The House rejected a $867 billion farm bill on Friday — after spending days negotiating with key conservatives in an attempt to pass the bill without the support of Democrats.
The vote was 198-213. Every Democrat voted against the measure, as did 30 Republicans. Many of the GOP lawmakers are members of the House Freedom Caucus and voted no after failing to get concessions on spending and a future vote on immigration in exchange for their support.
Freedom Caucus member Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told reporters after the vote that voters elected Republicans to rein in illegal immigration and lawmakers have failed to act.
"Some members have concerns about the farm bill. but that wasn't my main focus," Jordan said. "My main focus was making sure we do immigration policy right."
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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
Saturday, May 19, 2018
A Double Murder From 1987 Was Just Solved Thanks To The Genealogy Website Used For The Golden State Killer
“The significant matches were at about the second cousin level,” the genealogist on the case said.
Forensic genealogy has cracked a second major case less than a month after the arrest ofJoseph James DeAngelo, alleged to be the Golden State Killer.
At 11 a.m. PT in Washington state, the Snohomish County Sheriff announced the arrest of a 55-year-old man from the Seattle area for the 1987 double murder of a young Canadian couple, Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg. He is William Earl Talbott II, a local truck driver.
On Nov. 18, 1987, Cook, 20, and Van Cuylenborg, 18, drove from Saanich, British Columbia, to the Seattle area in a van owned by Cook’s father. It was supposed to be an overnight trip, and when they didn’t return, they were reported missing.
Then, on Nov. 24, Van Cuylenborg’s body was found in a ditch in rural Skagit County, Washington. She had been raped and shot. Cook’s body was found two days later more than 50 miles away, covered with a blue blanket. He had been strangled and beaten.
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Forensic genealogy has cracked a second major case less than a month after the arrest ofJoseph James DeAngelo, alleged to be the Golden State Killer.
At 11 a.m. PT in Washington state, the Snohomish County Sheriff announced the arrest of a 55-year-old man from the Seattle area for the 1987 double murder of a young Canadian couple, Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg. He is William Earl Talbott II, a local truck driver.
On Nov. 18, 1987, Cook, 20, and Van Cuylenborg, 18, drove from Saanich, British Columbia, to the Seattle area in a van owned by Cook’s father. It was supposed to be an overnight trip, and when they didn’t return, they were reported missing.
Then, on Nov. 24, Van Cuylenborg’s body was found in a ditch in rural Skagit County, Washington. She had been raped and shot. Cook’s body was found two days later more than 50 miles away, covered with a blue blanket. He had been strangled and beaten.
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After Defending MS-13 Murderers, Left Blames NRA For Santa Fe School Shooting
“The NRA is a terrorist organization”
After a week in which the left defended Hamas terrorists and MS-13 murderers, they are now blaming the NRA for the school shooting in Santa Fe.
At least eight students were killed today inside inside Santa Fe High School by an individual later identified by authorities as another student. A second suspect was also detained.
The shooting took place in an art class on campus between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. The gunman reportedly used a shotgun.
In usual fashion, the left immediately began exploiting the horrific tragedy to score political points, by blaming the NRA despite the fact that no NRA member has ever been involved in a mass shooting.
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After a week in which the left defended Hamas terrorists and MS-13 murderers, they are now blaming the NRA for the school shooting in Santa Fe.
At least eight students were killed today inside inside Santa Fe High School by an individual later identified by authorities as another student. A second suspect was also detained.
The shooting took place in an art class on campus between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. The gunman reportedly used a shotgun.
In usual fashion, the left immediately began exploiting the horrific tragedy to score political points, by blaming the NRA despite the fact that no NRA member has ever been involved in a mass shooting.
More
Going on vacation won’t cure your smartphone addiction
Americans check their phones an average of 80 times a day while on vacation, with some checking their phone more than 300 times each day, according to new research.
A study of 2,000 Americans found that while we want to relax and get away from our daily routine, we don’t seem to want a break from our phones.
Whether on a beach, by the pool or in a museum, results showed the average American checks their phone five times an hour — or once every 12 minutes while on vacation. And nearly 10 percent said they check their phones more than 20 times an hour.
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A study of 2,000 Americans found that while we want to relax and get away from our daily routine, we don’t seem to want a break from our phones.
Whether on a beach, by the pool or in a museum, results showed the average American checks their phone five times an hour — or once every 12 minutes while on vacation. And nearly 10 percent said they check their phones more than 20 times an hour.
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Sessions: Trump administration will defend religious freedoms
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Friday the Trump administration will not treat religious individuals as an “afterthought” and vowed that the Justice Department will get involved in more cases regarding freedom of religion.
Mr. Sessions’ remarks came at a meeting of the Council for National Policy, a conservative networking organization founded in 1981.
“The threats to religious freedom are threats to our First Amendment right to freedom of speech,” Mr. Sessions told the group.
In October, the Justice Department issued a directive to give religious organizations and individuals stronger protections to express their beliefs, even when they conflict with government regulations.
The directive was criticized because it provided stronger protections for employers making hiring decisions based on their religious faith. Some claimed the directive would lead to discrimination against individuals whose sexual orientation clashed with their employers’ faith.
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Mr. Sessions’ remarks came at a meeting of the Council for National Policy, a conservative networking organization founded in 1981.
“The threats to religious freedom are threats to our First Amendment right to freedom of speech,” Mr. Sessions told the group.
In October, the Justice Department issued a directive to give religious organizations and individuals stronger protections to express their beliefs, even when they conflict with government regulations.
The directive was criticized because it provided stronger protections for employers making hiring decisions based on their religious faith. Some claimed the directive would lead to discrimination against individuals whose sexual orientation clashed with their employers’ faith.
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Cruz Blasts Anti-Israel Media Bias in Wake of Violence at Gaza Border
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) on Thursday blasted the media's anti-Israel bias in the wake of recent violent riots at the Gaza-Israel border organized by the terrorist group Hamas.
Cruz took to the Senate floor where, as an example of the bias, he held up a story from Monday's New York Times, titled "Israel Kills Dozens at Gaza Border as U.S. Embassy Opens in Jerusalem."
"We can count on global media elites acting as little more than propaganda arms for Hamas and other terrorists and no week has that been more evident than this week," Cruz said.
"For several weeks, we've seen riots and violent attacks at Israel's border, terrorist attacks that culminated in the attacks that led to these shootings in self-defense," Cruz said. "The rioters, they use massive tire fires to create smoke to cover their attacks, they use guns, they use pipe bombs, they use molotov cocktails, they use grenades, they use mechanical catapults to attack the border and to attack Israeli troops. They tie petrol bombs to kites and they launch them to set fire to Israeli fields and livestock."
Over the past seven weeks, thousands of Palestinians living in Hamas-controlled Gaza have gathered at the Gaza border for what organizers call the "March of Return," and clashed with Israeli soldiers.
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Cruz took to the Senate floor where, as an example of the bias, he held up a story from Monday's New York Times, titled "Israel Kills Dozens at Gaza Border as U.S. Embassy Opens in Jerusalem."
"We can count on global media elites acting as little more than propaganda arms for Hamas and other terrorists and no week has that been more evident than this week," Cruz said.
"For several weeks, we've seen riots and violent attacks at Israel's border, terrorist attacks that culminated in the attacks that led to these shootings in self-defense," Cruz said. "The rioters, they use massive tire fires to create smoke to cover their attacks, they use guns, they use pipe bombs, they use molotov cocktails, they use grenades, they use mechanical catapults to attack the border and to attack Israeli troops. They tie petrol bombs to kites and they launch them to set fire to Israeli fields and livestock."
Over the past seven weeks, thousands of Palestinians living in Hamas-controlled Gaza have gathered at the Gaza border for what organizers call the "March of Return," and clashed with Israeli soldiers.
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'Animals': The Leftmedia's Latest BIG Lie
This week we have yet another case study in the mainstream Leftmedia’s practice of dezinformatsiya in the era of #Resistance to Donald Trump. This was an irrefutable example of how intentionally quoting out of context can create an alternative narrative that is then presented as fact. In this case, the Demo/MSM propaganda machine went out of its way to bolster its narrative that Trump’s motivation for enforcing America’s immigration laws is his own racism.
The context the Leftmedia intentionally ignored: Trump was involved Wednesday in a roundtable discussion with law enforcement from across the country seeking to address the problems sanctuary cities pose for immigration enforcement. At one point, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims thanked the president for recognizing and seeking to address the problem. But she also complained about the law: “There could be an MS-13 member I know about [but] if they don’t reach a certain threshold, I cannot tell ICE about it.”
Trump responded:
We have people coming into the country, or trying to come in — and we’re stopping a lot of them — but we’re taking people out of the country. You wouldn’t believe how bad these people are. These aren’t people. These are animals. And we’re taking them out of the country at a level and at a rate that’s never happened before. And because of the weak laws, they come in fast, we get them, we release them, we get them again, we bring them out. It’s crazy. The dumbest laws — as I said before, [we have] the dumbest laws on immigration in the world. So we’re going to take care of it, Margaret. We’ll get it done.
Cue the Leftmedia’s spin. Here are a few of the headlines:
The Washington Post: “Trump compares illegal immigrants to ‘animals’”
The New York Times: “Trump calls some unauthorized immigrants ‘animals’ in rant”
Huffington Post: “Trump refers to immigrants as ‘animals.’ Again.”
More here
The context the Leftmedia intentionally ignored: Trump was involved Wednesday in a roundtable discussion with law enforcement from across the country seeking to address the problems sanctuary cities pose for immigration enforcement. At one point, Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims thanked the president for recognizing and seeking to address the problem. But she also complained about the law: “There could be an MS-13 member I know about [but] if they don’t reach a certain threshold, I cannot tell ICE about it.”
Trump responded:
We have people coming into the country, or trying to come in — and we’re stopping a lot of them — but we’re taking people out of the country. You wouldn’t believe how bad these people are. These aren’t people. These are animals. And we’re taking them out of the country at a level and at a rate that’s never happened before. And because of the weak laws, they come in fast, we get them, we release them, we get them again, we bring them out. It’s crazy. The dumbest laws — as I said before, [we have] the dumbest laws on immigration in the world. So we’re going to take care of it, Margaret. We’ll get it done.
Cue the Leftmedia’s spin. Here are a few of the headlines:
The Washington Post: “Trump compares illegal immigrants to ‘animals’”
The New York Times: “Trump calls some unauthorized immigrants ‘animals’ in rant”
Huffington Post: “Trump refers to immigrants as ‘animals.’ Again.”
More here
The Cultural Shift Against Free Speech
At first, Twitter seemed like a great idea: quickly and concisely communicating our thoughts with just a few keystrokes, rather than babbling on and on. Still, something didn’t seem quite right about that 140-character limitation, even when it was doubled to 280 characters last year. Somehow, it still seemed a restriction on our speech.
But that was just the beginning. This simple social media platform is now going far beyond limiting our character-count to controlling what we think and how we interact with our fellow citizens.
One of the core problems created by social media behemoths like Twitter and Facebook is not that their policies are posing any serious legal threat to the First Amendment. As David French writes at National Review, “The law of free speech has mainly improved. Americans might have more legal defenses against government censorship now than they ever have before. If the government moves against your speech based on your viewpoint and you fight back, you’re likely to win.”
But social media platforms can bypass the Constitution altogether by creating a paradigm shift in the way current and future generations understand the important role free speech plays in our society. French adds, “The culture of free speech has decayed. Individuals and organizations are far more sensitive and far less tolerant of dissent than they were even in the recent past.”
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But that was just the beginning. This simple social media platform is now going far beyond limiting our character-count to controlling what we think and how we interact with our fellow citizens.
One of the core problems created by social media behemoths like Twitter and Facebook is not that their policies are posing any serious legal threat to the First Amendment. As David French writes at National Review, “The law of free speech has mainly improved. Americans might have more legal defenses against government censorship now than they ever have before. If the government moves against your speech based on your viewpoint and you fight back, you’re likely to win.”
But social media platforms can bypass the Constitution altogether by creating a paradigm shift in the way current and future generations understand the important role free speech plays in our society. French adds, “The culture of free speech has decayed. Individuals and organizations are far more sensitive and far less tolerant of dissent than they were even in the recent past.”
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Israel Deploys ‘Shoko Drones’ to Drop Skunk Water on Gaza Rioters
In response to criticism of its use of deadly weapon fire against Gaza rioters, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will begin dropping skunk water on violent protesters, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced Wednesday.
Newly-developed Shoko drones will drop bags (“shoko”) of skunk water onto the rioting crowds to disperse them by non-violent means, The Jerusalem Post reports:
“Israel has developed a new tool to assist in non-violent riot dispersal: The Shoko Drone, which will drop skunk water onto crowds, according to a Defense Ministry statement on Wednesday.”
….
“The IDF has been criticized by the international community for its use of live fire against protestors who approached or attempted to breach or damage the security fence. As such, Israel has upped its efforts to develop non-violent crowd control and dispersal techniques.”
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Newly-developed Shoko drones will drop bags (“shoko”) of skunk water onto the rioting crowds to disperse them by non-violent means, The Jerusalem Post reports:
“Israel has developed a new tool to assist in non-violent riot dispersal: The Shoko Drone, which will drop skunk water onto crowds, according to a Defense Ministry statement on Wednesday.”
….
“The IDF has been criticized by the international community for its use of live fire against protestors who approached or attempted to breach or damage the security fence. As such, Israel has upped its efforts to develop non-violent crowd control and dispersal techniques.”
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Trump Uses Reagan Rule to Block Abortion Funding
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan used Title X regulations to prevent organizations that receive federal dollars from promoting or referring for abortions, or from sharing physical space with abortion providers. After all, the 1970 law establishing Title X states: "None of the funds appropriated under this title shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning." Nevertheless, abortion proponents sued. Though the Supreme Court ruled in Reagan's favor, the policy never actually went into effect because neither President Bush followed his lead, and, naturally, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama opposed it. President Donald Trump, however, plans to resurrect that rule in an announcement today. Stand by for Planned Parenthood to sue in three, two, one...
Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion mill, kills more than 300,000 unborn babies every year, and it receives $500 million in taxpayer funding to do so. Of course, the organization insists that it's complying with federal law preventing taxpayer dollars from being used directly for abortions. As Yuval Levin explained in 2015, "Planned Parenthood gets around the legal prohibition by formally separating its abortion clinics and its other family planning services, even when those are located in the same facility and essentially funded jointly."
More here
Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion mill, kills more than 300,000 unborn babies every year, and it receives $500 million in taxpayer funding to do so. Of course, the organization insists that it's complying with federal law preventing taxpayer dollars from being used directly for abortions. As Yuval Levin explained in 2015, "Planned Parenthood gets around the legal prohibition by formally separating its abortion clinics and its other family planning services, even when those are located in the same facility and essentially funded jointly."
More here
Seaford Police: Scam Alert
SCAM ALERT!!! Citizens have been recieving phone calls with the following message: We/I have your child and they owe me/us drug money. Pay up or we will kill them. Call has a recording in the back ground of a child yelling help me. Please do not pay money, contact your local police immediately.
Scam Alert:
Tonight a mother and father, in our community, were victims of a terrible phone scam.
The scammer calls and says that they have kidnapped your child, and requests for you to wire money for their release, or put money on a prepaid card and provide them the account number. Because we will do anything when our children are in danger, it is easy to panic and fall victim to the scam.
Two quick things you should do if you get this call. #1 - call your loved one. More often than not, you will learn right away that they are safe. #2 - call law-enforcement before making any payment.
Other variations include the scammer saying your loved one is in jail and needs bail money or the scammer reports your loved one is in trouble while on vacation and needing money.
Don’t panic, a few quick calls can ease your mind and protect your wallet.
Barletta: ‘American People Have Run Out of Patience’ with Amnesty
Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) told Breitbart News in an exclusive interview Friday that the “American people have run out of patience” with Washington, DC, politicians who push for amnesty of illegal immigrants.
Congressman Barletta discussed the establishment Republican discharge petition to force a vote on an illegal alien amnesty bill.
Barletta called the move a “disaster.”
Rep. Barletta told Breitbart News, “I think it would be a disaster. We finally have an opportunity to fix the problem of illegal immigration, something that I’ve been fighting since I was a mayor back in Hazleton over a decade ago. This is our chance. We should not even consider doing anything until we can assure the American people that the problem of illegal immigration will be over.”
“You wouldn’t replace the carpet in your house if you still had a hole in the roof,” Barletta remarked.
Twenty-two establishment Republicans have signed a discharge petition to force a House Floor vote on an illegal alien amnesty bill. If 25 Republicans and 193 Democrats sign the petition, the bipartisan coalition can force a House vote on amnesty legislation. The House Freedom Caucus opposes the amnesty immigration bill but hopes to get a Floor vote on the President Trump-endorsed Goodlatte immigration bill.
“We should not do anything until we secure the border and guarantee the American people, not DACA and a promise, ending the ability for people to come into the country illegally once and for all,” Barletta said.
More here
Congressman Barletta discussed the establishment Republican discharge petition to force a vote on an illegal alien amnesty bill.
Barletta called the move a “disaster.”
Rep. Barletta told Breitbart News, “I think it would be a disaster. We finally have an opportunity to fix the problem of illegal immigration, something that I’ve been fighting since I was a mayor back in Hazleton over a decade ago. This is our chance. We should not even consider doing anything until we can assure the American people that the problem of illegal immigration will be over.”
“You wouldn’t replace the carpet in your house if you still had a hole in the roof,” Barletta remarked.
Twenty-two establishment Republicans have signed a discharge petition to force a House Floor vote on an illegal alien amnesty bill. If 25 Republicans and 193 Democrats sign the petition, the bipartisan coalition can force a House vote on amnesty legislation. The House Freedom Caucus opposes the amnesty immigration bill but hopes to get a Floor vote on the President Trump-endorsed Goodlatte immigration bill.
“We should not do anything until we secure the border and guarantee the American people, not DACA and a promise, ending the ability for people to come into the country illegally once and for all,” Barletta said.
More here
Lessons from Santa Fe High: The Left’s Favorite Gun Controls Will Not Stop School Shooters
If the heinous attack on Santa Fe High School teaches us anything, it is that the left’s favorite gun controls are impotent to stop school shooters.
After nearly every high-profile, firearm-based crime, the Democrats and other leftists push an “assault weapons” ban, a “high capacity” magazine ban, universal background checks, waiting period for firearm purchases, etc., and not one of these would have stopped the Santa Fe High School attack from occurring.
Someone might say: Well, Texas doesn’t have any of those laws, so how do you know they wouldn’t have worked?
The answer is simple — Those laws would not have worked because the gunman did not use an “assault weapon” or a “high capacity” magazine. Rather, he used a revolver and a shotgun.
Moreover, universal background checks would have had no impact because the guns did not belong to the attacker. Rather, they were his father’s firearms. Because of this, a waiting period would have been impotent as well.
The Boston Herald reports that Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) confirmed that the attacker also deployed a variety of explosives. Cornyn indicated some of the devices were in the attacker’s car while others were at the school He said these included “pressure-cooker-like bombs” such as those used in the Boston Marathon attack.
Yet despite the fact that none of the left’s go-to gun controls would have prevented the attack, and even though the use of bombs shows the attacker’s appetite to kill was insatiable, leftists spent Friday issuing calls for more gun control.
More here
After nearly every high-profile, firearm-based crime, the Democrats and other leftists push an “assault weapons” ban, a “high capacity” magazine ban, universal background checks, waiting period for firearm purchases, etc., and not one of these would have stopped the Santa Fe High School attack from occurring.
Someone might say: Well, Texas doesn’t have any of those laws, so how do you know they wouldn’t have worked?
The answer is simple — Those laws would not have worked because the gunman did not use an “assault weapon” or a “high capacity” magazine. Rather, he used a revolver and a shotgun.
Moreover, universal background checks would have had no impact because the guns did not belong to the attacker. Rather, they were his father’s firearms. Because of this, a waiting period would have been impotent as well.
The Boston Herald reports that Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) confirmed that the attacker also deployed a variety of explosives. Cornyn indicated some of the devices were in the attacker’s car while others were at the school He said these included “pressure-cooker-like bombs” such as those used in the Boston Marathon attack.
Yet despite the fact that none of the left’s go-to gun controls would have prevented the attack, and even though the use of bombs shows the attacker’s appetite to kill was insatiable, leftists spent Friday issuing calls for more gun control.
More here
Sessions Curtails Immigration Judges’ Authority to Let Illegal Aliens Walk Free
Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a sweeping restriction Thursday on so-called “administrative closures” in the immigration courts that often allow aliens facing deportation to remain in the country indefinitely as their cases fall off the docket, never to be rescheduled.
In March, Sessions indicated he would use his power to overrule the Board of Immigration Review (BIR) to curtail immigration judges’ authority to drop cases without a decision. Thursday, he made good on this pledge, holding that “immigration judges and the Board do not have the general authority to suspend indefinitely immigration proceedings by administrative closure” in a ruling that will curtail one of the main “catch-and-release” methods that became popular under the Obama administration.
More here
In March, Sessions indicated he would use his power to overrule the Board of Immigration Review (BIR) to curtail immigration judges’ authority to drop cases without a decision. Thursday, he made good on this pledge, holding that “immigration judges and the Board do not have the general authority to suspend indefinitely immigration proceedings by administrative closure” in a ruling that will curtail one of the main “catch-and-release” methods that became popular under the Obama administration.
More here
Massive New Facebook Breach: Personal Data from Millions of Users Available on Open Web
We’ve all heard by now about the massive leak of the personal data of three million Facebook users and friends when a personality app, myPersonality, was used to extract personal information. The data was then used by Cambridge Analytica as part of their election targeting efforts.
Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress, apologized for the breach, and blamed it on the app company that shared the data. His solution was to more carefully screen the thousands of other apps; Facebook recently banned 200 of them.
But, like many times before, this was just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve just learned that intimate details about these three million users were freely available on the web for anyone to access for years, according to a New Scientist investigation.
According to New Scientist, “Academics at the University of Cambridge distributed the data from the personality quiz app myPersonality to hundreds of researchers via a website with insufficient security provisions, which led to it being left vulnerable to access for four years. Gaining access illicitly was relatively easy.”
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Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress, apologized for the breach, and blamed it on the app company that shared the data. His solution was to more carefully screen the thousands of other apps; Facebook recently banned 200 of them.
But, like many times before, this was just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve just learned that intimate details about these three million users were freely available on the web for anyone to access for years, according to a New Scientist investigation.
According to New Scientist, “Academics at the University of Cambridge distributed the data from the personality quiz app myPersonality to hundreds of researchers via a website with insufficient security provisions, which led to it being left vulnerable to access for four years. Gaining access illicitly was relatively easy.”
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Civil Rights Commissioner: Halt DACA Amnesty Talk Until Border is Secured, Legal Immigration is Cut
Peter Kirsanow, a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, says discussion of an amnesty for illegal aliens should be halted until a wall is secured along the U.S.-Mexico border and major cuts to legal immigration are enacted.
In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Kirsanow warned of the impact an amnesty for millions of illegal aliens who are enrolled and eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would have on working and middle-class Americans and, specifically, black Americans.
Kirsanow writes:
The negative impact of illegal immigration on unskilled and low-skilled American workers has been established by various studies and discussed in numerous hearings, including, but not limited to, a 2008 Commission briefing. The testimony at the briefing indicated that illegal immigration disproportionately affects the wages and employment opportunities of African- American men.
Kirsanow urged Ryan and the Republican-controlled Congress to hold off on a DACA amnesty until a border wall is built along the U.S.-Mexico border, E-Verify is mandated nationwide to ban employers from hiring illegal aliens, and legal immigration levels are seriously reduced to boost American working and middle-class wages.
More details here
In a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan, Kirsanow warned of the impact an amnesty for millions of illegal aliens who are enrolled and eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program would have on working and middle-class Americans and, specifically, black Americans.
Kirsanow writes:
The negative impact of illegal immigration on unskilled and low-skilled American workers has been established by various studies and discussed in numerous hearings, including, but not limited to, a 2008 Commission briefing. The testimony at the briefing indicated that illegal immigration disproportionately affects the wages and employment opportunities of African- American men.
Kirsanow urged Ryan and the Republican-controlled Congress to hold off on a DACA amnesty until a border wall is built along the U.S.-Mexico border, E-Verify is mandated nationwide to ban employers from hiring illegal aliens, and legal immigration levels are seriously reduced to boost American working and middle-class wages.
More details here
They Aren’t Shooting Up the Sheriff’s Office – They Go ‘Where There Is No Self-Defense’
During an interview with the Fox News Channel on Friday, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) argued that schools can’t be defenseless and disturbed shooters “aren’t so disturbed that they’re going to shoot up the sheriff’s office. They’re showing up where there is no self-defense.”
Rand said, “I think the first thing we should do is, there needs to be an announcement by every school district that we’re going to defend our children, and that we’re not going to have a sign outside that [says], ‘We’re defenseless.’ And I think that’s the problem, is that we do have these homicidal or crazy or mentally disturbed kids, but they still aren’t so disturbed that they’re going to shoot up the sheriff’s office. They’re showing up where there is no self-defense.”
He added, “I think we get distracted. We start talking about something that Republicans and Democrats disagree with on gun control. … Look, every Hollywood actor that hates guns has armed bodyguards defending them.."
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Rand said, “I think the first thing we should do is, there needs to be an announcement by every school district that we’re going to defend our children, and that we’re not going to have a sign outside that [says], ‘We’re defenseless.’ And I think that’s the problem, is that we do have these homicidal or crazy or mentally disturbed kids, but they still aren’t so disturbed that they’re going to shoot up the sheriff’s office. They’re showing up where there is no self-defense.”
He added, “I think we get distracted. We start talking about something that Republicans and Democrats disagree with on gun control. … Look, every Hollywood actor that hates guns has armed bodyguards defending them.."
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Meadows Calls On Trump To Release Docs
House Freedom Caucus leadership is calling on President Donald Trump to order the Department of Justice to release all relevant documents regarding potential Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act abuses, the impetus for the investigation into the Trump campaign and documents that lay out the scope of the special counsel’s probe.
GOP Reps. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Ron DeSantis of Florida sent a letter to the president Wednesday asking for him to use his authority to “instruct Attorney General Jeff Sessions to immediately produce all documents” related to House Republicans’ investigation into “prosecutorial and investigatorial decisions” made the DOJ and FBI made in 2016 and 2017.
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GOP Reps. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, Jim Jordan of Ohio and Ron DeSantis of Florida sent a letter to the president Wednesday asking for him to use his authority to “instruct Attorney General Jeff Sessions to immediately produce all documents” related to House Republicans’ investigation into “prosecutorial and investigatorial decisions” made the DOJ and FBI made in 2016 and 2017.
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Louisiana lawmakers Stuart Bishop and Norby Chabert brawl in a bar
Two Louisiana lawmakers got into a fist fight at a local bar on Tuesday evening because they disagreed on a bill.
State Representative Stuart Bishop of Lafayette and Senator Norby Chabert of Houma both made apologies for their actions on Wednesday, with Bishop telling the News Star the pair 'had a gentleman's agreement, and settled it with our hands'.
Houma reportedly punched Bishop several times in the altercation, but he claims he did not swing back. The Lafayette Rep said he was 'a little bruised, but not injured'.
Police were called to the River Room, but both politicians had left by the time authorities arrived.
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State Representative Stuart Bishop of Lafayette and Senator Norby Chabert of Houma both made apologies for their actions on Wednesday, with Bishop telling the News Star the pair 'had a gentleman's agreement, and settled it with our hands'.
Houma reportedly punched Bishop several times in the altercation, but he claims he did not swing back. The Lafayette Rep said he was 'a little bruised, but not injured'.
Police were called to the River Room, but both politicians had left by the time authorities arrived.
More
Dems, Media Outraged After Trump Calls MS-13 Gang Members 'Animals'
Democrats, the mainstream media, and left-wing reporters are twisting President Trump’s words in calling MS-13 illegal alien gang members “animals.”
During a roundtable discussion of California’s sanctuary state laws, Fresno Sheriff Margaret Mims mentioned to Trump the difficulty of working with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to notify them of an illegal alien MS-13 gang member.
In response, Trump called the MS-13 gang members “animals,” as he’s done in the past.
More/Video
During a roundtable discussion of California’s sanctuary state laws, Fresno Sheriff Margaret Mims mentioned to Trump the difficulty of working with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to notify them of an illegal alien MS-13 gang member.
In response, Trump called the MS-13 gang members “animals,” as he’s done in the past.
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Broke Illinois Pension System Leaves Every Resident With $11,000 Of Debt
For those unfamiliar, here's a quick recap: Illinois (rate just one notch above junk) is drowning under a mountain of debt, unpaid bills and underfunded pension liabilities and it's largest city, Chicago, is suffering from a staggering outbreak of violent crime not seen since gang wars engulfed major cities from LA to New York in the mid-90's, while rising taxes have prompted a mass exodus with the state lost 1 resident every 4.3 minutes in 2017.
And if you need a refresher, feel free to peruse some of our coverage on Illinois' challenges:
An "Audible Gasp" Was Heard When The Chicago Fed Unveiled Its "Solution" To The Pension Problem
Illinois Pension Funding Ratio Sinks To 37.6% As Unfunded Liabilities Surge To $130 Billion
Illinois Unpaid Vendor Backlog Hits A New Record At Over $16 Billion
Illinois Lost 1 Resident Every 4.3 Minutes In 2017, Dropped To 6th Most Populous State
The State Of Illinois Is "Past The Point Of No Return"
"What The Hell Is Going On In Chicago" And Other Highlights From Trump's Speech To FBI Grads
The state's horrendous mismanagement has left each man, woman and child of Illinois with nearly $11,000 in debt.
“Illinois failure to address its pension crisis has resulted in further deterioration of the state and cities’ financial condition, exorbitantly high borrowing costs, and an inability to address other critical needs at the state and local level,” said Laurence Msall, president of Chicago nonprofit - the Civic Federation, which tracks state and municipal finances. “
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And if you need a refresher, feel free to peruse some of our coverage on Illinois' challenges:
An "Audible Gasp" Was Heard When The Chicago Fed Unveiled Its "Solution" To The Pension Problem
Illinois Pension Funding Ratio Sinks To 37.6% As Unfunded Liabilities Surge To $130 Billion
Illinois Unpaid Vendor Backlog Hits A New Record At Over $16 Billion
Illinois Lost 1 Resident Every 4.3 Minutes In 2017, Dropped To 6th Most Populous State
The State Of Illinois Is "Past The Point Of No Return"
"What The Hell Is Going On In Chicago" And Other Highlights From Trump's Speech To FBI Grads
The state's horrendous mismanagement has left each man, woman and child of Illinois with nearly $11,000 in debt.
“Illinois failure to address its pension crisis has resulted in further deterioration of the state and cities’ financial condition, exorbitantly high borrowing costs, and an inability to address other critical needs at the state and local level,” said Laurence Msall, president of Chicago nonprofit - the Civic Federation, which tracks state and municipal finances. “
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Texas AG: ‘Disarming Law-Abiding Citizens Doesn’t Actually Protect Our Children’
During an interview with CBS on Friday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) stated, “disarming law-abiding citizens doesn’t actually protect our children. It puts them at greater risk.”
Paxton said, “People like this are not going to follow gun regulations. Law-abiding citizens will. And so, disarming law-abiding citizens doesn’t actually protect our children. It puts them at greater risk. And the more we regulate, the more time we lose, and the more people we’re going to lose. So, I would prefer to have people that were in place to protect our children, not leave it open for somebody who’s not going to follow a gun law to come in and kill as many children as they want to.”
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Paxton said, “People like this are not going to follow gun regulations. Law-abiding citizens will. And so, disarming law-abiding citizens doesn’t actually protect our children. It puts them at greater risk. And the more we regulate, the more time we lose, and the more people we’re going to lose. So, I would prefer to have people that were in place to protect our children, not leave it open for somebody who’s not going to follow a gun law to come in and kill as many children as they want to.”
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Subprime Chaos: The Auto Bubble's Bursting And The Data Is Worse Than 2008
Last week, used car prices had their biggest drop since 2009 – directly after the financial market meltdown of 2008.
Right now, the auto market is showing signs of incredible worry.
Delinquent subprime auto-loans are higher than they were in the last recession.
Look for yourself...
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Right now, the auto market is showing signs of incredible worry.
Delinquent subprime auto-loans are higher than they were in the last recession.
Look for yourself...
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Santa Fe High School Weapons Policy: Firearms, Ammunition Prohibited
The weapons policy of Santa Fe High School in Texas makes clear that no firearms, imitation firearms, BB guns, or ammunition is allowed on campus.
The Substitute Teacher Handbook says, “Employees, visitors, and students, including those with a license to carry a handgun, are prohibited from bringing firearms, illegal knives, or other weapons onto school premises or any grounds or building where a school-sponsored activity takes place.”
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The Substitute Teacher Handbook says, “Employees, visitors, and students, including those with a license to carry a handgun, are prohibited from bringing firearms, illegal knives, or other weapons onto school premises or any grounds or building where a school-sponsored activity takes place.”
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Nikolas Cruz violated Obama's Promise diversion program, but never sent to court
Confessed mass shooter Nikolas Cruz had no criminal record despite dozens of disciplinary infractions, but there was one case in which Broward County school administrators were obligated to send him before a judge — and didn’t do it.
After trashing a middle-school bathroom in 2013, Mr. Cruz received a three-day referral to a newly created diversion program called Promise designed to help kids who had committed misdemeanors avoid arrest and stay out of the “school-to-prison pipeline.”
He didn’t show. At that point, school policy dictated that he should have been hauled before Judge Elijah Williams of the Broward County Delinquency Division, and yet there is no record that it ever happened, based on what the district has released, according to Timothy Sternberg, a former assistant principal who helped run Promise from 2014-17.
“There’s possible negligence here if no one ever followed up,” Mr. Sternberg told the Washington Times.
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After trashing a middle-school bathroom in 2013, Mr. Cruz received a three-day referral to a newly created diversion program called Promise designed to help kids who had committed misdemeanors avoid arrest and stay out of the “school-to-prison pipeline.”
He didn’t show. At that point, school policy dictated that he should have been hauled before Judge Elijah Williams of the Broward County Delinquency Division, and yet there is no record that it ever happened, based on what the district has released, according to Timothy Sternberg, a former assistant principal who helped run Promise from 2014-17.
“There’s possible negligence here if no one ever followed up,” Mr. Sternberg told the Washington Times.
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Chinese mass-indoctrination camps evoke Cultural Revolution
Kazakhstan— Hour upon hour, day upon day, Omir Bekali and other detainees in far western China's new indoctrination camps had to disavow their Islamic beliefs, criticize themselves and their loved ones and give thanks to the ruling Communist Party.
When Bekali, a Kazakh Muslim, refused to follow orders each day, he was forced to stand at a wall for five hours at a time. A week later, he was sent to solitary confinement, where he was deprived of food for 24 hours. After 20 days in the heavily guarded camp, he wanted to kill himself.
"The psychological pressure is enormous, when you have to criticize yourself, denounce your thinking — your own ethnic group," said Bekali, who broke down in tears as he described the camp. "I still think about it every night, until the sun rises. I can't sleep. The thoughts are with me all the time."
More here
[We call these camps "universities" here. --Editor]
When Bekali, a Kazakh Muslim, refused to follow orders each day, he was forced to stand at a wall for five hours at a time. A week later, he was sent to solitary confinement, where he was deprived of food for 24 hours. After 20 days in the heavily guarded camp, he wanted to kill himself.
"The psychological pressure is enormous, when you have to criticize yourself, denounce your thinking — your own ethnic group," said Bekali, who broke down in tears as he described the camp. "I still think about it every night, until the sun rises. I can't sleep. The thoughts are with me all the time."
More here
[We call these camps "universities" here. --Editor]
U.S. Healthcare Isn't Broken...Its 'Fixed'
Healthcare/sickcare will bankrupt the nation by itself.
If you want to understand why the U.S. healthcare system is bankrupt, financially, morally and politically, then start with this representative anecdote from a U.S. physician. I received this report from correspondent J.F. on the topic of direct advertising of pharmaceutical products to the public (patients).
As background information, pharmaceutical companies were not allowed to advertise directly to consumers (patients) in the good old days. Now, as we all know, half the adverts on TV are for pharmaceutical products, and many of the remaining half are advertising lawsuits relating to pharmaceutical products that harmed or injured the patients who received them (or clamored for them as a result of endless direct-to-consumer adverts).
Here is J.F.'s report:
This morning, I read a report on augmentation of antidepressants. It seems folks who get a little better, but not a lot better on an antidepressant may improve if a drug in the class of second generation antipsychotics is added. Three of these drugs have been tested, with pretty much equivalent benefit - quetiapine, aripiprazole, and brexpiprazole. As the names suggest, the last two are very similar in chemical structure.
- quetianpine and aripiprazole are available in cheap generic for. Brexpiprazole is not, it's sold only as branded Rexulti.
- shortly after reading the piece, I walked past the waiting room TV which was playing an ad urging folks to "ask your doctor about Rexulti".
- lowest costs for a month's supply in my neighborhood, courtesy of goodrx.com:
quetiapine - $6.80
aripiprazole - $22.60
Rexulti - $1,120.20 (!)
- so the ad is urging folks to "ask their doctor" about a drug that is 16,473% more expensive than a similar drug that may work just as well.
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If you want to understand why the U.S. healthcare system is bankrupt, financially, morally and politically, then start with this representative anecdote from a U.S. physician. I received this report from correspondent J.F. on the topic of direct advertising of pharmaceutical products to the public (patients).
As background information, pharmaceutical companies were not allowed to advertise directly to consumers (patients) in the good old days. Now, as we all know, half the adverts on TV are for pharmaceutical products, and many of the remaining half are advertising lawsuits relating to pharmaceutical products that harmed or injured the patients who received them (or clamored for them as a result of endless direct-to-consumer adverts).
Here is J.F.'s report:
This morning, I read a report on augmentation of antidepressants. It seems folks who get a little better, but not a lot better on an antidepressant may improve if a drug in the class of second generation antipsychotics is added. Three of these drugs have been tested, with pretty much equivalent benefit - quetiapine, aripiprazole, and brexpiprazole. As the names suggest, the last two are very similar in chemical structure.
- quetianpine and aripiprazole are available in cheap generic for. Brexpiprazole is not, it's sold only as branded Rexulti.
- shortly after reading the piece, I walked past the waiting room TV which was playing an ad urging folks to "ask your doctor about Rexulti".
- lowest costs for a month's supply in my neighborhood, courtesy of goodrx.com:
quetiapine - $6.80
aripiprazole - $22.60
Rexulti - $1,120.20 (!)
- so the ad is urging folks to "ask their doctor" about a drug that is 16,473% more expensive than a similar drug that may work just as well.
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Ocean City top salaries as published in 2011
Ocean City's Top 100 Salaries
Not bad work if you can get it. Information on the total amount spent on employee benefits in 2011 was not available, but will appear in a later issue. CITY MANAGER ........................................173,404.80 PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ...............................152,669.64 FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR ...............................146,860.93 CITY ENGINEER .......................................146,860.43 CHIEF OF POLICE .....................................144,676.89 RECREATION/PARKS DIRECTOR ...........................140,321.75 PLANNING & COMM DEV DIRECTOR ........................140,321.46 EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR .........................140,150.34 FIRE MARSHAL ........................................135,445.22 POLICE CAPTAIN.......................................132,617.77 POLICE CAPTAIN.......................................126,743.38 POLICE CAPTAIN.......................................123,803.60 POLICE CAPTAIN.......................................123,328.39 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIR ..........................121,828.01 GENERAL SERVICES DIRECTOR ...........................118,892.80 PW SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER............................118,541.49 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ................................116,773.06 FIRE/EMS DEPUTY CHIEF ...............................116,561.04 TRANS SUPER..........................................114,746.27 PW DEPUTY DIRECTOR ..................................114,400.00 RISK/CLAIMS MANAGER..................................113,846.15 POLICE OFFICER ......................................113,654.21 POLICE SERGEANT......................................112,902.18 WASTEWATER SUPERINTENDENT............................112,553.76 POLICE LIEUTENANT....................................111,060.18 CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTOR ..........................110,441.00 POLICE LIEUTENANT....................................110,198.26 POLICE SERGEANT .....................................110,147.23 HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR .............................110,000.73 GOLF SUPERINTENDENT .................................109,193.03 ELECTRONIC SERVICES MANAGER .........................108,953.07 POLICE LIEUTENANT....................................108,715.45 FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT ...............................108,455.06 POLICE CORPORAL .....................................107,896.52 POLICE LIEUTENANT ...................................106,798.83 POLICE LIEUTENANT ...................................106,174.58 POLICE LIEUTENANT ...................................106,101.83 FIRE MARSHAL/DEPUTY CHIEF ...........................106,079.84 PW CHIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR ............................106,004.49 BUDGET MANAGER ......................................105,817.00 POLICE SERGEANT......................................105,732.65 RECREATION/PARKS ASST DIRECTOR ......................104,114.08 POLICE SERGEANT .....................................103,951.94 ASSISTANT FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR .....................103,947.78 FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT ...............................103,433.64 POLICE SERGEANT .....................................102,788.29 CONVENTION OPERATIONS MANAGER .......................102,432.47 POLICE SERGEANT .....................................102,018.75 POLICE LIEUTENANT ...................................101,634.12 POLICE LIEUTENANT....................................100,815.17 CONVENTION SALES/MARKETING DIR ......................100,139.11 PW MAINTENANCE MANAGER ...............................99,171.67 POLICE LIEUTENANT ....................................98,584.78 FIRE/EMS ASSISTANT CHIEF .............................98,468.62 FIRE/EMS LIEUTENANT ..................................98,331.83 SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR ..............................98,066.39 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................97,917.85 POLICE SERGEANT ......................................97,392.00 POLICE OFFICER .......................................97,305.75 SERGEANT .............................................97,201.11 FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT ................................97,141.47 PW CONSTRUCTION MANAGER ..............................97,086.10 POLICE CORPORAL ......................................96,578.88 CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL ..............................96,363.51 POLICE SERGEANT ......................................95,965.90 FIRE/EMS LIEUTENANT ..................................95,884.27 POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS ...........................95,668.59 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................95,494.39 POLICE SERGEANT ......................................94,559.79 PARKS SUPERINTENDENT .................................94,112.25 POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS ...........................93,961.25 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................93,443.18 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................92,126.79 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................91,928.81 CITY CLERK ...........................................91,743.69 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................91,729.54 FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT.................................91,605.78 POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS............................91,518.83 POLICE CORPORAL.......................................91,497.41 COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION MGR ..........................91,437.76 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................90,818.71 ENGINEERING MANAGER ..................................90,641.28 GOLF PROFESSIONAL/MGR ................................90,572.99 FIRE/EMS CAPTAIN......................................90,504.00 FIRE/EMS CAPTAIN......................................90,503.90 FIRE/EMS CAPTAIN......................................90,503.85 POLICE CORPORAL.......................................90,248.81 POLICE CORPORAL.......................................89,220.94 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................89,103.53 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................89,016.33 POLICE CORPORAL.......................................88,997.91 POLICE SERGEANT.......................................88,981.66 POLICE SERGEANT.......................................88,804.80 POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS............................88,680.56 FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................88,444.03
University of Toronto Professor Rinaldo Walcott Says Free Speech Is 'White Supremacy'
Professor Rinaldo Walcott of the University of Toronto is arguing that the notion of free speech is a “white supremacist” ideal.
Rinaldo Walcott, the Director of the Women & Gender Studies Institute at the University of Toronto, has long argued that free speech is an ideal designed to uphold “white supremacy.” Walcott’s attitudes towards academic freedom and free speech were highlighted by the activist organization Far Left Watch. In a blog post published this week, the group reported that Walcott would be speaking at a “white privilege” conference at the public Ryerson University in Canada.
In a series of tweets, Walcott argued that free speech and academic freedom are rooted in white supremacy. “Let’s be clear: free speech and academic freedom, both of them, are presently constituted and defended are white supremacist speech. It is clear as day. (And I ain’t down with either of them).”
The Far Left Watch blog post pointed out the irony of Walcott’s position. Even though Walcott believes that universities are hotbeds of white supremacy, he is invited to speak at publicly-funded universities at conferences centered on leftist sociological concepts like “white privilege.”
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Rinaldo Walcott, the Director of the Women & Gender Studies Institute at the University of Toronto, has long argued that free speech is an ideal designed to uphold “white supremacy.” Walcott’s attitudes towards academic freedom and free speech were highlighted by the activist organization Far Left Watch. In a blog post published this week, the group reported that Walcott would be speaking at a “white privilege” conference at the public Ryerson University in Canada.
In a series of tweets, Walcott argued that free speech and academic freedom are rooted in white supremacy. “Let’s be clear: free speech and academic freedom, both of them, are presently constituted and defended are white supremacist speech. It is clear as day. (And I ain’t down with either of them).”
The Far Left Watch blog post pointed out the irony of Walcott’s position. Even though Walcott believes that universities are hotbeds of white supremacy, he is invited to speak at publicly-funded universities at conferences centered on leftist sociological concepts like “white privilege.”
More
Irish Urged to House Migrants in Spare Beds
Homeowners in Ireland have been asked to pledge spare rooms or vacant properties to house migrants for periods of up to a year as part of the government’s Irish Refugee Protection Programme.
In a new national campaign urging people to “put empty space to better use”, the Irish Red Cross said: “Pledging a vacant property or spare room will play a significant and valuable role in helping Syrian refugees rebuild their lives and settle in Irish communities.”
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In a new national campaign urging people to “put empty space to better use”, the Irish Red Cross said: “Pledging a vacant property or spare room will play a significant and valuable role in helping Syrian refugees rebuild their lives and settle in Irish communities.”
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Thanks Social Media Viewers
Was Trader Lee's somewhat slower in the past, absolutely. However, my partner and I sat down in the very beginning where I shared my vision to take a major portion on this location and create a Billiard Room with Live Music. We both agreed that it was a cool idea but would the combination actually complement each other? We agreed, if one didn't work we'd eliminate it and concentrate on the other.
Little did we know that the two were a perfect marriage and since day one it has proven to be a HUGE success, thanks to all of you. So when you read lies about us being a failure, understand where you are at, (website) and take it with a grain of salt. Consider the source, is all I'm saying.
If Joe Albero says the sky is blue, you know damn well they're going to say it's green. I can put up pictures every day of the week proving them wrong and they'll find a way to counter what I'm saying.
The bottom line is, I was very successful in the past with this very same concept and we saw an opportunity with Trader Lee's to rebrand and revitalize an incredible location. No one is trying to become a millionaire here. We simply wanted to fill a hole with something much needed here on the Shore.
I'll simply say this, to those of you who might understand the business. Last night we removed seven overflowing 55 gallon trash cans and we serve no food.
So come join us tonight for for "RAMBLE ON". They're yet another incredible group and as always there's no cover charge. Where else are you going to go to shoot pool for a dollar, listen to great live music every weekend and enjoy mixed drinks for $4.00, ice cold beer for $2.00 or $3.00 and no cover charge to get in! Thanks for supporting us.
Leakers to NYT Confirm FBI Ran Spy Operation Against Trump Campaign
Leakers to the New York Times confirmed in a story published on Wednesday that the FBI had run a spy operation on the Trump campaign that involved government informants, secret subpoenas, and possible wiretaps.
The story comes ahead of the release of the pending Department of Justice inspector general report on the FBI’s actions during the 2016 election, and likely is an attempt by the leakers to paint the FBI’s efforts in the most flattering light possible.
But the story revealed that the FBI – which is supposed to be an apolitical agency – was spying on the Trump campaign through phone records and with “at least one” human asset.
“The F.B.I. obtained phone records and other documents using national security letters — a secret type of subpoena — officials said. And at least one government informant met several times with Mr. Page and Mr. Papadopoulos,” the Times reported, citing “current and former officials.”
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The story comes ahead of the release of the pending Department of Justice inspector general report on the FBI’s actions during the 2016 election, and likely is an attempt by the leakers to paint the FBI’s efforts in the most flattering light possible.
But the story revealed that the FBI – which is supposed to be an apolitical agency – was spying on the Trump campaign through phone records and with “at least one” human asset.
“The F.B.I. obtained phone records and other documents using national security letters — a secret type of subpoena — officials said. And at least one government informant met several times with Mr. Page and Mr. Papadopoulos,” the Times reported, citing “current and former officials.”
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Wells Fargo Employees Caught Improperly Altering Business Customers' Docs
Just when you thought that after the last criminal offense by Wells Fargo (which as a reminder was pushing customers into higher-fee retirement accounts), surely there was no way Warren Buffett's favorite criminal organization would be caught again engaging in some even more bizarre criminal activity.
Alas, it was not meant to be as Wells somehow always finds a way, and moments ago the WSJ reported that in the latest scandal involving America's largest mortgage lender, "some employees" in Wells Fargo’s business banking, aka "wholesale" unit and is separate from Wells' retail division, improperly altered information on documents related to corporate customers without their knowledge.
The Information adjusted by Wells employees varied from social security numbers to addresses to dates of birth for people associated with business-banking clients, with the bulk of incidents reportedly taking place in 2017 and early 2018, as Wells Fargo was trying to meet a deadline to comply with a regulatory consent order related to the bank’s anti-money-laundering controls.
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Alas, it was not meant to be as Wells somehow always finds a way, and moments ago the WSJ reported that in the latest scandal involving America's largest mortgage lender, "some employees" in Wells Fargo’s business banking, aka "wholesale" unit and is separate from Wells' retail division, improperly altered information on documents related to corporate customers without their knowledge.
The Information adjusted by Wells employees varied from social security numbers to addresses to dates of birth for people associated with business-banking clients, with the bulk of incidents reportedly taking place in 2017 and early 2018, as Wells Fargo was trying to meet a deadline to comply with a regulatory consent order related to the bank’s anti-money-laundering controls.
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Breaking News: Signs of change in an old English castle: Today's wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle nudges the British royal family into a new era.
Judge Overturns California’s Physician-Assisted Suicide Law
A California judge overturned the state’s physician aid-in-dying law Tuesday, giving the state’s attorney general five days to file an appeal to keep the law in force.
The law, enacted in 2015, allows terminally ill patients to request doctors to prescribe lethal medications. California was the fifth state to permit the practice. Today, six other states and Washington, D.C. permit physician-assisted suicide.
In overturning the law, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ottolia said that the California State Assembly had violated the state constitution in passing the End of Life Option Act during a special session called to deal with unrelated health care issues.
"We strongly disagree with this ruling and the state is seeking expedited review in the Court of Appeal," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times.
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The law, enacted in 2015, allows terminally ill patients to request doctors to prescribe lethal medications. California was the fifth state to permit the practice. Today, six other states and Washington, D.C. permit physician-assisted suicide.
In overturning the law, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ottolia said that the California State Assembly had violated the state constitution in passing the End of Life Option Act during a special session called to deal with unrelated health care issues.
"We strongly disagree with this ruling and the state is seeking expedited review in the Court of Appeal," California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times.
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Legal Sports Betting is About to Sweep the Nation. Services for Gambling Addicts Probably Won’t.
Oklahoma’s 128 tribal casinos host 46 million visits and rake in $4.5 billion a year – but there isn’t a single billboard in the state that tells problem gamblers where they can find help.
“We can’t afford it. It costs $1,200 to $1,400 a month for a billboard,” said Wiley D. Harwell, executive director of the Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling.
With $186,000 from the state and about $100,000 from Indian tribes and other donations annually, Harwell’s group operates a hotline, trains counselors and gives public education talks. Billboards won’t fit into the budget – which might explain why the hotline received just 1,020 calls in 2016, even though an estimated 65,000 Oklahoma adults have a gambling problem.
Overall, the Sooner State dedicates $1 million a year – 25 cents per capita – to help problem gamblers. The national average, among the 40 states that spend anything at all, is 37 cents per capita.
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“We can’t afford it. It costs $1,200 to $1,400 a month for a billboard,” said Wiley D. Harwell, executive director of the Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling.
With $186,000 from the state and about $100,000 from Indian tribes and other donations annually, Harwell’s group operates a hotline, trains counselors and gives public education talks. Billboards won’t fit into the budget – which might explain why the hotline received just 1,020 calls in 2016, even though an estimated 65,000 Oklahoma adults have a gambling problem.
Overall, the Sooner State dedicates $1 million a year – 25 cents per capita – to help problem gamblers. The national average, among the 40 states that spend anything at all, is 37 cents per capita.
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Washington Politics Adding To Mental Health Crisis Among Farmers
Suicide rates among farmers are higher than any other profession in the United States and now some experts and Senators worry Washington politics could be making farmland stresses even worse.
The House is set to vote by Friday on a controversial farm bill that includes major changes to work requirements for people on food stamps. The issue is dividing Republicans and Democrats and threatens to undermine support for the bill in Washington. Now farmers fear the bill, which includes safety net programs to keep farmers in business in bad economic times, is at risk because of the unrelated fight.
Bob Worth, a soybean farmer in Minnesota, said the frustration is growing in rural America.
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The House is set to vote by Friday on a controversial farm bill that includes major changes to work requirements for people on food stamps. The issue is dividing Republicans and Democrats and threatens to undermine support for the bill in Washington. Now farmers fear the bill, which includes safety net programs to keep farmers in business in bad economic times, is at risk because of the unrelated fight.
Bob Worth, a soybean farmer in Minnesota, said the frustration is growing in rural America.
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POLICE BODY CAMERAS CAN THREATEN CIVIL RIGHTS OF BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE, NEW REPORT SAYS
The number of U.S. police departments outfitting their officers with body cameras increases each year, but the cameras can pose a threat to civil rights if the departments fail to set rules that govern when officers review footage from their cameras, according to a new report.
The vast majority of the nation’s biggest police departments allow officers to watch footage from body cameras whenever they want, including before they write their incident reports or make statements, said the report, which was released Tuesday by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
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The vast majority of the nation’s biggest police departments allow officers to watch footage from body cameras whenever they want, including before they write their incident reports or make statements, said the report, which was released Tuesday by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
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The Other Eric Schneiderman Scandal
When Eric Schneiderman resigned as New York’s attorney general on May 7 amid revelations he engaged in a pattern of alleged physical abuse of women he dated over the years, one of the Democrat’s first defenders was his ex-wife, a New York-based lobbyist named Jennifer Cunningham.
Schneiderman is “someone of the highest character,” said Cunningham, who asserted it was “impossible to believe” the allegations in a New Yorker reportthat Schneiderman abused multiple girlfriends over a period of several years.
Cunningham’s defense of her ex-husband drew some attention because of her position as a partner at SKDKnickerbocker, a Democrat-aligned public relations and lobbying firm that touts its feminist bona fides. Two of its most high-profile partners are Clinton White House aide Hilary Rosen and Obama White House aide Anita Dunn.
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Schneiderman is “someone of the highest character,” said Cunningham, who asserted it was “impossible to believe” the allegations in a New Yorker reportthat Schneiderman abused multiple girlfriends over a period of several years.
Cunningham’s defense of her ex-husband drew some attention because of her position as a partner at SKDKnickerbocker, a Democrat-aligned public relations and lobbying firm that touts its feminist bona fides. Two of its most high-profile partners are Clinton White House aide Hilary Rosen and Obama White House aide Anita Dunn.
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Eat oily fish twice a week to cut the risk of clogged arteries
Eating oily fish twice a week is the key to a healthy heart, according to experts.
Regularly eating fish such as salmon, sardines or mackerel helps to reduce the risk of heart failure, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke.
The American Heart Association today published advice that people swap meat, which is high in saturated fats, for oily fish which provides essential omega-3 fatty acids.
And despite concerns about high levels of mercury in larger fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, bigeye tuna and marlin, experts have said they are safe for adults.
Oily fish is believed to be good for human health in a number of ways, with possible benefits for the heart, eyes and brain, and for those with arthritis or dementia.
One scientist said: 'The current scientific evidence strongly supports the recommendation that seafood be an integral component of a heart-healthy dietary pattern.'
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Regularly eating fish such as salmon, sardines or mackerel helps to reduce the risk of heart failure, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke.
The American Heart Association today published advice that people swap meat, which is high in saturated fats, for oily fish which provides essential omega-3 fatty acids.
And despite concerns about high levels of mercury in larger fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, bigeye tuna and marlin, experts have said they are safe for adults.
Oily fish is believed to be good for human health in a number of ways, with possible benefits for the heart, eyes and brain, and for those with arthritis or dementia.
One scientist said: 'The current scientific evidence strongly supports the recommendation that seafood be an integral component of a heart-healthy dietary pattern.'
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Germans could need to work until their 70s, to pay for hundreds of thousands of refugees on welfare
What is the cost of the mass wave of immigration on Europe, and in particular Germany – the country whose leader, Angela Merkel, infamously declared “Refugees Welcome” in the fateful summer of 2015 causing asylum seeking (and economic) migration to spike?
The short answer is – we don’t know exactly, but it is painfully high, and rising.
In Feb 2016, Professor Matthias Lücke of Kiel University, calculated the cost would be €25.7 Billion of German taxpayer funds. The costs would rise to €37 Billion for 2017 and soar to €55 Billion by 2022.
Just 5 months later another Economist, Dr Bernd Raffelhüschen, had calculated the total amount of debt incurred to pay for the mainly Arab, 70% unskilled migrants, would balloon to €1.5 TRILLION over their stay in Germany.
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The short answer is – we don’t know exactly, but it is painfully high, and rising.
In Feb 2016, Professor Matthias Lücke of Kiel University, calculated the cost would be €25.7 Billion of German taxpayer funds. The costs would rise to €37 Billion for 2017 and soar to €55 Billion by 2022.
Just 5 months later another Economist, Dr Bernd Raffelhüschen, had calculated the total amount of debt incurred to pay for the mainly Arab, 70% unskilled migrants, would balloon to €1.5 TRILLION over their stay in Germany.
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House Committee Approves Harris Amendment to Facilitate Medical Marijuana Research
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 17, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) offered, and the committee passed, an amendment urging the Drug Enforcement Agency to expeditiously process the several pending applications for research-related marijuana production. Congressman Harris released the following statement lauding its passage:
“For decades, bureaucratic red tape has obstructed legitimate clinical research into the potential medical use of marijuana. Currently, the University of Mississippi possesses the only license in the country to grow marijuana for research purposes. Nearly 30 other manufacturer applications are pending approval by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
It’s just not right to prescribe marijuana as medicine without subjecting it to the same safety, purity, and efficacy approval process that every other medicine undergoes. My amendment, passed today with wide bipartisan support, facilitates legitimate medical marijuana research by urging the DEA to process those pending applications for research-related marijuana production. America’s patients deserve safe and proven medication. I commend my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for supporting this pro-science, pro-research amendment.”
“For decades, bureaucratic red tape has obstructed legitimate clinical research into the potential medical use of marijuana. Currently, the University of Mississippi possesses the only license in the country to grow marijuana for research purposes. Nearly 30 other manufacturer applications are pending approval by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
It’s just not right to prescribe marijuana as medicine without subjecting it to the same safety, purity, and efficacy approval process that every other medicine undergoes. My amendment, passed today with wide bipartisan support, facilitates legitimate medical marijuana research by urging the DEA to process those pending applications for research-related marijuana production. America’s patients deserve safe and proven medication. I commend my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for supporting this pro-science, pro-research amendment.”
House Committee Approves Harris Amendment to Study Impact of Offshore Wind
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 17, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) authored, and the committee passed, an amendment ordering the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind projects on marine mammals and fish, as well as the need for any mitigation measures. Congressman Harris released the following statement after the markup:
“Commercial fishing and seafood processing are prominent industries in Maryland’s First District. The fishing community has expressed concern that U.S. Wind’s proposed offshore wind farm project will harm their fishing operations off the coast of Ocean City. My amendment orders the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind farm construction and operation on marine wildlife as well as the need for any mitigation measures. In addition to the several concerns already voiced by the local communities, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Park Service, it is imperative that we fully understand the negative effects on our fisheries that will be caused by this wind farm project.”
“Commercial fishing and seafood processing are prominent industries in Maryland’s First District. The fishing community has expressed concern that U.S. Wind’s proposed offshore wind farm project will harm their fishing operations off the coast of Ocean City. My amendment orders the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study the effects of offshore wind farm construction and operation on marine wildlife as well as the need for any mitigation measures. In addition to the several concerns already voiced by the local communities, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Park Service, it is imperative that we fully understand the negative effects on our fisheries that will be caused by this wind farm project.”
Rep. Harris Announces 2018 Congressional Art Competition Winner
WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2018 Congressional Art Competition: Nora Gast of Kent Island High School in Stevensville, Maryland. Nora’s watercolor painting, titled “Small Things with Great Love,” portrays Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a Roman Catholic nun, winner of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity.
“Every year, I am amazed by the artistic talent of the students in Maryland’s First District,” said Congressman Harris. “Nora’s entry was particularly captivating to me. Her attention to detail and the simple elegance of her piece are truly stunning.”
Nora, a junior at Kent Island High School, was thrilled to hear that she had won, stating “I’m really excited and shocked to be chosen. I put a lot of work and effort into this and it’s really an honor to be picked by Congressman Harris.”
Andrea Schulte, Nora’s art teacher, stated that “Nora’s captivating watercolor painting of Mother Teresa is just one if many equally impressive pieces she has produced. Her insight, work ethic, and dedication to the creative process are unparalleled. I am so proud of Nora and grateful that she is being recognized for her work.”
The 2nd place winner of this year’s competition, entitled “Pintails in the Marsh,” was submitted by Jacob Kozak of Calvert Hall College High School. North Caroline High School’s Minnthu Phan claimed 3rd place, with a work titled “Self-Portraits.” Photos of the top three submissions can be viewed on Rep. Harris’ Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/AndyHarrisMD. The rest of this year’s submissions can be viewed at the Salisbury Art Space until June 10. The gallery will host a free a public reception for the show on May 18 at 5:00 PM.
Since 1982, the U.S. House of Representatives has sponsored the Congressional Art Competition to acknowledge the artistic talents of high school students from each Congressional district. Nora’s painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The submissions of this year’s runners-up will be displayed in Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC and district offices.
“Every year, I am amazed by the artistic talent of the students in Maryland’s First District,” said Congressman Harris. “Nora’s entry was particularly captivating to me. Her attention to detail and the simple elegance of her piece are truly stunning.”
Nora, a junior at Kent Island High School, was thrilled to hear that she had won, stating “I’m really excited and shocked to be chosen. I put a lot of work and effort into this and it’s really an honor to be picked by Congressman Harris.”
Andrea Schulte, Nora’s art teacher, stated that “Nora’s captivating watercolor painting of Mother Teresa is just one if many equally impressive pieces she has produced. Her insight, work ethic, and dedication to the creative process are unparalleled. I am so proud of Nora and grateful that she is being recognized for her work.”
The 2nd place winner of this year’s competition, entitled “Pintails in the Marsh,” was submitted by Jacob Kozak of Calvert Hall College High School. North Caroline High School’s Minnthu Phan claimed 3rd place, with a work titled “Self-Portraits.” Photos of the top three submissions can be viewed on Rep. Harris’ Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/AndyHarrisMD. The rest of this year’s submissions can be viewed at the Salisbury Art Space until June 10. The gallery will host a free a public reception for the show on May 18 at 5:00 PM.
Since 1982, the U.S. House of Representatives has sponsored the Congressional Art Competition to acknowledge the artistic talents of high school students from each Congressional district. Nora’s painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The submissions of this year’s runners-up will be displayed in Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC and district offices.
Loneliness changes your brain: Isolation chemical makes you feel afraid
Chronic loneliness changes the chemicals produced in the brain, causing feelings of aggression and fear, scientists have discovered.
But an old, largely failed psychiatric drug might work to alleviate those negative emotions by suppressing the loneliness chemical.
Social isolation has been a growing problem in the US, and has been not only led to increased rates of depression and post traumatic stress disorder, but to higher risks of chronic disease.
Although the California Institute of Technology researchers made their discovery in mice, it may some day help us to develop improved treatments for or even preventative measures against mental illnesses.
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But an old, largely failed psychiatric drug might work to alleviate those negative emotions by suppressing the loneliness chemical.
Social isolation has been a growing problem in the US, and has been not only led to increased rates of depression and post traumatic stress disorder, but to higher risks of chronic disease.
Although the California Institute of Technology researchers made their discovery in mice, it may some day help us to develop improved treatments for or even preventative measures against mental illnesses.
More