Full honors or inexcusable death?

The recent revelation that a Norwalk, Connecticut, police officer was killed in the line of duty saddened the law enforcement community. However, the truth about the death of the police officer revealed that he committed suicide. The officer was apparently distraught about his recent divorce and that his ex-wife moved back to Australia with his daughter. The Mayor of the town stated that the police officer, who was a military veteran, would receive full police and military honors. The law enforcement profession and the military are two stressful occupations that increases the possibility that someone will get killed in the line of duty. If so, all the honors should be bestowed upon that person. However, can the same be afforded to someone who made a conscious decision to take their own life, due to a very stressful situation? Can committing suicide make you a honorable person?


" Mental vitality can lead to longevity, so think positively." Dr. BLR

Media, friend or foe?

Many of us are resigned to receive out daily news information from several sources of media. The normal news channels and our familiar radio programs normally tell us what is going on. Can it be that they really want to keep us informed? Or can it be that they are brainwashing us regarding what they want us to think. How often do you question the information that they are supplying? Are you a discerning consumer and seek alternative sources of information? If not, why not? The recent media frenzy in reference to former New York Governor, Elliott Spitzer's relations with an adult made for interesting news headlines, or did it? Should we care? Moreover, should we care what pastors and political aides say on behalf of presidential candidates? When will it stop and when will the media get back to reporting what is important? Did you know that people are dying in the sub-Saharan due to starvation? Is that news or does Brittney Spears trump everything?

" Making an effort to expand your level of comfort guarantees growth." Dr. BLR

Self defense or double standard?

Imagine for a moment that you are the father of a young male teenager. One evening your son runs into the house yelling that a mob is after him. You automatically grab your handgun and go see what the disturbance is about. You subsequently confront the mob of teenage males, who are yelling racial epithets and challenging your son to a fight. Inadvertently you shoot and kill the alleged leader of the group. Imagine that this shooting happened on your property. Would you expect to be cleared of the shooting? Are you justified in arming yourself? What should your punishment be for your actions?


" Make sure your expectations are chosen by you and not for you." Dr. BLR

Give me ten minutes for you to just think.

Sometimes a person will cross your path and expose you to something that is so obvious. Regardless of your politics and/or your position on controversial topics; please oblige me and just listen to the attached website and express your opinion (s). It might take twenty or thirty minutes to get it, but I think you will. Just free your mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om16gRAoLAM


"Pro-conscienceness is for the intellectual types, so get in on the conversation if you dare." Dr. BLR

Don't shoot, I am a cop too!

For those in the law enforcement profession, the decision to discharge your weapon can lead to long lasting ramifications. The choice to pull out your weapon is normally predicated upon someone's actions other than your own. Several months ago, a young African-American off duty police officer came to the aid of a citizen who had just been assaulted. Unfortunately, the officer lost his life at the hands of on duty police officers who were summoned to the scene. The details were sketchy, but today the grand jury, investigating the shooting, decided that there was reasonable cause to believe that the on duty police officers acted appropriately and chose not to indict them. The family of the slain police officer, Christopher Riddley, believe that their son was executed. This case received minimal news coverage because the officers involved were white, black, and Hispanic. The fact that there was diversity in the officers made a world of a difference with regard to how this case was handled. What can law enforcement do so that this does not happen again?

" The success of a mentor is found in the success of others." Dr. BLR

Youthful indiscretion or destruction.

Back in the day, fights were resolved with fisticuffs and friendships were rekindled. Nowadays, fights are resolved with knives, bats and guns and people die. Where did we go wrong? Can we blame the ubiquitous violence on television and in the movies? Can we blame the "Hip Hop" generation for perpetuating "gangsta" lifestyle? More importantly, can we place the blame solely on poor parenting? There are so many factors that contribute to this downward spiral of our youth today. What can be done to save this generation? Surely, some will survive and go on to be productive citizens, but what do we do about those who will inevitably get caught up in the system and find residence in our jails and/or prisons?


" Listen to a voice of reason when your inner sanity fails you." Dr. BLR

A crime against our soldiers.

With the political fiasco going on between Obama, Hillary and McCain, the world seems to forget that there is a war going on and our young soldiers are dying on a daily basis. So why do I name this blog "a crime against our soldiers"? The men and women of the Armed Forces are paid a pittance for risking their lives to protect our country. The average salary for a soldier is about $1500.00 to $2000.00 a month. What is not being talked about are the private mercenaries that are paid an astronomical salary to do what our soldiers are doing for our country. These private companies are relying on the expertise of prior military and law enforcement personnel to protect them in the war torn countries, so that they can feel safe. Ironically, these are American companies that rely on contracts funded by the American government. Is this unethical or a crime? Why not pay the soldiers more money to do the same job. Shouldn't we treat our soldiers better?


This is not a reflection of what the author feels about the war. It is a call to those that will listen that our soldiers should come first.


" Chasing the proverbial carrot can predict your station in life; choose wisely." Dr. BLR