Word Of The Day - Arbitrage

Daily Kos' Jerome a Paris' Talkin' Arbitrage -

The problem is that freedom has been equated with "freedom to make money", and "freedom to use money to influence and corrupt those in power", and that those that have been entrusted with the ultimate public good, money, have been busy siphoning off an increasing portion of it, while presenting this as being "successful" and as a desirable outcome. It was certainly successful within the narrowly defined vision of that word they have managed to impose upon society, but it was rather not desirable.
In any case, it's time to talk about the heart of the matter: the place of money in society, and how to trust those that have the power to move it around, for themeselves or on behalf of others.

Wiki's definition of Arbitrage -

In economics and finance, arbitrage is the practice of taking advantage of a price differential between two or more markets: striking a combination of matching deals that capitalize upon the imbalance, the profit being the difference between the market prices. When used by academics, an arbitrage is a transaction that involves no negative cash flow at any probabilistic or temporal state and a positive cash flow in at least one state; in simple terms, a risk-free profit. A person who engages in arbitrage is called an arbitrageur - such as a bank or brokerage firm. The term is mainly applied to trading in financial instruments, such as bonds, stocks, derivatives, commodities and currencies.
If the market prices do not allow for profitable arbitrage, the prices are said to constitute an arbitrage equilibrium or arbitrage-free market.
An arbitrage equilibrium is a precondition for a general economic equilibrium.
The assumption that there is no arbitrage is used in quantitative finance to calculate a unique risk neutral price for derivatives.
Statistical arbitrage is an imbalance in expected nominal values. A casino has a statistical arbitrage in almost every game of chance that it offers - referred to as the house advantage, house edge, vigorish or house vigorish.

You Say Excess, I Say Abscess

If you haven't been, go over to Kiko's House blog for a great summary of Bushco 'excesses' (posted yesterday).

"Too Big has Failed"

(image from Delaforum who keeps tabs over HERE)
'Too Big has Failed' via Calculated Risk
...or, as Atrios says "History will not be kind to Geithner. Or his boss, unless he changes directions quickly":

"The situation can be improved by appropriate policies, including governments taking over insolvent banks, cleaning them up and re-selling them to private investors, he said. The Group of Seven and the Group of Twenty economies “must act together to get out of this mess,” Roubini said. Bloomberg.com

What Ails The State And Perhaps What Is The Way Back

Jack Markell isn't the only one with a new book on how to fix what ails Delaware.
Check out "Where Kavips Has Been".

Black, Male And On The Beltway

After a only a month or so in office, who's throwing Obama under the bus? And how fast is Michael Steele losing his traction?
Who wants WHAT to fail?
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

In an e-mail to fellow RNC members obtained by The Hill, Dr. Ada Fisher, North Carolina’s national committeewoman, said Steele is “eroding confidence” in the GOP and that members of his transition team should encourage him to step aside. Fisher added Steele’s personal e-mail address to the e-mail.

'State of the Black Union' On C-SPAN Tonight

The State of the Black Union

will be re-airing on C-SPAN tonight at 8pm.

I saw portions of it live last weekend and can't wait to watch it again. The combination of frank and forward thinking, leadership of every stripe and ideas that crystalized a vision was something to behold. Lani Guinier was excellent as were others. I will be writing more!

Pitt-Stop In DC For 'Make It Right' Campaign

( Make It Right /AP images) Story HERE

Presser ~ Insurance Commish Achieves Relief For Delaware Employers

Stewart Secures Implementation of Former Commissioner Matt Denn’s Order of Workers’ Compensation Rate Reductions of 11.13% (voluntary) and 9.74% (residual) Effective December 1, 2008 Saving Businesses Tens of Millions of Dollars

Dover – March 5, 2009 - Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart announced today that the Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau, Inc. (DCRB) has filed and she has approved a partially amended rate filing imposing workers compensation rate reductions ordered by former Commissioner Matt Denn from his December 30, 2008 Order and Decision. This filing provides for a retroactive cut of 9.74% (in the residual market) and 11.13 % (in the voluntary market} effective December 1, 2008. Commissioner Stewart said, “We are pleased that Delaware’s employers will begin to see tens of millions of dollars in savings of workers’ compensation premiums while Delaware’s policyholders can enjoy relief relative to medical fee schedules for worker’s compensation injuries during these challenging economic times”

Commissioner Stewart continues to aggressively litigate the enforcement of the remainder of former Commissioner Denn’s November and December Orders both of which the DCRB has objected to and appealed in the Court of Chancery and the Superior Court. Commissioner Denn’s Orders determined that Delaware employers were being overcharged for workers’ compensation coverage because the rates currently in effect failed to properly account for certain cost containment measures required by Senate Bill 1 of the 144th Delaware General Assembly. The DCRB continues to appeal the rating discounts in the Orders – additional rate reductions totaling 6% of 2008 premium value in the current year and each of the succeeding two years and then 5% in year four.

Commissioner Stewart concluded, “Our efforts to do our part in meeting the financial and economic challenges faced by our state and nation will continue on several fronts. My administration is committed to insuring that businesses have the resources to grow and prosper, that policyholders are free from onerous premiums and that our insurance industry expands and remains healthy and solvent.”

The Congressional Leadership Seeking Justice ~ WORD!

Dear Nancy,
Great news on our shared campaign for accountability: ROVE AND MIERS UNDER OATH
In an agreement reached yesterday, Karl Rove and Harriet Miers have finally agreed to testify under oath and under the penalty of perjury regarding the firing of nine U.S. attorneys in 2006. Rove will also be questioned regarding the politically motivated prosecution of former Gov. Donald Siegelman of Alabama.
This is a validation of your efforts and a victory for accountability and the legitimate power of Congress. I am grateful for Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s and Chairman Conyer's efforts and I strongly agree with her statement yesterday that “no one is above the law and Congressional subpoenas must be complied with.”
Please know that under this agreement the Judiciary Committee has reserved the right to have public testimony from both Karl Rove and Harriet Miers. I expect the information we receive from the testimony of these individuals will open a window of truth into the decisions made by Bush Administration on many areas where wrongdoing has been alleged.
Click Here to Support My Progressive Outreach
MY SUPPORT FOR THE SPECIAL COMMISSION INVESTIGATION OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
In further news, I have added my name as a cosponsor to Chairman Conyers’ bill, HR104, which establishes a special commission to investigate Bush Administration abuses. If enacted, this legislation would be a major step forward in our search for the truth.
This legislation would investigate the broad range of Bush Administration policies including the secret detaining of prisoners by the intelligence community, the use by US personal of so-called “enhanced interrogation techniques” that are not authorized by the Uniform Code of Military Justice, “ghosting”, extraordinary rendition, domestic warrantless electronic surveillance, and all other policies or issues that the established Commission deems essential and relevant. This is an important piece of legislation and the issues at stake are large enough that we can’t merely sweep them under the rug.
Lastly, thank you for the tremendous response to the survey in my last email. The top three issues were (Economy, Accountability, and Healthcare each with about 18% of the vote). When asked to pick your single most important issue, 24% chose the Economy (the highest one). I will stay in touch.
Best wishes, Congressman Robert Wexler

Support Democrats For America And Call For Bushco Investigations Now

A USA Today/Gallup poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans want an investigation of potential wrongdoing by the Bush administration. But Republican Senators and some Democrats are preparing to stop the creation of a Congressional Truth Commission that will get the job started.
At a hearing held by Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont yesterday, Leahy called for Congressional action now. While Republican Sen. Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania called it a "fishing expedition."
The Washington Post says Republicans are "confident of victory." That's because they haven't heard from you.
Reach your Senators today by calling the Senate switchboard.
Senate switchboard: (202) 224-3121
CLICK HERE TO REPORT YOUR CALL
Democrats For America and Senator Leahy have gathered over 100,000 signatures on a petition calling for the truth already, but this fight will take more than a petition to win. We need to fire on all cylinders to keep the past from being swept under the rug. Congress needs to know that America Demands the Truth.
Take action today. Please make your call now.Thank you for everything you do,-CharlesCharles Chamberlain, Political Director
Democracy for America
P.S. If you haven't signed the petition yet, now's the time:
CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME

Fun And Work Safe!

The Ball - try it!
((h/t Salisbury News)

Stimulating Diversity And Opportunity

Recovery.gov has an icon :-) and a Watch dog web site.
via Attytood - stimulus jobs offering some chances for diversity in Philly:

SEPTA's fair-bidding process will help get young African-American men from city neighborhoods into construction jobs, said Kevin Lumpkin, a union ironworker for 28 years who now supervises Umoja Erectors LLC, a North Philadelphia structural steel installer owned by his wife, Darlene, and Alburn H. Brown.

"Spoiling Seaford" ?

CHECK THIS OUT
Sussex Green's compelling post is picked up by the Mourning Constitution.

Is County Leadership Determined To Further Undermine Public Access?

Delaware Way Comment Rescue - Funny the state is holding meeting and I just read on the Community News Smiley wants to take the public meetings from the polanning board and have land use host them so there are two meeting differnet days now to try and attend.

Where are the unbrella goups with this one and Smileys attempt to take another metting away from the public? Give council a little longer and the public will have no voice at all.....Oh thats what the Clarky/Scott team wants anyway..Smiley is doing the work for the boss....Here is the article:

Councilman makes pitch to move hearings from Planning Board - [I am looking for a link to this article]

The New Castle County Planning Board will get a say as to whether its role in hosting early public hearings will change or not. The board will offer its input later this month on an ordinance sponsored by New Castle County Councilman George Smiley (D-New Castle), that would move public hearings on exploratory development plans from the Planning Board to another venue. The board simply hosts the hearings during the exploratory phase, but has no regulatory role at that time. At a later stage in the land use process, it reviews the plan and makes recommendations.

Exploratory hearings would continue to be held at the same stage in the process, but would be hosted by Land Use Department officials – with separate plans heard simultaneously so meetings wouldn't end as late. Smiley said Planning Board meetings - often stacked with five or six proposals - commonly run late into the evening, forcing those who want to be heard on some projects to stick around for hours. Fortunately for Smiley, his ordinance was heard at the March 3 board meeting before discussion began on two controversial Greenville development plans began. That debate ran through 11 p.m.

Ted Williams, an engineer whose firm works on a number of county projects, supports the proposal. He said it will save his clients money because they won't have to pay counsel and other professionals to idly sit through long hearings.

But Lois Dow, who later spoke against the two Greenville plans, said the change could mean she wouldn't be able to attend both in the future."If this passes, I'd have to be in two different discussions at the same time," she said .

Smiley said the Land Use Department would not hold two hearings on projects in the same geographical area at the same time.The council could vote on the ordinance next month

The Community News provides the skinny on community response to Stoltz/Scott-Clarky at the March 3rd Planning Board meeting. -

...A cavalcade of three dozen speakers, a sampling of the 150 residents that packed a standing-room-only March 3 Planning Board hearing, were united in their message that the Stoltz Real Estate Partners ought to scale back its plans for Greenville Center and Barley Mill Plaza.

...“Clearly, development proposals that frustrate rather than carry out this stated intent of the UDC should be disapproved,” he said.
Beck, like many others who spoke, is a member of [Citizens for Responsible Growth] CRG.

Mark Chura, the Stoltz Steering Committee Chairman for CRG, said neighbors realize something is going to be built at Barley Mill and Greenville Center. He said they’d welcome scaled back projects that are more contoured to the area.
“We…recognize the need for developers to make a profit and for new development to be economically viable and attractive,” he said. “However, we also believe strongly that these goals are best accomplished through projects which are thoughtfully and deliberately designed so as to complement and enhance community character and not overwhelm it.”

...Pam Scott, the attorney representing Stoltz, said dialogue would continue between her client and the community in search of ways the plans can be revamped. As talks continue, however, the county’s land development process has deadlines, so Stoltz is working toward ensuring the current plans meet all the technical specifications of county code, she said.
The Planning Board has discretion to comment on technical aspects of these plans to the Land Use Department, but will not make formal recommendations to the county council.

Where Did All That Money Go Already?

WNJ covers Feds' Housing Rescue Plan -
Comment rescue - The housing plan is watered down BS..........just like anything else that comes out of Congress.Heaven help them if they one day "truely" help the American people.There are so many hoops to jump through in this plan......you'd be better off buying a lottery ticket.Your politicians are giving (and are going to give) you lip service until this recovery is finally initiated by "market conditions"........not by anything they do. Market conditions will occur when side money gets bored of inactivity and is finally thrown into the market.Kiss your house values goodbye..........it was a necessary correction of outrageous bubble prices. You'll never see those high prices again. The telltale sign will always be when prices are out of reach of mortgage qualification salary requirements for most Americans.

Julie Bell - NPS' Rivers, Trails & Conservation Writes: Safe Routes To School Initiative

Take Action Now to Get Bicycle, Pedestrian and Safe Routes Projects Funded at Local and State levels through Federal Stimulus Dollars Over the past several months, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership has asked for your help in ensuring that the federal economic stimulus/recovery bill included funding for bicycle, pedestrian, Safe Routes to School, and Complete Streets projects. We are now pleased to report on the outcome of this work. The economic stimulus bill, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The law provides $789 billion in spending and tax cuts to stimulate the economy. ARRA provides an important opportunity for states, cities, counties and schools to create healthier communities. Funding is available in the law to build sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways, and to create complete streets. This infrastructure can help to create an interconnected bicycle and pedestrian network, improving safety and providing opportunities for increased physical activity for both children and adults. However, advocates will need to work quickly to ensure that states and local municipalities are aware of ready-to-go bicycle, pedestrian, and Safe Routes to School projects. Advocates should also ask questions about the design of roadway projects that will be constructed to ensure that they adhere to Complete Streets principles that serve all roadway users. Time is of the essence as states and localities are already making decisions about how to spend their stimulus funds, as there are provisions in the law where states will lose funding if it is not spent quickly. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership worked with America Bikes to develop resources to help local advocates tap into the economic stimulus funding for healthy and active transportation. Please visit our website to access:
· Frequently Asked Questions about how much funding is included for bike/ped in the stimulus bill, in what categories, eligible uses of funding, and more.
· A sample letter and suggested talking points to help you take action at the state level and in your community to ensure that a maximum amount of stimulus funds will be used for bike/ped/SRTS/Complete Streets projects.
Thank you for all for your help and hard work over the past several months on the economic stimulus bill. Now is the time to get commitments to build your projects. Good luck, and please keep us posted on your successes.

Frieda Berryhill Writes: The French Nukes A Big Success ?

French Government’s Deception on Deadly Tricastin Spill

The French Government today admitted a series of dangerous radioactive spills near French nuclear giant AREVA plants at Tricastin, in a wine growing region of southeastern France .
Paolo Scampa, a physicist and President of the International Association for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation, condemned the deceptive French response in the strongest possible terms. AIPRI was established in 1964. Workers at the Tricastin plant were evacuated after contamination July 27. (The key word is deceptive )
The chain reaction of events is a public relations and radiological disaster for AREVA, owner of the plant. AREVA is partially owned by the French government.
Workers evacuated at troubled French nuclear site ReutersMore than 120 workers evacuated a nuclear power plant in southern France on Tuesday after an alarm was set off, the nuclear safety authority said.

France’s Nuclear Worries: Chain of Accidents Prompts Soul Searching - SPIEGEL ONLINEFrance ’s confidence in atomic energy has been shaken by a recent series of mishaps at nuclear facilities. Although none of the incidents appears to be on a major scale, politicians and the population are starting to question industry practices.

It feels like a sci-fi film’ - accidents tarnish nuclear dream Environment The GuardianFrench nuclear companies are hoping to play a central role in the government’s plan to build a new generation of reactors. At home, however, the industry has been buffeted by a series of mishaps.

BBC NEWS Europe Concern over French nuclear leaksA French nuclear monitoring body has expressed concern at the number of leaks from French nuclear power stations in recent weeks. The director of Criirad, an independent body, said the organisation was worried by the numbers of people contaminated by four separate incidents.

Bloomberg: Uranium Leaks Rattle France’s Nuclear Support, Anger Villagers

Leak at French Nuclear Plant Recalls Nuclear’s Downside Discover MagazineUranium leaked from a reservoir at a French nuclear power plant earlier this week, contaminating two rivers near the town of Avignon . People in nearby towns have been warned not to drink any water or eat fish from the rivers since Monday’s leak. Officials have also cautioned people not to swim in the rivers or use their water to irrigate crops [BBC News]

On and on it goes…. Just remember, electricity in France is controlled by the Government, truth is hard to come by.

Some Items From Paul Baumbach's Progressive Report

Spiteful Son of a Gun—Our favorite Democratic (in name at least) state senator Tony DeLuca is no friend of open government. (By the way, he was one of the legislators who held up the wind power contract for months in the last legislative session.) With public input, recently the Newark city council unanimously proclaimed that they support the general assembly opening up to FOIA (the Freedom of Information Act). Senator DeLuca responded by drafting a Senate Bill to punish Newark, by weakening Newark’s Alderman’s Court, which provides revenues to the city. If you support open government, and oppose DeLuca’s retaliation against Newark, then ask your senator to oppose DeLuca’s Senate Bill related to Newark’s Alderman’s Court.

State Board and Commissions—There are a bunch of cool boards and commissions in Delaware (the full list is on pages 4-8 of http://governor.delaware.gov/board_and_commission_application-form.pdf). Governor Markell’s administration has the opportunity to fill many slots on these boards/councils. The following link can be used to see the full list, along with detailing the application process: governor.delaware.gov/boards-comms.shtml

Equal Rights Legislation in Dover—HB 5 – Non-discrimination Bill, sponsored by Rep. Schwartzkopf & Sen. Sokola, will prohibit discrimination against persons on the basis of sexual orientation in housing and employment. HB 10 – Domestic Partner Benefits for State Government Employees, sponsored by Rep. Schooley & Sen. Henry, will make the domestic partner of a state of Delaware regular officer, employee or eligible pensioner entitled to the same benefits that are provided to the spouse of a state employee or pensioner. HB 75 - Hospital & Nursing Facility Visitation Bill, sponsored by Rep. Keeley, Kowalko & Sen. Bunting, allows each competent adult patient to receive visits in a Hospital, nursing home or nursing facility from any individual from whom the patient desires to receive visits. It’s embarrassing that this legislation hasn’t been passed in Delaware years ago. I recommend the DLFMembers Yahoo Group, which does a great job of keeping up on this legislation.

Jud Bennett Writes: Kay's Kamp Gala Set For March 14th

Kay's Kamp Gala for “The First Oncology Camp in Delaware”
KEYNOTE SPEAKER FORMER MIDDLE WEIGHT CHAMP DAVE TIBERI
Dear Jud,
Our mutual friend Dave Tiberi suggested I contact you to ask you to consider supporting an event on Saturday, March 14, at which he will be the keynote speaker and pass along the information below as well.

Laurie and Bill Warren and their dedicated volunteers, including high school students who knew their daughter Kaylyn Elaine Warren, have done what few thought ordinary folks with "no connections" could do. Kaylyn lost her 18-month-long battle to leukemia in March 2007. The last wish of this beautiful 17-year-old was that someday a week-long getaway for children suffering from all types of cancer be created.

The Warrens, just ordinary people, laid out a vision called Kay's Kamp. Click on www.kewf.org. They opened doors through their quiet persistence and ongoing events, contacts, letters, phone calls, speaking events, press releases, appeals, coordination, and deep belief.

Their work has resulted in bringing Kay's Kamp closer to reality. Their leap of faith will not only be Delaware's first oncology camp for kids (or anyone for that matter) but will be a free week away from their daily struggle to survive.
I have no doubt this camp will make national news when it opens in August in Clayton. For now we can only ask for support of their efforts. They have a first-class gala coming up on Saturday, March 14, in Newark and have seats available.

The press releases below provide detailed information on the gala and on Kay's Kamp. Please consider supporting this event along with my long-time friend Dave Tiberi.
Best regards,
Dave Skocik
http://us.mc313.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dskocik@aol.com 302-270-7145
Kay's Kamp “The First Oncology Camp in Delaware”
Contact: Bill Warren 302-559-7890

Kay’s Kamp to Host Fundraising Gala on March at Deerfield Country Club
NEWARK, Delaware – The Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation (KEWF), a 501 (C) (3) organization which supports Kay’s Kamp, the first oncology camp in Delaware, will host a Black Tie Gala on Saturday, March 14, at the Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club in Newark, Del.

The keynote speaker will be world champion boxer Dave Tiberi. “Dave is known for his work with youth and the fighting spirit that made him Delaware’s first world champion. He was a natural choice,” said Laurie Warren, foundation president.

“KEWF is named in loving memory of Kaylyn Warren, who was diagnosed with leukemia at 17-years-of-age in October 2005, and was healed to eternal life in March 2007. Her dream was to open a summer camp where other kids suffering from all types of childhood cancers could experience some normalcy in their now not-so-normal lives,” said Mr. Warren.

The weeklong, free camp will open August 8 to 15, at the St. Joseph Center for Community Service in Clayton, Del. It is affiliated with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care and is open to children 6 to 16 who are battling cancer. The Hematology/Oncology Department at AI DuPont Hospital for Children will provide phone consultation coverage during the camp.

The gala evening will include dining and dancing as well as live and silent auctions to raise funds vital to the opening of Kay’s Kamp.

Donations are tax deductible and reservations are available online at www.kewf.org to donate a gift or cash or to purchase tickets for the gala, contact events director Mary Ellen McKnight at 302-438-6184 or memcknight@kewf.org.

Donations to date include a limited edition Christian Steinbach nutcracker, an al l inclusive vacation at a Palace Resort in Mexico, symphony tickets, golf packages, and an assortment of gift baskets. “For our inaugural gala last year, we received an amazing assortment of gifts and we encourage donors to think creatively,” said Mrs. Warren

Kay’s Kamp to Open in Association with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center
NEWARK, Delaware - The Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation (KEWF), a 501 (c) (3) organization, which supports Kay’s Kamp, the first oncology camp in Delaware, announces its20association with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care.

Kay’s Kamp will open during the week of August 8-15, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Center for Community Service, in historic Clayton, Delaware. It will be open to children ages 6 to 16 at no charge.

“We look forward to working with the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Care, who will provide on-site pediatric medical coverage during camp week,” said Bill Warren, KEWF vice pres ident. The Department of Hematology/Oncology at the AI DuPont Hospital for Children will also support Kay’s Kamp by providing phone consultation coverage during the week of camp.

“KEWF is named in loving memory of Kaylyn Warren, who was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 17 in October 2005, and was healed to eternal life in March 2007. Her dream was to open a summer camp where other kids suffering from all types of childhood cancers could experience some normalcy in their now not-so-normal lives,” said Laurie Warren, Kay’s mother and KEWF president.”

Donations are tax deductible and reservations will be available online at www.kewf.org. To donate gifts for the auction contact Events Director Mary Ellen McKnight at 302-438-6184 or memcknight@kewf.org.

Frieda Berryhill Writes: Consequences In Case Of A Serious Nuclear Accident

After describing the disastrous siting errors of some of the nuclear power plants, particularly my personal nemesis. Salem 1 and 2 and hope Creek 1, I think it is time to actually look at the Government figures describing the Consequences in case of a serious nuclear accident.
The CRAC-2 report short for: Consequences of Reactor Accident
First let me explain. Nuclear Power, the “ATOM for Peace” program as handled by the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. The Joint Committee on Atomic Energy existed from 1946-1977 (all detrimental effects of a civilian nuclear power plant were therefore secret)
In 1977 the committee was dissolved and all 140.000 documents were made available to the public (and can be read here).

Consequently, A huge anti-nuclear movement was born.

After commissioning several studies as to the consequences of a nuclear accident in the hope that the figures could be made to look better CRAC 2 published in 1982 was the final report
Salem and Hope Creek are not included in the study, but here are a few examples
Please take a look at the report and the plant near you :
(no wonder no Insurance Company in the world would want to handle this)

NRC & SANDIA STUDIED MELTDOWNS/RISKS AT US NUCLEAR PLANTS in 1982!
CRAC- 2 Following is an alphabetical listing of every commercial nuclear power plant in the US , extant, or under construction at the time this report was published in 1982. The 4 categories listed are:

Reactor/Location
Peak Early Fatalities
Peak Early Injuries
Peak Cancer Deaths
Property Damage (in Billions-1982 $)

Calvert Cliffs, Units 1 & 2, Lusby, MD.
Unit 1 - 5,600; Unit 2 - 5,600
Unit 1 - 15,000; Unit 2 - 15,000
Unit 1 - 23,000; Unit 2 - 23,000
Unit 1 - $87.4 Billion; Unit 2 - $92 Billion

Peach Bottom, Units 2 & 3 Peach Bottom, Pa
Unit 2 - 72,000; Unit 3 - 72,000
Unit 2 - 45,000; Unit 3 - 45,000
Unit 2 - 37,000; Unit 3 - 37,000
Unit 2 - $119 Billion; Unit 3 - $119 Billion

Three Mile Island Units 1 & 2 Middletown, PA
Unit 1 - 42,000; Unit 2 - 42,000
Unit 1 - 50,000; Unit 2 - 57,000
Unit 1 - 26,000; Unit 2 - 28,000
Unit 1 - 102 Billion; Unit 2 - 122 Billion

Salem, Units 1 & 2 Salem, NJ
Unit 1 - 100,000; Unit 2 - 100,000
Unit 1 - 70,000; Unit 2 - 75,000
Unit 1 - 40,000; Unit 2 - 40,000
Unit 1 - $135 Billion; Unit 2 - $150 Billion

Re-Entry To Get Public Hearings

The team of Markell's Cabinet Secretaries consists of:
- John McMahon, Secretary of the Department of Labor
- Carl Danberg, Commissioner of Corrections
- Rita Landgraf, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services
- Lillian Lowery, Secretary of the Department of Education
- Anas Ben-Addi, Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority
This team has scheduled public hearings to get the public’s input on re-entry problems and solutions. The four public hearing will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on the following dates at the following locations:

March 9
PAL at Garfield Park
26 Karlyn Dr ,
New Castle DE

March 10
Chase Center on the Riverfront
Wilmington DE

March 11
Sussex Co Admin Building
2 The Circle
Council Chambers 1st Floor
Georgetown DE

March 12
Carroll’s Plaza
Dover DE 19901

Backing The Banksters Down

Dear Nancy,

President Obama says that allowing bankruptcy judges to write down mortgages is an important part of his plan to arrest the downward spiral of the foreclosure crisis, but corporatist members of Congress and bank lobbyists are trying to stop that.
For every foreclosure in a neighborhood, home values drop by an estimated 1%. Credit Suisse says that if judges have the ability to write down mortgages, it will stem the tide of foreclosures by 20% and it won't cost the taxpayers a single dime.

But banks want taxpayers to bail them out -- and members of Congress like former Wall Street investment banker Ellen Tauscher and her New Democrat Coalition are helping them.

They are bragging that Nancy Pelosi "buckled" under their pressure and now the bill is sidelined at a time when mortgage relief is desperately needed and time is of the essence.
Can you help?
Write a letter to the editor of your local papers (just enter your zip code) saying you expect your Member of Congress to represent you, not the banks, and you'll be watching to see if they oppose Tauscher and her bank lobbyist cronies.

Sign a petition to Nancy Pelosi telling her not to "buckle" to pressure from bank lobbyists working through greedy corporatist Members of Congress, and to act swiftly to give judges the authority they need to write down mortgages.

It's time to let Congress know they need to represent the people who elected them, not bank lobbyists.
Thanks for your help,
Jane Hamsher and the Firedoglake Team

John Flaherty Writes: Citizens For Clean Power Appeal DNREC's NRG Decision

Citizens for Clean Power
7 Deerfield Dr., Lewes, DE 19958
For Immediate Release: March 2, 2009 Contact: Bill Zak 302-644-2293 kitbill@localnet.com
Public Takes Action on Toxic Ash Pile
at NRG’s Indian River Power Plant
Bill Zak, co-founder of Citizens for Clean Power, has appealed the decision by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Controls (DNREC) to allow another contaminated coal ash pile to be stored at NRG’s Indian River Power Plant without requiring any action on the current contaminated unlined stored coal ash piles. (DNREC Order 2008-A-0037)
The Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) will hear Zak’s appeal on Tuesday, March 10, 9:00 am at DNREC’s Dover Auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover.
The public is invited.
Coal ash is the solid waste left when coal is burned. Coal ash contains known carcinogens and neurotoxins such as mercury and arsenic that are soluble in water.
Their are two existing piles of coal ash stored near NRG’s Indian River Power Plant that are not lined. One pile of coal ash along the shore of Burton’s Island is unlined and only protected against wind, tide and flood by a bulkhead and membrane which allow contaminants to leach through. A second pile of coal20ash is a huge 100-foot-high unlined, unprotected pile that is nearing capacity.
If DNREC is going to allow another coal ash pile, the current piles must have the same modern safety standards before the owners of Indian River can begin a new coal ash pile-- as the current DNREC permit allows. Many coal burning power plants do not store their waste on-site, and people are questioning why NRG is doing so in an environmentally-fragile location like the confluence of the Indian River and the Delaware Inland Bay.
NRG, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, reported record income from continuing operations in 2008 of $1,016,000,000.
The Environmen tal Appeals Board is an administrative review board made up of 7 Delaware residents, appointed by the Governor. The EAB may affirm, reverse or remand any appeal of regulations promulgated by the Secretary. Any person whose interest is substantially affected by any action of the DNREC Secretary may appeal to the EAB.
Citizens for Clean Power (CCP) is a Delaware grass roots citizens coalition that calls for regulatory action to significantly reduce toxic releases at the Indian River Power plant and seeks to establish regulatory mechanisms that protect and promote public health and safety.
***
Environmental Appeals Board
Mr. Michael A. Horsey 6/30/2011
Mr. Dean E. Holden 11/27/2010
Stanley Tocker, Ph.D. 11/27/2010
Mr. Harold B. Gray 6/30/2010
Mr. Sebastian A. LaRocca 6/30/2010
Mr. Gordon E. Wood, Sr. 6/30/2010

Willing Connection To Portsmouth's First Wind Turbine!

YEAH!!
blade weights 6.2 metric tons and arcs in a circle 252 feet in diameter

My niece, Jessie, sends word that the first wind turbine in the city of Portsmouth is finally coming online with no small amount of thanks to her hubby, Alex Pichs.

Check out the video HERE -The last piece of the wind turbine at Portsmouth High School went up this afternoon with a light wind blowing from the southwest. The 1.5 megawatt turbine will start generating power for the Town of Portsmouth this Friday.

The Providence Journal / Frieda Squires
PORTSMOUTH The final pieces of the town’s 1.5-megawatt windmill — three blades, each 123 feet long — clicked into place around a hub in the sky yesterday atop a 213-foot tower on the second-highest hill on Aquidneck Island.
When the turbine begins producing electricity in a few days, the tips of the turning blades will arc as high as 340 feet above the ground — as high as the Westin Providence hotel.

The turbine, erected behind the tennis courts at Portsmouth High School, off Route 24, is expected to produce 3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to meet three-quarters of the needs of municipal buildings in town.

AAER, the Canadian company which manufactured the turbine — the second utility-size windmill in Rhode Island — plans to conduct internal electrical tests over the next two days to ensure that all the proper connections are in place.
If all goes well, said company spokesman Alex Pichs, the tentative plan is to put the tower on line Friday.

Emergency Spinal Support Needed For Guv's Environmental Platform

Alan Muller gives a less-than-stellar review of Markell on the environment so far as cited over on Delaware Republican (he hates the idea of DNREC muscling in on the PSC, by the way).

DNREC lines up with NRG and coal ash pollution
On September 24, 2008, the DNREC gave NRG a permit for an expanded coal ash dump near it’s infamous Indian River Power Plant. Decades of irresponsible ash dumping from that plant (it used to belong to Delmarva Power) have contaminated the land, ground and surface waters, and fish and other marine life in the area. Citizens for Clean Power, the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Center for the Inland Bays, and others, don’t want any more ash dumping in the area. (This position is problematic for Green Delaware, because by advocating “no dumping in the area,” they may want the ash dumped somewhere else….).
Bill Zak, one of the founders of Citizens for Clean Power, has appealed the decision to allow an expanded ash dump.
Markell’s DNREC is trying to stop the appeal from being heard. DNREC–in concert with NRG–argues “… Mr. Zak lacks standing to pursue this appeal since he does not allege that he has been injured in a personal and individual manner by the Secretary’s decision … The term “substantially affected” does not include the interests of Delaware citizens in the preservation of publicly owned resources.” Read more and access the documents at http://greendel.org/?p=174#more-174 .

Muller concludes:

Markell indicated he would clamp down on polluters. So far, he’s done the opposite. The pattern is eerily similar to the first months of Governor Tom Carper’s administration, when I was beginning my career in environmental advocacy — the new administration’s betrayal of trust; servile silence from “environmental” orgs; and little but blather in Delaware’s mainstream media.

Keeping vigil is important when the news is this dim. Markell's DNREC is fighting the citizens of Sussex County who want NRG to clean up its toxic fly ash pile - At the least, contact Markell and ask him to order the DNREC to withdraw it’s Motion to Dismiss Bill Zak’s appeal:
jack.markell@state.de.us
Governor’s Office:
Dover: 302.744.4101, FAX 302.739.2775
Wilmington: 302.577.3210, FAX 302.577.3118

Latest Flip On The Rushbo Flap ~ Beware The Sun King?

TIME's David VonDrehle goes the extra mile to keep the GOPer-DEM-GOPer drama on ice. He suggests that Obama's camp is toggling a dangerous line:

Back to Gibbs. His Sun King moment came when he construed Limbaugh's opposition as "wishing and hoping for economic failure in this country." Certainly, it's tricky to find the line between President and nation, especially in a time of crisis. And Limbaugh's defense - "What's so strange about being honest?" - was not exactly in tune with his reactions to Democratic critics of George W. Bush. (See George W. Bush's biggest economic mistakes.)
But the words of Theodore Roosevelt, issued in the midst of a world war, may still be apt in our present troubles. "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." Roosevelt said this, of course, when he was no longer President.

How Stimulating!

The state's Medicaid program just got a 60 million dollar shot in the arm, a home mortgage piece is ready to go and for Delaware's transportation needs, at least $21.7 million will be spent in urban areas, $11.7 million in suburban areas and $3.2 million in rural areas, according to the government's Web site tracking the stimulus spending, Recovery.gov.

Calling All Frustrated Democrats!

Intra-party dramatics aren't reserved for the right. Will Bunch is talking about a flaming DEM primary side-show tied to the Rocky Mountain News' shuttering. TPM is reporting that right-leaning DC DEMs are grouping up against Obama's stimulus package.

And who can forget the now-safely-swept-under-the-rug business between Chris Coons, Paul Clark and Saul Ewing that begged the question 'just who is controlling the county'? When Bully-Coons' Bullock leaked Pam Scott-Paul Clarky's pro growth-lobby email, it was tagged with Saul Ewing disclaimers. Just before the 2008 election it seemed like a big deal. So what happened? You countians might be asking.

Today, WDEL's Al Mascitti is talking about a Scott-Clarky-Stoltz Greenville area community meeting that was held last night. There's a general inability for the public to get much satisfaction out of this brazenly unethical couple. Pam Scott-Paul Clarky are having their way with us with such a heavy hand, says Al, it's time to call them out.

Pam's workplace is the only place left that might have any effect. Do your part. Give Saul Ewing itself a call with your point of view. I did and it felt good! You can reach Pam's assistant if you call 421-6848 and or 421-6800.

Victory Gardens Are BAAAAAAACK

Greening's not just about sustainable energy, it's about locally produced food and it is looking like there needs to be a Victory Garden in every 'plot' this year.

Governor Markell and his AG Sec. Kee have already taken steps to broaden communication between local sources supplies and the public demand. - [Cyber-crop and Cyber-shop's new sites -- Defoodtrader.org and Deagtrader.org -- operate as free on-line trading posts for everything farm-related, with the food site dedicated to edibles and the trading site dealing in everything from hay to manure as well as the animals in between, along with farm jobs, services and equipment].

People can suppliment their grocery lists with homegrown goods too. We have a group here in Newark whose founder, Frances DeForrest, is scouting sites for a community garden and talking with the city over possible sites.
But Philly is already way ahead of the curve:

Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority executive director Terry Gillen says the city has become an active urban farming community, and putting temporary greenhouses on vacant lots is one way of providing local farmers with much needed land and residents with more fresh produce.
A pilot project will be tried this spring, putting greenhouses on a couple of vacant lots to see what issues are involved.
If the trial works, Gillen says, the program could be expanded.
The greenhouses would not be permanent. Gillen says if the land were needed for redevelopment, the farmers would simply pick up and move to another plot.

~ Another Breath Of Fresh Air Out Of Woodburn ~

Tommywonk provides some context here - Accounting for All Costs in Energy Decisions
~~~~~
Markell: DNREC Should Seek Seat at the Table
During Critical Energy Discussion

DOVER – A strong advocate for the health of our state’s environment and its citizens must be involved in the discussions of where Delaware’s largest utility secures its power, Governor Jack Markell said Tuesday. To make that happen, the Governor has directed the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to seek to intervene in the Public Service Commission’s consideration of Delmarva Power's Integrated Resource Plan. Delmarva Power’s Integrated Resource Plan is a multi-year blueprint for new power sources and energy efficiency that is under review by the Public Service Commission.

Markell directed DNREC to seek formal status as a party in the proceedings so the agency can evaluate the impact of Delmarva’s proposed plan on the state’s environment and Delawareans’ health. In the Markell administration, one of DNREC’s top priorities will be identifying public health concerns surrounding pollution and developing public policy to reduce those emissions.

“Where we choose to get our energy affects both the health of our citizens and the integrity of our environment,” Markell said. “DNREC must participate in the decision-making process about our future energy sources, and put Delaware's health and environmental concerns first because that is their core mission.”

DNREC will work with the experts in the Division of Public Health to conduct its research on Delmarva’s proposals. Specifically, DNREC will advocate that Delmarva's resource plan “reflects the State’s interest in sustainable energy practices, the health of its citizens, and the potential effect of supply generation on the state’s air quality and exposure to risk from climate change.”

“We must look at not only how much power will cost per month, but also how much more we will have to pay in the long run to clean up pollution or treat health problems caused by toxins in the air, land or water,” said acting DNREC Secretary David Small, who will file a motion to intervene with the PSC this week. “We have to take a big-picture view of this and make decisions that will benefit Delawareans for generations to come.”

Delmarva is required to file an Integrated Resource Plan under Delaware’s Electric Utility Retail Customer Supply Act of 2006.

Accountability Now! Getting Organized On The Left

Through your support, Accountability Now is making big strides. . . and is causing incumbents to take notice. We have developed a plan for the 2010 election cycle -- a plan that will offer a "performance review" for incumbents more focused on K Street than Main Street. Our "Primary Project" has been covered widely, from the New York Times and Huffington Post to CNN and MSNBC.You can check out a selection of some of the coverage here. And we have begun to implement the plan:
We have hired an executive director, Jeff Hauser, to oversee our organization
We are bringing state and local bloggers on board to provide us on the ground intelligence on prospective candidates
We are beginning to accumulate information from the ground up about out of touch members of Congress -- write us at accnowpac@gmail.com with your thoughts on members who aren't serving the needs of their communityWe are grateful for your support, and are eager to work together to finally make Washington accountable to its owners -- the American People.
Thank you,
Glenn Greenwald & Jane Hamsher

DCAD Invites Greater Community To DRAW!

DCAD’s Draw ‘Til You Drop III
Drawing Marathon
To Be Held on March 7

Intensive, daylong figure drawing program

open to beginning and advanced artists

Come to DCAD to transform and be transformed.

DCAD’s Draw ‘Til You Drop Marathon III will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the college at 600 N. Market Street.
Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door (day of the event). Participants should bring their own drawing supplies and a lot of energy!
“I think that drawing is one of the most exciting and profound activities anyone interested in art can do. It can help us see the world in a new way.” says Catherine Drabkin, Dean and fine arts faculty.
The Drawing Marathon was created to develop artistic vision, sharpen skills, and energize the studio experience through figure drawing.
For this special event, the Toni and Stuart B. Young Gallery in DCAD’s historic landmark building will be transformed into a 5,000 square foot studio where artists of all skill levels will work alongside DCAD’s faculty, staff, and students.
The drawing marathon is open to the public and provides the opportunity for continuous, intense figure drawing with a model or models in sustained poses. Participants will be able to join DCAD and the Wilmington community in a creative and fun way, and may draw for an hour or all twelve.
DCAD’s event is modeled after similar marathons at art schools across the country. The New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, for example, developed a two-week drawing marathon in 1988. Sculpture and painting marathons followed to help students build drawing skills and encourage collaboration.
For more information or to RSVP for the drawing marathon, call 302-622-8867 X110. The event is sponsored by the Department of Continuing Education.

Jud Bennett Writes: "PGA /Rich Collins Takes Me To Task"

Dear Friends,

Here below-Rich Collins of the Positive Growth Alliance (PGA) takes me to task-"Touché"- I say--and like Rich Collins says below--I also find it amusing, especially since the PGA and Republican Candidate for Sussex County Council- Mark Baker, et al spent hundreds of hours and many thousands of dollars through a political media outfit, that specializes in slander and misrepresentations, to successfully discredit me on the radio and through very expensive, innumerable, direct- mail, pieces in the 2008 September primary. Yet afterwards, despite all their efforts, Mark Baker rightfully lost to my friend Joan Deaver (D) whose election I virtually guaranteed with my help and endorsement. This was the only time in my life I ever publicly supported a Democrat, because it was the right thing to do. I love it when people underestimate me and the PGA sure did!

Yes, I thank Rich Collins, as he thanks me for helping me to get Joan Deaver elected. The heinously, transparent methods of Rich Collins and his cronies in their support of their chosen one and spoon -fed pawn- Mark Baker to defeat me and to enhance development without restrictions or regulations were clearly recognized by the electorate and especially by those Republicans who supported me. Yes indeed, I do recognize and acknowledge Rich Collins' thankful positions on my many years of PGA diatribes during which I gave his organization much publicity. I'm sure he appreciates my thanking him, as well for his amazingly, arrogant under- estimation of me and his apparent, over- estimation of the public opinion about him and his organization.

That all being said, it is a shame that the 3 Republican members of the Sussex Council, with the exception of George Cole-our 4th GOP official on the Council, are so jaded, manipulated, and controlled by certain special interests that they choose to support an expensive law suit to the detriment of the people they represent. It is a no win situation for the people of Sussex. If the Council prevails, indeed a much needed Pollution Control Strategy which protects the future of our inland bays will be lost. If the Council loses which I predict they will, a ton of the tax-payers' money will be fruitless wasted. The Sussex Republican Party is on the wrong side of this issue, to its ultimate detriment--no doubt in my mind. I rest my case.

I do love the action, and indeed I do enjoy my new- found, nothing to lose or gain, independence from everything. Please read Mr. Collins' well written, dissertation about me below. As always, your comments are welcome and subject to being forwarded.

JUD BENNETT ENDORSES PGA AGAIN!
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:

For several years now, Jud Bennett has been highly critical of the Positive Growth Alliance and me personally. Quite honestly, we've found it all to be pretty amusing, but recently realized we've been seriously remiss in not thanking Jud for his services. Through his self-described "huge network," Jud has worked tirelessly in spreading our reputation for getting things done up and down the state.

The most recent example that we're aware of is his letter in the February 23, 2009, issue of the Delaware State News. He would lead readers to believe that we have so much power that like a "pied piper," we are forcing the Sussex County Council to stay in a lawsuit against DNREC against hopeless odds.

In fact, apparently unlike Mr. Bennett, some of the Sussex Councilmen can read state law and seek out competent legal advice on their own. If Mr. Bennett would do just a rudimentary bit of research on the passage in state law claimed by DNREC as their authority, he would see why Sussex County will likely prevail in court. Title 7, Chapter 6010(a) tells DNREC specifically that "no such rule or regulation shall extend, modify or conflict with any law of this State or the reasonable implications thereof." If he would then go to Title 9, Chapter 69, 6902, he would find the County authority that DNREC is clearly "conflicting" with. He might also try reading Article II of the state constitution, which the News
Journal pointed out justified the county going to court.

We hope Mr. Bennett's obvious contempt for most elected officials doesn't diminish his endorsment for us. For example, some of them might be offended when he states in an e-mail on February 23, "let me begin by saying that in my opinion, there are very few elected officials in Delaware who actually care about proper land use and provide equitable solutions. This includes both Democrats and Republicans and includes many members of local Town Councils, County Councils, and our State Legislature."

Our advice would be, give him a break. Yes, most of us need to present facts and references to make a convincing argument, but Jud has been doing without either for years so why should he have to start now?

Thank you again, Jud. In your own way, you've been of great assistance, both during the years you were a member of PGA and then afterwards when you began running for Sussex County Council and decided to disavow us.

Rich Collins

American Middleclass Is Progressive If Not Populist - Is There A Difference Anyway?

Update: The country is in line with change. We voted for it. We want it and we want it out of the Beltway and we want the White House to take the lead. Isn't it nice of Rush to be offering himself up as the opportunistic lightening rod for the disloyal opposition?
~~~~~
(from Drum Major via the Daily Kos)

REO - A Speedwagon To Speculators' And Flippers' Fire-sales?

Where is the money for neglected Real Estate Owned-Bank Owned Properties (REO-BOPs)? Is pacing of the housing market meltdown even possible?

RealtyTrac doesn’t identify which banks own the most REOs. But foreclosures continue in areas already devasted by REOs. In Cleveland, just after announcing last month they would agree to a voluntary foreclosure mortatorium, the following banks or their subsidiaries filed 55 new foreclosure cases, according to Callahan: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase.Foreclosed homes left behind by banks might seem like an obvious opportunity for community development groups, which could take control of the properties and redevelop them. But even that isn’t happening on a large scale, even in troubled areas, said Kathe Newman, an urban studies professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, who has been working to create an REO database.

Neighbors of an empty house may not be able to determine whether it’s an REO, who owns it, or how to track them down. “It’s really difficult to figure any of this out,” Newman said.Zdenek, of New Jersey Community Capital, said even experienced neighborhood groups can’t quickly acquire REO properties and finance their development, given the demand. “I don’t think we can keep up with it,” he said. “There’s so much out there.”

New Jersey recently became the first state to require that banks or other entities that foreclose on a property take responsibility for it, both before and after it becomes an REO. The law goes into effect April 1.Local ordinances also are popping up all around the country to hold lenders responsible for foreclosed homes, such as a recent effort in New Haven, Conn., Mallach said. Still, it isn’t enough, he said.“I think the Fed has got to take a much stronger line with the banks in how they are dealing with properties and foreclosed houses,” he said. “They are a lot of things they could be doing to push banks into more responsible behavior.”

The Federal Reserve itself holds more than $100 billion in toxic-mortgage backed securities, acquired through the rescues of Bear, Stearns and insurance giant AIG, Chairman Ben Bernanke noted last month. The Fed announced in January that it was working to modify the loans it controls. But that raises the question of whether the Fed is piling up its own REOs, and what it will do with them, Sharga and others said. The Federal Reserve in Washington referred a request for comment to the New York Federal Reserve, which did not immediately respond.

The issue goes beyond just TARP money. Bank REO behavior also spotlights what kind of regulations are needed for the financial system, and “what is appropriate behavior for banks and lenders when they deal with properties and foreclosed houses,” Mallach said.For communities overwhelmed by bank-owned, broken-down foreclosed homes, it’s not a question up for debate. It’s their reality.

(h/t Atrios)

What Up With Sussex' New GOP "Regiment" ?

There's some down-state 'GOP realists' gearing into action and taking a stand against the local Republican leadership's bullying intolerance if not incompetence. WGMD's Bill Coley takes aim at a few old timers. The Talk of Delmarva reports:

The report from the Sussex County Regiment is very good. A website will soon be in operation. I wasn’t able to attend Saturday’s meeting as I was here at work but I did have a representative in attendance. Organizers are suggesting they’ll soon have a more permanent meeting place and schedule. While I’m not trying to “out” any members I will suggest, and this is only a suggestion, the meeting place become public knowledge. The ultimate decision will remain with the organization’s membership.

Organizers are also suggesting a large turnout at the March 9 Sussex County Republican meeting. Not as to create an adjunct for the G.O.P. but to allow members an opportunity to see how a political party functions.

Let me expand here. The Sussex County Regiment will not be working to carry water for any party. One look at Mitch McConnell should tell you the GOP is bereft of ideas and ideals. I’ve suggested, and again only suggested, the organization stay clear of Brandywine Hundred country clubbers. Next year members of the local Republican Party will be all smiles publicly when urging you to vote for Mike Castle. Many of you know the meaning of the word hypocrisy.

The only method available for contacting the Sussex County Regiment remains email: sccor2009@yahoo.com.

Markell Faces A State Impatient For Reforms

Pew's Center on the States tells Delaware to shape up its Department of Justice in a timely report as Governor Markell embarks on his task force reform efforts across government. WNJ Comment rescue:

It is recognized and confirmed by the state's own internal studies, that DE's penal system is rife with abuse and fiscal mismanagement. And, in spite of such damning recognition Corrections Commissioner Carl Danberg was returned to this position by Gov Minner after having been temporarily appointed to fill out the term of Atty. Gen. Brady. It has been alleged that this "arrangement" was designed to move Beau Biden into the AG's office [akin to Minner's appointment of Kaufman]. BUT, why did Gov. Markell, a professed candidate for change, reaffirm Mr Danberg's appointment in the current Administration?

The Markell Administration has two notable holdovers from the Minner morass, Danberg and Wicks. Their presence defies logic and epiomizes and rewards the mismanagement and fiscal failures for which the Minner Administration was so well noted.Gov. Markell, a continuation of the status quo or change for the worse is not what the people of Delaware elected you to deliver.

Steele Puts Limbaugh 'Into Context' As Ugly Entertainer

Update: The Delaware rightwingers react properly, IMHO. Republicans don't want to give Rahm-bama too much of the credit for this mess, do they?

Meanwhile, MSNBC's Chuck Todd is saying that he gives Michael Steele six months to see if he can get the tactical side of the job done: raising RNC money. This is a rift that can end up being very, very costly to the GOP.

~~~~~

Politico - Michael Steele's dismissal of Rush: "his whole thing is entertainment. Yes it’s incendiary, yes it’s ugly”.

Steele’s criticism makes him the highest-ranking Republican to pick a fight with the popular and polarizing conservative talk show host.
But the new RNC chairman’s extraordinary comments won’t sit well with the millions of conservative listeners Limbaugh draws each week, and Steele aides scrambled to limit the damage Monday morning by trying to change the subject.
“Rahm Emanuel and the Democrats know they lose an argument with the Republican Party on substance so they are building straw men to attack and distract,” said RNC spokesman Alex Conant.
“The feud between radio host Rush Limbaugh and Rahm Emanuel makes great political theater, but it is a sideshow to the important work going on in Washington. RNC Chairman Michael Steele and elected Republicans are focused on fighting for reform and winning elections. The Democrats’ problem is that the American people are growing skeptical of the massive government spending being pushed by Congressional leaders like Nancy Pelosi.”
Limbaugh, asked to respond, said he’d save his counter-attack for his listeners. “I’ll handle it on the radio,” he wrote in an e-mail.
In an interview on CNN with D.L. Hughley, Steele assured that he, not Limbaugh, was in charge of the party before saying that he wanted to put the right-wing talker “into context.”

“Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer,” Steele said. “Rush Limbaugh, his whole thing is entertainment. Yes it’s incendiary, yes it’s ugly.”

Steele’s comments, first noticed by NBC producer Chris Donovan, are sure to rankle Limbaugh in part because they validate the liberal critique of the conservative force: that he’s merely an “entertainer.”
That’s one of the phrases often used by Democrats who seek to diminish Limbaugh. MSNBC’s liberal talk-show host Keith Olbermann, for example, frequently mockshis broadcast adversary as “comedian Rush Limbaugh.”
Steele’s broadside comes as top-level Democrats are working to portray Limbaugh as the face of the GOP and daring anybody in the party to separate themselves from him.

New Democrats? Looks Like Same Old Shenanigans

Progressive DEMs ACTION Alert~!

Chris Bowers on Open Left and Jane Hamisher on HuffPo and FireDogLake are asking the public to call Ellen Tauscher out on her working against fair foreclosure legislation:

U.S. House will vote on Representative Conyer's bankruptcy cram down.

The whip count is unclear right now, but some Blue Dogs and New Democrats, including Melissa Bean (D-IL), Dennis Moore (D-KS), and New Democratic chair Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), are working on behalf of the financial services industry to water down the legislation. Tauscher in particular is problematic, both because of her leadership role in one of the ideological caucuses, and also because rumors are that she has organized up to two dozen members thus far. It is about time that Tauscher, and the Representatives she is organizing, stop listening to industry lobbyists who do not have the public interest in mind.
So, let's make Representative Tauscher listen to someone else right now. Contact Ellen Tauscher, and urge her to stop organizing other Democrats to water down HR 200. She needs to listen to homeowoners, not to the financial industry that got us into this economic disaster.
Not only is helping struggling homeowners the right thing to do, but if we don't turn the corner on the mortgage and economic crisis, then Democrats will find themselves in the same bad electoral position Republicans currently face.
Tauscher is key to this vote, and she can be influenced. After she was threatened by a primary challenge during much of 2007, her voting habits distinctly changed for the better. As such, if you are feeling cheeky enough, it might not hurt to mention that when you call.

Contact Representative Ellen Tauscher on HR 200! D.C. office: 202.225.1880

The Gifted Girls' Season Finale!

Hello!
At long last, the season finale of The Gifted Girls is here. Since youtube doesn't support videos longer than 10 minutes and this ep is a whopping 20mins, the finale episode is posted on Blip.tv. You can also watch it on our blog. While you're there, check out the cute gifted girls tote bags and tshirts we have for sale!
Thanks!
Marielle Solan

Save The Date - PSA's Annual Golf Outing Set For May 7th

Spring's coming!

Rock Manor is hosting the event.

Jud Bennett Writes: Tell Sussex County Council To Protect The Inner Bays

County Lawsuit
Citizens Coalition

February 23, 2008
Vance Phillips, PresidentSussex County Council
Dear Mr. Phillips and Council members:
For more than 15 years Citizens Coalition has championed preserving the environment and implementing management practices and techniques to prevent further pollution of our waterways, watersheds and the inland bays. We stand firm and remain constant in this concern, however the County's lawsuit against the State and the Department of Environmental Control runs counter to your elected responsibility to protect and preserve as well as to be a critical part of our state. Further, amid the economic instability we all are facing, such a move is out of character for a council that has long prided itself of saving taxpayer money and running a lean and mean county government.
Our position on buffers and protecting the Environmentally Sensitive District was aroused some ten years ago with the initiation of this district and it has continued with the latest revision of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Below are our comments we submitted to County Council and Planning and Zoning which were formulated by the Board of Directors of Citizens Coalition in an effort to bring vision and environmental sensitivity to Sussex County.
The lawsuit will cost thousands of taxpayers' dollars at a time that it is ill-afforded and politically unpopular. It is our opinion that Sussex County would win accolades for taking a stand FOR protecting the inland bays and critically important watersheds by supporting the State's efforts to create such protection on a broader scale.
We question whether the County has the expertise or trained natural resources staff qualified to make scientific decisions on buffers. We ask and urge you to withdraw the lawsuit and allow DNREC professionals the opportunity to perform with the staff and ability to do what they are skilled at and trained for and what needs to be done to provide sound environmental management for generations to come.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Board of Directors of Citizens Coalition, Inc.,
Michael R. Tyler, president, cc: Cape Gazette

Attach: Excerpted from Citizens Coalition comments sent to County Council and Planning and Zoning April, 2007.

THE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE DISTRICT
In the 2003 Comprehensive Plan, we requested that the Environmentally Sensitive District be expanded to include sensitive wetlands and estuary land between Rehoboth and Lewes and beyond. To our satisfaction this was done along with land bounding the inland bays. While environmentally sensitive land east of Route One continues to be assaulted with even more development raising the threat to wetlands, excellent recharge areas, waterways, the Lewes/Rehoboth Canal and development also threatening the Nanticoke and Inland Bay watersheds it is critically important to preserve what remains not as a "Developing District" or "Overlay Zone" however, but as a no growth or minimum growth zone. Development in the Environmentally Sensitive District must be treated differently and must have less development, more open space and minimal density in order to protect and preserve these precious resources. We propose these added controls:

a.) Onsite septic systems shall not be permitted for developments of more than 50 residences in the Environmentally Sensitive District.

b.) If the goal of the Environmentally Sensitive District is to mitigate development impacts on the inland bays, contributing watersheds and wetlands, then limit density to no more than one dwelling per acre regardless of dwelling type or style. It is clear that applying the current cluster development approach in the Environmentally Sensitive District negates any ability to protect the environment effectively. This must be changed to fit the value and importance of this environmentally important district.

c.) Create a minimum buffer by law of 100 feet from wetlands, riparian lands and the inland bay and waterways. Such a delineation will substantially improve and preserve essential water quality and prevent encroaching development from further deteriorating the estuary. If scientific survey evidence can show that a buffer less than 100 feet will mitigate pollution and not have a negative impact then
such reductions, upon the determination and approval by DNREC, shall be permitted.

d.) Infrastructure such as adequate roads, sewer service, water and power shall be in place prior to any approval for a residential development of more than 25 dwellings.

HOW TO HELP STOP THE LAWSUIT - from Joan Deaver
George Cole (R)-4 could have been president of the council but he refused and let the county fall into the hands of Vance Phillips who with Sam Wilson & Mike Vincent are pushing for the lawsuit against DNREC to stop the Inland Bays pollution control strategy.
Some wonderful people have spoken before the council about this but now the council doesn’t meet again until March 17th and the lawsuit proceeds. So we need you to send letters to the council and to the press. To Contact COUNTY COUNCIL: http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/dept/council/

I have attached some email addresses and Mike’s letter for you to use as a basis for your message. SAVE OUR BAYS! PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE.
And in 2010 we MUST elect better people to the 4th & 5th districts.

Media Matters Writes:

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America -
ZAPAt CPAC, Limbaugh distorted Frank's position on affordable housingDuring his speech at CPAC, Rush Limbaugh falsely claimed: "Congressman [Barney] Frank's definition of affordable housing is you get a house that you don't have to pay for, that everybody else in the neighborhood will pay for. And why? Well, because it's unfair that some people can have a house and some people can't. See, it's just unfair." In fact, Frank has advocated for the expansion of affordable rental housing, rather than advocating for, as Limbaugh suggested, universal home ownership.
BAMKing didn't challenge Rep. Price's false claim that Obama's proposed budget eliminates deductions for donations to charityOn State of the Union, John King did not challenge Rep. Tom Price's false claim that President Obama's budget proposal "will remove the ability to make charitable contributions deductible." In fact, the provision would, beginning in fiscal year 2011, reduce the tax rate at which families earning over $250,000 can take itemized deductions from the current rates of 33 percent and 35 percent to 28 percent.
THWAPPRove echoed GOP distortion of top Obama adviser's research on stimulus effectivenessOn This Week, Karl Rove echoed House Republicans' distortion of research by CEA chairwoman Christine Romer in claiming that their alternative stimulus bill "produced 50 percent more jobs at half the cost" of President Obama's economic recovery plan. In fact, according to the White House, "Romer's view is that the House analysis is absolutely incorrect" and "the plan the President supports would result in substantially greater job creation than the House Republican plan."
KAPOWAsserting that Dems "like their earmarks," CNN's King, Bash ignored own reporting on GOP-sponsored earmarksOn State of the Union, Dana Bash remarked that the Obama administration has "got a big problem on their hands because if they -- if the president really thinks he's gonna stand up and say, 'No earmarks,' the Senate majority leader and other Democrats said, 'Uh-uh. That's the way we do business, and that's the way it's gonna stay.' " King replied, "They like their earmarks." But while Bash and King have both previously noted that Republicans requested many of the earmarks in the bill, neither gave any indication during the discussion that they did so.