TEMPLETON They chided each other as good friends often might. The familiarity was there, but will serve as a prelude and preparation for the transition that is fast approaching. One will be leaving the Narragansett Regional School District superintendent’s desk for the last time on June 30, and the other will be officially taking his seat in the spot the next day. Interim Superintendent Stephen Hemman, who had retired some years ago, came back last year to guide the district that he had led from 2000-2008 through this latest year of transition. It was the trust among those at Narragansett — and his previous internal knowledge of the district — that he said prompted the invitation to come back to help with finalizing plans for a new $47 million elementary school and hiring a new, permanent superintendent to replace Ruth Miller, who resigned in early 2015. As Hemman quietly hands the keys over and returns to retirement, former Gardner Public Schools Business Manager Christopher D. Casavant will begin the job of guiding the district forward into the new school year. “As I phase out, he phases in,” said Hemman. Hemman said he will miss the students he loved to see at music or sporting events, special banquets or while he walked the halls of the district’s buildings. He said he and Casavant have been working together on decision-making as they have neared his final days on the job. Hemman said he is pleased with the thought that he is leaving a district where teachers care and are happy coming to work and the students feel safe and welcome. Meanwhile Casavant said he is looking forward to the job. Why Narragansett and why the jump from the financial office to the head position? According to Casavant, the opportunity presented itself and the move was part of his life plan. “It’s that simple,” he said. Casavant said it was a move he had been preparing for all along, since his job as business manager in Gardner was in fact a way for him to better understand the administrative position he now will hold. |
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Changing of the guard at 'Gansett
Changing of the guard at 'Gansett
Markel steps down in Templeton
Markel steps down in Templeton
Selectmen say interim town administrator will be missed
Selectmen say interim town administrator will be missed
| Christine Smith TEMPLETON Interim Town Administrator Robert Markel will attend his final Board of Selectmen meeting on July 11 before his departure at the end of that month, after recently notifying the town that he would be leaving. Markel has held the part-time position since February 2014 with the intention of seeing Templeton through its transition to a full-time permanent replacement. Selectmen formally accepted Markel’s resignation at their meeting on June 27. Board members, however, said they “regrettably” made the motion and expressed thanks for the time Markel has served. Board of Selectmen John Columbus said it was his own “symbolic” gesture to reject the resignation and voted against the motion. Vice Chairman Diane Haley Brooks and members Doug Morrison and Julie Richard gave their assent. Selectmen expressed favor in filling the post on another interim basis until a new full-time permanent town administrator can be found. Columbus said he did not believe that selectmen could take on the work as a board or “do the job effectively.” Morrison said that the length of time needed in order to fill the position with a permanent replacement will take an estimated 10 months to a year. |
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
More good news...Thoughts from the Great Recession Blog
Economic Predictions for Summer 2016: The Epocalypse Keeps Crashing
by Knave Dave
Jun 28, 2016 1:35 AM
This article by David Haggith was first published on The Great Recession Blog.
Brexit — the second major landslide in the Year of the Epocalypse —
has bankers all over the world scrambling to pick up and prop up their
crumbled facades this week. This is one more jolt in the
developing global economic collapse that I predicted for 2016.
The ground of an entire nation just
dropped several feet. Aftershocks from a drop that size will be felt
frequently throughout the summer and to some extent for years to come.
As I’ve said before, US
politicians will find it increasingly difficult this year to keep
shoring up the US economy until the end of the election cycle. This
collapse just made things a lot worse for them. Brexits, Grexits and
other exits, oil defaults, job decay, manufacturing malaise and a host
of other planet-sized problems are piling up so fast that it will become
almost impossible to hold off collapse much longer as global problems
press in on the US and other nations.
Brexit — the second major landslide in the Year of the Epocalypse —
has bankers all over the world scrambling to pick up and prop up their
crumbled facades this week. This is one more jolt in the
developing global economic collapse that I predicted for 2016.
The ground of an entire nation just
dropped several feet. Aftershocks from a drop that size will be felt
frequently throughout the summer and to some extent for years to come.
As I’ve said before, US
politicians will find it increasingly difficult this year to keep
shoring up the US economy until the end of the election cycle. This
collapse just made things a lot worse for them. Brexits, Grexits and
other exits, oil defaults, job decay, manufacturing malaise and a host
of other planet-sized problems are piling up so fast that it will become
almost impossible to hold off collapse much longer as global problems
press in on the US and other nations.
Entire nations are now making for the exits
Near the start of 2016, I described the
anti-establishment forces that were shaping up to define the year ahead
and the impact those nationally divisive forces would have on the
world’s banking system this year:
The
resources of all nations and their central banks are just too depleted
to handle such a massive rupture of the global economy as we saw in
2008. Yet, this one is appearing that it could be far greater because it
is developing all over the world simultaneously. The
capacity of nations and their banks is fully taken up by huge monstrous
national debts and balance sheets that have swelled beyond anything
anyone would have imagined a decade ago.
At the same time, the people of all nations are fatigued from years of hearing about recession. In nations like Greece this is true at a level that is already explosive. If
a recession like the Great Recession happens now, it will deplete all
hopes because of all the talk of recovery that proved false after the
last recession. They will have scaled the mountain — or tried to — only
to find themselves shaken to the bottom again. Who would have faith in
the central bankers to save the economy this time when all their plans
to save it from the last recessionary period blew up in their faces?
Anger,
albeit late in coming, is showing itself in US elections this round in
the form of a movement in both parties away from the establishment. Who
believes, however, that newly elected officials could find a solution
once the central banks are proven to have failed? In moving away from
the establishment, Democrats are moving further left and Republicans
further right. There is little likelihood of agreement on a solution,
especially one profound enough to right the entire world. (“Hell Week for the Global Economy“)
Later in May, I focused on the
immigration tensions that were amplifying the anti-establishment
discontent in Europe and here at home:
We
don’t know what will happen with a Brexit or whether a Grexit will
raise its ugly head again or whether immigration tensions will
spontaneously combust in Europe … but I think the frying pan will
certainly be sizzling this summer to cook up the last of the market’s
bully beef for the bears to feast upon.
The increasingly scarce market bulls are dead cattle walking thanks to zombie economics. (“Zombie Economy Soon to Have its Zombie Epocalypse“)
In other words, I wouldn’t bet back
then on exactly what national breakaway would happen first in the EU,
but was certain national tensions would heat up to where Europe started
falling apart this summer, particularly over immigration tensions. The
falling apart began right on cue. One cannot always see what section of
land will give way first, but one can certainly see that so many pieces
are ready to give way that collapse is certain and imminent.
Near the start of 2016, I described the
anti-establishment forces that were shaping up to define the year ahead
and the impact those nationally divisive forces would have on the
world’s banking system this year:
The resources of all nations and their central banks are just too depleted to handle such a massive rupture of the global economy as we saw in 2008. Yet, this one is appearing that it could be far greater because it is developing all over the world simultaneously. The capacity of nations and their banks is fully taken up by huge monstrous national debts and balance sheets that have swelled beyond anything anyone would have imagined a decade ago.
At the same time, the people of all nations are fatigued from years of hearing about recession. In nations like Greece this is true at a level that is already explosive. If a recession like the Great Recession happens now, it will deplete all hopes because of all the talk of recovery that proved false after the last recession. They will have scaled the mountain — or tried to — only to find themselves shaken to the bottom again. Who would have faith in the central bankers to save the economy this time when all their plans to save it from the last recessionary period blew up in their faces?
Anger, albeit late in coming, is showing itself in US elections this round in the form of a movement in both parties away from the establishment. Who believes, however, that newly elected officials could find a solution once the central banks are proven to have failed? In moving away from the establishment, Democrats are moving further left and Republicans further right. There is little likelihood of agreement on a solution, especially one profound enough to right the entire world. (“Hell Week for the Global Economy“)
Later in May, I focused on the
immigration tensions that were amplifying the anti-establishment
discontent in Europe and here at home:
We don’t know what will happen with a Brexit or whether a Grexit will raise its ugly head again or whether immigration tensions will spontaneously combust in Europe … but I think the frying pan will certainly be sizzling this summer to cook up the last of the market’s bully beef for the bears to feast upon.
The increasingly scarce market bulls are dead cattle walking thanks to zombie economics. (“Zombie Economy Soon to Have its Zombie Epocalypse“)
In other words, I wouldn’t bet back
then on exactly what national breakaway would happen first in the EU,
but was certain national tensions would heat up to where Europe started
falling apart this summer, particularly over immigration tensions. The
falling apart began right on cue. One cannot always see what section of
land will give way first, but one can certainly see that so many pieces
are ready to give way that collapse is certain and imminent.
Banks and bankers are trembling all over the world
To sum up where we are now now, I’ll
turn to former Fed Chair Allan Greenspan who said that the Brexit event
“may be just the tip of the iceberg” for Europe’s problems. When asked
what he meant by that, he responded with the following:
To sum up where we are now now, I’ll
turn to former Fed Chair Allan Greenspan who said that the Brexit event
“may be just the tip of the iceberg” for Europe’s problems. When asked
what he meant by that, he responded with the following:
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Baker: Budget gap estimate rises about $200M more to $950M
Baker: Budget gap estimate rises about $200M more to $950M
BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts state budget gap for the new fiscal year is wider than originally thought.
Republican Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters the gap could be as big as $950 million. That’s $200 million more than an initial estimate of $750 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Baker said he’s now estimating a gap of $650 million to $950 million partly because of the unknown impact from Britain’s historic vote to leave the European Union - also known by the shorthand “Brexit” - which may affect revenue projections.
“We’re making some assumptions for next year that are based on sort of best guesses at this point in time with the notion that Brexit fall into the category of sort of an unknown,” Baker said.
State officials have also blamed the drop in expected tax dollars in part on a dip in capital gains revenue.
Baker said the administration has worked with the House and Senate to reduce the state’s reliance on the often volatile capital gains revenue to pay for the state’s ongoing expenses.
Baker also said that while the budget gap poses a headache for House and Senate negotiators trying to hammer out a final version of the approximately $40 billion state budget, it is easier to solve the problem now than halfway through the fiscal year, when any fix would require much deeper cuts.
“But it’s a big number,” Baker said, referring to the nearly $1 billion projected shortfall.
Mass. governor says ABCC decision on Nashoba Valley Winery sends 'bad message'
-
Mass. governor says ABCC decision on Nashoba Valley Winery sends 'bad message'
-
By Matt Murphy
State House News Service
Posted Jun. 27, 2016 at 8:56 PM
Updated at 7:52 AM
BOSTON - Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday he's prepared to support legislation or legal action to ensure that Nashoba Valley Winery can continue to pour its homemade wines, beers and spirits at both the Bolton winery and restaurant.
In coming to the defense of the local farm business, Baker is taking a somewhat unusual step of intervening on behalf of a single business owner contesting an administrative decision by alcohol license regulators.
Baker told the News Service that he did not support the recent decision by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to inform Rich Pelletier that after 16 years of operation he had to choose between his farmer's manufacturing license or his pouring license for the on-site restaurant where he also sells his wines and beers.
"I don't understand why after 16 years this decision was made and I think it's one where if there's a legal question we should solve it by challenging the legislation and if it's an administrative issue we should solve it through a legal process, but one way or another I think this sends a bad message to small business and a bad message to farmers, both of whom I care a lot about," Baker said in an interview in his office.
Pelletier owns the Nashoba Valley Winery, a Bolton winery, distillery and orchard where he offers tastings and bottled products for purchase. The winery also has a restaurant on the 52-acre farm where diners can purchase the locally produced wines, beers and spirits.
Over the past few weeks, Pelletier's plight has garnered a significant amount of media attention. According to him, the ABCC informed him that he could renew his farmer's license to produce wine, beer and distilled spirits, or his pouring license for the restaurant, but not both.
"It's our view that his ability to continue to operate his current operation there is important for a bunch of reasons. The first is he's been doing it for 16 years," Baker said. "The second is it's a great representation of what we all believe we support here in Massachusetts, which is an active and aggressive farm-to-direct consumer approach to sales and service here."
GoLDMaN STRoNG
From http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-06-28/goldman-strong
One Comment:
What's the old saying? "Lie down with dogs, get up with fleas." Warren cannot possibly be ignorant of Hitlery's treason and treachery.
Another old saying, from Scotland: "Once you touch the Devil, you can never let go" Warren has done so.
Another old saying, from Scotland: "Once you touch the Devil, you can never let go" Warren has done so.
Be careful out there
-
Mass. highway worker killed, driver in custody
-
By The Associated Press
Posted Jun. 28, 2016 at 7:02 AM
Updated at 7:04 AM
MEDFORD — A highway worker is dead and a driver is in custody following an accident on Interstate-93 in Massachusetts early Tuesday.
It happened around 3 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the highway near exit 33 in Medford when State Police say a car slammed into a truck and then hit the worker, killing him. Police say the worker was part of a lane marking contract crew and a work zone with safety cones and warning signs had been set up. He was pronounced dead at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
State Police tell WCVB-TV that the driver will be charged with operating under the influence.
Another highway worker was seriously hurt after being hit in Boston Monday. A man has been charged with OUI in that incident.
Planning Board
Planning Board
Tuesday June 28, 2016
6:30 PM EDT
Pauly Cosentino Sr Town Hall
160 Patriots Rd.,
East Templeton, MA 01438
6:30 PM
AGENDA
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS:
6:30 Pledge of Allegiance
6:31 Wes Fliss, Whitman & Bingham, Stormwater plans for
the new Templeton Center Elementary School, and continuation of the Templeton Center Elementary School.
__________________________________________ FORM(s) FOR SIGNATURE:
MRPC Master Plan invoice, $12,000.00, Implementation Element.
DISCUSSION SUBJECTS:
____ ____________________________________________________ __________________
NEW BUSINESS:
____________________________________________________ _________________________
PACKET CONTENTS:
Planning Board minutes of 6-14-16 meeting for approval.
Tuesday June 28, 2016
6:30 PM EDT
Pauly Cosentino Sr Town Hall
160 Patriots Rd.,
East Templeton, MA 01438
6:30 PM
AGENDA
SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS:
6:30 Pledge of Allegiance
6:31 Wes Fliss, Whitman & Bingham, Stormwater plans for
the new Templeton Center Elementary School, and continuation of the Templeton Center Elementary School.
__________________________________________ FORM(s) FOR SIGNATURE:
MRPC Master Plan invoice, $12,000.00, Implementation Element.
DISCUSSION SUBJECTS:
____ ____________________________________________________ __________________
NEW BUSINESS:
____________________________________________________ _________________________
PACKET CONTENTS:
Planning Board minutes of 6-14-16 meeting for approval.
TIME FRAMES
BUILDOUT / ENDORSEMENTS / 3 YR DEADLINE / EXTENSION / SECURITIES
French Quarters 4/18/06 4/18/10 5/18/2016 Bond expires 5/18/17
STORM WATER ANNUAL INSPECTION
APPROVAL DATE NEXT ANNUAL INSPECTION Fletcher Associates – Gravel Pit 10-13-2009 10-2016 (Hicks) Gavin Road – Gravel Pit 10-11-2011 10-2016 Radigan - Gravel Pit 03-27-2012 08-2016
Typed by: Carl Giacobone
Subject to Change
BUILDOUT / ENDORSEMENTS / 3 YR DEADLINE / EXTENSION / SECURITIES
French Quarters 4/18/06 4/18/10 5/18/2016 Bond expires 5/18/17
STORM WATER ANNUAL INSPECTION
APPROVAL DATE NEXT ANNUAL INSPECTION Fletcher Associates – Gravel Pit 10-13-2009 10-2016 (Hicks) Gavin Road – Gravel Pit 10-11-2011 10-2016 Radigan - Gravel Pit 03-27-2012 08-2016
Typed by: Carl Giacobone
Subject to Change
*****************************************
So when will the gravel pit on Whitney St. be inspected?
Monday, June 27, 2016
UN invades the United States?
UN invades the United States?
UN Trucks seen outside of capital post #brexit: gun grabs, Marshal Law?
Why are United Nations “riot control” trucks being spotted outside of the nations capital?
What is going on?
Daily Mail:
Military U.N. vehicles have been spotted in Virginia, shocking motorists and sparking conspiracy theories.
The white trucks, equipped with large off-road tires, were seen being transported on Interstate 81 on Friday.
Jeff Stern posted photos of the vehicles
on Facebook, writing: ‘Can’t begin to tell you how many of these I
passed today on 81 near Lexington VA. Interesting times ahead!’
U.N. vehicles have been spotted in Virginia, shocking motorists and sparking conspiracy theories
Fernando Johnson questioned online:
‘Tactical Vehicles, with bullet proof glass? Whatever could those be
for, and why are UN vehicles here, in THIS country?!’
Meanwhile, Vincent Sammons noted on Facebook: ‘They are sealed against gas too.’
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Scorched Earth:
The will of the people be damned.
The Obama administration and the “sitters” in the House of Representitives have a new plan to get rid of guns, with a little help from their friends in the United Nations.
Now the UN trucks are driving to all the top NRA sites. Danger.
Get ready … CIVIL WAR SOON !
THE MUSLIM ATTACK LED BY OBAMA AND THED GUN GRAB !
He has been letting the army walk across the border …. TREASON !
buy food, guns, ammo ……anyone else see these in their area ?
THE MUSLIM ATTACK LED BY OBAMA AND THED GUN GRAB !
He has been letting the army walk across the border …. TREASON !
buy food, guns, ammo ……anyone else see these in their area ?
Criminal Banksters Threaten Entire World Economy
Helen Chaitman: Big Bank Customers Destroyed in Next Economic Meltdown
Greg Hunter, USA Watchdog, Released on 5/24/16
Helen Davis Chaitman was the lead attorney representing the victims of the $65 billion Bernie Madoff scam. Madoff had help form JP Morgan Chase Bank, and what she found out was stunning.
From http://goldsilvernews.blogspot.com/ :
"Attorney Helen Chaitman, who represents victims of the Bernie Madoff $65 billion fraud, contends the big banks are like mobsters. Chaitman says, "There is no question about it. The operate illegally because they can generate huge profits by doing so. They go from one crime to another, and when they get caught committing one crime, nobody gets fired. Nobody disgorges bonuses. They just take those people and put them in a new area where they haven't yet been been prosecuted."
"What will happen to the customers of the big banks in the next financial meltdown? Chaitman warns, "The customers will be destroyed, and if the banks still have enough money to buy Washington, the government will protect them just like it has since 2008."
Greg Hunter, USA Watchdog, Released on 5/24/16
Helen Davis Chaitman was the lead attorney representing the victims of the $65 billion Bernie Madoff scam. Madoff had help form JP Morgan Chase Bank, and what she found out was stunning.
From http://goldsilvernews.blogspot.com/ :
"Attorney Helen Chaitman, who represents victims of the Bernie Madoff $65 billion fraud, contends the big banks are like mobsters. Chaitman says, "There is no question about it. The operate illegally because they can generate huge profits by doing so. They go from one crime to another, and when they get caught committing one crime, nobody gets fired. Nobody disgorges bonuses. They just take those people and put them in a new area where they haven't yet been been prosecuted."
"What will happen to the customers of the big banks in the next financial meltdown? Chaitman warns, "The customers will be destroyed, and if the banks still have enough money to buy Washington, the government will protect them just like it has since 2008."
New Haven declares emergency after mystery drug kills 3
New Haven declares emergency after mystery drug kills 3
By
Email the author | Follow on Twitter
on June 25, 2016 at 8:56 AM, updated June 25, 2016 at 8:57 AM
NEW HAVEN, Conn.— New Haven city officials have declared a health emergency after an influx of an unknown drug combination has killed at least three and overdosed up to 20 more in just a 24 hour period.
The New Haven Register reports that public health officials say a mixture of heroin and fentanyl being sold on the streets is unlike anything they have seen before.
"This isn't just fentanyl, this is something in combination with that," Gail D'Onofrio, director of emergency medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital told reporters. "It is causing havoc in patient's lungs."
Fentanyl is an opioid painkiller said to be 50 to 100 times the strength of uncut heroin.
D'Onofrio said several overdose patients were on ventilators to help them breathe. She said it is unusual to see all the overdose patients show up presenting the same symptoms.
Officials declared the emergency late Thursday night after they saw an inordinate number of drug overdoses. Fire officials said they began responding to emergency calls Thursday morning and continued throughout the day.
The drug appears to be so strong that several patients needed multiple doses of Narcan to save their lives, and the city's supply ran out Thursday evening. The state Department of Public Health has since sent 700 doses of Narcan to the area.
Selectmen Meeting Tonight!
Board of Selectmen
Monday June 27, 2016
6:30 PM EDT
Pauly Cosentino Sr Town Hall*
160 Patriots Rd.,
East Templeton, MA 01438
Conference Room
Agenda
6:30 P.M.
Call to Order Pledge
Town Administrator Report
Minutes~ 6.6.16, and 6.13.16
Appointments
One-Way Street Presentation~Police Chief, Mike Bennett &
Peter Glick of Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Templeton Elementary School Building Committee Update Action on TCTV/NRSD Agreement~Steve Castle
Vote & Sign FY17 Building & Liability Insurance Renewals
Discuss dates to meet with Alan Mayo at Pine Grove Cemetery
Action on Disclosures of Appearance of Conflict of Interest
Action on Fire Department Air Packs
Action on Personnel Policy
Friends of COA Vehicle Donation
Board of Selectmen Policy & Procedures
Discuss Response to Dave Smart requesting release of legal
opinion
Old Business/Updates
New Business
Selectmen’s Comments
Vote to go into executive session & state whether the Board will
reconvene in open session after the executive session has adjourned~
6:30 PM EDT
Pauly Cosentino Sr Town Hall*
160 Patriots Rd.,
East Templeton, MA 01438
Conference Room
Agenda
6:30 P.M.
Call to Order Pledge
Town Administrator Report
Minutes~ 6.6.16, and 6.13.16
Appointments
One-Way Street Presentation~Police Chief, Mike Bennett &
Peter Glick of Symmes Maini & McKee Associates
Templeton Elementary School Building Committee Update Action on TCTV/NRSD Agreement~Steve Castle
Vote & Sign FY17 Building & Liability Insurance Renewals
Discuss dates to meet with Alan Mayo at Pine Grove Cemetery
Action on Disclosures of Appearance of Conflict of Interest
Action on Fire Department Air Packs
Action on Personnel Policy
Friends of COA Vehicle Donation
Board of Selectmen Policy & Procedures
Discuss Response to Dave Smart requesting release of legal
opinion
Old Business/Updates
New Business
Selectmen’s Comments
Vote to go into executive session & state whether the Board will
reconvene in open session after the executive session has adjourned~
Per M.G.L. c. 30A, Sec. 21.3, to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the
public body and the chair so declares.
Adjourn
The listing of Agenda items is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent it is permitted by law.
THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Adjourn
The listing of Agenda items is those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent it is permitted by law.
THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Why Does The IRS Need AR-15s?
If The Public Shouldn't Have Them, Why Does The IRS Need AR-15s?
by Tyler Durden
Jun 24, 2016 8:10 PM
Submitted by Mike Krieger via Liberty Blitzkrieg blog,
Here we go again. Stuck in the aftermath of a horrific shooting and all politicians think to do is scheme about how to take more rights from the citizenry. There are no good guys here. The Democrats want to railroad over due process by denying firearms to people on Orwellian watch lists, while Republicans plot to give the FBI more warrantless surveillance powers. This is the authoritarian knee-jerk response to tragedy we get from the U.S Congress.
Hypocritically, when it comes to foreign policy, all we hear are incessant calls for more militarism, more war and more regime change. As I warned in yesterday’s post, Is the Syrian War About to Experience a Major Escalation? — 51 State Department officials just issued a cable calling for the bombing of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. An event likely to lead to direct confrontation with Russia.
As Adam Andrzejewski of Open the Books and former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn noted in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed:
Here we go again. Stuck in the aftermath of a horrific shooting and all politicians think to do is scheme about how to take more rights from the citizenry. There are no good guys here. The Democrats want to railroad over due process by denying firearms to people on Orwellian watch lists, while Republicans plot to give the FBI more warrantless surveillance powers. This is the authoritarian knee-jerk response to tragedy we get from the U.S Congress.
Hypocritically, when it comes to foreign policy, all we hear are incessant calls for more militarism, more war and more regime change. As I warned in yesterday’s post, Is the Syrian War About to Experience a Major Escalation? — 51 State Department officials just issued a cable calling for the bombing of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. An event likely to lead to direct confrontation with Russia.
While all of that is bad enough,
the U.S. government continues to eagerly and aggressively arm
non-defense federal employees with weapons of war.
The number of non-Defense Department federal officers authorized to make arrests and carry firearms (200,000) now exceeds the number of U.S. Marines (182,000).For more, let’s take a look at a few excerpts from their piece, Why Does the IRS Need Guns?
Special agents at the IRS equipped with AR-15 military-style rifles? Health and Human Services “Special Office of Inspector General Agents” being trained by the Army’s Special Forces contractors? The Department of Veterans Affairs arming 3,700 employees?
The number of non-Defense Department federal officers authorized to make arrests and carry firearms (200,000) now exceeds the number of U.S. Marines (182,000). In its escalating arms and ammo stockpiling, this federal arms race is unlike anything in history. Over the last 20 years, the number of these federal officers with arrest-and-firearm authority has nearly tripled to over 200,000 today, from 74,500 in 1996.
What exactly is the Obama administration up to?
Friday, June 24, 2016
Anti-Common Core ballot initiative clears another hurdle
-
Anti-Common Core ballot initiative clears another hurdle
-
Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 7:05 PM
WORCESTER – A local group looking to scrap the Common Core learning standards in Massachusetts says it has gathered enough signatures to get its question on the state ballot this November.
End Common Core Massachusetts organizers now will have to wait to see if their efforts will even count, as the Supreme Judicial Court weighs a challenge to state Attorney General Maura Healey’s earlier certification of their ballot question.
“I believe we will weather the storm on this one,” said Worcester resident Donna Colorio, who is spearheading the ballot initiative to undo the state’s adoption of the national Common Core standards in 2010.
Ten Massachusetts residents have appealed to the courts to throw out the question, arguing it shouldn’t be eligible for the ballot because it seeks to repeal the actions of a government board, whereas state law requires initiative petitions to propose a new law or constitutional amendment.
After holding oral arguments last month, the court is expected to issue its decision early next month, around the same time when the state will start making up the ballots for the Nov. 8 election. If End Common Core gets a favorable ruling, Ms. Colorio, who is also a member of the Worcester School Committee, said her group has gathered more than 30,000 signatures, well more than the 10,792 it would need to get on the ballot.
Her statewide team of roughly 500 to 700 volunteers collected those names over the past six weeks, staking out grocery stores and other high traffic public places. Since last fall, when ballot question campaigns had to gather 64,750 certified signatures to get approval from the attorney general, Ms. Colorio said, End Common Core expanded its range in the state.
UK votes leave: Why it will take at least two years to exit the EU
UK votes leave: Why it will take at least two years to exit the EU
Posted: Jun 24, 2016 1:22 AM EDT Updated: Jun 24, 2016 4:22 AM EDTBut breaking up is hard to do. It will take at least two years -- if not more -- to sort out the historic exit from the 28-country bloc.
The UK has been a member of the European Union (and its precursors) since 1973, and the British government now faces the gargantuan task of unraveling decades of legislation, treaties and deals between the UK and the EU, the single biggest market in the world.
The legal fine print
The EU referendum vote itself is not a legal notification. The formal announcement to the EU is expected to happen at a meeting of the European Council (the EU's heads of government) on Monday, June 27.
Once that happens, it will trigger Article 50 of the 1973 Treaty of Rome, which gives both sides two years to reach an agreement.
However, because the UK is so intricately entwined with the EU, it could take many years longer than that.
Liam Fox, a pro-Leave British MP, estimates it would take up to 2019 to renegotiate policy from issues on immigration to trade, security and more.
What will happen to the EU?
Public Health Announcement Beers without Fluoride
The Approved List from Beers Without Fluoride (Updated October 6, 2015)
So far, Beers Without Fluoride has officially awarded these brews the "A" (Acceptable) rating for being brewed with water that has not been treated with fluoride. This list is a growing and living thing and may not be totally up to date. Brewers change locations. BWF solicits any and all corrections of this list. which is far from complete. I welcome your input. Remember you can use your own ingenium to discern whether a beer is unfluoridated or not by using the tools supplied at Beers Without Fluoride's Facebook page.
So far, Beers Without Fluoride has officially awarded these brews the "A" (Acceptable) rating for being brewed with water that has not been treated with fluoride. This list is a growing and living thing and may not be totally up to date. Brewers change locations. BWF solicits any and all corrections of this list. which is far from complete. I welcome your input. Remember you can use your own ingenium to discern whether a beer is unfluoridated or not by using the tools supplied at Beers Without Fluoride's Facebook page.
I have promised in the past to publish the "F" list of fluoridated beers. However, that would consume way too much of my time. So many fine beers are destroyed by fluoridated water that I can't keep up.
Therefore I shall keep updating this "Approved" list quarterly (I hope.).
International Beers
All beers from the following countries are rated "A" due to the fact that water is not fluoridated.
Note: These are not the only countries in the world that do not fluoridate. However they do export beer and BWF recognizes them with the A rating. Be careful when buying some beers with imported names in the USA. They may be brewed in the USA under contract or otherwise and fluoridated water may be used: Beck's is a case in point. Read the label closely.
Belgium
Mexico (There are some high natural fluoride sources such as in Mexico City.)
China
Israel
Austria
Czech Republic (Yes, drink that Pilsner Urquell to your heart's content. Rated A.)
Croatia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland (Some areas have a high natural fluoride water content.)
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Latvia
Netherlands
Italy
Norway
Sweden
Germany
Any beer brewed in Germany is fluoride free including Oettinger, Krombacher, Bitburger, Beck's (not the one sold in the USA), Warsteiner, Hasseroder, Veltins, Paulaner, Radeberger and Erdinger. All are rated A.
Beware of Beck's sold in the United States. It is brewed in fluoridated St. Louis by Budweiser. Not only that, but Beck's brewed in the USA does not taste much like German Beck's.
Those who wish to drink a true organic beer brewed with clean water may want to try the great Pinkus Brewery offerings from unfluoridated Germany.
Netherlands
All Dutch beers including Heineken and Grolsch are rated A.
Italy
All Italian beers are rated "A" including Peroni and Moretti, the two most common Italian beers you will find in the USA.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Barre town meeting supports capital improvement plan, reduced school budget
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Barre town meeting supports capital improvement plan, reduced school budget
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By Bradford L. Miner
Correspondent
Posted Jun. 22, 2016 at 11:17 AM
BARRE — More than 230 voters at annual town meeting Tuesday approved an FY ’17 budget of $10.48 million and launched a five-year, $10.6 million Capital Improvement Plan.
The 3½ hour session in the Ruggles Lane School auditorium included a ballot vote on the $5.17 million Quabbin Regional School District assessment, a 6.5 percent increase over current spending levels.
Recommended by the Finance Committee, the Quabbin assessment was approved 184-54. Barre joined the four other district towns, Hubbardston, Hardwick, Oakham and New Braintree in approving amounts less than requested by the school committee.
The school committee meets at 7 p.m. June 23 at the Quabbin Education Center and the $34 million budget is one of the items on the agenda.
Superintendent Maureen M. Marshall told voters that $1.5 million in special education out-of-district placements and state-mandated services was an unprecedented “budget breaker” for the district.
“These are costs over which the district has no control and to reduce the budget by $1 million to make the assessments affordable by our towns, every line item will be examined and our current level of services will be reduced,” Mrs. Marshall said.
She said increased class sizes, longer bus routes, changes in the art, music, and physical education programs at all levels are likely the result of the cuts necessary.
Charles Miller, Barre's representative to the Quabbin school committee, told voters that federal and state assistance to school districts had steadily declined and as a result the burden had been shifted to the towns.
David Tuttle, finance committee chairman, told voters that all spending decisions at the meeting, including the school budget, represented less than an 80-cent increase in the tax rate.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
RIGHTS STILL UNDER ASSAULT
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Your calls and emails
are working, but our Second Amendment Rights are still under assault in the
U.S. Congress!
Two anti-gun amendments failed
yesterday in the U.S. Senate, but more anti-gun amendments are in the works
and could be considered at any time, maybe as soon as today!
The anti-gunners in the Congress are
continuing to blame you for the terrorist attack in Orlando – they continue
to portray you and your firearm freedoms as the problem – we can’t let them
win!
Let’s keep the pressure on – please call your U.S. Senators
today and ask them to oppose any and all gun control and request they
respect your right to defend yourself by passing national concealed carry
reciprocity.
Since the Obama administration's
failed foreign policy won't protect you from radical Islamic terrorists, it's
critical we pass national concealed carry reciprocity so the law-abiding can
protect themselves.
Please contact your U.S. Senators
immediately and let them know you oppose any new gun control and request they
pass national concealed carry reciprocity legislation. You can call your U.S.
Senators at 202-224-3121 or click the "Take Action".
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Lawmakers add extended Lyme coverage amendment to budget
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Lawmakers add extended Lyme coverage amendment to budget
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Posted Jun. 21, 2016 at 6:01 PM
Legislators who have been fighting unsuccessfully for years to get a law requiring insurance companies to cover extended treatment for Lyme disease are trying a new tactic by attaching an amendment to the proposed fiscal 2017 state budget.
State Rep. David P. Linsky, D-Natick, and state Sen. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, attached amendments to the budget that would cover extended treatment. Each has a bill that would require insurers to cover extended antibiotic treatment to Lyme disease victims, if ordered by a licensed physician.
Treatment is controversial in that there are two schools of thought. The Infectious Disease Society of America has expressed concern about overuse of antibiotics and recommends limited treatment options. Currently, most insurers limit coverage of antibiotics to a four-week period. The International Lyme and Associated Disease Society recommend treatment determined by clinical judgement. In some cases that means long-term treatment with antibiotics.
Several legislators, including Mr. Linsky, Ms. Gobi and state Rep. Theodore Speliotis, D-Danvers, who personally know Lyme victims have filed bills each year to get the longer treatment for people whose physicians say need it. Some victims say they have had to spend tens of thousands of dollars for treatment.
Lyme bills filed this year are now before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. But, the formal session ends July 31.
“I felt we were running out of time,” said Mr. Linsky. “There are never any guarantees so I decided to take this procedural step as well.”
Lyme disease ended the baseball career of Mr. Linsky’s son after he was diagnosed as a sophomore in high school several years ago. He missed almost a semester from school, but he recovered after a lot of treatment.
Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the country. It affects many more people than Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus combined. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose. If not treated early, it can spread to many organs and systems in the body, including the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, the eyes, the liver and muscles and joints.
The Massachusetts Medical Society, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, which represents insurance companies, are among opponents of the mandated extended treatment for Lyme disease.
Charlton board urges Casella not to stop supplying bottled water
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Charlton board urges Casella not to stop supplying bottled water
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Posted Jun. 21, 2016 at 8:36 PM
CHARLTON – The Board of Health Tuesday pushed Casella Waste Systems to reconsider its plan to cease supplying courtesy bottled water to residents near the Southbridge landfill, whose wells are free of the toxins found at other homes in the neighborhood.
Last October, Casella announced 1,4-dioxane was detected in 21 wells in Charlton, with eight exceeding the state drinking water regulation.
A month later, the state Department of Environmental Protection named Casella, operator of the Southbridge landfill, the potential responsible party for the contamination.
Casella is required to supply bottled water or whole-house filtration systems to homes with valid contaminate detections.
Early this year, health board Chairman Matthew Gagner pushed Casella to assuage fears by also providing bottled water to residents with clean wells who live in the area where the 1,4-dioxane was prevalent.
At the time, Mr. Gagner said he would not take no for an answer.
The health board announced in February that Casella agreed.
Landfill site manager Tracy Markham told the board Tuesday, the courtesy water will cease on June 29.
A visibly emotional Mr. Gagner pressed her to reconsider.
Robert Rogowski signs 3-year contract as Barre fire chief, to replace father
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Robert Rogowski signs 3-year contract as Barre fire chief, to replace father
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By James F. Russell
Correspondent
Posted Jun. 16, 2016 at 2:55 PM
Updated at 3:45 PM
BARRE – Fire Lt. Robert Rogowski has signed a three-year contract with selectmen to serve as the town’s new fire chief, with a starting salary of $70,000 per year, he said in an interview on Thursday. He begins July 1.
He would replace his father in the top spot.
Selectmen unanimously voted at their June 15 meeting to approve the employment contract with Lt. Rogowski.
But the long-serving chief, Joseph Rogowski - and his lawyer, Jack Collins - say that selectmen can only remove him from the job for just cause, which they have not done.
Chief Rogowski, the elder, said he intends to remain as chief.
In an interview, Lt. Rogowski, slated to be the fire chief starting on July 1, was asked if he had concerns about his father’s claim on the job.
“Very much so,” he said.
The prospective chief said he has discussed the uncertainty of what may transpire with town officials.
“I’ve expressed my concerns with the town,” he said.
“I’m a fourth generation firefighter. If he wasn’t going to be chief – I was concerned with the direction of (the department) with a new chief. I have a solid plan, and reputation,” he said.
Lt. Rogowski, 32, joined the Barre Fire Department 16 years ago.
He currently serves as a firefighter for a state fire district encompassing four communities on Cape Cod, and previously served as a full-time firefighter in Sterling.
