delawareliberal--2020-01-15--Democrats Shouldn’t Dawdle on Gun Bills [UPDATE]: Virginia Braces For Gung-Ho Gun Nuts

As you might recall through the haze of Trumpian scandal , the Virginia legislature flipped to Democratic control in November .
After the election , Democrats pledged to pass a package of gun-control laws — mostly the same agenda Delaware Democrats have punted on — gun-rights advocates are flipping out .
The pledge sparked a grassroots pro-gun movement whose size and intensity has surprised even longtime activists .
In dozens of towns and counties , pro-gun Virginians have flooded local government meetings to oppose the new bills and to demand that their lawmakers pass “ second amendment sanctuary ” resolutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not enforce state gun laws they see as unconstitutional .
Some of these activists have warned of violence if Democrats push forward with gun control .
The pro-gun organizing in Virginia has attracted the attention of national anti-government militias and white supremacist groups , who have “ glommed on to ” the grassroots movement , hoping to use it as a potential flashpoint that could lead to civil war and social breakdown , according to an analyst at the Anti-Defamation League , which monitors extremist groups .
Some observers worry these tensions may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when a lobby day against gun control at Virginia ’ s state capitol is expected to attract thousands of people , including members of anti-government groups from other states .
This is standard behavior for gun lovers .
In Delaware , about 200 of them routinely flood Dover to demonstrate that we have no requirement that gun owners demonstrate any kind of mental fitness before they ’ re allowed to stockpile deadly weapons .
It ’ s the outside agitators who make the situation dangerous .
I mention this mainly to point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act now , while the national-level nutjobs are busy to our south , to enact bills like a ban on military-style rifles .
If they wait until Virginia acts , hundreds of white supremacists with nothing better to do could descend on Legislative Hall , and good luck finding a parking space once that happens .
Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam ( D ) declared a temporary emergency Wednesday banning guns from Capitol Square in Richmond ahead of a rally expected to draw tens of thousands , including far-right extremists , in protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the demonstration planned for Monday , January 20 , ” Northam said in a tweet .
“ This includes extremist rhetoric similar to what has been seen before major incidents , such as Charlottesville in 2017.
” The rally , set to take place Monday , was organized by anti-gun control group Virginia Citizens Defense League , which claimed it expects upward of 130,000 people to attend and is planning to bus people in from across the state .

As you might recall through the haze of Trumpian scandal, the Virginia legislature flipped to Democratic control in November. After the election, Democrats pledged to pass a package of gun-control laws — mostly the same agenda Delaware Democrats have punted on — gun-rights advocates are flipping out.
The pledge sparked a grassroots pro-gun movement whose size and intensity has surprised even longtime activists. In dozens of towns and counties, pro-gun Virginians have flooded local government meetings to oppose the new bills and to demand that their lawmakers pass “second amendment sanctuary” resolutions, which promise that local governments will not enforce state gun laws they see as unconstitutional. Some of these activists have warned of violence if Democrats push forward with gun control. The pro-gun organizing in Virginia has attracted the attention of national anti-government militias and white supremacist groups, who have “glommed on to” the grassroots movement, hoping to use it as a potential flashpoint that could lead to civil war and social breakdown, according to an analyst at the Anti-Defamation League, which monitors extremist groups. Some observers worry these tensions may come to a head on 20 January, when a lobby day against gun control at Virginia’s state capitol is expected to attract thousands of people, including members of anti-government groups from other states.
This is standard behavior for gun lovers. In Delaware, about 200 of them routinely flood Dover to demonstrate that we have no requirement that gun owners demonstrate any kind of mental fitness before they’re allowed to stockpile deadly weapons. It’s the outside agitators who make the situation dangerous.
I mention this mainly to point out that Democrats in Dover ought to act now, while the national-level nutjobs are busy to our south, to enact bills like a ban on military-style rifles. If they wait until Virginia acts, hundreds of white supremacists with nothing better to do could descend on Legislative Hall, and good luck finding a parking space once that happens.
UPDATE
From today’s Huffington Post:
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declared a temporary emergency Wednesday banning guns from Capitol Square in Richmond ahead of a rally expected to draw tens of thousands, including far-right extremists, in protest of gun control measures. “We have received credible intelligence from our law enforcement agencies of threats of violence surrounding the demonstration planned for Monday, January 20,” Northam said in a tweet. “This includes extremist rhetoric similar to what has been seen before major incidents, such as Charlottesville in 2017.”
The rally, set to take place Monday, was organized by anti-gun control group Virginia Citizens Defense League, which claimed it expects upward of 130,000 people to attend and is planning to bus people in from across the state.


delawareliberal--2020-01-15--General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Weds., June 15, 2020

Unionization , anybody ?
Now , that ’ s how to kick off a session .
I find it almost impossible to envision the Petes and Vals of this General Assembly moving forward with total equanimity for the staff involved in this effort .
The best part is , they dare not do anything about it lest they be revealed for the hypocrites they ’ ve always been .
Just one more great thread to be woven into this year ’ s legislative soap opera .
Before I proceed to the ‘ just the facts , ma ’ am ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s first focus on Dave McBride and Nicole Poore ’ s first shot at perfidy ( or semi-redemption ) for the session .
Who knows , perhaps Darius Brown ’ s as well : After almost six months in legislative limbo , HB 212 ( Cooke ) finally found its way into a Senate committee .
The bill , which would cap the height of the landfill in Minquadale ( Minquadale , Dave , you used to represent Minquadale , remember ?
I do ) passed the House on June 25 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it finally surfaced…in the Senate Executive Committee .
An odd committee choice , to be sure .
So , here ’ s what ’ s gon na happen for all to see .
You will either side with Bobby Byrd and Waste Management and kill this bill , thus opting for environmental racism over your former constituents , or you will do the right thing , release it to the floor , and put it on an agenda sooner rather than later .
Either way , I will be combing through your annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released on January 20 , and reporting on just how much corporate cash you have pocketed to the detriment of your constituents .
Not to mention every penny you ’ ve pocketed from Bobby Byrd ’ s clients .
Count on it .
Same for you , Nicole .
You too , Darius .
Just sayin ’ .
Man , I ’ m feeling better about my legislative coverage than I have in a long time .
So , let ’ s , um , cover stuff : Here ’ s yesterday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is not surprising .
For you newbies , Wednesday is generally Committee Meeting Day .
The House never conducts other substantive business on Wednesdays , the Senate does run the occasional Agenda .
*HB 265 ( Jaques ) ‘ fully exempts county property taxes and local school taxes for a disabled veteran with a 100 % VA rated service-connected , permanent and total disability or for a disabled veteran who is receiving 100 % disability compensation due to individual unemployability ’ ( Veterans Affairs ) .
I ’ ll say it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be easy pickin ’ s ignore the fact that he ’ s a pretty good legislator on stuff like this .
*Here are a couple of relatively harmless special interest bills .
HB 237 ( Q. Johnson ) .
HB 244 ( Gray ) .
For you newbies , these are characteristic of the easy way that lobbyists and legislators mingle .
Don ’ t worry , far more harmful examples will follow as session picks up steam .
These bills are in the ‘ House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be referred to as the Business Lapdog Committee , aka the committee where Speaker Pete sends minimum wage bills to die .
*Yet another special interest bill in the House Administration Committee .
For you newbies , this committee is the House version of the Senate Executive Committee .
Its members comprise the leadership of both caucuses , and bills are placed here solely at the discretion of the Speaker .
Who has decided that HB 275 , which is sponsored by Speaker Pete , and which takes a brave stand on behalf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer gardens or patios of eating establishments , belongs there .
How can you not love legislators who love dogs ?
He asked rhetorically .
*The Executive Committee will also consider the nomination of Paul Fioravanti for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the Court Of Chancery .
It is pretty unusual for someone with no previous judicial experience to be nominated to the Court of Chancery .
Neither the House nor Senate have agendas scheduled for today .
I have an agenda , and I ’ ll be back tomorrow to pursue it @

Unionization, anybody? Now, that’s how to kick off a session. I find it almost impossible to envision the Petes and Vals of this General Assembly moving forward with total equanimity for the staff involved in this effort. The best part is, they dare not do anything about it lest they be revealed for the hypocrites they’ve always been. Just one more great thread to be woven into this year’s legislative soap opera.
Before I proceed to the ‘just the facts, ma’am’ portion of the post, let’s first focus on Dave McBride and Nicole Poore’s first shot at perfidy (or semi-redemption) for the session. Who knows, perhaps Darius Brown’s as well:
After almost six months in legislative limbo, HB 212 (Cooke) finally found its way into a Senate committee. The bill, which would cap the height of the landfill in Minquadale (Minquadale, Dave, you used to represent Minquadale, remember? I do) passed the House on June 25, 2019, and then disappeared from view until it finally surfaced…in the Senate Executive Committee. An odd committee choice, to be sure. So, here’s what’s gonna happen for all to see. You will either side with Bobby Byrd and Waste Management and kill this bill, thus opting for environmental racism over your former constituents, or you will do the right thing, release it to the floor, and put it on an agenda sooner rather than later. Either way, I will be combing through your annual campaign finance report when it’s released on January 20, and reporting on just how much corporate cash you have pocketed to the detriment of your constituents. Not to mention every penny you’ve pocketed from Bobby Byrd’s clients. Count on it. Same for you, Nicole. You too, Darius. Just sayin’.
Man, I’m feeling better about my legislative coverage than I have in a long time. So, let’s, um, cover stuff:
Here’s yesterday’s Legislative Activity Report. Not much, which is not surprising.
For you newbies, Wednesday is generally Committee Meeting Day. The House never conducts other substantive business on Wednesdays, the Senate does run the occasional Agenda.
Today’s House Committee highlights:
*HB 265(Jaques) ‘fully exempts county property taxes and local school taxes for a disabled veteran with a 100% VA rated service-connected, permanent and total disability or for a disabled veteran who is receiving 100% disability compensation due to individual unemployability’ (Veterans Affairs). I’ll say it again, those who think that Jaques will be easy pickin’s ignore the fact that he’s a pretty good legislator on stuff like this.
*Here are a couple of relatively harmless special interest bills. HB 237 (Q. Johnson). HB 244 (Gray). For you newbies, these are characteristic of the easy way that lobbyists and legislators mingle. Don’t worry, far more harmful examples will follow as session picks up steam. These bills are in the ‘House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee’ which, from now on, will be referred to as the Business Lapdog Committee, aka the committee where Speaker Pete sends minimum wage bills to die.
*Yet another special interest bill in the House Administration Committee. For you newbies, this committee is the House version of the Senate Executive Committee. Its members comprise the leadership of both caucuses, and bills are placed here solely at the discretion of the Speaker. Who has decided that HB 275, which is sponsored by Speaker Pete, and which takes a brave stand on behalf of dogs being permitted to visit outdoor beer gardens or patios of eating establishments, belongs there. How can you not love legislators who love dogs? He asked rhetorically.
*I like HB 267 (K. Williams), which:
will allow a critical need reimbursement to be distributed directly to an institute of higher education or Secretary of Education approved Alternative Routes to Teacher Licensure and Certification program for an eligible teacher who is taking noncredit-earning seminars or workshops or credit-bearing coursework in order to attain a Standard Certification in a state-approved critical need area.
House Education Committee.
*I also like this education bill as well: HS1/HB 238(Jaques) , which ‘permits a school district to conduct on the last day of January an optional unit count of pupils who enrolled after the actual unit count was conducted and certified by the Department of Education. A school district will qualify for one-half of the value of the Division I and Division II state financial support for each additional unit under the optional unit count.’
love this bill from Rep. David Bentz, one of Delaware’s best legislators: *Ithis bill from Rep. David Bentz, one of Delaware’s best legislators: HB 263 ‘requires that individual, group, and State employee insurance plans cap the amount an individual must pay for insulin prescriptions at $100 a month and must include at least 1 formulation of insulin on the lowest tier of the drug formulary developed and maintained by the carrier.’ A panacea? No. A good start? Yes. Health & Human Development.
*Trey Paradee’s ‘Mea Culpa Tour’ continues as the Elections, Gov’t. & Community Affairs Committee considers SB 198 , which undoes the sweetheart deal he engineered to send Kent County lodging tax money directly to DE Turf. The sooner some legislative Fabreze is sprayed on this ethical stink bomb the better, I suppose. Especially for those (cough*Nancy Cook*cough) inclined to go right back to behaving unethically.
*The Executive Committee will also consider the nomination of Paul Fioravanti for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the Court Of Chancery. It is pretty unusual for someone with no previous judicial experience to be nominated to the Court of Chancery.
Neither the House nor Senate have agendas scheduled for today. I have an agenda, and I’ll be back tomorrow to pursue it.


delawareliberal--2020-01-15--Song of the Day 1/15: Brook Benton, “A House Is Not a Home”

Song of the Day 1/15 : Brook Benton , “ A House Is Not a Home ” In honor of Sen. Dave McBride ( h/t El Somnambulo ) , whose house in New Castle County is not his home , though we never need an excuse to showcase a Burt Bacharach/Hal David tune .
The song was first recorded in 1964 by Dionne Warwick , who made a career of turning Bacharach compositions into hits , but it was written for the film of the same name , which starred Shelley Winters as a madam , and it was sung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two versions were released almost simultaneously , Warwick ’ s as a B-side , so both stalled in the lower reaches of the charts .
The tune was quickly recognized as a uniquely beltable ballad and was soon covered by everyone from Dusty Springfield to Lanie Kazan .
Nobody made it a hit , though , until Luther Vandross recorded it for his first solo LP , “ Never Too Much.
” He slowed the tempo and turned it into a show-stopper that clocked in at over 7 minutes .
The song @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she sang it at Vandross ’ memorial concert after his death in 2005 .
Burt Bacharach is , of course , one of the master craftsmen of American popular music .
After more than a decade of writing hits for stage , screen and other singers , Bacharach finally released an LP of his own in 1967 .
He played piano on all the tracks , but sang only one — “ A House Is Not a Home .
”

In honor of Sen. Dave McBride (h/t El Somnambulo), whose house in New Castle County is not his home, though we never need an excuse to showcase a Burt Bacharach/Hal David tune. The song was first recorded in 1964 by Dionne Warwick, who made a career of turning Bacharach compositions into hits, but it was written for the film of the same name, which starred Shelley Winters as a madam, and it was sung for the film by Brook Benton. The two versions were released almost simultaneously, Warwick’s as a B-side, so both stalled in the lower reaches of the charts.
The tune was quickly recognized as a uniquely beltable ballad and was soon covered by everyone from Dusty Springfield to Lanie Kazan. Nobody made it a hit, though, until Luther Vandross recorded it for his first solo LP, “Never Too Much.” He slowed the tempo and turned it into a show-stopper that clocked in at over 7 minutes.
The song won a Grammy for Aretha Franklin when she sang it at Vandross’ memorial concert after his death in 2005.
Burt Bacharach is, of course, one of the master craftsmen of American popular music. After more than a decade of writing hits for stage, screen and other singers, Bacharach finally released an LP of his own in 1967. He played piano on all the tracks, but sang only one — “A House Is Not a Home.”


delawareliberal--2020-01-15--DL Open Thread: Weds., Jan. 15, 2020

DL Open Thread: Weds., Jan. 15, 2020

The Debate That Didn ’ t Matter .
No diversity , and no real discussion .
CNN ensured that there was no real discussion .
‘ Gotcha ’ questions and obsessed with being time-traffic cops .
That debate sucked .
Here ’ s one for the REV , though : My youngest daughter , who has always been a Bernie supporter , has finally convinced my wife to make a $ 27 contribution to his campaign .
While I ’ m with Elizabeth for now , I will end up supporting the progressive who I think has the best chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Treasure Trove Of Corruption Into Legislators ’ Laps .
Sadly , I think we ’ ve gone past the ‘ critical mass ’ stage to the ‘ I don ’ t care anymore ’ stage .
This is especially true of Trump ’ s Senate lapdogs , who never cared in the first place .
Flynn Withdraws Guilty Plea .
No doubt seeking to draw things out until Trump can pardon him w/o political consequence .
Iran Rejects ‘ Trump Deal ’ On Nuclear Weapons .
Seems unreasonable to me .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hallmark of integrity .
What do you want to talk about ?

The Debate That Didn’t Matter. No diversity, and no real discussion. CNN ensured that there was no real discussion. ‘Gotcha’ questions and obsessed with being time-traffic cops. That debate sucked. Here’s one for the REV, though: My youngest daughter, who has always been a Bernie supporter, has finally convinced my wife to make a $27 contribution to his campaign. While I’m with Elizabeth for now, I will end up supporting the progressive who I think has the best chance to capture the nomination.
Parnas Drops A Treasure Trove Of Corruption Into Legislators’ Laps. Sadly, I think we’ve gone past the ‘critical mass’ stage to the ‘I don’t care anymore’ stage. This is especially true of Trump’s Senate lapdogs, who never cared in the first place.
Flynn Withdraws Guilty Plea. No doubt seeking to draw things out until Trump can pardon him w/o political consequence.
Iran Rejects ‘Trump Deal’ On Nuclear Weapons. Seems unreasonable to me. The Trump brand has always represented the highest hallmark of integrity.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-16--Breaking: McBride trying to short-circuit primary challenge

From BlueDelaware : McBride ’ s bill sets the “ primary election for all state offices up for election this @ @ @ @ @ be held on April 28 , 2020 .
A little more than three months away @ @ @ @ @ for the primary will be February 25 , 2020 , a little more than a @ @ @ @ @ Pro Tempore Dave McBride is going to try to pull a fast one tomorrow that @ @ @ @ @ endear him to progressives and liberals while at the same time short-circuiting the primary challenge @ @ @ @ @ General Assembly may face .
House Bill 41 calls for moving the primary election from @ @ @ @ @ has the latest primary election in the country , and for years , people have @ @ @ @ @ earlier in the calendar .
The reasons for this are clear : a mid September @ @ @ @ @ the primary little time to turn around and get ready for the general election in @ @ @ @ @ progressives have been lobbying for this change for years .

From BlueDelaware: McBride’s bill sets the “primary election for all state offices up for election this year, 2020, will be held on April 28, 2020. A little more than three months away. The new filing deadline for the primary will be February 25, 2020, a little more than a month away.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Dave McBride is going to try to pull a fast one tomorrow that will, he thinks, endear him to progressives and liberals while at the same time short-circuiting the primary challenge he and others in the General Assembly may face.
House Bill 41 calls for moving the primary election from September to April. Delaware has the latest primary election in the country, and for years, people have been trying to move it earlier in the calendar. The reasons for this are clear: a mid September primary gives the winners of the primary little time to turn around and get ready for the general election in November. So reformers and progressives have been lobbying for this change for years.


delawareliberal--2020-01-17--DL Open Thread: Fri., Jan. 17, 2020

DL Open Thread: Fri., Jan. 17, 2020

How Much Of The Impeachment Trial Will Be Cloaked In Secrecy ?
McConnell is already imposing restrictions on the press , and the Senate is likely to go into closed meetings .
People will talk , though .
Especially politicians .
Look for more Chris Coons than you can stand .
Trump ’ s DC Hotel : A Breeding Ground For Corruption .
BTW , there ’ s a cocktail that goes for $ 100 .
They dump some caviar in it .
Rethugs , Rethuglican Court , Reimplement Voter Suppression In Florida .
Like I ’ ve said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this : 1 .
Completely mobilize your base .
2 .
Suppress the vote .
That ’ s it .
Some temporary good news from Wisconsin , though… Treasury IG Investigates Tax Break Meant To Go To Poor , But Went Instead To Billionaires , Including Trump Pals .
Correct me if I ’ m wrong , but I believe this is the same tax break that Mayor Mike and Buccini/Pollin hijacked to build yet more luxury condos in center city .
Which reminds me , why is that not a big story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Public Trough In Order To Survive ?
Maybe they should just be allowed to open a Racino .
The Honorables are suckers when it comes to throwing money at them .
What do you want to talk about ?

How Much Of The Impeachment Trial Will Be Cloaked In Secrecy? McConnell is already imposing restrictions on the press, and the Senate is likely to go into closed meetings. People will talk, though. Especially politicians. Look for more Chris Coons than you can stand.
Trump’s DC Hotel: A Breeding Ground For Corruption. BTW, there’s a cocktail that goes for $100. They dump some caviar in it.
Rethugs, Rethuglican Court, Reimplement Voter Suppression In Florida. Like I’ve said, Trump’s reelection strategy reads like this: 1. Completely mobilize your base. 2. Suppress the vote. That’s it. Some temporary good news from Wisconsin, though…
Treasury IG Investigates Tax Break Meant To Go To Poor, But Went Instead To Billionaires, Including Trump Pals. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe this is the same tax break that Mayor Mike and Buccini/Pollin hijacked to build yet more luxury condos in center city. Which reminds me, why is that not a big story in Delaware?
Will Wesley Feed At The Public Trough In Order To Survive? Maybe they should just be allowed to open a Racino. The Honorables are suckers when it comes to throwing money at them.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-17--Delaware Political Weekly: Jan. 10-16, 2020

1 .
Dave McBride Is Toast .
I decided to go back and see when he last had any sort of credible opponent , or , for that matter , any opponent .
The year was 1986 , and his opponent was one Drew Angeline , who had the distinction of having served as Rita Justice ’ s chauffeur when she was New Castle County Exec .
Meaning , he has not run in a competitive race for 34 years .
He did , however once run in a three-way primary for Lt .
Governor in 1984 .
In what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sad moment , his father ( I ’ m not making this up ) held a press conference to announce that he would not support his son .
S.B .
Woo won that primary , defeating both Dave and Sen. Nancy Cook .
McBride has never been politically astute , and he now finds himself completely unprepared to run in a district that looks nothing like that district of 34 years ago .
If his opponent , Marie Pinkney , is even half as impressive as she appears to be , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his candidacy .
Primarily because at age 77 , he would have to try to reintroduce himself to the voters in SD 13 .
Lewes likely looks more appealing by the day .
I do hope to see more from Pinkney soon , though… 2 .
Amazing Hauls For Two State Senate Candidates .
When the financial reports are made available to the public on Monday , Kyle Evans Gay , who is challenging Cathy Cloutier in SD 5 , will reveal over $ 45K in financial contributions .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a state legislative race , and will provide no solace to Cathy Cloutier , regardless of what she ’ s raised .
That incredible total is almost chump change though when contrasted with the , wait for it , $ 172 K or so that Sarah McBride will report .
Let ’ s talk about this .
Clearly , that ’ s way more money than she will need for what appears to be a coronation in SD 1 , currently held by the retiring Harris McDowell .
To me , it says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ herself able to raise gobs of money , some of it nationally , for a state senate race , McBride has the capability to look at a statewide or national race sooner than later .
She ’ d also scare off lots of prospective opponents with that kind of demonstrated fundraising prowess .
2 .
Should she choose to use it , and I ’ m sure that she will , I just don ’ t know where , she can help elect Democrats up and down the state and perhaps become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon arrival .
I don ’ t know , for example , whether she ’ ll cut a $ 600 check to Marie Pinkney , a $ 600 check to Dave ( no relation ) McBride , checks to both , or checks to neither .
But I hope I ’ ve made my point .
I have every reason to expect her to make wise use of those funds , but you never know .
She could be a progressive rainmaker .
Here ’ s hoping .
3 .
Has James Spadola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Quite possibly .
He has filed to run for an At-Large Wilmington City Council seat .
Since one R has to be elected , and since the incumbent , Ciro Adams , has some ‘ issues ’ facing him , I ’ d say that he ’ s probably the favorite in that race .
4 .
That Wilmington Council Primary Looks Interesting–And Perhaps Alarming .
We had previously written about the race in Council District 1 between Coby Owens and Linda Gray .
It ’ s now a three-way , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s brother , and who was the initial proposed successor to Nnamdi on City Council , has filed .
My concern is based on the fear that someone from the Potter family will smell an opportunity and jump in .
If that happens , I hope that cooler heads will prevail , and that a Potter doesn ’ t end up back on the dole , but there are already some hard feelings here .
5 .
Three-Way Primary In Ennis ’ District ?
Word on the street is that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a confidence , but the third would-be candidate could well pose a solid challenge to Ennis as they already have had some successful elective experience .
As you know , a pro-cannibis activist has also said that she ’ s running , although she appears to be struggling to gain traction .
6 .
Filing ( s ) .
State Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha ( D-1st RD ) .
Plus the previously-mentioned James Spadola and Albert Mills .
That ’ s it for this week .
What ’ d I miss , and whaddayathink @

1. Dave McBride Is Toast. I decided to go back and see when he last had any sort of credible opponent, or, for that matter, any opponent. The year was 1986, and his opponent was one Drew Angeline, who had the distinction of having served as Rita Justice’s chauffeur when she was New Castle County Exec. Meaning, he has not run in a competitive race for 34 years.
He did, however once run in a three-way primary for Lt. Governor in 1984. In what, to me at least, was a sad moment, his father (I’m not making this up) held a press conference to announce that he would not support his son. S.B. Woo won that primary, defeating both Dave and Sen. Nancy Cook.
McBride has never been politically astute, and he now finds himself completely unprepared to run in a district that looks nothing like that district of 34 years ago. If his opponent, Marie Pinkney, is even half as impressive as she appears to be, I seriously doubt that he will follow through with his candidacy. Primarily because at age 77, he would have to try to reintroduce himself to the voters in SD 13. Lewes likely looks more appealing by the day. I do hope to see more from Pinkney soon, though…
2. Amazing Hauls For Two State Senate Candidates. When the financial reports are made available to the public on Monday, Kyle Evans Gay, who is challenging Cathy Cloutier in SD 5, will reveal over $45K in financial contributions. That’s an incredible total for this early in a state legislative race, and will provide no solace to Cathy Cloutier, regardless of what she’s raised. That incredible total is almost chump change though when contrasted with the, wait for it, $172 K or so that Sarah McBride will report.
Let’s talk about this. Clearly, that’s way more money than she will need for what appears to be a coronation in SD 1, currently held by the retiring Harris McDowell. To me, it says two things: 1. Having proven herself able to raise gobs of money, some of it nationally, for a state senate race, McBride has the capability to look at a statewide or national race sooner than later. She’d also scare off lots of prospective opponents with that kind of demonstrated fundraising prowess. 2. Should she choose to use it, and I’m sure that she will, I just don’t know where, she can help elect Democrats up and down the state and perhaps become a power broker in the State Senate immediately upon arrival. I don’t know, for example, whether she’ll cut a $600 check to Marie Pinkney, a $600 check to Dave (no relation) McBride, checks to both, or checks to neither. But I hope I’ve made my point. I have every reason to expect her to make wise use of those funds, but you never know. She could be a progressive rainmaker. Here’s hoping.
3. Has James Spadola Finally Found A Race He Can Win? Quite possibly. He has filed to run for an At-Large Wilmington City Council seat. Since one R has to be elected, and since the incumbent, Ciro Adams, has some ‘issues’ facing him, I’d say that he’s probably the favorite in that race.
4. That Wilmington Council Primary Looks Interesting–And Perhaps Alarming. We had previously written about the race in Council District 1 between Coby Owens and Linda Gray. It’s now a three-way, as Albert Mills, who is Nnamdi Chukwuocha’s brother, and who was the initial proposed successor to Nnamdi on City Council, has filed. My concern is based on the fear that someone from the Potter family will smell an opportunity and jump in. If that happens, I hope that cooler heads will prevail, and that a Potter doesn’t end up back on the dole, but there are already some hard feelings here.
5. Three-Way Primary In Ennis’ District? Word on the street is that it’s likely. Can’t break a confidence, but the third would-be candidate could well pose a solid challenge to Ennis as they already have had some successful elective experience. As you know, a pro-cannibis activist has also said that she’s running, although she appears to be struggling to gain traction.
6. Filing(s). State Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha (D-1st RD). Plus the previously-mentioned James Spadola and Albert Mills.
That’s it for this week. What’d I miss, and whaddayathink?


delawareliberal--2020-01-16--White-Power Extremists Headed for Va. Nabbed in Newark by FBI

White-Power Extremists Headed for Va. Nabbed in Newark by FBI This is what we get for being so close to Virginia .
From WDEL : Three suspected members of a white supremacist extremist group were arrested on federal firearm and alien-related charges following a tactical operation Thursday morning at a Newark-area apartment complex , according to federal agents .
Thirty-three-year old Brian Lemley , Jr. , of Elkton , Maryland ; 19-year old William Bilbrough IV of Denton , Maryland ; and 27-year old Patrik Mathews of Canada are members of the white supremacist group , “ The Base , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investigation ( FBI ) .
The trio was arrested January 16 , 2020 at the Oak Tree Apartment complex off Otts Chapel Road near Newark and will appear in U.S. District Court Thursday to confront the charges .
And hey , thank goodness we have ICE on the lookout for violent illegal immigrants : Patrik Mathews is a suspected neo-Nazi and former reservist in the Canadian Army .
Mathews fled Canada and entered the U.S. illegally last August after he was fast-tracked out of the military following his alleged ties to the white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who trained as a combat engineer , is suspected by authorities of being a top recruiter for The Base .
Emphasis mine .
Lest you think white-blindness is a problem unique to U.S. law enforcement , the article adds this : Bernie Farber , chairman of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network , told CTV News in October that authorities had not been treating Mathews disappearance seriously enough .
“ He seemed to slip right through their fingers and he ’ s ― poof ― gone , ” Farber told the station .
Had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamic State , Farber said , he would have been found “ in the space of 15 minutes .
”

This is what we get for being so close to Virginia. From WDEL:
Three suspected members of a white supremacist extremist group were arrested on federal firearm and alien-related charges following a tactical operation Thursday morning at a Newark-area apartment complex, according to federal agents. Thirty-three-year old Brian Lemley, Jr., of Elkton, Maryland; 19-year old William Bilbrough IV of Denton, Maryland; and 27-year old Patrik Mathews of Canada are members of the white supremacist group, “The Base,” according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The trio was arrested January 16, 2020 at the Oak Tree Apartment complex off Otts Chapel Road near Newark and will appear in U.S. District Court Thursday to confront the charges.
And hey, thank goodness we have ICE on the lookout for violent illegal immigrants:
Patrik Mathews is a suspected neo-Nazi and former reservist in the Canadian Army. Mathews fled Canada and entered the U.S. illegally last August after he was fast-tracked out of the military following his alleged ties to the white supremacist movement and The Base. Mathews, who trained as a combat engineer, is suspected by authorities of being a top recruiter for The Base.
Emphasis mine. Lest you think white-blindness is a problem unique to U.S. law enforcement, the article adds this:
Bernie Farber, chairman of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, told CTV News in October that authorities had not been treating Mathews disappearance seriously enough. “He seemed to slip right through their fingers and he’s ― poof ― gone,” Farber told the station. Had Mathews been a suspected member of the Islamic State, Farber said, he would have been found “in the space of 15 minutes.”
Gee, ya think?


delawareliberal--2020-01-16--BREAKING: Gov. Carney Stonewalls Education Funding Lawsuit!

I am now officially a subscriber to the Delaware State News , and this story from Randall Chase is why I took the plunge .
Gov .
John Carney has chosen to emulate Donald Trump and has made his top appointed officials unavailable for deposition in the lawsuit charging that state public schools are inadequately funded : Attorneys for Gov .
John Carney are trying to prevent Delaware ’ s education secretary and budget director from being deposed in a lawsuit alleging that the state is failing to provide adequate educational opportunities for disadvantaged students .
A judge was scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s request for a protective order preventing Education Secretary Susan Bunting and Management and Budget Director Michael Jackson from having to sit for depositions .
In what passes for comment from this tight-lipped administration , a spokesman called the deposition requests ‘ highly irregular ’ , which has a kernel of truth to it inasmuch as there aren ’ t many lawsuits of this…ilk .
An attorney for the administration ( The Paradee Bros ’ sister , perhaps ) claimed that the request for deposition was nothing more than a plan ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , yes , why should officials be subject to harassment and annoyance when all we ’ re talking about is systemic and deep-seated under-funding of public education ?
These depositions are taking serious time away from the Governor ’ s ‘ disc golf ’ exploits .
Did I mention he is putatively a Democrat ?

I am now officially a subscriber to the Delaware State News, and this story from Randall Chase is why I took the plunge.
Gov. John Carney has chosen to emulate Donald Trump and has made his top appointed officials unavailable for deposition in the lawsuit charging that state public schools are inadequately funded:
Attorneys for Gov. John Carney are trying to prevent Delaware’s education secretary and budget director from being deposed in a lawsuit alleging that the state is failing to provide adequate educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. A judge was scheduled to hear arguments Thursday on the state’s request for a protective order preventing Education Secretary Susan Bunting and Management and Budget Director Michael Jackson from having to sit for depositions.
In what passes for comment from this tight-lipped administration, a spokesman called the deposition requests ‘highly irregular’, which has a kernel of truth to it inasmuch as there aren’t many lawsuits of this…ilk.
An attorney for the administration (The Paradee Bros’ sister, perhaps) claimed that the request for deposition was nothing more than a plan ‘to harass and annoy’.
Ah, yes, why should officials be subject to harassment and annoyance when all we’re talking about is systemic and deep-seated under-funding of public education? These depositions are taking serious time away from the Governor’s ‘disc golf’ exploits.
Did I mention he is putatively a Democrat?


delawareliberal--2020-01-16--Song of the Day 1/16: T. Rex, “Hot Love”

Better late than never , T. Rex has finally been admitted to the Rock Hall of Fame in its newest class , along with such rock-adjacent artists as Whitney Houston and Biggie Smalls ( the Doobie Brothers , Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails round out this year ’ s honorees ) .
This non-album single was the band ’ s first of four UK No .
1 hits .
It was also the first T. Rex song I ever heard , and I was an instant fan .
You have to admit Marc Bolan could lay down a funkier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , and this “ Top of the Pops ” performance is credited with birthing glam rock , mainly because of the glitter teardrops a makeup artist added .
The song everyone in America knows was their next UK No .
1 , “ Bang a Gong.
” His performance here shows a certain purple-obsessed musical genius found his stage persona by turning Bolan ’ s act up to 11 .
Take note of the keyboard player , a friend of Bolan ’ s who played frequently with T. Rex before his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll look familiar .
“ 20th Century Boy , ” another non-album single released in 1973 , was the last of the band ’ s 11 straight UK Top 10 singles that started 50 years ago , in 1970 .
Yet this year was the first time T. Rex was even nominated for the Hall .
Next year The Smiths ?

Better late than never, T. Rex has finally been admitted to the Rock Hall of Fame in its newest class, along with such rock-adjacent artists as Whitney Houston and Biggie Smalls (the Doobie Brothers, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails round out this year’s honorees). This non-album single was the band’s first of four UK No. 1 hits. It was also the first T. Rex song I ever heard, and I was an instant fan. You have to admit Marc Bolan could lay down a funkier groove than most British lads of the day, and this “Top of the Pops” performance is credited with birthing glam rock, mainly because of the glitter teardrops a makeup artist added.
The song everyone in America knows was their next UK No. 1, “Bang a Gong.” His performance here shows a certain purple-obsessed musical genius found his stage persona by turning Bolan’s act up to 11. Take note of the keyboard player, a friend of Bolan’s who played frequently with T. Rex before his own career took off. I guarantee he’ll look familiar.
“20th Century Boy,” another non-album single released in 1973, was the last of the band’s 11 straight UK Top 10 singles that started 50 years ago, in 1970. Yet this year was the first time T. Rex was even nominated for the Hall. Next year The Smiths?


delawareliberal--2020-01-16--General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., Jan. 16, 2020

OK , everybody , take a deep cleansing breath .
I ’ ll take one too .
Aaaaaahhhh… You can turn off the alarms : The 2020 Delaware non-presidential primaries will not be held in April .
They can ’ t be held in April .
As required by law , the State Board Of Elections long ago posted the official calendar for elections for this cycle .
In fact , I don ’ t believe that even the 2022 primary elections could be held in April .
The source for all this agita is the appearance of HB 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Aganda .
The bill would move Delaware ’ s statewide primaries from September to April .
It ’ s true that the bill had disappeared below the surface for some time .
I suspect that the push for the bill came from the state parties so that they could save $ $ ’ s by combining the state primaries with the presidential primaries .
I disagree because I believe that the result of this change will be to discourage insurgent campaigns .
Challengers would have to knock doors during the winter months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a well-heeled opponent .
It ’ s unlikely that this change could even take effect in 2022 .
Why ?
Because we have redistricting that will impact every state , county and local district in Delaware .
The General Assembly can ’ t even begin that process until the Census results are received .
The goal would generally be to have new maps approved by the end of the 2021 legislative session .
That , however , doesn ’ t change the process .
Counties and municipalities must then draw their own lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lines drawn by the General Assembly .
Whenever the process is concluded , which assumes no delays , no lawsuits and the like , I doubt that there would be sufficient time for the Department of Elections to allow for primaries in April of 2022 .
Which is why SA1/HB 41 ( McBride ) changes the effective date of the legislation to January of 2024 .
While it ’ s impossible to determine whether pressure from our blog and community activists helped accomplish this , legislation capping that Minquadale landfill is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 in fact .
It should pass handily .
The key was getting it out of McBride ’ s Executive Committee .
While there may be a few stray Rethug defectors , HB 212 should be on its way to the Governor shortly .
Certainly McBride will dare not vote against it .
Since the governor has been , at best , a passive supporter of environmental racism , it ’ s not a done deal until he signs it .
We ’ ll be watching .
Trey Paradee ’ s ‘ Mea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its final performance , as SB 212 undoes the sweetheart deal he engineered between Kent County and one of his brother ’ s clients , DE Turf , back in June .
His deflection of responsibility reminds me of this lyric that we all know : “ Blame it on Cain , don ’ t blame it on me.
” One question lingers for me : What did co-sponsor Bill Bush know , and to what extent was he involved in this ?
He arrived in the General Assembly as a fully-formed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think he deserves blame right along with the Paradee Bros and Queen Nancy .
You can say what you want about Sussex County , but the Kent County old guard is the absolute worst that the Democratic Party keeps serving up .
Hopefully , Kerri Harris and Sean Lynn are working to remove the rot from the foundation .
Little to spike my interest on today ’ s House Agenda .
Although…isn ’ t this bill arriving a little late in the day ?
We have special license plates for everything , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ ll help alert us as to which motorists we should give a wide berth…

OK, everybody, take a deep cleansing breath. I’ll take one too. Aaaaaahhhh…
You can turn off the alarms: The 2020 Delaware non-presidential primaries will not be held in April. They can’t be held in April. As required by law, the State Board Of Elections long ago posted the official calendar for elections for this cycle. In fact, I don’t believe that even the 2022 primary elections could be held in April.
The source for all this agita is the appearance of HB 41 (Bolden) on today’s Senate Aganda. The bill would move Delaware’s statewide primaries from September to April. It’s true that the bill had disappeared below the surface for some time. I suspect that the push for the bill came from the state parties so that they could save $$’s by combining the state primaries with the presidential primaries. I disagree because I believe that the result of this change will be to discourage insurgent campaigns. Challengers would have to knock doors during the winter months to have any chance of knocking off a well-heeled opponent.
It’s unlikely that this change could even take effect in 2022. Why? Because we have redistricting that will impact every state, county and local district in Delaware. The General Assembly can’t even begin that process until the Census results are received. The goal would generally be to have new maps approved by the end of the 2021 legislative session. That, however, doesn’t change the process. Counties and municipalities must then draw their own lines, and generally try to conform them to lines drawn by the General Assembly. Whenever the process is concluded, which assumes no delays, no lawsuits and the like, I doubt that there would be sufficient time for the Department of Elections to allow for primaries in April of 2022.
Which is why SA1/HB 41 (McBride) changes the effective date of the legislation to January of 2024.
While it’s impossible to determine whether pressure from our blog and community activists helped accomplish this, legislation capping that Minquadale landfill is on today’s Senate Agenda. #1 in fact. It should pass handily. The key was getting it out of McBride’s Executive Committee. While there may be a few stray Rethug defectors, HB 212 should be on its way to the Governor shortly. Certainly McBride will dare not vote against it. Since the governor has been, at best, a passive supporter of environmental racism, it’s not a done deal until he signs it. We’ll be watching.
Trey Paradee’s ‘Mea Culpa Tour’ moves one step closer to its final performance, as SB 212 undoes the sweetheart deal he engineered between Kent County and one of his brother’s clients, DE Turf, back in June. His deflection of responsibility reminds me of this lyric that we all know: “Blame it on Cain, don’t blame it on me.” One question lingers for me: What did co-sponsor Bill Bush know, and to what extent was he involved in this? He arrived in the General Assembly as a fully-formed Good Ol’ Boy, so I think he deserves blame right along with the Paradee Bros and Queen Nancy. You can say what you want about Sussex County, but the Kent County old guard is the absolute worst that the Democratic Party keeps serving up. Hopefully, Kerri Harris and Sean Lynn are working to remove the rot from the foundation.
Little to spike my interest on today’s House Agenda. Although…isn’t this bill arriving a little late in the day? We have special license plates for everything, but not this? Strange. At least it’ll help alert us as to which motorists we should give a wide berth…


delawareliberal--2020-01-16--DL Open Thread: Thurs., Jan. 16, 2020

DL Open Thread: Thurs., Jan. 16, 2020

Lev Parnas Drops Bombs On Trump Defense .
No wonder the Rethugs want it over fast .
Again , will @ @ @ @ @ when it comes right down to it , insist on a real trial with real @ @ @ @ @ claims check out , both Barr and Pence were criminal co-conspirators .
State Department Blows @ @ @ @ @ When you can ’ t come up with a new lie to cover for the @ @ @ @ @ understand it .
But it ’ s yet another violation of law .
When an @ @ @ @ @ one more violation barely registers .
Keeping Track Of Trump ’ s Lackeys .
Quite @ @ @ @ @ miscreants Trump has appointed and gotten rid of during his term .
“ Trump Rails @ @ @ @ @ Dishes ” .
Here for headline value alone .
The story is real , the @ @ @ @ @ changed to protect the Idiot-In-Chief .
Wilmington Cops Slow-Walking The Wearing Of Body Cameras .
@ @ @ @ @ there are police unions .
What do you want to talk about ?

Lev Parnas Drops Bombs On Trump Defense. No wonder the Rethugs want it over fast. Again, will any, any R, when it comes right down to it, insist on a real trial with real evidence? If Parnas’ claims check out, both Barr and Pence were criminal co-conspirators.
State Department Blows Off Required Congressional Briefings. When you can’t come up with a new lie to cover for the old lie, I can understand it. But it’s yet another violation of law. When an Administration is completely lawless, one more violation barely registers.
Keeping Track Of Trump’s Lackeys. Quite the helpful guide to the miscreants Trump has appointed and gotten rid of during his term.
“Trump Rails Against Refrigerators And Promises Cleaner Dishes”. Here for headline value alone. The story is real, the names haven’t been changed to protect the Idiot-In-Chief.
Wilmington Cops Slow-Walking The Wearing Of Body Cameras. There are unions. Then there are police unions.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-17--Who truly is “the last good Republican” in Delaware?

Who truly is “ the last good Republican ” in Delaware ?
I talk about this a lot because it bugs the fuck out of me .
Mainly because as far as I can see , there are no good Republicans left in Delaware .
Sure , there are a number of Republicans currently vying fo the title of “ the last good Republican in Delaware.
” Delcollo , Ramone , Cloutier and now Jordan Nelly have all laid claim to the title with some version of , “ I ’ m a Republican , but not that sort of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at best .
No elected , non-elected or retired Republican has ever clearly stated “ I don ’ t support Trump.
” I ’ d see them go a little farther and say “ I don ’ t support his politics of division , and I don ’ t support what he has done to the Republican Party or the Country.
” But that is pie in the sky when these allegedly “ good ” republicans can ’ t simply state that they don ’ t support him .
Mike Castle , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ good ” Republicans can ’ t even say it .
That ’ s weird , isn ’ t it ?
Castle is not running for anything .
He still manages to have a reputation for being a decent guy , and even he can ’ t claim to be “ the last good Republican ” in Delaware .
Yet… Being a liberal , I am an optimist .
I think there is a possibility that some Republican in Delaware will step forward and claim the title .
Here is my off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will be the first Delaware Republicans to state “ I don ’ t support Donald Trump ” Why do I favor Delcollo ?
I am swayed by Mike Matthews who seems to regard him as a decent guy .
Also , with his district ’ s registration # ’ s he doesn ’ t lose a lot when coming out of the closet as a Trump disliker .
What about Nelly ?
Well , his first public move was to state that he knows the DEGOP ticket is being topped by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify craziness when he sees it .
That ’ s something .
Why is Cloutier so low ?
Her politics align with someone who could claim to be a “ good ” Republican , but Cloutier is clueless .
If she had a brain or a heart she would have dumped the DEGOP 5 years ago .

I talk about this a lot because it bugs the fuck out of me. Mainly because as far as I can see, there are no good Republicans left in Delaware.
Sure, there are a number of Republicans currently vying fo the title of “the last good Republican in Delaware.” Delcollo, Ramone, Cloutier and now Jordan Nelly have all laid claim to the title with some version of, “I’m a Republican, but not that sort of Republican” which is a half measure at best.
No elected, non-elected or retired Republican has ever clearly stated “I don’t support Trump.” I’d see them go a little farther and say “I don’t support his politics of division, and I don’t support what he has done to the Republican Party or the Country.” But that is pie in the sky when these allegedly “good” republicans can’t simply state that they don’t support him.
Mike Castle, the poster boy for the bygone days of “good” Republicans can’t even say it. That’s weird, isn’t it? Castle is not running for anything. He still manages to have a reputation for being a decent guy, and even he can’t claim to be “the last good Republican” in Delaware. Yet…
Being a liberal, I am an optimist. I think there is a possibility that some Republican in Delaware will step forward and claim the title. Here is my off the cuff odds making on the question of who will be the first Delaware Republicans to state “I don’t support Donald Trump”
Delcollo: 7%
Nelly:5%
Ramone:2%
Carney:2%
Cloutier:1%
Simpler: 1%
Castle: <1%
The Field: <1%
Why do I favor Delcollo? I am swayed by Mike Matthews who seems to regard him as a decent guy. Also, with his district’s registration #’s he doesn’t lose a lot when coming out of the closet as a Trump disliker.
What about Nelly? Well, his first public move was to state that he knows the DEGOP ticket is being topped by a nutszoid, so he can at least identify craziness when he sees it. That’s something.
Why is Cloutier so low? Her politics align with someone who could claim to be a “good” Republican, but Cloutier is clueless. If she had a brain or a heart she would have dumped the DEGOP 5 years ago.


delawareliberal--2020-01-17--Trump Supporter, Anthony Delcollo, reveals Trump Support in HB73 vote

HB73 is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to eliminate restrictions on when absentee ballots can be cast .
@ @ @ @ @ some success pretending to be “ one of the last good Republicans ” couldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ though .
Voter suppression is an important pillar of Trumpism so Delcollo ’ s inability @ @ @ @ @ and vote for HB73 is not surprising in the least .
What is surprising is @ @ @ @ @ be take in by this Trump supporting fraud .

HB73 is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to eliminate restrictions on when absentee ballots can be cast. Delcollo, who has had some success pretending to be “one of the last good Republicans” couldn’t hide his trumpiness here though.
Voter suppression is an important pillar of Trumpism so Delcollo’s inability to do the right thing and vote for HB73 is not surprising in the least. What is surprising is how many Democrats continue to be take in by this Trump supporting fraud.


delawareliberal--2020-01-17--Song of the Day 1/17: Dave Matthews Band, “The Best of What’s Around”

Song of the Day 1/17 : Dave Matthews Band , “ The Best of What ’ s Around ” The Rock Hall of Fame , like the NFL ’ s , announces a list of nominees for the honor , then excludes a bunch of them in a final vote , which always struck me as a crappy thing to do to the also-rans .
This year ’ s batch of nine Rock Hall rejectees included several that arguably belong more than some of the honorees — Kraftwerk ( yet again ) , Todd Rundgren , Soundgarden , Thin Lizzy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the snubbing of the Dave Matthews Band .
The jam band ’ s tribal followers registered a record number of votes for the much-maligned quintet , but the popular ballot is just one of 1,000 in the final tally , and DMB fell short .
The RnRHoF ’ s puzzling decisions are easier to understand once you realize that they ’ re not just advertising their museum but selling their awards concert/TV special as well , and it must garner good ratings to keep the money flowing in .
Honoring a bunch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t going to pull in the desirable demographic .
So it would seem to make even less sense to snub an act that still sells out its concert tours .
On the other hand , few bands generate as much scorn and loathing as DMB .
Some people hate Matthews ’ mannered vocal style .
Others slag his inability to write an actual melody , or structure an actual song — almost none of his songs have a bridge , a middle eight , anything but a vamp or groove played repeatedly until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the band ’ s slightly jazzy , adult-contemporary sound conquered the frat party scene in Charlottesville , Va. , then the frat party scene nationwide .
Their peak years were the last years of the 20th century , starting with their debut , 1994 ’ s “ Under the Table and Dreaming.
” The LP kicked off with this song , among the earliest Matthews wrote when the band coalesced in 1991 .
I first heard the band through my kids , who were all over that album in 1994 .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which augments the typical guitar/bass/drums with woodwinds and fiddle , and the music ’ s energy , demonstrated in DMB ’ s first big hit , the album ’ s second single .
I thought the band missed its opportunity to reach automatic Hall of Fame status when its studio album with producer Steve Lillywhite was scrapped in 2000 .
Bootlegs of the nearly completed LP were leaked in 2001 , and they showed the band could have had a “ Joshua Tree ” -style breakout had the record company not intervened .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the album ’ s central cut , an anguished plea for redemption from the church communion rail .

The Rock Hall of Fame, like the NFL’s, announces a list of nominees for the honor, then excludes a bunch of them in a final vote, which always struck me as a crappy thing to do to the also-rans. This year’s batch of nine Rock Hall rejectees included several that arguably belong more than some of the honorees — Kraftwerk (yet again), Todd Rundgren, Soundgarden, Thin Lizzy — but none proved more controversial than the snubbing of the Dave Matthews Band. The jam band’s tribal followers registered a record number of votes for the much-maligned quintet, but the popular ballot is just one of 1,000 in the final tally, and DMB fell short.
The RnRHoF’s puzzling decisions are easier to understand once you realize that they’re not just advertising their museum but selling their awards concert/TV special as well, and it must garner good ratings to keep the money flowing in. Honoring a bunch of 50-year-old acts and dead people isn’t going to pull in the desirable demographic. So it would seem to make even less sense to snub an act that still sells out its concert tours.
On the other hand, few bands generate as much scorn and loathing as DMB. Some people hate Matthews’ mannered vocal style. Others slag his inability to write an actual melody, or structure an actual song — almost none of his songs have a bridge, a middle eight, anything but a vamp or groove played repeatedly until an arbitrary stopping point. No matter — the band’s slightly jazzy, adult-contemporary sound conquered the frat party scene in Charlottesville, Va., then the frat party scene nationwide. Their peak years were the last years of the 20th century, starting with their debut, 1994’s “Under the Table and Dreaming.” The LP kicked off with this song, among the earliest Matthews wrote when the band coalesced in 1991.
I first heard the band through my kids, who were all over that album in 1994. I was intrigued by the unusual instrumentation, which augments the typical guitar/bass/drums with woodwinds and fiddle, and the music’s energy, demonstrated in DMB’s first big hit, the album’s second single.
I thought the band missed its opportunity to reach automatic Hall of Fame status when its studio album with producer Steve Lillywhite was scrapped in 2000. Bootlegs of the nearly completed LP were leaked in 2001, and they showed the band could have had a “Joshua Tree”-style breakout had the record company not intervened. This was, to my ears, the album’s central cut, an anguished plea for redemption from the church communion rail.


delawareliberal--2020-01-18--Song of the Day 1/18: The Clash, “Wrong ‘Em Boyo”

Song of the Day 1/18 : The Clash , “ Wrong ‘ Em Boyo ” “ London Calling , ” the Clash double LP released 40 years ago this month , stunned audiences who thought punk rockers were just a bunch of low-talent yobs by presenting a array of rock and roll musical styles reinvigorated with punk-rock energy .
Three of the 19 tracks were covers , including this remake of a fairly obscure Jamaican track that was on the jukebox in their rehearsal space .
Bassist Paul Simonon loved the song and lobbied for the band to learn it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song they covered , the Clash made it their own .
I had to look a bit to find an upload of the original CD rather than the remastered re-release , which cleans up the sound too much for my taste .
The original is by the Rulers .
It had a much slower beat , more typical of Jamaican music in 1967 , when it was released .
The song is yet another retelling of the true story of the killing of Billy Lyons by “ Stag ” Lee Shelton in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It had been turned into a song by 1897 .

“London Calling,” the Clash double LP released 40 years ago this month, stunned audiences who thought punk rockers were just a bunch of low-talent yobs by presenting a array of rock and roll musical styles reinvigorated with punk-rock energy. Three of the 19 tracks were covers, including this remake of a fairly obscure Jamaican track that was on the jukebox in their rehearsal space. Bassist Paul Simonon loved the song and lobbied for the band to learn it. As is the case with every song they covered, the Clash made it their own.
I had to look a bit to find an upload of the original CD rather than the remastered re-release, which cleans up the sound too much for my taste.
The original is by the Rulers. It had a much slower beat, more typical of Jamaican music in 1967, when it was released. The song is yet another retelling of the true story of the killing of Billy Lyons by “Stag” Lee Shelton in a St. Louis barroom on Christmas Day 1895. It had been turned into a song by 1897.


delawareliberal--2020-01-18--DL Open Thread: Sat., Jan. 18, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sat., Jan. 18, 2020

Five Myths About Bipartisanship .
I think they ’ ve got it about right .
Maybe Chris Coons should take a look .
Is Trump ’ s Popularity Overstated ?
Could be .
Could manifest itself in lower R turnout .
Which could be offset by Rethuggery when it comes to voter suppression .
Why Isn ’ t Devin Nunes In Jail ?
Links between Nunes and Lev Parnas surface .
He seems to be coated with Trump Teflon .
Corporate Loopholes Undermine Healing Of Ozone Layer .
I know , dog bites man .
Rapacious greed and campaign contributions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drivers License Suspension For Unpaid Parking Tickets .
Had you guessed that the suspensions disproportionately impacted minority workers , you would have been correct .
Some good things going on in Illinois .
13 States Sue Trump Administration To Restore Food Stamp Cuts .
Their main point : How do you find jobs in areas where jobs are scarce ?
Trump Pushes Rollback Of School Lunch Standards .
Standards pushed by Michelle Obama .
Rollbacks announced on her birthday .
More pizza and fries , less fruits and veggies .
Concord Mall Sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DE Holdings LLC ’ .
That tells us about all we have a right to know under Delaware law .
The previous owners had let the place run down .
When confronted with the choices of giving the place a facelift , or selling , they sold .
What do you want to talk about ?

Five Myths About Bipartisanship. I think they’ve got it about right. Maybe Chris Coons should take a look.
Is Trump’s Popularity Overstated? Could be. Could manifest itself in lower R turnout. Which could be offset by Rethuggery when it comes to voter suppression.
Why Isn’t Devin Nunes In Jail? Links between Nunes and Lev Parnas surface. He seems to be coated with Trump Teflon.
Corporate Loopholes Undermine Healing Of Ozone Layer. I know, dog bites man. Rapacious greed and campaign contributions win out every time.
Illinois Outlaws Drivers License Suspension For Unpaid Parking Tickets. Had you guessed that the suspensions disproportionately impacted minority workers, you would have been correct. Some good things going on in Illinois.
13 States Sue Trump Administration To Restore Food Stamp Cuts. Their main point: How do you find jobs in areas where jobs are scarce?
Trump Pushes Rollback Of School Lunch Standards. Standards pushed by Michelle Obama. Rollbacks announced on her birthday. More pizza and fries, less fruits and veggies.
Concord Mall Sold. The new owners? ‘Concord DE Holdings LLC’. That tells us about all we have a right to know under Delaware law. The previous owners had let the place run down. When confronted with the choices of giving the place a facelift, or selling, they sold.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-19--Song of the Day 1/19: Generation X, “Your Generation”

Before Douglas Coupland ’ s book , before demographers ’ appropriation of the term , a bunch of yobs from @ @ @ @ @ named William Broad formed a band to take advantage of the burgeoning punk scene .
@ @ @ @ @ pop-sociology book of the mid-60s , written about the generation that included the Beatles and @ @ @ @ @ abandoned the politics of punk early on but kept the trappings of the genre , @ @ @ @ @ name , Billy Idol .
This was the first song they ever recorded , and @ @ @ @ @ played it on Marc Bolan ’ s afternoon TV show , “ Marc.
” This @ @ @ @ @ for Bolan ’ s introduction .
as it is for the band .

Before Douglas Coupland’s book, before demographers’ appropriation of the term, a bunch of louts from London led by a bloke named William Broad formed a band to take advantage of the burgeoning punk scene. Taking their name from a pop-sociology book of the mid-60s, written about the generation that included the Beatles and the Stones, the band abandoned the politics of punk early on but kept the trappings of the genre, including Broad’s new name, Billy Idol. This was the first song they ever recorded, and a few days afterward they played it on Marc Bolan’s afternoon TV show, “Marc.” This clip is just as notable for Bolan’s introduction. as it is for the band.


delawareliberal--2020-01-19--DL Open Thread: Sun., Jan. 19, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sun., Jan. 19, 2020

Malls Don ’ t Have To Fail .
A success story , and a possible road map for the Concord Mall ?
I get it .
Miami is not suburban Brandywine Hundred .
But the concept of the mall as a fun destination can work–if the new owners are interested in more than wringing whatever value is left out of the place .
Joseph Stiglitz : The Truth About The Trump Economy .
Read .
Learn .
Share .
China To Phase Out ‘ Single Use ’ Plastics By End Of 2020 .
Not everything I find is shot through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Proving I just might be a pessimist .
A Good Republican .
Really .
Virginia House Republican leader Todd Gilbert tells white supremacists to stay away from gun control rally .
A rare unequivocal statement in fact : “ Any group that comes to Richmond to spread white supremacist garbage , or any other form of hate , violence , or civil unrest isn ’ t welcome here , ” House Republican leader Todd Gilbert said in a statement .
“ While we and our Democratic colleagues may have differences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand united in opposition to any threats of violence or civil unrest from any quarter.
” Which reminds me .
Why won ’ t Delaware Democrats act like Virginia Democrats when it comes to gun reform ?
I ’ m serious .
There ’ s no excuse .
New leaders , please .
Politicians Preen As Highmark/Blue Cross Donates $ 1 Mill To Combat Opioid Addiction .
I admit it , this really pissed me off .
No , not the $ 1 mill ( a paltry sum , but one that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt loves the publicity , and which will be lobbying relentlessly for their own self-interests this session ) , but the fact that all these politicians were there to bathe in the glow of the donation .
I mean isn ’ t it about time that the General Assembly ups its own game when it comes to addressing and funding this problem ?
Why the fuck was this announcement held in Bethany Hall-Long ’ s office ?
They deserve credit for NONE of this , yet there they are , posing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poseurs , or , what ’ s the female equivalent , poseuses ?
Jee-zus .
What do you want to talk about ?

Malls Don’t Have To Fail. A success story, and a possible road map for the Concord Mall? I get it. Miami is not suburban Brandywine Hundred. But the concept of the mall as a fun destination can work–if the new owners are interested in more than wringing whatever value is left out of the place.
Joseph Stiglitz: The Truth About The Trump Economy. Read. Learn. Share.
China To Phase Out ‘Single Use’ Plastics By End Of 2020. Not everything I find is shot through with pessimism. Just 95% of it. Proving I just might be a pessimist.
A Good Republican. Really. Virginia House Republican leader Todd Gilbert tells white supremacists to stay away from gun control rally. A rare unequivocal statement in fact:
“Any group that comes to Richmond to spread white supremacist garbage, or any other form of hate, violence, or civil unrest isn’t welcome here,” House Republican leader Todd Gilbert said in a statement. “While we and our Democratic colleagues may have differences, we are all Virginians and we will stand united in opposition to any threats of violence or civil unrest from any quarter.”
Which reminds me. Why won’t Delaware Democrats act like Virginia Democrats when it comes to gun reform? I’m serious. There’s no excuse. New leaders, please.
Politicians Preen As Highmark/Blue Cross Donates $1 Mill To Combat Opioid Addiction. I admit it, this really pissed me off. No, not the $1 mill (a paltry sum, but one that was donated, albeit by a corporation that no doubt loves the publicity, and which will be lobbying relentlessly for their own self-interests this session), but the fact that all these politicians were there to bathe in the glow of the donation. I mean isn’t it about time that the General Assembly ups its own game when it comes to addressing and funding this problem? Why the fuck was this announcement held in Bethany Hall-Long’s office? They deserve credit for NONE of this, yet there they are, posing for the cameras. They’re all poseurs, or, what’s the female equivalent, poseuses? Jee-zus.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-20--Song of the Day 1/20: Bob Dylan and Clydie King, “Abraham, Martin and John”

Song of the Day 1/20 : Bob Dylan and Clydie King , “ Abraham , Martin and John ” Everybody who ’ s old enough remembers the Dion version of this response to the twin assassinations of 1968 , penned , incongruously , by Baton Rouge musician Dick Holler , the same guy who wrote “ Snoopy vs. the Red Baron.
” Dion ’ s harp-filled production laid on the schmaltz , but many singers over the years , from Marvin Gaye to Emmylou Harris , have recognized the song ’ s foundation of true emotion .
In 1980 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evangelical Christian period , Bob Dylan embarked on a tour that sounded like a gospel show , highlighted by his top-drawer female backup singers , including Clydie King , who sang behind everyone from Sinatra to the Stones .
During the fall leg of the tour , 18 of the 19 shows ended with this duet with Bob at the piano .
Dion ’ s record was released in August 1968 , just two months after RFK ’ s murder ; it reached No .
4 in the Hot 100 .
You could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who soon charted with it , from Smokey Robinson to comedian Moms Mobley , whose rendition was dead serious .
None outdid Marvin Gaye , whose version was inexplicably released as a single in the UK and reached but only as an album track in the United States .
The Motown arrangement sounds like it ’ s aiming for Gamble & Huff .
Ray Charles gave it a conversational solemnity on his 1972 album “ A Message to the People.
” And it made an excellent showcase for the emotive voice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1991 .
In fairness to Dion , the recorded version doesn ’ t do justice to his skills .
Here he is performing a much better arrangement on the Smothers Brothers TV show in fall 1968 .

Everybody who’s old enough remembers the Dion version of this response to the twin assassinations of 1968, penned, incongruously, by Baton Rouge musician Dick Holler, the same guy who wrote “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron.” Dion’s harp-filled production laid on the schmaltz, but many singers over the years, from Marvin Gaye to Emmylou Harris, have recognized the song’s foundation of true emotion.
In 1980, at the height of his critically scorned evangelical Christian period, Bob Dylan embarked on a tour that sounded like a gospel show, highlighted by his top-drawer female backup singers, including Clydie King, who sang behind everyone from Sinatra to the Stones. During the fall leg of the tour, 18 of the 19 shows ended with this duet with Bob at the piano.
Dion’s record was released in August 1968, just two months after RFK’s murder; it reached No. 4 in the Hot 100. You could tell it touched people by the range of people who soon charted with it, from Smokey Robinson to comedian Moms Mobley, whose rendition was dead serious. None outdid Marvin Gaye, whose version was inexplicably released as a single in the UK, where it reached No. 9, but only as an album track in the United States. The Motown arrangement sounds like it’s aiming for Gamble & Huff.
Ray Charles gave it a conversational solemnity on his 1972 album “A Message to the People.”
And it made an excellent showcase for the emotive voice of Emmylou Harris at the Ryman Auditorium in 1991.
In fairness to Dion, the recorded version doesn’t do justice to his skills. Here he is performing a much better arrangement on the Smothers Brothers TV show in fall 1968.


delawareliberal--2020-01-20--DL Open Thread: Mon., Jan. 20, 2020

DL Open Thread: Mon., Jan. 20, 2020

The Virginia Gun Rally .
On MLK Day , no less : Along with mainstream gun-rights activists , the event is also expected to attract white supremacists , members of antigovernment militias and other extremists , stoking fears of the sort of violence that left one person dead and some two dozen others injured in 2017 during a far-right rally in Charlottesville , about an hour ’ s drive from Richmond .
How is it that the Va. governor and D legislators can pass gun control legislation despite of these rallies , but Delaware ‘ leaders ’ cower before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to know .
How Many Cops Does It Take To Arrest A Subway Rider Who Has His Hands Up ?
This is what happens when NYC MTA decides to spend , wait for it , $ 249 mill for more transit cops instead of , oh I don ’ t know , upgrading the subways .
Trump Disses Proposed Seawall To Protect New York While Planning Seawalls To Protect His Golf Resort In Ireland .
What can I say ?
‘ A Great People Repellent ’ .
Larry David wears MAGA hat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ‘ Curb Your Enthusiasm ’ .
You can make a case for him being the funniest person ever .
Racist Policies Create Urban ‘ Heat Islands ’ .
Sometimes as much as a 20-degree difference in some urban areas .
It is mostly lower-income households and communities of color who live in these urban “ heat islands ” which have historically had fewer green spaces and tree canopy , and more concrete and pavements and thus are less equipped to cope with the mounting effects of global heating .
Would now be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that Mayor Mike stole money earmarked for these neighborhoods and gifted it to Buccini/Pollin for luxury high-rises ?
Why isn ’ t City Council screaming bloody murder about this ?
Why isn ’ t someone suing his/their asses ?
I mean , how much of that stolen lucre would it cost to help create some tree canopies and green space ?
What do you want to talk about ?

The Virginia Gun Rally. On MLK Day, no less:
Along with mainstream gun-rights activists, the event is also expected to attract white supremacists, members of antigovernment militias and other extremists, stoking fears of the sort of violence that left one person dead and some two dozen others injured in 2017 during a far-right rally in Charlottesville, about an hour’s drive from Richmond.
How is it that the Va. governor and D legislators can pass gun control legislation despite of these rallies, but Delaware ‘leaders’ cower before the dead-enders? No, really, I want to know.
How Many Cops Does It Take To Arrest A Subway Rider Who Has His Hands Up? This is what happens when NYC MTA decides to spend, wait for it, $249 mill for more transit cops instead of, oh I don’t know, upgrading the subways.
Trump Disses Proposed Seawall To Protect New York While Planning Seawalls To Protect His Golf Resort In Ireland. What can I say?
‘A Great People Repellent’. Larry David wears MAGA hat in first episode of the new season of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. You can make a case for him being the funniest person ever.
Racist Policies Create Urban ‘Heat Islands’. Sometimes as much as a 20-degree difference in some urban areas.
It is mostly lower-income households and communities of color who live in these urban “heat islands” which have historically had fewer green spaces and tree canopy, and more concrete and pavements and thus are less equipped to cope with the mounting effects of global heating.
Would now be the right time to once again point out that Mayor Mike stole money earmarked for these neighborhoods and gifted it to Buccini/Pollin for luxury high-rises? Why isn’t City Council screaming bloody murder about this? Why isn’t someone suing his/their asses? I mean, how much of that stolen lucre would it cost to help create some tree canopies and green space?
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-21--FFS Hillary, Move On

FFS Hillary, Move On

As in 2016 , Hillary Clinton is exactly what Democrats DON ’ T need right now .
In a new @ @ @ @ @ Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton took aim at current presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders ( @ @ @ @ @ made the case that 2016 is the year that won ’ t die .
Clinton @ @ @ @ @ past for delaying his endorsement of her after it became clear that his own 2016 @ @ @ @ @ nomination was doomed .
But in a Hollywood Reporter interview released Tuesday , she wouldn @ @ @ @ @ would endorse Sanders at all , should he win the nomination this time around .

As in 2016, Hillary Clinton is exactly what Democrats DON’T need right now.
In a new interview this month, former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton took aim at current presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) — and effectively made the case that 2016 is the year that won’t die.
Clinton has blamed Sanders in the past for delaying his endorsement of her after it became clear that his own 2016 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination was doomed. But in a Hollywood Reporter interview released Tuesday, she wouldn’t say whether she would endorse Sanders at all, should he win the nomination this time around.


delawareliberal--2020-01-21--Song of the Day 1/21: Pigmeat Markham, “Here Come the Judge”

Song of the Day 1/21 : Pigmeat Markham , “ Here Come the Judge ” Some say this was the first rap song , which would be quite a distinction for Chitlin ’ Circuit vaudevillian Dewey “ Pigmeat ” Markham , born 1904 , whose “ here come the judge ” routine was adopted by and immortalized on TV ’ s “ Laugh-In.
” I , on the other hand , say this is the perfect theme song for the opening day of this circus of an impeachment trial .
This record was released in 1968 , a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still new to white ones — if you had said in 1960 that infamously blue comedian Redd Foxx would have his own TV show , an “ Afro-American ” wouldn ’ t have believed you and a white guy would have said , “ Who ?
” They brought their routines — many dating to the early days of vaudeville , which grew out of minstrelry — with them .
Those roots are pretty exposed in this routine , but you can ’ t deny the percolating funk beat .
BTW , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace talks that were going on in 1968 — the ones that Richard Nixon sent an avatar to sabotage to help him win the election .

Some say this was the first rap song, which would be quite a distinction for Chitlin’ Circuit vaudevillian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, born 1904, whose “here come the judge” routine was adopted by and immortalized on TV’s “Laugh-In.”
I, on the other hand, say this is the perfect theme song for the opening day of this circus of an impeachment trial.
This record was released in 1968, a time when many performers famous to black audiences were still new to white ones — if you had said in 1960 that infamously blue comedian Redd Foxx would have his own TV show, an “Afro-American” wouldn’t have believed you and a white guy would have said, “Who?” They brought their routines — many dating to the early days of vaudeville, which grew out of minstrelry — with them. Those roots are pretty exposed in this routine, but you can’t deny the percolating funk beat.
BTW, the first verse is actually about the Paris peace talks that were going on in 1968 — the ones that Richard Nixon sent an avatar to sabotage to help him win the election.


delawareliberal--2020-01-21--General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Tues., Jan. 21, 2020

I may , may owe Bernie Bros Greatest Foe about one-tenth of an apology .
No , there was no legal or practical way that he could have pushed through a bill setting Delaware ’ s statewide primaries for this April .
This cycle ’ s process has been underway for months , there would not be near enough time for the Department of Elections to change its procedures , and even prepare the machines , for such a change in deadline .
There was no way that supporters would have had any chance to push through this bill last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not to mention there was no way the Senate would have passed the bill in its original form .
However , is it possible , just possible that an addled 77-year-old incumbent who has had no opponent since 1986 , who now sees the end of his career in clear sight , panicked and got his few cronies , which included himself , to vote the bill out of committee w/o thinking through all of the ‘ impossibles ’ ?
Possibly .
A clue comes from Nicole Poore , who said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill to make the effective date 2024 , there was ‘ no urgency ’ for a swift vote .
Which brings us back to the bill ’ s origin .
The bill was largely the priority of the State Democratic Party which , for cost-savings purposes , wished to consolidate the statewide primary date with the date for the presidential primaries .
Not sure if the state R ’ s felt the same way .
How do you save money when you have no money ?
The bill passed the House early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate , so there was no ‘ urgency ’ there either .
By the time the bill was considered in committee , it was far too late to be implemented this cycle .
OK .
So why did Nicole Poore then declare the bill to be of no urgency ?
I think the answer is because a lot of entrenched party flotsam dislikes the state party ’ s receptivity to primaries and more open processes .
In other words , Poore was giving a big ‘ fuck-you ’ to the state party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from facing a primary .
That ’ s my guess .
So , DD , please accept my one-tenth of an apology .
It ’ s what you deserve .
Thursday ’ s session was notable in other ways as well .
HB 212 ( Cooke ) , which would cap industrial landfills at a height of 130 feet , passed the Senate unanimously .
But not without a gift from Dave McBride to Waste Management ’ s corporate lobbyist , Bobby Byrd .
In the form of this amendment .
You see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He increased the height limit from 130 to 140 feet .
Might not seem like much , but it ’ s several shit-tons of trash .
That ’ s the Delaware Way .
Corporate checks=several shit-tons of trash .
I ’ d just love to see the House strike that amendment .
The Senate also passed Sen. Paradee ’ s bill that essentially strikes the special interest favor he did for his brother .
Sucks getting caught , doesn ’ t it ?
I was pleased to see HB 73 ( Jaques ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were holding out for something , don ’ t know if they got it .
The bill is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to make absentee voting easier .
SB 194 ( Townsend ) also passed the Senate .
The bill eliminates the requirement that applicants state their race as part of the application process .
Kids , circle Thursday on your calendar .
Especially if you ’ re an insomniac .
That ’ s when Gov .
Carney will give his State Of The State Address .
Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the state faces something of a financial windfall .
Guaranteed none of them will ‘ grow the base of the budget ’ .
I work that day , so I guess I ’ ll read about it later .
Today ’ s Senate Agenda is pretty underwhelming .
Since the two House bills on the agenda both passed unanimously in the House , I look for no fireworks .
Except , perhaps , in Caucus .
Which reminds me , I am told that several legislative leaders are very unhappy with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes me happy .
Bill Bush is a throwback to the now-disgraced ‘ tough-on-crime ’ days of Tom Sharp , Jim Vaughn , Wayne Smith and Jane Brady .
HB 144 creates yet another ‘ protected class ’ that results in longer sentences if a member of the class is a victim .
In this case , ‘ health care treatment providers and employees and hospital security personnel who are injured while performing their work related duties ’ .
Memo To John Carney : This is why you can ’ t create exceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , legislators will be adding more exceptions to the statute .
This bill does not deserve passage , let ’ s see who opposes it .
That ’ s it for today .
Time to check out the impeachment proceedings…

I may, may owe Bernie Bros Greatest Foe about one-tenth of an apology. No, there was no legal or practical way that he could have pushed through a bill setting Delaware’s statewide primaries for this April. This cycle’s process has been underway for months, there would not be near enough time for the Department of Elections to change its procedures, and even prepare the machines, for such a change in deadline. There was no way that supporters would have had any chance to push through this bill last week. It was a practical impossibility. Not to mention there was no way the Senate would have passed the bill in its original form.
However, is it possible, just possible that an addled 77-year-old incumbent who has had no opponent since 1986, who now sees the end of his career in clear sight, panicked and got his few cronies, which included himself, to vote the bill out of committee w/o thinking through all of the ‘impossibles’?
Possibly. A clue comes from Nicole Poore, who said that, since an amendment was placed on the bill to make the effective date 2024, there was ‘no urgency’ for a swift vote. Which brings us back to the bill’s origin. The bill was largely the priority of the State Democratic Party which, for cost-savings purposes, wished to consolidate the statewide primary date with the date for the presidential primaries. Not sure if the state R’s felt the same way. How do you save money when you have no money? The bill passed the House early in 2019, and then languished in the Senate, so there was no ‘urgency’ there either. By the time the bill was considered in committee, it was far too late to be implemented this cycle. OK. So why did Nicole Poore then declare the bill to be of no urgency? I think the answer is because a lot of entrenched party flotsam dislikes the state party’s receptivity to primaries and more open processes. In other words, Poore was giving a big ‘fuck-you’ to the state party which made no effort to stop McBride from facing a primary. That’s my guess. So, DD, please accept my one-tenth of an apology. It’s what you deserve.
Thursday’s session was notable in other ways as well. HB 212 (Cooke), which would cap industrial landfills at a height of 130 feet, passed the Senate unanimously. But not without a gift from Dave McBride to Waste Management’s corporate lobbyist, Bobby Byrd. In the form of this amendment. You see what he did there, folks? He increased the height limit from 130 to 140 feet. Might not seem like much, but it’s several shit-tons of trash. That’s the Delaware Way. Corporate checks=several shit-tons of trash. I’d just love to see the House strike that amendment.
The Senate also passed Sen. Paradee’s bill that essentially strikes the special interest favor he did for his brother. Sucks getting caught, doesn’t it?
I was pleased to see HB 73(Jaques) finally pass the Senate. The Rethugs were holding out for something, don’t know if they got it. The bill is the first leg of a constitutional amendment to make absentee voting easier.
SB 194(Townsend) also passed the Senate. The bill eliminates the requirement that applicants state their race as part of the application process.
Kids, circle Thursday on your calendar. Especially if you’re an insomniac. That’s when Gov. Carney will give his State Of The State Address. Let’s see what paltry one-time programs he proposes as the state faces something of a financial windfall. Guaranteed none of them will ‘grow the base of the budget’. I work that day, so I guess I’ll read about it later.
Today’s Senate Agenda is pretty underwhelming. Since the two House bills on the agenda both passed unanimously in the House, I look for no fireworks. Except, perhaps, in Caucus. Which reminds me, I am told that several legislative leaders are very unhappy with the move by staff to organize. That makes me happy.
Bill Bush is a throwback to the now-disgraced ‘tough-on-crime’ days of Tom Sharp, Jim Vaughn, Wayne Smith and Jane Brady. HB 144 creates yet another ‘protected class’ that results in longer sentences if a member of the class is a victim. In this case, ‘health care treatment providers and employees and hospital security personnel who are injured while performing their work related duties’. Memo To John Carney: This is why you can’t create exceptions to a death penalty ban. Every year, legislators will be adding more exceptions to the statute. This bill does not deserve passage, let’s see who opposes it.
That’s it for today. Time to check out the impeachment proceedings…


delawareliberal--2020-01-21--DL Open Thread: Tues., Jan. 21, 2020

DL Open Thread: Tues., Jan. 21, 2020

McConnell Reveals Rigged Rules .
No evidence , no documents , no witnesses , and testimony up to and past midnight .
We can take him at his word .
He and the White House moved in lockstep on this : The White House , which has worked closely with Mr. McConnell on the trial ’ s parameters , indicated it was pleased .
Eric Ueland , the president ’ s congressional liaison , said the team was “ gratified that the draft resolution protects the president ’ s rights to a fair trial.
” When the Clinton trial opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” printed and shared with senators all records generated by the House impeachment inquiry into Mr. Clinton .
Not so this time .
Though the House ’ s evidence from the Trump impeachment inquiry would still be printed and shared with senators , it would only be formally considered by the Senate as part of its official record if a majority of senators voted to do so .
That vote could only take place after the Senate decided whether to call witnesses and seek additional documents — that is , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bolton… : The White House and the Senate GOP are conspiring to ensure that Bolton ’ s testimony never sees the light of day .
While Trump may or may not be Teflon-proof , I don ’ t see this applying to the senators .
More and more , I think there may be a sea change in the Senate .
Here ’ s What D ’ s Must Do .
By ‘ D ’ s , ’ I mean the Chris Coonses of this world .
There are no moderate R ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one extent or another .
They ’ re all gon na vote to adopt McConnell ’ s rules today .
Take names and make them pay .
Marriott Guilty Of Greenwashing ?
Since I don ’ t trust Marriott at all after having been subjected to a 90-minute ‘ hard-sell ’ for their bullshit vacation club , I say , yesyesyes .
The victims : The housekeepers .
You might want to consider boycotting them .
Just keep in mind that they are buying up hotel chains faster than the President is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Place Victims On Trial In Tennessee Civil Rights Arson Case .
Cops are among white supremacists ’ most dependable allies here .
How Weak Is The Argument To Throw More Money At Wesley ?
David Bonar , who is a real piece of work , makes this case : The argument that government shouldn ’ t contribute to Wesley is silly .
Taking that attitude , why then did the state contribute billions to Astra Zeneca only to see it move many of their jobs elsewhere ?
Why did legislators , including some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wesley , vote to approve a program for a renewable energy firm that gave idle promises of jobs that have never materialized and cost Delmarva Power consumers , even today , hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs ?
Why does the Joint Finance Committee continue to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the University of Delaware with scant oversight and accountability as to how it is truly spent ?
Uh , that ’ s an argument in opposition to horrible choices the state has made , and continues to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to throw bad money at yet another failing institution .
What do you want to talk about ?

McConnell Reveals Rigged Rules. No evidence, no documents, no witnesses, and testimony up to and past midnight. We can take him at his word. He and the White House moved in lockstep on this:
The White House, which has worked closely with Mr. McConnell on the trial’s parameters, indicated it was pleased. Eric Ueland, the president’s congressional liaison, said the team was “gratified that the draft resolution protects the president’s rights to a fair trial.” When the Clinton trial opened, the Senate “admitted into evidence,” printed and shared with senators all records generated by the House impeachment inquiry into Mr. Clinton. Not so this time. Though the House’s evidence from the Trump impeachment inquiry would still be printed and shared with senators, it would only be formally considered by the Senate as part of its official record if a majority of senators voted to do so. That vote could only take place after the Senate decided whether to call witnesses and seek additional documents — that is, as the trial moves toward conclusion.
As For Bolton…: The White House and the Senate GOP are conspiring to ensure that Bolton’s testimony never sees the light of day. While Trump may or may not be Teflon-proof, I don’t see this applying to the senators. More and more, I think there may be a sea change in the Senate.
Here’s What D’s Must Do. By ‘D’s,’ I mean the Chris Coonses of this world. There are no moderate R’s. They’re all complicit to one extent or another. They’re all gonna vote to adopt McConnell’s rules today. Take names and make them pay.
Marriott Guilty Of Greenwashing? Since I don’t trust Marriott at all after having been subjected to a 90-minute ‘hard-sell’ for their bullshit vacation club, I say, yesyesyes. The victims: The housekeepers. You might want to consider boycotting them. Just keep in mind that they are buying up hotel chains faster than the President is prevaricating on Twitter.
Police And Feds Place Victims On Trial In Tennessee Civil Rights Arson Case. Cops are among white supremacists’ most dependable allies here.
How Weak Is The Argument To Throw More Money At Wesley? David Bonar, who is a real piece of work, makes this case:
The argument that government shouldn’t contribute to Wesley is silly. Taking that attitude, why then did the state contribute billions to Astra Zeneca only to see it move many of their jobs elsewhere? Why did legislators, including some on the committee reviewing economic assistance for Wesley, vote to approve a program for a renewable energy firm that gave idle promises of jobs that have never materialized and cost Delmarva Power consumers, even today, hundreds of millions of dollars in additional costs? Why does the Joint Finance Committee continue to contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the University of Delaware with scant oversight and accountability as to how it is truly spent?
Uh, that’s an argument in opposition to horrible choices the state has made, and continues to make, not an effective argument to continue to throw bad money at yet another failing institution.
What do you want to talk about?