Given the emerging speculation about what will follow the massive death and destruction visited upon Israel and Gaza since 10/07/23, there is for me, an important fact to be understood: Hamas is not a country. 

Introduction: Hamas is a violent movement that encapsulates all Palestinian-Arab anger and rage that began in 1948. During the 74 intervening years, Israeli actions deepened these emotions and grievances, out of which a terrorist organization evolved.  It took control of Gaza and generally over the West Bank. It acquired $billions, the support of Iran and others and invested in developing a trained, disciplined and well-armed military force, equipped with a range of modern weapon systems. 

If Hamas were a country, it could be defeated, its government and military dissolved and the winner placed in charge of the loser’s future.  But, Hamas is not a country, it resembles a religious crusade driven by a belief in and dedication to, recovering its holy land from the Jews, who with America’s help conquered and enslaved them.  Powerful motivation. 

If Hamas can no longer operate from Gaza and the West Bank, they’ll relocate and rebuild, with considerable help from Iran and other Middle Eastern and Gulf Arab states. The support may even include Europeans and Americans, who have responded positively to Palestinian suffering in Gaza. In the interim, its leadership will operate from  its headquarters in Qatar, where they will continue to plan and implement terrorist assaults. 

What about the 4-6 million now homeless, desperate, revenge seeking Palestinian civilians? They will continue to be helped by the UN, Western and Middle Eastern governments and international humanitarian organizations. 

Is there  another approach?  The US organizes an international conference to address an agenda for a later decision-making gathering, aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state.    

Tom Timberman is an Army vet, lawyer, former senior Foreign Service officer, adjunct professor at GWU, and economic development team leader or foreign government advisor in war zones. He is the author of four books, lectures locally and at US and European universities. He and his wife are 24 year residents of Kent County.

The holiday season – a perfect time to fulfill Maryland Department of the Environment’s request for an estimated number of Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) “for planning purposes.” With approximately “865 acres, more or less,” reclassified as immediate priority for development, that number would understandably be helpful in planning wastewater treatment.

Our county council is busy these days; but despite ongoing concerns since 2020 – or actually since 2003, when over 900 acres were annexed – planning issues are rarely mentioned. The few occasions we might recall could include an inquiry regarding a traffic study – once Resolution 281 had been adopted and concerning a development a fraction of the size of Lakeside.

That was several years ago. More recently a relatively modest five-figure dollar amount was identified during FY2024 budget deliberations as a contractor’s fee for studying the cost of growth. That was hopeful, yet our county seems to remain in a reactive mode. And we might all agree that this has become time-consuming.

Resolution 338 was introduced in February to include terms of the wastewater treatment permit finally issued to Lakeside in the county’s water and sewer plan (CWSP), but hasn’t yet had a hearing.

Talbot County’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan is in the ongoing process of being updated; but the council would be reminded by Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in April, May and July of an August 31 deadline for submitting those EDUs.

Hoping to save time by submitting updated Town of Trappe maps with other (draft) 2023 Report of Review documents by the August 31 deadline, updated town maps (now one map including Lakeside, as annexed) were introduced at the August 8 council meeting.

Lacking sufficient time to approve the maps by August 31, Resolutions 347 and 348 would be considered by the planning commission at their October meeting. (Maybe next year. There’s still time.)

Resolution 347 would provide the estimated number of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) requested in 2020; and MDE’s authority would be acknowledged.

Resolution 348 updates Town of Trappe and Lakeside maps – now one map, as annexed.

Resolution 338 includes terms of MDE’s wastewater treatment permit for Lakeside in the county’s CWSP, and would also be granted a hearing

With consensus required of town and county comprehensive plans, Resolution 347 would move Lakeside closer to inclusion in our 2026 Comprehensive Plan – despite still no mention of planning for the demands of such a large development upon infrastructure, or of safety concerns or the timing and financing required to address such issues? Good to go until 2036?

As we were reminded with the adoption of Resolution 281, the planning commission’s approval is required in order to receive a council vote. At the recent planning commission work session we were also reminded of the commission’s opinion that Resolution 338, possibly with modification of the periodic review of wastewater treatment, seems worthy of consideration.

Maintaining the rural character of our county and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens in a resilient community might be interpreted in many ways, but the planning commission also determined that Resolutions 347 and 348 would require further consideration in order to be found in compliance with the basic requirements of our comprehensive plan.

The planning commission’s next meeting is December 6. Comments and concerns are welcomed.

Carol Voyles is a member of the Democratic Forum and resident of Talbot County.

The US Government reacted very quickly after Hamas’s brutal 10/07/23 assault on southern Israel.  From the highest Washington levels, America’s complete support for Israel and its right to defend itself, were repeatedly underscored. And then on 10/17/23, President Biden traveled to Jerusalem/ Tel Aviv to personally reassure the Israeli people, that  America had their back.  

Two US carrier battle groups were deployed to the Eastern Med, to deter others, particularly Iran and Hezbollah, from broadening the conflict. The United States had the initiative and dominated the story line, until 10-27-23 when Israeli ground forces entered Gaza and its air force continued its indiscriminate bombing.   

The devastation of Gaza, the attacks on hospitals, the mounting death toll of Palestinian civilians, now over 11,000, including some 4,000 children, has placed the US Government on the defensive. Under US pressure, the Israeli Government reluctantly agreed to daily pauses to allow tens of thousands of Palestinians to move South safely and to receive the humanitarian assistance they need.  However, Jerusalem continues to refuse all ceasefire suggestions, with somewhat wavering US support.  

Sharp increases in anti-Semitic violence are widespread and international public opinion has divided:  (1) Pro Palestinian, anti Israel, anti-US and (2) pro-Israel, but also blaming the US for not forcing Netanyahu to avoid the current high level of death and destruction. Large demonstrations of supporters of both views are taking place around the world.  But, somewhat surprising, have been the student conflicts on US campuses, including against Jews.       

Perhaps inevitably, the two positions have become politicized in the US. Republicans are exclusively pro Israel and identify pro-Palestinians as Hamas.  The only House member who is Palestinian in origin, has been censored by her colleagues, for pro-Palestinian remarks. The Republicans also have shifted their support from Ukraine to Israel, but deleted aid to both from their Continuing Resolution. 

Common sense and civility are MIA in Congress.  

How can America Regain Control and Positive Momentum? Simply put, by dramatically changing the subject from the on-going Palestinian human catastrophe, to its (and Israel’s) long-term solution. The US government like most others can be captured by today’s crises because they are in-your-face, demanding immediate attention.  In November 2023, examples re Israel, Gaza and the Palestinians are: longer combat pauses, humanitarian aid delivery and hostage exchanges.  

But, what if President Biden, announced that the US will host a Conference at, for instance, Camp David in early 2024, to discuss the establishment of the independent state of Palestine. It would be leaked as international consultations get underway and would quickly monopolize the thrust of rampant speculation about how, who and where.  Israel would not be pleased because the pressure on Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire, would increase ten fold and more quietly, would include the US.  

It’s useful to recall that between June 30 and November 10, 1944, as WWII raged in Europe and the Pacific,  the US organized two conferences (Bretton Woods, NH and Dumbarton Oaks, WDC), where the post war economic order, international reconstruction and the UN organization, were planned.  Probably easier then, absent social media and TikTok. 

Unhelpful Internal Political Dynamics: There is a surprising similarity between some aspects of today’s American and Israeli political situations. Netanyahu and his quite authoritarian government have been working to eliminate the only existing check on its power – the Supreme Court. During the summer and into the fall, massive public demonstrations took place, strongly opposed to this anti democratic action. Reserve Air Force officers, even announced they would no longer participate in regular training exercises, sending a very strong signal regarding the depth of the opposition.  

Moreover, some important cabinet members are prominent fundamentalist Orthodox Jews with an agenda. Most Israelis and American Jews are reform oriented and more secular.  That being said, there has never been civil marriage in Israel, and the agenda being pursued, includes possibly limiting automatic access to Israeli citizenship, to Orthodox Jews. 

And finally, Netanyahu has been able to avoid prosecution for corruption and bribery as long as he is prime minister.  However, once the war and elimination of Hamas no longer dominate Israel, e.g. proposed US conference on Palestine statehood, it’s likely the Netanyahu government would fall because of the “surprise” October 7 massacre and also their attempts to weaken Israel’s democracy. The efforts to introduce stricter Orthodox restrictions also wouldn’t help. 

Tom Timberman is an Army vet, lawyer, former senior Foreign Service officer, adjunct professor at GWU, and economic development team leader or foreign government advisor in war zones. He is the author of four books, lectures locally and at US and European universities. He and his wife are 24 year residents of Kent County.

I was not born into a hunting family nor did I seek it in my youth.  Rather, after regular invitations from Eastern Shore friends over many years I finally said yes.  After a difficult divorce, I could not stand the thought of sitting indoors alone all winter, and the invitations were from some of my closest and most esteemed friends.

For the last almost two decades, I have hunted and truly loved every minute of it.  I don’t hunt for the kill.  I don’t even hunt for the hunting.  I hunt to get outside, to get closer to nature, to be alone, and to enjoy time with good friends.  I also eat everything I kill.  Even more importantly, I greatly value the connection between healthy table fare, our beautiful Eastern Shore landscape, and our shared tradition of hunting and harvest from the land.

Last week for 3.5 hours alone in a deer stand 15 feet off the ground I watched birds – lots of birds – sometimes using my phone apps for song ID or scanning migrating hawks for cool species.  I also saw a flock of 13 turkeys jousting and canoodling right under my feet.  I meditated.  I watched bees running back and forth feverishly, saw nice fall colors, was concerned with the many Spotted Lantern Flies, and watched a pair of squirrels hiding nuts.  I even had time to read an essay by my favorite author Brian Doyle.  If you have not experienced extended stillness in nature, I highly encourage it.

For the record I killed a large doe at dusk that day.  I don’t like the killing part – but feel ok about it when it is quick – and especially with deer – as they are terribly hard on our natural areas and communities here on the Shore. Our mix of farm, forest and suburban lawns are perfect for White-tailed Deer and their numbers are roughly 100 times more than 100 years ago.  Their high numbers are not just a risk to rural driving, farmer’s crops and backyard vegetables, but also to our shared ecology.  Maryland has 344 endangered species, most of them plants, and deer browsing is the first or second most critical threat to these plant species.

Not all hunters are conservationists like Aldo Leopold and I understand poaching or mixing alcohol and hunting are challenges.  The club where I hunt adheres tightly to all regulations and the highest ethical standards.

Hunting is a deeply personal decision and all sides of this debate should be respected.  Personally, I’m in and glad to be outdoors in the Fall and Winter on the Eastern Shore.

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.

Another week and another mass shooting. This “news” isn’t news any more, or if it is, it passes quickly from the current scene merging into a well of more distant memory. The faces, if we ever saw them are gone, we are left with numbers instead of people, un-mourned “amounts” of bodies, recalled if it all only as statistics, devoid of much meaning and empty of any of the spirit of their passed- by lives.

We are in a war and the enemy is us.

Last week a spark of hope from Lewiston, Maine appeared. A local Congressman confronted with the deaths of people he knew changed his views. He now would consider banning military assault weapons from current wide-spread availability and use. Gun violence had come home and he could no longer ignore it. Gun violence can no longer be ignored. It has eaten away at too much of the interwoven fabrics of our society.

Mass violence has captured much of our national attention, perhaps too much. It is easier, but not easy, to give gun violence a sense of place and drama and if it is not too disturbing a graphic presentation of the scene. Yet mass shootings are a small percentage of deaths by gun violence. (current research estimates only 3% of gun homicides are caused by mass shootings ). The leading cause of death today of young people is gun violence. If AR-15 were a communicable and deadly virus, it would be our number one public health crisis and we would be able to allocate considerable bipartisan support for its eradication.

Still all too few of us are involved. Like the Congressman from Lewiston we need more human contact and understanding of our national tragedy. That is why I am proposing a National Directory of Gun Violence. This will be a national database of victims: their stories, their personalities, their photos or videos and how they died and where. This database will be searchable by name, age, location and other distinguishing characteristics. If designed well, it can become a way for each of us to uncover the human
stories beneath the façade of desensitized language and statistics that shield us from ourselves.

Stan Salett has been a policy adviser to the Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton administrations and is the author of The Edge of Politics: Stories from the Civil Rights Movement, the War on Poverty, and the Challenges of School Reform. He now lives in Kent County, Maryland.

Sometimes it can be a huge mistake to associate with the wrong people. Such associations can end your career, wreak havoc on your family life, or lead to jail time. They can change your life forever—and not in a good way. Let’s take a quick look at the misfortunes of some of the people who hitched their wagons to the Donald Trump star. 

More than 1,100 people have been charged for their roles in the January 6 riot on the Capitol. Many of those people who were convicted said they came to Washington and rioted because Trump told them the election was stolen, and they believed him. Henry Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Stuart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, and Ethan Nordean, a military veteran, were both sentenced to l8 years in prison. Joseph Biggs, a former leader of the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Zachery Rehl, president of the Proud Boys Philadelphia chapter, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Many more rioters received lesser but significant sentences.

In the Georgia election case, Donald Trump and 18 others have been charged with participating in a wide-ranging illegal scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Last week, two of those who were indicted pleaded guilty. Kenneth Cheseboro, a lawyer who advised the Trump campaign, pleaded guilty to a felony for conspiring to interfere in the 2020 election. Sidney Powell, another lawyer who advised the Trump campaign, pleaded guilty to one count to commit theft and five counts of conspiring to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties. Earlier this year, Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, pleaded guilty to five misdemeanors and agreed to testify against others. 

 Steve Bannon, former White House strategist, was convicted of contempt of Congress. He is appealing that conviction. He also has also been charged with money laundering and conspiracy. That case goes to trial in May 2024. 

Allen Weisselberg, the former CFO for the Trump Organization, spent more than three months in jail for tax fraud.

Peter Navarro, Trump’s former White House Director of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, was found guilty of two counts of contempt of Congress. One charge deals with failing to appear to the January 6 Committee after receiving a subpoena. The other charge deals with failing to produce requested documents. Navarro is in the process of appealing those convictions.

Roger Stone, Trump’s friend and advisor, was found guilty of obstructing a congressional investigation, giving false statements, and tampering with a witness. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison. Trump pardoned him shortly before his sentence was scheduled to begin.

John Eastman, a Trump election lawyer, turned himself into authorities regarding the Georgia election case. He is famous for writing a memo describing how Vice President Pence could overturn the election results. The State Bar of California accused Eastman of promoting election lies and has sought to revoke his California law license. Eastman pleaded the 5th more than 100 times when he testified before the January 6 Committee. 

Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, was sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraud, lying to banks, and violating campaign finance laws. The campaign finance charges related to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. Following his felony convictions, Cohen was disbarred in New York.

Michael Flynn, once Trump’s National Security advisor, pleaded guilty to the FBI about his interactions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States. Trump pardoned him shortly before he left office.

Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign manager, pleaded guilty to fraud, money laundering and lobbying violations. He was sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison. Trump later pardoned him. 

Rick Gates, Manafort’s former business partner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and lying to investigators about the Russia campaign probe. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail. 

Rudy Giuliani has a sizable number of legal cases in play, including lawsuits from lawyers who are suing him for unpaid legal bills. The New York Times recently reported that Giuliani owes more than $3 million in legal fees. His cases include making false statements against Fulton County election workers, and he faces 13 counts of racketeering charges. His New York City apartment is currently for sale. Giuliani is no longer America’s Mayor.

Walt Nauta, Trump’s personal aide and Carlos De Oliveira, the head of maintenance at Mar-a-Lago are both charged in the classified documents case—charges that deal with mishandling classified documents, false statements and attempting to delete surveillance footage. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 37 counts related to the handling of classified documents. 

More people are likely to face legal problems because of their relationships with Trump. Jared Kushner and Lindsay Graham to name a few. 

The author Louisa May Alcott once wrote, “Keep good company…and good books…love good things and cultivate soul and body as faithfully as you can.” Great advice Louisa. I wonder how many of the people mentioned above wish they had taken it. 

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

In a surprise attack by Hamas terrorists, thirteen hundred men, women, and children, mostly non-combatants, were slaughtered in Israel on 7 October 2023. The terrorists abducted another 199 to use as bargaining chips, human shields, or reasons known only to them.

One could point to the killing of German and Japanese non-combatants by US strategic bombing in WW2 as an immoral equivalence. One could sympathize with the plight of Palestinians who feel their land was stolen by Jews in the wars of 1948, 1967, and 1973.

Those issues aside because too complicated to here compare, repaying what you perceive to be immoral acts with equally immoral acts is, I think, immoral.

That idea allows me to consider the 7 October attack in isolation, and ask “If our country was attacked in like manner, how would we respond?” This is where perspective arrives. I will make my point by analogy (please remember this is just an analogy).

Suppose agents of the Mexican government, to show their displeasure with US policies and people, were firing rockets at Texas towns every few days. Then they decided to get serious and make a larger-scale attack. 

The US population is 35 times larger than that of Israel, so the 1,300 people murdered in Israel would equate to 45,500 US citizens murdered by agents of Mexico. The 199 men, women, and children abducted by Hamas would equate to 7,000 US citizens/visitors held hostage as bargaining chips. “Don’t hit back at us or we’ll kill these hostages.” Is this not double depravity in the ISIS model? 

I note that The US lost 2,403 souls in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. In the Korean War of 1950-1953, we lost 36,634 people, mostly military. And we went to war against Al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan upon losing 3,000 American civilians in the 9/11 attack of 2001.

Thus, one should be able to understand Israel’s reaction to the 7 October attack by Hamas killers. Easy for outsiders to urge restraint. But put yourself in their shoes. What would we do?

Bob Moores retired from Black & Decker/DeWalt in 1999 after 36 years. He was the Director of Cordless Product Development at the time. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University  

One of life’s great experiences on the Eastern Shore is hooking a two foot long Rockfish on light tackle around the shorelines of Chesapeake Bay.  Feeling that pulse at the end of your line is special, and seeing a kid’s face light up from that feeling is even more special.  Relationships are built watching a sunset with a keeper Rockfish in the cooler.

The early Rockfish season of 2023 on the middle Eastern Shore was the best in recent memory.  For most of June anglers were catching multiple fish in the 24 to 30 inch range every time out. In catching up with friends after the early season there was a strangely uniform response – a wide eyed and far away gaze followed by “wow.”

Unfortunately, by the first of July this summer the weather turned hot and the Bay water temperature crept up toward 80 degrees and exceeded 80 starting on July 5.  During this time Rockfish were still feeding, but I noticed their fight diminished and on landing were exhausted.  Because of the heat I stopped fishing around July 1st.  However, the number of anglers visible around Eastern Bay was surging and most were practicing catch and release well past their one fish limit.  Even more ominous was the number of anglers who kept fishing right through the season closure of July 15 – August 1st when Bay water temps were well over 80 degrees.  Dead Rockfish or “Floaters” were tragically common.

Coincidentally, the Maryland Rockfish Young of Year index, released last week, showed a 1.0 index – the second lowest reproduction level since 1954.  Even worse, the index has been well below average for the last six years.  Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries managers attribute the low reproduction to warm and dry weather through the winter and spring.  Over the coming winter DNR fisheries managers will be considering additional protections for Rockfish in 2024.

Despite the mixed results for 2023, I remain bullish about the future of Rockfish on the Chesapeake.  Growing up in the 1970’s the Rockfish population was so small that we simply did not catch them at all – despite fishing several times a week.  In 1984 Gov. Harry Hughes imposed a full moratorium on Rockfish harvest.  Since the moratorium was lifted around 1990 a variety of tackle restrictions and conservation measures have been implemented and adjusted through the years.  For me, since 1990 I have had at least a chance of catching a legal Rockfish every time out.

For the future, of course all recreational anglers must know and follow the rules and limits laid down by DNR fisheries managers – including new and likely more strict conservation protections for 2024.  But we as individual anglers should go further and use some common sense to protect this magnificent shared resource.  Once the Bay water temperature reaches 80 degrees or the air temperature reaches 90 degrees leave the Rockfish alone regardless of seasonal closures.  DNR has an excellent new “Striped Bass Fishing Advisory” which includes real time high temperature warnings along with time of day and catch and release best practices.

I am so grateful for the Gov. Hughes Rockfish moratorium in 1984, and for the constant attention by DNR fisheries managers since then.  But regulations are not enough.  We need all anglers to take personal responsibility to care for these fish and their future.  My children have all felt the pulsing tug of a big Rockfish – I just hope their children will have the same opportunity.

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.

 

I was told by many of our residents and other attendees of this year’s Crab and Clam bake that, water, and all, ‘this was the best clam bake ever!’ Having grown up in Crisfield, the Crab and Clam Bake has been a staple in our community for a long time. I remember when my father who worked for Alan Tyler, cooked the crabs for the 1st crab and clam bake. The J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake, named for the former Governor from Crisfield has been a source of tremendous pride for our citizens.

True to its name, it is a political event. A time to gather and network at all levels in a relaxing and intentionally casual and comfortable environment. It IS politics at its best, but like any event, there are portions which are, and should be exclusive. But it is with certainty that I can say that the regular, everyday residents (voters) of Crisfield do not feel excluded. Instead, we feel special. To be the host of such a distinguished and time-honored event has provided a source of exposure and recognition a small town like ours could never have garnished otherwise, and I am sure many other towns would love to have.

It’s economic benefits to the City of Crisfield can’t be overstated. Since its inception, it has proved to be an important economic stimulus for local residents who would otherwise not have an opportunity to make the amount of money they get for helping out in one day, in a week’s worth of labor. Numerous students are also hired and trained on hospitality and get an opportunity to make money, gain experience, and meet influential people, they might otherwise never meet.

This wonderful event is put on every year by our Chamber of Commerce, and they do an absolutely amazing job, but the tent provision for the enormous undertaking which employs so many locals and students for a day and provides impressive accommodations for our Governor and other political representatives and candidates is made possible by someone who is in a position to do so and who has a love for the Crisfield community, Mr. Bruce Bereano. We owe him a debt of gratitude for helping to make this such a memorable and sought after event for our little town.

Make no mistake, our residents (average voters) look forward in anticipation to his tent and the opportunities it brings. Economic opportunities and opportunities to mix and mingle in a way not possible if he did not have such an elaborately, organized and intentional destination for our politicians to come and engage with our citizens (average voters); and as important as it is, it is only one aspect of the networking, comradery, and overall goodwill that this event generates for everyone who attends, inside, outside and around his tent.

People (average voters) come from near and far. This is one of the few times we come together and are not constrained by political affiliation, so yes, without a doubt, the J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake is ……’Politics at its best’!!

Darlene Taylor is the mayor of Crisfield, Maryland