20070507 News Clips

News Clips May 7^th, 2007

State News

Selling higher taxes puts O'Malley to the test by C. Frazier Smith

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.fraser06may06,1,4803961.column

As it attempts to erase a $1.5 billion difference between spending commitments and income, the O'Malley administration faces a classic test of political leadership.

During the recent General Assembly session, Gov. Martin O'Malley and the legislative leaders agreed to lead - next year. They put off the $1.5 billion problem for another day. But that day is near.

By late fall, the O'Malley administration must have clear outlines of a solution in hand. It will have to assume that additional revenue will be available to balance the books.

O'Malley Fills Cabinet Post; Signs Bills This Week

http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=57427

Governor Martin O'Malley is expected to fill at least once vacancy in his cabinet today.

O'Malley's spokesman couldn't be reached for comment to confirm this, but The Sun reported Sunday that the governor will name James Adkins, as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in a ceremony set for 11 this morning , in Annapolis.

Adkins has previously served as a deputy secretary of the department.

Md. veterans chief to be named

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.appoint06may06,1,1911021.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley will announce tomorrow that James A. Adkins, a veteran of the Army and National Guard, will serve as secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, according to sources close to the administration.

"While I'm honored to serve Maryland veterans, I'm also fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the job," said Adkins, who worked previously as the department's deputy secretary.

O’Malley to tap new veterans affairs chief

http://www.gazette.net/stories/050607/polinew191649_32336.shtml

Gov. Martin O’Malley will name James A. Adkins as secretary of veterans affairs at a Monday morning news conference.

Adkins, a former deputy veterans affairs secretary, will replace George W. Owings III, a former Calvert County delegate who was appointed by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) in 2004.

Owings departure is “a mutual decision,” said Rick Abbruzzese, O’Malley’s press secretary. Owings was one of three Ehrlich appointees - State Police Superintendent Thomas E. “Tim” Hutchins and Adjutant General Bruce F. Tuxill are the others - carried over during O’Malley’s first months in office.

Ehrlich is keeping his options open

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7295&Itemid=35

Former Governor Robert Ehrlich is keeping his options open for a possible return to elective office. While at the Washington County Republican dinner last week, he told The (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail that he's eyeing the political environment to see if last year's Democratic gains were an aberration or a new standard. And he said it's possible he would run for governor again in the right political climate. Ehrlich told WBAL that he did not say anything new or different Thursday night than he said the day after he lost the election to Martin O'Malley.

ICC poses challenge to O'Malley's green record

His support for highway upsets environmentalists

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.icc06may06,1,7543554.story

Gov. Martin O'Malley fully funded open space programs, pushed for stricter emissions controls for cars, joined a regional initiative to cut down on greenhouse gases and backed new fees to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. But amid their jubilation, many Maryland environmentalists still find they have an 18.8-mile thorn in their sides: the Inter-County Connector.

The League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club, the Audubon Naturalist Society, 1,000 Friends of Maryland and other groups have called for O'Malley to rethink his support for the $2.4 billion toll road that would run through Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

Bill seeks to regulate crime labs in state

http://www.washtimes.com/metro/20070505-112209-2340r.htm

Forensics and legal analysts say a sweeping crime lab oversight measure passed by Maryland lawmakers after a discredited state police ballistics specialist committed suicide takes innovative steps to safeguard the integrity of forensic labs.

The General Assembly unanimously passed the bill, which was introduced before the suicide of Joseph Kopera. It directs the state health department to create Maryland's first regulations for licensing state, county and municipal crime labs. The secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would be able to suspend or revoke licenses. Gov. Martin O'Malley is considering whether to sign the bill, passed in the legislative session that ended last month.

Uneasy goodbye to 'The Cut'

Officers, families tour the closed House of Correction

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-md.prison06may06,0,1858389.story?coll=bal-local-arundel

Sharon James can hear the echoes of inmates' voices when she passes the vacant cells at the shuttered Maryland House of Correction in Jessup.

Her visit yesterday to the prison hit close to home: Two prisoners wielding homemade knives fatally stabbed her colleague, David McGuinn, last July. James tearfully eulogized McGuinn at a ceremony yesterday during which House of Correction Road was renamed in honor of the slain officer.

Budget reflects Leopold's philosophy

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/05_06-73/GOV

If the county's new spending plan had a personality, it would look familiar to voters.

The $1.22 billion document reflects the man who authored it.

County Executive John R. Leopold promised during the campaign to slash government waste and assured voters he was beholden to no one.

Charter school faces more probation

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/05_06-59/TOP

The county Board of Education last week took its closest step yet to closing a charter school that has frustrated administrators with persistent management problems.

A 2-6 vote to close the Chesapeake Science Point Public Charter School in Hanover ultimately failed at the school board's Wednesday meeting, but it surprised parents who didn't expect officials to go that far.

History of gun points to tracking problems

Weapon used to kill city officer had been in police hands

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-te.md.ci.chesley07may07,0,953484.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

The investigation into who killed Detective Troy Chesley moved quickly. Within hours of his death, police found a suspect, witnesses and the weapon used in the killing - a Sig Sauer handgun customized with a laser targeting system.

The serial number: U540876.

At a news conference held the day Chesley died, police commanders angrily complained that the suspect, Brandon Grimes, had been arrested 17 times - twice for handgun possession - yet was still on the street.

But police later learned some disturbing news: The gun used to kill Chesley in January had slipped through their hands - twice.

She heart's suburban life by Laura Vozzella

You have the right to run for mayor

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella06may06,0,5291309.column?coll=bal-local-columnists

Running (maybe) for Baltimore mayor: Ed Norris.

I wrote the other day that the way seemed clear for the ex-con/ex-commish to run now that Maryland had restored voting rights to felons. Norris responded by e-mail:

“I am seriously exploring the possibility of running."

National News

In His Weekly Radio Address, President Bush Calls On Congress To "Quickly Craft A Responsible War Spending Bill." "US President George W. Bush urged Congress Saturday to approve a new and 'responsible' funding bill for the Iraq war, warning of new violence if the money fails to materialize quickly. 'I call on Congress to work with my administration and quickly craft a responsible war spending bill,' Bush said in his weekly radio address. 'By working together, I believe we can pass a good bill quickly and give our troops the resources and flexibility they need.' ... He has appointed a high-level team led by his chief of staff, Josh Bolten, to negotiate with Congress a new version of the measure." ("Bush Asks Congress To Swiftly Fill Iraq War Chest," Agence France-Presse, 5/5/07)

Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) Says "We Must Give [Today's War Plan] Time To See If It Works." "The fact is we have a new strategy in Iraq led by Gen. David Petraeus. Today's war plan is different than it was a year ago or even a few months ago. We are increasing American and Iraqi troop strength in Baghdad and surrounding hotbeds of insurgent activity. And we must give it time to see if it works. We should send President Bush a clean emergency war supplemental bill that will fund the troops to complete their mission instead of setting arbitrary withdrawal deadlines like the bill Bush vetoed. A pullout and loss in Iraq will likely result in terrorists following us home. Most Americans would rather us stay and build a stable Iraq now than send American forces back to a terrorist haven a few years down the road." (Sen. Jim Bunning, Op-Ed, "Iraq War Is Not Lost," Cincinnati Enquirer, 5/5/07)

Military Service Members Collect Signatures To Support Completing The Mission In Iraq. "A couple of military guys in Iraq have found a way to speak up for completing the mission there without getting into any trouble. Navy Lt. Jason Nichols and Staff Sgt. David Thul from the Minnesota Army Natio nal Guard have rolled out an Internet petition to finish the job. Nichols tells us that his colleagues 'think the war is worth fighting but there wasn't a way for us to express that fact.' Then they discovered that they could file a grievance with Congress, which in this case asks them to back the war. With appealforcourage.org, they've collected nearly 3,000 signatures and will deliver them to Congress this week. 'I ... think we're winning the fight in Iraq on the ground,' says Nichols, but frets over losing the political battle in Washington." (Paul Bedard, "The Troops Petition: Let's Finish The Job," U.S. News & World Report , 5/6/07)

Bill intended to help us stay on course in Iraq By Congressman Wayne Gilchrest

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/05_06-52/OPN

The last time this country was embroiled in a lengthy war, I was a young Marine serving in South Vietnam. I gave little thought to the impact the war was having back home. My thoughts were on my comrades and the men in my platoon, and our desire to make sure we all got home safely. We assumed our military and political leaders were competent and informed, and would lead us to successful resolution of the conflict.

This time I'm a policymaker. My actions today have consequences for the lives of soldiers on the front lines. I take that job seriously.

City Notes - Thanks for the jobs. Now, about this road ...

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/reporters_notebooks_display.htm?StoryID=59847

That's the pitch Alderman David Koontz made at Thursday night's meeting, when he asked city residents to phone Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-6th, and speak in favor of federal funding for some local road projects.

At issue is Fort Detrick, and roughly 1,400 jobs coming to the installation under the Base Realignment and Closure process.

Hoyer's First Telephone Town Hall Meeting Draws More Than 2,000 Participants

http://somd.com/news/headlines/2007/5859.shtml

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) reported that his first telephone town hall meeting, which he conducted on the evening of Tuesday, May 1, fulfilled his hope of providing an additional forum to communicate directly with his 5th district constituents and allow citizens an opportunity to voice their views and questions about issues important to them. More than 2,000 participants from across Southern Maryland joined the telephone town hall at some point during the 45-minute call to hear Rep. Hoyer address a range of topics and take part in an interactive question and answer session.

"It is my duty and obligation to be accessible and responsive to those who I represent," stated Rep. Hoyer in a released statement. "By all measures, I would say the telephone town hall provides one of the most effective means to reach out to thousands of people and provide them with a convenient forum to participate in our representative democracy."

Pastors in Md. Stage Rally For Path to Legal Residency

Group Seeks Meeting With Hoyer on Immigration

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/04/AR2007050401985.html

Frustrated by the lack of congressional action to change immigration laws, a coalition of Maryland pastors rallied hundreds of Hispanics and others at a Brandywine church this week to push for legislation that would create a path to legal residency or citizenship.

Union Bethel AME Church was filled Tuesday night with prayers and personal testimonies of people slipping into the country. The event attracted several hundred people, including many who are undocumented immigrants.

The Rev. Kathy Hlatshwayo, president of PRISCM and pastor of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Forestville, complained that Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), the House majority leader, did not immediately schedule a meeting with the groups despite repeated calls.

Hlatshwayo said a group of the religious leaders and immigration activists met with Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) Wednesday on Capitol Hill to discuss immigration legislation.

Mail Staying Put

http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_125215806.html

What's mailed in Cumberland stays in Cumberland, at least for outgoing processing on a weekday.

On Friday, the U.S. Postal Service officially announced it was ending the Area Mail Processing study of the Cumberland Post Office. The study examined whe-ther it would be more efficient to move all of Cumberland's processing to Frederick.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski first alerted the Times-News through e-mail Friday morning. The senator had mailed a letter to U.S. Postmaster General and CEO John Potter in February expressing her opposition to the consolidation and has been widely credited with helping to save the current operation.

Letters to the Editor

GOP fought gamely against takeover of left

by John Dunlap, Washington County Republican Central Committee Chairman

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=164846&format=html

The 2007 General Assembly session proved that the far left has taken over in Maryland. In just 90 days, not only did the Democratic leadership of the General Assembly squander a $2.3 billion surplus inherited from Gov. Bob Ehrlich's administration, but has enacted some of the most left-wing legislation that Maryland has ever seen.

Career violent criminals who rejected the laws of our society will now have the opportunity to vote after Gov. Martin O'Malley signed legislation that extends the voting franchise to felons.

This means that convicted burglars, rapists, and even murderers will now be able to walk out of prison and vote against the sheriffs who arrested them and the state's attorneys who prosecuted them.

20070513 Westminster Fire Hall Coin And Currency Show

WESTMINSTER FIRE HALL COIN and CURRENCY SHOW

May 13^th, 2007 – posted May 8^th, 2007

SHOW INFO:

DATES: May 13, 2007

NAME: WESTMINSTER FIRE HALL COIN and CURRENCY SHOW

LOCATION: Westminster Fire Hall – John Street Quarters

28 John Street

Westminster, Maryland 21157

HOURS: Open to public: 9:00 A. M. to 4:30 P. M.

CONCESSIONS: Open from 7:00 A. M. to 3:00 P. M.

PARKING: FREE

ADMISSION: FREE

CONTACT: Robert W. Ruby

365 Pleasanton Road, #-14

Westminster, MD 21157

410-848-8004

Bobruby AT qis.net

SPONSORED BY: Carl E. Ostiguy, Jr.

CEO COINS, CURRENCY and TREASURES

P. O. Box 92

Savage, MD 20763

Previously...20070213 Coin and Currency Show announcement:

Numismatics

20070502 Looking up to appreciate local Westminster history

'Looking up' to appreciate local history

May 8^th, 2007

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1269983&om=1

Contest promotes city's historic architecture

05/02/07 By Jim Joyner

Members of the City of Westminster's Historic District Commission believe preservation efforts in the city are "looking up," and they hope local residents will also look up -- literally -- to participate in a contest designed to promote the community's historic architecture.

This month the commission is conducting its historical scavenger hunt, dubbed "History is Looking Up in Westminster."

The contest challenges local residents -- or anyone -- to identify specific features on a dozen historic buildings in downtown Westminster, and send in an entry that lists the addresses.

"We wanted to figure out some way to spark interest in historical preservation, and at the same time help people appreciate the unique facets of Westminster architecture," said Greg Goodell, chairman of the contest for the commission.

The contest is being conducted in May as part of Historic Preservation Month, and has a deadline for entries of May 31.

Winners will be chosen at random from all those who identify the addresses correctly.

(Photos of all the historic features to be identified, and a list of "clues," appears on the link below.)

First prize is a framed limited edition print depicting 27 historic buildings in Westminster, created last year by artist Connie Ward Woolard.

Other prizes will include gift certificates from area merchants. And beginning May 14, participants who bring their entries to city hall during business hours will receive a commemorative poster.

Goodell has been a member of the Westminster Historic District Commission since 2004, and works in the history business -- he is employed by the National Park Service as superintendent of Museum Services at Gettysburg National Battlefield.

He said the commission thought of the contest as a fun way to pique the curiosity of local residents, and also to get people to walk around Main Street and "rediscover" the downtown area.

"That's certainly the other part of it," he said. "We hope people will go out, look for these buildings and also explore Main Street."

The commission led by example -- Goodell said members toured downtown to look at, and discuss, possible sites to be part of the contest.

"We went out as a group, walked around downtown and took some pictures, then we sat down as a commission and tried to pick the 12 most compelling," he said.

The result is a mix of eras and styles, from ornate iron detailing to chimney pots, and styles that reflect Gothic, Greek Revival and French influences. And here's a clue: All of the sites chosen are along Main Street and its immediate side streets, Goodell said.

"We hope people have fun, and learn a little bit more about their community," he said.

"I think people appreciate history in Westminster -- we know people come out in large numbers to the Memorial Day Parade and for other events," Goodell said.

"We hope that seeing some of the city's historic architecture will help people have a deeper appreciation of it, and feel strongly about wanting to preserve it, and asking, 'How can I help?' "

Mission of preservation

The history contest is part of the current Historic District Commission's goal to raise awareness about the city's rich history -- and its preservation efforts.

The commission is composed of five residents who work with city staff on issues relating to preservation. Some of the members, like Goodell, make history their living; others simply have a keen interest in preservation.

Though it's not a requirement, all of the current members of the commission live within Westminster's Historic District.

It is a requirement that they be city residents.

The current members, in addition to Goodell, are Chairman Dean Camlin, Vice Chair Kristen Stevens, Laurie Walters and Susan Thomas.

Goodell said the commission can review applications for changes in historic properties -- but the city has no ordinance mandating that property owners must comply.

The panel's big focus, he said, is helping to make residents aware of tax credits and other programs that exist to help owners of historic properties improve their homes and businesses.

A recent workshop on the subject resulted in a few new applications for tax credits -- which makes Goodell happy.

"Maryland is really a good state in terms of preservation," he said. "We try to make people more aware of what's out there to help."

For more information on the work of the Historic District Commission, call Tim Rogers at City Hall, at 410-848-4628.

Ready, set, hunt ...

The Westminster Historic District Commission is promoting its "History is Looking Up in Westminster" contest. The contest appears on the link below, and the commission will also have copies of the entry "poster" available at its booth at the Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival on May 12 along Main Street.

In addition to being available below, additional copies of the form are available at the office of The Westminster Eagle, 121 E. Main St. So click away and start looking up -- entries are due at City Hall by May 31.

20070507 France to US Take us back by Don Surber

Don Surber nails it…France to U.S.: Take us back

May 7^th, 2007 by Don Surber

http://blogs.dailymail.com/donsurber/2007/05/07/france-to-us-take-us-back/

AP reported that in their April 28 debate on MSNBC, the 8 Democratic presidential candidates promised to restore America’s standing in the world.

Said New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: “We are today internationally and domestically a nation that is no longer a leader.”

[…]

Really. Hmm. Said the French people on Sunday: Take us back, America. We’re sorry.

CNN reported a record 85% of French voters turned out to give Conservative Nicolas Sarkozy a landslide win by 6 points. He’s going to cut taxes and to stop the strikes by unions. Sacre bleu, he’s Ronald Reagan.

[

…]

The French elected him because of the November 2005 riots by Muslim youths: L’Intifada. The French are scared to death of the Muslims.

[…]

Read the entire post: France to U.S.: Take us back

####

20070508 Quote of the day

Quote of the day

Tuesday, May 8^th, 2007

Guarantee

“I will guarantee you that the day you step outside your comfort zone by making success your goal is the day you discover that adversity, risk, and daring will make life sweeter than you ever imagined.

Mark Burnett Founder of the Eco Challenge

20070506 Carnival of Maryland 6 on SoccerDad

May 06, 2007

The Carnival of Maryland #6 is up over on SoccerDad’s web site

http://soccerdad.baltiblogs.com/archives/2007/05/06/carnival_of_maryland_6.html

SoccerDad writes:

A word about Blog Carnivals: Great.

Seriously, 2 1/2 years ago I started a blog carnival with a focus on Jewish and Israel related items of interest. Over that time it has grown in participation and interest. If you're reading this consider volunteering as a host for Carnival of Maryland or at least submitting a post for the next edition. Participation will make the carnival grow and make it more valuable for everyone involved.

With no further ado let's look at edition #6 of the Carnival of Maryland.

To review all the entries for the Maryland Blogger Alliance Carnival of Maryland #6 go here: Carnival of Maryland #6

_____

Maryland Blog Carnival

Hosted by members of the Maryland Blogger Alliance.

Carnival of Maryland #1 - 2/25/2007 was hosted by Bruce Godfrey on “Crablaw Maryland Weekly” on February 25, 2007.

Carnival of Maryland - second edition hosted by Attila of the Pillage Idiot on March 11, 2007.

Carnival of Maryland #3 was hosted by The Ridger on “The Greenbelt” on March 26^th, 2007

Carnival Of Maryland 4 hosted by W. Crodhil on “Politics, Hon,” on April 8^th, 2007.

Carnival of Maryland 5 hosted by Kevin Dayhoff – “Soundtrack Division of Old Silent Movies,” on April 23^rd, 2007.

Meanwhile, if you’re a MD blogger, and you’d like to join the MBA, you can contact the Pillage Idiot’s Attlia at- pillageidiot -at- hotmail -dot- com.

18970508 New Windsor election issue Hogs

May 8^th, 1897: New Windsor election issue Hogs

Democratic Advocate, May 8, 1897.

New Windsor - The municipal election in this town on Monday was very exciting. Two tickets were in the field, one favoring and the other opposing the removal of hog pens from the corporate limits.

J. W. Hawk was on both tickets.

Otherwise, the ticket against hog pens was—Winfield S. Drach for burgess and L. H. Dielman and Samuel Otto for commissioners.

The ticket favoring hog pens was—Dr. J. W. Helm for burgess and William Lovall and Jacob Troumfelter for commissioners.

A full vote was cast and the Helm ticket won, so that hog pens will not be disturbed in New Windsor for a year to come.

_____

New Windsor

History New Windsor

History Carroll County

Elections History Carroll County

20070507 Ed Hale bites his lip – This too will pass…

Ed Hale bites his lip – This too will pass…

May 7^th, 2007

Hale tries to weather real estate downturn

1^st Mariner Bank Read more on “Soundtrack” here: Business Banking

Read: A message from Ed Hale… - it will give you some insight as to why he commands so much loyalty from the Maryland community…

And: 20061020 A nice quick profile of First Mariner’s Ed Hale

_____

For those of us who have followed Ed Hale’s banking career since the days of the Bank of Baltimore, adversity is not a problem for Mr. Hale. If anything it only makes him better.

The banking and financial services market has its up and downs. Many current folks who follow the markets have grown use to our current long stretch of good news and have no idea when to be alarmed and when to understand that economic markets adjust themselves from time to time and that is a good thing.

Writing for the Baltimore Sun, Laura Smitherman writes about attending the recent First Mariner annual stockholders’ meeting… in her May 7^th, 2007 article, “Hale tries to weather real estate downturn.”

Edwin F. Hale Sr. stood before a few dozen shareholders and board members of his First Mariner Bank at its annual meeting last week, biting his lip.

The brash former ironworker, who has enjoyed tweaking the city's elite in his rise from blue collar to boardroom, usually delights in the spotlight. But not on this occasion.

"We've taken our lumps," Hale acknowledged. "Hopefully, this will be the end of it."

It was a humbling moment for Hale. First Mariner, the base of his empire, is struggling after a series of bad loans…

[…]

First Mariner lost nearly $4 million in the fourth quarter and barely made money in the most recent quarter. Its stock has dropped more than 30 percent in the past six months.

Some of First Mariner's problems are the same faced by the banking industry in general amid a real estate crunch. Others have been of the bank's making.

[…]

Industry-wide, during the final quarter of last year, the pace of loan-making was the slowest in five years and past-due loans had their biggest increase in six years, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

[…]

At 60 years old, Hale is trim and tough - he recently underwent shoulder surgery and to win a $1 bet from a friend attended a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert the next day.

[…]

Corbyn Investment Management, a money manager in Lutherville, recently bought First Mariner stock. Michael J. Fusting, co-chief investment officer, said the bank is putting its loan problems behind it and has room for growth as other local institutions such as Mercantile Bank are sold to out-of-state acquirers.

"At this point, of course, you never know what the future holds," he said. "They've got more nonperforming loans than the average bank; we just don't think it's going to spin out of control."

Read the rest of her article here. Hale tries to weather real estate downturn

Please take my blog reader survey!

####

20070507 Quote of the day

Quote of the day

May 7^th, 2006

True dreams

“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” Cardinal Leo Jozef Suenens (1904-1996)

Thanks TC

20070506 Bay Bridge Walk cancelled due to high winds

Bay Bridge Walk cancelled due to high winds

Sunday, May 6^th, 2007

Photo info: In this 1952 photograph owned by the Baltimore Sun, “On the opening day, people drove part of the way across and got out to enjoy the view.”

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk scheduled for today has been canceled due to high winds – wind gusts up to 45 mph... It will not be re-scheduled.

####

20070506 On this date in history: The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed

On this date in history the United States passed the Chinese Exclusion Act.

May 6th, 2007

The photograph belongs to the “Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library.”[1]


According to the Library of Congress:

“The door to the Chinese American dream was finally slammed shut in 1882, when Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act. This act was the first significant restriction on free immigration in U.S. history, and it excluded Chinese laborers from the country under penalty of imprisonment and deportation. It also made Chinese immigrants permanent aliens by excluding them from U.S. citizenship. Chinese men in the U.S. now had little chance of ever reuniting with their wives…”

Read the rest here: Library of Congress

Meanwhile, in Congress, the Washington Times is reporting May 5th, 2007 that “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid yesterday set a firm deadline on President Bush's efforts to work out an immigration agreement, announcing he will bypass the normal process and have the Senate debate an old immigration bill unless the White House can produce an acceptable alternative by May 14…”

Read the rest of the article here: “Reid sets immigration bill debate” by Stephen Dinan, THE WASHINGTON TIMES, May 5, 2007

References:

18820506 Chinese Exclusion Act

18801117 Treaty Regulating Immigration from China

For more about exclusion in California, visit The Chinese in California, 1850-1925: Exclusion.

####


[1] This photograph is owned by the Denver Public Library. The Credit Line reads: “Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library.” For more information and photographs please see: “History of the American West, 1860-1920: Photographs from the Collection of the Denver Public Library.” The low-resolution reproduction is hopefully covered under the fair use clause of the 1976 copyright act to illustrate the subject of this post and for use for educational, scholarly purposes and private study.

20070504 Notice Of Public Hearing Carroll County Regional Airport

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – Carroll County Regional Airport on May 23, 2007 at 7 PM

For more information: Carroll County Regional Airport

The County Commissioners of Carroll County will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., at the Scott Center, Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Maryland, 21157, to hear public comments regarding proposed alternatives for improvements at the Carroll County Regional Airport as reflected in the Report prepared by URS for the Carroll County Regional Airport Master Plan (“Plan”).

The public hearing will afford interested parties the opportunity to provide comments on the URS Report and the draft Plan.

The Commissioners may accept, reject, or make amendments to the proposed Plan based upon the comments received at the hearing and may do so without further hearing.

Therefore, it is important for interested persons to be present to make comments.

Anyone requiring accommodation is asked to please contact the American with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Jolene G. Sullivan, at 410-386-3600 or 1-888-302-8978 at least five days in advance so that arrangements may be made.

The URS Report and proposed Plan may be reviewed and copies obtained at the Office of the County Clerk, Carroll County Office Building, 225 North Center Street, Room 300, Westminster, Maryland, 21157, during normal business hours after Monday, May 14, 2007.

Copies will also be available for review after May 14, 2007, at the following locations:

1) Carroll County Regional Airport Terminal Building, 200 Airport Drive, Westminster, Maryland, 21158;

2) Office of Performance Auditing and Special Projects, 225 North Center Street, Room 211, Westminster, Maryland, 21157; and

3) Carroll County Public Library locations: Westminster – 55 East Main

Street, Westminster, Maryland, 21157; Eldersburg – 6400 Hemlock Drive, Sykesville, Maryland, 21784; Taneytown – 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown, Maryland, 21787; North Carroll – 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead, Maryland, 21074; and Mt. Airy – 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy, Maryland, 21771.

The entire proposed Plan and Report will also be available on the County website [ccgovernment.carr.org] after May 14, 2007.

Written comments may be addressed to Kathryn L. Rauschenberg, County Clerk, 225 North Center Street, Westminster, Maryland, 21157 (krauschenberg@ccg.carr.org) and will be considered if received prior to the close of the hearing.

Both oral or written comments may be given at the hearing. Questions should be addressed to Gary L. Horst, Senior Auditor, Office of Performance Auditing and Special Projects, phone 410-386-2340, 225 North Center Street, Room 211, Westminster, Maryland, 21157 (ghorst@ccg.carr.org); TT 410-848-9747.

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF CARROLL COUNTY, MARYLAND

4263-0019\TCB/tlh/Z:\ATTORNEY\PUBLICHEARINGS\AIRPORT\MASTERPLAN\Notice.doc\05/04/07

20070504 Bartlett Bill Requiring NIE about climate change

Bartlett Bill Requiring NIE about climate change included in Intelligence Authorization

House Floor Vote week of May 7

For Immediate Release May 4, 2007

Contact: Jessica Schafer (Markey) 202-225-2836

http://markey.house.gov

Lisa Wright (Bartlett) 202-225-2721

Intelligence Bill Includes Markey-Bartlett Requirement for Assessment of Global Warming Threat to U.S. Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence approved the inclusion in their primary intelligence policy bill of language, derived from a bill by Representatives Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), requiring a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) assessing the security challenges arising from global warming.

The Markey-Bartlett Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act, H.R. 1961, was introduced last month.

"A thorough analysis of the connection between global warming and our own national security will be a crucial planning and risk-assessment tool as the Congress seeks innovative solutions to global warming. Just a few weeks ago, in the first hearing of my Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, we focused on the geopolitical and national security consequences of global warming. At the hearing, former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army General Gordon Sullivan talked of the rise of regional conflict due to drought, famine and disease, which are all made worse by global warming pollution. General Sullivan endorsed my NIE legislation, and reminded us that the chaos and violence in Somalia is an example of what happens when drought begets famine, and famine begets conflict," said Rep. Markey.

"A National Intelligence Estimate of the impact of climate change on U.S. national and economic security was the number one recommendation by a blue-ribbon panel of 11 retired generals and admirals and I am very pleased that it has been included in the Intelligence Authorization," said Rep. Bartlett.

Developed to assess the most serious threats to the United States, NIEs are the most authoritative intelligence judgments concerning national security issues. This NIE will study the political, social, agricultural, and economic risks associated with global warming over the next 30 years.

Markey added, "Intelligence Committee Chairman Reyes and Subcommittee Chairwoman Eshoo should be commended for taking the initiative to ensure that the Intelligence Authorization bill includes a requirement for an NIE of the geopolitical and security risks of global warming. The inclusion of this provision is an important step towards getting America's intelligence and defense community to think clearly about the security and political implications that global warming could have for us in the 21st century."

The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, H.R. 2082, is expected on the House Floor for debate next week.

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20070427 A costly failure to tackle budget gap By David Brinkley

A costly failure to tackle budget gap

By David Brinkley, April 27, 2007

May 4th, 2007 Editor’s note: in a recent phone conversation with Senator Brinkley, he gave me permission to reprint this…)

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.

Brinkley MD Senator David Brinkley

20070504 Quote of the day

Quote of the day

May 4^th, 2007

“The answers aren't important really, & what is important is--knowing all the questions.” Zilpha Keatley Snyder The Changeling Dell Publishing Company

20070503 The Pastor's Cat

THE PASTOR'S CAT

May 3rd, 2007

Hat Tip: Grammy, who said:

This particular story just made me laugh. Every time I think about it, the vision of that poor cat just amuses me no end. Hope the story leaves a bright spot in your day. Whoever said the Creator doesn't have a sense of humor?

Dwight Nelson recently told a true story about the Pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The Pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc.

The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the Pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten.

That's what he did, all the while checking his progress in the car. He then
figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke.

The tree went "boing!" and the kitten instantly sailed through the air - out of sight.

The Pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they'd seen a little kitten.

Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, "Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping," and went on about his business.

A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, "Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?"

She replied, "You won't believe this," and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days before, the child had begged again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, "Well, if God gives you a cat, I'll let you keep it."

She told the Pastor, "I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her
knees, and ask God for a cat.

And really, Pastor, you won't believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her."

Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor

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