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Monday, September 28, 2009

An Unbelievable Day Today

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Please forgive me for my lack of Posts today. As many of you know, my Mother has been diagnosed with cancer and just recently returned home from the Hospital. My Aunt took the Train down from Up-State New York to come spend some quality time with her Sister.

This morning I received an emergency call from my Sister telling me that my Aunt was sitting in the dining room reading a book and out of nowhere she simply fell over and fell to the floor. Mom tried waking her and she was not responsive and had to call 911 and have my Aunt rushed to the very same Hospital my Mother had just been released from.

Now there was no one at home for Mom and no one at the Hospital for my visiting Aunt. I had to drop everything and immediately take off for Annapolis. Thanks to one of our Contributors, comments went up throughout the day and night until my recent return.

My Aunt was released from the Hospital and will take a Train back to New York to see a cardiologist for additional tests. So it's been one heck of a day and now I have returned to some 400 e-mail messages to sift through.

I may get off to a slow start in the morning but there's lots to share and clearly a whole lot of catch up work to do. Thanks for understanding and we'll see you tomorrow.

Couple Running For Mayor And Council In Delmar Wish Brooke Mulford Dead





"Joe plz take the time to read and reply if you like ( or post)


Joe , hi this is Nicole toms wife . I'm sorry if you took offense to my comment on Brooke mumford ,I don't apologize for it just that you were offended by it . The sad fact is she is going to die period . When is not for me to say that is gods hand or destiny .As i was at work the other day Brooke came up
.The general consensis is the ppl are tired of hearing about it . So am i , as prices go up and we work longer and harder hour just to make ends meet .Constantly be updated on her condition is well asking to much . And the delaying of the inevitable is just cruel .This was just not me but most ppl in the room felt the same way .Joe what offended me was that i did not hide behind a anonymous Id . i was open about it but it is your news blog ,But are you not in a sense as bad as the daily rag . you censored my comment cuz you did not like it . I did not cuss or swear ,Just stated my opinion period ,. I hope there is no rif between you and tom ,He said hey it is his blog to do with as he wants . But hey that is why he is going to run for mayor or counsel , he see's thing from all angles period.You said it your self to tom Brooke is a business period .There were ppl in that room who are working 90 hour a week just not to lose what lil they have. So spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a person who will die at some point just seem out of line. Any way if you choose to post this that is fine by me , I'm not like jt and the others I don't hide I stand by my thoughts and defend them .MY final thought is I hope this raises your awareness not to become like the rag and censor on feelings ,Remember there 2 side to everything some times more ."



My response e-mail:



After your message the other day I have absolutely no interest in any contact with you any longer. That being said, do not attempt to contact me any more via phone, e-mail or any other source as I will consider this harassment and file charges with the Police. I don't know who you think you are implying threats towards me but you've messed with the wrong person. Joe



Now what bothers me the most about these two is the fact that the Husband, (Tom McGuire, running for Mayor) called me on the phone and made some very suggestive statements telling me I better watch my back. Like an Idiot he left the entire thing on my answering service, hence my request of this couple never contacting me again. It should also be noted that I NEVER made any such statement towards Brooke being a "business." I have absolutely no clue where someone could come up with such an idea but I am posting her message exactly as it was stated.

ANY human being who wants to wish someone dead, especially a young child, (IMHO) has some screws loose, hence my rejecting her comment at the time. Now, if the Citizens of Delmar choose to vote either of these two people into Office, they're just as nuts and deserve what they get.

Expect Nikki to immediately back out of this race for Council as I'm sure she wouldn't want to have hundreds of doors slammed right in her face as she introduces herself. Besides, can you say CONFLICT OF INTEREST when your Husband is running for Mayor and your Wife is running for Council. Go back to being a Bounty Hunter Tom, it's more your style. I don't think the taxpayers of Delmar would like their Mayor popping out of bushes whenever they didn't pay their taxes on time. Besides the fact that you nor your Wife can't spell to save your lives.
In fact, WBOC presented THIS STORY where Nikki has in fact backed out of the Council Race. I guess she knew what was coming from Salisbury News.


New Posts will fall below this one.

Robber Has A Hankering For Cash, Cigarettes And Cigars


Location: Shore Stop (a.k.a. BP Station), 3507 Miller Road, Wilmington, Delaware

Date and Time: Sunday, September 20th, 2009, at approximately 9:51 p.m.

Suspect(s): Black male, unknown age, approx 6'00'', average build, wearing a mask, black baseball hat, dark colored, long sleeved shirt with a collar and light colored horizontal stripes, green/dark colored pants, white sneakers, white gloves, and was armed with a black handgun.

Resume: On Sunday, September 20th, just before 10 p.m., Troopers were called for an armed robbery at the BP/Shore Stop on Miller Road.

This investigation revealed that the below-pictured suspect entered the store and approached the service counter. He confronted the clerk and displayed a black handgun. The bandit then demanded money from the till and the clerk complied. As if the money wasn’t enough, the suspect decided a couple of packs of Newport Cigarettes and some cigars would wrap up this heist.

The bandit fled the store on foot.

It was noted by investigators that this suspect was wearing a mask and that his physical description and stature would be key to identifying this robber. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery Unit at 302-834-2630 ext. 6 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

One Year Ago Today


Fernando Guerrero came to The Crown Center where they celebrated Relay for Life.

Has Frank Krarovil Changed His Tune?

Since we are an independent household, I received a fancy, 12 color, rather expensive, 8x10, 4 paged flyer in the mail from my congressman Saturday. On the front was a nifty color picture of Frank Kratovil and a headline which read; “Nothing is More Important than Your Family's Health”

Inside, Kratovil claims he is “Fighting for the RIGHT KIND of Health Care Reform." A letter addressed to “Dear friend” reads as follows:“

In July, when some Congressional leaders were pushing to force a vote on health care reform legislation after just weeks of consideration, I stood up and argued for taking more time. Nothing is more important than your family’s health, and an issue this important demands that we take the time to listen to our constituents and get it right.

I spent the month of August traveling across Maryland’s First District listening to the thoughts and concerns of constituents on this critical issue. (Uh uh) I held a dozen public meetings, met individually with hundreds of concerned citizens, and spoke with thousand more on a series of Telephone Town Hall forums. I also sat down with doctors, nurses, small business owners, and other stakeholders to discuss their perspectives on health care and insurance reform.”

Really Frank? because you didn't seem very interested in what I had to say at two of your town hall meetings. In fact your handlers shut me down and refused to address my question even though I was speaking to you congressman. Nor did you seem to hear any other of the hundreds that came out to talk to you. I sure hope that you did eventually hear us and had a change of heart because from what you said in both town hall’s I attended, I wasn’t very convinced, as you repeated the same talking points over and over. Additionally, I see that you no longer conduct public meetings, only conference calls because the heat musta gotten a little to hot for you? All the while, I give you props for doing it, I'm disappointed you won't hold public meetings with your constituency anymore.

The letter went on;

“I appreciated the opportunity to hear from so many on this important issue, and I personally encourage you to share your thoughts with me as well as visiting www.kratovilhouse.gov. As a father of four young boys and a son of aging parents, I understand personally how important this issue is to all of our families, and I want to hear your ideas and concerns."

This makes me laugh in a sad sort of way. I sure hope he means it because back in July when I called Kratovil's office to oppose HR3200, simply stating I opposed it, I was met with an onslaught by Frank's henchman; Kevin, who actually argued with me and challenged me to see if I knew what I was talking about. Poor poor Kevin, he had no idea. Perhaps Frank has learned his lesson and actually wants dialog and opinions from his constituency? I sure hope so. That might be a nice and welcome change from his leadership thus far and one I'd certainly support.

In closing the letter reads:

"With Congress now back in session, the health care debate will once again be front and center. Please know that I will not support any legislative proposal that doesn't protect consumers' right to keep the insurance they have now if they choose, nor will I support any proposal that increases our out-of-control deficit." (Does this mean you oppose a public option Frank?) But I also understand we can't sit idly by and watch health care costs continue to sky rocket for middle-class families." (insert manufactured crisis here, as if we don't have more pressing issues) Health care reform is critical for all of our families (oh yea?) and I think it's worth taking the time to get it "right."

With warm regards, Frank

The rest of the rather expensive marketing piece was more fluff.

Well, what should a fiscal conservative make of this? On first pass, it sure sounds like Frank is trying to own up to his campaign promise of being a blue dog fiscal conservative, which gave me some hope but after re-reading it a few times, I have my doubts. The language alone is crypt enough to make me wonder. The idea that health care reform is some sort of crisis alone, gives me pause for thought. I mean yes, there's certainly room for improvement and there should be some corrections but health care reform being "critical"? Compared to what? The deficit? Iran's threat of nuclear bombs? Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and pending state and other government institutional bankruptcy's? The unending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? There is something else greater at stake going on here when health care reform tops the crisis of the day for months and months when the majority of Americans don't want what they are selling, but I digress. I listen to half of what someone says and all of what they do so I decided to revisit Frank's very limited voting record as a freshman congressman.

Although he claimed he was undecided: he signed onto HR 2454: Waxman-Markey, as known as, the Cap and Tax bill, and has vehemently defended that vote even though Obama's own data indicates passage of this legislation would send millions of jobs over seas and would cost the individual family over $1,200 in energy cost increases a year.

HR 1: 2009 Economic Package (2009) Kratovil voted for it.

HR 1586: TARP Recipient Bonuses Tax (2009) Kratovil voted for it

HR 3435: Supplemental Appropriations for the Cash for Clunkers Program (2009) Kratovil voted for it

and on and on.....

Now I realize the guy is not doing so well with public opinion inside the beltway, not to mention the views held by arguably one of the most Conservative districts in Maryland, regarding his chances of ever being anything other than a freshman congressman, but for the sake of our state and the sake of our nation, I hope this time he's being sincere. If he turns around and runs the other way up field maybe he can salvage something. Fool me once Mr. Kraovil, well you know how that goes....

I'm a bit skeptical.

I suppose I should call his office and see if they are really interested in my opinion THIS TIME.

Heck, you should too:

Washington, DC Office314 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515Phone: 202-225-5311 Fax: 202-225-0254

Bel Air Office202 South Main StreetBel Air, MD 21014Phone: (410) 420-8822

Centreville Office102 Turpins LaneCentreville, MD 21617Phone: (443) 262 -9136 l Fax: (443) 262 - 9713

Salisbury OfficeOne Plaza EastSuite 103, East Main StreetSalisbury, MD 21801Phone: (410) 334-3072 l Fax: (410) 334-3075

E-MAIL FRANK

Source

Time Magazine


Divided Loyalties

By JAY NEWTON-SMALL / ELKTON Monday, Oct. 05, 2009

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1926014,00.html

Representative Frank Kratovil's district in Maryland stretches from the outskirts of Washington to the Delaware-Pennsylvania line--the cradle of American democracy. This summer, his constituents reminded him of their revolutionary roots when he was hanged in effigy outside one of his district offices.

"Things have calmed down a lot," the boyish 41-year-old muses as he walks through a fair in Elkton, a town on the upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay. Strolling past a booth for the Sons of Confederate Veterans and a church stand selling handmade floral crosses, Kratovil meets Donna Horgan, 54, a Cecil County real estate agent and a lifelong Democratic activist, who urges him to vote for a health-care
bill--any bill. "Continuing to say no is not really an answer," Kratovil replies in agreement. Horgan is left with the definite impression that Kratovil will vote for one of the bills. "I'd be very disappointed if he didn't," she says as he walks away.

These are difficult days for Kratovil, a freshman Democrat who beat his GOP opponent by 1 percentage point in a rural district that John McCain won by 18 points. He began his summer undecided about how to vote for the fairly liberal House health-care bills; after many dramatic (and unpleasant) town meetings, Kratovil was against all of them. Now he hopes the Senate measure will be more moderate and less costly than the three House versions. "I can't support the House versions," he says. "But in the end, I wouldn't rule out some compromise with the Senate."

Finding something that liberal voters can accept and moderates will tolerate is a challenge Kratovil shares with nearly 50 other freshmen and sophomores in districts won by George W. Bush and McCain in the past two elections. President Obama's party could lose 40 seats next November, according to political expert Charlie Cook, if Democrats fail to pass health-care reform and polls continue their downward spiral. "The kinds of conditions that create wave elections are the kinds of conditions we're seeing right now," he says. "Kratovil is in bad shape--as bad as an incumbent can get."

Kratovil likes to note that he is the third most independent voter in the Democratic caucus and that he led a group that pushed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to delay consideration of the health-care measure until after Congress's summer break. But those modest achievements have yet to win him many converts, and for moderates and independents leery of government, health care has become a bright line.

At a county fair in Baltimore's southern suburbs, Kratovil encounters Bob Bauman, 63, in a straw hat and a shirt adorned with an enormous bald eagle and an American flag. "I've been trying to get an appointment with you," the Severna Park native says. "We want to talk about the health-care bill from a small-business perspective."
Kratovil launches into a list of his problems with the small-business provisions in the House bill. The two men exchange cards, and Kratovil promises to follow up. But as Bauman departs, he remains a Kratovil skeptic. "The jury's still out on if I'll vote for him," the lifelong Republican says. Luckily for Kratovil and his fellow freshmen, the election is still more than a year away.

Obamacare Puts Transparency And Accountability On Death Bed



The New York Times released a new poll today finding that 55% of Americans believe President Obama has not clearly explained his plans for changing the health care system and 59% said they thought the health care changes under consideration in Congress were confusing. In a follow-up interview, Paul Corkery, a Democrat from Somerset, N.J, said: “The Obama administration seems to have a plan, but I’m not understanding the exact details.” Corkery shouldn’t feel that bad. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the independent nonpartisan agency responsible for reviewing legislative initiatives with budgetary implications, has no idea what is in the legislation either. During yesterday’s Senate Finance Committee mark-up, the CBO realized only after the vote, that they had made a $600 million mistake in scoring an amendment by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

The issues that the CBO does not have enough information to analyze are not minor either. In letters released on September 22nd, CBO Director Doug Elmendorf told Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA) respectively that his agency simply had not been provided with sufficient legislative language and time to analyze whether insurance premiums would go up under Obamacare or how many unauthorized billions of dollars in health benefits illegal immigrants would receive.

To ensure that the Senate would actually know what they were voting on, Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) offered an amendment that would have required that actual legislative text, as well as a final Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate of the cost of the bill, be posted for 72 hours on the Senate Finance Committee website for public review before the Senate Finance Committee could vote on its final passage. The Bunning amendment was defeated on a largely party-line vote, with all Senate Democrats - with the exception of Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)- voting against it.

Since proponents of Obamacare have shown themselves to be completely indifferent to what their legislation will actually do to the American people, conservatives have offered other amendments that would hold President Obama accountable for his promise that Obamacare would not cause Americans to lose their current doctor or health care coverage:

Sen. Cornyn (R-TX) offered an amendment that would have required the Secretary of HHS to certify that at least 75 percent of the physicians in the United States would accept Medicaid patients before the proposed mandatory Medicaid expansions are implemented. That amendment was defeated.

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) offered an amendment that would have required the Secretary of HHS to certify Obamacare would not cause more than 1,000,000 Americans to lose the current coverage of their choice. That amendment failed on a party line vote.

Another Hatch amendment provided that if the Medicare funding reductions in the Medicare Advantage program were to result in a loss of benefits for seniors using Medicare Advantage, those provisions would be nullified. That amendment was also rejected.

The majority in the Senate has completely gutted any semblance of transparency or accountability in the health care debate. They refuse to provide the legislative language and time necessary for the CBO to analyze their legislation and they have rejected all measures that would protect the Americans people from Obama’s broken health care promises. Common sense dictates that Congress needs to step back and start over instead of passing a plan that would reorganize one-sixth of our entire economy without even understanding what the consequences to average Americans would be.

ACORN Funded Political, For-Profit Efforts, Data Show


Actions Were Before Leadership Change

Documents released by a Senate Republican on Thursday show that leaders of the ACORN community organizing network transferred several million dollars in charitable and government money meant for the poor to arms of the group that have political and sometimes profit-making missions.

ACORN's tax-exempt groups and allied organizations, long a target of conservative ire, used more than half their charitable and public money in 2006 to pay other ACORN affiliates, according to an analysis by the tax staff of Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa).

On Thursday, Grassley called the transactions a "big shell game" and said ACORN donors may be surprised by how the liberal group known for helping the poor obtain housing and health care was spending their money. He urged the Internal Revenue Service to take a closer look.

According to the Grassley report, charities "are being used to raise monies which are then funneled to other charities or to other organizations for purposes other than what the donor may have intended. . . . Dollars raised for charitable [purposes] appear to be used for impermissible lobbing and political activity."

GO HERE to read more.

ACORN Brings Down The Military-Industrial Complex

Ryan Grim reports that the Defund ACORN Act could end up defunding much, much more:

The congressional legislation intended to defund ACORN, passed with broad bipartisan support, is written so broadly that it applies to "any organization" that has been charged with breaking federal or state election laws, lobbying disclosure laws, campaign finance laws or filing fraudulent paperwork with any federal or state agency. It also applies to any of the employees, contractors or other folks affiliated with a group charged with any of those things....

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) picked up on the legislative overreach and asked the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) to sift through its database to find which contractors might be caught in the ACORN net.

Lockheed Martin and Northrop Gumman both popped up quickly, with 20 fraud cases between them, and the longer list is a Who's Who of weapons manufacturers and defense contractors.

Source

The Voters Are Coming

The following letter is rapidly circulating around the country. Americans everywhere identify with this 53-year -old woman. She has given us a voice. (Her letter was read on the Glenn Beck show.) Once you read this, you will want to forward it to all of your friends...

GLENN BECK: I got a letter from a woman in Arizona . She writes an open letter to our nation's leadership:


I'm a home grown American citizen, 53, registered Democrat all my life. Before the last presidential election I registered as a Republican because I no longer felt the Democratic Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. Now I no longer feel the Republican Party represents my views or works to pursue issues important to me. The fact is I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. There must be someone. Please tell me who you are . Please stand up and tell me that you are there and that you're willing to fight for our Constitution as it was written. Please stand up now. You might ask yourself what my views and issues are that I would horribly feel so disenfranchised by both major political parties. What kind of nut job am I? Will you please tell me?


Well, these are briefly my views and issues for which I seek representation:

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking in drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, and repealed.

Three: Czars, I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say, discuss, and investigate.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations. Why don't you start there.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why -- what do you have against businesses and shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. Knock it off. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band-Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try -- please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath. Listen to the people. Let's just slow down and get some input from some non politicians on the subject. Stop making everything an emergency. Stop speed reading our bills into law. I am not an activist. I am not a community organizer. Nor am I a terrorist, a militant or a violent person. I am a parent and a grandparent. I work. I'm busy. I'm busy. I am busy, and I am tired. I thought we elected competent people to take care of the business of government so that we could work, raise our families, pay our bills, have a little recreation, complain about taxes, endure our hardships, pursue our personal goals, cut our lawn, wash our cars on the weekends and be responsible contributing members of society and teach our children to be the same all while living in the home of the free and land of the brave.


I entrusted you with upholding the Constitution. I believed in the checks and balances to keep from getting far off course. What happened? You are very far off course. Do you really think I find humor in the hiring of a speed reader to unintelligently ramble all through a bill that you signed into law without knowing what it contained? I do not. It is a mockery of the responsibility I have entrusted to you. It is a slap in the face. I am not laughing at your arrogance. Why is it that I feel as if you would not trust me to make a single decision about my own life and how I would live it but you should expect that I should trust you with the debt that you have laid on all of us and our children. We did not want the TARP bill. We said no. We would repeal it if we could. I am sure that we still cannot. There is such urgency and recklessness in all of the recent spending.


From my perspective, it seems that all of you have gone insane. I also know that I am far from alone in these feelings. Do you honestly feel that your current pursuits have merit to patriotic Americans? We want it to stop. We want to put the brakes on everything that is being rushed by us and forced upon us. We want our voice back. You have forced us to put our lives on hold to straighten out the mess that you are making. We will have to give up our vacations, our time spent with our children, any relaxation time we may have had and money we cannot afford to spend on you, to bring our concerns to Washington. Our president often knows all the right buzzwords like 'unsustainable'. Well, no kidding. How many tens of thousands of dollars did the focus group cost to come up with that word? We don't want your over priced words. Stop treating us like we're morons.


We want all of you to stop focusing on your reelection and do the job we want done, not the job you want done or the job your party wants done. You work for us and at this rate I guarantee you not for long because we are coming. We will be heard and we will be represented. You think we're so busy with our lives that we will never come for you? We are the formerly silent majority, all of us who quietly work , pay taxes, obey the law, vote, save money, keep our noses to the grindstone and we are now looking up at you. You have awakened us, the patriotic spirit so strong and so powerful that it had been sleeping too long. You have pushed us too far. Our numbers are great. They may surprise you. For every one of us who will be there, there will be hundreds more that could not come. Unlike you, we have their trust. We will represent them honestly, rest assured.. They will be at the polls on voting day to usher you out of office. We have cancelled vacations. We will use our last few dollars saved. We will find the representation among us and a grassroots campaign will flourish. We didn't ask for this fight. But the gloves are coming off. We do not come in violence, but we are angry. You will represent us or you will be replaced with someone who will. There are candidates among us who will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes that you have made of our constitution.

Democrat, Republican, independent, libertarian. Understand this. We don't care. Political parties are meaningless to us. Patriotic Americans are willing to do right by us and our Constitution and that is all that matters to us now. We are going to fire all of you who abuse power and seek more. It is not your power. It is ours and we want it back.. We entrusted you with it and you abused it. You are dishonorable. You are dishonest. As Americans we are ashamed of you. You have brought shame to us. If you are not representing the wants and needs of your constituency loudly and consistently, in spite of the objections of your party, you will be fired. Did you hear? We no longer care about your political parties. You need to be loyal to us, not to them. Because when we fire you, they will not save you. If you do or can represent me, my issues, my views, please stand up. Make your identity known. You need to make some noise about it. Speak up. I need to know who you are. If you do not speak up, you will be herded out with the rest of the sheep and we will replace the whole damn congress if need be one by one. We are coming. Are we coming for you? Who do you represent? What do you represent? Listen. Because we are coming. We the people are coming, and we vote !!

Health Reform Video Challenge


Gary --


In many ways, the fight for health insurance reform comes down to a battle over information. The more people know about how broken the system is and the President's plan to fix it, the more they want change. But there are an awful lot of lies to cut through, and a whole lot of truth to get out.


So today, we're proud to announce a powerful new way for you to help: Organizing for America's Health Reform Video Challenge.


This is your chance -- you ingenious, insightful, funny people out there -- to make a 30-second ad telling the story about why the status quo has got to go, or explaining how the Obama plan will ensure we get the secure, quality care we need without breaking the budget.


The top submissions will be voted on by the public and a panel of experts, with the winning ad aired on national television. This is your opportunity to add your voice and creativity to the debate, get some great exposure for your work, and make a huge difference.


Click here to get started.

No experience is needed -- if you have an idea, we want you to give it a shot. And if you know someone who is especially handy with a camera, please forward this note along right away. Just make sure you submit your ad by October 18th.


Your video could be as simple as you talking straight into the camera, as complex as a full-blown production with a script and special effects, or anything in between.


We're looking for serious videos: You can tell your personal story about how the broken health insurance system has affected you. You can illustrate the big picture about what's wrong now and how the President's plan will help with animations, charts, and facts.


We're looking for funny videos: You can parody those trying to scare us into inaction (between the lying pundits and the insurance company spin doctors, they've given us some good stuff to work with).


And we're looking for new ideas we never would have thought of but we know will blow us all away.


We know that compelling videos can touch people in a way that words alone simply cannot. The messages that regular people put together will make a bigger difference than any false smears or slick ads the other side can dream up. And who knows -- your creative, powerful, or touching video could help tip the balance in favor of health reform.


So go get started today!




I can't wait to see what you come up with,
NatalieNatalie Foster
New Media Director
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. MAKING A CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Contest open only to U.S. citizens who are legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia and 18 or older (or of majority in entrant's state). Contest starts 12:01 AM ET on 9/26/09 and ends 11:59 PM ET on 10/18/09. Winners will be selected by 11/7/09 and notified by phone and/or e-mail by 11/9/09. One winner will receive the following prize: all or part of the winner's video may be used in a TV ad associated with DNC's health reform campaign (approximate retail value: $0). Twenty finalists will be selected by a panel of judges comprised of DNC employees; the winner will be selected by public voters and a panel of experts. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: the most apt, creative, original and interesting video; demonstrated impact concerning supporting health insurance reform; and clarity of message concerning supporting health insurance reform. Odds of winning depend on the number and quality of eligible entries received. Contest subject to Official Rules. To enter, create an original 30-second video supporting health insurance reform, upload the video to http://www.youtube.com, and complete the entry form at http://www.barackobama.com/videochallenge. For full details, restrictions and Official Rules, visit http://www.barackobama.com/videochallenge. Sponsor: Democratic National Committee, Inc., 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.

A GOOD POINT TO PONDER

Why is it that if you cross the North Korean border illegally you get thrown into prison and get 12 years of hard labor... If you cross the Iranian border while out supposedly leisurely hiking in the hills you get arrested and imprisoned... But if you cross the U.S. Border illegally you get a drivers license, a Social Security card and free health care?

HOW TRUE IT IS

Another year has passed
And we're all a little older.

Last summer felt hotter
And winter seems much colder.

I rack my brain for happy thoughts,
To put down on my pad,

But lots of things, That come to mind
Just make me kind of sad.

There was a time not long ago
When life was quite a blast..

Now I fully understand
About 'Living in the Past'.

We used to go to friends homes,
Baseball games and lunches.

Now we go to therapy, to hospitals,
And after-funeral brunches.

We used to have hangovers
From parties that were gay.

Now we suffer body aches
And sleep the night away.

We used to go out dining,
And couldn't get our fill.

Now we ask for doggie bags,
Come home and take a pill.

We used to travel often
To places near and far.

Now we get backaches
From riding in the car.

We used to go out shopping
For new clothing at the Mall

But, now we never bother...
All the sizes are too small.

That, my friend is how life is,
And now my tale is told.

So, enjoy each day and live it up...
Before you're too damn old!!

I'm Seeing Double This Morning

Joe,

While looking at the obits this morning I noticed something.....DT screwed up AGAIN! Several of the names are there twice. Is this so they could fill the page? I'm wondering if in the actual printed trash if they made the same mistake.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/section/OBITUARIES
It's bad enough when you have to see a loved one's name in print in this way, I'm sure twice doesn't make it any easier. In the very near future I will have to make a decision about putting my step-dad's obit in that paper or not, I'd rather put it on your blog.

Iran Tests Longest Range Missiles

Iran has successfully test-fired some of the longest range missiles in its arsenal, state media say.

The Revolutionary Guards tested the Shahab-3 and Sajjil rockets, which are believed to have ranges of up to 2,000km (1,240 miles), reports said.

The missiles' range could potentially permit them to reach Israel and US bases in the Gulf, analysts say.

The tests come amid heightened tension with the big international powers over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Last week, Iran disclosed it was building a second uranium enrichment plant, despite UN demands that it cease its enrichment activities.

GO HERE to read more and watch video.

Today's Chuckle

The Pope and Nancy Pelosi are on stage in front of a huge crowd. The Pope leans towards Mrs. Pelosi and says, "Do you know that with one little wave of my hand I can make every person in this crowd go wild with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display, like that of your followers, but it will go deep into their hearts. And for the rest of their lives, whenever they speak of this day they will rejoice!"

Pelosi replied, "

I seriously doubt that with one little wave of your hand you can do that. Show me."

So the Pope slapped her.

Corn Festival

CORN FESTIVAL



When: Saturday October 3, 2009

Time: 11:00 AM

Where: Wright’s Market

Off Route 50 in Hebron, MD

· Silent Auction

· Adam’s Ribs

· Pumpkin Decorating

· Sack Race & corn eating contest



Those are just too name a few!!! You will need to come & see what other fun is to be had!!!



All Proceeds go to Double Mills!!!!

Man Unhurt After Sneaking Into Bear Exhibit At Zoo


SAN FRANCISCO, California (CNN) -- A man snuck into the grizzly bear exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo Saturday but was rescued immediately afterward without incident, authorities said.

A zoo visitor alerted the facility's staff about the 27-year-old man's presence inside the enclosure, said spokeswoman Gwendolyn Tornatore.

Staffers fired a warning shot to keep the two bears away from the man, before securing them inside their dens, Tornatore said in a statement.

The man, who was not identified, was conscious but unresponsive when he was rescued. He did not show any apparent signs of injury, Tornatore said.

It was not clear how the man got inside the enclosure, or what prompted him.

GO HERE
to read more and view video.

AFP Speaks Out Against Grapevine Author


The author of a recent comment in Grapevine doesn't understand what the Americans For Prosperity members are really protesting. We are protesting for the good of our country -- for limited government, lower taxes, free markets, fair trade, accountability and transparency.

We are protesting against such issues as government-controlled health care, out-of-control government spending and cap-and-trade.

Obviously, the author is either misinformed about the AFP or is engaging in the left-wing tactic of "when you can't win with the facts, discredit those you disagree with."

AFP Lower Shore Chapter was chartered on April 2. The basis for the comment is unfounded -- we weren't an organization until after the Bush administration had left office.

Oh, but we wish we had been.

We are a nonpartisan, grass-roots organization that addresses both national and local issues. Though our efforts and discussions with commissioners from Somerset and Hartford counties, property taxes were reduced.

We hosted two health care forums in Salisbury and Baltimore, and helped and supported various tea parties across Maryland.

If anyone needs additional information, our mission statement can be found at www.afpmary land.com.

Here are a few examples of our signs: "Hands off our health care." "Hey, government, I know what is best for me." "Working people are taxed, taxed, taxed. There is no more to give."

And I saved the best for last: "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of my happiness."

I think these signs are pretty self-explanatory, don't you think?

Terry Hickman

Delmar

BREAKING NEWS:

Obama to travel to Denmark to make pitch for 2016 Olympics in Chicago.

UPDATE: GO HERE to read more from CNN.

Liberals Seek Health-Care Access For Illegals


Democrats give demands

Fearful that they're losing ground on immigration and health care, a group of House Democrats is pushing back and arguing that any health care bill should extend to all legal immigrants and allow illegal immigrants some access.

The Democrats, trying to stiffen their party's spines on the contentious issue, say it's unfair to bar illegal immigrants from paying their own way in a government-sponsored exchange. Legal immigrants, they say, regardless of how long they've been in the United States, should be able to get government-subsidized health care if they meet the other eligibility requirements.

"Legal permanent residents should be able to purchase their plans, and they should also be eligible for subsidies if they need it. Undocumented, if they can afford it, should be able to buy their own private plans. It keeps them out of the emergency room," said Rep. Michael M. Honda, California Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Mr. Honda was joined by more than 20 of his colleagues in two letters laying out the demands.

Coverage for immigrants is one of the thorniest issues in the health care debate, and one many Democratic leaders would like to avoid. But immigrant rights groups and the Democrats who sent the letters say they have to take a stand now.

President Obama has said he does not want health care proposals to cover illegal immigrants. The bill drawn up by Sen. Max Baucus, Montana Democrat and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, excludes illegal immigrants from his proposed health care exchange.

GO HERE to read more.

TIME FOR WORRY

Not even during the cold war was I as worried for my countries future, as I am now. No matter how unprepared we were for war with a foreign power, our military and industrial capacity could overcome any enemy. Candidly, what has me worried now, is Washington. Overspending and huge deficits are nothing new. However, we always had some idea of how much we were spending and how our debt could be paid. The dollar was sound and our credit worthiness was never questioned. I question if that is still the case.

The stimulus bill is bad, but something was needed and even with loads of waste, it can work. Then along comes Cap and Trade with an unknown cost and an unknown impact on our daily lives. I view all of the health care proposals as "A bridge too far." Hundreds of amendments are being added to an already costly package. We are told we can't wait for the independent Congressional Budget Office to determine the cost of this legislation. The President, the Congress and the media either do not know or will not give us the true facts. Most citizens know we are deliberately being kept in the dark. As Rahm Emanuel said, "Never let a crises go to waste."

Health care is 16% of the U. S. economy. While I have been unable to find an exact figure for energy, Department of Energy estimates range from 8% to 14%. This is what Washington is tinkering with, in these two pieces of legislation. Consider how the Auto industry and the Financial institutions factor into the economy. Yet we are told none of this can wait, even a few weeks to determine the economic impact, let alone the effect on our lives. It is time for political infighting and finger pointing to stop. While some might be worse than others, all of our elected representatives are failing us. If you were a bank, would you give a mortgage to these people?

Joel Brandes