Monday, August 12, 2013
Good morning to all our friends:
As I pointed out in my Friday post, Incarceration is the new slavery, we imprison more people than any other nation on the planet.
The numbers are mindboggling. In 1980, we incarcerated 220 people per 100,000. Over the next 30 years, that rate more than tripled such that by 2010, we incarcerated 716 people per 100,000. Among major countries, Russia is a distant second place at 484 people per 100,000. The incarceration rate for countries in the developed world averages around 100 per 100,000 with some countries incarcerating people at substantially lower rates.
The Obama administration is planning to reduce the incarceration rate.
In a speech today in San Francisco before the American Bar Association, Attorney General Eric Holder is going to announce a plan to accomplish that goal.
“I have mandated a modification of the Justice Department’s charging policies so that certain low-level, nonviolent drug offenders who have no ties to large-scale organizations, gangs, or cartels, will no longer be charged with offenses that impose draconian mandatory minimum sentences,” Holder is expected to say, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks provided by the Justice Department.
The plan also will include provisions for the early release of “inmates facing extraordinary or compelling circumstances – and who pose no threat to the public.”
Remains to be seen how effective this plan will be in a nation where providing the appearance of a functioning government appears to be more important than getting anything done.
Turning to another topic, we are waiting to see whether the Department of Justice will decide to prosecute George Zimmerman. Somehow I missed this article by William Yeomans, titled Can federal charges be brought against Zimmerman?
I think Yeomans does a good job explaining the law and the procedure for deciding whether to prosecute. He served as Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s chief counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee and as a Justice Department official. He is a fellow in law and government at American University College of Law in Washington D.C.
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Fred
Depressing comments on that Reuters article.
“GZ did not inject race into this case”
Actually, if you listen to the emergency call, yeah he did. Plus, anyone who pushed the self-defense from BLACK GANGSTAS narrative (literally EVERYONE on TV including “objective” reporters – gotta show “both sides” – and of course the defense who was also on TV daily pushing their racist narrative), also “injected” race into the case.
Also, GZ injected a hollow point bullet into TM’s chest because he was black and looked suspicious. But I guess “race hustlers” are the true guilty party.
New post up:
James “Whitey” Bulger, Federal Corruption and Erwin Schrodinger’s Cat
i think i said on this site before that meth was almost eradicated because the government saw that it was a dangerous drug and it was creating more havoc on families especially young kids who were left without a parent…they realized that meth destroyed the body much quicker that crack and they had to do something so they got to the bottom of it………………..
they made it illegal to purchase drugs such as cough medicine which could be used in the production of meth..you now need a prescription to buy cough medicine……. they targeted businesses that produced chemicals which is used in the creation of meth…..now these chemicals can no longer be sold in bulk amount to non legitimate companies……
the governments can reduce crack and cocaine sales in this country if they want to just like they reduced the production of meth…it is just that they do not want too….illegal drugs is a multi billion dollar industry….. cocaine cannot be made without shipment of barrels of chemicals from the US needed in it’s production………..but for some reason any time a drug dealer gets arrested for drugs it is usually a black man….now and then they will imprison a Colombian and or Mexican ….to make citizens believe that they are fighting a war on drugs…but as far as we know as far as we can see..the war on drugs is about sending black people to prison…..
Before you assume the Meth epidemic is over read this link…
http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/meth-cocaine-trafficking-mexico-us-southwest-border
i have a question…seeing that the professor replied to my comment saying that i was assuming that gz claims of self defense were legitimate…….i have never followed a civil case so IF THERE IS A CIVIL CASE…will the physical altercation be brought up again to prove that gz did not fear for his life during the altercation???
i thought this would not be done seeing that he has been acquitted, i mean is he being tried again for murder but the evidence that was not brought up at the first trial will be brought up the second time around???…………evidence such as forensic evidence …i am kind of confused……if there is a trial what will it be about????… i.don’t man to sound like an idiot
commenting,
” i.don’t man to sound like an idiot”
I hope you don’t think that anyone here thinks of you in that way? I certainly do not….
There are actually two possibilities for trials left in this case the first as you mentioned is a civil case that can be filed by the parents of Trayvon. The same basic type of evidence that can be entered into a criminal case can and will be used in a civil case, the basic difference (other than a prison sentence) is the reasonable doubt necessary for judgment is less in a civil case.
The next possibility is that a criminal case can/will be brought out using the federal hate crime laws. If that happens you will see a much more professional approach taken by the prosecutors in the case, and a conviction is quite likely to happen…. If I did not answer your questions In an understandable manner, I hope someone else will jump in and do a better job than I have….
ok so the civil case is a monetary judgement……..so i guess i was referring to the criminal case/hate crime in my recent posts,so i’m guessing you are saying yes to my question….all the evidence can be brought up again( IF THERE IS A CASE) including the physical altercation and even the time line from the club house and it will be more thorough…..but i still believe the specific wording of the law makes it difficult of prove that gz shot Trayvon because of his race…..the prosecution did a shitty job but nothing could have convinced a racist jury anyways….sabrina need to ask God for strength to put this all behind her…waking up everyday knowing tht the man who murdered her innocent son is free to live his life. free to have kids and raise a family
Any relevant evidence, regardless whether it was admitted in the state criminal trial, can be admitted in a state civil trial or federal criminal trial.
@commenting.
Going by GZ’s story, it seems to me that the federal strategy should be to ask, what was GZ planning to do when Trayvon asked if he had a problem?
In the State’s case, they and the defense were limited on bringing before the jury the Capias prepared by Serino, but that Capias sets the foundation for what GZ could have, and should have done, had his intentions been in good faith.
The question and responsibility placed on Trayvon by Zidiots is then placed on GZ; i.e., why didn’t he run from Trayvon rather than facing him, and answering his question with a lie?
IMHO, the feds are going to concentrate on intent to counter GZ’s story of how he sustained injuries. In effect, while carrying a loaded gun, GZ’s intent on restraining Trayvon violated Trayvon’s civil rights.
On this beautiful day I am in possession of, or perhaps I should say I am possessed by two beautiful children of my neighbor. She is out of town for a day or two at a funeral and had no where to leave her 10 yr old son and 7 year old daughter. I am used to having them at my home because they often join me for meals and to watch my tv (they do not have one at home). As we were picking thru some old children vcr’s that I have we found some of the Mr. Rogers tapes and they are in watching them. I thought perhaps we could share parts of them as well…. I hope you will enjoy?
I see the sale of drugs as a victimless crime, if the government wants to protect the citizens from drugs they can do so by getting to the root of the problem. American banks recieve billions od dollars in drug money….its in America that the drug money gets cleaned….truckload of drug money drive into these banks…the banks simply get a million dollar fine when they are caught…when an employee snitches….the bankers are allowed to make millions on drug money, the big drug lords make millions but the black man who makes 50 dollars from selling crack is the scapegoat, he is the one that is imprisoned for selling drugs…this is the war on drugs…putting black men and women in jail
all of this great information that comes out of this site . makes me passionate about this whole thing . hook on your discussion like cherry ice cream . i hope that its not done . i hope the holder is unlike BDLR , a nightmare .
If anyone is interested in reading a little bit about the current sentencing guide lines and the history of how and why they came about, here is a link with a fair amount of information. While I normally avoid using Wikipedia as a source, there are a few times that they can be used as a starting point…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Sentencing_Act
race had everthing to do with this case . politics and racism had prevented zimmermans convictions . it was not a syg case . i do not understand why this law is being argued when it comes to trayvon . trayvon was targeted because he was black! and its not hard to prove .
silk, I agree, but unless we can get him into the Federal court system and before an impartial judge and jury, nothing will happen.. We first have to climb over the political mountain before we can reach that point…. I wonder if the founders of this nation ever envisioned that at some point in history we would have a racist individual judged by a jury of his racist peers?
The government would have to prove that race motivated infliction of bodily harm……..if so, there will be no federal case……it should have been race is what ultimately lead to trayvon’s death….this is what should have to be proven………………..these people who wrrote these laws were maade it almost impossible for such a case to be proven…..even if gz publicly said he hated blacks, how can you prove that he kill trayvon because he was black when he claim that he was in fear of his life or great bodily harrm, he was simply defending himself when he shot trayvon and he would have done the same if he was in such a physical altercation with anyone else regardless of their race…..being racist is not illegal, being racist is not a crime…but it is almost impossible to prove that gz shot trayvon because of his race under these circumstances, we all know that trayvon was profiled and followed because he was black and that may be easy to prove……but how do you prove that gz shot him because he was black…….there would need to be evidence like ; gz uttered I’m gonna kill you nigg@@ before he shot trayvon……or a witness stating that gz said he always wanted to shoot a black persons….but as far as I can see, defence will simply argue even though someone hates blacks, if they get into a physical altercation with a black person, they have the right to defend themself just like they would against anyone else…..they will bring up all those lies like they did in the trial, gz was being beaten, his head was being bashed, trayvon was about to kill him..blah blah blah
commenting says, While you make a valid argument, you like many others, fail to understand that many of the points that have been made about this case will not be brought out in a “real” court such as you will see in the federal system. The “fear for life” story not backed up by physical injuries sufficient to make that claim will fail in anything other than a Florida Kangaroo court. There was so much evidence that could have/should have been brought out by the state, that would in normal circumstances led to a conviction in the state court will be brought out in the federal court. Perhaps you are correct, and if you are, I will be first in line to tell you that you were, however I will predict that if he is charged in federal court, he will be convicted…..
You’re assuming the self-defense claim is legitimate and not invented to conceal a murder.
Good morning professor, thank you for saying what I was trying to say, but in a way that was much shorter!
no i am not as assuming that his self defense claims are legitimate…if you read again you can see that i stated that they are lies but this is what the defence will argue because this is what gz( their client) claims…
i am simply saying this violation is civil rights is not easy to prove in this case …it is easier to prove in a simple case like a group of skin heads beating up a black guy…
The defense can argue all they want, but the facts will not back their claims up in a real court of law! The injuries to the defendant physically do not match up with the claim. His words, the ones that were not brought out in court, do not match up with a legitimate self defense claim, his latest claim to his MMA instructor severely damage his claims of self defense… Had the defendant been in a court of law in virtually any other jurisdiction it is extremely doubtful that he would have received a not guilty verdict…. Bottom line is he received the benefit of Florida’s Racist (Non) Justice System…. So, I respectfully submit that no, the violation of Trayvon’s civil rights would not be difficult to prove, only difficulty will be in over coming the political opposition that might prevent it from coming to trial….
Night Night, everyone.
Good morning!
Hi Hi.
Wonder what treats we have on our plates today.
A new day and new opportunities to learn, share and challenge ourselves.
Onward and Upward.
This is on my plate this morning (YUM!!!!)
http://www.gluten-free-vegan-girl.com/2013/02/whole-grain-gluten-free-pancakes-with-blueberry-sauce.html
Adding bananas to it next time (doubling the almond milk of course, batter is a little too thick to begin with)
PS: I freeze the leftovers and remove to thaw the night before to make seconds and thirds, and it seems to get even better.
Mouth-watering, Tzar.
I’ve notice more and more gluten-free products on the shelves at the markets. Even at Rite-Aid in the snack section.
Maybe I’ll check out the benefits of non-gluten.
Thank you.
some people are allergic
I’m not, I just love vegan stuff in general, this recipe is AWESOME
PS: there are also rumors that gluten may cause other inflammatory issues not normally associated with it.
I personally don’t believe in mandatory sentences for nonviolent offenses. only for murder armed robbery rape child molestation and assault.
And “felony murder” should be a lot less than real murder… that is where they charge someone who didn’t do any killing just happened to be there for some other crime (or allegedly). A big percentage of the 2000+ children serving life sentences in adult prisons are there for this type of “murder”.
I am with you. You can get less time for a child rape than for drug possession. There is something seriously wrong with that. And they then get out and do the same thing only it will most likely end with murder. Our justice system sucks bad. Ugh that is my pet peeve. Grrrrr!
Lovely summer weather here in LA, hoping same by you.
My sense is the DOJ would have to leak some compelling new evidence to move forward. It’s also not unreasonable to think that the have something I can’t even think of. Fed. Investigators are different and scary. You don’t want some Quantico trained agent walking up your driveway. They can get a lot.
Perhaps AG Holder will follow though on his reforms – Lord knows they’re needed. He will be going up against some pretty entrenched interests. The penal system is lucrative game.
FInal contribution. I wish Lyn Stewart peace – but IMO what she did put all of us in danger, and then the perjury charges…oy.
This blog remains my favorite.
Good Evening All. I just wanted to give you an update on some petitions that are out there since some of you did sign most of them. I know is not the subject matter you are discussing.
New message about NO gun rights for Zimmerman!
Get others involved
INVITE FRIENDS
Friends,
Something important is happening tomorrow: James Williams, a grassroots organizer on Causes, is heading to the State Capitol of Florida to deliver nearly 70,000 signatures to Governor Rick Scott!
James will be personally delivering our No Gun Rights for Zimmerman! petition with 27,000 of our signatures calling for #Justice4Trayvon along with the 40,000 signatures calling for the pardon of Marissa Alexander.
Both of these petitions are hold a strong demand for justice and equality. Currently, the Dream Defenders in Florida are been calling for the passage of Trayvon’s Law to put an end to Stand Your Ground laws, racial profiling, and the school-to-prison pipeline. Our petitions help to build the pressure on elected officials to pass important legislation such as Trayvon’s Law!
Please wish James luck tomorrow.
This video link shows the Dream Defenders in action:
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/45755884/vp/52680381#52680381
The following motions have been filed in the Fogdoit case. Does anyone have any information on what they are, who filed and why? I would suspect they were filed by the same person that filed the Amicus Curiae Brief however I am not sure… ????
08/08/2013 MOTN MOTION REINSTATE AND CONTINUANCE AGAINST ABOVE NAME DEFENDANT GEORGE
08/08/2013 MOTN MICHAEL ZIMMERMAN ON BASIS OF NEW ARGUMENT ALL IN COMPLIANCE TO THE
08/08/2013 MOTN RULES OF DISTRICT COURT CREDIBLE ARGUMENT WITH PERMISSION TO ADVISEMENT
08/08/2013 MOTN FAMILY
08/08/2013 MOTN MOTION TO AMEND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND REINSTATE THIS ACTION
08/08/2013 MOTN AND TRANSFER THE ACTION TO THE MIAMI DADE DISTRICT COURT HOUSE
08/08/2013 MOTN FOR REHEARING OF PROBABLE CAUSE ARGUMENT AGAINST GEORGE ZIMMERMAN
I read somewhere late last night that the same guy – who is in prison – who filed the 7/23 motions may also have filed these. I don’t think we’ll know until the courts post the actual documents.
@Two sides. I don’t think he’s in prison. In 2010, he served 5 months for sexual assault. He appears to be one of those persons who likes getting involved in the judicial system — somewhat of a jailhouse lawyer.
Garbage.
Professor, I take it that a safe assumption would be that these have been filed by the same individual from Georgia that filed the Amicus Curiae Brief? Does it cost to file these motions? Other than for self promotion, what benefit would filing these motions have for the individual filing them?
Welcome Anne…….
Thank you!!!
I am so excited about Eric Holder’s new policy. My hope is that this is an indication of the change in the culture of how we charge and sentence on the local as well.
So am I, we do need a different approach to drugs.
I agree. It’s a good first step, since we have to start somewhere. I, too, hope this translates to a similar policy on the local level. I believe there are some areas that may embrace it, if for no other reason than the cost savings in those local budgets. However, I believe there are also some areas that will ignore it and continue on with business as usual, according to their own agenda.
I see that you are encouraging “lurkers” to post. I am an admitted lurker…I have posted in the past on a couple of occasions but never received a response/answer. I only began to follow your blog just prior to voir dire in the Zimmerman trial. I am not an attorney but I am an investigator by nature. Even though I work in the operating room….lol. I have been now following the Jordan Davis murder case. My question is how does one go about reviewing discovery? I see were you mention “document dump”. Is that discovery. Mr. Leatherneck mentioned in a previous post his questions concerning trajectory…I have those questions too. Which bullet(s) killed Jordan. Who was the passenger in Dunn’s vehicle and what is her role in this? She didn’t call police either. Who was the witness that was exiting the store? What is Dunn’s history, if any, with LE? Can anyone help as to where to find this info or do I just keep searching the internet? Thanks in advance for your help.
As far as, Frank Taaffe, my all time favorite quote concerning him is: “Every time a word comes out of his mouth is like a turd falling into my drink” – Brian Copeland.
Hello Anne, his name is Mr. or Professor Leatherman you misspelled his nameandI love your quote on Frank Taffee.
Well, I did not make a very good first impression!!! I apologize sincerely to Professor Leatherman. I love the quote too because….it’s true!!!!!
Yes, sh##t does fly out his mouth.
Welcome, Ann.
Ann Green, Welcome! With the tragic decision in the Trayvon Martin case, I think the Professor and many others are still in a grieving mode. I think here shortly the site will get where the Dunn case begins to be looked at and studied in depth. Until then here are a few places to get you started looking.
http://www.news4jax.com/blob/view/-/19561384/data/3/-/mlr4iiz/-/Michael-Dunn-discovery-materials.pdf
http://www.news4jax.com/news/The-other-Florida-case-drawing-attention/-/475880/20999474/-/xxj0dr/-/index.html
Thank you guys so much for the links. Just watched Dunn’s interview with LE and Rhonda Rouer’s interview LE. Quite a bit of discrepancy in the two. Interesting.
Thanks for the links. I don’t want to get caught up in the Dunn case to the same extent as I did for TM, but nice to have the links for a quick tour of the discovery in that case.
two sides to a story, I can fully appreciate that you would not want to get as emotionally wrapped up in the Dunn case. Like you, I’ll follow it with interest, however I don’t want to devote the energy to become as motivated as I was the Trayvon Martin case… I spent countless hours devoted to following up connections of the defendant, attorneys, and witness for the defense. I have a print out that is about the size of the old Sears and Roebucks catalogues that ties up a lot of loose ends involving the lies and mis-truths that were told by the defense. It seems that most of the money for the defense came from two areas, the first being Lake Mary, Florida and the second from several locations in up state New York… I’ve put that search on the back burner, printed my files, and will not go any farther unless the Feds actually do what I suspect they won’t and file charges…
Ann Green, Welcome! With the tragic decision in the Trayvon Martin case, I think the Professor and many others are still in a grieving mode. I think here shortly the site will get where the Dunn case begins to be looked at and studied in depth. Until then here are a few places to get you started looking.
http://www.news4jax.com/blob/view/-/19561384/data/3/-/mlr4iiz/-/Michael-Dunn-discovery-materials.pdf
http://www.news4jax.com/news/The-other-Florida-case-drawing-attention/-/475880/20999474/-/xxj0dr/-/index.html
Hi, Anne.
Welcome to our blog. My wife and I run it.
Yes, the document dump I linked to is discovery.
Crazy1946 has some links too, downthread.
The passenger in Dunn’s car was his girlfriend. She went into the store to buy wine and chips and left her purchases and money on the counter when Dunn started shooting. She ran outside, saw part of the shooting and got into the car. Then he sped away.
I am a retired law school professor and former criminal defense lawyer, who specialized in forensics and death penalty cases. Most people here call me Fred.
My wife, Crane-Station, also posts articles here about her experiences in prison.
Sorry for my jumbled message. I edited it with afterthoughts.
Oh, well.
Thank you for the warm welcome, Professor. I appreciate you clarifying the “document dump” for me. I understand you are still in mourning over the GZ verdict. I am as well. It is what it is but he is by no means innocent! I was attending my niece’s wedding on that Saturday night and I missed much of the reception because I was glued to my phone. Black sheep of the family for that night….lol. I enjoy reading your blog and value your opinions. I look forward to much more involvement here in the future. Thanks again. Anne
I don’t think Mr. Taaffe likes you!
You are correct.
Too bad, so sad!
Professor, Could you see any reason that Rhonda Rouer was not charged as an accessory due to her being aware of what had taken place well before the fleeing back to Dunn’s home? Could she still face charges, or have they done this to keep her as a witness?
To have been an accessory, she would have to have actively helped him with the intent of assisting him to escape justice and I don’t believe she did that. He was the perp, so they are focused on him.
welcome anne! i see that crazy has posted the discovery links. i believe there is a pre-trial hearing et for the 15th of this month — should i discover a live stream, i will be sure to post.
Thank you very much…..I appreciate it!
Oh you do refer to us as first world countrys an that just shows the bbbbrain washing an decisiveness of the term is working.
For a while the Americas was considered the new world when to the Natives it was no such thing it was there world
And if anyone was arriveing from a new alien world it was the conquistidors .
Just another example of how the elite use descriptors lanmguge to dengrte an negate others existence.
By calling the Americas the New World it suggested to Eurapeans that it was wide open for the takeing
Virgin earth when in fact it was home to the inhabitants whom were alreadt living an flourishing there.
Same way with descriptors like first world or third world suggests not just distaceing but another world entirely…
I figured you would probably catch that. Sorry, I got a little lazy and inaccurate with my descriptions.
Tzar says:
August 11, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I call it the “thirdworldization” of the US (this is no slight on the culture or beauty of the “third world” just a contextually sound use of the concept from the first world perspective”)
Tzar whilst I agree with your post I cannot stand the usage or term third world.
I know its used to denote a less developed part of the planet certain poorer Countrys described as third world .
I hate it as its an example of the arrogance an a way the elite use language as a descriptor to distance us from the realitys of poverty.
Caused mainly by hundreds of years of exploitation by so called civilised an rich NATIONS.
We don’t refer to ourselves as first world countrys nor is there a middle class of second world countrys .
There is no third world or 4th world available to us.
There is only one will always be only one world.
An to describe another part of this one world as a third world is simply mental gymnastics used to distance an disenfranchise thease poor countrys even more so than theve already suffered.
How much more distanceing can one get than to describe a country an its Inhabitants as third worlders
It some how places them apart from us when they are not we all share an inhabit one world. AN THATS INDISPUTABLE.
Colin, look at Trinidad W.I. a former colony of several nations. When with Amoco, I spent a lot of time down there. Even though they were much better off after Amoco discovered oil production off the Southeast Coast in the Atlantic, they still considered themselves as a Third World Country because Amoco was stealing their resources namely oil and gas. True the oil was exported to the U.S. but the natural gas stayed in Trinidad. That natural gas was used to generate electricity which the Trinidanians did not have before the gas production began. The many months I spent in Trinidad were most enjoyable. It was amazing to see how people of color, race, nationalaity, and gender got along. It was fantastic and something the rest of the worlds culuture should learn to duplicate. In addition, the people of Trinidad also had a high employment rate with good pay because of Amoco.
For many cities you see white people coming in to work
And you see them leaving to go the the suburbs
yet most of the black that live in the city are cannot get a job
Watching the pattern of your comments, do you hate White people?
Just trying to get a handle on where you’re coming from.
Do not hate white people
When their is trash in my area I tell black’s we
Put it there then we should clean it up
When black’s do crime I tell them the
White didn’t made you do it
I tell black everyday we most of
our problems are cause by us
But the blacks that are causing us problems
within area is view to often that all of us doing it.
I tell them everyday stops looking the
other way to black crime
Thank you, thank you.
I have a much better idea, now, of your p.o.v.
(whew…that was easy. see we Can communicate anonymously and online.)
Hearts.
would the world be safe if you put all black people in jail
Nope
acemayo, Haven’t we as a nation already put too many blacks as well as whites into a poverty system that much like a prison system offers very few and limited means of escape? Isn’t the term “safe” subjective at best? Would conditions that a person with few possessions considers safe be seen as safe to a wealthy person with many possessions? Think about something for a moment, if you or I were to be murdered tomorrow do you think it would be considered as news worthy as the murder of a wealthy famous person? So when you consider what safe actually is, the question would depend on where you were in the mix of poor or wealthy. To you or I the answer to your question would have to be a quick no, to Donald Trump it would be probably be a resounding yes….. but trust me, he would want the poor whites to be in there as well…
After reading the article the Professor referenced in the topic for today, by William Yoemans, about the possibility of federal charges being filed in the murder of Trayvon, I did my normal and read the comments section. While reading those often misleading and false comments it dawned on me that there were few people posting in favor of charges being filed. After pondering for a moment, I did a Google search on internet use by minorities in the USA. What I found there, in my opinion does not reflect the truth about the availability of the internet to minorities because most seem to indicate that because so many young blacks/Hispanics have smart phones they have access to and are using the internet. I suppose to a degree they could be correct if you consider access and use of sites like Facebook and Twitter to be a factual representation of the internet. I found one site that gave the figure as 19% of the black community had access, but again that included the smart phone users. I realize that quite a few members of the black community are denied access to the internet for/by economic reasons, but is that the main reason? Could someone give me there input and possible solutions on how we can get a group of individuals that are greatly under represented connected so their voices can be heard? What can we do collectively as a united front do to make a change?
I’ve found libraries to be a good place to be connected. Are the minority communities served by libraries? Do the libraries have computers for member use?
I belong to three libraries and take nephews to another. All four libraries have greatly increased the number of computers available and have added outlets for those who bring their own but want the wifi connection. Two have added rooms specifically for computer, theirs or yours, in addition to tables, computers, outlets in the rest of the library.
Every community should have a library with computers and wifi access.
Before I signed up for wifi access at home, I would take my laptop in my car and sit outside the library or elsewhere in the downtown area. There was always at least one connection that didn’t require a password.
I do that when I travel by car. Libraries are almost always good. Sometimes you can get access outside restaurants and motels and truck stops and other public buildings without a password. Heck, I’ve even gotten access outside government buildings where you’d think you’d need a password. And sometimes in regular neighborhoods – sometimes people and small businesses leave their connections open.
bettykath, Excellent idea for those people who have access to a library! I might point out however that there are many poor people living in rural setting (and inner cities) that have no access to libraries. Some library systems are cutting back on services and hours of operation so that is another problem that people required to depend on that form of internet access… Consider for a moment a single mother living in an inner city setting, with limited resources at best, being forced to walk several miles carrying several children in her arms to a library to use a computer that she has to stand in line to use… How many of us here on this site, could even survive (note I did not say live) on the meager amount of aid these folks are expected to? If they could afford to purchase a computer (even a used one..) where would they get the money for the “privilege” of connecting that computer to the internet? I know from first hand experience how difficult it can be to survive with an “income” well under the poverty level, and I have the alleged “white advantage” on my side. I can only imagine what it would be like if I had a child or two to feed and clothe as well.. We live in one of the richest nations in the world, yet we have people that thru no choice of their own are doomed to a lifetime of poverty. Yet it seems that we as a people have turned our collective backs on these people and pretend they do not exist… OK, time to shut up and be quiet, I apologize for going off on a tangent, but this is a problem that I have fought to bring attention to our elected officials for many years and it still brings pain to me when I see it hiding in plain sight…
You’re terrific.
And, also, we have wifi access at our house, husband works online all day, and so every once in a blue moon when the cable goes out, he drives down to the local library. Just parks on the street and is able to do his work.
I love libraries. The best city money spent, right behind schools.
I live in an area of S. Cali that is about 80% non-white and the libraries are busy – lots of computer access and they seem to be full.
@Bettykath – I agree. Here in Detroit, libraries have computers freely available for public use, and wi-fi access with work tables. Local universities and community colleges have computers for student use, and campus wide wi-fi that allows those within range of the campuses to have access. So a person could park and walk to one of the many outdoor seating areas or the student union/cafeteria/fast food outlets, sit at a table and use the wi-fi.
I believe hospitals have campus wide wi-fi, as well. I’ve only used it at the hospital wi-fi at the specific hospitals my mom has been to, but I have no reason to believe it’s not available at most/all hospitals.
I think in this day and age, most large institutions have wi-fi, that could probably be accessed by the public. Even the nursing/physical therapy facility mom is currently a resident of, has wi-fi. I frequently take my laptop and show her my aunts/uncles and cousins FB pages, and post messages from her to the family.
It’s nice to have some hopeful news on a Monday morning.
It’s also nice to go into the back yard and pick a fresh tomato and fresh bell pepper for the potatoes (store bought) that I’m frying.
In case anyone has vicarious munchies after reading Holder’s plan.
🙂
(Fred, I know you’re cooking for yourself while Crane’s gone, so I’ll leave some potatoes on a plate, right over here.)
Yum, thanks.
Deborah Moore, Why did you have to be evil and mention food? Now thanks to you I have a huge craving for some fried green tomatoes… You did this knowing (somehow) that I had decided to eat less today… 😉
PS: don’t forget the onions….
You don’t have to eat less if you eat the right things.
Try coating the sliced green tomatoes with bread crumbs and then bake them.
And, I never forget the onions. Always onions with the bell peppers.
I noticed some crazy errant vines while I was out back, so I’m going to spend some time attaching them to some new bamboo poles I’ll put up. I might be the only person who uses pipe cleaners to so that, but I doubt it.
Love your garden and you can eat like a queen. (As well as feed friends.)
See you all later.
I bought 3 large green tomatoes from a local farm a couple of days ago. Fried one for lunch Sat. Had ripe tomato sandwich yesterday. Will have fried green ones today.
Bettykath, sounds De-Lish.
I’ve got several from the garden that I’m taking down to Mom’s later.
She’s still around, 85.
As much as we choose to pay attention to the important justice issues, moms and tomatoes are part of lifes pleasures and we partake as we can.
Deborah Moore, Several times down thru the years I have attempted to have a garden. A bale of weed (MJ) would have a better chance at a rock concert than a garden has here with the critters that I live amongst! If the deer did not get them the rabbits or the crows would, while fighting off the raccoons and the other missc critters! I think the deer used to stand at the fence just waiting for my vegies to get ripe enough that they met their standards… I have to go to town probably Wed. and will buy some tomatoes then. When you live so far out in the sticks that they have to send sunlight in via pipeline you learn to do without….
My gardens seem to have me. I found that a single tomato plant at a particular place near the back of the house gets crazy huge and provides more tomatoes than we can eat – and we share them with the possum that sometimes comes along. This year, the darn plant came up by itself and though I’ve watered it less, it’s just as big as ever. Two years I ago I planted one spindly little kale plant in another bed and it grew to be a monster tree over two years before it seeded out and provided more kale than we could eat too. I have a two-year old pepper plant that’s pretty happy – don’t get a lot of peppers but it’s steady enough.
But haven’t had much luck with other veggies. Usually cucumbers and zucchini grow well for people here but they don’t seem to like the soil in my yard.
My first ever tomato plant grew by itself, when I was about 7, right next to where we put out the garbage can near the gate. We moved the can and kept the tomatoes.
Some excellent points.
Professor. AG Holder’s mandate only applies to federal prison sentences and not the states. What can the states possibly do, if anything?
Up to each state to decide whether to do anything.
color me naive, but i maintain high hopes for my state to follow suit, with gerry brown at the helm and kamala harris as AG. it would certainly ease much of our budgetary problems (which can be a powerful motivator).
From Yeoman’s article;
HECK! Of course that jury disregarded the law. They said they didn’t understand it! That in fact, after submitting a question to clarify manslaughter, and being told to present a more specific question, the foreperson failed to do so and the jury reached a verdict of not guilty without the clarification of manslaughter.
Based on Juror B37’s interview on AC360, she not only disregarded evidence but made up some of her own. For instance, that the keychain flashlight being found at the “T” must mean that is where the confrontation started. There was no testimony that GZ dropped the keychain flashlight there at the start of the confrontation. IIRC, West mentioned it, but legal counsel cannot testify for clients. Factually, GZ omitted reference of that keychain flashlight in all of his statements.
If I began going through the evidence that the jury disregarded, and where they filled in blanks with speculation, this comment would easily be 10 pages.
Xena, the jury could have saved the state a lot of money if they had just given the verdict upon being sworn in (it had been predetermined!) and allowed to the judge to end the case….
@crazy1946.
But — butbutbut, Juror B37 needed time to convince at least 3 other jurors that “George” had good intentions. And — andandand, Frank Taaffe would have needed to cancel his television appearances. Oh! The horror of not seeing Taaffe on HLN!
Georgie needed the weeks in court to learn his lesson.
@aussie.
What Georgie learned is that all of his confidence in his own lies went to another planet, leaving him desolate and depending on his “legal team” to make every decision for him — even how much he spent on toilet paper.
He’s learned that according to his BBF Osterman, that he’s the “most hated man in America.”
He’s learned that sitting like a “potted palm” results in his wife being charged, arrested, and awaiting trial.
He’s learned that his advocates look like fools in the media. Where is Joe Oliver?
And maybe — just maybe, he might learn that telling Adam Pollock that he saved his life by teaching him how to shrimp, means that pulling the trigger on his gun sending a hollow point bullet into Trayvon’s heart was murder because, according to him, his life was already saved before he pulled that trigger.
Except his life was never in danger of course.
But that statement? I do wish it could come up in a court somewhere but it’s only hearsay.
@aussie.
You mean the statement about shrimping saving his life? Adam Pollock said that on Dr. Drew’s show. IDK, but don’t think it’s hearsay in a court but rather, what Adam would testify that the defendant said directly to him. OTOH, if Dr. Drew was called to testify what Adam said that GZ said, that would be hearsay.
Correct.
If offered into evidence by the prosecution, any statement by the defendant is admissible pursuant to the admission-by-a-party-opponent rule.
Therefore, Adam could testify about GZ’s statement to him. Dr. Drew can’t because Adam’s statement to him about what GZ said is hearsay.
@Professor. Thanks.
SouthernGirl2 of 3chicspolitico posted the interview on Youtube. It turns out that Pollock had no personal experience with GZ to judge him as being “soft.” That was hearsay from another trainer.
Though there was no testimony that gz dropped his key chain at the trial, I believe they were given evidence wich they reviewed, and the key chain marked as being found at the T was part of the evidence….no one is disputing that the altercation did not start somewhere around the T……but did it happen the way gz said it did….the keycain flaslight being found at the T does not validate gz’s account of the e CD ents that occued that night
@commenting.
Yes, but there is also evidence that Trayvon’s cell phone, and GZ’s tactical flashlight were found by Trayvon’s body. There was also testimony that after he killed Trayvon and got off Trayvon’s back, that GZ was seen walking towards the T. The prosecution did not connect those dots properly during trial.
I dispute it. I believe the altercation started just south of Goode’s house where Trayvon’s phone was found.
Of course it didn’t. His story is impossible and Officer Smith is a jerk. According to Jon’s testimony, GZ dropped his cell phone to the ground when Smith arrived. Seeing that GZ was clearing his hands, he also dropped the key chain flashlight at that time. Smith allowed Jon to pick up the cell phone but made no reference to seeing the key chain flashlight on the ground.
Agree, except that I think GZ may have dropped that flashlight with the key chain deliberately at the T before Smith arrived to support his claim that he was jumped there.
Either way, it was a post intentional-killing event designed to conceal that he hunted, assaulted and executed Trayvon when he was not in imminent danger of being killed or seriously injured.
@Professor.
That had also been my perception until I heard Jon’s testimony at trial. When he said that GZ threw down his cell phone when Smith arrived, it then made sense that he would throw down his keys too — not wanting anything in his hands that might be perceived as a weapon.
Absolutely!
I’m sure the Obama administration will draw lots of fire from the Obama haters on the right over this issue of releasing non-violent offenders, especially those who are racist and claim that “Obama divides the country.” I’m sure many see these offenders as thugs, etc. – all the stuff they dumped on Trayvon.
I’d missed the Yeomans article too and it encouraged me just a little bit to feel that the Feds will find something to go on to prosecute Fogen. They mention Southern states, jury issues, a couple of other things that definitely went on in his case. I’m not holding my breath, but the fact that much of the trial as well as the verdict came across during a Mercury retrograde might possibly equal a reversal of some sort.
Meanwhile, the Fogen family and friends keep yapping it up – Francis Taafee is getting more and more brazen with his racist stuff and supporting Fogen with it, and that can’t be helping Fogen.
More good news. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/08/12/19988825-stop-and-frisk-police-tactic-violated-constitutional-rights-federal-judge-says?lite
Good morning, everyone. I sure hope Holder can get this plan through Congress.
Sending you my love and prayers, Judy.
(Hugs)
Just making a quick post to say I am caring for my dying mother and will be out of pocket for a while. Keep up the good work.
Very sorry to hear that. You have my sincere condolences. I went through that with my mother and I know what it’s like.
Best wishes.
Fred
Sorry to hear that Judy you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences
Bless you for being with her, Judy.
I’m lifting you up in this challenging time.
My sissy and I played my dad’s favorite music for him at the end.
Om mani padme hung hri.
So sorry to hear of your so difficult time, Judy. We’re thinking of you, and hope you can check in from time to time to let us know how you are doing. Will remember you in prayers. {{{Hugs}}}
Judy, went through that with my Mom. All I can say is just hang in there and let nature take its course. Learned that from my Dad who was an M.D. It’s hard but with Mom’s situation with artheritis and cancer one finally realizes that they are in a better place. Take Care.
Make her comfortable and let her go in peace when she’s ready. My prayers are with you.
My prayers to you and your family, Judy75201.
Judy you and your family have my sincere sympathy and, May GOD THE ALMIGHTY comfort you all at this time, as only he can. I lost my own mother 13 years ago this past July seventh so, I know how hard going through this can be, even though our mother wasn’t sick but, was in hospital for an infection of her big toe. “Weeping Endures For A Night But, Joy Comes In The Morning. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
judy, my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow and passages – i’m still reeling from losing my father 2 years ago, but i know that the weeks i spent at his bedside were good for us both. may you find strength wherever you find it.
blessings,
Judy , Thinking of you … do make sure you get plenty of rest during this difficult time. .
professor leatherman , i dont mean to bring this up but , do u think that trayvons case is closed. will the feds bring charges to zimmerman????
No decision has been announced. I believe there is a basis to charge him with a hate crime and I hope they do because I believe he committed one.
We will have to wait and see.
While after taking an objective look at the need for charges to be brought against the Fogdoit under federal laws, and determining that there are several valid reasons to try him in the federal court system, it is not likely to occur. The primary and most visible reason being that the political powers in control of the executive branch at this time can not allow it to happen. The state of Florida is a state that is now controlled to a large extent by the GOP/TP and the Democrats stand a good chance in over turning enough of the present elected officials that to allow this type of action will bring out the supporters of the 2nd Ammendment in droves if for no other reason to show the black POTUS that they are the rightful owners of that office… Too bad we live in a nation that is so fearful of the color of a mans skin that we base even the application of justice on that fear…
@Professor, I too believe he committed a hate crime and, the state of Florida’s special prosecutor Angela Corey, was very complicit in him getting away with murder at the state level. this does not need to be just let go because, he killed an innocent child. I have read where some of the key players in his camp, have moved to other places but, they will never be able to run from what they helped do to this child.
ladystclaire, While I have little doubt that the Fogdoit was/is guilty of a hate crime in the murder of Trayvon Martin, and would like to see him receive the justice that he deserves, but I simply don’t foresee that happening quickly due to political pressure. Do I suggest we simply forget about seeking the justice that is necessary and proper in regards to Trayvon’s murder? Absolutely not, but the only way that I feel that it will occur is by the use of equal or greater political force coming from within groups such as this one forming a united front to peacefully bring about necessary changes within the system resulting in action being taken. Will this happen, I predict that there is a strong possibility that it will, however it will not happen at the drop of a hat, and will take longer than some people will accept. That it will take time will perhaps cause some individuals to attempt actions that actually will impede the tide of justice. Let’s all hope that cooler heads will prevail and the murderer ultimately receives the justice he deserves in a court of law….
The New York Times reports:
Wow! This is an extremely important ruling with far reaching implications for everyone in this country.
Great news!!! The Center for Constitutional Rights did it again!
Hallelujah!
Yahtc Luv Leonard Cohen.This is one of my favorites and Bird on the Wire.Your videos always cheer me up.
Thank you, pat. 🙂
I just listened to Bird on the Wire. It’s great…….don’t know why I had never heard it. Thanks for mentioning it.
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the summer with your friends and family!
i’m rather fond of ‘joan of arc’, it does not cheer me up, necessarily, but when i start to feel overwhelmed fighting against things much bigger than myself, it inspires me to keep fighting as i still have breath in my body.
That’s wonderful news.
that’s a big deal
>^..^< Good! Frisking is not cool.
^5 and about damn time!
There are many political prisoners who should be considered: Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu Jamal are two that come to mind but they were accused by FBI and the Philadelpha police respectively. Both were convicted with racist judges on the bench and racists witnesses.
bettykath,
“Another step being taken by Holder’s department would loosen the criteria for releasing inmates who have serious medical conditions or who are elderly – as long as they are nonviolent and have served significant portions of their sentences.
Holder also said he has instructed federal prosecutors nationwide to develop “specific, locally tailored guidelines” to determine if drug cases should be subject to federal charges.
It was not clear how many offenders might see shorter prison terms under the administration’s proposals. The proposals were unlikely to affect many people already imprisoned.”
This taken from the text of the article would seem to indicate that this is mostly a political move that while sounding good will have very little impact on the current prison population… While I am a supporter of the POTUS, I also realize that many times even he and his administration play political mind games to keep control of the voting public, this being one of those times… If I were to meet either he or Mr. Holder face to face in a discussion about this situation, one question that I would have to address in regards to this problem is “how do we assimilate these individuals back into society”? We have high unemployment in general and within the black community virtually nothing to offer hope of escape from the bonds of poverty. How do we as a nation propose to give this sector of our society a way out of this trap they have become bogged down in? Perhaps what I am trying to say is the problem did not start at the top and it will not be solved at the top, we have to start at the bottom and work up, until then all we will see is icing being placed on a cake that does not exist…
Hope without action does not solve problems, action with hope and trust can bring about change that results in resolution of problems…. Positive change will only come about in a society that truly is willing to place the needs of all members in a place of priority and willing to give up some of their wants to ensure the needs of the least able are met…. Are we at that point yet?
Let’s hope it includes a compassionate release of Lynn Stewart who was convicted using evidence gained by listening to lawyer-client conversations at the jail/prison.
Lynn Stewart’s request for early release was denied on Friday.
They’re still keeping her as an example to other attorneys who want to vigorously defend their clients. She did step over the line, but so did they. Thanks for the link.
Considering that the message she took out was one advocating non-violence, her prosecution was more in like with going after attorneys willing to take on those accused of terrorism.
Ok, Mr. Holder, Let’s talk Marrissa Alexander then!
Good!
I am really glad to hear this. Locking people up for drugs and drugs alone does nothing to protect our society and only burdens it more when they are released. Causes far more problems than would ever help.
good morning..
And good morning to you too, Crazy.