill
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says that the debate over Syrian refugees should be based on facts rather than “fear-mongering.”
Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell, R-Ky., urged his colleagues to vote Wednesday to move ahead on a House-passed bill that would require new FBI background checks and individual sign-offs from three high-ranking federal officials before any refugee from Syria or Iraq could come to the United States.
The issue of Syrian refugees has become a major issue in the 2016 election, with Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump calling for a temporary ban on all Muslims entering into the United States.
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Speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell, R-Ky., urged his colleagues to vote Wednesday to move ahead on a House-passed bill that would require new FBI background checks and individual sign-offs from three high-ranking federal officials before any refugee from Syria or Iraq could come to the United States.
The issue of Syrian refugees has become a major issue in the 2016 election, with Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump calling for a temporary ban on all Muslims entering into the United States.
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Two Dogs Found In Salisbury: UPDATE
Maryland Bracing for Significant Winter Storm Beginning Friday Afternoon
STATE OF EMERGENCY TO TAKE EFFECT FRIDAY MORNING IN ORDER TO ACTIVELY PREPARE FOR
HEAVY SNOW, HIGH WIND, AND COLD TEMPERATURES
HEAVY SNOW, HIGH WIND, AND COLD TEMPERATURES
REISTERSTOWN, Md. The high-impact winter storm system heading toward Maryland is forecast to bring heavy snow, winds, and cold temperatures to the entire State. The storm is expected to start Friday afternoon and the National Weather Service expects the height of the storm to begin soon after the snow starts. Portions of the State could experience blizzard conditions that include wind gusts and blowing snow. In addition to potential blizzard conditions, the National Weather Service has indicated that minor to moderate coastal flooding could occur. Due to this, Governor Larry Hogan has signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency beginning Friday morning. A state of emergency allows the Governor to deploy resources and make decisions in order to promote public safety during the storm and enable a full-scale response. It is also an indicator to residents that this could be a significant winter storm and that they should take precautions.
Motorists are urged to stay off the roads during the height of the storm. Driving could be dangerous soon after the snow begins.
“Our state is taking every precaution – coordinating all available resources – to prepare to clear roads, manage incidents, and recover from this storm,” said Governor Hogan. “We urge all Marylanders to take action now to prepare, before this severe weather strikes, with the knowledge that our state will do everything it can to respond quickly, effectively and efficiently to this major storm event.”
Rep. Harris hears from Mid-Shore residents at town hall
Harris, who is facing re-election this year as a Republican in Maryland’s 1st Congressional district, said the town hall held was a chance to learn the perspectives of his constituents on issues that matter to them.
Harris led with a brief presentation on the state of the U.S. economy, and his ideas for where spending should be targeted. Two concerns he brought up first were economic stagnation and the rising cost of health care.
He said cumulative inflation since 2010 has risen about 9 percent, and workers’ earnings have pretty much tracked that inflation rate over the same period of time, from a low point in 2008 when earnings declined due to the recession.
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SU Issues Additional Updates for Students in Advance of Winter Storm
Governor Larry Hogan has issued a state of emergency for Maryland from 7 a.m. Friday, January 22, until 7 a.m. Sunday, January 24, in preparation for the winter storm.
The storm’s impact is predicted to be heavier west of our region. At this time, Friday’s classes will continue as scheduled. Students taking winter session courses should check with their instructors about any changes to exams. A decision about Monday’s classes will occur later this weekend.
Residential students arriving today (Thursday, January 21) will be permitted to move into their rooms until midnight. All other students should remain off campus until the state of emergency has been lifted.
Orientation activities are postponed. Students living in residence halls will be offered in-building programs and activities, and food service will be provided. Athletics events and other campus activities may be curtailed.
The campus is considered officially open for employees, however, please continue to watch the SU website and the SU Facebook and Twitter pages for updated information.
Poll: 8 in 10 Americans, 2 out of 3 ‘Pro-Choice’ Supporters Favor Abortion Restrictions
(CNSNews.com) – The vast majority of Americans, including those who label themselves pro-choice, favor restrictions on abortion, according to a Marist poll released Tuesday.
The Marist Institute for Public Opinion survey, conducted from Nov. 15 to the 22, questioned the positions of 1,686 U.S. adults on abortion issues, including whether they identified with a “pro-life” or “pro-choice” label. Forty-four percent identified as pro-life, and 51 percent as pro-choice.
The poll, which has been commissioned by the Knights of Columbus annually since 2008, found that 81 percent of Americans, including 82 percent of women and 66 percent of pro-choice supporters, would restrict abortion to - at most - the first three months of pregnancy. This eight in 10 number has been consistent since the survey’s 2008 inception.
Additionally, six in 10 Americans say abortion is "morally wrong," including one-third of pro-choice Americans.
The survey found that 55 percent of Americans would say that abortion ultimately does a woman more harm than good and that 27 percent of Americans who identify as pro-choice share this view.
More here
The Marist Institute for Public Opinion survey, conducted from Nov. 15 to the 22, questioned the positions of 1,686 U.S. adults on abortion issues, including whether they identified with a “pro-life” or “pro-choice” label. Forty-four percent identified as pro-life, and 51 percent as pro-choice.
The poll, which has been commissioned by the Knights of Columbus annually since 2008, found that 81 percent of Americans, including 82 percent of women and 66 percent of pro-choice supporters, would restrict abortion to - at most - the first three months of pregnancy. This eight in 10 number has been consistent since the survey’s 2008 inception.
Additionally, six in 10 Americans say abortion is "morally wrong," including one-third of pro-choice Americans.
The survey found that 55 percent of Americans would say that abortion ultimately does a woman more harm than good and that 27 percent of Americans who identify as pro-choice share this view.
More here
Information From Wicomico County Public Schools On Closings
FYI, a state of emergency does not require school systems to close. It places state and local government on a heightened readiness and awareness due to potentially severe weather. During any state of emergency schools may close in some parts of Maryland, but not in others, depending on conditions.
Wicomico Schools is scheduled to have a full day of school on Friday, Jan. 22. We will continue to monitor forecasts and confer with law enforcement and other local agencies about the predicted storm. No decision regarding a change of school status for Friday is likely to be made tonight, with the winter storm still developing. With any situation involving a school delay or closing, or goal is to make the decision no later than 5 a.m., and get the word to school families and staff by 5:30 a.m.
Any school status change would be made through the usual channels: SchoolMessenger calls/emails, govDelivery emails/texts, posts on WCPS social media and website, and announcements in local media. Stay warm, and stay tuned!
PLEASE CHECK HERE FOR CHANGES TO WICOMICO SCHOOLS SCHEDULE, EVENTS IN WINTER WEATHER
A Seal's perspective re the 10 sailors' capture
"I rarely pull out my dusty old trident, but in this case, here goes. I was a Navy SEAL officer in the 1980s, and this kind of operation (transiting small boats in foreign waters) was our bread and butter.
Today, these boats both not only had radar, but multiple GPS devices, including chart plotters that place your boat's icon right on the chart. The claim by Iran that the USN boats "strayed into Iranian waters" is complete bull$#it.
For an open-water transit between nations, the course is studied and planned in advance by the leaders of the Riverine Squadron, with specific attention given to staying wide and clear of any hostile nation's claimed territorial waters. The boats are given a complete mechanical check before departure, and they have sufficient fuel to accomplish their mission plus extra. If, for some unexplainable and rare circumstance one boat broke down, the other would tow it, that's why two boats go on these trips and not one! It's called "self-rescue" and it's SOP.
This entire situation is in my area of expertise. I can state with complete confidence that both Iran and our own State Department are lying. The boats did not enter Iranian waters. They were overtaken in international waters by Iranian patrol boats that were so superior in both speed and firepower that it became a "hands up!" situation, with automatic cannons in the 40mm to 76mm range pointed at them point-blank. Surrender, hands up, or be blown out of the water. I assume that the Iranians had an English speaker on a loudspeaker to make the demand. This takedown was no accident or coincidence, it was a planned slap across America's face.
Just watch. The released sailors will be ordered not to say a word about the incident, and the Iranians will have taken every GPS device, chart-plotter etc off the boats, so that we will not be able to prove where our boats were taken.
The "strayed into Iranian waters" story being put out by Iran and our groveling and appeasing State Dept. is utter and complete BS from one end to the other." - Matt Bracken
For an open-water transit between nations, the course is studied and planned in advance by the leaders of the Riverine Squadron, with specific attention given to staying wide and clear of any hostile nation's claimed territorial waters. The boats are given a complete mechanical check before departure, and they have sufficient fuel to accomplish their mission plus extra. If, for some unexplainable and rare circumstance one boat broke down, the other would tow it, that's why two boats go on these trips and not one! It's called "self-rescue" and it's SOP.
This entire situation is in my area of expertise. I can state with complete confidence that both Iran and our own State Department are lying. The boats did not enter Iranian waters. They were overtaken in international waters by Iranian patrol boats that were so superior in both speed and firepower that it became a "hands up!" situation, with automatic cannons in the 40mm to 76mm range pointed at them point-blank. Surrender, hands up, or be blown out of the water. I assume that the Iranians had an English speaker on a loudspeaker to make the demand. This takedown was no accident or coincidence, it was a planned slap across America's face.
Just watch. The released sailors will be ordered not to say a word about the incident, and the Iranians will have taken every GPS device, chart-plotter etc off the boats, so that we will not be able to prove where our boats were taken.
The "strayed into Iranian waters" story being put out by Iran and our groveling and appeasing State Dept. is utter and complete BS from one end to the other." - Matt Bracken
Will Maryland be able to grow enough pot?
While the cultivation licenses have not been issued and it is unclear how large the cultivation centers will be or how much they will produce, the Cannabis Consumers Coalition says it estimates Maryland will come up about 41,000 pounds short to meet demand after reviewing consumption data in other states with legal marijuana programs.
The group is asking policymakers to increase the number of cultivation licenses to 25.
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission isn’t ruling out possible changes.
“As the medical cannabis program moves into its operational phase, the Commission will continue to monitor the needs of certified patients and the ability of the program to meet those needs,” the Commission said in an emailed statement to WTOP.
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11 States Least Likely to Legalize Marijuana
1. Alabama
Max. fine for small amount: $6,000
Marijuana related arrests in 2012: 3,600
Marijuana arrests per 100,000: 74.7
Minimum penalty classification: Misdemeanor
Marijuana use among Alabama residents is relatively rare. Roughly 9.7% of residents 12 years and older report using the drug, one of the lowest usage rates among all states and significantly lower than the national usage rate of 12.3%. Low useage may be the result of steep legal penalties for possession. Even after a reduction in the severity of the penalties earlier this year, second time offenders caught with any amount of marijuana face felony charges and up to five years incarceration.
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Marijuana related arrests in 2012: 3,600
Marijuana arrests per 100,000: 74.7
Minimum penalty classification: Misdemeanor
Marijuana use among Alabama residents is relatively rare. Roughly 9.7% of residents 12 years and older report using the drug, one of the lowest usage rates among all states and significantly lower than the national usage rate of 12.3%. Low useage may be the result of steep legal penalties for possession. Even after a reduction in the severity of the penalties earlier this year, second time offenders caught with any amount of marijuana face felony charges and up to five years incarceration.
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Lone Star Rodeo: Weather Update
WEATHER UPDATE
The Lone Star Rodeo will take place as scheduled.
Those who have already purchased tickets have the option of attending the Friday orSaturday show, regardless of the date on their ticket. (Seat location is not guaranteed for those attending an alternate show.)
Any additional changes will be immediately posted to www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and our Facebook page.
What's For Dinner: Crockpot Ranch Pork chops
package of boneless pork chops
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
In Crockpot layer pork chops, add the cream of chicken soup, then sprinkle dry Ranch dressing all over.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours OR Low for 6 hours.
The pork chops come out very tender and the flavor is amazing! You also get a good gravy for mashed potatoes
Garth Brooks Baltimore Shows Postponed
DUE TO THE IMPENDING WINTER STORM EXPECTED TO ARRIVE LATE FRIDAY AND FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL FANS AND ALL PERSONNEL INVOLVED, WE ARE POSTPONING THE FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ND AND SATURDAY, JANUARY 23RDSHOWS.
The Friday, January 22nd 7PM show will be rescheduled for Sunday, January 31st 3:00PM
The Saturday, January 23rd 7PM show will be rescheduled for Sunday, January 31st 7:00 PM
All tickets for the Friday, January 22nd and Saturday, January 23rd shows will be honored for the new date and times.
Governor Larry Hogan declares a state of emergency ahead of the possible blizzard Friday.
Gov. Larry Hogan Declares A State Of Emergency
WATCH: Larry Hogan declares a state of emergency ahead of the possible blizzard Friday.
Posted by WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Thursday, January 21, 2016
IRS Erases Hard Drive Despite Court Order
The IRS erased a hard drive belonging to a former top employee involved in the agency’s controversial, taxpayer-funded hiring of elite trial law firm Quinn Emanuel.
Although there was a court preservation order on all documents related to the IRS hiring of the outside firm, the hard drive was erased anyway. The order was borne of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by Microsoft.
Even though the white shoe law firm has zero experience handling sensitive tax data, taxpayers have been footing bills of over $1,000 per hour for its services.
As reported by legal news service Law360:
The IRS informed the U.S. Department of Justice last month that it did not wipe the hard drive until April of last year, after the hold was in place, according to a Friday filing by the U.S. Department of Justice in a Washington federal court. The hard drive belonged to Samuel Maruca, former director of transfer pricing operations at the IRS Large Business and International Division.
IRS attorneys “have continued to study whether or how the foregoing might implicate the Service’s obligation to conduct a reasonable search in response to Microsoft’s FOIA requests,” the statement said.
The deleted hard drive belonged to the agency’s former director of transfer pricing operations at the IRS Large Business and International Division, likely a key employee involved in the controversy. It is not known if there is any way to recover documents belonging to the employee.
Despite its complete inexperience handling audits or taxpayer data, Quinn Emanuel was hired under an initial $2.2 million contract.
More here
Although there was a court preservation order on all documents related to the IRS hiring of the outside firm, the hard drive was erased anyway. The order was borne of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by Microsoft.
Even though the white shoe law firm has zero experience handling sensitive tax data, taxpayers have been footing bills of over $1,000 per hour for its services.
As reported by legal news service Law360:
The IRS informed the U.S. Department of Justice last month that it did not wipe the hard drive until April of last year, after the hold was in place, according to a Friday filing by the U.S. Department of Justice in a Washington federal court. The hard drive belonged to Samuel Maruca, former director of transfer pricing operations at the IRS Large Business and International Division.
IRS attorneys “have continued to study whether or how the foregoing might implicate the Service’s obligation to conduct a reasonable search in response to Microsoft’s FOIA requests,” the statement said.
The deleted hard drive belonged to the agency’s former director of transfer pricing operations at the IRS Large Business and International Division, likely a key employee involved in the controversy. It is not known if there is any way to recover documents belonging to the employee.
Despite its complete inexperience handling audits or taxpayer data, Quinn Emanuel was hired under an initial $2.2 million contract.
More here
Is the Left even on America's Side Anymore?
The progressives have undermined American security and damaged race relations.
The Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky once described Stalinism as “the perfect theory for glueing up the brain.” What he meant was that a regime as monstrous as Stalin’s, which murdered 40 million people and enslaved many times more, was nonetheless able to persuade progressives and “social justice” advocates all over the world to act as its supporters and defenders. These enlightened enablers of Stalin’s crimes included leading intellectuals of the day, even Nobel Prize winners in the sciences and the arts such as Frederic Joliot-Curie and Andre Gide. But brilliant as they were, they were blind to the realities of the Stalinist regime and, therefore, to the virtues of the free societies they lived in.
What glued up their brains was the belief that a brave new world of social justice — a world governed by progressive principles — existed in embryo in Soviet Russia and had to be defended by any means necessary. As a result of this illusion, they put their talents and prestige at the service of the totalitarian enemies of democracy, acting, in Trotsky’s words, as “frontier guards” for the Stalinist empire. And they continued their efforts even after the Soviets conquered Eastern Europe, acquired nuclear weapons, and initiated a “cold war” with the West. To the progressives seduced by Stalinism, democratic America represented a greater evil than the barbaric police states of the Soviet bloc. Even half a century later a progressive culture still refers to the formative phase of the Cold War as the “Red Scare” — as though the fifth column of American progressives whose loyalties were to the Soviet enemy, whose members included Soviet spies, was not a matter of serious concern, and as though a nuclear-armed, rapacious Soviet empire did not pose a credible threat.
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What glued up their brains was the belief that a brave new world of social justice — a world governed by progressive principles — existed in embryo in Soviet Russia and had to be defended by any means necessary. As a result of this illusion, they put their talents and prestige at the service of the totalitarian enemies of democracy, acting, in Trotsky’s words, as “frontier guards” for the Stalinist empire. And they continued their efforts even after the Soviets conquered Eastern Europe, acquired nuclear weapons, and initiated a “cold war” with the West. To the progressives seduced by Stalinism, democratic America represented a greater evil than the barbaric police states of the Soviet bloc. Even half a century later a progressive culture still refers to the formative phase of the Cold War as the “Red Scare” — as though the fifth column of American progressives whose loyalties were to the Soviet enemy, whose members included Soviet spies, was not a matter of serious concern, and as though a nuclear-armed, rapacious Soviet empire did not pose a credible threat.
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Announcement From Wicomico County Schools
High school exams will be administered tomorrow, Friday, in periods 4 and 5. The mid-term exams in periods 1, 2 and 3 will take place Wednesday, Jan. 27th. (Jan. 25 and 26 are professional days for teachers, with schools closed for students.)
Sarah Palin’s Fiery Iowa Endorsement of Donald Trump
Palin, who appeared on stage with Trump in the Hansen Agriculture Learning Center, backed Trump for president just 13 days ahead of the all-important Iowa caucuses on Feb. 1. The Palin endorsement is about the best endorsement any conservative can get, and has been since the mainstream media tried to politically wipe her out in the 2008 presidential election. Palin has survived, and thrived, and remains a grassroots conservative hero.
“Thank you so much. It’s so great to be here in Iowa, we’re here just thawing out,” Palin, who was in top form on Tuesday, said as she took the stage. “Todd and I and a couple friends are here from Alaska lending our support for the next president of our great United States of America, Donald J. Trump. Mr. Trump, you’re right—look back there in the press box, heads are spinning. Media heads are spinning. This is going to be so much fun.”
“Are you ready to Make America Great Again?” Palin shouted to the thousand-strong crowd gathered inside, which shouted back “YEAH!,” while snow poured from the sky outside in sub-freezing temperatures. Before the event, hundreds lined the sidewalk outside, waiting to get inside and see Trump and Palin.
Palin said:
SALISBURY’S MAIN STREET DRAWBRIDGE TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Repairs/Maintenance Require Overnight Closures Beginning February 1
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) will temporarily close the MD 991 (West Main Street) Drawbridge over Wicomico River in Salisbury for maintenance and repairs beginning Monday, February 1. The overnight work will take approximately two weeks, weather permitting. Crews will work between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Monday through Friday - during these times the bridge will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Crews will post detour signs.
The overnight closures are necessary for Covington Machine and Welding of Annapolis to perform routine maintenance and mechanical repairs including the replacement of several bearings. Marine traffic should not be affected. Estimated cost for this work is $30,000.
Williams: Blacks and the Confederacy
Last July, Anthony Hervey, an outspoken black advocate for the Confederate flag, was killed in a car crash. Arlene Barnum, a surviving passenger in the vehicle, told authorities and the media that they had been forced off the road by a carload of “angry young black men” after Hervey, while wearing his Confederate kepi, stopped at a convenience store en route to his home in Oxford, Mississippi. His death was in no small part caused by the gross level of ignorance, organized deceit and anger about the War of 1861. Much of the ignorance stems from the fact that most Americans believe the war was initiated to free slaves, when in truth, freeing slaves was little more than an afterthought. I want to lay out a few quotations and ask what you make of them.
During the “Civil War,” ex-slave Frederick Douglass observed, “There are at the present moment many colored men in the Confederate army doing duty not only as cooks, servants and laborers, but as real soldiers, having muskets on their shoulders, and bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down loyal troops, and do all that soldiers may to destroy the Federal Government and build up that of the traitors and rebels” (Douglass' Monthly, September 1861).
“For more than two years, negroes had been extensively employed in belligerent operations by the Confederacy. They had been embodied and drilled as Rebel soldiers, and had paraded with White troops at a time when this would not have been tolerated in the armies of the Union.” (Horace Greeley, in his book, “The American Conflict”).
Read more here
During the “Civil War,” ex-slave Frederick Douglass observed, “There are at the present moment many colored men in the Confederate army doing duty not only as cooks, servants and laborers, but as real soldiers, having muskets on their shoulders, and bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down loyal troops, and do all that soldiers may to destroy the Federal Government and build up that of the traitors and rebels” (Douglass' Monthly, September 1861).
“For more than two years, negroes had been extensively employed in belligerent operations by the Confederacy. They had been embodied and drilled as Rebel soldiers, and had paraded with White troops at a time when this would not have been tolerated in the armies of the Union.” (Horace Greeley, in his book, “The American Conflict”).
Read more here
Don’t reward rogue behavior: Opposing view
Capitulation will likely encourage Tehran or its terrorist proxies to take more Americans hostage.
While we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that the nightmare for five Americans is over and they are now out of Iranian custody, the White House’s decision to yield to the demands of a state sponsor of terrorism is cause for deep concern on several fronts.
For one, we’ve released seven convicted Iranian sanctions busters and financial criminals, and expunged international arrest warrants against an additional 14, in exchange for innocent Americans who should have never been incarcerated.President Obama and others who claim this was a diplomatic victory are ignoring that our citizens were held hostage on bogus charges, and that calling this a prisoner swap draws a dangerous equivalency.
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While we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief that the nightmare for five Americans is over and they are now out of Iranian custody, the White House’s decision to yield to the demands of a state sponsor of terrorism is cause for deep concern on several fronts.
For one, we’ve released seven convicted Iranian sanctions busters and financial criminals, and expunged international arrest warrants against an additional 14, in exchange for innocent Americans who should have never been incarcerated.President Obama and others who claim this was a diplomatic victory are ignoring that our citizens were held hostage on bogus charges, and that calling this a prisoner swap draws a dangerous equivalency.
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The Drunkest City in Each State
Excessive drinking cost the United States $250 billion in 2010, according to a 2015 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study estimated lost productivity and added health care costs associated with alcohol consumption. States report different drinking habits, as do metropolitan areas within each state.
Binge drinking is defined by the CDC as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men during a single sitting. The organization defines heavy drinking as around 15 or more drinks consumed by men per week, and typically eight or more drinks for women. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the metropolitan areas (MSA) reporting the highest levels of binge and heavy drinking in each state. Dubuque leads Iowa and the nation, with 30.8% of adults reporting binge or heavy drinking in the metropolitan area. Salt Lake City, where 12.6% of adults report such a drinking habit, is the booziest city in Utah.
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Binge drinking is defined by the CDC as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men during a single sitting. The organization defines heavy drinking as around 15 or more drinks consumed by men per week, and typically eight or more drinks for women. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the metropolitan areas (MSA) reporting the highest levels of binge and heavy drinking in each state. Dubuque leads Iowa and the nation, with 30.8% of adults reporting binge or heavy drinking in the metropolitan area. Salt Lake City, where 12.6% of adults report such a drinking habit, is the booziest city in Utah.
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Tantaros Nails It: Anyone who sees ‘13 Hours’ and still votes for Hillary is ‘a criminal’
You’ve just got to love Andrea Tantaros… she doesn’t hold back and calls it like she sees it. Especially when it comes to Hillary Clinton. She saw the movie “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi” and let it rip on the Hildabeast. She said that anyone who sees the movie and still votes for Clinton is “a criminal.” She nailed it! Clinton of course is dismissing the movie as a dramatization. Since she was Secretary of State during the Benghazi atrocity and is directly responsible for the deaths of those four men, I’m not surprised. That blood will never wash off her hands.
Andrea Tantaros minced no words in blasting Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for her handling of Benghazi.
In discussing the new movie “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” on Monday, the co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Outnumbered” said anyone who sees the movie and still votes for Clinton is “a criminal.”
Clinton, who was secretary of state at the time of the Benghazi terror attack in 2012, has recently dismissed the film as a dramatization.
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Andrea Tantaros minced no words in blasting Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for her handling of Benghazi.
In discussing the new movie “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” on Monday, the co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Outnumbered” said anyone who sees the movie and still votes for Clinton is “a criminal.”
Clinton, who was secretary of state at the time of the Benghazi terror attack in 2012, has recently dismissed the film as a dramatization.
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Maryland House votes to override veto on felons voting bill
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland House of Delegates voted Wednesday to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto of a bill that would allow felons to vote while they are on parole or probation.
The House, which is controlled by Democrats, voted 85-56, largely along party lines, for the minimum amount needed to meet the three-fifths vote threshold for an override.
The state Senate also would need a three-fifths vote to override the Republican governor’s veto, or 29 out of 47 senators. Last year, the Senate passed the bill with 29 votes. However, one of the bill’s supporters has retired, leaving a vacancy in the chamber. The Senate is scheduled to consider veto overrides on Thursday, but it was unclear which ones senators would take up.
Hogan vetoed the measure in May. In his veto letter, he wrote that people on parole or mandatory supervision are still serving their time as a debt to society for their actions.
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The House, which is controlled by Democrats, voted 85-56, largely along party lines, for the minimum amount needed to meet the three-fifths vote threshold for an override.
The state Senate also would need a three-fifths vote to override the Republican governor’s veto, or 29 out of 47 senators. Last year, the Senate passed the bill with 29 votes. However, one of the bill’s supporters has retired, leaving a vacancy in the chamber. The Senate is scheduled to consider veto overrides on Thursday, but it was unclear which ones senators would take up.
Hogan vetoed the measure in May. In his veto letter, he wrote that people on parole or mandatory supervision are still serving their time as a debt to society for their actions.
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VA Governor McAuliffe Declares State of Emergency in Response to the Winter Storm
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency at 8 a.m. today, an action that authorizes state agencies to assist local governments in responding to a major winter storm that is expected to impact the Commonwealth through Sunday.
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. This action does not apply to individuals or private businesses.
Governor McAuliffe urges Virginians to prepare for this major winter storm, which could dump up to two feet of snow in central and northern regions. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph, sleet and freezing rain could result in downed trees, power outages and blocked roads.
Governor Larry Hogan Recognizes Maryland’s Inc. 500/5000
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Larry Hogan joined local business leaders and entrepreneurs to recognize the 106 Maryland companies named to the 2015 Inc. magazine’s list of the 500 and 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States. Groove, a Baltimore-based creative digital agency, hosted the event and is ranked #2030 on the list with a three-year growth rate of 194 percent.
“We are thrilled to congratulate, and celebrate with, the more than 100 Maryland-based companies that made these very prestigious lists," said Governor Hogan. "Maryland is a hub and a mecca for entrepreneurs and startups, and the success of these companies serves as another shining example that our state is indeed, open for business.”
"We wanted to celebrate the achievements of the fastest growing companies in the country, headquartered in our own backyard,” said Ethan Giffin, Groove CEO. “The number of companies recognized on the list speaks volumes to the entrepreneurial spirit of our state. It’s an honor to be among them."
The Maryland companies topping the Inc. 500 list are Rockville-based Greensmith Energy Management Systems, which was the highest-ranked Maryland company at #107 and recorded more than 3,200 percent growth over three years; Edifice Solutions, a government services firm based in Beltsville, at #214; Oxford Government Consulting, a technology consulting firm in North Beach, at #221; A Square Group, an IT services firm in Rockville, at #340; and CG Phones, a wholesale mobile phone reseller in Pikesville, at #477.
The Inc. 500 list was started in 1982 as a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in the nation and later expanded the list to include the country's top 5000 fastest-growing private companies. According to the 2015 survey, energy is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. with a 255 percent growth rate, followed by media, advertising and marketing, financial services and software.
WEEKEND WINTER STORM HEADING TOWARD MARYLAND
ACCUMULATING SNOW, HIGH WINDS, AND COLD TEMPERATURES LIKELY FOR ENTIRE STATE BEGINNING FRIDAY
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 20, 2016) — A low-pressure winter storm system is heading toward Maryland and will likely bring heavy snow, high winds, and cold temperatures to the State. The storm is expected to begin Friday with the heaviest precipitation occurring Friday afternoon through Saturday. The National Weather Service expects most of the State to be affected and has already issued a blizzard watch for central and southern Maryland and a winter storm watch for western Maryland beginning Friday at noon and going through Saturday evening. In addition to potential blizzard conditions which correlate to gusty winds and low visibility, the National Weather Service has indicated that minor to moderate coastal flooding could occur.
Residents should make preparations now and are urged to stay off the roads during the height of the storm.
“State agencies are coordinating all available resources to prepare to clear roads and manage incidents that may be caused by this significant storm but Marylanders should also take action now,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Before the storm hits, make sure you have supplies at home and communications devices charged. Be a good neighbor—check on relatives, friends, and those who may be more vulnerable to cold and a big winter storm.”
MEMA and other state agencies are preparing to assist local responders with any issues related to the storm. MEMA has hosted conference calls with the National Weather Service, state agencies, local emergency management offices, and other partners to coordinate response efforts.
“This has the potential to be a serious storm affecting a wide area,” said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland. “We are coordinating with State and local officials to ensure that any area that is significantly impacted by this storm will be able to respond effectively and promote resident safety.”
In addition to staying off the roads and monitoring the weather and power outages, residents should take the following actions:
• Keep devices charged so you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and local emergency information and be able to contact family and friends.
• Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated. If snow is accumulating on your rooftop, consider removing snow if it is safe to do so.
• If you must travel, make sure to have car chargers, kitty litter, or sand for traction, and extra drinks and snacks in case you get stuck in traffic. Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival time.
• Check on friends, neighbors, and relatives, especially the elderly or vulnerable residents who may have trouble staying warm or maneuvering on icy surfaces.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/PowerOutages.aspx
Additionally, traffic, weather, and power outage alerts, as well as winter preparedness information, can be accessed on the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s website atmema.maryland.gov. You can also follow MEMA on Twitter @MDMEMA or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MDMEMA.
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (January 20, 2016) — A low-pressure winter storm system is heading toward Maryland and will likely bring heavy snow, high winds, and cold temperatures to the State. The storm is expected to begin Friday with the heaviest precipitation occurring Friday afternoon through Saturday. The National Weather Service expects most of the State to be affected and has already issued a blizzard watch for central and southern Maryland and a winter storm watch for western Maryland beginning Friday at noon and going through Saturday evening. In addition to potential blizzard conditions which correlate to gusty winds and low visibility, the National Weather Service has indicated that minor to moderate coastal flooding could occur.
Residents should make preparations now and are urged to stay off the roads during the height of the storm.
“State agencies are coordinating all available resources to prepare to clear roads and manage incidents that may be caused by this significant storm but Marylanders should also take action now,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Before the storm hits, make sure you have supplies at home and communications devices charged. Be a good neighbor—check on relatives, friends, and those who may be more vulnerable to cold and a big winter storm.”
MEMA and other state agencies are preparing to assist local responders with any issues related to the storm. MEMA has hosted conference calls with the National Weather Service, state agencies, local emergency management offices, and other partners to coordinate response efforts.
“This has the potential to be a serious storm affecting a wide area,” said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland. “We are coordinating with State and local officials to ensure that any area that is significantly impacted by this storm will be able to respond effectively and promote resident safety.”
In addition to staying off the roads and monitoring the weather and power outages, residents should take the following actions:
• Keep devices charged so you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and local emergency information and be able to contact family and friends.
• Be cautious shoveling snow or ice to avoid overexertion. Take frequent breaks and keep hydrated. If snow is accumulating on your rooftop, consider removing snow if it is safe to do so.
• If you must travel, make sure to have car chargers, kitty litter, or sand for traction, and extra drinks and snacks in case you get stuck in traffic. Let friends or family know of your travel route and expected arrival time.
• Check on friends, neighbors, and relatives, especially the elderly or vulnerable residents who may have trouble staying warm or maneuvering on icy surfaces.
• Know who to contact in the case of a power outage. Emergency phone numbers for utility companies can be found here: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/PowerOutages.aspx
Additionally, traffic, weather, and power outage alerts, as well as winter preparedness information, can be accessed on the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s website atmema.maryland.gov. You can also follow MEMA on Twitter @MDMEMA or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MDMEMA.
Matt Maciarell Responds To Delegate Carozza's Proposed Bomb Threat Prosecution Bill
PRESS RELEASE: Carozza Introduces Bomb Threat Prosecution Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jimmy Williams, (410) 841-3356
Carozza Introduces Bomb Threat Prosecution Bill
ANNAPOLIS – With multiple bomb threats targeted at schools across the Lower Eastern Shore over the last week and a half, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza (District 38C) has introduced a bomb threat prosecution bill that would strengthen the tools used by law enforcement to prosecute those who knowingly make false bomb threats.
HB 121, officially titled Criminal Law – False Statements Concerning Destructive Device or Toxic Material – Venue, would allow law enforcement to prosecute the crime of making a false bomb threat in the county in which the destructive device or toxic material was stated or rumored to be located. For example, if a false bomb threat made against a Worcester County school originates in Delaware, this bill would allow Worcester County authorities to prosecute the maker of this threat.
This bill was requested by Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Carozza also has been in contact with the Wicomico County State’s Attorney and Wicomico County Sheriff in moving this legislation forward.
Carozza has built up a bipartisan coalition of cosponsors, including several members of the House Judiciary Committee, for this legislation. Fellow Worcester County Delegate Charles Otto also is a cosponsor. A hearing on Carozza’s bill will be held on February 2nd in the House Judiciary Committee.
“We need to make sure our law enforcement agencies have every possible tool to go after and prosecute those who are threatening our students and families,” Carozza said. “The high number of false threats targeting our local schools and causing major disruptions in our home community over the last several days only heighten the need for the General Assembly to pass this legislation this session.”
This legislation, first introduced by former Delegate Mike McDermott, has been passed by the House of Delegates in previous sessions.
Sen. Cotton: $1.7B Iran Payout May Be ‘Ransom’ for Americans’ Release
(CNSNews) – Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) suggested Monday that the U.S. settlement of a 37-year-old legal claim that will leave the Iranian regime $1.7 billion richer may have amounted to part of a “ransom” for the release of five Americans held in Iran.
Secretary of State John Kerry took pains in several media interviews to stress that three major weekend developments related to Iran were unrelated.
They were the arrival of the nuclear deal’s “implementation day” and ensuing lifting of sanctions; the release of pastor Saeed Abedini and four other Americans incarcerated in Iran; and the settling of the outstanding Iranian claim worth $400 million, plus an additional $1.3 billion in interest.
Kerry told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer the claim payout was “completely separate from what we were doing with respect to the nuclear agreement,” and that the nuclear deal and prisoner release were “not linked distinctly.”
He also told Fox News it was “absolutely a coincidence” that the nuclear deal sanctions relief and release of the prisoners had occurred on the same day, explaining that the release could in fact have taken place several months ago, but was delayed by “a snag.”
More here
Secretary of State John Kerry took pains in several media interviews to stress that three major weekend developments related to Iran were unrelated.
They were the arrival of the nuclear deal’s “implementation day” and ensuing lifting of sanctions; the release of pastor Saeed Abedini and four other Americans incarcerated in Iran; and the settling of the outstanding Iranian claim worth $400 million, plus an additional $1.3 billion in interest.
Kerry told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer the claim payout was “completely separate from what we were doing with respect to the nuclear agreement,” and that the nuclear deal and prisoner release were “not linked distinctly.”
He also told Fox News it was “absolutely a coincidence” that the nuclear deal sanctions relief and release of the prisoners had occurred on the same day, explaining that the release could in fact have taken place several months ago, but was delayed by “a snag.”
More here
Former Davos Executive Slams Meeting's Leftist Bent
In his new memoir, "Davos, Aspen, and Yale: My Life behind the Elite Curtain as a Global Sherpa" , Ted Malloch, to wonderful comic effect, skewers the world’s richest and most powerful and several of their most celebrated institutions. The book is a rollicking journey through one power-center after another where Malloch’s splendid career as an economist, diplomat, scholar, and organizational impresario took him.
Malloch’s treatment of the World Economic Forum at Davos, on whose executive board he served, is withering. In Malloch’s view, the world’s economic titans are all-too-eager to outspend each other to be part of an organization that despises their interests.
As Davos 2016 begins, I asked Malloch to summarize the meeting’s appeal and what he calls its “globalism.”
“Davos today is a ‘celebrification’ of power if ever there was one,” Malloch said. “An orgy of power. But underneath lies a thin veil of anti-Americanism, a New Age philosophy, and a cult of personality. Capitalism is neglected both morally and financially in these elite circles. They believe in state power and seek a one-world leftist solution.”
Some within the American business community seem enamored of China’s economy, which, like Davos, embraces an ideology of state-control while depending on capitalists for its economic dynamism. I wondered whether the contradiction in such a system would eventually cause even more serious problems than the present slowdown in China.
“The problems in China are real,” he said.
More here
Malloch’s treatment of the World Economic Forum at Davos, on whose executive board he served, is withering. In Malloch’s view, the world’s economic titans are all-too-eager to outspend each other to be part of an organization that despises their interests.
As Davos 2016 begins, I asked Malloch to summarize the meeting’s appeal and what he calls its “globalism.”
“Davos today is a ‘celebrification’ of power if ever there was one,” Malloch said. “An orgy of power. But underneath lies a thin veil of anti-Americanism, a New Age philosophy, and a cult of personality. Capitalism is neglected both morally and financially in these elite circles. They believe in state power and seek a one-world leftist solution.”
Some within the American business community seem enamored of China’s economy, which, like Davos, embraces an ideology of state-control while depending on capitalists for its economic dynamism. I wondered whether the contradiction in such a system would eventually cause even more serious problems than the present slowdown in China.
“The problems in China are real,” he said.
More here
Judge: Porter Won't Have To Testify In Trials Of All Officers Accused In Gray Case
Judge Barry Williams was responding to a motion last week by city prosecutors. That followed a Court of Special Appeals-ordered delay in the trial of Officer Caesar Goodson, who drove the van in which Gray suffered his fatal injury after an arrest in Sandtown-Winchester. The appellate court is considering a request for an injunction against Williams order that Porter testify in the trials of Goodson and Sgt. Alicia White. Wednesday's ruling does not affect those cases, just those of Lt. Brian Rice, Officer Edward Nero and Officer Garrett Miller.
Williams suggested the motion by prosecutors was really an attempt by the prosecution to delay all the trials.
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Poverty Expert: Public Assistance Programs Should Promote Work
(CNSNews) - President Obama frequently points to the nation's 5 percent unemployment rate as a sign of economic strength, but he doesn't mention the labor force participation rate, which is hovering at lows not seen since the late 1970s.
"And the extent to which people are not working is a very significant drag on growth in the American economy," Robert Doar of the American Enterprise Institute told CSPAN's "National Journal" on Tuesday.
As CNSNews has reported, the labor force participation rate has steadily dropped since its record high of 67.3 percent in early 2000. In December 2015, only 62.6 percent of the civilian, non-institutional population over the age of 16 participated in the labor force by either having a job or actively seeking one. Not since 1978 has the labor force participation rate been that low.
According to Doar, "If we had the same labor force participation that we had prior to (Obama's) presidency, we'd have 8 million more people working" right now.
"My view is, is that over the last eight years, and going back into the Bush administration a little bit as well, there was more of a focus on getting people signed up (for public assistance) and not enough on employment. And I think that's a problem. Not because I want to hurt or harm people, but because I think people are better off when they're working."
Read more here
"And the extent to which people are not working is a very significant drag on growth in the American economy," Robert Doar of the American Enterprise Institute told CSPAN's "National Journal" on Tuesday.
As CNSNews has reported, the labor force participation rate has steadily dropped since its record high of 67.3 percent in early 2000. In December 2015, only 62.6 percent of the civilian, non-institutional population over the age of 16 participated in the labor force by either having a job or actively seeking one. Not since 1978 has the labor force participation rate been that low.
According to Doar, "If we had the same labor force participation that we had prior to (Obama's) presidency, we'd have 8 million more people working" right now.
"My view is, is that over the last eight years, and going back into the Bush administration a little bit as well, there was more of a focus on getting people signed up (for public assistance) and not enough on employment. And I think that's a problem. Not because I want to hurt or harm people, but because I think people are better off when they're working."
Read more here
BREAKING NEWS POST COMING VERY SOON
The Koch brothers are buying oil for -$0.50 per barrel
The oil markets are on edge with oil sinking into the $20s per barrel. And last week we reportedon one place where oil is already trading in the single digits. Canada’s bitumen is selling for just $8 a barrel.
But even that rock-bottom price is higher than what one oil seller earned for a shipment recently. In a bizarre turn of events, Bloomberg reported that Flint Hill Resources, a refining unit owned by the Koch brothers, said that they would purchase sour crude from North Dakota for -$0.50 per barrel.
That’s right: a negative price. Oil has become so depressed that producers are paying buyers to take oil off of their hands.
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But even that rock-bottom price is higher than what one oil seller earned for a shipment recently. In a bizarre turn of events, Bloomberg reported that Flint Hill Resources, a refining unit owned by the Koch brothers, said that they would purchase sour crude from North Dakota for -$0.50 per barrel.
That’s right: a negative price. Oil has become so depressed that producers are paying buyers to take oil off of their hands.
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An Inconvenient History
By Thornton Crowe
Why does the black community now vote predominantly Democrat given its tumultuous history with the political party? They are misinformed about the truth regarding Civil Rights’ rocky past. If they knew the truth, they would never vote for another Democrat. While this information is easy enough to find in books and on the Internet, very few afford the time to actually study and educated themselves on this history or simply dismiss it due to its inconvenience.
Many historians have conclude, based on documentation, the Civil Rights Law was another ‘forced into glory’ situation (like Lincoln) because we could not demonize other countries for lack of equality when we did not act in accordance with our own rhetoric during the Cold War. Meaning, the signing of the Civil Rights Law was a political propagandic maneuver, not a moralistic need to bring equality. Even with Civil Rights becoming law, it was not until Nixon (a Republican) who enforced it through the Supreme Court. The result was busing and school integration as well as the end of overt Jim Crow in the South. Johnson never made any gestures after the signing to actually implement the legislation; it was merely a gratuitous action.
Digging deeper into historic documentation, Democrats have a long, dark history of keeping the black community down in our society. After Lincoln was forced to sign the Emancipation Proclamation, it was the Dixiecrats that created the Klu Klux Klan as a backlash against emancipation in the late nineteenth century. Many more contemporary Democrats stonewalled earlier Civil Rights legislation brought to the Houses by Republicans. Additionally, great black leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. were registered Republicans, yet many black leaders of late are of the mindset the Republicans are somehow against racial equality.
Presidential history proves presidents like Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy were racist by today’s standard. For examples, when Eleanor Roosevelt approached her husband to address the race inequality issues in the Thirties, she was flat out told to not tread in ‘those’ waters. Truman was known for using racial slurs in mixed company. Kennedy and his brother, Robert, held a tight control over the Million Man March and had final approval on all speakers as to keep 'public' peace. Additionally, JFK voted against the 1957 bill for Civil Rights when he served in the Senate. Furthermore, little know that Republican presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater wanted to prohibit the South from continuing Jim Crow laws and other discriminatory actions the Democrat Party continued to enforce.
As discussed in the Thomas Sowell article, the legislation like Affirmative Action, Welfare and other feel-good, Great Society legislation has been proven to be detrimental to the black communities and by their virtue keep them enslaved in poverty. Therefore, why would the black community continually buy the Democrats’ jive and hustle? It seems given the past, this would not be a plausible option. Many hold much animosity and resentment towards the history of slavery that occurred over a century and a half later, so why does this tenor not spill onto the Democrat party intent on keeping them enslaved?
The attached article, Why Martin Luther King Was Republican, addresses the troublesome history of the Democrats’ race relations, including the fact that many whom are perceived as proponents of Civil Rights, were in fact, the very ones voting against it!
http://humanevents.com/2006/08/16/why-martin-luther-king-was-republican/
How say you?
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA THU JAN 21 2016
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA THU JAN 21 2016 ...THREAT CONTINUES FOR A SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING... WICOMICO-SOMERSET-MECKLENBURG-LUNENBURG-NOTTOWAY-NORTHUMBERLAND- LANCASTER-BRUNSWICK-DINWIDDIE-PRINCE GEORGE-CHARLES CITY-NEW KENT- MIDDLESEX-EASTERN CHESTERFIELD-EASTERN HENRICO- EASTERN KING WILLIAM-EASTERN KING AND QUEEN-EASTERN ESSEX- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SALISBURY...CRISFIELD...PRINCESS ANNE... SOUTH HILL...CREWE...LAWRENCEVILLE...PETERSBURG...HOPEWELL... CHESTERFIELD...CHESTER...COLONIAL HEIGHTS...SANDSTON... KING WILLIAM...WEST POINT...KING AND QUEEN COURTHOUSE... DUNNSVILLE THU JAN 21 2016 ...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING... * AREAS AFFECTED: SOUTH CENTRAL AND INTERIOR EASTERN VIRGINIA... AND WICOMICO AND SOMERSET COUNTIES IN LOWER SOUTHEAST MARYLAND. * HAZARDS: SNOW...MIXED WITH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN BEFORE EVENTUALLY CHANGING TO RAIN LATE FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY. GUSTY WINDS OF 20 TO 30 MPH ARE POSSIBLE SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY. * ACCUMULATIONS: 2 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW. UP ONE TENTH OF AN INCH OF ICE IS POSSIBLE...MAINLY ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL VIRGINIA. * TEMPERATURES: RISING INTO THE MID 30S TO UPPER 30S LATE FRIDAY AND REMAINING NEARLY STEADY INTO SATURDAY AFTERNOON. * WINDS: NORTHEAST WINDS 10 TO 20 MPH FRIDAY...BECOMING NORTH AND INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH AND GUSTY FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY. * TIMING: SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA FRIDAY MORNING AND MIDDAY...GRADUALLY MIXING WITH SLEET FRIDAY AFTERNOON INTO THE EVENING. PERIODS OF SLEET...FREEZING RAIN AND EVEN PLAIN RAIN ARE EXPECTED FRIDAY NIGHT INTO SATURDAY. A CHANGE BACK TO A PERIOD OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE BY SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. * IMPACTS: ROADS WILL BECOME SNOW AND ICE COVERED AND HAZARDOUS. TRAVEL WILL LIKELY BE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPACTED FRIDAY INTO SATURDAY. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.