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July 12, 2025

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Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

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Point of View Opinion

Is America as Evolved as We Think We Are? By Maria Grant

June 6, 2024 by Maria Grant Leave a Comment

Most Americans believe that we live in the most evolved country in the world. After spending two weeks in Europe, I beg to differ. Here’s why.

Research indicates that Europeans outlive Americans by an average of five years. Why is this so? 

Europe has banned many additives and preservatives that Americans consume on a daily basis. In fact, Europeans take a much more cautious approach to food safety than their U.S. counterparts. One ingredient missing in European bread is potassium bromate which is a suspected carcinogen. Many U.S. food manufacturers use it in the form of fine crystals or powder to strengthen dough. Other chemical substances banned in Europe over health concerns but permitted in the US include Titanium dioxide, Brominated vegetable oil, Azodicarbonamide, and Propylparaben.

Studies show that chemically processed foods contain excess sugars, less fiber, and excessive amounts of trans fats. 

The reason European bread tastes so much better than American bread is that it does not contain the fillers and preservatives that American bread does. Also, the flour often has a higher protein content, and the bread often undergoes longer fermentation periods which results in a crunchier, chewier, texture and more complex flavors. 

Surprisingly, Europeans consume more alcohol on average than Americans do, but the alcohol tends to be more wine and beer as opposed to hard liquors such as vodka, scotch, gin, and bourbon. Many European wines are natural wines which means they are not irrigated, resulting in a lower sugar and alcohol content. 

In Europe, food portions are smaller. A typical omelet in Europe is about a third the size of one in the U.S. Desserts have less sugar and are less than half the size of the typical U.S. dessert. No signs of “super-sizing” are evident. No giant Icees or 36-ounce drinks can be found. More food is made from scratch. So, food is fresher and less processed. Margarine is almost non-existent—instead, real butter takes its place. Americans eat substantially more fast food than Europeans do. Plus, the typical American diet contains more meat and more sugar. A surprising number of Europeans grow some of their own food which is also fresher and healthier. 

European cities tend to be more walkable than American cities and so, in consequence, Europeans walk more. More Europeans use public transportation as opposed to the American habit of hopping in the car and driving to work and literally getting no exercise along the way. It sounds crazy, but there are a lot more steps throughout Europe which also offers natural exercise. (Speaking of steps, I applaud the U.S. for its regulations on bannisters and railings—Europe, not so much.) Europeans reduce their stress levels by taking longer, more leisurely lunch breaks which enables them to eat more slowly and quite frequently their lunches include fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Europeans also have much more focus on community. They spend a lot of time cooking and dining with friends and families and less time carting their kids from one activity to another while eating fast food in the car. 

I also noticed that Europeans seem to have a lot more pride in their work. The waiters were helpful and respectful. The store clerks were solicitous and knowledgeable. Sometimes when I am at a grocery store on the Eastern Shore, I encounter angry checkout clerks. And service in some Eastern Shore restaurants is somewhat poor, mostly, I believe, because of a shortage of staff. 

I realize that I have made some massive generalizations in this article. I also realize that America has begun to take steps in the right direction. There has been a concerted effort to produce more organic food, more high-fiber bread, promote farmers’ markets, sell more grass-fed beef, etc. I am aware that some states (California, for example) have begun to ban some toxic substances. I also am aware that not all Europeans are healthy. I would argue, however, that I witnessed many more healthy practices there, and we Americans have a long way to go.

So, at the end of the day, am I ready to relocate to Europe? No, but the experience has caused me to take stock and make some changes. I plan to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and consume less meat and sugar. I also plan to walk more and take the steps whenever possible. 

Benjamin Franklin once said, “How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.” In America, let’s admit that some of our so-called “evolved” ways may, in fact, be just the opposite. It may be time to examine our lifestyles and regroup. Or perhaps Thoreau said it best, when he advised Americans to “Simplify, simplify, simplify.” 

Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the Federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, gardening, piano, kayaking, biking, and nature. 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

The Student Debt Forgiveness Debate: Applying Fairness and Fiscal Responsibility by Clayton A. Mitchell, Sr.

May 30, 2024 by Opinion Leave a Comment

We find ourselves at a crossroads where the principles of fairness and fiscal responsibility stand at odds with the allure of sweeping student loan forgiveness. The Biden administration’s ambitious plan to erase student debt, while undoubtedly appealing to many, raises profound questions about the nature of responsibility and equity in our society.

Let us not forget the values upon which this great nation was built. From its inception, America has championed the virtues of hard work, diligence, and personal responsibility. These are not mere platitudes but the very foundation upon which our society thrives. It is a principle deeply ingrained in Americans that one reaps what they sow, and that success is born out of dedication and perseverance.

Yet, in the clamor for student loan forgiveness, we risk diluting these values. Forgiving student debt on a massive scale sends a troubling message—that fiscal responsibility can be forsaken and that personal choices can be absolved of their consequences. Such a notion runs counter to the very essence of accountability.

Consider the plight of those who pursued alternative paths, eschewing the traditional route of higher education in favor of the trades or military service. These individuals made sacrifices, often foregoing the allure of college campuses and the promise of white-collar careers. They did not seek handouts or expect others to shoulder their burdens. Instead, they embraced the virtues of hard work and self-reliance. It is unjust to expect these individuals to bear the burden of paying off academic loans for those who may have made less prudent decisions when choosing their degree paths.

Also consider the situation of those who worked their way through college and saved diligently to graduate with no student debt or responsibly paid off their loans. These individuals made significant sacrifices, balancing demanding jobs with their academic responsibilities and often forgoing leisure and social activities to manage their finances prudently. They demonstrated immense dedication and discipline, ensuring their education did not become a financial burden. Their efforts reflect a commitment to personal responsibility and financial stewardship, contributing to their personal growth and stability without relying on external financial assistance.

While the pursuit of higher education is unquestionably valuable, it is not the only path to success nor the only avenue deserving of support. A history degree, for example, may serve as an excellent foundation for careers in academia or museum curation. However, it is not necessarily in high demand across the broader spectrum of the 21st-century job market. Unlike fields such as engineering or computer science, there are no “history factories” churning out employment opportunities in abundance. Considering this reality, the question arises: why should taxpayers bear the burden of forgiving loans for degrees with limited economic viability? This question strikes at the heart of the debate surrounding student loan forgiveness.

On one hand, there is a compelling argument to be made for targeting relief towards borrowers who face genuine financial hardship or who have been victims of predatory lending practices. Such individuals may have pursued degrees in good faith, only to find themselves burdened by insurmountable debt in an unforgiving job market.

On the other hand, indiscriminate loan forgiveness risks perpetuating a system in which personal responsibility is sidelined in favor of government intervention. It begs the question of where to draw the line between compassion and fiscal prudence. To indiscriminately forgive student debt without considering the sacrifices of those who chose alternative paths is to perpetuate an injustice. It undermines the contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country, mastering essential trades, or working and saving their way through college.

In crafting solutions to address the student debt issue, we must ensure that we do not penalize those who have already made significant sacrifices in service to their communities and nation. Instead, we must strive for fairness and equity, recognizing the contributions of all members of society and ensuring that relief efforts are targeted towards those in genuine need while upholding the principles of accountability and responsibility.

Clayton A. Mitchell, Sr. is an attorney who resides in Stevensville.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Thinking About Levin Newcomb’s Sacrifice at Christ Episcopal Church’s Cemetery in Cambridge by Rick Stevens

May 26, 2024 by Opinion Leave a Comment

As Memorial Day approaches, I wish each of you a pleasant and safe holiday weekend.

Recently, I attended a family wedding on Maryland’s eastern shore, staying overnight in the small village of Cambridge.  To pass the time between nuptial obligations, I decided to walk around the town. At the corner of Church and High Street, I encountered the Christ Episcopal Church and its accompanying cemetery, which I later learned has served as a burial ground dating to the 1690s.  My innate curiosity led me through the iron gates to stroll among the gravestones.  I discovered that four former Maryland Governors are buried there, along with generations of local parish families.  Time and weather have rendered many markers nearly illegible, but one stone slab, adorned with an American flag, caught my eye.

Levin J. Newcomb Jr. was born on April 27, 1918.  He died June 19, 1944…in Normandy, France. Captain Newcomb was just 26 years old. His marker records he was a member of Co. A, 115 INF, 29th DIV.  It’s reasonable to assume Captain Newcomb was the Company Commander.  The marker is engraved with the crossed rifles of an infantryman and the blue and gray yin and yang patch of the 29th Infantry Division.  It includes the scripture, “Greater love hath no man but that a man lay down his life for his friends”.  At the top are the words, “IN MEMORY OF,” a phrase that intrigued me.  Why were those words necessary?

It turns out Captain Newcomb’s final resting place is actually Plot G, Row 25, Grave 7 in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.  He never came home to Dorchester County.  It was common in that era for servicemembers to be interred close to where they died.  Many families, seeking closure or hoping to create a physical connection to their loved ones, placed tributes in their local cemeteries.  Those markers allowed them to share their experience of loss with others in the community and perhaps cope with what must have been nearly intolerable grief.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy invasion.  It’s the 80th anniversary of a campaign between June and September of 1944 that saw some 29,000 Americans killed in action.  Today, it’s impossible to know the positive impact the fallen might have had on their families and communities across our nation had they survived the war. Robbed of life’s bounties and promise, we’ll never know how soldiers like Captain Newcomb would have contributed to the greater good of society.  I imagine him sitting in a pew in Christ Church with his wife, June, and young son, Richard, enjoying tasty Maryland crab at picnics, quietly being a pillar of the community…rarely talking about his experiences in combat.  But it was not to be.  His brave commitment to a calling greater than himself is his legacy.

Captain Levin J. Newcomb Jr., and others like him, are why we pause and reflect each Memorial Day.  Understandably, I’d never heard of Captain Newcomb before my unplanned wandering through that small, timeworn garden of remembrance.  Yet, I’m honored to have learned a little more about him while researching this message.  More importantly, I’m reminded of our explicit duty to “Never Forget” the contributions of our fallen…wherever they may rest in peace.

Thank you ……. this Memorial Day in honoring the service and devotion of our Nation’s heroes.

Major General (Ret) Rick Stevens is a senior vice president at Dawson & Associates in Alexandria, Virginia. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

SNAP Proposals are a Cruel Game of Avoidance by Dr. Jonathan Ellen

May 24, 2024 by Maryland Matters Leave a Comment

Across the nation, lower-income families rely on America’s largest agricultural and nutrition legislation, known as the “Farm Bill.” It defines commodity pricing for farmers, encourages environmental stewardship, and importantly, provides nutrition assistance for low-income households including through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As Congress drafts its next reauthorization, several members, including Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), are hoping to include misguided policies into this essential bill.

Two proposals, the Healthy SNAP Act and a SNAP pilot program, would ultimately place more burdens on consumers and expand the reach of government further into individual decisions about nutrition, without evidence of better overall health outcomes for the American people. If tacked on to the Farm Bill, these ideas would empower the government to determine which foods poor and working-class families are allowed to eat.

The SNAP pilot program proposes a five-state experiment that would limit food stamp purchases to “nutrient-dense” items and mandate the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to categorize more than 600,000 products. There’s a catch: No one knows what “nutrient-dense” means. When left up to subjective sorting by regulators, products ranging from sparkling water to cheese could be on the chopping block.

As a physician, this is yet another example of well-meaning policymakers thinking they can regulate people into good health behaviors. I truly believe that lawmakers and regulators want to create better outcomes for people that amount to longer, healthier lives for patients and reduced financial strain on our health care system. But there’s little reason to believe that these kinds of policy overhauls that take an insultingly paternalistic approach to the American people will do anything to reduce obesity at the population level.

Of course, anyone paying attention would reasonably agree that the obesity epidemic is a major policy concern. But few have the courage to tell patients the truth about why they’re overweight, diabetic or otherwise unhealthy. There’s no single culprit – fat, sugar or otherwise – for the urgent situation we face. Restricting access to sodas, for instance, will do little to change this trajectory, especially since less than 6% of the American diet is made up of sweetened beverages. Banning peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, likewise, would accomplish nothing if consumers replace them with fried foods from the deli counter.

Courageous and effective policymaking should examine the entire American lifestyle that has put us on an unhealthy path. We’re more sedentary than we’ve historically ever been, yet we consume calories as though we all perform backbreaking work in the heat all day. We don’t eat enough varieties of freshly prepared wholesome foods, far too often choosing takeout or restaurants to feed us when we’re too tired to make our own meals. Here, portion sizes make it harder for people to listen to their bodies when they signal fullness, making moderation a difficult challenge for many.

In other words, our lifestyles lack the kind of balance that creates good health outcomes, and we wonder why, despite the marvels of modern medicine that have miraculously prolonged and enhanced our lives, we are still so unhealthy.

It’s not too late to do something about that. But it takes a lot of work on both the personal and population level to get into shape. It’s easier to soothe the public that the sources of their woes are single nutrients or foods that have unmercifully made us unhealthy. For politicians, it’s tough to tell voters what they don’t want to hear. One such hard truth is that good health requires mindfulness about what people do with and to their bodies. It may not be popular, but it’s true.

If politicians and bureaucrats restrict SNAP purchases to try to direct Americans’ behavior, they’re not just playing a cruel game of avoidance. They’re also signaling that they believe those whose misfortunes put them in need of temporary assistance somehow also lack the agency that other consumers possess to make healthy choices for themselves. That is deeply unjust.

For those truly committed to creating better health outcomes for those dependent on government programs for food, they should seek the input from medical professionals working with these groups to better understand how policymakers can educate and motivate individuals to make good choices that allow them to live full, healthy lives. For those who aren’t, growing the government to dictate to the people what they can and cannot eat is the easy way out. Americans deserve better.

The writer is an epidemiologist, the CEO of Connections for Health and the former CEO of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

How Is It Possible? By Maria Grant

May 20, 2024 by Maria Grant Leave a Comment

Lately I wake up in the middle of the night worried about the future of our country. I find myself wondering, “How is it possible?”  Here are some reasons I lie awake at 3 a.m. 

How is it possible?

Some people in the U.S. do not believe in climate change. A casual acquaintance told me the other day that she thought it was all “poppycock.” But wait, I said. “Glaciers are melting. Sea levels are rising. The sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is melting at a faster rate. Droughts are longer. Temperatures are rising worldwide because greenhouse gases are trapping more heat in the atmosphere.” Still, she shrugged her shoulders and said, “It’s just weather.”

The Supreme Court has no guardrails. A once-respected institution has become a political pawn. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito flies an American flag upside down at his house around January 6th, blames his wife, and there seem to be no repercussions. Both he and Justice Clarence Thomas have accepted lavish gifts from donors and suffer no consequences. And how is it possible that the Supreme Court has yet to render an opinion on whether presidents have total immunity while in office, when every legal scholar predicted that this would be a slam-dunk decision and the case would be decided within a few days. 

Abortion rights have effectively been eliminated in many states despite a strong majority of Americans supporting women’s rights to control their own bodies. 

Trump supporters blame Biden for gun crimes committed during his presidency when almost every Republican has declined to endorse more stringent gun regulations. At his speech to the NRA last weekend, Trump railed against Biden’s restrictions on gun ownership and promised to roll back gun safety provisions passed by the Biden administration. What? Does anyone think that lifting such restrictions would make America safe again? 

 Congress, a once revered institution around the world—remember the likes of Sam Rayburn, Sam Ervin, Howard Baker, Everett Dirksen, Daniel Webster, Margaret Chase Smith, Henry Jackson, and Henry Cabot Lodge–has turned into a laughingstock around the globe. Last week a meeting of the House Oversight Committee turned into a cat fight between Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading,” announced Greene to Crockett. AOC (D-NY) then entered the mix, saying, “How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person.” Then Crockett fired back asking Chair, James Comer (R-KY), “If someone on this Committee then starts talking about somebody’s bleach blonde, bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct?” If only I were making this stuff up. Let’s just admit how far we have fallen.

In some kind of bizarre twist of The Handmaid’s Tale, Trump sycophants show up in Court to support him during his hush money trial, including, at the height of irony, House Speaker Mike Johnson,  the guy who has an app on his phone so that he and his son can ensure that neither of them is indulging in  pornography—you know, like watching a Stormy Daniels film.  And call me crazy, but shouldn’t these people be in Congress doing the work we pay them to do? 

And finally, how is it possible that some Republicans, including some readers of The Spy, claim that things were so much better during the Trump administration? Do they suffer from acute amnesia? Do they not remember Trump’s pathetically slow response to Covid? How Trump touted wild theories suggesting cures such as ultraviolet light, hydroxychloroquine, and Ivermectin? When Trump had Covid and was in Walter Reed Hospital, he asked Secret Service drivers to chauffer him around the hospital so that he could wave to supporters. Or how about trying to buy Greenland? Or wanting to nuke hurricanes? Or ordering peaceful protesters to be tear-gassed and then posing for photographs with an upside-down Bible? And then there is putting Kushner in charge of Middle East peace—a guy who could not get a top-secret security clearance. He stared directly at the sun during a partial solar eclipse. He doctored up a hurricane forecast with a Sharpie. He launched paper towels to Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Maria (no relation). He called Ukrainian President Zelensky and asked him to dig up dirt on the Bidens—threatening to withhold much-needed aid if he did not. He went on wild tirades about windmills causing cancer and whales to die. 

And then, of course, there is January 6th, a tragedy of historic proportions. Folks, give me a break. These were not better days. We were the laughingstock of the world. And if you do not believe me, remember when Trump addressed the UN in 2018 and said his administration “had accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country?” The entire room erupted in laughter. 

If Trump is reelected, his authoritarian agenda includes indicting his political enemies, rounding up and deporting undocumented immigrants (he seems to have forgotten that two of his wives were immigrants), sending the military to the border, rolling back all Biden’s climate-related legislation,  taxing all imported goods, reevaluating America’s participation in NATO, invading Mexico,  bringing back the death penalty, turning over the issue of abortion to the States, asking Congress to pass a bill establishing that only two genders, as determined by birth, are recognized in the US, ramping up oil drilling on public lands and offering tax breaks to oil, gas and coal producers, terminating the Department of Education, and sending out the National Guard to deal with the homeless. And that, folks, is just the beginning. 

I am not a student of the Bible, but I remember a quote from the King James Bible, Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” It is every American’s responsibility to do their homework, understand issues and ramifications of various stances and actions, sort out the wheat from the chaff and vote thoughtfully, intelligently, and in good conscience. 

I hope with all my heart that people will wake up and take note of the situation at hand. Our democracy depends on it. 

Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the Federal Human Capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, gardening, piano, kayaking, biking, and nature. 

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Witnessing the River of Birds

May 17, 2024 by Rob Etgen Leave a Comment

I spent the last week of April in southeast Texas seeing one of the great wonders of our natural world. Every spring billions of songbirds migrate north from South and Central America through the Yucatán Peninsula and fly over the Gulf of Mexico landing generally on the southeast coast of Texas around Galveston. This is literally a river of birds flying from 500 – 1500 feet in the air from dusk to dawn this time of year.

The cool thing about southeast Texas in the spring is that the birds are truly on the move. You can visit a natural area one morning and on the next morning there is a totally different mix of birds or no birds at all. The songbird flight from Yucatán to Galveston takes between 12 – 16 hours depending on weather. Experienced local birders know intimately the weather patterns that speed or slow migration, and when they might “fall out” or prematurely drop out of a migration flight. One young birder coached us “if you see rain, head for the trees.”

One of the highlights of the trip was experiencing a Black Rail. Early in our stroll through the marsh trails of Galveston Island State Park we heard the sharp “ki-ki-kerrrr” which we recognized instantly from our research. Our silent high fives and muted celebration drew other birders. Some heard the call, but most didn’t. The Black Rail – known as “mouse of the marsh” – is not only incredibly elusive but also severely endangered due to sea level rise.

The other highlight of the trip, and of birdwatching generally, is the people. Folks from all over the world with widely varying backgrounds gather at birding hotspots to chase rarities or big year lists or life list species. There is definitely an archetype – retired and khaki clad with a flop hat for sun protection and binoculars, although you also see young hotshot birders moving quickly through the forest. In almost all cases the birders we meet are kind, patient, and eager to share a sighting or tip with beginners. We call it sharing “Nerd Knowledge” or “NK” for short and it is a key feature of birders everywhere. 

May is prime time for the migration here on Delmarva. Warblers and tanagers and orioles and vireos are flying at night and feeding in our tree tops during the day. Grab your binoculars and get outside and enjoy the spectacle. Check out  BirdCast – Bird migration forecasts in real-time to see daily migration maps and which birds are coming through your neighborhood. Also download the Merlin app –  Merlin Bird ID – Free, instant bird identification help and guide for thousands of birds – Identify the birds you see – which can tell beginners which species you are hearing. And most of all, cozy up next to a khaki crowd in the forest and feast on some Nerd Knowledge. Enjoy!

Rob Etgen retired in 2021 after a 40 year career in conservation – the last 31 years as President of Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. In retirement Rob is enjoying family and working on global and local sustainability issues with Council Fire consulting out of Annapolis.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Analysis: Maryland Election Winners and Losers by Josh Kurtz

May 16, 2024 by Maryland Matters Leave a Comment

Phew, that was fast!

Tuesday night’s primary election esults rolled in a lot quicker than anticipated, ending some races outright and teeing up what few competitive general elections Maryland is going to have this fall.

Wednesday dawned with the Senate Majority PAC, a group affiliated with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), hitting former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) for being endorsed by Arizona’s leading MAGA Republican, Kari Lake, who congratulated Hogan on social media and said she looked forward to serving with him in the Senate. Hogan later Wednesday announced the formation of a group called Democrats for Hogan, which will be co-chaired by former Baltimore County state Sen. Bobby Zirkin.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but that, in a nutshell, describes what the state’s marquee U.S. Senate race is going to look like over the next 5 1/2 months. Democrats will try to tie Hogan to the most extreme elements of the GOP. Hogan will try to remind voters how much he loves Democrats and independents — and vice-versa.

But before we go too far down that road, it’s worth pointing out that Tuesday’s primary election reordered the state’s political dynamic in many ways, as so many of these election nights do. So it seemed right to once again tally the winners and losers from the primary. Some are obvious — others less so.

Winners

Angela Alsobrooks

You can’t quite say a star is born, because her star has been rising for many years now. But you can say her surprisingly resounding Democratic primary win in the Senate race represents a promise fulfilled, when it looked until the final days like she might lose. The Prince George’s County executive’s campaign endured many hiccups along the way, but she overcame them, and now she will get heavy national attention and fundraising help as she chases history and battles Hogan for the open Senate seat. She’ll become as big a national superstar as Gov. Wes Moore (D) if she prevails.

The Maryland Democratic establishment

Alsobrooks, April McClain Delaney, Sarah Elfreth, Brandon Scott — the favorites of the so-called Maryland Democratic establishment all won, in most cases by wider margins than anticipated. Who says there isn’t an in crowd in this state, especially within the state Democratic Party?

Black women

Not only did this vital Democratic voting bloc help put Alsobrooks over the top, but Black women in public office or aspiring to public office in Maryland feel seen and empowered like never before. And you can be sure this will redound to future vital political contests in the state. Alsobrooks may be on the verge of blowing down one of the biggest doors in politics. Others will walk right through.

Sheila O’Connell

The veteran Democratic strategist took over Alsobrooks’ campaign at the end of 2023, at its lowest point. Now she’s nurtured a budding national superstar into a big-time winner. Another feather in her cap.

Sarah Elfreth

Anyone who doubted that the Democratic state senator from Anne Arundel County and the likely future U.S. House member from the 3rd District was anything but a political thoroughbred must surely be convinced now. She is nothing if not a tenacious, focused, resolute campaigner who takes care of her political base and knows how to expand it, winning 35% of the vote in a 22-candidate field. And we can all say we knew her way back when.

AIPAC

Elfreth brought so many assets to the table, and her victory margin over former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn was so surprisingly big, it’s easy to speculate whether she would have won even without the millions that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC invested in the race on her behalf. But those ads no doubt helped boost her profile at a strategic time. And now the powerhouse pro-Israel lobby should have a lifetime ally on Capitol Hill.

Pat Murray

“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Peripatetic Democratic strategist who keeps insisting he’s done with politics was the guiding light of Elfreth’s campaign, and she said as much during her victory speech.

Harry Dunn

Yes, he lost. Yes, he blew through a lot of money, with little to show for it. But the very fact that he was able to pull in so much money so quickly in his maiden political run, and change the dynamic in a race with five seasoned state lawmakers, speaks to his star power and his value as an avatar of democracy. Dunn says he wants to remain politically active, and if he does so locally, and figures out how to make a difference, he’ll be an asset. We wonder, though, if he regrets not running for Congress in the 6th District, which takes in some of Montgomery County, where he lives, instead of the 3rd.

Johnny O

They like you, they really like you. See you on Capitol Hill.

Brandon Scott

The Baltimore mayor has matured in office, out-hustled the opposition during the primary and outrun expectations. He’s not as prominent in the recovery efforts from the Key Bridge collapse as Moore or the state’s congressional delegation, but he’s used the enhanced spotlight wisely, appearing compassionate, knowledgeable and engaged.

Zeke Cohen

Cohen’s solid victory in the three-way Democratic primary for Baltimore City Council president is a reminder that white reformers can prosper in citywide politics if they put the right coalitions together. Cohen should be a force to be reckoned with in the city for the foreseeable future.

Potomac plutocrats

Unless Neil Parrott, the Republican nominee in the 6th Congressional District for the third straight election cycle, is able to pull an upset in November, the 6th will continue its 12-year string of being represented by wealthy Potomac residents who don’t actually live in the district. Right now, April McClain Delaney, who ran a sober, disciplined campaign in the Democratic primary, seems like the strong favorite in the general.

Tekesha Martinez

We don’t know what kind of political future the Hagerstown mayor has, after finishing fourth in the 6th District Democratic primary. But as a spoken word poet and mediator, she struck us as maybe the coolest candidate on the ballot this year.

Losers

The Mosby political dynasty in Baltimore

How the mighty have fallen.

David Smith

The former CEO of Sinclair Broadcasting and the new owner of the Baltimore Sun pushed hard, and in different ways, to elect Sheila Dixon mayor of Baltimore. It didn’t work.

Sheila Dixon and Thiru Vignarajah

Surely they are done being candidates for citywide office in Baltimore.

Anthony Brown

Did the state attorney general owe U.S. Rep. David Trone (D-6th) some loyalty for all the political and financial help Trone has given him through the years? Sure. But did it make sense for Brown to endorse Trone over Alsobrooks, with whom he always had a close relationship, in the Democratic primary for Senate? That seems like a miscalculation, at a minimum. Brown is closer to the end of his political career than he is to the beginning, and his endorsement of Trone may not hurt him all that much politically. But surely he succeeded in burning a few bridges unnecessarily.

Ed Burroughs and Krystal Oriadha

Good luck getting your phone calls returned by the Alsobrooks administration, folks. Oriadha and Burroughs have always been part of the Prince George’s County Council faction that frequently works in opposition to Alsobrooks. But since they were such prominent supporters of Trone in the Senate primary, their constituents may wonder how effective these lawmakers can be on their behalf. Burroughs’ statement in a Trone ad about Alsobrooks needing “training wheels” was especially catastrophic — and may have even been a decisive factor in Trone’s defeat. At least they got to sit courtside with Trone at a Wizards’ game on New Year’s Eve day.

Aisha Braveboy

The Prince George’s state’s attorney’s decision to back Trone over Alsobrooks seemed a little puzzling, because she always insisted she had a good relationship with Alsobrooks, who is her predecessor as the county’s top prosecutor, and she clearly wants to succeed Alsobrooks as county executive. Well, the county executive’s job is closer to being vacant at the end of the year than it was before Alsobrooks’ primary victory, and Braveboy presumably will go for it. But what’s her political standing in the county right now?

The National Education Association

The usually redoubtable teachers’ union went 1-for-3 in the highest-profile congressional races on primary day, winning with Elfreth in the 3rd District but losing with Trone in the Senate primary and with Del. Joe Vogel (D-Montgomery) in the 6th District. We suspect their local affiliates fared better in school board primaries.

Congressional Democrats not from Maryland

Many endorsed Trone in the Senate primary and Dunn in the 3rd District primary, creating a sense among national media that those candidates were the insiders’ picks. In Maryland, we know different.

Ashwani Jain, Joel Rubin and Shannon Sneed

These three talented and young(ish) political leaders all made races this year that they probably shouldn’t have, finishing way out of the money (Jain and Rubin in the 6th District Democratic primary and Sneed in the race for Baltimore city council president) and damaging their political futures in the process. You don’t have to be on the ballot every election cycle, folks.

Dan Cox

Surely he is done as a political candidate, after running a lackluster campaign and finishing second in the 6th District Republican primary.

Robin Ficker

Surely he is done as a political candidate … Oh, never mind!

Push

Joe Vogel

Would he win popularity contests with his colleagues in Annapolis? Probably not. Did his campaign get a little too aggressive at times about attacking fellow Democrat April McClain Delaney in the 6th District primary? Possibly. But when the 6th District seat came open, did anyone anticipate the 27-year-old freshman lawmaker being the strong runner-up in the primary, racking up impressive endorsements and garnering plenty of attention? That’s a tribute to his hustle, and if he sticks around for a while he might find other enticing political opportunities, and he’ll take valuable lessons from the primary race he just waged.

Larry Hogan

Is Hogan a formidable general election candidate, with the political instincts to prevail? Absolutely. Is he loving all the national media attention he’s getting now and will continue to attract through Election Day? You better believe it. Was there any realistic possibility that he was going to lose the GOP primary to Robin Ficker? Of course not. Hogan took 62% to Ficker’s 30% — but that was 18 points behind former President Donald Trump’s showing in the Republican presidential primary. Ficker won four rural counties. And you have to imagine that a less carnival-barker-like GOP conservative opponent than Ficker might have actually caused Hogan to sweat in the primary. Now Hogan faces a costly contest against Alsobrooks, who provides a stronger contrast in the general election than Trone would have, on unfamiliar terrain, with Trump heading the Republican ticket and abortion rights on the statewide ballot. Hogan is canny enough to win — but he could just as easily lose.

David Trone

Critics will judge the congressman harshly for spending $62 million of his own money on a losing run for Senate. In our view, only his family can judge. Let’s not forget: Alsobrooks started this primary as the frontrunner, and it was only during the past couple of weeks that she found her voice and her footing while Trone and his campaign stumbled. In the intervening months, Trone spent prodigiously but also wisely, highlighting his liberal bona fides, targeting key segments of the Democratic electorate, and confounding Alsobrooks and the political insiders by racking up a decent number of endorsements from key elected officials. In the end, he made some verbal gaffes, his campaign made a few unforced errors, and those helped contribute to Alsobrooks’ surge. Two weeks ago, he probably would have won. Politics ain’t beanbag.

Josh Kurtz is the founding editor of Maryland Matters. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Should We Empathize with Melania? Or Is She Reaping What She Sowed? By Maria Grant

May 6, 2024 by Maria Grant Leave a Comment

I’ve been thinking about what it must be like to be Melania Trump these days. Just imagine day after day hearing about your husband’s tawdry affairs with a Playboy playmate and an adult film star. And then listening to the excruciating details about hush money payments and other financial transactions. And if that isn’t bad enough, you must once again read Trump’s words recorded on the Access Hollywood tape, where he explains just what you can do to women when you’re a star. 

Frankly, I have a tough time understanding why any woman in America would cast a vote for Donald Trump. Here are 10 reasons why.

One. He has cheated on each of his three wives. Clearly, he doesn’t understand the concept of being true to another person or taking a vow and keeping your word. Trump married Melania in 2005. His trysts with both Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels occurred in 2006—the same year Baron Trump was born. Nice. 

Two. Trump has called women horrible names over the past few decades, confirming he has no regard or respect for women. These names include Horseface, Pocahontas, a crazed lying lowlife, Dog, Nasty, Bimbo, Big Fat Pig—to name a few. You get the idea. 

Three. Immigration. Trump’s immigration policies separated children from their parents which resulted in many traumatic situations and, in some cases, irreparable damage.

Four. Trump loaded the courts—including the Supreme Court—with ultra-conservative judges who believe they have the right to control women’s reproductive options. 

Five. Trump has frequently talked about the sex appeal of his daughter Ivanka which is plain creepy. And those photos of Trump and Epstein mingling and laughing at parties make my skin crawl. And then there are the reports that he often walked backstage when he owned the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, leering at women as they got dressed. 

Six. Trump thinks turning abortion regulations over to the states is “working brilliantly.” Just last week, there have been several life-threatening situations where pregnant women could not get the healthcare they needed. Some mothers died. In another case last week, a baby died in the back seat of a car because a mother was not permitted access to appropriate healthcare. 

Seven. Trump wants to relax already permissive gun regulations. Both children and adults will be in increased danger given the already unrestrictive gun legislation. 

Eight. Trump doesn’t believe in climate change. That means the earth—the environment in general—will suffer. Trump has shown no interest or commitment in passing legislation to address this catastrophic situation. Most women I know feel strongly about leaving the world a better place for future generations. 

Nine. Trump objectifies women. He frequently selects women for various positions not because of their education, experience, and credentials but to surround himself with “eye candy.”  A case in point: Puppy-killing Kristi Noem, governor of South Dakota, is on Trump’s short list for Vice President. Many speculate this is not because of her experience, but rather because he likes the way she looks. And who can forget the disrespectful way Trump stood behind Hillary during the 2016 presidential debates? To intimidate her, he stalked her. 

Ten. Trump lies. At least 26 women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct. He has denied every allegation. A New York judge found Trump guilty of sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll. The New York hush money case has already shown proof that he has lied about both the affairs and the hush money transactions. 

Back to Melania, I have never been a fan. I thought her “Be Best” campaign was ill-conceived and went nowhere. She often seemed disinterested and aloof as First Lady. Remember her “I Really Don’t Care Do You” jacket? What was that about? I found it offensive, particularly when you consider she wore it to meet migrant children at the border who were separated from their parents. Still, I find myself feeling bad for Melania as the whole mess is massively humiliating.

The ultimate irony here is how important loyalty is to Trump. Yet, for virtually no one does Trump return such loyalty. Trump is not a man of his word. Please remember that fact this November.

Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the Federal Human Capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, gardening, piano, kayaking, biking, and nature.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Howard Stern’s Chat with the President by Maria Grant

April 28, 2024 by Maria Grant Leave a Comment

Joe Biden, a guest on the Howard Stern Show. Who would have predicted that? The “shock jock” interviewing the President of the United States. 

I must admit that I am a regular listener of the Stern Show. Although not enamored with all his content, I find his interviews insightful and enjoyable. My favorites include Springsteen, Billy Joel, McCartney, Conan O’Brien, Barbara Streisand, Norm MacDonald, Brian Cranston, and Lady Gaga. Why do I like them so much? The interviews are long and informal enough that you often get fascinating back stories. When the musicians perform in his studio, the sound is clear and unfiltered. The acoustics are simply incredible. 

Over the years, Stern has conducted several interviews with Donald Trump. Trump talked about losing his virginity at 14, the sex appeal of his daughter Ivanka, and gave way too much information on how he judges women. Let’s just say it smacks of the “meat market” approach. Stern urged Trump not to run for president and their relationship soured during the 2016 campaign. Stern became a staunch and vocal supporter of Hillary (who has also been interviewed by Stern). Many believe that had she been interviewed by Stern before the 2016 election, the outcome may have been different. 

It was a great strategy for Biden to go on the Stern Show. One of my complaints when I hear Biden speak, is that he often sounds angry and almost screams. If he spoke slower, more distinctly and more calmly, it would be much more impactful. On the Howard Stern show, Biden was low-key and conversational. He came across as a solid citizen with tons of experience who cares about the average American, who is ethical, diligent, cherishes the support of his family and friends, and is, in short, a decent human being. They talked a lot about loss and grief and the ability to pick yourself up and move forward. The big breaking news in the interview is that Biden said he would agree to debate Trump at some future date.

Biden mentioned Trump’s comments regarding soldiers who get caught or killed as suckers and losers and the horrible comments Trump made about John McCain. (“He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”)  This from a guy who never served a day of military service. 

Some critics have said Biden made a mistake being on the Stern show. I disagree. Stern has about 34 million subscribers. Many of them may take a closer look at Biden after this interview which did an excellent job of contrasting and comparing the two candidates. It emphasized Biden’s 36 years in the Senate, his experience as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chair of the Judiciary Committee, his eight years as Vice President and his almost four years as President. Any recruiter comparing and contrasting these two candidates closely would definitely select one over the other. No contest. 

The Dalai Lama once said: “We are all here on this planet, as it were, as tourists. None of us can live here forever. The longest we might live is a hundred years. So, while we are here, we should try to have a good heart and to make something positive and useful of our lives. Whether we live just a few years or a whole century, it would be truly regrettable and sad if we were to spend that time aggravating the problems that afflict other people, animals, and the environment. The most important thing is to be a good human being.” On the Stern Show, Joe Biden’s comments made it crystal clear that he is indeed just that.

Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the Federal Human Capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, gardening, piano, kayaking, biking, and nature.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

Shaping the Eastern Shore’s Future at Chesapeake College by Cliff Coppersmith

April 19, 2024 by Opinion Leave a Comment

The new Chesapeake College brand, launched this academic year, highlights our role in preparing our students for “what’s next.” Our students choose their own goals—whether that is transfer to a bachelor’s degree program or entry into a career—but our job is to help them acquire the relevant skills, knowledge and experiences to be successful.

This role is at the heart of what our faculty, staff, and administrators do each day. We love to see our students succeed and move on to what’s next in their lives. These individual successes echo throughout our community on the Eastern Shore, bolstering a vibrant economic cycle that benefits everyone in our service area.

Our efforts yield tangible results in our community. When we empower individuals with the skills they need to succeed, we are not only transforming lives but also strengthening our local economy. A skilled workforce attracts businesses, drives innovation, and fosters economic growth. Chesapeake College is proud to be a catalyst for positive change in our community, creating pathways to prosperity for all.

Our collaborative endeavors with partners in K-12 education, four-year institutions, local businesses, and economic leaders are crucial. This year we hosted nearly 150 of these partners at our Program Advisory Committee mixer—our largest to date. Together, we create curricula that resonate with real-world demands, ensuring both our credit and noncredit programs offer engaging and pertinent learning experiences. This collaboration is vital as we align our educational offerings with the needs of the workforce and the expectations of our community.

The influence of Chesapeake College graduates is unmistakable across various sectors. Once again, our nursing program boasted a 100% pass rate on the National Council of Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). As a result of partnership with our public schools, local educators are taking classes to become certified teachers, and others are earning a Childcare Development Associate certificate, helping to fill critical gaps for early childhood education. From healthcare to education, construction trades to computer science, our alumni are integral to the local workforce.

We recognize that not every great career requires the traditional college path. Careers in the skilled trades can be lucrative and rewarding for students, developing a broad variety of talents as well as skills in problem-solving, customer service, and communication.

This year, responding to the needs of local employers, Chesapeake expanded our trades offerings and launched a new Advanced Manufacturing Program. We now have students learning the latest AMP skills with hands-on experience using 3D printers, CNC machines, and robotics, preparing them for the high-tech jobs of tomorrow. Additionally, we continue to expand existing offerings in construction, HVAC, welding and marine services.

Our enrollment is up 9.5% this year, continuing the growth we celebrated last year. This increase is a testament to the relevance and appeal of our programs—as well as to the impact of Maryland Blueprint for Education legislation, which expands opportunities for dual-enrolled high school students. It prompts us to consider sustainable strategies for addressing the accompanying challenges, including funding and tuition adjustments, to ensure that our growth remains inclusive.

We continue doing our work as effectively and efficiently as possible, stewarding the critical resources provided by our state, our five support counties, and our students.  As we all know, resources are tight and the State of Maryland faces challenges in funding higher education.  We appreciate the support we receive from all of our funding authorities and will continue to be responsible stewards as we make every effort to serve our students and our regional community to the best of our ability.

As we look to the future, it’s essential to recognize the challenges ahead. Access to education remains a pressing issue, with many individuals facing barriers such as financial constraints, lack of transportation, or childcare responsibilities. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort from policymakers, community leaders, and educational institutions like Chesapeake College. We must work together to ensure that everyone has equal access to the opportunities afforded by education.

At Chesapeake College, we are dedicated to fostering the skills that will drive the future, preparing our students to face tomorrow’s challenges with confidence and competence. Together, we are setting the stage for a thriving, prosperous future on the Eastern Shore.

As we continue to cultivate optimism through our actions and initiatives, I invite you to share in the vision of a promising future here at Chesapeake College—a treasure of the Eastern Shore, steadfast in its mission to empower individuals and enrich our community.

Dr. Clifford P. Coppersmith is the president of Chesapeake College.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Opinion

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