Brother can you spare 700 Billion?

Excuse me for being so cynical, but this bailout of the financial district is appalling. When the average person runs into trouble, they can only depend on themselves for relief. The mere fact that these companies made billions in profit makes this situation more disgusting. I would expect some to say that the economy needed to have the government rescue it, however, if it turns around will "we" be receiving our dividend checks. I know, I know; the check is in the mail. Just think January 20, 2009, will be our day of salvation. Good bye Mr. Bush.

http://www.boston.com/business/markets/articles/2008/09/21/can_america_afford_it/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed7

"Trooper Gate" in Alaska

In past few days, we have been inundated with politics, politics and more politics. I am about fed up and cannot wait for it to be over. However, there is one lingering thing that has me waiting with baited breath. The Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin, has been accused of abusing her power regarding her insistence that her former brother-in-law and Alaskan State Trooper be fired due to being unfit for duty. Inasmuch as the trooper may not have deserved to keep his job, he had already been disciplined for his transgressions before Governor Palin attempted to get him fired. Can anyone say double jeopardy! Let's give her the benefit of the doubt for now. Yet, I am very concerned about the fact that I think she did what she is alleged to have done and that she should be punished accordingly. What is good for the moose is good for the gander...or some Alaskan like that.


" Know your limitations, but don't let your limitations know you." Dr. BLR

Whistleblowers: A necessary evil or just disgruntled people

Who will stand up and do the right thing when law enforcement does not? What are we to say about the courageous men and women who put their careers and sometimes lives on the line just to do the right thing? Will the "Blue wall of silence" be torn down? Does the street motto "snitches get stitches" pertain to police officers? Does Serpico come to mind?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLMj5uWCx_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu2JFKzwsOI

New Jersey State Police lawsuit

In the wake of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) attempting to be released from a federal consent decree, 23 Black and Hispanic troopers filed a lawsuit claiming they were overlooked for advancement based on their race. It has been well documented that the NJSP have had problems with discrimination against minorities, as well as female. Emotions will run high and morale will definitely suffer. However, based on the specifics of the lawsuit, the results should be beneficial to all that want a fair and equitable promotion system. In the coming weeks more should be learned and what steps will be taken to rectify this matter. Regardless, the damage is done and the NJSP has to deal with more negative press. Change is in order, but where should it begin?

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/23_troopers_file_civil_rights.html

http://blacspective.blogspot.com/



"Expect nothing from others and more from yourself." Dr. BLR

To taser or not to taser.

The law enforcement community has long been under fire for some very aggressive encounters with citizens that resulted in officer involved shootings. The chance has come for more police officers to be able to carry non-lethal weapons, but some communities do not see this as a plus. Will this aversion to better equipping the police officer lead to more shootings? Can the taser gun be the answer to the problems in inner cities? Would you rather be shot fifty times with a weapon that carries bullets or fifty thousands volts?

Secret Service accused of discrimination

The upcoming presidential election has been dealt another blow. The often praised law enforcement agency, United States Secret Service, has been brought to task by some current and former African American Secret Service agents. Can this be a sign for presidential hopeful Barack Obama? I expect the Secret Service to be professional. However, aren't they just an extension of mainstream society and mirror the racism that exists? Are these just a bunch of "disgruntled" agents or are they qualified agents looking for some equity?

http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/FedCrimes/Story?id=4866932&page=1

"Recognize the truth outside of your own biases." Dr. BLR

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