20070203 Daily Photoblog Window to a world of snow and cold

Daily Photoblog: Window to a world of snow and cold

20070203 February morning

20070202 State Police Launch New Aviation Cadet Program

Pictured above: Two MSP helicopters land on Interstate 95 near Route 175 inHoward County for a serious motor vehicle collision. The date of the incidentwas August 9, 1998
Photo by Peter Hammond

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2007

STATE POLICE LAUNCH NEW AVIATION CADET PROGRAM
(Pikesville, MD) –

Maryland State Police are actively recruiting motivated young men and women to become part of a world renowned aviation program by joining the ranks of an elite Aviation Command as Aviation Cadets.

This nationally recognized aeromedical program wants to give enthusiastic candidates between the ages of 18-20 the opportunity of a lifetime.

Cadets will get hands on experience, while working alongside a skilled flight crew onboard a Maryland State Police medevac helicopter. The duties of the position consist of providing emergency medical care to the critically sick or injured, assisting in aerial search and rescue, and a wide-range of other law enforcement and homeland security missions.

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command is continually developing initiatives to provide the highest standards of aeromedical services to the citizens and visitors of Maryland. In support of this effort, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command has instituted a second care provider program to increase its flight crew compliment to two emergency medical providers and a pilot.

“This is another fine example of how the Aviation Command continues to enhance a system that is already the best in the nation,” said Colonel Thomas E. Hutchins, Secretary of the Department of State Police. “This is an exciting opportunity for young people interested in emergency medical services to become part of a team of dedicated women and men who literally save lives everyday.”

This highly competitive Aviation Cadet program offers a unique opportunity to expose young men and women to the various duties, responsibilities and challenges of the EMS profession. Recruiters have already begun seeking qualified and dedicated individuals willing to join its team of elite professionals. Robert C. Tomlinson, 20, from Rising Sun, Maryland, became the first individual to meet this challenge. He was appointed as an Aviation Cadet in November 2006.

Prospective candidates will be hired as full time employees, earning $22,871 a year. They must maintain a minimum EMT-B certification. For more information about the Aviation Command and the Aviation Cadet program, visit the Maryland State Police website at www.mdsp.org or

www.mspaviation.org.

CONTACT: Lieutenant Anita L. Allen

Program Manager Aviation Command

410-238-5800

###

20070202 The Electrocution of Ken Schisler

The Electrocution of Ken Schisler

February 2nd, 2007

UPDATE: I would like to call to your attention that Mr. Kline, who has represented Mr. Schisler in many of the matters reviewed in this blog post has left a comment…

Greg Kline has left a new comment on your post "20070202 The Electrocution of Ken Schisler": I do not know if you are interested in the actual story with regard to Chairman Schisler, but I wrote on spoke on this at my blog http://conservativerefuge.blogspot.com I have only been representing the guy for a year and was party to the discussions leading up to the "dark day" you describe. Might be something to round out the story.

I have asked him to review this post for any corrections, additions or edits…

His blog, “The Conservative Refuge” does indeed give us insight to some of the “rest of the story” and I recommend that you give it a read.

Meanwhile – spread the word… to paraphrase Mr. Kline, we can never have enough friends or support. Please consider leaving Mr. Schisler best wishes in the comment section on this post or please consider going to Mr. Kline’s web site, The Conservative Refuge, and leaving Mr. Schisler best wishes and thanks for all his service to the State of Maryland on his site in the comment section.

KED

~~~~~~

The resignation of Ken Schisler as chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission is understandable on the part of Mr. Schisler, but nevertheless, a dark day for Maryland.

There are three very good posts about electric de-regulation by Maryland Bloggers Alliance members that I’d like to call to your attention; one post by Maryland Conservatarian and two posts by Stephanie Dray writing on her blog, “Jousting for Justice.”

Maryland Conservatarian
http://marylandconservatarian.blogspot.com/2007/02/with-ehrlich-gone-so-does-blaming.html, Thursday, February 01, 2007, “With Ehrlich gone, so does blaming the sitting Governor”
_____

Jousting for Justice
http://politics.stephaniedray.com/?q=node/204
“Maryland Dems Will Let BGE Steal Your Lunch Money,” Submitted by Stephanie Dray on Thu, 2007-02-01 02:46.
______

Jousting for Justice
http://politics.stephaniedray.com/?q=node/205
“Blame and Responsibility in Maryland's Energy Debacle,” Submitted by Stephanie Dray on Fri, 2007-02-02 03:50.

[Also see the following Tentacle columns: Shock and Amps; Shock and Amps – the Second Candle; Governor Crothers, Meet Dan Rodricks; and Electrocuting The Elephant.]

Or go here for a listing of old blog posts on electric deregulation in my electronic storage closet.
_____

Maryland Conservatarian and Jousting for Justice are two blogs and two individuals for whom I have a great deal of admiration and respect. All of what they said was thoughtful and well written, however all three posts contain errors…

First off, former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening did not support electric deregulation. He signed into law legislation that was veto-proof. He fought the legislation aggressively and only agreed to not veto it anyway when he was given the concession of the rate caps – which is perhaps the fatal fly in the ointment. See footnote.[1]




Secondly, I know for a fact and first-hand that former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich cared greatly about the affects of deregulation. Governor Ehrlich’s plan to address the challenges was far superior to the smoke and mirrors political pandering adopted by the special session of the Maryland General Assembly. Read: “What a sham!” Friday, June 16, 2006 by Barry Rascovar

As hindsight has proven that the 1999 electric deregulation legislation went horribly wrong. I do not fault any of the main protagonists for bringing about the legislation; however, there were those of us who were profoundly upset over the issue of the rate cap.

What was - and remains reprehensible is the partisan political games that ensued in 2006. In short, what is reprehensible is the response to, what was otherwise, legislation, that was brought about by most involved, for the purpose of better serving the citizens of Maryland - - that fell victim to the law of unintended consequences.

The response last year had nothing to do with what was in the best interests of the citizens of Maryland and everything to do with electing a Democrat governor of the state of Maryland.

The situational ethics and intellectual hypocrisy of the Baltimore Sun’s coverage is of historic proportions. What the Baltimore Sun did to the Public Service Chair Ken Schisler ought to dissuade anyone from ever stepping up the plate in Maryland in an attempt to serve and attempt to make a contribution to our great state for decades.

Governor O’Malley – then Mayor O’Malley - and I are both in the “former mayor’s club” and my personal experience with him has allowed me to have developed respect for him. However, the political bankruptcy of the O’Malley campaign for governor over the response to electric-deregulation-gone-badly, will never be among the many reasons for my respect for Martin O’Malley.

Off the top of my head the 1999 legislation rolled back the rates to 1993 and then froze them well into the mid-2005, 2006s. This was terrible mistake. There was no way that competition was to be realized under that construct.

PSC Chair Ken Schisler warned the Maryland General Assembly well in advance on numerous occasions. See footnote for the entire article: “We Warned Them," Says PSC's Schisler, Friday, March 24, 2006, WBAL Radio.[2]

“We Warned Them," Says PSC's Schisler, Friday, March 24, 2006, WBAL Radio:

The chairman of Maryland's Public Service Commission is dismissing claims by some lawmakers that they were blindsided by BGE's plans to raise rates precipitously when price caps come off in July.

WBAL News has obtained records that show numerous conferences and meetings between PSC agents and lawmakers over the course of several months last year. At least 20 briefings or meetings are documented by the PSC.

Yet listen to Speaker Busch's response to Kenneth Schisler's concerns - here.

Additionally, “The Sun Lies” wrote on Jane 29th, 2006:

One of our readers sent us an email making a very good point. The author said that The Sun has found plenty of time to criticize the PSC, but not a single word of criticism towards a Senate deregulation committee that met only four times and did not produce any suggestions or reports. In their quest for journalistic glory, The Sun seems to have missed an entire chunk of the story that really details why this isn’t really about the PSC, but instead why this is about a partisan hatchet game by the Maryland General Assembly.

Compare this information with what the Baltimore Sun misleadingly stated in their editorial on January 31, 2007. Remember, Mr. Schisler repeatedly advised the Maryland General Assembly – contrary to what the Sun suggests in “Help wanted” an editorial originally published by the Baltimore Sun on January 31, 2007.

Additionally, The Baltimore Sun continues to not understand the role of the Public Service Commission to this day. It is not a legislative body and the PSC can only facilitate and administer the laws promulgated by the Maryland General Assembly. And that goes for any chair, whether they are rabidly pro-business or anti-business.

As far as Mr. Schisler’s reputation, the responsibility for any alleged diminution of his reputation lies at the feet of the persistent and consistent misrepresentations of the Baltimore Sun and the Maryland Democratic leadership who choose to tar and feather a scapegoat instead of rolling up their sleeves, and accepting responsibility to address the challenges. It was easier to throw Mr. Schisler under a bus.

Now take a look, for example, at “Help wanted,” an editorial originally published by the Baltimore Sun on January 31, 2007:

[…]

The resignation of the chairman of Maryland's Public Service Commission, Kenneth D. Schisler, is a welcome, if overdue, event. Mr. Schisler's credibility had bottomed out quite some time ago, and his lingering presence on the board threatened some ugly legal machinations. And while Mr. Schisler's actions (or inactions) are hardly the primary reason Baltimore Gas and Electric customers are likely to face much higher electricity bills this summer, he clearly wasn't going to be part of any long-term solution.

[…]

The first item on the agenda for this new PSC will certainly be BGE's pending rate proposal. But the commission should also be forward-looking. What's needed is a thorough assessment of the fundamental relationship between the state and the utilities.

Baltimore Sun David Nitkin wrote on March 15, 2006, in an article titled, “From quiet delegate to center of PSC storm:”

The former delegate from the Eastern Shore has suddenly become far more visible - and a much bigger target - than he was as a young backbencher known for his affable demeanor and conservative views.

Old colleagues in Annapolis are heaping criticism on Schisler, saying he oversaw the terminations of high-level commission staff members who had the knowledge and ability to stand up to utility companies such as Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, a Democratic candidate for governor, has called for Schisler's resignation, launching an online petition drive for his ouster that the mayor said had garnered 1,000 signatures in a few hours.

But Schisler, 36, is standing firm. He said his agency has no legal authority to demand lower rates for consumers after legislatively imposed caps on electricity rates come off this summer.

"The commission did not have any jurisdiction to deny that price," Schisler said. "There simply were no mistakes." (My emphasis.)

There is essentially no wiggle-room for the PSC - as far as the implementation of the deregulation and the administering the wreckage of the 1999 electric deregulation legislation. There is very little either the governor or the Public Service Commission can do.

The responsibility rests solely with the Maryland General Assembly.

Meanwhile Governor O’Malley is painted into a corner.

With the Democrats own soon-to-be-handpicked Chair of the Public Service Commission and not having Governor Ehrlich around to misrepresent and scapegoat, who are they going to electrocute next for global market forces that have precipitously escalated the cost of electricity for the last seven years – while the legislature slept?

Now that Baltimore Sun has elected our current governor and now gotten rid of the Public Service Chair, whom will it electrocute next?
______

References:

Maryland Conservatarian
http://marylandconservatarian.blogspot.com/2007/02/with-ehrlich-gone-so-does-blaming.html, Thursday, February 01, 2007, “With Ehrlich gone, so does blaming the sitting Governor”
_____

Jousting for Justice
http://politics.stephaniedray.com/?q=node/204
“Maryland Dems Will Let BGE Steal Your Lunch Money,” Submitted by Stephanie Dray on Thu, 2007-02-01 02:46.
______

Jousting for Justice
http://politics.stephaniedray.com/?q=node/205
“Blame and Responsibility in Maryland's Energy Debacle,” Submitted by Stephanie Dray on Fri, 2007-02-02 03:50.
______

“Deregulation: Six years of complacency, three weeks of panic”
http://www.gazette.net/stories/031706/polia%20s194213_31949.shtml
Friday, March 17, 2006 by Thomas Dennison, Gazette Staff Writer

http://www.gazette.net/stories/061606/poliiss183008_31948.shtml
“What a sham!”
Friday, June 16, 2006 by Barry Rascovar

June 7, 2006
Electrocuting The Elephant
Kevin E. Dayhoff
In response to a judge's decision on May 30 to overturn Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s "April Plan," to phase-in increases in electric rates, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) decided last Friday to go back to the original "March Plan" to phase in Baltimore Gas & Electric's deregulated electric rates due to go into effect July 1.

April 12, 2006
Governor Crothers, Meet Dan Rodricks
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Recently Baltimore Sun columnist Dan Rodricks wrote a remarkable column that may earn itself an Olympic honorable mention in the annals of populist political propaganda: “Legislators grabbed power to put public back in Public Service Commission (PSC).”

April 5, 2006
Shock and Amps – the Second Candle
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Members of the Maryland General Assembly’s leadership deserve a lifetime achievement award for ducking their responsibilities, scapegoating and obfuscating the truth in their response to the rate caps coming off Baltimore Gas and Electric as a result of the 1999 electric deregulation legislation.

April 4, 2006
Shock and Amps
Kevin E. Dayhoff
The recent power surge of Maryland General Assembly legislative initiatives in response to the end of the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company’s electric rate price freeze ought to be referred to as the “Omnibus Rolling Blackout Acts of 2006.”

20060915 KDDC Court ruling on firing the Maryland Public Service ...
16 Sep 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
20060622 KDDC How Legislators voted on SB1 Electric Rate Restructuring ... 20060622 KDDC Gov Vetoes General Assemblys Electric Rate Hike Plan ... Governor Ehrlich Vetoes General Assembly’s Electric Rate Hike Plan; Supports Consumer ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

200060616 KDDC What a sham by Barry Rascovar
17 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
They were furious at the Republican-appointed Public Service Commission for imposing a 21 percent electric rate rise on 1.2 million Central Maryland residents in July, with gradual monthly increases bringing the total increase by next ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060622 KDDC How Legislators voted on SB1 Electric Rate Restructuring
22 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
How Legislators voted on SB1 Electric Rate Restructuring SB 1 Economic Matters Report No.2, The President, "Public Service Commission - Electric Industry Restructuring" Voting on ON THIRD READING (Rules Suspended) (Emerg) in the House. ...

Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html
20060622 KDDC Gov Vetoes General Assemblys Electric Rate Hike Plan
22 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
Governor Ehrlich Vetoes General Assembly’s Electric Rate Hike Plan; Supports Consumer Choice Without Interest Charges. Thu 6/22/2006 3:31 PM. ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today vetoed Senate Bill 1, the Maryland General ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060707 KDDC Recent MGA actions on Electric Dereg will hurt ...
7 Jul 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
Recent General Assembly actions on Electric Deregulation will hurt Marylanders. July 7, 2006. In light of Maryland's Court of Appeal's decision today to halt the General Assembly's firing of the Public Service Commission, ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060615 KDDC Ehrlich announces Public Hearing on GA Electric Rate Leg
15 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
ANNAPOLIS – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced he would hold a public hearing on the Maryland General Assembly’s attempt to mitigate rising electricity costs for Baltimore Gas & Electric customers. ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060624 KDDC As Confusion reigns over Upcoming Electric Rates
25 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
As confusion reigns over the BGE electric rate increase, the Democratic Party posted an advertisement on their web-site, The Baltimore Sun, claiming to have a “calculator” that will calculate the difference in your electric bill by ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060331 Gazette gets MD electric dereg debacle correctly
31 Mar 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
If legislative leaders use their preposterous PSC⁄electric rate proposals as bargaining chips, a workable compromise is possible. If legislators finally heed veteran election officials, a sensible balloting plan could surface. ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060620 KDDC MGA Spec Session June 15 2006 - A review
20 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
Unless you have been on vacation for several weeks, by now you are aware that the Maryland General Assembly met in Special Session on June Thursday, June 15th, 2006 and passed Senate Bill 1: “Public Service Commission - Electric ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060703 KDDC Judge Beck put on prospective list for Public ...
4 Jul 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
Late last week, aides for the governor said that it was premature to gauge what the governor will or will not do, in the face of yet another in a series of political squabbles over the unexpected negative outcome of the 1999 electric ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060614 KDDC Lights Out, the second shoe
14 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
The legislature's ire has focused on Constellation Energy Group, parent of Baltimore Gas & Electric Co., the state's largest electric utility. In an effort to blackmail the utility into agreeing to below-market rates, it tried to block ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060612 KDDC 2006 1st Special Session hearing information
12 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
Subject: - Electric Restructuring Legislation - Joint with the Senate Finance Committee NOTE : Members of the Senate Special Commission on Electric Utility Deregulation Implementation are invited to attend. ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060620 KDDC Photo of the MGA’s attempts to mitigate the 72 ...
21 Jun 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
This is a photograph of the Maryland General Assembly’s attempts to mitigate the 72 % electric rate increase as a result of the 1999 “Electric Utility Industry Restructuring” – SB 300. The locomotive is named “Senate Bill 1.” ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060703 KDDC Judge Beck nominated for Public Service Commission
4 Jul 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
The legislation adopted June 15th, fired the current Public Service Commission, considered by many to be the scapegoats of the electric deregulation gone awry in the face of a difficult election year. ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060706 KDDC Blog mentions my April 12 Tentacle column
7 Jul 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
One of the main architects of the 1999 electric industry deregulation legislation was Senate President Thomas V. (Mike) Miller (D. Anne Arundel). Seven years later, legislation that was once thought of as brilliant – has failed ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

20060523 KDDC BE editorial MD legislators fail basic economics24 May 2006 by Kevin Dayhoff
In 1999 legislators capped electricity prices at Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. for six years at prices 6.5 percent below 1993 rates, squashing electricity competition (who would compete for below market rates?) and paving the way for the ...
Kevin Dayhoff - http://www.kevindayhoff.com/index.html

####

[1] In an article written by Gazette writer Tom Dennison on March 17th, 2006, he, in part, provided some exculpatory information on the role of former Governor Parris Glendening in the electric deregulation mess. The article is titled, “Deregulation: Six years of complacency, three weeks of panic.”

[…]

Electricity deregulation was a national movement, promoted by power companies like Enron, the Houston energy giant that filed for bankruptcy in 2001 after widespread corporate and accounting fraud. In 1998 and 1999, Enron hired one of Annapolis’ most influential lobbying firms, Alexander & Cleaver, for more than $177,000 to lobby for the bill, according to state records.

While both Democrats and Republicans were pushing for deregulation, it was the General Assembly’s top leadership that led the charge.

Miller, then Senate Finance Chairman Thomas L. Bromwell (D), then House Environmental Matters Chairman Ronald Guns and Speaker Taylor, were ready to go to the mat against their governor, Parris N. Glendening, to pass the bill.

Glendening (D), who had been overwhelmingly re-elected just four months earlier, had deep reservations about deregulation. Democratic lawmakers, however, made it clear that they were prepared to override his veto if he decided to stand in their way.

‘‘The governor was never convinced that deregulation of utilities was a good idea from a public policy standpoint,” recalled Fred Hoover, who served as Glendening’s director of the Maryland Energy Administration and is now a lawyer in Washington. ‘‘There was significant interest on the part of the legislative leadership to do this.”

The bill was approved in late March 1999. Glendening eventually signed it, but not until he had made clear his concerns about how it would play out for ratepayers and the lack of a renewable energy component in the bill.

‘‘I am hopeful, but not yet convinced, that the cap ... will assist consumers in purchasing market rate electricity,” Glendening wrote in a Feb. 25, 1999, letter to the legislative leadership obtained by The Gazette.

But the competition envisioned by deregulation’s backers never materialized.

[…]

Read the entire article here.

[2]
“We Warned Them," Says PSC's Schisler, Friday, March 24, 2006, WBAL Radio

The chairman of Maryland's Public Service Commission is dismissing claims by some lawmakers that they were blindsided by BGE's plans to raise rates precipitously when price caps come off in July.

WBAL News has obtained records that show numerous conferences and meetings between PSC agents and lawmakers over the course of several months last year.

At least 20 briefings or meetings are documented by the PSC.

According to chairman Kenneth Schisler met personally with Senator Thomas Middleton on October 19th.

Sen. Middleton is one of the supporters of a measure that would put the proposed merger between BGE's parent Constellation Energy and Florida Power and Light on hold in order to force a reduction in the proposed rate increases, said to average 72 percent or about $740 dollars more a year for BGE customers.

Schisler said he spent a great deal of time last summer trying to notify people of the pending increases.

House Speaker Michael Busch told WBAL News that some lawmakers might have been blindsided, but that Schisler never met privately with him since becoming chairman of the PSC.

Critics have charged the PSC with being too supportive of utilities and leaders from both parties in Annapolis have said the rate hikes are too high and must be lowered, or at lease deferred over more time, for customers.

####

20070201 Pelosi Out of touch

Debuting the new “Pelosi Air Force.” Becoming Speaker of the House – important. Getting your own F-8 – millions. Becoming Speaker of the House and getting your own air force - priceless. www.kevindayhoff.net Feb. 1, 2007

Pelosi Out of touch

Good morning Mrs. Pelosi – it’s time to go to work.

February 1^st, 2007

H/t: D9000

Re: “Speaker pursues military flights” By Rowan Scarborough THE WASHINGTON TIMES, February 1, 2007.

When Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says that she wants the troops out of Iraq, it has recently become clearer that what she really wants is the Air Force out of the combat zone so that it can become her personal air taxi.

Oh, it is so important to be important…

A colleague of mine, who is a veteran of the war in Iraq, recently sent me an e-mail, which reflects much of what my ear to the ground, is hearing from military folks about the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. (Also see “label”: “Pelosi - Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi”… “The Pending Pelosian Malthusian Prerogative” … or here…)

It is not pretty. As far as many folks who are straining to find parallels with the Vietnam War, many of us ardent supporters of the military are having terrible flashbacks about the administration of President William J. Clinton and his First Lady, now New York Senator, Hillary Clinton.

Spin it anyway you want to, the Clinton Administration had a horrific affect on the military. The Clintons and their liberal Democratic administration abhorred the military. Careers were truncated or in many instances, totally trashed. Instead of pursuing the necessary defense of our great nation and the freedoms we so enjoy; they pursued Class Warfare. Their personal gain and social agenda was at our expense and it greatly endangered all of us…

Now comes Speaker Pelosi - - and Senator Clinton is running for the oval office and many of us who keenly remember the days of the liberal Democratic control of Congress and the Clinton years are all having terrible nightmares.

Anyway, my Veteran colleague called to my attention an article in the Washington Times: http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070201-122225-1157r.htm, with the following forward:

“I guess Mrs. Pelosi assumes the air force has nothing better to do than be her personal chauffer. Just goes to show how out of touch some of our democrats are when it comes to the military. Hope all is well.”

For more information about my colleague – read my Tentacle column from December 20, 2006: “An Uneasy Truce” – “Christmas is within a week and my thoughts and prayers go out to the men and women in uniform who are deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq…”

For more of my previous thoughts about the Speaker of the House, read my January 10, 2007 Tentacle column: "A Message to Speaker Pelosi" – “Last Wednesday our nation witnessed an historic first when California Rep. Nancy Pelosi was elected to be the first woman Speaker of the House of Representatives…”

For my current thoughts on the Iraq War, read my January 17, 2007 Tentacle column, "NUTS!" – “Last Thursday President George W. Bush addressed the nation with his long awaited "New Way Forward in Iraq…”

To which a reader from Frederick, Mr. Tansey said it best in his response:

“Kevin : Right on-we have no choice but to continue the fight in Iraq. American people better wake up to a real threat. Why don't you consider reducing your article and send it to an editor - Washington (T)imes, Frederick News-(P)ost, etc? I write a letter on occasions. Have one in right now on the same subject. Two of my brothers were severely wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. I am an army veteran of 24 years. Enjoyed your article. Keep it up.”

Perhaps the best quote on Speaker Pelosi came from the late New York Post Washington D.C. Bureau Chief Deborah Orin-Eilbeck, (who passed away this past Saturday, January 27^th, 2007,) “Forget 'The Devil Wears Prada' - the hot show in Washington is 'The Shrew Adores Armani.' In just a few short days, House Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi has turned into a caricature of the shrill, petty woman boss.”

For more on the dynamics of Armani suits and the Speaker of the House, read my November 15, 2006 Tentacle column, “A Marine Corps Birthday Present” -. “The United States Marine Corps has had significant participation in every American armed conflict since November 10, 1775; and its role as a rapid deployment force to fully defend our nation against terrorist threats and to effectuate foreign policy has never been more important than today…”

For more on Deborah Orin-Eilbeck read my Tentacle column on her from this past Wednesday, January 31, 2007, “Who was Deborah Orin-Eilbeck?” – “Last Saturday, the New York Post's Washington bureau chief, Deborah Orin-Eilbeck, passed away. Published accounts noted that she died at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of stomach cancer.”

(Hopefully another version – another column in memorial tribute to Ms. Orin-Eilbeck will appear in the Washington Examiner.)

Which all leads us to the piece in the Washington Times, called to our attention by my colleague; “Speaker pursues military flights” By Rowan Scarborough THE WASHINGTON TIMES, February 1, 2007.

The office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pressing the Bush administration for routine access to military aircraft for domestic flights, such as trips back to her San Francisco district, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

The sources, who include those in Congress and in the administration, said the Democrat is seeking regular military flights not only for herself and her staff, but also for relatives and for other members of the California delegation. A knowledgeable source called the request "carte blanche for an aircraft any time."

"They are pressing the point of her succession and that the [Department of Defense] needs to play ball with the speaker's needs," one source said. The request originally went to the Pentagon, which then asked the White House to weigh in. (My emphasis…)

Well I’m certainly glad that the military exists for the benefit of Speaker Pelosi. Perhaps in their spare time the military can also defend the country and defend the right of the Speaker of the House to not support the very organization that stands between her, you and me – and folks who wish to do us harm and deny us the very rights to which have become accustomed.

The Speaker of the House has, no doubt, enormous rights and privileges. Many of us are waiting, with baited breath, for the Speaker to understand that with those rights and privileges come responsibilities.

Liberal ideology and empty political rhetoric might be nice for a Hollywood cocktail party adorned in an elegant Armani suit, but the next morning, the real world awaits and it sure isn’t elegant.

Good morning Mrs. Pelosi – it is time to go to work.

Kevin Dayhoff

February 1^st, 2007

20070201 A Tribute to teachers

A Tribute to teachers

February 1, 2007

H/t: Aunt Kate

For the benefit from which our society gains as a result of the work of teachers, they are woefully underpaid and under-appreciated. Think of the folks who made a difference in your life. Most likely, a teacher is on that list.

The following was e-mailed to me and I think that it worth sharing.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.”

To stress his point he said to another guest;
"You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?”

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, you want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and then began...)

Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

You want to know what I make?” (She paused again and looked at each and
every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?

A post script… If you are reading this, thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, thank a soldier.

####

20070201 Thoughtful discussion on WAMU’s programming changes

Thoughtful discussion on WAMU’s programming changes

February 1, 2007

In case you missed it - - A commenter has left a well written and thoughtful comment for our consideration in response to WAMU’s programming changes.

In particular he laments WAMU’s decision to drop “American Routes.”

Please continue your support of WAMU – and give some thoughtful consideration to the thoughts shared below.

I have copied and pasted the comment below for your convenience – and because I really appreciate and encourage civil and thoughtful discussion. I have reformatted and re-paragraphed it for readability.

As always, your thoughtful consideration is appreciated regardless of the outcome on any particular issue. Whether we agree or disagree, always find this blog open for friendly civil and constructive dialogue.

Kevin

mikelicht has left a new comment on your post "20070130 Changes coming to WAMU":

WAMU-FM has removed Nick Spitzer's unique American Routes show from their broadcast schedule. WAMU-FM radio made some great programming changes recently, but this is not one of them.

The New Orleans-produced show has many loyal listeners here, who appreciate it even more since it's post-Katrina return to the Crescent City.

Their opinion is widely-shared: "In the history of American radio, no series has come close to Nick Spitzer's American Routes in exploring the many streams of this nation's music." -- Nat Hentoff, Wall Street Journal

"It's tough to make such different music into an entertaining, coherent show, but Spitzer and his staff do with style, wit, and an unpretentious appreciation of what the music of this great country is all about." -- David Kunian.

Offbeat Magazine Spitzer's combination of scholarship and populist appeal has taken off like prairie fire. -- Paul de Barros Seattle Times

Here's how to help: WAMU fundraising week is Feb 3 - 10, but you don't have to wait to join or donate.

The on-line "Membership" and "Donate Any Amount" forms (at wamu.org under the "Support WAMU" tab) have a "Send us your comments!".

My advice as a former public radio employee: limit comments to "Bring back American Routes!" etc. Don't add statements about other issues; it will just confuse them. Don't add how much you like other shows -- this promotes complacency, not action. Don't tell them what other program to cut or when to air American Routes -- these are hard decisions, and someone gets paid to make them.

If you see something in the Washington Post or Washington CityPaper on the topic, go on-line and add a comment. Post to any blogs you can about WAMU and American Routes -- this intensifies the "echo effect." Someday this reflex may extinguish itself, but it hasn't happened yet. Get WAMU back on track with American Routes.

####

20070131 MSNBC Political Calendar

MSNBC Political Calendar

MSNBC.com

Updated: 6:41 p.m. ET Jan. 31, 2007, © 2007 MSNBC.com

For the calendar for the rest of the year as of January 31st, 2007 -

click here or go to:

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16910834/

FEBRUARY 2007
1
President Bush speaks to House Democrats at their retreat in Williamsburg, Va.

Mitt Romney travels to New Hampshire

Michael Steele begins chairmanship of GOPAC
1-2
Tom Vilsack campaigns in Nevada
1-3
DNC's winter meeting in D.C.
2
Condoleezza Rice hosts foreign leaders in D.C. to talk about Israel & the Palestinians.

Sam Brownback campaigns in South Carolina
3
President Bush speaks to House Democrats at their retreat in Williamsburg, Va.

Sam Brownback campaigns in Florida

John McCain meets with state GOP party leaders in Columbia, S.C.
4
Dan Quayle’s birthday

Dennis Kucinich holds a town hall in New Hampshire
5
President Bush releases his budget plan
6
Ted Kennedy & John Boehner speak at the Washington Press Club Foundation's dinner in D.C.
8
Hillary Clinton hosts a book party for Terry McAuliffe in D.C.
9-11
Rudy Giuliani keynotes the California GOP's annual convention
10
Barack Obama speaks about his 2008 bid in Illinois
11
Hillary Clinton attends fundraisers in Los Angeles
12
Dave McCurdy becomes president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

Rudy Giuliani attends a fundraiser in Fresno, Calif.
17
Barack Obama headlines a Virginia Democrats' fundraiser in Richmond, Va.
19
Dick Cheney goes this week to Japan, Australia & Guam
20
Steven Spielberg, David Geffen & Jeffrey Katzenberg host a fundraiser for Barack Obama
21
2008 Democratic presidential candidate forum in Carson City, Nev.
22
Bill Frist’s birthday
26
Democratic Governors Association's Taste of America in D.C.
27
Chicago mayoral election(pdf)

Kansas City mayoral election

Janet Napolitano speaks at the National Press Club

20070131 MSNBC Political Calendar

MSNBC Political Calendar

MSNBC.com

Updated: 6:41 p.m. ET Jan. 31, 2007, © 2007 MSNBC.com

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16910834/

FEBRUARY 2007
1
President Bush speaks to House Democrats at their retreat in Williamsburg, Va.

Mitt Romney travels to New Hampshire

Michael Steele begins chairmanship of GOPAC
1-2
Tom Vilsack campaigns in Nevada
1-3
DNC's winter meeting in D.C.
2
Condoleezza Rice hosts foreign leaders in D.C. to talk about Israel & the Palestinians.

Sam Brownback campaigns in South Carolina
3
President Bush speaks to House Democrats at their retreat in Williamsburg, Va.

Sam Brownback campaigns in Florida

John McCain meets with state GOP party leaders in Columbia, S.C.
4
Dan Quayle’s birthday

Dennis Kucinich holds a town hall in New Hampshire
5
President Bush releases his budget plan
6
Ted Kennedy & John Boehner speak at the Washington Press Club Foundation's dinner in D.C.
8
Hillary Clinton hosts a book party for Terry McAuliffe in D.C.
9-11
Rudy Giuliani keynotes the California GOP's annual convention
10
Barack Obama speaks about his 2008 bid in Illinois
11
Hillary Clinton attends fundraisers in Los Angeles
12
Dave McCurdy becomes president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

Rudy Giuliani attends a fundraiser in Fresno, Calif.
17
Barack Obama headlines a Virginia Democrats' fundraiser in Richmond, Va.
19
Dick Cheney goes this week to Japan, Australia & Guam
20
Steven Spielberg, David Geffen & Jeffrey Katzenberg host a fundraiser for Barack Obama
21
2008 Democratic presidential candidate forum in Carson City, Nev.
22
Bill Frist’s birthday
26
Democratic Governors Association's Taste of America in D.C.
27
Chicago mayoral election(pdf)

Kansas City mayoral election

Janet Napolitano speaks at the National Press Club
MARCH 2007
1-3
34th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference in D.C.
2
Russ Feingold‘s birthday
8
George Allen’s birthday
10
Hillary Clinton headlines a New Hampshire Democrats' fundraiser
24
2008 presidential health care forum in Nevada

Hillary Clinton holds a fundraiser in Los Angeles
31
Al Gore’s birthday
APRIL 2007
7
World Health Day
13
Newt Gingrich speaks to the American Medical Association in Tampa, Fla.
14
Iowa GOP's Lincoln Day fundraiser
17
Chicago mayoral election (pdf)
21
Minnesota Democrats' Humphrey Day fundraiser

Rich Little performs at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in D.C.
26
MSNBC's 2008 Democratic primary presidential debate in Orangeburg, S.C.
27-28
South Carolina Democrats' state convention
MAY 2007
1
Denver mayoral election
3-6
Log Cabin Republicans' national conference in Denver
15
South Carolina GOP hosts a presidential debate in Columbia

Philadelphia & Pittsburgh mayoral primaries
19
South Carolina GOP state convention & possible 2008 straw poll

George H.W. Bush & Bill Clinton speak at the University of New Hampshire
22
Kentucky gubernatorial primary
23-25
U.S. Chamber of Commerce's small business summit in D.C.
28
Rudy Giuliani’s birthday.
JUNE 2007
22-26
75th Annual Conference of Mayors in Los Angeles
JULY 2007
7-12
NAACP's annual convention in Detroit
AUGUST 2007
2
Nashville mayoral election
7
Mississippi gubernatorial primary
11
Iowa GOP presidential straw poll in Ames, Iowa
SEPTEMBER 2007
11
Baltimore mayoral primary
OCTOBER 2007
4
Memphis mayoral election
20
Louisiana gubernatorial primary
SEPTEMBER 2007
24
Bill Clinton chairs the Little Rock Nine 50th Anniversary Gala
OCTOBER 2007
2
Salt Lake City mayoral primary
18-21
Possible Florida GOP 2008 straw poll
NOVEMBER 2007
2
2008 Democratic presidential candidate debate in Las Vegas
6
Gubernatorial elections in Kentucky & Mississippi

Mayoral primary in Houston and mayoral elections in Philadelphia & San Francisco
17
Louisiana gubernatorial runoff
JANUARY 2008
5
2008 Republican presidential debate in Johnstown, Iowa
6
2008 Democratic presidential debate in Johnstown, Iowa
14
Iowa caucuses
15
2008 Democratic presidential candidate debate in Las Vegas
19
Nevada Democratic caucuses
29
South Carolina Democratic primary
FEBRUARY 2008
2
South Carolina Republican primary
AUGUST 2008
25-28
Democratic National Convention in Denver
SEPTEMBER 2008
1-4
Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul
NOVEMBER 2008
4
Election Day

20070131 BB&T Bank staff reductions to affect positions in region

BB&T Bank staff reductions to affect positions in region

1/31/2007 Carroll County Times - Ryan Marshall

Mr. Marshall is a new reporter with the Carroll County Times. His beat is the City of Westminster and business.

We’re looking forward to Mr. Ryan’s work.

Meanwhile, this quick note caught the attention of many of us who really appreciated the service, sense of community and family that once existed with the Carroll County Bank and Trust before it was swallowed-up by BB&T.

At this point, who knows how many jobs have been lost for Carroll County and how much economy has been lost for our community from the sale of Carroll County Bank and Trust to BB&T.

Decisions are no longer local. Local vendors and suppliers are no longer used. Jobs have been lost and that means that many more products, goods and services not purchased in Carroll County and so much in the way of taxes for which the community no longer benefits.

Not to mention the fact that it was loss of a “concentration in capital” which is no longer available with which community non-profits would benefit.

We were told that shareholders would benefit and yet the price of the stock is about the same as when the bank was purchased in 1999. Besides, the position of many of us was that if a shareholder did not like the performance of the Carroll County Bank and Trust Company stock – they should sell it. Meanwhile many of us were perfectly happy with the bank, the performance of the stock and appreciated the sense of community it contributed to Carroll County.

That is all gone.

To be clear, many of the folks who are still – or currently with BB&T are great folks. None of us begrudge them… everyone has to work somewhere.

We just morn yet another lose in our community to “progress;” a term of which many of us have come to accept as a classic contemporary oxymoron. What “progress” means is that someone is peeing on your leg and telling you it is raining.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marshall wrote:

Staff reductions by BB&T Bank will affect two positions in Carroll County and 15 positions in the Baltimore region overall, a company spokesman said.

Twelve of the 15 employees have taken other jobs within the company, spokesman Bob Denham said. Two of the three remaining positions are in Carroll County, Denham said.

More than 700 positions will be cut throughout the company, he said. The positions affected cover 11 states and Washington, D.C.

Some of the positions to be cut are currently empty, Denham said.

The company instituted a hiring freeze in November, he said.

Four hundred seventy-six active employees are affected by the cuts company-wide, he said.

The company has already relocated 165 of those employees to other positions within the company, Denham said.

Ryan Marshall

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/01/31/features/marketplace/market1.31-01.txt