A touching message from a former Marine
By Bill Pfeifer / Not as lean; not as mean; but still a Marine
As I approach my twilight years, I am struck by the inevitability that the party must end. And one clear, cold morning after I'm gone, my spouse will awaken in the warmth of our bedroom and be struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore."
No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute."
Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, or say "I love you."
So while we have it, its best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick.
This is true for marriage and old cars, children with bad report cards, dogs with bad hips, a aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.
Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a son-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Life is important, like people we know who are special. And so, we keep them close!
Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know how you really feel?
The important thing is to let every one of your friends know your true feelings, even if you think they don't love you back.
So, just in case I'm gone tomorrow, please rest assured I voted against that incompetent, bleeding heart, socialist piece of shit Obama................
Friday, May 24, 2013
FUTURE OF NEW L.A. LAW LIMITING NUMBER OF MEDICAL POT SHOPS IS HAZY
Many of the medical pot shops that would be closed under the new law are making millions of dollars each month. You can bet they will defy the authorities and continue to operate. Besides that, the new law is sure to be challenged in the courts. There’s just too much money to be made by growers, distributors and doctors from the phony medical marijuana business.
NEW L.A. LAW ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOPS FACES HAZY FUTURE
Voters approved a measure that would keep only 135 dispensaries — those operating before a failed moratorium in 2007 — open, but challenges await the law.
By Kate Linthicum
Los Angeles Times
May 23, 2013
Los Angeles voters took regulation of the city's medical marijuana shops into their own hands Tuesday, embracing a ballot measure to sharply reduce the number of dispensaries in the city.
But as in all things related to pot policy, the future of the new law is hazy.
Under the measure, only 135 dispensaries — those that were operating before a failed moratorium in 2007 — will be allowed to stay open. But enforcement could prove a monumental challenge as backers of a rival measure threaten lawsuits and city lawyers begin the long process of identifying all of the city's dispensaries and bringing them into compliance.
"Now the city has some work to do," said Steven Lubell, a medical marijuana attorney who supported the winning measure.
City officials, who have spent years struggling to regulate pot shops with little success, said they didn't know how many dispensaries were operating in Los Angeles. A recent police estimate put the number at around 700, but others said it could be more than double that. Jane Usher, a special assistant city attorney, said once the results of Tuesday's election are certified, city lawyers will
begin updating their database of dispensaries and sending letters to operators notifying them of the new law.
Those that opened before the moratorium will be required to be at least 600 feet from any school, park or child-care facility and pay 6% of their gross receipts in taxes. Those that opened after 2007 will be ordered to close
Usher acknowledged that some of the now-outlawed dispensaries would probably continue to operate. "There will be efforts to fly below the radar," she said.
Dispensaries that don't comply with orders to close will be sued, she said
Adam Bierman, a consultant who helps people open dispensaries, predicted that profitable dispensaries will remain open as long as possible.
"Some of them generate a million or two [million] dollars a month," Bierman said. "You think those people are just going to pack their bags and leave?"
Supporters of a rival ballot initiative, Measure F, which would have allowed unlimited dispensaries but would have toughened some regulations, also predicted that the pot wars were far from over. David Welch, an attorney who backed Measure F, said dispensaries that opened after 2007 were considering suing the city on the theory that the 2007 cutoff was arbitrary and unfair.
"I think there's going to be a big fight before they all go away," said Justin Hartfield, co-founder of WeedMaps, an online social network for medical marijuana patients that helps users find their nearest dispensary.
Hartfield noted that many of the city's dispensaries rode out previous attempts at regulation, including a 2010 city ordinance that sought to cap the number of post-moratorium dispensaries at 70 and an attempt last year to completely ban shops. "Our guys have been very resilient throughout the years," said Hartfield, who also supported Measure F.
Even if the city is eventually successful in shutting down dispensaries that opened after 2007, Hatfield said, an underground economy could develop. He said that in other cities where dispensaries have been limited, marijuana delivery services have replaced brick-and-mortar stores.
Meital Manzuri, an attorney who specializes in medical marijuana law and who represented dispensaries that opened after the moratorium, said she believed that the new law would withstand legal challenges. She cited an appellate court ruling last year that upheld the use of the 2007 cutoff included in a previous ordinance. That ordinance never went into effect because it was challenged in lawsuits.
Manzuri also cited this month's California Supreme Court ruling that cities have the right to ban dispensaries. The ruling sent a message to cities that "any sort of regulation they want" is allowed, Manzuri said.
Usher agreed, saying the court rulings have given "credence and credibility" to the ordinance approved by voters Tuesday. "The good news is not only have the voters spoken with great clarity but the courts have," she said.
NEW L.A. LAW ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOPS FACES HAZY FUTURE
Voters approved a measure that would keep only 135 dispensaries — those operating before a failed moratorium in 2007 — open, but challenges await the law.
By Kate Linthicum
Los Angeles Times
May 23, 2013
Los Angeles voters took regulation of the city's medical marijuana shops into their own hands Tuesday, embracing a ballot measure to sharply reduce the number of dispensaries in the city.
But as in all things related to pot policy, the future of the new law is hazy.
Under the measure, only 135 dispensaries — those that were operating before a failed moratorium in 2007 — will be allowed to stay open. But enforcement could prove a monumental challenge as backers of a rival measure threaten lawsuits and city lawyers begin the long process of identifying all of the city's dispensaries and bringing them into compliance.
"Now the city has some work to do," said Steven Lubell, a medical marijuana attorney who supported the winning measure.
City officials, who have spent years struggling to regulate pot shops with little success, said they didn't know how many dispensaries were operating in Los Angeles. A recent police estimate put the number at around 700, but others said it could be more than double that. Jane Usher, a special assistant city attorney, said once the results of Tuesday's election are certified, city lawyers will
begin updating their database of dispensaries and sending letters to operators notifying them of the new law.
Those that opened before the moratorium will be required to be at least 600 feet from any school, park or child-care facility and pay 6% of their gross receipts in taxes. Those that opened after 2007 will be ordered to close
Usher acknowledged that some of the now-outlawed dispensaries would probably continue to operate. "There will be efforts to fly below the radar," she said.
Dispensaries that don't comply with orders to close will be sued, she said
Adam Bierman, a consultant who helps people open dispensaries, predicted that profitable dispensaries will remain open as long as possible.
"Some of them generate a million or two [million] dollars a month," Bierman said. "You think those people are just going to pack their bags and leave?"
Supporters of a rival ballot initiative, Measure F, which would have allowed unlimited dispensaries but would have toughened some regulations, also predicted that the pot wars were far from over. David Welch, an attorney who backed Measure F, said dispensaries that opened after 2007 were considering suing the city on the theory that the 2007 cutoff was arbitrary and unfair.
"I think there's going to be a big fight before they all go away," said Justin Hartfield, co-founder of WeedMaps, an online social network for medical marijuana patients that helps users find their nearest dispensary.
Hartfield noted that many of the city's dispensaries rode out previous attempts at regulation, including a 2010 city ordinance that sought to cap the number of post-moratorium dispensaries at 70 and an attempt last year to completely ban shops. "Our guys have been very resilient throughout the years," said Hartfield, who also supported Measure F.
Even if the city is eventually successful in shutting down dispensaries that opened after 2007, Hatfield said, an underground economy could develop. He said that in other cities where dispensaries have been limited, marijuana delivery services have replaced brick-and-mortar stores.
Meital Manzuri, an attorney who specializes in medical marijuana law and who represented dispensaries that opened after the moratorium, said she believed that the new law would withstand legal challenges. She cited an appellate court ruling last year that upheld the use of the 2007 cutoff included in a previous ordinance. That ordinance never went into effect because it was challenged in lawsuits.
Manzuri also cited this month's California Supreme Court ruling that cities have the right to ban dispensaries. The ruling sent a message to cities that "any sort of regulation they want" is allowed, Manzuri said.
Usher agreed, saying the court rulings have given "credence and credibility" to the ordinance approved by voters Tuesday. "The good news is not only have the voters spoken with great clarity but the courts have," she said.
FOR THE PALESTINIANS PEACE MEANS THE ERADICATION OF ISRAEL
Secretary of State John Kerry is back in the Middle East to try and restart peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, but a recent Pew Research Center poll of Palestinians reveals that 67 percent of them believe that violence should be used to achieve the Palestinian goal of eradicating Israel.
Western governments, including the U.S., continue to cling to the illusion that a Palestinian state will resolve the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians despite repeated crystal-clear vows by the Palestinian leadership that there will be only one state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, ie., the eradication of the Jewish state.
PALESTINIANS SAY NO; THE WEST HEARS YES
By Evelyn Gordon
Commentary Magazine
May 13, 2013
Last week, Pew Research published a poll with a seemingly encouraging headline: “Despite Their Wide Differences, Many Israelis and Palestinians Want Bigger Role for Obama in Resolving Conflict.” The poll indeed showed pluralities of both groups wanting President Barack Obama to up his involvement, and if you only read the headline, the implication would be clear: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is solvable if America would just push a little harder, and both sides truly want it to do so.
Yet reading the entire poll produces the opposite conclusion: The conflict clearly isn’t solvable right now, because when asked whether there’s “a way for Israel and an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully,” a whopping 61 percent of Palestinians said “no,” while only 14 percent said “yes.” (Israelis, in a triumph of hope over experience, said “yes” by a 50-38 margin.) In other words, a huge majority of Palestinians said that even if a Palestinian state is established, the conflict will continue as long as Israel continues to exist. So where does that leave the chances for Israeli-Palestinian peace?
Palestinians have actually been telling pollsters this for years. In a 2007 poll, for instance, 77 percent of Palestinian respondents said “the rights and needs of the Palestinian people cannot be taken care of as long as the state of Israel exists.” And in a 2011 poll, 61 percent of Palestinians said they saw a two-state solution only as a stepping-stone to Israel’s ultimate eradication. Thus the problem isn’t that Palestinians are dishonest about their intentions; it’s that Westerners consistently choose to ignore their frank avowals and focus instead on anything that could possibly be interpreted as grounds for optimism–like the desire for greater American involvement voiced in last week’s poll.
Another example of this tendency is Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo’s statement after meeting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas last month: “I felt that he is willing to negotiate a peace process.” On what grounds? “He asked me to convey a message that he would like to see confidence-building measures regarding political prisoners and the problem of the settlements.”
In other words, what Abbas actually said is that he wants Israel to make two major unilateral concessions: freeing Palestinian terrorists and freezing settlement construction. How does a demand for unilateral Israeli concessions in the absence of negotiations translate into a desire for reciprocal concessions agreed on through negotiations, which is what a peace process entails? The answer, of course, is that it doesn’t: The two are antithetical. As another senior PA official, Muhamed Shtayyeh, bluntly explained this month, “We want Israel to give. The Arabs are not required to give.”
This, incidentally, also explains the Pew finding with regard to Obama: When Palestinians say they want more American involvement, what they mean is more pressure on Israel to make unilateral concessions. But like Garcia-Margallo, Pew wanted to see hope where none exists.
This wishful thinking often stems from a genuine desire to see the conflict resolved. Yet there’s no chance of that happening if Westerners keep ignoring the real source of the problem–Palestinian unwillingness to make peace with Israel–rather than addressing it head-on. On the contrary, such behavior actually encourages Palestinian intransigence, because they know the West will whitewash this intransigence rather than penalize it.
And thus, out of a sincere desire to end the conflict, well-meaning Westerners are making it even more intractable.
Western governments, including the U.S., continue to cling to the illusion that a Palestinian state will resolve the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians despite repeated crystal-clear vows by the Palestinian leadership that there will be only one state from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, ie., the eradication of the Jewish state.
PALESTINIANS SAY NO; THE WEST HEARS YES
By Evelyn Gordon
Commentary Magazine
May 13, 2013
Last week, Pew Research published a poll with a seemingly encouraging headline: “Despite Their Wide Differences, Many Israelis and Palestinians Want Bigger Role for Obama in Resolving Conflict.” The poll indeed showed pluralities of both groups wanting President Barack Obama to up his involvement, and if you only read the headline, the implication would be clear: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is solvable if America would just push a little harder, and both sides truly want it to do so.
Yet reading the entire poll produces the opposite conclusion: The conflict clearly isn’t solvable right now, because when asked whether there’s “a way for Israel and an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully,” a whopping 61 percent of Palestinians said “no,” while only 14 percent said “yes.” (Israelis, in a triumph of hope over experience, said “yes” by a 50-38 margin.) In other words, a huge majority of Palestinians said that even if a Palestinian state is established, the conflict will continue as long as Israel continues to exist. So where does that leave the chances for Israeli-Palestinian peace?
Palestinians have actually been telling pollsters this for years. In a 2007 poll, for instance, 77 percent of Palestinian respondents said “the rights and needs of the Palestinian people cannot be taken care of as long as the state of Israel exists.” And in a 2011 poll, 61 percent of Palestinians said they saw a two-state solution only as a stepping-stone to Israel’s ultimate eradication. Thus the problem isn’t that Palestinians are dishonest about their intentions; it’s that Westerners consistently choose to ignore their frank avowals and focus instead on anything that could possibly be interpreted as grounds for optimism–like the desire for greater American involvement voiced in last week’s poll.
Another example of this tendency is Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo’s statement after meeting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas last month: “I felt that he is willing to negotiate a peace process.” On what grounds? “He asked me to convey a message that he would like to see confidence-building measures regarding political prisoners and the problem of the settlements.”
In other words, what Abbas actually said is that he wants Israel to make two major unilateral concessions: freeing Palestinian terrorists and freezing settlement construction. How does a demand for unilateral Israeli concessions in the absence of negotiations translate into a desire for reciprocal concessions agreed on through negotiations, which is what a peace process entails? The answer, of course, is that it doesn’t: The two are antithetical. As another senior PA official, Muhamed Shtayyeh, bluntly explained this month, “We want Israel to give. The Arabs are not required to give.”
This, incidentally, also explains the Pew finding with regard to Obama: When Palestinians say they want more American involvement, what they mean is more pressure on Israel to make unilateral concessions. But like Garcia-Margallo, Pew wanted to see hope where none exists.
This wishful thinking often stems from a genuine desire to see the conflict resolved. Yet there’s no chance of that happening if Westerners keep ignoring the real source of the problem–Palestinian unwillingness to make peace with Israel–rather than addressing it head-on. On the contrary, such behavior actually encourages Palestinian intransigence, because they know the West will whitewash this intransigence rather than penalize it.
And thus, out of a sincere desire to end the conflict, well-meaning Westerners are making it even more intractable.
GUN CONTROL GOVERNOR SPARES LIFE OF MURDERER CONVICTED FOR THE AMBUSH SLAYINGS OF THREE TEENAGERS AND A 50-YEAR-OLD MOTHER
One would expect no less from a Democratic governor who is an advocate and implementer of strict gun controls.
The killer’s lawyer says his expressions of remorse were genuine. Yeah, right! If you believe that yu must still believe in the tooth fairy.
COLORADO GOVERNOR BLOCKS KILLER’S EXECUTION, FACES BARRAGE OF CRITICISM
The decision to block the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap by the Governor is being called 'cowardly' by critics
By Dan Elliott
Associated Press
May 23, 2013
DENVER — Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper's decision to block the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap for as long as he is governor infuriated victims' relatives and drew quick criticism from Republicans ahead of the 2014 election.
Hickenlooper on Wednesday granted an indefinite reprieve to Dunlap, who is on death row for the ambush slayings of four people — three teenagers and a 50-year-old mother — in an Aurora Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in 1993.
The reprieve essentially guarantees Dunlap, 38, will stay alive at least through Jan. 13, 2015, the last day of Hickenlooper's first term.
"I think it's highly unlikely that I will revisit it," Hickenlooper said.
"We feel the governor has taken the cowardly way out," said Marj Crowell, whose 19-year-old daughter, Sylvia Crowell, was killed. "They're just hoping we'll forget about this until we get the next governor."
Hickenlooper is running for re-election next year, and Dunlap's fate is certain to be a campaign issue.
Citing Hickenlooper's decision, former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo — who ran as a third-party candidate in the last gubernatorial election — announced Thursday he will run again as a Republican.
Wednesday's decision prompted unusually personal criticism.
"Hickenlooper should've been up front with voters when he ran for office if he could not carry out the death penalty," GOP Attorney General John Suthers said in a statement.
"He's made himself into Nathan Dunlap's guardian angel," said George Brauchler, the Republican district attorney in the office that prosecuted Dunlap. "He's said, `As long as you keep me in office, Nathan Dunlap never has to face death.'"
"This is something we've seen consistently out of this governor," said Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, minority leader in the state's lower house. "`I'm not going to make a decision.'"
Hickenlooper has an image as a pragmatic problem-solver, and he enjoyed bipartisan popularity until this year. But he has been forced to take a stand on an increasing number of divisive issues since his party won back the statehouse in November.
He signed sweeping gun control legislation and approved laws to help people who are in the country illegally and to establish civil unions for same-sex couples this year.
On the death penalty, Hickenlooper has appeared to be searching for a middle way.
In a December interview with The Associated Press, he said of repealing the death penalty: "I wrestle with this, right now, on a pretty much daily basis."
Legislators this year considered a bill that would have ended the death penalty, but they dropped it when Hickenlooper sent word he might veto it.
In his reprieve order, Hickenlooper said the death penalty is used inconsistently across Colorado, and he cited problems in obtaining the drugs required for lethal injection, the execution method mandated by state law. He also said many states and nations are moving toward banning executions.
Dunlap, whose execution was scheduled for the week of Aug. 18, got only a reprieve, not the clemency he sought. Clemency would have removed the possibility of execution and changed his sentence to life without parole.
"Mr. Dunlap was grateful. His expressions of remorse were genuine. He is truly sad for what happened," said Phil Cherner, one of his attorneys. "This is not a day to celebrate."
Cherner has said Dunlap had undiagnosed bipolar disorder at the time of the crime, and that his attitude has changed since the state prison system began medicating him in 2006.
The killer’s lawyer says his expressions of remorse were genuine. Yeah, right! If you believe that yu must still believe in the tooth fairy.
COLORADO GOVERNOR BLOCKS KILLER’S EXECUTION, FACES BARRAGE OF CRITICISM
The decision to block the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap by the Governor is being called 'cowardly' by critics
By Dan Elliott
Associated Press
May 23, 2013
DENVER — Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper's decision to block the execution of convicted killer Nathan Dunlap for as long as he is governor infuriated victims' relatives and drew quick criticism from Republicans ahead of the 2014 election.
Hickenlooper on Wednesday granted an indefinite reprieve to Dunlap, who is on death row for the ambush slayings of four people — three teenagers and a 50-year-old mother — in an Aurora Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in 1993.
The reprieve essentially guarantees Dunlap, 38, will stay alive at least through Jan. 13, 2015, the last day of Hickenlooper's first term.
"I think it's highly unlikely that I will revisit it," Hickenlooper said.
"We feel the governor has taken the cowardly way out," said Marj Crowell, whose 19-year-old daughter, Sylvia Crowell, was killed. "They're just hoping we'll forget about this until we get the next governor."
Hickenlooper is running for re-election next year, and Dunlap's fate is certain to be a campaign issue.
Citing Hickenlooper's decision, former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo — who ran as a third-party candidate in the last gubernatorial election — announced Thursday he will run again as a Republican.
Wednesday's decision prompted unusually personal criticism.
"Hickenlooper should've been up front with voters when he ran for office if he could not carry out the death penalty," GOP Attorney General John Suthers said in a statement.
"He's made himself into Nathan Dunlap's guardian angel," said George Brauchler, the Republican district attorney in the office that prosecuted Dunlap. "He's said, `As long as you keep me in office, Nathan Dunlap never has to face death.'"
"This is something we've seen consistently out of this governor," said Rep. Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, minority leader in the state's lower house. "`I'm not going to make a decision.'"
Hickenlooper has an image as a pragmatic problem-solver, and he enjoyed bipartisan popularity until this year. But he has been forced to take a stand on an increasing number of divisive issues since his party won back the statehouse in November.
He signed sweeping gun control legislation and approved laws to help people who are in the country illegally and to establish civil unions for same-sex couples this year.
On the death penalty, Hickenlooper has appeared to be searching for a middle way.
In a December interview with The Associated Press, he said of repealing the death penalty: "I wrestle with this, right now, on a pretty much daily basis."
Legislators this year considered a bill that would have ended the death penalty, but they dropped it when Hickenlooper sent word he might veto it.
In his reprieve order, Hickenlooper said the death penalty is used inconsistently across Colorado, and he cited problems in obtaining the drugs required for lethal injection, the execution method mandated by state law. He also said many states and nations are moving toward banning executions.
Dunlap, whose execution was scheduled for the week of Aug. 18, got only a reprieve, not the clemency he sought. Clemency would have removed the possibility of execution and changed his sentence to life without parole.
"Mr. Dunlap was grateful. His expressions of remorse were genuine. He is truly sad for what happened," said Phil Cherner, one of his attorneys. "This is not a day to celebrate."
Cherner has said Dunlap had undiagnosed bipolar disorder at the time of the crime, and that his attitude has changed since the state prison system began medicating him in 2006.
SENATOR COMPARES KATHLEEN SEBELIUS TO OLIVER NORTH
Sen. Lamar Alexander says money raising tactics for Obamacare same as for Iran-Contra
Obama and most Democrats believe that Obamacare is greatest innovation since sliced bread. The Republicans say that Obamacare is a complete disaster and have vowed to repeal it. All I know is that several independent studies have shown Obamacare will lead to a health increase in health insurance premiums.
LAMAR ALEXANDER: IS HHS DOING ITS OWN IRAN-CONTRA?
By Melanie Batley
Newsmax
May 23, 2013
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius risks breaking the law by reportedly raising money for a nonprofit to help implement Obamacare, much the same way Oliver North did during the Iran-Contra affair, according to Sen. Lamar Alexander.
In an opinion piece Thursday for The Wall Street Journal, the Tennessee Republican says the Constitution "does not permit government officials to spend money that Congress has refused to authorize or appropriate," and that federal laws "such as the Anti-Deficiency Act, make the behavior unlawful."
Alexander noted that a Sebelius spokesperson told The Washington Post last week: "We requested additional money [from Congress] ... but we didn't receive any additional funding for the exchanges. So we had to come up with Plan B."
"My immediate thought was: Isn't 'Plan B' what got Oliver North in trouble during the 1980s?" Alexander said.
The senator said if it is true that Sebelius is raising private money for a public program, it's the same unlawful practice that led Oliver North to be investigated in 1986 for raising money in an arms-for-hostages swap with Iran that also was aimed at providing funding for the anti-Sandinista, or Contra rebels, in Nicaragua. Iran-Contra was viewed as a violation of the Boland Amendment, which specifically prohibited funding for the Contras.
"Is Ms. Sebelius raising funds for a private entity and then coordinating with that entity to do something Congress has refused to authorize, or for which it has refused to appropriate funds? And is she raising money from organizations she regulates, in violation of ethics laws?" wrote Alexander.
"If the money being raised by Ms. Sebelius is being spent to do an end-run around Congress, then the Obama administration had better brush up on its Iran-Contra history," he added.
Obama and most Democrats believe that Obamacare is greatest innovation since sliced bread. The Republicans say that Obamacare is a complete disaster and have vowed to repeal it. All I know is that several independent studies have shown Obamacare will lead to a health increase in health insurance premiums.
LAMAR ALEXANDER: IS HHS DOING ITS OWN IRAN-CONTRA?
By Melanie Batley
Newsmax
May 23, 2013
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius risks breaking the law by reportedly raising money for a nonprofit to help implement Obamacare, much the same way Oliver North did during the Iran-Contra affair, according to Sen. Lamar Alexander.
In an opinion piece Thursday for The Wall Street Journal, the Tennessee Republican says the Constitution "does not permit government officials to spend money that Congress has refused to authorize or appropriate," and that federal laws "such as the Anti-Deficiency Act, make the behavior unlawful."
Alexander noted that a Sebelius spokesperson told The Washington Post last week: "We requested additional money [from Congress] ... but we didn't receive any additional funding for the exchanges. So we had to come up with Plan B."
"My immediate thought was: Isn't 'Plan B' what got Oliver North in trouble during the 1980s?" Alexander said.
The senator said if it is true that Sebelius is raising private money for a public program, it's the same unlawful practice that led Oliver North to be investigated in 1986 for raising money in an arms-for-hostages swap with Iran that also was aimed at providing funding for the anti-Sandinista, or Contra rebels, in Nicaragua. Iran-Contra was viewed as a violation of the Boland Amendment, which specifically prohibited funding for the Contras.
"Is Ms. Sebelius raising funds for a private entity and then coordinating with that entity to do something Congress has refused to authorize, or for which it has refused to appropriate funds? And is she raising money from organizations she regulates, in violation of ethics laws?" wrote Alexander.
"If the money being raised by Ms. Sebelius is being spent to do an end-run around Congress, then the Obama administration had better brush up on its Iran-Contra history," he added.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
POTHEADS AND DISTRIBUTORS ANXIOUSLY AWAITING L.A. MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY VOTE (UPDATE)
The medical marijuana laws are a fraud perpetrated by those who expected to get rich and are getting filthy rich off the growing and distribution of ‘medical’ pot. The legalization of marijuana for medical purposes has been perverted into a de facto legalization of pot in California and other states.
It is a sad indictment of the medical profession when almost anyone can walk into many a California doctor’s office and obtain a marijuana prescription for headaches, backaches, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, depression, ingrown toenails, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, hemorrhoids, and you name it. Those doctors are also getting rich while knowing that their ‘patients’ are faking it.
The potheads and distributors seem to have lost out on Tuesday because a large majority of L.A. voters approved a ballot measure severely restricting the number of pot shops in the City of Angels.
LOS ANGELES VOTERS APPROVE LIMITING MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOPS
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Reuters
May 22, 2013
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles, which has more storefront medical marijuana shops than any other U.S. city, will close hundreds of the dispensaries and hike taxes on those that will be allowed to remain under a ballot measure approved by a wide margin of voters.
Nearly 63 percent of voters supported Proposition D, which will cap the number of medical pot dispensaries at 135, compared with 37 percent opposed, according to preliminary results released on Wednesday, the day after the vote.
Two rival measures that also would have placed new restrictions on the city's medical marijuana industry were defeated by wide margins.
At least 800 storefront medical cannabis shops are estimated to be operating in Los Angeles, the country's second-largest city, and some residents have complained that the dispensaries are a blight on their neighborhoods.
The dispensaries that will be allowed to remain were in operation before city leaders approved a moratorium in September 2007 in a failed effort to prevent the arrival of new storefronts selling marijuana as medicine.
In the years following passage of that limit, hundreds of dispensaries opened amid lax enforcement and a successful challenge by pot activists in state court.
California was the first of 18 states to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes. But pot remains classified as an illegal narcotic under U.S. law, and a number of dispensaries in Los Angeles and elsewhere have been raided or forced to shut down by federal authorities.
Despite the prospect of greater city controls, campaign officials said many medical marijuana dispensaries joined the push for local regulation in an effort to gain legitimacy and stave off a potential federal crackdown.
Under Proposition D, the city could begin to close medical pot stores by sending cease and desist letters to their owners, Christopher Koontz, a Los Angeles city official, said in an email. If a dispensary stayed open, the city could obtain a court order to shutter it, he said.
NUMBER OF OUTLETS UNKNOWN
A union that supports the measure, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, has sought to expand its reach into the legal marijuana industry by organizing dispensary workers. Many of the shops permitted to stay in business under the measure already have union ties, according to the UFCW.
Rigo Valdez, director of organizing for the UFCW, said the push to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in the city reflects "a community outcry" over their proliferation.
"I think that if the city attorney and the city of L.A. says, 'We've got this,' that the federal government stays out" of enforcement in Los Angeles, he said.
Under the measure, placed on the ballot by the City Council, taxes on medicinal pot will be increased to $60 per $1,000 in gross sales, from the current rate of $50 per $1,000 in gross sales.
In a sign of the loose rules that have governed medical marijuana outlets in Los Angeles, local officials said they were unsure of precisely how many storefronts exist.
Based on figures from the city clerk and city attorney, officials estimate between 800 and 1,200 dispensaries are in operation, Koontz said.
A 2011 report by the University of California, Los Angeles, pegged the number of dispensaries in the city at 472, but that figure has been questioned by both pot activists and officials.
It is a sad indictment of the medical profession when almost anyone can walk into many a California doctor’s office and obtain a marijuana prescription for headaches, backaches, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, depression, ingrown toenails, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, hemorrhoids, and you name it. Those doctors are also getting rich while knowing that their ‘patients’ are faking it.
The potheads and distributors seem to have lost out on Tuesday because a large majority of L.A. voters approved a ballot measure severely restricting the number of pot shops in the City of Angels.
LOS ANGELES VOTERS APPROVE LIMITING MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOPS
By Alex Dobuzinskis
Reuters
May 22, 2013
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles, which has more storefront medical marijuana shops than any other U.S. city, will close hundreds of the dispensaries and hike taxes on those that will be allowed to remain under a ballot measure approved by a wide margin of voters.
Nearly 63 percent of voters supported Proposition D, which will cap the number of medical pot dispensaries at 135, compared with 37 percent opposed, according to preliminary results released on Wednesday, the day after the vote.
Two rival measures that also would have placed new restrictions on the city's medical marijuana industry were defeated by wide margins.
At least 800 storefront medical cannabis shops are estimated to be operating in Los Angeles, the country's second-largest city, and some residents have complained that the dispensaries are a blight on their neighborhoods.
The dispensaries that will be allowed to remain were in operation before city leaders approved a moratorium in September 2007 in a failed effort to prevent the arrival of new storefronts selling marijuana as medicine.
In the years following passage of that limit, hundreds of dispensaries opened amid lax enforcement and a successful challenge by pot activists in state court.
California was the first of 18 states to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes. But pot remains classified as an illegal narcotic under U.S. law, and a number of dispensaries in Los Angeles and elsewhere have been raided or forced to shut down by federal authorities.
Despite the prospect of greater city controls, campaign officials said many medical marijuana dispensaries joined the push for local regulation in an effort to gain legitimacy and stave off a potential federal crackdown.
Under Proposition D, the city could begin to close medical pot stores by sending cease and desist letters to their owners, Christopher Koontz, a Los Angeles city official, said in an email. If a dispensary stayed open, the city could obtain a court order to shutter it, he said.
NUMBER OF OUTLETS UNKNOWN
A union that supports the measure, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, has sought to expand its reach into the legal marijuana industry by organizing dispensary workers. Many of the shops permitted to stay in business under the measure already have union ties, according to the UFCW.
Rigo Valdez, director of organizing for the UFCW, said the push to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in the city reflects "a community outcry" over their proliferation.
"I think that if the city attorney and the city of L.A. says, 'We've got this,' that the federal government stays out" of enforcement in Los Angeles, he said.
Under the measure, placed on the ballot by the City Council, taxes on medicinal pot will be increased to $60 per $1,000 in gross sales, from the current rate of $50 per $1,000 in gross sales.
In a sign of the loose rules that have governed medical marijuana outlets in Los Angeles, local officials said they were unsure of precisely how many storefronts exist.
Based on figures from the city clerk and city attorney, officials estimate between 800 and 1,200 dispensaries are in operation, Koontz said.
A 2011 report by the University of California, Los Angeles, pegged the number of dispensaries in the city at 472, but that figure has been questioned by both pot activists and officials.
REPREHENSIBLE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION FIGHTING VIETNAM VET OVER FLYING AMERICAN FLAG ON FLAGPOLE
You cannot get any lower than the Forest Lake Townhome Association. That HOA, located in Houston, refuses to let a Vietnam War combat veteran keep a flagpole on his front lawn – a pole from which he has been flying the American flag - and is costing him thousands of dollars as he fights to show his patriotism.
VET PROTESTS HOA RESTRICTION WITH UPSIDE DOWN FLAG DISPLAY
by Rucks Russell
KHOU 11 News
May 21, 2013
HOUSTON—After fighting for his country, a Houston homeowner said he’s been forced to fight his HOA to fly his American flag.
“Only me,” said Billy Martin, who once fought in Vietnam and serves as a military Chaplain. “I’m the only one in this entire place have they demanded I remove my flag and flag pole.”
That’s why the stars and stripes in front of Martin’s home fly upside down. He called it his way of protesting the Forest Lake Townhome Association for filing a lawsuit and slapping him with a $200 a day fine.
Some of his neighbors fly flags, but theirs are attached to their houses.
According to the lawsuit, Martin’s flag violates the community’s bylaws because the flag pole rests on common grounds owned by the HOA.
Martin said he believes he’s being punished by the association because he once complained about the old beat up and weathered flag that used to fly atop a pole near the community club house.
He demanded it be taken down and replaced. Eventually, it was.
“A few days later, I get a letter in the mail demanding I remove my flag and flag pole,” he said.
And that’s when the battle began. Martin said he will never back down.
“If I lose my home, if I lose everything I have, my flag will fly,” he said.
Martin has been given a January trial date. By then, he could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
Channel 11’s calls to the HOA’s attorney were not returned.
VET PROTESTS HOA RESTRICTION WITH UPSIDE DOWN FLAG DISPLAY
by Rucks Russell
KHOU 11 News
May 21, 2013
HOUSTON—After fighting for his country, a Houston homeowner said he’s been forced to fight his HOA to fly his American flag.
“Only me,” said Billy Martin, who once fought in Vietnam and serves as a military Chaplain. “I’m the only one in this entire place have they demanded I remove my flag and flag pole.”
That’s why the stars and stripes in front of Martin’s home fly upside down. He called it his way of protesting the Forest Lake Townhome Association for filing a lawsuit and slapping him with a $200 a day fine.
Some of his neighbors fly flags, but theirs are attached to their houses.
According to the lawsuit, Martin’s flag violates the community’s bylaws because the flag pole rests on common grounds owned by the HOA.
Martin said he believes he’s being punished by the association because he once complained about the old beat up and weathered flag that used to fly atop a pole near the community club house.
He demanded it be taken down and replaced. Eventually, it was.
“A few days later, I get a letter in the mail demanding I remove my flag and flag pole,” he said.
And that’s when the battle began. Martin said he will never back down.
“If I lose my home, if I lose everything I have, my flag will fly,” he said.
Martin has been given a January trial date. By then, he could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
Channel 11’s calls to the HOA’s attorney were not returned.
THERE IS THE RIGHT WAY AND THE AIR NATIONAL GUARD WAY OF DOING THINGS
Another career shot to hell over a piece of ass. But the way the Texas Air National Guard has handled this case is absolutely absurd.
AFTER NEARLY A YEAR STUCK IN BASE LIBRARY, TXANG FIRST LIEUTENANT MAY FINALLY BE ABLE TO WORK ELSEWHERE
By Casey Michel
Houston Press Hair Balls
May 22, 2013
Ian MacLeod thought he would finally receive his separation from the Texas Air National Guard on May 1. He'd been stuck in the base library since the beginning of August -- his ordeal was detailed in this week's issue -- when an investigation into his personal life first began. His commanders had learned that MacLeod (not his real name, as the first lieutenant requested anonymity) had begun a relationship with a woman, Candse Ellis, on the verge of divorce. Despite the fact that she was physically and financially separated from her husband, Army Sgt. Brady Ellis, MacLeod's commanders saw fit to begin an investigation into the nature of his relationship with Candse, a nursing student, waitress, and mother of four.
That investigation, which ended in October, has seen MacLeod inhabit a purgatory far longer than he'd initially thought, and far stricter than he deserved. Not only did the investigation somehow find MacLeod guilty of carrying on an "inappropriate relationship" with Candse -- despite the fact that Brady admitted to tampering the emails that served as the initial basis for accusation -- but MacLeod's superior, Lt. Col. David Penney, who has since retired, placed a No-Contact Order on MacLeod on Candse. Not only could MacLeod not speak with Candse, but he couldn't even tell this grown woman, who presented no physical or logistical threat to the TXANG, that he'd no longer be able to contact her. (TXANG declined to comment on the story.)
After requests for transfer or work detail were denied, MacLeod finally learned that he'd be able to leave, and move on with his life. Come May 1, he could leave. His career would be in tatters, but he'd have a chance to begin moving on.
But then he received word that the separation date had been pushed back a few weeks. That's fine -- sometimes, things just take a bit longer. Then he heard word that his separation date was pushed back to May 30, a month after it was originally scheduled. And then, come mid-May, MacLeod received another note that he was now looking at a June 30 end-date.
"I used to be personnel, it doesn't take 45 days to process a separation, it takes about one day," MacLeod wrote to Hair Balls. "I can't think of any good reason they are holding on to me this long other than to cook up some way to nullify my voluntary separation request. Welcome to the [TXANG]."
As it is, June 30 still stands as the final date of separation. That's the date when MacLeod's entire saga -- of a bungled investigation, of evidence withheld, of hacked emails and shifted charges -- could come to an end. At least, that's what he currently believes. But as MacLeod's defense JAG said, "My impression is that their intention is to inflict as much pain [on MacLeod] as possible in the process." And as the deadline continues to be pushed back, that goal seems that much more evident.
AFTER NEARLY A YEAR STUCK IN BASE LIBRARY, TXANG FIRST LIEUTENANT MAY FINALLY BE ABLE TO WORK ELSEWHERE
By Casey Michel
Houston Press Hair Balls
May 22, 2013
Ian MacLeod thought he would finally receive his separation from the Texas Air National Guard on May 1. He'd been stuck in the base library since the beginning of August -- his ordeal was detailed in this week's issue -- when an investigation into his personal life first began. His commanders had learned that MacLeod (not his real name, as the first lieutenant requested anonymity) had begun a relationship with a woman, Candse Ellis, on the verge of divorce. Despite the fact that she was physically and financially separated from her husband, Army Sgt. Brady Ellis, MacLeod's commanders saw fit to begin an investigation into the nature of his relationship with Candse, a nursing student, waitress, and mother of four.
That investigation, which ended in October, has seen MacLeod inhabit a purgatory far longer than he'd initially thought, and far stricter than he deserved. Not only did the investigation somehow find MacLeod guilty of carrying on an "inappropriate relationship" with Candse -- despite the fact that Brady admitted to tampering the emails that served as the initial basis for accusation -- but MacLeod's superior, Lt. Col. David Penney, who has since retired, placed a No-Contact Order on MacLeod on Candse. Not only could MacLeod not speak with Candse, but he couldn't even tell this grown woman, who presented no physical or logistical threat to the TXANG, that he'd no longer be able to contact her. (TXANG declined to comment on the story.)
After requests for transfer or work detail were denied, MacLeod finally learned that he'd be able to leave, and move on with his life. Come May 1, he could leave. His career would be in tatters, but he'd have a chance to begin moving on.
But then he received word that the separation date had been pushed back a few weeks. That's fine -- sometimes, things just take a bit longer. Then he heard word that his separation date was pushed back to May 30, a month after it was originally scheduled. And then, come mid-May, MacLeod received another note that he was now looking at a June 30 end-date.
"I used to be personnel, it doesn't take 45 days to process a separation, it takes about one day," MacLeod wrote to Hair Balls. "I can't think of any good reason they are holding on to me this long other than to cook up some way to nullify my voluntary separation request. Welcome to the [TXANG]."
As it is, June 30 still stands as the final date of separation. That's the date when MacLeod's entire saga -- of a bungled investigation, of evidence withheld, of hacked emails and shifted charges -- could come to an end. At least, that's what he currently believes. But as MacLeod's defense JAG said, "My impression is that their intention is to inflict as much pain [on MacLeod] as possible in the process." And as the deadline continues to be pushed back, that goal seems that much more evident.
TOLD TO GET A JOB, CHINESE EDUCATED IDIOT SAYS GOODBYE TO CRUEL WORLD, TWICE
Apparently China, like the U.S., has its share of educated idiots. This idiot couldn’t even kill himself.
CHINESE GRADUATE FIRST TRIES TO ELECTROCUTE HIMSELF ON RAILWAY POWER CABLE, THEN JUMPS IN FRONT OF A TRAIN BUT MISSES – NOW HE’S DECIDED TO LIVE AFTER ALL
Attempted suicide by climbing a high voltage line that was not connected to the live wire, then decided to jump in front of a passing train but mistimed it and landed on the roof before tumbling to the ground
Mail Online
May 22, 2013
A depressed graduate has told of his relief after he twice failed to commit suicide in front of a horrified crowd in China.
Awang Yao, 21, climbed on top of a high voltage line alongside a railway track after his family ordered him to get a job - but the pole he climbed was not connected to the live wire.
He then decided to jump in front of a passing train, but landed on its roof and tumbled to the ground, injured but alive.
Mr Awang, who was taken to hospital and later released, has since told local media his actions were 'foolish' and said he was 'glad it didn't work'.
He has reconciled with his parents and promised to start looking for a job.
Local officials were criticized for not stopping the trains but said that there had been so many fake suicides that they did not take all of them seriously, and that any stoppage would have created a major problem.
A crowd gathered along the track after Mr Awang was spotted climbing the pole in Changsha, Hunan Province.
He said: 'I had been home for some weeks after graduating and my father kept going on at me about getting work, so I decided to move in with my uncle as he rarely nagged me. But after a few weeks he told me to get a job as well. It was too much, so I decided to end it all.
'I am glad that it didn’t work, it was foolish, and now I plan to try hard to find work.'
CHINESE GRADUATE FIRST TRIES TO ELECTROCUTE HIMSELF ON RAILWAY POWER CABLE, THEN JUMPS IN FRONT OF A TRAIN BUT MISSES – NOW HE’S DECIDED TO LIVE AFTER ALL
Attempted suicide by climbing a high voltage line that was not connected to the live wire, then decided to jump in front of a passing train but mistimed it and landed on the roof before tumbling to the ground
Mail Online
May 22, 2013
A depressed graduate has told of his relief after he twice failed to commit suicide in front of a horrified crowd in China.
Awang Yao, 21, climbed on top of a high voltage line alongside a railway track after his family ordered him to get a job - but the pole he climbed was not connected to the live wire.
He then decided to jump in front of a passing train, but landed on its roof and tumbled to the ground, injured but alive.
Mr Awang, who was taken to hospital and later released, has since told local media his actions were 'foolish' and said he was 'glad it didn't work'.
He has reconciled with his parents and promised to start looking for a job.
Local officials were criticized for not stopping the trains but said that there had been so many fake suicides that they did not take all of them seriously, and that any stoppage would have created a major problem.
A crowd gathered along the track after Mr Awang was spotted climbing the pole in Changsha, Hunan Province.
He said: 'I had been home for some weeks after graduating and my father kept going on at me about getting work, so I decided to move in with my uncle as he rarely nagged me. But after a few weeks he told me to get a job as well. It was too much, so I decided to end it all.
'I am glad that it didn’t work, it was foolish, and now I plan to try hard to find work.'
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
RUSH LIMBAUGH LIVES IN ANTOHER WORLD
Insists there is absolutely no global warming
At the start of his Tuesday radio show, Roach Limburger went ballistic by accusing the Democrats of ‘politicizing’ the Moore, Oklahoma tornado disaster. He ranted that a Democratic senator blamed the tornado on global warming only ‘five minutes’ after the scope of the disaster became known. “He couldn’t wait five minutes,” ole Roach said. Then Roach ranted on and on with his view that there is absolutely no global warming and no man-made warming whatsoever.
I do not know what world ole Roach is living in, but it sure as hell is not the world my friends and I are living in. 99 percent of the scientific community is convinced that we are in a period of global warming. There are some differences of opinion among scientists over how much of the global warming is cyclical or man-made, but there is no doubt that the earth is warming up and that greenhouse gases are a contributing factor.
If global warming is a fiction perpetrated by the left-wing as Roach insists, then why are the polar ice caps and the glaciers in Iceland, Greenland and other locations melting? Before-and-after pictures taken from outer space clearly show that the polar ice caps and glaciers have been shrinking. If global warming is a fiction, then why do before-and-after pictures of Mt. Everest show that ice and snow is no longer where it was before and since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit exactly 60 years ago?
As late as August 2001, when I was at the base camp of Everest in Tibet, the whole mountain was covered in snow and ice. Tibet happens to be in nearly the same latitude as Texas, meaning that August would be the hottest time of the year there. The latest pictures show that much of the snow and ice that I personally saw is now no longer there. So, where does that buffoon get off insisting there is absolutely no global warming?
The sad part about Roach is that most of his huge army of dodoheads are buying his daily delusionary rants hook, line and sinker. Rush Limbaugh clearly has no credibility, at least not where the issue of global warming is concerned.
At the start of his Tuesday radio show, Roach Limburger went ballistic by accusing the Democrats of ‘politicizing’ the Moore, Oklahoma tornado disaster. He ranted that a Democratic senator blamed the tornado on global warming only ‘five minutes’ after the scope of the disaster became known. “He couldn’t wait five minutes,” ole Roach said. Then Roach ranted on and on with his view that there is absolutely no global warming and no man-made warming whatsoever.
I do not know what world ole Roach is living in, but it sure as hell is not the world my friends and I are living in. 99 percent of the scientific community is convinced that we are in a period of global warming. There are some differences of opinion among scientists over how much of the global warming is cyclical or man-made, but there is no doubt that the earth is warming up and that greenhouse gases are a contributing factor.
If global warming is a fiction perpetrated by the left-wing as Roach insists, then why are the polar ice caps and the glaciers in Iceland, Greenland and other locations melting? Before-and-after pictures taken from outer space clearly show that the polar ice caps and glaciers have been shrinking. If global warming is a fiction, then why do before-and-after pictures of Mt. Everest show that ice and snow is no longer where it was before and since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit exactly 60 years ago?
As late as August 2001, when I was at the base camp of Everest in Tibet, the whole mountain was covered in snow and ice. Tibet happens to be in nearly the same latitude as Texas, meaning that August would be the hottest time of the year there. The latest pictures show that much of the snow and ice that I personally saw is now no longer there. So, where does that buffoon get off insisting there is absolutely no global warming?
The sad part about Roach is that most of his huge army of dodoheads are buying his daily delusionary rants hook, line and sinker. Rush Limbaugh clearly has no credibility, at least not where the issue of global warming is concerned.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION BLOWING SMOKE ON PRISON REALIGNMENT
CDCR, in an apparent response to severe criticism of the state’s prison realignment program, has just released a report that declares realignment a success. CDCR’s glowing report offers as proof of realignment’ success the fact that ‘arrest rates are down’ since the inception of the program.
The Kern County prosecutor’s office was quick to slam CDCR’s report, declaring that in Kern County, there's been more crime since realignment. “Crime is clearly on the rise, and the only change in the criminal justice system during this time has been realignment.”
And Bob Walsh has a good explanation of why there might be fewer arrests: “If the measure of success is less arrests, that makes it real easy to be successful. You just tell your folks to quit arresting people. Oh, wait. We do that already. Instant success. Unless of course you are one of the crime victims, but what the hell do they know about anything anyway?”
The Kern County prosecutor’s office was quick to slam CDCR’s report, declaring that in Kern County, there's been more crime since realignment. “Crime is clearly on the rise, and the only change in the criminal justice system during this time has been realignment.”
And Bob Walsh has a good explanation of why there might be fewer arrests: “If the measure of success is less arrests, that makes it real easy to be successful. You just tell your folks to quit arresting people. Oh, wait. We do that already. Instant success. Unless of course you are one of the crime victims, but what the hell do they know about anything anyway?”
IN MEXICO, CORRUPTION BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IS PERMITTED
It is almost impossible for anybody to go to jail for unlawful appropriation of public resources
From Monday’s Borderland Beat ….. Translator's note: Mexico's narco problems are impossible to analyze without taking into consideration the roles that corruption and impunity play in its political, legal and law enforcement institutions. I realize this column is not directly related to the war against drugs, but I hope it gives Borderland Beat readers a glimpse into the context in which the war is being fought.
THE ETHICS OF CORRUPTION
By Federico Campbell
RioDoce
May 5, 2013
Some years ago in Russia, in the former USSR, the Soviet State was very worried about growing alcoholism among it workers. Brezhnev and his government companion -- I don't remember his name, but they used to work as partners, like policemen-- held a meeting to deal with the problem and they decided -- on the advice of publicists and experts -- to place huge billboards at the factory gates. And a single phrase: Drink beer.
They asked workers to reduce the level of alcohol, to reduce their consumption of vodka and not drink it every night, to drink beer. This request was not lacking in cunning. The leaders knew their people. They knew the Russian soul.
Extrapolating from that scenario and that realistic example of governing, it might be reasonable for Mexico to do something like that with the deep-seated problem of corruption and its structural cause: impunity. Tone it down. Don't steal so much. Steal half as much.
For example, if the untouchable and fire proof Humberto Moreira defrauded the State of Coahuila (by falsifying records of state congressional proceedings to obtain authorization for several bank loans through Cordero's Revenue Department) of 32 billion pesos (about $256 million), well, man, he could have done this for only 16 billion pesos, part of which could have, in any case, been enough to fund Pena Nieto's campaign very well.
In Mexico, practically and tacitly, corruption is permitted. It is almost impossible for anybody to go to jail for unlawful appropriation of public resources. A governor from Sinaloa used to say that the least amount a governorship will leave, even if his state is very small and poor, such as Tlaxcala, is about $100 million dollars. Another former governor, from Morelos, used to say that it was impossible not to become corrupted when they would place a tray full of bills by your desk. That it is very easy in Mexico to use a government position to steal. Everything is designed for it to be that way. Neither the purchasing officers nor the administrative secretaries hesitate to inflate costs and negotiate with providers under the table. To this day there are no controls to tie their hands or dissuade them with the threat that they will end up in jail. At most, they scare them with the dead man's shroud of "disqualification" (from government employment) and they die laughing. Carlos Salinas stuck his hand as he pleased into the pockets of secret accounts. His brother and a so-called Fausto Ceja would take suitcases full of cash to deposit at CityBank. Well, they could have deposited only half and returned the rest.
The PRI's is a well-oiled system for looting. In fact, in the Chamber of Deputies they have to account for no more than 30% of the annual 800 million peso (about $65 million) expense budget, that the chimpanzees distribute as they please. It is not impossible that 40% of the annual federal budget is lost through embezzlement of public funds. Out of a billion pesos, some 400 million go into bank accounts, houses, ranches, buildings, political campaigns. Public officials have a weakness for land, condominiums, housing developments, in short, real estate. It's how they save money. So then, tone it down. Control yourselves. Don't be such sons of bitches. Drink beer, not whiskey.
From Monday’s Borderland Beat ….. Translator's note: Mexico's narco problems are impossible to analyze without taking into consideration the roles that corruption and impunity play in its political, legal and law enforcement institutions. I realize this column is not directly related to the war against drugs, but I hope it gives Borderland Beat readers a glimpse into the context in which the war is being fought.
THE ETHICS OF CORRUPTION
By Federico Campbell
RioDoce
May 5, 2013
Some years ago in Russia, in the former USSR, the Soviet State was very worried about growing alcoholism among it workers. Brezhnev and his government companion -- I don't remember his name, but they used to work as partners, like policemen-- held a meeting to deal with the problem and they decided -- on the advice of publicists and experts -- to place huge billboards at the factory gates. And a single phrase: Drink beer.
They asked workers to reduce the level of alcohol, to reduce their consumption of vodka and not drink it every night, to drink beer. This request was not lacking in cunning. The leaders knew their people. They knew the Russian soul.
Extrapolating from that scenario and that realistic example of governing, it might be reasonable for Mexico to do something like that with the deep-seated problem of corruption and its structural cause: impunity. Tone it down. Don't steal so much. Steal half as much.
For example, if the untouchable and fire proof Humberto Moreira defrauded the State of Coahuila (by falsifying records of state congressional proceedings to obtain authorization for several bank loans through Cordero's Revenue Department) of 32 billion pesos (about $256 million), well, man, he could have done this for only 16 billion pesos, part of which could have, in any case, been enough to fund Pena Nieto's campaign very well.
In Mexico, practically and tacitly, corruption is permitted. It is almost impossible for anybody to go to jail for unlawful appropriation of public resources. A governor from Sinaloa used to say that the least amount a governorship will leave, even if his state is very small and poor, such as Tlaxcala, is about $100 million dollars. Another former governor, from Morelos, used to say that it was impossible not to become corrupted when they would place a tray full of bills by your desk. That it is very easy in Mexico to use a government position to steal. Everything is designed for it to be that way. Neither the purchasing officers nor the administrative secretaries hesitate to inflate costs and negotiate with providers under the table. To this day there are no controls to tie their hands or dissuade them with the threat that they will end up in jail. At most, they scare them with the dead man's shroud of "disqualification" (from government employment) and they die laughing. Carlos Salinas stuck his hand as he pleased into the pockets of secret accounts. His brother and a so-called Fausto Ceja would take suitcases full of cash to deposit at CityBank. Well, they could have deposited only half and returned the rest.
The PRI's is a well-oiled system for looting. In fact, in the Chamber of Deputies they have to account for no more than 30% of the annual 800 million peso (about $65 million) expense budget, that the chimpanzees distribute as they please. It is not impossible that 40% of the annual federal budget is lost through embezzlement of public funds. Out of a billion pesos, some 400 million go into bank accounts, houses, ranches, buildings, political campaigns. Public officials have a weakness for land, condominiums, housing developments, in short, real estate. It's how they save money. So then, tone it down. Control yourselves. Don't be such sons of bitches. Drink beer, not whiskey.
TEXAS SAYS MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HANUKKAH TO ALL
A bill passed by the Texas legislature, and expected to be signed by Gov. Perry, makes it legal for teachers to say, "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah" during the December holidays. Makes damn good sense to me!
TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSES ‘MERY CHRISTMAS BILL’
By Greg Richter
Newsmax
May 21, 2013
The Texas Legislature has gone on the offensive in the so-called "War on Christmas," passing a bill making it legal for teachers to say, "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah" during the December holidays.
Gov. Rick Perry plans to sign the bill into law.
"This bill is about the freedom of religion, not freedom from religion, and Gov. Perry supports it," his spokesman Josh Havens told The Huffington Post.
State Rep. Dwayne Bohac, a Republican, sponsored the legislation. He said he got the idea after his 6-year-old son told him his class had decorated the holiday tree with holiday decorations at school.
"I was a little bit flabbergasted and a little bit upset that we've become so politically correct that we can't call a federal holiday by its name," Bohac told KTBC-TV in Austin.
Republican state Sen. Robert Nichols introduced the companion bill in the Senate. He said he is afraid it's "becoming less culturally acceptable to openly celebrate these holidays in the ways past generations have."
The "Merry Christmas Bill" allows for the display of Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and menorahs. Any displays during the holiday season must represent more than one religion or include secular symbols.
TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSES ‘MERY CHRISTMAS BILL’
By Greg Richter
Newsmax
May 21, 2013
The Texas Legislature has gone on the offensive in the so-called "War on Christmas," passing a bill making it legal for teachers to say, "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Hanukkah" during the December holidays.
Gov. Rick Perry plans to sign the bill into law.
"This bill is about the freedom of religion, not freedom from religion, and Gov. Perry supports it," his spokesman Josh Havens told The Huffington Post.
State Rep. Dwayne Bohac, a Republican, sponsored the legislation. He said he got the idea after his 6-year-old son told him his class had decorated the holiday tree with holiday decorations at school.
"I was a little bit flabbergasted and a little bit upset that we've become so politically correct that we can't call a federal holiday by its name," Bohac told KTBC-TV in Austin.
Republican state Sen. Robert Nichols introduced the companion bill in the Senate. He said he is afraid it's "becoming less culturally acceptable to openly celebrate these holidays in the ways past generations have."
The "Merry Christmas Bill" allows for the display of Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and menorahs. Any displays during the holiday season must represent more than one religion or include secular symbols.
CALIFORNIA BEATS OUT TEXAS ON THE NUMBER OF DOG BITES
Of cities, Los Angeles led the nation with 69 attacks on postal carriers, San Antonio came in second with 42 attacks
Damn it, we’re losing our bragging rights, and to California of all places.
DOWN BOY: TEXAS RANKS THIRD IN MOST DOG BITES IN THE U.S.
By Jeff Balke
Houston Press Hair Balls
May 21, 2013
Being a mail carrier for the postal service must be a bitch, particularly in older neighborhoods where they have to walk up to houses instead of just driving by a mailbox. There's the heat and carrying a big pack full of mail. But, perhaps the worst part is the fear of being attacked by a dog. Any avid cyclist will tell you that riding through neighborhoods often means being approached and even chased by dogs not inside a fence or on a leash. Imagine facing that threat every day on foot.
According to a pair of reports released by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas is number three on the list of most dog bites in the U.S. As for the cities list, San Antonio is second, Houston comes in at #9 and Dallas ranks at #13.
The city statistics were compiled by the U.S. Postal Service based on carrier reported dog attacks. In 2012, San Antonio had 42 attacks, Houston 27 and Dallas 21. Los Angeles led the nation with 69 attacks on postal carriers.
The states are ranked based on the number of insurance claims filed in 2012 by State Farm policy holders. California leads that list as well with 451 claims totaling more than $17 million. Texas comes in third with 236 claims amounting to $4.3 million in damages.
So, the next time you are complaining about the mail, try to remember that many of the mail carriers deserve hazardous pay duty for staring down dogs on a regular basis. It should also remind dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash or inside a fence AT ALL TIMES. Letting your dog roam free is dangerous not just for those he/she might bite, but for the dog.
Damn it, we’re losing our bragging rights, and to California of all places.
DOWN BOY: TEXAS RANKS THIRD IN MOST DOG BITES IN THE U.S.
By Jeff Balke
Houston Press Hair Balls
May 21, 2013
Being a mail carrier for the postal service must be a bitch, particularly in older neighborhoods where they have to walk up to houses instead of just driving by a mailbox. There's the heat and carrying a big pack full of mail. But, perhaps the worst part is the fear of being attacked by a dog. Any avid cyclist will tell you that riding through neighborhoods often means being approached and even chased by dogs not inside a fence or on a leash. Imagine facing that threat every day on foot.
According to a pair of reports released by the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas is number three on the list of most dog bites in the U.S. As for the cities list, San Antonio is second, Houston comes in at #9 and Dallas ranks at #13.
The city statistics were compiled by the U.S. Postal Service based on carrier reported dog attacks. In 2012, San Antonio had 42 attacks, Houston 27 and Dallas 21. Los Angeles led the nation with 69 attacks on postal carriers.
The states are ranked based on the number of insurance claims filed in 2012 by State Farm policy holders. California leads that list as well with 451 claims totaling more than $17 million. Texas comes in third with 236 claims amounting to $4.3 million in damages.
So, the next time you are complaining about the mail, try to remember that many of the mail carriers deserve hazardous pay duty for staring down dogs on a regular basis. It should also remind dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash or inside a fence AT ALL TIMES. Letting your dog roam free is dangerous not just for those he/she might bite, but for the dog.
PLEASE HELP MY FRIEND
By Adolf der Schweinehund
The Unconventional Gazette
May 21, 2013
I’m reaching out on behalf of a friend of mine who desperately needs some help but wishes to remain anonymous.
His wife told him to go out and get some of those pills that would help him get an erection.
When he returned, he handed her a bottle containing a 90-day supply of diet pills. She blew up and threw him and all his belongings out of the house.
Now he’s looking for a place to live.
Can you help him? Come on guys, lend a hand here! You may find yourself in this same position someday.
The Unconventional Gazette
May 21, 2013
I’m reaching out on behalf of a friend of mine who desperately needs some help but wishes to remain anonymous.
His wife told him to go out and get some of those pills that would help him get an erection.
When he returned, he handed her a bottle containing a 90-day supply of diet pills. She blew up and threw him and all his belongings out of the house.
Now he’s looking for a place to live.
Can you help him? Come on guys, lend a hand here! You may find yourself in this same position someday.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
POTHEADS AND DISTRIBUTORS ANXIOUSLY AWAITING L.A. MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY VOTE
The medical marijuana laws are a fraud perpetrated by those who expected to get rich and are getting filthy rich off the growing and distribution of ‘medical’ pot. The legalization of marijuana for medical purposes has been perverted into a de facto legalization of pot in California and other states.
It is a sad indictment of the medical profession when almost anyone can walk into many a California doctor’s office and obtain a marijuana prescription for headaches, backaches, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, depression, ingrown toenails, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, hemorrhoids, and you name it. Those doctors are also getting rich while knowing that their ‘patients’ are faking it.
3 COMPETING MEDICAL MARIJUANA MEASURES ON TUESDAY BALLOT
By Rick Orlov
Los Angeles Daily News
May 18, 2013
In a test of public support for medical marijuana, Los Angeles voters will have three different options Tuesday to regulate pot dispensaries, including proposals that limit their numbers and impose new taxes on their sales.
Or they can vote against all three, sending a signal that - depending on whom you ask - either means they don't want any dispensaries at all, or, alternately that they want lots of them without limits or caps.
Supporters of medical marijuana see the vote as critical not just to the future of the dispensaries in Los Angeles, but also in the rest of California, now that the state Supreme Court has ruled local jurisdictions can prohibit the facilities.
Kris Hermes, spokesman for the pro-marijuana Americans for Safe Access, said voting to regulate dispensaries will help their future in Los Angeles.
"Regulations would not only help benefit and bring greater safety to the people of Los Angeles, but deliver much-needed revenue to the city," Hermes said. "Patients have been waiting several years for dispensary regulations in Los Angeles. It is truly an idea whose time has come."
While there are three marijuana measures on the ballot - Proposition D, Ordinance E and Ordinance F - there are only two active campaigns now, as the main supporters of E decided to throw their backing behind D.
Prop. D would cap the number of dispensaries at 135, the ones that were open and registered with the city before a moratorium was created in 2007. It would impose a 6 percent tax on sales of marijuana. The current rate is 5 percent. D was crafted by the City Council to allow a finite number of dispensaries after its effort to have an outright ban on the clinics was challenged with an initiative.
Ordinance F has no cap and is backed by clinics that would be excluded under D. It also requires testing of the marijuana dispensed at the facilities, background checks on employees and auditing of their operations. It also places a tax of 6 percent on marijuana sold.
Ordinance E caps the number at 135, but has no tax increase and fewer other restrictions.
Voters have a fourth option, Councilman Bernard Parks said. They can reject all three proposals and allow the City Council to decide the issue.
But some supporters of medical marijuana think that, rather than allow them to operate unchecked, it would spell bad news for their future.
"If all the measures are defeated, it will be viewed, I think, as giving the City Council a free hand to do what they have shown they already want to do - just ban all dispensaries outright," said political consultant Garry South, who is handling the F campaign.
South also argued that passage of Proposition D, with its strict requirements and cap, would lead to a "slow death" for medical marijuana clinics.
"Individual council members will be able to close down all the dispensaries in their district," South said.
But Kerry Townsend Jacob, spokeswoman for D, argued that the measure would best stand up to future attempts to modify rules on dispensaries.
"While we don't think the City Council will try to have an outright ban again, if Proposition D passes, the council would need to repeal the measure and that would require another vote of the people," Jacob said.
It is a sad indictment of the medical profession when almost anyone can walk into many a California doctor’s office and obtain a marijuana prescription for headaches, backaches, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, depression, ingrown toenails, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, hemorrhoids, and you name it. Those doctors are also getting rich while knowing that their ‘patients’ are faking it.
3 COMPETING MEDICAL MARIJUANA MEASURES ON TUESDAY BALLOT
By Rick Orlov
Los Angeles Daily News
May 18, 2013
In a test of public support for medical marijuana, Los Angeles voters will have three different options Tuesday to regulate pot dispensaries, including proposals that limit their numbers and impose new taxes on their sales.
Or they can vote against all three, sending a signal that - depending on whom you ask - either means they don't want any dispensaries at all, or, alternately that they want lots of them without limits or caps.
Supporters of medical marijuana see the vote as critical not just to the future of the dispensaries in Los Angeles, but also in the rest of California, now that the state Supreme Court has ruled local jurisdictions can prohibit the facilities.
Kris Hermes, spokesman for the pro-marijuana Americans for Safe Access, said voting to regulate dispensaries will help their future in Los Angeles.
"Regulations would not only help benefit and bring greater safety to the people of Los Angeles, but deliver much-needed revenue to the city," Hermes said. "Patients have been waiting several years for dispensary regulations in Los Angeles. It is truly an idea whose time has come."
While there are three marijuana measures on the ballot - Proposition D, Ordinance E and Ordinance F - there are only two active campaigns now, as the main supporters of E decided to throw their backing behind D.
Prop. D would cap the number of dispensaries at 135, the ones that were open and registered with the city before a moratorium was created in 2007. It would impose a 6 percent tax on sales of marijuana. The current rate is 5 percent. D was crafted by the City Council to allow a finite number of dispensaries after its effort to have an outright ban on the clinics was challenged with an initiative.
Ordinance F has no cap and is backed by clinics that would be excluded under D. It also requires testing of the marijuana dispensed at the facilities, background checks on employees and auditing of their operations. It also places a tax of 6 percent on marijuana sold.
Ordinance E caps the number at 135, but has no tax increase and fewer other restrictions.
Voters have a fourth option, Councilman Bernard Parks said. They can reject all three proposals and allow the City Council to decide the issue.
But some supporters of medical marijuana think that, rather than allow them to operate unchecked, it would spell bad news for their future.
"If all the measures are defeated, it will be viewed, I think, as giving the City Council a free hand to do what they have shown they already want to do - just ban all dispensaries outright," said political consultant Garry South, who is handling the F campaign.
South also argued that passage of Proposition D, with its strict requirements and cap, would lead to a "slow death" for medical marijuana clinics.
"Individual council members will be able to close down all the dispensaries in their district," South said.
But Kerry Townsend Jacob, spokeswoman for D, argued that the measure would best stand up to future attempts to modify rules on dispensaries.
"While we don't think the City Council will try to have an outright ban again, if Proposition D passes, the council would need to repeal the measure and that would require another vote of the people," Jacob said.
TRIAL ON NYPD ‘STOP AND FRISK’ PRACTICE NEARING END
In the trial that now winding down, civil libertarians argue that NYPD’s stop-and-frisk tactics are illegal and unfairly target minorities. Stats show that most such stops are conducted against citizens that are not armed and did not commit any crime. Nevertheless, I believe the stops are a valuable crime detection and prevention tool.
Stop-and-frisks by NYPD do not target people because of their race as claimed by civil libertarians. If the majority of citizens stopped happen to be black or Hispanic, it’s only because the stop-and-frisk program is concentrated in New York’s minority neighborhoods which experience the highest rate of violent crimes in the city.
NYC: NO RACIAL MOTIVATION IN STOP-FRISK TACTIC
City attorney Heidi Grossman said during summations Monday that there is "no indication of racial motivation whatsoever" in the practice
By Colleen Long
Associated Press
May 20, 2013
NEW YORK — The federal civil rights challenge to the contentious New York Police Department tactic of stop, question and frisk is winding down after more than nine weeks of testimony from men who say they were wrongly stopped because of their race and police officials who believe the nation's largest force operates with integrity.
City attorney Heidi Grossman said during summations Monday that there is "no indication of racial motivation whatsoever" in the practice.
U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin must eventually examine more than 7,000 pages of trial record and may order major changes to the policy, reforms that could have a nationwide impact on how police departments operate.
More than 5 million stops have been made in New York in the past decade, mostly of black and Hispanic men. Police must have reasonable suspicion to stop someone, a standard lower than probable cause needed to justify an arrest. Only about 10 percent result in arrests.
About a dozen black and Hispanic men told the judge of disturbing and uncomfortable encounters with police that left them feeling confused, angry and scared. One witness, 24-year-old Nicholas Peart from Harlem, wept on the stand as he described how he was handcuffed and put into the back of a squad car. A teenager told how he was stopped walking down the street. In each instance, the witnesses said they could find no basis for the stops other than they were minorities. But many of the officers who did the stopping also explained their legal reasoning.
Lawyers for the men who sued police say officers are making illegal stops in part because they felt pressure from superiors instituting illegal quotas. Some officers testified said they were punished for not making enough stops and were harassed by fellow officers upset they had blown the whistle. Yet others said no quotas existed and they never felt pressure to make a stop.
The trial has provided a rare window into the NYPD, with about a dozen officials testifying on how they do their jobs. Officers are told to stop the "the right people, at the right time in the right location," a phrase first heard in the early days of the case on a secret recording made by one whistleblower officer during a heated exchange over his performance evaluation. Since then, it has been repeated by nearly every official who testified.
"It's a tool that needs to be used properly, and as borough commanders you should have adequate checks and balances in place, and you should be looking at them with your staff," said Deputy Chief James Hall, who is in charge of patrol. "There is a focus on when it is used ... right time, right location, you know, right individual."
Police have said the phrase means the location where crimes have been occurring, at the time they have been occurring, and an individual who matches the description of a crime suspect, or someone who appears about to commit a crime. Lawyers for the men who have sued say, though, that the phrase is code for targeting blacks and Hispanics in poor neighborhoods.
Plaintiffs say a court monitor must be appointed to facilitate changes in training, supervision and the documentation of street stops. An expert for the city testified that the department has already enough checks and balances already in place.
The tactic has become a city flashpoint, with the mayor and police commissioner defending it is a necessary crime-fighting tool, and other city lawmakers calling for major change.
Stop-and-frisks by NYPD do not target people because of their race as claimed by civil libertarians. If the majority of citizens stopped happen to be black or Hispanic, it’s only because the stop-and-frisk program is concentrated in New York’s minority neighborhoods which experience the highest rate of violent crimes in the city.
NYC: NO RACIAL MOTIVATION IN STOP-FRISK TACTIC
City attorney Heidi Grossman said during summations Monday that there is "no indication of racial motivation whatsoever" in the practice
By Colleen Long
Associated Press
May 20, 2013
NEW YORK — The federal civil rights challenge to the contentious New York Police Department tactic of stop, question and frisk is winding down after more than nine weeks of testimony from men who say they were wrongly stopped because of their race and police officials who believe the nation's largest force operates with integrity.
City attorney Heidi Grossman said during summations Monday that there is "no indication of racial motivation whatsoever" in the practice.
U.S. District Court Judge Shira Scheindlin must eventually examine more than 7,000 pages of trial record and may order major changes to the policy, reforms that could have a nationwide impact on how police departments operate.
More than 5 million stops have been made in New York in the past decade, mostly of black and Hispanic men. Police must have reasonable suspicion to stop someone, a standard lower than probable cause needed to justify an arrest. Only about 10 percent result in arrests.
About a dozen black and Hispanic men told the judge of disturbing and uncomfortable encounters with police that left them feeling confused, angry and scared. One witness, 24-year-old Nicholas Peart from Harlem, wept on the stand as he described how he was handcuffed and put into the back of a squad car. A teenager told how he was stopped walking down the street. In each instance, the witnesses said they could find no basis for the stops other than they were minorities. But many of the officers who did the stopping also explained their legal reasoning.
Lawyers for the men who sued police say officers are making illegal stops in part because they felt pressure from superiors instituting illegal quotas. Some officers testified said they were punished for not making enough stops and were harassed by fellow officers upset they had blown the whistle. Yet others said no quotas existed and they never felt pressure to make a stop.
The trial has provided a rare window into the NYPD, with about a dozen officials testifying on how they do their jobs. Officers are told to stop the "the right people, at the right time in the right location," a phrase first heard in the early days of the case on a secret recording made by one whistleblower officer during a heated exchange over his performance evaluation. Since then, it has been repeated by nearly every official who testified.
"It's a tool that needs to be used properly, and as borough commanders you should have adequate checks and balances in place, and you should be looking at them with your staff," said Deputy Chief James Hall, who is in charge of patrol. "There is a focus on when it is used ... right time, right location, you know, right individual."
Police have said the phrase means the location where crimes have been occurring, at the time they have been occurring, and an individual who matches the description of a crime suspect, or someone who appears about to commit a crime. Lawyers for the men who have sued say, though, that the phrase is code for targeting blacks and Hispanics in poor neighborhoods.
Plaintiffs say a court monitor must be appointed to facilitate changes in training, supervision and the documentation of street stops. An expert for the city testified that the department has already enough checks and balances already in place.
The tactic has become a city flashpoint, with the mayor and police commissioner defending it is a necessary crime-fighting tool, and other city lawmakers calling for major change.
CALIFORNIA’S GUN CONTROL GIMMICK
California Attorney General Kamala Harris has ordered the enforcement of a micro-stamping gun control law. Opponents to micro-stamping cartridges claim that gun manufacturers will not include this expensive technology with guns when only one state requires it, thus effectively ending the sale of semi-automatic firearms in California. And that’s probably what the author and legislative supporters of this law were hoping for to begin with.
CALIFORNIA TO ENFORCE ‘MICRO-STAMPING’ GUN LAW
Serial numbers must be 'micro-stamped' on cartridges
By Bob Egelko
San Francisco Chronicle
May 18, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — A hotly contested California gun-control law that was passed in 2007 is finally ready to be implemented, Attorney General Kamala Harris said this week: a requirement that every new semiautomatic handgun contain "micro-stamping" technology that would allow police to trace a weapon from cartridges found at a crime scene.
The law, signed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, made California the first state to require micro-stamping, which engraves the gun's serial number on each cartridge. But the legislation specified that it would take effect only when the technology was available and all private patents had expired.
Gun owners group Calguns Foundation tried to forestall the law at one point by paying a $555 fee in an attempt to extend a patent held by the inventor, who wanted it to lapse. Gun manufacturers said the technology was expensive and ineffective, and a National Rifle Association lawyer has threatened a lawsuit.
But at a Los Angeles news conference Friday, Harris announced that micro-stamping had cleared all technological and patenting hurdles and would be required on newly sold semiautomatics, effective immediately.
"The patents have been cleared, which means that this very important technology will help us as law enforcement in identifying and locating people who have illegally used firearms," Harris said.
Attorney Benjamin Van Houten of the San Francisco-based Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence said the announcement should send a message to other states, the Obama administration and the gun industry that "this is the future and it's really critical to helping law enforcement solve gun crimes."
Implementation of micro-stamping "moves California to the forefront of the nation in combatting gun crime," said the law's author, former Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles.
C.D. Michel, the NRA's West Coast regional attorney, had a much grimmer prediction.
"This is not going to help solve crimes," he said. "It's easily defeated, easily wears out and can be used to lead police down false alleys" if the serial numbers are altered.
Worse yet, Michel said, manufacturers will be unwilling to add this expensive feature to guns sold in a single state, and will instead keep manufacturing weapons for the other states, where demand already far exceeds supply. The effect, he said, would be a ban on new semiautomatic handguns in California, which the NRA will challenge in court.
Van Houten, in response, said, "The gun lobby makes wild claims about the impact on the California gun market" every time the state enacts a new gun-safety requirement.
The technology was invented in the 1990s by Todd Lizotte, an engineer and NRA member, who has said for more than a year that he no longer claimed patent rights and wanted California to implement micro-stamping.
But Harris' office said the state had to wait until it was no longer legally possible for Lizotte to renew his patents.
CALIFORNIA TO ENFORCE ‘MICRO-STAMPING’ GUN LAW
Serial numbers must be 'micro-stamped' on cartridges
By Bob Egelko
San Francisco Chronicle
May 18, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO — A hotly contested California gun-control law that was passed in 2007 is finally ready to be implemented, Attorney General Kamala Harris said this week: a requirement that every new semiautomatic handgun contain "micro-stamping" technology that would allow police to trace a weapon from cartridges found at a crime scene.
The law, signed by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, made California the first state to require micro-stamping, which engraves the gun's serial number on each cartridge. But the legislation specified that it would take effect only when the technology was available and all private patents had expired.
Gun owners group Calguns Foundation tried to forestall the law at one point by paying a $555 fee in an attempt to extend a patent held by the inventor, who wanted it to lapse. Gun manufacturers said the technology was expensive and ineffective, and a National Rifle Association lawyer has threatened a lawsuit.
But at a Los Angeles news conference Friday, Harris announced that micro-stamping had cleared all technological and patenting hurdles and would be required on newly sold semiautomatics, effective immediately.
"The patents have been cleared, which means that this very important technology will help us as law enforcement in identifying and locating people who have illegally used firearms," Harris said.
Attorney Benjamin Van Houten of the San Francisco-based Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence said the announcement should send a message to other states, the Obama administration and the gun industry that "this is the future and it's really critical to helping law enforcement solve gun crimes."
Implementation of micro-stamping "moves California to the forefront of the nation in combatting gun crime," said the law's author, former Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles.
C.D. Michel, the NRA's West Coast regional attorney, had a much grimmer prediction.
"This is not going to help solve crimes," he said. "It's easily defeated, easily wears out and can be used to lead police down false alleys" if the serial numbers are altered.
Worse yet, Michel said, manufacturers will be unwilling to add this expensive feature to guns sold in a single state, and will instead keep manufacturing weapons for the other states, where demand already far exceeds supply. The effect, he said, would be a ban on new semiautomatic handguns in California, which the NRA will challenge in court.
Van Houten, in response, said, "The gun lobby makes wild claims about the impact on the California gun market" every time the state enacts a new gun-safety requirement.
The technology was invented in the 1990s by Todd Lizotte, an engineer and NRA member, who has said for more than a year that he no longer claimed patent rights and wanted California to implement micro-stamping.
But Harris' office said the state had to wait until it was no longer legally possible for Lizotte to renew his patents.
THE TIMELY JUSTICE ACT
There is a bill recently passed by the Republican-dominated state legislature on the desk of Florida Gov. Rick Scott awaiting his signature or veto. The bill titled as the ‘Timely Justice Act’ is designed to speed up the process between the conviction of a murderer sentenced to death and his execution.
According to The Miami Herald, “The bill essentially minimizes the time between sentencing and execution by creating tighter timeframes for appeals and post-conviction motions and by imposing reporting requirements on case progress. The measure also re-establishes a separate agency for north Florida to provide appellate-level legal representation to inmates sentenced to death, and requires them to ‘pursue all possible remedies in state court.’ It would also require a governor to sign a death warrant within 30 days of a State Supreme Court review of a capital conviction. The state would be required to execute the defendant within 180 days of the warrant.”
Opponents of the death penalty and former death row inmates who were exonerated are urging Gov. Scott to veto the ‘Timely Justice Act’ because they fear it would lead to the execution of innocent inmates before they could be exonerated.
According to The Miami Herald, “The bill essentially minimizes the time between sentencing and execution by creating tighter timeframes for appeals and post-conviction motions and by imposing reporting requirements on case progress. The measure also re-establishes a separate agency for north Florida to provide appellate-level legal representation to inmates sentenced to death, and requires them to ‘pursue all possible remedies in state court.’ It would also require a governor to sign a death warrant within 30 days of a State Supreme Court review of a capital conviction. The state would be required to execute the defendant within 180 days of the warrant.”
Opponents of the death penalty and former death row inmates who were exonerated are urging Gov. Scott to veto the ‘Timely Justice Act’ because they fear it would lead to the execution of innocent inmates before they could be exonerated.
Monday, May 20, 2013
ACLU: AMERICAN CRIMINAL LIBERTIES UNION OR PROTECTOR OF OUR CIVIL RIGHTS?
How people answer that question depends on whose ox is being gored.
The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in 1920 "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.” It has been at the center of controversy ever since.
Conservatives in general, and cops in particular, see the ACLU as the American Criminal Liberties Union because it has on many occasions charged cops and police agencies in violating the civil rights of lawbreakers. On the other hand, liberals see the ACLU as protector of our civil rights.
The ACLU works through many local chapters and therein lies the problem. I really cannot find where the national chapter has taken on cases that are actually out of line with its objectives. Much of the controversy surrounding its stands results from the ACLU’s interpretation of the separation of church and state. And with respect to challenges by the national chapter to police actions or authority, one must recognize that there is always going to be a cop somewhere who crosses the line by treading on someone’s constitutional rights.
Just as controversial is the ACLU’s defense of the KKK and American Nazi groups when their free speech rights have been infringed upon by local governments.
In those cases where the ACLU has been overzealous in going after the police and after public religious practices and displays, the problems were brought about by local chapters that were dominated by hyper-community activists.
The ACLU is not an anti-police organization. I can recall reading news reports of several police officers that were unjustly terminated by their respective police organizations who turned to the ACLU for help when their unions were unsuccessful in preventing their firings. The ACLU lawyers were able to have the terminations overturned. And the ACLU has also helped cops who were disciplined short of being fired.
I personally turned to the ACLU when Marxist dominated administrators at College of the Mainland threatened to fire me the next time I went public in with my opposition to the avowed Marxist professors who were trying to indoctrinate gullible young students with their anti-Americanism. The Texas City Sun published my offer to pay the airfare for Larry Smith, the leader of the Marxist faction, if he would leave the U.S. to live in the communist country of his choice and not return.
I asked the Houston chapter of the ACLU for help. I was invited to present my case in person to the board of directors and was surprised to see Larry there, not knowing he was on the board. After hearing my presentation the board, which had recused Larry from voting, voted unanimously to represent me against the college. (Had they not recused Larry, I firmly believe he would have supported my request.)
The ACLU’s lead Houston attorney told me that while he ‘detested’ my positions, he felt I had every right to take on the Marxists in public and that the college was violating my rights of free speech. Within a week he had the college administrators running for cover and apologizing to me for their threats.
I will continue to criticize the ACLU on those occasions when I believe it is out of line, but I will not refer to the ACLU as the American Criminal Liberties Union. I know from my personal experience that the ACLU is protecting everyone’s rights, be they liberals or conservatives and cops or criminals.
The American Civil Liberties Union was founded in 1920 "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.” It has been at the center of controversy ever since.
Conservatives in general, and cops in particular, see the ACLU as the American Criminal Liberties Union because it has on many occasions charged cops and police agencies in violating the civil rights of lawbreakers. On the other hand, liberals see the ACLU as protector of our civil rights.
The ACLU works through many local chapters and therein lies the problem. I really cannot find where the national chapter has taken on cases that are actually out of line with its objectives. Much of the controversy surrounding its stands results from the ACLU’s interpretation of the separation of church and state. And with respect to challenges by the national chapter to police actions or authority, one must recognize that there is always going to be a cop somewhere who crosses the line by treading on someone’s constitutional rights.
Just as controversial is the ACLU’s defense of the KKK and American Nazi groups when their free speech rights have been infringed upon by local governments.
In those cases where the ACLU has been overzealous in going after the police and after public religious practices and displays, the problems were brought about by local chapters that were dominated by hyper-community activists.
The ACLU is not an anti-police organization. I can recall reading news reports of several police officers that were unjustly terminated by their respective police organizations who turned to the ACLU for help when their unions were unsuccessful in preventing their firings. The ACLU lawyers were able to have the terminations overturned. And the ACLU has also helped cops who were disciplined short of being fired.
I personally turned to the ACLU when Marxist dominated administrators at College of the Mainland threatened to fire me the next time I went public in with my opposition to the avowed Marxist professors who were trying to indoctrinate gullible young students with their anti-Americanism. The Texas City Sun published my offer to pay the airfare for Larry Smith, the leader of the Marxist faction, if he would leave the U.S. to live in the communist country of his choice and not return.
I asked the Houston chapter of the ACLU for help. I was invited to present my case in person to the board of directors and was surprised to see Larry there, not knowing he was on the board. After hearing my presentation the board, which had recused Larry from voting, voted unanimously to represent me against the college. (Had they not recused Larry, I firmly believe he would have supported my request.)
The ACLU’s lead Houston attorney told me that while he ‘detested’ my positions, he felt I had every right to take on the Marxists in public and that the college was violating my rights of free speech. Within a week he had the college administrators running for cover and apologizing to me for their threats.
I will continue to criticize the ACLU on those occasions when I believe it is out of line, but I will not refer to the ACLU as the American Criminal Liberties Union. I know from my personal experience that the ACLU is protecting everyone’s rights, be they liberals or conservatives and cops or criminals.
FAMILY MEMBER UPSET WITH ‘TOES UP’ PHRASE
On Saturday’s PACOVILLA Corrections blog, Bob Walsh posted They Think The Cellie Did It. Bob wrote:
__“One of the guests of the state was found toes-up in his cell on Thursday morning. The as-yet unnamed dead guy is believed to have been murdered by his cellie, Dennis John Bratton, 43. Bratton is doing life for attempted murder.”
The phrase ‘toes up’ really upset a member of the murdered prison inmate’s family. Here is what ‘Rhonda B’ said:
__”The ‘toes up’ young man you refer to, was my family. It would break his mother & siblings heart to hear him referred to in that horrible manner. He was a wonderful young man. He was NOT in for violent crimes at all! The fact he was in with this level of criminal is horrible and beyond my belief ! This may happen everyday in your life, but it doesn’t in ours. Given the pending murder investigation that’s all I will say , other than that Young-man whose life was taken was loved by an entire community and will be missed by all.”
Bob responded by saying:
__”Rhonda B, I wrote the post referred to. I can understand how his death is upsetting to his family. I fail to understand how my writing would cause them significant heartbreak. I went into no details of the death. In fact I know no details of the death. The incredibly brief San Jose Mercury News piece on this story has zero details, not even the dead guys name. It does, however, identify the suspect.
__I am, I confess, dubious of your contention that he was “loved by an entire community.” In my experience, which is considerable, you have to work very hard to go to prison. Except for murderers and child molesters NOBODY goes to prison for the first offense. Since you assert he was non-violent I can only surmise he has multiple felony convictions that finally caught up with him. Perhaps if you would care to provide a little more information, like his name and the offenses for which he was actually convicted, it might allow others who read this blog to commiserate. Or not.”
And I put my two-cents worth in by saying:
__”Rhonda, we all understand that your family is grieving for the loss of a loved one. However, I fail to see how the expression, ‘toes up,’ could break his mother’s or sibling’s heart. By using that term, Bob did not in any way describe the deceased or how he was killed.
__He may have been a wonderful young man in your eyes, but he surely did not go to prison for singing off-key in the church choir. You say he was loved by an entire community. What community would that be? The underworld community?”
Then ‘Jessica’ said this about her ‘toes up’ brother:
__”Um, yes it would hurt his family. I am his sister. You are correct, my brother was not in the church choir. Not that I owe you ANY explanation but let me share what my brother’s crimes were.
__When he was 18 he was convicted of breaking into UNOCCUPIED hunting cabins where he stole guns which he then dumped in the woods because he didn’t know what else to do with them. That was his first to strikes. His third strike when he was 19 was felony evading when he was pulled over for driving a car with expired tags and ran from the cops. If you question my story, feel free to go search his name on the Tehama County Superior Court website.
__His name was Andrew Keel. He lost his father when he was 14 and made some bad choices. Unfortunately with how the three strikes law was written at that time, he was put away for 25 to life. Since the three strikes law was revised he had a court date on July 24th to have his case retried and very likely would have been released. So, yeah he deserved some jail time, but level 4 yard with murderers, I don’t think so. And in case you think I may be a cop basher or against law enforcement, my husband was his arresting officer in his first two strikes.
__ So there are the details you wanted. now feel free to investigate my story and find out the truth about my “toes up” brother.”
__“One of the guests of the state was found toes-up in his cell on Thursday morning. The as-yet unnamed dead guy is believed to have been murdered by his cellie, Dennis John Bratton, 43. Bratton is doing life for attempted murder.”
The phrase ‘toes up’ really upset a member of the murdered prison inmate’s family. Here is what ‘Rhonda B’ said:
__”The ‘toes up’ young man you refer to, was my family. It would break his mother & siblings heart to hear him referred to in that horrible manner. He was a wonderful young man. He was NOT in for violent crimes at all! The fact he was in with this level of criminal is horrible and beyond my belief ! This may happen everyday in your life, but it doesn’t in ours. Given the pending murder investigation that’s all I will say , other than that Young-man whose life was taken was loved by an entire community and will be missed by all.”
Bob responded by saying:
__”Rhonda B, I wrote the post referred to. I can understand how his death is upsetting to his family. I fail to understand how my writing would cause them significant heartbreak. I went into no details of the death. In fact I know no details of the death. The incredibly brief San Jose Mercury News piece on this story has zero details, not even the dead guys name. It does, however, identify the suspect.
__I am, I confess, dubious of your contention that he was “loved by an entire community.” In my experience, which is considerable, you have to work very hard to go to prison. Except for murderers and child molesters NOBODY goes to prison for the first offense. Since you assert he was non-violent I can only surmise he has multiple felony convictions that finally caught up with him. Perhaps if you would care to provide a little more information, like his name and the offenses for which he was actually convicted, it might allow others who read this blog to commiserate. Or not.”
And I put my two-cents worth in by saying:
__”Rhonda, we all understand that your family is grieving for the loss of a loved one. However, I fail to see how the expression, ‘toes up,’ could break his mother’s or sibling’s heart. By using that term, Bob did not in any way describe the deceased or how he was killed.
__He may have been a wonderful young man in your eyes, but he surely did not go to prison for singing off-key in the church choir. You say he was loved by an entire community. What community would that be? The underworld community?”
Then ‘Jessica’ said this about her ‘toes up’ brother:
__”Um, yes it would hurt his family. I am his sister. You are correct, my brother was not in the church choir. Not that I owe you ANY explanation but let me share what my brother’s crimes were.
__When he was 18 he was convicted of breaking into UNOCCUPIED hunting cabins where he stole guns which he then dumped in the woods because he didn’t know what else to do with them. That was his first to strikes. His third strike when he was 19 was felony evading when he was pulled over for driving a car with expired tags and ran from the cops. If you question my story, feel free to go search his name on the Tehama County Superior Court website.
__His name was Andrew Keel. He lost his father when he was 14 and made some bad choices. Unfortunately with how the three strikes law was written at that time, he was put away for 25 to life. Since the three strikes law was revised he had a court date on July 24th to have his case retried and very likely would have been released. So, yeah he deserved some jail time, but level 4 yard with murderers, I don’t think so. And in case you think I may be a cop basher or against law enforcement, my husband was his arresting officer in his first two strikes.
__ So there are the details you wanted. now feel free to investigate my story and find out the truth about my “toes up” brother.”
WITHIN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CANADA IS SOLIDLY IN ISRAELS CORNER
Canada has demonstrated time and time again that it is Israel’s best friend. When the Europeans and the Obama administration have criticized Israel’s conflicts with the Palestinians, Canada has not hesitated to take Israel’s side.
CANADA: WEST NEEDS TO BECOME MORE SUPPORTIVE OF ISRAEL
Israel Today
May 19, 2013
Canada last week once again demonstrated its unequivocal support for and friendship with Israel when Prime Minister Stephen Harper took other Western leaders to task for not backing the Jewish state sufficiently enough.
"There's nothing more shortsighted in Western capitals in our time than the softening of support we've seen for Israel around the globe," the Associated Press quoted Harper as saying during a visit to New York City last week.
The Canadian leader said that at a time of such turmoil, Israel has demonstrated that it is the "one stable, democratic ally" that the West can count on in the Middle East.
Harper went on to counsel "extraordinary caution" when considering whether or not the West should arm Syrian rebel groups. Echoing Israel's own concerns, Harper noted that many of the groups making up the Syrian Free Army are themselves extremists "whose objectives we don't understand."
CANADA: WEST NEEDS TO BECOME MORE SUPPORTIVE OF ISRAEL
Israel Today
May 19, 2013
Canada last week once again demonstrated its unequivocal support for and friendship with Israel when Prime Minister Stephen Harper took other Western leaders to task for not backing the Jewish state sufficiently enough.
"There's nothing more shortsighted in Western capitals in our time than the softening of support we've seen for Israel around the globe," the Associated Press quoted Harper as saying during a visit to New York City last week.
The Canadian leader said that at a time of such turmoil, Israel has demonstrated that it is the "one stable, democratic ally" that the West can count on in the Middle East.
Harper went on to counsel "extraordinary caution" when considering whether or not the West should arm Syrian rebel groups. Echoing Israel's own concerns, Harper noted that many of the groups making up the Syrian Free Army are themselves extremists "whose objectives we don't understand."
TED NUGENT REFUTES HIS BROTHER’S STAND ON BACKGROUND CHECKS
When Ted Nugent's brother penned an op-ed on Saturday in support of universal background checks for all gun purchases, the rocker took exception..
Although I agree with Ted Nugent’s exception, to me his image is somewhat diminished by the fact that he avoided military service during the Vietnam War by repeatedly shitting in his pants.
MY DEAR MISINFORMED BROTHER
By Ted Nugent
Newsmax
May 19, 2013
Freedom of expression is so beautifully American. Making that our very First Amendment is surely all the proof one needs to know our founding fathers were revolutionary visionaries.
In this day and age of terminal apathy and soulless discontent, I adore anyone who is an activist and stands up for what he or she believes. That is exactly how our founders designed this experiment in self government.
My loving brother Jeffery is becoming one of those activists, and I salute the great man. Never one to shy away from controversy, my brother wades into it. We were raised right.
His recent opinion on his support for expanded background checks for firearms purchasers is dead wrong, however.
Passing expanded background checks would do nothing to curtail or suppress thugs or psychos from accessing weapons and committing mass murder, carjacking, the nightly shootouts in Chicago or a gangsta shooting at the Mother’s Day parade in New Orleans.
Paroled thugs or bug-eyed psychotics could not care less about any gun laws. The bold and ugly reality is that they will always gain access to a weapon. I believe at his core, my brother knows this.
So, knowing that evil will always have access to weapons, the point of universal background checks, denying or restricting Americans the right to own standard semi-auto weapons, high capacity magazines or various inademate hardware are all moot, irrelevant points.
In fact, the only people who would comply with universal background checks are law-abiding folks who already comply with more than 20,000 federal, state, and local gun laws.
We have ample laws to restrict nuts and felons from accessing weapons. The problem is those laws are avoided by the nuts and felons, and when we catch them committing this next felony, Eric "gun-running" Holder's DOJ doesn't prosecute them.
Guns purchased from non-Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers are rarely used in crimes.
The DOJ conducted a study in 1997 and found that fewer than 2 percent of guns purchased at gun shows were used in crimes.
Following up on that study, the DOJ conducted a survey in 2001 and found that fewer than 1 percent of prison inmates bought their guns at a gun show.
An FFL is not required for those individuals who are not gun dealers. These are individuals who periodically sell a gun such as selling a rifle to your neighbor. There is no need or justification for a background check in these instances.
Throughout my travels I’ve literally spoken with many hundreds of beat cops, homicide investigators, undercover cops, police chiefs, sheriffs, and federal agents about crime, and not one — not a single one — has ever said that closing the so-called gun show loophole or universal background checks would reduce crime.
What these brave law enforcement officers have told me over and over again is that America does have a loophole that, if closed, would significantly make America safer.
That loophole is the revolving door of our criminal justice system. The vast majority of violent criminals have arrest records many pages long for violent crimes, yet our criminal justice joke pushes them back out on America’s streets to commit more crimes against innocent law-abiding citizens.
This is universally supported by the NRA and all good guys everywhere.
Universal background checks will not stop bug-eyed psychotics or paroled felons. Good guys with guns will stop them.
There is a huge difference between "doing something" and doing something meaningful.
I'm sticking with the doing something that actually provides beneficial results, not feel good fantasy nonsense. Keep violent criminals and life threatening psychos in their cages.
Problem solved.
Although I agree with Ted Nugent’s exception, to me his image is somewhat diminished by the fact that he avoided military service during the Vietnam War by repeatedly shitting in his pants.
MY DEAR MISINFORMED BROTHER
By Ted Nugent
Newsmax
May 19, 2013
Freedom of expression is so beautifully American. Making that our very First Amendment is surely all the proof one needs to know our founding fathers were revolutionary visionaries.
In this day and age of terminal apathy and soulless discontent, I adore anyone who is an activist and stands up for what he or she believes. That is exactly how our founders designed this experiment in self government.
My loving brother Jeffery is becoming one of those activists, and I salute the great man. Never one to shy away from controversy, my brother wades into it. We were raised right.
His recent opinion on his support for expanded background checks for firearms purchasers is dead wrong, however.
Passing expanded background checks would do nothing to curtail or suppress thugs or psychos from accessing weapons and committing mass murder, carjacking, the nightly shootouts in Chicago or a gangsta shooting at the Mother’s Day parade in New Orleans.
Paroled thugs or bug-eyed psychotics could not care less about any gun laws. The bold and ugly reality is that they will always gain access to a weapon. I believe at his core, my brother knows this.
So, knowing that evil will always have access to weapons, the point of universal background checks, denying or restricting Americans the right to own standard semi-auto weapons, high capacity magazines or various inademate hardware are all moot, irrelevant points.
In fact, the only people who would comply with universal background checks are law-abiding folks who already comply with more than 20,000 federal, state, and local gun laws.
We have ample laws to restrict nuts and felons from accessing weapons. The problem is those laws are avoided by the nuts and felons, and when we catch them committing this next felony, Eric "gun-running" Holder's DOJ doesn't prosecute them.
Guns purchased from non-Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers are rarely used in crimes.
The DOJ conducted a study in 1997 and found that fewer than 2 percent of guns purchased at gun shows were used in crimes.
Following up on that study, the DOJ conducted a survey in 2001 and found that fewer than 1 percent of prison inmates bought their guns at a gun show.
An FFL is not required for those individuals who are not gun dealers. These are individuals who periodically sell a gun such as selling a rifle to your neighbor. There is no need or justification for a background check in these instances.
Throughout my travels I’ve literally spoken with many hundreds of beat cops, homicide investigators, undercover cops, police chiefs, sheriffs, and federal agents about crime, and not one — not a single one — has ever said that closing the so-called gun show loophole or universal background checks would reduce crime.
What these brave law enforcement officers have told me over and over again is that America does have a loophole that, if closed, would significantly make America safer.
That loophole is the revolving door of our criminal justice system. The vast majority of violent criminals have arrest records many pages long for violent crimes, yet our criminal justice joke pushes them back out on America’s streets to commit more crimes against innocent law-abiding citizens.
This is universally supported by the NRA and all good guys everywhere.
Universal background checks will not stop bug-eyed psychotics or paroled felons. Good guys with guns will stop them.
There is a huge difference between "doing something" and doing something meaningful.
I'm sticking with the doing something that actually provides beneficial results, not feel good fantasy nonsense. Keep violent criminals and life threatening psychos in their cages.
Problem solved.
THE SECRET TO SUCCESS: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH INTELLIGENT PEOPLE
The Unconventional Gazette
May 19, 2013
When Barack Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, he asked her, "Yo … Your Majesty, how do you run such an efficient government? Are there any tips you can give me?"
"Well," said the Queen, "The most important thing is to surround yourself with intelligent people."
Obama frowned, and then asked, "But how do I know if the people around me are really intelligent?"
The Queen took a sip of champagne. "Oh, that's easy; you just ask them to answer an intelligent riddle, watch." The Queen pushed a button on her intercom. "Please send Prince Harry in here, would you?"
Prince Harry walked into the room and said, "Yes, Grandmother?"
The Queen smiled and said, "Answer me this please Harry. Your mother and father have a child. It is not your brother and it is not your sister. Who is it?"
Without pausing for a moment, Prince Harry answered, "That would be me, Grandmother."
"Yes Harry! Very good." said the Queen.
Obama returned to the White House and summoned Joe Biden to ask the same question. "Joe, answer this for me. Your mother and your father have a child. It's not your brother and it's not your sister. Who is it?"
"I haven’t the slightest idea," said Biden. "Let me get back to you on that one."
Biden went to his advisers and asked everyone the same question, but none could give him an answer. Frustrated, Biden went to work out in the congressional gym and saw Paul Ryan there. Biden went up to him and asked, "Hey Paul, you’re a smart guy, see if you can answer this question."
"Shoot Joe."
“Your mother and father have a child and it's not your brother or your sister. Who the hell is it?"
Paul Ryan answered, "That's easy, it's me!"
Biden smiled, and said, "Good answer Paul!"
Biden then, went back to speak with President Obama. "Barry, I did some research and I have the answer to that riddle. It's Paul Ryan!"
Obama got up, stomped over to Biden, and angrily yelled into his face, "No! You idiot! It's Prince Harry!"
May 19, 2013
When Barack Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, he asked her, "Yo … Your Majesty, how do you run such an efficient government? Are there any tips you can give me?"
"Well," said the Queen, "The most important thing is to surround yourself with intelligent people."
Obama frowned, and then asked, "But how do I know if the people around me are really intelligent?"
The Queen took a sip of champagne. "Oh, that's easy; you just ask them to answer an intelligent riddle, watch." The Queen pushed a button on her intercom. "Please send Prince Harry in here, would you?"
Prince Harry walked into the room and said, "Yes, Grandmother?"
The Queen smiled and said, "Answer me this please Harry. Your mother and father have a child. It is not your brother and it is not your sister. Who is it?"
Without pausing for a moment, Prince Harry answered, "That would be me, Grandmother."
"Yes Harry! Very good." said the Queen.
Obama returned to the White House and summoned Joe Biden to ask the same question. "Joe, answer this for me. Your mother and your father have a child. It's not your brother and it's not your sister. Who is it?"
"I haven’t the slightest idea," said Biden. "Let me get back to you on that one."
Biden went to his advisers and asked everyone the same question, but none could give him an answer. Frustrated, Biden went to work out in the congressional gym and saw Paul Ryan there. Biden went up to him and asked, "Hey Paul, you’re a smart guy, see if you can answer this question."
"Shoot Joe."
“Your mother and father have a child and it's not your brother or your sister. Who the hell is it?"
Paul Ryan answered, "That's easy, it's me!"
Biden smiled, and said, "Good answer Paul!"
Biden then, went back to speak with President Obama. "Barry, I did some research and I have the answer to that riddle. It's Paul Ryan!"
Obama got up, stomped over to Biden, and angrily yelled into his face, "No! You idiot! It's Prince Harry!"
SHE SCREAMED FOR OVER SIX HOURS
The Unconventional Gazette
May 19, 2013
The Italian man said, 'Last week my wife and I had great sex when I rubbed her body all over with olive oil and we made passionate love and she screamed for five full minutes at the end.'
The Frenchman boasted, 'Last week when my wife and had sex, I rubbed her body all over with butter and made passionate love and she screamed for fifteen minutes.'
The Jewish man said, , well last week my wife and I also had sex and I rubbed her body all over with Schmaltz (chicken fat) and we made love and she screamed for over six hours.
The other two were stunned and the amazed Frenchman asked, 'What could you have possibly done to make your wife scream for six hours?'
The Jewish man said, 'I wiped my hands on the bedspread.'
May 19, 2013
The Italian man said, 'Last week my wife and I had great sex when I rubbed her body all over with olive oil and we made passionate love and she screamed for five full minutes at the end.'
The Frenchman boasted, 'Last week when my wife and had sex, I rubbed her body all over with butter and made passionate love and she screamed for fifteen minutes.'
The Jewish man said, , well last week my wife and I also had sex and I rubbed her body all over with Schmaltz (chicken fat) and we made love and she screamed for over six hours.
The other two were stunned and the amazed Frenchman asked, 'What could you have possibly done to make your wife scream for six hours?'
The Jewish man said, 'I wiped my hands on the bedspread.'
Sunday, May 19, 2013
OJ: WHO IS THE JUDGE GOING TO BELIEVE?
O.J. Simpson’s habeas corpus hearing is going to boil down to whether the judge will believe Simpson or his former lawyer, Yale Galanter. It’s a ‘he said, he said’ matter. The judge can chose to believe a murderer who has every reason to lie about what happened in Las Vegas. Or the judge can chose to believe Galanter who belongs to a profession whose members are notorious for lying – as the saying goes: The only difference between a lawyer and a liar is the spelling.
Simpson claims that he was so badly represented by Galanter that his conviction should be overturned and a new trial ordered. He accuses the lawyer of having a conflict of interest because he knew ahead of time that Simpson was going to retrieve what he maintained was his memorabilia and that Galanter gave him the green light to do it. And Simpson also claims that his lawyer never advised him the prosecution offered a plea bargain that would have called for a much shorter prison sentence.
During the hearing, Yale Galanter contradicted each and every one of Simpson’s claims.
About his representation of Simpson, Galanter testified: "When you look at the entire trial, I don't think I could have fought harder, done more. I put every ounce of blood, sweat and soul into it."
Galanter also testified that while they were having dinner the night before the robbery, Simpson told him that he and several other men were planning a "sting" the next morning to take back his mementos. Galanter said he advised Simpson not to take matters into his own hands. “I said, ‘O.J., you’ve got to call the police.’”
About giving Simpson that green light, Galanter testified: "Mr. Simpson never told me he was going to go to the Palace hotel with a bunch of thugs, kidnap people and take property by force. To insinuate I, as his lawyer, would have blessed it is insane." Galanter also testified that after his arrest, Simpson told him that he had asked two men to bring guns to the hotel room.
Galanter insisted that he did advise Simpson of several plea bargains offered by the prosecution. When he told O.J. the prosecution had offered a deal of two to five years, Simpson replied "No deal. No way. See if they will take a year.”
So, now that the habeas corpus hearing has ended, the judge is faced with a ‘he said, he said’ dilemma. Let’s hope the judge will take the words of a lying lawyer over those of a lying murderer.
Simpson claims that he was so badly represented by Galanter that his conviction should be overturned and a new trial ordered. He accuses the lawyer of having a conflict of interest because he knew ahead of time that Simpson was going to retrieve what he maintained was his memorabilia and that Galanter gave him the green light to do it. And Simpson also claims that his lawyer never advised him the prosecution offered a plea bargain that would have called for a much shorter prison sentence.
During the hearing, Yale Galanter contradicted each and every one of Simpson’s claims.
About his representation of Simpson, Galanter testified: "When you look at the entire trial, I don't think I could have fought harder, done more. I put every ounce of blood, sweat and soul into it."
Galanter also testified that while they were having dinner the night before the robbery, Simpson told him that he and several other men were planning a "sting" the next morning to take back his mementos. Galanter said he advised Simpson not to take matters into his own hands. “I said, ‘O.J., you’ve got to call the police.’”
About giving Simpson that green light, Galanter testified: "Mr. Simpson never told me he was going to go to the Palace hotel with a bunch of thugs, kidnap people and take property by force. To insinuate I, as his lawyer, would have blessed it is insane." Galanter also testified that after his arrest, Simpson told him that he had asked two men to bring guns to the hotel room.
Galanter insisted that he did advise Simpson of several plea bargains offered by the prosecution. When he told O.J. the prosecution had offered a deal of two to five years, Simpson replied "No deal. No way. See if they will take a year.”
So, now that the habeas corpus hearing has ended, the judge is faced with a ‘he said, he said’ dilemma. Let’s hope the judge will take the words of a lying lawyer over those of a lying murderer.
VETERAN COP SHOOTS BOTH GUNMAN AND HOSTAGE
When hostage-holder points gun at him, cop shoots eight times, hitting gunman seven times and hostage once in the head
This is one of those tragic cases in which the officer was damned if he did, damned if he didn’t shoot at the hostage-holder when the wanted parolee pointed a gun at him.
AUTHORITIES: HOFSTRA STUDENT WAS KILLED BY POLICE
By Frank Eltman
Associated Press
May 18, 2013
MINEOLA, N.Y. — A Hofstra University student being held in a headlock at gunpoint by an intruder was accidently shot and killed by a police officer who had responded to the home invasion at an off-campus home, police said Saturday.
Junior public relations major Andrea Rebello was shot once in the head early Friday morning by an officer who opened fire after the masked intruder pointed a gun at the officer while holding the 21-year-old student, Nassau County homicide squad Lt. John Azzata said.
In a tense confrontation with the officer, gunman Dalton Smith "menaces our police officer, points his gun at the police officer," Azzata said. The officer opened fire, killing Smith and his hostage.
Azzata said the Nassau County police officer fired eight shots at Smith, who police described as having an "extensive" criminal background. Smith was hit seven times and died. Rebello was shot once in the head.
"He kept saying, 'I'm going to kill her,' and then he pointed the gun at the police officer," Azzata said.
A loaded 9 mm handgun with a serial number scratched off was found at the scene, police said.
The veteran police officer, who was not identified, has about 12 years of experience on the Nassau County police force and previously spent several years as a New York City police officer, Dale said.
The officer is currently out on sick leave. He will be the focus of an internal police investigation once the criminal investigation is completed, which is standard police procedure in any officer-involved shooting, the commissioner said.
Earlier Saturday, police announced that Smith, 30, had been wanted on a parole violation related to a first-degree robbery conviction and had an arrest history dating back nearly 15 years.
Rebello was in the two-story home with her twin sister Jessica, a third woman and a man when Smith, wearing a ski mask, walked into the house through an open front door, Azzata said. Smith demanded valuables and was told they were upstairs, Azzata said.
Smith, apparently unsatisfied with the valuables upstairs, asked if any of the four had a bank account and could withdraw money, Azzata said. The intruder then allowed the unidentified woman to leave and collect money from an ATM, telling her she had only eight minutes to come back with cash before he killed one of her friends, Azzata said.
The woman left for the bank and called 911, according to Azzata.
Minutes later, two police officers arrived at the home and found Rebello's twin sister Jessica running out of the front door and the male guest hiding behind a couch on the first floor, Azzata said.
One of the officers entered the home and encountered Smith holding onto Rebello in a headlock, coming down the stairs, Azzata said. Smith pulled Rebello closer and started moving backward toward a rear door of the house, pointing the gun at her head before eventually threatening the officer, Azzata said.
This is one of those tragic cases in which the officer was damned if he did, damned if he didn’t shoot at the hostage-holder when the wanted parolee pointed a gun at him.
AUTHORITIES: HOFSTRA STUDENT WAS KILLED BY POLICE
By Frank Eltman
Associated Press
May 18, 2013
MINEOLA, N.Y. — A Hofstra University student being held in a headlock at gunpoint by an intruder was accidently shot and killed by a police officer who had responded to the home invasion at an off-campus home, police said Saturday.
Junior public relations major Andrea Rebello was shot once in the head early Friday morning by an officer who opened fire after the masked intruder pointed a gun at the officer while holding the 21-year-old student, Nassau County homicide squad Lt. John Azzata said.
In a tense confrontation with the officer, gunman Dalton Smith "menaces our police officer, points his gun at the police officer," Azzata said. The officer opened fire, killing Smith and his hostage.
Azzata said the Nassau County police officer fired eight shots at Smith, who police described as having an "extensive" criminal background. Smith was hit seven times and died. Rebello was shot once in the head.
"He kept saying, 'I'm going to kill her,' and then he pointed the gun at the police officer," Azzata said.
A loaded 9 mm handgun with a serial number scratched off was found at the scene, police said.
The veteran police officer, who was not identified, has about 12 years of experience on the Nassau County police force and previously spent several years as a New York City police officer, Dale said.
The officer is currently out on sick leave. He will be the focus of an internal police investigation once the criminal investigation is completed, which is standard police procedure in any officer-involved shooting, the commissioner said.
Earlier Saturday, police announced that Smith, 30, had been wanted on a parole violation related to a first-degree robbery conviction and had an arrest history dating back nearly 15 years.
Rebello was in the two-story home with her twin sister Jessica, a third woman and a man when Smith, wearing a ski mask, walked into the house through an open front door, Azzata said. Smith demanded valuables and was told they were upstairs, Azzata said.
Smith, apparently unsatisfied with the valuables upstairs, asked if any of the four had a bank account and could withdraw money, Azzata said. The intruder then allowed the unidentified woman to leave and collect money from an ATM, telling her she had only eight minutes to come back with cash before he killed one of her friends, Azzata said.
The woman left for the bank and called 911, according to Azzata.
Minutes later, two police officers arrived at the home and found Rebello's twin sister Jessica running out of the front door and the male guest hiding behind a couch on the first floor, Azzata said.
One of the officers entered the home and encountered Smith holding onto Rebello in a headlock, coming down the stairs, Azzata said. Smith pulled Rebello closer and started moving backward toward a rear door of the house, pointing the gun at her head before eventually threatening the officer, Azzata said.
MURDERER IDENTIFIED IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
In this case, a drug dealer shot the victim because he was pissed off that the victim bought drugs from another dealer when he still owed him for a previous score. The defense is going to appeal the conviction because of the blinking eye identification. I hope the verdict will be upheld on appeal.
DYING MAN’S EYE BLINKS LEAD TO OHIO MURDER CONVICTION
Associated Press
May 16, 2013
CINCINNATI — An Ohio man was found guilty Thursday of fatally shooting a man who authorities say identified his assailant by blinking his eyes while paralyzed and hooked up to a ventilator.
A jury convicted Ricardo Woods, 35, of murder and felonious assault for the death of David Chandler who was shot Oct. 28, 2010, as he sat in a car in Cincinnati.
Police interviewed the 35-year-old Chandler after he was shot in the head and neck. He was only able to communicate with his eyes and died about two weeks later.
Woods had no obvious reaction to the verdict on the third day of jury deliberations as it was read in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. But as he was bring led to jail, he said: “I’m innocent.”
Woods’ sentencing is set for June 20. He faces up to life in prison.
During the trial, jurors viewed the videotaped police interview that prosecutors say showed Chandler blinked three times for “yes” to identify a photo of Woods as his shooter. The defense had tried to block the video, saying Chandler’s blinks were inconsistent and unreliable.
Defense attorney Kory Jackson said Thursday there would be an appeal.
“We’re disappointed in the verdict,” he said. “We have said since the beginning that the video should not have been allowed into evidence.”
Jocelyn Chess, an assistant county prosecutor, said justice was served.
“They looked at all the evidence, and the evidence showed that Ricardo Woods was guilty,” she said.
Judge Beth Myers, who ruled that jurors could see the video, said Chandler’s identification was made by pronounced, exaggerated movement of the eyes. A doctor who treated Chandler later testified that Chandler was able to communicate clearly about his condition.
In the video, police had to repeat some questions when Chandler failed to respond or when the number of times he blinked appeared unclear. But Chandler blinked his eyes hard three times when police asked him if the photo of Woods was the photo of his shooter. He again blinked three times when they asked him if he was sure.
The defense argued that Chandler’s condition and drugs used to treat him could have affected his ability to understand and respond during the police interview.
Woods’ lawyer also argued that showing Chandler only one photo — that of Woods — instead of presenting a lineup of photos was “suggestive.” Jackson said the case against Woods was about misidentification and “a misguided investigation.”
Chandler’s half-brother, Richard Tucker, said after the verdict that Chandler’s family was satisfied with the outcome and also agrees that “justice has been served.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Tucker, 50, of suburban Cincinnati.
A jailhouse informant testified that Woods told him he shot at Chandler because he caught him buying drugs from someone else while still owing Woods money for drugs.
The defense argued that the informant, who faced armed robbery charges, was trying to use testimony against Woods to get a lighter sentence for himself. The defense also said Chandler had stolen drugs from dealers, was considered a police “snitch” and had many enemies.
The defense insisted that Woods was a victim of misidentification and misinformation.
Legal experts say such cases — where prosecutors attempt to show a defendant was identified by a gesture — are not unheard of but are unusual. Dying identifications relying on gestures rather than words are often not used in trials because of concern over reliability or differing interpretations. But some have been used in murder cases around the country that have ended in convictions.
DYING MAN’S EYE BLINKS LEAD TO OHIO MURDER CONVICTION
Associated Press
May 16, 2013
CINCINNATI — An Ohio man was found guilty Thursday of fatally shooting a man who authorities say identified his assailant by blinking his eyes while paralyzed and hooked up to a ventilator.
A jury convicted Ricardo Woods, 35, of murder and felonious assault for the death of David Chandler who was shot Oct. 28, 2010, as he sat in a car in Cincinnati.
Police interviewed the 35-year-old Chandler after he was shot in the head and neck. He was only able to communicate with his eyes and died about two weeks later.
Woods had no obvious reaction to the verdict on the third day of jury deliberations as it was read in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. But as he was bring led to jail, he said: “I’m innocent.”
Woods’ sentencing is set for June 20. He faces up to life in prison.
During the trial, jurors viewed the videotaped police interview that prosecutors say showed Chandler blinked three times for “yes” to identify a photo of Woods as his shooter. The defense had tried to block the video, saying Chandler’s blinks were inconsistent and unreliable.
Defense attorney Kory Jackson said Thursday there would be an appeal.
“We’re disappointed in the verdict,” he said. “We have said since the beginning that the video should not have been allowed into evidence.”
Jocelyn Chess, an assistant county prosecutor, said justice was served.
“They looked at all the evidence, and the evidence showed that Ricardo Woods was guilty,” she said.
Judge Beth Myers, who ruled that jurors could see the video, said Chandler’s identification was made by pronounced, exaggerated movement of the eyes. A doctor who treated Chandler later testified that Chandler was able to communicate clearly about his condition.
In the video, police had to repeat some questions when Chandler failed to respond or when the number of times he blinked appeared unclear. But Chandler blinked his eyes hard three times when police asked him if the photo of Woods was the photo of his shooter. He again blinked three times when they asked him if he was sure.
The defense argued that Chandler’s condition and drugs used to treat him could have affected his ability to understand and respond during the police interview.
Woods’ lawyer also argued that showing Chandler only one photo — that of Woods — instead of presenting a lineup of photos was “suggestive.” Jackson said the case against Woods was about misidentification and “a misguided investigation.”
Chandler’s half-brother, Richard Tucker, said after the verdict that Chandler’s family was satisfied with the outcome and also agrees that “justice has been served.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Tucker, 50, of suburban Cincinnati.
A jailhouse informant testified that Woods told him he shot at Chandler because he caught him buying drugs from someone else while still owing Woods money for drugs.
The defense argued that the informant, who faced armed robbery charges, was trying to use testimony against Woods to get a lighter sentence for himself. The defense also said Chandler had stolen drugs from dealers, was considered a police “snitch” and had many enemies.
The defense insisted that Woods was a victim of misidentification and misinformation.
Legal experts say such cases — where prosecutors attempt to show a defendant was identified by a gesture — are not unheard of but are unusual. Dying identifications relying on gestures rather than words are often not used in trials because of concern over reliability or differing interpretations. But some have been used in murder cases around the country that have ended in convictions.
COOTER FROM ‘DUKES OF HAZZARD’ GIVEN THE BOOT BY SENATORIAL CANDIDATE OVER CONFEDERATE FLAG
Ben Jones, who played Cooter on ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ 30 years ago, had to withdraw from a fundraiser for his ‘friend’ and senatorial candidate, Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., because he once defended the Confederate flag.
30 YEARS LATER, DUKES OF HAZZARD AN ISSUE IN SENATE RACE
By Dan Weil
Newsmax
May 17, 2013
Former Rep. Ben Jones has ripped his old friend Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., for keeping him out of a fundraiser for Markey's Senate campaign.
A Markey campaign staffer gave the boot to Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the 1980s TV show "Dukes of Hazzard," after the campaign learned he has defended the Confederate flag. Jones was going to play with his band at the Markey event.
The "General Lee" — the Dodge Charger featured in "Dukes" — had a Confederate flag design on its roof, and Jones publicly objected to NASCAR's decision to cancel a planned parade lap by the car at a race last year because of the flag.
"It isn’t every day that one makes preparations to go and play music for some friends but instead ends up being portrayed in the national press and on the Internet as some sort of antediluvian racist who should not be seen in the company of someone aspiring to the Senate," Jones wrote in response.
"But that’s what happened to me Tuesday," added Jones, who sat in Congress as a Democrat from Georgia from 1989-93.
"It seems to me, Eddie, that in this Internet world you and Al Gore invented, things are being simplified to the point of idiocy," he says.
"So rather than having a serious discussion about the use of symbols, and the context of symbols, and the meaning of symbols, the argument has been boiled down to something like this: 'Rebel flag bad. Racist! Me good. Not racist!'"
30 YEARS LATER, DUKES OF HAZZARD AN ISSUE IN SENATE RACE
By Dan Weil
Newsmax
May 17, 2013
Former Rep. Ben Jones has ripped his old friend Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., for keeping him out of a fundraiser for Markey's Senate campaign.
A Markey campaign staffer gave the boot to Jones, who played mechanic Cooter Davenport on the 1980s TV show "Dukes of Hazzard," after the campaign learned he has defended the Confederate flag. Jones was going to play with his band at the Markey event.
The "General Lee" — the Dodge Charger featured in "Dukes" — had a Confederate flag design on its roof, and Jones publicly objected to NASCAR's decision to cancel a planned parade lap by the car at a race last year because of the flag.
"It isn’t every day that one makes preparations to go and play music for some friends but instead ends up being portrayed in the national press and on the Internet as some sort of antediluvian racist who should not be seen in the company of someone aspiring to the Senate," Jones wrote in response.
"But that’s what happened to me Tuesday," added Jones, who sat in Congress as a Democrat from Georgia from 1989-93.
"It seems to me, Eddie, that in this Internet world you and Al Gore invented, things are being simplified to the point of idiocy," he says.
"So rather than having a serious discussion about the use of symbols, and the context of symbols, and the meaning of symbols, the argument has been boiled down to something like this: 'Rebel flag bad. Racist! Me good. Not racist!'"
OLD TIMERS BAR
The Unconventional Gazette
May 18, 2013
Four old retired men are walking down a street. They turn a corner and see a sign that says, "Old Timers Bar - ALL drinks 10 cents." They look at each other and then go in, thinking this is too good to be true.
The old bartender says in a voice that carries across the room, "Come on in and let me pour one for you! What'll it be, gentlemen?"
There's a fully stocked bar, so each of the men orders a martini.
In no time the bartender serves up four iced martinis shaken, not stirred and says, "That'll be 10 cents each, please."
The four guys stare at the bartender for a moment, then at each other. They can't believe their good luck. They pay the 40 cents, finish their martinis, and order another round.
Again, four excellent martinis are produced, with the bartender again saying, "That's 40 cents, please."
They pay the 40 cents, but their curiosity gets the better of them. They've each had two martinis and haven't even spent a dollar yet. Finally one of them says, "How can you afford to serve martinis as good as these for a dime apiece?"
"I'm a retired Marine Corps drill sergeant" the bartender says, "and I always wanted to own a bar, but I couldn’t afford to buy one on my military pension. Then, last year I hit the Lottery Jackpot for $125 million and decided to open this place. Every drink costs a dime. Wine, liquor, beer it's all the same."
"Wow! That's some story!" one of the men says.
As the four of them sip at their martinis, they can't help noticing seven other people at the end of the bar who don't have any drinks in front of them and haven't ordered anything the whole time they've been there. Nodding at the seven at the end of the bar, one of the men asks the Bartender, "What's with them?"
The bartender says, "They're old homeless people. They're waiting for Happy Hour when drinks are half-price, plus they all have coupons. And you know what ... with each coupon, I end up having to give them a dime when they buy a drink during Happy Hour."
May 18, 2013
Four old retired men are walking down a street. They turn a corner and see a sign that says, "Old Timers Bar - ALL drinks 10 cents." They look at each other and then go in, thinking this is too good to be true.
The old bartender says in a voice that carries across the room, "Come on in and let me pour one for you! What'll it be, gentlemen?"
There's a fully stocked bar, so each of the men orders a martini.
In no time the bartender serves up four iced martinis shaken, not stirred and says, "That'll be 10 cents each, please."
The four guys stare at the bartender for a moment, then at each other. They can't believe their good luck. They pay the 40 cents, finish their martinis, and order another round.
Again, four excellent martinis are produced, with the bartender again saying, "That's 40 cents, please."
They pay the 40 cents, but their curiosity gets the better of them. They've each had two martinis and haven't even spent a dollar yet. Finally one of them says, "How can you afford to serve martinis as good as these for a dime apiece?"
"I'm a retired Marine Corps drill sergeant" the bartender says, "and I always wanted to own a bar, but I couldn’t afford to buy one on my military pension. Then, last year I hit the Lottery Jackpot for $125 million and decided to open this place. Every drink costs a dime. Wine, liquor, beer it's all the same."
"Wow! That's some story!" one of the men says.
As the four of them sip at their martinis, they can't help noticing seven other people at the end of the bar who don't have any drinks in front of them and haven't ordered anything the whole time they've been there. Nodding at the seven at the end of the bar, one of the men asks the Bartender, "What's with them?"
The bartender says, "They're old homeless people. They're waiting for Happy Hour when drinks are half-price, plus they all have coupons. And you know what ... with each coupon, I end up having to give them a dime when they buy a drink during Happy Hour."
Saturday, May 18, 2013
APPARENTLY AL-QAIDA IS ALIVE AND WELL
And you thought that with the death of Osama bin Laden, our troubles with al-Qaida would be all but over.
PENTAGON: WAR WITH AL-QAIDA COULD LAST 20 MORE YEARS
By Sandy Fitzgerald
Newsmax
May 17, 2013
The fight against al-Qaida could continue for another 20 years, a top Pentagon official told Congress Thursday as the administration warned against any changes to the 2001 law giving the president broad authority to use military force in the war on terror.
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Assistant Defense Secretary Michael Sheehan said the Authorization for the Use of Military Force bill passed in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks still serves its purpose and will continue to be effective until al-Qaida is in "the ash heap of history."
"In my judgment, this is going to go on for quite a while, yes, beyond the second term of the president . . . I think it’s at least 10 to 20 years, " Sheehan told the panel.
Many lawmakers, however, have questioned whether the military force authorization bill should be rewritten, or perhaps even thrown out, given the increased use of drone strikes in places that some say are not true war zones. President Barack Obama has pledged to be more transparent about the drone program, which has included the use of nearly 400 CIA and military drone strikes, reports the Washington Post. But Sheehan told lawmakers that there are still no geographic boundaries on future drone use, noting that they would continue to take place anywhere that al-Qaida or other terrorist groups are considered a threat to U.S. national security interests.
Sen. John McCain called Sheehan's testimony on drone policy and the use of force military force bill "disturbing."
"Here we are, 12 years later, and you . . . come before us and tell us that you don’t think [the use of force law] needs to be updated. Well, clearly it does," said the Arizona Republican.
Maine Sen. Angus King said he was also surprised by Defense Department contention the law is still needed and should not undergo any changes to rein in the president's authority.
"This is the most astounding and most astoundingly disturbing hearing that I've been to since I've been here, King, an independent said, "You guys have essentially rewritten the Constitution today," King told four senior U.S. military officials who also testified.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, however, disagreed with McCain and King. The South Carolina Republican said he thinks the law is working just fine.
According to the Huffington Post, the senators were also told at the hearing that the administration believes the law gives the president the authority to put "boots on the ground" in places like Yemen, the Congo, even Syria if necessary, so long as the action is taken against an al-Qaida affiliated group.
That comment drew a response from Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine, who said it was especially disturbing that troops could eventually be used in Syria.
"The testimony I hear today suggests the administration believes that they would have the authority to do that," Kaine said. "But I don't want us to walk out of the room leaving an impression that members of Congress also share the understanding that that would be acceptable."
PENTAGON: WAR WITH AL-QAIDA COULD LAST 20 MORE YEARS
By Sandy Fitzgerald
Newsmax
May 17, 2013
The fight against al-Qaida could continue for another 20 years, a top Pentagon official told Congress Thursday as the administration warned against any changes to the 2001 law giving the president broad authority to use military force in the war on terror.
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Assistant Defense Secretary Michael Sheehan said the Authorization for the Use of Military Force bill passed in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks still serves its purpose and will continue to be effective until al-Qaida is in "the ash heap of history."
"In my judgment, this is going to go on for quite a while, yes, beyond the second term of the president . . . I think it’s at least 10 to 20 years, " Sheehan told the panel.
Many lawmakers, however, have questioned whether the military force authorization bill should be rewritten, or perhaps even thrown out, given the increased use of drone strikes in places that some say are not true war zones. President Barack Obama has pledged to be more transparent about the drone program, which has included the use of nearly 400 CIA and military drone strikes, reports the Washington Post. But Sheehan told lawmakers that there are still no geographic boundaries on future drone use, noting that they would continue to take place anywhere that al-Qaida or other terrorist groups are considered a threat to U.S. national security interests.
Sen. John McCain called Sheehan's testimony on drone policy and the use of force military force bill "disturbing."
"Here we are, 12 years later, and you . . . come before us and tell us that you don’t think [the use of force law] needs to be updated. Well, clearly it does," said the Arizona Republican.
Maine Sen. Angus King said he was also surprised by Defense Department contention the law is still needed and should not undergo any changes to rein in the president's authority.
"This is the most astounding and most astoundingly disturbing hearing that I've been to since I've been here, King, an independent said, "You guys have essentially rewritten the Constitution today," King told four senior U.S. military officials who also testified.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, however, disagreed with McCain and King. The South Carolina Republican said he thinks the law is working just fine.
According to the Huffington Post, the senators were also told at the hearing that the administration believes the law gives the president the authority to put "boots on the ground" in places like Yemen, the Congo, even Syria if necessary, so long as the action is taken against an al-Qaida affiliated group.
That comment drew a response from Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine, who said it was especially disturbing that troops could eventually be used in Syria.
"The testimony I hear today suggests the administration believes that they would have the authority to do that," Kaine said. "But I don't want us to walk out of the room leaving an impression that members of Congress also share the understanding that that would be acceptable."
SURPRISE: ISRAEL HAS A MONUMENTAL POVERTY PROBLEM
‘Middle class’ Israelis live from paycheck-to-paycheck and can no longer afford to buy a home
This has to come as a shock to all those bigots who keep stereotyping Jews as all being rich.
ISRAEL STRUGGLES WITH HIGH POVERTY RATING
Israel Today
May 17, 2013
Despite Israel's overall economic resilience and strong global market presence, which we have written on numerous times in the past, the Jewish state continues to struggle with high poverty levels.
A survey published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Wednesday revealed that Israel has the highest rate of poverty among all developed nations.
Nearly 21 percent of all Israelis live below the poverty line. That's even higher than the poverty rate of Mexico, which stands at 20.4 percent.
Israel scored a little better when it came to the gap between rich and poor, placing fifth behind Chile, Mexico, Turkey and the USA.
The results of the survey came at a terrible time for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government, which is trying to cut the national deficit by increasing taxes and slashing spending on welfare programs.
In today's current economic climate, those who are considered "middle class" Israelis live from paycheck-to-paycheck, and can no longer afford to buy a home. Those who live at a lower economic level are obviously much worse off, and many of the welfare programs they rely on are facing what Finance Minister Yair Lapid calls "necessary cuts" to get Israel back on track fiscally.
Those who often suffer most, and understand the least, are the children.
This has to come as a shock to all those bigots who keep stereotyping Jews as all being rich.
ISRAEL STRUGGLES WITH HIGH POVERTY RATING
Israel Today
May 17, 2013
Despite Israel's overall economic resilience and strong global market presence, which we have written on numerous times in the past, the Jewish state continues to struggle with high poverty levels.
A survey published by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Wednesday revealed that Israel has the highest rate of poverty among all developed nations.
Nearly 21 percent of all Israelis live below the poverty line. That's even higher than the poverty rate of Mexico, which stands at 20.4 percent.
Israel scored a little better when it came to the gap between rich and poor, placing fifth behind Chile, Mexico, Turkey and the USA.
The results of the survey came at a terrible time for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government, which is trying to cut the national deficit by increasing taxes and slashing spending on welfare programs.
In today's current economic climate, those who are considered "middle class" Israelis live from paycheck-to-paycheck, and can no longer afford to buy a home. Those who live at a lower economic level are obviously much worse off, and many of the welfare programs they rely on are facing what Finance Minister Yair Lapid calls "necessary cuts" to get Israel back on track fiscally.
Those who often suffer most, and understand the least, are the children.
SHERIFFS OPPOSE COLORADO’S NEW GUN CONTROL LAWS
54 of Colorado’s 64 sheriffs are challenging the new gun control laws in federal court
The sheriffs claim that the new ammunition law bans most magazines of any size and that compliance with the background checks will be practically impossible.
I’ll venture a guess that most of the sheriffs in this lawsuit are Republicans while all 10 who did not participate are Democrats.
COLORADO SHERIFFS SUE OVER STATE’S NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Bloomberg News
May 17, 2013
Sheriffs of 54 Colorado counties sued Governor John Hickenlooper, challenging recently enacted state laws that ban ammunition magazines holding more than 15 rounds and require background checks for gun sales and loans.
The sheriffs, in a complaint filed today in federal court in Denver, said the ammunition law bans most magazines of any size in an attempt to prohibit those that can be converted to hold more than 15 rounds. They also alleged that compliance with the background checks will be practically impossible.
The effect of the ammunition law’s “various provisions is the widespread ban on functional firearms,” according to the complaint. “The prohibition of so many box and tube magazines of any size, and the prohibition of magazines greater than 15 rounds, directly and gravely harm the ability of law-abiding citizens to use firearms for lawful purposes, especially self- defense.”
The lawsuit is based on claims under the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms and due process.
Lawmakers in Colorado, New York, Connecticut and Maryland passed laws limiting firearms ownership after 20 children and six educators were shot to death Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
At a news briefing following a private bill-signing ceremony March 20, Hickenlooper called on county sheriffs to carry out the new measures.
“I fully expect all of our sheriffs and chiefs of police to enforce the law to the best of their ability,” said the governor, a first-term Democrat.
Hickenlooper’s office referred a call seeking comment on the lawsuit to the state attorney general.
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said in a statement today that he will defend against the suit to get “court rulings on the legality of various aspects of the legislation as expeditiously as possible.” He added that the state’s citizens and “law-abiding gun owners in particular, deserve such clarification.”
Colorado has 64 counties. One of the sheriffs suing Hickenlooper is Grayson Robinson of Arapahoe County, where a gunman killed 12 people and injured 70 in a July 20 shooting spree at a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” at a theater in the city of Aurora.
The man charged in that case, James Eagan Holmes, went to local stores and Internet sites before the shooting to buy two Glock handguns, a shotgun, a rifle and 6,295 rounds of ammunition, according to county prosecutors. Lawyers for Holmes, who faces the death penalty if convicted, have told a judge he intends to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
The case is Cooke v. Hickenlooper, 13-cv-01300, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado (Denver).
The sheriffs claim that the new ammunition law bans most magazines of any size and that compliance with the background checks will be practically impossible.
I’ll venture a guess that most of the sheriffs in this lawsuit are Republicans while all 10 who did not participate are Democrats.
COLORADO SHERIFFS SUE OVER STATE’S NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Bloomberg News
May 17, 2013
Sheriffs of 54 Colorado counties sued Governor John Hickenlooper, challenging recently enacted state laws that ban ammunition magazines holding more than 15 rounds and require background checks for gun sales and loans.
The sheriffs, in a complaint filed today in federal court in Denver, said the ammunition law bans most magazines of any size in an attempt to prohibit those that can be converted to hold more than 15 rounds. They also alleged that compliance with the background checks will be practically impossible.
The effect of the ammunition law’s “various provisions is the widespread ban on functional firearms,” according to the complaint. “The prohibition of so many box and tube magazines of any size, and the prohibition of magazines greater than 15 rounds, directly and gravely harm the ability of law-abiding citizens to use firearms for lawful purposes, especially self- defense.”
The lawsuit is based on claims under the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms and due process.
Lawmakers in Colorado, New York, Connecticut and Maryland passed laws limiting firearms ownership after 20 children and six educators were shot to death Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
At a news briefing following a private bill-signing ceremony March 20, Hickenlooper called on county sheriffs to carry out the new measures.
“I fully expect all of our sheriffs and chiefs of police to enforce the law to the best of their ability,” said the governor, a first-term Democrat.
Hickenlooper’s office referred a call seeking comment on the lawsuit to the state attorney general.
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said in a statement today that he will defend against the suit to get “court rulings on the legality of various aspects of the legislation as expeditiously as possible.” He added that the state’s citizens and “law-abiding gun owners in particular, deserve such clarification.”
Colorado has 64 counties. One of the sheriffs suing Hickenlooper is Grayson Robinson of Arapahoe County, where a gunman killed 12 people and injured 70 in a July 20 shooting spree at a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” at a theater in the city of Aurora.
The man charged in that case, James Eagan Holmes, went to local stores and Internet sites before the shooting to buy two Glock handguns, a shotgun, a rifle and 6,295 rounds of ammunition, according to county prosecutors. Lawyers for Holmes, who faces the death penalty if convicted, have told a judge he intends to plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
The case is Cooke v. Hickenlooper, 13-cv-01300, U.S. District Court, District of Colorado (Denver).
AK-47 DISCHARGES, KILLS WIFE AS SHE HANDS IT TO HER HUSBAND
That’s why in the military it’s always "lock and load.” That means lock it before you load it, and keep it locked when not ready to fire.
WIFE IS KILLED AS SHE HANDS HER NEW ASSAULT RIFLE TO HER HUSBAND AND IT GOES OFF, SHOOTING HER IN THE HEAD
By Tara Brady
Mail Online
May 17, 2013
A woman has been killed after her new assault rifle which she was showing to her friends fired - shooting her in the head.
Gun enthusiast Anastasia Adair, 22, was walking down the stairs and into the garage in her home in Federal Heights, Colorado, when she reached out to hand the rifle to her husband.
The gun, believed to look like an AK-47, fired, hitting her in the head on Tuesday at about 10.40pm local time.
Husband Shane Adair, a tattoo artist, told police he is not sure if he touched the gun as his wife handed it to him, according to Federal Heights Police Lt. Gary Toldness.
The gun is believed to have fired another shot as the Mrs Adair fell down the stairs and into her husband's arms.
She was taken to Denver Health Medical Centre where she pronounced dead.
An investigation has been launched to determine what exactly happened but ballistics tests and an analysis of the bullet trajectory could take months.
Lt Toldness told abc7news that the couple had been firing the gun, which she bought at the Tanner Gun Show in March, the day before the shooting.
According to investigators, Mr Adair has said the rifle had a light trigger pull.
WIFE IS KILLED AS SHE HANDS HER NEW ASSAULT RIFLE TO HER HUSBAND AND IT GOES OFF, SHOOTING HER IN THE HEAD
By Tara Brady
Mail Online
May 17, 2013
A woman has been killed after her new assault rifle which she was showing to her friends fired - shooting her in the head.
Gun enthusiast Anastasia Adair, 22, was walking down the stairs and into the garage in her home in Federal Heights, Colorado, when she reached out to hand the rifle to her husband.
The gun, believed to look like an AK-47, fired, hitting her in the head on Tuesday at about 10.40pm local time.
Husband Shane Adair, a tattoo artist, told police he is not sure if he touched the gun as his wife handed it to him, according to Federal Heights Police Lt. Gary Toldness.
The gun is believed to have fired another shot as the Mrs Adair fell down the stairs and into her husband's arms.
She was taken to Denver Health Medical Centre where she pronounced dead.
An investigation has been launched to determine what exactly happened but ballistics tests and an analysis of the bullet trajectory could take months.
Lt Toldness told abc7news that the couple had been firing the gun, which she bought at the Tanner Gun Show in March, the day before the shooting.
According to investigators, Mr Adair has said the rifle had a light trigger pull.
MAN HIGH ON PCP SHOOTS FRIEND, THEN SITS NAKED HIGH ON FIRE TRUCK
If it was a slow day for the Prince George’s County cops, this certainly livened things up a wee bit.
NAKED MAN SHOT WITH TASER AFTER CLIMBING ON FIRE ENGINE; CHARGED IN SHOOTING OF FRIEND
By John Henrehan
Fox 5 News
May 16, 2013
CALVERTON, Md. -- At first, it seemed like a quirky incident involving a naked man sitting atop a parked fire truck. But police in Prince George's County say that naked man was involved in an unprovoked violent shooting a short while earlier. And police believe the drug PCP was involved.
A bystander recorded cell phone video of the naked man sitting on the front part of a ladder on a fire truck parked in front of a Giant supermarket in Calverton, Md., late Wednesday afternoon. The completely unclothed man shouted profanities and made threats.
"He was awfully vocal, screaming and yelling," remembers Dep. Chief Matt Tomlins of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. "He did vocalize some threats as to how he wanted to end peoples' lives. But, then [when] you tried to ask him why he was there (or when we attempted to coax him down), he wasn't responding."
Police officers were called to the fire truck.
Meanwhile, other police officers were called to Beltsville Drive less than a mile away. A short time earlier, a moving car had crashed into a vehicle parked on that roadway. Witnesses told police two men fled the car, and one of them began shedding his clothes. That man then showed back up at the crash scene riding by on the roof of another car.
Malik Griffin saw it: a completely naked man "just kind of standing up, waving his arms, screaming.”
Responding officers located the driver of the crashed car who told them his passenger, Mohamed Sulaiman Bah, who (the driver said) had been taking cocaine and PCP, suddenly turned around and shot a childhood friend sitting in the back seat. The victim was shot between the eyes, but was still alive as first responders arrived.
Meanwhile, back at the fire truck, police arrived to deal with the naked man on the ladder. Firefighters gently began to move the ladder away from the truck. The naked man then climbed backward on the ladder, shouted some more from the back of the vehicle, then jumped off the truck and was immediately hit with a high-voltage taser. He fell to the ground and was handcuffed.
At that point, police at the fire truck did not know their suspect was wanted in connection with the nearby shooting. Responding officers used the taser because they concluded from the man's behavior that he was high on PCP.
"Prior to this," explained Major Person, "we would have had to fight this gentleman. Somebody would have gotten hurt. Whether it was our officers, whether it was him. You can see from his [booking] pictures, he has no visible injuries from anything we did as police officers."
Bah, 24, of Burtonsville, Md., is charged with numerous offenses, the most serious of which is attempted murder. He is being held without bond.
The childhood friend who was shot remains in critical condition, but police say doctors believe he will survive.
Asked if investigators have established a motive for the shooting, police said they have no idea why the single shot was fired.
NAKED MAN SHOT WITH TASER AFTER CLIMBING ON FIRE ENGINE; CHARGED IN SHOOTING OF FRIEND
By John Henrehan
Fox 5 News
May 16, 2013
CALVERTON, Md. -- At first, it seemed like a quirky incident involving a naked man sitting atop a parked fire truck. But police in Prince George's County say that naked man was involved in an unprovoked violent shooting a short while earlier. And police believe the drug PCP was involved.
A bystander recorded cell phone video of the naked man sitting on the front part of a ladder on a fire truck parked in front of a Giant supermarket in Calverton, Md., late Wednesday afternoon. The completely unclothed man shouted profanities and made threats.
"He was awfully vocal, screaming and yelling," remembers Dep. Chief Matt Tomlins of the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. "He did vocalize some threats as to how he wanted to end peoples' lives. But, then [when] you tried to ask him why he was there (or when we attempted to coax him down), he wasn't responding."
Police officers were called to the fire truck.
Meanwhile, other police officers were called to Beltsville Drive less than a mile away. A short time earlier, a moving car had crashed into a vehicle parked on that roadway. Witnesses told police two men fled the car, and one of them began shedding his clothes. That man then showed back up at the crash scene riding by on the roof of another car.
Malik Griffin saw it: a completely naked man "just kind of standing up, waving his arms, screaming.”
Responding officers located the driver of the crashed car who told them his passenger, Mohamed Sulaiman Bah, who (the driver said) had been taking cocaine and PCP, suddenly turned around and shot a childhood friend sitting in the back seat. The victim was shot between the eyes, but was still alive as first responders arrived.
Meanwhile, back at the fire truck, police arrived to deal with the naked man on the ladder. Firefighters gently began to move the ladder away from the truck. The naked man then climbed backward on the ladder, shouted some more from the back of the vehicle, then jumped off the truck and was immediately hit with a high-voltage taser. He fell to the ground and was handcuffed.
At that point, police at the fire truck did not know their suspect was wanted in connection with the nearby shooting. Responding officers used the taser because they concluded from the man's behavior that he was high on PCP.
"Prior to this," explained Major Person, "we would have had to fight this gentleman. Somebody would have gotten hurt. Whether it was our officers, whether it was him. You can see from his [booking] pictures, he has no visible injuries from anything we did as police officers."
Bah, 24, of Burtonsville, Md., is charged with numerous offenses, the most serious of which is attempted murder. He is being held without bond.
The childhood friend who was shot remains in critical condition, but police say doctors believe he will survive.
Asked if investigators have established a motive for the shooting, police said they have no idea why the single shot was fired.
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