Shoddy police work

The family of a dead man had to beg police to investigate their son’s death.

The details: The Anne Arundel police really screwed this one up. They let the only person who witnessed Eddie Woods’ death go without extensive questioning or testing her for gunshot residue. She even delayed calling 911 and somehow failed to arouse suspicion. It’s great that police finally reopened the case, but it’s what they should have done in the first place.

How much is that doggy in the window?

More and more people are leaving their unwanted pets at area animal shelters — and not helping cover the cost.

The details: There’s almost no excuse for dropping a pet off at a shelter without donating a little time, money or food. When you adopt a pet, you’re making a commitment. Don’t buy a dog if you’re not prepared to care for that dog for at least 10 years — and that includes paying vet bills, food bills and taking the time to love the animal properly.

Freedom of choice?

Maryland’s U.S. senators are sponsoring legislation that could to take away a doctor’s right to decide whether or not to perform an abortion.

The details: Legislation sponsored by Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin could take federal funding from hospitals that decide not to perform abortions. The choice to end a life is one not only made by parents, but also by doctors and the institutions who hire them. It’s more than wrong to pressure medical institutions to perform surgery they deem morally reprehensible or face retribution from the federal government.

Living in Bodymore, Murderland

November saw 31 murders in Baltimore City, making it the city’s deadliest month in 2008.

The details: We were starting to think prevention tactics were working. Maybe we were just hoping. If the police want overtime and raises, then they need to make sure we’re getting our money’s worth. Prove you’re on to something before asking for money you don’t know how to use.

Best ideas: Stamping out HIV

Ninety-five percent of HIV-positive people did not pass on their disease in 2006.

The details: In the early 1980s, the transmission rate for HIV was nearly 44 percent. Now it’s down to 5 percent. If we continue with prevention and awareness efforts, the entire disease could be gone one day – soon.

Navy’s victory

The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis won a rare award for academic, athletic and operational success between June 2007 and August 2008.

The details: The Meritorious Unit Commendation is given for the unparalleled excellence of a ship, unit or, in this case, academy. The Naval Academy has only won this award twice, this year because it had its lowest drop-out rate ever, the high graduation rate among academies and commissioning programs and a record number of athletic titles.

Helping the hungry

Marylanders are stepping up to the plate when it comes to donating to the Maryland Food Bank.

The details: The food bank is keeping up with the 25 percent to 50 percent increase in requests for food despite recent downward trends in charitable giving. The food bank is probably so successful because it is easy to donate – many supermarkets have boxes, and most people can afford to grab an extra can of soup to make someone less fortunate a nice lunch.

Green & Decker

Black & Decker is keeping up with the times and going green.

The details: Some of their new products, like a cordless, Energy Star-certified battery-powered lawnmower not only help the Bay by cutting down on emissions, they save the cost of gasoline and un-energy-efficient battery charging. Eventually all companies are going to have to move this way, and it’s better to start now than be forced to later. If only automakers had kept up with the times like Black & Decker.

Social entrepreneurs coming to Maryland

University of Maryland will be a think tank for ethical business practices.

The details: Virginia-based Ashoka chose the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business as one of four campuses to research and create socially responsible business practices. Too bad the new social entrepreneurs are coming too late to influence our current policy makers and Wall Street chief executive officers.

Two thumbs up: Budgetary slicing and dicing

WHO: Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold

WHAT: Leopold, a Republican, is setting an example for every agency in the state by trimming the Anne Arundel County government. He’s holding off on purchasing five fire engines, 150 police cars and 200 computers. And he’s cutting most county-funded trips to conferences.

WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA: It’s no fun to work with old equipment — but the alternative is raising taxes. Living within our means is the best way to help Maryland weather this economic storm. Besides, not getting new computers this year is better than layoffs.

WHERE TO LEARN MORE: Visit Anne Arundel’s Web site, aacounty.org/

Today’s bright bulb

Give and you shall receive. Why don’t the Big Three automakers go to oil companies and ask for a loan? They are some of the few businesses with lots of cash on hand. And besides, they are one of the main reasons oil companies are so flush. How about it Exxon?

Today’s quote

“If Chapter 11 reorganization is endured now, rather than several years into the future, more jobs can be saved among GM, Ford and Chrysler — and their suppliers — and better prospects for U.S. leadership in new technologies can be cultivated.” — Economist Peter Morici of the Robert H. Smith School of Business, and former chief economist at the U.S. International Trade Commission, in testimony before the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming last week