The Deam That Many Will Not Understand

Been black the last few weeks, the wife and I were on a 10th Anniversary cruise to Alaska. Sailed out of Seattle and returned a little over a week ago, If you have not done so, take a trip to America's Last Frontier. It is beautiful.

As I've been trying to catch up, I found this great piece on what a motorcycle means to a rider. Says it better than I have ever been able to say. I can relate, a four day trip to New York, stopping to visit friends and family all over the country. Hoping to make so many miles in a day, but stepped by weather, traffic, or the desire to just stop and watch. 

I have 60 staring me down the face, so I know some day I will have to transition to a three wheeler, or give it up. But I will continue to ride until my body says "Enough fat old dude." Everyone has one of these things you don't do to live, but live to do. Whatever it is, enjoy it till you can't. 

Reprinted with permission,  enjoy.

THE DREAM THAT MANY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND:

 

I bought a BIKE for a personal dream.

One day when I am very old and when I can not walk anymore, it will be in my garage as a trophy of my memories.

I met people who taught me something and have the same spirit and I met others that I'm glad I forgot.

I got wet,

I felt cold,

And I felt warm,

I was affraid,

I fell,

And I stand up,

I even hurt myself,

 

But also, I laughed out loud inside the helmet.

 

I spoke a thousand times with myself.

 

I sang and shouted with joy like a madman,

 

And yes ... sometimes I cried.

 

I have seen wonderful places and lived unforgettable experiences.

 

I often made curves that even Marc Marquez would be proud of;  other times I made curves full of terror.

 

I stopped a thousand times to see a landscape.

 

I spoke with perfect strangers, and I forgot people I see every day.

 

I went out with my demons inside and returned home with an absolute peace in my heart.

 

I always thought how dangerous it is, knowing that the meaning of courage is to advance even feeling fear.

 

Every time I go up to my machine I think about how wonderful it is.

 

I stopped talking to those who do not understand, (they just do not understand) and I learned through gestures to communicate with other riders.

 

I spent money that I did not have, giving up many things, but all these things are not worth even a moment about my BIKE

 

It is not a means of transport or a piece of iron with wheels, it is the lost part of my soul and my spirit.

 

And when someone says to me: "You have to sell the BIKE and you have to be a more serious person", ... 

I do not answer.  I just swing my head and smile,

 

Walking on, BIKE..... only the person who loves them understands it.

 

May God bless my friends and their toy of great people!

 

And the adventure continues.  

Gus Pappas

 

Remembering Those Who Have Passed Before Us...

You know something... When I was studying law, and Mr. Keefer here was writing his stories, and you, Willie, were tearing up the playing fields of dear old Princeton, who was standing guard over this fat, dumb, happy country of ours, eh? Not us. Oh, no, we knew you couldn't make any money in the service. So who did the dirty work for us? Queeg did! And a lot of other guys. Tough, sharp guys who didn't crack up like Queeg.

LT Barney Greenwald (Played by Jose Ferrier), The Caine Mutiny, 1954

For some reason I'm drawn to this quote every Memorial Day. It's not an exact fit, but it works. 

This country has always needed men (and an increasing number women) to stand guard over it, and as the years have past, fewer and fewer have come up to serve. If memory serves, within my life time (born 1965) over half the Congress was veterans at one point. Now it's down to 17% (it has increased since 9/11). But even as Iraq and Afghanistan become history, we will have men and women come forth and serve. And we will have men and women die in the service of our country. And that is the meaning of Memorial Day. 

It's a misnomer to say "Happy Memorial Day." It's not a day to celebrate, but to commemorate and thank the men and women who have gone before us. We must, in Lincoln's greatest words, "...to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us,that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” 

Friend, mentor, retired Army officer and Manny Gonzales penned a poem for his fellow members of the Thin Blue Line. It's appropriate for this day as we say thanks to countless men and women, most known, some known but to God, for their ultimate sacrifice. 

Warriors Poem

We were warriors made and formed, In a fortress of grey stone. All are souls that I admire, with a bond forged strong by fire. 

True friends for all my life, wearing proudly life's deep scars. Sharing lots of joy and grief, as we gaze upon the stars.

We received the call to arms. And as warriors trained we marched. And we journeyed in the rain. In a broken land of pain.

With a life that was well lived. We marched off to hold the line. To protect our way of life, and the ones we left behind

Now we lay upon the field, we gave everything we had. As I looked upon the sky, I knew my fate was sealed.

But in my dreams a Nordic Queen, with hair of golden light, and a skin as white as ice, 

came to me within my dreams.

The Valkyrie angel fair, made me Champion of her realm. To protect her heart and soul, in a land of frost and elm

She’s a goddess in true form

With wings of stately white

Whose eyes and lips entice

My heart to paradise

She embraced me in her arms

And she lifted me on high.

To my final resting place

At Valhalla in the sky. 

You were warriors and builders, and artists, true friends. I remember you my brothers. You left us too soon. However I will see you all in Valhalla.

RIP ladies and gentlemen.

A Disgrace To The Badge

Year ago I arrested a twenty something woman who did something very stupid. She moved into an apartment and three days later she received a credit card for the previous occupant. Then she waited five days and let temptation get the best of her. She called in to get the card approved, then went shopping. Small stuff first, a coffee, lunch, some cloths, etc. Well, the card holder was living in another state. The card company called and asked if she was in Houston using her card, and she said no. Then the twenty something was stopped by security and we got her. 

This woman was completely clean, never had a traffic ticket, and was not used to being handled as a suspect. She cried as soon as the cuffs went on. She was completely clueless that any charge on another person's credit card was a felony. Through tears, she asked me, "What should I do?" and I told her, "Get a lawyer and get a plea bargain for a misdemeanor." I can only assume she did, I was never called for trial. 

The ignorance of the law does not apply to this now ex-cop. Good riddance to bad garbage.  

FL Officer Arrested, Fired for Stealing Dead Man’s Credit Card Information

A St. Cloud, FL, police officer has been arrested and terminated for stealing and using credit card information she obtained from a deceased person at the scene of a medical emergency.

St. Cloud Police Chief Doug Goerke and Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez jointly announced that Officer Dianne Ferreira, 25, was arrested Tuesday and charged with theft of credit card information with intent to use, fraudulent use of a credit card over $200 (both felonies) and use of personal ID of a deceased person. She was held on a $4,000 bond that Osceola County Jail records show was posted by Wednesday morning for her release.

"She was an officer, but she doesn't deserve that title now," Chief Goerke said Wednesday.

Goerke said he made sure that Ferreira was arrested in her own handcuffs, the Osceola News-Gazette reports.

For non law enforcement types, it is common for two types of criminal to be arrested with specific cuffs. When a cop killer is arrested, he is cuffed with the deceased officer's cuffs. And when a cop has disgraced the badge, the same. Both turds deserve it. 

The arrest came after about a month-long investigation, from which these facts came out: on April 3, Ferreira was part of the response with medical responders to a deceased male at a St. Cloud home. She took photos of the man's credit card information while paramedics were working, and loaded the information into a mobile application in order to use them remotely, which she began doing on April 4 outside St. Cloud around Osceola County for expenses like gas, fast food, a hotel room and eyelash extensions, all made on her days off.

"The badge she wore has been tarnished and will never be worn again; in fact, it will be destroyed," Goerke said.

Thank you sir for insuring that badge is never seen again. You took the difficult needed action. An ex-cop like this deserves to be treated as a traitor to the badge that she is.  

No-Knock Warrants...

As a rule I do not favor "No-Knock" warrants, where you kick the door and try to take control of the scene. Calling them dangerous is being generous. Not just for the cops, but the people in the building you're breaking into. 

A point to stress, you have a warrant for a reason, to obtain something. People, drugs, other evidence, etc. If a person is the target, wait him out. He's likely will leave his house sometime. Or if he's inside of a building, cut off his life support (water, electric, etc). cut off all hope, and motivate him to come out. Time is on your side.

Classic example how NOT to do something, Waco TX 1993. The ATF had legitimate reasons to arrest David Koresh. Multiple weapons charges, and the state had multiple felonies to charge him with, not the least was Aggravated Sexual Assault of minors. Now, how to get the subject into custody? Seeing the man went running on the road three times a week, drove into town regularly (shopping, etc.), and traveled out of town regularly with his band, the easiest way would be to wait till he's away from his compound and scoop him up. 

To call the opening of the incident a disaster is being far too generous to the ATF and the people who planned it. Raiding a location where you know there are multiple firearms, oven an open area, in broad daylight. If you had anyone with some intelligence planning this they should have screamed it's a recipe for a disaster. Don't know if no one did that, or if they were ignored. But the raid ended up with 80 people dead, including 25 children. 

Remember, PPPPPP (Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance). 

Fast forward to 2019 in Houston TX. A now former Houston cop lied on an affidavit for a search warrant, leading to a raid for black tar heroin (none there). The couple inside the house were shot, as well as 4 of the five officers who executed the warrant. Further investigation showed then Office Goines lied about having an informant. This officer is currently on trial for murder, and another one of the officers was convicted of Falsifying a Government Document (the other three did now know of the falsifications).

Now coming down from Austin, Texas is severely restricting "No Knock" warrants. 

Texas House Overwhelmingly Approves Restrictions on No-Knock Warrants

Conservatives who support the bill recognize the conflict between unannounced home invasions and the Second Amendment.

The Texas House of Representatives last week overwhelmingly approved a bill that would sharply restrict the use of no-knock search warrants, which the state Senate is now considering. Both chambers are controlled by Republicans, and the bipartisan support for the bill suggests that many conservatives recognize the potentially lethal hazards of routinely allowing police to enter people's homes without warning. That practice pits law enforcement priorities against the right to armed self-defense in the home, which the Supreme Court has recognized as the "core" of the Second Amendment.

H.B. 504, which state Rep. Gene Wu (D–Houston) introduced last November, passed the House by a vote of 104–33. It would require that all applications for no-knock warrants be approved by the police chief or a supervisor he designates. Municipal court judges who are not state-licensed attorneys generally would not be allowed to approve no-knock warrants. The officers serving the warrant would have to be in uniform or "otherwise clearly identifiable" as police. If the bill passes the state Senate and is signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas will join Florida, Virginia, and Oregon in restricting this type of warrant.

"No-knock warrants are really dangerous," Wu told Houston Public Media. "They're just a bad policy. There's no reason that you can't announce that it's the police coming into your door in the middle of the night." He said Texas conservatives "understand that you don't really have a right to defend your home if you don't know who is coming in."

That point was vividly illustrated by the 2019 raid that killed Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas, a middle-aged Houston couple falsely implicated in heroin dealing. The warrant to search their house on Harding Street was based on a fraudulent affidavit, which led to state and federal charges against Gerald Goines, the veteran narcotics officer who submitted it. But beyond the problems with the warrant, the cops who served it did so in a reckless manner that invited confusion and violence.

Members of the Houston Police Department's Narcotics Division broke into the house without warning in the early evening, when Tuttle and Nicholas reportedly were napping, and immediately used a shotgun to kill the couple's dog. Tuttle responded by grabbing a revolver and firing at the intruders, which prompted a hail of bullets that killed him and his wife. "Once the homeowners thought that their doors were being kicked down by home invaders, they started firing, and the police responded in kind," Wu noted. "We simply can't have that."

That deadly raid prompted Art Acevedo, then Houston's police chief, to start requiring approval for no-knock warrant applications from a high-level supervisor, which is similar to the main element of Wu's bill. But lax supervision was just one of the problems revealed by this appalling incident....

...According to Goines' affidavit, there was probable cause to believe that "knocking and announcing would be dangerous, futile, or would inhibit the effective investigation of the offense" in light of two facts. First, "heroin was purchased from the location and additional substance was observed at the above residence in question by the confidential informant." Second, the informant had seen "a semi-auto hand gun of a 9mm caliber" at the home.

All of those assertions were lies. There was no confidential informant, no heroin, and no 9mm handgun. And it turned out that Goines had a long history of fabricating evidence against drug suspects, including fictional transactions and firearms that supposedly were observed but were not recovered during searches. Again, Marcum did not know that Goines was making the whole thing up. But he accepted Goines' contention that the combination of contraband, which is characteristic of all drug cases, and gun ownership, which is common in Texas, was enough to justify a no-knock warrant...

As much as I strongly disagree with the Democrats in the legislature, Rep Vu is right here. We need to limit these raids to very urgent events, such as a hostage situation when all other options are not available. 

It gets back to one thing all cops must know: Remember the mission. What are you trying to do? In the case of Waco, the goal should have been to take Koresh into custody, something that could be achieved easily. The fact the ATF was trying to polish its reputation after the disaster of Ruby Ridge with this raid was a large part of the disaster that followed. Ruby Ridge, again, if they wanted to get Randy Weaver, they could wait him out. 

A needed correction to an improper police procedure, and hopefully this passes the legislature. Thank you Mr. Vu for taking lead on it. 

Roll Me Away

I started riding a motorcycle in my mid-30s. Why then, I"m not sure, just never got to it until then. Well, after learning a few lessons on a Kawasaki, I purchased my 2007 Harley-Davidson Road King and never looked back. 

Ronald Reagan often said one of the things he liked about being on a horse is it clears your mind being on top of an animal like that. Mr. President, I (and many others) get the same from being on top of horsepower. It's you, your bike, nature and the road. I've taken my Harley on ridges of over 4,000 miles often, and a bike is a large part of my retirement plans. 

I joined the Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle club in 2010, and this past weekend I spend 4 days at our regional conference in South Padre Island. Cops and motorcycles, just something right about it. 

One of my favorite groups is Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. While there is no "official" video for this classic, this is a good one. The song just explains how sometimes you just need to get away from everything. Some people it's a horse or boat. For me, it's a two-wheel animal. 

From 1982's "The Distance," Roll Me Away. 

Have a great weekend!

An awesome version of a classic of Rock-n-Roll

From the man who is IMHO the greatest guitar player on the planet right now.

Granted, there were some others recenlty in the competion, but they have sadely already passed. BB King. Prince. A few years back Clapton was asked, "What's it like being the greatest guitar play on earth?" Slow Hand's response, "Better ask Prince about that." High praise from a master of the art.

I found this by pure accident and I thank God for it. I know it's old (1991) because Clapton actually has a cigarette on his bass in a public building. But's it's taking it to town with the London Orchastra.

From Eric Clapton, his classic Layla. Enjoy and have a great weekend. I'll be with my Blue Knight brothers at our regional conference and am looking forward to some time on my bike.

A Curious Observation...

I can't t think anyone who has not been in a coma the last ten days doesn't know of the shooting of Ralph Yarl, a black 16-year-old, by Andrew Lester, an 84-year-old white male. Thank God Mr. Yarl was  not injured as badly as he could have been. A shot to the head at close range is often times fatal with only one bullet. The young man is still alive and recovering at home, which is a great sign. 

Now I've reviewed reports on this incident, and of course it's racist. It's black and white, so of course it's racial, the race industry is fully deployed (Benjamin Crump is really preparing a lawsuit). But I find something very curious. From CNN:

Recovery of Black teen allegedly shot by White homeowner after ringing wrong doorbell is a miracle, attorney says

A Black teenager who authorities say was shot in the head by an 84-year-old White homeowner after going to the wrong Kansas City address received a positive prognosis but still faces a long road to recovery, according to his attorneys...

Also on Wednesday, the homeowner, Andrew Lester, entered a not guilty plea in court on felony charges of assault in the first degree and armed criminal action.

“...He’s home and looks great. Ralph is a WALKING MIRACLE with a head of steel,” (activist and family spokesperson Shaun) King wrote in the (Instagram) post, which Merritt reposted. “Had the bullet hit his head a fraction of an inch in any other direction he would probably be dead right now.”

Lester, who is out on $200,000 bond, attempted to speak with the judge throughout the proceeding but was not argumentative. Part of his bond conditions include reporting to police within 24 hours and once a month afterward. He cannot possess any weapons, must surrender his passport and remain in Missouri, and is ordered not to have any contact with Yarl or Yarl’s family members.

He is scheduled to be back in court on June 1.

“While charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation,” prosecutors said in a statement. “We are continuing to work with law enforcement to gather any and all evidence available in this case...”

...The arraignment and health update come less than a week after Lester allegedly shot Ralph in the head and arm after the teen rang the man’s doorbell. Police and Ralph’s family said he was trying to pick up his siblings but went to the wrong address.

The homeowner opened fire through a locked glass door without any words exchanged because he thought the teen was trying to break in and was “scared to death” due to the boy’s size, according to statements in a probable cause document obtained by CNN.

The incident was one of a number of shootings in the past week involving young people being met with gunfire after apparently going to the wrong place in error. In rural New York, a 20-year-old woman who was in a vehicle that pulled into a wrong driveway was fatally shot by the homeowner, and in Texas, two cheerleaders were shot in a supermarket parking lot after one mistook a man’s vehicle for her own...

...Ralph and his mother, Cleo Nagbe, spoke with President Joe Biden by phone on Monday evening, a White House official told CNN. The conversation also covered their families, their love of music and Ralph’s dream of pursuing a chemical engineering degree at Texas A&M University, the official said. Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke with Ralph on Tuesday afternoon, according to Merritt...

In all this, what is curious? Where is Moms Demand Action, Everytown For Gun Safety, David Camera Hog Hogg, Rosie O'Donnell (well, honestly, we don't need to see her), and all the others usual suspects screaming, "IT'S THE GUNS!"? In late March a transvestite with an "assault style weapon and pistol" attacked a private school in Nashville, killing 3 kids and 3 adults, And the usual suspects could not be shut up. Rosie got on her Twitter page and screeched about banning every "AR-15." The geniuses on such great intellectual shows like The View were out blaming the NRA and the GOP before the scene had been cleared. Democrats invaded the Tennessee capital, led by three radicals who call themselves legislators, demanding they "end gun violence," whatever that means this week.

Hell, it's been almost a month and we still don't have the Nashville shooter's manifesto. Like Obama's and Mrs. Bill Clinton's dissertations, secured better than they secure classified documents. You would think they have something to hide. Bit I digress. 

I know the rent-a-mobs are screaming about an old man shooting a young black man only because he's black. In all fairness, Mr. Yarl did knock late at night, and per Mr. Lester, tried to force the door open. Does this justify shooting Mr. Yarl? Let's just say we need more information. I AM NOT justifying what Mr. Lester did. I am saying this is early in the investigation, let the full story come out before everything else. Remember the greatest lie of the 21st Century, "Hands Up! Don't Shoot!"  

Back to the shooting of Mr. Yarl, no one that I've seen is screaming to ban .32 caliber "assault pistols"  or other "weapons of war" (both undefined). The usual people are screaming why Mr. Lester was initially released, then arrested later. Currently he is out on bond, awaiting his trial, and they are screeching about that. These are the people who wanted "bond reform." You wanted it, you got it.

Again, look at how the two shootings (Nashville and Kansas City) has been reacted to. Nashville, the gun is blamed. Kansas City, the shooter is blamed. Interesting, in one case, an inanimate object (a firearm) is blamed, in the later incident, the shooter is blamed. After one or another case of a nationally known shooting, I've had to explain to screeching libtards that guns do not fire by themselves (Are you listening Alex Baldwin?). They need to be obtained, loaded, a round locked  into the chamber (semi-automatic), the shooter goes to his target area, he aims and fires. In all that, I don't see anything the firearm does automatically. 

Interesting. It seems guns don't kill, but people kill people. Who would have ever thunk it? 

Love is sometimes bitter...

A rock anthem if there ever was. I remember this song well, came out just as I was deploying to my first active army assignment at Camp Casey Korea. This was summer 1988, there was no internet, telephone cost through the nose, and I was assigned to a combat unit. 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, The Iron Brigade. Back then, all women (although there were females on the post in other units). 

The first month I would often go to the Burger King (living large there), order a Diet Coke, and play music on the jukebox. And I would always play this song. A but painful at the time (I was 7,000 plus miles from home and my then girlfriend), but misery loves company. I've often said of the 2nd Infantry Division, it was the last vestige of the old army left. You were deployed, the wife and kids were on the other side of the planet, the broken car, school problems, etc. were not an issue. There was nothing you could do. 

But I just loved how this song called to me. Love can be very painful and dangerous, as Bob Sager said in Shame on the Moon, "Once inside a woman's heart, a man must keep his head. Heaven opens up the door, where angels fear to tread." 

Enough of my crazed philosophy on love, and onto a great piece of music. Lef Leppard's classic, Love Bites. Have a great weekend. 

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

The United States Army started using balloons for resonance in the Civil War. While technology has advanced, aerial observation is still a great asset. We've gone from balloons to aircraft to satellites, but the target has changed to a great degree. In the 19th and 20th Centuries, is was often a physical item we were looking for (forces and their disposition, terrain, etc). Beginning in the latter part of the 20th Century, it's more communications, particularly computer communications, that can give us the intelligence we need. 

China does not have the fleet of resonance aircraft the US (or the West in general) has, but that doesn't mean they cannot try to get what they want. Case in point, the balloon they sent over the US earlier this year. Thanks to Joe Biden (You know, the Thingy), it was allowed to complete its passing over the entire US before we finally shot it down. And yes, it was transmitting information to China. Thanks Joe. 

But this is not all. It was not just one balloon, but four over the last two years 

Leaked secret documents detail up to four additional Chinese spy balloons

U.S. intelligence agencies were aware of up to four additional Chinese spy balloons, and questions lingered about the true capabilities of the one that flew over the continental United States in January and February, according to previously unreported top-secret intelligence documents.

The Chinese spy balloon that flew over the United States this year, called Killeen-23 by U.S. intelligence agencies, carried a raft of sensors and antennas the U.S. government still had not identified more than a week after shooting it down, according to a document allegedly leaked to a Discord chatroom by Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

Another balloon flew over a U.S. carrier strike group in a previously unreported incident, and a third crashed in the South China Sea, a second top-secret document stated, though it did not provide specific information for launch dates.

A document produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and dated Feb. 15 — 10 days after the Air Force shot down the balloon that flew over the United States — contains the most detailed government assessment to date of Killeen-23 and two balloons from previous years, labeled Bulger-21 and Accardo-21. It was not clear from the documents if Bulger-21 and Accardo-21 were the same balloons that flew over the carrier strike group and crashed.

Bulger-21 carried sophisticated surveillance equipment and circumnavigated the globe from December 2021 until May 2022, the NGA document states. Accardo-21 carried similar equipment as well as a “foil-lined gimbaled” sensor, it says...

...Annotating what appear to be detailed photos of the balloon that flew over the United States, presumably taken from a U-2 spy plane, intelligence analysts assessed that it could generate enough power to operate “any” surveillance and reconnaissance technology, including a type of radar that can see at night and through clouds and thin materials...

The Soviets had to put satellites into orbit to monitor us like this, but China uses centuries old technology to deploy a reconnaissance  device to monitor our military. Will someone explain to Joe this is a hostile act by a foreign power and needs to be reacted to, i.e., shoot it down upon coming over American airspace, Oh, that's right, the Big Man is still on the take. 

Good lord how did we get into this mess. 

K9 Down

K9 Lenin
Baytown Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, March 9, 2023
Breed Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix
Gender Male
Age 2
Tour 7 months

K9 Lenin died after suffering a bite from a venomous snake while conducting training in the 5100 block of East Road in Baytown.

His handler rush him to the Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists where he succumbed to the effects of the venom.

K9 Lenin was an Explosives Ordinance Detection canine and was credited with locating numerous firearms and shell casings during evidence searches. He won the TOP Bomb Dog Award, second place for Bomb Scramble, and third place for Bomb Vehicles in Dothan, Alabama, in February 2023.

K9 Lenin had served with the Baytown Police Department for only seven months.

Rest in Peace Lenin…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

The PDRK is at it again

I have a friend from high school who started at the LA County Sheriff's Office in 1990. When I caught up with him on "My Space" around 2002 he was so happy living in Los Angeles. By the time I checked in with him on Facebook around 10 years later, he was already planning on a retirement away from his adopted home state. I can see why, including this: 

Calif. bill banning use of police K-9s for arrests, crowd control passes 1st vote (police1.com)

...Assembly Bill 742 passed on a 6-2 vote in the Public Safety Committee, KRCA
The bill prevents the use of police K-9s for the purpose of arrest, apprehension, or crowd control in the following ways: 

• No use of an unleashed K-9 to arrest or apprehend a person. 

• No use of a K-9 for crowd control at any assembly, protest, or demonstration. 

• A K-9 cannot be used in any circumstance to bite. 

The bill will now advance to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. 

I cannot tell you how much this infuriates me. People who will never have to deal with taking a suspect into custody, controlling rioters (not protestors, rioters, such as the George Floyd riots of 2020), or having a suspect with a weapon are going to limit the weapons the cops on the street have. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to go to an alarm call, find signs of entry (e.g., door open, window smashed) and had the assistance of a patrol K9. For those of you who have not entered a house looking for a suspect, the K9 and his handler enter, usually with another officer following. The handler controls the dog, the escorting officer covers the K9 team, and they can find a suspect much quicker than a human. German Shepard’s sense of smell is at least 10, 000 times better than that of a human. He finds the bad guys and just the sound or presence of the dog gets the suspect to surrender And these racist idiots will endanger the lives of countless cops and civilians with this. 

I've said it too many times recently, cops, join the fire department. They don't want us working, we'll oblige. But it's too dangerous right now being a cop.

Officer Down

 

                                                 

Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Sunday, April 2, 2023
Age 44
Tour 24 years, 6 months
Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile
Offender Arrested
Detective Sergeant Nick Pepper was killed when his vehicle was intentionally rammed by a suspect during a vehicle pursuit on Louisiana Highway 1, near Kleinpeter Road, in Thibodaux at about 4:00 am.

Deputies were assisting the Houma Police Department after officers attempted to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation. Officers and deputies pursued the vehicle until it stopped near Lafourche Crossing. As officers issued commands to the subject, the man suddenly accelerated and intentionally drove into Sergeant Pepper's car. Sergeant Pepper was transported to Thibodaux Regional Health System where he succumbed to his injuries.

The subject was arrested and charged.

Sergeant Pepper had served with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office for 15-1/2 years and had served in law enforcement for 24 years. He had previously served with the Houma Police Department and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and son.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

K9 Down

                                                    

K9 Duke
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, California
End of Watch Sunday, February 19, 2023
Tour 6 years
Cause Stabbed

K9 Duke was stabbed to death while attempting to apprehend a burglary suspect in a railyard in Tracy.

Officers with the Tracy Police Department had responded to a burglary at the railyard near Brichetto Road and Banta Road at about 12:00 pm. As officers arrived on the scene two men fled from the officers into the train yard. When K9 Duke arrived on the scene one of the men entered the engine room on one of the trains in the yard and barricaded himself inside.

Officers and deputies were able to create an opening to the engine room and K9 Duke was released for an apprehension. As he engaged the subject the man stabbed him multiple times. Officers were able to take the man into custody after he stabbed K9 Duke.

K9 Duke was taken to Central Valley Veterinarian Hospital, in Manteca, where he succumbed to his injuries.

K9 Duke had served with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office for six years.

Rest in Peace Duke …till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

Officer Down

                                        

Police Officer Timothy James Unwin, III
Springfield Township Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Friday, March 31, 2023 Age 31
Tour 9 years

Police Officer Tim Unwin was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Centerridge Avenue in North College Hill.

He was responding to an "officer needs assistance" call when his patrol car collided with another vehicle shortly after midnight. Officers from multiple jurisdictions were responding to the call when the crash occurred. The driver of the other vehicle was also killed in the crash.

Officer Unwin had served with the Springfield Township Police Department for two years. He had previously served with the Hamilton Police Department for two years and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for five years.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh. 

Texas at night

Years ago I saw a picture of the Korean Peninsula at night. Below the border, South Korea was light up almost entirely. Above the border, North Korea, after years of being the Worker's Paradise under three generations of the Kim's was almost completely dark. If there is a better example of the difference between freedom and tyranny, I don't know wha it is.

Well, found this recently, showing my adopted home state of Texas and how it looks at night. While it does have large spaces of darkness, there are massive centers of light in the major cities. I really love the southwest area around the Big Bend Nation Park. Almost no light. I've been meaning to go there for ages, and this makes me want to go even more. 

When I was a teenager, I was at a Boy Scout camp in the middle of Mississippi. On the ground just talking to someone, staring at the sky and it just hit me, "Look at all the stars!" No light pollution. It's getting harder and harder to find places like that in the US, but we can always hope to get there. Being in a place with that many stars just refreshes my soul, and gives you a taste of what you mean in the big picture. 

Enjoy the shot. 

Texas at night

Leadership tips from one of the greats

Lieutenant General Hal Moore.

General of the Army George Marshall one said, "No army produces by a few great captains." I've had to explain to a few people GA Marshall was using the term captain as in captain of industry. The former Army Chief of Staff passed before LTG Moore came on the scene, but I'll say he would likely been impressed by the man. 

If you want a good lesson, read We Were Soldiers One, And Young, one of the finest books on leadership in battle you will find. The movie with Mel Brooks is very good, but it doesn't come close to showing the effort of all the men in that battle, from the privates up to then Lieutenant Colonel Moore. 

In my studies of leaders, I often find then have some advise for other up and coming leaders. LTG Moore is no exception. Here are some things to remember as things get tough.

Battling Impossible Odds: Hal Moore’s 4 Principles of Leadership

“A leader is paid to do three things: Get the job done and get it done well. Plan ahead—be proactive, not reactive. Exercise good, sound judgment in doing all of the above.” – Lt. Gen. Harold Moore

Good summary sir. Then again complex items are best explained simply. 

Here are the Four Principles:

1. Three strikes and you’re not out.

War is a battle of wills. And the battle isn’t over until you stop fighting. Life kind of works the same way.

2. There’s always one more thing you can do to influence any situation in your favor, and after that there’s one more thing.

Never give up, never surrender, and never stop fighting. There are always options.

3. When nothing is wrong, there’s nothing wrong – except that there’s nothing wrong.

When something seems too good to be true, it’s because it is too good to be true.

4. Trust your instincts.

You’re worked hard, trained hard, and studied hard. When all else fails, trust your gut. It’s ready. Your subconscious knows and sees more than you can, especially in the heat of battle. Trust it.

 I can't say I've used these four principles to their full extent over the years, and I wish I would have seen this earlier in my working life. Hell, college life. One thing young people need to know beside technology, leadership is the most critical factor in success in any endeavor. 

RIP LTG Moore. A Great Captain. 

I just gotta get a message to you...

The message? There were music videos before MTV. But they were not called that.

It was a short film of the group playing their song for a TV variety show or American Bandstand. Hi tech, by no means, there was no high tech. and not budge, not to mention no MTV (Before that great thing was prevented into another reality TV s^&*hole).

Anyway, from the pre-disco and disco era, a great song about love, loosing it, and what you will do to get it back. A classic theme of many a good poem and song. 

The Bee Gees and their great song, I just gotta get a message to you.

I'm off on a motorcycle ride tomorrow. Have a great weekend. 

Officer Down

                                               

Police Officer Garrett Crumby
Huntsville Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Age 36
Tour 11 years
Cause Gunfire

Police Officer Garrett Crumby was shot and killed while responding to a shots fired call at the 4600 block of Governors House Drive at 4:45 pm.

A female called 911 and reported that she had been shot. When Officer Crumby and another officer responded, they were ambushed by the subject.

Both officers were transported to Huntsville Hospital where Officer Crumby succumbed to his wounds. The other officer remains in critical condition.

The subject was taken into custody and charged with capital murder of a law enforcement officer.
Officer Crumby had served with the Huntsville Police Department for three years and previously served with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for eight years. He is survived by his wife, mother, father, and three sisters.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Officers Down

Sergeant David Poirrier
Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Sunday, March 26, 2023
Age 47
Tour 17 years

Corporal Scotty Canezaro
Baton Rouge Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch Sunday, March 26, 2023
Age 38
Tour 16 years

Sergeant David Poirrier and Corporal Scotty Canezaro were killed in a helicopter crash in a field off North Winterville Road, near U.S. 190 at Erwinville, at about 2:26 am.

The crew of the Robinson R-44 helicopter was sent to assist in the pursuit of a fleeing vehicle around 2 am. While in flight, the helicopter's tail rotor struck a tree before crashing into a field.

Sergeant Poirrier had served with the Baton Rouge Police Department for 17 years and was assigned to the Air Support Unit.

Corporal Canezaro had served with the Baton Rouge Police Department for 16 years and was assigned to the Air Support Unit.

Rest in Peace Gentlemen…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

Officer Down

                                                                    

Patrolman Joseph Barlow
McAlester Police Department, Oklahoma
End of Watch Monday, March 20, 2023
Age 26
Tour 1 year, 7 months
Badge 114
Cause Automobile crash
Incident Date Friday, March 17, 2023

Patrolman Joseph Barlow succumbed to injuries received on March 17th, 2023, when he was struck head-on while escorting a funeral procession for a member of his department who had passed away.

The procession was traveling on Highway 75, near 151st Street S in Glenpool, when the pickup truck crossed the center line and struck his patrol car head-on. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries three days later.

The driver of the truck was arrested and charged with causing an accident without carrying a driver’s license, reckless driving, and causing great bodily injury. First-degree manslaughter was charged after Patrolman Barlow passed away.

Patrolman Barlow was United States Army veteran and served with the McAlester Police Department for over one year. He is survived by his wife, toddler son, and mother.

Rest in Peace Bro…We Got The Watch

Nemo me impune lacessit

Day is done, Gone the sun, From the lake, From the hills, From the sky. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.

These racist Dims really hate a successful black man.

The usual suspects are up in arms because over the last twenty years, Justice Clarence Thomas has taken trips with rich people. Were the Thomas's the guest of a rich benefactor, yes. It is an issue. Not really. From the article:

Report: Justice didn’t disclose luxury trips

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas accepted luxury trips around the globe for more than two decades, including travel on a superyacht and a private jet, from a prominent Republican donor without disclosing them, according to a new report.

ProPublica reported Thursday on an array of trips funded by Harlan Crow, a Dallas businessman. The publication said Thomas typically spends about a week every summer at Crow’s private resort in the Adirondacks. It said the justice also has vacationed at Crow’s ranch in East Texas and has joined Crow at the Bohemian Grove, an exclusive all-male retreat in California.

ProPublica cited a nine-day trip that Thomas and his wife, Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, took to Indonesia in 2019, shortly after the court released its final opinions of the term. That trip, which included flights on Crow’s jet and island-hopping on a superyacht, would have cost the couple more than $500,000 if they had paid for it themselves, the publication said.

OK, they have taken some vacation time on the dime of other people. That never happens in government, right? But here is the critical point.

...Judges are prohibited from accepting gifts from anyone with business before the court. Until recently, however, the judicial branch had not clearly defined an exemption for gifts considered “personal hospitality...”

And he has never had an issue like that in 32 years on the court. How do I know that? Because if there was the slightest chance of it happening, it would be number 50 font top of the front page of every paper in this nation. 

Revised rules adopted by a committee of the Judicial Conference, the courts’ policymaking body, seek to provide a fuller accounting. The rules took effect March 14.

In other words, this is worthless. Justice Thomas followed the  rules of the court as they were at the time. We can only he will follow the new rules in future events.  In other words, a nothing-burger. The people complaining about this (and writing this article) should learn the term ex post facto.

But to hear some of the idiots on the left, this is throwing the court into chaos!

...Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Richard Durbin, D-Ill., vowed in a statement that his panel would take action in response to the report, calling Thomas’ behavior “simply inconsistent with the ethical standards the American people expect of any public servant, let alone a justice on the Supreme Court.”

Durbin and other Democrats renewed calls for the court to adopt a strict ethics code that would include a process for investigating alleged misconduct, and some Democrats called on Thomas to resign.

“This cries out for the kind of independent investigation that the Supreme Court — and only the Supreme Court, across the entire government — refuses to perform,” tweeted Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., who has sponsored legislation that would direct the court to adopt an ethics code.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., renewed her call for Thomas to step down Thursday, saying that the “degree of corruption is shocking — almost cartoonish...”

Little Dick Durbin is challenging the ethics of any American. That is rich.

"Almost cartoonish" AOC. I would say you got some gaul, but you're just clueless:

Ethics panel scrutinizes AOC over ‘Tax the Rich’ dress and Met Gala ensemble

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) may have accepted impermissible gifts related to her attendance at the Met Gala in 2021, when she made headlines for wearing a white dress that said “Tax the Rich” in red letters on the back.

A June 2022 OCE report and materials released by the House Ethics Committee on Thursday show frustration from vendors about payments for hair and makeup services for the event being delayed for months, as well as payments for her Met Gala ensemble and other associated costs being paid months later.

In an interview with the OCE, Ocasio-Cortez said there was “a ball that was dropped” and that it was “deeply regrettable” that thousands of dollars worth of payments were delayed. She recalled following up with a campaign staffer several times about the need to pay for the services...

Try again AOC. I would call this outrageous, but it's typical leftist hypocrisy. 

Leftists, hate to tell you, Justice Thomas is going nowhere until he is ready to retire, or his time on Earth is done. And as you think of every attempt you make to take him down failed again, and again, I hope you seethe.