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

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

20070703 Quote of the day - What makes you come alive

Quote of the day - What makes you come alive

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007

“Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

John Eldredge Writer

Thanks TC

20070630 Carroll County Government Live and Archived Media page

Carroll County Government Live and Archived Media page for June 2007

June 30th, 2007

CCG 24

http://carroll.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=2#ccg24

Carroll County Commissioners June 28, 2007 01:02.22

Video

Agenda

BCC Roundtable June 21, 2007 00:46.23

Video

Agenda Board of County Commissioners June 14, 2007 00:29.03

Video

Agenda

County Commissioners' June 12, 2007 01:04.53

Video

Agenda

Roundtable/County Commissioners' June 7, 2007 01:58.35

Video

Employee Recognition Awards June 29, 2007 00:50.44

Video

Agenda

Carroll County News Episode 23 June 29, 2007 00:05.16

Video

Carroll County's Most Wanted June 26, 2007 00:01.24

Video

Carroll County's Most Wanted June 15, 2007 00:01.23

Video

Carroll County News 22 June 15, 2007 00:07.17

Video

Recycling in Carroll County June 14, 2007 00:03.52

Video

Fourth of July Celebration June 14, 2007 00:04.20

Video

CCG News Episode 21 June 8, 2007 00:10.02

Video

Issues and Insights #51 June 4, 2007 00:30.00

Video

Agenda

20070703 CyberAlert

CyberAlert

9:55am EDT, Tuesday July 3, 2007 (Vol. Twelve; No. 112)


1. Olbermann: For Commutation in 'Crime of Century' Bush Must Resign

On Monday's Countdown, MSNBC host Keith Olbermann opened his show railing against President Bush, contending that the President "lied us into a war" and "needlessly killed 3,584 of our family and friends and neighbors" as the Countdown host attacked the President for commuting the sentence of Lewis "Scooter" Libby, referring to Libby's involvement in the "greatest crime of this young century." Olbermann later tagged Bush as "Worst Person of the World," and announced that he will call on President Bush and Vice President Cheney to resign in a "Special Comment" on Tuesday's show: "As you may have suspected, tomorrow night, here on Countdown, a 'Special Comment' calling on this Vice President and this President to resign."

2. CNN: Conservatives 'Angry' Too Over Libby, GOP Double Standard With "Angry Reaction" on screen, CNN's Suzanne Malveaux opened the 7pm EDT hour of The Situation Room by asking if on the Libby commutation: "Are conservatives as angry as Democrats?" Toward the end of the hour, Malveaux, filling in for Wolf Blitzer, cued up ex-Clinton operative Paul Begala: "President Clinton was impeached for lying before a grand jury. What do you think? What do you make of this? Does this smack of a double standard?"

Analyst Bill Schneider saw no benefit for Bush: "There's going to be a lot of anger out there. I don't think it's going to be restricted simply to Democrats. Independents and some Republicans are going to be angry and it's going to feed into the anger at Washington that seems to be poisoning the mood of the country."

As for the idea "this would be popular with the base," Schneider opined: "I'm dubious about that." Malveaux, who seconds earlier cued up Begala with a liberal talking point about a Republican double standard, confronted Republican strategist John Feehery: "Does it cut two ways here? We've heard Bill Schneider saying he doesn't really think this is going to play out much in a partisan way. He believes that there are going to be a lot of Republicans who see it the same way as Democrats and say, you know, this is just preferential treatment."

3. MSNBC's Hardball Turns Into DNC-TV with Al Sharpton as the Host Chris Matthews, away on vacation, handed the reigns of MSNBC's Hardball on Monday to Democratic activist Reverend Al Sharpton. The first two guests of the Sharpton-hosted July 2 live 5pm EDT episode were Democrats: Howard Dean and Terry McAuliffe. The hot topic of the discussion with Dean was about how the John McCain campaign and the GOP, overall, were suffering in their fundraising efforts. The following "hardball" segment, with McAuliffe, featured the Hillary Clinton campaign chairman crowing about her fundraising success. After the McAuliffe segment, Sharpton, actually interviewed a Republican. Predictably, Sharpton's questions to presidential candidate Representative Duncan Hunter were tougher than the ones to his Democratic colleagues. Following the Hunter segment, Sharpton quickly returned to his Democratic friends, as he invited on Democratic presidential candidate Senator Chris Dodd.

4. On Wednesday, C-SPAN2 Will Air MRC's Gala with DisHonors and Rush On Wednesday, July 4 at 3:20pm EDT (2:20pm CDT, 1:20pm MDT, 12:20pm PDT), C-SPAN2 is scheduled to carry the MRC's March 29 "2007 DisHonors Awards: Roasting the Most Outrageously Biased Liberal Reporters of 2006" -- the showcase of the MRC's 20th Anniversary Gala -- which was followed by Rush Limbaugh accepting the MRC's first annual "William F. Buckley Award for Media Excellence."

Check Out the MRC's Blog

The MRC's blog site, NewsBusters, "Exposing and Combating Liberal Media Bias," provides examples of bias 24/7. With your participation NewsBusters will continue to be THE blog site for tracking and correcting liberal media bias. Come post your comments and get fresh proof of media misdeeds at: http://www.newsbusters.org

A usually-daily report, edited by Brent H. Baker, CyberAlert is distributed by the Media Research Center, the leader since 1987 in documenting, exposing and neutralizing liberal media bias.

The 2,439th CyberAlert. Tracking Liberal Media Bias Since 1996

20070703 The Tour de France begins this Saturday

La Carte

The Tour de France begins this Saturday

July 3rd, 2007

Retour à la page d'accueil

Le Tour dans ta ville - A chacun son Tour

Le Tour de France, en partenariat avec le Ministère de l'éducation nationale, le Ministère des Sports, de la Jeunesse et de la Vie associative et la Fédération Française de Cyclisme, se tourne vers les enfants avec une vaste campagne d'information et d'animation axée sur la découverte du sport cycliste et de son épreuve phare.

http://www.youtube.com/letourdefrance

The route

Running from Saturday July 7th to Sunday July 29th 2007, the 94th Tour de France will be made up of a prologue and 20 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,550 kilometres.

These 20 stages have the following profiles:

11 flat stages

6 mountain stages

1 medium mountain stage

2 individual time-trial stages

Distinctive aspects of the race

3 mountain finishes

2 rest days

117 kilometres of individual time-trials (including the prologue)

21 Category 1, Category 2 and highest level passes will be climbed

12 new stop-over towns

London, Canterbury, Waregem, Villers-Cotterêts, Joigny, Chablis, Semur-en-Auxois, Tignes, Tallard, Mazamet, Cognac, Marcoussis

Le parcours

Du samedi 7 au dimanche 29 juillet 2007, le 94e Tour de France comprendra un prologue et 20 étapes pour une distance d’environ 3 570 kilomètres.

Ces 20 étapes se décomposent comme suit:

11 étapes de plaine

6 étapes de haute montagne

1 étape accidentée

2 étapes contre-la-montre individuel

Les particularités de l'épreuve

3 arrivée en altitude

2 journées de repos

117 kilomètres contre la montre individuel (prologue inclus)

21 cols de 2e, 1re et hors catégorie seront escaladés

12 villes étapes inédites

Londres, Canterbury, Waregem, Villers-Cotterêts, Joigny, Chablis, Semur-en-Auxois, Tignes, Tallard, Mazamet, Cognac, Marcoussis

Édito

Welcome by Christian Prudhomme

Directeur du Tour de France

All of us can sense it: in early July, the Tour de France will open up a new chapter in its history. The departure will be unlike anything that has ever been seen before-extraordinary in the literal meaning of the word.

The desire of Mr Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to welcome the world’s greatest cycling race with all the honors due its rank, his goal of encouraging more people to ride bicycles in his city, and the British capital’s power and prestige will make the 2007 Tour stand out from all those that have preceded it.

London is offering us its heart, most beautiful landmarks and emblematic sights as the set piece for a departure that is already arousing unprecedented excitement. The city won over everybody who took part in our scouting and study trips. The Londoners’ enthusiasm has convinced us that this event must not be missed under any circumstances! From Trafalgar Square to Tower Bridge, the presentation of the teams, the official departure ceremony beneath Big Ben and the ride past Buckingham Palace and through Hyde Park, the 2007 Tour de France will be one of the most exciting events in recent memory.

More

Nous le ressentons tous : le Tour de France va vivre, début juillet, une page nouvelle de son histoire. Un Grand Départ hors du commun, « extra-ordinaire », au sens premier du terme.

Le désir du maire de Londres, Ken Livingstone, d’accueillir la plus grande course cycliste du monde avec les honneurs dus à son rang, sa volonté de développer la pratique du vélo dans sa ville, ainsi que le prestige et la puissance de la capitale britannique confèrent à la Grande Boucle 2007 une dimension exceptionnelle.

More

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20070702 Grant of Executive Clemency for Libby by President Bush

Grant of Executive Clemency for Libby by President Bush

July 2nd, 2007

GRANT OF EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Home > News & Policies > Proclamation Archives

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070702-4.html

Statement by the President On Executive Clemency for Lewis Libby

Hat Tip: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11658207

WHEREAS Lewis Libby was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in the case United States v. Libby, Crim. No. 05-394 (RBW), for which a sentence of 30 months' imprisonment, 2 years' supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a special assessment of $400 was imposed on June 22, 2007;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, pursuant to my powers under Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, do hereby commute the prison terms imposed by the sentence upon the said Lewis Libby to expire immediately, leaving intact and in effect the two-year term of supervised release, with all its conditions, and all other components of the sentence.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

For additional information:

On “Soundtrack” click on: Plame Wilson Novak Libby CIA Leak Case

Timeline: CIA Leak Case: Follow the twists and turns in the CIA leak investigation that resulted in Libby's conviction — and in a sentence commutation from President Bush.

Read Libby's appeal denial (pdf file)

Libby becomes inmate No. 28301-016

Libby seeks delay of prison term

Read Bush's full statement on Libby

Libby denied request to remain free on bond

Bush spares Libby from 2 1/2-year prison term

The latest on Bush commuting Libby

MAIN REPORT PAGE

Bush Decision on Libby Draws Fire

Wilson: Commuting Libby's Sentence Is 'Corrupt'

President's Move on Libby Risks Fallout

Comment: Bush had nothing to lose over Libby

Timeline: 'Scooter' Libby trial

Libby suffers new court defeat

July 2, 2007: Libby Won't Go to Prison; Fine, Probation Remain

June 5, 2007: Libby Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in CIA Leak Case

March 6, 2007: Lewis 'Scooter' Libby Found Guilty of Lying

Feb. 20, 2007: Final Arguments Made in Libby Perjury Case

July 2, 2007: The Trial of Lewis Libby

Feb. 8, 2007: Prosecution Rests Case in Libby Trial

Jan. 16, 2007: Jury Selection to Begin in Libby Trial

20070702 Full text of Bush statement on Libby decision

Full text of Bush statement on Libby decision

July 2nd, 2007

References: Grant of Executive Clemency

Statement by the President On Executive Clemency for Lewis Libby

Read president's text on commuting ex-White House aide's prison sentence

Hat Tip: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19570172/

July 2, 2007

President Bush's released a statement Monday sparing former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby from a 2 1/2-year prison term. The following is the full text of the document.

The United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today rejected Lewis Libby's request to remain free on bail while pursuing his appeals for the serious convictions of perjury and obstruction of justice. As a result, Mr. Libby will be required to turn himself over to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his prison sentence.

I have said throughout this process that it would not be appropriate to comment or intervene in this case until Mr. Libby's appeals have been exhausted. But with the denial of bail being upheld and incarceration imminent, I believe it is now important to react to that decision.

From the very beginning of the investigation into the leaking of Valerie Plame's name, I made it clear to the White House staff and anyone serving in my administration that I expected full cooperation with the Justice Department. Dozens of White House staff and administration officials dutifully cooperated.

After the investigation was under way, the Justice Department appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick Fitzgerald as a Special Counsel in charge of the case. Mr. Fitzgerald is a highly qualified, professional prosecutor who carried out his responsibilities as charged.

This case has generated significant commentary and debate. Critics of the investigation have argued that a special counsel should not have been appointed, nor should the investigation have been pursued after the Justice Department learned who leaked Ms. Plame's name to columnist Robert Novak. Furthermore, the critics point out that neither Mr. Libby nor anyone else has been charged with violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act or the Espionage Act, which were the original subjects of the investigation. Finally, critics say the punishment does not fit the crime: Mr. Libby was a first-time offender with years of exceptional public service and was handed a harsh sentence based in part on allegations never presented to the jury.

Others point out that a jury of citizens weighed all the evidence and listened to all the testimony and found Mr. Libby guilty of perjury and obstructing justice. They argue, correctly, that our entire system of justice relies on people telling the truth. And if a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable. They say that had Mr. Libby only told the truth, he would have never been indicted in the first place.

Both critics and defenders of this investigation have made important points. I have made my own evaluation. In preparing for the decision I am announcing today, I have carefully weighed these arguments and the circumstances surrounding this case.

Mr. Libby was sentenced to thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. In making the sentencing decision, the district court rejected the advice of the probation office, which recommended a lesser sentence and the consideration of factors that could have led to a sentence of home confinement or probation.

I respect the jury's verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby's sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.

My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation. The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting.

The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems it to be warranted. It is my judgment that a commutation of the prison term in Mr. Libby's case is an appropriate exercise of this power.

####

For additional information:

On “Soundtrack” click on: Plame Wilson Novak Libby CIA Leak Case

Timeline: CIA Leak Case: Follow the twists and turns in the CIA leak investigation that resulted in Libby's conviction — and in a sentence commutation from President Bush.

Read Libby's appeal denial (pdf file)

Libby becomes inmate No. 28301-016

Libby seeks delay of prison term

Read Bush's full statement on Libby

Libby denied request to remain free on bond

Bush spares Libby from 2 1/2-year prison term

The latest on Bush commuting Libby

MAIN REPORT PAGE

Bush Decision on Libby Draws Fire

Wilson: Commuting Libby's Sentence Is 'Corrupt'

President's Move on Libby Risks Fallout

Comment: Bush had nothing to lose over Libby

Timeline: 'Scooter' Libby trial

Libby suffers new court defeat

July 2, 2007: Libby Won't Go to Prison; Fine, Probation Remain

June 5, 2007: Libby Sentenced to 2 1/2 Years in CIA Leak Case

March 6, 2007: Lewis 'Scooter' Libby Found Guilty of Lying

Feb. 20, 2007: Final Arguments Made in Libby Perjury Case

July 2, 2007: The Trial of Lewis Libby

Feb. 8, 2007: Prosecution Rests Case in Libby Trial

Jan. 16, 2007: Jury Selection to Begin in Libby Trial

20070702 Quote of the day - enrich yourself

Quote of the day – enrich yourself

Monday, July 2, 2007

“Enrich yourself so you can enrich the lives of others.”

Gary Coxe Personal growth coach and life strategist

Sunday, July 01, 2007

20070701 Ledbetter’s Leisurely Day at the Beach

Ledbetter’s Leisurely Day at the Beach

Brian C. Ledbetter (http://www.snappedshot.com/) was enjoying some rest and relaxation on the Outer Banks A brief respite from the rigors of http://www.snappedshot.com/ and other festivities

When all of the sudden – it happened……

_____

The pictures belong to Brian C. Ledbetter from his rest and relaxation on the Outer Banks and other festivities.

Video created by Kevin Dayhoff at http://www.kevindayhoff.net/

With all appropriate homage to Brian C. Ledbetter and Snapped Shot , http://www.snappedshot.com/

Please enjoy.

July 1st, 2007

_____

Update: January 31, 2009

For those who do not follow the intriques of the Middle East - this is about "Pallywood." For my "The Tentacle" column on "Pallywood," go here:

January 7, 2009 Pallywood – When Pictures Lie
Kevin E. Dayhoff
After Hamas, the terrorist organization that has controlled the Gaza Strip since June 2007, unilaterally broke a cease-fire on December 19 and resumed shelling southern Israel, Israeli warplanes sprang to Israel’s defense December 27 by attacking Hamas throughout Gaza. Hamas responded immediately with “Pallywood.” ...

I've also posted the YouTube video here for the folks who have gotten back with me who had trouble getting the "Blogger" video to run.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vhKOnby6Hc

__



UPDATE: Mr. Ledbetter, I tried to leave you a comment and call the video to your attention but could not get through your comment controls… KED

20070629 News Clips


20070629 News Clips

June 29th, 2007

STATE NEWS

O'Malley Not Ready For Special Session Yet

http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=60029

Governor Martin O'Malley says he won't call a special session to address a looming budget deficit without consensus and a better than 50-50 chance of solving the problem.

Governor Makes Case To D.C. Business Leaders For Tax Increase

http://wbal.com/news/story.asp?articleid=60027

Governor Martin O'Malley has asked Washington-area business leaders to help make the case that tax increases are needed to address a projected state budget deficit. O'Malley told members of the Greater Washington Board of Trade that increased state revenues are needed to help preserve the state's quality of life.

Cities' leaders hope for best, brace for worst

http://www.gazette.net/stories/062907/polinew203216_32356.shtml
Budget cuts alone will not resolve the state's projected $1.5 billion deficit without a host of ''really bad choices," Gov. Martin O'Malley warned more than 400 municipal leaders this week.With a special session on the budget a possibility, many mayors are taking a wait-and-see approach and counting on O'Malley to remember his roots and promise to work with them when it comes to cuts.

Region readies for job influx New numbers dwarf BRAC estimates; officials seek ways to deal with impact

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ar.brac29jun29,0,1069585.story?coll=bal-local-arundel

Predicting that new employees at an expanding Fort Meade will settle as far away as Carroll County and the Eastern Shore, senior government officials from six counties have formed a regional bloc to measure the impact and secure funding for roads, schools and mass transit. At the first meeting of the Fort Meade growth management committee Wednesday at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, representatives from across the Baltimore region were presented with growth figures that dwarfed previous state estimates for job creation. Developing a strategy for how to prepare for that growth is a top priority for the regional committee, created by County Executive John R. Leopold to link local jurisdictions to the Department of Defense.

Diebold drops Lamone brochure

Critics questioned ethics of marketing piece featuring Maryland's elections chief

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.lamone29jun29,0,2353866.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

Diebold Election Systems withdrew a sales brochure yesterday featuring Maryland Elections Administrator Linda H. Lamone praising the company's equipment after the governor and watchdog groups questioned whether the endorsement violated state ethics laws.On Wednesday, Gov. Martin O'Malley said through a spokesman that the ethics commission should review the matter and instructed Lamone to ask Diebold to withdraw the brochure.

O'Malley defends deal for land

Paying the higher of 2 appraisals isn't unusual, he says

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-md.land29jun29,0,4613067.story?coll=bal-mdpolitics-headlines

Details of the land deal were reported yesterday in The Sun, leaving administration officials scrambling to quell suggestions there was something improper about the agreement to buy the property. The chairman of the state Republican Party, James Pelura III, questioned the sales agreement. Pelura is a board member for the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation and said it is unusual to pay higher-than-appraised rates for a piece of land. "Our philosophy is, we don't ever pay more than a percentage of the appraised value," he said. He added that there might be aspects of the property making it worth $5 million. But, Pelura said, "Perception is everything, and it sure doesn't look good."

Maryland's 'doomsday budget'

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=169037&format=html

It's a political move that might be older than the Maryland State House. We call it the "firemen first" ploy, in which lawmakers threaten to close fire stations if they don't get additional revenue, usually through a tax increase of some sort.
The Herald-Mail has taken a position in favor of legalizing slots at the state's race tracks, not only to preserve the stat's racing industry, but also to capture some of the revenue Marylanders are now taking to Delaware and West Virginia. As for the rest of what is needed, we would like to see Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration review the study of government efficiency done in 2004 under the leadership of former Gov. Marvin Mandel. The group, which included state Sen. Donald F. Munson, R -Washington, produced a 124-page report with recommendations for more than 50 state agencies. Certainly this bipartisan group's report can serve as a starting point for another look at possible cuts and increased efficiency.

Reporters Notebook: Some take the high road, others take the low

http://www.gazette.net/stories/062907/polinew203822_32369.shtml

When Republicans ruled the roost, a Cabinet meeting on the Eastern Shore was a waste of taxpayer dollars. With Democrats calling the shots, it's constituent outreach.

Last August, the state Dem Party excoriated Bob Ehrlich and Mike Steele for staging a ''campaign rally" on the Shore under the guise of a Cabinet meeting.

''They bring in legions of state government staffers and Cabinet officials, sacrificing a day of work for a day of shameless self-promotion ," then-party boss Terry Lierman complained.

Somewhat surprisingly, GOP state party chief Jim Pelura took the high road, saying the governor - any governor - has the right to take his show on the road. ''They made a big story about this [last year] and I'm not going to make a big brouhaha about Governor O'Malley," he said. ''This kind of thing is a non-story."

Political Notes - Commission for thieves in ties, or Frednecks?

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/reporters_notebooks_display.htm?StoryID=61910

Suits and ties aren't typical garb for burglars, but the Frederick County Commissioners are on the lookout for thieving state legislators. In a "doomsday" budget scenario generated at the request of legislators, the state announced a list of cuts this week that could eliminate a $ 1.4 billion deficit in the roughly $30 billion fiscal 2009 budget without adding any new revenue.

Ehrlich moving law office downtown

http://www.examiner.com/a-805360~Ehrlich_moving_law_office_downtown.html

Robert Ehrlich is planning on higher offices in the near future, specifically a move to a downtown Baltimore high-rise this summer for the Maryland offices of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, the branch he heads for the big North Carolina law firm. "The goal of the firm is to grow to 40 lawyers in two years - that's the business plan, and we are moving to 250 West Pratt in about six weeks to accommodate that growth," Ehrlich said. "There will be other names that you will recognize."

Report: Baltimore population decreased

http://www.examiner.com/a-805371~Report__Baltimore_population_decreased.html

Baltimore City lost 5,000 residents last year, according to the latest estimate of the U.S. Census Bureau.A report issued Thursday listing the population of the country's 25 largest cities estimated Baltimore had a population of 631,366 as of July 1, 2006 - 5,000 fewer than in 2005. The loss, representing less than 1 percent of the city's population, equals roughly 400 people per month.

Brown's pension deal causes friction in police union

http://www.examiner.com/a-805384~Brown_s_pension_deal_causes_friction_in_police_union.html

Retired Baltimore police officers are demanding answers from the police union president, who they say has not aggressively challenged the c ontroversial pension of former Baltimore Deputy Police Commissioner Marcus Brown.At issue is a $55,529 annual pension approved for Brown, an ally of Gov. Martin O'Malley, despite the fact he had not completed the 20 years of service necessary to receive a pension.

Prince George's hospital system looks for compromise

Dimensions offers counterproposal to demands given by Johnson

http://www.gazette.net/stories/062907/polinew203235_32360.shtml

The beleaguered operator of the Prince George's County hospital system prepared a counterproposal Thursday to County Executive Jack B. Johnson's recent demands that four of its board members resign, in an effort to keep the system afloat.

Board Chairman Calvin Brown said Dimensions Healthcare wants to continue working toward a compromise, even though the board voted again st Johnson's demands on Monday. The move jeopardized the hospital's funding stream because Johnson (D) tied his demands to the 15 months of financial support he and the County Council pledged to the hospital in April. He questioned the competence of the hospital's managers and demanded the county have greater control in exchange for its money.

Anne Arundel cops steamed over tattoo rule

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/NEWS01/70629027

A new rule that police officers in Anne Arundel County must cover their tattoos has some officers steamed, given the high temperatures outside.The rule would mean that an officer with tattoos on his neck or arms may have to wear a turtleneck or long sleeves, even on 90-degree days."We're kind of calling on them to withdraw the policy," said O'Brien Atkinson, the Fraternal Order of Police union representative. Atkinson planned to file a grievance over the policy Thursday.

NATIONAL NEWS

Immigration bill quashed

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/NATION/106290094/1001

The on-again-off-again immigration bill took a fatal blow yesterday as a majority of senators voted to block it, responding to millions of e-mails, phone calls and faxes from voters furious over a measure they saw as amnesty.

Bush May Be Out of Chances For a Lasting Domestic Victory

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/28/AR2007062802585.html?hpid=topnews

He looked uncharacteristically dejected as he approached the lectern, fiddling with papers as he talked and avoiding the sort of winking eye contact he often makes with reporters. And then President Bush did something he almost never does: He admitted defeat. "A lot of us worked hard to see if we couldn't find a common ground," he said an hour after his immigration plan died on Capitol Hill. "It didn't work."

Senate routs immigration overhaul bill

Bush suffers major defeat as bipartisan measure falls short of votes needed to end debate

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/politics/bal-te.immigration29jun29,0,7783142.story?coll=bal-home-headlines
The Senate resoundingly defeated a bill yesterday that would have overhauled the nation's immigration laws for the first time in two decades, crushing the chances of settling the contentious issue in the next few years. After the rancorous final debate on the bill, lawmakers on both sides pledged to deal with illegal immigration and secure the southern border, but they disagreed not only on why the bill failed but also on what to do next. About two-thirds of the Senate's Republicans joined almost a third of the Democrats to kill the bill, which had been carefully constructed to appeal to both parties but also drew bipartisan opposition.

MD Reaction to Immigration Reform Defeat

http://www.abc2news.com/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=8a5515bf-728e-4d2a-9583-0fb856f8e8af

A major defeat for supporters of reforming the country's immigration system -- including President Bush. Maryland Republicans broke with the president on the issue, because - according to the state party's executive director - they believe the federal government should secure its borders before beginning any other kind of reform. "You can't go forth with the other components until you know that you've sealed the borders and there are no more illegal immigrants coming across the borders, and then you can address who's here," said state GOP Executive Director John Flynn.

The people killed amnesty

http://www.washingtontimes .com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/EDITORIAL/106290007

The justifiably furious reaction of the American public, which deluged senators with telephone calls, e-mails and faxes, forced the Senate to reverse itself yesterday and send the amnesty bill crashing to defeat - a potentially fatal blow. It was a devastating setback for the Bush administration and its Democratic Party allies, in particular Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Ted Kennedy.

Senate routs immigration overhaul bill

Bush suffers major defeat as bipartisan measure falls short of votes needed to end debate

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.immigration29jun29,0,7530178.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines

About two-thirds of the Senate's Republicans joined almost a third of the Democrats to kill the bill, which had been carefully constructed to appeal to both parties but also drew bipartisan opposition Democratic Sens. Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski of Maryland both voted to limit further debate. The bill included a provision championed by Mikulski that would have increased the number of seasonal workers allowed into the United States from 66,000 annually to 100,000. Workers who had returned for three years and followed the rules would have been exempted from the cap.

Junior GOP senators defeat old guard

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/NATION/106290096/1002

The immigration-reform bill was supposed to be a defining moment for the old guard. Instead, the young guns - a small, wily group of junior Republican senators, most of them with less than a full term in the upper chamber - sent the bill into a tailspin, tying Democratic leaders into legislative knots and earning enough opposition among senators to block the Senate bill, culminating in yesterday's vote to kill the measure.

Price tag 'realities' block changes in benefits for federal workers

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/annearundel/bal-ho.federal29jun29,0,3625477.column?coll=bal-local-arundel

Federal workers have generally viewed Democrats as more attentive to their needs than Republicans. But since Democrats took over Congress in November, groups that represent workers, executives and retirees are split when it comes to the age-old question: What have you done for me lately?

Desegregation ruling doesn't surprise Marylanders

ACLU: Schools decision a 'step backwards' toward more inclusive classrooms

http://www.gazette.net/stories/062907/polinew203244_32362.shtml

The U.S. Supreme Court's rejection of voluntary school desegregation plans in Seattle and Louisville came as no surprise to Alvin T. Thornton on Thursday. ''I don't think there's any consequence in Maryland, but it will have much more consequence in the nation," said Thornton, an associate provost at Howard University and former chairman of a state commission that successfully argued for more equity in state education funding. ''It was anticipated that the Roberts court would rule in this matter. It is not so much a legal [issue] in Maryland. It is important as a message to the nation with rigid separation of people based on student enrollment."

Second Democrat joins race against Gilchrest

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/NEWS01/706290329/1002

A second Democrat announced Thursday a campaign to dethrone nine-term U.S. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest, R-Md., demonstrating that the 1st District seat is being eyed by both sides of the aisle. Christopher Robinson, a Cambridge-based attorney, has started his second campaign for the seat, after finishing second in the 2006 Democratic primary behind Jim Corwin. Robinson earned 33.3 percent of the primary vote, about 5,000 votes ahead of Kostas Alexakis and 6,000 votes behind Corwin.

Pelosi Still Wants More Miles Per Gallon

http://www.labusinessjournal.co m/article.asp?aID=01625047.4392249.1493830.3445989.6093729.309&aID2=114901

As the price of benchmark West Texas crude oil topped $70 a barrel for the first time in 10 months, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) yesterday affirmed her support for the tougher fuel-economy standards recently passed by the Senate, the Washington Post reports. And after a news conference touting energy measures recently approved by 11 House committees, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (Md.) said such standards -- currently missing from the House measures -- would be introduced in time to resolve differences between House and Senate energy legislation later this year.But neither Pelosi nor Hoyer, in an effort to avoid confrontation with House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Dingell (Mich.), said how they planned to introduce the fuel-efficiency measure

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Judge found firing tainted by politics

With all due respect to The Sun's editorial board, the editorial concerning the ruling in Gregory J. Maddalone's lawsuit over his dismissal by the state, which argued that the ruling was not "about politics so much as procedure," suggests to me that the editors have not read the judge's decision ("Irony on ice," editorial, June 19).

Let me quote from Administrative Law Judge Susan A. Sinrod's opinion:

Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari's "credibility regarding the employee's termination is therefore severely undermined, because he could not possibly have known whether or not the employee fit within the framework of his reorganization.

"Thus it stands to reason and I conclude, that the employee has established that the only knowledge that Secretary Porcari had of the employee was through politics and the media, and the employee's politics were clearly conflicting to Secretary Porcari and that of the new governor's administration."

Jim Pelura, Davidsonville,

The writer is chairman of the Maryland Republican Party.

20070630 Don Surber on Congress: Say one thing, do another

Don Surber on Congress: Say one thing, do another.

Saturday, June 30th, 2007

Don Surber’s column this week in the Charleston Daily Mail is on “The public lacks confidence in Congress.”

[…]

Bush is doing better than Congress, which is having its worst year. Ever.

Only 14 percent of the public has confidence in Congress, according to the Gallup Poll. That is below the public confidence level in HMOs.

I can see why Republicans have no confidence in Congress. But independents and Democrats have given up on this crew, which just took charge in January.

[…]

Read his entire column here:The public lacks confidence in Congress.”

####

20070630 Sharon R. Thomas 54, of Westminster and WHS Class of 1971

Sharon R. Thomas 54, of Westminster

Sharon Rochelle Thomas, 54, of Westminster died suddenly Saturday, June 30, 2007, at Carroll Hospital Center.

Born Jan. 27, 1953, in Frederick, she was the daughter of the late Richard Thomas Sr., Anna Elizabeth Willis Howard and Austin A. Howard Sr.

She was a 1971 graduate of Westminster High School. She was formerly employed with Ford Motor Co. as a title specialist for 18 years. She was currently working on organizing a tri-street block party in her area to unite the diversity in her neighborhood.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking and shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are daughter Amanda R. Puppe of Westminster; sons Mike D. Magruder Jr. of Martinsburg, W.Va., and Brandan S. Bryan of Oklahoma; grandchildren Brittany Elizabeth and Malcolm Elijah Magruder, and Deshon, Emma and Nassir; sisters and brother-in-law Florence H. and Richard Williams of Akron, Ohio, Maxine Thomas of Rockville, and Mary E. Riggins of Westminster; brother Austin A. Howard Jr. of Westminster; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Hartzler Funeral Home, 6 E. Broadway, Union Bridge, with the Rev. Marshall Jamie Green, pastor of Gospel Spreading Church of God in Union Bridge, officiating.

Interment will be in Mount Joy Cemetery in Uniontown.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Condolences and contributions to help defray expenses may be sent to Amanda Puppe, 60 Charles St., Westminster, MD 21157.

Carroll County Public Schools Westminster High School and Class of 1971