Witch Trials Still Alive In South Carolina!
Please pass around to anyone you think might listen.
Thanks. We are unable to go home at the moment because it isn't safe
for us there. They are always watching what we are doing and we are
afraid of more Police retribution so are staying at my Mother in-
law's house, but this isn't home.....so I am trying to get on the
computer whenever possible so bear with me....My life is turned
inside out right now.
Witch Trials Continue In South Carolina!
My name is Rhonda Gruber AKA Wicked Lil Witch and I am a Proud Witch.
I am currently being persecuted as a Witch by a Lt. Kevin Duke of the
Horry County Police Dept. My life and the lives of my family and
friends are being threatened and destroyed by this man with the
backing of countless other officials. I was arrested Monday Sept
10th '07 by Lt Duke for Breach of Peace, Child Endangerment/ Neglect
and 1st degree Harrassement.
This all began around the end of May '07 from many false police
reports from a neighboring family, The Luisettis, who also seemed to
think I deserved to be arrested for my religious beliefs. They stated
such in their police reports. When this began to become a pattern of
filing false reports, we began seeking Police protection FROM them.
We were told numerous times that we had no reason to receive their
protection, just to ignore them. Yet they continued to file their
reports on us. We were told the only we could do is file a Civil
Suit. This wouldn't fix the problem for quite awhile if ever.The
Police Dept on numerous occasions, even refused to file any reports
for us. We had at one point searched out help from Magistrates in the
area. One told us that filing these reports was most definitely
something the Police could do something about and that they should
but he was fairly certain that they wouldn't. He went on a 10 min
rant about it to us. He even took the time to gives us copies of the
laws on filing false reports, which we took to this Lt Duke, who
after realizing we weren't going to leave his office too easily, Then
wrote us report stating that the report from the Luisettis was
investigated and the allegations were unfounded and seemed to be
stemming from harrassement from the neighbors.
Now Monday, my 16 yr old son was targeted for their harrassment . In
the morning the Luisetti's daughter had a young man assualt him at
the bus stop. We filed a report that morning. That afternoon another
allegation from their daughter that he beat her up Friday on school
property which led to his suspension since the school wouldn't
investigate it other than her statement and her 2 friend's
statements. She would have been getting on the bus at the time while
he was on the other side of the building getting a ride from one of
his friends. Then as we were sitting in my garage workshop working on
getting the suspension investigated by the school board, waiting to
see if the death threat my son received was going to take place. The
threat came from the Luisetti's daughter getting a young man
to "kill" my son due to the beating she received from him. He was
supposed to be coming to our house after school. We were then
visited by an irrational Lt. Duke as he whipped into our driveway
screaming that Spencer was reported to be brandishing and pointing an
assault rifle at the Luisettis. Which isn't even close to what he was
doing. Duke then stated that is is tired of all this and someone is
going to jail. He didn't care to hear anything we had to to say about
our side. Anytime I was trying to say something I was told to shut up
or be arrested. He was VERY aggressive and yelling. He seemed to
trying to provoke an altercation. I freely admit I was upset and a
little loud but I was trying to defend my son. I was never violent or
out of control. I was just pissed and trying to make some sense out
of the situation. When I was told to shut up I did which seemed to
further anger Duke. I was only arrested after they put the cuffs on
my son. I then told my Husband to find a f...ing attorney and quick.
This was when they arrested me.
I was never read my Miranda Rights to this day but the questions they
asked me were used in my arrest. Doesn't seem legal to me...
My charges of Child Endangerment were due to the fact that we have
several legal weapons around a minor. I must inform you my son is an
ROTC member with Marine Boot Camp training in weapons, can
disassemble/ reassemble an M16 on the field. He was also on the Rifle
Team last year and is Athletics Team Commander. He also knew our
weapons, from target shooting and cleaning. He even pointed out to
the Police Weapons Expert how to release the clip and open the bolt
chamber as they couldn't. He is very safe and well versed in weapons.
I must point point that is legally old enough to have a hunting
license. He is also looking to join the National Guard on his 17th B-
Day, Oct 3rd this yr. Upon his 18th B-Day he was planning a Military
career. We are proud of him and is a really good person. We are very
upset with all the things being alleged about him.
To summarize:
We are being persecuted because of my spiritual choices, not being
Christian. Lt. Duke has a web page stating his religious beliefs and
infertility and adoption problems which leads us to the belief that
he can no longer separate his personal feelings from his ability to
do his job in an objective manner. He seems to have appointed himself
as a personal victim's advocate for allegedly neglected and abused
children. The fact that I am a practicing witch is being noted in
complaints and warrants against me and my family. It has even been
voiced in court along with allegations stating I have cast spells on
2 cops and the luisetti family by the solicitor during proceedings.
My familiar pyewacket seems to have been mishandled during the search
of our home. She was running and flinching from us the day after. I
am very hurt by this. Though this can't be proven, I know my animal
and this is not her normal behavior.
We have always tried to help others and be good people, so this is
very hard for us to deal with. I am lucky to have a very strong
supportive circle of friends and family or we would still be in jail.
My in-laws had to take the majority of their retirement fund for some
20 thousand dollars to hire a powerful law firm to help us. Though I
will never be ashamed of being a witch, I am so very sorry for all
the trouble and loss of money it has cost them to stand up for us.
The reason for this letter is that we need all the help we can find
to fight this. Whether it is positive protective energy, advice, or
donations to help pay for this. I will not rest until I have made a
difference for all that believe in freedom of religion. I don't want
this to just disappear, I want to make a stand for all free thinkers
against persecution. We all know the squeaky wheel gets the oil.
For all that believe in freedom of choice, please stand behind me or
even beside me in court while I fight. I am not a quitter and I have
a loud voice. I always stand up for what I believe in, all I ask is
to not have to stand alone in this. It's time to fight for what we
all believe in, not just lie down and take it. I have enclosed the
papers that are in my possession to prove my claims. I will include
more as they come into my possession. I am not easily scared although
they are trying to intimidate us. Threatening phone calls have been
made to family and friends even now. In supporting us, you are also
supporting yourselves.
We are looking to get this story out to as many places as possible.
The more people who are aware the harder it will be for them to get
aware with it!
We NEED your help!!!
Blessed be.
Rhonda Gruber
AKA wickedlilwitch@gmail.com
843-997-7558 or 843-602-0160 (happy to answer questions)
Showing posts with label power to the people. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power to the people. Show all posts
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Police Abuse: Jena 6 and a Tasering at a Kerry Speech
Jena 6-A Civil Rights Revolution
By
Theresa Chaze
The small town Jena Louisiana could very be the spark that ignites the new civil revolution that demands equal protection under the law. Justice in this country is no longer blind, but based on economics, ethnic background, gender and connections. From Bush commuting Scooter Libby sentence to the unpunished excessive violence by law enforcement, the judicial system is not base on guilt or innocence but on how much money the individual has, who he or she knows and how much media air time the issue acquires. Law enforcement no longer serves and protects, but follows its own agenda. Frequently including intimidation, harassment and prosecutorial misconduct, both district attorneys and police officers miss use their authority and power as they bully others who have differing political options, lifestyles or cultures.
The Jena situation began in September 2006 when three white students hung nooses from the "white tree" at the high school. The three students only received a three day suspension. As the school year progress, racial tensions increased. The main high school building was burn down. A white teenager attacked a black student who attended an all white party. Within a few days, another white man pulled a shotgun on three black students at a convenience store. Neither of the white attackers were punished for there actions. In protest of the unfair treatment, all the African American students stood peacefully beneath the tree. It has been rumored that the Jena Six were the organizers of the demonstration. After the protest, prosecutor came to the school and threatened the African American students, when he said, “Stop making trouble. I can make your lives disappear with a stroke of a pen.” December4, 2006, Justin Barker was beaten during a fight; he was temporarily knocked unconscious and suffered cuts and bruises. He was treated and released on the same day. The Jena Six were arrest. The five oldest were charged with attempted second degree murder. June 26, 2007 after public outcry, the district attorney reduces the Bell's charges to second degree battery and conspiracy. Eventually the charges against the other four are reduced as well. September 4, 2007, the District Court judge dismisses the conspiracy charge against Bell but the battery conviction remained. September 14, 2007, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals over turns Bell's conviction on the grounds he was improperly tried as an adult; however, he was not released from custody. September 21, thousands of civil right advocates marched through Jena protesting the unequal treatment of the Jena 6. That evening two local white boys were arrested for driving past the protestors with nooses hanging from the back of their pickup and for driving under the influence.
In Jena, the prosecution of the white offenders was radically less than the Jena 6. Even the man, who pulled the weapon, received. no legal penalties. However, Bell’s past was infractions have been used to excuse the charges against him; it has been yet be asked if the previous charges were also blown out of proportion in relation to the incidences. When questioned by CNN reporters, many of the town’s folk refused to be interviewed. Those that had the courage resented the spotlight shining on their town and their business. Most of them saw the racial issues as being blown out of proportion. However, it was only after the situation started receiving national attention were the bigots’ finger pushed off the scales of justice. Even with all the media attention, justice still has come to the Jena Six.
On September 17, Andrew Meyer attended a speech given by John Kerry at the University of Florida. Meyer started by thanking Kerry for his public service; he then followed with several unpopular political questions. He was animated but not threatening to Kerry or the police present. He was simply trying to get his questions answered. His time ended, yet he continued. The police intervened without be asked or responding to a threat. On the videos, Kerry can be heard asking the police to stop and saying, "That's all right, let me answer his question." The police not only ignored Kerry, but Meyer’s attempts to leave. Instead, they restrained him. When he tried to free himself and leave, they became abusive. After he was handcuffed, he was tasered and forcibly carried off. He was arrested on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace but the State Attorney's Office had yet to make the formal charging decision. There are many videos available from many different angles. The following are links to only two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqAVvlyVbag and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NWukZhsiBw.
Although, Myer is as known prankster who often posts practical jokes online, his questions were insightful and on topic. He was passionate about his questions, but not aggressive. The police were the one who were not only violent but caused the situation to escalate. No one asked them to intervene, yet they were increasing antagonistic toward Myer. They tasered him after he was already restrained. They didn’t like what he had to say about the Florida elections so they tried to shut up the messenger. Their actions were beyond their authority. No one was in danger until the police over reacted. It was their actions that caused the situation, not Myer’s questions.
In both cases, the rights of the individual were trampled by law enforcement. The Jena Six were victimized by a prosecutor whose motives were clearly racial. Myer claiming that Kerry had actually won the elections is what prompted the police to attack him. Until they interfered there was no issue. This country is based on we the people; as long as we back down, small minded individuals will continue to abuse their authority. However, by standing up and being counted, we the people take by our power and can rebalance the scales of Justice.
To contact the prosecutor:
J. Reed Walters
P.O. Box 1940
Jena, LA 71342-1940
Phone: (318) 992-8282
Fax: (318) 992-4731
By
Theresa Chaze
The small town Jena Louisiana could very be the spark that ignites the new civil revolution that demands equal protection under the law. Justice in this country is no longer blind, but based on economics, ethnic background, gender and connections. From Bush commuting Scooter Libby sentence to the unpunished excessive violence by law enforcement, the judicial system is not base on guilt or innocence but on how much money the individual has, who he or she knows and how much media air time the issue acquires. Law enforcement no longer serves and protects, but follows its own agenda. Frequently including intimidation, harassment and prosecutorial misconduct, both district attorneys and police officers miss use their authority and power as they bully others who have differing political options, lifestyles or cultures.
The Jena situation began in September 2006 when three white students hung nooses from the "white tree" at the high school. The three students only received a three day suspension. As the school year progress, racial tensions increased. The main high school building was burn down. A white teenager attacked a black student who attended an all white party. Within a few days, another white man pulled a shotgun on three black students at a convenience store. Neither of the white attackers were punished for there actions. In protest of the unfair treatment, all the African American students stood peacefully beneath the tree. It has been rumored that the Jena Six were the organizers of the demonstration. After the protest, prosecutor came to the school and threatened the African American students, when he said, “Stop making trouble. I can make your lives disappear with a stroke of a pen.” December4, 2006, Justin Barker was beaten during a fight; he was temporarily knocked unconscious and suffered cuts and bruises. He was treated and released on the same day. The Jena Six were arrest. The five oldest were charged with attempted second degree murder. June 26, 2007 after public outcry, the district attorney reduces the Bell's charges to second degree battery and conspiracy. Eventually the charges against the other four are reduced as well. September 4, 2007, the District Court judge dismisses the conspiracy charge against Bell but the battery conviction remained. September 14, 2007, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals over turns Bell's conviction on the grounds he was improperly tried as an adult; however, he was not released from custody. September 21, thousands of civil right advocates marched through Jena protesting the unequal treatment of the Jena 6. That evening two local white boys were arrested for driving past the protestors with nooses hanging from the back of their pickup and for driving under the influence.
In Jena, the prosecution of the white offenders was radically less than the Jena 6. Even the man, who pulled the weapon, received. no legal penalties. However, Bell’s past was infractions have been used to excuse the charges against him; it has been yet be asked if the previous charges were also blown out of proportion in relation to the incidences. When questioned by CNN reporters, many of the town’s folk refused to be interviewed. Those that had the courage resented the spotlight shining on their town and their business. Most of them saw the racial issues as being blown out of proportion. However, it was only after the situation started receiving national attention were the bigots’ finger pushed off the scales of justice. Even with all the media attention, justice still has come to the Jena Six.
On September 17, Andrew Meyer attended a speech given by John Kerry at the University of Florida. Meyer started by thanking Kerry for his public service; he then followed with several unpopular political questions. He was animated but not threatening to Kerry or the police present. He was simply trying to get his questions answered. His time ended, yet he continued. The police intervened without be asked or responding to a threat. On the videos, Kerry can be heard asking the police to stop and saying, "That's all right, let me answer his question." The police not only ignored Kerry, but Meyer’s attempts to leave. Instead, they restrained him. When he tried to free himself and leave, they became abusive. After he was handcuffed, he was tasered and forcibly carried off. He was arrested on charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace but the State Attorney's Office had yet to make the formal charging decision. There are many videos available from many different angles. The following are links to only two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqAVvlyVbag and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NWukZhsiBw.
Although, Myer is as known prankster who often posts practical jokes online, his questions were insightful and on topic. He was passionate about his questions, but not aggressive. The police were the one who were not only violent but caused the situation to escalate. No one asked them to intervene, yet they were increasing antagonistic toward Myer. They tasered him after he was already restrained. They didn’t like what he had to say about the Florida elections so they tried to shut up the messenger. Their actions were beyond their authority. No one was in danger until the police over reacted. It was their actions that caused the situation, not Myer’s questions.
In both cases, the rights of the individual were trampled by law enforcement. The Jena Six were victimized by a prosecutor whose motives were clearly racial. Myer claiming that Kerry had actually won the elections is what prompted the police to attack him. Until they interfered there was no issue. This country is based on we the people; as long as we back down, small minded individuals will continue to abuse their authority. However, by standing up and being counted, we the people take by our power and can rebalance the scales of Justice.
To contact the prosecutor:
J. Reed Walters
P.O. Box 1940
Jena, LA 71342-1940
Phone: (318) 992-8282
Fax: (318) 992-4731
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Craig or Karsnia? Police Abuse or Sexual Solicitation?
Craig or Karsnia? Police Abuse or Sexual Solicitation?
Is Senator Larry Craig gay? Don't know. Don't care. However, the more I hear and read about his arrest, the more I question the ethics of the Sgt Dave Karsnia, the arresting officer and the legalities of the arrest. There is nothing on the tape that could be considered a legitimate reason to arrest Craig. But there is evidence that the officer did mislead and bully the Senator.
According to an article by Steve Karnowski an Associated Press Writer, “Roll Call, citing the report, said Sgt. Dave Karsnia made the arrest after an encounter in which he was seated in a stall next to a stall occupied by Craig. Karsnia described Craig tapping his foot, which Karsnia said he "recognized as a signal used by persons wishing to engage in lewd conduct."
Karsnia claims that Craig deliberately caused their feet to bump. Craig claims it was accidental. In the past few years, bathroom stalls have shrunk in size to maximize the number of facilities, without increasing the size of the bathrooms. Even a moderately size person has difficulties with bumping their elbows on the walls these days. A larger person finds these accommodations even more confining. Since when are two feet touching a sexual act? Without any verbal confirmation of the Craig’s intent, how could the officer determine his motivation? Karsnia further states that the Senator reached under the divider to get his attention. Craig claims that he was picking up a piece of paper; on the tape, the officer called him liar. Again, Karsnia has no way of knowing what Craig’s motivation were, unless his claiming to be mind reader.
Craig’s critics claim there was more damning evidence in the police report. However, the report was written by the officer and contains only his perspective; it isn’t real evidence, merely his half of the he said-he said situation. There is no concrete evidence Craig actually solicited a sexual act. On the tape, Karsnia did become rude and borderline abusive when Craig refuse to admit the allegations were true. In an article, Joshua Freed an Associated Press Writer reported, “Just 29, his record has been that of a rising young officer. He joined the Minneapolis Airport Police in 2000 as a community services officer, just out of college. Three years later, he was named the department's Officer of the Year, and in 2005 he was promoted to sergeant. Last year, he finished his master's degree. The last time Karsnia was in the media spotlight, it was because of his efforts to get speeding electric carts carrying passengers and luggage at the airport to slow down. The issue came to light last year when a young boy was run over and dragged by a cart and suffered a second-degree carpet burn.” It makes one wonder what Karsnia motivations were. Was he actually trying to protect and serve the public or was he just ambitiously seeking more national attention? How many others did he bully or manipulate into pleading guilty in order to inflate his arrest statistics? Instead of solely focusing on Craig, maybe more attention should be focused on Karsnia’s actions.
Is Craig gay? Don’t know. Don’t care? Is there evidence that he solicited sex in the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport men’s room--not according to the tape. However, the tape does prove that once again a law enforcement officer jumped the gun and made arrest without cause or the evidence to back it up.
CNN -- The following is an unedited transcript of an interview between police Sgt. Dave Karsnia and police Detective Noel Nelson with Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, regarding a June 11 incident at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Audiotapes and a transcript of the interview were released today.
Investigative Sgt. Dave Karsnia #4211 and Detective Noel Nelson of the Minneapolis Police Department intert 1162
(NN) INTERVIEW WITH Larry Craig (LC) Case 07002008
Larry Craig: Am I gonna have to fight you in court?
Dave Karsnia: No. No. I'm not gonna go to court unless you want me there.
LC: Cause I don't want to be in court either.
DK: Ok. I don't either.
(inaudible) DK: Urn, here's the way it works, urn, you'll you'll be released today, okay.
LC: Okay.
DK: All right. I, I know I can bring you to jail, but that's not my goal here, okay? (inaudible)
LC: Don't do that. You You
DK: I'm not going to bring you to jail
LC: You solicited me.
DK: Okay. We're going to get, We're going to get into that. (inaudible)
LC: Okay.
DK: But there's the, there there's two ways, yes. You can, you can, ah, you can go to court.
You can plead guilty.
LC: Yep.
DK: There'll be a fine. You won't have to explain anything. (inaudible) I know.
LC: Right.
DK: And you'll pay a fine, you be (inaudible), done. Or if you want to plead not guilty, ah, and I, I can't make these decisions for you.
LC: No, no. Just tell me where I am (inaudible) I need to make this flight.
DK: Okay. Okay. And then I go to people that are not guilty, then I would have to come to court and end up testifying. So those are the two things, okay. Did I explain that part?
LC: Yes
DK: Okay Urn, ah, I'm just going to read you your rights real quick, okay? You got it on?
Noel Nelson: Yep.
DK: Okay.
DK: Ah, the date is 6/11/07 at 1228 hours. Urn, Mr. Craig?
LC: Yes.
DK: Sorry about that. (ringing phone)
DK: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer now or have a present, a lawyer present now or anytime during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you without cost. Do you understand each of these rights the way I have explained them to you?
LC: I do.
DK: Do you wish to talk to us at this time?
LC: I do
DK: Okay Urn, I just wanna start off with a your side of the story, okay. So, a
LC: So I go into the bathroom here as I normally do, I'm a commuter too here.
DK: Okay.
LC: I sit down, urn, to go to the bathroom and ah, you said our feet bumped. I believe they did, ah, because I reached down and scooted over and urn, the next thing I knew, under the bathroom divider comes a card that says Police. Now, urn, (sigh) that's about as far as I can take it, I don't know of anything else. Ah, your foot came toward mine, mine came towards yours, was that natural? I don't know. Did we bump? Yes. I think we did. You said so. I don't disagree with that.
DK: Okay. I don't want to get into a pissing match here.
LC: We're not going to.
DK: Good. Urn,
LC: I don't, ah, I am not gay, I don't do these kinds of things and...
DK: It doesn't matter, I don't care about sexual preference or anything like that. Here's your stuff back sir. Urn, I don't care about sexual preference.
LC: I know you don't. You're out to enforce the law.
DK: Right.
LC: But you shouldn't be out to entrap people either.
DK: This isn't entrapment.
LC: All right.
DK: Urn, you you're skipping some parts here, but what what about your hand?
LC What about it? I reached down, my foot like this. There was a piece of paper on the floor, I picked it up
DK: Okay.
LC: What about my hand?
DK: Well, you're not being truthful with me, I'm kinda disappointed in you Senator. I'm real disappointed in you right now. Okay. I'm not, just so you know, just like everybody, 1,1,1, treat with dignity, I try to pull them away from the situation
LC: 1,1
DK: and not embarrass them.
LC: I appreciate that.
DK: And I
LC: You did that after the stall.
DK: I will say every person I've had so far has told me the truth. We've been respectful to each other and then they've gone on their way. And I've never had to bring anybody to jail because everybody's been truthful to me.
LC: I don't want you to take me to jail and I think.
DK: I'm not gonna take you to jail as long as your cooperative but I'm not gonna lie. We...
LC: Did my hand come below the divider? Yes. It did.
DK: Okay, sir. We deal with people that lie to us everyday.
LC: I'm sure you do.
DK: I'm sure you do to sir.
LC: And gentleman so do I.
DK: I'm sure you do. We deal with a lot of people that are very bad people. You're not a bad person.
LC: No, I don't think I am.
DK: Okay, so what I'm telling you, I don't want to be lied to.
LC: Okay.
DK: Okay. So we'll start over, you're gonna get out of here. You're gonna have to pay a fine and that will be it. Okay. I don't call media, I don't do any of that type of crap.
LC: Fine.
DK: Okay.
LC: Fine.
DK: All right, so let's start from the beginning. You went in the bathroom.
LC: I went in the bathroom.
DK: And what did you do when you...
LC: 1 stood beside the wall, waiting for a stall to open. I got in the stall, sat down, and I started to go to the bathroom. Ah, did our feet come together, apparently they did bump. Well, I won't dispute that.
DK: Okay. When I got out of the stall, I noticed other other stalls were open. LC: They were at the time. At the time I entered, 1,1, at the time I entered, I stood and waited.
DK: Okay.
LC: They were all busy, you know?
DK: Were you (inaudible) out here while you were waiting? I could see your eyes. I saw you playing with your fingers and then look up. Play with your fingers and then look up.
LC: Did I glance at your stall? I was glancing at a stall right beside yours waiting for a fella to empty it. I saw him stand up and therefore I thought it was going to empty.
DK: How long do you think you stood outside the stalls?
LC: Oh a minute or two at the most.
DK: Okay. And when you went in the stalls, then what?
LC: Sat down.
DK: Okay. Did you do anything with your feet?
LC: Positioned them, I don't know. I don't know at the time. I'm a fairly wide guy.
DK: I understand.
LC: I had to spread my legs.
DK: Okay.
LC: When I lower my pants so they won't slide.
DK: Okay.
LC: Did I slide them too close to yours? Did I, I looked down once, your foot was close to mine.
DK Yes.
LC Did we bump? Ah, you said so, I don't recall that, but apparently we were close.
DK Yeah, well your foot did touch mine, on my side of the stall.
LC: All right.
DK: Okay. And then with the hand. Urn, how many times did you put your hand under the stall?
LC: I don't recall. I remember reaching down once. There was a piece of toilet paper back behind me and picking it up.
DK: Okay. Was your was your palm down or up when you were doing that?
LC: I don't recall.
DK: Okay. I recall your palm being up. Okay.
LC: All right.
DK: When you pick up a piece of paper off the ground, your palm would be down, when you pick something up.
LC: Yeah, probably would be. I recall picking the paper up.
DK: And I know it's hard to describe here on tape but actually what I saw was your fingers come underneath the stalls, you're actually ta touching the bottom of the stall divider.
LC: I don't recall that.
DK: You don't recall
LC: I don't believe I did that. I don't.
DK: I saw, I saw
LC: I don't do those things.
DK: I saw your left hand and I could see the gold wedding ring when it when it went across. I could see that. On your left hand, I could see that.
LC: Wait a moment, my left hand was over here.
DK: I saw there's a...
LC: My right hand was next to you.
DK: I could tell it with my ah, I could tell it was your left hand because your thumb was positioned in a faceward motion. Your thumb was on this side, not on this side.
LC: Well, we can dispute that. I'm not going to fight you in court and I, I reached down with my right hand to pick up the paper.
DK: But I'm telling you that I could see that so I know that's your left hand. Also I could see a gold ring on this finger, so that's obvious it was the left hand.
LC: Yeah, okay. My left hand was in the direct opposite of the stall from you.
DK: Okay. You, you travel through here frequently correct?
LC: I do
DK: Um,
LC: Almost weekly.
DK: Have you been successful in these bathrooms here before?
LC: I go to that bathroom regularly
DK: I mean for any type of other activities.
LC: No. Absolutely not. I don't seek activity in bathrooms.
DK: It's embarrassing.
LC: Well it's embarrassing for both.. I'm not gonna fight you.
DK: I know you're not going to fight me. But that's not the point. I would respect you and I still respect you. I don't disrespect you but I'm disrespected right now and I'm not tying to act like I have all kinds of power or anything, but you're sitting here lying to a police officer.
DK: It's not a (inaudible) I'm getting from somebody else. I'm (inaudible)
LC: (inaudible) (Talking over each other)
DK: I am trained in this and I know what I am doing. And I say you put your hand under there and you're going to sit there and...
LC: I admit I put my hand down.
DK: You put your hand and rubbed it on the bottom of the stall with your left hand.
LC: No. Wait a moment.
DK: And I, I'm not dumb, you can say I don't recall...
LC: If I had turned sideways, that was the only way I could get my left hand over there.
DK: it's not that hard for me to reach. (inaudible) it's not that hard. I see it happen everyday out here now.
LC: (inaudible) you do. All right.
DK: I just, I just, I guess, I guess I'm gonna say I'm just disappointed in you sir. I'm just really am. I expect this from the guy that we get out of the hood. I mean, people vote for you.
LC: Yes, they do. (inaudible)
DK: unbelievable, unbelievable.
LC: I'm a respectable person and I don't do these kinds of...
DK: And (inaudible) respect right now though
LC: But I didn't use my left hand.
DK I thought that you...
LC: I reached down with my right hand like this to pick up a piece of paper.
DK: Was your gold ring on your right hand at anytime today.
LC: Of course not, try to get it off, look at it.
DK: Okay. Then it was your left hand, I saw it with my own eyes.
LC: All right, you saw something that didn't happen.
DK: Embarrassing, embarrassing. No wonder why we're going down the tubes. Anything to add?
NN: Uh, no
DK: Embarrassing. Date is 6/11/07 at 1236 interview is done.
LC: Oka
Is Senator Larry Craig gay? Don't know. Don't care. However, the more I hear and read about his arrest, the more I question the ethics of the Sgt Dave Karsnia, the arresting officer and the legalities of the arrest. There is nothing on the tape that could be considered a legitimate reason to arrest Craig. But there is evidence that the officer did mislead and bully the Senator.
According to an article by Steve Karnowski an Associated Press Writer, “Roll Call, citing the report, said Sgt. Dave Karsnia made the arrest after an encounter in which he was seated in a stall next to a stall occupied by Craig. Karsnia described Craig tapping his foot, which Karsnia said he "recognized as a signal used by persons wishing to engage in lewd conduct."
Karsnia claims that Craig deliberately caused their feet to bump. Craig claims it was accidental. In the past few years, bathroom stalls have shrunk in size to maximize the number of facilities, without increasing the size of the bathrooms. Even a moderately size person has difficulties with bumping their elbows on the walls these days. A larger person finds these accommodations even more confining. Since when are two feet touching a sexual act? Without any verbal confirmation of the Craig’s intent, how could the officer determine his motivation? Karsnia further states that the Senator reached under the divider to get his attention. Craig claims that he was picking up a piece of paper; on the tape, the officer called him liar. Again, Karsnia has no way of knowing what Craig’s motivation were, unless his claiming to be mind reader.
Craig’s critics claim there was more damning evidence in the police report. However, the report was written by the officer and contains only his perspective; it isn’t real evidence, merely his half of the he said-he said situation. There is no concrete evidence Craig actually solicited a sexual act. On the tape, Karsnia did become rude and borderline abusive when Craig refuse to admit the allegations were true. In an article, Joshua Freed an Associated Press Writer reported, “Just 29, his record has been that of a rising young officer. He joined the Minneapolis Airport Police in 2000 as a community services officer, just out of college. Three years later, he was named the department's Officer of the Year, and in 2005 he was promoted to sergeant. Last year, he finished his master's degree. The last time Karsnia was in the media spotlight, it was because of his efforts to get speeding electric carts carrying passengers and luggage at the airport to slow down. The issue came to light last year when a young boy was run over and dragged by a cart and suffered a second-degree carpet burn.” It makes one wonder what Karsnia motivations were. Was he actually trying to protect and serve the public or was he just ambitiously seeking more national attention? How many others did he bully or manipulate into pleading guilty in order to inflate his arrest statistics? Instead of solely focusing on Craig, maybe more attention should be focused on Karsnia’s actions.
Is Craig gay? Don’t know. Don’t care? Is there evidence that he solicited sex in the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport men’s room--not according to the tape. However, the tape does prove that once again a law enforcement officer jumped the gun and made arrest without cause or the evidence to back it up.
CNN -- The following is an unedited transcript of an interview between police Sgt. Dave Karsnia and police Detective Noel Nelson with Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, regarding a June 11 incident at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Audiotapes and a transcript of the interview were released today.
Investigative Sgt. Dave Karsnia #4211 and Detective Noel Nelson of the Minneapolis Police Department intert 1162
(NN) INTERVIEW WITH Larry Craig (LC) Case 07002008
Larry Craig: Am I gonna have to fight you in court?
Dave Karsnia: No. No. I'm not gonna go to court unless you want me there.
LC: Cause I don't want to be in court either.
DK: Ok. I don't either.
(inaudible) DK: Urn, here's the way it works, urn, you'll you'll be released today, okay.
LC: Okay.
DK: All right. I, I know I can bring you to jail, but that's not my goal here, okay? (inaudible)
LC: Don't do that. You You
DK: I'm not going to bring you to jail
LC: You solicited me.
DK: Okay. We're going to get, We're going to get into that. (inaudible)
LC: Okay.
DK: But there's the, there there's two ways, yes. You can, you can, ah, you can go to court.
You can plead guilty.
LC: Yep.
DK: There'll be a fine. You won't have to explain anything. (inaudible) I know.
LC: Right.
DK: And you'll pay a fine, you be (inaudible), done. Or if you want to plead not guilty, ah, and I, I can't make these decisions for you.
LC: No, no. Just tell me where I am (inaudible) I need to make this flight.
DK: Okay. Okay. And then I go to people that are not guilty, then I would have to come to court and end up testifying. So those are the two things, okay. Did I explain that part?
LC: Yes
DK: Okay Urn, ah, I'm just going to read you your rights real quick, okay? You got it on?
Noel Nelson: Yep.
DK: Okay.
DK: Ah, the date is 6/11/07 at 1228 hours. Urn, Mr. Craig?
LC: Yes.
DK: Sorry about that. (ringing phone)
DK: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer now or have a present, a lawyer present now or anytime during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you without cost. Do you understand each of these rights the way I have explained them to you?
LC: I do.
DK: Do you wish to talk to us at this time?
LC: I do
DK: Okay Urn, I just wanna start off with a your side of the story, okay. So, a
LC: So I go into the bathroom here as I normally do, I'm a commuter too here.
DK: Okay.
LC: I sit down, urn, to go to the bathroom and ah, you said our feet bumped. I believe they did, ah, because I reached down and scooted over and urn, the next thing I knew, under the bathroom divider comes a card that says Police. Now, urn, (sigh) that's about as far as I can take it, I don't know of anything else. Ah, your foot came toward mine, mine came towards yours, was that natural? I don't know. Did we bump? Yes. I think we did. You said so. I don't disagree with that.
DK: Okay. I don't want to get into a pissing match here.
LC: We're not going to.
DK: Good. Urn,
LC: I don't, ah, I am not gay, I don't do these kinds of things and...
DK: It doesn't matter, I don't care about sexual preference or anything like that. Here's your stuff back sir. Urn, I don't care about sexual preference.
LC: I know you don't. You're out to enforce the law.
DK: Right.
LC: But you shouldn't be out to entrap people either.
DK: This isn't entrapment.
LC: All right.
DK: Urn, you you're skipping some parts here, but what what about your hand?
LC What about it? I reached down, my foot like this. There was a piece of paper on the floor, I picked it up
DK: Okay.
LC: What about my hand?
DK: Well, you're not being truthful with me, I'm kinda disappointed in you Senator. I'm real disappointed in you right now. Okay. I'm not, just so you know, just like everybody, 1,1,1, treat with dignity, I try to pull them away from the situation
LC: 1,1
DK: and not embarrass them.
LC: I appreciate that.
DK: And I
LC: You did that after the stall.
DK: I will say every person I've had so far has told me the truth. We've been respectful to each other and then they've gone on their way. And I've never had to bring anybody to jail because everybody's been truthful to me.
LC: I don't want you to take me to jail and I think.
DK: I'm not gonna take you to jail as long as your cooperative but I'm not gonna lie. We...
LC: Did my hand come below the divider? Yes. It did.
DK: Okay, sir. We deal with people that lie to us everyday.
LC: I'm sure you do.
DK: I'm sure you do to sir.
LC: And gentleman so do I.
DK: I'm sure you do. We deal with a lot of people that are very bad people. You're not a bad person.
LC: No, I don't think I am.
DK: Okay, so what I'm telling you, I don't want to be lied to.
LC: Okay.
DK: Okay. So we'll start over, you're gonna get out of here. You're gonna have to pay a fine and that will be it. Okay. I don't call media, I don't do any of that type of crap.
LC: Fine.
DK: Okay.
LC: Fine.
DK: All right, so let's start from the beginning. You went in the bathroom.
LC: I went in the bathroom.
DK: And what did you do when you...
LC: 1 stood beside the wall, waiting for a stall to open. I got in the stall, sat down, and I started to go to the bathroom. Ah, did our feet come together, apparently they did bump. Well, I won't dispute that.
DK: Okay. When I got out of the stall, I noticed other other stalls were open. LC: They were at the time. At the time I entered, 1,1, at the time I entered, I stood and waited.
DK: Okay.
LC: They were all busy, you know?
DK: Were you (inaudible) out here while you were waiting? I could see your eyes. I saw you playing with your fingers and then look up. Play with your fingers and then look up.
LC: Did I glance at your stall? I was glancing at a stall right beside yours waiting for a fella to empty it. I saw him stand up and therefore I thought it was going to empty.
DK: How long do you think you stood outside the stalls?
LC: Oh a minute or two at the most.
DK: Okay. And when you went in the stalls, then what?
LC: Sat down.
DK: Okay. Did you do anything with your feet?
LC: Positioned them, I don't know. I don't know at the time. I'm a fairly wide guy.
DK: I understand.
LC: I had to spread my legs.
DK: Okay.
LC: When I lower my pants so they won't slide.
DK: Okay.
LC: Did I slide them too close to yours? Did I, I looked down once, your foot was close to mine.
DK Yes.
LC Did we bump? Ah, you said so, I don't recall that, but apparently we were close.
DK Yeah, well your foot did touch mine, on my side of the stall.
LC: All right.
DK: Okay. And then with the hand. Urn, how many times did you put your hand under the stall?
LC: I don't recall. I remember reaching down once. There was a piece of toilet paper back behind me and picking it up.
DK: Okay. Was your was your palm down or up when you were doing that?
LC: I don't recall.
DK: Okay. I recall your palm being up. Okay.
LC: All right.
DK: When you pick up a piece of paper off the ground, your palm would be down, when you pick something up.
LC: Yeah, probably would be. I recall picking the paper up.
DK: And I know it's hard to describe here on tape but actually what I saw was your fingers come underneath the stalls, you're actually ta touching the bottom of the stall divider.
LC: I don't recall that.
DK: You don't recall
LC: I don't believe I did that. I don't.
DK: I saw, I saw
LC: I don't do those things.
DK: I saw your left hand and I could see the gold wedding ring when it when it went across. I could see that. On your left hand, I could see that.
LC: Wait a moment, my left hand was over here.
DK: I saw there's a...
LC: My right hand was next to you.
DK: I could tell it with my ah, I could tell it was your left hand because your thumb was positioned in a faceward motion. Your thumb was on this side, not on this side.
LC: Well, we can dispute that. I'm not going to fight you in court and I, I reached down with my right hand to pick up the paper.
DK: But I'm telling you that I could see that so I know that's your left hand. Also I could see a gold ring on this finger, so that's obvious it was the left hand.
LC: Yeah, okay. My left hand was in the direct opposite of the stall from you.
DK: Okay. You, you travel through here frequently correct?
LC: I do
DK: Um,
LC: Almost weekly.
DK: Have you been successful in these bathrooms here before?
LC: I go to that bathroom regularly
DK: I mean for any type of other activities.
LC: No. Absolutely not. I don't seek activity in bathrooms.
DK: It's embarrassing.
LC: Well it's embarrassing for both.. I'm not gonna fight you.
DK: I know you're not going to fight me. But that's not the point. I would respect you and I still respect you. I don't disrespect you but I'm disrespected right now and I'm not tying to act like I have all kinds of power or anything, but you're sitting here lying to a police officer.
DK: It's not a (inaudible) I'm getting from somebody else. I'm (inaudible)
LC: (inaudible) (Talking over each other)
DK: I am trained in this and I know what I am doing. And I say you put your hand under there and you're going to sit there and...
LC: I admit I put my hand down.
DK: You put your hand and rubbed it on the bottom of the stall with your left hand.
LC: No. Wait a moment.
DK: And I, I'm not dumb, you can say I don't recall...
LC: If I had turned sideways, that was the only way I could get my left hand over there.
DK: it's not that hard for me to reach. (inaudible) it's not that hard. I see it happen everyday out here now.
LC: (inaudible) you do. All right.
DK: I just, I just, I guess, I guess I'm gonna say I'm just disappointed in you sir. I'm just really am. I expect this from the guy that we get out of the hood. I mean, people vote for you.
LC: Yes, they do. (inaudible)
DK: unbelievable, unbelievable.
LC: I'm a respectable person and I don't do these kinds of...
DK: And (inaudible) respect right now though
LC: But I didn't use my left hand.
DK I thought that you...
LC: I reached down with my right hand like this to pick up a piece of paper.
DK: Was your gold ring on your right hand at anytime today.
LC: Of course not, try to get it off, look at it.
DK: Okay. Then it was your left hand, I saw it with my own eyes.
LC: All right, you saw something that didn't happen.
DK: Embarrassing, embarrassing. No wonder why we're going down the tubes. Anything to add?
NN: Uh, no
DK: Embarrassing. Date is 6/11/07 at 1236 interview is done.
LC: Oka
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Research for article on Spirituality--Wiccan, Pagan, Earth based religions
I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com
Thanks
Theresa
How would you describe your spiritual path?
Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?
How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?
What have been your positive experiences?
What have been your negative experiences?
How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?
Are you involved in the political process?
How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?
If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?
Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?
What would you like to see changed in Society?
What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?
What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?
I am doing research for an article on life as a Wiccan or Pagan. If you have the time or a story to tell, please fill out the following questions and email them back to me at Tirgana@yahoo.com
Thanks
Theresa
How would you describe your spiritual path?
Are you in or out of the broom closet? Why/when did you make your decision to come out?
How has your spirituality affected your life? Work? Relationships? In society as a whole?
What have been your positive experiences?
What have been your negative experiences?
How do you feel about the availability of information available to you? From the first time you started on your spiritual path to now, how as the quality and quantity of information available to changed?
Are you involved in the political process?
How does your spirituality influence how you see the candidates?
If you could get a message to the political leaders both in and out of office, what would it be?
Do you feel the legal system afford you the same protections as other religions? Why or why not?
What would you like to see changed in Society?
What changes would you like to see in the Wiccan/Pagan/Earth based religions as a whole?
What are you willing to do in your own life and your community to bring about positive changes in society?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Good Old Boys’ Club--
Give them an inch and they’ll steak a mile
By
Theresa Chaze
One only has to look to the media to see how the fight between the Piscean Age and the Aquarian is manifesting. Although the tide is slowly turning, the male dominated Piscean is not going into the sweet good night. No longer is the violence against women, children and minorities tolerated or accepted as "boys will be boys" as the behaviors are casually dismissed. With the coming of the new age, those who do violence against others are publicly held responsible for their actions. As the era of "good old boys club" comes to a close, the violence against those they consider lesser than themselves will temporarily increase, but like all social and economic structures, whose authority comes from violence, they will eventually fall victim to their own power struggles.
This can be seen in the increasing the blatant disregard for the truth by the current administration, and the increasing attacks against women, children and minorities. The violence is all about control. Who has it? Who wants it? Who wants to keep it? White, Christian men no longer have the final say or the ultimate power in the home, the work place or in society. With the advent of birth control and the legalization of abortion, women now have control over their reproductive system, which has given them financial independence. No longer are they dependant on men for their economic security. No longer to they need to accept the bad behavior of the men in their lives, because they are now self sufficient and independent. Children are no longer possessions but individuals with rights and wills of their own. They are no longer cheap labor, who are unprotected subjects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Interfamilial child sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse, which has been perpetrated by blood or legal relative. In the past, abusers were convicted under incest laws, which carry lower penalties; however, several states have enacted legislation that penalized the abuser the same as a stranger. Whether gender, religious or ethnic, minorities have and are continuing to gain the equal rights, which are protected by law and are reinforced by an increasing percentage of the public. No longer legally deprived of educational and employment opportunities, minorities have become active political forces using not only their political voices, but also their economic power to make changes. All these changes have created a black lash of violence and intimidation by those who have been forced to share power.
In the last few years, violence against woman has increased. However, instead of being excused or ignored, the stories have not only made front page, but have refused to go away. In the past, violence against women was down played. The women were blamed for the harm done to them. It was her fault she was raped: she shouldn’t have been there. She asked for it by dressing or acting so sexy. The wife’s behavior “forced” her husband to beat or kill her. Although the results have changed, the behaviors in many "men" have not. Woman and children have more options and more rights, but the violence against them has increased. Jessie Marie Davis is only the latest incident of a husband or significant other using murder as a way t prove he is superior. The kidnappings in Wisconsin are further examples of how a small number of men in this country still see woman as possessions to be used or abuse at their slightest whim. However, instead of the articles being relegated to the back of the papers orthe information being ignored, the stories are leads. The public is no longer accepting excuses from the perpetrators and are demanding the highest level of punishment.
Children have also been under attack physically, emotionally and spiritually. No longer safe to molest their own children, abusers have sought and found children out side their homes. Many children and young adults have disappeared only to be found later dead. Traditionalist, under the guise of protecting children, are attempting to limit what kind of information they have access to. Medical, spiritual and educational opportunities are under attack as a way of limiting knowledge and life experience. By regulating the learning opportunities, they are more able to spread their own bigotry, ignorance and keep control over their children. However, laws like Jessica’s Law sets mandatory sentencing guidelines and places limits on abuser after release. Megans Law forces those convicted of a sex offense to register with local law enforcement and makes the information available to the public. In addition, laws have been enacted to protect children from neglect and abuse. Emotional and spiritual abuse is more difficult to regulate and harder to prove. When parents or family members degrade and verbally attack, they don’t leave physical signs. There are no bruises or broken bones. However, the spiritual and emotional damages are just as great and long lasting. Frequently, it can only be discover after it has started reflecting in the child’s behavior. Teaching hate, bigotry and aggressive behavior is emotional and spiritual abuse. It not only creates angry children, but limits their opportunities and ability to interact in society. By keeping the educational system focused on not only fulfilling the basic requirements, but forcing it to provide a safe, diverse learning arena, the cycle of hate and bigotry can be broken.
Although lynchings are now the exception, not the rule, discrimination is still prevalent. The only difference is that it has become more subtle. From the denial of right to marry for gays to the refusal by the Veteran’s Administration to approve the pentacle on soldiers’ grave markers, minorities still have to fight for rights others take for granted. The glass ceiling still prevents minorities from reaching their full potential, while the good old boy’s club promotes those who are less qualified. Profiling and the Patriot Act give the bigots the excuse they have been looking for openly express their racism. Harassment of women, people of color and non-Christians has been rising; however, the technological advances have also given them ammunition to fight back. Cell phones that are capable of recording video and sound have exposed many abusive law enforcement officers and have forced the legal system to change. If the abuse is on tape, it can’t be denied or explained away by the officer. Although homosexuals have been denied the right to a legal marriage, many states are enacting domestic partnership legislation that gives nearly the same legal rights between same sexed couples. After ten years of legal hearings and massive public support, the Circle Sanctuary has finally forced the VA to accept the pentacle as a religious symbol. Technology has also opened the door for small and home based businesses that not only offer diverse opportunities for those who couldn’t break through the gender or ethic limitations, but have made competitors out of one-time employees. Computers, cell phones and the internet have created more options for work locations and scheduling. No longer are individuals limited to the 9 to 5 routine or being forced to go into the office. Instead they have created successful home based businesses or work spaces that makes them economically secure and individually independent.
Yet, the battle continues. For as much as there have been gains, there is still much to be fought for. Although there have been many positive changes in society, now is not the time to relax or get comfortable with the status quo. The good old boys’ club continues to openly fight to regain supremacy by attacking the rights of those they see as lesser than themselves. They use violence, bigotry and manipulation to create fearful situations that give them the upper hand. If we give an inch back to them, it will only encourage them to try to take a mile.
Give them an inch and they’ll steak a mile
By
Theresa Chaze
One only has to look to the media to see how the fight between the Piscean Age and the Aquarian is manifesting. Although the tide is slowly turning, the male dominated Piscean is not going into the sweet good night. No longer is the violence against women, children and minorities tolerated or accepted as "boys will be boys" as the behaviors are casually dismissed. With the coming of the new age, those who do violence against others are publicly held responsible for their actions. As the era of "good old boys club" comes to a close, the violence against those they consider lesser than themselves will temporarily increase, but like all social and economic structures, whose authority comes from violence, they will eventually fall victim to their own power struggles.
This can be seen in the increasing the blatant disregard for the truth by the current administration, and the increasing attacks against women, children and minorities. The violence is all about control. Who has it? Who wants it? Who wants to keep it? White, Christian men no longer have the final say or the ultimate power in the home, the work place or in society. With the advent of birth control and the legalization of abortion, women now have control over their reproductive system, which has given them financial independence. No longer are they dependant on men for their economic security. No longer to they need to accept the bad behavior of the men in their lives, because they are now self sufficient and independent. Children are no longer possessions but individuals with rights and wills of their own. They are no longer cheap labor, who are unprotected subjects of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Interfamilial child sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse, which has been perpetrated by blood or legal relative. In the past, abusers were convicted under incest laws, which carry lower penalties; however, several states have enacted legislation that penalized the abuser the same as a stranger. Whether gender, religious or ethnic, minorities have and are continuing to gain the equal rights, which are protected by law and are reinforced by an increasing percentage of the public. No longer legally deprived of educational and employment opportunities, minorities have become active political forces using not only their political voices, but also their economic power to make changes. All these changes have created a black lash of violence and intimidation by those who have been forced to share power.
In the last few years, violence against woman has increased. However, instead of being excused or ignored, the stories have not only made front page, but have refused to go away. In the past, violence against women was down played. The women were blamed for the harm done to them. It was her fault she was raped: she shouldn’t have been there. She asked for it by dressing or acting so sexy. The wife’s behavior “forced” her husband to beat or kill her. Although the results have changed, the behaviors in many "men" have not. Woman and children have more options and more rights, but the violence against them has increased. Jessie Marie Davis is only the latest incident of a husband or significant other using murder as a way t prove he is superior. The kidnappings in Wisconsin are further examples of how a small number of men in this country still see woman as possessions to be used or abuse at their slightest whim. However, instead of the articles being relegated to the back of the papers orthe information being ignored, the stories are leads. The public is no longer accepting excuses from the perpetrators and are demanding the highest level of punishment.
Children have also been under attack physically, emotionally and spiritually. No longer safe to molest their own children, abusers have sought and found children out side their homes. Many children and young adults have disappeared only to be found later dead. Traditionalist, under the guise of protecting children, are attempting to limit what kind of information they have access to. Medical, spiritual and educational opportunities are under attack as a way of limiting knowledge and life experience. By regulating the learning opportunities, they are more able to spread their own bigotry, ignorance and keep control over their children. However, laws like Jessica’s Law sets mandatory sentencing guidelines and places limits on abuser after release. Megans Law forces those convicted of a sex offense to register with local law enforcement and makes the information available to the public. In addition, laws have been enacted to protect children from neglect and abuse. Emotional and spiritual abuse is more difficult to regulate and harder to prove. When parents or family members degrade and verbally attack, they don’t leave physical signs. There are no bruises or broken bones. However, the spiritual and emotional damages are just as great and long lasting. Frequently, it can only be discover after it has started reflecting in the child’s behavior. Teaching hate, bigotry and aggressive behavior is emotional and spiritual abuse. It not only creates angry children, but limits their opportunities and ability to interact in society. By keeping the educational system focused on not only fulfilling the basic requirements, but forcing it to provide a safe, diverse learning arena, the cycle of hate and bigotry can be broken.
Although lynchings are now the exception, not the rule, discrimination is still prevalent. The only difference is that it has become more subtle. From the denial of right to marry for gays to the refusal by the Veteran’s Administration to approve the pentacle on soldiers’ grave markers, minorities still have to fight for rights others take for granted. The glass ceiling still prevents minorities from reaching their full potential, while the good old boy’s club promotes those who are less qualified. Profiling and the Patriot Act give the bigots the excuse they have been looking for openly express their racism. Harassment of women, people of color and non-Christians has been rising; however, the technological advances have also given them ammunition to fight back. Cell phones that are capable of recording video and sound have exposed many abusive law enforcement officers and have forced the legal system to change. If the abuse is on tape, it can’t be denied or explained away by the officer. Although homosexuals have been denied the right to a legal marriage, many states are enacting domestic partnership legislation that gives nearly the same legal rights between same sexed couples. After ten years of legal hearings and massive public support, the Circle Sanctuary has finally forced the VA to accept the pentacle as a religious symbol. Technology has also opened the door for small and home based businesses that not only offer diverse opportunities for those who couldn’t break through the gender or ethic limitations, but have made competitors out of one-time employees. Computers, cell phones and the internet have created more options for work locations and scheduling. No longer are individuals limited to the 9 to 5 routine or being forced to go into the office. Instead they have created successful home based businesses or work spaces that makes them economically secure and individually independent.
Yet, the battle continues. For as much as there have been gains, there is still much to be fought for. Although there have been many positive changes in society, now is not the time to relax or get comfortable with the status quo. The good old boys’ club continues to openly fight to regain supremacy by attacking the rights of those they see as lesser than themselves. They use violence, bigotry and manipulation to create fearful situations that give them the upper hand. If we give an inch back to them, it will only encourage them to try to take a mile.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Seagulls
by
Theresa Chaze
I lost my temper yesterday. Today, I am not ashamed nor do I regret the harsh words that followed as I verbally bloodied my claws on an old man. Why would I attack strange man in the middle of Meijer’s parking lot? Seagulls. The most unpretentious birds ever created, whose natural scavenger talents make the world a little cleaner. He attacked them for no reason with his car; he narrowly missed running over several and nearly hit a parked car.
I had just gotten out of my car and I stopped to watch a small flock clean up some french fries off the asphalt. That’s what they do; they clean up--parking lots, beaches, anywhere there is a free meal. Mother Nature created sea gulls to be her cleaning team. Like any carrion bird they clean up the remains after the life cycle has been completed. In addition, their acrobatic flying is secondary only to eagles. They can float on air currents for miles, effortless dipping to scoop up a snack from the water surface before returning to the lofty heights.
So why did he attack them? His excuse was they aren’t a protected species, so it was all right for him to run them over. I compared him to an anus. He was shocked when I accused him of animal abused and pointed out he hadn’t actually hit any of them. It wasn’t for lack of trying. He simply didn’t understand why I was making a big deal; they were only sea gulls. In his opinion they are loud, obnoxious pests that the world would be better off without.
What I don’t understand is why he felt he was entitled to do harm to another living creature. They weren’t attacking him, nor were they intruding in anyway on his life. They were simply having a lunch of discarded french fries. They weren’t even his french fries. Yet he thought nothing of trying to kill them. There are two reasons to kill--to have lunch and to keep from being lunch. Everything else is just ego driven garbage. When people fight and kill for land, mates or beliefs, they don’t actually win anything. When all is said and done, you can't take any of it with you. People are reclaimed by the land. Mates part. Beliefs are individual and change with perspective. The only things that are truly carried forward are the love we share, the wisdom we learn, and the results of our actions. Everything else is just a moment in time that quickly passes without notice.
So I lost my temper yesterday. Did I change anything? I don’t know. Mostly likely I will never know if my harsh language was enough to make him think about his actions and change his behavior. It said more about me, than it did about him. My anger got his attention, but did it really reach him? Was he capable of understanding my message? Or was it a simple exercise for me to prove I could draw a line in the sand and stand up for another living creature.
Alone I can’t stop wars, nor can I heal the hatred and fear, which creates them. But I can make a difference. Even if it’s only in the life in a flock of sea gulls.
by
Theresa Chaze
I lost my temper yesterday. Today, I am not ashamed nor do I regret the harsh words that followed as I verbally bloodied my claws on an old man. Why would I attack strange man in the middle of Meijer’s parking lot? Seagulls. The most unpretentious birds ever created, whose natural scavenger talents make the world a little cleaner. He attacked them for no reason with his car; he narrowly missed running over several and nearly hit a parked car.
I had just gotten out of my car and I stopped to watch a small flock clean up some french fries off the asphalt. That’s what they do; they clean up--parking lots, beaches, anywhere there is a free meal. Mother Nature created sea gulls to be her cleaning team. Like any carrion bird they clean up the remains after the life cycle has been completed. In addition, their acrobatic flying is secondary only to eagles. They can float on air currents for miles, effortless dipping to scoop up a snack from the water surface before returning to the lofty heights.
So why did he attack them? His excuse was they aren’t a protected species, so it was all right for him to run them over. I compared him to an anus. He was shocked when I accused him of animal abused and pointed out he hadn’t actually hit any of them. It wasn’t for lack of trying. He simply didn’t understand why I was making a big deal; they were only sea gulls. In his opinion they are loud, obnoxious pests that the world would be better off without.
What I don’t understand is why he felt he was entitled to do harm to another living creature. They weren’t attacking him, nor were they intruding in anyway on his life. They were simply having a lunch of discarded french fries. They weren’t even his french fries. Yet he thought nothing of trying to kill them. There are two reasons to kill--to have lunch and to keep from being lunch. Everything else is just ego driven garbage. When people fight and kill for land, mates or beliefs, they don’t actually win anything. When all is said and done, you can't take any of it with you. People are reclaimed by the land. Mates part. Beliefs are individual and change with perspective. The only things that are truly carried forward are the love we share, the wisdom we learn, and the results of our actions. Everything else is just a moment in time that quickly passes without notice.
So I lost my temper yesterday. Did I change anything? I don’t know. Mostly likely I will never know if my harsh language was enough to make him think about his actions and change his behavior. It said more about me, than it did about him. My anger got his attention, but did it really reach him? Was he capable of understanding my message? Or was it a simple exercise for me to prove I could draw a line in the sand and stand up for another living creature.
Alone I can’t stop wars, nor can I heal the hatred and fear, which creates them. But I can make a difference. Even if it’s only in the life in a flock of sea gulls.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Police Abuse: Protecting Your Civil Rights
By
Theresa Chaze
With the rapidly increasing occurrence of the police abusing individuals and ignoring their civil rights, everyone needs to be aware of what their rights are and how to protect them. No longer do the First and Fourth Amendments provide the freedoms and protection the founding fathers intended. Freedom of religion, speech, to gather and engage in peaceful demonstrations are no longer protected rights, nor is the right to be safe from unreasonable searches and seizures in your home, car, and place of business.
The best way to protect yourself and your civil rights is to know what they are.
The Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
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.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
The Patriot Act has begun limit and infringe on these constitution rights in the name of homeland security. However, in most cases national security is not an issue, but law enforcement's way of disregarding civil rights in order enforce their own style of justice. Whether it be disregarding the medical needs of a pregnant woman in Kansas or the murder of an elder woman during an unfounded search, law enforcement no longer serve and protects the public.
The ACLU has released a list of what you should to do or not if you are stopped for questioning by the police. It is not a definitive list, but simple guidelines to help you safely deal with law enforcement.
Police Abuse: What to do if you are stopped while Driving
1. Think carefully. Choose your words and actions with care. Remain calm. Avoid quick movements.
2. Don't get into an argument or loose your temper. Anything you say or do can be held against you.
3. Don't run. Don't touch the officer. It can be used as a reason to arrest you.
4. Don't resist. Even if you are innocent, resisting alone is a reason to arrest you.
5. Don't complain. Making a scene or threatening to file a compliant only makes the situation escalate.
6. Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer.
7. Write everything down and remember the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number.
8. Try to find witnesses. Get their name and addresses.
9. If you are injured, document the injuries with medical reports and photographs.
10. If your rights have been violated, file a complaint with the police department’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
Although this is a comprehensive list, there are a few other things you can do to protect yourself.
1. Keep your information together and easily accessible. The longer the officer has to wait, the more likely he will find a reason to harass you.
2. If you have a cell phone, use it. Call a friend and have them listen to the exchange between you and the officer. Your friend could act as a witness on your behalf. If you don’t have a cell phone, a mini audio recorder could serve a similar purpose.
3. Some cell phones are capable of recording video or still pictures. By documenting the exchange, as much as possible you will be adequately be able to protect your rights.
4. If there are issues with the officer, you don't have to go to their office to file a complaint. Sending a detailed letter certified return receipt to the head of the department, the prosecuting attorney’s office and the state’s Attorney General will get your compliant filed without putting yourself at risk of immediate reprisals.
5. If you witness an officer abusing his or her authority document and report it. By being pro-active and getting involved, abusive officers will be held accountable for their actions and removed from positions of authority.
The public can no longer depend on the Bill of Rights to defend their personal liberties. The only way to curb and end the police abuse of power is for the public to hold them accountable for their actions. By knowing your rights and being prepared, an individual can more adequately protect themselves and their rights during encounters with law enforcement.
By
Theresa Chaze
With the rapidly increasing occurrence of the police abusing individuals and ignoring their civil rights, everyone needs to be aware of what their rights are and how to protect them. No longer do the First and Fourth Amendments provide the freedoms and protection the founding fathers intended. Freedom of religion, speech, to gather and engage in peaceful demonstrations are no longer protected rights, nor is the right to be safe from unreasonable searches and seizures in your home, car, and place of business.
The best way to protect yourself and your civil rights is to know what they are.
The Bill of Rights
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
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.
Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
The Patriot Act has begun limit and infringe on these constitution rights in the name of homeland security. However, in most cases national security is not an issue, but law enforcement's way of disregarding civil rights in order enforce their own style of justice. Whether it be disregarding the medical needs of a pregnant woman in Kansas or the murder of an elder woman during an unfounded search, law enforcement no longer serve and protects the public.
The ACLU has released a list of what you should to do or not if you are stopped for questioning by the police. It is not a definitive list, but simple guidelines to help you safely deal with law enforcement.
Police Abuse: What to do if you are stopped while Driving
1. Think carefully. Choose your words and actions with care. Remain calm. Avoid quick movements.
2. Don't get into an argument or loose your temper. Anything you say or do can be held against you.
3. Don't run. Don't touch the officer. It can be used as a reason to arrest you.
4. Don't resist. Even if you are innocent, resisting alone is a reason to arrest you.
5. Don't complain. Making a scene or threatening to file a compliant only makes the situation escalate.
6. Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer.
7. Write everything down and remember the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number.
8. Try to find witnesses. Get their name and addresses.
9. If you are injured, document the injuries with medical reports and photographs.
10. If your rights have been violated, file a complaint with the police department’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
Although this is a comprehensive list, there are a few other things you can do to protect yourself.
1. Keep your information together and easily accessible. The longer the officer has to wait, the more likely he will find a reason to harass you.
2. If you have a cell phone, use it. Call a friend and have them listen to the exchange between you and the officer. Your friend could act as a witness on your behalf. If you don’t have a cell phone, a mini audio recorder could serve a similar purpose.
3. Some cell phones are capable of recording video or still pictures. By documenting the exchange, as much as possible you will be adequately be able to protect your rights.
4. If there are issues with the officer, you don't have to go to their office to file a complaint. Sending a detailed letter certified return receipt to the head of the department, the prosecuting attorney’s office and the state’s Attorney General will get your compliant filed without putting yourself at risk of immediate reprisals.
5. If you witness an officer abusing his or her authority document and report it. By being pro-active and getting involved, abusive officers will be held accountable for their actions and removed from positions of authority.
The public can no longer depend on the Bill of Rights to defend their personal liberties. The only way to curb and end the police abuse of power is for the public to hold them accountable for their actions. By knowing your rights and being prepared, an individual can more adequately protect themselves and their rights during encounters with law enforcement.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Participating verses Watching the Game
By
Theresa Chaze
To help or not to help? That is the question. Whether it is nobler to step up to the plate or to step aside and allow another to take a turn at bat...It seems that in so many instances the same people play the same positions in life. There are those who actively step up to the plate to help, while others just warm the bench and comment on the game. Like the sports fan, who claims a team as his own, yet doesn't participate, own it or have any active role in the decision making process, so do the same type of people criticize how others chose to make the world a better place. Yet there are others who chose to ignore the world around them; they are too busy or otherwise engaged to notice what is happening beyond their front door.
Whether human, animal or environmental issues, there are those people who are willing to put their time, energy and resources into speaking out and attempting to make positive changes. They get involved by writing letters, contacting governmental leaders, or physically demonstrating. Whether picking up trash along the side of the road or marching on the capital, they are willing to put themselves on the line for their cause, because they aren’t willing to be by-standers in the world. These people care what happens to others and to the world around them. They enthusiastically embrace change and continually look outside the box for new possibilities or options that will make the world a better place. Whether living green, animal rights or energy alternatives, these people work towards changing the how and why things are done for the betterment of all instead of a select few. These are the people who took time out of their lives to search for victims of Katrina. The same type that marched for peace. These people work with the environment by recycling and looking for responsible ways to live their lives. No one asked. It wasn’t legislated. They saw a need they could meet and weren‘t afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Yet on the opposite spectrum, there are those they are so attached to the status quo they reject all change. They criticize the individuals who do seek innovative answers, yet they refuse to offer alternatives to the challenges our country now are facing. Like the armchair quarterback, they attack the participants and their actions, but never really address the causes. By belittling the people, they down play the importance of the issue and make the individual the center of attention. To protect the status quo, they nit-pick the minor details in order to find fault with the person, yet ignore the validity of the issue. Like those who blame the high gas prices on the environmentalists and the politicians for refusing to allow drilling in ecologically sensitive areas, yet refuse to see how their own driving habits and the lack of development of alternative fuels have contributed to the situation. They complain about the actions of others, however they do little themselves to make it better.
There are others who do neither. They live cloistered existences, filled only with their own needs and wants. They do not get involved, nor do they commit. The world outside their little ponds simple does not exist. Some believe they can’t make a difference, so they don’t even try. It is their apathy that has lead to low voter participation and the extremes being brought to power. Others just chose not to be informed. They don’t take the time away from the fun of their life to read a paper or to watch the news. In some extreme cases, they don’t know who the leaders of the country are or the basic structure of the government. When confront with their ignorance, they defend themselves with anger or rebellion. They don’t realize that the only true ones they are cheating are themselves by giving away the rights and power that every individual in entitled.
But what would happen if the more nobler people became so burned out that they stopped stepping up to the plate? Would the game stop? Would the others start participating? Or would the status quo spiral out of control sending the county into stagnation and eventual death? How do you motivate people to get involved? You can’t force them--at least not without getting negative results. Integrating the schools proved that. The cultures were mixed, yet bigotry still continues. There are no quick fixes--no magic tricks or impassioned speeches, which will change the heart of another. The truth is you can only change yourself. As individual, we can only do the best we can and no more beyond. The magic happens when people of like mind find each other and share enough of themselves to make miracles happen.
By
Theresa Chaze
To help or not to help? That is the question. Whether it is nobler to step up to the plate or to step aside and allow another to take a turn at bat...It seems that in so many instances the same people play the same positions in life. There are those who actively step up to the plate to help, while others just warm the bench and comment on the game. Like the sports fan, who claims a team as his own, yet doesn't participate, own it or have any active role in the decision making process, so do the same type of people criticize how others chose to make the world a better place. Yet there are others who chose to ignore the world around them; they are too busy or otherwise engaged to notice what is happening beyond their front door.
Whether human, animal or environmental issues, there are those people who are willing to put their time, energy and resources into speaking out and attempting to make positive changes. They get involved by writing letters, contacting governmental leaders, or physically demonstrating. Whether picking up trash along the side of the road or marching on the capital, they are willing to put themselves on the line for their cause, because they aren’t willing to be by-standers in the world. These people care what happens to others and to the world around them. They enthusiastically embrace change and continually look outside the box for new possibilities or options that will make the world a better place. Whether living green, animal rights or energy alternatives, these people work towards changing the how and why things are done for the betterment of all instead of a select few. These are the people who took time out of their lives to search for victims of Katrina. The same type that marched for peace. These people work with the environment by recycling and looking for responsible ways to live their lives. No one asked. It wasn’t legislated. They saw a need they could meet and weren‘t afraid of getting their hands dirty.
Yet on the opposite spectrum, there are those they are so attached to the status quo they reject all change. They criticize the individuals who do seek innovative answers, yet they refuse to offer alternatives to the challenges our country now are facing. Like the armchair quarterback, they attack the participants and their actions, but never really address the causes. By belittling the people, they down play the importance of the issue and make the individual the center of attention. To protect the status quo, they nit-pick the minor details in order to find fault with the person, yet ignore the validity of the issue. Like those who blame the high gas prices on the environmentalists and the politicians for refusing to allow drilling in ecologically sensitive areas, yet refuse to see how their own driving habits and the lack of development of alternative fuels have contributed to the situation. They complain about the actions of others, however they do little themselves to make it better.
There are others who do neither. They live cloistered existences, filled only with their own needs and wants. They do not get involved, nor do they commit. The world outside their little ponds simple does not exist. Some believe they can’t make a difference, so they don’t even try. It is their apathy that has lead to low voter participation and the extremes being brought to power. Others just chose not to be informed. They don’t take the time away from the fun of their life to read a paper or to watch the news. In some extreme cases, they don’t know who the leaders of the country are or the basic structure of the government. When confront with their ignorance, they defend themselves with anger or rebellion. They don’t realize that the only true ones they are cheating are themselves by giving away the rights and power that every individual in entitled.
But what would happen if the more nobler people became so burned out that they stopped stepping up to the plate? Would the game stop? Would the others start participating? Or would the status quo spiral out of control sending the county into stagnation and eventual death? How do you motivate people to get involved? You can’t force them--at least not without getting negative results. Integrating the schools proved that. The cultures were mixed, yet bigotry still continues. There are no quick fixes--no magic tricks or impassioned speeches, which will change the heart of another. The truth is you can only change yourself. As individual, we can only do the best we can and no more beyond. The magic happens when people of like mind find each other and share enough of themselves to make miracles happen.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wiccan Harassed By Grand Traverse Sheriff Department
Greetings,
I want to share my experience with them in hope you will help me receive justice and let others know that they are not alone. I have been doing research and have learned the police abusing their power has become increasingly frequent, yet they are not held responsible for their action. Although telling has not been easy, it worth keeping the wound open in order to reach out to the others it has happened to and to help it from happening again. I have documentation not only for my complaints against the Grand Traverse Sheriff Department and Phillips Settles, but the medical documentation proving the physical and emotional damage it has caused me.
On October 18, 2006, I was driving home from my job at a small factory. I was pulled over by a deputy sheriff, who refused to tell me why he stopped me or to tell me his name. He ordered me from my car and began searching it. He dug my purse out of the back seat of my car and went through it. In the bottom of the side pocket, he found my athame set. Athames are ritual daggers used for directing energy in the Wiccan and Pagan religions. Mine were two small decorative daggers; the largest was 21/2 inches, including the hilt. Without telling me why, he arrested me. At the jail, he told me I was stopped because I was swerving and I was arrested for felony-concealed weapon. He led me inside and turned me over the deputies behind the desk. Even though there were female deputies on duty, I was searched by male deputy. He asked me questions until the other deputy behind the desk went to do other things. He then insisted on searching me again. Only this time, he groped my breasts and groin. When the deputy behind the desk came back into view, he immediately stopped and stepped away from me. I was placed in a hallway. The stress of the situation caused an asthma attack. When it first started, I asked for my inhaler, which was in the pocket of my purse. They denied me access. The attack became severe to the point I vomited and urinated on myself. They ignored my requests for my medication. Eventually, they gave me access, but not before damage was done to my lungs. Later, I was photographed and fingerprinted by another male deputy, who also groped my breasts and called it a search. He only stopped when another deputy came into his line of sight. My bond was set, but when my representative called to find out where to pay it, the deputy who answered the phone discouraged him from immediately paying, saying that I would be going before the judge at 2pm and it would be reduced. My paper work was never processed and I didn’t go before the judge until the next day. When my representative didn’t hear from me by 3 pm, he went to the courthouse and searched for the proper place to pay the bond. Still I was held until after 5:30. The next day at the courthouse, I sat next to a man who told me the deputies were teaching me a lesson. His name is Timothy Jon Smith; the phone number he gave me is 258-1493. Why they would want to teach me a lesson I don't know; I have never really and any contact with them on or off duty. The only thing I could think of was that about a month earlier I was at the Pagan Pride Day in Grand Rapids. There was a rumor that the officers on duty were writing down license plate numbers. The deputies involve were very good about keeping behind me and concealing their names. This was not the first time they had done this to someone. Nor was I able to learn the arresting officer's name until after I received a copy of the arrest report. It was then that I learned that it was Justin Revnell.
I asked for a court appointed lawyer. Phillip Settles of Acme was assigned. From the beginning, he refused to push the religious aspects of the case and the civil rights violations, nor did he want to hear about the assaults or the medical neglect. His position was that it didn’t matter their size or the reason I had them. Instead, he did his best to make me fear for my safety. I wanted to file a complaint against the Sheriff Department immediately. Mr. Settles told me that not only wasn’t it safe, but it would do no good. He told me that in spite my clean record, nor had I even thought of hurting anyone, if the case went to trial, I would be convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. During the preliminary hearing, he got Revnell to admit he didn’t have permission to search my purse, nor did he ask for my athames to be presented into evidence at the hearing. Both were just cause for the case to be dismissed, yet Mr. Settles said nothing. Mr. Settles filed two motions on my behalf; however, they weren't well researched and were very superficial. There are two recent cases he could have used; one was not only directly on point, but was a Michigan case. Eventually he persuaded me to accept a plea bargain of a misdemeanor. I don’t know if Mr. Settles was incompetent, lazy or working for the other side, but he wasn’t working on my behalf. One thing I found puzzling. The only people I mentioned suiting to was the deputies, yet on our first meeting Mr. Settles immediately told me that he couldn't represent me in a civil suit.
If you compare the arrest report with the transcript of the preliminary hearing, you will find many discrepancies. First and foremost, I didn’t volunteer the information about my athames. I honestly answered the deputy's question. Secondly, I didn’t give him permission to search my car or my purse. There was no reason for him to do so. I was being cooperative. In the report, he photocopied my athames without anything for scale or perspective, because he enlarged them. The images shown in the report wouldn’t have even fit in the pocket of my purse. I have signed statements from friends with their contact information, stating the actual appearance of my athames. Revnell also stated under oath that they were easily accessible and that I used them for self-defense. My athames were in the bottom of the pocket of my purse, which was buried beneath two jackets and a blanket on the floor of the back seat of my car. In order for me to use them for self-defense, I would have to ask the attacker to wait until I search not only for my purse but for my athames as well. In addition, the blade was so thin, it would have snapped off at impact.
On February 17, 2007, I finally got the courage to file a complaint. Instead of going to the office, I sent it certified return receipt to Sheriff Fewins and Alan Schnerder. I never heard from Mr. Schnerder and it wasn’t until the first week in March that I heard from the Sheriff’s department. Captain Dave Meachum called me and said they were going to investigate my complaint either in house or through another department. Two days later, I received a phone call from Detective Kevin Gay of the Traverse City Police Department; his badge number is 299. March 5, he and a member of the TC police departments Internal Affairs interviewed me. I answered all their questions both then and sense to the best of my ability, yet nothing has been done. I have questions, yet they refuse to give me any answers. The incident report number is 781-7281-07. Since then I’ve heard rumors of a couple of deputies bragging that the “witch deserved it” and that investigation was taken care of. May 18, Detective Gay called and told me he could find no basis for my complaints. Since I had waited to file the sexual assault complaint and since I didn’t stress it, he didn’t believe it happened. Many women not only wait, but some never report at all. In November when I talked to the councilor at the Women’s Resource Center, I talked about the sexual elements of the search. I also told several friends who are experienced therapists. I didn’t stress the sexual assault because it stemmed from the civil rights violations and frankly, it’s easier to heal from being groped than from suffocating to death from an asthma attack. Detective Gay has closed the case and once again the Grand Traverse Sheriff Department is getting away it.
After doing research, I realized just how inadequate my defense was. I sent a letter of complaint to Mr. Settles. He responded by repeating many of the same statements he made before, but never addressed my core complaints. I have also filed a formal complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney General Office.
I have been physically, emotionally and financially harmed. The asthma attack caused damage to my lunge that is still causing me pain when I breathe. In November, I was diagnosised with PTS. The panic attacks were made worse by the continuing harassment. On November 30, I was pulled over for illegal beeping. On other occasions, I was followed from my job. On March 5, a patrol car followed me a car length and half for miles on the icy roads. If I had to stop for any reason, he would have rear-ended me. The harassment made it difficult for me to leave my home for months afterwards. For months, I was unable to function on anything more than a basic level. The moment I had in October, promoting my novels vanished. Continuing absences because of panic attacks and being unable to breathe nearly cost me my job and my home.
I am asking you to help me receive justice for the harm done to me and the others who have been harassed by the Grand Traverse Sheriff Department. Help me bring the blue wall down so that we can get ethical officers working in our community. If you have
Greetings,
I want to share my experience with them in hope you will help me receive justice and let others know that they are not alone. I have been doing research and have learned the police abusing their power has become increasingly frequent, yet they are not held responsible for their action. Although telling has not been easy, it worth keeping the wound open in order to reach out to the others it has happened to and to help it from happening again. I have documentation not only for my complaints against the Grand Traverse Sheriff Department and Phillips Settles, but the medical documentation proving the physical and emotional damage it has caused me.
On October 18, 2006, I was driving home from my job at a small factory. I was pulled over by a deputy sheriff, who refused to tell me why he stopped me or to tell me his name. He ordered me from my car and began searching it. He dug my purse out of the back seat of my car and went through it. In the bottom of the side pocket, he found my athame set. Athames are ritual daggers used for directing energy in the Wiccan and Pagan religions. Mine were two small decorative daggers; the largest was 21/2 inches, including the hilt. Without telling me why, he arrested me. At the jail, he told me I was stopped because I was swerving and I was arrested for felony-concealed weapon. He led me inside and turned me over the deputies behind the desk. Even though there were female deputies on duty, I was searched by male deputy. He asked me questions until the other deputy behind the desk went to do other things. He then insisted on searching me again. Only this time, he groped my breasts and groin. When the deputy behind the desk came back into view, he immediately stopped and stepped away from me. I was placed in a hallway. The stress of the situation caused an asthma attack. When it first started, I asked for my inhaler, which was in the pocket of my purse. They denied me access. The attack became severe to the point I vomited and urinated on myself. They ignored my requests for my medication. Eventually, they gave me access, but not before damage was done to my lungs. Later, I was photographed and fingerprinted by another male deputy, who also groped my breasts and called it a search. He only stopped when another deputy came into his line of sight. My bond was set, but when my representative called to find out where to pay it, the deputy who answered the phone discouraged him from immediately paying, saying that I would be going before the judge at 2pm and it would be reduced. My paper work was never processed and I didn’t go before the judge until the next day. When my representative didn’t hear from me by 3 pm, he went to the courthouse and searched for the proper place to pay the bond. Still I was held until after 5:30. The next day at the courthouse, I sat next to a man who told me the deputies were teaching me a lesson. His name is Timothy Jon Smith; the phone number he gave me is 258-1493. Why they would want to teach me a lesson I don't know; I have never really and any contact with them on or off duty. The only thing I could think of was that about a month earlier I was at the Pagan Pride Day in Grand Rapids. There was a rumor that the officers on duty were writing down license plate numbers. The deputies involve were very good about keeping behind me and concealing their names. This was not the first time they had done this to someone. Nor was I able to learn the arresting officer's name until after I received a copy of the arrest report. It was then that I learned that it was Justin Revnell.
I asked for a court appointed lawyer. Phillip Settles of Acme was assigned. From the beginning, he refused to push the religious aspects of the case and the civil rights violations, nor did he want to hear about the assaults or the medical neglect. His position was that it didn’t matter their size or the reason I had them. Instead, he did his best to make me fear for my safety. I wanted to file a complaint against the Sheriff Department immediately. Mr. Settles told me that not only wasn’t it safe, but it would do no good. He told me that in spite my clean record, nor had I even thought of hurting anyone, if the case went to trial, I would be convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. During the preliminary hearing, he got Revnell to admit he didn’t have permission to search my purse, nor did he ask for my athames to be presented into evidence at the hearing. Both were just cause for the case to be dismissed, yet Mr. Settles said nothing. Mr. Settles filed two motions on my behalf; however, they weren't well researched and were very superficial. There are two recent cases he could have used; one was not only directly on point, but was a Michigan case. Eventually he persuaded me to accept a plea bargain of a misdemeanor. I don’t know if Mr. Settles was incompetent, lazy or working for the other side, but he wasn’t working on my behalf. One thing I found puzzling. The only people I mentioned suiting to was the deputies, yet on our first meeting Mr. Settles immediately told me that he couldn't represent me in a civil suit.
If you compare the arrest report with the transcript of the preliminary hearing, you will find many discrepancies. First and foremost, I didn’t volunteer the information about my athames. I honestly answered the deputy's question. Secondly, I didn’t give him permission to search my car or my purse. There was no reason for him to do so. I was being cooperative. In the report, he photocopied my athames without anything for scale or perspective, because he enlarged them. The images shown in the report wouldn’t have even fit in the pocket of my purse. I have signed statements from friends with their contact information, stating the actual appearance of my athames. Revnell also stated under oath that they were easily accessible and that I used them for self-defense. My athames were in the bottom of the pocket of my purse, which was buried beneath two jackets and a blanket on the floor of the back seat of my car. In order for me to use them for self-defense, I would have to ask the attacker to wait until I search not only for my purse but for my athames as well. In addition, the blade was so thin, it would have snapped off at impact.
On February 17, 2007, I finally got the courage to file a complaint. Instead of going to the office, I sent it certified return receipt to Sheriff Fewins and Alan Schnerder. I never heard from Mr. Schnerder and it wasn’t until the first week in March that I heard from the Sheriff’s department. Captain Dave Meachum called me and said they were going to investigate my complaint either in house or through another department. Two days later, I received a phone call from Detective Kevin Gay of the Traverse City Police Department; his badge number is 299. March 5, he and a member of the TC police departments Internal Affairs interviewed me. I answered all their questions both then and sense to the best of my ability, yet nothing has been done. I have questions, yet they refuse to give me any answers. The incident report number is 781-7281-07. Since then I’ve heard rumors of a couple of deputies bragging that the “witch deserved it” and that investigation was taken care of. May 18, Detective Gay called and told me he could find no basis for my complaints. Since I had waited to file the sexual assault complaint and since I didn’t stress it, he didn’t believe it happened. Many women not only wait, but some never report at all. In November when I talked to the councilor at the Women’s Resource Center, I talked about the sexual elements of the search. I also told several friends who are experienced therapists. I didn’t stress the sexual assault because it stemmed from the civil rights violations and frankly, it’s easier to heal from being groped than from suffocating to death from an asthma attack. Detective Gay has closed the case and once again the Grand Traverse Sheriff Department is getting away it.
After doing research, I realized just how inadequate my defense was. I sent a letter of complaint to Mr. Settles. He responded by repeating many of the same statements he made before, but never addressed my core complaints. I have also filed a formal complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney General Office.
I have been physically, emotionally and financially harmed. The asthma attack caused damage to my lunge that is still causing me pain when I breathe. In November, I was diagnosised with PTS. The panic attacks were made worse by the continuing harassment. On November 30, I was pulled over for illegal beeping. On other occasions, I was followed from my job. On March 5, a patrol car followed me a car length and half for miles on the icy roads. If I had to stop for any reason, he would have rear-ended me. The harassment made it difficult for me to leave my home for months afterwards. For months, I was unable to function on anything more than a basic level. The moment I had in October, promoting my novels vanished. Continuing absences because of panic attacks and being unable to breathe nearly cost me my job and my home.
I am asking you to help me receive justice for the harm done to me and the others who have been harassed by the Grand Traverse Sheriff Department. Help me bring the blue wall down so that we can get ethical officers working in our community. If you have
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Police Abuse: The Blue Wall Again Protects Its Own
Most of you know about my arrest last fall. Mid February, I finally got the courage to file a complaint about my treatment against the Grand Traverse County Sheriff Department. March 5, I talked to Detective Kevin Gay of the Traverse City Police department; he was assigned to investigate my complaint of sexual assault. He refused to listen about the illegal search, the falsifying the arrest report, Deputy Justing Revnell lying under oath, the religious descrimination, or the refusal to give me by asthma medication. I kept touch with him over the the past couple of months. He kept telling me that he was investigating, but wouldn't give me details. This morning Detective Gay called. He found my complaints to be unfounded and the deputies will not be help responsible for the harm they caused me. I did my very best to have faith in the system, but the blue wall protects its own. The reason he gave was that I didn't emphasis the sexual assault fast enough or well enough for their satisfaction.
Although I have contact the local paper, the reporter I talked to has received so many complaints about the local law enforcement, that he wasn't sure how much he could do. Part of me still held out hope that justice would be done. I feel as if was assaulted again. I am asking for help. May 31 is the next full moon. Will all those who believe in justice pray that the Grand Traverse County Sheriff department, the prosecuter and the attorney who failed to represent me properly, Phillips Settles, recieve full measure of justice for the harm they caused me. I'm not asking for vengeance, but justice in full measure.
Thank you for your help, support and protection.
Theresa/Tirgana
Most of you know about my arrest last fall. Mid February, I finally got the courage to file a complaint about my treatment against the Grand Traverse County Sheriff Department. March 5, I talked to Detective Kevin Gay of the Traverse City Police department; he was assigned to investigate my complaint of sexual assault. He refused to listen about the illegal search, the falsifying the arrest report, Deputy Justing Revnell lying under oath, the religious descrimination, or the refusal to give me by asthma medication. I kept touch with him over the the past couple of months. He kept telling me that he was investigating, but wouldn't give me details. This morning Detective Gay called. He found my complaints to be unfounded and the deputies will not be help responsible for the harm they caused me. I did my very best to have faith in the system, but the blue wall protects its own. The reason he gave was that I didn't emphasis the sexual assault fast enough or well enough for their satisfaction.
Although I have contact the local paper, the reporter I talked to has received so many complaints about the local law enforcement, that he wasn't sure how much he could do. Part of me still held out hope that justice would be done. I feel as if was assaulted again. I am asking for help. May 31 is the next full moon. Will all those who believe in justice pray that the Grand Traverse County Sheriff department, the prosecuter and the attorney who failed to represent me properly, Phillips Settles, recieve full measure of justice for the harm they caused me. I'm not asking for vengeance, but justice in full measure.
Thank you for your help, support and protection.
Theresa/Tirgana
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Here is May's Issue of Messages From the Universe. As always you are welcome to share the ezine, but the articles remain the sole property of the authors. If you would like to receive this ezine to your individual emal box go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MessagesFromtheUniverse/ to join the free egroup.
You may need to cut and paste the address into your browser.
http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/MessagesMay2007.pdf
Tirgana
Friday, April 20, 2007
PetSafe Animal Rescue needs your help
Memorial weekend in the Traverse City area, PetSafe will be hosting a fund raising yard sale. They need donations, volunteers to help and people to buy from their sale. If you can help call Michael at 231-+668-7359.
Although Petsafe is always in need of cash donations, they are in desperate need of foster families to help cats and dogs. Petsafe provides the food, veterinary care, and supplies. The family provides a loving, safe home and transportation to the adoption events, which take place at the Traverse City Petsmart on most Saturdays and Sundays. The average time a dog spends in a foster home is about two weeks. A single family could save 25 dogs a year by just taking in one at a time. Cats, however, take a little longer; therefore, there is a greater need for feline foster homes. Before an animal is placed in foster home, it is checked for medical and behavioral issues. During the foster time, the animal is altered to prevent unwanted litters and is socialized. The foster family evaluates its temperament and helps determine what kind of living situation would be the best match. By the time it is available for adoption, there are one or more people who knows it well enough to be able to vouch for their character.
The second greatest need is for loving families who are looking to adopt. Petsafe is only designed to temporarily care for them until permanent families can be found. However, they are a no kill organization, so animals in their system will remain in foster homes until they are adopted, which is why there are frequent holds on the intake of animals. Their resources simple cannot properly support all those who are in need; therefore, finding good homes is their primary concern. For every cat or dog that is adopted, space is made available for another to be rescued.
Memorial weekend in the Traverse City area, PetSafe will be hosting a fund raising yard sale. They need donations, volunteers to help and people to buy from their sale. If you can help call Michael at 231-+668-7359.
Although Petsafe is always in need of cash donations, they are in desperate need of foster families to help cats and dogs. Petsafe provides the food, veterinary care, and supplies. The family provides a loving, safe home and transportation to the adoption events, which take place at the Traverse City Petsmart on most Saturdays and Sundays. The average time a dog spends in a foster home is about two weeks. A single family could save 25 dogs a year by just taking in one at a time. Cats, however, take a little longer; therefore, there is a greater need for feline foster homes. Before an animal is placed in foster home, it is checked for medical and behavioral issues. During the foster time, the animal is altered to prevent unwanted litters and is socialized. The foster family evaluates its temperament and helps determine what kind of living situation would be the best match. By the time it is available for adoption, there are one or more people who knows it well enough to be able to vouch for their character.
The second greatest need is for loving families who are looking to adopt. Petsafe is only designed to temporarily care for them until permanent families can be found. However, they are a no kill organization, so animals in their system will remain in foster homes until they are adopted, which is why there are frequent holds on the intake of animals. Their resources simple cannot properly support all those who are in need; therefore, finding good homes is their primary concern. For every cat or dog that is adopted, space is made available for another to be rescued.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
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