Criminal Enforcement Division – Central South Region
Investigators from the Maryland State Police-Central South Region and Homeland Security Investigations team conducted more than 200 criminal investigations, arrested more than 40 people, recovered almost five dozen illegal firearms and closed 94 percent of their cases in a year they say was successful because of outstanding support from citizens, prosecutors, and local and federal law enforcement agencies.
In 2015, Maryland State Police Central South Region criminal investigators and Homeland Security Investigations special agents conducted 215 investigations that resulted in 43 criminal arrests, the recovery of 59 firearms, and the service of 91 search warrants. A large majority of investigations involved either cross-border or cross-jurisdictional criminal activity.
A priority of the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division is to focus on criminals and criminal enterprises that cross county borders or state lines. The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) is committed to working with federal and local law enforcement partners, prosecutors and citizens to apprehend these criminals and bring them to justice. If not for the cooperation from all, the criminals arrested during 2015 may not have been brought to justice.
Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division – Central South Region includes State Police criminal investigators and Homeland Security Investigations special agents who work together to investigate major crimes while ensuring appropriate prosecution occurs at the state or federal levels. They focus their investigative efforts on Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s counties.
The following cases highlight the successful collaborative efforts during 2015, due in part to citizens, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies working together for the victims.
St. Mary’s County
Bank Robbery – (October 15, 2015) Investigators from MSP Criminal Enforcement Division, Central South Region assumed the investigation of a bank robbery that occurred at local bank in Charlotte Hall, St. Mary’s County, Maryland.
Direct communication between law enforcement and citizens provided vital information to developing suspects. Two suspects were identified and after a case review with St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Richard Fritz, an arrest warrant was obtained for one suspect, charging him with: armed robbery, first degree assault, use of firearm in commission of a felony, and theft. The second suspect will be charged at a later time.
With efforts from the Maryland State Apprehension Team (MSAT), Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARTF), police located and arrested the suspect at a Washington D.C. residence. Police from the Metropolitan Police Criminal Investigations Division and MSP-Criminal Enforcement Division served a search warrant at the residence where the suspect was arrested. The suspect was later extradited back to St. Mary’s County and incarcerated. In February 2016, the suspect pled guilty to robbery and is currently waiting sentencing.
Home Invasion – (August 22, 2014) During a lengthy investigation, investigators from Central South Region identified three suspects in a burglary of an occupied residence in the Hollywood area of St. Mary’s County. Investigators learned the suspects entered an occupied residence and stole a laptop and cash. When the suspects observed the homeowner, they fled with the stolen items.
Due to collaborative efforts with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Mary’s County States Attorney’s Office, all suspects were identified and appropriately charged. Each has since pled guilty.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
Reminds Me Of Municipal Attorneys
‘Dogs of DHS’ demonstrate contraband-sniffing prowess at Senate hearing
Canines trained through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Canine Center proved their skill at detecting contraband material at a demonstration Thursday before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Canines trained through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Canine Center proved their skill at detecting contraband material at a demonstration Thursday before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Damian Montes, CBP Director of the Canine Center, located in Front Royal, Virginia, testified before the committee.
At a simulated checkpoint, canine officers and their partners demonstrated to senators how canines are utilized to seek out and find currency, firearms and dangerous agricultural products on passengers.
The CBP Canine Program is headquartered in El Paso, Texas and oversees two training delivery sites in El Paso and Front Royal, Virginia.
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Canines trained through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Canine Center proved their skill at detecting contraband material at a demonstration Thursday before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Damian Montes, CBP Director of the Canine Center, located in Front Royal, Virginia, testified before the committee.
At a simulated checkpoint, canine officers and their partners demonstrated to senators how canines are utilized to seek out and find currency, firearms and dangerous agricultural products on passengers.
The CBP Canine Program is headquartered in El Paso, Texas and oversees two training delivery sites in El Paso and Front Royal, Virginia.
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College Student Gives The PERFECT Reason Voting For Hillary Is A ‘Horrible Idea’
...10 seconds just wasn't long enough.
Hillary Clinton is staying far, far away from CPAC this week, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of people talking about her at the event. It’s safe to say that at the nation’s largest gathering of conservative voters, there aren’t many Clinton supporters.
We decided to ask young CPAC attendees to give us their best 10-second argument against voting for Hillary.
The people we asked had no problem coming up with strong arguments against the former Secretary of State. The first word that came to mind for many was “Benghazi.”
More
Hillary Clinton is staying far, far away from CPAC this week, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of people talking about her at the event. It’s safe to say that at the nation’s largest gathering of conservative voters, there aren’t many Clinton supporters.
We decided to ask young CPAC attendees to give us their best 10-second argument against voting for Hillary.
The people we asked had no problem coming up with strong arguments against the former Secretary of State. The first word that came to mind for many was “Benghazi.”
More
Newt Gingrich Just Revealed Why Trump Was Right To Skip CPAC With 8 Words That Will Surprise Some
"...he’s not part of the club..."
Donald Trump’s decision to skip the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington was an exercise in sound political logic, according to a man who knows something about the subject.
“Why give the anti-Trump activists a target?” tweeted former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who acknowledged that “the votes are in Kansas not Washington.”
Gingrich said Friday that Mitt Romney’s anti-Trump speech typified “the panic of the establishment wing of the Party,” adding that having Trump as a likely nominee “absolutely drives them crazy.”
Source
Donald Trump’s decision to skip the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington was an exercise in sound political logic, according to a man who knows something about the subject.
“Why give the anti-Trump activists a target?” tweeted former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who acknowledged that “the votes are in Kansas not Washington.”
Gingrich said Friday that Mitt Romney’s anti-Trump speech typified “the panic of the establishment wing of the Party,” adding that having Trump as a likely nominee “absolutely drives them crazy.”
Source
DC Mayor’s New Plans For The Homeless Spark Outrage
Plans by officials in Washington, D.C., for new homeless shelters are drawing the ire of residents and local communities who feel they were cut out of a process that lacked transparency.
Mayor Muriel Bowser first discussed her plans to fight homelessness in the Fall, but released her detailed plan to the council Feb. 9. The mayor wants to close D.C. General Hospital, which has functioned as the de facto homeless shelter since the old one’s closing. It’s regularly under criticism for deplorable conditions.
Bowser instead wants to establish eight new homeless facilities with improved services in each of the District’s eight wards.
“What we have all agreed and has been well chronicled by all of you [press] the deficiencies at D.C. General a former hospital that was not meant to properly service families and get them on the pathway to permanent housing,” Bowser said at a press conference February 9. “We think that smaller dignified housing with the appropriate wrap-around services will launch people into sustainable housing.”
More
Mayor Muriel Bowser first discussed her plans to fight homelessness in the Fall, but released her detailed plan to the council Feb. 9. The mayor wants to close D.C. General Hospital, which has functioned as the de facto homeless shelter since the old one’s closing. It’s regularly under criticism for deplorable conditions.
Bowser instead wants to establish eight new homeless facilities with improved services in each of the District’s eight wards.
“What we have all agreed and has been well chronicled by all of you [press] the deficiencies at D.C. General a former hospital that was not meant to properly service families and get them on the pathway to permanent housing,” Bowser said at a press conference February 9. “We think that smaller dignified housing with the appropriate wrap-around services will launch people into sustainable housing.”
More
OCPD Advising Citizens of Recent Utility Phone Scam
The scammer will explain that the victim’s power would be shut off unless a past due balance was paid. Victims are then instructed to buy a Greendot MoneyPak card and add the past due amount onto the card or asked to provide a credit card number.
Citizens are reminded that Delmarva Power will not contact customers about late payments until first notifying the customer by mail. Citizens that receive similar calls are encouraged to hang up, and contact Delmarva Power at the number listed on a recent bill or online at their official website. A representative will be able to confirm if payments are past due.
‘The Cosby Show’ Actor: Why Hasn’t Woody Allen Gotten The Same Treatment?
The 45-year-old actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” said he’s bothered that the show has been taken off the air.
“Because the show was taken off the air, it’s literally taking money out of my pocket,” Warner said during a recent interview. “So I got my own personal feelings about that, because it personally affects me.”
“But even outside of that, you just look at how the media is playing this whole thing out. And I can’t help but think about Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Stephen Collins. It’s very clear, you know, the crimes they’ve committed.”
More
“Because the show was taken off the air, it’s literally taking money out of my pocket,” Warner said during a recent interview. “So I got my own personal feelings about that, because it personally affects me.”
“But even outside of that, you just look at how the media is playing this whole thing out. And I can’t help but think about Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, Stephen Collins. It’s very clear, you know, the crimes they’ve committed.”
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PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TAUGHT TO ‘PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO AN INTERNATIONAL FLAG’
It is widely accepted that American public schools are controlled by liberals.
It seems like every day, we see new examples of American schoolchildren being indoctrinated with left-wing ideas.
This latest example was brought to our attention by a concerned parent.
Kindergarten students from PS75, a public school in New York City, recently took part in a class project in which the children were made to create an American flag with the flags of other 22 other nations superimposed over the stripes. Below the flag read the words “We pledge allegiance to an International Flag.”
Read more
The Shortchanging of the American Military
American soldiers are engaged in combat missions all over the Middle East right now, as special forces take the attack to ISIS and Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan. But under Barack Obama, they're doing it with one hand tied behind their back. As Foxnews notes:
The tip of the spear may be losing its edge.
Navy SEAL teams don't have enough combat rifles to go around, even as these highly trained forces are relied on more than ever to carry out counterterrorism operations and other secretive missions, according to SEALs who have confided in Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif.
After SEALs return from a deployment, their rifles are given to other commandos who are shipping out, said Hunter, a former Marine who served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. This weapons carousel undercuts the "train like you fight" ethos of the U.S. special operations forces, they said.
Hunter said he's been contacted by several SEALs, but he declined to provide further information about the weapons they use in order to protect their identities.
U.S. military officials said they were looking into the issue.
Sharing rifles may seem inconsequential. It's not. The weapons, which are outfitted with telescopic targeting sights and laser pointers, are fine-tuned to individual specifications and become intensely personal pieces of gear.
"They want their rifles," Hunter said. "It's their lifeline. So let them keep their guns until they're assigned desk jobs at the Pentagon."
The Pentagon has an incredibly bloated budget. The government has dumped 1.5 trillion dollars into a fighter jet that doesn't work. That we can't divert some of those resources into properly equipping those most likely to be in harm's way is a national disgrace.
Source: AAN
The tip of the spear may be losing its edge.
Navy SEAL teams don't have enough combat rifles to go around, even as these highly trained forces are relied on more than ever to carry out counterterrorism operations and other secretive missions, according to SEALs who have confided in Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif.
After SEALs return from a deployment, their rifles are given to other commandos who are shipping out, said Hunter, a former Marine who served three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. This weapons carousel undercuts the "train like you fight" ethos of the U.S. special operations forces, they said.
Hunter said he's been contacted by several SEALs, but he declined to provide further information about the weapons they use in order to protect their identities.
U.S. military officials said they were looking into the issue.
Sharing rifles may seem inconsequential. It's not. The weapons, which are outfitted with telescopic targeting sights and laser pointers, are fine-tuned to individual specifications and become intensely personal pieces of gear.
"They want their rifles," Hunter said. "It's their lifeline. So let them keep their guns until they're assigned desk jobs at the Pentagon."
The Pentagon has an incredibly bloated budget. The government has dumped 1.5 trillion dollars into a fighter jet that doesn't work. That we can't divert some of those resources into properly equipping those most likely to be in harm's way is a national disgrace.
Source: AAN
SECRET SERVICE VISITS THE BLAZE STUDIOS FOLLOWING GLENN BECK STABBING COMMENTS
“The stabbing just wouldn’t stop.”
On Friday talk radio host and Blaze founder Glenn Beck told his radio audience that he would repeatedly stab his radio producer, if given the chance.
It was originally reported that Beck was talking about stabbing Trump. But later it was clarified that Glenn was talking to his producer.
“The stabbing just wouldn’t stop.”
More
On Friday talk radio host and Blaze founder Glenn Beck told his radio audience that he would repeatedly stab his radio producer, if given the chance.
It was originally reported that Beck was talking about stabbing Trump. But later it was clarified that Glenn was talking to his producer.
“The stabbing just wouldn’t stop.”
More
HILLARY LAUGHS OFF FBI INVESTIGATION: IT’S A ‘SECURITY REVIEW’
"This is the same security review that has been going on since last spring.”
Friday on CNBC, when Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton was asked if she could get prosecuted as a result of the FBI investigation into her handling of classified material during her tenure as secretary of state, she laughed as she said, “No, not at all. This is the same security review that has been going on since last spring.”
Partial transcript as follows:
HARWOOD: “Let me ask about quickly about email. Your Republican opponents have begun to suggest you could be prosecuted or go to jail as a result of this issue. When the average person out there hears there’s an FBI investigation and some guy who worked for her has gotten immunity from prosecution, shouldn’t they be tempted to conclude maybe she could get prosecuted?
CLINTON: [laughs] “No, not at all. This is the same security review that has been going on since last spring. I’m happy that everybody now has been cooperating and giving information because I think that will finally end this and show that only appropriate steps were taken. I know the Republicans are engaging in a lot of wishful thinking, but this is not something anyone should be worried about.”
More
Friday on CNBC, when Democratic presidential front runner Hillary Clinton was asked if she could get prosecuted as a result of the FBI investigation into her handling of classified material during her tenure as secretary of state, she laughed as she said, “No, not at all. This is the same security review that has been going on since last spring.”
Partial transcript as follows:
HARWOOD: “Let me ask about quickly about email. Your Republican opponents have begun to suggest you could be prosecuted or go to jail as a result of this issue. When the average person out there hears there’s an FBI investigation and some guy who worked for her has gotten immunity from prosecution, shouldn’t they be tempted to conclude maybe she could get prosecuted?
CLINTON: [laughs] “No, not at all. This is the same security review that has been going on since last spring. I’m happy that everybody now has been cooperating and giving information because I think that will finally end this and show that only appropriate steps were taken. I know the Republicans are engaging in a lot of wishful thinking, but this is not something anyone should be worried about.”
More
Perfect explanation of the difference between liberals & conservatives
She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.
One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the addition of more government welfare programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.
Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn’t even have time for a boyfriend, and didn’t really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.
Her father listened and then asked, “How is your friend Audrey doing?”
She replied, “Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She’s always invited to all the parties, and lots of times she doesn’t even show up for classes because she’s too hung over.”
Her wise father asked his daughter, “Why don’t you go to the Dean’s office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA.”
The daughter, visibly shocked by her father’s suggestion, angrily fired back, “That wouldn’t be fair! I have worked really hard for my grades! I’ve invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work!
Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!”
The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, “Welcome to the Republican Party.”
TONY BLAIR: EUROPEANS ANXIOUS ABOUT A TRUMP PRESIDENCY
"The entertainment value is high."
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed concern about the United States’ presidential race on Sunday, saying that European observers are anxious about the prospect of Donald Trump in the White House.
In a radio interview with John Catsimatidis, Blair was asked his opinion on the presidential race and responded by laughing. Catsimatidis asked if he was laughing because of the “entertainment value” of Trump’s candidacy.
“The entertainment value is high, and there is a certain, I have to say, level of anxiety as to what’s happening to America, the most powerful country in the world — it really matters,” Blair responded.
He added that he remains optimistic about the outcome of the campaign.
Read more
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressed concern about the United States’ presidential race on Sunday, saying that European observers are anxious about the prospect of Donald Trump in the White House.
In a radio interview with John Catsimatidis, Blair was asked his opinion on the presidential race and responded by laughing. Catsimatidis asked if he was laughing because of the “entertainment value” of Trump’s candidacy.
“The entertainment value is high, and there is a certain, I have to say, level of anxiety as to what’s happening to America, the most powerful country in the world — it really matters,” Blair responded.
He added that he remains optimistic about the outcome of the campaign.
Read more
Incredible Articles You May Not Have Been Aware Of
China Buys Chicago stock exchange, green slush fund and Ryan's unholy alliance
http://money.cnn.com/2016/02/05/investing/china-buys-chicago-stock-exchange/
http://russia-insider.com/en/america-meet-your-new-owners-chinese-buy-chicago-stock-exchange/ri12685
Green Slush Fund for Oil. Ryan/Obama
http://constitutionrising.com/archives/25730
Commuter train derails in Alameda County, California
SUNOL, Calif. -- At least 14 passengers were injured aboard a commuter train that derailed Monday evening in a rural, unincorporated part of Alameda County in California, according to emergency personnel, reports CBS San Francisco.
The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train No. 10, an eastbound train, derailed near Niles Canyon Road while traveling from San Jose to Stockton, via Fremont.
ACE officials said 214 people were aboard the train.
Steve Walker with ACE tells CBS News that the derailment happened between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m. local time.
Two cars derailed, one of those into a river.
The Alameda County Fire Department, Fremont Fire Department, Cal Fire and the California Highway Patrol are all on scene.
More
The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train No. 10, an eastbound train, derailed near Niles Canyon Road while traveling from San Jose to Stockton, via Fremont.
ACE officials said 214 people were aboard the train.
Steve Walker with ACE tells CBS News that the derailment happened between 7:15 and 7:30 p.m. local time.
Two cars derailed, one of those into a river.
The Alameda County Fire Department, Fremont Fire Department, Cal Fire and the California Highway Patrol are all on scene.
More
SANDERS: ‘WHEN YOU ARE WHITE…YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE POOR’
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)(D-VT) said Sunday night at the CNN debate in Michigan that, “when you are white … you don’t know what it’s like to be poor.”
Sanders was answering a question about racial blind spots when he made the claim.
“When you are white, you don’t know what it’s like to be living in a ghetto, you don’t know what it’s like to be poor, you don’t know what it’s like to be hassled when you are walking down a street or dragged out of a car,” Sanders argues.
“We must be firm in making it clear that we will end institutional racism and reform a broken criminal justice system.”
Source
Sanders was answering a question about racial blind spots when he made the claim.
“When you are white, you don’t know what it’s like to be living in a ghetto, you don’t know what it’s like to be poor, you don’t know what it’s like to be hassled when you are walking down a street or dragged out of a car,” Sanders argues.
“We must be firm in making it clear that we will end institutional racism and reform a broken criminal justice system.”
Source
'Mythbusters' star explains how the cohosts survived 14 seasons without getting along: 'We're not friends'
Possibly the biggest myth the duo has busted is the belief that you can't work with someone you don't get along with.
"[Our relationship has] radically changed, but it's also stayed the same. Jamie and I make no bones about the fact that we're not friends," Savage told Business Insider recently, as the Discovery and Science Channel show approaches its series finale.
"We don't get along very well together on a personal level. In 25 years we've known each other, we've never had dinner alone together. We do not choose to hang out if we don't have to be in proximity, and yet, there's a couple of things that happened, and they're pretty remarkable."
Savage said there are several ways he and his cohost have made it work. Some ways came quite naturally, while others took some work.
Here's how Savage said he and Hyneman survived 14 seasons of "Mythbusters," although they don't get along:
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Microsoft is trying to bring back the '80s with its Windows 10 strategy
Probably the smartest choice Bill Gates ever made came in 1980, when he decided not to hand over the copyright for Microsoft's first operating system to IBM.
In 1980, IBM contracted a startup called Microsoft to deliver DOS, an operating system for its forthcoming IBM PC, on a tight deadline.
The IBM PC came out in 1981 and soon became a smash hit, surpassing the leading Apple II.
A horde of competitors rushed to build their own "IBM Compatible" clones that could run all of the same software and use all of the same hardware upgrades.
But to build those IBM clones, they needed DOS. And if they wanted DOS, they needed to fork over cash to Microsoft. Microsoft kept the rights in lieu of royalties from IBM.
More
In 1980, IBM contracted a startup called Microsoft to deliver DOS, an operating system for its forthcoming IBM PC, on a tight deadline.
The IBM PC came out in 1981 and soon became a smash hit, surpassing the leading Apple II.
A horde of competitors rushed to build their own "IBM Compatible" clones that could run all of the same software and use all of the same hardware upgrades.
But to build those IBM clones, they needed DOS. And if they wanted DOS, they needed to fork over cash to Microsoft. Microsoft kept the rights in lieu of royalties from IBM.
More
California Bill to Restrict Travel Funding to Anti-Gay States
A California lawmaker has proposed a bill banning state employees from using government funds for travel to other states with laws that advocates for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people say discriminate against them.
"No one wants to send employees into an environment where they would be uncomfortable," Democratic Assemblyman Evan Low told The Sacramento Bee.
Lowe's bill would affect administrative travel, not political, and comes shortly after South Dakota's Republican governor vetoed a bill that would have restricted transgender students' access to public schools and locker rooms.
The proposed ban is the first proposed after last year, when Indiana's religious freedom bill prompted Democratic governors from New York, Washington, and Connecticut and several mayors to issue temporary government travel bans. However, the bans were all lifted when
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a revision that banned LGBT discrimination, reports The Washington Post.
More
"No one wants to send employees into an environment where they would be uncomfortable," Democratic Assemblyman Evan Low told The Sacramento Bee.
Lowe's bill would affect administrative travel, not political, and comes shortly after South Dakota's Republican governor vetoed a bill that would have restricted transgender students' access to public schools and locker rooms.
The proposed ban is the first proposed after last year, when Indiana's religious freedom bill prompted Democratic governors from New York, Washington, and Connecticut and several mayors to issue temporary government travel bans. However, the bans were all lifted when
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a revision that banned LGBT discrimination, reports The Washington Post.
More
The Top Ten Mobile Flashlight Applications Are Spying On You. Did You Know?
SnoopWall CEO, Gary Miliefsky, a Founding Member of Department of Homeland Security, Recommends that Everyone with a Mobile Device Should Immediately Delete their Mobile Flashlight Apps
by Gary S. Miliefsky, CEO, SnoopWall – Privacy & Security Expert
October, 2014 marks the beginning of the 11th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (see:http://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/). What better time than now to realize you are being spied on. Why does Brightest Flashlight need to Geolocate you? It doesn’t. For that and other privacy reasons, that’s why the FTC recently sued them. However, the FTC was mostly concerned with their privacy policy. Do you even read the privacy policy of the apps you install? Most people don’t. Here’s the story: http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/04/ftc-approves-final-order-settling-charges-against-flashlight-app
by Gary S. Miliefsky, CEO, SnoopWall – Privacy & Security Expert
October, 2014 marks the beginning of the 11th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (see:http://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/). What better time than now to realize you are being spied on. Why does Brightest Flashlight need to Geolocate you? It doesn’t. For that and other privacy reasons, that’s why the FTC recently sued them. However, the FTC was mostly concerned with their privacy policy. Do you even read the privacy policy of the apps you install? Most people don’t. Here’s the story: http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/04/ftc-approves-final-order-settling-charges-against-flashlight-app
Everyone wants a flashlight app on their phone. Finding your keys, searching for something you lost, looking for the light switch in a hotel room? What a great utility, right? Wrong! The top 10 free flashlight apps in the Google Play store alone account for nearly 1/2 BILLION INSTALLATIONS are all spying on users with an application size ranging from of 1.2 to 5 megabytes. In fact, an optimized flashlight application should only be 72k which is 10-50 times smaller than the smallest one of these apps. So, why so big? The size is significant because there’s a lot more code than necessary embedded in these applications which allows them to eavesdrop on you. Nothing in life is free. These flashlight apps do some very strange things – geolocate you, read your contacts list, read your device storage looking for personal, sensitive pictures and videos, read and write files, check to see what apps are running, look for ways to communicate over the internet (wifi or cellular), get your phone number and so much more that SnoopWall considers all of them well designed MALWARE. All of them!!!
It’s obvious to us at SnoopWall that these applications are designed to expose your personal information to cybercriminals or other nation states (such as China and Russia). In addition, you are at significant risk if you are doing Mobile Banking on the same device as one of these free Flashlight Apps. Our strong recommendation is to uninstall your flashlight app immediately.
For a full copy of SnoopWall’s Flashlight Apps Threat Report, visit http://www.snoopwall.com/threat-reports-09-29-2014/
While the FTC.gov has gone after one of these ten vendors, it seems they are still at it and the other 9, as well. It seems time to ask “where’s the outrage?” – shouldn’t you UNINSTALL your FLASHLIGHT APP today? The answer is yes! You might also want to contact the FTC and tell them you are concerned.
We’ve come up with a list of what we think are best practices for increasing privacy and security on your device without spending any money. This is based on SnoopWall’s counterveillance research for improving your privacy from eavesdroppers and helping you from getting infected with spyware that could cost you your identity. They are:
1) Disable your GPS at all time except in an emergency or when you need to use your smartphone for navigation purposes;
2) Disable your NFC (Near Field Communications) or on Apple devices, iBeacon, permanently (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6048);
3) Disable Bluetooth at all times except when you are in your car, driving, if you want to have hands-free calls, if supported by your car;
4) Verify Apps behavior and privacy risk BEFORE installing – do some research and ask the questions “why does this app need GPS, MICROPHONE, WEBCAM, CONTACTS, etc.?” – most apps don’t need these ports unless they want to invade your privacy. Find an alternative before installing risky Apps;
5) Either put masking tape over your webcam and microphone when not in use or pull the battery out of your smartphone when you are not using it.
Obviously for #1, there’s no need for geolocating you, unless you don’t mind being spied upon by these malicious flashlight apps – or worse – your children’s location being monitored by online predators. Best to keep this hardware port disabled until you really need it.
It’s obvious to us at SnoopWall that these applications are designed to expose your personal information to cybercriminals or other nation states (such as China and Russia). In addition, you are at significant risk if you are doing Mobile Banking on the same device as one of these free Flashlight Apps. Our strong recommendation is to uninstall your flashlight app immediately.
For a full copy of SnoopWall’s Flashlight Apps Threat Report, visit http://www.snoopwall.com/threat-reports-09-29-2014/
While the FTC.gov has gone after one of these ten vendors, it seems they are still at it and the other 9, as well. It seems time to ask “where’s the outrage?” – shouldn’t you UNINSTALL your FLASHLIGHT APP today? The answer is yes! You might also want to contact the FTC and tell them you are concerned.
We’ve come up with a list of what we think are best practices for increasing privacy and security on your device without spending any money. This is based on SnoopWall’s counterveillance research for improving your privacy from eavesdroppers and helping you from getting infected with spyware that could cost you your identity. They are:
1) Disable your GPS at all time except in an emergency or when you need to use your smartphone for navigation purposes;
2) Disable your NFC (Near Field Communications) or on Apple devices, iBeacon, permanently (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6048);
3) Disable Bluetooth at all times except when you are in your car, driving, if you want to have hands-free calls, if supported by your car;
4) Verify Apps behavior and privacy risk BEFORE installing – do some research and ask the questions “why does this app need GPS, MICROPHONE, WEBCAM, CONTACTS, etc.?” – most apps don’t need these ports unless they want to invade your privacy. Find an alternative before installing risky Apps;
5) Either put masking tape over your webcam and microphone when not in use or pull the battery out of your smartphone when you are not using it.
Obviously for #1, there’s no need for geolocating you, unless you don’t mind being spied upon by these malicious flashlight apps – or worse – your children’s location being monitored by online predators. Best to keep this hardware port disabled until you really need it.
Romney: I Made 'Big Impact' on Trump in Saturday Races
Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP presidential nominee, said Sunday he believes his Thursday speech against Donald Trump hurt the 2016 front-runner after he split Saturday's contests with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
"I think I had a big impact," Romney said Sunday on "Meet the Press." "I think a lot of people were surprised by how well Ted Cruz did. He got more delegates than Donald Trump last night. He was ebullient and enthusiastic, and Donald Trump was uncharacteristically low-energy last night. I think he was really surprised."
Trump won in Kentucky and Louisiana, but came in second to Cruz in Kansas and Maine. Maine Gov. Paul LePage endorsed Trump, and the real estate tycoon had been expected to win that state.
Cruz appears to be "emerging right now," Romney said, but added he wouldn't write off Florida Sen. Marco Rubio or Ohio Gov. John Kasich just yet.
"Marco Rubio is very strong in Florida. More recent polls have him within a few points of Donald Trump," he said. "And John Kasich [is] leading in Ohio. So they may be favorite-son candidates or they may emerge down the road being a very strong candidate on their own."
"I think I had a big impact," Romney said Sunday on "Meet the Press." "I think a lot of people were surprised by how well Ted Cruz did. He got more delegates than Donald Trump last night. He was ebullient and enthusiastic, and Donald Trump was uncharacteristically low-energy last night. I think he was really surprised."
Trump won in Kentucky and Louisiana, but came in second to Cruz in Kansas and Maine. Maine Gov. Paul LePage endorsed Trump, and the real estate tycoon had been expected to win that state.
Cruz appears to be "emerging right now," Romney said, but added he wouldn't write off Florida Sen. Marco Rubio or Ohio Gov. John Kasich just yet.
"Marco Rubio is very strong in Florida. More recent polls have him within a few points of Donald Trump," he said. "And John Kasich [is] leading in Ohio. So they may be favorite-son candidates or they may emerge down the road being a very strong candidate on their own."
RINO Establishment Hack Encourages Republicans to Work for Obama
For the most part, Senate Republicans have refused to compromise and move forward whomever President Obama nominates to the Supreme Court. This is due in part to pressure from activists, but it's also highly likely that many in the Senate remember the disgraceful treatment of the Honorable Clarence Thomas, whose nomination was held up by a disgraceful series of lies and racist accusations back when Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden were running things in the Senate.
There's one establishment hack who doesn't seem to remember. Former Senator Trent Lott:
Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) is suggesting that Republicans would have considered President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee if he still led the Senate.
In a new interview, Lott questions current Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) pledge to block Obama’s pick in the Senate.“I probably would've handled it differently,” Lott told former top Obama adviser David Axelrod in an episode of the “The Axe Files” podcast published Monday. “My attitude, particularly on the Supreme Court, was that elections do have consequences, sometimes bad, and I tried to lean towards being supportive of the president's nominees, Democrat or Republican,” added Lott.
The Mississippi Republican, who led the Senate from 1996 to 2001, said he tended to support nominees who “were qualified by education, experience and demeanor and had no other side problem.”
Lott voted to confirm Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was nominated by President Bill Clinton. But he voted against Clinton’s other nominee to the high court, Stephen Breyer.
McConnell has come under withering criticism from Democrats for his handling of the vacancy left by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Add Lott to the long list of establishment hacks who are always willing to compromise with Democrats who are NEVER willing to compromise with Republicans. In the meantime, please use our petition platform to reach out to your members and tell them that you won't accept a liberal nominee to the Supreme Court.
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There's one establishment hack who doesn't seem to remember. Former Senator Trent Lott:
Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) is suggesting that Republicans would have considered President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee if he still led the Senate.
In a new interview, Lott questions current Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) pledge to block Obama’s pick in the Senate.“I probably would've handled it differently,” Lott told former top Obama adviser David Axelrod in an episode of the “The Axe Files” podcast published Monday. “My attitude, particularly on the Supreme Court, was that elections do have consequences, sometimes bad, and I tried to lean towards being supportive of the president's nominees, Democrat or Republican,” added Lott.
The Mississippi Republican, who led the Senate from 1996 to 2001, said he tended to support nominees who “were qualified by education, experience and demeanor and had no other side problem.”
Lott voted to confirm Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was nominated by President Bill Clinton. But he voted against Clinton’s other nominee to the high court, Stephen Breyer.
McConnell has come under withering criticism from Democrats for his handling of the vacancy left by the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Add Lott to the long list of establishment hacks who are always willing to compromise with Democrats who are NEVER willing to compromise with Republicans. In the meantime, please use our petition platform to reach out to your members and tell them that you won't accept a liberal nominee to the Supreme Court.
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Food Stamp Reform In SC: About Time
BABY STEPS TOWARD WELFARE REFORM …
This website has repeatedly called on South Carolina leaders to adopt modest food stamp reforms that have proven successful at reducing dependency in other states. In fact we reiterated our call less than three weeks ago.
South Carolina finally listened …
Thanks to pressure applied by state lawmakers – notably S.C. Rep. Chris Corley of Aiken (who filed this bill back in December) – the administration of governor Nikki Haley is at long last imposing a work requirement on able-bodied food stamp recipients between the ages of 18 and 50.
It’s about time …
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This website has repeatedly called on South Carolina leaders to adopt modest food stamp reforms that have proven successful at reducing dependency in other states. In fact we reiterated our call less than three weeks ago.
South Carolina finally listened …
Thanks to pressure applied by state lawmakers – notably S.C. Rep. Chris Corley of Aiken (who filed this bill back in December) – the administration of governor Nikki Haley is at long last imposing a work requirement on able-bodied food stamp recipients between the ages of 18 and 50.
It’s about time …
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What's Hillary Hiding?
During last night's debate, Bernie Sanders renewed his call for Hillary Clinton to release the transcripts of her six figure speeches to Goldman Sachs execs. Clinton deflected. As the Washington Examiner notes:
Once again, Clinton was pressed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, a vocal critic of the speeches, to release the transcripts, saying that if she was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a speech of this kind "it must be a great speech."
"One of us has a super PAC. One of us has raised $15 million from Wall Street for that super PAC. One of us has given speeches on Wall Street for hundreds of thousands of dollars," Sanders told host Anderson Cooper. "Now, I kind of think if you get paid a couple hundred thousand dollars for a speech, it must be a great speech. I think we should release it and let the American people see what that transcript was."
The former secretary of state told her opponent that she'll be "happy" to do so when everyone else does, Republicans and Democrats alike. She also pushed back and pointed to her ability to "stand up" to Wall Street, pressing that she told the firms in 2008 that they were "wrecking the economy."
"And I have said and I will say again, I will be happy to release anything I have as long as everybody else does too," Clinton said. "What really is behind that question — Republicans and Democrats — is whether I can stand up to Wall Street. Well let's have some facts instead of rhetoric for a change."
Once again, Clinton was pressed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, a vocal critic of the speeches, to release the transcripts, saying that if she was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for a speech of this kind "it must be a great speech."
"One of us has a super PAC. One of us has raised $15 million from Wall Street for that super PAC. One of us has given speeches on Wall Street for hundreds of thousands of dollars," Sanders told host Anderson Cooper. "Now, I kind of think if you get paid a couple hundred thousand dollars for a speech, it must be a great speech. I think we should release it and let the American people see what that transcript was."
The former secretary of state told her opponent that she'll be "happy" to do so when everyone else does, Republicans and Democrats alike. She also pushed back and pointed to her ability to "stand up" to Wall Street, pressing that she told the firms in 2008 that they were "wrecking the economy."
"And I have said and I will say again, I will be happy to release anything I have as long as everybody else does too," Clinton said. "What really is behind that question — Republicans and Democrats — is whether I can stand up to Wall Street. Well let's have some facts instead of rhetoric for a change."
17 Disappearing Middle Class Jobs
The U.S. job market is expected to grow by about 7% over the next decade. At that rate, roughly 10 million more Americans will be employed by 2024.
However, these new jobs are not likely to be created evenly across all occupations and industries. The nation’s middle class has been shrinking at what some call an alarming rate, and even as the nation’s job market is expected to grow, demand for many mid- to low-skilled, primarily middle class positions is expected to rapidly decline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a loss of hundreds of thousands of such jobs in the coming years due to outsourcing and the development of new technology.
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However, these new jobs are not likely to be created evenly across all occupations and industries. The nation’s middle class has been shrinking at what some call an alarming rate, and even as the nation’s job market is expected to grow, demand for many mid- to low-skilled, primarily middle class positions is expected to rapidly decline. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a loss of hundreds of thousands of such jobs in the coming years due to outsourcing and the development of new technology.
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Why blocking Trump nomination’s would be unfair
Helen Delich Bentley, a Republican from Maryland, was a member of the House of Representatives from 1985 to 1995.
Britain’s Conservative Party is moving to restrict the ability of the unelected aristocratic House of Lords to block the will of the British people as expressed through their elected representatives in the House of Commons. What an interesting idea, that every citizen’s vote should have the same weight, and one man should not have, in essence, more votes and greater say because some ancient king put a gold coronet on his ancestor’s head to reward him for his military service in a battle centuries before.
It is thus ironic that while the Tories are going in one direction in Britain, certain self-proclaimed leaders of the Republican establishment in the United States are moving in the exact opposite one and are seeking to use arcane convention rules and the funds of shadowy billionaires, promised in smoke-filled backrooms, to deny the 2016 Republican presidential nomination to Donald Trump, who, after the dust has settled from Super Tuesday, has almost certainly earned it.
The depth and breadth of Trump’s successes in the first 15 states to vote have been, well, to quote Trump himself, huge. Nine of his 10 victories were by wide margins. And where he has not won, he has generally been close behind the winner. He has shown dominance in states in the South, in New England, in the Mid-Atlantic and in the West, making him the only candidate to show strength outside his home turf and with a national campaign. He has won with evangelical Christian voters in the South and Hispanic voters in the West. And perhaps most important, he is bringing out hundreds of thousands of new voters, nearly quadrupling the Republican primary turnout in Virginia from just four years ago.
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Britain’s Conservative Party is moving to restrict the ability of the unelected aristocratic House of Lords to block the will of the British people as expressed through their elected representatives in the House of Commons. What an interesting idea, that every citizen’s vote should have the same weight, and one man should not have, in essence, more votes and greater say because some ancient king put a gold coronet on his ancestor’s head to reward him for his military service in a battle centuries before.
It is thus ironic that while the Tories are going in one direction in Britain, certain self-proclaimed leaders of the Republican establishment in the United States are moving in the exact opposite one and are seeking to use arcane convention rules and the funds of shadowy billionaires, promised in smoke-filled backrooms, to deny the 2016 Republican presidential nomination to Donald Trump, who, after the dust has settled from Super Tuesday, has almost certainly earned it.
The depth and breadth of Trump’s successes in the first 15 states to vote have been, well, to quote Trump himself, huge. Nine of his 10 victories were by wide margins. And where he has not won, he has generally been close behind the winner. He has shown dominance in states in the South, in New England, in the Mid-Atlantic and in the West, making him the only candidate to show strength outside his home turf and with a national campaign. He has won with evangelical Christian voters in the South and Hispanic voters in the West. And perhaps most important, he is bringing out hundreds of thousands of new voters, nearly quadrupling the Republican primary turnout in Virginia from just four years ago.
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Iran Sentences Billionaire Businessman To Death For Corruption
An Iranian court has sentenced billionaire businessman Babak Zanjani to death on corruption charges, according to Iranian state media.
Zanjani is an oil trader who has been blacklisted by the West for years on charges that he helped Iran evade oil sanctions.
"He was arrested in December 2013, after newly-elected President Hassan Rouhani called for a crackdown on elites who took advantage of economic sanctions for their own profit," NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.
"Iran's judiciary says an Islamic court convicted Zinjani and two associates of 'spreading corruption on earth,' a crime that carries the death penalty in Iran. He was accused of fraudulently amassing more than $2 billion, and is also ordered to pay restitution," Peter says, noting that Zanjani could still appeal the verdict.
Zanjani's wealth has been estimated at $14 billion, The Associated Press reports, and Iran's Oil Ministry says the businessman owes more than $2.25 billion for oil sales he made on behalf of the Iranian government.
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Zanjani is an oil trader who has been blacklisted by the West for years on charges that he helped Iran evade oil sanctions.
"He was arrested in December 2013, after newly-elected President Hassan Rouhani called for a crackdown on elites who took advantage of economic sanctions for their own profit," NPR's Peter Kenyon reports.
"Iran's judiciary says an Islamic court convicted Zinjani and two associates of 'spreading corruption on earth,' a crime that carries the death penalty in Iran. He was accused of fraudulently amassing more than $2 billion, and is also ordered to pay restitution," Peter says, noting that Zanjani could still appeal the verdict.
Zanjani's wealth has been estimated at $14 billion, The Associated Press reports, and Iran's Oil Ministry says the businessman owes more than $2.25 billion for oil sales he made on behalf of the Iranian government.
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Reporter Who Called Minn. County 'Absolute Worst Place To Live' Is Moving There
First, Christopher Ingraham called the people of Red Lake County, Minn., residents of "the absolute worst place to live in America."
Then the data journalist at The Washington Post called them "thin-skinned."
Now he's going to be calling them something else: Neighbor.
The story of his change of heart — brought to our attention by Bob Collins of Minnesota Public Radio — starts last August, when Ingraham reported on a USDA ranking of the "natural amenities" of every community in the United States.
California and Colorado did great. The Great Lakes region ranked abysmally. And Red Lake County was, well, at the very bottom.
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Then the data journalist at The Washington Post called them "thin-skinned."
Now he's going to be calling them something else: Neighbor.
The story of his change of heart — brought to our attention by Bob Collins of Minnesota Public Radio — starts last August, when Ingraham reported on a USDA ranking of the "natural amenities" of every community in the United States.
California and Colorado did great. The Great Lakes region ranked abysmally. And Red Lake County was, well, at the very bottom.
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EPA, IRS Officials Awarded Amid Scandals
The EPA and the IRS are poster children when it comes to government corruption. The first not only contaminated a river in Colorado and then downplayed the breach, it also ignored the tainted water situation in Flint, Michigan. And the latter intentionally targeted conservative groups.
Those are pretty serious allegations that might have led to criminal charges. But none of that stopped the National Academy of Public Administration from awarding William Ruckelshaus and John Koskinen, a respective former and current official with the EPA and IRS, from garnering admiration at, shall we say, a very inopportune time. According to Government Executive:
“One is a living hero from the Watergate scandal who in 1970 became the first administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The other is a veteran of the 1990s Office of Management and Budget who is under constant political fire as the current commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Both William Ruckelshaus and John Koskinen on Tuesday night were awarded the Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service by the National Academy of Public Administration… The prestigious award … comes with $25,000 cash, at least half of which is earmarked to a charity of the recipient’s choice.”
Perhaps the charity can go to the Navajo Nation, the residents of Flint, Michigan, or the Tea Party groups that were denied tax-exempt status. (Fat chance.)
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Those are pretty serious allegations that might have led to criminal charges. But none of that stopped the National Academy of Public Administration from awarding William Ruckelshaus and John Koskinen, a respective former and current official with the EPA and IRS, from garnering admiration at, shall we say, a very inopportune time. According to Government Executive:
“One is a living hero from the Watergate scandal who in 1970 became the first administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The other is a veteran of the 1990s Office of Management and Budget who is under constant political fire as the current commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Both William Ruckelshaus and John Koskinen on Tuesday night were awarded the Elliot L. Richardson Prize for Excellence in Public Service by the National Academy of Public Administration… The prestigious award … comes with $25,000 cash, at least half of which is earmarked to a charity of the recipient’s choice.”
Perhaps the charity can go to the Navajo Nation, the residents of Flint, Michigan, or the Tea Party groups that were denied tax-exempt status. (Fat chance.)
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Monday, March 07, 2016
Roberts Undermines Last Year's Rebuke of EPA
It’s become a stretch to call Chief Justice John Roberts a conservative justice, or even a consistent one. On Thursday, Roberts rejected a plea by the State of Michigan and 20 other states to block the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s new air pollution rules.
The states reasoned that the EPA should be blocked from enforcing regulations on power plants because the Supreme Court ruled last June in Michigan v. EPA that the rule was illegal. In that original ruling, the late Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority, “[The] EPA strayed well beyond the bounds of reasonable interpretation in concluding that cost is not a factor relevant to the appropriateness of regulating power plants.”
But despite those strong words issued less than a year ago, Roberts denied the states' petition.
More here
The states reasoned that the EPA should be blocked from enforcing regulations on power plants because the Supreme Court ruled last June in Michigan v. EPA that the rule was illegal. In that original ruling, the late Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority, “[The] EPA strayed well beyond the bounds of reasonable interpretation in concluding that cost is not a factor relevant to the appropriateness of regulating power plants.”
But despite those strong words issued less than a year ago, Roberts denied the states' petition.
More here
Ryan: Obama ‘Not Ready’ to Say ISIS is Committing Crimes Against Humanity – ‘We Are'
(CNSNews.com) - Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) praised the Foreign Affairs Committee for passing a resolution declaring that ISIS/ISIL is committing genocide.
“In Syria and Iraq Christians are being executed. Churches and holy sites are being destroyed. Children are being enslaved. The Obama administration is still not ready to say that ISIS and the Assad regime are committing crimes against humanity. We are,” Ryan said at a press conference Thursday.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a bipartisan resolution Wednesday declaring actions perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS/ISIL) “constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.”
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“In Syria and Iraq Christians are being executed. Churches and holy sites are being destroyed. Children are being enslaved. The Obama administration is still not ready to say that ISIS and the Assad regime are committing crimes against humanity. We are,” Ryan said at a press conference Thursday.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a bipartisan resolution Wednesday declaring actions perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS/ISIL) “constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.”
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Alaska Senate bans Planned Parenthood from schools
JUNEAU, Alaska – The Alaska Senate officially approved legislation today to ban abortion service providers from teaching sex education in schools, and the measure now moves to the state House.
Sen. Mike Dunleavy introduced Senate Bill 89 to make it a requirement for schools to obtain parents’ permission to educate their children about sex, and give parents the explicit authority to opt their children out of sex ed lessons, standardized testing or other programs, KDLG reports.
Language in the bill also prevents public schools from using educational materials or support from abortion service providers like Planned Parenthood, which instructs over 2,000 students in Alaska each year, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii spokesman Erik Houser told the Associated Press.
The bill passed the Senate on Friday in an 11-7 vote, which was reaffirmed in a 12-7 vote Monday, according to the AP.
Planned Parenthood, meanwhile, seems to be hinting at a potential legal challenge.
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Sen. Mike Dunleavy introduced Senate Bill 89 to make it a requirement for schools to obtain parents’ permission to educate their children about sex, and give parents the explicit authority to opt their children out of sex ed lessons, standardized testing or other programs, KDLG reports.
Language in the bill also prevents public schools from using educational materials or support from abortion service providers like Planned Parenthood, which instructs over 2,000 students in Alaska each year, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii spokesman Erik Houser told the Associated Press.
The bill passed the Senate on Friday in an 11-7 vote, which was reaffirmed in a 12-7 vote Monday, according to the AP.
Planned Parenthood, meanwhile, seems to be hinting at a potential legal challenge.
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House Oversight Committee endorses Obama’s pick for OPM chief
The top lawmakers in the House Oversight Committee asked the Senate Thursday to approve Beth Cobert, President Obama’s pick for director of the Office of Personnel Management.
Chairman Jason Chaffetz, Utah Republican, and ranking member Elijah Cummings, Maryland Democrat, said in a letter to Senate leaders this week that they approve of the president’s decision to have Ms. Cobert run the OPM, the federal office that manages civil services for the U.S. government.
“She is a qualified and competent choice to manage OPM, which is in need of strong leadership, and we urge the Senate to approve her nomination swiftly,” the committee members wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, and Minority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat.
Ms. Cobert was appointed as acting director of the OPM in July when the head of the agency, Katherine Archuleta, resigned amid revelations that hackers had compromised more than 20 million personal records of past and current government workers during her tenure.
Mr. Obama nominated Ms. Cobert as the full-time replacement in November, and her interim performance has been praised by OPM Inspector General Patrick McFarland.
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Chairman Jason Chaffetz, Utah Republican, and ranking member Elijah Cummings, Maryland Democrat, said in a letter to Senate leaders this week that they approve of the president’s decision to have Ms. Cobert run the OPM, the federal office that manages civil services for the U.S. government.
“She is a qualified and competent choice to manage OPM, which is in need of strong leadership, and we urge the Senate to approve her nomination swiftly,” the committee members wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Republican, and Minority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat.
Ms. Cobert was appointed as acting director of the OPM in July when the head of the agency, Katherine Archuleta, resigned amid revelations that hackers had compromised more than 20 million personal records of past and current government workers during her tenure.
Mr. Obama nominated Ms. Cobert as the full-time replacement in November, and her interim performance has been praised by OPM Inspector General Patrick McFarland.
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Cruz Sells Yoga Mats Urging Trump to 'Breathe'
US Republican presidential candidates have found a rare moment of levity in yoga, but don't expect to see them practicing their stretches together anytime soon.
Voters can, however, buy a yoga mat from Ted Cruz.
Cruz tweeted Friday that his campaign website was selling the mats, following a Thursday debate between the four remaining Republican candidates, in which yoga took center stage.
During the forum, Cruz tore into rival Donald Trump admonishing him to calm down and "breathe, breathe, breathe."
"I am Ted," Trump shot back, as Cruz taunted him again: "You can do it. You can breathe. I know it's hard."
The "Cruz 2016 'Breathe' yoga mat," as the item is called online, is available alongside caps, coffee mugs and baby clothes for sale on the Texas senator's campaign website.
It is emblazoned with the words "Cruz" and "2016."
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Voters can, however, buy a yoga mat from Ted Cruz.
Cruz tweeted Friday that his campaign website was selling the mats, following a Thursday debate between the four remaining Republican candidates, in which yoga took center stage.
During the forum, Cruz tore into rival Donald Trump admonishing him to calm down and "breathe, breathe, breathe."
"I am Ted," Trump shot back, as Cruz taunted him again: "You can do it. You can breathe. I know it's hard."
The "Cruz 2016 'Breathe' yoga mat," as the item is called online, is available alongside caps, coffee mugs and baby clothes for sale on the Texas senator's campaign website.
It is emblazoned with the words "Cruz" and "2016."
More
US Sending B-52 Bombers to ISIS Fight
The B-52 Stratofortress will start its first bombing campaign against ISIS in April, the Air Force Times reports. It's not clear how many B-52s or airmen will be involved.
Officials say the aircraft will replace nuclear-capable B-1 Lancers hitting ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria.
The Lancers returned to home bases in the U.S. in January.
More here
Cruz: Media Sitting on Bombshells About Donald Trump
Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) said on Sunday that the media is sitting on explosive negative information about front-runner Donald Trump with plans to run it later in the year to tear the candidate apart.
"I think an awful lot of reporters — I can't tell you how many media outlets I hear, you know, have this great exposé on Donald, on different aspects of his business dealings or his past, but they said, 'You know what? We're going to hold it to June or July,'" Cruz said on CBS's "Face The Nation" Sunday.
"We're not going to run it now."
Cruz said the media has given the front-runner "hundreds of millions of dollars of free advertising." Every press conference Trump has is shown on every television station, he said, noting the media helped create this "phenomenon."
"And all of the attacks on Donald that the media is not talking about now, you'd better believe come September, October, November — if he were the nominee — every day on the nightly news would be taking Donald apart," he said.
Cruz called out the media, saying one of the reasons they want Trump to be the eventual nominee is because they know he can't beat Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.
More here
"I think an awful lot of reporters — I can't tell you how many media outlets I hear, you know, have this great exposé on Donald, on different aspects of his business dealings or his past, but they said, 'You know what? We're going to hold it to June or July,'" Cruz said on CBS's "Face The Nation" Sunday.
"We're not going to run it now."
Cruz said the media has given the front-runner "hundreds of millions of dollars of free advertising." Every press conference Trump has is shown on every television station, he said, noting the media helped create this "phenomenon."
"And all of the attacks on Donald that the media is not talking about now, you'd better believe come September, October, November — if he were the nominee — every day on the nightly news would be taking Donald apart," he said.
Cruz called out the media, saying one of the reasons they want Trump to be the eventual nominee is because they know he can't beat Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton.
More here
The Dangerous Connection Between the Middle East and Mexican Smugglers
Months after six Middle Eastern men who entered the U.S. illegally through Mexico were arrested in Arizona state authorities have uncovered an extensive money trail between the Middle East and Mexico. This includes more than a dozen wire transfers sent from the Middle East to known Mexican smugglers in at least two different regions of the Latin American nation, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
A report issued by the AG exposes the disturbing money trail between Mexico and terrorist nations in the Middle East as well as evidence of smuggling routes tying the region to America’s southern border. An excerpt of the AG’s findings was obtained by a local media outlet that published it this week. It states that the Mexican city of Tapachula, a known human smuggling hub located near the Guatemalan border in the state of Chiapas, was the top destination of Middle Eastern money transfers. Nogales, which is situated adjacent to the Arizona border, is the second destination, the investigation found. “Agents conducted a comprehensive geographic analysis of possible terrorist related transactions and/or money transfers involving human smuggling networks,” the state report says.
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Inside Aaron Schock’s fundraising: The Marco Rubio connection
A federal grand jury in Springfield investigating former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., is exploring his relationships with his very best donors.
And one example of the way Schock used his deep Illinois donor base to raise money and expand his influence was a lavish fundraiser in central Illinois last Aug. 19, marketed as “Aaron Schock’s Summer Sit Down 2014.”
The event’s “special guest” was Sen. Marco Rubio, the Florida Republican who launched his presidential bid in April.
Rubio will be in Chicago on Tuesday for his first major Illinois fundraiser since announcing his White House run; it takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club.
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And one example of the way Schock used his deep Illinois donor base to raise money and expand his influence was a lavish fundraiser in central Illinois last Aug. 19, marketed as “Aaron Schock’s Summer Sit Down 2014.”
The event’s “special guest” was Sen. Marco Rubio, the Florida Republican who launched his presidential bid in April.
Rubio will be in Chicago on Tuesday for his first major Illinois fundraiser since announcing his White House run; it takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the Union League Club.
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Marco Rubio’s Ties to Sketchy Businesses, Drug Dealing and Ponzi Schemes
How Marco Rubio took $50,000 and voted to deregulate a sleazey businessman who cashed in on cocaine and AIDS
The GOP has been on a crazy bender for more than half a century, but even many party officials can see that Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are too unhinged for the American people to swallow. Hence, Marco Rubio — who’s no genius but can appear on TV without terrifying a majority of the civilian population — was thrust forward in Iowa by GOP puppeteers as a last-gasp effort to save the party from flat out lunacy.
And it worked. Mr. Rubio finished third in Iowa with 23 percent of the vote, thereby prompting an outpouring of support from Wall Street. He was poised for takeoff in New Hampshire, but to his handlers’ horror he repeated his lines at a key debate like a terrified Bar Mitzvah boy practicing in front of the mirror before tripping on the stage stairs, and was mercilessly pillaged by then-candidate Chris Christie, who said, “There it is everybody. The 25-second memorized speech.”
But Mr. Rubio rebounded in South Carolina and came in second in Nevada, and at this point he’s pretty much the last of the chip-implanted Manchurian Candidates that the GOP establishment can use in their quest to derail Trump.There are just a few small problems.
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The GOP has been on a crazy bender for more than half a century, but even many party officials can see that Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are too unhinged for the American people to swallow. Hence, Marco Rubio — who’s no genius but can appear on TV without terrifying a majority of the civilian population — was thrust forward in Iowa by GOP puppeteers as a last-gasp effort to save the party from flat out lunacy.
And it worked. Mr. Rubio finished third in Iowa with 23 percent of the vote, thereby prompting an outpouring of support from Wall Street. He was poised for takeoff in New Hampshire, but to his handlers’ horror he repeated his lines at a key debate like a terrified Bar Mitzvah boy practicing in front of the mirror before tripping on the stage stairs, and was mercilessly pillaged by then-candidate Chris Christie, who said, “There it is everybody. The 25-second memorized speech.”
But Mr. Rubio rebounded in South Carolina and came in second in Nevada, and at this point he’s pretty much the last of the chip-implanted Manchurian Candidates that the GOP establishment can use in their quest to derail Trump.There are just a few small problems.
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BREAKING: Billionaire Announces He's Ending His Presidential Bid
I’ve always been drawn to impossible challenges, and none today is greater or more important than ending the partisan war in Washington and making government work for the American people -- not lobbyists and campaign donors. Bringing about this change will require electing leaders who are more focused on getting results than winning re-election, who have experience building small businesses and creating jobs, who know how to balance budgets and manage large organizations, who aren’t beholden to special interests -- and who are honest with the public at every turn. I’m flattered that some think I could provide this kind of leadership.
But when I look at the data, it’s clear to me that if I entered the race, I could not win. I believe I could win a number of diverse states -- but not enough to win the 270 Electoral College votes necessary to win the presidency.
In a three-way race, it’s unlikely any candidate would win a majority of electoral votes, and then the power to choose the president would be taken out of the hands of the American people and thrown to Congress. The fact is, even if I were to receive the most popular votes and the most electoral votes, victory would be highly unlikely, because most members of Congress would vote for their party’s nominee. Party loyalists in Congress -- not the American people or the Electoral College -- would determine the next president.
Source: AAN
Obituary for George Chevallier Jr.
George was a graduate of Goldey Beacom Business College and a past president of the Wicomico County Historical Society. He worked for over 28 years and retired in 2003 as a Purchasing Agent for Nanticoke Seafood. He was best known as the foremost historian for Salisbury.
He is survived by 2 sons, Michael Chevallier and his fiancée Dana Messick of Tyaskin, and Jason Chevallier of Salisbury; a step-son, Christopher Helms and his family of Bivalve; 2 granddaughters, Lillian and Olivia Chevallier; a sister, Barbara Bailey of Salisbury; and several nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury.
The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care and support given to Mr. Chevallier by Julia Chevallier, Ashley Lynch and Mary Perry.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, PA, 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. Please GO HERE to express condolences to the family.
Rush on Trump
Conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh said Sunday that there's a "much bigger upside than downside" in the Republican presidential candidacy of real estate developer Donald Trump."I think with the case of Trump, there’s a much bigger upside than downside," said Limbaugh while appearing on "Fox News Sunday."Limbaugh also said he believes that the divide between the Republican establishment and conservatives is “longer, broader, wider than I have ever seen it."
But Limbaugh said that despite its divisions, he thinks the Republican Party will eventually settle on a nominee who will be better than the Democratic candidate, regardless of whether it isHillary Clinton or Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Source: AAN
Indiana Becomes 6th State to Call for Article V Convention of States
(CNSNews.com) -- Indiana became the sixth state to pass a resolution calling for an Article V Convention of States to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution that rein-in federal power.
Senate Joint Resolution 14, which was passed by the Indiana Senate on February 26, easily cleared the Indiana House Monday on a 61-36 vote.
The resolution is “limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints of the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.”
"We just passed $19 trillion in debt at the federal government level," said Indiana state Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle), who sponsored the bill. "It's time for us to get control of our federal government."
In accordance with Article V, Indiana’s application will remain open until the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the states (34) pass similar or identical legislation.
So far, five other states – Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee – have passed Article V resolutions.
They were introduced in 37 states during the current session and have passed in at least one legislative chamber in Arizona, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia, Mark Meckler, a leader of the Convention of States Project, told CNSNews.com on Tuesday.
More here
Senate Joint Resolution 14, which was passed by the Indiana Senate on February 26, easily cleared the Indiana House Monday on a 61-36 vote.
The resolution is “limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints of the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.”
"We just passed $19 trillion in debt at the federal government level," said Indiana state Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle), who sponsored the bill. "It's time for us to get control of our federal government."
In accordance with Article V, Indiana’s application will remain open until the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the states (34) pass similar or identical legislation.
So far, five other states – Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee – have passed Article V resolutions.
They were introduced in 37 states during the current session and have passed in at least one legislative chamber in Arizona, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia, Mark Meckler, a leader of the Convention of States Project, told CNSNews.com on Tuesday.
More here
The Establishment is AFRAID of Ted Cruz because he’s REALLY conservative! – Rush Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh joined Chris Wallace to talk about the results of Cruz’s big Super Saturday election night.
Watch below:
Chris Wallace challenged Limbaugh on comparing Cruz to Reagan saying that he was more eager to “smooth around the edges” and bring in people. He also opined that Marco Rubio just doesn’t have a path to victory and says that it’s a result of the perception that he went into Congress on the Tea Party wave and betrayed the cause with the “Gang of Eight” attempt to implement a form of amnesty.
This is not the full interview – we’ll have it posted when it’s available, so go take a nap and then come back.
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Watch below:
Chris Wallace challenged Limbaugh on comparing Cruz to Reagan saying that he was more eager to “smooth around the edges” and bring in people. He also opined that Marco Rubio just doesn’t have a path to victory and says that it’s a result of the perception that he went into Congress on the Tea Party wave and betrayed the cause with the “Gang of Eight” attempt to implement a form of amnesty.
This is not the full interview – we’ll have it posted when it’s available, so go take a nap and then come back.
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US Admiral Proposes 4-Nation Effort to Safeguard Freedom of Navigation in Asian Waters
For the second time in ten days, a senior U.S. official has raised the prospect of joint U.S.-India naval patrols in a region where China’s expanding territorial and military ambitions have raised tensions, and this time the top U.S. military commander in the Pacific suggested widening the proposed cooperation to include Japan and Australia as well.
Addressing a geopolitics forum in New Delhi, U.S. Pacific Command chief Adm. Harry Harris referred Wednesday to “quadrilateral” U.S.-India-Japan-Australia cooperation. A strategic dialogue initiative involving the four countries caused waves with Beijing when first attempted during the Bush administration in 2007.
Harris recalled that India, Japan and Australia last year held a first, high-level, three-way dialogue, which addressed topics including maritime security and “freedom of navigation patrols.”
“An idea to consider is perhaps expanding this trilateral to a quadrilateral venue between India-Japan-Australia and the United States,” he said. “We are all united in supporting the international rules-based order that has kept the peace and is essential to all of us.”
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Addressing a geopolitics forum in New Delhi, U.S. Pacific Command chief Adm. Harry Harris referred Wednesday to “quadrilateral” U.S.-India-Japan-Australia cooperation. A strategic dialogue initiative involving the four countries caused waves with Beijing when first attempted during the Bush administration in 2007.
Harris recalled that India, Japan and Australia last year held a first, high-level, three-way dialogue, which addressed topics including maritime security and “freedom of navigation patrols.”
“An idea to consider is perhaps expanding this trilateral to a quadrilateral venue between India-Japan-Australia and the United States,” he said. “We are all united in supporting the international rules-based order that has kept the peace and is essential to all of us.”
More
Ben Carson to Lead National Christian Voter Campaign
Ben Carson, who this week backed out of Thursday night's GOP debate after saying he did not see a "political path forward" following his low Super Tuesday primary results, will on Friday announce he's taking a new path forward as National Chairman of My Faith Votes, an organization formed to get out the Christian vote.
"Nothing is more important to me than my personal faith, and it is my faith that motivated me to be involved in the political process to begin with," Carson said in a statement on Friday, just hours before he was to take the stage at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C.
However, while Carson stepped back from his campaign on Wednesday, he has not officially announced its end, but that announcement will likely come in his CPAC address.
During his address, Carson is to announce his new role and his leadership in a movement that hopes to motivate the 25 million American Christian registered voters who did not cast ballots in the 2012 election to vote this year.
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"Nothing is more important to me than my personal faith, and it is my faith that motivated me to be involved in the political process to begin with," Carson said in a statement on Friday, just hours before he was to take the stage at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C.
However, while Carson stepped back from his campaign on Wednesday, he has not officially announced its end, but that announcement will likely come in his CPAC address.
During his address, Carson is to announce his new role and his leadership in a movement that hopes to motivate the 25 million American Christian registered voters who did not cast ballots in the 2012 election to vote this year.
More
Subject: Trump Taps Something That's Long Been Ignored
If Super Tuesday proved anything, it’s that a large number of American voters will, indeed, pull the lever for Donald Trump — and for valid reasons. No, we haven’t suddenly jumped on the Trump Train (and don’t expect us to any time soon), but it’s clear Trump has found a trigger point among many voters. And he’s hitting it with incredible consistency.
“My market is the people in the country who want to see America be great again,” Trump explained. “It’s very simple. That’s a lot of people. That’s not broken down by age, or race or anything.”
While it’s all too easy to judge Trump supporters by the candidate they follow, Trumpmania’s real appeal goes much deeper than political theater — and it’s worth understanding.
As much as we despise politics via class stratification, that’s where we must begin. For it’s working-class Americans — blue-collar, lacking political power and without friends in high places — who believe they have at last found an ally, an advocate, a voice in the man who proudly claimed to “love the poorly educated.”
In an astute explanation of “Trump’s America,” Charles Murray of the American Enterprise Institute writes of “the emergence of a new upper class and a new lower class and … the plight of the working class caught in between.” Populating the new upper class are the elites — politicians, professors, cultural icons, business moguls. They shape policy, wield power, and are heard simply by nature of their status.
The new lower class includes those “who have dropped out of some of the most basic institutions of American civic culture, especially work and marriage.”
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“My market is the people in the country who want to see America be great again,” Trump explained. “It’s very simple. That’s a lot of people. That’s not broken down by age, or race or anything.”
While it’s all too easy to judge Trump supporters by the candidate they follow, Trumpmania’s real appeal goes much deeper than political theater — and it’s worth understanding.
As much as we despise politics via class stratification, that’s where we must begin. For it’s working-class Americans — blue-collar, lacking political power and without friends in high places — who believe they have at last found an ally, an advocate, a voice in the man who proudly claimed to “love the poorly educated.”
In an astute explanation of “Trump’s America,” Charles Murray of the American Enterprise Institute writes of “the emergence of a new upper class and a new lower class and … the plight of the working class caught in between.” Populating the new upper class are the elites — politicians, professors, cultural icons, business moguls. They shape policy, wield power, and are heard simply by nature of their status.
The new lower class includes those “who have dropped out of some of the most basic institutions of American civic culture, especially work and marriage.”
More
Marco Rubio haunted by allegations over Florida 'slush fund' and spending
As speaker of state House of Representatives, 2016 White House hopeful was accused of using conservative action committee dollars for private expenditure
It is an episode that Marco Rubio had hoped was long forgotten – a federal investigation and top-to-toe examination of the Florida GOP’s financial trickery at the end of the last decade that saw the state’s party chairman jailed for grand theft and money laundering and another senior Republican facing corruption charges.
Rubio, who was speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2007 to 2009, emerged unscathed as agents from the US attorney’s office, Internal Revenue Service, FBI and the Florida department of law enforcement examined a number of senior party figures.
But now that he is running for president, and enjoying a popularity surge that placed him top of the crowded field of Republican White House hopefuls in last week’s CNN/ORC poll, questions over Rubio’s fiscal propriety appear to be coming back to haunt his campaign. Opponents will seize on his misuse of a party-issued credit card, and separate accusations that he treated hundreds of thousands of dollars in political donations to two conservative action committees he established before he became speaker as a personal slush fund.
More
It is an episode that Marco Rubio had hoped was long forgotten – a federal investigation and top-to-toe examination of the Florida GOP’s financial trickery at the end of the last decade that saw the state’s party chairman jailed for grand theft and money laundering and another senior Republican facing corruption charges.
Rubio, who was speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 2007 to 2009, emerged unscathed as agents from the US attorney’s office, Internal Revenue Service, FBI and the Florida department of law enforcement examined a number of senior party figures.
But now that he is running for president, and enjoying a popularity surge that placed him top of the crowded field of Republican White House hopefuls in last week’s CNN/ORC poll, questions over Rubio’s fiscal propriety appear to be coming back to haunt his campaign. Opponents will seize on his misuse of a party-issued credit card, and separate accusations that he treated hundreds of thousands of dollars in political donations to two conservative action committees he established before he became speaker as a personal slush fund.
More
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