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The Prince George’s County Police Department’s participation in a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation called Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones—had a strong start in its first week.
On November 21, 23, 24, 2012, police officers focused their enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor, the Route 1 corridor, and along East/West Highway between the hours of 9:00 pm and 3:00 am. On those nights, police officers made 200 traffic stops, issuing more than 200 traffic citations, made 12 DUI arrests, and three criminal and drug-related arrests.
The PGPD will continue this enforcement on known high drinking and driving nights through May 2013. The next scheduled enforcement is set for December 7, 2012.
30 Kasım 2012 Cuma
PGPD Searches for Murder Suspect
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The Prince George’s County Police Department is searching for a second suspect in the murder of 31 year-old Sharod Darnell James in Seat Pleasant.
On November 16, 2012, at approximately 11:50 pm, police officers responded to the 5600 block of Martin Luther King Jr.Highway for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police officers found James, of the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace in Southeast Washington, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
On November 21, 2012, detectives arrested 24 year-old Mahdi Lawson, of the 13000 block of Bishops Bequest Road in Upper Marlboro, in connection with the murder.
Detectives are now searching for a second suspect identified as 23 year-old Joshua Jermaine Benton of the District of Columbia. Benton has a prominent tattoo on his right forearm. It is important to note that Benton has a twin brother who is not connected to this case.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division/Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tips” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $25,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.
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| Joshua Jermaine Benton |
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| Joshua Jermaine Benton |
On November 16, 2012, at approximately 11:50 pm, police officers responded to the 5600 block of Martin Luther King Jr.Highway for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police officers found James, of the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace in Southeast Washington, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
On November 21, 2012, detectives arrested 24 year-old Mahdi Lawson, of the 13000 block of Bishops Bequest Road in Upper Marlboro, in connection with the murder.
Detectives are now searching for a second suspect identified as 23 year-old Joshua Jermaine Benton of the District of Columbia. Benton has a prominent tattoo on his right forearm. It is important to note that Benton has a twin brother who is not connected to this case.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division/Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925. Callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You may also text “PGPD plus your tips” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgpolice.org and submit a tip online. Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $25,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in this case.
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Find a Gift For a Man's 65th Birthday - 3 Tips
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Everett - Find a Gift For a Man's 65th Birthday - 3 Tips.Advertisements The content is good quality and helpful content, Which is new is that you never knew before that I do know is that I actually have discovered. Before the distinctive. It is now near to enter destination Find a Gift For a Man's 65th Birthday - 3 Tips.
Do you know about - Find a Gift For a Man's 65th Birthday - 3 Tips
Everett ! Again, for I know. Ready to share new things that are useful. You and your friends.A man who is about to turn 65 has a lot to be thankful for. If he is lucky, he has his health, he has friends, and a family to call his own. Even a 65-year old who doesn't have all of that is still very fortunate to be alive on the planet.
What I said. It isn't outcome that the true about Everett . You check out this article for info on anyone need to know is Everett .How is Find a Gift For a Man's 65th Birthday - 3 Tips
We had a good read. For the benefit of yourself. Be sure to read to the end. I want you to get good knowledge from Everett .A lot can happen over the course of sixty-five years, including multiple career changes, friends coming and going, and hopefully a serious romantic relationship or two. Many people at this age have also moved a number of times during their lives, either within the same city or across great distances.
Given the often-rocky economic climate of the current age, many 65 year-olds have chosen to forgo retirement. Instead, he is choosing to work for a few more years in order to build up his retirement nest egg. Either way, he is probably at least slowing down his work life a bit at this age.
65-Year Olds Just Want To Have Fun
When it comes to the topic of enjoying oneself, 65-year olds are at the top of their game. Whether retired or still working, they have had a lifetime to develop a set of hobbies they love. At the same time, others are just now giving themselves the opportunity to really explore what they really like doing - having spent most of their adult lives supporting their families.
The bottom line is that 65 year-olds are very focused on having a good time. They know that they only have a limited number of years of relative freedom left when it comes to having healthy bodies and they want to get all they can out of life.
The Right Birthday Gift Shows Him You Know What He Loves
If you are looking for the right birthday gift for a 65 year-old man in your life, you will score a big win with him if you can choose something that reflects what he loves to do.
Of course, not every man wears what they love on their sleeve. In some cases, you will have to do a little bit of digging in order to figure out exactly what that is. But, if you pay attention to the signs and clues, you can figure it out pretty easily.
Find a Gift for a Man's 65th Birthday - 3 Tips
Here are 3 tips for finding the right gift for man's 65th birthday party:
1. Find a gift that accentuates his enjoyment of what he already loves: While many men's tastes get more well-defined as they age, men often get more frugal as well. This means that they end up not buying something that would support their hobby, just to save money. Once you figure out what he loves to do, look for the obvious item that he lacks but that would support that hobby. You might be surprised at what he does not have.
2. Consider buying something with a sense of history: While the definition of "old" is, well, ill-defined, most can agree that a 65 year-old is in the second half of his life. As we get older, we appreciate history - both history-at-large and our own personal history - more and more. Find a gift for him such as a set of books (or books on tape), DVDs, or historical artifacts that can tell him more about the history he loves.
3. Get him something he can do with his significant other: If he is married or has another special lady in his life, why not buy him a gift that he can do with her? A game, tickets to a concert, or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant will all be treasured gifts.
Follow these 3 tips for finding the right gift for a man's 65th birthday.
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Paleo Diet Recipes: The ''Paleo Diet Recipes'' Cookbook
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Weight Loss - Paleo Diet Recipes: The ''Paleo Diet Recipes'' Cookbook.Sponsored links
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Paleo Diet Recipes: The ''Paleo Diet Recipes'' Cookbook Tube. Duration : 10.72 Mins.We had a good read. For the benefit of yourself. Be sure to read to the end. I want you to get good knowledge from Weight Loss.www.ThePaleoDietEbook.com www.thepaleodietebook.com Paleo Diet Recipes The ''Paleo Diet Recipes'' Cookbook The ''paleo recipe cookbook'' is a downloadable PDF e-book that you will be able to use freely on your PC, Mac or even your iPad or iPhone. You get immediate access to secure download....I hope you will get new knowledge about Weight Loss. Where you'll be able to offer easy use in your day-to-day life. And most importantly, your reaction is their explanation Weight Loss|at Bing Weight Loss}.View Related articles related to Weight Loss. I Roll below. I have counseled my friends to help share the Facebook Twitter Like Tweet. Can you share Paleo Diet Recipes: The ''Paleo Diet Recipes'' Cookbook.
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Boeing's Newest Aircraft Model, The 787 Dreamliner, Takes Off
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Boeing Everett - Boeing's Newest Aircraft Model, The 787 Dreamliner, Takes Off.Advertisements The content is good quality and useful content, That is new is that you simply never knew before that I know is that I even have discovered. Prior to the distinctive. It's now near to enter destination Boeing's Newest Aircraft Model, The 787 Dreamliner, Takes Off.
Do you know about - Boeing's Newest Aircraft Model, The 787 Dreamliner, Takes Off
Boeing Everett! Again, for I know. Ready to share new things that are useful. You and your friends.Boeing's newest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner finally took its first flight on December 15 at the company's Everett Paine airstrip in Washington State. The 787 was created in replacement of the aging and deteriorating 767 and 757 models. During its first flight there were about 25,000 spectators who gathered in Everett just to witnessed such historic event, when an airliner made out of composite materials and plastics have finally be airborne.
What I said. It is not outcome that the true about Boeing Everett. You see this article for information about anyone need to know is Boeing Everett.How is Boeing's Newest Aircraft Model, The 787 Dreamliner, Takes Off
We had a good read. For the benefit of yourself. Be sure to read to the end. I want you to get good knowledge from Boeing Everett.Excitement fills the air, the same way when Concorde took its final flight some years ago. Fire trucks and emergency response units stand by on both sides of the runway. The crew, spearheaded by two pilots, taxied the huge aircraft out to one end of the runway and from there it paused for a moment and wait for the engines to heat up while the engineers anxiously move from one foot to another. The terrible roar was expected as the aircraft lifted off but it was one of the latest breed of engines and noise levels are pretty muted.
In a press release, Boeing announced that the test flight was intended to test basic system performance. Obviously, it worked exactly as projected. It was supposed to be a four hour test flight, but it ended up to three due to the bad weather condition that day.
Presently, there are already 6 models of 787 Dreamliner that exists. These are built for further testing that will run for about three quarters of a year. Within this period these aircraft will be tested to destruction. It will run nearly beyond their levels of endurance and at high and low temperatures. This is to qualify for an FAA certification for passenger flight. It is basically the standard and SOP for every brand new aircraft model. It should specifically required for an aircraft that is as advanced and innovative as 787 Dreamliner.
I hope you receive new knowledge about Boeing Everett. Where you can put to easy use in your day-to-day life. And most importantly, your reaction is Boeing Everett.View Related articles related to Boeing Everett. I Roll below. I even have recommended my friends to assist share the Facebook Twitter Like Tweet. Can you share Boeing's Newest Aircraft Model, The 787 Dreamliner, Takes Off.Related post
29 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
PGPD to Give Warm Coats to Those in Need
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The Prince George’s County Police Department is turning the gymnasium at police headquarters into a coat closet. On Friday, November 30, members of the community are welcome to stop by and receive a new or gently-used coat free of charge. The PGPD partnered with the One Warm Coat Organization in October to begin collecting coats for those in need in our community. So far, we’ve received more than 500 donations, but we are hoping to exceed our total last year of more than 1500 coats. There is still time to donate. Collections boxes are set up at locations throughout the county including the six PGPD district stations.
Who: Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division
When: Friday, November 30, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Police Services Complex
Members of the media are welcome to attend Friday’s event. For more information, please contact Cpl. Jessica Mercer, of the Community Services Division, at 301-909-7126.
The Prince George’s County Police Department is turning the gymnasium at police headquarters into a coat closet. On Friday, November 30, members of the community are welcome to stop by and receive a new or gently-used coat free of charge. The PGPD partnered with the One Warm Coat Organization in October to begin collecting coats for those in need in our community. So far, we’ve received more than 500 donations, but we are hoping to exceed our total last year of more than 1500 coats. There is still time to donate. Collections boxes are set up at locations throughout the county including the six PGPD district stations.
Who: Prince George’s County Police Department’s Community Services Division
When: Friday, November 30, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Police Services Complex
Members of the media are welcome to attend Friday’s event. For more information, please contact Cpl. Jessica Mercer, of the Community Services Division, at 301-909-7126.
Toys for Tots Toy Drive Underway at PGPD
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The Prince George’s CountyPolice Department is once again partnering with the United States Marine CorpsReserves to host the Toys for Tots program in Prince George’s County. Each Christmas season, the program collects new, unwrapped toys anddistributes them to families in need. Last year, the community’sgenerosity helped collect and distribute some 37,000 toys, with more than 7,000county families benefiting from the program.
Donations are already being accepted for this year’s toy drive. Please visit www.toysfortots.org to find drop-offlocations or sign up as a volunteer. Recipients must pre-registerat the same website before December 7, 2012, to attend the event and receivetoys. The collected toys will be handed out December 22, 2012.
When: Saturday, December 22, 2012
Where: Prince George’sCounty Police Department Headquarters
7600Barlowe Road
Landover,MD 20785
The Prince George’s CountyPolice Department is once again partnering with the United States Marine CorpsReserves to host the Toys for Tots program in Prince George’s County. Each Christmas season, the program collects new, unwrapped toys anddistributes them to families in need. Last year, the community’sgenerosity helped collect and distribute some 37,000 toys, with more than 7,000county families benefiting from the program.
Donations are already being accepted for this year’s toy drive. Please visit www.toysfortots.org to find drop-offlocations or sign up as a volunteer. Recipients must pre-registerat the same website before December 7, 2012, to attend the event and receivetoys. The collected toys will be handed out December 22, 2012.
When: Saturday, December 22, 2012
Where: Prince George’sCounty Police Department Headquarters
7600Barlowe Road
Landover,MD 20785
Angry? There's a class for that
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by Airman 1st Class Kia Atkins
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/16/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seemed to be going right and someone knew exactly what buttons to push and they were not only pushing them, they were bashing them with a hammer? Maybe on a different day you would be able to deal with the situation, but this time you are seriously contemplating punching someone in the face or maybe giving them a piece of your mind.
If you feel like the anger or stress in your life is getting difficult to handle on your own or you would like to learn some techniques to help resolve stressful situations in your life, Family Advocacy can help. The anger management class teaches a variety of techniques to better cope with life's stressors.
"Something we do not advocate in anger management is to suppress your anger," said David Powell, 35th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager. "We advocate managing your anger by taking a time out, going for a walk, taking deep breaths, going to the gym, taking a hot bath, different thinking methods and things of that nature."
The class is offered to active duty servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians and dependents that are eighteen and older. Anger management is four classes long and starts the first Wednesday of every month.
Everyone has different ways of handling things that make them angry and some people handle it better than others, but you know yourself best, said Powell. If you feel like your anger is worse than normal, you can come by and see us, he said.
So if you're having one of those days where someone is pushing your buttons so hard that you are fighting the urge to jump over your desk and take them down, maybe you should give local anger management a shot by calling to sign up.
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
11/16/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seemed to be going right and someone knew exactly what buttons to push and they were not only pushing them, they were bashing them with a hammer? Maybe on a different day you would be able to deal with the situation, but this time you are seriously contemplating punching someone in the face or maybe giving them a piece of your mind.
If you feel like the anger or stress in your life is getting difficult to handle on your own or you would like to learn some techniques to help resolve stressful situations in your life, Family Advocacy can help. The anger management class teaches a variety of techniques to better cope with life's stressors.
"Something we do not advocate in anger management is to suppress your anger," said David Powell, 35th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager. "We advocate managing your anger by taking a time out, going for a walk, taking deep breaths, going to the gym, taking a hot bath, different thinking methods and things of that nature."
The class is offered to active duty servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians and dependents that are eighteen and older. Anger management is four classes long and starts the first Wednesday of every month.
Everyone has different ways of handling things that make them angry and some people handle it better than others, but you know yourself best, said Powell. If you feel like your anger is worse than normal, you can come by and see us, he said.
So if you're having one of those days where someone is pushing your buttons so hard that you are fighting the urge to jump over your desk and take them down, maybe you should give local anger management a shot by calling to sign up.
Mexican National Sentenced to 54 Months in Prison for Trafficking the Identities of Puerto Rican U.S. Citizens
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WASHINGTON – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 54 months in prison for trafficking of identities of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and corresponding identity documents, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Rosa E. RodrÃguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico; Director John Morton of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Chief Postal Inspector Guy J. Cottrell of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Scott P. Bultrowicz, Director of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Chief Richard Weber.
Jose Sergio Garcia-Ramirez, 37, formerly of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. GelpÃ, in the District of Puerto Rico. Judge Gelpà also ordered that Garcia-Ramirez forfeit $35,900 in proceeds and ordered the removal of Garcia-Ramirez from the United States after the completion of his sentence.
On July 17, 2012, Garcia-Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit identification fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce J. McGiverin in the District of Puerto Rico.
Garcia-Ramirez was charged in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico on Mar. 22, 2012. To date, a total of 53 individuals have been charged for their roles in the identity trafficking scheme, and 18 defendants have pleaded guilty.
Court documents allege that individuals located in the Savarona area of Caguas, Puerto Rico (Savarona suppliers), obtained Puerto Rican identities and corresponding identity documents. Other conspirators located in various cities throughout the United States (identity brokers) allegedly solicited customers and sold Social Security cards and corresponding Puerto Rico birth certificates for prices ranging from $700 to $2,500 per set. The superseding indictment alleges that identity brokers ordered the identity documents from Savarona suppliers, on behalf of the customers, by making coded telephone calls. The conspirators are charged with using text messages, money transfer services and express, priority or regular U.S. mail to complete their illicit transactions.
Court documents allege that some identity brokers assumed a Puerto Rican identity themselves and used that identity in connection with the trafficking operation. Their customers allegedly generally obtained the identity documents to assume the identity of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and to obtain additional identification documents, such as legitimate state driver’s licenses. Some customers allegedly obtained the documents to commit financial fraud and attempted to obtain a U.S. passport.
According to court documents, various identity brokers were operating in Rockford, Ill.; DeKalb, Ill.; Aurora, Ill.; Seymour, Ind.; Columbus, Ind.; Indianapolis; Hartford, Conn.; Clewiston, Fla.; Lilburn, Ga.; Norcross, Ga.; Salisbury, Md.; Columbus, Ohio; Fairfield, Ohio; Dorchester, Mass.; Lawrence, Mass.; Salem, Mass.; Worcester, Mass.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nebraska City, Neb.; Elizabeth, N.J.; Burlington, N.C.; Hickory, N.C.; Hazelton, Pa.; Philadelphia; Houston; Abingdon, Va.; Albertville, Ala.; and Providence, R.I.
Garcia-Ramirez admitted that he was an identity broker in the conspiracy and operated in Illinois. Garcia-Ramirez is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in this case.
The charges are the result of Operation Island Express, an ongoing, nationally-coordinated investigation led by the ICE-HSI Chicago Office and USPIS, DSS and IRS-CI offices in Chicago, in coordination with the ICE-HSI San Juan Office. The Illinois Secretary of State Police; Elgin, Ill., Police Department; Seymour, Ind., Police Department; and Indiana State Police provided substantial assistance. The ICE-HSI Assistant Attaché office in the Dominican Republic and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2) as well as various ICE, USPIS, DSS and IRS-CI offices around the country provided invaluable assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys James S. Yoon, Hope S. Olds, Courtney B. Schaefer and Christina Giffin of the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, with the assistance of Acting Deputy Chief Jeannette Gunderson of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Indiana, District of Connecticut, District of Massachusetts, District of Nebraska, Middle District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio and Western District of Virginia provided substantial assistance.
Jose Sergio Garcia-Ramirez, 37, formerly of Rockford, Ill., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gustavo A. GelpÃ, in the District of Puerto Rico. Judge Gelpà also ordered that Garcia-Ramirez forfeit $35,900 in proceeds and ordered the removal of Garcia-Ramirez from the United States after the completion of his sentence.
On July 17, 2012, Garcia-Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit identification fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce J. McGiverin in the District of Puerto Rico.
Garcia-Ramirez was charged in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico on Mar. 22, 2012. To date, a total of 53 individuals have been charged for their roles in the identity trafficking scheme, and 18 defendants have pleaded guilty.
Court documents allege that individuals located in the Savarona area of Caguas, Puerto Rico (Savarona suppliers), obtained Puerto Rican identities and corresponding identity documents. Other conspirators located in various cities throughout the United States (identity brokers) allegedly solicited customers and sold Social Security cards and corresponding Puerto Rico birth certificates for prices ranging from $700 to $2,500 per set. The superseding indictment alleges that identity brokers ordered the identity documents from Savarona suppliers, on behalf of the customers, by making coded telephone calls. The conspirators are charged with using text messages, money transfer services and express, priority or regular U.S. mail to complete their illicit transactions.
Court documents allege that some identity brokers assumed a Puerto Rican identity themselves and used that identity in connection with the trafficking operation. Their customers allegedly generally obtained the identity documents to assume the identity of Puerto Rican U.S. citizens and to obtain additional identification documents, such as legitimate state driver’s licenses. Some customers allegedly obtained the documents to commit financial fraud and attempted to obtain a U.S. passport.
According to court documents, various identity brokers were operating in Rockford, Ill.; DeKalb, Ill.; Aurora, Ill.; Seymour, Ind.; Columbus, Ind.; Indianapolis; Hartford, Conn.; Clewiston, Fla.; Lilburn, Ga.; Norcross, Ga.; Salisbury, Md.; Columbus, Ohio; Fairfield, Ohio; Dorchester, Mass.; Lawrence, Mass.; Salem, Mass.; Worcester, Mass.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nebraska City, Neb.; Elizabeth, N.J.; Burlington, N.C.; Hickory, N.C.; Hazelton, Pa.; Philadelphia; Houston; Abingdon, Va.; Albertville, Ala.; and Providence, R.I.
Garcia-Ramirez admitted that he was an identity broker in the conspiracy and operated in Illinois. Garcia-Ramirez is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in this case.
The charges are the result of Operation Island Express, an ongoing, nationally-coordinated investigation led by the ICE-HSI Chicago Office and USPIS, DSS and IRS-CI offices in Chicago, in coordination with the ICE-HSI San Juan Office. The Illinois Secretary of State Police; Elgin, Ill., Police Department; Seymour, Ind., Police Department; and Indiana State Police provided substantial assistance. The ICE-HSI Assistant Attaché office in the Dominican Republic and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center (IOC-2) as well as various ICE, USPIS, DSS and IRS-CI offices around the country provided invaluable assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys James S. Yoon, Hope S. Olds, Courtney B. Schaefer and Christina Giffin of the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, with the assistance of Acting Deputy Chief Jeannette Gunderson of the Criminal Division’s Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, and the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Indiana, District of Connecticut, District of Massachusetts, District of Nebraska, Middle District of North Carolina, Southern District of Ohio and Western District of Virginia provided substantial assistance.
Marshal’s New Tip Capabilities Net 23 Year Fugitive
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Detroit,MI – The Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team (DFAT) has made its first arrestusing the new TIP411 system that it rolled out a few weeks ago. Shannon GeneRing, 46 years old, of Monroe, Michigan, was arrested by the Marshals led DFATearlier today. The arrest came as a direct result of a tip received via the newtexting tip service recently. Ring was wanted in Monroe County from 1989 forFailure to Appear for a Probation Violation with the underlying charge being Manufactureand Deliver a Controlled Substance (Marijuana). Ring was arrested in the 400block of Antoinette in the City of Detroit without incident. He had only beenback in Michigan from California for a day when DFAT received the text tip. Hewas transported to Monroe County Jail and will appear in court within the nextfew days.
Underthe new texting tip system the Task Force is now able to receive anonymous tipsfrom the public via text message. Tipsters are now able to send a tip to theTask Force by texting keyword “DFAT” and your tip to 847411 (tip411).Thetechnology is available from a company called Citizen Observer whichspecializes in providing this service to law enforcement agencies. Theirservice guarantees that the tipster and the tipster’s phone number remainanonymous to the law enforcement agency unless the tipster chooses to identifythemselves.
TheU.S. Marshal led Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team has brought together someof the best federal, state, and local fugitive hunters in the Eastern Districtof Michigan. Coupled with this new technology, DFAT fugitive hunters will beeven more formidable.
U.S.Marshal Robert M Grubbs stated, “This new tool provides the public with yetanother method of delivering valuable information to our Task Force to utilizewhen pursuing these wanted fugitives. We are optimistic that this will lead tomany more arrests as our tip phone line has thus far.”
Detroit,MI – The Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team (DFAT) has made its first arrestusing the new TIP411 system that it rolled out a few weeks ago. Shannon GeneRing, 46 years old, of Monroe, Michigan, was arrested by the Marshals led DFATearlier today. The arrest came as a direct result of a tip received via the newtexting tip service recently. Ring was wanted in Monroe County from 1989 forFailure to Appear for a Probation Violation with the underlying charge being Manufactureand Deliver a Controlled Substance (Marijuana). Ring was arrested in the 400block of Antoinette in the City of Detroit without incident. He had only beenback in Michigan from California for a day when DFAT received the text tip. Hewas transported to Monroe County Jail and will appear in court within the nextfew days.
Underthe new texting tip system the Task Force is now able to receive anonymous tipsfrom the public via text message. Tipsters are now able to send a tip to theTask Force by texting keyword “DFAT” and your tip to 847411 (tip411).Thetechnology is available from a company called Citizen Observer whichspecializes in providing this service to law enforcement agencies. Theirservice guarantees that the tipster and the tipster’s phone number remainanonymous to the law enforcement agency unless the tipster chooses to identifythemselves.
TheU.S. Marshal led Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team has brought together someof the best federal, state, and local fugitive hunters in the Eastern Districtof Michigan. Coupled with this new technology, DFAT fugitive hunters will beeven more formidable.
U.S.Marshal Robert M Grubbs stated, “This new tool provides the public with yetanother method of delivering valuable information to our Task Force to utilizewhen pursuing these wanted fugitives. We are optimistic that this will lead tomany more arrests as our tip phone line has thus far.”
28 Kasım 2012 Çarşamba
Justice Department Launches Investigation of the Albuquerque Police Department’s Use of Force
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The Justice Department announced today that it has opened a civil investigation into use of force by the city of Albuquerque Police Department (APD). The investigation will focus on allegations that APD officers engage in use of excessive force, including use of unreasonable deadly force, in their encounters with civilians. Through the investigation the department will seek to determine whether APD engages in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force in violation of the Constitution and federal law. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of the police department’s policies, training and systems of accountability. The investigation will also examine the police department’s engagement with the community and external oversight of officer-involved shootings and other force incidents. Prior to the announcement, department officials met with Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and APD Chief Ray Schultz, who pledged their full cooperation with the investigation. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of misconduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of federally-protected rights. The department has conducted similar investigations into use of force by law enforcement agencies, both large and small, across the country. Attorneys and staff from the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will conduct the investigation, assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. Individuals who may have relevant information are encouraged to contact the department via email at community.albuquerque@usdoj.gov or by calling the department’s toll free number at 885-544-5134 which is available in both English and Spanish.
Why I Have No Sympathy for Rick Santorum's Google Problem
To contact us Click HERE
Now, let's see if that would play if we simply replaced a few words:
Ladies, any thoughts?
It's quite simple really. It's not like gay people attacked Rick Santorum and this was him defending himself. Quite the opposite. Rick fired the first shot.
Hard-working, tax-paying American citizens don't like hearing people attack their families. We don't much like having our relationships degraded, mocked, or compared to pedophilia and beastiality. NO one likes their relationship trashed by someone who doesn't even know them. The only thing that same-sex marriage has in common with pedophilia and beastiality is that Rick Santorum and a shrinking number of people don't like it.
They are entitled to their opinions, of course. But freedom of speech carries with it responsibility and accountability. We are responsible for what we say. We are accountable for the content of our speech. There is no implied, or stated freedom form criticism, and no implied or stated freedom from consequences. The U.S. Constitution is a limit on what GOVERNMENT can do. Individuals are free to do as they like, especially when public figures decide to drag their relationships through the mud.
Was the campaign to link Santorum's name with a sexual byproduct nice? No, but neither was what Santorum said about LGBT people's lives and loves. It's as if Rick started the oven in the kitchen and then complained that the kitchen is hot.
Rick Santorum wanted to make a name for himself, the irony is I don't think Santorum.com was what he had in mind.
Related:
"Every society in the history of man has upheld the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman.... In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality. That's not to pick on homosexuality. It's not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be. It is one thing. And when you destroy that you have a dramatic impact on the quality"- Rick Santorum, in an interview with the Associated Press
Now, let's see if that would play if we simply replaced a few words:
"Every society in the history of man has upheld the role of men as decision-makers.... In every society, the task of voting has not ever to my knowledge included women. That's not to pick on women. It's not, you know, children voting, dogs voting, or whatever the case may be. It is one thing. And when you destroy that you have a dramatic impact on the quality"
Ladies, any thoughts?
It's quite simple really. It's not like gay people attacked Rick Santorum and this was him defending himself. Quite the opposite. Rick fired the first shot.
Hard-working, tax-paying American citizens don't like hearing people attack their families. We don't much like having our relationships degraded, mocked, or compared to pedophilia and beastiality. NO one likes their relationship trashed by someone who doesn't even know them. The only thing that same-sex marriage has in common with pedophilia and beastiality is that Rick Santorum and a shrinking number of people don't like it.
They are entitled to their opinions, of course. But freedom of speech carries with it responsibility and accountability. We are responsible for what we say. We are accountable for the content of our speech. There is no implied, or stated freedom form criticism, and no implied or stated freedom from consequences. The U.S. Constitution is a limit on what GOVERNMENT can do. Individuals are free to do as they like, especially when public figures decide to drag their relationships through the mud.
Was the campaign to link Santorum's name with a sexual byproduct nice? No, but neither was what Santorum said about LGBT people's lives and loves. It's as if Rick started the oven in the kitchen and then complained that the kitchen is hot.
Rick Santorum wanted to make a name for himself, the irony is I don't think Santorum.com was what he had in mind.
Related:
- Survey | Generations at Odds: The Millennial Generation and the Future of Gay and Lesbian Rights http://publicreligion.org/research/2011/08/generations-at-odds/
- New Study: Support for Gay Marriage Grew Faster in Past Two Yearshttp://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/07/27/new-study-support-for-gay-marriage-grew-faster-in-past-two-years
10 Reasons Why You Can't Have A "Straight Pride" Parade
To contact us Click HERE
(please note that some links may direct to stories and or pictures that could be disturbing to some readers)
10. Straight: Never A Slur
Nobody goes around saying "That's so straight" or "That's so hetero". You do not have the word for your sexuality used as a slur or synonym for "lame". On top of not having to deal with this offensive bullshit, you also don't get people trying to shame you for speaking up about it by using rationalizations, "I didn't mean gay people!" or offering non-apologies "I'm sorry if anyone was offended".
9. Straights Not Bullied
There are no straight children being bullied for being straight (or presumed to be straight) to the point where they kill themselves. You don't have people objecting to anti-bullying campaigns claiming it's "straight indoctrination" or "recruiting for the straight lifestyle" or "the straight agenda".
8. Straight People Kiss Openly In Public
You can walk down the street holding hands with your partner, you can even indulge in some G-rated PDA without people calling you perverts, or trying to maim or kill you for expressing affection for your sweetheart.
7. Straights Not Abused/Murdered/Harassed for Being Straight(mostly)
You don't have anyone burning down your home, vandalizing your car, or business with hateful language like "KILL ALL GAYS NOW" or "FAGGS SUCK DICK". The FBI's 2010 report on hate crimes shows that out of 1,528 victims of hate crimes based on their sexuality, only 22 were targeted for being heterosexual, whereas 98.5% of victims were targeted for being LGB. You don't have people putting up stickers around your neighborhood declaring it a "straight free zone".
6. Straights Not Target of Horrific Attacks
People don't attack straight people, unprovoked, at a party, call them nasty straight slurs, stab them with beer bottles, and then throw them on a fire. Nobody burns straight people to death for being straight and then leaves their body on the side of the road. Nobody kills a straight person for being straight and then blames it on their straightness, or uses a strategy known as the The "Gay Panic" Defense to blame the victim for his or her own murder.
5. Being Straight is Legal EVERYWHERE
There are no countries anywhere that are considering making being straight a crime, or passing a bill that would apply the death penalty for homosexuals and a seven years jail sentence to anyone guilty for not reporting to the authority about the gay activities in their respective communities..
4. Being Straight is Considered Normal
No one ever says that being straight is abnormal, sick, perverted, a mental illness, an addiction, a crutch, an offense to god, a "dangerous lifestyle", a danger to children, marriage, and country or says straight people should be killed, deported, or forcibly converted away from their "lifestyle". You don't have nurses telling you, in regards to your depression, "The reason you are so upset is because you feel the darkness surrounding you, and you feel guilty about being a homosexual", saying that you are "depressed because you are living in sin"
3. Ex-Straight Doesn't Exist
There are no ex-straight camps, industries, support groups, or conferences touting how you can "change" and there are certainly no ex-straight groups who get involved in social policy.
2. Straights Not Shamed for Objecting to Ridicule
You don't have comedians making horrible jokes about killing their children for being straight, and then when there is an outcry, other people rushing in to say that anyone who disagrees is trying to "shut down" the speaker or suggesting that freedom of speech means freedom from responsibility or consequences.
1. Nobody Tries to Vote Against Being Straight
The value of your relationship to your spouse, and the civil recognition of your relationship has never come up for a vote.
People who talk about "Straight Pride" parades don't seem to get WHY there are gay pride parades in the first place. Gay Pride Parades are a reaction to the shame put upon us, they started as political protests and in many respects and in many areas STILL ARE. In Croatia and Russia, for example, gay pride parade marchers have been attacked with stones, bottles, bricks, cigarette lighters, and other objects or had local religious leaders encourage beatings. Gay people are brutally murdered every day from the oppression heaped upon us by uncaring, compassionless, hateful bigots. I would GLADLY, easily, PROUDLY give up gay pride parades and events if I could get full, civil, federal, state, and local equality. It is because we do NOT have these things that we march every year.
EPILOGUE:
Even when you plan, promote, and organize a Straight Pride Parade. Nobody shows up.
 |
| (image by DallasVoice.com) |
10. Straight: Never A Slur
Nobody goes around saying "That's so straight" or "That's so hetero". You do not have the word for your sexuality used as a slur or synonym for "lame". On top of not having to deal with this offensive bullshit, you also don't get people trying to shame you for speaking up about it by using rationalizations, "I didn't mean gay people!" or offering non-apologies "I'm sorry if anyone was offended".
9. Straights Not Bullied
There are no straight children being bullied for being straight (or presumed to be straight) to the point where they kill themselves. You don't have people objecting to anti-bullying campaigns claiming it's "straight indoctrination" or "recruiting for the straight lifestyle" or "the straight agenda".
8. Straight People Kiss Openly In Public
You can walk down the street holding hands with your partner, you can even indulge in some G-rated PDA without people calling you perverts, or trying to maim or kill you for expressing affection for your sweetheart.
7. Straights Not Abused/Murdered/Harassed for Being Straight(mostly)
You don't have anyone burning down your home, vandalizing your car, or business with hateful language like "KILL ALL GAYS NOW" or "FAGGS SUCK DICK". The FBI's 2010 report on hate crimes shows that out of 1,528 victims of hate crimes based on their sexuality, only 22 were targeted for being heterosexual, whereas 98.5% of victims were targeted for being LGB. You don't have people putting up stickers around your neighborhood declaring it a "straight free zone".
6. Straights Not Target of Horrific Attacks
People don't attack straight people, unprovoked, at a party, call them nasty straight slurs, stab them with beer bottles, and then throw them on a fire. Nobody burns straight people to death for being straight and then leaves their body on the side of the road. Nobody kills a straight person for being straight and then blames it on their straightness, or uses a strategy known as the The "Gay Panic" Defense to blame the victim for his or her own murder.
5. Being Straight is Legal EVERYWHERE
There are no countries anywhere that are considering making being straight a crime, or passing a bill that would apply the death penalty for homosexuals and a seven years jail sentence to anyone guilty for not reporting to the authority about the gay activities in their respective communities..
4. Being Straight is Considered Normal
No one ever says that being straight is abnormal, sick, perverted, a mental illness, an addiction, a crutch, an offense to god, a "dangerous lifestyle", a danger to children, marriage, and country or says straight people should be killed, deported, or forcibly converted away from their "lifestyle". You don't have nurses telling you, in regards to your depression, "The reason you are so upset is because you feel the darkness surrounding you, and you feel guilty about being a homosexual", saying that you are "depressed because you are living in sin"
3. Ex-Straight Doesn't Exist
There are no ex-straight camps, industries, support groups, or conferences touting how you can "change" and there are certainly no ex-straight groups who get involved in social policy.
2. Straights Not Shamed for Objecting to Ridicule
You don't have comedians making horrible jokes about killing their children for being straight, and then when there is an outcry, other people rushing in to say that anyone who disagrees is trying to "shut down" the speaker or suggesting that freedom of speech means freedom from responsibility or consequences.
1. Nobody Tries to Vote Against Being Straight
The value of your relationship to your spouse, and the civil recognition of your relationship has never come up for a vote.
People who talk about "Straight Pride" parades don't seem to get WHY there are gay pride parades in the first place. Gay Pride Parades are a reaction to the shame put upon us, they started as political protests and in many respects and in many areas STILL ARE. In Croatia and Russia, for example, gay pride parade marchers have been attacked with stones, bottles, bricks, cigarette lighters, and other objects or had local religious leaders encourage beatings. Gay people are brutally murdered every day from the oppression heaped upon us by uncaring, compassionless, hateful bigots. I would GLADLY, easily, PROUDLY give up gay pride parades and events if I could get full, civil, federal, state, and local equality. It is because we do NOT have these things that we march every year.
EPILOGUE:
Even when you plan, promote, and organize a Straight Pride Parade. Nobody shows up.
Views Don't Deserve Respect, People Do.
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I see this popping up a lot. "We need to respect other people's views" or "we need to respect other people's opinions". No, we really don't. PEOPLE deserve respect. The fact that they have the right to an opinion or belief deserves a certain amount of respect. But the opinion, view itself? No. Someone can have respectable views, but giving out respect for any opinion as a default is a really bad idea.I'm gay, in case that has somehow slipped by you. And people have presented me, often, with the "view", "belief", or "opinion" that I should be:
Do the people who have these views or beliefs deserve respect? YES, all humans deserve a basic level of respect!
Should we respect the fact that people have a right to their views and beliefs? Absolutely! However, respecting the view itself leads to a lot of abuses. For example, when challenging someone on one of these views I have often been told I am disrespecting someone's beliefs or religion. Yes, by saying "No I really don't think I should be executed for being gay" I am somehow disrespecting someone's beliefs. Let that roll around in your head for a second.
Think about the fictitious "War On Christmas". People say their religion is being disrespected and persecuted if someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". People think that letting gay people get married is disrespectful to religions that find being gay to be immoral. If we were to apply this fairly throughout society, we would have to respect the views of vegans by banning the sale of meat and animal products like honey. To respect certain other "deeply held" beliefs, we'd have to take away minority and women's voting rights. I know, you're saying "But you can disagree with someone's beliefs and still respect those beliefs!" Not according to a lot of people with strong restrictive beliefs. They can't seem to handle critique, discussion, or disagreement without claiming victimhood and persecution. They're allowed to talk, but you're only allowed to listen. I saw beliefs are only worthy of respect if those beliefs themselves are respectful. I'm not interested in giving respect to beliefs if they do not respect me.Don't let the good impulse to be fair and civil to people lead you to giving up your voice in the discussion. "Respecting" someone else's beliefs immediately gives them the upper hand and when the belief itself is not respectful of others, you've got nowhere to go without being called "disrespectful".
We should respect them as people.
But whether or not their beliefs deserve respect is up for debate. It is, indeed, often the very heart of the debate, and it depends a lot on how respectful those beliefs are of other people and their humanity.
I see this popping up a lot. "We need to respect other people's views" or "we need to respect other people's opinions". No, we really don't. PEOPLE deserve respect. The fact that they have the right to an opinion or belief deserves a certain amount of respect. But the opinion, view itself? No. Someone can have respectable views, but giving out respect for any opinion as a default is a really bad idea.I'm gay, in case that has somehow slipped by you. And people have presented me, often, with the "view", "belief", or "opinion" that I should be:- jailed
- executed
- castrated
- forced into therapy to make me straight
- restricted from being around children
- restricted from certain careers like teaching, public office, the military, and even medicine
- restricted from government recognition of my marriage
Do the people who have these views or beliefs deserve respect? YES, all humans deserve a basic level of respect!
Should we respect the fact that people have a right to their views and beliefs? Absolutely! However, respecting the view itself leads to a lot of abuses. For example, when challenging someone on one of these views I have often been told I am disrespecting someone's beliefs or religion. Yes, by saying "No I really don't think I should be executed for being gay" I am somehow disrespecting someone's beliefs. Let that roll around in your head for a second.
People define "disrespect" for their beliefs with challenging the belief, critiquing it, disagreeing with it, pointing out flaws, inconsistencies, or falsehoods, having a government that doesn't enforce those beliefs, and yes, even not following those beliefs yourself (in some situations).
Think about the fictitious "War On Christmas". People say their religion is being disrespected and persecuted if someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". People think that letting gay people get married is disrespectful to religions that find being gay to be immoral. If we were to apply this fairly throughout society, we would have to respect the views of vegans by banning the sale of meat and animal products like honey. To respect certain other "deeply held" beliefs, we'd have to take away minority and women's voting rights. I know, you're saying "But you can disagree with someone's beliefs and still respect those beliefs!" Not according to a lot of people with strong restrictive beliefs. They can't seem to handle critique, discussion, or disagreement without claiming victimhood and persecution. They're allowed to talk, but you're only allowed to listen. I saw beliefs are only worthy of respect if those beliefs themselves are respectful. I'm not interested in giving respect to beliefs if they do not respect me.Don't let the good impulse to be fair and civil to people lead you to giving up your voice in the discussion. "Respecting" someone else's beliefs immediately gives them the upper hand and when the belief itself is not respectful of others, you've got nowhere to go without being called "disrespectful".
We should respect them as people.
But whether or not their beliefs deserve respect is up for debate. It is, indeed, often the very heart of the debate, and it depends a lot on how respectful those beliefs are of other people and their humanity.
Respect the Troops, Don't Troop Trump!
To contact us Click HERE
I saw a picture today. It was a picture of some soldiers, obviously in some sort of desert warzone and it had this text:
"Hey Wal-Mart employees, tell me again how it's unfair to work on Thanksgiving."
This is what I would call "Troop Trumping" . The act of invoking the service of our soldiers as a way to cheaply win an argument or shut down a debate. It's a lot like ending a discussion by kicking someone in the balls and walking away. The troops aren't involved in the controversy about Wal-Mart, but they're being dragged into anyway.
And it's utter BS.
The troops aren't BS. Comparing Wal-Mart to the Military is BS. Now, before I explain why, you should know something. Both of my parents are Veterans, as are other relatives of mine. My father was in Desert Storm. I spent six months wondering whether or not I'd ever see my father again. So, I'm more aware than most just what the sacrifice and nobility of the military involves. I would NEVER cheapen the servicemembers I love, and their fellow troops by exploiting them to win an argument.
So why is Troop Trumping garbage?
For all we know, the men in that photograph have parents who work at Wal-Mart. We don't get to use them as spokesmodels for our pet causes. We don't get to shove words in their mouths. They're fighting as much so that we can have the discussion about fair labor practices as they are any other issue, right, or freedom.
We don't get to use the troops as props just because we disagree with someone on an issue but are too lazy, too selfish, or just not smart enough to come up with a valid argument. It's disrespectful to our troops and dilutes the real sacrifice, the reality of what they do every day to make us safe. Many of them have given their lives, and they didn't do it so some jerk could use that noble sacrifice to win an argument.
Show some respect for our troops. Stop using them as a trump card to throw down instead of having a real discussion. If you really want to respect our troops, support them in a real way.
I saw a picture today. It was a picture of some soldiers, obviously in some sort of desert warzone and it had this text:
"Hey Wal-Mart employees, tell me again how it's unfair to work on Thanksgiving."
This is what I would call "Troop Trumping" . The act of invoking the service of our soldiers as a way to cheaply win an argument or shut down a debate. It's a lot like ending a discussion by kicking someone in the balls and walking away. The troops aren't involved in the controversy about Wal-Mart, but they're being dragged into anyway.
And it's utter BS.
The troops aren't BS. Comparing Wal-Mart to the Military is BS. Now, before I explain why, you should know something. Both of my parents are Veterans, as are other relatives of mine. My father was in Desert Storm. I spent six months wondering whether or not I'd ever see my father again. So, I'm more aware than most just what the sacrifice and nobility of the military involves. I would NEVER cheapen the servicemembers I love, and their fellow troops by exploiting them to win an argument.
So why is Troop Trumping garbage?
The issue is usually unrelated.
In the case of Wal-Mart the issue is not that simple, and it's not even about working on Thanksgiving. From what I've seen when people Troop Trump, they distort and oversimplify your issue to make it seem even more trivial than it does in comparison to serving in the military.It's never a fair comparison.
Is serving in Afghanistan anything close to selling TVs? Not remotely. Our troops serve 24/7/365 because our enemies don't take holidays. Selling TVs however, can afford to take a holiday. It's NOWHERE close to as important, or as necessary as defending our country. If this is the yardstick that we're supposed to measure our problems by, then pretty much everyone needs to give up their weekends, their holidays, and shut up, because you can throw just about any issue up against our troops and the troops will always win. Being a soldier is a huge undertaking. War is hell. But that's not related to working at Wal-Mart and it doesn't tell us whether or not the Wal-Mart employees have a legit case. In fact, it doesn't even address the issue at all because it's a distraction and...It's a logical fallacy.
The holocaust was awful. But that doesn't mean rape and murder that happens today doesn't matter. If someone gets stabbed 3 times and someone else gets stabbed 4 times, does stabbing someone 3 times suddenly not matter anymore? Just because something isn't as difficult as serving your country that doesn't mean your issue is irrelevant. It's a false analogy.It's intended to belittle and shame.
It's one upmanship. It's not about putting something into perspective. Or even constructive dialogue. It's about trying to get the other person to shut up. "How dare you complain where there are people dying to defend our freedom!" Even though the complaint isn't at all related to war, or military readiness, you're supposed to shut up because somewhere someone else has it worse than you. No matter how hard you're working, someone else is working harder, in some cases a lot harder. While true, it's not relevant.It's insulting to the troops.
We don't honor our troops by invoking them to win arguments. These are real people, real men and women and they deserve way more respect that to be yanked into unrelated disputes. That's not supporting the troops, that's exploitation.For all we know, the men in that photograph have parents who work at Wal-Mart. We don't get to use them as spokesmodels for our pet causes. We don't get to shove words in their mouths. They're fighting as much so that we can have the discussion about fair labor practices as they are any other issue, right, or freedom.
We don't get to use the troops as props just because we disagree with someone on an issue but are too lazy, too selfish, or just not smart enough to come up with a valid argument. It's disrespectful to our troops and dilutes the real sacrifice, the reality of what they do every day to make us safe. Many of them have given their lives, and they didn't do it so some jerk could use that noble sacrifice to win an argument.
Show some respect for our troops. Stop using them as a trump card to throw down instead of having a real discussion. If you really want to respect our troops, support them in a real way.
27 Kasım 2012 Salı
Former Chicago Massage Parlor Operator Sentenced to Life in Prison for Human Trafficking of Four Women
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Alex Campbell, 45, of Glenview, Ill., a former northwest suburban massage parlor owner was sentenced today to life in federal prison for various crimes including sex-trafficking, forced labor, harboring illegal aliens, confiscating passports to further forced labor and extortion involving four foreign women whom he mentally and physically abused while forcing them to work for him, the Justice Department announced today. The defendant, who operated the Day and Night Spa on Northwest Highway in Mt. Prospect, Ill., used violence and threats of violence to force three women from the Ukraine and one from Belarus to work for him without pay and, at times, little to no subsistence between July 2008 and January 2010. Campbell, also known as “Dave” and “Daddy” and who called himself “Cowboy,” was also ordered to pay approximately $124,000 restitution by U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman. There is no parole in the federal prison system. Campbell was convicted at trial in January of this year of three counts each of forced labor, harboring illegal aliens for financial gain and confiscating passports and other immigration documents to force the victims to work and one count each of sex trafficking by force, and extortion. He faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life on the sex-trafficking count alone, and the judge also imposed maximum prison terms ranging from five to 20 years on each of the remaining counts, to run concurrent with the life sentence. “Alex Campbell abused women by violently coercing them into labor and commercial sex. By working together with law enforcement and community groups, those women were able to testify about that abuse,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s sentence is a victory not only for the Department and the Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force, but also for those women who so bravely came forward and told the truth about their exploitation.” “If you treat human beings as property, to be branded, beaten, raped, and sold, the law will punish you to the greatest extent possible,” said Gary S. Shapiro, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “This sentence ensures Alex Campbell’s incapacitation, which will prevent him from victimizing other women.” “The sentence handed down today sends a clear message to those who think they can callously prey upon vulnerable women to turn a profit,” said Gary J. Hartwig, Special Agent-in-Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in human trafficking are held accountable for their actions.” Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart, whose sheriff’s police initiated the investigation, said, “I am extremely proud of the effort and resolution of all the agencies involved with the successful investigation, conviction and now sentencing of such a violent individual.” All four victims testified as government witnesses at trial, as well as co-defendant, Danielle John, 25, who pleaded guilty before trial to two counts of harboring illegal aliens for financial gain. She was sentenced previously to three years’ probation. In addition to the trial victims, the government presented evidence that investigators learned of approximately 20 women that Campbell victimized. The trial showed that Campbell recruited and groomed foreign women without legal status in the United States to become part of his “Family,” which he claimed was an international organization that would provide them with support. He offered them jobs in his massage parlor, a place to live, assistance with immigration, and lured each of them to enter into a romantic relationship with him. After gaining their trust, he forced the victims to get tattooed with his moniker, which he said made them his property and allowed him to stop paying them. At the same time, he acquired the women’s passports and visas. The women were forced to work long hours every day and do as Campbell instructed them, and they were beaten and punished if they disobeyed him. Trial testimony established that Campbell confiscated passports and identity documents from three of the victims, as well as harbored and transported them to ensure their continued labor. Campbell forced one victim to engage in commercial sex acts with customers at various other massage parlors, but not at the Day and Night Spa, which testimony showed he operated “cleanly” to avoid problems with law enforcement. He extorted another victim to pay him more than $25,000 to leave the “Family” by threatening to send a sexually-explicit video recording to her parents in Belarus. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation, which was coordinated by the Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force, together with the Salvation Army Family and Community Services STOP-IT Initiative Against Human Trafficking, operate a toll-free hotline, (877) 606-3158, which victims of trafficking or those with information about human trafficking can call for assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Diane MacArthur and Steven Grimes and Special Litigation Counsel John Richmond of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
Why I Have No Sympathy for Rick Santorum's Google Problem
To contact us Click HERE
Now, let's see if that would play if we simply replaced a few words:
Ladies, any thoughts?
It's quite simple really. It's not like gay people attacked Rick Santorum and this was him defending himself. Quite the opposite. Rick fired the first shot.
Hard-working, tax-paying American citizens don't like hearing people attack their families. We don't much like having our relationships degraded, mocked, or compared to pedophilia and beastiality. NO one likes their relationship trashed by someone who doesn't even know them. The only thing that same-sex marriage has in common with pedophilia and beastiality is that Rick Santorum and a shrinking number of people don't like it.
They are entitled to their opinions, of course. But freedom of speech carries with it responsibility and accountability. We are responsible for what we say. We are accountable for the content of our speech. There is no implied, or stated freedom form criticism, and no implied or stated freedom from consequences. The U.S. Constitution is a limit on what GOVERNMENT can do. Individuals are free to do as they like, especially when public figures decide to drag their relationships through the mud.
Was the campaign to link Santorum's name with a sexual byproduct nice? No, but neither was what Santorum said about LGBT people's lives and loves. It's as if Rick started the oven in the kitchen and then complained that the kitchen is hot.
Rick Santorum wanted to make a name for himself, the irony is I don't think Santorum.com was what he had in mind.
Related:
"Every society in the history of man has upheld the institution of marriage as a bond between a man and a woman.... In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality. That's not to pick on homosexuality. It's not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be. It is one thing. And when you destroy that you have a dramatic impact on the quality"- Rick Santorum, in an interview with the Associated Press
Now, let's see if that would play if we simply replaced a few words:
"Every society in the history of man has upheld the role of men as decision-makers.... In every society, the task of voting has not ever to my knowledge included women. That's not to pick on women. It's not, you know, children voting, dogs voting, or whatever the case may be. It is one thing. And when you destroy that you have a dramatic impact on the quality"
Ladies, any thoughts?
It's quite simple really. It's not like gay people attacked Rick Santorum and this was him defending himself. Quite the opposite. Rick fired the first shot.
Hard-working, tax-paying American citizens don't like hearing people attack their families. We don't much like having our relationships degraded, mocked, or compared to pedophilia and beastiality. NO one likes their relationship trashed by someone who doesn't even know them. The only thing that same-sex marriage has in common with pedophilia and beastiality is that Rick Santorum and a shrinking number of people don't like it.
They are entitled to their opinions, of course. But freedom of speech carries with it responsibility and accountability. We are responsible for what we say. We are accountable for the content of our speech. There is no implied, or stated freedom form criticism, and no implied or stated freedom from consequences. The U.S. Constitution is a limit on what GOVERNMENT can do. Individuals are free to do as they like, especially when public figures decide to drag their relationships through the mud.
Was the campaign to link Santorum's name with a sexual byproduct nice? No, but neither was what Santorum said about LGBT people's lives and loves. It's as if Rick started the oven in the kitchen and then complained that the kitchen is hot.
Rick Santorum wanted to make a name for himself, the irony is I don't think Santorum.com was what he had in mind.
Related:
- Survey | Generations at Odds: The Millennial Generation and the Future of Gay and Lesbian Rights http://publicreligion.org/research/2011/08/generations-at-odds/
- New Study: Support for Gay Marriage Grew Faster in Past Two Yearshttp://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2011/07/27/new-study-support-for-gay-marriage-grew-faster-in-past-two-years
10 Reasons Why You Can't Have A "Straight Pride" Parade
To contact us Click HERE
(please note that some links may direct to stories and or pictures that could be disturbing to some readers)
10. Straight: Never A Slur
Nobody goes around saying "That's so straight" or "That's so hetero". You do not have the word for your sexuality used as a slur or synonym for "lame". On top of not having to deal with this offensive bullshit, you also don't get people trying to shame you for speaking up about it by using rationalizations, "I didn't mean gay people!" or offering non-apologies "I'm sorry if anyone was offended".
9. Straights Not Bullied
There are no straight children being bullied for being straight (or presumed to be straight) to the point where they kill themselves. You don't have people objecting to anti-bullying campaigns claiming it's "straight indoctrination" or "recruiting for the straight lifestyle" or "the straight agenda".
8. Straight People Kiss Openly In Public
You can walk down the street holding hands with your partner, you can even indulge in some G-rated PDA without people calling you perverts, or trying to maim or kill you for expressing affection for your sweetheart.
7. Straights Not Abused/Murdered/Harassed for Being Straight(mostly)
You don't have anyone burning down your home, vandalizing your car, or business with hateful language like "KILL ALL GAYS NOW" or "FAGGS SUCK DICK". The FBI's 2010 report on hate crimes shows that out of 1,528 victims of hate crimes based on their sexuality, only 22 were targeted for being heterosexual, whereas 98.5% of victims were targeted for being LGB. You don't have people putting up stickers around your neighborhood declaring it a "straight free zone".
6. Straights Not Target of Horrific Attacks
People don't attack straight people, unprovoked, at a party, call them nasty straight slurs, stab them with beer bottles, and then throw them on a fire. Nobody burns straight people to death for being straight and then leaves their body on the side of the road. Nobody kills a straight person for being straight and then blames it on their straightness, or uses a strategy known as the The "Gay Panic" Defense to blame the victim for his or her own murder.
5. Being Straight is Legal EVERYWHERE
There are no countries anywhere that are considering making being straight a crime, or passing a bill that would apply the death penalty for homosexuals and a seven years jail sentence to anyone guilty for not reporting to the authority about the gay activities in their respective communities..
4. Being Straight is Considered Normal
No one ever says that being straight is abnormal, sick, perverted, a mental illness, an addiction, a crutch, an offense to god, a "dangerous lifestyle", a danger to children, marriage, and country or says straight people should be killed, deported, or forcibly converted away from their "lifestyle". You don't have nurses telling you, in regards to your depression, "The reason you are so upset is because you feel the darkness surrounding you, and you feel guilty about being a homosexual", saying that you are "depressed because you are living in sin"
3. Ex-Straight Doesn't Exist
There are no ex-straight camps, industries, support groups, or conferences touting how you can "change" and there are certainly no ex-straight groups who get involved in social policy.
2. Straights Not Shamed for Objecting to Ridicule
You don't have comedians making horrible jokes about killing their children for being straight, and then when there is an outcry, other people rushing in to say that anyone who disagrees is trying to "shut down" the speaker or suggesting that freedom of speech means freedom from responsibility or consequences.
1. Nobody Tries to Vote Against Being Straight
The value of your relationship to your spouse, and the civil recognition of your relationship has never come up for a vote.
People who talk about "Straight Pride" parades don't seem to get WHY there are gay pride parades in the first place. Gay Pride Parades are a reaction to the shame put upon us, they started as political protests and in many respects and in many areas STILL ARE. In Croatia and Russia, for example, gay pride parade marchers have been attacked with stones, bottles, bricks, cigarette lighters, and other objects or had local religious leaders encourage beatings. Gay people are brutally murdered every day from the oppression heaped upon us by uncaring, compassionless, hateful bigots. I would GLADLY, easily, PROUDLY give up gay pride parades and events if I could get full, civil, federal, state, and local equality. It is because we do NOT have these things that we march every year.
EPILOGUE:
Even when you plan, promote, and organize a Straight Pride Parade. Nobody shows up.
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| (image by DallasVoice.com) |
10. Straight: Never A Slur
Nobody goes around saying "That's so straight" or "That's so hetero". You do not have the word for your sexuality used as a slur or synonym for "lame". On top of not having to deal with this offensive bullshit, you also don't get people trying to shame you for speaking up about it by using rationalizations, "I didn't mean gay people!" or offering non-apologies "I'm sorry if anyone was offended".
9. Straights Not Bullied
There are no straight children being bullied for being straight (or presumed to be straight) to the point where they kill themselves. You don't have people objecting to anti-bullying campaigns claiming it's "straight indoctrination" or "recruiting for the straight lifestyle" or "the straight agenda".
8. Straight People Kiss Openly In Public
You can walk down the street holding hands with your partner, you can even indulge in some G-rated PDA without people calling you perverts, or trying to maim or kill you for expressing affection for your sweetheart.
7. Straights Not Abused/Murdered/Harassed for Being Straight(mostly)
You don't have anyone burning down your home, vandalizing your car, or business with hateful language like "KILL ALL GAYS NOW" or "FAGGS SUCK DICK". The FBI's 2010 report on hate crimes shows that out of 1,528 victims of hate crimes based on their sexuality, only 22 were targeted for being heterosexual, whereas 98.5% of victims were targeted for being LGB. You don't have people putting up stickers around your neighborhood declaring it a "straight free zone".
6. Straights Not Target of Horrific Attacks
People don't attack straight people, unprovoked, at a party, call them nasty straight slurs, stab them with beer bottles, and then throw them on a fire. Nobody burns straight people to death for being straight and then leaves their body on the side of the road. Nobody kills a straight person for being straight and then blames it on their straightness, or uses a strategy known as the The "Gay Panic" Defense to blame the victim for his or her own murder.
5. Being Straight is Legal EVERYWHERE
There are no countries anywhere that are considering making being straight a crime, or passing a bill that would apply the death penalty for homosexuals and a seven years jail sentence to anyone guilty for not reporting to the authority about the gay activities in their respective communities..
4. Being Straight is Considered Normal
No one ever says that being straight is abnormal, sick, perverted, a mental illness, an addiction, a crutch, an offense to god, a "dangerous lifestyle", a danger to children, marriage, and country or says straight people should be killed, deported, or forcibly converted away from their "lifestyle". You don't have nurses telling you, in regards to your depression, "The reason you are so upset is because you feel the darkness surrounding you, and you feel guilty about being a homosexual", saying that you are "depressed because you are living in sin"
3. Ex-Straight Doesn't Exist
There are no ex-straight camps, industries, support groups, or conferences touting how you can "change" and there are certainly no ex-straight groups who get involved in social policy.
2. Straights Not Shamed for Objecting to Ridicule
You don't have comedians making horrible jokes about killing their children for being straight, and then when there is an outcry, other people rushing in to say that anyone who disagrees is trying to "shut down" the speaker or suggesting that freedom of speech means freedom from responsibility or consequences.
1. Nobody Tries to Vote Against Being Straight
The value of your relationship to your spouse, and the civil recognition of your relationship has never come up for a vote.
People who talk about "Straight Pride" parades don't seem to get WHY there are gay pride parades in the first place. Gay Pride Parades are a reaction to the shame put upon us, they started as political protests and in many respects and in many areas STILL ARE. In Croatia and Russia, for example, gay pride parade marchers have been attacked with stones, bottles, bricks, cigarette lighters, and other objects or had local religious leaders encourage beatings. Gay people are brutally murdered every day from the oppression heaped upon us by uncaring, compassionless, hateful bigots. I would GLADLY, easily, PROUDLY give up gay pride parades and events if I could get full, civil, federal, state, and local equality. It is because we do NOT have these things that we march every year.
EPILOGUE:
Even when you plan, promote, and organize a Straight Pride Parade. Nobody shows up.
Views Don't Deserve Respect, People Do.
To contact us Click HERE
I see this popping up a lot. "We need to respect other people's views" or "we need to respect other people's opinions". No, we really don't. PEOPLE deserve respect. The fact that they have the right to an opinion or belief deserves a certain amount of respect. But the opinion, view itself? No. Someone can have respectable views, but giving out respect for any opinion as a default is a really bad idea.I'm gay, in case that has somehow slipped by you. And people have presented me, often, with the "view", "belief", or "opinion" that I should be:
Do the people who have these views or beliefs deserve respect? YES, all humans deserve a basic level of respect!
Should we respect the fact that people have a right to their views and beliefs? Absolutely! However, respecting the view itself leads to a lot of abuses. For example, when challenging someone on one of these views I have often been told I am disrespecting someone's beliefs or religion. Yes, by saying "No I really don't think I should be executed for being gay" I am somehow disrespecting someone's beliefs. Let that roll around in your head for a second.
Think about the fictitious "War On Christmas". People say their religion is being disrespected and persecuted if someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". People think that letting gay people get married is disrespectful to religions that find being gay to be immoral. If we were to apply this fairly throughout society, we would have to respect the views of vegans by banning the sale of meat and animal products like honey. To respect certain other "deeply held" beliefs, we'd have to take away minority and women's voting rights. I know, you're saying "But you can disagree with someone's beliefs and still respect those beliefs!" Not according to a lot of people with strong restrictive beliefs. They can't seem to handle critique, discussion, or disagreement without claiming victimhood and persecution. They're allowed to talk, but you're only allowed to listen. I saw beliefs are only worthy of respect if those beliefs themselves are respectful. I'm not interested in giving respect to beliefs if they do not respect me.Don't let the good impulse to be fair and civil to people lead you to giving up your voice in the discussion. "Respecting" someone else's beliefs immediately gives them the upper hand and when the belief itself is not respectful of others, you've got nowhere to go without being called "disrespectful".
We should respect them as people.
But whether or not their beliefs deserve respect is up for debate. It is, indeed, often the very heart of the debate, and it depends a lot on how respectful those beliefs are of other people and their humanity.
I see this popping up a lot. "We need to respect other people's views" or "we need to respect other people's opinions". No, we really don't. PEOPLE deserve respect. The fact that they have the right to an opinion or belief deserves a certain amount of respect. But the opinion, view itself? No. Someone can have respectable views, but giving out respect for any opinion as a default is a really bad idea.I'm gay, in case that has somehow slipped by you. And people have presented me, often, with the "view", "belief", or "opinion" that I should be:- jailed
- executed
- castrated
- forced into therapy to make me straight
- restricted from being around children
- restricted from certain careers like teaching, public office, the military, and even medicine
- restricted from government recognition of my marriage
Do the people who have these views or beliefs deserve respect? YES, all humans deserve a basic level of respect!
Should we respect the fact that people have a right to their views and beliefs? Absolutely! However, respecting the view itself leads to a lot of abuses. For example, when challenging someone on one of these views I have often been told I am disrespecting someone's beliefs or religion. Yes, by saying "No I really don't think I should be executed for being gay" I am somehow disrespecting someone's beliefs. Let that roll around in your head for a second.
People define "disrespect" for their beliefs with challenging the belief, critiquing it, disagreeing with it, pointing out flaws, inconsistencies, or falsehoods, having a government that doesn't enforce those beliefs, and yes, even not following those beliefs yourself (in some situations).
Think about the fictitious "War On Christmas". People say their religion is being disrespected and persecuted if someone says "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". People think that letting gay people get married is disrespectful to religions that find being gay to be immoral. If we were to apply this fairly throughout society, we would have to respect the views of vegans by banning the sale of meat and animal products like honey. To respect certain other "deeply held" beliefs, we'd have to take away minority and women's voting rights. I know, you're saying "But you can disagree with someone's beliefs and still respect those beliefs!" Not according to a lot of people with strong restrictive beliefs. They can't seem to handle critique, discussion, or disagreement without claiming victimhood and persecution. They're allowed to talk, but you're only allowed to listen. I saw beliefs are only worthy of respect if those beliefs themselves are respectful. I'm not interested in giving respect to beliefs if they do not respect me.Don't let the good impulse to be fair and civil to people lead you to giving up your voice in the discussion. "Respecting" someone else's beliefs immediately gives them the upper hand and when the belief itself is not respectful of others, you've got nowhere to go without being called "disrespectful".
We should respect them as people.
But whether or not their beliefs deserve respect is up for debate. It is, indeed, often the very heart of the debate, and it depends a lot on how respectful those beliefs are of other people and their humanity.
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