“May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.”


"This report is maybe 12-years-old. Parliament buried it, and it stayed buried till River dug it up. This is what they feared she knew. And they were right to fear because there's a whole universe of folk who are gonna know it, too. They're gonna see it. Somebody has to speak for these people. You all got on this boat for different reasons, but you all come to the same place. So now I'm asking more of you than I have before. Maybe all. Sure as I know anything I know this, they will try again. Maybe on another world, maybe on this very ground swept clean. A year from now, 10, they'll swing back to the belief that they can make people . . . better. And I do not hold to that. So no more running. I aim to misbehave." ~ Captain Malcom Reynolds

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Not the most difficult solutions...

Despite what some of the movies and TV portray, most of the police investigations are really pretty straightforward - rarely is there some devious mastermind who confuses and confounds the citizens and police alike with their crimes.... at most it's a matter of figuring out the details. Not in every case of course, but in most...

Add to this, I can't figure out if most people are really as dumb as they seem, or just think that cops are dumb and will fall for stuff...

One example of this happened recently. A certain young lady managed to smash her car into a telephone pole. When I show up a couple of minutes later she can barely stand, reeks of the alcohol consumed, and in general shows every sign of what a layperson would call "being drunk".

But of course, she swears up & down she hasn't had anything to drink - after all, she's only 20, that would be illegal...

So we jump through that first hoop of establishing just HOW drunk she is.

Then, we get to the point where I put the chrome bracelets on... and I always make it a point to ask if they have anything on them I need to know about - drugs, weapons, bombs, whatever. Keep in mind, the lady in question has on a pair of jeans applied by Krylon, and a very obvious bulge in one pocket. But nope, we don't have anything on us, well maybe our cell phone and cigarettes but that's it (keeping in mind we put those in the front seat of the car about 5 minutes ago).

And then we pull out the fist-sized bag of marijuana.... ohhhh yeah, THAT one. Which she didn't think I'd find, because males can't search females (one of my favorite urban legends, right next to "if I make it home you can't arrest me").

Our relationship pretty much continued on that note throughout the evening - her trying to lie to my face, despite obvious evidence otherwise & me pointing each one out and just shaking my head as I took notes. Unfortunately, given what I know of her history, I doubt the lesson will be learned this time either.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The power of words

Lawdog has a great post up about the power of the internet and blogging in sharing the writing of others. Take a read folks.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Happy News

For those who don't know, our friend Amy (who with her husband Dave are the parents of our lovely goddaughter Amanda) has succeeded in their quest for a second pregnancy. Drop by and congratulate them at:

Yelling into the wind

Lucre, filthy lucre...

So I spent the last week training under the Federal dime, particularly under the umbrella of DHS, and have seen how much the checkbook has changed in the past few years, at least when it comes to national security...

I spent 14 years playing in the military for those who may not know. I became very accustomed to putting in 14-18 hour days in training, especially when you added in gear cleaning & maintenance, regular cleaning, and just general facility upkeep for whatever base or class I was dealing with. It was just an accepted fact that you would put in the time to get stuff ready to train the next day & take care of all the stuff they gave you.

Well, this week was definitely different - and it wasn't just my class, it was the whole thing. Gear was set out for us when we showed up in the morning, it was swapped out when required through the day (fresh ice vests after two hours training in a HAZMAT suit and SCBA is a blessing in July, trust me), and at the end of the day the magic trucks showed up to roll it all away and get it ready for the next morning.

Not to mention the constant flow of snacks, water & anything else we needed to just be able to focus on the course in question.

Now, I'm not saying this administration is perfect by any stretch - we all know I have problems with bits of it. But trust me, it is very nice from the standpoint of someone doing the job to be able to spend a week actually training, without any wasted time as opposed to ten years ago when we would have been scrounging for enough money to even show up, much less make it worth our effort. And I can honestly say everyone in the class is better prepared to go home and help our communities now.

Just something you might want to keep in mind when you decide where your priorities are...

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Home

Updates tomorrow, but I made it home safe & sound to a family happy to see me. Hope your weeks were fun as well.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Offline

As opposed to my normal excuse of "too busy to blog" this week I have a real reason - I will be out of town for the next six days, and don't know what, if any, internet access I will have. SO - No or very light posting from me, but will be back soon hopefully. Adios and all that til then my friends.

New model :D

Well, despite my wife's normal protestation, today I sat down and actually started and completed a model kit.

Start time for assembly: about 0845 am.

Finish time for assembly: about 0855 am.

Painting time this afternoon: about 5 minutes.

The seams aren't filled, nothing is sanded or detailed, and the paint job is a bit patchy.



And it is The. Best. Model. Ever. Built.





Because, you see, it was built with the assistance of my son Jacob, who has been after daddy to let him help with a model, and who loves dinosaurs with a three-year-old's passion. So, yesterday at the store we picked up
a kit for him, and first thing this morning he was bouncing up and down waiting for me to shower so we could work on his model. I glued, he held parts together and decided the order of things. He chose the colors, and helped with painting. And he spent the whole day thrilled with his new toy, and I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend the last day of the week with him.

Friday, July 11, 2008

What to do....

Pretty much everyone who knows and works with me knows that I have no problem arresting someone and making that ride... Don't get me wrong - I don't make bad or frivolous arrests, but I will take your ass to jail in a heartbeat if you've done something that needs it, and I won't feel a bit of guilt afterwards for "ruining your life/family/night/whatever" when I do so.

This week was one of those rare occasions I felt bad putting the cuffs on someone.

Like a lot of areas, we tend to get the summer thunderstorms at night - lots of heavy rain over a couple of hours, hot & humid. It can either shut things down with everyone heading inside, or flare up tempers and cause more calls along with the typical accidents and other traffic drama. This past week we had that every night, which didn't help my mood any since I felt like working and having some fun.

Then, a call comes in... maybe something fun... until I get the details. The gentleman in question literally called up saying "I'm wet. I'm drunk. Come take me to jail." I already had a feeling I wasn't going to be thrilled, but it wasn't what I expected.

I pull up to the convenience store, the sky pouring rain like the proverbial horse on a flat rock... An older man is standing at the payphone and as soon as my lights hit him he turns around, leans against the wall with his feet spread and says "I won't give you any trouble officer." I tell him to relax as I watch his hands, trying to start a conversation as I sort out how he really is. It's obvious from his clothes he hasn't been able to change them or shower in quite a while, much less get out of the summer sun or the nightly rains. His eyes have that glaze of the career alcoholic who is in his comfort zone, and he sways slightly as we talk.

"How much have you had to drink tonight?"

"Oh, I've been drinking all day sir, got a deal on some 40s."

*sigh* so much for not being drunk & me having that excuse.

"Are you SURE you want to go to jail? Can't I help you find a shelter or something? Don't you have some friends to stay with?"

"Nope. Been out on the street for about six months now. I don't feel like getting cold tonight, and I know they'll give me some dry clothes and a hot meal. What time do they serve breakfast?"

"You're not going to give me any trouble, are you?" I ask, positioning myself just in case he decides he wants to act up - drunks can be a bit unpredictable when the cuffs go on after all.

"No sir, I just need a ride down there." he responds without a bit of hesitation as he puts his hands behind his back.

This guy ended up being one of the most courteous, nicest arrests I've made over the years - heck the only way it could have been easier is if he had his own handcuffs on when I pulled up. He honestly just needed a warm, dry place to sleep and a hot meal - and this was his only choice.

Like I said it was one of the few times I felt bad taking someone to jail - he has a family out there we talked about, used to have a decent job & over the years it just all gradually fell apart. Now instead of spending his golden years with the joys of his grandchildren in his lap, or seeing his children succeed and help him in return, he is making it day by day; his only worries are his next drink and where to sleep. And when it gets too bad he wants to spend those times behind bars as opposed to walking free, just because he knows he will be taken care of. And unfortunately, every option I have to help him by this point ends in the same place.

Sometimes doing the right thing isn't that fun, even when it's right...

Thursday, July 10, 2008

The ABC's of Me

Accent: I grew up travelling all over, so it is a mix of the West/Southwest usually – so not much of one. I tend to pick up a little of wherever I am at at the moment & so blend in more or less anywhere south or west – never did the New England or Upper Midwest stuff. LOL and overseas I have been able to mimic somewhat well at times too, which has confused people!

Breakfast or no breakfast: Normally no – even when on dayshift. The most will be like fruit & yogurt if I am having some.

Chore I don't care for: Hate cleaning the bathroom & sweeping/mopping floors – rest I can tolerate!

Dog or Cat: Both – an Akita and a normal psychotic housecat.

Essential Electronics: My computer, some source of music (iPod usually), cell phone & watch.

Favorite Cologne/Perfume: Don’t wear cologne often but RGX Body Spray a bit of – I hate people who soak in the stuff!

Gold or Silver: Silver

Handedness: Right – the only thing I can do well with my left hand is type, otherwise I’m almost a complete righty!

Insomnia: almost always – I usually get by on 5-6 hours of sleep; and it’s hard for me to sleep at night which is why I work mids.

Job Title: Police Officer, madman, daddy :D.

Kids: 2: Jacob just turned 3 and is way too smart and brilliant and fun; and Kyleigh who is almost nine months old and daddy’s little girl!

Living Arrangements: Modest, a four bedroom built in 1939 and which is slowly being brought into better condition.

Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: Letting my brother get in trouble for things I had done as a kid because I knew he would get tired of getting grounded before I would & confess. Of course, I got in trouble for plenty of his stuff so it balanced out!

Most Admirable Trait: I guess my intelligence and patience with most things.

Overnight hospital stays: Pneumonia when I was three, everything else was outpatient.

Phobias: No real phobias – fear of failure and of losing control I guess. Don’t like heights (which is why I climb), and can’t really think of any other major ones.

Quote: I don’t know – my friends will have to tell me one I say all the time!

Reason to smile: I am blessed with two children who think I am the most amazing person in the world, even when I am not home & up for them or their mother nearly as much as I should be.

Siblings: One younger brother.

Time I wake up: Depending on work schedule – if normal then about 5 or so in the afternoon; if off then usually around noon or so depending on when I get to bed.

Unusual Talent or Skill: Despite the complete lack of any other artistic ability I can paint miniatures and models and actually do a pretty darn good job of it, even though I haven’t had tons of time I’ve put towards it lately.

Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: Brussel sprouts. Turnips. Onions. Peppers. Squash family. Lots of others – I am a horribly picky eater & will cook with some for flavor but never eat the bad list!

Worst Habit: I tend to hold too much inside & think that I need to do everything myself.

X-rays: Lifetime? Let’s see – normal dental xrays; chest for broken ribs once; ankle when they thought I broke it; both hands & wrists because of tendon & arthritis issues.

Yummy Stuff: Meat! Fire up that grill! Sushi. Pizza. Beer. Good cooking. I’m simple lol.

Zoo Animal I Like Most: While not a fan of animals in captivity, I would say that wolves, big cats & raptors get my general attention if I have to go.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Remember

--In Congress Assembled.

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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refuted his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred. to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

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.

--John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

nothing special

In the last month... I've lost 10 pounds... and my head is starting to clear... so perhaps things shall return to normal!

It's not that much in either case, but I'll take what I can get.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

If...

Just a few notes for our customers...

If "nothing was going on" at the house I wouldn't have been called now, would I?

If "the light was yellow" we wouldn't be having this talk...

and

If "I only had two beers" I can pretty much guarantee you wouldn't be in my handcuffs...

Just a few thoughts from the past two weeks, that's all.