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Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Federal Government Spending $4 Million to Make Farmer's Markets Accessible to Those on Food Stamps

The federal government is spending $4 million to help hook up farmers and low-income customers.

Currently, fewer than a quarter of the nation's roughly 7,100 farmers markets are set up to use the Electronic Benefit Transfer system, or food stamps. But Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary of agriculture, said she hopes these grants will bring another 4,000 of those outlets on line with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"SNAP participation at farmers' markets helps provide fresh fruit and vegetables to families and expands the customer base for local farmers -- a win-win for agriculture and local communities," she said in a statement.

John McCain to Obama: 'Heroes don't brag'

Republican Senator and decorated prisoner of war John McCain criticized President Obama Tuesday night, saying he has shown a lack of leadership in his handling on key terror issues - specifically the killing of Osama bin Laden.

“I hope this isn't viewed in the wrong way but heroes don't brag,” McCain told ABC7’s Jay Korff. “Heroes don't brag."

Obama has been accused by some for using the death of bin Laden for political gain. In one instance, Obama’s campaign released an ad questioning whether Mitt Romney would have killed bin Laden.

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Shock Video: College Student Tries to Jump from Roof into Pool but Misses and Hits Concrete

Ian Smith, a student at Colorado State University, is in critical condition after a Saturday-afternoon stunt went horribly wrong. It was then that Smith tried to jump from a three-story apartment complex and into the pool below. He missed, breaking his ankles, heels, and several vertebrae in his back, according to KUSA-TV in Denver.

Shocking video of the incident has surfaced showing the entire thing.

Once Smith hit the concrete, he rolled into the pool as blood spilled on the ground. Bystanders eventually pulled him out and paramedics said he was lucky to be alive.

“You could hear him hit it, and just kinda rolled into the pool,” Jared Roberts told KUSA.

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Atheist Group Honors TN Student Who Portrayed Jesus as Fictional

Summit High School sophomore Jeff Shott has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship for dressing like Jesus Christ on fictional character day.

The Spring Hill student was not disciplined for his action back in January, but Summit High Principal Charles Farmer did advise him that if the costume caused distraction during the day that he would have to remove it, school officials say.

Shott voluntarily removed his robes and sash, a costume that included a hammer and nail.

“Both principals said they were worried my costume would spark religious debates in every class and take up large amounts of time. I was sternly warned that if even one teacher reported the slightest disruption, I would have to take off my costume. Then and there, I decided to take it off,” Shott wrote in a letter to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a national organization devoted to promoting the separation of state and church. The group ended up awarding him a scholarship.

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Higher Education Blogger Fired For Criticizing African-American Students

Academia’s outsized love of political correctness is, by this point, infamous. But did you know that journalism pertaining to academia is now being expected to follow similar standards?

No? Neither did Naomi Schaefer Riley, a higher education reporter with 15 years experience who was recently fired from the Chronicle of Higher Education for criticizing several black PhD students for giving their discipline a bad name by writing about unserious topics.

Let’s start from the beginning. On April 20, 2012, the Chronicle of Higher Education ran an article titled “A New Generation of Black Studies Ph.D’s.”  The article was essentially a collection of five short profiles, which are reproduced below for the reader to peruse:

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Dog Pulls Unconscious Owner From Train's Path

A pit bull named Lilly is being hailed a hero after she pulled her unconscious owner from the path of a freight train last week.

An engineer of a westward-bound freight train saw a dog pulling a woman away from the tracks in the early hours of May 3 in Shirley. The engineer tried to stop, but couldn't avoid hitting the 8-year-old dog.

The woman, identified as Christine Spain, wasn't hurt, but the train's wheels sliced through Lilly's right foot, fractured her pelvis in multiple locations and caused other internal injuries.

It's All Your Money: Taxpayers May Be on Hook for US Postal Service Losses

The U.S. Postal Service is often the butt of jokes, but there's nothing funny about the agency's bottom line.

The USPS is losing up to $25 million dollars a day. Until now, taxpayers have not been on the hook for its mounting losses, but that could be about to change. A bill recently approved by the Senate would appropriate $34 billion in federal money.

"If the post office was a business, it would be in bankruptcy," said Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla. "It's insolvent."

'Business Community Smarter Than Washington'

On Friday, the Labor Department reported 115,000 net jobs were created in April, far below expectations. The overall jobless rate fell to 8.1 percent, but analysts of all political persuasions agree it’s because many more people left the labor force.

Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., is also a member of the House Small Business Committee.

He says small business owners are not hiring because they’re in a holding pattern. Walsh says until business owners see what happens with the Obama health laws and dozens of burdensome regulations they are not going to pursue plans to hire or expand.

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24 Countries, Including Socialist Nations, Top U.S. As Best Place to Be a Mother

The United States is ranked 25th among 165 countries as the best place to be a mother, with the country of Norway topping the list, according to the State of the World’s Mothers 2012 report, compiled by the non-profit group Save the Children.

Number two and three on the list are Iceland and Sweden, while Niger replaces Afghanistan as the worst place for mothers and children for the first time in two years.

New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Slovenia, France, Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Switzerland, Canada, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, and Belarus, respectively, all scored higher than the U.S. The U.S. was ranked 31st last year.

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HURT: Obama’s Real ‘War’ is Against the Elderly

Politicians around here keep talking about some kind of underground, undeclared War on Women. But the only real open warfare going on is President Obama’s all-out War on Seniors.

When it came time for him to find spending cuts to pay for some fraction of his massive health care overhaul, where did Mr. Obama go? He raided Medicare.

Bipartisan projections predict that over 10 years, $500 billion will be siphoned out of the seniors’ health-care program to pay for Mr. Obama’s political boondoggle. As if it is not cruel enough to strip away trusted doctor care for the elderly, Mr. Obama also seems to enjoy terrorizing seniors whenever he doesn’t get his way.

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Why Employers are Telling Many New College Graduates they are “Not Welcome”

Just as the Federal Reserve’s printing of large sums of money has devalued the dollar, so too has the increase in printing and distribution of diplomas from degree-granting institutions devalued the worth of a college degree. 

We have nearly 4,500 degree-granting institutions; approximately 2,700 4-year colleges, and 1,700 2-year colleges (primarily community colleges).  This equates to roughly 100 degree-granting institutions in each of the 50-states.

But we also have approximately 2,000 non-degree granting institutions, better known as vocational or trade schools.  These institutions provide job-specific training leading to certificates and career diplomas in specialized fields.   Some popular vocational trades include medical assistant, dental assistant, auto repair technician, and cosmetology.  The biggest advantage that these programs have is that some can be completed in as little as six months, and the costs associated with attending these programs dwarf in comparison to that of the costs of obtaining a college education.

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Two Charged After Strapping Kids to Hood of Car

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Two people are in police custody after they allegedly strapped four kids to the hood of a car after leaving a Fort Wayne liquor store Monday evening.

Police said around 5:30 p.m., someone called 911 to report that a man and a woman had strapped the kids to the hood and left the Belmont Beverage parking lot at 2116 Fairfield Ave.

A couple area residents saw the kids strapped to the car just before police arrived.

"I couldn't believe it! They had this strap across their legs. They were squirming to get out. They didn't know what to do. And I told the people in the car, 'Don't do that!'," said Bonita Gorsuch.

"They were all drunk.  They were all all high, or whatever.  They've got babies on a car!  That's not nice," said Tom Nowak.

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Environmental groups collecting millions from federal agencies they sue, studies show

Deep-pocketed environmental groups are collecting millions of dollars from the federal agencies they regularly sue under a little-known federal law, and the government is not even keeping track of the payouts, according to two new studies.

Under the Equal Access to Justice Act, or EAJA — which was signed into law by President Carter in 1980 to help the little guy stand up to federal agencies — litigants with modest means who successfully show government agencies wronged them can get their legal fees back from the taxpayer.

But the act also covers 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including environmental groups that aggressively sue the feds to enforce land-use laws, the Clean Water and Clean Air acts and laws protecting endangered species. Their lawyers are getting reimbursed at rates as high as $750 an hour, sources tell FoxNews.com.

Describe Your EX


To Explain Obama's WV Humiliation, Dems Accuse Their Own of Racism

Everywhere there was a primary last night, Democrats had a very bad night, especially in West Virginia where a prison inmate won over 40% of the vote against Barack Obama. Naturally, because Democrats simply refuse to face the reality of this failed administration, the cry of racism was heard even before the polls closed. Only this time the Democrats' charge of racism was directed at fellow Democrats:

Democrats in the state attributed Obama's problems to his race, and sought to counter that with an unusually blunt campaign message in October, seeking — unsuccessfully — to convince white Democrats to vote for the African-American candidate. Primary exit polls found that 20% of white voters in West Virginia cited race as a factor in their overwhelming support for Hillary Clinton, the most in any state.
No, not 20% of white voters -- 20% of white DEMOCRAT voters -- cited race as a factor in 2008. 

But that doesn’t explain why over 40% of voters voted against Obama in favor of an unknown federal prisoner currently serving time for extortion and threats against a university. 


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TRUCKS/BUSES STOPPED TODAY DURING STATE POLICE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE IN PRINCE GEORGE'S CO.

(LANDOVER, MD) – Commercial vehicles traveling the east side of the Capital Beltway this morning were the target of a coordinated enforcement effort that resulted in scores of trucks being placed out of service for safety defects and a dozen drivers taken off the road for being unqualified to drive commercial vehicles.

Early this morning, members of the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division were joined by allied law enforcement and regulatory officers as they launched “Operation Tailgate.” The enforcement initiative focused on commercial vehicles traveling on the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County.

Commercial trucks and buses were directed by State Highway Administration CHART vehicles into a temporary inspection zone set up at Fed Ex Field in Landover. Roving police units patrolled the surrounding area for vehicles attempting to avoid inspection at the fixed site.

Commercial vehicle inspectors examined 420 vehicles. Of those, 87 vehicles were placed out-of-service for major safety defects. In addition, 12 drivers were placed out of service for being unqualified to operate commercial vehicles. One driver was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Police issued 177 traffic citations and 264 warnings for commercial vehicle related violations.

Of the 17 hazardous material haulers inspected, one was placed out-of-service for not having shipping papers for the cargo being transported. Another 11 commercial vehicles were found to be overweight.

Allied law enforcement and regulatory agencies assisting with the operation included the Prince George’s County Police, Maryland Department of the Environment, Greenbelt Police, Bowie Police, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery County Police. In addition to the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division personnel, State Police units also assisting included the Special Operations Division K-9 and command vehicle, and the Electronic Services Division.

Similar operations will be conducted in the future as state and local police work together to reduce traffic injuries and deaths, while increasing safety on Maryland roads.

You Have to Watch and See What Happens

WCSO Press Releases 5-9-12

Incident: DUI
Date of Incident: 7 May 2012
Location: U.S. 13, Delmar, MD
Suspect: Thomas Charles Parish Jr., 22, Delmar, MD

Narrative: On 7 May 2012
at 2:14 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle operated by Thomas Parish for exceeding the speed limit on U.S. 13 in Delmar, MD. Upon making contact with Parish, the deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from within Parish’s vehicle which led the deputy to administer sobriety tests to Parish.

After the testing, the deputy concluded that Parish was under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest. During processing, Parish declined the opportunity to take the breath test.

The deputy released Parish on citations.

Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Speeding

Incident: Possession of Marijuana
Date of Incident: 3 May 2012
Location: 1200 block of Orchard Circle, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Sean Brandon Barnes, 19, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 3 May 2012
at 10:38 AM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sean Brandon Barnes after Barnes was caught behind a residence in the 1200 block of Orchard Circle smoking what the deputy recognized as marijuana.

The deputy took Barnes into custody 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 released Barnes on Personal Recognizance.

Charges: Possession of Marijuana

Incident: Residential Burglary Arrest
Date of Incident: 4 May 2012
Location: 6000 block of Ayrshire Drive, Hebron, MD
Suspect: 1. Ryan Michael Conway, 18, Hebron, MD
2. Pete Edward Powell, 18, Hebron, MD

Narrative: On 3 April 2012
a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a residential burglary that occurred in the 6000 block of Ayrshire Drive. The deputy learned that unknown perpetrators entered the house in an apparent attempt to cause malicious mischief. The house was in obvious disarray with empty beer cans strewn throughout the interior. Whoever entered the house also used lit cigarettes to burn holes in the furniture in various locations.
Investigation identified two suspects, Ryan Conway and Pete Powell as the perpetrators of this incident.

Through subsequent interviews, the deputy learned the pair entered the residence through an unsecured rear door knowing the residents were gone and caused the malicious damage.

The deputy obtained arrest warrant for both Conway and Powell and they were both arrested on 4 May 2012. Upon arrest, they were both transported to the Central Booking unit where they were processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After their initial appearances, the Commissioner detained them both in the Detention Center in lieu of $20,000.00 bond each.

Charges: Burglary
Malicious Destruction of Property

BREAKING NEWS: Man Falls Off Balcony In Ocean City

Firefighters and EMS are on the scene in Ocean City where a 40 year old male has fallen off a balcony. CPR is in progress. This was at the Holiday Inn on 17th Street. More to come.....

How The Gutsiest President Ever Single-Handedly Killed OBL






AG Eric Holder Invokes Trayvon Martin Case in Speech to Detroit NAACP

Despite "significant" progress in civil rights, the nation is still struggling to "overcome injustice" and "eliminate disparities," Attorney General Eric Holder told the Detroit chapter of the NAACP on Sunday.

The attorney general also mentioned Trayvon Martin by name, as he decried the violence and crime involving young people.

"This (violence) is an issue that has -– rightly -– garnered significant national attention in recent months, as our nation has struggled to make sense of the tragic shooting death of a Florida teenager named Trayvon Martin," Holder said. "As this case moves through the legal system, Justice Department officials will continue to communicate closely with state and local authorities to ensure that community concerns are heard, tensions are alleviated, and – as with every investigation at every level – appropriate actions are guided by the facts and the law."

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Charlotte & Jonathan ~ Caruso (Britain's Got Talent Semi Final)

Rep. Andy Harris Saves Hard-Working Taxpayers Over Half A Million Dollars

Washington, DC— Yesterday, the House passed an amendment offered by Rep. Andy Harris that saves hard-working taxpayers $542,000. The amendment removes a 56% increase in funding required in the President’s budget for a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate website. The amendment would maintain level funding for the program. This was one of only three successful amendments to the appropriations bill now before the House that reduces spending.

“In these tough fiscal times, I believe that all government agencies have to live within their means like our hard-working American families,” said Rep. Andy Harris. “I don’t know of many Maryland families who have received a 56% increase in their incomes this year during the longest sustained period of high unemployment in our country’s history – and it’s not fair for a government agency to do so either. I will continue to serve as a watchdog against excessive government spending for the hard-working taxpayers who are entitled to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely.”

Rep. Harris’ amendment was one of only three included in the 2013 budget for Commerce, Justice and Science and Related Agencies.

These Are the ‘Least’ & ‘Most’ Business-Friendly States in the U.S.

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, and Thumbtack.com have released a study ranking the “least” and “most” business-friendly states in the U.S.

Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, and Utah all scored A+’s for their treatment of small business while California, Hawaii, Vermont, and Rhode Island received F’s.

Massachusetts, Michigan, Connecticut, and New York all scraped by with D’s.

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Statement from Governor Martin O’Malley on PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING MARRIAGE EQUALITY

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 9, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today issued this statement following President Obama’s announcement of support for marriage equality:

“Today, President Obama affirmed that for a people of many different faiths -- a people who are committed to the principle of religious freedom -- the way forward is always to be found through greater respect for the equal rights and human dignity of all.

"In Maryland, we agree.

"Ultimately, we all want the same thing for our children: to live in a loving, stable committed home protected equally under the law."

Troopers Arrest Men for Burglaries in Western Sussex County

Location: Locations from Greenwood to Delmar, DE

Date of Occurrence: August 2011 to February 2012

Defendants, Charges, and Bail Information:

Laquante W. Wright, 22, Hurlock, MD
Burglary 2nd
Possession of Burglar Tools
Theft of a Firearm
Theft < $1,500.00
Criminal Mischief

Currently incarcerated in Maryland awaiting extradition to Delaware.

Leontray T. Smith, 23, Hurlock, MD

Burglary 2nd (4 counts)
Theft < $1,500.00 but victim is 62 years of Age or Older (Felony)
Theft $1,500.00 or Greater (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd (4 counts)
Theft < $1,500.00 (2 counts)
Criminal Mischief (4 counts)

Arrested and arraigned on February 24, 2012 at JP2. Released after posting $20,000.00 secured bail.

Tayvon A. Dobson, 22, Cambridge, MD (No Photo Available)
Burglary 2nd (4 counts)
Theft < $1,500.00 but victim is 62 years of Age or Older (Felony)
Theft $1,500.00 or Greater (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd (4 counts)
Theft < $1,500.00 (2 counts)
Criminal Mischief (4 counts)

Currently incarcerated in Maryland awaiting extradition to Delaware.

Floyd Daniels, 19, Cambridge, MD (No Photo Available)
Burglary 2nd (4 counts)
Theft < $1,500.00 but victim is 62 years of Age or Older (Felony)
Theft $1,500.00 or Greater (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd (4 counts)
Theft < $1,500.00 (2 counts)
Criminal Mischief (4 counts)

Currently incarcerated in Maryland awaiting extradition to Delaware.

Resume:
Western Sussex County, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested one of four men in connection with a series of burglaries from Greenwood to Delmar.

In November 2011, the Delaware State Police began a joint investigation with the Maryland State Police, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, and Laurel Police Department (Delaware). From mid-August 2011 through February 1, 2012 numerous residential burglaries were reported from Greenwood down to Delmar, Delaware, west of US 13. The primary target of these burglars was firearms and flat screen televisions. Through the investigation, the listed suspects were identified and warrants were obtained for their arrests in Delaware.

Leontray T. Smith was arrested on February 24, 2012 and was arraigned at JP2. He was released after posting $20,000.00 secured bail. Laquante W. Wright, Tayvon A. Dobson, and Floyd Daniels are currently incarcerated in Maryland awaiting extradition to Delaware for their charges.

These investigations are on-going and Detectives are asking anyone that may have information on these incidents to contact Troop 4 at 302-856-5850 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com

Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Google's Self-Driving Cars Get License To Cruise Nevada's Highways And Byways

It's not just about heading to Taco Bell anymore — Google has been granted a license in the state of Nevada to test its driverless cars on public streets and highways. Back in March, Google got permission from local police in Santa Clara, Calif. to let a blind man sit behind the wheel of the self-driving car to test it out.

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BREAKING NEWS: President Obama Endorses Same-Sex Marriages

President Obama announces his support for same-sex marriages, making him the first sitting president to take that position.

From Fox News

Things Could Look Very Different In The Near Future

With Sheriff Mike Lewis residing in the new district, word on the street is that he could be looking to run for that State Delegate Seat. Ernie Leatherbury is rumored to challenge Sheriff Lewis for Wicomico County Sheriff.

Now, Mike and I may have our differences but there's never been any doubt in my mind that Mike would make a great Delegate for the Eastern Shore. Ernie would make a great Sheriff and the Eastern Shore would actually be in a better position IF these two do what is rumored they might do.

Time will tell.

Teen Invents Lollipop to Cure Hiccups

A 13-year old girl says she has come up with a cure for hiccups.

Mallory Kievman, of Manchester, Conn., is the inventor of the "Hiccupop" - a lollipop laced with apple cider vinegar and extra sugar. She developed the product in her family kitchen, and now she is working with a team of MBA's to bring it to market.

"It's a terrific story," says Dr. Robynne Chutkan, a gastroenterologist with Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. "I think she tried over a hundred different remedies and researched this for two years ... that is some really terrific research and development."

And Chutkan says Kievman may be on to something, by combining elements of several home remedies in a lollipop.

 More

Petition Gets United To Remove Ban On Pit Bulls, 8 Other Breeds

After United Airlines merged with Continental, it adopted its new spouse's PetSafe program, which includes perks like climate-controlled transport and cargo holds, and the ability to track your pets' whereabouts. But it also meant that nine breeds of dog, including pit bulls, were no longer allowed to fly United. Following customer backlash in the form of nearly 46,000 signatures on a petition, the airline has changed its tune.

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Court Says Illegal Immigrants Can't Have Guns

A federal appeals court says illegal immigrants don't have a right to own firearms under the U.S. Constitution.

Emmanuel Huitron-Guizar of Wyoming pleaded guilty to being an illegal immigrant in possession of firearms after his arrest last year. He was ordered held by immigration authorities at the Natrona County Detention Center in Wyoming.

An attorney for Huitron-Guizar appealed the case, saying illegal immigrants are not excluded from possessing firearms like felons and people who are mentally ill, and should have the same rights as U.S. citizens to buy a gun for hunting and protection.

The Moral Infrastructure

The "Occupy" movement, which the Obama administration and much of the media have embraced, has implications that reach far beyond the passing sensation it has created. The unwillingness of authorities to put a stop to their organized disruptions of other people's lives, their trespassing, vandalism and violence is a de facto suspension, if not repeal, of the 14th Amendment's requirement that the government provide "equal protection of the laws" to all its citizens.

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California May Ban Gay Teen 'Conversion' Therapy

- A first-of-its-kind ban on a controversial form of psychotherapy aimed at making gay people straight is speeding through the California statehouse.

Supporters say the legislation, which passed its final Senate committee Tuesday, is necessary because such treatments are ineffective and harmful.

"This therapy can be dangerous," said the bill's author Sen. Ted Lieu. The Torrance Democrat added the treatments can "cause extreme depression and guilt" that sometimes leads to suicide.

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How To Define Good Versus Bad Government

Classical liberalism, as Tyrrell states, originally "stood for adherence to individual liberty, to tolerance, to reason, and for many of us, to empiricism." The classic liberalism of a George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and the others known today as the Founding Fathers but one example, if the example most familiar to Americans.

Tyrrell cites this wonderful definition of classical liberalism given all the way back in 1873 by England's Sir William Harcourt, who made the point in a talk at Oxford. Liberty, said Harcourt,

…does not consist in making others do what you think is right. The difference between a free Government and a Government which is not free is principally this -- that a Government which is not free interferes with everything it can, and a free Government interferes with nothing except what it must. A despotic government tries to make everybody do what it wishes, a Liberal Government tries, so far as the safety of society will permit, to allow everybody to do what he wishes.

Feds Destroyed Evidence on Obama's Draft Registration?

Changes in the wording of Selective Service System record-keeping requirements, made days after the opening of an investigation into the alleged forgery of President Barack Obama’s selective service registration form, raise serious questions about U.S. Government intentions.

The new rules allow existing copies of documents that may be sought by investigators to be destroyed.

The Selective Service System’s new privacy rules were published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, four days after the September 16 announcement by World Net Daily that the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office “Cold Case Posse” was opening an inquiry with full subpoena power into alleged forgery of several documents concerning Obama’s birth and draft registration.

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GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, SENATE PRESIDENT MILLER, HOUSE SPEAKER BUSCH DISCUSS SPECIAL SESSION TO PROTECT PRIORITIES

Upcoming session will complete the work on the budget; protect Marylanders’ priorities; work to preserve Maryland’s Triple A bond rating

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 9, 2012)
– Governor Martin O’Malley, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch today held a joint press conference to discuss details on the special session set to begin next week.

The special session will be held to complete work on Maryland’s budget to ensure that Maryland’s Triple A bond rating is protected, and critical investments in public education, public safety, the State’s workforce, and critical social services are restored.

There’s too much at stake not to move forward,” said Governor O’Malley. “Progress is a choice that we must make now to protect our priorities of job creation, education, public safety, and our Bay and environment. All of this progress is threatened if we don’t act. That’s why we’ve called this session and that’s why together we are making the choice to move forward with a balanced approach of cuts, revenues and investment.”

“We made significant progress in many areas of importance to our citizens this session. The lack of consensus on how to move forward on the budget was unfortunate and these measures will ensure our current year budget is balanced. The Senate hoped to resolve more of the significant and ongoing deficit but the members of the Senate are committed to coming back to Annapolis to avoid these cuts to education, healthcare and public safety,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. “We are hopeful that we can come to consensus in the future to resolve the remaining $500 million deficit and maintain our shared priorities in the future."

“Each year our citizens expect us to make the tough decisions necessary to balance the state's budget, preserve our shared priorities and maintain our reputation as a financially well managed state," said Speaker Michael E. Busch. "We do not and should not ever abdicate this responsibility and govern by default.”

Maryland remains one of only eight states to maintain a Triple A bond rating, certified by all three rating agencies. The proposed budget will include almost $600 million in further spending reductions across FY12 and FY13 than were originally proposed in the Administration’s January budget. For the sixth year in a row, it will meet Spending Affordability Committee guidelines, exceeding the targeted 50 percent reduction in the recession/revenue-driven structural deficit. The proposed budget also grows by only 2.6 percent over FY12 – the third lowest growth rate in two decades. Additionally, State General Fund spending decreases by $380 million in FY13, excluding appropriations to the Rainy Day Fund. The proposal will increase the projected fund balance to $204 million. Taken together with the five percent Rainy Day Fund, the State will have nearly $1 billion in reserves to protect Maryland’s Triple A bond rating.

The ‘doomsday’ budget is out of balance by $71 million. By comparison, the Administration’s proposed January budget preserved a $164 million fund balance and the Sine Die conference committee’s compromise plan preserved a $155 million fund balance.

Citizens from across the state are coming together to share with officials the progress and priorities that are at stake if no action is taken on the budget. To see what is at stake, visit click here.

Grady ‘The Professor’ Mathews Passes Away

While many of you may not know who Grady Mathews is, I personally go back a very long way with Grady.

I met Grady in 1980 at Q-Master's Billiards in Virginia Beach. Unfortunately I received word today my old friend has passed away from a battle with cancer.

Let me tell you a little bit about Grady. I was just a kid when I walked into that Pool Room. Little did I know I'd meet some of the greatest pool players God ever gave me the pleasure of meeting and Grady was of of them. Luther Lassiter, Whimpy, Steve Mizerak, Cisero Murphy, Mike Sigel, Nick Varner, Dave Bowman, Minnesota Fats, Ron The Bus Driver, Buddy Hall, Willie Mosconi, Jimmy Pretty Face Mataya, Jimmy Fusco, Earl The Pearl Strickland,I can go on and on with names most of you probably never heard of.

Gamblers, hustlers, professionals, it all depended on who they are but one thing is for sure, these guys could shoot pool. On any given day you just never knew who could beat whom but one thing is for sure, Grady, "I've never gotten a bye" Mathews was a class act. He so loved the game of pool and it really didn't matter what game you wanted to play, Grady was ready to go at it.

Back in something like 1985 I was playing in the U.S. Open 9-Ball World Championship. Grady was playing on the table next to me. His girlfriend, (at the time) was in the bleachers with a nasty cold and every time Grady would go to take a shot she'd start coughing like mad. Grady never flinched and never asked her to leave. He just kept right at it and won his match. Me, on the other hand, I was playing a guy named Dennis Hatch, (the hatchet) and it was absolutely his day. Mike Sigel and Nick Varner were sitting there watching my match wondering just who this guy was.

When all was said and done Mike came over to me and said, no one in the world could have ever beaten that guy, who the hell is he. Dennis went on to come in 2nd place against Buddy Hall. A year later I was in Chicago for a Straight Pool Championship where Grady was in his element. The place that held the tournament was like an old theater with 2nd floor balcony seating, very breathtaking. On one day of the tournament Mike Sigel was playing on a table next to Grady Mathews. Of all things, Mike actually called a ball on the break, (something NEVER done in straight pool) and sank the ball. That got Grady's attention.

The next thing we knew, Grady and his opponent were sitting down not playing their match because Mike Sigel actually ran 500 balls in a row and OUT. It was a new World Record, something never done before. Since Straight Pool was one of Grady's favorite games, (aside from One Pocket) he congratulated Mike because Grady also ran 500 balls and out once but not from the break.

I have been very fortunate and blessed to have known this wonderful man and am truly saddened by his passing. It's a part of my past my Wife wasn't a part of but in all reality the most rewarding times of my life. I parted my ways from professional pool many years ago but for those people who know me well enough they have seen my Billiard Room loaded with past pictures and hundreds of autographs.

Grady was one of those people that you could always walk up to and start a conversation with. To my dear old friend Grady Mathews, rest in peace my friend. From VA Beach to New Carrollton, to Cleveland to Chicago, to Los Vegas, to Reno, to California, to NYC, to Atlantic City, thank you for your friendship, your many lessons of how to be humble when getting beat and keeping me away from other players you knew could kick my a$$ and saving me the big bucks.

Today is a bummer of a day.

Santelli On The Encumbered Youth Of The US

"Sometime the math just doesn't add up" is how CNBC's Rick Santelli begins what should become must-watch viewing for the youth of America as he tries to "Wake Up Young People" to the incredible realities of the level of debt encumbrance they are being born with. The lessons we are learning from our European brothers is that no-one is going to volunteer for austerity and fundamentally, to Rick, austerity is about 'past due bills'. From birth (where the average soon-to-be-taxpayer is already encumbered by $138k) to the future (looking for growth through capital attainment and job creation), Santelli starkly looks into camera, addressing the under-27-year-old demographic and tells them straight "you are paying for a meal that previous generations have eaten". The worrying point is that in order for the youth not to revolt against this 'unfairness' they need optimism and what appears to be occurring now is a fading of that generational optimism (except for CEOs whose last name begin with Z) as joblessness, and the costs of college and healthcare anchor our traditionally upwardly mobile bias.

So how do 'we' hook the younger generations in? Student loan forgiveness? But where's that money going to come from? ...and so the ponzi feeds on itself once again. The government is promising to take care of you when it has already shown that we couldn't take care of the generations of the past. Quite a dismal picture indeed.

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Traffic Stop Leads To Drug Arrest

Location: US 13 and SR 24, Laurel, DE

Date of Occurrence: Tuesday May 8, 2012 at approximately 10:53 a.m.

Defendants, Charges, and Bail Information:

Chad E. Newsome, 35, Trenton, NJ
Possession of Marijuana (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Failure to Signal Lane Change

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to SCI on $27,001.00 secured bond

Thomas M. Harrison, 31, Los Angeles, CA (Photo Attached/Writing Across T-Shirt)
Possession of Marijuana (Felony)
Conspiracy 2nd
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to SCI on $27,000.00 secured bond

Resume:
Laurel, DE- A 35 year old New Jersey man and a 31 California man have been arrested by Delaware State Police after they were found to be in possession of over 7 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop yesterday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:53 p.m. yesterday, May 8th, after a trooper on routine patrol observed a Chevrolet HHR fail to signal a lane change as it traveled on southbound US 13 in Laurel. The trooper conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and then made contact with the driver, later identified as Chad E. Newsome. The trooper became suspicious of Newsome and a passenger, Thomas M. Harrison, after questioning them and asked to search the car. A search of the car was then conducted at which time a blue black duffel bag containing two cellophane wrapped packages were located in the trunk. The trooper then located four separate packages containing a total of 7 pounds of marijuana inside of the cellophane wrapped packages.

Chad E. Newsome and Thomas M. Harrison were arrested and charged with the above list of crimes. They were arraigned at JP2 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on default of bond.

Tea Party Favorite Topples Lugar, Indiana’s 6-term Senator

Tea-party-backed candidate Richard Mourdock defeated longtime<$> Sen. Richard G. Lugar of Indiana in Tuesday’s GOP primary, ending the career of one of the chamber’s two senior Republicans and giving Democrats a better chance at capturing the seat in November.

The race was widely seen as a key test of tea party anger against incumbents two years after that same sentiment disrupted a number of Republican races and powered insurgent candidates to wins across the country.

Already, a challenger in Utah said the race is a model for his bid to unseat Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, another veteran senator under fire for his record of trying to work with Democrats in the Senate.

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Defense Spending To Increase By $3 Billion Next Year

The House Armed Services Committee is proposing to increase next year's Defense spending by $3 billion more than the administration wants, and it rejected the Pentagon's call for military base closings. The committee meets today to mark up a bill that would provide a base budget of $554 billion, which would provide another $88 billion for the war in Afghanistan. Unless Congress says otherwise, automatic reductions of $50 billion a year will hit DoD starting in January.

EXISTING ESTABLISHMENT MUST BE SWEPT AWAY

Ehrlich Classroom Appearance Focuses On Presidential Contest, Not Local Issues

Former Gov. Bob Ehrlich was in professor mode Tuesday afternoon as he made his annual visit to a political persuasion class at Towson University taught by his friend, Professor Rick Vatz. Ehrlich, Mitt Romney’s Maryland campaign chair, prodded students on how they would sell their candidate — faults and all — no matter which side they supported.

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Today's Fill In The Blank 5-9-12

The best service I've ever received on the shore was at _____.

The Question Of President Obama's Draft Card: Has Evidence Been Destroyed?

WASHINGTON — Changes in the wording of Selective Service System record-keeping requirements, made days after the opening of an investigation into the alleged forgery of President Barack Obama’s selective service registration form, raise serious questions about U.S. Government intentions.

The new rules allow existing copies of documents that may be sought by investigators to be destroyed.

The Selective Service System’s new privacy rules were published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, four days after the September 16 announcement by World Net Daily that the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sheriff’s Office “Cold Case Posse” was opening an inquiry with full subpoena power into alleged forgery of several documents concerning Obama’s birth and draft registration.

The new rules, which constitute the first update to Selective Service System privacy regulations in eleven years, were published under the title, “Privacy Act of 1974; Publication of Notice of Systems of Records.”

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Energizer Bunny Of US Politics For Good Reason

Ron Paul's Hearing to Ask: Mend or End the Fed?... Defenders of Ben Bernanke may be hard to come by in at least one gathering Tuesday on Capitol Hill. Ron Paul, the Republican congressman with libertarian positions who is still running for president, will host the much-hyped hearing titled, "The Federal Reserve System: Mend It or End It?" Mr. Paul, who heads the House panel that oversees America's central bank, has made a career for himself arguing the later and the central bank is beyond fixing. (The congressman's 2009 book is also titled "End the Fed.)

Witnesses include Rep. Kevin Brady (R., Texas), who has introduced legislation to eliminate the Fed's dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and price stability. Mr. Brady opposed much of Mr. Bernanke's efforts to stimulate the economy by pumping money into it. He would rather the Fed just focus on inflation. Rep. Barney Frank (D., Mass.), who will also testify, has his own issues with the Fed. He feels the central bank spends too much time worrying about inflation and should be more proactive in curing the hangover from last decade's recession. – AP
Dominant Social Theme: Ron Paul? Isn't he a political non-factor ... ?

Free-Market Analysis: Ron Paul, libertarian-conservative candidate for US president just won't quit. In fact, he keeps grabbing delegates and is threatening to deprive putative GOP nominee Mitt Romney of a first-round nomination.

Now he is holding a hearing today on the US Federal Reserve – a private/public monopoly-fiat central bank that he has helped expose as one of the leading causes of the current economic depression in the Western World.

There is evidently and obviously a power elite in the world that wants to consolidate global governance. Ron Paul is not for further "global integration" and has identified mechanisms leading to it that can be pared back in order to reduce its current impact.

Paul wants to remove US troops from overseas, which would do a great deal to reduce the pressure on foreign governments to acquiesce to Westernized sociopolitical and economic methodologies.

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MARYLAND STATE POLICE TO HONOR FALLEN HEROES - TROOPER'S NAME TO BE ADDED TO THE MEMORIAL THIS YEAR

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown will lead the ceremony tomorrow to honor state troopers who have given their lives in the line of duty at the annual Maryland State Police Fallen Heroes Ceremony.

Colonel Brown will be joined by some of the surviving family members of the 43 state troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice. They will witness the family of Trooper First Class Shaft Hunter, who gave his life in the line of duty one year ago, unveil his name on the State Police memorial during the Roll Call of Fallen Heroes. Also attending the event will be current and retired state troopers who are there to honor their fellow troopers prior to the start of National Police Week.

WHAT: MARYLAND STATE POLICE FALLEN HEROES CEREMONY

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012 11:00 A.M.

WHERE: MARYLAND STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS
FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL (QUADRANGLE)
1201 REISTERSTOWN ROAD
PIKESVILLE, MD

NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF STEADY RAIN, THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE HALL AT THE PIKESVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY ON SUDBROOK LANE BEHIND MSP HQ. THE UNVEILING OF TFC HUNTER’S NAME WILL OCCUR AT ABOUT 11:45 A.M., AT THE MEMORIAL, RAIN OR SHINE.

Today's Advertiser Of The Day 5-9-12




New Black Panther Leader Shabbaz: Whites Will Be ‘Very, Very, Very Angry’ In November…Will Cling To ‘Their God And Their Guns’ — ‘We Might Have To, To

According to New Black Panther party Chairman Malik Zulu Shabazz:

‘As we go into this election the New Black Panther Party is going to play a great role’
The white man cannot stop black people in this hour, even thought they have made them n****rs.
‘That black man that is on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’ proves that ‘a black man can accomplish what he will.’
‘The white man of America does not have one leader that they can put up against Barack Obama’ and ‘that is a heavy blow to the white ego.’
Obama will win the ‘black, brown, minority, gay’ and the white ‘MSNBC vote’
‘White males, conservatives, Republicans, Tea Party and gun-toters …don‘t believe that they should be ruled over by black people’
Michelle Obama ‘just crushes these white women’ with her superior beauty
‘George Zimmermans are going to be on the rise’.

People who hate Obama will ’cling to their God and their guns. We might have to, too. We gotta get ready fast’

The New Black Panther party Chairman Malik Zulu Shabazz has taken to a new form of election rhetoric building up to the Presidential race of 2012. Besides mentioning that his group will be playing ‘a great role’ in the election, Shabazz went into detail on how Obama will win a second term and the violent things will happen after at the hands of ‘gun-toting‘ ’George Zimmermans‘ who ’don’t believe that they should be ruled over by black people.’

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Ace Supports Women Supporting Women

Month long event to raise money and awareness

(FRUITVILLE, MD)
– For the third year in a row, representatives from Women Supporting Women will be at six Rommel's ACE stores (Ocean City, Salisbury, Selbyville, Seaford, Cambridge and Exmore, Va.) accepting donations and sharing information about their mission – to provide awareness, education and support for those affected by breast cancer.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday in May, shoppers can make a difference in the lives of women with breast cancer. Over the past two years, customers have contributed nearly $12,000 to Women Supporting Women.

Women Supporting Women is a community served, community supported agency serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Its mission is to provide awareness, friendship and support for breast cancer survivors and their family.

“We are extremely proud to help such a great organization as Women Supporting Women. Everyone has known someone in his or her life who has faced breast cancer. We invite the community to come down to any of our stores on Delmarva and donate to this worthy cause,” said Dick Livingston, vice president of Rommel Holdings, based in Fruitland.

Women Supporting Women has added a Mid-Shore Chapter serving Dorchester, Talbot and Caroline counties. They are a 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Website: http://www.womensupportingwomen.org/. Information: Director, Sue Revel at 410-548-7880.

Rommel’s ACE can get you in, get you help, and get you on your way in 15 minutes or less. Visit http://www.rommelsace.com/ for locations or more information.

Four Main Street Gym Boxers Advance

Baltimore MD, Four of Main St Gym’s young guns, advanced to the regional Junior Olympic Boxing Tournament, to be held May 18,19 and 20th in Chesapeake Ohio, Saturday evening Upton Boxing hosted the Junior Olympic Boxing, Maryland State Championships in Baltimore MD.

Corey Moore 15, a student of Wi Hi, fought in the 106 lb div. putting on a brilliant display of counter punching and evasive movement, to out class his opponent with a unanimous decision. He will advance to the regionals and being in the 15 /16 age bracket is the only member of the Main St boxing team that is eligible to advance to the National finals in Mobile AL. should he win a championship at the regional level in Ohio.

Also advancing to the regionals is younger bother Kobe Moore in the 11/12 yr 80lb div. At Saturdays championship, Kobe won outstanding boxer among all weight divisions in the 8/9/10 age bracket. Kobe attends East Salisbury School.

Winning in the 13/14 106lb div, Ivan Calixto of Delmar Middle will represent Maryland along with his younger brother Rudy Calixto in the 11/12 80 lb div.

“The boys have really stepped up and I think as time goes on they continue to have a better understanding of what they can aspire to and that motivates them to work harder.” said Main St. Coach Hal Chernoff. “Sometime you have to be very patient for years before they get the simple concept, hard work and consistency produces results. The club shows are fun and very necessary to get experience, but when you win at the tournament level and start traveling all over the country, that’s when the sport gets to be fun for the kids and that’s when they dig deeper to continue to get to that level. I’m happy for these kids to get this chance and for Corey who has been to this level before, it gives him a little added confidence. All of these kids started much younger than Fernando so they are getting a real solid foundation early on”. Chernoff added.

Security at pro-choice White House counts unborn children

The pro-choice Obama White House requires pregnant visitors to count their unborn child as a person for tours of the executive mansion.

An email explaining the policy was sent by Ellie Schafer, director of the White House’s visitors office, and obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. In it, she tells a congressional staffer that the White House has “received a number of calls regarding how to enter security information for a baby that has not yet been born.”

“Crazy as it may sound, you MUST include the baby in the overall count of guests in the tour,” the email stated. “It’s an easy process.”

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They're Going Fast

I can't tell you how humbled I am with so many people coming down to 300 W. Main Street to pick up tee shirts and bumper stickers. Hundreds of people are now walking and driving around with Albero For Mayor shirts and stickers.

If your in the area, stop in and get one before they're all gone. I still have a decent supply of 2 XL and 3XL as well as women's small and medium. I have plenty of bumper stickers as well.

Update On The Maryland Special Session

56-9

Here is your delegate update for the weekend.

Despite the usual shenanigans, treachery, lying, cheating and stealing by the Obomney campaign, Ron Paul kicked Mitten’s ass 56-9 in delegate selection. I ain’t heard no fat lady.

Dr. Paul won Maine 21-3, where he got all but the establishment “superdelegates”.
Nevada 25-3, and Iowa 10-3. It seems that Mittens Obomney has no real support out there. The times they are a changin’.

Italian Dinner

Italian Night

Come out and enjoy an Italian Night Dinnerin support of our Children’s Youth Group!

WHEN: Monday, May 21, 2012

WHERE: Lighthouse Wesleyan Church Hall

618 W. Main St. Fruitland, MD

TIME: 6:00pm* $7.00 Adults * $5.00 Kids 5-12 * * Kids 4 and under eat free *

Carry out also available**

All proceeds will go towards registering our children in Chesapeake District Teen & Kids Camp**

Should you have any questions or wish to make a donation, please contact Pastor Mark Soone @ 443.944.4608

Today's Survey Question 5-9-12

Who do you think has been the most influential person in the world?

Place An Ad With Salisbury News And Get Real Results


Yesterday 40,371 people visited Salisbury News. By 7:00 this morning more than 5,940 people had already been to Salisbury News and the day hadn't even kicked in yet.

WBOC, WMDT and the Daily Times cannot tell you the same. Salisbury News has outgrown the local Main Stream Media and guess what, NO ONE can compete with our advertising rates. Oh, sure, WBOC calls all of our advertisers telling them they can get an ad on their DelmarvaLife portion of their Site, (who goes there anyway) but NONE of them are going to place your ad on the Home Page like Salisbury News does for only $100.00 a month.

Go ahead, spend all that money on the Metropolitan and elsewhere. Just know that those people who advertise here on Salisbury News actually get results. Local people supporting local businesses. More traffic by word of mouth. We have no interest in traffic outside the Eastern Shore and that's why we're not all over Twitter, Facebook and all those other sites that bring traffic to our Website.

No contracts, no strings attached. We either produce business for you or you have every right to simply walk away. We treat our customers exactly the way they'd like to be treated, but don't get the chance elsewhere.

Contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349.

Liberals Give North Carolina A Window Into What They Really Think Of Southerners

There could be nothing dumber than a southern state like North Carolina that votes for Obama. Not only is he a radical, north-eastern liberal who has proven to be a terrible President, but left-wingers like Obama hold Southerners in contempt. A Southerner voting for Obama is like a sharecropper voting for four more years of indentured servitude.

Of course, liberals know how to play the game. After treating Christians and black Americans like trash most of the time, they show up in black churches at the last minute and pretend they care for just long enough to sucker people into voting. They do the same thing with southerners. They’ll hold a few campaign rallies. They’re even having the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, this year.

Yet, what are saying today after the state overwhelming stood up for marriage, family, and Christianity with a crushing 61 percent to 39 percent victory for Amendment One? Here’s what you’re hearing you Twitter, some of which is courtesy of Twitchy.

Source

QUOTES OF THE DAY 5-9-12

“Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.”
― Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

“War, in its fairest form, implies a perpetual violation of humanity and justice.”
― Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

“The ascent to greatness, however steep and dangerous, may entertain an active spirit with the consciousness and exercise of its own power: but the possession of a throne could never yet afford a lasting satisfaction to an ambitious mind.”
― Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

“The most worthless of mankind are not afraid to condemn in others the same disorders which they allow in themselves; and can readily discover some nice difference in age, character, or station, to justify the partial distinction.”
― Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

DE State Police On Scene Of A Bomb Threat In Camden

Location: Cesar Rodney High School, 239 Old North Road, Camden, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence: Wednesday May 09, 2012 at approximately 9:20 a.m.

Resume:
Camden, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently on the scene of a suspected bomb threat at Cesar Rodney High School in Camden.

At this time, the school has been evacuated and there are State Police K9s responding.

This incident is in the early stages and a more complete release will be forwarded when the investigation is complete.

Why France Elected A Socialist President

France has elected only the second Socialist president in its history — the first being Francois Mitterrand, who spent 14 years in the driver’s seat back when French presidential terms lasted seven years rather than five, and who made a hard-right turn away from economic socialism and toward spending cuts after his first two years in office. The best France can hope for now is that the newly elected Francois Hollande takes a similar plunge into a pothole of pragmatism and douses any budding socialist ideas.

France is deeply in debt, so it’s really not the time to experiment with an ideology that has a poor track record outside of countries that are comparatively small and/or limited in freedoms. And it would be a mistake for those viewing France’s elections from the outside to presume that Hollande doesn’t actually know this himself.

I’d like to give Hollande a generous amount of rope in the wake of this election, if only to make an amusing yo-yo when he ends up warranting a tug.

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Joran Van Der Sloot to Fight US Extradition

Confessed murderer Joran van der Sloot told a judge on Tuesday that he will fight extradition from Peru to the United States, where he faces extortion and wire fraud charges in connection with the disappearance of American Natalee Holloway, his lawyer said.

Van der Sloot remains the prime suspect in the unsolved 2005 disappearance of Holloway in Aruba. He faces an indictment in the U.S. for allegedly accepting $25,000 in early 2010 in exchange for an unfulfilled promise to lead her mother's lawyer to the body.

Judge Zenaida Vilca informed Van der Sloot of the U.S. extradition request during a closed door meeting at Piedras Gordas prison just north of Lima. The 24-year-old Dutchman told the judge he would fight extradition, his lawyer, Maximo Altez, said.

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Let's Briefly Relive 2006, When People Laughed At The Guy Who Said The Economy Wasn't All It Was Made Out To Be

Remember 2006, when your paperboy quit his route to work at a hedge fund, and the little girls down the street were flipping lemonade stands all over the neighborhood? It was also the gilded age of financial forecasters proudly declaring that nothing could possibly go wrong with the housing market, all while giving a swirly to any Debbie Downer who said otherwise.

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Enduring Commitments Abroad

Last week President Obama made a surprise pre-dawn trip to Afghanistan to mark the one year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden and to sign a document further extending the US presence in that country. The president said, "We're building an enduring partnership...As you stand up, you will not stand alone." What that means in practice is that the US will continue its efforts to prop up the government in Afghanistan for another ten years beyond the promised withdrawal date of 2014.

To those of us who believe the US should leave Afghanistan immediately, the president retorted, "We must give Afghanistan the opportunity to stabilize." But how long will that take, when we have already fought the longest war in our nation's history at incredible human and economic cost to the nation and no end is in sight?

There is little evidence of any sustained increase in stability in Afghanistan and, in fact, April saw the loss of 34 more American troops and an escalation of violence and upheaval. Within 90 minutes of the president's departure, seven more people were killed in Kabul by a suicide bomber. It is clear that our presence in that country is not creating any real stability. With Osama bin Laden dead and the al Qaeda presence in Afghanistan virtually non-existent, we are reduced to nation-building in a nation where there is no real nation to build.

We should ask ourselves why Obama's trip was a "surprise" visit rather than a normal state visit. The reason is that after ten years it is still far too dangerous to travel in or out of that country. Does that not speak much more loudly than the president's optimistic words about the amazing progress we have made in Afghanistan?

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Prescription Drug Shortage Finally Under Investigation

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is suspicious that the Drug Enforcement Administration might be causing a shortage of legal prescription drugs. He asked the Government Accountability Office to look into the matter. Grassley was worried that DEA quotas imposed on drug manufacturers might limit supplies available to sick or injured people. Grassley wanted the GAO to look into how quickly the DEA responded to quota requests, and, how fast it granted requests for supplemental quotas for drugs in high demand. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) joined Grassley in the request for an investigation

Drought Watch Declared in Central, Western Md.

The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a drought watch for western and central Maryland, joining most of the Eastern Shore.
 
   The drought watch announced Wednesday covers Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Harford and Cecil counties, along with the portions of Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore counties that are not served by the Baltimore City or Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water systems.
 
   Last month, the department issued a drought watch covering Kent County and all counties below it on the Eastern Shore.

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?

1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?

1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine..

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

HOW TO STOP A NIGHTMARE

Global Fears Weigh On Markets

GO HERE to view this video.

Source: Special Session Deal Includes Tax Hikes, More Cuts

With lawmakers due to return to Annapolis Monday for a special session to consider a tax and revenue package, Governor Martin O'Malley, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Busch will offer details of the package,  at a news conference in Annapolis Wednesday morning.

Aides to the governor would not offer any details of the plan, but a source close to the talks tells WBAL News that the proposal will be very similar to the one House and Senate budget negotiators approved in the final hours of the legislative session last month.   Neither the House or Senate voted on the proposal.

O'Malley said $512-million in spending cuts would take effect July 1, unless lawmakers approved a tax bill.

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Salisbury Finally Gets Off Their Butt On The Old Mall Debris

Code Enforcement Division Orders Removal of Demolition Debris at Old Mall Property on Civic Avenue

After receiving a number of complaints, Salisbury mayor Jim Ireton has directed Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance Director Tom Stevenson to issue a notice requiring the owner of the old Salisbury Mall property [Salisbury Mall Associates, LLC] to remove the pulverized debris which has remained on the site since the building was demolished in August of 2007. The demolition permit was closed June 2008.

The notice, which was issued on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, gives the owner until Wednesday, September 14, 2011 to remove the material. If the owner fails to comply with the order municipal citations will be issued. In addition to being fined the material can be removed by the City of Salisbury. All costs for such removal will be at the owner’s expense.

William Holland, Director of Building, Permits and Inspections stated that “according to our records there are no active building permits for that address and that the zoning designation does not allow prolonged storage of such aggregate material.”

Mayor Ireton added, “Business owners in the Twilley Center, and residents of the area have voiced concern over the huge pile of rubble. There are environmental risks as well. It is well past time that the pile be removed.”

Below is correspondence between Salisbury Public Works and Chesapeake Realty Ventures, LLC.

To: Chesapeake Realty Ventures, LLC
516 South Hanover Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Attn: Mr. Jon Natelson &
Mr. Michael Dzaman

Re: Villages at Salisbury Lake
Recycled Concrete
Dear Gentlemen,

During a routine inspection of the old Salisbury Mall demolition site Salisbury Public Works (SPW) discovered that the crushed concrete product being generated onsite contained a substantial amount of debris and unsuitable materials. The foreign material encountered included, but was not limited to: wood, plastic, rebar, reinforcing mesh, caulk, scrap metal and electrical wire. It is SPW’s understanding that the Developer’s intention is to use this material as an aggregate base for public roads. Please be aware that the product in its current form does not meet Maryland State Highway Administration, Wicomico County nor City of Salisbury specifications and will not be permitted to be used for this purpose until all unsuitable material has been removed. Any metallic debris located in City ROW and easements will interfere with SPW’s utility location devices and any degradable material will create void spaces causing uneven settling of the finished grade as the material decomposes. Only clean crushed concrete, free of debris and other unsuitable foreign material will be permitted for use in City road beds and easements.

Please contact me if there are any questions.

Sincerely,
SALISBURY PUBLIC WORKS

Sounds Like A Plan

"The problems we face today are there because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those Who vote for a living"

This was written by a 21 yr. old female who gets it. It's her future she's worried about and this is how she feels about the social welfare big government state that she's being forced to live in! These solutions are just common sense in her opinion.


This was in the Waco Tribune Herald, Waco , TX


Put me in charge . . .

Put me in charge of food stamps. I'd get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.

Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine and document all tattoos and piercings. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, smoke or get tats and piercings, then get a job.

Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your "home" will be subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried. If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place.

In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and put that money toward the "common good.."

Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the above is voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules.. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self-esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self-esteem.

If we are expected to pay for other people's mistakes we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.

AND While you are on Gov't subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will voluntarily remove yourself from voting while you are receiving a Gov't welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job.

WBOC Does It Again

On 5-6-12 we did an article on Romeo's Menu, (What Are They Thinking) that brought in quite a large number of comments. It came out of nowhere but in WBOC style, they saw the popularity of our article and ran with it a day or so later.

Their article went on to say,

"We tried to get the owners on the phone for a comment but were not successful, so we went to the restaurant for answers. We were told no manager was available at the time but did speak with an employee."

Get Real WBOC. Stop copying what we do and try to do some of your own original stuff. Some people have no shame.

Frederick ‘Preparing for Worst' in Case of G-8 Riots

Frederick police are urging property owners to be prepared in case unruly mobs descend on Frederick during the upcoming G-8 summit, as happened in some G-8 host cities.

Frederick will be one of the closest cities when President Obama hosts the leaders from eight of the world's largest economies at Camp David May 18 and 19, said Lt. Jason Keckler.

Protests have resulted in riots and "significant disruption to the operation of the host cities," a police news release stated.

"We're preparing for the worst," Keckler said in an interview.

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Effect of NC Gay Marriage Amendment Unclear

North Carolina voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman, but not much is expected to change immediately.

That's because North Carolina law already banned gay marriage. The amendment voters passed Tuesday night by about 61 percent of voters effectively will seal the door on same-sex marriages and potentially have other effects farther down the road.

"Same-sex marriage was illegal today; it's illegal tomorrow," said John Dinan, a political science professor at Wake Forest University who writes an annual review of state constitutional amendments. "There were no same-sex civil unions recognized in North Carolina today. Those will not be recognized tomorrow. The bottom line is there's not a lot of change because of this amendment."

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Never, Ever Give Up. Arthur's Inspirational Transformation!


To read the complete story click  Here 

Md. State Police to Honor Troopers Who Have Died in Line of Duty at Ceremony at Headquarters

PIKESVILLE, Md. — Maryland state troopers who have died while on duty are being honored.

State Police Superintendent Marcus L. Brown is leading a ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the agency’s Pikesville headquarters.

Relatives of some of the 43 troopers who have died in the line of duty are expected to attend, including the family of Trooper First Class Shaft Hunter, who was killed in a crash last year on Interstate 95. His name will be unveiled on a State Police memorial.

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Gas Price Likely Won't Set Record This Summer

Gasoline prices likely won't set any records this summer, thanks to a recent drop in the price of oil.

The government on Tuesday slashed its forecast for average gas prices to $3.79 per gallon for the summer driving season. That's down from an initial estimate of $3.95 and below 2008's record average of $3.80.

The Energy Information Administration's revised forecast is encouraging news for the economy. Some economists blame high pump prices for so-so consumer spending this year. They were also seen as a factor in the loss of 35,000 retail jobs in February and March.

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Emails Reveal Cozy Relationship Between Gov. Martin O’Malley And Perdue

During the 2012 Maryland legislative session, the burning of pollutant-laden chicken poop was embraced as a Tier I renewable energy resource, while readily available, clean wind power was dead. In Maryland, chicken is truly king. Or, as a series of emails obtained from Martin O’Malley’s office to a Perdue official indicate, it’s at least Governor.

Food & Water Watch obtained the emails through a Public Information Act request for all correspondence between the Governor’s office and the giant Eastern Shore poultry company.

In one back-and-forth between O’Malley and the Perdue representative from March 2011, the Governor acknowledges that wind energy may cost the poultry industry “18 cents to $2 additional per month at the outset,” but suggests that the cost is well worth it because “kids keep dying in the middle east.”

Eighteen cents a month to keep kids from dying in the Middle East was, apparently, a price too high to pay for the industry; Perdue responded by complaining of the additional costs to the integrators and stating that wind “is not high on [its] list of concerns.” Perdue, however, did buy into the chicken manure-to-energy scheme as a way to offload some of its mountains of waste in the state. And thanks to companies like Perdue, today in Maryland chicken crap is renewable, and wind is not.

The 70 pages of emails we obtained were almost exclusively between O’Malley and Perdue’s General Counsel, Herb Frerichs. Mr. Frerichs is also a partner at the law firm that represents Perdue in the Clean Water Act suit bought by environmentalists for pollution coming from one of the company’s contract growers’ facilities. The emails depict a very close and personal relationship between the Governor and Frerichs, who were classmates at the Maryland School of Law in the mid-to-late 1980s.

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To see those e-mails: http://documents.foodandwaterwatch.org/doc/OMalleyEmailsFromPIA.pdf

FBI Investigating Threat in Arizona

PHOENIX, Az - Authorities are investigating a threat involving one Southwest Airline 737 jet.

One plane involved in the investigation landed Tuesday night at Sky Harbor International Airport.

A Federal Bureau of Investigation spokesman confirms the Southwest plane in question was taken to an isolation pad away from the terminal where dozens of passengers were removed from the plane one by one to be screened.

The plane, Southwest flight 1184, arrived in Phoenix at 10:30 p.m. after departing from Orange County, California. The plane was bound for Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Will Marriage Become A Thing Of The Past For All But The Wealthy?

Perhaps what we are witnessing is not so much the death of a tradition but a further widening of the class divide. The institution is dying -- for the poor.

The idea of Government-managed marriage — the institution that dates from the 1600s and has long been considered one of the foundations of the social structure of civilization — is rumored to have passed away, quietly, in 2011.

It has been widely reported that the institution died of complications from a progressive disease. The causes include growing equality in the workforce, social acceptance of licenseless sex, and the dissolving of the stigma of being either single or gay. In its prime, marriage offered economic structure and support to women who didn’t work outside the home, and a broadly accepted framework for child rearing. Ideally, marriage also offered security and companionship. But as cultural norms changed — influenced by increasing numbers of women seeking higher education and equal rights, along with the mid-20th-century Kinsey reports and the Masters and Johnson report, which offered stunning new insights into human sexual behavior — so too did the practice of marriage. The results: today there are more single than married people in the nation. The shotgun marriage has entered the realm of folklore. And the number of single parents has skyrocketed. A widely quoted 2010 Pew Research Center study reports that four in 10 respondents said the institution is becoming obsolete.

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