Congressman-elect Allen West (R-Fla.) said he plans to join the Congressional Black Caucus next year.
West, one of two black Republicans elected to Congress in Tuesday's election, said he plans to join the Democratic-dominated bloc, to challenge, in West word's, the CBC's "monolithic voice."
"I plan on joining, I'm not gonna ask for permission or whatever, I'm gonna find out when they meet and I will be a member of the Congressional Black Caucus... I think I meet all of the criteria and it's so important that we break down this 'monolithic voice' that continues to talk about victimization and dependency in the black community," West said on WOR radio.
Congressman-elect Tim Scott (S.C.), the other African American Republican candidate elected Tuesday, has not decided whether or not to join the caucus, according to the New York Times. More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Pelosi Move Says Democrats Intend To Fight the GOP, Not Cut Deals
Speaker Nancy Pelosi's aim to remain the leader of House Democrats is an indication the party is ready to go to war with Republicans in the next Congress, not cut deals across the aisle.
The California Democrat is a radioactive figure in many districts across the country, where Republicans parlayed her unpopularity to pick up seats in Tuesday's landslide elections. But she's also a master at energizing the Democratic base, and her liberal resolve, some Democrats say, will draw much sharper distinctions between the two parties than that of more conservative members who might otherwise assume the leadership spot.
"The lesson [of the elections] is not to back down from a fight," Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. "The lesson learned is we need to fight harder for real, fundamental change for the middle-class. And no one fights harder than Nancy Pelosi."
Put another way: "She's in a better position to throw the bombs back at Republicans," a former House Democratic aide said tersely. "I mean, who's the better person to make John Boehner look crazy? It's Pelosi."
Before Friday's surprise announcement that Pelosi will run for minority leader, Rep. Steny Hoyer, the current No. 2, was widely seen as heir apparent to head the party. The Maryland Democrat is known, in the words of one Democratic strategist, as "a dealmaker, a tactician" — someone who "makes the trains run on time."
But making deals with the newly empowered Republicans isn't high on the priority list of liberal Democrats, who suddenly find themselves with a much louder voice following Tuesday's decimation of the conservative-leaning Blue Dogs, who tended to gravitate toward Hoyer.
Pelosi — a master vote-counter — and her liberal allies spent the latter part of the week taking the temperature of the Democratic caucus on questions of leadership. Her decision to throw her name into the ring is indication enough that the responses were favorable.
It's also a signal that many Democrats consider Tuesday's midterm drubbing to be unrelated either to the controversial Speaker or the major legislative victories she won in recent years, including passage of healthcare and Wall Street reform.
More
The California Democrat is a radioactive figure in many districts across the country, where Republicans parlayed her unpopularity to pick up seats in Tuesday's landslide elections. But she's also a master at energizing the Democratic base, and her liberal resolve, some Democrats say, will draw much sharper distinctions between the two parties than that of more conservative members who might otherwise assume the leadership spot.
"The lesson [of the elections] is not to back down from a fight," Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. "The lesson learned is we need to fight harder for real, fundamental change for the middle-class. And no one fights harder than Nancy Pelosi."
Put another way: "She's in a better position to throw the bombs back at Republicans," a former House Democratic aide said tersely. "I mean, who's the better person to make John Boehner look crazy? It's Pelosi."
Before Friday's surprise announcement that Pelosi will run for minority leader, Rep. Steny Hoyer, the current No. 2, was widely seen as heir apparent to head the party. The Maryland Democrat is known, in the words of one Democratic strategist, as "a dealmaker, a tactician" — someone who "makes the trains run on time."
But making deals with the newly empowered Republicans isn't high on the priority list of liberal Democrats, who suddenly find themselves with a much louder voice following Tuesday's decimation of the conservative-leaning Blue Dogs, who tended to gravitate toward Hoyer.
Pelosi — a master vote-counter — and her liberal allies spent the latter part of the week taking the temperature of the Democratic caucus on questions of leadership. Her decision to throw her name into the ring is indication enough that the responses were favorable.
It's also a signal that many Democrats consider Tuesday's midterm drubbing to be unrelated either to the controversial Speaker or the major legislative victories she won in recent years, including passage of healthcare and Wall Street reform.
More
Terror Expert: War With Iran More Likely To Happen
Results of the midterm elections make a war with Iran more likely, says Michael Scheuer, a counterterrorism expert who spent more than 20 years working for the CIA. But America isn't prepared for such a confrontation, thanks to President Barack Obama.
“On Iran, there’s no difference between Democrats and Republicans,” he tells Newsmax.TV. “They’re very comfortable with the idea that a foreign leader like [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu can take 300 million Americans to war whenever he wants.”
In Scheuer’s view, “The election was a disaster in terms of increasing the chances of another war that we don’t have the resources to fight, and we won’t have the will to win.”
Scheuer, author of the book “Imperial Hubris,” takes Obama to task for saying the country can handle another 9/11 attack. “It’s a foolish comment of a man who is only moderately talented in terms of international affairs,” he says.
“Given the disastrous state of our economy, I’m not so sure we could handle all the effects of an attack.”
But Scheuer doesn’t think the Republican takeover of the House will improve anti-terrorism efforts. “I don’t think there’s any real difference between Obama and his party and the Republicans,” he says.
“They’re still fighting an enemy that doesn’t exist, an enemy they believe is attacking us because we have elections, women in the work place, because we drink beer and watch R-rated movies.”So what’s the real situation?
“On Iran, there’s no difference between Democrats and Republicans,” he tells Newsmax.TV. “They’re very comfortable with the idea that a foreign leader like [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu can take 300 million Americans to war whenever he wants.”
In Scheuer’s view, “The election was a disaster in terms of increasing the chances of another war that we don’t have the resources to fight, and we won’t have the will to win.”
Scheuer, author of the book “Imperial Hubris,” takes Obama to task for saying the country can handle another 9/11 attack. “It’s a foolish comment of a man who is only moderately talented in terms of international affairs,” he says.
“Given the disastrous state of our economy, I’m not so sure we could handle all the effects of an attack.”
But Scheuer doesn’t think the Republican takeover of the House will improve anti-terrorism efforts. “I don’t think there’s any real difference between Obama and his party and the Republicans,” he says.
“They’re still fighting an enemy that doesn’t exist, an enemy they believe is attacking us because we have elections, women in the work place, because we drink beer and watch R-rated movies.”So what’s the real situation?
Blacks Struggle With 72 Percent Unwed Mothers Rate
One recent day at Dr. Natalie Carroll's OB-GYN practice, located inside a low-income apartment complex tucked between a gas station and a freeway, 12 pregnant black women come for consultations. Some bring their children or their mothers. Only one brings a husband.
Things move slowly here. Women sit shoulder-to-shoulder in the narrow waiting room, sometimes for more than an hour. Carroll does not rush her mothers in and out. She wants her babies born as healthy as possible, so Carroll spends time talking to the mothers about how they should care for themselves, what she expects them to do — and why they need to get married.
Seventy-two percent of black babies are born to unmarried mothers today, according to government statistics. This number is inseparable from the work of Carroll, an obstetrician who has dedicated her 40-year career to helping black women.
"The girls don't think they have to get married. I tell them children deserve a mama and a daddy. They really do," Carroll says from behind the desk of her office, which has cushioned pink-and-green armchairs, bars on the windows, and a wooden "LOVE" carving between two African figurines. Diamonds circle Carroll's ring finger.
As the issue of black unwed parenthood inches into public discourse, Carroll is among the few speaking boldly about it. And as a black woman who has brought thousands of babies into the world, who has sacrificed income to serve Houston's poor, Carroll is among the few whom black women will actually listen to.
"A mama can't give it all. And neither can a daddy, not by themselves," Carroll says. "Part of the reason is because you can only give that which you have. A mother cannot give all that a man can give. A truly involved father figure offers more fullness to a child's life."
Statistics show just what that fullness means. Children of unmarried mothers of any race are more likely to perform poorly in school, go to prison, use drugs, be poor as adults, and have their own children out of wedlock.
The black community's 72 percent rate eclipses that of most other groups: 17 percent of Asians, 29 percent of whites, 53 percent of Hispanics and 66 percent of Native Americans were born to unwed mothers in 2008, the most recent year for which government figures are available. The rate for the overall U.S. population was 41 percent.
This issue entered the public consciousness in 1965, when a now famous government report by future senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan described a "tangle of pathology" among blacks that fed a 24 percent black "illegitimacy" rate. The white rate then was 4 percent.
Many accused Moynihan, who was white, of "blaming the victim:" of saying that black behavior, not racism, was the main cause of black problems. That dynamic persists. Most talk about the 72 percent has come from conservative circles; when influential blacks like Bill Cosby have spoken out about it, they have been all but shouted down by liberals saying that a lack of equal education and opportunity are the true root of the problem.
Even in black churches, "nobody talks about it," Carroll says. "It's like some big secret." But there are signs of change, of discussion and debate within and outside the black community on how to address the growing problem.
Research has increased into links between behavior and poverty, scholars say. Historically black Hampton University recently launched a National Center on African American Marriages and Parenting. There is a Marry Your Baby Daddy Day, founded by a black woman who was left at the altar, and a Black Marriage Day, which aims "to make healthy marriages the norm rather than the exception."
In September, Princeton University and the liberal Brookings Institution released a collection of "Fragile Families" reports on unwed parents. And an online movement called "No Wedding No Womb" ignited a fierce debate that included strong opposition from many black women.
"There are a lot of sides to this," Carroll says. "Part of our community has lost its way."
There are simple arguments for why so many black women have children without marriage. Read on>>
Things move slowly here. Women sit shoulder-to-shoulder in the narrow waiting room, sometimes for more than an hour. Carroll does not rush her mothers in and out. She wants her babies born as healthy as possible, so Carroll spends time talking to the mothers about how they should care for themselves, what she expects them to do — and why they need to get married.
Seventy-two percent of black babies are born to unmarried mothers today, according to government statistics. This number is inseparable from the work of Carroll, an obstetrician who has dedicated her 40-year career to helping black women.
"The girls don't think they have to get married. I tell them children deserve a mama and a daddy. They really do," Carroll says from behind the desk of her office, which has cushioned pink-and-green armchairs, bars on the windows, and a wooden "LOVE" carving between two African figurines. Diamonds circle Carroll's ring finger.
As the issue of black unwed parenthood inches into public discourse, Carroll is among the few speaking boldly about it. And as a black woman who has brought thousands of babies into the world, who has sacrificed income to serve Houston's poor, Carroll is among the few whom black women will actually listen to.
"A mama can't give it all. And neither can a daddy, not by themselves," Carroll says. "Part of the reason is because you can only give that which you have. A mother cannot give all that a man can give. A truly involved father figure offers more fullness to a child's life."
Statistics show just what that fullness means. Children of unmarried mothers of any race are more likely to perform poorly in school, go to prison, use drugs, be poor as adults, and have their own children out of wedlock.
The black community's 72 percent rate eclipses that of most other groups: 17 percent of Asians, 29 percent of whites, 53 percent of Hispanics and 66 percent of Native Americans were born to unwed mothers in 2008, the most recent year for which government figures are available. The rate for the overall U.S. population was 41 percent.
This issue entered the public consciousness in 1965, when a now famous government report by future senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan described a "tangle of pathology" among blacks that fed a 24 percent black "illegitimacy" rate. The white rate then was 4 percent.
Many accused Moynihan, who was white, of "blaming the victim:" of saying that black behavior, not racism, was the main cause of black problems. That dynamic persists. Most talk about the 72 percent has come from conservative circles; when influential blacks like Bill Cosby have spoken out about it, they have been all but shouted down by liberals saying that a lack of equal education and opportunity are the true root of the problem.
Even in black churches, "nobody talks about it," Carroll says. "It's like some big secret." But there are signs of change, of discussion and debate within and outside the black community on how to address the growing problem.
Research has increased into links between behavior and poverty, scholars say. Historically black Hampton University recently launched a National Center on African American Marriages and Parenting. There is a Marry Your Baby Daddy Day, founded by a black woman who was left at the altar, and a Black Marriage Day, which aims "to make healthy marriages the norm rather than the exception."
In September, Princeton University and the liberal Brookings Institution released a collection of "Fragile Families" reports on unwed parents. And an online movement called "No Wedding No Womb" ignited a fierce debate that included strong opposition from many black women.
"There are a lot of sides to this," Carroll says. "Part of our community has lost its way."
There are simple arguments for why so many black women have children without marriage. Read on>>
Is Your Laptop Cooking Your Testicles?
Scientists warn of sterility concerns after testing temperatures of nether regions
Whoever invented the 'laptop' probably didn't worry too much about male reproductive health.
Turns out that sitting with a computer on your lap will crank up the temperature of your nether regions, which could affect sperm quality.
And there is little you can do about it, according to the authors of a study out today in the journal Fertility and Sterility, short of putting your laptop on a desk.
The researchers hooked thermometers to the scrotums of 29 young men who were balancing a laptop on their knees. They found that even with a lap pad under the computer, the men's scrotums overheated quickly.
"Millions and millions of men are using laptops now, especially those in the reproductive age range," said Dr. Yefim Sheynkin, a urologist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, who led the new study.
"Within 10 or 15 minutes their scrotal temperature is already above what we consider safe, but they don't feel it," he added.
GO HERE to read more.
GOP To Attack Health Care Law 'Piece By Piece'
WASHINGTON — As they seek to make good on their campaign promise to roll back President Obama’s health care overhaul, the incoming Republican leaders in the House say they intend to use their new muscle to cut off money for the law, setting up a series of partisan clashes and testing Democratic commitment to the legislation.
Republicans, who will control the House starting in January but will remain in the minority in the Senate, acknowledge that they do not have the votes for their ultimate goal of repealing the health law, the most polarizing of Mr. Obama’s signature initiatives.
But they said they hoped to use the power of the purse to challenge main elements of the law, forcing Democrats — especially those in the Senate who will be up for re-election in 2012 — into a series of votes to defend it.
GO HERE to read more.
Ehrlich: Few Regrets After Loss To O'Malley
BALTIMORE - Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich says he has very few regrets about his unsuccessful campaign for governor.
Ehrlich called in to the WBAL-AM radio show hosted by his wife, Kendel, on Saturday, just days after he lost his rematch with Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley by 14 percentage points. Ehrlich said he knew this year's election would be challenging for any Republican. But while he was not happy with the result, Ehrlich says there are few decisions he would not have made.
The Republican did not discuss an investigation of an Ehrlich political operative because of a robocall sent before polls closed on Election Day. The call said O'Malley had already won so his supporters could "relax" and stay home.
Source
Ehrlich called in to the WBAL-AM radio show hosted by his wife, Kendel, on Saturday, just days after he lost his rematch with Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley by 14 percentage points. Ehrlich said he knew this year's election would be challenging for any Republican. But while he was not happy with the result, Ehrlich says there are few decisions he would not have made.
The Republican did not discuss an investigation of an Ehrlich political operative because of a robocall sent before polls closed on Election Day. The call said O'Malley had already won so his supporters could "relax" and stay home.
Source
From The Desk Of T. Boone Pickens
Army-It's been an active week, to say the least. The 2010 midterm elections are all but finished, and tens of millions of Americans across the nation did their civic duty by voting.
People cast their votes based upon personal decisions - political ideology, certain policy issues and other matters that are important to their daily lives. According to the various exit polls and election experts, the strength of our nation's economy and national security were among the issues of greatest importance to America's voters.
That means our continued and growing reliance on foreign oil is at the top of the issues list - because it cuts across these two, and many other, issues that Americans are concerned about. Every day we spend $1 billion on imported oil - money that should be cycling through our economy is being sent to other economies and bankrolling many of this nation's enemies.
And the price of oil - and the money we spend to buy it - keeps climbing. This week oil prices hit a six-month high, rising to $85 per barrel, the highest price since May 3. Last December, I predicted $85 per barrel oil by the end of 2010 - we got there two months early.
We dug ourselves into this hole. And we can dig ourselves out - if we act now.
The day after the election, President Barack Obama talked about the need for our elected officials from both sides of the aisle to find common ground. The first such policy area he talked about was energy, in general, and natural gas, specifically. The president said:
"I don't think there's anybody in America who thinks that we've got an energy policy that works the way it needs to, that thinks that we shouldn't be working on energy independence. And that gives opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to come together and think about - you know, whether it's natural gas or energy efficiency or how we can build electric cars in this country - how do we move forward on that agenda."
He's absolutely right. Fortunately, many Members of Congress from both political parties have supported policies to get off OPEC oil and onto American resources like natural gas over the past two years. They've been cosponsors of the NAT GAS Act or integrated elements of its policies into other pieces of legislation. They know that our continued reliance on foreign oil presents a national and economic security issue for our nation and continue to work together to get this important legislative process over the finish line.
We can get this done this year if Congress finishes what it started when it returns later this month.
I have a saying that applies in this situation: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is today.
We can't turn back the clock. But we, supported by our elected officials, can start fixing the problem today.
It can only happen if we have the strength and courage to act now - because we can't afford to wait any longer.
-Boone
CANADIAN PREDICTION - OBAMA WILL RESIGN
I Told You So - Yes I Did By Howard Galganov
Montreal, Quebec , Canada
When Obama won the Presidency with the help of the LEFTIST Media,Hollywood And Entertainment Liberals, Ethnic Socialists (ACORN), Stupid Non-Business Professionals and Bush Haters, I wrote: It won't take six months until the People figure this guy out and realize how horrible a mistake they've made.. And when they come to that realization, the damage to the United States of America will be so great it will take a generation or more to repair - IF EVER.
The IDIOTS who not only voted for the Messiah, but also worked [hard] to promote his Lordship, are now left holding the bag.
Here are two things they will NEVER do: They will NEVER admit to making a Blunder out of all proportion by electing a snake-oil salesman with no Positive social history or management experience of any kind They will NEVER take responsibility for the curse they've imposed upon the immediate and long-term future of their country.
In essence, the people responsible for putting this horror show in power are themselves responsible for every cataclysmic decision he makes and the Consequences thereof.
In just six months, the Messiah's polls are showing the following:
1. On Healthcare Reform - He's going under for the third time with polling well Under 50 percent, even within his own Party. Even though he might be able to Muscle a Healthcare Reform Bill by using Chicago BULLY tactics against his Fellow Democrats, it will just make things worse. 2. On Cap and Trade (Cap and Tax) - The Fat-Lady is already singing. 3. On the Stimulus Package (Tax and Spend) - His popularity is in FREE-FALL. 4. On the TARP package he took and ran with from President Bush - It's all but Good-Night Irene. 5. On the closing of GITMO and "HIS" war on what he no longer wants called the War On Terrorism - He's standing in quicksand with his head just about to go under. 6. On a Comparison between himself and George W. Bush at the same six months into Their Respective first term Presidencies - Bush is ahead of him in the Polls. 7. On a comparison between He Who Walks On Water and the 12 preceding Presidents between WW II and now - Obama ranks 10th. 8. On a Poll just Conducted, that asks who would you vote for today between Obama and Mitt Romney - It's a dead heat. Between Obama and Palin - Obama's ONLY ahead by 8 Points and she hasn't even begun to campaign. It seems to me that Obama Wants to be everywhere where he shouldn't be.
He's personally invested in 'totally insulting' America 's ONLY REAL Middle Eastern ally ( Israel ) in favor of Palestinian Despots and Murderers. He's traveling the world apologizing for the USA while lecturing others on how to do it right, when in fact and truth he has no experience at doing anything other than getting elected.
He went to the Muslim world in Egypt to declare that America IS NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION while he heaped praises on Islam, where he compared the "plight" of the Palestinians to the Holocaust.
The Russians think he's a putz, The French think he's rude.
Who knows, maybe he really isn't a BORN US Citizen and that's a way the Democrats will be able to get rid of him. [He is a citizen, but not a naturalized citizen with both mother and father being US citizens.]
Or - MORE LIKELY THAN NOT, the Democrats will make Obama THEIR OWN LAME DUCK PRESIDENT.
I don't believe the Democrats have nearly as much love for their country as they do for their own political fortunes. And with Obama, their fortunes are rapidly becoming toast.
Montreal, Quebec , Canada
When Obama won the Presidency with the help of the LEFTIST Media,Hollywood And Entertainment Liberals, Ethnic Socialists (ACORN), Stupid Non-Business Professionals and Bush Haters, I wrote: It won't take six months until the People figure this guy out and realize how horrible a mistake they've made.. And when they come to that realization, the damage to the United States of America will be so great it will take a generation or more to repair - IF EVER.
The IDIOTS who not only voted for the Messiah, but also worked [hard] to promote his Lordship, are now left holding the bag.
Here are two things they will NEVER do: They will NEVER admit to making a Blunder out of all proportion by electing a snake-oil salesman with no Positive social history or management experience of any kind They will NEVER take responsibility for the curse they've imposed upon the immediate and long-term future of their country.
In essence, the people responsible for putting this horror show in power are themselves responsible for every cataclysmic decision he makes and the Consequences thereof.
In just six months, the Messiah's polls are showing the following:
1. On Healthcare Reform - He's going under for the third time with polling well Under 50 percent, even within his own Party. Even though he might be able to Muscle a Healthcare Reform Bill by using Chicago BULLY tactics against his Fellow Democrats, it will just make things worse. 2. On Cap and Trade (Cap and Tax) - The Fat-Lady is already singing. 3. On the Stimulus Package (Tax and Spend) - His popularity is in FREE-FALL. 4. On the TARP package he took and ran with from President Bush - It's all but Good-Night Irene. 5. On the closing of GITMO and "HIS" war on what he no longer wants called the War On Terrorism - He's standing in quicksand with his head just about to go under. 6. On a Comparison between himself and George W. Bush at the same six months into Their Respective first term Presidencies - Bush is ahead of him in the Polls. 7. On a comparison between He Who Walks On Water and the 12 preceding Presidents between WW II and now - Obama ranks 10th. 8. On a Poll just Conducted, that asks who would you vote for today between Obama and Mitt Romney - It's a dead heat. Between Obama and Palin - Obama's ONLY ahead by 8 Points and she hasn't even begun to campaign. It seems to me that Obama Wants to be everywhere where he shouldn't be.
He's personally invested in 'totally insulting' America 's ONLY REAL Middle Eastern ally ( Israel ) in favor of Palestinian Despots and Murderers. He's traveling the world apologizing for the USA while lecturing others on how to do it right, when in fact and truth he has no experience at doing anything other than getting elected.
He went to the Muslim world in Egypt to declare that America IS NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION while he heaped praises on Islam, where he compared the "plight" of the Palestinians to the Holocaust.
The Russians think he's a putz, The French think he's rude.
The Germans want him to stop spending.
The Indians want him to get his nose out of their environmental business.
The North Koreans think he's a joke, The Iranians won't acknowledge his calls.
And the British can't even come up with a comprehensive opinion of him.
As for the Chinese, he's too frightened to even glance their way. [After All, China now owns a large portion of the United States .]
Maybe if America 's first Emperor would stay home more, travel less, and work a little bit instead of being on television just about every day or stop running to "papered" Town Hall Meetings, perhaps he would have a little bit of time to do the work of the nation.
In all fairness, it wasn't HARD to be RIGHT in my prediction concerning Obama's presidency, even in its first six months, so I'm going to make yet another prediction:
OBAMA WILL PROBABLY NOT FINISH HIS 4-YEAR TERM, at least not in a Conventional way.
He is such a political HORROR SHOW, and so detrimental to the USA and his Own Democratic Party, that the Democrats themselves will either FORCE him to Resign or figure out a way to have him thrown out.
The Indians want him to get his nose out of their environmental business.
The North Koreans think he's a joke, The Iranians won't acknowledge his calls.
And the British can't even come up with a comprehensive opinion of him.
As for the Chinese, he's too frightened to even glance their way. [After All, China now owns a large portion of the United States .]
Maybe if America 's first Emperor would stay home more, travel less, and work a little bit instead of being on television just about every day or stop running to "papered" Town Hall Meetings, perhaps he would have a little bit of time to do the work of the nation.
In all fairness, it wasn't HARD to be RIGHT in my prediction concerning Obama's presidency, even in its first six months, so I'm going to make yet another prediction:
OBAMA WILL PROBABLY NOT FINISH HIS 4-YEAR TERM, at least not in a Conventional way.
He is such a political HORROR SHOW, and so detrimental to the USA and his Own Democratic Party, that the Democrats themselves will either FORCE him to Resign or figure out a way to have him thrown out.
Who knows, maybe he really isn't a BORN US Citizen and that's a way the Democrats will be able to get rid of him. [He is a citizen, but not a naturalized citizen with both mother and father being US citizens.]
Or - MORE LIKELY THAN NOT, the Democrats will make Obama THEIR OWN LAME DUCK PRESIDENT.
I don't believe the Democrats have nearly as much love for their country as they do for their own political fortunes. And with Obama, their fortunes are rapidly becoming toast.
Maryland Democrats Respond To Ehrlich Campaign's Election Night Tricks
Annapolis, MD- The Baltimore Sun today reported that the robo calls recieved statewide on election night telling voters to 'stay home' and not vote have been linked to a paid Bob Ehrlich operative.
In response to this report, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Susan Turnbull made the following statement:
"It is deeply troubling that an operative working for Bob Ehrlich's campaign was responsible for this shameful and illegal attempt to deceive Maryland voters. We hope the Ehrlich campaign will fully disclose their role in this unfortunate episode and cooperate fully with any ongoing investigations in the matter. The right to vote is precious in a democracy and anyone who attempts to deny that right to citizens should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."This is not the first time that Bob Ehrlich has been responsible for attempts to suppress voters.
In the 2002 Governor’s race, Bob Ehrlich’s campaign distributed a brochure at African American voting precincts that included a picture of Mr. Ehrlich, Congressman Elijah Cummings and other notable African American leaders - along with the caption: “Democrats for Ehrlich.” That assertion was not true.
In 2006, Bob Ehrlich’s campaign for Governor bused homeless people from Philadelphia on Election Day to distribute fliers designed to trick African American Democratic voters into voting for him by falsely suggesting that Ehrlich was backed by prominent African American Democratic leaders.
In 2006, Bob Ehrlich’s campaign for Governor bused homeless people from Philadelphia on Election Day to distribute fliers designed to trick African American Democratic voters into voting for him by falsely suggesting that Ehrlich was backed by prominent African American Democratic leaders.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Conservative Republican Latina Wins N. M. Governor’s Office With Strict Stand On Illegal Immigration
In a state that is more than 40 percent Hispanic, Martinez took 54 percent of the vote on Tuesday, beating her Democratic opponent, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, by eight points. She was endorsed by Sarah Palin.
Martinez will replace Democrat Governor Bill Richardson, who is nearing the end of his two-term limit. She will be the first female Hispanic governor in U.S. history.
Martinez, a prosecutor in a county that borders Mexico, made her stance against illegal immigration one of the most visible parts of her platform. New Mexico shares 180 miles of border with America’s southern neighbor.
“While it is critical to preserve the rule of law and take reasonable steps to secure our border, we must also never forget that we are a nation of immigrants,” Martinez’ campaign Web site said.
“We must enhance our security systems along the border and prosecute those who violate our laws, but we must do so while recognizing that legal immigrants who follow the rules and come to America seeking to improve their lives, and the lives of their family, strengthen our nation.”
More here
Give Young People Option To Get Out of Social Security, Says Former BB&T CEO
John Allison, the former chairman and CEO of BB&T, the nation’s 10th largest bank, told CNSNews.com that one of the solutions to the long-term fiscal problem facing the U.S. government is to let younger people opt out of the Social Security system.
"What we need to do is get rid of the long-term program,” Allison said of Social Security in an “Online With Terry Jeffrey” interview. "And the way to do that, even though it may create some short-term funding problems, would be to offer people privatized programs for retirement and effectively offer people under a certain age the option to get out of Social Security.”
Allison said he believed Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R.-Wis.) proposal to allow workers to put part of their payroll tax in a personal retirement account that they would convert into an annuity when they reached retirement age was a good practical solution for Congress to pursue on Social Security, but that personally he would like to see people entirely liberated from the entitlement program, letting them plan and save for their retirement free of government compulsion.
"You know, if you look at what killed democracies in the end, it’s always lack of personal responsibility,” said Allison. “And it’s when 51 percent of the people find out they can vote a free lunch from 49 percent, and then 60 percent want a free lunch from 40 percent, and then 70 percent want a free lunch from 30 percent, and that’s the end of the party.
"All of this dependency on the federal government ends up attacking and almost punishing personal responsibility,” said Allison. “And America was built on the idea of individuals that are personally responsible and, therefore, have a personal right to control their own lives. And that’s what’s been under attack.”
Allison became president of BB&T in 1987 and was elected chairman in 1989. He remained CEO through 2008. He is now distinguished professor of practice at the Wake Forest University Schools of Business.
Read the interview here
"What we need to do is get rid of the long-term program,” Allison said of Social Security in an “Online With Terry Jeffrey” interview. "And the way to do that, even though it may create some short-term funding problems, would be to offer people privatized programs for retirement and effectively offer people under a certain age the option to get out of Social Security.”
Allison said he believed Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R.-Wis.) proposal to allow workers to put part of their payroll tax in a personal retirement account that they would convert into an annuity when they reached retirement age was a good practical solution for Congress to pursue on Social Security, but that personally he would like to see people entirely liberated from the entitlement program, letting them plan and save for their retirement free of government compulsion.
"You know, if you look at what killed democracies in the end, it’s always lack of personal responsibility,” said Allison. “And it’s when 51 percent of the people find out they can vote a free lunch from 49 percent, and then 60 percent want a free lunch from 40 percent, and then 70 percent want a free lunch from 30 percent, and that’s the end of the party.
"All of this dependency on the federal government ends up attacking and almost punishing personal responsibility,” said Allison. “And America was built on the idea of individuals that are personally responsible and, therefore, have a personal right to control their own lives. And that’s what’s been under attack.”
Allison became president of BB&T in 1987 and was elected chairman in 1989. He remained CEO through 2008. He is now distinguished professor of practice at the Wake Forest University Schools of Business.
Read the interview here
Bankruptcy Of U.S. Is ‘Mathematical Certainty’
John Allison, who for two decades served as chairman and CEO of BB&T, the nation's 10th largest bank, told CNSNews.com it is a “mathematical certainty” that the United States government will go bankrupt unless it dramatically changes its fiscal direction.
Allison likened what he sees as the predictable future bankruptcy of the United States to the problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, whose insolvency he also said was foreseeable to those who studied their business practices and financial situation.
“I think the first thing we have to realize is where we’re going and to face it objectively,” Allison told CNSNews.com, when asked about the trillion-dollar-plus deficits the federal government has run for three straight years, the more than $13 trillion in federal debt, and the $61.9 trillion long-term shortfall the government faces (according to the analysis of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation) if the government is to pay all the benefits it has promised through entitlement programs.
“If you run the numbers, on all those numbers that you just talked about, which I think are accurate, very accurate, in 20 or 25 years, the United States goes bankrupt,” said Allison. “It’s a mathematical certainty.
“It reminds me very much of that story I told you about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae,” said Allison. “We were running the numbers, and Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae went bankrupt, and we got there. In 20 or 25 years, the United States goes bankrupt.
“Now, countries don’t go bankrupt the way companies do,” said Allison. “They don’t file bankruptcy. They usually hyper-inflate. They print a bunch of paper money, or they become Third World economies like Argentina--unless we change direction.
More here
Allison likened what he sees as the predictable future bankruptcy of the United States to the problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, whose insolvency he also said was foreseeable to those who studied their business practices and financial situation.
“I think the first thing we have to realize is where we’re going and to face it objectively,” Allison told CNSNews.com, when asked about the trillion-dollar-plus deficits the federal government has run for three straight years, the more than $13 trillion in federal debt, and the $61.9 trillion long-term shortfall the government faces (according to the analysis of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation) if the government is to pay all the benefits it has promised through entitlement programs.
“If you run the numbers, on all those numbers that you just talked about, which I think are accurate, very accurate, in 20 or 25 years, the United States goes bankrupt,” said Allison. “It’s a mathematical certainty.
“It reminds me very much of that story I told you about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae,” said Allison. “We were running the numbers, and Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae went bankrupt, and we got there. In 20 or 25 years, the United States goes bankrupt.
“Now, countries don’t go bankrupt the way companies do,” said Allison. “They don’t file bankruptcy. They usually hyper-inflate. They print a bunch of paper money, or they become Third World economies like Argentina--unless we change direction.
More here
Republicans Spar For Leadership Posts
Campaign season isn't over for everyone on Capitol Hill, as House Republicans — fresh off their historic takeover of the chamber in Tuesday's midterm elections — now turn their attention to electing leaders within their caucus.
The top two spots likely will go without challenge, with House Minority Leader John A. Boehner of Ohio in line to be speaker and Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia the new House majority leader.
But beyond those two spots, intraparty battles already are brewing for positions of influence in the House GOP hierarchy.
In one already-declared battle of conservative heavyweights, Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas and Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, a favorite of the "tea party" movement, are vying for the chairmanship of the House Republican Conference, the primary forum for communicating the party's message to its members. Indiana Rep. Mike Pence announced this week he was stepping down from the leadership post.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy is the front-runner for majority whip - considered the No. 3 post in the hierarchy — after announcing his candidacy Wednesday. The Californian, who serves as vice chairman of recruitment for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the fundraising and recruiting arm of House Republicans, says he would lead with "conservative principles to advance job-creating policies, cut spending and reform Washington."
"Americans have rejected the toxic policies of the Pelosi Majority, and have now entrusted Republicans with the responsibility of recharting the direction of our nation," Mr. McCarthy said in a Wednesday letter to his House GOP colleagues. "If we fail in this effort, we will find ourselves in the Minority once again, unworthy of redemption."
Among House Republicans, there is speculation that NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions, who helped orchestrate Tuesday's landslide midterm House election victories for the GOP, may challenge Mr. McCarthy for whip.
More from the Washington Times
The top two spots likely will go without challenge, with House Minority Leader John A. Boehner of Ohio in line to be speaker and Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia the new House majority leader.
But beyond those two spots, intraparty battles already are brewing for positions of influence in the House GOP hierarchy.
In one already-declared battle of conservative heavyweights, Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas and Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, a favorite of the "tea party" movement, are vying for the chairmanship of the House Republican Conference, the primary forum for communicating the party's message to its members. Indiana Rep. Mike Pence announced this week he was stepping down from the leadership post.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy is the front-runner for majority whip - considered the No. 3 post in the hierarchy — after announcing his candidacy Wednesday. The Californian, who serves as vice chairman of recruitment for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the fundraising and recruiting arm of House Republicans, says he would lead with "conservative principles to advance job-creating policies, cut spending and reform Washington."
"Americans have rejected the toxic policies of the Pelosi Majority, and have now entrusted Republicans with the responsibility of recharting the direction of our nation," Mr. McCarthy said in a Wednesday letter to his House GOP colleagues. "If we fail in this effort, we will find ourselves in the Minority once again, unworthy of redemption."
Among House Republicans, there is speculation that NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions, who helped orchestrate Tuesday's landslide midterm House election victories for the GOP, may challenge Mr. McCarthy for whip.
More from the Washington Times
Stock Up: Food Sellers Grit Teeth, Raise Prices
An inflationary tide is beginning to ripple through America's supermarkets and restaurants, threatening to end the tamest year of food pricing in nearly two decades.
Prices of staples including milk, beef, coffee, cocoa and sugar have risen sharply in recent months. And food makers and retailers including McDonald's Corp., Kellogg Co. and Kroger Co. have begun to signal that they'll try to make consumers shoulder more of the higher costs for ingredients.
For food executives, how quickly to pass along higher costs presents difficult choices. Missteps could be costly when the economy remains weak. Many Americans, nervous about high unemployment, have pledged allegiance to their pennies and are willing to trade down on brands, switch supermarkets, opt for Burger King over Applebee's, or stop dining out altogether to save money.
"The big challenge will be, how much can we swallow and how much can we pass along?" said Jack Brown, chief executive of Stater Bros. Markets, a 167-store grocery chain in southern California.
Stater Bros. has seen the prices it pays for cereal rise 5% in recent months. The chain has passed about half the increase on to consumers while making up for the rest by trimming other expenses, such as what it spends on cell phones and delivery truck tires.
Kraft Foods Inc., Sara Lee Corp. and General Mills Inc. already have said they'll raise prices on certain items. Starbucks Corp. backtracked on an August announcement that it would hold coffee prices steady, saying in September it would boost prices of larger and hard-to-make drinks. This week, cereal maker Kellogg hinted that it will be raising prices, without disclosing specifics.
Grocery chains Safeway Inc. and Kroger have said they'll pass supplier increases along to consumers.
More
Prices of staples including milk, beef, coffee, cocoa and sugar have risen sharply in recent months. And food makers and retailers including McDonald's Corp., Kellogg Co. and Kroger Co. have begun to signal that they'll try to make consumers shoulder more of the higher costs for ingredients.
For food executives, how quickly to pass along higher costs presents difficult choices. Missteps could be costly when the economy remains weak. Many Americans, nervous about high unemployment, have pledged allegiance to their pennies and are willing to trade down on brands, switch supermarkets, opt for Burger King over Applebee's, or stop dining out altogether to save money.
"The big challenge will be, how much can we swallow and how much can we pass along?" said Jack Brown, chief executive of Stater Bros. Markets, a 167-store grocery chain in southern California.
Stater Bros. has seen the prices it pays for cereal rise 5% in recent months. The chain has passed about half the increase on to consumers while making up for the rest by trimming other expenses, such as what it spends on cell phones and delivery truck tires.
Kraft Foods Inc., Sara Lee Corp. and General Mills Inc. already have said they'll raise prices on certain items. Starbucks Corp. backtracked on an August announcement that it would hold coffee prices steady, saying in September it would boost prices of larger and hard-to-make drinks. This week, cereal maker Kellogg hinted that it will be raising prices, without disclosing specifics.
Grocery chains Safeway Inc. and Kroger have said they'll pass supplier increases along to consumers.
More
Salisbury Police Department Press Releases
On November 5, 2010 at approximately 7:26 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were in the area of Decatur Avenue and Pyle Street on an unrelated call and heard gunshots in the area of E. Church St. As the officers responded to the area, they observed two (2) subjects in the rear yard of 923 E. Church St. and observed one (1) of the subjects firing a weapon at the residence. Officers located the suspect, who removed the weapon from his waistband and began to point it toward the officers. As the officers took cover, the suspect began to flee on foot running north on Priscilla Street. The officers chased the suspect, and after a substantial foot chase apprehended the suspect on the railroad tracks at Pyle Street. At the conclusion of the chase the suspect was still in possession of the weapon, and dropped it at the command of the officers. The weapon was found to be a 9mm machine type handgun.
During this chase, additional officers responded to the residence on E. Church St. for the report of a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Upon arrival the officers located 30 year old of Snow Hill, who had several gunshot wounds to her lower and middle body. Fields advised the officers that she had been located in her vehicle at the rear of the residence when two (2) suspects approached the residence and began firing at the residence, then her vehicle. She advised that one of the suspects was firing a "machine gun" style weapon. She attempted to flee the vehicle however was hit by several of the shots. She was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she is listed in serious condition.
The investigation is continuing as to the identity of the second suspect
.
ARRESTED: Cory Jamaul Jones, 25 years of age
Eden, Maryland
CHARGES: Attempted first degree murder
Attempted second degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Possession of a handgun
Use of a handgun in a violent crime
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044099
On November 5, 2010 at approximately 5:04 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were in the area of E. Church St. due to the officers receiving information regarding a subject armed with a gun. Officers were on Records St. and observed a subject matching the description given earlier. As the officers attempted to make contact with the suspect the suspect fled on foot. During the foot chase the suspect repeatedly kept holding and grabbing an object in his rear waist band. After a substantial foot chase the suspect was apprehended behind a residence on Isabella Street. During the foot chase the suspect attempted to discard the handgun, which was recovered and found to be a revolver type handgun. A search of the suspect, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana. Due to the handgun charges, the suspect was charged as an adult.
ARRESTED: Delonte Arnez Bryant, 17 years of age
Felton, Delaware
CHARGES: Handgun on person
Possession of a handgun by a prohibited person
Possession of marijuana
Possession of Cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201044077
During this chase, additional officers responded to the residence on E. Church St. for the report of a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Upon arrival the officers located 30 year old of Snow Hill, who had several gunshot wounds to her lower and middle body. Fields advised the officers that she had been located in her vehicle at the rear of the residence when two (2) suspects approached the residence and began firing at the residence, then her vehicle. She advised that one of the suspects was firing a "machine gun" style weapon. She attempted to flee the vehicle however was hit by several of the shots. She was transported to the Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she is listed in serious condition.
The investigation is continuing as to the identity of the second suspect
.
ARRESTED: Cory Jamaul Jones, 25 years of age
Eden, Maryland
CHARGES: Attempted first degree murder
Attempted second degree murder
First degree assault
Second degree assault
Possession of a handgun
Use of a handgun in a violent crime
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000044099
On November 5, 2010 at approximately 5:04 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police were in the area of E. Church St. due to the officers receiving information regarding a subject armed with a gun. Officers were on Records St. and observed a subject matching the description given earlier. As the officers attempted to make contact with the suspect the suspect fled on foot. During the foot chase the suspect repeatedly kept holding and grabbing an object in his rear waist band. After a substantial foot chase the suspect was apprehended behind a residence on Isabella Street. During the foot chase the suspect attempted to discard the handgun, which was recovered and found to be a revolver type handgun. A search of the suspect, incident to arrest, revealed a quantity of suspected marijuana. Due to the handgun charges, the suspect was charged as an adult.
ARRESTED: Delonte Arnez Bryant, 17 years of age
Felton, Delaware
CHARGES: Handgun on person
Possession of a handgun by a prohibited person
Possession of marijuana
Possession of Cds/paraphernalia
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201044077
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
The Movies
How many of us have not grown up with the movies? There probably isn’t anyone that hasn’t been affected by what they have seen on the silver screen. I grew up on black and white cowboy movies at the Ulman Theater. I can still watch an old western on TV and be immediately transported back in time to those days of my youth. I have gained a healthy respect for the movies that preceded the movies that I actually attended. The channel on TV that shows nothing but old movies gives one a nostalgic trip that can’t be found any other place. How many of you can watch an old Shirley Temple movie without getting a joyful tear in your eye? About 20 years ago, they started tampering with the old black and white movies by “colorizing” them. It seems that the majority of people felt as I did. The old movies lost something in the process. Old movies should be shown in black and white. The colorizing idea was dropped.
America’s love affair with the movies started in 1915. Most of the early movies were shown at arcades that were built for live entertainment. Until 1927, they were without sound. The dialogue was shown on the screen right under the picture. I have never been a big fan of silent movies, but I watch a bit of one every now and then just to remind me why. When “talkies” made the scene in 1927, movies became the main entertainment in America for the average man. During the Great Depression, movies provided a great chance to escape the drudgery of everyday life and experience adventure that would never be available to them in any other way. The movies of the 1930’s are the best. They had a good story line and no artificial props. Anyone that has seen one of the movies from the Thin Man series with William Powell and Myrna Loy has to admit that it is great entertainment.
I mostly prefer the movies that feature James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, or Humphrey Bogart. They are guaranteed action and a good story. Of course, you can be jaded by believing in the movies too much. In the movies, the good guy always wins, and that is not always the case in real life. I guess that is why we like the movies so much. We usually knew who the good guy was, and the excitement was in following his or her adventures to the gripping conclusion where they came out on top. The emotional roller-coaster ride made it all worthwhile when the hero triumphed in the end.
There were movies that the studios realized were better money-makers than others, and they produced other features with the same characters. People seemed to enjoy the familiarization with the characters and followed the sequence of films as religiously as some people follow their TV shows of today. In fact, the movie studios have made sequels of many of the more popular films. Movies have followed the many advances in technology, but I can’t imagine seeing the Thin Man in color. If you want that, try a James Bond movie.
THE END
(Pictured above: top: Marion Davies, Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford bottom: Richard Bartholomew, Ronald Coleman, Arthur Lake)
Subject Arrested For Giving False Statement
DATE & TIME: 11/04/2010 @ 10:30 pm
Case # 10-239
LOCATION: Rt50/Rt589, Berlin, Worcester County
CRIME: False Statement to a Police Officer
VICTIM: State of Maryland
ACCUSED: Thomas Patrick Stanley, 45 yoa, Reisterstown, MD
CHARGES: False Statement to a Police Officer
NARRATIVE: On 11/4/2010 at approximately 10:30 pm, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the accused claiming that he was robbed at gun point on the shoulder of Route 50 in the area of the Wal-Mart in Berlin.
The accused further stated that he had stopped for a disabled vehicle and at that point an unidentified male approached him from the rear and displayed a handgun. The male stole the accused wallet which contained approximately $1700. The male accompanied by an unidentified female then fled the scene in a light colored passenger vehicle.
Due to the nature of the crime, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation was called to continue the investigation.
The accused was brought to the office of The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation for an interview.
During the interview, there were conflicting accounts to his story. When confronted, the accused admitted to losing the reported stolen money during a gambling trip prior that night in Dover, Delaware.
He further told investigators that the crime he reported never took place and was false.
The accused was arrested and charged with making a false report to a police officer. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and released pending trial.
Case # 10-239
LOCATION: Rt50/Rt589, Berlin, Worcester County
CRIME: False Statement to a Police Officer
VICTIM: State of Maryland
ACCUSED: Thomas Patrick Stanley, 45 yoa, Reisterstown, MD
CHARGES: False Statement to a Police Officer
NARRATIVE: On 11/4/2010 at approximately 10:30 pm, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the accused claiming that he was robbed at gun point on the shoulder of Route 50 in the area of the Wal-Mart in Berlin.
The accused further stated that he had stopped for a disabled vehicle and at that point an unidentified male approached him from the rear and displayed a handgun. The male stole the accused wallet which contained approximately $1700. The male accompanied by an unidentified female then fled the scene in a light colored passenger vehicle.
Due to the nature of the crime, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation was called to continue the investigation.
The accused was brought to the office of The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation for an interview.
During the interview, there were conflicting accounts to his story. When confronted, the accused admitted to losing the reported stolen money during a gambling trip prior that night in Dover, Delaware.
He further told investigators that the crime he reported never took place and was false.
The accused was arrested and charged with making a false report to a police officer. He was taken before a District Court Commissioner and released pending trial.
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