DEMs Setting Themselves Up For 2010 Disaster?

Locally, the AFSME decided not to invite a single politician to their Labor Day picnic. This should be telling the Democratic leadership SOMETHING.
(correction: I mistakenly said that the AFL-CIO wasn't letting any pols in the door. The WNJ quoted Mike Begatto of AFSME and it also neglected to mention that, in fact, State Rep. John Kowalko was definately invited but that he was the only one.)

On the national scene: What Thers said (that Jane said...)~

As Jane says, if the Obama administration, and "liberal institutions," want lousy liberal base turnout in 2010, they're sure doing everything they possibly can to get lousy liberal base turnout in 2010. Democrats were elected to fight for the kind of healthcare enjoyed by the rest of the developed world, to stop climate change disaster, to make sure the fools and greedheads who wrecked the economy don't get to do so again, and to end stupid wars. Oh, and to punch back at wingnuts.Fight for these things: win. Don't: FAIL. And there you go.

~*~

HealthJustice Found Pre-Authorization Copy Of Obama's Speech?

From the inbox:
Through a combination of luck, skill and prescient pessimism, we have discovered what we believe to be the content of Obama's speech on Wednesday. Many of you are aware of the health insurance concept of 'pre-authorization." Note that the content of the Obama speech, if we are correct, has been pre-authorized by Karen Ignani and the DeathEaters at AHIP (America's Hellth Insurance Pirates.)

Click here for what we believe President Obama will propose on Wednesday. Of course, the President will probably dress up the content in his own rhetoric, but we at HealthJustice expect the substance to remain largely unchanged.

If you would like to change the course of history (or piss into the wind, depending on your degree of pessimism), then please send another fax to the President and your Congresspeople urging single payer Medicare For All. Here is the quick and easy link to the fax.Here is a link to all the other quick and easy faxes, all urging single payer Medicare For All in one way or another. Send them all. It's free, it's simple, it's just a couple of clicks.

~*~

Senate Finance Committee Jolted Off Of Their Laurels As White House And Olympia Snowe Back Max Baucus Into A Corner

Obama's intention to put his own bill forward has evidently "broken the ice". From what Jane Hamsher is reporting over at the Lake: Max Baucus is finally ready to put a bill together ~

Following the announcement from the White House that they were crafting their own health care bill (to memorialize the deals that they negotiated with Baucus and stakeholders), it looks like Baucus has decided he wants to write the bill after all

Meanwhile, there's a bunch of other great posts over there like this smackdown of that centrist bully, Rahm Emanuel, the enemy of progressives everywhere ~

~*~

Jud Bennett Writes: Lingo/Townsend Regional Shopping Center--SAY NO

We can be blessed by growth or we can be besieged by growth. The first town in the first state-- Lewes, Delaware is potentially being besieged by growth because the proposed Lingo/Townsend Regional Shopping Center on King's Highway is a poorly planned, ill conceived idea that is based on pure avarice, certainly not on intelligent planning or sustainable growth concepts. The frightening thing is that this possible abomination may indeed become a reality?

Considering the rhetoric and past voting records of Councilmen Sam Wilson (R), Vance Phillips (R), and Mike Vincent(R)--all from Western Sussex County who clearly have the controlling interest and majority vote on the Sussex County Council that could make or break the City of Lewes, my blood runs cold. Completely unlike Council Persons Joan Deaver (D) and George Cole (R) who understand terms like "total carrying capacity, sustainable growth, or adequate public facilities ordinances", these up-zone cowboys seem to care less about the future of the Lewes community. Our only hope is that the admirable efforts by the Lewes citizenry will make one of these Councilmen blink.

Hundreds of bright yellow yard signs (emulating the Lingo real estate signs) dot the Lewes landscape --saying "VOTE NO TO THE LINGO/TOWNSEND REGIONAL SHOPPING CENTER ". Innumerable meetings, planned demonstrations, and prepared letters are formulating to influence the Sussex County Council to deny this proposed Zoning Change on Kings Highway from Agricultural/Residential to Commercial. There are thousands of local residents who are adamantly opposed to this enterprise and they are justifiably angry.

The Sussex County Council certainly has adequate evidence to deny the zoning change. The lack of infrastructure (especially the roads), the safety issue involved, and the environmental impact on Lewes drinking water are indeed viable reasons to reject the plan. The project will be built on a valuable, water- recharge area for the City of Lewes which makes paving over this landscape totally unacceptable. Interestingly, when the Cape May Lewes Ferry discharges at the same time Cape Henlopen High School lets out, combined with the traffic from Cadbury Assisted Living facility and the growing developments along Gills Neck Road, hundreds of cars moving into the shopping center-- mingled with normal inbound and outbound traffic on Kings Highway from Rt 1, life will become intolerable for those of us who have chosen to live in and around the historic jewel named Lewes that nestles quietly on the Delaware Bay. This is the projected scenareo for fall, winter, and spring--God help us when summer comes with thousands of tourists heading for the Cape Henlopen State Park.

Although unlikely--to the Lingo family and the Townsend brothers I ask that you reconsider your plan --this upzone if approved will destroy the quality of life in Lewes and ultimately hurt your business. To the people of Lewes--keep the pressure on to protect our future--I'm proud of you. To the entire Sussex Council, I urge you to vote against the Lingo/Townsend proposal--this is an opportunity for you to shine.

~*~

Who's Ready For The Woodward?

Oy. After taking his horse to the front in a blistering and probably unsustainable pace out of the gate, Borel managed to slow his charge and save the race. Rachel Alexandra dug in and stayed out ahead for a win. It looks like she's going to be the "Horse of the Year"!
~~~~~
(AP image)
I am ready to watch Calvin Borel handle Rachel Alexandra against the older boys in the Woodward. I've got a few cold St. Pauli Girls in the fridge and a clear view of the teevee.

~*~

The Boston Globe reports ~

The list of Woodward winners includes some of the greatest names in the sport - Affirmed, Seattle Slew, Spectacular Bid, Kelso, Forego, Alysheba, Cigar, and most recently Curlin. None of them, though, was a filly, and only a handful of females have ever been entered. Not since 1887, when Lady Primrose won the Manhattan, has a 3-year-old filly defeated older males in any Grade I dirt race in New York.

...There is a dainty ferocity to Rachel Alexandra and a frothy happiness that belies her killer mood once the gates open. The track doesn’t matter. “She’ll run on ice, on broken glass, anywhere,’’ said Borel. The pace doesn’t matter. She’ll go to the front, come from behind, drive through the leaders. “She just keeps going, man,’’ said her jockey. “She’s like the Energizer bunny.’’

Zenyatta is rumored to be foregoing the Distaff for the Breeders Cup Classic to go up against the boys too. Will these two ladies ever meet up?? Maybe, if the price is right!

~*~

In Case No One Noticed Yet....KAVIPS IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

I was checking out BlogNetNews Delaware and saw that Kavips has FIRED UP his blog again. Welcome back, dude.

~*~

Wreath-Laying With French Ambassador Vimont At Cooches Bridge Set For 11:30AM Today

WNJ reports ~

Today, the public is invited to join newly appointed French Ambassador Pierre Vimont at an 11:30 a.m. Battlefield Memorial Ceremony at the Cooch-Dayett Mills Complex off Old Baltimore Pike, hosted by the Pencader Heritage Area Association. Vimont will lay a wreath at the Cooch's Bridge Battlefield Memorial, unveiled last September, and help the association dedicate its new sign recounting Lafayette's Delaware visits.

"Lafayette did a recon of the battlefield with Washington prior to the 1777 battle and Rochambeau's French army of 8,000 soldiers camped on the battlefield both to and from the 1781 victory at Yorktown," said the association's president, Bill Conley. The sign was designed by Ralph Nelson, president of the state W3R chapter, and association webmaster Frank Rommanelli.

Also taking part in the event are the Alliance Française, Delaware National Guard 1st Delaware Regiment, Delaware Military Academy, Fifes & Drums of the Delaware Militia, Sons of the American Revolution, 6th Maryland Re-Enactors, Boy Scout Troop 1777, Glasgow High School Marching Band, William Penn High School ROTC Color Guard and American Revolutionary War Horse Dragoons.

The Pencader Heritage Museum, off Del. 72 just south of Old Baltimore Pike, also will be open with free admission.

~*~

Frieda Berryhill Writes: Your Chance To Comment On Hope/Salem Licenses Renewal

NRC is asking for COMMENT on the application by PSE&G for license extension for Salem and Hope Creek. Everyone is free to comment, let them know what you think. Simply click on the email supplied below.

These plant should be “unplugged” rather then be allowed to operate beyond the original intent. They are asking for comment, lets give it to them.

NRC ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF LICENSE RENEWAL APPLICATIONS FOR SALEM AND HOPE CREEK NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced today that applications for a 20-year renewal of the operating licenses for Salem Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2, and Hope Creek Generating Station are available for public review.
Both plants are located in Hancock Bridge , N.J. , about 18 miles south of Wilmington , Del. The current operating licenses for Salem Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2 expire on Aug. 13, 2016 and April 18, 2020; and the Hope Creek license expires on April 11, 2026. The licensee, PSEG Nuclear LLC, submitted the renewal applications on August 18 for Salem and Hope Creek , respectively. The applications are available on the NRC Web site at: http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operating/licensing/renewal/applications.html.
The NRC staff is currently conducting an initial review of the applications to determine whether they contain enough information for the required formal review. If the applications have sufficient information, the NRC will formally “docket,” or file, the applications and will announce an opportunity to request a public hearing.
For further information, contact Donnie Ashley, project manager, in the Division of License Renewal, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Mail Stop O11-F1, Washington , D.C. 20555 ; telephone (301) 415-3191 or email at Donnie.Ashley@nrc.gov.

Anyone wishing a copy of the letter from the NRC confirming that Salem 1 and 2 and Hope Creek are sitting in a swamp on Artificially created land with no rock bottom, I will mail, post, or hand deliver …the letter from the NRC to Sid Goodman from Eric J. Leeds ., Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

I repeat documents describing the soil conditions on (COORECT NAME )ARTIFICIAL ISLAND in New Jersey. I REPEAT ACCORING TO DUCMENTS ON File : I have personally examined 30 years ago

36 ft mud
35 ft mud and gravel
35 ft “Vincentown formation”….different mud and gravelBorings up to a 100 ft reveal no rock
Cement Pilings of 70 ft deep are holding up the auxiliary buildings, reactors and spent fuel pools.

I have sent dozens of pictures of toppled buildings due to liquefaction , the response has been minimal

For 30 years I have testified about this dangerous condition before the NRC, PSE&G, Delaware Legislator, New Jersey Safety Commission concerning evacuation, with no success , no denial, no comment, no response. I finally have prove from the NRC in writing that my protestations were indeed correct., never the less they are still pursuing a fourth reactor on Artificial Island .

Do I need to tell anyone that an earth quake could trigger the liquefaction effect with a result too horrible to Imagine.This could in fact destroy the whole Eastern Seaboard. That means all of us.Please read the response to this
revelation from Sid Goodman. Any or all suggestions as to how to proceed are welcome.

~*~

June Eisley Writes: Change We Can Believe In?

June,
We didn't plan to email you again today. But yesterday, news broke that President Obama will make a big speech to Congress next Wednesday on health care -- an issue we know you care about.And according to news reports, "although House leaders have said their members will demand the inclusion of a public insurance option, Obama has no plans to insist on it himself." *
In response, we got a truly depressing email from Christian S. in Texas:"Your recent health care ads are great, they hit home. But Obama has decided to drop the public option and for breaking his campaign promise I am dropping out of political activism for the time being." This fight is absolutely not over, but Christian's feelings are real. If Obama doesn't stand firm on the public option, millions of people will lose hope.
So today, we're launching a petition to President Obama signed by those who volunteered, staffed, voted for, or donated to Obama's campaign in 2008, asking him to please stand firm on the public option.
If that's you, can you sign this petition today? Click here.
Then, please think hard about others you know who worked for change last year -- and forward them this email.
The petition says: "We worked so hard for real change. President Obama, please demand a strong public health insurance option in your speech to Congress. Letting the insurance companies win would not be change we can believe in."
We'll make sure the White House gets our message. In addition to delivering the signatures and personal notes from the petition page, we're planning an ad featuring the voices of those who sign.
Obama's speech "is still being debated in the West Wing."
* That means there's still time -- we have one week to persuade Obama to do the right thing.
Can you sign this petition to President Obama today? Click here.
Then, please forward this to others. Again, we have until Wednesday, September 9. Thanks for being a bold progressive.
-- Adam Green, Stephanie Taylor, Michael Snook, Evan Miller, Andrew Perez, and the PCCC team

* Source: "Under fire, President Obama shifts strategy." Politico, Sept. 1, 2009.

Jud Bennett Writes: Lingo/Townsend

MANAGING GROWTH AROUND LEWES Group KICKS UP ITS OPPOSITION TO LINGO/TOWNDSEND REGIONAL CENTER--
From Nadine Wick

Folks, I know we talked about demonstrating in front of the Cape Henlopen High School on Tuesday, the first day of school, but after thinking it through and talking with parents we have decided to delay it for another day. We'll do it, just not this Tuesday. Note: I just heard all schools will be closed on Tuesday due to the shooting of the Police Officer Spicer in Georgetown.

What we do need is as many people as possible to show up at 4:45pm this Thursday for a 1 hour vigil before the Planning and Zoning public hearing at 6:00 pm (2 The Circle, Georgetown). If enough people show up we could make a ring around the circle in Georgetown. The P&Z agenda shows only 2 public hearings, so I hope its not a late night and if you come, you can stay until its over. I can't tell you how important it is to have faces in the audience. Bring your yards signs, bring a snack, bring your voice. I suggest, if you can, to carpool. We will be handing out yard signs ($10 contribution), signing petitions and have postcards for you to fill out and send to the county council, telling them "NO", this Saturday, across from the Lewes Farmers Market (corner of Shipcarpenters and 2nd St).
TO EVERYONE WHO WAS AT THE DEMONSTRATION IN FRONT OF THE TOWNSEND PROPERTY ON WEDNESDAY, THANK YOU!
More info on public hearings/events/yard signs/petitions/to volunteer/ to donate www.savelewes.org
Save Lewes
No Lingo Regional Shopping Center;
No Up-Zoning; No Special Favors for Special Interests

Thousands of Lewes residents oppose the new development plan across from the Cape Henlopen High School and our City of Lewes drinking water wells. This regional shopping center will lead to increased gridlock, make our streets and neighborhoods less safe, decrease property values, ruin our economic base of historic tourism and threaten a vital piece of America’s heritage, the historic quality of 378-year old Historic Lewes, the birthplace of the state of Delaware.

Join your neighbors against the Lingo Townsend Regional Shopping Center at savelewes.org and contact the Sussex County Council members and Governor Markell. Save Lewes and protect your neighborhood safety. Save Lewes—No Regional Shopping Center. No ‘Up-Zoning.’ No special favors for special interests. Nor is such “disorderly growth” legally permitted since it would bring day & night mega-scale traffic into historic, small-scale Lewes streets well beyond their safe “carrying capacity,” compromise City water wells, block ambulance access to Beebe Hospital, Lewes fire & police mobility, access to the interstate ferry & Cape Henlopen State Park. It flies in the face of Governor Markell’s sustainability policies.

Managing Growth Around Lewes, Inc Citizens Coalition, Inc Sustainable Delaware Network, Inc. 9 Steps to take NOW. This is about your safety, your property values, your community.
1. Sign the Petition against the Special Up-Zoning for Lingo’s Regional Center.
2. Get a Yard Sign. We ask a $10 contribution to cover their cost and buy more.
3. Community E-mail Alerts. Get on the Managing Growth Around Lewes e-Mail list. Contact wickns@hotmail.com. Recruit 5 neighbors/friends to join too.
4. Speak Up Thursday, Sept 10 at Sussex Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing in Georgetown, beginning at 6pm and expected to last 4-6 hours.
5. Speak up Tuesday, Sept 29 at Sussex County Council public hearing, Georgetown, beginning 3pm and expected to last 4-6 hours.
6. Volunteer to help. E-mail wickns@hotmail.com
7. Contribute to our campaign. MGAL, PO Box 81, Lewes, DE 19958 Funds are needed for effective radio, newspaper and TV ads, etc.
8. Write a postcard and phone these members of the Sussex County Council:
1. Michael Vincent 629-2396; 734 East Ivy Drive, Seaford 19973
2. George Cole 539-1611(H); 29271 Woods Edge Drive, Ocean View 19970
3. Joan Deaver 645-6657; 19208 Plantation Road, Rehoboth Beach 19971
Ask them to OPPOSE the Lingo Townsend Re-Zoning for a regional Shopping Center. Ask them to preserve Historic Lewes the birthplace of Sussex County and Delaware, as part of our American heritage; preserve public safety in Lewes.
9. Write/phone state public officials who review roads, water, environment and sustainability impacts. Ask these officials to stop it as a violation of “orderly growth.”
1. Governor Jack Markell 744-4101; e-mail: jack.markell@state.de.us
2 State Senator Gary Simpson 744--4134(O); 422-3460 (H); 6 West Clarke Ave, Milford 19963
3 State Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf 744-4351(O); 227-6252; 24 Coventry Rd, Rehoboth Beach 19971

Additional Talking Points:
1. This is not about property rights; this is a Up-Zoning request by powerful developers. There is no need to rezone. Our area already has too many shopping centers & congestion—with more coming. No special favors for special interests.
2. The Re-Zoning is OPPOSED by many including Mayor James Ford and the Lewes City Council; State Sen. Gary Simpson; State Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf; the National Trust for Historic Preservation and over 2000 homeowners, business owners and visitors in the Historic Lewes area like you.
3. Last year Lingo submitted a similar proposal that was rejected by the Sussex Planning & Zoning Commission—unanimously. They rejected it because:

· “proximity of the…new Cape Henlopen High School…for safety reasons.”
· they were “not satisfied that the applicant has established a need for rezoning”
· it was “not consistent with the character of the surrounding property”
· “the proposed project is not compatible with the existing roadways”
· “and does not promote vehicular safety on neighboring roads.”
· Generation of “additional traffic…concerns are legitimate and self-evident”
· “The project does not meet the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance since it does not promote orderly growth in the County.”

~*~

From The Inbox: Sign CREDO Petition For Anti-Trust Action On Monsanto

The Monsanto monopoly needs to be investigated.
Massive seed corporation Monsanto — through acquisitions and cut-throat business practices — has cornered 90% of the soy, 65% of the corn, and 70% of the cotton market, and has a rapidly growing presence in the fruit and vegetable market, all without government anti-trust officials raising an eyebrow.
Not only that, but in order to be productive, the entire line of Monsanto's seeds all but require the use of Roundup herbicide, trapping all of their customers into buying it. And who owns Roundup? You guessed it, Monsanto.
Monsanto has, it seems, cornered the market on abusive monopolistic practices as well. In the middle of a recession, while farmers' incomes are dropping, Monsanto recently announced a 42% price hike on its most popular genetically modified seeds. When in many areas of the country distributors carry nothing but these seeds, this sure looks like evidence of a monopolist abusing its market position.
President Obama's antitrust chief Christine Varney has promised rigorous enforcement of antitrust law with a special focus on the agricultural sector. She should start with the worst of the worst, Monsanto.
Tell Assistant Attorney General Varney to open an investigation into Monsanto and its abusive business practices immediately. Click here to add your name to the petition.
Thank you for working to build a better world.
Adam Klaus, Campaign Manager CREDO Action from Working Assets

~*~

Frieda Berryhill Writes: New Nukes? I Doubt It.

Friends,
Good news for those who believe in a sustainable, carbon-free, nuclear-free energy future. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has just issued a new draft report on expected energy costs from various technologies, projected to 2018—just about the time any of the proposed new nuclear reactors could come online.
The results are stunning: Every renewable energy technology examined is projected to provide electricity cheaper than nuclear power by 2018, even giving nuclear the benefit of the doubt on construction costs.
Let me reiterate: renewable energy of any and every kind will be cheaper than nuclear power by the time any new nuclear reactor can come online, according to the California Energy Commission’s projection.

Construction Work In Progress (CWIP) is being successfully challenged in several states

And this week, Duke Power announced that it is delaying its two proposed Lee reactors in North Carolina by up to three years.

And in Florida: Florida 's Public Service Commission probed amid FPL rate bid.
The state's top law enforcement agency is investigating the Public Service Commission on grounds that commissioners and staff members may have had improper relationships with the utilities they regulate. Two of the five PSC commissioners and its executive director said Tuesday that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation based on a complaint, and is preparing to interview all five commissioners and some among their staff. Leon County State Attorney Willie Meggs is assisting in the investigation, sources said...About time !!!

The French Company Areva , who wants to build another reactor at Calvert Cliffs on the Chesapeake Bay just revealed this week that its project in Finland, the construction of the worlds most powerful reactor is mired in difficulties and delays and is over budget by $3.3 Billion. The reactor was meant to have gone online early this summer but Areva no longer is committing to any dates for its completion….final cost unknown!!

Quoting NIRS: “If this is a “Nuclear resurgence” what would a retreat look like.”

In the meantime, the application for license renewal for Salem and Hope Creek states a follows: "operation of Salem has had no adverse impacts on populations and communities inhabiting the Delaware Estuary” (PSEG 2006a, Section 5). These conclusions are consistent with theresults of similar analyses performed in 1999 (PSEG 1999a) and earlier studies [page 2.13].

This is a truly scandalous statement!
The truth is that Salem kills 3 Billion fish annually.

Expert Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who sued EPA in 1993 on behalf of the Riverkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance said, "These fish kills are illegal". Kennedy continues on an Internet site, "Just one facility, the Salem nuclear plant in New Jersey , kills more than 3 billion Delaware River fish each year, according to the plant's own consultant".
http://www.tmia.com/node/119

Illegal? Indeed. We have NEPA !!! Check it out.

Again NRC is asking for comments on license renewal for Salem , tell them what you think. Direct your comments to Donnie.Ashley@nrc.gov.

~*~

White House Increasing Transparency?

CNN Says Obama to open White House visitor's log ~

Today, the President will announce WH visitor logs will be released on a regular basis, so the public knows who's coming and going.

(h/t Glenn Greenwald's twitter)

~*~

God Speed Officer Spicer

God Speed Officer Spicer

May we find the way to end the violence on our streets. You and your family's sacrifice is deeply felt by all.

On Fighting The Spin On The Public Option

Atrios says it ~

...our media will never tell you the dirty little secret that the public option will be cheaper.

Well, A-man, from the looks of it, the White House isn't exactly interested in the public welfare either. Funny that, Mr. Emanuel.

Meanwhile, don't miss this one from FDL ~ Day II Spin on the Death of the Public Option

~*~

Obama Owns The Dirty Deed Doers In His Administration: Yup, I'm Talkin' 'Bout You, Trigger-Finger Rahm

Delawareans know that Senator Tom Carper is stuck on the delay tactic trigger for stalling health insurance reform. Today, Jane Hamsher gets busy with the evidence that the White House is secretly employing Republican help in pushing for this despicable stall mechanism that progressive DEMs want nothing to do with ~

I thought it was weird when Olympia Snowe suddenly started
pushing triggers. Rahm Emanuel has been lobbying for them since early in the year, and lately the White House has been trying to burnish the image of "triggers" by pressing liberal validators into service. And now, according to Marc Ambinder, lo and behold:

Senior White House officials, in conversations with reporters today, are floating the idea that President Obama is secretly negotiating with Sen. Olympia Snowe over a health care compromise that would phase in a government-funded health care alternative if private companies fail to meet quality and cost benchmarks over a certain period of the time.
...For months, White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel has been pushing the idea of a "trigger" internally, and he and Snowe regularly trade legislative and political intelligence.

That's great. Not satisfied with working through Blue Dogs any more, Rahm is now using Republicans to write his trillion dollar bailout of the health care industry.

Dear White House,
Americans want our federal government to compete with the for-profit health insurance companies who monopolize our states NOW and a real, robust public option for health insurance NOW. We want to strengthen our economy by ensuring that small businesses and families have access to quality, affordable health care NOW. The trajectory for health insurance costs will put us ALL OUT OF BUSINESS soon enough. We can't stall this reform, Mr. President. We can't afford a 'trigger'
'wait-and-see' scam.

~*~

Congressional Candidate Scott Spencer Announces Plan To Link Delaware To The BRAC Jobs In Aberdeen By Rail

(presser)

Spencer Proposes Delaware Commuter Rail Service to 25,000 Jobs at Aberdeen Proving Ground; Marks Labor Day Weekend with Call to Start Service in 2010;

Plans Commuter Trains to Connect Claymont, Wilmington, Newport and Newark with Aberdeen, Maryland

1:30pm Thursday, September 3rd
Track 2, Platform Location E (near the elevator)
Amtrak Wilmington Train Station
MLK Blvd and French Streets

Democratic Congressional Candidate Scott Spencer will mark the upcoming Labor Day holiday with a plan to link Delaware, by commuter rail service, to 25,000 jobs at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The jobs are part of the military’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan that must be fully implemented by September, 2011.

“This train line will be an economic lifeline for Delawarean’s to get to the most significant opportunity for jobs in our region – Aberdeen Proving Ground and the support jobs with defense contractors relocating to Aberdeen,” Spencer says.

At the press conference Spencer will announce details about:

· The commuter train route map
· Train schedules between Delaware and Aberdeen
· A plan to start the service in 2010 using surplus Amtrak equipment
· Opening a new train station in Newport by 2012
· Financing from three states to operate the new service

“This economic initiative will also help boost Delaware real estate sales. It will encourage Aberdeen employees and support businesses to relocate to Delaware and use the fast, convenient connection of commuter train service. It is essential that the service have a fast track start in 2010 so that Delaware can have access to the 25,000 Aberdeen jobs before most employment decisions are finalized by the September, 2011 BRAC deadline,” Spencer says

~*~

With Flags At Half-mast, Delaware Mourns The Loss Of One Of Our Finest, Chad E. Spicer; Vigil Set For 6PM Friday In Georgetown

WNJ reports ~

A candlelight vigil for slain Georgetown Patrolman Chad E. Spicer will be held Friday in downtown Georgetown.
The vigil will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on The Circle, Mayor Eddie Lambden said.
The area will be blocked off to traffic and detours will be set up, he said.

~*~

News from Governor Markell -- HB 73 To Allow More Guardsmen To Seek Post-secondary Degrees

Markell Signs Legislation Expanding Education Benefits

for National Guard Members

SMYRNA – With Delaware National Guard members looking on, Governor Jack Markell signed legislation on Tuesday that will provide Delaware National Guardsmen with financial assistance for higher education.

The legislation, House Bill 73, was sponsored by Rep. Earl G. Jaques Jr., D-Glasgow, who drafted the original legislation more than 10 years ago while he was with the Guard. The new law expands an existing program to allow more guardsmen to seek post-secondary degrees. A retired Delaware Air National Guard colonel, Rep. Jaques said that more than 1,000 guardsmen have taken advantage of the original financial assistance program through the years, but there were two areas that he felt needed to be addressed: grade point average (GPA) requirements and a master’s degree.

“Just as the competitive global economy is requiring businesses to find more highly skilled workers, the military is also requiring more highly skilled troops to meet our national defense needs,” Gov. Markell said. “HB 73 enhances educational benefits without increasing costs to the Delaware taxpayer. Expanding education benefits for Delaware’s Guard personnel will meet the desires of our current and future Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen to gain more education to make their Guard experience more fulfilling.”

House Bill 73 allows guardsmen to pursue a master’s degree and still receive funding through the financial assistance program. Under the original law, funding was available only for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. The new law, however, does not allocate any additional funding. Priority for funding will be given to guardsmen enrolling in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Any remaining funding will be allocated to those pursuing a master’s degree.

“There is a new information technology unit in the Guard that requires members to have or be working on a master’s degree, and because the original legislation didn’t include master’s degrees, we felt we should expand the program to meet the needs of that unit,” Rep. Jaques said.

Major General Francis D. Vavala, adjutant general for the Delaware National Guard, said that expanding the program to include master’s degrees will allow Delaware guardsmen to be more competitive both in the Guard and out in the private sector.

“The education assistance program has been one of those great benefits that we have been able to offer to people to join the Guard,” Maj. Gen. Vavala said. “This bill will upgrade and enhance the previous education assistance program and give us more latitude. With the master’s degree, it allows our people to progress further with their education, which pays dividends to the state, having their hometown, homeland security force better educated and trained.”

~*~

A Free Health Care Fair Set For Saturday, Sept. 5th At PSA

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Organizing for America
SEIU, AFSCME
Delaware Democratic Party, ACORN, HCAN

Are proud to present

A FREE HEALTH CARE FAIR

Featuring FREE SERVICES:

Physicians from:
IPC Hospitalists providing Health Screening
Bishop JR Gandy – Zelder & Ewart Wynter

Massage Therapy by
Chris Boyd – Ryan Holley – James Menz

Vision Screenings by
Simon Eye Associates

Chiropractic Care by
Dr. James A Ferraro

Cholesterol Testing
Henrietta Johnson
Height – Weight – Blood Pressure

Tables Being Manned by:
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation *Rite Aid Pharmacy *West Side Health *American Lung Association *Simon Eye Associates *Alzheimers Foundation *New Legacy RX Card *Delaware Hiv/Aids *Henrietta Johnson Medical Center *Wilmington Police

DATE: Saturday, September 5, 2009
TIME: 10 AM - 2 PM
PLACE: Peoples Settlement Association
408 East 8th Street, Wilmington DE 19801

For more information contact:
lululipton@yahoo.com or Jennifer Hill 302-293-8682
Darlene Battle, ACORN Head Organizer
Office302-656-3699
Cell 302-588-1782
de.head.org@acornmail.net

IN SUPPORT OF HEALTH CARE REFORM AWARENESS

~*~

Delaware's Sustainability Energy Utility Rolls Out An Appliance Rebate Program

Sustainable Energy Utility’s

DELAWARE APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM SAVES MONEY AND ENERGY
Cash Back for ENERGY STAR® Qualified Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers and Dehumidifiers

(WILMINGTON, DE) – Delawareans interested in energizing their savings on their energy bills now have a new incentive to upgrade their older, energy-sapping appliances for new, high-efficiency models. Today the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility’s (SEU) “Energize Delaware” initiative is providing mail-in rebates ranging from $25-$100 for ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dehumidifiers.

The SEU’s Energize Delaware Appliance Rebate is the first of many programs to help Delawareans save money, create new jobs and protect the environment. The Delaware SEU is a non-profit, one stop resource to help residents and businesses save money by conserving energy, and tapping clean energy sources like solar, geothermal and wind.

“The appliance rebate program offers Delaware residents a win-win-win proposition,” said Sen. Harris McDowell, whose legislation created the SEU. “There are environmental benefits, energy-efficiency benefits, and significant pocketbook benefits.”

Old appliances are some of the biggest energy users in homes, and replacing the old with more efficient models can save customers hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills. If every household in Delaware had a 2009 ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator instead of a standard model, the lifetime savings in our state would be more than $49 million. The kilowatts saved would be enough to supply electricity to nearly 250,000 homes in Delaware for a year.

The rebates offered through the SEU’s Energize Delaware Appliance Rebate Program include:
Refrigerators – $100 for qualified ENERGY STAR® models. Customers usually select a new refrigerator based on the design (top freezer, side-by-side, etc.). The $100 rebate is designed to help the customer to make a selection that combines the preferred style with ENERGY STAR® qualifications.
Freezers – $50 for qualified ENERGY STAR® models. The rebate is also designed to help customers realize they can find their choice in a high-efficiency model.
Clothes Washers – $75 for qualified front-load, ENERGY STAR® models. The savings on ENERGY STAR® front load washers is the highest of all the typical household appliances due to the energy savings of the unit and the hot water heater as well as the water usage. $50 for qualified top-load, ENERGY STAR® models. These washers are nearly as efficient as front-load washers
Dehumidifiers – $25 for qualified ENERGY STAR® models. These dehumidifiers save energy, and by buying the right size model for your home can help reduce heating and cooling costs by taking high moisture content out of the air.

Additional appliances will be eligible for the rebate program early next year. The SEU is also looking into a recycling program to ensure inefficient models are pulled out of service. Currently Delawareans won’t need to turn in their old appliances to benefit from the program.

To get their rebates, consumers can go to www.energizedelaware.org and print the rebate form or visit any of the 50-plus participating appliance retail stores throughout Delaware. Stores will continue to sign up for the program throughout the month of September. Upon making their qualifying purchase, consumers will fill out a rebate form and send the completed form along with the printed sales receipt to the address on the form. Once the application has been submitted and approved, consumers should expect a debit card with their rebate amount within 4 – 6 weeks. The rebate card makes it easy for consumers to immediately access and use their rebate dollars without having to cash a check. A toll-free number, 877-624-4448 has been established to respond to information requests. Consumers can find additional details about the program at www.energizedelaware.org .

The appliance rebate program is particularly well suited for Delaware. Research commissioned by the SEU to identify the best opportunities to save money found that two-thirds of homeowners want to improve their home efficiency, but only 42 percent have plans to do so. Money was cited as the biggest barrier.

“We know if Delaware’s residents and businesses are given the information and the tools to save money and energy, improve the economy and find new sources of green energy, they will do their part,” said Dr. John Byrne, SEU Board Co-Chair. “The timing could not be better or more urgent. By leveraging state, federal and private bond money and incentives, the SEU will be able to reduce or remove many of the barriers that currently prevent Delawareans from taking action to save money and energy.”

Other new Energize Delaware programs designed to help residents and businesses save money and energy, create new jobs and improve the economy and environment will start to rollout this fall. They include:

• Commercial/Industrial Lighting, which will offer incentives for high efficiency lighting installations and retrofits.
• Renewable Energy Grants, which will assist homeowners and businesses with renewable energy resources .
• Sustainable Communities Initiative, a community-level program to combine renewable energy and efficiency.
• Comprehensive Home Performance Initiative, providing a top-to-bottom approach to efficiency and clean energy sources in Delaware homes. This initiative is slated for 2010.

Energize Delaware is an initiative of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), a unique non-profit offering a one-stop resource to help residents and businesses save money through clean energy and efficiency. The SEU was created by the state of Delaware to foster a sustainable energy future for the state. The SEU model is the first of its kind to be established in the U.S. Under the program banner of Energize Delaware, residents and businesses in Delaware will have a single point of contact for education, resources and programs that will include low and no-cost steps to save thousands on energy bills, boost the economy and improve the environment through new clean energy sources. The Energize Delaware programs will focus on conservation, efficiencies and the use of renewable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal. It is supported by tax-exempt bonds, not Delaware taxpayer money, and will be self sustaining through savings in energy initiatives, and investing a portion of the federal economic stimulus package devoted to efficiency and renewable energy.

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Think Progress Reports On Immigration And Health Insurance; YES, Mike Castle IS Lying

IMMIGRATION
Nativists Hijack The Health Care Debate
Last week, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a report on the treatment of non-citizens in the House health care bill that had anti-immigrant activists patting themselves on the back. "Case closed. Illegal aliens will be eligible to participate in the health care," said Dan Stein of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a designated hate group. However, President Obama has repeatedly affirmed the contrary, and there's specific language in both the House and Senate bills that explicitly excludes undocumented immigrants. In fact, the CRS report better illustrates how health care reform would hurt undocumented immigrants more than it helps them in the absence of any major reform of our immigration laws. But that hasn't stopped nativists from "whip[ping] up fear and anger" about immigrants and health care reform and effectively convincing many Americans that Democrats are blatantly lying to them about immigrant health care coverage, while "winking and nodding at the supporters of illegal immigration." As part of their tireless quest for any excuse to slam "Obamacare," hardcore health care reform opponents have welcomed their deceptive antics with open arms.

RIGHT-WING LIES:
FAIR's messaging mirrors that of the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) and NumbersUSA -- all three of which "stand at the nexus of the American nativist movement." The "nativist lobby" incessantly claims that there are "giant loopholes" in the health care bill. Their biggest qualm is that Democrats killed two Republican amendments that proposed harsh verification mechanisms to enforce sections of the House health care bill, which already explicitly exclude undocumented immigrants. This week, Mark Krikorian of CIS accused Democrats of blatant dishonesty shortly after writing that "supporters of Obamacare continue to deny" that "illegal aliens" will "receive taxpayer-funded subsidies." Krikorian diverts attention from the fact that the majority of uninsured people are U.S. citizens when he makes flashy statements about the high number of uninsured immigrants (legal and undocumented) and their children to argue that the problem is immigration, not health care. Finally, right-wing blogger Michelle Malkin came up with her own paranoid theory that "Obamacare" would not only cover "illegal lawbreakers, border jumpers, visa overstayers, and deportation fugitives," but is also a "means to amnestizing the entire illegal alien population."

NATIVISM GOES MAINSTREAM:
It didn't take long for right wingers who adamantly oppose health care reform to start invoking similar claims. Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) declared, "Obamacare, is going to give every single one of those illegal aliens health insurance," while Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) pointed out that "if you don't like illegal immigration, then you're not going to like this bill either." Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) -- who has repeatedly invoked "fear-mongering right-wing rhetoric" to block health care reform -- claimed "a bill that is silent on eligibility means a bill that includes illegal immigrants." Meanwhile, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) blasted health care reform in the same breath she erroneously blamed Texas' uninsured problem on undocumented immigrants. Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) said that it's perfectly "logical" for people to ask if health care reform will benefit "illegal immigrants," despite the fact that the question is most often raised in a completely illogical -- if not outright hateful -- way. Meanwhile, CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight informed Americans that "people who break immigration laws" will be "rewarded" with free health care, and Fox News continues to validate the myth in its everyday broadcasts.

'TEXT BOOK CASE OF A PHONY ISSUE':
Unsurprisingly, the nativist argument just doesn't add up. To begin with, enforcement amendments were already defeated for good reasons. In the House, the Heller Amendment would have given private insurance providers unprecedented access to the sensitive income and identity information, and the Deal Amendment would have "narrowed the categories" of legal immigrants who would be eligible for benefits. Strict verification requirements have often backfired: For every $100 spent by taxpayers in six states to implement Medicaid's stringent verification requirements, only 14 cents were saved. Nativists are also downplaying a key point made in the CRS report: §142(a)(3) of the bill stipulates that the Health Choices Commissioner will determine the eligibility of individual affordability credits that will involve establishing a verification mechanism. Policy experts have explained that a verification mechanism is best determined after the bill is passed so that the one chosen matches the underlying process for receiving benefits. The CRS report also suggests that -- far from benefiting them -- many undocumented immigrants will be forced by the bill to either purchase insurance at their own expense because their immigration status renders them ineligible for federal assistance or face serious penalties that will apply to all citizens and "resident aliens," irrespective of their immigration status. With all that said, "fear doesn't listen to facts," and that's why the nativists' anti-health care argument has been called a "textbook case of a phony issue." However, there's nothing phony about the fact that uninsured Americans are dying, thousands of American retirees have moved to Mexico in search of better health care, and 12 million undocumented immigrants seek emergency medical care only as a measure of last resort. Lawmakers should put facts before fear in the health care debate and follow it up with an effort to turn hardworking undocumented immigrants into legal residents who pay into the system, instead of being punished by it.

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Friday, September 11th Art Loop At PSA: K.O. Simms' Work

Gerald Levert Dedication
God's Will
September Art Loop

Please come out and view the colorful display of art by Mr. K.O. Simms ~

Friday, September 11th, 6pm at Peoples Settlement

408 East 8th and Lombard Streets
Wilmington, DE

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From The Inbox: FireDogLake Shoots For 40K On Public Option Petition; One More Week To Sign On

Dear Nancy,

In one week, Congress will be back in session. Then, it's crunch time for the public health insurance option. We need to show our resolve right out the gate. If we can get 40,000 petition signatures telling Congress to not back down on a public option, I'll go down to Washington, DC next week with Jane Hamsher and personally deliver your signature to members of the House.We have 32,015 signatures right now. Can you help us get to 40,000 in one week?

Click here to add your name to our petition.

65 members of Congress have stood up and said they'll accept nothing less than a strong public option in response to your tireless work. To thank them, you helped raise more than $400,000 for their campaigns.

Now we need to show them that we're serious about holding the line on the public option. It really is crunch time. Can you help push us over the top before Congress comes back next week?

After you've signed, please alert your friends, family, and coworkers. Thanks so much for your help.

Best,Eve Gittelson (nyceve)

Firedoglake.com

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H1N1 Vaccinations To Be Included For Individuals Covered By Local Health Insurers

COMMISSIONER STEWART APPLAUDS
DELAWARE HEALTH INSURERS
PUTTING THE PUBLIC FIRST

Dover – September 2, 2009 – Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart, CIR-ML, announced today that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware, Aetna , Coventry Health Care and Independence Blue Cross AmeriHealth have voluntarily agreed to offer coverage of the H1N1 vaccinations for their covered policyholders. Commissioner Stewart and the health insurance professional staff in the Department of Insurance working closely with these Delaware-licensed insurance companies concluded that the potential for a Swine Flu epidemic created a challenge that needed to be met with timely and decisive action.

Commissioner Stewart said, “Even though authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccinations is necessary before coverage is authorized, Delaware’s health insurers have put the public first by making a necessary exception for the administration of Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccines. “ The Commissioner continued, “Our insurers, by going well beyond what is required by law, have earned our gratitude for this notable decision. By taking action that could very well be instrumental in reducing the possible proliferation of this strain of flu and thus save lives, our insurance companies have demonstrated that when the public and private sectors partner up and work together, the public is the winner.”

Timothy Constantine, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware said, “The groups the CDC has recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccine are young people, pregnant women, medical services personnel and those with underlying conditions because they appear to be the most vulnerable to Swine Flu. With the expected escalation of the illness this fall, we want to make certain that our policyholders will have coverage for the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available.”

Patrick Young, President of Small Group and Middle Market Business, Mid-Atlantic Region said, “We are pleased to be a part of an effort where we at Aetna, our fellow industry members and the appropriate government agencies are collaborating to insure that we are all well prepared to successfully meet the challenges of this and any future public health emergency before it strikes.”

Marc Malloy, CEO of Coventry Health Care of Delaware stated, “ Coventry has been working for several weeks developing plans to provide access to medical services quickly should a public health crisis occur.”

I. Steven Udvarhelyi, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Independence Blue Cross, the parent of AmeriHealth Delaware, concluded, “We are monitoring the spread of the H1N1 and seasonal flu to keep our members and customers prepared with everything they need to know and do to keep themselves, their employees and their families healthy.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects to have 45-52 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine available for distribution by mid-October, then more available weekly to total up to 195 million doses by year-end. According to Jay Butler, M.D., director of the CDC's H1N1 Vaccine Task Force, health care providers will order the vaccine through their states, which will coordinate with CDC and receive the vaccine and related supplies from a central distributor. In a teleconference with hospitals and other health care providers, Department of Health and Human Services officials said the H1N1 vaccine and ancillary supplies will be available to health care providers free of charge, and that Medicare and Medicaid will reimburse providers for administering the vaccine to beneficiaries. State health departments are expected to post ordering information on their Web sites.

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Sestak Shows A Dramatic Closing Of Gap In Polls Against Specter

Specter in trouble against Sestak

That's right, you read it correctly. Why? 45 ... 29 ... 20 ... 13! Those numbers are the dwindling gap between Arlen Specter and me.

Three months ago, Arlen led by 45 points. Now Arlen leads by just 13 points in the first poll to be released since I officially entered the race. We've made up 32 points in three months, with eight months still to go before the May primary!

We've out-hustled and out-worked Arlen with determination and energy, running on a positive platform of restoring principled ... accountable ... leadership to Pennsylvania. Our state's Patriot-News just reported "the growing perception among political analysts and insiders across the state is that Specter is in more trouble against Sestak than first imagined." Please contribute NOW to increase the pressure ... help us with our expanding campaign! Each dollar you contribute NOW means one additional Pennsylvanian we can touch this September ... closing the gap further!

Warmly, Joe Sestak

P.S. "Tell a Friend". Harnessing the power of the Internet is how we are going to level the play-field in this race. Please "tell a friend" about the changing dynamics in this race, and ask them to please sign up for our e-mails, volunteer their time, or make a donation.

P.P.S. Health Care Town Hall. Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, September 2, 2009 (6:30 p.m - 8:00 p.m.), at www.JoeSestak.com, please watch the live-stream broadcast of my Health Care Town Hall with Republican Senate Candidate Pat Toomey, who accepted my invitation to take audience questions on the current health care reform proposals. It will be the first Town Hall in the nation featuring 2 candidates running for the U.S. Senate, with opposing views on the No.1 issue facing our nation. Please advise others of this event.

Paid for by Sestak For Senate
Sestak for Senate PO Box 1936 Media PA 19063 (610) 891-8956

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Governor Markell's Tax Amnesty Offer --Voluntary Tax Compliance Initiative

(presser)

Delaware Launches One-Time Tax Amnesty Program
State offers until Oct. 30 to pay up or face interest and fees

DOVER -- Statewide, DE – Governor Jack Markell and Division of Revenue Director Patrick T. Carter announced today the launch of Delaware’s Voluntary Tax Compliance Initiative (VCTI). The VTCI is a one-time, tax amnesty program geared to help individuals and businesses file outstanding tax returns and pay off their outstanding State of Delaware tax liabilities.

“Despite these tough budget times, it’s critical we keep moving Delaware forward on issues like our schools, our economy and our progress cutting the cost of government,” Markell said. “The tax amnesty program will help bring in millions in the short term this year and get delinquent filers back on the same financial page going forward next year.”

From September 1st to October 30th, any individual or business taxpayer who registers to file any outstanding tax returns and/ or pay their current outstanding State of Delaware tax liability administered by the Division of Revenue will have their penalty and interest fees waived. All balances must then be paid in full by June 30, 2010.

“Delaware’s tax amnesty program is a great benefit to taxpayers and to the state, especially in this current economic climate,” says Carter. “By reducing someone’s tax liability to just the principle tax amount owed, outstanding balances are significantly reduced and easier to manage. Delaware expects a number of its accounts – some 10 to 20 years old – to be paid in full by October 30th.”

Individuals or businesses with balances from tax periods before January 1, 2009, can register for Delaware’s VTCI program. They must then pay their liabilities in full or enter into a payment plan. Full payment must be received before June 30, 2010, in order to have all penalty and interest fees waived.

Non-filers who file all past-due returns can enter into the same VTCI plan as taxpayers with existing liabilities, except for non-filers, in order to encourage to report all non-filed returns Delaware will waive the penalty, interest and tax balance for periods filed prior to January 1, 2004.

“Delaware is looking forward to an exciting outcome with the VTCI program,” says Carter. “This is the first time Delaware has offered such a program in which taxpayers can get such significant savings and at the same time more money will be added to the state coffers at such a critical time. We are anxious to see how many people take advantage of such a beneficial program.”

To take advantage of this one time, beneficial tax amnesty offer, taxpayers must register with the State of Delaware by October 30th. Call (877) 551-5233 or visit www.delaware.gov

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