BALTIMORE — Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler pushed a novel solution Monday for closing what he called the "revolving door" of ex-offenders returning to prisons.
Give inmates tablet computers.
As Gansler envisions it, the proposal would help offenders build both education credentials and social support before they leave prison.
The gubernatorial hopeful says the wireless devices would replace brick-and-mortar libraries and classrooms in the state's prison system, providing each inmate with an Android tablet that could connect with e-books, the state's library system, law resources and online learning programs.
They would also allow limited — and monitored — email access, so inmates could connect with family members.
"It has to work," Gansler said. "It's common sense that it will work."
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, September 07, 2013
Special Ops Vet Group Wants Truth About Benghazi Before Syria Strike
A group of special operations veterans is demanding House Speaker John Boehner form a Select Committee to uncover the truth behind the Benghazi attacks. The group said that Americans and the world will not be able to trust the Obama administration on Syria until it tells the truth about what happened in Benghazi.
Larry Ward, the political director of Special Operations Speaks (SOS), told Breitbart News that Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) was "dead on when he linked action in Syria to the Benghazi Massacre and cover up" when he questioned Secretary of State John Kerry before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.
More
Larry Ward, the political director of Special Operations Speaks (SOS), told Breitbart News that Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) was "dead on when he linked action in Syria to the Benghazi Massacre and cover up" when he questioned Secretary of State John Kerry before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.
More
Boy Scout Alternative, Trail Life USA, Launches ‘Premier’ Christian Group For Boys
The newly announced Trail Life USA expects to become a “premier” Christian organization for boys and young men when it fully launches in the new year.
Its goal is to counter the “moral free-fall” of the nation, and “raise a generation of faithful husbands, fathers, citizens and leaders
,” organizers told the national inaugural convention in Nashville, Tenn., Friday night.
More
Its goal is to counter the “moral free-fall” of the nation, and “raise a generation of faithful husbands, fathers, citizens and leaders
,” organizers told the national inaugural convention in Nashville, Tenn., Friday night.More
Defiling The Memory Of President Eisenhower
On a Tuesday night, 52 years ago. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appeared on TV sets across America. Three days later, he would leave the Oval Office to John F. Kennedy.
It all happened very fast. No one was prepared for the grim prophecy Eisenhower would tell that night in his farewell address.
“My fellow Americans…” he began.
More
It all happened very fast. No one was prepared for the grim prophecy Eisenhower would tell that night in his farewell address.
“My fellow Americans…” he began.
More
GOP Combat Veterans Lead Fight Against Syrian Military Strike
Republican congressmen who have witnessed the horrors of war for themselves as combat veterans are among those leading the way in opposition to American involvement in Syria.
Reps. Kerry Bentivolio of Michigan, Chris Gibson and Michael Grimm of New York, Doug Collins of Georgia, Ron DeSantis of Florida and Steve Stivers of Ohio have all come out saying they oppose air strikes.
In an article for the Detroit News, Bentivolio, a Vietnam War veteran who also served in the latest Iraq conflict, set out his stall against military intervention.
"What has been happening in Syria is truly a human tragedy. The nation has been torn apart by civil war. Tens of thousands have either lost their lives or been driven from their homes. It is without a doubt that Assad is not a friend of ours," he said.
"However, it has also been made clear that those who oppose him have direct ties to al-Qaida. Whoever wins this war will not be affectionate toward the United States."
He added that he does not believe American involvement is a matter of national security, and that President Barack Obama has not made an adequate case to that end.
More
Reps. Kerry Bentivolio of Michigan, Chris Gibson and Michael Grimm of New York, Doug Collins of Georgia, Ron DeSantis of Florida and Steve Stivers of Ohio have all come out saying they oppose air strikes.
In an article for the Detroit News, Bentivolio, a Vietnam War veteran who also served in the latest Iraq conflict, set out his stall against military intervention.
"What has been happening in Syria is truly a human tragedy. The nation has been torn apart by civil war. Tens of thousands have either lost their lives or been driven from their homes. It is without a doubt that Assad is not a friend of ours," he said.
"However, it has also been made clear that those who oppose him have direct ties to al-Qaida. Whoever wins this war will not be affectionate toward the United States."
He added that he does not believe American involvement is a matter of national security, and that President Barack Obama has not made an adequate case to that end.
More
Civil-liberties Groups Seek Hearings On DEA's Use Of Intelligence
A coalition of two dozen civil-liberties groups called Thursday for broad congressional hearings on the Drug Enforcement Administration, citing recent revelations by Reuters about the DEA's use of National Security Agency data to build non-terrorism cases against Americans.
Last month, Reuters reported that the DEA funnels tips from overseas NSA intercepts, informants, court-ordered wiretaps and a massive telephone database to police and federal agents nationwide, including tax investigators at the Internal Revenue Service.
The DEA instructs the agents and police to never reveal the source of the information and to instead "recreate" the investigative trail, records seen by Reuters show. This DEA process, which agents call "parallel construction," disturbs some judges, former prosecutors and defense lawyers, who say it systematically eliminates potential evidence that defendants may need to ensure a fair trial.
The DEA says the programs follow the law.
More
Last month, Reuters reported that the DEA funnels tips from overseas NSA intercepts, informants, court-ordered wiretaps and a massive telephone database to police and federal agents nationwide, including tax investigators at the Internal Revenue Service.
The DEA instructs the agents and police to never reveal the source of the information and to instead "recreate" the investigative trail, records seen by Reuters show. This DEA process, which agents call "parallel construction," disturbs some judges, former prosecutors and defense lawyers, who say it systematically eliminates potential evidence that defendants may need to ensure a fair trial.
The DEA says the programs follow the law.
More
New Snow Hill High Scores Final Approval
SNOW HILL — It’s official — Snow Hill is getting a new high school.
The Worcester County Commissioners gave the project final approval this week and groundbreaking is expected to be this January with construction potentially completed by fall of 2016.
It has been nearly a decade since the ball first started to roll on a renovated Snow Hill High School (SHHS).
“As you are well aware, planning for the renovation of Snow Hill High began with a feasibility study in 2004,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson told the commissioners Tuesday. “Nine years later, we’ve completed the design, secured full state construction funding and executed a very successful bid process.”
More
The Worcester County Commissioners gave the project final approval this week and groundbreaking is expected to be this January with construction potentially completed by fall of 2016.
It has been nearly a decade since the ball first started to roll on a renovated Snow Hill High School (SHHS).
“As you are well aware, planning for the renovation of Snow Hill High began with a feasibility study in 2004,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson told the commissioners Tuesday. “Nine years later, we’ve completed the design, secured full state construction funding and executed a very successful bid process.”
More
Brutality Of Syrian Rebels Posing Dilemma In West
The Syrian rebels posed casually, standing over their prisoners with firearms pointed down at the shirtless and terrified men.
The prisoners, seven in all, were captured Syrian soldiers. Five were trussed, their backs marked with red welts. They kept their faces pressed to the dirt as the rebels’ commander recited a bitter revolutionary verse.
“For fifty years, they are companions to corruption,” he said. “We swear to the Lord of the Throne, that this is our oath: We will take revenge.”
The moment the poem ended, the commander, known as “the Uncle,” fired a bullet into the back of the first prisoner’s head. His gunmen followed suit, promptly killing all the men at their feet.
More
The prisoners, seven in all, were captured Syrian soldiers. Five were trussed, their backs marked with red welts. They kept their faces pressed to the dirt as the rebels’ commander recited a bitter revolutionary verse.
“For fifty years, they are companions to corruption,” he said. “We swear to the Lord of the Throne, that this is our oath: We will take revenge.”
The moment the poem ended, the commander, known as “the Uncle,” fired a bullet into the back of the first prisoner’s head. His gunmen followed suit, promptly killing all the men at their feet.
More
Maryland Delegate Darren Swain Beaten, Robbed After Giving Young Men a Ride
Delegate Darren Swain, of Prince George's County, says his car, wallet and cell phones were taken.
According to charging documents, Swain was robbed and beaten about 3 a.m. in Upper Marlboro, Md., by two or three people, including 19-year-old Keion Naylor, who is being held on multiple charges.
More
Pelosi Not Sure House Democrats Will Back Syria Resolution
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she’s not sure whether a majority of House Democrats will support the use of force in Syria.
“I don’t know,” Pelosi said in an interview with Time magazine. “I think it would be important to get a majority in the Congress. But I don’t know if it’s important how you would break it down. These issues are not really partisan.”
Despite Pelosi’s comments, it has become clear that a strong majority of House Republicans are likely to oppose the resolution, meaning it would need strong support among Democrats to pass in the GOP-controlled House.
More
“I don’t know,” Pelosi said in an interview with Time magazine. “I think it would be important to get a majority in the Congress. But I don’t know if it’s important how you would break it down. These issues are not really partisan.”
Despite Pelosi’s comments, it has become clear that a strong majority of House Republicans are likely to oppose the resolution, meaning it would need strong support among Democrats to pass in the GOP-controlled House.
More
Prosecutors Face ‘Challenges’ Without Arresting Officers
OCEAN CITY — More than two months after the tragic June 30 plane crash claimed the lives of two off-duty Ocean City Police officers, many of the cases in which the victims were the arresting officers are now starting to hit the court system, creating some challenges for prosecutors, but a greater challenge for the State’s Attorney’s Office is the large number of arrests made throughout the summer by seasonal officers that will come to trial in the coming weeks and months.
On Sunday, June 30, a small Nanchang CJ-6A plane piloted by OCPD Officer Tom Geoghegan with Pfc. Joshua Adickes on board tragically crashed into the ocean just off the beach at 130th Street, claiming the lives of the two officers. Two months later, many of the cases in which the two late officers were the primary arresting officers are starting to hit the court system, creating some challenges for the State’s Attorney’s Office and its team of prosecutors.
More
On Sunday, June 30, a small Nanchang CJ-6A plane piloted by OCPD Officer Tom Geoghegan with Pfc. Joshua Adickes on board tragically crashed into the ocean just off the beach at 130th Street, claiming the lives of the two officers. Two months later, many of the cases in which the two late officers were the primary arresting officers are starting to hit the court system, creating some challenges for the State’s Attorney’s Office and its team of prosecutors.
More
Clinton Spins Obamacare
The Obama administration is worried about deeply dug-in resistance to its health-care agenda, and those worries have been compounded by its depleted political capital — most voters still disapprove of the health-care law, and the president’s approval–disapproval spread has collapsed by 18.6 points since his reelection — and so it has done what it does when the going gets tough: make a speech. The main difference this go-round is that the president commissioned Bill Clinton to make the speech on his behalf rather than deliver it himself, which is perhaps an indicator that Barack Obama no longer believes that he is his own best advertisement. President Clinton was President Clinton, meaning affable, glib, and equivocal.
President Clinton conceded that there are problems with the misnamed Affordable Care Act, suggested a few corrections, and went so far as to use the phrase “unintended consequences,” which, for anybody who comprehends the full meaning of the idea, counsels against ACA per se as well as most other federal efforts to impose political regimentation on the economy or subsectors of it. But being unwilling or unable to accommodate that insight, President Clinton instead made a faux-pragmatist argument that the country would be better off if those who support the ACA and those who oppose it agree on an effort to implement the law in an orderly fashion rather than continue to oppose it.
More
President Clinton conceded that there are problems with the misnamed Affordable Care Act, suggested a few corrections, and went so far as to use the phrase “unintended consequences,” which, for anybody who comprehends the full meaning of the idea, counsels against ACA per se as well as most other federal efforts to impose political regimentation on the economy or subsectors of it. But being unwilling or unable to accommodate that insight, President Clinton instead made a faux-pragmatist argument that the country would be better off if those who support the ACA and those who oppose it agree on an effort to implement the law in an orderly fashion rather than continue to oppose it.
More
Islamic Fundamentalists Benefit From Obama's Foreign Policy
Syria, Libya and Egypt were three of the very few remaining secular governments in the Mideast, prior to US interventions. Due to consequences flowing from Obama’s actions, all three will soon be governed by totalitarian Islamic fundamentalists.
More
DEATH, DESTRUCTION AND EXTREMISM: ARE SYRIAN CHRISTIANS DOOMED IF REBEL FIGHTERS SEIZE CONTROL?
No one can deny that the situation in Syria is dire. Death and destruction are ever-present. And when terror and chaos emerge, minority groups often have much to fear.
That’s especially true for Syria’s Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the nation’s population. Increasingly, they’re being caught in the crossfire between numerous Islamic groups.
In a recent report, CNN provided a recap of the many religious sects that have a stake in the current Syria crisis. With the vast majority of the Middle East being Islamic in both governance and personal faith allegiance, being a non-Muslim in the region can be difficult.
That in mind, the rebels, who are generally Sunnis, see Christians as supporters of President Bashar al-Assad and his government (Assad’s government is part of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam), the Associated Press reports.
More
That’s especially true for Syria’s Christians, who make up about 10 percent of the nation’s population. Increasingly, they’re being caught in the crossfire between numerous Islamic groups.
In a recent report, CNN provided a recap of the many religious sects that have a stake in the current Syria crisis. With the vast majority of the Middle East being Islamic in both governance and personal faith allegiance, being a non-Muslim in the region can be difficult.
That in mind, the rebels, who are generally Sunnis, see Christians as supporters of President Bashar al-Assad and his government (Assad’s government is part of the Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam), the Associated Press reports.
More
New Fertilizer Regulations Will Be Phased In
According to state officials, the department had previously asked that the regulations aimed at cutting pollution in the Chesapeake Bay receive emergency status so that they would be implemented for the fall planting season.
However, after farmers raised concerns, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that the revised regulations, called the phosphorus management tool, would be phased in through October 2014.
More
What Do We Stand For?
At the very edge of oblivion, some men reflect, and some men snivel and cry. I have spent many years now studying the societal strengths and failings of modern American culture, and I have to say, that most citizens within our once grand Republic will do far less reflecting and much more crying when the bell tolls. This is not to say that I believe the fight is lost. Far from it. In fact, I would consider myself an optimist amongst many of my peers in the Liberty Movement as to our chances of defending Constitutional freedom today. There is a very strong core within our country that still embraces the ideals of individualism and independence. The problem is, those who are awake face each day surrounded by lunatics and and the giggling blind. It's difficult to find solace within the asylum of the “mainstream”, and so, we begin to assume we are alone.
Even worse, we sometimes have to deal with misguided and biased persons that join the Liberty Movement, not to stand upon any solid fundamental principles, but who seek to impress their own twisted world views upon us as if they “know better”. You would think that the concept of freedom would be simple to understand and grasp, but for some, it is like plunging into a trigonometric wonderland of confusion.
As the U.S., led by the Obama Administration, moves towards yet another possible war in the Middle East, using covert terrorists as proxies and enacting violent policy based on dubious or non-existent evidence and far flung accusations, I realize that with all the blathering voices out there telling us what to think, what to do, what to fear, who to admire, who to worship, how to live, and what to aspire, perhaps it is time for each of us to solemnly question what we stand for, and what America is supposed to stand for?
Really, think about it. What are we here for? What purpose do we serve in the grand scheme of things? What are our defining principles?
More
Even worse, we sometimes have to deal with misguided and biased persons that join the Liberty Movement, not to stand upon any solid fundamental principles, but who seek to impress their own twisted world views upon us as if they “know better”. You would think that the concept of freedom would be simple to understand and grasp, but for some, it is like plunging into a trigonometric wonderland of confusion.
As the U.S., led by the Obama Administration, moves towards yet another possible war in the Middle East, using covert terrorists as proxies and enacting violent policy based on dubious or non-existent evidence and far flung accusations, I realize that with all the blathering voices out there telling us what to think, what to do, what to fear, who to admire, who to worship, how to live, and what to aspire, perhaps it is time for each of us to solemnly question what we stand for, and what America is supposed to stand for?
Really, think about it. What are we here for? What purpose do we serve in the grand scheme of things? What are our defining principles?
More
City Bemoans New Pension Accounting Rules Slated For 2014
Although the city’s position remains fairly steady or even slightly improved regarding its pension system, city leaders last week bemoaned upcoming accounting standards changes that will force them to incorporate their projected pension liabilities into the city’s total debt burden.
Under the Government Accounting Standards Board’s new protocols for 2014, municipalities must show a ‘net position’ of their pension plans on any GASB-supervised balance sheets, including the required Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
This position could be an asset, if the municipality’s pension investments exceed the current projected value of its future costs and payouts. If not, as is the case in Ocean City and most municipalities around the county, the position will be a liability.
More
Under the Government Accounting Standards Board’s new protocols for 2014, municipalities must show a ‘net position’ of their pension plans on any GASB-supervised balance sheets, including the required Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
This position could be an asset, if the municipality’s pension investments exceed the current projected value of its future costs and payouts. If not, as is the case in Ocean City and most municipalities around the county, the position will be a liability.
More
Calling Off America's Bombs
As the US Congress considers whether to authorize American military intervention in Syria, its members should bear in mind a basic truth: While Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has repeatedly used extreme violence to retain power, the United States – and other governments in the Middle East and Europe – share responsibility for turning Syria into a killing field.
These governments, led by the US, have explicitly sought the violent overthrow of Assad. Without their involvement, Assad’s regime would most likely have remained repressive; with their involvement, Syria has become a site of mass death and destruction. More than 100,000 people have died, and many of the world’s cultural and archaeological treasures have been demolished.
Syria’s civil war has occurred in two phases.
The first phase, roughly from January 2011 until March 2012, was largely an internal affair. When the Arab Spring erupted in Tunisia and Egypt in January 2011, protests erupted in Syria as well. In addition to the usual grievances under a brutal regime, Syrians were reeling from a massive drought and soaring food prices.
The protests became a military rebellion when parts of the Syrian army broke with the regime and established the Free Syrian Army. Neighboring Turkey was probably the first outside country to support the rebellion on the ground, giving sanctuary to rebel forces along its border with Syria. Although the violence was escalating, the death toll was still in the thousands, not tens of thousands.
More
These governments, led by the US, have explicitly sought the violent overthrow of Assad. Without their involvement, Assad’s regime would most likely have remained repressive; with their involvement, Syria has become a site of mass death and destruction. More than 100,000 people have died, and many of the world’s cultural and archaeological treasures have been demolished.
Syria’s civil war has occurred in two phases.
The first phase, roughly from January 2011 until March 2012, was largely an internal affair. When the Arab Spring erupted in Tunisia and Egypt in January 2011, protests erupted in Syria as well. In addition to the usual grievances under a brutal regime, Syrians were reeling from a massive drought and soaring food prices.
The protests became a military rebellion when parts of the Syrian army broke with the regime and established the Free Syrian Army. Neighboring Turkey was probably the first outside country to support the rebellion on the ground, giving sanctuary to rebel forces along its border with Syria. Although the violence was escalating, the death toll was still in the thousands, not tens of thousands.
More
Red Knights To Present 9/11 Parade Of Brothers Memorial Ride
“We’re all familiar with 9/11 and the big thing in this country is ‘Never forget.’ We just thought we would try to memorialize it,” said local Red Knights Treasurer and Senior Road Captain John Tartufo, who helps organize the event each year.
The local Red Knights chapter of about 100 members will join other motorcyclists at the Boardwalk at 27th Street for registration starting at 9 a.m. At 11 a.m., the group gathers on the Boardwalk, where motorcycles decked in American flags and other patriotic trimmings parade down the boards starting at 11:30 a.m.
More
Unserious Commander-In-Chief
Senator Bob Corker: “What is it you’re seeking?”
General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: “I can’t answer that, what we’re seeking.”
— Senate hearing on the use of force in Syria, September 3
We have a problem. The president proposes attacking Syria, and his top military officer cannot tell you the objective. Does the commander-in-chief know his own objective? Why, yes. “A shot across the bow,” explained Barack Obama.
Now, a shot across the bow is a warning. Its purpose is to say: Cease and desist, or the next shot will sink you. But Obama has already told the world — and Bashar Assad in particular — that there will be no next shot. He has insisted time and again that the operation will be finite and highly limited. Take the shot, kill some fish, go home.
More
General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: “I can’t answer that, what we’re seeking.”
— Senate hearing on the use of force in Syria, September 3
We have a problem. The president proposes attacking Syria, and his top military officer cannot tell you the objective. Does the commander-in-chief know his own objective? Why, yes. “A shot across the bow,” explained Barack Obama.
Now, a shot across the bow is a warning. Its purpose is to say: Cease and desist, or the next shot will sink you. But Obama has already told the world — and Bashar Assad in particular — that there will be no next shot. He has insisted time and again that the operation will be finite and highly limited. Take the shot, kill some fish, go home.
More
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)