Quote of the Day–Tam (5/31/2013)

A good start would be allowing everybody to serve as their own bodyguard because, when it comes right down to brass tacks, government can’t protect, only punish. Whether your assailant comes at you with ballistic missiles or butcher knives, all the .gov can do is retaliate after the fact.

Be Prepared: You will be your own first responder.

Tam – The government cannot save you.

May 31st, 2013


[As I’ve said before, and even put more succinctly here but it bears repeating.  You are the help, you are the rescue, you are the extraction team.  Accept it, learn it, love it.  -B]

Ear Worm Wednesday–A Day Late (5/30/2013)

Things have been getting hectic at work.  Plus I’ve got a large pile of projects lying around needing to get done.  I just haven’t had the time to work on the blog like I’d like to.

In the mean time here’s the ear worm, I’ll get to why here in a second.

So I did exactly what I am well known for doing when I finally open my mouth.  You see I’m normally the quite guy in the back of the room.  I rarely speak unless it really strikes me and I’ve spent a decent amount of time on the subject.

Things recently went about like this:

Now I wasn’t nearly as abrupt as Alice, but I didn’t dance around the subject either.  Needless to say this little dance has left me emotionally drained.  Nothing quite says fuck you like the email I had waiting for me this morning.  This won’t stop me from telling it like it is, instead I’ll just do what my dad did after people continue to ignore his advice after asking for it, stop giving it even when they ask.

Soil – Like it is.

*No I will not be going into details of what exactly this was in reference to, or where it happened or who was involved.  Just don’t be surprised if I don’t blog for a bit.  I’m just tired of sitting in front of my computer all day long.  Seriously it’s been damn near wake up to bed time lately.  I want some me time.

SSCC Virginia

While testifying in the murder case of Brandon D. Cooper, state witness Nicole Byrd said that she saw Cooper running down the street after fatal shots were fired at Antwon D. Freeman. The state did not disclose to Cooper that they had a tape recording of Byrd telling a 911 operator that she “had not seen the shooter and had no information that would be helpful to police.” In fact, prosecutors told defense counsel that the 911 call “offered nothing that would help their case.”

I’ve made comments before about good and great prosecutors.  The bottom line is these men can withhold information and otherwise ruin the lives of honest men merely because they some how get caught in the gears.  While it can happen, actions like this are grossly negligent and speak volumes to the character of the man holding the position.

But it gets better:

On top of that, prosecutor Christopher Jones admitted before Judge Bradley B. Cavedo of Richmond Circuit Court that information showing one of their witnesses was a police informant was also withheld from the defense. Jones joined defense counsel to ask for a new trial. Judge Cavedo granted the motion yesterday, but did not prohibit the state from trying Cooper a second time. David P. Baugh, an attorney for Cooper, said that Jones committed a “classic ethics violation” and that he would file a bar complaint against Jones if the Court does not.

Sounds like a really nice guy huh?  Yeah it just gets better.  Flip over and read the whole steaming pile if you want to.  I suggest stashing the sharp objects.

State Sponsored Criminal: Christopher Jones

Because when you’re a prosecutor all you need to do to destroy someone’s life is be a little unethical, then the state will destroy them for you.

h/t Rob H.

SSCC Sacramento

This one, like many of those in the Dead Goblin Count, is lacking in details.

What prompted the police response remains unknown.

What is known is that one officer restrained the victim while another proceeded to assault him. 

State Sponsored Criminal: The Sacramento Police Department

Because when the only tool you have in your toolbox is force, people are going to die.

Memorial Day…

There are hundreds of thousands of stories.  All evoke different emotions. 

Creek_TE_USMCFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company 1 in action against enemy forces. L/Cpl. Creek’s squad was providing security for a convoy moving to resupply the Vandegrift Command Base when an enemy command detonated mine destroyed 1 of the vehicles and halted the convoy near the Cam Lo Resettlement Village. Almost immediately, the marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar fire followed by intense small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy force. As his squad deployed to engage the enemy, L/Cpl. Creek quickly moved to a fighting position and aggressively engaged in the fire fight. Observing a position from which he could more effectively deliver fire against the hostile forces. he completely disregarded his own safety as he fearlessly dashed across the fire-swept terrain and was seriously wounded by enemy fire. At the same time, an enemy grenade was thrown into the gully where he had fallen, landing between him and several companions. Fully realizing the inevitable results of his action, L/Cpl. Creek rolled on the grenade and absorbed the full force of the explosion with his body, thereby saving the lives of 5 of his fellow marines. As a result of his heroic action, his men were inspired to such aggressive action that the enemy was defeated and the convoy was able to continue its vital mission. L/Cpl. Creek’s indomitable courage, inspired the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

While many would focus on the tragedy of the loss of life, and it is a tragedy.  I am thankful that so many such men and women have graced our armed forces. That such men and women have lived.   It’s the stories which live on and act as an inspiration to others to achieve greatness.

Here’s another good one:

3481Specialist Four Leslie H. Sabo Jr. distinguished himself by conspicuous acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his own life while serving as a rifleman in Company B, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in Se San, Cambodia, on May 10, 1970. On that day, Specialist Four Sabo and his platoon were conducting a reconnaissance patrol when they were ambushed from all sides by a large enemy force. Without hesitation, Specialist Four Sabo charged an enemy position, killing several enemy soldiers. Immediately thereafter, he assaulted an enemy flanking force, successfully drawing their fire away from friendly soldiers and ultimately forcing the enemy to retreat. In order to re-supply ammunition, he sprinted across an open field to a wounded comrade. As he began to reload, an enemy grenade landed nearby. Specialist Four Sabo picked it up, threw it, and shielded his comrade with his own body, thus absorbing the brunt of the blast and saving his comrade’s life. Seriously wounded by the blast, Specialist Four Sabo nonetheless retained the initiative and then single-handedly charged an enemy bunker that had inflicted severe damage on the platoon, receiving several serious wounds from automatic weapons fire in the process. Now mortally injured, he crawled towards the enemy emplacement and, when in position, threw a grenade into the bunker. The resulting explosion silenced the enemy fire, but also ended Specialist Four Sabo’s life. His indomitable courage and complete disregard for his own safety saved the lives of many of his platoon members. Specialist Four Sabo’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness, above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Company B, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army.

Who’s story are you remembering today?

My Superhero Name…

So via Alan I found this superhero name generator… For grins I thought I would give it a shot.

Get your own superhero name from the superhero name generator!My superhero name is The Sensational Steak
An accident in a protein laboratory has given you unexpected abilities! Can you find a way to free yourself of this power, while also using it to help people, and stay ahead of the Food Hygiene inspectors out to bring you down?
Meat Control – Your powers give you control of the element of meat! You can manipulate and form raw meat into any shape you desire, or flatten your enemies with a tidal wave of offal!
Now, you protect Steel City from ninjas, while also battling the evil plans of The Obfuscator!
Get your own superhero name from the superhero name generator!
Ok, seriously, WTF!?  Are there people spying on me or something?  Last night the wife informed me of my new grilling apron.  Why do I feel like I’m currently in “The Truman Show”?

SSCC Boerne

A South Texas police officer has been put on administrative leave after being charged with shooting a neighbor’s cat with an arrow.
Police in Boerne said Officer Lance Deleon was not on duty when Bobby the cat was wounded.

Remember though, he is trustworthy and responsible enough to be trusted with a firearm while the rest of us should be left defenseless.

State Sponsored Criminal: Lance Deleon

Because animal cruelty is by no means anything to worry about with a man who is authorized to use lethal force against people.

h/t Bob S.

SSCC Wellford

The State Law Enforcement Division said between July 1, 2012 and Jan. 1, 2013, 32-year-old Bennie Hand sexually battered and physically abused the victim, who suffers from a mental condition impairing her from providing her own care or protecting herself.

There is a special level of hell reserved for that individual.

State Sponsored Criminal: Bennie Hand

Because… !@#$ I’m not going to even try on this one, that crap makes me sick.