Tuesday, August 26, 2014

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!


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

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.

Monday, August 18, 2014

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.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

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
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.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Back in Minnesota come Sunday

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

Friday, August 15, 2014

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. 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

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.

Friday, August 8, 2014

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.
  

Thursday, August 7, 2014

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?



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…….

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

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)....

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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 StarsJuly 22, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
Slow. Not a lot of suspence.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

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.

Friday, July 25, 2014

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?

Thursday, July 24, 2014

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. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Stopped in Hornell, New York for some fun . . .

And now for something completely different . . . fun in upstate New York as in the RBI Tavern. The bartender gave us a tour and sang while serving up Yuengling from Pottsville Pennsylvania. This is, by the way, the oldest brewery in the Unitied States followed by Minnesota's own Schells. There ya go folks, ya learned something today, so you can now take the rest of the day off.



Monday, July 21, 2014

Many thanks to Detective Malloy for validating JusThis! Thanks also to the reader for forwarding this to me.

NYPD detective charged with filing fake crime tip for reward



NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York police detective has been arrested and charged with filing a fake crime tip in an attempt to cash in on the $1,000 reward, prosecutors said on Thursday.
John Malloy, 46, was arraigned in state court in Manhattan on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to felony counts of forgery, and filing a false claim, and lesser charges of official misconduct and attempted petty larceny, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said. He was released on his own recognizance after the hearing.
Prosecutors said Malloy, a detective with the department's Operation Gun Stop program since 2006, filed a fake tip report in November 2012 for a firearm that had already been recovered inBrooklyn. An arrest in the case had also been made without any tip, prosecutors said.
Malloy then forged the signatures of a fellow detective, a supervising sergeant and a police inspector in an effort to claim the reward, prosecutors said. The case was reported to the police department's Internal Affairs bureau for further investigation.
In a statement to investigators, Malloy said he forged the signatures merely to placate superiors who were pressuring him to file a report for a detective who took in a tip the night before, court documents show.
"I couldn't read his handwriting, so I recopied the form and signed his name and (the sergeant's name). I know I shouldn't have. I could have asked them to do it," Malloy told investigators, according to court documents.
"I was having health problems and under a lot of stress," he added, according to the documents.
An attorney for Malloy could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday.
The Gun Stop Program is run by the New York City Police Foundation as a way for civilians to report illegal gun activity. Since its inception in 2001, tips coming into the program have led to more than 5,600 arrests and the recovery of 3,350 illegal weapons, its website said.
Police have approved over $2.1 million in rewards, the website said.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Rene Michael Lima-Marin . . . What'd ya think?

My husband Rene Michael Lima-Marin was incarcerated in 1998 at the age of 19 and served 10 years of his 16 year sentence for robbery in which he used an unloaded gun and no one was hurt. He was released in 2008 and placed on parole which he successfully completed in 2013. But in January 2014 it was determined that a clerical error had been made and he was sent back to prison for an additional 90 years.  
During his six years of freedom, Rene strived to be a productive member of society.  He had been rehabilitated and took full advantage of this second chance; we had a child, purchased a home, and got married. He coached his step-son’s soccer team, mentored other youth to stay out of trouble, and maintained full time employment so he could support our family.
To take him away from our family and lock him up for the rest of his life is unjust.
I certainly do not want to make light of the mistakes that Rene made as a teenager but I do call into question the life sentence Rene and our family faces. Does a man that was formally released from the penal system, met all the conditions of this release, and turned his life around deserve this type of justice? Are we as a society really willing to accept that a clerical error is enough justification to rip apart a family?  
Rehabilitate means to help re-adapt, as to a former state of health or good repute. The entire penal system was created to rehabilitate and restore individuals to be productive members of society.  
Please sign my petition asking Attorney General John Suthers, Arapahoe County Chief Judge William Blair Sylvester, and Colorado Appeals Chief Judge Alan Loeb to release Rene from this unjust sentencing. I ask for this so he may return home where he can continue to be a tax paying model employee, an engaged and loving father and a supportive husband.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

All the advertising on this page is annoying. So annoying . . .



What does Barry Sheach . . . The Innocence Project . . . The Divide . . . Brand of Justice . . . all have in common?

They all involve highlighting improvements that need to be made in the Justice System. Mr Sheach created the 'Innocence Project' in 1991. It has since resulted in the release of 317 from prison. 18 were on death row. The Divide is set to air tomorrow night on WE tv. It highlights cases of injustice based on 'The Innocence Project'. Brand of Justice is an all too real story of a young man involved in a life or death struggle, which pits him against a justice system that has gotten it all wrong.  

Seeing is Believing

People who hit up my blog know where I stand on the issue of protestors. The point is, can't we agree to disagree and respect the other ...