We went to the #CrackerBarrel for breakfast. After we got home Tracey went to town on a shopping spree to get “stuff”. I presume this is the stuff she shops for that never gets on the regular shopping list.
MjL 11 Jul 2016, 6:07 a.m.
We had #Avanti pizza for supper and Aaron arrived home just in time to help us eat it.
MjL 11 Jul 2016, 6:08 a.m.
Aaron had some problems with his debit card during his recent trip to Texas and he is thinking about getting a credit card. We talked a little about credit cards and how they work. I know a bit about the cash back features because that is what we have with the #DiscoverCard but I really don’t understand or know much about airline miles that many cards provide. We rarely fly so we aren’t interested. I don’t suspect Aaron wouldn’t get much use out of them either but that would be up to him to research and learn.
MjL 11 Jul 2016, 6:09 a.m.
Obama says, “If we paint police in a broad brush —— then we’re going to lose allies in the reform cause.”
“But even rhetorically,” Obama continued, “if we paint police in broad brush without recognizing that the vast majority of police officers are doing a really good job ——”
And there is where I call “BULLSHIT!” The problem with thinking police are doing a “really good job” is just nonsense when we consider the *job* they are trained to do. When you believe your job is to treat people like suspects, perps, unsubs, troublemakers, scofflaws, etc. you are completely negating the primary purpose of policing. It shouldn’t be about enforcing authority and collecting fines. Yet that is exactly what cops are trained to be today.
It’s not about protecting anybody. It is about enforcing petty laws to ensnare people with petty fines. Or to exert authority over people going about their normal lives.
The only meaningful change will happen if or when we stop using the police force as a revenue stream or to intimidate people who are not a threat to anyone. Does anyone really think those hundreds of guys dressed in battle gear and pointing automatic weapons at unarmed protestors are there to “protect” anyone?
If the vast majority of cops are “good” cops, why have the “bad” cops been getting away with murder? If a good cop covers for a bad cop, he is NOT a good cop! Hence, I, have come to believe that there are actually very few “good” cops. I get it, understand it, you want to be in solidarity with your brothers, whatever your profession, seen it in the union ranks. But, covering for someone committing felonie, up to and including, execution, that is not solidarity, THAT IS CRIMINAL! And from the very people that have accepted the roll of law enforcement, the system is rotten from within.
Michael T. 11 Jul 2016, 7:33 a.m.
I very much agree Michael. I really think the definition of “good cop” has also been significantly altered over the past few decades.
In the eyes of their superiors the “good cop” brings in more revenue, makes sure to cover his bosses ass by having a “good reason” to harass in the first place, etc.
Our laws have changed so drastically to make the cops an enforcer of nonsense that is more akin to petty harassment. They KNOW if you have a valid license. They know if you have insurance or if your car is registered. All the rigamarole we have to go through for a basic harassment stop is ridiculous. I never feel “protected” or “served” in the presence of a cop. And you are obviously not meant to feel secure.
MjL 11 Jul 2016, 7:44 a.m.
Felonies
Michael T. 11 Jul 2016, 8:06 a.m.
I should have noted that along with the system being rotten from within, it is from the top to the bottom. ie...Hillary, Bush, Cheney, Ashcroft, Gonzales...the whole damn bunch of ‘em. Even Mr. President Obama with his hard push for TPP and no push for a public option.
Michael T. 11 Jul 2016, 8:16 a.m.
Most of this is allowed only because the majority of people are just completely ignorant of or in denial of the current status in America. The information is available to those who seek it but most sit back and watch the TV and convince themselves what they are fed is the truth. I really think the average American despises police and would sooner have a tooth pulled than have to deal with them.
Every time my Mom required an ambulance when she fell down I had to deal with police harassment. They always arrived first and did everything they could to get in the way and complicate the process under the pretense I might have pushed her or something.
None of that was necessary until AFTER she was medicated for her pain, had portable oxygen administered and loaded into the ambulance.
And much of those interviews had absolutely nothing to do with her accident but about them being assholes pushing me around because I’m sure my body language clearly expressed how much I despised them.
The first time it happened I told the cop his questions could wait until I informed the EMT of the situation. He grabbed my arm and pulled me aside to inform me HE was in charge and HE would decide what I was going to do. I am probably lucky I didn’t get arrested and might have if Mom hadn’t shouted at him, “What the hell is wrong with you? That can wait until they get me up off the floor. Just leave him alone!” I think she embarrassed him a bit. But only a bit.
He immediately resumed the bullshit after the ambulance left so I was late getting to the ER to explain what happened. My Mom had to arrive completely alone and fend for herself because the asshole was being “In Charge”.
MjL 11 Jul 2016, 8:30 a.m.
And a side note —— of all the times this happened they never once asked to see any identification. They were willing to trust that I was her son but not trust anything else I said. If they were truly so efficient they would have asked for some ID.
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