DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Commission Investigating Parkland Votes 13-1 to Arm Teachers
The commission investigating the February 14 Parkland school shooting voted 13 to 1 Wednesday to arm teachers.
The Associated Press reports that the commission recommended allowing “teachers who volunteer and undergo extensive background checks and training…to carry concealed guns on campus to stop future shootings.”
The vote comes just weeks after Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, lead investigator on the commission, announced that he wanted to see teachers armed in Florida.
On November 21, Breitbart News reported that Gualtieri said the investigation into the Parkland shooting had changed his views on armed teachers; that he went from opposing it to supporting it. He noted, “People need to keep an open mind to it as the reality is that if someone else in that school had a gun it could have saved kids’ lives.”
More
The Associated Press reports that the commission recommended allowing “teachers who volunteer and undergo extensive background checks and training…to carry concealed guns on campus to stop future shootings.”
The vote comes just weeks after Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, lead investigator on the commission, announced that he wanted to see teachers armed in Florida.
On November 21, Breitbart News reported that Gualtieri said the investigation into the Parkland shooting had changed his views on armed teachers; that he went from opposing it to supporting it. He noted, “People need to keep an open mind to it as the reality is that if someone else in that school had a gun it could have saved kids’ lives.”
More
Jon Kyl to Resign from McCain’s Senate Seat at Year’s End
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced Friday that Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) will resign from the Senate on December 31st, paving the way for a second appointment to the seat held by the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).
“Thank you for appointing me to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created by John McCain’s death,” Kyl wrote in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to again serve the people of Arizona.
“When I accepted your appointment, I agreed to complete the work of the 115th Congress and then reevaluate continuing to serve. I have concluded that it would be best if I resign so that your new appointee can begin the new term with all other Senators in January 2019 and can serve a full two (potentially four) years,” the outgoing senator continued. “Therefore, I will resign from the U.S. Senate effective 11:59 p.m. EST December 31, 2018.”
Ducey, who is required by law to appoint a Republican to the Senate seat, said an appointment decision “will be announced in the near future.”
More
“Thank you for appointing me to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created by John McCain’s death,” Kyl wrote in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to again serve the people of Arizona.
“When I accepted your appointment, I agreed to complete the work of the 115th Congress and then reevaluate continuing to serve. I have concluded that it would be best if I resign so that your new appointee can begin the new term with all other Senators in January 2019 and can serve a full two (potentially four) years,” the outgoing senator continued. “Therefore, I will resign from the U.S. Senate effective 11:59 p.m. EST December 31, 2018.”
Ducey, who is required by law to appoint a Republican to the Senate seat, said an appointment decision “will be announced in the near future.”
More
Saliva Test For Early Detection Of Alzheimer’s Disease Looks Promising
Catching the development of Alzheimer’s disease early on can make a world of difference in helping to treat the devastating condition. Scientists have long sought to find accurate, easier methods of detecting the disease, and now a promising new study shows that a simple saliva test might just do the trick.
Researchers from the University of Alberta say they’ve identified three biomarkers that indicate Alzheimer’s, as well as mild cognitive impairment, a more common condition with minimal impairment compared to Alzheimer’s or dementia. The finding could be groundbreaking should it prove worthy of use in a clinical setting.
“So far, no disease-altering interventions for Alzheimer’s disease have been successful,” says Roger Dixon, a professor in the university’s Department of Psychology, in a news release. “For this reason, researchers are aiming to discover the earliest signals of the disease so that prevention protocols can be implemented.”
More here
Researchers from the University of Alberta say they’ve identified three biomarkers that indicate Alzheimer’s, as well as mild cognitive impairment, a more common condition with minimal impairment compared to Alzheimer’s or dementia. The finding could be groundbreaking should it prove worthy of use in a clinical setting.
“So far, no disease-altering interventions for Alzheimer’s disease have been successful,” says Roger Dixon, a professor in the university’s Department of Psychology, in a news release. “For this reason, researchers are aiming to discover the earliest signals of the disease so that prevention protocols can be implemented.”
More here
November: Foreign Workers See Nearly 5X Job Growth of Americans
Foreign workers saw nearly five times as much job growth as native-born American workers did last month, Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals.
In November 2018, foreign-born worker employment increased 5.1 percent compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile, native-born Americans saw an employment increase of only about 1.2 percent year-to-year, almost five times less job growth as their foreign worker competitors.
The foreign-born workforce — those who are employed and looking for work — also had significantly higher gains than native-born Americans. Last month, the number of foreign-born workers in the labor force increased almost five percent. At the same time, native-born Americans in the labor force increased only 0.66 percent.
The labor force participation rate among foreign-born workers increased 1.2 percent, while the labor force participation rate for native-born Americans increased only 0.2 percent from year-to-year.
More here
In November 2018, foreign-born worker employment increased 5.1 percent compared to the same time last year. Meanwhile, native-born Americans saw an employment increase of only about 1.2 percent year-to-year, almost five times less job growth as their foreign worker competitors.
The foreign-born workforce — those who are employed and looking for work — also had significantly higher gains than native-born Americans. Last month, the number of foreign-born workers in the labor force increased almost five percent. At the same time, native-born Americans in the labor force increased only 0.66 percent.
The labor force participation rate among foreign-born workers increased 1.2 percent, while the labor force participation rate for native-born Americans increased only 0.2 percent from year-to-year.
More here
Egyptian President: Migrants Must ‘Abide by Laws, Customs, and Culture’ of the West
Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has urged migrants to “completely abide by the laws, customs, traditions, and culture” of the countries they move to, or — better yet — to work on making their home countries worth staying in.
“Every country has the right to protect its people and their interests,” the Arab leader told the World Youth Forum in Sharm-el-Sheikh, explaining that Western countries had the right to uphold human rights “in a framework that preserves [their] national interests.”
The former army general told his audience in no uncertain terms: “[I]f you go to another country as a guest, you must completely abide by its laws, customs, traditions and culture. You must abide by them completely. If you are not willing to do this, don’t go” — advice which would have provoked outrage from the left-liberal commentariat had been issued by a Western leader.
More here
“Every country has the right to protect its people and their interests,” the Arab leader told the World Youth Forum in Sharm-el-Sheikh, explaining that Western countries had the right to uphold human rights “in a framework that preserves [their] national interests.”
The former army general told his audience in no uncertain terms: “[I]f you go to another country as a guest, you must completely abide by its laws, customs, traditions and culture. You must abide by them completely. If you are not willing to do this, don’t go” — advice which would have provoked outrage from the left-liberal commentariat had been issued by a Western leader.
More here
Australia to Follow Donald Trump’s Lead with Israel Embassy Move
Australia is ready to follow U.S. President Donald Trump and recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s official capital and move its embassy there.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison expected to announce the historic change Saturday in the face of widespread opposition from the Muslim world.
AFP reports Australian holiday makers heading for nearby Muslim-majority Indonesia have been warned of a possible backlash after the announcement is made and they should “exercise a high degree of caution” while Arab nations are talking of a financial sanctions against Australia.
Mr. Morrison will argue Israel has the right to choose its own capital and peace talks are dead in the water, so there is no real peace to threaten if Australia moves its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
More
Prime Minister Scott Morrison expected to announce the historic change Saturday in the face of widespread opposition from the Muslim world.
AFP reports Australian holiday makers heading for nearby Muslim-majority Indonesia have been warned of a possible backlash after the announcement is made and they should “exercise a high degree of caution” while Arab nations are talking of a financial sanctions against Australia.
Mr. Morrison will argue Israel has the right to choose its own capital and peace talks are dead in the water, so there is no real peace to threaten if Australia moves its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
More
Maine’s 2nd District Recount Proceeding Faster Than Expected
The recount in Maine’s controversial 2nd Congressional District race, where the state’s new “rank voting” system was used for the first time in American history, is proceeding faster than anticipated.
When the secretary of state in Maine, Democrat Matt Dunlap, announced the beginning of the recount last Thursday, his office said it would take about four weeks, putting its completion in January, possibly after the convening of the 116th session of Congress on January 3.
But late Monday, Dunlap’s office announced the recount was proceeding ahead of plan.
“Democratic Secretary of State Matt Dunlap’s spokeswoman said election officials processed about 80,000 ballots as of Monday afternoon,” NECN reported.
More
When the secretary of state in Maine, Democrat Matt Dunlap, announced the beginning of the recount last Thursday, his office said it would take about four weeks, putting its completion in January, possibly after the convening of the 116th session of Congress on January 3.
But late Monday, Dunlap’s office announced the recount was proceeding ahead of plan.
“Democratic Secretary of State Matt Dunlap’s spokeswoman said election officials processed about 80,000 ballots as of Monday afternoon,” NECN reported.
More
The 10 Worst Christmas Songs of All Time
Not many things can get people in the spirit of the holiday season like Christmas music. There’s music for everybody this time of year – from the sacred to the secular, and from the traditional to the ultra-modern.
I’ve always been a fan of Christmas music, and my collection is as eclectic as one could expect. In my opinion, it’s hard to screw up Christmas music. But bad Christmas music does exist, and when Christmas music is bad, it’s awful!
Here are the ten worst examples of Christmas music. I know that even bad Christmas music has its fans, so not everyone is going to agree with my choices. But I think most of you will understand, and some of you might even agree with me.
10. “Merry Christmas Baby,” Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers (and various cover versions)
I’ve always been a fan of Christmas music, and my collection is as eclectic as one could expect. In my opinion, it’s hard to screw up Christmas music. But bad Christmas music does exist, and when Christmas music is bad, it’s awful!
Here are the ten worst examples of Christmas music. I know that even bad Christmas music has its fans, so not everyone is going to agree with my choices. But I think most of you will understand, and some of you might even agree with me.
10. “Merry Christmas Baby,” Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers (and various cover versions)
State Dept. Warns of Rising Extremist Threat in Africa
'It's creeping into places and countries where it has not existed before'
Terrorist groups pose an increasing threat in Africa, according to the top U.S. diplomat there, who testified before a House panel one day before the Trump administration is expected to unveil a new Africa strategy that pivots away from counterterrorism operations.
Tibor Nagy, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Africa, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday the terror threat is particularly pressing in West Africa and the Sahel region, where extremist groups aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda have taken root.
"The terrorist threat is growing, it's becoming much more serious," Nagy told lawmakers. "It's creeping into places and countries where it has not existed before."
Nagy's comments come as the United States moves to deprioritize counterterrorism missions to focus on the mounting threats posed by near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia.
National Security Adviser John Bolton on Thursday is set to outline a new approach to Africa that emphasizes American competition with China and Russia as the top priority in the region rather than combatting terrorist threats, according to NBC. The two U.S. rivals have sought footholds in the region, with China investing billions for projects in Africa and Russia engaging in arms sales with fragile states seeking to combat violent extremism.
The Pentagon has already moved to address this shift, releasing a plan earlier this year that would significantly reduce U.S. Special Operations missions in Africa. The plan, which has yet to be approved, would cut up to 50 percent of the American troops in West Africa over the next three years. Most of the troop drawdowns would impact U.S. missions focused on training African militaries to combat the growing threat from militant groups.
More
Terrorist groups pose an increasing threat in Africa, according to the top U.S. diplomat there, who testified before a House panel one day before the Trump administration is expected to unveil a new Africa strategy that pivots away from counterterrorism operations.
Tibor Nagy, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Africa, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday the terror threat is particularly pressing in West Africa and the Sahel region, where extremist groups aligned with the Islamic State and al Qaeda have taken root.
"The terrorist threat is growing, it's becoming much more serious," Nagy told lawmakers. "It's creeping into places and countries where it has not existed before."
Nagy's comments come as the United States moves to deprioritize counterterrorism missions to focus on the mounting threats posed by near-peer adversaries such as China and Russia.
National Security Adviser John Bolton on Thursday is set to outline a new approach to Africa that emphasizes American competition with China and Russia as the top priority in the region rather than combatting terrorist threats, according to NBC. The two U.S. rivals have sought footholds in the region, with China investing billions for projects in Africa and Russia engaging in arms sales with fragile states seeking to combat violent extremism.
The Pentagon has already moved to address this shift, releasing a plan earlier this year that would significantly reduce U.S. Special Operations missions in Africa. The plan, which has yet to be approved, would cut up to 50 percent of the American troops in West Africa over the next three years. Most of the troop drawdowns would impact U.S. missions focused on training African militaries to combat the growing threat from militant groups.
More
Trump Admin. to Slash Support for UN Peacekeeping Missions in Africa
Trump Admin. to Slash Support for UN Peacekeeping Missions in Africa
The Trump administration plans to significantly cut U.S. support for United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa as part of a broader strategy that seeks to better promote American interests on the continent, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Thursday.
Speaking at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., Bolton criticized "unproductive, unsuccessful, and unaccountable U.N. peacekeeping missions" that often lead to decades of U.N. occupation rather than conflict resolution.
"We will only back effective and efficient operations, and we will seek to streamline, reconfigure, or terminate missions that are unable to meet their own mandate or facilitate lasting peace," Bolton said. "Our objective is to resolve conflicts, not freeze them in perpetuity."
Bolton, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. under the second Bush administration, accused the world body of frequently entering into truces with African governments followed by the deployment of peacekeeping forces without addressing the issues fueling the conflict.
"All too often at the United Nations, establishing the peacekeeping force and deploying it is the end of creative thinking and the mandate [of the mission] is renewed almost automatically," he said. "There needs to be a lot more focus on resolving the underlying conflict, and therefore having success in the peacekeeping mission. Success is not simply continuing the mission ad infinitum."
More
The Trump administration plans to significantly cut U.S. support for United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa as part of a broader strategy that seeks to better promote American interests on the continent, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Thursday.
Speaking at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., Bolton criticized "unproductive, unsuccessful, and unaccountable U.N. peacekeeping missions" that often lead to decades of U.N. occupation rather than conflict resolution.
"We will only back effective and efficient operations, and we will seek to streamline, reconfigure, or terminate missions that are unable to meet their own mandate or facilitate lasting peace," Bolton said. "Our objective is to resolve conflicts, not freeze them in perpetuity."
Bolton, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. under the second Bush administration, accused the world body of frequently entering into truces with African governments followed by the deployment of peacekeeping forces without addressing the issues fueling the conflict.
"All too often at the United Nations, establishing the peacekeeping force and deploying it is the end of creative thinking and the mandate [of the mission] is renewed almost automatically," he said. "There needs to be a lot more focus on resolving the underlying conflict, and therefore having success in the peacekeeping mission. Success is not simply continuing the mission ad infinitum."
More
Maxine Waters' Campaign Debt to Daughter Jumps $90,000
Karen Waters now owed $183,000 more for slate mailer operation
The amount of reported debt owed from Rep. Maxine Waters (D., Calif.) to her daughter for running a lucrative campaign operation shot up $90,000 in a matter of weeks, according to new filings to the Federal Election Commission.
Karen Waters, the daughter of Rep. Waters, is in charge of a slate mailer—or endorsement mailer—operation for her mother's campaign committee that has pulled in generous payments from other political committees.
In order to appear on the mailers, which contain a sample ballot and quote of support from Waters, a politician must pay Waters' campaign from their own committee. Oftentimes these payments range anywhere between $2,000 and $30,000. The mailers are sent to residents in South Central Los Angeles.
The operation has proved profitable for Karen Waters, who has collected $800,000 since 2004 when the Federal Election Commission granted Waters permission to run the mailers from her federal campaign committee. Prior to 2004, Waters ran the slate mailer operation from LA Vote, a state committee in California.
More
The amount of reported debt owed from Rep. Maxine Waters (D., Calif.) to her daughter for running a lucrative campaign operation shot up $90,000 in a matter of weeks, according to new filings to the Federal Election Commission.
Karen Waters, the daughter of Rep. Waters, is in charge of a slate mailer—or endorsement mailer—operation for her mother's campaign committee that has pulled in generous payments from other political committees.
In order to appear on the mailers, which contain a sample ballot and quote of support from Waters, a politician must pay Waters' campaign from their own committee. Oftentimes these payments range anywhere between $2,000 and $30,000. The mailers are sent to residents in South Central Los Angeles.
The operation has proved profitable for Karen Waters, who has collected $800,000 since 2004 when the Federal Election Commission granted Waters permission to run the mailers from her federal campaign committee. Prior to 2004, Waters ran the slate mailer operation from LA Vote, a state committee in California.
More
Iran Promises to Restart Nuclear Work as Tehran Identified as Top Global Threat
U.S. intel: Iran, Russia, China leading cyber charge against U.S.
Senior Iranian leaders on Thursday signaled the country is on the brink of restarting its contested nuclear weapons program, disclosing the Islamic Republic is prepared to restart the full-scale enrichment of uranium, the key component in a nuclear weapon, if it does not continue to receive cash windfalls from European countries still committed to the landmark nuclear agreement.
Iran's warning represents a further escalation of its threats as the U.S. intelligence and security community identified Tehran as one of the top emerging global threats that could shake the international balance and arm the region with nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, according to a new U.S. threat assessment.
Iran's nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, disclosed Thursday that Iran is working to enrich uranium to extreme levels prohibited under the current accord. This work would enable Iran to stockpile large quantities of highly enriched uranium that are required to fuel a nuclear weapon.
"I would like to warn that this is not a bluff; I have kept my word whenever I've said something," Salehi was quoted as saying during a tour of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, a contested military site that still has not be subjected to full international inspections. "Now I'm emphasizing once again that if the establishment wants, we can easily return to the 20-percent enrichment, and meet the country's needs at any level and volume."
More
Senior Iranian leaders on Thursday signaled the country is on the brink of restarting its contested nuclear weapons program, disclosing the Islamic Republic is prepared to restart the full-scale enrichment of uranium, the key component in a nuclear weapon, if it does not continue to receive cash windfalls from European countries still committed to the landmark nuclear agreement.
Iran's warning represents a further escalation of its threats as the U.S. intelligence and security community identified Tehran as one of the top emerging global threats that could shake the international balance and arm the region with nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, according to a new U.S. threat assessment.
Iran's nuclear chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, disclosed Thursday that Iran is working to enrich uranium to extreme levels prohibited under the current accord. This work would enable Iran to stockpile large quantities of highly enriched uranium that are required to fuel a nuclear weapon.
"I would like to warn that this is not a bluff; I have kept my word whenever I've said something," Salehi was quoted as saying during a tour of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, a contested military site that still has not be subjected to full international inspections. "Now I'm emphasizing once again that if the establishment wants, we can easily return to the 20-percent enrichment, and meet the country's needs at any level and volume."
More
Teachers Should Be Armed, Trained Says Florida Commission
Teachers should be armed and trained says a new report published by a Florida commission examining the mass killing at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Under existing law certain staffers, including resource officers, librarians and administrators can carry concealed in schools. By a vote 13 to 1, the commission would like the Legislature to expand that law to cover teachers provided they undergo the required training and pass a background check.
“In the ideal world, we shouldn’t need anyone on campus with a gun, but that’s not the world we live in today,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a member of the commission, told the Sun-Sentinel. “One’s not enough. Two’s not enough. We need multiple people in order to protect the children.”
The commission is composed of law enforcement officers, public officials, and parents of slain students.
The sole dissenting vote against arming teachers came from Max Schacter. The father of one of the Parkland victims, Mr. Schacter said there ought to be alternatives to firearms like hallway smoke cannons that would lower visibility for a would-be killer.
More
Under existing law certain staffers, including resource officers, librarians and administrators can carry concealed in schools. By a vote 13 to 1, the commission would like the Legislature to expand that law to cover teachers provided they undergo the required training and pass a background check.
“In the ideal world, we shouldn’t need anyone on campus with a gun, but that’s not the world we live in today,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a member of the commission, told the Sun-Sentinel. “One’s not enough. Two’s not enough. We need multiple people in order to protect the children.”
The commission is composed of law enforcement officers, public officials, and parents of slain students.
The sole dissenting vote against arming teachers came from Max Schacter. The father of one of the Parkland victims, Mr. Schacter said there ought to be alternatives to firearms like hallway smoke cannons that would lower visibility for a would-be killer.
More
Woman Sues Orchestra For Pay Discrimination. There’s Just One Problem.
The first chair flutist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is suing the organization, claiming she receives $70,000 less than her male counterpart because she is a woman.
Elizabeth Rowe joined the BSO when she was 29 after a blind audition, which,according to The Washington Post involved playing “behind a brown, 33-foot polyester screen” so no one knew her gender or race. Rowe is now 44, and knows that John Ferrillo, a 63-year-old man, makes nearly $70,000 more than her, because his salary was disclosed in a tax filing since the BSO is a nonprofit organization.
More
Elizabeth Rowe joined the BSO when she was 29 after a blind audition, which,according to The Washington Post involved playing “behind a brown, 33-foot polyester screen” so no one knew her gender or race. Rowe is now 44, and knows that John Ferrillo, a 63-year-old man, makes nearly $70,000 more than her, because his salary was disclosed in a tax filing since the BSO is a nonprofit organization.
More
The One Of A Kind Winter Attraction In Delaware You Need To Experience For Yourself
Delaware isn’t exactly known for thrilling amusements and rides… in fact, we don’t even have a true amusement park. Sure, Funland is a blast during the summer, but most of us head to Six Flags Great Adventure when we’re looking for a thrill. While we’ll probably never see something like Kingda Ka built in the First State, it is exciting when something new comes to town. Harrington’s bumper cars on ice are back for the second year in a row, and when it comes to finding something fun to do in Delaware, these can’t be beat!
Millennial congresswoman: I'm 'seriously considering' running in 2020
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, doesn't know what would stop her launching a race for the White House in 2020.
"I'm seriously considering it," the 37-year-old told MSNBC Wednesday when asked directly about her presidential ambitions. "I'm concerned about the direction of our country."
Gabbard, who is among 30 to 40 Democrats weighing whether to campaign for the party's nomination in 2020, didn't say whether there were any obvious impediments to her candidacy.
More
"I'm seriously considering it," the 37-year-old told MSNBC Wednesday when asked directly about her presidential ambitions. "I'm concerned about the direction of our country."
Gabbard, who is among 30 to 40 Democrats weighing whether to campaign for the party's nomination in 2020, didn't say whether there were any obvious impediments to her candidacy.
More
Hanukkah With The Donald
There are those times in one’s public life when the joy of the moment transcends all, to the point where there is nowhere you’d rather be at that time and place.
Such as …
The White House Hanukkah Celebration last Thursday, hosted by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.
To be invited to any White House event, presumably in recognition of one’s devotion to the campaign that brought the candidate to the presidency, is an honor in itself. There is nothing in politics more gratifying than basking in the aura of the very president for whom you played a modest part in his getting there.
Yet taken a step further, to be one of the few Jewish Republicans invited to the White House Hanukkah event emceed by the most pro-Israel president in history is, to borrow from another important world figure, the stuff dreams are made of.
Hanukkah with The Donald. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Maybe at last they recognized my tedious role as the 2016 Massachusetts and New Hampshire Trump Campaign Director for Jewish Outreach, in which it seemed that a third of New Hampshire rabbis told me flat out No, while another third lost my phone number? Or perhaps it’s just because I’m one of only two Jews on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee? (Marty Lamb of Holliston being the other.)
More
Such as …
The White House Hanukkah Celebration last Thursday, hosted by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.
To be invited to any White House event, presumably in recognition of one’s devotion to the campaign that brought the candidate to the presidency, is an honor in itself. There is nothing in politics more gratifying than basking in the aura of the very president for whom you played a modest part in his getting there.
Yet taken a step further, to be one of the few Jewish Republicans invited to the White House Hanukkah event emceed by the most pro-Israel president in history is, to borrow from another important world figure, the stuff dreams are made of.
Hanukkah with The Donald. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Maybe at last they recognized my tedious role as the 2016 Massachusetts and New Hampshire Trump Campaign Director for Jewish Outreach, in which it seemed that a third of New Hampshire rabbis told me flat out No, while another third lost my phone number? Or perhaps it’s just because I’m one of only two Jews on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee? (Marty Lamb of Holliston being the other.)
More
The Fury of the Establishment
Hell may have no fury like a woman scorned, but scorning the Washington Establishment produces even greater anger.
The Establishment's full fury has been unleashed against Donald Trump and is not about to subside until its goal is reached: the removal of the president from office, either through impeachment or defeat in the 2020 election.
If there were more than the kitchen sink to throw at Trump, the Establishment would be throwing it. The latest is the hyping of private money paid to two women by Trump's disgraced lawyer, Michael Cohen. The women claim it was money to keep them quiet over alleged affairs with him.
Behavior that was tolerated, or overlooked, by previous presidents is now grounds for indictment and impeachment, says the Establishment. Members of Congress who claim Trump violated campaign finance laws by making personal payments to these women are mostly silent about a $17 million congressional fund out of which have come payments in unknown amounts to settle sexual harassment cases. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) used "office money" (translation, taxpayer dollars) to settle a sexual harassment case against him. He was eventually forced to resign.
More
The Establishment's full fury has been unleashed against Donald Trump and is not about to subside until its goal is reached: the removal of the president from office, either through impeachment or defeat in the 2020 election.
If there were more than the kitchen sink to throw at Trump, the Establishment would be throwing it. The latest is the hyping of private money paid to two women by Trump's disgraced lawyer, Michael Cohen. The women claim it was money to keep them quiet over alleged affairs with him.
Behavior that was tolerated, or overlooked, by previous presidents is now grounds for indictment and impeachment, says the Establishment. Members of Congress who claim Trump violated campaign finance laws by making personal payments to these women are mostly silent about a $17 million congressional fund out of which have come payments in unknown amounts to settle sexual harassment cases. Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) used "office money" (translation, taxpayer dollars) to settle a sexual harassment case against him. He was eventually forced to resign.
More
Fire Chief Wins $1.2 Million Case Against Atlanta for Firing Him for Religious Beliefs
Kelvin Cochran grew up in Louisiana with one goal in life: to become a firefighter. He realized that dream in 1981 in his native Shreveport. He rose through the ranks, and in 1999 became the fire chief there, the first African-American to serve in that capacity. In 2008, he was appointed fire chief for the city of Atlanta, and a year later President Barack Obama tapped him for the position of U.S. fire administrator. In 2010, Mayor Kasim Reed encouraged him to come back to Atlanta and re-assume his position as fire chief, which he did.
In January 2015, Kelvin Cochran was fired.
His crime? As a deacon at his Baptist church, he led a men’s Bible study, and he turned his notes for that Bible study into a book titled Who Told You That You Were Naked?, referring to Adam’s encounter with God in Genesis. The book is aimed at men trying to live a Christian life. In the 162-page book, there is one chapter in which Cochran writes about the Christian principle that sex is reserved exclusively for marriage, the union of one man and one woman, and that any other types of sexual activity are not in concert with God’s plan for human beings. When that became publicized — 10 months after Cochran gave a copy of his book to the mayor — Mayor Reed suspended Cochran for 30 days and ordered an internal investigation.
The results of the investigation were that Mr. Cochran had shown no disrespectful or discriminatory behavior against homosexuals — or against anyone else, for that matter.
No matter! On January 6, 2015, Cochran was told by the authorities of the city of Atlanta that he would have to resign or be terminated. He refused to resign and was fired.
More
In January 2015, Kelvin Cochran was fired.
His crime? As a deacon at his Baptist church, he led a men’s Bible study, and he turned his notes for that Bible study into a book titled Who Told You That You Were Naked?, referring to Adam’s encounter with God in Genesis. The book is aimed at men trying to live a Christian life. In the 162-page book, there is one chapter in which Cochran writes about the Christian principle that sex is reserved exclusively for marriage, the union of one man and one woman, and that any other types of sexual activity are not in concert with God’s plan for human beings. When that became publicized — 10 months after Cochran gave a copy of his book to the mayor — Mayor Reed suspended Cochran for 30 days and ordered an internal investigation.
The results of the investigation were that Mr. Cochran had shown no disrespectful or discriminatory behavior against homosexuals — or against anyone else, for that matter.
No matter! On January 6, 2015, Cochran was told by the authorities of the city of Atlanta that he would have to resign or be terminated. He refused to resign and was fired.
More
Parents Who Come To Pick Up Kids at YMCA Reeking of Marijuana
Parents and other adults dropping off and picking up kids at the YMCA of Greater Springfield are arriving smelling like weed, a Y official says.
Recreational marijuana became legal in Massachusetts in December 2016, but the first recreational marijuana shops began opening only recently.
“Staff at the YMCA of Greater Springfield have smelled some of you out and have been instructed to document instances of anyone suspected of being under the influence,” says a notice posted recently at Y locations in the western Massachusetts city. “While marijuana is now legal in Massachusetts, caring for children while under the influence can be considered neglect especially when operating a motor vehicle. What you do on your leisure time is none of our concern. However, when your habit follows you into our facility it raises concerns about you being under the influence.”
More
Recreational marijuana became legal in Massachusetts in December 2016, but the first recreational marijuana shops began opening only recently.
“Staff at the YMCA of Greater Springfield have smelled some of you out and have been instructed to document instances of anyone suspected of being under the influence,” says a notice posted recently at Y locations in the western Massachusetts city. “While marijuana is now legal in Massachusetts, caring for children while under the influence can be considered neglect especially when operating a motor vehicle. What you do on your leisure time is none of our concern. However, when your habit follows you into our facility it raises concerns about you being under the influence.”
More
Study: Seniors Who Have Sex Regularly Are More Content
Even in our senior years, having sex regularly — or even just fooling around — can significantly improve well-being and contentment in life, a new study finds.
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University and University College London found seniors who reported any type of sexual activity within the previous 12 months felt greater levels of enjoyment and satisfaction in their lives compared to sexually inactive individuals. Results were based on survey data from 6,879 participants in England who were 65 years old, on average.
“The findings of our study suggest that it may be beneficial for physicians to query geriatric patients about their sexual activity and offer help for sexual difficulties, such as problems with erections, as sexual activity helps older people live more fulfilling lives,” says Dr. Lee Smith, a reader in exercise medicine at Anglia Ruskin, in a media release.
Smith, along with co-author Sarah Jackson, found there were differences for men and women based on the type of sexual activity. Older women may improve their well-being more from intimate touching than from having sex. Specifically, women who reported a greater frequency of kissing, petting, and fondling felt more satisfied in their lives. They also felt emotionally closer to their partner during sex, but intercourse did not significantly improve their overall levels of enjoyment or satisfaction in life.
Conversely, older men who were happy with their sex lives and had intercourse more frequently reported greater enjoyment in life overall.
More here
Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University and University College London found seniors who reported any type of sexual activity within the previous 12 months felt greater levels of enjoyment and satisfaction in their lives compared to sexually inactive individuals. Results were based on survey data from 6,879 participants in England who were 65 years old, on average.
“The findings of our study suggest that it may be beneficial for physicians to query geriatric patients about their sexual activity and offer help for sexual difficulties, such as problems with erections, as sexual activity helps older people live more fulfilling lives,” says Dr. Lee Smith, a reader in exercise medicine at Anglia Ruskin, in a media release.
Smith, along with co-author Sarah Jackson, found there were differences for men and women based on the type of sexual activity. Older women may improve their well-being more from intimate touching than from having sex. Specifically, women who reported a greater frequency of kissing, petting, and fondling felt more satisfied in their lives. They also felt emotionally closer to their partner during sex, but intercourse did not significantly improve their overall levels of enjoyment or satisfaction in life.
Conversely, older men who were happy with their sex lives and had intercourse more frequently reported greater enjoyment in life overall.
More here
No more taxpayer dollars for sexual harassment settlements? New measure would make lawmakers foot the bill
Members of Congress accused of sexual misconduct may have to start footing the bill themselves for settlements and court judgments.
While the law currently requires taxpayer dollars to fund settlements, a bipartisan agreement has been reached in the House and the Senate over a measure aimed at curbing sexual misconduct that would hold the lawmakers liable for harassment and retaliation settlements. Members would not be held liable for discrimination settlements, though.
The House passed the legislation earlier this year, and the Senate is poised the pass the compromise measure during this Congress. The legislation is then expected to be sent back to the House as an independent measure.
More
While the law currently requires taxpayer dollars to fund settlements, a bipartisan agreement has been reached in the House and the Senate over a measure aimed at curbing sexual misconduct that would hold the lawmakers liable for harassment and retaliation settlements. Members would not be held liable for discrimination settlements, though.
The House passed the legislation earlier this year, and the Senate is poised the pass the compromise measure during this Congress. The legislation is then expected to be sent back to the House as an independent measure.
More
Judicial Watch: Documents Reveal Obama State Department Urgently Provided Classified ‘Russiagate’ Documents to Multiple Senators Immediately Ahead of Trump Inauguration
Judicial Watch has released two sets of heavily redacted State Department documents, 38 pages and 48 pages, showing classified information was researched and disseminated to multiple U.S. Senators by the Obama administration immediately prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The documents reveal that among those receiving the classified documents were Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Sen. Robert Corker (R-TN).
Judicial Watch obtained the documents through a June 2018 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed against the State Department after it failed to respond to a February 2018 request seeking records of the Obama State Department’s last-minute efforts to share classified information about Russia election interference issues with Democratic Senator Ben Cardin (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:18-cv-01381)).
The documents reveal the Obama State Department urgently gathering classified Russia investigation information and disseminating it to members of Congress within hours of Donald Trump taking office.
In a Thursday, January 5, 2017, email chain then-State Department Congressional Advisor Hera Abassi indicates that then-Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland’s bureau was attempting to get Russian investigation related documents to the office of Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) office as quickly as possible. (In June 2016 Nuland permitted a meeting between Steele and the FBI’s legal attaché in Rome. Nuland told CBS News that the State Department knew about the Steele dossier by July 2016.)
In the email, with the subject line “For Immediate Review – Call Sheet for S Call with Senator Warner,” Abassi writes:
“I told Cardin’s folks … that the process is long. Can we ensure that there are no holdups on our end?”
Minutes later, Abassi confirms that Nuland was fully aware of the information that the State Department was providing to members of Congress alleging Russia interference information:
“This is definitely on EUR A/S radar!”
Leaving no doubt that the State Department officials knew they were transmitting classified information, in a Wednesday, January 18, 2017, email with the subject line “Cables/M,” Former Foreign Service Officer Kerem Bilge writes to State Department Congressional advisor Hilary Johnson and others: “Highest class is SECRET/NOFORN.”
More here
Judicial Watch obtained the documents through a June 2018 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed against the State Department after it failed to respond to a February 2018 request seeking records of the Obama State Department’s last-minute efforts to share classified information about Russia election interference issues with Democratic Senator Ben Cardin (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State (No. 1:18-cv-01381)).
The documents reveal the Obama State Department urgently gathering classified Russia investigation information and disseminating it to members of Congress within hours of Donald Trump taking office.
In a Thursday, January 5, 2017, email chain then-State Department Congressional Advisor Hera Abassi indicates that then-Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland’s bureau was attempting to get Russian investigation related documents to the office of Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) office as quickly as possible. (In June 2016 Nuland permitted a meeting between Steele and the FBI’s legal attaché in Rome. Nuland told CBS News that the State Department knew about the Steele dossier by July 2016.)
In the email, with the subject line “For Immediate Review – Call Sheet for S Call with Senator Warner,” Abassi writes:
“I told Cardin’s folks … that the process is long. Can we ensure that there are no holdups on our end?”
Minutes later, Abassi confirms that Nuland was fully aware of the information that the State Department was providing to members of Congress alleging Russia interference information:
“This is definitely on EUR A/S radar!”
Leaving no doubt that the State Department officials knew they were transmitting classified information, in a Wednesday, January 18, 2017, email with the subject line “Cables/M,” Former Foreign Service Officer Kerem Bilge writes to State Department Congressional advisor Hilary Johnson and others: “Highest class is SECRET/NOFORN.”
More here
Divided Council Votes Against Cell Towers Near Homes, But Company Could Move Forward Anyway
As far back as 2015, private sector company Crown Castle announced a proposal to install as many as 90 Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), essentially cell phone towers, at locations throughout Ocean City including many of the resort’s residential neighborhoods. The towers would range from about 18 feet to as high as 38 feet and are needed to expand bandwidth and improve Internet accessibility in the densely populated resort, particularly during the summer.
In the years since, Crown Castle has installed dozens of the towers in different locations around the downtown areas and along the Boardwalk. For the most part, the company has worked closely with the town to locate the towers in areas deemed least intrusive to residents and visitors and careful decisions on design and color schemes have largely resulted in the towers blending easily into the landscape.
More
Subject: Mueller Team Scrubbed Peter Strzok’s Texts Before Giving Phone to Inspector General
On Thursday, the Justice Department’s inspector general released a report stating thousands of text messages exchanged between Strzok and FBI attorney Lisa Page could not be recovered after Mueller’s team wiped clean the phones it had issued them.
So Mueller's team wiped ALL of the data off of Peter Strzok's iPhone after determining "it contained no substantive text messages." Given what we know about Strzok, this smells like quite the coverup. Time for Congress to step in?https://t.co/mOgpBbDVO4 pic.twitter.com/9w2mEPK64C
— Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) December 13, 2018
“SCO’s Records Officer told the OIG that as part of the office’s records retention procedure, the officer reviewed Strzok’s DOJ issued iPhone after he returned it to the SCO and determined it contained no substantive text messages,” the watchdog report reads. As Conservative Review national security reporter Jordan Schachtel first discovered, the OIG said Strzok’s cell phone was “reset to factory settings,” deleting all data stored on the device.
More here
Ocean City Not Concerned About ‘Faith-Based Decorations’ After Nativity Scene Removed In Rehoboth
OCEAN CITY — After a major dust-up in Rehoboth Beach this week over the positioning of a nativity scene on town-owned property, a closer look at the hundreds of holiday displays in Ocean City revealed the number of faith-based displays included is fairly underwhelming.
Last week, St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach placed a nativity scene on town-owned property near the bandstand at the Boardwalk on behalf of a local Kiwanis charity. City officials then ordered the faith-based symbol of the Christmas season to be removed from town property.
City officials have said it is more appropriate for the nativity scene to be placed on church property, or at least on private property. In the interim, a dozen or so businesses have offered to place the nativity scene on their own property.
The backlash from the decision to remove the nativity scene from town property was palpable and grew all last weekend and spilled over into this week. In an era of hypersensitivity and political correctness run amok, the residents and visitors of Rehoboth Beach along with its business community and local government were clearly divided over the issue that continued to simmer late this week.
More
Last week, St. Edmond’s Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach placed a nativity scene on town-owned property near the bandstand at the Boardwalk on behalf of a local Kiwanis charity. City officials then ordered the faith-based symbol of the Christmas season to be removed from town property.
City officials have said it is more appropriate for the nativity scene to be placed on church property, or at least on private property. In the interim, a dozen or so businesses have offered to place the nativity scene on their own property.
The backlash from the decision to remove the nativity scene from town property was palpable and grew all last weekend and spilled over into this week. In an era of hypersensitivity and political correctness run amok, the residents and visitors of Rehoboth Beach along with its business community and local government were clearly divided over the issue that continued to simmer late this week.
More
Pierce College Student Wins ‘Free Speech Zone’ Lawsuit Against School
Pierce College has been forced to abandon its “free speech zone” policy after losing a lawsuit that was sparked after a student was told he couldn’t hand out copies of the Constitution on campus.
In November 2016, Pierce College student Kevin Shaw was told that he was not permitted to hand out copies of the U.S. Constitution on campus. Shaw was told that he would only be permitted to hand out copies of the Constitution inside the campus’ tiny “free speech zone,” a 616-square foot area which makes up only .003 percent of the total area of the campus.
FIRE Director of Litigation Marieke Tuthill Beck-Coon said that Shaw has been fighting for his First Amendment rights ever since they told him he was not permitted to hand out copies of the Constitution in the center of campus. “More than two years ago, administrators wrongly told Kevin he was not allowed to hand out copies of the U.S. Constitution in the center of his public college campus,” she said. “He’s been standing up for his First Amendment rights every day since, and in the process has vindicated the rights of every student in the district.”
This week, the Los Angeles Community College District, which oversees Pierce College, agreed to withdraw the unconstitutional “free speech zone” policy at all of its campuses.
More
In November 2016, Pierce College student Kevin Shaw was told that he was not permitted to hand out copies of the U.S. Constitution on campus. Shaw was told that he would only be permitted to hand out copies of the Constitution inside the campus’ tiny “free speech zone,” a 616-square foot area which makes up only .003 percent of the total area of the campus.
FIRE Director of Litigation Marieke Tuthill Beck-Coon said that Shaw has been fighting for his First Amendment rights ever since they told him he was not permitted to hand out copies of the Constitution in the center of campus. “More than two years ago, administrators wrongly told Kevin he was not allowed to hand out copies of the U.S. Constitution in the center of his public college campus,” she said. “He’s been standing up for his First Amendment rights every day since, and in the process has vindicated the rights of every student in the district.”
This week, the Los Angeles Community College District, which oversees Pierce College, agreed to withdraw the unconstitutional “free speech zone” policy at all of its campuses.
More
Woman Awaits Sentence In Church Embezzlement
SNOW HILL — A local woman is awaiting her fate pending a pre-sentence investigation this week after entering a plea to multiple counts of theft and embezzlement from an Ocean City church where she worked.
Teresa Kolacz, 51, of Berlin, was charged in July with embezzlement and theft after an investigation revealed she allegedly absconded with over $100,000 from the St. George Green Orthodox Church in Ocean City over a two-year period dating back to April 2016. Last week, Kolacz entered an Alford plea to theft over $100,000. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges the state has enough evidence to prosecute the case.
Kolacz also entered guilty pleas to embezzlement and forgery. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing has been set for February 1. Last month, Kolacz was ordered to pay $81,257 in restitution to the church at the conclusion of a civil suit filed against her by the victim.
More
Teresa Kolacz, 51, of Berlin, was charged in July with embezzlement and theft after an investigation revealed she allegedly absconded with over $100,000 from the St. George Green Orthodox Church in Ocean City over a two-year period dating back to April 2016. Last week, Kolacz entered an Alford plea to theft over $100,000. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges the state has enough evidence to prosecute the case.
Kolacz also entered guilty pleas to embezzlement and forgery. A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and sentencing has been set for February 1. Last month, Kolacz was ordered to pay $81,257 in restitution to the church at the conclusion of a civil suit filed against her by the victim.
More
TABLES TURNED: Judge Orders Special Counsel Robert Mueller To Hand Over Documents
In a new twist, a U.S. District Court judge has ordered special counsel Robert Mueller to hand over all secret documents related to the questioning of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
Flynn's legal team claims the Federal Bureau of Investigation urged the retired United States Army lieutenant general not to bring a lawyer to an interview with agents at the White House in January 2017. Flynn has since pleaded guilty to one count of lying to prosecutors and is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday.
U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on Wednesday ordered Mueller to turn over all documents and "memoranda" related to Flynn's questioning by 3 p.m. Friday. Sullivan is the same judge who overturned a 2008 conviction of former Sen. Ted Stevens after government misconduct was revealed.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe set up the White House interview with Flynn, suggesting he not have a lawyer present. "I explained that I thought the quickest way to get this done was to have a conversation between [Flynn] and the agents only," McCabe wrote, according to newly filed court documents.
"I further stated that if LTG Flynn wished to include anyone else in the meeting, like the White House counsel for instance, that I would need to involve the Department of Justice. [Flynn] stated that this would not be necessary and agreed to meet with the agents without any additional participants."
More
Flynn's legal team claims the Federal Bureau of Investigation urged the retired United States Army lieutenant general not to bring a lawyer to an interview with agents at the White House in January 2017. Flynn has since pleaded guilty to one count of lying to prosecutors and is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday.
U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan on Wednesday ordered Mueller to turn over all documents and "memoranda" related to Flynn's questioning by 3 p.m. Friday. Sullivan is the same judge who overturned a 2008 conviction of former Sen. Ted Stevens after government misconduct was revealed.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe set up the White House interview with Flynn, suggesting he not have a lawyer present. "I explained that I thought the quickest way to get this done was to have a conversation between [Flynn] and the agents only," McCabe wrote, according to newly filed court documents.
"I further stated that if LTG Flynn wished to include anyone else in the meeting, like the White House counsel for instance, that I would need to involve the Department of Justice. [Flynn] stated that this would not be necessary and agreed to meet with the agents without any additional participants."
More
Vermont Woman Uses Her Son's Obituary To Push Gun Control
There are some things that are truly tasteless. Quinoa is the least of these.
For example, you could take your son’s obituary, a young man who took his own life, to advocate for gun control rather than think about all the things that went wrong long before he went to purchase a firearm. After all, that’s what one Vermont woman did.
Alyssa Black did not expect her son’s obituary to receive attention beyond his loved ones.
“None of this was our intention,” she said of the obituary, which sparked intense conversations around gun control.
Andrew Black, who died by suicide on Dec. 6, purchased a firearm and used it to take his own life within a few hours, according to his father. The obituary ended with a request: For those who feel compelled, lobby for a wait period in between the purchase and possession of a firearm to honor Andrew’s memory.
Vermont currently has no wait period.
“We know how our son died and why”
Alyssa thought that only family and friends would see the obituary. When it came time to write Andrew’s, she said the call to lobby for a waiting period was intended for people who believe in the cause themselves.
But the family was not intentionally trying to reach gun supporters.
“We were just trying to reach people like us,” she said.
She acknowledged a waiting period would not guarantee her son would still be alive, “but there is a possibility it could have.”
More
For example, you could take your son’s obituary, a young man who took his own life, to advocate for gun control rather than think about all the things that went wrong long before he went to purchase a firearm. After all, that’s what one Vermont woman did.
Alyssa Black did not expect her son’s obituary to receive attention beyond his loved ones.
“None of this was our intention,” she said of the obituary, which sparked intense conversations around gun control.
Andrew Black, who died by suicide on Dec. 6, purchased a firearm and used it to take his own life within a few hours, according to his father. The obituary ended with a request: For those who feel compelled, lobby for a wait period in between the purchase and possession of a firearm to honor Andrew’s memory.
Vermont currently has no wait period.
“We know how our son died and why”
Alyssa thought that only family and friends would see the obituary. When it came time to write Andrew’s, she said the call to lobby for a waiting period was intended for people who believe in the cause themselves.
But the family was not intentionally trying to reach gun supporters.
“We were just trying to reach people like us,” she said.
She acknowledged a waiting period would not guarantee her son would still be alive, “but there is a possibility it could have.”
More
Chinese Oil Tycoon Linked to Biden Family Headed for Legal Crash
The New York Times on Wednesday chronicled the meteoric rise and equally precipitous downfall of Chinese oil tycoon Ye Jianming. The “People’s Liberation Army princeling” rolled into Washington as a shining example of a booming economy but now sits in an unknown Chinese prison cell while his empire collapses and his underlings face charges in U.S. federal court.
The Times was particularly interested in Ye’s courtship of former Vice President Joe Biden and his family. Biden’s Chinese relationships were first discussed in Breitbart News Senior Editor-at-Large Peter Schweizer’s bestselling book Secret Empires: How the American Political Class Hides Corruption and Enriches Family and Friends. The Ye saga could prove troubling to Biden if he makes a run at the White House in 2020 and will likely play a role in the endgame of current President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.
As the New York Times described at length, Ye was a high-flying oilman who “ventured to places only the most politically connected Chinese companies dared to go,” meaning hotspots like North Korea and African conflict zones. He assiduously cultivated American political influence during the Obama administration, having launched his CEFC China Energy conglomerate in 2006.
More
The Times was particularly interested in Ye’s courtship of former Vice President Joe Biden and his family. Biden’s Chinese relationships were first discussed in Breitbart News Senior Editor-at-Large Peter Schweizer’s bestselling book Secret Empires: How the American Political Class Hides Corruption and Enriches Family and Friends. The Ye saga could prove troubling to Biden if he makes a run at the White House in 2020 and will likely play a role in the endgame of current President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.
As the New York Times described at length, Ye was a high-flying oilman who “ventured to places only the most politically connected Chinese companies dared to go,” meaning hotspots like North Korea and African conflict zones. He assiduously cultivated American political influence during the Obama administration, having launched his CEFC China Energy conglomerate in 2006.
More
Don’t Underestimate Dumb Voters’ Appetite For Idiot Leftist Politicians
You should not for a moment fail to appreciate the risk posed to your freedom by left-wing It-Fascists like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Beto O’Rourke. There’s an undeniable appeal of this kind of Potemkin Politician for the kind of morons that the Democrats count on at the ballot box. Sure, the Nitwit Naïf is ridiculously ignorant and dumb – she knows nothing and demonstrates no capacity to learn anything. Sure, Tex Kennedy is a meat puppet dancing on the strings held by his masters. But this is the same country where the voters elected Barack Obama, twice.
They can absolutely win power, which means the leftist elite that controls them could win power, and that means disaster for our country. Like an our-country-splitting-apart kind of disaster. So, we need to accurately assess the threat they pose and figure out how to fight it. We need to not fool ourselves into thinking that these two dorks are too goofy for the voters to ever elect, particularly if someFredocon doofus whose dad used to be a mailman tries to play spoiler.
Remember that a plurality of the voters voted for Felonia Milhous von Pantsuit; the Electoral College is not going to save our freedom forever. We need to get woke to the threat and act accordingly.
More
They can absolutely win power, which means the leftist elite that controls them could win power, and that means disaster for our country. Like an our-country-splitting-apart kind of disaster. So, we need to accurately assess the threat they pose and figure out how to fight it. We need to not fool ourselves into thinking that these two dorks are too goofy for the voters to ever elect, particularly if someFredocon doofus whose dad used to be a mailman tries to play spoiler.
Remember that a plurality of the voters voted for Felonia Milhous von Pantsuit; the Electoral College is not going to save our freedom forever. We need to get woke to the threat and act accordingly.
More
Federal judge rules Obamacare unconstitutional
A judge has ruled that Obamacare is unconstitutional, putting the future of the federal healthcare law in jeopardy.
The decision came Friday, just a day ahead of when open enrollment for Obamacare's marketplaces are set to close across most of the U.S.
The case, which was argued Sept. 5, is likely to face an appeal. The decision was issued by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in the Northern District of Texas, an appointee of former President George W. Bush.
Texas v. Azar was filed by 20 Republican state officials, who have asked that all of Obamacare be thrown out as a consequence of the new tax law, which zeroed out a penalty on the uninsured. The officials argued that the fine was central to making the rest of the law work, and that without it, the rest should crumble.
O'Connor appeared to sympathize with this argument in his opinion.
The Department of Justice joined the lawsuit but asked specifically that the rules on pre-existing illnesses be struck down. These rules prohibit health insurance companies from turning away sick customers, from charging them more for their illness, or from refusing to cover medical services associated with managing their condition.
Justice Department attorney Brett Schumate had asked that any changes to Obamacare by the court be delayed until 2020 given that the rates for next year are already set.
More
The decision came Friday, just a day ahead of when open enrollment for Obamacare's marketplaces are set to close across most of the U.S.
The case, which was argued Sept. 5, is likely to face an appeal. The decision was issued by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in the Northern District of Texas, an appointee of former President George W. Bush.
Texas v. Azar was filed by 20 Republican state officials, who have asked that all of Obamacare be thrown out as a consequence of the new tax law, which zeroed out a penalty on the uninsured. The officials argued that the fine was central to making the rest of the law work, and that without it, the rest should crumble.
O'Connor appeared to sympathize with this argument in his opinion.
The Department of Justice joined the lawsuit but asked specifically that the rules on pre-existing illnesses be struck down. These rules prohibit health insurance companies from turning away sick customers, from charging them more for their illness, or from refusing to cover medical services associated with managing their condition.
Justice Department attorney Brett Schumate had asked that any changes to Obamacare by the court be delayed until 2020 given that the rates for next year are already set.
More
Pelosi tells the media to cool it with the Trump allegations
Presumptive House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has a message for the press: Take your obsession with Trump-related allegations down a notch. Or five.
And to think: Just two days earlier national newsrooms, including CNN and MSNBC, were hailing the California Democrat as a conquering #Resistance hero. Is there anything more tragic than unrequited love?
Pelosi’s advice to the press Thursday came after CNN’s chief White House correspondent asked the California congresswoman about “ Trump being implicated in crimes.”
“I wish that the press would spend a lot more time on what we need to do here to meet the needs of the American people instead of morning, noon, and night allegations against the president,” Pelosi told CNN’s Manu Raju the day after she all but assured she would be the next House speaker. “The Justice Department, the Mueller investigation, they’ll work their will but there are other things going on that are newsworthy.”
She added, “I think you’d have more viewers and readers if you address concerns that people have rather than just this ongoing, ongoing coverage of what’s current with the president from one day to the next.”
More
And to think: Just two days earlier national newsrooms, including CNN and MSNBC, were hailing the California Democrat as a conquering #Resistance hero. Is there anything more tragic than unrequited love?
Pelosi’s advice to the press Thursday came after CNN’s chief White House correspondent asked the California congresswoman about “ Trump being implicated in crimes.”
“I wish that the press would spend a lot more time on what we need to do here to meet the needs of the American people instead of morning, noon, and night allegations against the president,” Pelosi told CNN’s Manu Raju the day after she all but assured she would be the next House speaker. “The Justice Department, the Mueller investigation, they’ll work their will but there are other things going on that are newsworthy.”
She added, “I think you’d have more viewers and readers if you address concerns that people have rather than just this ongoing, ongoing coverage of what’s current with the president from one day to the next.”
More
Google CEO Exposes Shocking "Full Extent" Of Russian Meddling In 2016
Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that the “full extent” of so-called Russian meddling activity that took place on the platform during all of 2016 was $4,700 spent on some digital advertisements.
"Does Google now know the full extent to which its online platforms were exploited by Russian actors in the election two years ago?" Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, asked the search engine's chief executive during Tuesday's hearing.
"We have - we undertook a very thorough investigation, and, in 2016, we now know that there were two main ad accounts linked to Russia which advertised on Google for about $4,700 in advertising," Pichai responded.
"A total of $4,700?" Nadler asked to confirm.
"That's right," the Google executive replied.
More
"Does Google now know the full extent to which its online platforms were exploited by Russian actors in the election two years ago?" Rep. Jerry Nadler, a Democrat from New York and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, asked the search engine's chief executive during Tuesday's hearing.
"We have - we undertook a very thorough investigation, and, in 2016, we now know that there were two main ad accounts linked to Russia which advertised on Google for about $4,700 in advertising," Pichai responded.
"A total of $4,700?" Nadler asked to confirm.
"That's right," the Google executive replied.
More
Special Counsel Investigation Has Cost Taxpayers $25.2 Million
Mueller spends $8.4 million more in 5 months
The special counsel investigation into the 2016 election has cost taxpayers over $25 million and counting.
Robert Mueller's office released its latest expenditures spanning from April 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2018, finding the special counsel racked up over $8.4 million in five months.
The statement of expenditures reveals Mueller and his team of lawyers cost over $4.5 million for salaries and rent, and an additional $3.9 million in resources from the Department of Justice.
Personnel compensation and benefits cost taxpayers $2,886,270, including $1 million for special counsel office employees, and $1.9 million for Department of Justice employees who have been detailed to the investigation.
More
The special counsel investigation into the 2016 election has cost taxpayers over $25 million and counting.
Robert Mueller's office released its latest expenditures spanning from April 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2018, finding the special counsel racked up over $8.4 million in five months.
The statement of expenditures reveals Mueller and his team of lawyers cost over $4.5 million for salaries and rent, and an additional $3.9 million in resources from the Department of Justice.
Personnel compensation and benefits cost taxpayers $2,886,270, including $1 million for special counsel office employees, and $1.9 million for Department of Justice employees who have been detailed to the investigation.
More
2020: Dems Jab Kamala Harris: ‘Very Hillary-Like’
Some Democrats angling to work for Sen. Kamala Harris’s (D-CA) potential 2020 primary opponents may try to argue that Harris is like Hillary Clinton and will be unable to emotionally connect with voters to win the White House.
A Thursday afternoon Vanity Fair piece details how Harris has not been fully defined by “identity politics” and will have to navigate the “complicated currents of identity politics, while not being defined by them” in a potential presidential campaign.
The outlet notes that at the most recent Netroots Nation conference, Harris did say she had a problem with “identity politics” being used as a “pejorative.”
More
A Thursday afternoon Vanity Fair piece details how Harris has not been fully defined by “identity politics” and will have to navigate the “complicated currents of identity politics, while not being defined by them” in a potential presidential campaign.
The outlet notes that at the most recent Netroots Nation conference, Harris did say she had a problem with “identity politics” being used as a “pejorative.”
More
Baltimore County Spends $147 Million On School Laptops; Four Years Later Test Scores Still Terrible
Alas, the ambitious plan has failed to translate to an increase in achievement - as test scores are generally flat for students in grades three through eight, according to the Sun, which notes that many of those students have had the computers for at least three years.
Absent across-the-board increases in student achievement, some parents and teachers are questioning whether the computers are worth the investment. -Baltimore Sun
"These devices do not seem to be improving my kids’ school experience," said parent Suzanne Persaud - whose three middle and high school boys have had access to the laptops. The school system is "giving them the hardware," said Persaud, "but not the courses to advance beyond the devices."
More
An evaluation of the program by Johns Hopkins researchers found that third-grade results at 10 schools that have had laptops longest have shown some increase over four years, but it’s too soon to say if that will continue.
“The impacts of the [laptop program] on student achievement remain encouraging, but still indeterminate given the still relatively short duration of the initiative,” the report said.
“The impacts of the [laptop program] on student achievement remain encouraging, but still indeterminate given the still relatively short duration of the initiative,” the report said.
Absent across-the-board increases in student achievement, some parents and teachers are questioning whether the computers are worth the investment. -Baltimore Sun
"These devices do not seem to be improving my kids’ school experience," said parent Suzanne Persaud - whose three middle and high school boys have had access to the laptops. The school system is "giving them the hardware," said Persaud, "but not the courses to advance beyond the devices."
More
That Oval Office sit-down? Pelosi and Schumer got skunked.
There are thousands of families in the U.S. who have lost children and family members to illegal aliens in a variety of horrific ways. In that sure-to-go-down-in-history Oval Office confab, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer effectively let us know that they don't care about us or our losses. They need Democrat voters; that is their abiding goal.
The theatrics in the Oval Office on Tuesday morning were just that: great theater. Trump always steps ahead of his opponents, and he set up Schumer and Pelosi. He began his discussion with the press in the room. Pelosi came in spouting "transparency" but could not wait to get the media out. Trump saw to it that each of them revealed their preference for illegal aliens over American citizens. It was delicious, gratifying.
The Democrats pretend to be so compassionate, but in fact, they are hardcore pols. They do not give a moment's thought to the consequences of our cities being flooded with illegal migrants or how they affect Americans who do not live in gated communities or behind the walls like the ones that surround their homes. They offer no solutions beyond another "continuing resolution." Their "we are the good guys" act was exposed for all to see. Those two, Pelosi and Schumer, are hateful, power-mad reprobates who will do and say anything to win, to be on top. They want to let millions of third-world refugees into the U.S. in order to defeat Republicans. That's their plan, and they are sticking to it.
More
The theatrics in the Oval Office on Tuesday morning were just that: great theater. Trump always steps ahead of his opponents, and he set up Schumer and Pelosi. He began his discussion with the press in the room. Pelosi came in spouting "transparency" but could not wait to get the media out. Trump saw to it that each of them revealed their preference for illegal aliens over American citizens. It was delicious, gratifying.
The Democrats pretend to be so compassionate, but in fact, they are hardcore pols. They do not give a moment's thought to the consequences of our cities being flooded with illegal migrants or how they affect Americans who do not live in gated communities or behind the walls like the ones that surround their homes. They offer no solutions beyond another "continuing resolution." Their "we are the good guys" act was exposed for all to see. Those two, Pelosi and Schumer, are hateful, power-mad reprobates who will do and say anything to win, to be on top. They want to let millions of third-world refugees into the U.S. in order to defeat Republicans. That's their plan, and they are sticking to it.
More
Georgia officer shot, killed during traffic stop, K-9 critically wounded, police say
A police officer in DeKalb County, Georgia, was fatally shot during a traffic stop Thursday, officials said.
The deadly incident occurred after the officer attempted to stop a vehicle. The operator got out of the car and ran, DeKalb County Police Chief James Conroy told reporters, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. A foot chase ultimately ensued, during which "the suspect produced a handgun and shot the officer," Conroy said.
The police chief confirmed that the officer had died as a result of the injuries.
"I have sad news to report this evening," Conroy said. "Tonight a DeKalb County police officer died in the line of duty serving the citizens of DeKalb County."
A K-9 unit was among the responders who later arrived at the scene, Conroy said. The suspect shot the K-9 after law enforcement located him behind a business, the police chief said.
"Several officers returned fire" on the suspect, who "received several gunshot wounds," Conroy said.
The suspect, described as an adult male in their 20s to 30s, also died, the police chief said.
Neither the officer, who Conroy said had been on the force for less than two years, or the suspect was immediately identified.
More
The deadly incident occurred after the officer attempted to stop a vehicle. The operator got out of the car and ran, DeKalb County Police Chief James Conroy told reporters, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. A foot chase ultimately ensued, during which "the suspect produced a handgun and shot the officer," Conroy said.
The police chief confirmed that the officer had died as a result of the injuries.
"I have sad news to report this evening," Conroy said. "Tonight a DeKalb County police officer died in the line of duty serving the citizens of DeKalb County."
A K-9 unit was among the responders who later arrived at the scene, Conroy said. The suspect shot the K-9 after law enforcement located him behind a business, the police chief said.
"Several officers returned fire" on the suspect, who "received several gunshot wounds," Conroy said.
The suspect, described as an adult male in their 20s to 30s, also died, the police chief said.
Neither the officer, who Conroy said had been on the force for less than two years, or the suspect was immediately identified.
More
Germany Doubles Payout To Migrants Who Agree To Leave The Country
As unbelievable as it might sound, as it struggled to reduce the destabilizing influx of refugees and migrants flooding into Germany, the coalition government led by Angela Merkel launched a campaign last year offering rejected asylum seekers financial aid if they and their families opt to return to their home countries. The money, as we reported at the time, would go toward paying their rent for their first year back, with some left over for general expenses.
But what's perhaps maybe more unbelievable, the numbers of asylum seekers applying for the program have fallen precipitously over the past year. In 2017, 29,000 people opted for the "voluntary repatriation" program - which bears the catchy title "Your Country, Your Future Now!" But that number has fallen dramatically to just 14,000 through the end of October, according toRT. To qualify, applicants must revoke their initial asylum applications and drop any appeals or further proceedings in Germany's backlogged asylum courts.
So, in a bid to entice more migrants into taking advantage of the program, Germany's Interior Ministry has launched an advertising campaign, hoping to boost the numbers of voluntary repatriations. However, the ads, which have been placed on the billboards in major German cities over the past few weeks, have become controversial, as those who haven't already rejected Merkel's "Open Doors" policy have taken to defacing the advertisements, decrying them as "anti-refugee".
In addition to the thousands of euros that qualifying migrants would receive should they choose to take part in the program, the ads also promised those who took advantage of the program an additional monetary gift: In addition to paying their rent, Germany will also pay for their family's return trip to their country of origin.
Rival lawmakers blasted the plan as a"cynical" attempt to mask the ministry's failures.
"The latest campaign of the interior ministry looks like a sort of a winter sales and that is cynical," Konstantin von Notz, the deputy head of the Greens faction in the Bundestag, told Berliner Morgenpost daily."It is apparently aimed at concealing [the ministry’s] own failures and improving the figures related to people, who voluntarily left the country, before the end of the year."
Ordinary German also didn't appreciate the new push, but for a different reason: They saw it as "anti immigrant" and as sending the message to asylum seekers that "Germany is not your land and your future is not here."
As a result, graffiti has appeared on many of the signs.
More
But what's perhaps maybe more unbelievable, the numbers of asylum seekers applying for the program have fallen precipitously over the past year. In 2017, 29,000 people opted for the "voluntary repatriation" program - which bears the catchy title "Your Country, Your Future Now!" But that number has fallen dramatically to just 14,000 through the end of October, according toRT. To qualify, applicants must revoke their initial asylum applications and drop any appeals or further proceedings in Germany's backlogged asylum courts.
So, in a bid to entice more migrants into taking advantage of the program, Germany's Interior Ministry has launched an advertising campaign, hoping to boost the numbers of voluntary repatriations. However, the ads, which have been placed on the billboards in major German cities over the past few weeks, have become controversial, as those who haven't already rejected Merkel's "Open Doors" policy have taken to defacing the advertisements, decrying them as "anti-refugee".
In addition to the thousands of euros that qualifying migrants would receive should they choose to take part in the program, the ads also promised those who took advantage of the program an additional monetary gift: In addition to paying their rent, Germany will also pay for their family's return trip to their country of origin.
Rival lawmakers blasted the plan as a"cynical" attempt to mask the ministry's failures.
"The latest campaign of the interior ministry looks like a sort of a winter sales and that is cynical," Konstantin von Notz, the deputy head of the Greens faction in the Bundestag, told Berliner Morgenpost daily."It is apparently aimed at concealing [the ministry’s] own failures and improving the figures related to people, who voluntarily left the country, before the end of the year."
Ordinary German also didn't appreciate the new push, but for a different reason: They saw it as "anti immigrant" and as sending the message to asylum seekers that "Germany is not your land and your future is not here."
As a result, graffiti has appeared on many of the signs.
More
Delmar Fire Department announces the passing of Life Member Steve Twilley S
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.
Stun Gun-Toting Shoplifters Charged In Columbia Robberies: Police
Publishers Notes: One of America's safest cities (except for property crimes, that is.)
The shoplifters were allegedly armed with pepper spray and stun guns in a string of robberies at the Nordstrom Rack in Columbia.
COLUMBIA, MD — Four people have been charged in a series of shoplifting incidents involving stun guns and pepper spray in Columbia. Investigators are working to determine whether they may be connected to additional cases in Maryland and neighboring states.
The crimes occurred at Nordstrom Rack in the 6100 block of Columbia Crossing Circle from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, police said.
Authorities allege the women stole merchandise and when they were confronted by employees, the suspects used pepper spray and stun guns to get away. Nobody was injured in the incidents, police said.
More
The shoplifters were allegedly armed with pepper spray and stun guns in a string of robberies at the Nordstrom Rack in Columbia.
COLUMBIA, MD — Four people have been charged in a series of shoplifting incidents involving stun guns and pepper spray in Columbia. Investigators are working to determine whether they may be connected to additional cases in Maryland and neighboring states.
The crimes occurred at Nordstrom Rack in the 6100 block of Columbia Crossing Circle from Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, police said.
Authorities allege the women stole merchandise and when they were confronted by employees, the suspects used pepper spray and stun guns to get away. Nobody was injured in the incidents, police said.
More
Sonic In Fruitland Will Not Reopen
Sorry Folks, I'm on another project and don't have the time. However, take the hint I'm giving you and run like a bat out of hell with it.
Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Arrest - Millsboro
Millsboro- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Millsboro man after a traffic stop led to the discovery of drugs.
The incident occurred on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at approximately 7:01 p.m. when a Trooper observed a 2004 dark blue Ford Explorer traveling eastbound on Old Landing Road, approaching the intersection at Iron Branch Road. The vehicle proceeded to make a right turn onto Iron Branch Road when the operator failed to use their turn signal. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was identified as 33-year-old James Eley. Eley attempted to flee on foot from police and was subsequently apprehended.
A search of the vehicle was conducted and located inside was a total of approximately 7800 bags of heroin (54.6 grams). Eley was also in the possession of over $500.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
Eley was transported back to Troop 4 where he was charged with the following:
- Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance in a Tier 4 quantity
- Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 quantity
- Resisting Arrest
- Failure when Moving Right, Left or Turning to Signal
- Failure to Have Registration Plate Light
Eley was arraigned before the Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $61,000.00 cash only bond.
Warren in College Commencement Speech: ‘I Am Not a Person of Color’
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) lamented the racism of her fellow white Americans Friday in a commencement speech at Morgan State University, a historically black college.
Admitting she is "not a person of color" after years of identifying as Cherokee, Warren focused on her economic message and how it ought to help disadvantaged minorities, theWashington Post reports. At the Baltimore college, she blamed America for failing to open doors for everyone and even overtly harming black people.
"As a country, we need to stop pretending that the same doors open for everyone, because they don’t," Warren said. "I’m not a person of color. And I haven’t lived your life or experienced anything like the subtle prejudice, or more overt harm, that you may have experienced just because of the color of your skin."
Warren released a video earlier this year discussing the pride she has in her Native American ancestry and touting a DNA test result showing she had one Native ancestor 6-10 generations ago. She has seemed to backtrack from her initial message about this finding, which was that it vindicated her claim to being Cherokee in the face of criticism from President Donald Trump and others.
More
Admitting she is "not a person of color" after years of identifying as Cherokee, Warren focused on her economic message and how it ought to help disadvantaged minorities, theWashington Post reports. At the Baltimore college, she blamed America for failing to open doors for everyone and even overtly harming black people.
"As a country, we need to stop pretending that the same doors open for everyone, because they don’t," Warren said. "I’m not a person of color. And I haven’t lived your life or experienced anything like the subtle prejudice, or more overt harm, that you may have experienced just because of the color of your skin."
Warren released a video earlier this year discussing the pride she has in her Native American ancestry and touting a DNA test result showing she had one Native ancestor 6-10 generations ago. She has seemed to backtrack from her initial message about this finding, which was that it vindicated her claim to being Cherokee in the face of criticism from President Donald Trump and others.
More
E. coli fears prompt cauliflower and lettuce recall
Cauliflower, red leaf lettuce and green leaf lettuce harvested at the end of November is being recalled amid E. coli fears.
Adam Bros. Farming in Santa Maria, Calif., is believed to be the source of the potential outbreak although none of its products have yet to test positive for E. coli.
“Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. feels a strong commitment to its customers and has worked for years to provide a safe and healthy food supply,” reads a statement from the produce maker. “Out of an abundance of caution, Adam Bros. Farming, Inc., is initiating this voluntary recall in cooperation with the FDA.”
More
Adam Bros. Farming in Santa Maria, Calif., is believed to be the source of the potential outbreak although none of its products have yet to test positive for E. coli.
“Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. feels a strong commitment to its customers and has worked for years to provide a safe and healthy food supply,” reads a statement from the produce maker. “Out of an abundance of caution, Adam Bros. Farming, Inc., is initiating this voluntary recall in cooperation with the FDA.”
More
Wicomico Under Investigation Residential Garage
Date: December 13, 2018
Time: 5:34 pm
Location / Address: 11281 San Domingo Road, Mardela Springs, Wicomico County
Type of Incident: Fire
Description of Structure / Property: 20 by 30 wood framed detached garage
Owner / Occupants: Edward & Betty Dewdney
Injuries or Deaths: none
Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $ 30,000 Contents: $ 20,000
Smoke Alarm Status: n/a
Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: n/a
Arrests(s): none
Primary Responding Fire Department: Sharptown Volunteer Fire Department
# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 44
Time to Control: 1 hour
Discovered By: Neighbor
Area of Origin: Interior of Garage
Preliminary Cause: Under Investigation
The Boy Scouts Filing Bankruptcy After A String Of “Woke” Decisions Caused It To Go Broke
The once proud organization known as the Boy Scouts is declaring bankruptcy after severely flagging numbers due to a myriad of problems, including implementing social justice measures to make it more inclusive.
According to the Daily Caller, the Boy Scouts changed its name to Scouts BSA and began to allow girls into their ranks. Before that, the Boy Scouts ruled that openly gay scouts and scout leaders could also join the program. This lead to a serious decline in membership and now the organization is filing Chapter 11:
The Wednesday report comes in the wake of sinking membership and multiple controversies surrounding the 108-year-old organization, including sex abuse allegationsand its controversial decision to change its program name from Boy Scouts to Scouts BSA and allow girls into that program.
Chicago law firm Sidley Austin has reportedly been hired to assist in what would be a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
As the organization has made decisions deemed to be more inclusive, such as allowing openly gay scouts in 2013 and scoutmasters in 2015 as well as the 2018 decision to allow girls, membership has continued to decline sharply, from over 4 million members at its peak to a claimed 2.3 million members at present.
More
According to the Daily Caller, the Boy Scouts changed its name to Scouts BSA and began to allow girls into their ranks. Before that, the Boy Scouts ruled that openly gay scouts and scout leaders could also join the program. This lead to a serious decline in membership and now the organization is filing Chapter 11:
The Wednesday report comes in the wake of sinking membership and multiple controversies surrounding the 108-year-old organization, including sex abuse allegationsand its controversial decision to change its program name from Boy Scouts to Scouts BSA and allow girls into that program.
Chicago law firm Sidley Austin has reportedly been hired to assist in what would be a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
As the organization has made decisions deemed to be more inclusive, such as allowing openly gay scouts in 2013 and scoutmasters in 2015 as well as the 2018 decision to allow girls, membership has continued to decline sharply, from over 4 million members at its peak to a claimed 2.3 million members at present.
More
11-Year-Old Kid Named 'Trump' Forced to Change His Name by School Bullies
In the age of anti-bullying and zero tolerance, a disturbing type of bullying is going completely unrecognized. LGBTQ activists have set up anti-bullying programs that your children are required to attend in all public schools. Not only do these programs contain the usual "be nice" directives but they also incorporate graphic sexual information about gay sex and queerness in order to break down your child's morality and defenses and remove his religious teaching. That's what anti-bullying programs really do. Understand that anti-bullying activists don't care one whit how their own acolytes treat anyone. What they care about is brainwashing kids into leftism. If you are not sufficiently brainwashed into hating Trump and Republicans, then you are fair game for any amount of ridicule.
An eleven-year-old boy named Josh Trump has been the brunt of this "acceptable" ridicule since the 2016 election. Like myself, Josh has a famous name, even though he is no relation to the president. Luckily, all I have to put up with are Transformersjokes and the occasional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crack. Josh, on the other hand, is taunted mercilessly at school while his teachers at the Brandywine School District in Delaware do nothing. "They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid," reported his mother, Megan Trump, to ABC 6 news. The abuse is not just verbal but also physical. Joshua has reported being punched on the bus.
More
An eleven-year-old boy named Josh Trump has been the brunt of this "acceptable" ridicule since the 2016 election. Like myself, Josh has a famous name, even though he is no relation to the president. Luckily, all I have to put up with are Transformersjokes and the occasional Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crack. Josh, on the other hand, is taunted mercilessly at school while his teachers at the Brandywine School District in Delaware do nothing. "They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid," reported his mother, Megan Trump, to ABC 6 news. The abuse is not just verbal but also physical. Joshua has reported being punched on the bus.
More
ICE arrested more than 80,000 illegal immigrants in 2018 with DUI charges, convictions
More than a quarter of a million people illegally present in the United States were removed from the country in fiscal year 2018, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Approximately half of the 158,000 people arrested by ICE — 80,730 — had been charged or convicted of driving under the influence, according to the agency's annual report.
The second-highest category for arrests was for crimes related to "dangerous drugs," followed by traffic offenses.
More
Approximately half of the 158,000 people arrested by ICE — 80,730 — had been charged or convicted of driving under the influence, according to the agency's annual report.
The second-highest category for arrests was for crimes related to "dangerous drugs," followed by traffic offenses.
More
WATCH: CNN Analyst: Not Sure It's Right Time For Dems To Nominate A White Man
In a comment that's caused a stir online and inspired coverage by numerous outlets — including Mediaite, who predicted it's going to just be more fodder for "aggrieved White Men" prone to "yelling about the horrors of 'identity politics"' — CNN analyst Harry Enten of FiveThirtyEight suggested during his "2020 Power Rankings for Potential Dem Contenders" on CNN Thursday that it was probably not the best time for Democrats to nominate a white male candidate.
Asked by host John Berman to present FiveThirtyEight's top ten Democrat contenders for the 2020 election, Enten opted for the Casey Kasem approach and counted down from ten. Holding the not-so-coveted tenth spot is New York's Sen. Kirsten Gillbrand, who Enten said "has a number of things going for her," including New York's powerful media market, "the most anti-Trump record of any United States senator," and being a woman.
"Keep in mind that women won in record numbers in 2018 Democratic primaries," he noted. "That being said, she has a number of flaws. For instance, she came out first against Al Franken, which a lot of progressives hold against her."
More
Asked by host John Berman to present FiveThirtyEight's top ten Democrat contenders for the 2020 election, Enten opted for the Casey Kasem approach and counted down from ten. Holding the not-so-coveted tenth spot is New York's Sen. Kirsten Gillbrand, who Enten said "has a number of things going for her," including New York's powerful media market, "the most anti-Trump record of any United States senator," and being a woman.
"Keep in mind that women won in record numbers in 2018 Democratic primaries," he noted. "That being said, she has a number of flaws. For instance, she came out first against Al Franken, which a lot of progressives hold against her."
More
Education Department Wiping Clean $150 Million In Students Loans After Obama-Era Rule
The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday it will forgive $150 million in federal student loans.
Nearly 15,000 former students whose schools shut down prior to graduation between Nov. 1, 2013 and Dec. 4 will now have their loans cancelled, the Education Departmentannouncement said.
Borrowers will find out about the loan forgiveness over email Friday, CNBC reported.
“For them, it’s going to be a very nice Christmas present,” former Education Department official Clare McCann said, according to CNBC.
More
Nearly 15,000 former students whose schools shut down prior to graduation between Nov. 1, 2013 and Dec. 4 will now have their loans cancelled, the Education Departmentannouncement said.
Borrowers will find out about the loan forgiveness over email Friday, CNBC reported.
“For them, it’s going to be a very nice Christmas present,” former Education Department official Clare McCann said, according to CNBC.
More
Obama Pushes Gun Control for 'Those Congregants in Thousand Oaks'
Barack Obama pushed gun control for “Trayvon” and “those congregants in Thousand Oaks,” among others, during a December 13 acceptance speech for the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award.
Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in self-defense on February 26, 2012, after attacking a neighborhood watchman, and 12 people were killed in Thousand Oaks’ Borderline Bar & Grill on November 7, 2018.
During his acceptance speech, IJR magazine quoted Obama saying: “The horror of gun violence continues to plague our nation, a pain that many in this room know too well,” he said. “The bullets that took Bobby, JFK, and Dr. King are just like the bullets that took Trayvon, and those school children in Newtown, and those police officers in Dallas, and those concertgoers in Vegas, and those congregants in Thousand Oaks.”
More
Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in self-defense on February 26, 2012, after attacking a neighborhood watchman, and 12 people were killed in Thousand Oaks’ Borderline Bar & Grill on November 7, 2018.
During his acceptance speech, IJR magazine quoted Obama saying: “The horror of gun violence continues to plague our nation, a pain that many in this room know too well,” he said. “The bullets that took Bobby, JFK, and Dr. King are just like the bullets that took Trayvon, and those school children in Newtown, and those police officers in Dallas, and those concertgoers in Vegas, and those congregants in Thousand Oaks.”
More
Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. Statement
Salisbury, MD ... Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver announced that earlier today Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. issued the attached statement. Executive Culver has spoken with the Department of Agriculture officials who are on site. "I am very confident this issue is being handled appropriately". The State Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Poultry Industry are handling this matter appropriately to protect public health and the agricultural community.
The Racism the Left Ignores
How appropriate would it be for a major publicly held American company to hire a person with a history of having publicly made the following statements and many others like them? In the interest of brevity, I shall list only four:
“The world could get by just fine with zero black people.”
“It’s kind of sick how much joy I get out of being cruel to old black men.”
“Dumbass f—ing black people marking up the internet with their opinions like dogs pissing on fire hydrants.”
The liberal Left continue to push their radical agenda against American values. The good news is there is a solution. Find out more >>
“Are black people genetically predisposed to burn faster in the sun, thus logically only being fit to live underground like groveling bilious goblins?”
I think most Americans would find such blatant racism despicable and would condemn any company that knowingly hired such a person. Leftists of every stripe would be in an uproar, demanding the dismissal of such an employee. College students and their professors would picket any company that hired such a person.
I could be wrong about this, so I’d truly like any employer who’d hire such a person to come forward.
Most Americans would see such statements as racist, but consider this: Suppose we slightly changed the wording of each statement, replacing the word “black” with “white.” For example, “The world could get by just fine with zero white people.”
More
“The world could get by just fine with zero black people.”
“It’s kind of sick how much joy I get out of being cruel to old black men.”
“Dumbass f—ing black people marking up the internet with their opinions like dogs pissing on fire hydrants.”
The liberal Left continue to push their radical agenda against American values. The good news is there is a solution. Find out more >>
“Are black people genetically predisposed to burn faster in the sun, thus logically only being fit to live underground like groveling bilious goblins?”
I think most Americans would find such blatant racism despicable and would condemn any company that knowingly hired such a person. Leftists of every stripe would be in an uproar, demanding the dismissal of such an employee. College students and their professors would picket any company that hired such a person.
I could be wrong about this, so I’d truly like any employer who’d hire such a person to come forward.
Most Americans would see such statements as racist, but consider this: Suppose we slightly changed the wording of each statement, replacing the word “black” with “white.” For example, “The world could get by just fine with zero white people.”
More
