McDermott & Bianchini Episode 1

Healthcare Hysteria!
- President Obama’s healthcare bill has passed. What’s in it?
- Why so much misinformation?
- People are freaking out. Is it similar to the reaction to desegregation?
- Australia spends half as much of GDP on healthcare and everyone is covered.
- Doctors say it was a bad idea to have let the health insurance companies take over health care.

Guinea Pig-Gate: A Front Royal man is charged with buying a guinea pig at a pet store, killing it and making it into a hat which he wore around his neighborhood.
- Should he be charged with a hunting violation?
- Should you be allowed to kill your pets?
- Is the man competent to stand trial?
- Is it hypocritical to say cute furry animals can’t be killed but cows can?
- What if he had fed it to a snake?

Is Front Royal about to over burden local businesses with luxury taxes?
- Front Royal, VA will not raise real estate or personal property taxes.
- The town is facing a $700,000 budget shortfall but by law must balance it’s budget.
- The town is considering some luxury tax hikes that could affect smokers, restaurants and hotels.
- People freaking out over $20 a year
- Will town businesses lose customers to Warren County?

Police Chief criticized for speaking at public hearing in uniform with gun.
- Front Royal, VA Police Chief Richard H. Furr was criticized for an email sent by an aide advocating a tax hike to fully fund his department.
- He was also criticized for speaking at a town council public hearing while wearing his uniform and gun.
- Fair charge or silly town politics?
- Town police chiefs always go to town council meetings in uniform.