if they pass this inane bill, it will be a disaster for Maryland
here's a way we can cut the Federal budget deficit:
"Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has warned President Barack Obama that his oil-rich country will prop up President Hosni Mubarak if the U.S. tries to bring about a swift regime change in Egypt.
In a personal phone call on Jan. 29, the 86-year-old king cautioned the president against humiliating Mubarak and said Saudi Arabia would bankroll Egypt if the U.S. pulled its aid program -- which is worth $1.5 billion a year. A senior source in the Saudi capital Riyadh said "Mubarak and King Abdullah are not just allies, they are close friends, and the king is not about to see his friend cast aside."
The president is torn between supporting the largely secular pro-democracy protesters and backing a repressive, authoritarian regime that has been a key ally in the Middle East for the past 30 years. He also has to maintain a good relationship with Saudi Arabia -- a key U.S. energy supplier and one of America's last allies in the region."
February 10, 2011 11:08 AM
Anonymous said...
CAIRO -- Egypt's military announced on national television that it stepped in to "safeguard the country" and assured protesters that President Hosni Mubarak will meet their demands in the strongest indication yet that the longtime leader has lost power. In Washington, the CIA chief said there was a "strong likelihood" Mubarak will step down Thursday.
Egyptian state televeision said President Hosni Mubarak would speak to the nation Thursday night from his palace in Cairo.
he'll be looking for a new job after the next election so if anyone is hiring, give him a call
February 10, 2011 2:54 PM
Anonymous said...
Yawn. If Brochin was that easily swayed, then he was ready to vote for it anyway.
February 10, 2011 3:34 PM
Anonymous said...
CAIRO, Egypt -- President Hosni Mubarak went on national television in Egypt tonight but did not resign, although he had been widely expected to step down. He said he is sticking by his earlier pledge not to run for re-election in September but indicated he would not leave before then.
Angry shouts of "Get out! Get out!" arose from the thousands of protesters jammed into Cairo's Tahrir Square as they realized Mubarak had no intention of relinquishing power anytime soon.
Mubarak said he would pass some powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman and would offer some amendments to the constitution. He said the demands of protesters were legitimate and just, and that those who had instigated violence against the demonstrators would be punished.
February 10, 2011 4:42 PM
Obama joins Republican Party said...
WASHINGTON -- Reports that President Barack Obama's upcoming budget will propose steep cuts in the government's energy assistance fund for low-income Americans ricocheted quickly on Capitol Hill Wednesday, spurring some intraparty squabbling.
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to Obama asking him not to drop funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by about $3 billion.
Hosni Mubarak resigned as Egyptian president today and handed control to the military, driven from the top after 30 years of autocratic rule.
Seconds after the nationally televised announcement by Vice President Omar Suleiman, celebrations broke out in Cairo's central Tahrir Square, ground zero of the protest movement, which was packed with some 250,000 protesters. They greeted the news with shouts of "Egypt is free! Egypt is free!"
Car horns honked and people waved Egyptian flags, sang the national anthem and danced in conga lines.
"The Egyptian people made history today!" Hala Abdel Razik, a retired English teacher, told AOL News' Sarah Topol in Tahrir Square. "We still have a long way to go to fix things. We have to start all over again. It's the young people's role, with the help of older people. We're open to new scenarios."
Nobel Peace laureate and pro-democracy campaigner Mohammed ElBaradei said it was the "greatest" day of his life. "The country has been liberated after decades of repression," the former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said, according to The Associated Press. He said he hoped for a "beautiful" transfer of power.
February 11, 2011 12:26 PM
Anonymous said...
I'm not interested and I'm a Vigilance reader.
Thanks anyway.
February 11, 2011 12:30 PM
Anonymous said...
A telephone conversation between President Obama and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday was unusually tense, a senior Obama administration official confirmed.
The discord arises from Saudi displeasure over the Obama administration's handling of the Egyptian crisis. "They have talked about a dignified exit for Mubarak," said the official. "And they are judging that we have pushed Mubarak out."
February 11, 2011 1:13 PM
Aunt Bea said...
Oh sure, I wasn't talking to you Anon. I know you have no interest in learning what your Lt Governor has to say about a matter that is coming up for a vote. You come here to have cogent and intellectual discussions like "he'll be looking for a new job after the next election so if anyone is hiring, give him a call," "I don't think anyone is interested," and "I'm not interested and I'm a Vigilance reader."
Why don't you go watch FOX news and have your prejudices and mistaken impressions reinforced.
It looks like the Egyptians handled the situation themselves and didn't need either the US or the Saudis to make any decisions for them.
Anon, you should sit down and compare the effect of two different ways of promoting democracy in the middle east on the US deficit. Those two different ways are 18 days of mostly peaceful protests by Egyptian citizens that were carefully supported by the current US President vs. too many years of war and US occupation arrogantly forced down the throats of Iraqis by a former US President.
Maybe a light will go off in your head. Big MAYBE.
February 11, 2011 3:49 PM
Anonymous said...
if you think the Ghandi routine would have worked on Saddam Hussein, maybe they forgot to give you your medication at the home today
democracy is spreading in the Middle East mainly because of the movement Bush began
right now, looks like Iraq, Tunisia and Egypt will have democracy
Saudi and Iran are scared to death
the situation is completely different since 2000
February 11, 2011 6:02 PM
Anonymous said...
Okay, Bea, I took your bait and watched our Lt. Governor talk about same sex marriage.
He's for it. What a big surprise.
So why did I just waste five minutes?
February 11, 2011 11:55 PM
Anonymous said...
I didn't watch it
like most people, I'm just not interested
February 12, 2011 12:39 AM
Aunt Bea said...
That's why I told you
"Oh sure, I wasn't talking to you Anon. I know you have no interest in learning what your Lt Governor has to say about a matter that is coming up for a vote."
February 12, 2011 11:20 AM
Anonymous said...
you should have been talking to most people
no one is interested, it's not just me
Lt Gov's just don't get any respect in Maryland
we just don't give a crap what they think
as for "marriage", it really isn't the business of backslapping politicians in Annapolis to define it
gay "marriage" is a farce
February 12, 2011 11:32 AM
Anonymous said...
"as for "marriage", it really isn't the business of backslapping politicians in Annapolis to define it"
It certainly is not up to backslapping church officials to define what constitutes a marriage contract. In America we have freedom of religion and citizens of each state elect legislators to write laws to govern conduct in each state.
February 14, 2011 11:44 AM
Had to appreciate this story about the hearings on marriage equality this week. There are several versions of it, we'll stay close to home and go with The Post this time: Supporters of Maryland's same-sex marriage bill appear close to picking up a vote from an unexpected source: Sen. James Brochin (D-Baltimore County).
The day after a seven-hour hearing on the legislation, however, Brochin issued a news release Wednesday announcing he is reconsidering his position and would hold a press conference Thursday morning "to discuss his stance."
Brochin said in the news release that he was moved by testimony at the hearing, particularly that of the bill's opponents, which he called "appalling."
"Witness after witness demonized homosexuals, vilified the gay community and described gays and lesbians as pedophiles," Brochin said.
His news release seems to suggest Brochin will announce his support Thursday for the same-sex marriage bill. In it, Brochin quotes himself saying: "For me, the transition to supporting marriage has not been an easy one, but the uncertainty, fear and second-class status that gays and lesbians have to put up with is far worse and clearly must come to an end." Brochin reconsiders same-sex marriage opposition Seven hours of this -- can you imagine! I hope our county's Citizens for Responsible Whatever were able to show up and give a lot of talks, they are always good. I have not seen any news reports though quoting Ruth Jacobs talking about anal sex, I did not hear about Peter Sprigg promoting his latest Top Ten list, but after seven hours of this stuff I'm sure the press can't repeat everything that is said.
The Pride in Utah blog is reporting that it was the testimony of NOM's Maggie Gallagher who changed Brochin's mind: "... after listening to testimony from Maggie Gallagher of the National Organization For Marriage (NOM), he’s said that her “demonization” of gay families has convinced him that he should side with marriage equality." Despite its name, the National Organization for Marriage is an organization that is actually against marriage for many Americans, attempting to keep it for heterosexual couples only. Their summer bus tour this past year was a hoot, drawing single-digit crowds in most cities they visited. But they keep on going, it's hard to say what motivates them but apparently Ms. Gallagher's presentation in Annapolis was enough to turn not only stomachs but minds as well.
The Baltimore Sun listed off state Senators who have stated they will or will not vote for the marriage equality bill, called the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act." Twenty-four votes are needed in the Senate, twenty are committed so far. Brochin will make twenty-one. For Sen. Bill Ferguson, Baltimore Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Jennie Forehand, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Brian Frosh, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Rob Garagiola, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Lisa Gladden, Baltimore Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Verna Jones, Baltimore Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Delores Kelley, Baltimore County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Nancy King, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, Howard County Republican Sen. Richard Madaleno, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Roger Manno, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, Baltimore Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Karen Montgomery, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Paul Pinsky, Prince George's County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Catherine E. Pugh, Baltimore Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Victor Ramirez, Prince George's County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Jamie Raskin, Montgomery County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. James Robey, Howard County Democrat Sen. Ronald Young, Frederick County Democrat (sponsor) Sen. Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore County Democrat (sponsor)
Against Sen. Joanne Benson, Prince George's County Democrat Sen. David Brinkley, Carroll and Frederick counties Republican Sen. James Brochin, Baltimore County Democrat Sen. Richard Colburn, Eastern Shore Republican Sen. James DeGrange, Anne Arundel County Democrat Sen. Roy Dyson, Southern Maryland Democrat Sen. George Edwards, Western Maryland Republican Sen. Joseph Getty, Baltimore and Carroll counties Republican Sen. Barry Glassman, Harford County Republican Sen. Nancy Jacobs, Harford and Cecil counties Republican Sen. J.B. Jennings, Baltimore and Harford counties Republican Sen. James Mathias, Eastern Shore Democrat Sen. Thomas Middleton, Charles County Democrat Sen. Thomas V. Mike Miller, Prince George's and Calvert counties Democrat Sen. C. Anthony Muse, Prince George's County Democrat Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters, Prince George's County Democrat Sen. E.J. Pipkin, Eastern Shore Republican Sen. Edward Reilly, Anne Arundel County Republican Sen. Christopher Shank, Washington County Republican Sen. Bryan Simonaire, Anne Arundel County Republican Sen. Norman Stone, Baltimore County Democrat
No public position Sen. John Astle, Anne Arundel County Democrat Sen. James Brochin, Baltimore County Democrat Sen. Joan Carter Conway, Baltimore Democrat Sen. Ulysses Currie, Prince George's County Democrat Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, Baltimore and Howard counties Democrat Sen. Katherine Klausmeier, Baltimore County Democrat Sen. James Rosapepe, Prince George's County Democrat If your Senator needs a little prodding, get on the phone and help them make up their mind. We note with pride that all our Montgomery County Senators are sponsors of the bill.
"Opponents Turn Opinion In Favor of Marriage"
19 Comments -
if they pass this inane bill, it will be a disaster for Maryland
here's a way we can cut the Federal budget deficit:
"Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has warned President Barack Obama that his oil-rich country will prop up President Hosni Mubarak if the U.S. tries to bring about a swift regime change in Egypt.
In a personal phone call on Jan. 29, the 86-year-old king cautioned the president against humiliating Mubarak and said Saudi Arabia would bankroll Egypt if the U.S. pulled its aid program -- which is worth $1.5 billion a year. A senior source in the Saudi capital Riyadh said "Mubarak and King Abdullah are not just allies, they are close friends, and the king is not about to see his friend cast aside."
The president is torn between supporting the largely secular pro-democracy protesters and backing a repressive, authoritarian regime that has been a key ally in the Middle East for the past 30 years. He also has to maintain a good relationship with Saudi Arabia -- a key U.S. energy supplier and one of America's last allies in the region."
February 10, 2011 11:08 AM
CAIRO -- Egypt's military announced on national television that it stepped in to "safeguard the country" and assured protesters that President Hosni Mubarak will meet their demands in the strongest indication yet that the longtime leader has lost power. In Washington, the CIA chief said there was a "strong likelihood" Mubarak will step down Thursday.
Egyptian state televeision said President Hosni Mubarak would speak to the nation Thursday night from his palace in Cairo.
February 10, 2011 12:19 PM
Brochin is going to vote for the bill:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2011/02/brochin_confirms_plan_to_vote.html
February 10, 2011 2:26 PM
he'll be looking for a new job after the next election so if anyone is hiring, give him a call
February 10, 2011 2:54 PM
Yawn. If Brochin was that easily swayed, then he was ready to vote for it anyway.
February 10, 2011 3:34 PM
CAIRO, Egypt -- President Hosni Mubarak went on national television in Egypt tonight but did not resign, although he had been widely expected to step down. He said he is sticking by his earlier pledge not to run for re-election in September but indicated he would not leave before then.
Angry shouts of "Get out! Get out!" arose from the thousands of protesters jammed into Cairo's Tahrir Square as they realized Mubarak had no intention of relinquishing power anytime soon.
Mubarak said he would pass some powers to Vice President Omar Suleiman and would offer some amendments to the constitution. He said the demands of protesters were legitimate and just, and that those who had instigated violence against the demonstrators would be punished.
February 10, 2011 4:42 PM
WASHINGTON -- Reports that President Barack Obama's upcoming budget will propose steep cuts in the government's energy assistance fund for low-income Americans ricocheted quickly on Capitol Hill Wednesday, spurring some intraparty squabbling.
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to Obama asking him not to drop funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by about $3 billion.
February 10, 2011 6:04 PM
Vigilance readers might be interested in watching this four and a half minute video of an interview with Lt. Governor Anthony Brown on Maryland's marriage equality bill.
February 11, 2011 8:57 AM
I don't think anyone is interested
February 11, 2011 12:08 PM
Hosni Mubarak resigned as Egyptian president today and handed control to the military, driven from the top after 30 years of autocratic rule.
Seconds after the nationally televised announcement by Vice President Omar Suleiman, celebrations broke out in Cairo's central Tahrir Square, ground zero of the protest movement, which was packed with some 250,000 protesters. They greeted the news with shouts of "Egypt is free! Egypt is free!"
Car horns honked and people waved Egyptian flags, sang the national anthem and danced in conga lines.
"The Egyptian people made history today!" Hala Abdel Razik, a retired English teacher, told AOL News' Sarah Topol in Tahrir Square. "We still have a long way to go to fix things. We have to start all over again. It's the young people's role, with the help of older people. We're open to new scenarios."
Nobel Peace laureate and pro-democracy campaigner Mohammed ElBaradei said it was the "greatest" day of his life. "The country has been liberated after decades of repression," the former head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said, according to The Associated Press. He said he hoped for a "beautiful" transfer of power.
February 11, 2011 12:26 PM
I'm not interested and I'm a Vigilance reader.
Thanks anyway.
February 11, 2011 12:30 PM
A telephone conversation between President Obama and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday was unusually tense, a senior Obama administration official confirmed.
The discord arises from Saudi displeasure over the Obama administration's handling of the Egyptian crisis. "They have talked about a dignified exit for Mubarak," said the official. "And they are judging that we have pushed Mubarak out."
February 11, 2011 1:13 PM
Oh sure, I wasn't talking to you Anon. I know you have no interest in learning what your Lt Governor has to say about a matter that is coming up for a vote. You come here to have cogent and intellectual discussions like "he'll be looking for a new job after the next election so if anyone is hiring, give him a call," "I don't think anyone is interested," and "I'm not interested and I'm a Vigilance reader."
Why don't you go watch FOX news and have your prejudices and mistaken impressions reinforced.
It looks like the Egyptians handled the situation themselves and didn't need either the US or the Saudis to make any decisions for them.
Anon, you should sit down and compare the effect of two different ways of promoting democracy in the middle east on the US deficit. Those two different ways are 18 days of mostly peaceful protests by Egyptian citizens that were carefully supported by the current US President vs. too many years of war and US occupation arrogantly forced down the throats of Iraqis by a former US President.
Maybe a light will go off in your head. Big MAYBE.
February 11, 2011 3:49 PM
if you think the Ghandi routine would have worked on Saddam Hussein, maybe they forgot to give you your medication at the home today
democracy is spreading in the Middle East mainly because of the movement Bush began
right now, looks like Iraq, Tunisia and Egypt will have democracy
Saudi and Iran are scared to death
the situation is completely different since 2000
February 11, 2011 6:02 PM
Okay, Bea, I took your bait and watched our Lt. Governor talk about same sex marriage.
He's for it. What a big surprise.
So why did I just waste five minutes?
February 11, 2011 11:55 PM
I didn't watch it
like most people, I'm just not interested
February 12, 2011 12:39 AM
That's why I told you
"Oh sure, I wasn't talking to you Anon. I know you have no interest in learning what your Lt Governor has to say about a matter that is coming up for a vote."
February 12, 2011 11:20 AM
you should have been talking to most people
no one is interested, it's not just me
Lt Gov's just don't get any respect in Maryland
we just don't give a crap what they think
as for "marriage", it really isn't the business of backslapping politicians in Annapolis to define it
gay "marriage" is a farce
February 12, 2011 11:32 AM
"as for "marriage", it really isn't the business of backslapping politicians in Annapolis to define it"
It certainly is not up to backslapping church officials to define what constitutes a marriage contract. In America we have freedom of religion and citizens of each state elect legislators to write laws to govern conduct in each state.
February 14, 2011 11:44 AM