The sure sign of a halfwit is someone who believes a politician’s promise. They can be observed at candidate rallies with their faces beaming and their hands grasping tightly to a cardboard sign. In bars and restaurants they speak endlessly on how their preferred dictator is smarter, kinder, and cuter than the rest. In doing so, they make up for a lack of drunkenness with exuberance over the prospect of being ruled over. This mix turns the political enthusiast into a package more bothersome than either the chastising puritan or the destitute drunk.
This heap of idiocy finds its source in the promises made by public officeholders. Instead of relying on intelligence and reason to make their case, all an aspiring politico has to do is declare before a mob what he can give it in exchange for their votes. Every election hinges upon the degree that he can manipulate the public into believing his sincerity. Electoral contests are won and lost by the biggest coalition of fools who chant slogans devoid of actual meaning and purpose.
With the recent reelection of Barack Obama, there is speculation abound on how far the soon-to-be anointed king will deliver on his promised agenda. His leftist base of support is expecting an aggressive launch of statist initiatives aimed at righting some undefined injustice. Many of Obama’s detractors seriously believe he will use the Oval Office to institute a kind of socialist hell. Both are wrong. Obama’s second term will be a continuation of the centralization and consolidation of the state that has been occurring since the ratification of the Constitution. The path has already been laid out by the ruling cadre of politicians, high level bureaucrats, military generals, CEOs of banks, and the heads of politically-favored corporations. Obama’s promise of a robust American economy will not come to fruition because that was never the goal. Like all presidencies before it, the Obama presidency is there to ensure the “right” people keep having their pocket’s filled.
Meanwhile, an increasing number of young adults are becoming disillusioned with their own future and income earning potential. Many have witnessed the success of their parents and are now questioning why they aren’t experiencing the same level of achievement. In other words, they make perfect targets for political sloganeering. Through pledges for good jobs, these unemployed will easily be whipped into a frenzy of support for whichever candidate promises them a decent, salaried job. Their role as dupes has already been enshrined by the political class.
The record of unkempt campaign promises may be staggering but it has so far failed to deter a significant portion of people from participating in the electoral process. Time and time again, voters are promised an end to war, poverty, sickness, unemployment, addiction, obesity, starvation, homelessness, mental illness, crime, and violence. And with every election, each problem is exacerbated through state policies. Left to its own devices, a free, market economy has a tendency to improve living standards for all. That’s precisely why economic freedom is never granted by the state. It would make every politician, government worker, and state contractor’s perceived worth vanish overnight.
There are two types of promises that originate from a politician’s breath. The first is a starry-eyed pledge that is practically unworkable. The second is an assurance that would constitute a threat if given by a private individual. When announced, these promises are sold as a cure-all for all of society’s ills. They hardly ever come into fruition but are referred back to only if they aid in another reelection campaign.
The science of politicking is quite simple: appeal to the lowest common denominator of human life. This, most often, is the dim yearning of folks who aspire to do no more than feed themselves day by day. As long as this primitive instinct can be appeased by promise, a career in the nation’s capital is virtually guaranteed. Finding an honest politician is like searching for a virgin in a whorehouse. If you happen to stumble across one, they are always eager to give away what little integrity they have left in return for power.
The goal of the ruling class is a full blown return to feudalism. This social decaying is emboldened by the circus known as democracy where the mob votes away its own humanity for a naïve feeling of comfort. The masses have been fooled by years of unrelenting propaganda that government is, as Leo Tolstoy called it, “the representation of the citizens in the collective capacity” rather than its true designation of “one set of men banded together to oppress another set of men.” They are assured by campaigners for public office of a life that requires minimal effort, little intellectual stimulation, and no prudence whatsoever. A pol who speaks of freedom and responsibility is quickly gutted and cast aside. The mass-mind prefers to grovel at the feet of those who promise them a first class ticket to the land of plenty. In return, they receive a pittance while the more industrious of political brownnosers retain enriching privileges.
That is the true purpose of a political promise. It is a tool to maintain dominance over the herd. As long as the masses are lead to believe that success is only enabled by the state, they will cast a ballot for anyone that will grow state power to they believe is their benefit. Individual achievement in the context of laboring and serving others is belittled as being a waste of time in comparison to the sacrifice of the public sector. Politicians will pay lip service to individualism but only to point out that success is impossible without central government dictation. That way, campaign promises hold more weight and legitimacy in the eyes of voters eager to stick it to their fellow man. They are means to keep the state machine running smoothly as humanity slowly digests itself through continued warfare and destroying any incentive to save and invest for the future.
Mark Twain once wrote,
To make a pledge of any kind is to declare war against nature; for a pledge is a chain that is always clanking and reminding the wearer of it that he is not a free man.
Under normal circumstances, breaking a promise is regarded as unbecoming for any man. That is why pledges are hardly made except in instances in which they can be followed through with quickly and earnestly. Only the truly dishonest will often make promises since their frequent use has made them into a cheap currency used to solicit favors. The political class is the greatest practitioner of this tradition. It’s become a running joke in Western culture how conniving politicians can be. The fact that so many make light of the pathetic reputation shows a disdain for honest character. Even worse is that such a criminal gang is still respected by the greater public. This terrible truth ends up reflecting worse upon the latter than the former.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, December 31, 2012
It’s Official: The FBI Classifies Peaceful American Protestors As “Terrorists”
Thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF), we have details for the first time of how government intelligence organizations and the corporate state worked together in secret to battle the Occupy Wall Street movement. The best report I have read on this story comes from the PCJF themselves. Here are some of their key findings:
“This production, which we believe is just the tip of the iceberg, is a window into the nationwide scope of the FBI’s surveillance, monitoring, and reporting on peaceful protestors organizing with the Occupy movement,
FBI documents just obtained by the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF) pursuant to the PCJF’s Freedom of Information Act demands reveal that from its inception, the FBI treated the Occupy movement as a potential criminal and terrorist threat even though the agency acknowledges in documents that organizers explicitly called for peaceful protest and did “not condone the use of violence” at occupy protests.
“These documents show that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are treating protests against the corporate and banking structure of America as potential criminal and terrorist activity. These documents also show these federal agencies functioning as a de facto intelligence arm of Wall Street and Corporate America.”
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“This production, which we believe is just the tip of the iceberg, is a window into the nationwide scope of the FBI’s surveillance, monitoring, and reporting on peaceful protestors organizing with the Occupy movement,
FBI documents just obtained by the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF) pursuant to the PCJF’s Freedom of Information Act demands reveal that from its inception, the FBI treated the Occupy movement as a potential criminal and terrorist threat even though the agency acknowledges in documents that organizers explicitly called for peaceful protest and did “not condone the use of violence” at occupy protests.
“These documents show that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are treating protests against the corporate and banking structure of America as potential criminal and terrorist activity. These documents also show these federal agencies functioning as a de facto intelligence arm of Wall Street and Corporate America.”
More
Troopers Probe Shots Fired Complaint West Of Laurel
Location: 9000 block of Sharptown Road, Laurel, DE
Date of Occurrence: Between Saturday December 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday December 30, 2012 at 7:00 a.m.
Suspects: Unknown at this time.
Victims:
26 year old female resident
34 year old male resident
3 year old male
2 year old female
Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an incident in which shots were fired into a home located west of Laurel.
Troopers responded to a residence located in the 9000 block of Sharptown Road west of Laurel Sunday morning after the homeowners reported having bullet holes in multiple doors throughout the house. The victims stated the incident may have happened between 7:00 p.m. Saturday night and 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning while they were sleeping and could not provide any suspect or vehicle information. No one was injured in the incident.
State Police Detectives continue to investigate a complaint that occurred on Thursday December 27th, when several shots were fired into a residence of a Delaware law enforcement officer who lives in western Sussex County.
Both incidents remain under investigation at this time.
The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact Det. Kelly at 302-856-5850 ext. 219. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Date of Occurrence: Between Saturday December 29, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday December 30, 2012 at 7:00 a.m.
Suspects: Unknown at this time.
Victims:
26 year old female resident
34 year old male resident
3 year old male
2 year old female
Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating an incident in which shots were fired into a home located west of Laurel.
Troopers responded to a residence located in the 9000 block of Sharptown Road west of Laurel Sunday morning after the homeowners reported having bullet holes in multiple doors throughout the house. The victims stated the incident may have happened between 7:00 p.m. Saturday night and 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning while they were sleeping and could not provide any suspect or vehicle information. No one was injured in the incident.
State Police Detectives continue to investigate a complaint that occurred on Thursday December 27th, when several shots were fired into a residence of a Delaware law enforcement officer who lives in western Sussex County.
Both incidents remain under investigation at this time.
The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact Det. Kelly at 302-856-5850 ext. 219. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Democrats Have No Counteroffer On ‘Fiscal Cliff’
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Sunday he hasn’t been able to work up a plan to avert the fiscal cliff, leading his Republican counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell, to turn to Vice President Joseph R. Biden instead to try to cut a deal.
“I’m willing to get this done, but I need a dance partner,” Mr. McConnell said in a dramatic plea on the Senate floor at 2 p.m., saying he’d sent an offer over to Mr. Reid at 7:10 p.m. Saturday night and was promised an answer early Sunday, but one never materialized.
A subdued Mr. Reid responded that he has been unable to work up a response among his own troops.
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“I’m willing to get this done, but I need a dance partner,” Mr. McConnell said in a dramatic plea on the Senate floor at 2 p.m., saying he’d sent an offer over to Mr. Reid at 7:10 p.m. Saturday night and was promised an answer early Sunday, but one never materialized.
A subdued Mr. Reid responded that he has been unable to work up a response among his own troops.
More
QUOTE OF THE DAY 12-31-12
“The Light Shines in the darkness, but the darkness does not perceive it.”
John 1:5
Md. Teen Honored In Tournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on New Year's Day will feature a float that will carry a floragraph _ a tribute made with flowers and leaves about 14 inches in diameter resembling a photograph _ dedicated to the memory of a Hagerstown teenager whose family donated his organs after he was killed in a car crash earlier this year.
Quinn Hoover, 17, died on March 18 after an early-morning accident near Clear Spring. A student at Washington County Technical High School, he was known for his outgoing personality and his prowess on the soccer field, his parents said.
The float, Journeys of the Heart, honors Quinn and 71 other organ, eye and tissue donors, whose organ donations helped other people live, according to the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, a nonprofit that facilitates organ donation.
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Quinn Hoover, 17, died on March 18 after an early-morning accident near Clear Spring. A student at Washington County Technical High School, he was known for his outgoing personality and his prowess on the soccer field, his parents said.
The float, Journeys of the Heart, honors Quinn and 71 other organ, eye and tissue donors, whose organ donations helped other people live, according to the Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, a nonprofit that facilitates organ donation.
More
Why French Parents Are Better Than American Parents
The most popular article of the year in the Wall Street Journal was an excerpt of a book by Pamela Druckerman called "Bringing Up Bebe."
The excerpt describes the moment in which Druckerman realized that French kids are much better behaved than American kids and then set out to discover why that is the case.
Not surprisingly, American parents went nuts about the story.
Some, presumably, read it as a "how to" manual. Others, presumably, read it as criticism.
Either way, the story struck a nerve.
And what were Druckerman's conclusions?
Why are French parents better than American parents at raising well-behaved children?
Here are two key points:
First, French parents aren't as obsessed with making sure their kids are in training to become CEOs, world-famous composers, professional athletes, and Senators from the moment they emerge from the womb. French parents do make sure their kids do some "activities," but they don't schedule every moment as training for some specific future achievement. Rather they give the kids some time to learn how to amuse themselves.
Second, and more importantly, French parents teach their kids to wait. Specifically, they teach them to defer gratification--to wait until later to eat candy, to sleep through the night, to wait a few moments until their parents have stopped speaking before interrupting them, and so on. American, parents, meanwhile, want to encourage every blurt or impulse as an example of self-expression and are too wimpy to teach their kids how to be patient.
The excerpt describes the moment in which Druckerman realized that French kids are much better behaved than American kids and then set out to discover why that is the case.
Not surprisingly, American parents went nuts about the story.
Some, presumably, read it as a "how to" manual. Others, presumably, read it as criticism.
Either way, the story struck a nerve.
And what were Druckerman's conclusions?
Why are French parents better than American parents at raising well-behaved children?
Here are two key points:
First, French parents aren't as obsessed with making sure their kids are in training to become CEOs, world-famous composers, professional athletes, and Senators from the moment they emerge from the womb. French parents do make sure their kids do some "activities," but they don't schedule every moment as training for some specific future achievement. Rather they give the kids some time to learn how to amuse themselves.
Second, and more importantly, French parents teach their kids to wait. Specifically, they teach them to defer gratification--to wait until later to eat candy, to sleep through the night, to wait a few moments until their parents have stopped speaking before interrupting them, and so on. American, parents, meanwhile, want to encourage every blurt or impulse as an example of self-expression and are too wimpy to teach their kids how to be patient.
Attendance Doubles At Local Gun Show
The nation's state of economic uncertainty and the recent school shooting that struck the town of Sandy Hook just two weeks ago are having no affect on area gun sales. In fact, gun sales are booming and tickets to gun shows are a hot item.
"This is the Nation's Gun Show," says Annette Elliott, president of Showmasters Gun Shows. She and her husband are the organizers of the gun show currently taking place in Chantilly at the Dulles Expo Center - one of the biggest gun shows held in the D.C. area since the Connecticut school shooting.
Elliott says the gun show's attendance has doubled since the shootings and since recent conversations of gun control.
"Literally, the exhibitors are running out of merchandise. They are running out of ammunition. They are running out of assault weapons, and the handguns are moving rapidly also," she says.
More
"This is the Nation's Gun Show," says Annette Elliott, president of Showmasters Gun Shows. She and her husband are the organizers of the gun show currently taking place in Chantilly at the Dulles Expo Center - one of the biggest gun shows held in the D.C. area since the Connecticut school shooting.
Elliott says the gun show's attendance has doubled since the shootings and since recent conversations of gun control.
"Literally, the exhibitors are running out of merchandise. They are running out of ammunition. They are running out of assault weapons, and the handguns are moving rapidly also," she says.
More
BREAKING NEWS
WATER MAIN BREAK NEAR PEP BOYS ON RT. 13.
ALL BUSINESSES ARE BEING TOLD THEY CANNOT USE ANY WATER IN THAT AREA. EXPECT MANY BUSINESS CLOSINGS.
I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS ALL ALONG. THE CITY IS IGNORING ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AND WE'LL SEE MORE AND MORE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AS TIME GOES ON.
ALL BUSINESSES ARE BEING TOLD THEY CANNOT USE ANY WATER IN THAT AREA. EXPECT MANY BUSINESS CLOSINGS.
I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS ALL ALONG. THE CITY IS IGNORING ITS INFRASTRUCTURE AND WE'LL SEE MORE AND MORE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS AS TIME GOES ON.
A Canadian Summarizes America's Collapse: "Everyone Takes, Nobody Makes, Money Is Free, And Money Is Worthless"
On this lackluster Boxing Day dominated by illiquid moves in every asset class, we thought a few succinct minutes spent comprehending the US and European government policies of social welfare and their outcomes was time well spent. Canadian MP Pierre Poilievre delivers a rather epic speech destroying the myths of US and European 'wealth' noting that "Once the US citizen is in debt, the US government encourages them to stay in debt," noting that "the US government encouraged millions of Americans to spend money they did not have on homes they could not afford using loans they could never repay and then gave them a tax incentive never to repay it." His message, delivered seamlessly, notes the inordinate rise in the cost of all this borrowing, adding that "through debt interest alone, soon the US taxpayer will be funding 100% of the Chinese Military complex." From Dependence to Debt to the Welfare State and back to Dependence, this presentation puts incredible context on the false hope so many believe in the US and Europe. Must watch.
"By 2020, the US Government will be spending more annually on debt interest than the total combined military budgets of China, Britain, France, Russia, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, Italy, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Spain, Turkey, and Israel."
"Through government spending the indulgence of one is the burden of another; through government borrowing, the excess of one generation becomes the yoke of the next; through international bailouts, one nation's extravagance becomes another nation's debt"
"Everyone takes, nobody makes, work doesn't pay, indulgence doesn't cost, money is free, and money is worthless."
"By 2020, the US Government will be spending more annually on debt interest than the total combined military budgets of China, Britain, France, Russia, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, Italy, South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Spain, Turkey, and Israel."
"Through government spending the indulgence of one is the burden of another; through government borrowing, the excess of one generation becomes the yoke of the next; through international bailouts, one nation's extravagance becomes another nation's debt"
"Everyone takes, nobody makes, work doesn't pay, indulgence doesn't cost, money is free, and money is worthless."
Obama Skeptical Of NRA Proposal To Put More Guns In Schools
President Barack Obama said in an interview broadcast on Sunday he hopes to get new U.S. gun control measures passed during the first year of his second term and is skeptical of a proposal by the National Rifle Association to put armed guards in schools.
Obama assigned Vice President Joe Biden to lead a task force to come up with proposals on guns at the beginning of 2013 after the massacre of 20 children and six adults by a gunman at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut this month.
"I'd like to get it done in the first year. I will put forward a very specific proposal based on the recommendations that Joe Biden's task force is putting together as we speak. And so this is not something that I will be putting off," Obama told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview taped on Saturday.
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Obama assigned Vice President Joe Biden to lead a task force to come up with proposals on guns at the beginning of 2013 after the massacre of 20 children and six adults by a gunman at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut this month.
"I'd like to get it done in the first year. I will put forward a very specific proposal based on the recommendations that Joe Biden's task force is putting together as we speak. And so this is not something that I will be putting off," Obama told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview taped on Saturday.
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Another Bait and Switch: Congress Defeats E-Mail Privacy Legislation…Again
This is how the corporate state rolls. They remove all the important stuff at the last minute, you know, like provisions that might actually protect constitutional rights. This is exactly what they just did with the NDAA, which I outlined in my post The Section Preventing Indefinite Detention of Americans without Trial Removed from Final NDAA Bill. Now we find out from Wired that:
The Senate late Thursday forwarded legislation to President Barack Obama granting the public the right to automatically display on their Facebook feeds what they’re watching on Netflix. While lawmakers were caving to special interests, however, they cut from the legislative package language requiring the authorities to get a warrant to read your e-mail or other data stored in the cloud.
But another part of the same Senate package — sweeping digital privacy protections requiring the government, for the first time, to get a probable-cause warrant to obtain e-mail and other content stored in the cloud — was removed at the last minute.
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The Senate late Thursday forwarded legislation to President Barack Obama granting the public the right to automatically display on their Facebook feeds what they’re watching on Netflix. While lawmakers were caving to special interests, however, they cut from the legislative package language requiring the authorities to get a warrant to read your e-mail or other data stored in the cloud.
But another part of the same Senate package — sweeping digital privacy protections requiring the government, for the first time, to get a probable-cause warrant to obtain e-mail and other content stored in the cloud — was removed at the last minute.
More
Media Quiet About San Antonio Theater Shooting
Now aren’t you wondering why this isn’t a lead story in the national media along with the school shooting?
There was an off duty county deputy at the theater. SHE pulled out her gun and shot the man 4 times before he had a chance to kill anyone. So since this story makes the point that the best thing to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun, the media is treating it like it never happened.
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The Structural Endgame Of The Fiscal Cliff
To understand this endgame, we need to start with the financial and political basics of wealth and power in the U.S.
1. Wealth and thus political power are highly concentrated. The dynamics of rising wealth disparity and the increasing concentration of wealth are debatable; the disparity is not. Roughly 70% of all financial wealth is held by the top 5%; within this top layer of ownership, the top ½ of 1% hold an outsized share.
FREE SPEECH GOES BOTH WAYS – LET GANNETT EXECUTIVES KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
Gannett was exercising their right to free speech by publishing the names and addresses of all legal gun owners in 3 NY counties. I’m sure they are fully supportive of having their names and addresses published across the internet. Isn’t free speech a biotch?
http://christopherfountain.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sauce-for-the-goose/
Sauce for the goose or, home address and phone number of Journal-News publisherWhite Plains newspaper The Journal- News, a Gannett publication, has published the full name and address of every licensed pistol permit holder in three New York counties. I don’t know whether the Journal’s publisher Janet Hasson is a permit holder herself, but here’s how to find her to ask:
(UPDATE: Uh oh – InstaPundit’s linked here. Hundreds of thousands of readers; Janet, you have a great Christmas Eve)
Janet Hasson, publisher, Journal News
Janet Hasson, 3 Gate House Lane, Mamaroneck, NY 10534.
Phone number:
(914) 694-5204
More
http://christopherfountain.wordpress.com/2012/12/24/sauce-for-the-goose/
Sauce for the goose or, home address and phone number of Journal-News publisherWhite Plains newspaper The Journal- News, a Gannett publication, has published the full name and address of every licensed pistol permit holder in three New York counties. I don’t know whether the Journal’s publisher Janet Hasson is a permit holder herself, but here’s how to find her to ask:
(UPDATE: Uh oh – InstaPundit’s linked here. Hundreds of thousands of readers; Janet, you have a great Christmas Eve)
Janet Hasson, 3 Gate House Lane, Mamaroneck, NY 10534.
Phone number:
(914) 694-5204
More
Sunday, December 30, 2012
HOBBY LOBBY TO DEFY OBAMACARE MANDATE
Hobby Lobby, the Christian-owned company that provides hobby, arts and crafts supplies to tens of millions of customers across America, will defy the Obamacare mandate that health insurance for its employees cover “abortion-inducing drugs.”
The confirmation is from a statement released by an attorney, Kyle Duncan, who said in a website statement that, “The company will continue to provide health insurance to all qualified employees. To remain true to their faith, it is not their intention, as a company, to pay for abortion-inducing drugs.”
The conflict is the latest firefight in the battle against Obama’s mandate that employers pay for abortifacients no matter their religious beliefs. The administration has argued in many of the dozens of lawsuit that have erupted over the conflict that religious people who own corporations must give up their rights to religious freedom.
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The confirmation is from a statement released by an attorney, Kyle Duncan, who said in a website statement that, “The company will continue to provide health insurance to all qualified employees. To remain true to their faith, it is not their intention, as a company, to pay for abortion-inducing drugs.”
The conflict is the latest firefight in the battle against Obama’s mandate that employers pay for abortifacients no matter their religious beliefs. The administration has argued in many of the dozens of lawsuit that have erupted over the conflict that religious people who own corporations must give up their rights to religious freedom.
More
Occupy Wall Street Lawyer In Dash For Sandy Hook Cash
New Haven lawyer Irving Pinsky told the Associated Press today he is filing the claim against the state on behalf of a 6-year-old female student, nicknamed “Jill Doe,” claiming the student suffered emotional and psychological trauma.
“As a consequence, the claimant-minor child has sustained emotional and psychological trauma and injury, the nature and extent of which are yet to be determined,” the claim says.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY 12-30-12
‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace towards men of good will.’
Leading Proponent Of Filibuster Reform Claims He Has 51 Votes
Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), a leading proponent of filibuster reform, said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) has the 51 votes he needs to change Senate rules with the "nuclear option."
The maneuver would be controversial, however, and could heighten partisan tensions at the start of the 113th Congress in January. Republicans say using 51 votes to change Senate procedures — and to prevent the minority party in the Senate from blocking a majority-vote — amounts to breaking the rules to change them.
“The crucial thing for all of you to know is Harry Reid’s got 51 votes to do the Constitutional option at the beginning of the Congress,” Udall said. “My sense is if he can’t get agreement on the other side, then he’s going to go forward.”
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The maneuver would be controversial, however, and could heighten partisan tensions at the start of the 113th Congress in January. Republicans say using 51 votes to change Senate procedures — and to prevent the minority party in the Senate from blocking a majority-vote — amounts to breaking the rules to change them.
“The crucial thing for all of you to know is Harry Reid’s got 51 votes to do the Constitutional option at the beginning of the Congress,” Udall said. “My sense is if he can’t get agreement on the other side, then he’s going to go forward.”
More
Somerset Residents Hit By Sandy Eligible For Aid
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (AP) — Some Maryland residents affected by Superstorm Sandy will be eligible to receive food stamps under a federal aid program.
The assistance for residents of Somerset County was announced Sunday by Gov. Martin O’Malley and Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin.
President Barack Obama this month designated the county as a major disaster area eligible for assistance.
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The assistance for residents of Somerset County was announced Sunday by Gov. Martin O’Malley and Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin.
President Barack Obama this month designated the county as a major disaster area eligible for assistance.
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Government’s Failure To Deal With Criminals Breeds More Crime
Nidal Malik Hasan who’s accused of screaming “Allahu Akbar” and gunning down fellow soldiers at Fort Hood is still waiting to be put on trial. The massacre happened more than three years ago. While there a lot of stupid criminals out there, not every criminal is stupid. The trial delay sends a message to other terrorists that they can hold our justice system at bay. That’s what Hasan is doing and our military justice system is going along with it.
There is no doubt that Hasan was the shooter on that fateful November in 2009. In addition, there’s ample evidence that Hasan was not some mentally disturbed soldier. He is a member in good standing in Allah’s army as this report from WND shows:
“Intelligence officials . . . intercepted at least 18 emails between Hasan and the radical American-born cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. Hasan told al-Awlaki in one of the emails, ‘I can’t wait to join you’ in paradise.’ He also asked al-Awlaki whether it was appropriate to kill innocents in a suicide attack, when jihad was acceptable and how to transfer funds without attracting government notice.
“In spite of this, Attorney General Eric Holder declined to press terrorism charges against Hasan. Instead the government has labeled the shooting as a case of ‘workplace violence.’ During a memorial service for the victims, President Obama never once used the word terrorism.”
What message does this send to other radical Muslims hell-bent on turning the United States into a Muslim stronghold? Don’t think that Obama’s foot-dragging on prosecuting Hasan hasn’t had an effect on what’s going on in Egypt.
Hasan should have been sent to “paradise” a long time ago.
Then there’s the murder of two firemen who had responded to a fire at a residence in Webster, New York. John Hoeffel and Matt Pearce, writing for the Los Angeles Times, report:
“Webster police identified the shooter Monday as William Spengler, 62, a neighborhood resident and an ex-convict, whom they later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.
“It was not the first time Spengler had killed someone. On July 18, 1980, he beat his 92-year-old grandmother to death with a hammer. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter, served almost 18 years in prison, and returned after his release, unsettling the neighborhood.”
He beat his grandmother to death with a hammer, and he was released from prison! Why wasn’t Spengler executed? Consider that if Adam Lanza had not killed himself, he could not have been executed in Connecticut. On April 25, 2012, Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a bill into law that abolishes the death penalty signed a bill into law abolishing capital punishment.
A case can be made that governments are complicit in future murders for not dealing with past murders.
Lawyer: $100M School Shooting Claim About Security
"It's about living in a world that's safe," New Haven attorney Irving Pinsky told The Associated Press on Saturday. "The answer is about protecting the kids."
Pinsky asked this week to sue the state, which has immunity against most lawsuits unless it gives a party permission to go forward with a claim. Connecticut's claims commissioner couldn't be reached for comment Saturday.
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BREAKING NEWS: SECRETARY CLINTON IN HOSPITAL WITH BLOOD CLOT FOLLOWING CONCUSSION
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital with a blood clot stemming from a concussion she sustained several weeks ago, her spokesman reports.
From Fox News
From Fox News
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Gambling Industry Dominates 2012 Maryland Employment Forecast
New casinos account for 40% of new job announcements
Annapolis: The gambling industry emerged in 2012 as Maryland's top job-generating sector, far outpacing new economy mainstays including bio-tech, cyber-security, information technology and traditional economic engines such as construction and manufacturing. This conclusion is derived from Change Maryland's analysis of the state's Department of Business and Economic Development year-to-date tally of companies setting up or expanding facilities and the estimated numbers of jobs created.
The state's estimate is derived from gaming facilities slated to open or expand by Lakes Entertainment in Allegany County; the Cordish Companies in Anne Arundel County; and Caeser's Entertainment in Baltimore. The estimate does not include a new casino slated to open in Prince George's County following the passage of the question seven ballot referendum in November.
"Maryland should not rely on casinos as a crutch to generate jobs," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "I am deeply concerned that so much attention was focused on casinos this year that elected officials dismissed other productive components of the economy as an afterthought. While I'm glad that some will get jobs as black jack dealers and cocktail servers, the best careers are those that require science, technology and engineering skills that Maryland educators are working so hard to develop in the classroom."
Combined, the gambling industry is expected to generate 3250 jobs or nearly 40% of the 8500 new jobs announced in 2012. Other sectors pale in comparison with cyber security expected to generate 2612 jobs, healthcare 379 jobs and manufacturing 334 jobs. By contrast, such lauded sectors by the O'Malley Administration, most notably green energy, are expected to generate just 110 jobs.
"I don't know how Martin O'Malley can say with a straight face that jobs are a priority of this Administration with numbers like these," said Hogan. "These numbers are lopsided and pitiful."
Maryland and Virginia maintain files that track new and expanding facility announcements. Virginia's equivalent list shows 13,640 jobs announced in 2012. Although both states' data is subject to revision, the information is an indicator of future economic performance. Virginia's list is downloadable in excel format, is up to date as of December 2012 and is searchable by industry sector.
Change Maryland's analysis of DBED's "New and Expanding Businesses" comes on the heels of dismal economic development results including 6500 small businesses lost between 2007 and 2010, shrinkage of state-based Fortune 500 companies to just three and the loss of companies including Accentia, Bechtel and Northrop Grumman to Virginia.
According to DBED, Maryland's data is gathered on a regular basis from department staff, county economic development officials and published sources.
Annapolis: The gambling industry emerged in 2012 as Maryland's top job-generating sector, far outpacing new economy mainstays including bio-tech, cyber-security, information technology and traditional economic engines such as construction and manufacturing. This conclusion is derived from Change Maryland's analysis of the state's Department of Business and Economic Development year-to-date tally of companies setting up or expanding facilities and the estimated numbers of jobs created.
The state's estimate is derived from gaming facilities slated to open or expand by Lakes Entertainment in Allegany County; the Cordish Companies in Anne Arundel County; and Caeser's Entertainment in Baltimore. The estimate does not include a new casino slated to open in Prince George's County following the passage of the question seven ballot referendum in November.
"Maryland should not rely on casinos as a crutch to generate jobs," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "I am deeply concerned that so much attention was focused on casinos this year that elected officials dismissed other productive components of the economy as an afterthought. While I'm glad that some will get jobs as black jack dealers and cocktail servers, the best careers are those that require science, technology and engineering skills that Maryland educators are working so hard to develop in the classroom."
Combined, the gambling industry is expected to generate 3250 jobs or nearly 40% of the 8500 new jobs announced in 2012. Other sectors pale in comparison with cyber security expected to generate 2612 jobs, healthcare 379 jobs and manufacturing 334 jobs. By contrast, such lauded sectors by the O'Malley Administration, most notably green energy, are expected to generate just 110 jobs.
"I don't know how Martin O'Malley can say with a straight face that jobs are a priority of this Administration with numbers like these," said Hogan. "These numbers are lopsided and pitiful."
Maryland and Virginia maintain files that track new and expanding facility announcements. Virginia's equivalent list shows 13,640 jobs announced in 2012. Although both states' data is subject to revision, the information is an indicator of future economic performance. Virginia's list is downloadable in excel format, is up to date as of December 2012 and is searchable by industry sector.
Change Maryland's analysis of DBED's "New and Expanding Businesses" comes on the heels of dismal economic development results including 6500 small businesses lost between 2007 and 2010, shrinkage of state-based Fortune 500 companies to just three and the loss of companies including Accentia, Bechtel and Northrop Grumman to Virginia.
According to DBED, Maryland's data is gathered on a regular basis from department staff, county economic development officials and published sources.
Dozens Of Crab Steamer Pots Stolen In Md
A tractor trailer with 55 stainless steel crab steamer pots was reported stolen Dec. 23. Cambridge police say the truck was parked outside the Kool Ice and Seafood at 110 Washington Street when it was stolen.
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GUN BANNING LEGISLATION REVEALED
They’re coming for your guns. Get ready.
ALERT: Legislation Details: Senate to Ban Hundreds of Semiautomatic Rifles, Handguns, Shotguns, Magazines; Includes Fingerprint Registration Requirements
Mac Slavo and Ed Thomas December 27th, 2012 www.SHTFplan.com
For anyone who may have thought Senator Feinstein and her colleagues in Congress were bluffing aboutcoming firearms legislation that would restrict the sale, transfer and possession of certain firearms, think again.
A summary of the proposed legislation has been made available, and it’s a whopper.
Among outright banning 120 ‘assault’ related firearms (such as AR-15′s and AK-47′s), the bill will also target any weapon that utilizes a “detachable magazine,” as well as any magazine with a capacity of over ten rounds, which would include semi-automatic handguns and shotguns.
Moreover, if you already own a firearm or modification that ends up on the ban list, you will be required under Federal law to register that gun, complete with a background check, fingerprinting and local law enforcement verification.
Those who have recently purchased firearms that would fall under the ban may soon find Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) at their door looking to confiscate ‘illegal’ weapons or engage in home searches for illegal accessories like ‘high capacity’ magazines (over 10 rounds), flash suppressors, pistol grips, and bullet buttons (a feature designed to circumvent ‘fixed’ magazine laws in states like California).
The following is a summary of the proposed Assault Weapons Legislation:
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ALERT: Legislation Details: Senate to Ban Hundreds of Semiautomatic Rifles, Handguns, Shotguns, Magazines; Includes Fingerprint Registration Requirements
Mac Slavo and Ed Thomas December 27th, 2012 www.SHTFplan.com
For anyone who may have thought Senator Feinstein and her colleagues in Congress were bluffing aboutcoming firearms legislation that would restrict the sale, transfer and possession of certain firearms, think again.
A summary of the proposed legislation has been made available, and it’s a whopper.
Among outright banning 120 ‘assault’ related firearms (such as AR-15′s and AK-47′s), the bill will also target any weapon that utilizes a “detachable magazine,” as well as any magazine with a capacity of over ten rounds, which would include semi-automatic handguns and shotguns.
Moreover, if you already own a firearm or modification that ends up on the ban list, you will be required under Federal law to register that gun, complete with a background check, fingerprinting and local law enforcement verification.
Those who have recently purchased firearms that would fall under the ban may soon find Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) at their door looking to confiscate ‘illegal’ weapons or engage in home searches for illegal accessories like ‘high capacity’ magazines (over 10 rounds), flash suppressors, pistol grips, and bullet buttons (a feature designed to circumvent ‘fixed’ magazine laws in states like California).
The following is a summary of the proposed Assault Weapons Legislation:
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Save the Bald Eagle, $55 Billion
It’s symbolically appropriate that one of President Obama’s preferred forms of “green energy” crony capitalism has the effect of killing off the national bird. The federal wind production tax credit (PTC) is mercifully set to expire on New Year’s Eve. The PTC provides a financial boon, at great taxpayer expense, to well-connected companies that build eyesore wind farms that kill great birds of prey and pretty much anything else that flies within the range of their “green” blades. The nonpartisan Institute for Energy Research estimates that if this cozy arrangement between big government and big business were to be extended, it would cost American taxpayers $55,000,000,000. The fate of the PTC — and of that $55 billion— now rests with House Republicans, who would have to approve the PTC’s renewal.
As John Fund writes today at National Review Online:
“[N]o matter how much money is blown its way, wind power — for simple scientific reasons — can’t graduate to the kind of large-scale, reliable energy production that its backers tout. Physicist and environmentalist John Droz Jr. notes: ‘There is no real environmental benefit to wind, because a) it’s an unpredictable commodity, b) output from any group of wind projects can and will go to zero on many occasions, and c) energy generated from industrial wind power cannot be economically stored.’ Germany, which has gone stark raving mad in building wind turbines, has proven just how unreliable it is. On one day this February, wind power delivered a third of Germany’s electricity needs, but four days later, on a still day, it contributed precisely zero.”
HOURS AT CRISFIED DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER CHANGING
HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Residents in Somerset County affected by Hurricane Sandy who wish to visit the federal-state Disaster Recovery Center in the coming days are advised that the hours of operation are changing.
The operating hours through New Year’s Day are: Friday, Dec. 28: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 29: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30 through Tuesday, Jan. 1: CLOSED.
Beginning on Jan. 2: Monday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Disaster Recovery Center is located at:
The Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building#2 Mill Lane
Crisfield, MD 21817
For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091 orwww.mema.maryland.gov. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.
The operating hours through New Year’s Day are: Friday, Dec. 28: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 29: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 30 through Tuesday, Jan. 1: CLOSED.
Beginning on Jan. 2: Monday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Disaster Recovery Center is located at:
The Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building#2 Mill Lane
Crisfield, MD 21817
For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091 orwww.mema.maryland.gov. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.
Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases 12-30-12
George Andrew Whittaker of Crisfield, charged 12-26-12 for pedestrian failing to yield right of way to vehicles, and pedestrian unsafely crossing in path of vehicle. The charges stem from a traffic accident investigation that occurred on 11-6-12. Deputies were called to the area of Ocean Highway for a traffic accident involving a vehicle striking a subject trying to cross Ocean Highway at Steward Neck Rd, Princess Anne. The victim, George Whittaker tried to cross Ocean Highway, and was struck by a south bound motorist. Deputies interviewed Whittaker who was later transported to PRMC. Whittaker had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. Whittaker’s blood alcohol content later showed that he was intoxicated three times above the legal limit. Whittaker was issued citations pending court actions.
Cartez Marian Lilliston of Fruitland, arrested 12-18-12 on a theft warrant. Lilliston was released on personal recognizance.
Avery Antonio Spence of Princess Anne, arrested 12-18-12 for warrants regarding cds possession other than marijuana, possession of marijuana, and cds intent to distribute narcotics. Spence was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
Zachary Depriest Scott Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 12-18-12 on a warrant for 2nd degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Scott was later returned to the Somerset County Detention center where he is being held on un related charges.
Justin Davar Baltimore of Crisfield, arrested 12-18-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Baltimore was turned over to the Worchester County Sheriff’s Office.
Peter Thomas Emery of Mardela, arrested 12-19-12 for warrants regarding failing to register as a sex offender, and failing to notify law enforcement of address change. Emery was later held without bond.
Lisa Rose Richardson of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-12 on warrants regarding violation of probation. Richardson was later held without bond.
Lance William Cline of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-12 on a warrant for theft over $1,000. Cline was later released on a $3,000 un secured bond. The arrest was the result of a theft investigation conducted by deputies where Cline allegedly stole jewelry from a family member, and sold it to pawn shops.
Robert Lee Lipsett of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Lipsett was held on a $100,000 bond.
Whitney Nicole Smith of Fruitland, arrested 12-20-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Smith was held on a $250.00 bond.
Wendy Marie Brewer of Crisfield, arrested 12-21-12 for driving on a suspended drivers’ license, and speeding. Brewer was released on signature pending court actions.
Rhonda Shae Banks of Eden, criminal summons served for 2nd degree assault. Banks was released on signature pending court actions.
Craig Lamar Douling of Eden, criminal summons served for 2nd degree assault. Douling was released on signature pending court actions.
Michael Lee White of Salisbury, arrested 12-21-12 for driving on a suspended drivers’ license, and an equipment violation. White was released on signature pending court actions.
Cartez Marian Lilliston of Fruitland, arrested 12-18-12 on a theft warrant. Lilliston was released on personal recognizance.
Avery Antonio Spence of Princess Anne, arrested 12-18-12 for warrants regarding cds possession other than marijuana, possession of marijuana, and cds intent to distribute narcotics. Spence was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
Zachary Depriest Scott Jr. of Crisfield, arrested 12-18-12 on a warrant for 2nd degree assault, and reckless endangerment. Scott was later returned to the Somerset County Detention center where he is being held on un related charges.
Justin Davar Baltimore of Crisfield, arrested 12-18-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Baltimore was turned over to the Worchester County Sheriff’s Office.
Peter Thomas Emery of Mardela, arrested 12-19-12 for warrants regarding failing to register as a sex offender, and failing to notify law enforcement of address change. Emery was later held without bond.
Lisa Rose Richardson of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-12 on warrants regarding violation of probation. Richardson was later held without bond.
Lance William Cline of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-12 on a warrant for theft over $1,000. Cline was later released on a $3,000 un secured bond. The arrest was the result of a theft investigation conducted by deputies where Cline allegedly stole jewelry from a family member, and sold it to pawn shops.
Robert Lee Lipsett of Princess Anne, arrested 12-20-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Lipsett was held on a $100,000 bond.
Whitney Nicole Smith of Fruitland, arrested 12-20-12 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Smith was held on a $250.00 bond.
Wendy Marie Brewer of Crisfield, arrested 12-21-12 for driving on a suspended drivers’ license, and speeding. Brewer was released on signature pending court actions.
Rhonda Shae Banks of Eden, criminal summons served for 2nd degree assault. Banks was released on signature pending court actions.
Craig Lamar Douling of Eden, criminal summons served for 2nd degree assault. Douling was released on signature pending court actions.
Michael Lee White of Salisbury, arrested 12-21-12 for driving on a suspended drivers’ license, and an equipment violation. White was released on signature pending court actions.
Md. Bill Would Close Child-Sex Loophole
A Maryland delegate wants to close a loophole that prosecutors say forced them to drop charges against a Montgomery County high school coach who allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old girl.
Del. Sam Arora, D-Montgomery County, has prefiled a bill that would alter the definition of a "person in a position of authority" at schools across the state -- a bizarre loophole in state law exempts part-time school employees from a ban on having sex with students, Arora said.
The technicality forced the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office to drop two fourth-degree sex offense charges against 47-year-old Scott Spear in March. Spear, who coached cross country and basketball at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old girl he coached.
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Del. Sam Arora, D-Montgomery County, has prefiled a bill that would alter the definition of a "person in a position of authority" at schools across the state -- a bizarre loophole in state law exempts part-time school employees from a ban on having sex with students, Arora said.
The technicality forced the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office to drop two fourth-degree sex offense charges against 47-year-old Scott Spear in March. Spear, who coached cross country and basketball at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old girl he coached.
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Benghazi Penalties Are Bogus
The four officials supposedly out of jobs because of their blunders in the run-up to the deadly Benghazi terror attack remain on the State Department payroll — and will all be back to work soon, The Post has learned.
The highest-ranking official caught up in the scandal, Assistant Secretary of State Eric Boswell, has not “resigned” from government service, as officials said last week. He is just switching desks. And the other three are simply on administrative leave and are expected back.
The four were made out to be sacrificial lambs in the wake of a scathing report issued last week that found that the US compound in Benghazi, Libya, was left vulnerable to attack because of “grossly inadequate” security.
State Department leaders “didn’t come clean about Benghazi and now they’re not coming clean about these staff changes,” a source close to the situation told The Post., adding, the “public would be outraged over this.”
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The highest-ranking official caught up in the scandal, Assistant Secretary of State Eric Boswell, has not “resigned” from government service, as officials said last week. He is just switching desks. And the other three are simply on administrative leave and are expected back.
The four were made out to be sacrificial lambs in the wake of a scathing report issued last week that found that the US compound in Benghazi, Libya, was left vulnerable to attack because of “grossly inadequate” security.
State Department leaders “didn’t come clean about Benghazi and now they’re not coming clean about these staff changes,” a source close to the situation told The Post., adding, the “public would be outraged over this.”
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Local Officials Not Expecting Reimbursement For G8
THURMONT, Md. - More than six months after President Barack Obama and seven other world leaders converged on Camp David for the G-8 summit, local officials appear to hold out little hope that taxpayers might ever recoup the cost of preparing for and hosting the event.
"Are we expecting it? Not necessarily now," Thurmont Mayor Martin Burns said. "If we were, we should have been paid by now, but we're about to go over a fiscal cliff here."
Obama's announcement in March that the event would move from Chicago to Camp David near Thurmont sent local officials scrambling to plan for the unknown. Previous summits in other cities have attracted massive protests.
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"Are we expecting it? Not necessarily now," Thurmont Mayor Martin Burns said. "If we were, we should have been paid by now, but we're about to go over a fiscal cliff here."
Obama's announcement in March that the event would move from Chicago to Camp David near Thurmont sent local officials scrambling to plan for the unknown. Previous summits in other cities have attracted massive protests.
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DAKOTA THE BLOOD HOUND HAS BEEN FOUND
Thanks everyone for the good thoughts, prayers and help!! We appreciate all who came out to help these folks.
19 People Who Are Having A Way Worse Day Than You
Think you're having a bad day? This might change your mind.
New Maryland Laws Include Ban On Arsenic In Chicken Feed
As of New Year’s Day, arsenic is officially off the menu for Maryland chickens.
The nation’s first statewide ban on the use of additives in chicken feed containing the toxic metal is among a dozen new state laws that take effect Jan. 1. The new civil marriage measure that was affirmed by Maryland voters in November, allowing same-sex couples to take their vows, has grabbed the most headlines, but less-publicized laws will take effect as well.
Most new laws adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the governor take effect July 1 or Oct. 1, but in some cases the legislature decides to delay implementation until the new year.
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The nation’s first statewide ban on the use of additives in chicken feed containing the toxic metal is among a dozen new state laws that take effect Jan. 1. The new civil marriage measure that was affirmed by Maryland voters in November, allowing same-sex couples to take their vows, has grabbed the most headlines, but less-publicized laws will take effect as well.
Most new laws adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the governor take effect July 1 or Oct. 1, but in some cases the legislature decides to delay implementation until the new year.
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Companies And Government Agencies Ban Smoking In 2013
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reports that employees of 3M and Delaware's state government will not be able to take a smoke break at work, including in parking lots, sidewalks and other outdoor areas on state property.
In addition, North Dakota banned smoking in most public places.
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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY NAMES STEPHEN NEUMAN DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Martin O’Malley announced Stephen Neuman as Director of Public Affairs. Neuman will advise the governor on a range of issues, including communications and policy.
“I am pleased that Steve will join our Administration as Director of Public Affairs,” said Governor O’Malley. “With years of experience on the federal, state and local levels of government, he will be a seasoned advisor and we are confident in his abilities to help move our Administration forward.”
“Governor O'Malley has fought hard to create jobs, invest in schools, and help middle class families in Maryland get ahead,” said Mr. Neuman. “I'm honored to join his team.”
Mr. Neuman joins the O’Malley-Brown Administration with a wealth of experience in government and policy. He has worked in two governors' offices: as a senior advisor to Gov. Bev Perdue of North Carolina, and as a special assistant to former Gov. Mel Carnahan of Missouri. In addition, Neuman served as a legislative assistant under two U.S. Senators: Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Jean Carnahan (D-MO). Neuman also worked as law clerk for the Hon. Judge James B. Zagel, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and as a corporate attorney for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Mr. Neuman graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.A. in Political Science, and earned his J.D. at Washington University in St. Louis.
Neuman replaces Rick Abbruzzese, former director of public affairs and will begin work in the Administration effective January 3.
“I am pleased that Steve will join our Administration as Director of Public Affairs,” said Governor O’Malley. “With years of experience on the federal, state and local levels of government, he will be a seasoned advisor and we are confident in his abilities to help move our Administration forward.”
“Governor O'Malley has fought hard to create jobs, invest in schools, and help middle class families in Maryland get ahead,” said Mr. Neuman. “I'm honored to join his team.”
Mr. Neuman joins the O’Malley-Brown Administration with a wealth of experience in government and policy. He has worked in two governors' offices: as a senior advisor to Gov. Bev Perdue of North Carolina, and as a special assistant to former Gov. Mel Carnahan of Missouri. In addition, Neuman served as a legislative assistant under two U.S. Senators: Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Jean Carnahan (D-MO). Neuman also worked as law clerk for the Hon. Judge James B. Zagel, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and as a corporate attorney for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
Mr. Neuman graduated from the University of Missouri with a B.A. in Political Science, and earned his J.D. at Washington University in St. Louis.
Neuman replaces Rick Abbruzzese, former director of public affairs and will begin work in the Administration effective January 3.
No Deal? You’ll Pay More Taxes Tuesday
WASHINGTON If the nation goes over the “fiscal cliff,” some Americans will wake up Tuesday with financial headaches to rival a New Year’s Eve hangover.
More than 2 million long-term jobless would receive their final unemployment benefit check within days. Millions of taxpayers would be unable to file their returns early, resulting in delayed refunds. Taxes would rise immediately on workers across the board. And although some of those increases may eventually be reversed, the first paychecks of the year would be smaller until any legislative fixes kick in.
Even if the crisis is resolved quickly after the new year as pressure mounts on President Barack Obama and lawmakers, it poses a short-term administrative nightmare for businesses. And it would be a financial blow to millions of people struggling to make ends meet in the aftermath of the recession.
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More than 2 million long-term jobless would receive their final unemployment benefit check within days. Millions of taxpayers would be unable to file their returns early, resulting in delayed refunds. Taxes would rise immediately on workers across the board. And although some of those increases may eventually be reversed, the first paychecks of the year would be smaller until any legislative fixes kick in.
Even if the crisis is resolved quickly after the new year as pressure mounts on President Barack Obama and lawmakers, it poses a short-term administrative nightmare for businesses. And it would be a financial blow to millions of people struggling to make ends meet in the aftermath of the recession.
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TAKERS OUTNUMBER MAKERS
By Michael, on December 26th, 2012
http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/the-number-of-people-on-welfare-exceeds-the-number-of-people-with-jobs-in-11-states
America is rapidly becoming a nation of takers. An increasing number of Americans expect the government to take care of them from the cradle to the grave, and they expect the government to dig into the pockets of others in order to pay for it all. This philosophy can be very seductive, but what happens when the number of takers eventually outnumbers the number of producers? In 11 different U.S. states, the number of government dependents exceeds the number of private sector workers. This list of states includes some of the biggest states in the country: California, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Maine, Kentucky, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, New Mexico and Hawaii. It is interesting to note that seven of those states were won by Barack Obama on election night. In California, there are 139 “takers” for every 100 private sector workers. That is crazy! The American people have become absolutely addicted to government money, and it gets worse with each passing year. If you can believe it, entitlements accounted for 62 percent of all federal spending in fiscal year 2012. It would be one thing if we could afford all of this spending, but unfortunately we simply cannot. We are drowning in debt, and we are stealing more than a hundred million more dollars from future generations with each passing hour. No bank robber in history can match that kind of theft.
Yes, we will always need a safety net. There are many people out there that simply cannot take care of themselves. We certainly don’t want to see anyone sleeping in the streets or starving to death.
But if the number of people jumping on to the safety net continues to grow at the current pace, the net will break and it will not be available for any of us.
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PSC Chairman Gets Judicial Post
Governor O'Malley says PSC Chairman Doug Nazarian has demonstrated, "an ability to handle complex issues is a fair and through way," adding that he is a good fit for Maryland's Court of Special Appeals.
Nazarian, who had previously served as as the general counsel for the PSC has served as the commission's chairman for over four years.
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The Farce Is Complete: In The Case Of Countrywide, Congress Finds Itself Innocent Of Being "Friends Of Angelo"
Just when you thought the seemingly endless rabbit hole of Wall Street-Washington corruption, cronyism, co-option, crime and kickbacks may have finally come to an end, here comes the House Ethic Committee to pronounce that no ethics breaches were found among House members in its investigation involving the scandal surrounding Countrywide "VIP loans" and the "Friends of Angelo." And in just doing so, the House effectively cleared itself of any wrongdoing and that's it, case closed - move along... Move along.
For those who may have forgotten, it was only back in July [19]that yet another House Committee, that for Oversight and Government Reform, found "Countrywide used its VIP Program to aid its lobbying efforts as well as to strengthen its relationship with taxpayer backed Fannie Mae. Countrywide partnered with Fannie Mae in a strategic business alliance that also included joint lobbying efforts." Specifically, the report alleged that:
“The Committee’s investigation found Countrywide lobbyists and CEO Angelo Mozilo used discounted loans as a tool to ingratiate itself with policymakers in an effort to benefit the company’s business interests,” said Issa. “A former lobbyist for Countrywide testified that Members of Congress, staff, and other government officials were directed to the company’s VIP program as part of an effort to create a favorable impression of the company on Capitol Hill. This preferential treatment – that varied depending on the influence of the borrower – was not routinely offered to the public.”
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For those who may have forgotten, it was only back in July [19]that yet another House Committee, that for Oversight and Government Reform, found "Countrywide used its VIP Program to aid its lobbying efforts as well as to strengthen its relationship with taxpayer backed Fannie Mae. Countrywide partnered with Fannie Mae in a strategic business alliance that also included joint lobbying efforts." Specifically, the report alleged that:
“The Committee’s investigation found Countrywide lobbyists and CEO Angelo Mozilo used discounted loans as a tool to ingratiate itself with policymakers in an effort to benefit the company’s business interests,” said Issa. “A former lobbyist for Countrywide testified that Members of Congress, staff, and other government officials were directed to the company’s VIP program as part of an effort to create a favorable impression of the company on Capitol Hill. This preferential treatment – that varied depending on the influence of the borrower – was not routinely offered to the public.”
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Attackers In India Rape Case To Face Murder Charge
Indian police charged six men with murder on Saturday, adding to accusations that they beat and gang-raped a woman on a New Delhi bus nearly two weeks ago in a case that shocked the country.
The murder charges were laid after the woman died earlier Saturday in a Singapore hospital where she has been flown for treatment.
New Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said the six face the death penalty if convicted, in case that has triggered protests across India for greater protection for women from sexual violence, and raised questions about lax attitudes by police toward sexual crimes.
The tragedy has forced India to confront the reality that sexually assaulted women are often blamed for the crime, forcing them to keep quiet and discouraging them from reporting it to authorities for fear of exposing their families to ridicule. Police often refuse to accept complaints from those who are courageous enough to report the rapes, and the rare prosecutions that reach courts drag on for years.
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The murder charges were laid after the woman died earlier Saturday in a Singapore hospital where she has been flown for treatment.
New Delhi police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said the six face the death penalty if convicted, in case that has triggered protests across India for greater protection for women from sexual violence, and raised questions about lax attitudes by police toward sexual crimes.
The tragedy has forced India to confront the reality that sexually assaulted women are often blamed for the crime, forcing them to keep quiet and discouraging them from reporting it to authorities for fear of exposing their families to ridicule. Police often refuse to accept complaints from those who are courageous enough to report the rapes, and the rare prosecutions that reach courts drag on for years.
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Eating Out Increases Obesity
Americans started eating out a lot more over the past thirty years, a trend that likely caused obesity rates to skyrocket, according to a new USDA report.
The study tracked caloric and nutrient consumption at home versus restaurants, fast food establishments and schools between 1978 and 2008.
Their results:
Over the past 30 years, food prepared away from home (FAFH) has become a regular part of most Americans’ diets, and those who monitor food trends expect this to continue...Unfortunately, consumption of FAFH has been found to increase caloric intake and reduce diet quality."
Here's their data for percent changes in calorie source:
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The study tracked caloric and nutrient consumption at home versus restaurants, fast food establishments and schools between 1978 and 2008.
Their results:
Over the past 30 years, food prepared away from home (FAFH) has become a regular part of most Americans’ diets, and those who monitor food trends expect this to continue...Unfortunately, consumption of FAFH has been found to increase caloric intake and reduce diet quality."
Here's their data for percent changes in calorie source:
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And foods served away from home have a ton more sodium than ones not served at home:
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More
Director of AG's Civil Rights Office Resigns
The head of the Maryland attorney general's civil rights office has announced he is retiring, a decision that comes in the aftermath of legal problems.
Carl Snowden released a statement by email Friday saying that he plans to retire effective Jan. 8.
Snowden, a longtime Maryland civil rights leader, has a Jan. 7 court date on charges of violating his probation in a 2010 drunken driving case. Snowden also was convicted last month by a Baltimore jury of misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He received a suspended 60-day sentence and a year of probation.
More
Carl Snowden released a statement by email Friday saying that he plans to retire effective Jan. 8.
Snowden, a longtime Maryland civil rights leader, has a Jan. 7 court date on charges of violating his probation in a 2010 drunken driving case. Snowden also was convicted last month by a Baltimore jury of misdemeanor possession of marijuana. He received a suspended 60-day sentence and a year of probation.
More
Feinstein's Gun Control Bill Will Trigger The Next American Revolution
All political power comes from the barrel of a gun. The communist party must command all the guns, that way, no guns can ever be used to command the party - Mao Tse Tung
After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military - William Burroughs
Revolution? Yes, it all sounds rather “extreme”, but the cold hard reality of our era is not going to comfort us with diplomacies and niceties, so honestly, why should I have to sugar coat anything? We live in extreme times and there is no longer room for prancing around the ultimate consequences of that which is taking place in America today. This country is increasingly sliding towards the edge of internal conflict. The Liberty Movement and true Constitutionalists see it, subsections of Republicans and Democrats see it, and most of all, the federal government sees it. In fact, they may even be counting on it.
Over the past two years alone, multiple draconian policies have been enacted through executive order by the Obama Administration which build upon the civil liberty crushing actions of George W. Bush and press far beyond. The Patriot Acts, the FISA domestic spy bill, the bailouts of corrupt international banks, attempts at CISPA and SOPA, actions like the NDAA authorizing the treatment of U.S. citizens as “enemy combatants” without rights to due process; all paint a picture so clear only a one-celled amoeba (or your average suburban yuppie) would not see it. You and I, and everyone else for that matter, have been designated potential targets of the state. Our rights have been made forfeit.
There is no ambiguous or muddled separation between the citizenry and the government anymore. The separation is absolute. It is undeniable. It is vast. It is only a matter of time and momentum, and eventually there will be unbridled oppression, dissent, and conflict. All that is required is a trigger, and I believe that trigger has arrived…
Though made to appear “complex”, the gun control debate is actually an incredibly simple issue. It all boils down to a couple of questions which gun grabbers rarely ask: How does the 2nd Amendment affect the future? That is to say, what was the original intent, and should we still value that intent as it applies to tomorrow? And, what will really happen if it is forcibly removed? Gun opponents act as though they are unaware of these questions, or maybe they don’t care. However, it is vital to their safety and the safety of our culture in general that they do finally consider the bigger picture.
We’ve all heard the prefabricated gun control talking points before. Some of them so old they predate us. They are numerous and most of them incredibly thin. The gist of the anti-gun position, though, could be boiled down to these three points...
Common Anti-Gun Arguments:
1) The 2nd Amendment is “outdated” and no longer relevant in today’s modern society.
2) We do not want to stop you from “defending yourself”, or interfere with the American tradition of hunting, but people do not need “military assault weapons” for either.
3) Your claimed freedom to own guns should not supersede my freedom to live without fear of guns. We exist in a society, and our society requires us to give up certain freedoms so that it can function.
After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military - William Burroughs
Revolution? Yes, it all sounds rather “extreme”, but the cold hard reality of our era is not going to comfort us with diplomacies and niceties, so honestly, why should I have to sugar coat anything? We live in extreme times and there is no longer room for prancing around the ultimate consequences of that which is taking place in America today. This country is increasingly sliding towards the edge of internal conflict. The Liberty Movement and true Constitutionalists see it, subsections of Republicans and Democrats see it, and most of all, the federal government sees it. In fact, they may even be counting on it.
Over the past two years alone, multiple draconian policies have been enacted through executive order by the Obama Administration which build upon the civil liberty crushing actions of George W. Bush and press far beyond. The Patriot Acts, the FISA domestic spy bill, the bailouts of corrupt international banks, attempts at CISPA and SOPA, actions like the NDAA authorizing the treatment of U.S. citizens as “enemy combatants” without rights to due process; all paint a picture so clear only a one-celled amoeba (or your average suburban yuppie) would not see it. You and I, and everyone else for that matter, have been designated potential targets of the state. Our rights have been made forfeit.
There is no ambiguous or muddled separation between the citizenry and the government anymore. The separation is absolute. It is undeniable. It is vast. It is only a matter of time and momentum, and eventually there will be unbridled oppression, dissent, and conflict. All that is required is a trigger, and I believe that trigger has arrived…
Though made to appear “complex”, the gun control debate is actually an incredibly simple issue. It all boils down to a couple of questions which gun grabbers rarely ask: How does the 2nd Amendment affect the future? That is to say, what was the original intent, and should we still value that intent as it applies to tomorrow? And, what will really happen if it is forcibly removed? Gun opponents act as though they are unaware of these questions, or maybe they don’t care. However, it is vital to their safety and the safety of our culture in general that they do finally consider the bigger picture.
We’ve all heard the prefabricated gun control talking points before. Some of them so old they predate us. They are numerous and most of them incredibly thin. The gist of the anti-gun position, though, could be boiled down to these three points...
Common Anti-Gun Arguments:
1) The 2nd Amendment is “outdated” and no longer relevant in today’s modern society.
2) We do not want to stop you from “defending yourself”, or interfere with the American tradition of hunting, but people do not need “military assault weapons” for either.
3) Your claimed freedom to own guns should not supersede my freedom to live without fear of guns. We exist in a society, and our society requires us to give up certain freedoms so that it can function.
Woman Charged In New York Firefighter Slayings
William Spengler raised no alarms in prison for 17 years and for more than a decade afterward. Well-spoken, well-behaved and intelligent, his demeanor was praised by four straight parole boards that nevertheless denied him parole, worried that bludgeoning his 92-year-old grandmother with a hammer showed a violent streak that could explode again.
After his sentence was up in 1996, he stayed out of trouble until 2010, police said Friday. That's when Spengler went to a sporting goods store with a neighbor's daughter, picked out a Bushmaster semiautomatic rifle and a shotgun and had her buy the guns that the convicted felon couldn't legally possess. On Monday, he used the weapons to ambush firefighters lured to a blaze he set at his house in upstate Webster, killing two people and wounding three others before killing himself.
On Friday, state and federal authorities charged the woman who bought the guns, 24-year-old Dawn Nguyen, with lying on a form that said she would be the owner of the guns she bought for Spengler.
More
After his sentence was up in 1996, he stayed out of trouble until 2010, police said Friday. That's when Spengler went to a sporting goods store with a neighbor's daughter, picked out a Bushmaster semiautomatic rifle and a shotgun and had her buy the guns that the convicted felon couldn't legally possess. On Monday, he used the weapons to ambush firefighters lured to a blaze he set at his house in upstate Webster, killing two people and wounding three others before killing himself.
On Friday, state and federal authorities charged the woman who bought the guns, 24-year-old Dawn Nguyen, with lying on a form that said she would be the owner of the guns she bought for Spengler.
More
Why Not Renew The “Assault Weapons” Ban? Well, I’ll Tell You…
[EDIT: Since this article was published, the Democratic party has officially added support of the assault weapon ban renewal to their party platform and Senator Feinstein has vowed to introduce it again in the upcoming session, hoping the Newtown massacre will help it push through. This bill WILL be debated and voted on, and I hope you can learn something about it here.]
Between Two Worlds
It’s not easy being a leftist who loves guns. It’s like being a Republican who listens to NPR or supports single payer health care. But being a leftist, I get exposed to all the liberal publications and media that invariably call for gun control every time someone does something stupid with one. Being a gun enthusiast, I also get exposed to the political Right’s oversimplification of those liberals as somehow lacking moral fiber or true appreciation of freedom. Rather than agreeing with both, I tend to end up arguing with both. It’s exhausting to always feel like I’m apologizing for the other “side”.
This article takes a point of view, but aims to do so in a way that members of both sides of the political spectrum can understand. I’ll try to give some idea as to why we on the political left roll our eyes at the rhetoric of the NRA, and how we in the “gun culture” can possibly defend something called “assault weapons”.
We all know the cycle by now: Tragic incident occurs, both sides attempt to use it for their political gain, both sides act shocked that the other would attempt to use it for political gain, insults are flung, statistics are cherry-picked, rinse, repeat.
I began writing this some time after the Aurora massacre, but it was just this morning that news started coming in of the mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. I knew the wave of cries for a renewal of the “assault weapon” and “high capacity” magazine bans hadn’t yet faded from Aurora, and that they would be reinforced by this next event, regardless of how relevant either of the topics were to the incident.
So in order to get around to why the assault weapons ban was an utter and absolute failure in its attempt to deter violent crime, I have to start with mass shootings.
Between Two Worlds
It’s not easy being a leftist who loves guns. It’s like being a Republican who listens to NPR or supports single payer health care. But being a leftist, I get exposed to all the liberal publications and media that invariably call for gun control every time someone does something stupid with one. Being a gun enthusiast, I also get exposed to the political Right’s oversimplification of those liberals as somehow lacking moral fiber or true appreciation of freedom. Rather than agreeing with both, I tend to end up arguing with both. It’s exhausting to always feel like I’m apologizing for the other “side”.
This article takes a point of view, but aims to do so in a way that members of both sides of the political spectrum can understand. I’ll try to give some idea as to why we on the political left roll our eyes at the rhetoric of the NRA, and how we in the “gun culture” can possibly defend something called “assault weapons”.
We all know the cycle by now: Tragic incident occurs, both sides attempt to use it for their political gain, both sides act shocked that the other would attempt to use it for political gain, insults are flung, statistics are cherry-picked, rinse, repeat.
I began writing this some time after the Aurora massacre, but it was just this morning that news started coming in of the mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. I knew the wave of cries for a renewal of the “assault weapon” and “high capacity” magazine bans hadn’t yet faded from Aurora, and that they would be reinforced by this next event, regardless of how relevant either of the topics were to the incident.
So in order to get around to why the assault weapons ban was an utter and absolute failure in its attempt to deter violent crime, I have to start with mass shootings.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Obama Orders Pay Raise for Biden, Members of Congress, Federal Workers
President Barack Obama issued an executive order to end the pay freeze on federal employees, in effect giving some federal workers a raise. One federal worker now to receive a pay increase is Vice President Joe Biden.
According to disclosure forms, Biden made a cool $225,521 last year. After the pay increase, he'll now make $231,900 per year.
Members of Congress, from the House and Senate, also will receive a little bump, as their annual salary will go from $174,000 to 174,900. Leadership in Congress, including the speaker of the House, will likewise get an increase.
More
According to disclosure forms, Biden made a cool $225,521 last year. After the pay increase, he'll now make $231,900 per year.
Members of Congress, from the House and Senate, also will receive a little bump, as their annual salary will go from $174,000 to 174,900. Leadership in Congress, including the speaker of the House, will likewise get an increase.
More
Americans Blame Republicans More Than Democrats For Fiscal Cliff
Americans blame Republicans in Congress more than congressional Democrats orPresident Barack Obama for the current "fiscal cliff" crisis, as the deadline approaches for action to avert big tax increases and spending cuts, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed on Thursday.
When asked who they believed to be more responsible for the "fiscal cliff" situation, 27 percent blamed Republicans in Congress, 16 percent blamedObama and 6 percent pointed to Democrats in Congress. The largest percentage - 31 percent - blamed "all of the above."
A similar breakdown was found in response to questions about theeconomy. Asked who was responsible for the national unemployment rate, the poll found 23 percent chose Republicans in Congress, 16 percent saidObama and 7 percent said Democrats in Congress, while 32 percent picked "all of the above."
The U.S. unemployment rate stood at 7.7 percent in November, according to Labor Department figures
MORE
When asked who they believed to be more responsible for the "fiscal cliff" situation, 27 percent blamed Republicans in Congress, 16 percent blamedObama and 6 percent pointed to Democrats in Congress. The largest percentage - 31 percent - blamed "all of the above."
A similar breakdown was found in response to questions about theeconomy. Asked who was responsible for the national unemployment rate, the poll found 23 percent chose Republicans in Congress, 16 percent saidObama and 7 percent said Democrats in Congress, while 32 percent picked "all of the above."
The U.S. unemployment rate stood at 7.7 percent in November, according to Labor Department figures
MORE
Sandy Hook Funeral-Fund Scam Outrages, Feds Charge Nouel Alba
Alba allegedly posed as an aunt of Noah Pozner — massacred inside Sandy Hook Elementary School. 'We’ve set up a funeral fund for my brother and families,' she is charged with posting on her Facebook profile.
The innocent blood spilled on the floors of a Connecticut elementary school was still warm when a Bronx woman hatched a sick scam to profit off the tragedy.Nouel Alba, 37, was busted after allegedly posing as an aunt of 6-year-old Noah Pozner — one of 20 children massacred inside Sandy Hook Elementary School — to collect money for the child’s “funeral fund,” authorities said.
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GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERHELPING STATE PREPARE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME WEATHER
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a landmark initiative to increase the State’s long term resiliency to storm related flooding and sea level rise. He signed the Climate Change and Coast Smart Construction Executive Order, directing that all new and reconstructed state structures, as well as other infrastructure improvements, be planned and constructed to avoid or minimize future flood damage.
“As storms such as Hurricane Sandy have shown, it is vital that we commit our resources and expertise to create a ready and resilient Maryland, by taking the necessary steps to adapt to the rising sea and unpredictable weather,” said Governor O’Malley. “In studying and planning for storms and climate change, we can ensure that our land, infrastructure, and most importantly our citizens are safe and prepared.”
The Executive Order enacts a number of policy directives, including directing all State agencies to consider the risk of coastal flooding and sea level rise when they design capital budget projects and charging the Department of General Services with updating its architecture and engineering guidelines to require new and rebuilt State structures to be elevated two or more feet above the 100-year base flood level.
“Over the past three decades, Maryland’s climate has become hotter and water levels within the Chesapeake Bay have continued to rise,” said Zoe Johnson, DNR’s Program Manager for Climate Change Policy. “The region’s recent extreme storms and weather have demonstrated just how vulnerable our natural resources and infrastructure can be to such events. The Executive Order will be instrumental in reshaping how we build along Maryland’s coasts.”
The Executive Order also charges the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to work with the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, local governments and other parties as appropriate, to develop additional Coast Smart guidelines within nine months, for the siting and construction of new and rebuilt State structures, as well as other infrastructure improvements such as roads, bridges, sewer and water systems, and other essential public utilities. Recommendations for applying the new construction guidelines to non-state infrastructure projects that are partially or fully funded in the State’s capital budget will also be developed.
Additionally, the Executive Order tasks the Scientific and Technical Working Group of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change with providing updated sea level rise projections for Maryland. In 2008, the Scientific and Technical Working Group published sea level rise projections for Maryland, with a high end range of 3.4 feet by the year 2100. However, considerable new research on sea level rise has since been published requiring the updating of these projections, according to Dr. Donald Boesch, President of University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and chair of the Working Group.
For example, a study by the U.S. Geological Survey published this summer in the journal Nature Climate Change demonstrated that the 1,000 kilometer stretch of coast running from Cape Hatteras to north of Boston is a “hot spot” of sea level rise. The study found that since 1990, sea levels along this stretch, which includes Maryland, are rising at an annual rate three to four times faster than the global average. Dr. Boesch pointed out “the State should be using the most up-to-date sea level rise projections in order to ensure that state infrastructure is sited and designed in a manner that will avoid or minimize future loss or damages.” Revised sea level rise projections are to be issued by end of June 2013.
To assist local governments, DNR’s CoastSmart Communities Program will continue to provide on-the-ground sea level rise planning expertise, training, and technical mapping tools. Launched by Governor O’Malley in April 2009, Maryland’s CoastSmart Communities program has awarded more than a half-million dollars to coastal communities to help prepare for the anticipated impacts of climate change. In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the State provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 to coastal communities to support the planning and preparation. For more information on the CoastSmart Program or to submit a funding request, visitdnr.maryland.gov/CoastSmart
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a landmark initiative to increase the State’s long term resiliency to storm related flooding and sea level rise. He signed the Climate Change and Coast Smart Construction Executive Order, directing that all new and reconstructed state structures, as well as other infrastructure improvements, be planned and constructed to avoid or minimize future flood damage.
“As storms such as Hurricane Sandy have shown, it is vital that we commit our resources and expertise to create a ready and resilient Maryland, by taking the necessary steps to adapt to the rising sea and unpredictable weather,” said Governor O’Malley. “In studying and planning for storms and climate change, we can ensure that our land, infrastructure, and most importantly our citizens are safe and prepared.”
The Executive Order enacts a number of policy directives, including directing all State agencies to consider the risk of coastal flooding and sea level rise when they design capital budget projects and charging the Department of General Services with updating its architecture and engineering guidelines to require new and rebuilt State structures to be elevated two or more feet above the 100-year base flood level.
“Over the past three decades, Maryland’s climate has become hotter and water levels within the Chesapeake Bay have continued to rise,” said Zoe Johnson, DNR’s Program Manager for Climate Change Policy. “The region’s recent extreme storms and weather have demonstrated just how vulnerable our natural resources and infrastructure can be to such events. The Executive Order will be instrumental in reshaping how we build along Maryland’s coasts.”
The Executive Order also charges the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to work with the Maryland Commission on Climate Change, local governments and other parties as appropriate, to develop additional Coast Smart guidelines within nine months, for the siting and construction of new and rebuilt State structures, as well as other infrastructure improvements such as roads, bridges, sewer and water systems, and other essential public utilities. Recommendations for applying the new construction guidelines to non-state infrastructure projects that are partially or fully funded in the State’s capital budget will also be developed.
Additionally, the Executive Order tasks the Scientific and Technical Working Group of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change with providing updated sea level rise projections for Maryland. In 2008, the Scientific and Technical Working Group published sea level rise projections for Maryland, with a high end range of 3.4 feet by the year 2100. However, considerable new research on sea level rise has since been published requiring the updating of these projections, according to Dr. Donald Boesch, President of University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, and chair of the Working Group.
For example, a study by the U.S. Geological Survey published this summer in the journal Nature Climate Change demonstrated that the 1,000 kilometer stretch of coast running from Cape Hatteras to north of Boston is a “hot spot” of sea level rise. The study found that since 1990, sea levels along this stretch, which includes Maryland, are rising at an annual rate three to four times faster than the global average. Dr. Boesch pointed out “the State should be using the most up-to-date sea level rise projections in order to ensure that state infrastructure is sited and designed in a manner that will avoid or minimize future loss or damages.” Revised sea level rise projections are to be issued by end of June 2013.
To assist local governments, DNR’s CoastSmart Communities Program will continue to provide on-the-ground sea level rise planning expertise, training, and technical mapping tools. Launched by Governor O’Malley in April 2009, Maryland’s CoastSmart Communities program has awarded more than a half-million dollars to coastal communities to help prepare for the anticipated impacts of climate change. In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the State provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 to coastal communities to support the planning and preparation. For more information on the CoastSmart Program or to submit a funding request, visitdnr.maryland.gov/CoastSmart
YES I Can!
Good example of a Brain Study: If you can read this OUT LOUD you have a strong mind.
And better than that: Alzheimer's is a long, long ways down the road before it ever gets anywhere near you.
If you can read the following paragraph, forward it on to your friends and the person that sent it to you with 'yes' in the subject line. Only great minds can read this. This is weird, but interesting!
7H15 M3554G3
53RV35 7O PR0V3
H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N
D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!
1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!
1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG
17 WA5 H4RD BU7
N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3
Y0UR M1ND 1S
R34D1NG 17
4U70M471C4LLY
W17H 0U7 3V3N
7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17.
B3 PROUD! 0NLY
C3R741N P30PL3 C4N
R3AD 7H15.
PL3453 F0RW4RD 1F
U C4N R34D 7H15.
If you can read this, you have a strange mind, too. Only 55 people out of 100 can.
I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. This is an example of the phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! If you can raed this, forwrad it
FORWARD ONLY IF YOU CAN READ IT
Forward it & put 'YES' in the Subject Line
Even if you are not old, you will find this interesting...
DON’T LET DRUNK DRIVING RUIN YOUR NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland state troopers are encouraging motorists to celebrate the New Year responsibly by not drinking and driving, but for those who don’t heed the warning, additional troopers will be on patrol beginning today and continuing through New Year’s Day.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has directed commanders to initiate specific drunk driving enforcement operations in areas where traffic crashes and incidents of impaired driving arrests are highest. Every trooper on patrol throughout the holiday will be on the alert for drunk drivers, in addition to those troopers working sobriety checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols.
“Our focus will be on locating and arresting impaired drivers as we work to keep Maryland roads safe during the holiday,” Colonel Brown said. “The 171 alcohol related deaths last year in Maryland are tragic reminders that drunk drivers continue to be a significant threat on our roads. There is no excuse for drunk driving and we will accept none. Drunk drivers will be arrested and charged, hopefully before they have caused another tragedy.”
Causing the death of someone else because of impaired driving is no way to start the New Year. During the 2011 New Year’s holiday period of December 30, 2011 through January 3, 2012, there were six fatalities on Maryland roads. Two of those fatalities involved impaired drivers.
The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time of year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 2,500 people lost their lives in crashes and 775 of those crashes involved impaired drivers in December 2010.
Colonel Brown and state troopers are encouraging drivers to be responsible this season to ensure their New Year’s celebration does not end in tragedy. Drivers should plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. If you plan to drink, do not plan to drive. Call a sober friend, a family member, or use public transportation. If you know someone who has been drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see a driver you think is impaired or driving a vehicle in an unsafe manner, keep a safe distance and call 9-1-1.
The additional State Police patrols coincide with the Maryland Highway Safety Office initiative “Towards Zero Deaths” and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiative “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. Overtime funding for additional patrols is provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.
Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has directed commanders to initiate specific drunk driving enforcement operations in areas where traffic crashes and incidents of impaired driving arrests are highest. Every trooper on patrol throughout the holiday will be on the alert for drunk drivers, in addition to those troopers working sobriety checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols.
“Our focus will be on locating and arresting impaired drivers as we work to keep Maryland roads safe during the holiday,” Colonel Brown said. “The 171 alcohol related deaths last year in Maryland are tragic reminders that drunk drivers continue to be a significant threat on our roads. There is no excuse for drunk driving and we will accept none. Drunk drivers will be arrested and charged, hopefully before they have caused another tragedy.”
Causing the death of someone else because of impaired driving is no way to start the New Year. During the 2011 New Year’s holiday period of December 30, 2011 through January 3, 2012, there were six fatalities on Maryland roads. Two of those fatalities involved impaired drivers.
The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time of year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 2,500 people lost their lives in crashes and 775 of those crashes involved impaired drivers in December 2010.
Colonel Brown and state troopers are encouraging drivers to be responsible this season to ensure their New Year’s celebration does not end in tragedy. Drivers should plan ahead. Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. If you plan to drink, do not plan to drive. Call a sober friend, a family member, or use public transportation. If you know someone who has been drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see a driver you think is impaired or driving a vehicle in an unsafe manner, keep a safe distance and call 9-1-1.
The additional State Police patrols coincide with the Maryland Highway Safety Office initiative “Towards Zero Deaths” and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiative “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. Overtime funding for additional patrols is provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.
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