Saturday, September 20, 2014
Canadian News Outlet Warns Canadians That US Law Enforcement Officers Will Pull Them Over And Seize Their Cash
Canadian News Outlet Warns Canadians That US Law Enforcement Officers Will Pull Them Over And Seize Their Cash | Techdirt:
Canadian News Outlet Warns Canadians That US Law Enforcement Officers Will Pull Them Over And Seize Their Cash
Only one-sixth of those whose cash has been seized have engaged in the expensive process necessary to retrieve their money. Nearly half of those who make this attempt have their funds returned, which indicates that many of the cash seizures are predicated on tenuous legal ground (to put it very nicely). But even more bad news awaits should a citizen fight an uphill battle against an infinitely-funded opponent: in many cases, the responding governments only offer back half of what was seized and force citizens to sign a release agreement promising not to sue before they'll hand over the check.
Canadian News Outlet Warns Canadians That US Law Enforcement Officers Will Pull Them Over And Seize Their Cashfrom the US-outed-as-serial-abuser dept
The exploitation of asset seizure/forfeiture laws by law enforcement isn't anything new, but it is receiving a lot more attention thanks to an extensive exploration of the subject by the Washington Post. The findings are astonishing/sickening. Over the last 13 years, nearly 62,000 cash seizures have been made by law enforcement officers, resulting in a $2.5 billion haul. And that's just the cash. Depending on local laws, people who have had their cash seized may also lose their vehicles, houses and access to any bank accounts.
The abusive farce that is asset forfeiture has now reached critical mass: CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) has issued a warning to Canadian travelers. Senior Washington Correspondent Neil MacDonald posted this bluntly-titled article late last week. (via Boing Boing, which also gives us this great phrase: "robbery at badgepoint")
American shakedown: Police won't charge you, but they'll grab your money
In it, he cautions Canadians that visiting the US with a bunch of cash on hand is a good way to end up short on funds.
Little Brother is the New King - Eagle Totem Eagle Totem
Little Brother is the New King - Eagle Totem Eagle Totem:
"While I recognize that we are all members of the family of Michigan academic institutions, I’ve always viewed U-M and MSU as cousins, certainly not brothers.
Michigan is the entitled cousin, the one from a family of means.
They genuinely wonder how others don’t just give up and bow down at the mere sight of the Block M. They expect Michigan to win every game, and always assign blame to either the officials or some non-Michigan related entity for a loss.
(U-M fans certainly regarded Rich Rod as a “non-Michigan entity”).
This cousin tends to be an insufferable bore, always bragging about wealth/status/career, but for some reason you always end up paying the tab at the bar when you hang out.
Michigan State is the cousin you better relate to, more down to earth and someone you enjoy hanging out with.
That is until the mere mention of U of M.
At this point, otherwise rational, intelligent, likeable people become rabid dogs.
All the things that kind of annoy you about Michigan drive MSU into a state of crippling psychosis.
This is the cousin that you can’t talk politics or religion with.
If you are with a MSU fan and the subject veers towards U of M, either change the subject or get the hell out of there."
"While I recognize that we are all members of the family of Michigan academic institutions, I’ve always viewed U-M and MSU as cousins, certainly not brothers.Michigan is the entitled cousin, the one from a family of means.
They genuinely wonder how others don’t just give up and bow down at the mere sight of the Block M. They expect Michigan to win every game, and always assign blame to either the officials or some non-Michigan related entity for a loss.
(U-M fans certainly regarded Rich Rod as a “non-Michigan entity”).
This cousin tends to be an insufferable bore, always bragging about wealth/status/career, but for some reason you always end up paying the tab at the bar when you hang out.
Michigan State is the cousin you better relate to, more down to earth and someone you enjoy hanging out with.
That is until the mere mention of U of M.
At this point, otherwise rational, intelligent, likeable people become rabid dogs.
All the things that kind of annoy you about Michigan drive MSU into a state of crippling psychosis.
This is the cousin that you can’t talk politics or religion with.
If you are with a MSU fan and the subject veers towards U of M, either change the subject or get the hell out of there."
13-Year-Old Kyle Bradford Had a Choice: Share His School Lunch or Throw It Away — His Decision Led to Detention | Video | TheBlaze.com
13-Year-Old Kyle Bradford Had a Choice: Share His School Lunch or Throw It Away — His Decision Led to Detention | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"Kyle Bradford went through the lunch line at Weaverville Elementary School in Weaverville, California, on Tuesday. He got a Chicken burrito. The only problem was he wasn’t particularly hungry. When he got to his table, he saw a friend who had received a cheese sandwich."
"Kyle Bradford went through the lunch line at Weaverville Elementary School in Weaverville, California, on Tuesday. He got a Chicken burrito. The only problem was he wasn’t particularly hungry. When he got to his table, he saw a friend who had received a cheese sandwich."
These Are The 10 Safest Places In Michigan
These Are The 10 Safest Places In Michigan - Movoto
In today’s post, we’re taking it one step further and bringing you the 10 safest places in Michigan, in our ongoing series to uncover some of the safest places in the country.
We’ve seen the winner in Florida; we’ve taken a look at New York’s safest city, the Town of Elmira; and today, we proudly present Michigan’s safest city, Grosse Ile.
Of course it faced some stiff competition to get to the top.
Here are the 10 safest places in Michigan:
We’ve seen the winner in Florida; we’ve taken a look at New York’s safest city, the Town of Elmira; and today, we proudly present Michigan’s safest city, Grosse Ile.
Of course it faced some stiff competition to get to the top.
Here are the 10 safest places in Michigan:
History for September 20
History for September 20 - On-This-Day.com
Upton Sinclair 1878, Dr. Joyce Brothers 1928, Sophia Loren 1934
1519 - Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan left Spain to find a route to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. Magellan was killed during the trip, but one of his ships eventually made the journey.
1881 - Chester A. Arthur became the 21st president of the U.S. President James A. Garfield had died the day before.
1953 - Jimmy Stewart debuted on the radio western "The Six Shooter" on NBC.
1962 - James Meredith, a black student, was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Governor Ross R. Barnett. Meredith was later admitted.
1963 - U.S. President John F. Kennedy proposed a joint U.S.-Soviet expedition to the moon in a speech to the U.N. General Assembly.
1984 - "The Cosby Show" premiered on NBC-TV.
1992 - French voters approved the Maastricht Treaty.
1995 - The U.S. House of Representatives voted to drop the national speed limit. This allowed the states to decide their own speed limits.
Upton Sinclair 1878, Dr. Joyce Brothers 1928, Sophia Loren 1934
1519 - Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan left Spain to find a route to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. Magellan was killed during the trip, but one of his ships eventually made the journey.
1881 - Chester A. Arthur became the 21st president of the U.S. President James A. Garfield had died the day before.
1953 - Jimmy Stewart debuted on the radio western "The Six Shooter" on NBC.
1962 - James Meredith, a black student, was blocked from enrolling at the University of Mississippi by Governor Ross R. Barnett. Meredith was later admitted.
1963 - U.S. President John F. Kennedy proposed a joint U.S.-Soviet expedition to the moon in a speech to the U.N. General Assembly.
1984 - "The Cosby Show" premiered on NBC-TV.
1992 - French voters approved the Maastricht Treaty.
1995 - The U.S. House of Representatives voted to drop the national speed limit. This allowed the states to decide their own speed limits.
Friday, September 19, 2014
State Dept. Whistleblower Sued in Retaliation by John Kerry — and the Case Could Reveal Sordid Accusations of Department Misconduct | TheBlaze.com
State Dept. Whistleblower Sued in Retaliation by John Kerry — and the Case Could Reveal Sordid Accusations of Department Misconduct | TheBlaze.com:
"Over the past month, the State Department, now led by Secretary John Kerry, has had a $13,000 lien placed on Higbie’s home to collect legal fees the government says it has incurred on the case currently under appeal. The department also placed a lien on the Florida home of Higbie’s father — also named Richard Higbie — though with the younger Higbie’s birthdate and Social Security number on the document."
"Over the past month, the State Department, now led by Secretary John Kerry, has had a $13,000 lien placed on Higbie’s home to collect legal fees the government says it has incurred on the case currently under appeal. The department also placed a lien on the Florida home of Higbie’s father — also named Richard Higbie — though with the younger Higbie’s birthdate and Social Security number on the document."
Sorry, Steve Running, Wildfires Are Decreasing with Global Warming
Sorry, Steve Running, Wildfires Are Decreasing with Global Warming | Heartlander Magazine:
"A Billings Gazette article last week quoted University of Montana global warming activist Steve Running claiming major wildfires have quadrupled since 1986, but the facts show wildfires are actually declining.
In the September 7 Gazette article, “Global warming makes firefighting more dangerous,” Running is quoted saying “Since 1986, longer, warmer summers have resulted in a fourfold increase of major wildfires and a sixfold increase in the area of forest burned, compared to the period from 1970 to 1986.”
Fortunately for scientific truth, the National Interagency Fire Center keeps detailed statistics on wildfires going back to 1960.
The objective data show wildfires are decreasing, not increasing, as the planet modestly warms.
The National Interagency Fire Center reports 85,000 wildfires occurred in 1986, versus only 47,000 wildfires last year.
Fewer wildfires occurred in 2013 than any year since 1984, and 2013 had the third-fewest wildfires since records began in 1960.
This year’s wildfire season may end up being even quieter than 2013.
On the same day Running’s claim was quoted in the Billings Gazette article, the Washington Times reported only 38,000 wildfires have occurred so far this year.
The 2014 wildfire season will almost certainly be one of the three quietest since 1984, and may well end up quietest of them all."
In the September 7 Gazette article, “Global warming makes firefighting more dangerous,” Running is quoted saying “Since 1986, longer, warmer summers have resulted in a fourfold increase of major wildfires and a sixfold increase in the area of forest burned, compared to the period from 1970 to 1986.”
Fortunately for scientific truth, the National Interagency Fire Center keeps detailed statistics on wildfires going back to 1960.
The National Interagency Fire Center reports 85,000 wildfires occurred in 1986, versus only 47,000 wildfires last year.
Fewer wildfires occurred in 2013 than any year since 1984, and 2013 had the third-fewest wildfires since records began in 1960.
This year’s wildfire season may end up being even quieter than 2013.
On the same day Running’s claim was quoted in the Billings Gazette article, the Washington Times reported only 38,000 wildfires have occurred so far this year.
The 2014 wildfire season will almost certainly be one of the three quietest since 1984, and may well end up quietest of them all."
Obama's war against Americans---------Onerous ATF rules threaten to put gun dealers out of business
Onerous ATF rules threaten to put gun dealers out of business - Washington Times
The Form 4473 asks questions such as where the purchaser lives and whether the person has ever committed a crime.
Leaving one of the 132 items on the six-page questionnaire blank, or filling it in incorrectly, is an ATF violation. One violation can lead to a license revocation, which would put Mr. Stockman out of business.
Out of SSG Tactical’s 7,500 guns sold, the company could have made as many as 990,000 mistakes from the Form 4473 alone.
Turns out, Mr. Stockman’s team made about 180 errors — a 99.98 percent accuracy rate.
The majority of the violations were on the 4473 and included incorrect information on ethnicity, wrong dates and leaving a box empty when the city and county go by the same name, Mr. Stockman said.
“These mistakes were anything but willful — they were simply human error,” he said. “Now, if anything more turns up, in any future audit, we could lose our license — our business.”
Federal law obligates licensed firearm dealers to record all transactions so guns connected to crimes can be traced. In addition to 100 percent compliance on the Form 4473, dealers must log all “acquisitions and dispositions” by manufacturer, purchaser, model, serial number and caliber, and the date the dealer bought and sold each gun.
All paperwork needs to be kept for 20 years and be made available for inspection. Mr. Stockman’s audit took about seven months to complete and required him to make one of his full-time employees available to help ATF’s compliance officer sift through the shop’s records.
“The government is making it virtually impossible to grow a business,” said Mr. Stockman. “The amount of oversight and regulations has only grown over the years and in this administration.”
The Form 4473 asks questions such as where the purchaser lives and whether the person has ever committed a crime.
Out of SSG Tactical’s 7,500 guns sold, the company could have made as many as 990,000 mistakes from the Form 4473 alone.
Turns out, Mr. Stockman’s team made about 180 errors — a 99.98 percent accuracy rate.
The majority of the violations were on the 4473 and included incorrect information on ethnicity, wrong dates and leaving a box empty when the city and county go by the same name, Mr. Stockman said.
“These mistakes were anything but willful — they were simply human error,” he said. “Now, if anything more turns up, in any future audit, we could lose our license — our business.”
Federal law obligates licensed firearm dealers to record all transactions so guns connected to crimes can be traced. In addition to 100 percent compliance on the Form 4473, dealers must log all “acquisitions and dispositions” by manufacturer, purchaser, model, serial number and caliber, and the date the dealer bought and sold each gun.
All paperwork needs to be kept for 20 years and be made available for inspection. Mr. Stockman’s audit took about seven months to complete and required him to make one of his full-time employees available to help ATF’s compliance officer sift through the shop’s records.
“The government is making it virtually impossible to grow a business,” said Mr. Stockman. “The amount of oversight and regulations has only grown over the years and in this administration.”
Investigator Says He Found Multiple ‘Fake Cell Towers’ Near White House, Russian Embassy | TheBlaze.com
Investigator Says He Found Multiple ‘Fake Cell Towers’ Near White House, Russian Embassy | TheBlaze.com:
"He explained further: Even if an agency had a warrant to track an individual, breaking into their cell phone conversation is definitely off limits.
“I have a pretty high level of certainty that I don’t have any active warrants out against me, so if it was done legally they would need warrants to break into my communications,” he said. “That means someone is doing it outside of the law, be that a formal intelligence service, a corporate entity conducting industrial espionage here in the area, ugh, who knows.”
As TheBlaze pointed out last month, the “towers” aren’t necessarily large structures that people may think."
"He explained further: Even if an agency had a warrant to track an individual, breaking into their cell phone conversation is definitely off limits.
“I have a pretty high level of certainty that I don’t have any active warrants out against me, so if it was done legally they would need warrants to break into my communications,” he said. “That means someone is doing it outside of the law, be that a formal intelligence service, a corporate entity conducting industrial espionage here in the area, ugh, who knows.”
As TheBlaze pointed out last month, the “towers” aren’t necessarily large structures that people may think."
Protect your female children, don't let them go to college! Obama says 1 in 5 attacked at college!!!!-----Hamm, other stars join campaign against assault
Hamm, other stars join campaign against assault - Yahoo News:
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has enlisted Hollywood stars including Jon Hamm of "Mad Men" and Connie Britton of "Nashville" to help fight campus sexual assault.
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are unveiling the "It's On Us" campaign Friday at a White House event.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has enlisted Hollywood stars including Jon Hamm of "Mad Men" and Connie Britton of "Nashville" to help fight campus sexual assault.
A website that went live Friday morning, ItsOnUs.org, features a public service announcement with Obama, Biden and other familiar faces telling viewers it's their responsibility to stop sexual assault. The star power also includes NBA all-star Kevin Love, actresses Kerry Washington, Rose Byrne and Mayim Bialik, comedian Joel McHale and musicians Randy Jackson and Questlove.
With an estimated 1 in 5 college women attacked, the campaign encourages everyone on campus to make sure friends are safe and to intervene before an assault happens. The message is particularly targeted at men.....
But not a penny available for roads..... unless we approve a new tax?---------Construction to begin Sept. 25 on new Wings arena, entertainment district
Construction to begin Sept. 25 on new Wings arena, entertainment district | Crain's Detroit Business
It’s official: The ceremonial groundbreaking to herald construction of the $650 million Detroit Red Wings arena and entertainment district centered at Woodward and I-75 will happen Sept. 25.
....The project’s financing received approval from the DDA, which will own the venue, on Tuesday, and from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which will issue bonds to pay for its construction, on Wednesday.
....The project’s financing received approval from the DDA, which will own the venue, on Tuesday, and from the Michigan Strategic Fund, which will issue bonds to pay for its construction, on Wednesday.
Politics of man who sought to firebomb black congressman’s office won’t surprise you
Politics of man who sought to firebomb black congressman’s office won’t surprise you « Hot Air
You already know that if this man had even glanced at a pro-tea party website in the last four years, you would have heard a lot more about this incident and its far-reaching implications. Now, following the arrest of the alleged suspect, 28-year-old Eric King, you know why this episode has not sparked calls for a national conversation about race and progress in America.
You already know that if this man had even glanced at a pro-tea party website in the last four years, you would have heard a lot more about this incident and its far-reaching implications. Now, following the arrest of the alleged suspect, 28-year-old Eric King, you know why this episode has not sparked calls for a national conversation about race and progress in America.
King was arrested on Tuesday as he was leaving his apartment. According to the affidavit he was carrying a backpack that contained red spray paint, charcoal lighter fluid and a clear plastic bottle with a tube sock placed over it. Acting on a search warrant, agents found a hand-written letter entitled “Operation House Committee” in his apartment. The letter detailed supplies and steps that aligned with what King is accused of doing.It also specifically read: “The Missouri congress has been a willing partner in the US governments (sic) capitalist war hungry agenda.” It also listed other potential targets that included the Federal Reserve, banks and pay day loan shops.
Well, the phrase “capitalist war hungry agenda” sure doesn’t evoke images of pensioners in tricorner hats with teabags dangling from the brims.
If there was any doubt in your mind about King’s affiliation, spoke with a local urban radio station in May where he described how he became an anti-capitalist activist. This segment focused on his aversion to genetically modified foods
The Winners and Losers in Detroit Bankruptcy
The Winners and Losers in Detroit Bankruptcy [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
Overall, the projections on retirement obligations are set to drain city finances.
Payments for pension contributions are expected to increase to roughly one-third of the city's general revenue, according to the city's proposal to creditors.
Note that these are projected outflows of cash necessary to pay retirement obligations.
There also are projected payments on other types of debt.
With these costs included, more than half of the city's general fund revenue is pledged to pay for legacy costs.
Clearly, this cannot stand as it is and the city is seeking to mitigate this burden through cuts to the pensions earned by retirees.
...On the losing end would be state taxpayers.
The state already delivers more money to Detroit than every other city.
The state has also helped Detroit borrow money that was supposed to bridge the gap between fiscal problems and solvency.
Still, other creditors are not subject to the protections offered to pensioners.
Indeed, some creditors are being asked to take 85 percent cuts in the latest proposal.
So pensioners are being offered levels of protection beyond other creditors.
Overall, the projections on retirement obligations are set to drain city finances.
Payments for pension contributions are expected to increase to roughly one-third of the city's general revenue, according to the city's proposal to creditors.
There also are projected payments on other types of debt.
With these costs included, more than half of the city's general fund revenue is pledged to pay for legacy costs.
Clearly, this cannot stand as it is and the city is seeking to mitigate this burden through cuts to the pensions earned by retirees.
...On the losing end would be state taxpayers.
The state already delivers more money to Detroit than every other city.
The state has also helped Detroit borrow money that was supposed to bridge the gap between fiscal problems and solvency.
Still, other creditors are not subject to the protections offered to pensioners.
Indeed, some creditors are being asked to take 85 percent cuts in the latest proposal.
So pensioners are being offered levels of protection beyond other creditors.
Just Watch John Kerry Struggle to Respond When Asked if the U.S. Is ‘At War’ With the Islamic State | Video | TheBlaze.com
Just Watch John Kerry Struggle to Respond When Asked if the U.S. Is ‘At War’ With the Islamic State | Video | TheBlaze.com:
"Secretary of State John Kerry took nearly a minute to answer a yes or no question Thursday when asked if the U.S. is “at war” with the Islamic State.
“Mr. Secretary, yes or no: is America at war?” Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) asked during a hearing on Capitol Hill.
Kerry took nearly a minute to meander through a response."
"Secretary of State John Kerry took nearly a minute to answer a yes or no question Thursday when asked if the U.S. is “at war” with the Islamic State.
“Mr. Secretary, yes or no: is America at war?” Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) asked during a hearing on Capitol Hill.
Kerry took nearly a minute to meander through a response."
Suppose They Gave a Climate Conference and Nobody Came
Roger L. Simon » Suppose They Gave a Climate Conference and Nobody Came
We evil climate deniers often enjoy comparing the current uproar over the weather with Stalin’s misuse of science by Trofim Lysenko.
But I think the devotion to extreme climate, or whatever today’s catch phrase may be, is far more in the realm of magic and metaphysics than real physics — Lysenko was, after all, a genuine agronomist — and is much more akin to the story of Sabbatai Zevi, the 17th century Sephardic rabbi many Jews believed was the long-awaited Messiah but who ended up ridiculing his supporters and converting to Islam.
Nevertheless, your United Nations, at the the behest of your president, is on the case. On September 23, they are convening aUN Climate Summit.
From their website:Climate armageddon is a messianic cult based almost entirely on religion and faith and very little on science.
And, like the Sabbatean movement where many adherents remained devoted to Zevi no matter what he did or how he behaved, it’s still thriving, somewhat, despite the many blows that it has taken lately — no warming in the last fifteen years, Antarctic ice cap bigger than ever, more polar bears than ever, all kinds of leaks of fraudulent figures and fudged graphs, etc., etc.
The list, available at www.wattsupwiththat.com by scrolling backwards, is almost comical in its extent.
It’s amusing to read the myriad theories for why the ice cap is bigger, motivated, for the most part, by panic on the part of the scientists involved that they might have their stipends cut.
Although the UN secretary general has pronounced climate “the defining issue of our times” (Obama and Kerry have made similar remarks), everyone with an IQ in triple digits knows that it isn’t — and has for some time.
We evil climate deniers often enjoy comparing the current uproar over the weather with Stalin’s misuse of science by Trofim Lysenko.
But I think the devotion to extreme climate, or whatever today’s catch phrase may be, is far more in the realm of magic and metaphysics than real physics — Lysenko was, after all, a genuine agronomist — and is much more akin to the story of Sabbatai Zevi, the 17th century Sephardic rabbi many Jews believed was the long-awaited Messiah but who ended up ridiculing his supporters and converting to Islam.
Nevertheless, your United Nations, at the the behest of your president, is on the case. On September 23, they are convening aUN Climate Summit.
From their website:Climate armageddon is a messianic cult based almost entirely on religion and faith and very little on science.
And, like the Sabbatean movement where many adherents remained devoted to Zevi no matter what he did or how he behaved, it’s still thriving, somewhat, despite the many blows that it has taken lately — no warming in the last fifteen years, Antarctic ice cap bigger than ever, more polar bears than ever, all kinds of leaks of fraudulent figures and fudged graphs, etc., etc.
The list, available at www.wattsupwiththat.com by scrolling backwards, is almost comical in its extent.
It’s amusing to read the myriad theories for why the ice cap is bigger, motivated, for the most part, by panic on the part of the scientists involved that they might have their stipends cut.
Climate change is not a far-off problem. It is happening now and is having very real consequences on people’s lives. Climate change is disrupting national economies, costing us dearly today and even more tomorrow. But there is a growing recognition that affordable, scalable solutions are available now that will enable us all to leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient economies.There is a sense that change is in the air. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has invited world leaders, from government, finance, business, and civil society to Climate Summit 2014 this 23 September to galvanize and catalyze climate action.
Problem is most of those leaders aren’t coming. Maybe they realize the whole thing’s a shuck. From Newsweek(apparently back in print — go figure):
But the U.N. Climate Summit, set for September 23, is likely to be hampered by the failure of leaders from the U.N.’s three largest member nations—China, Russia and India—to attend. China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli will represent the country at the summit, as well as the September 24-30 General Debate, instead of President Xi Jinping, and the Russian Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation. The top leaders of China and Russia won’t be coming because their schedules are too demanding, Think Progress reports.
So what, pray tell, is going on here?
In a word: distraction.
Although the UN secretary general has pronounced climate “the defining issue of our times” (Obama and Kerry have made similar remarks), everyone with an IQ in triple digits knows that it isn’t — and has for some time.
...I went to Copenhagen in 2009 for this website to cover another UN climate conference (COP 15), then considered to be extremely crucial.
Several islands — Micronesia, I think — were supposedly about to go under from the rising tides.
I ran into the representative from one of those islands and asked him if he was worried.
He started to laugh and shook his head.
So I asked him what he was doing at the conference.
I want the money, he said.LA School District Reluctantly Gives Up The Grenade Launchers The Pentagon Gave Them
LA School District Reluctantly Gives Up The Grenade Launchers The Pentagon Gave Them | Techdirt:
Just last week, MuckRock posted on its site about a FOIA request from California, detailing the military equipment given to school police forces.
Just the fact that any military equipment is being given to school police should raise some serious questions, but the one that really stood out was that the LA School Police had been given three grenade launchers, along with 61 assault rifles and one MRAP (mine resistant vehicle -- the big scary looking armored vehicles that have become one of the key symbols of police militarization).
Asked to explain itself, the LA School police chief, Steve Zipperman, claimed that the district had actually received the grenade launchers and the rifles all the way back in 2001 (though the MRAP is brand-spanking-new).
But, he claimed, we shouldn't worry too much, because the police didn't think of them as "grenade launchers," but rather "ammunition launchers," and they were mainly kept around in case other police needed them:
Just last week, MuckRock posted on its site about a FOIA request from California, detailing the military equipment given to school police forces.
Asked to explain itself, the LA School police chief, Steve Zipperman, claimed that the district had actually received the grenade launchers and the rifles all the way back in 2001 (though the MRAP is brand-spanking-new).
But, he claimed, we shouldn't worry too much, because the police didn't think of them as "grenade launchers," but rather "ammunition launchers," and they were mainly kept around in case other police needed them:
Schools stockpile grenade launchers, M16 rifles, armored vehicles and other military equipment
Schools stockpile grenade launchers, M16 rifles, armored vehicles and other military equipment - EAGnews.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nearly two dozen legal, civil rights, and education advocacy organizations recently sent a letter to the U.S. departments of Defense, Justice and Education to plead with federal officials to stop sending military equipment, weapons and armored vehicles to public schools.
The move comes as an increasing number of school districts across the country take part in the Department of Defense’s Excess Property Program, commonly known as the 1033 program.
The Huffington Post reports that at least 20 schools have taken in military-grade equipment, from grenade launchers to laptops, since the program started in 1997.
....Florida’s Pinellas County School District, for example, received almost two dozen M16 rifles, while San Diego and Los Angeles schools took in armored vehicles capable of withstanding mine explosions, according to the news site.
“Our hope is that our officers never have a need to use this equipment,” Pinellas schools public information officer Melanie Marquez Parra told the news site. “These are items we acquired so they could have equipment for worst-case scenario situations.”
San Diego Unified School District Police Chief Ruben Littlejohn told NPR the district’s mine-resistant vehicle will be used exclusively as a rescue vehicle, and that officials planned to fill it with teddy bears and trauma kits.
It’s not a militarization of public schools, he said.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nearly two dozen legal, civil rights, and education advocacy organizations recently sent a letter to the U.S. departments of Defense, Justice and Education to plead with federal officials to stop sending military equipment, weapons and armored vehicles to public schools.
The Huffington Post reports that at least 20 schools have taken in military-grade equipment, from grenade launchers to laptops, since the program started in 1997.
....Florida’s Pinellas County School District, for example, received almost two dozen M16 rifles, while San Diego and Los Angeles schools took in armored vehicles capable of withstanding mine explosions, according to the news site.
“Our hope is that our officers never have a need to use this equipment,” Pinellas schools public information officer Melanie Marquez Parra told the news site. “These are items we acquired so they could have equipment for worst-case scenario situations.”
San Diego Unified School District Police Chief Ruben Littlejohn told NPR the district’s mine-resistant vehicle will be used exclusively as a rescue vehicle, and that officials planned to fill it with teddy bears and trauma kits.
It’s not a militarization of public schools, he said.
Top DIA Officials Receive Huge Compensation Increases While Running Deficit, Raking in Taxpayer Money
Top DIA Officials Receive Huge Compensation Increases While Running Deficit, Raking in Taxpayer Money [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
Detroit Institute of Arts director sees compensation increase from $455K to $514K
Annmarie Erickson, executive vice president of the DIA, saw her total compensation jump 36.3 percent as it increased from $270,802 in 2012 to $369,366 in 2013. Erickson was recently given an additional title of Chief Operating Officer, according to the DIA website.
Detroit Institute of Arts director sees compensation increase from $455K to $514K
Graham Beal, director of the DIA, saw his total compensation increase from $455,453 in 2012 to $513,868 in 2013, a 12.8 percent increase. In two years, Beal’s total compensation has increased 20 percent from $426,699 in 2011 to the $513,868.
The salaries are reported on the DIA’s 990 Form. The most recent 2013 990 Form from the DIA was recently released by Guidestar.
The increases came despite what is described on the DIA website as a "structural operating deficit."
In 2012, voters in Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties approved a 10-year, $230 million millage for the DIA.
Typical – As Michelle Obama Purges School Vending Machines Of Sugary Snacks, WH Machine Sells 590 Calorie Honey Buns
It has been widely reported that Michelle Obama’s fight against childhood obesity in America’s schools has reached past the lunchroom into bake sales and even the vending machines.
The First Lady’s new standards remove any sugary snacks over 200 calories from the machines. Sometimes machines are emptied all together leaving students upset and hungry.
Not willing to put her healthy vending machine items where her mouth is–
Michelle’s hypocrisy is on full display in the place where she should have the most influence, The White House vending machine:
Michelle’s hypocrisy is on full display in the place where she should have the most influence, The White House vending machine:
History for September 19
History for September 19 - On-This-Day.com
Adam West 1928, Mike Royko 1932, Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers) 1940
"Mama" Cass Elliott (The Mamas and Papas) 1943, Joan Lunden 1951, Jim Abbott 1967
1777 - The Battle of Saratoga was won by American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
1876 - Melville R. Bissell patented the carpet sweeper.
1955 - Argentina President Juan Peron was ousted after a revolt by the army and navy.
1957 - The U.S. conducted its first underground nuclear test. The test took place in the Nevada desert.
1959 - Nikita Khruschev was not allowed to visit Disneyland due to security reasons. Khrushchev reacted angrily.
1970 - "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" premiered on CBS-TV.
1982 - Scott Fahlman became the first person to use :-) in an online message.
1994 - U.S. troops entered Haiti peacefully to enforce the return of exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
1995 - The U.S. Senate passed a welfare overhaul bill.
Adam West 1928, Mike Royko 1932, Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers) 1940
"Mama" Cass Elliott (The Mamas and Papas) 1943, Joan Lunden 1951, Jim Abbott 1967
1777 - The Battle of Saratoga was won by American soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
1876 - Melville R. Bissell patented the carpet sweeper.
1955 - Argentina President Juan Peron was ousted after a revolt by the army and navy.
1957 - The U.S. conducted its first underground nuclear test. The test took place in the Nevada desert.
1959 - Nikita Khruschev was not allowed to visit Disneyland due to security reasons. Khrushchev reacted angrily.
1970 - "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" premiered on CBS-TV.
1982 - Scott Fahlman became the first person to use :-) in an online message.
1994 - U.S. troops entered Haiti peacefully to enforce the return of exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
1995 - The U.S. Senate passed a welfare overhaul bill.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
LIBERTY REVIEW
LIBERTY REVIEW:
http://libertyreview76.blogspot.com/2014/09/oblivious-by-tammy-derouin-my-weekly.html
Just how ridiculous would it be to hear that your neighbor befriended an intruder? Yeah, did you hear Mr. Oblivious found an intruder in his home? Evidence indicated that after all valuables were removed, the intruder was going to destroy him and what was left of his home. Get this, instead of calling the police and having him removed, Mr. Oblivious opened up his home, giving the intruder full access to all of his possessions. He is providing him with a room and all the benefits of being a member of his family. But wait, it gets worse.
http://libertyreview76.blogspot.com/2014/09/oblivious-by-tammy-derouin-my-weekly.html
Just how ridiculous would it be to hear that your neighbor befriended an intruder? Yeah, did you hear Mr. Oblivious found an intruder in his home? Evidence indicated that after all valuables were removed, the intruder was going to destroy him and what was left of his home. Get this, instead of calling the police and having him removed, Mr. Oblivious opened up his home, giving the intruder full access to all of his possessions. He is providing him with a room and all the benefits of being a member of his family. But wait, it gets worse.
Scottish independence results: YouGov poll predicts 54% no, 46% yes
Scottish independence results: YouGov poll predicts 54% no, 46% yes - live | Politics | theguardian.com:
Scottish independence results: YouGov poll predicts 54% no, 46% yes - live
Billion Dollar Obamacare Contractor Processed Only 5% of Applications – Played Hangman Instead
Billion Dollar Obamacare Contractor Processed Only 5% of Applications – Played Hangman Instead (Video) | The Gateway Pundit:
Employees at Serco Corporation in Wentzville, Missouri, outside of St. Louis, told reporters in May that they are being paid to do nothing.
The company was paid by the government to process paper applications of those signing up for Obamacare.
But, employees were just sitting at their desk most of the day.
A former employee admitted that sometimes the employees played Trivia Pursuit, Hangman, Wheel of Fortune, games like that.
Now this…
The Obamacare contractor processed less than 5 percent of applications.
Employees at Serco Corporation in Wentzville, Missouri, outside of St. Louis, told reporters in May that they are being paid to do nothing.The company was paid by the government to process paper applications of those signing up for Obamacare.
But, employees were just sitting at their desk most of the day.
A former employee admitted that sometimes the employees played Trivia Pursuit, Hangman, Wheel of Fortune, games like that.
Now this…
The Obamacare contractor processed less than 5 percent of applications.
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