Remember the cryptex, the little handheld safe from The Da Vinci Code where entering the correct combination will reveal the secret message and entering the wrong one will destroy it?
Now replace the little safe with an iPhone, and instead of a secret message, it's holding evidence in a terrorism case. The critical combination? It's a passcode — one the FBI doesn't know, and one that Apple is reluctant to help the agency figure out.
Of course, it's more complicated than that. Here are a few key questions and answers about the dispute between the tech giant and federal investigators:
Whose phone are investigators trying to access?
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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
Friday, February 19, 2016
Obama To Visit Cuba Next Month
Building on the opening to Cuba he launched 14 months ago, President Barack Obama will visit the island as part of a multi-nation Latin America trip planned for next month.
The visit will be officially announced on Thursday, a senior administration official confirmed to NPR's Scott Horsley.
Following secret negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba, Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro announced the restoration of diplomatic relations in December 2014. A prisoner exchange was carried out at the same time.
Embassies in Havana and Washington, D.C., were reopened last summer.
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The visit will be officially announced on Thursday, a senior administration official confirmed to NPR's Scott Horsley.
Following secret negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba, Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro announced the restoration of diplomatic relations in December 2014. A prisoner exchange was carried out at the same time.
Embassies in Havana and Washington, D.C., were reopened last summer.
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After Prisoner Swap, Anxiety Over Jailed Iranian-American Businessman
The U.S. and Iran swapped prisoners last month, before the lifting of sanctions. But Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American businessman, remains in an Iranian jail, raising concerns among the diaspora.
Iran has eagerly opened its doors to foreign investment now that a nuclear deal has cleared the way. So why is Iran still holding prisoner an Iranian-American businessman?
This is one of the contradictions of the moment in Iran, where economic sanctions were lifted weeks ago.
During seven days in the country, producer Emily Ochsenschlager and I found ourselves sitting next to British and German businessmen at hotel breakfast buffets. We met a builder eager for foreign investment to finish the largest hotel in Iran. We met an economist, close to Iran's government, who wants Iran to join the World Trade Organization.
We stepped into a shopping mall and saw TVs showing news programming from the U.S. network Bloomberg Television; nobody seemed to care that the anchor was dressed in Western style with her hair uncovered. We even met an Iranian business consultant who was wearing a necktie — an accessory long ago rejected in the Islamic Republic as a symbol of Western decadence.
But we never heard a word about Siamak Namazi, the Iranian-American held in Evin Prison on the edge of Tehran.
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Iran has eagerly opened its doors to foreign investment now that a nuclear deal has cleared the way. So why is Iran still holding prisoner an Iranian-American businessman?
This is one of the contradictions of the moment in Iran, where economic sanctions were lifted weeks ago.
During seven days in the country, producer Emily Ochsenschlager and I found ourselves sitting next to British and German businessmen at hotel breakfast buffets. We met a builder eager for foreign investment to finish the largest hotel in Iran. We met an economist, close to Iran's government, who wants Iran to join the World Trade Organization.
We stepped into a shopping mall and saw TVs showing news programming from the U.S. network Bloomberg Television; nobody seemed to care that the anchor was dressed in Western style with her hair uncovered. We even met an Iranian business consultant who was wearing a necktie — an accessory long ago rejected in the Islamic Republic as a symbol of Western decadence.
But we never heard a word about Siamak Namazi, the Iranian-American held in Evin Prison on the edge of Tehran.
More
FCC Commissioner: Free Speech Is Endangered, From Campuses to the Internet
FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai warned about the erosion of free speech in an interview with the Washington Examiner on Tuesday, making a crucial point about how a generation comfortable with thuggish intimidation on campuses and the Internet will have a weak immune system against the virus of official censorship. Liberty is a habit, which Pai perceptively warned we are losing.
“Largely what we’re seeing, especially on college campuses, is that if my view is in the majority and I don’t agree with your view, then I have the right to shout you down, disrupt your events, or otherwise suppress your ability to get your voice heard,” said Pai.
Off-campus, he cited Twitter’s recent creation of a speech-policing “Trust and Safety” board— loaded with social justice warrior activists — as an example of private censorship that erodes our resistance to government speech and thought control.
“Private actors like Twitter have the freedom to operate their platform as they see fit, [but] I would hope that everybody embraces the idea of the marketplace of ideas. The proverbial street corner of the 21st century, where people can gather to debate issues is increasingly social media, which serves as a platform for public discourse,” he said.
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“Largely what we’re seeing, especially on college campuses, is that if my view is in the majority and I don’t agree with your view, then I have the right to shout you down, disrupt your events, or otherwise suppress your ability to get your voice heard,” said Pai.
Off-campus, he cited Twitter’s recent creation of a speech-policing “Trust and Safety” board— loaded with social justice warrior activists — as an example of private censorship that erodes our resistance to government speech and thought control.
“Private actors like Twitter have the freedom to operate their platform as they see fit, [but] I would hope that everybody embraces the idea of the marketplace of ideas. The proverbial street corner of the 21st century, where people can gather to debate issues is increasingly social media, which serves as a platform for public discourse,” he said.
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ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECKS CONDUCTED IN SOMERSET COUNTY
(Somerset County, MD) On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, troopers from the Maryland State Police and officers from the Princess Anne Police Department conducted a collaborative effort and performed numerous alcohol compliance checks at retail establishments in Somerset County.
Law enforcement officers throughout Somerset County ensured that various retail establishments which hold a Somerset County Liquor License are denying sales of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 years old.
A total of 18 retail establishments were checked. The following retail establishments complied with the provisions of the law and denied the sale of alcoholic beverage to minors:
Arby’s General Store, Wenona, Maryland
Brew Thru, Crisfield, Maryland
Eden Quick Stop, Eden, Maryland
Junior’s Stop and Shop, Princess Anne, Maryland
Kash and Karry, Princess Anne, Maryland
Oscar’s Bar and Grill, Princess Anne, Maryland
Peaky’s Restaurant, Princess Anne, Maryland
Goose Creek, Princess Anne, Maryland
Somer’s Cove Market, Crisfield, Maryland
Spike’s Pub and Subs, Princess Anne, Maryland
Dash Inn, Westover, Maryland
Goose Creek, Westover, Maryland
Crisfield Oceanic, Crisfield, Maryland
Shore Stop, Crisfield, Maryland
King’s Creek Market, Princess Anne, Maryland
The following retail establishments were not in compliance with the provisions of the law and sold alcoholic beverages to a minor:
Somerset County Liquor Dispensary, Princess Anne, Maryland
Becky’s Market, Princess Anne, Maryland
Lucky’s Last Chance, Chance, Maryland
The establishments which sold alcoholic beverages will be required to appear before the Somerset County Liquor Board and face possible sanctions from that board. The individuals who sold alcoholic beverages to a person under the age of 21 years old will be required to appear in the District Court of Maryland for Somerset County for selling an alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 years old.
In an effort to reduce the access of alcoholic beverages to minors, Troopers and Officers will continue with unannounced compliance checks to ensure that alcoholic beverages stay out of the hands of minors. With homecoming activities going on at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, St. Patrick’s Day, and Washington High School and Crisfield High School’s proms right around the corner, law enforcement will be making a collaborative effort to ensure the safety of our youth. After the compliance checks were conducted, establishments were provided with educational literature which can be used to help them determine the authenticity of identification documents. This collaborative effort amongst law enforcement partners will continue throughout the year in an effort to keep everyone safe.
Funding for this initiative was provided by the Somerset County Local Management Board Inc.
Law enforcement officers throughout Somerset County ensured that various retail establishments which hold a Somerset County Liquor License are denying sales of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 years old.
A total of 18 retail establishments were checked. The following retail establishments complied with the provisions of the law and denied the sale of alcoholic beverage to minors:
Arby’s General Store, Wenona, Maryland
Brew Thru, Crisfield, Maryland
Eden Quick Stop, Eden, Maryland
Junior’s Stop and Shop, Princess Anne, Maryland
Kash and Karry, Princess Anne, Maryland
Oscar’s Bar and Grill, Princess Anne, Maryland
Peaky’s Restaurant, Princess Anne, Maryland
Goose Creek, Princess Anne, Maryland
Somer’s Cove Market, Crisfield, Maryland
Spike’s Pub and Subs, Princess Anne, Maryland
Dash Inn, Westover, Maryland
Goose Creek, Westover, Maryland
Crisfield Oceanic, Crisfield, Maryland
Shore Stop, Crisfield, Maryland
King’s Creek Market, Princess Anne, Maryland
The following retail establishments were not in compliance with the provisions of the law and sold alcoholic beverages to a minor:
Somerset County Liquor Dispensary, Princess Anne, Maryland
Becky’s Market, Princess Anne, Maryland
Lucky’s Last Chance, Chance, Maryland
The establishments which sold alcoholic beverages will be required to appear before the Somerset County Liquor Board and face possible sanctions from that board. The individuals who sold alcoholic beverages to a person under the age of 21 years old will be required to appear in the District Court of Maryland for Somerset County for selling an alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 years old.
In an effort to reduce the access of alcoholic beverages to minors, Troopers and Officers will continue with unannounced compliance checks to ensure that alcoholic beverages stay out of the hands of minors. With homecoming activities going on at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, St. Patrick’s Day, and Washington High School and Crisfield High School’s proms right around the corner, law enforcement will be making a collaborative effort to ensure the safety of our youth. After the compliance checks were conducted, establishments were provided with educational literature which can be used to help them determine the authenticity of identification documents. This collaborative effort amongst law enforcement partners will continue throughout the year in an effort to keep everyone safe.
Funding for this initiative was provided by the Somerset County Local Management Board Inc.
Rap Group ‘Blackalicious’ Releases Police Brutality Propaganda Video
An obscure Sacramento, California, based hip-hip group named Blackalicious released a new music video showing footage of the police shooting of Walter Scott, New York City cops choking Eric Garner, and the Michael Brown crime scene in the few seconds of the three minute clip.
The relatively unknown group hadn’t released an album since 2005. The song, “On Fire Tonight,” on which the video is based is from the group’s 2015 album, Imani Vol. 1.
Conveniently, Blackalicious tweeted the album and included the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and #Formation, a hat tip to Beyoncé.
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The relatively unknown group hadn’t released an album since 2005. The song, “On Fire Tonight,” on which the video is based is from the group’s 2015 album, Imani Vol. 1.
Conveniently, Blackalicious tweeted the album and included the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter and #Formation, a hat tip to Beyoncé.
More
Saudi Researcher: Gender Segregation Makes Men Gay
JAFFA, Israel – An article arguing that gender segregation causes homosexuality has sparked an uproar in Saudi Arabia.
In the article, entitled “Puberty, Gender Segregation, and Homosexuality,” Saudi author and researcher Suaad Alureifi wrote that her studies show that sexual orientation is situation-based, and therefore “the right intervention could save confused adolescents who are drawn to homosexuality.”
“If an adolescent is prevented from getting to know the other sex, his only option would be to explore his sexuality with members of his own gender, which will in turn determine his sexual identity,” she posited. “Then he’ll mature to be a homosexual, and then this social ill surfaces, as it has done in Saudi Arabia.”
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In the article, entitled “Puberty, Gender Segregation, and Homosexuality,” Saudi author and researcher Suaad Alureifi wrote that her studies show that sexual orientation is situation-based, and therefore “the right intervention could save confused adolescents who are drawn to homosexuality.”
“If an adolescent is prevented from getting to know the other sex, his only option would be to explore his sexuality with members of his own gender, which will in turn determine his sexual identity,” she posited. “Then he’ll mature to be a homosexual, and then this social ill surfaces, as it has done in Saudi Arabia.”
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NO AUTOPSY FOR SCALIA, YET MANDATORY AUTOPSIES FOR ILLEGALS
Judge clearly lied when telling press that procedure was properly followed
Upon hearing Scalia’s death due to natural causes, most people brushed it off.
He was 79 years old. But then the fumbling of the details began, Presidio County Judge Cinderella Guevara pronounced Scalia dead due to natural causes without seeing the body or ordering an autopsy.
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Upon hearing Scalia’s death due to natural causes, most people brushed it off.
He was 79 years old. But then the fumbling of the details began, Presidio County Judge Cinderella Guevara pronounced Scalia dead due to natural causes without seeing the body or ordering an autopsy.
More
How Would Trump's Wall Be Built?
CNN has made an attempt to figure out how to build a wall along the entire 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexican border as GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump has been touting for months in his campaign.
According to experts CNN talked to, a cinder block wall would be too labor intensive, while poured concrete would not be strong enough. That leaves pre-cast concrete panels as the solution.
Each panel would be 20 feet above ground and five feet underground and would be about 10 feet wide. They would be joined by reinforced steel.
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According to experts CNN talked to, a cinder block wall would be too labor intensive, while poured concrete would not be strong enough. That leaves pre-cast concrete panels as the solution.
Each panel would be 20 feet above ground and five feet underground and would be about 10 feet wide. They would be joined by reinforced steel.
More
Hospital CEO Pays $17K Ransom to Hackers for Medical Records
The chief executive of a Los Angeles hospital says it paid a ransom in bitcoins equivalent to about $17,000 to hackers who infiltrated and disabled its computer network.
Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center CEO Allen Stefanek said in a statement Wednesday that paying the ransom of 40 bitcoins was "the quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions." He says the hospital did it in the interest of restoring normal operations.
Stefanek says the hospital first noticed the malware in its computer system on Feb. 5, and normal operations were restored on Monday, 10 days later.
He said patient care was not affected, and there's no evidence patient data was compromised.
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Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center CEO Allen Stefanek said in a statement Wednesday that paying the ransom of 40 bitcoins was "the quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions." He says the hospital did it in the interest of restoring normal operations.
Stefanek says the hospital first noticed the malware in its computer system on Feb. 5, and normal operations were restored on Monday, 10 days later.
He said patient care was not affected, and there's no evidence patient data was compromised.
More
Three New Polls Show Donald Trump's "First In The South" Mojo Remains Strong
FRONTRUNNER CRUISING …
Despite a barrage of negative attacks from multiple rivals – and a diss from the state’s popular governor, Nikki Haley – GOP frontrunner Donald Trump continues to cruise in early-voting South Carolina.
Three new polls – one from CNN/ ORC, another from the American Research Group (ARG) and a third from the S.C. House “Republican” Caucus – continue to show Trump with a big lead over the “Republican” field in this pivotal “First in the South” presidential primary.
The three new surveys confirm the results of three polls released earlier this week following last weekend’s GOP debate in Greenville, S.C.
It also further debunks polling released by the SuperPAC supporting establishment GOP hopeful Jeb Bush – who registered only ten percent of the vote in both of the new surveys.
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Despite a barrage of negative attacks from multiple rivals – and a diss from the state’s popular governor, Nikki Haley – GOP frontrunner Donald Trump continues to cruise in early-voting South Carolina.
Three new polls – one from CNN/ ORC, another from the American Research Group (ARG) and a third from the S.C. House “Republican” Caucus – continue to show Trump with a big lead over the “Republican” field in this pivotal “First in the South” presidential primary.
The three new surveys confirm the results of three polls released earlier this week following last weekend’s GOP debate in Greenville, S.C.
It also further debunks polling released by the SuperPAC supporting establishment GOP hopeful Jeb Bush – who registered only ten percent of the vote in both of the new surveys.
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SC Dirty Tricksters Blast Ted Cruz
ANONYMOUS FLYERS ASSAIL TEA PARTY FAVORITE IN THE SOCIALLY CONSERVATIVE PALMETTO UPSTATE
“Dirty windshield” politics is back in the Palmetto State …
Numerous Christian churches in the socially conservative Upstate region of South Carolina were blanketed Wednesday evening with anonymous flyers attacking U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.
“Parking lots in over ten churches across Greenville were blanketed tonight,” a source told us. “Over 1,000 flyers.”
Take a look …
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“Dirty windshield” politics is back in the Palmetto State …
Numerous Christian churches in the socially conservative Upstate region of South Carolina were blanketed Wednesday evening with anonymous flyers attacking U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas.
“Parking lots in over ten churches across Greenville were blanketed tonight,” a source told us. “Over 1,000 flyers.”
Take a look …
More
Kent County and Clean Chesapeake send letters of opposition to the poultry litter Bill
Mystery Dinner Theater
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UPDATE: Arrests Made In Wicomico County Barricade
The accused is identified as Ali Antonio Bradley, 33, of the 1100 block of Brynn Mawr in Salisbury and Micah Lamar Blue, 32, of the 500 block of Twin Creeks Drive in Salisbury. Bradley is charged with fourth degree burglary, drug and paraphernalia possession, and multiple traffic violations. Blue is charged with drug and paraphernalia possession. Both men, currently on probation, were transported yesterday to the Wicomico County Detention Center’s central booking facility for processing and an appearance before a court commissioner.
Shortly before 1:00 p.m. today, Bradley was taken into police custody without incident after he barricaded himself inside a home located in the 100-block of Justice Avenue in Salisbury. Prior to the barricade, Bradley, driving a silver Dodge Ram pickup, with Blue in the passenger seat, led investigators from the Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit in a vehicle pursuit.
Bradley and Blue were observed by police at approximately 11:00 a.m. yesterday, driving erratically in the area of East Church Street in Salisbury. As police attempted to stop the pickup, Bradley accelerated, making several abrupt turns, running through stop signs until he made a left turn onto Aydelotte Road, where Bradley exited the vehicle at a dead end, leaving Blue in the car.
Bradley jumped a six foot fence, causing damage to the fence, and forced his way into the rear of the home on Justice Avenue where he subsequently barricaded himself in the attic. After refusing police requests to exit the home for one and a half hours, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Special Emergency Response Team conducted a tactical entry into the home where Bradley was found hiding under insulation. He was taken into police custody without incident. Blue was also taken into police custody at the time of the incident.
Investigators believe Bradley is associated with the residents of the Salisbury home, but did not have permission to enter the home. Two adults and two small children were inside the home at the time of the incident. All four were escorted safely out of the residence while Bradley made his way to the attic of the home.
No police officers or citizens were injured during the incident. There were no weapons recovered from the pickup truck or in the residence.
The Maryland State Police Gang Enforcement Unit, assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division, received assistance from deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. The Gang Enforcement Unit focuses on a variety of criminal investigations and their involvement in a case does not mean the person arrested is a member of a criminal gang.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
After Profuse Contamination Found, Russia Bans US Corn & Soy, They “Pose a Real Threat to Russia”
Corn and soybeans from the United States will no longer be allowed to enter Russia as of February 15, because those foods failed to meet the country’s biological standards, announced Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s food and safety watchdog, on Wednesday.
According to RT, Rosselkhoznadzor discovered dry rot in U.S. corn, and weed seeds mixed with the U.S. soy.
“Since the products shipped from the United States pose a real threat to Russia, and the U.S. guarantees are not valid,” said the group’s spokesperson, Aleksey Alekseenko, “we reserve the right to introduce temporary restrictions on imports of U.S. corn and soybeans.”
U.S. officials have reportedly explained their evaluation of corn does not include a microbiological assessment of its condition.
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According to RT, Rosselkhoznadzor discovered dry rot in U.S. corn, and weed seeds mixed with the U.S. soy.
“Since the products shipped from the United States pose a real threat to Russia, and the U.S. guarantees are not valid,” said the group’s spokesperson, Aleksey Alekseenko, “we reserve the right to introduce temporary restrictions on imports of U.S. corn and soybeans.”
U.S. officials have reportedly explained their evaluation of corn does not include a microbiological assessment of its condition.
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Governor Larry Hogan Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Historic January Winter Storm
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 19, 2016) — Governor Larry Hogan today requested that President Barack Obama declare a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the State of Maryland as a result of the winter storm that affected the state beginning on January 22, 2016. An approved disaster declaration would bring federal assistance to communities in Maryland through state and local agencies and public safety partners that served them during the storm.
“We are requesting a disaster declaration in order to provide Maryland with all assistance available following the historic snowstorm we experienced last month,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Throughout the storm, our administration and state agencies effectively and efficiently responded and Marylanders used common sense and stayed off the roads. Now we are taking steps to recover and ensure we are ready for any future storms.”
Maryland was severely impacted by this winter storm with many areas seeing historic snowfall totals, high winds, and freezing temperatures. Governor Hogan implemented a state of emergency and government agencies coordinated public safety actions and snow removal through the State Emergency Operations Center at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
Governor Hogan designated MEMA as the state coordinating agency for the request. MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland had previously sent a letter of intent for Maryland to pursue federal disaster assistance and to request that FEMA begin the coordination for joint damage assessments. This process occurred from February 2 through 17.
“MEMA worked closely with local governments and FEMA to jointly assess damages and costs incurred and initial estimates have validated the significant impact of this storm,” said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland.
“We are requesting a disaster declaration in order to provide Maryland with all assistance available following the historic snowstorm we experienced last month,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Throughout the storm, our administration and state agencies effectively and efficiently responded and Marylanders used common sense and stayed off the roads. Now we are taking steps to recover and ensure we are ready for any future storms.”
Maryland was severely impacted by this winter storm with many areas seeing historic snowfall totals, high winds, and freezing temperatures. Governor Hogan implemented a state of emergency and government agencies coordinated public safety actions and snow removal through the State Emergency Operations Center at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
Governor Hogan designated MEMA as the state coordinating agency for the request. MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland had previously sent a letter of intent for Maryland to pursue federal disaster assistance and to request that FEMA begin the coordination for joint damage assessments. This process occurred from February 2 through 17.
“MEMA worked closely with local governments and FEMA to jointly assess damages and costs incurred and initial estimates have validated the significant impact of this storm,” said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland.
Dems Predict GOP Cave on Scalia Replacement
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are already predicting Senate Republicans will back away from their initial vows to block President Obama’s nominee to replace Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
“Just as in 2013 when there was a huge public outcry and Sen. [Mitch] McConnell (R-KY) had to back off,” Schumer said in reference to the 2013 government shutdown, “the same will happen now. Sen. McConnell will have to back off.”
Schumer made his comments Wednesday on a conference call with reporters organized by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a liberal activist group.
Shortly after Scalia’s death on Saturday, Republican leaders signaled they would not move on a nominee in an election year. According to Schumer, not only will Republicans cave but they are already beginning to waiver. He cited recent statements from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) as evidence.
“We’re already seeing the Republican coalition, which seemed unified the day Sen. McConnell announced his desire to prevent hearings and a vote on any nominee the president would offer, we’re seeing that coalition begin to crack: Sen. Grassley, Sen. Tillis, Sen. Johnson. And I believe that we will be able to have hearings and get a vote,” Schumer said.
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“Just as in 2013 when there was a huge public outcry and Sen. [Mitch] McConnell (R-KY) had to back off,” Schumer said in reference to the 2013 government shutdown, “the same will happen now. Sen. McConnell will have to back off.”
Schumer made his comments Wednesday on a conference call with reporters organized by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, a liberal activist group.
Shortly after Scalia’s death on Saturday, Republican leaders signaled they would not move on a nominee in an election year. According to Schumer, not only will Republicans cave but they are already beginning to waiver. He cited recent statements from Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) as evidence.
“We’re already seeing the Republican coalition, which seemed unified the day Sen. McConnell announced his desire to prevent hearings and a vote on any nominee the president would offer, we’re seeing that coalition begin to crack: Sen. Grassley, Sen. Tillis, Sen. Johnson. And I believe that we will be able to have hearings and get a vote,” Schumer said.
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Hannity Warns Vulnerable Republicans on Caving to Obama
Tuesday on his radio show, conservative talker and Fox News host Sean Hannity emphasized the importance of Republicans standing up to President Barack Obama on filling the Supreme Court vacancy previously held by the late Antonin Scalia.
Hannity argued based on their previous stands on the court and filling vacancies, Obama and soon-to-be Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer cannot complain if Republicans stonewall Obama’s nominee until the end of his term. However, he warned vulnerable Republicans to not cave to Obama for sake of political expediency.
“Again and again, Barack Obama is in a weaker position than anybody on this planet to insist his nominee is on the court,” Hannity said. “Mr. President, spare us your high-minded lectures and your little political power plays. And you can basically sit down. You’re not involved with this. It’s not up to you. You have no standing to make your case. Your senate career is the only thing Republicans need to cite. And Chuck Schumer, the new senate leader-to be, is the only person we need to cite. And to Sen. Schumer, I would say you can take a seat next to Obama and sit down and you can shut up, too, because you have no standing based on your previous hypocritical positions.”
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Hannity argued based on their previous stands on the court and filling vacancies, Obama and soon-to-be Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer cannot complain if Republicans stonewall Obama’s nominee until the end of his term. However, he warned vulnerable Republicans to not cave to Obama for sake of political expediency.
“Again and again, Barack Obama is in a weaker position than anybody on this planet to insist his nominee is on the court,” Hannity said. “Mr. President, spare us your high-minded lectures and your little political power plays. And you can basically sit down. You’re not involved with this. It’s not up to you. You have no standing to make your case. Your senate career is the only thing Republicans need to cite. And Chuck Schumer, the new senate leader-to be, is the only person we need to cite. And to Sen. Schumer, I would say you can take a seat next to Obama and sit down and you can shut up, too, because you have no standing based on your previous hypocritical positions.”
More
MSP Princess Anne Death Investigation
On 2/18/16 at approximately 1921 hours Troopers from the Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barracks responded to 11345 Brocket Square, Apt. 6A, Princess Anne, MD for a death investigation.
Upon arrival the Troopers identified the deceased as Margaret Linnel Kersey, 44 of Princess Anne, MD. Kersey was found deceased in an apartment where the primary heat source was a kerosene heater. A second individual was also located in the apartment that was unresponsive and transported to PRMC for medical treatment. Kersey was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore for an autopsy. A cause of death has not yet been determined at this time and carbon monoxide poisoning has not been ruled out.
Upon arrival the Troopers identified the deceased as Margaret Linnel Kersey, 44 of Princess Anne, MD. Kersey was found deceased in an apartment where the primary heat source was a kerosene heater. A second individual was also located in the apartment that was unresponsive and transported to PRMC for medical treatment. Kersey was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore for an autopsy. A cause of death has not yet been determined at this time and carbon monoxide poisoning has not been ruled out.
US Flags At Half-Staff For The Death of Antonin Scalia
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2016
Presidential Proclamation: Death of Antonin Scalia
As a mark of respect for Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including section 7 of title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA
(Source)
[How many flags are at half-mast where you are? --Editor]
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2016
Presidential Proclamation: Death of Antonin Scalia
As a mark of respect for Antonin Scalia, Associate Justice of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including section 7 of title 4, United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA
(Source)
[How many flags are at half-mast where you are? --Editor]
Thomas Sowell Endorses Ted Cruz, Says Trump Is An ‘Overgrown Spoiled Brat’
Writing in RealClearPolitics, Sowell explained that “the vacancy created on the Supreme Court makes painfully clear the huge stakes involved when we choose a President of the United States.”
“Given the advanced ages of other justices, the next president is likely to have enough vacancies to fill to be able to shape the future of the court that helps shape the future of America,” Sowell added.
Sowell castigated the “frivolous rhetoric and childish antics” seen in the recent Republican debates.
“If ever there was a time to choose a president with depth, rather than glitter or glibness, this is it,” he commented.
More here
Ted Cruz To Donald Trump: Put Up Or Shut Up With Lawsuit Threats
Cruz revealed that Trump’s lawyers have demanded his campaign pull a TV ad titled “Supreme Trust,” which highlights a clip of Donald Trump stating that he would not ban partial-birth abortions.
Trump’s lawyers argue the ad is defamatory and libelous. Cruz disagrees.
“Donald, if you want to file a lawsuit challenging this ad, claiming it’s defamation, file the lawsuit,” he said.
“His own words said on national television are a matter of public record,” the Harvard-educated Senator said. “By definition, repeating someone’s own words cannot be defamation.”
“Once again, what he said on national television is that he is very pro-choice. He would not ban partial-birth abortion, and he is pro-choice in every respect,” Cruz added.
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Governor Larry Hogan Submits 169 “Green Bag” Appointments
10 Percent of Names Submitted This Year Will Fill Roles on Boards Focused on Economic Development
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today submitted 169 appointments to the Maryland State Senate. The governor’s appointments secretary, Dennis Schrader, presented Senate President Mike Miller with the names of the “Green Bag” nominees.
“The names submitted today represent our administration’s commitment to the people of Maryland to provide the responsive, competent, and well-qualified representatives they deserve and expect,” said Governor Hogan. “I am proud that these men and women are reflective of the diverse nature of our state, and I look forward to seeing the great work they will accomplish to change Maryland for the better.”
Ten percent of today’s nominations will fill roles on boards and commissions focused on economic development across the state. Reflecting the administration’s commitment to making Maryland a more business-friendly state, the governor made nine nominations from across the state to the newly commissioned Maryland Public-Private Partnership Marketing Corporation.
Governor Hogan also made four key nominations to the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO) board of directors: Scott Dorsey, CEO of Merritt Properties; Richard G. Woo, senior vice president of Revere Bank; David Schellhardt, general manager for American Mechanical Services; and Tehma H. Smith, attorney and former systems engineer for Lockheed Martin.
“I am incredibly proud of the process that has allowed Governor Hogan to select individuals to fill key leadership positions throughout the state,” said Appointments Secretary Dennis Schrader. “These appointees come from all parts of Maryland and from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds. We are confident that these men and women will accomplish great things over the next few years.”
This year’s Green Bag includes appointment nominations for over 65 different boards and commissions. A sampling of the nominations includes:
Jodi Stanalonis, St. Mary’s County – Maryland Stadium Authority
John Von Paris, Baltimore County – Maryland Transportation Authority
Nicole S.A. Ingram, Washington County – Maryland Commission for Women
Hon. Robert Culver, Wicomico County – Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays
Rachel A. Dean, Calvert County – Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Erness Abron Hill, Ph.D., Baltimore County – Community College Trustees for Baltimore County
Aurora Carmichael, Prince George's County – State Higher Education Labor Relations Board
Robert L. McKinney, Baltimore City – Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund
Robinson S. Rowe, Montgomery County – Maryland State Arts Council
A list of the “Green Bag” appointments (PDF) is attached.
2016 Greenbag List.pdf
Team Cruz Fires at Rubio for Skipping 18 Defense Bill Votes
COLUMBIA, South Carolina — The campaign of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) issued a blistering rebuke at Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), the establishment-backed non-conservative frontrunner here in South Carolina, after it has come to light Rubio repeatedly skipped vote after vote after vote on important bills related to national security and defense policy.
Rubio skipped more than 15 votes on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) over the course of 2015 so he could campaign for president. In fact, the total number of defense bill votes Rubio skipped in 2015 was 18 votes—far more than anyone else in the U.S. Senate.
On June 4, 2015, for instance, Rubio skipped three votes relating to amendments that strengthened the national security elements of the NDAA. One amendment he skipped voting for, which passed without his support, came from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and provided “for the stationing of C-130 H aircraft avionics previously modified by the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) in support of daily training and contingency requirements for Airborne and Special Operations Forces.”
Another amendment he skipped voting on came from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and would have revised “the definition of spouse for purposes of veterans benefits in recognition of new State definitions of spouse.” The amendment failed without Rubio being there.
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Rubio skipped more than 15 votes on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) over the course of 2015 so he could campaign for president. In fact, the total number of defense bill votes Rubio skipped in 2015 was 18 votes—far more than anyone else in the U.S. Senate.
On June 4, 2015, for instance, Rubio skipped three votes relating to amendments that strengthened the national security elements of the NDAA. One amendment he skipped voting for, which passed without his support, came from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and provided “for the stationing of C-130 H aircraft avionics previously modified by the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) in support of daily training and contingency requirements for Airborne and Special Operations Forces.”
Another amendment he skipped voting on came from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and would have revised “the definition of spouse for purposes of veterans benefits in recognition of new State definitions of spouse.” The amendment failed without Rubio being there.
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Total Unemployed, Marginally Attached & Part-Time, Unemployment Rate is 9.9%
(CNSNews.com) -- Although the national unemployment rate in January was 4.9%, a broader measure used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), called U-6, which includes total unemployed, persons marginally attached to the labor force, and those working part-time for economic reasons, shows that the unemployment rate was 9.9% in January 2016.
That 9.9% unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, was the same in December and November 2015, and up slightly from October, when it was 9.8%.
In January 2015, a year ago, the U-6 unemployment rate was 11.3%.
Prior to October 2015, the last time the U-6 unemployment rate was in the 9.8-9.9% range was in May and June 2008, seven months before Barack Obama was inaugurated president.
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That 9.9% unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, was the same in December and November 2015, and up slightly from October, when it was 9.8%.
In January 2015, a year ago, the U-6 unemployment rate was 11.3%.
Prior to October 2015, the last time the U-6 unemployment rate was in the 9.8-9.9% range was in May and June 2008, seven months before Barack Obama was inaugurated president.
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Commission Chair Proud To Safeguard Town’s Historic Character
BERLIN – For Carol Rose, serving on the town’s historic district commission comes down to one thing.
“You’ve got to love your town,” the longtime resident said.
Rose, the current chair of the Berlin Historic District Commission, has been serving on the board tasked with maintaining the downtown’s historic character for a dozen years. Born and raised in Berlin, her memories of the town and interest in its history made her eager to serve when she was asked to do so by then-Mayor Tom Cardinale. She’s been volunteering her time ever since. She’s spoken to local children about the town’s historic buildings, advised homeowners on where they might find grants and researched the applications presented to the historic district commission each month.
According to the historic preservation section of Berlin’s town code, the purpose of the historic district commission is to safeguard the heritage of the town by preserving its architectural history. The commission is tasked with reviewing applications from property owners interested in making exterior changes to buildings within the town’s historic district, which runs from roughly Powellton Avenue to the end of South Main Street.
“Before the construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition of any structure, including, without limitation, a change of exterior color, wall or roof surfacing materials, is made within the historic district, which would affect the exterior appearance of a structure or site in the district, the person proposing the construction or change shall file with the historic district commission…,” the code reads. “Every such application shall be referred to and considered by the historic district commission, and no permit for any change may be granted until the commission has acted thereon as hereinafter provided.”
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“You’ve got to love your town,” the longtime resident said.
Rose, the current chair of the Berlin Historic District Commission, has been serving on the board tasked with maintaining the downtown’s historic character for a dozen years. Born and raised in Berlin, her memories of the town and interest in its history made her eager to serve when she was asked to do so by then-Mayor Tom Cardinale. She’s been volunteering her time ever since. She’s spoken to local children about the town’s historic buildings, advised homeowners on where they might find grants and researched the applications presented to the historic district commission each month.
According to the historic preservation section of Berlin’s town code, the purpose of the historic district commission is to safeguard the heritage of the town by preserving its architectural history. The commission is tasked with reviewing applications from property owners interested in making exterior changes to buildings within the town’s historic district, which runs from roughly Powellton Avenue to the end of South Main Street.
“Before the construction, alteration, repair, moving or demolition of any structure, including, without limitation, a change of exterior color, wall or roof surfacing materials, is made within the historic district, which would affect the exterior appearance of a structure or site in the district, the person proposing the construction or change shall file with the historic district commission…,” the code reads. “Every such application shall be referred to and considered by the historic district commission, and no permit for any change may be granted until the commission has acted thereon as hereinafter provided.”
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Chick-fil-A Just SHAMED Obama… and It Was Epic
Millions of Americans are grieving deeply for the legendary Justice Antonin Scalia who passed away unexpectedly late last week. The nation is reeling with the loss of one of the greatest minds to ever grace the Supreme Court. What do we get from Obama over it? A bumbling and mangled speech when he was interrupted during a 5+ hour golf outing. Chick-fil-A showed their respect immediately by lowering their flags to half staff. DC did so later. It is a sign of respect to the fallen and Scalia was definitely a hero. I felt devastated upon learning of his death and I was far from alone.
A nation is not marked by valor for how we celebrate the victorious, but for how we honor the fallen.
It’s a sad day when we pay more attention and give greater homage to celebrities who have passed than the men and women who have faithfully served our country. And honoring the fallen doesn’t just include military heroes, but those who have served in judicial capacities as well.
While the nation mourns the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, some have mocked or gloated over his death in hopes that Obama will appoint a liberal successor to his post. But others—personally and corporately—are giving Justice Scalia a memorial to remember.
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A nation is not marked by valor for how we celebrate the victorious, but for how we honor the fallen.
It’s a sad day when we pay more attention and give greater homage to celebrities who have passed than the men and women who have faithfully served our country. And honoring the fallen doesn’t just include military heroes, but those who have served in judicial capacities as well.
While the nation mourns the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, some have mocked or gloated over his death in hopes that Obama will appoint a liberal successor to his post. But others—personally and corporately—are giving Justice Scalia a memorial to remember.
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Trump: 'We Have To' Open Up San Bernardino Attacker's Phone
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stated that “we have to” open up the San Bernardino attacker’s phone, adding, “to think that Apple won’t allow us to get into her cell phone, who do they think they are?” on Wednesday’s “Fox & Friends” on the Fox News Channel.
Trump said, [relevant remarks begin around 7:40] “I agree 100 percent with the courts. We should — in that case, we should open it up. I think security overall. We have to open it up, and we have to use our heads. We have to use common sense. … But to think that Apple won’t allow us to get into her cell phone, who do they think they are? No, we have to open it up.”
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Trump said, [relevant remarks begin around 7:40] “I agree 100 percent with the courts. We should — in that case, we should open it up. I think security overall. We have to open it up, and we have to use our heads. We have to use common sense. … But to think that Apple won’t allow us to get into her cell phone, who do they think they are? No, we have to open it up.”
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ALERT: New Evidence Has Many Claiming Justice Scalia Was Murdered
A handful of photographs have surfaced of Obama posing with the wealthy Democrat Party donor who owns the ranch resort where Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead. These pictures have cast a large shadow of suspicion on Obama…
“Was Justice Scalia murdered?”
[Mike] Savage posed that question to listeners on his recent show, at the same time insisting “we need a Warren Commission-like federal investigation” and calling Scalia’s sudden death “serious business.”
Now the blog DC Whispers has stoked those flames with a post that includes a couple of photographs of Obama and Poindexter, who owns the Cibolo Creek Ranch where Scalia was staying at the time of his death, in a friendly handshake.
“It has been long-standing policy for the Obama administration to grant presidential awards to those who are among the president’s most prized political donors,” DC Whispers wrote. “It was Poindexter who reportedly was among those who initially discovered the justice’s body, and who then coordinated with local officials to have Justice Scalia declared dead via a phone conversation with the area medical examiner, but without an actual medical examination of the body.”
The Associated Press reported Texas Judge Cinderela Guevara initially determined an autopsy should be performed on Scalia’s body, but then changed her mind when the justice’s doctor confirmed he had a history of heart troubles and when emergency officials responding to the scene of his death said no foul play was suspected.
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“Was Justice Scalia murdered?”
[Mike] Savage posed that question to listeners on his recent show, at the same time insisting “we need a Warren Commission-like federal investigation” and calling Scalia’s sudden death “serious business.”
Now the blog DC Whispers has stoked those flames with a post that includes a couple of photographs of Obama and Poindexter, who owns the Cibolo Creek Ranch where Scalia was staying at the time of his death, in a friendly handshake.
“It has been long-standing policy for the Obama administration to grant presidential awards to those who are among the president’s most prized political donors,” DC Whispers wrote. “It was Poindexter who reportedly was among those who initially discovered the justice’s body, and who then coordinated with local officials to have Justice Scalia declared dead via a phone conversation with the area medical examiner, but without an actual medical examination of the body.”
The Associated Press reported Texas Judge Cinderela Guevara initially determined an autopsy should be performed on Scalia’s body, but then changed her mind when the justice’s doctor confirmed he had a history of heart troubles and when emergency officials responding to the scene of his death said no foul play was suspected.
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Columbine Shooter Dylan Klebold's Mother, Sue Klebold, Shares Her Story in an Interview
Seventeen years after Columbine, Sue Klebold is standing up for mental health awareness.
As dozens of students were rushed out of Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, Sue Klebold got a call at her office in downtown Denver. "Susan, this is an emergency," her husband Tom said. "Gunman…shooter…school." Their son Dylan's best friend Nate had called Tom saying that he couldn't find Dylan or his friend Eric Harris. There were reports that shooters, still inside Columbine High School, had on black trench coats, like the ones Dylan and Eric often wore. Frantic, Klebold drove the 26 miles home, talking to herself as she sobbed. Tom tore apart the house, hoping that if he could find Dylan's coat, it would mean their son wasn't involved.
The coat wasn't there.
Dylan and Eric killed 13 people and injured 24 that day before turning their guns on themselves.
Nearly 17 years later, in a Manhattan hotel room, that same horrific scene of students shuffling out of the school with their hands behind their heads plays on the TV. Klebold, who has been casually watching the screen, sharply turns away from it when the grainy footage comes on and a voice over refers to "Columbine: one of the most tragic school shootings in history."
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As dozens of students were rushed out of Columbine High School on April 20, 1999, Sue Klebold got a call at her office in downtown Denver. "Susan, this is an emergency," her husband Tom said. "Gunman…shooter…school." Their son Dylan's best friend Nate had called Tom saying that he couldn't find Dylan or his friend Eric Harris. There were reports that shooters, still inside Columbine High School, had on black trench coats, like the ones Dylan and Eric often wore. Frantic, Klebold drove the 26 miles home, talking to herself as she sobbed. Tom tore apart the house, hoping that if he could find Dylan's coat, it would mean their son wasn't involved.
The coat wasn't there.
Dylan and Eric killed 13 people and injured 24 that day before turning their guns on themselves.
Nearly 17 years later, in a Manhattan hotel room, that same horrific scene of students shuffling out of the school with their hands behind their heads plays on the TV. Klebold, who has been casually watching the screen, sharply turns away from it when the grainy footage comes on and a voice over refers to "Columbine: one of the most tragic school shootings in history."
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1987 New York Times Editorial Urges Senate to Block Reagan’s SCOTUS Nominee
In early October of 1987, when President Ronald Reagan had more than a year left on his final term that would end in January of 1989, The New York Times editorial board openly championed the idea of the United States Senate blocking Reagan’s Supreme Court nomination. Their rationale? The fact that Democrats had regained control of the Senate in 1986.
The editorial was titled “Against Robert Bork; His Bill of Rights Is Different“ :
The President’s supporters insist vehemently that, having won the 1984 election, he has every right to try to change the Court’s direction. Yes, but the Democrats won the 1986 election, regaining control of the Senate, and they have every right to resist. This is not the same Senate that confirmed William Rehnquist as Chief Justice and Antonin Scalia as an associate justice last year.
In 2014, Republicans regained control of the Senate. Don’t look for The New York Times, or their lemmings in the DC Media, to make this exact same argument.
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The editorial was titled “Against Robert Bork; His Bill of Rights Is Different“ :
The President’s supporters insist vehemently that, having won the 1984 election, he has every right to try to change the Court’s direction. Yes, but the Democrats won the 1986 election, regaining control of the Senate, and they have every right to resist. This is not the same Senate that confirmed William Rehnquist as Chief Justice and Antonin Scalia as an associate justice last year.
In 2014, Republicans regained control of the Senate. Don’t look for The New York Times, or their lemmings in the DC Media, to make this exact same argument.
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The New ‘It’ Trend: Why Activated Charcoal Is Hot
Sometimes, in order to get clean, you have to get a little dirty. This is a concept that humanity has known for thousands of years with our long history of mud baths.
But it’s not just about mud anymore. Most recently, the trendy new get-dirty-to-get-clean ingredient is activated charcoal, which has been making its way into skin- and hair-care products, says international brand expert Patrice N. Le Maire.
“In particular, young women – Millennials – have been appreciating the benefits of activated charcoal within the past year or two,” he says. “Now we’re starting to see the ingredient gain ground for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, as well as men with an active lifestyle, who stand to benefit from a deep and thorough cleansing.”
Activated coal has even made its way into toothpaste. Le Maire, president of Eurochoc Swiss Imports, has most recently partnered with Europe’s Curaprox, (www.curaprox.com), which offers cutting-edge dental wellness products, one of which is called Black Is White. The toothpaste has co-opted activated coal and, as with other beautifying products, is starting to gain ground among the same demographics of the United States.
Le Maire explains why activated charcoal in toothpaste has been a beneficial selling point among Millennials and others.
China Sends Surface-to-air Missiles To Contested Island
The imagery from ImageSat International (ISI) shows two batteries of eight surface-to-air missile launchers as well as a radar system on Woody Island, part of the Paracel Island chain in the South China Sea.
It is the same island chain where a U.S. Navy destroyer sailed close to another contested island a few weeks ago. China at the time vowed “consequences” for the action.
Woody Island is also claimed by Taiwan and by Vietnam.
A U.S. official confirmed the accuracy of the photos. The official said the imagery viewed appears to show the HQ-9 air defense system, which closely resembles Russia’s S-300 missile system. The HQ-9 has a range of 125 miles, which would pose a threat to any airplanes, civilians or military, flying close by.
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OC Brewing owner guilty of fraud
Admits sports memorabilia business sold counterfeit autographed team jerseys
Joshua Shores, owner of Ocean City Brewing, has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a $2.5 million fraud scheme involving the sale of allegedly counterfeit and fraudulent sports memorabilia.
In a statement from Peter Smith, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, he said Shores, 41, was charged on Jan. 29 with wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Scranton. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The criminal charges stem from Shores’ supposed plot to profit from the sale of counterfeit and fraudulent sports memorabilia. Between 2008 and 2013, Shores allegedly operated multiple Internet businesses including Dealakhan LLC, Stadium Authentics, Autograph Showcase, Sunset Beach, End Game Sports, and Authenticgraph, among others, in York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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Joshua Shores, owner of Ocean City Brewing, has pleaded guilty for his involvement in a $2.5 million fraud scheme involving the sale of allegedly counterfeit and fraudulent sports memorabilia.
In a statement from Peter Smith, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, he said Shores, 41, was charged on Jan. 29 with wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Scranton. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The criminal charges stem from Shores’ supposed plot to profit from the sale of counterfeit and fraudulent sports memorabilia. Between 2008 and 2013, Shores allegedly operated multiple Internet businesses including Dealakhan LLC, Stadium Authentics, Autograph Showcase, Sunset Beach, End Game Sports, and Authenticgraph, among others, in York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
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Worcester Schools Again To Head Back After Labor Day
NEWARK – School system officials again approved a calendar with a post-Labor Day start date for the coming school year.
On Tuesday the Worcester County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a 2016-2017 calendar that features a first day of school on Sept. 6 and a final day of school on June 16.
The chosen calendar proposal was the same one favored by the majority of those who participated in the school system’s annual calendar survey.
“Results from the survey indicate a clear majority of respondents prefer the post-Labor Day mediators’ calendar,” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs.
As in years past, a committee of teachers, administrators, parents and students developed three calendar options for the school community to consider. The 27-member committee was broken into three subcommittees, each of which was tasked with creating a different type of calendar. One group developed a moderate calendar that would start school before Labor Day, while another, the “post-Labor-Day mediators” group, came up with a plan that would include moderate holidays and a start date after Labor Day.
“The mediators sought to strike a balance,” Sterrs said.
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On Tuesday the Worcester County Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a 2016-2017 calendar that features a first day of school on Sept. 6 and a final day of school on June 16.
The chosen calendar proposal was the same one favored by the majority of those who participated in the school system’s annual calendar survey.
“Results from the survey indicate a clear majority of respondents prefer the post-Labor Day mediators’ calendar,” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs.
As in years past, a committee of teachers, administrators, parents and students developed three calendar options for the school community to consider. The 27-member committee was broken into three subcommittees, each of which was tasked with creating a different type of calendar. One group developed a moderate calendar that would start school before Labor Day, while another, the “post-Labor-Day mediators” group, came up with a plan that would include moderate holidays and a start date after Labor Day.
“The mediators sought to strike a balance,” Sterrs said.
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Muslim Prayers Take Over UN General Assembly Area
Muslim prayers on Fridays at the United Nations headquarters in New York have begun taking up a large area next to the General Assembly Hall, shunning a designated ecumenical prayer area.
There was no formal decision by the UN to host Muslim prayers. The space has simply been booked without further explanation.
Muslim prayers at the UN have been operating for some time, though UN staffers are tight-lipped about when they began and who started them.
There is an ecumenical “meditation room” – without religious markings – that is continually open to the public and adherents of any faith. A plaque outside explains that the room was “personally planned and supervised in every detail” by former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold in 1957. Hammarskjold’s aim was to create “a place where the doors may be open to the infinite lands of thought and prayer. People of many faiths will meet here…[I]t is dedicated to the God whom man worships under many names and in many forms.”
Prior to recent renovations, Muslim prayers had used a remote venue on a floor above the library.
Today, one finds dozens of prayer rugs permanently set aside for use every Friday in the General Assembly building. The space is booked – the UN won’t say by whom – from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and unavailable for anything else.
Muslim prayers are now so popular that they spill into the path of public tours, with upwards of hundreds of shoes lining the halls.
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There was no formal decision by the UN to host Muslim prayers. The space has simply been booked without further explanation.
Muslim prayers at the UN have been operating for some time, though UN staffers are tight-lipped about when they began and who started them.
There is an ecumenical “meditation room” – without religious markings – that is continually open to the public and adherents of any faith. A plaque outside explains that the room was “personally planned and supervised in every detail” by former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold in 1957. Hammarskjold’s aim was to create “a place where the doors may be open to the infinite lands of thought and prayer. People of many faiths will meet here…[I]t is dedicated to the God whom man worships under many names and in many forms.”
Prior to recent renovations, Muslim prayers had used a remote venue on a floor above the library.
Today, one finds dozens of prayer rugs permanently set aside for use every Friday in the General Assembly building. The space is booked – the UN won’t say by whom – from 11:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and unavailable for anything else.
Muslim prayers are now so popular that they spill into the path of public tours, with upwards of hundreds of shoes lining the halls.
More
LEAKED DOCUMENTS: GOV’T PLANS TO MAKE YOU POOR
Alex breaks down leaked documents showing the United Nations intends to reduce quality of life
Alex Jones breaks down European Union documents obtained by The Guardian showing that fighting “global warming” will require “profound lifestyle changes,” in accordance with Agenda 21.
Alex Jones breaks down European Union documents obtained by The Guardian showing that fighting “global warming” will require “profound lifestyle changes,” in accordance with Agenda 21.
Showell VFD Annual Oyster Roast
On Saturday, February 20th, we will be holding our Annual Oyster Roast from 6pm to 10pm! AUCE Raw, steamed, and fried oysters, roast beef, fried chicken and more all paired with bottomless soda and BEER! Tickets are available now for $35 or you can purchase tickets at the door for just $40! Music will be playing all night- so bring your dancing shoes!
Tickets can be purchased right at the station or from any member. Must be 21 or older to drink alcohol. We ID!
Showell Volunteer Fire Department
11620 Worcester Hwy, Showell, Maryland 21862
THE US ECONOMY HAS NOT RECOVERED AND WILL NOT RECOVER
Jobs offshoring benefitted corporate executives and shareholders, because lower labor and compliance costs resulted in higher profits
The US economy died when middle class jobs were offshored and when the financial system was deregulated.
Jobs offshoring benefitted corporate executives and shareholders, because lower labor and compliance costs resulted in higher profits. These profits flowed through to shareholders in the form of capital gains and to executives in the form of “performance bonuses.” Wall Street benefitted from the bull market generated by higher profits.
However, jobs offshoring also offshored US GDP and consumer purchasing power. Despite promises of a “New Economy” and better jobs, the replacement jobs have been increasingly part-time, lowly-paid jobs in domestic services, such as retail clerks, waitresses and bartenders.
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The US economy died when middle class jobs were offshored and when the financial system was deregulated.
Jobs offshoring benefitted corporate executives and shareholders, because lower labor and compliance costs resulted in higher profits. These profits flowed through to shareholders in the form of capital gains and to executives in the form of “performance bonuses.” Wall Street benefitted from the bull market generated by higher profits.
However, jobs offshoring also offshored US GDP and consumer purchasing power. Despite promises of a “New Economy” and better jobs, the replacement jobs have been increasingly part-time, lowly-paid jobs in domestic services, such as retail clerks, waitresses and bartenders.
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This Guy’s Reaction to 7 US Marshals Showing Up at His House Over a Student Loan Says Everything
When Houston resident Paul Aker woke up Thursday morning, he was surprised to notice a “suspicious truck” parked outside of his house.
A few hours later, when Aker was greeted by 7 armed U.S. Marshals at his door, he was even more surprised to learn that they were placing him under arrest, all for a $1,500 federal student loan he had taken out in 1987.
As Aker would soon learn, he’s far from being the last to have this experience, thanks to a surprising policy the government is now employing.
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A few hours later, when Aker was greeted by 7 armed U.S. Marshals at his door, he was even more surprised to learn that they were placing him under arrest, all for a $1,500 federal student loan he had taken out in 1987.
As Aker would soon learn, he’s far from being the last to have this experience, thanks to a surprising policy the government is now employing.
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Caucus And Primary Polls Are Worthless
Liberals are squirming and rightfully so. If you are a registered Democrat, YOU CAN'T VOTE FOR TRUMP.
Once the general election comes about, WATCH OUT! A prime example is our very own Governor Hogan. In a liberal state, he won hands down.
Democrats are sick and tired of just how bad things have been over the past seven years.
In the near future Salisbury News will prove once again our economy has had no gain whatsoever under President Obama.
So if you wondered what the real numbers might be, wait till the actual election comes about. Trump will absolutely blow away any democratic candidate.
As for the RNC, well, they better get on board in a very big way. The ONLY way a democrat can come anywhere close to winning it will be because the RNC endorsed someone other than Trump and Trump chooses to run as an Independent. He will take so many millions of votes away from republicans, the RNC will have made the biggest mistake they ever made in history.
So my guess is, once Trump got them to commit support if he's the front runner and they choose to go with someone else, they broke their commitment so you can expect Trump to do the same.
Trump isn't playing checkers, he's playing chess and he's going to win.
Obama 'Regrets' His Filibuster of Supreme Court Nominee
President Obama “regrets” filibustering the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in 2006, his top spokesman said Wednesday, though he maintains that the Republican opposition to his effort to replace Justice Antonin Scalia is unprecedented.
“That is an approach the president regrets,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.
Obama and the Democratic senators who joined him in filibustering Alito “should have been in the position where they were making a public case” against the merits of his nomination to the high court instead, Earnest said.
“They shouldn’t have looked for a way to just throw sand in the gears of the process," he added.
As a senator from Illinois, Obama and 23 other senators attempted to stage a filibuster to block a confirmation vote on Alito, one of former President George W. Bush’s picks to serve on the bench. The filibuster bid failed and Alito was confirmed.
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“That is an approach the president regrets,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.
Obama and the Democratic senators who joined him in filibustering Alito “should have been in the position where they were making a public case” against the merits of his nomination to the high court instead, Earnest said.
“They shouldn’t have looked for a way to just throw sand in the gears of the process," he added.
As a senator from Illinois, Obama and 23 other senators attempted to stage a filibuster to block a confirmation vote on Alito, one of former President George W. Bush’s picks to serve on the bench. The filibuster bid failed and Alito was confirmed.
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What does your car color say about your personality?
Color can influence our moods. Color psychology says various shades have all sorts of meanings. So what does the color of your car say about your personality? Experts in an article published in Fox Business, as well as in an article on Today.com suggest several things.
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Chicago court to hear case to knock Ted Cruz off ballot
CHICAGO — A judge will hear arguments on Friday from an Illinois voter alleging that Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz is not a "natural-born citizen" and should be disqualified for the party's nomination.
Lawrence Joyce, an Illinois voter who has objected to Cruz's placement on the Illinois primary ballot next month, will have his case heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago. Joyce's previous objection, made to the state's Board of Elections, was dismissed on February 1. He appealed the decision and was granted a hearing for Friday before Judge Maureen Ward Kirby.
Joyce challenges Cruz's right to be president in the wake of questions put forth by GOP rival Donald Trump about being born in Canada. Cruz maintains he is a natural-born citizen since his mother is American-born.
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Lawrence Joyce, an Illinois voter who has objected to Cruz's placement on the Illinois primary ballot next month, will have his case heard in the Circuit Court of Cook County in Chicago. Joyce's previous objection, made to the state's Board of Elections, was dismissed on February 1. He appealed the decision and was granted a hearing for Friday before Judge Maureen Ward Kirby.
Joyce challenges Cruz's right to be president in the wake of questions put forth by GOP rival Donald Trump about being born in Canada. Cruz maintains he is a natural-born citizen since his mother is American-born.
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