Proactive or reactive justice; wake up people.

In the proceeding days after the horrific killings in Newark, N.J., leaders in the law enforcement community began to take a serious stance against crime. The Essex County Sheriff and New Jersey Attorney General were the most boisterous individuals to speak out. The Essex County Sheriff reported that he would be willing to suspend the constitution to apprehend the felons responsible for the execution style killings of the Newark students. The Attorney General went so far as to enact legislation to have "alleged" illegal aliens questioned regarding their immigration status if they are arrested. It appears that reaction is in vogue rather than proaction. Communities must step up and fight for their right to live in a crime free environment. It's your decision, what are you going to do?


" Do not be a casual observer in the game of life; get in the game." Dr. BLR.

Kill another criminal or the law gone awry.

The State of Texas is at it again. In the coming days another person of color will be killed due to the death penalty. For the record, the author is against any type of "government sanctioned execution." However, please do not misconstrue this to mean that the author is a bleeding heart liberal . . . more of a vigilante comes to mind; excuse the digression.

Some facts on the case:

Kenneth Foster Jr., was just 19-years-old when Mauriceo Brown, a passenger in the car Foster was driving, shot Michael LaHood in San Antonio more than a decade ago. New testimony shows that Foster did not play a major role in the crime. Though Foster, Brown, Julius Steen, and Dewayne Dillard, were all traveling together that night and had committed two armed robberies prior to LaHood's murder, Steen and Dillard have stated that Foster could not have anticipated the crime. Brown, who was executed for the murder in 2006, also said that Foster did not know he was planning to kill LaHood. The men all maintain that Foster, who had borrowed the car from his grandfather, repeatedly pleaded with the group to go home before they encountered LaHood. He also tried to drive away when he heard the gunshots, but Steen and Dillard made him stop and wait for Brown. Steen received a 35-year-to-life sentence for the crime, and Dillard was given a life sentence. Foster was sentenced to death under the Texas Law of Parties that permits a person involved in a crime to be held accountable for the actions committed by someone else.

The punishment does not fit the crime, but the courts feel otherwise. This case is reminiscent of the movie "Minority Report" starring Tom Cruise, no pun intended with the title. The premise for the movie is that law enforcement has the ability to anticipate what a criminal is going to do and take them into custody before actually committing the crime. The intentions are good, but a bit premature in the execution. The same case can be made for the television program "To catch a predator." The intentions are good, but entrapment is not the answer.

The courts rendered an appropriate decision regarding the killer and the other accomplices. What happened to Mr. Foster? Mr. Foster is what is called an example. This is a very strong message that the courts are sending to potential criminals. Will it be a deterrent? If the death penalty has not done so by now, this decision will not make any difference.


Update: The Governor of Texas gave a stay of execution to Mr. Foster and commuted his sentence to life in prison. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Now this man will have a long time to think about how he was given a second chance at life. Let's hope he will do something special with the rest of his life.

"The weak and defenseless need someone to illuminate their concerns." Dr. BLR

The violence continues.

Words cannot express the sorrow that is felt when a loved one passes away. However, the violent death of a loved one leaves you feeling empty. The recent execution style deaths of three Newark residents has left a family asking why. The Newark Police Department and Mayor are baffled at why these senseless killings continue to happen. At first glance, anyone living in Newark can understand that violence has always been endemic to inner cities; so these deaths are not an aberration. The jobless rates are rather high. Violent crimes are high. Drug usage and abuse is rampant. So why is there an unbelievability about these particular murders? The reason is that this was not supposed to happen to these students. From all accounts, these were three college students who had made the decision to better themselves. They were in preparation to either return to or start college. With the summer almost coming to an end, they were just enjoying themselves before continuing their educational endeavors.

No one knows what goes through the mind of a killer, but there is no doubt that whomever is responsible for these murders have serious mental issues. The investigation is ongoing and the facts will ultimately become available. Regardless, these students did not deserve to meet their untimely deaths. The leadership in Newark needs to look in the mirror and ask themselves, "Are we doing enough?" The answer should be a resounding "NO". The political and police corruption is what is driving a lot of the crime in Newark. If the residents see the leaders not playing by the rules, then why should they. The problems of Newark, and any inner city for that matter, will continue to occur until an effort is made to build upon the foundation. . . the people.

Update: The alleged suspects have been apprehended and it appears that the "black on black" theory has been dispelled. It seems that crime does not discriminate. Now let's wait and see what new theory will surface to explain the inevitable that poverty, capitalism, and racism exacerbates the problem of criminality.

" Your destiny is predicated upon your decisions in life, regardless of what they are." Dr. BLR

Indictments by race or alleged crimes?

One would like to think that the criminal justice system is beyond reproach and that everyone is treated equally. Well my friends, here is your wake up call, it is not. The recent publicity surrounding Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick is just one example of the disparate treatment. I would like to believe the old saying that you are innocent until proven guilty is still true, but once it hits the news media it does not matter if it is true. The media will have labeled that person guilty.

There is no question that if what is being reported about Vick is true, then he needs to be punished severely. However, let's not rush to judgment and allow the criminal justice system, no matter how flawed, to run its course. Now the race issue. Are pro athletes treated differently because of their celebrity status...of course. Should they be given a pass in some instances based on their status, it depends. If the average person does not have to be subjected to trivial matters played out in the media then just maybe some of the celebs should be afforded that same privacy. It appears that minority athletes and in particular African-Americans are scrutinized more stringently than others. I believe that it is a love hate relationship with the media that produces all this negative attention. If the media can get their hands on a piece of controversial news about a black athlete, the horse is off and running. Negativity sells and it does not claim to be impartial, unless you have some one or entity backing you.

Indictments are accusations that need to be proven in a court of law. "You can indict a ham sandwich" comes to mind when I heard about this Vick indictment. The prosecutor will have to build a rather circumstantial case to prove that Vick had anything to do with or had any knowledge of this matter. In my own mind, I think he is guilty, however, I have nothing to base this on but a gut feeling. I would hope and expect that the criminal justice system does not work along those same lines. Yet, I would be naive to think that it does not.

So, for those who are suspect of this indictment as I am, just look back in time or do a little research and see what you come up with. This writer has been around long enough to have observed the two systems of justice and has come to the realization that race was definitely a factor. You decide for yourself.


"Turning your back on injustice today makes it available for you tomorrow." Dr. BLR

Are there two systems of justice?

The criminal justice system has evolved over the years into a complex and often confusing phenomenon. What applies to some does not always apply to all. The confusion over the way punishment is meted out is justified because no one can fully explain how the system works. Criminals for some reason have learned to maneuver through it with relative ease. Lawyers have also been able to assist some of their clients with unusual success. Why can't the average person figure it out? The criminal justice system is so convoluted because it was designed that way.

No, this is not a conspiracy theorist gone awry. If you step back and look at the bigger picture, some patterns will begin to materialize. It is no secret that law schools around the country are pumping out lawyers at an exaggerated pace. These young and starry eyed professionals are graduating and flooding the market. Not everyone will be able to land that high six figure job with a private law firm. Some will have to grunt it out and take positions in prosecutor's offices for minimal pay. Others will not utilize their degrees and opt to go into other fields. Then there are some who will do pro bono work and work for non-profit organizations. So what am I suggesting? Everyone who gets caught up in the criminal justice system will never have an equal opportunity to be represented. It all depends on your status in life. As eloquently stated by author, Jeffrey Reiman, " The rich get richer and the poor get prison."

Why does this system work in such a manner? Well, upon closer examination it becomes apparent that the criminal justice system is a business rather than an entity that looks for truth and justice. Accordingly, it is in the best interest of judges, lawyers, police officers, correction officers, probation officers, parole officers, social workers, psychologists. . . I hope you get the message, to maintain the status quo. Please do not misconstrue what is being said. Yes, some people are just inherently bad and need to be dealt with, but as a whole human behavior can be corrected. The systems that are put in place are by no means put there for rehabilitation. Re-entry is not paramount, however, recidivism is expected and wanted.

"Show that compassion has a new beginning by starting it today." Dr. BLR

Til death do us part.

Life is a precious commodity that we must all cherish. Inasmuch as we are not guaranteed the next minute, we must appreciate all of the time that we are afforded on this earth. One of the unfortunate realities of the law enforcement profession is death. Everyday that a police officer puts on their uniform and goes to work, they are not guaranteed a return trip home to their loved ones. If no one has told you, then let me be the first. . . someday you might not get a chance to go home. Not every profession has to deal with this possibility.

The unfortunate death of New York police officer Russell Timoshenko is a sad reminder that in some neighborhoods there is a disdain for law enforcement. That does not mean that police officers are not appreciated. What it means is that cops must always remain vigilant and cognizant of their surroundings. The coming days will be for the police community to mourn for a fallen brother, but like anything else, we must move on. My sincerest condolences to my fallen comrade. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace...


" Happiness is knowing that fond memories are just a thought away." Dr. BLR

The 1967 Newark Riots or Newark Rebellion?

The Newark Riots were devastating for all that were there and for those who had to observe it on the news. The intentions of the police and military must be questioned. The riots, or as they were referred to, were more about the struggle of a group of people rather than the exploitation of an opportune moment. Should the riots be referred to as a "rebellion"? Never in this time frame or any other for that matter will the powers that be understand what struggle and oppression will do to a person's psyche. Do more rebellions have to take place before it is realized? Criminal behavior should be addressed swiftly and harshly, but which participants are we going to label as criminal? You do the research and make your own well informed decision.

" Fight for the injustice that needs to be corrected." Dr. BLR