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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Rewind To 2010: READ CAREFULLY

Gov. Martin O'Malley accused former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. of "scaremonger politics" Friday for continuing to claim that Democrats are plotting a major tax increase after the 2010 elections to help balance future budgets.

Ehrlich (R), who announced a rematch with O'Malley (D) on Wednesday, has warned for weeks on his radio show that "the worst-kept secret in Annapolis" is the planned tax increase -- a claim he has repeated in recent days on the campaign trail.

At a stop on Thursday in Frederick, for example, Ehrlich said: "If Martin O'Malley's elected governor, they'll pass the largest tax increase ever in the history of Maryland."


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700 RETIRED MILITARY SPECIAL OPS TELL CONGRESS TO FORM SELECT COMMITTEE ON BENGHAZI

Seven hundred retired Military Special Operations professionals from the organization "Special Operations Speaks" sent a letter to the House of Representatives urging members to support H.Res 36, which will create a House Select Committee to investigate last September’s deadly terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya.

“It appears that many of the facts and details surrounding the terrorist attack which resulted in four American deaths and an undetermined number of American casualties have not yet been ascertained by previous hearings and inquiries,” the letter states. It continues further, "Additional information is now slowly surfacing in the media, which makes a comprehensive bipartisan inquiry an imperative. Many questions have not been answered thus far." The letter puts forth over twenty unanswered questions the select committee should address.

Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), a sub-committee chairman on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a resolution for a House Select Committee to investigate issues surrounding the Benghazi Attack last November in the 112th Congress. He re-issued his resolution for the select committee when the 113th Congress began. The resolution currently has over 60 co–sponsors.

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North Korean Air Force


O'Malley Wins On Guns, Taxes Seen As 2016 Resume-Packing

From his first days as Baltimore mayor more than a decade ago, Democrat Martin O’Malley has been discussed as a future presidential contender.
Now in his second and final term as Maryland’s governor, O’Malley has built a base-pleasing resume to assist that political ascension if he gets into the 2016 presidential primary -- although it risks being a drag in a general election.

O’Malley, 50, this year passed some of the country’s strictest gun controls, repealed the death penalty, crafted an offshore wind project and raised gas taxes to pay for transportation improvements. He began signing those bills, including the wind project, into law today and will hold additional signing ceremonies in the coming weeks, adding to his record of helping pass gay marriage and securing in-state college tuition for undocumented immigrants.

“If you needed to put a bumper-sticker label to it, I suppose you could call us the performance-driven progressives,” O’Malley said in an interview in his Annapolis office yesterday, hours before the year’s legislative session closed. “It’s a fundamentally different way of governing than the ideological and ultra-bureaucratic approach of our parents.”

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OC’s Early Budget Plan Calls For Tax Increase; Average Taxpayer To Pay $40 More A Year

OCEAN CITY – The next fiscal year’s proposed budget for the Town of Ocean City was presented this week with a total operating budget of about $130.4 million, along with an increase in the tax rate that will affect the average taxpayer by about $40 per year.

“While the information has been presented and characterized as the City Manager’s FY14 Proposed Budget, I would like to characterize it as the preliminary working budget because we are just beginning dialogue,” City Manager David Recor said on Tuesday afternoon. “The budget is balanced, however as we go through this high-level discussion today and review the various funds we will focus on the general fund.”

The Preliminary Town of Ocean City FY14 Financial Operating Budget was prepared by department heads, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp and Recor, totaling about $130,397,000 in spending.

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Georgia Gunman Killed, Firefighters Freed

Four firefighters are free and the gunman holding them hostage is dead after police storm Georgia home.

WATCH: US Navy Ship Fires Laser Beam, Destroys Drone


Dr. Evil's dream of having sharks with "freakin' laser beams attached to their heads" isn't exactly a fantasy anymore.
That's because the US Navy released a video yesterday showing off the destructive power of their not very creatively named "Laser Weapons System."
At the beginning of the clip, the Laser Weapons System is shown on the back of the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey as the ship cruises on the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California.

New Public-Private Partnership Bill For Infrastructure Projects Signed Into Law

A House bill refining guidelines for public-private partnerships (P3s) was signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley Tuesday after finally passing the House and Senate in the closing days of the session.

The idea is to leverage private financing and construction contracting to build infrastructure projects the state wants more efficiently without adding to bond debt.

The law, HB560, tweaks the current public-private partnership process. It gives the Board of Public Works a more prominent role and seeks to encourage innovation by providing room for businesses to pitch ideas for projects without following the usual procurement procedure.

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Man With BB Gun Arrested Near Obama's Motorcade


A homeless man, oblivious to President Obama’s passing motorcade, took BB gun practice in the nearby woods and refused to drop his weapon when confronted by Connecticut cops, officials said today.
Obama was speaking yesterday at the University of Hartford when police, stationed along the president’s route to Bradley International Airport, heard noises coming from a nearby wooded area around 5:50 p.m., said Bloomfield police Capt. Stephen Hajdasz.
A detective from the neighboring town of Simsbury ordered the man — identified as 27-year-old Joseph Stravinskas — to drop what appeared to be a rifle, according to Hajdasz.

WCSO Named "Best Dressed" In North America


The Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s Daughter Indicted

SPRINGFIELD — The daughter of President Barack Obama’s former pastor was indicted Wednesday on charges of money laundering and lying to the feds.

Jeri L. Wright, daughter of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, was accused of participating in a fraud scheme allegedly orchestrated by former Country Club Hills Police Chief Regina Evans and her husband involving a $1.25 million state grant.

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Obama Weapons To Al Qaeda

TEL AVIV – The U.S. in recent weeks aided in the transfer of shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, or man-portable air-defense systems, to the Syrian rebels, according to informed Middle Eastern security officials.

The arming of Syrian rebels is considered highly controversial. A major issue is the inclusion of jihadists, including al-Qaida, among the ranks of the Free Syrian Army and other Syrian opposition groups.


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Safe From Sequester: $704,198 For Gardening At NATO Ambassador’s Home

Just over a week after sequestration took effect, the State Department allotted more than $700,000 for gardening at a U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Brussels, Belgium.

On March 11, State awarded a contract to provide gardening services at an “official residence” of the U.S. Mission in Belgium.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed to CNSNews.com that the contract is for Truman Hall, a historic property that serves at the residence of the Ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The current U.S. ambassador to NATO is Ivo H. Daalder, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in May 2009.

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BREAKING NEWS: 4 Firefighters Held Hostage In Georgia

Gunman barricaded in Georgia home after taking five firefighters hostage, as police say one hostage has since been released.
From Fox News

WICOMICO COUNTY TO CELEBRATE COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY

Leaders to Launch the 10-week “Live Healthy, Wicomico” Challenge

LiveHealthyWicomico.org

On Saturday, April 13th Wicomico County officials and employees will be on hand at the Centre at Salisbury mall from 1pm-3pm for Wicomico County Government Day. The event’s goal is to highlight essential county government programs and services to the public during National County Government Month. Representatives from many departments will be on hand to answer questions and discuss county services.

This year’s local theme is, Live Healthy, Wicomico, and will focus on the newest initiative from the County Executive's Council on Physical Fitness & Healthy Living -- or Fitness Council, to promote wellness and nutrition. Click here to watch the Fitness Council’s Live Healthy, Wicomico flash mob event at the Centre at Salisbury Mall!

Million Minutes of Movement

Live Healthy, Wicomico is a web-based, teamwork driven wellness program designed to help participants make positive and lasting changes. The Fitness Council’s 10-Week Challenge calls on all Wicomico citizens to get up, get active and log one million minutes of movement. Friends, families and co-workers form teams and track minutes of activity on the LiveHealthyWicomico.org web site. The web site also provides access to tasty recipes, exercise videos, fitness tips and more to keep participants focused and motivated. The challenge runs from April 14, 2013 – June 23, 2013.

Team Up and Join the Challenge!

•Step 1: Start a Team! Form a team of 2-10 people. Gather your team's email addresses and t-shirt sizes

•Step 2: Choose a Team Name and Team Captain! Team captain must have an e-mail address

•Step 3: Team Captain will click on "Join Today" and enter LHWICOMICO as the group ID

•Step 4: Register! Registration is open now!

Post your team’s photos on the Wicomico Executive Fitness Council’s Facebook page! For more information about the 10-week challenge and to register, visit LiveHealthyWicomico.org.

Army Email Labels Christian Ministries as 'Domestic Hate Groups'

A U.S. Army officer sent an email to dozens of subordinates listing the American Family Association and Family Research Council as "domestic hate groups" because they oppose homosexuality -- and warned officers to monitor soldiers who might be supporters of the groups.

“Just want to ensure everyone is somewhat educated on some of the groups out there that do not share our Army Values,” read an email from LTC Jack Rich to three dozen subordinates at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. “When we see behaviors that are inconsistent with Army Values, don’t just walk by – do the right thing and address the concern before it becomes a problem.”

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, told Fox News he was disturbed by the contents of the email.

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Obama Budget: 41% Increase in Income Taxes

Wednesday morning, President Obama released his long-delayed budget blueprint. Arriving more than two months after the statutory deadline, the budget contains a mix of increased spending, higher taxes and very little real deficit reduction. The White House is quick to argue that the increased taxes fall only on the wealthy, by limiting deductions and credits. The budget document itself, however, shows personal incomes taxes soaring 41%, as a share of the economy, over the next decade.

Buried deep on page 191 of Obama's budget is a table showing tax collections as a share of the overall economy. Last year, personal income tax collections by the government equaled 7.3% of the economy. Under Obama's budget, however, income tax collections as a share of the economy would spike to 10.3% by 2023. This represents a 41% increase in just a decade.

In others words, the government will take 41% more out of personal income than it did last year. This isn't some "shared sacrifice" to whittle down the deficit or the overall debt, either. Even with the government taking so much more of the economy in taxes, spending will still outpace revenue collection. 

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Your Friendly Police Dept.

In the latest example of anti-gun hysteria, police in New York State confiscated a man’s firearms and revoked his pistol license after his son threatened to use a water pistol against bullies who had taunted his friends at school.
Image: Wikimedia Commons


Commack resident John Mayer is now pursuing legal action after Suffolk County Police visited his home and threatened to embarrass him in front of his neighbors before confiscating Mayer’s handguns and rifles, firearms worth around $6,500 dollars.

Mayer also had his pistol license revoked and was told it would only be restored when his son reaches 18 years of age and moves out of the home.

The police visit stemmed from a March 1 incident at Pines Elementary school in Hauppauge. Mayer’s 10-year-old son discovered that some of his friends had been bullied by other boys and there had been a scuffle on the schoolyard. Mayer’s son discussed a plan with two other boys to bring a water pistol, a paintball gun and a BB gun to the home of the bullies involved in the incident.


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A FORM OF GUN CONFISCATION HAS REPORTEDLY BEGUN IN NEW YORK STATE — HERE’S THE JUSTIFICATION BEING USED

Despite promises from the president and a host of other politicians who are pushing for more gun control that nobody is coming for your guns, the confiscation of guns and gun permits has apparently started in some form in New York State. One attorney representing several people who have been forced to surrender their guns spoke with TheBlaze and alerted us to some disturbing facts:
  • Gun owners are losing their 2nd Amendment rights without due process.
  • HIPAA Laws are likely being compromised and the 4th and 5th Amendments are being violated in some of these cases
How did confiscation start happening so quickly? Apparently the gun grabbing was triggered by something inside the NY SAFE Act — New York’s new gun law — that has a provision apparently mandating confiscation of weapons and permits if someone has been prescribed psychotropic drugs.
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Allen Guelzo Misinforms the World Socialist Movement About Lincoln

A philosophy professor named Allen Guelzo discovered in 1995 that one way out of academic obscurity (where most philosophy professors reside) is to become a "Lincoln scholar." He began writing books that tell the same old, same old, line about Lincoln: he died on Good Friday; he supposedly died for the sins of America just as Jesus died for the sins of the world; etc., etc. His first book of this time is entitled Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President. Seeking redemption for your sins? Then become a Lincoln worshipper, says Allen Guelzo.

Guelzo now teaches at Gettysburg College. He was recently interviewed by the World Socialist Web Site which describes itself as an arm of the "International Committee of the Fourth International" and "the leadership of the world socialist movement" that is "guided by a Marxist world outlook." The interview is entirely friendly with every question a "softball pitch." One striking feature of the interview is how Guelzo’s comments on Lincoln and economics are exactly the opposite of historical reality.

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New GAO Report Identifies $95 Billion in Overlapping Programs

Duplicative drug abuse and treatment services are strewn over 76 federal programs. Housing services are spread across 20 different agencies. Renewable energy projects go through 23 federal agencies and 130 sub-agencies.

Even federal catfish inspections are done by three different agencies.

These are only a few of 162 examples identified by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a congressional watchdog agency, of fragmented, duplicative federal programs and services.

The 2013 edition of the annual report originally requested by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK, is being released today and it concludes that not only does such managerial dysfunction hobble the federal government, it's also extraordinarily costly.

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Black Unemployment

A couple of weeks ago, Black Entertainment Television founder Bob Johnson, speaking at The National Press Club, said the nation "would never tolerate white unemployment at 14 and 15 percent." Black unemployment has been double that of white Americans for more than 50 years. The black youth unemployment rate is more than 40 percent nationally. In some cities, unemployment for black working-age males is more than 50 percent. Let's look at this, but first let's look at some history.

From 1900 to 1954, blacks were more active than whites in the labor market. Until about 1960, black male labor force participation in every age group was equal to or greater than that of whites. During that period, black teen unemployment was roughly equal to or less than white teen unemployment. As early as 1900, the duration of black unemployment was 15 percent shorter than that of whites; today it's about 30 percent longer. To do something about today's employment picture requires abandonment of sacred cows and honesty.

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PHOTO OF WEAPON USED IN MURDER OF UMES STUDENT RELEASED

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) -- Maryland State Police investigators today released a photo of the weapon believed to have been used to murder a University of Maryland Eastern Shore student in February, in an attempt to generate more information about the person or persons responsible for the crime.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators released the photo of a Remington Sportsman’s Series folding knife with a 3 ½” inch blade. The knife handle is reddish orange with a black camouflage print. The knife is believed to have been manufactured and sold in 2010.

The knife was found by State Police Homicide Unit investigators on the ground near the scene where Edmond A. St. Clair, 21, was murdered when he was stabbed at about 9:00 p.m. on February 16, 2013. The crime occurred when St. Clair was a passenger in a Honda traveling across campus along College Backbone Road, not far from the Student Services Center. Investigators believe several people were walking in the street and an altercation ensued between them and St. Clair.

The knife in the photo released today has been examined at the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division Crime Laboratory. Evidence found on the knife has positively connected it to the St. Clair crime scene. Specific information regarding the evidence on the knife and its connection to the crime will not be released.

State Police investigators believe the unique orange and black camouflage handle might be enough to prompt the memory of someone who may have seen the knife before. Anyone with information about the knife is urged to contact police immediately.

State Police also stressed today that the search for suspects has expanded far beyond the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus. Due to the Homecoming Weekend activities occurring, there were hundreds of people on the UMES campus, many of whom were from the Baltimore/Washington D.C. corridor. Not all of those on campus that weekend were university alumni. Several events were open to the public. Activities persons from out of the area may have been attending included an alumni breakfast, parade, tailgate party, scholarship luncheons, pep rally, men’s and women’s basketball games, and evening receptions.

The description of possible suspects continues to be that of three tall, African American males, two of whom have lighter complexions. All three were wearing dark clothing and one may have been wearing some type of ski mask.

Investigators would also like to identify three potential witnesses who were in the area at the time of the crime. They are believed to have been walking toward the student apartments shortly after 9:00 p.m. Two of the three are believed to have been carrying umbrellas. Two more potential witnesses may have been walking toward the scene shortly after the murder occurred.

Troopers are trying to identify a light colored vehicle, possibly a Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable. This vehicle was seen in the area of the crime scene. Investigators would like to interview the driver and any passengers in this vehicle who may be potential witnesses to the crime. Police are also trying to identify the driver and any passengers who were in a gold vehicle. This vehicle was seen turning around a short time after the murder occurred, heading back toward the crime scene.

Persons with information are urged to contact Maryland State Police at 410-651-3101, or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Crime Solvers and UMES are offering rewards up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s).

Md. Fire Marshal Announces 4 Arrests In Arsons in Washington, Frederick Counties

HAGERSTOWN, Md. — A 20-year-old man led a group of acquaintances in setting about 40 fires and dared a state investigator to “catch me if you can” in a message he spray-painted on a car, the Maryland fire marshal said Tuesday.

Tyler William Murray of Williamsport was charged with six counts of second-degree arson and one count of malicious destruction of property for fires that damaged several cars and a Boonsboro barn in late March, according to investigators and court records.


Three others were charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit second-degree arson. They are Olivia Marie Hannah, 20, of Frederick; Sarah Camille Mathews, 19, of Adamstown; and Morgan Thomas Nield, 20, of Hagerstown.

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Mr. Pollitt make Humane Society Accountable

SALLY JONESHallelujah Acres/Homestead Farm
27798 Nanticoke Rd.
Salisbury, MD 21801

(410) 430-5448/cell (410) 742-0079/home

04/09/2013

Mr. Rick Pollitt, 1st Wicomico County Executive
Government Office Bldg., Room 303
Salisbury, MD 21801

RE: Investigation of Humane Society of Wicomico County

Dear Mr. Pollitt,

I am requesting you & Mr. Strausburg investigate the NON-REGULATED, NON ACCOUNTABLE

Humane Society of Wicomico County. You appropriate a large 
amount of taxpayer money to them through contracts for 1. Animal Control & 2. the Housing & Care of stray animals. I believe it was in the amount of $240,000 for 2013.

In addition to that money, Wicomico County rents them the facility on Citation Drive 
for $1 a year hugely adding to the total payment if real-time rent was paid.

It is unfathomable to me & many citizens that HSWC receive taxpayer money without 
being monitored or accountable for the precious lives of animals that are dependent on human intervention. What other organization or facility is entrusted with LIVES & not answerable to the government & public? It is totally reckless, inconceivable, & derelict to let this private family-run club operate at the cost of the animals.

Through their own admission on their web page, they state they are a 501 (c) (3) 
non-profit organization. That they govern themselves with a Board of Directors & Executive Director. That they are not a Wicomico County entity & ARE NOT UNDER Wicomico County SUPERVISION. Yet they receive $240,000 a year from the County,
(to me) an unknown amount of money from the City of Salisbury, $20,000 from the Town of Delmar, plus I assume money from Dorchester County since they are picking up their strays. I, also, understand that if Delmar did away with their animal ordinances, they would fall under the jurisdiction of Wicomico County eliminating that $20,000 & AC spending 20 hours a week there with the other 20 for Salisbury. Is that double pay for 1 Officer?

The citizens & animal lovers of Wicomico County need your help. 

To many of us the animals are like our "children". Look at the regulations on child care facilities yet the HSWC take in these animals which is the end of the road for many at the hands of what we believe are INHUMANE LEADERS.The stories & incidences in 2013 & 2012 are too sad & lengthy to list. Citizen complaints have been ignored with rudeness, silence, & non response. We have written, called, & visited The Wicomico County Council, The Wicomico County Sheriff's Department & each direction has led to your authority as our only hope. The TV reports have shown the unconscionableness & non-conforming attitude of this "private family owned & operated country club".

Page 2

Why is there no Animal Control on weekends? Why are they not on call after "closing 
time"? Two officers can have staggered hours (8-5,10-7) & staggered days (Mon-Fri, Tues-Sat) with on-call rotation on weekends for better coverage. Let the On Call Officer take home the Animal Control vehicle like David Fitzgerald does every day to Berlin riding on taxpayer dollars. ..

Questions to be asked with a monthly accounting:

1. How many stray animals were brought in by Animal Control?

2. How many stray animals were brought in by the public?

3. How many stray animals were brought from Dorchester?

a. What is the arrangement with Dorchester County?

b. Who picks them up & brings them to HSWC? How much expense, how many man 
hours & travel time

c. How are Dorchester people going to find or know to check Wicomico to locate their 
pets?

d. Are the strays up for adoption at WC cost?

4. How many calls are received at AC & HS?

a. How many are responded to & investigated?

b. How many followup calls & results? Abuse & Neglect must be monitored regularly.

It takes followup. followup. followup?

c. How many citations written?

d. How many court/trial cases & results?

5. How many dogs running loose?

a. How many times were the owner's contacted?

6. How many animals were adopted?

7. Why are the City Animal Control Officers allowed only at the FRONT COUNTER?

a. Why won't the HSWC tell the City Officers where the dogs are & what has been 
done to them or for them?

You rent the Citation Drive property to the HSWC for $1 a year. That is a huge amount 
of money to be added to the contract money paid yearly.

1. Building renovations:

a. Do they ask approval & submit a proposal?

b. Does it matter they spend more money on the office than improvements for the 
animals?

c. Does it matter that they keep more & more animals outside?

d. Does.it matter when you go in to adopt a pet, they only let you look at a portion 
of the kennels? They explain the others cannot be seen without David being there?

Mr. Pollitt, this information should be giving you great concern for the welfare of the 
BELOVED pets/animals that go to the Humane Society of Wicomico County because of their OWNERS & the other animals that need to go there. Sadly animals are dependent on humans & it is our responsibility to have concern, compassion, solutions, provide safety /protection & merciful resolutions.

WILL YOU HELP??? MONEY TALKS!!!

NON PROFIT??? HSWC 2011 Form 990: Total Revenue $635,436, Total Expenses ,$659,821, Net Assets $771,908

Sincerely, Sally Jones

I'm A Little Bit Country, You're A Little Bit Black: Brad Paisley and LL Cool J's 'Accidental Racist'

Good news everyone: We solved racism. We can all can go home now. That whole "black and white" thing? Fuhgeddaboudit. Thanks to Brad Paisley and LL Cool J, we're finally greeting the brave new dawn of a post-racial United States. While the rest of Americans were busy either hauling tail in their F-150s to Alabama concerts, or shopping the top spring collections of gold chains and do-rags, leave it to the "Country Singer" and "the Rapper" to heal our country's centuries-old wounds in the course of a song. If that sounded as stupefyingly reductive as the title of this article, read on; it all pales in comparison to Paisley and Mr. Ladies Love's new song, "Accidental Racist."

Paisley's latest record, "Wheelhouse," may have only came out today, but he's already one of the most talked-about modern country artists of the year. Of course, most of that attention is for all the wrong reasons. Specifically, his race baiting single with rapper LL Cool J, "Accidental Racist," which imagines a hypothetical conversation between a proud "White Man comin' from the Southland" and a "Black Yankee" in a Starbucks.More

Social Communism 101

Glenn Beck opened his radio show Monday in a state of near disbelief over an MSNBC promo where anchor Melissa Harris-Perry calmly explains how your children don’t really belong to you — they belong to the collective.

“It’s almost a parody of reality,” Beck said of the clip. “It is so far beyond what we have ever thought as a nation, it’s remarkable…”

For those who haven’t seen the advertisement, Harris-Perry says:
We have never invested as much in public education as we should have because we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children. Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility. We haven’t had a very collective notion of these are our children. So part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that kids belong to their parentsor kids belong to their families and recognize that kids belong to whole communities. ​[Emphasis added]

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US EXPECTED TO INCREASE AID TO SYRIAN REBELS

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration's next step in aid to Syrian rebels is expected to be a broader package of nonlethal assistance, but expanding from food and medical supplies to body armor and night-vision goggles, as the U.S. grapples for ways to stem the bloodshed from Syria's civil war.

However, President Barack Obama has not given final approval on any new package and an announcement is not imminent, a senior administration official said. The U.S. continues to oppose directly arming the Syrian rebels, in part out of fear that the weapons could fall into the hands of rebels like those who have allied themselves with al-Qaida in Iraq.

Secretary of State John Kerry hinted at the new nonlethal aid package this week, saying the administration had been holding intense talks on how to boost assistance to the rebels fighting forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad.

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The "It Can't Happen Here" Syndrome

Here is a short quiz for you. Ready?

What’s the current situation with Lindsay Lohan’s rehab?

Who won the latest “Dancing With the Stars”?

Name five celebrities with “baby bumps.”

Explain how the Cypriot banking crisis could impact the European economy.

If you answered the first three questions but are clueless on the fourth, you’re in good company. Estimates are that up to half the population in America is ignorant about the situation in Cyprus. Oh sure, they hear snippets on the evening news, but since it’s far away and happening to other people, they don’t worry about it.

These people are suffering from a Normalcy Bias.

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Anti-Abortion Group Forms At Johns Hopkins

An anti-abortion group that plans to talk to women outside clinics has been denied official recognition at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

The decision by the Hopkins Student Government Association means that Voice for Life will not get funding from the university and may be unable to hold events on campus, The Baltimore Sun reported.

A student appeals panel was expected to hold a hearing Tuesday on the association's decision.

The group had formerly been active at Hopkins but has been moribund since 2010. Andrew Guernsey, 18, a freshman from Ave Maria, Fla., is leading a movement to revive the group and get its members involved in "sidewalk counseling" at clinics near the Hopkins campus.

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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA


APRIL 15, 2013 6:00 p.m.
Government Office Building Room 301
 CONVENE – MEDITATION – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 ADOPTION OF AGENDA
 APPROVAL OF APRIL 8, 2013 MINUTES
 COUNCIL / COUNCIL PRESIDENT COMMENTS
 PRESENTATION – Mayor James Ireton, Jr./Council President Terry Cohen
 ADMINISTERING OATH OF OFFICE – Mark Bowen, Clerk of Circuit Court
 ORGANIZATION OF CITY COUNCIL
 Election of City Council President
 Election of City Council Vice President
 CONCLUDING COMMENTS
 ADJOURN

Delay Of Trial

Osama Bin Laden’s son-in-law may have his trial delayed because of sequestration, of all things 

Sulaiman Abu Ghaith is charged with conspiring to kill Americans. But his lawyers must take a furlough because of budget cuts.
One of the nation's biggest terrorism trials is facing a months-long delay because of budget cuts in Washington.

A judge Monday proposed a September trial date for Osama Bin Laden's son-in-law and mouthpiece Sulaiman Abu Ghaith.

O’Malley Headed to Copenhagen For Transatlantic ‘Progressive’ Conference

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), fresh off a string of wins in the Maryland General Assembly on liberal issues, is scheduled to appear in Denmark on Friday as part of a panel at a conference on “progressive governance.”

The two-day gathering in Copenhagen is being organized by the Policy Network, a think tank based in London, and the Center for American Progress in Washington.

According to the program, O’Malley’s fellow panelists will include Stefan Lofven, leader of the Swedish Social Democratic Party; Ed Miliband, leader of the British Labor Party; Diederick Samson, leader of the Dutch Labour Party; and Helle Thorning-Schmidt, the prime minister of Denmark. 

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Definition Of Insanity


BREAKING NEWS: Postal Service Delays End To Saturday Delivery

The US Postal Service says it will delay a cost-cutting plan to end Saturday mail delivery, scheduled to go into effect in August. 

From Fox News

PALIN ADVISERS: 'UNCONSCIONABLE' MAINSTREAM PRESS EXPLOITED THATCHER'S DEATH FOR SMEARS

Mainstream media publications immediately exploited the passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on Monday to again advance their political agendas by falsely smearing former Alaska Gov. and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

In a rush to write whatever they could to tarnish both, outlets like Politico and theWashington Post resorted to "reporting" on a fictitious story and an imaginary trip that have already been debunked years ago.

The Post, a publication known for its liberal agenda, immediately "re-upped" the debunked story about Thatcher having snubbed Palin when Chris Cillizza, the editor of "The Fix," allowed his underling to publish parts of the disproven 2011 report. 

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You Decide

Click To Enlarge

Where Do The Rich And Poor Live?

From counties with a 50%-plus poverty rate to counties with over 20% of household incomes over $200,000, the United States is increasingly becoming a divided union. But all the time American Idol is on, and the iPad is still running, Aldous Huxley's vision of a 'numb' society (as opposed to an Orwellian 1984 'imposed' utopia) seems more and more realistic.

Another Exclusive Party at W.H.—at Taxpayer Expense

On Barack and Michelle Obama's schedule for today, this event is listed:
7:30PM THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY host a concert celebrating Memphis Soul music as part of their “In Performance at the White House” series; THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks
As the White House has previously announced, Justin Timberlake (who will be making his White House debut), Al Green, Ben Harper, Queen Latifah, Cyndi Lauper, Joshua Ledet, Sam Moore, Charlie Musselwhite, Mavis Staples, and others will be performing at the exclusive event.

But while the performers are known, the guest list for the private event has not yet been released. 

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Pa. Man Charged With Bomb Threat At White House

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Pennsylvania man has been arrested after police say he made a bomb threat outside the White House.

D.C. police spokesman Araz Alali says the man approached an officer at the White House gates Wednesday morning and warned that a bomb would detonate in a truck parked nearby.

Surrounding streets and the entrance to a nearby Metro rail station were shut down as the Secret Service inspected the vehicle for explosives.

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Turncoats McCain And Graham

Fellow Conservatives:

John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are back at it again.

Last month, they called Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) "ridiculous" and "wacko birds" for mounting a filibuster to stop the federal government from attacking Americans with drones without due process.

Now they're criticizing Senate conservatives for working to defeat a sweeping gun control bill written by Harry Reid (D-NV) that creates a new gun tax and a federal gun list to track American gun owners.

McCain and Graham say they just want to debate the issue, but the only reason to bring a gun control bill to the Senate floor is to pass it. Once the bill gets over the initial 60-vote hurdle and Harry Reid starts buying senators off with various amendments, it will be almost impossible to stop.

A vote to bring Harry Reid's gun control bill to the Senate the floor is a vote against the 2nd Amendment.

And a vote against the filibuster led by Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike Lee (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) is a betrayal of our principles.

SCF is doing everything it can to win this important battle. In fact, we launched a national radio and television campaign yesterday to collect 1 million petitions urging the Senate to defend the 2nd Amendment. Please call 1-800-605-1755 to add your name to the petition.

Language Lab Open House

WHAT: Open House

WHO: English language learners, agencies who serve this population

WHEN: Tuesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: Main Library, Children’s Side

SALISBURY, MD – Wicomico Public Library is holding an Open House for English language learners and teachers on Tuesday, April 16th at 5:30 p.m. upstairs in the new Language Lab which is located on the Children’s side of the Main Library. There will be information about local services for the immigrant community/limited English residents, as well as a chance to see the new Language Lab. Library tours will be available as well as the opportunity to sign up for a library card.

Wicomico Public Library received $15,000 to support outreach to county residents who are learning English and becoming citizens. The Library is one of 150 American Dream libraries nationwide, and one of only 11 that received funding in 2012 and 2013 from the American Library Association and Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
You Belong @Wicomico Public Library!

California Lawmaker Seeking To Extend Bar Hours Not Ready To Part With That Beer At 2 A.M.

To a person, the one thing visiting friends alwayssaid to me after I moved to New York City was: “It’s crazy how late bars are open here!” Crazy, maybe, but last call is at 4 a.m., and not 2 a.m. like many other establishments across the country. One California lawmaker has apparently been visiting pals in the Big Apple because he wants his state to adopt those later hours for last call.

State Sen. Mark Leno has proposed to keep the good times flowing until 4 a.m. in order to attract tourists — perhaps those same friends of mine so flabbergasted by the idea of more hours within which to guzzle, swig, chug and otherwise down drinks — and all the money tourists spend on entertaining themselves.

Lawmaker To Raffle Off Sandy Hook Style Weapon

A state lawmaker, who is a vocal opponent of gun control, has announced plans to hold a raffle, giving away two assault weapons that will be banned in Maryland as of October 1.

Anne Arundel County Republican Delegate Don Dwyer has announced on hiswebsite that he will give away an AK-47, and the AR-15 in a raffle on July 6.

Dwyer's campaign is selling tickets for $10 each.

The guns are among the 45 weapons banned in the gun control bill that was approved by the Maryland General Assembly this year. Governor Martin O'Malley is expected to sign the bill in the next month.

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IRS Having Trouble

IRS employees are painting a grim picture of an agency struggling under sequestration. They say cases are not being assigned because there is no one to work on them. Money isn't being collected because there are not enough officers to do the job. Taxpayers are complaining about long waits for help over the telephone. And if you think someone has filed a fraudulent tax return in your name to get a refund, don't expect help from the IRS until later this year. TheNational Treasury Employees Union polled its members across the government in February. It extracted these results about the IRS.

Overhauling Federal Pell-Grant Program

A blue-ribbon panel is recommending an overhaul of the federal Pell-grant program. The Wall Street Journal reports, a panel of secondary educators says recipients' graduation and job success rates are too low. The Education Department handed out $354 billion in Pell Grants to more than 9 million college students last year. That's half again more than in 2009. Spending has nearly doubled. But only a quarter of students under 25 ever graduate. Only 3 percent of older students get their degrees. The panel will recommend narrowing the program and finding ways to boost the graduation rate.

Harry Reid Sets Showdown Gun Vote For Thursday

Senate Democrats have set Thursday as the date for the first major gun showdown in Congress since the Connecticut school shootings, saying they will put their gun control bill on the chamber floor and dare Republicans to filibuster it.

At least nine Republicans have signaled that they will vote with Democrats to bring the bill to the floor, but it’s unclear whether Democrats will be united. If the bill doesn’t get 60 votes, the chamber won’t be able to begin debating it — much less see it through to passage.

“We’re moving forward on this bill. The American people deserve a vote on this legislation. And I’m going forward on this regardless of whether it’s a compromise or not,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, told reporters as he laid out his strategy Tuesday afternoon. 

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37 O'Malley Tax Increases Cost Us $3.1 Billion More Each Year

Annapolis - Change Maryland released today an updated list of tax, fee and toll increases under the O'Malley Administration. This latest report details 37 increases that remove an additional $3.1 billion more out of the pockets of Marylander's every year.

Final passage in the legislature of transportation taxes and offshore wind fee increases will add another $800 million in additional annual tax burdens borne by Marylander's. The previous Change Maryland list released one week ago quantified an annual impact of $2.3 billion on 32 levies.

Read More...

What Sequester, I Didn't Get The Memo

Obama enjoys 'sequester soul concert' at White House amid massive budget cuts and government worker furloughs

Even with the threat of furloughs and government cuts sparked by the sequester, President Obama took the time to enjoy a star-studded concert at the White House tonight.
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FREE CAMP



All Stars Football Mini Camp... A free football camp for the youth ages 7 to 17. Starting May 4, 2013, 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Stop The Violence Rec Center sports field on the corner of Brown and Calloway St... to receive registration forms via email, email us at allstarsminicamp@live.com or call 443 235 8598, 443 366 1376, or 443 534 0688

TROOPERS INVESTIGATE FATAL PEDESTRIAN CRASH IN BALTIMORE


(BALTIMORE, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash which occurred when a speeding driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a pedestrian in front of Baltimore City Hall, this afternoon.

The deceased pedestrian is identified as Matthew Hershl, 45, of Baltimore, Maryland. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

The driver involved is identified only as a 43 year old man from Baltimore. He was taken into custody as he attempted to flee the scene. He is not being identified further at this time, due to pending charges. He is currently being treated at Mercy Medical Center for minor injuries sustained during the crash. He was operating a 2000 Acura TL.

Just before 2:00 p.m. today, Trooper First Class Zachary Mills, of the Golden Ring Barrack, was traveling southbound on the Jones Falls Expressway prior to Pleasant Street. At that time, a black Acura passenger vehicle approached Tfc. Mills’ marked Maryland State Police patrol at an extremely high rate of speed. Concerned the vehicle may strike his patrol unit in the rear, Tfc. Mills activated the rear emergency lights to warn the oncoming vehicle. The Acura slowed and stayed directly behind the patrol vehicle. Tfc. Mills moved to the side to let the vehicle pass. Once at the Pleasant Street exit, the Acura abruptly crossed traffic and exited the expressway.

Tfc. Mills did not initiate a pursuit, but attempted to observe the vehicle in order to alert the Baltimore Police Department. The Acura continued through a red signal at the intersection of Holiday Street and Saratoga Street. The Acura attempted to make a left turn at Lexington Street and lost control. Seeing the smoke from the brakes of the Acura and hearing sounds of a crash, Tfc. Mills activated the emergency equipment of his patrol unit and responded to the crash scene. Once at the scene, he observed that the Acura overturned and struck a pedestrian in the process. The driver was attempting to exit the vehicle and flee the scene. Tfc. Mills detained the driver. The Baltimore Police Department and emergency medical personnel were immediately notified.

The Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to the scene and is conducting the ongoing investigation. There were no passengers in the Acura. There has been no determination of speed at this point in the investigation.

Due to the severity of the crash and the amount of debris, the intersection of Holiday and Lexington Streets were closed for several hours. Baltimore Police Department officers handled the road closures.

The Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified and will be consulted reference any charges being placed against the driver. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Golden Ring Barrack at (410) 780-2700.

Troopers Conducting Death Investigation After Body Found Along Delaware River

Location:
Finn's Point, New Castle County, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at approximately 9 p.m.

Resume:
Finn's Point – Troopers are conducting a death investigation after a body was discovered washed ashore along the Delaware River this evening.

At approximately 9 p.m. a person walking along Finn's Point, an area along the eastern shore of the Delaware River, discovered a body. Members of the Pennsville Police Department responded to the scene, and determined that the body was in a section of Finn's Point that is part of Delaware.

The body will be removed from the scene and turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy will be performed in order to determine the deceased's identity, and cause and manner of death.

DMZ, 38th Parallel- Photo Of The Day


TRAFFIC ALERT

Pavement & Rehabilitation Project in Sussex County Will Require Nighttime Lane Restrictions

Beginning Sunday, April 14
Lewes -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that a pavement and rehabilitation project will begin on Sunday, April 14. This project will consist of milling, hot-mix patching, and paving. Intermittent lane and shoulder restrictions will occur nightly from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday evening until Friday morning, pending weather. Flaggers will be on site to direct motorists.

1st Location
Sunday, April 14 until Friday, May 17
Route 24 from Love Creek Bridge to Plantation Road

2nd Location
Sunday, April 28 until Friday, May 31
Route 24 between William Street Road and Maryland Camp Road

George & Lynch of Dover, Delaware, is the contractor for these improvements.

Access to all businesses and residences within the project limits will be maintained throughout the duration of this contract.

Motorists are advised to drive with caution, slow down in work zones, and expect delays.

Reid To Force Test Vote On Gun Bill

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid is teeing up a Thursday test vote on sweeping new gun regulations, as supporters ratchet up efforts to pressure wavering lawmakers in the face of mounting roadblocks from conservatives.

Democratic leaders are hoping to build a bipartisan coalition strong enough to overcome Republican threats to filibuster, which would require 60 votes to proceed. But Reid acknowledged Thursday he's not sure if Democrats have enough support to advance the legislation. 

A Letter To The Editor 4-9-13

Joe, 

I live at Mill Pond Village Apartments on Naylor Mill Rd. All residents received a notice that power regulating thermostats would start being installed in all the apartments this month and that this is MANDATORY. I am curious as to how they can do this when I pay my own electric bill. Are they getting a kick back from the power company? If so, that should be passed on to the residents. When I owned a house, the power company gave this as an option and offered rewards for doing this. What kind of reward can the residents of Mill Pond expect for this MANDATORY regulator? Is this going on in all apartment complexes in Salisbury? We are losing more and more freedoms. First our gun rights, now our right to use electricity as we see fit that WE PAY FOR. What next?