Key to Vietnam memorial murdered in Newark, DE
DOVER, Del. – A prominent national defense consultant was seen alive in downtown Wilmington less than 24 hours before his body was found in a load of trash at a landfill, police said Tuesday.
John P. Wheeler III, of New Castle, was seen around 3:30 p.m. Thursday near the Hotel du Pont, about two blocks from the office of an attorney who was representing him and his wife in a property dispute, Newark police said.
Wheeler's remains were found around 10 a.m. Friday as a refuse truck dumped its load at the Cherry Island landfill in Wilmington. Investigators say he was slain.
Police say the truck collected all its trash from about 10 commercial disposal bins in Newark, several miles from Wheeler's home in the historic district of New Castle.
Newark Police Lt. Mark Farrall said the information about Wheeler's whereabouts before he died came from a caller's tip that police confirmed. He said police also were reviewing video surveillance tapes from downtown Newark.
Farrall said Newark police have consulted with the FBI about the case but wouldn't say what assistance, if any, federal investigators are providing.
Wheeler, 66, served three Republican presidents and helped to get the Vietnam Veterans Memorial built.
Friends say they traded e-mails with Wheeler — who had not been reported missing — around Christmas. Wheeler also had been scheduled to take an Amtrak train from Washington to Wilmington on Dec. 28, but it's not clear if he ever made the trip.
Family members may not have reported him missing because they were out of town, Farrall said.
Efforts by The Associated Press to contact his wife, Katherine Klyce, were unsuccessful, but his family issued a statement through the police department.
"As you must appreciate, this is a tragic time for the family. We are grieving our loss. Please understand that the family has no further comment at this time. We trust that everyone will respect the family's privacy."
Wheeler had a twin son and daughter, John and Katie, by his first wife, Elisa. Klyce has two daughters from a previous marriage.
Wheeler followed in his decorated father's footsteps and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. After graduating in 1966, in the midst of the Vietnam War, he served five years in the Army, including as a staff officer at the Pentagon. He retired from the military in 1971.
In later years, Wheeler, as special assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon during the George W. Bush administration, helped develop the Air Force Cyber Command. A citation for his service in 2008 said Wheeler recognized that the military needed to combat the growing vulnerability of U.S. weapon systems to cyber intrusions, according to his biography.
Longtime friend and fellow West Point graduate Richard Radez said that in an e-mail the day after Christmas, Wheeler wrote he believed the nation wasn't sufficiently prepared for cyber warfare.
"This was something that had preoccupied him over the last couple of years," Radez said.
Wheeler's house in New Castle was dark Monday night and no one answered the door. Yellow police evidence tape was stretched across two wooden chairs in the kitchen, where several wooden floorboards were missing.
According to The News Journal of Wilmington, Ron Roark, who has lived next door to Wheeler for seven months, said Monday he had met Wheeler only once and rarely saw him. But for four days around Christmas, he said he and his family heard a loud television in Wheeler's home that was constantly on, but no one appeared to be home.
"It was so loud, we could hear it through the walls, and we found that strange," Roark told the newspaper...
Man proven innocent by DNA after 30 yrs in prison
Biden Chief of staff leaving White House
Vice President Biden says his chief of staff, Ron Klain, is leaving his post later this month.
Klain has been a longtime Democratic political operative and the White House said he helped foster a strong relationship between the vice president's and the president's staffs.
Klain also served as vice president Al Gore's chief of staff and was a key figure during the 2000 presidential election recount in Florida.
Klain will become president of Case Holdings, the parent company of an investment firm owned by Klain's former boss and AOL co-founder Steve Case.
His departure comes amid other changes in White House personnel and a restructuring of duties....
RNC Chair Debate Recap
So, I confess, I KIND OF watched the RNC chairman's debate yesterday (I'm replaying it as we speak which is what inspired me to write this). I will say that when I was poking around the net today, I found an AWESOME critique by Bryan Preston over at Pajamas Media which I'm urging all of you to read. The inclusion of SBA as a sponsor seems to have focused the debate more on social issues and as Preston points out, that has little bearing on the RNC Chairman's ability to do his job. With that said, the idea is to find the MOST conservative candidate who can win and among Republicans, (as we saw here in Delaware) you're able to find strong conservatives and elect them.
Candidates
Ann Wagner
Wagner has conservative credentials. She's done great things in Missouri and she has plenty of political experience. Most of the candidates talk about raising money, Saul and Ann really come forward with some specifics which is good. Ann's plans don't quite sound as well thought out but she makes a good case. Ann Wagner points out that the PEOPLE are the ones who decide who wins the primaries and that the RNC needs to focus on recruiting candidates, fund party, victory and GOTV efforts across the country. Supports legislative efforts to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Cited a lack of focus on the real issue of debt as a failure and also said that the people would decide if we are on the right track or wrong track. Danced around the question a bit. Cites many of the TEA Party values as absolutely critical for people to be considered a Republican. Three Pillars: Fiscal Conservatism, National Defense, Social Values - a Chairman should espouse all of these values. Brings grassroots groups to the table to build coalitions in Missourah (sorry Ann! it's there) especially pro-life groups.
Saul Anuzis
Saul REALLY gets it. He understands that funding is priority, followed closely by management skills and he certainly has the message. He's backed by TEA Party groups across the country and is a breath of fresh air among a sea of also rans. Understands that the state parties need to drive the message and the GOTV efforts but that the RNC should support it with funds. Anuzis feels that the primary should be the determination and not the state party electors. Believes that marriage between a man and a woman is a cultural and religious belief that is worth fighting for. Saul breaks down the failures of the party. He explains that the Republican Party lost its way and shifted ever to the left becoming more like Democrats and he points out that when the Republicans act like Republicans they win, when they act like Democrats they lose. Understands that this is a "2nd chance" not a mandate and that if the Republican Party doesn't move back to its conservative base and principles, the voters will throw them out again. If they are with us 80% of the time, they are a Republican. The chairman should support the platform at least 80% of the time. Worked WITH the grassroots groups in every way that they could and is ready to run toward issues and not away with them. Understands the balance of ALL issues (including social issues) in the party platform. Ready to build coalitions across the party platform.
Maria Cino (no website)
She's a lobbyist, which turns me off already. She sounds like she feel entitled and her talk about retiring debt is interesting but I'd ask, if she's so good, how come the RNC is $20 million in debt? She talks about beating Obama but she supports Obamacare. Given a question about races like Delaware, where Christine beat Castle, she dodged the question. She talked about how the RNC should support the candidates that the state parties and the voters choose...thanks captain obvious. My question and the one asked is, did you see the victory by Christine as a triumph of principle or a disaster? Believes in the party platform. Cites McCain-Feingold as a mistake and then losing our way on spending. Cutting spending and cutting deficits wins elections. Agrees with Ann Wagner on the party platform. Wants to continue building coalitions and calls for a state victory plan due in April (while Delaware is bracing for a new state chairman!)
Michael Steele
I think he's got balls even running in the first place. He's got his talking points going, he has a few one liner zingers but he's got a record and like he says, it speaks for itself. He takes credit for the RNC sweep this year but it's disingenuous. Make no mistake Steele, you won because the TEA Party allowed you to win. Many forget that Steele was no TEA Party friend early on and here in Delaware he only barely made it a priority to meet with the candidate who had the most attention this year (O'Donnell). He clearly DOESN'T understand what's going on. To take credit for the grassroots movement is...well it's simply disrespectful and ignorant of reality. Steele makes a good point about the RNC not getting involved in state party business but I think he misses the fact that some state (like Delaware) have structures that are not conducive to building unity. The RNC would do well to counsel states like Delaware on how to improve their process to promote unity. Steele understands that marriage is between a man and a woman as a matter of tradition. In his view, the definition of "family" may change but the party will support the ideal of marriage as traditionally defined. Believes that the GOP walked away from the Contract with America and that Democrat lite does not sell well in the public. Also says that the party stopped reaching out to people. Cites outreach as necessary to growing the party, reaching out to minority categories. Supports moderation as a leader and does not want to create a litmus test to determine eligibility to be a Republican. In favor of building more coalitions but worked AGAINST the TEA Party groups early on.
Reince Priebus
He makes a case for himself and his working with conservatives in Wisconsin. Reince could be effective in teaching state party leaderships how to work with the TEA Party. Stresses unity and cooperation which he does in a way that keeps himself above the fray and he shows the RNC as a broker of power between state parties, TEA Party groups and conservative single issue groups. Reince thinks everything has to mean something and he thinks the chairman should be a conservative Republican. Reince supports the way Delaware currently operates but what he misses is that in his home state of Wisconsin, he worked WITH the TEA Party and grassroots groups to come up with palpable candidates before the primary. In Delaware the state party ignored the movement and subsequently came up lame in their nomination. Also believes marriage is between a man and woman and that no one should lose their dignity. Does not believe the courts can rewrite the Constitution and define marriage. He believes the biggest failure of the party in the last decade has been not sticking to principles and he cited having to hold "our noses and voting for Republicans that didn't uphold the basic principles of our platform." Believes that the RNC chair out to take a chance and go out and support the conservative platform every chance they get. Thinks we need a chairman that will go out there and be PROUD to be a Republican. Cites pro-abortion, pro-stimulus, pro-bailout people as people who "might not be a Republican". Has a track record of working WITH grassroots groups and building solid coalitions....
Aircraft Carrier Commander Relieved of Duty After Airing Explicit Videos
Capt. Owen Honors was relieved of duty Tuesday as commander of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise after he broadcast sexually charged videos taken aboard the ship, the Navy announced.
The videos, distributed on closed-circuit television during 2006 and 2007 deployments of the USS Enterprise, the Navy's oldest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, showed simulated masturbation, suggestive shower scenes with multiple women and gay slurs.
The Virginian-Pilot newspaper broke the story, publishing edited versions of the lewd videos on its website.
Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander of United States Fleet Forces Command, said Honors' performance as commanding officer has been without incident but his "poor judgment" while serving as executive officer of the ship was inexcusable.
"After personally reviewing the videos created while serving as executive officer, I have lost confidence in Capt. Honors' ability to lead effectively, and he is being held accountable for poor judgment and the inappropriate actions demonstrated in the videos that were created while he served as executive officer on Enterprise," said Harvey.
"His profound lack of good judgment and professionalism while previously serving as executive officer on Enterprise calls into question his character and completely undermines his credibility to continue to serve effectively in command," Harvey added.
Capt. Dee Mewbourne will be permanently assigned as the commanding officer of the Enterprise.
Navy officials said Honors will not be kicked out of the service, though it is possible later on, pending results of a longer investigation, that he could be asked to leave the Navy.
Honors attended the Naval Academy and taught at the Navy's Top Gun flight school.
The videos were played repeatedly on board the ship. In one scene, Honors can be seen fishing for a chocolate candy bar in a dirty toilet right before eating it on camera. In another he appears in a towel and shower cap outside the stall where two men are seen washing each other. In the next clip, which Honors calls "Chicks in the Shower," two women are seen washing each other. No nudity is shown, although the viewer is led to believe they are naked...
House GOP Health Care Repeal Could Pick Up a Few Dem Votes
Only a few moderate or conservative Democrats remain left in the House of Representatives come opening day on Wednesday, but expect at least a chunk of them to vote in favor of the Republican plan to repeal the health care law.
As one of its first act in the new Congress, the Republican majority is calling up the law for repeal. Text of the repeal bill is already online for Americans to read and a vote is expected on Jan. 12.
Several moderate and conservative Democrats contacted by Fox News on Monday night said they wanted to first evaluate the Republican proposal hitting the House floor before deciding how they might vote.
But, at least one Democrat who voted against the health bill last year and in late 2009 is already leaning toward voting to repeal the law.
"I have not read the language yet, but I am inclined to support the repeal," said Rep. Dan Boren D-Okla. "I have voted against the measure in the last Congress and a full 68 percent of Oklahomans support repeal."
Other Democrats call the move "reckless."
"The reckless Republican repeal of health care is a budget busting bailout for insurance companies that will kill jobs, raise Americans' taxes, and deny critical care to women and children. It is unconscionable that Republicans plan on ramming the bill through the House without exploring the disastrous impact repeal will have on Americans," said Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., the outgoing chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee...
Is Kathy Griffin Going Too Far Targeting 16-Year Old Willow Palin?
Kathy Griffin announced her New Year’s resolution to continue a verbal assault on the Palin family. Only in 2011, the comedian said she intends to target Sarah Palin’s 16-year-old daughter, Willow. "I've already gone for Sarah, Todd and Bristol obviously," Griffin told The Hollywood Reporter. "But I think it's Willow's year to go down. In 2011, I want to offend a new Palin.” Could Griffin be switching to a younger, easier Palin target following her Bristol backfire in December? YOU DECIDE: Should a 16-Year-Old Be Held Up for Public Ridicule? On a special that aired Dec. 5, Kathy Griffin was jeered by the audience after attacking Bristol Palin for being “fat” while hosting the VH1 Divas “Salute to the Troops.” Griffin called the 20-year-old “the white Precious,” referring to Gabourey Sidibe’s role as an obese and abused teen mother in the 2009 Lee Daniels drama...
Final NFL Power rankings
The New England Patriots end the 2010 season as the clear-cut champions of ESPN.com's NFL Power Rankings.
The 14-2 Patriots were the unanimous No. 1 pick of our experts, who also were unified in selecting the Atlanta Falcons second. Two AFC North titans, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, finished Nos. 3 and 4, and the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints round out the top 5.
The Saints visit the No. 19 Seattle Seahawks to kick off the wild-card playoffs Saturday. The No. 8 New York Jets visit the No. 10 Indianapolis Colts in the Saturday nightcap. On Sunday, the Ravens visit the No. 11 Kansas City Chiefs. Later, the No. 9 Green Bay Packers visit the No. 7 Philadelphia Eagles.
The 7-9 Seahawks vaulted from a No. 26 ranking in Week 17...
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