Senator Tim Scott discusses police reform but Democrats are not so sure that reforms go far enough. What we can see is that there may be concerns that individual wrongdoing isn't being addressed in the legislation. I think there are some fixes that make this palatable to both sides.
You can listen to the Bill and see it HERE.
A couple of key points:
1. Use of Deadly Force.
2. Funding issues.
3. No knock
4. Transparency
5. Training
6. Falsifying reports
7. Body cameras
8. Record retention
9. Lynching
10. Social status.
11. Deescalation
12. Training
13. Mental health
14. National commission
15. Hiring and education
16. Best practices
17. Law enforcement consent
18. Funding
I really like what they have here and I think its a great start. Democrats don't like it and feel that perhaps by not negotiating there will be increasing pressure on Republicans to adjust. Now...what I would consider to push the this legislation forward would be thinking about individual accountability.....
1. Holding individual officers accountable for willful (non mistake) types discriminatory and/or other types of illegal acts. There is a need to protect officers from normal mistakes, frivolous suits, etc... However, they are also part of the law and should not be above it when it comes to big issues. Providing immunity from almost all types of behaviors is way too much power and protection that leaves open opportunities for abuse. In many ways, it might even invite it!
2. There are complaints and internal disciplinary issues that shouldn't be swept under the carpet. People complain and perhaps of those complaints most may not have true merit but when there are serious complaints and/or complaints of patterned behavior that have substance they should not be ignored. The records should be maintained for investigative purposes.
3. Investigations and reviews of complaints. When a threshold has been reached (or an act appears willfully inappropriate) it is important to review the information/record for misconduct. Like any other type of employment position in the country, leadership that does not act on such inappropriate actions should have some responsibility. Fighting negative culture means ensuring that bad cops are removed and the incentives for doing good are present. Thus, considering changing of incentives and punishment metrics may be needed.
4. I also didn't mention some type of prison reform. We are not talking about not putting criminals away but we should be discussing alternatives for mental health and other issues that are at their root not intended to harm others (good soul vs. bad soul argument). There will always be people that must be separated from society but there is no good reason to pay tens of thousands of dollars for little crimes that can be reformed. Consider using some of that prison money for other social service solutions.
I look at this from the mindset of a situation where an officer turned me away as a first responder from helping a woman in a car accident. She slipped into the coma. This didn't happen in a vacuum. That officer appears to have engaged in coordinated harassment, acted out of personal loyalties and discriminatory views, and restricted the help the woman needed. ...but there is a lot more to the story. That same officer has a number of people in the community questioning his behavior and actions ranging from all types of various situations. Assuming that all of this is true (which I know some of it is)....what mechanisms are in place to hold that officer accountable and why has he not been held accountable?
So...this is great policy being put forward and I believe that if they go a little further to ensure individual officers are held accountable when complaints have merit it would put to rest many of the other issues people are advocating for. Republicans and Democrats may fight about these issues and play political chess but at the end of the day it is the people who are paying for law enforcement and it is the people that law enforcement must be accountable. Nothing in this seems against either of the major ideological stances of Democrats or Republicans. We have to think long term about the nature of authority to ensure they are fulfilling a function as part of society and not above society.
Such an adjustment helps our officers in the long-run as bad apples that stain the badge are removed and good officers that bring wisdom and integrity are promoted. There should be legal protections in place for mistakes but not for willful misconduct. The long term trend of not taking action today means that society will continue to rub against the Justice system until one or the either must give (From a historical standpoint it is government that must give to long-term trends). We want people to feel safe around officers and know that officers are there to protect them. We also want officers to work with and feel beloved by their communities. Creating greater connections and accountability helps in this process. We love our officers so lets embrace them to be part of our communities and work for our communities.
The Republican brand is under pressure to reform. The world is changing and we know that the essential parts of the philosophy make a lot of sense and could have a significant part in the growth of the nation. However, there are some approaches that could be tweaked to make them more effective and palatable to a new generation of people.
The blog discusses current affairs and development of national economic and social health through unique idea generation. Consider the blog a type of thought experiment where ideas are generated to be pondered but should never be considered definitive as a final conclusion. It is just a pathway to understanding and one may equally reject as accept ideas as theoretical dribble. New perspectives, new opportunities, for a new generation. “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”—Thomas Jefferson
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Diving in Point Loma to Find Fishing Treasure
Powered up the outboard engine and headed out into the blue toward the new boat launch to try out some new/used diving equipment I picked up at a bargain price from a local dive shop just a week prior. It was a busy weekend so boaters were making wakes on their family excursions which made shore diving a touch more difficult as rolling waves knocked me off balance. Either way I waded with fat flippers into the water and made my way along the breakwall to see what might have inadvertantly slipped from some sure footed fisherman's hand.
To my surprise....I found a pair of fishing pliars. Not much of a "treasure" but it was still cool to find something. Other divers talk about the walls full of fishing tackle and old bottles so I figure fishing gear to be on par with other great discoveries.
To my surprise....I found a pair of fishing pliars. Not much of a "treasure" but it was still cool to find something. Other divers talk about the walls full of fishing tackle and old bottles so I figure fishing gear to be on par with other great discoveries.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Life as We Know It....Politics and Pricelessness
Politics is the art of influence. People come to encourage a way of life and promote their value systems to the world around them. Passing laws and creating rules helps to ensure that their way of life is being protected. It is an outward manifestation of inner self perception and values. When a group of people work together to accomplish certain goals they are called a party.
Parties are important because they help take values and codify them with government. In the U.S. we have two main parties of Republicans and Democrats. There may be a few smaller unknown independents but ultimately most belong to one or the other.
Each party promotes a value system and requires strict adherence to these value systems. You can see what occurs when party members don't talk or speak the party line and are swiftly sidelined. When dealing with two major parties naturally the other party is seen as frankly the "other".
That can be helpful from time to time but can be unhelpful if there is gridlock in decisions making. As each side maneuvers to promote their own position and limit the position of the other party they fail to truly listen and discuss issues that can lead to better legislative actions.
I know that I am not powerful and I know that many times my ideas are not worth much. ...but I do think the parties should think about conversing with each other in a bi-partisan way so as to perspective share and come to meaningful solutions on national problems. Politics has Pricelessness when parties work together on important national projects such as economic growth and fostering national improvements.
Parties are important because they help take values and codify them with government. In the U.S. we have two main parties of Republicans and Democrats. There may be a few smaller unknown independents but ultimately most belong to one or the other.
Each party promotes a value system and requires strict adherence to these value systems. You can see what occurs when party members don't talk or speak the party line and are swiftly sidelined. When dealing with two major parties naturally the other party is seen as frankly the "other".
That can be helpful from time to time but can be unhelpful if there is gridlock in decisions making. As each side maneuvers to promote their own position and limit the position of the other party they fail to truly listen and discuss issues that can lead to better legislative actions.
I know that I am not powerful and I know that many times my ideas are not worth much. ...but I do think the parties should think about conversing with each other in a bi-partisan way so as to perspective share and come to meaningful solutions on national problems. Politics has Pricelessness when parties work together on important national projects such as economic growth and fostering national improvements.
Michigan GOP Announces $1.3 Billion Funding for "Return to Learn" Plan
Education is important and an essential pathway to a better life. Monies will come from the $3 Billion federal COVID-19 relief funding. Most children will be going back to school and some may be online. Online education is growing and is fast becoming a part of modern life. These models were shunned just a few years ago.
Presidential Message on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa-Heroes of the Past and Present
American values are essential to a freedom and our way of life. We have stood the test of time but our struggles are not over. One could say that while we are not currently embroiled in an international conflict of the magnitude of the past but we are deeply embedded in the process of national self-reflection. The conflict is eternal. Our fathers, grand fathers, and great grandfathers died for their beliefs. They had the struggles of their time and we have the struggles of our time.
Let me say that there are many ways a person serves his/her country. We are part of a process of becoming. When I see Americans doing amazing things I see a history of people standing up to protect future generations and the ever so present American value systems. Not everything is cut and dry, easy to understand, or easy to overcome. However, we must endure as a nation to show people that freedom of one's words, values, economic activities, and lifestyle should not be dictated.
Freedom comes with responsibilities to our nation, world, and ourselves. A poem by Dylan Thomas helps us think about living life to the fullest and not fearing the inevitable as we fulfill our nations destiny. Do not go gently into that good night....
The following is from here.
On this day 75 years ago, one of the most intense conflicts of World War II—the Battle of Okinawa—concluded in a historic victory for the United States. Today, we pause to remember the more than 12,000 American heroes who perished in that monumental struggle and pay tribute to thousands of service members who were instrumental in the forces of freedom emerging triumphant.
Let me say that there are many ways a person serves his/her country. We are part of a process of becoming. When I see Americans doing amazing things I see a history of people standing up to protect future generations and the ever so present American value systems. Not everything is cut and dry, easy to understand, or easy to overcome. However, we must endure as a nation to show people that freedom of one's words, values, economic activities, and lifestyle should not be dictated.
Freedom comes with responsibilities to our nation, world, and ourselves. A poem by Dylan Thomas helps us think about living life to the fullest and not fearing the inevitable as we fulfill our nations destiny. Do not go gently into that good night....
The following is from here.
Presidential Message on the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa
On this day 75 years ago, one of the most intense conflicts of World War II—the Battle of Okinawa—concluded in a historic victory for the United States. Today, we pause to remember the more than 12,000 American heroes who perished in that monumental struggle and pay tribute to thousands of service members who were instrumental in the forces of freedom emerging triumphant.
The Battle of Okinawa was the last major battle of World War II. Dubbed Operation Iceberg, a fleet of 1,300 American ships and 50 British ships descended on the island of Okinawa in April of 1945, with a mission of securing it as a critical strategic base for Allied Forces for the final stages of the war, which ended just months later in September 1945. By the time the battle ended, 26 of these ships had been sunk and another 168 were severely damaged. In total, the battle cost more than 200,000 lives, including the tragic loss of nearly 100,000 Okinawan civilians.
The grueling struggle on Okinawa lasted 3 months and consisted of multiple battles, both at sea and on the island. American and Allied troops had to navigate treacherous terrains, including cliffs and tunnels. They valiantly rose to the challenge, demonstrating the bravery and resolve that have always defined the men and women of our Armed Forces. In total, Presidents awarded 23 Medals of Honor to true American patriots for their gallantry and courage during the 82-days of fighting on the island. Their service and sacrifice, along with that of their fellow brothers in arms, are a tribute to the selflessness and stalwart bravery of their generation—the Greatest Generation. The legacy of that sacrifice includes our alliance with Japan—forged after that terrible conflict—that embodies our shared commitment to freedom and democracy, which is a beacon for the world. Today, that alliance is on watch against would-be adversaries who, but for the combined strength of the United States and our Japanese allies, would undermine the global order to the advantage of totalitarian ideologies and dictatorial autocracy.
Today, we remember our Greatest Generation and salute those who answered our Nation’s call with unyielding valor and intrepid resolve. As our country continues to recover from the unprecedented hardships we have faced over the past months, let us draw from their patriotism and conviction in our efforts to build a stronger, more united country for all Americans.
Changing the Justice System- Law & Order with Compassion & Wisdom
I listened to Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormick and am happy we are starting to discuss the need or justice reform but I think there is more we can do. I believe that criminals should be held accountable (That includes bad acting officers and people who commit crimes.) but that accountability doesn't always mean jail time. Jail is the hammer in the end for those who do not take ownership over their behaviors or go through the steps to ensure they don't commit such acts again.
There are smaller cases, first time cases, and other issues where "throwing the book" at someone without understanding what is going on isn't the right thing to do. Stealing an apple to feed ones family should not be a worse crime than embezzling millions from pension funds. Sometimes it seems the court system doesn't always seem to understand the differences.
There are also alternatives that include mental health, community engagement, and volunteering that can make a difference (probably a few more). These are especially important if such activities will deter people from bigger crimes while helping to solve the root of the problem. I'm a believer in Law and Order with Compassion and Wisdom.
Getting "Tough on Crime!" should also include "Getting Smart on Crime".
It should not matter a persons station in life on whether they are held accountable or not. There should be no "immunity" for people who are willfully trying to damage others for their own selfish gains. It is an issue of basic values and the essential purpose of Justice. I have seen great officers and I applaud them and I have seen officers do some criminal things and not been held accountable because the Justice system has its own "code".
People make mistakes and should be given opportunities to correct those mistakes when greater insight is found. Accountability is about growing and developing as a person. It has little to do with actual arrest. As our system grows and develops with lots of "experts" they build these complex systems that move further away from their essential purpose to society.
There have been some discussion on changes to specific times, avoiding prisons when necessary, and creating a more humane systems. New data and information are allowing us to change some of our perceptions and find better solutions. We are gaining insight and understanding. Such reforms must balance the need to protect society and do what is best in the interest of everyone involved.
I think that the courts should reform to ensure they are fulfilling their missions and that finding the right solution is better than showing unbridled punishment. That also includes holding bad apples accountable, despite not having a video, to ensure there isn't systematic veering off of the the needs of society to pander to political interests. There may be no perfect system but we can keep moving in the right direction. Accountability with compassion is important to maintain Law & Order. Problems should be solved as close to the root as possible.
There are smaller cases, first time cases, and other issues where "throwing the book" at someone without understanding what is going on isn't the right thing to do. Stealing an apple to feed ones family should not be a worse crime than embezzling millions from pension funds. Sometimes it seems the court system doesn't always seem to understand the differences.
There are also alternatives that include mental health, community engagement, and volunteering that can make a difference (probably a few more). These are especially important if such activities will deter people from bigger crimes while helping to solve the root of the problem. I'm a believer in Law and Order with Compassion and Wisdom.
Getting "Tough on Crime!" should also include "Getting Smart on Crime".
It should not matter a persons station in life on whether they are held accountable or not. There should be no "immunity" for people who are willfully trying to damage others for their own selfish gains. It is an issue of basic values and the essential purpose of Justice. I have seen great officers and I applaud them and I have seen officers do some criminal things and not been held accountable because the Justice system has its own "code".
People make mistakes and should be given opportunities to correct those mistakes when greater insight is found. Accountability is about growing and developing as a person. It has little to do with actual arrest. As our system grows and develops with lots of "experts" they build these complex systems that move further away from their essential purpose to society.
There have been some discussion on changes to specific times, avoiding prisons when necessary, and creating a more humane systems. New data and information are allowing us to change some of our perceptions and find better solutions. We are gaining insight and understanding. Such reforms must balance the need to protect society and do what is best in the interest of everyone involved.
I think that the courts should reform to ensure they are fulfilling their missions and that finding the right solution is better than showing unbridled punishment. That also includes holding bad apples accountable, despite not having a video, to ensure there isn't systematic veering off of the the needs of society to pander to political interests. There may be no perfect system but we can keep moving in the right direction. Accountability with compassion is important to maintain Law & Order. Problems should be solved as close to the root as possible.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Enbridge Energy vs. State of Michigan-Need for a Redundent and Adaptable Energy System Highlighted
There has been controversy brewing between the State of Michigan and Enbridge Energy. It appears that some of the pipe was damaged when a support anchor shifted. Other damage occurred in the recent past when a ship hit it with a huge anchor and dented it. Thus, there will likely be further legal proceedings and arguments. There is a wider discussion on energy vs. environmental protections.
Now, I'm not that familiar with the case yet but I would say we need energy for economic growth and we need a safe environment for long-term growth and health. This debate is natural depending on the emphasis in one's value systems. Until there is a solution there will be conflict.
In essence there is a new pipeline being built that may be operational in 5 years and there is a demand that the tunnel get shut down within 2 years for perceived safety issues. Both arguments seem to make some sense and have a lot of supporters piling up.
We can look at some growing trends in Global Warming/Environmental Protection as well as a need to create Economic Development. So this is about two different philosophies that are clashing as they relate to the condition of tunnel and risk of damage.
We do know that if we are going to rejuvenate as a nation we will need more energy sources, consistent energy, and lots of energy to fuel our factories, homes, and activities. To add to this there is wider discussion on improving our energy system to protect it from foreign sabotage. It would seem there could be a sort of middle ground that would improve the system, protect it and ensure the environment is safer.
First, lets say that innovation creates less need for energy as waste is reduced and we can say that the development of alternative energy can lower heavy reliance on single sources of energy. To incorporate more sources (emerging and existing) forms of energy we need a power grid that allows redundancy and adaptability.
Because the environmental vs. energy trends will clash as they seek to find a solution we can say that understanding this legal case in the wider need of a safe energy system that encourages economic growth. Thus the case is part of a larger debate that would be less controversial if we engaged in a la broader systematic review such as SWOTch. ....meaning looking at our grid from a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat and Change (alternate strategies).
As our nation grows we might want to think about creating a more adaptable energy system that allows for inputting of energy from multiple sources that can support each other in case of an energy emergencies. Ideally it would be great to diversify through multiple sources (oil, propane, solar, wind, etc...), multiple power locations (local, state, regional, federal) that can interconnect and/or disconnect, and have import and export (i.e. allowing power to move from local to central and central to local sources) thereby protecting the system from large scale default and reducing environmental impact through rerouting options. Such a power system will follow ideas in many ways like data of the internet as knowledge moves from one field to another.
Now, I'm not that familiar with the case yet but I would say we need energy for economic growth and we need a safe environment for long-term growth and health. This debate is natural depending on the emphasis in one's value systems. Until there is a solution there will be conflict.
In essence there is a new pipeline being built that may be operational in 5 years and there is a demand that the tunnel get shut down within 2 years for perceived safety issues. Both arguments seem to make some sense and have a lot of supporters piling up.
We can look at some growing trends in Global Warming/Environmental Protection as well as a need to create Economic Development. So this is about two different philosophies that are clashing as they relate to the condition of tunnel and risk of damage.
We do know that if we are going to rejuvenate as a nation we will need more energy sources, consistent energy, and lots of energy to fuel our factories, homes, and activities. To add to this there is wider discussion on improving our energy system to protect it from foreign sabotage. It would seem there could be a sort of middle ground that would improve the system, protect it and ensure the environment is safer.
First, lets say that innovation creates less need for energy as waste is reduced and we can say that the development of alternative energy can lower heavy reliance on single sources of energy. To incorporate more sources (emerging and existing) forms of energy we need a power grid that allows redundancy and adaptability.
Because the environmental vs. energy trends will clash as they seek to find a solution we can say that understanding this legal case in the wider need of a safe energy system that encourages economic growth. Thus the case is part of a larger debate that would be less controversial if we engaged in a la broader systematic review such as SWOTch. ....meaning looking at our grid from a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat and Change (alternate strategies).
As our nation grows we might want to think about creating a more adaptable energy system that allows for inputting of energy from multiple sources that can support each other in case of an energy emergencies. Ideally it would be great to diversify through multiple sources (oil, propane, solar, wind, etc...), multiple power locations (local, state, regional, federal) that can interconnect and/or disconnect, and have import and export (i.e. allowing power to move from local to central and central to local sources) thereby protecting the system from large scale default and reducing environmental impact through rerouting options. Such a power system will follow ideas in many ways like data of the internet as knowledge moves from one field to another.
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