Delaware Law Office

Lethal Injection Moratorium Lifted

2008-05-05T08:29:00.003-04:00

A recent Supreme Court ruling, Baze v. Rees, ended the Federal moratorium on lethal injections in the United States. In Delaware, a State Supreme Court judge rejects lethal injection challenge but a Federal Court appeal is still pending.

What I find particularly outrageous about the lethal injection challenge is that Robert Jackson III, the criminal that first made the claim that the lethal injection in Delaware is ?cruel and unusual punishment,? murdered his victim with an ax in her home. Did she have the choice whether or not she wanted to be killed in a way that was so brutal??

Absurdity Reigns in Red Clay Consolidated School District

2008-05-02T12:20:00.006-04:00

With much pomp and circumstance, the Red Clay Consolidated School District asked tax payers to approve a 16.9% tax increase to help the financially-strapped school district. Approval of the referendum was to allow the District to, among other things, meet its payroll obligations and restore middle-school sports teams and activity clubs (http://communitypub.com/stories/01-14-2008/004_red_clay.html). Perhaps, most importantly (at least from the perspective of this father of a kindergarten-nearing toddler), the District was also to use a portion of the revenue generated by the increase in tax to meet its obligations under the Full-day Kindergarten Act. In fact, the actual ballot for the referendum specifically stated how the funds generated by the increase were to be used (http://electionsncc.delaware.gov/Red_Clay/rc_ref08_sam.pdf).

Seems rather straight-forward to me: residents, in conjunction with the State of Delaware, provide money to the District, District provides services which include Full-day Kindergarten. Simple, right? Au contrare, mon fr�re!

After much cajoling by local school representatives as well as serious advertising campaigns by the District, residents approve the referendum and step one is complete. However, District officials were so busy backslapping one another on the success of their work that they fail to see the tidal wave in the distance. The tidal wave, in this instance, is word coming forward that funds originally slated to be given to the District by the State to support the Full-day Kindergarten Program (as well as others) is in jeopardy of being part of the $30 million budget cut proposed by the State?s General Assembly (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080502/NEWS03/805020340&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL.

While, admittedly, I am no Adam Smith when it comes to economics, it does seem rather unfair, and perhaps downright fraudulent, to solicit funds from taxpayers in return for services to be provided and then to pull the rug out from under them as a result of proposed budget cuts. Perhaps instead of cutting programs and deceiving the public regarding usage of State and local funds, the State and school Districts wisely use the revenue received from the tax hike as well as the money from the proposed budget cuts to investigate and answer the more important question, namely,

Why, in a State of approximately 900,000 residents within 3 counties, do we have 19 school superintendents (or roughly 6.33 Superintendents per county) and multiple layers of bureaucracy and administrative staff for which we, as state residents, have to pay; which, in turn, deprives our children of funds to be used for their educational and social growth?

The absurdity of it all (and that which causes me great anger and forces me to consider the merits of abolishmment of the current Education System in the State of Delaware and full reform):

Our neighbor, the State of Maryland, has an estimated population of 5.6 million (living within 24 different counties), and has only 1 superintendent per county. I wonder what they do with all the extra money they have as a result of adequate usage of personnel and resources. Unfortunately, I think everyone in the State of Delaware (outside of our Education System) and especially those of us in the Red Clay Consolidated School District knows but is afraid to acknowledge (http://www.gazette.net/stories/012507/sykenew172014_32320.shtml).

Another Perspective

2008-04-10T07:53:00.001-04:00

For an alternative perspective, related to John F. Brady for Delaware State Insurance Commissioner, information can be found at his campaign website.

Puppy Love

2008-03-28T14:05:00.005-04:00

Monday my mother and son were on a mission to find a new, furry family member. Sunday night we discussed what I was looking for. I wanted one that would be friendly, good with kids, and protective of us. I was in 4th grade when my parents brought home our first Irish Setter. We have had six of them among the family. They are great dogs with fun personalities and they could not be any better with children. A setter was first on my list. A couple of friends of mine mentioned that the Eastern Shore Animal Rescue League rescues English Setters from kill shelters and tries to find homes for them. So my mother and son went there to meet the dogs and they were smitten. They brought Rudy home with them that day. He is the most delightful animal I have ever met. He is sweet, affectionate, and great with my son. However, he must not have had the greatest life before because he is afraid of so many things from the kitchen to the back yard after dark. We are slowly overcoming his fears; he is no longer afraid to ride in my car. He is also in need of training. He does not seem to be familiar with the command sit at all, but we have been working on heel with him and he is doing really well with it. Hopefully within a couple of months he will be fully settled in and not so afraid any more.

Zoomed by a Satellite?

2008-02-22T07:20:00.003-05:00

We have been seeing the news reports of how the Navy performed a wonderful feat, by destroying a disabled spy satellite with a missile shot from the USS Lake Erie. If our troops did that, they deserve a "high five". I support our troops. Its a shame that the civilian part of the government casts such a large shadow of incredibility that it touches on our guys and gals in the trenches.

Maybe I've been watching too much TV, but I am skeptical of anything that our current government tells us. With the erosion of civil rights for our native citizens in the guise of 911 reprisals, and the cascade of lies that have been thrown at us, I am more likely to believe one of the following scenarios than the one publicized :

A. A foreign power has placed an offensive military satellite with a nuclear or biological payload into orbit. The US decides to destroy it; or

B. The US has botched up something very badly in a scientific NASA project, and decided to shoot it down rather than become embarrassed by it.

The story presented by the goverment portrays the government in a responsible, eco-friendly, light, cleaning up some cold war mess. It portrays a highly effective missile defense system, that most assuredly will need more funding in the near future.

The portrayal just doesn't jive with the government that I have come to know. I love our country. I served in the armed forces. But I hate being treated like a mushroom. GW has been spreading manure around us for so long now, I expect this is just another load.

Adventures of a New Homeowner

2008-02-13T13:16:00.001-05:00

Last month I went to settlement on my first home. It was not a brand new house of my dreams, but rather an older home with tons of potential. Now it is up to me to take it from home with potential to home of my dreams. Perhaps I am being overly optimistic, but I think I can do it. However, every time I look at my little castle, all I can see is a list of things to be done. This is the tale of the first item on the list?dealing with the old paneling that is EVERYWHERE in my house. I understand that there was a time period when wood paneling was all the rage, but it is even on the ceiling in my dining room. How could anyone have ever thought that wood paneling on a ceiling was a good idea???

This weekend, hammer and pry bar in hand, I started the task of pulling down the heinous GREEN paneling that was on one wall of my office. Two boo-boos, lots of cursing, and 4 hours later my room was liberated of the nasty green paneling. The job itself was not bad. However, looking at the walls under the paneling with the 5 or 6 layers of old wallpaper dating back to the 1950s, all of the nail holes, and the remaining glue that held the paneling up, I am rethinking my strategy. Since applying new drywall to every room of the house is not an option for me (nasty drywall allergy and big swollen cartoon hands), I did some researching to see what else could be done.

In the course of my research I came across three methods that did not seem so bad:
1. Covering Paneling With Drywall Compound
2. Paint Wood Paneling
3. Transform wood paneling using wallpaper to cover grooves

I was wondering, though, if anyone reading this had any good suggestions (short of blowing up the house and starting again) for dealing with hideous wood paneling.

Old Documents - With Current Relevance

2008-02-12T07:09:00.000-05:00

Inspired by reading a News Journal article this morning, about the oldest documents in the State Archives (letters and such of a Swedish settler, also bearing signatures of Governor Printz), I dug into the back of the vault to pull out some of my most favorite reading materials.

I have several old books from the colonial period, bearing owner signatures of historical significance. Last year I tried to donate them the the University of Delaware Library because I saw what a nice facility they have for maintaining fragile old documents. But alas, the UD was so awash with its own cumbersome bureaucratic self-important inefficiency, that I could never get a call back from the right department.

My favorite read is not my oldest book. It is Principles of Revolution (that's the short title for the actual Title... Principles and Acts of the Revolution in America: or, an attempt to Collect and Preserve Some of the Speeches, Orations, & Proceedings, With Sketches and Remarks on Men and Things, and other Fugitive or Neglected Pieces, Belonging to the Revolutionary Period in the United States; Which Happily, Terminated in the Establishment of their Liberties: With a view to represent the feelings that prevailed in the "Times that Tried Men's Souls," to Excite a Love of Freedom, and Lead the People to Vigilance, as the Condition on Which it is Granted, By H. Niles).

Just the long version of the title to the book alone inspires me. They sure had a way with words. This is an 1822 book with inscriptions by such familiar people as Commegys; Polk, and the like.

Today I will attempt to transcribe a letter from His Excellency George Washington to General Gage, from Caimbridge, August 11, 1775:

Sir - I understand that the officers, engaged in the cause of liberty and their country, who by the fortune of war, have fallen into your hands, have been thrown indiscriminately into a common jail appropriated for felons - that no consideration has been had for those of the most respectable rank, when languishing with wounds and sickness- that some of them have been even amputated in this unworthy situation.

Let your opinion, sir, of the principle which actuates them, be what it may, they suppose they act from the noblest of all principles, a love of freedom and their country. But political opinions, I conceive, are foreign to this point. The obligations arising from the rights of humanity, and claims of rank, are universally binding and extensive, except in the case of retaliation. These, I should have hoped, would have dictated a more tender treatment of those individuals, whom chance or war had put in your power. Nor can I forbear suggesting its fatal tendency to widen that unhappy breach, which you, and those ministers under who you act, have repeatedly declared you wish to see forever closed.

My duty now makes it necessary to apprise you, that, for the future, I shall regulate my conduct towards those gentlemen of your army, who are, or may be in our possessioin, exactly by the rule you shall observe towards those of ours who may be in your custody.

If severity and hardship mark the line of your conduct (painful as it may be to me) your prisoners will feel its effect; but if kindness and humanity are shown to ours, I shall, with pleasure, consider those in our hands only as unfortunate, and they shall receive from me that treatment to which the unfortunate are ever entitled.

I beg to be favored with an answer as soon as possible, and am, sir, your very humble servant.
G. Washington

$100 Reward! -- Anybody But Brady

2008-02-08T08:30:00.000-05:00

I don't usually get involved in politics, mostly because it disgusts me. But once in a while I get spurred to speak, like now.

I noticed in today's News Journal that John F Brady has announced his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner. Oh my gosh. Please no.

My personal opinion, from having directly observed his behaviour and work product, is that he is not fit for the public service. I was duly unimpressed with his professionalism, ethics, and the quality of his work.

So with concern and a sense of desperate urgency, I say... "Anybody But Brady".

I pledge to contribute $100 each unto the first five legitimate candidates for Insurance Commissioner who oppose Mr. Brady. The first five to be determined by the time and date that they contact me by email at info@delawoffice.com. Legitimate is to be defined for these purposes as candidates who have formally filed their candidacy. This pledge is valid only for this election year.

I challenge other concerned citizens and businesses to match my pledge.

Government Crook Steals Millions In Time/Warner Fraud

2008-02-06T07:13:00.000-05:00

According to the News Journal this morning, Anthony J Lofink plead guilty to stealing millions from Delaware's unclaimed property account (called escheat), largely by use of fraudulent documents involving the Time/Warner merger.

Lofink is shown here (on the right) leaving the federal courthouse in clothing bought with stolen funds. Photo by John Randolph/ Special to the News Journal.

2008 Presidential Race

2008-01-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

I am a firm believer that every citizen of the United States has a responsibility to vote. I also believe that if a person does not vote, he or she should not complain about the way the country is being run. Since the election process is really starting to get some momentum, I decided to research the election process beginning with what is the difference between caucuses and primaries. Here is the best explanation I came across (caucus and primary information). In the course of this research I discovered that Delaware is holding a primary on February 5, 2008, so I figured I ought to brush up on what all of the candidates stand for so I can make an educated decision.

Democratic Candidates
Hillary Clinton clinton 2008 platform

Barack Obama obama 2008 platform

Republican Candidates
Mike Huckabee huckabee 2008 platform
John McCain McCain 2008 platform
Ron Paul paul 2008 platform

Other Party Candidates
Larry suggested that we include all of the candidates that represent the other parties. I started a search and was amazed to find this information other political party candidates. There were many more than I expected. Unfortunately I do not have enough time to devote to researching them all.

I hope this information proves helpful to everyone. Good luck making a decision and happy voting!!

2007-12-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Linzer Torte - The Cooking Adventure (first in a series)

With the best of intentions (we all know where that paved road leads) ,I promised to create and bring a culinary delight to my charming colleagues as an early holiday gift. Alas, on the momentous night of its preparation, a total failure of the heating system struck our household. Now, Dear Reader, I would like to be able to report of the unparalleled success of my adventure into gourmandy; however, that is not the case. My significant others felt, quite to my astonishment, that my efforts would be better served if I were to, and I hereby paraphrase my ultimate significant other, ?stop worrying about a frickin? torte and get the heat on.? Grasping (with little assistance mind you) that the logic of the additional heat provided by a cooking oven did not overcome the significant lack of appeal of a cold house - I mean, really, people don?t sleep on their kitchen floor next to the stove in the dead of winter waiting for a torte to finish its baking? Isn?t it closer to the coffee pot? Nonetheless, in the best interest of spousal harmony not to mention the thought of how cold a couch would be in a home with no heat and the lack of additional body warmth provided by most significant other (most likely forever), I blew off the torte. Upon waking the next day in a most displeased state (no torte and the extra body warmth thing never materialized), I reported to work the next day, which I will be happy to tell you about in the next installment.

By Scott (with significant contribution by Ms. Magaw which is hereby acknowledged)

Holiday Cheer

2007-12-11T10:51:00.000-05:00

I love the holiday season. The spirit, lights, decorations and music bring out the gigantic kid in me. Everyone seems a little less grumpy to me this time of year. Here is a list of holiday related things to do that get me in the holiday spirit:

Internet Fun:

Naughty or nice rating (Christmas Naughty or Nice List)

Elf yourself (www.elfyourself.com)

Here is my elf yourself (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1222724658)

Growing up there were some places my family went to visit every year. Even though they were essentially the same from year to year, they kept me spellbound. As I got older and had a child of my own it was wonderful to see the glee these displays always brought to me mirrored in his face.

Here are some of my favorite festive places to see this time of year:

Longwood Gardens (http://www.longwoodgardens.org/)
Macy?s Dickens Village (Macy*s - Our Stores - Events - Events)
Wanamaker?s light show (LIGHT SHOW)-details for times of shows can be found on link above for Dickens Village.
Wilmington Western Railroad Santa Claus Express & Holiday night express (Wilmington & Western Railroad)

The best light display I have ever come across:

Rich Faucher?s house 1054 Red Lion Road Bear, DE (http://www.lightorama02.com/VideosTemp/Static%20Christmas%20House.wmv)
I hope everyone enjoys their holiday season!!

By Michele

Will Cancer Cause Us to Alter Workplace Hours?

2007-11-30T08:33:00.000-05:00

Studies are showing that sleep provides the body with strength to fight cancer. And conversely then, disruptions in our sleep and with our internal clocks weaken our resistance to cancer.

Will OSHA ban night shifts? What about police, overnight transport, nighttime security services, will these all be required to alter procedures to lessen the carcinogenic consequences of night shifts?

Will our "Open 24 Hours" country have to start setting curfews?

These studies are still in their early years, but significant between sleep and many health issues are being found. Things such as breast cancer research involving light.

Studies are also involving the gene that regulates the internal clock, and what affects it.

Other studies explore how high fat diets disrupt the clock, and how sleep disorders have serious consequences to one's health.

Eminent Domain Challenge in Wilmington

2007-11-14T07:19:00.000-05:00

A recent Chancery Court action was filed seeking to stop the City of Wilmington from seizing private property under the Slum Clearance Redevelopment Act (31 Del.C. 4501, et seq). It is alleged that the politicians of Wilmington are being used as pawns by the developer, with the promise of creating a higher tax basis. It is also reportedly alleged that the area sought to be condemned and seized is not an urban blight area, using the developer's own headquarters as an example, as it is inside the proposed seizure area.

The expansive use of eminent domain puts us on a slippery slope. At the bottom of the heap, along with the ethics of many politicians, are our liberty and property rights, along with the failed experiments with communism.

Register Of Wills Increases Fees

2007-11-13T07:32:00.000-05:00

While a 40% rate hike (from 1.25% to 1.75%) might at first glance seem extreme, the recent Register of Wills closing cost increase is in most cases modest, and in any case, long over due.

The New Castle County Register of Wills is the most user friendly government office that I have dealt with. I applaud them. The rate hike is effective for estates where the date of death is on or after July 1, 2007.

Please consult an attorney to get an accurate explanation of how this might effect any given particular estate, or estate plan.

Watch Out for Skimmers

2007-11-13T07:26:00.001-05:00

Some local ATM's have been fitted with Skimmers to steal your bank account information when you access the ATM. Be cautious when using an ATM. If the swiping mechanism looks larger than normal, or otherwise different, go somewhere else. The News Journal reported these problems in Bear.

Has Halloween Gone to The Dogs?

2007-10-13T06:24:00.000-04:00

With each approaching holiday, I find myself most intrigued by the history behind the customs and rituals than the actual celebration. Reclusive in nature, I would much rather immerse myself into a good read or history channel presentation than endure social gatherings that revolve around these events. This, of course, is the weary adult speaking-as a child, the magic was all encompassing and the mere anticipation of these times was enough to make me giddy. Now that I am a parent, I am fortunate enough to observe this same enthusiasm within my child.

With this said, Halloween is right around the corner. I ask myself, just why I?ll be accompanying my little girl on a begging for candy mission throughout my neighborhood. And just why will I be opening my door to ?treat? those children that have in the past played the old,? ding, dong, ditch? game with my doorbell? Upon researching this subject, after failing to provide my inquisitive kid an acceptable explanation, I prefer to broadly describe it as a mish mash of pagan and Christian traditions. I personally enjoy the story of Celtic community bonfires and the bringing home of a flame in hollowed out gourds and turnips. There?s also the idea of ancient people wearing costumes/animal skins and heads to confuse evil spirits. Today, our children are using their imagination to morph into anything from sweet Disney characters to more scary creepy figures. My daughter, who is now well out of her cute girlie princess phase, has selected a skeleton costume. And well, our dog may be sharing in this tradition this year too.

by Kelly

King Tut Comes to US

2007-08-28T07:44:00.000-04:00

With wide eyed wonder that only a child could have, I read and re-read my grandfathers King Tutankhamen issue of National Geographic. I wished with every fiber of my being to travel to Egypt and set my eyes (and chocolate smeared hands) upon the beautiful treasures of a long forgotten boy pharaoh. Now, many years later, I need only travel as far as the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA to view these priceless artifacts.

I am not a patient person by nature, and normally will not ?do? lines, but this exhibit is special. I will pay my $27.50 entrance fee, and wait (with the restraint comparable to that of an 8 year old) for my visit with the boy pharaoh.

Kelly

We Don't Have an Immigration Problem

2007-06-04T05:26:00.000-04:00

We don't have an immigration problem, as I understand it. What we have is a tax evasion problem. Too many U.S. employers are willing to break the law by not withholding and paying the employment taxes associated with those that they hire.

The answer is not in the building of fences, because the problem is not that people are crossing the borders. The problem is with our own citizens and employers in building a culture in which it is acceptable to not pay taxes. And the problem is with the misallocation of resources.

When we apply the resources to fix the real problem, and when we clean up our culture of crime, we can improve the situation. Until then, we are just serving pork.

Delaware Stays on the cutting edge of corporate law, with State Constitutional Amendment

2007-05-21T07:16:00.000-04:00

In a continuing effort to improve and develop Delaware's corporate governance laws, Delaware has implemented a Constitutional Amendment to speed up SEC inquiries. Delaware Online Reports.

Now, the SEC can certify questions of law directly to the Delaware Supreme Court. Here is some of the amended text (relative to the jurisdiction of the Delaware Supreme Court):

(8) To hear and determine questions of law certified to it by other Delaware courts, the Supreme Court of the United States, a Court of Appeals of the United States, a United States District Court, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, or the highest appellate court of any other state, where it appears to the Supreme Court that there are important and urgent reasons for an immediate determination of such questions by it. The Supreme Court may, by rules, define generally the conditions under which questions may be certified to it and prescribe methods of certification.

The State is Giving Back $5,000,000.00!

2007-05-09T21:04:00.000-04:00

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the government does give back the extra money that was taken from people. Superior Court is now supervising the return of 5 Million Dollars in excess forclosure sale proceeds which have accumulated over the last 5 years. And this was from people who could scarely afford it in the first place!

The project is called.... Rightful Owner. The Court has set up a site to help us track this process, and gather information. Go ahead and check for your name on the list, if you were involved in a mortgage forclosure.

I remember when I supervised a project in Family Court to track down missing restitution payees. It was great fun, and it was very appreciated by the folks who were due the funds. I suspect that the folks involved in this Superior Court process will feel the same. After they jump through the procedural hoops though.

For cases where there is more than $1,000 involved, the filing fee is $75 and a title search (about $100 cost) is among the prerequisites to filing a claim. There is no filing fee for the cases of less than $1000.

The Forever Stamp

2007-04-27T06:34:00.000-04:00

As of May 14, the U.S. Post Office will be again raising the price of stamps. This time the price will go from 39 cents to 41 cents.

Also, which I though was kind of neat, they are introducing a "forever" stamp. It can be purchased for 41 cents, and even if the prices raise again, it will still valid:
"In 2007, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the Forever stamp, which will always be valid as First-Class postage on standard envelopes weighing one ounce or less, regardless of any subsequent increases in the First-Class rate.

The stamp art depicts the Liberty Bell, which is perhaps the most prominent and recognizable symbol associated with American independence. Over the years, the historic significance of the bell's message has transcended our national borders, and today the Liberty Bell is an international icon of freedom. Replicas of the Liberty Bell exist in all fifty states and the District of Columbia."

by: Christine Orzechowski

Walk for a Cure

2007-04-19T14:35:00.000-04:00

As the JDRF Walk Chair Person, I would like to extend an invitation to be a part of finding a cure, in our life time, for Juvenile Diabetes.

What is Juvenile Diabetes? Type 1 Diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disorder of the body's immune system?that is, its system for protecting itself from viruses, bacteria or any "foreign" substances. What is JDRF? JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide.

In June, Alan and Ellen Levin of Happy Harry's will sponsor our Annual Gala for a Cure. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only donate to a wonderful cause, but also to promote your business and sense of community commitment.

JDRF is accepting donations of cash as well as auction items. If you would like to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, please contact either Stephanie Bucksner at JDRF at 302-888-1117 or Christine Pavlik at 410-398-0110. To learn more about JDRF in Delaware, please visit our website.

Posted by Christine Pavlik, CPA
cpavlik@pavassoc.com

Elvis Memorabilia Battle in Delaware Chancery Court

2007-03-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

There's an airport hangar somewhere in Nevada, filled with Elvis memories, and a couple of 18-wheelers ready to take them on tour for the children of America, at $20 per head. They aren't leaving the hangar until a battle over their ownership takes place.

The fight over them is brewing in Delaware's Chancery Court. These memorabilia were used by Elvis Presley, and by his Doctor George Nichopoulos, and it sounds like it could be an entertaining time in Court.

The tug of war involves such things as:

Doctor's bag: "Black doctor's bag used by Dr. Nichopoulos for making house calls to Graceland and touring with Elvis Presley."

Stuffed dog: "Elvis had this dog in his suite at the Las Vegas Hilton . . . Elvis jokingly used dog as a pillow. Just as they were leaving to go on stage, Elvis threw the dog at Dr. Nick and said, 'This dog is for you!' Framed notarized letter of authenticity."

Laryngeal scope: "Used to examine Elvis' chronic sore throat and tonsils . . . Dr. Nick had to take additional schooling to learn how to use this."

A Delaware Limited Liability Company was formed with three members, Businessman Richard S. Long, Entertainer Bobby Freeman, aka Robert G. Gallagher, and Betty Franklin are in a fight over ownership, and Gallagher and Franklin are asking the Court to dissolve the limited liabilty company that was set up to own the collectibles, and be responsible for touring them across the countryside.

Robert G. Gallagher didn't show up in Court for the first day of proceedings.

Earlier articles:

The King . . . and the courts

Singer, businessman battle over Elvis memorabilia

Delaware Climatologist On Thin Ice

2007-02-09T01:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, Delaware does have a state climatologist. And he's the center of a battle over the human influence on global warming.

Professor David Legates teaches at the University of Delaware, and he drew more attention than most previous state climatologists have when his name appeared upon this amici curiae brief (pdf) filed with the US Supreme Court.

The brief questions global warming, and that view may conflict with an effort by the State of Delaware to get funding from the Federal government to use to reduce emissions, in an effort to "fight" global warming.

Those issues are described in a Wilmington News Journal article, Del. scientist's view on climate change criticized: Ties to big oil, industry-funded lobbies draw fire

Some of the charges agains Dr. Legates come from the Union of Concerned Scientists, in their report: Scientists' Report Documents ExxonMobil?s Tobacco-like Disinformation Campaign on Global Warming Science.

Here's one of Dr. Legates' reports:

Climate Science: Climate Change and Its Impacts

I ran across a critique of that report, which I thought was interesting:

Comment on "Climate Science: Climate Change and Its Impacts" (pdf)

One of Dr. Legate's former students defends him as being brave enough to tell us that the emperor has no clothes, in:

The tyranny of 'global warming'

Is the earth getting warmer? Is global warming a problem caused by humans? There are a lot of media reports stating that permafrost is melting in Alaska and Siberia, and weather patterns are unusual. We've experienced record breaking warm years recently. There seems to be a lot of agreement that the earth is getting warmer, and a report released last Friday from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts significant rising sea levels for the Mid-Atlantic region, causing the loss of a significant amount of Delaware's coastline.

Our State Poet was in the news last month, too. I hope that she gets involved in the discussion over global warming. It seems to have the makings of an epic struggle.