ON THE RADIO -- LISTEN TO OUR SHOW

What's Up Baltimore air's Sundays at 9:00PM, and Thursday at 9:00PM on the BlogTalkRadio network. Listen live from anywhere, and call in speak up and be heard. The show is hosted by A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor of The Baltimore Spectator. Listen to MacArthur, often joined by co-host Larry "The Celebrity" Cab Driver, and a host of special invited guests. Check out the newly redesigned show homepage.

SPREAD THE WORD, TELL A FRIEND! BE PART OF THE NEW MEDIA REVOLUTION. OUR VOICES WILL NOT BE SILENCED IN BRINGING "TRUTH TO THE MASSES."

BGE Complaints Double, PSC Swamped

Busy Gouging Everyone

“Our calls are up 100% from this time last year. We have 10 people in the OER [Office of External Affairs] dept. and are hiring two more on a contractual basis. We are State Government and have a lean staff,” Gatzke wrote in an e-mail to investigative reporter Stephen Janis.

On my show last night, SPEAK UP!, we dedicated nearly the whole hour to BGE. It was probably one of the most informative and interesting shows I've ever done. Give it a listen.

The color green you see in the official BGE logo has nothing to do with the environment. From what we see, it has everything to do with GREED. Greed and gouging. Today we learn from InvestigativeVoice.com the supposed regulators, Maryland Public Service Commission, have received twice as many complaints disputing jacked up bills than the same time last year. Hmmmmm....

UPDATED: Bicyclist Struck, Hit & Run!

Baltimore County Police Seeking Witnesses

VICTIM IN SERIOUS CONDITION -- ABC2 HAS MORE

A man riding a bicycle was struck by a pickup truck on Woodlawn Drive near Security Blvd, directly across from Antwerpin Nissan car dealership. It happened around 5:08PM. The man was transported to Shock Trauma, his exact condition is unknown. Woodlawn Dr. is partially shutdown at Security Blvd. while Baltimore County Police continue to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to call 410-887-5396

ABC2 NEWS also covered it and had feet on the ground there. Sometimes it's not just about a having a helicopter overhead. The two pictures above taken by managing editor A.F. James MacArthur were featured in the story (thanks Kelly).


developing....

RIPOFF! BGE Lies Exposed

Also: -- Tell Us Your BGE Horror Story

Citizen Spectators Wanted/Notes From City Council

UPDATE: Charm City Roller Girls Flock To Site
Welcome! Feel free to comment below article.

Rawlings-Blake A Charm City Roller Girl?

As usual there was a lot going on at last night's weekly city council meeting. While we wish to increase civil awareness., it is impossible for one reporter to cover in detail the many and varied issues brought up at these meetings. Quite frankly, let it be officially known, we are openly seeking "citizen spectators." Volunteers, who as time enables, can attend various city government functions and meetings in areas of interest to them, and write a simple summary report and maybe take a few photos or video.

BALTIMORE SPECTATOR EXCLUSIVE

If you weren't at the meeting last night, you probably don't know that Baltimore's own President of The City Council, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, openly declared to all in attendance at City Hall, that she is contemplating joining up with nationally famous Charm City Roller Girls! Now that I'd pay money to see. Of course, in a town with a lack of a comprehensive media, this was not reported anywhere except here. Oh, and did I mention today is her birthday. Happy Birthday Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

In joining the roller league, she would be in fine company with previous council member politician/athletes. Former council member now mayor Sheila Dixon is a 3rd degree black belt, an avid bicyclist, and from what I hear, a boxer with a mean right hook, look out opposition! Former council member, then mayor, now Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley pumps iron with a vengeance. Trust me, I've seen it with my own eyes.

We already know Madame President has a bit of a sporting side. Last September 11th, Rawlings-Blake along with a host of others from city government (see photo), and even yours truly, participated in a 5K Run/Walk to raise money for police and fire charities. I regretfully report to you, Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld, a man older than me, soundly beat me and finished the run several minutes ahead of me. Commissioner, if you're listening, this year I want to challenge you to a rematch.

HELP US GET THE WORD OUT, BECOME A SPECTATOR

In an age where everyone, including our own Baltimore City Council is talking open government and transparency, we are not only hoping for our local elected officials to welcome this initiative, but perhaps even assist in it, or direct some of their constituents towards this 100% volunteer, not for profit, public information/public awareness endeavor.

In all of my years of observing government, both from the inside as an employee or contractor, and from the outside as a citizen, one of the things that bothers me the most is how little people seem to be aware of the process of government. People are quick to complain and call up their representatives when they have a problem, but the actual way the machine works is a mystery to most.

We welcome anyone interested in joining our crusade of shining a spotlight on local government to step up and be counted. Even if you only want to be a one time corespondent, that would be helpful too. So come on, don't just sit there, send me an email, tell your friends about this, suggest others you know take part.

Managing editor A.F. James MacArthur may be contacted by email; AF.JamesMacArthur@gmail.com or by calling 202-321-9203.

Not Gone Yet -- A Few Parting Shots Left!

By A.F. James MacArthur, Managing Editor
(early edition, first draft)
MIXED REACTIONS

At 17, A.F. James MacArthur enlisted in the U.S. Marines. A qualified expert rifleman able to drop human sized targets 1000 yards out!

After yesterday's announcement, I received a few phone calls and emails. They ranged from the expected questions why, to a few outbursts of shock and even anger. One person sent me three seperate emails, each with only one word, A$$HOLE! [$$ added by editor]. Some understood my brief explanation, and some said I should stay the course and carry on.

In this life, the future remains ever uncertain, with the end always near. So for now, I'm still here, how much longer is anyone's guess, including mine. Over the next few days, possibly weeks, this site may take on a very different look and feel from what so many of you have become used to.

To be honest, this little "New Media" experiment has been rather fascinating and really quite interesting. I've been able to do and accomplish things I never imagined, even in my wildest hallucinatory delusions. The thought of tens of thousands of you having read my writings is quite humbling and awe inspiring. I never thought my little blog would have become that popular.

It is no secret to me that the reason so many people came here time and time again was not to hear about me and personal issues, but rather to see my unique take on the news, and to hear my sometimes way out there views. If there's anything I've learned over the years in writing is to keep it short. Keep em coming back for more they told me. People are busy, so you be brief other would say.

So to this end, I will do my best. But I must warn you. Again, things may end up looking VERY different in this space. At times the new pieces may come out at a rapid fire clip. Then there'll be times when it seems there hasn't been an update in a while. Best I can say is keep checking back, often. Tell a friend, or tell no one. Doesn't matter to me. If you see, what I be, then we can be cool. OK?

Just one more thing, do not put it past "them" to figure out a neat and creative way to silence me. "They" have ways to do this.. From murders that look like suicides, accidents, or natural causes. To false arrests without cause or merit for the purpose of discrediting, harassing or threatening. Don't believe me? Take a moment, just for starters, google the following; Robert Clay, Jonathan Luna, Ken Harris, Troy Chesley? But don't stop there, do what I've been doing and dig deeper and start connecting the dots and see where it leads and how dirty and corrupt it all is. After looking closely at the stories, tell me if you see any connections.

Fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a wild ride.

Shooting From The Hip -- Editorial - My Harshest Ever

UPDATED: The Spectator Shutting Down

Cops To The Spectator:

UPDATED: The Spectator Shutting Down

THE BASTARDS WON!

THE MACARTHUR MANIFESTO

We wanted to shed some light on the darkness and corruption running rampant in government. We wanted to be a different voice in the media landscape. We wanted to have some fun while doing all this and to remember to not take our selves too seriously. We wanted to be connected directly to you.

Funny how everyone always talks about how they want change and hope, but truly, in this place, there is none to be found. Hate to break it to you, but our current President, likable, and intelligent as he may be, is as hooked up to the machine of establishment politics just as much, or perhaps even more than the next guy.

Then there's Maryland. After watching Baltimore, under Martin O'Malley's leadership, slip further down a slippery slope than even the most harshest cynic could ever imagine, the people of Maryland thought he did such a great job, they decided to promote him to run the whole state.


They said, hey Martin, you did such a great job in Baltimore, with the out of control violence, the homicides, the high school drop outs, the drug addictions, the STD rates, all tops in the country, so we feel you ought to be given a chance to screw up the entire state of Maryland too. All of those phantom accomplishments and strides forward I'm still searching for. The ones to have supposedly taken place while Martin O'Malley was mayor, where did they suddenly disappear to?

I suppose the critics could be right. Sheila Dixon is so incompetent, so incapable, that everything wrong with Baltimore, had absolutely nothing to do with the last eight years preceding her. Nope, it's all her fault and it all materialized under her watch. Sure it did. I know some people who really want you to believe this. And yeah, I'm still pissed off about the snub. It just showed such immaturity and devisivness. You're supposed to be the leader of the state, and therefore by proxy, the leader of the democratic party here, and you sell out the Mayor of the largest city in Maryland just to kiss up to President Obama.

Initially, this was going to be really, really long and drawn out, but I've decided against it. Why bother? I'm not getting paid for this. A wise man often said, people get the government they deserve. So Baltimore, I hope you're happy. Maryland, this is what you get. Enjoy the deficit, the comin continued job losses, and what ever else is lurking around the corner. Oh yeah, let's not forget how what BGE has been doing to you, while your government has sat around and let them.

Rant over now.

If you're looking for me, I won't be in the bunker. Why? Who needs to live that way? Who needs the many false arrests I've experienced, only to have to fight in court to get them thrown out? Who needs to be under a constant cloud of suspicion, observation, and investigation. Oh, you thought I didn't know about the internal files? You guys must have really not checked me out as good as you thought. Not only do I know all of your tricks, I learned them from you.

I have a beautiful house, on a beautiful island, surrounded by beautiful people. Oh, and less anyone think to try anything stupid, yes, I know I have a trial coming up. No, I am not planning to flee, so don't even think about taking me in and justifying it by saying I'm some kind of flight risk. Although all my life I've always been independent, and considered myself to be as free as a bird, right now, especially these days, I feel as if my wings have been clipped.

So, first off, to all the people who have come to this site to see what's here. Sometimes so many of you came at once, the servers literally crashed from overload. To everyone who has stuck by my side. To everyone that has supported over the years. There really is so many of you, I couldn't possibly try to list you all by name, you know who you are. I say thank you, from the bottom of my heart. So long, and farewell.





O'Malley and his ilk should be happy. I'm outta here, they won!
It's been a fun ride, thanks for stopping by everyone. Enjoy Chinese Democracy, it's coming.

developing....

THANK YOU FOR VISITING -- IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ON ASSIGNMENT, WILL RETURN SOON

Check back today for;

EXCLUSIVE -- Behind The Scenes On The Arrest of the NAACP Vice Pres. What the Sun paper didn't tell you. Ellis Staten spoke at length with The Baltimore Spectator.

Commissioner Bealefeld Is Dead Wrong! -- Editorial

Announcement of tonight's radio show, plus show topics and call in phone #.

Cab Drivers continue to organize against unfair treatment and exploitation.

CONTRIBUTORS WANTED -- Be a part of the Baltimore Spectator team -- anonymous contributions encouraged!

More people come to this blog for hard hitting news and views found no where else. Whether it's our own original, on location breaking news reports, or the pull no punches, straight up editorials, The Baltimore Spectator is like no where else covering Baltimore.

MONKEY MADNESS -- YOU MADE US #1.

Record hits continue!!!

With each new day seeing an increase over the the last we thank you so much, and want you to keep coming back. Tell your friends too. Spread the word!


Baltimore Spectator will be out in the field on assignment today! Please use the search window located above the page title to check out all of the stories posted.

Thank you for visiting and please come back again soon. Be sure to tell a friend!

EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

Serious system failures and repeated crashes continue to plague the headquarters of the Baltimore Spectator. Efforts to update the website have been greatly hampered. With many stories powerful stories of original reporting yet to be published The Spectator is extremely distressed by this. Hmmmmm.... conspiracy theory anyone?

They haven't gotten us yet. Contrary to some of the many rumors floating around, for now, I am still a free AND alive man. In keeping with our theme of "Truth To The Masses" we need to set a few things straight.

The Baltimore Spectator has not been abducted by aliens, even though I have personally seen many aliens (illegal mexicans), even going as far as inviting them over for tea. Secondly O'Malleys boys or the FedGoons haven't taken me out and cleverly made it look like some kind of accident or suicide. I can assure you I'm happy to be alive and loving life. So if you hear of something like that happening to me, don't buy it!

Hopefully when I hear the stomping, clippety clomping, of O'Malley's marching, jackboots coming, I'll be able to slip out one final post to let you know my fate has met the worse.

Commissioner Bealefeld Testifies Before City Council -- Explains Controversial Policy Change

UPDATED:

At city hall yesterday, Councilman Jack Young had questions, and Police Commissioner Bealefeld had answers.

Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld went to city hall yesterday for a hearing called by Young to clarify a controversial new policy regarding police involved shootings.

The Commissioner said that while the names of officers involved in shootings will initially be withheld from the public. The officers age, race, sex and history with the department would be immediately disclosed.

At a meeting that had a few tense moments with Commissioner Bealefeld being chided for not having more open and direct communications with city hall. The Commissioner left drawing high praises.

After the hearing Councilman Bob Curran stressed his support for the Commissioner and Mayor Sheila Dixon, adding that he believes they are on the right track in reducing Baltimore crime.

See exclusive video of the hearing


A hearing called by City Councilman Bernard C. "Jack" Young, chairman of the Public Safety committee was held at City Hall this afternoon. Before a partial showing of the city council, Baltimore Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld fielded a variety of questions. At times the Commissioner was peppered with questions by council members and appeared tense and slightly defensive...developing....

People Are Watching -- Water Main Break Video Draws MD State Govt. Viewers

A source confirms that MD Dept. of Transportation bosses came to this site to view our exclusive video of the recent water main break in the 100 block of E. Madison St. Not only did they visit The Baltimore Spectator, but they kept it up and replayed the video many times, sharing it among various staff members to get a feel and to help assess just what happened.


Click here to see video of the initial live report from the scene of the water main break.

State Of The City -- Dixon Answers Question About Police Overtime