tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40921764854876584922024-03-14T01:28:28.217-07:00both sides now . . . ."My thoughts on being the father to five of the worlds greatest childern; Jacob, Hannah, Knoah, Ethan and Ian and just being . . . me, a middle of the road former Democrat, former Republican and honest to goodness Reagan-Democrat who dreams of America becoming the voice of moderation and leadership in the world . . . . but I will settle for just being a good Dad and relishing in my commitment to and love for the very affectionate, beautiful, sexy and wonderful Laura Leigh :-)". Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-8127835191869197222015-09-13T04:56:00.000-07:002015-09-13T04:56:07.634-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/report-company-no-knowledge-clinton-server-wiped-005319411--politics.html">AP reported</a> on 13 September that, "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">The company that managed Hillary Rodham Clinton's private email server says it has no knowledge that the server was "wiped," which could mean that more than 30,000 emails Clinton says she deleted from the device could be recovered, according to a report in The Washington Post."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">But wait a second, how is that possible as on August 13, Melanie Batley (Newsmax)<a href="http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/fbi-hillary-clinton-email-platte-river/2015/08/13/id/669926/"> reported</a>, "</span><span style="background-color: white;">Barbara Wells, an attorney for Denver-based computer services firm Platte River Networks, which took control of Clinton's server after their private email network was updated in 2013, told The Washington Post that federal agents picked up the server </span><span style="background-color: white;">from a data center in New Jersey on Wednesday. </span><span style="background-color: white;">But Wells told the paper that the server "was blank" and did not contain any useful information." So is this "semantics" between the words "blank" and "wiped" or is there something else at play? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Keep in mind that Ms. Batley's report wasn't alone as AP's Stephen Braun <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-lawyer-says-her-email-server-wiped-clean-192955516--election.html">reported</a> on 19 August that, "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Hillary Rodham Clinton's personal lawyer has told a Senate committee that emails and all other data stored on her computer server were erased before the device was turned over to federal authorities. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">In a letter sent last week to Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, attorney David Kendall said the server was transferred to the FBI on Aug. 12 by Platte River Networks, a Denver firm hired by Clinton to oversee the device. The Senate committee made Kendall's letter public on Wednesday. In exchanges with reporters earlier this week, Clinton said she was not aware if the data on her server was erased. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Confirmation that the server was wiped clean came amid mounting confusion over how sensitive some of the Clinton emails were and how much of their contents should have been released. Clinton aides said at least two emails that might have triggered the federal inquiry were not marked secret at the time." </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This confusion could be simple to explain. The reality is that we would need to know which "server" was taken by the FBI as according to Platte River Technologies lawyer Barbra Wells (13 August), the server from the Clinton </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 23px;">Chappaqua home was removed from the by Platte River and taken to a data center in New Jersey. But it would seem that, </span><span style="background-color: white;">"The information had been migrated over to a different server for purposes of transition," Wells told the Post. "To my knowledge, the data on the old server is not available now on any servers or devices in Platte River Network's control." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Doesn't this raise another question regarding "who" had custody and control over the Chappaqua server after it was moved to New Jersey and the data was migrated to another server? Again, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/clintons-e-mail-server-turned-over-to-fbi/2015/08/12/aba5feea-4160-11e5-8ab4-c73967a143d3_story.html">according to Mrs. Wells</a> on August 12, "</span><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18px; line-height: 32.4px;">The old server was removed from the Clinton home by Platte River and stored in a third party data center, which are set up to provide security from threats of hacking and natural disaster, Wells said." Wait, wouldn't that imply the "old server" remained in use for someone as there would be no need to have it protected against "hacking" unless it was somehow connected to the internet and powered on, right? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 32.4px;"><br /></span></span>Mrs. Wells is quoted as making similar statements to Chris Strohm and Del Quinton Wilbert (<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-08-14/fbi-said-to-examine-whether-clinton-e-mail-was-backed-up">Bloomberg</a>) on August 13, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;">Barbara Wells, an attorney for Platte River Networks, a Denver-based company that has managed Clinton's private e-mail since 2013, said in a phone interview Thursday that the server turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation “is blank and does not contain any useful data.” But Wells added that the data on Clinton's server was migrated to another server that still exists. She ended the interview when questioned further, declining to say whether the data still exists on that other server and who has possession of it. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;">Subsequent calls and e-mails to Wells and the Clinton campaign went unanswered. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;">Justice Department spokesman Patrick Rodenbush declined in an e-mail to comment on whether it is aware of the other server and is trying to access it. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;">“The data on the old server is not now available on any server or device that is under Platte River’s control,” Wells said during the interview."<span style="font-size: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">So which "server" is the AP talking about? The one that was removed from the Clinton Home and sent to New Jersey by Platte River or the one that the information was, according to Platte River, "migrated to" and just where is or where was that server located? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3c3c; line-height: 29.124px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Back in August some news <a href="http://nypost.com/2015/08/18/hillarys-email-server-was-run-out-of-an-old-bathroom-closet/">reports</a> stated the server used by the Clinton's via Platte River was in a closet outside of a bathroom in Denver but this was disputed by Andy Boian who was brought on to become the public relations manager for Platte River in August according to the <a href="http://%22there%20never%20was%2C%20at%20any%20time%2C%20data%20belonging%20to%20the%20clintons%20stored%20in%20denver.%20ever%2C%22%20said%20dovetail%20solutions%20ceo%20andy%20boian%2C%20who%20added%20that%20clinton%27s%20server%20was%20always%20in%20a%20new%20jersey%20data%20center.%20%22we%20do%20not%20store%20data%20in%20any%20bathrooms.%22/">Washington Post</a>. Mr. Boian is quoted as telling the <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_28670015/platte-river-networks-clinton-e-mail-server-was">Denver Post </a>on August 19th, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.652px;">"There never was, at any time, data belonging to the Clintons stored in Denver. Ever," said Dovetail Solutions CEO Andy Boian, who added that Clinton's server was always in a New Jersey data center. "We do not store data in any bathrooms."</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.652px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.652px;">Confusing, isn't it. Maybe the server was wiped, maybe not. Maybe the information was migrated, maybe not. Maybe the FBI has the "original server", maybe not. Maybe we will learn what really was going on, no . . . definitely not. </span></span></span></span></div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-46837507742357309112015-09-12T10:40:00.000-07:002015-09-12T10:40:19.050-07:00Let's Talk About SOS Clinton's Emails, Please. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Folks, this is a long post as I would like to share
my perspective on this. You can believe me or not but I held at TS-SBI and have
been in a US Army SCIF (Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility) at
Ft. Bragg, Ft. Richardson, Ft. Wainwright, Ft. Hood and Clark AFP (PI). I
believe this episode is but the tip of the iceberg regarding our government
employees (elected, appointed and service employees) and how they conduct
business. While much has been made about
Mrs. Clinton’s behavior, which I believe is justified, there is a bigger
picture that is being missed, in my opinion.
Consider all of the news about “emails” and “instant messages” over the
years by our government employees (think; IRS, EPA, HHS, GSA). Consider that these folks are sharing and
doing work on unsecured computers and networks.
Such actions place information at risk and in the hands of the right
person, say an intelligence analyst, can provide a wealth of data. I have
thought about this and have done some research on all of this and have reached
a conclusion that either our government is willfully lackadaisical and unable
to understand the risk of this behavior or they are outright deceptive. Because this all starts with the issues of
SOS Clinton and her private server I will start there and here is my opinion
based on what we know from the news along with my education and experience is
this: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(1) Somebody (I believe) violated policy and or
the law by transferring classified information to a non State Department, non
secure device (the thumb drives). (Note:
Once any classified data was transferred, opened, accessed on a device
that device is subsequently classified and it is no longer the property of the
individual as the data is owned by the US Government). Mrs. Clinton’s attorney has said they
followed the State Dept. advice on how to handle the thumb drive; who gave them
this advice and what specifically was is and why are no media sources asking
that? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(2) Somebody (I believe) violated polity and or
the law by allowing individuals without a security clearance and a need to know
(you can have a clearance but if you have no need to know the information it is
a security breach) see and or handle said data. The attorneys for Sec. Clinton
have said they "reviewed" all of the information. Even if the
attorneys are credentialed (have a clearance) they have no need to know this
information and therefore that, in and of itself, is a breach.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>(Note:
Once any classified data was transferred, opened, accessed on a device
that device is subsequently classified and it is no longer the property of the
individual as the data is owned by the US Government). Mrs. Clinton’s attorney has said he and
others in his office had a clearance to work on the Benghazi hearings as they
represented Mrs. Clinton. Who at the
State Dept. was aware they were reviewing other data and who gave them the
custodial right to such data? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(3) Somebody (I believe) violated policy and or
the law by having classified data transferred, sent, routed through or replied
from a non-US government server. Sec. Clinton's server was (a) in her home and
(b) monitored / transferred to the possession of Platte River Technology
(Denver) that is not a government contractor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(4) Regardless if there was or wasn't
classified data on the server or thumb drive(s) there was a breach of standard
operating procedures (SOP) as all information not directly slated to be
released immediately by the US Government is marked; For Official Use Only /
UCI. Such markings allow the government
to review the information should a FOIA request be made and as it is marked
FOUO a review can allow parts of this data to be blacked out under provisions
of parts two through nine of the FOIA laws. Again, the attorneys had no
official business with the US Dept. of State they were and are private
attorneys in the employment of SOS Clinton. There client is not the State Dept.
but a private citizen and the information did not belong to SOS Clinton but to
the United States Government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(5) We know the data from the Clinton server
was migrated to another server according to Platte River Technologies. Again,
this is a transfer of FOUO (and higher) data by non-credentialed individuals.
Further, even if Platte River were all credentialed and government contract
employees if they had no need to see this data it is a violation of Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP).<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(6) We know that of the emails reviewed twenty-five
percent have been found to contain information that is classified.. It is
illegal to copy and paste data from a classified document and resend to a
non-governmental server. In truth is next to impossible to go outside of a
secured network (but not entirely impossible either). Further even if the information was not
classified at the time it was sent the information was FOUO and should not have
been sent to a private non-governmental server.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(7)
It has been reported that SOS Clinton provided more than 55,000 pages of emails
from her server to the State Department and that some 31,000 emails were
deleted as they were deemed “personal” by the Clinton team. Just what is “55,000 pages of emails?” Is there a reason we can have a specific
number of “personal” emails but those turned over and work related are based on
“pages”? How many emails are there that
are work related? This may seem like
“nit picking” but the truth is that if the Clinton team can give us a specific
number for one why not the other?
Further when the Clinton team states that the 31,000 “personal” emails
are “personal” just how are we supposed to know that? Fact is if the information was done during
work time and on a work related device those emails would belong to the
employer, just like they do with every other employee. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">I could go on but will leave it at that. I will
ad that something to consider is that by using a private server Sec. Clinton
exposed an entire treasure trove of communications to outside hackers and
governments. Learning who the Sec. communicated with, how often and the thought
process involved in her decision making would have been very valuable to
foreign governments. Additionally, learning the up and down of who is receiving
what and from whom would also be greatly valuable; that is what I did as a
signal analyst for the US Army - I understand the dissection of information. Simply consider that in some of the released
emails we know that Sidney Blumenthal shared not only strategy with SOS Clinton
(yes, she called it “unsolicited” except she continued to return his emails and
ask if he was “available” by phone). Mr.
Blumenthal took credit in his emails for
“sharing information” with reporters and according to his own email to
SOS Clinton he claimed to have a role in a New Yorker piece by Sean Wilentz
critical of the Tea Party as Mr. Blumenthal wrote to Mrs. Clinton, “Did this
with Sean” as he shared the article (per Business Insider). Knowing that as an intelligence person would
tell you (a) who to feed information to, (b) what person within the Clinton
circle is trying to gain influence / prestige which would allow you to “prop
them up” and would (c) give you the particulars necessary to gain access to Mr.
Blumenthal’s email and find out the who, what, when, where, how and why of his
communications. It’s odd that the media
isn’t outraged over Mr. Blumenthal’s admission that he was, in essence,
“pimping them” with an agenda (understand, I believe all political parties and
political creatures do this but in this case we have his own written words that
not only confirm it but indicate those media sources and reporters so willing
to be used to forward an agenda). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Don't get caught up in the argument that
"she never sent or received emails that were classified at the time they
were sent or received" as it's an academic argument. The fact is SOS
Clinton held a private, non-governmental server in her home and she, by her own
admission, conducted day to day State Dept. business through that server. Such
behavior would not have been tolerated by Sec. Rumsfield, Sec. Rice or Sec.
Powell and it ought not to be tolerated by SOS Clinton. This behavior is
outside the standards of FIP's (Federal Information Processing) and one must
assume that as the head of the State Dept. Mrs. Clinton was aware of this. Mrs.
Clinton is asking the voters to elect her to the office of the POTUS of America
and in the highest non-elected position she has held her first inclination was
to "hide" and "control" the flow of data that came to her,
that is enough (IMO) to remove her from consideration. The trouble with SOS Clinton’s claim is that
the IG Report, which reviewed a sampling of 40 of Mrs. Clinton’s emails found
two that they believed were classified at the time they were sent. Although Mrs. Clinton disagrees with the IG
finding it was reported on 7 Sept that the Central Intelligence Agency and the
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency reviewed the two emails and have
determined that both were “top secret” when Mrs. Clinton received them on her
personal email account. Former Gov. and
Senator Bob Kerrey (D-NE) regarding the if something was or wasn’t classified, “you’re
the Secretary of State, you decide what the security clearance is going to be, you
make a determination is this classified, it’s not nobody marked this classified
so it’s not classified”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Another way to look at this argument (“SOS
Clinton didn’t knowingly receive classified information”) is a simple
parable. Say a friend of yours sends you
a package. You have no clue what is in
the package and had no idea they were sending it. When it arrives at your door so too does the
police because inside that package are prescription medication. Now you don’t have a script for those meds
and your friend is not a pharmacist with the credentials to send you the
medication. Because of this you are in
possession of the package illegally.
Your “golden ticket” to get out of this is to (a) report it immediately
and (b) work with the authorities to apprehend the person responsible for
sending you the package. SOS Clinton
should have known that she received classified information (if she opened her
email and let’s assume she did; unless that becomes the next defense) yet she
took no steps (that we are aware of) to (a) report the classified data and (b)
we have heard of no person who was suspended or terminated for sending Mrs.
Clinton the classified data that we now know was present in her email. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Consider that Gen. Patreus was summarily
destroyed for sharing with Paula Broadwell data that was classified during the
course of his affair. This was, IMO, the proper thing to do as he willingly
broke all protocol. Putting aside the fact that having an affair while in the
military is a UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) punishable offense for a
second, remember that Ms. Broadwell was also LTC Broadwell and was not only a
US Military Officer but a consultant for the FBI on counter-terrorism. She had
a TS security clearance but had no need to know the information shared with her
by Gen. Patreus and that is the key issue to the intelligence community. Mrs.
Clinton's receiving of classified data and then transferring said data to thumb
drives, migrating the data to another server along with having outside
attorneys review the data and the data being under the control (for however
long) of Platte River Technology goes far beyond a Gen. sharing information
with his Commissioned Officer mistress who also had a security clearance.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">One defense strategy is to bring up the Bush
Email Scandal. OK, fine. Truth is the Bush administration was wrong in 2007
when they were caught. However, what
folks are leaving out of that is (a) Democrats (who controlled in the House and
Senate) investigated this and found no classified information or if they did it
was not in the House report.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> (b) AG
Alberto Gonzales was forced to resign in part because of his involvement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(c) The House investigation found that DOE employees
(non-political) were using off the books email addresses to communicate and
ensure that those communications were out of the reach of Congress and citizens
via FOIA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.6pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Further the House Investigation (again,
conducted by Democrats) found that this process also was happening in the
General Service Administration and caused the investigation into the GSA to be slow
(we all remember Jeffery Neely of the “hot tub” photo fame who was sentenced to
three months in prison just this past July along with three months house arrest
for his behavior). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.6pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">(d) The House investigation found that at least
88 White House staff members were using email connected to the ghb43.com email
server which was housed at the RNC and stated that such behavior was not just
inappropriate but it was a clear attempt to thwart FOIA request and possibly
the Presidential Records Act as it kept these records outside of the custody of
US Government professionals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.6pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Honestly, think about the fact that this was
2007 and remember this was two years before Citizens United was argued before
the SCOTUS and three years before a verdict was rendered. This process (off
book emails and instant messaging) was being used by not just the WH but by the
GSA, DOE and as we now know the IRS to subvert open disclosure (I bring up
Citizens United v. FEC because the IRS has said it was because of “Citizens
United” that they "slowed" things down in reviewing non-profit
request). We also now know that the IRS
was using IM and that Ms. Leaner was using the off the books email address
“Toby Miles” (named after her dog) to conduct official business. This process was not only deceptive but
designed to keep information hidden from FOIA request – why else engage in this
unless you want the information kept from review? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.6pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">But Mrs. Learner isn’t alone as on December 13,
2012 the IG notified the EPA that they would be conducting an audit into the
use of a private email account “Richard Windsor” (also named for the family
dog) by EPA Director Lisa Jackson.
Director Jackson resigned from her position on December 27, 2012 and the
American public was given the “nothing to see here folks” routine. Except we know that “Richard Windsor” (a
fictitious email account used by Mrs. Jackson)
received an “ethics award” as a “top student” by the EPA after
disclosures came out in June 2013 (six months after Mrs. Jackson
resigned). Yet, that isn’t the end of
political folks caught with their keyboards hidden from public view. In June 2013 the AP reported that HHS
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was also using a “private” email address
(kgs2@hhs(dot)gov) to conduct official business. The difference here is that while using her
initials Sec. Sebelius was actually hiding her communications away from FOIA
request as her actual, listed email address was not kgs2@hhs(dot)gov. It was nothing but an effort to subvert
disclosure and it worked! Again, the
public was told; “nothing to see here folks, move along”. The fact is that this behavior was and I
suspect is rampant within the government and it is done not just to divert
public and media review but to skirt the law.
SOS Clinton’s behavior, while going much further than others, is truly
no different. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.6pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">But back to the State Dept., the fact is that
on June 28, 2011 (DTG: 282223Z Jun 11
which translates to: 28 June 2011 at 10:23 pm) the State Dept. issued a memo
from the “SECSTATE WASHDC” to “ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POST COLLECTIVE”
with the subject “Securing Personal E-mail Accounts”. In this memo it states in part 3 subsection
d: “Avoid conducting official Department
business from your personal e-mail account”.
What is more “personal” than an off the books account on a server you
own and administer? Part 3 subsection e
states, “Do not reveal your personal e-mail address in your work “out of office”
message”. Why is this recommended; simple because as was expressed earlier with
the known emails from Mr. Blumenthal it gives hackers and intelligence people a
wealth of knowledge and a “way in”.
Funny, the State Department acknowledges this in June of 2011. Finally part 3 subsection f states, “Do not
auto-forward Department email to personal e-mail accounts, which is prohibited
by Department policy (12 FAM 544.3)”.
This would mean that unless SOS Clinton was communicating directly with
the POTUS and other cabinet members via her HRC e-mail address that she must
have been forwarding her email from a state(dot)gov address to the HRC account,
right? Now we know that this was not the
case so then it means that the POTUS and other cabinet members (assuming they
communicated with the SOS via email) along with anyone employed by the State
Department that sent SOS Clinton an email were willingly doing so in direct
conflict with the memo of 28 June 2011 issued by the State Dept. under SOS
Clinton’s name. This isn’t ambiguous nor
is it a nuance. (The 28 June 2011 memo
can be Googled and found at crocodoc). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 13.6pt; margin: 0in 0in 6.8pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">John
Podesta is quoted as saying, “We need to defend her, and we are doing
that”. But just how can a reasonable
defense of SOS Clinton be made once one considers she is (a) an attorney (she can read laws), (b) worked
on the Watergate Investigation, (c) was a US Senator and (d) was the SOS State
yet still engaged in such reckless behavior?
SOS Clinton was in the US Senate in 2007 when the Bush Administration
was rightfully “pimp-slapped” by the US Congress for engaging in a similar set
up. She knew from 2007 forward this was
inappropriate, her colleagues in Congress said so and AG Gonzales resigned
because of it. What made her think she
was “different”? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Another defense is that, “SOS Powell used a non-State Dept.
email” and that is true. First and
foremost his behavior was, IMO, wrong and as we all learned as a child two
wrongs don’t make a right. But let’s not
forget that SOS Powell did not possess a private server which he maintained and
there have been no accusations that he sent or received any classified
data. Finally, when his emails were
requested SOS Powell worked with the State Dept. to recover these records and
did not hire private attorneys to help review his emails prior to turning them
over to the State Dept.. No question
that I believe SOS Powell was wrong for using a private email address but with
that said his actions were also before the Bush email sandal of 2007 which
exposed how using an off the books email address was inappropriate. More so, Gen. Powell stated on “Meet the
Press” (6 Sept) that, “I had a secure State Department machine for secure
material and I had a laptop that I could use for email. I would email relatives, friends, but I would
also email the department but it was mostly housekeeping stuff, what’s the
status of this papers, what’s going on here”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Many have also made the defense that, “what SOS Clinton did
was legal and permissible and didn’t break any policy”. That is clearly debatable but I would side
with what Federal Judge Emmet G. Sullivan (who incidentally was appointed by
Pres. William Jefferson Clinton) said on 08/20/15, “We wouldn’t be here today
if this employee had followed government policy”. Judge Sullivan in supporting his belief that
the policy was not followed referred to the State Dept. responsibility to
comply with the Federal Records Act of 1950. It has now been reported (9 Sept) that to meet
the backlog of sifting through the emails of SOS Clinton the State Dept. has
assigned 50 additional staff temporarily to work to help sort through the emails. Even SOS Kerry has responded by appointing
Ambassador Janice Jacobs to serve as the State Dept. “transparency coordinator”
to help the agency respond to FOIA request.
Just what are the added administrative costs due to Mrs. Clinton’s
behavior? But the lawsuits by the media
are not over and they are now not only seeking the FOIA information but are now
asking the questions of the State Dept. that I believe need to be asked. Journalist Dave Brown has filed a case
against the State Dept (9 Sept) requesting all of the information related to
the thumb drive that the attorneys for Mrs. Clinton held. Specifically, his attorney Kel McClanahan is
quoted as saying,</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">"If
one of us tried to do this, we’d have our clearance yanked that very day and
have a search warrant served on us and something different happened here,"
attorney Kel McClanahan. "Not only agree did [State] allow him to maintain
these records, but it's unclear if they even pushed back. ... We decided
somebody needs to get to the bottom of what exactly happened here. What is it:
favoritism or did David Kendall somehow satisfy some requirement that others of
us never even knew to aim for?" It
should also be remembered that </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Former head of Information Security Oversight
Office under Pres. Clinton and Pres. Bush (J. Willliam Leonard) is quoted as
saying; “If a foreign minister just told the SOS something in confidence, by US
rules that is classified at the moment it’s in the US channels and US
possession” he added that for the State Dept. to say otherwise was “blowing
smoke”. Reuters is reporting (08/21/15) that there were several email chains
between SOS Clinton and Ms. Abedin that were marked “Foreign Government
Information” which is a marking used by the State Dept. and is considered
“classified”. In fact those emails have
been largely redacted and while that doesn’t imply the information was
classified it clearly shows the data was not to be shared with the general
public. More importantly as there is an
ongoing investigation just exactly how can those defending Mrs. Clinton “know”
with such “certainty” that she did nothing wrong? Think about that – Mrs. Clinton and her
supporters are “sure” she has done nothing inappropriate. To believe that means one must ignore the IG
Report along with the confirmation that at least two of the emails found by the
IG were classified “top secret” when they were sent. Fact of the matter is that former Gov. and
Senator Bob Kerrey (D-NE) said, “What the Secretary did was an end run around
FOIA”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Just imagine all the things about this that simply don’t
make sense and defy simple employee / employer logic and then think about the
fact that the State Dept. admitted in court filing regarding the FOIA case
involving SOS Clintons aides Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills that the Blackberry
devices given to them by the State Dept. simply can’t be reviewed because the
devices were either “destroyed or sold off”.
Understand that State Dept. Executive Secretary Joseph MacManus said
that the State Dept’s “standard procedure upon return of such devices is to
perform a factory reset (which will remove all data) and then to reissue the
device to another employee, to destroy it or to excess it”. Mr. MacManus also said, “Because the devices
issued to Ms. Mills and Ms. Abedin would have been outdated models, in
accordance with standard operating procedures those devices would have been
destroyed or excessed”. Now think about
the fact that the State Dept. seems to have a policy on how to treat a
Blackberry but they had no policy regarding using non-State Department
email. It simply doesn’t make
sense. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Imagine also that on 3 September it’s reported that former
Hillary ’08 IT Staffer, Bryan Pagliano who would later be hired by the State
Dept. to manage the private Clinton email server has notified Congress that he
will “plead the fifth” if forced to appear before the House Committee on 10
September when he has been scheduled to testify. No question that everyone has the right to
“plead the fifth” but what would the purpose be for Mr. Pagliano to take the
fifth if the work he did was completely in compliance with the law as we have
been consistently told by the Clinton folks?
Ironically while Mr. Pagliano’s attorneys have notified the House of his
intention to plead the fifth the Clinton Campaign has told the media they would
like everyone to cooperate even though Mrs. Clinton is quoted as saying
the House investigation is just
“partisan games”. So why would Mr.
Pagliano seemingly refuse to cooperate with a congressional subpoena? Does he feel that the server he set-up as a
Hillary ’08 staffer and maintained once he was hired by the State Department
was not completely kosher or is he simply ignoring the House Committee because
he too thinks this is just “partisan games”?
Then there is the fact that the Washington Post has reported that Mr.
Pagliano was paid directly by the Clinton’s to maintain the server which,
according to the Washington Post, was being used by Pres. Clinton, SOS Clinton
and Chelsea Clinton. When asked in
August if Mr. Pagliano had been privately paid to maintain the Clinton server
the State Department responded they, “found no evidence that he ever informed
the department that he had outside income”.
Another State Dept. official stated that she was unable to add any
clarity to Mr. Pagliano’s pay due to “ongoing reviews and investigations”. Seriously just what was going on at Foggy
Bottom? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">The Clinton Campaign continues to play the “we don’t really
know what that means” card as Mrs. Clinton’s press secretary, Brian Fallon told
CNN’s Brianna Keilar on 3 September that, “I don’t know what “wiped” means”
when asked if the server handed over to the FBI had been “wiped”. Mr. Fallon later said that, “literally, the
emails were deleted off the server, that’s true”. It’s almost sad how folks not only expect but
seem to demand that the American voter not pay attention but that they (the
voter) must be ignorant. How this is a
joking issue to anyone is confusing to be honest. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">In her testimony before the House Panel on 3 September,
Clinton advisor Cheryl Mills stated that none of SOS Clinton’s work related
email’s were intentionally destroyed or hidden and that maybe true. The problem here is that neither Mrs. Mills
nor Mrs. Clinton was the custodian of such information as it was, by Mrs. Mills
admission, work related and therefore that information belonged to the State
Department. Mrs. Mills then offered a
caveat of sorts and said that was unaware if anyone else had intentionally
destroyed or tried to hide material that was deemed work related. So in the end we know that Mrs. Mills is
willing to say under oath that she wasn’t involved with any attempt to hide or
destroy records but that she can’t say if anyone else did. It’s the nuance of answers that is so
confusing as after the emails were found from Sidney Bluemnthal to Mrs. Clinton
it was discovered that several of those messages from Mr. Blumenthal were not
among the thousands of pages of emails that Mrs. Clinton turned over to the
State Department. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">It’s also clear that the IT Help Desk was unaware of the
Clinton Server and the email address that SOS Clinton was using. Christopher Butzgy a Help desk analyst at the
State Department sent SOS Clinton an email in February 2010 inquiring about the
“permanent fatal errors” in her email address.
Mrs. Clinton deferred this issue to her aide Huma Abedin who responded
by email to Mrs. Clinton that someone had sent Mrs. Clinton an email but that
it had “bounced back” (unable to be delivered) and the State Dept. Help Desk
had, as Ms. Abedin put it, “they had no idea it was YOU, just some random
address so they emailed”. How is it
possible that Mrs. Clinton’s use of a private email and server was such unknown
knowledge to the IT professionals at the State Department that they sent her an
email to find out who it was yet the story is that this was “no big thing” and
that everything was completely above board?
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Clinton Aide, Huma Abedin is scheduled to testify before
the House Committee sometime before the testimony of SOS Clinton on 22
October. No question her testimony will
be important as she (a) knew the State Dept. IT Help Desk was unaware of SOS
Clinton’s email address and set-up and (b) she was Mrs. Clinton’s deputy chief
of staff. Yet there are already questions
about how Mrs. Abedin conducts business, legitimate questions. Consider that on 10 Sept it was reported that
Mrs. Abedin was overpaid while she was a “consultant” to the State Dept. An IG investigation found that she was paid
for time she never worked including during a trip she took overseas when she
was pregnant and eight hours on the day she was in labor giving birth to her
son. Mrs. Abedin’s response to the IG in
Oct ’14 about this was, “My husband handles all of the finances”. So are we to believe that her husband, then
NY House Rep. Anthony Weiner was actually filling out and submitting her hours
to the State Dept.? The State Dept IG
report makes it clear that after a two year investigation she failed to
correctly submit necessary paperwork on multiple occasions, resulting in overpayments
because her leaves of absence were never documented. For me, I know that of all the paperwork I
have ever done the one I always know is correct is the one that will ensure I
am paid. Yet even though Mrs. Abiden
agrees there were overpayments as does the IG and FBI the Dept. of Justice is
not seeking any charges but rather asking that she reimburse the State Dept.
10,674.00. Her “forgetfulness” in this
case raises serious questions on her validity as a witness. Can or will she tell the complete truth? Imagine in one instance of overpayment Mrs.
Abedin received a lump sum payment of 33,000.00 when she left the State Dept.
yet her replies is to say that “He (Anthony Weiner) never told her about it and
she only discovered it when contacted by investigators two years later”. If Mrs. Abedin doesn’t keep track of her own
family finances and doesn’t notice an increase of 33,000.00 just exactly how
can she be expected to recall or correctly know the day to day workings of the
SOS’s email? </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">SOS Clintons campaign has tried to make this a partisan
issue by attacking House Member Trey Gowdy but what the campaign is asking
everyone to do is forget that (1) it was the IG report found problems with SOS
Clintons email and requested a DOJ Investigation and (2) the State Dept. is in
Federal Court over an FOIA request stemming from SOS Clintons actions. This isn’t an R v. D issue and Mrs. Clinton
can’t honestly trot out the old, “vast right wing conspiracy” argument that she
has made time and time again going back to when her husband had what Clinton
Staffer Betsy Wright called “Bimbo Eruptions”.
If Mrs. Clinton thinks this argument is a “winner” she is counting on
what Jonathan Gruber called, “the stupidity of the American Voter” and its time
voters looked at this and told Mrs. Clinton, “that dog don’t hunt”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">State Dept. Spokesperson Mark Toner has stated that the
proportion of emails now classified is twenty-five percent. This is neither a mistake nor is it
insignificant. This show that there was
an ongoing cavalier attitude regarding the handling of data by SOS Clinton and
her Staff. To think otherwise means that
the voter must accept that our elected and appointed officials handle
information correctly only seventy-five percent of the time and is that truly
the standard we are striving for. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: rgb(244, 244, 244); margin: 0in 0in 16.3pt; text-align: left;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">On 8 Sept, SOS Clinton finds herself saying that she is
“sorry” and it was a “mistake” and that she “takes responsibility for it”. But let’s be fair, has she really or does she
now intend to? SOS Clinton knew that the
Bush administration was roundly (and rightfully) smacked for using a private
server in 2007 yet she still chose to use one.
SOS Clinton knew her department had told State Department Staff in 2011
not to use personal email but she continued to do so. SOS Clinton further knew that all of her
communications were subject to FOIA request and that by keeping them on a
server not controlled by the State Dept. that any FOIA request would be stopped
dead in it’s tracks as you can’t provide what you don’t have and the State
Dept. had none of her emails. Yet,
again, SOS Clinton decide to just go ahead and keep things as private and
personal; funny once you consider that Mrs. Clinton as a young lawyer worked on
the House Investigation Team as they crafted the report on Watergate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Someone made an
enormous error in judgment and I believe violated either the law and or many
security policies and protocols. The fact that Mrs. Clinton has made joking,
flippant remarks in Iowa about joining "snapchat" and "loving it"
because the "messages just disappear" and receive cheers from
supporters is sad and a horrible commentary on just how ignorant and uniformed
Americans have become. SOS Clinton joking about "wiping it clean, you mean
with a cloth"? There is nothing funny about this situation and the fact
that SOS Clinton thinks it's acceptable to become a stand-up comedian is
sickening.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">Bob Woodward thinks this is reminiscent of
Pres. Nixon yet the truth is this is much, much worse. Some folks (Mrs. Clinton and others) have
said this is nothing but "partisan" or a "vast right wing"
issue nothing could be further from the truth. Sen. Claire McCaskill called
this whole thing about SOS Clintons server a “witch hunt”. Really.
Folks the "leaks" are coming from the Obama DOJ - these are
his people "sharing" information off the record, why? What is it
about Mrs. Clinton that someone in her own Party wants to see her taken down
and whom do they want to benefit from this?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">Folks use Google and look up anything that I
have written and see if I am wrong, you won't, but please feel free to do so.
Then Google 18 US Code 798 and ask yourself:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">(a) Did SOS Clinton open any email that was
classified (even if she was unaware of its classification) on a
non-governmental server?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">(b) Did SOS Clinton allow any data that was
classified to be transferred to thumb drives (again, regardless if she knew the
data was classified) and was that data provided to or shared with individuals
who had no need to know that information?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">(c) Did SOS Clinton allow or request data to
be migrated from one server to another by individuals (Platte River
Technologies) that had no need to know this data and was the storage of such
data was on non-governmental devices?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">(d) Was SOS Clinton granted the authority to delete,
destroy, wipe-clean data owned by the US Government (Dept. of State) regardless
of the level of classification and if so who gave her such authority? (Point,
even if the information was not classified it was not her property and by
deleting the data she ordered and allowed a violation of eRecords standards).<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: #EDF0F7;">Mrs. Clinton is quoted as saying; "If I
had not asked for my emails all to be made public, none of this would have been
in the public arena". This simply isn't true. The only reason this issue is
being discussed is because the AP and others sued the State Department for the
emails to be released and that case continues in Federal Court to this
day.<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">
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<span style="background: rgb(237, 240, 247); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">Having said all of
that I expect Sec. Clinton will be given a "pass" in some convoluted
manner by the DOJ and by late 2015 we will learn that all was "well"
with the choices she and her staff made. It will be a grand whitewash and there
will be nothing to see. I'd bet my left nugget on that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #edf0f7;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13.8px;">The issue, I think, isn't just SOS Clinton's use of a private server but rather the cavalier manner that employees (elected, appointed and hired) of the United States Government have been treating communication and the public's right to know how our government is functioning. This isn't about political party, in my opinion, or about ideology but it's about right and wrong. I honestly doubt anything will happen with any of this as it seems if we have learned nothing from the HHS, EPA and IRS email "issues" we ought to have learned that in our government if you delay long enough it goes away. That's a horrible standard but one that I think has been established and I'd bet my right nugget on that one. </span></span></span></div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-63481996964306512442015-08-22T11:02:00.000-07:002015-08-22T11:53:41.845-07:00An open letter to Elise Foley (Immigration and Politics Reporter – The Huffington Post) on Immigration <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYNd2OPrswRkNuD2Jr5xoXIphCZhNSZFY6MoLA0a2iACB2HgyIL9-wPrTs3sinH2_tOH2WL9lwLsvB_SIJdnL9QE-zoOaGwU2vCQaZGrWEoGLetH3-TnMlAtBz556J2TyWfRn3kLz060/s1600/immigration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYNd2OPrswRkNuD2Jr5xoXIphCZhNSZFY6MoLA0a2iACB2HgyIL9-wPrTs3sinH2_tOH2WL9lwLsvB_SIJdnL9QE-zoOaGwU2vCQaZGrWEoGLetH3-TnMlAtBz556J2TyWfRn3kLz060/s640/immigration.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">An open letter to Elise Foley (Immigration and Politics Reporter –
The Huffington Post): <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">I read with great interest the article written by Ms. Foley at the
Huffington Post on 21 August 2015 titled, “<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/immigration-activists-renew-focus-on-local-battles-after-national-disappointments_55d79539e4b04ae49703532e?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592&kvcommref=mostpopular">Immigration
Activist Renew Focus On Local Battles After National Disappointments</a>” and
subtitled, “We’re ready to fight”. My interest comes first as a compassionate
person with over 17 years working in the non-profit world and secondly as the
father of five. I am a veteran of the
U.S. Army, the first of my siblings to attend and graduate from college and
have always found myself drawn to the ideal of treating everyone with respect,
responsibility, trust and help. Sometimes
holding such wishful ideals has opened me to criticisms of being naïve and at
times I have been manipulated by those I worked to help. Through it all I have maintained the thought
that trying to assist the larger population that deserves respect off-sets
those who willingly manipulate and abuse the good will of those wishing to be
of assistance. Of course through the
years I have changed many of my thoughts and feelings on a variety of social
issues but my core still demands that all citizens are treated with respect, responsibility,
trust and help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">After reading your column Ms. Foley, I took some time to reflect
on what was written and wondered if you shared the same values for
everyone. I believe, like Pres. Obama,
that words have meanings and that it truly matters how they are written and or
spoken and as I read your column I was struck at just how the meaning and
intent of words were not treated with the respect and responsibility I would
hope they deserve. Early in the column
the presentation was made that, <i>And after
activists helped convince more than 300 jurisdictions in recent years to limit
cooperation between police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an outcry
against those so-called "sanctuary cities" threatens to halt that
progress.</i></span> Trouble is that there
is no “so-called” to the term “sanctuary cities”. The
Center for Immigration Studies website (cis.org) list maps of cities, counties
and states that they title “sanctuary” and as you know, they are not alone in using
this term. Your column cited the tragic
murder of Ms. Stienle in San Francisco as part of the backlash against such
policies and the fact is that the City of San Francisco ordinance is titled “<a href="http://sfgsa.org/index.aspx?page=1067">Sanctuary Ordnance</a>” at the
City and County of San Francisco’s webpage.
There really is no “so-called” but rather an honest, overt passage of
ordinances by municipalities to label their city as a “sanctuary” so it’s
confusing that you don’t acknowledge what they clearly do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">The column discussed how, <i>advocates
with United We Dream and Immigrant Legal Resource Center are circulating a
toolkit to groups around the country that support immigrant rights with advice
for how to fight collaboration between ICE and local police, which they say is putting
their communities at risk.</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="outline: 0px;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Their plan came after a phone call in June, when activists
lamented that they were still losing community members to deportation</span></i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">.</span> I find it startling that two groups, one
made up largely of legal professionals, could openly promote a “toolkit” with
the intention of helping local municipality’s subvert the application of laws
within the United States. Consider that
what is being promoted is requesting that local communities disengage from open
and honest conversations with our Federal Law Enforcement Agencies in an effort
to subvert the enforcement of our existing laws. I am sensitive to the idea of civil disobedience
and acknowledge that some laws seem very unjust however it is confusing that credentialed
officers of the court would willingly engage in promoting the open defiance of
the very laws they were sworn to uphold.
Further I find the use of the
term “fight” as an odd, shall we say, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microaggression_theory">micro-aggression</a>,
instead of showing respect and responsibility for the laws of the United States
we now have folks who not only advocate the open defiance of them but demand a
“fight” against those who have a Constitutional duty to enforce and uphold such
laws. Sure I know that some will say a
minority group and those advocating for such a group can’t be guilty of a “micro-aggression”
but when the term “fight” is used and it is coupled with an open demand that
local communities cease from assisting our federal officials just how is that
not an aggressive behavior? In reality
when your column proudly stated, <i>Activists
helped take down the Secure Communities program, </i>the implication is clear
that there exist and aggressive demand to dismantle or ignore the laws of the
United States and to “take down” those things which are found objectionable by
a minority group. Again I do understand
and have great reverence for social disobedience but to a great number of
Americans such open defiance appears to be nothing short of a hostility to the
laws and law enforcement agencies of our society and I question if those
advocating such policies truly understand how disrespectful, unhelpful,
irresponsible and untrustworthy what they are advocating comes across to a
great number of Americans. Maybe it is naive
but I believe the majority of Americans wish to do nothing but live peacefully
under the law and wish to have all of our community follow the grand societal
contract of shared values so eloquently written about by Alexis de Tocqueville
in “Democracy in America” and we are finding that shared commonality and values
in grave conflict with the aggressive demands of those who advocate open defiance
against not only our laws but those commissioned with upholding them. I found it odd that your column stated, <i>A number of jurisdictions decided to stop
respecting ICE hold requests in recent years based on concerns that working
with ICE could damage relationships with the immigrant community.</i> Stating this admits that relationships
are damaged by action yet the jurisdictions you cite seem to have no concern
with the damage failing to uphold the law has on the great many of Americans
who in our hearts still strive for the shared values of respect,
responsibility, trust and help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">In your column it was communicated that the murder of Ms. Kathryn Stienle
in San Francisco became a time of reflection for many. I believe that your writing again reflected a
dismissive tone as you asserted, <i>So-called
sanctuary cities became a flashpoint after the fatal shooting of 32-year-old
Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco last month, allegedly at the hands of an
undocumented immigrant who had been deported five times.</i> Again, there is no “so-called” with regards
to sanctuary cities, particularly with regards to San Francisco and the idea
that Mr. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez is somehow “allegedly” responsible for
Ms. Stienles death ignores not only the witnesses, including the victim’s
father, but also ignores Mr. Lopez-Sanchez own <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/06/us/san-francisco-killing/">admission</a> that
he killed Ms. Stienle. I respect the
idea under our system of justice that those charged with a crime are presumed innocent
until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt however in this instance referring
to Mr. Lopez-Sanchez as being “allegedly” responsible is fascinatingly
dismissive. While I am more than willing
to give you the benefit of the doubt in believing that you would extend the
idea of “innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt” I can’t do the
same for the editorial staff of your employer, the Huffington Post. A simple “Google” search showed countless
articles where police officers involved in shootings were not given the same
presumption of innocent and while I believe that is perfectly acceptable
because it reflects the accuracy of the story, softening the language in the
case of the murder of Ms. Stienle and calling the perpetrator of that crime as
being “allegedly” the shooter seems odd to say the least. As I wrote earlier, I believe that words
matter and it struck me that in your article you willfully skirted the responsibility
you have as a writer to help the reader with regard to Ms. Stienles
murder. While I believe you correctly
mentioned that her death was a moment of reflection for those advocating
changes to immigration law and you mentioned the what (murder of Ms. Stienle),
where (San Francisco), and how (gunshot) you intentionally or inadvertently
left out the “whom” with regards to the actual witnessed, arrested, charged and
by his own words admitted perpetrator:
Mr. Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez.
Even more troubling to me is that
while the murder of Ms. Stienle is seen as an impediment for those advocating
changes to immigration laws by Mr. Lopez-Sanchezs own
admission to San Francisco television station (<a href="http://abc7news.com/news/exclusive-pier-14-shooting-suspect-admits-to-crime/830325/">ABC
7</a>) he knew San Francisco to be not a “so-called” sanctuary city
but a real place of sanctuary where he would not be pursued by immigration officials.
Full disclosure, I don’t believe, should be subjected to a selective telling of the facts and inadvertently or not,
that is what I have taken away from your column. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">The reporting that the House of Representatives have voted to
block federal law enforcement grants to communities that provide sanctuary for
those deemed illegal aliens (which, offensive or not is the actual term under
the law) was left hanging open without telling that in truth such actions by
Congress is relatively typical. I am
old enough to remember when our Congress voted to withhold funding to states
that failed to pass a fifty-five mile an hour speed limit and the use of such “carrots”
(withholding or providing more support) was a big part of the Affordable Care
Act. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">I am open to discussing and hearing any and all voices regarding
the desire to change, amend or completely rid ourselves of some of the current
immigration laws. Yet, I honestly
struggle when I read columns such as the one you wrote for the Huffington Post
that I believe not only softens the language intentionally but willfully leaves
out a complete telling of the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">Americans, I believe, are compassionate people and without
question we have an amazing history of welcoming others and of accepting
different cultures, religions and beliefs.
We are not perfect but we have desperately worked to move in a humane
and accepting direction. No westernized
nation has elected, appointed and promoted such a diverse ethnic, gender,
sexual orientation and religious leadership as has America. Imagine that just this past January when our current
Congress was sworn in they were the most diverse group of representative ever
elected in the history of the United States of America all while our sitting President remains the
first African-American President ever elected.
Understand this is not to imply that we can’t and shouldn’t continue to
strive for greater inclusiveness but it ought to serve as a reminder of just
how much progress America has truly made.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">For many folks, myself included, I see the progress that America
has made as a great source of pride along with a tremendous recognition of just
how marvelous our nation is. But then as
I seek to do nothing more than fulfill the ideals of a collective society based
on the values of “Democracy in America” and to ingrain those values in my children
I am confronted by open aggression not just to my beliefs but the institutions
of justice in the United States of America when I am confronted with individuals who advocate not just
changing our laws but to request local elected leaders defy those laws by
giving adherence and acceptance to a “toolkit” intended to ensure cooperation
from our local law enforcement is thwarted all under the guise of “compassion”
while no respect or responsibility seems to be shown for the actual system of
law and government we have in the United States. Understand that I don’t make such statements lightly
but I feel that I am compelled to believe such when I hear activist quoted as
saying, <i>"We're ready to fight, we've
been ready to fight," </i></span><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;">Carolina Canizales, an
organizer with the youth-led advocacy group United We Dream</span></i><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;"> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/immigration-activists-renew-focus-on-local-battles-after-national-disappointments_55d79539e4b04ae49703532e?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592&kvcommref=mostpopular">said</a>.
"We're no longer going to be defined by a court decision. We're no longer
going to be defined by a policy."</span></i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;"> Honesty demands that such statements are
called exactly what they are; aggressive (“we’re ready to fight, we’ve been
ready to fight”), dismissive (“we’re no longer going to be defined by a court
decision”) and demanding ("we’re no longer going to be defined by a policy”) and
unquestionably such things fail in showing any level of respect, responsibility,
trust and help for the Citizens of the United States, the rule of law we all
live under and the government we elect to represent us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-65031323222419707842015-06-01T08:53:00.000-07:002015-06-01T08:53:07.223-07:00I wonder what Robert Johnson saw?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUWBB_aOcKhChI4KcVLV1_grXL3QK2d7upol3K0RQwC6afZtAZIpxV_f8vOkC4yJeLYVZRCgk1J_eb-1zpxVm4zBY8Q0oFsJymOZmSenO6KFlAGPAljGKnyDcbdrgslUJ1nKBMvI8fyc/s1600/crossroads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUWBB_aOcKhChI4KcVLV1_grXL3QK2d7upol3K0RQwC6afZtAZIpxV_f8vOkC4yJeLYVZRCgk1J_eb-1zpxVm4zBY8Q0oFsJymOZmSenO6KFlAGPAljGKnyDcbdrgslUJ1nKBMvI8fyc/s400/crossroads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Right, wrong or indifferent, I bet that he gained illumination. <br />
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While "crossroads" is a great song my favoriate by Robert Johnson still remains: </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-42195988089482128732015-04-27T13:32:00.000-07:002015-05-14T15:42:37.830-07:00Questions to Myself. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Life has become much like the Bill Murray film “Groundhog
Day”. Things bleed into one another from
one to the next. It becomes a routine, déjà
vu almost. One task to the next has
become like the ticking of a clock. Wake
the boys, make breakfast, greet Laura when she arrives home, talk with Laura
for a few minutes before she goes to bed and then it’s a cavalcade of task. I look at the daily “job boards”, pick-up the
house, do laundry, make lunch for the boys, make dinner and lunch for Laura if
she must work that day and if the weather is nice enough take the boys outside
to play. The afternoon and night is the
same, routine, déjà vu. </div>
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The monotony of it all has given me a chance to contemplate many
things once the boys go to sleep. I
think about; politics, social problems in America, sports, movies and most
recently wondering just why I have so many “friends” on Facebook or "connections" on LinkedIn. I have thought about that
for the last couple of weeks and have come to the conclusion that I don’t have
a clue. I enjoy reading some of
the updates, seeking the photos and I get a laugh from the videos that some post. I guess being honest I also
enjoy seeing the new things in former co-workers lives on LinkedIn but it’s when I
close the laptop for the day that I realize just how much I truthfully question
if I care anymore and wonder just why do
I have so many “friends” and “connections”.
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Social media can be a good thing but it can
also be an amazing falsehood that serves only to make one feel better or more
important than they actually are. I
think about my Mother and Father when I was growing up and somehow feel like
they were more “grounded” then much of my generation, maybe even including me,
as they seemed to grasp just what was and wasn't important. We share our meals, our child’s daily lives,
what conferences or training's we have completed, what new motivational speaker
or sayings we like but do we or rather I, actually have ourselves rooted in what is truly
important? I have no clue. Some days I think I do but other days, yeah, not so much. </div>
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I know that I am guilty of posting the same things as others
on Facebook (kid’s photos, stupid videos and so on) and oftentimes after doing
it I wonder to myself “why”. I have
learned to justify it by saying that I tagged the kids Grandparents or Aunts in
the post so that they can be informed with what is happening with the kids
but really, I could do the same thing with an email even if it would take a
couple of extra steps. LinkedIn has
become a little like a CD player for me, it’s around I just don’t use it. As I
started to sit down and write this I checked my last “update” and smiled when I realized that it was more than a month ago. There was a time when I would check it every single day and make sure
that I “congratulated” folks with a work anniversary, new job or title and of
course birthday but now, not so much. I
sent out an email through LinkedIn to a little more than one-hundred of my “connections”
back in January 2013 and again in November 2014 as I continued to search for
employment and to be honest I received a grand total of seven replies and all
but one was the “I wish I could help” condolence. I think about that and I wonder, “what’s the point?” </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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It’s hard to be honest.
Actually it’s (without being offensive) fucking soul crushing. The day to day monotony that never changes in
appearance and rarely changes in activity or function. I have now been unemployed for the majority
of time since October 2012. Thirty
months. 21,914.5 hours. Damn. <br />
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I think about it and I no longer have a clue as to what I
should do, honestly, I don’t. I think
about my past and know that there was a time that I was employed not only full
time but a time when I held two full time jobs at once. I worked hard. After spending four years on active duty
in the Military I was able to graduate from college in exactly four years and
one month from the date of my discharge.
Hell, by the time I was thirty-five I had been hired to be the Executive
Director of a Non-Profit. Now today at the age of 47 I can’t get a call
back for even the most menial of jobs.
Damn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
All of the “changes” have in many ways worn me down. My credit score was once over 800
and I owned two homes. Today, whew, I
don’t even want to know. Back in 2004 I cashed
out a retirement plan to purchase a home and then with everything ended up
losing that home. I figured I was young
and to be honest at the time felt like I had just taken what would be the last
job I ever held because in truth, I loved it that much.
Then after a few surprises get
dropped it forces change. I found
I no longer had a “social work” license in Michigan. Not because I did anything wrong but because
the fee to renew the license was never sent in and as my degree is in “Corrections
and Juvenile Services” I am not actually “grandfathered in” for the new licensing
requirements in Michigan so after 15 years working in that field you get closed out. Then you find the surprise of a court order
that demands back taxes from the City of Toledo. The downside is that since you never knew you
were supposed to go to court you have a default judgment against you. Thankfully I was able to cash out another retirement
plan and settle with them but in the end that’s just a short term gain long
term loss to be honest. It’s all
frustrating. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good things are all thanks to Laura. She is and has been amazing. The truth is that I know I don’t deserve her
and oftentimes feel like I am a drain on her.
She likes to tell me that I am getting the chance to be with the boys
and to take care of them and I know that’s true but it's not what I want to be
doing as a man. I don’t have anything
against a guy that wants to stay at home and raise his kids if that’s his
choice. For me it’s not a choice but
something that has been forced upon me.
It makes me feel daily that I don’t contribute to the home and that I
don’t do anything to truly be a father. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father, that’s another thing that annoys me. Honestly, I am so tired of hearing from
family and some friends on Facebook about how I am a “good Dad”. I don’t feel like it and honestly hearing it
doesn't change my thoughts and feelings.
I try to be respectful to people and I listen to them but in the end
what my “mind” is telling me is that I am not really a good Dad. While I am with Ethan and Ian daily and I see
Jacob, Hannah and Knoah every other weekend, I contribute minimally to them through child support
because of my job situation and when I am with them I feel guilty that I can do
little for them or with them. It’s debilitating
to be honest. <br />
<br />
<br />
Some days I will look at what people share and want to scream. Look, I know that work can suck and that co-workers can be a pain in the ass but guess what - if that's really the worse problem you have things are going pretty damn good, ya know. <br />
<br />
<br />
The thing is that I am not looking for sympathy or understanding or even for folks to relate to what I am going through. We have all been in this position at one point or another I know that. It's just that the question I have to ponder is if I really need to have just one more reminder of the unending repetition that is Monday - Sunday. It's basically rinse, wash, repeat. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I wonder what the point of social media is
for me. I used to enjoy posting on a
local bulletin board about politics, sports and so on but a little more than a
year ago I left that board because one of the regular posters thought it was “cool”
to accuse another poster of being a suspect in the killing of a child. My reason for leaving the board was that if
the moderators were not going to address behavior like that then did I really
want to associate with a board that allowed such reckless accusations. (I should point out that the person being accused was not anonymous). I am now thinking that with all things
considered, social media is no longer for me. I don’t see the point, to be honest. Sure it has given me a chance to be happy for
others and to enjoy seeing folks children as they get bigger but it’s also made
me question the “value” of such connections for me. Maybe right now it’s just me and I won’t
discount that at all. I know that I am
in a rut, I get it, I accept it. I don’t
want to sound like I have embraced my “groundhog days” but I don’t see an
alternative. I was ran down recently
on social media by Jacob, Hannah and Knoah’s Mother about the size of my
contribution and as bad as I feel the reality is that my only defense is that I
have applied for more than 2,180 jobs since Oct '12 and have went to interviews from as close to Dundee to as far away as Virginia in the hope of gaining a
job! Hell, in truth I have never been
one to ask for help but as I said earlier I have sent out more than 200 emails
requesting assistance and still here I am.
Groundhog Day. It’s tiring. It’s taxing.
It’s frustrating. It’s
angering. It’s my life and I just don’t
know if I want to share it on social media any longer. Maybe someday things will be different but
for now, I have a lot to think about and I certainly have the time to do
so. </div>
</div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-10817328451044501722015-04-18T08:38:00.002-07:002015-04-18T08:38:40.064-07:00For the last time . . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMzrQxLY2JNxBWNmRj2flrBoDWrtvEr6yHhdh_qXb7yhbXOa953i3OT1OgKhVL74cyBkDMyMSjlz-Ca1mPp8zTmPi1hNgv8NXGV2OhrXwrg4jFuUwf4K2QWlLKa2BttaGlbCZ2tFUgFs/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMzrQxLY2JNxBWNmRj2flrBoDWrtvEr6yHhdh_qXb7yhbXOa953i3OT1OgKhVL74cyBkDMyMSjlz-Ca1mPp8zTmPi1hNgv8NXGV2OhrXwrg4jFuUwf4K2QWlLKa2BttaGlbCZ2tFUgFs/s1600/kids.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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Over the last few years things for me professionally have be very difficult. There are tons of reasons why and sometimes I feel like I am fighting a horrible losing battle to "fix" things. It's hard when I think about just a few years ago I was in a very good position financially and professionally. As a man it's sometimes debilitating when you're alone and think about how you are unable to do the things you want for your children. You sometimes feel worthless and oftentimes begin to question yourself. Being depressed about it is a daily occurrence and fighting off those feelings to ensure you don't bring down those around is a task that consumes you hour by hour and minute by minute. You feel minimized, You feel small. You feel like a failure. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But sometimes you are reminded of the good that you have and that you must count your blessings. I have the greatest woman in the world in Laura. She is sincere, loving, beautiful, supportive, helpful, insightful, happy, playful, talented and most of all the owner of my heart. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also know that I have five of the most wonderful children on this earth. They are amazingly smart, funny, helpful, respectful and loving. It's difficult to be a "stay at home Dad". You feel "less" even though you are with your children daily. To find the balance is hard. </div>
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Last week I took the physical test for a job that I greatly want and will hopefully find out soon if I have been selected. I want this position as much as I have ever wanted any job. Being honest I know that it's not the "dream job" that I would love to have but I know that job will never occur for me again. Yet I know that I need this position as it is stable and has wonderful pay and benefits. I also know that if I am awarded the position I will miss out on seeing Ethan and Ian daily and that will be a loss. </div>
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Laura shared this poem with me and I have been reading it over and over. It has impacted me more than anything has in a long time and reminded me to keep in mind that while I am struggling professionally, I am a father and I love my children more than I love air itself. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
"The Last Time" </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
From the moment you hold your baby in your arms,<br style="outline: none !important;" />you will never be the same.<br style="outline: none !important;" />You might long for the person you were before, <span class="text_exposed_show" style="outline: none !important;"><br style="outline: none !important;" />When you have freedom and time,<br style="outline: none !important;" />And nothing in particular to worry about.</span></div>
<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_76216" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin: 0px 0px 15px 15px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; width: 310px;">
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="outline: none !important;">You will know tiredness like you never knew it before,<br style="outline: none !important;" />And days will run into days that are exactly the same,<br style="outline: none !important;" />Full of feedings and burping,<br style="outline: none !important;" />Nappy changes and crying,<br style="outline: none !important;" />Whining and fighting,<br style="outline: none !important;" />Naps or a lack of naps,<br style="outline: none !important;" />It might seem like a never-ending cycle.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; outline: none !important;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
But don’t forget …<br style="outline: none !important;" />There is a last time for everything.<br style="outline: none !important;" />There will come a time when you will feed<br style="outline: none !important;" />your baby for the very last time.<br style="outline: none !important;" />They will fall asleep on you after a long day<br style="outline: none !important;" />And it will be the last time you ever hold your sleeping child.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
One day you will carry them on your hip then set them down,<br style="outline: none !important;" />And never pick them up that way again.<br style="outline: none !important;" />You will scrub their hair in the bath one night<br style="outline: none !important;" />And from that day on they will want to bathe alone.<br style="outline: none !important;" />They will hold your hand to cross the road,<br style="outline: none !important;" />Then never reach for it again.<br style="outline: none !important;" />They will creep into your room at midnight for cuddles,<br style="outline: none !important;" />And it will be the last night you ever wake to this.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
One afternoon you will sing “the wheels on the bus”<br style="outline: none !important;" />and do all the actions,<br style="outline: none !important;" />Then never sing them that song again.<br style="outline: none !important;" />They will kiss you goodbye at the school gate,<br style="outline: none !important;" />The next day they will ask to walk to the gate alone.<br style="outline: none !important;" />You will read a final bedtime story and wipe your last dirty face.<br style="outline: none !important;" />They will run to you with arms raised for the very last time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
The thing is, you won’t even know it’s the last time<br style="outline: none !important;" />Until there are no more times.<br style="outline: none !important;" />And even then, it will take you a while to realize.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
So while you are living in these times, remember there are only so many of them and when they are gone, you will year for just one more day of them. For one last time. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">-Author Unknown-</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 1em; outline: none !important;">
You can also find this poem at <a href="http://www.mykidstime.com/for-parents/the-last-time-poem/#.VTJciktiI1g.facebook">My Kids Time (blog). </a>. </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-80117596235551560692015-04-12T08:56:00.002-07:002015-06-26T12:35:32.070-07:00Can we be honest? Please. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-1h-s_N-2lxGoL7k12WcqmTX8K4k0BneTXmaGSgVzKOU0Lgyjb-Jvo0pRABK4uRPpj6MT9pKm18ak8zIgfEMzpAV5NSBWlnAhanuAfYE0a0_8oN3J0KXj6tzHRFYC2vomZcqF6BIrzA/s1600/confederate+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-1h-s_N-2lxGoL7k12WcqmTX8K4k0BneTXmaGSgVzKOU0Lgyjb-Jvo0pRABK4uRPpj6MT9pKm18ak8zIgfEMzpAV5NSBWlnAhanuAfYE0a0_8oN3J0KXj6tzHRFYC2vomZcqF6BIrzA/s1600/confederate+flag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One-hundred and fifty years ago the United States was not so "United". Eleven states decided that the didn't want the Federal Government to impose laws upon them that would change the way of life they had grown accustomed to and so they made the decision to secede from the Union between 1860-61. The movement quickly gained momentum after the November 1860 election of Pres. Abraham Lincoln and within three months seven states had voted to secede. <br />
<br />
South Carolina was so quick to move that both Senators resigned before the close of 1860 (before the newly elected Pres. Lincoln had taken office) and on 20 December 1860 the South Carolina State Legislature voted 169-0 to leave the Union, almost 90 days before Pres. Lincoln would assumed office on 4 March 1961. Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Texas would all vote to leave the Union before 1 February 1961 or 31 days before Pres. Lincoln was sworn in. On February 4, 1861 these states met in Montgomery (AL) and created a government they named "Confederate States of America" (CSA) and elected Jefferson Davis as President of the CSA. <br />
<br />
Sen. John J. Crittenden (KY), before Pres. Lincoln took office, proposed the 36 - 30 degree line all the way to the Pacific and making all territories north of that line "free states" and all south would receive Federal Protection and slavery would be allowed. Ever single Republican in office refused to support this measure. Pres. James Buchanan, who was still in office, felt the succession was illegal but did nothing and chose to allow the situation to marinate until Pres. Lincoln would be sworn in. <br />
<br />
While many have made the argument that the desire to leave the Union was based on "states rights", an "overreach" by the Federal Government or even "taxation / tariffs" the reality is that nearly every state that voted to leave the Union included language in their Declaration of Causes similar to South Carolina which stated; <a href="http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/primarysources/declarationofcauses.html#South_Carolina">"<span style="background-color: #e9e8df; color: #444d57; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">The right of property in slaves was recognized by giving to free persons distinct political rights, by giving them the right to represent, and burthening them with direct taxes for three-fifths of their slaves; by authorizing the importation of slaves for twenty years; and by stipulating for the rendition of fugitives from labor."</span><span style="background-color: #e9e8df; color: #444d57; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></a> It was <a href="http://www.confederatepastpresent.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=117:speech-of-jefferson-davis-before-the-mississippi-legislature-nov-16-1858q-where-he-advocates-secession-if-an-abolitionist-is-elected-president-&catid=41:the-gathering-storm">Jefferson Davis</a> who said on the floor of the Mississippi Legislature in 1858 that, "It seems now to be probable that the Abolitionist and their allies will have control of the next House of Representatives, and it may well be inferred from their past course that they will attempt legislature both injuries and offensive to the south". It's difficult for us to understand today but the reality is that slavery was an enormous engine of prosperity in an agricultural economy and any disruption would come at great cost to the slave holders. If one looks at the <a href="http://www.civil-war.net/pages/1860_census.html">1860 US Census</a> the fact is that there were 3,950,528 slaves in the United States and they accounted for 13% of the entire population. To imagine simply allowing nearly four million workers "freedom" must have been a terrifying prospect for a community build on slavery. <br />
<br />
Those are the facts. It was understood that Pres. Lincoln and the Republican Party in office wanted to end slavery. The congregation of folks that met in Jackson (MI) 1854 were specific with their intentions to end the humanitarian crisis that was slavery in America. The southern politicians understood this and knew when Pres. Lincoln was elected that this ideal would be forwarded so too did the voters who elected Pres. Lincoln. Pres. Lincoln took a firm position after the 1860 election that expanding slavery into new territory would not be permitted. <br />
<br />
I am the forty-seven year old son of parents who were both born and raised in Kentucky. Much of my family has a connection to the "south". I have no clue if any of my family supported the Union or the Confederacy as my family history has not been well kept. I know in doing my own research over the years that part of my family was considered by the US Government (1850 US Census Records) to be "non-white European", whatever the hell that means. I know that I spent a good deal of my young adult life while in the Military and College in the South (N.C., S.C., GA and KY). <br />
<br />
I love history and am proud of the fact that while America willingly engaged in slavery we also threw every bit of our dirty laundry into the streets and fought to end slavery. We did so at the cost of more than 625,000 lives a figure that is higher than the American death toll in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and the War's in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. Slavery was and is wrong. The southern states that made the decision to illegally succeed did so for one reason and only one reason - economics. They did not want the Federal Government to change the use of slavery as it was the underpinning of the southern economy. <br />
<br />
Today, 150 years after the end of the Civil War, when I see the Confederate Flag in a museum it reminds me of the most abhorrent time in American history and I am fine with that reminder in that context. When I see folks using the Confederate Flag outside that context and then claiming it is somehow because they are "Southern by the Grace of God" or that "it's my heritage" all I can do is shake my head. No person alive with any common sense can deny that the formation of the CSA was an effort to keep slavery not just alive but assured so that the agricultural economy of the south could be maintained. As such the Confederate Flag represents the goal of allowing one class of human to own and control another. There is nothing about that consistent with "God's Grace". <br />
<br />
Some people do wear, wave or invoke the flag because they think it's about being a "rebel". I can't and won't fault them for such ignorance. It's the folks that are willfully oblivious to the very bigoted foundation of the flag and wish to evoke some grand "it's about heritage" argument that I find most confusing. The last Civil War Veteran (Albert Woolson a drummer for the Grand Army of the Republic) died in 1954 some 61 years ago. I doubt highly that most folks ever met Mr. Woolson or any other Civil War Veteran, The last American allegedly held as a slave (I say allegedly only because some have disputed), Sylvester Magee who died in 1971 (see note below). There exist no argument that folks utilizing the Confederate Flag today are doing so only out of "history or heritage". It wasn't until 1956 that Georgia changed their state flag and incorporated the Confederate Flag. Mississippi adopted the Confederate Flag as part of their state flag in 1894. Without question adopting this "symbol" wasn't about remembering or protecting history but about standing against civil rights. <br />
<br />
Truth is the Confederate Flag is a symbol of bigotry. It is a symbol of eleven states that chose to leave the Union because they did not want slavery to be changed as it would impact their economy. As such those states willfully determined that it was more beneficial to keep other humans in slavery instead of granting them freedom. That is the legacy of the Confederate Flag - period. If someone is willing to embrace that honestly, OK, they have that right. However don't hide behind some grand ruse that it's only about "heritage" or about some grand "states rights". It wasn't then and it isn't today. <br />
<br />
Note: Having read a ton about Mr. Magee, personally, I doubt that he was born in 1841. It's difficult to believe that he lived to be 130 for me. But there are many that accept the history as he shared it and I see no point in trying to argue against it without concrete proof. <br />
<br /></div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-59934356424366802562015-04-02T07:31:00.002-07:002015-04-16T13:44:27.603-07:00An open letter to GHSD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear Grand Haven School District,<br />
<br />
I really wanted things to work and be different. I was supportive and tried to make contact. When my three oldest children moved into your district in July 2014 I really hoped that it would be a wonderful thing for them and me. <br />
<br />
I researched the schools my children would attend and emailed the three school principles in August 2014 to introduce myself and to give the school all of my information. <br />
<br />
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<br />
My emails were not ambiguous. I didn't say that "maybe" I wanted to be informed or that I really "hoped" you would reach out to me. I didn't infer that I was anything but a concerned father. <br />
<br />
I wrote it off when my initial emails went unanswered for days, weeks and in one occasion months. I figured that school staff were busy and I didn't want to intrude. I wanted to be respectful. <br />
<br />
I signed up for the weekly "email blast" that all parents receive from all three schools and then signed up for the ParentVUE so that I could track Jacob and Hannah's progress daily. I was hopeful.<br />
<br />
But hope fades when questions go unanswered. Hope diminishes when concern is expressed that the grades your child is receiving don't really make sense and you fear they are just being "passed along" (it's difficult to imagine that someone can receive an F for a semester grade but get a B on the semester exam and then be awarded credit) and no answer is offered to this concern or the one that is ("the state mandates that if the student passes the exam they are awarded credit") is refuted by the folks (Michigan Department of Education) that as a parent, I am told are actually responsible. I have learned that questions to HS staff means that they stop emailing. Nice. Thank you. I was hopeful. <br />
<br />
I have learned that when Individual Education Plan meetings are "scheduled" that I might receive email notification but I am not actually listed on the invitation as a parent. <br />
<br />
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Feeling "hopeful" and "supportive" is difficult as when you ask a simple question, like maybe why you aren't listed as a Parent, you are told that it must be a computer issue and that the computer actually has you listed as the adoptive parent ("<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It is also showing up as you as an adoptive father, that is not correct, is it?"). It's a weird irony to hear this. It brings back a rush of things from 2001 when as the proud father of a young son (30 months) and a new daughter (five months) you are told that the child you are told is yours truly isn't but is the result of an 18 month affair. I makes you think - really . . . . is there something I should know? Thanks. </span><br />
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I have found that telling GHSD staff that no, you are not the adoptive father does get things "fixed" but they are repaired in a snarky, condescending manner that minimizes you. While you are now added it becomes "biological father" as an addition and Mother stays simply . . . "Mother". Nice. <br />
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But as a parent you want to stay "resilient" for your children. You want to be involved and included even if you don't feel valued. So you move on and continue to ask questions and raise concerns. You contact people in charge to inquire not just about progress but why you are not being involved. <br />
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Resiliency, the ability to sustain or spring back into shape could also be seen from the sustained answers you receive from the professionals involved with educating your children. As a father asking for an "update" you are told that you will be receiving contact from the educators involved and even given the caveat that if you don't to contact the person in charge. <br />
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Communication like this builds hope and expectation. Until you sanitize them with reality and know that it probably won't happen. Then when little occurs you contact the person in charge because again as a parent you want to be involved. You want to be resilient. You want a voice so you follow up. <br />
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Yet the follow up is not met with any expression that indicates "gee, this is not OK and we / I am sorry that our professionals are not keeping you informed or contacting you". Instead it's met with another in a long line of inferred promises. <br />
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So you again, hope. But then you realize that four days after you are told follow up would be taken and seven days after you were told the professional educators would be contacting you nothing has occurred. <br />
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Sure, I know that people are busy and that spring break is coming. I get it. I am willing to give people time. But let's be fair, right, this isn't a "spring break", "semester grade work" or a "we've been busy" issue when it's been nearly the entire year. <br />
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But resiliency and the desire to be involved remains. You hope that things will improve and you try to do the things necessary to have them improve. You check ParentVUE often. <br />
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You try. You want to remain hopeful and resilient. Then it occurs to you that through all the un-returned emails and phone calls that even the ParentVUE system doesn't support you, as a parent, at actually knowing what's happening. You realize your parent account calls for you to be notified when your child is tardy or misses a class. When your child's grade book scores are posted and when your child's term grades are posted. Then you remind yourself that heck, you haven't even received a grade card in the mail and not once have you received that Sunday email. <br />
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It's then that you realize your fighting a battle that's already won and in truth you have been selected as the losing party. You have been deemed, overtly or not, as less worthy. You are just the "adoptive dad" or "biological dad". Nice. Thanks. Appreciated. <br />
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The good news out of this is that Jacob, Hannah and Knoah are doing well, in general. I would love for better grades and am encouraging them but they all are attending school and making friends. I am proud of them. <br />
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It's just that being ignored, minimized, dismissed as a parent feels pretty horrible. You get angry. You get determined to change it. Then you just think, what's the point. You know that if you push the issue you will only look like the crazy parent and whatever garbage the school has heard about me (and they must think something to list you me as "adoptive parent") will look to be true even when you know how absolutely ridiculously most of it is. Truth is you know that as a Dad you're fighting a battle that can't be won. Some mothers can and do say whatever they like to professionals involved in your children's lives and there is nothing that you can do to counter it. Women are believed. People have no clue about the "background" information they are given. They have no clue about the deception and havoc that has been caused because of a persons lies and manipulation. <br />
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So you reach a point of resignation. There is no value in fighting from afar by email or telephone. It serves no benefit for my children and only serves to make me look like the crazy dad (er, adoptive dad, right?). <br />
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It's a choice. GHSD has made one at three different schools and even with the ParentVUE computer system. Sure I guess maybe it's just a "coincidence" that all three schools have treated me the same and that all three schools are just magically unprofessional in returning correspondence. Yeah, maybe it's just a "coincidence" that the ParentVUE system doesn't send me updates. I mean, maybe it's just happen-stance that I have not received a grade card in the mail. Funny. <br />
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But in the end there it is. So, GHSD, please treat my children better than you have treated me. Thank you for sending a clear message that I am, for whatever reason, not as important to my children (which, btw . . . it's hilarious because Mary A. White Middle School continues to send out "Parent Blast" on the value of Fathers). At the close of each night I know one thing, I have five beautiful, wonderful, intelligent children and three of them are miles away. They are not my "adoptive" children they are mine. I was present when each one of them were being carried by their mother (I would say "conceived" but that wouldn't be true). I was there when each were born and held each of them moments after birth. I raised them for twelve years in the home with their mother. I worked a full time job and on two instances a full time and part time job to take care of them and during one crazy period two full time jobs in an effort to take care of them. I painted their rooms. I changed their diapers. I read to them. I played with them. I took them for walks. I did everything that I was supposed to do as a father and to this day I love them with everything in my heart. Even if you, GHSD wish to minimize me as a parent the truth is, I have always been there for them. <br />
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I am disappointed and angry that GHSD has behaved this way but what really am I to do? In the end, I know that Jacob, Hannah and Knoah are my children and I love them regardless of who tries to marginalize me as a parent, I know who I am. In the end I am not angry at GHSD for taking the positions they have. I get it, honestly, I do. I used to be a licensed social worker and substance abuse therapist and understand how and why schools make the decisions they do. They want to believe the "parent" they know. I get it. It's too bad they don't know the background on how lies and manipulation have harmed people. They have taken my ability to work in my degree field and to support my children. They have openly diminished me as a "parent" to my three oldest children. They have . . . . . made me more cynical, bitter and uncaring then I ever expected to be. So I don't blame GHSD entirely. I am disappointed that they have chosen to act this way. But . . . what to do? Make noise about it and be the "crazy adoptive dad" . . . . nah. No point. I've been hurt enough and doing so would only cause problems for the kids. So . . . . you move on knowing that some folks truly do walk through the raindrops and you hope that karma really is a b***h. Sure, it's bitter and sure it's angry but it's also resignation that you are done fighting something you can't win and would rather let some cosmic force have a turn. <br />
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UPDATE: I received an email from the Principal on 15 April but the contents were not about my children but rather a Lakshore Staff Member who was terminated after a<a href="http://www.wzzm13.com/story/news/local/grand-haven/2015/04/14/grand-haven-school-assistant/25773003/"> police investigation</a> found that he had inappropriate contact with one or more students. <br />
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Amazingly enough the comments on the news story discussed the photos of students that he had posted on his Facebook profile. A simple search of his name (Dominic Ciccantelli) showed this to be true. It raises questions to what the schools policies are regarding staff members taking photographs on school property and posting them on the internet without parents knowledge. IMO, it show a very clear lack of leadership that a new staff member (hired in Nov '14) felt comfortable enough to take photos in the classroom, gymnasium and on field trips with either a camera or smartphone and was apparently not questioned about it. More importantly it raises the concern, IMO, that Mr. Ciccantelli's behaviors were not questioned until after the police notified the school. Exactly what was his supervisor doing to provide training and oversight? <br />
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Additionally the marking period ended on 25 March 2015 but as of today (04/16/15) the ParentVUE system is not updated nor have I received a grade card in the mail. Honestly, how long does this take? <br />
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I then emailed the school to inquire about the continued lack of contact as I have not heard from the school or the principal since the last email on 30 March. I also requested direction about the third marking period grade card. I wonder how long follow-up will take or if I should just contact the superintendent and or school board? Sure, why not, really what do I have to lose? It's not like I can get less information, right! <br />
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-89857279417915160692015-03-22T18:28:00.001-07:002015-03-24T07:27:10.127-07:00Final Thoughts on the sham that was "hands up, don't shoot". <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"A lot of good has come of the Ferguson protests, not the least of which is the Justice Department's report, which documented widespread, institutionalized racial bias in the Ferguson, Missouri police operation" so said Gabriel Arana in a recent <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/20/jonathan-capehart-ferguson-traitor_n_6910618.html">column</a> for the Huffington Post discussing journalist Johnathan Capehart's admission that "hands up, don't shoot" were a sham. </div>
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What "good" has come out of the protest? How many buildings / businesses have been destroyed? How has this impacted the residents of Ferguson's shopping needs? How have the property values been impacted? What has the impact been on home owners or auto insurance rates? </div>
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If the "good" is that people are now "aware" - really? People, most people anyhow, already knew that bigotry existed. The trouble is that in the case of Ferguson there was no bigotry regarding the case of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson. The entire narrative of "hands up, don't shoot" was false. People were hoodwinked, bamboozled into buying a narrative that turned out to be a lie. That narrative polarized our nation. Those that wanted to "wait" and see what an investigation showed were called racist. </div>
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Regarding the Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division (DOJ-CRD) (<a href="http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/documents/national/department-of-justice-report-on-the-ferguson-mo-police-department/1435/">DOJ report</a>) let's review it and have a national conversation, please. But let's be honest and open about everything. </div>
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First, let's turn the DOJ-CRD report over to qualified statisticians at an appropriate University that does criminal justice research. Is the report real? I have read all 105 pages of the report and do not believe that it would hold up to a true Chi Square analysis (mostly because it doesn't contain enough data to actually do one). The report does not contain any statistical data sets and bases everything off of the concept of "<a href="http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Disparate+Impact">disparate impact</a>". There is no argument that tickets issued were invalid only that more black residents were given tickets as opposed to other residents. </div>
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The fact is, simply saying that 85 percent of vehicle stops, 90 percent of citations, and 93 percent of arrests are of black residents does not prove racism. The reality is that the DOJ's own <a href="http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=dcdetail&iid=251">Bureau of Justice Statistics’ 2011 Police-Public Contact Survey </a> (BJS-PPCS) shows that nationally, blacks were 31 percent more likely than whites to be pulled over for a traffic stop. Because the population of Ferguson is 67% black this would mean that black motorist in Ferguson should comprise 87.5% of all traffic stops and the DOJ report puts the number lower. While some will say the 31% shows "racism" by itself what they need to know is that the BJS-PPCS report also shows that 42% of all of those stops are of women and not black males. Further the DOJ-CRD report fails to mention the age of the population in Ferguson and that many of the non-black community members are beyond what most consider the typical age of criminal behavior (i.e. above 40 years of age). </div>
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The DOJ-CRD report does not provide a matrix for what crimes were committed or why arrest were made nor does it show what the conviction rates are. The trouble with this is that (1) the DOJ had these records and decided not to share them, why? (2) The DOJ-CRD report offers no comparable rates for comparable crimes committed by white (or non-black) offenders. As such the "statistics" are nothing more than an unsupported statement. </div>
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The DOJ-CRD report further asserts that the court / police set up a "revenue generating operation" with tickets and fines. The trouble here is that such a system is common in many communities and particularly in communities with a low (mil) tax base. I worked in and around the the Cities of Flint, Detroit, Saginaw, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor and Port Huron for years and know that the same ticket, fine system is in place. In truth the City of Washington D.C., where the DOJ is located, has one of the most punitive systems in the nation and they are, like Ferguson, a black majority city but unlike Ferguson the City leadership is majority black. Google the case of <a href="http://nypost.com/2015/03/09/ferguson-fake-out-justice-departments-bogus-report/">Megan Johnson</a>, a D.C. resident, who lost her vehicle after ten unpaid parking tickets. Her fines were doubled, vehicle confiscated and sold at auction and then her tax refund confiscated to pay the excess amount. </div>
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If all of that isn't enough to raise serious questions regarding the legitimacy of the DOJ-CDR report the final issue, IMO, is the that State of Missouri AG Office has published a Racial Disparity Index for the last 15 years. That <a href="https://ago.mo.gov/divisions/litigation/vehicle-stops-report/vehicle-stops-report---2012-executive-summary">report</a> (with index and matrix) is available online and in truth the rate of disparity has fallen in Ferguson for the last three years. Further, the adjoining communities within St. Louis County actually have a higher index rating than Ferguson (meaning more blacks are pulled over and ticketed). Is the DOJ-CDR report saying that the AG's report is wrong? </div>
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It's important to see what the actual crime rates rate is in Ferguson and the surrounding communities (<a href="http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/preliminary-semiannual-uniform-crime-report-january-june-2014/tables/table-4/table-4-state-cuts/table_4_offenses_reported_to_law_enforcement_by_state_illinois_through_missouri_2014.xls">St. Louis County</a>). This information can be found at another part of the DOJ; Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Uniform Crime Report. Those numbers overwhelmingly show that arrest rates for blacks in St. Louis County are far higher than those of other ethnic groups. Further the rate of offender / victim (who is committing a crime against whom) is also far higher for black on black crime than other ethnic groups. </div>
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Racism is a very serious issue and a civil society should work to address the concerns. However claiming "racial disparity" and calling an entire department "racist" without quantifiable data is worse. It places a red letter of accusation on those allegedly committing the act without verifiable data and as such labels them "racist" without a reasonable accounting. For those that see this as a "good" what such things do is excuse the past behavior (tickets, arrest) as being only the result of racism when even the DOJ-CDR report does not allege this. </div>
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I believe the narrative of this report was completed in a vacuum. The DOJ wanted to find something to support a supposition regardless if they could prove it or not. In truth the seven, clearly bigoted, emails that they found were from four years ago. The legitimate questions then are; why did those emails stop? Was the culture of the department changing and was that change coincidental with the hiring of the Police Chief who has now resigned as he was hired three years ago? Was Officer Wilson part of that changing culture as he was also hired not long before the emails ended? Is it a coincident that the emails ended during the same time the MO State AG's Racial Disparity Index shows that Ferguson's numbers were falling (unlike several of the adjoining communities)? </div>
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Regarding Officer Wilson the reality is that the <a href="http://www.justice.gov/usao/pam/Documents/DOJ%20Report%20on%20Shooting%20of%20Michael%20Brown.pdf">DOJ</a> could find no evidence to suggest he committed a crime. Just as the State Grand Jury found. Just as the three autopsy reports found the physical evidence supported him. Yet, we are told that this event was the tipping point although we now known that the "hands up, don't shoot" narrative was completely false. How then are we being asked to buy into the narrative that a department shown by the MO State AG to have declining racial disparity numbers, with an apparent stoppage of bigoted behavior (emailed jokes) and with a newer Police Chief (who presided over the falling numbers) is racist. This simply defies linear logic. </div>
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Where is the media in being responsible and examining this report? While several newspapers have questioned the report as of this time not one (minus the New York Post) has openly said the report is either "fake" or "unverifiable". Why? This is important. We are seeing an entire community (Mayor, City Council, Court, Police) all being thrown under the bus and called "racist" without any real statistical evaluation of the data. Regardless of which side you are on this is inappropriate and must be questioned.</div>
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But it goes back to the sell of the narrative. We were all told about Mr. Brown just recently graduating HS and wanting to attend college. We were told about his family being destroyed by his death. Most folks waited with great concern to hear from Mr. Brown's mother and father and followed as they went to the Hague, presented themselves at events in Atlanta, Miami, New York and Washington D.C. As a father you can only imagine the heartbreak the family is feeling. But then the "narrative" is confronted with reality and you find: </div>
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(a) Mr. Head (Step-father) and Ms. McSpadden (Mother) are being<a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/Michael-Brown-family-merchandise-brawl-687543"> investigated for assault / theft </a>after allegedly beating and stealing (money and "I am Mike Brown" t-shirts) from Michael's fraternal grandmother last year? BTW; just how long do investigations take in Ferguson that an incident from Oct 18, 2014 is still under investigation? </div>
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(b) Michael's uncle (Leslie McSpadden) published the song "Mike, Mike" on YouTube before the grand jury decision was announced and clearly threatened to kill Mr. Wilson and burn Ferguson to the ground ("Darren Wilson I don't know if you listening, but I got a silencer so you can cancel Christmas, ketch you walk'in out the house and gift wrap you like it's Christmas", " "Darren Wilson you motherf-ing f(a)(g)", "If we don't get justice for my nephew Michael Brown, I put that sh(it) on Kaden we gonna burn this city down"). </div>
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(c) Mr. Brown's step-father (Louis Head) the night the verdict was announced, "burn this (b)(i)tch down, burn this (b)(i)tch down". </div>
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(d) The day after two police officers were recently shot in Ferguson Leslie McSpadden tweets: "Woke up in a GREAT mood this morning :-) 2 cops shot in Ferguson last night. You ain't seen shit yet wait till summer". Understand this is "alleged" but after the threats issued in the Youtube song and the pending assault investigations it's not really a stretch. </div>
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(e) Mr. Brown's uncle Leslie Lavon McSpadden tweets the day after the police shooting; "IF my FAM woulda got JUSTICE in August maybe those two cops wouldn't have got shot LASTNIGHT. But if IF was a 5th we would all be drunk". Understand this is "alleged" but after the threats issued in the Youtube song and the pending assault investigations it's not really a stretch. It's uncomfortable to admit but reality tell one that it's reasonable to think, what really was the narrative and was it just a "sell" and if so why? </div>
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Regarding the shooting of the two police officers it was initially reported that Mr. Jeff Williams admitted responsibility. Then you start seeing that <a href="http://theconservativetreehouse.com/2015/03/15/breaking-dindu-nuffin-suspect-arrested-in-ferguson-shooting-of-police-officers/">Jeff "Loc" Williams aka Jeff Dgaf Loc</a> is a 20 yr old black male from St. Louis County. He is Facebook friends with Dorian Johnson and Piaget Crenshaw. Mr. Johnson was with Mr. Brown the morning of the theft from a liquor store in Ferguson and the subsequent shooting death of Mr. Brown by Officer Darren Wilson. Ms. Crenshaw was the witness that appeared on CNN and stated that Mr. Brown was shot by Officer Wilson while he was surrendering and that his (Mr. Brown) back was turned when Officer Wilson shot him. Both Mr. Johnson and Ms. Crenshaw were discredited by other witnesses and by the forensic evidence. </div>
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Mr. Williams shared the a video reenactment of the Brown / Wilson conflict on 15 January 2015 with the comment "F-d up". The video has been widely discredited based on the eyewitness testimony along with the physical evidence however websites like "alwayz turn up" have been sharing it. </div>
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Mr. Williams, like Mr. Johnson and Mr. Brown, had an affinity for Swisher Sweets cigarillos and on 23 January 2015 shared he desire to get high when he wrote; " Need swisher...cant sleep gas wat Ismoke". But smoking blunts wasn't Mr. Williams' only enjoyment as he wrote, "Codeine da. Only thing tht keep me away from da lies" on 28 Dec 14. </div>
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Mr. Williams also had no problem threatening violence or saying that losing his life was of no concern to him. On 2 January he wrote;"It's so easy to take somebody life.... Bt y'all #$%$ scared to bang....smh........ Gotta Have da best of both worlds" which proceeded "Stop making threats cuz I swere I hate living......#$%$. shut up or kill me" from 28 Dec 14. </div>
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Mr. Williams has uploaded several photos of himself (or others with him) throwing gang signs. In a post from 10 March 2011 he was given great advice by someone after uploading a photo of a gang sign by a user named Jessie Mooney that read: "Please dont tell me you are suppose to be in some type of game, Little man you dont know what road you are heading down Nephew. but i know you think you are grown up now, so it don't matter to you what i say. If you was smart you will not be putting these types of pic up on the net." So clearly Mr. Williams had people in his life trying to keep him from making bad decisions. </div>
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Mr. Williams also shared that he has a son (born in 2012). Although he shared numerous post about getting high, various rap lyrics and other things he shared only one photo of his son in 2012 and nothing since. </div>
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The point with all of this is (a) don't make your Facebook profile public. (b) don't post photos of yourself with drugs, making gang signs and so on for the entire public to see. (for those that don't know the term "Loc" is most often a <a href="http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/gangs101/gangcodes2012.pdf">reference</a> to "Crips" and means; "Love Only Crips"). </div>
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I am sure "protesters" will come out and say that Mr. Williams was not a part of what they are doing however just like his friends list how Mr. Johnson and Mr. Crenshaw it also shows several other folks who have been associated in the media with the "protest". So . . we will see. </div>
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I feel bad for Mr. Williams. He is a 20 year old guy with a child along with an apparent drug and gang problem. Not a wonderful start and to now add firing a weapon into a crown and hitting two people. Damn.</div>
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But after being arrested and getting an attorney Mr. Williams story changes and it becomes how he was <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/article_43014f30-4887-5fec-8219-d7e6658ad2f2.html#.VQh3rhUa9UU.twitter">"beat up"</a> by the police. Maybe he was, no clue. But, I sure hope Mr. Williams lawyer goes to YouTube and views the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zx3VoB_VKo"> video</a>, "RAW: Protesters fight outside Ferguson Police Station" by user DMailorinliespir1978. The video is from 12 March 2015 and appears to show Mr. Williams getting into a fight with a much larger man and getting hit several times. Might this explain the "bruises"?</div>
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So once again it becomes rational to wonder, are we being sold another narrative? Honestly, when that question is asked (and given everything it should be) the real impact of the Ferguson protest has been to create a greater divide, to demand that black Americans commit to a particular narrative and if they don't they will be called names like Mr. Capehart was. Finally, white Americans, many anyhow, simply don't want to say anything because they don't want to be called a "racist". So, really, has any of this been "good". No, I don't believe so. Mr. Brown was killed and his family and friends will live with that loss. Mr. Wilson will never get his life back and will never work in his chosen career field. And you and I, mom and pop America are pushed further apart all because of a lie, "Hands up, don't shoot". It never happened yet the damage is real. Nice. </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-26194999827396534622014-12-20T09:10:00.002-08:002014-12-20T09:10:48.533-08:00A little reality . . . . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"One death is a tragedy; one million is a statistic." - Joseph Stalin<br />
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Joseph Stalin (1878 - 1953), for those unfamiliar, ruled the Union of Socialist Republics (USSR) from 1929 until his death. He was an alley of the US during WWII and help move the USSR from a peasant farming society into an industrial / military power. Stalin is also responsible for the death of 20 to 62 million Russian's during his rule. Stalin ruled by fear. Russian citizens did not speak out against Stalin or his policies for fear of being imprisoned in the "gulag". <br />
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Statutes of Stalin were built throughout Russia and even today, sixty plus years since his death, his image is carried during the May Day Parade and many in Russia (and particularly his home state of Georgia) view him as a "<a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/joseph-stalin-still-hero-some-russia-georgia-1112368">hero</a>". But the 5' 4" Stalin was directly responsible for killing more then Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein, Pol Pot or Josip Tito. In truth, Stalin is behind only Mao for his murderous ways (Mao is "credited" with killing more then 60 million). <br />
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Clearly, Stalin was not a "good guy". He did transform the Russian military and economy but he also killed millions and enslaved millions more. But if he actually spoke the words above as he has been quoted, he was sadly correct. <br />
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Witness the uprising from Ferguson (MO) around the death of Michael Brown at the hands of Police Officer Darren Wilson. The media has shared over and over the images of protesters carrying signs that read, "Black Lives Matter" but do the protestors really believe that? <br />
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The truth is that black people are being killed in America but if you think the "cops", "pigs", "the man" (whatever we wish to call it) are the problem you are sadly mistaken. That does not mean any death is acceptable but it means things ought to be put into context. Think of it like this: we all get drive on public roads in cars, buses, motorcycles, bicycles and so on everyday knowing that a very real risk of harm exist. Yet we engage in this because of the risk assessment we have made. What is the real risk assessment for Black Americans? Do they, as a group, have a higher rate of homicide in America and if so what group is the greatest threat to them? The answer can be found by looking at the last ten years of data from the Uniform Crime Report (Federal Bureau of Investigation). What does this data tell us? <br />
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'04 total homicides in America; 14,121 of that 6, 632 were black Americans (46.9%). There were 15,935 known homicide perpetrators in '04 and of that 5,608 were black Americas (35.2%).<br /><br /> '05 total homicides in America; 14,860 of that 7,125 were black Americans (47.9%). There were 17,029 known homicide perpetrators in '05 and of that 6,379 were black Americas (37.6%).<br /><br /> '06 total homicides in America; 14,990 of that 6,843 were black Americans (49.5%). There were 17,399 known homicide perpetrators in '06 and of that 6,843 were black Americas (39.3%).<br /><br /> '07 total homicides in America; 14,831 of that 7,316 were black Americans (49.3%). There were 17,040 known homicide perpetrators in '07 and of that 6,463 were black Americas (37.9%).<br /><br /> '08 total homicides in America; 14,180 of that 6,782 were black Americans (47.8%). There were 16,277 known homicide perpetrators in '08 and of that 5,943 were black Americas (36.5%).<br /><br /> '09 total homicides in America; 13,636 of that 6,556 were black Americans (48%). There were 15,760 known homicide perpetrators in '09 and of that 5,890 were black Americas (37.4%).<br /><br /> '10 total homicides in America; 12,996 of that 6,470 were black Americans (49.7%). There were 15,094 known homicide perpetrators in '10 and of that 5,770 were black Americas (38.2%).<br /><br /> '11 total homicides in America; 12,664 of that 6,329 were black Americans (49.9%). There were 14,548 known homicide perpetrators in '11 and of that 5,488 were black Americas (37.7%).<br /><br /> '12 total homicides in America; 12,765 of that 6454 were black Americans (50.5%). There were 14,851 known homicide perpetrators in '12 and of that 5,531 were black Americas (37.9%).<br /><br /> '13 total homicides in America; 12,253 of that 5,375 were black Americans (51%). There were 14,132 known homicide perpetrators in '13 and of that 5,375 were black Americas (38%).<br /><br /> Total homicides in America from '04 - '13: 137,296. Total black homicide victims '04 - '13; 67,346 (49%).<br /><br /> Total known homicide offenders '04 - '13: 158,065. Total known black homicide offenders '04 - '13; 59,270 (37.9%)<br /><br /> Although just an overview several things stand out (1) Blacks in America account for 13% of the population but as a community they account for 49% of all homicide victims from '04 - '13. Let that sink in. A cohort that makes up 13% of our entire population actually accounts for 49% of all people murdered in America are black! If that isn't a "WTF" statistic, I don't know what is. (2) Although Blacks account for only 13% of population as a community they account for 37.9% of all known homicide offenders. Again, let that sink in. Once more a cohort that accounts for just 13% of our entire population accounts for 37.9% of all known offenders or a rate of 2.91 higher then the actual percentage of the population that cohort accounts for (also consider that this percentage and rate could only go higher if all offenders were known). Again, another "WTF" statistic that nobody seems to want to address or discuss even though we are told "Black Lives Matter". <br /><br /> I believe part of the problem, if you look at the numbers, is that homicides (and all violent crime) have gone down in America but as you can clearly see they have not gone down` within the black community. I believe this is where a big part of the problem comes from; people are dying and they are dying at a greater rate then any other ethnicity. That's a real, serious, unforgivable and I would argue unaddressed problem. So I think some of the anger about Michael Brown's killing in directed, in general, at the horrific rate of murder within the black community. I also believe that it can be addressed - quickly. <br /><br /> Addressing this should begin first with Mothers and Fathers. Next extended family. Then the Church and Community. Only if this becomes an individual priority for people to look in the mirror themselves will this change. It isn't impossible but it isn't easy. More importantly, IMO, Michael Brown's killing, while tragic, isn't a opportunity to demand changes from the system unless first changes are demanded from individual community members and from one another. If we are really to live the principals of "my brother's keeper", now is the time and if Michael Brown's death provides the catalyst then he did not die in vain. If after all the rhetoric, rioting, protesting and so on all that occurs is a "systematic change" for the police, courts and so on without the greater community demanding changes then American as a community will have failed our children again. Think about it we are now nineteen years past the "Million Man March" (Oct 16, 1995) when Black Leaders called on Black men to address the economic and social issues harming the Black community. Imagine that one year before Michael Brown was born millions gathered either in person or in spirit to "transform" the Black community. <br /><br /> Think about how children will be impacted if parents don't embrace positive changes. Better yet, its fair to ask if Mr. Brown was from a positive environment where those around him largely supported positive choices? Well, I can't say anything prior to 9 August when the entire world learned Mr. Brown's name but since that time we know that many of those close to him have not acted in a manner that would be consistent with Michael learning positive values that keep him and the community safe. <br /><br /> After the decision of the Grand Jury was read Michael's stepfather, wearing a t-shirt that said, "I am Mike Brown" was caught on video tape repeatedly screaming; "burn this s**t down" and "if I get up there I am going to start a riot". Did he actually feel that way? Sure - at that moment. Does he actually feel that way? He says no and I have no choice but to take him at is word. The Attorney for the family (Mr. Crump) has said it's not appropriate to judge him for this because he is human and was acting on emotion. OK. But isn't it a fair question to ask if "acting on emotion" and in a criminal manner is "common" for those that surrounded Michael prior to his death? <br /><br /> In truth the step-father hasn't been alone in behaving in an inappropriate manner and the fact that this language / behavior isn't being addressed is extremely concerning as I believe it will be a catalyst for even more caustic behavior in the future. <br /><br /> Consider, what if the threats to "burn the city" or "murder Mr. Wilson" continue. Are there not enough people who are weak enough to actually attempt or honestly follow out on those threats? We know that as of today 36 business have been either looted, damage or burned. We know that at least two police cars have been burned and another three damaged. So clearly, someone is getting the message to "burn the city". <br /><br /> I have been following this closely and have been amazed that the Brown Family and those close to them have sent such conflicting messages. Let me first say that I have found nothing contradictory about Michael's father and honestly feel his words and actions have been a terrific example. But, I digress, fair or not - some have judged this behavior and made the assumption that because of it there exist a confirmation that Michael Brown must have been a "thug". <br /><br /> Think about the raps published by Mr. Brown. I get it that cussing, talking about drugs, guns, killing and gangs are part of the music but isn't it also true that if you surround yourself with negative images you invite negativity into your heart? I understand that this is an unfair judgment but it's also a judgment that people make everyday about others at work, with family and with friends. <br /><br /> Think about the fact that two months ago Leslie McSpadden, the uncle of Mr. Brown willingly published a song on YouTube (Google (although I do use links a lot, I won't link to this video): "Leslie McSpadden Mike-Mike, the uncle of Michael Brown finally speaks and puts his emotions into a tribute song dedicated to his slain nephew r.i.p. Mike Mike #MB #Gang") where he rapped: <br /><br /> "Darren Wilson that's your a@@ you m***********g f*g"<br /><br /> "if we don't get justice we gonna fight you with a 9" <br /><br /> "if we don't get justice for my nephew Michael Brown, I put that s**t on Kaden we gonna burn the city down" (notice how its the same threat he stepfather made? Somebody has been saying / thinking / talking about this - folks don't just spontaneously bust out with; "burn this city down"). <br /><br /> "Darren Wilson I don't know if you listen but I got a silencer so you can cancel Christmas, ketch you walking out the house wrap you like it's Christmas, b***h I am MB game you either with or you against, squash". <br /><br /> Is it fair to question how such negativity, if present when Michael Brown was alive, could have impacted his outlook of the world around him? I think the answer is no that it isn't fair but the truth is "the fair is in August" and life isn't fair and people make those judgments daily. <br /><br /> Think about the fact that, Mrs. McSpadden, Michael's Mother, is currently under investigation for a robbery and assault committed against Michael's Paternal Grandmother (Pearlie Gordon) and an uncle of Michael's. Apparently on or about 18 October at Red's BBQ in Ferguson (ironically enough the same Red's BBQ that was either burned, damaged or looted the other night during the riots), Mrs. McSpadden and several others assaulted Ms. Gordon and at least one other person who were selling "Justice for Mike" t-shirts. Mrs. McSpadden allegedly took 1,400.00 worth of merchandise and 500.00 cash before leaving. (Google the headline: "Police investigating assault & felony robbery following fight among Michael Brown`s family" by Chris Haynes). Again, people will (fair or not) look at this and question just what type of environment was Michael Brown raised. We all know this is true even if we don't admit it. <br /><br /> This was a tragic event but it is being made into something it isn't. The killing of Mr. Brown was not racially motivated nor is it a cause for "civil rights". There is a color involved but it isn't black or white but rather "GREEN". Which makes me wonder after the trips to Hollywood, Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York and of course the trip to the Hague when is Michael Brown getting a headstone? According to CNN (Google the headline; "In the shadow of the storm called Ferguson, a quiet grave" by Moni Basu 19 November) Mr. Brown remains in an unmarked grave some 90 days after his death. But . . . . it's all about remembering "Mike" and "Justice for Mike" or "Hands up, Don't shoot" or . . . . something. Who knows. Maybe it really is about "burning the city down". <br /><br /> See, I know I am being judgmental and in some ways maybe even "mean". But the truth is we need to start being honest with one another. Parents need to follow the old Michael Jackson song and take a long hard look at "the man in the mirror". Leaders need to honestly start asking if they are putting the community first or if it's the next election that matters. We as a community need to honestly ask why we can't just simply find a common ground. It's not that hard - honestly. <br /><br /> But it will NEVER be done when the opine is "black men being killed by cops", "unarmed teenager (who just assaulted a store clerk and who the Grand Jury believed assaulted a police officer)" or "the system". If the black community wants change . . . . . first; clean up your own house before you ask others to clean up. Secondly, realize that black men are killing other black men at a rate higher then any other group in America and if this isn't addressed it will be self inflicted genocide. Nobody is telling black men to harm one another except other black men. Until this is addressed stop trying to sell the ruse of "oh, the cops" as it rings hallow. It's like addressing a symptom only to be killed by the disease. Again, I know this sounds judgmental and maybe even mean but guess what . . . it's also true. <br />
Like Stalin said . . . "a single death is a tragedy; one million a statistic". We are being asked to examine and change our judicial system and for each individual Americans to take a good look in their heart and change any ill feelings they may harbor against the Black community. I am in favor of both but I know unless the Black community begins to address the very real issues within the Black community changing the judicial system or asking people to examine their own hearts will have little impact. I actually believe if this is what occurs it will have a negative impact in the future. If the underlying issues are not addressed and changed and the rate of crime continues at some point in time you reach a "tipping point" where people who have been asked to change and examine the social / judicial structures throw up there hands and no longer participate. <br />
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Admit it or not we are a far less racist society today then we were 40, 50, 60 or even . . . 19 year ago. America has made great progress. But today we are told "Black Lives Matter" after the death of Michael Brown. Isn't that the same message spoke 19 years ago at the "Million Man March"? I believe if things continue to be ignored the truth is that we will again have another "tragedy" in the near future. The problem is that an individual tragedy is overshadowing the overwhelming and underlying true problem. </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-17486843461946828392014-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:002014-11-22T11:37:22.216-08:00"Y'all make sure you tell'em it wasn't protesters" <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
But it was. <br />
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This is why I struggle with hearing much of the "logic" of some of the "protesters" and the so called "left" in America. <br />
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Its dark. They have no flashlights. The are not wearing reflective gear. outside. Nobody is carrying a flashlight. They walk into a four lane road yelling, "back up, back up, we want freedom" and then it happens.<br />
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An innocent person simply driving down the street suffers a financial loss and could have suffered a serous personal injury. <br />
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Within seconds of the accident happening several of the protestors can be heard saying that everyone needs to make sure they tell them it wasn't the protestors. Then later in the video protestors can be heard saying the other car (silver Ford Focus) "hit" the driver of the blue Nissan. By the end of the video even the man taking the video seems to agree that the silver Ford Focus hit the blue Nissan. <br />
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Except that simply isn't true. The "peaceful protesters" began walking into the street at about 30 seconds into the video (see below). As they walk into oncoming traffic the approaching vehicles had a green traffic light but had stop to avoid hitting the protestors or had to take evasive action to prevent from hitting them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x9_Nj0xoTNqUx7FithkXrweOe_IY7qztLLhgJ9MLAJKdoP173THZrItK9-QMMIHswGRisnP8nFwMcuyoTsYRexg0nLzQ82CbNwsfXp3ff8yXw4rvrgWOTMdUJ0cJjvpRZQcrQQkmEeQ/s1600/30+seconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_x9_Nj0xoTNqUx7FithkXrweOe_IY7qztLLhgJ9MLAJKdoP173THZrItK9-QMMIHswGRisnP8nFwMcuyoTsYRexg0nLzQ82CbNwsfXp3ff8yXw4rvrgWOTMdUJ0cJjvpRZQcrQQkmEeQ/s1600/30+seconds.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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At 31 seconds protesters are now across two lanes of traffic and continuing across the street. An oncoming vehicle (north or above the protesters as you view the photo) appears to be in the left turn lane. This vehicle's position creates a "billboard" or obstruction for the approaching silver Ford and blue Nissan. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPwZWVVPl5ORiaF2pDOeV4avqvRy2DFD88DPApHESXKq3Vb-dFTESPNIu4W5V0hOy7LfXKoXQ02IgG7G-AxGrEUUlCSHI48Pb22N26_T1po20wI2WS4yLDaiwrmfQpHOUiD21LSAywE4/s1600/31+seconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPwZWVVPl5ORiaF2pDOeV4avqvRy2DFD88DPApHESXKq3Vb-dFTESPNIu4W5V0hOy7LfXKoXQ02IgG7G-AxGrEUUlCSHI48Pb22N26_T1po20wI2WS4yLDaiwrmfQpHOUiD21LSAywE4/s1600/31+seconds.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
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At 32 seconds the protesters are further into the road with more protesters entering the street from the right of the photo. Below the protesters a dark colored sedan can be seen stopped in the road in an effort to prevent hitting a protester even thought the vehicle has a green light. <br />
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33 seconds into the video the protestors are no into the middle of the street and continuing left. A vehicle approaching them (top of video) appears to be stopped in the left turn lane and the lights of the silver Ford and blue Nissan can be seen to the left side of the street (upper left of road). At this point it appears the silver Ford is beginning to maneuver to the left (drivers right) to avoid the protesters. <br />
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34 seconds in the protestors have a dark colored sedan and another vehicle stopped in the road below them (to the right on the screen) and the silver Ford is now clearly moving to the left (drivers right) to avoid the protesters. Notice the vehicles still have a green light. <br />
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At 35 seconds in the protesters have now moved clearly into the turn lane and are completely blocking off three lanes of traffic. The silver Ford has now moved to the left (drivers right) to avoid the protesters who are being led into traffic by someone wearing a dark shirt and blue jeans. <br />
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36 seconds into the video and the protesters can be seen to the left of the silver Ford which has now crossed the intersection. The silver Ford has taken evasive action and has moved to the left (drivers right) to avoid hitting the protestors. The actions of the silver Ford require the driver of the blue Nissan to take evasive action and move to the left (drivers right). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmUw4YqhsimrZdH1Pdvk5FEf02NF76r839WCFWc_ICm0xsiNr0NzO44oU8FRdXEX8Li8seFXh7FiwAPBhSVy8ilgaSeTA9xlwFgeCQhtQg2NMHxo732vBko2BnJNIjEutdujR4olTSns/s1600/36+seconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmUw4YqhsimrZdH1Pdvk5FEf02NF76r839WCFWc_ICm0xsiNr0NzO44oU8FRdXEX8Li8seFXh7FiwAPBhSVy8ilgaSeTA9xlwFgeCQhtQg2NMHxo732vBko2BnJNIjEutdujR4olTSns/s1600/36+seconds.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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At 37 seconds the blue Nissan makes contact with a light pole as the silver Ford crosses thru the intersection that the protesters have blocked. There does not appear to be any physical contact with the silver Ford and the blue Nissan. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaWhWEJ676de9w-OJXwtCDON6Mc3-neFfQsVYc-OKsCkbIf0pGedYG19Bk1OwT9aJfVrLnJHckVFGu77GRc6B2SYBfc2c8QiTOgC5EtIX19xyQo0lY3_9g9P23QsRO6Qh37n_I9zu_BI/s1600/37+seconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaWhWEJ676de9w-OJXwtCDON6Mc3-neFfQsVYc-OKsCkbIf0pGedYG19Bk1OwT9aJfVrLnJHckVFGu77GRc6B2SYBfc2c8QiTOgC5EtIX19xyQo0lY3_9g9P23QsRO6Qh37n_I9zu_BI/s1600/37+seconds.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the screen shot at 38 seconds the silver Ford is completely past the intersection and the protesters can be seen still blocking three lanes of traffic. There appears to be no damage on the silver Ford. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeJjnCReOEz9jyL1Ci9F78lp4H_NDhV2S1QzIvlhAXHI4IsFVJ1ePUyZbMiDsoKK_F4U0IHU6n2J3JgUakonBRj5REGgS5TYpAC12OC0tbsc1wxxQFyWFTpC4y1FwrvhZSyQQUZ8UMZo/s1600/38+seconds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeJjnCReOEz9jyL1Ci9F78lp4H_NDhV2S1QzIvlhAXHI4IsFVJ1ePUyZbMiDsoKK_F4U0IHU6n2J3JgUakonBRj5REGgS5TYpAC12OC0tbsc1wxxQFyWFTpC4y1FwrvhZSyQQUZ8UMZo/s1600/38+seconds.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></a></div>
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There also appears to be no drivers side damage to the blue Nissan as can be seen on the video and captured below. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6iH8vsQp8CVeJS11U276uZBZy65jie8iOGhSGJLsrlLgWeO1NkE_7i1QytL_V91WRc8gSwVaUPe6hkJedv-OWbnwXe702pc_NQ1kxlrYqREu1mYxmPcw_dcjlZbIxPPkz3lWSEDl_FE/s1600/blue+nissan+drivers+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6iH8vsQp8CVeJS11U276uZBZy65jie8iOGhSGJLsrlLgWeO1NkE_7i1QytL_V91WRc8gSwVaUPe6hkJedv-OWbnwXe702pc_NQ1kxlrYqREu1mYxmPcw_dcjlZbIxPPkz3lWSEDl_FE/s1600/blue+nissan+drivers+side.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
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In essence many things may have contributed to this accident; driving conditions (late at night, poor visibility, wet driving surface), driver error (was the Ford going to fast, did the vehicle in the left turn lane (above the protesters position) come to a stop to far back from the intersection and thereby cause the blue Nissan and silver Ford to have limited visibility or awareness of the obstructions they would soon encounter). <br />
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But the one clear cause was the action of the protesters moving into traffic and attempt to imped the legal progress of approaching motorist. Without the protesters entering the roadway illegally it is highly unlikely this accident would have occurred. Their actions set-off the chain of events that caused this event. <br />
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In the video the protesters can be seen surrounding the driver of the Nissan and offering "support" by telling him that the silver Ford caused the accident. The trouble is the silver Ford was trying to avoid the protesters and it is very possible that the driver of the blue Nissan could not see the protesters as his visibility would be blocked not only by the silver Ford but by the vehicle in the left turn lane. <br />
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Someone within the group of protesters should have had enough awareness to say, "man, we shouldn't have been in the street" and acknowledged the role they played. Instead they took great pains to make sure everyone would know "the protesters didn't do this" and even tried to sell the idea that the silver Ford "hit" the blue Nissan even when it's clear there appears to be no damage to the blue Nissan on the driver side in any of the video taped shots. Notice how quick that narrative spread on the video? The problem is that it is nothing more then a self serving lie. Notice also that people quickly buy into this because it supports what they want to believe - "we" didn't cause this. Let's be fair it would suck to think and know you did cause it but in the end ethics should tell you that you have to be honest. Instead what happens is a collective group basically agreeing that it wasn't us - even when video tape evidence shows that without them in the road the silver Ford does not have to swerve to the right (entering the lane of the blue Nissan) causing the Nissan to swerve also. The longer the video goes on the more angry and demanding the protesters get needing to ensure that people know "they" didn't cause this accident. It's a wonderful example on how "group think" works and how quickly it takes hold without ever being spoken. Everyone just "knows" that we are all "good" and "we" couldn't have done this. Except they did. <br />
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This got me thinking about the whole Michael Brown / Darren Wilson tragedy and how this is all, IMO, a narrative being sold to people and how it could have been avoided. Consider this; Mr. Johnson states that he and Mr. Brown were stopped by Mr. Wilson because they were walking in the street and he (Mr. Wilson) told them to get on the sidewalk. <br />
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Mr. Johnson relates that Mr. Wilson, after telling them to move to the sidewalk, began to drive away and then stopped and backed up to them. The "leaks" in the media tell us (if true) that Mr. Wilson returned to Messer's Johnson and Brown because a radio broadcast had been announced regarding a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for two suspects involved in the robbery at the Quick Mart (which BTW, we now know by the admission of the Brown family attorney that Mr. Brown was actually the person on the video). So here's a thought - would this incident have ever occurred if Messer's Brown and Johnson had just been walking legally on the sidewalk and thereby Mr. Wilson would have had no reason to stop and notice them. He could have just simply continued on his merry way and driven past them. <br />
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The chain of events and how the results they have are important here. Without robbing the store there would have been no "BOLO' and Mr. Wilson as no reason to turn back and engage with Messer's Brown and Johnson. Without walking in the street Mr. Wilson has no reason to stop and engage with Messer's Brown and Johnson. <br />
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The ultimate and tragic realization of the truth and power of the "<a href="http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Butterfly_effect.html">butterfly effect</a>". Think about it. In video that shows the accident from a different angle (see below) a "protester" is heard at 14 seconds into the video proclaiming, "we going to block off the streets right here then". If only they had considered what walking into traffic at night, in dark cloths, while the street is wet and while the cars you are attempting to block have a green light, might ultimately result in. By not thinking about that the protesters were selfish, inconsiderate and acted illegally. By then demanding on video that people know "it wasn't protesters" fault they prove themselves to be not only selfish but demandingly ignorant and unaware of the true cause and effect of ones actions. <br />
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(Note: I am having trouble getting the video to embed and be viewable. If it is not viewable it can be seen<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJGVh9KdDzg#t=14"> here</a>). </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-81991038326065549922014-11-17T08:58:00.005-08:002014-11-17T09:27:18.260-08:00As suspected.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now that it is clear my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005434454846&fref=ts">favorite bigot</a> can't eclipse the 1,500 "likes" mark on his hate group (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/African-American-Defense-League/759646587404526">African American Defense League</a>) or get above the 300.00 mark with his bigoted "<a href="http://www.gofundme.com/ediy6w">Help Thy Neighbor Fund</a>" after two months, as suspected he needed to "amp" up the rhetoric. <br />
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Enter the AADL: Hands Down Shoot Back 2014 & Beyond, Facebook group created as a "educational" page. So what is the "education" the silly little doctor of divinity that calls himself a psychotherapist selling? Hate, threats and of course . . . ignorance. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h7JxKepfrLmrBa3gmNGvMMaAZVkehbWNW7SW0ODbDkmYqDhjfxpu4XeRDKgRMi-dEm-lumccUI7A8gXjjl2RfTPyfRV-_PHQVvCA_2J_IzL1_xy1RT1exBDIm3DcldwQ05jhkij5TNY/s1600/aadl+threat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h7JxKepfrLmrBa3gmNGvMMaAZVkehbWNW7SW0ODbDkmYqDhjfxpu4XeRDKgRMi-dEm-lumccUI7A8gXjjl2RfTPyfRV-_PHQVvCA_2J_IzL1_xy1RT1exBDIm3DcldwQ05jhkij5TNY/s1600/aadl+threat.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
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One has to wonder what "<span class="userContent">Ready or not! Here we come! You can't hide! We're gonna find you!" means when it is expressed while holding a handgun in the air? This must just be about peace, right? I also wonder if the man in the photo (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1432222952">see here</a>) is acceptable that the post he made which originally accompanied the photo was replaced with a very real threat (original post below from 12 November).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvoOo0P0GEoteYSey9ng0g_zqWpG0BySxcJSe9LJlZ9xW5aN27segy9uob5bu7P4xrfB5nPYYd1rcXDjd018rlUhmOmy0D7P91FTOkIETI0hVUopWBfj0AAaaWrbknhQKzpEr01AEs9M/s1600/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvoOo0P0GEoteYSey9ng0g_zqWpG0BySxcJSe9LJlZ9xW5aN27segy9uob5bu7P4xrfB5nPYYd1rcXDjd018rlUhmOmy0D7P91FTOkIETI0hVUopWBfj0AAaaWrbknhQKzpEr01AEs9M/s1600/original.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="userContent">I</span><br />
<span class="userContent"> am sure he is aware as not only did the good doctor tag him in the photo he is also on listed as the Lt. for the State of Missouri for the <a href="http://blacknationalistne.wix.com/afr-amer-defe-league#!endorsements/c129n">African American Defense League</a>. </span><span class="userContent">It strikes me as funny that the good doctor always puts up photos of others in the most provocative nature and never himself - I wonder why that is? (wink, wink, nudge, nudge . . . ). </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">I do wonder when the threats will be addressed by folks like the good doctor. Of course, I won't be holding my breath. </span><br />
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One thing that I did find funny about the new AADL: Hands Down Shoot Back 2014 & Beyond Facebook Page is that the good doctor in promoting "African American" Defense League used a stock photo as the profile photo of black soldiers. I am sure the good doctor assumed those soldiers must be proud African's even if they are not proud African Americans. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rDUU7raXW4G9fpOStBPi5f7nhRpgzctKdo38RLi9kVK-gIXnaYd4yIIFYIY4qoEVAjSmdaesv5ZhYVM7tLhMq6AaQjCWIX7wDkVDqU4Vmn4OseI1wMqIWMMrKJSJ4YF6PxKSIk-EN1Y/s1600/aadl+facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rDUU7raXW4G9fpOStBPi5f7nhRpgzctKdo38RLi9kVK-gIXnaYd4yIIFYIY4qoEVAjSmdaesv5ZhYVM7tLhMq6AaQjCWIX7wDkVDqU4Vmn4OseI1wMqIWMMrKJSJ4YF6PxKSIk-EN1Y/s1600/aadl+facebook.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></div>
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So why is this photo funny? Had the very educated doctor taken 20 seconds to google the image what you find is that it is a stock news photo from the <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/malian-troops-open-frances-bastille-day-parade-0">2013 French Bastille Day Celebration</a>. The troops were actually participating in the parade because they had taken part in the French governments war against al-Qaida-linked extremists in Mali. So for a minister who says that he is Muslim to use a photo of black soldiers that needed the support from a dominantly white country (France) to rid themselves of a dominantly black Muslim extremist group in an African country - well, the irony is pretty hilarious. <br />
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If you are unaware of the good doctor and his many alias, fronts, pontifications and misdirection's you can read about his ability to "hoodwink, bamboozle and lead astray" the community he says he loves so richly <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/gee-i-have-new-favorite-bigot-awesome.html">here</a>, <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/useful-idiots-engaging-in-tawriya.html">here</a> and <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/10/selling-hate-inciting-violence-when.html">here</a>. Each page has links to his websites, pontifications, asinine theories and completely profane rhetoric. The most ironic thing about all of this is that I actually gave this information to the good professional on his Facebook page and he <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/African-American-Defense-League/759646587404526">"liked"</a> my post. Tool. <br />
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-79491820618414789752014-10-24T01:55:00.002-07:002014-11-03T06:50:27.174-08:00How with they spin it this time? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just shy of one month ago Jah'keem Yisreal (aka Alton Nolan) beheaded one former co-worker and stabbed another in Oklahoma. Mr. Yisreal is a Muslim convert and the immediate response was that his actions had nothing to do with Islam even though he had<a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/useful-idiots-engaging-in-tawriya.html"> posted photos</a> on his Facebook page referencing beheading and his desire for America to burn. MSNBC Host <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/useful-idiots-engaging-in-tawriya.html">Melissa Harris-Perry</a> said his actions were "workplace violence" and even agreed with one of her guest who joked (or I hope it was intend to be somehow funny) that what Muslims needed was a change in the cultural paradigm and that the new narrative should be that Muslims are actually funny people. <br />
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Then there is Zale Thompson. Mr. Thompson is a<em> 32-year-old Muslim, who lived in Queens (NY), struck one of the officers in the back of the head with his hatchet and gashed another on the arm, the police said.</em> <em>Officer Kenneth Healey is a 25-year-old rookie in the NYPD, he was injured critically in the attack. The other officer injured was Joseph Meeker. </em><a href="http://t.co/hzR6XC8aVp" target="_blank"><em>According to Newsday,</em></a><em> both are natives of Long Island. </em><a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10/23/police-officer-injured-suspect-shot-in-queens/" target="_blank"><em>CBS New York reports</em></a><em> that Healey’s father is also an NYPD officer.</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/police-shoots-kills-man-ax-queens-article-1.198491" target="_blank"><em>The Daily News reports</em></a><em> that a homeless woman was also hit by a stray bullet during the incident. She’s in critical condition.</em> Mr. Thompson was shot dead by the police at the scene. <br />
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Mr. Thompson is alleged to have <a href="https://www.vocativ.com/world/isis-2/sources-nypd-hatchet-attacker-may-isis-supporter/">connections </a>to IS (aka ISIL, aka ISIS) and like Mr. Yisreal last month, Mr. Thompson's<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zale.Thompson?fref=photo"> Facebook</a> had a profile picture of what could be seen as a Muslim terrorist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganTmsFRqBoDIfIlvp2eUeHznNKWtL-WtJZmP2vDsE5Sxr9Ahxa8BoIMhgmizrOGNeSLcva4qvl9PrFigZsxKEBPZZxYi2WVtL94Cf8P6WRzhhXxTD8qp2rbl1yOopfrGpev-I7_q0EdI/s1600/zale+thompson+fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganTmsFRqBoDIfIlvp2eUeHznNKWtL-WtJZmP2vDsE5Sxr9Ahxa8BoIMhgmizrOGNeSLcva4qvl9PrFigZsxKEBPZZxYi2WVtL94Cf8P6WRzhhXxTD8qp2rbl1yOopfrGpev-I7_q0EdI/s1600/zale+thompson+fb.jpg" height="352" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mr. Thompson was caught on videotape as he approached the officers with an axe: <br />
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Like Mr. Yisreal, Mr. Thompson also adopted a Muslim name, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=zale%20thompson&src=typd&mode=photos" target="_blank">Zaim Farouq Abdul-malik.</a> He had been discharged from the US Navy for <a href="http://heavy.com/news/2014/10/zale-thompson-queens-ax-attacker-terrorist-facebook-kenneth-healey/">misconduct</a>. Mr. Abdul-Malik (aka Thompson) was also, like Mr. Yisreal before him, willing to make public comments supporting Jihad on the internet. On one youtube video he <a href="http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:6oNp0ElcjpoJ:www.oxotavideo.ru/watch/pA5CExFcTP4/uprise-of-the-khilafah-world-wide.html+&cd=35&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us">commented</a>: </div>
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<em>If you’re looking for “perfect” muslims who never make any mistakes in<br /> their Jihad, then you will be looking in vain! If the Zionists and the<br /> Crusaders had never invaded and colonized the Islamic lands after WW1, then<br /> there would be no need for Jihad! Which is better, to sit around and do<br /> nothing, or to Jihad fisabeelallah!</em> </div>
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But, I am sure that his faith in Islam had nothing to do with his axe wielding attack on two rookie New York Police Officers, right? </div>
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Is there a message in the fact that we have seen Mr. Yisreal, Mr. Abdul-Malik and the <a href="http://heavy.com/news/2014/10/zale-thompson-queens-ax-attacker-terrorist-facebook-kenneth-healey/">two Muslim attacks in Canada </a>within the past month? Isn't this what the Department of Homeland Security <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/syrian-airstrikes-raise-lone-wolf-terror-threat-us/story?id=25711147">warned</a> America that IS (aka ISIL, aka ISIS) were calling upon fellow Jihadist to engage in? </div>
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The truth is "we", you and I, Mom and Pop in Westernized Countries may not be at "war" with Islam but it seems clear that Islam is at war with "us". The question is, just how will we react and will the media tell us the actions of Mr. Abdul-Malik had nothing to do with Islam. </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-86556176371592629282014-10-23T18:18:00.001-07:002014-11-03T06:55:42.349-08:00For the Love of Money.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On 20 August, I wrote a long <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/08/has-it-come-to-this-again-really_20.html">post </a>on the killing for Michael Brown. In that post I wrote; "Sad that it has come to this. But I believe there is a narrative of "green" at work." I spent a great deal of time looking at some of the folks involved with the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" protest along with many of the social commentators and the<a href="http://parkscrump.com/"> attorneys</a> representing the Brown family (Parks and Crump). At that time I believed that the issues were not really black v. white but that a color was involved and it was "green".<br />
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<em><a href="http://fox2now.com/2014/10/22/police-investigating-assault-and-theft-following-argument-between-brown-family-relatives/">ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI)</a> (video at the link) – In a recent statement, Michael Brown’s mother asked that her son not be part of self-serving business or political actions as she pleaded that he be remembered for the good. A reported assault and theft this past weekend may dramatically underscore that sentiment.</em></div>
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<em>It happened Saturday night, October 18<sup>th</sup>, at about 8:15 pm in the parking lot of Red’s BBQ. It`s the corner of Canfield and West Florissant, just blocks from where Michael Brown was shot and killed.</em><br />
<em>Police sources tell us Brown`s Grandmother, Pearlie Gordon, along with Brown`s Cousin Tony Petty, were selling t-shirts and other Michael Brown merchandise.</em><br />
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<em>A police report describes a car pulling up and several people getting out. One of those people, was reported to be Michael Brown`s Mom, Lesley McSpadden. A witness described McSpadden yelling ‘You can`t sell this s%$&” One of the relatives, who was selling, reportedly demanded McSpadden show a document proving she had a patent.</em><br />
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<em>The police report says that`s when an unidentified person with McSpadden assaulted Petty so violently that it resulted in a 911 call. A witness tells Fox 2 that the weapon was a metal pipe or pole. The suspect reportedly struck Petty in the face. Medics then took him to Christian Northeast Hospital. The witness said the assault suspect grabbed merchandise and a box of cash believed to contain about $1,400.</em><br />
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<em>It appears surveillance cameras could have captured the fight and be part of police evidence. Police report no arrests at this time.</em><br />
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<em>We reached out to the local Brown family attorney, Anthony D. Gray and he declined to comment.</em><br />
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I have said all along that I have nothing but compassion for the parents of Michael Brown. As a father I cannot imagine losing a child and I am willing to give Ms. McSpadden the benefit of the doubt and believe that she does not want Michael's image used for others to profit. I get that. I agree with her. But, I am also not blind, deaf or dumb and I know that just like <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/trayvon-martin-trademarks-769123">people trademarked</a> and profited off "Justice for Trayvon" <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Justice-for-Trayvon-Martin-T-Shirt/dp/B00NBBB1GW">clothing and other items</a>, so too will someone profit off of "Hands up, Don't shoot" or "Justice For Michael Brown" in some manner. Right now there are two pages of search results where you can order a t-shirt on Google alone.<br />
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Above: Google results for Justice for Michael Brown T-Shirts</div>
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At the end of the day the death of Michael Brown was tragic for him, his family, friends along with the community of Ferguson (St. Louis), the State of Missouri and the United States. For Mr. Brown's friends and family his death is a tragic for obvious reasons. For the local, state and nation it is a tragedy because race has been used to hustle a strange form of justice intended to subvert the established system of justice. </div>
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The belief without evidence that the death of Michael Brown at the hands of white police officer Darren Wilson occurred simply because he was black has done nothing but continue to polarize our communities. The cries of racism have been long and loud. In the end the truth is that from nearly the moment the story broke nationwide color was involved. But that color was "green" and the behavior of Michael Brown's relatives only underscore that. In the end it all boils down to . . . . </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-74534572335024141802014-10-23T13:36:00.001-07:002014-11-03T07:07:44.904-08:00More Hate and Misdirection from the Party of Inclusion. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://anthonybrown.com/">Anthony Brown</a> (D-MD) is running or Governor. He is running in a state that favors<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/oct/15/voter-registrations-us-election"> Democrats by a margin of 2-1</a>. <a href="http://www.statescape.com/resources/partysplits/partysplits.aspx">Democrats currently control</a> the Governor's Office, House (98 D / 43 R) and Senate (35 D / 12 R). Maryland is so solidly Democrat that <a href="http://www.270towin.com/states/Maryland">Pres. Obama won</a> 62% - 37% in 2008 and 62% - 36% in 2012. But much like the coronation of Sen. Clinton in '08 that was derailed, something odd is happening in Maryland. Mr. Brown does not hold a double digit lead over Republican challenger <a href="http://www.hoganforgovernor.com/splash/">Larry Hogan</a> as expected. <br />
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Part of this can be explained because of the unpopularity of current Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and because Mr. Brown was in charge of the failed Maryland Health Care Exchange website that fizzled despite a cost of 288 Million. But even with those two issues how can a clearly Democrat state have such a close race when Democrats outnumber Republicans by a two to one margin and just what is Mr. Brown going to do about it? <br />
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Back in <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/04/2014-mid-term-elections-will-focus-on.html">April</a> I wrote a blog entry about the upcoming midterm elections and wondered just what the issues would be. Although I believed there was then many issues that could be a focus (and still believe that today), I concluded that "the" cause celeb issue would be "racism". As early as April enough high profile people (Pelosi, Israel, Obama, Holder, Clinton, Sharpton) had climbed aboard the; "but, but, but . . . RACISM" wagon as the underlying explanation for nearly everything that was wrong. So what will Mr. Brown do? Why, follow the advice of Pelosi, Israel, Obama, Holder, Clinton, Sharpton and most recently Hagan by engaging in a campaign of fear. <br />
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Recently the <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2014/10/23/maryland-democrats-play-the-race-card-in-latest-mailer/">Brown campaign mailed out the following advertisement: </a><br />
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So there it is. Fear. Images from the Civil Rights Movement. Donald Trump and Voter ID laws. WOW. Maybe someone should remind Mr. Brown just what party supported the Civil Rights Legislation and more importantly just which party was in control in the South during the "Civil Rights" movement. But, hell . . . why let facts get in the way when you can use fear and race because it's all about emotion - right! </div>
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Sadly, Mr. Brown is not alone and in fairness this isn't a surprise. Remember that it was on 08/22 that, Ms. Janet May (Chairwoman of the Democratic National Convention) <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/08/has-it-come-to-this-again-really_20.html">said</a> "Ferguson; could be a rallying cry for Democratic get-out-the-vote efforts, according to the voter education committee chair for the Democratic Southern caucus. “There is a story beneath the story in Ferguson,” chairwoman Janet May said at the Southern Caucus meeting during the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. May ran through the stats of the 21,000-person Missouri town: 13,000 black citizens, about 7,000 white. Five city council members– one of whom was black. Fifty-three policemen – 50 of whom were white. A white mayor. “Do you see the picture here?” May said. “These folk don’t vote in local or midterm elections.” She added: “Now if we can’t take that scenario and roll it into a message for our party, we just need to pack it up and go home. Because we have been grasping for a message.” In truth this is a strategy and has only one goal in mind; keep US in office. </div>
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As Ms. Mays words were spoken in Atlanta it's not shocking that the State Democrat Party in Georgia followed her advice and this week distributed a <a href="http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2014/10/21/democratic-turnout-flyer-if-you-want-to-prevent-another-ferguson/">campaign mailing</a> depicting young children holding up a "hands up, don't shoot" sign. </div>
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Above: Front Cover</div>
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Above: Back Page (Note it clearly indicates it is paid for by the Democrat Party of Georgia). </div>
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Nothing like selling bigotry and in fairness ignorance. Consider that the State Democrat Party from Georgia assumes that Officer Wilson wrongly killed Michael Brown and in truth the Grand Jury has not rendered a decision nor has the Department of Justice. Nothing like making someone guilty before a trial. </div>
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Ironically in the same week that the Brown Campaign and the State of Georgia Democrat Party sent of their flyers the daughter of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Ms. Christine Pelosi penned an <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-pelosi/its-othering-season-gop-t_b_6022394.html">Op-Ed</a> for the Huffington Post accusing Republicans of;<em> "There they go again: The GOP is trotting out their well-worn smear and fear tactics and swift-boating women with our gender. Enough is enough. We must reject the politics of personal destruction and choose hope over fear." </em>Ms. Pelosi didn't cite one example of a smear and fear tactic or of swift-boating a women (whatever that is) but she sure wrote a ton of words and clearly ignored her own party. Pathetic. </div>
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Ms. Pelosi could have mentioned the <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/10/from-nothing-to-fear-but-fear-itself-to.html">words of OH Rep Fudge</a> (D) or the <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/when-just-words-lead-to-actions.html">accusations of MO State Senator Chappelle-Nadal</a> (D). Shoot, Ms. Pelosi could have even mentioned the threats of <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/10/us-representative-elenor-holmes-norton.html">extortion issued by Rep. Holmes-Norton</a> (D). Instead she chose to ignore and allow her own party to continue selling Hate and Misdirection all the while pointing the finger at others. Pathetic, truly pathetic. <br />
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-64415409718097704432014-10-21T09:47:00.001-07:002014-10-21T10:32:36.456-07:00Fear and Hate in North Carolina<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Taken in part from the <a href="http://www.fayobserver.com/news/local/churchgoer-taken-aback-by-political-flier-s-lynching-imagery/article_8f572df9-e81b-5dde-894e-0b107d5b1004.html">Fayetteville Observer</a> (10/20/2014):<br />
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<em>Democrat Kay Hagan is locked in a tight race for U.S. Senate with Republican Thom Tillis. She is the incumbent senator, and he is s the speaker of the N.C. House.</em><br />
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<em>Polls have shown the race leaning toward Hagan but well within range for Tillis. Because of that and because the outcome of the North Carolina contest could determine whether the GOP takes control of the Senate, more than $100 million has been or will be spent on the race, much of it to pay for attack advertising and much of it spent by groups operating independently of the campaigns.</em><br />
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On Sunday 10/19/14 a group called Concerned Citizens of Cumberland County placed flyers under the windshield wipers of cars at the <em>Kingdom Impact Global Ministries on Murchison Road. </em>Those flyers read: <br />
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<em>Dawn McNair said she was surprised Sunday when her daughter pointed out the background on a political flier urging people to get out and vote.</em><br />
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<em>The front of the flyer blares: "Kay Hagan doesn't win! Obama's impeachment will begin! Vote in 2014." </em><br />
<span class="paragraph-1"><em></em> </span><em>The words are superimposed over a grainy reproduction of a photograph of what appears to be a lynching. </em><br />
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<em>Someone tucked the flier under McNair's windshield wiper while her car was parked at her church, Kingdom Impact Global Ministries on Murchison Road.</em><br />
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<em>"My daughter said, 'Mom, look in the background. They're lynching somebody.' It's the lynching of an African-American man," McNair said.</em><br />
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<em>At the bottom, the flier reads, "Not endorsed by any candidate. Paid for by Concerned Citizens of Cumberland County." No contact information for the group was on the flier.</em><br />
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I Googled "Concerned Citizens of Cumberland County" (see below) and could find no website or other information outside of the reporting of this story. Just who are these people? Are the a 501(c)4? Who is on the board and what association do they have with Sen. Hagan?<br />
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I am sure the DNC and the Hagan campaign will come out very soon and reject the flyer by the CCCC, right? Promoting bigotry and hate cannot be an accepted part of the Democrat campaign strategy, right? <br />
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The saddest part of this, IMO, is that Fayetteville (N.C.) is the home of the United States Army 18th Airborne Corps, 82d Airborne Corps, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (better known as Delta Force), 3d Special Forces, United States Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights), United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command and the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. In the heart of such heroic patriotism and selfless sacrifice hatred is being used to try and "win" an election. Pathetic. </div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-374276758546977152014-10-20T20:57:00.001-07:002014-10-21T11:19:17.787-07:00Selling hate. Inciting violence. When will the DOJ investigate? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once again the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mauricelmlei.millere?fref=ts">good doctor</a> is selling hate, inciting violence and showing his own lack of skills at using a simple tool like "Google" image. On 20 October he shared:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgbR6rXw2HWSnpER6z6LerFaBDG0EIG9VujkhkNTIqIPpZqyS7MmtJ_eKOxWm348A1jJwvXn3JAaXM3wevuTYn2TEoYNv439KMnkbY5DgT7FvT8C_BsUAsGt4f22zXfKjwUV1y_JxXBg/s1600/pt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgbR6rXw2HWSnpER6z6LerFaBDG0EIG9VujkhkNTIqIPpZqyS7MmtJ_eKOxWm348A1jJwvXn3JAaXM3wevuTYn2TEoYNv439KMnkbY5DgT7FvT8C_BsUAsGt4f22zXfKjwUV1y_JxXBg/s1600/pt1.jpg" height="400" width="377" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8zNSUdRz0hkqVfcOwVw4IKFhb60WCX8LPcudICKLRDkidmgejvUlmKfvqIVK1YzFAUWYLR0AsAOL_eYl2u9d-jXkkSVRRRXrzbHsKlFtohyLJA_lBxvPGC5U1gzQhjtiL48yHaESJbo/s1600/pt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8zNSUdRz0hkqVfcOwVw4IKFhb60WCX8LPcudICKLRDkidmgejvUlmKfvqIVK1YzFAUWYLR0AsAOL_eYl2u9d-jXkkSVRRRXrzbHsKlFtohyLJA_lBxvPGC5U1gzQhjtiL48yHaESJbo/s1600/pt2.jpg" height="400" width="397" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdPz8Hbh-7kNnaYtK3HKGCqKOlcFeLRMecbH__MXDLIu5B4DrH0wlx8KpETOXH-CIlyftKVESLCcWxGOSO_LOUpWUtjG0bFoOt-SBzPuFJo30_mPhmLiKgoChWrGx6jXNMzKvS9QIIZU/s1600/pt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdPz8Hbh-7kNnaYtK3HKGCqKOlcFeLRMecbH__MXDLIu5B4DrH0wlx8KpETOXH-CIlyftKVESLCcWxGOSO_LOUpWUtjG0bFoOt-SBzPuFJo30_mPhmLiKgoChWrGx6jXNMzKvS9QIIZU/s1600/pt3.jpg" height="400" width="331" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K50TH6kcgJP1qxbw_00Kz9k_rxLksmdxHVki1SU80ERhQgAsLpXPKlRuu_iIRXTMwDHteGVGVFmPvPSl4T9lsHHs6LRHREQ1dahyphenhyphenBy9rgFx3F-iLpyy_cOSxnaqGWl_4hzPAb91Sd08/s1600/pt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K50TH6kcgJP1qxbw_00Kz9k_rxLksmdxHVki1SU80ERhQgAsLpXPKlRuu_iIRXTMwDHteGVGVFmPvPSl4T9lsHHs6LRHREQ1dahyphenhyphenBy9rgFx3F-iLpyy_cOSxnaqGWl_4hzPAb91Sd08/s1600/pt4.jpg" height="361" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice that he "tagged" people in the post to make sure he incited people to anger. Notice that eight people were ignorant enough to "like" the post without questioning it and that four people were clueless enough to "share" the post. <br />
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Read the confusing comments by some. The anger and hostility of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uriah.ikenga.taahkarr?fref=ufi">Uriah Ikenge Taahkarr</a>. The confusing comments of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wesley.adair.161?fref=ufi">Wesley Adair</a> and those of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Only1TiffanyM?fref=ufi">Tiffany Renee</a> seeking to teach black men, women and children how to survive off the land and to shoot. Then notice the very thoughtful comment by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/connie.jones.steward?fref=ufi">Connie Jones-Stewart</a> that goes unanswered. <br />
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Why would Ms. Jones-Stewarts questions go unanswered? Simple because to tell the truth would be to communicate that the photo is a hoax. The <a href="http://www.bet.com/news/global/2011/08/29/racist-facebook-photo-stumps-south-african-police.html">truth of the photo</a> is that it is old and was originally published on Facebook in 2007 by Eugene Terrorblanche. At the time the photo was investigated by the South African Police and it was discovered that Mr. Terrorblanche had staged the picture, and that the child was alive and posed for the photo. (Side note; the source I used for the original story of the photo is Black Entertainment Television - surely not a right wing group). <br />
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Is the photo tasteless? Hell yes. Is it ignorant? Hell yes. Is it worse than what the so-called "doctor" is doing? Hell no! He is purposefully inciting people to violence and is acting in a manner that any judicious person should know is both unethical and immoral. Unethical because he should know the context he is using the photo for is a lie and immoral because he is preying on people who trust him as a leader to be above reproach. Honestly, when is the DOJ going to step in and investigate this guy? Seriously! <br />
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But what is he really upset about? Is he mad that the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/18/us/ferguson-case-officer-is-said-to-cite-struggle.html?_r=0">NYT</a> is reporting that it is unlikely Officer Wilson will be charged? Does he see the announcement coming and is he purposefully seeking to incite people? Is he mad that after a month of <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/ediy6w">fundraising</a> they have only collected 267.00 from 14 people? Is he mad that after all the puffing of "leader, leader, look at me" he has a grand total of 521 "likes" to his<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/African-American-Defense-League/759646587404526"> African American Defense League</a>? <br />
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I said before that I believed the "doctor" would become more and more reckless and that his language would become amped up if he was not getting the attention that he believes he needs. I still feel that way. With a decision looming from the Grand Jury and information already being leaked that the DOJ may not have enough evidence to charge Officer Wilson just what is the "doctor" playing at? Someone who trust him as speaking the truth will take his words to heart and will act out in a violent manner if he is not exposed. I believe that in my heart. <br />
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Originally I tried hard to be respectful to the "doctor" but at this stage I can see that he does not in any manner deserve respect. He is a race-hustler of the highest order. He is not about helping "his people". You don't help anyone by lying to them. I feel sorry for those who are "following" him and I feel sorry for our country that our Justice Department refuses to do anything. <br />
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I did post the link to this blog on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Mauricelm-Lei-Millere/166466356736815">Dr. Mauricelm-Lei Millere</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/African-American-Defense-League/759646587404526">African American Defense League</a> Facebook Pages as those pages allow public comment. </div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-80498806061918120462014-10-16T19:03:00.000-07:002014-10-16T19:08:35.773-07:00Just like air . . <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Meaning . . . it's necessary. Playing drums since grade school I have had a life long love affair with music. In no particular order, here are some of the songs that hold a special place in my heart and for some reason (OK, because the boys are asleep :-). . ), I am playing on youtube and listening. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CepF1hNdyIE" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Eddie Money - Trinidad </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FZJqVxjsFRg" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Dianna Reeves - Never Too Far</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jLs5REzFvOY" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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The Vaughn Brothers - Tick Tock</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U9BA6fFGMjI" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Marvin Gaye - Mercy, Mercy Me</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VKJ3L8OkPos" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Ian Moore - Blue Sky (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/plljBq__WOI" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Judas Priest - Victim of Changes (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rxGNZnnwyCg" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Etta James, Dr. John and BB King - I'd Rather Be Blind (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6P7dkAVmCJ0" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Steve Earl and the Dukes - Good Ol'Boy (Get'n Tough) (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Nga2_XK3kmE" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Marquise Porter - We Almost Lost Detroit</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zAxNtM68-vw" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Secondhand Serenade - Vulnerable</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xpTAHQROB2g" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Randy Crawford - Knocking on Heavens Door (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aN5z9dCMesw" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Buddy Guy - Where is the Next One Coming From</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4-TF-w4o1wE" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Steely Dan - Kid Charlemagne (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uzGx_XzxDeM" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Don Williams - Good Ole Boys Like Me</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k4-_TU3rvSA" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Sammy Hagar - Both Sides Now (Live) (p.s. yep, took the name of the blog from this song)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/g3C7DECI0jU" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Oasis - Champagne Supernova</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/laWj4OOGo7c" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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Chris Thomas King - Hard Time Killing Floor Blues (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iXw9olWJ0Ak" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Anita Baker - You Bring Me Joy (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vMnrMTN26x8" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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The Jeff Healy Band - Hoochie Coochie Man</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OxiHuIKmWy4" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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Jimi Hendrix - The Wind Cries Mary</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kxFabNYgKac" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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Bad Company - Burnin' Sky (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uK_8NHyv698" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Bob Dylan - Sweetheart Like You</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bpPnVwnFuZM" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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Dwight Yoakam - Dim Lights, Thick Smoke and Loud, Loud Music (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Sis-HqB9APU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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Hall & Oates - Sara Smile (Live)</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oBIxScJ5rlY" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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John Mayer - Waiting on the World to Change</div>
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So that's just a few among the thousands that are running through my mind right now. I have a lot to think about right now and it's all really good stuff to be honest. I have a really important decision to make over the next couple of days and I am super excited about it but also super-duper anxious. No matter what I decide, I will have less time with the boys and it's going to be tough being away from them. It will also mean that I am away from Laura more and that is going to suck. Sleeping without her is already tough. </div>
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Thing is, the decisions we are facing will be helpful in many ways but like everything else that comes with cost. It's a trade off, as always. The good thing is that no matter what I decide I know that I have five amazing children and the most amazing woman on this earth to support and help me. So the final song I am going to listen to reminds me of her and the future that awaits us. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5zE1gBYVaVk" width="420"></iframe><br /></div>
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Westlife - I Wanna Grow Old With You</div>
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And that's how it works. When I started listening to music tonight I was feeling sad, confused, worried and overwhelmed. Now . . . not so much. I have everything I could ever dream of and more. I have some decisions to make but . . . things are going to be amazing, that much I know. </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-59701294756705425242014-10-15T12:44:00.001-07:002014-10-15T12:44:04.505-07:00Patient Zero: "Ebola Eric", Thomas Eric Duncan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxZScrykLBO83UEAb_ocjEAwnOkB_yZkKQtItN6GRaQiOjQh-oIwAWIcfcAvifqkbimNZcdMjtedzV17sz2y717n4xwB7bkMtZoCHVkprEdUvaVLugon8mK0201ZimTM3eZ28BBRrF9o/s1600/thomas+duncan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxZScrykLBO83UEAb_ocjEAwnOkB_yZkKQtItN6GRaQiOjQh-oIwAWIcfcAvifqkbimNZcdMjtedzV17sz2y717n4xwB7bkMtZoCHVkprEdUvaVLugon8mK0201ZimTM3eZ28BBRrF9o/s1600/thomas+duncan.png" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above: Thomas Eric Duncan (1972 - 2014), "Patient Zero". </div>
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On 8 October 2014, Thomas Eric Duncan a 42 year old Liberian resident who made his living as a driver for the General Manager of Safeway Cargo in Liberia became "Patient Zero" for Ebola in America. <br />
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Mr. Duncan <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/10/02/liberia-ebola-patient-thomas-duncan-airport-screening/16591753/">quit his job</a> on September 4 without giving any reason for his departure. On <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/world/africa/ebola-victim-texas-thomas-eric-duncan.html?action=click&contentCollection=U.S.&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article">15 September</a>, the family of Marthalene Williams tried to get an ambulance to transport Ms. Williams from her home to a medical treatment facility in Monrovia, Liberia as Ms. Williams was showing signs of Ebola. The family was unable to get medical transport so Mr. Duncan and others transported her by taxi. Mr. Duncan rode in the back seat with Ms. Williams and helped carry her to the vehicle. The family could not get Ms. Williams into the Ebola treatment facility as the facility simply had no beds. The family and Mr. Duncan returned to the family home in a taxi whereby Mr. Duncan helped move Ms. Williams back into the family home. Ms. Williams succumbed to Ebola later that evening. <br />
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Four days after being exposed to Ms. Williams, Mr. Duncan presented himself at the airport and Liberia and purchased a ticket with Brussels Airlines. Mr. Duncan flew from Monrovia to Brussels at which time he boarded United Airlines Flight 951 to Washington D.C.'s John Foster Dulles Airport. Mr. Duncan then boarded United Airlines Flight 822 and arrived at the Dallas / Fort Worth Airport at 7:01 PM on 20 September. Mr. Duncan then went to stay at the home of a former partner and her five children in the community of Fair Oaks in Dallas. The government of Liberia has said that Mr. Duncan<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/world/africa/ebola-victim-texas-thomas-eric-duncan.html?action=click&contentCollection=U.S.&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article"> lied</a> when he boarded the flight out of Monrovia by saying that he had not been exposed to Ebola. <br />
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On 25 September, Mr. Duncan presented himself to medical staff at the Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital (THPH). Mr. Duncan was treated for a temperature that spiked at 103 and it was reported that he complained of abdominal pain for two days, a headache and decreased urination. Mr. Duncan denied any vomiting, diarrhea or nausea during his first visit to the ER. Mr. Duncan told the staff that he had just arrived from Liberia but he<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/10/02/353274722/liberia-to-prosecute-u-s-ebola-patient-for-lying-on-questionnaire"> lied</a> to staff and told them he had not been around anyone sick recently. Apparently, because his temperature had been reduced, Mr. Duncan received antibiotics and was sent home with a diagnosis of "low-grade, common viral disease". <br />
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While Mr. Duncan was seeking treatment in Dallas, Mr. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/world/africa/ebola-victim-texas-thomas-eric-duncan.html?action=click&contentCollection=U.S.&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article">Sonny Boy Williams</a>, the older brother of Marthalene Williams who had passed away from Ebola on 15 September fell ill. Mr. Williams had help transport his sister along with Mr. Duncan on 15 September. Mr. Williams family called for assistance and on 24 September he was taken by ambulance from the family home. In truth, the family home is where Mr. Duncan lived as he was renting a room from the Williams family. <br />
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Because the world has become smaller and smaller thanks to travel and the internet the New York Times was able to confirm that Mr. Williams, like his sister before him, quickly succumbed to Ebola and died on 24 September the day before Mr. Duncan first presented himself to the ER at THPH. In reality the "smallness" of the world was accentuated by the New York Times publication of what could be the last photo of Mr. Williams just before he was taken away by ambulance (below). <br />
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Above: Sonny Boy Williams as he is transported from the family home (where Mr. Duncan lived and where Ms. Williams had died on 15 September). Mr. Williams died in transport. </div>
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Mr. Duncan returned to THPH on 28 September with symptoms of vomiting with nausea and an increased temperature. Two days after his admission to THPH the Center for Disease Control <a href="http://2014ebolaoutbreak.com/ebola-us/ebola-us-ebola-dallas/">confirmed</a> his diagnosis with Ebola. Mr. Duncan was isolated and began treatment. The experimental drug ZMapp which had been given in earlier cases of health care workers who had been diagnosed with Ebola could not be given to Mr. Duncan as the supply was <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/01/first-ebola-patient-us-no-zmapp">depleted</a>. The possibility of giving Mr. Duncan a blood transfusion from Dr. Kent Brantly was explored but it was found that the blood types were <a href="http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-dallas-ebola-20141013-story.html#page=1">incompatible</a>. Mr. Duncan was then <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/06/experimental-drug-dallas-ebola-thomas-eric-duncan_n_5941104.html">given</a> the experimental drug brincidofovir on 4 October even though the drug did not receive emergency approval as an experimental drug from the Food and Drug Administration until 6 October. But, like his former housemates, all was for naught as Mr. Duncan died on 8 October at 7:51 am, twenty-three days after transporting Ms. Williams and fifteen days after Mr. Williams. <br />
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Since Mr. Duncan's death his family in Dallas has enlisted the help of Rainbow Push Coalition Founder and Civil Rights Activist, Rev. Jessie Jackson. The family believes that Mr. Duncan was not treated with the best of care and that such poor treatment can be explained only by <a href="http://wgntv.com/2014/10/11/family-of-thomas-eric-duncan-says-his-death-from-ebola-is-racially-motivated/">racism</a>. The family has indicated they are considering taking legal action against THPH. <br />
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Sadly the family forgets that it was Mr. Duncan who lied to board a plane and come to America. It was Mr. Duncan who lied to THPH by saying he had not been around anyone sick. Had Mr. Duncan called back to Monrovia and spoken to anyone between his arrival (20 September) and the death of Mr. Williams (24 September)? Did Mr. Duncan know that Mr. Williams died prior to his arrival at the THPH ER (25 September)? Did the family not notice he was given an experimental drug before it was even approved as a means to try and save his life? Is the family unaware that Dr. Brantly had offered to do a transfusion but that because of blood types it was not possible? Is the family angered by Mr. Duncan placing the five children in the home at risk by coming into the home after he knew he had been exposed? But . . . of course . . . racism is the reason a man from Liberia died - right. <br />
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As we all know from Mr. Duncan we now have Nurse <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/fsqtbo">Nina Pham</a> who treated Mr. Duncan and has been diagnosed with Ebola. Today (10/15/14) it was announced that Nurse<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/ebola-diagnosed-in-second-dallas-nurse-105542930.html"> Amber Joy Vinson</a> who also treated Mr. Duncan has been diagnosed with Ebola and that she had been on Frontier Airlines Flight 1143 from Cleveland to Dallas-Fort Worth with 132 passengers on 10/13/14. Of course the CDC says that there is minimal risk as Ms. Vinson was not showing any signs at the time but that all 132 passengers are being asked to call 1-800-CDC-INFO, just in case. <br />
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Just how many people have been or will be infected as a result of "patient zero"? Will our government address this issue effectively? Is there a reason why we simply cannot suspend all travel to and from West Africa until the Ebola outbreak is contained? More questions then answers. <br />
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-56768751547879360002014-10-14T19:27:00.000-07:002014-10-14T19:27:03.365-07:00This is NOT what Democracy looks like. Not now, not ever. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sure, I could start by saying that America is not truly a Democracy as we are a Representative Republic. But why work to have that discussion when the atmosphere is so grossly uncivil. This is not as Pres. Obama liked to say, "a teachable moment". <br />
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I have no doubt that there are many peaceful people engaged in protest in Ferguson (MO) as a result of the shooting death of Michael Brown. I also don't question the passion of the protesters that are seeking answers. I believe in the Justice System although I admit it is greatly flawed. However, when <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/when-just-words-lead-to-actions.html">elected representatives</a> have engaged in baiting, <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/08/an-example-of-narrative-or-misleading.html">narratives have been made up,</a> so called leaders have engaged in <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/gee-i-have-new-favorite-bigot-awesome.html">gross self promotion</a>, <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/10/make-lie-big-simple-repetative-and-some.html">hate</a> and <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/10/hoodwinked-bamboozled-led-astray-all-to.html">outright lies</a> to promote and agenda of ignorance the real underlying issue (the death of Michael Brown and if it was or was not justified) gets <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/08/has-it-come-to-this-again-really_20.html">lost</a>. <br />
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My feelings now about the "good" protesters are being changed. It's not so much that I think those "good" protesters are now "bad" as much as I now think they are being used. I started feeling this way after seeing two videos from a "protest" in Ferguson (MO). The video names a Contra reporter and activist <a href="http://readcontra.com/2014/10/contra-reporter-arrested-in-ferguson/">Baseem Masri</a> as being the person doing the talking on the video. Mr. Masri has been arrested during the protest on at least two occasions and some people seem to think he is now being <a href="https://twitter.com/SnoopsMama253/status/522191658276773889">"targeted"</a> by the police. <br />
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Mr. Masri "tweeted": <br />
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I do wonder what he considers peaceful. Honestly. A word of caution on the video's, both are extremely vulgar (cussing, threats, accusations and so on) and are not safe for work or children. </div>
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So I guess that yelling: "f*** the police", "y'all better be scared", "get the f*** outta here lil'b****", "coward", "what's up now lil'b****", "get your hand off your gun lil'p****", "suck my d*** you coward", "shoot, shoot, shoot", "run p****" all while putting hands in the face of police officers, giving them the middle finger and then spitting (2:02 in video above) on police is now peaceful? </div>
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But that had to be just a onetime, out of character thing, right? If it is Mr. Marsi, as a reporter he wouldn't act like that more than once, right? It was a fluke, yeah. I mean all of us can do things greatly out of character from time to time (yes, including or maybe especially, me). A professional reporter wouldn't do that a second time would he? Hell yes they would . . . </div>
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"what the f*** you doing in this neighborhood white boy", "who do you serve, who do you protect", "you smirk'in now", "we'll serve you b****", "f*** the police", "the f*** you gonna do b***", "what happens if we take your gun", "terrorist", "ISIS", "next time you pull the trigger think about what's gonna happen to your homies, we shoot back next time" again all while getting in the police officers face and throwing up the middle finger. </div>
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Some of the protesters have taken to saying "this is what Democracy looks like". No, this is what ignorance looks like. This is what inciting violence looks like. This is what the decline of civilization looks like. </div>
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I think that part of the reason the Ferguson protest have not maintained a national audience is because of this type of behavior. They have lost the moral high ground. The protest no longer look like a search for justice or a desire to address real or perceived injustices. They now look like anarchy and not in a Sex Pistols kind of way. </div>
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Like I said before, I believe in the Justice System. I know the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been in Ferguson <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/08/14/michael-brown-ferguson-missouri-timeline/14051827/">investigating</a> the shooting death of Michael Brown since August. I know that the Grand Jury has been <a href="http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/michael-brown-grand-jury-extended-patience-justice-wears-thin">extended</a> until January 2015. My thoughts are simple - because we are now seventy-days past the incident and neither the Grand Jury or the Department of Justice have taken any action it leads me to believe that little evidence exist that Officer Darren Wilson acted inappropriately in firing on and killing Mr. Brown. What I believe will happen is that the announcement by the DOJ or the Grand Jury will not come until it is cold outside and the hope will be that the weather will keep people indoors. I could be wrong but it clearly seems to be trending in that direction. </div>
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In the end . . . the narratives are being sold and this incident will do nothing but create more division in America - especially if leaders are promoted that engage in such hostility. Seems like we are in for a long, cold winter. </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-17262147866385213362014-10-13T16:21:00.001-07:002014-10-13T16:32:04.429-07:00Make the lie big, simple, repetative and some will believe it. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Lies for the cause. Because telling the truth simply does not get the message out, apparently. Lying, bating and making accusations while calling it "facts" is the order of business. Witness <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mauricelmlei.millere?fref=ts">my favorite bigot</a> as he post: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnwORXGEHszJlwuezBu9zStJumpgOrJKBHzhUxb6_f3Q7ha2q6-RXa6742D9oi7gFzqGkkUQfdVGO8gSae6bTNF2NZBgdLQlMAHSlFVSvKgYMbuTBxxGaFXWng_7GHkwIO5bGqzhu7-o/s1600/mcdonalds+lie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnwORXGEHszJlwuezBu9zStJumpgOrJKBHzhUxb6_f3Q7ha2q6-RXa6742D9oi7gFzqGkkUQfdVGO8gSae6bTNF2NZBgdLQlMAHSlFVSvKgYMbuTBxxGaFXWng_7GHkwIO5bGqzhu7-o/s1600/mcdonalds+lie.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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Problem is that the name is nothing more than who inspected the bag for quality control and it has no relationship to the shooting for Michael Brown or Police Officer Darren Wilson. A simple Google search would have show this, witness a Google search: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6P-Y4FzScMj7OWquw760OALVFlsrxO5whbMniG2W_yyE5SeZLjOUiNpEJtvgmGhysUpo0U4N7VHJlOhiiQoyTbySOTl0E889j-CGEibguyzkIG5RxXKZNzpiCNkyzdZ9hkvBNMfkcTk/s1600/google+search+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6P-Y4FzScMj7OWquw760OALVFlsrxO5whbMniG2W_yyE5SeZLjOUiNpEJtvgmGhysUpo0U4N7VHJlOhiiQoyTbySOTl0E889j-CGEibguyzkIG5RxXKZNzpiCNkyzdZ9hkvBNMfkcTk/s1600/google+search+bag.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.thegeekpub.com/1271/why-are-there-names-on-the-bottom-of-mcdonalds-bags/">explanation</a> for the name is: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1tdPy6-Iuvi32WEXi1JIZMX3o3gOSvz1MGcp8KFjS5kZ8IMSynuohBdlcsLuZ28m8FYEInlPhzwMm2ZKTENkNTGg-Qw0tLQs1wBcwL_W7JvZzWztIIiveI5HWmlJzO9DaGGFDi_YEMA/s1600/explained.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1tdPy6-Iuvi32WEXi1JIZMX3o3gOSvz1MGcp8KFjS5kZ8IMSynuohBdlcsLuZ28m8FYEInlPhzwMm2ZKTENkNTGg-Qw0tLQs1wBcwL_W7JvZzWztIIiveI5HWmlJzO9DaGGFDi_YEMA/s1600/explained.jpg" height="640" width="364" /></a></div>
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Honestly, how can an individual that proclaims they are a community leader, communications advisor and claims to have done research be so grossly unable to use a simple tool like "Google". Seriously. </div>
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The saddest part is that 34 people have "liked" the post and 409 have shared it. Seriously. It's been said before, <a href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/adolf_hitler/">“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it”.</a> I wonder if the good doctor knows he is following the advice of Adolf Hitler? </div>
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-39718304592938673782014-10-05T19:49:00.002-07:002014-10-05T19:49:57.513-07:00Optics: Bad timing or IJDGAD? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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25 September 2014 Muslim convert Alton Nolan (<span style="color: #cc3300;"><span style="color: black;">Jah'Keem Yisrael)</span> </span><span style="color: black;">beheads Colleen Hufford in Oklahoma. </span><br />
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26 September 2014 it is discovered that Mr. Nolan is better known as Jah'Keem Yisrael and his Facebook page is full of hatred for America, support for Islamic extremist and an image of a severed head with a verse from the Koran detailing how such behavior (beheading) is approved by the Koran. (see more on Mr. Yisrael, including his words and images<a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/useful-idiots-engaging-in-tawriya.html"> here</a>).<br />
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2 October 2014 Mr. Yisrael <a href="http://kfor.com/2014/10/02/district-attorney-seeks-death-penalty-against-man-accused-in-oklahoma-beheading-case/">appears in court</a> and request a Muslim attorney. <br />
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3 October 2014 Mrs. Hufford is <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/funeral-held-oklahoma-beheading-victim-25954327">laid to rest</a>.<br />
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4 October 2014 the <a href="http://kfor.com/2014/10/04/oklahoma-muslims-receive-special-praise-from-white-house-officials/">White House sends a special representative</a> to the Mosque that Mr. Yisrael attended extending warm greetings from the American people during the Muslim holiday and a personal message from Pres. Obama: <em>“Your service is a powerful example of the powerful roots of the Abrahamic faiths and how our communities can come together with shared peace with dignity and a sense of justice,” President Barack Obama said.</em><br />
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It's either ignorance or intentional - take your pick as neither are very appealing. <br />
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But . . . on a side note the FBI now says that<a href="http://kfor.com/2014/09/25/reports-police-respond-to-possible-shooting-near-moore-grocery-store/"> terrorism</a> had nothing to do with the beheading (well, just as long as you ignore Mr. Yisrael's own words and pictures posted to Facebook (see <a href="http://wishiwasntasingledad.blogspot.com/2014/09/useful-idiots-engaging-in-tawriya.html">here</a>)). The <a href="http://kfor.com/2014/09/27/police-oklahoma-man-accused-of-beheading-woman-awake-charged-with-murder/">District Attorney</a> seems to believe that Mr. Hufford's ethnicity may have been the real reason Mr. Yisrael decided to behead her. Nice - so the DOJ will be pursuing hate crime charges, right? <br />
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p.s. IJDGAD = I just don't give a damn. </div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-90232086270739183822014-10-05T07:54:00.002-07:002014-10-05T07:54:56.604-07:00Citizenship and Green Cards for cash and egg rolls. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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From the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/department-of-homeland-security-official-took-bribes-cash-and-eggrolls">examiner</a>: <br />
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A U.S. immigration officer <a href="http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-immigration-eggroll-bribe-20141003-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">was sentenced on October 3, 2014</a> to two and a half years in federal prison, for accepting bribes in the form of cash and egg rolls from applicants seeking citizenship and green cards.<br />
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Mai Nhu Nguyen, 48, served with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Santa Ana for eight years. She pleaded guilty to receiving bribes as a public official between July 2011 and May 2013. As an immigration service officer, Nguyen had the authority to approve or deny immigration applications.<br />
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In one of the instances of <a class="inline_link omniture-click-processed" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/bribery">bribery</a>, Nguyen called a vendor to order 300 egg rolls. She then told an immigration applicant to pay for the $150 food order and deliver it to her workplace. Once the task was performed, Nguyen proceeded to approve the immigrant's paperwork.<br />
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Unfortunately, bribery is very common within the Department of Homeland Security. Earlier this year, <a href="http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2014/04/ice_bribery.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent James Dominguez admitted guilt</a> for his role in a bribery scheme that illegally funneled confidential <a class="inline_link omniture-click-processed" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/dhs">DHS</a> records to a Los Angeles immigration lawyer, Kwang Man "John" Lee (a former U.S. immigration official), doctored information in secret <a class="inline_link omniture-click-processed" href="http://www.examiner.com/government">government</a> databases and sanctioned sham marriages involving foreign nationals. The plea deal offered to Dominguez was a bargain, since it allowed him to be held accountable only for making false statements. This will undoubtedly minimize the punishment for this elaborate scheme that spanned nearly two decades and involved tens of thousands of dollars in bribes.<br />
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<a class="inline_link omniture-click-processed" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/corruption">Corruption</a> within the Department of Homeland Security is able to flourish because it involves the very officials tasked with extinguishing criminal wrongdoing. For example, <a href="http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_f56faeca-abef-11e3-809a-001a4bcf6878.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">former Supervisor of the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) Eugenio Pedraza was found guilty</a> of conspiracy and falsifying government documents. He conspired with other <a class="inline_link omniture-click-processed" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/ice">ICE</a> Special Agents (Rolando Gomez, Marco Rodriguez and Edwin Castillo) to falsify investigative reports pertaining to bribery, drug and alien smuggling, forge deportation documents, and destroy falsified supervisory case reviews.<br />
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(see the complete story at the Examiner link above). <br />
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Give's you a nice warm fuzzy feeling that we are being protected, right. </div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-30376526334369660992014-10-02T19:49:00.002-07:002014-10-03T04:43:06.554-07:00Hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray . . . . all to promote bigotry. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
People seem to love to share ignorance. It's unexplainable why this is done so often or how it occurs so easily without someone calling people out for it. Geez folks, Google is your friend, use it. A great example of selling a lie to promote an agenda comes from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mauricelmlei.millere?fref=ts">Mauricelm-Lei Millere</a>'s Facebook page where he shared: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduucz33OyDUg9e889Uhu7EArypImGG7VUmkDsIx-cz9vs5nnR96ItGKHmQRN4YYE_1njG6HHh30czLb3rmyc7beXbCZUWfJ6VYlNACPrtVOSVIPPn_B3MRuKGizE7MtuPW7KbNRJMd54/s1600/lies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduucz33OyDUg9e889Uhu7EArypImGG7VUmkDsIx-cz9vs5nnR96ItGKHmQRN4YYE_1njG6HHh30czLb3rmyc7beXbCZUWfJ6VYlNACPrtVOSVIPPn_B3MRuKGizE7MtuPW7KbNRJMd54/s1600/lies.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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His opine was that "black people need to wake up" because "they" are eating "our babies". The problem is that the photos, like much posted about and by Mr. Millere, are FAKE and have been known to be fake for sometime now. <br />
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It surprises me that a "doctor" would fall for something known to be a fake. Mr. Millere shared this from another Facebook user (Torie Magnificent) and if Mr. Millere had simply taken the time to click on the photo he would have found that two people (Jonas Vroven and <br />
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<span class="fwb fcg" data-ft="{"tn":";"}">Nysuttutankhamun El Atum Re</span>) already commented that the photos were fake (see below) before he shared it and wrote his grand comment on what "they" are doing to "our babies". It's amazing that someone with a Ph.D. could be so easily duped considering the doctors past statements on his ability to do research (see<a href="http://civilrights2010andbeyond.blogspot.com/2010/12/counselingservicesincorporated.html"> here</a> and <a href="http://drmauricelmleimillerepsychotherapy.webs.com/">here</a>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm7woEAL1FLb3yw9GV3kN1jOqjwrFgbC4XQjjI7nn_cqFjCpSnBEA7L8YtyEA667GQodVWUAaK5TzQ2quBleAVEm8Av_GgjgUH0gOZEz4RwIU54E8W4SPjwdha2-0PFZ8XBjd3Cw1JCg/s1600/fake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm7woEAL1FLb3yw9GV3kN1jOqjwrFgbC4XQjjI7nn_cqFjCpSnBEA7L8YtyEA667GQodVWUAaK5TzQ2quBleAVEm8Av_GgjgUH0gOZEz4RwIU54E8W4SPjwdha2-0PFZ8XBjd3Cw1JCg/s1600/fake.jpg" height="312" width="640" /></a></div>
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I guess the truth simply should not get in the way of selling a narrative of the big, evil, corrupt and destructive "man" out to get the black community - even going so far to consume "our babies" as Mr. Millere writes. The real story, weird as it is, simply isn't as exciting: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdWDn_rs3lbJ9Vm8S47yoYeozaKalppLoTWTeAaHSDENie03yw3-ZJzeuVe15s1WOq06cG8mbCfb-Pg-9XD_lbJM8VTPioXHc-bFyvJVemQ10eiRPpkuyqemvUlPLQkxE5UMEcBo0h6w/s1600/lie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdWDn_rs3lbJ9Vm8S47yoYeozaKalppLoTWTeAaHSDENie03yw3-ZJzeuVe15s1WOq06cG8mbCfb-Pg-9XD_lbJM8VTPioXHc-bFyvJVemQ10eiRPpkuyqemvUlPLQkxE5UMEcBo0h6w/s1600/lie2.jpg" height="640" width="627" /></a></div>
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No question that it's distasteful art but it's still "art" (to someone anyhow). It was not then nor is it now real. But when you have a racist narrative to sell don't let the truth get in your way - hell, that's a type of performance art in itself. Using a lie to sell an agenda. Seems pretty typical from extremist. <br />
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More information about Zhu Yu and "Eating People" can be found <a href="http://eastiseverywhere.tumblr.com/post/81385801603/zhu-yu-eating-people-china-shanghai">here</a>, <a href="http://www.snopes.com/horrors/cannibal/fetus.asp">here</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhu_Yu_(artist)">here</a>, <a href="http://althouse.blogspot.com/2014/01/claim-photograph-shows-man-eating-dead.html">here</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=179715648814848&story_fbid=483242888462121">here</a>.<br />
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Dr. Millere could have connected this all back to the "white" counter culture in America who were fans of the Beatles. He could have written how these "crackers" had been programmed to consume "our babies" as early as June 1966 when the Beatles released the album "Yesterday and Today". The albums original cover had the Beatles holding "our babies" mutilated as they smile. If he wanted to Mr. Millere could have discussed how this was all the Illuminati willingly destroying "our babies" as early as 1966. Now THAT would have been some good research for the doctor to "sell" to unknowing, misinformed folks. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipFG7KOI1tkNLfcgGSOFfPe-xwR2l2rXuR-NfNIyVmeqWL5qYWBgubsI_3iWCIy4EUxcyi5Eh4plj2gg3kv9ua2NuG1dvpr8XkPj9ibEARaCXw8kGXBOoj_bdjIny9qrcXH573u-pPOo/s1600/beatles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipFG7KOI1tkNLfcgGSOFfPe-xwR2l2rXuR-NfNIyVmeqWL5qYWBgubsI_3iWCIy4EUxcyi5Eh4plj2gg3kv9ua2NuG1dvpr8XkPj9ibEARaCXw8kGXBOoj_bdjIny9qrcXH573u-pPOo/s1600/beatles.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Beatles "Yesterday and Today" original cover (cover was quickly changed an is highly collectable today). </div>
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Mr.. Millere did mention <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/jeffrey-dahmer-9264755">Jeffery Dahmer</a> and no question that Mr. Dahmer was evil. The good news is that he was also caught, prosecuted and put in prison. Mr. Dahmer was killed in prison. <br />
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Mr. Millere does have a point that cannibalism is not just wrong but evil. For a more contemporary example of cannibalism, Mr. Millere could have used <a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/general-butt-naked-warlord-blahyi-seeks-forgiveness-in-liberia-a-930688.html">Joshua Milton Blahyi</a> better known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Butt_Naked">General Butt Naked a Liberian Warlord</a>. <br />
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Mr. Blahyi has<a href="http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/general-butt-naked-warlord-blahyi-seeks-forgiveness-in-liberia-a-930688.html"> admitted</a> to being, <em>a cannibal who preferred to sacrifice babies, because he believed that their death promised the greatest amount of protection. He went into battle naked, wearing only sneakers and carrying a machete, because he believed that it made him invulnerable -- and he was in fact never hit by a bullet. His soldiers would make bets on whether a pregnant woman was carrying a boy or a girl, and then they would slit open her belly to see who was right.</em> <a href="http://nypost.com/2013/11/03/liberian-mass-murderer-gen-butt-naked-is-now-a-priest/">Mr. Blahyi has also said</a> he, <em>"recruited child soldiers, made them hack other people to pieces and ate the live hearts of his enemies."</em><br />
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Mr. Blahyi has since found redemption in Jesus and has begun a mission to seek forgiveness from the families of those he has wronged. The film, "<a href="http://www.generalbuttnakedmovie.com/">The Redemption of General Butt Naked</a>" won several honors including the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60Yjk4VLFFz0P_oE932_ZPglJErLKllF_Cjdlx8VW__YcsYcElIc1y02FlmllNaEmT8Gg-kH0sRsSHOPbQeByk3TzoYFrFqW9B79vkNb-fr5st5rbp_UG0D3Vxxe6095GWl5WzatGkFU/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60Yjk4VLFFz0P_oE932_ZPglJErLKllF_Cjdlx8VW__YcsYcElIc1y02FlmllNaEmT8Gg-kH0sRsSHOPbQeByk3TzoYFrFqW9B79vkNb-fr5st5rbp_UG0D3Vxxe6095GWl5WzatGkFU/s1600/untitled.png" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Joshua Blahyi</div>
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I wonder why Mr. Millere left out the exploits of Gen. Butt Naked who admits to killing as many as 20,000 people and eating what I assume Mr. Millere would look at as "our babies". Oh, because that would not fit the narrative he needs to sell - that's why. <br />
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Great documentary by Vice called, "The Cannibal Warlords of Liberia" that interviews Gen. Butt Naked and others. Gen. Butt Naked discusses how they would use drugs and drink the blood of a child before going into battle in the film. Enjoy. (Strong Language. Violence and Strong Topic - Not Safe for Children). <br />
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Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4092176485487658492.post-71889922555070353812014-10-02T17:14:00.000-07:002014-10-02T17:29:15.910-07:00U.S. Representative Elenor Holmes Norton (D - D.C.) publically extorts the NFL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kaRMck-mAPUzSsHx8GjJPr0rSHfF5I09RZrYgBYW27nN8f48NjH4W2jkqABtQXtoAgM90TzSJBKi9WYIUhSSonHGoKz0kmVZ2nLMRvruUimNS3nJY0Pz_P1zD2dOo78w_84NOFdMO6k/s1600/images63Q0VS3Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kaRMck-mAPUzSsHx8GjJPr0rSHfF5I09RZrYgBYW27nN8f48NjH4W2jkqABtQXtoAgM90TzSJBKi9WYIUhSSonHGoKz0kmVZ2nLMRvruUimNS3nJY0Pz_P1zD2dOo78w_84NOFdMO6k/s1600/images63Q0VS3Z.jpg" height="400" width="314" /></a></div>
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Extortion is defined as; <em>the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. Synonyms; blackmail, shakedown</em>.<br />
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(<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/congress-looking-to-take-nfl-s-tax-break-away-if-it-doesn-t-change-redskins-name-222237825.html">ABC News via Yahoo</a>) <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412293518742_1784"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Holmes_Norton">Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton</a> is cosponsor of the House bill that would cut off the NFL's tax break. She represents the District of Columbia. ABC News said new bills were introduced in recent weeks to take away the not-for-profit designation. Norton said that the NFL might get that cushy tax break yanked ... unless it changes the Redskins' name. </span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412293518742_1641"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1412293518742_1640"><em>"The NFL greed is so widespread that they’ve chosen to operate as a tax-exempt organization. So we want to take that choice away from them unless, and until, they decide not to profit from a name that has now officially been declared a racial slur,” Norton said on the ESPN/ABC podcast “Capital Games,”</em> according to <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/10/capital-games-behind-congress-attack-on-nfl-tax-breaks/">ABCNews</a>. </span></span><br />
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Some "housekeeping" issues aside: First: I don't think the NFL should be a non-profit. Second: I do think the Washington Redskins should change their name. Third: Rep. Holmes Norton is not a voting member of the House as the representative from the District of Columbia. <br />
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With the above out of the way, how is the NFL greedy as Rep. Holmes Norton states? Are they not like MLB, NASCAR, NBA, MLS, NHL or even the NCAA in trying to make as much of a profit as possible? This is now bad? It must not be because while Rep. Holmes Norton called them greedy she seem willing to not touch the tax status issue, "unless, and until, they decide not to profit from a name that has now officially been declared a racial slur". So, if the Redskins change there name to say, Washington Extortionist the league can remain non-profit in Rep. Holmes Norton's words. <br />
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Since Oklahoma <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-09-19/a-republican-senator-s-lonely-mission-to-make-the-nfl-pay-taxes">Senator Tom Coburn</a> (R) has been trying to address the NFL tax-exempt status for a while and introduced a bill in 2013 that went no place fast. <br />
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Like I said, I am fine with changing the tax-exempt status and I do believe the Redskins should change the team name. But there is no way it is appropriate for a sitting U.S. Representative to threaten a private organization in such an ethically questionable manner. </div>
Willhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14434229813284130316noreply@blogger.com0