I remember when a suspect was regarded as innocent until proven guilty in a fair trial. Today prosecutors convict their victims in the media in order to make an unbiased jury impossible and thereby coerce a plea bargain that saves the prosecutor from having to prove his case. In the United States, law is no longer a shield of the people. Law is a weapon in the hands of prosecutors. (See Roberts & Stratton, The Tyranny of Good Intentions.)
Formerly, if a prosecutor staged an arrest for publicity purposes, as Mueller did by placing a CNN presstitute on the scene and sending a couple of dozen heavily armed men in a pre-dawn raid to arrest a well known political consultant for allegedly “lying to Congress” when the appropriate procedure is for Mueller to inform Stone’s lawyer to present his client for indictment, the judge would throw out the case on the grounds that the prosecutor’s unethical action had biased the juror pool and made a fair trial impossible. The judge might also have thrown out the case on the grounds of selective prosecution. James Clapper while serving as Director of National Intelligence lied to Congress under oath and suffered no consequences, and Hillary Clinton has clearly broken the law and lied about it.
Today judges permit unethical behavior by prosecutors that deprives defendants of a fair trial, because judges don’t want the bother of trials any more than prosecutors do. Consequently, according to official statistics 97% of federal criminal cases are settled by a defendent pleaing guilty to a charge negotiated by his attorney and a prosecutor. As the charge is a negotiated or made-up one, most people in prison are there for confessing to crimes that never occurred.
Prosecutors, now that they are no longer bound by constraints of legal integrity, often fabricate a case against a person in order to force the person to give false testimony against the prosecutor’s real target. This is what Mueller’s cases against Cohen, Manafort, and Roger Stone are. Trump is the target, not Cohen, Manafort, and Stone. In addition, prosecutors string out the investigation so long that they force the target to use up his net worth fighting off an indictment. Then when the indictment arrives, there is no money left for lawyers, which adds to the pressure to “cooperate.” If Trump were a fighting man, he would pardon Cohen, Manafort, and Stone, reimburse them out of the Justice (sic) Department’s budget for their legal expenses, and have Mueller arrested for sedition and plotting to overthrow the duly elected President of the United States. This would be hypocritical as Trump himself is plotting to overthrow the duly elected president of Venezuela.
Mueller is not an agent of law. He is the agent of the military/security complex and the Democratic Party who intend to do away with Trump, because Trump positioned himself between them and their agendas.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, February 04, 2019
Chicago Police: Jussie Smollett Refuses to Share Phone Records
Empire actor Jussie Smollett is refusing to turn over his cell phone or cell phone records to investigators, according to the Chicago police.
“The actor declined to share telephone records that could show he was speaking with his manager just as the alleged assault happened early Tuesday morning in Chicago,” a spokesman for the police told the far-left NBC News.
A source speaking to TMZ, however, says Smollett did not refuse to turn over his phone records and “is in the process of gathering them.” Smollett did, though, refuse to hand over his phone, saying he was “uncomfortable” doing so.
“A representative for the actor did not immediately return messages seeking comment about the cell phone and phone records,” adds NBC.
According to various news reports and police, Smollett says he was assaulted by two men as he returned home from a fast food restaurant in the heart of downtown Chicago at around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning. Smollett claims the two men recognized him from his TV show and confronted him while hurling racial and homophobic slurs (Smollett is black and gay).
Smollett told police that during the assault the men poured bleach on him, said something about this being “MAGA country,” and tied a noose around his neck.
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“The actor declined to share telephone records that could show he was speaking with his manager just as the alleged assault happened early Tuesday morning in Chicago,” a spokesman for the police told the far-left NBC News.
A source speaking to TMZ, however, says Smollett did not refuse to turn over his phone records and “is in the process of gathering them.” Smollett did, though, refuse to hand over his phone, saying he was “uncomfortable” doing so.
“A representative for the actor did not immediately return messages seeking comment about the cell phone and phone records,” adds NBC.
According to various news reports and police, Smollett says he was assaulted by two men as he returned home from a fast food restaurant in the heart of downtown Chicago at around 2 a.m. Tuesday morning. Smollett claims the two men recognized him from his TV show and confronted him while hurling racial and homophobic slurs (Smollett is black and gay).
Smollett told police that during the assault the men poured bleach on him, said something about this being “MAGA country,” and tied a noose around his neck.
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China Will Purchase 5 Million Tons of Soybeans Per Day from U.S. Farmers
China’s Vice Premier pledged to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office Thursday that China will purchase five million tons of soybeans a day from the U.S.
China has begun making these purchases on a smaller scale and will be increasing those purchases to five million tons of soybeans per day, China’s Vice Premier Liu He pledged to President Trump Thursday.
“That’s going to make our farmers happy, that’s a lot of soybeans,” said president Trump.
The meeting Thursday culminated on the second day of meetings between Chinese and U.S. trade officials in Washington, DC. Trump referred to the vice premier a friend of his and one of the most respected men in the world.
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China has begun making these purchases on a smaller scale and will be increasing those purchases to five million tons of soybeans per day, China’s Vice Premier Liu He pledged to President Trump Thursday.
“That’s going to make our farmers happy, that’s a lot of soybeans,” said president Trump.
The meeting Thursday culminated on the second day of meetings between Chinese and U.S. trade officials in Washington, DC. Trump referred to the vice premier a friend of his and one of the most respected men in the world.
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Elizabeth Warren apologizes to Cherokee Nation for DNA Test
Call it a 1/1024th apology.
Having resisted calls to apologize for her October DNA test gimmick as recently as December, Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren appears to have seen her polling figures with Indians (and other minorities) and she finally caved.
According to the Intercept and NYT, Senator Warren, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination on a platform of taxing America's billionaires, and who previously claimed she was of Indian ancestry, has apologized to the Cherokee Nation for her decision to take a DNA test to prove her Native American ancestry, a move that the NYT said "had angered some tribal leaders and ignited a significant political backlash."
Having resisted calls to apologize for her October DNA test gimmick as recently as December, Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren appears to have seen her polling figures with Indians (and other minorities) and she finally caved.
According to the Intercept and NYT, Senator Warren, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination on a platform of taxing America's billionaires, and who previously claimed she was of Indian ancestry, has apologized to the Cherokee Nation for her decision to take a DNA test to prove her Native American ancestry, a move that the NYT said "had angered some tribal leaders and ignited a significant political backlash."
It wasn't clear if in addition to apologizing to the Cherokee Nation, Warren was also apologizing to the rest of the nation.
The apology comes just as Warren is set to formally kick off her presidential run after recent visits to early nominating states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. It also comes after repeated calls for her to apologize from tribal leaders, political operatives, and her own advisers, who said her October decision to take the DNA test "gave undue credence to the controversial claim that race could be determined by blood — and politically, played into President Trump’s hands."
And so, bury the tomahawk, on Thursday, Warren called Bill John Baker, chief of the Cherokee Nation, to apologize for the DNA test, said Julie Hubbard, a spokeswoman for the tribe. She called it a "brief and private" conversation.
“I understand that she apologized for causing confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and the harm that has resulted,” Ms. Hubbard said. “The chief and secretary of state appreciate that she has reaffirmed that she is not a Cherokee Nation citizen or a citizen of any tribal nation.”
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The apology comes just as Warren is set to formally kick off her presidential run after recent visits to early nominating states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. It also comes after repeated calls for her to apologize from tribal leaders, political operatives, and her own advisers, who said her October decision to take the DNA test "gave undue credence to the controversial claim that race could be determined by blood — and politically, played into President Trump’s hands."
And so, bury the tomahawk, on Thursday, Warren called Bill John Baker, chief of the Cherokee Nation, to apologize for the DNA test, said Julie Hubbard, a spokeswoman for the tribe. She called it a "brief and private" conversation.
“I understand that she apologized for causing confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and the harm that has resulted,” Ms. Hubbard said. “The chief and secretary of state appreciate that she has reaffirmed that she is not a Cherokee Nation citizen or a citizen of any tribal nation.”
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Trump says racist photo would have doomed Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's 2017 campaign
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy over Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's racist 1984 yearbook photo, calling the Democrat's behavior 'unforgivable'.
He blasted the Democrat's decision to claim that he is not one of the men in the medical school yearbook photo depicting a man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe - just a day after apologizing for its appearance in his medical school yearbook.
Northam held a bizarre press conference on Saturday in which he denied being the man in the photo, but also admitted once wearing black face for a performance as Michael Jackson in a dance competition. At one point, his wife also appeared to stop him performing the Moonwalk.
He also refused to resign despite widespread calls among top Democrats for him to do so, including from Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tim Kaine and Elizabeth Warren.
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He blasted the Democrat's decision to claim that he is not one of the men in the medical school yearbook photo depicting a man in blackface and another in a Ku Klux Klan robe - just a day after apologizing for its appearance in his medical school yearbook.
Northam held a bizarre press conference on Saturday in which he denied being the man in the photo, but also admitted once wearing black face for a performance as Michael Jackson in a dance competition. At one point, his wife also appeared to stop him performing the Moonwalk.
He also refused to resign despite widespread calls among top Democrats for him to do so, including from Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tim Kaine and Elizabeth Warren.
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Mr. President, Just Do It!
President Trump fights resolutely to solve the illegal immigration problem in this country. Unfortunately, he has political opposition that has little concern for real solutions to the issue as they mouth platitudes about their commitment to border security with “high tech devices.” Trump tried a government shutdown fruitlessly. He agreed to a short-term financing of the government telling us he could shut down the government again or declare a national emergency. President Trump, realize you are not going to get agreement to build a wall. Just Do It.
President Trump has focused on this issue more than any president since Ronald Reagan. Our national elected officials have used both sides of the issue as a political football (no pun here in light of Super Bowl Sunday) with little interest in a resolution. Democrats just demagogue this matter as if a surge of people coming to our border coached by either coyotes or sympathetic lawyers are of no matter. They tell us they are refugees of some form when they are principally just economic migrants. They tell us Trump is only trying to fulfill a campaign pledge as they create another wildly inaccurate mantra. No, border security is not just a campaign pledge, unless you are a supporter of open borders.
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President Trump has focused on this issue more than any president since Ronald Reagan. Our national elected officials have used both sides of the issue as a political football (no pun here in light of Super Bowl Sunday) with little interest in a resolution. Democrats just demagogue this matter as if a surge of people coming to our border coached by either coyotes or sympathetic lawyers are of no matter. They tell us they are refugees of some form when they are principally just economic migrants. They tell us Trump is only trying to fulfill a campaign pledge as they create another wildly inaccurate mantra. No, border security is not just a campaign pledge, unless you are a supporter of open borders.
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Former VA Democrat Gov. Wilder Criticizes Northam but Does NOT Call for Resignation
Former Virginia Democrat Gov. Doug Wilder, who was the first elected black governor in American history, criticized Gov. Ralph Northam on Saturday for a photo of him either in blackface or in Ku Klux Klan attire but did not call for him to resign.
Wilder, who was the first black American to get elected governor, released a statement on Saturday that criticized Northam’s incendiary photo but did not call for his resignation.
Wilder wrote, “It has never been right, in Virginia, nor anywhere else to participate in or condone such mockery or insensitive behavior and for that Gov. Northam should be criticized.”
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Wilder, who was the first black American to get elected governor, released a statement on Saturday that criticized Northam’s incendiary photo but did not call for his resignation.
Wilder wrote, “It has never been right, in Virginia, nor anywhere else to participate in or condone such mockery or insensitive behavior and for that Gov. Northam should be criticized.”
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GM Sought to Outsource 2.8K U.S. Jobs to Foreigners While Laying Off Americans
Multinational corporation General Motors (GM) sought to import nearly 2,800 foreign workers in the last three years to take U.S. jobs while laying off American workers.
GM will be laying off at least 4,250 of its white-collar workers in Canada and America — with the vast majority in the U.S. — starting next week.
The layoffs are just a small component of the corporation’s mass layoff scheme of 14,700 workers in North America — including at least 3,300 American factory workers. Meanwhile, GM is ramping up production of electric cars in China.
At the same time GM has been laying off American workers, the corporation has been importing foreign workers from countries like India, China, Brazil, and South Korea.
More here
GM will be laying off at least 4,250 of its white-collar workers in Canada and America — with the vast majority in the U.S. — starting next week.
The layoffs are just a small component of the corporation’s mass layoff scheme of 14,700 workers in North America — including at least 3,300 American factory workers. Meanwhile, GM is ramping up production of electric cars in China.
At the same time GM has been laying off American workers, the corporation has been importing foreign workers from countries like India, China, Brazil, and South Korea.
More here
Booker: I’m Proud of How I Acted at Kavanaugh Hearings
Sen. Cory Booker (D., N.J.) defended his "I am Spartacus" moment during Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation process, saying his conduct during the hearings was one of his proudest moments.
Booker joined the increasingly crowded 2020 Democratic field by announcing Friday he was running for president. His first national media stop was "The View," where conservative co-host Meghan McCain pressed him about authenticity and perceptions of being a grandstander for his dramatic displays at Senate hearings.
"You've just got to be who you are," Booker said. "There are going to be critics all the time."
Booker boasted of his record in public service in bringing about "authentic change," but McCain responded that she couldn't look at him without thinking of his widely parodied "I am Spartacus" moment.
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Booker joined the increasingly crowded 2020 Democratic field by announcing Friday he was running for president. His first national media stop was "The View," where conservative co-host Meghan McCain pressed him about authenticity and perceptions of being a grandstander for his dramatic displays at Senate hearings.
"You've just got to be who you are," Booker said. "There are going to be critics all the time."
Booker boasted of his record in public service in bringing about "authentic change," but McCain responded that she couldn't look at him without thinking of his widely parodied "I am Spartacus" moment.
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Ellen Page blames Mike Pence for Jussie Smollett attack
Actress Ellen Page fought back tears during an emotional rant against Vice President Mike Pence Thursday night, telling CBS host Stephen Colbert that the conservative former Indiana governor wants to cause “suffering” to the LGBTQ community.
Mrs. Page, who married Canadian dance choreographer Emma Portner last year, appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” saying she was “really fired up” about what happened to Jussie Smollett, the “Empire” star who says he was attacked and peppered with racist and homophobic insults in downtown Chicago this week.
“It feels impossible to not feel this way now with the president and the vice president, Mike Pence, who wishes I couldn’t be married,” Mrs. Page said.
The “Flatliners” star then attempted to link Mr. Pence’s record on gay rights to the reported attack against Mr. Smollett.
Choking back tears, Mrs. Page continued: “Kids are going to be abused and they’re going to kill themselves and people are going to be beaten on the street. I have traveled the world, and I have met the most marginalized people you could meet.
More drama here
Mrs. Page, who married Canadian dance choreographer Emma Portner last year, appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” saying she was “really fired up” about what happened to Jussie Smollett, the “Empire” star who says he was attacked and peppered with racist and homophobic insults in downtown Chicago this week.
“It feels impossible to not feel this way now with the president and the vice president, Mike Pence, who wishes I couldn’t be married,” Mrs. Page said.
The “Flatliners” star then attempted to link Mr. Pence’s record on gay rights to the reported attack against Mr. Smollett.
Choking back tears, Mrs. Page continued: “Kids are going to be abused and they’re going to kill themselves and people are going to be beaten on the street. I have traveled the world, and I have met the most marginalized people you could meet.
More drama here
How This Simple Car Sticker Is Making A Huge Impact
This is what she wrote:
"It's been a couple of years with this sticker on my car. It's getting tattered as the weather and trips through the car wash have taken its toll. One thing that has surprised me since putting this sticker on my car is how much it has impacted people. I wondered if people would notice it, would it brighten someone's day? Most of the stories I have about this sticker involve men and boys. That's the most interesting to me.
Let me share: I've had a complete stranger leave a note on my car telling me 'I matter too' with a thank you for the reminder.
I had a man driving the coolest hot rod ever on Interstate 5, pull up along side me, waving me down, repeatedly giving me a thumbs up, while mouthing: You Matter! And Thank You. His body language gave away how serious he was about letting me know the impact it had on him.
And then today..
Ralph Northam Will Not Resign
In a stunning reversal, Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) now says he does not believe he appears in a photo which shows two individuals in blackface and KKK uniform and has no immediate plans to resign, according to a Virginia Democrat who spoke to the embattled lawmaker, the Associated Press reports. On Friday evening, Northam acknowledged he was in the photo, yet declined to reveal which attire he wore.
The Democrat, who said they were “not authorized” to speak publically on the matter, told the news outlet that Northam is phoning state lawmakers Saturday in an attempt to shore up support that has all but evaporated the prior evening.
Northam has faced a torrent of criticism and calls for his resignation after a photo surfaced from decades ago that showed two people in racist costumes: One person is dressed in blackface, and another is wearing a full Ku Klux Klan uniform. The photo appeared in Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook.
In his first apology, issued in a written statement, Northam called the costume he wore “clearly racist and offensive,” but he didn’t say which one he had worn.
He later issued a video statement saying he was “deeply sorry” but still committed to serving the “remainder of my term.”
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The Democrat, who said they were “not authorized” to speak publically on the matter, told the news outlet that Northam is phoning state lawmakers Saturday in an attempt to shore up support that has all but evaporated the prior evening.
Northam has faced a torrent of criticism and calls for his resignation after a photo surfaced from decades ago that showed two people in racist costumes: One person is dressed in blackface, and another is wearing a full Ku Klux Klan uniform. The photo appeared in Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook.
In his first apology, issued in a written statement, Northam called the costume he wore “clearly racist and offensive,” but he didn’t say which one he had worn.
He later issued a video statement saying he was “deeply sorry” but still committed to serving the “remainder of my term.”
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Who needs net neutrality when the Internet is working just fine?
Leftists claimed that repealing net neutrality would be the end of the world as we know it, that the Internet would load one word at a time, and that everything we know and love about the Internet would be burned to ashes.
Now that we’re more than a year out, it couldn’t be clearer that the doom and gloom rhetoric surrounding the repeal was wrong. The Internet survived the repeal and is thriving because of it.
Repeal didn’t slow down the Internet. One year later, in 2018 the average download speedsincreased more than 35 percent and upload speeds went up by 22 percent from the previous year. Unlike what the Left wanted you to believe, repeal clearly did not “break the Internet.”
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Now that we’re more than a year out, it couldn’t be clearer that the doom and gloom rhetoric surrounding the repeal was wrong. The Internet survived the repeal and is thriving because of it.
Repeal didn’t slow down the Internet. One year later, in 2018 the average download speedsincreased more than 35 percent and upload speeds went up by 22 percent from the previous year. Unlike what the Left wanted you to believe, repeal clearly did not “break the Internet.”
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Local Woman Sentenced To 10 Years For Church Embezzlement
Teresa Kolacz, 51, of Berlin, was convicted in December of theft, embezzlement and forgery after her arrest in May following an investigation that revealed she had absconded with over $141,000 from the St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City. Back in court on Friday, Kolacz was sentenced to a combined 10 years for the various convictions. She was also ordered to pay $131,609 in restitution to the church.
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D.C. school refuses to play sports at Karen Pence's school: Students 'feel unsafe'
A K-8 private school in Washington, D.C., is reportedly refusing to play any future sports games at the Christian school in Virginia where second lady Karen Pence said she will return to teaching.
Mrs. Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, made headlines this month after she announced she would be returning as an art teacher to Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, a K-8 private Christian school that holds a traditional view of gay marriage and bars students and staff who participate in or condone homosexual activity.
Mrs. Pence’s new employment roiled members of the LGBT community and allies, including Jessica Donovan, headmaster of the Sheridan School in Washington. She reportedly sent a letter to parents this week saying that while her school had played at Immanuel Christian School before, this is the first time they’ve heard of the anti-LGBTQ policies and would not be returning.
“As we talked more, we understood that some students did not feel safe entering a school that bans LGBTQ parents, students or even families that support LGBTQ rights,” Ms. Donovan wrote in the email obtained by Newsweek. “Forcing our children to choose between an environment in which they feel unsafe or staying home was not an option..”
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Mrs. Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, made headlines this month after she announced she would be returning as an art teacher to Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, a K-8 private Christian school that holds a traditional view of gay marriage and bars students and staff who participate in or condone homosexual activity.
Mrs. Pence’s new employment roiled members of the LGBT community and allies, including Jessica Donovan, headmaster of the Sheridan School in Washington. She reportedly sent a letter to parents this week saying that while her school had played at Immanuel Christian School before, this is the first time they’ve heard of the anti-LGBTQ policies and would not be returning.
“As we talked more, we understood that some students did not feel safe entering a school that bans LGBTQ parents, students or even families that support LGBTQ rights,” Ms. Donovan wrote in the email obtained by Newsweek. “Forcing our children to choose between an environment in which they feel unsafe or staying home was not an option..”
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Appeals Court: Police Don't Need A Reason To Place Americans On 'Suspicious Person' List
Day by day, year by year our justice system proves the Constitution has essentially become worthless...
Yesterday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California ruled that police do not need a reason to place a person on the Suspicious Person List.
The ruling explains how President George W. Bush created fusion centers whose primary mission was to identify “suspicious Americans.”
In October 2007, President George W. Bush issued a National Strategy for Information Sharing concerning terrorism-related information. The Strategy created fusion centers that would ensure Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) were disseminated to and evaluated by appropriate government authorities, and identify requirements to support a unified process for reporting, tracking, and accessing SARs. The nationwide effort to standardize this information sharing was called the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.
According to the ruling, Americans can be considered suspicious for doing things like taking pictures of public art, buying a computer, practicing their religion, etc.
Private guards prevented Prigoff, a professional photographer, from taking photographs of a work of public art near Boston, an incident that resulted in the creation of multiple SARs. The FBI then visited Prigoff’s home and questioned a neighbor about him.
Being put on an SAR list is similar to the FDA’s drug manufacturing list
The Ninth Circuit claimed that being placed on an SAR list is similar to determining whether a pharmacy is manufacturing drugs!
The Functional Standard is similar to the Food & Drug Administration’s policy guide at issue in Professionals and Patients for Customized Care. The FDA promulgated a policy utilizing nine factors to help the agency determine whether to initiate an enforcement action against a pharmacy engaged in drug manufacturing.
“The Fifth Circuit noted that although the nine factors assisted the FDA in identifying pharmacies engaged in the manufacture of drugs, the ultimate decision whether to bring an enforcement action remained with the agency. Likewise, the Functional Standard aids agencies in determining whether an individual is engaged in suspicious activity, but the final decision to disseminate an SAR rests in the analyst’s discretion.
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Yesterday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California ruled that police do not need a reason to place a person on the Suspicious Person List.
The ruling explains how President George W. Bush created fusion centers whose primary mission was to identify “suspicious Americans.”
In October 2007, President George W. Bush issued a National Strategy for Information Sharing concerning terrorism-related information. The Strategy created fusion centers that would ensure Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) were disseminated to and evaluated by appropriate government authorities, and identify requirements to support a unified process for reporting, tracking, and accessing SARs. The nationwide effort to standardize this information sharing was called the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative.
According to the ruling, Americans can be considered suspicious for doing things like taking pictures of public art, buying a computer, practicing their religion, etc.
Private guards prevented Prigoff, a professional photographer, from taking photographs of a work of public art near Boston, an incident that resulted in the creation of multiple SARs. The FBI then visited Prigoff’s home and questioned a neighbor about him.
Being put on an SAR list is similar to the FDA’s drug manufacturing list
The Ninth Circuit claimed that being placed on an SAR list is similar to determining whether a pharmacy is manufacturing drugs!
The Functional Standard is similar to the Food & Drug Administration’s policy guide at issue in Professionals and Patients for Customized Care. The FDA promulgated a policy utilizing nine factors to help the agency determine whether to initiate an enforcement action against a pharmacy engaged in drug manufacturing.
“The Fifth Circuit noted that although the nine factors assisted the FDA in identifying pharmacies engaged in the manufacture of drugs, the ultimate decision whether to bring an enforcement action remained with the agency. Likewise, the Functional Standard aids agencies in determining whether an individual is engaged in suspicious activity, but the final decision to disseminate an SAR rests in the analyst’s discretion.
More
Israel begins construction of new Gaza border barrier
“Over the weekend we began building the above-ground barrier along the Gaza border,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told journalists before the weekly cabinet meeting.
The barrier, set to stand six metres (20 feet) off the ground, “will prevent terrorists from Gaza from penetrating into our territory on the ground”, he said in Hebrew.
Netanyahu gave no further details but a defence ministry statement said that work on the structure began Thursday.
It is set to follow the 65-kilometre (40-mile) course of an underground barrier also under construction meant to neutralise the threat of cross-border tunnels built by Gaza militants.
At its western end, the statement said, the above-ground barrier would join a fortified sea wall jutting into the Mediterranean, aimed at blocking Palestinian attacks by water.
“It’s massive and especially strong,” the ministry said in an accompanying video clip.
More here
Lawyers for Catholic Student Nick Sandmann Prepare to Sue Media, Celebrities for Libel
Lawyers representing Covington Catholic student Nick Sandmann have announced the preparation of letters to be sent to various celebrities, media outlets, and individual journalists who immediately and falsely slandered Sandmann and his classmates for “taunting” a Native American during a trip to Washington D.C.
The student’s lawyers are preparing letters for possible libel and defamation lawsuits, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
The list of recipients of the warning letters includes actress Alyssa Milano and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Targeted journalists include Maggie Haberman, David Brooks, and media outlets will include TMZ, CNN, and the New York Times. The attorneys have also identified the dioceses of Covington, Lexington, Louisville, and Baltimore as potential recipients of the letter.
Sandmann family attorney, Todd McMurtry, said of the media outlets and personalities, “They know they crossed the line. Do they want 12 people in Kentucky to decide their fate? I don’t think so.”
McMurtry added that the letters are meant to put an end to the instant attacks from the media before the facts are in.
“We want to change the conversation. We don’t want this to happen again,” McMurtry said. “We want to teach people a lesson.”
“There was a rush by the media to believe what it wanted to believe versus what actually happened,” McMurtry added.
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The student’s lawyers are preparing letters for possible libel and defamation lawsuits, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
The list of recipients of the warning letters includes actress Alyssa Milano and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Targeted journalists include Maggie Haberman, David Brooks, and media outlets will include TMZ, CNN, and the New York Times. The attorneys have also identified the dioceses of Covington, Lexington, Louisville, and Baltimore as potential recipients of the letter.
Sandmann family attorney, Todd McMurtry, said of the media outlets and personalities, “They know they crossed the line. Do they want 12 people in Kentucky to decide their fate? I don’t think so.”
McMurtry added that the letters are meant to put an end to the instant attacks from the media before the facts are in.
“We want to change the conversation. We don’t want this to happen again,” McMurtry said. “We want to teach people a lesson.”
“There was a rush by the media to believe what it wanted to believe versus what actually happened,” McMurtry added.
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Ted Lieu: Ralph Northam 'Lying' When Claiming Yearbook Mix-Up
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) on Saturday accused Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) of lying after the embattled Virginia Democrat claimed a racist photo was erroneously published on his yearbook page and reiterated his call for the governor to resign.
Northam said at a news conference he had prematurely apologized for appearing in what he called a “horrific” picture of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit. The photo appeared on Northam’s profile page in his 1984 medical school yearbook.
“That is not my picture. That is not my person in that picture,” Northam told reporters at the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
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Northam said at a news conference he had prematurely apologized for appearing in what he called a “horrific” picture of a person in blackface and another wearing a Ku Klux Klan outfit. The photo appeared on Northam’s profile page in his 1984 medical school yearbook.
“That is not my picture. That is not my person in that picture,” Northam told reporters at the Executive Mansion in Richmond.
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CBS Rejects Veteran Apparel Company's Ad
CBS, the network broadcasting the NFL's Super Bowl on Sunday, rejected an ad from a U.S. veteran owned and operated company, Nine Line Apparel, which dared to take a shot at social injustice champion Colin Kaepernick.
"Don't ask if your loyalty is crazy, ask if your loyalty is crazy enough," the 45-second ad begins on a YouTube posted headlined "Our Super Bowl Ad Got Rejected."
Nike, a world leader in sports apparel, had used Kaepernick in an ad that ended: "So don't ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they are crazy enough."
Despite annual revenues of $25 million, CBS was "not satisfied" the company could pay for the ad – although a Nine Line spokesperson said the rejection was based on content and not coin, the Washington Examiner reported.
"CBS's purported reason for rejecting a Super Bowl commercial that extols patriotism is totally out of bounds," Nine Line Apparel CEO Tyler Merritt said, per the Examiner. "Let's call this what it is: a blatant attempt to censor a message that their politically correct executives find offensive.
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"Don't ask if your loyalty is crazy, ask if your loyalty is crazy enough," the 45-second ad begins on a YouTube posted headlined "Our Super Bowl Ad Got Rejected."
Nike, a world leader in sports apparel, had used Kaepernick in an ad that ended: "So don't ask if your dreams are crazy. Ask if they are crazy enough."
Despite annual revenues of $25 million, CBS was "not satisfied" the company could pay for the ad – although a Nine Line spokesperson said the rejection was based on content and not coin, the Washington Examiner reported.
"CBS's purported reason for rejecting a Super Bowl commercial that extols patriotism is totally out of bounds," Nine Line Apparel CEO Tyler Merritt said, per the Examiner. "Let's call this what it is: a blatant attempt to censor a message that their politically correct executives find offensive.
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Pelosi Calls ‘Racist’ Ralph Northam Photo Un-American but Does NOT Demand Resignation
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Saturday condemned a racist yearbook photo featuring Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) and another individual but stopped short of demanding the embattled Virginia Democrat’s resignation.
“The photo is racist and contrary to fundamental American values,” Pelosi said in a statement shared to Twitter. “I join my colleagues in Virginia calling on Governor Northam to do the right thing so that the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia can heal and move forward”:
Northam faces a tsunami of calls from both Democrats and Republicans to leave his post after the photo, first reported by Big League Politics on Friday and later obtained by the Virginian-Pilot, featuring Northam and another person wearing blackface and KKK attire. Despite admitting he is in the photo and issuing an apology, reports indict that the embattled lawmaker now says he does not believe he is in the photo and has no immediate plans to resign.
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“The photo is racist and contrary to fundamental American values,” Pelosi said in a statement shared to Twitter. “I join my colleagues in Virginia calling on Governor Northam to do the right thing so that the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia can heal and move forward”:
Northam faces a tsunami of calls from both Democrats and Republicans to leave his post after the photo, first reported by Big League Politics on Friday and later obtained by the Virginian-Pilot, featuring Northam and another person wearing blackface and KKK attire. Despite admitting he is in the photo and issuing an apology, reports indict that the embattled lawmaker now says he does not believe he is in the photo and has no immediate plans to resign.
More here
Rick Scott: 'Hatred' among Democrats blocking border deal
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., on Sunday said the animosity toward President Trump in Congress is one of the reasons for the recent record-breaking federal government shutdown.
"People are being disingenuous. It's like they're just actors. There's just a lot of hatred up there for President Trump on the Democrat side, and it’s frustrating. We've got to get something done. I don’t — it’s not my first choice for him to use his emergency power. But he's proposed things. Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are not being — they're not negotiating with him in good faith, I don't believe," the freshman senator said during an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press."
Scott, who narrowly defeated former Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson last year, said even Trump has to accept some responsibility for the breakdown in negotiations over $5.7 billion for his southern border wall, which led to the 35-day funding gap for large swaths of the federal government.
“Everybody does," Scott said. "Everybody's got to act in good faith. Everybody's got to stop saying this is all about, you know, winning and losing. It's not. It's about what's good for the American public."
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"People are being disingenuous. It's like they're just actors. There's just a lot of hatred up there for President Trump on the Democrat side, and it’s frustrating. We've got to get something done. I don’t — it’s not my first choice for him to use his emergency power. But he's proposed things. Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi are not being — they're not negotiating with him in good faith, I don't believe," the freshman senator said during an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press."
Scott, who narrowly defeated former Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson last year, said even Trump has to accept some responsibility for the breakdown in negotiations over $5.7 billion for his southern border wall, which led to the 35-day funding gap for large swaths of the federal government.
“Everybody does," Scott said. "Everybody's got to act in good faith. Everybody's got to stop saying this is all about, you know, winning and losing. It's not. It's about what's good for the American public."
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Democrat Ralph Northam's campaign used a flyer omitting his black running mate
His 2017 campaign for governor was caught red-handed at the time issuing two different campaign flyers, identical, except that one version omitted any mention, much less picture, of his African-American running mate.
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The Morality of the Democrats
The Democrats have laid claim to be the new arbiters of “morality.” They declare “immoral” anything that has the potential to thwart them, whether it’s a wall, a hat, a facial expression, or even religion itself, particularly Christianity. This has invited soul searching on the question of whether Democrats are right or wrong in their selective declaration of morality. Some are led to ask whether Democrats might be right -- could a wall be evidence of immorality? What if my desire to protect my country, my family and myself is actually bigoted, and therefore immoral?
Such navel gazing by an objectively decent person is foolish. It is intended to bring about either a flawed acceptance of the left’s version of morality, or a subtle coercion to offer no further support for something that arguably offends others, presuming their good faith in being offended. The accusation of immorality, whether express or implied, represents a distraction from the Democrats’ efforts to subvert the country and its inherently moral principles.
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Such navel gazing by an objectively decent person is foolish. It is intended to bring about either a flawed acceptance of the left’s version of morality, or a subtle coercion to offer no further support for something that arguably offends others, presuming their good faith in being offended. The accusation of immorality, whether express or implied, represents a distraction from the Democrats’ efforts to subvert the country and its inherently moral principles.
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When Democrats Accidentally Told The Truth, America Hated It, & The Media Tried To Pretend It Never Happened.
A sitting Governor describes a baby being born alive, intact and whole and then describes a death panel’s decision over whether that born child should live or die.
That was the moment I saw it happen.
Oh because he was a physician and had at some point(s) in his history delivered a child or two whose life hasn’t ended in a “post-birth abortion” we were supposed to trust that he cared about all kids.
In his multiple back-to-back days’ worth of press conferences reading prepared statements we were told that we weren’t supposed to question his thoughts on the care of children. After all, even in the original incident, he said that the baby would be offered “comfort” before the death panel decided if that same “comforted” child would be given vital life-saving care or simply allowed to perish.
But here’s a rather obvious question, “If it’s not a living child, capable of feeling pain, why is comfort necessary?”
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That was the moment I saw it happen.
Oh because he was a physician and had at some point(s) in his history delivered a child or two whose life hasn’t ended in a “post-birth abortion” we were supposed to trust that he cared about all kids.
In his multiple back-to-back days’ worth of press conferences reading prepared statements we were told that we weren’t supposed to question his thoughts on the care of children. After all, even in the original incident, he said that the baby would be offered “comfort” before the death panel decided if that same “comforted” child would be given vital life-saving care or simply allowed to perish.
But here’s a rather obvious question, “If it’s not a living child, capable of feeling pain, why is comfort necessary?”
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American Bar Association: Higher Standards Are "Unfair" To Minorities
The American Bar Association rejected a proposal on Monday to require at least 75 percent of law students at accredited schools to pass the bar exam no later than two years after their graduations.
ABA's House of Delegates argued that the requirement would “be unfair to institutions that serve minority students," according to Inside Higher Education. An overwhelming majority of the ABA’s House of Delegates voted against the proposal, with a final tally of 88-334.
Several ABA leaders concerned with diversity in the legal profession sent a letter, claiming that “proposed changes to Standard 316, the bar passage rule, will have an adverse impact upon diversity within legal education, the legal profession, and the entire educational pipeline.”
The letter also mentions several data points from the past 10 years of ABA-accredited HBCU law schools that were underperforming in bar passage results, noting that if the new standard for bar passage were to be applied to results from 2016 and 2017, the list of schools that would have lost accreditation “could include five of the six HBCUs."
Aside from the impact on HBCU schools, which significantly contribute to racial diversity in the legal profession, the changes in bar passage standards would also impact other contributors, including “schools in Puerto Rico, most of the schools in California, and other schools across the country,” according to the letter. In 2018, “the first time pass rate for graduates of California ABA-accredited law schools dropped 6 percentage points from July 2017 to July 2018 (70% to 64%),” according to the aforementioned letter.
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ABA's House of Delegates argued that the requirement would “be unfair to institutions that serve minority students," according to Inside Higher Education. An overwhelming majority of the ABA’s House of Delegates voted against the proposal, with a final tally of 88-334.
Several ABA leaders concerned with diversity in the legal profession sent a letter, claiming that “proposed changes to Standard 316, the bar passage rule, will have an adverse impact upon diversity within legal education, the legal profession, and the entire educational pipeline.”
The letter also mentions several data points from the past 10 years of ABA-accredited HBCU law schools that were underperforming in bar passage results, noting that if the new standard for bar passage were to be applied to results from 2016 and 2017, the list of schools that would have lost accreditation “could include five of the six HBCUs."
Aside from the impact on HBCU schools, which significantly contribute to racial diversity in the legal profession, the changes in bar passage standards would also impact other contributors, including “schools in Puerto Rico, most of the schools in California, and other schools across the country,” according to the letter. In 2018, “the first time pass rate for graduates of California ABA-accredited law schools dropped 6 percentage points from July 2017 to July 2018 (70% to 64%),” according to the aforementioned letter.
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Corn lobby pops off on Bud Light's anti-corn syrup Super Bowl ad
The national lobbying group representing corn growers wasn't too sweet on Bud Light's Super Bowl ad Sunday touting how the beer is brewed without corn syrup.
".@BudLight America’s corn farmers are disappointed in you. Our office is right down the road! We would love to discuss with you the many benefits of corn! Thanks @MillerLight and @CoorsLite for supporting our industry," the National Corn Growers Association tweeted on Sunday.
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".@BudLight America’s corn farmers are disappointed in you. Our office is right down the road! We would love to discuss with you the many benefits of corn! Thanks @MillerLight and @CoorsLite for supporting our industry," the National Corn Growers Association tweeted on Sunday.
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Dementia patients to be tracked by 'smart meters'
The UK's NHS is to use energy smart meters to monitor dementia patients in their homes.
The devices will track patients’ daily routines, such as when they boil the kettle, cook dinner or turn the washing machine on.
They will flag up any sudden change in behaviour which could indicate an illness, a fall or a decline in their mental state. The meters will be able to send alerts to family members or carers, who can pop round to check if the patient is all right.
Ministers have promised to install the devices in every home by 2020 to reduce energy consumption, but the rollout is massively over budget and behind schedule.
Privacy campaigners warn that the meters will hand suppliers a ‘honeypot’ of data which could be sold on to marketing firms or fall into the hands of hackers.
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The devices will track patients’ daily routines, such as when they boil the kettle, cook dinner or turn the washing machine on.
They will flag up any sudden change in behaviour which could indicate an illness, a fall or a decline in their mental state. The meters will be able to send alerts to family members or carers, who can pop round to check if the patient is all right.
Ministers have promised to install the devices in every home by 2020 to reduce energy consumption, but the rollout is massively over budget and behind schedule.
Privacy campaigners warn that the meters will hand suppliers a ‘honeypot’ of data which could be sold on to marketing firms or fall into the hands of hackers.
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Duke University Demands Methodist Church Change Its Beliefs
Duke University along with 93 other colleges, is demanding the Methodist church stop believing that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and accept members of the LGBTQ+ community into the church.
Duke University, along with 93 other colleges affiliated with the Methodist Church, is calling on the denomination to change its beliefs, by accepting “gender identity/expression” and “sexual orientation” within the church.
These sweeping demands are derived from the National Association of Schools & Colleges of The United Methodist Church (NASCUMC), whose members signed ajoint statement calling on church leaders to secure full access to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Duke University, along with 93 other colleges affiliated with the Methodist Church, is calling on the denomination to change its beliefs, by accepting “gender identity/expression” and “sexual orientation” within the church.
These sweeping demands are derived from the National Association of Schools & Colleges of The United Methodist Church (NASCUMC), whose members signed ajoint statement calling on church leaders to secure full access to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Rapper Bow Wow Who Threatened to ‘Pimp’ First Lady Arrested on Battery Charges
Rapper Bow Wow was arrested on battery charges on Saturday in Atlanta after police broke up a fight involving an unidentified woman.
Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Gregory Moss, was engaged in a fight on the street at 205 12th Street in downtown Atlanta at 4:145 AM on Saturday morning when police rolled up on the scene, according to WSB-TV Atlanta.
In a report, officers said they “were unable to determine the primary aggressor of the altercation, so both parties” were arrested and charged with battery.
Atlanta Police Officer Jarius Daugherty said both “sustained visible minor injuries” but did not identify the woman.
The 31-year-old rapper was jailed in Fulton County with $8,000 signature bond.
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Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Gregory Moss, was engaged in a fight on the street at 205 12th Street in downtown Atlanta at 4:145 AM on Saturday morning when police rolled up on the scene, according to WSB-TV Atlanta.
In a report, officers said they “were unable to determine the primary aggressor of the altercation, so both parties” were arrested and charged with battery.
Atlanta Police Officer Jarius Daugherty said both “sustained visible minor injuries” but did not identify the woman.
The 31-year-old rapper was jailed in Fulton County with $8,000 signature bond.
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World-Wide Threat Assessment Makes Powerful Case For Border Security
Timing is everything. Congress is currently in the midst of debating the construction of a "border wall" or “border barrier” to protect the dangerous U.S./Mexican border as the clock ticks down to another possible partial shutdown of our government if an agreement cannot be reached.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 the Senate Intelligence Committee conducted a hearing on Worldwide Threats that was predicated on a just-released paper, "World-Wide Threat Assessment," that was issued by Daniel Coats, the Director of the Office of National Intelligence, which oversees the U.S. intelligence community.
As we will see, elements of that report addressed issues that have a clear nexus to border security and immigration law enforcement.
However, the leaders of the Democrat Party have thus far made it clear that they will oppose any and all efforts to construct a barrier to block the un-inspected entry of aliens and cargo into the United States while simultaneously claiming that they don't oppose border security -- even as some Democrats call for disbanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While the Democrat Party leaders claim that a wall or barrier on the southern border is a waste of money and find all sorts of other absurd excuses to oppose it, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi outrageously and infamously claiming that any such structure would be “immoral,” the leaders of the U.S. Border Patrol as well as the leaders of the Border Patrol Council, the union that represents our valiant Border Patrol agents, have publicly and repeatedly stated that a wall or barrier is essential to help them to secure our nation’s borders.
Now we come to that hearing conducted by the Senate Intelligence Committee and the report that served as the predication for that hearing.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 the Senate Intelligence Committee conducted a hearing on Worldwide Threats that was predicated on a just-released paper, "World-Wide Threat Assessment," that was issued by Daniel Coats, the Director of the Office of National Intelligence, which oversees the U.S. intelligence community.
As we will see, elements of that report addressed issues that have a clear nexus to border security and immigration law enforcement.
However, the leaders of the Democrat Party have thus far made it clear that they will oppose any and all efforts to construct a barrier to block the un-inspected entry of aliens and cargo into the United States while simultaneously claiming that they don't oppose border security -- even as some Democrats call for disbanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
While the Democrat Party leaders claim that a wall or barrier on the southern border is a waste of money and find all sorts of other absurd excuses to oppose it, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi outrageously and infamously claiming that any such structure would be “immoral,” the leaders of the U.S. Border Patrol as well as the leaders of the Border Patrol Council, the union that represents our valiant Border Patrol agents, have publicly and repeatedly stated that a wall or barrier is essential to help them to secure our nation’s borders.
Now we come to that hearing conducted by the Senate Intelligence Committee and the report that served as the predication for that hearing.
Third Degree Burglary, Second Degree Assault, False Imprisonment, MDOP
Location: Parkwood Apartments, Salisbury MD
Accused #1: Brian James Davidson, W/M, 41 YOA, of Salisbury MD
Charges Accused #1:
Third Degree Burglary
Second Degree Assault
False Imprisonment
MDOP
Intoxicated Endangerment
(SALISBURY, Md.) On 2/2/19, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Troopers responded to Parkwood Apartments in reference to an adult disorderly male refusing to leave an apartment there. Troopers had responded to the apartment earlier in the day and had given the male suspect a lawful order not to return to the residence.
Upon arrival on scene, Troopers made contact with the adult female victim and the suspect, identified as Brian James Davidson. Troopers observed the front door jam of the apartment to be broken, valued at $100. Investigation revealed Davidson to be heavily intoxicated.
Troopers learned that Davidson does not live there, kicked in the front door, entered the victim’s apartment, and assaulted the victim by grabbing her shirt and chest. Troopers observed red marks on the victim’s neck and chest consistent with her statements.
The victim also stated Davidson had locked the bedroom doors, preventing her from locking herself in a room, to get away from Davidson. Davidson was also blocking free passage between the victim and the exterior door.
Troopers placed Davidson under arrest and transported him to the Barrack for processing. At the time of this news release, Davidson was awaiting to be seen by a District Court Commissioner.
CMS unveils new app to help Medicare patients understand benefits
CMS has released a new smartphone app meant to create a modernized and efficient pathway for beneficiaries and caregivers to understand what’s covered by their Medicare plan and out-of-pocket for procedures and services.
The “What’s Covered” app is free to download on both the iOS and Google Play stores and will allow users to see if specific items or services are covered under their traditional Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. The app also provides a list of covered preventive services.
What’s Covered aims to create another pathway for the government to answer questions about Medicare coverage, which are one of the most frequent inquiries that CMS receives.
The new technology is part of a broader initiative from CMS called eMedicare that is seeking to create more personalized and consumer-friendly online experiences for Medicare beneficiaries.
These include the ability to create personalized accounts on MyMedicare.gov, price transparency tools to compare procedures done in different care settings and enabling Medicare patients to share their health information to third party applications and research programs through the Blue Button 2.0 program.
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The “What’s Covered” app is free to download on both the iOS and Google Play stores and will allow users to see if specific items or services are covered under their traditional Medicare Part A and Part B benefits. The app also provides a list of covered preventive services.
What’s Covered aims to create another pathway for the government to answer questions about Medicare coverage, which are one of the most frequent inquiries that CMS receives.
The new technology is part of a broader initiative from CMS called eMedicare that is seeking to create more personalized and consumer-friendly online experiences for Medicare beneficiaries.
These include the ability to create personalized accounts on MyMedicare.gov, price transparency tools to compare procedures done in different care settings and enabling Medicare patients to share their health information to third party applications and research programs through the Blue Button 2.0 program.
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Nolte: Ralph ‘The Coonman’ Northam Is the Media’s Governor
Chances are, if you are being lied to by a member of the D.C. Media — whether it’s in print, online, or on the TV — you are being lied to by a resident of Virginia. Yes, you are being lied to by a far-leftist who voted to make Democrat Ralph “The Coonman” Northam his or her governor.
You see, most of the reporters who work in Washington, DC, do not live in Washington, DC; they live in Virginia. This should come as no surprise to anyone who understands the left.
On paper, Washington, DC, should be a haven, a Leftist Utopia. After all, D.C. has been exclusively run by Democrats for decades. In fact, since the creation of the Office of the Mayor of Washington, DC, in the early 1970s, only Democrats have held that office. There are no eeeevil Republicans stopping D.C. Democrats from instituting their utopian policies, and yet…
Washington, DC, is the 16th most dangerous city in all of America. (Guess which political party runs almost all of the other 15.) Washington, DC, runs the worst schools in America, has the highest income inequality in all of America, and has a serious homeless problem.
More here
You see, most of the reporters who work in Washington, DC, do not live in Washington, DC; they live in Virginia. This should come as no surprise to anyone who understands the left.
On paper, Washington, DC, should be a haven, a Leftist Utopia. After all, D.C. has been exclusively run by Democrats for decades. In fact, since the creation of the Office of the Mayor of Washington, DC, in the early 1970s, only Democrats have held that office. There are no eeeevil Republicans stopping D.C. Democrats from instituting their utopian policies, and yet…
Washington, DC, is the 16th most dangerous city in all of America. (Guess which political party runs almost all of the other 15.) Washington, DC, runs the worst schools in America, has the highest income inequality in all of America, and has a serious homeless problem.
More here
Fewer doctors are opting out of Medicare
The CMS saw a sharp decrease in the number of providers opting out of Medicare in 2017, after several years where thousands indicated that they did not want to participate in the program.
Physicians and practitioners who do not wish to enroll in the Medicare program may file an "opt-out" affidavit that will prevent the provider and beneficiaries seeing them from submitting bills to the CMS.
For years, the CMS had few providers opting out of Medicare, with the number first hitting triple digits in 2010, with 130. But those numbers jumped to over 1,600 opt-out requests going into effect in 2013, more than doubling to over 3,500 in 2015, and spiking at 7,400 in 2016. Opt-outs dropped to just 3,732 in 2017, according to data released by the CMS Monday.
MACRA ended the need for providers to renew opt-out affidavits every two years; now opt-outs can be indefinite, and providers must ask to rejoin the program.
Doctors have shown less and less interest in Medicare participation as the program's reimbursement has not kept up with the cost of providing care and regulations have increased, according to Donna Kinney, director of research and data analysis at the Texas Medical Association.
"Between price controls and the administrative burden, there is real concern about Medicare," Kinney said.
Medicare remains a vital part of many doctor practices. But some clinicians, particularly in wealthy metropolitan areas, feel they can opt out of the program because they can fill their practice with patients who have commercial insurance or are willing to pay out-of-pocket for care, according to Dr. Charles Rothberg, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York.
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Physicians and practitioners who do not wish to enroll in the Medicare program may file an "opt-out" affidavit that will prevent the provider and beneficiaries seeing them from submitting bills to the CMS.
For years, the CMS had few providers opting out of Medicare, with the number first hitting triple digits in 2010, with 130. But those numbers jumped to over 1,600 opt-out requests going into effect in 2013, more than doubling to over 3,500 in 2015, and spiking at 7,400 in 2016. Opt-outs dropped to just 3,732 in 2017, according to data released by the CMS Monday.
MACRA ended the need for providers to renew opt-out affidavits every two years; now opt-outs can be indefinite, and providers must ask to rejoin the program.
Doctors have shown less and less interest in Medicare participation as the program's reimbursement has not kept up with the cost of providing care and regulations have increased, according to Donna Kinney, director of research and data analysis at the Texas Medical Association.
"Between price controls and the administrative burden, there is real concern about Medicare," Kinney said.
Medicare remains a vital part of many doctor practices. But some clinicians, particularly in wealthy metropolitan areas, feel they can opt out of the program because they can fill their practice with patients who have commercial insurance or are willing to pay out-of-pocket for care, according to Dr. Charles Rothberg, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York.
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US Judge Tosses Maryland Bid to Protect Obamacare Law
A U.S. judge on Friday threw out the state of Maryland's bid to protect the healthcare law known as Obamacare in a ruling that also sidestepped a decision on whether President Donald Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting attorney general was lawful.
In a win for the Republican president, Baltimore-based U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander said Maryland had failed to show that the Trump administration is likely to terminate enforcement of the 2010 law, officially called the Affordable Care Act.
The claim made by Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, a Democrat, "consists of little more than supposition and conjecture about President Trump's possible actions," Hollander wrote.
"In effect, the state proclaims that the sky is falling. But, falling acorns, even several of them, do not amount to a falling sky," Hollander added.
More here
In a win for the Republican president, Baltimore-based U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander said Maryland had failed to show that the Trump administration is likely to terminate enforcement of the 2010 law, officially called the Affordable Care Act.
The claim made by Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, a Democrat, "consists of little more than supposition and conjecture about President Trump's possible actions," Hollander wrote.
"In effect, the state proclaims that the sky is falling. But, falling acorns, even several of them, do not amount to a falling sky," Hollander added.
More here
CMS Proposes Changes to Modernize Medicare
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed historic changes that would increase the amount of time that doctors and other clinicians can spend with their patients by reducing the burden of paperwork that clinicians face when billing Medicare. The proposed rules would fundamentally improve the nation’s healthcare system and help restore the doctor-patient relationship by empowering clinicians to use their electronic health records (EHRs) to document clinically meaningful information, instead of information that is only for billing purposes.
“Today’s reforms proposed by CMS bring us one step closer to a modern healthcare system that delivers better care for Americans at a lower cost,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Such a system requires empowering American patients by giving them price and quality transparency and control over their own interoperable health records, goals supported by CMS’s proposals. These proposals will also advance the successful Medicare Advantage program and accomplish a historic regulatory rollback to help physicians put patients over paperwork. Further, today’s proposed reforms to how CMS pays for medicine demonstrate the commitment of HHS to implementing President Trump’s blueprint for lowering drug prices. The ambitious reforms proposed by CMS under Administrator Verma will help deliver on two HHS priorities: creating a value-based healthcare system for the 21st century and making prescription drugs more affordable.”
“Today’s proposals deliver on the pledge to put patients over paperwork by enabling doctors to spend more time with their patients,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Physicians tell us they continue to struggle with excessive regulatory requirements and unnecessary paperwork that steal time from patient care. This Administration has listened and is taking action.
More here
“Today’s reforms proposed by CMS bring us one step closer to a modern healthcare system that delivers better care for Americans at a lower cost,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Such a system requires empowering American patients by giving them price and quality transparency and control over their own interoperable health records, goals supported by CMS’s proposals. These proposals will also advance the successful Medicare Advantage program and accomplish a historic regulatory rollback to help physicians put patients over paperwork. Further, today’s proposed reforms to how CMS pays for medicine demonstrate the commitment of HHS to implementing President Trump’s blueprint for lowering drug prices. The ambitious reforms proposed by CMS under Administrator Verma will help deliver on two HHS priorities: creating a value-based healthcare system for the 21st century and making prescription drugs more affordable.”
“Today’s proposals deliver on the pledge to put patients over paperwork by enabling doctors to spend more time with their patients,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Physicians tell us they continue to struggle with excessive regulatory requirements and unnecessary paperwork that steal time from patient care. This Administration has listened and is taking action.
More here
US Gains +304,000 Jobs in Jan. Unemployment - 4%
Government shutdown lifts unemployment rate to 4% from 3.9%
The numbers: The U.S. gained 304,000 new jobs in January — the biggest increase in almost a year — in another show of strength for an economy that’s still growing soundly even in the face of more headwinds.
Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a modest gain of 172,000 nonfarm jobs, but mainly because hiring in December had seemed so strong.
Instead the government slashed its original estimate of new jobs in December to 222,000 from 312,000 as part of an annual update based on newly available information. That’s the largest monthly revision since 2010.
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The numbers: The U.S. gained 304,000 new jobs in January — the biggest increase in almost a year — in another show of strength for an economy that’s still growing soundly even in the face of more headwinds.
Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a modest gain of 172,000 nonfarm jobs, but mainly because hiring in December had seemed so strong.
Instead the government slashed its original estimate of new jobs in December to 222,000 from 312,000 as part of an annual update based on newly available information. That’s the largest monthly revision since 2010.
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False statement, Possession CDS marijuana, Fraud to avoid prosecution Hindering/ Obstruction
Date and Time: 10:40 PM
Location: Route 13 at Centre Road, Salisbury, MD 21801
Case number: 19-MSP-004737
Vehicle(s): 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle
Driver: Hurt, Thorne Kennan, 48 year old male of Salisbury, MD
Accused: Hurt, Thorne Kennan, 48 year old male of Salisbury, MD
Charges: False statement, CDS marijuana more than 10 grams, obstructing and hindering and fraud to avoid prosecution.
Disposition: Taken for processing at central booking
Narrative:
On 2/2/19 at 10:40 PM a Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack was on patrol in the area of Route 13 near Centre Road when he conducted a traffic stop on a white Nissan passenger vehicle. While speaking with the driver, the Trooper questioned the identity that the driver provided him, as the driver did not possess a driver’s license, and the Trooper detected deception with the information the driver provided. The Trooper compared a photograph of the name given to the driver seated in the Nissan, and it was confirmed that the driver had provided a false name.
The driver was ordered to exit his vehicle, during which time Troopers observed a large bag of marijuana partially concealed under the driver’s seat. The bag was later determined to be 216.6 grams of marijuana. While conducting a probable cause search of the defendant, he then provided a name of Thorne Hurt and stated that he gave the false name because he did not have a license. A fingerprint examination with assistance from the FBI confirmed his identity as Thorne Hurt.
The defendant was transported to the Salisbury Barrack for processing and then to WCDC to go before a court commissioner. The defendant was charged with several traffic citations as well as false statement, Possession CDS marijuana greater than 10 grams, obstructing and hindering and fraud to avoid prosecution.
Location: Route 13 at Centre Road, Salisbury, MD 21801
Case number: 19-MSP-004737
Vehicle(s): 2010 Nissan passenger vehicle
Driver: Hurt, Thorne Kennan, 48 year old male of Salisbury, MD
Accused: Hurt, Thorne Kennan, 48 year old male of Salisbury, MD
Charges: False statement, CDS marijuana more than 10 grams, obstructing and hindering and fraud to avoid prosecution.
Disposition: Taken for processing at central booking
Narrative:
On 2/2/19 at 10:40 PM a Trooper from the Salisbury Barrack was on patrol in the area of Route 13 near Centre Road when he conducted a traffic stop on a white Nissan passenger vehicle. While speaking with the driver, the Trooper questioned the identity that the driver provided him, as the driver did not possess a driver’s license, and the Trooper detected deception with the information the driver provided. The Trooper compared a photograph of the name given to the driver seated in the Nissan, and it was confirmed that the driver had provided a false name.
The driver was ordered to exit his vehicle, during which time Troopers observed a large bag of marijuana partially concealed under the driver’s seat. The bag was later determined to be 216.6 grams of marijuana. While conducting a probable cause search of the defendant, he then provided a name of Thorne Hurt and stated that he gave the false name because he did not have a license. A fingerprint examination with assistance from the FBI confirmed his identity as Thorne Hurt.
The defendant was transported to the Salisbury Barrack for processing and then to WCDC to go before a court commissioner. The defendant was charged with several traffic citations as well as false statement, Possession CDS marijuana greater than 10 grams, obstructing and hindering and fraud to avoid prosecution.
Movie Day
There will be no Homework Help available on Monday, February 4.
There will be After School Meals starting at 4 pm.
Movie for middle and high school students at Noon.
Bipartisan bill introduced in Congress to end slaughter of American equines
The last horse slaughter plants in the United States closed years ago, and Congress hasconsistently voted to prohibit funding for horse slaughter inspections within U.S borders. Unfortunately, this does not prevent the inhumane transport of American equines to other countries. Each year, tens of thousands of our horses and burros are transported under terrible conditions to Canada and Mexico, where they meet a cruel end because there is no federal law stopping such transport across our borders.
The Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, introduced today by Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., and Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., would change all that. Their measure proposes to end the transport of American horses, burros and other equines abroad to be slaughtered for human consumption, and it would also ensure that horse slaughter plants on U.S. soil remain shuttered.
Horse slaughter is fundamentally cruel, from the way the animals are transported to the methods used to kill them. The horses and burros are shipped in overcrowded trucks for many hours, even days, without food, water or rest. The animals are extremely stressed and they are frequently injured, or even killed, in transit.
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The Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, introduced today by Reps. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., and Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., would change all that. Their measure proposes to end the transport of American horses, burros and other equines abroad to be slaughtered for human consumption, and it would also ensure that horse slaughter plants on U.S. soil remain shuttered.
Horse slaughter is fundamentally cruel, from the way the animals are transported to the methods used to kill them. The horses and burros are shipped in overcrowded trucks for many hours, even days, without food, water or rest. The animals are extremely stressed and they are frequently injured, or even killed, in transit.
More
