Clinton Slide Continues

New Newsweek Iowa Poll shows Obama +6 over Clinton and Huckabee +22 over Romney. Poll Info: http://www.newsweek.com/media/75/0714_newsweek_poll.pdf

Newsweek Article:http://www.newsweek.com/id/74215

NAACP Petitions for Independent Investigation on Use of Tasers

Guy Djoken
President
NAACP Frederick County, Maryland Branch

On December 2, 2008 the Frederick County NAACP Called for an independent investigation on the Frederick County, MD Sheriff use of Tasers.

Please join us in demanding Justice for Jarrel Gray.
Click Here: Frederick Co. NAACP and sign the Petition.

Taneytown, MD Councilman Determined to Rid the City of "Criminal Aliens"

Connie Castanera

Here we go again, another attempt to cleanse this country of "criminal aliens." That is what Councilman Paul Chamberlain for the City of Taneytown calls anyone who is residing in this country illegally. I prefer the term "undocumented." He claims that anyone who is here illegally is a "criminal." I absolutely disagree.

After reading the December 5, 2007 article in the Baltimore Sun newspaper, by Arin Gencer, entitled "Immigrants Again an Issue in Taneytown," my first thought was, "Here We Go Again." This is the same Councilman who sponsored the resolution about a year ago to declare that English be the official language of Taneytown, Maryland.

Frankly, I live in Taneytown and I've never heard anyone talk to me in any language, other than English. Was this a problem then? Is it a problem now? A year ago, Councilman Chamberlain acknowledged that although Taneytown officials had not had problems dealing with non-English speakers, he claimed that he wanted to be proactive. I'm wondering if it is proactive or prejudiced.

I called Councilman Chamberlain Wednesday (12/5/07) afternoon because there was a "workshop meeting" scheduled for that night, at 7:30 PM, in Taneytown, to discuss his new proposal to declare that Taneytown is not a sanctuary City. I initially called to find out more information before attending the meeting, which was canceled due to wintery weather conditions. I wound up talking to Chamberlain for quite a while.

He first asked me where I was from. I told him that I live in Taneytown. He said, "Great!" Then he asked me if I minded sharing my position on his proposed resolution. I told him that I was opposed to it, and he asked me why. I responded, "Because I feel that it is motivated by prejudice and discrimination." I went on to tell him that, as a Christian, I don't believe that is the way Jesus would have us treat one another. I believe that we are all children of God and He loves us all equally.

He shared his reasons, in an effort to defend his position, and justify his proposed actions, and I shared mine. The more he shared, the more he convinced me that he did not have accurate information about immigration, and that he is supported by many who are prejudice-motivated. Finally, we agreed to disagree.

As we concluded our conversation, I asked if he would be willing to sit down and talk with people in the Hispanic community, and to be open to other points of view and more accurate information. He said that he would. I am hoping that he keeps his word because I will be contacting him in the near future.

10 Commandments of a Liberal

Steve and Vanessa Lopez

Since when did liberal become a bad word in the United States? Aren't things such as tolerance, progress, open-mindedness, freedom, and generosity positive things? We think so and we are proud to be liberals. As world citizens,we are empowered from birth with inalienable rights. When these rights are in danger of being taken away, we need, as individuals and as a people, to stand up and not be afraid to assert ourselves. Below is what we refer to as our 10 Commandments of a Liberal.

1. Question authority and speak up!

2. Respect the Earth and its residents that share the planet with you. Recognize that you and all human beings are part of the earth and the world community. No individual, government, or corporation owns the world.

3. Help make the world a better place. Contribute to your community and society. If someone needs help, don't judge them - lend a helping hand.

4. Act to ensure all Governments and corporations respect human and civil rights.

5. Embrace diversity and respect differences.

6. Empower yourself through education.

7. Hold Government accountable for developing public policies that are based on facts and benefit the public's interest.

8. Read and listen to non-corporate news media such as Mother Jones, Air America, and Bill Moyer's Journal.

9. Champion democracy and fight hypocrisy.

10. Take the Power back!