The Necessity of Law & Order: And When It Defaults

The Path to Freedom
Integrity and Public Good Will

Law & Order is a good thing when its applied wisely it ensures a peaceful environment where beneficial open dialogue leads to national solutions.  Where corruption goes unchecked it begins to eat at the foundations of trust that erodes the concept of "authority". This is why I detest corruption in policing as much as I detest violence in protests. Where extremism and hate (of any kind whether pro or anti police) is left unchecked the foundations of democracy begins to erode.  No one has the right to destroy institutional foundations for self gain or to please the distorted views of their social and/or political networks.  

For those who have been reading my blog they may be aware that I take issues of corruption very seriously based on the experienced actions of a few "bad apples" and the harm they have caused to their community. Acts of intimidation, improper investigations, following targets, spreading  rumors to gain support for what appears to be ethnic oriented pressure are inappropriate in the U.S. 

When the innocent are being put in harm's way a red line must be drawn. Before making an assumption it should be noted that I have supported  police many times in my lifetime and continue  while still being opposed to rogue elements that violate our American  principles and in turn our agreed upon social contracts as codified in our national Constitution. 

Like I support honorable law enforcement personnel I also support peaceful protests to help ensure a feedback loop for positive change. That does not include anarchists and street militias of either ideological bent. We must find a safer path through the fog where compromise and good judgement makes sense so as to deradicalize the fringes within our society (civilian, law enforcement, politicians, youth, etc...).

For those of us who maintain loyalty to certain core American principles and values we must persevere them to ensure a free nation for generations to come. Our efforts turn the tide against those treading down the dark paths of either ultra or anti nationalism.  There are certain values our ancestors, veterans, leaders and the general population agree up and have fought for through generational sacrifices. No party, side, or group has the right to circumvent the public's will outside of legislative channels.

That is why the best way to protect our institutions is to maintain the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all of our law enforcement endeavors.  The "Shield" is of value only as long as it continues to represent our collective values of protecting and serving its people. Rogue or corrupt elements detract from that honor and I encourage good officers to break the "blue code" to report illegal behaviors so as to remove corrupted elements in fulfillment of their sacred oaths (Not to mention it is also within their best interest for the profession, culture, and opportunities.).

We are one nation, free nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. They are not dead words and are still supported by most policing activities and other national institutions. I have helped officers on a number of occasions within my lifetime sometimes at great personal risks. I have made my peace with my maker a long time ago (multiple times like a cat) and will stand tall in the face of hate. Federal oversight becomes increasingly clear when embedded networks can't be rooted out effectively within compromised departments.

If the strategy of " ethnic cleansing" those who are different didn't work out how about we change our strategy and "clean house" of rogue elements within our departments? 🤷 We must only ask ourselves, "Which strategy will likely lead to the greatest benefit for everyone involved?" Trust is fundamental to Law & Order and it is incumbent on department leadership to ensure every officer serves with integrity and "bad apples" are investigated and removed promptly. 

I hope and pray that these events act as a lesson in which we can learn about how to create the most effective police departments we can. Wiggle room to solve problems "internally" may snap taunt as the hour glass sifts over the opportunities to make choices over the charting of ones own course. Failure to uphold the law is a failure of protecting our officers and the populace through mutual and shared values and goals. National development requires a collective commitment to higher order values and living.

“The police must obey the law while enforcing the law.”
– Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren

“Justice may be blind, but she has very sophisticated listening devices.”
– Edgar Argo

The Analysis of 'Power of Death' Painting (1889) by William Holbrook Beard

Painting is one of the highest forms of human expression. It carries with it time honored traditions and values that would be forgotten without sharing them from generation to generation. These values come from our very core coding as a species and will manifest in each generation in one form or another because they are based in our inherited survival skills (i.e root such as love, hate, anger, fear, etc...). Art is a manifestation of interior experiences (See Art Psychology Evolution) as an outward expression of core cultural expressions (especially if the are seen over and over from different societal corners.).

The painting 'Power of Death' by William Holbrook Beard symbolism focuses on the inevitability of death in which no powerful creature on the planet can avoid or escape (i.e. no matter how much the tiger claws.). You can see from the different carcasses, triumphant foot on elephant's neck and the strangling of thrashing tiger that our lives are temporary no matter our perceived skills and abilities. The big elephant is not immune and the tiger can claw but he will also succumb. (Covid might have helped us change some of our assumptions of mortality).

One might be able to look at deeper symbolism such as the pure burial shroud, the brutality of a club, half skull face, Death's gaze into the heavens, the background of scorched earth and the setting of the sun into darkness. To Death he is doing his job and has done it 1000's of times before and seems to feel no real connection to his victims anymore than a person might feel pity to a chicken in a chicken farm factory (This is why the absence of empathy doesn't give honor to life and we call it evil. In modern times we use more scientific concepts to describe this absence of remorse.)

While we should fear death in some respects, or more appropriately we should fear not living a meaningful life, paintings such as these help us think about our responsibilities and legacies. We will all end in the same place but it is those who think about life before death (called self-reflection on self and society) that can seek to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. In other words, if we are all here only for a short time then we should spend that time wisely; assuming we are aware of our mortality. 

Art tells us an awful lot about society and in turn also reflects our culture; whether American or other (See Sociology of Art). Art is a cultural artifact that often taps into essential values and in turn influences our perspective of life within our cultural vantage point. It isn't just an exercise in awe and wonder but also of understand the roots of our collective conscious (See Jung and Collective Conscious) Being familiar with different artifacts of repeated cultural experiences often tells you the assumptions of values within our society and how those are applied to our experiences.

The painting "Power of Death' is more accurately depicting the sanctity of life and the misguidance of a false self of importance.  We all have value and when guided through education and prosocial behaviors can create meaning to life. 

William Holbrook Beard, Power of Death, c. 1889–90, oil on board, Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge

Shipwreck Pictures Near Manistique

Getting back to readership concerning a shipwreck dove a few months ago (before the snow). I sent some pictures to the NOAA and as of present they are updating their maps and having someone take a look at the information I sent (I did not discover the ship and a number of people knew it was there...but maybe the first to bring forward officially. It in better condition than the one found in the area a few years ago.) 

Diving Late 1800 Schooner. 

Seul Choix Lighthouse-The Haunted Lighthouse

Gallop Poll Indicates Americans are Concerned About Economy and Government; Not Pandemic

Apparently Americans are more worried about the economy and government more then they are about the pandemic. This is caused by some shortages and inflation. We might also find there are concerns over leadership and perhaps in some way our ability to handle problems (See Biggest Post Afghan Risks). Its important we start working together to start solving problems. Because almost nothing stays the same a few curve balls might find us unprepared (We are running rigid, polarized, low morale, and dig heels opinions so if our environment/challenges shifts it will be our leadership that will master the art of change. )

Here are some of the highlights from the poll......

Gallop Poll

• 26% name an economic issue as the most important problem
• Government is the top specific problem at 21%; coronavirus next at 13%
• Gallup's Economic Confidence Index mostly steady at -29

There was a pretty solid explanation in the Santa Barbara News by Casey Harper entitled, 'Poll: Americans more concerned about economy, government than COVID' Its worth the read and provides some insights from the author. 

There is a side to this that is important and it still should be said as a one limited perspective that could be important on understanding change on a more macro level. Many of our politicians have been raised (not all) with opportunities while most Americans have never experienced similar opportunities (nor will ever become a Senator or Congressman/woman). Where we need change we often receive partisan arguments and when we long for insight we sometimes hear similar root answers (Foresight, insight, hindsight and blindsight are different constructs.)  You can see those logical holes and how they might work within one instance but might dissipate during novel situations (See Cognitive Fluidity). Seeing all the sides from different cultures and lens fills in the "grey" gap and creates clarity where uncertainty exists. 

Ideological and cultural blindness comes from being indoctrinated within a certain view of the world and in turn never having to break the mold to get over a hump (Comes from being protected and insulated with resources. It applies to any lifestyle and vantage point. For example, if you were born poor your viewpoint will be completely different and often just as limiting because of a narrow "world view".). Wealth brings opportunity but also comfort that doesn't always force one to adapt and that is not a luxury most Americans will ever experience. Effectively managing change and being flexible in strategic thinking often leads to options and the highest chance for overcoming environmental pressures. For some who grew up in a different world....one in which you must adapt or perish.......the limited focus and lack of exposure might feel like a speeding train longing to merge with the open arms of a brick wall (Large nations like large companies must rejuvenate themselves with a new shared sense of purpose or they will splinter. The USSR as an example. See Strategies International Business Environment). 

Charles Darwin stated, “it is not the strongest species that survive, not the most intelligent, but most responsive to change”

I would guess intelligence, strength, and adaptive are all important. 🤷

Keeping it Civil in Congress: Sign of the Times....Forgiveness Can Go a Long Way!

Words have meaning and I believe the leadership on both sides should push people toward the center. But that is just my opinion. Sometimes we say a little too much and we walk that back. It happens  because people are passionate and sometimes fail to role reverse. However, right now as things stand in our nation keeping the inflammatory rhetoric to a minimum is important. I kind of watch the news and see how people are acting and reacting to each other and scratch my head. We see how these beliefs play out in our hometowns all across America. Words have meaning. 

I consider myself an "Old Guard" Republican that sticks closely to the central values and beliefs that made our country great (Perhaps I'm not far right enough for some people's tastes but I think the rational center is where we should be and likely where the best solutions come. So I guess I'm a light right). My believes include the sanctity to practice any religion you want (why we started this country), fiscal responsibility, the right to responsibly bear arms (meaning for hunting and peaceful purposes and not for intimidation or antagonism), support our police with accountability for "bad apples" to maintain societal trust, diversity in people's and human capital, local governance that is in line with our Constitution, civil rights and freedom, a strong military with the best (equipment, people, tactics, training), creating economic opportunities among ALL our people, developing an American "family", leading other nations through example, as well as the right to voice one's opinion with good taste in mind. Of course one side could make jokes of "backpacks" and another of "swastikas" but at the end of the day it gets us nowhere....and makes it difficult for people to compromise on important issues. 

I'm happy Rep. Lauren Boebert apologized because we are human and we all make mistakes (I have made so many I can't even count them on a 100 hands). Its time for us to sort of agree that our nation has a bigger purpose than the anger and rhetoric of the times. We should work on focusing on our future and the ability to create a stronger connected nation for the the next generation; no matter what their religion. We are going to need all types of people to face the challenges the next 20 years is likely to bring as radical change and technology merge to transform our world as we know it.

www.postermywall.com

Rep. Lauren Boebert

@RepBoebert

I apologize to anyone in the Muslim community I offended with my comment about Rep. Omar. I have reached out to her office to speak with her directly. There are plenty of policy differences to focus on without this unnecessary distraction.

9:46 AM · Nov 26, 2021·Twitter for iPhone

Honesty, Respect and Collaboration in Politics (What?) Its the Holidays! 🎄 🎅

Twisted "Grinch" Tree of Wisdom

When we read through the news we seem to run into the sensationalism, hyper politics and a laser focus on conflict. At times we come across what appears to be a "feel good" article that is easily discarded as news rubbish. Religion, civil behavior, and reflection are about thinking before acting and learning to treat each other in a way that leads to "togetherness". Everything else lacks time honored wisdom and leads to conflict in its subtle or overt form.

Its hard do sort of get it through people's head that the best way to lead is not always to be louder and demand that either "you are with us or against us" mentality that seems to pander to the radicals on both sides of the isle. Sometimes its about leading people to new conclusions through new knowledge...and a reflection on old knowledge.

Long-term solutions almost never come from galvanizing sides and hyping up distorted beliefs to get one's way. (I have seen that false rhetoric play out through radicalization and spreading of rumors that still create risks for my family and I years after the people intentionally spread them. Laws are sort of thrown out the window when convenient!👿 No embarrassment, no apology, no accountability. Shifting of Risk). We have seen that on a national scale when people busted down the doors of our capital, attacked our officers, and nearly set the nation ablaze. Others are damaging property and getting violent in protest while others are bringing their "guns" to create "peace". (It happens in the context of hyper politics so both sides own some of the blame. I understand that some think its "good fun" and "tail gaiting"!😮)

There are still people in the news today talking about civil war and not embarrassed to say it publicly (Democrats and Republicans). There are people out there trying to "set each other up" with no accountability and even worse social approvals. Language and behavior has consequences, that lead to more consequences, that lead to different kinds of end results. Of which most are unlikely to be helpful or fruitful in the end. So its helpful to change the narrative and the rhetoric to a more positive future. 

Its the holidays and I think we should step back and take a look at where we are and whether or not there truly is going to be a positive outcome to the rhetoric or whether we are sort of stooges in someone else's (in this case some of our politicians) obsession to feel "validated" (Not party specific). 

Anyway....contrary to the normal headlines....there is an opinion article that has a positive message in the Gainesville Sun by Michael Raburn entitled 'Honesty, respect, collaboration and joy should be core values in our politics' that is worth reading. Some might think of it as "feel good" and others think of it as time honored truth. Your personality will likely determine how you interpret it. Just think about the kind of nation you want, how you want your family treated, and what strategically makes sense.

I wonder if our news outlets took a minute to think about subtly promote positive thinking while still being accurate if it would have an impact on our political environment? It sounds stupid but its sort of a social psychology thing. A study entitled 'Plain Texts as an Online Mood-Induction Procedure' seems to believe that what we read  and the language in which we read it does impact our mood.

I know, I know, being thoughtful and saying the truth doesn't win political games! The problem is The United States and our future isn't a game (nor our lives)! Its serious business with serious consequences not only for us but also for the direction of humanity (We are supposed to be a nation of higher order thinking and values.). Where one person wins, everyone else seems to lose. Just a thought. 🤔 Happy Holidays! (Sorry playing with Gifs)

 

31 Quotes To Celebrate Teamwork and Collaboration from HubSpot

The Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program. Can it help communities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?

Upper Peninsula homes and business don't always have the best connection. Beyond being isolated by geography they are also sometimes disconnected by lack of Internet. As someone who does a lot of work in the virtual world I can say that slow Internet causes problems and that includes being kicked out of Zoom meetings, slow download/upload, and lots of other issues. I have the fastest Internet service in the area and still there are times when I get kicked off!

For small towns around the U.P. they may want to consider the benefits of the Rural Development Broadband Reconnect Program by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that has a $1.15 billion loan and grant opportunities for communities just like ours. 

"The Broadband ReConnect Program furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. The application window for the third round of funding is now open. Follow one of the links below to learn more about the program." (USDA, 2021, para 1.) 

You can learn more about that on the USDA website click below.....

St. Ignace Click Here jpeg. 
Linked to USDA site.