When the Law was the Law

Remember a long time ago, when people actually would abide by the law? It was their duty to follow the laws and not break or infringe upon them. To be a good citizen and do what was courteous and right. To allow for others to be accountable and responsible for their own lives and we would do the same. Where have those days gone?

As I was reading an article, found HERE, I became acutely aware of how our society has changed. It would appear that instead of following the law, people, including children, are trying to find ways to subvert them. In this case, instead of just putting their cell phone in their locker, which is the rule, they would rather try to sneak them in their fur-lined boots.

And so it is with society. The speed limit is 55 MPH, lets say, but there is an established "grey area" where if everyone is going 65 MPH, then it is acceptable to do the same. However, it is still against the law. You will know this if you are the person who gets pulled over and cited for speeding. Then there is the story of the video voyeur who was secretly video taping someone in the bathroom doing whatever they were doing. When he got caught, his statement was, "Hey, it's not illegal.". Now we have an amazing amount of laws about secretly video taping anyone or anything.

As we continue to cut the already fine line of the law to get away with even more, we end up creating a set of laws that cannot be followed, even by the best of us. It is literally impossible to abide by every law every day under every circumstance. We have created the modern version of the Old Testament laws, when you could only walk so many feet on a given day, or eat only one type of food on a different day, or worship only a certain way.

It is no wonder why people are so angry and on-edge. They are under constant pressure to abide by thousands of laws every day, and still work, which means following even more laws, and then take care of their family, which requires more laws, and then go to church, which requires even more laws...  *SCREAM*

How are we to cope with such madness?

We are reaching a societal boiling point. Crime is up, and rampant. Anger is out of control. Respect is gone. And accountability and responsibility belong to someone, or something, else. I see it just getting worse over the next few years. Which, sadly, means there with be more outrageous murders, terrorist attacks, and the complete meltdown of whole communities.

And, to top it off, we as a society, are creating a new second-class society. Where these chosen few are not allowed to enjoy the same freedoms as the "regular" citizen. I site THIS article. Now a person, whose only transgression was to get caught urinating in public, must apply for permission to enter a public park that his taxes have helped pay for. Mind you, I am not condoning any behavior, just the equality of justice and the laws.

With that being said, I ask the following questions:

• Did banning guns stop gun violence?
• Does keeping someone out of a park keep them from victimizing them when they leave the park?
• Does making it illegal to trespass stop someone from trespassing?
• Does video surveillance stop crime?
• Does passing bullying laws stop bullying?

So there it is. These laws, the creation of a second-class citizen, or any other outrageous requirements DO NOT stop, hinder, deter, or otherwise prevent crimes or victimization.

However, there is one thing that does work: Self Empowerment. In this current society where every fears everything, and fear-mongering is run-amok, people believe they need someone else to protect them from harms way. This is simply not true. Each of us has the ability to protect ourselves and our interests as long as the law doesn't get involved. I say that, having read a story of a man who broke into a house to burglarize it. During the commission of his crime, he became stranded inside the garage and was forced to eat dog food and drink sodas to keep himself alive until the homeowners returned from their vacation. Naturally, the would-be burglar was arrested. But that is not the end of the story. This thief, after his conviction, sued the victimized family. For what you ask? Mental anguish, and was award $600,000.

The store above, is, of course, an Urban Myth, but it does represent the bombastic attempt to circumvent and/or abuse the law for their own gain despite the harm that it may cause another. There are plenty of lawsuits that are real and serve to do the very same thing. How about the person who sued McDonald's because they got burned when their coffee spilled: it was too hot! HERE's the link.

So there you have it. If we don't get ourselves, as a society, under control, we are heading for a major disaster. Further, we cannot rely on the government, the police, or our judges to lookout for our best interests. They are only interested in their agenda and not the truth or the reality of any given situation. it used to be "Buyer Beware," now it's "Citizen Beware."

When Does the Economy Get Bad?

I read an interesting article this morning.  You can find it HERE.  It talked about the annual DUI round-up that happens every year around Labor Day.  Personally, I am neither for it or against it since I do no drink.  Some would say that it makes the streets safer, others protest that it interferes with their 4th Amendment right.  Whatever side you choose has nothing to do with why I'm writing about it today.

I found it interesting as the the media lauded the efforts of law enforcement for saving humanity for the deadly attacks of drunken drivers that they completely ignore the actual facts as they used them.  I'll cite a few:

Law-enforcement officers across the state arrested 1,554 drivers for misdemeanor drunken driving in the 18-day campaign that began Aug. 20 and ran through Monday, compared with 1,154 drunken-driving arrests over the same period in 2009.

This year, nearly 6,400 officers took part in the statewide task force, compared with about 1,300 in 2009. Officers approached more than 36,000 drivers this year, up from 13,697 the year before.
 
Sounds simple enough, but are you seeing the problem yet?  Let me tell you.  We increased your law enforcement by almost 500 percent.  Next, with that 500 percent increase, only gained a 35 percent increase in arrests.  Fundamentally, that is not good.  Economically, it is devastating.  The hidden math paints a far better picture.  Here we have 6,400 officers on duty.  Now lets add their salaries, which I based have on the City of Phoenix.  That would be a starting pay of $21.68 per hour.  Overtime would be $32.52 per hour.  So realistically, our annual DUI expenses went from $28,184 in 2009 for 1,300 officers to $138,752 in 2010 for 6,400 officers.  Mind you, this is the base starting pay for Phoenix.  You can bet that number is very much higher since many officers have higher pay rates, time in service, and who knows what.  Here is a link to the City of Phoenix Police Officer Salary and Benefits page: HERE
 
So in these trying times, how can we afford so much and reap so little?  Well, the article tried to explain that "The annual task force is funded through federal grants...".  Still, don't WE fund the federal government?  Isn't that OUR money they are spending so frivolously?  C'mon people, when do we stop funding stupid and become fiscally responsible for ourselves and our families?

Lohan Wants an Apology from the Courts...Boo Hoo!

Headline: 'Fuming' Lindsay Lohan Wants Apology From Courts, Source Says  Link

Holy Cow! Apparently, society has yet to reach the epitome of narcissism.  Just when I thought we could sink no further, Lindsay Lohan goes and proves me wrong.

I think we need to take a deeper look into Miss Lohan's problems.  First of all, she's blaming her bizarre behavior on Adderall, a drug to help ADD patients.  A drug, that all to often, is prescribed to ANY child that exhibits even the remotest lack of interest in the curriculum and is basically given out like candy.  The millions of children using Adderall don't seem to have this problem, but she does.

Next, she's fuming because she has been called a coke addict by the courts.  Well, in the interest of fairness, let's examine the evidence...pun intended.  The courts can only go by what is presented as evidence and/or facts.  So, Miss Lohan was arrested for DUI in 2007.  She has admitted to "trying" cocaine, and "...and cocaine was found on her person when she was arrested for a DUI in 2007."  I'm just not seeing it...NOT!  Clearly, you don't "have" cocaine unless you "use" cocaine.  What?  Was she "holding" it for a friend?  Now that makes me laugh!

Finally, let's take a look at her courtroom antics since her arrest, sentencing, re-arrest, sentencing, warrant for her arrest, and sentencing...and on and on and on.  She has made a mockery of the judicial system.  She was given probation and should have counted herself lucky, but no, she had to keep right on with her stupidity.  She violated her probation, not just once, but several times.  She even left the country while on probation and then missed a court deadline for her appearance because her passport was "stolen".  Yeah, and I have a beautiful new bridge in Brooklyn that is for sale...cheap!  And, to add insult to injury, she cried foul when she actually received a sentence that put her in jail for a few days.

So here we are.  Miss Lohan's shenanigans have cost taxpayers countless thousands, possibly millions, of dollars just so she could make a demand for an apology for being called a cocaine addict.  She didn't even stay in jail for her full sentence.  She only made it 13 days out of her 90-day sentence.  For those of you counting, that is only 14% of her sentence in jail.

She doesn't know how good she had it!

Her demand for an apology, one that she will never receive, is ludicrous at the very least, and reprehensible.  She's lied to, blamed, accused, misrepresented, manipulated, and who knows what else everyone, and everything, in her life.  This list includes the court system.  She even has the audacity as she addressed the court during her sentencing, "I did the best I could."  Link

Really?  She did the best she could?  She tried EVERYTHING to make her life better and right?  I don't think so!

America Held Hostage

Webster defines "hostage" as being "one that is involuntarily controlled by an outside influence".  Our sovereign nation has been invaded and we are being held hostage!  America is under attack!  Where is our government?  Why aren't we being protected?

Headline, June 17, 2010 - U.S. Parkland Bordering Mexico, Shut Since 2006, Remains Off-Limits As Violence Escalates (Click here for Article)

Headline, June 18, 2010 - Five Federal Lands in Arizona Have Travel Warnings in Place (Click here for Article)

Headline, June 22, 2010 - Mexican Gangs Maintain Permanent Lookout Bases in Hills of Arizona (Click here for Article)

So what are we to surmise from these articles?  Well, that is very simple: America has been invaded by a foreign entity and is under attack!

I thought "Travel Warnings" were only issued to Americans that were traveling abroad, to Iran, Yemen, Haiti, Israel, and even Mexico...but to America?!  Something is way wrong with this picture.  A Travel Warning  is "...issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff." as stated HERE.  Ironically, the State Department's list of warning areas does not include these unsafe lands.  Still, this is what Dennis Godfrey, a spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management's Arizona office, has said:

"...roughly a dozen signs were posted earlier this month along the Sonoran Desert National Monument advising that travel in the area is not recommended due to "active drug and human" smuggling. The signs are not far from where a Pinal County deputy was shot and killed during a confrontation with marijuana smugglers in April and the fatal shooting of two men suspected to be drug smugglers."

Clearly this is a warning...and it is federal land...and it is in the United States...and Americans are being advised NOT to enter these areas...and they have acknowledged that the presence of foreign persons are the reason.  In other words, American has been invaded and is now being held hostage.

The really sad part of this news is that it is not NEW.  This has been on-going since 2006.  How's this for a statement?

Four years after federal officials quietly surrendered thousands of acres of America's border to Mexican drug gangs and illegals, there still are "no plans to reopen" the taxpayer-owned national park lands.


Roughly 3,500 acres of taxpayer-funded government land in Arizona have been closed to U.S. citizens since 2006 due to safety concerns fueled by drug and human smuggling along the Mexican border, according to a statement posted on the website for the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
 
What did I just read?!  Federal Officials, you know, the one's that have sworn to Protect and Defend the Constitution and the citizens of the United States, etc...SURRENDERED!  Are you kidding me?  They didn't even tell us we lost a war.  In fact, they didn't even tell us we were in a war...ON OUR OWN SOIL!  What the hell is wrong with this picture?
 
First, we have our government surrendering our sovereign land.  Then we have more government refusing to secure the border.  Then we have a government hellbent on giving amnesty to the very people we just surrendered our sovereign land to.  And now our government officials are just going to sit idly by and do nothing.
 
Finally, if that weren't enough, Senator Jon Kyl states in a YouTube video, which can be seen HERE, the following:
 
The problem is, ...if we secure the border, then you all won't have any reason to support 'comprehensive immigration reform.'" [Audible gasps were heard throughout the audience.] Sen. Kyl continued, "In other words, they're holding it hostage. They don't want to secure the border unless and until it is combined with 'comprehensive immigration reform.'
 
So how much of our land are we willing to give up BEFORE we decide to fight back?  How many citizens must die at the hands of invaders?  When will the government officials, who were lawfully elected to represent and protect us, when are they going to put an end to this insanity?

Proposed Headline: Arizona's Immigration Reform Law Creates 350,000 New Jobs

According to an article published by AZCentral.com, there are approximately 700,000 to 750,000 immigrants, legal and illegal, living in Arizona.

See: Arizona immigration law: Mexico consul braces for fallout

They, the Mexican Consul, are expecting a mass exodus from Arizona to Mexico.  Wow!  Can you imagine?  Even if we take a conservative view at the numbers and say 350,000 are illegal, let's take a look at what that would mean for Arizona.

First, there would be 350,000 jobs available for Arizonans.  There may also be several McDonald's that will close due to staff shortages.

Second, the emergency rooms and countless government agencies would no longer have 350,000 people waiting, taking money from other hard working Arizonans in the form of higher medical and insurance bills, and higher taxes.  This would also translate in to shortly waiting times.

Third, our already overburdened school system would now be servicing 350,000 less people (that includes children and their parents), which translates to less free food, less students per class, and no real reason for a English as a Second Language requirement, and less traffic at the schools.

Fourth, the traffic would be lighter, there would be less pollution, and the incidents of illegal hit and runs, as well as uninsured motorists would decrease.

Fifth, the crime rate, in general, would decrease, which goes hand-in-had with the next item.

Sixth, the incidence of identity theft and fraud would drop significantly.

Seventh, there would be less of a need to have every government form printed in both Spanish and English.  This in turn reduces the need for paper and printing, thereby becoming environmentally friendlier.

So, while the other 49 states mull over complaining about our new law, and threatening to boycott our lovely state, we will be enjoying less crime, lower taxes, lower insurance bills, a flourishing economy, and an unemployment rate of around 1% to 3% or so.  Wow!  Is this a bad thing?

Pardon Me, But Who The Hell Are You People?

With the passage of Arizona Senate Bill 1070, the now infamous Immagration Law, I am beginning to wonder just what is going on.  We have Arizona legislators calling for a boycott of the entire state, we have city councils of other states passing resolutions to refuse to buy products or services from Arizona, and now we have celebrities speaking out...even foreign celebrities.

Last week, Shakira, under police escort and much pomp and circumstance, met with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon to express concern over SB1070. Shakira, who was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, claimed she was afraid to visit Arizona because she didn't carry a drivers license and feared she could be arrested at any time.  How interesting, a foreign celebrity, that is not a naturalized citizen, is complaining to the Mayor of Phoenix.  Her own words from her website, http://www.shakira.com/:

I'm not a citizen of the United States, but I've always been an admirer and defender of its principles. To the rest of the world, the United States represents the dream of a better life based on justice and freedom for everyone -- no matter the color of your skin. This law goes against those values and against the principles of every American I know.

Who the hell does she think she is?  The rights of Americans are extended over Americans.  She has NO say in ANY law in ANY state in the country!  It flies in the face of the very essence of the American way.  This is tantamount to the illegal aliens, or more succinctly, the illegal Mexan nationals, who marched on the Arizona capital demading rights and waiving a Mexican flag.  How dare they!  And, how dare Shakira.

Now, I just learned that Danny Gover is coming to Arizona to complain.  Wow!  I can hardly believe what I am reading.  As stated on the Fox News website at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,274564,00.html, Mr. Glover is a supporter of Hugo Chavez, a known murderous dictator and main proponent of communision in his country.  Here is what the website states:

Glover is among a number of high-profile U.S. supporters of Chavez. The group also includes singer Harry Belafonte and Princeton University scholar Cornel West, who have defended the Venezuelan president against accusations of democratic abuses.

Now, according to the Arizona Central website: http://www.azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/05/04/20100504arizona-immigration-protest-glover0504.html, Mr. Glover is "to meet with Gordon about immigration law".  The nerve!  The audacity!  The article goes on to say:

Glover will meet with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, business leaders and residents who could be affected by the new law. At 11 a.m. Gordon and Glover will hold a brief news conference, said Gerardo Higginson, a spokesman for the mayor.

My mind is blown!  And, to top it off, it really doesn't make any sense!  I bet by now you are wondering why it doesn't make any sense.  They are talking with the Mayor of Phoenix.  He did not author this law.  He did not enanct this law.  He cannot chnage this law.  He...cannot...do...anything...except complain...about this law.  With that in mind, he is just using this opportunity for political grandstanding.  Posturing...nothing else.

So here's something to think about the next time you see the outspoken stars and celebrities who complain about America and/or the states therein.  They are only interested in your money and your attention.  They effect no real change for anyone but themselves.  And, as for the intellectual prowess of these celebs and how they know what is best for us...well...consider that they cannot even tell the difference between a state law and a city ordinance, let alone a mayor of a city and the governor of the State of Arizona, who sgined the bill into law.

Old School vs New School, or 1958 vs. 2008

Scenario: Jim goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.

1958 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jim's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2008 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jim hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario:
Sean and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1958 - Crowd gathers. Sean wins. Mark and Sean shake hands and end up buddies.
2008 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Mark and Sean. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Mark started it.

Scenario:
Bob won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1958 - Bob sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2008 - Bob given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Bob has a disability.

Scenario:
Chris breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1958 - Chris is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2008 - Chris's dad is arrested for child abuse. Chris removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Chris's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Chris's mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario:
Phil gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1958 - Phil shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2008 - Police called, Phil expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario:
Pedro fails high school English.

1958 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2008 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.

Scenario:
Geoff takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.

1958 - Ants die.
2008 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Geoff charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Geoff's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1958 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2008 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny under goes 5 years of therapy.