DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Obamacare’s Tax-Time Torment
“Where is my 1095-A? This is what it must be like dealing with a government agency in a third world country.”
That was the lament on Twitter of just one poor citizen this week trying to get his tax records in order. Nationwide, hard-working Americans are struggling to meet the April 18 IRS filing deadline. Standing in the way: the bumbling Obamacare bureaucracy.
In Minnesota, an estimated 18,000 people who were on health insurance plans last year offered through MNsure, the state Obamacare health insurance exchange, still haven’t received their 1095-A form. It’s the “health insurance marketplace statement” required to file accurate tax returns and claim the premium tax credit.
Twin Cities officials blame “technical bugs” and promise they’ll be sending more of the documents out next week. But it’s small consolation to farmers in Minnesota who were required to file their taxes by March 1.
“This is the second year in a row MNsure has been late sending my 1095-A form and it’s cost me extra money when I have to file for an extension on my tax filings,” farmer Robert Marg of Winona County, Minnesota, told his local TV station.
More
That was the lament on Twitter of just one poor citizen this week trying to get his tax records in order. Nationwide, hard-working Americans are struggling to meet the April 18 IRS filing deadline. Standing in the way: the bumbling Obamacare bureaucracy.
In Minnesota, an estimated 18,000 people who were on health insurance plans last year offered through MNsure, the state Obamacare health insurance exchange, still haven’t received their 1095-A form. It’s the “health insurance marketplace statement” required to file accurate tax returns and claim the premium tax credit.
Twin Cities officials blame “technical bugs” and promise they’ll be sending more of the documents out next week. But it’s small consolation to farmers in Minnesota who were required to file their taxes by March 1.
“This is the second year in a row MNsure has been late sending my 1095-A form and it’s cost me extra money when I have to file for an extension on my tax filings,” farmer Robert Marg of Winona County, Minnesota, told his local TV station.
More
CDC Has Advice For Primary Care Doctors About Opioids
In response to the opioid epidemic that has swept the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released long-anticipated guidelines on prescribing opioid painkillers such as OxyContin and Percocet.
They were published Tuesday in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The advice is aimed at primary care physicians, who prescribe nearly half of the opioid painkillers consumed in the U.S. The guidelines aren't intended for doctors treating cancer patients or for end-of-life care.
The guidelines sparked controversy when a draft was released in the fall. Some pain specialists and patient advocates cited a lack of evidence supporting many of the recommendations. Critics voiced concern that the guidelines could result in patients being denied pain relief they legitimately need.
More
They were published Tuesday in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The advice is aimed at primary care physicians, who prescribe nearly half of the opioid painkillers consumed in the U.S. The guidelines aren't intended for doctors treating cancer patients or for end-of-life care.
The guidelines sparked controversy when a draft was released in the fall. Some pain specialists and patient advocates cited a lack of evidence supporting many of the recommendations. Critics voiced concern that the guidelines could result in patients being denied pain relief they legitimately need.
More
US Government Blames 9/11 On Iran, Fines Iran $10.5 Billion; Iran Refuses To Pay
On March 14th, Iran announced that it will never pay the $10.5B that a U.S. court demanded it pay for the 9/11 attacks.
The same Bill-Clinton-appointed judge who had ruled, on 29 September 2015, that Saudi Arabia has sovereign immunity for 9/11 and so can’t be sued for it, ruled recently, on March 9th that Iran doesn’t have sovereign immunity and fined Iran $10.5 billion to be paid to 9/11 victims and insurers; but, on March 14, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Iran won’t pay, because, as the Ministry’s spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari put it, "The ruling is ludicrous and absurd to the point that it makes a mockery of the principle of justice while [it] further tarnishes the US judiciary’s reputation.”
The United States is allied with Iran’s enemy Saudi Arabia, the largest purchaser of U.S.-made weapons, and also the top influence in the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arabic oil royal families regarding where they buy their weapons. Those purchases, which are crucial to the stockholders in Lockheed Martin and other U.S. weapons-makers, are determined basically by the Saud family, the owners of Saudi Arabia.
The Sauds, as the owners of the leading fundamentalist-Sunni country, including sole ownership of the world’s largest oil company Aramco, also own Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, and are therefore the leaders of Islam worldwide, because all Muslims (not only fundamentalist Sunnis) are required to bow down in prayer five times every day facing Mecca — facing the Saud family and the clergy that authorize continued ownership of Saudi Arabia by the Saud family: the Wahhabist clergy. Back in 1744, the founder of Wahhabism, Muhammad Ibn Wahhab, and the founder of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Ibn Saud, jointly swore an eternal oath that Saud’s descendants would own the country, and that Wahhab’s clergymen would grant them God’s approval of their ownership and of their right to conquer other lands to expand the faith. (Religions throughout history have mainly been spread by conquest.)
More
The same Bill-Clinton-appointed judge who had ruled, on 29 September 2015, that Saudi Arabia has sovereign immunity for 9/11 and so can’t be sued for it, ruled recently, on March 9th that Iran doesn’t have sovereign immunity and fined Iran $10.5 billion to be paid to 9/11 victims and insurers; but, on March 14, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Iran won’t pay, because, as the Ministry’s spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari put it, "The ruling is ludicrous and absurd to the point that it makes a mockery of the principle of justice while [it] further tarnishes the US judiciary’s reputation.”
The United States is allied with Iran’s enemy Saudi Arabia, the largest purchaser of U.S.-made weapons, and also the top influence in the Gulf Cooperation Council of Arabic oil royal families regarding where they buy their weapons. Those purchases, which are crucial to the stockholders in Lockheed Martin and other U.S. weapons-makers, are determined basically by the Saud family, the owners of Saudi Arabia.
The Sauds, as the owners of the leading fundamentalist-Sunni country, including sole ownership of the world’s largest oil company Aramco, also own Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, and are therefore the leaders of Islam worldwide, because all Muslims (not only fundamentalist Sunnis) are required to bow down in prayer five times every day facing Mecca — facing the Saud family and the clergy that authorize continued ownership of Saudi Arabia by the Saud family: the Wahhabist clergy. Back in 1744, the founder of Wahhabism, Muhammad Ibn Wahhab, and the founder of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Ibn Saud, jointly swore an eternal oath that Saud’s descendants would own the country, and that Wahhab’s clergymen would grant them God’s approval of their ownership and of their right to conquer other lands to expand the faith. (Religions throughout history have mainly been spread by conquest.)
More
MAINSTREAM MEDIA CLAIMS MOST GOP VOTERS HATE TRUMP, THEN TRUMP HITS 53%
Rubio also claimed most GOP voters against Trump!
Only a few weeks before Donald Trump hit 53% in a national poll, the mainstream media – and even Marco Rubio – were claiming that most GOP voters hate him.
It was right after Super Tuesday in particular when the anti-Trump media was downplaying Trump’s major victories by declaring that the three other candidates got more votes combined, ignoring the fact that the same could be said about any of the candidates.
“…Indeed, once again, most voters voted against Trump, not for him, and that’s where reality-show tactics come in,” National Review’s Jonah Goldberg declared on March 4.
More
Only a few weeks before Donald Trump hit 53% in a national poll, the mainstream media – and even Marco Rubio – were claiming that most GOP voters hate him.
It was right after Super Tuesday in particular when the anti-Trump media was downplaying Trump’s major victories by declaring that the three other candidates got more votes combined, ignoring the fact that the same could be said about any of the candidates.
“…Indeed, once again, most voters voted against Trump, not for him, and that’s where reality-show tactics come in,” National Review’s Jonah Goldberg declared on March 4.
More
Subject: Combined Police Effort in Queen Anne’s County Results in Takedown of Four Separate Drug Trafficking
(Queen Anne’s County, MD) – A combined law enforcement effort led to multiple arrests and the takedown of four separate drug trafficking organizations operating throughout Queen Anne’s County, all of which are believed to have been heavily involved in the distribution of heroin, cocaine, and prescription pills.
Those arrested and charged are identified as:
Wayne Howard Crew, 57, of Chestertown, MD
Threasa Ann Crew, 57, of Chestertown, MD
Jesse Lee Capel, 53, of Chestertown, MD
Donta Lamont Miles, 42, Grasonville, MD
Carl David Mealey, 40, of Centreville, MD
Jeremiah Eugene Lynch, 36, of Annapolis, MD
Eric Lewis Clark, 42, of Grasonville, MD
Henry Jefferson Gray, 57, Grasonville, MD
Donald Dwight Hughes, 62, of Queenstown, MD
Michael Nathaniel Reives, 43, of Grasonville, MD
Michael Gerald Henderson, 57, of Chester, MD
Kenneth Ellsmore Harris, 60, Chestertown, MD
Apollonia Kateria Ryans, 31, of Grasonville, MD
Antwaine Eric Wilson, 27, of Grasonville, MD
William Doran, 50, of Newark, DE
All fifteen individuals above are criminally charged on multiple counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances. Police served 28 separate search warrants with 31 indictments on 15 individuals. The indictments consisted of 120 separate criminal charges plus 4 on view felony arrests. Each of the arrestees faces sentencing to include multiple years of imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines.
Over $33,500 of U.S. currency was seized during the arrests. Police also seized 16 vehicles and recovered 6 firearms, 1 bullet proof vest, over 530 grams of marijuana, almost 400 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of heroin and 228 Oxycodone pills.
Pictured above from left to right: QAC State’s Attorney Lance Richardson, Lt. Tim McDonald (MSP), Capt. Kersey (DNR), Chief Charles Rhodes (CPD), Sheriff Gary Hoffman (QACSO)
The Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force began the intense investigation in January 2016, after investigators developed information indicating several distinct drug trafficking organizations were operating in Queen Anne’s County. Police learned these operations were responsible for importing large amounts of heroin, crack and powder cocaine, marijuana and Oxycodone into the region for over a decade.
Those arrested and charged are identified as:
Wayne Howard Crew, 57, of Chestertown, MD
Threasa Ann Crew, 57, of Chestertown, MD
Jesse Lee Capel, 53, of Chestertown, MD
Donta Lamont Miles, 42, Grasonville, MD
Carl David Mealey, 40, of Centreville, MD
Jeremiah Eugene Lynch, 36, of Annapolis, MD
Eric Lewis Clark, 42, of Grasonville, MD
Henry Jefferson Gray, 57, Grasonville, MD
Donald Dwight Hughes, 62, of Queenstown, MD
Michael Nathaniel Reives, 43, of Grasonville, MD
Michael Gerald Henderson, 57, of Chester, MD
Kenneth Ellsmore Harris, 60, Chestertown, MD
Apollonia Kateria Ryans, 31, of Grasonville, MD
Antwaine Eric Wilson, 27, of Grasonville, MD
William Doran, 50, of Newark, DE
All fifteen individuals above are criminally charged on multiple counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances. Police served 28 separate search warrants with 31 indictments on 15 individuals. The indictments consisted of 120 separate criminal charges plus 4 on view felony arrests. Each of the arrestees faces sentencing to include multiple years of imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines.
Over $33,500 of U.S. currency was seized during the arrests. Police also seized 16 vehicles and recovered 6 firearms, 1 bullet proof vest, over 530 grams of marijuana, almost 400 grams of cocaine, 16 grams of heroin and 228 Oxycodone pills.
The Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force began the intense investigation in January 2016, after investigators developed information indicating several distinct drug trafficking organizations were operating in Queen Anne’s County. Police learned these operations were responsible for importing large amounts of heroin, crack and powder cocaine, marijuana and Oxycodone into the region for over a decade.
FEDERAL RESERVE FUNDS HILLARY AND CRUZ, BUT NOT TRUMP
Fed gives over $18,000 to Clinton, $2,000 to Cruz, and $0 to Trump
Donald Trump, who called for an audit of the Federal Reserve, has gotten zero donations from the Fed unlike Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz, the latter of whom skipped a recent audit vote.
Federal Election Commission data reveals that Fed employees have donated over $18,000 to Clinton, $2,000 to Cruz, $750 to Rubio and $0 to Trump.
Trump previously said it was important to audit the Fed and even called out Cruz for skipping a vote on Sen. Rand Paul’s “Audit the Fed” proposal back in Jan.
More
Donald Trump, who called for an audit of the Federal Reserve, has gotten zero donations from the Fed unlike Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz, the latter of whom skipped a recent audit vote.
Federal Election Commission data reveals that Fed employees have donated over $18,000 to Clinton, $2,000 to Cruz, $750 to Rubio and $0 to Trump.
Trump previously said it was important to audit the Fed and even called out Cruz for skipping a vote on Sen. Rand Paul’s “Audit the Fed” proposal back in Jan.
More
WE ARE BEING KILLED ON TRADE – RAPIDLY DECLINING EXPORTS SIGNAL A DEATH BLOW FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY
Exports fell precipitously during the last two recessions, and now it is happening again
So how in the world can anyone make the claim that the U.S. economy is in good shape? On my website I have been repeatedly pointing out the parallels between the last two major economic downturns and the current crisis, and I am going to discuss another one today. Since peaking in late 2014, U.S. exports have been steadily declining, and this is something that we never see outside of a major recession. On the chart that I have shared below, the shaded gray bars represent the last two recessions, and you can see that exports of goods and services plunged dramatically in both instances…
More
So how in the world can anyone make the claim that the U.S. economy is in good shape? On my website I have been repeatedly pointing out the parallels between the last two major economic downturns and the current crisis, and I am going to discuss another one today. Since peaking in late 2014, U.S. exports have been steadily declining, and this is something that we never see outside of a major recession. On the chart that I have shared below, the shaded gray bars represent the last two recessions, and you can see that exports of goods and services plunged dramatically in both instances…
More
VIDEO: TRUMP ‘SUPPORTER’ AGITATOR EXPOSED AS DEMOCRATIC OPERATIVE
Who is this guy?
A man posing as a Donald Trump supporter causing disruption at rallies has been exposed as a Democratic plant.
The latest incident occurred last night during Marco Rubio’s speech in Florida as the establishment Republican conceded defeat and suspended his campaign.
According to those in the crowd, the heckler donned a Donald Trump hat and shouted “You lost Marco!!!” while Rubio was in the midst of his speech.
More
SOCIAL MEDIA UNLEASHES SLEW OF SELF-REMINDERS FOR OBAMA AFTER HE SCOLDS GOP FOR ‘DIVISIVE RHETORIC’
President Obama remarked Tuesday that the “vulgar and divisive rhetoric” that has been heard on the campaign trail this political season “has to stop."
It’s another one of those “pot / kettle” things that Obama is so famous for.
President Obama remarked Tuesday that the “vulgar and divisive rhetoric” that has been heard on the campaign trail this political season “has to stop.”
He made his less-than -friendly remarks at the Friends of Ireland Luncheonhosted by House Speaker Paul Ryan at the Capitol.
More
It’s another one of those “pot / kettle” things that Obama is so famous for.
President Obama remarked Tuesday that the “vulgar and divisive rhetoric” that has been heard on the campaign trail this political season “has to stop.”
He made his less-than -friendly remarks at the Friends of Ireland Luncheonhosted by House Speaker Paul Ryan at the Capitol.
More
A mass murderer responsible for killing 77 people is suing Norway over prison conditions that would be luxurious by US standards
Anders Behring Breivik, a right-wing extremist, was responsible for the deaths of 77 people in Norway in July 2011.
During his killing spree, Breivik detonated a bomb in Oslo and then went on a shooting spree on a nearby island in which dozens of teenagers at a camp were killed.
More
This is what your favorite movies look like without visual effects
We've gathered together images from visual effects studios including Industrial Light & Magic, Framestore,Digial Domain, MPC, and Rhythm & Hues along with visual effects software company Imagineer Systems to show what popular movies would look like without added effects.
From Oscar-nominated films to recent box-office successes see what popular movies would look like without effects.
More
Trader and Davis Sell Cherokee Lanes
The new owners have BIG plans for the Alley, both long-term and short-term. Their long-term goals and plans for the alley include a remodel, which will include a full service upscale restaurant & bar in addition to the eventual name change to SouthBound Alley. In the meantime, they have immediate plans to begin transitioning the alley to better service the community that include: installing brand new arcade games, adding new kids programs, remodeling the restrooms, providing a cleaner facility, new landscaping, adding a full drink menu to include craft beers, wine and liquor and a new food menu to include paninis, sandwiches, wraps and appetizers. The new owners also plan to increase league bowlers with current leagues, while adding new leagues as well.
Owner Danielle Murray, who has been in the restaurant industry for 30 years had this to say, "Our focus is to be a family oriented entertainment and dining facility. We want to offer great food, great service and a great time!". Owner Chris Van Sant adds, "We are very excited to be taking over a business that has been a staple of this community for over 50 years. We certainly see the potential of what it can be once we add our combined 50 plus years of customer service experience. We have tons of ideas, short and long term, but our major focus right now is to provide the best service possible, while offering an already great product."
9 phrases that make you sound less experienced than you are
When I started my first job, I was the youngest person in my organization. No, really.
Although I could legally drink (barely), every single one of my 300-or-so co-workers was older and more experienced than I was.
I felt like the low woman on the totem pole — and worse, I probably acted like it. (Exhibit A: My email signature was hot pink and in Lucida Calligraphy font.)
But looking back, I shouldn’t have let it affect me so much. Here’s what I know now: It doesn’t matter how much experience (or gray hair) you have compared to everyone else. You were hired to do a job and to work together with the people around you. So, the more you can position yourself as an equal, the more you’ll be treated like one.
While you shouldn’t go to the other end of the spectrum and act like you’re more important than the rest of your team, you should never feel afraid to present yourself confidently as a peer. (Oh, and this is true whether you’re in your first job or joining the ranks of upper management.)
How do you do that? Here are a few commonly used words and phrases you want to avoid, since they instantly make you sound more inexperienced — plus what to say instead to ensure you come across as the capable, competent professional you are.
Although I could legally drink (barely), every single one of my 300-or-so co-workers was older and more experienced than I was.
I felt like the low woman on the totem pole — and worse, I probably acted like it. (Exhibit A: My email signature was hot pink and in Lucida Calligraphy font.)
But looking back, I shouldn’t have let it affect me so much. Here’s what I know now: It doesn’t matter how much experience (or gray hair) you have compared to everyone else. You were hired to do a job and to work together with the people around you. So, the more you can position yourself as an equal, the more you’ll be treated like one.
While you shouldn’t go to the other end of the spectrum and act like you’re more important than the rest of your team, you should never feel afraid to present yourself confidently as a peer. (Oh, and this is true whether you’re in your first job or joining the ranks of upper management.)
How do you do that? Here are a few commonly used words and phrases you want to avoid, since they instantly make you sound more inexperienced — plus what to say instead to ensure you come across as the capable, competent professional you are.
1. 'I don’t know'
You certainly don’t need to have all the answers all the time. None of us do. But answering your co-workers’ questions with "I don’t know" (and a blank stare) can make you look like you’re not up to the job.
Muse writer Sara McCord offers some great alternatives in this article, such as offering up what you do know ("Well, I can tell you that the report went to the printer on Friday") or responding, "That's exactly the question I'm looking to answer." Or, if you know you can get the information from someone else, try "Let's loop Devante in to confirm."
More
You certainly don’t need to have all the answers all the time. None of us do. But answering your co-workers’ questions with "I don’t know" (and a blank stare) can make you look like you’re not up to the job.
Muse writer Sara McCord offers some great alternatives in this article, such as offering up what you do know ("Well, I can tell you that the report went to the printer on Friday") or responding, "That's exactly the question I'm looking to answer." Or, if you know you can get the information from someone else, try "Let's loop Devante in to confirm."
More
Police frustrated with Clinton campaign over unpaid bills
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (WHO-TV) -- The Clinton campaign says as soon as they receive an invoice, they'll pay the Des Moines Police Department for the services they provided at the Katy Perry concert last October. City Hall provided us a copy of the invoice that has already been sent. The invoice is dated November 19, 2015. The bill is nearly $1,800.
The Marshalltown Police Department is dealing with the same problem. "We have requested reimbursement from the Clinton campaign. We haven`t received that payment yet," said Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper.
More
The Marshalltown Police Department is dealing with the same problem. "We have requested reimbursement from the Clinton campaign. We haven`t received that payment yet," said Marshalltown Police Chief Michael Tupper.
More
Statement from Governor Larry Hogan on Unanimous Passage of Budget in Senate
“I would like to thank Senate President Mike Miller, Chairman Kasemeyer, and the members of the Senate for their hard work and unanimous vote on this budget. Working in a bipartisan fashion to give our great state a sound fiscal foundation is a shared responsibility, and today’s vote shows both leadership and partnership toward a common goal.
“The fiscally responsible budget we introduced in January provides historic education funding for the second year in a row, significant investments in Maryland’s neglected transportation system, and delivers 100 percent of the aid that local jurisdictions had anticipated.
“Together, we have made substantial progress, but there is much more work to be done and actions taken by the Senate to reduce the Rainy Day Fund, fence off budget dollars, and reduce Highway User Revenues are certainly matters of concern. In order to keep moving forward, and to build upon the progress of the past year, we must continue to focus on our long-term finances, live within our means, and strive for the much-needed mandate and tax relief our citizens expect and deserve.”
Sheriff Joe: 39 Percent of Illegals Turned Over to ICE Return Back to Maricopa Co Jails
Tuesday on Fox Business Network’s “Mornings With Maria,” Maricopa County, AZ Sheriff Joe Arapaio discussed the problems with illegal immigrants committing crimes in his community and why he thinks Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump is the best one to deal with this problem.
Arpaio also told host Maria Bartiromo of a statistic showing that over one-third of all the illegal immigrants he has incarcerated and turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wind up back in his jails.
More
Arpaio also told host Maria Bartiromo of a statistic showing that over one-third of all the illegal immigrants he has incarcerated and turned over to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wind up back in his jails.
More
Dog Found 3-17-16: UPDATE
Joe, we found this little guy running around Parkside high school this morning. We brought him inside. He had a pink collar on. I can be contacted at 443-783-1359.
Posted at 8:37 am.
How Rubio's campaign failed: problems from the start
MIAMI — Marco Rubio had all that you need in a Republican presidential candidate: fluency on the issues, a conservative outlook, crossover appeal as a Cuban-American, and youthful good looks.
But in an election year when anyone associated with the Republican establishment is seen as tainted, Rubio ended his campaign after New York real-estate mogul Donald Trump won the coveted primary, or nominating contest, in Rubio's home state of Florida on Tuesday.
"This may not have been the year for a hopeful and optimistic message about our future," Rubio told supporters as he announced his decision.
More
But in an election year when anyone associated with the Republican establishment is seen as tainted, Rubio ended his campaign after New York real-estate mogul Donald Trump won the coveted primary, or nominating contest, in Rubio's home state of Florida on Tuesday.
"This may not have been the year for a hopeful and optimistic message about our future," Rubio told supporters as he announced his decision.
More
Priest Founder of Mexican American Cultural Center Commits Suicide in San Antonio TX
A medical examiner’s report has determined that Notre Dame theology professor Father Virgilio Elizondo died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head Monday in his home in San Antonio, Texas.
The 80-year-old Elizondo, who was considered the founder of Latino Theology in the United States, was accused last May of sexually abusing an unidentified boy more than 30 years ago in a lawsuit filed against him, a charge that the priest vehemently denied.
The anonymous plaintiff said that as a child in 1983 he had been abused by the priest when the latter was rector of the Cathedral of San Fernando in San Antonio.
More
The 80-year-old Elizondo, who was considered the founder of Latino Theology in the United States, was accused last May of sexually abusing an unidentified boy more than 30 years ago in a lawsuit filed against him, a charge that the priest vehemently denied.
The anonymous plaintiff said that as a child in 1983 he had been abused by the priest when the latter was rector of the Cathedral of San Fernando in San Antonio.
More
How To Thrive In A Marriage To Your Opposite
People are now waiting longer to marry – if they marry at all, according to Pew.
More couples are opting to cohabitate without making their relationship official. Better birth control is preventing unwanted pregnancies and resulting in fewer marriages, so if and when couples split it doesn’t show in statistics.
“Marriages and other long-term relationships can be difficult for many of us, despite mutual love and affection,” says D. Scott Trettenero, author of “Master the Mystery of Human Nature: Resolving the Conflict of Opposing Values” (www.masterthemysterybook.com).
“There will surely be conflict with our differences in temperament, values, goals and much more. It’s no secret that life-long marriages aren’t guaranteed.”
Trettenero lays out the nature of marital relationships, and how couples may be happier together.
• Understand how you are different from each other. The honeymoon phase of a romantic relationship can blind couples to the differences that may later be problematic in a marriage. As time lapsed in his marriage, Trettenero realized the extent to which he and his wife dealt with conflict differently. She processed much of her experience through her feelings, whereas he filtered life through logic and reason. Communication was difficult. But simply diagnosing this difference began to tremendously improve their marriage.
• Compromise is essential. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said: “Life at its best is a creative synthesis of opposites in fruitful harmony.” The opposite is equally true: “Life at its worst is the destructive division of opposites fighting for their points of view.” Whether considering conflict within a marriage or diplomacy among two countries, the ability to compromise is essential. Otherwise, your marriage and the world may face its demise sooner than later.
• Learn to appreciate how your partner's temperament complements yours. We are all born with our individual set of strengths and weaknesses. When we accept our partner’s point of view that differs from ours, it can expand our own understanding and lead to personal growth. We have an opportunity to develop new skills in life when we can place another's concerns above our own.
• Competition is not always bad – but it's not good for a relationship. Competition and conflict are not just a reality of our world; they are often a good thing. But competition for control and supremacy over your spouse in order to get your way is a recipe for disaster. A healthy relationship occurs only when both feel fulfilled in their wants and needs. In marriage, you must be committed to respecting and listening to your partner, and then accepting their differences as a challenge to your understanding, rather than another reason to fight over who is right and wrong.
Why Trump TERRIFIES Hillary
Hillary Clinton and company seem to think they are. Last night on Fox News, contributor Giano Caldwell pointed out what worries Hillary the most about Trump- his incredible crossover appeal:
A poll came out showing that when Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump compete in a head-to-head contest,” explained Caldwell, “20 percent of Democrats go over to Donald Trump.”
“What we do know is that Democrats have a playbook to run against Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and any of the other candidates in the race with the exception of Donald Trump,” he continued. “He’s an unconditional candidate, and Hillary Clinton really doesn’t want to go up against Donald Trump.”
If Trump can drive turnout and steal Democrats from Hillary, it will be curtains for the Clintons.
Source: AAN
Watchdog sees rising improper payments in DoD's travel costs
The Defense Department is not doing a good enough job to stop improper spending on travel. A report from the agency’s Office of Inspector General found DoD’s methods for fixing the problem didn’t work because it did not identify reasons for the improper payments. The IG report said the percentage of inaccurate payments made under the Defense Department Travel Pay program grew from 5 percent in 2012 to 7 percent for 2014 at a cost of $458 million. (DoD OIG)
Army Gen. Mike Scaparrotti was nominated as the next head of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. Scaparrotti is Commander of United Nations Command and United States Forces Korea. If confirmed, Scapporratti would succeed Gen. Philip Breedlove. The position is part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (NATO)
President Barack Obama will have some company on his trip to Cuba later this month: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He’ll be there to discuss opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, better understand how climate change is affecting agricultural production in Cuba and help American businesses interested in exporting to Cuba. This will be Vilsack’s second trip to Cuba. He went there in November 2015 for a series of meetings on a bilateral agricultural engagement. (USDA)
Army Gen. Mike Scaparrotti was nominated as the next head of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. Scaparrotti is Commander of United Nations Command and United States Forces Korea. If confirmed, Scapporratti would succeed Gen. Philip Breedlove. The position is part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (NATO)
President Barack Obama will have some company on his trip to Cuba later this month: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He’ll be there to discuss opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, better understand how climate change is affecting agricultural production in Cuba and help American businesses interested in exporting to Cuba. This will be Vilsack’s second trip to Cuba. He went there in November 2015 for a series of meetings on a bilateral agricultural engagement. (USDA)
French Police Foil 'Imminent' Terror Attack on Paris
French authorities have detained four people suspected of planning an "imminent" terror attack in Paris, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told Reuters.
The group includes three men and one woman, who were arrested early this morning (Wednesday). All four are believed to have connections with radical Islam.
The arrests occurred in Paris's 18th arrondissement, the same district in which a police station was attacked in January, and the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb, where the believed mastermind behind the ISIS attack was found and killed.
More here
The group includes three men and one woman, who were arrested early this morning (Wednesday). All four are believed to have connections with radical Islam.
The arrests occurred in Paris's 18th arrondissement, the same district in which a police station was attacked in January, and the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb, where the believed mastermind behind the ISIS attack was found and killed.
More here
Is Hillary the Ultimate Benghazi Denier?
"Now, is Libya perfect? It isn't," Clinton said. After contrasting her approach toward Libya with the ongoing bloodshed in Syria's civil war, Clinton said "Libya was a different kind of calculation and we didn't lose a single person ... We didn’t have a problem in supporting our European and Arab allies in working with NATO."
Clinton made no mention of the Sept. 11, 2012 terror attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya that killed four Americans: U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, information officer Sean Smith, and former Navy SEALS Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
Source: Fox News
Our Forgotten Statesman
George Washington, our first president, is probably our greatest and most decent statesman. We celebrate Washington's Birthday each February. But March 16th marks the birthday of probably the second-most important and decent American, James Madison.
Madison became our fourth president, but his presidency is not the chief source of his greatness. There would have been an entirely different America without Madison's enormous input and foresight at the contentious 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. There were 55 delegates to the convention.
Like Madison, some had a formal college education, while others did not. From Madison's notes about the quality of the debates and discourse, one could not tell who was college-educated and who was not. Their ages ranged from 26 (Jonathan Dayton) to 81 (Benjamin Franklin), with the average age being 42.
Alexander Hamilton was a key figure at the convention. He called for a president for life with total veto power over the legislature. Most other delegates, led by Madison along with John Adams, wanted a republic; none wanted a democracy. Madison, who would become known as the "Father of the Constitution," argued that in a pure democracy, "there is nothing to check the inducement to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual."
More here
Madison became our fourth president, but his presidency is not the chief source of his greatness. There would have been an entirely different America without Madison's enormous input and foresight at the contentious 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. There were 55 delegates to the convention.
Like Madison, some had a formal college education, while others did not. From Madison's notes about the quality of the debates and discourse, one could not tell who was college-educated and who was not. Their ages ranged from 26 (Jonathan Dayton) to 81 (Benjamin Franklin), with the average age being 42.
Alexander Hamilton was a key figure at the convention. He called for a president for life with total veto power over the legislature. Most other delegates, led by Madison along with John Adams, wanted a republic; none wanted a democracy. Madison, who would become known as the "Father of the Constitution," argued that in a pure democracy, "there is nothing to check the inducement to sacrifice the weaker party or an obnoxious individual."
More here
Mom of Child Murdered By Illegal Has a Message for John Kasich
Today, someone with a much smaller audience, and a much more powerful message addressed Kasich's planned amnesty; Maureen Maloney, the mother of Matthew Maloney, a promising young man who was killed by a repeat offending illegal immigrant drunk driver. As Breitbart reports:
Maloney said that she found John Kasich’s campaign pledge to enact amnesty within his first 100 days in office to be “sickening”:
“Let him come visit me and let me take him to my son’s grave. My son was a college graduate. He graduated college just three months before he was killed. He worked going through college, worked part time to help pay for his tuition, he graduated debt-free because he helped by for his tuition. And he had just got his first real job and he was killed. He was killed by somebody who had a criminal record and who had drank a case of beer earlier in the day. [Maloney pauses] So, let [Kasich] come meet with us family members, and let him come visit the graves of our children and then let me see what he thinks about it. Because I don’t know how anybody with any kind of heart or compassion could make that decision.”
Source: AAN
True the Vote Update for This Week
Phony ACORN voter registrations discovered in Ohio
Remember ACORN? While the infamously corrupt organization may have dissolved years ago, its handiwork still lives on. You may recall in 2008 when the group boasted that it helped submit 1.3 million voter registrations. In Ohio alone, ACORN claimed almost 250,000. Well, eight years later, TTV is still finding bogus Buckeye registrations. This week, we announced the successful removal of more than 1,000 duplicate voter registrations in Cuyahoga and Columbus Counties. When Cuyahoga officials were reviewing our work, they offered an additional data point -- confirming that nearly a third of all records in question were furnished by ACORN or Organizing for America.
In a statement circulated this week, TTV Founder Catherine Engelbrecht noted, “While many voter records may become duplicated due to data management breakdowns, you have a different issue entirely when nearly a third of the irregularities show a pattern of intentional forgery. Americans working in the polls and casting ballots must be extra vigilant this year to help spot irregularities that can throw an entire election into question.”
When you go to vote in a primary or general election this year, make sure your name is only listed once – it’s the fastest way for you to take control of the situation and see it resolved. Click here to read the press release on this matter.
We’re only a few weeks away from our court date before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on April 14. You can read our final brief (it’s worth a read!) here. It’s surely been a long slog to get here, but we’re ultimately getting closer to justice. True the Vote is incredibly thankful to all of our backers and our legal team in this endeavor. This brief is a perfect representation of how we’ve conducted this case, without pulling any punches. If you happen to be in D.C. on our court date, we’ll see you there!
Who’s REALLY voting in America?
That question is being debated on multiple fronts this week. If you joined us for the March National Webinar, we walked through the high-stakes lawsuit, NAACP v. Newby, where left-wing groups (aided by the Obama DOJ) are working to block select state and federal regulations requiring proof of citizenship in voter registration. The federal court announced this week that it would rule on whether it will hand down a preliminary injunction in a few weeks. If you missed our webinar on the subject, you can catch a replay,here.
Texas’ voter ID law gets another court date
Even though the Lone Star State’s photo ID requirement remains in force for Election Day 2016, the eventual fate of the law is now in the hands of the full 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, according to an announcement this week. The Texas Attorney General applauded the decision to re-hear the case. A date has tentatively been set for the week of May 23. You can read more about this story on the TTV website, here.
The Top Ten VP Options for Trump
Which one do you like best? Let us know in the comments.
Why Are These Conservatives Getting Together to Plot Against Trump?
The organizers of the meeting include Bill Wichterman, who was President George W. Bush’s liaison to the conservative movement, Bob Fischer, a South Dakota businessman and longtime conservative convener, and Erick Erickson, the outspoken Trump opponent and conservative activist who founded RedState.com.
"Please join other conservative leaders to strategize how to defeat Donald Trump for the Republican nomination,” the three wrote in an invitation obtained by POLITICO that recently went out to conservative leaders, "and if he is the Republican nominee for president, to offer a true conservative candidate in the general election."
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, two days after winner-take-all Florida and Ohio vote in what many Republican operatives believe will determine whether Trump is on an unstoppable march to the nomination or is likely to stall out short of the 1,237 delegates he needs.
Source: Politico
Hogan Gidley: Rule GOP Establishment Wrote to Block Ron Paul Now Prevents Them from Blocking Trump
Hogan Gidley, who served as national communications director for Mike Huckabee’s presidential campaign, appeared on Wednesday’s edition of Breitbart News Daily with SiriusXM host Stephen K. Bannon to discuss a crucial aspect of the Republican primary: the previously obscure, but increasingly notorious, Rule 40.
Technically, most of the analysts citing Rule 40 are referring to the current version of Rule 40(b), which sets a certain minimum threshold for candidates at the Republican National Convention. According to this rule, candidates must arrive at the convention with a majority of the delegates from eight states or territories, or else they are disqualified from the first round. In most elections, this is a mere formality because the clear winner of the nomination is well-known before the convention begins, making the convention an extended infomercial for the party and its nominee.
Of course, there is good reason to suspect the Republican convention will be rather more exciting this year. Gidley noted there is apprehension among front-runner Donald Trump’s supporters that the GOP Establishment will use some “shenanigans” to “steal” the nomination from him at the convention. Among those shenanigans could be changing Rule 40 to bring candidates who don’t meet the established minimum threshold into the game.
There are two ghosts from the 2012 election haunting the Shakespearean drama of the 2016 primary, and Gidley invoked them both in a single breath: Ron Paul and Mitt Romney.
“This is actually called the ‘Ron Paul Rule.’ The Romney people put this in place,” Gidley explained. “The Establishment hurt Ron Paul, but I think this Establishment rule will actually help Donald Trump.”
More
Technically, most of the analysts citing Rule 40 are referring to the current version of Rule 40(b), which sets a certain minimum threshold for candidates at the Republican National Convention. According to this rule, candidates must arrive at the convention with a majority of the delegates from eight states or territories, or else they are disqualified from the first round. In most elections, this is a mere formality because the clear winner of the nomination is well-known before the convention begins, making the convention an extended infomercial for the party and its nominee.
Of course, there is good reason to suspect the Republican convention will be rather more exciting this year. Gidley noted there is apprehension among front-runner Donald Trump’s supporters that the GOP Establishment will use some “shenanigans” to “steal” the nomination from him at the convention. Among those shenanigans could be changing Rule 40 to bring candidates who don’t meet the established minimum threshold into the game.
There are two ghosts from the 2012 election haunting the Shakespearean drama of the 2016 primary, and Gidley invoked them both in a single breath: Ron Paul and Mitt Romney.
“This is actually called the ‘Ron Paul Rule.’ The Romney people put this in place,” Gidley explained. “The Establishment hurt Ron Paul, but I think this Establishment rule will actually help Donald Trump.”
More
GOP Debate Canceled After Trump Drops Out
The billionaire New York developer, who held a narrow lead in Missouri and lost Ohio on Tuesday, is faced with the prospect of a floor fight at the party convention in July if he's leading in delegates but falls short of a majority, 1,237.
“I think we’ll win before getting to the convention, but I can tell you, if we didn’t and if we’re 20 votes short or if we’re 100 short and we’re at 1,100 and somebody else is at 500 or 400 cause we’re way ahead of everybody, I don’t think you can say that we don’t get it automatically,” Trump said on CNN on Wednesday. “I think you’d have riots.”
“I wouldn’t lead it, but I think bad things would happen,” Trump said, adding the outcome would “disenfranchise” his supporters.
More
Widespread neglect puts NASA’s networks in jeopardy
The most heralded federal agency is in serious risk of a major cyber attack and no one seems to care.
Not NASA executives. Not the contractor hired to protect its end-user devices. And especially not the everyday employees who send rockets into space.
Internal documents obtained by Federal News Radio indicate NASA has anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of out-of-date patches at every center across the country.
Security Scorecard, a cybersecurity company, found as many as 10,000 pings coming directly from NASA’s network to known malware hosts, some lasting weeks, if not months.
More
Not NASA executives. Not the contractor hired to protect its end-user devices. And especially not the everyday employees who send rockets into space.
Internal documents obtained by Federal News Radio indicate NASA has anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of out-of-date patches at every center across the country.
Security Scorecard, a cybersecurity company, found as many as 10,000 pings coming directly from NASA’s network to known malware hosts, some lasting weeks, if not months.
More
Kersey Autopsy Report
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.
On 3/1/16 the autopsy report was received from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The results of the report were that Kersey died of combined drug (Cocaine/Fentanyl) and alcohol intoxication. Kersey's carbon monoxide levels were normal. The manner of death could not be determined.
House GOP Conference Chair Unveils Bill to Fight Government ‘Zombies’
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R., Wash.) will introduce legislation that would gradually cut funding for unauthorized government programs in order to compel Congress to take action on them.
The legislation would pressure Congress to reexamine government programs whose authorizations have expired by subjecting such programs to a rolling sequester, which would take place over three years and end with a complete elimination of funding if lawmakers have not acted to reauthorize the program. Currently, the federal government funds 256 unauthorized programs costing $310.4 billion, including entire agencies such as the State Department, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The bill, called the Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act, is backed by more than a dozen organizations that agree it would boost oversight and rein in unnecessary government spending.
More
The legislation would pressure Congress to reexamine government programs whose authorizations have expired by subjecting such programs to a rolling sequester, which would take place over three years and end with a complete elimination of funding if lawmakers have not acted to reauthorize the program. Currently, the federal government funds 256 unauthorized programs costing $310.4 billion, including entire agencies such as the State Department, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The bill, called the Unauthorized Spending Accountability Act, is backed by more than a dozen organizations that agree it would boost oversight and rein in unnecessary government spending.
More
Haitians Protest Hillary Clinton’s ‘Destruction’ of Country
Six years after the massive earthquake in Haiti, many people in the country continue to hold Hillary Clinton’s State Department and the Clinton Foundation responsible for a botched recovery effort that cost billions for seemingly little returns.
The New York Times reports that the Clintons have been a top target of protesters in Port au Prince, who claim earthquake aid money was mismanaged and lucrative deals went to Clinton cronies.
Critics singled out the Caracol industrial park, a project backed by both the Clinton Foundation and the State Department. Hundreds of farmers had their lands seized during the park’s construction, and the project did not result in the number of jobs promised..
More here
The New York Times reports that the Clintons have been a top target of protesters in Port au Prince, who claim earthquake aid money was mismanaged and lucrative deals went to Clinton cronies.
Critics singled out the Caracol industrial park, a project backed by both the Clinton Foundation and the State Department. Hundreds of farmers had their lands seized during the park’s construction, and the project did not result in the number of jobs promised..
More here
Israel Launches First-ever Video Distress Call Service
Israelis can now use their smartphones to make live video distress calls to emergency responders, a first-of-its-kind service that, if successful, could set a new standard for countries around the world.
Video chats, texting and location detection may be humdrum features for today's smartphone user, but they remain a puzzle to most emergency calling systems, which are outdated and only take voice calls.
This gap in technology, which developed countries are racing to close, leads to slower response times, miscommunications and many wasted resources, often to the detriment of people calling for help.
Israel on Wednesday became the first country to launch a nationwide platform in which emergency operators can see live video, chat via text messages and determine pinpoint location outdoors and indoors.
The system, downloaded as a phone app, was developed by a high-profile start-up called Reporty, whose chairman is former prime minister Ehud Barak. If successful, it could attract police, fire and ambulance services from around the world.
"This solution did not exist beforehand," said Eli Bean, director of Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. "It will allow us to get the information we need real time, and certainly reduce response time and improve the care we provide."
More here
Video chats, texting and location detection may be humdrum features for today's smartphone user, but they remain a puzzle to most emergency calling systems, which are outdated and only take voice calls.
This gap in technology, which developed countries are racing to close, leads to slower response times, miscommunications and many wasted resources, often to the detriment of people calling for help.
Israel on Wednesday became the first country to launch a nationwide platform in which emergency operators can see live video, chat via text messages and determine pinpoint location outdoors and indoors.
The system, downloaded as a phone app, was developed by a high-profile start-up called Reporty, whose chairman is former prime minister Ehud Barak. If successful, it could attract police, fire and ambulance services from around the world.
"This solution did not exist beforehand," said Eli Bean, director of Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service. "It will allow us to get the information we need real time, and certainly reduce response time and improve the care we provide."
More here
Trump, Dems Have Drug Companies Surrounded
The pharmaceutical industry has relied on Republicans to protect them from Democrats who want to reduce high drug prices, but that may go away if GOP front-runner Donald Trump becomes the Republican nominee.
Trump has strayed from Republican orthodoxy to propose several Democratic reforms to address high prices, including reimportation of drugs from overseas and giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices.
Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have both made such proposals, which means drug companies could be faced with reforms no matter who gets elected.
The industry's main lobbying group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, refuses to comment on the candidates themselves, but has criticized the various proposals.
When Medicare Part D was created back in 2003, lawmakers gave a key concession to companies: that Medicare would not be able to negotiate for lower drug prices. Medicare Part D is the prescription drug plan for the popular senior healthcare program.
More
Trump has strayed from Republican orthodoxy to propose several Democratic reforms to address high prices, including reimportation of drugs from overseas and giving Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices.
Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton have both made such proposals, which means drug companies could be faced with reforms no matter who gets elected.
The industry's main lobbying group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, refuses to comment on the candidates themselves, but has criticized the various proposals.
When Medicare Part D was created back in 2003, lawmakers gave a key concession to companies: that Medicare would not be able to negotiate for lower drug prices. Medicare Part D is the prescription drug plan for the popular senior healthcare program.
More
Bias alert: 94% of news reports blame Trump — not protesters — for campaign violence
Their bias is showing: All three major broadcast networks immediately homed in on the violence during Republican front-runner Donald Trump’s campaign rallies last weekend, to the exclusion of almost everything else.
An analysis by the Media Research Center detects agenda: “ABC, CBS and NBC news coverage found that the left-wing protesters who forced the cancellation of a presidential campaign event escaped nearly all blame, as reporters dumped 94 percent of the blame on Trump and his campaign,” the conservative watchdog group reports.
Analysts Mike Ciandella, Scott Whitlock and Kyle Drennen pored over morning and evening coverage on the three networks from Saturday morning through Monday morning — 45 segments, and almost 85 minutes of airtime. Here is what they found: Reporters criticized Mr. Trump’s campaign over the incidents 46 times. They blamed the protesters only three times, the study found.
“By 15-to-1 margin, the networks blame Trump, not lefties, for campaign violence,” research director Rich Noyes writes in his analysis of their work.
More
An analysis by the Media Research Center detects agenda: “ABC, CBS and NBC news coverage found that the left-wing protesters who forced the cancellation of a presidential campaign event escaped nearly all blame, as reporters dumped 94 percent of the blame on Trump and his campaign,” the conservative watchdog group reports.
Analysts Mike Ciandella, Scott Whitlock and Kyle Drennen pored over morning and evening coverage on the three networks from Saturday morning through Monday morning — 45 segments, and almost 85 minutes of airtime. Here is what they found: Reporters criticized Mr. Trump’s campaign over the incidents 46 times. They blamed the protesters only three times, the study found.
“By 15-to-1 margin, the networks blame Trump, not lefties, for campaign violence,” research director Rich Noyes writes in his analysis of their work.
More
Just Click On Like If You've Been There, Done That.
Yeah, and you thought
you'd leave it as a comment, NOT.
Possibility of Border Patrol Corruption Poses Security Threat: Report
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s disciplinary system takes far too long to resolve misconduct cases, making it an ineffective deterrent to corruption of border agents and posing a potential national security risk, according to findings of an independent task force.
The 49-page report issued Tuesday by the CBP Integrity Advisory Panel highlights concern over the threat that corruption within the Border Patrol could pose, particularly given the aid that corrupt officers could provide those trying to infiltrate the border.
“Corrupt CBP law enforcement personnel pose a national security threat,” states the report, which was submitted Tuesday to the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
Gangs and drug cartels “employ a variety of methods in an attempt to target, recruit and corrupt law enforcement personnel who then can facilitate the smuggling of drugs and people and other criminal activity,” the report states. “Such corrupt officials can assist the cartels by providing intelligence and facilitating the movement of large amounts of contraband.”
The agency now lacks any form of proactive initiatives to weed out corruption, instead investigating based on reporting from other employees, other government agencies or the public.
More
The 49-page report issued Tuesday by the CBP Integrity Advisory Panel highlights concern over the threat that corruption within the Border Patrol could pose, particularly given the aid that corrupt officers could provide those trying to infiltrate the border.
“Corrupt CBP law enforcement personnel pose a national security threat,” states the report, which was submitted Tuesday to the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
Gangs and drug cartels “employ a variety of methods in an attempt to target, recruit and corrupt law enforcement personnel who then can facilitate the smuggling of drugs and people and other criminal activity,” the report states. “Such corrupt officials can assist the cartels by providing intelligence and facilitating the movement of large amounts of contraband.”
The agency now lacks any form of proactive initiatives to weed out corruption, instead investigating based on reporting from other employees, other government agencies or the public.
More
Blue Crabs Are Emerging
More
GOP Delegate: We Pick The Nominee, ‘Not Voters’ [VIDEO]
A plan so sinister, so anti-democratic and so underhanded that it will destroy the fabric of the party itself.
What people aren’t told is that officially, voters don’t really choose the candidates in party primaries – the delegates do.
And while we’ve been led to believe that the delegates are bound to the results of a state primary, they’re not. Not really.
To prove it, look at Colorado or North Dakota or Wyoming. They don’t have a primary or a caucus. Party leaders from those states get together and simply decide who they want the delegates to support. There are 112 “unbound” delegates.
But if you think just because your state had a primary or a caucus that your delegates are bound to the results: Think again. At a contested convention, if nobody gets a majority after the first vote, then the delegates get to decide amongst themselves who wins. Not you.
More
Rush for Trump?
But there's one candidate he doesn't support: John Kasich. With that in mind, Rush took a turn in Trump's direction this week, urging Ohio primary voters to stop him by voting for Trump. As Newsmax notes:
Rush Limbaugh on Monday urged his listeners in Ohio to vote for Donald Trump over Gov. John Kasich in the state's Tuesday primary.
"My preference is that Trump win Florida and Ohio," Limbaugh said.
"Have you heard what Kasich did today?" he continued.
"I'm gonna tell you what's happening here, folks. Kasich has come out full-throated, 100 percent for amnesty. He is talking like Jeb Bush talks about amnesty and the illegal immigrants as gifts from God or some such thing."
Rush said the only way to clear the field, and allow Cruz to emerge as the real conservative challenger to Trump, is for Rubio and Kasich to lose and quit the race.
"What's going on here, the establishment has one last great hope, and that's Kasich winning in Ohio," he said.
"But if [Kasich’s] elected president within the first hundred days we're gonna get comprehensive immigration reform, amnesty," Rush said.
Limbaugh noted that only Cruz can still beat Trump.
"Now, even if Kasich wins Ohio, he's mathematically eliminated from winning the nomination in the primaries," Limbaugh said. "He cannot get the 1,237 even if he wins Ohio. If he loses it, it's not even close."
It's a reasonable strategy, but it begs the question: is Rush secretly in the tank for Trump?
Source: AAN
Frank Sinatra Jr. dies in Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Frank Sinatra Jr., who carried on his famous father's legacy with his own music career, has died. He was 72.
The Sinatra family said in a statement to The Associated Press that Sinatra died unexpectedly Wednesday of cardiac arrest while on tour in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The statement said the family mourns the untimely passing of their son, brother, father and uncle. No other details were provided.
More
Troopers Investigate Toll Plaza Crash
Newark, DE - Delaware State Police are investigating a four vehicle crash which occurred at the I-95 toll plaza in Newark yesterday evening.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at approximately 7:15 p.m., as Matt Rude, 31, of McLean, VA was operating a 2000 Cadillac and was traveling on I-95 northbound approaching the Delaware Toll Plaza, Newark. For an unknown reason, Rude failed to stop his vehicle as he entered the toll booth area and struck the rear of a 2003 Dodge Durango which was traveling directly in front of him, and which was being operated by Toney Manuel, 54, of Orlando, FL. The Durango then struck two occupied toll booths and the rear of a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban, which was being operated by John Mitchell, 46, of Charlottesville, VA, and which was traveling directly in front of the Durango preparing to exit the toll booth. Debris from the crash then struck a 2012 Hyundai, which was being operated by Suhaiylah Williams, 37, of Princeton, NJ, and which was stopped in an adjacent lane at the toll booth.
A 51 year old female passenger in the Dodge Durango as well as a 19 year old female passenger in the Cadillac were treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. They were then removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where they were treated for their non-life threatening injuries.
John Mitchell and Toney Manuel were also removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were no other injuries.
Matt Rude was cited by troopers with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Operating a Vehicle at an Unreasonable Speed, Reckless Driving, Inattentive Driving, and No Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and issued a $500.00 secured bond and a $3000.00 unsecured bond. He was then committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at approximately 7:15 p.m., as Matt Rude, 31, of McLean, VA was operating a 2000 Cadillac and was traveling on I-95 northbound approaching the Delaware Toll Plaza, Newark. For an unknown reason, Rude failed to stop his vehicle as he entered the toll booth area and struck the rear of a 2003 Dodge Durango which was traveling directly in front of him, and which was being operated by Toney Manuel, 54, of Orlando, FL. The Durango then struck two occupied toll booths and the rear of a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban, which was being operated by John Mitchell, 46, of Charlottesville, VA, and which was traveling directly in front of the Durango preparing to exit the toll booth. Debris from the crash then struck a 2012 Hyundai, which was being operated by Suhaiylah Williams, 37, of Princeton, NJ, and which was stopped in an adjacent lane at the toll booth.
A 51 year old female passenger in the Dodge Durango as well as a 19 year old female passenger in the Cadillac were treated at the scene by New Castle County Paramedics. They were then removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where they were treated for their non-life threatening injuries.
John Mitchell and Toney Manuel were also removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. There were no other injuries.
Matt Rude was cited by troopers with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Operating a Vehicle at an Unreasonable Speed, Reckless Driving, Inattentive Driving, and No Proof of Motor Vehicle Insurance. He was arraigned at JP Court 11 and issued a $500.00 secured bond and a $3000.00 unsecured bond. He was then committed to the Howard Young Correctional Institution.
Shoplifting Arrest
Type of Incident: Theft
Date and Time: 03/15/2016 @ 5:15pm
Location: Gymboree, 12741 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland
Victim(s): Gymboree located in the White Marlin Mall, Ocean City
Accused: Taysha Nycole Maddox, 26 yoa of Salisbury, MD
Johnette Arlyssa Huntley, 24 yoa of Princess Anne, MD
Charges: Theft less $100 of value.
Disposition: Charged and released, pending trial.
Narrative: On 03/15/2016 at approximately 5:15pm, TPR Willey from the Berlin Barrack responded to the Gymboree located at 12741 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland in reference to a theft in progress.
Upon arrival contact was made with Taysha Nycole Maddox and Johnette Arlyssa Huntley as they were caught in the act of shoplifting clothing. Both Maddox and Huntley were placed under arrest and taken back to the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack for processing. Both subjects were issued a criminal citation for the incident and released.
Date and Time: 03/15/2016 @ 5:15pm
Location: Gymboree, 12741 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland
Victim(s): Gymboree located in the White Marlin Mall, Ocean City
Accused: Taysha Nycole Maddox, 26 yoa of Salisbury, MD
Johnette Arlyssa Huntley, 24 yoa of Princess Anne, MD
Charges: Theft less $100 of value.
Disposition: Charged and released, pending trial.
Narrative: On 03/15/2016 at approximately 5:15pm, TPR Willey from the Berlin Barrack responded to the Gymboree located at 12741 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland in reference to a theft in progress.
Upon arrival contact was made with Taysha Nycole Maddox and Johnette Arlyssa Huntley as they were caught in the act of shoplifting clothing. Both Maddox and Huntley were placed under arrest and taken back to the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack for processing. Both subjects were issued a criminal citation for the incident and released.
COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCIL
Who: Salisbury City Council will host
What: COFFEE WITH YOUR COUNCIL
When: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Where: Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive
Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas and concerns with the City Council members in an informal setting. Light refreshments will be served. All interested citizens are invited to attend. Coffee and refreshments provided. We hope you can make it!
Please share this event with all your friends and neighbors.
You Are Going To Crack Up
Its OK to laugh:)A life guard with a great sense of humor... enjoy/dom:)
Posted by Domonic Mongello on Sunday, October 3, 2010
Vox Calls for Obama Third Term
Vox’s Matt Yglesias has proposed something that would probably horrify most Americans: A Literal Third-Term Obama. Shamelessly, the Voxer takes sycophancy to new heights in his his latest piece, aptly entitled, “Democrats’ best choice for 2016 is the guy already in the White House.” Apparently, de facto third-term Obama candidate Hillary Clinton isn’t enough. “It would make a lot more sense for him to directly face his critics on the left (Bernie Sanders) and right (every Republican) rather than do so indirectly through the proxy of Hillary Clinton,” writes Yglesias without a hint of sarcasm.
More