DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, November 07, 2013
Obamacare Price Hikes Biggest In GOP States
If you live in a state that did not vote for Barack Obama for president, chances are your rates are going up more than if you reside in one that did vote for him.
According to pricing analysis by the Heritage Foundation, premiums for 27-year-olds rose an average of 78 percent on Obamacare exchanges in Republican states.
But premiums for those same young adults in states that voted Democrat rose by only 50 percent.
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Fitch Warns Of Housing Bubble, Says "Unsustainable" Jump Leaves Home Prices 17% Overvalued
Whether it is 'cover' for the all-too-obvious collapse to come (when another round of ratings agency litigation will take place as blame is apportioned) or more likely a 'fool-me-once...' perspective on reality, Fitch has a new report blasting the "unsustainable" jump in home prices, adding that "the extreme rate of home price growth is a cause for caution." While they note, rising prices are a positive indicator for a recovery, Fitch adds that unprecedented home price growth should be paired with economic health that is similarly unprecedented, the evidence for which is lacking in this case.
Based on the historic relationship between home prices and a basket of econometric factors, Fitch considers estimates national prices to be approximately 17% overvalued in real terms (Bay Area home prices to be nearly 30% overvalued, which approximates the environment in 2003, three years into the formation of the previous home price bubble) - as "speculative buying, not increasing demand" is driving the market. Between this 'speculation' and interest rates, affordability is "strained."
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Based on the historic relationship between home prices and a basket of econometric factors, Fitch considers estimates national prices to be approximately 17% overvalued in real terms (Bay Area home prices to be nearly 30% overvalued, which approximates the environment in 2003, three years into the formation of the previous home price bubble) - as "speculative buying, not increasing demand" is driving the market. Between this 'speculation' and interest rates, affordability is "strained."
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AT&T IS REPORTEDLY GETTING PAID $10M FOR VOLUNTARILY GIVING CALL DATA TO THE CIA
According to the New York Times, the information is used in overseas counterterrorism efforts. The CIA gives AT&T phone numbers of suspected terrorists. The phone company searches its database and provides call records that could help identify others involved in a case.
A report in September revealed AT&T maintained call records – information that included who called whom, call time, duration and location — on “every call that passes through an AT&T switch” with records going back 26 years.
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Who Won The American Revolution?
Seems like a pretty dumb question. The United States won independence; isn’t that clear?
I have often wondered about the meaning of the term “independence” in this context. Independence for whom? For the average colonist, what really changed fundamentally? And as time went on, what was different in life for the average Yankee having a pint in Boston vs. the average Brit having one in London? Both have been and continue to be victims of inflation and regulation; both have been subject to being duped and dragged into the same wars for empire.
Who won? To address this issue I will offer excerpts from Merrill Jensen’s book, The New Nation: A History of the United States During the Confederation. This post will likely be my last in a series of posts covering this book.
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I have often wondered about the meaning of the term “independence” in this context. Independence for whom? For the average colonist, what really changed fundamentally? And as time went on, what was different in life for the average Yankee having a pint in Boston vs. the average Brit having one in London? Both have been and continue to be victims of inflation and regulation; both have been subject to being duped and dragged into the same wars for empire.
Who won? To address this issue I will offer excerpts from Merrill Jensen’s book, The New Nation: A History of the United States During the Confederation. This post will likely be my last in a series of posts covering this book.
More
THERE ARE TINY ELECTRONIC DEVICES MONITORING GUNFIRE IN SEVERAL U.S. CITIES THAT YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD ABOUT
When there’s a gunshot in the nation’s capital, the D.C. police can “hear” it — even if they’re not nearby.
At least 300 sound-sensors are placed strategically in the District’s most crime-heavy neighborhoods, recording the sound of gunshots and dispatching officers to the scene.
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At least 300 sound-sensors are placed strategically in the District’s most crime-heavy neighborhoods, recording the sound of gunshots and dispatching officers to the scene.
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Police Officer And Wife Arrested On Multiple Sex Offense Charges Including Rape
Yesterday, his wife, Aimee Beth Warhurst, 34, also of Chesapeake Beach, turned herself in to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and is being held on $100,000 for the same offenses.
Go to http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/safety/law/sheriff and click on the Crime Solvers link to leave an anonymous tip on-line. Information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect could result in a $1,000 reward.
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Washington City Votes To Raise Minimum Wage to $15
The SeaTac initiative will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour for hospitality and transportation workers in and near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The current minimum wage in Washington State is $9.19.
With all precincts counted, the 'Yes' vote was leading by 54% to 46%, but opponents say it is still too close to call. There are still uncounted votes, due to Washington's mail-in voting system.
Hogan To O'Malley: No Guts, No Cuts
Late last week the blog Politics Maryland reported that State Budget secretary Eloise Foster of the Department of Budget and Management indicated Governor O'Malley directed government agencies to prepare "cost containment plans" to cut spending instead of raising taxes. Change Maryland, the state's leading voice of opposition to a one-party political monopoly in Annapolis, scoffed at the claim that O'Malley would not seek higher taxes or fees in the face of Maryland’s looming $510 million structural deficit.
"Every election year, Governor O’Malley promises not to raise taxes, but he has broken this promise every year he has been governor. Under this administration, Marylanders have been slammed with 40 consecutive tax, toll and fee hikes. Now, as he attempts to cement his legacy and further his presidential aspirations, he is back to singing the 'no new tax' tune once again," said Larry Hogan, founder and Chairman of Change Maryland.
During his re-election campaign, O'Malley ran commercials railing against fee and tax increases; after he claimed he was looking for a "diet of cuts" until the state’s economy and revenue were stronger. Yet in his second term, he pushed for some of the most regressive taxes and fees we've seen in this administration: increases in the state’s gas tax and tolls, a rain tax, and more that disproportionately affect the families that can least afford them.
"In 2012, O'Malley infamously tweeted ‘You have to have the guts to make the cuts.' But after seven years, where are the cuts, governor?" asked Hogan. "The facts show that Martin O'Malley has actually increased state spending by over $8 billion — with zero cuts. By the standards of his own rhetoric, Governor O'Malley is gutless," Hogan said.
"The massive tax increases in 2007 were supposed to solve the structural deficit. Then it was the 2012 tax hikes. Here we are again with a shortfall, even after forty consecutive tax increases under this administration," charged Hogan. "Even these outrageous tax increases have not kept up with spending addiction of the O'Malley-Brown administration. This is further proof that this administration simply lacks the courage to say, 'no' to spending."
"Every election year, Governor O’Malley promises not to raise taxes, but he has broken this promise every year he has been governor. Under this administration, Marylanders have been slammed with 40 consecutive tax, toll and fee hikes. Now, as he attempts to cement his legacy and further his presidential aspirations, he is back to singing the 'no new tax' tune once again," said Larry Hogan, founder and Chairman of Change Maryland.
During his re-election campaign, O'Malley ran commercials railing against fee and tax increases; after he claimed he was looking for a "diet of cuts" until the state’s economy and revenue were stronger. Yet in his second term, he pushed for some of the most regressive taxes and fees we've seen in this administration: increases in the state’s gas tax and tolls, a rain tax, and more that disproportionately affect the families that can least afford them.
"In 2012, O'Malley infamously tweeted ‘You have to have the guts to make the cuts.' But after seven years, where are the cuts, governor?" asked Hogan. "The facts show that Martin O'Malley has actually increased state spending by over $8 billion — with zero cuts. By the standards of his own rhetoric, Governor O'Malley is gutless," Hogan said.
"The massive tax increases in 2007 were supposed to solve the structural deficit. Then it was the 2012 tax hikes. Here we are again with a shortfall, even after forty consecutive tax increases under this administration," charged Hogan. "Even these outrageous tax increases have not kept up with spending addiction of the O'Malley-Brown administration. This is further proof that this administration simply lacks the courage to say, 'no' to spending."
Billy Graham My Hope America Tonight at 7pm
My Hope America is a series of videos designed to clearly present the Gospel with life-changing testimonies & powerful messages from Billy Graham. Share these programs with friends, family, and neighbors today.
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Go Take A Look At The Moon Now!
But that’s not all you can look for tonight. Before Jupiter rises in the east on the evening of November 7, look first for the waxing crescent moon and the super brilliant planet Venus in the southwest sky at dusk and early evening. Can you believe Venus looks so bright? In fact, it’ll get brighter still before reaching its greatest brilliancy in early December.
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Deeper Cuts Possible For Food Stamp Benefits
As food stamp recipients adjust to recent cuts in their benefits, they face losing even more.
A bill before Congress, known as the farm bill, threatens to cut as much as $39 billion more from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, over the next 10 years. On Friday, recipients lost about 5 percent of their benefits when temporary funding for food stamps from the 2009 stimulus expired.
“It’s like a perfect storm,” Montgomery County Councilwoman Valerie Ervin said of the potentially double cuts.
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A bill before Congress, known as the farm bill, threatens to cut as much as $39 billion more from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, over the next 10 years. On Friday, recipients lost about 5 percent of their benefits when temporary funding for food stamps from the 2009 stimulus expired.
“It’s like a perfect storm,” Montgomery County Councilwoman Valerie Ervin said of the potentially double cuts.
More
Parents Slam Pro-Islam Slant In Florida School Textbook
Hundreds of parents, angry at what they say is a biased student textbook with a decided pro-Islam slant, have launched a campaign demanding equal religious representation and planned a protest at the school board meeting this week.
The book, “World History,” devotes fully 32 pages — an entire chapter — on “Muslim Civilizations,” including descriptions of the Koran and a listing of the Five Pillars of Islam, The Daily Caller reported. But noticeably missing is information on any other religion.
Protesters are demanding that students tear out the Islam chapter until the school, in Volusia County, provide a like number of pages on other religions, the local WFTV reported.
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The book, “World History,” devotes fully 32 pages — an entire chapter — on “Muslim Civilizations,” including descriptions of the Koran and a listing of the Five Pillars of Islam, The Daily Caller reported. But noticeably missing is information on any other religion.
Protesters are demanding that students tear out the Islam chapter until the school, in Volusia County, provide a like number of pages on other religions, the local WFTV reported.
More
Pepco Plans To Seek Another Rate Increase
As appeals of its July rate increase progress in court, Pepco Holdings Inc. told investors Wednesday that it will file yet another request to raise its rates by the end of the year.
Joseph M. Rigby, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said the outcome of the company’s most recent request makes it necessary to file another rate case. The company will also continue to work to reduce regulatory lag and ensure timely recovery of its costs, Rigby said, citing upfront surcharges as a means to that end.
“We will remain very active in the regulatory arena,” he said.
On July 12, for the third time in four years, the Maryland Public Service Commission denied the lion’s share of Pepco’s request for higher rates when it granted Pepco $27.9 million of a $60.8 million request.
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Joseph M. Rigby, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said the outcome of the company’s most recent request makes it necessary to file another rate case. The company will also continue to work to reduce regulatory lag and ensure timely recovery of its costs, Rigby said, citing upfront surcharges as a means to that end.
“We will remain very active in the regulatory arena,” he said.
On July 12, for the third time in four years, the Maryland Public Service Commission denied the lion’s share of Pepco’s request for higher rates when it granted Pepco $27.9 million of a $60.8 million request.
More
REPORT: OBAMACARE WILL BOOST INDIVIDUAL-MARKET PREMIUMS 41% ON AVERAGE
New Delmarva Public Radio GM makes quick changes
Just a year later the stations are set to move to new studios and new owner Salisbury University will invest in new, state of the art equipment.
The station’s new general manager Dana Whitehair, 55, is confidently optimistic about the future of the stations.
“I didn’t come here to fail. We’re looking at the long-term health of Delmarva Public Radio,” he told a small group of Lewes Friends of Delmarva Public Radio who met in October at Lewes Public Library.
He said moving from a situation a year ago when DPR appeared doomed, to now preparing to install new broadcast equipment is a significant turnaround.
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Former NSA Codebreaker: I Tried To Tell People About Government Spying
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A former NSA codebreaker reveals that more than a decade ago, he tried to expose government spying on every day Americans.
The Maryland man tells Mary Bubala he blew the whistle long before anyone heard of Edward Snowden–but no one would listen.
WJZ investigates his story and the price he paid.
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The Maryland man tells Mary Bubala he blew the whistle long before anyone heard of Edward Snowden–but no one would listen.
WJZ investigates his story and the price he paid.
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Test Takers Rush To Complete GED
With the new version, test takers must use a computer instead of paper and pencil. The test itself will be more rigorous and cost more — at $120, the price in some states will be significantly higher than previous versions. Some places may subsidize all or part of the cost.
"This is the thing that's sort of putting the spur in the saddle," said Lecester Johnson, executive director of Academy of Hope, an adult charter school in Washington. "People just don't want to start over."
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Putin Ends NATO Missile Shield Cooperation, Warns Prepare For War
In a stunning move on November 4, hours away from a meeting, Putin ended the 2011 Russian Presidential order for cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on its missile defense shield project. Turkey scrambles American gifted F-16 fighter jets to intercept Russian fighters on the border. Vladimir Putin stuns the world telling his military to prepare for war.
Never since the height of the Cold War have Russia and the United States been perched on the brink of the Apocalypse. Russia is doing more than just stepping up their rhetoric. While President Obama is purging what he calls “My Military” it seems that our Russian Counterparts are gearing up for World War III.
Tensions just got a lot higher than they did during September. We thought that things might be headed in this direction after the G 20 summit. Hours before President Obama even landed, President Putin called Secretary of State John Kerry a liar:
Soon after did not calm tensions. President Obama stepped off the plane and lit into Putin.
Never since the height of the Cold War have Russia and the United States been perched on the brink of the Apocalypse. Russia is doing more than just stepping up their rhetoric. While President Obama is purging what he calls “My Military” it seems that our Russian Counterparts are gearing up for World War III.
Tensions just got a lot higher than they did during September. We thought that things might be headed in this direction after the G 20 summit. Hours before President Obama even landed, President Putin called Secretary of State John Kerry a liar:
Soon after did not calm tensions. President Obama stepped off the plane and lit into Putin.
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