Hungary has introduced new laws which it says will penalise groups that receive foreign funding to aid illegal immigration.
The government has dubbed the new legislation the 'Stop Soros' laws, because it blames Hungarian-American billionaire and philanthropist George Soros for Europe's migration challenges - in part because of his funding of groups that support the rights of refugees.
The country's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been embroiled in an escalating feud with his former friend Soros, who has described a prolonged Hungarian government campaign against him as 'distortions and lies' designed to create a false external enemy.
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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
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
"If Trump Is Real..."
As my readers at home and around the world know, I supported giving Trump a chance as Trump, and only Trump, addressed the two most important issues of our time for both all of humanity and for Americans:
(1) avoiding nuclear Armageddon by normalizing relations with Russia, and
(2) restoring the American middle class, on whose success political stability in the United States depends, by stopping the offshoring of US jobs and bringing those offshored home.
Inattentive people have mistakenly characterized Trump as the ruling Oligarchy’s candidate from day one. They dismiss the idea that he was sincere about either goal. There are many large problems with their dismissing of Trump’s sincerity. One is that if he were the Oligarch’s candidate, why did all their money go to Hillary? The other is that if Trump was insincere about normalizing relations with Russia, why did the military/security complex, specifically the CIA and FBI, invent Russiagate and why is Russiagate being used in an effort to impeach Trump or to drive him from office if Trump is the Oligarch’s candidate? The presstitute media is owned by the Oligarchs. If Trump is the Oligarchs’ candidate, why is the presstitute media trying to drive Trump from office?
These most obvious of all questions do not get asked or answered. I have asked them now for more than a year. Instead of answering me, I, like Trump and Stephen Cohen, get branded a “Putin stooge.”
Stephen Cohen knows more about Russia and Putin than everyone in the Trump, Obama, George W. Bush, and Clinton regimes added together and multiplied by one million. Yet, it is the most knowledgeable person who is branded a stooge. The fact of the matter is that Washington and its presstitutes know that neither Trump nor I nor Stephen Cohen are Putin’s stooges. What they also know is that they do not want any truth introduced into their portrayal of their false picture of “the Russian threat” and its American collaborators.
What they are doing is protecting the $1,000 billion annual budget, and associated power, of the military/security complex and the West Coast and northeastern coast’s control over the White House. This small geographical area has a disportionate amount of population and electoral votes and rejects interference with its rule by scarcely populated “flyover America.”
Truth and all respect for truth has disappeared from American political discourse. Truth is no longer even respected in academia or courts of law. The entire purpose of the US system and its subsystems is to achieve selfish aims that are at the expense of truth, justice, and other peoples.
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(1) avoiding nuclear Armageddon by normalizing relations with Russia, and
(2) restoring the American middle class, on whose success political stability in the United States depends, by stopping the offshoring of US jobs and bringing those offshored home.
Inattentive people have mistakenly characterized Trump as the ruling Oligarchy’s candidate from day one. They dismiss the idea that he was sincere about either goal. There are many large problems with their dismissing of Trump’s sincerity. One is that if he were the Oligarch’s candidate, why did all their money go to Hillary? The other is that if Trump was insincere about normalizing relations with Russia, why did the military/security complex, specifically the CIA and FBI, invent Russiagate and why is Russiagate being used in an effort to impeach Trump or to drive him from office if Trump is the Oligarch’s candidate? The presstitute media is owned by the Oligarchs. If Trump is the Oligarchs’ candidate, why is the presstitute media trying to drive Trump from office?
These most obvious of all questions do not get asked or answered. I have asked them now for more than a year. Instead of answering me, I, like Trump and Stephen Cohen, get branded a “Putin stooge.”
Stephen Cohen knows more about Russia and Putin than everyone in the Trump, Obama, George W. Bush, and Clinton regimes added together and multiplied by one million. Yet, it is the most knowledgeable person who is branded a stooge. The fact of the matter is that Washington and its presstitutes know that neither Trump nor I nor Stephen Cohen are Putin’s stooges. What they also know is that they do not want any truth introduced into their portrayal of their false picture of “the Russian threat” and its American collaborators.
What they are doing is protecting the $1,000 billion annual budget, and associated power, of the military/security complex and the West Coast and northeastern coast’s control over the White House. This small geographical area has a disportionate amount of population and electoral votes and rejects interference with its rule by scarcely populated “flyover America.”
Truth and all respect for truth has disappeared from American political discourse. Truth is no longer even respected in academia or courts of law. The entire purpose of the US system and its subsystems is to achieve selfish aims that are at the expense of truth, justice, and other peoples.
More
Why stress is making you sick
Stress can cause physical illness by hijacking the immune system, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified how stress interacts with cells that are supposed to protect the body against infection diseases and manifests into physical illness.
The study revealed stress can impact the response of 'defense chemicals', or substances that fight off bacteria or viruses, amplifying inflammatory and allergic reactions such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and autoimmune disorders such as lupus.
Doctors could start prescribing stress management tools like breathing exercises and yoga to treat disorders like asthma and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
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Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified how stress interacts with cells that are supposed to protect the body against infection diseases and manifests into physical illness.
The study revealed stress can impact the response of 'defense chemicals', or substances that fight off bacteria or viruses, amplifying inflammatory and allergic reactions such as irritable bowel syndrome, asthma and autoimmune disorders such as lupus.
Doctors could start prescribing stress management tools like breathing exercises and yoga to treat disorders like asthma and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
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Scientists worry chronic wasting disease will spread to humans
Deer across North America are dying from a mysterious disease that gradually destroys the animals’ nervous systems.
And scientists are concerned that the infection could make its way to humans.
Chronic wasting disease — or “zombie deer disease” — was first observed in 1967 in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has since infected wild herds in 24 states and Canada, as well as in South Korea and Norway, NPR reported.
“CWD passes from animal to animal through prions, misfolded proteins that cause other proteins to misfold around them,” NPR reported. “Different prion diseases tend to only harm certain species, but can evolve to overcome those limitations.”
In some herds, as many as half of the animals carry prions.
But direct contact isn’t the only way prions are transmitted. According to The New York Times, sick animals and cadavers can spread prions through plants and soil, which could be coated with deformed proteins for years, perhaps even decades.
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And scientists are concerned that the infection could make its way to humans.
Chronic wasting disease — or “zombie deer disease” — was first observed in 1967 in Fort Collins, Colorado, and has since infected wild herds in 24 states and Canada, as well as in South Korea and Norway, NPR reported.
“CWD passes from animal to animal through prions, misfolded proteins that cause other proteins to misfold around them,” NPR reported. “Different prion diseases tend to only harm certain species, but can evolve to overcome those limitations.”
In some herds, as many as half of the animals carry prions.
But direct contact isn’t the only way prions are transmitted. According to The New York Times, sick animals and cadavers can spread prions through plants and soil, which could be coated with deformed proteins for years, perhaps even decades.
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Video: Inside America's Deadly Opioid Crisis
Opioids kill more people than they cure. Every day in the United States, some 140 people die from taking opioids - addictive opiate-based drugs. They’ve become the leading cause of death among the under-50s, ahead of road accidents and firearms. Our US correspondents, Valérie Defert, Baptiste Fenwick, Hayde Fitzpatrick and Romain Jany, take a look at the deadly opioid crisis.
Opioids are neither viruses nor bacteria, but painkillers. In the United States, they are prescribed in abundance and are perfectly legal for a small injury or a tooth extraction. Opioids are analgesics, highly powerful painkillers, derived from opium. But many patients become addicted to the drug in just a few days and today this medication, which can cause fatal overdoses, actually kills more people than it cures.
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Opioids are neither viruses nor bacteria, but painkillers. In the United States, they are prescribed in abundance and are perfectly legal for a small injury or a tooth extraction. Opioids are analgesics, highly powerful painkillers, derived from opium. But many patients become addicted to the drug in just a few days and today this medication, which can cause fatal overdoses, actually kills more people than it cures.
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Ryan orders ethics inquiry into Pa. lawmaker's reported use of taxpayer cash to settle misconduct case
HARRISBURG, Pa -- House Speaker Paul Ryan ordered an Ethics Committee investigation Saturday after The New York Times reported that U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan had used taxpayer money to settle a complaint arising from hostility toward an ex-aide who rebuffed his romantic overtures.
The story, published online Saturday, cites unnamed people who said Meehan, R-Pa., had used thousands of dollars from his congressional office fund to settle the sexual harassment complaint the ex-aide filed last summer to the congressional Office of Compliance.
Ryan's office said the allegations must be investigated "fully and immediately" by the House Ethics Committee, and that Meehan should repay any taxpayer funds used to settle the case.
Ryan's office also said Meehan is being removed from the committee.
The Times did not identify the accuser and said she did not speak to the newspaper.
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The story, published online Saturday, cites unnamed people who said Meehan, R-Pa., had used thousands of dollars from his congressional office fund to settle the sexual harassment complaint the ex-aide filed last summer to the congressional Office of Compliance.
Ryan's office said the allegations must be investigated "fully and immediately" by the House Ethics Committee, and that Meehan should repay any taxpayer funds used to settle the case.
Ryan's office also said Meehan is being removed from the committee.
The Times did not identify the accuser and said she did not speak to the newspaper.
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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/01/20/ryan-orders-ethics-inquiry-into-pa-lawmakers-reported-use-taxpayer-cash-to-settle-misconduct-case.html
Comedian Robbed at Gunpoint Shifts Views on Firearms, Wants Concealed Carry Permit
Comedian Tim Young was robbed at gunpoint in Washington, DC,on January 17 and he emerged from the incident determined to get a concealed carry permit so he does not have to feel such defenselessness again.
Young was robbed on M Street around 7:45 p.m. The suspects made off with his cell phone.
The next day he tweeted:
WUSA9 reports that Young grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and, until being robbed in D.C., never saw the need to get a gun, much less carry one. He indicated that “he’s been in some bad places in his life and nothing happened to him [in those places] … [so] he assumed things would continue to go that way.”
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Young was robbed on M Street around 7:45 p.m. The suspects made off with his cell phone.
The next day he tweeted:
Details: Last night I was robbed at gunpoint by 2 men in DC by the new @TheWharfDC on the way to get coffee at @dolcezzagelato at 7:45pm.
They got my phone and tossed me around while people watched from a half block away. Then they ran off.
Thanks to @DCPoliceDept for your help.
WUSA9 reports that Young grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and, until being robbed in D.C., never saw the need to get a gun, much less carry one. He indicated that “he’s been in some bad places in his life and nothing happened to him [in those places] … [so] he assumed things would continue to go that way.”
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Steve Hilton: Much of the federal government should be shut down -- and power given back to the people
The conventional wisdom about the government shutdown chaos in Washington is completely wrong. Whoever you listen to, their explanation for the shambles is political.
If you’re on the left you blame President Trump – just as you blame him for everything from bad weather to burned toast. If you’re on the right you call it the “Schumer Shutdown” – after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. – and point out that today’s Democrats are being driven by their extreme “open borders” base.
For what it’s worth, I agree that the Democrats are in thrall to their party’s extremes, in particular on the issue of immigration. And it surely makes sense to handle the DACA issue as part of a negotiated immigration deal, including the border wall and an end to the diversity visa lottery and chain migration.
Using the “Dreamers,” as DACA recipients are known, to hold up agreement on the entire federal budget is a ridiculous and damaging stunt.
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If you’re on the left you blame President Trump – just as you blame him for everything from bad weather to burned toast. If you’re on the right you call it the “Schumer Shutdown” – after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. – and point out that today’s Democrats are being driven by their extreme “open borders” base.
For what it’s worth, I agree that the Democrats are in thrall to their party’s extremes, in particular on the issue of immigration. And it surely makes sense to handle the DACA issue as part of a negotiated immigration deal, including the border wall and an end to the diversity visa lottery and chain migration.
Using the “Dreamers,” as DACA recipients are known, to hold up agreement on the entire federal budget is a ridiculous and damaging stunt.
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Companies are paying employees to stay healthy
Corporate America is handing out huge cash bonuses this year to workers who hit the gym and knock off pounds.
Call it their pound of flesh. Skyrocketing health-care costs are forcing more American employers to reward workers for good health, which often translates into fewer doctor visits and lower health-care insurance premiums.
And this “carrot and stick,” popularly known as preventative care, may be one of the hottest health-care workplace trends in 2018, according to analysts.
This battle of the bulge can be waged profitably. Just ask Laura Mahony, whose employer’s monthly $200 cash bonus — a generous $2,400 annually for keeping fit — allows her to avail herself of a variety of healthy activities in high-cost New York City.
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Call it their pound of flesh. Skyrocketing health-care costs are forcing more American employers to reward workers for good health, which often translates into fewer doctor visits and lower health-care insurance premiums.
And this “carrot and stick,” popularly known as preventative care, may be one of the hottest health-care workplace trends in 2018, according to analysts.
This battle of the bulge can be waged profitably. Just ask Laura Mahony, whose employer’s monthly $200 cash bonus — a generous $2,400 annually for keeping fit — allows her to avail herself of a variety of healthy activities in high-cost New York City.
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The Schumer Shutdown
“I believe in immigration reform. What if I persuaded my caucus to say, ‘I’m going to shut the government down. I’m going to not pay our bills unless I get my way.’ It’s a politics of idiocy, of confrontation, of paralysis,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) … in 2013. Schumer, then Harry Reid’s lieutenant, also stated ahead of the government shutdown that year, “You know we could do the same thing on immigration. … We could say, ‘We’re shutting down the government. We’re not going to raise the debt ceiling until you pass immigration reform.’ It would be governmental chaos.” Well, surprise, surprise — just a few years later, now-Senate Minority Leader Schumer has totally reversed his “convictions” and has embraced the “politics of idiocy,” holding the government hostage over his demands for an immediate deal on the non-imminent DACA issue. As Donald Trump’s director of legislative affairs Marc Short pointed out, “There’s no DACA bill to vote on, and there’s no emergency on the timing.”
Democrats saw to that by leaking and making a spectacle of Trump’s alleged vulgar remarks, all to paint him as a racist and undermine any deal. Now they’ve shut the government down, too.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) pointedly questioned Democrats’ motives for resisting working out a necessary budget deal. “Are Democrats going to shut the government … because we want basic reforms and enforcement measures that are going to prevent further flows of illegal immigrants and unskilled immigrants?” he asked rhetorically. “Seems to me like a tough position to win in light of the 2016 election.”
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Democrats saw to that by leaking and making a spectacle of Trump’s alleged vulgar remarks, all to paint him as a racist and undermine any deal. Now they’ve shut the government down, too.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) pointedly questioned Democrats’ motives for resisting working out a necessary budget deal. “Are Democrats going to shut the government … because we want basic reforms and enforcement measures that are going to prevent further flows of illegal immigrants and unskilled immigrants?” he asked rhetorically. “Seems to me like a tough position to win in light of the 2016 election.”
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Neil Diamond, Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer, Has Parkinson’s Disease
NEW YORK (CBS NEWS) — Neil Diamond is retiring from touring after he says he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Days shy of his 77th birthday, the rock legend is canceling his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand for March. He was on his 50th anniversary tour.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer offered his “sincerest apologies” to those who planned to go to his shows and says he plans to still write, record and work on other projects “for a long time to come.”
Diamond’s numerous hits include “Sweet Caroline,” ”America,” ”Love on the Rocks” and “Hello Again.”
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Days shy of his 77th birthday, the rock legend is canceling his tour dates in Australia and New Zealand for March. He was on his 50th anniversary tour.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer offered his “sincerest apologies” to those who planned to go to his shows and says he plans to still write, record and work on other projects “for a long time to come.”
Diamond’s numerous hits include “Sweet Caroline,” ”America,” ”Love on the Rocks” and “Hello Again.”
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Intrusion Suspect Allegedly Assaults Homeowner, Dies After Being Shot
A suspect who allegedly entered a Rolla, Missouri, home and assaulted the homeowner died after the homeowner shot him.
The incident occurred Tuesday around 1:15 a.m.
According to KOZR, Phelps County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the incident said the homeowner claimed 39-year-old William Lee Dale came into the residence and assaulted him. The homeowner “said he feared for his life and shot Dale in the upper torso.”
Dale was pronounced dead at the scene.
Breitbart News reported that an 82-year-old West Virginia homeowner pulled a gun and killed an intrusion suspect after being assaulted in his home on January 13.
WSAZ reported that the suspect, 24-year-old Timothy Dean Coker, allegedly “broke [into the home] through a window in the garage where the 82-year-old homeowner was working and threatened the homeowner.” The homeowner turned tables by pulling a gun and shooting, fatally wounding Coker.
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The incident occurred Tuesday around 1:15 a.m.
According to KOZR, Phelps County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the incident said the homeowner claimed 39-year-old William Lee Dale came into the residence and assaulted him. The homeowner “said he feared for his life and shot Dale in the upper torso.”
Dale was pronounced dead at the scene.
Breitbart News reported that an 82-year-old West Virginia homeowner pulled a gun and killed an intrusion suspect after being assaulted in his home on January 13.
WSAZ reported that the suspect, 24-year-old Timothy Dean Coker, allegedly “broke [into the home] through a window in the garage where the 82-year-old homeowner was working and threatened the homeowner.” The homeowner turned tables by pulling a gun and shooting, fatally wounding Coker.
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German city bans new refugees as anti-migrant mood increases
An eastern German city has imposed a temporary ban on new refugees in an effort to stem a number of recent violent incidents.
Cottbus, about 120 kilometres southeast of Berlin, has been rocked byviolence from refugees and right-wing extremists since the start of this year.
Earlier this week, Brandenburg state police reported that two male Syrian teenagers were arrested under the suspicion of injuring a German teenager in the face with a knife.
The 16-year-old sustained non life-threatening injuries in what started as an altercation between Syrian and German school acquaintances near a tram station.
The incident happened just days after a group of three Syrian asylum seekers, aged 14, 15 and 17 years old, attacked a man and his wife outside a shopping centre, according to a police statement. The 15-year-old was handed a “negative residency permit” by authorities, effectively ordering him and his father to leave the city.
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Cottbus, about 120 kilometres southeast of Berlin, has been rocked byviolence from refugees and right-wing extremists since the start of this year.
Earlier this week, Brandenburg state police reported that two male Syrian teenagers were arrested under the suspicion of injuring a German teenager in the face with a knife.
The 16-year-old sustained non life-threatening injuries in what started as an altercation between Syrian and German school acquaintances near a tram station.
The incident happened just days after a group of three Syrian asylum seekers, aged 14, 15 and 17 years old, attacked a man and his wife outside a shopping centre, according to a police statement. The 15-year-old was handed a “negative residency permit” by authorities, effectively ordering him and his father to leave the city.
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BREAKING NEWS - LEGISLATIVE ALERT: Leading Majority Senator Introduces Legislation To Delay Enforcement Of Paid Sick Leave Measure
Legislators Should Now Work With Governor Hogan To Extend Common Sense, Balanced Paid Sick Leave To Marylanders
“Our administration continues to remain ready and willing to meet with them at any time, to engage in open and honest dialogue in order to reach a compromise on this critical issue. The issue of paid sick leave is much too important, and the impact is too far-reaching for us to risk getting it wrong.” - Governor Larry Hogan, November 28, 2017
Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Introduced Legislation To Delay The Enforcement Of House Bill 1 Which Is Set To Become Law After Members Of The General Assembly Overrode The Governor’s Veto Of This Unworkable Measure. “For the purpose of prohibiting the Commissioner of Labor and Industry from enforcing the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act for a certain number of days after a certain date; making this Act an emergency measure; and generally relating to enforcement of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That § 3-1308 of the Labor and Employment Article, as enacted by Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2018, may not be enforced by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry until 60 days after February 11, 2018.” (“Senate Bill 304,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18)
Members Of The General Assembly Agree That More Time Is Needed To Discuss Potential Fixes To The Burdensome Paid Sick Leave Measure
Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton: “I Agree, We Need More Time.” SENATOR MIDDLETON: “One of the things I want to touch on is, ‘we need more time.’ And I agree, we need more time. Under law when a bill is overridden it goes into effect 30 days later… But most importantly just to provide that guide for the businesses so they don't have to go out and hire somebody to say, ‘how do we figure this out?’ Put it right there, put it out there for them so they do. And also we can provide the technical support. We’re looking - we agree with that, we need more time.” (“Proceedings - Senate,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/12/18)
Senator Middleton Made It Clear That He Wants To Work With Governor Hogan And That Discussions Discussions Held On Ways To Address Flaws And Improve Flawed Paid Sick Leave Legislation. SENATOR MIDDLETON: “One thing, I want to work with the governor. The question that’s very important to the Chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, ‘is this the end, is this the end of discussion?” Absolutely not.” (“Proceedings - Senate,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/12/18)
Senator Bobby Zirkin Called On Members Of The General Assembly To Continue Conversation On Fixing The Passed Paid Sick Leave Legislation, And Reaching Compromises With Governor Hogan. SENATOR ZIRKIN: “So you know, one of the things I did here on the floor though, and I hope the chairman will address it, is like I heard it from the House too, really troubles me, which is the comment, I don’t remember who made it is, ‘too late, too late. The governor didn’t do whatever last year within the committee. Can’t have anymore conversation about it.’ And if that’s the case, then I’ll stick with my no vote because it is never too late to not, you know, correct something, change something, modify something. There are some things in the Governor’s bill that I really like. One of them was the amendment that, I don’t know if it was particularly well drafted that, I tried last year that would say that small businesses could at least get a deferment if they had contracts that would hurt them. He put that in his bill.” (“Proceedings - Senate,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/12/18)
“Our administration continues to remain ready and willing to meet with them at any time, to engage in open and honest dialogue in order to reach a compromise on this critical issue. The issue of paid sick leave is much too important, and the impact is too far-reaching for us to risk getting it wrong.” - Governor Larry Hogan, November 28, 2017
Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Introduced Legislation To Delay The Enforcement Of House Bill 1 Which Is Set To Become Law After Members Of The General Assembly Overrode The Governor’s Veto Of This Unworkable Measure. “For the purpose of prohibiting the Commissioner of Labor and Industry from enforcing the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act for a certain number of days after a certain date; making this Act an emergency measure; and generally relating to enforcement of the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland, That § 3-1308 of the Labor and Employment Article, as enacted by Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2018, may not be enforced by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry until 60 days after February 11, 2018.” (“Senate Bill 304,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/22/18)
Members Of The General Assembly Agree That More Time Is Needed To Discuss Potential Fixes To The Burdensome Paid Sick Leave Measure
Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton: “I Agree, We Need More Time.” SENATOR MIDDLETON: “One of the things I want to touch on is, ‘we need more time.’ And I agree, we need more time. Under law when a bill is overridden it goes into effect 30 days later… But most importantly just to provide that guide for the businesses so they don't have to go out and hire somebody to say, ‘how do we figure this out?’ Put it right there, put it out there for them so they do. And also we can provide the technical support. We’re looking - we agree with that, we need more time.” (“Proceedings - Senate,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/12/18)
Senator Middleton Made It Clear That He Wants To Work With Governor Hogan And That Discussions Discussions Held On Ways To Address Flaws And Improve Flawed Paid Sick Leave Legislation. SENATOR MIDDLETON: “One thing, I want to work with the governor. The question that’s very important to the Chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, ‘is this the end, is this the end of discussion?” Absolutely not.” (“Proceedings - Senate,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/12/18)
Senator Bobby Zirkin Called On Members Of The General Assembly To Continue Conversation On Fixing The Passed Paid Sick Leave Legislation, And Reaching Compromises With Governor Hogan. SENATOR ZIRKIN: “So you know, one of the things I did here on the floor though, and I hope the chairman will address it, is like I heard it from the House too, really troubles me, which is the comment, I don’t remember who made it is, ‘too late, too late. The governor didn’t do whatever last year within the committee. Can’t have anymore conversation about it.’ And if that’s the case, then I’ll stick with my no vote because it is never too late to not, you know, correct something, change something, modify something. There are some things in the Governor’s bill that I really like. One of them was the amendment that, I don’t know if it was particularly well drafted that, I tried last year that would say that small businesses could at least get a deferment if they had contracts that would hurt them. He put that in his bill.” (“Proceedings - Senate,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/12/18)
Republicans Have Four Easy Ways To #ReleaseTheMemo...Not Doing So Will Prove Them Shameless Frauds
One of the gravest and most damaging abuses of state power is to misuse surveillance authorities for political purposes. For that reason, The Intercept, from its inception, has focused extensively on these issues.
We therefore regard as inherently serious strident warnings from public officials alleging that the FBI and Department of Justice have abused their spying power for political purposes.
Social media this week has been flooded with inflammatory and quite dramatic claims now being made by congressional Republicans about a four-page memo alleging abuses of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act spying processes during the 2016 election. This memo, which remains secret, was reportedly written under the direction of the chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, GOP Rep. Devin Nunes, and has been read by dozens of members of Congress after the committee voted to make the memo available to all members of the House of Representatives to examine in a room specially designated for reviewing classified material.
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We therefore regard as inherently serious strident warnings from public officials alleging that the FBI and Department of Justice have abused their spying power for political purposes.
Social media this week has been flooded with inflammatory and quite dramatic claims now being made by congressional Republicans about a four-page memo alleging abuses of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act spying processes during the 2016 election. This memo, which remains secret, was reportedly written under the direction of the chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, GOP Rep. Devin Nunes, and has been read by dozens of members of Congress after the committee voted to make the memo available to all members of the House of Representatives to examine in a room specially designated for reviewing classified material.
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Bannon Blasts Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell for Allowing Russia Probes -- 'Establishment' Plan to 'Nullify' Election
Stephen K. Bannon, the pugnacious former White House chief strategist and former executive chairman of Breitbart News, blasted establishment Republicans in Congress for going along with Democrats’ efforts to “nullify” the election, according to a report.
During a closed-door interview with the House intelligence committee on Tuesday, Bannon said the Russia probes launched in Congress last year were part of an “establishment” plan to try to nullify the 2016 election, according to Axios.
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), who was leading the questioning for Republicans on the committee, challenged Bannon, asking whom he meant in particular. Bannon reportedly named House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI) and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY).
The report said:
“Bannon attacked the Republicans running these congressional committees for choosing to investigate the Trump campaign and Russia. He said it was part of an “establishment” plan to try to “nullify” the election result. Gowdy challenged him on that, asking Bannon who is this establishment you refer to who is trying to nullify Trump’s victory? Bannon answered: Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.
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During a closed-door interview with the House intelligence committee on Tuesday, Bannon said the Russia probes launched in Congress last year were part of an “establishment” plan to try to nullify the 2016 election, according to Axios.
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), who was leading the questioning for Republicans on the committee, challenged Bannon, asking whom he meant in particular. Bannon reportedly named House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI) and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY).
The report said:
“Bannon attacked the Republicans running these congressional committees for choosing to investigate the Trump campaign and Russia. He said it was part of an “establishment” plan to try to “nullify” the election result. Gowdy challenged him on that, asking Bannon who is this establishment you refer to who is trying to nullify Trump’s victory? Bannon answered: Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell.
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Trump’s Naughty Word and His Schoolgirlish Critics
This past week President Donald Trump spent an inordinate amount of time bending over backwards to accommodate Democrats who don’t like or want his immigration reform any more than they like or want him as president.
The fact that the president even welcomed them into the White House to hear their views to try to reach some common ground speaks volumes about his gracious demeanor in reaching out to the core of his harshest Congressional opponents. He brought them to the White House with the underlying hope that through such up close and personal meetings their pent-up mutual hostility could perhaps dissipate.
In his decades cultivating a multi-billion-dollar empire, Donald Trump learned full well the value of face-to-face meetings. The kind that focus on a frank, no-holds-barred, give-and-take bartering, such that by the end of the session, after the parties had yelled, cursed, pointed, slammed the table, and done everything except throw chairs across the room … they seal the deal with a handshake, before heading out for a round of golf.
That’s the Trump Way. And it used to be the Washington Way, too.
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The fact that the president even welcomed them into the White House to hear their views to try to reach some common ground speaks volumes about his gracious demeanor in reaching out to the core of his harshest Congressional opponents. He brought them to the White House with the underlying hope that through such up close and personal meetings their pent-up mutual hostility could perhaps dissipate.
In his decades cultivating a multi-billion-dollar empire, Donald Trump learned full well the value of face-to-face meetings. The kind that focus on a frank, no-holds-barred, give-and-take bartering, such that by the end of the session, after the parties had yelled, cursed, pointed, slammed the table, and done everything except throw chairs across the room … they seal the deal with a handshake, before heading out for a round of golf.
That’s the Trump Way. And it used to be the Washington Way, too.
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Subject: Hogan Administration Announces Maryland Remains Open for Business During Government Shutdown
Resources and Services Available to Marylanders and Federal Employees Affected by the Shutdown
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Hogan administration today announced that all state agencies will remain open amidst the federal government shutdown and citizens who receive or use services provided by the state will continue to have access. Additionally, the state is ready to assist Maryland federal employees affected by the federal government shutdown.
“They may not be doing their jobs in Washington, but here in Maryland, we're working to help those affected by this senseless shutdown,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I implore all Members of Congress and the Administration to work together and reopen our federal government.”
State agencies have announced the following resources and programs that will remain active throughout the federal government shutdown:
Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
- The Division of Unemployment Insurance is ready to assist federal employees impacted by the shutdown. Furloughed federal employees should visit www.mdunemployment.com for more information about filing for unemployment during the furlough period.
- The federal government shutdown will not impact normal unemployment processes, so Marylanders with a current claim on file should continue filing the weekly certification.
- All other services provided by the Maryland Department of Labor will continue during the federal government shutdown. DLLR will continue to safeguard and protect Marylanders through our high-quality regulatory, employment, and training services.
Maryland Department of Health
- The department will continue payments for Medicaid, as well as continue to administer childrens’ healthcare insurance.
- The department will continue to track cases of the flu in Maryland.
- State efforts, in coordination will other state agencies, will continue in the fight against the opioid crisis.
Maryland Department of Transportation
- There is no impact to the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the Maryland Transportation Authority, or the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration or Motor Vehicle Administration.
- Federal Highway Administration is working Monday, and the federal government asserts that there will not be an impact to safety or security services for the traveling public. FAA air traffic controllers and TSA screening personnel, for example, will continue working. No short-term impact to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
- This week, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will operate regularly scheduled, full service on Commuter Bus and MARC’s three commuter rail lines (Penn, Camden and Brunswick). MARC also will be prepared to provide additional service on MARC in case of furloughed federal employees are sent home early. Please monitor MDOT MTA’s Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on MARC and Commuter Bus service, particularly if there is a prolonged federal government shutdown. There will be no impact to regular Bus, Light Rail, or Metro Subway service.
LinkedIn – The Latest Platform To Censor Conservatives (Here’s Proof)
You already knew Facebook and Twitter censor conservatives … but did you know it’s happening on LinkedIn as well? Here’s your proof.
Last week, I posted an article about a contract we make our employees sign covering everything from standing for The National Anthem, guns in the work place, and safe spaces to drinking on the job (we allow it).
It was a hit … getting more than 5,000 engagements in the first couple of days.
I can even still see it on my profile … so I didn’t know it had been “removed.”
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Last week, I posted an article about a contract we make our employees sign covering everything from standing for The National Anthem, guns in the work place, and safe spaces to drinking on the job (we allow it).
It was a hit … getting more than 5,000 engagements in the first couple of days.
I can even still see it on my profile … so I didn’t know it had been “removed.”
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Only Mike Rowe...
Mom: Michael, will it embarrass you if we wear our surgical masks on this flight?
Mike: Not if you’re performing surgery.
Dad: Don’t be a smart guy. We’re strapped into a giant Petri dish. The doctor says these masks could save our lives!
Mike: Only if your wife actually puts the mask over her nose.
Mom: I don’t like it over my nose. It fogs up my glasses.
Dad: Then what’s the point? The germs will get up your nose if you don’t keep it covered!
Mom: But I can’t see the Sudoku if my glasses are all fogged up!
Mike: He’s right, Mom. If you’re gonna wear the mask, you might as well wear it properly.
Mom: But if it’s over my nose, I’ll be breathing CO2. That’s a deadly gas, you know.
Dad: Good grief, Peggy, do you think the doctor would tell us to wear a mask if it were gonna kill us!
Mom: What do YOU know, John? You’ve got your string wrapped around your hearing aid!
Dad: What?
Captain: Welcome aboard, everyone. We’ll be flying into a pretty stiff headwind today, but we’re still gonna do our best to assure an on-time arrival.
Dad: “Do our best?” What the hell does that mean? Don’t they always do their best?
Mom: He sounds sleepy, Michael.
Mike: Who, Dad?
Mom: No, the Pilot.
Mike: He’s not sleepy, he’s just bored.
Mom: I hope there’s a co-pilot. Do you suppose there’s a co-pilot up there?
Mike: Probably. Where else would they put him?
Mom: Do you think he’s wearing a mask?
Flight Attendant: Excuse me, can I get you two something to drink?
Dad: Pardon me?
Flight Attendant: I said, CAN I GET YOU TWO SOMETHING TO DRINK?
Dad: Yes, please, I’d like some orange juice.
Flight Attendant: I beg your pardon?
Dad: Some orange juice, please.
Flight Attendant: I'm sorry, sir, can you speak up?
Mom: John, take your mask off, she can’t understand you.
Dad: I’m not taking this mask off. She might be infected!!
Mom: So I guess you’ll be drinking your orange juice through the mask?
Dad: Maybe I will!!!
Mom: Well then, I’m not putting this stupid thing over my nose!!!
Flight Attendant: I can come back later…
Mike: To answer your question, Mom, no - this isn’t embarrassing at all…
Amazon's Cashier-Less Seattle Grocery Opens To The Public
For the past year, the 1,800-square foot mini-mart has been open to the company's employees.
There is no waiting in line for check out at Amazon Go, as the store is called — instead, its computerized system charges customers' Amazon account as they exit the store.
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Nine snowmobilers in 24 hours fall through Maine ice
At least nine people on snowmobiles went through thin ice during a treacherous 24-hour period this week, according to WGME and the Maine Warden Service.
Between Wednesday and Thursday, snowmobilers crashed through the ice and into freezing water on four separate ponds, streams and frozen trails across the state.
Last week’s thawing temperatures created thin patches across the frozen surfaces of Maine bodies of water, the warden service cautioned in a statement, according to Portland- based CBS affiliate WGME.
On Thursday night, Caleb Moore, 18, was riding a snowmobile with Joshua Stevens, 17, as his passenger when the pair went through the ice on Belgrade Stream at the outlet of Long Pond, WGME reported.
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Between Wednesday and Thursday, snowmobilers crashed through the ice and into freezing water on four separate ponds, streams and frozen trails across the state.
Last week’s thawing temperatures created thin patches across the frozen surfaces of Maine bodies of water, the warden service cautioned in a statement, according to Portland- based CBS affiliate WGME.
On Thursday night, Caleb Moore, 18, was riding a snowmobile with Joshua Stevens, 17, as his passenger when the pair went through the ice on Belgrade Stream at the outlet of Long Pond, WGME reported.
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Elizabeth Warren’s Native American problem goes beyond politics
WASHINGTON — There’s a ghost haunting Elizabeth Warren as she ramps up for a possible 2020 presidential bid and a reelection campaign in Massachusetts this year: her enduring and undocumented claims of Native American ancestry.
Warren says now, as she has from the first days of her public life, that she based her assertions on family lore, on her reasonable trust in what she was told about her ancestry as a child.
“I know who I am,” she said in a recent interview with the Globe.
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“I know who I am,” she said in a recent interview with the Globe.
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Refugee Admissions down 70% in Trump 1st Yr.
During his first full year in office, President Trump delivered on his campaign promise to limit refugee admissions to the United States from countries that are known hotbeds of terrorism.
Overall, refugee admissions during the 365 full days since his inauguration at noon on January 20, 2017 have declined by 70 percent from the previous complete calendar year under the Obama administration.
From January 21, 2017 to January 20, 2018 (Trump Calendar Year 2017), a total of 29,620 refugees have been admitted to the United States, according to the State Department’s wrapsnet.org website, the source of the refugee admissions data used in this story.
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Overall, refugee admissions during the 365 full days since his inauguration at noon on January 20, 2017 have declined by 70 percent from the previous complete calendar year under the Obama administration.
From January 21, 2017 to January 20, 2018 (Trump Calendar Year 2017), a total of 29,620 refugees have been admitted to the United States, according to the State Department’s wrapsnet.org website, the source of the refugee admissions data used in this story.
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Sharpton: We Must ‘Question the Integrity’ of Evangelical Leaders Who Support Trump
(Breitbart)
Teenage screen addicts lose out on happiness, study shows
Smartphone and social media overload may be contributing to teenage angst, new research suggests.
Teens who spend large amounts of time glued to phone and computer screens are markedly less happy than those who prefer “real world” activities, a study has found.
Psychologists in the US analysed data from the Monitoring the Future longitudinal study, a major survey looking at the lives of more than a million young people.
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Teens who spend large amounts of time glued to phone and computer screens are markedly less happy than those who prefer “real world” activities, a study has found.
Psychologists in the US analysed data from the Monitoring the Future longitudinal study, a major survey looking at the lives of more than a million young people.
More
Breaking News: E-cigarette use may put teenagers at higher risk of smoking, a major report found. It also concluded vaping is safer than cigarettes.
Whether teenage use of e-cigarettes may lead to conventional smoking has been intensely debated in the United States and elsewhere. While the industry argues that vaping is not a steppingstone to conventional cigarettes or addiction, some antismoking advocates contend that young people become hooked on nicotine, and are enticed to cancer-causing tobacco-based cigarettes over time.
Fashion is dead and there’s no coming back
High fashion is truly dead.
Last week, legendary fashion photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino — the latter a favorite of the British royal family — were accused by multiple male models of decades-long sexual harassment.
Designer Alexander Wang just joined Tommy Hilfiger, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Altuzarra, and Thom Browne in dropping out of February’s New York Fashion Week — whose biggest star, Tom Ford, has openly acknowledged his profession’s irrelevance.
“Most of the American population is switched off fashion,” Ford told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016. “[It’s] become a spectator sport for the most part.” (Ford has largely pivoted to a successful career writing and directing films.)
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Last week, legendary fashion photographers Bruce Weber and Mario Testino — the latter a favorite of the British royal family — were accused by multiple male models of decades-long sexual harassment.
Designer Alexander Wang just joined Tommy Hilfiger, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Altuzarra, and Thom Browne in dropping out of February’s New York Fashion Week — whose biggest star, Tom Ford, has openly acknowledged his profession’s irrelevance.
“Most of the American population is switched off fashion,” Ford told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016. “[It’s] become a spectator sport for the most part.” (Ford has largely pivoted to a successful career writing and directing films.)
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TRAFFIC ALERT - Inspection of Bridge in Lewes Will Cause Brief Delays
Lewes (Sussex County) --
WHEN: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, pending weather.
In the event of inclement weather, the inspection will proceed on Wednesday, January 24 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
WHERE: Bridge over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal on Savannah Road and Gills Neck Road and Anglers Road in Lewes.
WHAT: The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that motorists can anticipate brief delays of 20 minutes for the inspection of the bridge bearings. In order to inspect the bearings, the bridge will be opening and closing.
Variable message boards will be posted to advise motorists of the upcoming inspection.
WHEN: 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, pending weather.
In the event of inclement weather, the inspection will proceed on Wednesday, January 24 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
WHERE: Bridge over Lewes-Rehoboth Canal on Savannah Road and Gills Neck Road and Anglers Road in Lewes.
WHAT: The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that motorists can anticipate brief delays of 20 minutes for the inspection of the bridge bearings. In order to inspect the bearings, the bridge will be opening and closing.
Variable message boards will be posted to advise motorists of the upcoming inspection.
CPT Water Crisis: National government says it will help extract final 10% of dams
Day Zero is getting closer and closer and each dam report so far has brought with it the reminder that the last 10% of water in the dams is not useable. Well, the national Department of Water and Sanitation wants to help out the local government with using that last 10%
The Department’s Trevor Balzer took to Twitter this weekend to announce the plans. Balzer is responsible for the department’s drought-intervention programme.
“We are preparing ourselves to be able to extract the last 10 percent from the Voëlvlei and Theewaterskloof [dams], and our construction teams will be working in those dams from the end of January onwards, so [that] we can extract all the water from what is commonly called ‘dead storage’.”
HuffPostSA spoke to Dr Kevin Winter as a result of the news. Winter is an academic and lecturer associated with the Future Water Research Institute. He says it makes sense to find ways to get out as much of the water as possible.
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The Department’s Trevor Balzer took to Twitter this weekend to announce the plans. Balzer is responsible for the department’s drought-intervention programme.
“We are preparing ourselves to be able to extract the last 10 percent from the Voëlvlei and Theewaterskloof [dams], and our construction teams will be working in those dams from the end of January onwards, so [that] we can extract all the water from what is commonly called ‘dead storage’.”
HuffPostSA spoke to Dr Kevin Winter as a result of the news. Winter is an academic and lecturer associated with the Future Water Research Institute. He says it makes sense to find ways to get out as much of the water as possible.
More
Breaking News: Attorney General Jeff Sessions was questioned for several hours last week by the special counsel's office investigating Russian meddling
The meeting marked the first time that investigators for the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, are known to have interviewed a member of Mr. Trump’s cabinet.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court strikes down state's congressional map
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down the state’s congressional map on Monday, ruling it violated the state’s Constitution.
In its order, the state Supreme Court ruled the Congressional Redistricting Act of 2011, which divided the state into 18 congressional districts, is unconstitutional. Under the order, the Republican-controlled General Assembly has until Feb. 9 to submit a new congressional districting plan to the governor. Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, has until Feb. 15 to submit the plan to the court if he accepts it.
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In its order, the state Supreme Court ruled the Congressional Redistricting Act of 2011, which divided the state into 18 congressional districts, is unconstitutional. Under the order, the Republican-controlled General Assembly has until Feb. 9 to submit a new congressional districting plan to the governor. Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, has until Feb. 15 to submit the plan to the court if he accepts it.
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Lost FBI Texts Could Form Basis for Motion to Dismiss in Trump Team Fight Against Russia Probe
The latest news that five months’ worth of text messages between FBI agent Peter Strzok and DOJ attorney Lisa Page is sure to make supporters of President Donald Trump continue to claim that the Russia investigation is a politically-motivated scheme. More importantly, however, Trump’s lawyers will now be able to do the same.
Strzok has already been outed as anti-Trump, leading to his dismissal from the probe, and his past communications with Page showed a potential Justice Department bias towards Hillary Clinton. The fact that now nearly half a year’s worth of text messages between Strzok and Page during the time leading up to Robert Mueller‘s appointment as Special Counsel weren’t preserved by the Justice Department will surely fuel motions from Team Trump’s lawyers against the investigation.
Months of text messages don’t just accidentally disappear. One past conversation between Strzok and Page indicated that former Attorney General Loretta Lynch knew there would be no charges filed against Clinton well before that investigation ended. Given the significant evidence of impropriety in the Clinton case, a foregone conclusion of innocence before the FBI wrapped up their investigation looks shady at best. Trump’s lawyers will surely argue that after those messages came to light, the DOJ intentionally “lost” those five months’ worth of other messages.
Look for Paul Manafort to jump all over this. He’s already fighting his indictment, claiming that Mueller is overstepping his authority and shouldn’t be running the investigation. Throw in this evidence that the investigation may have been tainted before Mueller even took over, and that the DOJ could be covering up damaging information, and a motion to dismiss alleging prosecutorial misconduct is a near certainty. FBI Agent Strzok was reportedly heading up the Manafort investigation before he was taken off the Mueller probe. Manafort’s attorney might try to say that the missing text messages could contain exculpatory evidence (or evidence favorable to the defendant) and therefore the court should get to the bottom of what the two said. However, two former federal prosecutors who spoke to Law&Crime both contend it would be difficult to get the entire indictment dismissed based on the text messages alone.
“It depends on what FBI’s retention policy is for text messages. It does certainly raise questions as to how these five months came up missing,” explained Bill Thomas, a former federal prosecutor.
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Strzok has already been outed as anti-Trump, leading to his dismissal from the probe, and his past communications with Page showed a potential Justice Department bias towards Hillary Clinton. The fact that now nearly half a year’s worth of text messages between Strzok and Page during the time leading up to Robert Mueller‘s appointment as Special Counsel weren’t preserved by the Justice Department will surely fuel motions from Team Trump’s lawyers against the investigation.
Months of text messages don’t just accidentally disappear. One past conversation between Strzok and Page indicated that former Attorney General Loretta Lynch knew there would be no charges filed against Clinton well before that investigation ended. Given the significant evidence of impropriety in the Clinton case, a foregone conclusion of innocence before the FBI wrapped up their investigation looks shady at best. Trump’s lawyers will surely argue that after those messages came to light, the DOJ intentionally “lost” those five months’ worth of other messages.
Look for Paul Manafort to jump all over this. He’s already fighting his indictment, claiming that Mueller is overstepping his authority and shouldn’t be running the investigation. Throw in this evidence that the investigation may have been tainted before Mueller even took over, and that the DOJ could be covering up damaging information, and a motion to dismiss alleging prosecutorial misconduct is a near certainty. FBI Agent Strzok was reportedly heading up the Manafort investigation before he was taken off the Mueller probe. Manafort’s attorney might try to say that the missing text messages could contain exculpatory evidence (or evidence favorable to the defendant) and therefore the court should get to the bottom of what the two said. However, two former federal prosecutors who spoke to Law&Crime both contend it would be difficult to get the entire indictment dismissed based on the text messages alone.
“It depends on what FBI’s retention policy is for text messages. It does certainly raise questions as to how these five months came up missing,” explained Bill Thomas, a former federal prosecutor.
More
Oops! Those FBI Texts and 4 Other Times the Deep State ‘Lost’ Crucial Communications
America’s federal government and its extra-legal Deep State have once again proven to be hopelessly corrupt with the news over the weekend that the FBI lost five months worth of text messages between Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. Both are senior FBI officials who, while allegedly engaged in an extra-marital affair, traded a number of disturbing text messages about then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The text messages we have so far seen show that, at the highest levels, the FBI has become compromised and politicized due to a partisan loathing of Trump. This included talk of an “insurance policy” already in motion, presumably to destroy Trump should he win the presidential election.
Many believe, and not without cause, that this “insurance policy” is the phony Russian dossier funded in part by the FBI (along with the Clinton campaign). The phony dossier was almost certainly used by the Obama White House to wiretap the Trump campaign under the FISA program.
These lost five months of texts also happen to coincide with the crucial months when the Russian hoax blew up in the media and resulted in the appointment of special prosecutor Robert Mueller.
Although, on its own, the very idea that these crucially important text messages were “accidentally lost” defies belief, what makes this news even more troubling is how frequently the Deep State loses communications that might prove to be inconvenient to the Deep State.
Below (with a big hat tip to @JamesRich1) are four other instances when the same federal government that wants to control our health care said it accidentally deleted communications…
Whoops! Hillary Clinton Deletes 33,000 Emails After Receiving Subpoena
The text messages we have so far seen show that, at the highest levels, the FBI has become compromised and politicized due to a partisan loathing of Trump. This included talk of an “insurance policy” already in motion, presumably to destroy Trump should he win the presidential election.
Many believe, and not without cause, that this “insurance policy” is the phony Russian dossier funded in part by the FBI (along with the Clinton campaign). The phony dossier was almost certainly used by the Obama White House to wiretap the Trump campaign under the FISA program.
These lost five months of texts also happen to coincide with the crucial months when the Russian hoax blew up in the media and resulted in the appointment of special prosecutor Robert Mueller.
Although, on its own, the very idea that these crucially important text messages were “accidentally lost” defies belief, what makes this news even more troubling is how frequently the Deep State loses communications that might prove to be inconvenient to the Deep State.
Below (with a big hat tip to @JamesRich1) are four other instances when the same federal government that wants to control our health care said it accidentally deleted communications…
Whoops! Hillary Clinton Deletes 33,000 Emails After Receiving Subpoena
California to Register Illegal Aliens to vote
Court orders government to do so for all driver's licenses issued
WASHINGTON – California will take the next step in blurring the lines between citizens and non-citizens beginning April Fool’s Day when the state complies with a court order to begin automatically registering to vote all those who are granted driver’s licenses.
The state has long provided driver’s licenses to all who simply claimed, without proof, that they were citizens of in the country legally. There were no checks made or documentation required.
But beginning April 1 every person who gets a California driver’s license will be automatically entitled to vote.
“We are very pleased that Californians will have easier access to voter registration,” said Jeremiah Levine, an attorney with Morrison Foerster who represented the voting-rights groups. “We are especially satisfied that changes will be made before California’s statewide and federal primary elections.”
The state complied with the order under a program dubbed the California New Motor Voter Act. Signed into law in October 2015, the new statute requires the DMV to forward records for all eligible applicants to the Secretary of State’s Office for registration unless those applicants elect not to register to vote.
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WASHINGTON – California will take the next step in blurring the lines between citizens and non-citizens beginning April Fool’s Day when the state complies with a court order to begin automatically registering to vote all those who are granted driver’s licenses.
The state has long provided driver’s licenses to all who simply claimed, without proof, that they were citizens of in the country legally. There were no checks made or documentation required.
But beginning April 1 every person who gets a California driver’s license will be automatically entitled to vote.
“We are very pleased that Californians will have easier access to voter registration,” said Jeremiah Levine, an attorney with Morrison Foerster who represented the voting-rights groups. “We are especially satisfied that changes will be made before California’s statewide and federal primary elections.”
The state complied with the order under a program dubbed the California New Motor Voter Act. Signed into law in October 2015, the new statute requires the DMV to forward records for all eligible applicants to the Secretary of State’s Office for registration unless those applicants elect not to register to vote.
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Assateague’s Fed Side Accessible But No Visitor Services During Shutdown
ASSATEAGUE — Local residents and visitors can still enjoy the natural beauty and winter solitude at Assateague Island National Seashore during the current federal government shutdown, but there are little or no services available on the barrier island.
The National Park Service (NPS) on Monday reported that during the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks including Assateague will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, boardwalks, trails, beach access and the Over-Sand Vehicle Route (OSV) at AINS will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services are limited.
There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Assateague Island National Seashore including public information, restrooms, trash collection, or facilities and roads maintenance. Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS websites and social media platforms are not being monitored or updated, so the information on the sites may not be accurate and up to date.
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The National Park Service (NPS) on Monday reported that during the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks including Assateague will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, boardwalks, trails, beach access and the Over-Sand Vehicle Route (OSV) at AINS will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services are limited.
There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Assateague Island National Seashore including public information, restrooms, trash collection, or facilities and roads maintenance. Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS websites and social media platforms are not being monitored or updated, so the information on the sites may not be accurate and up to date.
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Trump Fires Latest Shot In Trade Wars - Imposes 30% Tariff On Solar-Panel Imports
President Donald Trump is once again burnishing his protectionist bona fides by slapping imported solar cells and washing machines with 30% tariffs - his most significant action taking aim at the world's second-largest economy since he ordered an investigation into Chinese IP practices that could result in tariffs.
Acting on recommendations from US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Trump imposed the sliding tariffs. Solar imports will face a30% tariff for the first year, then the tariff will decline to 15% by the fourth year. It also exempts the first 2.5 gigawatts of imported cells and modules, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, washing machine tariffs will fluctuate on a quota-basis.
The news sent shares of First Solar, Sunpower and Canadian solar - all solar cell manufacturers - rocketing higher.
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Acting on recommendations from US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Trump imposed the sliding tariffs. Solar imports will face a30% tariff for the first year, then the tariff will decline to 15% by the fourth year. It also exempts the first 2.5 gigawatts of imported cells and modules, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, washing machine tariffs will fluctuate on a quota-basis.
The news sent shares of First Solar, Sunpower and Canadian solar - all solar cell manufacturers - rocketing higher.
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When Government Shuts Down...Everyone Else Is Better Off
During the brief but spectacularly embarrassing shutdown, any government function deemed ‘nonessential’ was shut down... whichSovereignMan's Simon Black notes, raises an interesting question:
Why does the government do anything that’s non-essential to begin with?
Every single function they take on sucks resources out of the economy. They squander and waste the majority of those resources, then end up giving people a $2 billion website that doesn’t work.
Clearly this is a government in need of serious downsizing.
Any other organization in the world with a history of such gargantuan waste would be forced to strip itself down to its core and limit itself to only the most essential functions.
Sadly, though, the public attention seems to be focused on how terrible this shutdown is and how these politicians need to come together to reopen the government.
Are you kidding me? This is a gift. Keep it closed.
The last time the government shut down in October 2013, the US economy posted its highest quarterly GDP growth in years.
And when the economy shut down TWICE in the fourth quarter of 1995, the US economy posted a whopping 7.2% growth rate in the following quarter.
The evidence is pretty clear - the longer these politicians bicker and argue, the better off everyone else will be.
Here’s to hoping they keep their doors closed for a very, very long time.
More
Why does the government do anything that’s non-essential to begin with?
Every single function they take on sucks resources out of the economy. They squander and waste the majority of those resources, then end up giving people a $2 billion website that doesn’t work.
Clearly this is a government in need of serious downsizing.
Any other organization in the world with a history of such gargantuan waste would be forced to strip itself down to its core and limit itself to only the most essential functions.
Sadly, though, the public attention seems to be focused on how terrible this shutdown is and how these politicians need to come together to reopen the government.
Are you kidding me? This is a gift. Keep it closed.
The last time the government shut down in October 2013, the US economy posted its highest quarterly GDP growth in years.
And when the economy shut down TWICE in the fourth quarter of 1995, the US economy posted a whopping 7.2% growth rate in the following quarter.
The evidence is pretty clear - the longer these politicians bicker and argue, the better off everyone else will be.
Here’s to hoping they keep their doors closed for a very, very long time.
More
Are New Brands of Strong Coffee Boosting Heart Palpitation Risks?
Would you pay $19 a pound for a coffee bean that is more than twice as strong as Starbucks’ dark roast? Customers in 22 countries around the world are answering that question with a resounding “yes!”
Unfortunately, that choice could have unintended consequences, including heart palpitations, experts say.
“Black Insomnia,” dubbed the world’s strongest coffee, is now available in the United States. Just one cup will put you over the daily recommended caffeine limit.
"If you want to stand out, you need to be the 'est' — the biggest, smartest, strongest, or cheapest," said Black Insomnia founder Sean Kristafor. "So when we wanted to compete in coffee, as a caffeine product, we had to be the strongest, but obviously, we don't exceed the world guidelines."
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Unfortunately, that choice could have unintended consequences, including heart palpitations, experts say.
“Black Insomnia,” dubbed the world’s strongest coffee, is now available in the United States. Just one cup will put you over the daily recommended caffeine limit.
"If you want to stand out, you need to be the 'est' — the biggest, smartest, strongest, or cheapest," said Black Insomnia founder Sean Kristafor. "So when we wanted to compete in coffee, as a caffeine product, we had to be the strongest, but obviously, we don't exceed the world guidelines."
More
Former NFL Pros Call for End to Tackle Football for Kids
A group of former National Football League greats -- including Hall of Famers Harry Carson of the New York Giants and Nick Buoniconti of the Miami Dolphins -- is urging parents not to let their children play tackle football until they're at least 14 years old.
The group is instead endorsing a program called "Flag Football Under 14," launched by the Concussion Legacy Foundation. The program aims to educate parents and young players about chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Sometimes called CTE, it is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, and has been detected in more than 85 percent of tackle football players studied over the past 10 years, according to the foundation.
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The group is instead endorsing a program called "Flag Football Under 14," launched by the Concussion Legacy Foundation. The program aims to educate parents and young players about chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Sometimes called CTE, it is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, and has been detected in more than 85 percent of tackle football players studied over the past 10 years, according to the foundation.
More
Delmar VFW Steak and/or Shrimp Dinner and Delmar Football Fundraiser
The public is invited to join the Delmar VFW for a Steak and/or Shrimp Dinner from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan.26, at the VFW Post, 200 West State St., Delmar, MD.
The dinner will include a tossed salad with choice of dressing, a baked potato with sour cream and/or butter, and a dinner roll. Call 410-896-3722 for carry outs. Cost is based on the four different combinations of New York Strip Steak and Shrimp.
Proceeds benefit the many charities and organizations supported by the Delmar VFW.
A Beef & Beer All You Can Eat Dinner will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, starting at 5 p.m. for those 21 and older. at the VFW Post, 200 West State St., Delmar, MD.
Cost is $20. Call 410-896-3722 for carry outs. In addition to the AYCE Dinner, there will be a Live and Silent Auction.
Tickets can be obtained from any Delmar football player or at the VFW Post after 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Delmar Football Team
The dinner will include a tossed salad with choice of dressing, a baked potato with sour cream and/or butter, and a dinner roll. Call 410-896-3722 for carry outs. Cost is based on the four different combinations of New York Strip Steak and Shrimp.
Proceeds benefit the many charities and organizations supported by the Delmar VFW.
DELMAR FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER
A Beef & Beer All You Can Eat Dinner will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, starting at 5 p.m. for those 21 and older. at the VFW Post, 200 West State St., Delmar, MD.
Cost is $20. Call 410-896-3722 for carry outs. In addition to the AYCE Dinner, there will be a Live and Silent Auction.
Tickets can be obtained from any Delmar football player or at the VFW Post after 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Delmar Football Team
Dukes Road Closure Alert
Road Closure: Dukes Road from Route 54 to 146th Street will be closed starting Wednesday, January 24th at 9 p.m. and reopening Thursday, January 25th at 6 a.m.
Governor Larry Hogan Announces Amazon Incentive Legislation
PRIME Act Provides Historic, Sweeping Tax Incentives – Part of $5 Billion Plus Package Designed to Win HQ2
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the administration is filing the Promoting ext-Raordinary Innovation in Maryland’s Economy (PRIME) Act of 2018, which provides a package of state income, property, and sales tax credits and exemptions to enable Maryland to put forward the most competitive bid possible for Amazon’s second headquarters, HQ2. The proposed legislation follows Amazon’s selection of Montgomery County, Maryland as one of just 20 finalists out of hundreds of bids for this historic economic development project.
“Amazon sent a clear signal that Maryland truly is open for business by selecting Montgomery County as one of an elite group of contenders for this transformative project,” said Governor Hogan. “HQ2 is the single greatest economic development opportunity in a generation, and we’re committing all of the resources we have to bring it home to Maryland. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and all county leadership as we do everything possible to secure this incredible opportunity.”
The legislation is one component of a major incentive package that includes a budget allocation of $10 million per year to the state’s Sunny Day Fund over 15 years and billions of dollars in road, transit, and infrastructure upgrades. The state’s package for Montgomery County totals over $5 billion in incentives and transportation improvements.
“I want to thank the Governor for his strong support for our compelling case to Amazon for locating their second world headquarters in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Executive Leggett.
The PRIME Act provides the following tax incentives for a period of 10 years:
A state income tax credit equivalent to 5.75 percent of wages for each new qualifying headquarters job. To qualify, a job must be established within the first 17 years of the project and pay between $60,000 and $500,000.
A state and local property tax credit, including a requirement for the state to reimburse the local jurisdiction for half of the property tax that would have been collected.
A state sales and use tax exemption for construction material or warehousing equipment used in the project.
Once signed into law, the PRIME Act will be administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce and specifically applies to a Fortune 100 company creating a new headquarters facility in the state with employees earning an average salary of at least $100,000 per year. Additionally, the company must commit to spending a minimum of $5 billion in capital expenditures over 17 years, including $500 million in initial project costs, and employ at least 40,000 people over this 17-year period. Amazon’s HQ2 is projected to fulfill these requirements, according to the company’s Request for Proposal (RFP). The incentives being provided through this legislation based on the RFP, in combination with support from the Sunny Day Fund, will total over $3 billion.
The bill contains claw back provisions, enabling the state to recoup any or all tax credits if the company does not meet the requirements, and stipulates that the company will cease to receive tax credits if the number of jobs declines.
“The Hogan administration has put forth an incentive package that makes Maryland competitive with any state or city in the country – we’re playing to win,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Gill.
The PRIME Act is part of Governor Hogan’s 2018 jobs legislation, which includes the More Jobs for Marylanders 2.0 to expand and diversify the administration’s successful More Jobs for Marylanders program, which incentivizes manufacturing companies to locate and grow in areas of the state with higher-than-average unemployment. Landing HQ2 in Maryland would build on the administration’s major economic development successes, including retention and expansion of major companies like McCormick, Northrop Grumman, and Marriott.
PRIME+Act+Factsheet.pdf
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the administration is filing the Promoting ext-Raordinary Innovation in Maryland’s Economy (PRIME) Act of 2018, which provides a package of state income, property, and sales tax credits and exemptions to enable Maryland to put forward the most competitive bid possible for Amazon’s second headquarters, HQ2. The proposed legislation follows Amazon’s selection of Montgomery County, Maryland as one of just 20 finalists out of hundreds of bids for this historic economic development project.
“Amazon sent a clear signal that Maryland truly is open for business by selecting Montgomery County as one of an elite group of contenders for this transformative project,” said Governor Hogan. “HQ2 is the single greatest economic development opportunity in a generation, and we’re committing all of the resources we have to bring it home to Maryland. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and all county leadership as we do everything possible to secure this incredible opportunity.”
The legislation is one component of a major incentive package that includes a budget allocation of $10 million per year to the state’s Sunny Day Fund over 15 years and billions of dollars in road, transit, and infrastructure upgrades. The state’s package for Montgomery County totals over $5 billion in incentives and transportation improvements.
“I want to thank the Governor for his strong support for our compelling case to Amazon for locating their second world headquarters in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Executive Leggett.
The PRIME Act provides the following tax incentives for a period of 10 years:
A state income tax credit equivalent to 5.75 percent of wages for each new qualifying headquarters job. To qualify, a job must be established within the first 17 years of the project and pay between $60,000 and $500,000.
A state and local property tax credit, including a requirement for the state to reimburse the local jurisdiction for half of the property tax that would have been collected.
A state sales and use tax exemption for construction material or warehousing equipment used in the project.
Once signed into law, the PRIME Act will be administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce and specifically applies to a Fortune 100 company creating a new headquarters facility in the state with employees earning an average salary of at least $100,000 per year. Additionally, the company must commit to spending a minimum of $5 billion in capital expenditures over 17 years, including $500 million in initial project costs, and employ at least 40,000 people over this 17-year period. Amazon’s HQ2 is projected to fulfill these requirements, according to the company’s Request for Proposal (RFP). The incentives being provided through this legislation based on the RFP, in combination with support from the Sunny Day Fund, will total over $3 billion.
The bill contains claw back provisions, enabling the state to recoup any or all tax credits if the company does not meet the requirements, and stipulates that the company will cease to receive tax credits if the number of jobs declines.
“The Hogan administration has put forth an incentive package that makes Maryland competitive with any state or city in the country – we’re playing to win,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Gill.
The PRIME Act is part of Governor Hogan’s 2018 jobs legislation, which includes the More Jobs for Marylanders 2.0 to expand and diversify the administration’s successful More Jobs for Marylanders program, which incentivizes manufacturing companies to locate and grow in areas of the state with higher-than-average unemployment. Landing HQ2 in Maryland would build on the administration’s major economic development successes, including retention and expansion of major companies like McCormick, Northrop Grumman, and Marriott.
PRIME+Act+Factsheet.pdf
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