Maryland residents have been buying guns in record numbers before a law takes effect Tuesday, with provisions aimed at helping keep guns away from criminals and the mentally ill, strengthening safety training and banning 45 types of assault weapons.
Opponents decry what they call an ineffective law that will only make it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise Second Amendment rights. They say the state also failed to prepare properly for implementation after Gov. Martin O'Malley, who is considering a run for the White House in 2016, pushed the complicated measure through the General Assembly to build his credentials for a potential Democratic primary race.
On Thursday, opponents of the restrictions sued in federal court in Baltimore, seeking to block the legislation from taking effect. The court scheduled a hearing for Tuesday on their motion for an order that would temporarily block implementation while the court considers whether to permanently bar Maryland from enforcing the law.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, September 28, 2013
SENATOR CLASHES WITH NSA CHIEF DURING TESTY EXCHANGE OVER QUESTIONS ON CELLPHONE LOCATION TRACKING
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top intelligence official has sidestepped questions from a senator about whether the National Security Agency has tracked the whereabouts of millions of Americans using their cellphone signals.
The testy exchange Thursday between NSA chief Keith Alexander and Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon intimated that such tracking had taken place.
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The testy exchange Thursday between NSA chief Keith Alexander and Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon intimated that such tracking had taken place.
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White House: Obama Will Veto House Shutdown Bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House says President Barack Obama would veto House Republican legislation that would delay much of the president's health care overhaul for a year and cancel a tax on medical devices.
The White House statement comes as the GOP-run House prepares to debate a bill averting a government shutdown Tuesday morning, but delaying the health care law and repealing the tax as the price for doing so. The medical device tax helps finance the health care law.
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The White House statement comes as the GOP-run House prepares to debate a bill averting a government shutdown Tuesday morning, but delaying the health care law and repealing the tax as the price for doing so. The medical device tax helps finance the health care law.
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When Jails Become The Mental Asylums
"In every city and state I have visited, the jails have become the de facto mental institutions," warns the president of the American Jail Association as the WSJ notes [5], America's lockups have become its new asylums. After scores of state mental institutions were closed beginning in the 1970s, few alternatives materialized. Many of the afflicted wound up on the streets, where, untreated, they became more vulnerable to joblessness, drug abuse and crime. Stunningly, the number of mentally ill prisoners the country's three biggest jail systems - Cook County, IL; Los Angeles County; and New York City - handle daily is equal to 28% of all beds in the nation's 213 state psychiatric hospitals. "We're finding sicker and sicker people all the time" who have to be treated for their mental illnesses. Prisons "can't say no to the mentally ill. They have to solve the problem."
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PARALYZED COLLEGE STUDENT AND HIS GIRLFRIEND, BOTH OF SALISBURY, MD, RAISE SUPPORT FOR KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE TEAM AT THE 2013 BALTIMORE RUNNING FESTIVAL
James, who in October of 2010 at the age of 19 was paralyzed in a car accident while on duty being transported as an active member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and Navy ROTC, will be competing in the marathon with the use of a hand cycle. This will be James' first marathon since being in a wheelchair, though he has continued his passion for sports these past three years by participating in both wheelchair basketball and wheelchair lacrosse. Lindsay and James, who have been an inseparable couple since meeting their freshman year of high school, trained for the 5k marathon in Salisbury this past summer and are looking forward to the event. Because of the pace differences between James using a hand cycle and Lindsay on foot, Lindsay's running partner over the summer was often James' 2 year old German Shepherd, Tally, who did a great job in helping her maintain a strong and consistent running speed. Lindsay and James are currently seniors at Virginia Tech and both are considering graduate school for the upcoming year, she in psychology and he in engineering.
James visits the Kennedy Krieger Institute for physical therapy several times a year and has seen firsthand the excellent work being done at the institute. "As someone who has spent a great deal of time at Kennedy Krieger since about 2011, I can tell you it's been emotionally uplifting for my family and me to see their compassion and drive as they work with children (and adults.) It gives you a completely different perspective on life and makes you realize anything is possible," says James. As part of the 2013 Kennedy Krieger charity team, he, Lindsay, and the other participants aim to increase the number of Kennedy Krieger patients who are able to participate in the races each year, open the door to improved physical fitness for those with disabilities, and fund research towards a cure for paralysis.
If you would like to sponsor either Lindsay or James, visit Kennedy Krieger Institute's Team Page and click on Sponsor a Participant. Here you will be able to search for both Lindsay and James' pledge pages by first and last name. http://supportus.kennedykrieger.org/site/TR?fr_id=1120&pg=entry
SEIU Unionists Strike Over Obamacare-Related Cuts
Members of the Chicago-based Service Employees International Union Local 1 have gone on strike over recent job cuts by a janitorial company called Professional Maintenance.
The reason for the cuts? The employer says it is because of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This is ironic since SEIU is a major supporter of the law.
Tyler French, Local 1's organizing director, told Mediatrackers Ohio the company claimed it had to cut its employees' hours due to Obamacare mandates.
French did not believe the explanation, though, calling it the “latest excuse in a long line of many that we’ve seen from corporate America.”
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The reason for the cuts? The employer says it is because of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This is ironic since SEIU is a major supporter of the law.
Tyler French, Local 1's organizing director, told Mediatrackers Ohio the company claimed it had to cut its employees' hours due to Obamacare mandates.
French did not believe the explanation, though, calling it the “latest excuse in a long line of many that we’ve seen from corporate America.”
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IRAN CASHES IN ON CAPTURED DRONE
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, or IRGC, intends to unveil it soon.
In December 2011, IRGC forces electronically tricked a highly classified U.S. RQ-170 drone into Iran after it had taken off from Afghanistan.
The U.S. drone was under the command of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Read more
THE CRICKET CENTER TO HOST "CRICKETS ON THE BAY" AT SEACRETS
The CRICKET Center stands for the Children's Resource Intervention Center - Kids Empowerment Team. The CRICKET Center's mission is to reduce the trauma of abuse for the children of Worcester County and to educate our communite regarding child abuse.
Tickets for the event are $65. For more information, contact The CRICKET Center at 410-641-0097.
Democrats Against Obamacare
Moderate and conservative Democrats are splitting with the Left on health care.
Texas senator Ted Cruz’s 21-hour 19-minute soliloquy this week apotheosized Republican dissatisfaction with Obamacare. Likewise, the GOP House recently voted to finance everything in Washington, minus the so-called Affordable Care Act.
A real surprise lies behind these headlines: Democratsare falling out of love with Obamacare.
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Texas senator Ted Cruz’s 21-hour 19-minute soliloquy this week apotheosized Republican dissatisfaction with Obamacare. Likewise, the GOP House recently voted to finance everything in Washington, minus the so-called Affordable Care Act.
A real surprise lies behind these headlines: Democratsare falling out of love with Obamacare.
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Sunfest Attendance Hits 186K
OCEAN CITY – The 39th Annual Sunfest brought in the largest attendance since 2008, marking the end of the summer season but serving as a reminder to the locals and visitors alike there is still much more to look forward to in the coming months.
Sunfest took place last weekend drawing a crowd of approximately 186,779 people to the Inlet Lot, beginning on Thursday and appropriately ended on Sunday as it was the first day of the fall season.
As always, Sunfest was four fun-filled days of music, food, arts and crafts. The event was recently ranked the best Arts & Crafts show in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine and the 2012 Finest Festival for Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore by Maryland Life Magazine.
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Sunfest took place last weekend drawing a crowd of approximately 186,779 people to the Inlet Lot, beginning on Thursday and appropriately ended on Sunday as it was the first day of the fall season.
As always, Sunfest was four fun-filled days of music, food, arts and crafts. The event was recently ranked the best Arts & Crafts show in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine and the 2012 Finest Festival for Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore by Maryland Life Magazine.
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GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRISTIE, VIRGINIA GOVERNOR MCDONNELL SIGN LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSITIES’ COLLABORATION ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM TESTING
MOU strengthens Mid-Atlantic region’s potential to be selected as FAA test site
Annapolis, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley joined New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell in submitting a letter supporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which the University System of Maryland, Rutgers University and Virginia Tech University agreed to collaborate and partner on a Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test site. The letter, sent to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, highlighted the cooperative UAS research conducted by the three universities.
“With the potential to create more than 2,500 well-paying jobs in Maryland over the next 12 years, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems sector has the potential to have a significant positive economic impact on our state,” said Governor O’Malley. “This is an exciting agreement between three world-class educational institutions that takes advantage of the unparalleled capabilities in Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia for research, development and testing, and positions the Mid-Atlantic region as the ideal location for an Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site.”
In Maryland, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River is recognized as the world’s leading center of UAS activity. At both the university level and among federal facilities, Maryland has been testing and developing UAS technology for more than two decades. Maryland’s UAS proposal, submitted to the FAA in May, includes the University System of Maryland campuses in College Park, Baltimore County and Eastern Shore, general aviation airports in Crisfield and St. Mary’s County, federal and industry partners and community organizations such as the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, the Patuxent Partnership, and the Joint Atlantic and Chesapeake Range Collaborative.
“We are thankful to our entire Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Steny Hoyer, who worked diligently to grow this coalition, the universities for their spirit of cooperation, and to partner companies in each state whose support is testament to the potential of this initiative,” said Governor O’Malley.
“This memorandum of understanding between the University System of Maryland, Rutgers University, and Virginia Tech significantly strengthens our bid for one of six UAS test site designations chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration,” statedCongressman Hoyer. “With the presence of three outstanding higher education institutions; federal facilities, such as Pax River Naval Air Station and Webster Field; and strong industry partners, I’m optimistic that we are strongly positioned in the bidding process. I thank Governor O’Malley, Governor Christie, and Governor McDonnell, as well as our three universities, for partnering on this effort, which has the potential to spur private sector development through the commercialization of autonomous systems and boost job creation in our region.”
Under the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Congress authorized the FAA to develop a comprehensive plan to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. In February 2013, the FAA opened the selection process for the six UAS Test Sites that will conduct research and testing of technologies to support the UAS integration.
“The partnership between the University System of Maryland and leading institutions in Virginia and New Jersey will help increase the safety, efficiency, reliability and security of our nation’s airspace,” Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “Because of Maryland’s incredible federal assets, dynamic private sector and academic institutions, Maryland is well-suited to work together with the FAA on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Through this Mid-Atlantic collaboration, we will enhance the safety of our nation’s airspace, while supporting Maryland’s economic security through jobs today and jobs tomorrow.”
With the University of Maryland, College Park, taking the lead, Maryland applied to be selected by the FAA as one of six test sites for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. New Jersey and Virginia submitted a joint application as the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, under Virginia Tech. The three universities subsequently determined that the region’s competitive position is significantly enhanced as a multi-state entity which leverages the competitive strengths of each state. The universities have agreed to work as a united Joint Test Team in the event either or both teams are selected by the FAA as a Test Site for UAS.
Fifty applications across 37 states were submitted to the FAA through May 6, 2013, and 25 applicants remain. A decision is due December 31, 2013.
Annapolis, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley joined New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell in submitting a letter supporting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which the University System of Maryland, Rutgers University and Virginia Tech University agreed to collaborate and partner on a Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test site. The letter, sent to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, highlighted the cooperative UAS research conducted by the three universities.
“With the potential to create more than 2,500 well-paying jobs in Maryland over the next 12 years, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems sector has the potential to have a significant positive economic impact on our state,” said Governor O’Malley. “This is an exciting agreement between three world-class educational institutions that takes advantage of the unparalleled capabilities in Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia for research, development and testing, and positions the Mid-Atlantic region as the ideal location for an Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site.”
In Maryland, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Naval Air Station Patuxent River is recognized as the world’s leading center of UAS activity. At both the university level and among federal facilities, Maryland has been testing and developing UAS technology for more than two decades. Maryland’s UAS proposal, submitted to the FAA in May, includes the University System of Maryland campuses in College Park, Baltimore County and Eastern Shore, general aviation airports in Crisfield and St. Mary’s County, federal and industry partners and community organizations such as the Southern Maryland Navy Alliance, the Patuxent Partnership, and the Joint Atlantic and Chesapeake Range Collaborative.
“We are thankful to our entire Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Steny Hoyer, who worked diligently to grow this coalition, the universities for their spirit of cooperation, and to partner companies in each state whose support is testament to the potential of this initiative,” said Governor O’Malley.
“This memorandum of understanding between the University System of Maryland, Rutgers University, and Virginia Tech significantly strengthens our bid for one of six UAS test site designations chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration,” statedCongressman Hoyer. “With the presence of three outstanding higher education institutions; federal facilities, such as Pax River Naval Air Station and Webster Field; and strong industry partners, I’m optimistic that we are strongly positioned in the bidding process. I thank Governor O’Malley, Governor Christie, and Governor McDonnell, as well as our three universities, for partnering on this effort, which has the potential to spur private sector development through the commercialization of autonomous systems and boost job creation in our region.”
Under the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Congress authorized the FAA to develop a comprehensive plan to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. In February 2013, the FAA opened the selection process for the six UAS Test Sites that will conduct research and testing of technologies to support the UAS integration.
“The partnership between the University System of Maryland and leading institutions in Virginia and New Jersey will help increase the safety, efficiency, reliability and security of our nation’s airspace,” Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “Because of Maryland’s incredible federal assets, dynamic private sector and academic institutions, Maryland is well-suited to work together with the FAA on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Through this Mid-Atlantic collaboration, we will enhance the safety of our nation’s airspace, while supporting Maryland’s economic security through jobs today and jobs tomorrow.”
With the University of Maryland, College Park, taking the lead, Maryland applied to be selected by the FAA as one of six test sites for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. New Jersey and Virginia submitted a joint application as the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, under Virginia Tech. The three universities subsequently determined that the region’s competitive position is significantly enhanced as a multi-state entity which leverages the competitive strengths of each state. The universities have agreed to work as a united Joint Test Team in the event either or both teams are selected by the FAA as a Test Site for UAS.
Fifty applications across 37 states were submitted to the FAA through May 6, 2013, and 25 applicants remain. A decision is due December 31, 2013.
Briefings Held On Proposed Chicken Manure Limit Regs
Farmers and other interested persons are invited to public briefings being held by the Maryland Department of Agriculture on its proposed regulations limiting the use of chicken manure as fertilizer.
During the briefings, the MDA will explain the latest revised regulations and the process that led to their development. MDA personnel will also discuss resources available to farmers to help them manage the impact of the regulations and will answer questions.
The briefings are being held to inform farmers and others of the new proposal before the 30-day public comment period, which begins with publication in the Maryland Register, which is anticipated for Oct. 18.
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During the briefings, the MDA will explain the latest revised regulations and the process that led to their development. MDA personnel will also discuss resources available to farmers to help them manage the impact of the regulations and will answer questions.
The briefings are being held to inform farmers and others of the new proposal before the 30-day public comment period, which begins with publication in the Maryland Register, which is anticipated for Oct. 18.
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Five Years Later: FHA Demands $1.7 Billion Treasury Bail Out
One would think that five years after the bail out of the GSEs, that the Federal Housing Agency, the government agency created to insure loans made by banks and other private lenders for home building and home buying, would be stable and growing. After all, the "housing recovery" and those $3 trillion (and rising exponentially) in liquid injections by the Fed should have assured it. Right? Wrong. Moments ago, the FHA, just as we predicted [4], officially announced it needs a government bailout - the first in its 79 year history - in the form of a $1.7 billion in funding from the Treasury to "cover projected losses in a mortgage program for seniors" and specifically losses due to reverse mortgages: those Fonzy-advertized fake piggy bank programs that end up anyone who uses them through the nose, and now taxpayers too. But... but... but... if the FHA just failed.... does that mean they lied about the housing recovery too? Unpossible!
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As Obama Falters, The More Hypocritical, Ugly And Divisive He Gets
Just days ago Barack Obama was calling for Washington to act with "decency and common purpose."
Yet, today, his senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer had the following to say to Jake Tapper on CNN.
White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer likened House Republicans to suicide bombers, kidnappers and arsonists in a single interview on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Obama himself is accusing the GOP of "blackmail."
President Barack Obama accused Republicans of trying to “blackmail a president” by threatening to shut down the government or default on the nation’s debt if he doesn’t agree to block implementation of Obamacare.
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Yet, today, his senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer had the following to say to Jake Tapper on CNN.
White House senior adviser Dan Pfeiffer likened House Republicans to suicide bombers, kidnappers and arsonists in a single interview on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Obama himself is accusing the GOP of "blackmail."
President Barack Obama accused Republicans of trying to “blackmail a president” by threatening to shut down the government or default on the nation’s debt if he doesn’t agree to block implementation of Obamacare.
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Salisbury Considers ‘Habitual Offender’ Changes
SALISBURY — Because current legislation has been deemed ineffective by Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance (NSCC), the Salisbury City Council has started to review a revised “Habitual Offender” ordinance that the city hopes will significantly cut down on repeat visits to troubled properties.
Susan Phillips, interim director of NSCC, sent a memo dated Aug. 30 to Tom Stevenson, interim city administrator, suggesting a change to Salisbury’s habitual offender code. The current requirements are unrealistic, according to Phillips.
“Because the conditions to become a habitual offender are so uncommon, to date no property owner has received the designation,” she wrote. “In actuality, the lofty requirements have rendered the statute ineffective.”
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Susan Phillips, interim director of NSCC, sent a memo dated Aug. 30 to Tom Stevenson, interim city administrator, suggesting a change to Salisbury’s habitual offender code. The current requirements are unrealistic, according to Phillips.
“Because the conditions to become a habitual offender are so uncommon, to date no property owner has received the designation,” she wrote. “In actuality, the lofty requirements have rendered the statute ineffective.”
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Seymour Hersh On Obama, NSA And The 'Pathetic' American Media
Pulitzer Prize winner explains how to fix journalism, saying press should 'fire 90% of editors and promote ones you can't control'
Seymour Hersh has got some extreme ideas on how to fix journalism – close down the news bureaus of NBC and ABC, sack 90% of editors in publishing and get back to the fundamental job of journalists which, he says, is to be an outsider.
It doesn't take much to fire up Hersh, the investigative journalist who has been the nemesis of US presidents since the 1960s and who was once described by the Republican party as "the closest thing American journalism has to a terrorist".
He is angry about the timidity of journalists in America, their failure to challenge the White House and be an unpopular messenger of truth.
Don't even get him started on the New York Times which, he says, spends "so much more time carrying water for Obama than I ever thought they would" – or the death of Osama bin Laden. "Nothing's been done about that story, it's one big lie, not one word of it is true," he says of the dramatic US Navy Seals raid in 2011.
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Seymour Hersh has got some extreme ideas on how to fix journalism – close down the news bureaus of NBC and ABC, sack 90% of editors in publishing and get back to the fundamental job of journalists which, he says, is to be an outsider.
It doesn't take much to fire up Hersh, the investigative journalist who has been the nemesis of US presidents since the 1960s and who was once described by the Republican party as "the closest thing American journalism has to a terrorist".
He is angry about the timidity of journalists in America, their failure to challenge the White House and be an unpopular messenger of truth.
Don't even get him started on the New York Times which, he says, spends "so much more time carrying water for Obama than I ever thought they would" – or the death of Osama bin Laden. "Nothing's been done about that story, it's one big lie, not one word of it is true," he says of the dramatic US Navy Seals raid in 2011.
More
EVENT TO BENEFIT PLAY IT SAFE TAKING PLACE ON OCTOBER 14
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| Click the image to view the event flyer. |
Approaching its 25th anniversary, the Play It Safe program holds free events for the thousands of high school graduates that visit Ocean City during the month of June. Events include activities such as karaoke, beach volleyball, dance parties and mini golf. Each Play It Safe participant also receives a free bus pass good for the week of their stay in Ocean City.
Tickets for the event will be $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 through 9. Children under 4 are free. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, please contact Donna Greenwood at 410-289-7060 or Al “Hondo” Handy at 410-250-0125.
The Late, Great Middle Class
It’s never been harder to find a decent job making something real.
The American middle class, like the American economy in general, is ailing. Labor-force participation has hit a 35-year low.
Median household income is lower than it was five years ago. Only the top 5 percent of households have seen their incomes rise under President Obama.
Commuters are paying more than twice as much for gas as they were in 2008. Federal payouts for food stamps, unemployment insurance, and disability insurance have reached unprecedented levels.
Meanwhile, the country is still running near-record budget deficits and is burdened by $17 trillion in aggregate debt. Yet the stock market is soaring.
How can we make sense of all this contradictory nonsense? Irony.
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The American middle class, like the American economy in general, is ailing. Labor-force participation has hit a 35-year low.
Median household income is lower than it was five years ago. Only the top 5 percent of households have seen their incomes rise under President Obama.
Commuters are paying more than twice as much for gas as they were in 2008. Federal payouts for food stamps, unemployment insurance, and disability insurance have reached unprecedented levels.
Meanwhile, the country is still running near-record budget deficits and is burdened by $17 trillion in aggregate debt. Yet the stock market is soaring.
How can we make sense of all this contradictory nonsense? Irony.
More
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