The woman insiders describe as the president’s “real chief of staff” keeps out bad news and new ideas.
It’s high time the news media paid more attention to Valerie Jarrett. An old Chicago friend of both Barack and Michelle Obama’s, she exercises unusual influence in the White House as a “senior adviser.” Many in Washington believe that she is at the heart of the disappointment the Obama administration has become. They are unwilling to say so in public. But the evidence keeps piling up.
One who is isn’t afraid to speak up is Steven Brill, the author of a searing new book analyzing American health care called “America’s Bitter Pill.” Brill is a liberal and still thinks that Obamacare should have been passed. But in his exhaustively researched book (he spoke with 243 people over a 27-month period), he slams “incompetence in the White House” for the catastrophic launch of Obamacare in 2013: “Never [has there] been a group of people who more incompetently launched something.” During an interview on NPR’s “Fresh Air” last week, he lay much of the blame at Jarrett’s doorstep. “The people in the administration who knew it was going wrong went to the president directly with memos, in person, to his chief of staff,” he told NPR’s Terry Gross. But “the president was protected, mostly by Valerie Jarrett, from doing anything.” Although Obama had no idea of the issues until they ultimately reared their head, he still bears the blame, Brill said. “At the end of the day, he’s responsible. . . . The president, whatever we can say about him on policy and on giving speeches, as a manager, he failed. He didn’t know what was going on in the single most important initiative of his administration.”
How important is Jarrett inside the Obama White House? Brill was able to interview the president about the struggles of Obamacare and reports that heconcluded: “At this point, I am not so interested in Monday morning quarterbacking the past.” That must be one reason Jarrett is still at his side, in the same outsize role she’s held since both arrived in D.C. in January 2009. How outsize? Brill told the president that five of the highest-ranking Obama officials had told him that “as a practical matter . . . Jarrett was the real chief of staff on any issues that she wanted to weigh in on, and she jealously protected that position by making sure the president never gave anyone else too much power.” When Brill asked the president about these aides’ assessment of Jarrett, Obama “declined comment,” Brill wrote in his book. That, in and of itself, is an answer.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Eric Holder’s Replacement
A Senate Judiciary Committee member says she may be even worse.
David Vitter believes that Loretta Lynch, President Obama’s attorney-general nominee, might be even more dangerous than Eric Holder, the man she will replace if confirmed. The Louisiana senator met privately with Lynch this week in his capacity as a Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He tells NRO that Lynch, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, is quieter and more restrained than Holder, which he worries will deflect attention from some of the Justice Department’s more outrageous actions and policies.
Vitter’s warning about Lynch should not be taken lightly. While he previously saidthat Holder has directly attacked his state more than any other attorney general has, Vitter thinks Lynch may pose an even greater threat. In their extensive one-on-one meeting, Vitter says, Lynch would not answer several of his questions about her position on the president’s executive action on immigration. His Republican colleagues have refrained from raising questions about her nomination, which has puzzled him, given the intense debate the executive action is inspiring in the Capitol.
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David Vitter believes that Loretta Lynch, President Obama’s attorney-general nominee, might be even more dangerous than Eric Holder, the man she will replace if confirmed. The Louisiana senator met privately with Lynch this week in his capacity as a Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He tells NRO that Lynch, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, is quieter and more restrained than Holder, which he worries will deflect attention from some of the Justice Department’s more outrageous actions and policies.
Vitter’s warning about Lynch should not be taken lightly. While he previously saidthat Holder has directly attacked his state more than any other attorney general has, Vitter thinks Lynch may pose an even greater threat. In their extensive one-on-one meeting, Vitter says, Lynch would not answer several of his questions about her position on the president’s executive action on immigration. His Republican colleagues have refrained from raising questions about her nomination, which has puzzled him, given the intense debate the executive action is inspiring in the Capitol.
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Is Obama the apologizer-in-chief?
President Barack Obama started his presidency by removing a bust of Winston Churchill from the Oval Office, sending the Queen of England an iPod filled with his own speeches and gifting a boxed set of 25 DVDs to then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown – which he reportedly couldn't play in the UK.
There were no apologies for the Borat-like gaffes, leading pundits to predict that America's new chief executive would insist being president means never having to say you're sorry.
Not so much.
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There were no apologies for the Borat-like gaffes, leading pundits to predict that America's new chief executive would insist being president means never having to say you're sorry.
Not so much.
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Obama hopes climate of fear will boost his cyber push
President Obama is banking that a spate of high-profile hacks at major American companies will help his new cybersecurity standards succeed where others failed.
The president called Monday for separate bills that would require companies to notify customers within 30 days if their personal information had been compromised and prohibit the selling of student data to third parties for non-education purposes.
But for Obama to leverage the panic over data breaches at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Target and Home Depot, he’ll have to navigate between governmental and business bureaucracies and find a solution amenable to both sides.
As the president laid out his recommendations, the extent of the cyber problem was made even clearer, when hackers tied to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria took over the U.S. Central Command Twitter feed.
The broader challenge for the White House now is determining how to address concerns among private companies about the extent of information they would have to turn over to the federal government in warding off cyber attacks. And government agencies already under fire for cyber snooping would also have to consent to sharing a greater level of data with private businesses, a development that makes some in the intelligence community uneasy.
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The president called Monday for separate bills that would require companies to notify customers within 30 days if their personal information had been compromised and prohibit the selling of student data to third parties for non-education purposes.
But for Obama to leverage the panic over data breaches at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Target and Home Depot, he’ll have to navigate between governmental and business bureaucracies and find a solution amenable to both sides.
As the president laid out his recommendations, the extent of the cyber problem was made even clearer, when hackers tied to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria took over the U.S. Central Command Twitter feed.
The broader challenge for the White House now is determining how to address concerns among private companies about the extent of information they would have to turn over to the federal government in warding off cyber attacks. And government agencies already under fire for cyber snooping would also have to consent to sharing a greater level of data with private businesses, a development that makes some in the intelligence community uneasy.
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Leaked Documents Show Most Illegals Now Immune to Arrest
New Obama administration rules make the vast majority of illegal immigrants immune to arrest and relegate border patrol agents to the role of social workers, according to Breitbart Texas.
A border agent leaked the documents to the conservative web site, explaining that the Department of Homeland Security has decided that the majority of immigrants crossing U.S. borders illegally cannot be detained or deported without approval from top officials in Washington.
The documents do not specifically order agents to let illegal immigrants pass freely into the United States, the source said. But the rules “clearly” say “don’t waste your time because the alien will not be put into detention, sent back or deported,” he said.
“There is literally no reason to arrest an illegal alien because they are specifically telling Border Patrol there will be no consequence for the illegal alien. It is a waste of time and resources to arrest someone who is off limits for detainment or deportation and the documents make that fact clear,” the source added.
“Border Patrol agents are now being trained to be social workers, not law enforcement.”
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A border agent leaked the documents to the conservative web site, explaining that the Department of Homeland Security has decided that the majority of immigrants crossing U.S. borders illegally cannot be detained or deported without approval from top officials in Washington.
The documents do not specifically order agents to let illegal immigrants pass freely into the United States, the source said. But the rules “clearly” say “don’t waste your time because the alien will not be put into detention, sent back or deported,” he said.
“There is literally no reason to arrest an illegal alien because they are specifically telling Border Patrol there will be no consequence for the illegal alien. It is a waste of time and resources to arrest someone who is off limits for detainment or deportation and the documents make that fact clear,” the source added.
“Border Patrol agents are now being trained to be social workers, not law enforcement.”
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Free Army helicopter ends up costing Newark's police $2 million, records show
Sometimes free things are too good to be true.
A 42-year-old Vietnam-era OH-58A Bell Kiowa helicopter, given to Newark for free from the U.S. Army in 2005 as part of a military surplus program, has cost the city more than $2 million to refurbish, maintain and operate, according to documents obtained by NJ Advance Media.
An examination of the sky-high bill shows that the Newark City Council has approved $1.13 million in maintenance contracts the last five years alone, including a $27,412 invoice to strip, apply corrosion coating, prime and paint the aircraft and the purchase of new rotor blades that cost $143,386.
The helicopter also has been equipped with a night vision system that allows pilots to see in the dark and a receiver to track stolen cars, despite the city’s budget problems which, most notably, forced then-Mayor Cory Booker to lay off 167 cops in 2010.
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A 42-year-old Vietnam-era OH-58A Bell Kiowa helicopter, given to Newark for free from the U.S. Army in 2005 as part of a military surplus program, has cost the city more than $2 million to refurbish, maintain and operate, according to documents obtained by NJ Advance Media.
An examination of the sky-high bill shows that the Newark City Council has approved $1.13 million in maintenance contracts the last five years alone, including a $27,412 invoice to strip, apply corrosion coating, prime and paint the aircraft and the purchase of new rotor blades that cost $143,386.
The helicopter also has been equipped with a night vision system that allows pilots to see in the dark and a receiver to track stolen cars, despite the city’s budget problems which, most notably, forced then-Mayor Cory Booker to lay off 167 cops in 2010.
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Sharia Law and Gun Control
Freedom of the press is now a moot point in Europe. Freedom of the press is related to the right to keep and bear arms: Amendments 1 and 2 of the U.S. Constitution.
If you don’t have the right to keep and bear arms, you don’t have freedom of the press. The state cannot protect you. It can only try to find your assassins.
Liberal democracy is committed to freedom of the press. Islam is not. Here is an editorial that was run in USA Today by a man identified as a teacher of Sharia law in Great Britain. This man has clearly set forth the principles of Islam as they apply to freedom of the press. He was given freedom of the press by USA Today. We read: People know the consequences: Opposing view. He took this opportunity to send us a message about consequences.
Contrary to popular misconception, Islam does not mean peace but rather means submission to the commands of Allah alone. Therefore, Muslims do not believe in the concept of freedom of expression, as their speech and actions are determined by divine revelation and not based on people’s desires.Although Muslims may not agree about the idea of freedom of expression, even non-Muslims who espouse it say it comes with responsibilities. In an increasingly unstable and insecure world, the potential consequences of insulting the Messenger Muhammad are known to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Muslims consider the honor of the Prophet Muhammad to be dearer to them than that of their parents or even themselves. To defend it is considered to be an obligation upon them. The strict punishment if found guilty of this crime under sharia (Islamic law) is capital punishment implementable by an Islamic State. This is because the Messenger Muhammad said, “Whoever insults a Prophet kill him.”
However, because the honor of the Prophet is something which all Muslims want to defend, many will take the law into their own hands, as we often see.
Within liberal democracies, freedom of expression has curtailments, such as laws against incitement and hatred.
The truth is that Western governments are content to sacrifice liberties and freedoms when being complicit to torture and rendition — or when restricting the freedom of movement of Muslims, under the guise of protecting national security.
So why in this case did the French government allow the magazine Charlie Hebdo to continue to provoke Muslims, thereby placing the sanctity of its citizens at risk?
It is time that the sanctity of a Prophet revered by up to one-quarter of the world’s population was protected.
More
If you don’t have the right to keep and bear arms, you don’t have freedom of the press. The state cannot protect you. It can only try to find your assassins.
Liberal democracy is committed to freedom of the press. Islam is not. Here is an editorial that was run in USA Today by a man identified as a teacher of Sharia law in Great Britain. This man has clearly set forth the principles of Islam as they apply to freedom of the press. He was given freedom of the press by USA Today. We read: People know the consequences: Opposing view. He took this opportunity to send us a message about consequences.
Contrary to popular misconception, Islam does not mean peace but rather means submission to the commands of Allah alone. Therefore, Muslims do not believe in the concept of freedom of expression, as their speech and actions are determined by divine revelation and not based on people’s desires.Although Muslims may not agree about the idea of freedom of expression, even non-Muslims who espouse it say it comes with responsibilities. In an increasingly unstable and insecure world, the potential consequences of insulting the Messenger Muhammad are known to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Muslims consider the honor of the Prophet Muhammad to be dearer to them than that of their parents or even themselves. To defend it is considered to be an obligation upon them. The strict punishment if found guilty of this crime under sharia (Islamic law) is capital punishment implementable by an Islamic State. This is because the Messenger Muhammad said, “Whoever insults a Prophet kill him.”
However, because the honor of the Prophet is something which all Muslims want to defend, many will take the law into their own hands, as we often see.
Within liberal democracies, freedom of expression has curtailments, such as laws against incitement and hatred.
The truth is that Western governments are content to sacrifice liberties and freedoms when being complicit to torture and rendition — or when restricting the freedom of movement of Muslims, under the guise of protecting national security.
So why in this case did the French government allow the magazine Charlie Hebdo to continue to provoke Muslims, thereby placing the sanctity of its citizens at risk?
It is time that the sanctity of a Prophet revered by up to one-quarter of the world’s population was protected.
More
Thought your Instagram photos were private? Think again
Millions of 'private' photos on Instagram have been made available for public viewing following a bug on the social media site.
The California-based company became aware of the flaw after David Yanofsky at Quartz highlighted the issue.
The company has now issued a patch, after appearing to suggest that the functionality was intentional, rather than a flaw in their system.
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The California-based company became aware of the flaw after David Yanofsky at Quartz highlighted the issue.
The company has now issued a patch, after appearing to suggest that the functionality was intentional, rather than a flaw in their system.
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Insurance Administration orders State Farm to refund premium increases that resulted from "not at fault" claims
The refund orders, which were revealed by a official of the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) who is not authorized to speak on the record, were issued after State Farm was found to be non-compliant with the section of Maryland insurance law that pertains to notification of rate changes.
Prior to 2014, State Farm did not increase insurance premiums when a "not at fault" automobile insurance claim was filed. This meant that customers could submit claims for losses covered under the "comprehensive" section of their State Farm automobile insurance policy without incurring a premium increase. For example, if a customer made a claim due to auto theft, hail storm damage, or striking a deer (all of which are covered by the comprehensive section of a policy), State Farm would not increase their rates. "Uninsured motorist" claims, another example of "not at fault" claims, also did not cause customers' premiums to increase prior to 2014.
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The difference between "complete" and "finished"
No dictionary has ever been able to satisfactorily define the difference between "complete" and "finished." However, during a recent linguistic conference, held in London, England, and attended by some of the best linguists in the world, Samsundar Balgobin, a Guyanese linguist, was the presenter when he was asked to make that very distinction.
The question put to him by a colleague in the erudite audience was this: “Some say there is no difference between ‘complete’ and ‘finished.’ Please explain the difference in a way that is easy to understand.”
Mr. Balgobin’s response: “When you marry the right woman, you are ‘complete.’ If you marry the wrong woman, you are ‘finished.’ And, if the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are "Completely finished.”
His answer received a five minute standing ovation.
The question put to him by a colleague in the erudite audience was this: “Some say there is no difference between ‘complete’ and ‘finished.’ Please explain the difference in a way that is easy to understand.”
Mr. Balgobin’s response: “When you marry the right woman, you are ‘complete.’ If you marry the wrong woman, you are ‘finished.’ And, if the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are "Completely finished.”
His answer received a five minute standing ovation.
No Proof That Rape in Rolling Stone Article Occurred at University of Virginia Fraternity
Police say they've been unable to confirm that an alleged gang rape occurred at a University of Virginia fraternity house as described in a Rolling Stone article, and the school has reinstated Phi Kappa Psi and its activities.
Charlottesville police said in an email Monday that their investigation hasn't revealed any substantive basis to confirm the allegations occurred at the house and that they're still investigating.
The fraternity is at the center of the article describing a culture of sexual violence at the school.
After the article's publication, the school temporarily suspended all fraternities' and sororities' social activities.
In a statement Monday, the school said it reinstated Phi Kappa Psi after police told them about the investigation.
It was the first fraternity to agree to new rules, some of which address alcohol distribution at parties.
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Charlottesville police said in an email Monday that their investigation hasn't revealed any substantive basis to confirm the allegations occurred at the house and that they're still investigating.
The fraternity is at the center of the article describing a culture of sexual violence at the school.
After the article's publication, the school temporarily suspended all fraternities' and sororities' social activities.
In a statement Monday, the school said it reinstated Phi Kappa Psi after police told them about the investigation.
It was the first fraternity to agree to new rules, some of which address alcohol distribution at parties.
More
S.I. student allegedly beats classmate for farting near her
She smelt it — and she dealt it.
A Staten Island high school student is accused of bashing a classmate in the head with a metal stool for farting as he walked by her desk, a law-enforcement source said.
The attack left the alleged wind-breaker with a bloody gash that required eight staples to close, the source said.
The 15-year-old victim allegedly passed gas near Joquasha Rosado, 17, in a classroom at South Richmond High School on Hylan Boulevard on Jan. 5 shortly after 3 p.m., a law enforcement source said.
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A Staten Island high school student is accused of bashing a classmate in the head with a metal stool for farting as he walked by her desk, a law-enforcement source said.
The attack left the alleged wind-breaker with a bloody gash that required eight staples to close, the source said.
The 15-year-old victim allegedly passed gas near Joquasha Rosado, 17, in a classroom at South Richmond High School on Hylan Boulevard on Jan. 5 shortly after 3 p.m., a law enforcement source said.
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31% Of Students Found To Binge Drink In Worcester; Grant To Target Teens’ Access
In a press release today, the Worcester County Health Department, on behalf of the Drug and Alcohol Council, announced it has secured funding to address the problem of underage access to alcohol. As a result, local law enforcement agencies will receive $12,500 for conducting alcohol compliance checks with the nearly 300 retailers in Worcester.
According to a survey conducted in 2013, nearly 31 percent of Worcester County high school-age youth reported drinking five or more drinks in a row within a couple of hours within the last 30 days, a figure that accounts for the highest rate of binge drinking in the state.
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Budget woes expected to dominate Maryland's General Assembly session
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Gov.-elect Larry Hogan has not offered many specifics regarding his legislative agenda heading into his first General Assembly session in office.
But, the one area he campaigned on and expected to dedicate his energies toward is no secret: the budget.
Hogan, along with state lawmakers, will need to come together on how to address ways to close an estimated $750 million shortfall for the Fiscal 2016 year that begins July 1. The 90-day General Assembly session gets underway Wednesday in Annapolis.
Spending priorities on everything from transportation and education to the environment and aid to local government are expected to be closely scrutinized with Hogan entering office following a campaign where he pledged to curb spending, lower taxes and make Maryland more business friendly.
“They drained our checking, saving and retirement accounts. They maxed out every credit card,” said Hogan during a December news conference. “They’ve even broken into every one of the kids’ piggy banks. And we still don’t have enough to pay the bills…
Economist Anirban Basu, who was on Hogan’s transition team, said Maryland’s reliance on public sector funding – which helped insulate the state during much of the recession – is now having the reserve effect as the state and nation continue toward economic recovery.
“There are many reasons for Maryland’s economic struggles. Part of the reason is the growth of state government along with structural issues the state faces. Our economy is largely oriented to institutional employment and the economic mantra of the state has been ‘meds, eds, feds and beds.’
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But, the one area he campaigned on and expected to dedicate his energies toward is no secret: the budget.
Hogan, along with state lawmakers, will need to come together on how to address ways to close an estimated $750 million shortfall for the Fiscal 2016 year that begins July 1. The 90-day General Assembly session gets underway Wednesday in Annapolis.
Spending priorities on everything from transportation and education to the environment and aid to local government are expected to be closely scrutinized with Hogan entering office following a campaign where he pledged to curb spending, lower taxes and make Maryland more business friendly.
“They drained our checking, saving and retirement accounts. They maxed out every credit card,” said Hogan during a December news conference. “They’ve even broken into every one of the kids’ piggy banks. And we still don’t have enough to pay the bills…
Economist Anirban Basu, who was on Hogan’s transition team, said Maryland’s reliance on public sector funding – which helped insulate the state during much of the recession – is now having the reserve effect as the state and nation continue toward economic recovery.
“There are many reasons for Maryland’s economic struggles. Part of the reason is the growth of state government along with structural issues the state faces. Our economy is largely oriented to institutional employment and the economic mantra of the state has been ‘meds, eds, feds and beds.’
More
Georgetown Man Charged in Middleford Robbery
The incident occurred at approximately 10:55 a.m. Monday January 12, 2015 when a 61 year old male victim had just exited the Middleford Deli located at 10056 Middleford Road after making a purchase. As the victim entered his vehicle and closed the door, a black male subject approached and opened the door, immediately placing an unknown type of handgun to his neck. The suspect demanded money from the victim who turned over an undisclosed amount of cash before the suspect fled the parking lot in a white in color Oldsmobile Aurora.
The victim, who was uninjured during the confrontation, was able to give dispatchers in the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (9-1-1) and responding troopers a description of the suspect and vehicle which was broadcast over the police radio.
Just over an hour later, two State of Delaware Probation and Parole Officers observed the vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle, and with the assistance of Millsboro Police Department, conducted a traffic stop on Delaware Avenue in the limits of Millsboro. Saint Joe J. Petion, 26 of Georgetown, was taken into custody without incident and turned over to troopers. Petion was transported back to Troop 4 in Georgetown where he was charged with Robbery 1st and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. He was arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $100,000.00 secured bond.
The Empire Is Hated All Around the World
Americans who live abroad — more than six million of us worldwide (not counting those who work for the U.S. government) — often face hard questions about our country from people we live among. Europeans, Asians, and Africans ask us to explain everything that baffles them about the increasingly odd and troubling conduct of the United States. Polite people, normally reluctant to risk offending a guest, complain that America’s trigger-happiness, cutthroat free-marketeering, and “exceptionality” have gone on for too long to be considered just an adolescent phase. Which means that we Americans abroad are regularly asked to account for the behavior of our rebranded “homeland,” now conspicuously in decline and increasingly out of step with the rest of the world.
In my long nomadic life, I’ve had the good fortune to live, work, or travel in all but a handful of countries on this planet. I’ve been to both poles and a great many places in between, and nosy as I am, I’ve talked with people all along the way. I still remember a time when to be an American was to be envied. The country where I grew up after World War II seemed to be respected and admired around the world for way too many reasons to go into here.
That’s changed, of course. Even after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, I still met people — in the Middle East, no less — willing to withhold judgment on the U.S. Many thought that the Supreme Court’sinstallation of George W. Bush as president was a blunder American voters would correct in the election of 2004. His return to office truly spelled the end of America as the world had known it. Bush had started a war, opposed by the entire world, because he wanted to and he could. A majority of Americans supported him. And that was when all the uncomfortable questions really began.
In the early fall of 2014, I traveled from my home in Oslo, Norway, through much of Eastern and Central Europe. Everywhere I went in those two months, moments after locals realized I was an American the questions started and, polite as they usually were, most of them had a single underlying theme: Have Americans gone over the edge? Are you crazy? Please explain.
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In my long nomadic life, I’ve had the good fortune to live, work, or travel in all but a handful of countries on this planet. I’ve been to both poles and a great many places in between, and nosy as I am, I’ve talked with people all along the way. I still remember a time when to be an American was to be envied. The country where I grew up after World War II seemed to be respected and admired around the world for way too many reasons to go into here.
That’s changed, of course. Even after the invasion of Iraq in 2003, I still met people — in the Middle East, no less — willing to withhold judgment on the U.S. Many thought that the Supreme Court’sinstallation of George W. Bush as president was a blunder American voters would correct in the election of 2004. His return to office truly spelled the end of America as the world had known it. Bush had started a war, opposed by the entire world, because he wanted to and he could. A majority of Americans supported him. And that was when all the uncomfortable questions really began.
In the early fall of 2014, I traveled from my home in Oslo, Norway, through much of Eastern and Central Europe. Everywhere I went in those two months, moments after locals realized I was an American the questions started and, polite as they usually were, most of them had a single underlying theme: Have Americans gone over the edge? Are you crazy? Please explain.
More
Veteran dies after VA failed to grant him a check up for his cancer
A Vietnam veteran denied a vital cancer checkup for more than a year by the VA in Atlanta died at home on Saturday.
Great-grandfather, Norman Spivey, 64, passed away from complications arising from Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
He was seen for the first time and diagnosed as terminal in July and Spivey's wife, Gayla, has revealed her fury at the fatal delay.
'I have no way of knowing that if he had had a colonoscopy a year ago, that the outcome would be any different,' said Gayla to WMAZ.
'But there's always that possibility. A year? A year to work with it. You know? I mean, it may not have spread to the liver. It may not have spread to the lymph nodes.
'It may be okay. But right now, it's not. Right now, it's not okay. It's just not okay.'
Spivey's treatment is another scandalous example of mismanagement at the VA, making former armed forces veterans wait more than a year for an appointment and then publishing secret waiting lists to hide the delays.
When the shameful treatment of the nation's veterans was made public in May, VA administrator Eric Shinseki was forced to resign.
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Great-grandfather, Norman Spivey, 64, passed away from complications arising from Stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
He was seen for the first time and diagnosed as terminal in July and Spivey's wife, Gayla, has revealed her fury at the fatal delay.
'I have no way of knowing that if he had had a colonoscopy a year ago, that the outcome would be any different,' said Gayla to WMAZ.
'But there's always that possibility. A year? A year to work with it. You know? I mean, it may not have spread to the liver. It may not have spread to the lymph nodes.
'It may be okay. But right now, it's not. Right now, it's not okay. It's just not okay.'
Spivey's treatment is another scandalous example of mismanagement at the VA, making former armed forces veterans wait more than a year for an appointment and then publishing secret waiting lists to hide the delays.
When the shameful treatment of the nation's veterans was made public in May, VA administrator Eric Shinseki was forced to resign.
More
Milwaukee Barber Shop Customer Fatally Shoots Armed Robber
A would-be armed robber who stuck up a Milwaukee barber shop on Friday received more than a haircut when an armed patron pulled out his own gun and fatally shot the criminal.
“He asked some questions about how much a haircut costs, then went into the bathroom to put his mask on and get his gun ready or whatever,” a man identified as Ty, the owner of Level Up Barber Shop and Auto Body Repair, told WISN.
“The robber took his eye off the guy that he originally robbed first. I guess he didn’t check him good enough because he had a gun on him,” Ty explained to WTMJ.
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“He asked some questions about how much a haircut costs, then went into the bathroom to put his mask on and get his gun ready or whatever,” a man identified as Ty, the owner of Level Up Barber Shop and Auto Body Repair, told WISN.
“The robber took his eye off the guy that he originally robbed first. I guess he didn’t check him good enough because he had a gun on him,” Ty explained to WTMJ.
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APD Cop Shoots...Cop During $60 Drug Bust
The APD just can’t stay out of the news.
This time, though, they didn’t shoot a “civilian.”
From the Albuquerque Journal:
It was an undercover operation to bust two men for selling $60 worth of methamphetamine, but things didn’t go as planned.
An Albuquerque police lieutenant shot a fellow officer who was working undercover in a McDonald’s parking lot near Central and Tramway just before noon Friday.
Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden said Saturday the male officer remained in critical condition at University of New Mexico Hospital. He is in the intensive care unit and has undergone multiple surgeries.
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This time, though, they didn’t shoot a “civilian.”
From the Albuquerque Journal:
It was an undercover operation to bust two men for selling $60 worth of methamphetamine, but things didn’t go as planned.
An Albuquerque police lieutenant shot a fellow officer who was working undercover in a McDonald’s parking lot near Central and Tramway just before noon Friday.
Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden said Saturday the male officer remained in critical condition at University of New Mexico Hospital. He is in the intensive care unit and has undergone multiple surgeries.
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1 dead, dozens hurt after Metro car fills with smoke
Scores of riders were aboard the Virginia-bound Yellow Line train, which had just left the L’Enfant Plaza station, when it came to a halt about 150 feet into the tunnel, according to Metro officials and several people who were aboard the train.
Passengers said the darkened cars quickly filled with smoke. Several riders said as much as an hour went by before firefighters arrived and led them out of the cars, escorting them back to the station. Meanwhile, while the passengers waited in the smoke-filled cars, many were choking and some lost consciousness, witnesses said.
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Mitt Romney ... Really? Again?
HAVE “REPUBLICANS” LEARNED NOTHING?
Well, well. The left-leaning “Republican” billed by the liberal press as the party’s most “electable” presidential candidate is back … despite the whole “electability” thing not panning out as predicted.
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney – the crony capitalist/ welfare statist/ global interventionist/ socialized medicine supporter whose ideology is eerily similar to that of U.S. president Barack Obama – appears interested in mounting another bid for president in 2016.
Romney lost the 2008 primary to John McCain, and then lost the 2012 general election to Obama.
How come? Well in addition to his fiscally liberal ideology, Romney simply wasn’t (isn’t) trustworthy.
“When Romney does take a position, there’s no guarantee he’ll keep it,” we wrote in October 2012.
That trend is continuing …
More
Well, well. The left-leaning “Republican” billed by the liberal press as the party’s most “electable” presidential candidate is back … despite the whole “electability” thing not panning out as predicted.
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney – the crony capitalist/ welfare statist/ global interventionist/ socialized medicine supporter whose ideology is eerily similar to that of U.S. president Barack Obama – appears interested in mounting another bid for president in 2016.
Romney lost the 2008 primary to John McCain, and then lost the 2012 general election to Obama.
How come? Well in addition to his fiscally liberal ideology, Romney simply wasn’t (isn’t) trustworthy.
“When Romney does take a position, there’s no guarantee he’ll keep it,” we wrote in October 2012.
That trend is continuing …
More
Democratic Mayor Of Syracuse Appoints Nation Of Islam Minister To School Board
Stephanie Miner, the Democratic Mayor of Syracuse, N.Y., appointed Mark D. Muhammad to the Syracuse city school board last week.
Muhammad is a minister in the Nation of Islam — a very wealthy, U.S.-based religious organization that mixes the tenets of Islam with notorious notions of black supremacy. The current leader of the Nation of Islam is Louis Farrakhan.
Muhammad, 54, will serve the remainder of the term to which commissioner Bill Bullen was elected until the next election in November, reports The Post-Standard. (Bullen is leaving town.)
In addition to his role as a Nation of Islam minister, Muhammad is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University and an assistant communications professor at Onondaga Community College (also in Syracuse).
“Mark is a positive influence on our community and has been for many years,” Miner said in a statement obtained by the Post-Standard. “I am confident he will go on to do good work for the children and families of the school district.”
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Muhammad is a minister in the Nation of Islam — a very wealthy, U.S.-based religious organization that mixes the tenets of Islam with notorious notions of black supremacy. The current leader of the Nation of Islam is Louis Farrakhan.
Muhammad, 54, will serve the remainder of the term to which commissioner Bill Bullen was elected until the next election in November, reports The Post-Standard. (Bullen is leaving town.)
In addition to his role as a Nation of Islam minister, Muhammad is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University and an assistant communications professor at Onondaga Community College (also in Syracuse).
“Mark is a positive influence on our community and has been for many years,” Miner said in a statement obtained by the Post-Standard. “I am confident he will go on to do good work for the children and families of the school district.”
More
Md. Teachers' Union Launches Ads to Protect School Funding
A Maryland teachers' union is launching a petition drive to protect strong investments in schools.
The Maryland State Education Association is kicking off a radio ad campaign and online petition drive on Monday. The ad will run for two weeks in Baltimore, the District of Columbia and other parts of Maryland.
The campaign is calling on Gov.-elect Larry Hogan and state lawmakers to not cut school funding.
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The Maryland State Education Association is kicking off a radio ad campaign and online petition drive on Monday. The ad will run for two weeks in Baltimore, the District of Columbia and other parts of Maryland.
The campaign is calling on Gov.-elect Larry Hogan and state lawmakers to not cut school funding.
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Maryland Continues to Lead Anti-Second Amendment Jihad
{"uid":1,"hostPeerName":"http://townhall.com","initialGeometry":"{\"windowCoords_t\":0,\"windowCoords_r\":1600,\"windowCoords_b\":860,\"windowCoords_l\":0,\"frameCoords_t\":978,\"frameCoords_r\":941.5,\"frameCoords_b\":1228,\"frameCoords_l\":641.5,\"styleZIndex\":\"auto\",\"allowedExpansion_t\":0,\"allowedExpansion_r\":0,\"allowedExpansion_b\":0,\"allowedExpansion_l\":0,\"xInView\":0,\"yInView\":0}","permissions":"{\"expandByOverlay\":true,\"expandByPush\":false,\"readCookie\":false,\"writeCookie\":false}","metadata":"{\"shared\":{\"sf_ver\":\"1-0-1\",\"ck_on\":1,\"flash_ver\":\"16.0.0\"}}"}" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" width="300" height="250" data-is-safeframe="true" style="border-width: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;">In Dante’s Inferno, the gates of Hell are inscribed with the Latin phrase, “Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate.” Translated into English, the iconic phrase reads, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” Today, however, this phrase would be quite apt on all signs announcing the crossover into the state of Maryland, with one little tweak: “Abandon all hope, gun owners who enter here.”
One year ago last week, Florida-resident John Filippidis and his family were traveling through Maryland when his vehicle was pulled over by a Maryland Transportation Authority police officer. Filippidis, a concealed carry permit holder in his home state, was unsure of the reason for the stop, but as he quickly discovered, little about what would happen next had to do with his driving. According to Filippidis, as reported by the Tampa Tribune, the MDTA officer tailed his vehicle for 10 minutes before eventually signaling for him to pull over. After taking his license and registration for a check, the officer returned with demands that Filippidis exit the vehicle, assume the position, and tell him where his firearm was located. Meanwhile, his family was separated in the back of police cruisers while officers ransacked his car looking for his personal firearm that he had thought ahead of time to leave at home, in case of this very situation.
An internal review of the incident by the MDTA determined the stop to have followed protocol, and the search of Filippidis’ car to be “reasonable” based on nothing more than the “conflicting” statements made by his shaken wife about the location of the gun, as well as the officer’s belief that he smelled the odor of marijuana in the car. Not surprisingly, the exhaustive search of the vehicle turned-up neither firearm, nor marijuana or related paraphernalia. Instead, Filippidis was let go, after hours of harassment, with merely a warning for speeding.
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One year ago last week, Florida-resident John Filippidis and his family were traveling through Maryland when his vehicle was pulled over by a Maryland Transportation Authority police officer. Filippidis, a concealed carry permit holder in his home state, was unsure of the reason for the stop, but as he quickly discovered, little about what would happen next had to do with his driving. According to Filippidis, as reported by the Tampa Tribune, the MDTA officer tailed his vehicle for 10 minutes before eventually signaling for him to pull over. After taking his license and registration for a check, the officer returned with demands that Filippidis exit the vehicle, assume the position, and tell him where his firearm was located. Meanwhile, his family was separated in the back of police cruisers while officers ransacked his car looking for his personal firearm that he had thought ahead of time to leave at home, in case of this very situation.
An internal review of the incident by the MDTA determined the stop to have followed protocol, and the search of Filippidis’ car to be “reasonable” based on nothing more than the “conflicting” statements made by his shaken wife about the location of the gun, as well as the officer’s belief that he smelled the odor of marijuana in the car. Not surprisingly, the exhaustive search of the vehicle turned-up neither firearm, nor marijuana or related paraphernalia. Instead, Filippidis was let go, after hours of harassment, with merely a warning for speeding.
More
AG Frosh: Wicomico homeowner convicted of illegal sewage discharge
"Environmental damage won't be tolerated," Frosh says Marie J. Marius, a resident of Laurel, Delaware, pleaded guilty last week to misdemeanor charges of water pollution and the improper alteration of a sewage system at a home she owns with her husband on Bi-State Boulevard in Delmar. She must pay $12,000 to the Maryland Clean Water Fund and perform 75 hours of community service. She will also be on probation for three years, Retired Judge John L. Norton ordered during sentencing in Wicomico County District Court.
"When people willfully and knowingly take steps that harm our environment, we will not tolerate it," Frosh said. "This was an egregious case, and I am glad that justice was served."
Stop Going to the Doctor for 'Checkups'
It's a new year, and perhaps you're thinking about calling your doctor to make an appointment for your annual physical. Don't, writes oncologist Ezekiel J. Emanuel in the New York Times. "From a health perspective, the annual physical exam is basically worthless," he says. Studies have found that routine doctor visits—those that are not related to a specific complaint—don't reduce mortality overall (or from causes like cancer and heart disease), and many experts don't recommend "checkup"-type exams. As Emanuel explains, it's rare for doctors to actually pick up on a previously unknown symptom during a routine physical. And even if they do, out of thousands of people going in for annuals, there are "maybe one or two [who] actually gain a health benefit from an early diagnosis," he writes.
As for the rest, early detection won't make any difference: Regardless of when it's caught, a person with thyroid cancer likely won't die anyway, while a person with esophageal or pancreatic cancer likely won't see his or her life extended. And in some cases, healthy people "are actually hurt by physicals," because they end up with complications or pain from unnecessary further screening. Beyond all this, of course, there's the fact that "the checkups consume billions, although no one is sure exactly how many billions because of the challenge of measuring the additional screenings and follow-up tests." So keep eating healthily and exercising, and get preventive care like flu shots and colonoscopies, but to reduce health-care costs and free up doctors for patients who really need them, skip the annual physical. Click for Emanuel's full column. (Or read about why he doesn't want to live past 75.)
Source
As for the rest, early detection won't make any difference: Regardless of when it's caught, a person with thyroid cancer likely won't die anyway, while a person with esophageal or pancreatic cancer likely won't see his or her life extended. And in some cases, healthy people "are actually hurt by physicals," because they end up with complications or pain from unnecessary further screening. Beyond all this, of course, there's the fact that "the checkups consume billions, although no one is sure exactly how many billions because of the challenge of measuring the additional screenings and follow-up tests." So keep eating healthily and exercising, and get preventive care like flu shots and colonoscopies, but to reduce health-care costs and free up doctors for patients who really need them, skip the annual physical. Click for Emanuel's full column. (Or read about why he doesn't want to live past 75.)
Source
Lost Dog 1-13-15: UPDATE
2015: The War On Our Intuition That Something Is Fundamentally Amiss
What will you accept as real--your intuition that something is deeply amiss in America, or the official propaganda that all is well?
In 1967, the rock group Buffalo Springfield recorded a song titled For What It's Worth which speaks not just to the late 1960s but to the present.
Consider the opening lines:
There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
The ambiguity is not coincidental. When the song was recorded in December 1966, America was in the beginning throes of a full-blown national nervous breakdown that would endure for 15 years until 1981.
The fundamental narratives that had sustained the previous 20 years of apparently limitless prosperity and moral certitude were breaking down.The primary narrative of American foreign policy--that the U.S. defended liberty and always won its foreign wars over evil totalitarianism/ fascism/ colonialism was being destroyed on a daily basis in Vietnam, an intrinsically political (and thus unwinnable by military means) war defending a hopelessly corrupt state created by quasi-colonial Great Powers fiat.
The primary political narrative--that democracy and the rule of law were sacrosanct--were undermined by the Watergate affair a few years later.
In 1967, the rock group Buffalo Springfield recorded a song titled For What It's Worth which speaks not just to the late 1960s but to the present.
Consider the opening lines:
There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
The ambiguity is not coincidental. When the song was recorded in December 1966, America was in the beginning throes of a full-blown national nervous breakdown that would endure for 15 years until 1981.
The fundamental narratives that had sustained the previous 20 years of apparently limitless prosperity and moral certitude were breaking down.The primary narrative of American foreign policy--that the U.S. defended liberty and always won its foreign wars over evil totalitarianism/ fascism/ colonialism was being destroyed on a daily basis in Vietnam, an intrinsically political (and thus unwinnable by military means) war defending a hopelessly corrupt state created by quasi-colonial Great Powers fiat.
The primary political narrative--that democracy and the rule of law were sacrosanct--were undermined by the Watergate affair a few years later.
A Viewer Writes: WBOC Is As Bad As The Daily Times
I found this Breaking News weather report on wboc's site this morning........
I clicked the "more" link and this is what I got.
Weather report from JANUARY 6th! The maps are the same in both pictures.........wonder when they will change this "Breaking News"
I clicked the "more" link and this is what I got.
Weather report from JANUARY 6th! The maps are the same in both pictures.........wonder when they will change this "Breaking News"
NYC Health Officials Warn of Increase in Bronx Cases of Severe, Potentially Deadly Form of Pneumonia
City health officials are warning New Yorkers about an increase in cases of Legionnaire's disease, a potentially deadly form of pneumonia, in the Bronx.
Eleven cases of the disease were reported in the Bronx in December, compared with two in December 2013 and three in December 2012. The 11 cases reported last month represent nearly 20 percent of the total of 61 cases the borough had in all of 2014. Most cases were in the northeast Bronx.
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Eleven cases of the disease were reported in the Bronx in December, compared with two in December 2013 and three in December 2012. The 11 cases reported last month represent nearly 20 percent of the total of 61 cases the borough had in all of 2014. Most cases were in the northeast Bronx.
More
Transgender 'toxic tush doctor', 33, has bond set at $40,000
Oneal Ron Morris, 33, is accused of leaving women ill and disfigured after injecting them with a mixture of toxic substances, including super glue, Fix-A-Flat and cement, at homes across Florida.
In addition to multiple counts of practicing medicine without a license with serious bodily injury, she is also facing a manslaughter charge after one of her 'patients' died following surgery.
The victim, Shatarka Nuby, passed away from acute and chronic respiratory failure reportedly caused by the silicone used in the procedure while serving time in a Tallahassee prison in 2012.
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Former British boxing champion accused of smuggling men ISIS fighters
A former British boxing champion accused of helping two men flee to Syria to fight with Islamic State (ISIS) will stand trial in June.
Anthony Small, 33, who won both the British and Commonwealth championships in 2009, appeared at the Old Bailey alongside four other men today.
Small allegedly helped Michael Coe, 33, and Simon Keeler 43, in their attempt to travel to Syria. Coe and Keeler were arrested at Dover on 30 November.
All three men are charged with preparation, and assisting others in preparation, of acts of terrorism, support of the organisation ISIS and conspiracy to possess false identity documents.
More
Anthony Small, 33, who won both the British and Commonwealth championships in 2009, appeared at the Old Bailey alongside four other men today.
Small allegedly helped Michael Coe, 33, and Simon Keeler 43, in their attempt to travel to Syria. Coe and Keeler were arrested at Dover on 30 November.
All three men are charged with preparation, and assisting others in preparation, of acts of terrorism, support of the organisation ISIS and conspiracy to possess false identity documents.
More
Registration Open for Vinyasa Yoga and Zumba at the Westside Community Center
Salisbury, MD – The Westside Community Center will offer Vinyasa Yoga and Zumba Fitness classes on Tuesday evenings from February 3 – March 10. Yoga begins at 6 p.m. followed by Zumba at 7 p.m. Classes will be led by Megan Hoeffner, Certified Vinyasa Yoga Instructor and Licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor. Adults with all levels of experience are welcome to participate.
Registration for each program is $25 for Westside Community Center members and $40 for non-members. Members registering for both programs will receive a dual enrollment rate of $40. A drop-in rate of $7 per session is also available. For more information or to register, contact CR Krauss at 410-873-2993 or ckrauss@wicomicocounty.org.
Registration for each program is $25 for Westside Community Center members and $40 for non-members. Members registering for both programs will receive a dual enrollment rate of $40. A drop-in rate of $7 per session is also available. For more information or to register, contact CR Krauss at 410-873-2993 or ckrauss@wicomicocounty.org.
The Westside Community Center is located at 21109 Bivalve Lodge Road Bivalve, MD 21814. From Salisbury, take Rt. 50 to Nanticoke Rd., follow for about 15 miles, turn left at the Westside Fire Hall onto Texas Road and then take the first left onto Bivalve Lodge Road. The Community Center will be on the right.
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