Democrat presidential candidate and senator Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) said Thursday that individuals who are pro-life should not be judges.
"These are personal decisions. They are health care decisions. They are economic decisions. They are moral decisions. A woman has a right to make all those decisions," Gillibrand said in an interview on New Hampshire Public Radio. "And if you are telling me today, that women in America don't have that right. I think you are so backward-looking that those judges and justices are not the type of people we should be appointing because it is too backward-looking."
Gillibrand sparked controversy this week when she compared pro-life beliefs to racism and suggested the pro-life viewpoint is "not acceptable" during an interview with the Des Moines Register.
"I think there's some issues that have such moral clarity that we have as a society decided that the other side is not acceptable..."
More here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Can you see the truck in the picture?
Oops I guess OC didn't get the memo
Flag Status Alert: Maryland Flag is at Half-Staff
This is to advise that Governor Larry Hogan ordered the Maryland State Flag be lowered to half-staff effective immediately (Fri 6/14/2019 10:27 AM) and returned to full-staff at sunset on the day of interment (not yet known). This action is in honor of R. Clayton Mitchell, Jr., Former Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, who died Thursday, June 13, 2019.
1000S OF ILLEGALS QUARANTINED AFTER EXPOSURE TO CHICKEN POX, MUMPS
Approximately 5,200 adult migrants in US custody for illegally entering the country have been quarantined by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being exposed to mumps or chicken pox, according to the agency.
An ICE official told CNN on Friday that of the quarantined individuals, approximately 80% (4,200) were exposed to mumps, 800 were exposed to chicken pox, and around 100 migrants were exposed to both. They will be quarantined for 25 days.
“I think there is heightened interest in this situation because it’s the mumps, which is a new occurrence in custody, but preventing the spread of communicable disease in ICE custody is something we have demonstrated success doing,” said ICE executive associate director for enforcement and removal operations, Nathalie Asher.
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An ICE official told CNN on Friday that of the quarantined individuals, approximately 80% (4,200) were exposed to mumps, 800 were exposed to chicken pox, and around 100 migrants were exposed to both. They will be quarantined for 25 days.
Just because individuals are quarantined doesn’t mean they have the mumps, but they’ve at least been exposed to it. From September 2018 to June 13, 297 people in ICE custody had confirmed cases of mumps, proven by blood test. –CNNThe agency began recording cases of mumps last September, with 297 cases for the period of time ending June 13.
“I think there is heightened interest in this situation because it’s the mumps, which is a new occurrence in custody, but preventing the spread of communicable disease in ICE custody is something we have demonstrated success doing,” said ICE executive associate director for enforcement and removal operations, Nathalie Asher.
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Manafort defense team exposes the ‘intelligence community’s’ betrayal of their responsibilities
As the Russia Hoax is being unwound, we are learning some deeply disturbing lessons about the level of corruption at the top levels of the agencies charged with protecting us from external threats. One jaw-dropping example has just been exposed by the legal team defending Paul Manafort, an elderly man being held in solitary confinement for nonviolent crimes – itself a scandal of major dimensions. (Where is Amnesty International on this abuse?)
Foundational to the entire narrative that Russia “interfered” with our election and that President Trump “colluded” with this interference is the conclusion issued by the “intelligence community” that the DNC emails were hacked by Russia. According to this assertion, the exposure of those emails affected the election, and therefore Trump benefitted from Russian interference, and colluded by joking that Russia should locate the 30,000 emails Hillary Clinton deleted and bleach-bitted, making recovery impossible.
There has already been ample reason to dismiss this collective judgment from the intelligence community, primarily focusing on the fact that the download speed of the emails could only have been achieved by loading it on a device attached to the server itself. It was too fast to have been sent via the internet to a hacker. But now, the Department of Justice had made an admission in response to a filing by Manafort’s defense team that reveals they did not carry out their basic responsibilities.
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Foundational to the entire narrative that Russia “interfered” with our election and that President Trump “colluded” with this interference is the conclusion issued by the “intelligence community” that the DNC emails were hacked by Russia. According to this assertion, the exposure of those emails affected the election, and therefore Trump benefitted from Russian interference, and colluded by joking that Russia should locate the 30,000 emails Hillary Clinton deleted and bleach-bitted, making recovery impossible.
There has already been ample reason to dismiss this collective judgment from the intelligence community, primarily focusing on the fact that the download speed of the emails could only have been achieved by loading it on a device attached to the server itself. It was too fast to have been sent via the internet to a hacker. But now, the Department of Justice had made an admission in response to a filing by Manafort’s defense team that reveals they did not carry out their basic responsibilities.
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Reports: U.S., Guatemala Negotiate Legal Wall Against Migrants
U.S. and Guatemalan officials are negotiating a “safe third country” agreement which would bar the movement of U.S.-bound migrants through Guatemala, say press reports.
Under the terms of the [draft] agreement, migrants fleeing persecution in El Salvador and Honduras would be required to seek asylum in Guatemala, a gateway to Mexico and the United States,” said the June 13 report by Voice of America News.
With few exceptions, those who continue north to the U.S. without testing their chances in Guatemala would be sent back to Guatemala by U.S. immigration authorities
The White House finalized the draft agreement Monday, according to the source, and the agreement was expected to be presented to Guatemala officials as early as Thursday [June 13] — three days before a first round of presidential elections in that country.
A “safe third country” deal declares that migrants must apply for asylum in the first safe country they reach — and it allows the quick rejection of asylum claims if the migrants request asylum in more distant countries, such as the United States.
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Under the terms of the [draft] agreement, migrants fleeing persecution in El Salvador and Honduras would be required to seek asylum in Guatemala, a gateway to Mexico and the United States,” said the June 13 report by Voice of America News.
With few exceptions, those who continue north to the U.S. without testing their chances in Guatemala would be sent back to Guatemala by U.S. immigration authorities
The White House finalized the draft agreement Monday, according to the source, and the agreement was expected to be presented to Guatemala officials as early as Thursday [June 13] — three days before a first round of presidential elections in that country.
A “safe third country” deal declares that migrants must apply for asylum in the first safe country they reach — and it allows the quick rejection of asylum claims if the migrants request asylum in more distant countries, such as the United States.
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Today Show Earns All-Time Ratio For Tweeting There’s ‘Debate’ Over Vaccines
A Twitter account run by NBC's Today earned internet scorn Thursday after tweeting that there was a "debate" over the safety of vaccination.
Actress and three-time Golden Raspberry Award nominee Jessica Biel appeared before the California State Assembly this week to oppose SB 276, a bill that would tighten the requirements for parents to claim a medical exemption for mandatory vaccinations. Amid criticism, Biel said on social media she was "not against vaccinations," but wished to "support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians."
Today was among the outlets covering the dust-up. But while its story called the claim that vaccines cause autism a "myth," its tweet linking to the story asked "Are vaccines safe? Jessica Biel reignites debate."
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Actress and three-time Golden Raspberry Award nominee Jessica Biel appeared before the California State Assembly this week to oppose SB 276, a bill that would tighten the requirements for parents to claim a medical exemption for mandatory vaccinations. Amid criticism, Biel said on social media she was "not against vaccinations," but wished to "support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians."
Today was among the outlets covering the dust-up. But while its story called the claim that vaccines cause autism a "myth," its tweet linking to the story asked "Are vaccines safe? Jessica Biel reignites debate."
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OJ Simpson is now on Twitter and says he’s ‘got a little getting even to do’
More than a year after his release from prison, OJ Simpson launched a new Twitter account Friday night with a selfie video in which he says he’s “got a little getting even to do.”
“Hey Twitter world, this is yours truly. Coming soon to Twitter, you’ll get to read all my thoughts and opinions on just about everything,” says Simpson, 71, while surrounded by greenery outdoors.
He also asks people to follow his new official account, @TheRealOJ32.
“It should be a lot of fun. I’ve got a little getting even to do,” the NFL Hall of Famer says with a smile and without offering more details.
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“Hey Twitter world, this is yours truly. Coming soon to Twitter, you’ll get to read all my thoughts and opinions on just about everything,” says Simpson, 71, while surrounded by greenery outdoors.
He also asks people to follow his new official account, @TheRealOJ32.
“It should be a lot of fun. I’ve got a little getting even to do,” the NFL Hall of Famer says with a smile and without offering more details.
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New York could become first state to fully decriminalize sex work
Democratic lawmakers in New York have proposed a bill that would decriminalize prostitution. The new legislation, unveiled Monday, also looks to eliminate prior criminal records related to most sex work offenses. If passed, it would be the first of its kind in the U.S.
Sens. Jessica Ramos and Julia Salazar introduced the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act, which is aimed at removing criminal penalties for sex workers, who are often targets of street violence and arrests.
"We want to bring sex workers out of the shadows and ensure that they are protected," Ramos said in a news conference. "We will finally make strides against trafficking by empowering sex workers to report violence against them. Sex work is work and everyone has an inherent right to a safe workplace."
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Sens. Jessica Ramos and Julia Salazar introduced the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act, which is aimed at removing criminal penalties for sex workers, who are often targets of street violence and arrests.
"We want to bring sex workers out of the shadows and ensure that they are protected," Ramos said in a news conference. "We will finally make strides against trafficking by empowering sex workers to report violence against them. Sex work is work and everyone has an inherent right to a safe workplace."
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A Hub of Political Correctness Gets Hit With a Big Judgment
In what is hard to characterize as anything other than poetic justice, Oberlin College and its former vice president and dean of students, Meredith Raimondo, has been hit by an Ohio jury with a multimillion-dollar judgment for libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress against a local family business, Gibson’s Bakery and Candy, which led to a boycott of the bakery over false charges of racism.
What began as a simple shoplifting incident took on a life of its own because of the bakery’s proximity to one of the country’s preeminent institutions of political correctness and progressive thought.
It demonstrates the dangers of jumping to conclusions before the facts are in and the damage done by false charges of racism.
Gibson’s Bakery is a century-old business owned and operated by three generations of the Gibson family.
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What began as a simple shoplifting incident took on a life of its own because of the bakery’s proximity to one of the country’s preeminent institutions of political correctness and progressive thought.
It demonstrates the dangers of jumping to conclusions before the facts are in and the damage done by false charges of racism.
Gibson’s Bakery is a century-old business owned and operated by three generations of the Gibson family.
More
When the Chips Are Down, Never Bet Against the US Army
Friday, June 14 is the U.S. Army’s 244th birthday.
Since it was born in 1775, even before the birth of the nation itself, the Army has always responded to fight our wars, provide disaster support, build dams and levees, enforce desegregation, and help partner nations develop their own armies.
The history of the Army is the history of the nation.
As one of the largest organizations in the world, the U.S. Army has provided millions of Americans the opportunity for advancement, individual development, and progress without regard for socioeconomic standing, race, gender, or background. Countless numbers who have served have gone on to higher education using the education benefits, such as the GI Bill, provided by a grateful nation
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Since it was born in 1775, even before the birth of the nation itself, the Army has always responded to fight our wars, provide disaster support, build dams and levees, enforce desegregation, and help partner nations develop their own armies.
The history of the Army is the history of the nation.
As one of the largest organizations in the world, the U.S. Army has provided millions of Americans the opportunity for advancement, individual development, and progress without regard for socioeconomic standing, race, gender, or background. Countless numbers who have served have gone on to higher education using the education benefits, such as the GI Bill, provided by a grateful nation
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Recent Agreement With Mexico Will Alleviate Border Crisis, but Further Reforms Needed for Long-Term Solution
After a week of negotiations, the U.S. and Mexico came to a landmark deal on addressing the Central American migration crisis. If implemented correctly, it could usher in a new era of joint action in addressing illegal immigration.
With this new agreement, the U.S. and Mexico now have an operational framework for bilateral and individual measures on reducing migration flows.
Mexico has committed to an expansion of the Migration Protection Protocols, otherwise known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
This means that Mexico has agreed to hold an increased number of Central American migrants in Mexico while they await processing of their U.S. asylum claims.
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With this new agreement, the U.S. and Mexico now have an operational framework for bilateral and individual measures on reducing migration flows.
Mexico has committed to an expansion of the Migration Protection Protocols, otherwise known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
This means that Mexico has agreed to hold an increased number of Central American migrants in Mexico while they await processing of their U.S. asylum claims.
More
New York Ended Its Religious Exemption For Vaccines After The Worst Measles Outbreaks In Decades
New York will no longer allow parents to refuse vaccinations for their children because of religious reasons after the state became the center of the worst measles outbreak in decades.
The state legislature approved a bill Thursday that will require all children attending school or daycare to receive vaccinations, unless they could not be safely vaccinated because of a medical issue. Gov. Andrew Cuomo immediately signed it into law.
“I understand freedom of religion. We all do. We respect it. I’ve heard the anti-vaxxers’ theory, but I believe both are overwhelmed by the public health risk,” Cuomo told reporters Wednesday.
The state has recorded 854 cases of measles since September in outbreaks centered in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York City and Rockland County. Health officials in both areas have called the outbreaks a crisis that risks the safety of the public — particularly infants, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, such as patients with cancer.
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The state legislature approved a bill Thursday that will require all children attending school or daycare to receive vaccinations, unless they could not be safely vaccinated because of a medical issue. Gov. Andrew Cuomo immediately signed it into law.
“I understand freedom of religion. We all do. We respect it. I’ve heard the anti-vaxxers’ theory, but I believe both are overwhelmed by the public health risk,” Cuomo told reporters Wednesday.
The state has recorded 854 cases of measles since September in outbreaks centered in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York City and Rockland County. Health officials in both areas have called the outbreaks a crisis that risks the safety of the public — particularly infants, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems, such as patients with cancer.
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It’s Suddenly Hip on the Left to Abuse White Kids: Rapper Vic Mensa Puts White Kids in Cages Drinking Toilet Water in New Video
Rapper Vic Mensa released his latest video on Friday for his latest political anthem, “Camp America.”
In the video white kids are kept in cages and forced to drink toilet water.
This is supposed to represent ICE detention centers under President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
The practice of detaining illegal aliens in cages was used during the Obama years.
Vic Mensa is no mensa.
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In the video white kids are kept in cages and forced to drink toilet water.
This is supposed to represent ICE detention centers under President Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
The practice of detaining illegal aliens in cages was used during the Obama years.
Vic Mensa is no mensa.
More
'Don't Go to Target Today:' Registers Across the Country Are Down, Reports Say
Target customers across the country are tweeting that the big box retailer is experiencing a nationwide computer malfunction that has caused many of the stores’ registers to stop working on Saturday.
Patrons from Texas to New York to Florida are tweeting photos and videos of dozens of customers waiting in line with red shopping carts filled with products, unable to check out seemingly due to computer issues. Many on social media claim that Target employees say that the malfunction is chain-wide.
Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the store’s official Twitter account confirmed that customers could not make purchases at the chain’s stores.
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Patrons from Texas to New York to Florida are tweeting photos and videos of dozens of customers waiting in line with red shopping carts filled with products, unable to check out seemingly due to computer issues. Many on social media claim that Target employees say that the malfunction is chain-wide.
Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the store’s official Twitter account confirmed that customers could not make purchases at the chain’s stores.
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Texas governor signs controversial 'Save Chick-fil-A' bill into law
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed the so-called “Save Chick-fil-A” bill into law, a new provision that supporters say defends the fast-food restaurant and protects religious freedoms. Opponents have argued it discriminates against the LGBT community.
Abbott, a Republican, did not hold a public signing ceremony, but he had signaled his support through a tweet a few weeks ago, DallasNews.com reported.
On May 20, Abbott tweeted a picture of a Chick-fil-A soft drink in front of a laptop showing a news article with the headline “'Save Chick-fil-A' bill heads to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk” and wrote, “So. What are the odds I’ll sign the Chick-fil-A bill? I’ll let you know after dinner. @ChickfilA #txlege”
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https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/texas-governor-save-chick-fil-a-bill-law
Abbott, a Republican, did not hold a public signing ceremony, but he had signaled his support through a tweet a few weeks ago, DallasNews.com reported.
On May 20, Abbott tweeted a picture of a Chick-fil-A soft drink in front of a laptop showing a news article with the headline “'Save Chick-fil-A' bill heads to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk” and wrote, “So. What are the odds I’ll sign the Chick-fil-A bill? I’ll let you know after dinner. @ChickfilA #txlege”
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https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/texas-governor-save-chick-fil-a-bill-law
Texas border town declares itself sanctuary city for the unborn: 'Here we will no longer murder our babies'
A Texas border city with a population of about 2,200 has declared itself a sanctuary for the unborn and has banned abortion.
Waskom, Texas, which borders Louisiana 20 miles west of Shreveport, claims to be the first city in the nation to become a "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" by way of a resolution and ordinance unanimously passed by five members of the city council Tuesday night.
The ordinance makes organizations that perform abortions or assist in obtaining them "criminal organizations," such as Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, and others like them.
It was modeled after the city of Roswell, New Mexico's resolution declaring it a "sanctuary city for the unborn." But the Texas ordinance goes even further because it bans abortions within city limits.
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-abortion-border-town-sanctuary-city-unborn
Waskom, Texas, which borders Louisiana 20 miles west of Shreveport, claims to be the first city in the nation to become a "Sanctuary City for the Unborn" by way of a resolution and ordinance unanimously passed by five members of the city council Tuesday night.
The ordinance makes organizations that perform abortions or assist in obtaining them "criminal organizations," such as Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, and others like them.
It was modeled after the city of Roswell, New Mexico's resolution declaring it a "sanctuary city for the unborn." But the Texas ordinance goes even further because it bans abortions within city limits.
More
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-abortion-border-town-sanctuary-city-unborn
JUSTICE DEMOCRATS NAME 8-TERM INCUMBENT AS FIRST TARGET IN BID TO PRIMARY MODERATE DEMOCRATS
The progressive PAC credited with the rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rise launched its first effort to unseat a moderate Democrat in 2020.
Justice Democrats announced their support for Jessica Cisneros to primary Democratic Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, who has represented the Lone Star State’s 28th Congressional District since 2005.
Cisneros, a 26-year-old immigration lawyer, is running on a progressive platform to mandate a $15 federal minimum wage, Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, free public college, increasing taxes and expanding social security, reported The Laredo Morning Times. She is also pro-abortion, anti-gun and opposes construction of a border wall.
Cueller has long been a target of Justice Democrats for not being progressive enough in a safely blue district, according to NBC News. Specifically, he is backed by the National Rifle Association, wants to defund sanctuary cities and voted to ban federal funding for abortion.
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Justice Democrats announced their support for Jessica Cisneros to primary Democratic Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar, who has represented the Lone Star State’s 28th Congressional District since 2005.
Cisneros, a 26-year-old immigration lawyer, is running on a progressive platform to mandate a $15 federal minimum wage, Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, free public college, increasing taxes and expanding social security, reported The Laredo Morning Times. She is also pro-abortion, anti-gun and opposes construction of a border wall.
Cueller has long been a target of Justice Democrats for not being progressive enough in a safely blue district, according to NBC News. Specifically, he is backed by the National Rifle Association, wants to defund sanctuary cities and voted to ban federal funding for abortion.
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How Racial Quotas Are Hurting Minority Kids in Connecticut
Connecticut has put in place diversity quotas for certain magnet schools, meaning the racial breakdown of those schools has to stay relatively fixed. That policy is backfiring on the state, which is now being sued by parents—largely African American—saying that it adversely affects their kids. I recently sat down with Gwen Samuel, the plaintiff in that case, and today we’ll share that exclusive interview. Plus: CNN’s Jim Acosta says the media is doing a great job and there’s no bias. Rachel and I will discuss.
Listen to the podcast HERE
Listen to the podcast HERE
Millennial generation rocked by deaths from ‘diseases of despair’
The number of Americans dying from drugs, alcohol and suicide continues to climb. While the rising death toll is cross-generational, a new report shows millennials are especially affected.
Alcohol- and drug-induced fatalities and suicide nearly tripled in the last two decades among adults ages 18 to 34, according to a report from the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health and the national foundation Well Being Trust.
Data collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and analyzed by the two public health groups found the rate of alcohol-induced deaths doubled for 18- to 34-year-olds between 1999 and 2017. Between 2007 and 2017, Americans in the same demographic saw a 108% increase in drug-related deaths and a 35% increase in suicides.
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Alcohol- and drug-induced fatalities and suicide nearly tripled in the last two decades among adults ages 18 to 34, according to a report from the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health and the national foundation Well Being Trust.
Data collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and analyzed by the two public health groups found the rate of alcohol-induced deaths doubled for 18- to 34-year-olds between 1999 and 2017. Between 2007 and 2017, Americans in the same demographic saw a 108% increase in drug-related deaths and a 35% increase in suicides.
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Chancellor Merkel’s German-Harvard Axis Attacks President Trump’s America
German Chancellor Angela Merkel uttered all the Pavlovian anti-Trump dog whistles. She talked about walls and climate change. She mentioned gun violence and multilateralism. She referred to free trade and globalism. And she condemned nationalism and isolationism.
Checking off the liberal agenda, the only line she omitted was sharply rebuking “the deplorables.”
Taking yet another bow on the world stage in an interminable goodbye tour, she promises to step down as German chancellor in 2021. Speaking at Harvard University’s 368th Commencement, she hit all the left-leaning notes for her well-heeled crowd of global elites. Simultaneously addressing the mainstream media and foreign policy establishment, Merkel curried favor with the global progressives who have anointed her “the leader of the Free World” — or, as Time magazine preferred “Chancellor of the Free World” — in their petty efforts to snub President Donald J. Trump.
Just as she was warmly received by the those gathered at Harvard’s pompously branded Tercentenary Theatre, Merkel must have been thrilled by the fawning media reception. The Boston Globe headlined: “At Harvard, a not-so-veiled rebuke of Trump by Angela Merkel.” The New York Times proclaimed: “Merkel rebukes Trump’s world view in all but name.” Politico declared: “Merkel takes aim at Trump in ‘tear down walls’ speech.”
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Checking off the liberal agenda, the only line she omitted was sharply rebuking “the deplorables.”
Taking yet another bow on the world stage in an interminable goodbye tour, she promises to step down as German chancellor in 2021. Speaking at Harvard University’s 368th Commencement, she hit all the left-leaning notes for her well-heeled crowd of global elites. Simultaneously addressing the mainstream media and foreign policy establishment, Merkel curried favor with the global progressives who have anointed her “the leader of the Free World” — or, as Time magazine preferred “Chancellor of the Free World” — in their petty efforts to snub President Donald J. Trump.
Just as she was warmly received by the those gathered at Harvard’s pompously branded Tercentenary Theatre, Merkel must have been thrilled by the fawning media reception. The Boston Globe headlined: “At Harvard, a not-so-veiled rebuke of Trump by Angela Merkel.” The New York Times proclaimed: “Merkel rebukes Trump’s world view in all but name.” Politico declared: “Merkel takes aim at Trump in ‘tear down walls’ speech.”
More
Solomon: Delerious Democrats Now Accusing Team Obama Of Treason
If you read the newspapers, tuned into the cable TV pundits or received an email from one of the Democrats running for president, you’d swear Donald Trump was back to his treasonous ways.
All that was missing was an annoying OMG text exclamation punctuating the unfounded claims that Trump might violate the law in 2020 by accepting intelligence on a political rival from a foreign country. The inference, of course, is that it would come from a hostile power such as Russia or North Korea or Iran.
Actually, what Trump told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos was that he’d consider taking intelligence dirt about a rival from a friendly ally. (Norway was the actual example he used.)
Sound familiar? That is EXACTLY what the Obama administration did in 2016. It’s something no one in the media or the political space grasped during the tsunami of breathless reaction that followed the interview.
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All that was missing was an annoying OMG text exclamation punctuating the unfounded claims that Trump might violate the law in 2020 by accepting intelligence on a political rival from a foreign country. The inference, of course, is that it would come from a hostile power such as Russia or North Korea or Iran.
Actually, what Trump told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos was that he’d consider taking intelligence dirt about a rival from a friendly ally. (Norway was the actual example he used.)
Sound familiar? That is EXACTLY what the Obama administration did in 2016. It’s something no one in the media or the political space grasped during the tsunami of breathless reaction that followed the interview.
More
Pool Opens Today at 1pm. Get down to Caribbean Joe's!
Alabama’s Stand for Free Speech Sets an Example for the Nation
State mottos should be built to last, and Alabama’s lawmakers just applied theirs—Audemus jura nostra defendere or “We dare defend our rights”—to one of the most contentious and visible issues of debate today: free speech on college campuses.
Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey approved a proposal to protect the expressive rights of everyone who is part of a university community.
The proposal forbids so-called free speech zones, instructs university officials to be prepared to issue consequences to students who violate others’ right to listen and be heard, and assigns public university governing boards the task of writing an annual report on free speech-related incidents.
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Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey approved a proposal to protect the expressive rights of everyone who is part of a university community.
The proposal forbids so-called free speech zones, instructs university officials to be prepared to issue consequences to students who violate others’ right to listen and be heard, and assigns public university governing boards the task of writing an annual report on free speech-related incidents.
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Trump 'all in' to outlaw burning of the American flag
President Trump endorsed a senator’s introduction of a constitutional amendment that bans burning the American flag.
Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana introduced the amendment on Flag Day, which was Friday. Trump took to Twitter early Saturday morning to throw his support behind the move.
“All in for Senator Steve Daines as he proposes an Amendment for a strong BAN on burning our American Flag. A no brainer!” Trump said.
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Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana introduced the amendment on Flag Day, which was Friday. Trump took to Twitter early Saturday morning to throw his support behind the move.
“All in for Senator Steve Daines as he proposes an Amendment for a strong BAN on burning our American Flag. A no brainer!” Trump said.
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Maryland State Police investigating Plane Crash in Crisfield
On 6/15/2019 at approximately 0725 hours the Maryland State Police barracks in Princess Anne Somerset County received a call from Lori Dennis, wife of Dennis Edward Shaw pilot of the plane which had crashed at the Crisfield Regional Airport. Troopers made contact with Shaw, who stated he had walked to his residence at 27150 Crisfield Marion Road after the crash. Shaw further stated that he had crashed at approximately 0400 hours this morning then contacted his wife Lori. Princess Anne EMS responded to his residence and transported him to PRMC with minor injuries. Shaw who resides in New York stated he was going to fly back to New York when the plane had some mechanical problems. Shaw was the only occupant along with two dogs at the time of the incident. Troopers located two dogs in the plane, one of which was deceased. The crash location was approximately 600 yard off the runway. The following agencies have been contacted, Maryland Department of Environment, NTSB, and MEMA. The scene is secure. Investigation still on going.
Hey, Joe Biden! Here Are Some Scandals You Forgot
"Know what I was most proud of?" presidential candidate Joe Biden told a crowd on Wednesday. "For eight years, there wasn't one single hint of a scandal or a lie."
In an era where every presidential tweet is an existential threat to democracy, there are probably plenty of people who believe this myth. Off the bat, though, it should be mentioned that even liberal fact-checking outfit PolitiFact once awarded Barack Obama the "Lie of Year" for misleading the American people about his technocratic health care plan.
Obama's most famous lie, of course, upturned millions of lives. Without it, it's doubtful Obamacare -- which was perhaps the only wholly partisan national reform effort in American history -- would ever have passed. Even with a stream of falsehoods, the bill had to be shoehorned through Congress. Media did a lot of heavy lifting for the administration in those heady days.
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In an era where every presidential tweet is an existential threat to democracy, there are probably plenty of people who believe this myth. Off the bat, though, it should be mentioned that even liberal fact-checking outfit PolitiFact once awarded Barack Obama the "Lie of Year" for misleading the American people about his technocratic health care plan.
Obama's most famous lie, of course, upturned millions of lives. Without it, it's doubtful Obamacare -- which was perhaps the only wholly partisan national reform effort in American history -- would ever have passed. Even with a stream of falsehoods, the bill had to be shoehorned through Congress. Media did a lot of heavy lifting for the administration in those heady days.
More
Traffic Going Into Ocean City
If you are heading to the Air show today in Ocean City be prepared for a traffic delay. Both Route 50 and Route 90 are currently backed up beyond Racetrack Road.
WaPo Reporter Backtracks After Tweeting Trump ‘Failed’ to Heed Tanker Warning
A Washington Post reporter had to explain Thursday she wasn't blaming the Trump administration for not heeding past Iranian warnings ahead of a suspected attack on two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman.
The attacks followed a similar incident last month, when four tankers were attacked, also near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for the attacks in May; Iran has denied responsibility.
Washington Post Beirut bureau chief Liz Sly tweeted Thursday, "Big escalation in the Persian Gulf. Two oil tankers struck and on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, focus of US-Iran tensions. Comes after Trump failed to heed the last tanker warning & imposed more sanctions."
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The attacks followed a similar incident last month, when four tankers were attacked, also near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for the attacks in May; Iran has denied responsibility.
Washington Post Beirut bureau chief Liz Sly tweeted Thursday, "Big escalation in the Persian Gulf. Two oil tankers struck and on fire in the Strait of Hormuz, focus of US-Iran tensions. Comes after Trump failed to heed the last tanker warning & imposed more sanctions."
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Department of Transportation manager fired, allegedly committed time & attendance fraud
BALTIMORE, MD (WBFF) — A Department of Transportation manager was fired after allegedly committing time and attendance fraud.
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an investigation after a report stated the manger frequently arrived late for work while reporting normal work hours on his timesheet.
Officials also say during the investigation they were able to confirm the manager drove for a ride-sharing service during work hours.
Though the manager denied it, the Office of the Inspector General was able to find four separate days in which he drove for a ride-sharing service while reporting normal work hours for Baltimore City.
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The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an investigation after a report stated the manger frequently arrived late for work while reporting normal work hours on his timesheet.
Officials also say during the investigation they were able to confirm the manager drove for a ride-sharing service during work hours.
Though the manager denied it, the Office of the Inspector General was able to find four separate days in which he drove for a ride-sharing service while reporting normal work hours for Baltimore City.
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STATE AGENCY STALLS OPEN OF BILLIONAIRES’ ROW HOMELESS SHELTER
Despite a court ruling this week giving a Billionaires’ Row homeless shelter the green light, the state agency with the power to allow people to move in still refuses to let it open.
The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance says it is still reviewing the building’s certification, on an application first submitted two years ago — while taking into account a lawsuit brought by the West 58th Street Coalition, which opposes the shelter.
The coalition, represented by former Giuliani administration deputy mayor Randy Mastro and other attorneys, has been appealing directly to state officials and the governor, asking them to not grant the shelter necessary approvals, according to letters obtained by THE CITY.
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The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance says it is still reviewing the building’s certification, on an application first submitted two years ago — while taking into account a lawsuit brought by the West 58th Street Coalition, which opposes the shelter.
The coalition, represented by former Giuliani administration deputy mayor Randy Mastro and other attorneys, has been appealing directly to state officials and the governor, asking them to not grant the shelter necessary approvals, according to letters obtained by THE CITY.
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Restoration Hardware Plans to Move Manufacturing Back to U.S.
A California furniture and hardware company is planning to expand its manufacturing in the United States thanks to President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports.
Restoration Hardware, known simply as “RH,” offers luxury furnishing collections from dining room tables to home decor with about 35 percent of its products being made in China last fiscal year. For Fiscal Year 2019, RH executives said that about 25 to 30 percent of its products will be manufactured in China.
Trump’s recent hiking of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent, though, has RH executives planning to expand their manufacturing base in the U.S. That expansion will mean less and less production in China.
In the company’s latest financial report, executives said:
Regarding China tariffs, we have renegotiated product costs and selectively raised prices to mitigate the impact of the increase from 10 to 25 percent. We are also moving certain production and new product development out of China, plus exploring new partnerships and expanding our own manufacturing facilities in the United States. Long term, we do not believe the current trade climate will impair our ability to achieve our stated financial goals and the expected impact from the increased tariffs is embedded in our guidance for the year.
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Restoration Hardware, known simply as “RH,” offers luxury furnishing collections from dining room tables to home decor with about 35 percent of its products being made in China last fiscal year. For Fiscal Year 2019, RH executives said that about 25 to 30 percent of its products will be manufactured in China.
Trump’s recent hiking of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 percent, though, has RH executives planning to expand their manufacturing base in the U.S. That expansion will mean less and less production in China.
In the company’s latest financial report, executives said:
Regarding China tariffs, we have renegotiated product costs and selectively raised prices to mitigate the impact of the increase from 10 to 25 percent. We are also moving certain production and new product development out of China, plus exploring new partnerships and expanding our own manufacturing facilities in the United States. Long term, we do not believe the current trade climate will impair our ability to achieve our stated financial goals and the expected impact from the increased tariffs is embedded in our guidance for the year.
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Migrants complain of poor conditions at US holding centers
The Trump administration is facing growing complaints from migrants about severe overcrowding, meager food and other hardships at border holding centers, with some people at an encampment in El Paso being forced to sleep on the bare ground during dust storms.
The Border Network for Human Rights issued a report Friday based on dozens of testimonials of immigrants over the past month and a half, providing a snapshot of cramped conditions and prolonged stays in detention amid a record surge of migrant families coming into the U.S. from Central America.
The report comes a day after an advocate described finding a teenage mother cradling a premature baby inside a Border Patrol processing center in Texas. The advocate said the baby should have been in a hospital, not a facility where adults are kept in large fenced-in sections that critics describe as cages.
“The state of human rights in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands is grave and is only getting worse,” the immigrant rights group said in its report. “People are dying because of what is happening.”
More here
The Border Network for Human Rights issued a report Friday based on dozens of testimonials of immigrants over the past month and a half, providing a snapshot of cramped conditions and prolonged stays in detention amid a record surge of migrant families coming into the U.S. from Central America.
The report comes a day after an advocate described finding a teenage mother cradling a premature baby inside a Border Patrol processing center in Texas. The advocate said the baby should have been in a hospital, not a facility where adults are kept in large fenced-in sections that critics describe as cages.
“The state of human rights in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands is grave and is only getting worse,” the immigrant rights group said in its report. “People are dying because of what is happening.”
More here
Arrests Made in Rockville Gun Store Burglary; Deceased Suspect Identified
The Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division and the Firearms Investigations Unit, continue to investigate an incident that occurred in the early morning hours in Rockville where an officer responded to a burglary-in-progress at the United Gun Store located in the 5400 block of Randolph Road.
On June 13th, at approximately 2:35 am, the Emergency Communications Center (911) was notified the United Gun Store in Rockville was being burglarized. The caller provided a lookout for five suspects, described as black males, to the call taker.
An officer from the 1st District responded to the scene, arriving at 2:39 a.m., and encountered a white SUV in front of the store. As the officer exited his police cruiser, the white SUV accelerated towards the officer and struck the officer’s police cruiser, disabling it. During the encounter, the officer discharged his service weapon.
The white SUV traveled down Randolph Road approximately a quarter mile where it became disabled. Four suspects exited the white SUV and fled on foot into the surrounding area. Additional responding officers encountered the white SUV in the travel lanes of Randolph Road. A fifth suspect was located unresponsive in the vehicle with a gunshot wound. Officers removed the unresponsive suspect from the vehicle to take life-saving actions that were ineffective. The suspect was deceased on the scene.
The deceased suspect has been identified as Marquis Weems, age 17, of Anne Arundel County.
The officer involved has been identified as Officer John Gloss, a 20-year veteran, assigned to the Patrol Services Bureau. Per standard procedure, Officer Gloss has been placed on administrative leave pending review.
Following the established procedure, once Major Crimes detectives complete their investigation of the officer-involved shooting, the findings will be submitted to the Howard County’s State’s Attorney’s Office for review.*
Detectives investigating the case, in cooperation with both the Howard County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have now linked the burglary in Rockville to the Fox’s Firearms gun store burglary in Howard County.
Today, detectives are announcing the arrest of the following individuals:
Brandon Allen Jackson, age 17, of Anne Arundel County (charged as an adult – picture not released per our policy)
Terrence Massey, Jr., age 21, of Anne Arundel County (picture below)
Juvenile Suspect, age 15, of Anne Arundel County (charged as a juvenile)
As of this writing, 17 guns have been recovered, with 10 firearms still outstanding from the Rockville burglary incident. Investigators continue to work with the ATF to develop further information regarding the stolen firearms from both the Montgomery County and Howard County gun store burglaries. Howard County Police are continuing their investigation and anticipate filing similar charges in the near future.
Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance to identify additional suspects in this incident. Anyone with information should contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. To be eligible for a reward, tipsters may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or enter a tip online. Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the suspect. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
{*An established agreement between the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office stipulates that when an officer-involved shooting involving injury or death occurs in one county, the other county’s State’s Attorney’s Office will review the event.}
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| Terrence Massey, JR |
Flag Day/ God Save The Flag
by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr
Washed in the blood of the brave and the blooming,
Snatched from the altars of insolent foes,
Burning with star-fires, but never consuming,
Flash its broad ribbons of lily and rose.
Vainly the prophets of Baal would rend it,
Vainly his worshippers pray for its fall;
Thousands have died for it, millions defend it,
Emblem of Justice and Mercy to all:
Justice that reddens the sky with her terrors,
Mercy that comes with her white-handed train,
Soothing all passions, redeeming all errors,
Sheathing the sabre and breaking the chain.
Borne on the deluge of old usurpations,
Drifted our Ark o'er the desolate seas,
Bearing the rainbow of hope to the nations,
Torn from the storm-cloud and flung to the breeze !
GOD BLESS the FLAG and its loyal defenders,
While its broad folds o'er the battle-field wave,
Till the dim star-wreath rekindle its splendors,
Washed from its stains in the Blood of the Brave
Washed in the blood of the brave and the blooming,
Snatched from the altars of insolent foes,
Burning with star-fires, but never consuming,
Flash its broad ribbons of lily and rose.
Vainly the prophets of Baal would rend it,
Vainly his worshippers pray for its fall;
Thousands have died for it, millions defend it,
Emblem of Justice and Mercy to all:
Justice that reddens the sky with her terrors,
Mercy that comes with her white-handed train,
Soothing all passions, redeeming all errors,
Sheathing the sabre and breaking the chain.
Borne on the deluge of old usurpations,
Drifted our Ark o'er the desolate seas,
Bearing the rainbow of hope to the nations,
Torn from the storm-cloud and flung to the breeze !
GOD BLESS the FLAG and its loyal defenders,
While its broad folds o'er the battle-field wave,
Till the dim star-wreath rekindle its splendors,
Washed from its stains in the Blood of the Brave
Consumer Alert: Attorney General Frosh Warns Marylanders of Massive Medical Data Breach
American Medical Collection Agency Experienced Cyberattack; Patient Personal Data May Be at Risk
BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh is warning Marylanders that their medical and other private information may have been compromised by a cyberattack against American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA), a third party collection agency for laboratories, hospitals, physician groups, medical providers, and others.
Presently, the known list of impacted entities affects over 20 million patients. The list is likely to expand and includes the following entities:
- Quest Diagnostics: 11.9 million patients
- LabCorp: 7.7 million patients
- BioReference Laboratories: 422,600 patients
- Carecentrix: 500,000 patients
- Sunrise Laboratories: unknown number of patients
The compromised information varies for each entity, but includes some or all of the following information: patient name, date of birth, address, phone number, date of service, provider, balance information, payment card information, bank account information, social security number, and the lab test performed.
AMCA’s payment system was compromised on August 1, 2018, and remained vulnerable through March 30, 2019. AMCA has started sending out written notices to consumers whose credit card number, social security number, or lab test order information may have been accessed.
Recent reports of massive data breaches highlight the need for Marylanders to be vigilant about their personal information and aware of how it may be compromised and misused. The Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) requires any business that keeps electronic records containing the personal identifying information of Maryland residents to notify those residents if their information is compromised.
Consumers should always carefully review their financial and medical account regularly for suspicious activity and immediately report all suspicious or fraudulent charges to their financial institutions or health insurance providers. Consumers impacted by the AMCA data breach should be especially vigilant.
“Massive data breaches like the one experienced by the AMCA are extremely alarming, especially considering the likelihood that personal, financial, and medical information may now be in the hands of thieves and scammers,” said Attorney General Frosh. “I strongly urge consumers to take steps to ensure that their information and personal identity is protected.”
Consumers who believe they may have been affected by this breach should immediately take the following steps to protect their information:
- Obtain a free credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.
- Put a fraud alert on your credit file.
- Consider a security freeze on your credit file (for more information about freezes, visithttp://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/IdentityTheft/freezing.aspx).
- Take advantage of any free services being offered as a result of the breach.
- Use two-factor authentication on your online accounts whenever available.
The Office of the Attorney General has an Identity Theft Unit that offers guidance and assistance. Information about protecting yourself or your children against identity theft, and what to do if it occurs, can be found atwww.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/IdentityTheft/default.aspx.
If consumers feel they have been harmed and want to file a complaint, they may call the Attorney General’s Identity Theft Unit at 410-576-6491.