Microsoft reward snags suspected Sasser author
http://news.com.com/2100-7349_3-5208762.html?tag=nefd.top
"Aware of this program, individuals in Germany approached Microsoft investigators," Smith said. "We did not hesitate and made a decision to offer a reward of $250,000."
Smith wouldn't say how many people came forward, except to indicate it was fewer than five. Moreover, while he would not comment on whether a relationship existed between the Sasser suspect and the informants, he did say that they both live in the same part of Germany.
"These were individuals who were aware of who the perpetrator was; they did not stumble upon this because of technical analysis," Smith said.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As with most crimes "broken" by police, the facts are actually a "tad" different than what is initially reported.
Though, I do not care for virus or worm writers who release such things into the wild to cause havoc or destruction, I post this as proof of the statement above- TRUST NO ONE.
--wp
10 May, 2004
07 May, 2004
Patsy McVeigh
by Mr. Sharkey, professional paranoid.
When NPR's "All Things Considered" does a story on the others involved in the OKC bombing, the conspiracy theory has come out the dark of such publications as “Solider of Fortune� in to the Saabs of Marin at drive time.
James Pate years ago showed links in his articles in SOF between McVeigh and the Aryan Republican Army (ARA) but it was dismissed as right wing paranoia.
Now NPR does a story on it and brings more pieces to the table.
Go listen to the link and ask just why such a rush to convict and execute? Who knew what and when? Why does the FBI laboratory keep losing evidence? Why won't the FBI check the fingerprints, found in McVeigh's motel the night before the bombing with those of know ARA members?
“Attorneys representing Terry Nichols in a state trial that could result in his execution present evidence suggesting Timothy McVeigh had other accomplices in the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City -- the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.� Hear the whole story at this NPR link.
"Hey, kemosabe! Long time no see. Hey sport. You connect the dots. You pick up the pieces."
When NPR's "All Things Considered" does a story on the others involved in the OKC bombing, the conspiracy theory has come out the dark of such publications as “Solider of Fortune� in to the Saabs of Marin at drive time.
James Pate years ago showed links in his articles in SOF between McVeigh and the Aryan Republican Army (ARA) but it was dismissed as right wing paranoia.
Now NPR does a story on it and brings more pieces to the table.
Go listen to the link and ask just why such a rush to convict and execute? Who knew what and when? Why does the FBI laboratory keep losing evidence? Why won't the FBI check the fingerprints, found in McVeigh's motel the night before the bombing with those of know ARA members?
“Attorneys representing Terry Nichols in a state trial that could result in his execution present evidence suggesting Timothy McVeigh had other accomplices in the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City -- the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.� Hear the whole story at this NPR link.
"Hey, kemosabe! Long time no see. Hey sport. You connect the dots. You pick up the pieces."
TINY TIPPERR II
http://www.nypost.com/gossip/pagesix_u.htm
(May 7th, 2004)
GOV. PATAKI'S 30G FLORIDA PAYDAY
"GOV. Pataki is proving that it really does pay to have friends in high places. Pataki will receive $30,000 tomorrow when he delivers the commencement address at little-known Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. Post State Editor Fredric U. Dicker reports that the speech was arranged by Anthony Casale, vice president and executive assistant to Lynn University president Donald Ross. Casale just happens to be a close Pataki political ally whom the governor once appointed as head of the New York State Liquor Authority. The two also served together as Republican colleagues in the state Assembly. Pataki, whose campaign once fiercely criticized former Gov. Mario Cuomo for accepting paid speaking engagements, has delivered very few commencement addresses at colleges in New York state since taking office in 1995, and when the governor does speak in New York, he doesn't charge. A spokesman from Pataki's office confirmed the Florida speaking engagement and the fee."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And to think, he could only afford a $1.00 tip on a $17.00 bill, just the other day (See May 4th posting TINY TIPPER).
--WP
(May 7th, 2004)
GOV. PATAKI'S 30G FLORIDA PAYDAY
"GOV. Pataki is proving that it really does pay to have friends in high places. Pataki will receive $30,000 tomorrow when he delivers the commencement address at little-known Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla. Post State Editor Fredric U. Dicker reports that the speech was arranged by Anthony Casale, vice president and executive assistant to Lynn University president Donald Ross. Casale just happens to be a close Pataki political ally whom the governor once appointed as head of the New York State Liquor Authority. The two also served together as Republican colleagues in the state Assembly. Pataki, whose campaign once fiercely criticized former Gov. Mario Cuomo for accepting paid speaking engagements, has delivered very few commencement addresses at colleges in New York state since taking office in 1995, and when the governor does speak in New York, he doesn't charge. A spokesman from Pataki's office confirmed the Florida speaking engagement and the fee."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And to think, he could only afford a $1.00 tip on a $17.00 bill, just the other day (See May 4th posting TINY TIPPER).
--WP
Hysteria at work?
What's the latest take on Washington, D.C., by Travel & Leisure magazine?
http://www.washtimes.com/national/inbeltway.htm (May7th, 2004)
"Surely this was not what Pierre Charles L'Enfant intended when the Frenchman proclaimed that he would create an American capital 'worthy of a great republic.' "
Yes, the magazine rightly points out, increased security is necessary.
But is the federal government taking too many precautions and turning the nation's capital into a city "under siege?"
Judy Scott Feldman, an art historian and president of the National Coalition to Save our Mall, is quoted as saying that row after row of concrete barriers around the city "reflect fear, not the optimism inherent in a democracy."
"The Secret Service and the [National] Park Service think in terms of the worst-case scenario," she says. "Our capital was designed as a symbol of democratic government and the openness of our society. The security measures have a symbolism that becomes oppressive."
Travel & Leisure contributing editor Michael Z. Wise recalled that Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York warned: "The task is to keep our nerve in the face of obvious, but scarcely overwhelming threat. We begin to look as if we are afraid, and we ought not."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Judy Scott Feldman has it right about the barriers reflecting fear, but she also does not seem to understand what our Founding Fathers created- a Republic.
Maybe that is why she considers calling WWII Memorial design, fascist. Stating that saying so "is not a moral judgment," but in fact, "it is an historical observation."
Getting back to the barriers though, I seem to recall, that most of those concrete barriers were put up due to a fear of this nations citizens.
Ah well, what is the old "canard"? "Fear the government that fears its people."
--WP
http://www.washtimes.com/national/inbeltway.htm (May7th, 2004)
"Surely this was not what Pierre Charles L'Enfant intended when the Frenchman proclaimed that he would create an American capital 'worthy of a great republic.' "
Yes, the magazine rightly points out, increased security is necessary.
But is the federal government taking too many precautions and turning the nation's capital into a city "under siege?"
Judy Scott Feldman, an art historian and president of the National Coalition to Save our Mall, is quoted as saying that row after row of concrete barriers around the city "reflect fear, not the optimism inherent in a democracy."
"The Secret Service and the [National] Park Service think in terms of the worst-case scenario," she says. "Our capital was designed as a symbol of democratic government and the openness of our society. The security measures have a symbolism that becomes oppressive."
Travel & Leisure contributing editor Michael Z. Wise recalled that Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York warned: "The task is to keep our nerve in the face of obvious, but scarcely overwhelming threat. We begin to look as if we are afraid, and we ought not."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Judy Scott Feldman has it right about the barriers reflecting fear, but she also does not seem to understand what our Founding Fathers created- a Republic.
Maybe that is why she considers calling WWII Memorial design, fascist. Stating that saying so "is not a moral judgment," but in fact, "it is an historical observation."
Getting back to the barriers though, I seem to recall, that most of those concrete barriers were put up due to a fear of this nations citizens.
Ah well, what is the old "canard"? "Fear the government that fears its people."
--WP
05 May, 2004
IN HONOR OF MRS. SHARKEY
Tomorrow in Texas history, Mrs. Sharkey won't let me forget her 2nd Great Grandfather was the Lt. Colonel for the Texas 4th that day.
Tomorrow, May 6, 2004 is the 140th anniversary of the supreme sacrifice that the Texas Brigade made in the Wilderness of Virginia.
The Army of Northern Virginia(ANV) was on the verge of being split in two by the massive attack of Hancock's and Burnside's corps along the Orange Plank Road employing 5 divisions against A. P. Hill's defense line of 2 divisions. Relentlessly the Federals pushed their way almost unopposed up the Orange Plank Road until they approached the Widow Tapp's farm - the only cleared area in the vicinity. General Lee and his staff watched nervously as A.P. Hill's Corp was disintegrating by the massive Federal assault. The situation for the ANV was critical. General Lee sent General Wilcox to hurry General Longstreet and the 1st Corps forward.
The Texas Brigade - 800 Texans and Arkansans -- in the front of Longstreet's Corps advanced at the double-quick with tattered battle flags flying and surged down the Orange Plank Road ready for action. A scene of utter confusion met their eyes as they approached the rear of A.P. Hill's fast disappearing battle line.
As General Gregg - C.O. of the Texas Brigade - was forming the Brigade in line from column-of-fours, General Lee approached General Gregg and inquired of him what troops was he commanding. "The Texas Brigade," Gregg proudly answered. " I am glad to see it!" replied Lee, adding, "When you go in there, I wish you to give those men the cold steel. They will stand and fire all day, and never move unless you charge them." Saluting General Lee, Gregg took his leave, rode to the center of the Texas Brigade and shouted: "Attention, Texas Brigade! The eyes... of General Lee... are upon you! Forward...march."
One of the most famous and dramatic incidents of the war occurred at this moment - the famous "Lee to the rear" episode. Lee removed his gray felt hat and lifting himself in the stirrups was heard to say by those soldiers nearest him, "Texans always move them!" General Lee greatly affected by the response to his words, moved through the opening in the Texas Brigade and attempted to lead the Texans as they started their advance. As General Lee urged Traveller on, several of the soldiers nearest him sprang to the front and surrounding Traveller , grabbed at the reins in an effort to stay General Lee's forward course. Words to the effect of "General Lee to the rear," "We won't move until you go back," Go back General Lee, go back," were heard.
As General Gregg advanced across the clearing of the Widow Tapp's farm, his regiments were aligned in what had become their usual battle order - the 3rd Arkansas on the left and the 1st, 4th, and 5th Texas posted in that order on the Arkansans' right.
And so the Texas Brigade crashed into the Federal infantry and thus saved the ANV from probable destruction that day - but the cost was staggering - of 800 Texas Brigade men less than half stood standing and more would die later - and the Texas Brigade after that day for all practical purposes ceased to be an effective military combat force due to their meager numbers - less than 10% of the number in the Old Brigade just three years earlier.
YES - this day was Texas' Finest Hour.
Long Remember.
The above extracted from Hood's Texas Brigade: Lee's Grenadier Guard by H.B. Simpson, 1970.
Tomorrow, May 6, 2004 is the 140th anniversary of the supreme sacrifice that the Texas Brigade made in the Wilderness of Virginia.
The Army of Northern Virginia(ANV) was on the verge of being split in two by the massive attack of Hancock's and Burnside's corps along the Orange Plank Road employing 5 divisions against A. P. Hill's defense line of 2 divisions. Relentlessly the Federals pushed their way almost unopposed up the Orange Plank Road until they approached the Widow Tapp's farm - the only cleared area in the vicinity. General Lee and his staff watched nervously as A.P. Hill's Corp was disintegrating by the massive Federal assault. The situation for the ANV was critical. General Lee sent General Wilcox to hurry General Longstreet and the 1st Corps forward.
The Texas Brigade - 800 Texans and Arkansans -- in the front of Longstreet's Corps advanced at the double-quick with tattered battle flags flying and surged down the Orange Plank Road ready for action. A scene of utter confusion met their eyes as they approached the rear of A.P. Hill's fast disappearing battle line.
As General Gregg - C.O. of the Texas Brigade - was forming the Brigade in line from column-of-fours, General Lee approached General Gregg and inquired of him what troops was he commanding. "The Texas Brigade," Gregg proudly answered. " I am glad to see it!" replied Lee, adding, "When you go in there, I wish you to give those men the cold steel. They will stand and fire all day, and never move unless you charge them." Saluting General Lee, Gregg took his leave, rode to the center of the Texas Brigade and shouted: "Attention, Texas Brigade! The eyes... of General Lee... are upon you! Forward...march."
One of the most famous and dramatic incidents of the war occurred at this moment - the famous "Lee to the rear" episode. Lee removed his gray felt hat and lifting himself in the stirrups was heard to say by those soldiers nearest him, "Texans always move them!" General Lee greatly affected by the response to his words, moved through the opening in the Texas Brigade and attempted to lead the Texans as they started their advance. As General Lee urged Traveller on, several of the soldiers nearest him sprang to the front and surrounding Traveller , grabbed at the reins in an effort to stay General Lee's forward course. Words to the effect of "General Lee to the rear," "We won't move until you go back," Go back General Lee, go back," were heard.
As General Gregg advanced across the clearing of the Widow Tapp's farm, his regiments were aligned in what had become their usual battle order - the 3rd Arkansas on the left and the 1st, 4th, and 5th Texas posted in that order on the Arkansans' right.
And so the Texas Brigade crashed into the Federal infantry and thus saved the ANV from probable destruction that day - but the cost was staggering - of 800 Texas Brigade men less than half stood standing and more would die later - and the Texas Brigade after that day for all practical purposes ceased to be an effective military combat force due to their meager numbers - less than 10% of the number in the Old Brigade just three years earlier.
YES - this day was Texas' Finest Hour.
Long Remember.
The above extracted from Hood's Texas Brigade: Lee's Grenadier Guard by H.B. Simpson, 1970.
My NO SEAT-BELT Ticket
At the request of several folks who know me, I was asked to post the story of a ticket I received, just before Thanksgiving last year, four blocks from my home.
Here it is...
PART I
Last November, I received a ticket for no seat belt from a DPS trooper. The trooper did a U-Turn and was in back of another car that was immediately behind me and did not stop me until I turned north on my street. The trooper, LG treated it as a Felony Stop. He told me to exit the vehicle and come to the back and then screamed at me when I exited my P/U about the knife in my back left pocket. When I told him it was a knife, he screamed at me to leave it in the truck (left index finger pointing at me while right hand had his pistol partially drawn. I did so and then as I turned, he went spastic about the Surefire: "Is that a knife!?!" Which he repeated two more times, until he noticed the Leatherman in the sheath to the right of my belt buckle, and then repeated that questions three times for it. I pulled the Surefire out and with it pointing down pressed it's button to show him what it was and explaining that it was a flashlight while doing so. He then screamed at me to leave it in the truck to, and "that one too!" I complied.
I then walked to the back of the P/U and handed him both the DL and CHL, which was on top. He handed my CHL back to me immediately and told me to wait close to the sidewalk. I did. After about three minutes, he pulled his spastic routine again and asked me if I had my weapon on me, and I told him, quite bluntly that yes, and that is the only reason I handed him my CHL. He then asked me, again in that same spastic manner, where my weapon was. I asked him which one and that flustered him even more. He then asked where my guns were, with the felony stop stance, and I told him strong and weak sides as I only had the brace of .45's on me at the time. "Put them in the truck, put them in the truck!" (At least that time, he only told me twice). I complied once more.
Now, the thing is, I had a Spyderco Endura in my right rear pocket and the outline was plain to see but he never said one word about it nor did he ask me if I had any other weapons on me and he watched me walk to the drivers side and back.
The rest of it went, as you would think, stupid questions and the eyeballing. After he ticketed me for no insurance (I did not have my card with me but just had renewed it the previous day on the internet with my Insurance Company as I do every month) and no seat belt, I told him that was the first time I had been treated in such a fashion and I asked him why did so and why he disarmed me as no DPS or cop ever had. He told me for safety, and I then had to ask him three times: "Whose?"
"Mine!"
He then got in his P/U and waited until I got in mine and buckled up and drove away. He followed me to my house four blocks North.
PART II
Last December, I had to go the local Judge's office for the ticket and she was late forty minutes. While waiting, those of us waiting started talking about our tickets and I found out two women had received the same treatment and was really surprised about it. I did not ask the women for the trooper's name. When it was my turn to see the judge, T., I told her what happened and she asked me about Surefire and Leatherman. I showed her both and she was O.K. with them and then she told me to fight it, that it was my right to fight it and this type of treatment had to stop. I figured I had a good shot, so I said I would fight it. She told me that they would mail me my court date and she would see me then.
PART III
I had my court date in late March at 13:30. I arrived at 12:50 and parked in front of her offices in the middle of the road parking zone as the two parking spots directly in front of her offices were marked for her and Police Only. Her offices are supposed to open at 13:00 but did not until 13:10. Folks had already lined up and actually left so I when I got in and signed up, was the third one on the sheet. She arrived at 13:40 with her granddaughter who obviously had gone through chemo as she had no hair and a bloated face. The girl then ran right away to one of the office computers and started playing on it as the judged rushed into her court. There were now fifteen of us (I counted) in a 12x12 room with barely any A/C. The trooper arrived a bit after two (I checked my phone again to be sure) and more folks had arrived. By this time, I tired of waiting, so I went to the desk and before I could ask, another man asked if those with lawyers were going first, and the girls there said yes, those with lawyers went first and I then asked: "Why? Wasn't my time just as valuable?" A young man then said" That's the way it works..." I quickly responded that: "No., our justice system is not supposed to work that way!" and everyone went quiet.
I sat back down and waited until 15:15 to see the judge and as soon as I walked in she told me sit down which I did and trooper G. jumped right up and said: "Judge, I want to make sure Mr. WP does not have his weapons on him." I told him that I knew the CHL laws and that my weapons were secured in my P/U. He then responded with: "What about your knife!?!" I said yes, I had my pocketknife and stood up to show it to the judge and she said that a knife is a weapon and could not be in her courtroom and told me to take it my P/U. I stared to go and trooper G. then asked: "What about those?" referring to my Surefire and Leatherman and I again showed them to the judge and reminded her that she was O.K. with them when I was in her court in December. She told me to take the knife to my P/U. I hurriedly headed out to my P/U and dropped off both the Cold Steel and the Spyderco. On my return, another trooper who wanted to know what the Surefire and LeatherMan were and had a second trooper flanking me from the left stopped me in the middle of the street. The trooper who asked me about the Surefire and Leatherman told me to put them in the truck and then asked me to empty my pockets and told me to also leave my 2" SAXET Swiss-Army knock off and the Buck Knife 1½" multi tool as well. The trooper did not ask me to take my vest off so I said nothing about the two spare mags in the SOB mag pouch and left them alone and returned to her courtroom and sat down.
The first thing out of trooper G.'s mouth, as I was sitting down again, was: "Judge, I want it on record that Mr. WP came into court with a weapon!" I said yes, a pocketknife and as soon as I understood that it was a mistake, I did as the judge told me. My tone was not friendly, but sarcastic.
The judge then had the ADA ask her questions of trooper G. and that is when I found out that he has been with DPS for nine-years. The ADA asked boilerplate questions of him and about my stop. He stated that he saw me without my seat belt but when he pulled me over I did have it on. The judge asked me if I had any questions and said of course. I then asked the trooper about his stop of me and also about his actions. I then asked if he was so observant why did he immediately hand me back my CHL particularly after his actions regarding my knife and why did it take him three minutes to then tell me to put my guns in the truck.
The judge asked me if I was questioning the ticket or his actions and I told her both. The judge then asked me how I knew it was three minutes as she had been in here since one o-clock and she could not tell three minutes. Before I could tell her she had only been in the office since 13:40, she then told me "the trooper saved your life."
My immediate response was to tell her that: "Judge, that is PURE speculation on your part."
She then told me that these laws were to protect us and that if anything had happened to me, his superiors would have been on his back about not writing Mr. WP a ticket. I told her that I have a seat belt and an air bag and if that did not save me then nothing would. She ignored me and told me again he saved my life because even if I was wearing it and had an air bag, there were crazies on the road who could hit me. Trooper G.'s chest visibly swelled. He then told the story of a "veteran" trooper who had been shot last year by a seventy year old man over a seat belt stop. (Anyone remember this- I do. The trooper's name was Randall Vetter, the man who shot him was Melvin Hale, and IIRC, there was a bit more to the story than trooper G.'s recollection).
I again told her that was speculation and that and as of late, it was fashionable to call police and firemen "FIRST RESPONDERS," and trooper G.'s chest swelled even more. I then told the court that that was a lie. If I am a victim of crime, I am the first to respond to it and that I take my safety quite seriously and responsibly; that I have family, and that was one of the reasons I have my CHL. Further, I put on average on my P/U 25K miles per year and that I knew the road and the rules of the road.
I then went on to say that trooper G. also appeared angry the day he gave me my ticket and acted as if he did not want to be there, which he immediately said no and the judge interrupted him to tell me that he did his job because he cared about the people and just wanted to see them safe.
She then immediately told me that everyone was telling her the same story today and that it was always the troopers were wrong and that she was finding me guilty and to take my folder to the front desk.
I knew I had lost so I got up, took the folder and then thanked the judge for telling me to fight the ticket and she burst from her chair, and so did trooper G., and told me: "You eat your words! You eat your words!"
I looked at her and figured she was ready to throw me in jail and said: "All right judge I apologize." She then ranted while leaning far over her desk: "No! You eat your words! You eat your words! I told you it was your right to fight it!"
I stopped and pointed at her with my left index finger and said: "Judge, I told you I apologize!"
She then sat down and as I walked out of her courtroom and she commanded me to be careful with her door, as it was broke. A girl ran up and told me it was O.K. and she closed the door. As soon as I turned around, I was asked if I got what I wanted, from someone in the waiting room, and said quite loudly: "HELL NO! I got no satisfaction" and then went to pay the fine and was told that they only accepted Money Orders. I pointed out that Federal Reserve Notes were good for all debts Public and Private and was rebuffed and again told only Money Orders. "Why don't you go get one and come right back?" I told her NO, that I had other things to do and asked about the next day and was told that it was O.K. I told the girl to write down on paper what my fine was, took the Post-It Note and left.
Three people followed me out to ask me what happened because they said they were real curious to know why I "stormed out" and the DPS Troopers followed me (when I took my knives to the truck). I said I did not storm out, but walked very quickly out. They then wanted to know about the shouting and my ticket and I told them what happened. Yes, I was pissed, but more at the judge's outburst then the guilty finding.
--WP
Here it is...
PART I
Last November, I received a ticket for no seat belt from a DPS trooper. The trooper did a U-Turn and was in back of another car that was immediately behind me and did not stop me until I turned north on my street. The trooper, LG treated it as a Felony Stop. He told me to exit the vehicle and come to the back and then screamed at me when I exited my P/U about the knife in my back left pocket. When I told him it was a knife, he screamed at me to leave it in the truck (left index finger pointing at me while right hand had his pistol partially drawn. I did so and then as I turned, he went spastic about the Surefire: "Is that a knife!?!" Which he repeated two more times, until he noticed the Leatherman in the sheath to the right of my belt buckle, and then repeated that questions three times for it. I pulled the Surefire out and with it pointing down pressed it's button to show him what it was and explaining that it was a flashlight while doing so. He then screamed at me to leave it in the truck to, and "that one too!" I complied.
I then walked to the back of the P/U and handed him both the DL and CHL, which was on top. He handed my CHL back to me immediately and told me to wait close to the sidewalk. I did. After about three minutes, he pulled his spastic routine again and asked me if I had my weapon on me, and I told him, quite bluntly that yes, and that is the only reason I handed him my CHL. He then asked me, again in that same spastic manner, where my weapon was. I asked him which one and that flustered him even more. He then asked where my guns were, with the felony stop stance, and I told him strong and weak sides as I only had the brace of .45's on me at the time. "Put them in the truck, put them in the truck!" (At least that time, he only told me twice). I complied once more.
Now, the thing is, I had a Spyderco Endura in my right rear pocket and the outline was plain to see but he never said one word about it nor did he ask me if I had any other weapons on me and he watched me walk to the drivers side and back.
The rest of it went, as you would think, stupid questions and the eyeballing. After he ticketed me for no insurance (I did not have my card with me but just had renewed it the previous day on the internet with my Insurance Company as I do every month) and no seat belt, I told him that was the first time I had been treated in such a fashion and I asked him why did so and why he disarmed me as no DPS or cop ever had. He told me for safety, and I then had to ask him three times: "Whose?"
"Mine!"
He then got in his P/U and waited until I got in mine and buckled up and drove away. He followed me to my house four blocks North.
PART II
Last December, I had to go the local Judge's office for the ticket and she was late forty minutes. While waiting, those of us waiting started talking about our tickets and I found out two women had received the same treatment and was really surprised about it. I did not ask the women for the trooper's name. When it was my turn to see the judge, T., I told her what happened and she asked me about Surefire and Leatherman. I showed her both and she was O.K. with them and then she told me to fight it, that it was my right to fight it and this type of treatment had to stop. I figured I had a good shot, so I said I would fight it. She told me that they would mail me my court date and she would see me then.
PART III
I had my court date in late March at 13:30. I arrived at 12:50 and parked in front of her offices in the middle of the road parking zone as the two parking spots directly in front of her offices were marked for her and Police Only. Her offices are supposed to open at 13:00 but did not until 13:10. Folks had already lined up and actually left so I when I got in and signed up, was the third one on the sheet. She arrived at 13:40 with her granddaughter who obviously had gone through chemo as she had no hair and a bloated face. The girl then ran right away to one of the office computers and started playing on it as the judged rushed into her court. There were now fifteen of us (I counted) in a 12x12 room with barely any A/C. The trooper arrived a bit after two (I checked my phone again to be sure) and more folks had arrived. By this time, I tired of waiting, so I went to the desk and before I could ask, another man asked if those with lawyers were going first, and the girls there said yes, those with lawyers went first and I then asked: "Why? Wasn't my time just as valuable?" A young man then said" That's the way it works..." I quickly responded that: "No., our justice system is not supposed to work that way!" and everyone went quiet.
I sat back down and waited until 15:15 to see the judge and as soon as I walked in she told me sit down which I did and trooper G. jumped right up and said: "Judge, I want to make sure Mr. WP does not have his weapons on him." I told him that I knew the CHL laws and that my weapons were secured in my P/U. He then responded with: "What about your knife!?!" I said yes, I had my pocketknife and stood up to show it to the judge and she said that a knife is a weapon and could not be in her courtroom and told me to take it my P/U. I stared to go and trooper G. then asked: "What about those?" referring to my Surefire and Leatherman and I again showed them to the judge and reminded her that she was O.K. with them when I was in her court in December. She told me to take the knife to my P/U. I hurriedly headed out to my P/U and dropped off both the Cold Steel and the Spyderco. On my return, another trooper who wanted to know what the Surefire and LeatherMan were and had a second trooper flanking me from the left stopped me in the middle of the street. The trooper who asked me about the Surefire and Leatherman told me to put them in the truck and then asked me to empty my pockets and told me to also leave my 2" SAXET Swiss-Army knock off and the Buck Knife 1½" multi tool as well. The trooper did not ask me to take my vest off so I said nothing about the two spare mags in the SOB mag pouch and left them alone and returned to her courtroom and sat down.
The first thing out of trooper G.'s mouth, as I was sitting down again, was: "Judge, I want it on record that Mr. WP came into court with a weapon!" I said yes, a pocketknife and as soon as I understood that it was a mistake, I did as the judge told me. My tone was not friendly, but sarcastic.
The judge then had the ADA ask her questions of trooper G. and that is when I found out that he has been with DPS for nine-years. The ADA asked boilerplate questions of him and about my stop. He stated that he saw me without my seat belt but when he pulled me over I did have it on. The judge asked me if I had any questions and said of course. I then asked the trooper about his stop of me and also about his actions. I then asked if he was so observant why did he immediately hand me back my CHL particularly after his actions regarding my knife and why did it take him three minutes to then tell me to put my guns in the truck.
The judge asked me if I was questioning the ticket or his actions and I told her both. The judge then asked me how I knew it was three minutes as she had been in here since one o-clock and she could not tell three minutes. Before I could tell her she had only been in the office since 13:40, she then told me "the trooper saved your life."
My immediate response was to tell her that: "Judge, that is PURE speculation on your part."
She then told me that these laws were to protect us and that if anything had happened to me, his superiors would have been on his back about not writing Mr. WP a ticket. I told her that I have a seat belt and an air bag and if that did not save me then nothing would. She ignored me and told me again he saved my life because even if I was wearing it and had an air bag, there were crazies on the road who could hit me. Trooper G.'s chest visibly swelled. He then told the story of a "veteran" trooper who had been shot last year by a seventy year old man over a seat belt stop. (Anyone remember this- I do. The trooper's name was Randall Vetter, the man who shot him was Melvin Hale, and IIRC, there was a bit more to the story than trooper G.'s recollection).
I again told her that was speculation and that and as of late, it was fashionable to call police and firemen "FIRST RESPONDERS," and trooper G.'s chest swelled even more. I then told the court that that was a lie. If I am a victim of crime, I am the first to respond to it and that I take my safety quite seriously and responsibly; that I have family, and that was one of the reasons I have my CHL. Further, I put on average on my P/U 25K miles per year and that I knew the road and the rules of the road.
I then went on to say that trooper G. also appeared angry the day he gave me my ticket and acted as if he did not want to be there, which he immediately said no and the judge interrupted him to tell me that he did his job because he cared about the people and just wanted to see them safe.
She then immediately told me that everyone was telling her the same story today and that it was always the troopers were wrong and that she was finding me guilty and to take my folder to the front desk.
I knew I had lost so I got up, took the folder and then thanked the judge for telling me to fight the ticket and she burst from her chair, and so did trooper G., and told me: "You eat your words! You eat your words!"
I looked at her and figured she was ready to throw me in jail and said: "All right judge I apologize." She then ranted while leaning far over her desk: "No! You eat your words! You eat your words! I told you it was your right to fight it!"
I stopped and pointed at her with my left index finger and said: "Judge, I told you I apologize!"
She then sat down and as I walked out of her courtroom and she commanded me to be careful with her door, as it was broke. A girl ran up and told me it was O.K. and she closed the door. As soon as I turned around, I was asked if I got what I wanted, from someone in the waiting room, and said quite loudly: "HELL NO! I got no satisfaction" and then went to pay the fine and was told that they only accepted Money Orders. I pointed out that Federal Reserve Notes were good for all debts Public and Private and was rebuffed and again told only Money Orders. "Why don't you go get one and come right back?" I told her NO, that I had other things to do and asked about the next day and was told that it was O.K. I told the girl to write down on paper what my fine was, took the Post-It Note and left.
Three people followed me out to ask me what happened because they said they were real curious to know why I "stormed out" and the DPS Troopers followed me (when I took my knives to the truck). I said I did not storm out, but walked very quickly out. They then wanted to know about the shouting and my ticket and I told them what happened. Yes, I was pissed, but more at the judge's outburst then the guilty finding.
--WP
The Handwriting Is On The Wall
http://www.dailyreckoning.com/body_headline.cfm?id=3896
The Mogambo Guru
"St Petersburg, Florida - Tom Webber, a reader of the MoGu who foolishly thinks that by sending me things to read that I will maybe get an education and hopefully smarten up one of these days, sent an interesting but somewhat lengthy article entitled "Fractional Reserve Banking As Economic Parasitism (PDF LINK)," by a guy named Vladimir Z. Nuri.
The thrust is that the science of physics applies directly to economics, as in "applying statistical and computational modeling techniques to come up with...theories of money flow in...large economies," and there is now an emerging body of research actually doing this, and he calls it "econophysics."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The investment of your time, to read the Mogambo Guru’s article (as well as his archives), the sixty-two pages in the PDF, and browsing Mr. Nuri’s posts, are well spent.
--WP
The Mogambo Guru
"St Petersburg, Florida - Tom Webber, a reader of the MoGu who foolishly thinks that by sending me things to read that I will maybe get an education and hopefully smarten up one of these days, sent an interesting but somewhat lengthy article entitled "Fractional Reserve Banking As Economic Parasitism (PDF LINK)," by a guy named Vladimir Z. Nuri.
The thrust is that the science of physics applies directly to economics, as in "applying statistical and computational modeling techniques to come up with...theories of money flow in...large economies," and there is now an emerging body of research actually doing this, and he calls it "econophysics."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The investment of your time, to read the Mogambo Guru’s article (as well as his archives), the sixty-two pages in the PDF, and browsing Mr. Nuri’s posts, are well spent.
--WP
TINY TIPPER
Found, May 4th, 2004
http://www.nypost.com/gossip/pagesix_u.htm
"GOV. Pataki proved he's a fiscal conservative after all the other night - at least when it comes to tipping bartenders. Our spy reports that Pataki and his wife, Libby, bought a cocktail and a soda during intermission of "The Valkyrie" at the Met Opera. Pataki paid his $17 tab with a $20 bill. "He thought about it for a while, then left a $1 tip and pocketed the other two bucks," sniffs our source, who happens to be a bartender himself. "You'd think that the governor, of all people, would leave a better tip than that."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, but it was his two dollars!
--WP
http://www.nypost.com/gossip/pagesix_u.htm
"GOV. Pataki proved he's a fiscal conservative after all the other night - at least when it comes to tipping bartenders. Our spy reports that Pataki and his wife, Libby, bought a cocktail and a soda during intermission of "The Valkyrie" at the Met Opera. Pataki paid his $17 tab with a $20 bill. "He thought about it for a while, then left a $1 tip and pocketed the other two bucks," sniffs our source, who happens to be a bartender himself. "You'd think that the governor, of all people, would leave a better tip than that."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, but it was his two dollars!
--WP
U.S. Reveals Iraqi Prisoner Deaths as Scandal Grows
U.S. Reveals Iraqi Prisoner Deaths as Scandal Grows
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=564&ncid=716&e=11&u=/nm/20040505/ts_nm/iraq_abuse_usa_dc
By Alan Elsner
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Iraqi prisoners were murdered by Americans and 23 other deaths are being investigated in Iraq (news - web sites) and Afghanistan (news - web sites), the United States revealed on Tuesday as the Bush administration tried to contain growing outrage over the abuse of Iraqi detainees."
"The prisoner abuse is so disgusting, so degrading, that I think humanity has been hurt broadly," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican. He said it could undercut U.S. efforts to bring democracy to Iraq."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am sure that quite a few folks are thinking that the CIA is out of control, but I do not think so, at least no more than usual- particularly since 9/11.
I am sure they are under orders, and several of those type of operatives decided to be very diligent in their efforts and then maybe several dozen murders, but why be surprised?
I have this to ask Senator Frist: Do you, or anyone else, remember Ruby Ridge, Waco, and several others...
--WP
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=564&ncid=716&e=11&u=/nm/20040505/ts_nm/iraq_abuse_usa_dc
By Alan Elsner
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Iraqi prisoners were murdered by Americans and 23 other deaths are being investigated in Iraq (news - web sites) and Afghanistan (news - web sites), the United States revealed on Tuesday as the Bush administration tried to contain growing outrage over the abuse of Iraqi detainees."
"The prisoner abuse is so disgusting, so degrading, that I think humanity has been hurt broadly," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican. He said it could undercut U.S. efforts to bring democracy to Iraq."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I am sure that quite a few folks are thinking that the CIA is out of control, but I do not think so, at least no more than usual- particularly since 9/11.
I am sure they are under orders, and several of those type of operatives decided to be very diligent in their efforts and then maybe several dozen murders, but why be surprised?
I have this to ask Senator Frist: Do you, or anyone else, remember Ruby Ridge, Waco, and several others...
--WP
04 May, 2004
"For the power to create money is a heady and profitable privilege indeed."
Inflationary Fiat Paper
http://mises.org/fullstory.asp?control=1503
"For nearly a half-century the United States and the rest of the world have experienced an unprecedented continuous and severe inflation. It has dawned on an increasing number of economists that the fact that over the same half-century the world has been on an equally unprecedented fiat paper standard is no mere coincidence. Never have the world's moneys been so long cut off from their metallic roots. During the century of the gold standard from the end of the Napoleonic wars until World War I, on the other hand, prices generally fell year after year, except for such brief wartime interludes as the Civil War.[1] During wartime, the central governments engaged in massive expansion of the money supply to finance the war effort. In peacetime, on the other hand, monetary expansion was small compared to the outpouring of goods and services attendant upon rapid industrial and economic development. Prices, therefore, were normally allowed to fall. The enormous expenditures of World War I forced all the warring governments to go off the gold standard,[2] and unwillingness to return to a genuine gold standard eventually led to a radical shift to fiat paper money during the financial crisis of 1931-33.
It is my contention that there should be no mystery about the unusual chronic inflation plaguing the world since the 1930s. The dollar is the American currency unit (and the pound sterling, the franc, the mark, and the like, are equivalent national currency units), and since 1933, there have been no effective restrictions on the issue of these currencies by the various nation-states. In effect, each nation-state, since 1933, and especially since the end of all gold redemption in 1971, has had the unlimited right and power to create paper currency which will be legal tender in its own geographic area. It is my contention that if any person or organization ever obtains the monopoly right to create money, that person or organization will tend to use this right to the hilt. The reason is simple: Anyone or any group empowered to manufacture money virtually out of thin air will tend to exercise that right, and with considerable enthusiasm. For the power to create money is a heady and profitable privilege indeed."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On April April 7th, the price for once ounce of gold was $422.00USD, currently it is $391.50. On April 29th, it was $382.75.
On April April 5th, the price for once ounce of silver was $8.20USD, currently it is $6.02. On April 29th, it was $5.57.
Most of you are saying: "SO WHAT!" And I say your WRONG!
Take some time and dig into links that are provided here, and then GOOGLE for how much actual GOLD & SILVER there is.
Then, take a real hard look the debt clock, and how the system is rigged.
Go ahead, pull out that fiat dollar and say, "SO WHAT!"
--WP
http://mises.org/fullstory.asp?control=1503
"For nearly a half-century the United States and the rest of the world have experienced an unprecedented continuous and severe inflation. It has dawned on an increasing number of economists that the fact that over the same half-century the world has been on an equally unprecedented fiat paper standard is no mere coincidence. Never have the world's moneys been so long cut off from their metallic roots. During the century of the gold standard from the end of the Napoleonic wars until World War I, on the other hand, prices generally fell year after year, except for such brief wartime interludes as the Civil War.[1] During wartime, the central governments engaged in massive expansion of the money supply to finance the war effort. In peacetime, on the other hand, monetary expansion was small compared to the outpouring of goods and services attendant upon rapid industrial and economic development. Prices, therefore, were normally allowed to fall. The enormous expenditures of World War I forced all the warring governments to go off the gold standard,[2] and unwillingness to return to a genuine gold standard eventually led to a radical shift to fiat paper money during the financial crisis of 1931-33.
It is my contention that there should be no mystery about the unusual chronic inflation plaguing the world since the 1930s. The dollar is the American currency unit (and the pound sterling, the franc, the mark, and the like, are equivalent national currency units), and since 1933, there have been no effective restrictions on the issue of these currencies by the various nation-states. In effect, each nation-state, since 1933, and especially since the end of all gold redemption in 1971, has had the unlimited right and power to create paper currency which will be legal tender in its own geographic area. It is my contention that if any person or organization ever obtains the monopoly right to create money, that person or organization will tend to use this right to the hilt. The reason is simple: Anyone or any group empowered to manufacture money virtually out of thin air will tend to exercise that right, and with considerable enthusiasm. For the power to create money is a heady and profitable privilege indeed."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On April April 7th, the price for once ounce of gold was $422.00USD, currently it is $391.50. On April 29th, it was $382.75.
On April April 5th, the price for once ounce of silver was $8.20USD, currently it is $6.02. On April 29th, it was $5.57.
Most of you are saying: "SO WHAT!" And I say your WRONG!
Take some time and dig into links that are provided here, and then GOOGLE for how much actual GOLD & SILVER there is.
Then, take a real hard look the debt clock, and how the system is rigged.
Go ahead, pull out that fiat dollar and say, "SO WHAT!"
--WP
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