Md.'s Rep Bartlett Against Student Loans- Before He Isn't

Or is he?

Representative Roscoe Bartlett from Maryland said on Sept. 5 in a town hall meeting, "Not that it's not a good idea to give students loans, it certainly is a good idea to give them loans... But if you can ignore the Constitution to do something good today, tomorrow you will be ignoring the Constitution to do something bad. You could... The Holocaust that occurred in Germany -- how in the heck could that happen? And when you start down the wrong road, it can be a very slippery slope." 1 The next day he issued an apology regarding the Holocaust comparison.  This dude is the second oldest Republican in the House (1926), so he lived through WWII and well knows what the Holocaust is. A slippery slope?  Student loans?   Perhaps this remark is related to the fact that the largest ethnic background of his constituents is German?  Or perhaps his mouth was engaged while his brain was still in neutral? He's served since 1993, and is also a member of the Tea Party Caucus.  His district was redrawn this year from the Western Maryland Appalachian hinterlands (e.g., Republican and 60% white) to include pieces of Baltimore, Harford, Montgomery, etc., where they actually have Democrats and minorities more representative of the State as a whole. The national Democratic Party also decided to tackle this re-election campaign with monies believing they might actually defeat this man. Bartlet won re-election despite admitting to property tax cheating (by over a million $) & lying on his federal disclosure form ($5,000 fine). He calls himself a "bit player" in real estate while he is the wealthiest member of Maryland's federal delegation.  What a guy! Perhaps he needs to like, actually reread the Constiutution which says the the power to decide legislative legalities belongs to the umm, you know, Supreme Court. I'm just sayin'... Maybe it's time to give HIM the boot!  Student loans - WORK!!!!  I had them.  How about you? John Delaney

Memories of the Fourth

The Harve de Grace carnival was much larger than I was expecting (sorry, Newport, R.I.).  It was huge with a large and well-behaved crowd. No, I passed on the rides (neck woes), but had a funnel cake and purchased a bubble gun (see pic). Yeah, yeah, yeah,  I said that I was going to give it later in the month to my grand-neice (and I may), but this thing is so darn much fun!!!  It lights up, buzzes, and blows tons of bubbles.  What's not to like?  Sure, it was $8, but worth every penny.  Today I need more batteries & bubble stuff.  C'mon, life it short- have fun!

It was long, fun, and warm in Havre de Grace for the parade. Definitely the "in" place to be. I was impressed that not only were many of the current office-holders were in it (now all running), but candidates also. Heck, in Middletown where I lived (next to Newport; part of Newport Co., but most things there are town-centered, not county), I couldn't get into public places like the library, senior center, etc., as a candidate. No, the deck was definitely not stacked against political challenegers. Public discourse and candidate participation is just plain healthy and ultimately good for all of "we, the people." Unless, of course, as a friend says, you end up voting the wrong way! LOL!!!

It's shaping up to be a very interesting political season everywhere this Nov. I'm a political junkie, so more on Md. politics later. I'm still working out the lay of the land, not to mention where the heck I am.

BTW, where were all the bathrooms for the parade and "we, the people"?  Sure couldn't go into the local hospital to use theirs.  Thanks so much.  Too few and far between!!!!  With all the seniors (a-hem) and children present, they were MUCH-NEEDED!  Keeping yourself well-hydrated means- well, bathrooms needed!  HELLO, out there, party organizers.

There was no problem parking (small vehicle) and plenty of room for everyone.  The shady side with all the trees was much-appreciated.  Yup, I made a parade donation and was happy to be able to do so.

Loved the fireworks!!  From my high deck on the Susquehanna, I saw at least 8 displays.  Don't know who they all were (Cark Ripken Stadium?,  local Veterans?), but THANKS!  (BTW, Go, Ironbirds!  Go Newport Gulls!  Go Boston Red Sox!)