With President Obama’s decision on the Keystone XL pipeline looming, the White House and Republicans will spend the next several weeks trying to win the messaging war over the controversial project.
The stakes are high for both sides. Obama risks backlash from key union supporters if he rejects the project, but faces the ire of environmental groups if he approves it.
Republicans, meanwhile, stand to score a political victory if Obama green lights the pipeline. But their successful effort to force a decision could backfire if the president rejects the pipeline and pins blame on the GOP for rushing the review.
TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone XL pipeline would carry oil sands crude from Alberta, Canada, to refineries along the Gulf coast. The proposed project, which has been under federal review for years, has set off a firestorm in Washington, with supporters arguing the pipeline will boost the ailing economy and opponents raising concerns about oil spills and greenhouse gas emissions from oil-sands production.
Both sides are mobilizing to win the messaging war. White House and Obama administration officials have said they will have little choice but to reject the pipeline under the 60-day timeline that was outlined in the payroll tax package that passed in December.
By arguing that the GOP-backed measure will force the administration to reject Keystone on a technicality, the White House can avoid having to weigh in on the substantive issues raised by the pipeline — including whether it will boost the economy or harm the environment.
Obama sought in November to delay a final verdict on the pipeline by calling for review of alternative routes around the environmentally sensitive Sand Hills region of Nebraska. The move delayed a decision on the project until 2013 to give the administration time to conduct additional review of the new route.
The State Department, which is leading a multi-agency review of the proposed pipeline, has said the administration will have no choice but to reject Keystone because the expedited timeline pushed by Republicans will not leave enough time to conduct the review.
Proponents of the project are pushing back. Marty Durbin, a lobbyist at the American Petroleum Institute, said the measure in the tax package allows for rerouting the pipeline around the environmentally sensitive Sand Hills region of Nebraska, a requirement the Obama administration has said is essential for approval of the project.
“It gives them the time they need, however much time they need, to review what’s going on in Nebraska,” Durbin said.
Under the Keystone measure, if Obama approves the pipeline, the final permit must require the rerouting, along with necessary review of the new route by the state of Nebraska. But it specifically bars additional federal environmental review of the project, as the State Department has proposed.
Supporters of the pipeline are upping the pressure on Obama to quickly approve the project, arguing there will be political consequences if he rejects it.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, January 02, 2012
Progressives And The Ron Paul Fallacies
As I’ve written about before, America’s election season degrades mainstream political discourse even beyond its usual lowly state. The worst attributes of our political culture — obsession with trivialities, the dominance of horserace “reporting,” and mindless partisan loyalties — become more pronounced than ever. Meanwhile, the actually consequential acts of the U.S. Government and the permanent power factions that control it — covert endless wars, consolidation of unchecked power, the rapid growth of the Surveillance State and the secrecy regime, massive inequalities in the legal system, continuous transfers of wealth from the disappearing middle class to large corporate conglomerates — drone on with even less attention paid than usual.
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Ex-Mossad Chief On Iran’s Nukes
Iran’s suspected illicit nuclear program can be stopped militarily by hitting targets other than the country’s nuclear sites, the former chief of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency revealed in a rare interview.
“You don’t need to hit only the immediate, direct nuclear infrastructure of theirs,” said Shabtai Shavit, who served as Mossad director from 1989 to 1996. “You can achieve this goal by going after some other targets, without (my) being more specific.”
Shavit was speaking in an interview on “Aaron Klein Investigative Radio” on New York’s WABC Radio.
Shavit was responding to a hypothetical question about whether a U.S. military strike successfully could eliminate Iran’s nuclear program. Some of Iran’s scattered nuclear installations are known to be deep underground, with some reportedly positioned atop civilian zones.
Last week, Iran’s top naval commander boasted that closing the Persian Gulf to oil tanker traffic would be “easier than drinking a glass of water” but that his nation would not do so for now.
During the radio interview, Shavit predicted that Iran would not act on its threats for the time being.
“I don’t believe that their threat will be materialized. I do believe that in this case the Iranians are going to be at the end of the day pragmatists and not messianic,” the former Mossad chief told Klein.
Shavit said Iran will be deterred for now by the presence of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, as well as by recent statements from the Pentagon warning that Iran’s closing of the Straits “will not be tolerated.”
Shavit said the international community is rightly focusing on sanctions to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
He suggested, however, that stronger sanctions are needed besides the current restrictions being debated that would target Iran’s oil exports.
“You don’t need to hit only the immediate, direct nuclear infrastructure of theirs,” said Shabtai Shavit, who served as Mossad director from 1989 to 1996. “You can achieve this goal by going after some other targets, without (my) being more specific.”
Shavit was speaking in an interview on “Aaron Klein Investigative Radio” on New York’s WABC Radio.
Shavit was responding to a hypothetical question about whether a U.S. military strike successfully could eliminate Iran’s nuclear program. Some of Iran’s scattered nuclear installations are known to be deep underground, with some reportedly positioned atop civilian zones.
Last week, Iran’s top naval commander boasted that closing the Persian Gulf to oil tanker traffic would be “easier than drinking a glass of water” but that his nation would not do so for now.
During the radio interview, Shavit predicted that Iran would not act on its threats for the time being.
“I don’t believe that their threat will be materialized. I do believe that in this case the Iranians are going to be at the end of the day pragmatists and not messianic,” the former Mossad chief told Klein.
Shavit said Iran will be deterred for now by the presence of the U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, as well as by recent statements from the Pentagon warning that Iran’s closing of the Straits “will not be tolerated.”
Shavit said the international community is rightly focusing on sanctions to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
He suggested, however, that stronger sanctions are needed besides the current restrictions being debated that would target Iran’s oil exports.
Exxon Mobil Gets $908 Million In Venezuela
(CARACAS, Venezuela) — An international arbitration body has awarded Exxon Mobil Corp. nearly $908 million in a dispute with Venezuela over compensation for the nationalization of its assets, the company said Sunday.
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Salisbury Police Department Press Release 1-2-12
On January 1, 2012 at approximately 2130hrs, officers of the Salisbury Police Department responded to the area of Records St. near E. Church St. in reference to a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a 15 year old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Investigation determined that the victim was standing in the area when a gunman approached on foot and shot him. The victim was transported to PRMC for treatment, and the extent of his injuries is unknown at this time pending further medical evaluation.
The suspect is described as a thin African American male.
Investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410.548.3165 or Crime Solvers at 410.548.1776
The suspect is described as a thin African American male.
Investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Salisbury Police Department at 410.548.3165 or Crime Solvers at 410.548.1776
SKorea President Warns NKorea Against Provocations
South Korea's president opened the door Monday to possible nuclear talks with North Korea and warned the neighboring country to avoid any provocations, saying the Korean peninsula is at a crucial turning point.
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Troopers Investigate Stabbing In Rehoboth
Location: 19000 block of Norwood Street, Rehoboth, DE
Date of Occurrence: Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 9:20 p.m.
Victim:
19 year old Havre De Grace, Maryland man
Defendant and Charges:
Lavar W. Hall, 34, Rehoboth, DE
Assault 1st Degree
Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony
Arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $20,000.00 secured bail.
Resume:
Rehoboth, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested a Rehoboth, DE man in connection with a stabbing that occurred on Saturday night.
The incident began at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, as a 19 year old Havre De Grace, MD man was confronted by Lavar W. Hall, 34, in the 19000 block of Norwood Street in Rehoboth. Hall was angry at the victim for allegedly pointing an air gun at him the previous evening. The two subjects began arguing which then turned into a physical confrontation. During the fight, Lavar Hall produced a pocket knife and stabbed the victim several times in the upper body before fleeing the area. The victim then ran to a nearby driveway where he collapsed. He was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
Lavar Hall was taken into custody by responding Troopers after he returned to the scene. He was arrested and charged with one count each of Assault 1st Degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony. He was then arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of $20,000 secured bail.
Date of Occurrence: Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 9:20 p.m.
Victim:
19 year old Havre De Grace, Maryland man
Defendant and Charges:
Lavar W. Hall, 34, Rehoboth, DE
Assault 1st Degree
Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony
Arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution for lack of $20,000.00 secured bail.
Resume:
Rehoboth, DE- Delaware State Police detectives have arrested a Rehoboth, DE man in connection with a stabbing that occurred on Saturday night.
The incident began at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, as a 19 year old Havre De Grace, MD man was confronted by Lavar W. Hall, 34, in the 19000 block of Norwood Street in Rehoboth. Hall was angry at the victim for allegedly pointing an air gun at him the previous evening. The two subjects began arguing which then turned into a physical confrontation. During the fight, Lavar Hall produced a pocket knife and stabbed the victim several times in the upper body before fleeing the area. The victim then ran to a nearby driveway where he collapsed. He was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
Lavar Hall was taken into custody by responding Troopers after he returned to the scene. He was arrested and charged with one count each of Assault 1st Degree and Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of a Felony. He was then arraigned at JP Court 3 and committed to the Department of Corrections for lack of $20,000 secured bail.
Apocalypse Not Now: 2012 Doomsday Predictions Debunked By NASA
On Dec. 21, 2012, many doomsday believers fear the apocalypse — anything from a rogue planet smashing into us to our world spinning end over end. However, the world should expect nothing more next year than the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, NASA says.
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Georgetown Barnes & Noble Quietly Shuts Its Doors
WASHINGTON - The Georgetown Barnes & Noble opened its doors for the final time Saturday.
There were no signs the store's windows announcing the closing, and many people didn't realize this location of the book store chain was closing after Dec. 31.
Rackel Sacks was waiting in line for the store to open when she heard the news.
"No, are you serious? I had no clue that it was even going to close at all," said the college student from Bethesda.
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There were no signs the store's windows announcing the closing, and many people didn't realize this location of the book store chain was closing after Dec. 31.
Rackel Sacks was waiting in line for the store to open when she heard the news.
"No, are you serious? I had no clue that it was even going to close at all," said the college student from Bethesda.
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JFK Jr. Asked Madonna To Pose As His Mother, Book Claims
NEW YORK – John F. Kennedy Jr. asked Madonna to dress up as his mother for the cover of his magazine, George, but the "Material Girl" declined, insisting she would "never do [Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis] justice," according to a new book.
"We'll have her in a pillbox hat, sitting on a stack of books," JFK Jr. told his assistant, RoseMarie Terenzio, the author of "Fairy Tale Interrupted," which chronicles her five years as John John's confidante and publicist until his untimely death in 1999 at the age of 38.
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"We'll have her in a pillbox hat, sitting on a stack of books," JFK Jr. told his assistant, RoseMarie Terenzio, the author of "Fairy Tale Interrupted," which chronicles her five years as John John's confidante and publicist until his untimely death in 1999 at the age of 38.
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Homeward Bound: Ravens Beat Bengals To Clinch AFC North title And First-Round Bye In Playoffs
"This feels good," said linebacker Terrell Suggs after emerging from a boisterous Ravens locker room. "You just have to take it all in."
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My Ex-Husband Wasn't Too Happy When Chase Used His Money To Pay My Credit Card Bill
Amanda might not be married to her ex any more, but that doesn't mean she wants to be in hot water with him for using his money to pay her credit card bill. Unfortunately, Chase seemed to want her to have a belated Christmas present and did just that.
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Pohanka Wants To Make You A Deal Today And Tomorrow
If you've been thinking about buying a car and want to make the best deal you've ever experienced, today and tomorrow are your final days to take advantage because Pohanka wants to move 75 more cars in that time and they'll do what it takes to make it happen.Call or stop by Pohanka and drive away in a vehicle you may have thought you couldn't afford. What's Your Baby Driving.
Wicomico Deputy Charges Delaware Man With Weapons Violations
A Wicomico County Sheriff’s deputy was investigating a disturbance in Delmar early Friday morning when they spotted 23 year old James Taylor of Laurel, DE sitting in a vehicle nearby. While talking with Taylor the deputy became suspicious as Taylor acted like he was trying to hide something beside the seat. Taylor also ignored requests for identification and for him to get out of the vehicle. The deputy helped Taylor out of the vehicle and a search turned up 3 large knives – hidden but within Taylor’s reach. Taylor was charged and is free on bond.
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Explaining What We Do And Why We Do It
Every single day I receive numerous phone calls with potential stories. Some are very serious, others seem to be people with important things on their mind but many of those phone calls are people just looking to vent.
Salisbury News has become the "go to" place because we're not afraid to expose stories. Forgive me for repeating myself but in order to complete what I've started in this Post I need to repeat something we expressed in the past.
Take WBOC as an example. In one broadcast, (30 minutes) there is actually 14 minutes of news, the rest is commercials. Of the 14 minutes, how much of it is travels with Charlie? How much of it is Heart and Soul with Lisa Bryant? How much of it is Captain Willie? How much of it is Weather, (over and over again)? How much of it is Sports? Heck, let's even add the last 30 days, how much of it is Bless Our Children?
Where I'm going with this is, there is very little time left to actually tell the news. Much of what they deliver is national news, Delaware and Virginia news and there's very little time left over to bring local information. I thought they were in the news business, not show business.
Salisbury News is growing at an unbelievable pace because we deliver, (at times) more than 100 stories in a day in real time, something the television news can never do. Over the years there have been many people who have come to us after they had gone to the Daily Times and they refused to publish their story. Today, the roles have reversed. In most cases the stories come to us now and the rest of the local media desperately tries to make contact with our original source and their story comes out, (if it ever does) days later.
Where I'm going with this is, love us or hate us, Salisbury News IS getting the traffic none of the local media outlets ever thought we'd achieve. Tens of thousands of people each day are relying on what we provide. Years ago you'd pay a dime, then a quarter and now a dollar for a local newspaper. You PAID for this paper because professional investigative reporters would go out and do what you and I didn't have the time to do. They'd report the news and when all was said and done you'd walk away feeling as if you had been properly educated.
So why did Blogs come along? They came along because the local media was no longer doing investigative reporting. in fact, what you were getting, (and still are) is press releases made up well in advance. Why well in advance, because the Daily Times has a deadline each day and in order to publish the information they had to have it a day before every one else. They have no real time to investigate, so instead, they simply publish what they're being told.
I have complained for years about certain media outlets publishing information they know is a lie but they get away with it because they are quoting someone else. You don't see that on Salisbury News. So why are we successful, because we do the investigative reporting. We spend the time going to meetings. Over years we have gained experience and wisdom and we know what's right and wrong. What do you get from the local MSM, brand new reporters on a regular basis who have NO CLUE what the history is on each subject.
Now go figure, you PAY to buy a newspaper but what you're getting in the end is complete BS. Now mind you, this is going on around the entire Country. Bloggers are exposing what their intent is and little by little people are coming to learn and trust Blogs more than the Main Stream Media because we have no horse in these races. We're NOT selling legal ads, permit ads, help wanted ads and or whatever else local governments are required to advertise in print media. We're in this because we want to educate the public with the truth.
Some Anti Albero Bloggers and media have recently gone on the attack against me on the Earl Campbell story. Well, first of all, they're pissed off because Earl came to me first. They want to call me a liar, yet I never lied in any of his story. Politicians and other MSM outlets want to call us a "gossip blog" in order to attempt to discredit us, yet isn't it funny how ALL of the MSM came out telling the exact same story one week later and now two weeks later?
You can call us whatever you like. You can deny you visit Salisbury News. However, funny how EVERYONE happens to know about the multiple stories we publish daily, yet there's NO TIME for the local MSM to tell those stories, is there. Those in denial are coming here anyway, they just won't admit it. I'm cool with that. However, I see the hits every day. My friend GA Harrison would always tell me, when I see your world rating go down, then I'll be excited for you. A few weeks ago Salisbury News was hovering a little over the 300,000 mark. Heck, we've been around that number for probably two years now. Today, that number has dropped to around the 250,000 mark, (the lower your number the better). In a conversation we had recently he said, you should be really proud of yourself Joe. I guess it means more to him than it does me but one thing I can tell you is, when your number stays the same for two years and then makes such a dramatic drop, people are listening.
As I mentioned in an earlier Post last week, we plan to expand to Ocean City in 2012. Not that there isn't enough going on here in Salisbury, Ocean City is a huge market and quite frankly I strongly believe the OC Today and Dispatch are doing a lot of the same as the Daily Times. It's time Ocean City had an outlet in which the CITIZENS can get involved and make a difference. Its time your voices be heard and IF the local politicians refuse to listen to their constituents, well, its time to vote them out. It's also time to crush the local media like we did with the Daily Times.
We're not going in silent. We're announcing our intent so everyone is well aware of what is about to happen. We do what we do because "We The People" deserve to be heard. We deserve to know the TRUTH about our communities, crime, good deeds, lost animals, politicians, events, fundraisers, you name it.
When we made that announcement and asked if someone might be interested in joining us in Ocean City, we immediately got messages of interest. Without a doubt, we're coming to Ocean City. We are the new source of media. When the local MSM makes statements like "Delmarva's News Leader" or "More News In Less Time" PLEASE! That is a complete lie. You can't be Delmarva's News Leader with only 14 minutes of news, most of which is acting and very little of it is news.
2012 will prove to be our biggest year ever. Support our local advertisers and BUY LOCAL. Keep the money here on the Shore. Thanks for visiting and supporting Salisbury News. It's time to go to work.
New Hampshire House Of Representatives Members To Hold Press Conference On Obama’s Eligibility On January 3
On January 3, 2012, several members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives will hold a press conference with the primary purpose of informing New Hampshire citizens and registered voters that Barack Hussein Obama may not be eligible to serve as president and therefore should not have his name appear on the 2012 presidential ballot.
The time and place are tentatively set for 10:00 a.m. outside of the Legislative Office Building in Concord.
The website of the New Hampshire House of Representatives provides the following history regarding its beginnings:
Although threatened with reprisals from the British Crown and a bitterly divided constituency, New Hampshire’s leaders set the course for self-government in January 1776. Determined to keep the government close to the people, our forefathers fixed the size of the House of Representatives as a direct ratio to the state’s population. The first House consisted of 87 members, each one representing 100 families. As time passed and the population increased, the number of Representatives grew, until there were 443. In 1942, a constitutional amendment limited the size of the House to 400 but not less than 375 members. As a result, the New Hampshire House is the largest state legislative body in the United States.
New Hampshire has the largest House of Representatives in the nation. The Concord Monitor has stated that New Hampshire has “the most localized representation of any state in the country.”
On November 15, 2011, Atty. Orly Taitz filed a complaint with the New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission regarding the placing of Obama’s name on the state ballot, citing his use of a social security number not assigned to him as well as having presented two forged birth certificates as proof that he was born in Hawaii. Several state representatives joined the complaint, and citizens from around the country filed challenges as well. A U.S. Army reserve retired colonel has launched a campaign to prevent Obama’s name from being included on the New Hampshire ballot.
The New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission responded to Taitz by holding a hearing on November 18, during which Taitz presented her case challenging Obama’s constitutional eligibility, focusing on the crimes which she alleged he committed.
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The time and place are tentatively set for 10:00 a.m. outside of the Legislative Office Building in Concord.
The website of the New Hampshire House of Representatives provides the following history regarding its beginnings:
Although threatened with reprisals from the British Crown and a bitterly divided constituency, New Hampshire’s leaders set the course for self-government in January 1776. Determined to keep the government close to the people, our forefathers fixed the size of the House of Representatives as a direct ratio to the state’s population. The first House consisted of 87 members, each one representing 100 families. As time passed and the population increased, the number of Representatives grew, until there were 443. In 1942, a constitutional amendment limited the size of the House to 400 but not less than 375 members. As a result, the New Hampshire House is the largest state legislative body in the United States.
New Hampshire has the largest House of Representatives in the nation. The Concord Monitor has stated that New Hampshire has “the most localized representation of any state in the country.”
On November 15, 2011, Atty. Orly Taitz filed a complaint with the New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission regarding the placing of Obama’s name on the state ballot, citing his use of a social security number not assigned to him as well as having presented two forged birth certificates as proof that he was born in Hawaii. Several state representatives joined the complaint, and citizens from around the country filed challenges as well. A U.S. Army reserve retired colonel has launched a campaign to prevent Obama’s name from being included on the New Hampshire ballot.
The New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission responded to Taitz by holding a hearing on November 18, during which Taitz presented her case challenging Obama’s constitutional eligibility, focusing on the crimes which she alleged he committed.
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Argentine Governor Fatally Shot In The Head
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The ruling party governor of Argentina's prime oil-producing province was killed early Sunday of gunshots to the head, and his wife was being questioned by police.
The gun fired as Rio Negro Gov. Carlos Soria and his wife Susana were in their bedroom after spending New Year's Eve at their home in General Roca, authorities said. Emergency personnel found him bleeding in bed and took him alive to the local hospital, where he was declared dead just before 5 a.m., local media reported.
Bus Line Kept Operating After Shutdown Order
A bus line that served Wilmington plagued by safety violations was still on the road, a day after federal authorities ordered it to shut down immediately.
The New York Post reports that Double Happiness Travel buses were running as usual from their stops in Manhattan on Friday morning, the day after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ordered the company to cease operations.
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Fruitland Man Charged With Arson At Parent’s Home
Maryland Fire Marshal investigators have arrested a 45 year old Fruitland man on charges of arson. Officials say Thomas McGarvey set a fire inside his parents home Saturday afternoon – causing about $70,000 in damage. The fire was started in McGarvey’s bedroom after a dispute with his family – he’s charged with 1st and 2nd degree arson and other offenses.
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I'm Not Getting My Haircut Until Eric Comes Back, You?
For many, I'm sure the timing of Eric's unfortunate heart attack has left many of us that much closer to looking like hippies. So, what do we do in times like these.
Well, I, (for one) will await for Eric's return before I get another haircut. Will you be joining me?
Todd Lawson Takes Over As New Sussex County Administrator
The New Year brings new leadership to Sussex County. Today Todd Lawson takes over as the county administrator. Former administrator David Baker announced his retirement last January, but held on to the position through the year as it took much longer for his successor to be named. Then Lawson spent the rest of the year learning the ropes.
Lawson is now responsible for the day to day operations of the County government – and leads a workforce of about 500. This week’s Sussex County Council meeting could bring some changes as well as the first order of business is the council’s reorganization.
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Lawson is now responsible for the day to day operations of the County government – and leads a workforce of about 500. This week’s Sussex County Council meeting could bring some changes as well as the first order of business is the council’s reorganization.
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New Laws Toughen Rules On Abortions, Immigrants, Voters
Among 40,000 signed bills: No happy hours in Utah, safer golf carts in Georgia
About 40,000 state laws taking effect at the start of the new year will change rules about getting abortions in New Hampshire, learning about gays and lesbians in California, getting jobs in Alabama and even driving golf carts in Georgia.
Several federal rules change with the new year, too, including a Social Security increase amounting to $450 a year for the average recipients and stiff fines up to $2,700 per offense for truckers and bus drivers caught using hand-held cellphones while driving.
NBC News, the National Conference of State Legislatures, The Associated Press, and other organizations tracked the changes and offered their views on the highlights.
Many laws reflect the nation's concerns over immigration, the cost of government and the best way to protect and benefit young people, including regulations on sports concussions.
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About 40,000 state laws taking effect at the start of the new year will change rules about getting abortions in New Hampshire, learning about gays and lesbians in California, getting jobs in Alabama and even driving golf carts in Georgia.
Several federal rules change with the new year, too, including a Social Security increase amounting to $450 a year for the average recipients and stiff fines up to $2,700 per offense for truckers and bus drivers caught using hand-held cellphones while driving.
NBC News, the National Conference of State Legislatures, The Associated Press, and other organizations tracked the changes and offered their views on the highlights.
Many laws reflect the nation's concerns over immigration, the cost of government and the best way to protect and benefit young people, including regulations on sports concussions.
More
Same-Sex Marriage Supporters, Opponents Ready To Face Off
After nine months of plotting and organizing, the two sides of Maryland's same-sex marriage debate are ready to campaign with full force during the General Assembly session, which begins next week.
Opponents plan a day of prayer that a same-sex marriage bill will fail, a slew of Sunday sermons focused on traditional marriage and a rally in Annapolis. They've united forces under a new banner, the Maryland Marriage Alliance.
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Opponents plan a day of prayer that a same-sex marriage bill will fail, a slew of Sunday sermons focused on traditional marriage and a rally in Annapolis. They've united forces under a new banner, the Maryland Marriage Alliance.
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Advanced Degrees That Don't Pay Off
Grad students are making heavy investments of time and money in their future income prospects, but in many areas of study the odds are stacked against the gambles paying off. A Georgetown University analysis identifies the advanced degrees that gave students the smallest pay bumps.
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Hurlock Man Faces Drug Charges
HURLOCK - A 29-year-old Hurlock man was arrested Dec. 20 on charges including drug possession and distribution after allegedly more than 70 grams of marijuana was found in his car.
Brandon Terrace Milton of 4752 Skeet Club Road was charged with three counts of malicious destruction of property more than $500, two counts each of possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and trespassing on cultivated land, one count each of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and third-degree burglary, and various traffic charges.
Court Says It's Fine That Telecommunications Companies Collaborated With Federal Wiretaps
A U.S. appeals court says it's just fine that certain telecommunications companies cooperated with the National Security Agency by monitoring customers' email and phones, upholding a 2008 law. This means they've got immunity, rendering 33 lawsuits against them ineffective.
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Study Links Increased Life Expectancy For Citizens Of NYC To Anti-Smoking Policies
As if New York City residents need anything else to brag about to the rest of the country, they can now boast a record life expectancy of 80.6 years, which is more than the national rate of 78.2. The city attributes this longer life span in part to its anti-smoking policies.
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First Civil Unions Take Place In Delaware
More than 400 people, including a U.S. senator, have witnessed the first same-sex civil union in Delaware.
Lawyers Lisa Goodman and Drewry Fennell were joined in the New Year's Day union by the Rev. Patricia Downing, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Wilmington. Seven other couples also obtained licenses Sunday.
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You Can't Score A Free Plane Seat For Your Baby By Putting Him On Your 3-Year-Old's Lap
As any parents who have flown with little babies probably knows, many airlines will not require a ticket for children under two years of age, so long as the child is seated on an adult's lap. But U.S. Airways had to give the boot to a family of six after the parents figured they could simply seat one of their under-2 children with their ticketed 3-year-old.
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‘Never Liked It Anyway’: Website Lets You Sell Your Breakup Casualties
With the new year upon us, resolutions and vows of a new beginning are, too. For some, it’s time to dump the bad relationship—and the stuff the ex left behind.
Mashable has highlighted a startup that helps you do just that. You still have to break up with the person on your own, but Never Liked it Anyway is a marketplace for all the items you’re left with afterward.
In reality, these are perfectly fine goods: clothing, albums, wedding dresses, computer cases, MacBook Pros. However, we all know how a relationship’s end can render your house or closet into an emotional landmine.
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In reality, these are perfectly fine goods: clothing, albums, wedding dresses, computer cases, MacBook Pros. However, we all know how a relationship’s end can render your house or closet into an emotional landmine.
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PETA Seeks Memorials To Cows Killed On Ill. Roads
CHICAGO (AP) - An animal rights group wants Illinois to install highway signs in memory of cattle killed when trucks hauling them flipped in two separate wrecks.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has asked for permission to buy the markers, one in suburban Chicago and one northwest of Peoria. The group says the signs would pay tribute to the more than 20 cattle killed as a result of negligent driving this year.
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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has asked for permission to buy the markers, one in suburban Chicago and one northwest of Peoria. The group says the signs would pay tribute to the more than 20 cattle killed as a result of negligent driving this year.
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Sci-Fi Brothel To Open In Nevada
An infamous entrepreneur plans to open the Alien Cathouse, located 90 miles from Las Vegas.
Hey gents, have you ever found yourself jealous of Captain James T. Kirk and his, …er intergalactic conquests? Do you longingly watch Jabba the Hutt’s dancing slave (her name is Oola, if you’re interested) and wonder, what if? Do you long to go where no man has gone before? Well, once a new sci-fi brothel opens in Nevada, you can.
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Hey gents, have you ever found yourself jealous of Captain James T. Kirk and his, …er intergalactic conquests? Do you longingly watch Jabba the Hutt’s dancing slave (her name is Oola, if you’re interested) and wonder, what if? Do you long to go where no man has gone before? Well, once a new sci-fi brothel opens in Nevada, you can.
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Cops: Man Tried To Use $1M Bill At NC Walmart
LEXINGTON, N.C. (AP) - Do you have change for a million-dollar bill?
Police say a North Carolina man insisted his million-dollar note was real when he was buying $476 worth of items at a Walmart.
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Police say a North Carolina man insisted his million-dollar note was real when he was buying $476 worth of items at a Walmart.
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President Obama Signs Indefinite Detention Bill Into Law
WASHINGTON – President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law today. The statute contains a sweeping worldwide indefinite detention provision. While President Obama issued a signing statement saying he had “serious reservations” about the provisions, the statement only applies to how his administration would use the authorities granted by the NDAA, and would not affect how the law is interpreted by subsequent administrations. The White House had threatened to veto an earlier version of the NDAA, but reversed course shortly before Congress voted on the final bill.
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Delaware State Police Issues Gold Alert
Gold Alert Subject:
John R. Harvey, 33, Hartly, DE
6’03” tall, 260 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes
Possibly operating a green 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
Location Last Seen:
Residence in the 6000 block of Westville Road, Hartly, DE
Date and Time Last Seen:
Sunday, January 01, 2012 at 7:35 p.m.
Resume:
Hartly, DE- The Delaware State Police have issued a Gold Alert for a missing Hartly man.
The Delaware State Police are currently searching for John R. Harvey, 33, of Hartly, DE. Harvey was last seen leaving his residence located in the 6000 block of Westville Road, in Hartly at approximately 7:35 p.m. this evening and may be in the Houston area of DE. He is described as a white male, 6’03” tall and 260 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. He may also be operating a green 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.
John Harvey’s medical condition is such that there is a real concern for his safety.
Troopers are asking anyone who may have any information as to the whereabouts of John R. Harvey to contact Troop 3 at 302-697-4454. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
John R. Harvey, 33, Hartly, DE
6’03” tall, 260 lbs, brown hair, blue eyes
Possibly operating a green 2003 Chevrolet Silverado
Location Last Seen:
Residence in the 6000 block of Westville Road, Hartly, DE
Date and Time Last Seen:
Sunday, January 01, 2012 at 7:35 p.m.
Resume:
Hartly, DE- The Delaware State Police have issued a Gold Alert for a missing Hartly man.
The Delaware State Police are currently searching for John R. Harvey, 33, of Hartly, DE. Harvey was last seen leaving his residence located in the 6000 block of Westville Road, in Hartly at approximately 7:35 p.m. this evening and may be in the Houston area of DE. He is described as a white male, 6’03” tall and 260 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. He may also be operating a green 2003 Chevrolet Silverado.
John Harvey’s medical condition is such that there is a real concern for his safety.
Troopers are asking anyone who may have any information as to the whereabouts of John R. Harvey to contact Troop 3 at 302-697-4454. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
A Bird Flu Death In China. What It Means — And Doesn’t Mean
Science and news cycles sometimes converge in unhandy ways. That was the case on on January 1, when word came out of Shenzen, a Chinese city bordering Hong Kong, that a 39-year-old bus driver, surnamed Chen, had died of the H5N1 (or bird flu) virus. The deeply personal tragedy for Chen and his family ought not to be such scary news for most other folks. Since 2003, there have been only 573 confirmed cases of H5N1, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), and though 60% of the victims have died, that’s still a vanishingly tiny number of people in a global population of 7 billion. As long as the H5N1 virus doesn’t jump easily from person to person — which it manifestly does not — it will remain a danger only to those who happen to come in contact with infected poultry.
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Dead Blackbirds Fall From The Sky Again In Beebe, Arkansas, On New Year's Eve
Dozens of dead blackbirds have fallen from the sky over a small Arkansas town for the second year in a row.
That the town of Beebe has seen this before, however, doesn't make the deaths of dozens of birds any less odd -- maybe even more so.
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That the town of Beebe has seen this before, however, doesn't make the deaths of dozens of birds any less odd -- maybe even more so.
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Romney Enjoys Slight Lead Over Paul In Latest Iowa Poll
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Rep. Ron Paul are locked in a battle for the top slot in Iowa heading into the state's Tuesday caucuses.
Twenty-four percent of likely Iowa caucus-goers said they would support Romney and 22 percent indicated backing for Paul, according to the Iowa Poll, conducted by Selzer & Co. for the Des Moines Register and released on Saturday evening.
Iran Reports Test-Firing Surface-To-Air Missile
Iran's navy said Sunday it test-fired an advanced surface-to-air missile during a drill in international waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the passageway for one-sixth of the world's oil supply.
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Sunday, January 01, 2012
Ranger Shot At Mount Rainier National Park
MOUNT RAINIER, Wash. – A ranger at Mount Rainier National Park has been shot, and the gunman is on the loose.
The shooting occurred near Longmire Ranger Station. The condition of the ranger is not known.
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The shooting occurred near Longmire Ranger Station. The condition of the ranger is not known.
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Lack Of ADHD Drugs Prompt Hundreds Of Complaints Daily
Shortages of medicines like Ritalin and Adderall are so endemic that some patients say they worry almost constantly about availability
Medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are in such short supply that hundreds of patients complain daily to the Food and Drug Administration that they are unable to find a pharmacy with enough pills to fill their prescriptions.
The shortages are a result of a troubled partnership between drug manufacturers and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with companies trying to maximize their profits and drug enforcement agents trying to minimize abuse by people, many of them college students, who use the medications to get high or to stay up all night.
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Medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are in such short supply that hundreds of patients complain daily to the Food and Drug Administration that they are unable to find a pharmacy with enough pills to fill their prescriptions.
The shortages are a result of a troubled partnership between drug manufacturers and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with companies trying to maximize their profits and drug enforcement agents trying to minimize abuse by people, many of them college students, who use the medications to get high or to stay up all night.
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Update On YMCA Story
Last week we received multiple e-mail messages stating the YMCA in Salisbury was closing their doors, THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY FALSE.
The original messages that we received came from From: rbhildrich@mail.com.
Joe,
Just thought you'd like to know that the Mid Delmarva YMCA is going under. No members know this yet, but the Y will be closing the end of January 2012. There is to be a notice sent to all members shortly, but even the employees are not aware of this yet. Sad, but this great institution has served the area well. It will be sad to see it go. Best wishes on the New Year.
Sincerely,
Bob Hildrich
Keep in mind, there were several follow up messages in which this person stated, "I work the front desk part time".
I want to make it very clear, again, this information was a lie and we truly apologize for publishing this false information. We did have a one on one meeting directly with the YMCA in which we forwarded ALL correspondences to the YMCA to show we did not intentionally publish information that was not convincing, they agreed.
The YMCA is in the beginning stages of their yearly fundraising/membership drive and someone is trying to disrupt their attempts. One has to wonder, did the Anti Albero Bloggers do this?
What I can tell you is that the Salisbury YMCA has more than 8,000 members and is doing very well financially. While we do not normally pull complete articles, I chose to do so based on the fact that it was completely untrue. Why Jonathan Taylor and the rest of his screwed up friends want to continue to go after these Non Profits is beyond me. After all, HE is one of the recipients of such services as someone who receives disability checks every month and who knows what else.
Even though this Post only stayed up for less than 30 minutes, the YMCA started receiving a ton of phone calls questioning this information. It stirred up quite a bit of problems for them almost instantly and we owe it to the YMCA to express our deepest apology and ask them to forgive me, they have.
This Post isn't being hidden, we made a mistake and we will own up to it. There's no little correction hidden somewhere in which it would be hard to find. We want it known, we made a mistake. I will tell you this. During our meeting with the YMCA we discussed the information and multiple e-mail messages sent to us and they completely understood why we had published the information. It could be said that since the employees were unaware of this information the YMCA would deny it being true. However, I am absolutely convinced beyond any doubt that what we had been told was a lie.
I truly cannot understand why these people would go to such lengths to hurt these non profits but they have proven time and time again, THEY DO NOT CARE.
Now, in closing, we all make mistakes. However, (to me) its how you handle those mistakes that makes you who you are.
GO HERE to see ALL of the services the YMCA provides.
The original messages that we received came from From: rbhildrich@mail.com.
Joe,
Just thought you'd like to know that the Mid Delmarva YMCA is going under. No members know this yet, but the Y will be closing the end of January 2012. There is to be a notice sent to all members shortly, but even the employees are not aware of this yet. Sad, but this great institution has served the area well. It will be sad to see it go. Best wishes on the New Year.
Sincerely,
Bob Hildrich
Keep in mind, there were several follow up messages in which this person stated, "I work the front desk part time".
I want to make it very clear, again, this information was a lie and we truly apologize for publishing this false information. We did have a one on one meeting directly with the YMCA in which we forwarded ALL correspondences to the YMCA to show we did not intentionally publish information that was not convincing, they agreed.
The YMCA is in the beginning stages of their yearly fundraising/membership drive and someone is trying to disrupt their attempts. One has to wonder, did the Anti Albero Bloggers do this?
What I can tell you is that the Salisbury YMCA has more than 8,000 members and is doing very well financially. While we do not normally pull complete articles, I chose to do so based on the fact that it was completely untrue. Why Jonathan Taylor and the rest of his screwed up friends want to continue to go after these Non Profits is beyond me. After all, HE is one of the recipients of such services as someone who receives disability checks every month and who knows what else.
Even though this Post only stayed up for less than 30 minutes, the YMCA started receiving a ton of phone calls questioning this information. It stirred up quite a bit of problems for them almost instantly and we owe it to the YMCA to express our deepest apology and ask them to forgive me, they have.
This Post isn't being hidden, we made a mistake and we will own up to it. There's no little correction hidden somewhere in which it would be hard to find. We want it known, we made a mistake. I will tell you this. During our meeting with the YMCA we discussed the information and multiple e-mail messages sent to us and they completely understood why we had published the information. It could be said that since the employees were unaware of this information the YMCA would deny it being true. However, I am absolutely convinced beyond any doubt that what we had been told was a lie.
I truly cannot understand why these people would go to such lengths to hurt these non profits but they have proven time and time again, THEY DO NOT CARE.
Now, in closing, we all make mistakes. However, (to me) its how you handle those mistakes that makes you who you are.
GO HERE to see ALL of the services the YMCA provides.
Obama: I Have The Power To Detain Americans… But I Won’t
NOTE: First, it should be remembered that the Obama White House pressured Congress to add the controversial language to the bill, according to Sen. Carl Levin.
Second, Signing Statements are not law, and are not a Constitutional power granted to the executive branch; any reassuring (or troubling) language within has no binding status– though it may shed light on the character of the chief executive and does signal a dangerous trend in de facto rule by “executive fiat”– and does not indicate any deviation of intent from the law as written.
From Wikipedia: the Constitution does not authorize the President to use signing statements to circumvent any validly enacted Congressional Laws, nor does it authorize him to declare he will disobey such laws (or parts thereof). When a bill is presented to the President, the Constitution (Art. II) allows him only three choices: do nothing, sign the bill, or (if he disapproves of the bill) veto it in its entirety.
Statement by the President on H.R. 1540:
Today I have signed into law H.R. 1540, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.” I have signed the Act chiefly because it authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, crucial services for service members and their families, and vital national security programs that must be renewed. In hundreds of separate sections totaling over 500 pages, the Act also contains critical Administration initiatives to control the spiraling health care costs of the Department of Defense (DoD), to develop counter-terrorism initiatives abroad, to build the security capacity of key partners, to modernize the force, and to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations worldwide.
The fact that I support this bill as a whole does not mean I agree with everything in it. In particular, I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists. Over the last several years, my Administration has developed an effective, sustainable framework for the detention, interrogation and trial of suspected terrorists that allows us to maximize both our ability to collect intelligence and to incapacitate dangerous individuals in rapidly developing situations, and the results we have achieved are undeniable. Our success against al-Qa’ida and its affiliates and adherents has derived in significant measure from providing our counter-terrorism professionals with the clarity and flexibility they need to adapt to changing circumstances and to utilize whichever authorities best protect the American people, and our accomplishments have respected the values that make our country an example for the world.
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Second, Signing Statements are not law, and are not a Constitutional power granted to the executive branch; any reassuring (or troubling) language within has no binding status– though it may shed light on the character of the chief executive and does signal a dangerous trend in de facto rule by “executive fiat”– and does not indicate any deviation of intent from the law as written.
From Wikipedia: the Constitution does not authorize the President to use signing statements to circumvent any validly enacted Congressional Laws, nor does it authorize him to declare he will disobey such laws (or parts thereof). When a bill is presented to the President, the Constitution (Art. II) allows him only three choices: do nothing, sign the bill, or (if he disapproves of the bill) veto it in its entirety.
Statement by the President on H.R. 1540:
Today I have signed into law H.R. 1540, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.” I have signed the Act chiefly because it authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, crucial services for service members and their families, and vital national security programs that must be renewed. In hundreds of separate sections totaling over 500 pages, the Act also contains critical Administration initiatives to control the spiraling health care costs of the Department of Defense (DoD), to develop counter-terrorism initiatives abroad, to build the security capacity of key partners, to modernize the force, and to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations worldwide.
The fact that I support this bill as a whole does not mean I agree with everything in it. In particular, I have signed this bill despite having serious reservations with certain provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists. Over the last several years, my Administration has developed an effective, sustainable framework for the detention, interrogation and trial of suspected terrorists that allows us to maximize both our ability to collect intelligence and to incapacitate dangerous individuals in rapidly developing situations, and the results we have achieved are undeniable. Our success against al-Qa’ida and its affiliates and adherents has derived in significant measure from providing our counter-terrorism professionals with the clarity and flexibility they need to adapt to changing circumstances and to utilize whichever authorities best protect the American people, and our accomplishments have respected the values that make our country an example for the world.
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Bridge Tolls Rising Again
Drivers of largest trucks to pay more starting at midnight
Commercial truckers driving vehicles with more than four axles will start paying 60 percent more tomorrow to cross the Bay Bridge.
Drivers of some smaller commercial vehicles, however, will actually pay less than right now.
"Larger vehicles have more of an impact on the roadway," said Teri Moss, spokeswoman for the Maryland Transportation Authority, explaining why some commercial vehicles will see a larger toll increase than others.
"We wanted to put the tolls more in line with the impact the vehicles were having on the roadway."
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Verizon Caves, Pulls Plug On $2 Convenience Fee
Well that was fast. Only hours after publicly stating it wouldn't back off from charging a $2/month fee to customers who paid online or by phone with a debit/credit card, Verizon Wireless has pulled a complete 180 and decided to nix the fee completely.
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Turns Out Hair Of The Dog Might Not Lessen A Hangover's Bite
Put down that day-after-the-night-you-drank-too-much beer — it turns out hair of the dog probably won't make your hangover any better, and in fact might just increase the pain. So says a doctor with other tips to avoid feeling miserable on New Year's Day (and any other day, for that matter).
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Wicomico County Sheriff's Department Press Releases 1-1-12
Incident: Trespass
Date of Incident: 29 December 2011
Location: 28000 block of Ocean Gateway, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Thomas E. Bowen, 29, Mardela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 29 December 2011 at 3:03 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported trespassing complaint in the 28000 block of Ocean Gateway. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the complainant who reported finding Thomas Bowen of Mardela Springs inside a vehicle on property that he tends that is posted “No Trespassing.” The Complainant advised that he caught Bowen alone inside the vehicle dressed in women’s clothing while engaged in sex acts.
The deputy placed Bowen under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Bowen in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Trespassing on Posted Private Property.
Incident: Weapon Violation
Date of Incident: 30 December 2011
Location: 9000 block of Ocean Highway, Delmar, MD
Suspect: James Ian Taylor, 23, Laurel, DE
Narrative: On 30 December 2011 at 12:16 AM, a deputy was investigating a disturbance in the 9000 block of Ocean Highway in Delmar when the deputy stopped to check on James Taylor who was sitting in a vehicle nearby. During the encounter with Taylor, the deputy noticed behavior that raised the deputy’s suspicions about the activities Taylor was engaged in. While standing at the side of the vehicle, Taylor
acted in a way as if he was trying to conceal something beside the seat. The deputy made repeated requests to see identification from Taylor and for Taylor to exit the vehicle, both of which were either ignored or refused. The deputy assisted Taylor out of his vehicle and then conducted a search of the vehicle which led to the recovery of three large knives, all hidden but within easy reach of Taylor.
The deputy placed Taylor under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Taylor in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Concealed Dangerous Weapon
Date of Incident: 29 December 2011
Location: 28000 block of Ocean Gateway, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Thomas E. Bowen, 29, Mardela Springs, MD
Narrative: On 29 December 2011 at 3:03 PM, a deputy from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded for a reported trespassing complaint in the 28000 block of Ocean Gateway. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the complainant who reported finding Thomas Bowen of Mardela Springs inside a vehicle on property that he tends that is posted “No Trespassing.” The Complainant advised that he caught Bowen alone inside the vehicle dressed in women’s clothing while engaged in sex acts.
The deputy placed Bowen under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Bowen in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond.
Charges: Trespassing on Posted Private Property.
Incident: Weapon Violation
Date of Incident: 30 December 2011
Location: 9000 block of Ocean Highway, Delmar, MD
Suspect: James Ian Taylor, 23, Laurel, DE
Narrative: On 30 December 2011 at 12:16 AM, a deputy was investigating a disturbance in the 9000 block of Ocean Highway in Delmar when the deputy stopped to check on James Taylor who was sitting in a vehicle nearby. During the encounter with Taylor, the deputy noticed behavior that raised the deputy’s suspicions about the activities Taylor was engaged in. While standing at the side of the vehicle, Taylor
acted in a way as if he was trying to conceal something beside the seat. The deputy made repeated requests to see identification from Taylor and for Taylor to exit the vehicle, both of which were either ignored or refused. The deputy assisted Taylor out of his vehicle and then conducted a search of the vehicle which led to the recovery of three large knives, all hidden but within easy reach of Taylor.
The deputy placed Taylor under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Taylor in the Detention Center in lieu of $5,000.00 bond.
Charges: Concealed Dangerous Weapon
STATE POLICE HELICOPTER CREW AND FREDERICK CO. ATR TEAM LOCATE LOST HIKER
Frederick, Maryland
On December 31, 2011, a hiker lost in Gambrill State Park was located and rescued by helicopters from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and the United States Park Police, with support from the Frederick County Advanced Technical Rescue Team. A State Police helicopter crew located the hiker with information provided by Frederick County Emergency Communications and with the aid of night vision equipment. Of note, the State Police helicopter crew located the hiker after “seeing” the faint glow from the hiker’s cellular phone using the night vision equipment. Due to difficulty directing the hiker to safety, members of the ATR team were lowered to the victim, using the rescue hoist on the State Police aircraft, with the assistance of high intensity lighting from the U.S. Park Police helicopter. The Frederick County ATR members then used GPS to escort the hiker out of the park to safety. The hiker was located uninjured and did not require medical attention.
On December 31, 2011, a hiker lost in Gambrill State Park was located and rescued by helicopters from the Maryland State Police Aviation Command and the United States Park Police, with support from the Frederick County Advanced Technical Rescue Team. A State Police helicopter crew located the hiker with information provided by Frederick County Emergency Communications and with the aid of night vision equipment. Of note, the State Police helicopter crew located the hiker after “seeing” the faint glow from the hiker’s cellular phone using the night vision equipment. Due to difficulty directing the hiker to safety, members of the ATR team were lowered to the victim, using the rescue hoist on the State Police aircraft, with the assistance of high intensity lighting from the U.S. Park Police helicopter. The Frederick County ATR members then used GPS to escort the hiker out of the park to safety. The hiker was located uninjured and did not require medical attention.
Adam Roop Says, I'm Running For Mayor Of Salisbury
Adam Roop of Exit Realty is fed up and wants to make a difference. He says he wants to be your next Mayor and will do so "full time".
"Adam R Roop
I'm running for Mayor. And I'm not doing it for the money.....because I don't need the money. I'm doing for you. Put my name on the ballot!"
Adam called me Friday night to express his intentions and asked if I'd moderate an event he wants to hold this Saturday at the Black Diamond Hall.
"Adam R Roop
I'm holding a brunch meeting at black diamond in Fruitland next Saturday. There will be guest speakers and a moderator. Its free for all...omelets, potatoes, wheat toast....no limit to the amount of people. come one come all!!"
It seems Adam is fed up with how things are going in Salisbury and wants to hear what others think. Many people are growing very tired of the lack of leadership and professionalism of those elected into Office and Adam wants the community to know RIGHT NOW, he's tired of it, he's embarrassed and he wants to make a positive difference.
There are a select group of Adam Roop haters out there. Many are jealous and envious of this young mans business success, yet none of those haters step up to the plate by putting their names into the hat to make a difference. Instead, they hide behind anonymous and attack Mr. Roop. I, (for one) tip my hat to Mr. Roop for being willing stand up for what he believes in. Win, lose or draw, Adam Roop is at least man enough to try.
I will attend this event on Saturday and I hope many of you will join us. Let's make something very clear here. I, Joe Albero and Salisbury News are not announcing any endorsement at this time. I am simply fulfilling Mr. Roop's wishes by participating. There will be NO hate comments posted, period. So don't waste your time doing so, unless you choose to publish your name. It has always been our policy to publish comments with your name attached as you then OWN the comment.
Barn Raising At Its Best Bruno, Nebraska
News report from Bruno , NE In 1981, Herman Ostry and his wife, Donna, bought a farm a half mile outside ofBruno , Nebraska , a small community sixty miles west of Omaha . The property had a creek and came with a barn built in the 1920's. The barn
floor was always wet and muddy. When the creek flooded in 1988, the barn ended up with 29 inches of water covering the floor. That was the last straw. Ostry needed to move it to higher ground. He contacted a building moving company and was
discouraged by the bid. One night around the table, Ostry commented that if they had enough people they could pick the barn up and move it to higher ground.. Everyone laughed.
A few days later, Ostry’s son Mike showed his father some calculations. He had counted the individual boards and timbers in the barn and estimated that the barn
weighed approximately 16,640 pounds. He also estimated that a steel grid needed to move the barn would add another 3,150 pounds, bringing the total weight to just under 10 tons. He figured it would take around 350 people with each person lifting 56 lbs. to move the barn.
The town of Bruno , Nebraska was planning its centennial celebration in late July of 1988. Herman and Mike presented their barn moving idea to the committee. The committee decided to make it part of their celebration.
So, on July 30, 1988, shortly before 11 a.m., a quick test lift was successfully
made. Then, as local television cameras and 4,000 people from eleven states watched, 350 people moved the barn 115 feet south and 6 feet higher up a gentle slope and set it on its new foundation.
The reason most people think that something cannot be done is because they know that they can’t do it by themselves. But impossible things can be done if we join together in the task. Working together, we can not only move barns, but change the world.
floor was always wet and muddy. When the creek flooded in 1988, the barn ended up with 29 inches of water covering the floor. That was the last straw. Ostry needed to move it to higher ground. He contacted a building moving company and was
discouraged by the bid. One night around the table, Ostry commented that if they had enough people they could pick the barn up and move it to higher ground.. Everyone laughed.
A few days later, Ostry’s son Mike showed his father some calculations. He had counted the individual boards and timbers in the barn and estimated that the barn
weighed approximately 16,640 pounds. He also estimated that a steel grid needed to move the barn would add another 3,150 pounds, bringing the total weight to just under 10 tons. He figured it would take around 350 people with each person lifting 56 lbs. to move the barn.
The town of Bruno , Nebraska was planning its centennial celebration in late July of 1988. Herman and Mike presented their barn moving idea to the committee. The committee decided to make it part of their celebration.
So, on July 30, 1988, shortly before 11 a.m., a quick test lift was successfully
made. Then, as local television cameras and 4,000 people from eleven states watched, 350 people moved the barn 115 feet south and 6 feet higher up a gentle slope and set it on its new foundation.
The reason most people think that something cannot be done is because they know that they can’t do it by themselves. But impossible things can be done if we join together in the task. Working together, we can not only move barns, but change the world.
5 Things Your Kids Won't Learn In Drivers' Ed — But Should
Parallel Parking
Parking a minivan parallel to the curb, between two other cars, used to take lots of practice and patience. Today, a driver can hit a button and the car will parallel park almost by itself. The newest self-parking systems scout for a suitable parking spot while driving past parked cars, then control the steering while the driver operates the throttle and brake during the actual parking procedure. In other words, the parking computer makes all the tough decisions.
Anyone learning to parallel park such a car certainly won't be eager to try their skill in a conventional auto, which leads us to believe drivers will become even less serious about judging close distances and turning radii.
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Parking a minivan parallel to the curb, between two other cars, used to take lots of practice and patience. Today, a driver can hit a button and the car will parallel park almost by itself. The newest self-parking systems scout for a suitable parking spot while driving past parked cars, then control the steering while the driver operates the throttle and brake during the actual parking procedure. In other words, the parking computer makes all the tough decisions.
Anyone learning to parallel park such a car certainly won't be eager to try their skill in a conventional auto, which leads us to believe drivers will become even less serious about judging close distances and turning radii.
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Troopers Investigate Laurel Liquor Store Robbery
Location: Red Top Liquors, 3061 Sharptown Road, Laurel, DE
Date of Occurrence: Friday, December 30, 2011 at 6:45 p.m.
Victim:
76 year old male employee
Suspects:
White male (no further description) armed with a hand gun.
Black male (no further description) wearing a covering over his face.
Surveillance footage is not available
Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Laurel area liquor store that occurred early last night.
The incident happened at approximately 6:45 p.m. yesterday as two male suspects entered the Red Top Liquor Store located in the 3000 block of Sharptown Road, Laurel. The suspects, one of which was armed with a hand gun, confronted the 76 year old store employee and demanded money and cigarettes. The employee complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes to the suspects. The suspects then exited the store and were last seen fleeing in a westbound direction in an unknown type of vehicle. The victim was not injured.
The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 4 at 302-856-5850. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Date of Occurrence: Friday, December 30, 2011 at 6:45 p.m.
Victim:
76 year old male employee
Suspects:
White male (no further description) armed with a hand gun.
Black male (no further description) wearing a covering over his face.
Surveillance footage is not available
Resume:
Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Laurel area liquor store that occurred early last night.
The incident happened at approximately 6:45 p.m. yesterday as two male suspects entered the Red Top Liquor Store located in the 3000 block of Sharptown Road, Laurel. The suspects, one of which was armed with a hand gun, confronted the 76 year old store employee and demanded money and cigarettes. The employee complied and turned over an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes to the suspects. The suspects then exited the store and were last seen fleeing in a westbound direction in an unknown type of vehicle. The victim was not injured.
The Delaware State Police are asking anyone who may have any information in reference to this incident to contact the Robbery Unit at Troop 4 at 302-856-5850. Citizens may also provide a tip by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.
Special Sunday Edition of Fill In The Blank 01/01/2012
2012 will be the year I _______!!!
Happy New Year To All Of Our Loyal Readers
Fein: National Defense And Fugitive Slaves
The execrable ancestor of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (NDAA) is the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Frederick Douglass protested, “Under this [Fugitive Slave] law the oaths of any two villains (the capturer and the claimant) are sufficient to confine a free man to slavery for life.”
Under the NDAA, the suspicion of the president is sufficient to confine an American citizen to military detention for life without accusation or trial. The twin laws make for an alarming tale.
The Fugitive Slave Act passed with overwhelming congressional support. Only four members of Congress voted against it. The South clamored for its enactment even though very few slaves ever escaped from their owners.
The act vandalized due process. A claimant could obtain possession of an alleged fugitive slave by presenting an affidavit claiming ownership to a commissioner appointed by the judicial branch.
The alleged slave was prohibited from testifying to discredit the claimant’s enslavement affidavit, which is the equivalent of denying a criminal defendant his right to assert his innocence.
The commissioner received a $10 fee for sustaining an enslavement claim, but only $5 for upholding freedom. During the life of the act, slave claimants prevailed in 322 cases and freedom triumphed in 11.
The NDAA defiles due process even more egregiously than did the Fugitive Slave Act. Section 1021 empowers the military to detain for life without trial any American citizen captured in the United States whom the president maintains is “substantially support[ing] … al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces” engaged in hostilities against “coalition partners” of the United States.
None of the key terms in section 1021 are defined to constrain the president’s power to whisk Americans off to dungeons at Guantanamo Bay or elsewhere.
“Al Qaeda” is undefined. “The Taliban” is undefined. “Associated forces” is undefined. “Coalition partners” is undefined. “Substantially supporting” is undefined. The words can mean whatever the president, like Humpty Dumpty, wants them to mean.
“Substantial support” might be said to include any criticism of the United States government for flouting the Constitution in combatting international terrorism.
The president is crowned by the NDAA with untrammeled authority to decide the proof and method for the executive branch to determine whether an American is substantially aiding al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces against a coalition partner. There is no judicial involvement.
In sum, under the NDAA the president may imprison for life any American citizen for an alleged linkage to international terrorism against coalition partners of the United States on his say-so alone — the very definition of tyranny articulated by James Madison, father of the Constitution, in Federalist No. 47.
More
[Bruce Fein was associate deputy attorney general under President Reagan, 1981-83, and is senior policy advisor to the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign -- Editor]
Under the NDAA, the suspicion of the president is sufficient to confine an American citizen to military detention for life without accusation or trial. The twin laws make for an alarming tale.
The Fugitive Slave Act passed with overwhelming congressional support. Only four members of Congress voted against it. The South clamored for its enactment even though very few slaves ever escaped from their owners.
The act vandalized due process. A claimant could obtain possession of an alleged fugitive slave by presenting an affidavit claiming ownership to a commissioner appointed by the judicial branch.
The alleged slave was prohibited from testifying to discredit the claimant’s enslavement affidavit, which is the equivalent of denying a criminal defendant his right to assert his innocence.
The commissioner received a $10 fee for sustaining an enslavement claim, but only $5 for upholding freedom. During the life of the act, slave claimants prevailed in 322 cases and freedom triumphed in 11.
The NDAA defiles due process even more egregiously than did the Fugitive Slave Act. Section 1021 empowers the military to detain for life without trial any American citizen captured in the United States whom the president maintains is “substantially support[ing] … al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces” engaged in hostilities against “coalition partners” of the United States.
None of the key terms in section 1021 are defined to constrain the president’s power to whisk Americans off to dungeons at Guantanamo Bay or elsewhere.
“Al Qaeda” is undefined. “The Taliban” is undefined. “Associated forces” is undefined. “Coalition partners” is undefined. “Substantially supporting” is undefined. The words can mean whatever the president, like Humpty Dumpty, wants them to mean.
“Substantial support” might be said to include any criticism of the United States government for flouting the Constitution in combatting international terrorism.
The president is crowned by the NDAA with untrammeled authority to decide the proof and method for the executive branch to determine whether an American is substantially aiding al-Qaeda, the Taliban, or associated forces against a coalition partner. There is no judicial involvement.
In sum, under the NDAA the president may imprison for life any American citizen for an alleged linkage to international terrorism against coalition partners of the United States on his say-so alone — the very definition of tyranny articulated by James Madison, father of the Constitution, in Federalist No. 47.
More
[Bruce Fein was associate deputy attorney general under President Reagan, 1981-83, and is senior policy advisor to the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign -- Editor]
Kim Il Obama: Will Govern Without Congress
Leaving behind a year of bruising legislative battles, President Barack Obama enters his fourth year in office having calculated that he no longer needs Congress to promote his agenda and may even benefit in his re-election campaign if lawmakers accomplish little in 2012.
Absent any major policy pushes, much of the year will focus on winning a second term. The president will keep up a robust domestic travel schedule and aggressive campaign fundraising and use executive action to try to boost the economy.
Partisan, down-to-the-wire fights over allowing the nation to take on more debt and sharply reducing government spending defined 2011. In the new year, there are almost no must-do pieces of legislation facing the president and Congress.
The one exception is the looming debate on a full-year extension of a cut in the Social Security payroll tax rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. Democrats and Republicans are divided over how to put in place that extension.
The White House believes GOP lawmakers boxed themselves in during the pre-Christmas debate on the tax break and will be hard-pressed to back off their own assertions that it should continue through the end of 2012.
Once that debate is over, the White House says, Obama's political fate will no longer be tied to Washington.
"Now that he's sort of free from having to put out these fires, the president will have a larger playing field. If that includes Congress, all the better," said Josh Earnest, White House deputy press secretary. But, he added, "that's no longer a requirement."
Aides say the president will not turn his back on Congress completely in the new year. He is expected to once again push lawmakers to pass elements of his jobs bill that were blocked by Republicans last fall.
If those efforts fail, the White House says, Obama's re-election year will focus almost exclusively on executive action.
Earnest said Obama will come out with at least two or three directives per week, continuing the "We Can't Wait" campaign the administration began this fall, and try to define Republicans in Congress as gridlocked and dysfunctional.
More
Absent any major policy pushes, much of the year will focus on winning a second term. The president will keep up a robust domestic travel schedule and aggressive campaign fundraising and use executive action to try to boost the economy.
Partisan, down-to-the-wire fights over allowing the nation to take on more debt and sharply reducing government spending defined 2011. In the new year, there are almost no must-do pieces of legislation facing the president and Congress.
The one exception is the looming debate on a full-year extension of a cut in the Social Security payroll tax rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. Democrats and Republicans are divided over how to put in place that extension.
The White House believes GOP lawmakers boxed themselves in during the pre-Christmas debate on the tax break and will be hard-pressed to back off their own assertions that it should continue through the end of 2012.
Once that debate is over, the White House says, Obama's political fate will no longer be tied to Washington.
"Now that he's sort of free from having to put out these fires, the president will have a larger playing field. If that includes Congress, all the better," said Josh Earnest, White House deputy press secretary. But, he added, "that's no longer a requirement."
Aides say the president will not turn his back on Congress completely in the new year. He is expected to once again push lawmakers to pass elements of his jobs bill that were blocked by Republicans last fall.
If those efforts fail, the White House says, Obama's re-election year will focus almost exclusively on executive action.
Earnest said Obama will come out with at least two or three directives per week, continuing the "We Can't Wait" campaign the administration began this fall, and try to define Republicans in Congress as gridlocked and dysfunctional.
More
KUHNER: Will Obama Steal The 2012 Election?
Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. claims Jim Crow is returning. In a recent speech, Mr. Holder said that attempts by states to pass voter identification laws will disenfranchise minorities, rolling back the clock to the evil days of segregation. He said that a growing number of minorities fear that “the same disparities, divisions and problems” now afflict America as they did in 1965 prior to the Voting Rights Act. According to the Obama administration, our democracy is being threatened by racist Republicans. Hence, the Justice Department must prevent laws requiring a photo ID to vote from being enacted.
Mr. Holder argues that voter ID laws disproportionately discriminate against poor blacks and Hispanics - citizens who cannot afford to acquire a driver’s license, passport or other form of photo identification. The latest victim is South Carolina; its voter ID law has been blocked by the Justice Department. Liberal Democrats - taking their cue from the White House - are portraying the national movement for election reform as an authoritarian assault upon civil liberties. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has even petitioned the United Nations, asking it to declare states’ voter ID laws human rights abuses. For the radical left, America has become Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
This would be comical if the consequences were not so serious. South Carolina’s legislation provides for free ID cards to be given to anyone who needs one.
Not one person - white, black or brown - is discriminated against or discouraged from casting a vote at the ballot box. Moreover, the Supreme Court already has ruled on the issue - upholding state voter ID laws. In the 2008 Crawford v. Marion County Election Board decision, the high court held that an Indiana law mandating photo identification at the voting booth was indeed constitutional. If it is good enough for the Supreme Court and the overwhelming majority of the states, then it should be for Mr. Holder as well.
It isn’t. And the reason is simple: The administration is trying to whip up minority frenzy, propagating the myth of widespread ballot suppression. The goal is to foster a sense of racial persecution of blacks, intending to maximize voter turnout in November. The results, however, will be to poison race relations further. Mr. Holder is cynically playing the race card in order to achieve President Obama’s overriding ambition: re-election.
Racism has nothing to do with states implementing voter ID laws. Rather, it is about protecting the integrity of our electoral system. Voter fraud is rampant; abuses regularly take place. In Chicago, local elections are often marred by ballot stuffing and multiple voting - including by false voters who use the names of deceased individuals. Indiana election officials have found that, during the 2008 Democratic primary, countless pro-Barack Obama and pro-Hillary Rodham Clinton signatures were falsified. In Minnesota, voter fraud enabled Democrat Al Franken to steal the election from incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. It is precisely to preserve the fundamental basis of our democracy - one person, one vote - that voter ID laws are necessary.
Mr. Holder evidently wants to scuttle ID laws because he knows which organization will be hurt most: ACORN.
More
Mr. Holder argues that voter ID laws disproportionately discriminate against poor blacks and Hispanics - citizens who cannot afford to acquire a driver’s license, passport or other form of photo identification. The latest victim is South Carolina; its voter ID law has been blocked by the Justice Department. Liberal Democrats - taking their cue from the White House - are portraying the national movement for election reform as an authoritarian assault upon civil liberties. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has even petitioned the United Nations, asking it to declare states’ voter ID laws human rights abuses. For the radical left, America has become Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
This would be comical if the consequences were not so serious. South Carolina’s legislation provides for free ID cards to be given to anyone who needs one.
Not one person - white, black or brown - is discriminated against or discouraged from casting a vote at the ballot box. Moreover, the Supreme Court already has ruled on the issue - upholding state voter ID laws. In the 2008 Crawford v. Marion County Election Board decision, the high court held that an Indiana law mandating photo identification at the voting booth was indeed constitutional. If it is good enough for the Supreme Court and the overwhelming majority of the states, then it should be for Mr. Holder as well.
It isn’t. And the reason is simple: The administration is trying to whip up minority frenzy, propagating the myth of widespread ballot suppression. The goal is to foster a sense of racial persecution of blacks, intending to maximize voter turnout in November. The results, however, will be to poison race relations further. Mr. Holder is cynically playing the race card in order to achieve President Obama’s overriding ambition: re-election.
Racism has nothing to do with states implementing voter ID laws. Rather, it is about protecting the integrity of our electoral system. Voter fraud is rampant; abuses regularly take place. In Chicago, local elections are often marred by ballot stuffing and multiple voting - including by false voters who use the names of deceased individuals. Indiana election officials have found that, during the 2008 Democratic primary, countless pro-Barack Obama and pro-Hillary Rodham Clinton signatures were falsified. In Minnesota, voter fraud enabled Democrat Al Franken to steal the election from incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. It is precisely to preserve the fundamental basis of our democracy - one person, one vote - that voter ID laws are necessary.
Mr. Holder evidently wants to scuttle ID laws because he knows which organization will be hurt most: ACORN.
More
Gingrich: Justice Dept Wants To 'Steal Elections'
Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich blasted the Justice Department for blocking a South Carolina voter identification law and suggested the Obama administration wants to "steal elections."
During a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the former House speaker questioned why Attorney General Eric Holder is "so determined not to identify if people are not eligible to vote"
Gingrich went on to say that, "you have to ask, why is it that they are desperate to retain the ability to steal elections and I think that's what it comes down to."
More
During a campaign stop in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the former House speaker questioned why Attorney General Eric Holder is "so determined not to identify if people are not eligible to vote"
Gingrich went on to say that, "you have to ask, why is it that they are desperate to retain the ability to steal elections and I think that's what it comes down to."
More
KNIGHT: Voter ID Terrifies Democrats
The most consequential election in our lifetime is still 10 months away, but it’s clear from the Obama administration’s order halting South Carolina’s new photo ID law that the Democrats already have brought a gun to a knife fight.
How else to describe this naked assault on the right of a state to create minimal requirements to curb voter fraud?
On Dec. 23, Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez sent a letter ordering South Carolina to stop enforcing its photo ID law. Mr. Perez, who heads the Civil Rights Division that booted charges against the New Black Panther Party for intimidating voters in Philadelphia in 2008, said South Carolina’s law would disenfranchise thousands of minority voters.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson rejected Mr. Perez’s math and explained on Fox News why the law is necessary. The state Department of Motor Vehicles audited a state Election Commission report that said 239,333 people were registered to vote but had no photo ID. The DMV found that 37,000 were deceased, more than 90,000 had moved to other states, and others had names not matched to IDs. That left only 27,000 people registered without a photo ID but who could vote by signing an affidavit as to their identity.
Mr. Wilson told me by phone Thursday that he would file a challenge to the order in federal district court in January.
More
How else to describe this naked assault on the right of a state to create minimal requirements to curb voter fraud?
On Dec. 23, Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez sent a letter ordering South Carolina to stop enforcing its photo ID law. Mr. Perez, who heads the Civil Rights Division that booted charges against the New Black Panther Party for intimidating voters in Philadelphia in 2008, said South Carolina’s law would disenfranchise thousands of minority voters.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson rejected Mr. Perez’s math and explained on Fox News why the law is necessary. The state Department of Motor Vehicles audited a state Election Commission report that said 239,333 people were registered to vote but had no photo ID. The DMV found that 37,000 were deceased, more than 90,000 had moved to other states, and others had names not matched to IDs. That left only 27,000 people registered without a photo ID but who could vote by signing an affidavit as to their identity.
Mr. Wilson told me by phone Thursday that he would file a challenge to the order in federal district court in January.
More
Quote Of The Week
"In a second Obama administration he will be operating without any of the constraints that limited his actions in the first. He will never have to face the voters again. Obama unbound, with interest groups to reward. America, you don't want to go there."
WSJ Columnist Peggy Noonan
WSJ Columnist Peggy Noonan
Child Abuse Arrest
DATE & TIME: 12/31/11 @ 1402 hours
C C. CARD NUMBER: 11-54-009054
LOCATION 23395 Old Ocean City Road, Pittsville Wicomico County, Maryland
BRIEF RESUME:
On 12/31/2011 at approximately 1402 hours, the Salisbury Barrack received a 911 emergency call from a citizen stating that she was driving down Old Ocean City Road in Pittsville and came upon a small 2 year old child walking down the middle of the road. The citizen took custody of the child and Troopers responded to the scene. Upon arrival it was learned that the child was being watched by a relative, later identified as the suspect Corey Mathew Seaton, while the child’s guardian went to the store. Troopers learned that the suspect had left the child unattended while he went to the bathroom and the child had walked out an unsecured door. The suspect had not noticed that the child had left the house until the complainant made contact with him some time later. The child’s guardian returned to the scene and took custody of the 2 year old. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Central Booking Unit for a hearing before a District Court Commissioner. The District Court Commissioner released the suspect on his own recognizance without bond.
Arrested:
1. Corey Mathew Seaton, w/m age 21 of Pittsville, Maryland.
C C. CARD NUMBER: 11-54-009054
LOCATION 23395 Old Ocean City Road, Pittsville Wicomico County, Maryland
BRIEF RESUME:
On 12/31/2011 at approximately 1402 hours, the Salisbury Barrack received a 911 emergency call from a citizen stating that she was driving down Old Ocean City Road in Pittsville and came upon a small 2 year old child walking down the middle of the road. The citizen took custody of the child and Troopers responded to the scene. Upon arrival it was learned that the child was being watched by a relative, later identified as the suspect Corey Mathew Seaton, while the child’s guardian went to the store. Troopers learned that the suspect had left the child unattended while he went to the bathroom and the child had walked out an unsecured door. The suspect had not noticed that the child had left the house until the complainant made contact with him some time later. The child’s guardian returned to the scene and took custody of the 2 year old. The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to the Wicomico County Central Booking Unit for a hearing before a District Court Commissioner. The District Court Commissioner released the suspect on his own recognizance without bond.
Arrested:
1. Corey Mathew Seaton, w/m age 21 of Pittsville, Maryland.
Maryland State Police Barrack (E)Participates In Operation Checkpoint Strikeforce & Aggressive Driving Enforcement
During the weeks of December 19th through the 31st Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack participated in Operation Checkpoint Strikeforce and an Aggressive Driving initiative. Sixteen Troopers from the Salisbury Barrack working various shifts patrolled the roadways of Wicomico County looking for impaired drivers and drivers operating vehicles aggressively. During these operations Troopers stopped 280 cars for various traffic violations. Troopers issued 89 citations for speed, 46 citations for other violations. Three arrests were made for driving under the influence. Additionally one driver was arrested for C.D.S. violations. Troopers also issued 143 warnings for various other traffic violations.
SALISBURY AND WICOMICO: IT’S BEEN A VERY BAD YEAR IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
First, let’s look at the elected executives, starting with the big guy. Following his second and a very narrow victory over a political buffoon in late 2010, Rick Pollitt has embarked upon empire building once again. His attempt to expand and glorify his staff has been rejected for the time being by the County Council. But, he is engaged in sleight-of-hand shenanigans, having just engaged a new “public information officer” (adios, Jim Fineran) trained in the art of “creative writing.” And, despite his campaign promise that it would be up to the public to take the initiative in changing or repealing the tax revenue cap, he is leading that effort, and asking the Council to commit immediately to the Bennett Middle School project that would require a tax rate increase of about 10% in the next budget cycle.
Then there’s Jim Ireton, who has abandoned his frequent campaign promised to change the tone of City government and actually surpassed Barrie Tilghman in personal attacks on City Council members who don’t drink his kool-aid, calling them racists among other things in his many media events. His public temper tantrums seem to have decreased in recent months (medication, perhaps), but behind closed doors, who knows?
In these and many other ways, both Pollitt and Ireton have revealed themselves as typical politicians who say whatever helps them get elected but then disregard and dishonor their pledges to the people.
A couple of Council members have distinguished themselves the year by bashing their cohorts. Laura Mitchell has followed Ireton’s lead in that regard. And Sample-Hughes has made clear her dislike of a certain member, suggesting that only those with a high school diploma are qualified to serve on the County Council and that he is unfit to be its president. Could she be speaking for Rick Pollitt, as well?
With leaders like these, the future well-being and stature of the County and City are very much in jeopardy. The folks in Worcester County and Sussex County are overjoyed at the continuing debacle in the County and City that purport to be the leaders on the Shore.
Happy New Year, but things probably won’t get better and could become worse.
Then there’s Jim Ireton, who has abandoned his frequent campaign promised to change the tone of City government and actually surpassed Barrie Tilghman in personal attacks on City Council members who don’t drink his kool-aid, calling them racists among other things in his many media events. His public temper tantrums seem to have decreased in recent months (medication, perhaps), but behind closed doors, who knows?
In these and many other ways, both Pollitt and Ireton have revealed themselves as typical politicians who say whatever helps them get elected but then disregard and dishonor their pledges to the people.
A couple of Council members have distinguished themselves the year by bashing their cohorts. Laura Mitchell has followed Ireton’s lead in that regard. And Sample-Hughes has made clear her dislike of a certain member, suggesting that only those with a high school diploma are qualified to serve on the County Council and that he is unfit to be its president. Could she be speaking for Rick Pollitt, as well?
With leaders like these, the future well-being and stature of the County and City are very much in jeopardy. The folks in Worcester County and Sussex County are overjoyed at the continuing debacle in the County and City that purport to be the leaders on the Shore.
Happy New Year, but things probably won’t get better and could become worse.
Worcester County Sheriff's Office Press Release 12-31-11
On December 22,2011, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office began an Missing Person’s Investigation for a female that was reported missing by family members in the Pocomoke City area. The female, Carol Ann Chandler, was reported missing by her family the following morning. Investigators immediately began searching for Mrs. Chandler.
On December 31,2011, investigators were able to make contact with Mrs. Chandler and determine that she was safe and fine and is currently staying with family members outside of the local area. At this time, Mrs. Chandler is no longer considered missing or endangered. Her family has been contacted and made aware.
On December 31,2011, investigators were able to make contact with Mrs. Chandler and determine that she was safe and fine and is currently staying with family members outside of the local area. At this time, Mrs. Chandler is no longer considered missing or endangered. Her family has been contacted and made aware.
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