20080507 This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Pandering of Tulipomaniac Proportions

Kevin E. Dayhoff

In last week’s episode of “Democolypse Now,” the continuing saga of the deconstruction of America by the 2008 presidential campaign, we find Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton proposing a summer suspension of the federal taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel.

To be fair, the idea was first floated by the presumptive Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain, who has otherwise never been mistaken for an economist.

In a breath of fresh air, Sen. Barack Obama does not support the “Clinton-McCain Gas Tax Holiday” initiative. He rightfully has cited that the idea to suspend the 18.4-cent federal gas tax and 24.4-cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day would save the average American only about $30, and the federal government would lose about $10 billion in revenue.

(Of course, it is not fully known as to how his now-former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, feels about the gas tax holiday idea. As an aside, please, never hold me responsible for some of the insufferable sermons I have endured from liberal pastors in my past.)

Read the rest of the column here: Pandering of Tulipomaniac Proportions

Blacks on The Precipice

Tom McLaughlin

I am confused about Black America. What is the message Barack Obama and his supporters are sending?

Improving The Chesapeake – Part 2

Farrell Keough

Yesterday we explored the health of the Chesapeake Bay. We noted various terms like Point Source and how Atmospheric Deposition can break down into those constituents which are to blame for the algae blooms and low oxygen levels within the Bay.

---

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Improving The Chesapeake – Part 1

Farrell Keough

We are facing yet another crisis. The Chesapeake Bay has algae blooms and low dissolved oxygen levels. After years of studies, programs, and billions of dollars, it seems we cannot prevent this body of water from being listed on the impaired waters list of the Clean Water Act.

Another View of “Wright”

Derek Shackelford

This last week of the primary presidential election season has not been about politics. It has more exemplified a mini-drama series.

---

Monday, May 5, 2008

Even when you know you're right…

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

...you might still be wrong. Seems obvious, right? So obvious that it shouldn't have to be said. Unfortunately, in spite of the clear nature of the conclusion, the business of politics is about absolutes.

Our 10 Most Dangerous Concepts

Steven R. Berryman

It has been said many times over the last week that before we can solve a problem, we first must be able to identify it; and thus get our arms around it. In many instances, by the simple act of stating the outline correctly, one can be drawn to solutions.

---

Friday, May 2, 2008

Color Them Very Purple

Roy Meachum

"The Color Purple" musical arrived on Baltimore's Hippodrome stage the night after the Rev. Jeremiah Wright staged his amazing performance of ego gratification at Washington's National Press Club.

---

Thursday, May 1, 2008

A Missed Opportunity

Tony Soltero

Nearly 30 years ago, as oil prices soared and waiting lines at gas stations overflowed, President Jimmy Carter laid out a proposal to deal with it. The following is from a speech he delivered in the summer of 1979:

---

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Seeing Red-Eye in the Camera

Kevin E. Dayhoff

The discussion and debate over speed and red light cameras continues to reverberate. It is one of a number of headaches lingering in the aftermath of the recent and unusual session of the Maryland General Assembly.

Las Vegas Finale

Tom McLaughlin

“Las Vegas was built and runs on tips” was the advice given to the bus load of passengers as we returned from the Grand Canyon in a not so subtle hint. To make sure we got the point, on the “menu” at the National Geographic Center where we were served the most god- awful lunch probably prepared from the remains of animals on failed expeditions, was advice on how much to tip him, which was between $5-$10 depending on the service.

---

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

New Know-Nothings

Roy Meachum

When the county commissioners overwhelmingly rejected the notion of adopting English as Frederick's official language, I could but stand and cheer. The proposal came from Charles Jenkins, and I have no reason to doubt his motives.

Hardly Ablesons

Nick Diaz

I’m an ardent admirer of the United States of America, my adopted country, which welcomed me to these shores a half century ago. This great country has provided me with opportunities I wouldn’t have faced, had I remained in Communist Cuba.

---

Monday, April 28, 2008

General Assembly Journal 2008 – Volume 11

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Any General Assembly wrap-up would be incomplete without a scorecard of the work of the Frederick County Delegation. Normally, this column avoids conflict with other delegation members, and focuses on the back-and-forth with the county. Not this time, kiddies! Ahead: some serious onion peeling!

Free Money!

Steven R. Berryman

Congratulations for being smart enough to be in the United States of America. Everything is free here. And when you run out of money to spend, we’ll give you some of that, too. In Frederick County, if you can’t read this, I’ll bet there will be a sign on a bus in Espanol repeating it soon.