After Beyonce’s disgraceful performance at the Super Bowl, I don’t blame these officers one bit for boycotting her concerts. Why should they provide security to someone who portrays them as killers and eggs on violence against them? Police across the country are jumping on the bandwagon to ‘Back the Blue, Boycott Beyonce’. Count me in officers. Her performance is a sheer political message supporting the militant, radical, cop-hating, racist Black Panthers and Malcolm X, while disparaging police officers and glorifying thugs. The whole performance was blatantly anti-cop as is Beyonce’s song and video ‘Formation’.
From Independent Journal:
Of the millions of Americans that watched the Super Bowl 50 halftime entertainment, many saw something more like a political statement when it came to Beyonce’s performance.
That the singer and her dancers were wearing “outfits modeled after the militant Black Panthers group” and sending what has been referred to as an “anti-police” message – as PIX11 reports – was not lost on law enforcement groups.
The controversial performance has led the Miami Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police to issue a call for officers nationwide to boycott the Grammy-winner’s concerts, which are being held across the U.S. as part of her Formation Tour.
The Fraternal Order of Police is banding together and calling for a nationwide boycott against Beyonce. Individual cities are vowing that police will be mandated to cover her events, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a number of cops walk over this. It’s that serious. In New York City, the president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association has said that he absolutely supports Miami’s call, adding: “Law enforcement across the country has to make a statement that we’re not bad guys and she’s got to stop portraying us as bad guys.” Houston Police Officers Union President Ray Hunt has also said that he has officers that want to boycott, adding that he’s “very disturbed” if “Beyonce believes that police officers are routinely killing innocent people.” Danny Hale, president of the Nashville Fraternal Order of Police, explained: “If you throw up the Black Panther Party as some sort of positive message, that is an anti-policing message.” There will of course be some officers that take the work because they need the money, but they shouldn’t. Police need to unite on this and send a clear message that they will stand against hatred of cops and the furthering of violence against officers. Beyonce is profiting off the spilled blood of our boys and girls in blue. Time to hit her in her bank account where it will hurt the most. Let her hire private security if she hates cops so much.
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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
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
First U.S. Factory OK'd For Cuba Aims To Plow Path Into The 21st Century
When President Obama travels to Cuba next month — the first visit by a sitting U.S. president in nearly 90 years — it will mark a historic step on the path to normalizing relations with the island nation.
While Obama is in Havana, two U.S. businessmen are hoping the president might spend some time with them — or even take a seat on a prototype of the tractor they plan to assemble and sell in Cuba.
Horace Clemmons of Paint Rock, Ala., and Saul Berenthal of Raleigh, N.C., have just received approval by the Obama administration to build the first U.S. factory in Cuba since the 1960 embargo. They plan to make tractors for small farms and have given their model a name any Cuban will recognize: Oggun. That's the name of a deity in the Santeria religion, the god of metal.
As their business, Cleber LLC, gears up, they keep in mind some encouraging words they heard from a Cuban who visited their booth at a trade fair in Havana. He told them, "You guys are doing something for the forgotten people of Cuba."
Clemmons, 72, and Berenthal, 71, have been business partners for decades. They worked for IBM for many years and then started their own software companies.
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While Obama is in Havana, two U.S. businessmen are hoping the president might spend some time with them — or even take a seat on a prototype of the tractor they plan to assemble and sell in Cuba.
Horace Clemmons of Paint Rock, Ala., and Saul Berenthal of Raleigh, N.C., have just received approval by the Obama administration to build the first U.S. factory in Cuba since the 1960 embargo. They plan to make tractors for small farms and have given their model a name any Cuban will recognize: Oggun. That's the name of a deity in the Santeria religion, the god of metal.
As their business, Cleber LLC, gears up, they keep in mind some encouraging words they heard from a Cuban who visited their booth at a trade fair in Havana. He told them, "You guys are doing something for the forgotten people of Cuba."
Clemmons, 72, and Berenthal, 71, have been business partners for decades. They worked for IBM for many years and then started their own software companies.
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How The BP Oil Spill Settlement Money Is Being Spent
Some $25 billion is headed to the five Gulf states that were devastated in the 2010 BP oil disaster. Just a fraction of the government fines and court settlements have been paid — but not all of it will end up repairing the damaged ecosystem.
Louisiana, which suffered the most damage in the spill, has used the fines and settlements to rebuild its coast, one that was already fragile and disappearing. When it took a direct hit from the BP disaster, oil choked off vegetation that is critical to holding together what land is left.
Fourchon Beach on the Caminada Headlands "was and has historically been one of the fastest-eroding beach headlands in North America," says Joni Tuck, grants administrator of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission.
It was down to a narrow strip held together by vegetation.
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Louisiana, which suffered the most damage in the spill, has used the fines and settlements to rebuild its coast, one that was already fragile and disappearing. When it took a direct hit from the BP disaster, oil choked off vegetation that is critical to holding together what land is left.
Fourchon Beach on the Caminada Headlands "was and has historically been one of the fastest-eroding beach headlands in North America," says Joni Tuck, grants administrator of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission.
It was down to a narrow strip held together by vegetation.
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Report: White House Makes 'No Progress' On Drone Program Transparency
The Obama administration has made "virtually no progress" to increase transparency and accountability for its lethal drone program, a new report has concluded, with only months left to spare before the White House hands control of the targeted killing apparatus to a successor.
The report by the nonpartisan Stimson Center said the administration is failing to release fundamental information about the program or to significantly overhaul it — even after a 2015 strike mistakenly left American contractor Warren Weinstein and Italian hostage Giovanni Lo Porto dead.
"We have seen relatively few successes," said Rachel Stohl, a researcher at the center. "The administration has been unwilling to provide the number of strikes, even in aggregate; the number of civilian casualties that they estimate that have occurred because of those strikes; the legal justification, unless required by court order, that allows the program to continue; so even on the most basic levels, what is the program doing, we don't know."
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The report by the nonpartisan Stimson Center said the administration is failing to release fundamental information about the program or to significantly overhaul it — even after a 2015 strike mistakenly left American contractor Warren Weinstein and Italian hostage Giovanni Lo Porto dead.
"We have seen relatively few successes," said Rachel Stohl, a researcher at the center. "The administration has been unwilling to provide the number of strikes, even in aggregate; the number of civilian casualties that they estimate that have occurred because of those strikes; the legal justification, unless required by court order, that allows the program to continue; so even on the most basic levels, what is the program doing, we don't know."
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FIRST MASSACHUSETTS POLL SHOWS TRUMP WITH ‘YUUGE’ LEAD
His largest lead yet heading into a vote
With nine days until the Massachusetts Primary on March 1st (Super Tuesday), the first polls show Donald Trump with an enormous lead over his rivals for the GOP nomination (with Ted Cruz suffering the biggest setback). So much for all those Jeb supporters ‘swinging’ away from Trump.
According to The Emerson College Polling Society…
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With nine days until the Massachusetts Primary on March 1st (Super Tuesday), the first polls show Donald Trump with an enormous lead over his rivals for the GOP nomination (with Ted Cruz suffering the biggest setback). So much for all those Jeb supporters ‘swinging’ away from Trump.
According to The Emerson College Polling Society…
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BLACK LIVES MATTER ACCUSES PUBLIC LIBRARY OF “WHITE SUPREMACY”
The Nashville chapter of Black Lives Matter accused a public library of “white supremacy” after librarians refused to host a meeting which banned whites from attending.
BLM Nashville attempted to set up a meeting at the North Branch Library in North Nashville, but after group organizer Joshua Crutchfield said “only black people as well as non-black people of color are allowed to attend,” the library told BLM to find a new location.
“All meetings at our facilities must be open to the general public and news media,” library spokesperson Emily Waltenbaugh said. “We’re a library. We’re taxpayer funded.”
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New Bill Aims to Give Voting Rights to Illegal Immigrants in NYC
New legislation is reportedly being pushed to give illegal immigrants the right to vote in New York City's elections next year.
The New York Post reports Bertha Lewis, head of the Black Institute — part of a coalition of immigration-rights groups making the push — says a bill is expected to be introduced this spring.
"We want to expand the right to vote for everybody, not suppress the vote," Lewis said, the Post reports. "What a radical idea."
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The New York Post reports Bertha Lewis, head of the Black Institute — part of a coalition of immigration-rights groups making the push — says a bill is expected to be introduced this spring.
"We want to expand the right to vote for everybody, not suppress the vote," Lewis said, the Post reports. "What a radical idea."
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Poll: Most Democrats Say Socialism Has 'Positive Impact on Society'
Democrats appear to be embracing socialism more and more in the presidential election season.
A six to 10 majority of Democratic primary voters say socialism has a "positive impact on society," according to a poll conducted by the conservative advocacy group American Action Network, Politico reports.
The survey of 1,000 likely Democratic primary voters also agree by a 34-point margin that the Affordable Care Act does "not go far enough" and a single-payer health system should be enacted.
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A six to 10 majority of Democratic primary voters say socialism has a "positive impact on society," according to a poll conducted by the conservative advocacy group American Action Network, Politico reports.
The survey of 1,000 likely Democratic primary voters also agree by a 34-point margin that the Affordable Care Act does "not go far enough" and a single-payer health system should be enacted.
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Rev. Sharpton: Trump is a White Don King
The Rev. Al Sharpton says Donald Trump is the equivalent of a "white" Don King — and the fiery civil rights activist says he's not sure the GOP presidential front-runner is bigoted as some have charged, or for that matter as conservative as he insists he is.
"The best way I can describe Donald Trump to friends is to say if Don King had been born white he'd be Donald Trump," Sharpton said in an interview with Politico, referring to the flamboyant and boisterous boxing promoter.
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"The best way I can describe Donald Trump to friends is to say if Don King had been born white he'd be Donald Trump," Sharpton said in an interview with Politico, referring to the flamboyant and boisterous boxing promoter.
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A Viewer Writes: WBOC
Troopers Arrest Sex Offender after Exposing Himself to Teen
Newark, DE- Delaware State Police have arrested a 59 year New Castle man after he was observed performing an inappropriate sexual act at the Christiana Mall this past weekend.
The investigation began on Monday, February 22, 2016 after troopers made contact with a 14 year old female victim who advised that she had observed a male suspect; later identified as John Dicriscio, 59, of New Castle, expose himself while she was at the Christiana Mall on Sunday, February 23rd. The victim advised that while she was inside of the Barnes and Noble, located at 340 Christiana Mall, Newark, at approximately 3:00 p.m., she realized that she was being followed around the store by a male suspect. The victim eventually went to the second floor of the store and sat down. It was at this point that she observed Dicriscio standing near her and realized that he had his penis exposed and was masturbating. The victim then used her cellular phone to take pictures of Dicriscio, before fleeing from the store.
Through interviews and other investigative means, including reviewing the pictures the victim had taken with her phone, troopers were able to positively identify Dicriscio as the suspect who had exposed himself to the victim. It was also learned that Dicriscio is currently a Tier III registered sex offender.
Chicago Homicides Double '15 Rate
Homicides in Chicago are twice the number they were at the same time in 2015, according to statistics kept by the Chicago Tribune.
Two killings on Monday morning pushed the number to 95, which compared to 47 by February 22 of last year.
Also, the number of people shot has more than doubled over the same period a year ago, the newspaper reported. About 420 have been shot to date in 2016, compared to 193 in 2015.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been under fire over the rising homicide rate in his city amid gang wars that also have claimed the lives of innocent bystanders, usually in the city's poorer neighborhoods.
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Two killings on Monday morning pushed the number to 95, which compared to 47 by February 22 of last year.
Also, the number of people shot has more than doubled over the same period a year ago, the newspaper reported. About 420 have been shot to date in 2016, compared to 193 in 2015.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been under fire over the rising homicide rate in his city amid gang wars that also have claimed the lives of innocent bystanders, usually in the city's poorer neighborhoods.
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Rudy Giuliani: 'We've Been Talking. Donald and Me'
Giuliani, who ran unsuccessfully for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008, tells The Washington Post he's among a group of New York-and Washington-based Republicans in regular touch with Trump, connecting his campaign with their own networks.
"We've been talking. Donald and me, Donald and a few other friends who know politics," Giuliani tells the Post.
"He calls to check things out or I'll call him to say, 'Donald, you're going too far' or, 'What you said was great' or maybe, 'Change it a bit.' It's nothing formal. It's kind of a running conversation."
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Lost Dog 2-24-16
Now There's Another Tornado Watch For This Evening
More Drama
State weather organizations are now claiming there will be a tornado watch in our area until 11 PM tonight. In Sussex County they are still calling for severe thunder storms.
GOP Establishment to Kasich: Get Out, You're in Rubio's Way
Republican fundraiser Bobbie Kilberg got down to the nub of the issue in explaining why she wants GOP presidential candidate John Kasich to give up the ship.
"I think it is not helpful to have more than one mainstream candidate in this race," Kilberg tells Politico.
Like many in the party after the South Carolina primary, Kilberg says she sees Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as the only establishment-backed candidate with a legitimate chance to overcome the Donald Trump tidal wave and win the nomination, Politico reports.
Other GOP voices say Kasich is accomplishing nothing by staying in the race.
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"I think it is not helpful to have more than one mainstream candidate in this race," Kilberg tells Politico.
Like many in the party after the South Carolina primary, Kilberg says she sees Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as the only establishment-backed candidate with a legitimate chance to overcome the Donald Trump tidal wave and win the nomination, Politico reports.
Other GOP voices say Kasich is accomplishing nothing by staying in the race.
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Amazon just made it Harder to get Free Shipping
Less than three years after Amazon increased the minimum purchase threshold from $25 to $35 for customers to qualify for free “Super Saver Shipping,” the world’s largest e-retailer is hiking the minimum purchase requirement again—this time to $49.
The change was made quietly, without any official announcement or press release. Instead, customers noticed it over the weekend, and commenters immediately began lamenting on Reddit about how quickly Amazon’s minimum purchase requirement has increased, and how obvious it is that the policy is a ploy to get even more online shoppers to sign up for Amazon Prime.
Prime has proven to be an enormously powerful and profitable service for Amazon. Subscribers pay $99 per year, and in addition to free streaming videos and music and other services, they are entitled to unlimited, free two-day shipping on most purchases made at Amazon.com.
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The change was made quietly, without any official announcement or press release. Instead, customers noticed it over the weekend, and commenters immediately began lamenting on Reddit about how quickly Amazon’s minimum purchase requirement has increased, and how obvious it is that the policy is a ploy to get even more online shoppers to sign up for Amazon Prime.
Prime has proven to be an enormously powerful and profitable service for Amazon. Subscribers pay $99 per year, and in addition to free streaming videos and music and other services, they are entitled to unlimited, free two-day shipping on most purchases made at Amazon.com.
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Bank of America will offer mortgages for 3% down
If you're looking to buy a home but don't have the 20% down payment sitting around, Bank of America is now offering mortgages with as little as 3% down.
The new loan program is aimed at helping low- and moderate- income borrowers get home loans for up to $417,000.
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The new loan program is aimed at helping low- and moderate- income borrowers get home loans for up to $417,000.
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BREAKING NEWS: TORNADO WARNING: UPDATE
They are saying an active tornado is coming to our area, (Salisbury) between 5:15 PM to 5:30 PM.
They are warning to take cover now. Move to a basement and or secure shelter.
Severe Weather Possible for Maryland this Afternoon and Evening
Maryland Residents Should Prepare for High Winds, Heavy Rain and Possible Tornadoes
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (February 24, 2016) — A line of severe storms are forecast to quickly travel into Maryland today. Strong thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible for parts of Maryland this afternoon. Additional threats could include damaging winds, flooding and power outages as part of this storm system.
The most severe weather is expected to occur this afternoon and evening. If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, residents should take appropriate actions, including sheltering in a safe place indoors on the lowest level of a building away from exterior walls and windows.
“This line of potentially dangerous storms is quickly approaching Maryland,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Russell Strickland. “Residents are encouraged to follow their local weather sources in order to be aware of the hazards in the area. Make sure that your neighbors, friends, and family are also aware of the situation.”
In addition, residents should consider taking the following actions prior to and during severe storms:
· Keep communications devices charged so that you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and local emergency information.
· Stay indoors and stay away from windows and glass doors.
· During a tornado warning, if you are in a structure, go to the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from the corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
· Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
· Know who to contact in the case of a power outage.
Residents can find additional preparedness information on MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov. The agency will also be posting updated information on social media. You can follow MEMA on Twitter @MDMEMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (February 24, 2016) — A line of severe storms are forecast to quickly travel into Maryland today. Strong thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible for parts of Maryland this afternoon. Additional threats could include damaging winds, flooding and power outages as part of this storm system.
The most severe weather is expected to occur this afternoon and evening. If a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service, residents should take appropriate actions, including sheltering in a safe place indoors on the lowest level of a building away from exterior walls and windows.
“This line of potentially dangerous storms is quickly approaching Maryland,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Russell Strickland. “Residents are encouraged to follow their local weather sources in order to be aware of the hazards in the area. Make sure that your neighbors, friends, and family are also aware of the situation.”
In addition, residents should consider taking the following actions prior to and during severe storms:
· Keep communications devices charged so that you will have a way to follow weather forecasts and local emergency information.
· Stay indoors and stay away from windows and glass doors.
· During a tornado warning, if you are in a structure, go to the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level away from the corners, windows, doors and outside walls.
· Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.
· Know who to contact in the case of a power outage.
Residents can find additional preparedness information on MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov. The agency will also be posting updated information on social media. You can follow MEMA on Twitter @MDMEMA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.
A Message From Delegate Carl Anderton
Coalition of Justice Dept. radical lawyers and tax-exempt nonprofits seeking to make it easy for noncitizens to vote
The National Voter Registration Act, aka Motor Voter, aka auto fraudo, ostensibly was set up to ensure that people would be able to vote without much effort at all. It has now been hijacked to enable noncitizens to register and vote.
As part of that act, an independent commission, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), was set up, with two members each nominated by leaders of the two major parties in order to help states comply with the law, despite the fact that the 17th Amendment of the Constitution explicitly lays out that the states have the power to set the “[q]ualification requisite for electors.” In this murky situation, opportunities for mischief are created.
Writing at National Review, Hans von Spakovsky explains what has developed:
… when Arizona sought to include citizenship-verification requirements with voter-registration forms, the institutional Left — including the League of Women Voters, People for the American Way, Common Cause, Project Vote, and Chicanos for La Causa — brought a lawsuit claiming that the EAC hadn’t approved such requirements. Incredibly, this fight over whether states can ensure that only citizens are voting went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2013 in Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, a divided Court said that Arizona could not implement such a requirement unless and until the EAC agreed to change the instructions for use of the federal form to include the Arizona requirements.
However, the majority opinion in that case, written by Justice Antonin Scalia, stipulated that if the EAC refused Arizona’s request to accommodate the proof-of-citizenship requirement, the state could sue the EAC and establish in court that “a mere oath will not suffice to effectuate its citizenship requirement and that the EAC is therefore under a nondiscretionary duty to include Arizona’s concrete evidence requirement on the Federal Form.” The Court went so far as to say that Arizona could also claim that a refusal by the EAC would be “arbitrary,” since the agency “has accepted a similar instruction requested by Louisiana.” Indeed, the Court noted, the EAC had ”recently approved a state-specific instruction for Louisiana requiring applicants who lack a Louisiana driver’s license, ID card, or Social Security number to attach additional documentation” to the federal voter-registration form.
Arizona asked, and a single bureaucrat at the EAC named Alice Miller, who was not an EAC commissioner, but only the acting executive director, denied the request. It’s not even clear that Miller had the right to make this — or any other — decision. At the time, a quorum did not exist on the bipartisan, four-member independent commission.
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As part of that act, an independent commission, the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), was set up, with two members each nominated by leaders of the two major parties in order to help states comply with the law, despite the fact that the 17th Amendment of the Constitution explicitly lays out that the states have the power to set the “[q]ualification requisite for electors.” In this murky situation, opportunities for mischief are created.
Writing at National Review, Hans von Spakovsky explains what has developed:
… when Arizona sought to include citizenship-verification requirements with voter-registration forms, the institutional Left — including the League of Women Voters, People for the American Way, Common Cause, Project Vote, and Chicanos for La Causa — brought a lawsuit claiming that the EAC hadn’t approved such requirements. Incredibly, this fight over whether states can ensure that only citizens are voting went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2013 in Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, a divided Court said that Arizona could not implement such a requirement unless and until the EAC agreed to change the instructions for use of the federal form to include the Arizona requirements.
However, the majority opinion in that case, written by Justice Antonin Scalia, stipulated that if the EAC refused Arizona’s request to accommodate the proof-of-citizenship requirement, the state could sue the EAC and establish in court that “a mere oath will not suffice to effectuate its citizenship requirement and that the EAC is therefore under a nondiscretionary duty to include Arizona’s concrete evidence requirement on the Federal Form.” The Court went so far as to say that Arizona could also claim that a refusal by the EAC would be “arbitrary,” since the agency “has accepted a similar instruction requested by Louisiana.” Indeed, the Court noted, the EAC had ”recently approved a state-specific instruction for Louisiana requiring applicants who lack a Louisiana driver’s license, ID card, or Social Security number to attach additional documentation” to the federal voter-registration form.
Arizona asked, and a single bureaucrat at the EAC named Alice Miller, who was not an EAC commissioner, but only the acting executive director, denied the request. It’s not even clear that Miller had the right to make this — or any other — decision. At the time, a quorum did not exist on the bipartisan, four-member independent commission.
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Weather Warning
From NSW DC/Balt
The World's Largest Abandoned Building Is the 'Hotel of Doom' in North Korea
Source
New York’s oldest Irish pub celebrates 162 years
McSorley’s Old Ale House in the East Village has entertained some of the nation’s great presidents from Abraham Lincoln to Teddy Roosevelt, so it was fitting they celebrated their birthday on President’s Day (Feb 15). They also commemorated the 1916 Easter Rising on Monday evening and recalled John McSorley’s financial backing of the Fenian Brotherhood in the 1860s and the current owners' support of the opera "Hazel: Made in Belfast," which will premiere in Carnegie Hall on Oct 16. The new show tells the tale of Lady Hazel Lavery, who had a pivotal role in shaping the 1921 Anglo-Irish treaty.
The old pub is a New York institution, a neighborhood bar for generations. One gets the feeling that they will continue to serve their ale (light or dark – the only choice customers are given) long after we’re all dead. This spot is nothing fancy, but it’s certainly something special.
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Publishers Notes: I've been a loyal customer since 1980.
Chick-fil-A flap rocks another American university
The war on poultry rages on yet another public university campus – this time at the University of Nebraska – Kearney.
The hullabaloo started last January when students were asked to select a new dining option for the student union. Their choices included Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, IHOP, A&W and Sbarro.
The youngsters chose Chick-fil-A – in a landslide. I mean, who doesn’t love a plump juicy chicken breast tucked between hot, buttered buns?
However, it turns out majority does not rule at the University of Nebraska – Kearney. A vocal minority pitched a fit and demanded that Chick-fil-A be banished from campus.
Among those opposed to the chicken restaurant were members of the university’sQueer Straight Alliance (QSA).
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The hullabaloo started last January when students were asked to select a new dining option for the student union. Their choices included Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, IHOP, A&W and Sbarro.
The youngsters chose Chick-fil-A – in a landslide. I mean, who doesn’t love a plump juicy chicken breast tucked between hot, buttered buns?
However, it turns out majority does not rule at the University of Nebraska – Kearney. A vocal minority pitched a fit and demanded that Chick-fil-A be banished from campus.
Among those opposed to the chicken restaurant were members of the university’sQueer Straight Alliance (QSA).
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Seeking Financial Security Far From A Volatile Stock Market
The stock market takes a tumble, surges and then tumbles again, leaving many investors dismayed.
“I know people who stayed in the market and now are dealing with lots of regret because they have lost 8 to 10 percent, and that was after an already negative year in 2015,” says Stephen Gardner (www.yourbridgeplan.com), a safe-money specialist and author of “A Bridge Over Troubled Wall Street.”
“The stock market will always be volatile, which is why I recommend investing money elsewhere. Few people are good at timing the market’s ups and downs so that they can reap the rewards.”
Many people also don’t understand the true cost of losing in the market, he says. Some harsh realities include:
• Fees eat away at profits. Investors can end up losing a good chunk of their investment to fees they pay to their advisors. They may not even be aware of the amounts they are paying.
• Returns must be even greater after losses. If the market drops 20 percent, for example, and then recovers 20 percent, investors don’t break even. “You need a 25 percent recovery to get your money back after a 20 percent drop,” Gardner says.
• Time works against you. When you suffer a market loss, you don’t just lose money. You also lose time because before your investment can start growing again you first have to gain back your loss. “People say, ‘Well, I got back to where I was before the crash,’ ” Gardner says. “But your portfolio would have been worth much more if you hadn’t had the loss to begin with.”
He says one investment option that can work for those leery of Wall Street’s unpredictability is a “bridge plan,” a real estate lending strategy that provides a solid return while avoiding market risks.
Here’s how it works:
Developers need capital to build or renovate commercial property such as hotels, office buildings, resorts, shopping centers and apartment buildings.
Gardner works with clients who pool their money to make a 12 to 18-month “bridge loan” to fund the work. The return on that loan, stated in a contract, is usually 5 to 7 percent, Gardner says.
“It makes being involved in real estate easy while at the same time giving clients the opportunity to make better returns,” Gardner says. “You can leave the speculation and gambling of the market behind. As a result, you will better understand how your money is growing.”
Who were the Black Irish, and what is their story?
The term "Black Irish" has been in circulation among Irish emigrants and their descendants for centuries. Yet, as a subject of historical discussion, it is almost never referred to in Ireland. There are a number of different claims as to the origin of the term, none of which are possible to entirely prove or disprove.
The term is commonly used to describe people of Irish origin who have dark features, black hair, a dark complexion and dark eyes.
A quick review of Irish history reveals that the island was subject to a number of influxes of foreign cultures. The Celts arrived on the island about the year 500 B.C.
Whether or not this was an actual invasion or rather a more gradual migration and assimilation of their culture by the native Irish is open to conjecture, but there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this later explanation is more likely.
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The term is commonly used to describe people of Irish origin who have dark features, black hair, a dark complexion and dark eyes.
A quick review of Irish history reveals that the island was subject to a number of influxes of foreign cultures. The Celts arrived on the island about the year 500 B.C.
Whether or not this was an actual invasion or rather a more gradual migration and assimilation of their culture by the native Irish is open to conjecture, but there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this later explanation is more likely.
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Saved by Jackie Onassis Kennedy Grand Central celebrates 103 years
Building began in 1869 after Vanderbilt purchased the property. It became the largest indoor space inNew York and the architecturally stunning building became a central hub of the city.
As Sam Roberts, columnist for The New York Times said, Grand Central did more than just transform New York, it became synonymous with America on the move.
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Penn. Officials Save $87M by Investigating Welfare Applications
The Pennsylvania Office of the Inspector General reports the agency prevented $87.6 million in welfare fraud through its investigation of over 25,000 applicants.
According to the Fiscal Year 2014-15 Annual Report, OIG:
Prevented $87.6 million in welfare fraud by investigating 25,756 applications for benefits
Brought in $22 million in welfare benefit reimbursements through collections activities
Filed 833 criminal complaints that charged defendants with welfare fraud for unlawfully obtaining benefits and identified $3.7 million in restitution owed the commonwealth.
More here
According to the Fiscal Year 2014-15 Annual Report, OIG:
Prevented $87.6 million in welfare fraud by investigating 25,756 applications for benefits
Brought in $22 million in welfare benefit reimbursements through collections activities
Filed 833 criminal complaints that charged defendants with welfare fraud for unlawfully obtaining benefits and identified $3.7 million in restitution owed the commonwealth.
More here
Restoration of "Quiet Man" cottage to begin as dispute settled
The registered owner, Greg Ebbitt of California, told the Irish press he has won his legal battle against local Patrick Keane, a farmer from Tiernakill, County Galway. The American businessman has been named as the rightful owner, Galway Bay FM reports.
The cottage, located in Maam, County Galway, was featured in the 1952 movie “The Quiet Man,” which was directed by John Ford and starred Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. For years fans of the movie have petitioning the local council and the central government for permission to restore and preserve the cottage, which remains a tourist attraction today despite its ruined condition.
In April 2015, Keane had applied for squatters rights to the Property Registration Authority, but Ebbitt said he had made a “gentleman’s agreement” with Keane in the 1980s to allow him to graze his animals on the site in return for maintenance work. Last July, due to the ongoing legal battle, the iconic cottage which had fallen into ruins has placed under Irish State protection.
Ebbitt now says he’s relieved that the legal battle is over and he can finally begin to restore the cottage.
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North Korean Satellite Could Carry EMP Capability
At the risk of quibbling with President Obama about the most serious threat facing America, I’m not sure I would rank global warming quite up there with some others . . . like say, for example, a small nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) device detonated from orbit that would fry all electronic devices throughout most of the nation.
On Jan. 30, the same month Kim Jong Un’s regime conducted its fourth nuclear test (the third since President Obama took office), North Korea launched a three-stage rocket into space carrying what the hermit nation purported to be an Earth observation satellite — part of a “peaceful space program.” OK, call me a pessimist, but I doubt that Pyongyang’s ultimate intent is to orbit weather satellites or atmospheric CO2 monitoring instruments.
The inconvenient truth might be something entirely different.
Back in 2007, then-presidential candidate Sen. Obama proposed a “get-tough” policy in Foreign Affairs magazine, writing: “We must develop a strong international coalition to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and eliminate North Korea’s nuclear weapons program,” because “Iran and North Korea could trigger regional arms races, creating dangerous nuclear flashpoints in the Middle East and East Asia.” Yes, and not to his credit, he got that assessment totally right.
More here
On Jan. 30, the same month Kim Jong Un’s regime conducted its fourth nuclear test (the third since President Obama took office), North Korea launched a three-stage rocket into space carrying what the hermit nation purported to be an Earth observation satellite — part of a “peaceful space program.” OK, call me a pessimist, but I doubt that Pyongyang’s ultimate intent is to orbit weather satellites or atmospheric CO2 monitoring instruments.
The inconvenient truth might be something entirely different.
Back in 2007, then-presidential candidate Sen. Obama proposed a “get-tough” policy in Foreign Affairs magazine, writing: “We must develop a strong international coalition to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and eliminate North Korea’s nuclear weapons program,” because “Iran and North Korea could trigger regional arms races, creating dangerous nuclear flashpoints in the Middle East and East Asia.” Yes, and not to his credit, he got that assessment totally right.
More here
Racism Uproar Over Skincare Images
On Thursday morning, Beverly Kopper, UW-Whitewater’s $238,000-per-year chancellor, composed a lengthy statement about her plan for massive action in response to the the skincare image, reports local CBS affiliate WISC-TV.
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Pruden: A Modest Suggestion for Choosing the Judge
Everybody is putting his 2 cents in about the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court and how to fill it, and President Obama hasn’t even sent up the name of the man, woman or trans-sexual whom he thinks would adorn the highest bench in the land. Who knew we had so many Philadelphia lawyers amongst us?
Joseph R. Biden, the vice president, who often tells the world what the president thinks even before the president knows that’s what he thinks (that’s how he changed the president’s mind on same-sex marriage), explained how the vacancy will be filled.
“The Senate gets to have a say,” he said, in a fit of generosity, “so in order to get this done, the president is not going to be able to go out — nor would it be his instinct, anyway — to pick the most liberal jurist in the nation and put them [sic] on the court. There are plenty of judges who are on high courts already who have had unanimous support of the Republicans.”
Then he added the ritual demand that the Republicans had better get with the program, or else. “To leave the seat vacant at this critical moment in American history is a little bit like saying ‘God forbid something happen to the president and the vice president, we’re not going to fill the presidency for another year and a half.’ “
Read more here
Joseph R. Biden, the vice president, who often tells the world what the president thinks even before the president knows that’s what he thinks (that’s how he changed the president’s mind on same-sex marriage), explained how the vacancy will be filled.
“The Senate gets to have a say,” he said, in a fit of generosity, “so in order to get this done, the president is not going to be able to go out — nor would it be his instinct, anyway — to pick the most liberal jurist in the nation and put them [sic] on the court. There are plenty of judges who are on high courts already who have had unanimous support of the Republicans.”
Then he added the ritual demand that the Republicans had better get with the program, or else. “To leave the seat vacant at this critical moment in American history is a little bit like saying ‘God forbid something happen to the president and the vice president, we’re not going to fill the presidency for another year and a half.’ “
Read more here
Former Harley Property On Route 50 Bought By Baltimore Investment Firm
BERLIN – An investment company from Baltimore has purchased the long vacant Harley Davidson property on Route 50.
The 13-acre property, which was listed for $3.9 million, has been empty since the Harley Davidson dealer occupying the space closed up shop in 2010. According to Realtor Randy Bendler of Bendler Realty Corporation, the building and attached acreage was sold this month.
Bendler said he could not say the purchase price or the name of the buyer but said it was an investment company from Baltimore interested in leasing the site.
“The new owners are looking to find a quality tenant for the property,” Bendler said.
According to MLS data, the property was sold for $3 million on Feb. 12. Its assessed value in 2015 was $2.9 million.
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The 13-acre property, which was listed for $3.9 million, has been empty since the Harley Davidson dealer occupying the space closed up shop in 2010. According to Realtor Randy Bendler of Bendler Realty Corporation, the building and attached acreage was sold this month.
Bendler said he could not say the purchase price or the name of the buyer but said it was an investment company from Baltimore interested in leasing the site.
“The new owners are looking to find a quality tenant for the property,” Bendler said.
According to MLS data, the property was sold for $3 million on Feb. 12. Its assessed value in 2015 was $2.9 million.
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Veteran Assaulted Wants Black Lives Matter To Condemn Attack
The Marine called a racist and subsequently assaulted by a gang of teenagers outside a Washington, D.C., McDonald’s is calling on the Black Lives Matter activist group to condemn the attack.
Chris Marquez, a decorated Marine veteran who received the Bronze Star for valor during his service in Iraq, was cornered by a group of black teenagers Feb. 12, who allegedly asked him “do you believe black lives matter?” He was later followed out the door and brutally hit on the side of the head by a suspect wielding a handgun. Video shows a number of individuals descend on Marquez as he lays unconscious, stealing his possessions and kicking his body. (VIDEO: Police Release Video Of McDonald’s Assault On Marine)
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Chris Marquez, a decorated Marine veteran who received the Bronze Star for valor during his service in Iraq, was cornered by a group of black teenagers Feb. 12, who allegedly asked him “do you believe black lives matter?” He was later followed out the door and brutally hit on the side of the head by a suspect wielding a handgun. Video shows a number of individuals descend on Marquez as he lays unconscious, stealing his possessions and kicking his body. (VIDEO: Police Release Video Of McDonald’s Assault On Marine)
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Justice Scalia Laid to Rest
The politics were subdued Saturday as the Scalia family laid their patriarch, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, to rest. Yes, Liberty lost an articulate and bold defender and the political scrabble surrounding his replacement’s nomination will be one for the history books, but the ceremony at the largest Catholic church in the country, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, focused on a great man and a higher truth.
“We are gathered here because of one man,” eulogized Rev. Paul Scalia, the son of the justice. “A man known personally to many of us, known only by reputation to even more. A man loved by many, scorned by others. A man known for great controversy, and for great compassion. That man, of course, is Jesus of Nazareth. It is He whom we proclaim. Jesus Christ, son of the father, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, buried, risen, seated at the right hand of the Father. It is because of him. because of his life, death and resurrection that we do not mourn as those who have no hope, but in confidence we commend Antonin Scalia to the mercy of God.”
More here
“We are gathered here because of one man,” eulogized Rev. Paul Scalia, the son of the justice. “A man known personally to many of us, known only by reputation to even more. A man loved by many, scorned by others. A man known for great controversy, and for great compassion. That man, of course, is Jesus of Nazareth. It is He whom we proclaim. Jesus Christ, son of the father, born of the Virgin Mary, crucified, buried, risen, seated at the right hand of the Father. It is because of him. because of his life, death and resurrection that we do not mourn as those who have no hope, but in confidence we commend Antonin Scalia to the mercy of God.”
More here
A Bible Is The Only Item Recovered From Burning Car
MEMPHIS, TN - After a car burst into flames, crews made a remarkable find inside the wreckage. They discovered a bible relatively unharmed.
Witnesses said the car was struck by another car Sunday that kept going on state route 385. The vehicle then went off the road and ran into a pole.
A K9 officer and some good Samaritans rescued the driver from the burning vehicle before it exploded.
Witnesses said the driver was pinned against the steering wheel.
More here
Witnesses said the car was struck by another car Sunday that kept going on state route 385. The vehicle then went off the road and ran into a pole.
A K9 officer and some good Samaritans rescued the driver from the burning vehicle before it exploded.
Witnesses said the driver was pinned against the steering wheel.
More here
Conservatives: SCOTUS Pick More Important Than Keeping Senate Majority
Conservatives are bluntly warning the Senate against holding Supreme Court nomination hearings, saying it would be "tone deaf" and enflame already angry voters.
According to The Hill, conservatives say blocking President Barack Obama's high court pick is worth the risk even if Democrats retaliate and bring the Senate's work to a halt.
"I would rank having a conservative justice as more important than having the majority in the Senate,” David Bozell, president of For America, a conservative advocacy group, tells The Hill.
"God knows this Republican majority in the Senate hasn’t done much anyway for conservatism, period. If you look at some of the conservative movement’s successes, it’s in large part due to the court doing some decent things and making some good decisions."
Mike Farris, chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association, agrees, saying "the issues that are of great concern to the conservative movement have all been decided by the Supreme Court," including Second Amendment rights, marriage and abortion.
"People who argue that the Republicans should play footsy with President Obama and the Democrats on this Supreme Court opening are the same types of people who are simply tone deaf to the political moment we’re experiencing," the American Conservative Union's chairman, Matt Schlapp, tells The Hill.
More here
According to The Hill, conservatives say blocking President Barack Obama's high court pick is worth the risk even if Democrats retaliate and bring the Senate's work to a halt.
"I would rank having a conservative justice as more important than having the majority in the Senate,” David Bozell, president of For America, a conservative advocacy group, tells The Hill.
"God knows this Republican majority in the Senate hasn’t done much anyway for conservatism, period. If you look at some of the conservative movement’s successes, it’s in large part due to the court doing some decent things and making some good decisions."
Mike Farris, chairman of the Home School Legal Defense Association, agrees, saying "the issues that are of great concern to the conservative movement have all been decided by the Supreme Court," including Second Amendment rights, marriage and abortion.
"People who argue that the Republicans should play footsy with President Obama and the Democrats on this Supreme Court opening are the same types of people who are simply tone deaf to the political moment we’re experiencing," the American Conservative Union's chairman, Matt Schlapp, tells The Hill.
More here
Solar Impulse Engineers Reignite their Creation
The idle aircraft sits in Hawaii, impatient to do what it does best: fly using only solar power as its source of energy! Contrary to what you might think, it is not basking in the Hawaiian sun, but instead sits in a hangar at Kalaeloa airport. With the support of the Department of Education, the University of Hawaii offered to host the airplane in its hangar. It has been coated in a layer of aluminum sheet, sealed with tape, and inserted in the protected hangar to prevent it from any potential damage. It is only in the past two weeks that the aircraft has come back to life. The first Solar Impulse team members have started to slowly trickle back into the hangar as Mission Mode has slowly switched on. They are currently in Hawaii for one main purpose: to install the new batteries and to perform crucial maintenance tasks before the First Round-the-World Solar flights begin again.
Here is a short recap in case you missed the story:
During André’s 5-day and night record-breaking Pacific flight from Nagoya, Japan to Hawaii, the batteries in the aircraft overheated. How did this happen? While the aircraft was on the runway in Nagoya, the aircraft encountered harsh weather conditions. Moving forward, we decided to do a test flight before leaving for Hawaii. Having to perform a test flight followed by a mission flight had not been taken into account in the design process of the battery system, which did not allow the batteries to cool down in between the two flights. Solar Impulse is attempting a historic first - flying around the world solely relying on solar energy.
So, we found ourselves in a heated situation. We decided to take a break in the Round-the-World adventure and to take a step back and figure out what to do next with the aircraft. We removed the batteries and put Si2 to rest until the new set was ready.
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Here is a short recap in case you missed the story:
During André’s 5-day and night record-breaking Pacific flight from Nagoya, Japan to Hawaii, the batteries in the aircraft overheated. How did this happen? While the aircraft was on the runway in Nagoya, the aircraft encountered harsh weather conditions. Moving forward, we decided to do a test flight before leaving for Hawaii. Having to perform a test flight followed by a mission flight had not been taken into account in the design process of the battery system, which did not allow the batteries to cool down in between the two flights. Solar Impulse is attempting a historic first - flying around the world solely relying on solar energy.
So, we found ourselves in a heated situation. We decided to take a break in the Round-the-World adventure and to take a step back and figure out what to do next with the aircraft. We removed the batteries and put Si2 to rest until the new set was ready.
More
Atlantic Physical Therapy
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Fusion
We decided to take a page and some learning from the world of electron vacuum devices where quite a lot of charged particle physics has been worked out to the Nthdegree and put into practice. In the fusion/plasma world we seem to be alone in this, as if all that good work had never happened. Not only is that a shameful waste, but using the techniques developed way back then, we're doing better than most others doing Farsnworth/Hirsch class fusors as a result. This picture was actually taken under less than ideal conditions for efficient fusion, since when in that mode, there's not much light lost to take a picture with. This run, however produced roughly 1.5 million neutrons per second with a mere 5 watts average input, in a pulsed mode. During that there is very little light to see in there, other than from the deliberate phosphors. The pretty rays, and in fact any photons, visible or not (most are X rays), are indications of loss, and if we could do this with no electrons or neutrals present, we probably would.
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Does the iPhone Use Data to Text People?
The iPhone is a powerful communication tool that many owners use for its text messaging capability. Business owners who send many messages a day can rack up large bills from their wireless carriers quickly unless they have unlimited texting plans. Knowing the ways that the iPhone can send text messages to your contacts can prevent the use of your data allowance on the phone and save money. The iPhone sends both traditional text messages and Apple's proprietary iMessages from the Messages app.
SMS
By default, the iPhone sends text messages over your cellular network through a service called Short Messaging Service. While SMS messages don’t count against your data plan, your carrier charges for each message sent and received if text messages aren’t included in your plan. Long messages can be even more costly, as each 160 characters in a message may be charged separately. In the iPhone’s Messages app, texts sent via SMS have a green background.
MMS
Messages that include a photo or video use a technology called Multimedia Messaging Service. Your cellular carrier likely charges for MMS messages separately from SMS messages, but they don’t consume your data plan. There’s no character limit for MMS messages, although your carrier may set a limit on the size of the image or video clip. MMS messages also display a green background in the Messages app.
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By default, the iPhone sends text messages over your cellular network through a service called Short Messaging Service. While SMS messages don’t count against your data plan, your carrier charges for each message sent and received if text messages aren’t included in your plan. Long messages can be even more costly, as each 160 characters in a message may be charged separately. In the iPhone’s Messages app, texts sent via SMS have a green background.
MMS
Messages that include a photo or video use a technology called Multimedia Messaging Service. Your cellular carrier likely charges for MMS messages separately from SMS messages, but they don’t consume your data plan. There’s no character limit for MMS messages, although your carrier may set a limit on the size of the image or video clip. MMS messages also display a green background in the Messages app.
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Persian Gulf Bonus Program Extended for Pennsylvanians Who Served
On April 24, 2006, House Bill 1820 was signed into law as Act 29 of 2006 and was amended October, 30 2015 through the enactment of Act 50 extending the application period to August, 31 2018. This Bill establishes the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Act. On November 7, 2006, Pennsylvania voters gave overwhelming approval to a ballot question to fund the program. The bond issue created a fund for the payment of compensation to, or on behalf of, eligible current and former members of the United States Armed Forces, a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces, or the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program is August 31, 2018.
Digest: We have developed this informational digest (PDF), or pamphlet, which explains the program.
Regulations: The official, authorized regulations (PDF) that govern the Persian Gulf Veterans Bonus Program.
Deadline: The deadline for submitting applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program is August 31, 2018.
Digest: We have developed this informational digest (PDF), or pamphlet, which explains the program.
Regulations: The official, authorized regulations (PDF) that govern the Persian Gulf Veterans Bonus Program.
Reports:
2007-2015 Annual Report (PDF)
2013/2014 Annual Report (PDF)
2014/2015 Annual Report (PDF)
2007-2015 Annual Report (PDF)
2013/2014 Annual Report (PDF)
2014/2015 Annual Report (PDF)
Stumbling Toward War
A spate of stories published last week all point in one troubling direction: America’s adversaries have taken the measure of our commander in chief — and found him seriously wanting.
We begin with the news that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iran Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan regarding the purchase of the S-300 air defense system and offensive weapons that include Moscow’s most sophisticated T-90 tanks and Su-30 Flanker fighter jets. Thus one of the key provisions of the Iran nuclear deal, a.k.a. UN Resolution 2231 — requiring Tehran to get UN permission before acquiring “battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles or missile systems” — is on the verge of being ignored. Adding insult to injury, Gen. Dehqan is believed to be the architect of the 1983 Beirut bombing that killed 241 American service members.
Iran is also expected to thumb its nose at the same resolution this month when they test a Simorgh space launch vehicle characterized by U.S. officials as the basis of their covert program to develop long-range nuclear missiles. An unnamed State Department official who spoke with The Washington Free Beacon epitomized the administration’s flaccid response to the prospect, declining to speculate as to whether such a launch would violate the agreement, but promising to address any Iranian actions “inconsistent with any relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions … through the appropriate channels.” Iran insists the space launch vehicle’s 220 pound payload is too small to carry a first-generation nuclear warhead. The Beacon’s Bill Gertz reveals otherwise: “Space launch technology is identical to long-range missile technology.”
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We begin with the news that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iran Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan regarding the purchase of the S-300 air defense system and offensive weapons that include Moscow’s most sophisticated T-90 tanks and Su-30 Flanker fighter jets. Thus one of the key provisions of the Iran nuclear deal, a.k.a. UN Resolution 2231 — requiring Tehran to get UN permission before acquiring “battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles or missile systems” — is on the verge of being ignored. Adding insult to injury, Gen. Dehqan is believed to be the architect of the 1983 Beirut bombing that killed 241 American service members.
Iran is also expected to thumb its nose at the same resolution this month when they test a Simorgh space launch vehicle characterized by U.S. officials as the basis of their covert program to develop long-range nuclear missiles. An unnamed State Department official who spoke with The Washington Free Beacon epitomized the administration’s flaccid response to the prospect, declining to speculate as to whether such a launch would violate the agreement, but promising to address any Iranian actions “inconsistent with any relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions … through the appropriate channels.” Iran insists the space launch vehicle’s 220 pound payload is too small to carry a first-generation nuclear warhead. The Beacon’s Bill Gertz reveals otherwise: “Space launch technology is identical to long-range missile technology.”
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Cruz Fires Top Staffer
Ted Cruz said on Monday that he had asked for the resignation of national spokesman Rick Tyler on Monday, citing a “grave error of judgment.”
Cruz said his decision stemmed from a social media posting from Tyler on Sunday publicizing a blog that misstated Marco Rubio’s remarks to a Cruz staffer in South Carolina.
The posting, from the Daily Pennsylvanian, which also posted a video, recounts how Rubio ran into Cruz’s father, Rafael Cruz, and a staffer in South Carolina on Saturday at a Hampton Inn. The news outlet reported that Rubio decided to “have some fun” with the staffer, who was reading the Bible, and suggested that the Bible did “[n]ot have many answers in it.”
Tyler posted the story on Facebook but later deleted it and apologized after a Cruz staffer said Rubio didn’t make any such comment.
But Cruz decided greater action was needed.
"Our campaign should not have sent it. That’s why I’ve asked for Rick Tyler’s resignation,” Cruz said about the social media posting about the Daily Pennsylvanian article.
More here
Cruz said his decision stemmed from a social media posting from Tyler on Sunday publicizing a blog that misstated Marco Rubio’s remarks to a Cruz staffer in South Carolina.
The posting, from the Daily Pennsylvanian, which also posted a video, recounts how Rubio ran into Cruz’s father, Rafael Cruz, and a staffer in South Carolina on Saturday at a Hampton Inn. The news outlet reported that Rubio decided to “have some fun” with the staffer, who was reading the Bible, and suggested that the Bible did “[n]ot have many answers in it.”
Tyler posted the story on Facebook but later deleted it and apologized after a Cruz staffer said Rubio didn’t make any such comment.
But Cruz decided greater action was needed.
"Our campaign should not have sent it. That’s why I’ve asked for Rick Tyler’s resignation,” Cruz said about the social media posting about the Daily Pennsylvanian article.
More here
McAuliffe to Obama: 'What Can We Do to Help You Push' TPP?
Virginia Gov. and long-time close Bill and Hillary Clinton ally Terry McAuliffe expressed his strong support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact at a function with President Barack Obama Monday.
Obama was taking questions from the National Governors Association when McAuliffe stood and addressed him:
"Trade is critical to grow our economies. So Mr. President, can you give us an update on the [TPP] trade policy, where the legislation is, and most importantly, what can we do to help you push trade with the Congress?"
McAuliffe was Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign co-chairman and Politico reported in June that he would be playing a prominent, though less public, role in her 2016 run as well.
Many Democratic voters aren't buying it.
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Obama was taking questions from the National Governors Association when McAuliffe stood and addressed him:
"Trade is critical to grow our economies. So Mr. President, can you give us an update on the [TPP] trade policy, where the legislation is, and most importantly, what can we do to help you push trade with the Congress?"
McAuliffe was Hillary Clinton's 2008 campaign co-chairman and Politico reported in June that he would be playing a prominent, though less public, role in her 2016 run as well.
Many Democratic voters aren't buying it.
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Congress Moves to Boost Investment in Israeli Technology
Measure intended as rebuke to BDS movement, Obama administration
Congress is seeking to boost U.S. investment in Israeli security technologies and other sectors in response to efforts by international anti-Israel groups to promote economic boycotts of the Jewish state, according to a copy of a measure obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
As lawmakers pave the way for U.S. states to divest taxpayer funds from anti-Israel companies, another group of legislators is pushing a measure that would encourage the Obama administration to invest in new Israeli technologies, including those that could prevent cyber security attacks and other national security threats.
The latest measure comes in response to efforts by anti-Israel supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, or BDS, to convince U.S. companies to stop operating in the Jewish state.
Congressional insiders tracking the new measures said that the efforts are garnering bipartisan support and are aimed at sending a message to the Obama administration, as well as anti-Israel groups, that America remains committed to building U.S.-Israel economic ties.
Congress is seeking to boost U.S. investment in Israeli security technologies and other sectors in response to efforts by international anti-Israel groups to promote economic boycotts of the Jewish state, according to a copy of a measure obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
As lawmakers pave the way for U.S. states to divest taxpayer funds from anti-Israel companies, another group of legislators is pushing a measure that would encourage the Obama administration to invest in new Israeli technologies, including those that could prevent cyber security attacks and other national security threats.
The latest measure comes in response to efforts by anti-Israel supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, or BDS, to convince U.S. companies to stop operating in the Jewish state.
Congressional insiders tracking the new measures said that the efforts are garnering bipartisan support and are aimed at sending a message to the Obama administration, as well as anti-Israel groups, that America remains committed to building U.S.-Israel economic ties.
Leaders From Both Parties Ask For Carrier, UTEC To Stay In Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Republicans and Democrats are reaching across the aisle to urge United Technologies, the parent company of Carrier and UTEC, to not leave Indiana.
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, Gov. Mike Pence, U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, and Huntington Mayor Brooks Fetters sent a letter Wednesday requesting a meeting with United Technologies. This comes after Carrier and UTEC announced that they plan to move operations from Indianapolis and Huntington to Mexico. The state is expected to lose more than 2,000 jobs.
In the letter, the Indiana elected officials wrote, “While we struggle to understand the basis of your business decision, we continue to believe that when we work together we can solve most problems.”
The full letter can be found below:
Dear Mr. Hayes and Mr. McDonough,
We write to you in support of the 1,400 workers at the Indianapolis Carrier facility and the 700 workers at the Huntington UTEC facility who received the devastating news last week that their jobs will be moved to Mexico. Carrier and UTEC have served as pillars of our communities for decades, and many of the individuals set to lose their livelihoods have given their lives to your company.
While we struggle to understand the basis of your business decision, we continue to believe that when we work together we can solve most problems. It is this pragmatic approach combined with your loyal and talented workforce and their dedication to your brands that has helped Carrier and UTEC to many years of success.
Just as your workforce has done right by Carrier and UTEC, we are now asking you to do right by them. We understand that you are meeting with union officials to discuss the decision to move your operations to Mexico. We ask that Carrier, UTEC, and United Technologies also meet with our offices to discuss this issue, and hope that you come to the table in good faith and work to find a solution to continue this partnership that has brought success to your company and strengthened our communities.
On behalf of the workers at Carrier and UTEC and the Hoosier communities in which they live, we stand ready to support these discussions.
Sincerely,
Senator Joe Donnelly
Governor Mike Pence
Senator Dan Coats
Congressman Andre Carson
Congressman Marlin Stutzman
Mayor Joseph Hogsett
Mayor Brooks Fetters
(Source)
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, Gov. Mike Pence, U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, and Huntington Mayor Brooks Fetters sent a letter Wednesday requesting a meeting with United Technologies. This comes after Carrier and UTEC announced that they plan to move operations from Indianapolis and Huntington to Mexico. The state is expected to lose more than 2,000 jobs.
In the letter, the Indiana elected officials wrote, “While we struggle to understand the basis of your business decision, we continue to believe that when we work together we can solve most problems.”
The full letter can be found below:
Dear Mr. Hayes and Mr. McDonough,
We write to you in support of the 1,400 workers at the Indianapolis Carrier facility and the 700 workers at the Huntington UTEC facility who received the devastating news last week that their jobs will be moved to Mexico. Carrier and UTEC have served as pillars of our communities for decades, and many of the individuals set to lose their livelihoods have given their lives to your company.
While we struggle to understand the basis of your business decision, we continue to believe that when we work together we can solve most problems. It is this pragmatic approach combined with your loyal and talented workforce and their dedication to your brands that has helped Carrier and UTEC to many years of success.
Just as your workforce has done right by Carrier and UTEC, we are now asking you to do right by them. We understand that you are meeting with union officials to discuss the decision to move your operations to Mexico. We ask that Carrier, UTEC, and United Technologies also meet with our offices to discuss this issue, and hope that you come to the table in good faith and work to find a solution to continue this partnership that has brought success to your company and strengthened our communities.
On behalf of the workers at Carrier and UTEC and the Hoosier communities in which they live, we stand ready to support these discussions.
Sincerely,
Senator Joe Donnelly
Governor Mike Pence
Senator Dan Coats
Congressman Andre Carson
Congressman Marlin Stutzman
Mayor Joseph Hogsett
Mayor Brooks Fetters
(Source)
Hillary Donors Behind Suit Challenging Proof of Citizenship in Three States
Latest in series of lawsuits from lawyers who have given thousands to Clinton
Lawyers who have donated thousands to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton are involved in a new lawsuit challenging a requirement in three states to make individuals provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote using a national mail voter registration form.
The lawsuit was brought forth by a coalition of organizations including the League of Women Voters in Georgia, Alabama, and Kansas, against Brian D. Newby, the acting executive director and chief operating officer of the United States Election Commission, and the United States Election Assistance Commission.
The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia argues that Newby—who on Jan. 29, 2016 granted requests to Georgia, Kansas, and Alabama to modify the Federal Form’s instructions to require voter registration applicants in those states to submit proof of U.S. citizenship—violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Some of the lawyers involved with the suit have contributed heavily to Clinton.
This is not the first time attorneys backing Clinton have filed suits challenging state voter ID laws.
Lawyers who have donated thousands to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton are involved in a new lawsuit challenging a requirement in three states to make individuals provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote using a national mail voter registration form.
The lawsuit was brought forth by a coalition of organizations including the League of Women Voters in Georgia, Alabama, and Kansas, against Brian D. Newby, the acting executive director and chief operating officer of the United States Election Commission, and the United States Election Assistance Commission.
The lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia argues that Newby—who on Jan. 29, 2016 granted requests to Georgia, Kansas, and Alabama to modify the Federal Form’s instructions to require voter registration applicants in those states to submit proof of U.S. citizenship—violated the Administrative Procedure Act.
Some of the lawyers involved with the suit have contributed heavily to Clinton.
This is not the first time attorneys backing Clinton have filed suits challenging state voter ID laws.
VA Execs Who Exploited Relocation Program Keep Their Jobs
The Department of Veterans Affairs is not demoting two executives who allegedly exploited a relocation program to obtain more than $400,000 in salary hikes and other benefits.
VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson announced Monday that the Veterans Benefits Administration senior executives will keep their high-paying regional director positions despite two unsuccessful attempts by agency officials to demote them, the Military Times reported.
Diana Rubens, the Philadelphia regional office director, and Kimberly Graves, the St. Paul, Minnesota, regional office director, earn annual salaries of $181,497 and $173,949, respectively. Both officials were scrutinized after a September inspector general report found that they forced lower-ranking officials to accept job transfers so they could themselves assume the vacated positions and do less work while keeping their high salaries.
Gibson said in a statement Monday that the inspector general report was not “supported” by evidence and that both executives made “errors in judgment.” He went on to defend the executives.
“Allegations of unethical behavior in the inspector general report were not supported by any of the evidence I reviewed. These errors in judgment took place before [the two] assumed their director positions, and the disciplinary actions do not diminish the confidence VA leadership has in [their] abilities … to manage their offices, lead their employees, and provide benefits to veterans,” Gibson said.
“The employees of those offices deserve high performing directors supporting their efforts. I have confidence that the employees of the Philadelphia and St. Paul Regional Offices … will continue their efforts to ensure all veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserved.”
More here
VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson announced Monday that the Veterans Benefits Administration senior executives will keep their high-paying regional director positions despite two unsuccessful attempts by agency officials to demote them, the Military Times reported.
Diana Rubens, the Philadelphia regional office director, and Kimberly Graves, the St. Paul, Minnesota, regional office director, earn annual salaries of $181,497 and $173,949, respectively. Both officials were scrutinized after a September inspector general report found that they forced lower-ranking officials to accept job transfers so they could themselves assume the vacated positions and do less work while keeping their high salaries.
Gibson said in a statement Monday that the inspector general report was not “supported” by evidence and that both executives made “errors in judgment.” He went on to defend the executives.
“Allegations of unethical behavior in the inspector general report were not supported by any of the evidence I reviewed. These errors in judgment took place before [the two] assumed their director positions, and the disciplinary actions do not diminish the confidence VA leadership has in [their] abilities … to manage their offices, lead their employees, and provide benefits to veterans,” Gibson said.
“The employees of those offices deserve high performing directors supporting their efforts. I have confidence that the employees of the Philadelphia and St. Paul Regional Offices … will continue their efforts to ensure all veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserved.”
More here
Biden in 1992: President must not make a SCOTUS nomination during an election season
Checkmate?
The conventional wisdom on the right today is that this is checkmate. For Biden to have said this can't possibly be explained away. He's presenting it as a disaster for the nation to nominate a new Supreme Court Justice during an election year, precisely because it's an election year, and with everything that goes on as a result of that.
Totally busted, right? Nowhere to go from here, right? Actually I think he has a way out. Watch and then we'll talk:
Biden keeps saying that Bush shouldn't make a nomination until "after the election" and that the Judiciary Committee should not hold hearings until "after the election." Now let's consider a couple of ways this is different from today: First, Bush was a one-term president running for re-election, so for all anyone knew at that point he could have been re-elected. It's as if Biden was saying, look champ, win the election first and then you can pick someone. By contrast, we know Obama is leaving, so for him to wait until after the election to make a nomination would mean he'd be doing so during his lame-duck period.
If Biden was arguing that Bush should make a nomination after the election win or lose, you can only imagine how it would have been treated for him to do that while a victorious Bill Clinton measuring the drapes for the White House.
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The conventional wisdom on the right today is that this is checkmate. For Biden to have said this can't possibly be explained away. He's presenting it as a disaster for the nation to nominate a new Supreme Court Justice during an election year, precisely because it's an election year, and with everything that goes on as a result of that.
Totally busted, right? Nowhere to go from here, right? Actually I think he has a way out. Watch and then we'll talk:
Biden keeps saying that Bush shouldn't make a nomination until "after the election" and that the Judiciary Committee should not hold hearings until "after the election." Now let's consider a couple of ways this is different from today: First, Bush was a one-term president running for re-election, so for all anyone knew at that point he could have been re-elected. It's as if Biden was saying, look champ, win the election first and then you can pick someone. By contrast, we know Obama is leaving, so for him to wait until after the election to make a nomination would mean he'd be doing so during his lame-duck period.
If Biden was arguing that Bush should make a nomination after the election win or lose, you can only imagine how it would have been treated for him to do that while a victorious Bill Clinton measuring the drapes for the White House.
More
Homeless Man Cares For 31 Stray Dogs, Refuses To Accept Help For Himself Until They Are Safe
Roughly 120 miles outside of Memphis, Tennessee, in Natchez Trace State Park, this homeless man was living with over two dozen abandoned dogs he had rescued over the course of the 16 years he had survived in the woods.
The man had been caring for 31 dogs on his own, and although his family and community had offered him help and a place to stay numerous times in the past, he had always refused unless they could offer help for all of the dogs as well.
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‘People Are Really Angry Today’: Bernie Sanders, Supporters Go Off on Student Loan Debt, Big Banks and Republicans at South Carolina Rally
GREENVILLE, S.C. — As a Bernie Sanders’ staffer stood sentry at one of the entrances to the Bon Secours Wellness Arena turning those away who lacked the appropriate ticket to enter that door, she remarked, “People are really angry today.”
The staffer’s comment was uttered out of frustration, not to make a political point — yet it was unequivocally demonstrative of the self-proclaimed socialist’s presidential bid. And speaking to a sizable crowd in Greenville Sunday afternoon, Sanders, the junior senator of Vermont, continued to drive that message.
“We are gaining momentum because the American people are tired of the same old, same old establishment politics and establishment economics,” Sanders, wearing a new sports coat, told listeners.
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The staffer’s comment was uttered out of frustration, not to make a political point — yet it was unequivocally demonstrative of the self-proclaimed socialist’s presidential bid. And speaking to a sizable crowd in Greenville Sunday afternoon, Sanders, the junior senator of Vermont, continued to drive that message.
“We are gaining momentum because the American people are tired of the same old, same old establishment politics and establishment economics,” Sanders, wearing a new sports coat, told listeners.
More
Trump wins Nevada GOP Caucus, Fox News projects
DONALD DOES IT AGAIN Trump cruises to Nevada win; Rubio, Cruz in neck-and-neck race for 2nd
Donald Trump dominated once again Tuesday night, scoring what Fox News projects to be a convincing victory in the Nevada Republican Caucus — a third straight win that builds upon his momentum heading into Super Tuesday and delivers a sharp warning to his rivals and the party establishment that time may be running out to slow his march to the nomination.
The battle was still under way for second place. Incoming returns show Florida Sen. Marco Rubio holding an edge over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, but it was too early to call.
With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Trump led with 45 percent, followed by Rubio at 23 percent and Cruz at 21 percent.
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Donald Trump dominated once again Tuesday night, scoring what Fox News projects to be a convincing victory in the Nevada Republican Caucus — a third straight win that builds upon his momentum heading into Super Tuesday and delivers a sharp warning to his rivals and the party establishment that time may be running out to slow his march to the nomination.
The battle was still under way for second place. Incoming returns show Florida Sen. Marco Rubio holding an edge over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, but it was too early to call.
With 94 percent of precincts reporting, Trump led with 45 percent, followed by Rubio at 23 percent and Cruz at 21 percent.
More
School Delays Today
Delmar School District 1 Houor Delay.
Wicomico County 1 hour delay.
Worcester County 1 hour delay.
Somerset County 1 hour delay.
Worcester County 1 hour delay.
Somerset County 1 hour delay.
Check Out the Islam-Themed Homework Assignment One Newspaper Is Calling ‘Bizarre’
Students at a school in the British dependency of Guernsey were given a homework assignment for their Religious Studies class that asked them to write a letter to their parents explaining “how you are converting to Islam,” Britain’s Sunday Express reported.
The British paper described the task given to the Year Eight students — who are between 12 and 13 years old — as “a bizarre homework assignment.”
The Sunday Express identified the school as Les Beaucamp High School in Guernsey and, indeed, a check of their homework website showed the assignment:
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The British paper described the task given to the Year Eight students — who are between 12 and 13 years old — as “a bizarre homework assignment.”
The Sunday Express identified the school as Les Beaucamp High School in Guernsey and, indeed, a check of their homework website showed the assignment:
More
‘Sissyfication of Millennials’: Ivy League Students Complain of Mental Stress and Failing Grades Due to Their Campus Diversity Activism
Social justice activists at Brown University have complained their activism is taking an emotional toll on them and that their extracurricular activities have at times caused them to fail classes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, their claims won them some derision on social media.
This “mental, emotional and physical stress” was featured in an article Thursday in the Providence, Rhode Island campus newspaper, the Brown Daily Herald which reported:
“There are people breaking down, dropping out of classes and failing classes because of the activism work they are taking on,” David, an undergraduate whose name has been changed to preserve anonymity, said. Throughout the year, he has worked to confront issues of racism and diversity on campus.
His role as a student activist has taken a toll on his mental, physical and emotional health. “My grades dropped dramatically. My health completely changed. I lost weight. I’m on antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills right now. (Counseling and Psychological Services) counselors called me. I had deans calling me to make sure I was okay,” he said. […]
Justice Gaines ’16, who uses the [gender neutral] pronouns xe, xem and xyr, said student activism efforts on campus are necessary. “I don’t feel okay with seeing students go through hardships without helping and organizing to make things better.”
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This “mental, emotional and physical stress” was featured in an article Thursday in the Providence, Rhode Island campus newspaper, the Brown Daily Herald which reported:
“There are people breaking down, dropping out of classes and failing classes because of the activism work they are taking on,” David, an undergraduate whose name has been changed to preserve anonymity, said. Throughout the year, he has worked to confront issues of racism and diversity on campus.
His role as a student activist has taken a toll on his mental, physical and emotional health. “My grades dropped dramatically. My health completely changed. I lost weight. I’m on antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills right now. (Counseling and Psychological Services) counselors called me. I had deans calling me to make sure I was okay,” he said. […]
Justice Gaines ’16, who uses the [gender neutral] pronouns xe, xem and xyr, said student activism efforts on campus are necessary. “I don’t feel okay with seeing students go through hardships without helping and organizing to make things better.”
More