Should ignorance be a crime?

Here we go again, another person's attempt at humor has gotten someone in trouble. When will enough be enough? Or when will people stop being so sensitive? Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly had dinner at a popular African-American restaurant in New York City with the Reverend Al Sharpton. The two unlikely dinner guest were meeting to discuss their points of view on a variety of topics. Their departure from the restaurant supposedly went without incident until Mr. O'Reilly went back to his news program and figuratively shoved his foot in his mouth. On live radio Mr.O'Reilly remarked (and I am paraphrasing) that he was shocked to realize that African-American restaurants were very similar to any other restaurant and that its patrons were well behaved. Okay, for some of us his comments may not be so offensive, but to others, he may have stepped over the line. Most of us have gone to restaurants and observed some rather rude behavior by people that we do not know. We make a mental note of it and even might speak out, but we move on. I say that we stop fueling the flames of bigotry and ignore these media seekers.

" Ignorance comes at a cost; how much are you willing to pay for it? Dr. BLR

National Security or too much big brother?

There are lawsuits abound regarding cellular telephone companies sharing "our" private information with the federal government under the guise of national security. The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights provides American citizens with certain protections, but when does government cross the line? We have felt the long term effects of terrorism and have witnessed what inaction can do to our society. Should we give up certain rights to be protected? Can we trust that our government will always do the right thing?

"Before believing in anyone else, believe in yourself." Dr. BLR

Blue wall of silence vs. snitching...what is the difference

The controversy in the "hood" regarding snitching is causing problems for law enforcement. Criminals can sometimes bank on the silence of victims and/or witnesses to keep their mouths closed. Conversely, police officers rely on the maintenance of the blue wall of silence to cover up their transgressions. The differences may be subtle, but the ramifications of both are detrimental to our society. Is there a difference?

" Your reticence can cause someone their life; only you know if it's worth it." Dr. BLR

What are the real causes of crime?

The history of the causes of crime dates back hundreds of years. The difference between now and then is evolution. As a society, we have come a long way; however, the problem of crime still exists. Why does this phenomenon still occur? I posit that economics are at the forefront of why individuals commit crime. The day when money is not revered will be the day when crime will decrease. Just my opinion.

"Leave a legacy so that your deeds can be revered." Dr. BLR

Stamping out corruption or selective enforcement.

In a world that is strife with corruption, why would someone question the United States government for locking up violators of the public's trust. Recently, the New Jersey, U.S Attorney General held a press conference to announce the arrest of politicians that were caught in an eighteen months investigation into official corruption. The allegations charged several politicians with accepting bribes to either look the other way in their official capacity or to smooth the way for public projects to move forward. Regardless of the allegations, these individuals needed to be brought to justice. Or should they?



Upon closer inspection, it was noted that the perpetrators are from predominately minority communities. Does this excuse their behavior? Of course not, but the amount of money that they are accused of accepting leads one to question the motivation. It should not be a secret that the U.S Attorney General has bigger aspirations and his zero tolerance regarding crime should be a strong selling point. However, is it okay to go after the little guy and let the big guy receive a pass? I don't know, but from an outsider's perspective this has the appearance of just being a numbers game. A quantity over quality approach to justice. While it is very difficult to bring these sort of cases to court, the fact that these individuals were paraded around simply wreaks of selective enforcement. What say you?

Check out the following website:

http://potw.news.yahoo.com/s/potw/40/somebodys-watching-you

" Champion the cause of the tacit victim that you would champion for yourself." Dr. BLR

Bringing ethics back to policing.

The job of the law enforcement officer is unappreciated and unrewarding. The stress that accompanies the profession can actually lead to life long medical conditions. High blood pressure, excessive weight gain, divorce, alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide are just some of the realities of a police officer's life. Should society be a little more empathetic to these officers when they cross the line? Should society excuse a police officer when they drink a bit too much after working an afternoon shift and wrap their car around a tree? Or should society be be a little lenient when a police officer goes home and beats his spouse because they just don't understand what the officer has to deal with on a daily basis?

The author may be a bit too close to this subject matter, so please chime in. Check out this website and judge for yourself. http://www.badcopnews.com/


"Don't expect others to be like you because you may be disappointed." Dr. BLR