Professor Joseph Olson of Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul , Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the last Presidential election:
. Number of States won by: Obama:19 McCain: 29
. Square miles of land won by: Obama:580,000 McCain: 2,427,000
. Population of counties won by: Obama:127million McCain: 143 million
. Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Obama: 13.2 McCain: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory McCain won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of the
Country.
Obama territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in low income tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.(Mr. Obama has added 200,000 newly hired government employees....they add virtually nothing to the GNP, manufacture nothing, add an increasing bureaucratic burden on business and citizens. One hour of your pay, each day, goes to pay their salaries and benefits -cww!)
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's - and they vote - then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years ..
3 things that cannot be hidden for long.
The Sun
The Moon, and
The truth
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, April 15, 2011
Born 1776, Dying 2011
Mortgage Interest Deduction Could Be Cut
HERNDON, Va. (WUSA) -- On Wednesday, President Obama outlined his plan to reduce the deficit. In his speech, he did not refer directly to the mortgage interest deduction (MID), but he did say he wants to build on the fiscal commission's model. That commission, appointed by the President, recommended reducing the MID.
"So goes the housing market, so goes the economy," says Realtor Karen Briscoe, referring to the idea of scaling back or eliminating the MID.
"They're going to see an immediate devalue, decline in their property. Then, they're going to see an impact, if they're using the mortgage [interest] deduction on their taxes, they're going to see an immediate impact in their purchasing power of other goods and services," said Briscoe.
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"So goes the housing market, so goes the economy," says Realtor Karen Briscoe, referring to the idea of scaling back or eliminating the MID.
"They're going to see an immediate devalue, decline in their property. Then, they're going to see an impact, if they're using the mortgage [interest] deduction on their taxes, they're going to see an immediate impact in their purchasing power of other goods and services," said Briscoe.
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Md. delegate seeks illegal immigrant tuition lawsuit
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A state lawmaker said Thursday that Maryland has become a haven for illegal immigrants, and he plans to go to federal court to change that.
Delegate Patrick McDonough, R-Baltimore County, said he is consulting with two national legal foundations to overturn legislation passed this week that would grant illegal immigrants in-state tuition rates at Maryland's public universities. He has not decided yet whether he will file one or multiple lawsuits, but expects they will be filed in federal court.
Maryland has become "a Disneyland for illegal immigrants," McDonough said.
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Delegate Patrick McDonough, R-Baltimore County, said he is consulting with two national legal foundations to overturn legislation passed this week that would grant illegal immigrants in-state tuition rates at Maryland's public universities. He has not decided yet whether he will file one or multiple lawsuits, but expects they will be filed in federal court.
Maryland has become "a Disneyland for illegal immigrants," McDonough said.
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House Prepares To Vote On $6B Spending Cut Plan
A bold but politically risky plan to cut billions of dollars from the federal budget is coming to a House vote, with insurgent Republicans rallying behind the idea of fundamentally reshaping the government's role in health care for the elderly and the poor.
Federal Judge Rules Middle Schoolers Can Express Their Love Of "Boobies"
A ruling by a federal judge clears the way for kids to wear clothing that expresses their love of "boobies" without school administrators forcing them to remove it.
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Congress Takes Animal Off Endangered Species List
Usually the way off the Endangered Species List does not head through legislators, but Congress let the Rocky Mountain wolf off the list, angering environmentalists who believe the reclassification was inappropriate.
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Scammer Cracks Into Facebook Account And Hits Up Chat List For Cash
Kevin was worried. His friend Mike said over Facebook chat that he and his wife and kids were stranded in London after getting mugged. They needed money wired immediately to settle their hotel bill. This was especially worrisome because Mike was supposed to be recuperating in the hospital from head surgery... Then Kevin realized that someone had cracked his friend's Facebook account and was impersonating him. Here is the transcript of their conversation:
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Man Gets 6-12 Months After Yelling At Walmart Greeter Who Asked To See Receipt
A man has received a 6-12 month sentence after he was accused of yelling and cursing at a Walmart greeter who asked to see his receipt.
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Sears Sues Maker Of Sex-Enhancement Spray Over "DieHard" Name
For decades, Sears has been using the trademarked brand name "DieHard" on its car batteries and auto parts. Now the retail relic has filed a trademark infringement suit against a company that makes a sexual enhancement spray under the same name.
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Oprah's Finale: Worth A Million Bucks?
Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com
The media questions whether Oprah’s $1 million finale ad asking price is worth it.
Congress OKs FY 2011 Funding
Congress sent President Barack Obama hard-fought legislation cutting a record $38 billion from federal spending. The measure will finance the government through the Sept. 30 end of the budget year, chopping $78 billion from the president's request of more than a year ago. (Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. Thursday, April 14, 2011. AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Read Full Story
Read Full Story
The Time Is Right To End "Zero Tolerance" In Schools
It is too early to know whether the current wave of school reforms will lead to lasting improvements in student achievement. But it is not too early to note that many of these reforms have a troubling consequence: a doubling-down on harsh, ineffective zero-tolerance discipline policies. All too often, the debate about school reform has wrongly emphasized pushing troubled children out of school, rather than making systemic improvements so that all students have the support they need to learn.
For that reason, advocates nationwide are embracing efforts to improve school climate. School leaders are recognizing the ineffectiveness of zero tolerance. And as states grapple with untenable youth-prison budgets and Congress prepares to debate reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a movement is building to end the ineffective, expensive, and tragic era of zero tolerance.
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For that reason, advocates nationwide are embracing efforts to improve school climate. School leaders are recognizing the ineffectiveness of zero tolerance. And as states grapple with untenable youth-prison budgets and Congress prepares to debate reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a movement is building to end the ineffective, expensive, and tragic era of zero tolerance.
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Twelve Tax-Dodging Corporations Spent $1 Billion To Influence Washington Over The Last Decade
As ThinkProgress has been reporting, while Main Street Americans are having their services gutted and public investment is being slashed, some of the country's most profitable corporations are getting away withpaying little to nothingin taxes.
A new report by Public Campaign examines how these major corporations have influenced Congress to craft a tax code that lets them get away with making so much money and paying so little taxes in return. In its report, "The Artful Dodgers," Public Campaign juxtaposes the limited tax liability of dozen major corporations with the companies' campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures, which amount to more than a billion dollars over the last decade:
EXXON MOBIL:The oil giant that was theworld's most profitable corporationin 2008 has spent $5.7 million in campaign contributions over the last ten years and $138 million in lobbying expenditures. Its federal corporate income tax liabilities for 2009? Absolutely nothing. Not only did it pay nothing, but it also received a tax rebate the same year of $156 million.
CHEVRON:Chevron spent$4.4 millionin campaign contributions and $91 million in lobbying expenditures over the last decade. It received a tax refund of $19 million in 2009 while making $10 billion in profits and $324 million in government contracts in 2008.
CONOCOPHILLIPS:The Texas-based gasoline giant spent $2.5 million in campaign contributions and $63 million in lobbying expenditures over the last decade. It received "$451 million through the oil and gas manufacturing deduction," a special tax break, between 2007 and 2009, despite $16 billion in profits over the same period of time.
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.
A new report by Public Campaign examines how these major corporations have influenced Congress to craft a tax code that lets them get away with making so much money and paying so little taxes in return. In its report, "The Artful Dodgers," Public Campaign juxtaposes the limited tax liability of dozen major corporations with the companies' campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures, which amount to more than a billion dollars over the last decade:
EXXON MOBIL:The oil giant that was theworld's most profitable corporationin 2008 has spent $5.7 million in campaign contributions over the last ten years and $138 million in lobbying expenditures. Its federal corporate income tax liabilities for 2009? Absolutely nothing. Not only did it pay nothing, but it also received a tax rebate the same year of $156 million.
CHEVRON:Chevron spent$4.4 millionin campaign contributions and $91 million in lobbying expenditures over the last decade. It received a tax refund of $19 million in 2009 while making $10 billion in profits and $324 million in government contracts in 2008.
CONOCOPHILLIPS:The Texas-based gasoline giant spent $2.5 million in campaign contributions and $63 million in lobbying expenditures over the last decade. It received "$451 million through the oil and gas manufacturing deduction," a special tax break, between 2007 and 2009, despite $16 billion in profits over the same period of time.
More
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Congressional Budget Office Release Could Derail Budget Compromise
A budget compromise in Congress that kept the federal government from shutting down over the weekend was supposed to cut $38.5 billion from the federal budget, but recent Congressional Budget Office analysis shows the compromise will only cut $352 million over the next fiscal year, according toThe Washington Post. The announcement angered some conservatives seeking deep government spending cuts. The House is voting today on the compromise, which both parties agreed on late last week.
More Rainwater Tests Positive For Radiation From Japan
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday released a new set ofdataon the levels of radioactive material in milk, rainwater and drinking water as part of a continuing effort to track radiation from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The only new data on milk, which has been found to be radioactive in several cities across the country, came from Reno, Nevada, where no radioactive material was detected. The only drinking water data comes from Knoxville, Tennessee, and Hartford, Connecticut, and both samples were also free of radiation. Rainwater in about a dozen cities, however, tested positive for radioactive iodine-131 and in some cases radioactive cesium. Iodine-131 levels ranged from 4.4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) in Charlotte, North Caroline, to 200 pCi/L in Kansas City. New data from Boise, Idaho, where rainwater recently tested as high as 390 pCi/L, was not released. All of the samples tested were collected at least a week ago, and some data is up to two weeks old. The EPA officials say they expected to see some radiation drift from the Daiichi plant to the US, but radiation levels are too low to cause a public health concern. Nuclear critics, however, claim that any dose of radiation can be dangerous to human health, and the EPA needs do more testing and release data on a more frequent basis before declaring America safe.
APTA Study - Due To Rising Gas Prices Philly Area Individuals Can Save More Than $11,600 A Year
Washington, DC -- A simple change adds up to major savings as gas prices rise. Riding public transportation in the Philadelphia area saves individuals, on average, $11,684 annually and $974 per month according to the Transit Savings Report of the American Public Transportation Association(APTA) which bases these savings on the April 13, 2011 average national gas price ($3.81 per gallon-reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate. This is the largest savings in nearly three years.
As more and more Americans look for ways to save money at the pump, the choice to switch to public transportation is a smart decision, said APTA president William Millar. Switching from driving to riding public transportation is a proven way for individuals to cut monthly and yearly transportation costs.
Gas prices have risen more than $.30 a gallon in each of the last two months, and nearly $.80 since the beginning of the year. APTA says as rising gas prices are straining Americans, riding public transportation is the quickest way to alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs on household budgets.
APTA releases this monthly Transit Savings Report to examine how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
The national average for a monthly unreserved parking space in a downtown business district is $161.56, according to the 2010 Colliers International Parking Rate Study. Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,939.
APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the average monthly transit pass of local public transit agencies across the country. This information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership (unlinked passenger trips). The assumption is that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase an unlimited pass on the local transit agency, typically available on a monthly basis.
APTA then compares the average monthly transit fare to the average cost of driving. The cost of driving is calculated using the 2011 AAA average cost of driving formula. The AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable costs and fixed costs. The variable costs include the cost of gas, maintenance and tires. The fixed costs include insurance, license registration, depreciation, and finance charges. The comparison also uses the average mileage of a mid-size auto at 23.4 miles per gallon and the price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline as recorded by AAA on April 13, 2011 at $3.81 per gallon. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The amount saved assumes one individual in a two-person household manages with one less car.
In determining the cost of parking, APTA uses the data from the 2010 Colliers International Parking Rate Study for monthly unreserved parking rates for the United States.
To calculate your individual savings with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 public and private member organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services, and high-speed rail. This includes: transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. More than 90 percent of the people using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA.
As more and more Americans look for ways to save money at the pump, the choice to switch to public transportation is a smart decision, said APTA president William Millar. Switching from driving to riding public transportation is a proven way for individuals to cut monthly and yearly transportation costs.
Gas prices have risen more than $.30 a gallon in each of the last two months, and nearly $.80 since the beginning of the year. APTA says as rising gas prices are straining Americans, riding public transportation is the quickest way to alleviate the financial burden of transportation costs on household budgets.
APTA releases this monthly Transit Savings Report to examine how an individual in a two-person household can save money by taking public transportation and living with one less car.
The national average for a monthly unreserved parking space in a downtown business district is $161.56, according to the 2010 Colliers International Parking Rate Study. Over the course of a year, parking costs for a vehicle can amount to an average of $1,939.
APTA calculates the average cost of taking public transit by determining the average monthly transit pass of local public transit agencies across the country. This information is based on the annual APTA fare collection survey and is weighted based on ridership (unlinked passenger trips). The assumption is that a person making a switch to public transportation would likely purchase an unlimited pass on the local transit agency, typically available on a monthly basis.
APTA then compares the average monthly transit fare to the average cost of driving. The cost of driving is calculated using the 2011 AAA average cost of driving formula. The AAA cost of driving formula is based on variable costs and fixed costs. The variable costs include the cost of gas, maintenance and tires. The fixed costs include insurance, license registration, depreciation, and finance charges. The comparison also uses the average mileage of a mid-size auto at 23.4 miles per gallon and the price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline as recorded by AAA on April 13, 2011 at $3.81 per gallon. The analysis also assumes that a person will drive an average of 15,000 miles per year. The amount saved assumes one individual in a two-person household manages with one less car.
In determining the cost of parking, APTA uses the data from the 2010 Colliers International Parking Rate Study for monthly unreserved parking rates for the United States.
To calculate your individual savings with or without car ownership, go to www.publictransportation.org.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 public and private member organizations, engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services, and high-speed rail. This includes: transit systems; planning, design, construction, and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; transit associations and state departments of transportation. More than 90 percent of the people using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA.
Students In Wicomico Visual And Performing Arts Program Hold Silent Art Auction For Tsunami Relief
Visual arts students in the Wicomico County Visual and Performing Arts Program are putting their talents to work for a good cause with a silent auction of student art, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross for tsunami relief. Students are donating 17 original works of art (plus one reproduction, of ducks) for the auction, for which bids will be taken at jkohut@wcboe.org or hchoi@wcboe.org through Friday, April 15.
Winners will be notified by email on Monday, April 18, and checks can be made out to Wicomico High School, which will write one check to the Red Cross.
Bids for these works of art must begin at $20. Current bids are:
Picture # 1 /18"X 12" watercolor BID $50.00
Picture # 2 / 22"X 13" print BID $40.00
Picture # 3 /19"X 12" pastel bid $25.00
Picture # 4 /14"X 10" watercolor bid $40.00
Picture # 5 /15"X 11" tempera bid $25.00
Picture # 6/Sculpture 12"X 4" high BID $25.00
Picture # 7/ 8"X 11" repousse bid $20.00
Picture # 8/16"X 8" ink and gouache BID $65.00
Picture # 9/ 16"X 8" oil painting BID $90.00
Picture # 10/15"X 12" charcoal and color pencil bid $40.00
Picture # 11/19"X 14" oil pastel bid $30.00
Picture # 12/12" X 18" watercolor and ink BID $35
Picture # 13/11"X 14" ink bid $30.00
Picture # 14/14"X 12" colored pencil BID $25.00
Picture # 15/8"X 17" print BID $20.00
Picture # 16 /11"X 14" ink bid $ 20.00
Picture # 17/15"X 11" print
Picture # 18 /14"X 17" colored pencil bid $20.00
When you email your bid, or before you make your bid, please use that email address to request the current level of bidding by painting. A pdf with the entire auction portfolio is posted below. 410-677-5146.
Winners will be notified by email on Monday, April 18, and checks can be made out to Wicomico High School, which will write one check to the Red Cross.
Bids for these works of art must begin at $20. Current bids are:
Picture # 1 /18"X 12" watercolor BID $50.00
Picture # 2 / 22"X 13" print BID $40.00
Picture # 3 /19"X 12" pastel bid $25.00
Picture # 4 /14"X 10" watercolor bid $40.00
Picture # 5 /15"X 11" tempera bid $25.00
Picture # 6/Sculpture 12"X 4" high BID $25.00
Picture # 7/ 8"X 11" repousse bid $20.00
Picture # 8/16"X 8" ink and gouache BID $65.00
Picture # 9/ 16"X 8" oil painting BID $90.00
Picture # 10/15"X 12" charcoal and color pencil bid $40.00
Picture # 11/19"X 14" oil pastel bid $30.00
Picture # 12/12" X 18" watercolor and ink BID $35
Picture # 13/11"X 14" ink bid $30.00
Picture # 14/14"X 12" colored pencil BID $25.00
Picture # 15/8"X 17" print BID $20.00
Picture # 16 /11"X 14" ink bid $ 20.00
Picture # 17/15"X 11" print
Picture # 18 /14"X 17" colored pencil bid $20.00
When you email your bid, or before you make your bid, please use that email address to request the current level of bidding by painting. A pdf with the entire auction portfolio is posted below. 410-677-5146.
April 14, 2011
Documents
Check Out These Spring Concerts And Programs In Wicomico Schools
Sunday, April 17
CONCERT CANCELLED: The middle school orchestra concert for students from Wicomico Middle, Bennett Middle and Pittsville Middle who participated in Solo and Ensemble Festival will not take place on April 17. It has been cancelled.
Monday, April 18
Charles H. Chipman first graders will present “Broadway Sounds” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the school. Students will present a variety of Broadway pieces, under the direction of Sarah Hofstetter. Admission free. 410-677-5814.
The Mardela Middle & High School Spring Concert, featuring 6th Grade Intermediate Band, West Salisbury Orchestra (including a full orchestra selection with winds and percussion) and State Ensemble Performances, will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the Mardela School cafetorium. Admission free. For information please contact Cory Boltz, Band Director, and Sharon Ehrisman, Orchestra Director, 410-677-5142.
Wednesday, April 27
Beaver Run Elementary School kindergarten students will present a spring music concert at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the school, under the direction of Connie Sue Milbourne. The concert will feature “The Orchestra Song – A Mini Musical.” Admission is free. 410-677-5101.
Thursday, April 28
Wicomico Middle School Talent Show featuring 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Wi Middle students share their talents in singing, playing instruments, dancing, magic, comedy, art and poem displays. Teacher/director is Micah Nicholson. Admission $3 adults, $2 students, kids 3 and under free. 410-677-5145.
The James M. Bennett High School Symphonic Band will present its annual Spring Band Concert on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Bennett Auditorium. Music featured will be from George Gershwin, Leroy Anderson, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Band’s District Festival repertoire. The Band is under the direction of Douglas L. Miles. The concert is open to the public and admission is always free. 410-677-5141.
CONCERT CANCELLED: The middle school orchestra concert for students from Wicomico Middle, Bennett Middle and Pittsville Middle who participated in Solo and Ensemble Festival will not take place on April 17. It has been cancelled.
Monday, April 18
Charles H. Chipman first graders will present “Broadway Sounds” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the school. Students will present a variety of Broadway pieces, under the direction of Sarah Hofstetter. Admission free. 410-677-5814.
The Mardela Middle & High School Spring Concert, featuring 6th Grade Intermediate Band, West Salisbury Orchestra (including a full orchestra selection with winds and percussion) and State Ensemble Performances, will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, in the Mardela School cafetorium. Admission free. For information please contact Cory Boltz, Band Director, and Sharon Ehrisman, Orchestra Director, 410-677-5142.
Wednesday, April 27
Beaver Run Elementary School kindergarten students will present a spring music concert at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, at the school, under the direction of Connie Sue Milbourne. The concert will feature “The Orchestra Song – A Mini Musical.” Admission is free. 410-677-5101.
Thursday, April 28
Wicomico Middle School Talent Show featuring 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in the Wicomico Middle School auditorium. Wi Middle students share their talents in singing, playing instruments, dancing, magic, comedy, art and poem displays. Teacher/director is Micah Nicholson. Admission $3 adults, $2 students, kids 3 and under free. 410-677-5145.
The James M. Bennett High School Symphonic Band will present its annual Spring Band Concert on Thursday, April 28 at 7 p.m. in the newly renovated Bennett Auditorium. Music featured will be from George Gershwin, Leroy Anderson, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Band’s District Festival repertoire. The Band is under the direction of Douglas L. Miles. The concert is open to the public and admission is always free. 410-677-5141.
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