ALL TALK, NO ACTION:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY'S

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT RATE

SURGES IN 2008

Wealthy County's Increase Among Highest in MD

Here we go again. When it comes to domestic violence, Montgomery County's elected officials enjoy hearing the sounds of their own voices.

No one should enjoy the statistics that were released this week, that showed the rate of child abuse and neglect skyrocketing by nearly 30% in Montgomery County. Remember, we are the richest county in Maryland. And under the supposedly politically-correct leadership of an all-Democrat county council and executive.

Yet Anne Arundel County - under the leadership of Republican executive John Leopold - had a decrease in its abuse rate. A rare exception among counties, and Mr. Leopold is to be applauded.

I want to take this opportunity again to point out that domestic violence needs to be a Republican issue. This year, I launched an initiative to turn words into action on domestic violence in Montgomery County.

By September, when reports of this popped up in The Gazette, our all-talk Democrat officials were scrambling to respond. Within two weeks of a cable-televised speech I gave on behalf of the Heartly House shelter (www.HeartlyHouse.org) in Frederick, Duchy Trachtenberg was calling a press conference.

After two years of inaction, Councilmember Trachtenberg announced that she was beginning efforts toward the creation of a "one-stop shop for domestic violence victims" in Rockville. I'm not sure if this is even the best use of scant resources for this cause. No one I have discussed ideas with on how to reduce domestic violence has even suggested such a thing. It not only sounds like another expensive bureaucracy, but is reactive, rather than proactive.

There are some county and state legal reforms that would make a difference before a woman or child becomes a victim. Isn't that the real goal here? We don't just want to help victims, but to reduce this terror for once and for all.

Our state's archaic, unconstitutional firearm laws also prevent women from taking a proactive role in defending themselves from domestic and other criminal aggressors. That needs to change as well.

I've also suggested that we pass a county or state law that would mandate 3-5 days of paid leave for victims of domestic violence.

We also have two existing shelters, the Krahnke Center and Heartly House, which need funding more than ever in these tight financial times. They are directly helping victims already, and are more effective than another Big Government bureaucracy.

However, at least the wheels are turning again. It took some action - Republican action - to get people to focus on this issue again. And it's hard to believe that people weren't acting already, given that this year alone has witnessed some of the most horrific domestic violence fatalities in Montgomery and Maryland history.

But this year was just the beginning. I want to do more in 2009, and I'm going to need more people to join in this crusade against domestic violence and the other problems in our county. We can make a difference, and we will.

Despite the all the bad news in 2008, you have to be optimistic. Our county is ripe for change. The failures in leadership are taking us deep into the dark night. But every night comes to an end, and in November 2010, the dawn will be upon us.

To all readers, have a safe New Year's Eve, and a very happy new year. May God bless each and every one of you.

BARVE BUSTED

...AGAIN!!

It is well past time for Democrat House Majority Leader Kumar Barve (District 17) to step down. Certainly from his leadership position, and preferably from his seat in the House of Delegates. Mr. Barve is assembling a rap sheet that is inconsistent with any standard that should be applied to elected officials.

Mr. Barve's latest escapade was reported by The Washington Post, but hidden in a tiny box in the back pages, on a holiday. Clever work by the Post to try to hide it.

The truth is that Mr. Barve has dodged taxes by claiming two homes simultaneously as his primary residence. Here's the best part: Barve apparently passed a law through the House targeting scofflaws who try this very scheme!

A psychologist might have a field day with Mr. Barve's new habit of breaking laws that he wrote himself. (The first was his conviction - and slap on the wrist - for DUI last year. Barve had written drunk driving laws as a legislator which passed in the House).

But as for the citizens, we've had quite enough. It is time for Mr. Barve to step down, especially since he has yet to explain his behavior in a candid and detailed manner.

SEARCHING FOR

A CLUE

Montgomery County's Failed Leadership

Pointing Fingers in All the Wrong Directions to

Protect Itself and Monopoly WSSC from

Criticism on 2nd Water Disaster this Year;

County's Reverse 911,

WSSC Alert Systems

Fail Again

If you believe The Washington Post, County Executive Ike Leggett, Governor Martin O'Malley, and the all-Democrat County Council, the River Road water main catastrophe was not the fault of the WSSC. Instead, they are blaming a defunct pipe supplier and you, the taxpayer(!!).

It's outrageous.

Leggett and other officials say that you weren't willing to pay the massive yearly fee proposed by the WSSC in concert with their Democrat buddies in Rockville. And that prevented the monopoly utility from maintaining its system.

Not true. As readers of this blog know, the WSSC was given sufficient funds over the years to maintain and repair our water system, but chose to spend those funds on other things.

Let's get this straight. There is no accountability to the taxpayer, yet the taxpayer is being asked to give gigantic new sums to our monopoly water company.

It's outrageous.

What's worse is that Mr. Leggett and the all-Democrat county council have not held the WSSC accountable either. In fact, they voted for the massive fees until they were stopped by their counterparts in Prince George's County. There, County Executive Jack Johnson went on the record as agreeing that WSSC was given sufficient funds, but spent them on other things.

Mr. Leggett failed to show the same leadership as Mr. Johnson. The WSSC should not be rewarded with new money from either Montgomery residents nor the American taxpayer through new Federal awards for "infrastructure." Incompetence and mismanagement are not to be rewarded. Instead, the public needs to know where all the money went. Why has the WSSC failed to maintain its system. Where is the accountability? The people who were in charge need to be held accountable for their mismanagement. Not the customer.

Most importantly, where is the competition in utilities that will raise quality and lower prices?

You'll have to elect new leadership to make that happen.

Until then, Montgomery's leaders will continue to put politics first, safety last.

Once again, there was no reverse 911 to inform the public of the catastrophe. No reverse 911 to inform the public of possible drinking water contamination. And the WSSC alert system did not send any email messages out - none at all!! (I know because I signed up for the alerts months ago.)

This was an instant replay of the June disaster all over again. And with all of that experience, the executive and council chose to handle it exactly the same way.

Then O'Malley and Leggett do a photo op on River Road, attempting to take credit for the valiant rescues by firefighters and the State Police helicopter.

Here's one other detail - exclusive to http://www.robertdyer.net/ and not mentioned on TV or in the papers - that State Police chopper had to come from Andrews Air Force base. That's because, currently, our executive and council (in concert with the governor) have sat idly by while Montgomery's own helicopter was removed from its base within the county!!!

It's outrageous.

Once again, our county government puts politics first, safety last.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO

DR. YES

Here is the top item on Royce Hanson's Christmas list:

A Nintendo DS game called "Build A Lot." You can play this game and be Dr. Yes or a developer! You can social engineer! You, too, can abuse your powers of eminent domain!

A quote from the game description:

"Become a real estate mogul and take over the housing market as you construct, upgrade and sell houses for huge profits. You can flip houses for quick cash or sit back and watch the rental income pile up. Travel to scenic towns and perform special tasks for the local mayors (hint, hint), or toss out the blueprints (or even the current residents!) and create your own dream neighborhood in Casual mode. There's plenty to do and lots of fun ahead in Build-a-lot!"

Sounds just like real life in Montgomery County!

The perfect gift for the mixed use developer or elected official on your holiday shopping list!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FROM

WWW.ROBERTDYER.NET!!!

Let's take a break from all of the economic catastrophes, political scandals, Montgomery County corruption and pollution, etc. for the holidays.

Here are some inspiring examples of the disabled having a chance to participate in activities alongside their able-bodied peers. You may remember the long controversy over a local disabled high school athlete who wanted to compete in track events. Endless attempts at legal intervention ensued, all with the goal of preventing her from competing - or even racing without the results counting! It was outrageous.

Follow this link, and find out what happens when closed minds and bigotry don't get in the way. You should reach a Yahoo! menu, and on the right side - among other stories - you will see headlines about disabled students participating in "The Nutcracker" ballet, and playing football.

http://spotlight.news.yahoo.com/v/11076595

This is really what the goal is: mainstreaming disabled and special needs children, instead of isolating them.

DR. YES'

URBAN LEGEND

Floreen, Knapp, and Greedy Developers Agree:

Montgomery County is Urban, not Suburban(???)

Dr. Yes has made a breakthrough! Now that the future plans of Dr. Yes (a.k.a. Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson) are becoming known (such as a plan to build Bethesda Row from the Naval Hospital to Clarksburg along 355), he's making no bones about it. He wants to declare Montgomery County to be one large city, and replace a suburban development concept with an urban one.

Is Montgomery County an urban city? Not quite. Downtown Bethesda (and only the downtown) is urban, and should be developed that way. Downtown Silver Spring... it is now an urban area. Friendship Heights? Too small to be a city, but definitely urban in character. Rockville? Not unless Disneyland counts as "urban." (I'm referring to the only "urban" part of Rockville, the new "Town Center," so aptly described recently by a citizen as a "food court with gift shops.") Rockville Pike is not urban. It is a suburban commercial strip such as you would find anywhere from Westminster to 301 in Southern Maryland to Towson. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. "It is what it is," as the business majors say.

The rest of the county - a majority - is suburban, exurban, or rural in nature. But there won't be much nature left if Dr. Yes has his way.

He wants to increase density, pave over green space, and turn old shopping centers such as those on Westbard into gargantuan, mixed use debacles. As usual, the mass transit fantasy will be used (don't forget Dr. Yes approved minimal surface parking for Clarksburg Town Center, which is about as far from Metro as the moon!!) to justify a simple cash scheme: Planning Board and County Council rubber stamps for developer greed. Somebody get the Illinois governor on the phone...

The Gazette states that councilmember Nancy Floreen (D - At Large) "agrees with much of what Hanson is advocating." "I think the vast majority of residents bought into a suburban lifestyle," she said. News update: this is the suburbs!

Dr. Yes plans on a risky financial scheme that could further threaten the county's financial stability - even as our Democrat leaders have run the budget into the ground already.

But who will really pay the bills for Dr. Yes' freakish concept? YOU! Check the fine print: "special taxing districts" will be created, so that citizens can pay even more taxes.

Mike Knapp says greater density equals less traffic. There's a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, ladies and gentlemen.

"Royce sees the future as now," says Knapp.

What a scary future it is. Sort of like Back to the Future II, with the homeless guys warming their hands over barrels. Concrete canyons, high crime, and toxic waste. Cramped apartments over Metro stops (do you know how much exhaust and carcinogens are in the air around those bus stations, anyway), low wages, and lots of welfare and big government programs.

Residents must stand up and say "NO" to Dr. Yes.

MEANWHILE,

BACK AT STATELY

WAYNE MANOR...

You've played by the rules... and lost again! If you didn't McMansionize your home already, the County Council has just reduced your property value. New restrictions mean that your property cannot be built/mansionized to the size and degree that McMansion pioneers were allowed to build.

Hard to believe, but Mike Knapp was actually right on an issue for once. Knapp was the only councilmember to vote against this too little, too late legislation. It's not that I'm in favor of the abuses committed by McMansionizers over the last few years. Nor do I enjoy the tremendous noise, dust, stench, and filth generated by these projects - some even after business hours or on weekends. But property rights are an issue, as long as one was within the current guidelines.

The problem is, the legislation is not retroactive. So all this means is that homeowners who cheated will prosper. And now other homeowners have a different, stricter standard. That is an affront to private property rights. Shouldn't the rest of us be allowed to be McMansionizers, too?

The law should apply to everyone, or to no one - isn't there something about that in the Constitution?

ZERO TOLERANCE

FOR

DEMOCRAT DRUNK

DRIVERS?

Driving on Little Falls Parkway yesterday, I saw an electronic sign warning people not to drink and drive. It went on to say "Zero Tolerance. Go to Jail."

That's the way it should be. Just one question. Why didn't Democrats Del. Kumar Barve and O'Malley Budget Secretary T. Eloise Foster go to jail when they were busted for DUI last year. .001% tolerance perhaps, but clearly not Zero Tolerance. Why are some people above the law and others not?

WESTBARD INDUSTRIAL

ZONE POLLUTION

REVEALED?

USA Today Investigation Reveals High

Levels of Pollution and Carcinogens at All Schools

Near Westbard Industrial Zone; Raises New

Questions about WWI Munitions Recovery Operations

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

My discovery last year of brownfields in the Westbard industrial zone, and concerns about pollutants there, have been vindicated by a new USA Today report.

This week, USA Today is publishing a series (also online at http://smokestack.usatoday.com) on air pollution near schools. Strangely, all of the schools in the vicinity of the Westbard zone rated highly for pollutants.

(Westland MS, Westbrook ES, Washington Waldorf School, Washington Episcopal School, Little Flower School, Abingdon Montessori School, Holden Montessori Day School, Wood Acres ES).

They are the only "grey"-colored schools on the list in Bethesda!

Is this just a coincidence?

I believe this again shows the need for comprehensive environmental testing of the entire industrial zone. The USA Today report details a variety of chemicals present. In the print edition only, it names benzene as a carcinogen present at Westbrook ES. This is found in cleaning chemicals, and other cleaning chemicals were present at the former chemical lab site brownfield. Importantly, there is an American Chemical Co. building (which has not even been investigated yet) and numerous other potentially-polluting businesses in the zone. Hydrochloric acid is found in oil-related industry, and the MTBE brownfield was a former fuel transfer station. Not to mention the many auto-related businesses in there. (Manganese = car batteries?)

So where are these chemicals coming from?:

1. The Westbard industrial zone is a likely source, but no one other than myself is currently onto this possibility.

2. The USA Today report fingers only one local source, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site at Dalecarlia. This raises new questions. Against nearby residents' wishes, a towering pile of dredged sediment is being compiled near Sibley Hospital. But there is more going on there than the Corps is telling us, and I suspect the buried munitions are more widespread than thought.

3. The levels of chlorine and sulfuric acid found by USA Today are consistent with World War I gas munitions.

4. Of course, we are within range of the Alexandria and Dickerson power plants. Hence the carbonyl sulfide.

In summary, I believe residents have a right to know what we are being exposed to from the Westbard zone, and the Dalecarlia operations.

Unfortunately, the USA Today reporters were unaware of the information I discovered about the industrial zone, or the full nature of the Dalecarlia operations.

ALL DEVELOPERS ARE

NOT CREATING EQUAL

I realize that I am often critical of developers on this website and in speeches I have given. Sometimes I hear from developers who disagree with my opinions. Some have asked if there are any development projects I like.

In fact, there are some projects I believe are outstanding. They include:

The Chevy Chase Bank and Newlands buildings in downtown Bethesda. B.F. Saul's former is pure Gotham; the latter is Art Deco meets Bethesda. I love how you can see the CCBB over here in west Bethesda, when the leaves are off the trees in winter. Both are big, tall, and glass (not brick) unlike so many unimaginative brick low-rises in downtown Bethesda. Also the Bethesda Metro Center.

As outlandishly rich as the Collection at Chevy Chase is in these tough economic times, as a project it is a phenomenal success. Notice that, to my knowledge, it has no vacant condo/mixed use features. It is just an upscale shopping and dining center. (There ought to be free parking, though).

Little Falls Mall (a.k.a. the shops at Sangamore Place) is the definitive blueprint for how you redo a strip mall the right way. It should not only be used as a model for the redevelopment of the Westwood Shopping Center, but for all of the strip malls targeted by developers along Rockville Pike. If W.C.&A.N. Miller's Sangamore Place is not award-winning, it ought to be. I almost can't believe it was rebuilt in such outstanding fashion in this time of mixed-use development excess. It is an understated triumph. (Free surface parking).

There are a lot of terrible projects in the works for Rockville Pike and downtown Bethesda. But I like what I've heard about the plans for Chevy Chase Lakes shopping center by the Chevy Chase Land Co. (who also did the Collection). And there was a fantastic plan being floated a few months ago for Langley Park. It was going to incorporate Spanish colonial architecture (which I love) and Latin American colonial plaza designs into a world-class redevelopment of the area.

So don't think that all developers and development are bad; just call it like it is, and when a dumb growth project is approved by Dr. Yes, I won't hesitate to hold our officials accountable on this website. And I will have positive comments when developers do the right thing. You just read them above.

DWD

(DRIVING

WHILE

DEMOCRAT)

Democrat Kumar Barve Received

Slap on the Wrist in DUI Conviction;

Republican Fossella Headed to Slammer for

Same Offense

Let me start off by saying that both House Majority Leader Kumar Barve and Rep. Vito Fossella (R) should have received a tough penalty for drunken driving. Mr. Fossella (to an extent even beyond Mr. Barve) further disgraced himself as a public official in the most reprehensible manner.

The problem is, only the Republican got the sentence of 5 days in jail (still weak for such reckless behavior). Why did Barve and fellow Maryland Democrat T. Eloise Foster avoid even a similar sentence for their drunken escapades on Maryland's highways?

Is it because Democrat elected officials are above the law?

Prosecutor David Lord said that "Fossella's case was handled 'in the same fashion as all DWI cases,'" according to the Associated Press.

Not in the same fashion as Barve and Foster's.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE

FOR THE

WASHINGTON POST

DEMOCRAT

PROTECTION PROGRAM?

Martin O'Malley is!

When the Washington Post wasn't singing the praises of Ike Leggett and the county council today (who have a $650 million deficit looming in 2010) as "fiscal" heroes(!!! pretty strong stuff in that coffee at the Post, apparently)....... .........it was playing ventriloquist dummy for the latest hogwash Martin O'Malley press release out of Annapolis.

Yes, the Post/Gazette Democrat Protection Program has its O'Malley reelection campaign fully underway. And away we go!

There was no critical analysis whatsoever by John Wagner of O'Malley's expensive land preservation program. There is merit to the initiative, but surely there are negative aspects to any expenditure during a budget crisis of this size. This comes only days after puff pieces on topics such as a website for "tough times." I guess that's where Baltimore residents are supposed to get daily instructions after O'Malley left the city in ruins.

This is not journalism, it is an illegal in-kind contribution!

WHEN IS A

DEAL NOT A DEAL?

"I'm the first to say we can't afford

generous agreements offered in

better times."

- George Leventhal (D-At Large)

The current budget crisis in Montgomery County is outrageous enough. But what are we to make of the bizarre negotiations over contracts agreed to by Ike Leggett and the all-Democrat County Council with the unions of county employees?

What is the point of a negotiated deal or a contract, if one side does not live up to the agreement? This is exactly what has happened. Mr. Leggett and his Democrat allies on the council made these deals for political gain. In return, they had the full political support of the unions.

Now that they have mismanaged the county budget, Leggett & Co. want out of the contract. The amazing part is, the unions apparently are going to let them.

Are these the same union leaders and employees who battled and heckled their way through tense negotiations and hearings earlier this year?

Why no more Mr. Nasty Guy? Well, it appears that once again it is politics first, safety last in Montgomery County.

The unions and their members wanted 8% increases. They got them for political reasons. But now, they are willing to give them up for political reasons. They recognize that if the county goes bankrupt, their Democrat buddies will be pushed to the curb by voters in 2010. So now they will forsake the 8% to save the Democrats.

There are a number of problems here besides politics first, safety last.

1. There is something morally bankrupt about taking away increases from firefighters and police officers. These were agreed to, and the county must live up to its end of the bargain. Our public safety employees take on life-threatening tasks, and therefore more financial risk.

2. If the union leaders are willing to give away their members' money, what is their reason? If not politics, then what?

3. How can the county be trusted at all in future negotiations? It seems they can agree to anything and go back on it later if they need to politically. Is that satisfactory to union employees?

4. Now that the Democrats have broken the agreement, will the unions support Democrats in 2010? If so, why?

Here's the bottom line. The county executive and council taxed and spent their way into a $450-$650 million dollar shortfall. This was caused partly by agreeing to large union contracts, for political reasons, when it was assumed that the taxpayer's dime would cover the cost.

That is the most basic failure of our elected officials. It is fiscally irresponsible to agree to contracts without considering at all that revenues could fall in the future. A fiscal conservative would not assume that today's revenue would be tomorrow's; it is as simple as that. Leggett and the council made that assumption, and now they must pay the price for that in 2010.

Secondly, even if the Democrats succeed in breaking the union contracts, they will save only $125 million. Out of up to $650 million needed to balance the budget. Given that the only other big item put forward - and rejected by the council - was a $19 million dollar MCPS budget cut, it is mathematically impossible for the county to balance this budget. Or at least, to balance it and still get reelected in 2010.

What are they going to do? Seriously.

Finally, how about that quote from At-Large Democrat George Leventhal?

What is a "generous" agreement? Does that mean "paying out more than necessary," or "more than we can afford if the economy changes for the worse?" Was there a political motive for being so "generous?" I dare say, yes there was!

What does Leventhal mean by "offered?" I thought the unions asked for the increase. Was the 8% number brought to the table by Mr. Leventhal and not the unions? That would add another twist.

And the most important phrase is "in better times." That relates to what I said earlier - that a true leader, a safe money manager, and a fiscal conservative would give our public safety employees increases they deserve - and direct funds wasted elsewhere to police and fire budgets. But such a leader would never, ever, agree to increases that could not be delivered when times change. And Democrats, awash in your taxpayer funds, agreed to such irresponsible increases.

"I'm the first to say..." Leventhal said. So why wasn't he the first to vote against reckless fiscal decisions when they were made by the body on which Leventhal sits?

The chickens have come home to roost. Will UCFW Local 1994 MCGEO, and the police and fire unions let Leggett, Leventhal, et al, get away with breaking a legal agreement?

Stay tuned.

However this chapter ends, you get to write the ending in November 2010.

EVEN DR. YES

SAYS, "YES, TIMES

ARE TOUGH!"

Attend this Montgomery County planning meeting, but line up early, as hot items are being given away:

"Montgomery County planners seek to learn what you value most about your community -- be it clean air and water or walking in vibrant downtowns. Tell us what you think at one of our community meetings on what should be part of the next county Growth Policy. First 50 in the door will receive a free nylon backpack."

Hurry! Dr. Yes is giving away free! nylon!! backpacks!!!

Wait a minute? How can they afford to give away anything at this point? They've run out of money months ago.

BAMBI DOUBLESPEAK

County government says:

"Be Aware: Deer Management Operations Began October 24

The Department of Parks has listed park closures on various days from sunrise until sunset for seasonal deer management beginning Friday, October 24 at Hoyles Mill Conservation Park."

"Deer Management Operations?"

Translation: Many of these beautiful animals will be unnecessarily killed, for the sake of out-of-control development that has snapped up forests and farmland. For shame, for shame.

THE KEMP DOCTRINE

"Weakness is provocative."

- Jack Kemp, 1996

Are you one of those Americans who voted for Barack Obama because you believed the terrorists would throw down their weapons if he won? This was a real argument made by left-wing Democrats during the campaign. They not only called for immediate surrender in Iraq, but said that the election of Obama would end the war on terror. America would be on the road of penitence, they said. A black president, regardless of qualifications, would "heal the world" and the terrorists would have no reason to hate America anymore. The idea sounded good. It made you feel good. So, tired of the Iraq war as filtered through the prism of Jon Stewart, you voted for peace on earth by virtue of Barack Obama.

How's that working out for you?

Turned on the TV recently?

174 dead in India is the latest report.

Jack Kemp was correct: Weakness is provocative.

Obama says, "let's make a deal." "Let's sit down with our enemies and chat for a while."

In contrast, Ronald Reagan knew that peace was only possible through a display of strength. When Reagan's inauguration came around, Iran was smart enough to release its American hostages. They knew what might lie ahead if they challenged Reagan.

We had too many Americans (aside from the hordes of Acorn illegal voters) who were embarrassed to be Americans in this election. They voted that way. They were manipulated by the media, Hollywood actors, Jon Stewart, their high school teachers and college professors, and just about every other cultural touchstone in America. They were convinced that they should be ashamed. And to do penance, they voted for Obama, who would "restore America's position in the world." (Whatever that means. Oh, brother. How does the only superpower in the world "restore" itself? Did we fall behind Finland at some point?)

I'm not embarrassed or ashamed of my country. The enemies of America will always hate America, no matter what we do, give, or say. As I type this, and as you are reading this - regardless of the hour - there are thousands of people in transit from their homelands to America.

They are walking. They are on boats. They are on trains. They're even swimming. Some of them will die in the process, in their struggle to reach America. As I've asked before, if the world hates America, why do most of its citizens want to live there? They don't hate America - they love it, and they want to be part of it.

Was it Hamilton who said, "a nation that prefers disgrace to danger is ready for a master. And deserves one." ? Something like that.

Unfortunately, a display of weakness in the context of nations invites war, not peace.

It's clear that for the sake of the country, Barack Obama needs to adopt a stronger foreign policy immediately.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, you might want to give thanks that George W. Bush was president in this era of the war on terror. Yes, he made mistakes. Yes, he is leaving office as a conservative socialist, who does not resemble the man we were so enthusiastic about in 2000. Yes, his mistakes cost many Republicans victory in 2006 and 2008. But the record is clear: Seven years, no further attacks on America. It is a record that will earn him high marks from future historians.

Let us pray that a President Obama continues that record throughout his term in office.

DOUBLE THE

CATASTROPHE,

DOUBLE THE

FAILURE OF

LEADERSHIP

Montgomery County finance officials have just revised the numbers - and the county's projected deficit has just doubled! The Ficker Amendment passed just in time. This mess is a disaster of the council's own design. They failed to execute the basic requirements of leadership and fiscal responsibility. Now, where will they find the money as we enter the 2010 election cycle?

Don't worry, The Washington Post and Gazette will find a way to make the council successful in time for the election. I don't know how, and it will take some real spin to do it, but don't they always protect their Democrat friends? It will be entertaining to witness. Where to cut - public safety, social services, education? There are no good options for a council that has detonated the budget with out of control tax-and-spend fiscal mismanagement.

WASHINGTON POST

CONTINUES

O'MALLEY REELECTION

EFFORT

Yesterday's Post continued the newspaper's unethical public relations offensive on behalf of its new dear friend, Governor Martin O'Malley. (Not to be outdone, MPT has announced a new O'Malley TV show, patterned on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's Alo Presidente - I'm curious if this show will include footage of the violence and open air drug markets in O'Malley's Baltimore, and the other failures of his leadership there for which he was so unjustly rewarded with the governor's mansion in 2006?)

According to John! Wagner!!, O'Malley is about to end hunger in the state of Maryland. Check out the disclaimer though - it's not an O'Malley program, he's just going to apply for George W. Bush's existing federal aid. And that doesn't mean he'll get it. Happy Holidays, and warm wishes from your governor who cares so much about the hungry children that he prevented Bob Ehrlich from taking over their failing schools. Believe, indeed.

OBAMA ADDS

SECOND

PRO-ABORTION

CABINET MEMBER

Barack Obama's new Domestic Policy boss was quoted in Obama's own Washington Post as being a passionate supporter of Roe v. Wade. Once again, pro-life Americans have been slapped across the face by divisive pro-abortion appointments by the president-elect who promised to unite the country. Instead, he has united the old Clinton administration.

OBAMA,

WASHINGTON POST:

A STRANGE WAY OF

"FINDING CONSENSUS"

So much for all of the soaring rhetoric (a.k.a. cliches) and talk of "one America." President-elect Barack Obama has predictably swept his "reduce the number of abortions" promises under the rug, and has joined his official newspaper, The Washington Post, in taking hurtful actions to divide America on the abortion issue.

Obama's first action on the life issue was to appoint the head of Emily's List(!!!) as his new White House communciations director. For those many Americans who don't pay attention to the debate... they need to know that Emily's List is a pro-abortion organization.

This is "bringing people together?" This is "finding consensus?"

What could be more offensive to pro-life Americans than appointing such a divisive, polarizing figure to his administration? As always, you have to ignore words, and examine the actions of a leader. And these actions could not be more offensive or hurtful. What a slap in the face to any pro-life American who fell for the Obama "bipartisan, faith-based" hoax.

This story has been covered up - bigtime. It should be a top news story, as Obama has gone back on his promise to unite the country before even taking office.

But what the Post (which has two members of its board of directors on the Obama economic team) did yesterday was to amplify its leader's message.

The Post magazine published an article that was designed to desensitize weak-minded readers to the reality of abortion. It was truly disgusting; a pro-abortion, anti-life propaganda piece.

Is this how Obama finds "consensus," by launching a broadside against pro-life Americans?

OBAMA

VS.

"THE WATCHMEN"

First Critical Film of the

Obama Age Due for Spring Release

The past 8 years have given us a record number of films that are anti-war, anti-America, and anti-President. Of course, the real life figure these movies were criticizing was President George W. Bush. Quite a change, naturally, from the amoral 90s when Bill Clinton was in office.

Hollywood gave us Clinton propaganda in that decade. The sinister presidents and government agents found onscreen during the Nixon, Reagan, and Bush 41 years vanished from the screen. In their place, we had screen gems like "Dave." "Dave" was a liberal fantasy in which a Democratic George H.W. Bush clone would ostensibly be swapped for the real deal, and no one would notice. Democratic Bush 41 then replaced the "evil" Bush's supposedly mean and heartless government with a kindler, gentler, feel-good, liberal one.

How about "Air Force One?" This was supposed to be our handsome, can-do, action hero president (Bill Clinton) taking on those usual stand-ins for Republicans, the fascist/Euro-terrorist heavies aboard the namesake jet.

And that was in addition to drivel like "The American President" with Michael Douglas.

Government, for lack of a better word, was good.

It was a happy time, said the Hollywood liberal elite, and you were supposed to be happy too.

Then George W. Bush got in there, and goodness gracious, all those Socks-the-Cat video games disappeared overnight.

In their place, were hard-hitting films where the U.S. President was once again either a criminal or a fool. And trash by the likes of Michael Moore.

Many "moore" such movies came out this year, and there are "moore" in the pipeline.

And there's the rub.

Now all of these anti-government movies, rap cds, etc. either have to stop or they will be criticizing the Obama administration whether they meant to or not. If you're not pleased by the Obama victory, there is at least going to be a little bit of amusement and entertainment ahead for you as a result of this Hollywood dilemma.

While the top rap artists are pulling on their Mister Rogers sweaters, and becoming Barry Manilow style easy listening artists for Obama, the first critical movie of the new era has arrived.

"The Watchmen" is a film for the Obama era. It is about a president who seizes a third term in office. Now, since Barack Obama is the only president who has both the ego and the "public support" to garner such a Constitutional change, it is entirely conceivable that he would do so.

Here then, you have a president with a third term, who symbolizes Obama. Take that in for starters.

Now consider the propaganda campaign currently underway. The relentlessly positive press, the lack of criticism of Obama's surprisingly predictable and weak cabinet appointments, and the "mass movement" of the "Obama network."

Notice the Obama lawn signs that are still up. What is the message? Is it to intimidate those who did not vote for Obama? Was a central order given by the Obama campaign to keep the lawn signs up?

My favorite interpretation is inspired by my time as a Latin American history major. Many countries in that region, such as Argentina and Paraguay, had strongmen or dictators who ruled in an autocratic style for a time. Those leaders had public symbols that were displayed. Who can forget that light-up Stroessner sign? Genius and ego fused into one.

But there was also the practice of having to display a small portrait of the dictator in your home, and it was mandatory. That's what all these Obama signs remind me of. And those guys used the word "Progress," too.

So we are going to examine this Watchmen phenomenon, and have a bit of fun interpreting how elements of the story symbolize some aspect of the Obama Age.

Think this is made up?

Check out the internet - liberal Hollywood is abuzz about "The Watchmen." They are saying this movie has no place in the "new time" of Obama. They are asking if it can be delayed indefinitely (no chance, given the legion of comic book fans who have been waiting for it). And the producers and studio are actually pausing, and admitting they are doing some soul-searching.

That is fascinating, and although I have never read the comic book and doubt I will put down money for the movie, I am interested to find out the plot details so that we can dissect it here.

Until next time, the balcony is closed, and save me the aisle seat.

WASHINGTON POST

TO BECOME A

STATE-RUN

NEWSPAPER ON

JANUARY 20, 2009

Two Post Directors are Official

Members of Obama Team

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!!

The Washington Post has always been a far-left house organ for the Democratic party. But on January 20, 2009, when Barack Obama is sworn in as our next President, the Post will literally have become a state-run newspaper.

Not surprisingly, The Washington Post is a corporate partner with so many entities that helped Mr. Obama and other Democrats get into office this past November 4. These include NBC, MSNBC, Microsoft, General Electric, etc., etc. All of which are now controlled by the Obama administration, through two members of the Washington Post Co. Board of Directors.

Warren Buffett almost singlehandedly elected Obama himself, by being a major player in the phony financial "crisis" (not to be confused with our country's real financial crisis, the one CNBC doesn't tell you about). Buffett just happened to be a major Obama financier. And a member of the Post Board. The Post - as its own employees now admit - shamelessly backed Obama and provided outrageously biased coverage of the election. Gee whiz, what a surprise.

The same Warren Buffett is a member of the Obama economic team - and absurdly had been proposed as Treasury Secretary. Which would have been like the wolf guarding the... whatever.

But hold on. There is yet another Post Board member on the Obama economic team!! Anne Mulcahy.

What does this mean? First, it is unprecedented in American history. Second, you can expect a newspaper and TV network operated by Obama administration officials to only increase the lovefest coverage they have displayed this year. Most frightening, is the power of the Washington Post, NBC, General Electric, Microsoft, and others to now direct national policy to their financial benefit. Not that big corporations didn't already have influence.

Direct control of major media outlets by White House officials is a dangerous new reality of the Obama administration. And yet, no one has even talked about this Post connection.

As billions and billions and billions of Americans supposedly converge on Washington for the inauguration, expect many a Post company journalist to feel a "thrill" during the events. Will you fall for this foolishness? Prepare yourself for a media lovefest like you have never before witnessed this January 20. Brought to you by the Obama administration.

FICKER

AMENDMENT

HAS COUNTY

OFFICIALS "KICKING

THEMSELVES"

...AND YOU!

Voters and Disabled Police Officers

Blamed by Democrats and Washington Post

for Passage of New Taxpayer Protection

The Washington Post keeps telling us that our all-Democrat elected officials are "kicking themselves" for "allowing" Robin Ficker's tax amendment to pass on November 4. But it seems that those Rockville Democrats - and their close friends at the Post - are kicking others besides themselves.

Our elected officials have shown a contempt for the voter in Montgomery County once again. According to them, we are not intelligent enough to vote on our own. They believe that we voted to pass the Ficker Amendment only because they didn't tell us it was bad. The message is that the voters are mindless and must be prompted how to vote by our all-knowing Big Government.

Preposterous. The amendment was actually the only one on the ballot that stated exactly what it was. Bravo to Mr. Ficker for what is not only a major victory for the taxpayer, but solid evidence that county residents want the fiscal responsibility that Republicans can offer. Now they need to elect Republicans to the council once again in 2010.

Unfortunately, The Washington Post went even further in a bizarre explanation for why voters passed the Ficker Amendment: the Post says it was because voters were thinking about disabled cops. In the Post's twisted view of the world, it is outlandish for a disabled police officer to ask for disability benefits when he or she retires.

But let the Post speak for itself:

"No doubt many voters also may have had in mind [that] more than 60 percent
of Montgomery police officers" received disability benefits. The Post goes
on to say that the majority of retiring officers "are gaming the system and
taking taxpayers for a costly ride."

The Post never misses a chance to criticize any police department, or to praise a criminal. So these nasty attacks are not a surprise.

But what do the attempts of the County Council and the Post to blame Democrat mismanagement of our county's finances on disabled police officers have to do with the Ficker Amendment passing?

I'm as confused as you are.

It's time for the Post, Ike Leggett, and the County Council to admit the facts: they have mismanaged the government, blown the budget apart with tax and spend policies and political paybacks, and now the voters have had enough. This year's massive property tax, parking, and fee increases were quite simply the last straw. Montgomery residents aren't going to take this abuse from their Democrat government anymore.

This was a calling card.

But in November 2010, Republicans will be at the door of power in Rockville.

CHANGE

CAPITAL PROPERTIES

CAN BELIEVE IN

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!

I know it's been two weeks since the election, but I can't resist sharing this exclusive information with you. When driving down Westbard Election Day morning, I passed the Westwood Shopping Center. As I went by the parking lot beyond the Rite Aid, I witnessed a familiar sight. A tent city.

Regular readers will remember how the film crew of National Treasure 2 used our shopping center's vast surface parking to operate a tent city.

This wasn't quite as big, and no big rigs or Metropolitan Police cruisers either.

No, it was Barack Obama's campaign.

It seems that Capital Properties allowed the Obama campaign to use our shopping center as a staging area. There was a white tent set up near the Kenwood Place driveway, a bunch of white Ford Club Wagons, and assorted people standing around amidst Obama signs.

What was happening there? I have no idea, unfortunately. I had to get to my polling place by 7 AM. But once again, Capital Properties has sold (or given away) the use of the lot for a tent city, without informing the surrounding civic associations and residents.

Does this give us any clues about the future operating style of Capital Properties? I don't know, but now we do know that Barack Obama has a big fan at Capital Properties.

COUNTY BUDGET CUTS

TARGET SENIORS,

UPCOUNTY RESIDENTS

"There you go again." After failing - for the moment - to ram through an ambulance fee that would cause seniors to avoid dialing 911 for financial reasons, our county Democrat officials are now going after retirees again.

Not only is the county cutting in-home help currently provided to some senior citizens, but it is also cutting off their transit priviledges.

Note the careful wording of the proposed reduction in Ride-On bus service. Many routes are losing midday service - the time when most senior citizens use public transportation. Younger, working people are primarily onboard during the rush hours. Midday service elimination affects routes such as those in the Grosvenor-Parkside-Montgomery Mall corridor, where large numbers of seniors live. Taken along with Montgomery's draconian property taxes, is there no end to the punishment our Democrat leaders can dish out toward our senior citizen population?

It's outrageous.

Also outrageous is the fact that the majority of bus routes being cut are in the upcounty area, affecting Clarksburg and Damascus. To quote Mike Knapp on another slap to Clarksburg...

"to the residents of Clarksburg, your government has basically turned its back on you."

Once again, the peculiar dynamic in government-upcounty relations is strengthened: upcounty residents pay taxes for Metro and Ride-On, but receive no Metrorail service and continual reductions in bus service. With the automobile as the only realistic commuting method for upcounty residents, the failure to serve that area with mass transit is one of the most stinging indictments of our elected officials' environmental hypocrisy.

A government passing expensive measures that hurt residents, builders, and businesses, for the sake of the global warming hoax, turns around and slashes mass transit. That's not green. It's just hypocrisy.

It's outrageous.

WASHINGTON POST

LAUNCHES O'MALLEY

2010 REELECTION

CAMPAIGN

Noticed a lot of coverage of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley in the Post recently? It's not by coincidence. Last week, the Post began publishing a series of short articles that have no negative content, and show the reader O'Malley in action.

Given my last post, you might not be surprised that a pro-criminal newspaper would gear up to help a desperate governor whose motto is "More progress for more prisoners." Well, okay, he said people not prisoners. But when you examine his pro-felon, prisoner release, prison escapee, anti-death penalty, close the Annapolis state police barrack, and $800,000 state police cruiser budget cut record.... ....ladies and gentlemen, I submit that Governor O'Malley and the Post indeed stoutheartedly stand for "More progress for more prisoners" in the great (blue) state of Maryland.

There were puff pieces about mortgage help and other social programs, which had no opposing viewpoints and appeared to have been cut-and-pasted from O'Malley press releases.

Remember when the Washington Post endorsed Bob Ehrlich for purely self-enrichment purposes in 2006? Don't expect the Post to endorse Ehrlich this time around. Mark my words, the Post is backing Martin O'Malley, the only politician in America not under indictment who has an approval rating lower than George W. Bush.

The campaign began last week. Expect more of one of the least popular governors in America in Post pages. That ought to sell some newspapers.

WASHINGTON POST

REMEMBERS "ALLEGED

COP KILLER," BUT

FORGETS THE COP

A recent editorial by the Washington Post editorial board again revealed the newspaper's far-left, pro-criminal concept of America. While eulogizing, defending, and virtually honoring the alleged killer of a Prince Georges County police officer, the Post neglected to mention even once the name of the officer.

His name was Cpl. Richard Scott Findley. He was 39 years old, and left behind a widow and two children, age 6 and 9. His sister, Debora A. Findley, is a Montgomery County police officer.

The Post's omission of the fallen officer is disgraceful. It is shameful. It's bad enough to be soft on crime, but this type of "journalism" is a new low.

CAPITAL PROPERTIES'

INSIDE GAME HAS

BEGUN

Richard Cohen Searching for

Allies to Back Massive, Urban

Redevelopment in Westbard Sector

Friendship Heights Cannot Speak for

Westbard Sector Neighbors

Those who have followed some of the development debacles such as Fallsgrove and Twinbrook know how the game works. One of the first steps developers take, when they are pressing for an unpopular redevelopment, is to win over some token allies in the neighborhood. So be prepared for that as we inch slowly but surely toward zero hour on Westbard. It has been said that Capitol Properties' Richard Cohen has attempted to make contact with a member of the Friendship Heights Committee regarding his plan vs. an alternative plan put forward by that committee.

Now let me stop right here. It must be said that, first of all, the Friendship Heights Committee does not speak for those who live in the communities bordering the Westbard Sector. Although it has been working on this and other issues, it is not an official body which can represent individual civic associations. It is our Springfield neighborhood, as well as Westbard Mews, Kenwood Place Condominiums, Westwood Tower, Park Bethesda, Kenwood and Sumner residents who must have the final say on anything that happens in the Westbard Sector.

Second, so far the aforementioned actual neighbors of Westbard have yet to see the Cohen plan. He has shown it once to the Friendship Heights committee, and now is reaching out to that committee again. The problem with this is that he is talking to the wrong people, and making a terrible blunder diplomatically and economically. Things would go much easier if Capital Properties would come to us, the residents, and show us the plan. To play the devil's advocate, for the sake of argument, why not design a spectacular and unique Westbard Sector concept that will excite the imagination and build genuine support in the neighborhood?

Instead, we are only hearing about a plan. And the rumors sound like a concept that is not only too big, but the same tired, old, mixed-use brick buildings. Dead on arrival.

Third, we haven't been allowed to examine the Friendship Heights Committee's alternative plan yet. Furthermore, we have not signed off on that plan and it should in no way be a starting point for any negotiations. For example, I am hearing about the alternative plan having 4-story buildings. Depending where on Westbard that would be, I and many others would oppose that. We certainly don't want a four-story Westwood Shopping Center. What we do want is improved amenities, and at least one sit-down, upscale family restaurant. And Giant should offer in-store dining like Harris Teeter and Wegman's, and further expand its selection. For example, why can't they sell Zatarain's or Phillips Seafood frozen dinners, or Hungry Man Heroes frozen sandwiches? But other than that and the horrible new logo that destroyed the venerable Giant brand, why would we redevelop a grocery store that just remodeled?

Finally, Mr. Cohen is wasting his time and energy communicating only with a committee that, by name, represents a community several miles away which will be entirely unaffected by the Westbard Sector redevelopment. Our County Council and Dr. Yes and the Planning Board should stop being wined and dined by the Capital Properties Bethesda-based lobbying firm, and start engaging the Westbard Sector Plan and the surrounding neighborhoods. They'd like to win allies among us - and they doubtless will find a handful of nouveau-riche residents who find our venerable Westbard simply inadequate for their champagne wishes and caviar dreams. But they'd better worry about winning a majority of us over.

Can CP design a fabulous new Westbard Sector that is a neighborhood amenity, and not a regional destination and miniature city? Can they accept the reality that, unless a rail line is extended to the area, only 15% of the residents use public transportation? Or will they go ahead with 12-story buildings and thousands of new cars in the neighborhood?

We won't know until they come and talk to us, and let us in on the plans.

WASHINGTON POST

RED-FACED

AFTER BAILOUT FAILS

Newspaper Violating All Ethical Standards as

Bailout Plan Would Benefit Company and Directors

Reading yesterday's Washington Post, you would almost have thought the massive, socialist bailout of fat cat tycoons had passed in Congress. Wrong!! It seems that a few leaders are standing against it, and let's hope they continue to rage against the machine.

Page after page said the bailout was a done deal. The editorial board gave a strong endorsement of the final product. Steven Pearlstein and others said this was a plan that would be well-received by the public. The Metro section spoke for all area citizens, claiming we had all agreed that the bailout of the rich by the poor was a "necessary evil." The Post dared claim all of the above even as Americans nationwide are in revolt against the powers-that-be, and the nutty plan they've devised.

Once again, the Post failed to mention that its own Director, Warren Buffett, is a supporter of the plan, that he is a member of its Board of Directors, and would financially benefit immediately at the taxpayers' expense, should it pass. This is not ethical journalism.

The powers-that be will continue to push for the plan today, using the media outlets at their disposal such as CNBC, the major networks, and, yes, the Post. Let's hope the American people continue to resist this Orwellian doublespeak and soundly reject a socialist, un-American bailout of the rich by the taxpayer.

I didn't know we could print unlimited amounts of money. Now that we know we can, will we print another $700 billion to save the world from poverty and disease?

Governor Martin O'Malley indulges a local reporter's request to demonstrate the vise grip he has on the taxpayers of Maryland. O'Malley was making a back-t0-school visit to Walter Johnson High School here in Bethesda. Maryland has the 4th highest taxes in America.

Photo: The Gazette, September 10, 2008

HURRICANE IKE

AND

COUNTY COUNCIL

MAKE DISABLED COPS

SCAPEGOATS FOR

DEMOCRATS' FISCAL

MISMANAGEMENT

Competing, Politically-Motivated

Reports Agree on One Thing: It's

Their Fault, Not Ours

In the most stunning doublespeak since the WSSC catastrophe in June, Montgomery County officials are attempting to blame their budget woes on disabled police officers. They believe too many officers are collecting disability benefits. There are 2 problems with this: One is that the officers have been examined by doctors to qualify. Second, this is the system the county created! So they are blaming disabled officers for using the programs they themselves put into place.

The Washington Post joined in as well. Why? They don't want our taxes to go down. But, like other Democrats and the special interests, they'd like to have some of that money to use for other things. And apparently, they don't mind taking the money from disabled police retirees. It's outrageous.

What's really at issue is that the executive and council have woefully mismanaged the finances of our county for years. Now the chickens are coming home to roost, and they want to divert attention from their failure to a trumped up "scandal" in the police department.

The local media has fallen for it - will you? The county has tried to embarrass the police union and department, and they've tried to hurt our firefighters with a "take from the needy and give to the greedy" ambulance fee. For shame. Once again, in Montgomery County, it's Politics First and Safety Last.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

GOVERNMENT TO

SHUT DOWN

Financial Mismanagement to Close

Government Offices, Libraries for Days

Ike Leggett has made the startling announcement that he will attempt to shut down Montgomery County's government offices and services (including public libraries) for several days, as a result of his and the county council's budget-busting spending.

It has come to this. Decades of mismanagement by Democratic executives and councilmembers have finally brought our county to its knees. In a year in which basic public safety services such as 911 service and clean water were not available in Montgomery County, the county government is now just going to close down altogether - providing no services! And this is what you pay high taxes for?

I seem to recall Republicans being hammered for the 1990s Federal government shutdown. Will Mr. Leggett and his Democrat councilmembers be harshly criticized by the media, and held equally accountable at the ballot box in 2010?

DR. YES SAYS

"YES!"

TO MORE LUXURY

HOUSING FOR THE

RICH

Moderate-priced Apartments in

Silver Spring to be Torn Down, Replaced by

"Luxury Apartments"

Dr. Yes, a.k.a. Royce Hanson, has just signed off on another measure to provide more luxury living for the rich, and a swift boot to the poor. Perhaps Dr. Yes can provide them with an escort, to speed needy residents and their modest belongings to the county line. This is what they call "social justice" in Montgomery County, ladies and gentlemen.

THE AMBULANCE FEE

PROPAGANDA YOU

PAID FOR

Taxpayer-funded Brochure Touts

Fee Yet to Be Passed by County Council

A www.RobertDyer.net Exclusive!

You won't read about this in the Post, Gazette, or Examiner! I have obtained a brochure, published at taxpayer expense, entitled, "Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee: Maintains and Strengthens Services at No Cost to Residents." This brochure, printed by the Montgomery County Government Office of Public Information, was not announced in the local media, but is currently available at public libraries.

Obviously, this brochure raises a host of questions and concerns:

1. Is it an accepted practice for the County Executive to print biased propaganda - supporting legislation he or she would like to be passed by the council - at taxpayer expense?

2. Can taxpayer funds be used to promote a fee not yet passed into law by the County Council?

- In both cases, an answer of "yes" would mean that a county executive could spend taxpayer money to promote any idea or wish he or she had, without permission from the county council. That would certainly weaken the supposed checks and balances between the executive and legislative branch.

3. The brochure's cover, printed in a bold black-and-white design, suggests to the average citizen that the fee has already passed. This is not only misleading, but could already frighten senior citizens and other vulnerable residents. They might be dissuaded from dialing 911, before the controversial legislation has even been passed.

4. Government publications should be factual. The brochure contains several biased statements. For example, it claims the fee will have no effect on insurance rates. That is not only an unknown at this time, but an equal amount of evidence suggests the fee will indeed raise rates. To state a conclusion at this time reflects only one side of the debate.

Once again, our elected officials are trying to drain every last cent out of the most unusual sources. Senior citizens, legal and illegal immigrants, low-income residents, and other vulnerable citizens will be the most hurt by the ambulance fee. Community relations and charitable gifts to volunteer squads and departments will be affected as well. Anything that does that is simply bad policy. It's time to stop picking the working family's pocket and start the business of governing.

COUNTY FINDS NEW

REVENUE SOURCE:

DISABLED COPS

It's Outrageous

Now we hear that our elected officials' next target to get more of what they call "found money," is... disabled police officers, believe it or not. Using the unique case of Gaithersburg Police Chief King, Ike Leggett suggested that too many retired officers are receiving disability funds.

The reality is that police work is not a soft desk job like many of the $100,000+ members of Mr. Leggett's staff currently hold. The day to day tasks and physical strains of the job very naturally lead to various debilitating conditions. These can include everything from bad backs and wrecked knees to devastating injuries that occur during the apprehension of suspects, raids, or the rare exchange of gunfire.

In short, officers who retire on disability have good reason to do so except in rare cases. They have to be medically approved. In light of the job, police officers simply deserve better retirement benefits. They've put their lives on the line to protect the public each day of their career.

"Safety First." That is a lost idea in Montgomery County today. Whether it's the long neglected renovations of our 2nd District police station, an ambulance fee, or a sad attempt to take money from disabled police officers to fund the whims of our elected officials, public safety seems to be the last priority.

When it comes to government policies toward police and fire professionals who serve the community, I like to quote Dan Marino from his old glove commercial: you need to "take care of the hands that take care of you."

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

SAYS

"HOUSING FIRST"

FOR THE RICH

Upstairs at Bethesda Row a

Monument to Greed

Affordable Housing Continues to be

Joke of a Lifetime in Montgomery

Greed, thy name is Upstairs at Bethesda Row. This urban monstrosity has laboriously taken shape across the street from the Arlington Road Giant. Now here come the import luxury sedans and Priuses of the landed class and the nouveau riche. In a county where the developers' new apartments and condos often have 7 or 9 tenants, Upstairs is 60% full by comparison.

Of course, that means it is 40% vacant. But that is impressive for 2008 in Montgomery County. What is the secret? How can buildings renting in Rockville's Town Center for $1600 be less full than Upstairs with 1 bedrooms starting at $2100+ a month? Could it be that there is a special target audience out there, and, "if you build it, they will come?" Did somebody say Collection at Chevy Chase? It wasn't me! But, what if, in the midst of human suffering and a housing crisis, a government would tune out the average citizen and actively approve buildings designed for a wealthy audience only?

How many MPDUs are in this building? There is no green space on this site, either. Therefore, our County Executive and Council have been caught red-handed, violating everything they have promised to do on affordable housing and "green" buildings.

The sad story of affordable housing in Montgomery County is quite old by now. You know that back in 2006, I was offering actual solutions while our elected officials were touting "Apartment Buildings for Homeless People." That phrase became an instant classic, by the way. Is that the most ironic statement you've ever heard? It actually is a fairly honest statement by our Democratic elected officials, because - as I said at the time - they consider homelessness to be an incurable disease.

What is a "homeless person?" Why would you call someone homeless after they have a place to live (Apartments Buildings for Homeless People)? Well, you would say that if you believed that they are permanently going to have no income or future prospects. Hence, they will be a permanent political constituency for those elected officials, surviving on government handouts indefinitely.

Now they have a new phrase to cover this strategy, but to try to make it sound better: "Housing First." This is the idea that you want to get a homeless person into a home immediately, rather than a shelter. Of course, that is everyone's goal. But that shouldn't be a long-term plan. First you need to analyze the situation of each individual. Is this a person who requires mental health treatment or treatment for addiction to alcohol or drugs? Then let's get them connected to those resources. Is this a person who simply needs a living wage to get going again? That can be done as well. But let's get it done, because just as some have said a human being cannot be "illegal," so it can be said that no human being should have to be "homeless."

Beyond that, we have a huge majority of working people in Montgomery County who aren't getting handouts and services. And they certainly aren't getting to move into Upstairs at Bethesda Row. Why should college graduates have to move elsewhere? Why should a person have to work two jobs to afford a clean, livable apartment in Montgomery County? It's immoral, it's a disgrace, and something must be done about it. There is no reason on God's green Earth that a studio apartment should rent for more than $900 a month. No one is asking for free housing. But, come on, this is ridiculous. The more units that come on the market, the more the rent goes up. Clearly, we have a situation where market forces have failed. Bigtime. What happened to the American Dream? Study hard, go to college, work, and society will provide you with a minimum of a living wage, housing, food, clothing, etc., in exchange, right? Not anymore.

Our elected officials have done nothing, and have allowed their developer friends to break all promises to provide MPDUs. Dr. Yes (Royce Hanson) has approved numerous new "boutique" condo buildings for the rich in downtown Bethesda, with MPDUs in single digits or even zero. That is a disgrace. And the Arlington Road corridor is becoming a Hall of Shame for affordable housing failure, with condos and apartments designed exclusively for the wealthy, and with full support from our elected officials.

It's outrageous.

UPCOUNTY HOSPITAL:

IT'S ABOUT TIME

Holy Cross Proposes New

Germantown Hospital

Partnership with Montgomery College

May Still Leave Residents at Risk

Providing a patient with emergency medical attention really is all about time. The time it takes for emergency personnel to respond to a 911 call. And the time it takes for the ambulance to reach the nearest Emergency Department.

Residents in upper Montgomery County currently have two unsatisfactory options: hospitals in Rockville and Frederick. When every second counts, that is just too far away. Finally, but not without controversy, there is a proposal for a hospital in Germantown. And unlike the Suburban Hospital expansion scam here in Bethesda, it is actually giving us new hospital beds in the county.

This is not a perfect solution. It is a sensible start, as Germantown is the logical connecting point for Poolesville, Clarksburg, and Damascus. That is the same reason that I would only support a Corridor Cities [Rail]way through Germantown if it connects to those three outermost towns.

However, logistically, the Germantown hospital will still be far for those nearest the Frederick County border. It would really make sense to have another hospital in Clarksburg, Mount Airy, or somewhere else between Germantown and the City of Frederick. This is not just important for Montgomery County citizens near the border, but for Frederick County citizens north of our border. All would mutually benefit from an additional emergency facility that would be minutes away.

Remember, a person can only go 4 minutes without oxygen before suffering brain damage. Two new upcounty facilities are needed, as this literally is a matter of life and death.

OBAMA JOINS

WASHINGTON POST

IN BACKING

DRILLING NEAR

OCEAN CITY

Democrat Hypocrisy on Environment

Continues as Resort is Target of Energy Cabal

The latest attack on wildlife in the Ocean City area is coming from Europe's choice for American President, Barack Obama. Senator Obama says he is willing to roll the dice on the health of the already devastated Chesapeake Bay by allowing oil companies to operate just offshore of Ocean City. Would he be so cavalier if the drilling was near Chicago?

CRIME STATS

CONTINUE TO CLIMB

Our area continues to experience a violent crime wave. The Montgomery County Police have just released the following statistics:

MURDER UP 200%

RAPE UP 73.7%

ROBBERY UP 5.0%

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT UP 33.8%

AUTO THEFT UP 14.1%

ACTUAL HEADLINE:

"CHINA SAYS BEIJING SMOG IS

MOSTLY MIST"

It's hard to believe Martin O'Malley didn't think of that one when he was Mayor of Baltimore.

OCEAN CITY AD

CAMPAIGN:

BE CAREFUL WHAT

YOU WISH FOR

Greedy "Green" Corporations Poised to

Destroy Scenic Maryland Resort with

Dangerous, Ugly Ocean Windmills

Environmental Extremists, Bought-off Residents,

Capitulating Town Council Give Wind "Farm"

New Momentum

You have probably been exposed to the absurd Ocean City tourism ads this year - the ones that associate the town with negative, disaster themes and Al Gore pseudo-science. Put aside the fact that no one realized the psychological impact of associating your "product" (Ocean City) with scary words, themes and images in the mind of consumers (potential visitors). That was just plain dumb. And I'm not even talking today about the slot machines and offshore drilling (endorsed by the so-called "environmental" Washington Post for business reasons) the Powers That Be are bringing to our All-American resort very soon.

The real scary part is that environmental disaster is coming to Ocean City much sooner than even Al Gore has predicted. It is coming in the disguise of "green" technology: an offshore wind farm. Twelve miles offshore, to be precise. And, like all "green" technology offered by Corporate America in these pseudoscientific times, the farm is going to generate not only "clean" energy, but a lot of mean "green" for the corporation. A.k.a. $$$$$$.

But if you only knew how ugly those windmills are going to be when they replace the natural beauty of the ocean horizon. Or how there will be no more full moons over an ocean view unchanged since the creation of the Earth. Or what those turbines are going to do to birds flying above the ocean, and to the sea life living below its surface... Well, you'd probably turn "green" yourself. Because the truth is sickening.

The lack of opposition to the wind farm is simply bizarre. Environmental extremists have been allowed to raise their voices over all others, simply overwhelming the public debate at hearings and in the local newspapers. Many of those newspapers are strangely endorsing the wind farm as well. There appear to be quite a number of moles, plants, and double agents stepping forward as "residents" to back the plan. And only Mayor Rick Meehan and two councilmembers are even mildly opposed. It sounds like they would fall over tomorrow if the wind company poked them lightly with a finger.

What's going on here? ?Que es la significa de esto? Why so weak? Why so blase, when you would think that town leaders, media, businesspeople, and actual residents all have the most to lose when the windmills pop up? Why would anyone want to look out at the ocean and see anything besides... the ocean? I can't answer those questions, because there are no logical answers.

But we all know that money is the false god of humanity, and that there is nothing money can't buy in this world (good luck to those greedy souls in the next one, though).

Ladies and gentlemen, the fishy smell in Ocean City is not coming from the water.

COMCAST CUSTOMER

SATISFACTION RANKING:

IT'S DEADLASTIC!

Score another one for monopoly cable empire Comcast. With the worst, most unresponsive customer service in the business - and now ranked last in customer satisfaction - Comcast mysteriously is still raking in monstrous amounts of cash. It's easy to understand why: there is no competition.


Remember, the Montgomery County Council has stymied every competitor who has attempted to enter the market. And crippled those who have been able to provide weak alternatives. Thank your councilmember today!

WRC-TV JOINS

WASHINGTON POST

IN FINANCIALLY BACKING

CONNOLLY FOR

CONGRESS

Well, I hope James Dinegar was able to catch this program this morning. Today at 7:00 A.M., WRC Channel 4 (business associate of The Washington Post) broadcast what appeared to be an infomercial for congressional candidate Gerald Connolly. That's all the show was. Plenty of soft questions, and well-rehearsed answers which could have come from Martin O'Malley, Patrick Lacefield, or Mayor Bloomberg.

Mr. Connolly had much to say about how you are going to pay big bucks just to live your life in the near future. Tolls, taxes, "green" regulations based on fantasy pseudo-science... this corporate favorite has got quite a lineup of punishments for you. Your crime is simply going about your day to day business.

What Mr. Connolly did not say, is how much this in-kind contribution of television time was worth in dollars. In-kind contributions from The Washington Post, Channel 4 and its corporate partners that are going unreported on campaign financial reports as in-kind contributions. (This doesn't include that interesting, "advertising" shell game that moved money back and forth between the Post and the Fairfax County Government - of which Mr. Connolly is the leader).

Mr. Connolly's Republican opponent? Nowhere to be found at the roundtable. Vote early and often.