DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, June 21, 2010
In Case There's Delays
I am having some issues with my telephone service and Internet connection. If you see a delay in publishing comments you'll know why. It always comes back in a short period of time but it looks like it's going to be one of those days. Sorry for any inconvenience this may bring on.
Bob Ehrlich to Propose Expanding Maryland’s Charter School Law
Parents should have the right to seek better education for their children
Bob Ehrlich will unveil a Charter School Initiative on Tuesday, June 22nd, at a meeting with parents who have been prevented from opening public charter schools in Maryland. Ehrlich has pledged to double the number of charter schools in Maryland. As Governor he enacted Maryland’s first-ever charter schools in 2003, giving 12,000 students and their families the freedom transfer from poor performing to schools better learning environments.
WHEN: Tuesday June 22nd, 2pm
WHERE: 18701 North Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD (Flaming Pit Restaurant)
WHO: Bob Ehrlich and parents seeking establishment of charter schools.
BACKGROUND: Charter schools are public schools that operate with greater freedom, creativity and accountability to deliver better student performance. There are approximately 40 charter schools in Maryland serving roughly 12,000 students. Numerous parents in Montgomery County recently applied for creation of two new charter schools for their children. Their application was rejected by the county Superintendent.
Bob Ehrlich will unveil a Charter School Initiative on Tuesday, June 22nd, at a meeting with parents who have been prevented from opening public charter schools in Maryland. Ehrlich has pledged to double the number of charter schools in Maryland. As Governor he enacted Maryland’s first-ever charter schools in 2003, giving 12,000 students and their families the freedom transfer from poor performing to schools better learning environments.
WHEN: Tuesday June 22nd, 2pm
WHERE: 18701 North Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD (Flaming Pit Restaurant)
WHO: Bob Ehrlich and parents seeking establishment of charter schools.
BACKGROUND: Charter schools are public schools that operate with greater freedom, creativity and accountability to deliver better student performance. There are approximately 40 charter schools in Maryland serving roughly 12,000 students. Numerous parents in Montgomery County recently applied for creation of two new charter schools for their children. Their application was rejected by the county Superintendent.
Another Advertiser Feels The Impact Of Salisbury News Advertising
Mr Albero,"I do not know if it was from the ad on your site or what but we doubled our sales today compared to Father's Day last year. I was totally unprepared for it and had about an hour in the evening where the kitchen got bogged down and we didn't provide the service and promptness we normally provide.
I just wanted to give a heads up that if you had any negative feedback from it that I am embarrassed and sorry. I will make sure that doesn't happened again."
Sincerely,
Justin W. Schaub
As we mentioned to Mr. Schuab, we received no negative messages at all. If your business would enjoy the same kind of impact, send us your ad. If they doubled their business in one day, my guess is that $100.00 is a very worth while investment. You get an entire month worth of advertising when a similar ad elsewhere would cost you around $600.00 for one day!
Send your artwork to: alberobutzo@wmconnect.com
ALL AMERICA CITY PRESENTATION – DON’T MISS IT
Yesterday (June 20) we posted the video of Salisbury’s presentation that resulted in the City being designated as “All America” by the National Civic League. It is worth viewing. Scroll down or use this link:
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/06/all-america-city-2010-salisbury.html
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2010/06/all-america-city-2010-salisbury.html
States Need To Launch Criminal Investigation Into BP, Federal Government’s Role In Oil Spill
There can now be no doubt whatsoever that the BP oil spill was purposefully contrived, either through deliberate negligence or outright sabotage, and is now being used to further the Obama administration’s political agenda. Criminal investigations into the government and BP’s role in the disaster need to be launched by state authorities in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi immediately, while local authorities also need to call emergency legislative sessions in order to take over emergency response efforts from the feds before the crisis gets much worse.
While BP CEO Tony Hayward is busy watching yacht races, Barack Obama, who took two vacations immediately after the oil spill, spends his time playing golf. If this disaster is on a par 9/11 as Obama claims then why is he fiddling while Rome burns? Every effort to find a solution to this crisis while cleaning up the mess has been lackluster and half-hearted. The federal government’s hyped rhetoric about how bad the consequences of this spill will be has not been matched with the appropriate action to combat the problem.
In hindsight, it’s becoming clear that the government has deliberately botched the response and prevented local authorities from doing their jobs, just as FEMA deliberately sabotaged the state response to Hurricane Katrina in order to make the crisis worse and create the pretext for a police state response, gun confiscation and ultimately more federal power.
Numerous reports have surfaced of locals and state authorities being prevented by BP contractors and the U.S. Coast Guard from helping to address the devastation the spill has created in the region.
“(Louisiana) Governor Bobby Jindal had ordered the state’s fleet of sixteen vacuum barges to clean up oil in the Louisiana marshes. On Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted the barges and ordered them to stop the cleanup. Ostensibly, the Coast Guard wanted to “inspect” the barges — but then it didn’t inspect them. It just ordered them back to dock and then did nothing,” reports Fort Liberty.
Just as happened with Katrina, BP in alliance with the feds have erected an ‘information blockade’ around the oil spill. Reporters have been harassed, threatened with arrest and prevented from accessing the affected areas. Oil spill clean up workers have been gagged from talking about their experiences. Foreign ships have been prevented from helping in the clean up process. Every effort has been made to stop the truth about the oil spill from being uncovered – almost everything we learn about the situation comes directly from BP or the federal government. This strictly enforced cover-up shows that authorities are more concerned about protecting their information lock down than actually cleaning up the spill.
GO HERE to read more and see video.
While BP CEO Tony Hayward is busy watching yacht races, Barack Obama, who took two vacations immediately after the oil spill, spends his time playing golf. If this disaster is on a par 9/11 as Obama claims then why is he fiddling while Rome burns? Every effort to find a solution to this crisis while cleaning up the mess has been lackluster and half-hearted. The federal government’s hyped rhetoric about how bad the consequences of this spill will be has not been matched with the appropriate action to combat the problem.
In hindsight, it’s becoming clear that the government has deliberately botched the response and prevented local authorities from doing their jobs, just as FEMA deliberately sabotaged the state response to Hurricane Katrina in order to make the crisis worse and create the pretext for a police state response, gun confiscation and ultimately more federal power.
Numerous reports have surfaced of locals and state authorities being prevented by BP contractors and the U.S. Coast Guard from helping to address the devastation the spill has created in the region.
“(Louisiana) Governor Bobby Jindal had ordered the state’s fleet of sixteen vacuum barges to clean up oil in the Louisiana marshes. On Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted the barges and ordered them to stop the cleanup. Ostensibly, the Coast Guard wanted to “inspect” the barges — but then it didn’t inspect them. It just ordered them back to dock and then did nothing,” reports Fort Liberty.
Just as happened with Katrina, BP in alliance with the feds have erected an ‘information blockade’ around the oil spill. Reporters have been harassed, threatened with arrest and prevented from accessing the affected areas. Oil spill clean up workers have been gagged from talking about their experiences. Foreign ships have been prevented from helping in the clean up process. Every effort has been made to stop the truth about the oil spill from being uncovered – almost everything we learn about the situation comes directly from BP or the federal government. This strictly enforced cover-up shows that authorities are more concerned about protecting their information lock down than actually cleaning up the spill.
GO HERE to read more and see video.
SALISBURY NEWS ADDS A NEW ANIMAL ADOPTION FEATURE
The request to Post animals up for adoption has been so overwhelming lately that we thought we'd go ahead and create a separate Website just to handle animals up for adoption.Since we can't seem to get the partnership we'd like to enjoy with the Wicomico Humane Society, we thought we'd simply offer a place all of you can go to see what's available in the hopes these animals do NOT end up at the Humane Society where there's a very good chance they will euthanize them. This is not a knock against the Humane Society, it is a reality.
So, from here on out we will provide information for those people who are looking to GIVE AWAY animals for FREE. Hopefully this takes the burden off the Humane Society.
Now, here's what's most important. I have provided a permanent link on the right hand side of Salisbury News where you can come here and find your way very easily to these animals. We have two Posts already up for 5 kittens that are now available. Please spread the word to everyone you know that this service is now available.
I will not publish ANY animals that are up for sale. They must be FREE to good homes. Hopefully we're able to give back to those animals in need. You can always send me a picture of the animals, (alberobutzo@wmconnect.com) you wish to give away and we will Post that as quickly as we can. It will be up to all of you to use the link to see what's available.
Four Years Ago Today
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The images above are from a raccoon that was killing off more than a dozen animals at the Salisbury Zoo. We approached Ron Alessi, (President of the Zoo Commission) about these animals being killed and he had no idea this was going on. Jim Rapp was the Director of the Zoo at the time and he simply did not tell Mr. Alessi what was going on.
Fortunately, a trap was set and the raccoon was caught the very day it was put out. Unfortunately for all those other animals that had been killed and trapped in exhibits, it made it easy picking for the raccoon. This was one of many reasons why I could not stand Jim Rapp. Even though he was well aware of what was going on, even though he knew I was coming down there day after day snapping off pictures of one dead animal after the other, he did nothing.
Today we're enjoying an entirely new attitude at the Salisbury Zoo with new employees, including a new Director.
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Obama Gives Major Swath Of Arizona Back To Mexico
The federal government is now telling American citizens to stay out of three southern Arizona counties. It is too dangerous because of armed smugglers from Mexico.
Source
Source
Andy Harris Signs The Americans for Tax Reform Pledge
ANNAPOLIS--State Senator Andy Harris, M.D., today announced that he has once again signed the Americans for Tax Reform’s taxpayer protection pledge, this time for his campaign to be the next Congressman for Maryland’s First District. Harris has signed the pledge during each term in the Maryland State Senate and has stood by his word. Harris released the following statement:
“Taxpayers need representatives fighting to protect them, their paychecks, their savings and their futures,” Harris said. “My record speaks for itself - from day one I have centered on protecting taxpayers from government overspending and increased taxes. I have been a man of my word on fiscal issues. Marylanders have never had to guess where I stand when it comes to the tax-and-spend mentalities in Annapolis and Washington. I am proud to stand up for those hard-working Marylanders who cannot afford the $13 trillion dollar deficit this Administration and this Congress have racked up, as well as the bailouts and takeovers that Washington wants to continue to force taxpayers to pay for. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I will not only talk the talk of fiscal responsibility; but will walk the walk.”
For more information on the Americans for Tax Reform taxpayers’ protection pledge, go to http://www.atr.org/taxpayer-protection-pledge-a2882.
“Taxpayers need representatives fighting to protect them, their paychecks, their savings and their futures,” Harris said. “My record speaks for itself - from day one I have centered on protecting taxpayers from government overspending and increased taxes. I have been a man of my word on fiscal issues. Marylanders have never had to guess where I stand when it comes to the tax-and-spend mentalities in Annapolis and Washington. I am proud to stand up for those hard-working Marylanders who cannot afford the $13 trillion dollar deficit this Administration and this Congress have racked up, as well as the bailouts and takeovers that Washington wants to continue to force taxpayers to pay for. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I will not only talk the talk of fiscal responsibility; but will walk the walk.”
For more information on the Americans for Tax Reform taxpayers’ protection pledge, go to http://www.atr.org/taxpayer-protection-pledge-a2882.
Is The Fed Out Of Bullets?
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Economists are more nervous about the chances of another recession. And one of biggest fears is that the Federal Reserve may have run out of bullets to fight another downturn.
"They do have some ammunition left, but it's not going to pack a lot of punch," said Mark Zandi, chief economist with Moody's Economy.com.
Most economists aren't yet predicting that a double dip recession is imminent. But financial problems in Europe led to a sell-off in U.S. stocks in the past six weeks. Weaker-than-expected readings on job growth and retail sales have added to concerns that the recovery is stalling out.
"Whenever the next recession comes, it is very important that policymakers have had the opportunity to reload their gun to fight the downturn," said Lakshman Achuthan, managing director of Economic Cycle Research Institute. "Today it's not clear that there's a lot more policymakers can do."
The typical first step to spur a faltering economy is for the Fed to cut the cost of borrowing money in order to encourage spending.
GO HERE to read more.
"They do have some ammunition left, but it's not going to pack a lot of punch," said Mark Zandi, chief economist with Moody's Economy.com.
Most economists aren't yet predicting that a double dip recession is imminent. But financial problems in Europe led to a sell-off in U.S. stocks in the past six weeks. Weaker-than-expected readings on job growth and retail sales have added to concerns that the recovery is stalling out.
"Whenever the next recession comes, it is very important that policymakers have had the opportunity to reload their gun to fight the downturn," said Lakshman Achuthan, managing director of Economic Cycle Research Institute. "Today it's not clear that there's a lot more policymakers can do."
The typical first step to spur a faltering economy is for the Fed to cut the cost of borrowing money in order to encourage spending.
GO HERE to read more.
Harry Potter Theme Park Opens
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
Thousands came out for opening of 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' at Universal Orlando. However, some say the theme park is too expensive.
Sexual Predator Treatment Squeezes Budgets
'They had no idea 10 years ago ... what this program was going to cost'
MOOSE LAKE, Minn. - Just off the highway leading to this woodsy Minnesota town, more than 400 men live behind tall fences topped with razor wire. They spend their days shuffling between meals, group therapy sessions and activities such as painting state park signs.
The men are sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences. But because they are still considered dangerous, they have been locked away indefinitely — part of a national trend that began when states were flush with cash.
Now these "civil commitment" programs are costing states hundreds of millions of dollars more than anyone envisioned, and they've created a political quandary for lawmakers who need to cut spending but don't want to be seen as soft on rapists and child molesters.
GO HERE to read more.
MOOSE LAKE, Minn. - Just off the highway leading to this woodsy Minnesota town, more than 400 men live behind tall fences topped with razor wire. They spend their days shuffling between meals, group therapy sessions and activities such as painting state park signs.
The men are sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences. But because they are still considered dangerous, they have been locked away indefinitely — part of a national trend that began when states were flush with cash.
Now these "civil commitment" programs are costing states hundreds of millions of dollars more than anyone envisioned, and they've created a political quandary for lawmakers who need to cut spending but don't want to be seen as soft on rapists and child molesters.
GO HERE to read more.
Same Name, Wrong Game
With all the backlash against BP -- make that British Petroleum -- a local business is feeling the heat with their name.
Right now it’s not easy to have the name BP Environmental, Inc. The company is located in the scenic waterfront town of St. Michaels, Md. And honest, it has nothing to do with the oil spewing out in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Eastern Shore’s BP is named after Bob Boyd and Parson. We doubt that company president Lou Ann Parson has ever even been to the Isle of Wight where the “real” BP CEO, Tony Hayward, is having a grand old time on a yacht.
GO HERE to read more.
Bowie Party Turns Deadly
Range Rovers and Lexuses parked alongside perfectly landscaped homes is an image that describes the normally peaceful Country Club Estates neighborhood in Bowie. But that changed Sunday night when a gunman opened fire in the 11500 block of Lottsford Terrace.
Multiple bullets tore through the neighborhood. Three people were hit, one of them fatally.
"I've been here eight years," said resident Muriel Suggs. "We've never had anything like this happen. Not even close."
GO HERE to read more.
Multiple bullets tore through the neighborhood. Three people were hit, one of them fatally.
"I've been here eight years," said resident Muriel Suggs. "We've never had anything like this happen. Not even close."
GO HERE to read more.
McDonald's Takes Heat For Not Airing Gay-Friendly Ad In U.S.
When McDonald's recently began airing a TV spot in France that not only admitted the existence of homosexual men, but also that they eat at -- and are welcome at -- the fast food eateries, it received many plaudits from gay rights advocacy groups on this side of the pond. But now that bigwigs out of Oak Brook have made it clear the ad, or nothing like it, will air stateside anytime soon, the tide has turned against the golden arches.
More »
More »
New York Proposes Nation's Highest Cigarette Taxes
Cigarettes may cost more than $10 per pack in New York under the state's latest plan to close a $9 billion budget gap. In New York City, the tax alone on a pack of cigarettes would rise to $5.85.
And cigarettes aren't the only carcinogens set for a tax bump under the proposal.
How DeMarco Made His Mark At The Maryland State House
Ever wonder how health care lobbyist Vinny DeMarco earned his successive victories on tobacco taxes and expanding health coverage? A new book by longtime health advocate Michael Pertschuk seeks to answer that question.
“The DeMarco Factor: Transforming Public Will into Political Power” is not a biography, but a how-to book that dissects DeMarco’s campaigns over the last 15 years and tries to apply its lessons to other social action campaigns involving legislatures.
This book is not an even-handed, objective account of the tobacco wars in Maryland, but a cheerleader’s take on one of the key players in the game. Anyone interested in how the legislative process works can learn something from this book.
GO HERE to read more.
“The DeMarco Factor: Transforming Public Will into Political Power” is not a biography, but a how-to book that dissects DeMarco’s campaigns over the last 15 years and tries to apply its lessons to other social action campaigns involving legislatures.
This book is not an even-handed, objective account of the tobacco wars in Maryland, but a cheerleader’s take on one of the key players in the game. Anyone interested in how the legislative process works can learn something from this book.
GO HERE to read more.
10 Shot In Baltimore This Weekend
BALTIMORE (AP) - It's been a violent weekend in Baltimore, with 10 people shot between early Saturday morning and Sunday morning.
Police say one of the victims, 19-year-old Marquell Turner, was killed. The rest survived, although a 29-year-old man was shot in the head and was in critical condition when he was hospitalized Saturday night.
Four people were wounded in the legs and arms in one shooting Saturday night. Detective Jeremy Silbert, a police spokesman, says a gunman emerged from an alley and began firing wildly. It's not clear whether any of the victims were his intended targets.
Silbert says none of the shootings appear to be related. They were scattered around the city. Aside from the quadruple shooting, the rest involved lone victims.
Source
Police say one of the victims, 19-year-old Marquell Turner, was killed. The rest survived, although a 29-year-old man was shot in the head and was in critical condition when he was hospitalized Saturday night.
Four people were wounded in the legs and arms in one shooting Saturday night. Detective Jeremy Silbert, a police spokesman, says a gunman emerged from an alley and began firing wildly. It's not clear whether any of the victims were his intended targets.
Silbert says none of the shootings appear to be related. They were scattered around the city. Aside from the quadruple shooting, the rest involved lone victims.
Source
Elizabeth Harrington Leaves WBOC
Elizabeth Harrington spent her last days at WBOC last week and has moved on to much greener pastures. We're told she's moved to Virginia into a more promising market.
Jobs for Reporters are few and far between, as Elizabeth has been searching for years now. A dynamic investigative reporter, I'm confident she will do well. You haven't seen the last of this young lady.
Rolling Thunder
3000 vets on motorcycles from across the USA paraded in D.C. the Sunday before Memorial Day, while a solitary, saluting Marine greeted them out on Constitution Avenue... the Marine stood at salute for 3 straight hours, while the parade of roaring bikes kept on coming.... it is held in remembrance of those who've fallen in the military.... the event (or the group) is called Rolling Thunder... George Bush used to meet these bikers before they paraded... the camera is on the Marine a lot... watch his struggles with his emotions, and his struggles with holding that salute... the way he salutes is very touching... his head lowered, his eyes down, in reverence for the fallen... I am an ex-Marine sergeant, and I know what he was feeling... and as I watched him, I could feel it too.... it got to be overwhelming for him... and the tears started flowing... watch what he says when he finally breaks, but keeps right on holding that salute...
Enraged To Engaged: Tea Party Backers Explain Why
Bill Warner is hardly a naive man. He ran his own engineering firm for three decades, and sold the assets just before the economy tanked. He built his dream home on a majestic hill abutting a national park, back when the housing market was steady. While some neighbors have since been foreclosed upon, Warner is resurfacing his flagstone deck.
And so he understands that in the world of politics, his little group — the Lincoln Club of the Morongo Basin — is but a molecule in the figurative drop in the bucket of power and influence.
Its stated purpose is "to promote, educate and advance conservative principles of fiscal responsibility, small limited government, free enterprise, the rule of law, private property rights, and the preservation and protection of individual liberty." The organization has some 25 members and has raised $10,000.
"It's our way of doing what we can do," he says.
Warner is 65 and soft-spoken, the kind who asks questions before making decisions. He doesn't consider himself a rabble-rouser or "tea party-er."
Yet this past March, Warner packed up his motor home and drove with his wife, Pat, to Searchlight, Nev., to join thousands of others at a tea party rally dubbed the Woodstock of conservatism.
There were, as his friend put it, some "wackadoos" among the masses: The Barrel Man wearing only a barrel and a hat, the guy dressed like Jesus.
There were also plenty of people just like Warner, who held a coffee mug instead of a sign.
Concerned Americans trying to find their voices, and a way to channel their disgust. For some, anger has now turned to action.
And so he understands that in the world of politics, his little group — the Lincoln Club of the Morongo Basin — is but a molecule in the figurative drop in the bucket of power and influence.
Its stated purpose is "to promote, educate and advance conservative principles of fiscal responsibility, small limited government, free enterprise, the rule of law, private property rights, and the preservation and protection of individual liberty." The organization has some 25 members and has raised $10,000.
"It's our way of doing what we can do," he says.
Warner is 65 and soft-spoken, the kind who asks questions before making decisions. He doesn't consider himself a rabble-rouser or "tea party-er."
Yet this past March, Warner packed up his motor home and drove with his wife, Pat, to Searchlight, Nev., to join thousands of others at a tea party rally dubbed the Woodstock of conservatism.
There were, as his friend put it, some "wackadoos" among the masses: The Barrel Man wearing only a barrel and a hat, the guy dressed like Jesus.
There were also plenty of people just like Warner, who held a coffee mug instead of a sign.
Concerned Americans trying to find their voices, and a way to channel their disgust. For some, anger has now turned to action.
Read the rest of this very interesting 'collage' of the movement..
PRUDEN: Playing The Bully Is Fun
Since he doesn't know what else to do about the Gulf oil spill, Barack Obama plays the schoolyard bully. By throwing sticks, stones and the occasional grenade at British Petroleum, the president diverts public attention from his own considerable shortcomings.
It's working, sort of, but only for the short run, which is sometimes enough to get a politician out of a rough patch. The public, being as frustrated as Mr. Obama, dutifully joins the mindless din of threats, imprecations, insults and other affronts to the only people, bad or not, who know how to cap runaway oil wells. Seeking relief in the short run is tempting because presidents, like fake messiahs and other con artists, come and go. The consequences of presidential calamities and catastrophes, like the destruction of the American health care system, stay with us well into the long run.
Anyone who listened to the president Wednesday night (his numbers were down considerably) could see and hear frustration in his voice. No one, not even a messiah, can watch his approval numbers plummet so dramatically and not feel frustration, and maybe even a little fear. Mr. Obama has never given evidence of seeing himself as others see him, but even he must be aware that he is in a job requiring different skills than he has. Making pretty speeches, as entertaining as pretty speeches are, just doesn't get the job done. Oil wells just won't listen. Why wouldn't he feel the growing fear the rest of us do?
It's working, sort of, but only for the short run, which is sometimes enough to get a politician out of a rough patch. The public, being as frustrated as Mr. Obama, dutifully joins the mindless din of threats, imprecations, insults and other affronts to the only people, bad or not, who know how to cap runaway oil wells. Seeking relief in the short run is tempting because presidents, like fake messiahs and other con artists, come and go. The consequences of presidential calamities and catastrophes, like the destruction of the American health care system, stay with us well into the long run.
Anyone who listened to the president Wednesday night (his numbers were down considerably) could see and hear frustration in his voice. No one, not even a messiah, can watch his approval numbers plummet so dramatically and not feel frustration, and maybe even a little fear. Mr. Obama has never given evidence of seeing himself as others see him, but even he must be aware that he is in a job requiring different skills than he has. Making pretty speeches, as entertaining as pretty speeches are, just doesn't get the job done. Oil wells just won't listen. Why wouldn't he feel the growing fear the rest of us do?
Return Of The Speech Police
Only in the Through the Looking-Glass world inside the Beltway could the DISCLOSE Act — a piece of legislation meticulously crafted to protect Washington’s two most powerful special-interest groups — be presented to the public as a courageous stand against special-interest groups. A vote on the bill was canceled after the Blue Dog Democrats and the Congressional Black Caucus objected, for very different reasons, but the bill’s backers promise to bring it back. They shouldn’t: Though it is cloaked in populist rhetoric, the DISCLOSE Act is, like every other piece of campaign-finance legislation, a cynical bid to secure the interests of those two powerful constituencies — incumbents and the media.
The DISCLOSE Act is a project of Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D., Md.), head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.), the most reliably anti-corporate Democrat that Wall Street money can buy. The bill is the Democrats’ response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which held that the First Amendment protects the right of an activist group to distribute a film critical of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign, even though some of the money for the project had come from businesses and non-profit corporations, the free-speech rights of which previously had been restricted by the McCain-Feingold Act. Citizens United restored the right of citizens to raise their voices — and money — for or against the candidate or cause of their choice, regardless of whether those citizens happen to be organized as a business or a group of businesses, a nonprofit corporation, etc. One would think that such a decision would be cause for general rejoicing in a country where free speech is the first item on the Bill of Rights. In reality, the decision sent incumbents into a panic; as it happens, most of the incumbents are Democrats this time around, but bear in mind that this mess was started by a piece of legislation named for the Republicans’ last presidential nominee.
The DISCLOSE Act is, among other things, a petty piece of corruption. It selectively applies rules about how political communications are designed and financed, and does so in such a way as to restrict the ability of independent citizens’ groups to bring their grievances to the public square. For instance, if a coalition of small banks wanted to put together an advertising campaign to go after the bipartisan architects of the bailouts, their efforts would be hobbled by onerous rules about what appears in the ads and how they are paid for. Worse, DISCLOSE goes far beyond McCain-Feingold, restricting political speech that was perfectly legal even before the Citizens United decision. By redefining thousands of businesses and non-profits as “government contractors,” it bans them from so much as mentioning an incumbent or candidate from three months before the primaries all the way through the general election — four months before the primaries in the case of presidential elections. That’s a six-month media blackout for congressional elections and more than a year in presidential races.
The DISCLOSE Act is a project of Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D., Md.), head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Sen. Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.), the most reliably anti-corporate Democrat that Wall Street money can buy. The bill is the Democrats’ response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which held that the First Amendment protects the right of an activist group to distribute a film critical of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign, even though some of the money for the project had come from businesses and non-profit corporations, the free-speech rights of which previously had been restricted by the McCain-Feingold Act. Citizens United restored the right of citizens to raise their voices — and money — for or against the candidate or cause of their choice, regardless of whether those citizens happen to be organized as a business or a group of businesses, a nonprofit corporation, etc. One would think that such a decision would be cause for general rejoicing in a country where free speech is the first item on the Bill of Rights. In reality, the decision sent incumbents into a panic; as it happens, most of the incumbents are Democrats this time around, but bear in mind that this mess was started by a piece of legislation named for the Republicans’ last presidential nominee.
The DISCLOSE Act is, among other things, a petty piece of corruption. It selectively applies rules about how political communications are designed and financed, and does so in such a way as to restrict the ability of independent citizens’ groups to bring their grievances to the public square. For instance, if a coalition of small banks wanted to put together an advertising campaign to go after the bipartisan architects of the bailouts, their efforts would be hobbled by onerous rules about what appears in the ads and how they are paid for. Worse, DISCLOSE goes far beyond McCain-Feingold, restricting political speech that was perfectly legal even before the Citizens United decision. By redefining thousands of businesses and non-profits as “government contractors,” it bans them from so much as mentioning an incumbent or candidate from three months before the primaries all the way through the general election — four months before the primaries in the case of presidential elections. That’s a six-month media blackout for congressional elections and more than a year in presidential races.
Highlighted Events This Week And Next Week In Wicomico Schools
Tuesday, June 22
Board of Education Work Session
Board of Education Office
The Wicomico County Board of Education will have a work session at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, to continue its discussion with the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Meeting the Needs of High Performing Learners. Work sessions are open for the public to come and listen to the Board’s discussions. 410-677-4561.
June 24-25 and June 28-29
Registration for Secondary Summer School; Classes June 30-Aug. 6
Parkside High School
Registration for Wicomico County Secondary Summer School will be held June 24 (4-7 p.m.), June 25 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), June 28 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and June 29 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Registration will be held at Parkside High School; use the bus ramp entrance across from the Ward Museum. Students must bring a copy of their report card to register. Courses will meet June 30-Aug. 6 for remedial classes and original credit classes (Algebra II/Trig and Geometry). In-county, remedial per course tuition is free for students receiving free meals/$50 for students receiving reduced price meals/$100 for all others. Out-of-county tuition is $160 per course. Original credit courses are $200 in-county, $325 out-of-county. Call Evening High School at 410-677-4537, or after June 21 call the Summer School directly at 410-677-5289.
Friday, June 25: Secondary report cards mailed
Tuesday, June 29
Special Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education Office
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 29. The main item on the agenda will be the approval of the fiscal 2011 budget. 410-677-4561.
Board of Education Work Session
Board of Education Office
The Wicomico County Board of Education will have a work session at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 22, to continue its discussion with the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Meeting the Needs of High Performing Learners. Work sessions are open for the public to come and listen to the Board’s discussions. 410-677-4561.
June 24-25 and June 28-29
Registration for Secondary Summer School; Classes June 30-Aug. 6
Parkside High School
Registration for Wicomico County Secondary Summer School will be held June 24 (4-7 p.m.), June 25 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), June 28 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and June 29 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Registration will be held at Parkside High School; use the bus ramp entrance across from the Ward Museum. Students must bring a copy of their report card to register. Courses will meet June 30-Aug. 6 for remedial classes and original credit classes (Algebra II/Trig and Geometry). In-county, remedial per course tuition is free for students receiving free meals/$50 for students receiving reduced price meals/$100 for all others. Out-of-county tuition is $160 per course. Original credit courses are $200 in-county, $325 out-of-county. Call Evening High School at 410-677-4537, or after June 21 call the Summer School directly at 410-677-5289.
Friday, June 25: Secondary report cards mailed
Tuesday, June 29
Special Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education Office
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 29. The main item on the agenda will be the approval of the fiscal 2011 budget. 410-677-4561.
Stolen Property In Pittsville
Hi Joe,
I have recently had some property stolen from my house. My husband had a 16 ft Holmes trailer along with 3 riding lawn mowers, 2 of which were Craftsman, on the trailer. Friday morning at approx. 8:15 am our neighbor watched as a faded red pickup, Ford, drove off with this trailer along with the mowers from our house to be never seen again. We did not realize till 5:00 pm that the property had been stolen. We live in the Pittsville area and are trying to find if anyone has any information or may have seen a red Ford pickup in the area of Pittsville Friday at all and if so to please contact me. I read your blog and know that you have had success in finding information and I hope if anyone can find any information it will be on your blog. Thank you for help!
Nicole Ondo
410.251.6651
I have recently had some property stolen from my house. My husband had a 16 ft Holmes trailer along with 3 riding lawn mowers, 2 of which were Craftsman, on the trailer. Friday morning at approx. 8:15 am our neighbor watched as a faded red pickup, Ford, drove off with this trailer along with the mowers from our house to be never seen again. We did not realize till 5:00 pm that the property had been stolen. We live in the Pittsville area and are trying to find if anyone has any information or may have seen a red Ford pickup in the area of Pittsville Friday at all and if so to please contact me. I read your blog and know that you have had success in finding information and I hope if anyone can find any information it will be on your blog. Thank you for help!
Nicole Ondo
410.251.6651
Wargotz, Brinkley, Jenkins Address Key Issues
Frederick, MD Eric Wargotz, a member of the Queens Anne’s County Board of Commissioners, State Senator David Brinkley of Frederick and Carroll Counties and Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins met with area voters at the home of Jennifer Charlton-Shuldes and Gene Shuldes of Woodsboro, to discuss the key issues facing government and the 2010 campaign in Frederick, Annapolis and Washington.
Reckless spending and illegal immigration and their affect on jobs and crime were among the main topics of discussion.
Senator Brinkley, a leader in Annapolis on budget issues, was the sponsor of legislation to prohibit illegal aliens from obtaining a driver's license. Brinkley, who sponsored his own budget bill during this past General Assembly session, spoke of the need for fiscal discipline in both Annapolis and Washington.
Sheriff Jenkins, who is known statewide for his efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants, discussed his use of the Federal Secure Communities and 287G Programs to lead the state in arrests and deportations.
Commissioner Wargotz spoke of his Commission's efforts to ban area businesses that hire illegals from being awarded county contracts. He said that thanks to his Sheriff, Gery Hofmann, Wargotz was proud to say that Queen Anne's County (one of the few counties in Maryland to participate in the Secured Communities Program) was an Eastern Shore leader in deportations. Wargotz also addressed the budget cuts his county recently made in order to avoid tax increases.
A physician in private practice, Wargotz is serving his first term as the elected President of the Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Wargotz is the lead US Senate candidate in a crowded field for the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by the 34-year incumbent, Barbara Mikulski.
Reckless spending and illegal immigration and their affect on jobs and crime were among the main topics of discussion.
Senator Brinkley, a leader in Annapolis on budget issues, was the sponsor of legislation to prohibit illegal aliens from obtaining a driver's license. Brinkley, who sponsored his own budget bill during this past General Assembly session, spoke of the need for fiscal discipline in both Annapolis and Washington.
Sheriff Jenkins, who is known statewide for his efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants, discussed his use of the Federal Secure Communities and 287G Programs to lead the state in arrests and deportations.
Commissioner Wargotz spoke of his Commission's efforts to ban area businesses that hire illegals from being awarded county contracts. He said that thanks to his Sheriff, Gery Hofmann, Wargotz was proud to say that Queen Anne's County (one of the few counties in Maryland to participate in the Secured Communities Program) was an Eastern Shore leader in deportations. Wargotz also addressed the budget cuts his county recently made in order to avoid tax increases.
A physician in private practice, Wargotz is serving his first term as the elected President of the Queen Anne's County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Wargotz is the lead US Senate candidate in a crowded field for the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by the 34-year incumbent, Barbara Mikulski.
Newlywed Arrested After Rushing Wife To Hospital
(June 20) -- When a newlywed cancer survivor with a heart condition started showing stroke symptoms, her husband knew he needed to get her to the hospital immediately. Now, the new groom faces a felony charge from an encounter with a police officer he says delayed his wife's access to treatment.
Just married last week, Eric and Aline Wright of Chattanooga, Tenn., both medical professionals at Erlanger Medical Center, were enjoying what was supposed to be their honeymoon when Aline's speech became slurred and her face began to droop on Wednesday. During the ride to the hospital, Eric says he paused at two red lights but ran them both. After passing through the second red light, a police cruiser pulled behind the couple's vehicle, following it with lights and sirens on to the hospital.
Eric, a trained medic who served two tours in Iraq, said he knew getting Aline to medical care as quickly as possible was critical and at first felt glad when the officer pulled in behind them.
GO HERE to read more.
Just married last week, Eric and Aline Wright of Chattanooga, Tenn., both medical professionals at Erlanger Medical Center, were enjoying what was supposed to be their honeymoon when Aline's speech became slurred and her face began to droop on Wednesday. During the ride to the hospital, Eric says he paused at two red lights but ran them both. After passing through the second red light, a police cruiser pulled behind the couple's vehicle, following it with lights and sirens on to the hospital.
Eric, a trained medic who served two tours in Iraq, said he knew getting Aline to medical care as quickly as possible was critical and at first felt glad when the officer pulled in behind them.
GO HERE to read more.
FIRST HALF ENDS WITH 6-3 LOSS TO LEXINGTON
‘Birds Close First Half With 32-38 Record
SALISBURY, Md. – Miguel Arrendell and Rene Garcia each knocked in three runs as Lexington stopped the Delmarva Shorebirds’ six-game winning streak Sunday at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.
Arrendell went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and three runs scored and Garcia was 3-for-4 with three singles to help the Legends (35-35) salvage the final game of the four-game set.
Tyler Stampone had three hits for Delmarva (32-38), which finish the first half in fourth place in the northern division. Stampone tallied a double and two RBI while T.J. Baxter was 2-for-2 with two walks a run and three steals. The lefty-hitting leadoff batter now leads the Orioles minor-league system with 24 stolen bases.
Levi Carolus put Delmarva on the board in the bottom of the second with a solo home run to left field off Lexington starter Robert Donovan. The homer, on a changeup over the heart of the plate, was Carolus’ first of the season.
Lexington vaulted into the lead in the fourth with the three-run shot by Arrendell off right-hander Bobby Bundy. After Bundy recorded a strikeout of J.D. Martinez for the first out of the inning, Jacob Goebbert singled to left and Kody Hinze reached on an error at second by Gary Helmick before the home run.
Stampone knotted the game, 3-3, in the fifth with a two-out, two-run double to right field. The rally started with two outs when Baxter, who extended a 22-game on-base streak earlier in the day, laid down a bunt single to the pitcher. Baxter then stole second and third while Ty Kelly and Brian Conley followed with back-to-back walks loaded the bases prior to the run-scoring double.
With Nick Haughian on in relief of Bundy in the sixth, catcher Rene Garcia singled home Arrendell, who walked with two outs, for a 4-3 lead.
The Legends extended the advantage with a Jiovanni Mier two-run single off of James Brandhorst in the eighth with two outs to make it 6-3.
Donovan (7-4) earned the win for Lexington with five innings of five-hit ball. Haughian (4-2) took the loss in 2.2 innings. He allowed five hits, three earned runs and two walks while fanning two.
After the all-star break, the Shorebirds open a rare five-game series with the Lakewood BlueClaws on Thursday, June 24 at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112.
SALISBURY, Md. – Miguel Arrendell and Rene Garcia each knocked in three runs as Lexington stopped the Delmarva Shorebirds’ six-game winning streak Sunday at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.
Arrendell went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and three runs scored and Garcia was 3-for-4 with three singles to help the Legends (35-35) salvage the final game of the four-game set.
Tyler Stampone had three hits for Delmarva (32-38), which finish the first half in fourth place in the northern division. Stampone tallied a double and two RBI while T.J. Baxter was 2-for-2 with two walks a run and three steals. The lefty-hitting leadoff batter now leads the Orioles minor-league system with 24 stolen bases.
Levi Carolus put Delmarva on the board in the bottom of the second with a solo home run to left field off Lexington starter Robert Donovan. The homer, on a changeup over the heart of the plate, was Carolus’ first of the season.
Lexington vaulted into the lead in the fourth with the three-run shot by Arrendell off right-hander Bobby Bundy. After Bundy recorded a strikeout of J.D. Martinez for the first out of the inning, Jacob Goebbert singled to left and Kody Hinze reached on an error at second by Gary Helmick before the home run.
Stampone knotted the game, 3-3, in the fifth with a two-out, two-run double to right field. The rally started with two outs when Baxter, who extended a 22-game on-base streak earlier in the day, laid down a bunt single to the pitcher. Baxter then stole second and third while Ty Kelly and Brian Conley followed with back-to-back walks loaded the bases prior to the run-scoring double.
With Nick Haughian on in relief of Bundy in the sixth, catcher Rene Garcia singled home Arrendell, who walked with two outs, for a 4-3 lead.
The Legends extended the advantage with a Jiovanni Mier two-run single off of James Brandhorst in the eighth with two outs to make it 6-3.
Donovan (7-4) earned the win for Lexington with five innings of five-hit ball. Haughian (4-2) took the loss in 2.2 innings. He allowed five hits, three earned runs and two walks while fanning two.
After the all-star break, the Shorebirds open a rare five-game series with the Lakewood BlueClaws on Thursday, June 24 at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112.
Methamphetamine Lab Located In Harrington
Location: 546 Andrewville Road, Harrington, DE
Date of Occurrence: Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 5:00 a.m.
Defendant:
Defendant #1: Charles R. Jester, 27, 546 Andrewville Road, Harrington
Defendant #2: Candace L. Moss, 26, 546 Andrewville Road, Harrington
Resume:
The Delaware State Police arrested two Harrington residents after a methamphetamine making operation was discovered in their home.
The incident occurred this morning at approximately 5:00 as Troopers responded to a report of a domestic incident at a home on Andrewville Road in Harrington. During the investigation it was learned that both parties (Jester and Moss) had struck each other during an argument over drugs. Further investigation revealed that both subjects had been actively manufacturing methamphetamine inside of their residence. After obtaining consent to search the residence, Troopers located 1.5 grams of methamphetamine as well as items used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Both Jester and Moss were arrested and charged with:
Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Dwelling for Keeping Controlled Substances, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Committing a Drug Offense with a Child in the Dwelling, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Offensive Touching.
Both defendants were arraigned and released on $6250.00 unsecured bond. Two children who were present in the residence (a 2 and 4 year old) were turned over to family members.
Date of Occurrence: Sunday, June 20, 2010 at 5:00 a.m.
Defendant:
Defendant #1: Charles R. Jester, 27, 546 Andrewville Road, Harrington
Defendant #2: Candace L. Moss, 26, 546 Andrewville Road, Harrington
Resume:
The Delaware State Police arrested two Harrington residents after a methamphetamine making operation was discovered in their home.
The incident occurred this morning at approximately 5:00 as Troopers responded to a report of a domestic incident at a home on Andrewville Road in Harrington. During the investigation it was learned that both parties (Jester and Moss) had struck each other during an argument over drugs. Further investigation revealed that both subjects had been actively manufacturing methamphetamine inside of their residence. After obtaining consent to search the residence, Troopers located 1.5 grams of methamphetamine as well as items used to manufacture methamphetamine.
Both Jester and Moss were arrested and charged with:
Manufacturing Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Dwelling for Keeping Controlled Substances, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Committing a Drug Offense with a Child in the Dwelling, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Offensive Touching.
Both defendants were arraigned and released on $6250.00 unsecured bond. Two children who were present in the residence (a 2 and 4 year old) were turned over to family members.
Board Of Education Honors Outstanding Students, Staff, Schools And Community Partners
The Wicomico County Board of Education honored outstanding students, staff, schools and community partners Tuesday, June 8, at the final Awards & Recognitions Night of the 2009-10 school year.
Outstanding STEM Partner
The STEM initiative in Wicomico County Public Schools, part of Wicomico County Secondary Initiatives, aims to help students explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through special programs and events, and partnerships with companies and organizations in the community. The school system piloted a STEM Academy at Salisbury Middle School last year, and Bennett Middle School will offer students the opportunity to participate in its new STEM Academy next year. Wicomico County Secondary Initiatives would like to recognize the Becker Morgan Group for its continued support of the STEM Initiative in our public schools. The company has volunteered staff for support of such activities as the Eastern Shore Regional LEGO Tournament, STEM Engineering Expo at Wicomico High School, STEM Discovery Day at Bennett Middle School, and our STEM Saturdays. They have provided educational materials to be distributed to our students, and have been guest speakers to classes while promoting careers in engineering. Award sponsor is Coordinator of Secondary Initiatives David Harner. In appreciation for the company’s ongoing support of the STEM Initiative in Wicomico County Public Schools, the Wicomico County Board of Education is pleased to recognize the Tom Becker, Vice President, and the Becker Morgan Group a certificate as an Outstanding STEM Partner.
The Wicomico County Board of Education presented a certificate of recognition to Tom Becker and the Becker Morgan Group as an Outstanding STEM Partner.
2010 Wicomico County Board of Education Retirees
Members of the 2010 class of retirees have given their time and talents to Wicomico schools. They represent 2,836.8 years of employment with the school system. The Board recognized:
GO HERE to see the Students.
Outstanding STEM Partner
The STEM initiative in Wicomico County Public Schools, part of Wicomico County Secondary Initiatives, aims to help students explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics through special programs and events, and partnerships with companies and organizations in the community. The school system piloted a STEM Academy at Salisbury Middle School last year, and Bennett Middle School will offer students the opportunity to participate in its new STEM Academy next year. Wicomico County Secondary Initiatives would like to recognize the Becker Morgan Group for its continued support of the STEM Initiative in our public schools. The company has volunteered staff for support of such activities as the Eastern Shore Regional LEGO Tournament, STEM Engineering Expo at Wicomico High School, STEM Discovery Day at Bennett Middle School, and our STEM Saturdays. They have provided educational materials to be distributed to our students, and have been guest speakers to classes while promoting careers in engineering. Award sponsor is Coordinator of Secondary Initiatives David Harner. In appreciation for the company’s ongoing support of the STEM Initiative in Wicomico County Public Schools, the Wicomico County Board of Education is pleased to recognize the Tom Becker, Vice President, and the Becker Morgan Group a certificate as an Outstanding STEM Partner.
The Wicomico County Board of Education presented a certificate of recognition to Tom Becker and the Becker Morgan Group as an Outstanding STEM Partner.
2010 Wicomico County Board of Education Retirees
Members of the 2010 class of retirees have given their time and talents to Wicomico schools. They represent 2,836.8 years of employment with the school system. The Board recognized:
GO HERE to see the Students.
Coming Up Soon On The Wicomico School Calendar
Thursday, July 8
Final Opportunity to Walk Through Old JMB, Preview Auction Items
Old James M. Bennett High School
The Wicomico County Board of Education will offer to alumni and guests of James M. Bennett High School a final opportunity to walk through the old school from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 8. The school year ended at old JMB on June 11, and since then teachers and staff members have been moving to the new JMB in preparation for its opening on Aug. 30. The school system is now in the process of collecting any surplus equipment and furniture from the building for the school system auction that will be held at old JMB starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 10. Those who take the tour will also have the chance to preview the auction items from JMB and throughout the school system. The July 8 tour will be the last opportunity for former JMB students and guests to walk through the building; it will be closed in preparation for demolition later this year.
Saturday, July 10
Board of Education Auction
Old James M. Bennett High
The Board of Education's annual auction will take place at the original James M. Bennett High School starting at 9 a.m.
Friday, July 16
School Readiness Fair
Pemberton Elementary School
The annual School Readiness Fair for young children and their families will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 16, at Pemberton Elementary School. This will be an opportunity for children and their parents/guardians to meet representatives of their schools and local community organizations, pick up teaching materials, and learn about school bus safety from Buster the Bus. The Readiness Fair will include free dinner, door prizes, real school bus rides, games and crafts. Call 410-677-4580 to register as an exhibitor or to get more information.
Tuesday, July 20 (NEW DATE)
Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education Office
The July meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Board of Education Office. (This meeting has been rescheduled from the regular meeting date of July 13 and had previously been scheduled for July 6.) The July Board meeting includes the annual reorganization of the Board and the election of a president and vice president. 410-677-4561.
Wednesday, Aug. 4
5th Annual NAACP Back-to-School Rally
Salisbury Middle School
The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP will hold its 5th annual Back-to-School Rally at Salisbury Middle School from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4. Every summer for the past five years, families and Wicomico County students in prekindergarten-grade 8 have had a chance to get pumped up and prepared for the coming school year at the rally. Students will be encouraged to begin the school year with a commitment to attend classes and succeed in all their course work and activities. Mark Thompson will be master of ceremonies for the program, which will include an inspiring presentation and entertainment. The community is invited to attend this and all NAACP events. Monetary donations and/or contributions are needed for this event, which aims to provide 300 students with school supplies. Needed items include pencils, spiral notebooks, paper, pens, tissue packs, hand sanitizer, etc. For information or to make a donation of funds or school supplies, please call the Wicomico County Chapter of the NAACP at 410-543-4187.
Final Opportunity to Walk Through Old JMB, Preview Auction Items
Old James M. Bennett High School
The Wicomico County Board of Education will offer to alumni and guests of James M. Bennett High School a final opportunity to walk through the old school from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, July 8. The school year ended at old JMB on June 11, and since then teachers and staff members have been moving to the new JMB in preparation for its opening on Aug. 30. The school system is now in the process of collecting any surplus equipment and furniture from the building for the school system auction that will be held at old JMB starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 10. Those who take the tour will also have the chance to preview the auction items from JMB and throughout the school system. The July 8 tour will be the last opportunity for former JMB students and guests to walk through the building; it will be closed in preparation for demolition later this year.
Saturday, July 10
Board of Education Auction
Old James M. Bennett High
The Board of Education's annual auction will take place at the original James M. Bennett High School starting at 9 a.m.
Friday, July 16
School Readiness Fair
Pemberton Elementary School
The annual School Readiness Fair for young children and their families will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, July 16, at Pemberton Elementary School. This will be an opportunity for children and their parents/guardians to meet representatives of their schools and local community organizations, pick up teaching materials, and learn about school bus safety from Buster the Bus. The Readiness Fair will include free dinner, door prizes, real school bus rides, games and crafts. Call 410-677-4580 to register as an exhibitor or to get more information.
Tuesday, July 20 (NEW DATE)
Board of Education Meeting
Board of Education Office
The July meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Board of Education Office. (This meeting has been rescheduled from the regular meeting date of July 13 and had previously been scheduled for July 6.) The July Board meeting includes the annual reorganization of the Board and the election of a president and vice president. 410-677-4561.
Wednesday, Aug. 4
5th Annual NAACP Back-to-School Rally
Salisbury Middle School
The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP will hold its 5th annual Back-to-School Rally at Salisbury Middle School from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4. Every summer for the past five years, families and Wicomico County students in prekindergarten-grade 8 have had a chance to get pumped up and prepared for the coming school year at the rally. Students will be encouraged to begin the school year with a commitment to attend classes and succeed in all their course work and activities. Mark Thompson will be master of ceremonies for the program, which will include an inspiring presentation and entertainment. The community is invited to attend this and all NAACP events. Monetary donations and/or contributions are needed for this event, which aims to provide 300 students with school supplies. Needed items include pencils, spiral notebooks, paper, pens, tissue packs, hand sanitizer, etc. For information or to make a donation of funds or school supplies, please call the Wicomico County Chapter of the NAACP at 410-543-4187.
LIBERTYTOWN POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING
(Libertytown, MD) – One of the two troopers involved in the standoff that fatally wounded a woman armed with a semi-automatic handgun early yesterday morning has been named.
One of the two troopers involved is Corporal Eric Corbin. Corporal Corbin is an eight year veteran of the Maryland Department of State Police. He is assigned to supervisory and road patrol duties at the Frederick Barracks.
The second trooper involved is not being named at this time. He did not fire his agency issued weapon.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. yesterday, Corporal Corbin, along with a second trooper, were dispatched to the scene of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. The emergency 9-1-1 cell phone call to the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center came from Dean Perkins, 45, a resident of the 12,000 block of Main Street in Libertytown, Maryland. Dean is the husband of the deceased.
The deceased is identified as Veronica Harding-Perkins, 46, of the 12,000 block of Main Street in Libertytown, Maryland. The autopsy revealed that she died of gunshot wounds. Further tests are being conducted and additional results are pending. Additional details will not be released due to the ongoing investigation.
Police received information that Harding-Perkins had access to loaded firearms inside the Perkins residence. Upon the troopers’ arrival to the scene, several attempts were made to make contact with Harding-Perkins who was inside the home, which is attached to a business. Harding-Perkins refused to respond to police requests for surrender.
Police were met by a tenant of the Perkins residence who confirmed again that Harding-Perkins was inside, armed with a semi-automatic pistol. He also told police that Harding-Perkins demanded he leave the premises to avoid harm.
The troopers entered the business side of the dwelling and repeatedly announced their presence. Again, there was no response from Harding-Perkins. The troopers then exited the business side and attempted entry through the front door of the adjacent residence.
Knowing Harding-Perkins was armed with a loaded weapon, CPL Corbin took cover behind a soda machine located off of the front porch of the home. As he peered around the corner, Harding-Perkins was standing inside of her front door with her semi-automatic pistol pointed at the trooper. Fearing for his life, as well as the safety of others, CPL Corbin responded by firing his agency issued firearm.
Hardings-Perkins retreated back into her home. The two troopers backed off and immediately secured the area and called for assistance from the Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. team (Special Tactical Assault Team Element) and the Hostage Recovery Team.
At this time, there was no clear evidence indicating Hardings-Perkins had been injured.
Proceeding on the side of caution, police secured the area and an evacuation was made of the adjacent residents. The Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. team, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, and the Hostage Recovery Team made every attempt possible to gain communication with Harding-Perkins. Again, police received no response.
Fearing for the safety of anyone inside the residence, the S.T.A.T.E. team gained access using forced entry at approximately 5:45 a.m. Harding-Perkins was found lying on the dining room floor next to a semi-automatic pistol, loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition. Harding-Perkins was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy.
Both state troopers who reported to the incident are on administrative leave while this investigation continues.
One of the two troopers involved is Corporal Eric Corbin. Corporal Corbin is an eight year veteran of the Maryland Department of State Police. He is assigned to supervisory and road patrol duties at the Frederick Barracks.
The second trooper involved is not being named at this time. He did not fire his agency issued weapon.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. yesterday, Corporal Corbin, along with a second trooper, were dispatched to the scene of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. The emergency 9-1-1 cell phone call to the Frederick County Law Enforcement Center came from Dean Perkins, 45, a resident of the 12,000 block of Main Street in Libertytown, Maryland. Dean is the husband of the deceased.
The deceased is identified as Veronica Harding-Perkins, 46, of the 12,000 block of Main Street in Libertytown, Maryland. The autopsy revealed that she died of gunshot wounds. Further tests are being conducted and additional results are pending. Additional details will not be released due to the ongoing investigation.
Police received information that Harding-Perkins had access to loaded firearms inside the Perkins residence. Upon the troopers’ arrival to the scene, several attempts were made to make contact with Harding-Perkins who was inside the home, which is attached to a business. Harding-Perkins refused to respond to police requests for surrender.
Police were met by a tenant of the Perkins residence who confirmed again that Harding-Perkins was inside, armed with a semi-automatic pistol. He also told police that Harding-Perkins demanded he leave the premises to avoid harm.
The troopers entered the business side of the dwelling and repeatedly announced their presence. Again, there was no response from Harding-Perkins. The troopers then exited the business side and attempted entry through the front door of the adjacent residence.
Knowing Harding-Perkins was armed with a loaded weapon, CPL Corbin took cover behind a soda machine located off of the front porch of the home. As he peered around the corner, Harding-Perkins was standing inside of her front door with her semi-automatic pistol pointed at the trooper. Fearing for his life, as well as the safety of others, CPL Corbin responded by firing his agency issued firearm.
Hardings-Perkins retreated back into her home. The two troopers backed off and immediately secured the area and called for assistance from the Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. team (Special Tactical Assault Team Element) and the Hostage Recovery Team.
At this time, there was no clear evidence indicating Hardings-Perkins had been injured.
Proceeding on the side of caution, police secured the area and an evacuation was made of the adjacent residents. The Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E. team, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, and the Hostage Recovery Team made every attempt possible to gain communication with Harding-Perkins. Again, police received no response.
Fearing for the safety of anyone inside the residence, the S.T.A.T.E. team gained access using forced entry at approximately 5:45 a.m. Harding-Perkins was found lying on the dining room floor next to a semi-automatic pistol, loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition. Harding-Perkins was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy.
Both state troopers who reported to the incident are on administrative leave while this investigation continues.
TRAFFIC ALERT
Surface Treatment Will Require Daytime Lane Restrictions in Sussex County
Frankford -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that DelDOT's maintenance crews will do surface treatment repairs, commonly known as "tar and chip", for the following roads throughout Sussex County:
Shockley Town Road from Pepper Road to Pyle Center Road
McCary Road from Roxana Road to Frankford School Road
Murray Road from Honolulu Road to Armory Road
Pepper Creek Road from Route 113 to the town limits
Quail Road between Ellis Mill Road and the Maryland state line
Berry Road from Blueberry Lane to Route 113
Blueberry Lane between Berry Road and Route 113
Lynch Road from Route 26 to Bald Branch Road
Bradford Road from Route 26 to Lynch Road
Dennis Lane from Lynch Road to the end
Bald Branch Road between Route 30 and Lynch Road
Parker Road from Bethel Road to Fireman's Road
Bethel Road from Fireman's Road to Hudson Road
Donoway Road from Bethel Road to Cypress Road
Country Living Road from Cross Keys Road to Lake View Road
Carey's Camp Road from Route 24 to Revel Road
The surface work operations will begin
Micro-Surfacing Will Require Daytime Lane Closures in Sussex County
Beginning Monday, June 21
Georgetown -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that a micro-surfacing project will require daytime road closures in Sussex County. The lane closures will occur from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The following roads will be impacted:
Monday, June 21 through Friday, June 25
Airport Road between Georgetown town limits and Route 9
East Piney Grove Road between Shortly Road and Stockley Road
Honolulu Road between Thatcher Road/Omar Road and Clayton Avenue
North Shores subdivision: North Shores Drive
Sussex Pines Road between Woods Branch Road and Cedar Lane
Whaleys Road between East Line Road and Line Church Road
Monday, June 21 through Thursday, July 1
Bay Avenue between Beach Plum Drive and Lighthouse Road
Fitzgeralds Road between Route 36/Shawnee Road and Route 113
Hearns Pond Road between Wesley Church Road and Route 13
North Spring Hill Road between Maryland state line and Route 54/Delmar Road
Old Shawnee Road between Route 36/Shawnee Road and Route 113
Slaughter Beach Road between Route 1 and Bay Avenue
Susan Beach Road between Route 54/Delmar Road and Horsey Church Road
Micro-surfacing is a polymer modified cold-mix paving system consisting of a mixture of dense-graded aggregate, asphalt emulsion, water, and mineral fillers. Micro-surfacing is a maintenance treatment and very cost-effective. The contractor for this project is Asphalt Pavers.
Frankford -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that DelDOT's maintenance crews will do surface treatment repairs, commonly known as "tar and chip", for the following roads throughout Sussex County:
Shockley Town Road from Pepper Road to Pyle Center Road
McCary Road from Roxana Road to Frankford School Road
Murray Road from Honolulu Road to Armory Road
Pepper Creek Road from Route 113 to the town limits
Quail Road between Ellis Mill Road and the Maryland state line
Berry Road from Blueberry Lane to Route 113
Blueberry Lane between Berry Road and Route 113
Lynch Road from Route 26 to Bald Branch Road
Bradford Road from Route 26 to Lynch Road
Dennis Lane from Lynch Road to the end
Bald Branch Road between Route 30 and Lynch Road
Parker Road from Bethel Road to Fireman's Road
Bethel Road from Fireman's Road to Hudson Road
Donoway Road from Bethel Road to Cypress Road
Country Living Road from Cross Keys Road to Lake View Road
Carey's Camp Road from Route 24 to Revel Road
The surface work operations will begin
Micro-Surfacing Will Require Daytime Lane Closures in Sussex County
Beginning Monday, June 21
Georgetown -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that a micro-surfacing project will require daytime road closures in Sussex County. The lane closures will occur from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The following roads will be impacted:
Monday, June 21 through Friday, June 25
Airport Road between Georgetown town limits and Route 9
East Piney Grove Road between Shortly Road and Stockley Road
Honolulu Road between Thatcher Road/Omar Road and Clayton Avenue
North Shores subdivision: North Shores Drive
Sussex Pines Road between Woods Branch Road and Cedar Lane
Whaleys Road between East Line Road and Line Church Road
Monday, June 21 through Thursday, July 1
Bay Avenue between Beach Plum Drive and Lighthouse Road
Fitzgeralds Road between Route 36/Shawnee Road and Route 113
Hearns Pond Road between Wesley Church Road and Route 13
North Spring Hill Road between Maryland state line and Route 54/Delmar Road
Old Shawnee Road between Route 36/Shawnee Road and Route 113
Slaughter Beach Road between Route 1 and Bay Avenue
Susan Beach Road between Route 54/Delmar Road and Horsey Church Road
Micro-surfacing is a polymer modified cold-mix paving system consisting of a mixture of dense-graded aggregate, asphalt emulsion, water, and mineral fillers. Micro-surfacing is a maintenance treatment and very cost-effective. The contractor for this project is Asphalt Pavers.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Delaware Making In-Roads Into Renewable Energy
Today my wife and I decided to visit Lewes, Delaware to see the gigantic wind turbine that was turned on this past week. It is an awesome sight to see. From ground elevation it extends to 400'. It is so huge that you can see it as far away as Rehoboth Beach, DE.
What a sight to see - and it is relatively quite. You can hear a slight whisper sound as the blades rotate.
The turbine is relatively easy to find. . . just look to the left as you are on Route 24 headed east on the road leading from Millsboro to Rehoboth Beach, DE. Continue to take the road to the Cape-May Lewis Ferry and you can't miss it. Look for the University of Delaware signs and it is located near the Lewis Boat Ramp.
What a sight to see - and it is relatively quite. You can hear a slight whisper sound as the blades rotate.
The turbine is relatively easy to find. . . just look to the left as you are on Route 24 headed east on the road leading from Millsboro to Rehoboth Beach, DE. Continue to take the road to the Cape-May Lewis Ferry and you can't miss it. Look for the University of Delaware signs and it is located near the Lewis Boat Ramp.
Iranian Threats Over Gaza Keep USS Truman Carrier In Mediterranean
The USS Harry S. Truman carrier, complete with its strike group of 60 warplanes and 6,000 seamen, has been ordered to turn course from the Persian Gulf and deploy with the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean for the time being, debkafile's military and Washington sources report. The administration's decision was prompted by incoming intelligence attesting to heightened marine and military tensions between Israel, Turkey and Iran, in the wake of the Turkish premier Recep Erdogan's determination to give his screws on Israel another turn - or two.
He was solidly backed up from Tehran Wednesday, June 16, by parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani, who threatened military retaliation against Persian Gulf and Mediterranean shipping for any interference with the vessels Iran was sending to the Gaza Strip. He did not specify what kind they were.
In Jerusalem, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman asserted that Israel would no longer respect these vessels as promoted by aid agencies because they were obviously dispatched by outright enemies with hostile intent thinly disguised as humanitarian efforts.
Erdogan is planning more provocative sea convoys for Gaza and the severance of diplomatic relations.
Ankara has set its face implacably toward a full rupture and is determined to breach Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip by force, regardless of the relaxations on the siege restrictions ceded by Israel in consultation with Washington.
BREAKING: US, Israel Warships In Suez May Be Prelude To Faceoff With Iran
Egypt allowed at least one Israeli and 11 American warships to pass through the Suez Canal as an Iranian flotilla approaches Gaza. Egypt closed the canal to protect the ships with thousands of soldiers, according to the British-based Arabic language newspaper Al Quds al-Arabi.
One day prior to the report on Saturday, Voice of Israel government radio reported that the Egyptian government denied an Israeli request not to allow the Iranian flotilla to use the Suez Canal to reach Gaza, in violation of the Israeli sea embargo on the Hamas-controlled area.
International agreements require Egypt to keep the Suez open even for warships, but the armada, led by the USS Truman with 5,000 sailors and marines, was the largest in years. Egypt closed the canal to fishing and other boats as the armada moved through the strategic passageway that connects the Red and Mediterranean Seas.
Despite Egypt’s reported refusal to block the canal to Iranian boats, the clearance for the American-Israeli fleet may be a warning to Iran it may face military opposition if the Iranian Red Crescent ship continues on course to Gaza.
The warships may exercise the right to inspect the Iranian boat for the illegal transport or weapons. Newsweek reported that Egyptian authorities could stop the ship for weeks, using technicalities such as requiring that any official documents be translated from Farsi into Arabic.
The magazine’s website also reported that the Iranian navy is the weakest part of its armed forces. Tehran has already backed down from announced intentions to escort the Iranian ships with "volunteer marines” from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
All-America City 2010: Salisbury, Maryland’s Presentation
Watch live streaming video from freespeechtv at livestream.com
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
To those Father's who cannot be home, allowing all of us to enjoy this special day, Thank You!Did Obama Deal Blackmail Israel?
The U.S. extracted concessions from Israel in exchange for American opposition to the establishment of a United Nations commission to investigate Israel's commando raid of a flotilla earlier this month that resulted in the deaths of nine violent activists, WND has learned.
Separately, an official from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office told WND the Obama administration pressed hard on Israel to ease a blockade on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Israel says the blockade is intended to stop the shipment of weapons into Gaza.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu's office released a statement that Israel's security cabinet decided to ease the Gaza blockade.
The White House yesterday called that decision "a step in the right direction."
Obama has called the three-year blockade unsustainable and urged Israel to scale it back dramatically.
In the place of a U.N. commission, which had been opposed by the U.S., Israel established its own commission of inquiry into the flotilla incident earlier this month in which violent activists engaged in confrontations with Israeli commandos who stormed the ship, resulting in the deaths of nine activists.
The Israeli commission consists of three Israelis and two foreign observers – David Trimble, a Northern Ireland politician and Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Canadian jurist Ken Watkin.
Israel had opposed a U.N. commission, believing such an investigative body would be partial.
Previous U.N. commissions investigating the Jewish state were seen as biased against Israel, including a probe earlier this year that claimed Israel carried out war crimes during its defensive war in Gaza in 2009 targeting the Hamas terror group.
Just yesterday, Israel issued an official complaint against the president of the U.N. Correspondents Association for deliberately barring Israeli officials from responding to the public screening of a documentary film on the events of the Gaza-bound flotilla. The documentary was filmed by one of the flotilla activists. Israel called the film one-sided.
An Israeli government official, meanwhile, told WND the Obama administration extracted concessions from the Netanyahu government in exchange for U.S. opposition to a U.N. investigation.
The official said the concessions regard an extended freeze on Jewish construction in the strategic West Bank and eastern Jerusalem as well as a resumption of talks aimed at creating a Palestinian state.
The developments came as Iran announced it will facilitate the sail of more flotillas to Gaza.
Israel maintains a naval blockade on Hamas-controlled Gaza, fearing if it allows ships to reach the territory, Hamas will be able to transport weaponry for use against Israelis.
Israel and the international community numerous times have stopped ships loaded with weapons destined for Gaza.
Despite claims of activists, Israel does not block humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel allows a large number of trucks daily to enter Gaza with food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies. Israel transfers monthly into Gaza tens of millions of dollars worth of Israeli shekels to ensure the flow of cash in the territory.
More here
Separately, an official from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office told WND the Obama administration pressed hard on Israel to ease a blockade on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
Israel says the blockade is intended to stop the shipment of weapons into Gaza.
Earlier this week, Netanyahu's office released a statement that Israel's security cabinet decided to ease the Gaza blockade.
The White House yesterday called that decision "a step in the right direction."
Obama has called the three-year blockade unsustainable and urged Israel to scale it back dramatically.
In the place of a U.N. commission, which had been opposed by the U.S., Israel established its own commission of inquiry into the flotilla incident earlier this month in which violent activists engaged in confrontations with Israeli commandos who stormed the ship, resulting in the deaths of nine activists.
The Israeli commission consists of three Israelis and two foreign observers – David Trimble, a Northern Ireland politician and Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Canadian jurist Ken Watkin.
Israel had opposed a U.N. commission, believing such an investigative body would be partial.
Previous U.N. commissions investigating the Jewish state were seen as biased against Israel, including a probe earlier this year that claimed Israel carried out war crimes during its defensive war in Gaza in 2009 targeting the Hamas terror group.
Just yesterday, Israel issued an official complaint against the president of the U.N. Correspondents Association for deliberately barring Israeli officials from responding to the public screening of a documentary film on the events of the Gaza-bound flotilla. The documentary was filmed by one of the flotilla activists. Israel called the film one-sided.
An Israeli government official, meanwhile, told WND the Obama administration extracted concessions from the Netanyahu government in exchange for U.S. opposition to a U.N. investigation.
The official said the concessions regard an extended freeze on Jewish construction in the strategic West Bank and eastern Jerusalem as well as a resumption of talks aimed at creating a Palestinian state.
The developments came as Iran announced it will facilitate the sail of more flotillas to Gaza.
Israel maintains a naval blockade on Hamas-controlled Gaza, fearing if it allows ships to reach the territory, Hamas will be able to transport weaponry for use against Israelis.
Israel and the international community numerous times have stopped ships loaded with weapons destined for Gaza.
Despite claims of activists, Israel does not block humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel allows a large number of trucks daily to enter Gaza with food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies. Israel transfers monthly into Gaza tens of millions of dollars worth of Israeli shekels to ensure the flow of cash in the territory.
More here
Left-Wing Lobbyists Orchestrate Gaza Campaign
An American communications firm best known for shaping the liberal Moveon.org into a national movement has tackled a new project: orchestrating an international anti-Israel campaign aimed at breaking the blockade of the Gaza strip.
Fenton Communications, which has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco, signed two contracts last year with Qatar to develop “a communications action plan for an 18-month campaign” aimed at de-legitimizing Israel and generating international support for the Hamas-run Gaza strip, documents filed with the Department of Justice show.
The campaign, known as the “Al Fakhoora Project,” has a very visible Web presence that boasts of rallying 10,000 activists “against the blockade on Gaza.”
Fenton signed the contracts, worth more than $390,000, with the Office of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, the wife of the Qatari ruler, and a separate foundation she chairs. The contracts are ongoing, according to Fenton’s Foreign Agent registration forms.
The cash from Qatar bought a sophisticated U.S. media campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion to generate support for the Hamas-led government and the people of the Gaza strip.
It also included a full-scale fundraising effort aimed at generating a war chest of up to $100 million in addition to the money the Qatari sheikha provided.
U.S. diplomats in the region view the elegant sheikha as a “progressive” force in Qatar, who has partnered in the past with U.S. AID and other U.S. government agencies on projects involving education, women’s rights, and the arts.
Fenton’s Al Fakhoora project is cleverly disguised as a campaign to help students in Gaza in the pursuit of a better education.
Fenton Communications, which has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, and San Francisco, signed two contracts last year with Qatar to develop “a communications action plan for an 18-month campaign” aimed at de-legitimizing Israel and generating international support for the Hamas-run Gaza strip, documents filed with the Department of Justice show.
The campaign, known as the “Al Fakhoora Project,” has a very visible Web presence that boasts of rallying 10,000 activists “against the blockade on Gaza.”
Fenton signed the contracts, worth more than $390,000, with the Office of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, the wife of the Qatari ruler, and a separate foundation she chairs. The contracts are ongoing, according to Fenton’s Foreign Agent registration forms.
The cash from Qatar bought a sophisticated U.S. media campaign aimed at manipulating public opinion to generate support for the Hamas-led government and the people of the Gaza strip.
It also included a full-scale fundraising effort aimed at generating a war chest of up to $100 million in addition to the money the Qatari sheikha provided.
U.S. diplomats in the region view the elegant sheikha as a “progressive” force in Qatar, who has partnered in the past with U.S. AID and other U.S. government agencies on projects involving education, women’s rights, and the arts.
Fenton’s Al Fakhoora project is cleverly disguised as a campaign to help students in Gaza in the pursuit of a better education.
Alexander: The Centennial Of Father's Day
"It is the duty of parents to maintain their children decently, and according to their circumstances; to protect them according to the dictates of prudence; and to educate them according to the suggestions of a judicious and zealous regard for their usefulness, their respectability and happiness." --James Wilson
Father's Day was first celebrated the third Sunday in June in the year 1910.
The original observance was in honor of William Jackson Smart, an Arkansas veteran of the War Between the States, who raised a daughter and five sons on his own, after his wife died giving birth to their sixth child. Smart was devoted to his children, as they were to him, and his daughter, Sonora Smart Dodd, wanted to honor her father for that devotion.
Though Mother's Day had been observed in one form or another for centuries, Fathers Day was a fitting complement, and within a few years following the first ceremony, it became a national rite.
While this first formal recognition came about just a century ago, it was abundantly clear to our Founding Fathers that families with both mothers and fathers were critical to the well-being of children.
John Adams wrote, "The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families.... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers?"
His wife, Abigail, wrote, "What is it that affectionate parents require of their Children; for all their care, anxiety, and toil on their accounts? Only that they would be wise and virtuous, Benevolent and kind."
The vital role of fathers has been extolled throughout history, in virtually every religion and culture. No less, it is now well understood that the foundation of our nation is "laid in private families," and that this foundation is critical if the next generation is to be "wise and virtuous, Benevolent and kind."
Unfortunately, there is an epidemic of negligence among fathers today, and consequently (according to the CDC, DoJ, DHHS and the Bureau of the Census) the 30 percent of children who live apart from their fathers will account for 63 percent of teen suicides, 70 percent of juveniles in state-operated institutions, 71 percent of high-school dropouts, 75 percent of children in chemical-abuse centers, 80 percent of rapists, 85 percent of youths in prison, 85 percent of children who exhibit behavioral disorders, and 90 percent of homeless and runaway children.
The causal link between fatherless children and crime "is so strong that controlling for family configuration erases the relationship between race and crime and between low income and crime," notes social researcher Barbara Dafoe Whitehead.
More to the point, a counselor at a juvenile-detention facility in California, which has the nation's highest juvenile-incarceration rate, protested, "[If] you find a gang member who comes from a complete nuclear family, I'd like to meet him. ... I don't think that kid exists."
Arguably, the vast majority of social problems confronting our nation today originate in homes without fathers1, including those without functioning or effective fathers. (It should be noted here that an increasing number of fatherless homes are the result of mothers who separate from fathers without reasonable grounds for severance.)
"Maturity does not come with age, but with the accepting of responsibility for one's actions," writes Dr. Edwin Cole. "The lack of effective, functioning fathers is the root cause of America's social, economic and spiritual crises."
Father's Day was first celebrated the third Sunday in June in the year 1910.
The original observance was in honor of William Jackson Smart, an Arkansas veteran of the War Between the States, who raised a daughter and five sons on his own, after his wife died giving birth to their sixth child. Smart was devoted to his children, as they were to him, and his daughter, Sonora Smart Dodd, wanted to honor her father for that devotion.
Though Mother's Day had been observed in one form or another for centuries, Fathers Day was a fitting complement, and within a few years following the first ceremony, it became a national rite.
While this first formal recognition came about just a century ago, it was abundantly clear to our Founding Fathers that families with both mothers and fathers were critical to the well-being of children.
John Adams wrote, "The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families.... How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn their Mothers live in habitual Infidelity to their fathers, and their fathers in as constant Infidelity to their Mothers?"
His wife, Abigail, wrote, "What is it that affectionate parents require of their Children; for all their care, anxiety, and toil on their accounts? Only that they would be wise and virtuous, Benevolent and kind."
The vital role of fathers has been extolled throughout history, in virtually every religion and culture. No less, it is now well understood that the foundation of our nation is "laid in private families," and that this foundation is critical if the next generation is to be "wise and virtuous, Benevolent and kind."
Unfortunately, there is an epidemic of negligence among fathers today, and consequently (according to the CDC, DoJ, DHHS and the Bureau of the Census) the 30 percent of children who live apart from their fathers will account for 63 percent of teen suicides, 70 percent of juveniles in state-operated institutions, 71 percent of high-school dropouts, 75 percent of children in chemical-abuse centers, 80 percent of rapists, 85 percent of youths in prison, 85 percent of children who exhibit behavioral disorders, and 90 percent of homeless and runaway children.
The causal link between fatherless children and crime "is so strong that controlling for family configuration erases the relationship between race and crime and between low income and crime," notes social researcher Barbara Dafoe Whitehead.
More to the point, a counselor at a juvenile-detention facility in California, which has the nation's highest juvenile-incarceration rate, protested, "[If] you find a gang member who comes from a complete nuclear family, I'd like to meet him. ... I don't think that kid exists."
Arguably, the vast majority of social problems confronting our nation today originate in homes without fathers1, including those without functioning or effective fathers. (It should be noted here that an increasing number of fatherless homes are the result of mothers who separate from fathers without reasonable grounds for severance.)
"Maturity does not come with age, but with the accepting of responsibility for one's actions," writes Dr. Edwin Cole. "The lack of effective, functioning fathers is the root cause of America's social, economic and spiritual crises."
100 Years Later, It’s A New Day For Dads
Despite strides, could fathers once again use an image boost?
SPOKANE, Wash. - Father's Day was started a century ago because its founder Sonora Smart Dodd was upset by widespread mocking of fathers in popular culture as lazy, sleazy and drunk.
This June 20 marks the 100th anniversary of Father's Day, and while today's fathers have come a long way, some would say they could once again use an image boost thanks to the much-mocked antics of the likes of Tiger Woods and Jon Gosselin.
While it is easy to take shots at dads who mess up, it's important to focus on the important role of men, said Michael Gurian, an author who specializes in the struggles of men in the modern world.
GO HERE to read more.
SPOKANE, Wash. - Father's Day was started a century ago because its founder Sonora Smart Dodd was upset by widespread mocking of fathers in popular culture as lazy, sleazy and drunk.
This June 20 marks the 100th anniversary of Father's Day, and while today's fathers have come a long way, some would say they could once again use an image boost thanks to the much-mocked antics of the likes of Tiger Woods and Jon Gosselin.
While it is easy to take shots at dads who mess up, it's important to focus on the important role of men, said Michael Gurian, an author who specializes in the struggles of men in the modern world.
GO HERE to read more.
Obama Says GOP Making Life Harder For The Jobless
President Barack Obama on Saturday pinned blame on Republicans for making life harder for the unemployed and for those who could lose their jobs without new federal intervention. He did so even as he sought to distance himself from the "dreary and familiar politics" of Washington.
Capping a week in which the administration scored a victory - a $20 billion fund to be paid by BP for the victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill - Obama reserved his radio and Internet address to focus on the work that didn't get done.
His main concern was the rejection of a bill in the Senate that would have provided more money for the long-term unemployed, aid for strapped state governments and the renewal of popular tax breaks for businesses and individuals.
"If this obstruction continues, unemployed Americans will see their benefits stop," Obama said. "Teachers and firefighters will lose their jobs. Families will pay more for their first home. All we ask for is a simple up or down vote. That's what the American people deserve."
The broad economic bill failed Thursday when Democrats could not muster the 60 votes needed to end debate. The 56-40 vote fell four shy of the total required to break the GOP filibuster. Republicans support many of the policies in the legislation but are demanding changes to shrink its toll on the deficit.
["Obstruction..."-- it sounds like it was a few Democrats who shot this down-- Editor]
"Americans want us to show we're serious about lowering the debt, so the president and his allies in Congress have a choice to make: they can either vote to reduce the deficit, or they can lock arms and dig an even deeper hole of debt," said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Capping a week in which the administration scored a victory - a $20 billion fund to be paid by BP for the victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill - Obama reserved his radio and Internet address to focus on the work that didn't get done.
His main concern was the rejection of a bill in the Senate that would have provided more money for the long-term unemployed, aid for strapped state governments and the renewal of popular tax breaks for businesses and individuals.
"If this obstruction continues, unemployed Americans will see their benefits stop," Obama said. "Teachers and firefighters will lose their jobs. Families will pay more for their first home. All we ask for is a simple up or down vote. That's what the American people deserve."
The broad economic bill failed Thursday when Democrats could not muster the 60 votes needed to end debate. The 56-40 vote fell four shy of the total required to break the GOP filibuster. Republicans support many of the policies in the legislation but are demanding changes to shrink its toll on the deficit.
["Obstruction..."-- it sounds like it was a few Democrats who shot this down-- Editor]
"Americans want us to show we're serious about lowering the debt, so the president and his allies in Congress have a choice to make: they can either vote to reduce the deficit, or they can lock arms and dig an even deeper hole of debt," said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Egypt Refuses To Stop Flotillas
Cairo newspaper "A-Dar" reported Friday that Israel issued a request to Egypt to prevent aid ships from Iran reaching Gaza via the Suez Canal. Egyptian officials reported the request because "it contradicts the law."
Egyptian authorities explained to the Cairo newspaper that Israel requested Egypt prevent any aid ships arriving from Iran passing through the Suez Canal claiming that Iran is aiding Hamas to work against Egypt.
The newspaper added that Egypt refused the Israeli demands because it is not possible to prevent the passage of any ship through the canal because of international laws. Egyptians explained that they are not able to stand against the intent of Arab states, the Muslim world and international organizations to provide aid to the residents of Gaza and to lift the blockade.
Egyptian authorities explained to the Cairo newspaper that Israel requested Egypt prevent any aid ships arriving from Iran passing through the Suez Canal claiming that Iran is aiding Hamas to work against Egypt.
The newspaper added that Egypt refused the Israeli demands because it is not possible to prevent the passage of any ship through the canal because of international laws. Egyptians explained that they are not able to stand against the intent of Arab states, the Muslim world and international organizations to provide aid to the residents of Gaza and to lift the blockade.
Presidential Qualifications
In a Florida State University classroom, they were discussing the qualifications to be President of the United States. It was pretty simple. The candidate must be a natural born citizen of at least 35 years of age.
However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen. In short, her opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.
The class was taking it in and letting her rant, and not many jaws hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating:
"What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?"
Yep, these are the same kind of 21-year-olds that just voted in our last election! *
*They breed and they walk among us...
However, one girl in the class immediately started in on how unfair was the requirement to be a natural born citizen. In short, her opinion was that this requirement prevented many capable individuals from becoming president.
The class was taking it in and letting her rant, and not many jaws hit the floor when she wrapped up her argument by stating:
"What makes a natural born citizen any more qualified to lead this country than one born by C-section?"
Yep, these are the same kind of 21-year-olds that just voted in our last election! *
*They breed and they walk among us...
FCC: We'll Just Do It Anyway
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on Thursday to begin the formal process of bringing the Internet under greater federal control – a move sought by both President Barack Obama and FCC Chairnman Julius Genachowski--even though federal law calls for an Internet "unfettered by Federal or State regulation."
This step comes after the federal D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in April rebuked the FCC in its attempt to enforce a controversial regulatory doctrine called Net Neutrality, which would allow the government to prevent private Internet providers from deciding which applications to allow on their networks.
The court said that the FCC did not have the authority to prevent Comcast, specifically, from blocking certain peer-to-peer Web sites.
The FCC is now trying to reclassify the Internet to broaden its authority over the Web. Currently, the FCC only has “ancillary” authority, meaning it can regulate Internet access only in the process of regulating another service that it has direct authority over, such as television or cable.
The 3-2 party-line vote on Thursday at the FCC began the formal process of reclassifying the Internet as a telecommunications service instead of an information service – its current classification. This is necessary because, as an information service, the government has little power to regulate Internet networks.
As a telecommunications service, such as a telephone network, the Internet would fall under a much broader regulatory scope – giving the government the power to enforce universal service requirements, making them pay into a federal universal service fund used to provide communications services to poor areas.
The FCC will now begin the mandatory public comment period, where it will solicit input from private companies and citizens about whether it should reclassify the Internet and, if so, how it should do it.
Read more about it
This step comes after the federal D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in April rebuked the FCC in its attempt to enforce a controversial regulatory doctrine called Net Neutrality, which would allow the government to prevent private Internet providers from deciding which applications to allow on their networks.
The court said that the FCC did not have the authority to prevent Comcast, specifically, from blocking certain peer-to-peer Web sites.
The FCC is now trying to reclassify the Internet to broaden its authority over the Web. Currently, the FCC only has “ancillary” authority, meaning it can regulate Internet access only in the process of regulating another service that it has direct authority over, such as television or cable.
The 3-2 party-line vote on Thursday at the FCC began the formal process of reclassifying the Internet as a telecommunications service instead of an information service – its current classification. This is necessary because, as an information service, the government has little power to regulate Internet networks.
As a telecommunications service, such as a telephone network, the Internet would fall under a much broader regulatory scope – giving the government the power to enforce universal service requirements, making them pay into a federal universal service fund used to provide communications services to poor areas.
The FCC will now begin the mandatory public comment period, where it will solicit input from private companies and citizens about whether it should reclassify the Internet and, if so, how it should do it.
Read more about it
UNKILLED HAMBURGER
Note To All Hunters:
This is from a San Francisco newspaper
This is from a San Francisco newspaper
Folks, just remember as you read this, this person probably drives & votes
AND, may have already reproduced.......
Answering The Welfare System
Joe,
What can we do about people who abuse the welfare system? I know of a single mom (dad is in jail) who has 3 kids (ages 5, 4, 2) who does not work, state pays for her daycare (why the heck she needs daycare if she doesn't work is beyond me), and she sits home (or goes to the beach) all day and still is able to collect a check.
I'm sick of it! my husband and I are small business owners in Salisbury. We bust our you-know-what everyday, trying to make ends meet and could probably qualify for some sort of assistance from the state but we wouldn't dare even apply. I know that she isn't making any effort whatsoever to find employment (why would she?) and it makes me sick!
I'm all for people being able to get assistance when/if they need it, but abusing the system with no intentions of fixing it is rediculous. Her 5 year old actually told his daycare mother the other day "my mommy doesn't have to work because she still gets a check each month and the only reason you (daycare mother) has to work is because you're older" - so now this child is growing up to think its ok to mooch? UGH!
Signed,
Frustrated & Broke (but full of integrity)
What can we do about people who abuse the welfare system? I know of a single mom (dad is in jail) who has 3 kids (ages 5, 4, 2) who does not work, state pays for her daycare (why the heck she needs daycare if she doesn't work is beyond me), and she sits home (or goes to the beach) all day and still is able to collect a check.
I'm sick of it! my husband and I are small business owners in Salisbury. We bust our you-know-what everyday, trying to make ends meet and could probably qualify for some sort of assistance from the state but we wouldn't dare even apply. I know that she isn't making any effort whatsoever to find employment (why would she?) and it makes me sick!
I'm all for people being able to get assistance when/if they need it, but abusing the system with no intentions of fixing it is rediculous. Her 5 year old actually told his daycare mother the other day "my mommy doesn't have to work because she still gets a check each month and the only reason you (daycare mother) has to work is because you're older" - so now this child is growing up to think its ok to mooch? UGH!
Signed,
Frustrated & Broke (but full of integrity)
Worcester County Sheriff's Office Press Release
On Saturday, June 19th, 2010 at approximately 1:49am A Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy stopped a vehicle at Route 50 and Hall Road for a traffic violation. Upon speaking with the operator an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. The driver was identified as Vilmar DaCasta 34 years of age from Salisbury Md. Mr. DaCosta did poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested.
Mr DaCosta was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and released pending trial
Delaware Electric Cooperative "Peak Alert"
Beat the Peak Sunday, June 20th between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
GREENWOOD-Because of the warm temperatures over our region, Delaware Electric Cooperative and Choptank Electric Cooperative are asking all of their members to voluntarily conserve or limit energy usage between the hours of 3 pm and 7 pm, Sunday, June 20th, when our membership will be using the greatest amount of electricity and as a result the cooperatives will be purchasing power from the market at extremely high prices.
During "normal" load periods we pay only pennies per kilowatt-hour for power. However, during "Peak" demand or energy periods when the temperatures rise, we can pay up to one dollar per kilowatt-hour and in turn, we must pass these higher costs on to our members which may have an impact on rates.
Between the hours of 3 pm and 7 pm Sunday, June 20th we are asking our members to turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances that may not be needed. We would ask that our members delay major appliance usage such as dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers and delay any hot water usage.
Other important steps to take might include closing window shades and adjusting thermostats up 3 degrees during these "Peak" times.
Drowning In Georgetown
Location: 16363 Old Furnace Road, Georgetown, DE
Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Victim: 2 year old male
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a drowning that claimed the life of a two year old.
The incident occurred on Saturday June 19, 2010 at a residence in Georgetown, DE where a family reunion was occurring. After the victim, a two year old male, was discovered missing, party members searched for him and found the victim inside of an above ground pool located on the property. The victim was unresponsive. A State Trooper and a Georgetown Police Department officer arrived and administered CPR to the victim. He was then transported to the Nanticoke Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. It is not known how long the victim had been in the pool prior to being located.
The investigation is on going at this time.
Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Victim: 2 year old male
Resume:
Delaware State Police are investigating a drowning that claimed the life of a two year old.
The incident occurred on Saturday June 19, 2010 at a residence in Georgetown, DE where a family reunion was occurring. After the victim, a two year old male, was discovered missing, party members searched for him and found the victim inside of an above ground pool located on the property. The victim was unresponsive. A State Trooper and a Georgetown Police Department officer arrived and administered CPR to the victim. He was then transported to the Nanticoke Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. It is not known how long the victim had been in the pool prior to being located.
The investigation is on going at this time.
MORELAND ROCK SOLID IN 7-1 THUMPING OF LEGENDS
‘Birds Win Season High Sixth Straight Game
SALISBURY, Md. – Delmarva exploded for six runs in the third inning and Kenny Moreland pitched eight innings, allowing two hits as the Shorebirds defeated the Lexington Legends, 7-1, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Saturday.
Moreland improved to 3-2 on the season as he helped the ‘Birds (32-37) extend their season-long winning streak to six games. The victory was also the ninth straight at home.
Moreland retired 14 consecutive Legends (34-35) and 17 of the last 18 batters he faced in the win. He struck out four and walked one, giving up a third-inning double by Jiovanni Mier and an eighth-inning two-bagger to Kody Hinze.
The right-hander Moreland was the first Delmarva pitcher to pitch eight innings in a start.
Third baseman Gary Helmick led the Shorebirds’ eight-hit offense with two doubles and two runs while first baseman Tyler Stampone chipped in with two RBI.
The Shorebirds took a 1-0 lead in the first inning after Helmick led off the frame with a blooper down the right-field line. A sacrifice bunt by Ty Kelly moved Helmick to third and with two outs and Stampone up, Lexington starter Brad Dydalewicz (0-1) uncorked a wild pitch to put Delmarva ahead.
Delmarva sent 11 men to the plate in the third, scoring seven runs and knocking Dydalewicz out of the game.
Helmick made it a 2-0 game with a double down the left-field line to plate Jason Stifler. Then, with one out, Stampone doubled down the right field line to bring in Helmick and Kelly for a 4-0 lead. Levi Cololus, Garabez Rosa and Stifler also added run scoring hits in the inning.
Dydalewicz surrendered seven earned runs on six hits in 2.2 innings.
Lexington picked up its only run in the eighth on a passed ball, scoring Hinze from third after his double with no one out in the inning.
The Shorebirds and Legends finish the series on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112. On the mound will be right-hander Bobby Bundy (2-3, 3.98). Lexington goes with righty Robert Donovan (0-0, 0.00).
SALISBURY, Md. – Delmarva exploded for six runs in the third inning and Kenny Moreland pitched eight innings, allowing two hits as the Shorebirds defeated the Lexington Legends, 7-1, at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium Saturday.
Moreland improved to 3-2 on the season as he helped the ‘Birds (32-37) extend their season-long winning streak to six games. The victory was also the ninth straight at home.
Moreland retired 14 consecutive Legends (34-35) and 17 of the last 18 batters he faced in the win. He struck out four and walked one, giving up a third-inning double by Jiovanni Mier and an eighth-inning two-bagger to Kody Hinze.
The right-hander Moreland was the first Delmarva pitcher to pitch eight innings in a start.
Third baseman Gary Helmick led the Shorebirds’ eight-hit offense with two doubles and two runs while first baseman Tyler Stampone chipped in with two RBI.
The Shorebirds took a 1-0 lead in the first inning after Helmick led off the frame with a blooper down the right-field line. A sacrifice bunt by Ty Kelly moved Helmick to third and with two outs and Stampone up, Lexington starter Brad Dydalewicz (0-1) uncorked a wild pitch to put Delmarva ahead.
Delmarva sent 11 men to the plate in the third, scoring seven runs and knocking Dydalewicz out of the game.
Helmick made it a 2-0 game with a double down the left-field line to plate Jason Stifler. Then, with one out, Stampone doubled down the right field line to bring in Helmick and Kelly for a 4-0 lead. Levi Cololus, Garabez Rosa and Stifler also added run scoring hits in the inning.
Dydalewicz surrendered seven earned runs on six hits in 2.2 innings.
Lexington picked up its only run in the eighth on a passed ball, scoring Hinze from third after his double with no one out in the inning.
The Shorebirds and Legends finish the series on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. For tickets and information, contact the Shorebirds’ box office at (410) 219-3112. On the mound will be right-hander Bobby Bundy (2-3, 3.98). Lexington goes with righty Robert Donovan (0-0, 0.00).
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