Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt
By Bryan Schutt, Carroll County Times Staff Writer Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Westminster Playground Community Building will be demolished in the coming months and a new building will be built that’ll serve as the headquarters for two community organizations.
The new building will become the joint headquarters for the Optimist Club of Westminster and Westminster Fallfest Inc., according to Ron Schroers, Westminster’s director of parks and recreation. He said the project should be done by next year’s Fallfest and it will allow both groups to have a central location amid the heart of activity in the city.
Schroers said the majority of the $149,000 needed to pay for the project will come from Maryland Project Open Space grant money and fundraising by Fallfest. The ongoing electric costs will be covered by the Optimist Club.
A face-lift for the fixture wouldn’t have been practical, according to Schroers, so the building, which is located between the basketball court and baseball field at the city park, will be torn down and a new two-story structure will be erected.
The first floor will be the home of the Optimist Club. It will have a meeting room and a new concession area so the Optimist Club can operate a snack shack again during events. The current concession stand is inoperable, so the club abandoned the use of it.
The second floor will be the home to Fallfest, and it’ll have an office and multipurpose room. The building will also have a basement, which will serve as storage rooms for both groups.
Schroers said the fundraising took off after a donation from the Babylon family. The family donated $50,000 during the Fallfest Gala last April. Because of that, the new playground building will be renamed the David S. Babylon Memorial Community Building, in honor of Babylon and his contributions to the city.
Babylon, a lifelong Westminster activist, passed away in August 2006. He served as a councilman in Westminster for 25 years, was a volunteer in the Westminster fire company and was involved with several other community organizations.
Darlene Dorsey, president of the Optimist Club of Westminster, said she was floored when the idea was floated to her, and she still gets energized when she thinks about the project.
“That building now is an eyesore and needed so many repairs … we haven’t really used that shack for years,” Dorsey said. “It’s going to be useful again and that, in itself, is wonderful.
“I’m really excited. This is a great thing and the area will look much nicer, too.”
The Optimist Club used the building for years, but it’s mainly used as a storage shed now because it is so run down, she said.
Dorsey said that with all the club does, operating a good-looking building in the park will serve as a reminder to the community of their services and they hope it will further their outreach to the community’s children. Tom Canon, board member for Fallfest in charge of the capital campaign for the project, said he believes in the project’s practicality.
He said the groundbreaking will take place Sept. 24, the day of the Fallfest parade, and people will be able to see the redesign concept then.
“Making it bigger will enhance its service to the community,” Canon said. “Certainly, city [officials] and citizens take great pride in the facilities and [the area]. That’s what’s getting this done and it’ll be a nice thing to finish.”
Reach staff writer Bryan Schutt at 410-857-7886 or
bryan.schutt@carrollcountytimes.com.
20080913 Eyesore slated to house civic groups by Bryan Schutt
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Monday, September 22, 2008
Westminster Eagle: Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile by Kevin Dayhoff
Westminster Eagle: Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile by Kevin Dayhoff
Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion-talk/ 9/17/08
There has been a fair amount of discussion of late regarding published accounts of the June trip by 15 appointed and elected officials from Westminster to attend the annual Maryland Municipal League summer convention -- which city officials acknowledge cost approximately $19,000 in taxpayer money.
The reaction on the street and in the grocery store checkout line was, to be polite, outrage. "Where were their heads when they made this harebrained decision?" asked an acquaintance while I was munching on fries and a roast beef sandwich at Baugher's.
Well, have a seat and take a deep breath. For you see, I can't entirely go along with the populist rabble on this one.
Yes, I enjoy my reputation as a tightwad penny pincher, for which I have endured eloquent criticism in the past -- criticism that comes from those who believe tax and spend big government is the answer to all the challenges in our community.
At a time when city officials are, to the best of my knowledge, for the first time in Westminster history laying off employees due to budget constraints, raising taxes and actively discussing curtailing city services; was it really wise to spend $19,000 on a convention -- which included a $1,500 "team-building dinner?"
Probably not. As one person said to me, it doesn't meet the smell test.
City officials have defended the expense of attending the MML convention, as well they should, by saying in affect that the conference is cost effective.
However, by all accounts, they missed the big picture in defense of the expenditure in that the real challenge facing Westminster is a community conversation over the growth of city government and the spending priorities and policies of the current administration.
The cost of the MML convention served as a lightning rod for the frustration of many folks in the community concerning the past several years when conflicting messages have been telegraphed to the public about city finances. For example, in the last several years the city has added new administrative positions at a cost of more than $200,000 a year -- all the while pleading poverty.
If you want to be upset over the spending priorities and the lack of fiscal discipline of the current administration; have at it.
However, I would leave the MML out of it. For my money, MML is actually part of the solution.
To be fair, the current administration campaigned on the need for increased spending, taxes, bureaucracy and larger government. To now be angry because they've been true to their word is disingenuous at best.
When I was an elected official with the city, I attended six conferences in Ocean City and I continue to keep in touch with MML officials and stay current with MML initiatives, programs, conferences and seminars.
The annual summer convention has grown over the years into a must-attend event for statewide elected leaders as well as municipal officials. Even though it's held in Ocean City, it is a far cry from a vacation at the beach. It's a great deal of work crammed into too few days.
What city officials ought to have done is give a "show me the money" report on what an invaluable service the MML and the summer convention provides our community. There really is bang for that buck, but it's hard to hear that bang over the sound of public protest.
Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kdayhoff@carr.org.
http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/1005/be-critical-spending-but-mml-has-been-worthwhile/
20080917 WE Be critical of spending but MML has been worthwhile
(564 words)
White House Weekly Review for September 15-19, 2008
White House Weekly Review for September 15-19, 2008
September 15-19, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
President and Mrs. Bush participated in an arrival ceremony for President John Kufuor of the Republic of Ghana, and Mrs. Kufuor for a state visit. President and Mrs. Bush visited Ghana in February 2008 and welcome the opportunity to return the generous hospitality that President and Mrs. Kufuor and the Ghanaian people extended to them during the visit. The visit celebrated the United States' growing partnership with Ghana and a shared commitment to promote peace and prosperity in Africa and throughout the world. The two Presidents discussed efforts to combat malaria and neglected tropical diseases, as well as Ghana's efforts to promote democratic values, peace, and stability in Africa.
Afterwards, President Bush met with President Kufuor and the two leaders made a joint statement. Later, President Bush met with the 2008 Boys and Girls Clubs of America Regional Finalists and Youth of the Year. In the evening, President and Mrs. Bush greeted the President and Mrs. Kufuor, participated in a photo opportunity, and hosted a state dinner.
President Bush and President Kufuor of Ghana Participate in Arrival Ceremony
President Bush Participates in Joint Statement with President Kufuor of Ghana
President Bush and President Kufuor of Ghana Exchange Toasts
Welcoming the President of the Republic of Ghana
President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike Response and Relief Efforts
Fact Sheet: Increasing Fuel Supply in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike
In Focus: Hurricane Preparedness
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
President Bush visited Texas to express the Federal Government's support and sympathy in the recovery and rebuilding effort following Hurricane Ike. He participated in a briefing on damage from Hurricane Ike in Houston, followed by an aerial tour of the hurricane damage, and then a briefing at the Galveston Emergency Operations Center.
Later, President Bush was briefed on financial market conditions by members of the President's Working Group (PWG) on Financial Markets. PWG is composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, who chairs the group, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Created by Executive Order in 1987, the PWG meets regularly to consider market issues and appropriate regulatory responses.
President Bush Receives a Briefing on Hurricane Ike Damage
In Focus: Hurricane Preparedness
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
President Bush met with General David Petraeus, former Commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. Then, President Bush met with President Martin Torrijos of the Republic of Panama, an important friend and ally of the United States. The leaders discussed a range of issues, including our common commitment to the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, expanding free trade and strengthening democracy throughout the region, enhancing security cooperation, and strengthening cooperation in international fora.
Later, President Bush attended an Iftaar dinner with ambassadors and Muslim leaders. Each year of this Administration, President Bush has hosted an Iftaar dinner. This year's dinner highlighted American Muslims who have made significant technological, artistic, or innovative contributions to our Nation.
President Bush Meets with President Torrijos of Panama
In Focus: Global Diplomacy
President Bush Meets with Former Multi-National Force-Iraq Commander General David Petraeus
President Bush Attends Iftaar Dinner
Thursday, September 18, 2008
President Bush discussed the economy.
"Our financial markets continue to deal with serious challenges. As our recent actions demonstrate, my administration is focused on meeting these challenges. The American people can be sure we will continue to act to strengthen and stabilize our financial markets and improve investor confidence."
President Bush Discusses Economy
In Focus: Economy
Ask the White House
Sandy K. Baruah, Acting Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration,discussed small businesses and Health Savings Account (HSAs).
Friday, September 19, 2008
In the morning, President Bush made a statement on the economy. President Bush welcomed His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, to the White House. The two discussed the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Kuwait, our joint efforts in the War on Terror, and a range of regional issues. Later, President Bush met with recipients of the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Afterwards, President Bush participated in a photo opportunity and made remarks to NBA Champions the Boston Celtics.
President Bush Meets with Prime Minister Nasser Al-Sabah of Kuwait
In Focus: Global Diplomacy
President Bush Discusses Economy
In Focus: Economy
Monday, September 15, 2008
Press Briefing by Dana Perino and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson
Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino
Nominations Sent to the Senate
Personnel Announcement
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Press Gaggle by Scott Stanzel and FEMA Administrator David Paulison
Statement on Additional Federal Disaster Assistance for Texas
Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino
Memorandum for the Secretary of State
Nominations Sent to the Senate
Personnel Announcement
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Press Briefing by Dana Perino
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, Constitution Week, 2008
National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2008
Statement on the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino
Statement on the Second Amendment Enforcement Act
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Press Briefing by Dana Perino
President Bush Signs S.2403 Into Law
President Bush Saddened by Death of Carlos Marin
Memorandum for the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality
Statement on Federal Disaster Assistance for Arkansas
Notice: Continuation Of The National Emergency With Respect To Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, Or Support Terrorism
Message to the Congress of the United States
Memorandum for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury
Friday, September 19, 2008
Press Gaggle by Tony Fratto and Julie Goon, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Affairs
Saturday, September 20, 2008
President's Radio Address Embargoed until 10:06 AM ET
For more information from this week please visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/
Subscribe to receive White House E-mail Updates.
20080919 White House Weekly Review for September 15 19 2008
Carroll County Board of Commissioners agenda for the week of September 22 2008
Carroll County Board of Commissioners agenda for the week of September 22 2008
Board of County Commissioners
Julia W. Gouge, President
Dean L. Minnich, Vice President
Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary
Carroll County Government
225 North Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978
fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747
Agenda for the Week of September 22, 2008
Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be held at the Carroll County Office Building Room 311. (Unless otherwise noted)
Indicates Outside Activities
Monday September 22, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Marada Industries, Inc. Tour
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Zimmer
7:00 p.m.
Union Bridge Community Meeting
Union Bridge, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer
Tuesday September 23, 2008
9:00 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Old New Windsor School
County Government Offices & Presentation of Proclamation
for the Carroll County Public Library’s 50th Anniversary
New Windsor, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer
11:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session
County Office Building Room 311
2009/2010 Budget Challenges
County Commissioners Office Mr. Steve Powell/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski
FOLLOWED BY:
Board of County Commissioners Administrative Session Closed
Westminster, Maryland
1:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
4:00 p.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
Wednesday September 24, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
10:00 a.m.
Issues & Insights with Mayor McCarron
Taneytown, Maryland
Commissioner Gouge
3:30 p.m.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for David Babylon Community
Building @ Westminster City Playground
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich
Thursday September 25, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
8:30 a.m.
Economic Development Commission Meeting
County Office Building Room 105
Commissioner Minnich
10:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
County Office Building Room 003
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich
11:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session
County Office Building Room 311
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich
Request Approval Town/County Agreements
Towns of Sykesville & Mt. Airy
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski
Exercise Option to Purchase Daniel Shaffer Property
Greenwood Campus Option -
Department of Public Works Mr. J. Michael Evans
Department of General Services Mr. Tom Rio
Update on Carroll County Food Sunday -
Carroll County Food Sunday Mr. David Taylor
BCC signing of Bond documents for Issuance of Economic
Development Revenue Bonds for Fairhaven, Inc. and
Copper Ridge, Inc. -
County Attorney's Office Kim Millender, County Attorney
Request Approval of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department
FY 2009 Violence Again Women Act (VAWA) Award and
Operating Budget Resolution O-03 to Transfer Funds -
Carroll County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Tregoning/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski
Chief of Staff Time Mr. Steve Powell
Administrative Session Closed
Friday September 26, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
7:00 p.m.
Induction of Filipino Americans of Carroll County
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Minnich
Saturday September 27, 2008
Sunday September 28, 2008
8:05 a.m.
“The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR
Commissioner Gouge
20080922 CCBOC agenda
Board of County Commissioners
Julia W. Gouge, President
Dean L. Minnich, Vice President
Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary
Carroll County Government
225 North Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978
fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747
Agenda for the Week of September 22, 2008
Please Note: This weekly agenda is subject to change. Please call 410-386-2043 to confirm a meeting you plan to attend. All meetings will be held at the Carroll County Office Building Room 311. (Unless otherwise noted)
Indicates Outside Activities
Monday September 22, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Marada Industries, Inc. Tour
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Zimmer
7:00 p.m.
Union Bridge Community Meeting
Union Bridge, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer
Tuesday September 23, 2008
9:00 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Old New Windsor School
County Government Offices & Presentation of Proclamation
for the Carroll County Public Library’s 50th Anniversary
New Windsor, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich & Zimmer
11:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session
County Office Building Room 311
2009/2010 Budget Challenges
County Commissioners Office Mr. Steve Powell/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski
FOLLOWED BY:
Board of County Commissioners Administrative Session Closed
Westminster, Maryland
1:00 p.m.
Board of Education Meeting
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
4:00 p.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
Wednesday September 24, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
10:00 a.m.
Issues & Insights with Mayor McCarron
Taneytown, Maryland
Commissioner Gouge
3:30 p.m.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for David Babylon Community
Building @ Westminster City Playground
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich
Thursday September 25, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
8:30 a.m.
Economic Development Commission Meeting
County Office Building Room 105
Commissioner Minnich
10:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
County Office Building Room 003
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich
11:00 a.m.
Board of County Commissioners Open Session
County Office Building Room 311
Commissioners Gouge & Minnich
Request Approval Town/County Agreements
Towns of Sykesville & Mt. Airy
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski
Exercise Option to Purchase Daniel Shaffer Property
Greenwood Campus Option -
Department of Public Works Mr. J. Michael Evans
Department of General Services Mr. Tom Rio
Update on Carroll County Food Sunday -
Carroll County Food Sunday Mr. David Taylor
BCC signing of Bond documents for Issuance of Economic
Development Revenue Bonds for Fairhaven, Inc. and
Copper Ridge, Inc. -
County Attorney's Office Kim Millender, County Attorney
Request Approval of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department
FY 2009 Violence Again Women Act (VAWA) Award and
Operating Budget Resolution O-03 to Transfer Funds -
Carroll County Sheriff's Department Sheriff Tregoning/
Department of Management & Budget Mr. Ted Zaleski
Chief of Staff Time Mr. Steve Powell
Administrative Session Closed
Friday September 26, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education Conference
Ocean City, Maryland
Commissioner Zimmer
7:00 p.m.
Induction of Filipino Americans of Carroll County
Westminster, Maryland
Commissioner Minnich
Saturday September 27, 2008
Sunday September 28, 2008
8:05 a.m.
“The Commissioners’ Report” – WTTR
Commissioner Gouge
20080922 CCBOC agenda
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Sykesville Council Agenda for September 22, 2008
Sykesville Council Agenda for September 22, 2008
Update: The Sykesville Mayor and Town Council meeting and public forum scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sykesville Town House will be held on that same date at 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria at the Sykesville Middle School, 7301 Springfield Avenue, Sykesville, MD. The public forum is regarding the transfer of Rosewood patients to Springfield Hospital. Questions, call 410-795-8959, or email driley AT sykesville.net.
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF SYKESVILLE
AGENDA FOR
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2008, 7:30 P.M.
SYKESVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
7301 SPRINGFIELD AVENUE, SYKESVILLE, MD
QUORUM: Mayor
MINUTES: Town Clerk
TREASURER’S REPORT: Town Treasurer
PUBLIC CONCERNS
BUSINESS
Parks and Events Committee - Appointment
Transfer of Rosewood Patients to Springfield Hospital – Public Forum
Public Safety Report – Chief Williams
Curfew Ordinance – Proposed Amendment – Introduction
Carroll County Chapter of MML Dinner – Thursday, October 9, 2008 in Hampstead
Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve
Reschedule next meeting date
OTHER:
CLOSED SESSION:
1. Legal Consultation – None
2. Property Acquisition – None
3. Personnel –None
Sykesville 35th Annual Fall FestivalDowntown Main StreetSaturday October 11, 2008 9 am to 5 pmMoon Bounce, Pumpkin Painting, Crafters, Food, Live Entertainment MODEL RAILROAD DISPLAYSKIDS CAN RIDE THE LITTLE SYKES RAILROADFACE PAINTING AND OTHER MERRIMENT BYSILLY WILLY THE CLOWNLive Music by CruiseTri Star Demonstrations50/50 and Gift Raffles
2008 SYKESVILLE APPLE BUTTER MARKET
Location: The Apple Warehouse Grounds on West Friendship Road,
right across the bridge from Downtown Sykesville.
Also known as Howard County’s South Branch Park.
Market Dates: The last Sunday of the months June through October
September 28, and October 26
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Contact: 410-795-8959
20080922 Sykesville Council Agenda for September 22, 2008
President Bush Discusses Economy
President Bush Discusses Economy
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary September 19, 2008
Rose Garden
Video (Windows) /news/releases/2008/09/20080919-2.wm.v.html
Presidential Remarks
Audio
En Español
Fact Sheet: Confronting Economic Challenges Head On
In Focus: Economy
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I thank Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox for joining me today.
This is a pivotal moment for America's economy. Problems that originated in the credit markets -- and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages -- have spread throughout our financial system. This has led to an erosion of confidence that has frozen many financial transactions, including loans to consumers and to businesses seeking to expand and create jobs. As a result, we must act now to protect our nation's economic health from serious risk.
There will be ample opportunity to debate the origins of this problem. Now is the time to solve it. In our nation's history, there have been moments that require us to come together across party lines to address major challenges. This is such a moment. Last night, Secretary Paulson and Chairman Bernanke and Chairman Cox met with congressional leaders of both parties -- and they had a very good meeting. I appreciate the willingness of congressional leaders to confront this situation head on.
Our system of free enterprise rests on the conviction that the federal government should interfere in the marketplace only when necessary. Given the precarious state of today's financial markets -- and their vital importance to the daily lives of the American people -- government intervention is not only warranted, it is essential.
In recent weeks, the federal government has taken a series of measures to help promote stability in the overall economy. To avoid severe disruptions in the financial markets and to support home financing, we took action to address the situation at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Federal Reserve also acted to prevent the disorderly liquidation of the insurance company AIG. And in coordination with central banks around the world, the Fed has injected much-needed liquidity into our financial system.
These were targeted measures designed primarily to stop the problems of individual firms from spreading even more broadly. But more action is needed. We must address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets -- the mortgage assets that have lost value during the housing decline and are now restricting the flow of credit. America's economy is facing unprecedented challenges, and we are responding with unprecedented action.
Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and Chairman Cox have briefed leaders on Capitol Hill on the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation approving the federal government's purchase of illiquid assets, such as troubled mortgages, from banks and other financial institutions. This is a decisive step that will address underlying problems in our financial system. It will help take pressure off the balance sheets of banks and other financial institutions. It will allow them to resume lending and get our financial system moving again.
Additionally, the federal government is taking several other steps to address the trouble of our financial markets.
The Department of the Treasury is acting to restore confidence in a key element of America's financial system -- money market mutual funds. In the past, government insurance was not available for these funds, and the recent stresses on the markets have caused some to question whether these investments are safe and accessible. The Treasury Department's actions address that concern by offering government insurance for money market mutual funds. For every dollar invested in an insured fund, you will be able to take a dollar out.
The Federal Reserve is also taking steps to provide additional liquidity to money market mutual funds, which will help ease pressure on our financial markets. These measures will act as grease for the gears of our financial system, which were at risk of grinding to a halt. They will support the flow of credit to households and businesses.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued new rules temporarily suspending the practice of short selling on the stocks of financial institutions. This is intended to prevent investors from intentionally driving down particular stocks for their own personal gain. The SEC is also requiring certain investors to disclose their short selling, and has launched rigorous enforcement actions to detect fraud and manipulation in the market. Anyone engaging in illegal financial transactions will be caught and persecuted [sic].
Finally, when we get past the immediate challenges, my administration looks forward to working with Congress on measures to bring greater long-term transparency and reliability to the financial system -- including those in the regulatory blueprint submitted by Secretary Paulson earlier this year. Many of the regulations governing the functioning of America's markets were written in a different era. It is vital that we update them to meet the realities of today's global financial system.
The actions I just outlined reflect the considered judgment of Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and Chairman Cox. We believe that this decisive government action is needed to preserve America's financial system and sustain America's overall economy. These measures will require us to put a significant amount of taxpayer dollars on the line. This action does entail risk. But we expect that this money will eventually be paid back. The vast majority of assets the government is planning to purchase have good value over time, because the vast majority of homeowners continue to pay their mortgages. And the risk of not acting would be far higher. Further stress on our financial markets would cause massive job losses, devastate retirement accounts, and further erode housing values, as well as dry up loans for new homes and cars and college tuitions. These are risks that America cannot afford to take.
In this difficult time, I know many Americans are wondering about the security of their finances. Every American should know that the federal government continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money. Through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000. The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit -- and this will not change.
America's financial system is intricate and complex. But behind all the technical terminology and statistics is a critical human factor -- confidence. Confidence in our financial system and in its institutions is essential to the smooth operation of our economy, and recently that confidence has been shaken. Investors should know that the United States government is taking action to restore confidence in America's financial markets so they can thrive again.
In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. America has the most talented, productive, and entrepreneurial workers in the world. This country is the best place in the world to invest and do business. Consumers around the world continue to seek out American products, as evidenced by record-high exports. We have a flexible and resilient system that absorbs challenges and makes corrections and bounces back.
We've seen that resilience over the past eight years. Since 2001, our economy has faced a recession, the bursting of the dot-com bubble, major corporate scandals, an unprecedented attack on our homeland, a global war on terror, a series of devastating natural disasters. Our economy has weathered every one of these challenges, and still managed to grow.
We will weather this challenge too, and we must do so together. This is no time for partisanship. We must join to move urgently needed legislation as quickly as possible, without adding controversial provisions that could delay action. I will work with Democrats and Republicans alike to steer our economy through these difficult times and get back to the path of long-term growth. Thank you very much.
END 10:54 A.M. EDT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080919-2.html
20080919 President Bush Discusses Economy
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary September 19, 2008
Rose Garden
Video (Windows) /news/releases/2008/09/20080919-2.wm.v.html
Presidential Remarks
Audio
En Español
Fact Sheet: Confronting Economic Challenges Head On
In Focus: Economy
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I thank Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, and SEC Chairman Chris Cox for joining me today.
This is a pivotal moment for America's economy. Problems that originated in the credit markets -- and first showed up in the area of subprime mortgages -- have spread throughout our financial system. This has led to an erosion of confidence that has frozen many financial transactions, including loans to consumers and to businesses seeking to expand and create jobs. As a result, we must act now to protect our nation's economic health from serious risk.
There will be ample opportunity to debate the origins of this problem. Now is the time to solve it. In our nation's history, there have been moments that require us to come together across party lines to address major challenges. This is such a moment. Last night, Secretary Paulson and Chairman Bernanke and Chairman Cox met with congressional leaders of both parties -- and they had a very good meeting. I appreciate the willingness of congressional leaders to confront this situation head on.
Our system of free enterprise rests on the conviction that the federal government should interfere in the marketplace only when necessary. Given the precarious state of today's financial markets -- and their vital importance to the daily lives of the American people -- government intervention is not only warranted, it is essential.
In recent weeks, the federal government has taken a series of measures to help promote stability in the overall economy. To avoid severe disruptions in the financial markets and to support home financing, we took action to address the situation at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Federal Reserve also acted to prevent the disorderly liquidation of the insurance company AIG. And in coordination with central banks around the world, the Fed has injected much-needed liquidity into our financial system.
These were targeted measures designed primarily to stop the problems of individual firms from spreading even more broadly. But more action is needed. We must address the root cause behind much of the instability in our markets -- the mortgage assets that have lost value during the housing decline and are now restricting the flow of credit. America's economy is facing unprecedented challenges, and we are responding with unprecedented action.
Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and Chairman Cox have briefed leaders on Capitol Hill on the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation approving the federal government's purchase of illiquid assets, such as troubled mortgages, from banks and other financial institutions. This is a decisive step that will address underlying problems in our financial system. It will help take pressure off the balance sheets of banks and other financial institutions. It will allow them to resume lending and get our financial system moving again.
Additionally, the federal government is taking several other steps to address the trouble of our financial markets.
The Department of the Treasury is acting to restore confidence in a key element of America's financial system -- money market mutual funds. In the past, government insurance was not available for these funds, and the recent stresses on the markets have caused some to question whether these investments are safe and accessible. The Treasury Department's actions address that concern by offering government insurance for money market mutual funds. For every dollar invested in an insured fund, you will be able to take a dollar out.
The Federal Reserve is also taking steps to provide additional liquidity to money market mutual funds, which will help ease pressure on our financial markets. These measures will act as grease for the gears of our financial system, which were at risk of grinding to a halt. They will support the flow of credit to households and businesses.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued new rules temporarily suspending the practice of short selling on the stocks of financial institutions. This is intended to prevent investors from intentionally driving down particular stocks for their own personal gain. The SEC is also requiring certain investors to disclose their short selling, and has launched rigorous enforcement actions to detect fraud and manipulation in the market. Anyone engaging in illegal financial transactions will be caught and persecuted [sic].
Finally, when we get past the immediate challenges, my administration looks forward to working with Congress on measures to bring greater long-term transparency and reliability to the financial system -- including those in the regulatory blueprint submitted by Secretary Paulson earlier this year. Many of the regulations governing the functioning of America's markets were written in a different era. It is vital that we update them to meet the realities of today's global financial system.
The actions I just outlined reflect the considered judgment of Secretary Paulson, Chairman Bernanke, and Chairman Cox. We believe that this decisive government action is needed to preserve America's financial system and sustain America's overall economy. These measures will require us to put a significant amount of taxpayer dollars on the line. This action does entail risk. But we expect that this money will eventually be paid back. The vast majority of assets the government is planning to purchase have good value over time, because the vast majority of homeowners continue to pay their mortgages. And the risk of not acting would be far higher. Further stress on our financial markets would cause massive job losses, devastate retirement accounts, and further erode housing values, as well as dry up loans for new homes and cars and college tuitions. These are risks that America cannot afford to take.
In this difficult time, I know many Americans are wondering about the security of their finances. Every American should know that the federal government continues to enforce laws and regulations protecting your money. Through the FDIC, every savings account, checking account, and certificate of deposit is insured by the federal government for up to $100,000. The FDIC has been in existence for 75 years, and no one has ever lost a penny on an insured deposit -- and this will not change.
America's financial system is intricate and complex. But behind all the technical terminology and statistics is a critical human factor -- confidence. Confidence in our financial system and in its institutions is essential to the smooth operation of our economy, and recently that confidence has been shaken. Investors should know that the United States government is taking action to restore confidence in America's financial markets so they can thrive again.
In the long run, Americans have good reason to be confident in our economic strength. America has the most talented, productive, and entrepreneurial workers in the world. This country is the best place in the world to invest and do business. Consumers around the world continue to seek out American products, as evidenced by record-high exports. We have a flexible and resilient system that absorbs challenges and makes corrections and bounces back.
We've seen that resilience over the past eight years. Since 2001, our economy has faced a recession, the bursting of the dot-com bubble, major corporate scandals, an unprecedented attack on our homeland, a global war on terror, a series of devastating natural disasters. Our economy has weathered every one of these challenges, and still managed to grow.
We will weather this challenge too, and we must do so together. This is no time for partisanship. We must join to move urgently needed legislation as quickly as possible, without adding controversial provisions that could delay action. I will work with Democrats and Republicans alike to steer our economy through these difficult times and get back to the path of long-term growth. Thank you very much.
END 10:54 A.M. EDT
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080919-2.html
20080919 President Bush Discusses Economy
Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la Economía
Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la Economía
19 de septiembre de 2008
Para su publicación inmediata
Oficina del Secretario de Prensa
Rose Garden
10:45 A.M. EDT
EL PRESIDENTE: Buenos días. Les agradezco al secretario del Tesoro, Hank Paulson, al presidente de la Reserva Federal, Ben Bernanke, y al presidente de la Comisión de Valores y Cambio Bursátil (Security and Exchange Commission), Chris Cox, por acompañarme hoy.
Éste es un momento importante para la economía de Estados Unidos. Problemas que se originaron en el mercado de crédito -y se presentaron inicialmente en el sector de préstamos hipotecarios no preferenciales- se han propagado por todo nuestro sistema financiero. Esto ha llevado a una pérdida de confianza que ha congelado muchas transacciones financieras, entre ellas préstamos a consumidores y a empresas con planes de expandirse y generar empleo. Como resultado, debemos tomar medidas ahora para proteger de serios peligros el bienestar económico de nuestra nación.
Habrá abundantes oportunidades de debatir el origen de este problema. Éste es el momento de resolverlo. En la historia de nuestra nación, ha habido ocasiones que han requerido que nos unamos, independientemente de partido, para hacerles frente a desafíos importantes. Ésta es una ocasión tal. Anoche, el secretario Paulson y el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox se reunieron con líderes del Congreso de ambos partidos... y tuvieron una muy buena reunión. Agradezco que los líderes del Congreso estén dispuestos a hacerle frente directamente a esta situación.
Nuestro sistema de libre empresa se basa en la convicción de que el gobierno federal debe interferir en el mercado sólo cuando es necesario. Dada la situación precaria de los mercados financieros de hoy -y su vital importancia en la vida cotidiana del pueblo estadounidense- la intervención del gobierno no sólo se justifica; es esencial.
En semanas recientes, el gobierno federal ha tomado una serie de medidas para ayudar a promover la estabilidad en la economía en general. A fin de evitar alteraciones severas en el mercado financiero y apoyar la financiación de viviendas, tomamos medidas para hacerle frente a la situación en Fannie Mae y Freddie Mac. La Reserva Federal también dio pasos para evitar la liquidación desordenada de la compañía de seguros AIG. Y en coordinación con bancos centrales en todo el mundo, la Reserva ha inyectado liquidez muy necesaria en nuestro sistema financiero.
Esas fueron medidas específicas y concebidas principalmente para evitar que los problemas de firmas individuales se propagaran más extensamente. Pero es necesario hacer más. Debemos abordar la causa de gran parte de la inestabilidad de nuestro mercado: los activos hipotecarios que se devaluaron durante la desaceleración del sector de vivienda y que ahora restringen el flujo de crédito. La economía de Estados Unidos enfrenta desafíos sin precedente, y estamos respondiendo con medidas sin precedente.
El secretario Paulson, el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox les han informado a los líderes en el Capitolio de la urgente necesidad de que el Congreso apruebe legislación que dé el visto bueno a que el gobierno federal les compre a bancos y otras instituciones financieras activos ilíquidos como malos préstamos hipotecarios. Éste es un paso decisivo que abordará los problemas subyacentes de nuestro sistema financiero. Ayudará a disminuir la presión en los balances de los bancos y otras instituciones financieras. Permitirá que reanuden sus préstamos y que nuestro sistema financiero se vuelva a poner en marcha.
Además, el gobierno federal está dando pasos adicionales para abordar los problemas de nuestro mercado financiero.
El Departamento del Tesoro está tomando medidas para reestablecer la confianza en un elemento clave del sistema financiero de Estados Unidos: los fondos mutuos de inversión (en activos) del mercado del dinero. En el pasado, no había seguro gubernamental para estos fondos, y las recientes presiones en el mercado han causado que algunos se pregunten si estas inversiones son seguras y asequibles. Las medidas del Departamento del Tesoro abordan esa inquietud ofreciendo seguro gubernamental para los fondos mutuos de inversión en el mercado de dinero. Por cada dólar invertido en un fondo asegurado, podrán sacar un dólar.
La Reserva Federal también está tomando medidas para proporcionar liquidez adicional a los fondos mutuos de inversión en el mercado de dinero, lo que ayudará a disminuir la presión en nuestro mercado financiero. Estas medidas servirán como la grasa de los engranajes de nuestro sistema financiero, que corrían el peligro de detenerse completamente. Contribuirán al flujo de crédito a hogares de familia y empresas.
La Securities and Exchange Commission ha emitido normas nuevas de forma temporal que suspenden la práctica de venta al descubierto de acciones de instituciones financieras. Esto tiene como propósito evitar que los inversionistas reduzcan el valor de ciertas acciones para lucro personal. La SEC también está requiriendo que ciertos inversionistas divulguen sus ventas al descubierto y ha puesto en práctica estrictas medidas de control para detectar el fraude y la manipulación en el mercado. Cualquier persona que participe en transacciones financieras ilegales será detectada y perseguida [sic].
Finalmente, mi gobierno está deseoso de, una vez superados los desafíos inmediatos, cooperar con el Congreso en medidas para darle mayor transparencia y fiabilidad a largo plazo al sistema financiero, entre ellas las incluidas en el plan normativo presentado por el secretario Paulson anteriormente este año. Muchas de las reglamentaciones que rigen el funcionamiento del mercado estadounidense fueron redactadas en otra era. Es de vital importancia que las actualicemos para que conformen con la realidad actual del sistema financiero mundial.
Las medidas que acabo de describir reflejan el buen criterio del secretario Paulson, el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox. Creemos que es necesario que el gobierno tome medidas decisivas para resguardar el sistema financiero de Estados Unidos y sustentar la economía en general de Estados Unidos. Estas medidas requerirán que arriesguemos una cantidad significativa de dinero de los contribuyentes. Estas medidas, de hecho, implican riesgo. Pero tenemos previsto que este dinero se devuelva, a fin de cuentas. Los activos que el gobierno está planeando comprar, en su gran mayoría, retienen su valor con el tiempo, porque los propietarios de vivienda, en su gran mayoría, continúan pagando sus préstamos hipotecarios. Y el peligro de la inacción sería mucho mayor. Presión adicional en nuestros mercados financieros causaría la pérdida masiva de empleos, devastaría las cuentas para la jubilación y devaluaría más el sector de vivienda, además de hacer que se agoten los préstamos para casas y autos nuevos, y matrículas universitarias. Estos son peligros que Estados Unidos no puede darse el lujo de correr.
En este difícil momento, sé que muchos estadounidenses se preguntan sobre la seguridad de sus finanzas. Todos los estadounidenses deben saber que el gobierno federal continúa velando por el cumplimiento de las leyes y las normas que protegen su dinero. Por medio de la Corporación de Seguro Federal para Depósitos (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation o FDIC), todas las cuentas de ahorro, cuentas corrientes y certificados de depósito están asegurados hasta $100,000 por el gobierno federal. El FDIC existe desde hace 75 años, y nadie jamás ha perdido un centavo de un depósito asegurado, y eso no cambiará.
El sistema financiero de Estados Unidos es intrincado y complejo. Pero detrás de toda la terminología técnica y los datos estadísticos está un factor humano muy importante: la confianza. La confianza en nuestro sistema financiero y sus instituciones es esencial para que nuestra economía opere sin trabas, y recientemente esta confianza ha flaqueado. Los inversionistas deben saber que el gobierno de Estados Unidos está tomando medidas para reestablecer la confianza en el mercado financiero de Estados Unidos de modo que podamos volver a prosperar.
A largo plazo, los estadounidenses tienen buen motivo para tener seguridad en nuestra solidez económica. Estados Unidos cuenta con los trabajadores más hábiles, productivos y emprendedores del mundo. Este país es el mejor lugar del mundo para invertir y hacer negocios. Consumidores alrededor del mundo continúan escogiendo productos estadounidenses, como lo prueba el nivel récord de exportaciones. Tenemos un sistema flexible y resistente que absorbe desafíos y hace correcciones y rebota.
Hemos visto esa resistencia durante los últimos ocho años. Desde el 2001, nuestra economía ha enfrentado una recesión, el reventón de la burbuja de los puntocom, grandes escándalos empresariales, un ataque sin precedente contra nuestro territorio nacional, una guerra mundial contra el terrorismo, una serie de desastres naturales devastadores. Nuestra economía ha resistido cada uno de estos desafíos y aun así, ha logrado crecer.
También resistiremos este desafío y debemos hacerlo juntos. No es momento de partidismo. Debemos unirnos para lograr cuanto antes la aprobación de legislación urgentemente necesaria, sin agregar estipulaciones polémicas que podrían postergar una decisión. Trabajaré con tanto demócratas como republicanos para dirigir nuestra economía durante este momento difícil y retomar el camino hacia el crecimiento a largo plazo. Muchísimas gracias.
END 10:54 A.M. EDT
20080919 Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la Economía
19 de septiembre de 2008
Para su publicación inmediata
Oficina del Secretario de Prensa
Rose Garden
10:45 A.M. EDT
EL PRESIDENTE: Buenos días. Les agradezco al secretario del Tesoro, Hank Paulson, al presidente de la Reserva Federal, Ben Bernanke, y al presidente de la Comisión de Valores y Cambio Bursátil (Security and Exchange Commission), Chris Cox, por acompañarme hoy.
Éste es un momento importante para la economía de Estados Unidos. Problemas que se originaron en el mercado de crédito -y se presentaron inicialmente en el sector de préstamos hipotecarios no preferenciales- se han propagado por todo nuestro sistema financiero. Esto ha llevado a una pérdida de confianza que ha congelado muchas transacciones financieras, entre ellas préstamos a consumidores y a empresas con planes de expandirse y generar empleo. Como resultado, debemos tomar medidas ahora para proteger de serios peligros el bienestar económico de nuestra nación.
Habrá abundantes oportunidades de debatir el origen de este problema. Éste es el momento de resolverlo. En la historia de nuestra nación, ha habido ocasiones que han requerido que nos unamos, independientemente de partido, para hacerles frente a desafíos importantes. Ésta es una ocasión tal. Anoche, el secretario Paulson y el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox se reunieron con líderes del Congreso de ambos partidos... y tuvieron una muy buena reunión. Agradezco que los líderes del Congreso estén dispuestos a hacerle frente directamente a esta situación.
Nuestro sistema de libre empresa se basa en la convicción de que el gobierno federal debe interferir en el mercado sólo cuando es necesario. Dada la situación precaria de los mercados financieros de hoy -y su vital importancia en la vida cotidiana del pueblo estadounidense- la intervención del gobierno no sólo se justifica; es esencial.
En semanas recientes, el gobierno federal ha tomado una serie de medidas para ayudar a promover la estabilidad en la economía en general. A fin de evitar alteraciones severas en el mercado financiero y apoyar la financiación de viviendas, tomamos medidas para hacerle frente a la situación en Fannie Mae y Freddie Mac. La Reserva Federal también dio pasos para evitar la liquidación desordenada de la compañía de seguros AIG. Y en coordinación con bancos centrales en todo el mundo, la Reserva ha inyectado liquidez muy necesaria en nuestro sistema financiero.
Esas fueron medidas específicas y concebidas principalmente para evitar que los problemas de firmas individuales se propagaran más extensamente. Pero es necesario hacer más. Debemos abordar la causa de gran parte de la inestabilidad de nuestro mercado: los activos hipotecarios que se devaluaron durante la desaceleración del sector de vivienda y que ahora restringen el flujo de crédito. La economía de Estados Unidos enfrenta desafíos sin precedente, y estamos respondiendo con medidas sin precedente.
El secretario Paulson, el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox les han informado a los líderes en el Capitolio de la urgente necesidad de que el Congreso apruebe legislación que dé el visto bueno a que el gobierno federal les compre a bancos y otras instituciones financieras activos ilíquidos como malos préstamos hipotecarios. Éste es un paso decisivo que abordará los problemas subyacentes de nuestro sistema financiero. Ayudará a disminuir la presión en los balances de los bancos y otras instituciones financieras. Permitirá que reanuden sus préstamos y que nuestro sistema financiero se vuelva a poner en marcha.
Además, el gobierno federal está dando pasos adicionales para abordar los problemas de nuestro mercado financiero.
El Departamento del Tesoro está tomando medidas para reestablecer la confianza en un elemento clave del sistema financiero de Estados Unidos: los fondos mutuos de inversión (en activos) del mercado del dinero. En el pasado, no había seguro gubernamental para estos fondos, y las recientes presiones en el mercado han causado que algunos se pregunten si estas inversiones son seguras y asequibles. Las medidas del Departamento del Tesoro abordan esa inquietud ofreciendo seguro gubernamental para los fondos mutuos de inversión en el mercado de dinero. Por cada dólar invertido en un fondo asegurado, podrán sacar un dólar.
La Reserva Federal también está tomando medidas para proporcionar liquidez adicional a los fondos mutuos de inversión en el mercado de dinero, lo que ayudará a disminuir la presión en nuestro mercado financiero. Estas medidas servirán como la grasa de los engranajes de nuestro sistema financiero, que corrían el peligro de detenerse completamente. Contribuirán al flujo de crédito a hogares de familia y empresas.
La Securities and Exchange Commission ha emitido normas nuevas de forma temporal que suspenden la práctica de venta al descubierto de acciones de instituciones financieras. Esto tiene como propósito evitar que los inversionistas reduzcan el valor de ciertas acciones para lucro personal. La SEC también está requiriendo que ciertos inversionistas divulguen sus ventas al descubierto y ha puesto en práctica estrictas medidas de control para detectar el fraude y la manipulación en el mercado. Cualquier persona que participe en transacciones financieras ilegales será detectada y perseguida [sic].
Finalmente, mi gobierno está deseoso de, una vez superados los desafíos inmediatos, cooperar con el Congreso en medidas para darle mayor transparencia y fiabilidad a largo plazo al sistema financiero, entre ellas las incluidas en el plan normativo presentado por el secretario Paulson anteriormente este año. Muchas de las reglamentaciones que rigen el funcionamiento del mercado estadounidense fueron redactadas en otra era. Es de vital importancia que las actualicemos para que conformen con la realidad actual del sistema financiero mundial.
Las medidas que acabo de describir reflejan el buen criterio del secretario Paulson, el presidente Bernanke y el presidente Cox. Creemos que es necesario que el gobierno tome medidas decisivas para resguardar el sistema financiero de Estados Unidos y sustentar la economía en general de Estados Unidos. Estas medidas requerirán que arriesguemos una cantidad significativa de dinero de los contribuyentes. Estas medidas, de hecho, implican riesgo. Pero tenemos previsto que este dinero se devuelva, a fin de cuentas. Los activos que el gobierno está planeando comprar, en su gran mayoría, retienen su valor con el tiempo, porque los propietarios de vivienda, en su gran mayoría, continúan pagando sus préstamos hipotecarios. Y el peligro de la inacción sería mucho mayor. Presión adicional en nuestros mercados financieros causaría la pérdida masiva de empleos, devastaría las cuentas para la jubilación y devaluaría más el sector de vivienda, además de hacer que se agoten los préstamos para casas y autos nuevos, y matrículas universitarias. Estos son peligros que Estados Unidos no puede darse el lujo de correr.
En este difícil momento, sé que muchos estadounidenses se preguntan sobre la seguridad de sus finanzas. Todos los estadounidenses deben saber que el gobierno federal continúa velando por el cumplimiento de las leyes y las normas que protegen su dinero. Por medio de la Corporación de Seguro Federal para Depósitos (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation o FDIC), todas las cuentas de ahorro, cuentas corrientes y certificados de depósito están asegurados hasta $100,000 por el gobierno federal. El FDIC existe desde hace 75 años, y nadie jamás ha perdido un centavo de un depósito asegurado, y eso no cambiará.
El sistema financiero de Estados Unidos es intrincado y complejo. Pero detrás de toda la terminología técnica y los datos estadísticos está un factor humano muy importante: la confianza. La confianza en nuestro sistema financiero y sus instituciones es esencial para que nuestra economía opere sin trabas, y recientemente esta confianza ha flaqueado. Los inversionistas deben saber que el gobierno de Estados Unidos está tomando medidas para reestablecer la confianza en el mercado financiero de Estados Unidos de modo que podamos volver a prosperar.
A largo plazo, los estadounidenses tienen buen motivo para tener seguridad en nuestra solidez económica. Estados Unidos cuenta con los trabajadores más hábiles, productivos y emprendedores del mundo. Este país es el mejor lugar del mundo para invertir y hacer negocios. Consumidores alrededor del mundo continúan escogiendo productos estadounidenses, como lo prueba el nivel récord de exportaciones. Tenemos un sistema flexible y resistente que absorbe desafíos y hace correcciones y rebota.
Hemos visto esa resistencia durante los últimos ocho años. Desde el 2001, nuestra economía ha enfrentado una recesión, el reventón de la burbuja de los puntocom, grandes escándalos empresariales, un ataque sin precedente contra nuestro territorio nacional, una guerra mundial contra el terrorismo, una serie de desastres naturales devastadores. Nuestra economía ha resistido cada uno de estos desafíos y aun así, ha logrado crecer.
También resistiremos este desafío y debemos hacerlo juntos. No es momento de partidismo. Debemos unirnos para lograr cuanto antes la aprobación de legislación urgentemente necesaria, sin agregar estipulaciones polémicas que podrían postergar una decisión. Trabajaré con tanto demócratas como republicanos para dirigir nuestra economía durante este momento difícil y retomar el camino hacia el crecimiento a largo plazo. Muchísimas gracias.
END 10:54 A.M. EDT
20080919 Declaraciones del Presidente Sobre la Economía
Statement by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on Comprehensive Approach to Market Developments
Statement by Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. on Comprehensive Approach to Market Developments
From the Press Room of the U.S. Department of the Treasury
September 19, 2008
Washington, DC-- Last night, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox and I had a lengthy and productive working session with Congressional leaders. We began a substantive discussion on the need for a comprehensive approach to relieving the stresses on our financial institutions and markets.
We have acted on a case-by-case basis in recent weeks, addressing problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, working with market participants to prepare for the failure of Lehman Brothers, and lending to AIG so it can sell some of its assets in an orderly manner. And this morning we've taken a number of powerful tactical steps to increase confidence in the system, including the establishment of a temporary guaranty program for the U.S. money market mutual fund industry.
Despite these steps, more is needed. We must now take further, decisive action to fundamentally and comprehensively address the root cause of our financial system's stresses.
The underlying weakness in our financial system today is the illiquid mortgage assets that have lost value as the housing correction has proceeded. These illiquid assets are choking off the flow of credit that is so vitally important to our economy. When the financial system works as it should, money and capital flow to and from households and businesses to pay for home loans, school loans and investments that create jobs. As illiquid mortgage assets block the system, the clogging of our financial markets has the potential to have significant effects on our financial system and our economy.
As we all know, lax lending practices earlier this decade led to irresponsible lending and irresponsible borrowing. This simply put too many families into mortgages they could not afford. We are seeing the impact on homeowners and neighborhoods, with 5 million homeowners now delinquent or in foreclosure. What began as a sub-prime lending problem has spread to other, less-risky mortgages, and contributed to excess home inventories that have pushed down home prices for responsible homeowners.
A similar scenario is playing out among the lenders who made those mortgages, the securitizers who bought, repackaged and resold them, and the investors who bought them. These troubled loans are now parked, or frozen, on the balance sheets of banks and other financial institutions, preventing them from financing productive loans. The inability to determine their worth has fostered uncertainty about mortgage assets, and even about the financial condition of the institutions that own them. The normal buying and selling of nearly all types of mortgage assets has become challenged.
These illiquid assets are clogging up our financial system, and undermining the strength of our otherwise sound financial institutions. As a result, Americans' personal savings are threatened, and the ability of consumers and businesses to borrow and finance spending, investment, and job creation has been disrupted.
To restore confidence in our markets and our financial institutions, so they can fuel continued growth and prosperity, we must address the underlying problem.
The federal government must implement a program to remove these illiquid assets that are weighing down our financial institutions and threatening our economy. This troubled asset relief program must be properly designed and sufficiently large to have maximum impact, while including features that protect the taxpayer to the maximum extent possible. The ultimate taxpayer protection will be the stability this troubled asset relief program provides to our financial system, even as it will involve a significant investment of taxpayer dollars. I am convinced that this bold approach will cost American families far less than the alternative – a continuing series of financial institution failures and frozen credit markets unable to fund economic expansion.
I believe many Members of Congress share my conviction. I will spend the weekend working with members of Congress of both parties to examine approaches to alleviate the pressure of these bad loans on our system, so credit can flow once again to American consumers and companies. Our economic health requires that we work together for prompt, bipartisan action.
As we work with the Congress to pass this legislation over the next week, other immediate actions will provide relief.
First, to provide critical additional funding to our mortgage markets, the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase their purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). These two enterprises must carry out their mission to support the mortgage market.
Second, to increase the availability of capital for new home loans, Treasury will expand the MBS purchase program we announced earlier this month. This will complement the capital provided by the GSEs and will help facilitate mortgage availability and affordability.
These two steps will provide some initial support to mortgage assets, but they are not enough. Many of the illiquid assets clogging our system today do not meet the regulatory requirements to be eligible for purchase by the GSEs or by the Treasury program.
I look forward to working with Congress to pass necessary legislation to remove these troubled assets from our financial system. When we get through this difficult period, which we will, our next task must be to improve the financial regulatory structure so that these past excesses do not recur. This crisis demonstrates in vivid terms that our financial regulatory structure is sub-optimal, duplicative and outdated. I have put forward my ideas for a modernized financial oversight structure that matches our modern economy, and more closely links the regulatory structure to the reasons why we regulate. That is a critical debate for another day.
Right now, our focus is restoring the strength of our financial system so it can again finance economic growth. The financial security of all Americans – their retirement savings, their home values, their ability to borrow for college, and the opportunities for more and higher-paying jobs – depends on our ability to restore our financial institutions to a sound footing.
20080919 Sec Paulson st on Comprehensive Approach to Mrkt Dev
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.
People Bernanke-Ben, Business Econ Wall St SEC, People Cox-Chris, US Dept Treasury, People Paulson-Henry, Bus Econ Subprime Mortgage Market Crisis
Business Econ Wall St SEC Cox qv People, Business Econ Bernanke-B qv People, Business Econ US Dept Treasury qv US, Business Econ Paulson qv People, Subprime Mortgage Mrkt Crisis qv Bus, 2007 2008 Subprime Mort Crisis qv Bus
From the Press Room of the U.S. Department of the Treasury
September 19, 2008
Washington, DC-- Last night, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox and I had a lengthy and productive working session with Congressional leaders. We began a substantive discussion on the need for a comprehensive approach to relieving the stresses on our financial institutions and markets.
We have acted on a case-by-case basis in recent weeks, addressing problems at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, working with market participants to prepare for the failure of Lehman Brothers, and lending to AIG so it can sell some of its assets in an orderly manner. And this morning we've taken a number of powerful tactical steps to increase confidence in the system, including the establishment of a temporary guaranty program for the U.S. money market mutual fund industry.
Despite these steps, more is needed. We must now take further, decisive action to fundamentally and comprehensively address the root cause of our financial system's stresses.
The underlying weakness in our financial system today is the illiquid mortgage assets that have lost value as the housing correction has proceeded. These illiquid assets are choking off the flow of credit that is so vitally important to our economy. When the financial system works as it should, money and capital flow to and from households and businesses to pay for home loans, school loans and investments that create jobs. As illiquid mortgage assets block the system, the clogging of our financial markets has the potential to have significant effects on our financial system and our economy.
As we all know, lax lending practices earlier this decade led to irresponsible lending and irresponsible borrowing. This simply put too many families into mortgages they could not afford. We are seeing the impact on homeowners and neighborhoods, with 5 million homeowners now delinquent or in foreclosure. What began as a sub-prime lending problem has spread to other, less-risky mortgages, and contributed to excess home inventories that have pushed down home prices for responsible homeowners.
A similar scenario is playing out among the lenders who made those mortgages, the securitizers who bought, repackaged and resold them, and the investors who bought them. These troubled loans are now parked, or frozen, on the balance sheets of banks and other financial institutions, preventing them from financing productive loans. The inability to determine their worth has fostered uncertainty about mortgage assets, and even about the financial condition of the institutions that own them. The normal buying and selling of nearly all types of mortgage assets has become challenged.
These illiquid assets are clogging up our financial system, and undermining the strength of our otherwise sound financial institutions. As a result, Americans' personal savings are threatened, and the ability of consumers and businesses to borrow and finance spending, investment, and job creation has been disrupted.
To restore confidence in our markets and our financial institutions, so they can fuel continued growth and prosperity, we must address the underlying problem.
The federal government must implement a program to remove these illiquid assets that are weighing down our financial institutions and threatening our economy. This troubled asset relief program must be properly designed and sufficiently large to have maximum impact, while including features that protect the taxpayer to the maximum extent possible. The ultimate taxpayer protection will be the stability this troubled asset relief program provides to our financial system, even as it will involve a significant investment of taxpayer dollars. I am convinced that this bold approach will cost American families far less than the alternative – a continuing series of financial institution failures and frozen credit markets unable to fund economic expansion.
I believe many Members of Congress share my conviction. I will spend the weekend working with members of Congress of both parties to examine approaches to alleviate the pressure of these bad loans on our system, so credit can flow once again to American consumers and companies. Our economic health requires that we work together for prompt, bipartisan action.
As we work with the Congress to pass this legislation over the next week, other immediate actions will provide relief.
First, to provide critical additional funding to our mortgage markets, the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will increase their purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). These two enterprises must carry out their mission to support the mortgage market.
Second, to increase the availability of capital for new home loans, Treasury will expand the MBS purchase program we announced earlier this month. This will complement the capital provided by the GSEs and will help facilitate mortgage availability and affordability.
These two steps will provide some initial support to mortgage assets, but they are not enough. Many of the illiquid assets clogging our system today do not meet the regulatory requirements to be eligible for purchase by the GSEs or by the Treasury program.
I look forward to working with Congress to pass necessary legislation to remove these troubled assets from our financial system. When we get through this difficult period, which we will, our next task must be to improve the financial regulatory structure so that these past excesses do not recur. This crisis demonstrates in vivid terms that our financial regulatory structure is sub-optimal, duplicative and outdated. I have put forward my ideas for a modernized financial oversight structure that matches our modern economy, and more closely links the regulatory structure to the reasons why we regulate. That is a critical debate for another day.
Right now, our focus is restoring the strength of our financial system so it can again finance economic growth. The financial security of all Americans – their retirement savings, their home values, their ability to borrow for college, and the opportunities for more and higher-paying jobs – depends on our ability to restore our financial institutions to a sound footing.
20080919 Sec Paulson st on Comprehensive Approach to Mrkt Dev
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, SEC Chairman Chris Cox, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr.
People Bernanke-Ben, Business Econ Wall St SEC, People Cox-Chris, US Dept Treasury, People Paulson-Henry, Bus Econ Subprime Mortgage Market Crisis
Business Econ Wall St SEC Cox qv People, Business Econ Bernanke-B qv People, Business Econ US Dept Treasury qv US, Business Econ Paulson qv People, Subprime Mortgage Mrkt Crisis qv Bus, 2007 2008 Subprime Mort Crisis qv Bus
Saturday, September 20, 2008
No Slots Bishop Schol
No Slots Bishop Schol
September 20, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY1Dl0qUGJY
20080920 No Slots Bishop Schol
September 20, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY1Dl0qUGJY
20080920 No Slots Bishop Schol
Records show McCain more bipartisan
Records show McCain more bipartisan
Stephen Dinan (Contact) Monday, September 15, 2008
ANALYSIS:
Sen. John McCain's record of working with Democrats easily outstrips Sen. Barack Obama's efforts with Republicans, according to an analysis by The Washington Times of their legislative records.
Whether looking at bills they have led on or bills they have signed onto, Mr. McCain has reached across the aisle far more frequently and with more members than Mr. Obama since the latter came to the Senate in 2005.
In fact, by several measures, Mr. McCain has been more likely to team up with Democrats than with members of his own party. Democrats made up 55 percent of his political partners over the last two Congresses, including on the tough issues of campaign finance and global warming. For Mr. Obama, Republicans were only 13 percent of his co-sponsors during his time in the Senate, and he had his biggest bipartisan successes on noncontroversial measures, such as issuing a postage stamp in honor of civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
With calls for change in Washington dominating the campaign, both Mr. Obama, the Democrats' presidential nominee, and Mr. McCain, his Republican opponent, have claimed the mantle of bipartisanship.
But since 2005, Mr. McCain has led as chief sponsor of 82 bills, on which he had 120 Democratic co-sponsors out of 220 total, for an average of 55 percent. He worked with Democrats on 50 of his bills, and of those, 37 times Democrats outnumber Republicans as co-sponsors.
Mr. Obama, meanwhile, sponsored 120 bills, of which Republicans co-sponsored just 26, and on only five bills did Republicans outnumber Democrats. Mr. Obama gained 522 total Democratic co-sponsors but only 75 Republicans, for an average of 13 percent of his co-sponsors.
An Obama campaign spokesman declined to comment on The Times analysis.
McCain campaign surrogate Sen. Lindsey Graham, though, said the numbers expose a difference between the two candidates.
Read the rest of Stephen Dinan’s analysis here: Records show McCain more bipartisan
http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/sep/15/records-show-mccain-more-bipartisan/
Union attacks McCain with TV ad on economy
Clinton tries to win back women for Obama
Obama raises a record $66 million in August
Trail Times blog
20080915 Records show McCain more bipartisan
Stephen Dinan (Contact) Monday, September 15, 2008
ANALYSIS:
Sen. John McCain's record of working with Democrats easily outstrips Sen. Barack Obama's efforts with Republicans, according to an analysis by The Washington Times of their legislative records.
Whether looking at bills they have led on or bills they have signed onto, Mr. McCain has reached across the aisle far more frequently and with more members than Mr. Obama since the latter came to the Senate in 2005.
In fact, by several measures, Mr. McCain has been more likely to team up with Democrats than with members of his own party. Democrats made up 55 percent of his political partners over the last two Congresses, including on the tough issues of campaign finance and global warming. For Mr. Obama, Republicans were only 13 percent of his co-sponsors during his time in the Senate, and he had his biggest bipartisan successes on noncontroversial measures, such as issuing a postage stamp in honor of civil rights icon Rosa Parks.
With calls for change in Washington dominating the campaign, both Mr. Obama, the Democrats' presidential nominee, and Mr. McCain, his Republican opponent, have claimed the mantle of bipartisanship.
But since 2005, Mr. McCain has led as chief sponsor of 82 bills, on which he had 120 Democratic co-sponsors out of 220 total, for an average of 55 percent. He worked with Democrats on 50 of his bills, and of those, 37 times Democrats outnumber Republicans as co-sponsors.
Mr. Obama, meanwhile, sponsored 120 bills, of which Republicans co-sponsored just 26, and on only five bills did Republicans outnumber Democrats. Mr. Obama gained 522 total Democratic co-sponsors but only 75 Republicans, for an average of 13 percent of his co-sponsors.
An Obama campaign spokesman declined to comment on The Times analysis.
McCain campaign surrogate Sen. Lindsey Graham, though, said the numbers expose a difference between the two candidates.
Read the rest of Stephen Dinan’s analysis here: Records show McCain more bipartisan
http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/sep/15/records-show-mccain-more-bipartisan/
Union attacks McCain with TV ad on economy
Clinton tries to win back women for Obama
Obama raises a record $66 million in August
Trail Times blog
20080915 Records show McCain more bipartisan
Go Ahead and Laugh - How Palin matters
Go Ahead and Laugh - How Palin matters.
By John J. Pitney Jr. September 01, 2008
There’s a great deal of talk that Sarah Palin will be a “game-changer.” She may well live up to that billing, but not in the way that many think.
Palin has praised Hillary Clinton and promised to crack the glass ceiling. But she is probably not going to draw massive numbers of Clinton’s female supporters to the Republican side. Some of them still resent Obama, and they all like the idea of a woman on the national ticket — in theory. A pro-life, pro-gun conservative woman, however, is not part of that theory.
So far, she is causing only modest movement in the general electorate. In a USA Today poll, 67 percent of voters say that she does not affect their vote choice. Eighteen percent say that she makes them more likely to vote for McCain, but 11 percent say that she makes them less likely.
[…]
And yet Palin is doing something very important. Until last week, Democrats were much more passionate than Republicans about this election. Accordingly, it seemed likely that they would have an edge in motivating volunteers and getting voters to the polls. Palin is suddenly closing this “enthusiasm gap.” According to Jonathan Martin of The Politico, her selection “ignited a wave of elation and emotion that has led some grass-roots activists to weep with joy.” According to a McCain staffer, the campaign raised $7 million right after the Friday announcement.
[…]
The sneers may amuse fans of Keith Olbermann and the Daily Show, but they might not go over well with … you know, the kind of people who cling to guns and religion. Some of them may have been thinking of sitting out the election or even crossing to Obama. But if they get the idea that liberals are laughing at them, they might regard a vote for the McCain-Palin ticket as a good way to register their disapproval.
Read the entire column here: Go Ahead and Laugh How Palin matters
— John J. Pitney Jr. is the Roy P. Crocker Professor of American Politics at Claremont McKenna College.
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MDNjNDVkZDQxNGNhMDkxNTE3ZjJlYjE5ODFjM2IwOGE=
20080901 Go ahead and laugh How Palin matters by John Pitney Jr
By John J. Pitney Jr. September 01, 2008
There’s a great deal of talk that Sarah Palin will be a “game-changer.” She may well live up to that billing, but not in the way that many think.
Palin has praised Hillary Clinton and promised to crack the glass ceiling. But she is probably not going to draw massive numbers of Clinton’s female supporters to the Republican side. Some of them still resent Obama, and they all like the idea of a woman on the national ticket — in theory. A pro-life, pro-gun conservative woman, however, is not part of that theory.
So far, she is causing only modest movement in the general electorate. In a USA Today poll, 67 percent of voters say that she does not affect their vote choice. Eighteen percent say that she makes them more likely to vote for McCain, but 11 percent say that she makes them less likely.
[…]
And yet Palin is doing something very important. Until last week, Democrats were much more passionate than Republicans about this election. Accordingly, it seemed likely that they would have an edge in motivating volunteers and getting voters to the polls. Palin is suddenly closing this “enthusiasm gap.” According to Jonathan Martin of The Politico, her selection “ignited a wave of elation and emotion that has led some grass-roots activists to weep with joy.” According to a McCain staffer, the campaign raised $7 million right after the Friday announcement.
[…]
The sneers may amuse fans of Keith Olbermann and the Daily Show, but they might not go over well with … you know, the kind of people who cling to guns and religion. Some of them may have been thinking of sitting out the election or even crossing to Obama. But if they get the idea that liberals are laughing at them, they might regard a vote for the McCain-Palin ticket as a good way to register their disapproval.
Read the entire column here: Go Ahead and Laugh How Palin matters
— John J. Pitney Jr. is the Roy P. Crocker Professor of American Politics at Claremont McKenna College.
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MDNjNDVkZDQxNGNhMDkxNTE3ZjJlYjE5ODFjM2IwOGE=
20080901 Go ahead and laugh How Palin matters by John Pitney Jr
Power Line: Stark Raving Mad
Power Line: Stark Raving Mad
September 10, 2008
The Democratic Party has gone around the bend. Here is Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee on the floor of the House today. Barack Obama is Jesus, and Sarah Palin is Pontius Pilate:
September 10, 2008
The Democratic Party has gone around the bend. Here is Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee on the floor of the House today. Barack Obama is Jesus, and Sarah Palin is Pontius Pilate:
The Democrats in Congress and the press see the election slipping away from them. Their reaction is much like that of a toddler who screams, holds his breath until he turns blue, and generally threatens to wreak havoc if he doesn't get his way.
To comment on this post, go here.
Posted by John at http://www.powerlineblog.com/
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2008/09/021475.php
20080910 Power Line Stark Raving Mad
To comment on this post, go here.
Posted by John at http://www.powerlineblog.com/
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2008/09/021475.php
20080910 Power Line Stark Raving Mad
Friday, September 19, 2008
Palin choice appeases right
Palin choice appeases right
By Tom Zirpoli, Carroll County Times Columnist Wednesday, September 03, 2008
I believe the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin reinforces Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's argument that Sen. John McCain will govern like President Bush.
In selecting Palin, McCain continued the Bush doctrine of ideology over competence. If McCain thinks Palin is ready to be vice president of the United States, I'm frightened to see who he will pick to run FEMA.
My guess is that McCain wanted to pick someone he knew and trusted, like former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge or Sen. Joe Liberman. Both of these men would have attracted moderate and independent voters. But their selection would have upset the core conservative base of the Republican Party, and apparently McCain was not willing to go down that path.
Instead, he selected the governor of Alaska, who he hardly knows, but who has three primary qualifications: She is conservative, she is young and she is a she.
[…]
Read the rest of Dr. Zirpoli’s column here: Palin choice appeases right
Tom Zirpoli writes from Westminster. His column appears Wednesdays. E-mail him at tzirpoli AT mcdaniel DOT edu
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/09/03/news/opinion/opinion/opinion516.txt
20080903 Palin choice appeases right by Tom Zirpoli
By Tom Zirpoli, Carroll County Times Columnist Wednesday, September 03, 2008
I believe the selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin reinforces Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's argument that Sen. John McCain will govern like President Bush.
In selecting Palin, McCain continued the Bush doctrine of ideology over competence. If McCain thinks Palin is ready to be vice president of the United States, I'm frightened to see who he will pick to run FEMA.
My guess is that McCain wanted to pick someone he knew and trusted, like former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge or Sen. Joe Liberman. Both of these men would have attracted moderate and independent voters. But their selection would have upset the core conservative base of the Republican Party, and apparently McCain was not willing to go down that path.
Instead, he selected the governor of Alaska, who he hardly knows, but who has three primary qualifications: She is conservative, she is young and she is a she.
[…]
Read the rest of Dr. Zirpoli’s column here: Palin choice appeases right
Tom Zirpoli writes from Westminster. His column appears Wednesdays. E-mail him at tzirpoli AT mcdaniel DOT edu
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/09/03/news/opinion/opinion/opinion516.txt
20080903 Palin choice appeases right by Tom Zirpoli
Update from Pastor Dorrance on Taylorsville United Methodist Church
Update from Pastor Dorrance on Taylorsville United Methodist Church
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dear Congregation:
These have been busy days at Taylorsville. We wanted a day when the office would be open every day of the week, well, that it has been the case, at least for this week ;)
Once again, Hearl, Bill and Karen Mitchell have done outstanding jobs in all of their work.
Today the police were out to talk to us some more. They have really been great.
Serv-pro has been cleaning up, you can hardly tell that something has happened in the sanctuary, and it is cleaner than it has been in a long time.All of the walls have been mopped down. We will be able to use the Sanctuary and the offices on Sunday, we will not have access to the basement.
Perhaps the most important event of the day was when our Bishop, Bishop Schol came to visit us this afternoon. He, along with our District Superintendent, Rev. Terri Rae Chattin, our guide Rev. William Chaney, and two other guides, Rev. Mary Dennis and Rev. Matthew Poole, were here at our church to pray with us and to anoint our worship space.
They anointed our doors, or altar, our cross and our Bible--all symbols that help remind us of our faith, and the one who made it all possible, Jesus Christ.
The Bishop told us of a time when he was young that the sanctuary where he worshipped was vandalized, and he still remembers those feelings. He also wanted to offer us words of encouragement and hope for the future.
We have pictures to show you on Sunday.
Many blessings
Pastor Sarah
Picture caption:
Sept. 18, 2008 - Bishop of the Washington Area of The United Methodist Church John Roland Schol anointing a portion of Taylorsville United Methodist Church that had been recently damaged by vandals.
20080918 Update from Pastor Dorrance on Taylorsville United Methodist Church
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Dear Congregation:
These have been busy days at Taylorsville. We wanted a day when the office would be open every day of the week, well, that it has been the case, at least for this week ;)
Once again, Hearl, Bill and Karen Mitchell have done outstanding jobs in all of their work.
Today the police were out to talk to us some more. They have really been great.
Serv-pro has been cleaning up, you can hardly tell that something has happened in the sanctuary, and it is cleaner than it has been in a long time.All of the walls have been mopped down. We will be able to use the Sanctuary and the offices on Sunday, we will not have access to the basement.
Perhaps the most important event of the day was when our Bishop, Bishop Schol came to visit us this afternoon. He, along with our District Superintendent, Rev. Terri Rae Chattin, our guide Rev. William Chaney, and two other guides, Rev. Mary Dennis and Rev. Matthew Poole, were here at our church to pray with us and to anoint our worship space.
They anointed our doors, or altar, our cross and our Bible--all symbols that help remind us of our faith, and the one who made it all possible, Jesus Christ.
The Bishop told us of a time when he was young that the sanctuary where he worshipped was vandalized, and he still remembers those feelings. He also wanted to offer us words of encouragement and hope for the future.
We have pictures to show you on Sunday.
Many blessings
Pastor Sarah
Picture caption:
Sept. 18, 2008 - Bishop of the Washington Area of The United Methodist Church John Roland Schol anointing a portion of Taylorsville United Methodist Church that had been recently damaged by vandals.
20080918 Update from Pastor Dorrance on Taylorsville United Methodist Church
Baltimore Washington Conference United Methodist Bishop John Schol brief web site bio
Baltimore Washington Conference United Methodist Bishop John Schol brief web site bio
http://www.bwcumc.org/content/about-our-bishop
http://www.bwcumc.org/print/2269
Published on Baltimore Washington Conference (http://www.bwcumc.org/)
Retrieved September 18, 2008
About our Bishop
John Roland Schol is the Bishop of the Washington Area of The United Methodist Church.
Elected to this office in 2004, Bishop Schol provides leadership to almost 1,000 clergy and 200,000 lay people and oversees the administration, mission and minstry of the Baltimore-Washington Conference.
Before coming to the Baltimore-Washington Conference, Bishop Schol served as pastor of the West Chester United Methodist Church, in West Chester, Pa., near Philadelphia, since 1997. There he helped instill new vitality and vision in a declining downtown congregation, thus expanding its membership, facilities, mission involvement and witness for justice and compassion in the community.
From 1993-97, John Schol directed the Office of Urban Ministries at the denomination’s worldwide missions agency, the General Board of Global Ministries, in New York City. There, he led the development of two major initiatives that are still operating and still popular among many churches and conferences: a holistic urban ministry training program known as the Holy Boldness Urban Academy and the innovative, collaborative community development program known as Communities of Shalom. The latter ministry engages churches and communities in creative ministry together in urban and rural communities across the United States and in Africa.
After earning a Master of Divinity degree at Boston University School of Theology in 1981, Bishop Schol became executive director and pastor of the Frankford Group Ministry, a cooperative parish ministry in Philadelphia, from 1981 to 1993. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Boston in 1995.
Bishop Schol is a member of the board of trustees of Wesley Theological Seminary, American University and Sibley Hospital, in Washington D.C. He also serves on a number of United Methodist groups, including serving as chair of the General Board of Archives and History and the National Shalom Committee.
The architect of the Baltimore-Washington Conference's "Discipleship Adventure," Bishop Schol brings to the church a visionary, strategic mind, a servant-leader's spirit and a prophetic voice that expresses his faith in the transformative and renewing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church 7178 Columbia Gateway Dr., Suite D Columbia, MD 21046 410-309-3400 Directions to BWC
20080918 Bishop John Schol brief web site bio
TimesWatch Tracker for September 18 2008
TimesWatch Tracker for September 18 2008
TimesWatch Tracker
Documenting and Exposing the Liberal
Agenda of the New York Times
TimesWatch Tracker: Our Latest Analysis
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pro-Obama Snobbery? Support Strong Where People Are "Better Educated And More Diverse" Ian Urbina: "Support for Mr. Obama is much stronger in the northeastern section of the state, especially in places like Fairfax County, near Washington, whose population is younger, wealthier, better educated and more diverse."
Biden Stances on Busing, Drug Offenses Repackaged as Racial Controversies Hitting Joe Biden from the left on two dubious "race" issues.
"Oratorical" Obama Ad Takes High Road, But McCain "Got Himself Into Trouble" In an analysis of two new campaign ads about the meltdown on Wall Street, the Times portrayed Obama as a skillful and honest orator, while McCain "got into trouble" with a statement Obama and the Times have wrenched out of context.
Check out our website today at www.timeswatch.org!
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20080918 TimesWatch Tracker for September 18 2008
Other recent Carroll County Times stories by Bryan Schutt
Other recent Carroll County Times stories by Bryan Schutt
September 19, 2008
Fundraising personal for philanthropistsYears ago, Janice Kirkner was diagnosed with a mild case of multiple sclerosis. Then her husband, Bob, lost a sister to a terminal illness. To deal with the harsh reality of life, Janice and Bob Kirkner have spent the better part of their adult lives...Sep. 13, 2008
Eyesore slated to house civic groupsThe Westminster Playground Community Building will be demolished in the coming months and a new building will be built that’ll serve as the headquarters for two community organizations. The new building will become the joint headquarters for th...Sep. 13, 2008
Sales up on Sundays: Liquor store owners look to continue benefiting from football, holidaysAlthough it has taken some time, many customers and businesses in Carroll County are benefiting from Sunday liquor sales. And after being open for one major holiday weekend and the commencement of football season, local liquor stores are seeing incre...Sep. 15, 2008
Sheetz running low on gasSheetz gas stations across the county are out of regular- and mid-grade gasoline, and there isn’t much premium to be pumped either. The Westminster Sheetz is out of all grades of gasoline. The Taneytown and Manchester locations are still pumpin...Sep. 16, 2008
First Tri-Street advisory meeting sounds hopeful noteThe first meeting of the Westminster Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee set the groundwork for what committee members hope will be a productive movement to revitalize downtown and set higher standards of living for all residents of Pennsylvania Avenu...Sep. 18, 2008
Medford Quarry pipeline nears completionSoon Westminster should be able to better handle droughts because the multimillion-dollar Medford Quarry pipeline project is nearing completion. Mike Matov, Westminster’s senior engineer, said a very conservative estimate would be the 7.6-mile ...Sep. 19, 2008
Ministerium forcusing on soup kitchensThe Rev. Marty Kuchma of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Westminster is president of the Westminster Ministerium. He’s serving a one-year term as president that started in June. Nearly all of the churches in Westminster belong to th...Sep. 8, 2008
Tailgate wait ends as Ravens fans gather for grillingBALTIMORE - Jodi Lupco of Westminster felt neither outnumbered nor ignored, despite the predominantly male crowd that surrounded her. She said even when it’s rowdy, she’s not too worried because she’s wearing the right color, which ...Sep. 8, 2008
Council, panel discuss futureHAMPSTEAD Hampstead’s mayor and council met with the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission during Tuesday’s council meeting to make sure each person was on the same page with the hot topics around the community. Growth management ...Sep. 10, 2008
Residents to beautify streetSome Westminster residents have taken the initiative to clean up their neighborhood. The residents of West George Street, a local contractor and the relatively new West George Street Volunteer Neighborhood Association, have initiated a project that w...Sep. 9, 2008
Takeover may boost economyLocal experts say the mortgage market and overall economy may be more stable in the long run now that the government has officially backed the troubled mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “The mortgage market is such a vital industry, ...Sep. 9, 2008
Carroll News Briefs for Sept. 17Middle-schooler charged with drugs A student at Westminster West Middle School was arrested on drug charges after allegedly bringing marijuana to school, according to the Maryland State Police Westminster barrack. Principal Thomas Hill said the state...Sep. 17, 2008
Carroll News BriefsSurvey results to be presented During the upcoming Westminster Common Council meeting Sept. 22, the planning department will present the results of a resident survey to the council. About 6,000 surveys were sent out this summer, according to Thomas B...Sep. 19, 2008
Carroll countians help after GustavSeveral people working in Carroll County have responded to aid the South in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. The Maryland State Police sent 20 troopers and two civilian personnel to help in Livingston, La. Two of the troopers in Livingston are from the ...Sep. 5, 2008
Carroll news briefsRoops Mill Well project progresses A long standing well will be added to the city’s water system once construction is finished now that Westminster’s Common Council accepted a bid to complete development and bring the well online Monday n...Sep. 9, 2008
Carroll Police BriefPossession, intent to distribute Darren Sheppard, 20, of the 2000 block of Halter Road in Westminster was arrested Sunday by the Westminster Police Department and charged with attempting to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession o...
Sep. 8, 2008
20080919 Other recent Carroll County Times stories by Bryan Schutt
September 19, 2008
Fundraising personal for philanthropistsYears ago, Janice Kirkner was diagnosed with a mild case of multiple sclerosis. Then her husband, Bob, lost a sister to a terminal illness. To deal with the harsh reality of life, Janice and Bob Kirkner have spent the better part of their adult lives...Sep. 13, 2008
Eyesore slated to house civic groupsThe Westminster Playground Community Building will be demolished in the coming months and a new building will be built that’ll serve as the headquarters for two community organizations. The new building will become the joint headquarters for th...Sep. 13, 2008
Sales up on Sundays: Liquor store owners look to continue benefiting from football, holidaysAlthough it has taken some time, many customers and businesses in Carroll County are benefiting from Sunday liquor sales. And after being open for one major holiday weekend and the commencement of football season, local liquor stores are seeing incre...Sep. 15, 2008
Sheetz running low on gasSheetz gas stations across the county are out of regular- and mid-grade gasoline, and there isn’t much premium to be pumped either. The Westminster Sheetz is out of all grades of gasoline. The Taneytown and Manchester locations are still pumpin...Sep. 16, 2008
First Tri-Street advisory meeting sounds hopeful noteThe first meeting of the Westminster Tri-Street Area Advisory Committee set the groundwork for what committee members hope will be a productive movement to revitalize downtown and set higher standards of living for all residents of Pennsylvania Avenu...Sep. 18, 2008
Medford Quarry pipeline nears completionSoon Westminster should be able to better handle droughts because the multimillion-dollar Medford Quarry pipeline project is nearing completion. Mike Matov, Westminster’s senior engineer, said a very conservative estimate would be the 7.6-mile ...Sep. 19, 2008
Ministerium forcusing on soup kitchensThe Rev. Marty Kuchma of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Westminster is president of the Westminster Ministerium. He’s serving a one-year term as president that started in June. Nearly all of the churches in Westminster belong to th...Sep. 8, 2008
Tailgate wait ends as Ravens fans gather for grillingBALTIMORE - Jodi Lupco of Westminster felt neither outnumbered nor ignored, despite the predominantly male crowd that surrounded her. She said even when it’s rowdy, she’s not too worried because she’s wearing the right color, which ...Sep. 8, 2008
Council, panel discuss futureHAMPSTEAD Hampstead’s mayor and council met with the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission during Tuesday’s council meeting to make sure each person was on the same page with the hot topics around the community. Growth management ...Sep. 10, 2008
Residents to beautify streetSome Westminster residents have taken the initiative to clean up their neighborhood. The residents of West George Street, a local contractor and the relatively new West George Street Volunteer Neighborhood Association, have initiated a project that w...Sep. 9, 2008
Takeover may boost economyLocal experts say the mortgage market and overall economy may be more stable in the long run now that the government has officially backed the troubled mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. “The mortgage market is such a vital industry, ...Sep. 9, 2008
Carroll News Briefs for Sept. 17Middle-schooler charged with drugs A student at Westminster West Middle School was arrested on drug charges after allegedly bringing marijuana to school, according to the Maryland State Police Westminster barrack. Principal Thomas Hill said the state...Sep. 17, 2008
Carroll News BriefsSurvey results to be presented During the upcoming Westminster Common Council meeting Sept. 22, the planning department will present the results of a resident survey to the council. About 6,000 surveys were sent out this summer, according to Thomas B...Sep. 19, 2008
Carroll countians help after GustavSeveral people working in Carroll County have responded to aid the South in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. The Maryland State Police sent 20 troopers and two civilian personnel to help in Livingston, La. Two of the troopers in Livingston are from the ...Sep. 5, 2008
Carroll news briefsRoops Mill Well project progresses A long standing well will be added to the city’s water system once construction is finished now that Westminster’s Common Council accepted a bid to complete development and bring the well online Monday n...Sep. 9, 2008
Carroll Police BriefPossession, intent to distribute Darren Sheppard, 20, of the 2000 block of Halter Road in Westminster was arrested Sunday by the Westminster Police Department and charged with attempting to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and possession o...
Sep. 8, 2008
20080919 Other recent Carroll County Times stories by Bryan Schutt
Survey results to be presented at Monday Westminster common council meeting
Survey results to be presented at Monday Westminster common council meeting
Carroll County Times News Briefs for Friday September 19, 2008
Survey results to be presented by Bryan Schutt
During the upcoming Westminster Common Council meeting Sept. 22, the planning department will present the results of a resident survey to the council.
About 6,000 surveys were sent out this summer, according to Thomas Beyard, director of planning and zoning. He said the city had about a 23 percent response rate.
The six-page survey was sent out in June, and it polled city residents on what they thought of city services.
Also at the council meeting, Beyard said the city will also review several utility connection rates detailed in the city code, but it won’t be talking about usage rates.
He said the water and sewer usage rates won’t be discussed until later this year, when there will be a public hearing before any final rate changes are made.
Monday’s discussion will be more of a tool to clean up the city code’s language so utility rates are easier to update on a yearly basis, Beyard said.
—Bryan Schutt
20080919 Survey results to be presented at Monday council meeting
Carroll County Times News Briefs for Friday September 19, 2008
Survey results to be presented by Bryan Schutt
During the upcoming Westminster Common Council meeting Sept. 22, the planning department will present the results of a resident survey to the council.
About 6,000 surveys were sent out this summer, according to Thomas Beyard, director of planning and zoning. He said the city had about a 23 percent response rate.
The six-page survey was sent out in June, and it polled city residents on what they thought of city services.
Also at the council meeting, Beyard said the city will also review several utility connection rates detailed in the city code, but it won’t be talking about usage rates.
He said the water and sewer usage rates won’t be discussed until later this year, when there will be a public hearing before any final rate changes are made.
Monday’s discussion will be more of a tool to clean up the city code’s language so utility rates are easier to update on a yearly basis, Beyard said.
—Bryan Schutt
20080919 Survey results to be presented at Monday council meeting
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wired: Palin E-Mail Hacker Says It Was Easy
Wired: Palin E-Mail Hacker Says It Was Easy
By Kim Zetter September 18, 2008 1:05:46 PMCategories: Election '08, Hacks and Cracks
A person claiming to be the hacker who obtained access to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's private Yahoo e-mail on Tuesday has posted a supposed first-person account of the hack, revealing the relatively simple steps he says he took to crack the private e-mail of the Republican vice-presidential candidate.
The story was briefly posted Wednesday to the 4chan forum where the hack first surfaced. Bloggers have connected the handle of the poster, "Rubico," to an e-mail address, and tentatively identified the owner as a college student in Tennessee.
Threat Level was unable to reach the student by phone because his number is unlisted. A person who identified himself as the student's father, when reached at home, said he could not talk about the matter and would have no comment. The father is a Democratic state representative in Tennessee. Threat Level is not identifying them by name because authorities have not identified any suspects in the case, and the link to the student so far is tenuous.
As detailed in the postings, the Palin hack didn't require any real skill. Instead, the hacker simply reset Palin's password using her birthdate, ZIP code and information about where she met her spouse -- the security question on her Yahoo account, which was answered (Wasilla High) by a simple Google search.
The simplicity of the attack, of course, makes it no less illegal.
The hacker said that he read all of the e-mails in the Palin account and found "nothing incriminating, nothing that would derail her campaign as I had hoped. All I saw was personal stuff, some clerical stuff from when she was governor…. And pictures of her family."
[…]
Read the entire post here: Palin E-Mail Hacker Says It Was Easy
20080918 Wired Palin Email Hacker says it was easy
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/09/palin-e-mail-ha.html
Skits, Not Pantsuits: And the hacker is...(alleged to be…)
Skits, Not Pantsuits: And the hacker is... (alleged to be…)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
And the hacker is... (alleged to be…)
My name is David Kernell I am 15 a white cacasian male i live in memphis, TN.
This bio was posted in 2003 to a blog linked to the email address rubico10@yahoo.com. Now he would be about 20. There is a democrat representative from TN named Mike Kernell. Coincidence?
Email: rubico10@yahoo.com
Blog: http://apocalypticvisions.blogspot.com/
(h/t: Malkin and her readers)
[…]
Read the entire post here: And the hacker is...
20080918 Skirts Not Pantsuits And the hacker is...
Mr Moose at the Philanthropist of the Year event.
Mr Moose at the Philanthropist of the Year event.
September 17, 2008
Mr. Moose attended the annual Community Foundation of Carroll County Philanthropist of the Year event.
20080917 Mr Moose Philanthropist of the Yr
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Troopers Arrest Two Youths For Church Vandalism
NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF
MARYLAND STATE POLICE
HEADQUARTERS: PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
(410)486-3101 TTY For Hearing Impaired (410)486-0677
Toll Free: 1-800-525-5555
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2008
TROOPERS ARREST TWO YOUTHS FOR CHURCH VANDALISM
(Taylorsville, MD) – Maryland State Police today arrested two teenagers in connection with the recent extensive vandalism and prior burglaries that occurred at a church in southwestern Carroll County.
Two juvenile males, ages 14 and 15, who both live in Carroll County, were arrested today by Maryland State Police investigators from the Westminster Barracks. Both are charged as juveniles with second degree burglary, malicious destruction of property and theft under $500. Both were referred to Department of Juvenile Services officials who released the older one to his parents and placed the other youth in a shelter.
The investigation focused on a series of crimes that occurred at the Taylorsville United Methodist Church, in the 4300-block of Ridge Road, in Taylorsville, Md. On August 11, 2008, the church had been entered after an air conditioning unit was removed. A ring of keys for the church had been removed. On August 23, a window in the nursery was forced open and the nursery area was ransacked. On September 7, numerous unlocked vehicles on the church parking lot were entered and change and other small items were removed.
The most significant incident occurred on September 14, when a breaking and entering occurred through a basement window that was broken out by the suspects. Once inside the church, extensive damage was done to computers, candles, copiers, and religious items. Fire extinguishers were discharged in the church and mustard was spread around the church floor. Damage to the church in this incident was estimated at $70,000.
State Police investigators conducted numerous interviews, neighborhood checks and examined evidence left at the scene during their intense investigation. The compilation of evidence led to the identification of the two suspects charged today. The case remains under active investigation. Additional charges are possible.
###
CONTACT: Greg Shipley
Office of Media Communications
410-653-4236 or through HQ duty officer at 410-653-4200
20080917 Troopers Arrest Two Youths For Church Vandalism
20080917 NBH Troopers Arrest Two Youths For Church Vandalism
Arrests made in Taylorsville church vandalism incident
Arrests made in Taylorsville church vandalism incident
September 17, 2008
From Taylorsville United Methodist Church Pastor Sarah Dorrance:
Dear Congregation Family:
Today the State Police arrested two juveniles who are suspects in our Vandalism case. We can feel safe again in our worship space.
Tomorrow afternoon, around 2:30 pm., the Bishop and the District Superintendent will be stopping by our church to pray with us. You are invited to attend, should you so desire.
On Sunday we will be rededicating the sanctuary and our place of worship. Please join us in the celebration. We will also talk of how to move forward and we need to look at the future to see how to practice what Jesus teaches in forgiveness.
You probably know that we were featured on several news casts last night. The links are all listed below so that you can see the video footage. (Bill Harris really looks good on the camera ;) Please remember to thank Bill and Hearl for ALL their hard work.
We ask that you continue to lift up our faith community, and the community of Taylorsville in prayer. Also lift up these young people who were arrested and their families.
Many blessings
Pastor Sarah Dorrance
These are the news links from yesterday's news
http://www.foxbaltimore.com/players/news/top_stories/mywx_vid_1393.shtml
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=e18a298e-d9fe-4306-afa3-c84bcef0b91c
http://www.myfoxdc.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=7446154&version=1&locale=EN-US
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/17483636/detail.html
20080917 Arrests made in Taylorsville church vandalism incident
Police search for vandalism suspect
Police search for vandalism suspect
By Jennifer Jiggetts, Carroll County Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Damage found at Taylorsville United Methodist Church
TAYLORSVILLE — Police are looking for the person or people responsible for vandalism at Taylorsville United Methodist Church.
The church was vandalized sometime between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, said Detective Sgt. Jim DeWees of the Maryland State Police.
DeWees said church windows had been broken, screens were sliced and there was extensive damage to the church’s interior. The damage was so bad that the congregation held its service outside Sunday.
“You name it and it was destroyed,” he said.
[…]
John Quick, a 26-year church member, said congregants had worship under an oak tree on their front yard on Sunday.
Quick, who has served on the church’s board of trustees, said Taylorsville UMC has a forgiving heart.
[…]
Pastor Sarah Dorrance said the 75-member church wasn’t prepared to be outside on Sunday, but “nothing stops the service.”
For more information, call DeWees at 410-386-3000.
Read Ms. Jiggetts’ entire article here: Police search for vandalism suspect
Reach Jennifer Jiggetts at 410-857-7873 or jennifer.jiggetts@ carrollcountytimes.com.
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/09/16/news/local_news/newstory3.txt
20080916 Police search for vandalism suspect by Jennifer Jiggetts
By Jennifer Jiggetts, Carroll County Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Damage found at Taylorsville United Methodist Church
TAYLORSVILLE — Police are looking for the person or people responsible for vandalism at Taylorsville United Methodist Church.
The church was vandalized sometime between Saturday night and early Sunday morning, said Detective Sgt. Jim DeWees of the Maryland State Police.
DeWees said church windows had been broken, screens were sliced and there was extensive damage to the church’s interior. The damage was so bad that the congregation held its service outside Sunday.
“You name it and it was destroyed,” he said.
[…]
John Quick, a 26-year church member, said congregants had worship under an oak tree on their front yard on Sunday.
Quick, who has served on the church’s board of trustees, said Taylorsville UMC has a forgiving heart.
[…]
Pastor Sarah Dorrance said the 75-member church wasn’t prepared to be outside on Sunday, but “nothing stops the service.”
For more information, call DeWees at 410-386-3000.
Read Ms. Jiggetts’ entire article here: Police search for vandalism suspect
Reach Jennifer Jiggetts at 410-857-7873 or jennifer.jiggetts@ carrollcountytimes.com.
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/09/16/news/local_news/newstory3.txt
20080916 Police search for vandalism suspect by Jennifer Jiggetts
This week in The Tentacle
This week in The Tentacle
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Truth, Lies and The Media
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Just two long weeks ago, Republican presidential nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain, announced that he had chosen Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate.
For conservative Republicans, the cheering has not yet subsided. On the other hand, the elite media and its Democrat friends immediately ran into the room with hatchets drawn.
Writing for The Wall Street Journal, John Fund noted that “Democrats have airdropped a mini-army of 30 lawyers, investigators, and opposition researchers into Anchorage, the state capital Juneau, and Mrs. Palin's hometown of Wasilla to dig into her record and background. My sources report the first wave arrived in Anchorage less than 24 hours after John McCain selected her on August 29.”
The Democrat National Committee denies this. In all candor, Mr. Fund has more credibility.
No matter how you slice and dice the 2008 presidential election, it is one for the record books. It will be an election that will be studied for many decades to come. On the one hand an African-American will be our next president; or – on the other hand – a woman will be our next vice president.
For many these facts alone are enough to celebrate. Finally, we have candidates running for office that look like the country they intend to lead if elected. In many ways, all of America is the winner.
However, if the country is the winner, the media will, no doubt, not be treated too kindly by history.
Read the entire column here: Truth, Lies and The Media
A Miserable Mistake
Tom McLaughlin
Other than he is a Republican, anti choice, pro war, a trickle down economist, drill here, there and everywhere fanatic, and a DNA clone of the mind (or lack thereof) of George Bush, there are few other things about Arizona Senator John McCain that bother me.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Facing Reality
Roy Meachum
The latest White House military pin-up vigorously protested the administration's hard-core policy toward the Middle East. Instead of calling for more and more young men and women to become cannon fodder, Gen. David Petraeus said: "You don't kill or capture your way out of an industrial strength insurgency."
The Dream Realized
Nick Diaz
A young man, (let’s say “George”), a former middle school student of mine, was doing fine in high school until the spring of his senior year at a Frederick County public high school, many years ago. He was near the top of his senior class, and his list of activities – curricular, extra-curricular, and service-oriented – was impressive. It appeared to all at the time that he would go to a great college and do important work.
Monday, September 15, 2008
A Media Vetting
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Sally Quinn, a noted national political journalist, finally said aloud what many have long known about professional political journalists.
Ms. Quinn, in a nationally televised interview, expressed the idea that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain's choice for running mate, was not qualified to be on the national stage. Ms. Quinn was pressed on her comment, and – in a moment of stunning clarity – issued the following observation. "Governor Palin needs to expose herself to professional political journalists. She needs to be fully vetted by the news media and asked tough questions before the American people will accept her as being qualified to be vice president."
The last person in the world who would guide my opinion on the qualification of a national political figure would be a representative of the national news media. There can be no doubt that we need to see our national leaders or aspirants face difficult, probing questions from journalists. But we'd prefer, for the sake of our own determination, that the journalists be free from bias and preference.
Read Delegate Weldon’s entire column here: A Media Vetting
A Bias About Media Bias
Steven R. Berryman
Last Saturday my attention was taken from Tentacle scribing and also from my other compulsion, posting comments to www.FrederickNewsPost.com, by their Ask the Editor feature, “The dark secrets of our political bias,” by Comfort Dorn.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Seven Years Ago
Roy Meachum
The phone rang; it was my Texas "child." Knowing my penchant for working mornings, he guessed correctly that I had not seen television that day. He had been watching a national trauma that changed the world. It was seven years ago yesterday.
A Little Convention History
Kevin E. Dayhoff
It would be an understatement to suggest that the events of last week were quite different from the first Republican National Convention June 17 to 19, 1856.
That convention was attended by 600 delegates and 100 news reporters, who had ample room to move in the 1200 seat Musical Fund Hall, near 8th and Locust Streets in Philadelphia. This year’s convention was attended by 45,000 including some 15,000 members of the media from all over the world.
The last Republican National Convention to be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul was in 1892. Qwest Communications, which handled all the technology demands of last week’s convention, noted that in 1892, the convention attendees “relied solely on the use of the telegraph and did not employ a single telephone…”
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A Pit Bull With Lipstick
Chris Cavey
Sen. John McCain’s choice of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate was the dominating conversation in St. Paul at the Republican National Convention. The resulting affect of this selection vice presidential pick was a totally revived Republican Party, like giving a huge shot of adrenalin to a formerly lethargic patient.
What’s The Difference?
Joan McIntyre
A community activist, a freshman senator, with a huge resume of “present, yep I’m here” votes. What do you do, wake up one morning and say I’m a little bored today so – BAM – I think I’ll go run for president?
Eloquent Prose – Excellent Friends
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last week I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to tag along to the Republican National Convention with the Maryland delegation.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Four “E’s” of the GOP Convention
Kevin E. Dayhoff
I made a concerted effort to arrive early on each of the four days of last week’s Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Ivins' Mystery Still There
Roy Meachum
Sunday readers of The Frederick News-Post and The New York Times should not have been surprised. The investigation of the Fort Detrick anthrax incident is still very much alive, despite declaration of its death by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Following politics rather than proof, Jeffrey Taylor officially closed the case.
Summer’s Dog Days: Elephant Time – Part 2
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
So, after a cautious decision to postpone the GOP festivities in St. Paul, Gustav's lack of massive destruction allowed a resumption of good old fashioned partisan-bashing.
Scaling The Abyss
Farrell Keough
Many have heard or read about the new math system being instituted by the Frederick County Board of Education. This program, TERC (now called Pearson Math Investigations) has a poor foundation and virtually no books or parent involvement. In short, the child taught under this program will fall well behind within a few short years.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Summer’s Dog Days: Elephant Time – Part 1
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Two weeks ago, Barack Obama wowed 'em in Denver. Last week, John McCain tip-toed across the balance beam of public opinion, beginning the week with a compassionate whisper and ending it with a partisan roar.
Dressing the Moose
Steven R. Berryman
I’m loving the political jokes now: What’s the experience difference between Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama? Answer: Not much when taken in aggregate, but Governor Palin is a better ice hockey player and can shoot straight…
20080917 This week in The Tentacle
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