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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

NAACP Approves Resolution Calling Tea Party 'Racist'

The NAACP adopted a resolution Tuesday condemning the Tea Party movement as racist, despite claims from Tea Partiers that the measure is just a political ploy.

Hilary Shelton, senior vice president of advocacy and policy for the NAACP, said the group has serious concerns about Tea Party behavior. He referenced an incident in March when Tea Party protesters allegedly hurled racial epithets at black lawmakers on Capitol Hill ahead of a health care vote.

"The Tea Party needs to denounce those racist elements within the Tea Party," Shelton told Fox News.

But Tea Party members have challenged claims that their activists accosted black lawmakers in March and no visual evidence has been produced depicting a racist attack. Dallas Tea Party founder Phillip Dennis said "there was no proof" of racist behavior at the event and that the movement welcomes minority members.

"We don't care about the pigment of one's skin," he said. Dennis accused the NAACP of playing the "race card" and called the organization "irrelevant."

The nearby St. Louis Tea Party had an all-hands-on-deck response to the NAACP's plan. The group has drafted a resolution of its own condemning the civil rights group for reducing itself to a "bigoted" and "partisan attack dog organization."

In a matter of hours, the St. Louis group fired off to the NAACP the statement demanding the organization withdraw its "bigoted, false and inflammatory" resolution. The missive accused the NAACP of resorting to political tactics and urged the IRS to reconsider whether it can continue to qualify for tax-exempt status.

St. Louis Tea Party organizer Bill Hennessy wrote on the group's website Tuesday that the Tea Party stands for smaller government and fiscal responsibility, and accused the NAACP of abandoning black America.

"When you look at the crime and poverty and family breakdown of the African-American community ... you see a half-century of failure by the NAACP," he wrote. "None of those persistent problems was caused by the Tea Party movement, yet the principles of the Tea Party are exactly what's needed to wind down the multigenerational destruction in the African-American community.

"The NAACP was once a vital weapon in the war against segregation and oppression. All that's left is a bigoted and malicious shell that does far more harm than good for people who need a break," he wrote.

More from FoxNews

Iowa Tea Party Group's Sign Links Obama, Hitler


National conservative group condemns 'radical leaders' billboard


DES MOINES, Iowa — A billboard created by an Iowa tea party group comparing President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Lenin is being condemned by other tea party activists.


The North Iowa Tea Party began displaying the sign in Mason City last week.


The sign includes photos of Obama, Nazi leader Hitler and communist leader Lenin with the statement: "Radical leaders prey on the fearful & naive."


North Iowa Tea Party co-founder Bob Johnson says the sign highlights what the group argues is Obama's support for socialism. He says the pictures might be overwhelming the intended message.

NHTSA Report Supports Toyota Stance On Run-Away Car Reports

1. NHTSA Report Supports Toyota Position on Run-Away Car Reports

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study of dozens of Toyota vehicle data recorders supports Toyota’s position that unintended acceleration complaints were not caused by glitches in Toyota’s electronic throttle control systems, the Wall Street Journal reported today.

According to the story, NHTSA found that at the time of the crashes, data recorders show throttles of the vehicles were wide open and the brakes were not engaged.

“The results suggest that some drivers who said their Toyota and Lexus vehicles surged out of control were mistakenly flooring the accelerator when they intended to jam on the brakes,” the paper noted. “But the findings don’t exonerate Toyota from two known issues blamed for sudden acceleration in its vehicles: sticky accelerator pedals and floor mats that can trap accelerator pedals to the floor.”

The Toyota findings, the Journal said, have not been released by NHTSA but are consistent with a 1989 government study that blamed similar driver mistakes for a rash of sudden-acceleration reports involving Audi 5000 sedans.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703834604575364871534435744.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEADNewsCollection. [Note: The Wall Street Journal often blocks portions of stories or full stories to non-subscribers]

Federal Budget Gap Tops $1 Trillion Through June

WASHINGTON – The federal deficit has topped $1 trillion with three months still to go in the budget year, showing the lasting impact of the recession on the government's finances.


In its monthly budget report, the Treasury Department said Tuesday that through the first nine months of this budget year, the deficit totals $1 trillion. That's down 7.6 percent from the $1.09 trillion deficit run up during the same period a year ago.


Worries about the size of the deficit have created political problems for the Obama administration. Congressional Republicans and moderate Democrats have blocked more spending on job creation and other efforts. Republicans also have held up legislation to extend unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless because of its effect on the deficit.


Another failed effort would have provided cash-starved states with money to help avoid layoff of public employees and finance the Medicaid program for the poor and disabled.


President Barack Obama also encountered resistance to further stimulus spending at a meeting of the Group of 20 major industrial nations last month in Toronto.

GO HERE to read more.

Political Candidate Interview Invitation


Salisbury News would like to invite ALL Candidates to 300 W. Main Street on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to do interviews for Salisbury News.

Each Candidate will be asked to call in advance to set up each Interview, (410) 430-5349 so we don't overlap someone else. Governor, Congress, Senate, Delegate, County Executive, County Council, States Attorney, we'll cover them all and we'll ask prepared questions, (all the same for each position) and they will be fair and balanced.

IF you are not pleased with your Interview we will guarantee each and every one of you the opportunity to cancel that Interview and it will NOT get published. The intent is to offer your "best side" with no tricks or strings attached.

We will start our Interviews this Thursday and see how things go. Every one knows that every politician reads Salisbury News, so the Public knows you have been invited. If you're in, you're in. If you choose not to be interviewed, well, the Public will know that as well.

Considering our guarantee to each Candidate, there's no reason not to show up or make an appointment. We look forward to your call and your Interview.

Rabid Fox Destroyed Near Delmar





















Canterbury residents saw a Fox crossing the road and determined it was rabid.

After waiting for Fox to come out of hiding, (storm drain) the Fox was put down and disposed of.

IDF Confirms Making Contact With Gaza-Bound Libya Ship


The IDF on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that it had made radio contact with a Libyan aid ship trying to breach Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The confirmation came after the ship's organizers said that an Israeli military vessel had confronted the ship and ordered it to change course for the Egyptian port of el-Arish.

The Gadhafi International Charity and Development Foundation said its boat refused to alter its destination and will steam on for Gaza.

The foundation said in a statement posted on its website Tuesday that the Israeli vessel was continuing to shadow the aid ship.

The ship's intentions appeared conflicted. Earlier Tuesday, one of the owners of the Amalthea said that the crew would unload its humanitarian goods in the Egyptian port of el-Arish if refused permission to reach Gaza.

"If this is the only option put forward by the Israeli authorities, we will choose to sail to the port of el-Arish and transfer the assistance by ground to Gaza," Greek businessman Aleksei Angeolopoulos said in an interview with the Arabic newspaper Ashraq al-Awsat.

However, it appeared the ship was now resolutely sailing toward Gaza, rather than agreeing to dock in a neighboring port.

Activists aboard the Libyan aid ship headed for Gaza plan to arrive at their destination Wednesday, AFP news agency reported Monday.

More details>>

UPDATE: The captain of the Libyan ship bound for Gaza has finally agreed to divert the ship to the port at El-Arish in Egypt.

Navy forces had contacted the ship a number of times throughout the day to explain that it would not be allowed to dock in Gaza because of the naval blockade.

IDF officials remained wary, but they said that the fact the captain had requested permission to dock at El-Arish was a good sign. The ship has received permission to dock in Egypt instead of Gaza, according to an Egyptian official.

Maryland Senate: Mikulski (D) 58%, Wargotz (R) 33%

A number of Republicans are challenging Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski, but again this election cycle it appears she has little to worry about.


The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Maryland finds Mikulski with a 25-point lead - 58% to 33% - over Eric Wargotz, a doctor and county commissioner who is perhaps the best known of her little-known challengers. Two percent (2%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and seven percent (7%) are undecided.


In the only previous Rasmussen Reports survey of Mikulski's reelection bid, she earned 54% support pitted against an unnamed generic Republican candidate who picked up 36% of the vote.


Mikulski, who was first elected to the Senate in 1986, has been a voter favorite from the start, given Maryland's strong Democratic leanings. She was reelected in 2004 with 65% of the vote. The latest Rasmussen Reports Senate Balance of Power rankings place Maryland in the Solid Democrat category.


The incumbent holds a narrower lead among male voters but leads by better than two-to-one among women. Voters not affiliated with either major party favor Mikulski by a 53% to 28% margin.

GO HERE to read more.

U.S. Conservatives Form New Pro-Israel Lobby Group

Washington observers may feel there is no obvious shortage of pro-Israel lobbyists in the city – but a group of leading American conservatives thinks otherwise and has set up a new campaign group to attack President Obama over his "anti-Israel" stance, U.S. website Politico reports.

The Emergency Committee for Israel presents a potent combination of Republican Party neoconservatives and Evangelical Christians. The new group’s board includes Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol and Gary Bauer, a former Republican presidential candidate who leads the group American Values, as well as Rachel Abrams, a conservative writer and activist.

“We’re the pro-Israel wing of the pro-Israel community,” Politico quoted Kristol as saying. Bauer described the Obama presidency as “the most anti-Israel administration in the history of the United States."

Under U.S. law the group does not have to disclose the sources of its funding but has already raised enough to finance its first television advertisement, which launched a savage attack on Rep. Joe Sestak, the Democratic Senate candidate in Pennsylvania.

The ad slammed Sestak for signing a letter criticizing Israel’s blockade of Gaza while declining to add his name to a defense of Israel circulated by powerful pro-Israel lobby AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee).

The group also attacked Sestak for appearing at a fundraiser for the Council on American Islamic Relations, which it said was an “anti-Israel organization the FBI called a ‘front group for Hamas."

“Does Congressman Joe Sestak understand Israel is America’s ally?” the ad’s narrator asked.

This is just the opening shot in what the Emergency Committee for Israel intends to be a series of ads to sway congressional races across the U.S.

More here

Smith X Shields = Stupid Squared

Unbelievable, Folks, unbelievable! Oasis Car Wash owner bounces multiple checks with the city and Louise Smith and Shanie Shields want to be "compassionate" and "business friendly" by letting this guy float a loan with the city for the capacity fees he owns. Let's not get into a discussion of whether the fees are good or bad for right now. You know how I feel about them. But they are there and everyone who sets up shop and uses capacity has to pay for them.

Every business that DOESN'T have a big water use does NOT have to pay big capacity fees. So why did this guy go into a water intensive business if he couldn't pay for it? (Sure, sure, he had a problem with the equipment, but his beef is with the maker of the stuff, not the city.)

Louise and Shanie want you and I to pay for his bad business judgement instead.

I think every business out there ought to stop paying its bills to the city, then tell Louise and Shanie they want a city bailout just like this guy. Show us some "compassion," Shanie, we're ALL struggling!

News flash to Louise Smith and Shanie Shields: If you make all of us who are doing it right subsidize all those who don't have a clue, you'll put us all out of business. Then who will pay for all these freebies and community centers you want when the guv'mint is broke because there's no one left to foot the bill? Even as fast as the feds are printing money, $10 bills are not raining down from heaven.

As Forrest Gump said, "Stupid is as stupid does."

Israeli Navy Issues ‘Midnight Ultimatum’ To Libyan Ship

Israel has given the Gaza-bound Libyan boat a deadline of midnight to change course or face interception, the Pakistani News reported Tuesday afternoon.

"Israeli authorities have given us until midnight tonight to change course and head to the port of El-Arish [Egypt]; otherwise they are threatening to intercept the boat with their navy," said Mashallah Zwei, one of the organizers of the sailing aimed at challenging Israel’s sovereignty over the coast off of Hamas-controlled Gaza.

The News identified Zwei as a member of the Qaddafi Foundation, an alleged charity. He said by satellite phone that the request would be "studied before a response is given." The foundation said that the Israeli Navy is “shadowing” its vessel, named the Almathea, which will reach Gaza Wednesday morning if it continues on its present course and at current speed.

Leaders on board the ship earlier had said they would head for Egypt if confronted by the Navy, which was trapped into a violent clash May 31 with terror activists aboard a ship sponsored by the Turkish-based IHH origination. It since has been revealed to be a charity front for terrorist-linked activities and support.

More

Obama's DREAM: Grant Up To 2 Million Aliens "Path To Citizenship"

Now that the Obama administration has said it "absolutely supports" a controversial plan to give as many as 2 million illegal aliens legal status in the U.S., a group funded by the U.S. Census Bureau, George Soros' Open Society Institute and various other organizations is seeking to renew the spotlight on the DREAM Act.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, or DREAM Act, was introduced in March 2009 by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif. Durbin is sponsoring S.729 in the Senate with 40 co-sponsors, and Howard is sponsoring H.R.1751 in the House with 124 co-sponsors.

According to key provisions of the DREAM Act, the legislation would extend conditional legal status to allow children of illegal aliens to work and go to school in the U.S.

But critics say the DREAM Act is just another "specialized amnesty proposal."

In the following July 1 White House video of a "Comprehensive immigration reform roundtable," Cecilia Muñoz, White House director of intergovernmental affairs, said, "The DREAM Act, which I described before, is terribly important. The president absolutely supports it. And if Congress, if our allies in Congress decide to move forward on the DREAM Act, we will happily support it. The president has been a supporter really for much of his career."

To qualify under the DREAM Act provisions, the illegal aliens must have:

* entered the U.S. before age 16
* have been in the U.S. for at least five years before enactment of the legislation
* have obtained a high-school diploma or GED.
* be less than 35 years old

After six years, noncitizens with conditional status would be allowed to apply for permanent residence if they have earned a college degree, completed two years in a bachelor's degree program or served at least two years in the U.S. military and maintained good moral character.

The DREAM Act would be retroactive, allowing illegal aliens who are older than 35 to switch to conditional and then permanent status if they meet requirements.

Read on>>
Read on>>

Author On NAACP: If The Hood Fits

Following stunning allegations that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People lobbied the Justice Department to not prosecute New Black Panther Party members who were videotaped in 2008 – clad in black and "guarding" a polling place with a nightstick – the civil rights organization responded by formally repudiating racism in "the tea parties."

"The hypocrisy of such conceit is galling," says Erik Rush, author of a new top-selling book on racial politics, "Negrophilia: From Slave Block to Pedestal – America's Racial Obsession."

"There is no racism in the tea party movement," says Rush, "and any condemnation or intimation that there is by the NAACP or any other organization is simply part and parcel of their political imperative regarding the social balkanization of America. These assertions (pertaining to the tea party) are lies, and those proffering them know it."

The 101st NAACP convention currently taking place in Kansas City doesn't include an address by the president, but Michelle Obama was on the agenda.

Now the Kansas City Star reports there will be a vote by attending delegates on a resolution that "all people of good will to repudiate the racism of the tea parties, and to stand in opposition to its drive to push our country back to the pre-civil rights era."

"It is also monumentally hypocritical for anyone – whether it is the president, the NAACP, or the first lady – to speak to race at all at this juncture, given this administration's role in deepening racial tensions in America and its lack of evenhandedness in addressing issues concerning race," adds Rush.

Read more here>>

Steinbrenner Reportedly Dies After Heart Attack


Former New York Yankees owner recently celebrated his 80th birthday

Former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has died, according to reports from The Associated Press and the New York Daily News.

Steinbrenner, the former owner known as "The Boss" for his tempestuous style, suffered a massive heart attack at the age of 80.

The Tampa Tribune website said emergency crews went to his home on Monday night.

GO HERE to read more.

Congressman Accused Of Colluding With White House

Controversy over job 'offers' for election favors boils over again
The controversy over allegations White House officials at least as high as Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel offered two congressional candidates jobs in return for campaign favors, which apparently would violate the law, is reheating – with a claim that one of the candidates colluded with the White House on what story to tell.

Judicial Watch, a government watchdog organization, has filed a congressional ethics complaint targeting Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak, a Democrat who has confirmed he was offered a post.

Sestak has said publicly he was offered the job if he would agree to withdraw from a Senate primary campaign against Obama favorite Sen. Arlen Specter, another Pennsylvania Democrat.

Sestak stated he declined the offer and subsequently won the nomination. Republicans also have called for investigations into ethical issues involved in the White House offer.

Judicial Watch's complaint targets Sestak for ethics violations, stating his story changed after he consulted the White House.

Judicial Watch charged Sestak was communicating with the White House to "cover up criminal conduct regarding job offers made to Congressman Sestak in exchange for leaving a political campaign."

The ethics complaint, filed just days ago, says, "The record of statements made to the media suggest that Congressman Sestak and Obama White House officials conspired to cover up the facts of a job offer made to Congressman Sestak in an effort to avoid criminal sanctions for violation of the Hatch Act and other federal laws. And by so doing they may have engaged in a criminal conspiracy."

Judicial Watch said that in February Sestak went on the record stating he had been offered a "federal job" to keep him from challenging Specter. He maintained that account until the end of May, when he suggested he hadn't been offered a federal job but an unpaid position on a White House "advisory board."

Federal law bans government workers from offering anything of value, including compensation of any kind, jobs or gifts in exchange for a partisan political action, which would include withdrawing from acampaign. There also are bans on members of Congress from being on some presidential boards.

Here is more

MPT’s Plans To Put Candidate Interviews Online Offends U.S. Senate Hopeful


Maryland Public Television execs thought they would be doing a public service by recording interviews with candidates for statewide office and placing those interviews on their website – but at least one candidate feels insulted by the gesture.

GO HERE to read more.

Two Kittens Found In Delmar


Hi Joe,

I live in Delmar and 2 kittens came on my deck last night. I believe these kittens have been around humans b/c they came right up to me and let me pet them & everything. I was wondering if you could out this picture up on your website. If you need any more info let me know.

Jeff
443-523-8144

Conservatives Up In Arms Over Concerns NRA Too...

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com


Amidst rumors the NRA is considering endorsing Democratic Senator Harry Reid, conservatives charge the powerful lobby has become "soft."

Northrop Grumman To Locate HQ In Falls Church

LOS ANGELES - Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. said Monday it has selected a location in Falls Church, Va., to be its new corporate headquarters.

Los Angeles-based Northrop said it will begin operations in the new facility next summer.

Northrop announced in January that it was moving its corporate offices to the Washington, D.C., area to be closer to government customers. In April, Virginia beat out Maryland and Washington, D.C, in an tax incentives battle to land the new office.

GO HERE to read more.

For Recyclers, One (Complicated) Word: Plastics

Although Americans rely on plastic made from petroleum and natural gas in virtually every aspect of our lives, just a fraction of our plastic waste is getting recycled.

BREAKING NEWS:


Yankees owner Steinbrenner hospitalized in serious condition, local media reports. More to come.

Former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner has been hospitalized in critical condition after suffering a heart attack, WABC-TV said Tuesday.

Cops Arrest 320 Alleged Mobsters In Italy, U.S.

Wiretap investigation is believed to have snared Calabrian mafia don

ROME — More than 320 people were arrested in raids across Italy and in the U.S. on suspicion of links to the powerful Calabrian mafia, authorities said Tuesday.

Charges range from belonging to an organized crime group to money laundering and offenses linked with the award of public works contracts.

The AFP news agency reported that some of the suspects were also accused of murder, extortion and arms offenses.

GO HERE to read more.

My Lemon Continued


Sorry to say good things don't last in this case.

On June 25 I signed a contract received my vehicle and was told that the payoff on the lemon vehicle would be mailed off within 2 days and that the remotes(keyless entries) would be sent from Koonz in Annapolis (that is the dealership where Preston located the new car. A week went by and still no remotes contacted the salesman and he said that the dealership was still waiting for Koontz to mail the remotes. I decided to contact Koontz myself.

I spoke with Mr. Duke there and he told me that Preston knew when they picked up the car the remotes were missing and that Koontz would have to reimburse Preston for the remotes.I contacted the salesman, Kenny and he promised the week of July 5 to bring me the new remotes and program them. I called on wed and was told I that the remotes were already mailed I received remotes on Saturday July 10 the postmark on the envelope stated July 9. The remotes I received were not new they did not work on this vehicle.

I contacted Preston and left a message as per this information.I spoke with a Mark Thursday at Koonz today and asked if they could please try to find the original remotes for this vehicle he stated that the remotes were held back because Preston never gave them the remotes for the vehicle they dealer swapped for my vehicle. He never gave me a straight answer were the remotes were he stated Preston would have to give me new remotes and reprogram them. Mr. Thursday used to work at Preston he told me. I called and spoke with Diana at David Wilson Jr.'s office since Mr. Wilson was off today and told her I would like to have the new remotes today (I had already called the parts dept to make sure they had them in stock which they did).

She contacted me back and stated she had the new remotes and would send Kenny down here to program the remotes also she added that Preston needed more paperwork. I asked for what and she said for the new loan with Chase. I said you must be mistaken the car has already been approved and a contract signed. I called Kenny Gardner and asked about the paperwork I heard this she going to cry crybaby she's a crybaby, I asked who is saying this he never responded I hung up the phone.

My mother contacted Diana and she got Mr.Wilson to contact my mom back before Mr.Wilson contacted my mom back she called Mr Jamie Robbinette a finance officer at Preston he stated that he contacted Chase the lender and told them that I refused to give any paperwork. This is not true, I gave all the paperwork prior to obtaining the loan that was agreed upon by Chase, myself, Preston.

Mr.Robbinette stated I would need to do a credit application since I never did one before or nobody would finance me. This is not true. Mr. Wilson sent a runner down to my local Giant, that is were I signed the credit application. This had to be signed before my credit was run by Preston and Chase Mr. Dan Cowell from Chase called and wanted to know why I refused to give or sign the paperwork. I told him this was not true, this man has always been very pleasant talking he had anger in his voice.Keep in mind this man approved the loan back in June.

I have a photographic memory and can remember details very well the man was driving a grey Mazda he was standing with his hands folded behind him. I felt sorry that he had to come all this way in the heat, he responded that he was used to this heat since he worked in a cannery in Pennsylvania when he was younger, yet my mother calls and speaks to Chad Todd and answers as one of the owners of Preston and claims that there is no runner as we have described (the runner was a tall older gentleman very pleasant speaking).

Mr. Wilson claims to know nothing about what has occurred he knows the application for credit was ordered by him and signed by me he also knows that the Chase approved the loan he said he would straighten this out tomorrow. I have probable cause that certain people within Preston are seeking revenge on me because I posted this story
ringing other parties in on this (Chase and Koonz).

This bizarre ordeal has made me completely lose all faith and trust with Preston. As of this date Chase still has not seen the payoff. They have defamed my character by telling lies verbally and emotionally abused me. How much can one person take? I guess this was all too good to be true? Stay tuned to find out.

Also just in case anybody is wondering why my mother is making all the phone calls on my behalf she has been gracefully generous to handle this since I'm on jury duty this month.

WHY WILL YOU VOTE FOR DAVID E. COWALL?

As a non-incumbent, Mr. Cowall is running for Wicomico County Council, At-large.

These rules apply to comments:

1. Only positive statements about the candidate will be posted. Comments that attack the candidate or anyone else will not be posted, and that includes “sneak attacks” – for example: “Because I want higher taxes and more spending.”

2. Long personal accolades will not be posted – the goal is to present the pertinent facts not a facade about the candidates. Short accolades (25 words or less) are OK.

PLEASE: if you do not plan to vote for the candidate, don’t send any comment for this post.

Husband Down


A husband and wife are shopping in their local Wal-Mart.

The husband picks up a case of Budweiser and puts it in their cart.

'What do you think you're doing?' asks the wife.

'They're on sale, only $10 for 24 cans he replies.

'Put them back, we can't afford them demands the wife, and so they carry on shopping.

A few aisles further on along the woman picks up a $20 jar of face cream and puts it in the basket.

What do you think you're doing?' asks the husband.

'It’s my face cream. It makes me look beautiful,' replies the wife.

Her husband retorts: 'So does 24 cans of Budweiser and it's half the price.'


On the PA system: 'Cleanup on aisle 25, we have a husband down.

A Letter To The Editor

Correcting The Daily Times, again!

Today’s article about Salisbury’s “capacity fee” dispute with the Oasis Car Wash states that the fee is paid “by businesses”. Actually, that is correct, but very misleading because it clearly implies that the fee does not apply to residential development.

The capacity fee, which was imposed five or so years ago to obtain money to upgrade the sewer and water systems, is paid for both residential and commercial development that adds to the demand for that infrastructure. At present, the fee to build a new home is $8,500; although paid by the developer, it is passed on, driving up the cost of housing in the City as opposed to homes in the County.

Obviously, the capacity fee tends to reduce both residential and commercial development in the City. The capacity fee was a major reason why the microbrewery that wanted to locate in the old train station decided to go to Delmar instead.

Americans Deserve To Hear Berwick’s Plans For Massive Medicare Cuts

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor Monday regarding the recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick:

Ordinarily, senators come to the floor to talk about the things that happen in Washington while we’re here. Today I’d like to talk about something that happened last week while we weren’t here. I’m referring, of course, to the president’s outrageous decision to take advantage of Congress’s absence last week to sneak Donald Berwick in as the new head of Medicare and Medicaid.

As is well-known, Congress has a constitutional duty to examine presidential nominees like Dr. Berwick. But apparently, the prospect of giving the American people an opportunity to hear this nominee defend his past praise for government-run systems that ration healthcare was worrisome enough for the administration that it sought to ignore congressional oversight altogether.

As it turned out, the administration’s plan backfired — because even Democrats are outraged at this blatant attempt to prevent the American people from hearing this man talk about what he plans to do with Medicare and Medicaid. As usual, the administration wants to blame Republicans for its own failures. But in this case, the administration’s failure to respect the right of the American people to study Dr. Berwick’s record is being criticized by just about everyone, including the Democrat chairman of the committee in charge of reviewing his nomination.

Here’s what Chairman Baucus said shortly after the appointment was made:

"Senate confirmation of presidential appointees is an essential process prescribed by the Constitution that serves as a check on executive power and protects Montanans and all Americans by ensuring that crucial questions are asked of the nominee, and answered."

So despite what the administration would like people to think, this recess appointment had nothing whatsoever to do with Republicans. The fact is, Republicans were looking forward to this debate. We welcomed this hearing. And anyone who looks at the facts knows any suggestion to the contrary is nonsense. So the charge is laughable.

This appointment had everything to do with the administration’s fear of letting Americans hear Dr. Berwick’s well-known views about government-run care and about how he plans to implement the president’s plan to cut a half trillion dollars from Medicare while limiting the choices seniors now enjoy.

This appointment is just the latest evidence of how little the administration has concerned itself with the views of the public. When a majority of Americans and an overwhelming majority of Kentuckians opposed its health care plan, they cut deals with Democrat senators to squeeze it through Congress. Now they’re not even bothering with Congress: They’re just unilaterally installing people like Don Berwick to take charge of its plan for half a trillion dollars in Medicare cuts.

This has been the administration’s approach all along: go around the American people, and now go around Congress. The administration can try to blame Republicans for a debate they don’t want to have. But by denying Congress the ability to scrutinize this nominee, it only raises Americans’ suspicions about its healthcare plan and increases the burden on Democrats who supported it.

Back in March, Speaker Pelosi remarked that we’d have to pass the healthcare bill to find out what’s in it. This nomination is part of the same arrogant approach. The same administration that forced this bill on an unwilling public has now forced Don Berwick onto anyone with Medicare and Medicaid. And now Democrats who voted for this bill will have to answer for his statements and views.

There's more here>>

Dems Hit 60 On Wall Street Bill

Democrats appeared on Monday to have won the 60 votes they need to move Wall Street reform through the Senate when Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe (Maine) and Scott Brown (Mass.) announced their support for a conference report.

Democrats already had commitments from 57 of their members, and Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins had said before the July 4 recess that she was inclined to vote for the conference report.

The decisions by Snowe and Brown mean Democrats will not have to wait for West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) to name a successor to the late Sen. Robert Byrd, who died two weeks ago, in order to send the Wall Street reform bill to President Barack Obama’s desk.

The 2,315-page conference report is the second major legislative overhaul, after healthcare reform, that has been approved by the Democratic Congress. The legislation aims to prevent future taxpayer-funded bailouts; would boost regulation over credit cards, mortgages and other products; regulate the $600 trillion derivatives market; and increase oversight of broad financial system risks, among other measures.

Snowe described the legislation as an aggressive overhaul of the regulatory system that would help ensure the country avoids another financial catastrophe. She said she decided to support the legislation after a thorough review, and noted that the final bill preserved several amendments she had offered to preserve small businesses’ access to capital.

“While not perfect, the legislation takes necessary steps to implement meaningful regulatory reforms, create strong consumer protections and restore confidence in the American financial system,” Snowe said.

More here>>

RSC Update


In times of economic distress, the ability to plan ahead can restore confidence and help one weather the storm. Yet many American families and businesses do not currently have that ability as a result of the extremely uncertain environment created by Washington Democrats. For one thing, Democrats refuse to pass a budget which would give the private sector a clear picture of future spending and deficits. The result? Greater uncertainty among the families and businesses who know that today’s trillion dollar deficits mean a trillion dollars in higher taxes tomorrow.


And speaking of higher taxes, most Americans are currently unable to make reliable estimates about their federal tax burden for next year. Why? Because Democrats refuse to let them know what will happen with an armada of job-killing tax increases slated to take effect on January 1, 2011. Instead, they’re threatening to punt the issue (along with a National Energy Tax, card check, and other items) to a lame duck session in an attempt to avoid a public backlash in November.


The incredible uncertainty about so many far-reaching issues has much of the private sector hunkered down in “wait and see” mode. Sparking the robust job creation needed to rejuvenate our economy will take a commitment to real leadership, a real budget, and real economic solutions.


Sincerely,
Congressman Tom Price Chairman, Republican Study Committee

Senator Says He Backs Birther Lawsuits

Republican Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana says he supports conservative organizations challenging President Barack Obama's citizenship in court.

Vitter, who is running for re-election, made the comments at a town hall-style event in Metairie, La., on Sunday when a constituent asked what he would do about what the questioner said was Obama's "refusal to produce a valid birth certificate."

With the crowd applauding the question, Vitter responded that although he doesn't personally have legal standing to bring litigation, he supports "conservative legal organizations and others who would bring that to court," according to a video of the event.

Vitter said at Sunday's event that the only direct information he has about the issue is what he's learned through the news media "filter." His spokesman did not respond to a question Monday about whether the senator questions Obama's citizenship.

More here

Obama's Wife Incites NAACP Against Tea Party

First Lady Michelle Obama brought renewed energy to the NAACP on Monday, delivering the keynote speech at the annual convention one day before the nation's largest civil rights group is expected to condemn what it calls racist elements in the Tea Party movement.

The nation's largest and oldest civil rights organization will vote on the resolution Tuesday during its annual convention in Kansas City, Mo.

In her speech, the first lady focused on the issue of childhood obesity and her "Let's Move" initiative, but outside of her remarks, anti-Tea Party activism has been a key focus of the gathering, which conservative leaders say is driven solely by a political agenda.

Tea Party members have used "racial epithets," have verbally abused black members of Congress and threatened them, and protestors have engaged in "explicitly racist behavior" and "displayed signs and posters intended to degrade people of color generally and President Barack Obama specifically," according to the proposed resolution.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, in coordination with 170 other groups, including labor unions, is planning a protest march in Washington, D.C., Oct. 10 as the next step in building momentum against the Tea Party.

The "One Nation" march is designed as an antithesis to the Tea Party, and it's about "pulling America together and back to work," McDowell said.

[Sounds like it's more about "Dividing America" with class warfare and racism-- Editor]

More here

Don't Threaten Yourself Via Text Message Then Tell The Police

The conventional wisdom has it that if you want to commit a crime with a cell phone, use a prepaid model. That's what a woman in California did to get back at her ex-boyfriend and his sister-in-law, by sending harassing text messages to herself and then reporting them to the police. The plan fell apart, however, when her victims hit the pavement to find proof that they were being framed.

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Yet Another Person Says He Owns Facebook

The WSJ says they have seen a copy of a contract (signed in 2003) giving an investor an 84% stake in the website that was to eventually become Facebook. This contract is now the subject of a new lawsuit against the privately held company.

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Felons Voting Illegally May Have Put Franken Over The Top In Minnesota, Study Finds

The six-month election recount that turned former "Saturday Night Live" comedian Al Franken into a U.S. senator may have been decided by convicted felons who voted illegally in Minnesota's Twin Cities.

That's the finding of an 18-month study conducted by Minnesota Majority, a conservative watchdog group, which found that at least 341 convicted felons in largely Democratic Minneapolis-St. Paul voted illegally in the 2008 Senate race between Franken, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent, then-incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman.

The final recount vote in the race, determined six months after Election Day, showed Franken beat Coleman by 312 votes -- fewer votes than the number of felons whose illegal ballots were counted, according to Minnesota Majority's newly released study, which matched publicly available conviction lists with voting records.

GO HERE to read more.

Today's Nature Photo By Scott Phoebus

Teen Volunteer Alleges Firehouse Sexual Harassment

An investigation into misconduct at a firehouse has led to the firing of nine volunteer firefighters in Spotsylvania County, Va.

A 17-year-old female volunteer told authorities that she survived a night of sexual taunting by two male volunteer firefighters that escalated into one of them inappropriately touching her.

It happened one night in May when the female victim was on duty at the Company 1 firehouse, according to Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Detective. Earle Swift.

The volunteer said she was in her sleeping bunk when the men called her downstairs, telling her they needed her help with a firehouse duty. However, once she got downstairs, she realized that the guys actually wanted her to take part in a stripping game, she said. When she refused to take off her clothes, the game escalated into taunts, she said.

GO HERE to read more.

D.C. Jury To Watch Porn

In a 1964 ruling, Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously wrote that while hard-core pornography was difficult to define, I know it when I see it. And pretty soon, a D.C. jury will be seeing it.

The federal trial against John Stagliano of Evil Angel Productions on multiple obscenity counts begins Tuesday. Jurors will have to view two of Evil Angels films and a trailer for a third. Jamin Raskin of American University's law school, quoted by the Washington Examiner, calls the trial kind of a jury-based movie review. The jury becomes a little focus group on how shocked, scandalized and grossed out people are.

David Hudson of the First Amendment Center says the case could be significant, since Staglianos films are not known for being on the extremes of adult fare. Rather, theyre pretty standard stuff by pay-per-view and instant download standards. Raskin observes that at one time, Playboy magazine was considered outside the norm, but now many see it as mainstream.

GO HERE to read more.

Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

Incident: Possession of CDS
Date of Incident: 9 July 2010
Location: 800 block of Oneida Avenue, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Alphonso D. Barkley, 36, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 9 July 2010 at 7:25 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the 800 block of Oneida Avenue in reference to a civil dispute over ownership of an automobile. While the deputy was on scene, one of the parties in the dispute, a female subject, told the deputy that the other party, Alphonso Barkley, had "weed" on him.

During the subsequent investigation, the deputy located a baggie of what the deputy recognized as marijuana that appeared to have been dropped by Barkley. Upon searching the vehicle, the deputy then recovered a baggie containing what the deputy recognized as cocaine.

The deputy placed Barkley under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Barkley in the Detention Center in lieu of $25,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Cocaine


Incident: Possession of CDS
Date of Incident: 11 July 2010
Location: 800 block of W. Isabella Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Aaron S. Johnson, 20, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 11 July 2010 at 4:43 PM a deputy stopped a vehicle on West Isabella Street for improper display of a registration plate. While speaking to the operator, Aaron Johnson, the deputy discovered that Johnson did not have a license and that he was overly nervous. When a WCSO Drug K9 team arrived, Johnson admitted that there was marijuana in the vehicle which was subsequently recovered by the deputy.

The deputy transported Johnson to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Johnson in the detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana


Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 11 July 2010
Location: 1000 block of West Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Herold Abraham, 43, Salisbury, MD


Narrative: On 11 July 2010 at 9:40 AM, a deputy responded to investigate a burglary and assault at a residence in the 1000 block of West Road. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the resident who advised that a subject know to the victim as Herold Abraham, pushed in a window air conditioner and then entered the residence. Once inside the residence, Abraham is accused of assaulting the victim. The victim stated that Abraham was mad with the victim over a previous problem. During the investigation, the deputy observed injuries on the victim that corroborated the account.

The investigating deputy managed to find Abraham nearby and took him into custody. The deputy transported Abraham to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Abraham in the Detention Center in lieu of $40,000.00 bond.

Charges: Burglary 3rd degree
Burglary 4th degree
Assault 2nd degree

Rutledge Fundraiser! Sunday, 18 July 2010 Beer And Wine Reception


Help Rutledge hand Mikulski her walking papers!

Meet leading Republican Candidate for United States Senate

Jim Rutledge
at a

Beer & Wine
Fundraiser Reception
Sunday, July 18, 2010
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Eastern Shore Brewing
605 S. Talbot Street
St Michaels, MD 21663

$35 per individual

Please R.S.V.P. to 410-745-0079
Pay at the door or in advance at
www.RutledgeforUSSenate.com

Jim is the perfect candidate for our time!
He believes in limited government, free markets, lower taxes, balancing the budget, term limits, securing our borders, no amnesty for illegal aliens, the sanctity of life, and school choice.

SHOREBIRDS ESCAPE WITH 3-2 WIN IN FINALE OVER LAKEWOOD

Josh Dowdy Picks Up 15th Save of Season

Lakewood, NJ
– With the tying run at second, Josh Dowdy induced a roller to the mound off the bat of Alan Schoenberger to lock away a 3-2 Shorebirds win at FirstEnergy Park on Monday afternoon. The Shorebirds become the first South Atlantic League team to win a series from the Lakewood BlueClaws this season. Ty Kelly and Kieron Pope paced the offense with two hits each.

Brent Allar earned his second win of the season in a spot starting role. He allowed only two hits in a career high five innings. Allar also fanned a career high eight batters.

The Shorebirds plated two runs in the fifth inning. Garabez Rosa connected on a double to deep left-center field to score T.J. Baxter and Brian Conley hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Rosa.

Justin Dalles recorded an RBI sacrifice fly to deep right field in the eighth inning to give the Shorebirds a 3-0 edge.

Lakewood battled back in the ninth before Dowdy came on to secure the win. Leandro Castro and Jonathan Singleton each notched run scoring hits.

The Shorebirds open a five-game series against West Virginia on Wednesday night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO DELIVER REMARKS

FIRST LADY KATIE O’MALLEY TO DELIVER REMARKS AT NATIONAL NETWORK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

ANNAPOLIS, MD
– First Lady Katie O’Malley today will address participants of the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Annual Convention which is being held at the Renaissance Harbor Hotel in Baltimore. The NNEDV is convening national experts from state and federal agencies to discuss ways states can solve problems with regard to enforcing firearms state and federal firearms laws.

Topics for the two day conference include:

which federal firearms laws apply in domestic violence cases and which federal agencies implement and enforce those laws;
how to ensure that the right information is entered into federal databases;
best practices for seizure and storage of firearms;
how to comply with the VAWA certification regarding federal firearms laws; and
how to work with allies in the military and tribes to improve enforcement.

DATE & TIME: 07/12/2010 @ 2130 hours
PHONE 410-749-3101
LOCATION: Poplar Hill Pre-Release Unit, Quantico, Wicomico County, MD 21856 CASE NUMBER: 10-54-006343
CRIME: 1. Escape First Degree
Accused: Nathaniel Lee Wilson B/M , 31, 5’11, 180lbs.

BRIEF RESUME: On 07/12/2010
at approximately 2158 hours, Troopers responded to the above address to investigate a walk off from Poplar Hill Pre-Release Unit. Upon arrival, Troopers learned that at approximately 2130 hours, Nathaniel Lee Wilson, was reported missing from the facility. An immediate search of the facility was conducted as well as the surrounding area. Wilson was serving an eleven year term for the crimes of Theft, Unauthorized Use, Indecent Exposure, Burglary and Possession of CDS. The Wicomico County Bureau of Investigations responded to the scene and the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Nathaniel Lee Wilson, should contact the Maryland State Police and the address/phone number listed above.

GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO HOST “BUY LOCAL” COOKOUT

Governor to Kick-off “Buy Local Challenge” Week; Cookout to Feature Locally Grown Recipes Created by Selected Chefs

ANNAPOLIS, MD
– Governor Martin O’Malley next week will host a “Buy Local” cook out to officially kick-off Maryland’s “Buy Local Challenge” week, which challenges Marylanders to incorporate at least one locally-grown, produced or harvested product into their meals each day. At the Governor’s cook out, 17 teams of local producers and chefs will prepare creative recipes showcasing the diversity of local products available in Maryland. Government House chefs will also prepare a few favorites recipes of theirs and the O’Malley family featuring local products. The cook out will take place this Thursday, July 15 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Government House in Annapolis.

“Buy Local Challenge” week is July 17 through the 25. Buying locally is key to ensuring a smart, green and growing future for Maryland families. It preserves farmland, protects the environment, bolsters local economies, and provides wholesome, nutritious, great-tasting fresh food.

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY TO ANNOUNCE COLLEGE READINESS PLAN


Baltimore, MD Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown will join with Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith today to make an important announcement on college readiness in the State of Maryland.

Governor O'Malley and Lt. Governor Brown will detail their plans to ensure that Maryland students graduate from high school with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in college-level coursework and complete their degrees on time.

Maryland already leads the nation with the percentage of students taking and scoring proficient on AP exams and the correlation between AP participation and college success is strong.

Last week, Governor O'Malley announced his "Building Maryland Schools" plan to ensure that every Maryland student attends school in a safe learning environment. O'Malley committed to investing an additional $250 million per year in school renovation projects to build state-of-the-art classrooms for our students. Governor O'Malley was also named the National Education Association's "America's Greatest Education Governor."

Who: Governor O'Malley, Lt. Governor Brown and
County Executive Jim Smith to Unveil College Readiness plan

When: Tuesday July 13, 2010

Where: Parkville High School
2600 Putty Hill Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21234

Time: 10:30 AM