| America’s gaping budget deficit could lead to a crisis that would “dwarf” the meltdown of 2008 — and to get the country out of its fiscal mess, the government must slash spending substantially, according to 10 former members of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. The economic experts — former chairmen and chairwomen of the council serving both Republican and Democratic administrations — issued the warning in an open letter published by Politico. They say recommendations by budget watchdogs Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, arguing that the long-run federal budget deficit will pose a serious threat to the economy, need much more attention from both political parties. Bowles and Simpson co-chaired the White House’s deficit-reduction commission in 2010. "There are many issues on which we don’t agree. Yet we find ourselves in remarkable unanimity about the long-run federal budget deficit: It is a severe threat that calls for serious and prompt attention," the authors write in the letter addressed to Congress and President Barack Obama. "While the actual deficit is likely to shrink over the next few years as the economy continues to recover, the aging of the baby-boom generation and rapidly rising healthcare costs are likely to create a large and growing gap between spending and revenues. These deficits will take a toll on private investment and economic growth." Lenders, the authors point out, will run out of patience with Washington's spending spree: "At some point, bond markets are likely to turn on the United States — leading to a crisis that could dwarf 2008." More here |
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, March 25, 2011
Presidential Advisers: Slash Spending Now — Or New Meltdown Will 'Dwarf' 2008
ICE Arrests 163 Foreign Nationals, Many Of Them Criminals, In DC Suburbs
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, a division of the Homeland Security Department, says a three-day sweep in the Washington, D.C., suburbs resulted in the arrest of 163 foreign nationals, many of whom were convicted criminal aliens.
Those arrested come from more than 32 different nations, including countries in Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean and Africa, ICE announced on Tuesday.
The crackdown – officially known as an “enforcement and removal operation” -- included criminals who were in the country both legally and illegally.
Of those arrested, 130 were criminal aliens, eight were fugitives, three had already been deported and re-entered illegally and 22 were non-criminals who had been summoned to appear in immigration court. The 130 criminal aliens had prior convictions for a number of offenses, including rape, assault, burglary, and narcotics possession. The majority – 134 of the 163 people arrested -- were men.
Due to their “serious” criminal records and prior contact with immigration enforcement officials, some of the individuals detained in the recent sweep will face additional federal prosecution for “re-entering the country illegally after a formal deportation,” ICE said.
The foreign nationals who do not face additional criminal charges will be “processed administratively” for removal from the United States. Some will appear in immigration court.
More
Those arrested come from more than 32 different nations, including countries in Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean and Africa, ICE announced on Tuesday.
The crackdown – officially known as an “enforcement and removal operation” -- included criminals who were in the country both legally and illegally.
Of those arrested, 130 were criminal aliens, eight were fugitives, three had already been deported and re-entered illegally and 22 were non-criminals who had been summoned to appear in immigration court. The 130 criminal aliens had prior convictions for a number of offenses, including rape, assault, burglary, and narcotics possession. The majority – 134 of the 163 people arrested -- were men.
Due to their “serious” criminal records and prior contact with immigration enforcement officials, some of the individuals detained in the recent sweep will face additional federal prosecution for “re-entering the country illegally after a formal deportation,” ICE said.
The foreign nationals who do not face additional criminal charges will be “processed administratively” for removal from the United States. Some will appear in immigration court.
More
Sheriff Lewis Does It Again
Wouldn't you know it. Sheriff Mike Lewis has a tan pickup truck pulled over on the Bypass just south of the Rt 50 exit. He called in the plate and asked for information. Before they could get back with him with info he had already placed the suspect under arrest for CDS.
Some say he's like a drug sniffing K-9. Good work Sheriff Lewis.
Some say he's like a drug sniffing K-9. Good work Sheriff Lewis.
Dangerous Breach Suspected At Japanese Nuke Plant
A suspected breach in the core at one reactor at a stricken Fukushima nuclear plant could mean more serious radioactive contamination, Japanese officials revealed Friday - a situation the prime minister called "very grave and serious."
A somber Prime Minister Naoto Kan sounded a pessimistic note at a briefing hours after nuclear safety officials said they suspected a breach at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant that would be a major setback in the urgent mission to stop the facility from leaking radiation.
"The situation today at the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant is still very grave and serious. We must remain vigilant," Kan said. "We are not in a position where we can be optimistic. We must treat every development with the utmost care."
The uncertain situation halted work at the nuclear complex, where dozens had been trying feverishly to stop the overheated plant from leaking dangerous radiation. The plant has leaked some low levels of radiation, but a breach could mean a much larger release of contaminants.
More
A somber Prime Minister Naoto Kan sounded a pessimistic note at a briefing hours after nuclear safety officials said they suspected a breach at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant that would be a major setback in the urgent mission to stop the facility from leaking radiation.
"The situation today at the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant is still very grave and serious. We must remain vigilant," Kan said. "We are not in a position where we can be optimistic. We must treat every development with the utmost care."
The uncertain situation halted work at the nuclear complex, where dozens had been trying feverishly to stop the overheated plant from leaking dangerous radiation. The plant has leaked some low levels of radiation, but a breach could mean a much larger release of contaminants.
More
Minister Landau, MK Dichter: Renew Targeted Killings Of Terrorists
Minister Uzi Landau and MK Avi Dichter of opposition party Kadima both expressed support Thursday for a renewal of the "targeted killing" policy against terror chiefs. Dichter also called for striking civilian infrastructures in the terror haven.
The "targeted killings" policy is a proactive anti-terror tactic in which the IDF does not wait for terrorists to act against Israel in order to strike at them. Rather, it uses its air superiority in order to pick off known terrorist leaders based on real-time intelligence regarding their whereabouts.
[You'll remember Israeli helicopters firing missiles through terrorists' bedroom windows... very effective. --Editor]
Dichter, who is a former Head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), said that some politicians' calls to invade Gaza were "divorced from reality."
Embarking on such an operation, he explained, requires a period of preparation of more than a year. "This is our strategic goal," he said, "but right now we need to act... immediately on the tactical plane."
The way to create deterrence vis-a-vis Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Dichter added, requires pinpoint strikes rather than massive attack. Israel, he said, should be "hitting key members of the terror infrastructure in Gaza and at the same time hitting the civilian infrastructures of the Strip."
A policy of retaliation that consists of bombing open spaces, "a tunnel here and a tunnel there, causing sand to fly and making some dust" only invites more terror, said Minister Landau.
Hamas leaders in Gaza, he said, "should go into the bunkers and worry about their personal good health around the clock."
More here
The "targeted killings" policy is a proactive anti-terror tactic in which the IDF does not wait for terrorists to act against Israel in order to strike at them. Rather, it uses its air superiority in order to pick off known terrorist leaders based on real-time intelligence regarding their whereabouts.
[You'll remember Israeli helicopters firing missiles through terrorists' bedroom windows... very effective. --Editor]
Dichter, who is a former Head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), said that some politicians' calls to invade Gaza were "divorced from reality."
Embarking on such an operation, he explained, requires a period of preparation of more than a year. "This is our strategic goal," he said, "but right now we need to act... immediately on the tactical plane."
The way to create deterrence vis-a-vis Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Dichter added, requires pinpoint strikes rather than massive attack. Israel, he said, should be "hitting key members of the terror infrastructure in Gaza and at the same time hitting the civilian infrastructures of the Strip."
A policy of retaliation that consists of bombing open spaces, "a tunnel here and a tunnel there, causing sand to fly and making some dust" only invites more terror, said Minister Landau.
Hamas leaders in Gaza, he said, "should go into the bunkers and worry about their personal good health around the clock."
More here
OCEAN CITY POLICE CONTINUE DEATH INVESTIGATION
Detectives with the Ocean City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division are continuing the investigation of the death that occurred on Wednesday morning at the Fenwick Inn hotel. It was reported in a local newspaper that there are people with knowledge about this case, and investigators would like to speak with them.
Additional information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. The OCPD is asking anyone with information about this case to call 410-723-6604.
Additional information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. The OCPD is asking anyone with information about this case to call 410-723-6604.
Dog Found On Eastern Shore Drive
He was found on Eastern Shore Drive & Carroll Streets. Contact Shannon 443-366-5115.
Is The States Case Against Thomas Leggs As Air Tight As We Were Lead To Believe?
Click on images to enlarge.
Notice ALL Hearings Have Been Cancelled. (above)
"Defense's Motion to strike notice of intent to seek a sentence of death because there is no legally sufficient biological evidence or DNA evidence that links the act of murder."
A Comment Worthy Of A Post:Thomas Leggs
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Has A Plea Offer Been Made to Thomas Leggs?":
Joe, I have know about this post since it went up and I didn't make a comment because I just felt there is absolutely no way this could be true. Well now I need to share with you and everyone what I have come to learn. I work with a friend of a relative of Sarah Foxwell, now please keep in mind I am repeating what I have heard but based on the fact that several people in my office have asked off for Tuesday 29th I am beginning to believe it is true. Here it is - A plea has been done and Tuesday will be the day to be in Elkton because it is over. I don't know the details of this deal but I do want to tell you how i feel about it.
I am sick and disgusted with Davis Ruark,this man said over and over "I will settle for no less then the Death Penalty in this case". I believe that he told the family he would never plea out this case.
Anyway the reason I am sharing this information is that I feel anyone who had consider going to this trail may seriously consider going to Elkton on Tuesday.
Editors Notes:
I believe this to be absolutely correct. Salisbury News has been on top of this case more than anyone else. If you have ANY interest whatsoever in this case, my strong suggestion is that every one show up Tuesday in Elkton. Out of respect for Law Enforcement and the States Attorneys Office we will refrain from publishing any details until Tuesday. However, let me assure you, (if you cannot be there) we will provide anything and everything Tuesday morning referencing this case. You will NOT want to miss it, trust me.
Has A Plea Offer Been Made to Thomas Leggs?
Today was supposed to be another day of hearings regarding the prosecution of Thomas Leggs for the murder of 11 year old Sarah Foxwell. So was Thursday … and Friday … and Monday …. and Tuesday. Yet, today’s hearings were cancelled. So were Thursday’s … and Friday’s … and Monday’s.
Next, we were informed by the office of Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matt Maciarello that there was a news blackout. We were requested to publish no posts regarding the case AND asked not to allow any comments regarding the matter either. The Daily Times even posted an article regarding today’s hearing cancellation and then immediately pulled it down.Why?
Has an offer been made to Leggs and his defense that would take the death penalty off of the table? If Leggs accepts such an offer will Tuesday’s scheduled hearing be an allocution?
We sincerely hope not. This crime is probably the most infamous in Wicomico County’s history. “If there was ever a crime that screams for the death penalty, this is it.”
Today's Survey Question
Do You Believe Thomas Leggs Should Be Put To Death
Or
Do You Believe He Should Get Life In Prison?
Tea Party Tells Boehner: Cut Budget Or Your Out
As U.S. lawmakers seek a compromise on how much federal spending to cut in order to avoid a government shutdown, Tea Party activists who helped propel Republicans back into power are growing impatient with the debate.
When Republicans captured the House in November, vowing to slash $100 billion in federal spending from the budget year ending in September, 76 percent of Tea Party activists supported their deficit-reduction plan, according to a new Pew Research poll released last week.
But after House Republicans approved a plan last month to cut federal spending by $61 billion, that Tea Party support fell to 52 percent.
Now Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips, arguably the most vocal critic of GOP leaders, is pushing for a primary opponent against House Speaker John Boehner in 2012 for breaking his campaign pledge to cut $100 billion and for what he sees as hints that he's willing to cut less than $61 billion in a compromise with Senate Democrats.
"Charlie Sheen is now making more sense than John Boehner," Phillips wrote in his blog earlier this month.
Mom Gives Botox To 8-Year-Old Daughter
In another TODAY Moms post today, we wrote about the coming-of-age "aesthetic" milestones for tween girls, as part of a discussion of "When is it OK to..." do things like wear makeup, shave legs and get your ears pierced.
Now, we bring you "When is it NEVER OK to…"
For that, we go to this bizarre story that's all over the British press and originally came from the The Sun, which reports that 8-year-old Britney Campbell of Birmingham, England, gets Botox treatments in her face from her 34-year-old mom, Kerry, a beautician. Britney also gets routine waxes of leg hair and a monthly "virgin wax." This is a bid, her mom says, to stop pubic hair from growing when she hits puberty.
More
Now, we bring you "When is it NEVER OK to…"
For that, we go to this bizarre story that's all over the British press and originally came from the The Sun, which reports that 8-year-old Britney Campbell of Birmingham, England, gets Botox treatments in her face from her 34-year-old mom, Kerry, a beautician. Britney also gets routine waxes of leg hair and a monthly "virgin wax." This is a bid, her mom says, to stop pubic hair from growing when she hits puberty.
More
Slushy Snow Expected Sunday
WASHINGTON - Forget the T-shirt this weekend. Grab your mittens. The forecast calls for the "potential" for a couple of inches of slushy snow.
The last weekend of March may be one to remember.
More
The last weekend of March may be one to remember.
More
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR ANIMAL HEALTH BUILDING
Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., invites the public to a groundbreaking ceremony for the Salisbury Zoological Park Animal Health Building, on Monday, March 28, 2011. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be held next to the Salisbury Zoological Administrative Building behind Ben’s Red Swings.
The project includes the construction of a new Animal Health Clinic. This health clinic will enable the Salisbury Zoological Park to have a facility that will house and treat our current and future animal collection. It will also enable us to further the Zoo’s involvement in conservation breeding programs. This project will include geothermal heating and air for efficiency, necropsy room, surgery room, multiple animal holding areas and quarantine space. A secondary use of the new Clinic will be for emergency housing during inclement weather.
“The construction of this building is very important to the future of the Salisbury Zoological Park. As we move towards the implementation of our Master Plan (completed in 2006), AZA accreditation is very critical to our success. Phase One of that Master Plan includes the Animal Health Clinic. The ability to provide consistent, modern medical care to our animal collection is very important,” said Zoo Director, Joel Hamilton.
“This project, funded by a City of Salisbury Public Improvement Bond of 2009, a Maryland Historic Grant, a State Bond Bill, and private donations to the Renew the Zoo capital campaign and managed by the Delmarva Zoological Society is an example of the community and all levels of government working together for the good of the zoo, and ultimately, for the good of Salisbury,” said Mayor Ireton.
This project will begin construction this month (March 2011) and is expected to be completed by March 2012.
The project includes the construction of a new Animal Health Clinic. This health clinic will enable the Salisbury Zoological Park to have a facility that will house and treat our current and future animal collection. It will also enable us to further the Zoo’s involvement in conservation breeding programs. This project will include geothermal heating and air for efficiency, necropsy room, surgery room, multiple animal holding areas and quarantine space. A secondary use of the new Clinic will be for emergency housing during inclement weather.
“The construction of this building is very important to the future of the Salisbury Zoological Park. As we move towards the implementation of our Master Plan (completed in 2006), AZA accreditation is very critical to our success. Phase One of that Master Plan includes the Animal Health Clinic. The ability to provide consistent, modern medical care to our animal collection is very important,” said Zoo Director, Joel Hamilton.
“This project, funded by a City of Salisbury Public Improvement Bond of 2009, a Maryland Historic Grant, a State Bond Bill, and private donations to the Renew the Zoo capital campaign and managed by the Delmarva Zoological Society is an example of the community and all levels of government working together for the good of the zoo, and ultimately, for the good of Salisbury,” said Mayor Ireton.
This project will begin construction this month (March 2011) and is expected to be completed by March 2012.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON THE GAIN OF 8,100 JOBS IN FEBRUARY
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 25, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following the announcement that Maryland employers added 8,100 jobs in February, a rate of job growth that is triple the national average and marking the second consecutive month of falling unemployment rate:
“February’s jobs report shows that Maryland employers continue to outperform the rest of the nation, and that we are uniquely positioned to transition into this new economy more quickly than other states.
“Maryland employers added 8,100 jobs last month, tripled the national rate of job growth, and for the second straight month drove down the rate of unemployment. Together, we are moving forward by making the right choices and the right investments to create jobs through innovation.”
Details of the report can be found here.
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