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Self driving cars are becoming a practical reality. Google and the Auto Club have sponsored laws in California to regulate self driving cars. Most traffic collisions are the result of human error, so taking that out of the equation might improve both traffic speed and safety.
I think that at least for the first few years all vehicles should have a driver on board, with a drivers license who can be held legally responsible for the operation of the vehicle. Only after the technology has proven that it can function with complete autonomy, with total safety would I want vehicles driving around with no driver and no one responsible for them.
In the more distant future, I think a responsible person should be assigned for the operation of each vehicle, but that if the technology were mature, that even empty vehicles could be driving around our streets. Delivery vans without a driver could drop off a pod for unloading at the loading dock. Kids could be sent to school without an adult in the car. I think we are still a while away from that right now; that's what the SGT Says.
31 Aralık 2012 Pazartesi
Zip Factory Guns
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http://www.zipfactory.com/
There is a new line of guns out by a company called Zip Factory. They are part of a new niche in the gun market, the fun market. There are people making guns now that are fun to shoot and fun to collect and fun to modify. These new guns can be made in almost any color, from green to hot pink. They can have any accessory adapted to their use. This means that guns can look like almost anything.
This presents an additional officer safety challenge for officers. We don't want to go around shooting everyone with a garage door opener or purse, but we can't always expect a gun to look just like a traditional six shooter either. Guns are changing as new technologies change and as different demographics get into the gun market.
Twenty years ago there were very few women buying guns. Now many women buy guns. So many women buy guns that companies are actually marketing specific model guns for women. I have even seen assault rifle type guns in hot pink colors, just for women. Officers need to be aware of these trends and not dismiss something that could be a gun, just because it does not look like a typical gun; that's what the SGT Says.
There is a new line of guns out by a company called Zip Factory. They are part of a new niche in the gun market, the fun market. There are people making guns now that are fun to shoot and fun to collect and fun to modify. These new guns can be made in almost any color, from green to hot pink. They can have any accessory adapted to their use. This means that guns can look like almost anything.
This presents an additional officer safety challenge for officers. We don't want to go around shooting everyone with a garage door opener or purse, but we can't always expect a gun to look just like a traditional six shooter either. Guns are changing as new technologies change and as different demographics get into the gun market.
Twenty years ago there were very few women buying guns. Now many women buy guns. So many women buy guns that companies are actually marketing specific model guns for women. I have even seen assault rifle type guns in hot pink colors, just for women. Officers need to be aware of these trends and not dismiss something that could be a gun, just because it does not look like a typical gun; that's what the SGT Says.
Situational Awareness
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Next time you are on the range try this scenario. Two officers, side by side, firing at one target each. The officers have to walk forwards towards the targets while they engage. The officers should start at about the 20 yard line and move forward at a reasonable pace while they fire at the targets. Officers should fire about a dozen rounds.
There are several challenges with this range training. The first is to keep both officers moving, and moving at the same rate. Many people instinctively stop when it's time to fire. That means the other officer has to stop also or risk getting too far ahead. Many officers move too slow and don't pay attention to their partners position. Other officers run ahead like a cavalry charge.
The rangemaster must keep the two officers together and encourage them to keep moving. Walk behind them and keep them no more than arms reach away so you can grab one if he moves too fast. Don't be shy about calling a cease fire. Officers build situational awareness in this type of exercise so they don't just focus on the target; that's what the SGT Says.
There are several challenges with this range training. The first is to keep both officers moving, and moving at the same rate. Many people instinctively stop when it's time to fire. That means the other officer has to stop also or risk getting too far ahead. Many officers move too slow and don't pay attention to their partners position. Other officers run ahead like a cavalry charge.
The rangemaster must keep the two officers together and encourage them to keep moving. Walk behind them and keep them no more than arms reach away so you can grab one if he moves too fast. Don't be shy about calling a cease fire. Officers build situational awareness in this type of exercise so they don't just focus on the target; that's what the SGT Says.
License Plate Readers
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California has passed a new law to prevent people from obscuring their vehicle license plate so that the numbers and letters can't be picked up by cameras at red lights, toll booths or read by license plate readers. I oppose red light cameras, I think that enforcement should be done by people not by machines. I think it is important that officers be able to use discretion when writing a ticket, I don't believe it is appropriate to use criminal offenses as a way to raise money. It leads to official corruption where the innocent are charged just to earn money.
I am in favor of license plate readers. It is just a mechanical version of the old hot sheet and it gives officers an ability to capture criminals, wanted persons and recover stolen cars that is unprecedented. Auto theft costs billions of dollars per year and stolen cars are often taken to be used in other criminal enterprises. I do think the information gathered should only be released to law enforcement for legitimate investigative purposes.
I think the data should be deleted as soon as it is no longer needed. I see no reason to keep the information collected for more than a month and in most cases no more than a day or two. It is no ones business who is parked in front of a pharmacy, their girlfriends house, their church, the job the moonlight at, and the information should not be used for those purposes. I don't want the information given out of new media, tabloids, ex-wives and others who are not using it for law enforcement. People should not be able to hide their license plate information from the police, but the police should safeguard that information from others; that's what the SGT Says.
I am in favor of license plate readers. It is just a mechanical version of the old hot sheet and it gives officers an ability to capture criminals, wanted persons and recover stolen cars that is unprecedented. Auto theft costs billions of dollars per year and stolen cars are often taken to be used in other criminal enterprises. I do think the information gathered should only be released to law enforcement for legitimate investigative purposes.
I think the data should be deleted as soon as it is no longer needed. I see no reason to keep the information collected for more than a month and in most cases no more than a day or two. It is no ones business who is parked in front of a pharmacy, their girlfriends house, their church, the job the moonlight at, and the information should not be used for those purposes. I don't want the information given out of new media, tabloids, ex-wives and others who are not using it for law enforcement. People should not be able to hide their license plate information from the police, but the police should safeguard that information from others; that's what the SGT Says.
Traffic Stop
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Sometimes you do a traffic stop and the other driver does not stop where you told dispatch you were doing the stop. If you can, update dispatch on the new location. That's not always practical. Sometimes you need to get out of the patrol car right away. You can wait outside your patrol car and use your hand held radio to call in the new location.
What happens if you don't know for sure where you are? There are several options at that point. At first you should give dispatch as best of a description as you can about your location. Two blocks north of 1st street. Two blocks west of Main Street. Three blocks north of the Jack in the Box.
Leave your overhead lights on so your vehicle is easier to see. Turn your spotlight straight up so that it can be seen from a distance. If you are really unsure about your location, you can ask the other drive to turn around and go back to a main street, or you could even just let them go. Another violator will come along; that's what the SGT Says.
What happens if you don't know for sure where you are? There are several options at that point. At first you should give dispatch as best of a description as you can about your location. Two blocks north of 1st street. Two blocks west of Main Street. Three blocks north of the Jack in the Box.
Leave your overhead lights on so your vehicle is easier to see. Turn your spotlight straight up so that it can be seen from a distance. If you are really unsure about your location, you can ask the other drive to turn around and go back to a main street, or you could even just let them go. Another violator will come along; that's what the SGT Says.
27 Aralık 2012 Perşembe
Justice Department Files Civil Rights Lawsuit Against the Alamance County, N.C., Sheriff’s Office
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Complaint Alleges Pattern or Practice of Discriminatory Policing Against Latinos The Justice Department today filed a civil rights lawsuit against Terry S. Johnson, in his official capacity as head of the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in North Carolina. The complaint alleges that ACSO routinely discriminates against and targets Latinos for enforcement action, in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Section 14141 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The lawsuit follows a comprehensive investigation of ACSO’s police practices. The department’s investigation included interviews with over 125 individuals, a review of ACSO policies, procedures, training materials and analysis of data on traffic stops, arrests, citations, vehicle checkpoints, and other documentary evidence. On Sept. 18, 2012, the department issued a formal findings letter detailing ACSO’s discriminatory policing practices and inviting ACSO to negotiate a court-enforceable agreement to remedy the violations found. ACSO declined to enter into meaningful settlement negotiations. The complaint alleges that ACSO engages in a pattern or practice of discriminatory policing against Latinos in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Fourth Amendment and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. The complaint alleges that ACSO’s discriminatory policing activities include: · ACSO deputies unlawfully target Latino drivers for traffic stops: o A study of ACSO’s traffic stops on three major county roadways found that deputies were between four and 10 times more likely to stop Latino drivers than non-Latino drivers; o ACSO deputies arrest Latinos for minor traffic violations while issuing citations or warnings to non-Latinos for comparable violations; o ACSO deputies use vehicle checkpoints in a discriminatory manner to target Latinos. · ACSO uses jail booking and detention practices, including practices related to immigration status checks, that discriminate against Latinos. The complaint further alleges that these discriminatory practices are deeply rooted in a culture that begins with Sheriff Johnson and permeates the entire agency. For example: · The sheriff and ACSO’s leadership explicitly instruct deputies to target Latinos with discriminatory traffic stops and other enforcement activities; · The sheriff and ACSO leadership foster a culture of bias by using anti-Latino epithets; and · ACSO engages in substandard reporting and monitoring practices that mask its discriminatory conduct. Taken together, these practices violate the constitutional and federal rights of Latinos in Alamance County and undermine ACSO’s ability to serve and protect Alamance County’s Latino residents and the community at large. “This is an abuse of power case involving a sheriff who misuses his position of authority to unlawfully target Latinos in Alamance County,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Sheriff Johnson’s directives and leadership have caused ACSO to violate the constitutional rights of Latinos in Alamance County and eroded public trust in ACSO.” In this lawsuit, the Justice Department seeks a court enforceable, comprehensive, written agreement that will ensure long term structural, cultural and institutional change at ACSO. In particular, ACSO must develop and implement new policies, procedures and training in effective and constitutional policing. Any reform efforts must also include systems of accountability to ensure that ACSO has eliminated unlawful bias from its decision making at all levels.
Navy Boat Team Practices Counter-drug Mission
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By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Dec. 21, 2012 – As waves tossed the two small assault boats around the sailors aboard were on watch for movement on the water as their vessels made their way to the insertion point.
Cold water splashed over the boats’ gunnels but the sailors didn’t deviate from their course. They stood ready to deploy into the wet marshlands, where intelligence informed them of the location of a small weapons cache.
Their mission was to quietly insert, recover the cache and get out undetected. Navy Riverine Squadron 2, Detachment 22 accomplished its mission. The ground team recovered three rifles buried under some dead shrubs and sticks and they moved back to the boats for extraction.
Although this was just a training scenario, this is a situation these sailors might face while conducting anti-drug operations in South America, said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dwayne Brown, an operations specialist with the team.
The boat team recently conducted several training exercises on the waterways surrounding Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic and Cherry Point during their trip here from Little Creek, Va.
“The land and waterways around this area are similar to what we will be seeing on deployment,” Brown said. “That is the reason for choosing this location. We can give these sailors real-life training with real-world similarities to the locations we will see in South America.”
MCOLF Atlantic provides the sailors with a quiet, austere location for their training. They constructed shelters and tents, and there is very little to no cell phone reception, putting the sailors in a state of seclusion.
“We want them to get used to this type of place,” Brown said. “That way it will not be a shock to them while on deployment.”
During the training, the sailors found themselves dealing with different weather patterns including freezing winds and sharp, stinging rain.
“A lot of the weather patterns we deal with make the waters rough and choppy,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard Oyler, an engineer and gunner for the squadron. “We have to be prepared for any type of scenario. We have to be on alert for enemy contact, weather, and even water depth.”
The team fought the cold water and high winds and successfully concluded their training.
“Anytime we can come out and get some great training on the water is a great step towards mission accomplishment,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dave Cearley, the executive officer of Riverine Squadron 2.
By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C., Dec. 21, 2012 – As waves tossed the two small assault boats around the sailors aboard were on watch for movement on the water as their vessels made their way to the insertion point.
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Their mission was to quietly insert, recover the cache and get out undetected. Navy Riverine Squadron 2, Detachment 22 accomplished its mission. The ground team recovered three rifles buried under some dead shrubs and sticks and they moved back to the boats for extraction.
Although this was just a training scenario, this is a situation these sailors might face while conducting anti-drug operations in South America, said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dwayne Brown, an operations specialist with the team.
The boat team recently conducted several training exercises on the waterways surrounding Marine Corps Outlying Field Atlantic and Cherry Point during their trip here from Little Creek, Va.
“The land and waterways around this area are similar to what we will be seeing on deployment,” Brown said. “That is the reason for choosing this location. We can give these sailors real-life training with real-world similarities to the locations we will see in South America.”
MCOLF Atlantic provides the sailors with a quiet, austere location for their training. They constructed shelters and tents, and there is very little to no cell phone reception, putting the sailors in a state of seclusion.
“We want them to get used to this type of place,” Brown said. “That way it will not be a shock to them while on deployment.”
During the training, the sailors found themselves dealing with different weather patterns including freezing winds and sharp, stinging rain.
“A lot of the weather patterns we deal with make the waters rough and choppy,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard Oyler, an engineer and gunner for the squadron. “We have to be prepared for any type of scenario. We have to be on alert for enemy contact, weather, and even water depth.”
The team fought the cold water and high winds and successfully concluded their training.
“Anytime we can come out and get some great training on the water is a great step towards mission accomplishment,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dave Cearley, the executive officer of Riverine Squadron 2.
David Lawless Sentenced to Prison for Use Of A Destructive Device During A Crime Of Violence At A Bookstore At Colorado Mills Shopping Mall
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DENVER– Denver resident, David Joseph Lawless, age 32, of Denver, was sentenced todayby Chief U.S. District Court Judge Wiley Y. Daniel to serve 240 months (20years) in federal prison for use of a destructive device during a crime ofviolence, United States Attorney John Walsh, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Andrew Traver and FederalBureau of Investigations Special Agent in Charge James Yacone announced. TheLakewood Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff‘s Office, and theColorado State Patrol played a critical role in the investigation andapprehension of Lawless as well. Following his prison sentence, Lawless wasordered to serve 5 years on supervised release. The amount of restitutionLawless owes will be determined at a later date. Lawless appeared at thesentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at the conclusion.
Lawlesswas charged by Criminal Complaint on June 27, 2011. He was indicted by afederal grand jury in Denver on July 12, 2011. The government obtained asuperseding indictment on February 6, 2012. Lawless pled guilty before ChiefJudge Daniel on October 4, 2012. He was sentenced today, December 20, 2012
Accordingto court documents, including the affidavit in support of the criminalcomplaint, the indictments, and the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, onJune 25, 2011, at approximately 12:38 am, an alarm was activated at the Bordersbookstore located in the Colorado Mills Shopping Center. The Lakewood PoliceDepartment was dispatched to the store, and upon arrival discovered that theentrance/exit door of the Borders bookstore was shattered and cleared tofacilitate entry into the business from the outside. While securing the store,Lakewood officers discovered two suspected explosive devices inside. TheJefferson County Bomb Squad was called, and subsequently responded to thescene. The bomb squad located three suspected explosive devices. The first waslocated outside the mall near the entrance to Borders. Two others were foundinside the store.
Thedevice located outside the mall entrance was discovered in one of the garbagecontainers. That device partially functioned. Another similar device waslocated within the Borders store. That device also partially functioned. Thethird suspected device was placed on a table within the store. No initiationoccurred in relation to that suspected device. The bomb squad determined thedevices were safe. No render safe procedures were conducted relative to any ofthe devices
TheFBI Evidence Response Team (ERT) and the ATF processed the scene, collectingevidence which was then transported to the FBI laboratory in Quantico,Virginia. While processing the scene, investigators found what appeared to beblood at the bookstore. A review of security camera footage showed a person whoappears to be a white male breaking into the glass public entrance door. Itappears the person injured his hand while breaking into the store.
Onthe same date, June 25, 2011, at 8:05 am the FBI was notified by the LakewoodPolice Department that several of the front windows of a Best Buy store locatedapproximately a ½ mile away from the bookstore were smashed open from theoutside. At 12:52 am outdoor video surveillance showed a white male driving agreen Toyota Tacoma go in and out of camera view. No evidence of arson or adestructive device was recovered from the scene at Best Buy.
Atapproximately 2:54 am, the Jefferson County Sheriff responded to assist theWest Metro Fire and Rescue Department regarding an explosion and fire incidentreported by guests at a Marriott Hotel located approximately a ½ mile from theBest Buy, and approximately a mile from the bookstore. Deputies at the hotelscene recovered what appeared to be a crude device. That evidence was also sentto the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. During the investigation agentsand task force officers found outdoor surveillance cameras near the mall whichshowed a dark colored Toyota Tacoma.
Atapproximately 6:37 pm the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) responded to a one carcrash on Colorado 103 at mile post ten (10) in Clear Creek County. Two off-dutyArapahoe County Sheriff‘s Deputies were at the scene of the crash attempting torender aid. The driver in the crash was later identified as Lawless. Lawless,who appeared to be intoxicated, attempted to stab the deputies with scissorswhile they were detaining him. He was arrested by the Colorado State Patrol forDUI and felony menacing. Lawless had an injury to his hand, which wasconsistent with the injury to the person who broke into the Borders bookstore.He was also driving a green Toyota Tacoma, which was consistent with whatagents and officers observed on surveillance video near the scene of theincidents.
Laterinvestigators learned that there was another device in the defendant‘s truck,as well as components for the devices at his residence. Lastly, it wasdetermined that Lawless researched how to make the devices on the internet froma computer also at his residence.
"Withthis lengthy prison sentence, the Court has ended the Defendant's days ofbuilding and planting dangerous destructive devices," said U.S. AttorneyJohn Walsh. "The investigation into the actions of David Lawlessdemonstrate the collective power and determination of local, state and federallaw enforcement working together to identify and arrest someone capable ofviolent acts."
"ATFwill continue to utilize its specialized explosives expertise, resources andpartnerships with Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies toeffectively investigate explosives and bombing incidents," said SpecialAgent in Charge Andrew Traver. "This investigation illustrates ourcommitment to protecting the public and bringing the perpetrator of such aviolent act to justice."
"Thissentencing reflects the seriousness of these criminal acts in the risk posed toinnocent citizens and property by the use of explosives," said FBI DenverSpecial Agent in Charge James Yacone. "The resolution of this case was aresult of the outstanding collaborative effort between the FBI, ATF, LakewoodPolice Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and the Colorado StatePatrol to promptly respond, investigate, and bring Lawless to justice."
"Thiscase is an excellent example of how we can work with our federal, state, andlocal law enforcement partners to bring to justice those individuals whothreaten the safety of our citizens," said Lake Police Chief KevinPaletta.
"Thiscase illustrates the value of information sharing and the benefit of strongworking relationships at all levels of law enforcement," said ColonelJames Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Thesepartnerships greatly enhance the public safety of all Coloradoans."
Thiscase was investigated by the FBI‘s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Lakewood PoliceDepartment, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff‘s Office, theJefferson County Bomb Squad, the West Metro Fire and Rescue Department, and theColorado State Patrol.
Thedefendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Holloway.
DENVER– Denver resident, David Joseph Lawless, age 32, of Denver, was sentenced todayby Chief U.S. District Court Judge Wiley Y. Daniel to serve 240 months (20years) in federal prison for use of a destructive device during a crime ofviolence, United States Attorney John Walsh, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Andrew Traver and FederalBureau of Investigations Special Agent in Charge James Yacone announced. TheLakewood Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff‘s Office, and theColorado State Patrol played a critical role in the investigation andapprehension of Lawless as well. Following his prison sentence, Lawless wasordered to serve 5 years on supervised release. The amount of restitutionLawless owes will be determined at a later date. Lawless appeared at thesentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at the conclusion.
Lawlesswas charged by Criminal Complaint on June 27, 2011. He was indicted by afederal grand jury in Denver on July 12, 2011. The government obtained asuperseding indictment on February 6, 2012. Lawless pled guilty before ChiefJudge Daniel on October 4, 2012. He was sentenced today, December 20, 2012
Accordingto court documents, including the affidavit in support of the criminalcomplaint, the indictments, and the stipulated facts in the plea agreement, onJune 25, 2011, at approximately 12:38 am, an alarm was activated at the Bordersbookstore located in the Colorado Mills Shopping Center. The Lakewood PoliceDepartment was dispatched to the store, and upon arrival discovered that theentrance/exit door of the Borders bookstore was shattered and cleared tofacilitate entry into the business from the outside. While securing the store,Lakewood officers discovered two suspected explosive devices inside. TheJefferson County Bomb Squad was called, and subsequently responded to thescene. The bomb squad located three suspected explosive devices. The first waslocated outside the mall near the entrance to Borders. Two others were foundinside the store.
Thedevice located outside the mall entrance was discovered in one of the garbagecontainers. That device partially functioned. Another similar device waslocated within the Borders store. That device also partially functioned. Thethird suspected device was placed on a table within the store. No initiationoccurred in relation to that suspected device. The bomb squad determined thedevices were safe. No render safe procedures were conducted relative to any ofthe devices
TheFBI Evidence Response Team (ERT) and the ATF processed the scene, collectingevidence which was then transported to the FBI laboratory in Quantico,Virginia. While processing the scene, investigators found what appeared to beblood at the bookstore. A review of security camera footage showed a person whoappears to be a white male breaking into the glass public entrance door. Itappears the person injured his hand while breaking into the store.
Onthe same date, June 25, 2011, at 8:05 am the FBI was notified by the LakewoodPolice Department that several of the front windows of a Best Buy store locatedapproximately a ½ mile away from the bookstore were smashed open from theoutside. At 12:52 am outdoor video surveillance showed a white male driving agreen Toyota Tacoma go in and out of camera view. No evidence of arson or adestructive device was recovered from the scene at Best Buy.
Atapproximately 2:54 am, the Jefferson County Sheriff responded to assist theWest Metro Fire and Rescue Department regarding an explosion and fire incidentreported by guests at a Marriott Hotel located approximately a ½ mile from theBest Buy, and approximately a mile from the bookstore. Deputies at the hotelscene recovered what appeared to be a crude device. That evidence was also sentto the FBI laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. During the investigation agentsand task force officers found outdoor surveillance cameras near the mall whichshowed a dark colored Toyota Tacoma.
Atapproximately 6:37 pm the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) responded to a one carcrash on Colorado 103 at mile post ten (10) in Clear Creek County. Two off-dutyArapahoe County Sheriff‘s Deputies were at the scene of the crash attempting torender aid. The driver in the crash was later identified as Lawless. Lawless,who appeared to be intoxicated, attempted to stab the deputies with scissorswhile they were detaining him. He was arrested by the Colorado State Patrol forDUI and felony menacing. Lawless had an injury to his hand, which wasconsistent with the injury to the person who broke into the Borders bookstore.He was also driving a green Toyota Tacoma, which was consistent with whatagents and officers observed on surveillance video near the scene of theincidents.
Laterinvestigators learned that there was another device in the defendant‘s truck,as well as components for the devices at his residence. Lastly, it wasdetermined that Lawless researched how to make the devices on the internet froma computer also at his residence.
"Withthis lengthy prison sentence, the Court has ended the Defendant's days ofbuilding and planting dangerous destructive devices," said U.S. AttorneyJohn Walsh. "The investigation into the actions of David Lawlessdemonstrate the collective power and determination of local, state and federallaw enforcement working together to identify and arrest someone capable ofviolent acts."
"ATFwill continue to utilize its specialized explosives expertise, resources andpartnerships with Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies toeffectively investigate explosives and bombing incidents," said SpecialAgent in Charge Andrew Traver. "This investigation illustrates ourcommitment to protecting the public and bringing the perpetrator of such aviolent act to justice."
"Thissentencing reflects the seriousness of these criminal acts in the risk posed toinnocent citizens and property by the use of explosives," said FBI DenverSpecial Agent in Charge James Yacone. "The resolution of this case was aresult of the outstanding collaborative effort between the FBI, ATF, LakewoodPolice Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and the Colorado StatePatrol to promptly respond, investigate, and bring Lawless to justice."
"Thiscase is an excellent example of how we can work with our federal, state, andlocal law enforcement partners to bring to justice those individuals whothreaten the safety of our citizens," said Lake Police Chief KevinPaletta.
"Thiscase illustrates the value of information sharing and the benefit of strongworking relationships at all levels of law enforcement," said ColonelJames Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Thesepartnerships greatly enhance the public safety of all Coloradoans."
Thiscase was investigated by the FBI‘s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Lakewood PoliceDepartment, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff‘s Office, theJefferson County Bomb Squad, the West Metro Fire and Rescue Department, and theColorado State Patrol.
Thedefendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Holloway.
Justice Department Enters into Agreement to Reform the Puerto Rico Police Department
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The Justice Department (DOJ) today entered into a sweeping agreement with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Governor Luis Fortuño to resolve its civil investigation of the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD). The complaint and the agreement were filed today in the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico, along with a joint motion requesting a temporary stay of the proceedings until April 15, 2013 to provide the incoming administration of Governor-elect Alejandro GarcÃa Padilla sufficient time to review the agreement. The comprehensive agreement addresses wide-ranging and ongoing constitutional violations by PRPD that were documented in a lengthy DOJ report issued in September 2011. The department found reasonable cause to believe that PRPD engages in a pattern or practice of use of excessive force, use of unreasonable force designed to suppress protected speech, and unconstitutional searches and seizures. The agreement also addresses allegations that PRPD fails to investigate sex crimes and domestic violence, and engages in discriminatory policing. “We appreciate the hard work of Governor Fortuño, Superintendent Hector Pesquera, and their staff. Together, and with great input from the public, we have designed a comprehensive blueprint for reform that provides a solid foundation that will professionalize and support the hardworking men and women of PRPD as they protect the people of Puerto Rico,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “We have also met with Governor-elect Garcia-Padilla, who recognizes that constitutional policing and effective policing go hand in hand. We look forward to working with Governor-elect GarcÃa Padilla and his incoming administration to finalize the agreement and begin the critical work of rebuilding PRPD. Ensuring effective, constitutional policing is not a partisan issue, and we appreciate the commitment of Governor Fortuño and Governor-elect GarcÃa Padilla to the reforms embodied in the agreement. The successful implementation of the reforms contained in this agreement will help to reduce crime, ensure respect for the Constitution and restore public confidence in PRPD.” Today’s agreement was reached after extensive negotiations with commonwealth officials and their police consultants. The agreement provides a comprehensive blueprint for meaningful, sustainable reform and reflects the input of many community stakeholders from throughout the Commonwealth, including police affinity groups, members of the Puerto Rico business community, students, representatives of the Dominican community, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender communities. The agreement addresses the policies, procedures, training, internal and external oversight, disciplinary systems and information and data integrity mechanisms that caused or contributed to the pattern or practice of misconduct. It also details necessary changes intended to ensure that police services are delivered to the people of Puerto Rico in a manner that is effective, complies with the Constitution, and promotes the community’s trust in PRPD. For instance, the agreement contains provisions that are designed to increase transparency and promote PRPD’s responsiveness to the community, including measures that require regular meetings with community representatives to facilitate cooperation and communication; collection and dissemination of accurate and up-to-date crime statistics; community outreach programs in each PRPD region; and independent and periodic compliance assessments that are available to the public. The purpose of the joint motion requesting a temporary stay of the proceedings is to provide the incoming administration with a meaningful opportunity to review the agreement. The department and representatives of Governor Fortuño have met independently with Governor-elect GarcÃa Padilla and his transition team to brief them on the investigation’s findings and the agreement. The stay, requested until April 15, 2013, will provide Governor-elect GarcÃa Padilla and his incoming administration with a meaningful opportunity to review the agreement, and either accept it or negotiate necessary changes, before the department and Commonwealth request approval and entry of the agreement as an order. During this period, the department will continue its ongoing outreach into communities across Puerto Rico to seek input and feedback. Once approved and entered by the district court, the agreement will resolve the department’s civil action, and the implementation phase will immediately begin. A copy of the complaint, the agreement, the joint motion to stay the proceedings, and September 2011 letter of findings can be found at www.justice.gov/crt.
DEA Publishes Proposed Regulations for Disposing of Controlled Substance Prescription Drugs
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DEC26 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published itsNotice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Disposal of Controlled Substances in theFederal Register Dec. 21. The proposedregulations seek to implement the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of2010.
Accordingto the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’sNational Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than six million Americans abuseprescription drugs. That same studyrevealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers gotthem through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the familymedicine cabinet. Medicines that languish in home medicine cabinets are highlysusceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abusein the U.S. are alarmingly high—more Americans currently abuse prescriptiondrugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroincombined.
Thisrule proposes requirements to govern the secure disposal of controlledsubstance medications by both DEA registrants and what the ControlledSubstances Act refers to as “ultimate users” of these medications (patients andanimals). The proposed regulations seekto expand the options available to collect these medications from ultimateusers for the purpose of disposal, to include take-back events, mail-backprograms, and collection box locations. The proposed regulations contain specific provisions that:
• Continue to allow law enforcementagencies to voluntarily conduct take-back events, administer mail-backprograms, and maintain collection boxes;• Allow authorized manufacturers,distributors, reverse distributors, and retail pharmacies to voluntarilyadminister mail-back programs and maintain collection boxes;• Allow authorized retail pharmacies tovoluntarily maintain collection boxes at long term care facilities.
Thepublic can review an electronic copy of this document at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-12-21/pdf/2012-30699.pdfand has 60 days to submit comments, until February 19, 2013. DEA encourages interested parties to commenton this important proposed rule.
DEA’ssixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, April27. DEA’s first five Take-Back eventsresulted in the removal from circulation of more than 2 million pounds (over athousand tons) of prescription drugs.
DEC26 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published itsNotice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Disposal of Controlled Substances in theFederal Register Dec. 21. The proposedregulations seek to implement the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of2010.
Accordingto the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’sNational Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than six million Americans abuseprescription drugs. That same studyrevealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers gotthem through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the familymedicine cabinet. Medicines that languish in home medicine cabinets are highlysusceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abusein the U.S. are alarmingly high—more Americans currently abuse prescriptiondrugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroincombined.
Thisrule proposes requirements to govern the secure disposal of controlledsubstance medications by both DEA registrants and what the ControlledSubstances Act refers to as “ultimate users” of these medications (patients andanimals). The proposed regulations seekto expand the options available to collect these medications from ultimateusers for the purpose of disposal, to include take-back events, mail-backprograms, and collection box locations. The proposed regulations contain specific provisions that:
• Continue to allow law enforcementagencies to voluntarily conduct take-back events, administer mail-backprograms, and maintain collection boxes;• Allow authorized manufacturers,distributors, reverse distributors, and retail pharmacies to voluntarilyadminister mail-back programs and maintain collection boxes;• Allow authorized retail pharmacies tovoluntarily maintain collection boxes at long term care facilities.
Thepublic can review an electronic copy of this document at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-12-21/pdf/2012-30699.pdfand has 60 days to submit comments, until February 19, 2013. DEA encourages interested parties to commenton this important proposed rule.
DEA’ssixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, April27. DEA’s first five Take-Back eventsresulted in the removal from circulation of more than 2 million pounds (over athousand tons) of prescription drugs.
20 Aralık 2012 Perşembe
Fear defines us
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9-11 accomplished more than Bin Laden probably thought possible. The fear of the dreaded jihadists has driven the populace into accepting the narrowing of civil rights protected by the constitution.
Fear of terrorism has led the nation to accept unreasonable and unjustified wars (undeclared), false imprisonment and torture, and limitations on travel. It has lead to the fear of anything Arab.
The FBI targets citizens and others that sound Muslim. City police departments, like New York, stop and frisk, a constitution violation, profiled residents.
Fear of going about one's daily business abounds. A backpack left unattended is more likely to result in the bomb squad than a transport to the loss and found. An unexpected 'package' left in a bank lobby will find itself in the hands of the bomb squad and SWAT.
Schools, even before Connecticut, have become fortresses. Never mind that these 'security' measure are relatively worthless, except to make certain parents feel good.
Even a routine trip to the mall is wrapped in fear of possibilities of violence even if unjustified. A walk downtown is not only hampered by the homeless, but by the street people who are threatening in their extortion attempts.
The fear of all things global warming raises concerns and fears of planet longevity. Climate change rhetoric raises the specter of coastal cities flooding, and storms like Sandy as a frequent event.
Fear of job loss, fear of the fiscal cliff (even if we don't know what that is), fear of loss of one's house, fear of the inability to retire, fear of loss of social security, fear of catastrophic illnesses, fear of getting sick, and the list seems endless.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1933 inaugural address, spoke about a time not that much different than ours today It is the famous "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" speech. An excerpt:
Fear of terrorism has led the nation to accept unreasonable and unjustified wars (undeclared), false imprisonment and torture, and limitations on travel. It has lead to the fear of anything Arab.
The FBI targets citizens and others that sound Muslim. City police departments, like New York, stop and frisk, a constitution violation, profiled residents.
Fear of going about one's daily business abounds. A backpack left unattended is more likely to result in the bomb squad than a transport to the loss and found. An unexpected 'package' left in a bank lobby will find itself in the hands of the bomb squad and SWAT.
Schools, even before Connecticut, have become fortresses. Never mind that these 'security' measure are relatively worthless, except to make certain parents feel good.
Even a routine trip to the mall is wrapped in fear of possibilities of violence even if unjustified. A walk downtown is not only hampered by the homeless, but by the street people who are threatening in their extortion attempts.
The fear of all things global warming raises concerns and fears of planet longevity. Climate change rhetoric raises the specter of coastal cities flooding, and storms like Sandy as a frequent event.
Fear of job loss, fear of the fiscal cliff (even if we don't know what that is), fear of loss of one's house, fear of the inability to retire, fear of loss of social security, fear of catastrophic illnesses, fear of getting sick, and the list seems endless.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1933 inaugural address, spoke about a time not that much different than ours today It is the famous "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself" speech. An excerpt:
"This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days."What we need is national and state leadership free from partisan constraints to exercise freedom of conscience without the fetters of campaign funding. Are Obama and congress up to it?
Price paid is too much
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One wonders where is the tipping point? Have we reached it? 20 first graders shot, not once, but multiple times (some of them as many as 11 times) by what can only be explained, at the moment, as the acts of a deranged person. The public looks for a reason and mental illness satisfies their immediate need for an answer.
As has been noted - the shooter fits the mass murderer profile, and the school had protective security arrangements, more than any school should ever need. The shooter wasn't deterred - he shot his way in.
The shooter also appears to have obtained the guns from his mother's collection, legally possessed. It is safe to say that he stole his weapons without the need of background checks or a period of waiting time, but that would not have made any difference.
The shooter was just another person who was not on any person's watch list. Nothing to indicate that he could not have obtained the weapons himself. These were inexplicable acts that defy attempts to find social, political or personal causation factors. There is simply no better way to characterize his actions except as those of a deranged person.
Was he wired wrong? Was there some event that tipped him over the line? The search for answers, especially the easy ones, is on the way. It is always better for the public to be fed answers that intuitively makes sense yet unprovable.
To that end, we will most likely hear from the 'ours is a violent society' group that seeks to connect anything they see as violent as a catalyst for further violence, video games the obvious culprit.
And there are those that accept, inexplicably, that since we live in a violent society, we, therefore, just have to live with it. Of course that is circuitous reasoning. Once violence is acceptable, the more violence there will be. Violent society is made not born.
One also has to keep in mind that despite what seems to be the constant daily reports of gun violence, used in crimes and between gangs, never results in the intentional murder of children.
But the anti-gun advocates will be doing their best to blame all ills of our society on guns, and they may have a point. But it is irrational and unlikely that guns can be banned in their entirety. Oddly, the fear of a ban increases the sales. [Interesting is that an Oregon background check normally only takes 15 minutes with no other delay in acquisition.]
And to make it worse to find acceptable and reasonable solutions that benefit a civilized society, the gun lobby will be out in force with the 'guns don't kill people, people kill people' banner. Frankly there is a lot of truth to that - but that doesn't mean we need to arm everyone or that the second amendment guarantees an absolute right to arms without regulation.
And there are those that stand at the ready to let the children of others be the price paid to defend a 1791 amendment to the constitution: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." [Second Amendment | U.S. Constitution | LII / Legal Information Institute].
However, the easiest answer that satisfies most is mental illness. It is the go to cause of all things bad. Somehow mental illness evacuates all emotion and reasoning that should lead to outrage. The public seems quite ready to accept mental illness, even if it doesn't come within the legal definition, as a rational explanation.
One might noticed that adults being murdered in what might be called non-criminal situations, i.e., not crimes of passion, robbery, etc., doesn't seem to evoke much concern. Maybe it is because the these shootings can be ascribed to 'mental illness.'
Was this shooter tipped over in his thinking by some event - or had he been planning this for some time? Remember he first killed his mother. Even if so - could he have been stopped outside of a total confession of his intent? But consider that if the autopsy, or maybe later disclosed medical records, determine that he was mentally ill by anyone's definition, the conversation will change.
But - one still has to ask - what could have been in place to stop this shooter? It would appear (I am hoping for reasonable alternatives) that nothing short of a total ban on weapons, or at least those certain weapons like the semi-automatic that did the damage, would have sufficed.
There does though seem to be a connection between the automatic war-like weapons and mass shooters. Even locally in Portland, these automatics are common in the police reports on weapons used or possessed. The strength of the connection needs to be tested.
Isn't it reasonable to ban the domestic manufacture and sale of these weapons in ordinary commerce. And similarly ban the import of these assault weapons. Provisions for legitimate collectors could easily be included.
The sad truth is that after everybody from the president on down has made a pitch for some gun regulations aimed at preventing another Connecticut tragedy - nothing will be done. We can expect a replay along with the concomitant hand-wringing.
After an acceptable waiting period -it will be business as usual. Politicians know (or perceive) that campaign funding and support from the gun lobby is necessary to their political survival. After all that is what politics is all about, not that the constituents count, it is the money.
In the balance, narrowing an individual's 'right' to own and possess assault weapons and ammunition (designed for maximum damage) like that used in Connecticut must be the price paid to prevent another mass shooting. It is a fair price - isn't it?
As has been noted - the shooter fits the mass murderer profile, and the school had protective security arrangements, more than any school should ever need. The shooter wasn't deterred - he shot his way in.
The shooter also appears to have obtained the guns from his mother's collection, legally possessed. It is safe to say that he stole his weapons without the need of background checks or a period of waiting time, but that would not have made any difference.
The shooter was just another person who was not on any person's watch list. Nothing to indicate that he could not have obtained the weapons himself. These were inexplicable acts that defy attempts to find social, political or personal causation factors. There is simply no better way to characterize his actions except as those of a deranged person.
Was he wired wrong? Was there some event that tipped him over the line? The search for answers, especially the easy ones, is on the way. It is always better for the public to be fed answers that intuitively makes sense yet unprovable.
To that end, we will most likely hear from the 'ours is a violent society' group that seeks to connect anything they see as violent as a catalyst for further violence, video games the obvious culprit.
And there are those that accept, inexplicably, that since we live in a violent society, we, therefore, just have to live with it. Of course that is circuitous reasoning. Once violence is acceptable, the more violence there will be. Violent society is made not born.
One also has to keep in mind that despite what seems to be the constant daily reports of gun violence, used in crimes and between gangs, never results in the intentional murder of children.
But the anti-gun advocates will be doing their best to blame all ills of our society on guns, and they may have a point. But it is irrational and unlikely that guns can be banned in their entirety. Oddly, the fear of a ban increases the sales. [Interesting is that an Oregon background check normally only takes 15 minutes with no other delay in acquisition.]
And to make it worse to find acceptable and reasonable solutions that benefit a civilized society, the gun lobby will be out in force with the 'guns don't kill people, people kill people' banner. Frankly there is a lot of truth to that - but that doesn't mean we need to arm everyone or that the second amendment guarantees an absolute right to arms without regulation.
And there are those that stand at the ready to let the children of others be the price paid to defend a 1791 amendment to the constitution: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." [Second Amendment | U.S. Constitution | LII / Legal Information Institute].
Analysis from the Congressional Research Service [excerpt]: "In spite of extensive recent discussion and much legislative action with respect to regulation of the purchase, possession, and transportation of firearms, as well as proposals to substantially curtail ownership of firearms, there is no definitive resolution by the courts of just what right the Second Amendment protects. The opposing theories, perhaps oversimplified, are an “individual rights” thesis whereby individuals are protected in ownership, possession, and transportation, and a “states’ rights” thesis whereby it is said the purpose of the clause is to protect the States in their authority to maintain formal, organized militia units. Whatever the Amendment may mean, it is a bar only to federal action, not extending to state or private restraints."Surely the United States Constitution doesn't permit mass shootings.
However, the easiest answer that satisfies most is mental illness. It is the go to cause of all things bad. Somehow mental illness evacuates all emotion and reasoning that should lead to outrage. The public seems quite ready to accept mental illness, even if it doesn't come within the legal definition, as a rational explanation.
One might noticed that adults being murdered in what might be called non-criminal situations, i.e., not crimes of passion, robbery, etc., doesn't seem to evoke much concern. Maybe it is because the these shootings can be ascribed to 'mental illness.'
Was this shooter tipped over in his thinking by some event - or had he been planning this for some time? Remember he first killed his mother. Even if so - could he have been stopped outside of a total confession of his intent? But consider that if the autopsy, or maybe later disclosed medical records, determine that he was mentally ill by anyone's definition, the conversation will change.
But - one still has to ask - what could have been in place to stop this shooter? It would appear (I am hoping for reasonable alternatives) that nothing short of a total ban on weapons, or at least those certain weapons like the semi-automatic that did the damage, would have sufficed.
There does though seem to be a connection between the automatic war-like weapons and mass shooters. Even locally in Portland, these automatics are common in the police reports on weapons used or possessed. The strength of the connection needs to be tested.
Isn't it reasonable to ban the domestic manufacture and sale of these weapons in ordinary commerce. And similarly ban the import of these assault weapons. Provisions for legitimate collectors could easily be included.
The sad truth is that after everybody from the president on down has made a pitch for some gun regulations aimed at preventing another Connecticut tragedy - nothing will be done. We can expect a replay along with the concomitant hand-wringing.
After an acceptable waiting period -it will be business as usual. Politicians know (or perceive) that campaign funding and support from the gun lobby is necessary to their political survival. After all that is what politics is all about, not that the constituents count, it is the money.
In the balance, narrowing an individual's 'right' to own and possess assault weapons and ammunition (designed for maximum damage) like that used in Connecticut must be the price paid to prevent another mass shooting. It is a fair price - isn't it?
Aren't educated in Oregon
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"Aren't educated in Oregon" is the catch phrase that underlines Oregon's failure in economic growth. I lifted it from the Oregonian's Betsy Hammond's recent article Wilsonville, Lake Oswego tech jobs wow education leaders, prompt talk of more engineering lessons in schools.
Ms Hammond noted that although there are tech firms locally "[m]ost of the people who hold those engaging, largely tech-related jobs -- and earn the big bucks doing so -- aren't educated in Oregon, however."
It seemed odd to me that these education leaders apparently just had an aha moment. Tech jobs have been important since the 1960s - why are Oregon educators just now talking of more engineering related school lessons?
It would have seemed that given the success of NASA and the growth in the various technology centers in the years subsequent to the 60s moon landing would have led educators to focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Why are we lagging?
And, it is one thing to 'land' tech companies, e.g., Intel, via tax incentives and the like, but it is a failure of the education system that "too few students emerge from local high schools and colleges with the necessary skills and orientation" to be employed in these companies.
The state and cities like Portland like to tout jobs created, except they fail to recognize or mention that many, if not most, of these jobs are filled by non-Oregonians.
Moreover, students should not be educated only to fill local jobs, but they should be educated to become self-sufficient wherever they might live. It shouldn't take the efforts of local tech companies to educate the educators about career paths.
But, these education professionals are apparently ignorant about career paths available in the local tech companies. Eye-opening according to the educators. One wonders how professional educators could be unaware of these career paths which are not peculiar to the local companies. Isn't there career counseling in high school?
What is education for if not to position students to be self-sufficient? But, there seems to be no coordination between education provided and the job market. Teaching the traditional core subjects is no longer sufficient. The push now is found in the acronym STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
This excerpt from Wikipedia entry STEM fields:
Maybe 'better late than never' is appropriate attitude now, but it is odd that other countries seeing the lead of the United States in technology and science fashioned their education systems in a STEM orientation while the US languished.
But there is a danger in any rush to push only the tech related jobs. While technology covers a wide variety of careers, e.g., even an auto mechanic needs technology skills, there are many well paying skill jobs in other fields not thought to be technology (or hi-tech) related, e.g., welding.
I remember not too many years ago attending a PDC meeting where industry representatives were making a point and seeking PDC assistance in filing welding jobs. Welders are not only highly skilled but they are well paid. These employers were offering good pay, benefits and training. They were begging for qualified applicants.
High schools may no be able to graduate students job ready. But, it is high school where students can grasp the idea that education has value. "If students have an idea of what could be, then they'll strive to get there." [Maryalice Russell, superintendent of McMinnville schools].
Ms Hammond noted that although there are tech firms locally "[m]ost of the people who hold those engaging, largely tech-related jobs -- and earn the big bucks doing so -- aren't educated in Oregon, however."
It seemed odd to me that these education leaders apparently just had an aha moment. Tech jobs have been important since the 1960s - why are Oregon educators just now talking of more engineering related school lessons?
It would have seemed that given the success of NASA and the growth in the various technology centers in the years subsequent to the 60s moon landing would have led educators to focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Why are we lagging?
And, it is one thing to 'land' tech companies, e.g., Intel, via tax incentives and the like, but it is a failure of the education system that "too few students emerge from local high schools and colleges with the necessary skills and orientation" to be employed in these companies.
The state and cities like Portland like to tout jobs created, except they fail to recognize or mention that many, if not most, of these jobs are filled by non-Oregonians.
Moreover, students should not be educated only to fill local jobs, but they should be educated to become self-sufficient wherever they might live. It shouldn't take the efforts of local tech companies to educate the educators about career paths.
But, these education professionals are apparently ignorant about career paths available in the local tech companies. Eye-opening according to the educators. One wonders how professional educators could be unaware of these career paths which are not peculiar to the local companies. Isn't there career counseling in high school?
What is education for if not to position students to be self-sufficient? But, there seems to be no coordination between education provided and the job market. Teaching the traditional core subjects is no longer sufficient. The push now is found in the acronym STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
This excerpt from Wikipedia entry STEM fields:
"STEM fields is an acronym for the fields of study in the categories of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The acronym has been used regarding access to United States work visas for immigrants who are skilled in these fields. It has also become commonplace in education discussions as a reference to the shortage of skilled workers and inadequate education in these areas. The initiative began to address the perceived lack of qualified candidates for high-tech jobs. It also addresses concern that the subjects are often taught in isolation, instead of as an integrated curriculum. Maintaining a citizenry that is well versed in the STEM fields is a key portion of the public education agenda of the United States."It is a nicely formed paragraph that places everything into perspective. Immigration is a means of filling skilled work positions because of the lack of qualified US applicants. That lack can be laid at the foot of the educational system.
Maybe 'better late than never' is appropriate attitude now, but it is odd that other countries seeing the lead of the United States in technology and science fashioned their education systems in a STEM orientation while the US languished.
But there is a danger in any rush to push only the tech related jobs. While technology covers a wide variety of careers, e.g., even an auto mechanic needs technology skills, there are many well paying skill jobs in other fields not thought to be technology (or hi-tech) related, e.g., welding.
I remember not too many years ago attending a PDC meeting where industry representatives were making a point and seeking PDC assistance in filing welding jobs. Welders are not only highly skilled but they are well paid. These employers were offering good pay, benefits and training. They were begging for qualified applicants.
High schools may no be able to graduate students job ready. But, it is high school where students can grasp the idea that education has value. "If students have an idea of what could be, then they'll strive to get there." [Maryalice Russell, superintendent of McMinnville schools].
'Did We Just Kill A Kid?' Drones dehumanizing war from afar.
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An Air Force crew in New Mexico directing drones over Afghanistan resulted in the death of a child who walked into view too late. The missile had already been fired. A 2 to 5 second normal communication delay sealed the child's fate - too late to stop. ['Did We Just Kill A Kid?' — The Six Words That Ended A US Drone Pilot's Career].
We have gone from waging war face-to-face to thousands of miles separation in a video game arcade environment where decisions to kill are made remotely. Attacking and killing the enemy is no longer a matter of personal confrontation and decision making.
Checkout the image in the story showing the "windowless container" from where the drone operators conduct their military operations. One suspect that just out of range of their comfortable chairs is the canteen. And, after their shift is over - the on base clubs stand-by with the cold brews. Another day of comfortable and depersonalized killing. Possibly too their spouses and kids are waiting at home. How was your day dear?
The use of drones may turn out to be a two-edged sword. The technology is not that sophisticated that it can't be readily engineered. One wonders just how impervious our airspace is to drones operated from afar. With the proliferation of drone technology - can we be assured that they they always be used for good. Surely killing children is not good.
Proliferation? Drones in Portland? Oh yes. Spying the Friendly Skies: Drone aircraft used for recon in Afghanistan are now in Portland. And in the US, "American police officers may soon be able to use unmanned aircraft not only for surveillance, but also for offensive action. The drones may be equipped to fire rubber rounds and tear gas." [Drones over US to get weaponized – so far, non-lethally].
And you think traffic cameras are an invasion.
We have gone from waging war face-to-face to thousands of miles separation in a video game arcade environment where decisions to kill are made remotely. Attacking and killing the enemy is no longer a matter of personal confrontation and decision making.
Checkout the image in the story showing the "windowless container" from where the drone operators conduct their military operations. One suspect that just out of range of their comfortable chairs is the canteen. And, after their shift is over - the on base clubs stand-by with the cold brews. Another day of comfortable and depersonalized killing. Possibly too their spouses and kids are waiting at home. How was your day dear?
The use of drones may turn out to be a two-edged sword. The technology is not that sophisticated that it can't be readily engineered. One wonders just how impervious our airspace is to drones operated from afar. With the proliferation of drone technology - can we be assured that they they always be used for good. Surely killing children is not good.
Proliferation? Drones in Portland? Oh yes. Spying the Friendly Skies: Drone aircraft used for recon in Afghanistan are now in Portland. And in the US, "American police officers may soon be able to use unmanned aircraft not only for surveillance, but also for offensive action. The drones may be equipped to fire rubber rounds and tear gas." [Drones over US to get weaponized – so far, non-lethally].
And you think traffic cameras are an invasion.
Duh! "Report finds harsh CIA interrogations ineffective."
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A 6,000 page report from the Senate Intelligence Committee reached the conclusion "that harsh interrogation measures used by the CIA did not produce significant intelligence breakthroughs." Not surprising - Republicans on the committee refused to participate in the investigation leading to the report. Although, it would appear Sen. John McCain did participate.
"Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, issued a statement saying that the committee’s work shows that “cruel” treatment of prisoners 'is not only wrong in principle and a stain on our country’s conscience, but also an ineffective and unreliable means of gathering intelligence.'” [Report finds harsh CIA interrogations ineffective].
It is difficult to grasp that reasonable and rational people could conclude that torture and interrogation techniques just this side of torture could produce reliable information.
But don't ever expect to read any significant portion of the report. Procedures requires the opportunity for the administration and the CIA to review and comment. The Washington Post notes that "[i]t could be months, if not years, before the public gets even a partial glimpse of the report or its 20 findings and conclusions."
Democracy at work.
"Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, issued a statement saying that the committee’s work shows that “cruel” treatment of prisoners 'is not only wrong in principle and a stain on our country’s conscience, but also an ineffective and unreliable means of gathering intelligence.'” [Report finds harsh CIA interrogations ineffective].
It is difficult to grasp that reasonable and rational people could conclude that torture and interrogation techniques just this side of torture could produce reliable information.
But don't ever expect to read any significant portion of the report. Procedures requires the opportunity for the administration and the CIA to review and comment. The Washington Post notes that "[i]t could be months, if not years, before the public gets even a partial glimpse of the report or its 20 findings and conclusions."
Democracy at work.
16 Aralık 2012 Pazar
FORMER FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENT SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS’ PROBATION FOR PROVIDING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
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NEWARK,N.J. – A former special agent of the FBI was sentenced today to four years ofprobation for his role in acquiring confidential information relating to anundercover law enforcement operation and giving it to another individual, U.S.Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
IvanStantchev, 43, of Alexandria, Va., previously pleaded guilty before U.S.Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer to an Information charging him with causinganother to exceed authorized access to an FBI computer, thereby obtaining confidential,non-public information from an FBI computer, which he provided to anotherindividual. U.S. District Judge Faith S. Hochberg imposed the sentence today inNewark federal court.
Accordingto documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
InJune 2011, Stantchev, then a special agent with the FBI, was asked by the otherindividual to obtain confidential, non-public information in connection withfour telephone numbers and any individuals associated with those numbers.Stantchev asked an FBI colleague (Individual 1) located in the New York Metroarea to obtain this information from confidential FBI computers.OnJune 30, 2011, Individual 1 sent Stantchev an electronic document through theFBI’s email system detailing confidential, non-public information from certainFBI databases, including the existence of an ongoing FBI investigation inNewark, N.J.; the federal offenses being investigated; the related FBI casenumber; the name of the FBI’s operation; and notations confirming the existenceof an undercover law enforcement operation in Newark. Stantchev provided thisconfidential, non-public information to the other individual.
U.S.Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Justice,Office of Inspector General New York Field Office, under the direction ofSpecial Agent in Charge James E. Tomlinson, for the investigation leading totoday’s sentence. He also thanked the FBI for its assistance and cooperation inthe investigation.
Thegovernment is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Moser and JacquesS. Pierre of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.12-430
NEWARK,N.J. – A former special agent of the FBI was sentenced today to four years ofprobation for his role in acquiring confidential information relating to anundercover law enforcement operation and giving it to another individual, U.S.Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.
IvanStantchev, 43, of Alexandria, Va., previously pleaded guilty before U.S.Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer to an Information charging him with causinganother to exceed authorized access to an FBI computer, thereby obtaining confidential,non-public information from an FBI computer, which he provided to anotherindividual. U.S. District Judge Faith S. Hochberg imposed the sentence today inNewark federal court.
Accordingto documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
InJune 2011, Stantchev, then a special agent with the FBI, was asked by the otherindividual to obtain confidential, non-public information in connection withfour telephone numbers and any individuals associated with those numbers.Stantchev asked an FBI colleague (Individual 1) located in the New York Metroarea to obtain this information from confidential FBI computers.OnJune 30, 2011, Individual 1 sent Stantchev an electronic document through theFBI’s email system detailing confidential, non-public information from certainFBI databases, including the existence of an ongoing FBI investigation inNewark, N.J.; the federal offenses being investigated; the related FBI casenumber; the name of the FBI’s operation; and notations confirming the existenceof an undercover law enforcement operation in Newark. Stantchev provided thisconfidential, non-public information to the other individual.
U.S.Attorney Fishman credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Justice,Office of Inspector General New York Field Office, under the direction ofSpecial Agent in Charge James E. Tomlinson, for the investigation leading totoday’s sentence. He also thanked the FBI for its assistance and cooperation inthe investigation.
Thegovernment is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra Moser and JacquesS. Pierre of the Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.12-430
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