Thursday Open Thread [6.5.14]

11 Comments
All I have to say on the whole Bergdahl matter is you get your brother home. No matter what. You don't leave a brother in enemy hands. Period. If Bergdahl needs to be court martial-ed once he is back here, then so be it. But you get him home. If you in any way disagree, then you do not support the troops. You only support the troops you like, and are willing to abandon those you don't whenever the mood strikes you. That is unAmerican. Unpatriotic. Unhuman.
General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., June 5, 2014

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: Thurs., June 5, 2014

4 Comments
Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf's gonna earn his money today.  Look for a l-o-o-o-o-ng party caucus for the House Majority. At a time when key legislation needs to be worked, and worked with some sense of urgency, The House D's will most likely feel forced to confront the (former GOP) elephant in the room.  John Atkins. I can't imagine that there will not be a serious mass of legislators outraged at his alleged actions. And, of course, this is far from the first time that the Caucus has had to address issues regarding Atkins. When you add to that the fact that Schwartzkopf personally vouched for Atkins and sold him to a skeptical caucus back in 2008 ('People can change'), and you've got a real messy situation on your hands. The guy was always kinda on probation to several caucus members, and I wonder if caucus members are willing to let that continue. Yes, I know, he has not been charged with anything and he deserves his day in court. I'm just looking at the dynamics of the caucus. After all, not even the Rethugs wanted him. Betcha a majority of D's don't, either.
Delaware’s I-495 Closing Brings Attention to State Infrastructure

Delaware’s I-495 Closing Brings Attention to State Infrastructure

6 Comments
Monday's closure of Delaware’s I-495 bridge has brought to attention the ailing state of Delaware’s infrastructure (not to mention America’s infrastructure). It’s no secret that the infrastructure of Delaware and the entire nation is in desperate need of attention and repair, and most state politicians have agreed, yet few have actually taken action on this issue. Governor Markell has repeatedly called for additional focus on Delaware’s infrastructure, and with the recent bridge closing, so have many more members of the state legislature. The infrastructural issues of Delaware range from our roadways to our waterways, and none of it can be ignored. With a quick google search any person can find several reports and informative pieces on Delaware’s infrastructural shortcomings. 36% of Delaware’s major roadways are in poor or lacking condition, over 20% of our bridges are either structurally deficient or obsolete, and the state has 65 high hazard dams. This is nothing short of extremely concerning.
DL Exclusive: Brenda Mayrack Receives Major Endorsement from Emily’s List

DL Exclusive: Brenda Mayrack Receives Major Endorsement from Emily’s List

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Delaware State Auditor candidate Brenda Mayrack has officially been endorsed by Emily's List. Come inside for the full release.... "I am both inspired and gratified by this endorsement," Mayrack told Delaware Liberal. "I am running for Auditor because I intend to work to ensure that each one of our hard-earned tax dollars is used well and not wasted. All Delawareans, along with those who have placed their trust in me, deserve that, and that's the mission I will bring to the office." This is a big deal for Delaware. Brenda Mayrack offers the real promise of progressive leadership for Delaware. She will be a great auditor, bringing both an incisive mind and, here's a word you don't ever hear associated with current Auditor Tom Wagner, competence, to effectively do the job.