Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Monday, April 30, 2007

20070430 Wagoner, Stick Capture Westminster Main Street Mil



Wagoner, Stick Capture Westminster Main Street Mile

By Dave Herlocker

April 30th, 2007

For other past posts about the Westminster Annual Main Street Mile on “Soundtrack.”

Photo credit: Westminster Annual Main Street Mile April 18, 2007 Photo by Stan Ruchlewicz

Matthew Wagoner from neighboring Frederick County and Westminster Road Runner member Sherry Stick captured the men's and women's division of the 26th annual Main Street Mile, held on April 18 and sponsored by the Westminster Road Runners.

Because of the large crowds which have participated in recent years in the downhill run from the east ridge of Westminster to the library at the center of town, registration was halted at 700 this year, with approximately 275 being in the first, competitive heat and the remainder in the second heat, treated as an untimed fun run.

Wagoner, a teacher at Linganore High School just over the Frederick-Carroll county line, led the first wave of runners down the initial hill, and by the time he reached the half-mile point in 2:02, the only question was how large his winning margin would be.

Wagoner's winning time of 4:09 is the fastest time of the century, even though it is almost fifteen seconds slower than the course record, set by Todd Ashley in 1988. Trailing Wagoner by thirteen seconds was newly minted masters runner Doug Mock, who in younger days won this race in under four minutes. Considering that he recently suffered numerous injuries in a fall from a fast moving bicycle, his effort is to be commended.

Danny Fink nipped Remus Medley for third, and Nicholas Wilbur, a member of the McDaniel College track team, finished fifth. Finishing tenth was Shawn Pinamonti, winner of the race in 2001 and 2002.

Repeating her 2006 winning effort was Sherry Stick, who spent her college years at Salisbury University on Maryland's Eastern Shore running 800 and 1500 meter runs. Finishing fourteenth overall, Stick's time of 4:50 was one second faster than last year's winning time and also one second faster than her second place time in 2001.

Brittney Rooks, whose 4:57 time is only the second sub-five minute time recorded by a thirteen or under female, finished second, ahead of Becky Alwarez-Rhodes, who finished second last year. Another thirteen year old, Anna Rachel Demaree, finished fourth, one place better than last year, and Ashley Baker, a McDaniel College senior whose tennis season was sidelined by student teaching duties, finished fifth.

While race officials were sorting through finishing times, and finishers from the first heat were attacking ice cream, word was received from the course that a fun runner had collapsed just past the half-way point and was being treated by medics administering CPR.

To the distress of everyone, the runner--six year old Connor Smith, running with his mother and participating in his fourth Main Street Mile--could not be revived.

Doctors at nearby Carroll General Hospital later stated that he suffered from a rare and previously undiagnosed heart condition known as anomalous left coronary.

Ten days later, on a beautiful Saturday morning, a memorial service was held in Odenton, Maryland, at Connor's home church. In a church filled with family and friends and adorned with flowers, toys, and pictures, Connor was lauded as an intelligent and active child, who treasured the medals he received in the Main Street Mile and who had trained prior to the race. His parents have allowed the Westminster Road Runners to post a picture on Connor, wearing his 2006 Main Street Mile shirt, on the club's web site (www.carr.org/~wrrc).

Contributions may be made to the Connor Smith Memorial Fund at the Dayton Oaks Elementary School, 4691 Ten Oaks Road, Dayton, MD, 21036. Monies received will be used to purchase books for the library on subjects that Connor loved.

20070430 April 2007 Maryland Governor O’Malley press releases

April 2007 Maryland Governor O’Malley press releases

Press Releases

http://www.gov.state.md.us/press.asp

April 30th, 2007

April 30 O'Malley, Board of Public Works Set Tax Rate; Hold the Line on Property Taxes

April 30 O'Malley Visits Montgomery County Schools Headquarters; Attends M-Stat Session

April 27 Governor O'Malley Establishes Judicial Nominating Commissions

April 25 O'Malley Tours Bay Monitoring Sites, Studies Restoration Programs

April 24 Governor Martin O’Malley Signs Legislation to Protect Maryland's Environment; Chesapeake Bay

April 20 Governor Martin O’Malley Signs Greenhouse Gas Agreement, Climate Change Executive Order

April 19 Governor Martin O’Malley Announces Funding for Agriculture and Cover Crops

April 18 Governor Martin O’Malley to Tour Maryland

April 18 Governor Martin O’Malley Announces the Preservation of Blackwater Land

April 11 Governor O’Malley Tours Green School in Montgomery County.

April 10 Governor O’Malley Signs Legislation to Make Government Work Again

April 9 Governor O'Malley Congratulates General Assembly on Successful Session

April 3 Governor O’Malley Applauds Creation Of The Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board

20070430 Quote of the day

Quote of the day: Teach

April 30, 2007

“[The best that the] great teachers can do for us is to help us to discover what is already present in ourselves.” Irving Babbitt (1865-1933) Scholar

Thanks TC

20070429 Daily Photoblog Carroll Co MD Ag Center Tractor Pull


Daily Photoblog

April 29, 2007

Carroll County Maryland Ag Center Tractor Pull

20070429 Carroll Co. FOP Lodge # 20 support for LEOPS for Carroll Co. Sheriff's Department

Carroll County FOP Lodge 20 supports LEOPS for Carroll County Sheriff’s Department

April 29, 2007

{Editors note: For a response to this post please see:
20070518 County Benefit Administrator responds to Sheriff retirement issue}

The letter attached is written by John Shippee, President of the Carroll County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 20.

The members of this lodge publicly support Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning in his attempt to acquire an industry standard retirement for the deputies of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office.

For further information please contact Carroll County FOP State Trustee Rex Scott at 443-277-2717 or 443-375-6346.

FROM: John Shippee, President, Fraternal Order of Police, Carroll County Lodge # 20.

SUBJECT: Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

During recent weeks there has been much written concerning the future policing in Carroll County. The recent budget hearings involving the requests from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and MSP concerning the resident trooper program has fueled this debate.

What has unfortunately been lost is the actual issue, which is a fair and standard retirement and disability plan for members of Sheriff’s Services, not who will be primary – CCSO or a County Police Force.

The current resident trooper program will be phased out, as indicated in the past by Superintendent Tim Hutchins. To implement a county police force is a matter to be addressed by the Board of Commissioners and the Citizens.

The most sensible and cost effective option is to utilize a resource they have used for the past several years, the CCSO, a full service law enforcement agency, which has obtained accreditation through CALEA. The savings of utilizing the CCSO vs. a County Police force is estimated in the millions of dollars.

However, as stated by Commissioner Gouge, her main concern with using the Sheriff’s Office is that the Commissioners cannot control and appoint a Sheriff, but they can control the Chief of a County Police Force. As a citizen of Carroll, a taxpayer and voter, Commissioner Gouge will have a difficult time selling that idea.

Law Enforcement is a profession based on commitment to the citizens of whom they serve, sacrifice and protect. All police officers, as with our fellow fire fighters and EMTs, are specially trained and continually place themselves in harms way.

Police must undergo a physical agility test, a thorough background investigation, a polygraph examination and a battery of psychological tests. They must master certain objectives and pass requirements of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. In order to remain a certified police officer they must annually train within requirements set forth by the training commission. In short it is not an average career.

Members of the CCSO have been conducting primary law enforcement duties for the citizens of Carroll County and working hand in hand with all agencies within the county for many years. All of those allied agencies have a law enforcement retirement and disability plan.

Sheriff Tregoning and the men and woman of the CCSO only request what is fair and reasonable from the County Commissioners. An industry standard defined benefit retirement plan, to include a disability and survivor death benefit.

####

####

For previous posts about Law Enforcement Matters see:

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office

Law and Order

LEOPS (Law Enforcement Officers Pension System)

Maryland State Police

Westminster Police Department

Carroll County FOP Lodge # 20


Sunday, April 29, 2007

20070429 Quote of the day: “The principal difference between a dog and a man.”

Quote of the day: “The principal difference between a dog and a man.”

April 29, 2007

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.” Mark Twain

20070427 A costly failure to tackle budget gap

A costly failure to tackle budget gap

By David Brinkley

April 27, 2007

Recently Sen. David Brinkley, a Republican who represents Frederick and Carroll counties, and minority leader of the Maryland Senate wrote an op-ed piece for the Baltimore Sun. In a subsequent phone conversation with Senator Brinkley, he gave me permission to publish his letter on “Soundtrack:”

At the bill-signing ceremony Tuesday, state Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller commented that he was glad to see that the bill to protect the terrapin was on the list to be signed because the slow pace of the turtle symbolized the glacial pace of the O'Malley administration. A red-faced Gov. Martin O'Malley gave thumbs-up and replied, "Fear the turtle?"

Mr. Miller has spoken freely about the lost opportunities of the 2007 session - articulating a position that many legislators agree with but few are willing to speak about.

The new governor requested time from legislative leadership to assess the state's financial situation in preparation for major changes in 2008. Thanks to his predecessor, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., there was cash reserved for such a luxury. However, spending down the state's cash reserve funds to the statutory bare minimum leaves the state in a worse position for next year's budget deliberations.

The General Assembly's failure to address the state's structural deficit in this year's session portends greater hardships on Maryland's working families when the taxman (or woman) comes in future sessions. Which taxes will the state increase without putting Maryland at a competitive disadvantage?

Regrettably, initiatives to address the state's pending budgetary disaster were rejected even though relatively small measures to reduce spending this year would yield big dividends in the future.

While the administration sought (and received) more time to seek efficiencies, most legislators know that the annual budget process over the last few years has been concentrating on trimming increased spending in most other agencies to fund the historic increase in public education funding recommended by the Thornton Commission.

I support Governor O'Malley's StateStat initiative. I submit, however, that he will find Governor Ehrlich streamlined state operations, and the low-hanging fruits of financial efficiency have already been harvested.

Now the Democrats' rallying cry in Annapolis is that nothing short of major tax increases can possibly fix the dilemma we will confront next year. I disagree, and so do the members of the Republican caucus.

Senate Republicans offered an alternative budget plan this session to retain the state's cash reserves for a true "rainy day" and to trim spending increases this year but maintain high levels of education funding. A video lottery terminal bill passed by the Senate last year could be used as a new funding source that would eliminate the structural deficit over the next five years.

Several senators noted that this plan could solve the state's fiscal challenge without the need to increase taxes. Despite the pronouncement of a newfound cooperation in Annapolis, this measure failed on a party-line vote.

On a positive note, few new state programs were added requiring additional funding in the future. Paradoxically, "progressives" will decry the failure of these programs as a failure of the legislature.

These progressives conveniently ignore the black market created by Maryland's high tobacco tax, particularly in Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore. The damage to Maryland's retailers as consumers increasingly purchase goods over the Internet, thereby avoiding the sales tax, is another unwelcome byproduct of their tax policy. And they ignore the impact on affordable housing for Maryland's working families of their advocating a new tax imposed on impervious surfaces, in the name of "protecting the bay."

In summary, there is a need to restore fiscal discipline to the budget that was lacking this year. The administration squandered an opportunity to get a head start on resolving the structural budget deficit without higher taxes. Resolving that problem without higher taxes can be accomplished - but will require the commitment of Governor O'Malley, House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Miller.

Sen. David Brinkley, a Republican who represents Frederick and Carroll counties, is minority leader of the Maryland Senate. His e-mail is david AT dbrinkley.com.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

20070427 Revisions to 2007-2008 Carroll County Public Schools Calendar

Revisions to 2007-2008 Carroll County Public Schools Calendar

April 27th, 2007

The Board of Education of Carroll County has approved the following revisions to the calendar for the 2007 - 2008 school year:

Schools and offices will be closed on February 12, 2008, for Presidential Primary Election Day. The date of the primary election, originally scheduled for March 4, was changed by the Maryland General Assembly. March 4 will be a regular school day.

The conference day scheduled for April 21, 2008, is changed to a regular school day for teachers and students. This modification increases the number of days built into the calendar for emergency closings to six.

####

20070427 News Clips

News Clips

April 27th, 2007

State News

Activists ready to wade in on 'marriage' issue

http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070426-114025-8798r.htm

Activists on both side of the homosexual "marriage" issue are ready with legislation and additional lawsuits no matter which way the Maryland Court of Appeals rules on a pivotal case.

"Everybody is just waiting with bated breath," said Sen. Janet Greenip, Anne Arundel County Republican. "The thing that bothers me is this is a very small minority trying to dictate how we do business for everybody."

The appeals court's seven judges heard arguments in December on whether they should allow homosexual "marriage" but have yet to rule on the case.

Delegate Don Dwyer Jr., Anne Arundel County Republican and routine sponsor of the bill that would define marriage as between one man and one woman, could not be reached for comment because he is out of the country.

Carter Wants BGE Special Session

http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=56967

Last year, state lawmakers met in a special session to address rising BGE electric rates, and electric deregulation. Now a Baltimore City delegate who is running for mayor is calling for another special session this year.

Democratic Delegate Jill Carter today sent a letter to Governor Martin O'Malley asking for the special session, even as a 50% BGE rate hike is due to take effect June 1.

The long and short of the governor’s first 100 days

For some, O’Malley has moved too fast; for others, he has gone too slowly; and hes been praised for changing the tone in Annapolis

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215227_32323.shtml

At a photo op this week for a bill to protect the diamondback terrapin, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. drew a comparison to the Maryland state reptile and the O’Malley administration.

It doesn’t proceed as fast as one would like it to, but at least it doesn’t move backward, he quipped.

Time is money and we can’t afford it, said Senate Minority Leader David R. Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market. And considering so many of his appointments served in the Glendening administration, Brinkley said, he was surprised O’Malley needed the time.

Brinkley’s counterpart in the House, Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell, was more pointed.

He’s lip-synced his way through the first 100 days, said O’Donnell (R-Dist. 29C) of Lusby. He makes Ashlee Simpson and Milli Vanilli look like the Vienna Boys Choir.

Red letter day for the environment

Governor makes environmental rules law with the stroke of a pen

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215315_32330.shtml

Gov. Martin O’Malley on Tuesday signed into law several key pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the environment, as well as a much-disputed measure to restore voting rights to ex-felons.

Maryland officially became the 11th state to adopt California-style emission standards on new vehicles with the signing of the so-called clean car bill. The law takes effect with cars sold in 2011 and requires vehicles to be more fuel-efficient and produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions.

Another bill among the 174 that became law Tuesday will allow any convicted felons who have completed their sentence to regain their voting rights. Proponents say the law will help rehabilitated criminals become productive members of society, while opponents say the loss of voting rights should be a life penalty.

We think that voting is a right that you’re granted automatically, said Senate Minority Leader David R. Brinkley (R-Dist. 4) of New Market. Being convicted of a felony is one of those things that removes those rights.

Environmentalists say Intercounty Connector taints O’Malley’s green moves

Governor also agrees to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215330_32334.shtml

Gov. Martin O’Malley has signed an executive order creating a commission to develop a plan to handle climate change and added Maryland to the list of Northeast states attacking carbon dioxide pollution.

Protecting our communities from climate change is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue it is a Maryland issue, O’Malley (D) said in a statement.

In search of fiscal sanity by Barry Rascovar

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/poliras204125_32324.shtml

It could have been a moment for Marylands new administration to send a strong message about fiscal responsibility and the coming bad news on taxes.

Instead, Gov. Martin O’Malley and Comptroller Peter Franchot have ducked the chance to deliver an early wake-up call regarding the states deteriorating financial picture.

Politics triumphed over policy. O’Malley and Franchot have decided to keep the state property tax steady at 11.2 cents (per $100 of assessed value), though that wont raise enough money to pay all the interest and principle on bonds floated by Maryland.

Murray D. Levy: Facing up to our structural deficit

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/policol204124_32323.shtml

Many people have concerns about Maryland’s budget, asking, What is a structural deficit, and why all of sudden is it a problem?

The structural deficit occurs in the operating budgets, not the capital budget. It is helpful to think of it as an unsustainable budget, in that the programs Maryland has committed to funding will cost more than the taxes we collect. We are spending $1.10 for every $1 we receive in taxes, and without change, this continues into the foreseeable future. It’s a problem, and a big one.

Losing race makes for a winning documentary

St. Mary’s College student who worked on McKay’s Senate race captures a slice of Maryland politics on film

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215218_32322.shtml

Last year’s state Senate race pitting Roy P. Dyson against former St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Thomas F.McKay figured to be one of the most competitive in the state as Republicans put the incumbent in their crosshairs.

The challenger possessed the key ingredients to unseat Dyson: strong name recognition, more than twice as much money, endorsements from top party figures and a structured campaign strategy.

Yet, Dyson (D-Dist. 29) of Great Mills walloped McKay, the son of a former state senator, 64 percent to 36 percent.

So was born “The Close Race That Wasn’t Close: The Story of the Tommy McKay for Maryland 2006 State Senate Campaign,” a documentary produced by St. Mary’s College of Maryland senior Elizabeth Lewis, who worked on McKay’s campaign and who recently completed a one-year term as president of the Maryland Federation of College Republicans.

Reporters Notebook

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215251_32325.shtml

Veteran state police officer seeks answer on abrupt Garrett transfer

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/carroll/bal-md.ca.richardson27apr27,0,1183404.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Lt. Dean Richardson has been with the Maryland State Police for 35 years, 28 of them at the Westminster barracks. He has been the station's commander since 2004.

He said yesterday that he can't understand why the state police abruptly informed him last week he would be transferred to the McHenry barracks in Garrett County - a two-hour-and-45-minute drive from his New Windsor area home.

Tour gives O'Malley bird's-eye view of APG

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-md.ha.apg27apr27,0,7381627.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

To better understand the sweeping impact of the nationwide military base expansion on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Gov. Martin O'Malley boarded an Army helicopter yesterday and toured the 72,000-acre facility in Harford County from the air.

From the jump seat of the Huey, O'Malley, clad in a brown bomber jacket with an Air National Guard insignia, viewed the sites for the estimated $750 million in new construction at the proving ground, as well as buildings set for demolition.

Harford County Executive David R. Craig, who went along for the helicopter ride, said the tour would "show the governor what is going to happen on base. It will be the engine that will keep Maryland's economy going for years."

What's in it for Ehrlich's new boss? By Laura Vozzella

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella27apr27,0,5553455.column?coll=bal-local-columnists

I can see why Bob Ehrlich, a competitive guy, would want to reclaim the governor's mansion four years from now. And why, given the ridiculous cost of campaigns, he'd start raising money now.

One of them, Henry Fawell, said the leading-Marylanders line refers to Ehrlich's weekend job on WBAL radio. (That gig is mentioned in the letter, but later.)

"I think if you listen to the callers who call his radio show in droves," Fawell said, "it's quite clear that thousands of Marylanders still believe in him."

Sorry for slavery by Blair Lee

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polilee204127_32325.shtml

When it comes to apologizing for slavery there are two schools of thought. The pro-apology folks argue that no other group in American history was so badly mistreated: Africans arrived in chains, were systematically dehumanized and were reduced to chattel, like horses and mules, for field work and breeding.

Japanese Americans who were wrongfully interned during World War II got apologies and reparations. Blacks got nothing. There’s a Holocaust Memorial on the Mall protesting Europeans killing Europeans in Europe. Blacks were enslaved by Americans in America. Where’s their Holocaust Memorial?

The anti-apology crowd asks, Why now? All the slaves and slave owners are dead. Are we engaging in generational guilt and victimhood? And why single out slavery? Shouldn’t we also give back the land we stole from the Indians (native Americans) and Mexicans? How about a national apology to women and homosexuals who were historically mistreated by law and custom, as well?

Moulden's party switch has its critics

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/04_26-27/GOV

When William Moulden changed his party three months after being reappointed to office, little did he know it would stir controversy.

Mr. Moulden, now a Democrat, had spent the past eight years on the county's Board of Appeals plus a lifetime before that as a Republican. He sat on the board that granted Daryl Wagner permission to keep the palatial home he built without permits on Little Dobbins Island, and was one of three members reappointed in January.

Gansler, Mitchell building bridges

Partnership carries benefits for Baltimore mayoral candidate and the attorney general, who is setting his sights set higher

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215154_32320.shtml

Less than three weeks after being sworn in as attorney general, Douglas F. Gansler stood on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Laurens Street in downtown Baltimore alongside Baltimore City Councilman Keiffer J. Mitchell Jr. as Mitchell announced his bid for mayor.

The two lawyers struck up a friendship during Gansler’s statewide campaign last year when Mitchell was the only city-elected official to embrace the then-Montgomery County chief prosecutor.

Mayor Sheila Dixon looks back on her first 100 days

http://www.examiner.com/a-697975~Mayor_Sheila_Dixon_looks_back_on_her_first_100_days.html

Taking stock of her first 100 days in office, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon admits she is walking a fine line. Her ambition to transform the city is tempered by the realities of precious little time before the next election.

While she touts increased tree planting and extra trash recycling, reductions in police overtime and a decrease in homicides as evidence she is getting things done, there are some things she says will have to wait.

Dixon turning heads early in term

http://www.gazette.net/stories/042707/polinew215334_32336.shtml

Three months or so into her term as Baltimores unelected mayor, Sheila Dixon has weathered crisis after crisis at what is often called the toughest job in Maryland. A 53-year-old single mother of two, shell soon be running for election in her own right in a city known for its bare-knuckle politics.

Yet, says Dixon of her time so far: Nothing has been really hard. ... I live a dull life.

Dixon settles in for solid start

Critics say she's ducking tough issues, but mayor is praised for response to crisis, council concerns

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-md.ci.hundred27apr27,0,4743086.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Dixon praised for steady start as mayor marks first 100 days

Two months ago, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon - then 36 days into her term - walked into a silent conference room on the second floor of City Hall, filled with a dozen cameras and a palpable feeling of uncertainty over how the new mayor would handle her first crisis.

National News

House approves Iraq spending bill, defies Bush veto threat

http://www.wmdt.com/wires/displaystory.asp?id=60947562

Maryland Congressman Wayne Gilchrest was one of only two Republicans joining Democrats in a defiant vote setting a date for the start of troop withdrawals from Iraq.

The House voted 218 to 208 for a 124 (b) billion-dollar Iraq spending bill that would order President Bush to start pulling troops out by October First.

Senators set up veto showdown

House is joined in tying war spending to pullout

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.warvote27apr27,0,4263619.story?coll=bal-iraq-headlines

The Senate voted yesterday to tie new war spending in Iraq to a timetable for troop withdrawal, setting up the first veto showdown between the Democratic-controlled Congress and the White House.

Within minutes of the 51-46 vote, the White House declared the measure dead on arrival.

Earlier yesterday, Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski attended a ceremony to send off the 58th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Maryland National Guard, based in Pikesville. The Maryland Democrats both voted in favor of the bill.

"We need a change in our mission in Iraq so our soldiers can achieve a mission that's in the best interests of this country," Cardin said. "We need to get our soldiers out of the middle of a civil war, to focus on the war against terror."

Congressmen, Senators Sponsor Bill To Block LNG Terminal

http://wbal.com/shows/douglas/audio/story.asp?articleid=56963

Maryland Second District Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger is the U.S. House co-sponsor sponsor of legislation that would give state and local officials the final say over approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, similar to the one proposed for the Dundalk area.

"We are asking the citizens of my district to take the burden of this facility with very little input," Ruppersberger said.

Third District Congressman John Sarbanes and Seventh District Congressman Elijah Cummings are co-sponsoring the bill.

Maryland's two U.S. Senators are sponsoring a Senate version of the bill.

Vice President Cheney Says The President Will Veto Democrats' Bill To Mandate Troop Withdrawal From Iraq. "There are a couple of problems with the bill. It places restrictions on the president's ability as the commander in chief to deploy the force, basically. It sets deadlines for our operations in Iraq. It, in effect, mandates a withdrawal, retreat; defeat is another way to look at it. Obviously, we won't accept that. The president's made it clear from the beginning he will veto it, and he will. So, when it lands on his desk next week, he'll veto it, send it back to the Congress. They can try to override, but they don't have the vot es. there'll have to be another bill passed. The troops are still in the field, still in combat, still need the funds. I think there is a majority in Congress in both houses to pass a clean bill that's acceptable to the president." (Tad Walch, "Congress Won't Prevail, Cheney Says," [Salt Lake City, UT] Deseret Morning News, 4/27/07)

White House Counselor To The President Dan Bartlett Says The President Hopes "Democrats And Republicans Can Come Together And Negotiate A Way Forward And Get The Funding To The Troops." BARTLETT: "The President's made clear for several weeks, and I think this is kind of the disappointing aspect of where we are in this debate is that despite the fact that Democrats knew that they didn't have the votes to actually override a Presidential veto, they decided to send it anyway. And this is despite the fact that the top commander for Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, came to the United States Congress and told them that he needed more time to allow the reinforcements to get there, that he was seeing some progress, but tha t it was premature to make these type of assessments. And I do think that most Americans would not want their politicians in Washington to replace the judgment of their military commanders on the ground. So yes, he will veto this bill. He hopes they get it to him as quickly as possible so then Democrats and Republicans can come together and negotiate a way forward and get the funding to the troops." (CBS' "The Early Show," 4/27/07)

Vice President Cheney Says The President Will Veto Democrats' Bill To Mandate Troop Withdrawal From Iraq. "There are a couple of problems with the bill. It places restrictions on the president's ability as the commander in chief to deploy the force, basically. It sets deadlines for our operations in Iraq. It, in effect, mandates a withdrawal, retreat; defeat is another way to look at it. Obviously, we won't accept that. The president's made it clear from the beginning he will veto it, and he will. So, when it lands on his desk next week, he'll veto it, send it back to the Congress. They can try to override, but they don't have the vot es. there'll have to be another bill passed. The troops are still in the field, still in combat, still need the funds. I think there is a majority in Congress in both houses to pass a clean bill that's acceptable to the president." (Tad Walch, "Congress Won't Prevail, Cheney Says," [Salt Lake City, UT] Deseret Morning News, 4/27/07)

White House Counselor To The President Dan Bartlett Says The President Hopes "Democrats And Republicans Can Come Together And Negotiate A Way Forward And Get The Funding To The Troops." BARTLETT: "The President's made clear for several weeks, and I think this is kind of the disappointing aspect of where we are in this debate is that despite the fact that Democrats knew that they didn't have the votes to actually override a Presidential veto, they decided to send it anyway. And this is despite the fact that the top commander for Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, came to the United States Congress and told them that he needed more time to allow the reinforcements to get there, that he was seeing some progress, but tha t it was premature to make these type of assessments. And I do think that most Americans would not want their politicians in Washington to replace the judgment of their military commanders on the ground. So yes, he will veto this bill. He hopes they get it to him as quickly as possible so then Democrats and Republicans can come together and negotiate a way forward and get the funding to the troops." (CBS' "The Early Show," 4/27/07)

20070421 Dems exit stage left

DEMS EXIT STAGE LEFT

April 27th, 2007

At Last Night's Debate, Dems Pandered To Extreme Left And Defied Experts In Their Call For Withdrawal From Iraq

______________________________________________________


DEMS PANDER TO THE LEFT WITH IRAQ RHETORIC

In Their First 2008 Presidential Debate, Dems Supported Arbitrary Withdrawal From Iraq :

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Commended Democrat Leaders For Passing Bill That Set A Date For Arbitrary Withdrawal From Iraq. Sen. Clinton: "I'm very proud of the Congress under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid for putting together a piece of legislation which says ... we will limit the number of days [troops] can be deployed, and we will start to bring them home." (Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Candidates' Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

  • Sen. Clinton: "If this president does not get us out of Iraq, when I am president, I will." (Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Candidates' Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Echoed Sen. Clinton's Praise For Withdrawal. Sen. Obama: "I'm proud of the fact that I put forward a plan in January that mirrors what Congress ultimately adopted. And it says there's no military solution to this. We've got to ... begin a phased withdrawal." (Sen. Barack Obama, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Candidates' Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

  • Sen. Obama: "[I]t's time to end this war." (Sen. Barack Obama, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Candidates' Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE): "[T]he President Should Start Off By Not Vetoing The Language Which ... We Just Passed Today Saying, "Begin To Drawdown American Troops Right Now..." (Sen. Joseph Biden, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Candidates' Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM): "We Must End This War. This Is What I Would Do If Were President Today. I Would Withdraw All Of Our Troops, Including Residual Troops, By The End Of This Calendar Year." (Gov. Bill Richardson, MSNBC Democrat Presidential Candidates' Debate, Orangeburg, SC, 4/26/07)

Dems Refuse To Acknowledge The Consequences Of Withdrawal

Top General In Iraq Warned That Withdrawal Would Lead To Increased Violence And Ethnic Cleansing:

Gen. David Petraeus, The Top Military Commander In Iraq, Said A Precipitous Withdrawal Would Lead To Ethnic Cleansing And No Positive Outcomes. Gen. Petraeus: "I think that sectarian groups would obviously begin to stake out their turf, try to expand their turf. They would do that by greatly increased ethnic cleansing ... There is the possibility, certainly, of an international terrorist organization truly getting a grip on some substantial piece of Iraq. There is the possibility of problems in the global economy, should in fact this cause a disruption to the flow of oil -- and a number of ot her potential outcomes, none of which are positive." (Gen. Petraeus, Committee On Armed Services, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 1/23/07)

  • Gen. Petraeus: "My sense is that there would be an increase in sectarian violence, a resumption of sectarian violence, were the presence of our forces and Iraqi forces at that time to be reduced and not to be doing what it is that they are doing right now." (Gen. David Petraeus, Press Conference, 4/26/07)

FLASHBACK: Sens. Clinton, Obama, And Biden Voted To Unanimously Confirm General Petraeus To Be The Top Military Commander In Iraq. (Petraeus Confirmation, Roll Call Vote #33: Approved 81-0: R 37-0; D 42-0; I 2-0, 1/26/07, Clinton, Obama, And Biden Voted Yea)

The National Intelligence Estimate Report Warned Against Precipitous Withdrawal:

The National Intelligence Estimate States That If Coalition Forces Were "Rapidly Withdrawn" There Would Be "Adverse Consequences For National Reconciliation." "If Coalition forces were withdrawn rapidly ... we judge that this almost certainly would lead to a significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq, intensify Sunni resistance to the Iraqi Government, and have adverse consequences for national reconciliation." (National Intelligence Estimate Report, "Prospects For Iraq's Stability," www.dni.gov, 1/07)

  • "If Such A Rapid Withdrawal Were To Take Place, We Judge That The ISF Would Be Unlikely To Survive As A Non-Sectarian National Institution; Neighboring Countries--Invited By Iraqi Factions Or Unilaterally--Might Intervene Openly In The Conflict." (National Intelligence Estimate Report, "Prospects For Iraq's Stability," www.dni.gov, 1/07)

The Iraq Study Group Said That A Premature American Departure From Iraq Would Have "A Number Of Adverse Consequences":

Iraq Study Group: "We Also Rejected The Immediate Withdrawal Of Our Troops, Because We Believe That So Much Is At Stake." ("The Iraq Study Group Report," 12/6/06, p. 50)

  • Iraq Study Group: "A Premature American Departure From Iraq Would Almost Certainly Produce Greater Sectarian Violence And Further Deterioration Of Conditions, Leading To A Number Of The Adverse Consequences Outlined Above." ("The Iraq Study Group Report," 12/6/06, p. 30)

  • Iraq Study Group: "The Near-Term Results Would Be A Significant Power Vacuum, Greater Human Suffering, Regional Destabilization, And A Threat To The Global Economy. Al Qaeda Would Depict Our Withdrawal As A Historic Victory." ("The Iraq Study Group Report," 12/6/06, p. 30)

The Iraqi Government Said That Timetables For Withdrawal Would Undermine Political Progress In Iraq:

Iraqi Spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh: "We see some negative signs in the decision [to pass the Democrat timetable legislation] because it sends wrong signals to some sides that might think of alternatives to the political process ..." ("Iraqi Spokesman Criticizes Senate Vote," The Associated Press, 4/26/07)

PDF Format

A Product Of The RNC Research Department

20070427 Daily Photoblog “Big Baker Chapel”


Daily Photoblog “Big Baker Chapel”

April 27th, 2007

“Big Baker Chapel” McDaniel College, Westminster, MD

20070427 US Soldiers Indicted In Spanish Court

US Soldiers Indicted In Spanish Court

April 27th, 2007

The CBS News web site is carrying an AP story about a “Spanish Court (that has passed) Down Homicide Charges Against Three In Deaths Of Two Journalists In Baghdad”

U.S. Soldiers Indicted In Iraq Tank Deaths

MADRID, Spain, April 27, 2007

“Under Spanish law, a crime committed against a Spaniard abroad can be prosecuted here if it is not investigated in the country where it was allegedly committed.”

Although AP was quick to share with readers the “Spanish point of view,” it certainly was not very forthcoming with the American point of view, except for one brief “Following the incident, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell said the troops responded after drawing hostile fire from the hotel. He said a U.S. review of the incident found the use of force was justified.

I’m not sure which I hold in greater contempt, the Spanish Court or AP…

The comments in the comment section run the gamut from howling moonbat to the thoughtful and responsible

One commenter got it right… it has been established that “the tanks were hunting for "scopes" and other lenses which would indicate snipers. Their mission was to clear the city of snipers and other troops wherever possible.”

For those who are not aware, it was reported at the time that enemy snipers were holed in the hotel, using the journalists who stayed behind – in the middle of war theatre - as shields…

Another commenter elaborated, “…The unfortunate Spanish journalists were in a war zone, a place with known risks. If they didn't understand the risks to themselves at the time the tanks began to cross the bridge… I'm sorry to say this, but Spain is a nation of sycophantic quivering idiots.”

I’m not sure I can indict the entire country for the acts of some of their politicians and members of judiciary… Folks in glass houses should not throw stones. The world is well aware of that vocal portion of our country’s political leadership that opposes the war… Folks like Cindy Sheehan and Senator Harry Reid, Representative Nancy Pelosi, et al, are heroes among folks who support al-Qaeda on the world stage.

As much as some folks may dismiss this as moonbat politics on the world stage, for the folks involved, it cannot be treated lightly, “For those that don't know, those soldiers cannot set foot anywhere within the (E)uropean union, they will be arrested…”

Anyway, the AP story reads, in part:

(AP) A judge indicted three U.S. soldiers Friday in the (April 8) 2003 death of a Spanish journalist who was killed when their tank opened fire at a hotel in Baghdad.

Sgt. Shawn Gibson, Capt. Philip Wolford and Lt. Col. Philip DeCamp were charged with homicide in the death of Jose Couso and "a crime against the international community." This is defined under Spanish law as an indiscriminate or excessive attack against civilians during war.

[…]

DeCamp, who is now an adjunct professor of mathematics at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., did not immediately return a telephone message left at his home. The school said he retired from the Army in July 2005.

[…]

At the time of the incident, all were from the 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart, Ga. Judge Santiago Pedraz asked U.S. authorities to notify them of the indictment.

Couso, who worked as a cameraman for the Spanish TV network Telecinco, died on April 8, 2003, after a U.S. Army tank crew fired a shell at the Palestine Hotel, where many journalists were staying. Taras Portsyuk, a Ukrainian cameraman for Reuters, was also killed.

Read the rest here – but not on a full stomach: U.S. Soldiers Indicted In Iraq Tank Deaths

####

20070426 Antidepressants don’t help bipolar depression

Antidepressants don’t help bipolar depression

April 27th, 2007

One of the many things that gives me faith in the future are the bloggers in the Maryland area who express passion for various social (and political – no matter which side of the aisle for which you reside) issues that face our greater community.

Certainly one colleague who comes to mind immediately is Bruce Godfrey over at Crablaw – one great example: “Getting the Truth Out About Autism.”

The reaction to former Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan’s announcement on June 22, 2006 was affirming…

Various family members and friends work with the physically and mentally handicapped and that higher calling is first among equals.

I take my hat off to them. The work can be difficult, but we should all take a moment from time to time to thank them as there, by the grace of God, could be any of us by merely a faint twist of fate.

I thought that many of the thoughtful and socially conscious bloggers and readers, who work with handicapped and mentally disadvantaged folks, would find the following interesting.

Antidepressants don't help bipolar depression

Thu Apr 26, 9:31 AM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The swings in mood from depression to mania that afflict people with bipolar disorder can be tempered with drugs such as lithium, but adding an antidepressant drug to ease the depression component is not helpful, new research suggests.

Depressive episodes are the main cause of disability for people with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, according to the report in The

New England Journal of Medicine. However, few studies have assessed the benefits of standard antidepressant drugs in treating bipolar depression. This may in part stem from the widely held but unproven belief that treatment with these drugs may trigger mania.

Read the rest here: Antidepressants don't help bipolar depression

And if you would like to consider supporting a great cause, go to: http://www.granitehouse.org/ - - “Granite House, Inc. is a not-for-profit behavioral health system dedicated to the improvement of mental health in the community by meeting the needs of individuals, families and organizations.”

To join me at the “Rock and Roll Ball,” call 410-751-5970 and ask for Laura Rhodes and tell her I sent ya.

####

20070427 Public Opposes Immediate Troop Withdrawal

Public Opposes Immediate Troop Withdrawal

White House: By The Numbers

4/27/2007

From the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives


Public Opposes Immediate Troop Withdrawal

Low Support for Immediate Pullout

According to a recent Pew Research survey, only 17% of Americans want an immediate withdrawal of troops (4/18-22, 2007).

CBS News survey findings show only 33% want to remove all troops from Iraq (4/9-12, 2007).

57% of voters support staying in Iraq until the job is finished and the Iraqi government can maintain control and provide security for its people (Public Opinion Strategies, 2/5-7, 2007).

59% of voters say pulling out of Iraq immediately would do more to harm Americas reputation in the world than staying until order is restored (Public Opinion Strategies, 2/5-7, 2007).

According to a Time magazine poll, only 32% want to withdraw the troops within the next year no matter what happens (3/23-26, 2007).

Americans Believe Immediate Retreat Leads to Bad Consequences

A plurality of adults (45%) say a terrorist attack in the United States is more likely if we withdraw our troops from Iraq while the country remains unstable (Pew Research, 4/18-22, 2007).

70% of American voters say, should a date for withdrawal be set, it is likely that insurgents will increase their attacks in Iraq starting on that day. This is supported by 85% of Republicans, 71% of Independents and 60% of Democrats (FOX News/Opinion Dynamics, 4/17-18, 2007).

Majority Supports Funding War, Troops

56% of Americans say, if President Bush vetoes the Democrats plan for withdrawal, Congress should still allow funding for the war even if there is no timetable. Only 36% want to withhold funding. A majority of Republicans (84%) and Independents (52%) want to allow funding, while only 51% of Democrats want to withhold it (CBS News, 4/20-24, 2007).

A mid-March Bloomberg poll revealed 61% of Americans believe withholding funding for the war is a bad idea, while only 28% believe it is a good idea (3/3-11, 2007).

A Public Opinion Strategies poll found that 56% of registered voters favor fully funding the war in Iraq, with more voters strongly favoring funding (40%) than totally opposing it (38%; 3/25-27, 2007).

According to a recent USA Today/Gallup poll, 61% of Americans oppose denying the funding needed to send any additional U.S. troops to Iraq, and opposition is up from 58% in February (3/23-25, 2007).

Strong Opposition to Restricting Military Commanders

69% of American voters trust military commanders more than members of Congress (18%) to decide when United States troops should leave Iraq. This includes 52% of Democrats, 69% of Independents and 88% of Republicans (FOX News/Opinion Dynamics, 3/27-28, 2007).

Public Opinion Strategies recently reported a majority of voters (54%) oppose the Democrats imposing a reduction in troops below the level military commanders requested (3/25-27, 2007).

U.S. Troops Could be Hurt

63% say the debate between the President and Congress over the Iraq war is having a negative impact on troop morale, while only 19% say it is not having any impact at all (CBS News, 4/9-12, 2007).

50% of Americans say setting a timetable for withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq hurts the troops, while only 27% believe it helps the troops (LA Times/Bloomberg, 4/5-9, 2007).

Low Marks for Democrats on Iraq

62% of Americans disapprove of the Democrats handling of Iraq, while only 37% approve (ABC News/Washington Post, 4/12-15, 2007).