A lady Canadian libertarian wrote a lot of letters to the government, complaining about the treatment of captive insurgents (terrorists) being held in Afghanistan National Correctional System facilities.
She received back the following reply:
National Defence Headquarters
MGen George R. Pearkes Bldg, 15 NT
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K2
Canada
Dear Concerned Citizen,
Thank you for your recent letter expressing your profound concern of treatment of the Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists captured by Canadian Forces who were subsequently transferred to the Afghanistan Government and are currently being held by Afghan officials in Afghanistan National Correctional System facilities.
Our administration takes these matters seriously and your opinions were heard loud and clear here in Ottawa .
You will be pleased to learn, thanks to the concerns of citizens like yourself; we are creating a new department here at the Department of National Defence, to be called 'Liberals Accept Responsibility for Killers' program, or L.A.R.K. for short.
In accordance with the guidelines of this new program, we have decided to divert one terrorist and place him in your personal care.
Your personal detainee has been selected and is scheduled for transportation under heavily armed guard to your residence in Toronto next Monday.
Ali Mohammed Ahmed bin Mahmud (you can just call him Ahmed) is to be cared for pursuant to the standards you personally demanded in your letter of complaint.
It will likely be necessary for you to hire some assistant caretakers.. We will conduct weekly inspections to ensure that your standards of care for Ahmed are commensurate with those you so strongly recommend in your letter.
Although Ahmed is a sociopath and extremely violent, we hope that your sensitivity to what you described as his 'attitudinal problem' will help him overcome these character flaws.
Perhaps you are correct in describing these problems as mere cultural differences.
We understand that you plan to offer counselling and home schooling.
Your adopted terrorist is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat and can extinguish human life with such simple items as a pencil or nail clippers.
We advise that you do not ask him to demonstrate these skills at your next yoga group.
He is also expert at making a wide variety of explosive devices from common household products, so you may wish to keep those items locked up, unless (in your opinion) this might offend him.
Ahmed will not wish to interact with you or your daughters (except sexually) since he views females as a subhuman form of property.
This is a particularly sensitive subject for him and he has been known to show violent tendencies around women who fail to comply with the new dress code that he will recommend as more appropriate attire.
I'm sure you will come to enjoy the anonymity offered by the burka over time. Just remember that it is all part of 'respecting his culture and religious beliefs' as described in your letter.
Thanks again for your concern. We truly appreciate it when folks like you keep us informed of the proper way to do our job and care for our fellow man.
You take good care of Ahmed and remember we'll be watching.
Good luck and God bless you.
Cordially,
Gordon O'Connor
Minister of National Defense
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, January 04, 2010
Baptist Cowboy
A cowboy, who just moved to Wyoming from Texas , walks into a bar and orders three mugs of Bud. He sits in the back of the room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the bar and orders three more.
The bartender approaches and tells the cowboy, 'You know, a mug goes flat after I draw it. It would taste better if you bought one at a time.'
The cowboy replies, 'Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in Arizona , the other is in Colorado .. When we all left our home in Texas , we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank together. So I'm drinking one beer for each of my brothers and one for myself.'
The bartender admits that this is a nice custom, and leaves it there.
The cowboy becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same way. He orders three mugs and drinks them in turn.
One day, he comes in and only orders two mugs. All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, 'I don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss.'
The cowboy looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns in his eyes and he laughs.
'Oh, no, everybody's just fine, ' he explains, 'It's just that my wife and I joined the Baptist Church and I had to quit drinking.'
'Hasn't affected my brothers though..'
The bartender approaches and tells the cowboy, 'You know, a mug goes flat after I draw it. It would taste better if you bought one at a time.'
The cowboy replies, 'Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in Arizona , the other is in Colorado .. When we all left our home in Texas , we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank together. So I'm drinking one beer for each of my brothers and one for myself.'
The bartender admits that this is a nice custom, and leaves it there.
The cowboy becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same way. He orders three mugs and drinks them in turn.
One day, he comes in and only orders two mugs. All the regulars take notice and fall silent. When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, 'I don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss.'
The cowboy looks quite puzzled for a moment, then a light dawns in his eyes and he laughs.
'Oh, no, everybody's just fine, ' he explains, 'It's just that my wife and I joined the Baptist Church and I had to quit drinking.'
'Hasn't affected my brothers though..'
Observations On Growing Older
~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them
...but your grandchildren are perfect!
~Going out is good.
Coming home is better!
~When people say you look "Great"...
they add "for your age!"
~When you needed the discount you paid full price.
Now you get discounts on everything ..
movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them.
~You forget names ... but it's OK
because other people forgot
they even knew you!!!
~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose
is now 15 and you have a better chance
of losing your keys than the 15 pounds.
~You realize you're never going
to be really good at anything .... especially golf.
~Your husband is counting on you
to remember things you don't remember.
~The things you used to care to do,
you no longer care to do,
but you really do care that you
don't care to do them anymore.
~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair
with the TV blaring than he does in bed.
It's called his "pre-sleep".
~Remember when your mother said
"Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"?
Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident!
~You used to say,
"I hope my kids GET married ..
Now, "I hope they STAY married!"
~You miss the days when everything worked
with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..
~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem ...
were unheard of, and a mouse was something
that made you climb on a table.
~You used to use more 4 letter words ...
"what?"..."when?" ???
~Now that you can afford
expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~Your husband has a night out with the guys
but he's home by 9:00 P.M. ...next week it will be 8:30 P.M.
~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it.
~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~Now that your husband has retired ...
you'd give anything if he'd find a job!
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ...
2 of which you will never wear.
~~~~But old is good in some things:
old songs
old movies
And best of all OLD FRIENDS!!
...but your grandchildren are perfect!
~Going out is good.
Coming home is better!
~When people say you look "Great"...
they add "for your age!"
~When you needed the discount you paid full price.
Now you get discounts on everything ..
movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them.
~You forget names ... but it's OK
because other people forgot
they even knew you!!!
~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose
is now 15 and you have a better chance
of losing your keys than the 15 pounds.
~You realize you're never going
to be really good at anything .... especially golf.
~Your husband is counting on you
to remember things you don't remember.
~The things you used to care to do,
you no longer care to do,
but you really do care that you
don't care to do them anymore.
~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair
with the TV blaring than he does in bed.
It's called his "pre-sleep".
~Remember when your mother said
"Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"?
Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident!
~You used to say,
"I hope my kids GET married ..
Now, "I hope they STAY married!"
~You miss the days when everything worked
with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..
~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem ...
were unheard of, and a mouse was something
that made you climb on a table.
~You used to use more 4 letter words ...
"what?"..."when?" ???
~Now that you can afford
expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~Your husband has a night out with the guys
but he's home by 9:00 P.M. ...next week it will be 8:30 P.M.
~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it.
~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~Now that your husband has retired ...
you'd give anything if he'd find a job!
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet ...
2 of which you will never wear.
~~~~But old is good in some things:
old songs
old movies
And best of all OLD FRIENDS!!
The Are Five Things You Cannot Recover In Life
(1) The Stone..........after it's thrown,
(2) The Word...............after it's said,
(3) The Occasion......after it's missed, and
(4) The Time.............after it's gone.
(5)A person.............after they die
(2) The Word...............after it's said,
(3) The Occasion......after it's missed, and
(4) The Time.............after it's gone.
(5)A person.............after they die
Philosophy Of Ambiguity
1. DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE SWEATY THINGS.
2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.
3.ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.
4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?
5. THE MAIN REASON THAT SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.
6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.
7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?
8. IF A DEAF CHILD SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?
9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?
10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?
11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?"
12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?
13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?
14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
15. WHY DO THEY LOCK PETROL STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
16. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?
17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?
19. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?
20. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?
21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?
22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.
23. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?
24. DO INFANTS ENJOY INFANCY AS MUCH AS ADULTS ENJOY ADULTERY?
25. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?
26. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?
27. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?
28. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?
29. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE 'S' IN IT?
30. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED "HEMORRHOIDS" INSTEAD OF "ASSTEROIDS"?
31. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?
32. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?
33. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL PERSON IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES, DO THEY BECOME DISORIENTED?
34. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?
2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.
3.ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.
4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?
5. THE MAIN REASON THAT SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.
6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.
7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?
8. IF A DEAF CHILD SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?
9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?
10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?
11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?"
12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?
13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?
14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
15. WHY DO THEY LOCK PETROL STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
16. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?
17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?
19. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?
20. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?
21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?
22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.
23. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?
24. DO INFANTS ENJOY INFANCY AS MUCH AS ADULTS ENJOY ADULTERY?
25. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?
26. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?
27. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?
28. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?
29. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE 'S' IN IT?
30. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED "HEMORRHOIDS" INSTEAD OF "ASSTEROIDS"?
31. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?
32. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?
33. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL PERSON IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES, DO THEY BECOME DISORIENTED?
34. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?
Welcome To Alberta...
NEW RULES FOR ENTERING ALBERTA:
1. Bring your own house.
2. If you are going to the Oil Sands, bring your own house, school, and hospital.
3. If you are going to Edmonton, wear your flak jacket. This is the murder capital of Canada ..
4. If you are driving to Edmonton , note that it is also the auto theft center of Canada ..
5. If you are bringing drugs, head straight to Fort McMurray, the drug capital of Canada ..
6. If you are looking for work, look no further. Minimum wage is $5.60 per hour.
7. If you work downtown, note that parking costs $5.00 per hour or more.
8. If you are able to buy a house in Edmonton or Calgary , why not spend the money on a 15 year holiday.
9. If you drive a Hummer, look out. Alberta has the highest gas prices in Canada [The Alberta Advantage].
10. In Edmonton we have 5 hospitals. 10 years ago we had 7. Don't come here sick.
11. In Calgary the population has exploded. The last road was paved 12 years ago. Calgary is a no parking zone.
12. Remember when Roy Rogers etc. were beating the Indians? Well it's payback time. They own all the Casinos here.
NEW CALGARY RULES OF THE ROAD:
1. You must first learn to pronounce the name correctly -- it is: "CAL-GREE". The second 'A' is redundant.
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 8:00pm. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday morning and ends on Saturday night.
3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 130 kph. On the Deerfoot 500, you are expected to match the speed of the airplanes coming in for a landing at the airport. Anything less is considered "Wussy".
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Calgary now has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, Calgary , SUV-driving, cell phone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.
6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's another offense that can get you shot.
7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in Calgary . . . Detour barrels are moved around each night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting, but nothing ever gets finished, and more new construction starts everyday.
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, cats, deer, barrels, cones, cows, horses, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, garbage, squirrels, rabbits, crows, and coyotes feeding on any of these items.
9. In Calgary, 16th Avenue, TransCanada, and "Hwy #1" are all the same road.
10. If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been "accidentally activated."
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 110 in a 80-90 kph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be "flipped off" accordingly. If you return the flip, you will be shot.
12. For winter driving, it is advisable to wear your parka, toque, fur lined mittens and mukluks. Make sure you have a shovel, food, candles and blankets in the vehicle, as snow removal from the city streets is virtually non-existent until the spring thaw.
1. Bring your own house.
2. If you are going to the Oil Sands, bring your own house, school, and hospital.
3. If you are going to Edmonton, wear your flak jacket. This is the murder capital of Canada ..
4. If you are driving to Edmonton , note that it is also the auto theft center of Canada ..
5. If you are bringing drugs, head straight to Fort McMurray, the drug capital of Canada ..
6. If you are looking for work, look no further. Minimum wage is $5.60 per hour.
7. If you work downtown, note that parking costs $5.00 per hour or more.
8. If you are able to buy a house in Edmonton or Calgary , why not spend the money on a 15 year holiday.
9. If you drive a Hummer, look out. Alberta has the highest gas prices in Canada [The Alberta Advantage].
10. In Edmonton we have 5 hospitals. 10 years ago we had 7. Don't come here sick.
11. In Calgary the population has exploded. The last road was paved 12 years ago. Calgary is a no parking zone.
12. Remember when Roy Rogers etc. were beating the Indians? Well it's payback time. They own all the Casinos here.
NEW CALGARY RULES OF THE ROAD:
1. You must first learn to pronounce the name correctly -- it is: "CAL-GREE". The second 'A' is redundant.
2. The morning rush hour is from 5:00am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 8:00pm. Friday's rush hour starts on Thursday morning and ends on Saturday night.
3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 130 kph. On the Deerfoot 500, you are expected to match the speed of the airplanes coming in for a landing at the airport. Anything less is considered "Wussy".
4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Calgary now has its own version of traffic rules. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest muffler go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, Calgary , SUV-driving, cell phone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.
5. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended, cussed out, and possibly shot.
6. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It's another offense that can get you shot.
7. Road construction is permanent and continuous in Calgary . . . Detour barrels are moved around each night to make the next day's driving a bit more exciting, but nothing ever gets finished, and more new construction starts everyday.
8. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, skunks, dogs, cats, deer, barrels, cones, cows, horses, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, garbage, squirrels, rabbits, crows, and coyotes feeding on any of these items.
9. In Calgary, 16th Avenue, TransCanada, and "Hwy #1" are all the same road.
10. If someone actually has their turn signal on, wave them to the shoulder immediately to let them know it has been "accidentally activated."
11. If you are in the left lane and only driving 110 in a 80-90 kph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be "flipped off" accordingly. If you return the flip, you will be shot.
12. For winter driving, it is advisable to wear your parka, toque, fur lined mittens and mukluks. Make sure you have a shovel, food, candles and blankets in the vehicle, as snow removal from the city streets is virtually non-existent until the spring thaw.
Andy Harris to Announce TOMORROW!
2009 has shown a lot to the voters of Maryland’s First District. After narrowly electing Frank Kratovil to the US House, we have seen the man who CLAIMS to represent Eastern Shore values vote for the Obama PORKULUS bill, support the Barack Obama / Nancy Pelosi / Harry Reid appropriation bills, vote FOR ACORN before he voted AGAINST them, waiver on ObamaCare despite thousands of citizens turning out at town hall meetings and telling Kratovil NO, and kow-tow to radical environmental groups who have vowed destroy the poultry industry (collectively, Delmarva’s largest private employer).
Tomorrow, we have a chance to begin rectifying the mistake of sending Frank Kratovil to Congress. Maryland Sen. Andy Harris (R-7) will announce his candidacy to replace Kratovil and give Maryland’s First District a Congressman that actually reflects our values.
On Tuesday, Harris will be travelling throughout the district. You can meet him at:
10:00 AM
Silver Spring Mining Company
705 Bel Air Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
1:00 PM
Maryland Republican Party HQ
15 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
3:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express
8561 Ocean Gateway (US 50)
Easton, MD 21601
5:00 PM
East Coast Iron, Inc.
300 Moss Hill Lane
Salisbury, MD 21804
Come out. Say hello. Show your support! This is just the first step, but unless we want to continue to be represented by someone who listens to Nancy Pelosi and Martin O’Malley more than he does the voters of the First District we need to rally around Andy and work to get him elected.
The 2008 elections showed what happens when good men and women fail to act! Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be PAYING THE COST!
from Delmarva Dealings
This Explains Why I Pass On Jokes
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.
He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'
'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered. 'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.
Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.'The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence.
As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'
'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'
'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.
'There should be a bowl by the pump.'
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.
When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.
'This is Heaven,' he answered.
'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.'
'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.'
'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'
'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'
Soooo...
Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word.
Maybe this will explain.
When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes.
When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes.
When you have something to say, but don't know what, and don't know how, you forward jokes.
Also to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for, guess what you get?
A forwarded joke.
So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile.
You are all welcome at my water bowl anytime!
Happy New Year
Kratovil Faces Uphill Battle; Edwards, A Surprise Test
WASHINGTON — - Stiff challenges for a pair of congressional incumbents and a re-election run by the state's senior senator will headline a competitive 2010 election season for federal lawmakers from Maryland, according to politicians in both parties and independent analysts.
Republicans started gunning for Rep. Frank Kratovil before he took office in 2009 in the district that straddles the Chesapeake Bay, composed of the Eastern Shore and parts of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford counties. Because the Democrat represents one of the most Republican areas of the state, he easily ranks as the most vulnerable member of the state's delegation in Washington and is one of the most endangered House members in the country.
"Kratovil has done a nice job of trying, on most issues, to vote the district," reflecting its conservative views on legislation in the House, said Stu Rothenberg, who publishes the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report. But "bottom line, the district stinks for him."
Another relatively new House member, Rep. Donna F. Edwards, is unexpectedly gearing up to defend her job against one or more fellow Democrats. Glenn F. Ivey, the state's attorney in Prince George's County, has formed an exploratory committee and is expected to announce in early 2010 that he'll challenge Edwards in the Sept. 14 primary.
Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski continues to be slowed by a broken ankle suffered in a fall last summer, but she appears to be cruising to another six-year term. Republicans have not recruited a serious challenger, and the Maryland race is not rated as competitive by the major political parties and independent analysts.
The 73-year-old Democrat from Baltimore, first elected to the Senate in 1986, is the most popular politician in Maryland, according to statewide public opinion surveys.
Former Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., thought to be preparing to run for his old job, has left open the possibility of a 2010 Senate campaign.
GO HERE to read more.
When The Census People Knock On You Door
2010 Census
Everybody needs to be aware of this:
With the U.S. . Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
**If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
**Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by E-mail, so be on the lookout for E-mail scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an E-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/census.asp
Everybody needs to be aware of this:
With the U.S. . Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:
**If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
**Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.
While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.
AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.
Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by E-mail, so be on the lookout for E-mail scams impersonating the Census.
Never click on a link or open any attachments in an E-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity/census.asp
UPDATE SARAH DAVIS - MISSING PERSON
Time: 1-4-2010
Case #: 10-96-000031
Location: Berlin, MD
Victim: Sarah Marie Davis-25 years old, Newark, MD
Narrative:
Sarah Marie Davis was reported missing on 1-2-2010 by a family member.
On 1-4-2010, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the area of Mason Road, Berlin, Worcester Co., MD where they located the subject without incident.
Ms. Davis was located after Troopers followed up on calls that Davis was making to family members.
Ms. Davis did advise that she knew she was featured on the local news, however made no efforts to contact the Police. No reason was given for this.
CASE CLOSED
Case #: 10-96-000031
Location: Berlin, MD
Victim: Sarah Marie Davis-25 years old, Newark, MD
Narrative:
Sarah Marie Davis was reported missing on 1-2-2010 by a family member.
On 1-4-2010, Troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the area of Mason Road, Berlin, Worcester Co., MD where they located the subject without incident.
Ms. Davis was located after Troopers followed up on calls that Davis was making to family members.
Ms. Davis did advise that she knew she was featured on the local news, however made no efforts to contact the Police. No reason was given for this.
CASE CLOSED
Sunday, January 03, 2010
TRAFFIC ALERT
I-495 Interstate Bridge Maintenance Project Will Require Daytime ClosuresFunded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Wilmington -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that the left and center lanes on I-495 southbound just before the bridge on Route 141 will be closed between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, January 5 and ending on Friday, January 8. The lane closures are needed to allow the set-up of a concrete barrier for the rehabilitation of Bridges 802 and 800. Once this barrier is placed, expect lane shifts throughout the work zone. This work will take approximately two months.
The I-495 interstate bridge maintenance project involves the rehabilitation of seven interstate bridges on I-495. This work includes: replacing expansion joints, joint seals, compression seals and pourable seals; mill and overlay deck; cleaning and greasing bearings; patching and replacing approach slab; patch concrete spalls and concrete cracks; and painting the steel beams. The contractor for this project is Eastern Highway Specialist, Inc. The work is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Wilmington -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that the left and center lanes on I-495 southbound just before the bridge on Route 141 will be closed between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning on Tuesday, January 5 and ending on Friday, January 8. The lane closures are needed to allow the set-up of a concrete barrier for the rehabilitation of Bridges 802 and 800. Once this barrier is placed, expect lane shifts throughout the work zone. This work will take approximately two months.
The I-495 interstate bridge maintenance project involves the rehabilitation of seven interstate bridges on I-495. This work includes: replacing expansion joints, joint seals, compression seals and pourable seals; mill and overlay deck; cleaning and greasing bearings; patching and replacing approach slab; patch concrete spalls and concrete cracks; and painting the steel beams. The contractor for this project is Eastern Highway Specialist, Inc. The work is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Missing Person - Sarah Marie Davis UPDATE
DATE & TIME: 01/03/2010 - Sunday
LOCATION: Newark, Worcester County Area
CASE NUMBER: 10-96-000031
Regarding: Missing Persons Report
Missing Persons: Sarah Marie Davis (W/F DOB 09/24/1984) 25 yoa
Last Scene Address; 7615 Mulberry Road – Apartment B
Newark, MD Worcester County
Description: White Female
Height 5’1” Weight 190 lbs
Tattoos on right leg
Brown Hair Brown Eyes
Shoulder Length Hair
Missing Teeth
Mentally Challenged
Vehicle Operating: None
BRIEF RESUME:
On 01/01/2010 at approximately 1600 hrs, the missing person, Sarah Marie Davis was last seen by friends in the Newark area of Worcester County Maryland. Davis has not been seen since she entered into a verbal altercation with friends at 7615 Mulberry Road, Apartment B in Newark Worcester County Maryland. Checks with family and friends have not turned up any leads regarding Davis’ whereabouts. Davis was noted as possibly heading towards the Berlin/West Ocean City area of Worcester County Maryland. Davis was not operating any vehicles, and is not licensed to drive. Davis too was seen as walking on foot along MD Rte 113 shortly after the argument.
Davis was noted as being mentally challenged and is in need of medications. Law enforcement and family members in the area are searching and attempting to contact friends in an attempt to locate Davis.
Members of the community are asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Berlin Barrack if the above aforementioned subject(s) has been seen in your area.
No foul play is expected at this time.
A photograph of the missing Davis is available at the Maryland State Police Barrack in Berlin.
LOCATION: Newark, Worcester County Area
CASE NUMBER: 10-96-000031
Regarding: Missing Persons Report
Missing Persons: Sarah Marie Davis (W/F DOB 09/24/1984) 25 yoa
Last Scene Address; 7615 Mulberry Road – Apartment B
Newark, MD Worcester County
Description: White Female
Height 5’1” Weight 190 lbs
Tattoos on right leg
Brown Hair Brown Eyes
Shoulder Length Hair
Missing Teeth
Mentally Challenged
Vehicle Operating: None
BRIEF RESUME:
On 01/01/2010 at approximately 1600 hrs, the missing person, Sarah Marie Davis was last seen by friends in the Newark area of Worcester County Maryland. Davis has not been seen since she entered into a verbal altercation with friends at 7615 Mulberry Road, Apartment B in Newark Worcester County Maryland. Checks with family and friends have not turned up any leads regarding Davis’ whereabouts. Davis was noted as possibly heading towards the Berlin/West Ocean City area of Worcester County Maryland. Davis was not operating any vehicles, and is not licensed to drive. Davis too was seen as walking on foot along MD Rte 113 shortly after the argument.
Davis was noted as being mentally challenged and is in need of medications. Law enforcement and family members in the area are searching and attempting to contact friends in an attempt to locate Davis.
Members of the community are asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Berlin Barrack if the above aforementioned subject(s) has been seen in your area.
No foul play is expected at this time.
A photograph of the missing Davis is available at the Maryland State Police Barrack in Berlin.
Wicomico County Council to Meet Tuesday NIGHT
In a rare evening meeting, the Wicomico County Council will meet at 6PM in the council chambers of the GOB. Try to attend.
Come and voice your concerns about the proposed budget amendment which will be discussed in a work session immediately after the regular meeting.
What To Do If You Are Not SURE That It’s the Police
Reading Joe Albero’s earlier post regarding the young lady who was stopped by someone impersonating a law enforcement officer reminded me of a conversation I had with Wicomico State’s Attorney Davis Ruark a couple of years ago. While we were discussing something totally unrelated to someone impersonating an officer, the legal principle is the same.
According to Ruark, if you are being pulled over by a law enforcement officer you have a right to pull over in a safe area. Don’t try to run. Instead, stay within the speed limit. Putting on your emergency flashers might not be a bad idea. However, you can continue driving until you find some place where you feel safe to pull over; perhaps a store that is open or the home of someone you know.
Obviously, 99 times out of 100 this will be a real police officer. Calmly and courteously explain that you were apprehensive and that you wanted to pull over in an area with other people around. Even if the officer chooses to charge you with an additional offense, you will be able to be acquitted in court.
My personal experience with Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Fruitland Police (no disrespect to the Salisbury Police, I have just never been pulled over by someone in the SPD) has been that they are courteous and trying to serve and protect the public. I believe that they would be understanding if you explain your anxieties.
REGARDLESS – Better safe than sorry.
BREAKING NEWS
"Dear Joe,
MECA did not organize, nor was involved with any such event involving selling magnetic ribbons at Sarah Foxwell's vigil. No one from MECA authorized this.
MECA is a non-profit that has existed in Maryland for 25 years involving missing and exploited children."
Ladies & Gentlemen, my instincts never fail me.
I am withholding the name of this contact person because I do not want the local nut cases trampling all over this person with their notorious phone calls, hence the Salvation Army, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Gander Mountain and other local businesses.
I can assure you, I just got off the phone with these people, (they contacted me) and they were clueless. I have forwarded this contact information to the proper authorities and hopefully something gets done about it.
In a letter sent by an individual to MECA, this is where they learned their group was being questioned by SBYNews and they responded immediately.
I don't want your group to take a lashing in the press, but a local blogger is questioning the integrity of your group (MECA of MD) because it does not appear that any support was offered to the family of Sarah Haley Foxwell after her abduction and murder Dec. 22. by MECA of MD, and therefore wonders why our local dollars should go to support this group.
This would be a great time to build awareness and exact legislative change on the Eastern Shore and state wide. Is assistance being offered to her siblings and immediate family? I don't know, but I hope so. I hope your group is involved in Haley's case and working to make legislative changes. There are many here who would want to help!
Please be very careful when it comes to certain groups claiming to be affiliated with National or state wide Organizations. The homework has been done and MECA clearly states they had NOTHING to do with this and were completely unaware of it, until now.
More to come..........
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Please Be Aware
My teenage daughter (18) was driving home last night at about 2:25 am at the crossroads of Union Church Rd and Coulbourne Mill Rd in Salisbury/Fruitland area.
She was at the three way stop a silver suv passed her and turned around they started following her flashing their lights at her, she went a short distance and pulled over in front of a house on Straw Ridge Lane. The man yelled to her POLICE get out of your car, petrified she sat in her car and did not move. The homeowners went to the front door heard the man yelling at the girl to get out of her car, they let their dogs out and started to walk outside the silver suv erratically sped away.
Thank god over and over again that nothing more serious happened to my daughter !! We have no idea what their intentions were. Someone is impersonating a police officer something needs to done. Their is no telling what could have happened.
Just to let you know, the first call to 911 that was made they dismissed it, they said their is nothing they can do. I am not sure who they dispatched me to. We then called 410-548-4891 and demanded an officer come out and write a report. He was very concerned about the incident.
Please tell your daughters or ANYONE driving DO NOT STOP call the police and tell them someone is following you. Please lets try and get him before we find out his intentions are!
My teenage daughter (18) was driving home last night at about 2:25 am at the crossroads of Union Church Rd and Coulbourne Mill Rd in Salisbury/Fruitland area.
She was at the three way stop a silver suv passed her and turned around they started following her flashing their lights at her, she went a short distance and pulled over in front of a house on Straw Ridge Lane. The man yelled to her POLICE get out of your car, petrified she sat in her car and did not move. The homeowners went to the front door heard the man yelling at the girl to get out of her car, they let their dogs out and started to walk outside the silver suv erratically sped away.
Thank god over and over again that nothing more serious happened to my daughter !! We have no idea what their intentions were. Someone is impersonating a police officer something needs to done. Their is no telling what could have happened.
Just to let you know, the first call to 911 that was made they dismissed it, they said their is nothing they can do. I am not sure who they dispatched me to. We then called 410-548-4891 and demanded an officer come out and write a report. He was very concerned about the incident.
Please tell your daughters or ANYONE driving DO NOT STOP call the police and tell them someone is following you. Please lets try and get him before we find out his intentions are!
Delmarva Power Gets 1.1% Rate Increase
Delmarva Power has won approval for a 1.1 percent rate increase in Maryland, about half the increase it had requested.
The Maryland Public Service Commission approved the distribution rate increase for Delmarva’s Maryland customers, most of whom are on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The average monthly residential bill will increase by $1.66, Delmarva said.
Commercial and industrial customers in Maryland will also see rates go up 1.1 percent.
“This modest increase is justified primarily by construction costs incurred for the purpose of improving the reliability of the company’s electric distribution system,” the PSC said in a statement. Distribution rates cover infrastructure costs and are separate from supply rates.
The increase will generate an additional $7.5 million for the utility, half of what it had hoped to win approval for.
“We are disappointed, but we understand the Commission’s concern for customers in these challenging economic times,” Delmarva Power president Gary Stockbridge said in a statement.
Delmarva Power, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings Inc. (NYSE: POM) says it is the third time in 15 years it has raised distribution rates.
Thank God I Didn't Pay For Today's Daily Rag
Did you get a load of what the Daily Times delivered today? I went on line and thought, they charge WHAT for this! Almost $2 Bucks! Davis Ruark and Mike Lewis hugging is the best they could do? Look, I'm not suggesting I delivered any better. However, you're not paying me $2 bucks a day to read Salisbury News and trust me, we get far more visits per day than the Daily Times gets per day on line.
Sorry, I'm just in that "mood" today. I feel sorry for all of those people who either wasted almost $2.00 at a store to get today's paper or those who were subjected to such junk while committed to a subscription.
Impending Civil War?
Joe,
Attached please find a link to an article published in the European Union Times more than a month ago.
http://www.eutimes.net/2009/11/obama-orders-1-million-us-troops-to-prepare-for-civil-war/comment-page-6/#comment-4538
Why is it that the AP picks up everything else that goes on in the world but somehow "missed" this. Read about halfway through where it addresses the fact that one of the largest banks in the EU is advising it's investors to prepare for global economic collapse. It wasn't more than three months ago when you told me that is where you thought we were headed financially. It just adds credibility to the idea that our government actually does control our media.
Attached please find a link to an article published in the European Union Times more than a month ago.
http://www.eutimes.net/2009/11/obama-orders-1-million-us-troops-to-prepare-for-civil-war/comment-page-6/#comment-4538
Why is it that the AP picks up everything else that goes on in the world but somehow "missed" this. Read about halfway through where it addresses the fact that one of the largest banks in the EU is advising it's investors to prepare for global economic collapse. It wasn't more than three months ago when you told me that is where you thought we were headed financially. It just adds credibility to the idea that our government actually does control our media.
Republican Study Committee Statement On Act Of Terror
Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement regarding the failed terror attack on American soil and the administration’s response.
“As our nation was once again targeted by extremism, this is a time for great resolve and strong presidential leadership,” said Chairman Price. “The slow trickle of troubling information, bizarre statements from administration officials, and a staggered response from the President, however, do not instill confidence that the White House appreciates the gravity of this situation.
“This event should open the eyes of the administration to the real threat that continues to permeate around the world. The President must recognize that we are at war with a murderous enemy who will not relent because we heed political correctness, acquiesce to international calls for deference, or close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. While the President has long indicated that he believes terrorism can be treated as a simple law enforcement matter, rather than as acts of war, this near horrific disaster should dispel any such naïveté or reckless notion.
“The fact that this plot was disrupted by courageous passengers without loss of life is a blessing and now provides the President an opportunity to refocus his efforts on defeating terrorism wherever it may be fomenting. We hope this is an opportunity the President takes seriously and we look forward to working closely with the administration to ensure bureaucracy never gets in the way of security again.”
The Republican Study Committee-- The Caucus of House ConservativesCongressman Tom Price, M.D., Chairman
Clueless...
Now is it just me....... Are both of them as dumb as they appear??... I guess this could have been taken in a mirror which would screw it up, or maybe it is authentic. I would not doubt it being authentic!!!! Note both have rings on their ring finger and most likely on their left hand. I think they are truly clueless!!!!
His suit coat is buttened correctly, so it is not a mirror image.
These people are so clueless .They are not Americans
GOD BLESS AMERICA
A Brooke Mulford Update
Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to catch you up on the past week. Brooke was discharged from CHOP last Wed late afternoon. I was very nervous about leaving as she was still not even close to herself yet. She went right to bed when we got home and slept most of Christmas Eve day. Christmas day wasn't much better. She woke up at about 10am and would take little cat naps between opening presents. She would just lay down on the floor where she was opening her gifts and rest for a short time then sit up and open a few more. After opening gifts she fell asleep at the table during brunch with Grammy, Nana & Pop Pop Vince and then moved to the couch to sleep some more. It was kind of scary how similiar it was to last Christmas (when her symptoms started). It was a difficult day emotionally for me and adding to the emotions was hearing that they had found Sarah Foxwell's body...Please pray for her family...I can't and don't want to even imagine what they are going through. I hope that many attended her vigil tonight.The weekend was much better for Brooke. She is able to stay awake most of the day now and is finally getting to enjoy her Christmas presents. Other than stomach pains she is starting to feel better and we have a nice little break before having to go back to start round 3 (Jan 13th).
Have a Blessed New Year,
Amy
Interest Rate Increase
Joe, it seems the local economists got it right. This article -
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view/20091229mortgage_rate_hike_feared_as_poison_to_home_sales/srvc=home&position=also
indicates there is an impending increase to as much as 8% on interest rates for 30 year fixed mortgages. The fear of this will likely pressure some to buy now but a fragile housing market will likely be crushed by this in the longer term. The economist I spoke to at SU predicts that if we continue the way we're going we can expect a robust recovery at the end of 2010 after which the economy will make a downturn. One caveat. He believes that if cap and trade is passed we won't see that robust recovery - just the downturn.
It seems that the potential for a false sense of economic security is a real possibility.
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/real_estate/view/20091229mortgage_rate_hike_feared_as_poison_to_home_sales/srvc=home&position=also
indicates there is an impending increase to as much as 8% on interest rates for 30 year fixed mortgages. The fear of this will likely pressure some to buy now but a fragile housing market will likely be crushed by this in the longer term. The economist I spoke to at SU predicts that if we continue the way we're going we can expect a robust recovery at the end of 2010 after which the economy will make a downturn. One caveat. He believes that if cap and trade is passed we won't see that robust recovery - just the downturn.
It seems that the potential for a false sense of economic security is a real possibility.
Hope On The Horizon For The Demise Of Obamacare..
Nowhere in the Constitution is Congress given the power to mandate that an individual enter into a contract with a private party or purchase a good or service and, as this paper will explain, no decision or present doctrine of the Supreme Court justifies such a claim of power.
Therefore, because this claim of power by Congress would literally be without precedent, it could only be upheld if the Supreme Court is willing to create a new constitutional doctrine.
This memorandum explains why the two powers cited by supporters of this bill--the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce and the power of Congress to tax-- do not justify an individual mandate, even under the most expansive readings given these powers by the Supreme Court.
In particular, this paper addresses four topics that have not yet been given adequate consideration by Congress and most, if not all, of the commentators:
* First, most arguments, either favoring or opposing the individual mandate, do not discuss the Supreme Court's "class of activities" test, which it has applied in every relevant Commerce Clause case. This paper addresses this oversight and argues that, despite the broad congressional power to regulate interstate commerce, the individual mandate provision fails this test and is unlikely to survive the Court's review.
* Second, this paper addresses the common, but mistaken, suggestion that a universal federal mandate to obtain health insurance is no different than a state requiring its licensed automobile drivers to have liability insurance for their injuries to others.
* Third, this paper analyzes claims arising under the Taxing Clause. A preliminary review raises serious questions about the constitutionality of using the taxing power in this manner.
* And finally, this paper explains why it is highly unlikely that the Supreme Court would break new constitutional ground to save this unpopular personal mandate.
Read "The Paper" from The Heritage Foundation..
Therefore, because this claim of power by Congress would literally be without precedent, it could only be upheld if the Supreme Court is willing to create a new constitutional doctrine.
This memorandum explains why the two powers cited by supporters of this bill--the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce and the power of Congress to tax-- do not justify an individual mandate, even under the most expansive readings given these powers by the Supreme Court.
In particular, this paper addresses four topics that have not yet been given adequate consideration by Congress and most, if not all, of the commentators:
* First, most arguments, either favoring or opposing the individual mandate, do not discuss the Supreme Court's "class of activities" test, which it has applied in every relevant Commerce Clause case. This paper addresses this oversight and argues that, despite the broad congressional power to regulate interstate commerce, the individual mandate provision fails this test and is unlikely to survive the Court's review.
* Second, this paper addresses the common, but mistaken, suggestion that a universal federal mandate to obtain health insurance is no different than a state requiring its licensed automobile drivers to have liability insurance for their injuries to others.
* Third, this paper analyzes claims arising under the Taxing Clause. A preliminary review raises serious questions about the constitutionality of using the taxing power in this manner.
* And finally, this paper explains why it is highly unlikely that the Supreme Court would break new constitutional ground to save this unpopular personal mandate.
Read "The Paper" from The Heritage Foundation..
Mayo Clinic in Arizona To Stop Treating Some Medicare Patients
By David Olmos
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) --
The Mayo Clinic, praised by President Barack Obama as a national model for efficient health care, will stop accepting Medicare patients as of tomorrow at one of its primary-care clinics in Arizona, saying the U.S. government pays too little.
More than 3,000 patients eligible for Medicare, the government’s largest health-insurance program, will be forced to pay cash if they want to continue seeing their doctors at a Mayo family clinic in Glendale, northwest of Phoenix, said Michael Yardley, a Mayo spokesman. The decision, which Yardley called a two-year pilot project, won’t affect other Mayo facilities in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.
Obama in June cited the nonprofit Rochester, Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for offering “the highest quality care at costs well below the national norm.” Mayo’s move to drop Medicare patients may be copied by family doctors, some of whom have stopped accepting new patients from the program, said Lori Heim, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, in a telephone interview yesterday.
“Many physicians have said, ‘I simply cannot afford to keep taking care of Medicare patients,’” said Heim, a family doctor who practices in Laurinburg, North Carolina. “If you truly know your business costs and you are losing money, it doesn’t make sense to do more of it.”
Medicare Loss
The Mayo organization had 3,700 staff physicians and scientists and treated 526,000 patients in 2008. It lost $840 million last year on Medicare, the government’s health program for the disabled and those 65 and older, Mayo spokeswoman Lynn Closway said.
Mayo’s hospital and four clinics in Arizona, including the Glendale facility, lost $120 million on Medicare patients last year, Yardley said. The program’s payments cover about 50 percent of the cost of treating elderly primary-care patients at the Glendale clinic, he said.
“We firmly believe that Medicare needs to be reformed,” Yardley said in a Dec. 23 e-mail. “It has been true for many years that Medicare payments no longer reflect the increasing cost of providing services for patients.”
Mayo will assess the financial effect of the decision in Glendale to drop Medicare patients “to see if it could have implications beyond Arizona,” he said.
Nationwide, doctors made about 20 percent less for treating Medicare patients than they did caring for privately insured patients in 2007, a payment gap that has remained stable during the last decade, according to a March report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a panel that advises Congress on Medicare issues. Congress last week postponed for two months a 21.5 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements for doctors.
National Participation
Medicare covered an estimated 45 million Americans at the end of 2008, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency in charge of the programs. While 92 percent of U.S. family doctors participate in Medicare, only 73 percent of those are accepting new patients under the program, said Heim of the national physicians’ group, citing surveys by the Leawood, Kansas-based organization.
Greater access to primary care is a goal of the broad overhaul supported by Obama that would provide health insurance to about 31 million more Americans. More family doctors are needed to help reduce medical costs by encouraging prevention and early treatment, Obama said in a June 15 speech to the American Medical Association meeting in Chicago.
Reid Cherlin, a White House spokesman for health care, declined comment on Mayo’s decision to drop Medicare primary care patients at its Glendale clinic.
Medicare Costs
Mayo’s Medicare losses in Arizona may be worse than typical for doctors across the U.S., Heim said. Physician costs vary depending on business expenses such as office rent and payroll. “It is very common that we hear that Medicare is below costs or barely covering costs,” Heim said.
Mayo will continue to accept Medicare as payment for laboratory services and specialist care such as cardiology and neurology, Yardley said.
Robert Berenson, a fellow at the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C., said physicians’ claims of inadequate reimbursement are overstated. Rather, the program faces a lack of medical providers because not enough new doctors are becoming family doctors, internists and pediatricians who oversee patients’ primary care.
“Some primary care doctors don’t have to see Medicare patients because there is an unlimited demand for their services,” Berenson said. When patients with private insurance can be treated at 50 percent to 100 percent higher fees, “then Medicare does indeed look like a poor payer,” he said.
Annual Costs
A Medicare patient who chooses to stay at Mayo’s Glendale clinic will pay about $1,500 a year for an annual physical and three other doctor visits, according to an October letter from the facility. Each patient also will be assessed a $250 annual administrative fee, according to the letter. Medicare patients at the Glendale clinic won’t be allowed to switch to a primary care doctor at another Mayo facility.
A few hundred of the clinic’s Medicare patients have decided to pay cash to continue seeing their primary care doctors, Yardley said. Mayo is helping other patients find new physicians who will accept Medicare.
“We’ve had many patients call us and express their unhappiness,” he said. “It’s not been a pleasant experience.”
Mayo’s decision may herald similar moves by other Phoenix- area doctors who cite inadequate Medicare fees as a reason to curtail treatment of the elderly, said John Rivers, chief executive of the Phoenix-based Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
“We’ve got doctors who are saying we are not going to deal with Medicare patients in the hospital” because they consider the fees too low, Rivers said. “Or they are saying we are not going to take new ones in our practice.”
To contact the reporter on this story: David Olmos in San Francisco at dolmos@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: December 31, 2009 00:01 EST
Dec. 31 (Bloomberg) --
The Mayo Clinic, praised by President Barack Obama as a national model for efficient health care, will stop accepting Medicare patients as of tomorrow at one of its primary-care clinics in Arizona, saying the U.S. government pays too little.
More than 3,000 patients eligible for Medicare, the government’s largest health-insurance program, will be forced to pay cash if they want to continue seeing their doctors at a Mayo family clinic in Glendale, northwest of Phoenix, said Michael Yardley, a Mayo spokesman. The decision, which Yardley called a two-year pilot project, won’t affect other Mayo facilities in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.
Obama in June cited the nonprofit Rochester, Minnesota-based Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for offering “the highest quality care at costs well below the national norm.” Mayo’s move to drop Medicare patients may be copied by family doctors, some of whom have stopped accepting new patients from the program, said Lori Heim, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, in a telephone interview yesterday.
“Many physicians have said, ‘I simply cannot afford to keep taking care of Medicare patients,’” said Heim, a family doctor who practices in Laurinburg, North Carolina. “If you truly know your business costs and you are losing money, it doesn’t make sense to do more of it.”
Medicare Loss
The Mayo organization had 3,700 staff physicians and scientists and treated 526,000 patients in 2008. It lost $840 million last year on Medicare, the government’s health program for the disabled and those 65 and older, Mayo spokeswoman Lynn Closway said.
Mayo’s hospital and four clinics in Arizona, including the Glendale facility, lost $120 million on Medicare patients last year, Yardley said. The program’s payments cover about 50 percent of the cost of treating elderly primary-care patients at the Glendale clinic, he said.
“We firmly believe that Medicare needs to be reformed,” Yardley said in a Dec. 23 e-mail. “It has been true for many years that Medicare payments no longer reflect the increasing cost of providing services for patients.”
Mayo will assess the financial effect of the decision in Glendale to drop Medicare patients “to see if it could have implications beyond Arizona,” he said.
Nationwide, doctors made about 20 percent less for treating Medicare patients than they did caring for privately insured patients in 2007, a payment gap that has remained stable during the last decade, according to a March report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, a panel that advises Congress on Medicare issues. Congress last week postponed for two months a 21.5 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements for doctors.
National Participation
Medicare covered an estimated 45 million Americans at the end of 2008, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency in charge of the programs. While 92 percent of U.S. family doctors participate in Medicare, only 73 percent of those are accepting new patients under the program, said Heim of the national physicians’ group, citing surveys by the Leawood, Kansas-based organization.
Greater access to primary care is a goal of the broad overhaul supported by Obama that would provide health insurance to about 31 million more Americans. More family doctors are needed to help reduce medical costs by encouraging prevention and early treatment, Obama said in a June 15 speech to the American Medical Association meeting in Chicago.
Reid Cherlin, a White House spokesman for health care, declined comment on Mayo’s decision to drop Medicare primary care patients at its Glendale clinic.
Medicare Costs
Mayo’s Medicare losses in Arizona may be worse than typical for doctors across the U.S., Heim said. Physician costs vary depending on business expenses such as office rent and payroll. “It is very common that we hear that Medicare is below costs or barely covering costs,” Heim said.
Mayo will continue to accept Medicare as payment for laboratory services and specialist care such as cardiology and neurology, Yardley said.
Robert Berenson, a fellow at the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C., said physicians’ claims of inadequate reimbursement are overstated. Rather, the program faces a lack of medical providers because not enough new doctors are becoming family doctors, internists and pediatricians who oversee patients’ primary care.
“Some primary care doctors don’t have to see Medicare patients because there is an unlimited demand for their services,” Berenson said. When patients with private insurance can be treated at 50 percent to 100 percent higher fees, “then Medicare does indeed look like a poor payer,” he said.
Annual Costs
A Medicare patient who chooses to stay at Mayo’s Glendale clinic will pay about $1,500 a year for an annual physical and three other doctor visits, according to an October letter from the facility. Each patient also will be assessed a $250 annual administrative fee, according to the letter. Medicare patients at the Glendale clinic won’t be allowed to switch to a primary care doctor at another Mayo facility.
A few hundred of the clinic’s Medicare patients have decided to pay cash to continue seeing their primary care doctors, Yardley said. Mayo is helping other patients find new physicians who will accept Medicare.
“We’ve had many patients call us and express their unhappiness,” he said. “It’s not been a pleasant experience.”
Mayo’s decision may herald similar moves by other Phoenix- area doctors who cite inadequate Medicare fees as a reason to curtail treatment of the elderly, said John Rivers, chief executive of the Phoenix-based Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association.
“We’ve got doctors who are saying we are not going to deal with Medicare patients in the hospital” because they consider the fees too low, Rivers said. “Or they are saying we are not going to take new ones in our practice.”
To contact the reporter on this story: David Olmos in San Francisco at dolmos@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: December 31, 2009 00:01 EST
How Do You Say DANG In Chinese
(1) An underground garage was being dug on the south side, to a depth of 4.6 meters
(2) The excavated dirt was being piled up on the north side, to a height of 10 meters
(3) The building experienced uneven lateral pressure from south and north
(4) This resulted in a lateral pressure of 3,000 tonnes, which was greater than what the pilings could tolerate.
Thus the building toppled over in the southerly direction.
Brought to you by the same folks that make your kids' toys and want to build your car.
HR 615
On Tuesday, the Senate health committee voted 12-11 in favor of a two-page amendment, courtesy of Republican Tom Coburn which would require all Members of Congress and their staff members to enroll in any new government-run health plan.
Congressman John Fleming has proposed an amendment that would require Congressmen and Senators to take the same health care plan that they would force on us. (Under proposed legislation they are exempt.)
Congressman Fleming is encouraging people to go to his Website and sign his petition. The process is very simple. I have done just that at: http://fleming.house.gov/index.html
Senator Coburn and Congressman Fleming are both physicians. Regardless of your political beliefs, it sure seems reasonable that Congress should have exactly the same medical coverage that they impose on the rest of us.
Please urge as many people as you can to do the same!
Congressman John Fleming has proposed an amendment that would require Congressmen and Senators to take the same health care plan that they would force on us. (Under proposed legislation they are exempt.)
Congressman Fleming is encouraging people to go to his Website and sign his petition. The process is very simple. I have done just that at: http://fleming.house.gov/index.html
Senator Coburn and Congressman Fleming are both physicians. Regardless of your political beliefs, it sure seems reasonable that Congress should have exactly the same medical coverage that they impose on the rest of us.
Please urge as many people as you can to do the same!
Someone Show Her To The Door, Please
"The system worked.."Not only does her department oversee the Transportation Security Administration, but her initial claim last Sunday that "the system worked" was widely ridiculed and interpreted by critics as a sign that she's in over her head.
Some Republicans, who've taken issue with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in the past for calling terrorist acts "man-caused disasters" and other remarks, started calling for her ouster in the spring. The failed bombing on Christmas Day revived those calls.
Now Democrats have joined the chorus.
New Jersey State Senate President Richard Codey, a Democrat, wrote a letter to Napolitano this week calling on her to step down. He said Napolitano, an attorney and former Arizona governor, does not have the experience for the post she is in.
"We should have someone who doesn't need to go in there and learn about terrorism, learn about security," Codey told Fox News. "How close were these 300 people on this plane from losing their lives because homeland security broke down? Boy, it was really close."
Democratic strategist Dan Gerstein also said Napolitano's response to the incident should be the last straw.
Republican Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., said Napolitano does not have the experience for the job, and her remarks only prove that she doesn't take the terrorist threat as seriously as she should.
"She's not doing her job," Burton told Fox News.
Former New York Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato also said Napolitano should resign.
The administration says it has absolute confidence in Napolitano.
More from Fox News..
Whatever Works For You
Hi, Joe Albero.
PublicSafetyWorkers (pSWdOtCom) is now following your tweets on Twitter.
A little information about PublicSafetyWorkers:
2 followers2 tweets
following 12 people
1st Degree Assault
Time: 12/31/2009 @ 2054 hours
Case #: 09-96-008766
Location: 12802 Old Bridge Road Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Crime: First Degree Assault
Accused: Nathaniel Irving Schneider, 20 YOA of Berlin, MD
Narrative: On 12/31/2009 at 8:54 PM, troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the Royal Farms at 12826 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland for a reported stabbing. The attack occurred at the nearby residence of Ian Todd and Jeremiah Miller 12802 Old Bridge Road Ocean City, Maryland. The victims were two Ocean Pines residents identified as Max Emiliano Rolon, 18 YOA and Joseph Donald Nalborczyk, 19 YOA and a 17 year old companion of Pennsville, NJ. Rolon was stabbed in his throat and upper left arm, the 17 year old was struck over the head with a beer bottle and Nalborcyk was punched by another subject (Nalborcyk declined charges in regards to his assault). Both other victims were treated and released at Atlantic General Hospital for lacerations. Nathaniel Irving Schneider 20 YOA of Berlin Maryland was identified by the victims as the assailant who inflicted the stab wounds to one victim and struck the other victim with the bottle. Worcester County Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and Scheider was charged with 1st Degree Assault, related charges and held in the Worcester County Jail, $500,000 bond.
Disposition: Taken before Commissioner and held on $500,000 bond
Saturday, January 02, 2010
In Loving Memory Of Sarah "Haleybugs" Foxwell
In a beautiful ceremony this morning, the Foxwell Family opened their hearts by allowing the community, (1,000+) to gather and celebrate Sarah Foxwell.Sarah's actual funeral was last Thursday in a private ceremony, very fitting under the circumstances.
Sheriff Mike Lewis gave an unbelievable eulogy while becoming emotional two different times. As many of you can understand, Sheriff Lewis has two beautiful children and I can assure you, this touched home like never before.
Earnie Leatherbury and Davis Ruark were also kind enough to get up and speak, expressing their condolences, all three recognizing and thanking the community that had been so divided, now coming together with a glimpse of hope for the future.
Sarah's Mother Jennifer, her Father Tom and her Grandmother also got up and spoke, as well as some of Sarah's best friends and school mates. Rev. Dr. William L. Warren and Rev. Thomas Bunting Officiated the event at the Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury.
I'm at a loss for words Folks.
Harris to Announce Candidacy on Tuesday
Maryland Senator Andy Harris (R-7) will travel throughout Maryland’s First Congressional District to formally announce his candidacy for the US House on Tuesday, January 5,2010. Harris will be meeting with fellow citizens at:
10:00 AM
Silver Spring Mining Company
705 Bel Air Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
1:00 PM
Maryland Republican Party HQ
15 West Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
3:00 PM
Holiday Inn Express
8561 Ocean Gateway (US 50)
Easton, MD 21601
5:00 PM
East Coast Iron, Inc.
300 Moss Hill Lane
Salisbury, MD 21804
After defeating incumbent Wayne Gilchrest in the GOP primary, Harris narrowly lost to Frank Kratovil in 2008. In a poll taken before Thanksgiving, Harris led the incumbent, Rep. Frank Kratovil by a margin of 52% – 39%.
from Delmarva Dealings
Home Sweet Home
Joe,
It's Ron Heavin. I just wanted to let you know the Beagle's owner has been located.Thank you so much for posting it. God Bless you and your Family and Happy New Year.
Please Help Support Coach's Corner Diner At 60th Street
Joe,
Martin Furst and his family operate Coach's Corner diner at 60th Street.
The diner is at the ground floor of the Sea Bay hotel. He'll never put his name
out there, because that's the kind of guy he is, but through fundraising and
donations the Fursts have worked to donate thousands of dollars to needy
families in Ocean City and the area. He is certainly not the only one giving
generously from Ocean City, but I bring this to your attention because his diner
will be closing tomorrow, Sunday the 3rd of January.
The hotel owners have decided not to renew the diner lease, and will try to take over the restaurant and operate it themselves. I bring this to your attention because I think folks should flood the diner on Sunday, have a meal, and show their support for a family that has for years worked to support the community and those who weren't as blessed financially.
What A Beautiful Night
If I were to guess at the number of people at Friday night's prayer vigil for Sarah Foxwell, I'd say there were around 1,500 people there. Some were telling me they thought it was more like 2,000 but I think I'm closer to the actual numbers. Quite a few people got up to speak. Some were classmates of Sarah in School, one was her Teacher. All beautiful heart felt words.
I have had several conversations with a family member of Sarah's and I want to share with you one of the things I shared with them.
As many of you know, I recently lost my Mother. We were so very blessed with the fact that God allowed us to spend three weeks of quality time with Mom before she left this world. This was a luxury I spoke of often because I truly felt this was a gift from God. Mom felt no pain in her last three weeks and so looked forward to going "home." Home, meaning with God.
While many of you wonder just how horrific Sarahs final moments were, Sarah felt no pain. Sarah was shielded by God and was long gone well before that monster Thomas Leggs took her from this world. I truly believe this to be true. My Mother spent her entire life serving God and now rests comfortably in his presence. Sarah, (an innocent 11 year old child) felt no pain. However, Sarah was taken away in an instant and the Foxwell Family didn't have that three week luxury as I did. It's a very difficult closure to accept.
Could we have done more for the Sarah's in this world. I'm sure we could have. However, it was said time and time again last night, LOVE your children. Give them that extra kiss at night and tell them how much you love and appreciate them because you never know what tomorrow is going to bring and or if tomorrow will ever come.
Today, many of us will meet in Salisbury to celebrate Sarah Foxwell's life. Over the past week a community came together in support, put all our differences aside, put Christmas on hold, fed each other, shook hands and hugged each other, perfect strangers. Sarah Foxwell did this for us. Do we grow from this, or do we divide, that's up to you.
For me, I see a light in Salisbury I have never seen before, at the expense of an 11 year old innocent child. If you choose to come to Sarah's Memorial Service, do so unconditionally. Do so because you want to better our part of the world. Don't point fingers, don't pass blame. Let God handle that one day down the road.
In the mean time, we have a lot of work to do in the year 2010. I hope to God our politicians are reading this message because we need them now more than ever. We need to unite, not divide.
A special thanks goes out to the Foxwell Family for being there Friday evening. One Family member mentioned that much has been said about the Family not showing their face in public. Sarah was buried last Thursday in a private setting. The Family should never have been expected to go public, especially under these circumstances.
YOU do NOT deserve answers. Those who feel they do did NOT go out and search for Sarah unconditionally.
Joys Of Muslim Women (Unbelievable)
by Nonie Darwish
In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child. Consummating the marriage by 9.
The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.
Even though a woman is abused she can not obtain a divorce.
To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.
Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and he does not have to say why he has beaten her.
The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.
The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.
In the West World (America) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife can not obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.
Ripping the West in Two.
Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.
She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.
Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel. He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .
When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.
But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.
In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.
For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed.
Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.
Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.
While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.
While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.
It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.
While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.
In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves!
In the Muslim faith a Muslim man can marry a child as young as 1 year old and have sexual intimacy with this child. Consummating the marriage by 9.
The dowry is given to the family in exchange for the woman (who becomes his slave) and for the purchase of the private parts of the woman, to use her as a toy.
Even though a woman is abused she can not obtain a divorce.
To prove rape, the woman must have (4) male witnesses.
Often after a woman has been raped, she is returned to her family and the family must return the dowry. The family has the right to execute her (an honor killing) to restore the honor of the family. Husbands can beat their wives 'at will' and he does not have to say why he has beaten her.
The husband is permitted to have (4 wives) and a temporary wife for an hour (prostitute) at his discretion.
The Shariah Muslim law controls the private as well as the public life of the woman.
In the West World (America) Muslim men are starting to demand Shariah Law so the wife can not obtain a divorce and he can have full and complete control of her. It is amazing and alarming how many of our sisters and daughters attending American Universities are now marrying Muslim men and submitting themselves and their children unsuspectingly to the Shariah law.
By passing this on, enlightened American women may avoid becoming a slave under Shariah Law.
Ripping the West in Two.
Author and lecturer Nonie Darwish says the goal of radical Islamists is to impose Shariah law on the world, ripping Western law and liberty in two.
She recently authored the book, Cruel and Usual Punishment: The Terrifying Global Implications of Islamic Law.
Darwish was born in Cairo and spent her childhood in Egypt and Gaza before immigrating to America in 1978, when she was eight years old. Her father died while leading covert attacks on Israel. He was a high-ranking Egyptian military officer stationed with his family in Gaza .
When he died, he was considered a "shahid," a martyr for jihad. His posthumous status earned Nonie and her family an elevated position in Muslim society.
But Darwish developed a skeptical eye at an early age. She questioned her own Muslim culture and upbringing. She converted to Christianity after hearing a Christian preacher on television.
In her latest book, Darwish warns about creeping sharia law - what it is, what it means, and how it is manifested in Islamic countries.
For the West, she says radical Islamists are working to impose sharia on the world. If that happens, Western civilization will be destroyed.
Westerners generally assume all religions encourage a respect for the dignity of each individual. Islamic law (Sharia) teaches that non-Muslims should be subjugated or killed in this world.
Peace and prosperity for one's children is not as important as assuring that Islamic law rules everywhere in the Middle East and eventually in the world.
While Westerners tend to think that all religions encourage some form of the golden rule, Sharia teaches two systems of ethics - one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims. Building on tribal practices of the seventh century, Sharia encourages the side of humanity that wants to take from and subjugate others.
While Westerners tend to think in terms of religious people developing a personal understanding of and relationship with God, Sharia advocates executing people who ask difficult questions that could be interpreted as criticism.
It's hard to imagine, that in this day and age, Islamic scholars agree that those who criticize Islam or choose to stop being Muslim should be executed. Sadly, while talk of an Islamic reformation is common and even assumed by many in the West, such murmurings in the Middle East are silenced through intimidation.
While Westerners are accustomed to an increase in religious tolerance over time, Darwish explains how petro dollars are being used to grow an extremely intolerant form of political Islam in her native Egypt and elsewhere.
In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President by themselves!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Beagle Found In Mardela
Joe,
This poor Beagle was found by me on Rt 50 in Mardela near the reat stop and was almost repeatedly hit by cars and trucks. I got her and put her in my car and have her in a friends care in Hebron. I bought her food, and other things and we gave her a bath as she was a little dirty. Please post pictures of her and hopefully we can find her family.
Thank you,
Ron Heavin
443-994-6867
What Happened, Tough Guy?
Earlier this evening and anonymous commenter threatened harm on me if I showed up at the vigil to take pictures. Gee, funny how I came back and asked them to meet me there, I wouldn't be hard to find at all.
Once again, the wussy didn't show up. I guess I was supposed to be scared that someone who threatened me anonymously would actually get off his fat lazy A$$ and actually make a trip out to physically harm me, NOT!
It seems this person is GREEN with envy. Your stupid threats will not keep me home. I was man enough to be there and I made sure I walked around the entire crowd 7 times just to make sure Mr. Anonymous had a fair chance to see that I was there.
For those who may have been scared for my safety, never give it a second thought. Not one of those people out there making physical threats are man enough to ever try. I never keep it from anyone where I'll be, (including ringing the bell for the Salvation Army) and I've been doing this for 5 years now. Joe Albero never goes down without putting a major hurting on the guy attempting to harm me. Tonight simply proves for the 1,000th time, they're full of crap and always hide behind anonymous.
Once again, the wussy didn't show up. I guess I was supposed to be scared that someone who threatened me anonymously would actually get off his fat lazy A$$ and actually make a trip out to physically harm me, NOT!
It seems this person is GREEN with envy. Your stupid threats will not keep me home. I was man enough to be there and I made sure I walked around the entire crowd 7 times just to make sure Mr. Anonymous had a fair chance to see that I was there.
For those who may have been scared for my safety, never give it a second thought. Not one of those people out there making physical threats are man enough to ever try. I never keep it from anyone where I'll be, (including ringing the bell for the Salvation Army) and I've been doing this for 5 years now. Joe Albero never goes down without putting a major hurting on the guy attempting to harm me. Tonight simply proves for the 1,000th time, they're full of crap and always hide behind anonymous.
Tell Me What The Missing & Exploited Children's Association Has Done For The Eastern Shore?
While thousands may gather tonight in memory of Sarah Foxwell, items are being marketed and one individual has already been targeted with a criminal background, involved with this group.My question always is, are we putting good money after good money? By that I mean, I support the Salvation Army because I know they help local people in Salisbury and their money stays local. However, if we donate to the National Organization, who knows where that money ends up.
What has the Missing & Exploited Children's Association of Maryland done for the Eastern Shore? Were they there for Sarah Foxwell? Did they gather up their supporters and search for Sarah on Christmas Day? Or do they show up when emotions are running high and target those emotions to raise money when people are at their weakest point?
Look, I'm NOT saying this is a bad organization, not one bit. I'm also not saying they're a good one either. IF I had seen them making sandwiches and providing water two or three days after Sarah went missing, that would be one thing. I'll be the first to admit, I don't know a whole lot about this organization but I will say this. I'd rather give my money to a group in which "I" know will benefit Sarah Foxwell and her siblings.
I have purposely posted this article for this time because I do not want it to conflict with their mission this evening. However, I want your eyes and ears open to groups that prey on situations like we are all in right now and I have yet to hear what this group is doing locally for the Foxwell Children. The red flag is up and if their intentions were to be put to good use here, we would have heard about it. I have not heard them come forward offering counseling, nothing. Just food for thought.
Noah's Ark Everything I Need To Know, I Learned From Noah's Ark.. .
ONE: Don't miss the boat.
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
Update On Letter Regarding Solei Watson
Mr Albero
I am writing you just to give you a quick update. We were able to meet with Bennie Smith Funeral Home this afternoon. They said that if donations were to be made it would be best to send it to their Salisbury Office as there is always someone there to receive the funds and offer receipts.. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday January 9 at 11a.m. in Princess Anne, Md but we were told if we could not come up with some way to pay for the services by Wednesday January 6th that they would not do the funeral service. Our family is totally devastated but we still remain hopeful that something will work out. We have contacted WMDT and they have agreed to interview us next week. I know I sound like a broken record but the kindness you have shown my family will never be forgotten and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Yours truly
Riba Dickerson- Ndirangu
I am writing you just to give you a quick update. We were able to meet with Bennie Smith Funeral Home this afternoon. They said that if donations were to be made it would be best to send it to their Salisbury Office as there is always someone there to receive the funds and offer receipts.. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday January 9 at 11a.m. in Princess Anne, Md but we were told if we could not come up with some way to pay for the services by Wednesday January 6th that they would not do the funeral service. Our family is totally devastated but we still remain hopeful that something will work out. We have contacted WMDT and they have agreed to interview us next week. I know I sound like a broken record but the kindness you have shown my family will never be forgotten and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Yours truly
Riba Dickerson- Ndirangu
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