Are You A Jerk?

Simple questions right?  We'll see.  Following are some questions to determine if you're a Jerk.  My use of the term "Jerk" is not specific to sexual orientation, race, color, creed or any other demographic.  Yes anyone can be a Jerk!  The questions are assigned point values, at the end you can tally your score to determine if you're a Jerk.

TEST

1.  I go into the passing lane with tractor trailers in the right lane and go 1 - 2 mph faster that they go, but then speed up to 75+ staying in the passing lane when there is no traffic in the right lane.
NO=   0 Points
YES= 1 Points

The c-ville clueless on law

(This post was drafted quite some time ago, but not published, better late than never.)

I'm a little late to the dance on this one, but it irritated me enough to blog on it, with the thought of better late than never.  The C-Ville is mini newspaper available for free at literally hundreds of locations in and around Albemarle County and even here in the Shenandoah Valley.  The writers and editors don't hide their rather severe liberal bias.  I'm not normally bothered by their particular brand of journalism as I believe that the 1st Amendment covers all speech not just the type I like, I do however draw the line once outright lies are told and opines are not longer the primary focus of the article.  In the May 18th - 24 issue a lower left front page "one liner" states Virgil Goode returns with a big "Hell yeah" for immigrant bashing Arizona and states the remainder of the story is on P.17.

Liberals are sympathetic to the plight of immigrants, ok I get it.  Here is where I don't get it; immigrants generally refers to someone who goes through the long arduous process of getting here legally and then an even longer in some cases more arduous process of becoming an American Citizen.  The people who Arizona's new law will target are by definition at the very least persons of interest in some other incident that law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate such as a moving violation or being involved in fight or some kind.  I guess I just don't quite see how determining the immigration status of an individual during the legal and lawful actions of a peace officer to determine if the subject is in fact a felon is a problem.  If you come to this country illegally then you're by definition a criminal and should be dealt with accordingly.  I would also add that the Supreme Court has already given law enforcement officers the authority to determine a persons immigration status without any other action or crime present.  The AZ law has a higher standard than is even required by Federal Law.

Officer Hollywood?

Rialto, CA Pd using Taser Axiom Flex

It's a no-brainer that every law enforcement officer in America should use an officer worn video/audio recording device right?
It's only that simple if you look at this emotionally and ignore logistics.

I've heard a lot of things said about officer-worn video and audio recording devices, both from the general public and law enforcement officers alike.  Much of what I've heard shows how much most people don't know about this form of technology.  First of all this tech isn't new.  Some agencies have been using in-car cameras for close to 30 years.  Officer-worn cameras have been used for nearly 15 years.  This equipment has in the past been often too costly (often $2,500.00 or more per car for a complete system) and very complicated for most agencies without full-time A/V evidence technicians.  The systems that were affordable by smaller agencies were often poorly made and unreliable.  The storage medium on many of these devices was very limited and needed to be changed often, which then created storage issues.  In addition to these issues, these camera systems were useless once the officer was no longer in the direct line of sight of the camera.  Many of these systems had audio recording ability from a microphone transmitter located on the officers uniform and once again, useless once out of range from the main unit in the patrol car.

Some Facts about Ferguson

Michael Brown & Ofc. Darren Wilson

It's always a tragedy when anyone dies in our society regardless of skin color or any other demographic.  Before any honest conversation on this matter can occur, facts must be presented and myths and reckless spin rejected.

The shooting that occurred on August 9, 2014, marked an event that precipitated strong feelings from both sides.  This was done previous to any public release of evidence and very few facts on the shooting involving Michael Brown and Officer Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Police Department.

Who is this "WE" you keep mentioning

(This piece was drafted quite some time ago, but not published so here it is better late than never.)

Who is "We"?

President Obama said in Turkey: "We don't consider ourselves to be a Christian nation." So when the Teleprompter in Chief isn't apologizing for America, destroying our economy, giving terrorist dirtbags rights they don't have or deserve, calling police officers "Stupid" and let us not forget a total lack of decorum at international events like bowing so far you could tongue polish someone's shoes.

Act Of Valor

I was privileged today to see the new film "Act Of Valor" with a good friend and fellow Veteran.  For those of you who are not familiar with this film, it's a story of Naval Special Operations personnel, the intelligence community, logistical support and families going through the business of going down range and getting it done for the rest of us.
 You may ask, is this a Stallone film, or perhaps a Willis film.  You'd be wrong on either account  This film, you see, stars active duty Navy SEALS showing their metal for the first time in a fictional (loosely based on real and or conceivably real missions) story about terrorism that hits too close to home for these men to ignore

Delegate Bell to not back anyone previous to Augusta Mass Meeting

I had a great conversation with Delegate Bell this morning where he made it clear to me that he was not supporting any candidate for the Republican nomination for Augusta County Treasurer previous to the Augusta County Republican mass meeting.  The Delegate told me that he only wore the Homes sticker in the Staunton 4th of July parade because he was unaware that I was seeking the nomination as well and further stated that his wearing of the sticker shouldn't be construed as support.