Shooting (Massacre) in Orlando, Florida / When will this sleeping giant awaken? (Part Two and Conclusion - for now)

A few evenings back, right after the shooting in Orlando, I heard Dianne Feinstein on the PBS NewsHour say, quite authoritatively I might add, that assault weapons, specifically the AR-15, are designed for military use and solely for killing people – “and shoot big bullets.”  Apparently that was her basic answer to what should be done to prevent other mass-murders.  Let’s just ban the AR-15.  It just made me cringe.  Politicians, liberal politicians principally, have a fall-back response to incidents like Orlando - banning “military style” or “military grade” weapons – that way they don’t really have to define or clarify whatever gun image they may have momentarily floating around in their head.**

OK, my response would be that the genesis of all guns was for military or combat use in one form or another.  So I ask, what military are you referring to?  Is this in regard to World War I or II or perhaps the Spanish American War?  The .45 caliber auto (1911) was quite popular in the Spanish American War.  Or do you mean the Civil War and the Enfield 1853 Rifled Musket, and yes those guns did and do shoot big bullets.

It is just becoming idiotic.  It could be funny if it wasn’t for the fact that these people are actually making laws that affect all of us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, wake up.  The problem is that we have no actual leadership in Washington.  So what do we do (my opinion)?

First, we use our military might to crush ISIS.

Second, we don’t admit any refugees from Muslim countries without proper vetting / agreed upon by the FBI.  Just common sense, don’t you think?

Third, American Muslins should be made to understand that their cooperation is vital – that if they are not part of the solution, they are the problem.

Fourth, new civil laws should be developed, as well as appropriate criminal laws, to punish those who withhold information that could prevent the FBI from identifying a potential terrorist.  Don’t we all get a little tired of the old refrain by family and friends of the terrorist.– in that no one seems to have had any idea that the mass-murderer in their midst could ever actually do anything like that.  Nonsense.

Fifth, let’s set up a terrorist ‘hotline’ to receive information.  Publicize it nationally and provide additional FBI personnel to follow-up.

Sixth, determine how and where ISIS is disseminating their recruitment efforts and propaganda, as well as the latest information on what new atrocity they have committed or planned.  And destroy that capability.

And yes, I have some less grand recommendations regarding guns and gun ownership.  Understand that I do not buy many of the lame arguments tossed-about by politicians.  However…

I do believe that we should stop selling large capacity gun magazines that have no credible purpose in self-protection, hunting, competitive shooting, or just plinking.  How many cartridges should a particular magazine hold, I will leave that to others – but something reasonable.  It’s time that gun owners and the NRA made a good faith effort to compromise at some level.

Secondly, although this might surprise you, in my opinion AR-15s and similar weapons like the Sig Sauer MCX Rifle, should be placed in a special category – perhaps requiring additional licensing, background checks or extended waiting periods for new purchasers.  Current owners should be ‘grandfathered.’  The AR-15 has become a SYMBOL to the unstable, potential mass-murderer.  The AR-15 is no more deadly than many other weapons on the market; but due to the fact it is continually publicized, criticized, and discussed makes it the weapon of choice even to, or especially to, those who know little about guns.  As a result, those intent upon mass murder do not have to spend their limited mental resources selecting a weapon.  And, could potentially spend some valuable time asking themselves:  “Am I insane or what?”  Currently, the AR-15 has its own publicity agent – the news media.  We can do something about this.

Well, that’s a start.  Let’s get to it.

**On the same PBS NewsHour program where Ms. Feinstein made her comments, an ‘expert’ also appeared to explain the function and capabilities of the AR-15 (as we now know an AR-15 wasn’t the particular weapon used by Mateen.  It was a Sig Sauer MCX Rifle).  Said expert mentioned that the AR-15 makes a devastating wound due to its tendency to “tumble.”  That is a fallacy.  Admittedly, the bullet, .223 caliber does make a devastating wound.  However, the harm to the human body is caused by the velocity of the bullet, not a tumbling effect.  All bullets, of course can deflect or compress if they strike something hard in the body such as bone.

True Nelson

Shooting (Massacre) in Orlando, Florida / When will this sleeping giant awaken?

I’m not sure what to say.  Anyway, no one particularly cares what I have to say.  But, I have some thoughts – mainly for posterity.  No, I’m not presumptuous enough to suggest that future generations would be interested in what I’m thinking at the moment; but some, very specific individuals, maybe my grandchildren or my great-grandchildren might.

The massacre in Orlando, Florida, this attack on innocents by a radical Islamist terrorist, should be the final wake-up call for Americans; but, somehow, I doubt it.  Our political leaders choose to diminish, soothe, manipulate, simply redefine the situation - placate the population.  They say:  'How about stricter gun laws?'  Yes, brilliant, I feel better and safer already.

Example:  Omar Mateen wasn’t a ‘for real’ member of ISIS.  He was simply a ‘home-grown’ terrorist (as Obama has indicated).  As if all Americans should share in the responsibility of what happened in Orlando.  ISIS laughs.  But… I for one don’t feel guilty.  I just feel ashamed of our national leadership.

Japanese Naval General Isoroku Yamamoto is credited with the following quote subsequent to the attack on Pearl Harbor (admittedly said quote has never been officially documented; but if he didn’t actually say it in those words – no doubt he probably thought it at the time - or subsequently).

“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”

America is, once again, the sleeping giant; perhaps comatose would be a better description.  When will we, our leaders, say that’s enough?  No more.  When will this giant awaken?

To be continued...

True Nelson

Portland, Oregon Police Bureau's Chief (Larry O'Dea) Shoots Friend in the Back (RE: The Oregonian 5/25/16)

You’ve probably heard.  Larry O’Dea, the Portland Police Bureau’s Chief was sitting around a campsite in Eastern Oregon, back in April, drinking beer with his buddies, and shooting squirrels, when he accidentally shot one of his friends in the back.

Let’s try to put aside that these guys sound like they are about sixteen.  It’s hard to, but let’s try.

More importantly, perhaps, is that they lied to Harney County law enforcement who were investigating the incident – stating that the victim apparently shot himself.  Now, get this, it appears that this judgement-impaired group of 'hunters' (and I use the term hunters very loosely) conspired to lie to the investigating Sheriff’s Deputy in order to, apparently, conceal the Chief’s involvement in the shooting.  I think there are laws against filing a false police report, but I will leave that to others to decide.

Reportedly, most of those in this group of 'hunters,' with the exception of O’Dea, were former / retired Portland police officers – who should know better – one would think; but, nonetheless, decided to make-up a story.  As it turned-out, the victim (not yet identified – and why I’m not exactly sure) was quite certain that he did not shoot himself.  And, he should know.  It has been reported that he will be OK.

The Chief decided to ultimately confess his transgressions, a few days after the shooting, to Portland Mayor, Charlie Hales (his boss).  Hales decided to keep it quiet until it could be determined how this all was going to ‘shake-out.’

Well, approximately one month has passed since the incident – and the s--- has finally hit the fan.

The Harney County Sheriff didn’t like how things were ‘shaking-out’ and decided to turn the inquiry over to the Oregon State Police.  The plot thickens.

Now, 'accidentally shooting' someone is often accidental.  Most people customarily admit what they’ve done; and their immediate and usual concern is for the victim.  Apparently, O’Dea’s standards are not the usual.

True Nelson

Recent Developments in the Alleged Murders of Patrick Shunn and Monique Patenaude / My Thoughts...

Tony Clyde Reed has reportedly been arrested in San Diego County by U.S. Marshals as he re-entered the United States from Mexico.  It appears that Tony arranged his own arrest to preclude a potential incident.  He and his brother, John Blaine Reed, have been charged with murdering Patrick Shunn and Monique Patenaude.  Patrick and Monique’s bodies have not been located.  The presumption of homicide is based on crime scene evidence developed by Washington State investigators to include the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.  John Reed remains at large, presumably in Mexico.

Based on what I’ve read in the media, I have an opinion as to what is developing:

This opinion is my personal and professional take on what is occurring and Tony’s motivations.  I have no inside information; and, of course, both Tony and his brother, John Blaine Reed, should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

It appears that Tony and John have had a falling-out, or have entered into an agreement that Tony should surrender to authorities.  I suspect the former.

Theory:  As a fact, or as a tactic, Tony will declare that he had no participation in the actual murders; but that his involvement only occurred after John had killed the couple.  Tony will agree to testify against John in exchange for leniency.  He will probably admit that he assisted in covering-up the crime and in assisting his brother to escape imminent arrest.  He will assist in locating the bodies.  It should be understood that the extent of his disclosures, his veracity, and any evidence he might produce to prove his statements could mitigate subsequent sentencing.

____________________________________

If convicted, neither John nor Tony would face the ‘death penalty.’  Regarding capital murder cases, the State of Washington had the ‘death penalty’ up until recently; but Washington Governor (Jay Inslee) announced a moratorium (in 2014) on the sentence of death in capital murder cases.  However, this moratorium did not, does not, apply to those sentenced to death prior to 2014, and nine men remain on ‘death row’ in Walla Walla.

True Nelson

Brothers in War / The Boys of ’67;’ and Some Personal Memories

Although it was first screened on the National Geographic channel, I watched “Brothers in War” on Netflix just recently.  I highly recommend it.  What can I say?  It’s graphic, disturbing and it will touch your heart.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Some of you will remember the Vietnam War.  For some of the younger folks, it’s just a much maligned, misadventure by our American military.

That said, “Brothers in War” is a very personal account from those actually there.  It’s history.  Everyone should watch it.

“Through gripping first-person accounts and digitally remastered archival footage, including the soldiers’ own home movies and personal audio tapes, Brothers in War recounts the harrowing combat experiences of the men of Charlie Company — one of the last American combat infantry companies to be drafted, trained and sent to fight together in Vietnam.”

I served in Southeast Asia during the war (’68 – ’70).  But, I must admit, with some residual feelings of guilt, my experiences were nothing like those of Charlie Company.

I was a Team Commander for the First Mobile Communications Group (USAF).  Our motto was ‘First In, Last Out.’  Although the First Mobile was stationed in the Philippines, our mission was to deploy and set-up tactical communications equipment and navigational aids, as well as conduct necessary training for the subsequent, long-term operators - often members of the Army or Marines.  When the Marines or Army were finished with the equipment, or it had been destroyed, we would again deploy to recover what was left.  The equipment often contained classified equipment and codes.  Some members of the First Mobile spent time in extreme combat assignments, including Khe Sanh.  I did not.  I was lucky.

My experiences, my hardships were nothing compared to Charlie Company.  While at Chu Lai, I did experience a Viet Cong ‘rocket’ attack.  The Viet Cong efforts were, generally speaking, remarkably inaccurate.  They did score an accidental direct hit on the base PX (photo above), but it was at night and there were no casualties.  Marine Corps’ spotters, during the hours of darkness, watched the jungle hillside which was some distance from the base.  When they saw a flash, they would immediately hit the siren.  Those of us sleeping in the base hooches had a few seconds to sprint to the nearest bunker – usually right outside the door – before the rocket hit.  American helicopters were scrambled to ‘light-up’ the general area from which the rocket originated – efforts that were almost always unproductive.

Personally speaking, an incoming rocket, or the far more frequent false alarms, did disrupt an otherwise sweat-drenched effort to sleep.  But, it was a small sacrifice compared to Charlie Company soldiers’ sleepless nights in a mud-hole.

One Vietnam experience has stayed with me.  I once hopped an ‘in country’ transport on a C-130 moving Marines to their new base – from which they would be deployed.  The pilots and Load Master were Air Force; but, other than myself, the rest were young Marines.  I sat in the back in the jump-seats with this very solemn group of young men, all Marines.  Nobody spoke.  They looked so young.  God, they looked young.  As they say, wars (at least in those days with the military draft in place) were not fought by ‘John Wayne types.’  I wanted to say something to the young man next to me, but what could I say?  Good luck?  I don’t think so.

Back to the documentary, Charlie Company took considerable casualties – killed and wounded.  Upon completion of their one year tour, they (what was left of the original contingent) were flown back to the States.  When they arrived in the U.S., happy to finally be home and to be alive, they were met by anti-war demonstrators who cursed them, threw things at them and spit on them.

They were just boys – often draftees.  They had nothing to do with the politics of the Vietnam Conflict.  And did you know that some were actually ‘conscientious objectors,’ who acted as medics and carried no weapons – but, nonetheless, died trying to save others.

If you were one of those demonstrators, how do you live with yourself – the shame of it?  Well, you might say, ‘I was young, perhaps a little thoughtless, but just joined a crowd of my friends and peers.’

Sorry, I don’t buy it.  Who would buy it?  Your wife?  Your kids?  Your grand kids?  I doubt it.

PS:  Incidentally, the above documentary was based on the book by Andrew Wiest, ‘The Boys of ’67.’  A good book if you care to read more about these young heroes.

True Nelson

The FBI, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Hoffa and my thoughts.

The investigation involving Hillary Clinton seems to drag-on into dim uncertainty.  We all are aware of the allegations against Hillary and her private ‘server;’ as well as her reported disregard for State Department procedures and relevant federal laws.

Furthermore, I understand that the Clinton Foundation is also under investigation; but, in that instance, ethical lapses and improprieties may not be considered a federal crime – or will they…  There is some talk that the private ‘server’ used by Hillary was actually set up and paid for by Bill Clinton’s staff in furtherance of the ‘Foundation’ goals.  What does that mean?  At this point, I’m not quite sure.  Conflict of interest – almost certainly.  Crime – don’t know.

What I will tell you is that I’m becoming more and more convinced that the ‘fix,’ or attempted ‘fix,’ is ongoing in the Hillary case.  Let’s be very clear about the status of this case and the resources dedicated.

As we all know, the FBI has practically unlimited resources of money and investigative personnel.  Additionally, the Hillary case is undoubtedly complicated, but it is not the most difficult type of investigation handled by the FBI.  This inquiry has suspects available to be interviewed, actual evidence in a potential crime to be evaluated, and a presumably top level priority; but nothing seems to happen.  The FBI is starting to appear inept – even foolish.  More likely, deals are in the works.

For comparison, let me give you an example of what I might consider a difficult FBI investigation or series of related difficult investigations:  The focal point, for the purpose of this discussion, is the disappearance and presumed murder of Jimmy Hoffa.  This case and some of its off-shoots are still open cases to this day (perhaps now considered pending inactive cases) with the FBI.

Hoffa’s disappearance occurred in July of 1975.  I was an Agent in the FBI at the time.  More than 40 years have passed and the Hoffa case remains unsolved – even though hundreds, dare I say generations, of FBI Agents have worked on the investigation over the years.  I, too, played a small role in attempting to develop an informant who believed he could help the Bureau locate Hoffa’s body.  It didn’t happen.  Why was he murdered?  Uncertain - other than he had enemies.  No doubt about that.

A brief summary:

Jimmy Hoffa, former President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, was a powerful and politically connected operator / criminal with close ties to the ‘Mob.’

Robert Kennedy (US Attorney General 1961 to 1964) with the concurrence of his brother and the President, John Kennedy, decided to put the full-court-press on Organized Crime, with particular emphasis on Hoffa.  The FBI, under Hoover, was given their marching orders.

As a result, Hoffa was convicted of various Federal crimes to include fraud and attempting to manipulate a Federal Grand Jury.  He was sentenced to thirteen years in Federal Prison.  Appeals followed, but he was finally incarcerated.

His sentence was subsequently ‘commuted’ by President Nixon when Hoffa had served about four years in prison.  There were rumors that Nixon received a bribe, but no evidence of that was produced.  However, in appreciation for Nixon granting Hoffa early release from prison, the IBT endorsed Nixon during his 1972 Presidential Campaign.  Odd, in a way, because the IBT customarily endorsed Democrats.

Water mostly over the dam at this point, but is an example of an FBI investigation taking a long time, involving numerous suspects, innumerable crimes and elusive criminal associates.  In fact, the Hoffa disappearance (alleged murder) is just one aside to the ongoing comprehensive investigation first demanded by Robert Kennedy in the 1960s.

Now, back to the inquiry involving Hillary.  It is hard for me to believe that the Clinton investigation is taking as long as it has with literally nothing to show.  In this matter, they presumably have a prima facie case involving Clinton or those very close to her.  After all this time, I certainly hope so.

Secondly, as the months pass, the FBI hasn’t even gotten around to calling Hillary Clinton for a preliminary interview.  The FBI Director, James Comey, when asked, simply reiterates that the FBI is being thorough.  Sorry, I just don’t buy it anymore.  Clinton creeps ever closer to the Democratic nomination for President; and Comey says he is being thorough.  Hundreds of Agents, millions of taxpayer dollars, months of investigation – and he’s being “thorough.”  I don’t believe it.  Something is in the works.  Something that has little to do with ‘equal justice under the law.’

Sounds like the good-ole-Nixon days, doesn’t it?

True Nelson

Murder of Pat Shunn and Monique Patenaude // Suspects: John and Tony Reed

This is an alert that I am forwarding to all potential readers regarding the reported murder of Pat Shun and his wife, Monique Patenaude.

I didn’t know Pat personally, but he was a friend of my daughter at Canby High School in Oregon; and Pat and my daughter were both members of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue group.  From all reports, he was an exceptional young man.

The suspects in the murders, now reportedly on the run, are the Reed brothers, John and Tony.  There is information that they may have recently been seen in the Ellensburg, Washington area.  For detailed information, including pictures of the suspects and a vehicle description, I would suggest you go to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s website:

http://wa-snohomishcounty.civicplus.com/Archive.aspx?ADID=4445

“Detectives have advised that the Reed brothers are in possession of a red 2007 Volkswagen EOS Coupes, Washington plates AXH5106, a vehicle that belongs to their parents."

"John Reed is 5’08”, 190 lbs. with hazel eyes and gray hair.  Tony Reed is 5’11”, 150 lbs. with green eyes and gray hair."  John is 53.  Tony is 49.

"Anyone with direct information on the whereabouts of John or Tony Reed, or with information about the investigation into the murder of Shunn and Patenaude, is asked to call 911 or the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office”

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office:  425/388-3845

It should go without saying that the two men are armed and dangerous.

Pat and Monique pictured above.

True Nelson

Three Friends (two liberals and one conservative) analyze the Presidential Primary Candidates

My two best friends and I met for lunch last week and current events were on the menu.  My friends are good guys – lifelong friends; but are pretty much (unfortunately at least from my perspective) liberal Democrats.  Residing in the Portland Metro area, the life of a liberal is actually pretty easy – surrounded by a massive support system of like-minded people.  On the other hand, being politically conservative can be rather lonely at times.  Nonetheless, friendship can usually overcome disagreements.  Let’s see, what did we discuss?

No surprise there, we discussed the primary race and the candidates.  Is anyone talking about anything else?

On the Democratic side, we all three generally agreed that Bernie Sanders was the ‘man,’ ah, sorry, the best candidate.  Democrats that I’ve come in contact with don’t readily admit they plan to vote for Hillary.  If, however, she is the Democratic nominee, I’m sure my friends will give her their vote.

Incidentally, I just finished a book written by Ed Klein called ‘UNLIKEABLE; The Problem with Hillary.’  If you are thinking about voting for Hillary, read it.  OK, OK, my friends will now be searching the internet for information on Ed Klein.  Tomorrow morning they will email me information from some obscure source that Klein is a past Nazi sympathizer or member of the Ku Klux Klan, maybe both.  Although Ed’s name sounds like he might be Jewish which would give me a very solid counter argument.

Ed, if you’re out there somewhere, don’t let me down on this.  Is what you said about Hillary accurate?  I would like to say I was shocked, but...

I’ve kind of committed to voting for Ted Cruz (no relation to Tom Cruise and the Scientology connection) – so I’m safe in that regard.  My friends sum-up their opinion of Ted Cruz as:  ‘Just don’t like him,’ ‘Everyone in Washington hates him,’ and ‘He’s too in-your-face religious.’  OK, got it.  I counter with:  ‘Right, well, I hate most everyone in Washington’ (maybe hate is kind of a strong word).  Let’s just say, I don’t care much about what the Senators and Congressmen think about Mr. Cruz; and firmly believe our elected officials spend almost all of their time thinking about themselves and darn little else.  Regarding the religion part, I’m fine with that; but I think Cruz should tone-it-down just a tad – now that he’s not campaigning in Mississippi.

So what about John Kasich?  One friend informed me that ‘no one likes him in Ohio.’  That might be true for all I know.  As you can see, I’m running out of good counter arguments, and out-gunned two to one.  Although -- it does seem somewhat odd that he is the Governor of Ohio, but no one likes him.  Maybe, it’s a new thing.

Oh, and as far as Donald Trump is concerned, we all three agreed that Donald Trump is totally ‘unlikeable.’  Mr. Klein, how about another book called ‘Unlikeable Too?’  I enjoyed reading the earlier one.

True Nelson

The FBI and Director James Comey; Hillary Clinton and Handcuffs

During a recent interview with NBC’s Matt Lauer, Hillary Clinton laughed when Lauer suggested that some Republicans were predicting she would be “hauled off” in handcuffs. She referred to the notion as a “fantasy,” stating the FBI inquiry was merely a “security review.”

Well, there has been a lot of discussion on the Hillary situation within the former Agents’ underground network – nothing specific however.  Director Comey is playing this investigation close to the vest – the word being that any information leaked by current Agents would be punished severely, and that the polygraph would be used to ferret-out any potential ‘leakers.’  OK, but that hasn’t necessarily put a stop on the many informed opinions, at least I consider them to be informed opinions, circulating.

I don’t think we are going to see Hillary Clinton taken anywhere in handcuffs – even though many would be tickled to see her get the same punishment as the average Joe.  But let’s be candid here, that’s not how the world works.

For reference and context, you might take a look at a previous post of mine:  Hillary Clinton / Email Scandal / Will She be Prosecuted? 3-7-16

Here are some additional thoughts…

Director Comey, unless he has ice in his veins, must be under a lot of pressure.  What are the potential outcomes of this FBI investigation or, if you prefer, security review?

Let’s put forth some potential scenarios:

What if this investigation drags-on and there are no criminal referrals or indictments generated by the FBI?  Comey will be criticized for wasting millions of taxpayer’s dollars on a bogus inquiry that could have been handled far more efficiently, without the drama, by a more professional investigative agency.

What if Hillary doesn’t get the Democratic nomination, and Comey does not pursue any sort of criminal prosecution?  His continuing to delay the process will be blamed for sabotaging Hillary’s campaign.

What if he waits until she has been nominated by the Democrats, and then he drops the bomb?  He will be criticized for that and accused of playing politics in an effort to undermine her election.  The fallout could be significant, disastrous to the political process, riots in the streets, and fodder for all the conspiracy theorists for the next decade and beyond.

What if he makes an official, criminal referral to the Department of Justice, and they refuse to prosecute?  Does he resign?  Doubtful.  Director of the FBI is a good job and pays well.  No one could blame him for shrugging his shoulders and moving on to other matters.  He still has time to polish his legacy.

What if Hillary’s negligence, incompetence and/or criminal behavior involves the President?  One does wonder if he, too, exchanged emails with his Secretary of State (H.C.); and was also so clueless that he did not recognize this was not such a good idea.  Or, perhaps the President’s staff?  The Vice President?

Certainly, someone, other than Hillary’s immediate henchmen or hench-women were aware that Ms. Clinton was bending, if not breaking, the rules / that she was compromising security and the potential safety of others – you know the guys and gals that actually do the dangerous work.

Let’s go Director Comey – better get with it.  I don’t think the American public will be satisfied with a ten-thousand-page report saying ‘I’m sorry, but hundreds of Agents over these many months, couldn’t find that anyone, including the former Secretary of State had done a darn thing wrong.’  Perhaps, as a face saver, the Attorney General could critique Ms. Clinton’s State Department with a carefully worded, for the most part non-accusatory letter of understanding – suggesting some improvements.

No, realistically speaking, someone will have to take the ‘fall.’  Hillary – doubtful.  Hillary’s immediate staff – a good possibility – and no one of particular importance would have been hurt in the process.  Comey – who knows – maybe this will be a career ender.  I’m sure the Director has thought about it.

True Nelson

Donald Trump vs. Ted Cruz / I’ve made my choice / Tell you why:

OK, admittedly, I sometimes go off half-baked when it comes to politics.  But, it’s my blog, so if you’re not particularly interested in what I think about the Presidential race, just hit delete now.  

There are plenty of ‘talking heads’ (experts / at least in their own minds) out there.  I’m not an expert on this area, just a guy.  My opinion is no more valid than anyone else.  And, I do understand that.  But, here goes.

Short of an indictment, Hillary Clinton will be the Democratic nominee for President.  Some of you are happy with that – the nominee part, not the indictment part.

I am an officially ‘unaffiliated’ voter in Oregon.  I just changed my registration to Republican, because I’d like to have a say in who the Republican nominee is.  In Oregon, it will be winner-take-all.

Oregon is a ‘liberal’ state, for the most part; and the Democrats will fight over Bernie or Hillary.  I really don’t care.

I do care about the Republican nominee – Trump versus Cruz.  I’ve kind of researched them both.

Let’s see – Trump first:  Donald Trump projects himself as a ‘tough guy,’ and therefore appeals to real, authentic tough guys – the hard working class – the tell-it-like-it-is class.  I like those people.  I don’t like Trump.  Why?  Because he is, in no way a ‘tough guy’ by my definition.  He was born rich and I’m sure he has never broken a sweat doing any sort of hard labor.  Why does that matter?  Because for those of you who have – and I have – he is ‘jerking’ us around.  Was he a draft dodger?  Looks to me like he was.  But nothing new about that – that’s just what rich people did – student deferment changed to 1-A (for a short time) and then converted to 4-F under doubtful circumstances.

OK, what about his policies?  The 40 foot wall along the Mexican border – hyperbole at best – lying to the public at worst.  There are more sensible ways to solve the illegal residents’ problem.  Enforce the current law is the one I would start with.  That’s what every other country (with a lick of sense) does.  Simply said:  no work unless you are a citizen or have a valid temporary work permit.

And the rest of his polices?  Reportedly, he’s going to be doing a lot of ‘kicking ass.’  Yes, right, like he has ever kicked anyone’s ass in his entire life.  Unless you want to count his body guard shoving someone around, or being sued by him – in other words having someone else ‘kick ass.’

Now, for Cruz:  I must admit, he was not my first choice.  My first choice for the Republican nomination faded away weeks back.  That’s the way it goes I guess.  So, Cruz will have my vote here in Oregon.  I generally have a low regard for attorneys.  I’ve said this before; attorneys, in my opinion, often have a character flaw that is hard for me to ignore.  To me it boils down to a highly questionable tendency in attorneys that everything is ‘relative.’  There is no right or wrong – it just depends - and, of course, money talks.  It’s their nature.  And, unfortunately, attorneys often become politicians.  Now, I’ve met a lot of good people who were attorneys; but, as a general rule, I stand by my opinion.  Cruz is an attorney; and I understand he is, professionally speaking, a very good one.

So, you might ask, by your definition is Cruz a ‘tough guy?’  Well, I’m not sure.  One thing for sure is that he doesn’t constantly try and make us believe he is.

Example:

Donald Trump:  ‘Let’s go outside and I will kick your ass.’  Outside, you will find that Trump is nowhere to be seen.  His 6’8” body guard and his attorney are there instead.

Ted Cruz:  ‘Let’s not resort to violence.  Let’s have a debate about the issue.’  And, when the debate is finished, your head spinning, you will have to admit that he ‘cleaned your clock.’

Who do you want to be President?  I’ve decided.

PS:  I finished my taxes yesterday.  I went immediately after that to my Anger Management Class.

True Nelson

Shooting of Robert 'LaVoy' Finicum / FBI Agents Fired Two Rounds at Vehicle / or did they? (Part 2)

Regarding my previous post, there might be a partial explanation to my earlier questions.  It sounds like, based on statements from the passengers in Finicum’s car, that one of the bullets, allegedly fired by an FBI Agent, shattered the car windshield of Finicum’s car as he was trying to exit the car.  It could be said, if this is what happened, the shot was poorly timed and potentially escalated a tense situation – leading to Finicum’s explosive reaction upon exiting the car.

That said, the shot was not necessarily inappropriate or unlawful under the stress-filled conditions.  Nonetheless, if the members of the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team attempted to conceal this fact – well, that’s a horse of a different color.

Refer Part One

True Nelson

The Shooting of Robert 'LaVoy' Finicum / FBI Agents Fired Two Rounds at Vehicle / or did they?

I’m curious and puzzled by the recent, front page, news article concerning the “2 Standoff Casings Not Found” (The Oregonian, Wednesday, March 16, 2016).  We shouldn’t jump to any conclusions at this point; but, reportedly, an FBI Agent fired two rounds at Robert ‘LaVoy’ Finicum’s vehicle as it raced toward a law enforcement roadblock.

For background information, I’d like to refer you to my previous post on the tactics involved in stopping Finicum’s vehicle and the shooting, by Oregon State Police, which resulted in Finicum’s death:  The Shooting of Robert ‘LaVoy’ Finicum – Let’sTalk Tactics.

“Five FBI Agents assigned to the traffic stop told investigators none of them fired at Finicum’s Dodge pickup” as it neared the roadblock at a high rate of speed.  However, “Oregon investigators concluded one Agent fired twice at the truck, hitting it once in the roof and missing on the second shot.”  There was subsequent witness statements that appear to support this information.

However, all five Agents denied shooting.  But, “a State Trooper later described to investigators seeing two rifle casings in the area where the Agents were posted.  Detectives tasked with collecting evidence didn’t find the casings.”  It has been postulated that an, as yet undetermined, Agent picked up the casings and has lied about firing at the car.

Based on my past experience, a couple of immediate questions came to mind.  Why would the Agent lie about shooting at the car?  It appears that he was probably justified. A State Police Officer fired at the car, when it appeared the driver might ram the barricade.  Have the ‘rules of engagement’ for the FBI become so restrictive that the Agent feared criticism or worse if he admitted shooting – under the defined circumstances?  And, then, when questioned, why would he commit a potential crime by lying about it?  To complicate the matter, it has been discussed and reported that all the Agents present knew about the rounds being fired; and have chosen to be complicit in the lie / cover-up.  Why would they do that?

Maybe, we will never know the answer?  But, the FBI will not take this lightly.  And, they will find the answer.  If someone lied, or if others were complicit in a lie, this will be considered far more serious than the actual shooting.  Shots fired by the FBI Agent, if it occurred, could be favorably interpreted or rationalized by FBIHQ.  Lying to law enforcement investigators conducting an official inquiry of this nature would not be tolerated.  And, someone will be required to pay the price.

True Nelson