DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
Salisbury News To Deliver Major News Story At 7:00 AM Tomorrow Morning
Delegate McDermott's End of Session Letter
End of Session Wrap Up
Dear Fellow Citizen and Patriot of the Eastern Shore,
I wish I could report to you that Annapolis had changed its way of thinking this year. I had hoped beyond hope that the majority party that rules the General Assembly would wake up to the economic realities facing our great state and move us in the appropriate direction. Sadly, the days of reckless spending, tax and fee increases, and overly burdensome regulations have not yet ended for Maryland. I truly wanted to report to you that the legislature resisted robbing from teachers’ pensions, the Chesapeake Bay Trust, and the Transportation Trust Fund, but that is not the case. I wanted a health care fix that would work for our people and an energy policy that made sense, but we continue to throw millions down a dark hole and refuse to seek natural gas reserves that would make us energy independent.
Instead of fiscal restraint and smart initiatives, the General Assembly has left us with:
Budgeting Fiasco
Increased spending by $2 Billion over last year’s budget
$4.5 billion robbed from “Trust Funds”
$200 million robbed from Teacher Pensions ($200 million more in 2015)
Rejected efforts to cut spending by hundreds of millions
Bond Bill/Earmark debt that outpaces revenue by $300 million, leading to higher Property Tax rates statewide.
Obamacare Debacle
$150 million spent on a computer system that will never work
Presented the governor with a blank check to pay for medical services for people who simply claim they could not get on the website
Added 400 employees to take calls and then abandoned the whole system!
The governor is now switching to another system, and we just gave him an additional $50 million to start that process with no idea on the total cost to operate the system.
Transgender Rights
Instead of truly facing the issues surrounding transgender rights, the House passed incoherent legislation that will allow for the following:
A man can use the women’s restroom if he simply thinks he should be a woman.
A woman’s day spa must allow a man access to their disrobing areas and dressing rooms if the man claims he is really a woman at heart.
A YMCA or local gym will need to provide alternative facilities for a transgender or they must allow a man to use the women’s locker room if he so desires.
These actions will cost businesses and nonprofit organizations money as they seek to preserve the integrity of their establishments from these changes.
New Gun Control Idea: Weapon Can't Fire Unless User Is Wearing Bracelet
"By making them either through finger print identification, the gun talks to a bracelet or something that you might wear, how guns can be used only by the person who is lawfully in possession of the weapon," said Holder.
"It’s those kinds of things that I think we want to try to explore so that we can make sure that people have the ability to enjoy their Second Amendment rights, but at the same time decreasing the misuse of weapons that lead to the kinds of things that we see on a daily basis."
More
Nigeria just doubled the size of its economy with a stroke of a pen
Over the weekend, Nigeria’s government made an accounting adjustment in how it calculates its GDP statistics.
By changing the base-year in GDP calculations from 1990 to 2010, Nigeria increased the reported size of its economy by 89% over the weekend.
So with a stroke of a pen, the West African nation leapfrogged South Africa to become the continent’s largest economy.
And in doing so the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio fell below 20%. The ratio of bad loans in the banking system when compared to the overall size of the economy also dramatically declined in proportion.
The same thing happened in Poland last year when the government there made a grab for private pensions, then counted those new assets against government debt.
It was just another accounting scam. But it dramatically lowered Poland’s debt-to-GDP ratio on paper, even though the government had not actually gotten any ‘richer’.
Just hours ago, the European Central Bank released its 2013 annual report, showing a massive 44% surge in profits.
More
By changing the base-year in GDP calculations from 1990 to 2010, Nigeria increased the reported size of its economy by 89% over the weekend.
So with a stroke of a pen, the West African nation leapfrogged South Africa to become the continent’s largest economy.
And in doing so the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio fell below 20%. The ratio of bad loans in the banking system when compared to the overall size of the economy also dramatically declined in proportion.
The same thing happened in Poland last year when the government there made a grab for private pensions, then counted those new assets against government debt.
It was just another accounting scam. But it dramatically lowered Poland’s debt-to-GDP ratio on paper, even though the government had not actually gotten any ‘richer’.
Just hours ago, the European Central Bank released its 2013 annual report, showing a massive 44% surge in profits.
More
POLICE COMMISSION TO HOLD MEETING FOR TAXI MEDALLION OWNERS
(April 8, 2014) – The Police Commission will hold a meeting for all taxi medallion owners concerning the proposed rate increase on April 28. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and take place at the Ocean City Public Safety Building located at 6501 Coastal Highway. Medallion owners will have an opportunity to voice their opinions about the proposed rate hike prior to the Police Commission making any recommendation to the City Council.
This meeting is restricted to medallion owners or their assigned representatives. One speaker per company will be permitted. Those wishing to attend must contact Michelle Monico, Taxi Program Coordinator and Records Management Supervisor, at 410-723-6631 before April 24.
DNC calls on GOP to condemn Breitbart’s ‘reprehensible’ Nancy Pelosi twerking pic
In a statement, Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz called the site’s artwork — including a Photoshopped image of Nancy Pelosi’s head on Miley Cyrus’s twerking body — “a disgusting new low and would be reprehensible against any woman – regardless of party. It’s no wonder the Republicans are having problems appealing to women.”
She then called for Republican leaders to condemn the site, writing that “[i]f GOP leaders are serious about their rebrand, then both their elected and Party leadership should condemn this outrageous behavior, call on Breitbart News to immediately remove the ad, and not continue to use this website as a forum for their views.”
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Tense Exchange Complete With Finger-Pointing Erupts Between Eric Holder and Louie Gohmert: ‘Good Luck With Your Asparagus’
A tense moment during a congressional hearing Tuesday ended with Attorney General Eric Holder making a disparaging reference to something Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) said during a hearing in 2013.
“Good luck with your asparagus,” Holder said after Gohmert’s time had expired.
Obviously, the “asparagus” reference requires some explaining.
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Dramatic, Little Known GOP Rule Change Takes Choice Of Presidential Candidate Away From Rank And File Republicans And Hands It To Party Elite
There’s an unspoken storm brewing in the Republican Party—a storm whose seeds were planted in the first days of the 2012 Republican National Convention.
For those who may not recall those late August days in 2012, the Republican Party arrived in Tampa dedicated to creating a seamless launch for the national presidential campaign of its standard bearer, Governor Mitt Romney, and to do all it could to insure at least the appearance of a united party as it moved toward the November election.
To make that happen, Chairman Reince Priebus—along with a number of national committee members on the Mitt Romney bandwagon—made the determination that anyone or anything associated with libertarian Ron Paul was bad news for the GOP’s chances and, as such, were to be avoided at all costs.
To meet that goal, Paul was denied an opportunity to speak at the convention unless he promised to allow the RNC to edit his speech.
But that wasn’t all. An additional condition for obtaining some recognition at the convention for Paul and his followers required that Dr. Paul be willing to publicly endorse the candidacy of Gov. Romney.
More
For those who may not recall those late August days in 2012, the Republican Party arrived in Tampa dedicated to creating a seamless launch for the national presidential campaign of its standard bearer, Governor Mitt Romney, and to do all it could to insure at least the appearance of a united party as it moved toward the November election.
To make that happen, Chairman Reince Priebus—along with a number of national committee members on the Mitt Romney bandwagon—made the determination that anyone or anything associated with libertarian Ron Paul was bad news for the GOP’s chances and, as such, were to be avoided at all costs.
To meet that goal, Paul was denied an opportunity to speak at the convention unless he promised to allow the RNC to edit his speech.
But that wasn’t all. An additional condition for obtaining some recognition at the convention for Paul and his followers required that Dr. Paul be willing to publicly endorse the candidacy of Gov. Romney.
More
Amazon-- What A System
Be sure to watch the video at the end...
As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon needs somewhere to put all of those products.
The solution? Giant warehouses. Eighty to be exact. Strategically located near key shipping hubs around the world.
The warehouses themselves are massive, with some over 1.2 million square feet in size (111,484 sq. m).
And at the heart of this global operation are people (over 65,000 of them), and a logistics system known as chaotic storage.
As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon needs somewhere to put all of those products.
The solution? Giant warehouses. Eighty to be exact. Strategically located near key shipping hubs around the world.
The warehouses themselves are massive, with some over 1.2 million square feet in size (111,484 sq. m).
And at the heart of this global operation are people (over 65,000 of them), and a logistics system known as chaotic storage.
Parties join forces in fight for personal privacy, liberty
ALEXANDRIA, Va.— Democrats and Republicans in Richmond may be debating whether the state should expand Medicaid, but lawmakers on both sides are joining forces to fight for something on which both parties can agree.
Protecting Virginians’ personal information from public authorities is the mission of the newly formed Ben Franklin Liberty Caucus, named for its namesake’s famous quote, “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Confronted with, among other things, the practice of local police departments randomly collecting and storing license plate data — despite then-Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issuing an opinion prohibiting the practice — delegates and senators from both political parties are coming to the table.
More
Protecting Virginians’ personal information from public authorities is the mission of the newly formed Ben Franklin Liberty Caucus, named for its namesake’s famous quote, “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Confronted with, among other things, the practice of local police departments randomly collecting and storing license plate data — despite then-Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli issuing an opinion prohibiting the practice — delegates and senators from both political parties are coming to the table.
More
TEEN SUSPECT CHARGED AS ADULT IN SCHOOL STABBINGS
Authorities say Alex Hribal was being charged as an adult following the Wednesday morning attack in Murrysville, 15 miles east of Pittsburgh.
He appeared before Magisterial District Judge Charles Conway and was charged with four counts of attempted homicide and 21 counts of aggravated assault. He was shackled by his hands and feet and was dressed in a hospital gown.
MORE
Feb. Job Postings Rise 7.7 Percent, Reach ’08 Levels
U.S. employers posted more job openings in February, a sign that hiring will likely improve in the months ahead.
The Labor Department said Tuesday that employers advertised 4.2 million job openings, up 7.7 percent from January. That’s the highest number of postings since January 2008, when the Great Recession was just beginning and the economy had yet to suffer the full shock of the downturn.
There are roughly 2.5 unemployed Americans for each open job, the report shows. That average has slowly been approaching the 2-1 ratio that is typical of healthier economies, after peaking at 6.7 unemployed people for each available job in July 2009, just after the recession ended.
MORE
The Labor Department said Tuesday that employers advertised 4.2 million job openings, up 7.7 percent from January. That’s the highest number of postings since January 2008, when the Great Recession was just beginning and the economy had yet to suffer the full shock of the downturn.
There are roughly 2.5 unemployed Americans for each open job, the report shows. That average has slowly been approaching the 2-1 ratio that is typical of healthier economies, after peaking at 6.7 unemployed people for each available job in July 2009, just after the recession ended.
MORE
Supreme Court Won’t Hear Case on Gay Wedding Snub – Christian Photographers Forced to Pay $6,837 Fine
As reported here in 2008, The New Mexico Human Rights Court sentenced Christian photographer Elaine Huguenin, owner of Elane Photography, a fine of $6,637.94 for refusing to photograph a gay commitment ceremony.
Today the US Supreme Court announced it will not hear a case on whther a New Mexico wedding photographer was within her rights when she refused to work at a same-sex ceremony. The penalty stands.
Today the US Supreme Court announced it will not hear a case on whther a New Mexico wedding photographer was within her rights when she refused to work at a same-sex ceremony. The penalty stands.
New Law Aims At Better Access To Md. Government Data As State Gets B- For Transparency
Some people don’t like how much Maryland spends or how it spends it, but an outside group says the state is getting a little better at reporting on where taxpayer dollars go.
At the same time, a bill passed unanimously and signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley Tuesday is designed to make more of Maryland’s government data more available and searchable to everyone through creation of a new Council on Open Data.
From C to B-
Maryland received a B- when it comes to transparency on government spending, up from a C last year, according to the fifth annual report card by Maryland PIRG Foundation, released Tuesday.
MORE
At the same time, a bill passed unanimously and signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley Tuesday is designed to make more of Maryland’s government data more available and searchable to everyone through creation of a new Council on Open Data.
From C to B-
Maryland received a B- when it comes to transparency on government spending, up from a C last year, according to the fifth annual report card by Maryland PIRG Foundation, released Tuesday.
MORE
'Mark My Words,' Soon You'll See The Larger Scope Of NSA Abuses
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Edward Snowden and reporter Glenn Greenwald, who brought to light the whistleblower's leaks about mass U.S. government surveillance last year, appeared together via video link from opposite ends of the earth on Saturday for what was believed to be the first time since Snowden sought asylum in Russia.
A sympathetic crowd of nearly 1,000 packed a downtown Chicago hotel ballroom at Amnesty International USA's annual human rights meeting and gave Greenwald, who dialed in from Brazil, a raucous welcome before Snowden was patched in 15 minutes later to a standing ovation.
More
A sympathetic crowd of nearly 1,000 packed a downtown Chicago hotel ballroom at Amnesty International USA's annual human rights meeting and gave Greenwald, who dialed in from Brazil, a raucous welcome before Snowden was patched in 15 minutes later to a standing ovation.
More
Delegate Mike McDermott Guest Speaker
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DON'T MISS THURSDAY NIGHT MEETING
Delegate Mike McDermott last time addressing the Worcester County Tea Party as a delegate. His legislative wrap up will include:
1) Transgender Rights - A woman’s day spa must allow a man access to their disrobing areas and dressing rooms if the man claims he is really a woman at heart.
2) Marijuana Decriminalization - Possession of marijuana is not a crime in Maryland anymore.
3) Obamacare Debacle - $150 million spent on a computer system that will never work.
4)Budgeting Fiasco - Increased spending by $2 Billion over last year’s budget and $400 million robbed from teacher pension fund in next two years. And Much More
Thursday 4/10/14 - Ocean Pines Community Center. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Md. Man Says Red Light Cams Are About "Money" Not Safety
Mike Ficco says he received a $75 ticket because he stopped his car beyond the white line. He says video proves that he was not driving unsafely.
Major Mike England watched the clip and says Ficco broke the law.
"This driver says it's about money, not safety," said Major England, Rockville Police department. "Well we totally disagree."
Tuesday, dozens of cars made the same mistake at the same intersection - the corner of Gude Drive and Gaither Road. It's one of ten Rockville intersections with red light cameras.
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Major Mike England watched the clip and says Ficco broke the law.
"This driver says it's about money, not safety," said Major England, Rockville Police department. "Well we totally disagree."
Tuesday, dozens of cars made the same mistake at the same intersection - the corner of Gude Drive and Gaither Road. It's one of ten Rockville intersections with red light cameras.
More
Cuts for a Cause at Sport Clips Across Maryland
What: Thirty-two Sport Clips Haircuts across Maryland are currently giving free buzz cuts in honor of sports writer and radio personality Nestor Aparicio’s wife, Jennifer, who is battling leukemia. In exchange for the free haircuts, a recommended donation of $10 to the There Goes My Hero organization, which funds blood cancer research and support programs, is requested.
When: Now through April 12, 2014, during regular business hours
Where: All 32 Sport Clips locations in Maryland. (listed below) To find a location near you and hours of operation, visit www.sportclips.com
Salisbury 2657 N. Salisbury Road
To learn more about There Goes My Hero, visit http://theregoesmyhero.org/ and to learn more about Sport Clips, visit www.sportclips.com
When: Now through April 12, 2014, during regular business hours
Where: All 32 Sport Clips locations in Maryland. (listed below) To find a location near you and hours of operation, visit www.sportclips.com
Salisbury 2657 N. Salisbury Road
To learn more about There Goes My Hero, visit http://theregoesmyhero.org/ and to learn more about Sport Clips, visit www.sportclips.com
Worcester County School Waiver Approved
The Dispatch
BREAKING NEWS: School Waiver Approved
The Worcester County Board of Education has learned a four-day waiver request for inclement weather days has been approved. The result of this action is the likelihood that the last day of school for public school students will be Friday, June 13 as anticipated.
BREAKING NEWS: School Waiver Approved
The Worcester County Board of Education has learned a four-day waiver request for inclement weather days has been approved. The result of this action is the likelihood that the last day of school for public school students will be Friday, June 13 as anticipated.
House Hungarian Caucus Statement on Hungarian Election
Caucus Co-Chairs Harris, Joyce, and Kaptur Congratulate Prime Minister Orbán
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Co-Chairs of the House Hungarian Caucus, released the following statement following the Parliamentary elections in Hungary on April 6, 2014:
On behalf of the House Hungarian Caucus, we congratulate Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on his party’s electoral victory. In 1989, Hungarians led the way in dismantling the Iron Curtain by calling for free and fair elections. Like our own Founding Fathers, what Hungarians yearned for during the decades of communist dictatorship was “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Twenty-five years later, Hungary is a member of the EU, a strong ally within NATO, and Hungarians have seen democratic self-government flourish. This is the seventh time since Hungary’s first democratic elections in 1990 that Hungarians have chosen their duly elected representatives through free and fair elections.
As recent events in Ukraine and Crimea show, free and fair elections are not something to be taken for granted in the region, and we look forward to working together with the government to advance our shared ideals of inclusiveness and human rights for all people. As co-chairs of the Hungarian Caucus in the U.S. Congress, we express our hope that members of this legislative body and the Hungarian Parliament will continue to work on issues of common interest. We look forward to welcoming the new Members of the Hungarian Parliament to Washington.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Co-Chairs of the House Hungarian Caucus, released the following statement following the Parliamentary elections in Hungary on April 6, 2014:
On behalf of the House Hungarian Caucus, we congratulate Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on his party’s electoral victory. In 1989, Hungarians led the way in dismantling the Iron Curtain by calling for free and fair elections. Like our own Founding Fathers, what Hungarians yearned for during the decades of communist dictatorship was “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Twenty-five years later, Hungary is a member of the EU, a strong ally within NATO, and Hungarians have seen democratic self-government flourish. This is the seventh time since Hungary’s first democratic elections in 1990 that Hungarians have chosen their duly elected representatives through free and fair elections.
As recent events in Ukraine and Crimea show, free and fair elections are not something to be taken for granted in the region, and we look forward to working together with the government to advance our shared ideals of inclusiveness and human rights for all people. As co-chairs of the Hungarian Caucus in the U.S. Congress, we express our hope that members of this legislative body and the Hungarian Parliament will continue to work on issues of common interest. We look forward to welcoming the new Members of the Hungarian Parliament to Washington.
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