20070516 Republicans Put Dems on Notice on Rules Change

From: Republican Leader Press Office

Sent: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 6:49 PM

Subject: Boehner: Republicans Put Democrats on Notice on Rules Change to Aid Tax Hikes, More Spending

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: BRIAN KENNEDY/KEVIN SMITH

May 16, 2007

(202) 225-4000

Boehner: Republicans Put Democrats on Notice on Rules Change to Aid Tax Hikes, More Spending

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after House Republicans stood united in backing down an attempt by Democratic leaders to rewrite rules that have remained in effect since 1822 - a move that would have made it easier for Democrats to raise taxes and increase government spending without a House vote:

"With no advance notice whatsoever, the Democratic majority threatened to gut House rules that have served Congress well since 1822 in order to make it possible to increase taxes and government spending without having to vote and be held accountable. This is unacceptable, and House Republicans stood united in fighting this abuse of power.

"This afternoon Majority Leader Hoyer confirmed to me that Democrats have backed down for now, but we have put the Democratic leadership on notice. If they choose to pursue this course of action again, House Democrats can expect a vigorous fight from House Republicans and a lot of criticism from the American people. We will do everything in our power to protect our members and their rights to represent their constituents, and we will not allow the Democrats to raise taxes and increase spending without holding them accountable with impunity."

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20070519 Estonian Folk Group to Perform in Westminster

Vägilased: Estonian Folk Group to Perform May 19^th, 2007 in Westminster

Posted May 16^th, 2007

For more information contact Audrey Cimino, 410-876-5505

Click here for more information on the Estonia Paide Westminster Maryland Sister City Partnership

Vägilased

An award-winning contemporary folk group from Estonia will perform a free concert in Westminster May 19, at 7 p.m., at Grace Hall, Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll Street, Westminster, MD 21157.

Vägilased (“The Mighties”) combines centuries-old folk songs with jazz and rock Techniques and ancient folk dance rituals to create a unique contemporary musical experience.

They play to sell-out crowds at European folk festivals and were recently selected to perform at the United Nations in New York City.

Their current US tour is the result of a partnership between Arnold-based World Artists Experiences and the Embassy of Estonia.

The Community Foundation of Carroll County will be co-sponsoring this local performance. Tickets are not required for this free performance.

Vägilased, made up of young graduates of the Viljandi Culture Academy, began performing in 2000. Group members have diverse musical backgrounds encompassing traditional music, jazz, rock and pop.

Touring with the group will be singer Catlin Jaago;Toomas Valk on karmoshkas (Russian diatonic accordions); Jan Viileberg on acoustic Guitar; Marti Tarn, on bass guitar; percussionist Reigo Ahven, and saxophonist Marko Magi.

Their press information says they enjoy getting in front of audiences, getting their music out to people, lifting their spirits, and having a positive effect by doing so.

“We are thrilled to have a group of Vägilased’s caliber performing in our Ambassadors Series,” said Betty McGinnis, president of World Artists Experiences. “The arts are a unifying force that transcends all cultural barriers and Vägilased’s music really reflects that,” she said.

While in Maryland, Vagilased also will perform at Salisbury University, City Place in Frostburg, and at Annapolis, MD Hall for Creative Arts. Each Maryland location has a “sister city” relationship with a city in Estonia.

For more information about Vagilased, and to hear recordings of their music, to web site at www.vagilased.ee/eng/.

World Artists Experiences’ mission is to use the arts as a bridge to international understanding.

Its Ambassadors Series features noteworthy artist from around the world performing in local venues.

For information about the organization and upcoming events, visit their web site at www.WorldArtists.org.

Listen: Ema õpetus/Mother's Words of Wisdom mp3 6,7 Mb

Look at: Video, concert at Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2006

Look at: Photo album, Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2006

####

Ansambel alustas 2000. a. Viljandi Kultuuriakadeemia kursuseansamblina. Bändi moosekantide ampluaasse kuuluvad nii pärimus-, rock-, pop- kui jazzmuusika. VÄGILASED on enim mänginud mõistagi Eestis, aga ka Soomes, Rootsis, Portugalis, Udmurtias, Ukrainas, Šetlandil ja Šotimaal ning hiljuti USA-s.

VÄGILASED tõlgivad eesti pärimusmuusika tänamõistetavasse muusikakeelde. Regilaulud, laulumängud ja tantsulood -- kaasaegne harmoonia ja rütmika annavad neile uue elu ja hoo. Ka bändi omalooming seisab eesti ja muuilma pärimusmuusika mustritel.

_____

20070516 NASA: Four Centuries at Jamestown

NASA: Four Centuries at Jamestown

May 16^th, 2007

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/index.html

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_826.html

Image credit: NASA/GSFC/Lawrence Ong, EO-1 Mission Science Office

On May 14, 1607, a group of London-based entrepreneurs and accompanying laborers, collectively known as the Virginia Company, made landfall at Jamestown, VA., establishing the first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States.

In May 2007, the United States celebrated Jamestown’s 400th Anniversary, commemorating the experiences of the European settlers, Native Americans, and Africans whose lives and cultures intersected in the earliest years of the American colonies.

NASA joined the celebration to honor the spirit of exploration that runs as a common thread throughout human history, honoring the anniversary with this image taken by the Advanced Land Imager on NASA's Earth Observing-1 satellite.

In this image, the water of the James River appears pale green…

[…]

Careful studies have pieced together the environment that greeted the Virginia Company. When the first settlers arrived, what is now Jamestown Island was a peninsula, and sea level was about 1 meter (3 feet) lower than today…

Read the entire article here: NASA: Four Centuries at Jamestown

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20070516 War Critic's Son Dies In Iraq

War Critic's Son Dies In Iraq

BOSTON, May 16, 2007

(AP) Andrew Bacevich repeatedly railed against the Iraq war in op-ed columns and interviews, calling it a "catastrophic failure." But the Boston University professor rarely, if ever, said that his son was serving in the conflict.

Friends say he did so to protect Andy Bacevich Jr. and to avoid any question that he was proud of his son's service.

Bacevich, himself a veteran of Vietnam and the Gulf wars, learned this week that his 27-year-old son had been killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq.

Bacevich's critiques of the war have been measured, with the professor emphasizing that the war's architects are not evil but disastrously mistaken….

[…]

But Bacevich, a West Point graduate and retired lieutenant colonel, would never have tried to discourage his son from joining the Army…

"He had the highest regard for people who wore the uniform," Goldstein said. "The appreciation for what the military does is differentiated from his opposition to the conduct of this particular war."

[…]

After graduating from BU in 2003, Bacevich worked in politics, first as an intern for the late Republican Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, and later as a legislative aide to then-Gov. Mitt Romney…

The elder Bacevich, a conservative, viewed the war as a delusional overreach…

Bacevich was not available for an interview, and the family has referred all requests for information to a National Guard spokesman. In his only public comment since his son's death, Bacevich told the Boston Herald: "He joined the Army to serve his country in a time of need. We love him and mourn his loss."

Read the entire article here: War Critic's Son Dies In Iraq

####

20070516 Dems To Change 185 Year Old House Rule

Democrats To Change 185 Year-Old House Rule To Allow Tax Hikes Without Having To Vote

The rule providing consideration for the FY 2008 budget conference report (on the floor tomorrow) is expected to modify current House rules to prevent PAYGO offsets from expanding the scope of germaneness to further what Republicans may offer in their Motions to Recommit (MTR). This rules change is a historic infringement on the rights of the Minority-it is the first change in the germaneness rule since 1822.

DEMOCRATS TO CHANGE 185 YEAR-OLD HOUSE RULE TO ALLOW TAX HIKES WITHOUT HAVING TO VOTE

May 16, 2007

In a stunning move, House Democrats today revealed they will attempt to rewrite House rules that have gone unchanged since 1822 in order to make it possible to increase taxes and government spending without having to vote and be held accountable. House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today vowed Republicans will use every available means to fight this unprecedented change.

"This is an astonishing attempt by the majority leadership to duck accountability for tax-and-spend policies the American people do not want," Boehner said. "The majority leadership is gutting House rules that have been in place for 185 years so they can raise taxes and increase government spending without a vote. House Republicans will use every tool available to fight this abuse of power."

Last November, House Democratic leaders promised the most open, ethical Congress in history:

"[W]e promised the American people that we would have the most honest and most open government and we will." (Nancy Pelosi press stakeout, December 6, 2006)

"We intend to have a Rules Committee ... that gives opposition voices and alternative proposals the ability to be heard and considered on the floor of the House." (Steny Hoyer in CongressDaily PM, December 5, 2006)

The rules House Democrats are seeking to change have not been changed since 1822.

Republicans have already achieved significant legislative successes on the House floor with 11 consecutive "motion-to-recommit" victories that exposed flaws and substantively improved weaknesses in underlying Democrat bills. But rather than living by the same rules which have guided the House of Representatives for 185 years, Democrats are proposing to change the rules in order to game the system and raise taxes and increase spending without a House vote. What are House Democrats afraid of?

Republican Leader Press Office

Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)

H-204, The Capitol

(202) 225-4000

http://republicanleader.house.gov/

20070515 Senator Barack Obama - Man Of Steel?

Senator Barack Obama - Man Of Steel?

May 15, 2007

---

MAN OF STEEL?

Obama Touts "Steel In Him" To "Make Strong Decisions" Despite Running From The Issues Faster Than A Speeding Bullet

__________________________________________________________________________

This Morning, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Claimed To Have The "Steel In Him" And "Capacity...To Make Strong Decisions":

Sen. Obama: "You know, I think that somebody who has arrived where I am out of Chicago politics, has to have a little bit of steel in him. I have the capacity I think to make strong decisions even if they're unpopular, even if they're uncomfortable, even if sometimes I lose some friends." (ABC's "This Week," 5/13/07)

But In The Illinois Senate, Obama Passed On Tackling Tough Issues:

Obama Had A Habit Of Voting Present "Even On Some Of The Most Controversial And Politically Explosive Issues Of The Day." "[O]bama's history of voting 'present' in Springfield - even on some of the most controversial and politically explosive issues of the day - that raises questions that he will need to answer." (Nathan Gonzales, Op-Ed, "The Ever-'Present' Obama," The Rothenberg Political Report, 2/13/07)

A "Present" Vote Is "Used To Provide Political Cover." "Because it takes affirmative votes to pass legislation in the Illinois Senate, a 'present' vote is tantamount to a 'no' vote. A 'present' vote is generally used to provide political cover for legislators who don't want to be on the record against a bill that they oppose. Of course, Obama isn't the first or only Illinois state senator to vote 'present,' but he is the only one running for President of the United States." (Nathan Gonzales, Op-Ed, "The Ever-'Present' Obama," The Rothenberg Political Report, 2/13/07)

On An Abortion Bill In The Illinois Senate, Obama Voted "Present" So As Not To "Look Insensitive And Endanger [His] Re-Election." "Obama said he sought compromise with abortion opponents, but they balked. As a fallback, he said he worked out an arrangement with abortion-rights advocates to encourage Democrats to vote 'present' on some bills if they feared a 'no' would look insensitive and endanger their re-election." (Rick Pearson and Ray Long, "Careful Steps, Looking Ahead," Chicago Tribune, 5/3/07)

In 1997, Obama Voted "Present" On Legislation Banning Partial Birth Abortions That Contained An Exception For The Life Of The Mother And A Provision Prohibiting Prosecution Of The Mother. (David A. Joens and Paul Kleppner, Almanac Of Illinois Politics - 1998, p. 81)

The President Does Not Have The Option Of Voting "Present" On Tough Issues. "But as Democrats - and Americans - are searching for their next leader, the Illinois senator's record, and not just his rhetoric, will be examined under a microscope. As president, Obama will be faced with countless difficult decisions on numerous gray issues, and voting 'present' will not be an option. He will need to explain those 'present' votes as a member of the Illinois Legislature if he hopes to become America's commander-in-chief." (Nathan Gonzales, Op-Ed,"The Ever-'Present' Obama," The Rothenberg Political Report, 2/13/07)

As Senator, Obama Was Noticeably Quiet On Providing An Iraq Plan:

Senator Obama Waited 11 Months Before Giving A Major Speech On Iraq. "Though Mr. Obama is framing his candidacy to appeal to Democrats who have long opposed the war, until recently he was not among his party's most outspoken voices against it. He campaigned strongly against the war in his bid for the Senate in 2004, but when he arrived in Washington he waited 11 months to deliver a major speech on Iraq." (Jeff Zeleny, "As Candidate, Obama Carves Antiwar Stance," The New York Times, 2/26/07)

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden (D-DE) On Obama's Iraq Rhetoric: "I Don't Recall Hearing A Word From Barack About A Plan Or A Tactic." (Jason Horowitz, "Biden Unbound: Lays Into Clinton, Obama, Edwards," The New York Observer, 2/25/07)

As Presidential Candidate, Obama Lacking Specifics:

"The Voices Are Growing Louder Asking The Question: Is Barack Obama All Style And Little Substance?" (Nedra Pickler, "Is Obama All Style And Little Substance?" The Associated Press, 3/27/07)

Sen. Obama's Views On Social Security Reform: "Everything should be on the table. ... I don't want to lay out my preferences beforehand..." (ABC's "This Week," 5/13/07)

Obama's Health Care Plan Will Be Issued "Over The Next Couple Of Months." "Mr. Obama said that he would be issuing a detailed plan 'over the next couple of months' to achieve universal coverage by the end of the first term of the next president, in January 2013. When asked why he did not have such a plan, he said, 'Our campaign now is a little over eight weeks old.'" (Robert Pear, "Candidates Outline Ideas For Universal Health Care," The New York Times, 3/25/07)

Obama Repeatedly Avoids And Runs From The Press:

For Five Weeks, Obama's Campaign Refused To Answer Chicago Sun-Times' Reporter. "For five long weeks, Sun-Times' investigative reporter Tim Novak called, e-mailed, requested, practically pleaded with Obama's press people to provide information about the senator's relationship to Rezko when it came to the development of low-income housing in Chicago. In an abundance of fairness and an excess of solicitousness, Novak sent a list of questions. For five weeks, no answer." (Carol Marin, Op-Ed, "Obama Ducks The Questions," Chicago Sun-Times, 4/25/07)

Obama's Campaign Sent A Staffer To Monitor Reporters So Obama Could Make A Speedy Getaway And Avoid Questions. "Meanwhile, an Obama staffer, sent to watch us, nimbly Blackberried our movements to someone inside. Suddenly, bodyguards pulled the SUV down into a parking garage, grabbed Obama, and with wheels squealing, sped out and away." (Carol Marin, Op-Ed, "Obama Ducks The Questions," Chicago Sun-Times, 4/25/07)

Obama Took The "Unusual" Step Of Banning Press From A Hotel Reception During The DNC Winter Meetings. "A flier for DNC members said, 'Senator Barack Obama Cordially invites you to an Evening Reception.' It was held in a medium-sized reception room. Cocktails, sold by the hotel, were $6.75 and domestic beer was a buck less. 'Space is limited, therefore this event is for DNC Members ONLY,' the flier said. 'Members can bring one guest to the event.' The room was jammed and a line snaked onto the promenade as Obama workers checked their lists like it was a nightclub. Reporters were barred - a somewhat unusual, although not unheard of, policy for a meet-and-greet-type event in a public place like a hotel." (Mike Allen, "For Obama, No News Is Good News," The Politico, 2/2/07)

PDF Format

A Product Of The RNC Research Department

Paid For By The Republican National Committee
Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee - www.gop.com

20070516 Congressman Bartlett’s Floor Statement on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces

Congressman Bartlett’s Floor Statement on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Josh Holly (HASC), 202-226-3988

May 16, 2007

Lisa Wright (Bartlett), 202-225-2721

PRESS RELEASE

Floor Statement of Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee Ranking Member Roscoe Bartlett

Debate on H.R. 1585 the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, D.C. – House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Ranking Republican Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) released the following floor statement for the House general debate on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008:

“I rise in strong support of H.R. 1585.

“First, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding service rendered to the Nation by our men and women in uniform – who, like their forebearers, are meeting today’s security challenges with true dedication and professionalism.

“I would also like to thank the gentleman from Mississippi, Mr. Taylor, Chairman of the Seapower and Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee, on which I serve as Ranking Member, for his leadership, friendship, and unwavering commitment to our service members. I also want to thank the staff for their hard work, diligence and excellent assistance.

“Mr. Chairman, I think our colleagues will find that this bill reflects a fair and balanced treatment of the issues facing the United States Navy and Marine Corps. In collaboration with the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee and Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter, we provided full funding of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, or MRAP, which is protecting our troops against IEDs.

“By strengthening the shipbuilding program and authorizing 8 new ships, we addressed the Navy’s number one and number two unfunded priorities. We must reverse the steady decline in the number of battle force ships we have seen for nearly two decades.

“Nevertheless, in order to provide the number of ships our warfighters say they need, we must inject fiscal discipline into our shipbuilding programs. To that end, H.R. 1585 includes a provision that would limit the practice of design and build concurrency – a practice which has delayed and increased costs for a number of shipbuilding programs.

“Continuing efforts from prior years’ defense authorization bills, we have included a provision to push for modernization in shipyards through process, infrastructure improvements, or workforce training.

“An April 2007 study commissioned by the Department of Defense found that the risks associated with the cost and supply of oil will make the US military's ability to rapidly deploy on demand "unsustainable in the long term." H.R. 1585 also forges new ground by requiring that future major combatant vessels have integrated nuclear propulsion

“I will conclude by applauding the remaining provisions in the bill supporting the Navy and Marine Corps and authorizing appropriations and authorities for the Maritime Administration.

“I urge your full support of H.R. 1585.”

####

20070516 Andrew Harris may challenge incumbent Wayne Gilchrest

Andrew Harris may challenge incumbent Wayne Gilchrest

“Run, Andrew, run!.”

May 16^th, 2007

Maryland has only two Republican Congressmen and apparently one of them will face a primary challenge in 2008. State senator Andrew Harris told WBAL Radio that he may challenge incumbent Wayne Gilchrest. Gilchrest has represented the Eastern Shore since 1991 but Harris says the Republican Party must return to its Reaganesque roots of the 1980s.

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7379&Itemid=35

I would like to see Monoblogue’s analysis…

Update: I had just keyboarded in “I would like to see Monologue’s analysis…” and I had a hunch I ought to check Monoblogue’s site before I posted and sure enough: “Run, Andrew, run!.”

I heard a blurb on the radio today, and it’s probably good that I wasn’t in a lot of traffic as I was driving since it’s tough to cheer and applaud while keeping both hands on the wheel. And I was cheering and applauding!

But State Senator Andrew Harris (R-Baltimore County) is mulling a run for the Congressional seat held by Wayne Gilchrest. He was going to use this weekend’s Maryland GOP state convention (which I’ll be attending) as a gauge to see whether he has enough support.

Please go here: Run, Andrew, run!. As usual, his analysis is comprehensive, thoughtful, and informative.

It is time for a change.

Until recently, the iconoclastic Representative Wayne Gilchrest from the Maryland 1^st Congressional District has had my support, especially since I am also a very green conservative. But for reasons excellently outlined by Monoblogue, it is time for a change and I am a huge Senator Andrew Harris fan…

Senator Harris – how can we help?

Kevin: kdayhoff AT carr.org

_____

_____

Senator Andrew P. Harris (R) Dist. 7

Baltimore County & Harford County

http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa02793.html

Member of Senate since January 13, 1999.

Minority Whip, 2003-06.

Member, Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee 1999- (health subcommittee, 1999-; licensing & regulatory affairs subcommittee, 2003-04; alcoholic beverages subcommittee, 2003-, chair, 2003-06); Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing, 1999-.

Member, Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2003; Executive Nominations Committee, 2003-06. Member, Taxpayers Protection Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2004-. Member, National Conference of State Legislatures (redistricting & elections committee).

Member, Task Force to Study Health Care Needs of Inmates in Transition from Correctional Institutions, 2000-02; Task Force to Study the Availability of Audiology and Speech-Language Services, 2003; Governor's Task Force on Medical Malpractice and Health Care Access, 2004; Statewide Commission on the Shortage in the Health Care Workforce, 2006-.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, January 25, 1957.

College of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, B.S. (human biology), 1977; School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, M.D., 1980; School of Hygiene and Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, M.H.S. (health policy & management; health finance & management), 1995.

Served in Medical Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve (Lt. Commander, 1988-94; Commander, 1994-). Commanding Officer, The Johns Hopkins Naval Reserve Medical Unit, 1989-92.

Anesthesiologist. Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, and Chief of Obstetric Anesthesiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Member, Society of Anesthesiology (obstetric anesthesia subcommittee), 1993-94; Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, 1996-. Executive Committee, Maryland-D.C. Society of Anesthesiologists, 1997-. Medical School Council, The Johns Hopkins University,

1996-. Member, Knights of Columbus; Thornleigh Neighborhood Improvement Association (vice-president, 1984-85; president, 1985-86). Board of Directors, Sherwood Community Association, 1987-91. Vice-President, St. Joseph's School Home-School Association, 1992-94. Board of Directors, Maryland Leadership Council, 1995-98. Member, North Central Republican Club (treasurer, 1997-98; vice-president, 1998). Delegate, Republican Party National Convention, 2004. Laughlin Award for Distinguished Public Officer, Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, 2001.

Married; five children.

####

20070516 News Clips

State News

May 16^th, 2007

O'Malley issues first veto; two more expected

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.bills16rmay16,0,1418838.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Gov. Martin O'Malley issued his first veto yesterday and is expected to veto at least two more bills this week, including a measure that would repeal a ban on parole for drug dealers convicted a second time.

“Yes, I am leaning toward a veto on that," O'Malley said of the parole bill in an interview this week. "Maybe just a couple others. But very, very few vetoes."

During the governor's fourth and final bill signing tomorrow, which follows the General Assembly session that ended April 9, O'Malley likely will sign a statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants and an expanded version of Jessica's Law, a measure that targets child sex offenders and rapists. The governor will sign about 200 bills, aides said.

Republican Sen. Nancy Jacobs, the proposal's lead sponsor, said the governor told her that he would back the measure, which received wide bipartisan support in the House and Senate.

"He said during the session that he was going to sign it," Jacobs said. "I have no reason to believe that he wouldn't. So far with me, he's been a man of his word." But supporters of the drug offender parole proposal are frustrated by the governor's looming veto.

Sen. Larry E. Haines, a Republican who represents Baltimore and Carroll counties, said he is disappointed that his handgun proposal is not expected to get the governor's backing. Haines said the measure is cost-effective and promotes public safety by returning guns to the manufacturer.

"The best plan is for the manufacturer to handle the guns and the disposal of them," Haines said. "This bill will save a lot of money."

Slots Foe Says He's Willing to Negotiate

But Busch Opposes A Gas Tax Increase

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/15/AR2007051502059.html

House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) said yesterday that he would not rule out a modest slot-machine gambling plan as part of a broader solution to Maryland's financial problems, but he suggested it could be a difficult sell at the same time lawmakers are proposing tax increases.

He also expressed concerns about the possibility of increasing the gas tax to pay for transportation projects, an idea Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said this week he is considering supporting.

O’Malley meets with The Greater Cumberland Committee

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7376&Itemid=35

The Greater Cumberland Committee had the unique opportunity to meet with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley Tuesday afternoon to outline its vision for the region. The meeting was held at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort.

The Greater Cumberland Committee is a business-funded non-profit organization with business presidents and CEO's on its board representing Allegany and Garrett Counties, MD; Bedford County, PA and Mineral County, WV.

Committee Executive Director Colleen Peterson discussed the committee's efforts in supporting collaboration between higher education and economic development. Governor O’Malley said that he feels having a former Allegany County resident, David Edgerley, serving as the state’s Secretary of Business and Economic Development, bodes well for the region. He said Edgerley understands the importance of jobs to the western region.

O’Malley on WCBC

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7377&Itemid=35

The first stop for Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley during his daylong visit to Allegany County Tuesday was WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show.”

Not surprisingly, the looming $1.5 billion structural deficit facing the state next year, was one of the topics addressed. O’Malley, a democrat who defeated Robert Ehrlich in November, said that the former governors approach to the state fiscal picture has contributed greatly to the pending shortfall. He says Ehrlich took the quick fix approach to the budget, as opposed to laying out a long-term fiscal strategy.

Well, as the queen said when I had dinner with her ... by Laura Vozzella

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella16may16,0,5881135.column?coll=bal-local-columnists

Anyone who's a Democrat is on the list

Names being bandied about for state Democratic Party chairman, The Sun's Jennifer Skalka reports:

Lise Van Susteren, the forensic psychiatrist, former Senate candidate and current sister of Fox News personality Greta Van Susteren;

her brother-in-law, John P. Coale, the big trial lawyer and Democratic donor who came through with a $500,000 loan to then-Mayor O'Malley in the final days of the governor's race;

Josh Rales, the Montgomery County real estate tycoon who also ran for Senate;

Lainy LeBow-Sachs, longtime aide to William Donald Schaefer;

Lauren Dugas Glover, the party's first vice chairwoman and a civic leader from Prince George's County;

Dan Clements, past president of the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association;

Kennedy cousin and one-time congressional candidate Mark Shriver;

former Del. Rushern Baker;

and no Democratic wish list is complete without Kweisi Mfume, the former NAACP chief.

Eminent domain questioned in city, county

http://www.examiner.com/a-730610~Eminent_domain_questioned_in_city__county.html

The use of eminent domain to seize private property has become a tool of economic development in some parts of Baltimore.

“The city thinks they can just go around seizing people’s land for their own purposes,” said John Murphy, who is one of the top eminent domain lawyers in the state. “Promising private owners’ properties to developers even before going to court to legitimately seize it. Just look at how they promised the Weinberg Foundation privately held property in the city’s Westside. It’s unimaginable.”

Howard Co. smoking ban to override state law

http://www.examiner.com/a-730629~Howard_Co__smoking_ban_to_override_state_law.html

The tougher law applies, so in most cases Howards smoking ban trumps the upcoming state law.

“Once the state law goes into effect, our law will be even stronger,” said Glenn Schneider, legislative chairman for Smoke Free Howard County, a Columbia-based volunteer group.

Howard’s ban, which goes into effect June 1 in bars and restaurants, does not allow for hardship waivers that businesses that may suffer economic hardship from the ban can apply for.

Gala celebrates a very good year for Democrats

Party has one big no-show: honoree Douglas M. Duncan

http://www.gazette.net/stories/051607/montnew233330_32324.shtml

County Democrats celebrated a fruitful 2006 and looked forward to the 2008 presidential campaign at the Democratic Central Committee’s annual Spring Ball on Saturday night in North Bethesda. The gala brought out some of the party’s biggest names in Maryland and included one notable no-show.

The $100-a-plate party drew 560 people to the county’s conference center, including Gov. Martin OMalley, Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown, U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, U.S. Rep. Christopher Van Hollen Jr. (Dist. 8) of Kensington, Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot and Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, as well as members of the countys General Assembly delegation and the County Council.

National News

Andrew Harris may challenge incumbent Wayne Gilchrest

http://www.wcbcradio.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7379&Itemid=35

Maryland has only two Republican Congressmen and apparently one of them will face a primary challenge in 2008. State senator Andrew Harris told WBAL Radio that he may challenge incumbent Wayne Gilchrest. Gilchrest has represented the Eastern Shore since 1991 but Harris says the Republican Party must return to its Reaganesque roots of the 1980s.

Tough Stand on Lobbying in House

http://public.cq.com/docs/cqt/news110-000002512601.html

Despite strong objections from many in their caucus, House Democratic leaders introduced lobbying legislation that would toughen restrictions on when former members can lobby Congress and would force disclosure of bundled political contributions.

The bundling measure, sponsored by Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is meant to ultimately become an amendment to the main legislation on the House floor.

“Everyone wants transparency, it’s how you get there that has to be worked out,” said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md.

Bush picks 'war czar' to bridge gaps

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070516-122708-7695r.htm

President Bush has chosen Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, the Pentagon's director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to oversee the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a newly created post several other top military men rejected.

"Gen. Lute is a tremendously accomplished military leader who understands war and government and knows how to get things done," Mr. Bush said. "In his new position, Gen. Lute will be the full-time manager for the implementation and execution of our strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan."

GOP's 2008 top tier goes on attack

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20070516-123328-5008r.htm

Mitt Romney proposed doubling the size of Guantanamo Bay's detention center, John McCain defended his teamwork with Democrats in the Senate, and Rudolph W. Giuliani angrily demanded a retraction from a fellow presidential candidate who said the September 11 bombings were a result of U.S. actions in Iraq.

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20070516 Congratulating MBA Member Robert Farrow

May I add my name to folks congratulating MBA Member Robert Farrow…

May 16^th, 2007

Crablaw saved me the trouble of doing a quick review – so I’ll just link his post…

With one codicil – As much as I like both Mr. Crablaw and Mr. Farrow - - As opposed to Mr. Crablaw, I agree with almost everything that Mr. Farrow writes…

Mr. Crablaw introduces his post:

MBA member Robert Farrow of the Baltimore Reporter and Flopping Aces just got his story on two exceptionally sadistic murders of a couple of students on out a date picked up by Mark Levin of the National Review Online.

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And - - I gotta tell you, What Mr. Nifong, Rev. Al Sharpton, The Duke University Gang of 88 and the main stream media did to those innocent Lacrosse players oughta be categorized as a “hate crime.” It was an incredible injustice…

Read more about Mr. Farrow’s excellent work:

Baltimore Reporter

http://www.floppingaces.net/2007/05/13/rape-mutilation-and-murder/

Rape, Mutilation and Murder

Posted by Rob on May 13, 2007 at 7:51 PM

Three things cannot long be hidden the sun, the moon and the TRUTH.” - Confucius

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20070516 Bruce Willis to Hollywood – SHUT UP

Bruce Willis to Hollywood – SHUT UP.

May 16^th, 2007

And oh - - While you are on the Flopping Aces” web site to read Robert Farrow’s piece, “... Mutilation and Murder”

– be sure to also read:

Bruce Willis Tells Hollywood To Shut Up

Posted by Curt on May 13, 2007 at 10:38 PM

You gotta love Bruce Willis. He is an awesome actor, and has a good head on his shoulders. Unlike the majority in hollywood:

Amen. Of course, the more they run their mouths – the more movies I can figure out NOT to support because as much as I support their rights to run their mouths – I also reserve the right to not support folks and causes of which I disagree. Their right to free speech does not include a right to have their positions supported – at least by me.

Anyway, this is precious… I knew I liked Bruce Willis… God Bless him… I will go outa my way to support his movies…

And before ya go to the latest Jane Fonda movie – read this:

“19720925 Jane Fonda in North Vietnam transcript.”

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2003/06/19720925-jane-fonda-in-north-vietnam.html

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20070516 This Week in The Tentacle

This Week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, May 16^th, 2007

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Hate Crimes' Slippery Slope

Kevin E. Dayhoff

On May 3rd the U. S. House of Representatives voted 237 to 180 to pass H.R. 1592, the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act."

The Lake Reflection

Patricia A. Kelly

I'm putting away my grandmother's dishes. There aren't many of them left, but, when I touch them, I can still see them in her kitchen and remember her "new" house and these "new" dishes. I'm at the lake, again.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Ailing Sport of Kings

Roy Meachum

Growing up in New Orleans horse racing simply could not be avoided. The bangtails ran for their prizes from about Thanksgiving until spring signaled colder climes were in the process of thawing out.

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Monday, May 14, 2007

Political Winners & Losers (Part Two)

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

In last Monday's entry, we analyzed federal and state politicos and organization on the winning and losing sides of the electoral and ideological battlefield. This week, in addition to a few statewide stragglers, we bring the focus a little closer to home.

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Sunday, May 13, 2007

The Woes of Jamestown

Tom McLaughlin

The royal hat lady (Queen Elizabeth) was in the United States celebrating the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. She said the history of Jamestown had undergone revisions and would continue to evolve. I have read everything about the new theories of the settlements' founding and am relating the following account.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Political Lull

Roy Meachum

Matters have been reduced to muttering on the local political scene. For all its quietness, the atmosphere retains a charge that might bring a storm, in the media anyway. In my years as an observer, I have never seen or sniffed anything like this.

Downtown Parking Woes

George Wenschhof

We should stop tripping over dollars to pick up pennies and seriously consider making changes in parking policy for downtown Frederick.

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Thursday, May 10, 2007

"Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged"

John W. Ashbury

The rhetoric is getting out of hand. Pundits - and members of Congress - across the board are vilifying George W. Bush, almost to the point of comparing him with the most treacherous villains in history. It has to stop.

The Kobayashi Maru Test

Chris Cavey

Our forefathers were more advanced and truly beyond our modern scope of thought when it came to the importance of freedoms, liberty and the rights of individual citizens. They understood that government, meaning any government, is its own worst enemy.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Déjà Vu, All Over Again

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Our Congress is embarking on yet another curious and quixotic adventure, almost like the movie "Ground Hog Day." This time it is again delving into a perilous journey to develop a cogent approach to immigration reform.

Safe Political Rhetoric

Katie Nash

Our Frederick County commissioners cite several reasons for refusing to appoint a charter writing board. Although all are inherently flawed in logic, one bizarre, albeit prominent, argument is that there should be a "groundswell" from charter advocates to convince the commissioners that this form of government is right for the county.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2007

May's First Weekend

Roy Meachum

With the sunshine and soft winds returned, this weekend past was almost normal, except for one significant factor: a dozen young Americans lost their lives in Iraq. The casualty rate among natives was the usual: scores wounded and mutilated and some 100 wasted.

"The Play's The Thing"

Farrell Keough

"These darts and arrows will pierce my outer shell, but will not disparage the contents within." Developcus from Shakeyspeare's Urbania, Act 17, Scene 11.

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Monday, May 7, 2007

Political Winners & Losers (Part One)

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

It's been an interesting year gone by for politics, from the federal to the local level. Since I'm sick of my work being picked apart by pundits possessing half-knowledge, it's only fair to provide my own questionable analysis.