Media "Fire" Storm

In Washington DC a fire at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House sent the press corp running for their cameras and microphones. I happened to be home and had the gleeful pleasure of flipping from news channel to news channel to see how each reviewed the incident. Here are my final standings:

1) Best eye candy - FOX NEWS: They had a close-up that showed the flames inside the office and seemed to be working the hardest to get the "best" pictures.

2) Worst initial response - MSNBC: Wide angles only, No specific facts, and the 1st channel to provide a history lesson of the building when the real story is the FIRE!

3) Most Factual - CNN: While MSNBC and FOX NEWS lamented the damage to the EEOB and had on-air "talent" making wild a** guesses as to the cause of the fire, CNN was smart enough to call DCFD and get an On-Air interview with the FD's Public Information Officer who was more than happy to tell CNN everything he knew (reported electrical fire, no injuries, full evacuation of building, 2 alarm call with apparatus being deployed on all sides of the location).

So, this little exercise in Journalism 101 leaves me with following observations. First, it is accepted by emergency response groups worldwide that during a time of crisis or emergency an organization shows its true colors and during that time will revert to their most basic principles of operation. It is true for law enforcement and fire departments just as it is true for the news media. Therefore, this incident shows me:

1- If I want great images and lots of eye candy with little substance I will watch FOX NEWS

2- If I want a history lesson and a round table discussion of the nuances of Washington DC architecture instead of fire coverage I will watch MSNBC

3- If I want good images that show the problem/issue/event coupled with factual information from a reliable source I will watch CNN.

How's that for Fair and Balanced!

We Wish You A Redneck Christmas....

A picture truly is worth a thousand words.....

What more can I say, have a very Merry (Rednecky) Christmas!

Who Says Drugs Are A Victimless Crime?

For years I have heard many people say, "Why criminalize drug use, your only wasting our tax money on an endless, useless campaign." They claim that drug use is a "choice" made by consenting adults and that the government has no business in their personal lives. They argue against the idea of "gateway drugs", (a drug that, once tried and used, makes a person much more likely to abuse other, more potent drugs) and claim it is all just anti-drug propaganda. Finally, they claim that drug use is a "victimless crime" as the person using the drugs is doing so by choice and no-one else is being harmed. Some even suggest legalization of drugs and open retail sale of currently illegal drugs.

Recently however, I encountered a case that in one instance destroys any and all of these contentions by the pro-drug populace. A middle aged woman who has been using cocaine for over a year now has in that time totally destroyed her life. Like most drug users I encounter this woman has had her share of personal problems which in one way or another led to her seeking the escape and comfort of getting high. She knows getting high won't solve her problems - it just makes her not feel pressured and strained by them. In short it makes her not give a sh** about her problems. Unfortunately, her use of marijuana (a gateway drug) no longer gave her the escape she so desperately sought, so she tried cocaine. That worked at first but it too didn't last and she progressed to the perceived faster and better high of crack cocaine. As a result of her inability to cope with life's normal stresses, the same stresses you and I endure every day, she lost her driver's license for failing to pay traffic fines, she lost her job because she would always call out sick or just not show up, and then the moment that brought her to my attention...

One recent afternoon this woman, with a suspended driver's license, was stopped by a deputy for yet another traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop the deputy found both crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the car and on the woman's person. She was arrested and transported to the local district office for processing and transfer to the jail. As she was processed the woman was asked several times, on different occasions, if she needed or wanted to call anyone. Additionally, she repeatedly complained about the unfinished McDonalds meal she had to leave in her car.

Approximately four hours after her arrest the district office got a call from the local elementary school. The principal asked if a deputy could attempt to contact the mother of a child who had been left at school and not picked up at dismissal. The principal was concerned because the child had sat quietly, waiting for her mom, for over three hours. Deputies were immediately able to locate this wayward mother because she was in the booking room under arrest.

That's right, this "consenting adult" made a "choice" to use drugs and get high. She then chose to drive her car WHILE HIGH and was on her way, via McDonalds, to pick up her daughter at school when she was stopped and arrested. This woman was so out of it due to her drug use that she was more concerned about the uneaten Big Mac than about the safety, welfare, and protection of her own child. For the record, the arresting officer told me this woman asked about the burger "a bunch" of times but never once asked if we could check on her daughter, call the school, oe even call a relative to go get her daughter, not once! How's that for a victimless crime!

New York State of Mind-less Stupidity

I'm sure by now you have heard of retired NYPD Sergeant Arno Herwerth's struggle with the State of New York Department of Motor Vehicles over his requested and issued "GETOSAMA" license plate. The Hauppauge, Long Island man followed DMV procedure and requested the "custom" plate from his DMV office. Within a week of his application he received his new Empire State tags with "GETOSAMA". After getting his new plates but no registration certificate to go with them Mr. Herwerth called the DMV and asked why he did not get it yet. The clerk at the DMV instead demanded their tags back claiming they were issued to him in violation of a law governing the content of personalized plates.

When interviewed by Carl MacGowan of Newsday, Ken Brown, a DMV spokesman, acknowledged the error but said Herwerth's request violated Section 16.5(e) of the motor vehicle code, which prohibits vanity plates that are "obscene, lewd, lascivious, derogatory to a particular ethnic group or patently offensive.""We believe the plate set was inappropriate," Brown said. "The plate set was sent out in error."

I'm with Mr. Herwerth who, in the same report, stated, "It's not lewd. It's not about anybody's ethnicity. It's not patently offensive to anybody." "The plate simply says, Get him. That's it."

In another report DMV spokesman Nick Cantiello was blunt and unapologetic when, in reference to Mr. Herwerth, he told Philip Messing of the New York Post, "He should have stuck to bumper stickers."

But the mind-numbing stupidity of the New York DMV gets even more stellar. Mr. Herwerth has filed a Federal law suit to seek to keep his plates by claiming the State of New York is violating his 1st Amendment (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.)

5th Amendment (No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.)

and 14th Amendment rights (Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. ).

In a November 28th posting Philip Messing (NY Post.com) again asked the DMV to explain its position. In response the agency just parroted their earlier statement that the plate ("GETOSAMA") violates a regulation that bans any tag that is "obscene, lewd, lascivious, derogatory to a particular ethnic or other group or is patently offensive." But when pressed to explain specifically which part of the regulation the plate violated Mr. Messing was told only that, "the configuration of lettering doesn't meet regulatory standards and issuing the plate would be inappropriate."

It is my humble opinion that the New York State DMV is being run by some of the dumbest civil servants I have ever encountered. Somebody at the DMV needs to get their head out of their A** and realize the only person who might be offended by this tag is OBL himself!

I've gotta tell you, I really couldn't care less if Bin Laden is miffed, upset or otherwise put out by this very American display of personalizing a national tragedy. In his own small display of patriotic defiance Mr. Herwerth stands tall in the face of terrorists and proclaims to Al-Qaida, Osama and all like him, 'KISS MY ROSY RED AMERICAN A** YOU TERRORIST SON OF A B*#CH !!!'

Patriotism is not offensive. Patriotism is not easy. Patriotism is true, honest, and individual expression in defense of our beliefs, our history, our country, and ourselves. If someone is offended by my belief that the United States of America, even with our faults and disagreements, is the greatest demonstration of freedom in the world, well Too Bad! I am Scottish by birth, but I AM AN AMERICAN and I will defy any person, group or country that would try to destroy what our fore-fathers died to build for us. No-one, not even the New York DMV, can abridge my freedom to say so.

Law Enforcement ESP

My co-hort over at Star Spangled Haggis hit the ball out of the park on this one!

Read it for yourself @ http://starspangledhaggis.blogspot.com/ and look for the same title.


Thanks E!
You Rock!

HONK! If You Love Haggis!

I found this rare image of a wild Haggis and thought I'd share it with you! I'm still looking for a photo of one but they are very rare!

Oh, Great Chieftan o' th' Puddin race!

Hi, My Name Is.....

Making a change can be a right, "pain in the arse", as my dad would say but change is what keeps us fresh and challenges us to break out of our usual day to day selves. My move from a small district to a new, much larger district had been interesting and sometimes frustrating.

I went from a four person unit serving a five square mile area to supervising eleven deputies spread over approximately four hundred-fifty square miles! For a guy who likes to interact with his co-workers this has been a huge adjustment.

My home life has changed too. I went from a "normal" day shift (M-F 8am - 5pm) to an afternoon shift (2p - 10p w/Sun & Mon off). As a result, I still get to sleep at home with my wife (so I can't complain about that) but I only get to see her and The Princess for about two hours each morning as I get them off to work and school. They are both in bed by the time I get home, so I snuggle in and get set for my next 2 hours the following day. I get maybe an hour more on Saturday, which I use to take The Princess to ballet class. Then it's straight home, shower, change and off to work.

Your thinking that timing won't work, but here's the other part to factor in. I live approximately forty minutes from this new district and I need to be there no later than 1:30pm so I have to leave my home between 12:30 and 12:45.

Overall, my squad is a great bunch of deputies with experience levels from less than one year to over twenty-five years. They are starting to respond to "the new boss" and I think they have the potential and ability to be the best squad in our district. I am fortunate to have a full squad and I plan on making the best of that by deploying and utilizing my guys to make the best possible improvements in our areas. I have some plans and ideas and I am encouraging them to do the same and challenging them to "own their zones", know the bad guys, the good guys, and develop ways we can better serve or communities. I 'll let you know how we do.

I have new bosses too. I now "officially" report to one Lieutenant but since the district has four of them I need to interact with all of them at one time or another. That in and of itself is a challenge as each of them has their own unique management style and I need to be able to conform to each of them as needed. My new Commander has been with the agency a long time and he appears genuinely interested in his people - a trait lacking in a lot of supervisors of all types. He has challenged me to do the best I can with what I have and I aim to do just that.

One little thing I am still getting used to is being back in a marked patrol car. I can't rush anywhere and need to leave plenty of time to get where I'm going because as soon as the drivers in front of me see the patrol car suddenly EVERYONE is doing the speed limit OR LESS! AND they are almost afraid to move out of my way in case I pull them over for an improper change of lane. At least that how it feels to me - I could be wrong.

Sheriff Joe Rides Again!

Once again Sheriff Joe Arpaio is bucking the mainstream and focusing on the crime trends that concern the citizens of his county. Sheriff Arpaio has been all over CNN and other media outlets recently giving his opinions about the furor caused by his enforcement of immigration related laws in Maricopa County, Arizona. Sheriff Arpaio and I share the position that a Sheriff serves his or her community, not the politicians, not the media, not the local police chiefs, the community. According to this most recent poll posted on the MCSO web site, his community wants enforcement of immigration laws.

The poll done by the Arizona State University shows that, "72 % of those Arizonans with an opinion on the subject think Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is right on target with his lone stance on local enforcement officials enforcing the federal and state anti human smuggling laws. The 72% figure represents people from all political parties." (emphasis added).

A motley gathering of people from politics, law enforcement, and others have all claimed that a county sheriff has no business enforcing immigration laws regardless of whether they are in the Code of Federal Regulations or State Statutes. I say Bullcrap! The county sheriff is THE senior law enforcement officer of their county AND It is the sheriff's JOB to protect the citizens of his/her county from those who commit criminal acts. The sheriff does this by applying the rule of law to those who would harm the peace, safety, and security of the county. That means a sheriff is well within his/her rights to apply any current law he/she has the lawful authority to use for the protection of the county's citizens. Particularly if the citizens of that county demand it.

Immigration enforcement is not about racism, nor is it about protectionism. Rather, it is about protecting our community from ALL persons who would prey upon the citizens, regardless of race, color, religion, or even national origin. I don't care if the illegal immigrant is from Mexico or Malaysia, Uruguay or Uzbekistan, illegal entry into the United States is just that, ILLEGAL. Add to that the number of crimes being committed by some of these illegal immigrants and you cannot defend their right to freedom in this community. For example, according to the information provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, "Further study of the illegal immigrants incarcerated in Arpaio’s jail today show that 2100 illegal aliens who are in jail today have committed a total of approximately 11,000 crimes against our community including 8500 felonies (96 counts of murder, 473 counts of kidnapping, 122 count of sex crimes, 1465 counts of armed robbery, 187 counts of child abuse and child sex abuse, 737 counts of assault, among others) and 1678 misdemeanors."

For the full text of the press release please click the link below or click on the "Sheriff Joe" header in my favorites on the left of the page.

http://www.mcso.org/include/pr_pdf/s%20Immigration%20Stance.pdf

What do you think?

My Bosses Live In Their Own Spin Zone!

When you are paying a guy a Sergeant's salary you'd probably want him doing Sergeant's work. Sounds reasonable enough, don't you think? Well, not here!

I have officially been a Sergeant for one month and two days. Of that, I have done exactly four days as a uniformed patrol supervisor. Why? The well oiled machine that is my agency has been remarkably unable to complete the transfer of a current patrol supervisor to a specialized unit supervisor. They posted the position but failed to include that the Motor Unit (Traffic Motorcycles) supervisor should have a motorcycle endorsement on their license, DUH! So that meant they had to RE-post the vacancy - which they did. But then, half of the applicants withdrew their names which apparently made the command staff unable to complete the process in a timely manner. Now the posting has been closed for TEN days and they have yet to complete the oral review board and make a final selection!

Professionally I am embarrassed by the inept and lackluster way in which this whole process has been handled, or more aptly, mishandled. If we cannot efficiently, effectively and professionally fill a simple lateral transfer position how can the citizens expect competent, effective law enforcement from us.

Personally, I am pissed! I have been strung along week after week by Lieutenants, Majors and Commanders who can provide nothing more that jokes about how I should enjoy doing Agent work with a Sergeant's pay. OH PLEASE! If I wanted to stay an Agent I would have never taken the Sergeant's exam! It is also like pulling teeth from a angry gorilla trying to get any answers from my supervisors about when and/or if this process will ever be completed.

I'm so disappointed in this agency right now. They make a great show to the media about how well they are doing and how lucky the citizens are to have this command staff running the Sheriff's Office. Gimme me a freakin' break! They can't do a simple promotion and I'm supposed to have faith in their ability to protect me and my neighbors! Yea, Right!

Thanks, I just had to vent!

God Did It !

Yep. You heard me, God did it! Let me explain. Each day as I drive to work I get radio boredom and frequently hit the SCAN button and drift between stations 'till something catches my ear. This can be entertaining because I'm never quite sure where I will land next.

Well, this morning I landed on one of the many central Florida conservative talk radio stations (Republican state - big surprise, right?) and was instantly transfixed to the screed of absolute crap this particular person was shoveling. The short and polite version is that Republicans are the saviours of us all and without them and a free business atmosphere America would cease to exist.

For the record I am a "No Party Affiliation" kind of guy (formerly known as "independent" voter) and I will vote, get this, for the person whom I believe can do the elected job best!

Anyway...This radio guy took only five minutes to pigeon-hole just about every Non-Republican group into this camp or that camp. This loser, That idiot, Those freaks. Liberals, Nazi's, Socialists, Anti-Americans, and anything else he could use to classify those who dared to think differently than him.

I thought about just how divisive this guy was being and had a moment of clarity. The Republicans didn't make America great. Nor was it the Democrats, or the Federalists, or the Whigs. It wasn't the Green Party, or the Libertarians, or the National Socialists. It was God!

The founding fathers, regardless of personal motivation or professional interest, all knew one thing. This new nation could not, would not survive unless we "the people" knew it was built on more than the avaricious desires of wealthy white men who would place themselves as Kings over us all. No, they knew that to prevent the tyranny and oppression of the past this new nation MUST be built with the bricks of Freedom, the mortar of Civil Liberties and the stability of Faith.

That is why they came together and for our sake stood before the King of England and declared to the world:

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

" We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

They cite eighteen very specific reasons for their declaration and invoke the power of God, saying:

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

So you see We The People are just that, THE PEOPLE. Not this group or that group, THE PEOPLE. And THE PEOPLE built this nation not as individuals but as Free and Equal members of our United States. United States built on "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God". Laws of God that declare, "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights" and it is that foundation that allowed them to create and perpetuate, "One Nation, Under God, With Liberty And Justice For All".

Leaving My Comfort Zone

This coming Wednesday my 11 1/2 year career enters a new and challenging phase. At 5:30pm I will be leaving my current detective position and returning to the road as a newly promoted Patrol Sergeant.

Back in March and April I got a small taste of this when I was assigned TDY (Temporary Duty) to two different "Acting Sgt." positions. But this time it's for keeps! From Wednesday onward I will be responsible for the safety, accountability and professionalism of MY squad.

I gotta tell you, I am as scared as I am excited, but I know I can do this job and I look forward to the task. My goal is to be fair, responsible, caring, but still able to whoop ass when needed. I want to run my squad as a breeding ground for future sergeants and leaders. I will give my crew the freedom to think and tackle problems with imagination and innovation, but that will require that they and I are willing to be accountable for our actions.

Overall I know this will be the beginning of a new chapter, but it will definitely not be the last big move I make.

Challenge = Success

A Gift From The Heart

On August 10, 2007, Broward County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Chris Reyka checked out with two suspicious vehicles parked at a local store about 1:20am. As Sgt. Reyka stepped from his car to check on the vehicles, one of the vehicle occupants also exited his vehicle and immediately began shooting. Sgt. Reyka was struck multiple times and died at the hospital. The suspects fled and are currently believed to still be at large.

Then this week 8-year-old Arden Capizola from Palm Beach County told her parents and friends to give her money instead of toys for her birthday this year. Arden's birthday party raised an amazing $1,110, which she plans to donate to the family of Sergeant Chris Reyka.

I can't tell you how touching this gesture is. This is a wonderful example of how sometimes kids "get it" better than adults. Miss Capizola showed empathy and compassion well beyond her years. She showed us adults what it really means to care. If only half of us were as generous and compassionate as this gutsy 8-year-old ours would be a much kinder and happier world.

May God Bless the family and friends of Sgt. Chris Reyka. May Miss Capizola's stirring act honoring a fallen hero show us all how one small act can make a big difference.

Arden Capizola's selfless act of kindness makes her a true hero in my book!

NYPD in the Conspiracy Biz?

Some A-hole tries to pollute the United Nations with a Chemical Warfare Agent. What do you do?

Tell the world over CNN et al. that it was just some "old" canisters of nerve gas that were found "by accident" as an office "was being cleaned", Uh Huh!

Tell them that although we shut down a big chunk of city around the U.N. that NO ONE IS IN DANGER! Tell 'em there was NEVER any danger!

Tell everyone with a microphone that it's basically a non-story. Some dope brought these back on a trip from Iraq a bunch of years ago and, oopsee!! forgot they were in his desk!

Then a few days later: Oh, did we say nerve agent? Nah! It was just a commercial solvent!!!

It's Roseanne Rosanadana from the old SNL with her favorite tag line when she got the story wrong: "OH, NEVERMIND!"

But seriously, think about it, even though the place had been crawling with federal alphabet soup (FBI / DHS / ATFE / DOS) which agency makes the big "Nothing To See Here" announcement - the NYPD. Why?

Because it is the classic federal minimization of an event to make it seem a lot less important than it really is. If the Feds say nothing and let the local agency do all the talking it immediately reduces the importance of what is said. Then have the locals announce it was all just a big misunderstanding and it becomes even less important.

So here we are a week since the U.N. was the apparent victim of a failed chemical weapon attack and not one single news outlet even mentions it anymore. No one is asking the hard questions. No one is saying - "Hey, if it was a mistake, how'd you mistake commercial solvent for a chemical weapon?" I am really going to be worried if the best anti-terrorism units in New York City of all places are NOT able tell the difference between rat poison and a poisonous rat?

Of course this is just my theory - I could be wrong.

Ohio Officer's Pursuit Ends In Gunfire

Yesterday in Blue Ash, Ohio an officer encountered a black car driving erratically in circles and on the wrong side of the roadway. He initiated a stop to investigate and the vehicle fled.

Now this is where departments differ the most and the first of several Decision Points for supervisors. Some would authorize a pursuit at this point while others will not. Those that will pursue say the vehicle is being driven in such a manner as to constitute an immediate hazard to the safety of other drivers and must be stopped. Those who would not pursue want more information before authorizing a pursuit and justifying the increased threat to innocent citizens. Neither is wrong.

The officer reported on his radio that the suspect vehicle tried to ram him before fleeing. Decision Point 2: More agencies would allow the pursuit to begin since ramming or attempted ramming of another vehicle is an Aggravated Assault and a "Forcible Felony". While still other agencies would not count acts toward officers rather than civilians as reason to justify the pursuit. Others may want traffic conditions, weather, and several other factors to be known before giving supervisory approval to pursue.

Within two minutes of the pursuit beginning the fleeing vehicle is confirmed as a stolen vehicle. Decision Point 3: Those already pursuing would say they now have two felony crimes and the pursuit is full on. Some would now authorize the pursuit if their policy allows for the chasing of stolen vehicles. And still other agencies would say the risk is too great and tell the officer to disengage and go the other way.

No matter where you fall on the Decision Point matrix, the real pursuit ensued and the suspect finally was stopped when he was hit by a patrol car as he tried to avoid stop sticks. However, as the initial stop officers exited their cars to take the driver into custody, "the suspect accelerated towards one of them. Both officers fired at the suspects vehicle. The suspect then attempted to take off again and collided with another cruiser. A third officer approached the vehicle and was struck as the suspect accelerated. That officer fired shots as well." (FOX19 WXIX) The suspect driver was killed.

On the surface of this one it looks like a good pursuit with a tragic but avoidable ending. AVOIDABLE? Yes! At any point along this trail of decisions the most critical ones were made not by the police but by the suspect driver. IF at any point in this melee he had stopped, he would be alive today.

I have always held that Deputies and Officers don't DECIDE to shoot someone. Someone decides for us by their decisions and actions and we have to react to those decisions and actions.

The local FOX affiliate WXIX has a very good multimedia packet on the story with radio communications, dash cams, and news reports. Oh Yeah, and don't forget to feel bad for the passenger who thinks the cops shouldn't have shot at the car even though it rammed cars and the driver deliberately tried to run over officers. WAAAH!

I have attched the link below:
http://www.fox19.com/global/story.asp?s=6991408

Took Some Family Time

My apologies for the delay in blogs of late but I took a short time off writing to spend it where it counts most...with my family.

Schools are back in session here in Florida so I took some leave time and me, The Princess and Mom took a family break to Disney. We had a great time and The Princess got to ride her first "Big Kid" rides since she is now over the magical 40 inch tall mark. The highlight of this new found Big Kid access was when we rode "DINOSAUR" at the Animal Kingdom Park. This is a large motion control vehicle that bounces, spins, sways and shakes you through a dark and rapid fire trip back in time to the era of dinosaurs. Of course you end up trying to flee from a T-Rex looking beast that jumps out at you in full animatronic splendour to the shrieks and scream of all concerned.

When we disembarked the ride and made it back outside into the blazing sun we found a shady spot and sat down. The Princess stands herself before us, hands on her hips, and announces, "I Know I'm not supposed to say "stupid", BUT THAT RIDE WAS STUPID!!!!"

You gotta love kids!

Oh the favorite ride of the day - Kali River Rapids - We ALL got SOAKED!

The Mouse and The Elephants

Okay, This is just weird!

We recently joined this Disney Email system called "Mouse Mail" that is a kind of "insider info" Email system. This is supposed to give you updates and other info on changes and deals at their parks as well as important or interesting things Disney is doing as a company.

Well, I opened my Email today and found this little nugget tucked in the middle of about fourteen stories. Apparently, Disney vets from the Animal Kingdom park have been helping to control elephant overpopulation in Africa by doing, what have to be, the worlds biggest vasectomies on wild bull elephants.

They even put together a quick little video piece for it!
http://www.wdwpress.com/mousemail/images/Elephant-Vas-2007.html


Any way you slice it - it's a ballsy move by Disney.
(yeah, I went there, Sorry)

And So, It Begins!!! Where's My Raincoat?

After a relaxing if scorching hot summer the wheels of tropical development are finally beginning to churn in the Eastern Atlantic to the excited shrieks of meteorologists from Miami to Houston. Here is the "Breaking News" for our region tonight:

http://www.local6.com/weather/13882662/detail.html

It comes with my fave - "The Cone Of Uncertainty"

Cops Don't Make Good Bloggers!

I just checked over one hundred blogs of people who listed their jobs as "Deputy Sheriff" and found THREE that were actively blogging and had made a post in the last two months. Most of them were two years old or more with only a couple of posts.

I have now come to realize why I can't buy people to look at this site - "Oh its just another cop blog, it'll be abandoned next week, yawn!!!!!"

GEEZ, People! Why can't we get our S*^# together like we do at work and get these blogs done? Some of you had great beginnings and I wanted more but there was none to be had. I know what we do doesn't resonate easily with "the civilians" out there but for Pete's sake let's try harder, HUH?

Well, I for one will try to keep current, keep looking for what's out there and giving you my county budget sized 1/2 cent of an opinion. Incidentally, the THREE count of active bloggers - included THIS SITE!!!!!

PS: I'm not afraid to venture into untrodden ground so if you have something you think I would like to share - let me know.

Adoption - One "Kid's" Questions Answered

This is an incredible story of an adopted child who grew up to be a Deputy Sheriff but always yearned to know the truth about his adoption and his roots. As the Father of an adopted child, this story touched me and I think it will touch you too:

http://pokercop.blogspot.com/2006/12/codys-life-changing-moment-long-read.html

Return of the Russian Bear or is it?

According to Reuters news agency, and reported today on CNN.com, the Russian Air Force has now resumed flights of their strategic bomber fleet. The article shrieked that on Wednesday a TU-95 "Bear" bomber overflew the USAF base on Guam which scrambled fighters to intercept the overflight.

The story was written with a thick tone of foreboding that oozed dread and fear mongering. BEWARE! the Russian giant has awakened and we are all headed for a new and more dangerous Cold War with Russia. However, as I am SUCH a "fan" (not!) of the accuracy and objectivity of Reuters I did some fact checking.

Reuters: "Russia's strategic bombers have resumed the Soviet Union's Cold War practice of flying long-haul missions to areas patrolled by NATO and the United States"

FACT: Yes they did - in SEPTEMBER 2006!!!!! ELEVEN MONTHS AGO!!
According to a September 30, 2006 report from INTERFAX, the Russian News Agency........ "Russian strategic bombers conduct test flights". The article included quotes by Russian Air Force spokesman Alexander Drobyshevsky and outlined that, "During the flights, part of a test of long-range aircraft, the bombers' crews saw NATO fighters, which were flying parallel to them in their airspace, but there were also segments of flights, including close to Alaska, where our planes were flying unaccompanied."

In fact, Mr. Drobyshevsky reported that Russian and foreign journalists had been invited to monitor the test flights to show off the new Russian Air Force and its abilities, yet NO FOREIGN PRESS applied for accreditation to cover this event. Additionally, I found the test flights were also announced on the Defense Ministry's official website.

Finally, way back on January 4, 2007 Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vladimir Mikhail told Interfax reporters, "In 2006 strategic aviation flew over 100 missions, namely strategic bombers resumed active flights to areas above the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans," which means it's been formally announced and reported on at least twice in the past ELEVEN MONTHS, so why all the hype from Reuters now?


Reuters: "President Vladimir Putin has sought to make Russia more assertive in the world."
"The bombers give Russia the capability of launching a devastating nuclear strike even if the nuclear arsenals on its own territory are wiped out."

FACT: DUH! President Vlad has made no secret of his desire for a strong and respected Russia. I could fill page after page with examples, including from Reuters. These statements were added simply to keep up the dread factor high throughout the story. They're just selling FEAR!

Perhaps, Reuters can't find a conflict so they figure they should try to create one. Or maybe, they just need a good story to go with some newly "photo shopped" pictures!?!?

The worst part is that this story by Reuters is the #10 most popular story on CNN.com. This is another great example of "repeat the story" mainstream reporting instead of true journalism and honest, unbiased, factual news. Reuters writes it so CNN reports it - no questions asked. It's not CNN's fault if Reuters gets it wrong - Or is it????

Bridge Over The River WHY

Once more, the politicians and media are wading deeply into the "Blame Game" long before the last of the unfortunate victims from the Minneapolis bridge collapse have been recovered from their watery graves. WHY?

I'll tell you why. It's not OUR fault, that's why!

• It's not OUR fault that government officials have failed to provide for infrastructure maintenance!
• It's not OUR fault that no-one in Washington DC, Albany, New York, or any other state capitol has done anything to keep their citizens safe on the roadways, rails, or air routes of this country.
• It's not OUR fault that politicians spend Billions of dollars to make sure you can't get a steak knife onto a cruise ship or (until recently) a Bic lighter on an airplane.
• It's not OUR fault these same politicians are allowed to posture and pontificate to the media about "Protecting the Homeland" while doing absolutely nothing to MAINTAIN the homeland.
• It's not OUR fault that a long succession of Presidents, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Mayors, Council members, and Directors of numerous agencies have been totally UNACCOUNTABLE to the voters, the citizens of this great nation.

Wait a minute! IT IS OUR OWN DAMN FAULT!!!!!!!

Blast From The Passed

I was having a great time playing with The Princess the other day when I picked her up over my shoulder like the old "fireman's carry" and spun her around and around to the cheerful giggles and chants of "more daddy, more", "faster daddy, faster". We giggled and laughed with abandon until suddenly, without warning the frivolity was shattered by the sound of escaping gasses!

EEEK! Now when I say leaking gas I'm not talking about a little girl "poot", done, NO! I'm talking, "LOOK OUT, THE PROPANE TANK IS LEAKING AND IT'S GONNA BLOW!" The Hiss was audible for miles! It came whisteling out of that little rump with a sickening phhhhhffffft that made my knees buckle and my head spin....it was simply stunning. Unfortunately, when you have a small child folded in half over your shoulder this strategically and tragically places her cute little fanny within inches of your olfactory ducts.

Okay, I will admit to the occasional "unintentional" discharge of gasses but WOW!

It brought me to tears! That's my little trucker butt! Got daddy right in the shnoz with both barrels.

My loving wife just looked on, unamused and unimpressed, and stated in her best YOU HAD THAT ONE COMIN' voice, "That's YOUR little girl, JUST LIKE HER DADDY!" Gee, thanks!

Naughty But Nice...and funny!

You really must see the ongoing Phallic Phun on STAR SPANGLED HAGGIS.

www.starspangledhaggis.blogspot.com

Old is not Useless

This article from the June 5 edition of Boston.com caught my eye. I think it highlights exactly the attitude required to be a cop. When no-one else wants to step into the s#@*, we step up and take care of business. I also love the reaction of this guys wife.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/06/05/graying_duo_keep_passenger_in_check/

Blog Block

I have been trying to fond something for the past week or so to blog about, but I have had serious blogger block. I know there have been events and moments galore but none that moved me to write about them.

I'll keep looking and let you know what I find.

Be Proud of Your Independence

I'll keep this short, as the holiday approach tends to shorten attention spans.

July 4th is our day to declare our independence, so do it proudly and with as much bluster, noise and general "my stuff don't stink" attitude as you can handle.

I am a Naturalized American Citizen and DAMN PROUD OF IT! Yes, I am unyielding in my pride of my Scottish heritage and I extol that pride daily. But I am first and foremost, AMERICAN. Not Scottish-American, Not African-American, Not Mexican-American, Not even Italian-American. I AM AMERICAN!

I love being American. I value being American.

But I also understand what being American requires:

• Devotion to the principles outlined in the Declaration Of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and The Bill Of Rights
• Defense of the Republic, by force if needed, to preserve our democracy
• Support for a government that SERVES the people rather than RULES over them
• Willingness to challenge those in power who lose track of what it is to be American
• and to welcome those who want to live by these standards so as to strengthen our nation

The U.S. is unique in the world and while other democracies try to do the same they cannot match the depth, strength and tenacity of The American Spirit. It is that Spirit that makes us stand up and get in your face and say, "Hell Yes! I'm American!"

Have a Happy and Safe INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!!

Some Things are Just WRONG!

Back in March students from one California school district walked out of class and marched to a school in a neighboring district to protest in favor of Mexican immigrants. While disruptive, this started out as a good example of the exercise of our Right to Free Speech and political free expression.

However, the specific message or viewpoint they were supporting and trying to express was completely lost when some of the assembled crowd lowered the Stars and Stripes and California state flag and ran this up the school's flagpole:

On a personal level I abhor this image! It makes me VERY angry! As I'm sure it does many others.

In an attempt to show support for Mexican immigrants these students made a terrible error in judgement. This act of civil disobedience will now serve only to make the case stronger for those opposed to amnesty and other immigrant supporting programs. Here, only five days from the most American of holiday's, July 4Th, Our day of Independence, this image and others associated with that protest in MARCH are still flying all over the Internet in Emails and on a number of blogs.

This image is contrary to EVERYTHING I stand for. This image repulses me on a deep emotional level. Yet, I show it because in a country whose independence was built on political dissension it pays to be reminded that DEMOCRACY IS HARD, DEMOCRACY IS WORK, DEMOCRACY IS NOT EASILY GAINED NOR EASILY HELD.

I will never support their viewpoint or cause in any way shape or form, but I will respect their freedom to piss me off by doing something which, to me, is just plain wrong!!!!

Here are my answers to their flag photo.

In God We Trust?

Do we really?

Do we live our lives secure in the knowledge that no matter what, God is with us?

Do we really trust that no matter how F-'ed up our day is, God loves us and wants us to succeed?

Do we truly accept that no matter what we do, or who we do it to, or with, God (and your Momma) will still love you?

Some people doubt the existence of God,
Some believe in God to the exclusion of all else,
Some just don't care either way.

But let's face it, every Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, even Atheist, at some point, in some way, in their life, or at the end of it, will have a moment when God speaks to them, "I am with you, Trust In Me".

I am NOT a overly religious man and I do not go to church as regularly as I should. But as I sat in my home, safe from the elements, and watched The Missus and The Princess snuggle together reading a book I was suddenly very aware of the good fortune, comfort, and peace I have been given.

Yes, I worked hard. Yes, I made the commitment to be a good husband and father. Yes, I am proud of what I have accomplished. But I am also keenly aware that a boy from the hinterlands of Scotland traveled thousands of miles to Massachusetts, met a girl from New Jersey, made a home in Florida and adopted a Princess from Russia. That CAN'T happen WITHOUT a plan, WITHOUT supreme guidance. That never would have been, without my willingness to live my life as well as I can and to be strong enough to understand that I cannot do it alone. Strong enough to TRUST without proof, or better said; to have FAITH that no matter what - God IS with me and wants me to succeed.

May God bless y'all and yer mom-an-em!

I AM A SUPERHERO!!!!!

Yesterday, The Princess was downtrodden due to two tragic (in her life) moments. First, at summer class IT RAINED and THUNDERED so the class had to stay inside and could not go outside and play on the "really cool" water slide the school had rented. Then, her swimming class got cancelled due to a cloudy (as in "can't see the bottom") pool at the gym. All in all a tragic day in the life of Her Royal Highness, our real life water baby. I mean she absolutely LOVES being in the water, any water! Telling HRH she can't get wet is like telling a bird not to fly.

Anyhoo, I took her home and like the bestest daddy in the whole wide world (my unofficial, official title) I grabbed a huge tarp, a fan sprinkler and some tent pegs. Add one sloping lawn and you've got the cheap a** Scottish version of a slip and slide.

***a little side note***
I can hear my dad now, "Bliddy sure ahm no payin' thone prices fur a screed eh polythene and some waatur!!"

Back to the story.
What resulted was me, SUPER-DAD! and the amazing, backyard slip-o-slide! The Princess had a great time, got sopping wet then got too excited and mouthed off at her momma. OOPS!
The mouth got her in trouble and ended the splish sploshing rather abrubtly. BUT, for a 4 year old, she did pretty good.

The Missus seems to have hit it right on the button - Although she can act very smart and mature for her age, Sometimes, just Sometimes, The Princess IS 4 years old.

I Love a Snot-Box

In my profile I mention my daughter, The Princess. Well, Her Royal Highness (HRH) has effectively, efficiently, and stealthily infected both myself and The Missus with what I affectionately call THE CREEPING CRUD!

My "little darling" has in the span of two days produced more snot than a clogged up camel. This tiny little girl has disembodied literally buckets of the gooey green stuff to the point that Shrek is thinking of adopting her!

And of course, since we always taught her to share, she did! Now me and The Missus are snot factories, just like HRH. Oh Well, We should just videotape the fun and then think of what to title it before posting it for all the world to enjoy!

How about: "a snot in the dark", "Booger Beach Boogie", "Noses Off", "Snot In My Backyard", or "Booger Nights"

Anyway, If you need us we'll be here in the living room hanging around from our booger ropes.

Snarft! Hawnk!!! EEEEEEEEEEEWWWWW!!!!

An - Tis - I - Pay - Shun

For almost 2 years I have been on the Sergeant's promotional list. In October 2005 I and about 90 other deputies took the series of exams that culled the herd down to 40 qualified candidates. Yours truly was #17!!! Not bad, eh!!! 17th out of 90 plus! Well, smug as I was then I recently realized that the current list expires THIS OCTOBER, Oh Crap! and I was still just a DFL (Deputy For Life).

Well, Halleluia!! I just got the notice that the guy ahead of me just got promoted. That, of course, means I AM #1!!!

Okay, I need one more Sgt. to leave, retire, get fired or otherwise no longer perform their function and I am good to go! Of course, I could always end up as an "experienced" test taker this fall. I remain Quietly Confident!

Immigration & "Fruit of the Poisonous Tree"

No matter how you slice it the current immigration bill offers rewards to those who:
1- Cut in line, in front of millions of hopeful immigration applicants who want to come to the U.S. legally,
2- Have thumbed their nose at the American rule of law by entering this country illegally, often repeatedly,
3- Have ignored our sovereign authority to regulate both visitors and immigrants to our nation,
4- Blame the American people and call us racist for wanting to enforce laws that apply to ANY NON-U.S. Citizen regardless of national origin or ethnicity.

What we have is a huge population that, because of prior ineffective Federal enforcement, have been able to live in the United States "under the radar" until now. That population is now scrambling to show themselves as the "victims of harassment" by the not just the Federal Government, but by any American who has the stones to question why the illegally entrenched are here in the first place.

You cannot have a meaningful debate with the supporters of illegal immigrants because they are working from a factual and moral abyss. Instead they call us racist. They call us protectionist. They call us hateful. They call us oppressive and unjust to "hard working" individuals and families. They do this because it all comes back to the old adage; two wrongs don't make a right!

This reminds me of a legal requirement all law enforcement officers must meet...."Fruit of the Poisonous Tree" doctrine. Simply put - any evidence, fact, or statement I want to use against a defendant MUST be obtained LEGALLY by court order or in accordance with the laws of the United States, The State of Florida, and/or County Ordinances. If I do not get it legally I cannot use it - ever!

So lets put that in the context of our discussion. If the immigrant enters this nation ILLEGALLY then he/she has no right to use anything gained by committing this illegal act as a reason for why they should be allowed to remain in the United States. Their job - obtained through an illegal act. Their improved lifestyle - obtained through an illegal act. Their claim to "deserving a chance" to live in the United States - obtained through an illegal act.

To be fair, a great number of the illegal immigrants into the United States DO seek work, prosperity, and a new life in a new country. That is all well and good but why should they get preferred status over those who want all of the same things, but choose to do so LEGALLY?

In short - THEY DON'T! Illegal immigrants arrive here through a criminal act then try to use the fact that they got away with that criminal act as the prime reason to give them preferred status over all others who yearn to come to America legally.

As for this Bill, Congress and The President are wrong! As an American I will not stand by while politicians and bureaucrats mollify a vocal special interest group and try to cover up and paint over decades of ineffective and incompetent enforcement of existing laws.

Call YOUR congressman/woman, Email The President, let them know how you feel and that you are a voter. I did.