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Saturday, March 11, 2017

The Minority Report 2017 Session Update - Week Nine

The Minority Report
2017 Session Update - Week Nine


Greetings from the 437th Legislative Session! We want to connect with you to keep you informed on caucus initiatives and the latest in Annapolis. Please feel free to share this with friends, family, and colleagues, and on your own social media sites.

Democrats Weaken Power of Governor
at the Expense of Public Safety

 
As we saw earlier this session with their expansion of the powers of the Attorney General, the Democrats in the General Assembly are spending a significant amount of time trying to limit the powers of Governor Hogan.

The most recent example of this is House Bill 723, which eliminates Governor Hogan's oversight of the parole of inmates serving life sentences. Currently, when the Parole Commission recommends parole for an inmate sentenced to life, the Governor can do one of three things; disapprove the recommendation and deny parole, grant parole, or take no action and allow the recommendation to go into effect after 180 days. This bill eliminates the Governor oversight of the Parole Commission's recommendations.

This bill is a solution looking for a problem and it reeks of partisanship. Governor Hogan takes his executive clemency powers very seriously and, unlike his predecessor,  has been diligent in the execution of these duties. Over the past two years, Governor Hogan has received five non-medical parole requests. He has approved two. He has also commuted four life sentences. By comparison, over eight years, the O'Malley Administration granted two medical paroles, three commutations, and zero non-medical paroles.  Despite Governor O'Malley's clear failure to act, the General Assembly did not feel the need to move this legislation during his Administration. They have instead chosen to act now, when they have a Governor who takes his responsibilities seriously, but just happens to be from another party.

NFL Executive: Colin Kaepernick 'an Embarrassment to Football'

NFL free agency is now underway and teams are moving quickly on their top targets. One big name not drawing much interest is Colin Kaepernick, who opted out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers following the team’s dismal 2016 season.

After kneeling during the national anthem instead of standing with everyone else before games last year, Kaepernick conveniently decided to end his protest for the upcoming 2017 season after leaving the 49ers.

According to Bleacher Report’s NFL lead writer Mike Freeman, NFL executives are wary of signing the controversial quarterback who many deemed unpatriotic and disrespectful.

At last week’s NFL combine, one executive reportedly called Kaepernick “an embarrassment to football.”

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Bench of love

Cavemen might have taken aspirin for their headaches

Cavemen self-medicated on aspirin to relieve aches and pains, say scientists.

They found evidence of medicinal plants containing the drug while analyzing 50,000-year-old teeth plaque.

Cavemen were thought to be clued up on what to dose up on when they fell ill.

One with a tooth abscess was found to be eating the poplar plant, which contains painkiller salicylic acid. This is the active ingredient of aspirin.

Prof Alan Cooper said: “We also detected a natural antibiotic mould, Penicillium.

“Apparently, Neanderthals possessed a good knowledge of medicinal plants and their various pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

“Our findings contrast markedly with the rather simplistic view of our ancient relatives in popular imagination.”

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George Clooney’s Muslim Wife Breaks with Hollywood, “Don’t Let ISIS Get Away With Genocide!”

Amal Clooney appeared before the United Nations this week, sounding for all the world like President Donald Trump.

Clooney, a human rights lawyer and the wife of actor George Cloney, was there to talk ISIS and the failure of the U.N. to have effectively dealt with the subject.

Unlike many in Hollywood who seem to think criticizing radical Islamic terrorism is somehow racist, Islamophobic and bad, Amal Clooney pulled no punches when it came to criticizing ISIS

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AG SUGGESTS OPENNESS TO REVIEW OF PREDECESSORS' ACTIONS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Attorney General Jeff Sessions suggested Thursday that he would be open to the appointment of an outside counsel to review actions taken by the Justice Department during the Obama administration.

Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt asked Sessions in an interview if the new attorney general would consider designating an outside counsel "not connected to politics" to take a second look at Justice Department actions that provoked Republican ire in the last eight years. Those include the Fast and Furious gun scandal and the decisions against bringing criminal charges over Hillary Clinton's email practices or the Internal Revenue Service's treatment of conservative groups.

Hewitt contended during his radio interview that the department had become "highly politicized" in the Obama administration and floated the idea of a special review by an attorney with the authority to bring criminal charges and "just generally to look at how the Department of Justice operated."

Sessions was noncommittal but left the door open, saying he would do everything he could to "restore the independence and professionalism of the Department of Justice."

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Resort’s budget rises with $50K bonus in union deal

This time next year, as Ocean City government embarks on its annual budget journey, total expenditures for the career firefighter department should be less than what it will be in FY 2018.

When Chapter 4269 of the International Association of Fire Fighters voted to ratify its new contract last week, the package included a one-time $50,000 transitional bonus (not $500,000 as erroneously reported earlier) along with salary and cost-of-living increases over the next two years.

Finance Administrator Martha Bennett said that the fiscal impact of the contract for the new budget is a payroll increase of about $165,000. In FY19, however, the cost will be just $105,000 more than it was in 2016-17 fiscal year.

“The reason it’s lower in 2019 is because it does not include the one-time transitional bonus,” Bennett said.

Ocean City will pay the fire union $50,000 in October, and the IAFF will use the funding as it sees fit.

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Chaz Bono Admits to Hiring Illegal Aliens

Will ICE do anything with Cher's son/daughter Chaz when he admits on social media he hires illegal aliens. See the tweet attached as he questions CA governor Jerry Brown what he's going to do with the situation because apparently, Chaz is upset some of his help was arrested.

These celebrities are now showing their true colors. They want the illegals to keep coming so they have cheap labor to exploit and abuse. This says more about Chaz Bono and Cher than it does about the people who entered the country illegally to be used at their disposal.


A New Individual Mandate?! Here's Why Republicans Hid Their Crappy New 'Obamacare Lite' Bill

Editor’s Note: Apparently after a lot of public pressure, the Obamacare replacement bill was just finally released to the public, and it’s actuallyworse than expected.

Is the point of it to death spiral the private health insurance industry altogether just like Obamacare was always supposed to do?

Remember when Nancy Pelosi famously declared, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what’s in it?” She was, of course, referring to the Affordable Care Act, AKA Obamacare, and was justly skewered by “conservatives” at the time for the outlandish statement. Fast forward seven years, and now it’s the Republicans doing the exact same thing.

The GOP has chosen to conceal the text of what may become the replacement for Obamacare. Not only can you – someone the bill will most definitely affect – not read it. Members of the U.S. Senate are not even allowed to see what is contained in the legislation.

Senator Rand Paul, who is advocating for a complete repeal of the ACA, has made repeated attempts to view what he refers to as “Obamacare Lite,” but has still been unable to get his hands on a copy of the bill. The Kentucky senator has even gone so far as to wheel a copy machineto where he was told the bill was being housed. Paul, a Republican, was denied access.

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ACLU Sues Over Initial Hearings For Detained Immigrants

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union sued the federal government to limit the amount of time that people can be held before seeing an immigration judge, saying many are held for months while waiting for an initial appearance.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court on behalf of three Mexicans at a San Diego immigration detention center, but the ACLU asks to represent all people who are held on immigration violations along California’s border with Mexico who are held for more than 48 hours.

People “routinely languish in detention for two months or longer before they see a judge,” according to lawsuit, calling the wait excessive and a violation of constitutional rights for people in custody.

“The first hearing before an immigration judge, like first appearance in criminal court, is critical to ensuring due process,” it says.

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Justin Amash: Obamacare 2.0 'Has No Constituency'—Except The Political Class

Obamacare 2.0 has no support outside the D.C. political class and the insurance companies leaning on them to support the bill, according to Michigan Republican Rep. Justin Amash.

“It’s a bill that has no constituency,” Amash said on CNN Thursday. “Republicans at home don’t like it. Democrats at home don’t like it. It seems like the only constituency for it is the political class in Washington, and maybe some of the insurance companies. So I don’t see how this bill goes anywhere.”

“They are basically taking the Obamacare framework and basically calling it a piece of Republican legislation, and that’s not what people asked for,” he added.

A healthcare bill could get through the House, but “not this bill,” Amash said. Republicans must start over and begin working with Democrats.

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Defense Attorney: All Cases Involving Indicted Officers Should Be Dropped

On Thursday, two men had their weapons charges dropped in Baltimore City because the detective who arrested the men, Detective Marcus Ward was one of seven city police officers indicted last week on federal racketeering charges.

Dozens of other cases are being reviewed, and the Baltimroe City Public Defender's Office has set up a hotline to determine just how many of its cases have been impacted by the officers' indictment.

Criminal defense attorney Ivan Bates had a dozen clients arrested by at least one of these officers over the last two years.

All but three of those cases remain in the court system.

Earlier this week, one of his clients, Albert Brown, had his drug and weapons case dropped.

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Entitlements?

Interesting find on the old Twitter today which begs a question. Millennials have their snowflakery entitlement persona but do they really deserve it? Would seem the people fighting for our freedoms are certainly more valuable to our society than the whinny crybabies who throw fits every time they don't get their way.

The 80s generation has certainly not parented very well on the whole, have they?


Governor Larry Hogan Announces Launch of Groundbreaking “MD THINK” Technology Platform

Maryland Department of Human Resources Receives Nearly $200 Million in Federal Funding for First-in-the-Nation Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD –
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) was awarded over $195 million in federal funding to build a groundbreaking technology platform that will transform the state’s ability to deliver vital human services to Marylanders. Maryland’s Total Human-services Information Network, or MD THINK, is a cloud-based data repository that will break down traditional silos and data barriers between state agencies and provide integrated access to programs administered by agencies including DHR, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Juvenile Services, and the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The administration dedicated nearly $14 million in funding for this effort in the FY 2017 budget.

“MD THINK, the first program of its kind in the nation, will completely transform our ability to deliver vital human services to Marylanders and finally bring our service delivery into the 21st century,” said Governor Hogan. “With MD THINK, we will have the ability to provide help to Marylanders where they are and when they need it through a holistic approach to care that cuts through the bureaucratic red tape.”

"I very distinctly remember showing our plans to the governor for MD THINK 16 months ago and explaining how this new approach can improve service delivery to the vulnerable children and families," said Sam Malhotra. "The governor's commitment to this project is the reason why we are here. The $14 million in funding the administration invested in this effort is now a $200 million program to help Maryland children and families."

To unveil MD THINK, Governor Hogan was joined by Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, DHR Secretary Lourdes Padilla and Deputy Secretary Greg James, Secretary of Juvenile Services Sam Abed, Labor Secretary Kelly Schulz, as well as Chief of Staff Sam Malhotra, who had the original vision for MD THINK during his tenure as DHR Secretary, and advocates from leading social services organizations.

Anne Arundel Co. Officer Charged In Alleged Groping

An Anne Arundel County police officer was charged Friday with assault and sex offense for allegedly touching a woman in an unwanted manner.

Police say Officer Bradly Tuthill responded to a woman's residence on Jan. 30 to check on someone's well-being. Police say that call was looked into and no follow-up was deemed necessary. The victim alleges Tuthill went back to her home later that day and, in that encounter, he allegedly touched her back and buttocks with his hand in an inappropriate manner.

The police sex offense unit investigated the victim's complaint, and prosecutors obtained a criminal summons Friday charging Tuthill with fourth-degree sex offense, second-degree assault and two counts of malfeasance in office. He was served that summons Friday afternoon.

Tuthill, 33, is a patrol officer assigned to the Eastern District and has been with the department for about 3 1/2 years. His police powers were suspended when the investigation began and he remains on administrative status until the charges are adjudicated and the internal investigation is complete.

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Paul Nehlen: Ryan's Obamacare Bill 'a Bailout for the Insurance Industry'

Paul Nehlen, Wisconsin businessman and former Paul Ryan challenger, spoke withBreitbart News Daily SiriusXM host Raheem Kassam Friday about Paul Ryan’s Obamacare 2.0 and other issues.

Nehlen called the healthcare bill “a stinking pile of garbage” and predicted it would be dead on arrival in Congress.

“He’s purely setting up the Obamacare as a bailout for the insurance industry,” added Nehlen.

Breitbart News Daily airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

LISTEN:

DARING RESCUE OF ELDERLY WOMAN FROM NJ TRANSIT TRAIN TRACKS CAUGHT ON CAMERA

SADDLE BROOK, New Jersey (WABC) --An elderly woman was crossing in front of an approaching New Jersey Transit train when a driver leapt from his car and rushed to save her, with seconds to spare.

Hunched over with two canes propping her up, walking from point A to point B is no easy task for the elderly Saddle Brook woman.

So when she suddenly became trapped in the middle of the train tracks Wednesday afternoon with precious moments to spare, one Good Samaritan didn't hesitate to pull her out of harm's way.


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46-Purge is Not Unusual

Interesting find.


Breaking News: Preet Bharara, the powerful U.S. attorney in Manhattan who refused to resign, has been fired

Preet Bharara, the Manhattan federal prosecutor who was asked by President Trump to remain in his post shortly after the election, was fired on Saturday after he refused an order to submit his resignation.
Mr. Bharara’s dismissal capped an extraordinary showdown in which a political appointee who was named by Mr. Trump’s predecessor, President Barack Obama, declined an order to submit a resignation.

BIPARTISANSHIP ALERT: Clean Water Commerce Act Of 2017

Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly Vote To Approve Important Legislation to Assist with Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts

“Help us pass the Clean Water Commerce Act to enable the purchase of nutrient reduction credits, a cost-effective, market-based solution that will allow the state to help meet the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Improvement Plan goals.” - Governor Larry Hogan, February 1, 2017

Clean Water Commerce Act Of 2017

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Allows $10 Million Over The Next Two Fiscal Years Of The Bay Restoration Fund To Be Used To Purchase Nutrient Credits. “After funding any eligible costs identified under item (IV) 1 and 2 of this paragraph, for costs associated with the purchase of cost-effective nitrogen, phosphorus, or sediment load reductions in support of the State’s efforts to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay, not to exceed $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2018, $6,000,000 in fiscal year 2019, and $10,000,000 per year in fiscal years 2020 and 2021.” (“Senate Bill 314,” Maryland General Assembly, 2/28/17)

Common Sense Bipartisan Proposal Received Near Unanimous Support In Both Chambers Of The Maryland General Assembly

The Maryland State Senate Unanimously Approved The Clean Water Commerce Act Of 2017 By A Vote Of 46-0. (“Senate Bill 314,” Maryland General Assembly, 3/6/17)

The Maryland House Of Delegates Approved The Clean Water Commerce Act Of 2017 By A Near Unanimous Vote Of 137-1. (“House Bill 417,”Maryland General Assembly, 3/10/17)

Slowpoke bill would pave the way for speedier left lanes

ANNAPOLIS — Speed demons, unite.

Well, briefly, then get back to the right.

That was the message during a breezy hearing Thursday in Annapolis. Lawmakers considered a bill from Delegate William Folden, R-District 3B, that would require slowpoke drivers to stay out of the left lane.

The bill seemed popular with the quick-paced House Environment and Transportation Committee. Chairman Kumar Barve, D-Montgomery, reminded committee members that they supported similar bills in years past. In those years, the legislation hit a roadblock in the Senate and ultimately didn’t pass.

Folden’s bill restricts the use of the far left lane of a road, reserving it only for drivers to overtake and pass another vehicle. It would apply to roads in the state with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher, in spans when at least three lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction.

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You Voted For This All These Years!


Russia's Largest Bank Confirms Hiring Podesta Group To Lobby For Ending Sanctions

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, has confirmed that it hired the consultancy of Tony Podesta, the elder brother of John Podesta who chaired Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, for lobbying its interests in the United States and proactively seeking the removal of various Obama-era sanctions, the press service of the Russian institution told TASS on Thursday.

"The New York office of Sberbank CIB indeed hired Podesta Group. Engagement of external consultants is part of standard business practices for us," Sberbank said.

Previously, The Daily Caller reported that Tony Podesta was proactively lobbying for cancellation of a range of anti-Russian sanctions against the banking sector. In particular, he represented interests of Sberbank and was paid $170,000 for his efforts over a six-month period last year to seek to end one of the Obama administration’s economic sanctions against that country. Podesta, founder and chairman of the Podesta Group, is listed as a key lobbyist on behalf of Sberbank, according to Senate lobbying disclosure forms. His firm received more than $24 million in fees in 2016, much of it coming from foreign governments, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.

Former President Barack Obama imposed the Russian sanctions following the break out in violence in east Ukraine in 2014.

Podesta’s efforts were a key part of under-the-radar lobbying during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign led mainly by veteran Democratic strategists to remove sanctions against Sberbank and VTB Capital, Russia’s second largest bank.

The two Russian banks spent more than $700,000 in 2016 on Washington lobbyists as they sought to end the U.S. sanctions, according to Senate lobbying disclosure forms and documents filed with the Department of Justice.

The Podesta Group charged Sberbank $20,000 per month, plus expenses, on a contract from March through September 2016.

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Maryland to join lawsuit against Trump travel ban

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh on Friday announced plans to use his newfound power to sue the federal government by joining a Washington state lawsuit trying to upend Republican President Donald Trump's new travel ban.

The General Assembly granted Frosh, a Democrat, sweeping authority last month to file lawsuits against the Trump administration without first securing Republican Gov. Larry Hogan's approval. When Frosh joins Washington's lawsuit on Monday, he will use that power for the first time.

Maryland, along with New York, Oregon, Massachusetts and Minnesota, will join the suit, which contends that both of Trump's temporary travel bans for people from certain predominantly Muslim countries are unconstitutional.

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The Fed Has Not Been This Far "Behind The Curve" In 40 Years

The Fed has not been this far "behind the curve" since 1977.

According to the 'rules-based' Taylor Rule, which calculates an appropriate Fed Funds level based on inflation and employment relationships, The Fed is over 300bps "too easy" - the most sine the dreaded Arthur Burns fell behind the curve in 1977.

Which created rampant inflation that required the heavy and honest hand of Paul Volcker to remedy.

Notably the market tumbled almost 20% that year as The Fed suddenly started to catch up to reality (just as DoubleLine's Gundlach has hinted will happen this time)

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Statewide Change Your Clocks Change Your Batteries

“CHANGE YOUR CLOCK – CHANGE YOUR BATTERY”

           Statewide – In anticipation of daylight saving time (DST) beginning in the early morning hours of March 12th, the State Fire Marshal is urging Marylanders to “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery” in both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes.  Recognizing that working smoke alarms and CO detectors double a family’s chance of surviving a home fire and/or unsafe carbon monoxide levels, the State Fire Marshal says Daylight Savings Time is a great opportunity for families to change the batteries.  “Please take the little time required to help ensure the safety of your family and friends by maintaining these early warning life saving devices.”
          A Maryland law became effective on July 1, 2013 involving “battery only” smoke alarms used in residential properties.  When these “battery only” smoke alarms have reached their 10-year life span, they need to be replaced with new long-life sealed lithium battery smoke alarms with silence/hush button features.  The silence/hush button feature temporarily disables the alarm so the occupant can ventilate the space from mild smoke conditions typically created during some cooking operations.  The use of these alarms eliminates the need to replace the batteries during the 10 year life of the alarm. 
          The new law also requires homeowners to ensure they have a smoke alarm installed on each floor and outside sleeping areas, per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommendations.  It is recommended to place them in each bedroom as well.
          If your property is protected with 120 volt electric smoke alarms, they also should be replaced every 10 years with new 120 volt smoke alarms w/ battery back-up to ensure proper and timely operation in the event of a fire. 
          Along with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, Home Escape Plans are another way Marylanders can avoid injury or death in their homes.  By identifying at least two different escape routes, families can practice the plan together – before an emergency strikes.  Practicing the plan helps educate younger children to the danger of hazardous situations and the importance of recognizing that the sound of a smoke alarm or CO detector signals a potential hazard in the home.  “Changing the battery in your smoke alarms and CO detectors, along with developing and practicing a home escape plan, are two of the best ways to protect your loved ones and yourself from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated Fire Marshal Geraci.
          Also please remember to keep doors closed while sleeping in case a fire occurs inside your home.  A closed door will afford more time to escape and/or be rescued by: blocking smoke, toxic gases, heat and flames from entering your room.  If making your escape from a burning building, close doors as you leave, in order to stop additional oxygen from entering and enhancing the growth of the fire.
          Please observe the overhead electronic signs as you travel throughout the state this weekend.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal and all Marylanders thank the Maryland Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration for assisting to spread the word about this life saving reminder.     

Nor'easter to unleash heavy snow from DC to Boston as winter strikes back

A major nor'easter threatens to shut down travel due to heavy snow and strong winds from Washington, D.C., to New York City and Boston early next week as winter's revenge continues.

The snowstorm in the northeastern United States will follow a storm with snow and slippery travel in the South into Sunday and a storm set to bring snow and travel problems in the Midwest from Sunday night to Monday.

A storm will rapidly strengthen and track within a couple of hundred miles of the East coast of the U.S. spanning Monday night to Tuesday night. For many areas in the Northeast, this will likely be the biggest and most impactful storm of the winter.

More here

‘Elimination of IRS’ key to tax reform bill

Complete overhaul provides 'a lot to be excited about'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., says it’s going to take a bit of time for tax reform to happen.

Even under President Trump.

After all, he’s got the Supreme Court nomination, immigration, Obamacare and other issues to address, too. And then there are those recalcitrant Democrats who appear not to agree with anything.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said the administration would like the reform done before an August break, but McConnell says it’s going to take longer.

But what could the changes be like – eventually?

The one plan that already has been proposed, and is being supported by dozens of members of Congress, would be a radical move.

For one thing, and it’s good news for most Americans, the IRS would vanish.

As would payroll withholdings.

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What The Hell Is Going On? - Part 3

In Part One and Part Two of this article I revealed how the Deep State’s fake data and fake news propaganda machine can be overcome by opening your eyes, observing reality, understanding how Fed created inflation has destroyed our lives, and why the election of Trump was the initial deplorable pushback to Deep State evil.

“The notion that a radical is one who hates his country is naïve and usually idiotic. He is, more likely, one who likes his country more than the rest of us, and is thus more disturbed than the rest of us when he sees it debauched. He is not a bad citizen turning to crime; he is a good citizen driven to despair.” – H.L. Mencken

This new regime will enthrone itself for the duration of the Crisis. Regardless of its ideology, that new leadership will assert public authority and demand private sacrifice. Regardless of its ideology, that new leadership will assert public authority and demand private sacrifice. Where leaders had once been inclined to alleviate societal pressures, they will now aggravate them to command the nation’s attention. The regeneracy will be solidly under way.” – The Fourth Turning – Strauss & Howe

We are now seven weeks into the Trump presidency and it seems like seven years with amount of incidents that have occurred before and since his inauguration. When in doubt, Trump’s brain dead, hyperventilating with hate, opponents either blame the Russians or declare him Hitler. The histrionics displayed by the low IQ hypocritical Hollywood elite, corrupt Democratic politicians, fake news liberal media and Soros paid left wing radical terrorists over the last two months has been disgraceful, revolting, childish, and dangerous.

A counter-revolution by the gun owning normal people in the 85% red area of the country that voted for Trump would not be a pleasant experience for the paid protesters, vagina hat wearing feminazis, and the safe space anti-free speech lefties on campuses across the land.

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Obama’s ‘Watergate’: Ex-prez caught in ‘biggest scandal in U.S. history’?

Major 'uh-oh moment' for Democrats as Russia-hacking story boomerangs on left

WASHINGTON –
The script has flipped big time.

Thanks to the media’s investigation into the Trump campaign, speculation is growing that it is the Obama administration that could end up investigated for accusations one of its targets called “worse than Watergate.”

Democrats are suddenly worried their “Russia hacked the election” narrative may boomerang into a catastrophe of their own making.

Perhaps the first sign came Saturday when, as WND reported, former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau responded cautiously to President Trump’s tweeted accusation that the Obama administration had spied on his campaign and wiretapped him.

Favreau warned fellow Democrats in his own tweet: “I’d be careful about reporting that Obama said there was no wiretapping. Statement just said that neither he nor the WH (White House) ordered it.”

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Governor Larry Hogan Commemorates Grand Opening of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

Underground Railroad Visitor Center

Governor Commits to Full Funding of Harriet Tubman Statue on State House Grounds

ANNAPOLIS, MD –
In honor of Harriet Tubman Day, Governor Larry Hogan today announced the grand opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek, Maryland. The governor joined nearly 500 guests for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including descendants of Harriet Ross Tubman, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, and county and state officials. Harriet Tubman Day is celebrated annually, both nationally and in Maryland, on March 10.

Governor Hogan also reaffirmed his continued support for erecting a Harriet Tubman statue on the State House grounds in Annapolis, and pledged to commit any necessary funding to see the project to completion. Currently, $300,000 is allocated in the administration’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget for the project.

“Harriet Tubman's contributions to our state and nation transcend race, gender, nationality, and religion, and her legacy continues to inspire others to this day,” said Governor Hogan. "This visitor center is yet another way to honor this Maryland hero and serves as an invitation to all people to learn more about Harriet Tubman and how her acts of determination, courage, and selflessness impacted our nation.”

The park grounds include seventeen acres of parkland, legacy garden, recreational pavilion, as well as the new visitor center, which contains informative and educational exhibits to commemorate the life and lasting legacy of Harriet Tubman. The state, through the departments of Commerce and Natural Resources, is working together with the National Park Service and Dorchester County at this shared site to recognize and memorialize Tubman as an American hero and civil rights icon.

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center is a state-of-the-art LEED-certified facility managed in partnership by the Maryland Park Service and National Park Service. It houses an exhibit hall that features immersive displays, an information desk, a research library, and museum store. The site also serves as the new headquarters for the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, a National Park Service program. Admission is free.

“Harriet Tubman began her life as a slave right here in Maryland and is now known to the world as an abolitionist, humanitarian, and hero,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. “With the opening of this impressive facility, the achievements of Harriet Tubman will be on display for Marylanders and visitors alike and preserved for generations to come.”

Frederick Co. high school student arrested on drug and gun charges

FREDERICK, Md. (ABC7) — Frederick Co. Police arrested an 18-year-old Tuscarora High School student on drug and gun charges Thursday.

On Thursday, March 9, officers found Arroyo in possession of 24 grams of marijuana, several Xanax bars, a .22 caliber revolver with the serial number destroyed, and ammunition.

Police say Marycruz Arroyo is in the country illegally.

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Chaffetz Subpoenas ATF Agents Involved in Obama’s Fast and Furious Op

Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz subpoenaed two agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to appear before his committee in connection with the Obama Administration’s gun-running program, Fast and Furious. Firearms from the former president’s scheme were allegedly involved in the 2011 murder of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Jaime Zapata in Mexico.

Chaffetz, who serves as chairman of the House Oversight Committee issued the subpoenas after the two ATF agents failed to appear voluntarily before the committee.

“I’m tired of hearing from just [Justice Department] management, I want to hear from the people that actually are on the front lines doing this,” Chaffetz told Fox News.

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Suspected Car Bomb Explodes in Swedish Capital Stockholm

A suspected car bomb exploded in the Swedish capital of Stockholm Thursday night.

Several police patrols scrambled to the scene in Hägerstensåsen, a suburb in the south of the city, just after 10 pm on Thursday evening.

The explosion was said to have shaken nearby buildings, and there were several people in the area. No one was injured.

One witness told Swedish paper Expressen that such extreme events have become so commonplace in the once peaceful nation they were not shocked.

“We heard something that sounded like an explosion. It happens so much these days, so you do not really care… apart from the sound, it passed unnoticed,” they said.

A police source told P4 Stockholm they believe the explosives were placed in the wheel arch of the vehicle.

The spotlight has been shone on Sweden and the reported rise in violent crime there since U.S. President Donald J. Trump linked the chaos to unprecedented levels of mass, uncontrolled immigration.

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‘GOP Shouldn’t Act Like Democrats Did’

Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) said Thursday morning that his Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives "shouldn't act like the Democrats did" while trying to pass an Obamacare replacement plan.

Cotton called on House Republicans via Twitter to discard their current bill to replace Obamacare and create an entirely new plan, Mediaite reported.

The senator's first tweet said the current bill, unveiled on Monday night, will not pass through the Senate unless there are major changes made to it.

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Relax And Enjoy This Great Brief Video

It Was Probably A Good Idea For Trump To Fire Michael Flynn

It’s probably for the best that President Trump forced retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn to resign as national security adviser when he did.

That’s because Flynn would likely have found himself in another scandal — in addition to the one involving his phone calls with Russia’s ambassador — over a $530,000 lobbying contract he had with a company linked to the Turkish government.

Flynn disclosed a slew of details about that lobbying contract this week in documents filed for his firm, Flynn Intel Group, with the Justice Department under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

The Daily Caller has confirmed, in a follow-up to details in those documents, that Flynn met in New York City on Sept. 19 with Turkey’s ministers of foreign affairs and energy, Mevlut Cavusoglu and Berat Albayrak, respectively.

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ECI Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy


Admits Soliciting and Receiving Bribes in Exchange for 
Bringing Contraband into ECI

Baltimore, Maryland – Correctional Officer Thomas Leimbach, age 32, of Pocomoke City, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2017, to his participation in a racketeering conspiracy operating at the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, Maryland.

The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; Postal Inspector in Charge Robert B. Wemyss of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division; Secretary Stephen T. Moyer of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; and Colonel William M. Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police.

According to his plea agreement and court documents, the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) is the largest state prison in Maryland, operating near Westover, in Somerset County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. During the conspiracy, Leimbach was a Correctional Officer (CO) at ECI.

Vermont Mayor Who Pushed For Refugees Loses To Resettlement Critic

A mayoral election in Vermont that became a referendum on refugee resettlement ended Tuesday with the loss of the incumbent who pushed for up to 100 refugees to move into the small city.

Incumbent Rutland mayor Chris Louras lost to city alderman David Allaire by a little over 700 votes, The Rutland Herald reports. Louras reached out to refugee resettlement officials in late 2015 to propose resettling 100 Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the city of 17,000, all without consulting the Board of Aldermen.

“Rutland has been addressing our issues, and, having turned our community around, this is the next logical step — to embrace New Americans and enjoy the economic and cultural benefits that level of diversity will provide,” Louras told local publication Seven Days last June. “There’s not a successful, vibrant and growing community in the country that hasn’t embraced New Americans.”

His opponent, Allaire, maintains he’s not anti-refugee, and that his main qualm with Louras’ proposal is that he went behind the back of the local government. “It seems to be all cloak and dagger, behind the scenes,” the newly elected mayor told Seven Days.

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Inconvenient Fact About Our Forefathers

Truth is a sight to behold.


KHNL: Hawaii teacher: 'If they are here illegally, I won't teach them'

Hawaii teacher: 'If they are here illegally, I won't teach them'
Posted: 03/08/2017 3:03 PM

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EWA BEACH, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Campbell High School teacher is facing heat after saying in an email to faculty members that he would refuse to teach the children of those in the United States illegally.
He was scheduled to meet with the school's principal Wednesday.
Hawaii News Now obtained a copy of the email, which was sent Wednesday morning. The full text of the email reads:
This is another attack on the President over deportation. Their parents need to apply for immigration like everyone else.  If they are here in the US illegally, I won't teach them."
The email was sent by social studies teacher John Sullivan in response to another email sent by a school counselor about nationwide statistics on students who are being kept home from school due to deportation fears.
In an email to Hawaii News Now on Wednesday afternoon, Sullivan called the situation a "misunderstanding."
"My comment in the email refers to (the email's title) if students is (sic) kept home, teachers cannot teach them," he wrote.
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Chart of Truth


Do you still have doubt about him illegally wiretapping the Trump Campaign? 

HEARING ALERT: State Retirement Choice For The 21st Century Workforce

Important Legislation Addresses Maryland’s Unfunded Pension Liability and Creates a Sustainable Retirement System That Will Better Serve State Employees
Note: Senate Budget And Taxation to Hold Hearing on SB 540 on March 9, 2017, 1:00 PM

“Protecting the integrity of our pension system and keeping the promises made to our hardworking state employees will always be a priority of this administration.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 30, 2017

Governor Hogan Has Taken Action To Shore Up Maryland’s Pension System

Governor Hogan Has Provided Over $3.1 Billion Toward Maryland’s Pension System; Funding For The Pension System Has Increased By 11% Since Governor Hogan Took Office. Since Governor Hogan took office, $3.11 billion in state funds have been allocated toward Maryland’s pension system; $1.49 billion in fiscal year 2016 and $1.62 billion in fiscal year 2017. Funding for the pension system has increased by 11% from fiscal year 2015 to fiscal year 2017; $1.46 billion in fiscal year 2015 to $1.62 billion in fiscal year 2017. (Maryland Department Of Budget And Management)
Governor Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Allocates $1.58 Toward Maryland’s Pension System. (Maryland Department Of Budget And Management)

Governor Hogan Has Recognized The Need To Reform Maryland’s Pension System

Some Boycotts Are Bust While Others Soar

Remember when Schultz said he was hiring Refugees? Well, it seems his big mouth has caused Starbucks big losses since his truculence in January. The brand has fallen quite a lot since there Motormouth in Chief rammed his personal politics down customers' mouths. The statistics demonstrate public reaction. Perhaps it would be a smashing idea if Starbucks let Schultz move on to other pursuits so they can possibly resurrect their consumer base. Poor millennials in mommy & daddy's basement don't generally buy designer frappacino's every day; however, working folk do. Where's their strategy department been that they missed their entire target demo?


While on other fronts, mad-dog liberals declared a huge boycott on anything Trump, which included Ivanka's clothing, jewelry and perfume lines. As many of you remember, several high-end chains ousted her products from their stores so she took to Amazon (irony is most intended) and got surprising results. Wonder what Bergdorf, Macy's and Bloomies are thinking now as they watch the Ivanka Surge continue to thrive as they are starting to layoff workers due to falling retail sales? Once again, demographics completely misread. When was the last time you saw a snowflake toting a $16,000.00 Berkin handbag to their college prep class? Again, working women with money to burn because of their conservative financial stance, generally have the cash for these expenditures while Section 8 kids do not.

Sharpley granted PBJ in gun case

Judge Dale Cathell had no problem telling the court exactly what he thought of the case against retired Worcester County Fire Marshal Rodney Sharpley as he rejected a nonbinding plea deal the parties had agreed to and imposed a much weaker sentence.

“Every man in the country has the right to have a gun in the house. Every man in the country has the right to answer the front door with the gun in his hand,” Cathell said during the trial on Wednesday. “We’re talking about five or 10 seconds when a man, after midnight, in darkness, had to get it within his mind whether or not there is danger outside of his house.”

Cathell said he had cause to answer his own front door many times while holding a firearm.

“The firearm charges should never have been placed,” Cathell said.

Sharpley faced 10 charges, including two felonies, for an incident that occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14-15, 2016. The plea deal was based around one of those charges, second-degree assault, for Sharpley against Cpl. Matthew Conner of the Pocomoke City Police Department.


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Out of the Mouths of Babes

One would think Jake Tapper wouldn't want his child to look at him this way but his actions indicate otherwise.


Deep State Reality...

Whenever you hear the MSM or Liberals yammering on and on about how bad President Trump is, just remember, this is what they are discouraging! Observe.



Anyone who wants you not to believe in yourself, is not someone worth listening to. Remember that!

BIPARTISANSHIP ALERT: Protecting Victims Of Sex Trafficking Act Of 2017

Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly Vote Unanimously to Approve Important Legislation Giving Authorities Ability to More Effectively Prosecute Sex Traffickers

“Our proposed legislation will further define sexual abuse to include sex trafficking regardless of whether the sexual abuse was committed by a parent or any other person who has permanent, or temporary care, or responsibility for supervision of the child.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 12, 2017

Protecting Victims Of Sex Trafficking Act Of 2017

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Further Defines The Definition Of Sexual Abuse Relating To Child Abuse To Include The Sex Trafficking Of A Child. “‘Sex trafficking’ means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a child for the purpose of a commercial sex act. ‘ Sexual abuse’ means any act that involves: sexual molestation or exploitation of a child by a parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of a child, or by any household or family member; or sex trafficking of a child.” (“Senate Bill 308,” Maryland General Assembly,1/20/17)

Common Sense Bipartisan Proposal Received Unanimous Support In Both Chambers Of The Maryland General Assembly

The Maryland State Senate Unanimously Approved The Protecting Victims Of Sex Trafficking Act Of 2017 By A Vote Of 46-0. (“Senate Bill 308,”Maryland General Assembly, 3/8/17)

The Maryland House Of Delegates Unanimously Approved The Protecting Victims Of Sex Trafficking Act Of 2017 By A Vote Of 138-0. (“House Bill 632,” Maryland General Assembly, 3/9/17)

Marijuana increases your risk of a stroke, study warns

Using marijuana can increase your chances of a stroke and heart failure, a new study has warned.

Scientists say that smoking cannabis increases the stroke by 26 percent and heart failure by 10 percent.

The drug was also linked with a variety of factors known to increase cardiovascular risk, including obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and alcohol use.

As more states look to legalize the drug, or to prescribe it medically to alleviate symptoms of other diseases, the study sheds new light on how the drug can seriously affect cardiovascular health.

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When Whistleblowers Tell The Truth They're Traitors. When Government Lies It's Politics

Immediately after Wikileaks released thousands of documents revealing the extent of CIA surveillance and hacking practices, the government was calling for an investigation - not into why the CIA has amassed so much power, but rather, into who exposed their invasive policies.

“A federal criminal investigation is being opened into WikiLeaks’ publication of documents detailing alleged CIA hacking operations, several US officials,” reportedly told CNN.

According to USA Today:

“The inquiry, the official said, will seek to determine whether the disclosure represented a breach from the outside or a leak from inside the organization. A separate review will attempt to assess the damage caused by such a disclosure, the official said.”

Even Democratic representative Ted Lieu, who has been urging whistleblowers to come forward to expose wrongdoing within the Trump administration, has turned his focus away from what the documents exposed and toward determining how it could have possibly happened.

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Former Intel Officer: Ex-NSA Officials Carried Out DNC Hack to Expose Hillary

Disgruntled operatives used technique to ensure Russia would be blamed

The DNC hack was carried out by former NSA officials who wanted to expose Hillary Clinton, but then it was made to look as if the Russians were responsible, according to former intelligence officer Lieutenant Colonel Tony Shaffer.

Appearing on Sean Hannity’s show last night, Shaffer told Hannity that the DNC hack and the Podesta email hack, which Democrats blamed on Russia, were actually carried out by disgruntled ex-intel officers who wanted to bring down Hillary Clinton.

“Sean, we did it. Not me, but our guys, former members of NSA, retired intelligence officers used these tools to break in there and get the information out. That’s what the Democrats don’t want to talk about because it doesn’t fit their narrative,” said Shaffer.

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade Organizers Holding Firm, For Now

OUTVETS, an organization of homosexual veterans, marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston in March 2016. But parade organizers this year said no. AP Photo

Displaying the rainbow flag violates the code of conduct for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston and that’s why a group that consists of homosexual veterans is so far not being allowed to march, parade organizers said Thursday.

The code prohibits “the advertisement or display of one’s sexual orientation.”

“The Council established the Code of Conduct to protect the theme and historic integrity of the Parade. Since its founding in 1901, the Parade has been a celebration of country, community, and the Catholic faith,” parade organizers said in a press release. “The question at hand is not one of inclusion or discrimination. The Council is accepting of all people and organizations, but it will not permit messages that conflict with the overall theme of the Parade.”

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Pro Trump Rally This Morning In West Ocean City



Even though it's freezing cold outside and the wind is blowing like mad, there are some 50 people roughing it in support of our new President Trump. People were still pulling in when I left at 9:15 AM, (they started at 9:00) but my hat is tipped to those who were willing to deal with these temperatures.
There was one Liberal Idiot who was kind enough to let us know we are #1. However, while I was there a ton of people were honking and waving with excitement.

Walk Salisbury

IRS Is STILL Stonewalling FOIA Request From 2015

(Washington, DC) – Judicial Watch has announced that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported to a U.S. District Court that it located “an additional 6,924 documents of potentially responsive records” relating to a 2015 Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit about the Obama IRS targeting scandal.

The FOIA lawsuit at issue sought records about the IRS selection of individuals and organizations for audits based upon applications requesting non-profit tax status filed by Tea Party and other 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organizations (Judicial Watch v. Internal Revenue Service (No. 1:15-cv-00220)).

These newly identified records are presumably not records that were contained in the “Congressional Database,” which the IRS created in 2013 to house records responsive to congressional inquiries into the IRS scandal.

The IRS is unwilling to commit to a time frame in which the new documents will be made public:

At this time, the Service is unable to provide an estimate regarding when it will complete its review of the potentially responsive documents. The Service will begin producing any non-exempt, responsive documents by March 10, 2017, and, if necessary, continue to produce non-responsive records on a bi-weekly basis.

“The corruption at the IRS is astounding. Our attorneys knew that there were more records to be searched but the Obama IRS ignored this issue for years,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “President Trump needs to clean house at the IRS as quickly as possible.”

More here

Pentagon: Russia, China Able to Launch Catastrophic Cyber Attacks on U.S. Infrastructure for Next 10 Years

Critical American infrastructure like the electric grid will remain vulnerable to catastrophic cyber attacks from Russia and China for at least 10 years, according to a Pentagon study.

A report by a Defense Science Board task force concludes that the decade-long cyber vulnerabilities must be mitigated while the Pentagon quickly creates new cyber deterrence capabilities, including offensive cyber weapons designed to inflict damage on adversaries and their leaders.

The 44-page report, "Task Force on Cyber Deterrence" was made public Feb. 28. It is based on a two-year study by a panel of military and defense experts.

The report presents a dire picture of weaknesses in both military and civilian information and control systems that are being exploited by advanced cyber warfare states such as China and Russia, along with second-tier cyber threats from states such as North Korea and Iran.

More details here

Cruz: Pence Can Use Senate Powers to Expand Obamacare Replacement Bill

Vice President Mike Pence can overrule a Senate parliamentarian and bulk up the House healthcare bill to include conservative-favored reforms, like letting insurance companies sell across state lines, according to Sen. Ted Cruz.

The Texas Republican, who had dinner with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, says Pence, as Senate president, should be ready to overrule parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to expand the scope of the Obamacare replacement bill, The Hill reported.

Cruz argues Pence can decide what and what isn’t eligible for special procedural protection, The Hill reports – and could set aside her decision.

More here

LEGENDARY COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER


Isolation

It has long been a bone of contention with Eastern Shore natives that they have to contend with “come heres”. They have a good argument in that people come here from off the Shore because they like the life style, the climate and the amenities. But the problem lies in the fact that as soon as they get here, they treat the locals like a bunch of bumpkins and try to change things. Before the Bay Bridge was opened in 1952, the Eastern Shore was fairly isolated.
         
I remember my grandmother telling me that the Depression went over Salisbury virtually unnoticed. We had everything we needed without outside help. She said the only difference was that more men showed up at her back door asking for some work to do so they could earn some food.
         
The Eastern Shore had plenty of things to eat that are grown right here on the Shore. There were fish aplenty wherever you wanted to go to get them. The Atlantic Ocean was bountiful, as well as the many rivers and streams for fresh water fish. My grandfather used to go to Roaring Point down by Nanticoke and fill a bushel basket with rock fish in a half hour. I never saw a can of cat food until I was grown. All our cats were fed fresh fish.
         
For those who chose to hunt their food, there were deer in the forests. Rabbits and squirrels also were a staple in some families. In the spring and fall the Atlantic flyway sent enough ducks and geese over the Easter Shore that you could get all you could carry home any time at all.
         
The late Bill Phillips from Party Line on WICO grew up in Caroline County. I once heard him say that he never saw any money growing up. When it came time to go back to school at the end of summer, his mother used to go to town and barter eggs and butter for his new school shoes. Everything else he wore, she made. Many a farm wife had their husbands bring home feed sacks from the farm supplier in identical patterns. Many times she would accompany him to make sure he got the right pattern. From these feed sacks, she made her dresses, curtains, bed clothes, shirts and what ever else she needed.
         
What we had here on the Shore was enough to sustain the population. With the Bay Bridge and now the Bridge-Tunnel, we have lost forever that feeling of independence we knew for so many years.