Dogs are Smarter than Cats and other stuff…

MoonHowler

Today is a mixed bag of news.  Nothing is long enough for its own thread, but is definitely worthy of discussion.

Scientists have done a study and have concluded that dogs are smarter than cats.  Well, no duh!  We need to waste money on that one?  At any rate, because dogs are more social animals, their brains develop more.  Any arguments?

North Korea has attacked a South Korean island, killing 2 South Korean marines.  Others are injured.  This country is a problem.  What do we do about them?

The Park 51  developers  who want to put the Islamic Center 2 blocks from ground zero.  Now we find out they are applying for a $5 million dollar federal grant to pay for part of it.  What are they thinking?  Isn’t it controversial enough?  What are they thinking?

 

Another Gang Attack in City of Manassas

MoonHowler

Another Hispanic teenager was brutally attack by a group of males all dressed in black in the Grant Avenue Shopping center adjacent to Georgetown South.  This victim was beaten and had a stab wound in his back.

Manassas City police, according to News and Messenger, feel that this incident is related to the stabbing death of 15-year old Miguel Hernandez on Friday.  They also feel it is gang related.  Both victims have been Latino.  Two arrests have been made in the Friday in the murder of Miguel who was just walking home with his classmates after school. 

The second victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening. 

What can the ordinary citizen do?  Are there precautions to take?  Why are young Latino males being preyed on?  Is this behavior emanating from Georgetown South?  Someone knows something. 

Is there a fund for Miguel Hernandez’s family?  Is that family safe?

This kind of behavior is very unusual for our community.

 

 

Sheriff Joe’s “Illegal Immigration Posse”

MoonHowler

Sheriff Joe Arpaio swore in his new “illegal immigration posse” this past week.    Latino activists are crying foul for fear of minuteman mentality being exercised against immigrants.  They fear the mentality of ‘Lets go hunt Mexicans.’ 

According to the Daily Beast:

The group of mostly middle-aged or older white men dressed in brown uniforms with gold badges will assist Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s deputies in such duties as “transporting illegal immigrants arrested for potential immigration violations,” “crowd control during demonstrations against the sheriff’s immigration policies” and “searching for load vehicles and drop houses.”

Sheriff Joe also positioned his new posse near props that hinted of war — a helicopter, an off-road vehicle, and an armored personnel carrier with a long gun. Over half the 56 posse members were cleared to carry weapons, and all had received training in illegal immigration enforcement, Arpaio announced during the ceremony.

Latino activists accuse Sheriff Joe of trying to take the attention off some of his legal problems which have arisen from some of his extreme measures in dealing with illegal immigrants.  He is currently under several on-going investigations.

In early November, Maricopa County deputized 6 federal agents to look into other abuses of power such as funneling money from one account into cash strapped operations like immigration enforcement.  Sheriff Joe is being investigated now for keeping 2 sets of books.  Arpaio is already under investigation for abuse of power and civil rights violations. 

Danny Ortega, a Phoenix attorney and chairman of the board of the National Council of La Raza fears that the possee will attract those who are ’emotionally attracted’ to immigration enforcement and the volatility that such an attachment could give rise to. 

And if there weren’t enough of a show with the Sheriff and his newly formed posse, The Beast further reports:

Two new posse members are actually minor movie stars—action figure Steven Seagal and Lou Ferrigno, the former Incredible Hulk, who doesn’t even live in Arizona.Arpaio had named Ferrigno an “honorary deputy” in May so the Hulk could “bodyguard” the sheriff when he spoke at a friendly Tea Party rally. The bodyguard gig boosted publicity for both the sheriff and Ferrigno, who sells t-shirts and exercise equipment on line. Ferrigno says he’s signed on to the illegal immigration posse because he wants to support Arpaio’s efforts to curb illegal immigration.

So now the Incredible Hulk is part of the posse.  All we need is a green beef up suit to make things completely bizarro-world.  

 

 

Morris Davis: A Terrorist Gets What He Deserves

MoonHowler

 

The following Op-Ed by Colonel Morris Davis appeared in the NY Times on the Ghailani Trial on Friday, November 19, 2010.

 

A Terrorist Gets What He Deserves

By MORRIS DAVIS

Washington

CRITICS of President Obama’s decision to prosecute Guantánamo Bay detainees in federal courts have seized on the verdict in the Ahmed Ghailani case as proof that federal trials are a disastrous failure. After the jury on Wednesday found Mr. Ghailani guilty of only one charge in the 1998 African embassy bombings, Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, called on the administration to “admit it was wrong and assure us just as confidently that terrorists will be tried from now on in the military commission system.”

The verdict — in which Mr. Ghailani was found guilty of conspiring to blow up United States government buildings and not guilty on 284 other counts — came as a surprise to many, but the outcome does not justify allowing political rhetoric like Senator McConnell’s to trump reality.Read More

Shindig Time–Your Report Tax Dollars Hard at Work

MoonHowler

Sometimes gifts come in electronic packages:

Please join Corey and Maria Stewart at…

Corey Stewart’s
Conservatives’ Shindig

Featuring…

*Beer, Wine, Open Bar (21 and older)*

*Maria’s Famous Swedish Meatballs*

*Music, Friends, Food, and Fun*

Suite #855, Hilton McLean Tyson’s Corner

7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA
Doors Open at 9 p.m.

THE EVENT IS FREE

Hosted by Chairman Corey Stewart, the Prince William County Republican Committee, the 11th District Republican Committee, and the Virginia Rule of Law Campaign

Did you hear the good news about Prince William County’s Criminal Illegal Alien Policy?

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Unfunded Mandates

MoonHowler

There will always be people who want to put their own spin on things.  Actually the BOCS meeting last Tuesday and the legislative action taken really wasn’t about illegal immigration.  It was about good governance.  And our BOCS failed the test. 

No one I am aware of is arguing that the current process of checking immigration status after one is arrested is a bad thing.  Most people I know feel that this is a fair, workable solution to a troublesome problem.  No one wants criminals on the street. 

The problem Tuesday began with lack of transparency.  The final UVA Report was unavailable for preview before the presentation.  For $385,000, this just should not be happening.  The agenda had irregularities.  The posted agenda showed  recess was scheduled and a press conference planned during the recess.  Again, this was highly irregular behavior and there was no explanation given.  Should citizens be suspicious?  To add to the confusion and obfuscation, 2 supervisors left during the business meeting and met with the press.  Why did the press have to be spoken to before the meeting was adjourned?

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Roger Ailes Attacks Jon Stewart

MoonHowler

Fox New  Chief Roger Ailes attacked Jon Stewart.  Now that’s right up there with attacking Bill Clinton.  Don’t do it. 

Basically, here’s what it was over:

 

When Jon Stewart was appearing on the O’Reilly Factor a few weeks back, he stopped by Roger Ailes’ office for an hour-long chat about politics.   

“He’s obviously really, really smart,” the Fox News chairman says. “He openly admits he’s sort of an atheist and a socialist. He once told me he would’ve voted for Norman Thomas.”

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Jon Stewart gets the Scare of His Life from Glenn Beck

MoonHowler

Here is it folks.  Be afraid, very afraid.  Jon tells everyone about the relationship between Glenn Beck and George Soros.  Jon brings his puppets to show you the state of the world, according to Glenn Beck.

Part 1:  George Soros Plans to Overthrow America

 

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c
George Soros Plans to Overthrow America
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Rally to Restore Sanity

 

Part 2:  The Real Puppet Master:

Jon isn’t saying Glenn Beck is a saboteur sent to destroy Fox News, he’s merely asking why he’s doing George Soros’ work for him

 

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c
The Manchurian Lunatic
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Rally to Restore Sanity

 

Heavy duty stuff here.  It is amazing that anyone working for Murdoch would take aim at George Soros.  These 2 comic skits appear to be funny but they might be some of the most serious commentary in America.  Be afraid.  Very afraid.

Want to get sued like Arizona?

MoonHowler

Sometimes it isn’t a real good idea to draw negative attention to one’s self.  Now that the UVA Report on Illegal Immigration has been finalized, it will somehow be interpreted and reinterpreted as the Chairman feels necessary. 

First off, YOUR UVA report that YOU, the taxpayers of PWC paid almost $400,000 for is now residing on the Chairman’s Virginia Rule of Law Act website.  You can even download it from there.  I suggest that the Corey Stewart  read the report cover to cover because he is getting some of the information wrong–dead wrong.

 

 

Here is what the report actually say about serous crime: 

Crime and arrest statistics reported by PWCPD do not, on the whole, show reductions that might be associated with the immigration policy, but they do show that serious violence, particularly aggravated assault, has dropped sharply in recent years. Considering that illegal immigrants account for only 3% of offenders currently arrested for aggravated assault, it seems unlikely that the policy was a major cause behind this trend, but it could have been a contributor. Finally, the views of officers, as measured in interviews and surveys, are somewhat mixed. Most feel that the policy has been effective in controlling crime and disorder related to illegal immigrants, but they are split as to whether the policy has reduced crime overall, and their general view is that immigrants do not contribute heavily to serious crime in PWC.

Additionally upon inspection of the crime statistics from the Prince William County Police website:

in 2007, there were 310 aggravated assaults committed by both adults and juveniles.  In 2008 there were 197 aggravated assaults committed by both adults and juveniles.  That is a reduction of 113 aggravated assaults or  a  36.5% decrease.  Yet the chair tells us there was a 47% decrease. 

Mr. Stewart needs to tell the truth and stop reworking the numbers to suit his own personal goals and agenda. 

Finally, in the BOCS meeting yesterday, Mr. Stewart and the other supervisors who voted in the affirmative seem to want the state to adopt PWC”s illegal immigration policy of status check post arrest.  The model legislation bill  (click to download) tells another story.  It is an IRLI form with Virginia Rule of Law Act written on it also.  It goes much further than the Prince William current  model and has the thumb print of F.A.I.R. and Mike Hethmon all over it.   It permits probable cause stops to check for immigration status as well as other things that just might get the state sued. 

I think most of us don’t want to end up like Arizona.  If Corey Stewart, Ken Cuccinelli  and F.A.I.R. have their way, that is exactly where the state of Virginia will end up. 

We commend the Prince William County police for the job they do, under the leadership of Chief Deane.  The PWC model that questions status of all people post arrest is a workable solution to the problem.  What works for our community might not work for another.  Let’s not dictate what others should do.  Millions of dollars were spent to get to where we are now.  Its time to move on without going through all of this again. And Virginians  certainly don’t need to be F.A.I.R. lab rats again.

 

 

Corey Stewart didn’t leave us in suspense long….

MoonHowler

That’s one thing you can count on.  Corey didn’t leave us in suspense for long.  Here’s what it was all about:

header
 
Dear Subscriber,
I will appear on Fox & Friends this Thursday morning at 6:20 a.m. to discuss exciting developments in our fight to curb illegal immigration in Virginia. I need your help. Please let me know if you have any stories of how illegal immigration has hurt your community by replying to this email.

I’m going on Fox & Friends on Thursday because I have exciting news for the Virginia Rule of Law Campaign. For the first time, a neutral third party has confirmed that states and localities can combat illegal immigration through law enforcement. I’ve included some highlights from the report for you below. It is important we start telling our local and state elected officials about this report. You can click here to read the report that was presented to the citizens of Prince William County.
 
Highlights from the Report:
  • Aggravated assault declined 46.7% as a result of the policy (while increasingly dramatically in neighboring counties, 75% in Loudoun, and 37.5% in Spotsylvania)
  • Hit-and-run accidents declined 41% as a result of the policy
  • Substantial numbers of illegal immigrants did leave the County
  • Prince William County is viewed by its residents, regardless of race or ethnicity, as inclusive and as a great place to live

That neutral third party he is speaking of is the  UVA Report that our supervisors willingly allowed to be attached to our legislative package.  We, the taxpayers of Prince William County,  paid almost $400,000 for that report, according to news sources,. 

I rest my case.  He was sure in an all-fired hurry to have that press conference  and to vote on that attachment to the legislative package.  How does it feel to have contributed almost $400,000  towards Corey’s Virginia Rule of Law Act? 

I hope everyone writes to John Stirrup, Maureen Caddigan, Mike May, John Jenkins and Wally Covington to thank them for giving it all away.  Expect county supplies, technology and personnel to  follow suit and be spent on this initiative.  He can now use his office and OUR resources to pursue his own personal goals. 

I am totally disgusted.   Corey couldn’t even give it 24 hours, could he?  Any time someone needs immediate need fulfillment like was exhibited yesterday by Corey, be suspicious.

You might also want to ask who Corey’s Faux News link is.  I guess he had to speed things along locally so he could make his date with destiny on Faux News Thursday morning. 

 

 

 

Warren Buffett’s Letter to Uncle Sam

MoonHowler

Warren Buffett is one of my favorite persons of money.  I have always listened to him.  He has more money than God and yet remains a humble man.  He isn’t rolling his bucks over to his kids in great quanities either.  I guess he thinks it will ruin them.  He also knows he isn’t an economist, but he has certainly handled billions of dollars, quite well I might add.

Warren Buffett has written a letter to his country, Uncle Sam, about the crash of 2008 that we are still coming out of.  Buffet understands the severity  and Buffett isn’t second-guessing.  In its entirety from the New York Times:

Omaha

DEAR Uncle Sam,

My mother told me to send thank-you notes promptly. I’ve been remiss.

Let me remind you why I’m writing. Just over two years ago, in September 2008, our country faced an economic meltdown. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the pillars that supported our mortgage system, had been forced into conservatorship. Several of our largest commercial banks were teetering. One of Wall Street’s giant investment banks had gone bankrupt, and the remaining three were poised to follow. A.I.G., the world’s most famous insurer, was at death’s door.

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News & Messenger says Study: Prince William policy drove away illegal immigrants

MoonHowler

From News & Messenger:

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. —

Since the Board of County Supervisors’ controversial illegal immigration resolution was passed, thousands of illegals have left Prince William.

However, crime, for the most part, has not changed significantly.

So says a two-year study conducted by the University of Virginia’s Center for Survey Research and presented to supervisors Tuesday.

Originally passed in October 2007 and revamped in April 2008, the resolution states: “Officers shall investigate the citizenship or immigration status of all persons who are arrested for a violation of a state law or county ordinance when such arrest results in a physical custodial arrest.”

Overall crime — with the exception of a near 30 percent drop in aggravated assault cases — has not changed significantly since the resolution was adopted. Partly because of the police department’s efforts to quell robberies before the resolution, violent crime has been trending downward in the county for the past decade.

The News & Messenger  further reports:

On the other hand, based on several statistical analyses, the study showed between 2,000 and 6,000 illegal immigrants left Prince William after the resolution’s approval.

From 2006 to 2009, the Hispanic population (which accounts for nearly three-fourths of all non-citizens in the county) increased 18.8 percent in Northern Virginia but just 3.6 percent in Prince William

I am fairly flummoxed by the report on the report, found in Insidenova.com. Then I read the Washington Post report and it took a similar stance:

The county’s police and elected officials requested the study to look at the implementation and effects of a policy – adopted in 2007 and modified in 2008 – that requires police officers to check the immigration status of all people arrested on suspicion of violating state or federal law.

The original policy directed officers to check the immigration status of people only if there was probable cause to believe that they were in the country illegally.

The study indicates that some changes in the Hispanic population can be attributed to the policy, but the researchers make it clear that the policy’s implementation coincided with the economic downturn, the mortgage crisis and the decline of the construction industry.

Because of those factors and others – for instance, the county’s having modified its policy to be less controversial and the county’s having a well-funded police department – the lessons of Prince William’s experience should be applied with “great caution” in other places and other times, said Thomas Guterbock, director of U-Va.’s Center for Survey Research.

Walking away, it looks like there was a great deal of angst and money spent.  Perhaps now I see why the great rush to vote on attaching the Prince William model to the legislative package to the state.  See bold above.  Lucy once again pulls the football out from under Charlie Brown.  Tsk Tsk.  They were warned.  Did Frank and Marty know something the others didn’t? 

Perhaps the best move would be to take our report, cut our losses, thank our lucky stars that cooler heads prevailed in 2008, hope our house values return, encourage businesses to come to the county, and move on.  Perhaps we shouldn’t advise others to do what we did here in Prince William.  But of course, it was all about an election.  And unless leopards have changed their spots, todays legislative action was all about an election also, we just aren’t sure which one. 

Just out of curiosity, does this now mean that Corey can work on his Virginia Rule of Law Campaign on company time using company employees?

 

The Odd Couple for President in 2012?

MoonHowler

There is talk on the street of an odd couple running for president and vice president and you will never believe who the odd couple is:  Joe Scarborough and Michael Bloomberg.  Scarborough is a former GOP congressman from Florida who now hosts the Morning Joe on MSNBC.  Bloomberg is the billionaire mayor of New York.  Both are moderates. 

The idea of 2 moderates running as Independents just sounds like manna from heaven to me.  Many of us are so sick of political parties.  Both men are friends and both deny they have discussed running.  This sounds like an iniative I could support. 

How nutty is this idea?

Read more:  Huffington Post

Corey Stewart Denies Citizens Real Open Government

Elena

It has come to our attention that Corey plans on submitting his “virginia rule of law resolution” to the Legislative package this afternoon.  

In accordance with the report’s strong endorsement of Prince William County’s policy, I would like to add the following language to our legislative agenda.

Virginia Rule of Law

Prince William County has implemented an effective policy whereby local law enforcement is mandated to determine legal status during any physical custodial arrest, which strengthens local law enforcement’s standing authority to determine legal residency status during any lawful stop, detention, or arrest.

Given the County’s successful implementation of this policy, Prince William supports implementation of similar sound policies by all law enforcement agencies within the Commonwealth. The Prince William County policy provides for mandatory legal residency status checks for all suspects placed under physical custodial arrest.

The County’s policy also forbids racial profiling, and mandates protection of victims regardless of their immigration status. The County has established a formal agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under which criminal illegal immigrants are turned over to federal authorities when they are released from detention or upon completion of their sentence.

Prince William supports the implementation of similar policies and programs that will enhance public safety across the Commonwealth

Corey A. Stewart
Chairman
Prince William Board of County Supervisors
1 County Complex Court
Prince William, VA 22192

(703) 792-4640 – Telephone/(703) 792-4637 – Fax

[email protected]

www.co.prince-william.va.us

Anyone remember the movie “Groundhog Day” ?  I do, this is like reliving the ambush of the original immigration resolution.

First of all, citizens have not had an opportunity to review the UVA report, which, by the way, Corey is  basing the urgent need for his last minute addition of the Virginia Rule of Law Campaign. 

Whether or not you agree with the Virginia Rule of Law Campaign is not the issue right now. Why is Corey so desperate for the camera and spotlight? Why is he willing to abrogate his responisiblty to provide open government and transparency in order to include this last minute change in the Legislative Agenda, denying an opportunity for citizens to comment?

Finally, Corey is postulating that because UVA has some favorable conclusions, the logical conclusion would be to implement the current PWC immigration  policy statewide.  That would be an interesting disucussion IF his Virginia Rule of Law blather were ANYTHING similar to what  UVA reported.   Simply put, the Virginia Rule of Law looks NOTHING like what PWC implemented in 2007.