Newark: What a difference an arena makes.

The perception of the City of Newark is justifiably ambivalent. The former Mayor, Sharpe James, was recently found guilty of public corruption. The Chief of Police has been accused of frequenting an illegal after hour establishment. The crime rate is still rising. Yet, Newark has a new arena, "The Rock." If anyone was to attend an event at the "Rock" you would think that you were visiting another city. The "Rock" was the staging ground for the MMA and the infamous Kimbo Slice. Can the likes of more Kimbo's assure the City of Newark that its residents will be safe?The police presence is abundant and visitors are assured of their personal safety. However, just a few minutes ride outside of that comfort zone lies the true reality for most native Newark's. Drugs, gangs, and homicides are a daily occurrence for those who choose to make Newark their home. How can we have two different perceptions of one city? Why doesn't the same effort to secure the safety of the visitors effect the common folk? Is this a case of the haves and the have nots? Should the loyal taxpayers be afforded the same crime protection comparable to those who traverse the city for entertainment purposes? Not to mention the similar increased protection for those who visit the NJPAC. Am I missing something here? Kimbo can you help them?

"The future may leave you wanting for something that you can have today." Dr. BLR

What gang does more damage?

Over the past few weeks, law enforcement agencies have made a concerted effort to arrest the most violent individuals who are involved in gangs. The crimes that these individuals have committed warrants them being taken off the streets and possibly locked up for life. However, are they the only gangs that are committing crimes? It can be argued that corporate America is the most destructive and violent gang imaginable. Let's compare the two groups. Urban gangs maintain their status via intimidation. Corporate America maintains its status by setting outlandish prices for oil, gas, electricity, healthcare and food. Which one intimidates you more? Urban gangs sell illegal drugs to fund their activities. Corporate America funds many of these foreign countries that grow, manufacture and export drugs to the United States. Which one intimidates you more? Are we locking up the right gang members?

" Live life so that your morals and values cannot be questioned." Dr. BLR

Good ole Philly beating

The Philadelphia police officers involved in the recent highly publicized suspect beating will soon face the scrutiny of their department. However, the real questions is, should they? Given the circumstances that the City of Philadelphia is going through, highest murder rate in the country, did the police officers cross the line?The suspects in this matter were observed shooting at civilians just moments before they were stopped. The aftermath is what is being called into question. What is not being said is that earlier in the week, a Philadelphia police officer was killed in the line of duty attempting to apprehend a bank robber. Of course, the police officer's emotions were running high, but does this excuse their behavior? Should we give the police officers a pass? You be the judge.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioSgJXSB5_U



" Strive to fulfill your potential of being a human being." Dr. BLR

As expected or shocked?

The verdict is in and the NYPD has dodged another bullet (no pun intended). The trial, which was overseen by a judge, provided the police officers with an avenue to pursue their defense. To have a jury decide this matter would have been based solely on emotions rather than the facts of the case. This is not to say that the judge was not swayed by his own; hopefully he was swayed by what was presented. Now where do we go from here? It was not a surprise that the police officers were exonerated. Policing is about making split second decisions, regardless of the outcome. Let's hope that the law enforcement community learns something from this, but then again, this is the New York Police Department.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg_oKSjDKLU&feature=related

" Let the winds of change take you to new heights." Dr. BLR

In the case of Mumia Abu Jamal.

In the early 1980's, a journalist had a chance encounter with a Philadelphia police officer. The end result was the police officer, William Faulkner, was killed and the journalist, Mumia Abu Jamal, was arrested and charged with the murder. Mr. Jamal has been sitting on death row for almost three decades. The courts have recently granted Mr. Jamal a request to have the punishment phase of his case reheard. The courts will not look at his guilt rather whether he is to get the death penalty or life in prison. The facts surrounding this case are very controversial. Mr. Jamal is a cause celeb and has a following on several continents. It has been speculated that race was a determining factor in the imprisonment of Mr. Jamal. I was not there and can only go by what has been reported. I have made up my mind where I stand on this matter. Do your own investigation and let us know what you believe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRGFZ1eLJO4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri4hKUR_QgQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va8cp-VQCRQ

" Hypocrisy perpetuates the lie and the truth will expose the hypocrisy." Dr. BLR

Realities of the job.

The job of a police officer is normally misunderstood. Some people believe that they have what is takes to be a police officer without knowing the true realities. It is easy to speculate that police officers write tickets and make life unpleasant for citizens. For those who are contemplating a career in law enforcement have you done your homework? Have you considered the inherent risks that come with the job? Take a look at the attached websites and make an assessment if this is the type of career you truly want. It quite possibly can save your life.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz5--_qI_hU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEpUtoUzE4U


" Recognize the greatness in others even when they don't recognize it in themselves." Dr. BLR

Devisive or just the plain truth?

There has been much debate about the speech given by Reverend Jeremiah Wright, the pastor for Barack Obama. The catch words have been, "Taken out of context". Well, I heard the speech and found it to be rather enlightening, however, that is just my opinion. You have the opportunity to hear it for yourself. I implore you to express your views on this matter. The country is being torn apart by this thing we call race. Free speech is being diminished, however, not on this blog; speak out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAYe7MT5BxM&feature=related


" Let your words echo in the halls of freedom; lest your voice will be condemned to silence."
Dr. BLR