Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Maryland Senate Session Adjourned in Memory of Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler

Maryland Senate Session Adjourned in Memory of Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler - Marylanders for Joe Getty January 18, 2012

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and I attended the funeral yesterday for Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler. In our official capacities, we offered condolences from all Maryland citizens to the family for their loss.

Today, at the end of the Senate legislative session, I moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of Airman 1st Class Seidler as a tribute to this Maryland Fallen Hero.

Seidler was 24-years-old and lived in Westminster where he graduated from Westminster High School in 2006.

When he joined the Air Force, he was accepted into the elite EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit. He was well-aware of the dangers he faced - the EOD personnel comprise only 1% of the Air Force but suffer 25% of the casualties.

On January 5, 2012, Seidler was part of a military convey of 27 vehicles engaged in hostile combat operations in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Earlier that day, his unit had defused two IEDs (improvised explosive devices) so that the convoy could continue its maneuvers. Tragically, his truck was hit by a third IED that killed Seidler and two other airmen.

The article by Kevin Dayhoff of the Carroll Eagle does an excellent job of capturing the outpouring of emotion and the honor and dignity given to this local hero during the funeral at Sol Levinson's & Bros. in Reisterstown. (click here)

Please keep the family of Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler in your prayers.

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Labels: Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, MD Gen Assembly Senate, Military, Military Air Force, Military Department of Defense, Military Fallen Hero, Military Fallen Hero Carroll Co, Military ISAF, People Brown Anthony, People Cardin Ben, People Getty-Joe Getty, World Middle East Afghanistan, Military EOD,

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The military defends free speech. It does not practice it.: The dos and don'ts of the political season

Soundtrack editor: The military defends free speech. It does not practice it.

The dos and don'ts of the political season Posted 12/16/2011 http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123283838

Commentary by 2nd Lt. Abraham J. Raymond

71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123283838

Related Links
• AFI 51-902 • DOD Directive 1344.10 • Hatch Act - U.S. Office of Special Counsel

12/16/2011 - VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123283838 With the excitement of the presidential primaries lurking around the corner, there are a few things Airmen must remember during this upcoming political season.

When you joined the military or became a federal employee, you did so with the knowledge that this decision came with some sacrifice.

Everyone is encouraged to register to vote, research candidates and vote for the candidates. However, in order for this representative democracy to function properly, civil servants and military professionals cannot be seen as partisans.

Both military members and federal employees work for the government and in doing so they must support elected officials regardless of whether or not they voted for, or against, particular candidates. For this reason, among others, getting a paycheck directly from the federal government necessarily limits a person's ability to participate in some aspects of the political process.

Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty," and Air Force Instruction 51-902, "Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force," outline permitted and restricted political actions for active military members.

Military members who violate these rules may face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

There are some reoccurring issues surrounding prohibited political activities. A frequent issue concerns whether or not an individual can display a large political sign on his or her car or truck. Displaying a large political sign on your automobile is prohibited; however, members are allowed to display a political bumper sticker on his or her car or truck.

Military members are prohibited from using official authority to influence an election or solicit votes for a specific candidate or issue.

Military members are limited in their involvement in the political process off duty as well. This includes being a candidate for, or holding, political office, except in those circumstances authorized by the AFI.

Speaking at any partisan political gathering, including a radio or television program, and advocating for a partisan political candidate or party is also prohibited.

Military members should reference AFI 51-902 when they have any questions regarding the legality of their political activities

Rules governing political activities by government civilians are found in a federal law known as the Hatch Act. DOD civilians who violate the Hatch Act face adverse personnel actions, including suspensions and employment termination.

Most restrictions surrounding the Hatch Act are centered on the prevention of supervisors influencing subordinates to participate in or contribute to partisan groups or candidates. Federal employees may not display partisan political campaign materials in the workplace.

While federal employees may express opinions about candidates and issues when off duty, when on duty, in uniform, in a federal building, or in a federally owned or leased vehicle, federal employees may not express opinions directed at the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office or partisan political group.

There are three important things to remember during the upcoming political season. First, regardless of status, using command influence to sway subordinates to vote for a particular party, candidate or issue is prohibited by law or directive.

Second, when you receive a paycheck from the federal government, some aspects of your political freedom are limited.

Third, if you are unsure whether or not a political activity is approved, reference AFI 51-902 or contact your base legal office.

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123283838

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Jon Huntsman quits Republican presidential race, endorses Mitt Romney - Laments toxic tone of the Republican primary race…

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/jon-huntsman-quits-presidential-race-endorses-romney/2012/01/15/gIQAt6c51P_story.html

By Dan Balz and Chris Cillizza, January 16, 2012

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman abandoned his quest for the presidency Monday morning with an endorsement of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and an unexpectedly sharp condemnation of the “toxic” tone that the Republican primary battle has taken.

“This race has degenerated into an onslaught of negative and personal attacks not worthy of the American people and not worthy of this critical time in American history,” Huntsman said in a news conference in which he was flanked by his wife, children, father and South Carolina supporters.

Huntsman did not name names in aiming criticism at his rivals, but he did take a shot at President Obama for engaging in what Huntsman called “class warfare” and said it contributed to divisiveness in American politics. But Huntsman, who often talked on the campaign trail about rebuilding trust in the political process, made clear that he thinks the GOP race has taken an ugly turn…http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/jon-huntsman-quits-presidential-race-endorses-romney/2012/01/15/gIQAt6c51P_story.html

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A Day in the Life of Air Force EOD in Iraq

From Air Force News Service, Apr 21 2011 by Airman 1st Class Kara Philp, 332 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Retrieved January 17, 2012

http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforce/a/afeodiraq.htm

TALLIL AIR BASE, Iraq -- Some might call a bomb squad living in a bunker ironic; the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal flight airmen here call it practical.

The EOD airmen are on alert 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and respond to an average of 25 to 30 calls each week… http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/airforce/a/afeodiraq.htm

Updated Labels January 18, 2012: Military, Military Air Force, Military Department of Defense, Military Fallen Hero, Military Fallen Hero Carroll Co, Military ISAF, World Middle East Afghanistan, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll,

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Miller: O'Malley plans to shift some teacher pension costs to counties

By BRIAN WITTE Associated Press http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-miller-omalley-plans-to-shift-some-teacher-pension-costs-to-counties-20120117,0,5030197.story

January 17, 2012

ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O’Malley has decided to shift some teacher pension costs to Maryland counties, the president of the Maryland Senate said Tuesday… http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-miller-omalley-plans-to-shift-some-teacher-pension-costs-to-counties-20120117,0,5030197.story

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Most in poll think Romney will clinch GOP nomination - The Washington Post

Most in poll think Romney will clinch GOP nomination - The Washington Post:

Washington Post: Most in poll think Romney will clinch GOP nomination

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/most-in-poll-think-romney-will-clinch-gop-nomination/2012/01/16/gIQAOUxW4P_story.html

By Dan Balz and Jon Cohen, Published: January 17

Mitt Romney holds a strong lead nationally in the race for the Republican presidential nomination, with a 2 to 1 advantage over his closest competitors, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

Romney won the first two contests in the nominating process, and none of the other candidates has been able to demonstrate the broad, sustained support among the party’s conservative base that would translate into a successful challenge. An overwhelming majority of Republicans predict that he will be President Obama’s opponent in November.

The poll highlights the significance of Saturday’s primary in South Carolina … http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/most-in-poll-think-romney-will-clinch-gop-nomination/2012/01/16/gIQAOUxW4P_story.html

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Wikipedia, Reddit plan site blackouts in SOPA protest - Jan. 16, 2012

Wikipedia, Reddit plan site blackouts in SOPA protest - Jan. 16, 2012:

Wikipedia, Reddit plan blackout in SOPA protest

http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/16/technology/sopa_wikipedia/index.htm?iid=HP_MPM3

By Julianne Pepitone @CNNMoneyTech January 17, 2012

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- A handful of large websites will go dark on Wednesday to protest an anti-piracy bill that critics say will wreck the Internet as we know it.

Wikipedia, user-submitted news site Reddit, the blog Boing Boing and the Cheezburger network of comedy sites all plan to participate in the blackout. The protest is their response to the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) bill, a piece of proposed legislation that is working its way through Congress.

Introduced in the House of Representatives in late October, the bill aims to…

http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/16/technology/sopa_wikipedia/index.htm?iid=HP_MPM3

Labels: Media Wikipedia, Technology, Technology Internet, Technology Internet SOPA, US Congress

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The Great War of the Californias : Sandow Birk

The Great War of the Californias : Sandow Birk:

"In Smog and Thunder: The Great War of the Californias http://www.sandowbirk.com/paintings/the-great-war-of-the-californias/

A series of artworks depicting an imaginary war between San Francisco and Los Angeles, incorporating more than 120 artworks, including paintings, drawings, prints, faux war posters, maps, diagrams, models, and video documentary.

The project was exhibited at the Laguna Art Museum in Southern California in 2000,
and at the Sonoma Art Museum in Northern California in 2001.

A 45 min. documentary film about the war, inspired by Ken Burns' PBS series "The Civil War", was completed in 2001 and is now available. It was directed by Sean Meredith and made in collaboration with Paul Zaloom."

http://www.sandowbirk.com/paintings/the-great-war-of-the-californias/

US st California, US st California The Great War of, Art Artists,

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Wikipedia Blackout Lets In Some Light - NYTimes.com

Wikipedia Blackout Lets In Some Light - NYTimes.com:

"Wikipedia Blackout Lets In Some Light

By SARAH MASLIN NIR | January 18, 2012, 1:38 AM

Wikipedia’s much publicized 24-hour blackout in protest of online anti-piracy laws is not, it turns out, quite so dark." ... http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/18/wikipedia-blackout-lets-in-some-light/?smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto

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Let the Veepstakes begin and more by Kevin Dayhoff The Tentacle

January 18, 2012

Let the Veepstakes begin

Kevin E. Dayhoff http://www.thetentacle.com/author.cfm?MyAuthor=41

http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=4866

The consensus continues to gather steam that the GOP nomination to challenge President Barack Obama for president this fall will be former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Perhaps all the drama now moves to who will be his choice for vice president.

For the moment, a few thoughts to ponder. Now that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman has dropped out of the race, the hope for a vastly alternative approach to leading our nation out of our five-year economic slump is becoming clearer.

Only the die-hard Kool-Aid drinkers on the left believe that the social-democracy, Keynesian economic policies of our country’s most-leftist president ever, are working.

However, those on the right who tout statistics from history that a president in the midst of such a profound economic recession cannot be re-elected are also drinking the Kool-Aid.

Do not underestimate the appeal of populism for the American electorate and the political acumen of President Obama – and the left-leaning major media that is still his most unabashed and unrepentant cheerleader.

As has been exemplified over and over again in the last five years, the American public has grown so used to pandering, big government and handouts that it can almost be universally understood that most voters have not a clue as to how our economic system works.

For better or worse, the United States has not yet had to face the economic Armageddon that is the eurozone these days… http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=4866

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Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Let the Veepstakes begin

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Through the Darkness – Again

Tom McLaughlin

I am not exactly the poster child for vasectomy. Two years ago, I went to see a doctor who must have sterilized most of the men, who wanted the procedure, in Frederick County.

All Mixed Up

Norman M. Covert

I am tho’ confuthed! I find myself burned up that the gaggle of Republican presidential candidates never misses an opportunity at self-immolation. I’m slipping over the edge now with the dual dilemma of new Sixth Congressional District boundaries and sibling rivalry among our GOP inhabitants.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Afzali Crashes Congressional Primary

Roy Meachum

Never in my over 28 years writing about Frederick politics can I remember when an elected freshman official has been so unrelenting and noisy – some say obnoxious – as Kathy Afzali.

The Argument for Slots

Farrell Keough

In our current environment, we are seeing new taxes under all sorts of rubrics. For instance, we have paid dearly over the years for our roads and highway systems – yet, today, we are facing newly designated tax schemes like Toll Roads.

Padding One’s Resumé At Our Expense

Shawn Burns

It is no secret that Gov. Martin O’Malley wants to run for president in 2016. He has an ambitious list of proposals he would like to see enacted in the next four years in order to bolster his resumé in order to appeal to progressives and Democrats on the national level.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Raw Political Ambition – Nationally and Locally

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

Why is it that partisan politicians constantly place their own aspirations ahead of their party's best interests?

The Sixth, Education and Grandbabies

Michael Kurtianyk

More than any other, the most discussed topic in my circles recently has been about the candidates for the Sixth Congressional District seat. There were quite a few surprises, but before looking at some specific candidates, here is the list:

Friday, January 13, 2012

Coming Revolution

Roy Meachum

Conservatives scoff at the Occupy Wall Street protesters; others have difficulty dismissing them, and the various signs of discontent in this republic. In fact, the disparity between the highest incomes and the average earners has never in our history been wider.

Get Out of My Park

Joe Charlebois

What does the occupy movement have that others don’t? They have a free rein to encamp on federal property – National Park Service (NPS) land – that would not be afforded to any other group.

Quarterbacking from the Sidelines

Adam Avery

My first and last throws as a quarterback in organized football were to the other team. There were many in between and I was sacked my fair share of plays.

Controversial Tebow Brings Faith to Light

Derek Shackelford

There is probably no other subject discussed that will bring various views of opinions such as religion. It can cause us as a society and world the propensity to defend it, practice it, or surmise no usefulness whatsoever.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Making Life Easier for Seniors

Blaine R. Young

Ever since I was first elected to office as a Frederick City Alderman I have heard complaints from our senior citizens that they cannot afford to stay in Frederick County, or even the State of Maryland, to retire with dignity.

Parties, Events and (ugh) Work

Joan Marie Aquilino

Well, we are bringing in the New Year on full throttle – elections, taxes, property rights, work place fraud. The list doesn’t end there.

Rumors, Licenses and The Election

Amanda Haddaway

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration often draws the ire of people due to its lack of customer service and seemingly endless wait times both on the phone and in-person.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The King of Hearts

Kevin E. Dayhoff

It is fairly well accepted among keen observers of national politics that the Iowa caucuses of Tuesday a week ago are much more about political and media-theater than a prognosticator of who will vie for the Oval Office this fall.

Unfortunate Tour, But What Memories!

Tom McLaughlin

Los Angeles CA – Later in life I became a fan of old movies. I can watch them over and over again. I think I have seen Casablanca at least 30 times and always see something new. I still stand at attention when they play the Marseilles.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Later Than Needed

Roy Meachum

Colleague Norm Covert picked me up for the annual party of TheTentacle.com’s publisher/editor John Ashbury. He and wife Gaile live in Thurmont, far from my Market Street’s yellow door.

Growing-up Cuban and Other Prejudices – Part 2

Nick Diaz

In Part I of this discourse, I mentioned how a good number of natural-born Americans are basically unaware of the nationality-based differences among “Hispanics.” In addition, so many well-meaning Americans have little or no idea of what events have been taking place in Cuba and the rest of Latin America in the past 50 years.

“To The Victor Goes The Spoils”

Earl 'Rocky' Mackintosh

The Evil of the Victors … Anger lingers, I guess, when you and your fellow cohorts are still reeling from the major defeat you suffered in the 2010 Frederick County elections.

Monday, January 9, 2012

The Looming Assembly

Richard B. Weldon Jr.

The time when all good little legislators pack their grips and head for Annapolis is near at hand.

Pivotal Year for “Resolutions”

Michael Kurtianyk

2012 should be an interesting year locally. Politically, there will be elections in Congressional Sixth and Eighth Districts, along with the Board of Education. Much will be written on these races before it is all over.

GOP Candidate Countdown on Education

Cindy A. Rose

If you care about education then the next president of the United States should be…...... I have no idea. Maybe Alyson Klein, of Education Week, might shed some light on the Republican candidates.

Michael Yon - Marine Urination Video: Some Thoughts

Marine Urination Video: Some Thoughts:

January 18, 2011

The bad judgment exercised by a handful of Marines should be treated like an ND: a Negligent Discharge. In the US military ...

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/marine-urination-video-some-thoughts.htm

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Quote of the day Don Surber

Quote of the day Don Surber:

http://blogs.dailymail.com/donsurber/archives/49947

Quote of the day

January 17, 2012 by Don Surber

As Mom likes to say, you tell them, I stutter.

From Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper:

It’s one thing in terms of whether Canadians, you know, want jobs, to what degree Canadians want environmental protection. These are all valid questions.

But just because certain people in the United States would like to see Canada be one giant national park for the northern half of North America, I don’t think that’s part of what our review process is all about.

Canada’s message: Keep your Do-Nothing Movement on your side of the border, America.

And Stephen Harper is right. There is no Keystone Pipeline controversy. New York City, Washington D.C. and every other liberal enclave in this nation relies on pipelines to get its fuel. It is beyond hypocrisy to oppose this pipeline.

Opposing progress is avarice and intellectual dishonesty.

Bobby Kennedy’s clan — among others — profits from its opposition to the oil and natural gas industry. Kerry Kennedy, ex-wife of Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, benefits from peddling her political connections like her granddad used his political connections to protect his bootlegging business nearly a century ago.

From the New York Post: http://blogs.dailymail.com/donsurber/archives/49947

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