Brand of Justice is a featured book on Amazon today. Not sure what that means but oh what the hell.

                                    Wow . . . some of you folks are certainly worked up over your beloved police. I'll respond to you thoughts today. Promise. Well, if ya were a little more brave or whatever and posted directly on my blog I'd do it for sure. Just saying. Be brave. Be proud. Sit in front of your computer and bang away and ask me questions and I'll tell ya no lies. Just kidding. But, seriously, be heard. 

Kajieme Powell

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Kajieme is acting strange. Police are called and shoot him to death. The police were told the man was armed with a knife. They have been trained to know a man armed with a knife can kill quickly. A training video comes to mind . . . 'Edged Weapons'. They document the man was holding the knife in an overhanded manner. When he was within 3 or 4 feet of them they fired and killed the man. The Chief backs up the officers in the media big time.

Then a pesky video shows up. We've already been discussing the changing times and what all these cameras mean to law enforcement. I can not see any knife but certainly don't observe any knife being brandished in a overhanded manner. His hands are low at his sides. I'd have to think Kajieme pulled a knife out of his pocket and was approaching the officers. The officers claimed to have fired only after the man was 3-4 feet from them. It looked farther than that to me, but then again, I wasn't being approached. Why no warning shot? That's confusing Hollywood with real world policing. Cops aren't suppose to fire 'warning shots'. I have to conclude that some . . . 'Creative Report Writing 101' . . . was used by the officers to protect their interests however. They're just justifying their actions I'm thinking. I'm not sure why they went to the lengths they did to make it appear like the perfect scenario for lethal force.

I've asked for thoughts about this incident from officers who are Facebook Friends. I've gotten no response. They're the very officers who are all over social media regarding being heroes, honor guards and whatnot. One officer did tell me he thought the officers could be in the soup when I bumped into him yesterday.

Consider this from my first book, JusThis . . .
Corruption is and always has been, imbedded into the very fabric of governmental systems. When a simple truth is brought forth that can be construed as even a little threatening, actions are taken. The voices of truth are silenced. The status qua must be maintained. The Good Old Boys Club. Words and thoughts are used to confuse and impede. The system takes care of those who serve it. Taxes have to be collected, money has to be spent and the decision makers must maintain airs of perfection. The reins of power reside in the hands of few. What a shame the politically accomplished are human and not perfect.

Rest assured, it's going to be more difficult for those who hold the reins of power to have to explain why seeing isn't believing. Good things in terms of accountability are on the horizon. But . . . how many more have to be beaten and killed before we see some of these improvements?  

Time to SIMMER down . . . SUMMER is ending. DAMN. Thanks to all of you for making it so grand.

It all started sailing the North Atlantic. Man the whales, seals, lobster and book signings. 

Found out I was missed back in the Midwest. I love you too Captain Flap. I'll sign a book for you Jayne. Many thanks for such kind words about my stories. I appreciate it. Ron's been calling and how is Bob? Glad to hear ya kicked cancer in the ass my friend. Gotta leave for one more presentation with another University and then time for some time off. Oh, I promise to make that phone call and make a certain fellows day. Peace. How about an Ice Bucket challenge Carolyn? I need a good excuse to head to Wisconsin. We could come up with something I'm sure . . . 

Nothing but Nothing

Use of Force Issues . . . Citizen Complaints . . . Militarized Police. The list goes on and on. But look. There's hope. Check this info out from Rialto, California. After cameras were introduced in February 2012, public complaints against officers plunged 88 percent compared with the previous 12 months. Officers' use of force fell by 60 percent.

Now I suppose we should consider the camo outfits from yesterdays post. Them things don't work in the snow anyways. Perhaps attire to go along with the Captains expressed desire to appear more nonmilitary. Something like . . . I got it . . . civilian police uniforms. That'd work . . . right?

Oh. Many thanks Jayne for these comments regarding Brand of Justice This book is very good if you like a mystery and a book about cops and who done it type books.

Now I'm long gone to Moorhead-Fargo & Mayville. While in New York City, I was accused of loving the promotional aspects of writing vs the actual writing of the stories. Okay . . . I admit it . . . it's always about my readers and I have to take time out for them!

Yes . . .Yes . . . there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Where is Andy Griffith when ya need him?

This just in. On the one hand you have Chuck Samuelson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union pointing out the following . . .  “We’re beginning to see that there are certain tactics that police use, certain equipment that police use, that treats a community more like an occupying force,” Samuelson said. He backs up this statement with facts and figures.

On the other hand you have Police Captain McKichan saying “It’s unfortunate in this day and age, but gun violence is pretty prevalent. We recover several guns per month.” Then in attempting to justify his stance he mentions that the police hope to repaint the Humvee and make it a little less militaristic-looking as soon as funding becomes available.

So what do you, my dear readers, think? Is the Captain implying that the police are running around in their armored vehicle recovering two weapons a month? Or perhaps he's admitting that the police are plenty nervous because of the perception of more guns in our society. I wonder if the media requested any proof regarding all the weapons being recovered. I discussed the problem Noam Chomsky first pointed out in my published story JusThis. Reporters just bobble head and report the way the police dish it up. Let me quote Noam . . . "Any dictator would admire the uniformity and obedience of the U.S. media." Read that quote twice, it's important.

What about the mentioned paint job? Perhaps a fine coat of pink would do. Or, how about dressing it up to look like an ice cream truck, complete with music and that sort of thing. That way fleeing felons would end up tripping over kids who are dashing to the truck. How about giving out free ice cream for every weapon presented to the officers hiding behind the armor?

First round goes to the ACLU. The police state has landed in the middle of paranoid America and the cops are promising to paint military equipment so it isn't military looking anymore. I'm not buying it. Where has the notion of community based policing went? If you're wondering how the incident in the photo ended up it went like this. The suspect who was thought to be armed scooted before the militarized police showed up. He was taken into custody later in a more conventional manner. 

Ice Bucket Challenge gone so terribly wrong, dead chickens, and comments from my journey across America.

I had to support Curt Albright, after he demanded that a prosecutor do his job. So far, the prosecutor won't return calls from Albright or the media.  Check it out if ya have a minute.

Just plain horrible. What did ALS have to do with this?  The worst thing going.  Emily shared her thoughts as follows . . . Why? Because he said the truth? Different standards for whites and blacks. Not ALL, but for a large number of cops are racist and ignorant. Somehow they manage to become cops with a GED degree and then feel like they are all mighty powerful especially these small town cops. Disgusting.

When cops goof up there certainly doesn't appear to be much empathy. I heard thoughts and concerns while on the road this summer. One young man was stopped in Craig, Colorado for speeding and he swore up and down that he wasn't. A young lady in North Platte, Nebraska thanked me for my thoughts in Brand of Justice. She told the officer he couldn't search her vehicle and felt 'empowered' when she said no. I tossed in the word 'empowered' by the way to shorten this post up. Oh, yes, the young lady in North Carolina who had been stopped by a trooper on three separate occasions after leaving her place of employment, a Tavern. She complained. Her side and the officers were heard in a meeting. It looked like it was her word against his. The officer evidently forgot some of the vulgar words and name calling that had been going on. Just before the meeting ended the young ladies attorney mentioned that the incident had been recorded. The end result was a month off without pay for the trooper. I wrote my first two books in an effort to shed some light on the dark side of law enforcement. To improve an understanding between authority and those who live under it.

Finally . . . an 87 year old man, Joseph, mentioned that he thought it was just plain wrong for that policeman to have been beating that woman with his fists on that LA freeway. Why in my day, you just didn't touch a woman let alone punch her frecken' lights out.

One things for sure . . . the law enforcement community is being seen in a different light. Here's to positive change my friends. Oh, if ya didn't have time to read about Curt's complaint . . . don't eat chicken from Prince Poultry. That outfit just plain don't get it. Period. See ya tomorrow on this blog, keep the thoughts and concerns coming my way.

  Why?  Because he said the truth? Different standards for whites and blacks. Not ALL, but a large number of cops are racists and ignorant. Somehow they managed to become cops with a GED degree and then feel like they are all mighty powerful especially these small town cops.  Disgusting! Why?  Because he said the truth? Different standards for whites and blacks. Not ALL, but a large number of cops are racists and ignorant. Somehow they managed to become cops with a GED degree and then feel like they are all mighty powerful especially these small town cops.  Disgusting!  Why?  Because he said the truth? Different standards for whites and blacks. Not ALL, but a large number of cops are racists and ignorant. Somehow they managed to become cops with a GED degree and then feel like they are all mighty powerful especially these small town cops.  Disgusting!

Wow, Brand of Justice on the Time Square Screen with Tyra Banks.

Tera Banks reads Brand of Justice?

Good Thing 'bout Ferguson

Okay, lets get this straight. We've been discussing the need to demilitarize the police in this land of liberty for what . . . like 6 or 7 months. Right? Now the President is recognizing the fact of the matter due to the Ferguson incident. President Obama could learn a lot from this blog. It all starts with education. Reading, listening to other points of view and on and on. Pick up a copy of Brand of Justice Mr. President and read away.

My thoughts on Officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Missouri PD

Granted . . . I'm dealing with dished up info from the media. We saw in my story . . . JusThis how things are spun. So that being said, consider this. Micheal Brown is in a store and pushes someone into a display and punches the gal who was working at the counter. Brown is an enormous 18 year old, unarmed man, in a nasty mood. He's walking down the street and is told by Officer Wilson to get to the sidewalk. Wilson doesn't know he's just encountered someone who walked out of a store with cigars. Micheal Brown knows full well and must be wondering what's going to go down 'as in is he going to get busted? A struggle ensures in the car. Initially it was reported that the cop was trying to pull Brown into the car but I know, no cop is going to do that. There is a struggle over the Officers' weapon and shots ring out. Brown starts leaving the area but then spins on the officer and charges according to one account. He was 6' 4' and is shot in the top of the head. Sounds to me like he could have been leaning towards the officer. The witness who was in the store with Brown failed to mention the robbery. I'm inclined to believe from what I've heard so far that this was a justified use of deadly force. Browns actions put Officer Wilson in a horrible spot. Brown was unarmed but I get the feeling he could've been interested in arming himself at the Officers expense. One last thought. Why would a racist officer shoot someone, because they're black, in broad daylight?

My thoughts go out to Officer Wilson. One witness said he had a dazed and confused look on his face. That is the proper response, in my humble opinion, to having just taken a human life. Policing is a difficult profession.

As the readers of my stories know, I take opportunities to call out the bad cops for their actions. This time around, I'm getting the feeling that once the dust settles, there will be no arrest. This appears to be a justified use of deadly force.

From Robert Nelson to Steven Zelich

It's never really been safe out there . . . my stories just highlight the good, the bad and the ugly. I expect to be back in the swing of things soon. Did you guys miss me while I was running around the Big Apple?

Authorities exhume body in 1980 murder Technology may help ID victim

Published 10:13am Thursday, August 14, 2014

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BLUE EARTH — Authorities exhumed the body Tuesday of a woman discovered dead in 1980 in a rural Blue Earth drainage ditch in hopes of discovering her identity with new technology.

The woman, known by police as Jane Doe, was dug out of the Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth by the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, according to a press release.

A farmer originally discovered Jane Doe on May 30, 1980, in rural Blue Earth in a drainage ditch along Interstate 90 between the Blue Earth and Frost exit.

The perpetrator, Robert Leroy Nelson, was an on-duty Minnesota State Patrol trooper. He confessed to the crime nine years later. The woman was an apparent hitchhiker.

The press release states the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office has received hundreds of leads during the last 34 years on the identity of the woman, and officials hope an accurate record of her DNA profile could match her to any of her family members.

Also assisting with the investigation and exhumation was the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, the Midwest Association of Forensic Scientists, a forensic anthropologist, the Blue Earth Police Department, Patton Funeral Home, Faribault County Attorney Troy Timmerman, G&S Drainage and Excavation and The Riverside cemetery maintenance and grounds crew.

Anyone with information about Jane Doe or the case is asked to contact the Faribault County Sheriff’s Office at 507-5276-5148.

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Back in Minnesota come Sunday

Looking forward to presenting at Winona State. Always good to be in the company of our futures. 

On going Ferguson Mo. saga

Finally some transparency. After a week it appears that Michael may have been involved with a strong armed robbery? Policing is difficult. Questions that continue to loom; Why doesn't the community believe in their Police Dept? Why does the Dept seem to be confused on what information can be released in the interest of transparency? Why did some citizens of Ferguson loot and commit acts of arson in their own community? One thing is for sure, I agree with the National Black Coalition member who pointed out, that there is a moral decline in this great country of ours. 

Michael Brown . . . Ferguson Missouri

With Justhis we have already looked at what happens when the police make a mistake. So now the President, the Governor and the whole country is wondering why. In Brand of Justice we peeked into police actions. Washington Post journalist was subjected to some of the," head into the door" business, that was included in my Brand of Justice. So you see, the truth seems to be coming out.
New York City has been grand, now I am hanging out near the Canadian Border, may have to get myself pointed in the direction of Ferguson. Be careful out there, truth hurts more than fictional accounts of bad decisions.

Airports, Fans and Jesse Ventura

Hanging out in an airport and got to thinking how lucky I've been. Many thanks for all of you who I've been fortunate enough to cross paths with. From RAT in Maine to Dave in Fargo to Margo in Valentine . . . it's all been great.

It all was possible because of Brand of Justice. It's a story that resulted in my passion shared by Barry Scheck and his Innocence Project. Is the story true? Well, it's located in the fictional zone but who knows. . . perhaps it could be placed in the gonzo fictional zone. Patience please with your thoughts and concerns. I'll make attempts to address them as soon as time is on my side as Mick Jagger once sang.

In the Minneapolis International Airport.

Spotted by a fan who had many kind words about JusThis.

Governor Jesse Ventura hanging with yours truly in a prior life.

  

Brian Fitch kills claiming he hates cops and is guilty . . .

He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man. From all indications it sure seems that Mr. Fitch is a beast. Anger begets anger and can it be said . . . 'He who makes a beast of himself also makes a beast of others'? Angst rises from the mass of humanity and so the song remains the same. Laura indicates that actions speak louder than words. So now what? More of the 'us' against 'them' mentality, as blood flows in the streets of the free and brave?

Laura W 

World news stated that
policemen deaths are up by 65% since 2011 and most are from ambushes. Police
departments can’t really be surprised by this. As much as I hate hearing of a
policeman’s death it doesn’t surprise me.

It never ceases to
amaze me how police departments are always saying how they don't understand why
people aren't more sympathetic when a police officer is injured or killed. Well
it is their fault. Social media has exposed their brutality towards people and
their pets on a daily basis and with everyone armed with a camera they will
continue to be exposed. Their own actions have desensitized people to what
happens to them----and for those who aren't yet desensitized it is just a
matter of time. Police openly break the law without consequences daily as evidenced
by all the available video online and they wonder why they are not given
any respect. You have to give it to get
it.

A policeman used to be someone you could look
up to and go to for help but not anymore. Now people tend to take care of themselves
rather than call the police due to their lack of trust in the police. I have known some very good policemen in the
past but can’t say too much about now. I keep seeing the words “Police State”
used to describe people’s respective police department which doesn’t bode to
well for policemen. Again you have to
give respect to get it…….

Been touring the country and lovin' it. Will make attempts at sorting out this the sordid tangle of experiences soon enough but first off to The Big Apple.

Sorry we missed you a few weeks ago, Curt & Peggy!  Wow, landing pretty much in the backyard is funny!  Sorry you lost the phone number!! Yes, when in LG, we shop AT that Piggly Wiggly!  Yes, you were about 1 mile from the (Suitcase) crime scene.....(that scenario continues to majorly unfold)....

Many thanks to Bonnie for reading and reviewing Brand of Justice

Many thanks go out to Bonnie for her comments regarding my story. Without readers there would be no writers. Here goes. Kurt Vonnegut once said . . . "Find a subject you care about and which you in your heart feel others should care about. It is this genuine caring, not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive element in your style." That's me in a nutshell. I have an inner angst screaming to be released. This angst demands checks and balances regarding a Criminal Justice system run amok.

That being said, I agree with Bonnie, who feels there wasn't enough suspense. My work, Brand of Justice, includes elements of suspense and drama. It does not read like a Clive Cussler or Stephen King novel. It holds different human behaviors in the balance and looks at the ramifications of said behavior. Please take this into consideration before reading Brand of Justice. Thanks again for Bonnie for taking time to share her thoughts.

 3.0 out of 5 stars

 Three Stars, July 22, 2014

By 

BONNIE - See all my reviews

Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Brand of Justice: Righting a Wrong, Making it Right! (Kindle Edition)

Slow. Not a lot of suspence.

Off The Beaten Path Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Steamboat Springs Colorado.

Planning on being on the Beaten Path come Tuesday. Will be there from 11 until 1. Many thanks. Keep reading. Oh, if you're wondering about my angst, my drive, my sense of going gonzo in the fictional sense, please read the following. Remember, it can happen to you and yours.

DALLAS (Reuters) - A 57-year-old Texas man who spent 12 years in prison for rape was exonerated on Friday, with legal experts saying his case marked the first time someone has been cleared of a crime by DNA testing that was not requested by the convicted person.

Michael Phillips was released from prison in 2002 and prosecutors said his innocence was proven through a new program by the Dallas County district attorney's office to analyze untested rape kits, even if the defendant does not make a request.

"Untested rape kits should not just sit on a shelf and collect dust. The exoneration continues to expose the past weakness in our criminal justice system,” Dallas County prosecutor Craig Watkins said in a statement.

According to the National Registry of Exonerations, Phillips' case marks the first time in the United States an exoneration of this nature has occurred. The group said the case became the 34th exoneration by the Dallas District Attorney's Conviction Integrity Unit.

Phillips was exonerated at a hearing on Friday. The actual culprit in the 1990 rape of a 16-year-old girl was identified through the DNA testing but cannot be prosecuted because the statute of limitations has expired, officials said.

The man lived in the same motel as Phillips and the victim.

Philips was identified in a lineup by the victim and said his attorney urged him to accept a plea deal because a jury likely would not side with a black man accused of raping a white teenage girl, the National Registry of Exonerations said.

After his release in 2002, he spent an additional six months in jail for failing to register as a sex offender. During that time, Philips challenged his conviction in court but when that failed, he gave up trying to clear his name.

He has been living in a nursing home, wheelchair bound from sickle-cell anemia.

"I never imagined I would live to see my name cleared. I always told everyone I was innocent and now people will finally believe me,” Phillips said in a statement.

Under Texas law, Phillips is entitled to $80,000 compensation for each year of wrongful conviction plus an additional $80,000 each year for life.

Plenty of Good to go around, also . . . folks.

So a couple go on a carjacking rampage yesterday in Denver. I'm going to be there next week. Was glad to see the State Trooper confront and handle the situation as he did.

Who knew that writing books entailed so much hurrying up to wait?

Polk County Iowa Shooting . . . and then the lies start . . .

Shooting' on Video

The officer have no idea what's going on here. They start beating on the windows and the officer attempts to change which hand he is holding the gun in and it's clearly an accident. Hey, accidents happen. But then . . . the spokesperson says it was accidentally fired as the officer attempt to holster the weapon. Who ya going to believe? Your eyes, or the spokesperson? You can clearly see the weapon was being thrust towards the vehicle and not the officers hip where holsters are located. Accidents happen but the lies have to stop before we can learn something from 'em! This kinda of thing (the lies) have to stop but they won't.