DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, April 09, 2019
Reparations are just a way to weaponize guilt
If paying reparations would buy racial amity, then the descendants of slaves would be complaining only because they didn't receive a cut of their ancestors' sale price. Reparations can't change the past.
Wouldn't acceptance of money by blacks (however the law might qualify them for the benefits) amount to approving of the sale of their ancestors, as long as they personally profit? Again, this doesn't change the morality of slavery, though it might be argued to address the economic wrong, but at the cost of involving the current generation in approving it. Accepting payment would be like agreeing that the slavery, or the sale of a human being (legal at the time), wasn't a moral wrong, but there was an economic wrong in not providing some portion of the money for the slaves and their potential descendants.
The reparations are sometimes presented as justified because the slave-owners and some businesses profited from “free labor” and “got rich.”
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Wouldn't acceptance of money by blacks (however the law might qualify them for the benefits) amount to approving of the sale of their ancestors, as long as they personally profit? Again, this doesn't change the morality of slavery, though it might be argued to address the economic wrong, but at the cost of involving the current generation in approving it. Accepting payment would be like agreeing that the slavery, or the sale of a human being (legal at the time), wasn't a moral wrong, but there was an economic wrong in not providing some portion of the money for the slaves and their potential descendants.
The reparations are sometimes presented as justified because the slave-owners and some businesses profited from “free labor” and “got rich.”
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As Democrats struggle to find 'who can sell this slop' to voters, here comes Stacey Abrams
Rather amazingly, Democrats are promoting the addition of yet another candidate to their crowded subway car of potential presidential candidates — this time, failed gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
Here's what The Hill is reporting:
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Here's what The Hill is reporting:
Democrats say there's room in their crowded presidential field for one more high-profile candidate: Stacey Abrams.It's weird stuff, given that Abrams holds views identical to those of the rest of the Democrats — socialism of an extreme sort. She's not being put there on the strength of her ideas. Based on her Georgia campaign website and other sources, Abrams favors gun control, Medicaid expansion, post-birth abortion, environmental "justice," the green agenda, open borders, letting criminals out of jail, redefining marriage, raising the minimum wage, tax hikes, etc. — the whole cookie-cutter agenda of the radical left that has taken over the Democratic Party. In this regard, Abrams offers nothing new — just the same stale stuff the rest of them are selling as Venezuela fries away in the background from those very ideas put into action.
The Georgia Democrat, who became a national name in her gubernatorial bid last year, is pondering whether to run for the White House — or the Senate, where Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) would love to have her take on Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.).
When Abrams's name was floated as a potential vice presidential pick for former Vice President Joe Biden, who has yet to enter the race himself, some supporters were offended because they saw her as the politician who should be at the top of the ticket.
Some Democrats say she would add a degree of diversity to a race that at the top looks to be crowded with white men.
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Report: Obama Sets New Record In Narcissism: Mentions Himself Almost 400 Times in 90-Minute Speech
Speaking on Saturday in Germany, former president Barack Obama may have set a new record for narcissism, reportedly mentioning himself almost 400 times in a 90 minute speech. Obama’s reported 392 references in 90 minutes would average out to roughly 4.4 times a minute, or referring to himself roughly once every fifteen seconds.
As noted by Tom Elliott at Grabien, here is the breakdown of Obama’s self-absorption and his use of various references to himself:
"I" — 274
"Me" — 25
"My" — 31
"I’d" — 9
"I’m" — 41
"Myself" — 7
“Obama” — 5
Obama’s remarks began with him getting off to a running start on his way to a new personal best:
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As noted by Tom Elliott at Grabien, here is the breakdown of Obama’s self-absorption and his use of various references to himself:
"I" — 274
"Me" — 25
"My" — 31
"I’d" — 9
"I’m" — 41
"Myself" — 7
“Obama” — 5
Obama’s remarks began with him getting off to a running start on his way to a new personal best:
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Corporate dad says he 'shouldn't have to get up at night' to calm crying newborns
A corporate father has sparked debate by saying he 'shouldn't have to get up at night' with his newborn twins.
The dad posted to Reddit to say that he and his wife had their babies three weeks ago, but he works 'while she does not'.
'I help whenever I'm not working but have told my wife she has to cover the overnights as I need sleep for work,' he wrote.
'She thinks it's unfair, however she can take two hour naps while they sleep while I can't do that at my job.'
The dad went on to say that the couple 'even have a nanny that was here four out of five work days this week'.
'I'm up early on the weekends and take care of them while she sleeps in. I'm not trying to get out of doing my part but AITA [am I the a**ehole]?,' he said.
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The dad posted to Reddit to say that he and his wife had their babies three weeks ago, but he works 'while she does not'.
'I help whenever I'm not working but have told my wife she has to cover the overnights as I need sleep for work,' he wrote.
'She thinks it's unfair, however she can take two hour naps while they sleep while I can't do that at my job.'
The dad went on to say that the couple 'even have a nanny that was here four out of five work days this week'.
'I'm up early on the weekends and take care of them while she sleeps in. I'm not trying to get out of doing my part but AITA [am I the a**ehole]?,' he said.
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UNIVAR USA Inc. to pay US $62.5 million to resolve allegations that it evaded $36 million in antidumping duties on imported Chinese saccharin
WASHINGTON – Univar USA Inc. (Univar), a subsidiary of Univar Inc., of Downers Grove, Illinois, has agreed to pay the United States $62.5 million to settle allegations under the customs penalty statute that it was grossly negligent or negligent when it imported 36 shipments of transshipped saccharin between 2007 and 2012. The saccharin was manufactured in China and transshipped through Taiwan to evade a 329 percent antidumping duty that applied to saccharin from China. The antidumping duty was a remedial measure in response to injury sustained by the domestic saccharin industry by reason of dumping of Chinese saccharin. The transshipment resulted in the evasion of approximately $36 million in antidumping duties.
“I applaud the outcome of this investigation and commend the efforts of the special agents and CBP personnel who worked so diligently on this,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Executive Associate Director Derek Benner. “This is a tremendous example of the agencies’ collaborative commitment to enforce the trade laws of the United States.”
The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought in the United States Court of International Trade seeking recovery of unpaid antidumping duties and penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1592 totaling $84 million plus interest. In that action, the government alleged that Univar was grossly negligent or negligent in failing to determine that its supplier in Taiwan was not a manufacturer but, instead, imported saccharin into Taiwan from China for transshipment to the United States. This is the largest recovery under section 1592 ever reached in the Court of International Trade.
“Transshipment of merchandise through third countries to evade antidumping duties undermines the integrity of our trade laws and puts domestic manufacturers at risk from unfairly traded merchandise,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We enforce our laws against importers who fail to take all reasonable steps to vet their suppliers and determine the true country of origin of their merchandise.”
“We are committed to ensuring the laws that protect legitimate trade and US domestic industry, including anti-dumping and countervailing duties laws, are vigorously enforced,” said CBP’s Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith. “And to that end, we applaud the agencies that came together to settle this case.”
The settlement announced today was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. The investigating ICE agent was Special Agent Patrick C. Deas. The case was handled by Commercial Litigation Branch Attorneys Patricia M. McCarthy, Stephen C. Tosini and Reta E. Bezak, and CBP Assistant Chief Counsel Currita C. Waddy.
JUDICIAL WATCH UNCOVERS FBI DOCS DISCUSSING ‘COVER-UP’ OVER HILLARY CLINTON’S SERVER
Hundreds of pages of FBI documents obtained by government watchdog Judicial Watch reveal discussions of a “cover-up” related to Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
The 422 pages of documents show an employee of Platte River Networks, the telecom company who managed Clinton’s email system, confirming to the FBI the existence of an email entitled, “Hillary cover up operation work ticket archive cleanup,” which he said was “probably related to change to 60 day [sic] email retention policy/backup.”
From Judicial Watch:
FBI notes of an interview with an unidentified Platte River Networks official in February 2016 (almost a year after the Clinton email network was first revealed) show that Platte River “gave someone access to live HRC archive mailbox at some point.” The same notes show that an email from December 11, 2014, exists that reads “Hillary cover up operation work ticket archive cleanup.”
The interviewee said that the “cover up operation” email “probably related to change to 60 day [sic] email retention policy/backup.” The subject indicated that he didn’t “recall the prior policy.” The notes also indicated, “[Redacted] advised [redacted] not to answer questions related to conv [conversation] w/DK [David Kendall] document 49 – based on 5th amendment.”
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The 422 pages of documents show an employee of Platte River Networks, the telecom company who managed Clinton’s email system, confirming to the FBI the existence of an email entitled, “Hillary cover up operation work ticket archive cleanup,” which he said was “probably related to change to 60 day [sic] email retention policy/backup.”
From Judicial Watch:
FBI notes of an interview with an unidentified Platte River Networks official in February 2016 (almost a year after the Clinton email network was first revealed) show that Platte River “gave someone access to live HRC archive mailbox at some point.” The same notes show that an email from December 11, 2014, exists that reads “Hillary cover up operation work ticket archive cleanup.”
The interviewee said that the “cover up operation” email “probably related to change to 60 day [sic] email retention policy/backup.” The subject indicated that he didn’t “recall the prior policy.” The notes also indicated, “[Redacted] advised [redacted] not to answer questions related to conv [conversation] w/DK [David Kendall] document 49 – based on 5th amendment.”
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Uninsured Farmers Face Existential Crisis As Floods Destroy 100s Of Millions Of Dollars In Crops
This is the worst economic disaster for U.S. farmers in modern American history.
Our ongoing trade war with China had greatly depressed prices for wheat, corn and soybeans, and so farmers were storing more crops on their farms than ever before in early 2019. And then the floods came. The water moved so fast that the vast majority of the farmers in the affected areas could not have moved what they had stored even if they wanted to, and the scale of the losses that these farmers have suffered is starting to become clearer.
According to UPI, “hundreds of millions of dollars in crops” that were destroyed by the flooding were not covered by insurance…
Our ongoing trade war with China had greatly depressed prices for wheat, corn and soybeans, and so farmers were storing more crops on their farms than ever before in early 2019. And then the floods came. The water moved so fast that the vast majority of the farmers in the affected areas could not have moved what they had stored even if they wanted to, and the scale of the losses that these farmers have suffered is starting to become clearer.
According to UPI, “hundreds of millions of dollars in crops” that were destroyed by the flooding were not covered by insurance…
Hundreds of millions of dollars in crops destroyed in Midwestern floods this month were not insured, farmers say. And the losses could leave many without sufficient income to continue farming.More
“This uninsured grain issue is really starting to affect people,” said Jeff Jorgenson, a western Iowa corn and soy grower whose farm flooded when the Missouri River spilled over its banks March 12.
Inmates help train VetDogs from prison for those on outside
HAGERSTOWN, Md. —Prison seems like an unusual place to find the story of man's best friend, but behind bars is where you'll find inmate John Sexton and America's VetDog, Raven.
The Baltimore Ravens named her. The team sponsors her through a program with America's VetDogs. Sexton teaches her all sorts of skills that will one day help a veteran or first responder.
Raven is learning useful tasks like opening the refrigerator and retrieving items inside, learning wheelchair assistance and shutting the lights on and off.
"They can get the credit cards or the keys if you drop them -- whatever somebody drops -- but I think connection to the veteran is just as important as the task is," Sexton said.
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The Baltimore Ravens named her. The team sponsors her through a program with America's VetDogs. Sexton teaches her all sorts of skills that will one day help a veteran or first responder.
Raven is learning useful tasks like opening the refrigerator and retrieving items inside, learning wheelchair assistance and shutting the lights on and off.
"They can get the credit cards or the keys if you drop them -- whatever somebody drops -- but I think connection to the veteran is just as important as the task is," Sexton said.
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Roger Stone: Barbara Bush a Mean Spirited, Nasty and Entitled Woman Who Lied About Me
Over the past few days, lots of drama has come out of Susan Page’s book featuring Bush’s personal diaries. Aside from people like Adolf Hitler, political leaders and their families are generally remembered favorably or at least with kindness following their expiration from this earthly realm.
In the age of Trump Derangement Syndrome, it has been bizarre to see how the mainstream media and their political counterparts have relentlessly lionized the Bush family after years of rightfully trashing them as the war mongering psychopaths that they are.
Since it was revealed that Barbara Bush kept a countdown clock in her bedroom to mark the end of the Trump presidency and wrote in her son Jeb, President Trump has acknowledged that she was right to be “nasty” to him… considering what “he did to her sons.” Of course, nobody can forget how brutal and beautiful it was to see Donald Trump defeat “low-energy” Jeb. If she has a right to be nasty to other people, we have the right to be as painfully honest right back at her.
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In the age of Trump Derangement Syndrome, it has been bizarre to see how the mainstream media and their political counterparts have relentlessly lionized the Bush family after years of rightfully trashing them as the war mongering psychopaths that they are.
Since it was revealed that Barbara Bush kept a countdown clock in her bedroom to mark the end of the Trump presidency and wrote in her son Jeb, President Trump has acknowledged that she was right to be “nasty” to him… considering what “he did to her sons.” Of course, nobody can forget how brutal and beautiful it was to see Donald Trump defeat “low-energy” Jeb. If she has a right to be nasty to other people, we have the right to be as painfully honest right back at her.
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Top House Republican Shreds Nadler For Bullying Barr; Wants Mueller To Testify "Immediately"
Rep. Doug Collins, the top Republican on the Democrat-controlled House Judiciary Committee, wrote a scathing letter to the panel's chairman, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) accusing him of putting Attorney General William Barr in an "untenable but politically convenient situation."
According to the letter, Barr would be forced to "break the law" if he complies with a subpoena for special counsel Robert Mueller's unredacted Russia report and its underlying evidence. If Barr doesn't, Nadler will "label him as part of a cover-up," according to the letter.
Barr has vowed to release a version of Mueller's Russia report by the middle of April, with redactions made to grand jury and classified information, - as required under federal law.
House Democrats voted last Wednesday to authorize subpoenas for Mueller's report and its underlying evidence with no redactions.
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According to the letter, Barr would be forced to "break the law" if he complies with a subpoena for special counsel Robert Mueller's unredacted Russia report and its underlying evidence. If Barr doesn't, Nadler will "label him as part of a cover-up," according to the letter.
Barr has vowed to release a version of Mueller's Russia report by the middle of April, with redactions made to grand jury and classified information, - as required under federal law.
House Democrats voted last Wednesday to authorize subpoenas for Mueller's report and its underlying evidence with no redactions.
More
American Rents Climb To Record Highs Despite Slump In Home Sales
Home sales in the US have slowed dramatically over the past year - and in some markets, like tony Manhattan, they have virtually ground to a halt - as high prices and a shortage of affordable inventory have squeezed cash-strapped young buyers.
But unfortunately for the average renter (a group that includes the bulk of millennials who don't still live with their parents), this housing market weakness hasn't translated to lower rents. In fact, in March, the average national rent increased by 3.2% YoY to $1,430 (up $44) to a fresh all-time high. What's worse, the increases were spread throughout the country, with 92% of the 253 largest cities in the US registering an increase in the average rent paid, while 6% of cities registered no change, and rents dropped in just 2% of cities, according to data from the Yardi Matrix published by RentCafe.com.
On a monthly basis, rents climbed 0.3% (or $4), which was in line with last year's rate for March. And unfortunately for all of those cash-strapped creatives living in Brooklyn, the 20 largest rental markets in the US continued to see robust price appreciation, with the average rent in the borough climbing to $2,860. Manhattan's rental market remained the most expensive in the country, with the average rent a staggering $4,141.
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But unfortunately for the average renter (a group that includes the bulk of millennials who don't still live with their parents), this housing market weakness hasn't translated to lower rents. In fact, in March, the average national rent increased by 3.2% YoY to $1,430 (up $44) to a fresh all-time high. What's worse, the increases were spread throughout the country, with 92% of the 253 largest cities in the US registering an increase in the average rent paid, while 6% of cities registered no change, and rents dropped in just 2% of cities, according to data from the Yardi Matrix published by RentCafe.com.
On a monthly basis, rents climbed 0.3% (or $4), which was in line with last year's rate for March. And unfortunately for all of those cash-strapped creatives living in Brooklyn, the 20 largest rental markets in the US continued to see robust price appreciation, with the average rent in the borough climbing to $2,860. Manhattan's rental market remained the most expensive in the country, with the average rent a staggering $4,141.
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Felicity Huffman, 12 others to plead guilty in college admissions scandal
Actress Felicity Huffman will plead guilty over her role in the nationwide college-admissions scandal — along with a dozen other wealthy parents, federal prosecutors announced Monday.
The “Desperate Housewives” star will join 12 other disgraced moms and dads in copping to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud for paying bribes to ease their privileged progenies’ admission into top schools — by either fudging the kids’ exam scores or getting coaches to name them as bogus athletic recruits.
They all face up to 20 years behind bars.
In a statement following the announcement, Huffman, who is married to “Shameless” star William H. Macy, said she has “deep regret” for what she’s done and accepts “full responsibility” for her actions and their consequences — but claimed her eldest daughter, Sophia Grace Macy, was not complicit.
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The “Desperate Housewives” star will join 12 other disgraced moms and dads in copping to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud for paying bribes to ease their privileged progenies’ admission into top schools — by either fudging the kids’ exam scores or getting coaches to name them as bogus athletic recruits.
They all face up to 20 years behind bars.
In a statement following the announcement, Huffman, who is married to “Shameless” star William H. Macy, said she has “deep regret” for what she’s done and accepts “full responsibility” for her actions and their consequences — but claimed her eldest daughter, Sophia Grace Macy, was not complicit.
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Automakers Stuff Fleet Channels Amid Showroom Demand Collapse
Fleet sales - those to rental companies - have been for a long time the dirty little secret of the automobile industry. They are often times where automakers can bolster numbers that would otherwise looks dismal based only on organic, showroom sales. And according to Bloomberg, this is exactly what has been happening over the last couple of months.
Rental car deliveries and other non-retail buyers have accounted for more than 33% of total sales last month for Ford and Nissan, according to data from Cox automotive. In fact, deliveries to rental companies alone in March and in the first quarter were the highest that they’ve been in two years.
There is, of course, a catch: rental car sales have lower profit margins and generally erode used vehicle prices once they hit the resale market. It seems as though automakers are now, more than in the past few years, leaning on fleet deliveries to make up for demand in the showroom as economic growth in the US and worldwide, is collapsing.
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Rental car deliveries and other non-retail buyers have accounted for more than 33% of total sales last month for Ford and Nissan, according to data from Cox automotive. In fact, deliveries to rental companies alone in March and in the first quarter were the highest that they’ve been in two years.
There is, of course, a catch: rental car sales have lower profit margins and generally erode used vehicle prices once they hit the resale market. It seems as though automakers are now, more than in the past few years, leaning on fleet deliveries to make up for demand in the showroom as economic growth in the US and worldwide, is collapsing.
More
Free Tree Seedlings for Wicomico County Property Owners
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to Wicomico County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, including bald cypress, river birch, serviceberry, spicebush and winterberry.
Maryland Forest Service staff will provide information on tree maintenance and planting techniques, in addition to suggestions of other suitable native species at the time of pickup.
Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders can be placed by calling 410-543-1950 by April 26. Pickup will be on April 27 at the Wicomico Extension Office at 28647 Old Quantico Road, Salisbury.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, including bald cypress, river birch, serviceberry, spicebush and winterberry.
Maryland Forest Service staff will provide information on tree maintenance and planting techniques, in addition to suggestions of other suitable native species at the time of pickup.
Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders can be placed by calling 410-543-1950 by April 26. Pickup will be on April 27 at the Wicomico Extension Office at 28647 Old Quantico Road, Salisbury.
Flooding, Thunderstorms, Tornadoes Among Spring Weather Threats
Maryland Severe Storm Awareness Week is April 7-13
REISTERSTOWN, Md. — Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week begins on Sunday, April 7, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is teaming up with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency managers to promote citizen awareness and preparedness.
The NWS emphasizes that the mid-Atlantic region is at risk for flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and lightning storms every year. Maryland experiences severe storms regularly during the spring and is particularly at risk for flooding, but also experiences hailstorms and even tornadoes. Maryland has had nearly 100 tornadoes in the past ten years.
“If you hear thunder or see lightning, try to get inside right away,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “And never try to drive across flooded roadways. If you need to leave your shelter due to damage or an emergency, bring your emergency kit and a charged cell phone with you.”
Residents can be “weather prepared” by ensuring that they know how to receive a warning, have a plan, and practice safety tips.
“Every year, Maryland gets severe thunderstorms that target localized communities” said Christopher Strong, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office. “If Marylanders get National Weather Service warnings from phone apps and/or weather radio, and have a plan for what to do, we can all stay safe from the damaging winds, large hail, flooding, tornadoes, and lightning.“
The NWS and MEMA work closely together with local government agencies to identify and monitor severe weather systems, develop preparedness plans and safety information, and coordinate the response to these storms.
Residents can also take actions to remain safe by practicing the following tips:
- During flooding, never drive over an area where water is flowing over the road and you cannot see the pavement. Turn around, don’t drown!
- If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued or you are experiencing strong winds, get to a sturdy shelter and stay indoors away from windows.
- Tornadoes can form rapidly in the right conditions. If there is a tornado warning or you see a tornado, quickly get inside and go to the lowest floor possible.
- If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck from a fringe lightning strike. More than 98% of lightning casualties are from people outdoors—get indoors or inside your vehicle if possible.
Additional information can be found at the NWS "Weather Ready" website and the MEMA website. Residents can also click here to download the Maryland Prepares Mobile App .
NOTE: MEMA officials are available for live or taped interviews to discuss severe storm preparedness and safety.
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