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 29, 2016
State Police to Host 2nd Annual Community Safety Day
Rehoboth Beach - The Delaware State Police Community Outreach Unit will be hosting a Community Safety Day on Saturday May 7, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Jungle Jim’s located at 36944 Country Club Road, Rehoboth Beach.
The event is FREE to the public and will showcase a variety of special units including;
Police K9 Demonstration
State Police Aviation (Trooper 2)
Seatbelt Convincer
Fire Company Trucks and Demos
Conflict Management Team
Explosive Ordinance Disposal
Mounted Unit
DelDOT Safety Displays
Delaware Natural Resources Police
Come out and enjoy the day!
The event is FREE to the public and will showcase a variety of special units including;
Police K9 Demonstration
State Police Aviation (Trooper 2)
Seatbelt Convincer
Fire Company Trucks and Demos
Conflict Management Team
Explosive Ordinance Disposal
Mounted Unit
DelDOT Safety Displays
Delaware Natural Resources Police
Come out and enjoy the day!
Publishers Notes: Oh No, I'm not even considering allowing comments.
Trump Won Every County in Every State on Tuesday
Republican frontrunner Donald Trump won every county in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island in what some considered to be another super Tuesday.
Trump now has 949 pledged delegates, compared to 544 for Cruz and 153 for Kasich.
The Republican candidates will set their eyes on Indiana, which votes next Tuesday, for a mostly winner-take-all state with 57 delegates. A win for Trump would only propel him closer to the 1,237 delegate count needed to leave no doubt that he is indeed the Republican nominee.
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Trump now has 949 pledged delegates, compared to 544 for Cruz and 153 for Kasich.
The Republican candidates will set their eyes on Indiana, which votes next Tuesday, for a mostly winner-take-all state with 57 delegates. A win for Trump would only propel him closer to the 1,237 delegate count needed to leave no doubt that he is indeed the Republican nominee.
More
Obama Sides with Saudi Arabia, Promises to Block Bill Exposing Saudi Role in 9/11 Attacks
The Obama Administration has been lobbying Congress to block a bill that would allow Saudi Arabia’s government to be held accountable in American courts for any role it played in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
(Sputnik) — In addition to Obama’s efforts to keep information about 9/11 confidential, Saudi Arabia has threatened to sell hundreds of billions of dollars worth of its American assets if Congress passes the bill. In recent weeks, administration officials have been warning lawmakers of the bill’s potential economic fallout.The Obama Administration’s strict opposition to the 9/11 bill has left many family members of the terror attacks’ victims outraged.
Mindy Kleinberg, whose husband died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, expressed her discontent in an interview with the New York Times.
“It’s stunning to think that our government would back the Saudis over its own citizens,” Kleinberg said.
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(Sputnik) — In addition to Obama’s efforts to keep information about 9/11 confidential, Saudi Arabia has threatened to sell hundreds of billions of dollars worth of its American assets if Congress passes the bill. In recent weeks, administration officials have been warning lawmakers of the bill’s potential economic fallout.The Obama Administration’s strict opposition to the 9/11 bill has left many family members of the terror attacks’ victims outraged.
Mindy Kleinberg, whose husband died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, expressed her discontent in an interview with the New York Times.
“It’s stunning to think that our government would back the Saudis over its own citizens,” Kleinberg said.
More
Debt Is Growing Faster Than Cash Flow By The Most On Record
By now it is a well-known fact that corporations have no real way of generating organic growth in this economy, so they are relying on two things to boost share prices: multiple expansion (courtesy of central banks) and debt-funded buybacks (courtesy of central banks), the latter of which requires the firm to generate excess incremental cash. Incidentally, as SocGen showed last year, all the newly created debt in the 20th century has gone for just one thing: to fund stock buybacks.
The problem with this is that if a firm is going to continue to add debt to its balance sheet in order to fund buybacks (and dividends), then it needs to be able to generate enough operational cash flow in order to service the debt. Even if one makes the argument that debt is cheap right now, which may be true, or that central banks are backstopping it, which is certainly true in Europe as of a month ago, the fact remains that principal balances come due eventually also, and while debt can be rolled over, at some point the inability to generate cash from the operations catches up with them; furthermore even a small increase in rates means the rolling debt strategy is dies a painful death, as early 2016 showed.
In the following chart we can see net debt growth skyrocketing nearly 30% y/y, while EBITDA (cash flow) has been contracting for the past year. In fact, as SocGen shows below, the difference in t
More
The problem with this is that if a firm is going to continue to add debt to its balance sheet in order to fund buybacks (and dividends), then it needs to be able to generate enough operational cash flow in order to service the debt. Even if one makes the argument that debt is cheap right now, which may be true, or that central banks are backstopping it, which is certainly true in Europe as of a month ago, the fact remains that principal balances come due eventually also, and while debt can be rolled over, at some point the inability to generate cash from the operations catches up with them; furthermore even a small increase in rates means the rolling debt strategy is dies a painful death, as early 2016 showed.
In the following chart we can see net debt growth skyrocketing nearly 30% y/y, while EBITDA (cash flow) has been contracting for the past year. In fact, as SocGen shows below, the difference in t
More
John Boehner Calls Ted Cruz "A Miserable Son Of A Bitch, Lucifer In The Flesh"
Is the establishment's fervent hatred of Donald Trump starting a U-turn? It's still too early to know, however at least one core Republican, former house speaker John Boehner, has made it very clear he is not a fan of Ted Cruz. At all. So much so that according to NBC the former Republican House Speaker told an audience at Stanford University Wednesday that the Texas senator is "Lucifer in the flesh" and a "miserable son of a bitch."
When asked about the 2016 presidential candidate at a forum hosted by Stanford in Government and the Stanford Speakers Bureau, Boehner drew laughter for making a face of disgust, according to the Stanford Daily.
"Lucifer in the flesh," Boehner said cited by the paper. "I have Democrat friends and Republican friends. I get along with almost everyone, but I have never worked with a more miserable son of a bitch in my life."
Boehner's shocking statement came because he was urged by the event's moderator, Professor David M. Kennedy, to be frank because the event was not being broadcasted. Perhaps Boehner did not realize people were still taking notes.
More
When asked about the 2016 presidential candidate at a forum hosted by Stanford in Government and the Stanford Speakers Bureau, Boehner drew laughter for making a face of disgust, according to the Stanford Daily.
"Lucifer in the flesh," Boehner said cited by the paper. "I have Democrat friends and Republican friends. I get along with almost everyone, but I have never worked with a more miserable son of a bitch in my life."
Boehner's shocking statement came because he was urged by the event's moderator, Professor David M. Kennedy, to be frank because the event was not being broadcasted. Perhaps Boehner did not realize people were still taking notes.
More
Kenya Builds Wall Along Somali Border to Keep Al-Shabaab Jihadists Out
Kenya has announced it will begin erecting a nearly 435-mile-long wall along its northeastern border with Somalia to stem the flow of jihadists from the Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab.
“This wall will help us check on people like al-Shabaab from crossing to and from Somalia. We will not limit movement of other people. There is a need for joint cooperation between both countries and our leaders in dealing with terrorism, which has affected us negatively,” Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery told reporters in Nairobi over the weekend, according to Defense News.
He reportedly added that “the security barrier consists of a concrete wall ringed with a barbed-wire electric fence and trenches. It will also have observation posts where electronic surveillance cameras will be installed to monitor movements on either side of the border.”
More here
“This wall will help us check on people like al-Shabaab from crossing to and from Somalia. We will not limit movement of other people. There is a need for joint cooperation between both countries and our leaders in dealing with terrorism, which has affected us negatively,” Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery told reporters in Nairobi over the weekend, according to Defense News.
He reportedly added that “the security barrier consists of a concrete wall ringed with a barbed-wire electric fence and trenches. It will also have observation posts where electronic surveillance cameras will be installed to monitor movements on either side of the border.”
More here
'Suck It Up and Deal With It': Fed's Fisher Warns Next Rate Hike Will Cause Correction
The central bank's next interest rate hike will surely cause market pain, but the Federal Reserve should just get it over with as soon as possible, former Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher said Wednesday.
"I would be prepared when they move — and I hope they move some time in June — there'll be a settling in of the market place. There will be a correction. Suck it up. Deal with it. That's reality," he told CNBC.
Fisher said the Fed has been unwilling to tighten monetary policy because it fears the potential resulting market volatility and economic weakness.
"The Fed has the markets on Ritalin, trying to keep the mood very smooth, keep volatility down as much as possible. As soon as they hint that they might remove that, then they create the problems that they're afraid of," he said.
The real economy is doing much better since the Fed's last meeting in March, Fisher said, noting that Argentina has returned to international bond markets, Chinese data looks better and demand for British bonds is strong.
"These are very robust markets. I would take advantage of that right now," he said.
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"I would be prepared when they move — and I hope they move some time in June — there'll be a settling in of the market place. There will be a correction. Suck it up. Deal with it. That's reality," he told CNBC.
Fisher said the Fed has been unwilling to tighten monetary policy because it fears the potential resulting market volatility and economic weakness.
"The Fed has the markets on Ritalin, trying to keep the mood very smooth, keep volatility down as much as possible. As soon as they hint that they might remove that, then they create the problems that they're afraid of," he said.
The real economy is doing much better since the Fed's last meeting in March, Fisher said, noting that Argentina has returned to international bond markets, Chinese data looks better and demand for British bonds is strong.
"These are very robust markets. I would take advantage of that right now," he said.
More
Trump's Take on Cruz VP Pick
Speaking with Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren on Wednesday at a town hall event, Donald Trump said Ted Cruz picking Carly Fiorina as his running mate is a “waste of time.”
“It should be over, if Indiana treats us right, we’re gonna make America great again. Were gonna get rid of these politicians,” Trump said. “I mean, two days ago it was Kasich. They were gonna form an alliance and they were gonna collude and they were gonna get together, and then all of a sudden Kasich didn’t live up to his side of the deal and they’re fighting with each other. And now he’s doing the Carly thing. I just don’t see it. It’s awfully early, number one it’s very early. You’re not supposed to be doing it very early. But I don’t see it.”
Van Susteren then questioned who Trump had his mind as a VP pick, but Trump said he didn’t want to name anyone yet. “I have a lot of great people … but I’d like to finish the deal first.”
“You have to first get the nomination,” he added. “Here’s a guy picking a vice presidential candidate—he has zero chance, he has no path, it’s sorta crazy.”
Trump noted that after coming off of crushing defeats this week in the Acela primaries, at least the move got him in the news cycle.
Whether or not it will prove to help or hurt Cruz remains to be seen, but Trump seemed certain “people will not like it.”
As Guy noted on Wednesday, the “maneuver has the stench of a 'final throes' spasm from a campaign that fears it is doomed.”
Source
“It should be over, if Indiana treats us right, we’re gonna make America great again. Were gonna get rid of these politicians,” Trump said. “I mean, two days ago it was Kasich. They were gonna form an alliance and they were gonna collude and they were gonna get together, and then all of a sudden Kasich didn’t live up to his side of the deal and they’re fighting with each other. And now he’s doing the Carly thing. I just don’t see it. It’s awfully early, number one it’s very early. You’re not supposed to be doing it very early. But I don’t see it.”
Van Susteren then questioned who Trump had his mind as a VP pick, but Trump said he didn’t want to name anyone yet. “I have a lot of great people … but I’d like to finish the deal first.”
“You have to first get the nomination,” he added. “Here’s a guy picking a vice presidential candidate—he has zero chance, he has no path, it’s sorta crazy.”
Trump noted that after coming off of crushing defeats this week in the Acela primaries, at least the move got him in the news cycle.
Whether or not it will prove to help or hurt Cruz remains to be seen, but Trump seemed certain “people will not like it.”
As Guy noted on Wednesday, the “maneuver has the stench of a 'final throes' spasm from a campaign that fears it is doomed.”
Source
A Viewer Writes: Class Based Court System
No wonder Salisbury has one highest crime rates in the country and has the appearance of a slum in so many of its communities, and murders and fights are commonplace.
Citizens who are on fixed poverty level incomes can't who at end the end of the month struggle to have a few dollars left to buy bread can't qualify for a waiver of fees as pro se plaintiffs in this Wicomico courts without having to choose between doing without medical care or food.
It's shameful, its not the system most of us grew up with, clearly the system is very broken, if your poor or disabled its designed to be inaccessible, even the court house is handicap inexcusably to the physical barriers in the handicap reserved areas. Even wheel chairs are not made available in that area, and they should be.
Even if one chooses to do without and pay the fees is it worth it, if one can't get a fair hearing on fee waivers can one expect to get a fair hearing in their cause.
The Wicomico court system has shaken our trust, and we are left to fend for our rights without their help. We certainly no longer trust this court system to ask for justice. I guess that solves the fee waiver problem, as we are unlikely to seek justice in Wicomico because it does not appear to exist. Our trust in Wicomico Courts is forever shaken.
Citizens who are on fixed poverty level incomes can't who at end the end of the month struggle to have a few dollars left to buy bread can't qualify for a waiver of fees as pro se plaintiffs in this Wicomico courts without having to choose between doing without medical care or food.
It's shameful, its not the system most of us grew up with, clearly the system is very broken, if your poor or disabled its designed to be inaccessible, even the court house is handicap inexcusably to the physical barriers in the handicap reserved areas. Even wheel chairs are not made available in that area, and they should be.
Even if one chooses to do without and pay the fees is it worth it, if one can't get a fair hearing on fee waivers can one expect to get a fair hearing in their cause.
The Wicomico court system has shaken our trust, and we are left to fend for our rights without their help. We certainly no longer trust this court system to ask for justice. I guess that solves the fee waiver problem, as we are unlikely to seek justice in Wicomico because it does not appear to exist. Our trust in Wicomico Courts is forever shaken.
Trump Releases His Plan for 2nd Amendment... Leaves Millions Furious
One common criticism of billionaire businessman and presidential candidate Donald Trump is that he far too often speaks in vague generalities and rarely offers specifics about where he stands on the issues.
That is no longer the case, at least regarding his stance on gun rights and the Second Amendment, as Trump just released his official policy position on his campaign website.
“The Second Amendment to our Constitution is clear. The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed upon. Period,” the position paper began.
Trump went on to explain that the right to keep and bear arms is a right that pre-exists both the government and the Constitution, noting that government didn’t create the right, nor can it take it away.
He also rightly denoted the Second Amendment as “America’s first freedom,” pointing out that it helps protect all of the other rights we hold dear.
In order to protect and defend that right, Trump proposed tougher enforcement of laws that are already on the books, rather than adding new gun control laws.
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That is no longer the case, at least regarding his stance on gun rights and the Second Amendment, as Trump just released his official policy position on his campaign website.
“The Second Amendment to our Constitution is clear. The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed upon. Period,” the position paper began.
Trump went on to explain that the right to keep and bear arms is a right that pre-exists both the government and the Constitution, noting that government didn’t create the right, nor can it take it away.
He also rightly denoted the Second Amendment as “America’s first freedom,” pointing out that it helps protect all of the other rights we hold dear.
In order to protect and defend that right, Trump proposed tougher enforcement of laws that are already on the books, rather than adding new gun control laws.
More
Richard Grenell: Trump's Foreign Policy Tough, Clear and a Challenge to Beltway Elites
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump delivered a 40-minute detailed foreign policy speech today highlighting his views on trade, terrorism, economic freedom, Iran and China. Trump used a teleprompter to articulate a clear vision in which he said he would implement a foreign policy "that replaces randomness with purpose" and where "the American people are first."
"We went from mistakes in Iraq to Egypt to Libya, to President Barack Obama’s line in the sand in Syria. Each of these actions have helped to throw the region into chaos, and gave ISIS the space it needs to grow and prosper," said Trump.
Trump made five key points, the first of which was that "U.S. resources are depleted." Trump blamed deficits, debt, low growth and open borders, saying America must "regain our financial independence and strength." Trump went on to chastise our allies for not paying enough for their own safety, claiming only four other countries in NATO pay the required 2% of GDP on defense spending. "Our allies must contribute toward the financial, political and human costs of our tremendous security burden or "the U.S. must be prepared to let these countries defend themselves."
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"We went from mistakes in Iraq to Egypt to Libya, to President Barack Obama’s line in the sand in Syria. Each of these actions have helped to throw the region into chaos, and gave ISIS the space it needs to grow and prosper," said Trump.
Trump made five key points, the first of which was that "U.S. resources are depleted." Trump blamed deficits, debt, low growth and open borders, saying America must "regain our financial independence and strength." Trump went on to chastise our allies for not paying enough for their own safety, claiming only four other countries in NATO pay the required 2% of GDP on defense spending. "Our allies must contribute toward the financial, political and human costs of our tremendous security burden or "the U.S. must be prepared to let these countries defend themselves."
More
BREAKING: Norovirus Sickens 159 On Cruise Ship Headed To Baltimore
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the Balmoral, which is docked Friday in Norfolk, reports 159 crew and passengers have reported being sick. The ship operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines left Britain April 16.
A company spokeswoman, Ruth Burton, says conditions have improved and there are currently just seven guests in isolation. There are more than 1,400 passengers and crew aboard.
The CDC says it plans to have staff to evaluate the ship when it arrives in Baltimore on Saturday or Sunday.
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Our Rigged Republic: America Is Getting It
A GROWING NUMBER OF AMERICAS RECOGNIZE THE DECKS ARE STACKED AGAINST THEM
There’s a new Reuters/ Ipsos poll out this week lending credence to GOP frontrunner Donald Trump‘s contention that America’s presidential selection process is “rigged.”
You know … assuming that hasn’t been made abundantly clear by now.
Anyway, Trump’s view of the primary process – echoed by independent socialist U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders – is gaining significant traction among the American electorate.
According to the poll, 47.2 percent of Americans said they agreed with the following statement: The current system of presidential primaries and caucuses are ‘rigged’ against some candidates. By contrast, only 23.6 percent of respondents said they disagreed with that statement. The rest – 29.5 percent – said they were unsure.
For the visual learners among us (red, rigged; yellow, not sure; green, not rigged) …
More
There’s a new Reuters/ Ipsos poll out this week lending credence to GOP frontrunner Donald Trump‘s contention that America’s presidential selection process is “rigged.”
You know … assuming that hasn’t been made abundantly clear by now.
Anyway, Trump’s view of the primary process – echoed by independent socialist U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders – is gaining significant traction among the American electorate.
According to the poll, 47.2 percent of Americans said they agreed with the following statement: The current system of presidential primaries and caucuses are ‘rigged’ against some candidates. By contrast, only 23.6 percent of respondents said they disagreed with that statement. The rest – 29.5 percent – said they were unsure.
For the visual learners among us (red, rigged; yellow, not sure; green, not rigged) …
More
Carlson selling Hotel Group to Chinese Company
The company said China's HNA can better handle the industry's competitive pressures.
The Carlson Cos. said Wednesday that it has sold its Radisson chain and the rest of its hotel business to a Chinese conglomerate, as competitive pressures drive an ongoing consolidation of the hospitality industry.
The Carlson Hotel Group is one of the top-10 largest hospitality companies in the world, operating more than 1,400 hotels in more than 110 countries and territories. In addition to various Radisson brands, its portfolio includes Park Plaza Hotels and Country Inn and Suites.
But the company pointed to the “larger economics” of the industry in explaining the decision to sell to HNA Tourism Group, whose businesses span aviation, hospitality, finance and online services. HNA said in a prepared statement that it plans to “accelerate growth by investing substantially in the business.”
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The Carlson Cos. said Wednesday that it has sold its Radisson chain and the rest of its hotel business to a Chinese conglomerate, as competitive pressures drive an ongoing consolidation of the hospitality industry.
The Carlson Hotel Group is one of the top-10 largest hospitality companies in the world, operating more than 1,400 hotels in more than 110 countries and territories. In addition to various Radisson brands, its portfolio includes Park Plaza Hotels and Country Inn and Suites.
But the company pointed to the “larger economics” of the industry in explaining the decision to sell to HNA Tourism Group, whose businesses span aviation, hospitality, finance and online services. HNA said in a prepared statement that it plans to “accelerate growth by investing substantially in the business.”
More
Why in Heaven's Name Aren't Teeth Considered Part of Our Health?
It is estimated that 108 million Americans have no dental insurance.
When we talk about the successes and shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act, and health care in the U.S. in general, little attention is given to dental care. While the ACA defines dental coverage as an essential benefit for those under 18, insurers aren’t required to offer dental coverage for adults. Medicare, the nation’s largest insurer, doesn’t cover routine dental work. And coverage for adults through Medicaid varies from state to state.
It is estimated that 108 million Americans have no dental insurance, and that one in four nonelderly Americans has untreated tooth decay.
Oral health isn’t just about nice teeth. As the surgeon general noted in a 2000 report, oral health is intimately connected to general health and can be implicated in or exacerbate diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and complications during pregnancy.
The absence of comprehensive dental care exacts a toll on millions of Americans in terms of poor health, pain and the social stigma associated with bad teeth.
People desperately need dental care.
More
When we talk about the successes and shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act, and health care in the U.S. in general, little attention is given to dental care. While the ACA defines dental coverage as an essential benefit for those under 18, insurers aren’t required to offer dental coverage for adults. Medicare, the nation’s largest insurer, doesn’t cover routine dental work. And coverage for adults through Medicaid varies from state to state.
It is estimated that 108 million Americans have no dental insurance, and that one in four nonelderly Americans has untreated tooth decay.
Oral health isn’t just about nice teeth. As the surgeon general noted in a 2000 report, oral health is intimately connected to general health and can be implicated in or exacerbate diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and complications during pregnancy.
The absence of comprehensive dental care exacts a toll on millions of Americans in terms of poor health, pain and the social stigma associated with bad teeth.
People desperately need dental care.
More
Saudi Arabia and 9/11: The Kingdom May Be in for a Nasty Shock
Authority is shifting, and the current king isn't handling it well.
Foreign leaders visiting King Salman of Saudi Arabia have noticed that there is a large flower display positioned just in front of where the 80-year-old monarch sits. On closer investigation, the visitors realised that the purpose of the flowers is to conceal a computer which acts as a teleprompter, enabling the King to appear capable of carrying on a coherent conversation about important issues.
One visiting U.S. delegation meeting with King Salman recently observed a different method of convincing visitors—or at least television viewers watching the encounter—that he can deal with the escalating crises facing Saudi Arabia. The king did not look at the group but at a giant television screen hanging from the ceiling of the room on which was appearing prompts. Simon Henderson, the Saudi expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, who tells the story, writes that off to one side in the room was an aide who “furiously hammered talking points into a keyboard.”
More
Foreign leaders visiting King Salman of Saudi Arabia have noticed that there is a large flower display positioned just in front of where the 80-year-old monarch sits. On closer investigation, the visitors realised that the purpose of the flowers is to conceal a computer which acts as a teleprompter, enabling the King to appear capable of carrying on a coherent conversation about important issues.
One visiting U.S. delegation meeting with King Salman recently observed a different method of convincing visitors—or at least television viewers watching the encounter—that he can deal with the escalating crises facing Saudi Arabia. The king did not look at the group but at a giant television screen hanging from the ceiling of the room on which was appearing prompts. Simon Henderson, the Saudi expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, who tells the story, writes that off to one side in the room was an aide who “furiously hammered talking points into a keyboard.”
More
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