We’re shutting down until January 7 because the publisher will be out of the country.
Here’s wishing everyone a happy holiday season and may 2017 be a healthy and prosperous year for you!
Monday, December 19, 2016
U.S. NOT HOLIER THAN THOU (RUSSIA)
President Obama, the Democrats and some Republicans are all outraged over Russia’s alleged interference in this year’s presidential election
BarkGrowlBite | December 19, 2016
While I still have serious doubts that Vladimir Putin was directly involved in the hacking of the DNC and the release of emails that showed Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in a very bad light, let’s say that the evil Putin is guilty as claimed by the CIA. Do we have a right to be outraged over Russia’s interference in our elections? I don’t think so … that is unless we’re willing to admit we are the world’s biggest hypocrites.
Lest we forget, all during the Cold War, the U.S. interfered in the internal affairs of Latin American countries by supporting brutal right-wing dictatorships. In 1961 there was the CIA’s failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba. In 1973, the CIA sponsored the overthrow by the military of Salvador Allende, Chile’s democratically elected Marxist president. In Nicaragua, the Reagan administration armed the right wing Contra rebels in an effort to over throw the Marxist government of Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega.
More recently, President Obama’s surrogates were in Israel helping the opposition in a failed effort to defeat Netanyahu in the Jewish state’s election. And the U.S. State Department even gave the largest Israeli opposition party an infusion of our taxpayer dollars.
OK, so Putin is evil, but we are not holier than thou!
BarkGrowlBite | December 19, 2016
While I still have serious doubts that Vladimir Putin was directly involved in the hacking of the DNC and the release of emails that showed Hillary Clinton and the Democrats in a very bad light, let’s say that the evil Putin is guilty as claimed by the CIA. Do we have a right to be outraged over Russia’s interference in our elections? I don’t think so … that is unless we’re willing to admit we are the world’s biggest hypocrites.
Lest we forget, all during the Cold War, the U.S. interfered in the internal affairs of Latin American countries by supporting brutal right-wing dictatorships. In 1961 there was the CIA’s failed Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba. In 1973, the CIA sponsored the overthrow by the military of Salvador Allende, Chile’s democratically elected Marxist president. In Nicaragua, the Reagan administration armed the right wing Contra rebels in an effort to over throw the Marxist government of Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega.
More recently, President Obama’s surrogates were in Israel helping the opposition in a failed effort to defeat Netanyahu in the Jewish state’s election. And the U.S. State Department even gave the largest Israeli opposition party an infusion of our taxpayer dollars.
OK, so Putin is evil, but we are not holier than thou!
CHRISTIANS ARE A PACK OF THIEVES
By Bob Walsh
Yes, it is true. I do, however, mean it in more of a socio-religious sense than any personal disparagement. They steal holidays.
Good old Yeshua ben Yosef, the famous red-headed carpenter, almost certainly was NOT born on December 25.
The Winter Solstice is a very convenient and very symbolic time for the birth of Saviors in general. Osiris, Mithras and Hercules were among them, though there are many others. They were all born at or around the Winter Solstice, in a barn, cave or other very humble place. The exact details of their birth are murky and mysterious, their parentage is miraculous. They engage in a lifetime of toil for mankind in general and often make a real or symbolic trip to the underworld and then return. These are common characteristics of Saviors in general.
The Winter Solstice is the longest night and shortest day. It is symbolic of a turning, of the light now beginning to gradually but definitely overtaking the darkness.
The early Christians were not stupid men. They knew that ripping off the holidays from the peasants would piss them off so many Christian holidays occur on, and are strongly modeled after, early Pagan holidays. (Halloween and May Day being two of the chief ones.) During about the seventh century I believe (I am a little fuzzy on that) the church made a serious attempt to document the actual birthday of the historical Jesus. They were unsuccessful. So they went with what they had. Interestingly enough there is no undisputed actual historical record of Jesus. The census Joseph and Mary were heading to Bethlehem for has no actual historical record. On the other hand there is a ton of documentation on the life of Pontius Pilate.
Now before your Christian zealots go 5150 on me (yes, I know it is a contradiction in terms strictly speaking, the zealots were Jews) I would like to say that I am reasonably confident that the actual person of Yeshua ben Yosef did in fact exist. I believe that he was an exceptional human being and that the Christian church was built around belief in his divinity. Whether he was in fact divine is another question.
As a practicing Pagan I merely wanted to bring the subject up, and hope for a little appreciation for our side of the table. I don't really expect an apology for you guys ripping off our holiday, nor do I need one. Pagans are the most ecumenical people imaginable. I would simply like not to be dissed for it.
Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho.
EDITOR’S NOTE: When Riverside Sheriff Ben Clark and I were pallbearers at the funeral of our friend Stan Everett’s father, the Baptist preacher shouted out: “If you don’t accept Jesus, you are going to hell!”
Ben poked me in the ribs and said, “I guess that means you are going to hell.”
See you in hell, Bob.
Yes, it is true. I do, however, mean it in more of a socio-religious sense than any personal disparagement. They steal holidays.
Good old Yeshua ben Yosef, the famous red-headed carpenter, almost certainly was NOT born on December 25.
The Winter Solstice is a very convenient and very symbolic time for the birth of Saviors in general. Osiris, Mithras and Hercules were among them, though there are many others. They were all born at or around the Winter Solstice, in a barn, cave or other very humble place. The exact details of their birth are murky and mysterious, their parentage is miraculous. They engage in a lifetime of toil for mankind in general and often make a real or symbolic trip to the underworld and then return. These are common characteristics of Saviors in general.
The Winter Solstice is the longest night and shortest day. It is symbolic of a turning, of the light now beginning to gradually but definitely overtaking the darkness.
The early Christians were not stupid men. They knew that ripping off the holidays from the peasants would piss them off so many Christian holidays occur on, and are strongly modeled after, early Pagan holidays. (Halloween and May Day being two of the chief ones.) During about the seventh century I believe (I am a little fuzzy on that) the church made a serious attempt to document the actual birthday of the historical Jesus. They were unsuccessful. So they went with what they had. Interestingly enough there is no undisputed actual historical record of Jesus. The census Joseph and Mary were heading to Bethlehem for has no actual historical record. On the other hand there is a ton of documentation on the life of Pontius Pilate.
Now before your Christian zealots go 5150 on me (yes, I know it is a contradiction in terms strictly speaking, the zealots were Jews) I would like to say that I am reasonably confident that the actual person of Yeshua ben Yosef did in fact exist. I believe that he was an exceptional human being and that the Christian church was built around belief in his divinity. Whether he was in fact divine is another question.
As a practicing Pagan I merely wanted to bring the subject up, and hope for a little appreciation for our side of the table. I don't really expect an apology for you guys ripping off our holiday, nor do I need one. Pagans are the most ecumenical people imaginable. I would simply like not to be dissed for it.
Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho.
EDITOR’S NOTE: When Riverside Sheriff Ben Clark and I were pallbearers at the funeral of our friend Stan Everett’s father, the Baptist preacher shouted out: “If you don’t accept Jesus, you are going to hell!”
Ben poked me in the ribs and said, “I guess that means you are going to hell.”
See you in hell, Bob.
YOU CAN’T OUTSMART THIS PROF
A college professor reminds her class of tomorrow's final exam. “Now class, I won't tolerate any excuses for you not being here tomorrow. I might consider a nuclear attack or a serious personal injury, illness, or a death in your immediate family, but that's it, no other excuses whatsoever!”
A smart-ass student in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, “What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?”
The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering. When silence was restored, the prof smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, “Well, I guess you'd just have to write the exam with your other hand.”
A smart-ass student in the back of the room raised his hand and asked, “What would you say if tomorrow I said I was suffering from complete and utter sexual exhaustion?”
The entire class is reduced to laughter and snickering. When silence was restored, the prof smiled knowingly at the student, shook her head and sweetly said, “Well, I guess you'd just have to write the exam with your other hand.”
Sunday, December 18, 2016
THE CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT ATTOENRY WHO WON WITH A $500,000 DONATION FROM GEORGE SOROS FIRES 37 PROSECUTORS
Houston’s incoming anti-death penalty District Attorney Kim Ogg notified 37 prosecutors in District Attorney Devon Anderson’s office that they are out of a job the day she takes office
BarkGrowlBite | December 18, 2016
Kim Ogg, an uber-liberal lesbian who is opposed to the death penalty, defeated incumbent Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, a Republican, in the November 8 election. Ogg won with the help of a $500,000 donation from George Soros and straight party-line voting.
For week after week, Ogg’s campaign ads blasted Anderson for jailing a rape victim to guarantee her appearance as a witness. Those ads popped up from morning until night during every commercial break on Houston’s local TV stations. That barrage of ads would not have been possible without the half-million bucks Soros gave her.
On Friday Ogg notified 37 prosecutors in Anderson’s office by email that they were fired. Most of those fired held management positions. Ogg said she wants a “culture change” at the district attorney’s office.
Ogg said:
“Because the district attorney's job is to be the guardian of justice and to seek justice over convictions, I pledged that we would not have a win-at-all costs mentality, that we would prize fairness and transparency and equality. And the leadership decisions that I made are directed to that view. I want individuals who, through their past actions and their professionalism, embody those very ideas. That's who I'm seeking to fill these positions.”
Anderson released this statement:
“Today, Kim Ogg fired by email 37 experienced prosecutors 9 days before Christmas. With her first act as District Attorney, Ogg is endangering the citizens of Harris County. The dedicated prosecutors let go today had a combined 685 years of service.”
By culture change, I am sure Ogg meant there will be few if any death penalty prosecutions under her administration. And during the campaign she promised there will be no prosecutions for the possession of ‘small’ amounts of marijuana.
The last I heard, the use and possession of marijuana is still illegal in Texas. I don’t suppose it ever occurred to Ogg that by not prosecuting pot possession cases, she is an enabler of illegal marijuana use.
BarkGrowlBite | December 18, 2016
Kim Ogg, an uber-liberal lesbian who is opposed to the death penalty, defeated incumbent Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson, a Republican, in the November 8 election. Ogg won with the help of a $500,000 donation from George Soros and straight party-line voting.
For week after week, Ogg’s campaign ads blasted Anderson for jailing a rape victim to guarantee her appearance as a witness. Those ads popped up from morning until night during every commercial break on Houston’s local TV stations. That barrage of ads would not have been possible without the half-million bucks Soros gave her.
On Friday Ogg notified 37 prosecutors in Anderson’s office by email that they were fired. Most of those fired held management positions. Ogg said she wants a “culture change” at the district attorney’s office.
Ogg said:
“Because the district attorney's job is to be the guardian of justice and to seek justice over convictions, I pledged that we would not have a win-at-all costs mentality, that we would prize fairness and transparency and equality. And the leadership decisions that I made are directed to that view. I want individuals who, through their past actions and their professionalism, embody those very ideas. That's who I'm seeking to fill these positions.”
Anderson released this statement:
“Today, Kim Ogg fired by email 37 experienced prosecutors 9 days before Christmas. With her first act as District Attorney, Ogg is endangering the citizens of Harris County. The dedicated prosecutors let go today had a combined 685 years of service.”
By culture change, I am sure Ogg meant there will be few if any death penalty prosecutions under her administration. And during the campaign she promised there will be no prosecutions for the possession of ‘small’ amounts of marijuana.
The last I heard, the use and possession of marijuana is still illegal in Texas. I don’t suppose it ever occurred to Ogg that by not prosecuting pot possession cases, she is an enabler of illegal marijuana use.
FBI AGENT ARRESTED FOR FIRING AT LOCAL COPS
By Bob Walsh
An FBI agent was arrested early Tuesday outside a Planet Fitness gym in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
No one was injured in the incident. Agent Ruben Hernandez was arrested at the scene. His attorney, Larry Willey, stated that Hernandez has only a "vage, hazy" recollection of the incident and was maybe a little bit sloshed at the time. The local cops got a call of a man brandishing a gun at the club. When they showed up Agent Hernandez opened fire. None of the cops fired back and Hernandez was taken into custody.
Hernandez, who is assigned out of the Las Vegas office and was in Grand Rapids for a case, was arraigned the following day.
Maybe what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but I am not so sure that applies to Grand Rapids.
An FBI agent was arrested early Tuesday outside a Planet Fitness gym in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
No one was injured in the incident. Agent Ruben Hernandez was arrested at the scene. His attorney, Larry Willey, stated that Hernandez has only a "vage, hazy" recollection of the incident and was maybe a little bit sloshed at the time. The local cops got a call of a man brandishing a gun at the club. When they showed up Agent Hernandez opened fire. None of the cops fired back and Hernandez was taken into custody.
Hernandez, who is assigned out of the Las Vegas office and was in Grand Rapids for a case, was arraigned the following day.
Maybe what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas but I am not so sure that applies to Grand Rapids.
FEDS RAID SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN BUTTCRACK, LOUISIANA
By Bob Walsh
The FBI conducted a raid Thursday on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the Hammond Police Department in beautiful Louisiana. The FBI seized computers, cell phones and hard copy case files.
The FBI is apparently investigating a DEA task force operating in conjunction with these two agencies. The FBI thinks they have been skimming drug money, taking and selling drugs and intimidating witnesses. The sheriff’s office and P. D. buildings were shut down and treated like a crime scene for hours.
The FBI conducted a raid Thursday on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office and the Hammond Police Department in beautiful Louisiana. The FBI seized computers, cell phones and hard copy case files.
The FBI is apparently investigating a DEA task force operating in conjunction with these two agencies. The FBI thinks they have been skimming drug money, taking and selling drugs and intimidating witnesses. The sheriff’s office and P. D. buildings were shut down and treated like a crime scene for hours.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
IS HOUSTON’S NEW POLICE CHIEF ALL HE’S HYPED UP TO BE?
Or did Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner hire a frustrated patrolman?
BarkGrowlBite | December 17, 2016
Art Acevedo, Austin’s former police chief, is now the new police chief in Houston. Before he became Austin’s chief, Acevedo was a California Highway Patrol officer, rising through the ranks to division chief.
During his nearly 10 year tenure as Austin’s chief, Acevedo was credited for strengthening community ties, but he was criticized for using Twitter to defend police officers. But a poll earlier this year by the Austin Police Association showed that 52 percent of officers thought morale within the department was poor and 42 percent of officers said they didn't think Acevedo could effectively lead the department in the future.
Acevedo was also known for frequent ride-alongs with his patrol officers.
Despite all the praise heaped on him by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Acevedo left a DNA lab at Austin PD which, according to DPS, was staffed by analysts, 2/3 of which were so incompetent that they were not retrainable. And according to the Austin American-Statesman, Acevedo put his resources into the patrol division while neglecting the other Austin police divisions..
Let’s see now: A former California Highway Patrol officer who, as police chief, likes to ride along with his patrol officers. There’s nothing wrong with that … it probably helped strengthen ties between Austin PD and the community. But you can’t do that at the expense of other police divisions.
It sure looks like Mayor Turner hired a frustrated patrolman.
City officials from Austin, including that city’s new police chief, traveled to Houston to be present at Acevedo’s swearing-in ceremony. Hmmm, I wonder … could the real reason they traveled to Houston be that they were glad to be rid of him?
BarkGrowlBite | December 17, 2016
Art Acevedo, Austin’s former police chief, is now the new police chief in Houston. Before he became Austin’s chief, Acevedo was a California Highway Patrol officer, rising through the ranks to division chief.
During his nearly 10 year tenure as Austin’s chief, Acevedo was credited for strengthening community ties, but he was criticized for using Twitter to defend police officers. But a poll earlier this year by the Austin Police Association showed that 52 percent of officers thought morale within the department was poor and 42 percent of officers said they didn't think Acevedo could effectively lead the department in the future.
Acevedo was also known for frequent ride-alongs with his patrol officers.
Despite all the praise heaped on him by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Acevedo left a DNA lab at Austin PD which, according to DPS, was staffed by analysts, 2/3 of which were so incompetent that they were not retrainable. And according to the Austin American-Statesman, Acevedo put his resources into the patrol division while neglecting the other Austin police divisions..
Let’s see now: A former California Highway Patrol officer who, as police chief, likes to ride along with his patrol officers. There’s nothing wrong with that … it probably helped strengthen ties between Austin PD and the community. But you can’t do that at the expense of other police divisions.
It sure looks like Mayor Turner hired a frustrated patrolman.
City officials from Austin, including that city’s new police chief, traveled to Houston to be present at Acevedo’s swearing-in ceremony. Hmmm, I wonder … could the real reason they traveled to Houston be that they were glad to be rid of him?
THE NON-SCIENTIFIC NATURE OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE
The National Academies of Sciences considers forensic evidence, from fingerprint analysis to hair-and-fiber to ballistics to bite marks, to be non-scientific
Grits for Breakfast | December 15, 2016
The 2009 NAS report considered DNA evidence the gold standard of forensics and focused more on the non-scientific nature of nearly all other types of forensic evidence, from fingerprint analysis to hair-and-fiber to ballistics to bite marks. DNA mixture evidence may be a mess, but so are many other types forensic evidence used every day in Texas and American courts. You can put a person in a lab coat but that doesn't make what comes out of their mouth science.
The nation since the election been grappling with the rise of "fake news." But fake science, pseudoscience, whatever you want to call it, has been embedded in American courts for decades, harming more people, certainly, than any climate-change denier has to date.
It makes you wonder: How in heaven's name can this much error with such grave consequences have been tolerated and justified by the justice system for so long? We need forensic analysis and Grits continues to think some forensic disciplines are useful. But being useful doesn't make them science, which is a pretension designed to exaggerate the credibility of analysts and overstate the certainty with which jurors and other stakeholders interpret state testimony about physical evidence.
EDITOR’S NOTE: fingerprints, hair and fibers, ballistic evidence, and bite marks have in many investigations proven to be accurate rather than questionable. Unfortunately, it is however true that some 'analysts' have testified in court to results they knew were questionable, if not downright incorrect, and that includes analysts from the FBI lab.
Slamming all fingerprint, hair and fiber, ballistic and bite mark evidence is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Grits for Breakfast | December 15, 2016
The 2009 NAS report considered DNA evidence the gold standard of forensics and focused more on the non-scientific nature of nearly all other types of forensic evidence, from fingerprint analysis to hair-and-fiber to ballistics to bite marks. DNA mixture evidence may be a mess, but so are many other types forensic evidence used every day in Texas and American courts. You can put a person in a lab coat but that doesn't make what comes out of their mouth science.
The nation since the election been grappling with the rise of "fake news." But fake science, pseudoscience, whatever you want to call it, has been embedded in American courts for decades, harming more people, certainly, than any climate-change denier has to date.
It makes you wonder: How in heaven's name can this much error with such grave consequences have been tolerated and justified by the justice system for so long? We need forensic analysis and Grits continues to think some forensic disciplines are useful. But being useful doesn't make them science, which is a pretension designed to exaggerate the credibility of analysts and overstate the certainty with which jurors and other stakeholders interpret state testimony about physical evidence.
EDITOR’S NOTE: fingerprints, hair and fibers, ballistic evidence, and bite marks have in many investigations proven to be accurate rather than questionable. Unfortunately, it is however true that some 'analysts' have testified in court to results they knew were questionable, if not downright incorrect, and that includes analysts from the FBI lab.
Slamming all fingerprint, hair and fiber, ballistic and bite mark evidence is like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
ADVICE FOR WHEN YOU HAVE THE RED ASS
Hey sorry to post on here but I tried calling and couldn't get a hold of you and you wouldn't reply to my texts either.
I found the information you asked me about. It's called Pruritus, in other words itching anus.
It's quite common and not dangerous, typically caused by not wiping properly. It can also be a sign of hemorrhoids in or around your butt hole.
I still recommend you go see a doctor. Wash it and keep it real clean and wash your hands after you scratch to avoid pink eye because I'm pretty sure that's probably how you got pink eye last time.
Hope this information helps!
I found the information you asked me about. It's called Pruritus, in other words itching anus.
It's quite common and not dangerous, typically caused by not wiping properly. It can also be a sign of hemorrhoids in or around your butt hole.
I still recommend you go see a doctor. Wash it and keep it real clean and wash your hands after you scratch to avoid pink eye because I'm pretty sure that's probably how you got pink eye last time.
Hope this information helps!
Friday, December 16, 2016
DETROIT POLICE CHIEF SLAMS JUDGE OVER DIDMISSAL
By Robert Allen | Detroit Free Press | December 15, 2016
DETROIT -- Detroit Police Chief James Craig says a judge's dismissal of a threat of terrorism charge against a man accused of spray-painting "kill all police" and "kill James Craig" on a building will empower people "who threaten, who shoot at police officers."
"I'm fighting nationally on this issue: We have to be a united front against violence on first responders, against violence on police officers," Craig said at a news conference Wednesday, a day after a district judge dismissed the charge against Stuart H. Lewis, 49, of Detroit.
Lewis was bound over Tuesday for trial on related charges of malicious destruction of a building (maximum penalty: 93 days) and possession with intent to deliver marijuana (four years), according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
But District Judge Deborah Lewis Langston dismissed the terrorism charge, which would have carried up to 20 years in prison, finding that there wasn't enough evidence for it to move forward.
Lewis is accused of spray-painting a commercial building Oct. 20 on the 200 block of West State Fair Avenue, near John R S in Detroit.
Craig, who testified against Lewis at Tuesday's preliminary examination, said he held the news conference to explain his opposition to Langston's decision. He also said the defendant threatened an investigator while he was being interviewed, but that charges weren't pressed on that.
Since mid-September, two Detroit police officers and one Wayne State University police officer have been killed while on duty in the city. In the two Detroit police cases, suspects have been charged with murder, and the investigation on the Wayne State case has resumed after a suspect was released.
This year in the U.S., 137 police officers have died in the line of duty, up 15% from last year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks the data.
Craig said he believes the allegations against Lewis would not have been dismissed if the incident were in Oakland or Macomb counties, As an example, he mentioned the case of Royal Oak doctor and medical-marijuana facility director who is charged with about 22 felony charges alleging threats on Oakland County prosecutors, a retired judge, bailiffs and others. That case is being handled by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office, and the Detroit News reports that a preliminary examination in that case is pending psychiatric testing.
In a separate Wayne County case, Lewis is accused of felonious assault (maximum penalty: five years incarceration) and using a firearm in a felony (two years, consecutive to assault count) stemming from an Oct. 17 incident at his home in the 19900 block of Exeter. In that case, he is accused wielding a BB shotgun when confronting a man who arrived to repossess his truck, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Langston on Tuesday bound over Lewis on both charges.
Lewis is to be arraigned on both cases at 9 a.m. Dec. 20 in Wayne County Circuit Court. His bond in both cases is $25,000 or 10% with a GPS tether.
DETROIT -- Detroit Police Chief James Craig says a judge's dismissal of a threat of terrorism charge against a man accused of spray-painting "kill all police" and "kill James Craig" on a building will empower people "who threaten, who shoot at police officers."
"I'm fighting nationally on this issue: We have to be a united front against violence on first responders, against violence on police officers," Craig said at a news conference Wednesday, a day after a district judge dismissed the charge against Stuart H. Lewis, 49, of Detroit.
Lewis was bound over Tuesday for trial on related charges of malicious destruction of a building (maximum penalty: 93 days) and possession with intent to deliver marijuana (four years), according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
But District Judge Deborah Lewis Langston dismissed the terrorism charge, which would have carried up to 20 years in prison, finding that there wasn't enough evidence for it to move forward.
Lewis is accused of spray-painting a commercial building Oct. 20 on the 200 block of West State Fair Avenue, near John R S in Detroit.
Craig, who testified against Lewis at Tuesday's preliminary examination, said he held the news conference to explain his opposition to Langston's decision. He also said the defendant threatened an investigator while he was being interviewed, but that charges weren't pressed on that.
Since mid-September, two Detroit police officers and one Wayne State University police officer have been killed while on duty in the city. In the two Detroit police cases, suspects have been charged with murder, and the investigation on the Wayne State case has resumed after a suspect was released.
This year in the U.S., 137 police officers have died in the line of duty, up 15% from last year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, which tracks the data.
Craig said he believes the allegations against Lewis would not have been dismissed if the incident were in Oakland or Macomb counties, As an example, he mentioned the case of Royal Oak doctor and medical-marijuana facility director who is charged with about 22 felony charges alleging threats on Oakland County prosecutors, a retired judge, bailiffs and others. That case is being handled by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office, and the Detroit News reports that a preliminary examination in that case is pending psychiatric testing.
In a separate Wayne County case, Lewis is accused of felonious assault (maximum penalty: five years incarceration) and using a firearm in a felony (two years, consecutive to assault count) stemming from an Oct. 17 incident at his home in the 19900 block of Exeter. In that case, he is accused wielding a BB shotgun when confronting a man who arrived to repossess his truck, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Langston on Tuesday bound over Lewis on both charges.
Lewis is to be arraigned on both cases at 9 a.m. Dec. 20 in Wayne County Circuit Court. His bond in both cases is $25,000 or 10% with a GPS tether.
THIRD TIME IS A CHARM
By Bob Walsh
A 27-year old woman, who has not been named by the police, managed to self-rehabilitate Tuesday night after her third crash of the evening.
The CHP got a call of a hit-and-run about 10:10 p.m. on West Lane north of Morada in north Stockton. They found a newish Honda sort of wrapped around a power pole with the driver dead inside. The woman had apparently been involved in two hit-and-runs before in the Fox Creek area of north Stockton and left at a high rate of speed traveling north on West Lane.
It seems that the woman sideswiped a tree on the passenger side of the car, causing the car to roll over onto the drivers side. At that time a power pole jumped out in front of the car and the car slid into it and wrapped the roof around the power pole.
The CHP said that it is unknown if there was a drug or alcohol involvement in the crashes. I am willing to make a modest bet there was. Either that or her exuberance clearly exceeded her level of skill.
A 27-year old woman, who has not been named by the police, managed to self-rehabilitate Tuesday night after her third crash of the evening.
The CHP got a call of a hit-and-run about 10:10 p.m. on West Lane north of Morada in north Stockton. They found a newish Honda sort of wrapped around a power pole with the driver dead inside. The woman had apparently been involved in two hit-and-runs before in the Fox Creek area of north Stockton and left at a high rate of speed traveling north on West Lane.
It seems that the woman sideswiped a tree on the passenger side of the car, causing the car to roll over onto the drivers side. At that time a power pole jumped out in front of the car and the car slid into it and wrapped the roof around the power pole.
The CHP said that it is unknown if there was a drug or alcohol involvement in the crashes. I am willing to make a modest bet there was. Either that or her exuberance clearly exceeded her level of skill.
NEW JERSEY TROOPER ACCUSED OF TARGETING FEMALE DRIVERS
By Mari A. Schaefer | The Philadelphia Inquirer | December 14, 2016
NEWARK, New Jersey -- A New Jersey state trooper has been arrested and suspended from his job after he allegedly stopped female drivers to proposition them, the Office of Attorney General's office announced.
Trooper Marquice Prather, 37, of Linden, was charged with tampering with public records or information for trying to cover his tracks after he conducted the improper traffic stops. He was arrested Friday, released without bail and suspended without pay.
The improper conduct came to light after several women came forward to file a complaint, the AG's office said in a statement released Tuesday.
An investigation by the Office of Professional Standards found Prather pulled over young women between the ages of 20 and 35 and then asked them out or asked for their phone number. Prather would deactivate his wireless microphone during the encounters and then report it had malfunctioned. He would also falsely report the gender of the drivers to conceal the number of women he was pulling over, the investigation revealed.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Shit, and all this time I thought that was the reason for stopping women.
NEWARK, New Jersey -- A New Jersey state trooper has been arrested and suspended from his job after he allegedly stopped female drivers to proposition them, the Office of Attorney General's office announced.
Trooper Marquice Prather, 37, of Linden, was charged with tampering with public records or information for trying to cover his tracks after he conducted the improper traffic stops. He was arrested Friday, released without bail and suspended without pay.
The improper conduct came to light after several women came forward to file a complaint, the AG's office said in a statement released Tuesday.
An investigation by the Office of Professional Standards found Prather pulled over young women between the ages of 20 and 35 and then asked them out or asked for their phone number. Prather would deactivate his wireless microphone during the encounters and then report it had malfunctioned. He would also falsely report the gender of the drivers to conceal the number of women he was pulling over, the investigation revealed.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Shit, and all this time I thought that was the reason for stopping women.
FIRING OF DEPUTY ASLEEP IN COP CAR OVERTURNED
By Steve Miletich | The Seattle Times | December 15, 2016
SEATTLE -- The firing of a King County sheriff's deputy -- who was arrested in Newcastle on New Year's Eve 2013 after being found asleep in his patrol car and showing signs of impairment -- has been overturned by an arbitrator.
Arbitrator Michael Cavanaugh, in a decision issued last month, ordered that Deputy Whitney Richtmyer be reinstated and paid back wages.
Richtmyer has returned to duty and assigned to the records unit as a result of his appeal brought by the King County Police Officers Guild.
The deputy, who joined the Sheriff's Office in 1998, was fired in July 2014 for violations involving criminal conduct and dishonest statements related to his actions the previous New Year's Eve, as well as an investigation that found paperwork, including citations, in his car hadn't been turned in over a four-year period.
Richtmyer was taken into custody after a citizen called 911 to report the deputy was hunched over the steering wheel of his marked vehicle.
Alcohol wasn't suspected, but a Bellevue police drug-recognition expert who was called to the scene believed the deputy was "under the influence of some sort of drug, possibly a narcotic," a sheriff's spokeswoman said after the arrest.
Blood drawn from the deputy was submitted to the State Patrol Toxicology Lab, which ran a standard screen on the sample and did not detect drugs, according to the Bellevue Police Department.
Because that finding was at odds with what the drug-recognition expert observed and the deputy's alleged admission he'd taken prescription drugs during his shift, Bellevue police submitted a blood sample to a lab in Pennsylvania that conducts broader substance screenings.
Bellevue police said that new lab analysis had returned with a positive result for the presence of multiple prescription drugs, all of which have impairing qualities and carry warnings they are not to be used while operating machinery or vehicles.
In the arbitration decision, Cavanaugh disagreed with Sheriff John Urquhart's finding that Richtmyer was physically in control of vehicle while impaired because the deputy had pulled safely off the roadway, as allowed under state law.
Consequently, Cavanaugh wrote, he didn't need to resolve a dispute over whether Richtmyer was actually impaired.
Cavanaugh also found Richtmyer had not been dishonest about his use of medication, as well as other actions related to the incident.
"I agree that initial appearances in this case strongly suggested serious misconduct on the part of Deputy Richtmyer," but "appearances" aren't a sufficient basis for the firing of a law-enforcement officer protected under a collective-bargaining agreement, Cavanaugh found.
Cavanaugh ordered Richtmyer be issued a written reprimand for the paperwork violations in lieu of termination, calling his actions sloppy and procrastination but not deliberate. Termination was too severe, particularly when compared with the prior discipline of another deputy in a similar case, he wrote.
He upheld Urquhart's written reprimands for sleeping on duty and similar conduct that occurred after the incident.
During the arbitration proceedings, the guild said Richtmyer was diagnosed with a sleep disorder after the incident for which he is being treated.
Urquhart, in a statement, said: "Under the collective bargaining agreement, the police union has an opportunity to take discipline cases to an outside arbitrator, which was done in this case. I certainly respect the process, but I believe the arbitrator got it wrong. I stand by my decision to terminate."
SEATTLE -- The firing of a King County sheriff's deputy -- who was arrested in Newcastle on New Year's Eve 2013 after being found asleep in his patrol car and showing signs of impairment -- has been overturned by an arbitrator.
Arbitrator Michael Cavanaugh, in a decision issued last month, ordered that Deputy Whitney Richtmyer be reinstated and paid back wages.
Richtmyer has returned to duty and assigned to the records unit as a result of his appeal brought by the King County Police Officers Guild.
The deputy, who joined the Sheriff's Office in 1998, was fired in July 2014 for violations involving criminal conduct and dishonest statements related to his actions the previous New Year's Eve, as well as an investigation that found paperwork, including citations, in his car hadn't been turned in over a four-year period.
Richtmyer was taken into custody after a citizen called 911 to report the deputy was hunched over the steering wheel of his marked vehicle.
Alcohol wasn't suspected, but a Bellevue police drug-recognition expert who was called to the scene believed the deputy was "under the influence of some sort of drug, possibly a narcotic," a sheriff's spokeswoman said after the arrest.
Blood drawn from the deputy was submitted to the State Patrol Toxicology Lab, which ran a standard screen on the sample and did not detect drugs, according to the Bellevue Police Department.
Because that finding was at odds with what the drug-recognition expert observed and the deputy's alleged admission he'd taken prescription drugs during his shift, Bellevue police submitted a blood sample to a lab in Pennsylvania that conducts broader substance screenings.
Bellevue police said that new lab analysis had returned with a positive result for the presence of multiple prescription drugs, all of which have impairing qualities and carry warnings they are not to be used while operating machinery or vehicles.
In the arbitration decision, Cavanaugh disagreed with Sheriff John Urquhart's finding that Richtmyer was physically in control of vehicle while impaired because the deputy had pulled safely off the roadway, as allowed under state law.
Consequently, Cavanaugh wrote, he didn't need to resolve a dispute over whether Richtmyer was actually impaired.
Cavanaugh also found Richtmyer had not been dishonest about his use of medication, as well as other actions related to the incident.
"I agree that initial appearances in this case strongly suggested serious misconduct on the part of Deputy Richtmyer," but "appearances" aren't a sufficient basis for the firing of a law-enforcement officer protected under a collective-bargaining agreement, Cavanaugh found.
Cavanaugh ordered Richtmyer be issued a written reprimand for the paperwork violations in lieu of termination, calling his actions sloppy and procrastination but not deliberate. Termination was too severe, particularly when compared with the prior discipline of another deputy in a similar case, he wrote.
He upheld Urquhart's written reprimands for sleeping on duty and similar conduct that occurred after the incident.
During the arbitration proceedings, the guild said Richtmyer was diagnosed with a sleep disorder after the incident for which he is being treated.
Urquhart, in a statement, said: "Under the collective bargaining agreement, the police union has an opportunity to take discipline cases to an outside arbitrator, which was done in this case. I certainly respect the process, but I believe the arbitrator got it wrong. I stand by my decision to terminate."
Thursday, December 15, 2016
YOUR KEYLESS CAR IS AT RISK OF BEING STOLEN
Auto theft prevention expert Harry Dunne says: Never ever valet park.
And I never lock or unlock my car with the fob. I lock it bu pressing the button by the door handle. To unlock it, all I have to do is pull the door handle. No code transmission s from my fob.
RECOUNT FOUND SIGNIFICANT FRAUD … JUST IN THE WRONG PLACES
By Bob Walsh
Yup, it's true. The Wisconsin recount ended up with Trump picking up 131 more votes than he had in the first place. That, however, is not IMHO the REAL story.
The real story was in Michigan, where a federal judge stopped the recount. The partial recount found a SIGNIFICANT overcount in Detroit, which is, as one might expect, heavily Democrat. In 2/3 of the precincts that were counted, which was only slightly more than 40 % of the total, more votes were counted than there were registered voters in the precinct. One precinct in Wayne County counted 306 votes but had only 50 actual ballots.
Krista Haroutunian, chairwoman of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, remarked, ":This isn't normal." It was unclear whether she meant the massive fraud was not normal or getting caught at it wasn't normal.
The microscopic number of Republican lawmakers in the state are calling for a probe. I am confident that the U.S. Department of Justice will get right on that. (Gag gag cough cough puke.)
Yup, it's true. The Wisconsin recount ended up with Trump picking up 131 more votes than he had in the first place. That, however, is not IMHO the REAL story.
The real story was in Michigan, where a federal judge stopped the recount. The partial recount found a SIGNIFICANT overcount in Detroit, which is, as one might expect, heavily Democrat. In 2/3 of the precincts that were counted, which was only slightly more than 40 % of the total, more votes were counted than there were registered voters in the precinct. One precinct in Wayne County counted 306 votes but had only 50 actual ballots.
Krista Haroutunian, chairwoman of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, remarked, ":This isn't normal." It was unclear whether she meant the massive fraud was not normal or getting caught at it wasn't normal.
The microscopic number of Republican lawmakers in the state are calling for a probe. I am confident that the U.S. Department of Justice will get right on that. (Gag gag cough cough puke.)
COP LOSES EYE TO KICK BY DRUNK WOMAN
By Bob Walsh
On Saturday night Yesennia Gonzalez, 28, was stopped for suspected drunk driving in Pima County, AZ. As officers put Ms. Gonzalez in the back of a patrol car she became aggressive and started kicking. She nailed Sgt. Mark Bustamante in the eye with one of her high heels. Surgery was unable to save his eye.
Ms. Gonzalez is facing charges of resisting arrest, DUI and aggravated assault on an officer.
The Sgt. will very likely lose his career due to this drunken asshole. I hope they nail her to the max for everything they can manage and then destroy her in a civil suit. The woman has NOTHING coming. I don't know if the charge of Mayhem applies to this in Arizona, but it sure as hell should.
On Saturday night Yesennia Gonzalez, 28, was stopped for suspected drunk driving in Pima County, AZ. As officers put Ms. Gonzalez in the back of a patrol car she became aggressive and started kicking. She nailed Sgt. Mark Bustamante in the eye with one of her high heels. Surgery was unable to save his eye.
Ms. Gonzalez is facing charges of resisting arrest, DUI and aggravated assault on an officer.
The Sgt. will very likely lose his career due to this drunken asshole. I hope they nail her to the max for everything they can manage and then destroy her in a civil suit. The woman has NOTHING coming. I don't know if the charge of Mayhem applies to this in Arizona, but it sure as hell should.
LIAR PROSECUTED FOR FALSE REPORT
By Bob Walsh
Yasmin Seweid is an 18-year old student at Baruch College in New York. She is now in police custody. (Actually she has probably been released by this evening, pending a trial date.)
She reported being harassed on the New York subway by three white men, allegedly vocal Trump supporters who called her a "fucking terrorist" and (again allegedly) attempted to tear her head scarf off. Also allegedly none of the other people on the car attempted to help her. At some point she disappeared and was reported missing by her parents, though she later surfaced at a friends house. She wasted many hours of police time going over video attempting to identify her claimed attackers. They never existed. She is now facing charges of filing a false police report.
In a similar case, with a "better" outcome, a Muslim student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette reported being assaulted and robbed by two white men on election night following Trump's, however that student admitted to making the whole thing up and was not charged with filing a false report. The young Ms. Seweid election had numerous opportunities to come clean and did not.
She and her family are blaming the incident on a misguided attempt to avoid personal and family pressure and not on any political motive.
Yasmin Seweid is an 18-year old student at Baruch College in New York. She is now in police custody. (Actually she has probably been released by this evening, pending a trial date.)
She reported being harassed on the New York subway by three white men, allegedly vocal Trump supporters who called her a "fucking terrorist" and (again allegedly) attempted to tear her head scarf off. Also allegedly none of the other people on the car attempted to help her. At some point she disappeared and was reported missing by her parents, though she later surfaced at a friends house. She wasted many hours of police time going over video attempting to identify her claimed attackers. They never existed. She is now facing charges of filing a false police report.
In a similar case, with a "better" outcome, a Muslim student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette reported being assaulted and robbed by two white men on election night following Trump's, however that student admitted to making the whole thing up and was not charged with filing a false report. The young Ms. Seweid election had numerous opportunities to come clean and did not.
She and her family are blaming the incident on a misguided attempt to avoid personal and family pressure and not on any political motive.
SOMETIMES BUYER BEWARE IS DIFFICULT
By Bob Walsh
There are some financial transactions that are by their nature anonymous. It is therefore difficult for the buyer to truly be aware of what he or she is buying. Some of these transactions have significant downstream costs, both personal and financial.
Sperm Donor 9623 was very popular. In fact 9623 is the biological father of 36 children in the U. S., U. K. and Canada. He is presented as having an I.Q. of 160, speaking four languages, in good health and holding a Master’s Degree while working towards a doctorate in in neuroscience engineering. Problem is, 9623 is actually a convicted felon with a significant history of psych episodes and hospitalization. Some of his psych issues are believed to have both genetic and hereditary origins. His entire background as presented to sperm purchasers was a complete fraud. He in fact worked as a janitor and was a high school dropout And now the Xytex Corporation, the purveyor of 9623’s seed, is being sued. A lot.
Allegedly Xytex has made zero effort to verify any of the statements made by 9623, or presumably that of any of its other donors. In fact it is being alleged that Xytex assisted him in inflating his resume.
One interesting thing is that Xytex is headquartered in Atlanta and Georgia state law does not recognize the concept of “wrongful birth.” The situation developed after Zytex inadvertently released the real name of donor 9623 and some of the legal parents of his children decided to do some research. They were more than a little upset by what they found.
I guess sometimes you should just go out and pick up some guy in a bar and hope for the best.
There are some financial transactions that are by their nature anonymous. It is therefore difficult for the buyer to truly be aware of what he or she is buying. Some of these transactions have significant downstream costs, both personal and financial.
Sperm Donor 9623 was very popular. In fact 9623 is the biological father of 36 children in the U. S., U. K. and Canada. He is presented as having an I.Q. of 160, speaking four languages, in good health and holding a Master’s Degree while working towards a doctorate in in neuroscience engineering. Problem is, 9623 is actually a convicted felon with a significant history of psych episodes and hospitalization. Some of his psych issues are believed to have both genetic and hereditary origins. His entire background as presented to sperm purchasers was a complete fraud. He in fact worked as a janitor and was a high school dropout And now the Xytex Corporation, the purveyor of 9623’s seed, is being sued. A lot.
Allegedly Xytex has made zero effort to verify any of the statements made by 9623, or presumably that of any of its other donors. In fact it is being alleged that Xytex assisted him in inflating his resume.
One interesting thing is that Xytex is headquartered in Atlanta and Georgia state law does not recognize the concept of “wrongful birth.” The situation developed after Zytex inadvertently released the real name of donor 9623 and some of the legal parents of his children decided to do some research. They were more than a little upset by what they found.
I guess sometimes you should just go out and pick up some guy in a bar and hope for the best.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
TAKE YOUR CRUMB SNATCHER TO WORK
By Bob Walsh
Donald Rucker, 41, is a denizen of the greater Stockton area. On Monday he decided it would be a good thing to take his son, 5 years old, to work with him.
Unfortunately Rucker's work is as an unlicensed pharmaceutical distributor. That afternoon Code Enforcement was paying a visit to the Stockton Travelers Motel which is conveniently just up the street from the P.D. The cops were backing up Code Enforcement, which is neither unreasonable nor unusual in Stockton. In any event they entered Rucker's room and found the crumb snatcher, a loaded TEC-9 pistol and a significant amount money as well as assorted drugs.
The child's mother retrieved him from the cops. They are still looking for daddy.
Donald Rucker, 41, is a denizen of the greater Stockton area. On Monday he decided it would be a good thing to take his son, 5 years old, to work with him.
Unfortunately Rucker's work is as an unlicensed pharmaceutical distributor. That afternoon Code Enforcement was paying a visit to the Stockton Travelers Motel which is conveniently just up the street from the P.D. The cops were backing up Code Enforcement, which is neither unreasonable nor unusual in Stockton. In any event they entered Rucker's room and found the crumb snatcher, a loaded TEC-9 pistol and a significant amount money as well as assorted drugs.
The child's mother retrieved him from the cops. They are still looking for daddy.
NEARLY FIVE DECADES AFTER BEING PULLED FROM A BURNING CAR, A CHANCE TO SAY ‘THANK YOU’
By Tom Jackman | The Washington Post | December 13, 2016
It was sometime after 1 a.m., and rookie police officer Glenn Poe had drawn the midnight shift, cruising up Pickett Road in Fairfax City, Va., in the dark. Then a car roared past him, careening all over the road, in the opposite direction. Poe wheeled his patrol car around and took off in pursuit. But before he could catch up, he watched in horror as the car clipped one oncoming vehicle, then swerved completely into the other lane and smashed head-on into a much smaller car.
Gary Eckstein was driving the smaller car. It was February 1969 and he was 19 years old, a newly minted sailor in the U.S. Navy, home for the weekend and heading for a Fairfax City pizza joint in his dress blues. The last thing he remembers about that day is getting off the bus from Norfolk, where he was stationed on the USS Neosho. He awoke from a coma after three days, and spent the next nine months in Bethesda Naval Hospital with a broken arm, numerous head and internal injuries and a broken jaw, wired shut. He was told he’d been hurled from the tiny Morris Minor car he was driving by the force of the head-on collision.
Eckstein eventually recovered, got married and had children, moved away from Virginia and then back. And he always wondered about the accident, its lasting effects, and the officer who happened to be there. “I was brought up to say thank you,” Eckstein, now 67, said. “And how cool would that be, if I could find him?”
All he knew was “Officer Poe.” But when Eckstein called Fairfax City police, a civilian employee named Gail Hicks helped connect him with Poe, now 78 and living in southwestern Virginia. When Poe traveled to Northern Virginia for Thanksgiving, the two had an emotional reunion, and Eckstein learned much more about the pivotal event in his life than he ever knew.
First, Poe told him, Eckstein was not ejected from his car. His small British sedan flipped onto its top and burst into flames. Poe darted out of his car and ran to the Minor, but the door was jammed. “Some way, I got it opened,” Poe said.
Then he looked inside and saw the unconscious Eckstein. “His face was on fire,” Poe said. “His hair was on fire. I remember taking my hand and rubbing his face. I got burned on my hand a little. And I know I pulled him out because I was afraid the car was about to explode.”
Things suddenly fell into place for Eckstein. He has extensive numb patches on his scalp and side of his face but never knew exactly why. And he recalled that the first time he saw his face in the mirror at Bethesda Naval Hospital, one side was covered with a bright orange solution, although he didn’t end up with burn marks.
Eckstein realized that he hadn’t been ejected from his car, that Poe hadn’t just happened on the scene and called for an ambulance. Poe had saved his 19-year-old life.
“I didn’t know what to say,” Eckstein said, recalling the moment Poe told him the story. “I had to explain how happy and thrilled I was. I told him, ‘Here’s my wife and kids. You made all this happen.’ ”
Poe was humble in the classically understated police style. “I was just doing my job when the guy hit him,” Poe said the other day. “He’s a nice man,” he said of Eckstein. “Very pleasant wife. It’s nice to see somebody that you’ve done something good for.”
But his daughter Natalie, who hosted the reunion at her home in Chantilly, Va., said her father “was really touched by his [Eckstein’s] gratitude.” She added that her father “was surprised that he [Eckstein] survived the accident; apparently his injuries were severe.”
Poe’s memories of the crash are remarkably vivid nearly 48 years later. But most police officers never actually witness a crash; they just deal with the aftermath. Here, Poe had a clear view of a terrifically violent impact, possibly fatal, and then dashed into the middle of it. All in his first few months on the job.
Natalie Poe noted that “being a police officer was the core of who my father was as I was growing up. It was a job he took pride in . . . Through his career, he made lifelong friends in the community. And still to this day, he runs into people whose paths he had crossed.”
Eckstein enjoyed a career as a graphic artist, recently retired and settled in Fairfax City. He grew up in Annandale, Va., graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1968 and entered the Navy that fall, figuring it was the safest option if he was going to be sent to Vietnam. On Feb. 14, 1969, he took a bus home from Norfolk for a weekend leave.
Poe grew up in Abingdon, Va., worked for an electrical contractor in Northern Virginia after high school, got drafted and served in the Army, returned to Northern Virginia, worked for several more years and eventually signed up to be a cop in 1968.
And so both men found themselves driving north on then-two-lane Pickett Road in the early morning of Feb. 15, 1969. Eckstein has no memory of the night. Poe said he saw a southbound car “driving erratically all over the road. I made a U-turn and was in pursuit.”
Poe said the car was a four-door 1964 Plymouth sedan. It was driven by 24-year-old Lexie R. Mullins, court records show. “I was trying to catch up to him,” Poe recalled. “He was driving at a high rate of speed. He hit one car, then he hit the little Morris Minor head on. It went up in the air, and it was upside down when he came down. It was burning.”
The collision occurred in front of the huge gasoline tank farm on Pickett Road, the only development along that stretch in 1969. Poe radioed for backup, although he’s pretty sure there was only one other officer on duty in the small town, and for an ambulance. Then he raced to the Minor and pulled Eckstein out. Having done that, Poe said he went back to the Plymouth and found that Mullins “wasn’t very cooperative. But he wasn’t going anywhere, his car was tore up, too.”
Poe said that he arrested Mullins and charged him with drunken driving, but he did not recall the outcome. Fairfax general district court records from the 1960s no longer exist, nor do Fairfax City’s police reports. In 1970, Eckstein’s parents sued Mullins on behalf of their son in Fairfax circuit court, court records show. Eckstein received a settlement check for $20,000 in 1971, and the case was dismissed. Mullins could not be located for comment. Court records show that he was convicted of drunk driving in 1994, 1998 and 2001, the last resulting in a felony conviction, six-month jail sentence and the indefinite loss of his license, which was restored in 2010.
Several weeks after the accident, Eckstein’s mother sent a letter to the Fairfax City police chief, recommending Officer Poe for “a promotion or a citation or whatever can be done for a person so deserving.” June Eckstein recounted the accident in her letter, repeating the misunderstanding that Eckstein had been thrown “clear of the car and then the car rolled over top of him.” She noted that an ambulance arrived quickly and “If it hadn’t been for Officer Poe’s quick action and help, our son might not have made it.” June Eckstein concluded, “We do hope that more than just our heartfelt thanks will go to Officer Poe for his outstanding deed.”
Well, no. A commendation or award? “Back then, those were hard to come by,” Poe said. “Depended on your supervisor.” He did not receive any notice for his actions, and had never seen June Eckstein’s letter on his behalf until he met with Fairfax City police officials last Friday and received a copy. They provided him with a sheaf of complimentary letters, nearly 90 pages in all, written by various people he’d come in contact with over his 20 years on the force.
When Gary Eckstein reached out to the Fairfax City police earlier this year, he was given Poe’s phone number and they spoke briefly. He learned that Poe was headed to Northern Virginia for Thanksgiving, so he messaged Poe’s daughter to see if he might stop by, and she said yes.
“As I was finishing up meal preparation, the doorbell rang,” Natalie Poe said. “When I answered, no introductions were needed. Gary’s huge smile was looking back at me.” She walked Eckstein and his wife, Sethe, in to meet Poe.
“My dad was sitting in a recliner by the fire,” Natalie Poe said, “and I didn’t really have to finish with the formal introductions, they both shook hands and instantly reconnected. Sethe and I let them have some time alone to talk about everything that had occurred all those years ago. The visit was way too short, but was the highlight of our holiday. It’s rare that anyone would take the time and effort to hunt someone down after all these years just to say ‘thank you.’ ”
Fairfax City police Chief Carl Pardiny started on the force shortly after Poe retired, but he had heard of the veteran officer and said “he’s just a real soft-spoken southern gentleman. The story itself is just remarkable. Our officers go out and do their jobs every day to save lives and make a difference in people’s lives without wanting praise or awards or honors. He pulled this gentleman from the burning car. I’d never heard the story before.”
Eckstein hadn’t heard much of the story himself before Thanksgiving Day. “It was the most amazing thing,” Eckstein said. “He still had all these pretty vivid memories of what happened there. It was just so amazing that I could finally talk to him. I had to do this. I had to talk to the guy. If he hadn’t been there as fast as he was, I would’ve been a goner.”
It was sometime after 1 a.m., and rookie police officer Glenn Poe had drawn the midnight shift, cruising up Pickett Road in Fairfax City, Va., in the dark. Then a car roared past him, careening all over the road, in the opposite direction. Poe wheeled his patrol car around and took off in pursuit. But before he could catch up, he watched in horror as the car clipped one oncoming vehicle, then swerved completely into the other lane and smashed head-on into a much smaller car.
Gary Eckstein was driving the smaller car. It was February 1969 and he was 19 years old, a newly minted sailor in the U.S. Navy, home for the weekend and heading for a Fairfax City pizza joint in his dress blues. The last thing he remembers about that day is getting off the bus from Norfolk, where he was stationed on the USS Neosho. He awoke from a coma after three days, and spent the next nine months in Bethesda Naval Hospital with a broken arm, numerous head and internal injuries and a broken jaw, wired shut. He was told he’d been hurled from the tiny Morris Minor car he was driving by the force of the head-on collision.
Eckstein eventually recovered, got married and had children, moved away from Virginia and then back. And he always wondered about the accident, its lasting effects, and the officer who happened to be there. “I was brought up to say thank you,” Eckstein, now 67, said. “And how cool would that be, if I could find him?”
All he knew was “Officer Poe.” But when Eckstein called Fairfax City police, a civilian employee named Gail Hicks helped connect him with Poe, now 78 and living in southwestern Virginia. When Poe traveled to Northern Virginia for Thanksgiving, the two had an emotional reunion, and Eckstein learned much more about the pivotal event in his life than he ever knew.
First, Poe told him, Eckstein was not ejected from his car. His small British sedan flipped onto its top and burst into flames. Poe darted out of his car and ran to the Minor, but the door was jammed. “Some way, I got it opened,” Poe said.
Then he looked inside and saw the unconscious Eckstein. “His face was on fire,” Poe said. “His hair was on fire. I remember taking my hand and rubbing his face. I got burned on my hand a little. And I know I pulled him out because I was afraid the car was about to explode.”
Things suddenly fell into place for Eckstein. He has extensive numb patches on his scalp and side of his face but never knew exactly why. And he recalled that the first time he saw his face in the mirror at Bethesda Naval Hospital, one side was covered with a bright orange solution, although he didn’t end up with burn marks.
Eckstein realized that he hadn’t been ejected from his car, that Poe hadn’t just happened on the scene and called for an ambulance. Poe had saved his 19-year-old life.
“I didn’t know what to say,” Eckstein said, recalling the moment Poe told him the story. “I had to explain how happy and thrilled I was. I told him, ‘Here’s my wife and kids. You made all this happen.’ ”
Poe was humble in the classically understated police style. “I was just doing my job when the guy hit him,” Poe said the other day. “He’s a nice man,” he said of Eckstein. “Very pleasant wife. It’s nice to see somebody that you’ve done something good for.”
But his daughter Natalie, who hosted the reunion at her home in Chantilly, Va., said her father “was really touched by his [Eckstein’s] gratitude.” She added that her father “was surprised that he [Eckstein] survived the accident; apparently his injuries were severe.”
Poe’s memories of the crash are remarkably vivid nearly 48 years later. But most police officers never actually witness a crash; they just deal with the aftermath. Here, Poe had a clear view of a terrifically violent impact, possibly fatal, and then dashed into the middle of it. All in his first few months on the job.
Natalie Poe noted that “being a police officer was the core of who my father was as I was growing up. It was a job he took pride in . . . Through his career, he made lifelong friends in the community. And still to this day, he runs into people whose paths he had crossed.”
Eckstein enjoyed a career as a graphic artist, recently retired and settled in Fairfax City. He grew up in Annandale, Va., graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1968 and entered the Navy that fall, figuring it was the safest option if he was going to be sent to Vietnam. On Feb. 14, 1969, he took a bus home from Norfolk for a weekend leave.
Poe grew up in Abingdon, Va., worked for an electrical contractor in Northern Virginia after high school, got drafted and served in the Army, returned to Northern Virginia, worked for several more years and eventually signed up to be a cop in 1968.
And so both men found themselves driving north on then-two-lane Pickett Road in the early morning of Feb. 15, 1969. Eckstein has no memory of the night. Poe said he saw a southbound car “driving erratically all over the road. I made a U-turn and was in pursuit.”
Poe said the car was a four-door 1964 Plymouth sedan. It was driven by 24-year-old Lexie R. Mullins, court records show. “I was trying to catch up to him,” Poe recalled. “He was driving at a high rate of speed. He hit one car, then he hit the little Morris Minor head on. It went up in the air, and it was upside down when he came down. It was burning.”
The collision occurred in front of the huge gasoline tank farm on Pickett Road, the only development along that stretch in 1969. Poe radioed for backup, although he’s pretty sure there was only one other officer on duty in the small town, and for an ambulance. Then he raced to the Minor and pulled Eckstein out. Having done that, Poe said he went back to the Plymouth and found that Mullins “wasn’t very cooperative. But he wasn’t going anywhere, his car was tore up, too.”
Poe said that he arrested Mullins and charged him with drunken driving, but he did not recall the outcome. Fairfax general district court records from the 1960s no longer exist, nor do Fairfax City’s police reports. In 1970, Eckstein’s parents sued Mullins on behalf of their son in Fairfax circuit court, court records show. Eckstein received a settlement check for $20,000 in 1971, and the case was dismissed. Mullins could not be located for comment. Court records show that he was convicted of drunk driving in 1994, 1998 and 2001, the last resulting in a felony conviction, six-month jail sentence and the indefinite loss of his license, which was restored in 2010.
Several weeks after the accident, Eckstein’s mother sent a letter to the Fairfax City police chief, recommending Officer Poe for “a promotion or a citation or whatever can be done for a person so deserving.” June Eckstein recounted the accident in her letter, repeating the misunderstanding that Eckstein had been thrown “clear of the car and then the car rolled over top of him.” She noted that an ambulance arrived quickly and “If it hadn’t been for Officer Poe’s quick action and help, our son might not have made it.” June Eckstein concluded, “We do hope that more than just our heartfelt thanks will go to Officer Poe for his outstanding deed.”
Well, no. A commendation or award? “Back then, those were hard to come by,” Poe said. “Depended on your supervisor.” He did not receive any notice for his actions, and had never seen June Eckstein’s letter on his behalf until he met with Fairfax City police officials last Friday and received a copy. They provided him with a sheaf of complimentary letters, nearly 90 pages in all, written by various people he’d come in contact with over his 20 years on the force.
When Gary Eckstein reached out to the Fairfax City police earlier this year, he was given Poe’s phone number and they spoke briefly. He learned that Poe was headed to Northern Virginia for Thanksgiving, so he messaged Poe’s daughter to see if he might stop by, and she said yes.
“As I was finishing up meal preparation, the doorbell rang,” Natalie Poe said. “When I answered, no introductions were needed. Gary’s huge smile was looking back at me.” She walked Eckstein and his wife, Sethe, in to meet Poe.
“My dad was sitting in a recliner by the fire,” Natalie Poe said, “and I didn’t really have to finish with the formal introductions, they both shook hands and instantly reconnected. Sethe and I let them have some time alone to talk about everything that had occurred all those years ago. The visit was way too short, but was the highlight of our holiday. It’s rare that anyone would take the time and effort to hunt someone down after all these years just to say ‘thank you.’ ”
Fairfax City police Chief Carl Pardiny started on the force shortly after Poe retired, but he had heard of the veteran officer and said “he’s just a real soft-spoken southern gentleman. The story itself is just remarkable. Our officers go out and do their jobs every day to save lives and make a difference in people’s lives without wanting praise or awards or honors. He pulled this gentleman from the burning car. I’d never heard the story before.”
Eckstein hadn’t heard much of the story himself before Thanksgiving Day. “It was the most amazing thing,” Eckstein said. “He still had all these pretty vivid memories of what happened there. It was just so amazing that I could finally talk to him. I had to do this. I had to talk to the guy. If he hadn’t been there as fast as he was, I would’ve been a goner.”
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
FROM FAMOUS VICTIM OF HOUSTON POLICE BRUTALITY TO COLD BLOODED MURDERER
Chad Holley, who gained international fame in 2010 when a video showed the 15-year-old African-American youth being beaten and kicked by seven Houston cops during a burglary arrest, is now charged with capital murder
BarkGrowlBite | December 13, 2016
Some humans are just nothing more than plain worthless pieces of shit that are beyond redemption. Chad Holley, an African-American youth, is a good example.
Back in 2010 when Holley was 15-years old, he was chased by a bunch of Houston cops who wanted to bust him for a burglary. Apparently he did something to really piss the cops off because when they caught him, they were shown on video beating and kicking the little piece of shit.
Holley gained international fame from the video. Although the whole world was pulling for Holley, he was nevertheless found guilty of committing burglary and ordered to serve probation until he turned 18.
The cops on the other hand did not fare as well. Seven Houston officers were fired and five more were disciplined. Four of the cops were charged with Official Oppression, but the first one to be tried was acquitted. Subsequently two of the cops pleaded no contest and the fourth was convicted at trial. Those three were placed on probation for the misdemeanor.
Of course the story doesn’t end there. Holley got off probation in April 2012. Just two months later, Holley was busted for another burglary. The piece of shit blamed his criminal behavior on a heavy use of marijuana.
Quanell X, a local rabble rouser, claimed that the piece of shit was a mentally ill special needs student who was off his meds and did not comprehend the consequences of his criminal behavior.
During his sentencing hearing in April 2013, family members and others testified that Holley was now a changed man, having recently become a father and having recognized the error of his ways. His aunt testified that the acquittal of the officer charged in the 2010 beating shattered Holley's self-esteem.
State District Judge David Mendoza fell for all the crap piled up by his supporters. Instead of sentencing him to prison, the bleeding heart judge placed Holley on seven years of probation. Judge Mendoza explained that he wanted to give the black youth a chance to turn his life around.
Did Holley thereafter turn his life around? Of course not! But he did turn around the life of another man by murdering him during an attempted robbery. What Judge Mendoza did do was to give Holley the chance to graduate from being a burglar to being a murderous armed robber.
On Monday, while he was sitting in jail after having been busted in October for another burglary, Holley, now 22, was charged with capital murder.
Investigators determined that the murder of David Trejo-Gonzalez, 42, last September was committed by Holley. Trejo-Gonzalez was confronted by Holley as he got out of his car to enter his apartment. Holley demanded the victim’s money, then shot him to death in cold blood.
Now Quanell X chirps:
“I’ve had a chance to speak with the Holley family and I’ve spoken to Chad he vigorously denies he has killed anyone. I’ve known Chad since he was 15 years old. Chad has had many problems but the Chad Holley I know I would be hard pressed to believe he’s a killer. I promised Chad Holley’s mother on her deathbed that I would keep an eye Chad who is not a perfect young man but God is not through with he yet. I will reserve judgment and I ask the public to do also until we learn all the facts. I will be in court tomorrow with Chad’s fiancé, his children and family.”
Nice try, Quanell, but you forgot to mention that the tooth fairy did it.
And thank you, Judge Mendoza, for having sprung this worthless piece of shit loose so he could turn himself into a cold blooded murderer.
BarkGrowlBite | December 13, 2016
Some humans are just nothing more than plain worthless pieces of shit that are beyond redemption. Chad Holley, an African-American youth, is a good example.
Back in 2010 when Holley was 15-years old, he was chased by a bunch of Houston cops who wanted to bust him for a burglary. Apparently he did something to really piss the cops off because when they caught him, they were shown on video beating and kicking the little piece of shit.
Holley gained international fame from the video. Although the whole world was pulling for Holley, he was nevertheless found guilty of committing burglary and ordered to serve probation until he turned 18.
The cops on the other hand did not fare as well. Seven Houston officers were fired and five more were disciplined. Four of the cops were charged with Official Oppression, but the first one to be tried was acquitted. Subsequently two of the cops pleaded no contest and the fourth was convicted at trial. Those three were placed on probation for the misdemeanor.
Of course the story doesn’t end there. Holley got off probation in April 2012. Just two months later, Holley was busted for another burglary. The piece of shit blamed his criminal behavior on a heavy use of marijuana.
Quanell X, a local rabble rouser, claimed that the piece of shit was a mentally ill special needs student who was off his meds and did not comprehend the consequences of his criminal behavior.
During his sentencing hearing in April 2013, family members and others testified that Holley was now a changed man, having recently become a father and having recognized the error of his ways. His aunt testified that the acquittal of the officer charged in the 2010 beating shattered Holley's self-esteem.
State District Judge David Mendoza fell for all the crap piled up by his supporters. Instead of sentencing him to prison, the bleeding heart judge placed Holley on seven years of probation. Judge Mendoza explained that he wanted to give the black youth a chance to turn his life around.
Did Holley thereafter turn his life around? Of course not! But he did turn around the life of another man by murdering him during an attempted robbery. What Judge Mendoza did do was to give Holley the chance to graduate from being a burglar to being a murderous armed robber.
On Monday, while he was sitting in jail after having been busted in October for another burglary, Holley, now 22, was charged with capital murder.
Investigators determined that the murder of David Trejo-Gonzalez, 42, last September was committed by Holley. Trejo-Gonzalez was confronted by Holley as he got out of his car to enter his apartment. Holley demanded the victim’s money, then shot him to death in cold blood.
Now Quanell X chirps:
“I’ve had a chance to speak with the Holley family and I’ve spoken to Chad he vigorously denies he has killed anyone. I’ve known Chad since he was 15 years old. Chad has had many problems but the Chad Holley I know I would be hard pressed to believe he’s a killer. I promised Chad Holley’s mother on her deathbed that I would keep an eye Chad who is not a perfect young man but God is not through with he yet. I will reserve judgment and I ask the public to do also until we learn all the facts. I will be in court tomorrow with Chad’s fiancé, his children and family.”
Nice try, Quanell, but you forgot to mention that the tooth fairy did it.
And thank you, Judge Mendoza, for having sprung this worthless piece of shit loose so he could turn himself into a cold blooded murderer.
LIVE DEATH
By Bob Walsh
I have to admit I don't know quite what to say or even feel about this one, but it is definitely out there in the Twilight Zone.
In the wee hours of Wednesday two girls were driving along the road in Pennsylvania, minding their own business more or less, if you call live-streaming your drive down the road in the wee hours minding your own business. In any event everything was going well when suddenly bright lights illuminated the inside of their car and a tractor-trailer tail-ended their car. The 18 and `19 year olds both died in the fiery crash. The video continued to stream, with seven or eight minutes of dead air and then picking up a blurry bearded man.
It is unknown if the truck driver, Michael Jay Parks, will be charged. The streaming video is being preserved for possible evidence.
I have to admit I don't know quite what to say or even feel about this one, but it is definitely out there in the Twilight Zone.
In the wee hours of Wednesday two girls were driving along the road in Pennsylvania, minding their own business more or less, if you call live-streaming your drive down the road in the wee hours minding your own business. In any event everything was going well when suddenly bright lights illuminated the inside of their car and a tractor-trailer tail-ended their car. The 18 and `19 year olds both died in the fiery crash. The video continued to stream, with seven or eight minutes of dead air and then picking up a blurry bearded man.
It is unknown if the truck driver, Michael Jay Parks, will be charged. The streaming video is being preserved for possible evidence.
LOW-COST SELF-REHABILITATION
By Bob Walsh
At about 8:30 on Saturday the San Jose P.D. attempted a car stop one a woman driving a stolen car. Instead of stopping she took off. The cops did not pursue. A little less than one minute later a light pole jumped out in front of the woman and she drove into it at high speed, thereby self-rehabilitating. The now rehabilitated car thief's name has not yet been released, pending notification of next-of-kin.
I personally have a hard time getting too worked up about someone who would recklessly flee the cops to get out of a lousy stolen car beef. As far as I am concerned we traded one undesirable asshole for the price of a car. I can live with that.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Those jumping light poles are unforgiving. So are jumping trees.
At about 8:30 on Saturday the San Jose P.D. attempted a car stop one a woman driving a stolen car. Instead of stopping she took off. The cops did not pursue. A little less than one minute later a light pole jumped out in front of the woman and she drove into it at high speed, thereby self-rehabilitating. The now rehabilitated car thief's name has not yet been released, pending notification of next-of-kin.
I personally have a hard time getting too worked up about someone who would recklessly flee the cops to get out of a lousy stolen car beef. As far as I am concerned we traded one undesirable asshole for the price of a car. I can live with that.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Those jumping light poles are unforgiving. So are jumping trees.
WHY CAN’T CALIFORNIA DO THIS RIGHT??
By Bob Walsh
One would think that the formerly great state of California could arrange to have a computer system built correctly, wouldn't one? One would be wrong.
I was peripherally involved in one such abject failure with the Department of Corrections. Much of the reason that expensive system flopped was the department personnel involved with not competent. They were homeboys, road dogs and hacks. They got a nice 8-5 M-F job for a few months so the people who got those jobs were relatives, fishing buddies and sex partners of the people making the personnel decisions. They were not people who had any real knowledge of how I.T. systems worked or even what the department really needed. The state also has the bad habit of buying systems with multiple suppliers, so the hardware people blame the software people, the software people blame the hardware and the department people haven't a clue because they are road dogs and not techies.
There have been similar expensive failures recently within the court system and for the D.M.V. Just think of how fucked up you have to be to be a fuck-up by DMV standards.
Enter, or perhaps re-enter, the Department of Corrections. They want an electronic medical records system. They have been told by the federal court receiver that they NEED and WILL HAVE an electronic medical records system. OK, that's cool. What then.
Well, the price has almost doubled to right around $400 million. It seems like the original estimate (maybe a deliberate low0ball) left out things like maintenance cost and hardware replacement. It also seems that nobody realized that the state would need to buy many thousands of portable electronic devices, like lap-tops and tablets, to access things. They also didn't both to think that maybe things like inmate requests to see medical personnel should be incorporated into the system.
Also they have now decided to include dental, which wasn't part of the original parameters. This will add more costs and more delays to implementation.
And people wonder why the state has trouble buying I.T. systems.
One would think that the formerly great state of California could arrange to have a computer system built correctly, wouldn't one? One would be wrong.
I was peripherally involved in one such abject failure with the Department of Corrections. Much of the reason that expensive system flopped was the department personnel involved with not competent. They were homeboys, road dogs and hacks. They got a nice 8-5 M-F job for a few months so the people who got those jobs were relatives, fishing buddies and sex partners of the people making the personnel decisions. They were not people who had any real knowledge of how I.T. systems worked or even what the department really needed. The state also has the bad habit of buying systems with multiple suppliers, so the hardware people blame the software people, the software people blame the hardware and the department people haven't a clue because they are road dogs and not techies.
There have been similar expensive failures recently within the court system and for the D.M.V. Just think of how fucked up you have to be to be a fuck-up by DMV standards.
Enter, or perhaps re-enter, the Department of Corrections. They want an electronic medical records system. They have been told by the federal court receiver that they NEED and WILL HAVE an electronic medical records system. OK, that's cool. What then.
Well, the price has almost doubled to right around $400 million. It seems like the original estimate (maybe a deliberate low0ball) left out things like maintenance cost and hardware replacement. It also seems that nobody realized that the state would need to buy many thousands of portable electronic devices, like lap-tops and tablets, to access things. They also didn't both to think that maybe things like inmate requests to see medical personnel should be incorporated into the system.
Also they have now decided to include dental, which wasn't part of the original parameters. This will add more costs and more delays to implementation.
And people wonder why the state has trouble buying I.T. systems.
Monday, December 12, 2016
A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP WITH ISRAEL?
Netanyahu: Trump feels 'very warmly' about Israel, the Jewish people
Israel Hayom | December 11, 2016
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump feels "very warmly" toward Israel and the Jewish people, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," scheduled to air on Sunday night.
"I know him [Trump] very well, and I think his attitude, his support for Israel is very clear. He feels very warmly about the Jewish state, about the Jewish people and about Jewish people. There's no question about that." Netanyahu told journalist Lesley Stahl.
The prime minister further said he expects Israel-U.S. relations to grow stronger under the Trump administration.
Commenting on the rocky relationship Netanyahu has had with outgoing President Barack Obama, Netanyahu said he believed the differences were never personal.
"Yes, we had differences of opinion -- I had differences of opinion with President Obama, most well known of course is Iran, [but] no, I don't thing it was [personal]. Suppose we had the greatest personal chemistry. You think I wouldn't stand up against the Iran deal if I thought, as I did, that it endangers the existence of Israel? Of course I would."
EDITOR’S NOTE: But will Trump keep his promise to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? I seriously doubt it, especially if he appoints Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. As CEO of Exon Mobil, Tillerson has been palsy-walsy with the Saudis and moving the embassy to Jerusalem would infuriate his Arab buddies.
Israel Hayom | December 11, 2016
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump feels "very warmly" toward Israel and the Jewish people, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes," scheduled to air on Sunday night.
"I know him [Trump] very well, and I think his attitude, his support for Israel is very clear. He feels very warmly about the Jewish state, about the Jewish people and about Jewish people. There's no question about that." Netanyahu told journalist Lesley Stahl.
The prime minister further said he expects Israel-U.S. relations to grow stronger under the Trump administration.
Commenting on the rocky relationship Netanyahu has had with outgoing President Barack Obama, Netanyahu said he believed the differences were never personal.
"Yes, we had differences of opinion -- I had differences of opinion with President Obama, most well known of course is Iran, [but] no, I don't thing it was [personal]. Suppose we had the greatest personal chemistry. You think I wouldn't stand up against the Iran deal if I thought, as I did, that it endangers the existence of Israel? Of course I would."
EDITOR’S NOTE: But will Trump keep his promise to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? I seriously doubt it, especially if he appoints Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. As CEO of Exon Mobil, Tillerson has been palsy-walsy with the Saudis and moving the embassy to Jerusalem would infuriate his Arab buddies.
COMING SOON TO A RELOCATION CENTER NEAR ME
By Bob Walsh
The feds have announced that they are very seriously looking at the seriously underutilized Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop, California (just down the road from me) as a location to place a significant number of the unaccompanied minor illegal alien asylum seekers that flooded over the border within the last year. It was (as far as I know) never used to house a significant number of personnel but has lots of empty warehouse space that could be converted to emergency housing if all you are concerned with is keeping the elements off and having access to food, toilets and showers and some minimal level of security.
If it happens it should open up a fair number of local jobs for translators, teachers, basic medical personnel, food services workers and the like. The area could use the jobs and they have to put the illegal alien rugrats somewhere I suppose.
I wonder how long it will be until they are allowed to bring family members in legally to care for them? Just curious.
The feds have announced that they are very seriously looking at the seriously underutilized Sharpe Army Depot in Lathrop, California (just down the road from me) as a location to place a significant number of the unaccompanied minor illegal alien asylum seekers that flooded over the border within the last year. It was (as far as I know) never used to house a significant number of personnel but has lots of empty warehouse space that could be converted to emergency housing if all you are concerned with is keeping the elements off and having access to food, toilets and showers and some minimal level of security.
If it happens it should open up a fair number of local jobs for translators, teachers, basic medical personnel, food services workers and the like. The area could use the jobs and they have to put the illegal alien rugrats somewhere I suppose.
I wonder how long it will be until they are allowed to bring family members in legally to care for them? Just curious.
I WONDER IF EVERYBODY GETS THIS TREATMENT?
By Bob Walsh
A Black student in the Plum Burough School District in Pennsylvania made a beef a few days back, stating that he felt "uncomfortable" because a White student showed up with a sweat shirt with a confederate flag on it. The powers that be told the young man, politely, to kick rocks.
A couple of days later three more White students showed up similarly clad. At that time the School District Superintendent, Tim Glasspool, banned the shirts asserting that they had become a distraction to the learning environment.
I wonder if students are similarly banned from wearing BLM shirts? Just curious.
A Black student in the Plum Burough School District in Pennsylvania made a beef a few days back, stating that he felt "uncomfortable" because a White student showed up with a sweat shirt with a confederate flag on it. The powers that be told the young man, politely, to kick rocks.
A couple of days later three more White students showed up similarly clad. At that time the School District Superintendent, Tim Glasspool, banned the shirts asserting that they had become a distraction to the learning environment.
I wonder if students are similarly banned from wearing BLM shirts? Just curious.
BELCHING SHIRTLESS WOMAN SAYS ARRESTING DEPUTY IS ‘SEXIEST THING’
When arrested for DUI, Jamie Schmude had no shirt on, and her unbuttoned jeans were lowered to her thighs
By Will Greenlee | TC Palm | December 6, 2016
STUART, FLORIDA — A belching shirtless woman who told a deputy he was the “sexiest thing” she’d seen was arrested after investigators say she was in a traffic crash, according to an affidavit.
When a Martin County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the Nov. 24 crash in the area of Southeast Indian Street and Southeast Dixie Highway in Stuart, he noticed Jamie Schmude, 30, behind the wheel of the crashed four-door vehicle.
She had no shirt on, and her unbuttoned jeans were lowered to her thighs. The vehicle smelled of booze. Schmude slurred her words, mumbling incoherent sentences.
Martin County Fire Rescue workers took Schmude to a hospital and the deputy followed.
The deputy told Schmude he’d be conducting a DUI investigation and read Schmude her rights, which she said she understood “perfectly.”
She yelled and screamed at nurses and was “causing a big scene,” the affidavit states. After about 20 minutes of yelling, Schmude fell asleep.
She “woke up several times and belched loudly which emitted the very strong odor of alcohol,” the report states.
Schmude asked where she was. The deputy said she was at a hospital because of a car accident, and she said she was always getting into trouble.
She also said something else.
“You are the sexiest thing I’ve seen, I’m going to (engage in a highly sexual act with you),” Schmude, of Stuart, is quoted as telling the deputy.
She started biting her lower lip, moaning and staring at the deputy while thrusting her hand in an area where hands are not typically thrust in public.
“This act took place at least three times,” the affidavit states.
Arrested on a DUI charge, Schmude was taken to jail where she got upset and was described as “very belligerent and cocky.”
She said she’d imbibed “a lot” of Ciroc, a gluten-free vodka distilled from French grapes.
A breath test measured her blood alcohol content at 0.168 and 0.161, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.
It’s unclear whether the deputy is sexy.
By Will Greenlee | TC Palm | December 6, 2016
STUART, FLORIDA — A belching shirtless woman who told a deputy he was the “sexiest thing” she’d seen was arrested after investigators say she was in a traffic crash, according to an affidavit.
When a Martin County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the Nov. 24 crash in the area of Southeast Indian Street and Southeast Dixie Highway in Stuart, he noticed Jamie Schmude, 30, behind the wheel of the crashed four-door vehicle.
She had no shirt on, and her unbuttoned jeans were lowered to her thighs. The vehicle smelled of booze. Schmude slurred her words, mumbling incoherent sentences.
Martin County Fire Rescue workers took Schmude to a hospital and the deputy followed.
The deputy told Schmude he’d be conducting a DUI investigation and read Schmude her rights, which she said she understood “perfectly.”
She yelled and screamed at nurses and was “causing a big scene,” the affidavit states. After about 20 minutes of yelling, Schmude fell asleep.
She “woke up several times and belched loudly which emitted the very strong odor of alcohol,” the report states.
Schmude asked where she was. The deputy said she was at a hospital because of a car accident, and she said she was always getting into trouble.
She also said something else.
“You are the sexiest thing I’ve seen, I’m going to (engage in a highly sexual act with you),” Schmude, of Stuart, is quoted as telling the deputy.
She started biting her lower lip, moaning and staring at the deputy while thrusting her hand in an area where hands are not typically thrust in public.
“This act took place at least three times,” the affidavit states.
Arrested on a DUI charge, Schmude was taken to jail where she got upset and was described as “very belligerent and cocky.”
She said she’d imbibed “a lot” of Ciroc, a gluten-free vodka distilled from French grapes.
A breath test measured her blood alcohol content at 0.168 and 0.161, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.
It’s unclear whether the deputy is sexy.
IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE SAN FRANCISCO OF TEXAS WHERE TREES ARE DECKED OUT WITH TROJANS
Condoms-in-trees effort in Austin park takes officials by surprise
By Elizabeth Findell | Austin American-Statesman | December 9, 2016
Austin Health and Human Services employees have been hanging bags of condoms and lube from trees at Walnut Creek Park since last month to promote safe sex — though neither the HHS director nor the city Parks and Recreation Department knew about it, directors said Friday.
Parks employees took the bags down Thursday, considering them litter, but did not immediately know they came from a city initiative, said Parks Director Sara Hensley.
“Plastic bags, of course, can fall into the creek and hurt critters,” she said. “Then we found out it was an effort to educate the public about safe sex, which we absolutely support, but I’m not sure hanging something from a tree is the best way to get the message across.”
“We have to weigh, is this appropriate,” she added. “Our parks are open to everyone, including young children and others.”
HHS Director Shannon Jones said he didn’t know about the initiative within his department until Friday morning, after a KXAN report broke the news Thursday evening.
“We’ve been informed of the activity as of today (Friday)…but it falls within our department, so we are ultimately responsible,” he said. “Most of the programs that we do, we have a vetting process. We have reminded our staff of that.”
KXAN credited the program to Akesha Johnson-Smothers, a program manager for HIV prevention. According to her Facebook page, she began working for the city this year, after nearly a decade with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Jones said there would be an investigation into the communication and vetting concerning the condom program and possible disciplinary action.
But he strongly defended innovative efforts to combat HIV transmission. Walnut Creek Park is an area the city has identified where HIV transmissions are a problem, particularly among gay men, he said. Fifty three people were diagnosed with HIV in Austin in the first three months of 2016, according to state data. Last year, 288 people were diagnosed in Travis County.
“The rates of HIV in our community are high,” Jones said. “We need to use traditional and nontraditional efforts to reduce the spread of disease.”
Staff members first put the bags of condoms, lube and safe sex information in the park last month, Jones said. They then replenished them Wednesday after, apparently, the first items were used. Walnut Creek Park was the only park targeted. It’s unclear how many bags were placed there, but staff said they weren’t pervasive.
“It’s not like they were trying to decorate the trees,” said Carole Barasch, a department spokeswoman.
Leslie Pool, the City Council member who represents the district, had just heard about the condoms Friday. She called the effort well-intentioned but said “we need to do it in a more appropriate way.”
Robert Meadows, president of the Walnut Creek Neighborhood Association, burst out laughing when informed of the program, but said association bylaws prevented him from having a public opinion on political issues. He said restrooms at the park have always been known as a meeting place for sex.
Sloan Foster and Renee Pipin, friends who sometimes meet at the park to let their dogs play, said they didn’t have a problem with the bags if they were effective.
“I don’t think it will be real attractive, but if it’s a way to get people to prevent STDs, then that’s great,” Pipin said.
Hensley, who also found out about the program Friday morning, said HHS leaders had apologized to her for the miscommunication. She echoed Jones’ concern about HIV transmission, but said, from a parks perspective, she was concerned with plastic and keeping parks places friendly for kids to play.
She added that hanging condoms from trees, while she gave HHS credit for creativity, was unexpected.
“In my whole career, I never thought I’d be having this conversation,” she said.
By Elizabeth Findell | Austin American-Statesman | December 9, 2016
Austin Health and Human Services employees have been hanging bags of condoms and lube from trees at Walnut Creek Park since last month to promote safe sex — though neither the HHS director nor the city Parks and Recreation Department knew about it, directors said Friday.
Parks employees took the bags down Thursday, considering them litter, but did not immediately know they came from a city initiative, said Parks Director Sara Hensley.
“Plastic bags, of course, can fall into the creek and hurt critters,” she said. “Then we found out it was an effort to educate the public about safe sex, which we absolutely support, but I’m not sure hanging something from a tree is the best way to get the message across.”
“We have to weigh, is this appropriate,” she added. “Our parks are open to everyone, including young children and others.”
HHS Director Shannon Jones said he didn’t know about the initiative within his department until Friday morning, after a KXAN report broke the news Thursday evening.
“We’ve been informed of the activity as of today (Friday)…but it falls within our department, so we are ultimately responsible,” he said. “Most of the programs that we do, we have a vetting process. We have reminded our staff of that.”
KXAN credited the program to Akesha Johnson-Smothers, a program manager for HIV prevention. According to her Facebook page, she began working for the city this year, after nearly a decade with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Jones said there would be an investigation into the communication and vetting concerning the condom program and possible disciplinary action.
But he strongly defended innovative efforts to combat HIV transmission. Walnut Creek Park is an area the city has identified where HIV transmissions are a problem, particularly among gay men, he said. Fifty three people were diagnosed with HIV in Austin in the first three months of 2016, according to state data. Last year, 288 people were diagnosed in Travis County.
“The rates of HIV in our community are high,” Jones said. “We need to use traditional and nontraditional efforts to reduce the spread of disease.”
Staff members first put the bags of condoms, lube and safe sex information in the park last month, Jones said. They then replenished them Wednesday after, apparently, the first items were used. Walnut Creek Park was the only park targeted. It’s unclear how many bags were placed there, but staff said they weren’t pervasive.
“It’s not like they were trying to decorate the trees,” said Carole Barasch, a department spokeswoman.
Leslie Pool, the City Council member who represents the district, had just heard about the condoms Friday. She called the effort well-intentioned but said “we need to do it in a more appropriate way.”
Robert Meadows, president of the Walnut Creek Neighborhood Association, burst out laughing when informed of the program, but said association bylaws prevented him from having a public opinion on political issues. He said restrooms at the park have always been known as a meeting place for sex.
Sloan Foster and Renee Pipin, friends who sometimes meet at the park to let their dogs play, said they didn’t have a problem with the bags if they were effective.
“I don’t think it will be real attractive, but if it’s a way to get people to prevent STDs, then that’s great,” Pipin said.
Hensley, who also found out about the program Friday morning, said HHS leaders had apologized to her for the miscommunication. She echoed Jones’ concern about HIV transmission, but said, from a parks perspective, she was concerned with plastic and keeping parks places friendly for kids to play.
She added that hanging condoms from trees, while she gave HHS credit for creativity, was unexpected.
“In my whole career, I never thought I’d be having this conversation,” she said.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
ONCE EVERY SO OFTEN CALIFORNIA VOTERS DO GET IT RIGHT
The death penalty was not only retained on November 8, but the voters opted to streamline the process in the face of a competing measure by ”hug a death row inmate” groups that would have abolished capital punishment
As usual, the voters of California did something really stupid on November8 when they approved the legalization of marijuana. I predict they will come to regret this move.
On the other hand, they did get it right when they voted to retain the death penalty. Not only did they keep capital punishment, but they opted to streamline the process so endless appeals would not keep the condemned on death row for decades. At the same time they defeated a competing measure that would have abolished capital punishment.
Unfortunately, getting it right is not the end. You can expect a barrage of lawsuits to be filed by the ”hug a death row inmate” groups, all claiming that streamlining the process will deprive the condemned of their constitutional rights and increase the chances that an innocent inmate will be put to death.
Here is a KQED News report on the death penalty vote:
CALIFORNIA’S DEATH PENALTY SURVIVES VOTE, GETS STREAMLINED
By Scott Shafer
Returns show California voters rejecting Proposition 62 — an effort to end capital punishment in the state — by 54-46 percent and approving a competing measure that would streamline executions by 51-49 percent.
Before the election, backers and opponents of both Propositions 62 and 66 agreed that California’s death penalty system was broken. Although nearly 900 death sentences have been handed down since California reinstated the capital punishment in 1978, there have been just 13 executions.
Legal appeals had already dragged on for decades when federal Judge Jeremy Fogel put a stop to executions in 2006. There hasn’t been one since, and California’s death row population has grown to 750.
Proposition 62 proponents argued the system was irreparably broken and couldn’t — or shouldn’t — be fixed. They banked on convincing voters that life sentences are a solid alternative to the rare execution, while sweetening the measure with a requirement that death row inmates work and pay restitution to their victims.
The campaign to end capital punishment raised more than $16 million, led by the Fund for Policy Reform and wealthy entrepreneurs, including Tom Steyer, Stanford professor Nicholas McKeown, Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings, and venture capitalist John Doerr.
Not to be outdone, the campaign to keep and quicken California death sentences raised more than $13 million, with major contributions from law enforcement organizations like the Peace Officers Research Association of California and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Proposition 66 supporters adopted the motto “mend it, don’t end it” in hopes of preserving a death sentence for the most heinous crimes.
Support for capital punishment has been slipping in California for years, especially when voters are given the option of life in prison without the possibility of parole, but a similar effort to repeal the death penalty fell short in 2012, when California voters rejected Proposition 34 by 52 to 48 percent.
Backers of Proposition 62, led by Hollywood actor Mike Farrell and San Francisco-based Death Penalty Focus, felt the time was right to try again. They hoped to benefit from a relatively low crime rate, a large voter turnout and an influx of younger voters who generally oppose capital punishment.
In the dysfunctional status quo, death sentences occasionally are handed down but no condemned inmates are executed. And that won’t change until the state adopts a new lethal injection protocol that the courts accept.
EDITOR'S NOTE: As for the lethal injection protocol, either the state or the courts are dragging their heels on that. There's nothing difficult about it. Texas, Georgia and other states are using a single dose of pentobarbital, and they are doing it quite successfully. And as far as not being able to procure the pentobarbital from outside pharmaceutical sources, the Texas corrections department uses its own pharmacists to compound the lethal drug.
As usual, the voters of California did something really stupid on November8 when they approved the legalization of marijuana. I predict they will come to regret this move.
On the other hand, they did get it right when they voted to retain the death penalty. Not only did they keep capital punishment, but they opted to streamline the process so endless appeals would not keep the condemned on death row for decades. At the same time they defeated a competing measure that would have abolished capital punishment.
Unfortunately, getting it right is not the end. You can expect a barrage of lawsuits to be filed by the ”hug a death row inmate” groups, all claiming that streamlining the process will deprive the condemned of their constitutional rights and increase the chances that an innocent inmate will be put to death.
Here is a KQED News report on the death penalty vote:
CALIFORNIA’S DEATH PENALTY SURVIVES VOTE, GETS STREAMLINED
By Scott Shafer
Returns show California voters rejecting Proposition 62 — an effort to end capital punishment in the state — by 54-46 percent and approving a competing measure that would streamline executions by 51-49 percent.
Before the election, backers and opponents of both Propositions 62 and 66 agreed that California’s death penalty system was broken. Although nearly 900 death sentences have been handed down since California reinstated the capital punishment in 1978, there have been just 13 executions.
Legal appeals had already dragged on for decades when federal Judge Jeremy Fogel put a stop to executions in 2006. There hasn’t been one since, and California’s death row population has grown to 750.
Proposition 62 proponents argued the system was irreparably broken and couldn’t — or shouldn’t — be fixed. They banked on convincing voters that life sentences are a solid alternative to the rare execution, while sweetening the measure with a requirement that death row inmates work and pay restitution to their victims.
The campaign to end capital punishment raised more than $16 million, led by the Fund for Policy Reform and wealthy entrepreneurs, including Tom Steyer, Stanford professor Nicholas McKeown, Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings, and venture capitalist John Doerr.
Not to be outdone, the campaign to keep and quicken California death sentences raised more than $13 million, with major contributions from law enforcement organizations like the Peace Officers Research Association of California and the California Association of Highway Patrolmen.
Proposition 66 supporters adopted the motto “mend it, don’t end it” in hopes of preserving a death sentence for the most heinous crimes.
Support for capital punishment has been slipping in California for years, especially when voters are given the option of life in prison without the possibility of parole, but a similar effort to repeal the death penalty fell short in 2012, when California voters rejected Proposition 34 by 52 to 48 percent.
Backers of Proposition 62, led by Hollywood actor Mike Farrell and San Francisco-based Death Penalty Focus, felt the time was right to try again. They hoped to benefit from a relatively low crime rate, a large voter turnout and an influx of younger voters who generally oppose capital punishment.
In the dysfunctional status quo, death sentences occasionally are handed down but no condemned inmates are executed. And that won’t change until the state adopts a new lethal injection protocol that the courts accept.
EDITOR'S NOTE: As for the lethal injection protocol, either the state or the courts are dragging their heels on that. There's nothing difficult about it. Texas, Georgia and other states are using a single dose of pentobarbital, and they are doing it quite successfully. And as far as not being able to procure the pentobarbital from outside pharmaceutical sources, the Texas corrections department uses its own pharmacists to compound the lethal drug.
BEING HIGH WHILE FLYING HIGH
By Bob Walsh
Regular news consumers will remember a tragic hot air balloon crash that killed all 16 on board in Texas this past July 30th. Turns out that the pilot was heavily medicated at the time of the crash and had some major psych issues as well.
The NTSB reports that the pilot, Alfred Nichols, had Valium, OxyContin and Ritalin in his system, all of which whose use would prevent him from getting a pilot's license medical certificate. There was also a muscle relaxant and Benadryl present, both of which are no-nos for pilots to take. He was also taking some pretty heavy anti-depressants. It should be noted that hot air balloon pilots are not legally required to have a pilots medical certificate. (I wonder if that will change?)
I suppose they are still prohibited from piloting their balloon while they are stoned out of their mind, but I confess to being unsure of that.
Regular news consumers will remember a tragic hot air balloon crash that killed all 16 on board in Texas this past July 30th. Turns out that the pilot was heavily medicated at the time of the crash and had some major psych issues as well.
The NTSB reports that the pilot, Alfred Nichols, had Valium, OxyContin and Ritalin in his system, all of which whose use would prevent him from getting a pilot's license medical certificate. There was also a muscle relaxant and Benadryl present, both of which are no-nos for pilots to take. He was also taking some pretty heavy anti-depressants. It should be noted that hot air balloon pilots are not legally required to have a pilots medical certificate. (I wonder if that will change?)
I suppose they are still prohibited from piloting their balloon while they are stoned out of their mind, but I confess to being unsure of that.
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF IS EXTREMELY POPULAR FOR CARRYING OUT PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S ‘TAKE NO PRISONERS’ WAR ON DRUGS
Screaming women beg for selfies and men just want to shake the hand of Duterte's 'chief executioner' whose drug crackdown has left 5,800 dead since July 1
By Jordan Gass-Poore | Daily Mail | December 10, 2016
In one of the poorest countries in Asia, Ronald dela Rosa, director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is treated more like a rock star than a police chief.
Crowds flock to him in public, thrusting their phones out to capture the moment in a selfie. A trail of fans follows him around the country.
As does a trail of dead bodies.
Aside from President Rodrigo Duterte, dela Rosa, whose nickname means 'rock', is the central figure in the country’s ongoing drug crackdown that began on July 1.
Since then, more than 5,800 people have been killed by either police operations or vigilante groups, according to Foreign Policy Magazine.
Photos of corpses with their heads wrapped in tape and left on streets with signs labeling them 'pushers' or 'drug dealers' have triggered international outrage - but has led to dela Rosa being lauded for his heroism.
The United States, a close ally of the Philippines, said it was 'deeply concerned' by the reports of the killings and the State Department urged Duterte's government to abide by human rights norms.
Dela Rosa's anti-drug beliefs earned a revered place for him in the hearts of the majority of Filipinos, who believe drugs are at the root of all crimes and will destroy the country.
The only people who can save the Philippines from monetary and spiritual collapse? Dela Rosa and President Duterte.
Duterte claimed there are three million drug users in the country, and said in September that he would slaughter them, 'like Hitler'.
Likening himself to the Nazi leader, Duterte said in a speech in his hometown of Davao City: 'I'd be happy to slaughter them. At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have (me). You know my victims, I would like (them) to be all criminals, to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition.
Statistics from the Dangerous Drugs Board show that there are only 1.8 million users among the country’s population of more than 100 million.
Dela Rosa has done Duterte's bidding with zeal. He's turned the president's experiment to make the Philippines a 'drugless society' into an unofficial national policy.
Heavily-armed police tour neighbourhoods and ask suspected drug users to voluntarily surrender. So far, more than 700,000 people have surrendered, according to CNN.
President Duterte still hasn't issued any written guidelines for how local police forces should respond to his bloody 'war on drugs'.
EDITOR’S NOTE: From December 20 to January 6, I will be in the Philippines where, unlike in the U.S., the overwhelming majority of people oppose the use of any illegal drugs, including pot, and approve the government’s ‘take no prisoners’ war on drugs.
By Jordan Gass-Poore | Daily Mail | December 10, 2016
In one of the poorest countries in Asia, Ronald dela Rosa, director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is treated more like a rock star than a police chief.
Crowds flock to him in public, thrusting their phones out to capture the moment in a selfie. A trail of fans follows him around the country.
As does a trail of dead bodies.
Aside from President Rodrigo Duterte, dela Rosa, whose nickname means 'rock', is the central figure in the country’s ongoing drug crackdown that began on July 1.
Since then, more than 5,800 people have been killed by either police operations or vigilante groups, according to Foreign Policy Magazine.
Photos of corpses with their heads wrapped in tape and left on streets with signs labeling them 'pushers' or 'drug dealers' have triggered international outrage - but has led to dela Rosa being lauded for his heroism.
The United States, a close ally of the Philippines, said it was 'deeply concerned' by the reports of the killings and the State Department urged Duterte's government to abide by human rights norms.
Dela Rosa's anti-drug beliefs earned a revered place for him in the hearts of the majority of Filipinos, who believe drugs are at the root of all crimes and will destroy the country.
The only people who can save the Philippines from monetary and spiritual collapse? Dela Rosa and President Duterte.
Duterte claimed there are three million drug users in the country, and said in September that he would slaughter them, 'like Hitler'.
Likening himself to the Nazi leader, Duterte said in a speech in his hometown of Davao City: 'I'd be happy to slaughter them. At least if Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have (me). You know my victims, I would like (them) to be all criminals, to finish the problem of my country and save the next generation from perdition.
Statistics from the Dangerous Drugs Board show that there are only 1.8 million users among the country’s population of more than 100 million.
Dela Rosa has done Duterte's bidding with zeal. He's turned the president's experiment to make the Philippines a 'drugless society' into an unofficial national policy.
Heavily-armed police tour neighbourhoods and ask suspected drug users to voluntarily surrender. So far, more than 700,000 people have surrendered, according to CNN.
President Duterte still hasn't issued any written guidelines for how local police forces should respond to his bloody 'war on drugs'.
EDITOR’S NOTE: From December 20 to January 6, I will be in the Philippines where, unlike in the U.S., the overwhelming majority of people oppose the use of any illegal drugs, including pot, and approve the government’s ‘take no prisoners’ war on drugs.
NEW EPA CHIEF PROPOSES 30% CUT IN ALL CARBON-BASED ORGANISMS
The Onion | December 8, 2016
WASHINGTON—Expressing confidence that the nation would meet the ambitious benchmarks by the end of Donald Trump’s presidential term, Scott Pruitt, the president-elect’s nominee for chief of the Environmental Protection Agency, said Thursday he would seek a 30 percent cut in all carbon-based organisms upon assuming office.
“The primary goal of the EPA over the next four years will be to eliminate roughly one-third of our country’s carbon-based life-forms,” said Pruitt, who added that while flora- and fauna-rich states would feel the brunt of these cuts, he believed that such a bold initiative would be able to finally move the country away from outmoded biodiversity. “The job opportunities created by eliminating one of every three living things will be significant. And with these initial parameters in place, I’m hopeful that by 2040 the U.S. will be able to operate free from the burdens placed on it by the continued existence of any carbon-based organisms.”
Pruitt pledged that any noncompliant ecosystems would face harsh penalties.
WASHINGTON—Expressing confidence that the nation would meet the ambitious benchmarks by the end of Donald Trump’s presidential term, Scott Pruitt, the president-elect’s nominee for chief of the Environmental Protection Agency, said Thursday he would seek a 30 percent cut in all carbon-based organisms upon assuming office.
“The primary goal of the EPA over the next four years will be to eliminate roughly one-third of our country’s carbon-based life-forms,” said Pruitt, who added that while flora- and fauna-rich states would feel the brunt of these cuts, he believed that such a bold initiative would be able to finally move the country away from outmoded biodiversity. “The job opportunities created by eliminating one of every three living things will be significant. And with these initial parameters in place, I’m hopeful that by 2040 the U.S. will be able to operate free from the burdens placed on it by the continued existence of any carbon-based organisms.”
Pruitt pledged that any noncompliant ecosystems would face harsh penalties.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
BURGERS FOR THE BROTHERS ALSO AVAILABLE WITH AN ADDED KICK
This burger stand owner claimed to be a changed man, but prosecutors say he sold crack to L.A. gang
By Matt Hamilton | Los Angeles Times | December 9, 2016
After emerging from the snare of crack addiction and more than a decade in prison, Brian Sawyers claimed to be a new man.
His arc of redemption went like this: On the edge of Watts, he opened a burger shack named for a friend, B.D. Burgers.
He gave free meals to those down on their luck and ran toy drives for local youth. A 2013 profile in the Los Angeles Sentinel described him as a man on a mission, eager to care for the community.
Even U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) praised his generosity in a signed letter to a federal judge.
But prosecutors allege that the burger stand — known for its 99-cent menu and stacked cheeseburgers — masked a small-time drug operation that supplied crack cocaine to the Bounty Hunter Bloods gang, which has its turf in nearby Nickerson Gardens.
On Wednesday, Sawyers, 57, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of two counts of selling crack cocaine to an undercover informant, according to papers filed in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California.
Defense attorneys pleaded with the judge for a lesser term, arguing that 15 years was a longer penalty than he might face for violent crimes such as manslaughter, kidnapping and bank robbery.
Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, sought a longer penalty, painting a nefarious portrait of the burger stand owner.
“He is essentially a career drug distributor who has shown no inclination to stop dealing drugs,” prosecutors wrote. “[He] has consistently refused to accept responsibility for or show any remorse for his crimes.”
Those crimes were two drug deals in 2012 that began near Sawyers’ burger stand, a squat building with green awnings along Central Avenue near 102nd Street.
An informant told investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Sawyers was selling drugs.
On Feb. 8, 2012, Sawyers sold the informant about an ounce of crack cocaine at the burger stand, according to court papers. The next month, after meeting at the burger stand, the informant followed Sawyers to his home, where he sold an additional 2.5 ounces for $1,700.
Both times, Sawyers told the informant how he converted crack cocaine from powder and said he wanted to sell larger amounts.
When the LAPD and ATF arrested Sawyers nearly three years later, he had 4.5 ounces of powdered cocaine in the panel of an SUV door, next to where he had been sitting. Before the arrest, he had agreed to sell the cocaine to an informant for about $3,800, although he never faced charges for that alleged drug deal, according to court papers.
In the lead-up to this week’s sentencing before U.S. District Judge Ronald S.W. Lew, Sawyers’ public defenders asked the court to consider the arc of his life.
At the age of 6, his father died, leaving his mother to raise nine children in West Virginia. His mother remarried but endured abuse from her new husband, and eventually took the children to Compton. Still, she struggled.
In the 1980s, as the crack epidemic swept through South L.A., Sawyers fell deeper into drugs and eventually racked up three felony drug convictions. Near the end of his decade-long prison sentence, his teenage daughter died, and he could not be released to attend her funeral — a continuing source of trauma, his lawyers said.
Out of prison, he resolved to open up his own business, and he used the skills he learned from his time managing a Jack-in-the-Box to open up B.D. Burgers. He dedicated the ice cream section of the restaurant to his late daughter.
The burger stand received positive reviews. And his family and lawyers said he was committed to the greater South L.A. community: He mentored felons, catered events and donated burgers to a local blood drive.
Waters, the veteran congresswoman, told the judge that she was “surprised and disappointed” over Sawyers’ conviction but noted his many contributions.
“Not only did he have reasonable priced food like one-dollar hamburgers and other sandwiches, which made it affordable to the underprivileged, but he gave an enormous amount of food, free of charge, to individuals who had no money or resources,” Waters wrote.
The congresswoman’s letter appeared on a blank white paper with no letterhead, and she did not use her official title when signing it.
She asked the judge to look at Sawyers’ whole person: “I do not know what circumstances led him to this unfortunate situation but I am hopeful that his good deeds can be considered.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Another touching success story about the rehabilitation of a prison inmate. Even Maxine Waters, that paragon of virtue, was moved to write a letter praising the crack dealer.
Doesn’t this guy qualify under Obama’s compassionate “hug-a-druggie” commutation program for non-violent drug offenders?
By Matt Hamilton | Los Angeles Times | December 9, 2016
After emerging from the snare of crack addiction and more than a decade in prison, Brian Sawyers claimed to be a new man.
His arc of redemption went like this: On the edge of Watts, he opened a burger shack named for a friend, B.D. Burgers.
He gave free meals to those down on their luck and ran toy drives for local youth. A 2013 profile in the Los Angeles Sentinel described him as a man on a mission, eager to care for the community.
Even U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) praised his generosity in a signed letter to a federal judge.
But prosecutors allege that the burger stand — known for its 99-cent menu and stacked cheeseburgers — masked a small-time drug operation that supplied crack cocaine to the Bounty Hunter Bloods gang, which has its turf in nearby Nickerson Gardens.
On Wednesday, Sawyers, 57, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after a jury convicted him of two counts of selling crack cocaine to an undercover informant, according to papers filed in U.S. District Court in the Central District of California.
Defense attorneys pleaded with the judge for a lesser term, arguing that 15 years was a longer penalty than he might face for violent crimes such as manslaughter, kidnapping and bank robbery.
Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, sought a longer penalty, painting a nefarious portrait of the burger stand owner.
“He is essentially a career drug distributor who has shown no inclination to stop dealing drugs,” prosecutors wrote. “[He] has consistently refused to accept responsibility for or show any remorse for his crimes.”
Those crimes were two drug deals in 2012 that began near Sawyers’ burger stand, a squat building with green awnings along Central Avenue near 102nd Street.
An informant told investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Sawyers was selling drugs.
On Feb. 8, 2012, Sawyers sold the informant about an ounce of crack cocaine at the burger stand, according to court papers. The next month, after meeting at the burger stand, the informant followed Sawyers to his home, where he sold an additional 2.5 ounces for $1,700.
Both times, Sawyers told the informant how he converted crack cocaine from powder and said he wanted to sell larger amounts.
When the LAPD and ATF arrested Sawyers nearly three years later, he had 4.5 ounces of powdered cocaine in the panel of an SUV door, next to where he had been sitting. Before the arrest, he had agreed to sell the cocaine to an informant for about $3,800, although he never faced charges for that alleged drug deal, according to court papers.
In the lead-up to this week’s sentencing before U.S. District Judge Ronald S.W. Lew, Sawyers’ public defenders asked the court to consider the arc of his life.
At the age of 6, his father died, leaving his mother to raise nine children in West Virginia. His mother remarried but endured abuse from her new husband, and eventually took the children to Compton. Still, she struggled.
In the 1980s, as the crack epidemic swept through South L.A., Sawyers fell deeper into drugs and eventually racked up three felony drug convictions. Near the end of his decade-long prison sentence, his teenage daughter died, and he could not be released to attend her funeral — a continuing source of trauma, his lawyers said.
Out of prison, he resolved to open up his own business, and he used the skills he learned from his time managing a Jack-in-the-Box to open up B.D. Burgers. He dedicated the ice cream section of the restaurant to his late daughter.
The burger stand received positive reviews. And his family and lawyers said he was committed to the greater South L.A. community: He mentored felons, catered events and donated burgers to a local blood drive.
Waters, the veteran congresswoman, told the judge that she was “surprised and disappointed” over Sawyers’ conviction but noted his many contributions.
“Not only did he have reasonable priced food like one-dollar hamburgers and other sandwiches, which made it affordable to the underprivileged, but he gave an enormous amount of food, free of charge, to individuals who had no money or resources,” Waters wrote.
The congresswoman’s letter appeared on a blank white paper with no letterhead, and she did not use her official title when signing it.
She asked the judge to look at Sawyers’ whole person: “I do not know what circumstances led him to this unfortunate situation but I am hopeful that his good deeds can be considered.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Another touching success story about the rehabilitation of a prison inmate. Even Maxine Waters, that paragon of virtue, was moved to write a letter praising the crack dealer.
Doesn’t this guy qualify under Obama’s compassionate “hug-a-druggie” commutation program for non-violent drug offenders?
DALLAS POLICE AND FIRE PENSION TROUBLE
By Bob Walsh
The Dallas Police and Fire Pension Fund managers voted to suspend all payments from their deferred compensation fund effective 12-09. There were supposed to be $154 million in requested withdrawals made on Friday. It seems that, if that sum were withdrawn, the deferred comp fund would drop below sustainable levels.
Maybe its just me, but something sounds wrong there.
The Dallas Police and Fire Pension Fund managers voted to suspend all payments from their deferred compensation fund effective 12-09. There were supposed to be $154 million in requested withdrawals made on Friday. It seems that, if that sum were withdrawn, the deferred comp fund would drop below sustainable levels.
Maybe its just me, but something sounds wrong there.
FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS BUT BUSINESS IS BUSINESS
By Bob Walsh
Phil Tagami is, by all accounts, an old and dear friend of Governor Jerry Brown. He is also suing the city of Oakland (where Jerry was mayor between his gig's as governor).
Mr. Tagami controls he Oakland Bulk and Oversize Terminal, an operation at the Port of Oakland. He wants to ship coal out of there. Unfortunately right now that would be illegal. The City of Oakland has outlawed the handling and storage of coal, presumably because it is evil. Also the state DOT is forbidden by law from funding any FUTURE coal handling ports, though that would not effect this case. If Oakland was not being a collective asshole the coal exports thru the port could triple, to ten million tons per year.
Tagami's suit asserts that the local ordinance usurps federal law which regulates the interstate transportation of hazardous substances, including coal.
The city council passed the ordinance unanimously in July of this year.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Hey Bob, Oakland and the state are only trying to do their part to reverse global warming.
Phil Tagami is, by all accounts, an old and dear friend of Governor Jerry Brown. He is also suing the city of Oakland (where Jerry was mayor between his gig's as governor).
Mr. Tagami controls he Oakland Bulk and Oversize Terminal, an operation at the Port of Oakland. He wants to ship coal out of there. Unfortunately right now that would be illegal. The City of Oakland has outlawed the handling and storage of coal, presumably because it is evil. Also the state DOT is forbidden by law from funding any FUTURE coal handling ports, though that would not effect this case. If Oakland was not being a collective asshole the coal exports thru the port could triple, to ten million tons per year.
Tagami's suit asserts that the local ordinance usurps federal law which regulates the interstate transportation of hazardous substances, including coal.
The city council passed the ordinance unanimously in July of this year.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Hey Bob, Oakland and the state are only trying to do their part to reverse global warming.
PRINCE GEORGE’S CO. LIQUOR BOARD CHAIRMAN CHARGED WITH DUI AFTER MGM GRAND OPENING
The Board of License Commissioners, which Charles Caldwell heads, administers and enforces the state's alcohol and beverage laws
By Paul Wagner | Fox 5 | December 9,2016
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The chairman of the Prince George's County liquor board is facing DUI and reckless driving charges after an accident that took place as he was leaving the grand opening of the new MGM National Harbor resort and casino on Thursday night.
According to a police report, Charles Caldwell, III was arrested around 11:40 pm at the intersection of Monument Avenue and MGM National Avenue, where a crash involving two other cars had taken place. An officer who responded to the accident noticed the smell of alcohol on Caldwell's breath and gave him a field sobriety test, which police say he failed. Caldwell also refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to police.
Caldwell was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. No one was injured in the crash.
Caldwell told FOX 5's Paul Wagner that he had been drinking and consumed a cocktail or two over a two-hour period. But Caldwell also said, "This was blown out of proportion."
Caldwell denied that he refused to take a breathalyzer test. He claimed that he took one at the police station and he said, “The results were inconclusive.”
When asked about failing the field sobriety test, Caldwell said he is almost 73 years old and that he is unsteady on his feet. He said the police were professional but “I believe they made a mistake."
Caldwell serves as the Chairman of Prince George's County's liquor board and was appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan in March 2015.
According to the county's website, the Board of License Commissioners consists of five members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. The board administers and enforces the state's alcohol and beverage laws, and the local rules and regulations of the Board of License Commissioners.
By Paul Wagner | Fox 5 | December 9,2016
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - The chairman of the Prince George's County liquor board is facing DUI and reckless driving charges after an accident that took place as he was leaving the grand opening of the new MGM National Harbor resort and casino on Thursday night.
According to a police report, Charles Caldwell, III was arrested around 11:40 pm at the intersection of Monument Avenue and MGM National Avenue, where a crash involving two other cars had taken place. An officer who responded to the accident noticed the smell of alcohol on Caldwell's breath and gave him a field sobriety test, which police say he failed. Caldwell also refused to take a breathalyzer test, according to police.
Caldwell was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving. No one was injured in the crash.
Caldwell told FOX 5's Paul Wagner that he had been drinking and consumed a cocktail or two over a two-hour period. But Caldwell also said, "This was blown out of proportion."
Caldwell denied that he refused to take a breathalyzer test. He claimed that he took one at the police station and he said, “The results were inconclusive.”
When asked about failing the field sobriety test, Caldwell said he is almost 73 years old and that he is unsteady on his feet. He said the police were professional but “I believe they made a mistake."
Caldwell serves as the Chairman of Prince George's County's liquor board and was appointed by Gov. Larry Hogan in March 2015.
According to the county's website, the Board of License Commissioners consists of five members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor. The board administers and enforces the state's alcohol and beverage laws, and the local rules and regulations of the Board of License Commissioners.
Friday, December 9, 2016
STONERS OWE PRESIDENT OBAMA AND ERIC HOLDER A GREAT DEBT OF GRATITUDE
When then Attorney General Holder ordered the DEA not to enforce the federal laws against marijuana in in states which had voted to legalize pot, he opened the floodgates for the legalization of recreational pot throughout the country
BarkGrowlBite | December 9, 2016
On November 8, the voters of California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine approved measures that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana. In the five states with such ballot measures, only the voters of Arizona rejected the legalization of marijuana.
There would not have been any marijuana ballot measures in those five states had it not been for then Attorney General Eric Holder’s order prohibiting the DEA from enforcing the federal laws against pot in Colorado and Washington when those states approved the recreational use of marijuana. Holder could not have issued that order without the expressed approval of his boss, President Obama.
Holder and Obama, as well as the states that have legalized marijuana, have shredded the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution (Article VI, Clause 2) which among other provisions holds that in case of conflict between federal and state law, the federal law must be applied.
Now that California is legalizing the recreational use of pot, look for a slew of other states to follow at the first opportunity. Stoners owe President Obama and Eric Holder a great debt of gratitude. Full speed ahead, fuck the Constitution!
Will the Trump administration unleash the DEA to enforce the federal marijuana laws in all states, not just in those states where the distribution and possession of marijuana is still prohibited? I seriously doubt it. It’s already too late. By now the floodgates are wide open.
BarkGrowlBite | December 9, 2016
On November 8, the voters of California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Maine approved measures that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana. In the five states with such ballot measures, only the voters of Arizona rejected the legalization of marijuana.
There would not have been any marijuana ballot measures in those five states had it not been for then Attorney General Eric Holder’s order prohibiting the DEA from enforcing the federal laws against pot in Colorado and Washington when those states approved the recreational use of marijuana. Holder could not have issued that order without the expressed approval of his boss, President Obama.
Holder and Obama, as well as the states that have legalized marijuana, have shredded the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution (Article VI, Clause 2) which among other provisions holds that in case of conflict between federal and state law, the federal law must be applied.
Now that California is legalizing the recreational use of pot, look for a slew of other states to follow at the first opportunity. Stoners owe President Obama and Eric Holder a great debt of gratitude. Full speed ahead, fuck the Constitution!
Will the Trump administration unleash the DEA to enforce the federal marijuana laws in all states, not just in those states where the distribution and possession of marijuana is still prohibited? I seriously doubt it. It’s already too late. By now the floodgates are wide open.
DRIVING-WHILE-STONED POT TEST GETS RENEWED PUSH FROM CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLYMAN
Assemblyman Tom Lackey wants road tests for driving under the influence of marijuana
By Brooke Edwards Staggs | The Orange County Register | December 8, 2016
With recreational cannabis legal in California, state leaders are taking another stab at letting law enforcement test the saliva of people suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana.
Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, this week introduced a bill that would allow officers to take a spit swab from drivers who’ve failed field sobriety tests. Portable instruments promise to detect the presence of pot and other drugs within minutes, telling officers whether they should potentially let the driver go free or take them to the station for a blood test and possible arrest.
“Driving is the most dangerous thing we do,” Lackey said Wednesday. “Using new technology to... get stoned drivers off the road is something we need to embrace.”
Swab tests are widely used on drivers in the United Kingdom, but the process remains controversial.
There’s no clear impairment threshold with marijuana as there is with alcohol. Also, critics argue that the roadside testing device is still experimental, citing studies that show the tests are least effective at detecting impairment, in part because marijuana stays in a person’s system long after its effects have worn off.
That lack of reliability – coupled with the high cost for a test that would only establish probable cause rather than clear proof of impairment – were concerns raised when similar legislation was analyzed in the past.
Lackey, a former California Highway Patrol officer who represents portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Kern counties, proposed a nearly identical bill in 2015. And State Sen. Bob Huff, R-San Dimas, pushed similar legislation earlier this year. Both bills died in committee.
Lackey is hoping to succeed this time, noting an increased sense of urgency now that Proposition 64 has passed making pot legal for adults.
The ballot measure dedicates tax revenue from pot sales to help universities and the CHP develop better roadside tests. But Lackey, who opposed Prop. 64, said California can’t wait that long to take action.
“I’ve seen the tragedy that results from impaired driving,” he said. “I feel like I have a responsibility to be the voice on this issue.”
Lackey’s bill is expected to be up for a vote in early 2017.
By Brooke Edwards Staggs | The Orange County Register | December 8, 2016
With recreational cannabis legal in California, state leaders are taking another stab at letting law enforcement test the saliva of people suspected of driving under the influence of marijuana.
Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, this week introduced a bill that would allow officers to take a spit swab from drivers who’ve failed field sobriety tests. Portable instruments promise to detect the presence of pot and other drugs within minutes, telling officers whether they should potentially let the driver go free or take them to the station for a blood test and possible arrest.
“Driving is the most dangerous thing we do,” Lackey said Wednesday. “Using new technology to... get stoned drivers off the road is something we need to embrace.”
Swab tests are widely used on drivers in the United Kingdom, but the process remains controversial.
There’s no clear impairment threshold with marijuana as there is with alcohol. Also, critics argue that the roadside testing device is still experimental, citing studies that show the tests are least effective at detecting impairment, in part because marijuana stays in a person’s system long after its effects have worn off.
That lack of reliability – coupled with the high cost for a test that would only establish probable cause rather than clear proof of impairment – were concerns raised when similar legislation was analyzed in the past.
Lackey, a former California Highway Patrol officer who represents portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Kern counties, proposed a nearly identical bill in 2015. And State Sen. Bob Huff, R-San Dimas, pushed similar legislation earlier this year. Both bills died in committee.
Lackey is hoping to succeed this time, noting an increased sense of urgency now that Proposition 64 has passed making pot legal for adults.
The ballot measure dedicates tax revenue from pot sales to help universities and the CHP develop better roadside tests. But Lackey, who opposed Prop. 64, said California can’t wait that long to take action.
“I’ve seen the tragedy that results from impaired driving,” he said. “I feel like I have a responsibility to be the voice on this issue.”
Lackey’s bill is expected to be up for a vote in early 2017.
DUMP TRUCK LEAVES SCENE AFTER RUNNING OVER MAN’S HEAD
Music producer somehow survives hit-and-run crash, suffering 15 broken bones, a skull fracture, torn liver and other serious injuries
By Adrian Arambulo | NBC 4 | December 8, 2016
A music producer was in critical condition Wednesday after he was struck by a dump truck last week in Los Angeles.
The crash happened at around 12:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the intersection of Franklin and Highland avenues. The truck wedged Jason Cole, who was riding his motorcycle, against a car, running over his body and his head.
Cole suffered 15 broken bones and is in serious, but stable, condition, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He also suffered a torn liver, contusion in the lungs, skull fractures and broken ribs.
His partner Danielle McCleerey told NBC4 that what bothers her is the truck driver is still out there.
"How did nobody see a giant dump truck run someone head's over?" McCleerey said.
Cole has been in and out of surgery since the crash and on Wednesday night he was finally able to converse clearly. He's been asking about their nine-month-old son, McCleerey said.
McCleerey is asking for anyone who saw anything to help.
Cole's body may be battered, but his family's faith remains strong.
"He's the strongest person I know," she said.
Cole is a freelance music producer who has worked with musicians such as Katy Perry and The Killers. His recovery will likely last for months. His family has set up a GoFundMe for his medical expenses.
By Adrian Arambulo | NBC 4 | December 8, 2016
A music producer was in critical condition Wednesday after he was struck by a dump truck last week in Los Angeles.
The crash happened at around 12:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at the intersection of Franklin and Highland avenues. The truck wedged Jason Cole, who was riding his motorcycle, against a car, running over his body and his head.
Cole suffered 15 broken bones and is in serious, but stable, condition, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He also suffered a torn liver, contusion in the lungs, skull fractures and broken ribs.
His partner Danielle McCleerey told NBC4 that what bothers her is the truck driver is still out there.
"How did nobody see a giant dump truck run someone head's over?" McCleerey said.
Cole has been in and out of surgery since the crash and on Wednesday night he was finally able to converse clearly. He's been asking about their nine-month-old son, McCleerey said.
McCleerey is asking for anyone who saw anything to help.
Cole's body may be battered, but his family's faith remains strong.
"He's the strongest person I know," she said.
Cole is a freelance music producer who has worked with musicians such as Katy Perry and The Killers. His recovery will likely last for months. His family has set up a GoFundMe for his medical expenses.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
CAR KARMA
By Bob Walsh
A very interesting self-initiated asshole rehabilitation took place in beautiful downtown Stockton on Tuesday. A 21-year old man carjacked his ex-girlfriend just before 5 p.m. He sped away in her Dodge Charger, blew a stop sign and crashed into a rented van. The van overturned and the Charger continued thru Eden Park (sans road) at high speed until a tree jumped out in front of it.
The asshole had to be extracted from the stolen car by the fire department and died at the scene.
An elderly man and three young children were in the van. One of the children was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
It is unfortunate the child was injured and there was significant property damage. That being said, one less asshole in the world is not such a bad thing in the long run.
A very interesting self-initiated asshole rehabilitation took place in beautiful downtown Stockton on Tuesday. A 21-year old man carjacked his ex-girlfriend just before 5 p.m. He sped away in her Dodge Charger, blew a stop sign and crashed into a rented van. The van overturned and the Charger continued thru Eden Park (sans road) at high speed until a tree jumped out in front of it.
The asshole had to be extracted from the stolen car by the fire department and died at the scene.
An elderly man and three young children were in the van. One of the children was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
It is unfortunate the child was injured and there was significant property damage. That being said, one less asshole in the world is not such a bad thing in the long run.
ONE MONTH DOWN THE ROAD
By Bob Walsh
It is now one month since Donald J. Trump became President-Elected and Hillary Clinton became a sad, pathetic footnote to political history.
Has anything REALLY changed? Well, for one, I understand that "donations" to the Clinton Crime Family have largely dried up as it is now obvious that the Clintons will never have any serious juice again. That's a good thing. Trump has not done anything amazingly stupid and has in fact made some very astute appointments to his government (assuming they are confirmed). That is good. The Democrat minority in congress are having hissy fits and tantrums, which is a good thing and is to be expected. It shows just how shallow, petty and petulant they really are. Of course any serious student of politics would know that is true anyway.
Various celebrities and media whores have NOT left the country to move to Canada. Not that I expected they would. A few of them however have had borderline breakdowns and are just SO SAD at the outcome that they can barely function. Fuck them.
I am still waiting to hear him name his SecState and his Supreme Court nomination. Those may tend to demonstrate clearly which way the wind is going to blow for the next few years.
One thing is for sure. Trump isn't a traditional politician and, so far, has not acted like one. That has worked for him up to this point. Will he carry on with it, and will it work? Damned if I know, but it will be interesting to watch.
It is now one month since Donald J. Trump became President-Elected and Hillary Clinton became a sad, pathetic footnote to political history.
Has anything REALLY changed? Well, for one, I understand that "donations" to the Clinton Crime Family have largely dried up as it is now obvious that the Clintons will never have any serious juice again. That's a good thing. Trump has not done anything amazingly stupid and has in fact made some very astute appointments to his government (assuming they are confirmed). That is good. The Democrat minority in congress are having hissy fits and tantrums, which is a good thing and is to be expected. It shows just how shallow, petty and petulant they really are. Of course any serious student of politics would know that is true anyway.
Various celebrities and media whores have NOT left the country to move to Canada. Not that I expected they would. A few of them however have had borderline breakdowns and are just SO SAD at the outcome that they can barely function. Fuck them.
I am still waiting to hear him name his SecState and his Supreme Court nomination. Those may tend to demonstrate clearly which way the wind is going to blow for the next few years.
One thing is for sure. Trump isn't a traditional politician and, so far, has not acted like one. That has worked for him up to this point. Will he carry on with it, and will it work? Damned if I know, but it will be interesting to watch.
POLAND NIXES EXTRADITION OF ROMAN POLANSKI
Polanski fled to Europe 40 years ago to avoid serving time in a California prison for raping a 13-year-old girl
My News LA | December 7, 2016
Efforts by Los Angeles prosecutors to bring back Roman Polanski to punish him for having had sex with a 13-year-old girl almost 40 years ago suffered a major setback when the Polish Supreme Court rejected a request by Poland’s government to extradite the Oscar-winning filmmaker.
Polanski was arrested in 1977 on charges that included the rape of a 13- year-old girl at the home of actor Jack Nicholson. He left the United States in 1978 before he could be sentenced under an agreement calling for him to plead guilty to statutory rape.
According to reports from Europe, Judge Michal Laskowski ruled Tuesday that a lower court’s verdict was not a “flagrant violation of the law,” as the government contended. “The regional court of Krakow considered and verified all evidence exceptionally carefully, Laskowski said.
The ruling came six months after Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro asked the court to overrule a verdict issued in October 2015 by a judge in Krakow. That judge ruled that turning over Polanski would be an illegal deprivation of liberty because the state of California was unlikely to conduct a fair trial and provide humane detention conditions.
The Krakow prosecutor's office, which had sought Polanski’s extradition on behalf of Los Angeles County, later said it would abide by the ruling. But the central government then submitted an appeal to the Supreme Court on grounds that the lower court ruling breached an extradition agreement between Poland and the United States.
The Supreme Court ruling means that the 83-year-old Polish-born Polanski, a citizen of France, which does not extradite its citizens, is free to work in Poland. He was in France Tuesday.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This creep should have been sent to prison long ago. Instead, Hollywood and the authorities in Europe where sex with a child is no biggie hold Polanski as a persecuted hero.
My News LA | December 7, 2016
Efforts by Los Angeles prosecutors to bring back Roman Polanski to punish him for having had sex with a 13-year-old girl almost 40 years ago suffered a major setback when the Polish Supreme Court rejected a request by Poland’s government to extradite the Oscar-winning filmmaker.
Polanski was arrested in 1977 on charges that included the rape of a 13- year-old girl at the home of actor Jack Nicholson. He left the United States in 1978 before he could be sentenced under an agreement calling for him to plead guilty to statutory rape.
According to reports from Europe, Judge Michal Laskowski ruled Tuesday that a lower court’s verdict was not a “flagrant violation of the law,” as the government contended. “The regional court of Krakow considered and verified all evidence exceptionally carefully, Laskowski said.
The ruling came six months after Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro asked the court to overrule a verdict issued in October 2015 by a judge in Krakow. That judge ruled that turning over Polanski would be an illegal deprivation of liberty because the state of California was unlikely to conduct a fair trial and provide humane detention conditions.
The Krakow prosecutor's office, which had sought Polanski’s extradition on behalf of Los Angeles County, later said it would abide by the ruling. But the central government then submitted an appeal to the Supreme Court on grounds that the lower court ruling breached an extradition agreement between Poland and the United States.
The Supreme Court ruling means that the 83-year-old Polish-born Polanski, a citizen of France, which does not extradite its citizens, is free to work in Poland. He was in France Tuesday.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This creep should have been sent to prison long ago. Instead, Hollywood and the authorities in Europe where sex with a child is no biggie hold Polanski as a persecuted hero.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR
Eighteen U.S. warships were sunk or run aground, including five battleships, and 2,403 Americans were killed on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese airstrike on Pearl Harbor
BarkGrowlBite | December 7, 2016
I remember sitting in a movie theater on December 7, 1941 in my hometown of Marshall Texas. I don’t remember the name of the movie I was watching, but I do remember the movie being stopped in the middle and the theater lights coming on.
The theater manager jumped on the stage and announced that the ‘Japs’ had just attacked Pearl Harbor. After a moment of stunned silence, shouts erupted all over the theater, many of them going something like this: “We’ll beat them damn Japs in three months.” Anger was interspersed with some laughter. Then the lights went back out and the movie continued.
Marshall was one of those sleepy little towns of East Texas. Men of fighting age at the time did not wait to get drafted. They up and volunteered. Instead of beating the Japs in three months, some of those theater goers were killed within three months. And many more within six months.
You’ve got to hand it to the Japanese. Their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor was brilliant and daring. They managed to disable or sink 18 of our warships, including five battleships, and they destroyed almost all our warplanes stationed in Hawaii. The Japanese made only one tactical mistake and it proved to be a fatal mistake. They struck Pearl Harbor when all American aircraft carriers were out to sea. Has our aircraft carriers been anchored at Pearl Harbor like our battleships, the war would have gone on much longer and many more American lives would have been lost.
What is really sad today is that many of our recent high school and college graduates don’t have the foggiest idea of what happened on December 7, 1941. To them, “Remember Pearl Harbor,” like “Remember the Alamo,” is just a slogan some old fogies used at some time or another for some reason or another.
It’s important that we remember Pearl Harbor because, even though we were not at war at the time, 2,403 Americans gave their lives for our country just as sure as if they had been fighting to preserve our freedoms and way of life.
A word of advice to the unknowing Millennials: Take the free time, of which you have a lot, to study and learn about the events surrounding December 7, 1941, because those 2,403 brave Americans who lost their lives that day helped make it possible for you to squander your college years taking worthless courses. They helped make it possible for your parents to prosper so they could continue to shelter and feed you after college. And they helped make it possible for you to spend your waking hours protesting against police brutality and other radical left-wing causes. So, from now on remember Pearl Harbor!
BarkGrowlBite | December 7, 2016
I remember sitting in a movie theater on December 7, 1941 in my hometown of Marshall Texas. I don’t remember the name of the movie I was watching, but I do remember the movie being stopped in the middle and the theater lights coming on.
The theater manager jumped on the stage and announced that the ‘Japs’ had just attacked Pearl Harbor. After a moment of stunned silence, shouts erupted all over the theater, many of them going something like this: “We’ll beat them damn Japs in three months.” Anger was interspersed with some laughter. Then the lights went back out and the movie continued.
Marshall was one of those sleepy little towns of East Texas. Men of fighting age at the time did not wait to get drafted. They up and volunteered. Instead of beating the Japs in three months, some of those theater goers were killed within three months. And many more within six months.
You’ve got to hand it to the Japanese. Their sneak attack on Pearl Harbor was brilliant and daring. They managed to disable or sink 18 of our warships, including five battleships, and they destroyed almost all our warplanes stationed in Hawaii. The Japanese made only one tactical mistake and it proved to be a fatal mistake. They struck Pearl Harbor when all American aircraft carriers were out to sea. Has our aircraft carriers been anchored at Pearl Harbor like our battleships, the war would have gone on much longer and many more American lives would have been lost.
What is really sad today is that many of our recent high school and college graduates don’t have the foggiest idea of what happened on December 7, 1941. To them, “Remember Pearl Harbor,” like “Remember the Alamo,” is just a slogan some old fogies used at some time or another for some reason or another.
It’s important that we remember Pearl Harbor because, even though we were not at war at the time, 2,403 Americans gave their lives for our country just as sure as if they had been fighting to preserve our freedoms and way of life.
A word of advice to the unknowing Millennials: Take the free time, of which you have a lot, to study and learn about the events surrounding December 7, 1941, because those 2,403 brave Americans who lost their lives that day helped make it possible for you to squander your college years taking worthless courses. They helped make it possible for your parents to prosper so they could continue to shelter and feed you after college. And they helped make it possible for you to spend your waking hours protesting against police brutality and other radical left-wing causes. So, from now on remember Pearl Harbor!
WHAT THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR SHOULD HAVE TAUGHT US
By Bob Walsh
You cannot always trust people who may be your enemies to follow the rules. You cannot always trust people who are not your friends to not take action against you. When you put your opposition into what they believe is a dangerous, untenable position they may react violently. An enemy who thinks they can knock you out with a quick sucker punch may go for it if they think they can get away with it and even if they don't you can be hurt badly in the process.
There are people in the world who want to kill us just because. Pretending they are not out there does not make that any less true. Vigilance is the cost of freedom. It is hard to be vigilant if you have your head up your ass.
Once you have decided it is necessary to fight, fight to win.
You cannot always trust people who may be your enemies to follow the rules. You cannot always trust people who are not your friends to not take action against you. When you put your opposition into what they believe is a dangerous, untenable position they may react violently. An enemy who thinks they can knock you out with a quick sucker punch may go for it if they think they can get away with it and even if they don't you can be hurt badly in the process.
There are people in the world who want to kill us just because. Pretending they are not out there does not make that any less true. Vigilance is the cost of freedom. It is hard to be vigilant if you have your head up your ass.
Once you have decided it is necessary to fight, fight to win.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
LOS ANGELES JOB FAIR SEEKS TO HELP PAROLEES
By Darsha Philips | ABC 7 | December 2, 2016
LOS ANGELES -- The city of Los Angeles hosted a job fair on Friday aimed at giving parolees a second chance in life.
Job seekers at the city's Fair Chance Hiring Fair said it is often very difficult landing a job with a criminal record.
"Having a felony is a huge barrier," said Ray Zacarias, who served time for armed robbery. "So wherever you go, you're going to be really limited. It's going to be a lot of warehouse positions."
The fair sought to lower some of those barriers by showcasing employers who are willing to hire someone who's been incarcerated.
Uber, for example, has adjusted some of its hiring policies to allow those with low-level nonviolent offenses participate in the ridesharing app. Since then it's seen 3,300 new drivers sign up in Southern California.
Christopher Ballard, general manager for Uber Southern California, said those drivers are receiving the same online ratings as the platform's national average.
The Los Angeles City Council is making other efforts to help those with criminal records. The council recently passed the Fair Chance initiative banning the checkbox on job applications that asks if applicants have ever been convicted of a felony.
Employers will still be able to conduct criminal background checks once a job offer has been made, Mayor Eric Garcetti said, but "it's important for people to get the opportunity to make their case, to say who they are and not be taken out of the game before they've even started."
Ultimately, Garcetti noted, the efforts should also help to reduce recidivism and keep crime rates lower.
"If we don't give people jobs who have served time, guess what? They recommit crimes," Garcetti said.
LOS ANGELES -- The city of Los Angeles hosted a job fair on Friday aimed at giving parolees a second chance in life.
Job seekers at the city's Fair Chance Hiring Fair said it is often very difficult landing a job with a criminal record.
"Having a felony is a huge barrier," said Ray Zacarias, who served time for armed robbery. "So wherever you go, you're going to be really limited. It's going to be a lot of warehouse positions."
The fair sought to lower some of those barriers by showcasing employers who are willing to hire someone who's been incarcerated.
Uber, for example, has adjusted some of its hiring policies to allow those with low-level nonviolent offenses participate in the ridesharing app. Since then it's seen 3,300 new drivers sign up in Southern California.
Christopher Ballard, general manager for Uber Southern California, said those drivers are receiving the same online ratings as the platform's national average.
The Los Angeles City Council is making other efforts to help those with criminal records. The council recently passed the Fair Chance initiative banning the checkbox on job applications that asks if applicants have ever been convicted of a felony.
Employers will still be able to conduct criminal background checks once a job offer has been made, Mayor Eric Garcetti said, but "it's important for people to get the opportunity to make their case, to say who they are and not be taken out of the game before they've even started."
Ultimately, Garcetti noted, the efforts should also help to reduce recidivism and keep crime rates lower.
"If we don't give people jobs who have served time, guess what? They recommit crimes," Garcetti said.
NEW GUN RIGHTS PUSH
By Bob Walsh
The NRA and other pro-gun groups have announced they intend to make a run at a federal requirement that would mandate that all states accept gun permit rights from any other state for persons driving thru or temporarily in their state, much like Driver's Licenses work now.
As one might expect the New York City, L A and San Francisco liberal governments are going bat-shit crazy over the notion that Billy-Bob from Nevada or Arkansas may end up carrying a gun LEGALLY in their bailiwick. Also, some legitimate state's rights people are expected to object in pretty much the same manner they objected when Bush 43 pushed thru the LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) which allows honorably retir4ed peace officers who are licensed to carry in their home state to carry while traveling thru or temporarily staying in any state.
It is a legitimate question. There are now many states who issue gun permits to warm bodies as long as that warm body is not a prohibited person. How many of those warm bodies will choose to travel to L.A., S.F. or N.Y.C. is questionable. It will be interesting to see just how much juice the Second Amendment people will have with the new government.
The NRA and other pro-gun groups have announced they intend to make a run at a federal requirement that would mandate that all states accept gun permit rights from any other state for persons driving thru or temporarily in their state, much like Driver's Licenses work now.
As one might expect the New York City, L A and San Francisco liberal governments are going bat-shit crazy over the notion that Billy-Bob from Nevada or Arkansas may end up carrying a gun LEGALLY in their bailiwick. Also, some legitimate state's rights people are expected to object in pretty much the same manner they objected when Bush 43 pushed thru the LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) which allows honorably retir4ed peace officers who are licensed to carry in their home state to carry while traveling thru or temporarily staying in any state.
It is a legitimate question. There are now many states who issue gun permits to warm bodies as long as that warm body is not a prohibited person. How many of those warm bodies will choose to travel to L.A., S.F. or N.Y.C. is questionable. It will be interesting to see just how much juice the Second Amendment people will have with the new government.
Monday, December 5, 2016
SCREETCHING CATS CLAW AT EACH OTHER AT HARVARD OVER ELECTION
It’s a good thing Jennifer Palmieri and Kellyanne Conway were sitting 10 feet apart because otherwise they might have drawn blood
BarkGrowlBite | December 5, 2016
Every four years following the presidential election, campaign officials from both parties meet at Harvard University for a calm discussion concerning the past election. This year was no different, except that the discussion was anything but calm.
On Thursday, Hillary’s communications director Jennifer Palmieri and Trump’s campaign manager Kellyanne Conway clawed at each other like a couple of screeching cats at the Campaign Managers Conference at the Harvard Institute of Politics. It’s a good thing they were sitting 10 feet apart because otherwise they might have drawn blood.
Here is a partial transcript of the exchange between Palmieri and Conway:
PALMIERI: If providing a platform for white supremacists makes me a brilliant tactician I am glad to have laws. [interruption] Give me a minute. I am more proud of Hillary Clinton's alt-right speech than any other moment on the campaign trail.
CONWAY: Wow.
PALMIERI: She had the courage to stand up. I would rather lose than win the way you guys did.
CONWAY: No you wouldn't. No you wouldn't.
PALMIERI: Yes, yes.
CONWAY: That's very clear today. No you wouldn't. I'm sorry, how exactly did we win? No, go for it, Jen. How exactly did we win? I'd like to know because I sacrificed the last four months of my life to do it, excuse me, and we did it. And we did it by looking at the schedule and, yes, the electoral map of 270 because that is how you win the presidency. And we went into places where we were either ignored or mocked roundly by most of the people in this room. I have a smile on my fact at all times. And we did it by focusing with Steve Bannon and David Bossie and everybody you see here. They're going to go, 'she just said Corey [Lewandowski] was part of the campaign. Jeff Zucker! Okay, Corey, can tell, whatever, what was that, June? (ed. note: Conway was referring to Lewandowski's post-campaign employment at CNN) And we focused on how to win. We connected with voters. We connected with voters.
PALMIERI: Kellyanne, his schedule didn't concern me. What concerns me is hiring -- is, is himself, you know, we've already gone through some of the examples of his own language, of his own positions that I believe were at odds with my values as an American of embracing diversity, inclusivity, equality. And hiring someone like Steve Bannon who has an act, with Breitbart and gives people and one of my proudest moments with her is her standing up with courage and with clarity in Steve Bannon's own words and Donald Trump's own words the platform that they gave to white supremacists, white nationalists. And it is a very, very important moment in our history as a country and I think as his presidency goes forward I am going to be very glad to be part of the campaign that tried to stop this.
[crosstalk]
CONWAY: Excuse me, she said white supremacist... Do you think I ran a campaign where white supremacists had a platform? Are you going to look me in the face and tell me that?
PALMIERI: It did. Kellyanne, it did.
CONWAY: Oh, that's how you lost?
PALMIERI: It did!
CONWAY: Do you think you could have just had a decent message for the white working class voters? Do you think this woman who has nothing in common with anybody --
PALMIERI: I'm not saying that's how you won but that's the campaign that was run, yes.
CONWAY: We flipped over 200 counties that President Obama won, and Donald Trump just won. You think that's because of what you said, or that people aren't ready for a woman president? Really? How come it's just Hillary Clinton? She doesn't connect with people. How about they have nothing in common with her? How about you had no economic message?
__________
If this had been a debate, Kellyanne would have been declared Top Cat by a country mile.
BarkGrowlBite | December 5, 2016
Every four years following the presidential election, campaign officials from both parties meet at Harvard University for a calm discussion concerning the past election. This year was no different, except that the discussion was anything but calm.
On Thursday, Hillary’s communications director Jennifer Palmieri and Trump’s campaign manager Kellyanne Conway clawed at each other like a couple of screeching cats at the Campaign Managers Conference at the Harvard Institute of Politics. It’s a good thing they were sitting 10 feet apart because otherwise they might have drawn blood.
Here is a partial transcript of the exchange between Palmieri and Conway:
PALMIERI: If providing a platform for white supremacists makes me a brilliant tactician I am glad to have laws. [interruption] Give me a minute. I am more proud of Hillary Clinton's alt-right speech than any other moment on the campaign trail.
CONWAY: Wow.
PALMIERI: She had the courage to stand up. I would rather lose than win the way you guys did.
CONWAY: No you wouldn't. No you wouldn't.
PALMIERI: Yes, yes.
CONWAY: That's very clear today. No you wouldn't. I'm sorry, how exactly did we win? No, go for it, Jen. How exactly did we win? I'd like to know because I sacrificed the last four months of my life to do it, excuse me, and we did it. And we did it by looking at the schedule and, yes, the electoral map of 270 because that is how you win the presidency. And we went into places where we were either ignored or mocked roundly by most of the people in this room. I have a smile on my fact at all times. And we did it by focusing with Steve Bannon and David Bossie and everybody you see here. They're going to go, 'she just said Corey [Lewandowski] was part of the campaign. Jeff Zucker! Okay, Corey, can tell, whatever, what was that, June? (ed. note: Conway was referring to Lewandowski's post-campaign employment at CNN) And we focused on how to win. We connected with voters. We connected with voters.
PALMIERI: Kellyanne, his schedule didn't concern me. What concerns me is hiring -- is, is himself, you know, we've already gone through some of the examples of his own language, of his own positions that I believe were at odds with my values as an American of embracing diversity, inclusivity, equality. And hiring someone like Steve Bannon who has an act, with Breitbart and gives people and one of my proudest moments with her is her standing up with courage and with clarity in Steve Bannon's own words and Donald Trump's own words the platform that they gave to white supremacists, white nationalists. And it is a very, very important moment in our history as a country and I think as his presidency goes forward I am going to be very glad to be part of the campaign that tried to stop this.
[crosstalk]
CONWAY: Excuse me, she said white supremacist... Do you think I ran a campaign where white supremacists had a platform? Are you going to look me in the face and tell me that?
PALMIERI: It did. Kellyanne, it did.
CONWAY: Oh, that's how you lost?
PALMIERI: It did!
CONWAY: Do you think you could have just had a decent message for the white working class voters? Do you think this woman who has nothing in common with anybody --
PALMIERI: I'm not saying that's how you won but that's the campaign that was run, yes.
CONWAY: We flipped over 200 counties that President Obama won, and Donald Trump just won. You think that's because of what you said, or that people aren't ready for a woman president? Really? How come it's just Hillary Clinton? She doesn't connect with people. How about they have nothing in common with her? How about you had no economic message?
__________
If this had been a debate, Kellyanne would have been declared Top Cat by a country mile.
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