Obama: Savior or flavor of the month???

The presidential race has been very exciting and eye opening. The two candidates bring different skill sets to the table, but who will be ready to answer the call. From all accounts, the hands on favorite is Obama. Yet, he has been untested in the big arena. Can we take a chance on his youth or should we defer to the senior statesman? The jury is still out on both as they continue jostling for power in the waning days of the campaign. His campaign has invigorated young voters and we may see a record turn out for new voters, but is he the real deal? I feel that he will be no different than most politicians, but it is amazing to see what he has done. Win or lose, I think his month has been remarkable.

http://www.independentvoting.org/magazine/documents/BarackObamaTheRealDealor.pdf

" Responsibility is doing the right thing all the time...no questions asked." Dr. BLR

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