DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Matthew (“Matt”) Maciarello To Run For Wicomico States Attorney
Wicomico County Republican Central Committee announces a candidate for Wicomico County State’s Attorney
Using a special provision under Maryland election law, the Wicomico County Republican Central Committee nominated Matthew (“Matt”) Maciarello as the 2010 Republican candidate for Wicomico County State’s Attorney.
Matthew Maciarello is entering the campaign upon the urging of colleagues, neighbors, law enforcement, family and friends, and because he believes that he has the education, experience, judgment and integrity required to effectuate positive change in the Office of the State’s Attorney. Matthew is concerned about Wicomico County’s crime and desires to use his energy, time, and talent to serve and protect his family and the families and citizens of Wicomico County.
Matthew Maciarello is an attorney and partner with the Salisbury law firm, Hearne & Bailey, P.A. Matt was educated locally and graduated from both Wor-Wic Community College and Salisbury University with high honors. Matt earned his juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2003 and graduated “with Honor,” a distinction reserved for students graduating in the top one-third of their graduating class. After graduating from law school, Matt completed a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Theodore R. Eschenberg and Thomas C. Groton, III in the Worcester County Circuit Court. Upon completion of his judicial clerkship, Matt was hired as an associate attorney by the law firm of Hearne & Bailey, P.A. While an associate with the firm, Matt was engaged in the general practice of law with an emphasis on criminal and civil litigation. Matt also served as a panel attorney for the Office of the Public Defender and was assigned numerous cases involving misdemeanors and felonies in the District, Circuit and Juvenile Courts of Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester County. Matt became a partner in the firm in August of 2009. Matt is a member of both the Maryland and Delaware Bar.
Matt is married and has two sons, Jonathan and Luke, ages 5 and 9 respectively, with his wife, Sarah.
Matthew Maciarello has a long history of service to Wicomico County:
President of the Wicomico County Bar Association 2008-2009
Active member of the Salisbury Rotary Club
Awarded Rotarian of the Year in 2006 and awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for his service and dedication to his club and community.
A youth soccer coach for his son Jonathan’s St. Francis De Sales soccer team.
Cub Scout leader Pack 185, St. Francis De Sales.
Serves on the Wor-Wic Foundation Board
Currently Assistant Legal Counsel for the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
Matt’s Treasurer is Steven G. Woodward.
Contact for further information or an interview with Matthew Maciarello please call (410) 543-0294.
Today's Survey Question
What Do You Pay A Year In Auto Insurance?Please name who the company is and how many vehicles are involved.
POLLITT’S NOMINEES TO P&Z COMMISSION PUT ON HOLD
At yesterday’s meeting of the Wicomico County Council, the resolutions to approve two persons nominated by Rick Pollitt for the Planning and Zoning Commission were removed from the agenda for review and discussion at a work session. For whatever reason, that had not occurred previously. As this blog has reported earlier, there are very significant reasons why neither of the nominees should be members of the Commission.
Dwayne Lockman has for about 10 years been a developer and builder of sorts in this area, “Rajun Cajun Homes, LLC,” having previously been a career federal employee who worked on welfare matters in the Clinton administration among other things. Several years ago he got the City of Salisbury to annex land on Jersey Road that he plans to develop. Besides that obvious conflict, there are other objections.
In his resume submitted to the County, Lockman presents himself as an experienced developer in North Carolina, but in news reports there it appears that his various projects never got off the ground and at least one may be in foreclosure. In the past he has had several significant lawsuits in Wicomico County, including one by Ed Wilgus, a local resident who appears to be or have been a partner in a North Carolina venture.
The other nominee, Jacob Day, has very little actual experience, having completed his academic training just two years ago. At present is employed by a non-profit organization that advocates against development on the Eastern Shore. He lives in Salisbury, and if appointed that would increase the concentration of the Commission’s members in the Salisbury area.
It is astounding both that Mr. Pollitt would have nominated these persons and that they would be on the Council’s agenda without having been reviewed in a work session. Had that happened, both probably would have been canned at that point. We urge that Rick Pollitt withdraw their nominations without further waste of the Council’s time.
Those who may want to be on the Commission should contact the County Executive’s office.
Dwayne Lockman has for about 10 years been a developer and builder of sorts in this area, “Rajun Cajun Homes, LLC,” having previously been a career federal employee who worked on welfare matters in the Clinton administration among other things. Several years ago he got the City of Salisbury to annex land on Jersey Road that he plans to develop. Besides that obvious conflict, there are other objections.
In his resume submitted to the County, Lockman presents himself as an experienced developer in North Carolina, but in news reports there it appears that his various projects never got off the ground and at least one may be in foreclosure. In the past he has had several significant lawsuits in Wicomico County, including one by Ed Wilgus, a local resident who appears to be or have been a partner in a North Carolina venture.
The other nominee, Jacob Day, has very little actual experience, having completed his academic training just two years ago. At present is employed by a non-profit organization that advocates against development on the Eastern Shore. He lives in Salisbury, and if appointed that would increase the concentration of the Commission’s members in the Salisbury area.
It is astounding both that Mr. Pollitt would have nominated these persons and that they would be on the Council’s agenda without having been reviewed in a work session. Had that happened, both probably would have been canned at that point. We urge that Rick Pollitt withdraw their nominations without further waste of the Council’s time.
Those who may want to be on the Commission should contact the County Executive’s office.
Three Big Ideas For Solving Unemployment
Figuring out smart ways to help create jobs for millions of Americans.
The month of July, so far, has seemed like hell for close to 2.5 million Americans. That’s the number of people who lost their unemployment benefits when Congress did not pass the jobs bill before its July 4 recess.
The Senate voted Tuesday 60-40 to break the filibuster on the roughly $33 billion legislation, which will extend unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed through November and which could start paying benefits as early as next week. (Republicans had originally opposed the plan, saying it would only add to what they see as an out-of-control deficit). President Obama slammed the Senate’s failure to pass the bill during a speech on Monday in the Rose Garden, where he was accompanied by a former auto-parts manager who has been unemployed for roughly two years.
But apart from extending unemployment insurance, the country still needs to figure out a smart way to create jobs for millions of people whose industries and livelihoods have altogether disappeared. The U.S. labor market has undergone such a dramatic shift that many jobs in construction, manufacturing, and the auto industry will not return, and some employers say workers do not necessarily have the technical or mathematical skills to compete in today’s workplaces.
So, how should we put 15 million unemployed Americans back to work? Here’s a quick look at the big ideas for solving the jobs crisis:
GO HERE to read more.
The month of July, so far, has seemed like hell for close to 2.5 million Americans. That’s the number of people who lost their unemployment benefits when Congress did not pass the jobs bill before its July 4 recess.
The Senate voted Tuesday 60-40 to break the filibuster on the roughly $33 billion legislation, which will extend unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed through November and which could start paying benefits as early as next week. (Republicans had originally opposed the plan, saying it would only add to what they see as an out-of-control deficit). President Obama slammed the Senate’s failure to pass the bill during a speech on Monday in the Rose Garden, where he was accompanied by a former auto-parts manager who has been unemployed for roughly two years.
But apart from extending unemployment insurance, the country still needs to figure out a smart way to create jobs for millions of people whose industries and livelihoods have altogether disappeared. The U.S. labor market has undergone such a dramatic shift that many jobs in construction, manufacturing, and the auto industry will not return, and some employers say workers do not necessarily have the technical or mathematical skills to compete in today’s workplaces.
So, how should we put 15 million unemployed Americans back to work? Here’s a quick look at the big ideas for solving the jobs crisis:
GO HERE to read more.
40-Ton Mammal Lands On Yacht
A couple were out sailing near South Africa's infamous Robben Island when a forty-ton whale breached and crash-landed on their yacht.
"We were watching the whale flipping its tail for about half an hour," said Cape Town Sailing Academy administrator Paloma Werner, who was enjoying a Sunday sail with her boyfriend and sailing instructor, Ralph Mothes.
"It reached about 100 to 200 meters (328 to 656 feet) from us, then it disappeared under water and reappeared about 10 to 20 meters (33 to 66 feet) from the boat, but we didn't think we were on a collision course," she told msnbc.com.
The young Southern Right Whale was longer than their 10-meter (33-foot) yacht — most likely between 11 and 14 meters (36 and 46 feet) — Werner said.
"My boyfriend told me to go to the other side of the boat," she said, explaining that they thought it would dive under their vessel.
"All I heard him say was 'Oh sh*&,' and I saw the whale come out of the water and crash against the mast of the boat.
"I ducked behind the coach house and my boyfriend ducked behind the steering wheel and we saw the mast crashing toward us and the whale slip back into the water," she said.
GO HERE to read more.
Wild Jobs: Spending Time With Zookeepers
WASHINGTON - Think your job is wild? It's nothing compared to working at the National Zoo.
WTOP visited some zookeepers at the zoo as part of National Zoo Keeper Week, which runs through July 24.
WTOP watched Gwendolyn Cooper, a keeper in the Bird House, make breakfast for the birds.
"They get pellets, greens, (and) mice," Cooper says.
As she feeds the birds, she can get a closer look to make sure they're OK. On that day, a male peacock strutted his colorful stuff for an unimpressed female.
"It's like if somebody brings you flowers every day. It's cute for a while, but can you imagine? Every day flowers, every day flowers. At some point she says, 'OK, what else do you have?'" Cooper jokes.
GO HERE to read more.
WTOP visited some zookeepers at the zoo as part of National Zoo Keeper Week, which runs through July 24.
WTOP watched Gwendolyn Cooper, a keeper in the Bird House, make breakfast for the birds.
"They get pellets, greens, (and) mice," Cooper says.
As she feeds the birds, she can get a closer look to make sure they're OK. On that day, a male peacock strutted his colorful stuff for an unimpressed female.
"It's like if somebody brings you flowers every day. It's cute for a while, but can you imagine? Every day flowers, every day flowers. At some point she says, 'OK, what else do you have?'" Cooper jokes.
GO HERE to read more.
Sexual Assaults Up 325 Percent In Parts Of D.C.
WASHINGTON - The union representing the District's 3,600 police officers is calling for an investigation into how the police department reports crime statistics after comments made by Chief Cathy Lanier on WTOP.
Kristopher Baumann, chairman of the Fraternal Order of Police's Labor Committee, sent a letter to the District's Inspector General and the D.C. Council saying the Department "failed to publicly admit or recognize what could be only described as an alarming rise in serious sexual assaults in the District of Columbia."
Lanier told WTOP in early July that sexual assaults in the District were up in some areas from last year.
"Sexual assaults as a whole are up citywide," Lanier said on WTOP's Ask The Chief Program. "And in a couple of districts, they are up double digit percentages."
GO HERE to read more.
BODY OF MISSING MAN RECOVERED FROM RESERVOIR
(Finksburg, MD) – Police divers have recovered the body of a missing Baltimore County man who disappeared under the water while swimming with friends Sunday afternoon in Liberty Reservoir.
Dive team members from the Maryland State Police and the Baltimore County Police recovered the body of Justin D. Oliver, 20, of Catonsville, Md., at about noon today. The body was found in Liberty Reservoir in the cove area where the victim was last seen. The body was about 25 feet from shore and had been in an area that was 25-30 feet deep. The victim’s body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
Witnesses, who were two friends of Oliver’s, told State Police the three were swimming in Liberty Reservoir about one-half mile from Deer Park Road at the Carroll/Baltimore County line during the afternoon of July 18th. They said Oliver and one of the friends decided to swim across a cove, which was a distance of about 100 yards. The friend made it across, but Oliver said he was having difficulty and turned back toward the shore he departed from before disappearing under the water. His friends tried, but were unable to locate him and called for help.
Searches for the victim began immediately and were conducted Sunday night, all day Monday, and through the morning hours of today until his body was located. Agencies involved in the searches included the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County Fire Department, Gamber Volunteer Fire Department, Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Mason Dixon Search and Rescue, and the Baltimore Public Works Department.
Dive team members from the Maryland State Police and the Baltimore County Police recovered the body of Justin D. Oliver, 20, of Catonsville, Md., at about noon today. The body was found in Liberty Reservoir in the cove area where the victim was last seen. The body was about 25 feet from shore and had been in an area that was 25-30 feet deep. The victim’s body will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
Witnesses, who were two friends of Oliver’s, told State Police the three were swimming in Liberty Reservoir about one-half mile from Deer Park Road at the Carroll/Baltimore County line during the afternoon of July 18th. They said Oliver and one of the friends decided to swim across a cove, which was a distance of about 100 yards. The friend made it across, but Oliver said he was having difficulty and turned back toward the shore he departed from before disappearing under the water. His friends tried, but were unable to locate him and called for help.
Searches for the victim began immediately and were conducted Sunday night, all day Monday, and through the morning hours of today until his body was located. Agencies involved in the searches included the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County Fire Department, Gamber Volunteer Fire Department, Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, Mason Dixon Search and Rescue, and the Baltimore Public Works Department.
Both Kittens Abandoned In Delmar Adopted
The two kittens that were abandoned in Delmar and then put up for adoption have been adopted.
It truly pleases me to see our new Adoption Site working so well. Every animal that goes up gets adopted in a very short period of time, relieving the Humane Society and County Taxpayers.
Thanks for all your support Folks!
It truly pleases me to see our new Adoption Site working so well. Every animal that goes up gets adopted in a very short period of time, relieving the Humane Society and County Taxpayers.
Thanks for all your support Folks!
3rd Friday July Photos
Dear SBY News,
We had another awesome Third Friday! (view photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smdiphotography1/sets/72157624406841211/ )
I thought your readers might like to see.
The Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council (SWAC) put on a tribute all things American in Downtown Salisbury's Lot 10.
Mayor Jim Ireton was there as well as the Rock band Riot Act. In the midst there was Betsy Ross giving sewing lessons, free apple pie and a patriotic dance by the talented students at D'Ann Danse Studio.
Not only was there family friendly events going on in Lot 10, but there were street performers up and down main street. Some even came as far as Baltimore, just to perform in our Third Friday celebration.
I was fortunate enough to stop by Cake Art, and sample there amazing treats! Other shops were open just for Third Friday, such as the Velvet Pearl, The Perfect Dress and many others!
Even Sherwood Auto Sales made it out to support the city.
I'd like to extend a warm thanks to everyone who participated in Third Friday.
Sincerely,
Stephen DiCarlo
SMDi Photography
443.783.1682
A Letter To The Editor
"I would like to thank the Salisbury Fire Department who responded to my neighbors shed/house/woods fire on Dublin Road at 1:00 this morning. Your quick response saved our woods, our homes and possibly lives if the response time was not as quick. You all are so very appreciated and I just wanted to personally thank you..
God Bless each and every one of you.."
God Bless each and every one of you.."
HARTWELL: Obama Lawsuit Invites Fortified State Militia
Constitution leaves room for Arizona to secure border
Arizona has enacted a law that enables state and local police to support fed- eral immigration en- forcement, in a care- fully circumscribed manner. This moderate statute is under vicious attack by the Obama administration and assorted amnesty advocates. Yet Arizona and her sister states in the Southwest could take dramatically stronger actions to bring order to the border. And they would have both history and the Constitution on their side.
History first. In 1916, criminal gangs rivaled the authority of the Mexican government. Led by Pancho Villa, they launched attacks against Americans on both sides of the border. Following a bloody raid that killed American soldiers and civilians in New Mexico, President Woodrow Wilson dispatched 15,000 state militia to the border and sent Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing and thousands more soldiers into Mexico after Villa and his bandits. Once Pershing's force clashed with the Mexican army, Wilson ordered another 75,000 National Guardsmen to the border region. Supported by an enraged American citizenry, Wilson reacted swiftly and with substantial force to secure our southern border and drive out what was, in effect, a marauding army of Mexican invaders.
Today, armed drug cartels openly challenge the Mexican government. Deadly battles occur frequently in Mexico, where more than 6,500 people were killed by cartel forces last year and more than 5,000 have been killed so far this year. Paramilitary bands have entered the United States illegally and set up sentry and command posts. Federal authorities have actually ceded control of public land in Arizona to these invaders. Cartels claim openly that Mexico's border with the United States has been moved northward to Interstate 8. Federal officials have even advised the public to avoid the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which is not on the border; it's 35 miles southwest of Phoenix.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu reports that attacks on police and American citizens have increased in the past several months, saying, "It is literally out of control." Mitch Ellis, federal manager of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona, warns that the area is "increasingly violent" because of "smugglers and border bandits." The police chief of Nogales, Ariz., has received threats that cartels may use snipers positioned just across the border to target law enforcement personnel in the U.S.
Of course, this is not just about trafficking in drugs and illegals. According to reports, "hundreds of Somalis" with ties to "terror cells" have infiltrated the United States from Mexico. Al Qaeda, Hezbollah and kindred groups are all reported to be actively moving their members across the border. Trust me, these folks are not entering the United States illegally in order to get work in your neighbor's backyard.
Is Arizona at the mercy of the Obama administration, or does it have some options here?
For one thing, Arizona can form and expand its own state militia. Such forces were common when our nation was founded, and the Second Amendment recognizes that a "well-regulated Militia" is "necessary to the security of a free State." In short, Arizona and other states can raise and arm their own military forces. But, for what purpose can such forces legally act?
Arizona has enacted a law that enables state and local police to support fed- eral immigration en- forcement, in a care- fully circumscribed manner. This moderate statute is under vicious attack by the Obama administration and assorted amnesty advocates. Yet Arizona and her sister states in the Southwest could take dramatically stronger actions to bring order to the border. And they would have both history and the Constitution on their side.
History first. In 1916, criminal gangs rivaled the authority of the Mexican government. Led by Pancho Villa, they launched attacks against Americans on both sides of the border. Following a bloody raid that killed American soldiers and civilians in New Mexico, President Woodrow Wilson dispatched 15,000 state militia to the border and sent Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing and thousands more soldiers into Mexico after Villa and his bandits. Once Pershing's force clashed with the Mexican army, Wilson ordered another 75,000 National Guardsmen to the border region. Supported by an enraged American citizenry, Wilson reacted swiftly and with substantial force to secure our southern border and drive out what was, in effect, a marauding army of Mexican invaders.
Today, armed drug cartels openly challenge the Mexican government. Deadly battles occur frequently in Mexico, where more than 6,500 people were killed by cartel forces last year and more than 5,000 have been killed so far this year. Paramilitary bands have entered the United States illegally and set up sentry and command posts. Federal authorities have actually ceded control of public land in Arizona to these invaders. Cartels claim openly that Mexico's border with the United States has been moved northward to Interstate 8. Federal officials have even advised the public to avoid the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which is not on the border; it's 35 miles southwest of Phoenix.
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu reports that attacks on police and American citizens have increased in the past several months, saying, "It is literally out of control." Mitch Ellis, federal manager of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona, warns that the area is "increasingly violent" because of "smugglers and border bandits." The police chief of Nogales, Ariz., has received threats that cartels may use snipers positioned just across the border to target law enforcement personnel in the U.S.
Of course, this is not just about trafficking in drugs and illegals. According to reports, "hundreds of Somalis" with ties to "terror cells" have infiltrated the United States from Mexico. Al Qaeda, Hezbollah and kindred groups are all reported to be actively moving their members across the border. Trust me, these folks are not entering the United States illegally in order to get work in your neighbor's backyard.
Is Arizona at the mercy of the Obama administration, or does it have some options here?
For one thing, Arizona can form and expand its own state militia. Such forces were common when our nation was founded, and the Second Amendment recognizes that a "well-regulated Militia" is "necessary to the security of a free State." In short, Arizona and other states can raise and arm their own military forces. But, for what purpose can such forces legally act?
Dr. Thomas Sowell Sums It Up: Race Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is a serious problem. But race card fraud is an even bigger problem.
Playing the race card takes many forms. Judge Charles Pickering, a federal judge in Mississippi who defended the civil rights of blacks for years and defied the Ku Klux Klan back when that was dangerous, was depicted as a racist when he was nominated for a federal appellate judgeship.
No one even mistakenly thought he was a racist. The point was simply to discredit him for political reasons-- and it worked.
This year's target is the Tea Party. When leading Democrats, led by a smirking Nancy Pelosi, made their triumphant walk on Capitol Hill, celebrating their passage of a bill in defiance of public opinion, Tea Party members on the scene protested.
All this was captured on camera and the scene was played on television. What was not captured on any of the cameras and other recording devices on the scene was anybody using racist language, as has been charged by those playing the race card.
When you realize how many media people were there, and how many ordinary citizens carry around recording devices of one sort or another, it is remarkable-- indeed, unbelievable-- that racist remarks were made and yet were not captured by anybody.
The latest attack on the Tea Party movement, by Ben Jealous of the NAACP, has once again played the race card. Like the proverbial lawyer who knows his case is weak, he shouts louder.
This is not the first time that an organization with an honorable and historic mission has eventually degenerated into a tawdry racket. But that an organization like the NAACP, after years of fighting against genuine racism, should now be playing the game of race card fraud is especially painful to see.
Some critics of the Tea Party have seized upon banners carried at one of its rallies that compared Obama with Hitler and Stalin. Extreme? Yes. But there was nothing racist about it, since extreme comparisons have been made about politicians of every race, color, creed, nationality, ideology and sexual preference.
Some Obama supporters have long regarded any criticism of him as racism. But that they should have to resort to such a banner to bolster their case shows how desperate they are for any evidence.
Among people who voted for Barack Obama in 2008, those who are likely to be most disappointed are those who thought that they were voting for a new post-racial era. There was absolutely nothing in Obama's past to lead to any such expectation, and much to suggest the exact opposite. But the man's rhetoric and demeanor during the election campaign enabled this and many other illusions to flourish.
Still, it was an honest mistake of the kind that decent people have often made when dealing with people whose agendas are not constrained by decency, but only by what they think they can get away with.
On race, as on other issues, different people have radically different views of Barack Obama, depending on whether they judge him by what he says or by what he does.
As Obama's own books point out, he has for years cultivated a talent for saying things that people will find congenial.
You want bipartisanship and an end to bickering in Washington? He will say that he wants bipartisanship and an end to bickering in Washington. Then he will shut Republicans out of the decision-making process and respond to their suggestions by reminding them that he won the election. A famous writer-- Ring Lardner, I believe-- once wrote: "'Shut up,' he explained."
You want a government that is open instead of secretive? He will say that. He will promise to post proposed legislation on the Internet long enough for everyone to read it and know what is in it before there is a vote. In practice, however, he has rushed massive bills through Congress too fast for anybody-- even the members of Congress-- to know what was in those bills.
Racial issues are more of the same. You want a government where all citizens are treated alike, regardless of race or ethnicity? Obama will say that. Then he will advocate appointing judges with "empathy" for particular segments of the population, such as racial minorities. "Empathy" is just a pretty word for the ugly reality of bias.
Playing the race card takes many forms. Judge Charles Pickering, a federal judge in Mississippi who defended the civil rights of blacks for years and defied the Ku Klux Klan back when that was dangerous, was depicted as a racist when he was nominated for a federal appellate judgeship.
No one even mistakenly thought he was a racist. The point was simply to discredit him for political reasons-- and it worked.
This year's target is the Tea Party. When leading Democrats, led by a smirking Nancy Pelosi, made their triumphant walk on Capitol Hill, celebrating their passage of a bill in defiance of public opinion, Tea Party members on the scene protested.
All this was captured on camera and the scene was played on television. What was not captured on any of the cameras and other recording devices on the scene was anybody using racist language, as has been charged by those playing the race card.
When you realize how many media people were there, and how many ordinary citizens carry around recording devices of one sort or another, it is remarkable-- indeed, unbelievable-- that racist remarks were made and yet were not captured by anybody.
The latest attack on the Tea Party movement, by Ben Jealous of the NAACP, has once again played the race card. Like the proverbial lawyer who knows his case is weak, he shouts louder.
This is not the first time that an organization with an honorable and historic mission has eventually degenerated into a tawdry racket. But that an organization like the NAACP, after years of fighting against genuine racism, should now be playing the game of race card fraud is especially painful to see.
Some critics of the Tea Party have seized upon banners carried at one of its rallies that compared Obama with Hitler and Stalin. Extreme? Yes. But there was nothing racist about it, since extreme comparisons have been made about politicians of every race, color, creed, nationality, ideology and sexual preference.
Some Obama supporters have long regarded any criticism of him as racism. But that they should have to resort to such a banner to bolster their case shows how desperate they are for any evidence.
Among people who voted for Barack Obama in 2008, those who are likely to be most disappointed are those who thought that they were voting for a new post-racial era. There was absolutely nothing in Obama's past to lead to any such expectation, and much to suggest the exact opposite. But the man's rhetoric and demeanor during the election campaign enabled this and many other illusions to flourish.
Still, it was an honest mistake of the kind that decent people have often made when dealing with people whose agendas are not constrained by decency, but only by what they think they can get away with.
On race, as on other issues, different people have radically different views of Barack Obama, depending on whether they judge him by what he says or by what he does.
As Obama's own books point out, he has for years cultivated a talent for saying things that people will find congenial.
You want bipartisanship and an end to bickering in Washington? He will say that he wants bipartisanship and an end to bickering in Washington. Then he will shut Republicans out of the decision-making process and respond to their suggestions by reminding them that he won the election. A famous writer-- Ring Lardner, I believe-- once wrote: "'Shut up,' he explained."
You want a government that is open instead of secretive? He will say that. He will promise to post proposed legislation on the Internet long enough for everyone to read it and know what is in it before there is a vote. In practice, however, he has rushed massive bills through Congress too fast for anybody-- even the members of Congress-- to know what was in those bills.
Racial issues are more of the same. You want a government where all citizens are treated alike, regardless of race or ethnicity? Obama will say that. Then he will advocate appointing judges with "empathy" for particular segments of the population, such as racial minorities. "Empathy" is just a pretty word for the ugly reality of bias.
BREAKING NEWS: States Attorney Davis Ruark Has A New Opponent
Ladies & Gentlemen, there's a new prospect filing this morning to run against Davis Ruark. The Republican Central Committee has put up Mat Masiarello, former President of the Bar Association.
This could get quite interesting as this young man has no skeletons, that I know of anyway. You heard it here first Folks. We'll fill you in with more details later today.
This could get quite interesting as this young man has no skeletons, that I know of anyway. You heard it here first Folks. We'll fill you in with more details later today.
GOP Apparently Lacks the 'Will' to Stop Kagan Nomination
With time running out to block U.S. Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan, Republicans appear increasingly divided over whether they have a realistic shot at stopping her confirmation.
Many Republicans say confidentially that it's doubtful even a full-court press by the National Rifle Association and a GOP filibuster could derail Kagan. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to approve the nomination Tuesday and send it to the full Senate for a vote.
Curt Levey, executive director of the conservative Committee for Justice organization, says it probably isn't realistic to expect a GOP filibuster.
Levey expects that four to five GOP senators ultimately will vote to confirm her nomination, despite reservations about her lack of trial experience, her views on partial-birth abortion, and her opposition to on-campus military recruitment at Harvard because of the don't ask, don't tell policy on gay armed services personnel.
Republicans in the Senate, Levey says, appear to lack the will to torpedo Kagan.
"They're not sure what the end game is," Levey says. "They're not going to defeat her, so their feeling is 'Let's just get it over with.' I think if properly played, you could score a lot of political points with it. But I just don't see the will there."
The best and perhaps only chance Republicans have of stopping Kagan stems from the NRA's decision last week to score the vote on the nomination.
The NRA says Kagan has failed to demonstrate adequate support for the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The association will mark down any senator who sides with Kagan.
Rick Manning, a former NRA lobbyist who is communications director for the libertarian-leaning Americans for Limited Government organization, says nine Democratic senators are from states whose electorates strongly support the right to bear arms who may have to choose between keeping their coveted "A" rating from the NRA or voting for Kagan.
They include Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada, Max Baucus of Montana, Mark Begich of Alaska, Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Jon Tester of Montana, Mark Warner of Virginia, and Jim Webb of Virginia.
Those senators are no doubt hoping Republicans opt not to filibuster the nomination, a decision that largely rests in the hands of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Many Republicans say confidentially that it's doubtful even a full-court press by the National Rifle Association and a GOP filibuster could derail Kagan. The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to approve the nomination Tuesday and send it to the full Senate for a vote.
Curt Levey, executive director of the conservative Committee for Justice organization, says it probably isn't realistic to expect a GOP filibuster.
Levey expects that four to five GOP senators ultimately will vote to confirm her nomination, despite reservations about her lack of trial experience, her views on partial-birth abortion, and her opposition to on-campus military recruitment at Harvard because of the don't ask, don't tell policy on gay armed services personnel.
Republicans in the Senate, Levey says, appear to lack the will to torpedo Kagan.
"They're not sure what the end game is," Levey says. "They're not going to defeat her, so their feeling is 'Let's just get it over with.' I think if properly played, you could score a lot of political points with it. But I just don't see the will there."
The best and perhaps only chance Republicans have of stopping Kagan stems from the NRA's decision last week to score the vote on the nomination.
The NRA says Kagan has failed to demonstrate adequate support for the Second Amendment right to bear arms. The association will mark down any senator who sides with Kagan.
Rick Manning, a former NRA lobbyist who is communications director for the libertarian-leaning Americans for Limited Government organization, says nine Democratic senators are from states whose electorates strongly support the right to bear arms who may have to choose between keeping their coveted "A" rating from the NRA or voting for Kagan.
They include Sens. Harry Reid of Nevada, Max Baucus of Montana, Mark Begich of Alaska, Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Jon Tester of Montana, Mark Warner of Virginia, and Jim Webb of Virginia.
Those senators are no doubt hoping Republicans opt not to filibuster the nomination, a decision that largely rests in the hands of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
[Regardless of any other history, any GOP senator who rolls over on this vote should be thrown out in their next election. There's no excuse for lacking the 'will' to do what's right.-- Editor]
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