Monthly Archives: February 2014

Socio-Cultural Commentary

Relationships & Marriage- Some assembly required

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black love

Relationships and Marriage- Assembly is required

By: Doc Swagg

I would like to deviate from my normal genre of blogs: science/technology, politics, and cultural issues.  I want to share a perspective on relationships.

I think it’s imperative that we are realistic when we’re ready to date.  I think that it’s good, normal, and human to have dreams, and goals about life.  However, when does responsibility and accountability kick in to initiate the work to achieve and obtain our goals?

I often hear both genders rattle off what they want in their mate.  I mean many people have an itemized checklist.  That is good because it means you are specific about what you want.  However, when I hear people talk about relationships and marriage, I get this imaginary fairy tale projection generated from their psyche.  Many times this is subconsciously generated from what we’ve seen on TV, movies, books, and even an external surface view of the relationships of our family and friends.

I say this is equivalent to walking into a sporting goods store and shopping for a mountain bike.  We know what we want when we see it.  We walk around, and there it is, it has all the specifications, dimensions, and performance features you’ve been looking for.  You’re ready to purchase, and so you find a sales associate to facilitate the transaction.  You tell him/her that you want that bike “right there”, and they say, “not a problem, give me a second”.  The sales associate returns with a bulky box with the picture on the box and starts walking to the register.  You ask, “can I get that one I right there?”.  They say, “Sorry that’s the floor model, it’s only for display”.  You shrug and sigh because you were hoping they would say yes, but you accept the box and purchase it.

Assembly Required

The thought of sitting down, investing time to read the instruction manual, becoming familiar with the various parts, and tools seems daunting, but you do it anyway because you want that picture on the box.  Yes, a little assembly is required.

When it’s complete, you are so anxious to ride it (no pun intended), that you hop on it and ride it to the sunset.  You ride everywhere and you show it to your friends.  You make sure you keep it secured with a lock to prevent someone from stealing it.  You bring it inside during bad weather to protect it from environmental elements, and you check tire pressure to make sure it’s not getting flat.

Real life

So that was about the joy and pain of purchasing a mountain bike.  Well portions of this analogy can be extrapolated to our relationships and marriage.  Many of us want this picturesque relationship, but cringe at the thought of putting in the effort.  We want the preassembled floor model.  However, assembly is required, and in some cases, batteries are not included.

Dreams are worth fighting for and working at.  Many of us are lazy about our dreams, but like assembling the bike, you must take time to understand your partner to build the relationship.  You must know the various parts, mechanisms, and tools to use.  You must know how and where things fit.  We also must understand order of operations.  The instruction manual has a step by step description that leads to a working final product, and if you skip a step or leave out a part, your bike won’t perform as described.  Our mates have been who they are for decades, and they have their rhythm of life, and it’s important to see how and when we fit in harmoniously.    During assembly we may attach the wrong thing, and have to stop, disassemble and then reassemble it correctly for it to be truly operational.

Furthermore, when we take time to build it from scratch (not preassembled), we have an idea of what may be the problem when things go wrong.  This is similar to how a mechanic can listen to a car and say, “it’s the transmission”.  When you and your partner build this dream together, you guys can detect and hone in on the root of a problem instead of guessing.  Also, when both of you have built the dream, there is a sense of ownership because of the investment of time, money, teamwork, and energy that was expended.

Conclusion

Forgive me if I was waxing a bit poetic, but I’m also a published author of a book of poetry, and I can really indulge in metaphors.  Much of what I said is very relative, and I’m positive that many of you already know this info.  I just like putting a spin on topics to see the same object from a different view to help a stagnant perspective.  Relationships and marriage are similar in ways to the assembly and maintenance of a bike (or any complex device), however bikes are inanimate and we are dealing with humans, so there is a dynamic variable that fluctuates with human emotions and experiences.   The bottom line is, assembly is required and maintenance is mandatory, now enjoy the Tour De France of romance!

 

African American Legacy, Socio-Cultural Commentary

U.S. calls for reparations now, but not for blacks

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John-kerry

U.S. calls for reparations now, but not for blacks

Doc Swagg

This is lengthy but if you are African American, THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

The demand for reparations to African Americans starts NOW! I read an article last night in the Washington Post about how Secretary of State John Kerry, his advisers, and other State Department officials are in active negotiations with France to pay out REPARATIONS to U.S. Holocaust survivors.

The Background

Washington D.C.’s metropolitan subway system is designed by using color coded rail lines that demarcate which city sections it services. The city is developing its’ new Purple line route. A French company, Keolis, has won a $3 Billion dollar contract to construct this route. Keolis has a parent company, SNCF (Societe’ Nationale des Chemins de fer Francais). The route is 16 miles long. The Keolis subsidiary also has contract bids for railway systems in Florida, Massachusetts, and California.

This company is responsible for the transportation of approximately 76,000 Jews to Nazi concentration camps. According to the article, only 2000 Jews survived the slaughter. The French government had contractual agreements to compensate Holocaust survivors in the United Kingdom, Poland, Czech Republic, and Belgium. America was not included in the negotiations. $6 Billion has been paid to survivors in the aforementioned countries by the French government so far.

The U.S. General assembly is blocking further contracts to this company to build the Purple line until negotiations between France and the Keolis-SNCF connection are resolved and reparations are made.

The Discussion

The mere fact that the American government can currently acknowledge, engage, entertain, negotiate, and fight for payment of reparations to Holocaust survivors shows tremendous amounts of disrespectful hubris to African Americans. The Jewish community deserves their reparations to the fullest extent, they do!

However, the fact that our own country is mute, mum, and incredulously obstinate on righting the injustices done to African Americans in America is beyond belief. The first thing that will be said is that “there are surviving Jews from the Holocaust, and they have tracked down their Nazi affiliated violators”.

Well this is my answer. There is evidently no statute of limitations on time elapsed to bring violators and their benefactors to justice. Secondly, America has delayed, procrastinated, ignored, and refused to compensate African American reparations from generation to generation, thus, all surviving victims of American slavery have died off. The intentional, and negligent stalling on executing reparations has resulted in the temporal death of our ancestors that would fit the eligibility criteria for reparations as survivors of slavery.

America is delinquent in its attempt to address its iniquities and atrocities against African Americans. The failure to be accountable and assume a position of immunity against reparations is a slap in the face, especially when America is willing to negotiate with France to get reparations for Jews.

America,…….. are African American lives worth less than Jewish lives? If so, please furnish the criteria and protocol, and the authors of it. America didn’t ship Jews to Nazi concentration camps, but it will use African American tax dollars to conduct contractual commerce with a Nazi affiliated company and to facilitate payments of reparations to Jews. However, the United States itself, profited from the system of slavery for centuries, and AND NOBODY CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE? WE CAN’T EVEN HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT IT? This is flagrant and blatant hypocrisy.

I’m not interested in hearing that we can’t trace back who was involved in slavery. We have several groups and organizations that have meticulously traced the beneficiaries, ancestors, and institutions that were active participants in slavery. For starters, John Kerry and President Obama can start by reading The Debt by Randall Robinson. I don’t know why president Obama is not for reparations.

The death of the participants in slavery doesn’t relinquish their ancestors and government from paying African Americans our reparations. WHEN I OWE BACK TAXES FROM YEARS AGO, I HAVE TO PAY IT OR THE GOVERNMENT WILL GARNISH MY EARNINGS AND CONFISCATE MY PROPERTY RIGHT? Here is my argument for beneficiaries that say they have nothing to do with slavery and that it was their great great grandfather that was involved. WHEN I OBTAIN PROPERTY, I ACCEPT ALL LIENS AND TAXES ON IT, AND I’M RESPONSIBLE TO PAY IT DESPITE THE FACT THAT I WASN’T THE PERSON THAT ORIGINALLY GENERATED THE LIEN.

African Americans were considered property, and that property has liens and back taxes on it that require payment on delinquent holders. The interest alone would bankrupt America!

This is why I am so impassioned about this. I see a clear double standard of justice happening before our eyes. The fact that MILLIONS of our African American ancestors lost their lives in the system of slavery and were never paid for the building of America is a resounding call for justice to be done. Let’s not selectively fight for and reward one group and deny another. How do we entertain talks on minimum wage today, when minimum wage for ancestors were Chitlins and bread? How do we talk strong on income equality today, when there was no income for African Americans period? How do we talk strongly on child labor laws, when children slaved day in and out for profit? How do we talk so strong about human trafficking, when human trafficking of African Americans raised America to capitalistic prominence and generational wealth?

The system of education demonstrates just one aspect of the crippling effects of slavery. Harvard was founded in 1636, Yale in 1701, Princeton in 1746, Columbia in 1754, Brown in 1764, Dartmouth in 1769, U of Penn in 1740. The Ivy League Schools are considered the upper echelon of education. Since Harvard’s founding, more than 2 centuries of education was afforded to whites, while concurrently and simultaneously, reading was a criminal act and books were contraband for more than 2 centuries for blacks. However, we allowed affirmative action to be sabotaged and dismantled. Aside from the Native Americans, no other ethnic groups in this country has been subjected to violent systemic subjugation in America. The Indians have received, and still receive subsidies from the American government.

I would like to quote what one of the Jewish Holocaust survivors said in the article. Leo Bretholz, a 92 year old survivor said, “It’s important for one reason: Justice should be done. When they [pay reparations], they admit they did something wrong-terribly wrong-sending people to be murdered.”

Finally, I’m going on record to say this is not about hate speech or being Anti-Semitic. I’m saying, African Americans want the U.S. government to actively work on compensation just like they are doing for the Jewish community. I stand as a single voice of millions that feel America should vigorously and diligently prepare compensation for African Americans and open negotiations. Stop hiding behind technical legalese, law lexicon, and constitutional verbiage and shoddy constitutional excuses and do what is right and just.

What are your thoughts, am I alone on this??

Source

Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

How racism mirrors and mimics HIV

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How racism mirrors and mimics HIV

By: Doc Swagg

I was thinking about the monumental injustices in the trials of Michael Dunn and George Zimmerman.  I kept swirling around how the method of transmission of racism is like a disease, and I honed in on comparing the characteristics of HIV and racism.  I just want to share what I thought.

Let’s get started

First, there is still debate of where and when racism actually was discovered.  Who was the first person to be infected and transmit it to others?  You can go to other countries and see racism that exists between other ethnic groups (not just a black/white thing).  However, in America, racism like HIV reveals blacks suffer the most from its pervasiveness.  You can consult the CDC for those statistics.  Then ask, “how many times have you heard white Americans claim they have been discriminated against by blacks  for food, housing, politics, transportation, education, and jobs?”

As a weapon

I also thought about how some people infected with HIV use it as a weapon to hurt other individuals because of what happened to them or just out of shear malice and evil.  How many people use their racist ideologies to hurt and harm others?

On appearance

Racism mimics HIV because you can’t tell if a person is HIV positive or a racist just by looking at them.  Yes, looks can be deceiving.  The most beautiful girl or handsome man can be HIV positive, and the most inviting, nonthreatening, warm smiling person can be a racist.

On social class

HIV and Racism don’t discriminate on socioeconomic class.  Your most famous superstars can be HIV positive and may also be a racist.  The veneer of glamour and fame don’t reveal the heart of people.  A poor person can also be racist, and/or HIV positive.

On $ex

$exual preference has nothing to do with you being racist.  Just like there are heterosexual racists, there are also homosexual racists.  Many people try to embrace this slogan of “Gay is the new black”, but this preference and desires has nothing at all to do with racial and ethnic hatred.  $exuality and race are not bound at the hip, even Siamese twins have different ideologies.  This preference also has nothing to do with HIV, if you are having unprotected s*x as a heterosexual or homosexual, you are putting yourself at risk of infection, point blank, period!

On Children

HIV infected women that are pregnant can infect their child with HIV.  Think about how parents, elders, and relatives can transmit and implant racist philosophies into impressionable children.  Babies and children are innocent, and will play together regardless of skin tone, but adults introduce, infect, and encode the racism into their psyche.

On Denial

Racism and HIV definitely mirror each other on the following perspective.  Many people live in denial of its presence yet people are killed by it every day.  Moreover, when you look at racism and HIV, they are both responsible for the death of millions on a global level.

On knowing your status

Many people don’t even know they are infected.  Many people lie and say they are not infected.  People are scared or uncomfortably engaging in dialogue and discourse about it.  Many individuals are ashamed and embarrassed when publicly exposed that they are a racist or HIV positive because of the stigma associated with it.

On generational understanding

Younger generations don’t really have an in-depth understanding of what they both are, or shall I say, they may not understand the full implications and historical significance of both HIV and racism.  Conversely, many young individuals are learning more about both now because many are becoming victimized by both.

On its adaptability and progression

Racism, like HIV, can mutate, and the mutation can lead to a more virulent strain that spreads faster throughout the body and demolishes the immune system.  Racism can mutate, infest, and corrupt other systems just like the human body.  Racism used to be bold, ostentatious, flamboyant, and socially flagrant.  There used to be public lynching, castration, flogging, burning, branding, and a wide variety of public insults.  People fought against it and now it has mutated into a more subtle, stealth, and deadly strain.  Racism like a virulent HIV strain has corrupted the judicial system, legislative bodies, educational system, economic system, job market, entertainment industry, healthcare and military.  The same way an HIV patient may become severely affected, America is walking around with FULL BLOWN RACISM.

On testing

Many people refuse to examine themselves to see if they are hoarding racist ideologies within, and this is similar to people who refuse to get tested for STDs.  Do you take time out of your life to evaluate if you prejudged someone, denied or granted somebody an opportunity because of skin color alone, harmed or helped someone just because of skin color?  The same way we regularly get tested for HIV, we should also evaluate our own behavior and thoughts for racist beliefs and actions.

On money

There is big money in both the battle against HIV and racism.  Pharmaceutical companies and social agencies make revenue and gain funding to fight HIV.  Media personalities, authors, Hollywood, and career activists get subsidized and paid very lucrative salaries to throw their hat in the ring to fight against racism.

On curing

Lastly, there is no known cure for either of the two.  We have treatment options for HIV and strategies to mitigate racism. The same way we devote national attention and funding to cure HIV, we should have national debate and dialogue to try to solve racism.  Until we find a cure for racism and HIV, I say protect yourself at all times.  To my brothers and sisters afflicted with HIV, I apologize if I may have offended you in anyway, I promise that I have no malicious intent behind this.  I know none of you asked, or wanted to become infected, and my prayers are with you.

What are your thoughts??

Science & Technology, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Smart Guns will shoot out the 2nd Amendment

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smart gun

Smart Guns will shoot out the 2nd Amendment

By: Doc Swagg

 

Technology has figured a clever way to maneuver around gun-rights advocates, and manipulate 2nd Amendment rights.  The United States is turning to tech savvy companies to solve the gun control debate.

Diane Feinstein, Michael Bloomberg, and President Obama are among the most vocal proponents for gun control and gun bans in America.  Their rivals are the NRA and a vast majority of the Tea Party.  The onus of the debate is the threat of violation of 2nd amendment rights of the citizens, and the skeptical possibility of a tyrannical government against a defenseless populace.

The two factions have a legitimate basis for their arguments.  We’ve seen how schools, movies, temples, and neighborhoods have been victimized by gun violence.  We’ve also seen how Hitler systematically disarmed German citizens as the Nazi party seized control.  We’ve also seen how the lack of firepower or equivalent firepower was responsible for the demise of Native Americans, numerous African nations, and served the perpetuation of slavery.

A cyclical trend has been established each time a mass shooting occurs or gun legislation gets proposed.  People will act shocked, the news will cover it for a week or so, the nation will mourn, a speech will be made by the President, a day of prayer will be established, gun debates ensue, and then gun and ammo sales go through the roof.

Well a game changer is on its way.  Companies have developed various methods to circumvent this redundant dispute.  Several companies are making guns with RFID microchips within the gun that track where the gun is at all times.  Some companies want to use SIM cards like cellphones so they can monitor location from mobile networks, and they can essentially disable your gun remotely.

A company named, TriggerSmart, has developed a system to regulate assault rifles (the big talk around town in America), where they can “block or unblock the trigger of an assault rifle”.  This would be done by messages sent from an aircraft to mobile towers.  So this would be like a drone that sends a “kill switch” message to a tower to disable all assault rifle triggers in a specific area or specific individual.  Currently the company can “retrofit” older rifles or build it into new ones for $150.

There are other strategies.  Designers have developed wristwatches and rings that are embedded with RFID chips that only fire when they match signals encoded within the gun.  The gun also goes into automatic safety lock when the gun is more than 40 centimeters away from the ring or watch.  I think this is good to reduce crimes committed with stolen guns, and decrease accidental deaths from kids playing with guns.

Kodiak Industries has also developed a gun that unlocks for firing when the owner’s fingerprint is verified on the gun.  Kodiak is not alone, they are also competing with a company in Georgia called, Safe Gun Technology.  You also have a company named, Biomac Systems in California that has thrown their hat in the ring.  These companies are also retrofitting guns that were manufactured prior to this new technology.

Some of the advances propose surgically implanting RFID chips into gun owners so they don’t have to worry about theft or loss of a ring or watch.  The batteries inside many of these new guns last about 8 years for now, but like any technology, it will be improved upon.

My thoughts

I think that this was a very, very, very, clever way to work around the 2nd amendment, because in essence you can have your AR-15 and AK-47 in your physical possession.  You can bear your arms, but in reality you can be disarmed without having your gun physically confiscated.  That is not discussed in the constitution, and this is the tightrope that technology plays on.  This creates an altered scenario outside the verbiage of constitutional interpretation and application.

I think this technology is very creative and innovative.  I do think that it will save many lives.  Imagine how many lives could be saved if there was a kill switch in our neighborhoods, schools, movie theaters, and places of worship.

However, the argument will still resurface.  The question really is, “do I have the right to defend myself with sufficient weaponry to combat any and all threats to my person, belongings and family without interference by government?”

Would America be America today if it lacked the access to firepower to combat the authoritarian rule of the British Empire?  What guarantees that we won’t head toward authoritarian rule?

Lastly, did you know that New Jersey passed a gun law in 2002 that mandates that all guns within the state be Smart Guns or retrofitted once the technology has been approved and okay’d for sale?  This means they’ve been studying this for over a decade, and we are at that point now.

I don’t know what to think, this is a big toss-up.  What are your thoughts on this?

Source:

http://www.economist.com/news/technology-quarterly/21590764-arms-control-new-technologies-make-it-easier-track-small-arms-and-stop-them

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/New_Jerseys_2002_smart-gun_law_could_take_effect_soon_limit_supply.html

Education, Socio-Cultural Commentary

14 yr old Dominick Allen has a shot at space!

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14 yr old Dominick Allen has a shot at space!

by: Doc Swagg

The contributors in the YBW network love seeing African American youth excel and achieve.  The more our children pursue higher education, and exhibit diligent effort to obtain success is very inspiring for us, our elders, the African American community, and the youth behind them.

I ran across an article in the Greenpoint Gazette yesterday evening.  Junior High School 126 in Brooklyn, New York received some EXCELLENT news.  8 students from the school were selected to participate in this years space camp.

Dominick Allen, 14 yrs old, is an African American student that was selected as one of the 8 to participate in the space program.  This is an international program involving 5 countries: USA, Turkey, Israel, Poland, and Bulgaria.  The students have Skype pals in the participating countries that they communicate with and coordinate plans and share ideas.  They’re also learning how to manipulate everyday items with microgravity, and applying concepts of physics to them.

This is truly awesome.  They will eventually go to Turkey and participate in space shuttle simulations, and other activities.  The program in JHS 126 is being supported by their local Greenpoint Lions Club.

This is the first time the school has qualified for the program.  They are raising money for the students trip to Turkey.  The school is accepting donations to help.  I feel this is a good cause, and we can help make sure young Dominick Allen can reach higher heights (no pun intended).  Don’t forget the other 7 students need support also, but we recognize how young black males are at risk in today’s society, so we really should seal this deal as a good faith effort for Dominick.

The original article is here with all the info for donations and school/program contacts:

http://www.greenpointnews.com/news/5932/jhs-126-students-selected-for-space-camp-scholarship-program-in-turkey

Let’s uplift this young African American male during black history month, and give him a chance to enrich our legacy…Peace

 

African American Legacy, Socio-Cultural Commentary

Unsung African American Politicians of the 1800s (part 1)

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By: Doc Swagg

It’s refreshing to learn about great accomplishments in our rich African American legacy.  The more stories that we unearth and recover re-instills confidence, pride, and motivation.

The importance in debuting our heritage is because the current school curricula are not incorporating African American contributions into the history of America with the same emphasis as whites.

Our children need positive historical figures to identify and relate to.  White children can identify with  Columbus, Kennedy, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Bill Gates, and a plethora of other names.  However, we should not have our history reduced to just a few.

My mother who is a graduate of Tuskegee University, and New York University had composed a list of African American politicians that don’t usually get the fanfare and recognition they should in history, and during Black History Month.  I would like to share this list with you.

The list is extensive, and I will break them down into a few parts.  Some of you may be familiar with these names, and some of us may be unfamiliar with these names.  This can serves as a guide for you to conduct your own in-depth research if you’re curious.

Okay let’s go…

By 1867, the Radical Republican’s Plan of Reconstruction divided the South into five military districts to protect the rights of the ex-slaves.  Under this law the federal commanders had power superseding authority granted to State governments.  The federal troops were stationed in the South to prevent many ex-confederates from participating fully in Reconstruction.  This plan of reconstruction enabled blacks the right to exercise the rights afforded them by the Constitution.  There were three groups that participated in Radical Reconstruction, the Freedmen, the Scalawags and the Carpetbaggers.

Blacks had not participated in the political process before, but they were eager to learn how to exercise their newly acquired rights.  The Slave Codes had prevented most slaves from acquiring an education, but now they were eager to get an education, as well as to participate in government. A few blacks had learned to read and write through secret means.

This period of black participation in politics was often defined as a chaotic time where ignorant, dumb and incapable men sat in high political offices.  Contrary to this view, many blacks who participated in Radical Reconstruction were intelligent men.  They were eager to rebuild the South for the benefit of all citizens.  Blacks in political offices appropriated money for some of the first public schools, buildings and roads.

With the aid of federal troops, blacks were elected to serve as Congressmen and other high offices of trust.  Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback, was elected to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana after the impeachment of Republican Governor, Henry Clay Warmoth. His occupancy of the gubernatorial chair for forty-two days was the most impetuous times he had experienced, yet he was able to execute the duties of this office.
Pinchback was born a slave in 1837 on a plantation in Mississippi.  He was later manumitted with his mother, where they migrated to Ohio.  From the age of twelve, Pinchback was alone and making his own living.  He quickly gave up his boat life when he heard about the firing on FortSumter.  Eager to aid the North, he enlisted in the Union Army.

After the war, Pinchback took up residence in Louisiana.  In 1867, he organized the Fourth Ward Republican Club of Northern Louisiana.  Later, this club elected him to the State Republican caucus.  From that point on, Pinchback was a major figure in politics.  As a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention he introduced the 13th Amendment which warranted civil rights to all people of the state.

He served as a State Senator.  In 1868, Pinchback served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago. He served as Director of the New Orleans School Board.  In the peak of his political career, Pinchback was elected U. S. Senator of Louisiana from a contested race held in 1873. He was finally denied this seat and was paid $16,666 for payment as salary until the denial was official.  Later he was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives, but again he was denied his seat.

There were other outstanding blacks who pursued political careers during the Reconstruction era.  Robert Smalls, who was famous for securing the “Planter,” a transport vessel, from the Confederacy served as a State Senator and a U. S. Congressman from South Carolina.

Blanche Bruce (Blanche Kelso Bruce) was elected U. S. Senator from Mississippi on March 4, 1875.  Prior to this office, he served as Sergeant-at-arms in the Senate of Mississippi.  After completing his term as U. S. Senator, Bruce was appointed Registrar of the treasury and was twice appointed Recorder of Deeds in Washington, D. C.

Hiram Rhoades Revels was elected U. S. Senator form Mississippi.  He completed Jefferson Davis term of office from February 25, 1879 to March 3, 1881.  He served as a State Senator of Mississippi before his election as U. S. Senator.  A native of North Carolina born in 1822, Revels left this state in later life to seek education in Ohio.  He studied at a Quaker Seminary.  Finally, he achieved his goal when he graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.

James T. Rapier was a U. S. Congressman from Alabama.  Rapier had been successful in convoking a colloquy with men of labor in that state.  He organized the first Republican Party in Alabama with a platform calling for free press, free speech and establishment of a public school system.  He carried these ideas in his paper, “The Sentinel.”  Rapier received his education at MontrealCollege and the University of Glasgow, Scotland.

John Mercer Langston served as U. S. Congressman from Virginia from 1889 to1891.  A son of a slave master, John Mercer Langston was educated as a lawyer.  He served in many public offices: minister-resident to Haiti, school inspector general of the Freedman’s Bureau and President of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute.

Robert Brown Elliott was elected U. S. Congressman from South Carolina.  He is remembered as one of the most brilliant Congressmen to have served in the 42nd and 43rd Congresses.  Elliott was a free born black of Boston.  He was educated in the private schools of Boston and the British West Indies, and graduated with high rank at Eton in 1853.  As a Congressman, he fought arduously and courageously to enforce the 14th Amendment concerning the rights of blacks as citizens.  After serving as a U. S. Congressman, Elliott moved to New Orleans where he practiced law until the end of his life.

Richard Cain, a free born black, served two terms as a U. S. Congressman from South Carolina.  He attended Wilberforce College for two years.  Cain was a devout Methodist minister who left New York in 1865 to minister to the newly freed slaves throughout South Carolina.  He served as State Senator from South Carolina for four years.  Later he was elected U. S. Congressman from that state.  Cain was an active politician who took pride in participating in events which would enhance the opportunities of blacks.  He organized, “The Missionary Record,” a newspaper which became one of the most popular papers in South Carolina.

John Roy Lynch was U. S. Congressman who was elected three times during the Reconstruction Period from the state of Mississippi (43rd, 44th and 47th Congress).  John Lynch was elected to the 43rd and 44th Congresses where he served two full terms.  However, his election to the 47th Congress was contested and he was denied his seat.  His denial of seat was believed to have been caused by acts of chicanery on the part of the state.  Born a slave, and freed after the Civil War, Lynch had successfully educated himself.  This self-education placed him in the spotlight of some politicians who appointed him as Justice of the Peace in Natchez   County, Mississippi.

His political career was soon evident in 1869 when he was elected to the Mississippi State House of Representatives.  Later, Lynch was elected as U.S. Congressman.  After serving as a member of the U. S. Congress, Lynch was appointed fourth auditor for the Treasury in the Navy.

This concludes part 1 of Unsung African American politicians

Science & Technology, Socio-Cultural Commentary

I can print YOUR DNA….literally!

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I can print out your DNA, …literally

By: Doc Swagg

The marriage between science and technology gives birth to some very intriguing offspring.  The human race has been in a constant quest to unravel what makes us human.  This quest has led to the groundbreaking discovery of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).  DNA is composed of a specific sequence of amino acids and bases called nucleotides.  We have our own unique DNA that distinguishes us from other life forms, and then we have our specific DNA that makes me different from my best friend.

A new innovation to DNA sequencing is the use of 3D and 4D laser printers.  Advances in science and technology have now made it possible to physically print DNA.  Yes, we can actually print DNA.  Scientist are now using 4D printers to load nucleotides in cartridges the same way that you may load black and colored ink into a Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, or Canon printer cartridges.  The cartridges are definitely a lot more specialized but the concept is the same.

Sophisticated software allows digital sequencing of DNA that reveals the exact DNA pattern of a person OR organism.  The computer then sends the sequence to the printer, and the nucleotides are generated in exact precision by the printer.  The DNA is an actual physical copy of what was digitally generated.

Essentially there are two implications that people MUST consider as this technology gets incorporated into everyday use by individuals that can afford it, and institutions that will routinely use it.

Scenario #1

DNA is very personal and specific.  An individual’s DNA is nature’s social security number.  Our DNA is present in our saliva, hair, skin cells, blood, finger nails, semen, and countless other bodily products.  Think about how DNA has freed individuals from jail and vindicated them from criminal cases.  However, think about how individuals have staged crime scenes like Mark Fuhrman, tampered with evidence, or false rape allegations, and how some women have secretly used a man’s sperm to impregnate themselves.  These illustrate real life schemes that people engaged in to achieve a predetermined nefarious goal.  Now imagine a prosecutor that is hell bent on saving their law record/reputation or police chief that can lose his job on a landmark court case.

The Supreme Court already made it legal to take DNA of anyone arrested and accused of a crime.  The ability to access this DNA database for a person and print their DNA is now possible.  They can then print your DNA and plant it all over the evidence that is being reviewed in a courtroom exhibit.  Imagine if Mark Fuhrman had OJ’s DNA spread all over the crime scene instead of an ill-fitted glove (OJ’s freedom teetered on glove size).  DNA is considered as confirmatory evidence in court, but what if it’s compromised in a situation like I proposed?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/us/supreme-court-says-police-can-take-dna-samples.html?_r=0

 

You only need willing participants to make this happen, and we know money, sex, power, and racism will corrupt any man-made system.  Think about how Rosewood was destroyed by a lie about a female getting raped.  The enormity and extent of this is tremendous when you examine the possibilities.  Think about where you shed your DNA on a daily basis.  You go to restaurants, parties, social gatherings, gyms, schools, and your DNA is left all over drinking glasses, soda cans, pillows, airplanes, counters, bathrooms, salons, spas, barbershops, work environments,.…… must I go on?

My point is once this technology becomes ubiquitous, every individual is at risk for incrimination, and becomes a potential victim of technology.  Crooked cops and investigators have paid people to lie on witness stands and falsely implicate innocent people.  What if a cop paid your barber a few thousand dollars to keep your hair after a haircut, or your dentist after a cleaning?

Scenario #2

This is the scariest scenario to me because I work in the medical field. I routinely see infections that are resistant to antibiotics, and antiviral drugs.  Let’s think about H1N1, HIV, Polio, or any virus or bacteria.  Once we are able to sequence a virus or bacteria’s DNA/RNA, we can digitally generate it in a software program.  Then we can load the specific nucleotides into the printer and print that particular virus.

We can take genes from other organisms and insert them into other organism, kind of how we are genetically modifying our foods.  This means that we can hypothetically find the gene sequence for what makes a virus airborne, and insert that into HIV, and make HIV airborne.  We then sequence that and print it out, and you can sneeze HIV onto somebody.  This sounds far-fetched but this is exactly what they are doing.  The Journal of Foreign Affairs published an article about this very issue, and international governments cite this as their number one issue of concern.

Journal of Foreign Affairs article (a must read): http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/140156/laurie-garrett/biologys-brave-new-world

Let’s take this one step further. Once a genetic sequence is digitized in software you can email it to someone in another country like a Microsoft Word document right?  Thus this takes biological warfare to another level.  If we can synthesize a lethal virus, digitally sequence it, and then email it across the globe, we have a HUGE problem on our hands.  The recipient of the email in another country only needs a printer with that capability to start a deadly outbreak.

My thoughts

This is extremely serious, and I believe we’ve opened Pandora’s Box.  Our only hindrance is M&M (morals and money).  The scientific community and their financiers can’t allow this to become pervasive, and must have the strictest of moral integrity.  Polio had been eradicated, but scientists in 2002 actually resynthesized the Polio Virus for “scientific research purposes”, and published their methodology (very irresponsible just to gain notoriety).  We now have Polio popping up in Syria, Africa, and all over the Middle East.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/12/us/traces-of-terror-the-science-scientists-create-a-live-polio-virus.html

What are your thoughts on this?  Are we going too far?  I’ve attached some articles for your review and a video on this topic.

Sources

  1. Video-  http://vimeo.com/62255149
  2. http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenkotler/2012/07/17/holy-genetically-engineered-organisms-batman-synthetic-biology-has-a-banner-month/
  3. http://www.forbes.com/sites/singularity/2012/06/25/most-innovative-decade-in-history/

 

Health and Fitness, Socio-Cultural Commentary

8.7 Million pounds of U.S. MEAT RECALLED

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beef recall

8.7 MILLION POUNDS OF U.S. MEAT RECALLED

by:Doc Swagg

 

A meat processing company, Rancho Feeding Corp, has been implicated in the distribution of over 8.7 million pounds of “diseased & unsound” meat.  A CLASS 1 LEVEL recall has been issued for the following meat designations: USDA mark of inspection “EST.527”, and production dates from January 1st through January 7th of 2014.

4 states have been noted to have received the distribution of beef carcasses that bypassed inspection.  The following states are being reviewed: California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas.  A Class 1 level recall is listed as being the most serious recall classification, and noted to have the capability to cause serious adverse health consequences and even death.

Thoughts

It’s imperative that we try our best to begin sourcing our own food, growing our food, and paying meticulous attention to the meat and produce we are purchasing.  Routine recalls and negligent processing and inspection practices are putting us at various health risks.

We are feeding our kids, and elders this food, and they may not have the immune system to combat food borne illnesses that can lurk in the meat we purchase and are more vulnerable to death or severe sickness.

The fact that more than 8.7 million pounds of meat can bypass thorough inspection is a signal of the breakdown in the processing and distribution chain.  We eat to live and maintain optimal physical performance on a daily basis, but it appears that our very own consumption is killing us because of a lack of due diligence.

This is the news release for the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service division:  http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2014/recall-013-2014-release

Health and Fitness, Socio-Cultural Commentary

ALERT: UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED RICE RECALL

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infused rice

Uncle Ben’s Infused rice recall: who’s inspecting?

By: Doc Swagg

 

The Mars company is the parent company of Uncle Ben’s Mexican Style, and other INFUSED RICE that has been implicated in a series of  “allergic-like” reactions that several school children have succumbed to recently.

According to news sources, children in 3 Texas schools are suffering from bouts of rashes and flushing.  Mars food company is requesting all distributors of this particular brand of Uncle Bens rice immediately return them in efforts to track and detect the source and distribution of the rice.

Currently, they have not identified the causative agent responsible for these symptoms.  The company is on record for saying that this is not consistent with all other styles of rice that they manufacture through various supermarkets, and other retail outlets.

Thoughts on this

Once again, we are witnessing a failure in the safeguarding of our food supply.  Persistent compromise of our nutritional and dietary sources have almost become routine and “habit-like”.

Where is the accountability when it comes to maintaining quality assured food production?  What happened to good manufacturing practices?  A lack of integrity, the cutting of corners, and failure of adequate inspection are just the beginning of possible reasons for this surge in FOOD RECALLS.  Last week there was a recall on approximately 8.7 million pounds of meat in four states.

We are seeing a failure in oversight, and these cases of food borne illnesses, recalls, and selling of poisoned meat are only indicators of poor food inspection standards.  The Department of Agriculture could obviously higher and train more employees to conduct thorough inspections in all states.  This is one way to reinforce the safety of our foods, and decrease the unemployment rate!  What are your thoughts on this???

Source Links

1.   http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/10/health/uncle-bens-infused-rice-recall/index.html

2.  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/10/uncle-bens-infused-rice-recall-children-sick/5362573/

Human and Civil Rights, Socio-Cultural Commentary

100 Reasons why cops need policing!

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police brut

100 Reasons why cops need policing!

by: Staff

The abuse of authority by police is growing excessively, and on a national scale.  Cops are shooting more unarmed individuals.  Cops are shooting and fatally wounding individuals with their hands up and other vulnerable positions. They are framing innocent individuals to meet quota and arrest records. They are violating citizens civil rights, and their salary is derived from public tax dollars of the very citizens they violate.  The ease in which cops beat the court cases makes it appear that there isn’t true justice.

Here are some links for you to review and judge for yourself.   The negligent, and reckless behavior is compounded with brash obnoxious/ arrogant bully-like behavior.  This has lead to an authoritarian mind state and a mob mentality among officers.  Many cops have mutated into legalized sociopaths and co-conspirators in narcotics trafficking.  Some officers have real psychiatric problems and engage in sexually deviant behavior behind the badge.

The sickening behavior of some, is ruining the image and integrity of many good cops that perform their duty with true honor, respect, and valor.

The judicial system and law enforcement agencies act as if we’re hallucinating when we tell our stories.  So it’s best to conduct our own research, and collect our own data for the public to view.  Decide for yourself.

Cops are supposed to enforce the law, so there should corruption should be a non-factor in law enforcement. Police should be held to a zero tolerance policy.   Some of these cases will make “Training Day” look like Beverly Hills Cops.

What are your thoughts on all these cases?

  1. http://www.wtop.com/109/3529074/DC-officer-charged-with-attacking-wife
  2. http://www.wtop.com/120/3528787/Ex-Va-officer-loses-appeal-in-fatal-shooting
  3. http://www.wtop.com/109/3527109/Officer-charged-in-prostitution-case-due-in-court
  4. http://www.wtop.com/41/3526934/Officer-in-trainee-shooting-sentenced-to-60-days
  5. http://www.wtop.com/58/3524854/Prince-Georges-police-Officer-shot-by-fellow-cop
  6. http://www.wtop.com/41/3522188/Family-of-teen-to-sue-DC-and-police-officer
  7. http://www.wtop.com/209/3521159/NM-police-officer-in-van-shooting-to-appeal-firing
  8. http://www.wtop.com/41/3524520/Howard-County-officer-charged-with-DUI
  9. http://www.wtop.com/109/3522446/Speculation-surrounds-man-pulled-from-water-near-Hains-Point
  10. http://www.wtop.com/209/3521610/Chief-Fatally-shot-Texas-student-charged-officer
  11. http://www.wtop.com/209/3522817/Another-man-freed-in-Chicago-police-torture-saga
  12. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/files-dc-officer-accused-of-killing-ex-girlfriend-admits-to-meeting-with-her/2011/06/06/AGK5IbKH_story.html -DC police officer cheats on his wife, and kills his impregnated mistress, and allows the baby to die in the car from summer heat exhaustion
  13. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/23/21105239-university-of-california-cop-who-pepper-sprayed-student-protesters-awarded-38000?lite
  14. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/dc-police-officer-indicted-on-attempted-murder-charge/2013/12/20/06f868a2-6989-11e3-ae56-22de072140a2_story.html
  15. http://www.businessinsider.com/cleveland-police-suspends-63-cops-after-deadly-car-chase-2013-10  -ohio car chase
  16. http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/15/justice/north-carolina-police-shooting/    -FAMU shooting
  17. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/03/miriam-carey-capitol-shooting_n_4040115.html
  18. http://graphics.latimes.com/christopher-dorner-manhunt/    – two innocent women shot in truck in search for Christopher Dorner
  19. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/25/nypd-officer-gilbert-valle-attempted-kidnapping-cannibalism-cooking_n_2017108.html    -cop wanted to cook and eat girlfriend
  20. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/04/opinion/blow-the-curious-case-of-chavis-charter.html?_r=0    -CHAVEZ CARTER
  21. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/05/15702942-police-handcuffed-high-school-student-shoots-self-in-back-of-police-car?lite   – another chavez carter case
  22. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/06/nyregion/grief-and-anger-after-noel-polanco-is-fatally-shot-by-police.html    -noel polanco
  23. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/police-involved-sean-bell-shooting-canned-article-1.1050169   -Sean bell
  24. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/03/nyregion/amadou-diallos-mother-asks-why-officer-who-shot-at-her-son-will-get-gun-back.html   -amadou diallo
  25. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/09/the-abner-louima-case-10-years-later/   – abner louima
  26. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/times-square-shooting-nypd-officers-shoot-two-innocent-bystanders-near-times-square/   -time square shooting
  27. http://www.copblock.org/25561/macon-georgia-officer-slaughter-civilian-at-favorite-hangout/  -sammie davis junior
  28. http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/21/justice/michigan-police-shooting/   -saginaw michigan shooting
  29. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-06/news/ct-met-chicago-cop-fatal-shooting-1106-20131106_1_officer-gildardo-sierra-flint-farmer-previous-shootings    -chicago officer
  30. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/05/oscar-grant-iii-fatally-s_n_155462.html   -oscar grant
  31. http://abcnews.go.com/Archives/video/march-1991-rodney-king-videotape-9758031   -rodney king
  32. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/nyregion/officer-accused-of-civil-rights-violation-in-false-arrest.html?_r=0  -fried another nigger
  33. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/04/nyregion/ex-officer-guilty-of-manslaughter-in-crash-following-drinking-bout.html  – drunk cop kills entire family
  34. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/14/nyregion/officer-pleads-not-guilty-in-ramarley-graham-shooting.html  -ramarley graham
  35. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/04/patrick-tuter-fired-garland-police-shooting-41-times_n_2805379.html  – cop shoots man 41 times and reloaded weapon
  36. http://rt.com/usa/man-duenez-shooting-video-012/   -cop shoots latino male in front of wife 13 times
  37. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2384192/Police-officer-shoots-kills-unarmed-homeless-man-Hans-Kevin-Arellano.html
  38. http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/justice/new-mexico-search-lawsuit/ – anal cavity search
  39. http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/02/us/police-beating-video/  – atlantic city officers beat and use K9
  40. http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/10/local/la-me-ln-lapd-officer-kicking-woman-video-20131010 – woman kicked and dies while restrained and cuffed
  41. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/19/nyregion/man-is-awarded-2-4-million-for-false-arrest-and-beating-by-police.html?src=recg – noel guzman, wrongly treated by police and not a participant
  42. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/23/darrin-manning-testicle-rupture_n_4651700.html– police stop unarmed high school kid and squeezes his testicles until its ruptured
  43. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/05/curtis-reeves-police-captain-theater-shooting-hearing_n_4730226.html?utm_hp_ref=new-york&ir=New+York  -ex-police captain shoots man in movie theater for texting during movie previews
  44. . http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/nyregion/man-framed-by-new-york-detective-to-get-6-4-million-without-filing-suit.html?from=homepage -man serves over 20 years from being framed by police investigator
  45.  http://www.wtop.com/25/675879/Jury-Awards-37M-in-Prince-Georges-Police-Shooting – cop follows and shoots man in a jeep his mother purchased for him, assuming it was stolen
  46. http://abcnews.go.com/US/dash-cam-video-clears-nj-man-violent-traffic/story?id=22660928 – Marcus Jeter breaks and is pulled over in New Jersey, punched in the face with guns drawn, pulled from car, and cops falsify records to make an arrest to imprison him
  47. http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/police-tase-shoot-and-kill-90-poundpolice – cop shoots and kills a 90 lb schizophrenic boy that was already restrained and tased by two cops in front of his family
  48. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/16/georgia.botched.raid/ -cops raid a 92 yr old grandmother’s house with no-knock warrant, shoot and kill her using fabricated data
  49. http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/25/justice/california-police-corruption-arrests/index.html -cops impounding cars and auctioning them off illegally for revenue
  50. http://nypost.com/2014/02/21/cops-hit-my-car-then-arrested-me-to-cover-it-up-suit/ – cops drive down a street the wrong way, hit a parked car and arrest the owner and try to cover up
  51. http://www.ajc.com/news/news/breaking-news/dekalb-police-officer-arrested-on-drug-trafficking/nZpjb/ -another cop busted in drug trafficking
  52. http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/23291870/clayton-county-officer-arrested-in-alleged-drug-deal – another cop busted in drug trafficking
  53. http://www.fbi.gov/atlanta/press-releases/2013/ten-current-and-former-law-enforcement-officers-among-15-arrested-for-protecting-drug-dealers-in-federal-drug-trafficking-sting – ten Georgia cops participating in drug trafficking
  54. http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/officer-anthony-dileonardo-faces-nassau-police-charges-in-cabdriver-shooting-says-source-1.6914852 – drunk cop shoots unarmed cap driver in argument
  55. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/texas-shoots-wife-days-posting-gun-review-protecting-police-article-1.1705405 – cop buys shotgun and shoots his wife and then himself
  57. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/justice/new-york-chamberlain-death/ -police force their way into a veteran’s apartment and shoot him to death when he accidentally presses his emergency alert assistance device
  58. http://www.businessinsider.com/police-informant-allegedly-plants-cocaine-in-mans-business-2013-7 -police use informant to plant crack-cocaine in owners smoke shop
  59. http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/09/02/federal-lawsuit-alleges-lowell-police-informants-planted-drugs-scores-cases/aWbMvZkjQUHBo0Bqrp8xxN/story.html – another case where police officer and department being sued for using informant that plants drugs on citizens to help make arrests
  60. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/nyregion/brooklyn-detective-convicted-of-planting-drugs-on-innocent-people.html?_r=0 -Brooklyn narcotics officer found guilty of planting drugs on innocent citizen
  61. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/nyregion/former-new-york-police-officer-fatally-shoots-wife-in-queens-police-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -police officer shoots and kills his own wife
  62. http://nypost.com/2014/01/22/deal-near-in-central-park-five-lawsuit/ -police coerce and force 5 innocent juvenile New York City males into false confession that resulted in over 10 years of incarceration
  63. http://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/09/nyregion/officer-acquitted-in-squeegee-man-s-shooting.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%233&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F4%2F -New York officer shoots  unarmed homeless squeegee windshield cleaning man in the chest for attempting to clean his windshield
  64. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/28/us/tacoma-police-chief-shoots-wife-before-killing-himself-authorities-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%234&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F5%2F -Tacoma, Washington police chief critically injures wife by shooting her in the head and then kills himself
  65. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/06/us/06danziger.html?pagewanted=all&action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%234&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry395%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F5%2F&_r=0 -New Orleans cops found guilty of shooting unarmed Katrina victims on the Danziger bridge
  66. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/us/2-years-after-116-police-bullets-flew-few-answers.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%237&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry395%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F8%2F – Florida cops fire 116 shots at drunk driver that was stopped in the street
  67. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/12/nyregion/ex-officer-gets-6-years-for-killing-suspect.html?ref=franklynreid -Connecticut cop shoots and kills suspect while on his knees and back turned
  68. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/nyregion/officer-killed-boyfriend-and-son-in-murder-suicide-police-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%237&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry395%23%2Fcop%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F8%2F&_r=0 -officer shoots and kills her boyfriend, year old son and herself
  69. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/15/nyregion/correction-officer-shoots-son-in-car-police-say.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%232&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bshoots%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F3%2F -cop previously arrested for drunk driving with loss of gun privileges, shoots his own son twice on highway
  70. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/25/officers-accused-of-smuggling-guns-in-federal-corruption-case/?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bplanted%2Bnarcotics%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F – New York police officers charged with gun trafficking and smuggling cigarrettes.  Trafficking over a dozen handguns, M-16 rifle, shotgun, and etc.
  71. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/13/nyregion/ticket-fixing-defendant-jose-ramos-accused-of-murder-plot.html?ref=ticketfixingscandal&_r=0 -several New York police officers involved and indicted on a ticket fixing scandal, and an officer guilty of attempted murder, attempted robbery, attempting to traffic heroin, and etc.
  72. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/nyregion/a-case-of-innocence-with-police-missteps-seemingly-at-every-turn.html – 2  innocent women sentenced to 40 years of prison from faulty police investigation and coercion.
  73. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/former-dc-police-officer-sentenced-to-15-years-in-09-murder-robbery/2011/10/21/gIQASPBv4L_story.html -Washington D.C. police officer sentenced to 15 years in jail for serving as a lookout in his police cruiser to help in a robbery of a drug dealer that also resulted in a murder
  74. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/20/nyregion/20camden.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bplanted%2Bnarcotics%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -185 drug cases had to be dropped in Camden New Jersey because officer either planted drugs, performed illegal searches, stole drugs and money from suspects, trumped up charges, and paid prostitutes money to inform
  75. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/08/us/11-miami-officers-facing-us-charges-in-3-shooting-deaths.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry355%23%2Fofficer%2Bplanted%2Bnarcotics%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -11 Miami, Florida officers charged with corruption, stealing and tampering with evidence, planting guns at the scene of a crime
  76. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/123-shots/ -further investigation into cops shooting 73 yr old man 123 times in Miami, Florida and planting firearms in search for drugs , no drugs found
  77. http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/01/nyregion/officer-pleads-guilty-in-conspiracy-to-sell-drugs.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%230&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2F – New York police officer conspired to sell drugs by stealing narcotics from dealers, and reselling them to other drug dealers, sentenced to 6 months in jail and 4.5 years probation.  How many drug dealers serve 10 and 20 year sentences for this.
  78. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/14-more-correctional-officers-charged-in-maryland-detention-facilities-case/2013/11/21/0af0e55c-52d1-11e3-9fe0-fd2ca728e67c_story.html – 14 Baltimore, Maryland corrections officers indicted on racketeering, drug smuggling and money laundering into Maryland prison.
  79.  http://nypost.com/2007/05/03/coke-cop-cooked/ – another New York city cop found guilty of trying to rob drug dealers and conspiring to sell the narcotics with her uncle by robbing stash houses and trying to resell the cocaine.
  80. http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/16/us/3-of-4-officers-convicted-in-police-corruption-case.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F – Los Angeles police officers framing suspects, tampering with evidence, lying about false arrests resulting in the dismissal of 100 cases and almost $100 million in civil lawsuits against the city
  81. http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/07/nyregion/two-officers-convicted-in-30th-precinct.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F -an detailed article about NYPD’s Dirty 30 precinct
  82. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/nyregion/police-officer-pleads-guilty-in-robberies-of-drug-dealers.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%231&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F2%2F&_r=0 -NYPD cop sentenced to 25 years for robbing drug dealers with a goon squad that netted over 550 pounds of cocaine and $1 million dollars in drug proceeds.  He gave his crew NYPD raid outifts, and used false search warrants.
  83. http://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/09/nyregion/3-officers-held-on-charges-of-extortion-conspiracy.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%232&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%3Faction%3Dclick%26region%3DMasthead%26pgtype%3DHomepage%26module%3DSearchSubmit%26contentCollection%3DHomepage%26t%3Dqry263%23%2Fofficer%2Bguilty%2Bof%2Bconspiracy%2Fsince1851%2Fallresults%2F3%2F – Brooklyn cops called the “Morgue Boys”  stole money, drugs, made false arrests, split the money from their scandals inside the police precinct, stole guns from crime scenes and reused them.
  84. http://www.fbi.gov/baltimore/press-releases/2012/baltimore-city-police-officer-sentenced-to-20-years-in-prison-for-trafficking-heroin-while-on-duty -Baltimore police officer sentenced to 20 years in jail for participating in heroin trafficking.
  85. http://www.fbi.gov/baltimore/press-releases/2014/former-baltimore-police-officer-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison-for-protecting-a-heroin-dealer-and-illegally-accessing-police-databases-in-fraudulent-tax-refund-scheme -police officer provided protection for drug dealer and was co-conspirator in tax fraud scheme using police database for same, birthdays, social security numbers
  86. http://www.fbi.gov/chicago/press-releases/2013/former-dolton-police-officer-sentenced-to-75-months-in-prison-for-violating-civil-rights-of-two-men-he-beat-with-baton -Chicago cop does 75 months for beating two unarmed club goers with a metal baton because they cursed at him, then left the scene without calling for medical attention.  The victims required hospital surgery to close head wounds.
  87. http://www.fbi.gov/newyork/press-releases/2014/former-east-haven-police-officer-sentenced-to-30-months-in-prison-for-civil-rights-offenses – police officers illegally search vehicle, arrest the owner under false pretense, unlawfully go to the store’s backroom and confiscate the video of their illegal search and file false police reports about their illegal arrest.
  88. http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2014/former-city-of-miami-police-officer-sentenced-on-corruption-charges – Miami officer sentenced to 81 months in prison for extortion, Identity theft, illegal access of police database to commit tax fraud
  89. http://www.fbi.gov/denver/press-releases/2014/former-littleton-police-officer-sentenced-to-48-months-in-federal-prison-for-firearms-and-drug-trafficking-convictions – Colorado cop selling MDMA pills, and selling guns, found with 8 firearms, steroids, and cocaine
  90. http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2014/former-city-of-miami-police-officer-sentenced-in-identity-theft-tax-refund-fraud-scheme – another Miami police officer sentenced to 144 months in prison for tax fraud by using police system database to access citizen information to make fraudulent tax claims
  91. http://www.fbi.gov/jackson/press-releases/2013/former-water-valley-police-officer-sentenced – Mississippi police officer sentenced for taking money from drug dealer to provide special law enforcement information, obstruction of an investigation, and extortion under color of right
  92. http://www.fbi.gov/detroit/press-releases/2013/former-highland-park-police-officer-sentenced-to-prison-on-bribery-charges – Police officer and indicted and sentenced for extortion and transporting 4 kilos of cocaine for a drug dealer and using his badge and gun in the process.
  93. http://www.fbi.gov/miami/press-releases/2014/former-hialeah-police-officer-and-wife-sentenced-for-dealing-in-firearms-without-a-license – Miami cop and his wife sentenced to 5 years in prison for selling over 500 firearms without a license in Florida, and falsifying tax documents, and failing to report $350,000 in income.
  94. http://www.fbi.gov/memphis/press-releases/2013/former-memphis-police-officer-sentenced-to-84-months-for-civil-rights-violations-drug-conspiracy – Memphis police officer serving 7 years in federal prison for trying to purchase 10 kilos of cocaine to distribute.
  95. http://www.fbi.gov/baltimore/press-releases/2012/former-prince-georges-county-police-officer-sentenced-in-extortion-conspiracy -Prince Georges cop to serve 46 months for cigarette extortion conspiracy worth over $1 million dollars of illegal tobacco
  96. http://www.fbi.gov/kansascity/press-releases/2012/retired-springfield-police-officer-sentenced-to-19-years-for-sexually-exploiting-a-minor – Police officer involved in child predatory exploitation  to serve 19 years in jail, installing secret cameras in bedroom and bathroom of a 14 year old and commanding the camera thru wireless controls
  97. http://www.fbi.gov/sanantonio/press-releases/2011/sa041111.htm -Laredo, Texas police officer to serve almost 25 years in prison for using police equipment to try and transport 20 kilos of cocaine from south to north Laredo.
  98. http://www.fbi.gov/philadelphia/press-releases/2012/former-reading-police-officer-sentenced-in-connection-with-sex-trafficking-case -Philadelphia police officer complicit in trafficking females under the age of 18 years old for sex
  99. http://www.fbi.gov/kansascity/press-releases/2010/kc120910a.htm -cop sentenced to 10 years in prison without parole for producing child pornography.
  100. http://www.fbi.gov/columbia/press-releases/2009/co052709.htm – South Carolina officer sentenced to 20 years in jail for taking money from a drug dealer for protection, and to operate with impunity within a drug trafficking ring.