DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Hang on to Your Wallets, Bankers Are Coming After Your Cash
In uncertain times, “cash is king,” but central bankers are systematically moving to eliminate that option.
Remember those old ads showing a senior couple lounging on a warm beach, captioned “Let your money work for you”? Or the scene in Mary Poppins where young Michael is being advised to put his tuppence in the bank, so that it can compound into “all manner of private enterprise,” including “bonds, chattels, dividends, shares, shipyards, amalgamations . . . .”?
That may still work if you’re a Wall Street banker, but if you’re an ordinary saver with your money in the bank, you may soon be paying the bank to hold your funds rather than the reverse.
Four European central banks – the European Central Bank, the Swiss National Bank, Sweden’s Riksbank, and Denmark’s Nationalbank – have now imposed negative interest rates on the reserves they hold for commercial banks; and discussion has turned to whether it’s time to pass those costs on to consumers. The Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve are still at ZIRP (Zero Interest Rate Policy), but several Fed officials have also begun calling for NIRP (negative rates).
The stated justification for this move is to stimulate “demand” by forcing consumers to withdraw their money and go shopping with it. When an economy is struggling, it is standard practice for a central bank to cut interest rates, making saving less attractive. This is supposed to boost spending and kick-start an economic recovery.
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Remember those old ads showing a senior couple lounging on a warm beach, captioned “Let your money work for you”? Or the scene in Mary Poppins where young Michael is being advised to put his tuppence in the bank, so that it can compound into “all manner of private enterprise,” including “bonds, chattels, dividends, shares, shipyards, amalgamations . . . .”?
That may still work if you’re a Wall Street banker, but if you’re an ordinary saver with your money in the bank, you may soon be paying the bank to hold your funds rather than the reverse.
Four European central banks – the European Central Bank, the Swiss National Bank, Sweden’s Riksbank, and Denmark’s Nationalbank – have now imposed negative interest rates on the reserves they hold for commercial banks; and discussion has turned to whether it’s time to pass those costs on to consumers. The Bank of Japan and the Federal Reserve are still at ZIRP (Zero Interest Rate Policy), but several Fed officials have also begun calling for NIRP (negative rates).
The stated justification for this move is to stimulate “demand” by forcing consumers to withdraw their money and go shopping with it. When an economy is struggling, it is standard practice for a central bank to cut interest rates, making saving less attractive. This is supposed to boost spending and kick-start an economic recovery.
More
Why the End of Federal Pot Prohibition Could Be Only 5 Years Away
Is it possible that the walls will crumble even faster than we think?
Rob Kampia thinks so, and he's a very well-placed observer. As head of the Marijuana Policy Project, Kampia has his finger on the pulse of pot politics as well as anyone, and he made a pretty startling prediction at the International Drug Reform Conference in suburban Washington last weekend.
At a panel on "Marijuana Reform in Congress," Kampia suggested that a handful of state-level marijuana legalization victories next year is going to set in motion a congressional debate on legalization that could see an end to federal marijuana prohibition before the end of the decade.
Legalization campaigns are already well-advanced in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada, and while getting on the ballot is no guarantee of victory next November, polling so far suggests that most of them will win. And next year could also be the year the first state, and even perhaps a second, legalizes it through the legislative process.
"If you look at what's about to happen," Kampia said, "Vermont is most likely to legalize through the legislature, and Rhode Island has a good shot, but those are the only two states in play."
But then there are the initiative states.
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Rob Kampia thinks so, and he's a very well-placed observer. As head of the Marijuana Policy Project, Kampia has his finger on the pulse of pot politics as well as anyone, and he made a pretty startling prediction at the International Drug Reform Conference in suburban Washington last weekend.
At a panel on "Marijuana Reform in Congress," Kampia suggested that a handful of state-level marijuana legalization victories next year is going to set in motion a congressional debate on legalization that could see an end to federal marijuana prohibition before the end of the decade.
Legalization campaigns are already well-advanced in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada, and while getting on the ballot is no guarantee of victory next November, polling so far suggests that most of them will win. And next year could also be the year the first state, and even perhaps a second, legalizes it through the legislative process.
"If you look at what's about to happen," Kampia said, "Vermont is most likely to legalize through the legislature, and Rhode Island has a good shot, but those are the only two states in play."
But then there are the initiative states.
More
Americans Bought Enough Guns Black Friday To Create a New Military Branch
Citizens responded by buying enough firearms in one day to field an entire new military the size of the Marine Corps, with guns left over to equip 2-4 Army divisions.
Mr. President you have you answer.
It was a rousing “screw you.”
Exploitative members of the mainstream media and the Democrat Party have attempted to use the Islamic terror attacks in France to frighten Americans into passing “Minority Report” legislation for the past few weeks. This legislation would strip American citizens of their core rights without a trial, or without them even being accused of committing a crime.
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Nearly 1,000 Clinton emails had classified info
The State Department’s latest release of Hillary Clinton documents brings the total number of Clinton emails known to contain classified material to nearly 1,000.
The department on Monday released its largest batch of emails yet, posting 7,800 pages of the former secretary of state’s communications.
The latest batch contains 328 emails deemed to have classified information. According to the State Department, that brings the total number with classified information to 999.
The emails in question were deemed classified before their release by the department – and the former secretary of state has said all along she never sent emails with material marked classified at the time.
But the large number of emails containing now-classified material further underscores how much sensitive information was crossing her private server, a situation her critics have described as a security risk.
Shortly after the release, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus released a statement saying, "With the number of emails containing classified information now numbering nearly one thousand, this latest court-ordered release underscores the degree to which Hillary Clinton jeopardized our national security and has tried to mislead the American people."
Her email practices are also the subject of a federal investigation.
More
The department on Monday released its largest batch of emails yet, posting 7,800 pages of the former secretary of state’s communications.
The latest batch contains 328 emails deemed to have classified information. According to the State Department, that brings the total number with classified information to 999.
The emails in question were deemed classified before their release by the department – and the former secretary of state has said all along she never sent emails with material marked classified at the time.
But the large number of emails containing now-classified material further underscores how much sensitive information was crossing her private server, a situation her critics have described as a security risk.
Shortly after the release, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus released a statement saying, "With the number of emails containing classified information now numbering nearly one thousand, this latest court-ordered release underscores the degree to which Hillary Clinton jeopardized our national security and has tried to mislead the American people."
Her email practices are also the subject of a federal investigation.
More
BREAKING NEWS: Police confirm 2 gunmen killed in office massacre
Police in San Bernardino, Calif., confirm that two gunmen who shot and killed 14 people in a county office building are dead -- one is a woman -- a third possible suspect is in custody, and a house-to-house search continues for a possible fourth suspect. Police also say they are treating a package left in the office building as a possible explosive device. FBI spokesman would not rule out that the massacre was an act of terrorism.
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Major Coastal Highway Repaving Project Set For Spring; Southbound Lanes From Route 90 Bridge-Del. Line Included
SHA District Engineer Donnie Drewer and Assistant District Engineer Dallas Baker this week briefed the Mayor and Council on several projects slated for the resort area in its Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for 2016 including a major repaving project for the north end of Ocean City. On Tuesday, Drewer said Coastal Highway from Route 90 to the Delaware line would be milled and repaved this spring as part of SHA’s ongoing enhancements along the resort’s main drag.
“We plan on overlaying the entire length of Coastal Highway from Route 90 to the Delaware line,” he said. “Hopefully, the paving will start around March 1, but a lot depends on the weather. Our drop-dead date to be finished is May 26, which hopefully gets us in before Memorial Day.”
Drewer explained the bid openings for the major project were expected as soon as this week and there were several elements, including the time constraints, written into the contract. For example, the contract includes milling and repaving of the side streets along the highway in the project area. Perhaps more importantly, the contract includes specific language about the duration of the project in general and the hours of the work each day.
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Lionel Richie Reveals Plans for Upcoming Collaboration With Adele
There's no bigger fan of Adele's "Hello" than Lionel Richie himself.
The 66-year-old Grammy-winning artist, who enjoyed tremendous success with his own single called "Hello" in the early '80s, is thrilled about the newfound attention the decades-old song has received since Adele released her record-breaking track in October.
After the song's debut, a video mashup of the British crooner hanging up the phone on the former Commodore immediately went viral, poking fun at the two hits' similar set of lyrics.
While previewing his new home collection to Manhattan's top real estate brokers at the TOWN Residential Art Basel kick-off event, E! News caught up with the "All Night Long" crooner at the Versace Mansion to talk about the song's second shot at stardom.
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The 66-year-old Grammy-winning artist, who enjoyed tremendous success with his own single called "Hello" in the early '80s, is thrilled about the newfound attention the decades-old song has received since Adele released her record-breaking track in October.
After the song's debut, a video mashup of the British crooner hanging up the phone on the former Commodore immediately went viral, poking fun at the two hits' similar set of lyrics.
While previewing his new home collection to Manhattan's top real estate brokers at the TOWN Residential Art Basel kick-off event, E! News caught up with the "All Night Long" crooner at the Versace Mansion to talk about the song's second shot at stardom.
More
WORCESTER COUNTY HONORED FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
“Receiving the GFOA award for the last seven years is truly an honor and reflects the strong work ethic and standards of the Finance Office staff and management team,” Finance Officer Phil Thompson said. “It requires a truly dedicated and knowledgeable team to accomplish this task, and I am fortunate to work with such a team.”
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition awarded to local governments in the areas of accounting and financial reporting. The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
To be awarded the Certificate of Achievement, a governmental unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized CAFR, and its contents must conform to program standards. Such reports should satisfy Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and applicable legal requirements.
WCG was a recipient for this prestigious award, with Finance Officer Phil Thompson, Budget Officer Kathy Whited, Assistant Finance Officer Jennifer Swanton, Enterprise Fund Controller Jessica Ramsay and Budget Accountant Kim Watts accepting the certificate on behalf of the county.
Make Your Own Christmas Wreath this Saturday at Pemberton Park
(Salisbury, MD) Visitors can learn to make their own Christmas decorations this Saturday, Dec. 5 at Pemberton Historical Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Education Building.
All greens and supplies are provided and local experts will be on site to teach and assist visitors in making their own natural wreaths, swags or arrangements. Crafters may bring their own decorative items such as ribbon or ornaments, as they will not be available on site.
The cost is $15 per item. Ready-made small wreaths/arrangements will be available for sale. Reservations are not required, but since there is a limited number of table space there may be a short wait. To reserve space in advance, please call 410-742-1741. The greenery workshop is hosted by the Pemberton Hall Foundation and the Westside Historical Society.
All greens and supplies are provided and local experts will be on site to teach and assist visitors in making their own natural wreaths, swags or arrangements. Crafters may bring their own decorative items such as ribbon or ornaments, as they will not be available on site.
The cost is $15 per item. Ready-made small wreaths/arrangements will be available for sale. Reservations are not required, but since there is a limited number of table space there may be a short wait. To reserve space in advance, please call 410-742-1741. The greenery workshop is hosted by the Pemberton Hall Foundation and the Westside Historical Society.
Town Takes Over Annual Christmas Parade, Adds Awards Reception At Carousel Hotel
Town Takes Over Annual Christmas Parade, Adds Awards Reception At Carousel HotelOCEAN CITY -- The 33rd Annual Ocean...
Posted by The Dispatch on Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Climate Commie Obama Embarrasses America at UN Paris Climate Change Scam Conference
Pompous America-hating president Obama took to the podium on Monday at the United Nation’sglobal warming climate change scam conference, embarrassing America in a big way.
Arrogant and self-absorbed Obama, who back at home thinks he’s above the law, performing his progressive leftist presidency like a third-world dictator, apparently thinks he’s also above the rest of the world as well.
Obama was one of 147 world leaders given a three-minute slot at the COP21 conference in Paris, but as NBC News reported, Obama obnoxiously took 14 minutes, nearly five times his allotted time.
As you can hear in the video below, for example at about 8:30 minutes into the speech, the event organizers began ringing loud beeps, letting Obama know that he had run over his time.
But like he does to Americans warning Obama that he is usurping his authority, he completely ignored the warnings.
Equally as shameful, Obama — as he is prone to do — used the overseas speech to demonize the country he pretends to serve — America.
More
Arrogant and self-absorbed Obama, who back at home thinks he’s above the law, performing his progressive leftist presidency like a third-world dictator, apparently thinks he’s also above the rest of the world as well.
Obama was one of 147 world leaders given a three-minute slot at the COP21 conference in Paris, but as NBC News reported, Obama obnoxiously took 14 minutes, nearly five times his allotted time.
As you can hear in the video below, for example at about 8:30 minutes into the speech, the event organizers began ringing loud beeps, letting Obama know that he had run over his time.
But like he does to Americans warning Obama that he is usurping his authority, he completely ignored the warnings.
Equally as shameful, Obama — as he is prone to do — used the overseas speech to demonize the country he pretends to serve — America.
More
Attorney general defends top aide after recording surfaces
It happened at an out-of-state conference in October.
In the video recorded by a young woman posing as a student, Thiru Vignarajah said, "I am terrified about people figuring out that I don't know about lots of areas of the law. It is a big deal. It is my job to oversee these divisions I don't know much about."
Vignarajah is in charge of the criminal anti-trust and Medicaid fraud divisions, among others.
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OOPSY! Inconvenient FACT From Colorado Shooting Busts Leftist Planned Parenthood Narrative Wide Open
Progressive leftist anti-life Democrats rushed to create a sympathetic narrative for the baby body parts chop shop Planned Parenthood, while demonizing anyone who doesn’t agree with their satanic rituals, following a mass murder that occurred in Colorado on Saturday.
Even air-headed leftist nutjob, washed-up actress Bette Midler got in on the action, jumping to conclusions as they have been taught by their lord, god and savior Barack Obama:
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Even air-headed leftist nutjob, washed-up actress Bette Midler got in on the action, jumping to conclusions as they have been taught by their lord, god and savior Barack Obama:
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Audit reveals trouble tracking handgun purchases in Maryland
BALTIMORE —A new audit released Tuesday reveals trouble with the tracking of handgun purchases in Maryland, and sometimes, huge gaps between the sale of a gun and the required applications being approved.
In 2013, Maryland signed into law some of the country's toughest requirements for gun purchases. The audit raises question about the ability of the state police, which oversees the licensing process, to keep track of what has been sold.
The audit found slack controls in the processing of handgun applications and key discrepancies in the tracking of serial numbers.
As of May, 1.1 million regulated guns in Maryland were registered to 700,000 people.
The audit found the required applications with background checks were often approved late, after a gun was already transferred from dealer to buyer. In one case, the paperwork was more than 400 days late.
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In 2013, Maryland signed into law some of the country's toughest requirements for gun purchases. The audit raises question about the ability of the state police, which oversees the licensing process, to keep track of what has been sold.
The audit found slack controls in the processing of handgun applications and key discrepancies in the tracking of serial numbers.
As of May, 1.1 million regulated guns in Maryland were registered to 700,000 people.
The audit found the required applications with background checks were often approved late, after a gun was already transferred from dealer to buyer. In one case, the paperwork was more than 400 days late.
More
He Was Forced to Live on a Chain for 20 Years – Watch as He Experiences Freedom for the First Time
A mountain lion who lived in chains for 20 years with a traveling circus was finally freed by wildlife officials.
Mufasa was found chained to a pick-up truck amid piles of rusting circus equipment. Though Peru has banned circuses from using wild animals, his captors evaded the law and moved between remote villages.
He was finally freed from his chains when Animal Defenders International and wildlife officials raided the circus and rescued him.
Can you imagine the kind of life this poor animal must have led, chained to the back of a truck for two decades? Thank God he has finally been rescued and set free!
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Deer flips in air, survives collision with police cruiser
Over the weekend, Officer Pittaluga encountered a large deer while driving on Decoursey Pike through Visalia. The...
Posted by Kenton County Police Department on Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Be sure to read some of the comments left on their Facebook page. Some are pretty clever and funny!
Fraudulent and Duplicative Federal Programs
A new “wastebook” from Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) has 100 examples of fraudulent and duplicative federal programs and processes. Lankford is picking up a longstanding tradition his predecessor, former Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), started. Underused and empty federal buildings, mismanaged Federal Protective Service vehicles and the OPM cyber breach are some of the examples Lankford described. A $375,000 dollar study on senior dating habits and a $280,000 Defense Department study on a small bird are some of the “nonsensical” cases of waste, Lankford found.
Additional Troop Deployment Demands Congressional Action
Washington, DC – Yesterday, President Obama ordered the deployment of additional specialized “expeditionary” forces to Iraq and Syria. Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement:
“Everyone agrees that ISIL is a barbaric terrorist organization that must be degraded and dismantled. As this conflict expands, Congress must be actively involved in addressing ISIL.
The deployment of additional special operations forces to Iraq should be a wake-up call to Congress – it’s past time to hold a serious debate on the costs and consequences of yet another war in the Middle East.
294 days ago, President Obama sent Congress a draft military authorization; it has remained on the Speaker’s desk ever since.
It is simply unacceptable.
Every day, this war escalates and more American troops are placed in harm’s way. Congress must live up to its constitutional duty to give the American people a voice on matters of war and peace.
National security experts are clear, there is no military solution to this conflict. Only a comprehensive, regionally-led strategy that addresses the underlying political, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian issues in the region will ultimately be effective.
“Everyone agrees that ISIL is a barbaric terrorist organization that must be degraded and dismantled. As this conflict expands, Congress must be actively involved in addressing ISIL.
The deployment of additional special operations forces to Iraq should be a wake-up call to Congress – it’s past time to hold a serious debate on the costs and consequences of yet another war in the Middle East.
294 days ago, President Obama sent Congress a draft military authorization; it has remained on the Speaker’s desk ever since.
It is simply unacceptable.
Every day, this war escalates and more American troops are placed in harm’s way. Congress must live up to its constitutional duty to give the American people a voice on matters of war and peace.
National security experts are clear, there is no military solution to this conflict. Only a comprehensive, regionally-led strategy that addresses the underlying political, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian issues in the region will ultimately be effective.
My legislation, H.J. Res. 30, lays out a comprehensive strategy while ending the blank checks for endless war that have allowed this conflict to escalate unchecked by Congress.
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